[just a li'l] photo sharing...

I'm having a wordless Wednesday version 'round here! Well, I'm just gonna go ahead and show some shots of the photo operation we did last weekend. lol You see, I've been boasting and bragging to my sisters and SIL about how wonderful it was last Sabbath-- that we had an awesome time at church the entire morning, that in the afternoon, we were able to share our talents to the old folks at the Nursing Home and everybody was so amazed with Triz when she volunteered to sing an action song called "Deep and Wide" [I'm still waiting for the video to be sent as somebody took of it], that after our Nursing home program, we went ahead to a nearby lake to enjoy the sunshine and the wind, and of course, nature, which made us pose for some spring shots, and later that night, we went back to church once again for the "Truth for Today, Hope for Tomorrow" seminar. Did I say it was a verrrrrrrry long day? It sure was! But we all had a blast!
To say the least, we are happiest when we're together. Much more,our happiness is way different when it's Sabbath day :) Can you tell how silly that li'l girl is? :D
Oh... they were products of my choreography! And of course, the little one is no doubt the winner!

You can actually take a look at either of the sky above, the lake behind that little girl, or that very cutie one posing for me! Everything is worth a smile, don't you think so?So there... I hope you liked it! It won't be long and it's gonna be weekend once again! I know, I know you'll say time flies by so fast. I would have wanted to complain about it, but nah... I am so looking forward to every end of the week because there's just a very special and delightful blessing that awaits us, and every seventh-day [Sabbath] of the week is always a wonderful time to rest our mind and body in Jesus. [Exodus 20:8-11]

Spring Cleaning and Shipping

So many things are keeping me up lately. It's no doubt our summer this year will be the busiest one ever and that's because we are moving out of here and there are a lot of things to take care of while waiting for July of this year. This house where are staying at right now is up for sale soon and because of it, there have been more renovations and fixings to be done. SIL, the homeowner is gonna start putting this up in the market maybe next week and that means everything should be ready and up in case someone interested will be checking this out at any given time. Can you just imagine what big a task lies for us here? Anyway, the class will be over in two weeks so swithart will have much time to do the fixing and stuff. And spring cleaning-- did I say we are yet to do it? How about you? Have you spring cleaned yet?

I've actually started my version of it by cleaning up the closets. Yesterday, I did one of the three here in our bedroom and I couldn't believe how many old clothes have been stocked and junked in here! Arrggghhh! Oh... the effect of too much shopping, eh? I found several that have still tags on them and realized that it's time to ship another set of balikbayan box to Philippines! I know, this is gonna cost me (somewhat big) amount of money but I'd rather do it because I am certain that everything will be used by people back home. I still have the new bridal lingerie that I purchased last February which I would have wanted to send to my friend who got married sometime last month. It's a shame that I'm sending this to her this very late already. I hope she'll still enjoy this though. I know she will, because the brand is one that she is so much into. :D

Meanwhile, April is almost over and yet, the weather here is turning a bit sour and cold once again. I hope the sun will be that friendly to all of us here as I know everyone is anticipating for the bright and warm summer days ahead! I am no exception you see, especially that I've mentioned that so much things outside are keeping me up. For now, I wish you all a wonderful Wednesday! I feel like I'm an early bird right now but the truth is, I have yet to hit the sack for my Tuesday night beauty rest! :)

Great Mother's Day Gift

I have been receiving a lot of campaign ads for the upcoming Mother's Day and ever since I became a mom, it's always been a joy to look forward to this event in my life. Yes, it's awesome to be valued, cherished, and appreciated by our kids, husband, and friends for being the kind of mom that we are. And no, I don't only receive mothers day gifts during such time but I also care to give my fellow moms who are so dear to me-- from my very own Mama, my MIL, my SILs, and sisters, and friends. I don't necessarily have to buy them something because I know even just kind greetings and thoughts mean so much to them already so my way of greeting them through calls, e-mails, texts, and greeting cards is what I can do most. But there's a $10 gift certificate giveaway that photofiddle.com has for any moms out there! If you're interested to claim this offer, just email mom@photofiddle.com before May4th. You can also feed yourself via Twitter to be updated with the latest discounts and contests that Photofiddle.com is having.

