Thanks For Your Drops!!!

This Entrecard thing is truly amazing! For your information, I have been doing this Entrecard dropping for only less than two months. I started this daily task when I got back from our vacation back home in Philippines, and trust me, I have no idea at first what this thing is. What I did was just signed up and didn't even spend much time dropping my cards. Hehe... Ritchelle told me to accept every advert put into my page, which, at first I am guilty of denying. LOL. I didn't paid much time reading what is supposed to be read because I was just after the drops. When I learned that I can drop 300 cards for a day, I thought it was crazy. I mean, I couldn't make it in a day considering that I am not the type who will visit a blog and just find the EC widget and click the drop button. No, I am definitely not like that. I am the type who can spend a good one minute scanning and browsing someone's page, and if it gets my interest, I wouldn't mind spending 5 minutes reading those "interesting" posts. So up until now, I couldn't make it to drop 300 cards still! Hehe... BUT, I always follow whoever drops on me. So, whether you're new to my drops inbox, expect me to follow you after having been to my blog.

Since it's been 30 days that I've been dropping my card, I am therefore thankful to these top 10 droppers who frequent this very page of mine. You may not feel it, but honestly, I am grateful.

Dropper	# of drops
Happy Life	30
The Traveling Pants	29
Merydith's Place	28
My Written xPressions	27
Three Fates Design - Beaded Jewelry	26
Confessions of an Army Wife	25
Whatever Comes To My Mind	25
Fish Hook and More	24
My Library	23
Set of Ideas	23

Thanks a lot guys! Maintaining a steady traffic is not that easy, but with your presence, it was possible for my blog to attain the real ranking I am contented with. Of course, all those who drop their cards in my inbox deserve my gratitude as well. It may not be that often, but it counts to my real rank and keeps my blog on top. Keep dropping, as I will. :)

early bird

I woke up so early today. Five forty in the morning. I slept at 2am. You do the math. I intended it this way because I have a lot of tasks online which I haven't finished last night. No, it wasn't writing opps, though I admit I have one task which expired on me. I need to reply quite several emails which have been in my inboxes for a week now. I need to get back to them. And then, my me-time of browsing the net, particularly sites that I frequent the most. Plus, the husband has assigned an editing task on me, and I need a time for that, a quiet time that is. And then, I do friendster. Ahihi... is that one be missed? Nah... cannot be! I love the reconnection I've got with my old, old friends. And I know for sure it won't be over soon. Now, I am starting to learn to like Facebook though. There are good ones in there which are too bad to miss. And then online shopping. Yes, I am thinking of starting to get Fall wardrobe for the toddler. It has been getting colder here and for sure, it won't get any warmer sooner. The leaves outside have been starting to fall, giving Papa some more tasks and reasons to stay outside, which, he loves the most!

It's Tuesday and I've got random things to do here. Swithart doesn't have class today and we've planned of going to Menards to get a flooring material, some pieces of wooden tiles which will be enough a number for our bedroom's floor area. Yes, we are planning on changing it from carpet to wooden tiles. Well, I am insisting on it. I hope we could do this before it will get so cold. So you see how this day goes by as planned. May you all have the safest and the best Tuesday ever! :)

Harley Biking

I am not a bike rider, and certainly don't own a single bike, even a part! LOL But what's up with me? I am a huge a huge fan of Harley-Davidson bikes. Yay, aren't they the best? Well, maybe because my late father used to drive me around with his motorbike. It's been that long actually, my father has been gone for 10 years now. When I was in high school, my brother-in-law used to drive me to and from school, and with it, I was never late for the flag ceremony. Hehe... now, seeing my best friend's husband's Harley, I could imagine how much fun would they got backriding. Oh yeah, and if ever they will need for any Harley parts, then rayparts.com would be the perfect site to go to. They would have loved a good 20% off on all genuine harley-Davidson wheels so I am gonna tell them about the site soon!

I Am Lucky

I must say this: I am lucky enough to not experience having acne problems. People around me would usually say that acne comes out when one lacks enough sleep, or when one eats a lot of oily foods, or eats peanuts in no moderation! Well, guess what, I am a perfect person to be described by those. My sleep isn't right, my love for peanuts is immeasurable, I love fried foods, and yet, acne just don't grow on me. Am I not lucky then? Well, the fact is, hormone does it! And I am thankful enough for being a stranger to those acne that makes people uncomfortable and too much of a budget. Imagine, treatment on acne isn't a joke at all. The regular check-up at the dermatologist isn't really funny moneywise. So I am all but cherishing my time to not have any problem with acne. I do have one or two [just a temporal zit] everytime my monthly period visits me, but it's no big deal at all. So I am lucky. Aren't you?

sunglasses galore

Yes, I do like to put my sunglasses on every time I go outside, especially driving around. It is mostly recommended by eye doctors and experts to use one to protect our sensitive eyes from the UVR of the sun. When it's summer, that's when I feel the need of it the most. We were in Philippines for this year's summertime and I was glad enough to have brought all of my pair of sunglasses. Yes, I do have a lot of them, and I hate to admit it, but the reasons I buy one every time I go shopping is because the prices were on sale, and the style truly rocks! Well, it isn't me who will use all of them as I have only two eyes and I only need a single pair of the shades, but I know a lot of family members and friends who love to receive one from me. So yeah, I buy one intending to give it to somebody back home. When we came back, the three of us still had a pair of each, but the difference? It was purchased there, basically those imitations that's made in China and were sold at the many Taiwanese stores in CDO. I am telling you, there were really a lot and every pair costs only a cheap P40 to P60. I brought one which I felt looked good on me and fits really well, and I kinda worried it might not get through the customs for bringing in fake Gucci sunglasses. Hahaha! The funny thing was, when Triz was playing with it, it fell on the floor and it got broken. Well, the lifespan of an imitation indeed is the shortest!

And now I am back to collecting more sunglasses here. I've got several new ones, and I am still up for more. My loved ones and friends will be delighted to receive one from me next time, as Philippines is always summertime and and a pair of shades is always a need back there. These are my new haves which I purchased online. Unknown to the husband, I got them so cheap, the best deal ever, and this one, he's loving it much:

Weeeeee.... vanity strikes, baby!!!
Shhh.... I use eBay, but will you believe me if I choose the authentic ones, too? Hehe...

what a time-off!!!

I surely had a blast today, even though I have a lazy Sunday for the most hours. I would have wanted to write some tasks, drop some more cards than I have had, and blog hop some more, but at the end of the day, I found myself lying in bed, sleeping the whole afternoon away! Hah. Isn't that a great thing? I have woke up so late this morning because I slept so late last night as well, like 2am, so it was just a cause and effect thing. Tuloy, I missed chatting with Ate Jov and Arnel who have been waiting for me for three hours via YM! Hehe... so it was just their offline messages of news- good and not-so-good that I have caught up. I did made "that" delectable lunch though, good enoygh for everybody here at home on this very Sunday. At noontime, SIL arrived from her two-week training at Indianapolis and she's with Nora who fetched her in Peoria, so now, we're a whole family again in the household. After having lunch together, we went to do a little grocery shopping for this week because I am thinking of not going out fot the weekdays, if possible. And coming home, that's when I felt too lazy to move around, especially my fingers. LOL After letting Triz take her nap, I started to feel the urge to lie down beside her, and that's when the afternoon sleep started! When I felt conscious, it's already 6pm in the clock! Whew, that fast huh! And I thought I have to get ready real quick thinking that we still have to got to church for the nightly meetings that we've been attending to in the last 16 nights. I totally forgot that it has already culminated yesternight so I am relieved when I realized about it.

Well, nothing really that exciting happened for this weekend, but the rest and the communication I have had with my sisters and family back home is worth it all. I have had wonderful updates with friends, too via friendster and YM so it's a great thing. Ate Jonah who has just arrived in HK for work said she's excited and so much ready even though her family back home surely missed her a lot. So there, I gotta retire soon, but Triz is so alive and alert still. Tomorrow, it will be another week for us all so I am wishing you a great time!!!

bz me!!!

Oh well, now I am back to my pc after a busy Friday and Saturday! As in, I really had a filled days for two consecutive 24 hours. In the last 48 hours, I can see how much stuff I have accomplished, and I am glad to see a sort of successful to-do list. Tonight is another regular chatting time for the family- both mine and swithart's. So Ma and Pa are facing the computer right now waiting for the CDO people to go online. While I have talked to my sisters Ate Eve and Ate Jho in Hong Kong and we had a blast. As you know, Ate Jho just got in Hong Kong yesternight and now, she has met with Ate Eve. It's good to have talked with them, and as usual, our laughters are endless. I am just waiting for Yaya to call or to go online. I guess they've got a busy Sunday out there in Japan as she has emailed me just moments ago that she's gonna call me if she could find a time. While my family in CDO are still finding a chance too to go to the internet cafe. I think CDO people are a little bit busy with some activities at church so it won't be so sure if I could get to see them tonight. Meanwhile, the "Truth for Today, Hope for Tomorrow" seminar that we've been attending for 16 nights at church have culminated tonight and we were there at church for 1 1/2 hours starting at 7pm earlier. I guess I am pretty much ready to retire from the long and exhausted Sabbath but surely is a great day. But I have to do some droppings still, to pay you all for the credits you gave me for today! :)

i got my new webcam!!!

I got my new webcam which I have been waiting for! Yey! In these times of chatting and voice conferencing, I should say it is a need for me alright! Well, if only I haven't left my nice one back home in CDO Philippines when we came back here from our vacation, I wouldn't have been getting a new one. See, my laptop doesn't have a built-in webcam yet and I am not planning of getting a new computer anytime soon. I still have other priorities for now and getting this 5 Megapixels USB 6 LED Night Vision Webcam is just perfect.

The amazing part actually is that my sister who is in Hong Kong bought this for me and this is fresh from HK then. I hesitated at first of her sending me one because you know, it might not work well here in my system and I might end up just getting a new one in store or online. I thought of just winning one in eBay but Ate Eve insisted so I let her. And last night, after I installed the software, I gave it a try immediately. And oh boy! I am amazed with the quality of picture and the settings it gave me. It's actually brandless, but I guess after trying it out last night, the cam and the microphone itself, I will have a good webcam in the next chats that I am gonna be having. So there, I've got a new gadget now which I think I will be enjoying for as long as it will work.

Oh... Christmas Memories!!!

This year's Christmas time is gonna be my fourth Christmas celebration of being married, my third Christmas time of being a parent to our lovely Triz, and, my fourth time as well to be celebrating it away from my family who are in Philippines. Oh... it is going to be a mixture of lonesome feelings. There's happiness and so much wonderful memories to think of, but celebrating the eve of December 24th is what I am gonna miss the most. Being married now, I always try to make it a point to have some meals set on the table during Christmas eve as it's what I have been accustomed to and I would like to continue it in my own home. Making Christmas dinner recipes always happen and it will become and even more precious event this year since Triz will be able to help me set the table though her helping hand. Ahh... isn't the Christmas spirit around the corner already? If I am in Philippines now, I am sure I will be feeling the Christmas breeze by now. See, as early as September, people there are already very eager to welcome the season, and Christmas decorations can now be seen in many homes and places. But I am a thousand miles away, so all I can do is just to reminisce those wonderful times that I used to have every Christmas.

They're Really Helpful

Having reconnected with my long lost friends-- old friends that is thru Friendster, I am getting excited every day for new updates in their profiles. There's one that I've lost contact with, my high school friend, who is still in Davao City right now, teaching in one of the prestigious schools in the city, and I love remembering how good she was in Mathematics during our school days. I would assume she is still that good, in fact, even better now that she is a real teacher. I've gotten in touch with her just last week and we have chatted through YM since then. We love to talk about our former friends whom she still has contacts with, but most of all, we love to reminisce of the times when we went for a community reach out to give some foods and to feed those street children in the city. You bet that was one inspirational thing we did in our younger years. I'm thinking of doing a sort of like that on our next trip to Philippines. In our last visit, swithart and I did something we called a charity project: we distributed some school supplies to all students-- from kindergarten to college who are member of our church and to those selected students who live in the neighborhood of our church building. Maybe next time, giving some incontinence supplies would be good, too. I am sure they will be helpful and will be appreciated.Of course, the happiness in our hearts will be indefinitive.

'nap time'

If you're a parent like me, I am sure you can relate to my experiences of putting our babies/kids to take their nap. For some, it is just as easy as 1,2,3. For others, it can be really hard, especially when your child is restless and just don't like to take a nap, much more, a sleep. My 2-year-old toddler is the hardest when we talk about nap time. I remember my niece Jewell, when she was the same age as Triz now, she used to be so adamant to sleeping. Even with her eyebags becoming so weary and her body so tired from the usual activities that a todddler do, she still refuses to sleep during nap time. It's different back in Philippines because parents can make 'palo' [spunk] to their kids, you know. But here, parents are just up to the nagging and the constant talking and lecturing. And worst, preaching. Hehe... So nap time, or sleeping time is the hardest with my toddler. Like right now, I got tired of lying in bed with her just for her to go to sleep. It's been almost an hour and I feel like I am wasting my time just pretending to sleep with her. LOL. I stood up and left her there obviously. I am not a sleepy-head person myself, and I understand how forcing one to sleep becomes so hard. I've decided to just let her sleep whenever she wants. I am sure she'll get tired hanging around. You think so? Hehe... Well, I did it yesterday and it was a success. So I am doing it again now. :) Hah. Motherhood, eh?

i got what i've been waiting

I have been eBaying of a new digital camera that I want to send to my sister in Philippines. It is what I have promised to give her for Christmas. I am just on time for it as after winning on the bid that I did on eBay last week, I now have it on hand, ready to be carried by hand by Nora when she goes home to Philippines early next month. It's actually not branded. It's an all new SVP XThinn-1056 DIGITAL CAMERA + VIDEO RECORDER w/ Sound + SLIM & SLEEK BLACK BODY! + HUGE 2.5" Full Color Screen + Up to 4X Digital Zoom + FREE 2GB SD Memory Card. Isn't it a deal? Hah.

I was actually surprised to have it on hand when I received it yesterday because it surpassed my expectations. It captures a quality picture, baby! It is equipped with the latest optics and electronics to ensure the camera profile stays extremely slim and portable. In addition to its slim profile, it also features a huge 2.5" TFT LCD Display for your image preview and slideshow. The Xthinn-1056 records and plays back streaming video clips in AVI and Motion JPEG format. This camera has the next generation of Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS) sensor and it uses less battery power! It has the same size with my 8MP Canon Digicam but it is way lighter than it. What a product really. Again, it's SVP brand, but being a US product, I have the belief that it's till worth it. I got it wisely and smartly, and now I am all set.

...and then he joined me!

I have been browsing my friendster page every now and then and trust me, it consumes much of my time, really. There are chances when I just have to see some updates in the last hours about my friends but then, seeing a certain friend and what's the latest in his/her profile, I am starting to be hooked. Oh man, now that I have been discovering a lot of old friends in the decades that passed, I am even more and more addicted to friendstering. So last night, instead of writing the tasks that I am ought to write, swithart found me having a blast browsing friendster profiles. I had so much fun seeing my elementary and high school friends who are now scattered around the globe and how much everyone's physical looks have changed. There's the usual "is that you?" question, and then, the good feeling that even after some more than 10 years, somebody is still remembering somebody. So I had a lot of thoughts to share to swithart while he sees me laughing [addict, eh?] at those old friends' pages, and guess what, he decided to find his own set of friends, too. In other words, he signed up at Friendster as well and he hopes to locate some old friends who, hopefully, are having access to this internet thing.

I've cleaned up my Friends' List, and all that's in the list are really friends. So it feels much closer more than ever to have access to those who I've lost contact with in the past several years. Isn't friendster a wonderful thing? :)

been so busy...

...really, I have been extremely busy here! See, I don't have much updates when in fact, I've got tasks to write. I've actually got several tasks to write in all three of my blogs BUT there are just things which I need to do first before the opps. Oh men, the $40 plus worth of writables have been wasted, can you believe that? Hehe... I just am still having some sort of a hangover from our so busy weekend, that's why. I did pack my balibayan box and now it's ready for shipping, yeeha! I got so tired of watching Triz's toys that's messing up every space here at home, so I gave a halt to my puter time and face the clutter that this toddler is up to every day! Plus, I got tired every now and then, maybe because I haven't spent some time hula hooping, so I have loved lying in bed and taking some times to nap. Waaaaaaaah! Can you believe that? The sleepy-head person in me stroke! That's too rare alright, that's why swithart suggested that whenever I feel, like really feel like sleeping, I shoulnd't let that time pass by without grabbing such opportunity. So yesterday afternoon, instead of really sitting down in front of the pc to do my rounds, I listened to what I have been hearing to swithart, and there, I found myself unable to write what I was supposed to write. Did those tasks expired on me? You bet!!!!

our sunday yesterday...

...was uberly fun and joyous! Since my college best friend Charis and her husband Bill stopped by here at our place on their way to Chicago, we treated them a one-hour drive around town, toured them to these little-boring downtown of Bloomington-Normal, and strolled them at Illinois State University campus- swithart's pride. Hehe... For some reasons, we were not so crazy about taking photos so I only have few to share. I guess it's because we have these neverending talks that we shared since it's been almost four years of not seeing each other personally. So here, I'll give you a glimpse of what we've captured of our Sunday yesterday.

[L] It's Charis and Bill at the Milner Library ground. It's huge, I know. [R] With Triz and dad strolling. [Yup, you guessed it, I was the photographer!]

And they were posing for me!

This time around, I'm there! [In front of the looking-like-castle hall at the ISU Quad.]

[L]- Bill and Charis. Behind them is the Bone Student Center, an ISU Auditorium. [R]- The 4 of them with the wall clock behind.

And us again, inside the Milner Library of Illinois State University.

Yes, we just strolled, but we had a blast!!! Can't you tell?

i've changed it!!!

...my Entrecard widgets, that is!

I have been meaning to change them for some time now but doing it in the past several days always gave me an error result. I wonder what wrong did I make to it but I figured I did everything right and followed the directions carefully but I always got an error. So last night, I finally contacted EC support and trust me, their the quickest to get back to you! They've got a "wow" and truly an "excellent" support team! What a costumer service really! So they figured out what's wrong, corrected it, and e-mailed me back to let me know to try it one more time, and this time around, it worked! Thanks EC Support Ben for your service! :)

and

Okay, so you won't be seeing photos here! I mean, I admit they're kinda boring and wordy, but that's okay with me. If I have more time, I might get to change them again, more customized and more personalized. But for now, I am contented with those two. :)

It Just Passed By

My mother's birthday last Sunday just passed by without me having been able to call her. You see, I have been so busy during the weekend and I haven't managed myself calling her. I did talk to my sisters in HK and in Japan, as they always call me on weekends, if not chat, but I haven't had an international phone out, so you see. I guess she'll be okay, as I did send her my birthday card a couple of weeks ago, and hopefully, it could get to her hands within this week. I've said everything I need to say to her in that very card so I have done my part in that own little way. Hehe... I know, I know the phone call is different but what can I do? Anyway, I was taling to my sister Japan yesterday and she said she's been waiting for her passport to be released so soon as she's been itching to fly home to Philippines the soonest. She's planning of getting a treadmil to be put in the basement of their house and I suggested getting an elliptical instead. Well, whatever though.I guess either of the two will worl great, or better yet, get them both? Hah. It's her decision.

Insurance Quotes Online

It is a must to have an auto insurance once you have a car, right? So you got yours? I guess it's not a problem finding one, as a lot of insurance companies out there would be advertising their products and services big time once you get your new car. Getting an online auto insurance quotes first would help, as it will enable you to weigh things and compare the rates you're gonna be paying. Well, I would surely do it when my time to own my very own car happens. When will that be, I have no clue yet! LOL Meanwhile, I am up for a lot of household chores here that have been put on-hold last weekend. I have ad a very long weekend, tiring, yet joyous one! As they say it, it's been one of those weekend! And my weekend was just one of those! Hehe. I don't join the weekend snapshot meme but I'll be posting later my photos for my weekend happenings. Stay tuned, will yah? :D

vege teriyaki for them!

So, I've said how happy I was yesterday when Charis and Bill were able to stop by to see us here! It's been a month of anticipation, and finally, yesterday, we met each other after here at home. Having been on the road for 13 hours straight, I understand how tired they were from their trip, and they badly needed some rest, BUT because of the reunion of me and Charis, nah, rest was never possible that time. They arrived 9am here at us, but has to leave earlier during the night, around 5pm, to hit the road once more for their Chicago trip. Today is their appointment at the Philippine Consulate and they wanted to be there early so they would be done early, too. The eight hours of talks and drive around town was worth it, and I am thankful that the foods I made for them were liked. See, they've been like strangers to homemade menu and most of what we have here are homemade, and with it, they've had their share. I prepared beef soup, beef steak, and my special vegetable teriyaki, and you bet they've loved it!

Well, maybe because they've been starving? Haha... And some banana cake with vanilla in it for dessert! Yum! We all had a great time at the table!

tgif thinkin

Yay, it's been a week since SIL left for her training in the military. So we survived without her in the household! LOL Nah... we're missing her, and it's just a good thing that every now and then, she calls on the phone and update us with what's happening and we do otherwise. People at church are missing her, too. And also, a good week has passed since swithart's birthday! Ooohlala. Next week, it's going to be Mama's special day and I wonder what's up in there anyway. I was waiting for Ate to get online this morning [Friday night PI time] but they were not. Maybe they're busy or whatsoever. TGIF thoughts here! I've got a lot and random. I need to do a lot of chores today to end up this very day neat for tomorrow's break. I have to call Jerry to see if they still have tomatoes in their plants so I may know if I need to buy fresh ones for tomorrow's haystock during Robin's [a church friend] baptism. And I have been procrastinating here really. But this time, I need to go down in the basement and get the balikbayan box going. Hehe... I have been a big time slacker with that subject. I hope the package in the mail that I have been waiting for several days now arrives so I could really START packing my box. Haaayyyy... I gotta keep myself going while Triz is still snoring. Have a great weekend guys!

10 Questions

I snagged this off from Juliana of Juliana's Lair and since I find it to be excellent questions to start and get my day going, here's I'll give it my shot!

1. What’s the first thing you do when you wake up? :: Red my morning devotional and say a little prayer. Then greet the two people in the room a happy morning!
2. What’s the first thing you wash when you take a shower? :: Face.
3. What’s the first thing you do when you get in the car? :: Sit? Hehe... Close door, and buckle up!!!
4. What’s the first item of clothing you put on when you get dressed? :: My undies [ano pa nga ba???]
5. What age did you give your first kiss? 15! Weeee nosy you!
6. What age were you when you first drank alcohol? :: I never did. I attempted when my older sister drunk it for her PMS, but I can't stand it's smell. :D
7. What’s the name of your first love? :: Eeeeerrrr... J_n_ld. Fill in the blanks, can you? Haha!
8. Where was your first vacation? :: Davao del Sur [Bansalan] when we lived in Bukidnon when I was way young. :D
9. What was your first car? :: Don't have mine yet that's out of my sweets and sweats. SIL helped us with our van that we have right now.
10. How old were you when you got your first job? 20, when I was on my OJT just prior to my college graduation.

Time for Hallows and Pumpkins

It is going to be my fourth year of celebrating Halloween in this country. Back in Philippines, Halloween celebration is way different with regards to practices, foods, and, much more, costumes. I mean, a Halloween day back there doesn't need to be trick or treating nor wearing of unique and attractive costumes. And for me, I still have the same practice even until now. So in the last four years of me enjoying the pumpkin pies, I love most the trick and treat activity. I am sorry to say, I haven't had worn any halloween costumes nor gone to houses or stores at mall trick or treating, but I am always a good subject for a treat! Yep, come visit our home and your basket will be filled with yummy sweets, promise!

This year is going to be Triz's second halloween and I am not sure if I will take her out trick or treating. SIL has once mentioned their office's staff and her colleagues are going to hold a party showcasing different halloween costumes and it's going to be a contest of who is on for the most unique and yet gorgeous soul on that dress up day. How relevant would halloween costume stores be for that one big day!I gotta tell SIL and our friend Jerry about this cool website that has every ind of halloween costume that would really really look great on them and who knows, what they could choose to get for themselves will give them the win. Ha! How exciting!!!

As for me, I am still convince I will be most happy just giving sweet treats to kiddos here in the neighborhood. I can still wear hallowwen costume, can't I?

i am still up!!!

A bit sleepy now but I think I can still bear. Swithart has asked a little help from me: to review the pages of what he has written and to correct it for him while he's too busy twittering and tweaking his website. We're classmates for now and I don't mind. As long as he won't leave me alone minding these tasks that he asked me to do. The daughter has already slept a couple of hours ago and I am thankful there was no "big" trouble when I let her get in bed. It's lovely to look at her hugging her buddy Elmo. LOL You know, she's not really like this friendly to her stuffed friends, that's why its' so worth mentioning this little change in her. She doesn't like dolls still though. She prefers her Barney, PoOh, Elmo, and Bear. I guess I won't continue mentioning about what my daughter likes and don't as I could just go on and on. And on. What I am trying to mean in this post is that, right now, it's already morning, and I am still up. It helps some zits and acne to want to pop out and I am not liking it. I guess I wont stay any longer for now. My back is aching a little just sitting here in bed without support. And I can feel the pillows have been inviting my little sleepy head now. LOL Lastly, I just want to express my happiness for the price I am reaping doing this crazy round of EC dropping. For the first time, I made this blog real ranked a 9, and I am loving it! I gotta resume my EC job later, when I get up, God willing.

Thanks for reading!!!

i complain about...

...my nails!

Yes I do! I complain about how they grow so fast! LOL I whine about how tiring and hassling it is to cut them all! LOL But I couldn't do anything about it though, so, I am but all complaints. Hehe... The last time I've cut my fingernails was a couple of weeks ago, and for me, it's so short of a time! I am not used to having my nails done by others as I do it myself, but everytime I do, it would take me almost an hour just for my fingernails. Hmp! So I need a good 30 to 50 minutes just to do it. I often wish my nails wouldn't grow but I am defined to be as healthy as can be, thus, my fingernails will grow and grow still. I guess the daughter is like me, too. See, it's not even a week that I've trim her fingernails and yet, now, the scratches it made demands a cut. Hah. I better end this and hit the publish button now so I could stop whining and start getting my butt up to get the nail clipper. Hmp, this will be my break for now! :)

There's a Pet Social Network

Yes, there is a pet social networking site, are you aware of that? Well, I am not really. Not until I knew the site. And I have learned that zootoo.com is for anyone who loves pets. Do you? If not, then why not visit the site now? Surely, if you are a pet lover, you've got the same conviction of helping pets and rescuing them from harmful natures. The best thing about the site is that once you join, you get the chance to meet your fellow pet lovers and share your common experiences and bond with each other though forums and reviews, and simply just share your opinions about the pets you cared for. If advices and news are what you need, sure, you can get it from the site. A very informative and interesting site that even a not so-so-fond of pet person that I am is able to spend some good minutes learning myself out on what's the latest news about the site's services. Don't let this chance pass by without you or someone you know who are pet lovers not get a knowledge about zootoo.com! I am abut to share it to my older sister who loves her two doggies much and my godmother who will really find this site of importance.

This Multimedia Speaker System

I got my MS21.2 Multimedia Speaker System in the mail a couple of days ago, for FREE. It wasn't me who have expressed much interest on it as I am overly contented with the built-in Dolby Digital speaker of this laptop of mine, but swithart insisted to get it for him. I thought at first, 'where are you gonna place this?' [With that tone, you could tell how little our space here, can't you?] Our desktop has a good speaker still and I don't feel the necessity of having a new one since my belief was that the MS21.1 Multimedia Speaker System is just for a computer desktop. So swithart just demanded to get it for him and I will be surprise.

Indeed I was when he hooked it up, first, to his laptop. We were eager to listen to the sounds it will produce and the quality thereof. And guess what, the woofer, which is lightweight did excellent in producing the low quality of music which is awesome! My father-in-law, a music man that he is, felt really delighted to have it. He even suggested to change the old one that we have attched in the desktop but swithart refused because he still has to hook it up the second time to... his MP3! And ater successfully doing it, boy were we amazed with how good it was! Of course, the sound quality is what I meant! So you think I regretted having ordered it from The Speaker Company? Think again!!! Seeing it displayed here in our bedroom at our MP3's home, I can't help but be grateful for having it for FREE.

Maybe you need a new speaker for your desktop eh? Try thespeakercompany.com's products. They've got more than one kind and I am sure you can find what suits your interest. Not to mention the quality of their products and the affordability as well. Visit the site today!

...parties at home...

I am kind of in reminiscence these days, and sort of in nostalgia because my mother's birthday is coming up. And just like every one's birthday back home, the great fellowship of friends and neighbors, the fun that the party brings, the foods that are so yummy prepared by those talented cooking hands and inborn chefs [hehe], the special day is worth the celebration indeed. Things have been pretty much not in coordination back home as many things have happened in the past days, and I am not quite sure if there'll be an extravagant party, but knowing that my sisters are there, and the church family is all set to do the serenading, I would guess my mother's busy hand will find time to prepare goodies for everyone. As for parties back home, settings like this is what I missed the most:

Don't you just love those papayas? Their the sweetest!!!

And those bananas? Ahhh.... Can you tell the difference with the table settings here and back home? Hehe...

of technology and what it does

I have been mentioning here how much time I spend chatting not only with friends around the world but most of all, with my loved ones. I am so thankful that technology brought me and my sisters who are scattered in this universe together, that even if we're time zones and miles apart, we still get to connect with each other thru texts, phone calls, and most nicely, live broadcast. Talk about webcams and voice conferencing!!! But there's one thing I want to stress out though: Japanese technology has far been excelling and still does until now. When we were in Philippines and Yaya was there, too, I was so impressed with her cell phone. It's the latest of the DoCoMo brand and I couldn't believe how useful and high tech it truly was. It could be a TV set [it's where Yaya will watch her TV show when she's out and about] and a cash or credit card!!! Oh yes, you heard me- it's what she's using to pay for her groceries or withraw cash on ATM machines. There's a certain barcode at the back of the cell where it needs to be swiped off or be seen by the laser and that's it. That's two main features that I couldn't find in SIL's latest blackberry alright. So until now, even if I am not holding that unit anymore, I am still in awe just thinking about it. Hehe...

Right now, she and her daughter Shai-shai, when chatting with us here, don't use the computer yet, but her very cell phone. That's with a video/cam of course. Just amazing really. But she has gotten tired of using it on our regular chat because of it's size and now she's waiting for the laptop that she has ordered so they'll shift to it when it arrives. I wonder what's going to be another amazing feature in it. I can't wait. Here's the two of them anyway staring at us:

Ahhh... I miss them tuloy!

resuming...

Ok, I haven't done a lot of writing yet for today in this very blog of mine. I was so caught up with things around here at home, plus we spend some times practicing the songs that we sang tonight at the Truth for Today, Hope for Tomorrow Bible seminar at church. Speaking of that, yeah, it's over now and our next schedule will be this coming Saturday night and by then, the preparation will be done at the eleventh hour. Talk about procrastinating, huh! But we still need to attend the nightly meeting as I find it too good to miss-- the messages and the presentation itself! If you are wondering what this "Truth for Today, Hope for Tomorrow" is, go check sharehim.org and you will be given some background on what I've been talking about. Now I am trying to resume my time to be here as I have a couple of tasks to write before the clock strikes 11pm! I said, "trying" because 100% concentration is just impossible with this super kulit toddler of ours!

And speaking of this very hyper daughter named Triz, well, tonight is going to be another night of sort of a struggle. Hehe... See, this daughter is just like the mom herself--a night person. So to define that more concretely, it is going to be a morning for these two people here at home on the very evening time. Haha... And the dad is all but complaints as he has to take his rest by 11pm the earliest since he has a class tomorrow. So we'll see what we, or I can do with this daughter, since on this kind of time, I am in control.

Anyways, Nora isn't home yet, and I am pretty sure she and her cousin Shiela have been enjoying the Chicago in concert here at the coliseum. She missed our event at church all because she couldn't dare refuse the birthday gift of her cousin: a ticket to the Chicago in concert. I of course understand that and I would have wanted to share her joy by going with them, but I couldn't dare trade as well my time to go to church while I am able. Hehe... I am anticipating anyways for their pictures as I am sure there'll be a lot. If they'll allow, I'll post some here. :)

monday madness

It's great to start the week with communication. it's just what I did since yesterday, and what better way to brush it off than talk and have a seemingly unending chat with my sisters in HK, in Japan, and in Philippines. Poor Ate in CDO for she's the one who is spending some amount for her internet access. Hehe... We really had a great time online last night, thanks to YM for the voice conferencing feature that they have. Makes me see and talk with my dear Ates as as if we're just physically near each other.

Today though, another Monday, and another fabulous time with my super kulit toddler daughter. SIL is at Indianapolis for her military duty, Nora is working, Ma and Pa are just here finding some stuff to do, and swithart has just left for school. AND... it's chilly and really cold outside. There is no summerness with this kind of weather anymore. Hehehe... But I have done my Wii Fit routine for 20 minutes hula hooping so I am all sweating here right now! It's good to burn these calories early in the morning alright, and, some other tasks can wait.

I have loads of paperworks to do here, some to be edited and checked but many are books and magazines to be filtered out. I have to segregate these stuff so I could retain what I haven't read yet and what goes to the recycling cans. Plus, Triz's toys are all cluttered making the pc room a mess, argh! Oh ho I wanted to clean them all up, but I still have to try to have attain that 100% acceptance that a house with a toddler has a sort of like that.

Well, may you all have a marvelous Monday friends!

biking the summer away!!!

We've got plenty of rain here, thanks to Ike for reaching Central Illinois. But, we are thankful it's just rains, no flooding. After all, rain is always a blessing, esp. in the state of corns and soybeans! LOL I thought the rain won't stop today, as forecasted, but thank heavens it did. Now, there'll be no cancellations of the nightly meetings that we hold at church since last Friday till the 27th of this month. Yeah, it's a little longer seminar and it's called "Truth for Today, Hope for Tomorrow". It's pretty interesting the topics actually, and if I were to decide, I won't miss a single night of it. But the schedule, our schedule seems to not permit the continuing presence so we'll just try to go on nights that we can make it. Like tonight.

Anyway, it's almost the end of the summer and we've got few days left here of wearing shorts and sleeveless. Hehe... I hate the fact that I'll be up wearing those baggy, bulky and heavy sweaters and jackets, but what can I do? I love Autumn and snow anyway! So on these remaining warmer days here, we always make it a point to enjoy the warmth outside. Walking blocks, hiking along trails, roaming at lakes, visiting parks, and oh... biking! It's what Triz loves to do outside. So if I won't be on the computer on days that it's just me and her here at home, aside from the household chores and my Wii Fit episodes, we're simply can be found outside, in the backyard, enjoying a play at her doll house or just hanging around, biking.

I guess these shots tell it all:

So what do you do on your remaining summer days friends?

Thinking of a Break

Oh... I love a break! A certain kind of break that involves traveling and of course, having fun. Was just surfing at Friendster and have browsed a friend's profile. I enjoyed her photos a lot and it was her Vegas vacations for a couple of times that I envy so much!The last time she went to Las Vegas with her whole family, she asked me if I could go too so we'll get to see each other. Hmp!!! I wish I could but it was so impossible during that time. Even now, I haven't thought of a chance yet of spending time in there. Swithart doesn't really like the casino things in the state. LOL. It's no denying though that I would love to visit the place someday. I know of friends who are residing there right now and they said there are a lot of different places to enjoy, not only those casinos and bars. I guess I just have to show to swithart all those gorgeous photos that my friend took in the place. Maybe those will ignite some desires on swithart's part to decide to go to Las Vegas the next time we'll plan for a break away from here. We'll wee.

there's a birthday over here!!!

If you don't know it, I've posted a birthday post at my other blog and it's for my dearest sweetheart. Yep, it's his very birthday today and even if he says he's happy, his smiles these days show he's the happiest. Hehe.. He's bound to finish something soon and I hope he could accomplish it the soonest. That's my wish. Haha.. There's a little celebration here right now, a dinner for everybody and some sweets. If you wanna come, sure, you're welcome to. :p But it's gonna be tomorrow that I'll do a little bigger preparation. So for now, it's just some sort of talks and laughters that's going on in here. There's another reason to be thankful and happy and we all are.

Happy birthday sweetheart!
[I know you're stalking thru this blog of mine so this time, you'll find a reason to smile!]

Can't Wait To See It

I have been waiting for the picture of the house of my older sister in Philippines that was just finished. It was scheduled to be turnover by the developer to the very owner, unfortunately, it was put on hold since Yaya and her family is still in Japan and won't go home to Philippines yet until the end of the school year. My brother and sisters have been going back and forth to the area to check it and they kept telling me it looks beautiful already. Well, I could imagine how pretty the inside will be once Yaya gets to do the interior furnishing. She prefers to use modern furniture with some mix of Japanese and classic design and oh how I love to get in when I could go home. I am sure it won't happen too soon yet, but it will come. Meantime, we are up for a new project to be done in Philippines. No, it is not going to be a property yet, not an area or a lot, not a house or a farm. It's related to the education system. I gotta share it here when we finally could decide when we're going to give it a start.Hmmm... I can't wait.

this guitar girl of ours!!!

Sure she's one heck of a talent and a beauty! Haha. That's our girl! Don't argue guys, she is our own so you can't blame us for being too conceited when it comes to telling the world about what she's showing us that she can do this and that! Her Lolo [the dad's dad] is a great guitar man! The uncle doctor [the dad's brother] can play whatever song you'll sing [that's as long as there is a note in it!]. The dad plays a little, especially when it's the mom who'll do the singing! Hmm.... so a family of music, if I may say. Well, just a lover of melody I guess.

She's only two years and two months and yet, she knows a lot of songs already. She have memorized a lot of children's songs in fact. We taught her, yes. And some, she has learned just by repeatingly watching her dvds. But mostly, she hears us singing every day, that's twice a day-- morning and evening when we do our daily devotional here at home. And during that time, it's either Lolo's playing the guitar or Ate Cyndi's playing the piano. So you see, it's simply inherent.
If you will know how I got that cutie guitar of hers, you will surely find it memorable. Would you like me to tell you then? Well, even if you refuse, I still will be telling it here. Hehe...

Over a year ago, I started doing paid blogging. It was August last year when I was gotten paid for my first tasks. When it accummulated to reach $25, without a single doubt, I paid for this guitar right away to celebrate my first payday. How's that? Now, as long as this music girl of ours kept playing, even if I won't be blogging here in time, I still will have a sweet and pretty thing to cherish. I knew how much Triz loves music even then. And when she has learned to hold the guitar the proper way, I realize I never made the wrong choice in getting one for her.

P.S.
When we were in Philippines, we went shopping one time and we were in the sports department of Gaisano Mall in CDO. There were balls and bikes and scooters in the area, and some more other huge toys for big boys. But what sparked Triz's interest most? The little wooden yukelele that's hanging in the very corner of that section along with regular guitars and a cello. It's what she's been pointing the whole time with us adults ignoring her. When I realized she was interested in it, I went ahead to inquire of the price. It was P595.00 ($14) so I readily refused to get it telling her that she got a prettier one here. LOL When the Tita found it out, good thing that she immediately get it from me and proceeded to the counter to pay for it. So there, Triz got it on that very day. And from then on, she was known by her cousins in CDO to be the guitar girl. LOL

It's her consolation every time. I wonder if she'll make it big in the guitar industry someday. Haha.

thursday thoughts

It's a quiet Thursday here today! It's just me and Triz, and swithart ,as Ma and Pa left off so early today to Jerry's place to find something to make use of their time. Well, they actually asked Jerry to come fetch them and so Jerry did came, with his advance present to swithart. He's been like a family to us that we could call him anytime and ask something to do for us, and with all pleasure, he'll do it. He's a blessing indeed to our family. It's supposed to be just me and swithart but thanks to the outpouring rain that started since 10am, Jon wasn't able to leave home to go to the university to met with his dissertation advisor as scheduled. And so, he gets to be with his girls, and watch over us for today. Haha. I wanted to make some grocery shopping earlier but he asked me to do it later so when Triz wakes up from her nap soon, off we'll go grocery shop. I have been thinking of buying some stuff that we don't have here because it's his birthday tomorrow, and come Saturday, it's going to be our fellowship dinner which is a potluck at church, and so I have to have certain stuff to cook.

It's pretty much a great day so far, despite the rain and how it will disable us to go for a walk later like we did yesterday afternoon. But I did my 20 minutes of super hula-hooping though via Wii Fit so hands down to that, I have burnt some calories for today, I am pretty sure of that. LOL The portable DVD player that I have been expecting to receive today is finally here and thanks to the UPS man for making it to successfully drop by at our doorstep during lunchtime, Now, Triz is enjoying her shows a lot. She knew that it's hers, and she was so serious when she started watching Barney in it that she told me when I glance at the player, "no mom, this is Triz!". Whoah! What a possession! Well, I am happy to see her looking like being contented with it. I still can't believe it though that she's that big of a girl already and can truly understand things beyond that we don't expect her to comprehend.

Well, how's your Thursday friends?

getting in touch with an old, old friend

Do you have friends whom you haven't seen in the longest time? Like five years? Or a decade? Or 15 years? I bet you do, and when you start to get in touch with them, I am sure it won't be the same way again. At least for me-- as it is how I felt.

Well, there are a lot of factors that come along with the change of feelings and attitudes. And being distanced from each other for such a long time, it won't be that easy to relive that times in the past. It happened to me just very recently. And thanks to Friendster for the reconnection. But as I've said, things turned out so very different now. See, I've just re-encountered a friend's profile at Friendster, a former schoolmate and classmate during elementary years back in the province called Bukidnon in Philippines. We used to be friends so close, sharing common things [like assignments and test answers, hehe], and visiting each other's homes spending some time playing each other's toys. Those were the good old days. And there were a lot more to reminisce. But for sure, gone are those kinds of days.

She's still in Philippines, still pretty and smart, staying single and free, taking up Law School at EP Elbi. know she has accomplised a lot, and she will be accomplishing some more in the future and I am wishing her the best of luck in that. We still keep in touch every once in a while, but she now has a set of new friends and I do, too. But I think she changed something: she won't dare mention the times, our times in the past and how we laugh out so loud and hard with the silly and goofy things we've done. I still will, and even if that place there has left my heart wounded during my family's stay, I still can tell the world that I used to be a resident of that place.

Well, things change and so do people. I changed and she did. It is true, getting in touch with an old friend excites me the moment I discovered her, but the excitement soon drifted away when the moments of uneasiness during the conversation takes place.

How does it feel for you?

i succeeded!!!

If you have been a follower of my posts here, you must have remembered my post about my target of eBaying a portable DVD player which I want to get as a gift for swithart on his upcoming birthday which he badly needs for Triz so the toddler won't be harrassing [hehe] us with our laptops when she wants to watch her DVDs [Barney, Wiggles, Teletubbies, and the likes] during the night when we're in our bedroom already. Yeah, so my goal was to get one from eBay which should not exceed the price of $50. For less than a week, as my title suggests, I am telling you guys, I succeeded! Haha. So I am happy alright.

Take a look at this:

This is what I won!!! Yeeha!

It is brand new, and as far as looking at the picture, I think I will like it! LOL I'll see when the package arrives. I think I won big time with the bidding when I did it in the last 7 seconds before the end time and guess what, the total amount I paid was $49.95, perfect enough for my less than $50 target! Haha. So there it is, I am happy I made it. This Friday is when swithart's birthday is, and hopefully, this unit will arrive before this week ends. I am thrilled.

21 Q & A

JenR sure is a tagger! LOL She's been throwing on me tags, and being lost for words here sometimes, I am gonna play along. Now is one of those times when I am running out of what to say so it would be fun answering these following questions. Thanks Jen!

Questions and Answers:

1. Grab the book nearest to you, turn to page 18, find line 4. Write down what it says: “...helping them move what they could of their goods to the higher ground." It's from the book Uncle Arthur's Best Stories.
2. Stretch your left arm out as far as you can. What do you touch first? the bed and it's cozy sheet. Hehe...
3. What is the last thing you watched on TV? Extreme Makeover Home Edition last night.
4. WITHOUT LOOKING, guess what time it is: 2:00pm? But the correct time is 1:56pm.
5. Now look at the clock, what is the actual time? There, it's 1:56pm.
6. With the exception of the computer, what can you hear? tv playing Triz's nursery rhymes.
7. When did you last step outside? what were you doing? about an hour ago. just got out to breathe fresh air!
8. Before you came to this website, what did you look at? dropped my EC.
9. What are you wearing? red shorts, pink top
10. Did you dream last night? Yeah. about our time in Phils. hehe...
11. When did you last laugh? earlier. i was playing with Triz.
12. What is on the walls of the room you are in?picture frames. educational posters.
13. Seen anything weird lately? no.
14. What do you think of this quiz? ok.
15. What is the last movie you saw? Crocs.
16. If you became a multi-millionaire overnight, what would you buy first? So many things! And then a house and a car!
17. Tell me something about you that I don’t know: a Sabbath keeper I am eversince I was born.
18. If you could change one thing about the world, regardless of guilt or politics, what would you do? Become a president of the world? haha.
19. Do you like to dance? yeah, but I don't. huh?
20. Imagine your first child is a girl, what do you call her? a boy? my first child is a girl,a and we named her Triz Nicole. If he's a boy, we'd call her Tris. Hehe...
21. Would you ever consider living abroad? I am right now.

There you go! My answers to these 21 Qs. I had a great time!

usual schedule

It's Saturday night and we are back to our usual and regular chatting schedule with friends and family around the world. I've chatted with a couple of friends in Canada, a best friend in Florida, another in OK, one in Thailand, and two friends in Philippines. Plus, I'm chikkaing with my three Ate's-- one in HK and two more in CDO. And, emailing with Yaya in Japan. Whew! I did that all at the same time!!! Unbelievable, right? But... not really if you're a huge chatter like me! Hehe... I am even checking my mails and Friendster, too. What comfort does this internet thing does! I am but one of the millions who are fortunate to have access to the world wide web.

It's getting late now but I am not done yet. It's fine though cause I had a longer rest this afternoon. I took a nap, with Triz and swithart for quite a longer time. Almost whole afternoon actually. Now, even if it's this late, I don't feel like I am sleepy yet. So I might have to go on, as long as my eyes can bear.

I am so excited. Chatting and friendstering with Charis, my college buddy in OK, I have learned that she and her husband Bill are set to travel to Chicago in a couple of weeks. See, they'll be driving from Oklahoma and doing such, they're gonna be taking the I-44 to I-55 route which means that, they get to pass by along Central Illinois [where I am located], and therefore, we'll have the chance to meet each other then. Huh. Finally.

Well, I hope nothing changes. I really hope. They've got an appointment at the Philippine Consulate in September 22nd, so hopefully, plans will be pushed through. Hoooh I am so excited really!

this wii fit system

It's like magic! Such a great device, really. I thought I'd be contented with the dance pad that we have which I used to play all the time and never stopped unless I could get a triple star rating. But having SIL's Wii Fit that we just got a couple of weeks ago, I am but in so much awe of this device. If you're a Wii [be it sports, board game, and Fit] owner out there, I am sure you know what I am blabbing about! First, I stroke them all with the bowling. But I am no better than SIL with the golf. But here's comes the Wii Fit which I and Triz are loving every single day!

Thanks to Circuit City for leaving us with this one. LOL See, it took months for SIL to finally able to order it. Every Sunday, she and Nora would go to those electronic stores here in town but the lines are just overwhelming. Shopping online, stores are taking advantage of their prices. But at last, we got one from one of our favorite electronic stores! But it's a struggle at first to be using the board of this Wii Fit thing. When I started with registering my profile, Triz is trying to stand in the board, too, as if she's got all the seriousness in the world to undertand what we're up to with this device.

We did let her enjoy her time on the balance board and sure enough, she's loving it a lot! The remote controller she needed to be put in her wrist and thang God she doesn't throw it! It's just so funny that even if we are not on the Wii Fit, every time she's got something in her hand that looks like a remote, she is so good at pretending that it's the Wii Remote control and use it the way it should be used. Can you imagine her using it as her bowling ball? Ahh... such a smart little one! I may have to catch her doing it. It sure would be a great capture. :)

tgif and weekend thoughts

Oh... time flies fast, doesn't it? Next week, swithart's gonna turn a year older, yay! LOL It's like it's only been some months since I've met him [haha] though the fact is, it's already been eaight years! Now it's Friday and I am loving it. I guess everybody loves weekend. No trips for now as we're gonna be up doing stuff here at home. The basement needs cleanup for Fall, my table needs organization since magazines and books, and some of Triz's stuff have been piling up. Ahhh... but it's Friday anyways so I am thinking I'll have more time in the next two days. The weather's been a little unfriendly, blame it to hurricane Gustav! It's been raining whole day yesterday and when we went to the health department, it was so cold because the wind was so strong and the rain so freezing. But I kinda like it. Makes me feel that summer is pretty much going to end. I haven't done a lot yesterday with my online stuff but EC and facebook and yahoo. See, the campaigns are up and I love reading the political vies of columnists and bloggers. Last night, I [well, all of us] was so glued to the PBS channel's coverage of the GOP convention. Man, I am loving the heat. LOL. I am not a voter though but it's good to grasp some of the good things and the not-so-good stuff in the political arena here in this country. It's good to hear their American Dream story. Swithart and I are wondering, do Filipinos have a share or a thought of striving for "our" Filipino dream, too? Hehe...

reaching Ozarks

We reached our destination last Labor Day weekend in full force. Meaning, we all were excited for it. We got tired for our quite long drive, especially that we've got a toddler in tow, but as usual, Triz is very cooperative like she always is on long travels. We only did two stops in two rest areas going there and having everybody's sense of humor made the trip lively and fun. Here's some few pics to share:

While rested.

Reaching Ozarks. Three generation. :)

Our condo unit's terrace. Overlooking the beautiful view of the Lake Ozark.

Happy faces. Si Triz lang yata ang di masaya. :D

Here's one more!

And here's us all.
We sure had a blast, like I promised we will!!! :)

Loving the Wii Fit

I've been in a sort of a struggle on how to lose weight. I still have few of my clothes which I used to wear when I was still slim and slender. It's only been a longing to wear those size of dresses once more, but after I gave birth, such longing seems so impossible to achieve. But yesterday, I started my "serious" career with the Wii Fit system. Maybe by monitoring, I'll get there. I love the hula hoop best! LOL But I'm only doing it when it's just me and Triz around. Haha. Losing weight, for others have been a major importance. I truly understand that as I know how hard it is, especially when we're looking for nice wears. For some, going under the knife is an option. For others, diet pills. For me, I guess diet control and exercise are the solution. But for you, you may want to check lab88.com! They might have what you've been looking for.

It's Done!!!

My older sister's house construction, that is! It's been scheduled to be turnover to the owner but too bad, Yaya isn't in town as she's still in Japan with her family. As to when they're gonna go home for it, time will tell. But the last time I've talked with her, I can hear the excitement in her voice. Surely, the hard works have been paid off. We both want to see the outcome of it. We were told the landscaping looks real nice and the inside- spacious. We are really excited to see it. She said they've been buying some things that they could brought for the inside furnishing. They even have a set of tv furniture that they'll bring from Japan. I protested it first as I could imagine the tax that they're gonna be paying once it gets inside the country but they're willing to pay for it so I'm going for the idea. Now I am missing home even more! :D

eBaying for a portable DVD player

I have been thinking of what to give to swithart for his birthday this month. Yay, it's gonna be so soon. He thinks of getting a new laptop with a bigger memory so his will be passed on to Triz (really??? !!!). BUT... our budget won't let us for now. See, we still are so indebted these days, super! I asked him what he wants to have aside from a new laptop and all I got as an answer is a new portable DVD player for Triz. You see, Triz is in a stage right now where she watches her shows and fave programs most of the times and when we three are in our bedroom, it's either swithart or me who's gonna let go of our laptop to grant her request of "Boz the Bear", "The Wiggles", "Dora", "Barney", or "Elmo". We don't have a TV and a player here in our bedroom so we end up sacrificing one of our laptops which isn't so good on our part as we've got tasks to accomplish at a certain time. I would love to get a compact and small laptop, even if it has a small memory, as long at it has a DVD player in it, but sadly, most of those below 10 inches laptops with less than 10GB memory in less than $300 price don't have what I am looking for. So now, I am eBaying on a new portable DVD player hoping I could get one in less than $50 price. Hmmm.... you think I could get one? I hope so. I'll post it here if I could. :) Stay tune!

Bz, busy, bz me!!!

It's my first time to have gone on a trip after having returned from Philippines. Well, it's almost a month since we got back and it seems like this break that we took last weekend really gave me a lot of tasks to make myself occupied today. We left for south of Missouri early morning last Sunday and I was all too busy the night before that preparing for what to bring, especially the foods since Ma and Pa were with us. Two days were spent there and yeah, we had a great time, but now, things left undone on those past two days are like neverending chores. Hehe... As if I am not used to this, huh. Well, it's just hard because swithart is back to school and I am alone with and for Triz who is so makulit and who really is a handful now. Plus the pictures that I need to organize here. Argh I still even have the photos of our Philippine vacation not shared yet. I really am busy these days. Hoooh!

Lake of the Ozarks adventure

Did I say we had a blast with our trip down a little south? Hmmm... we sure had!!! A six-hour-drive was worth it all. It felt great to have relaxed a little bit and be with the whole family. The place- Lake of the Ozarks and the neighboring cities in Missouri is sure to be a beautiful place, so close to nature, feels a little tropical when summer is almost over, and a terrific place for a nature-lover family. Two days isn't enough to tour the whole place but we had a great time!

At the resort where we headed off.

The condo unit where we checked in. Soooo wow the place, ever! Unbelievably sophisticated inside. More than worth the $200/night.

A glimpse of the boating adventure we did. Ahhh... feeling rich eh? Hehe...

Track Your Annoying Callers

You sure don't want somebody you don't know to be calling you without any reason at all, right? That happens here at home, a call that is so annoying, usually every 9:15 in the morning daily and at 8 o'clock at night. He really gives us his harassing phone calls!!! He even calls on weekends and one weekend ago, he was given his share when it was SIL who picked the phone up and he answered. Sure he was told how annoying he is and to stop calling. After that incident, that person didn't call again, but another person did, at the same time with the same phone number [yes, we have a caller ID]. Still harassing us I believe but nothing to worry anymore with annoyingcallers.com where I can track every phone number that's insignificant to us and that who keeps calling us just for annoyance. They've got the list in their database so go search the number that's been harassing you every time! I am about to search ours.