I think I know someone who would truly enjoy this offer. She is a mother who's dear to me as well so I'll try to claim this awesome mother's day gift soon. To all the mothers out there: cheers for the motherhood career that's beyond compare! :)

Payday Loan

To whom do you rely to in cases of financial emergencies? I know my sister-in-law depends much on Faxless Pay Day Loans because instant approval happens without requiring credit checks like how apexpaydayloans.com does it to their clients and customers. It is indeed a consolation to have somebody to turn to in times of financial difficulty, especially in today's tumultuous economic times. Swithart and I are open to payday loan options. See, in some few months, we will be moving to a new place where we will be residing for a couple of years and to start it off, we will be needing an extra amount of money for the much needed stuff that we ought to have in our new apartment, not to mention the cost and expenses for being a new renter that we are and for being literally a starter. No, we don't see ourselves asking for assistance from my sister-in-law because we understand how tough her situation is right now so we have to find other means for what we will be needing. But until then, we shall be readying ourselves for the tough beginning.

We Have Decided!!!

...that we will be settling in Wisconsin in the next couple of years, at least, or beyond. This is to say that swithart's search for the Mathematics [professorship] position is now over. After over three months of job hunting and applications, we both are thankful to be blessed by this opportunity for the hubby to be a part of the University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point and we are the most excited for what the future holds for us. We didn't see the job offered vocally to swithart through e-mails and phonecalls, after much deliberations, inquiries, and talks, to be real. Not until we will receive the written contract which would make everything formal. And last Friday, as promised by the UWSP Provost, we got in the mail the most awaited thing. No, we didn't need to rethink things over and over. Though I must confess, we were torn several times, given the more than one opportunities. But because we've carefully thought of the many advantages and positives, after reviewing what's in the contract, swithart was very much ready to sign it! Therefore, in the next couple of years at least, starting August of this year, we will be sharing a symbiotic relationship with UWSP.

Now that another chapter in our lives is going to take place soon, the hubby's privilege to be working full time truly gives our family a consolation of earning a stable income. It's been a long time of hurdling student life! It's not easy you know. We've been waiting for this and we've worked so hard to achieve this part and hopefully, we shall be able to start off the leap with full confidence and providence. Since the job's salary includes a full package of most of the benefits for the employee and his dependents, swithart has tasked me to shop for life insurance quotes because he's seeing the need for one, all for her very precious daughter. Guess what, reliaquote.com gives me peace of mind and ease in doing so!

As for starting our Wisconsin living, we are in the process right now of planning so many things ahead. In July, we will be moving up there and it would be time to separate from loved ones whom we've shared the past several years with. It's gonna be sad and tough but we will work it out. As for the new job that swithart has gotten, I say congratulations to him and thank you UWSP for the chance! It will all be worth it you'll see!

minus 6 pounds!!!

Yoohoo! It's paying off, at least! Wii Fitting yesterday afternoon, I did a quick body test and measured my weight and guess what, I lost six pounds to date since we got back from our long trip which had me eating endlessly and made me regained the five pounds I've lost before our travel to Wisconsin and Arkansas. Swithart is indeed right. I don't need a diet pill at all; just self-control and regular exercise regimen plus diet lifestyle rich in fruits and veges. Now I can really say I am on the right track! My goal is to get back my prepregnancy body and my used to be BMI [Body Mass Index] of 20 something [right now, I still have a BMI of 23.68], though it seems to be really really hard. I'll just keep going. And each time I look at this old photo of mine, I can't help but be challenged!

It is a picture taken approximately four years ago, before I got pregnant with our now toddler Triz. No, I didn't have the perfect body stat but I felt I had the right weight at that time which I think is best to be maintained. So there, I am proud to say I'm down six pounds now. Though it's not visible yet with how I looked like right now, at least I can feel I've lighten up a bit. LOL Or so I thought!

Tough Aunt I Am!!!

Yes, I am a tough and (strict) aunt to all of my nieces and nephews. But of course, I don't overdo it. You could ask any of them [I've got 15 nieces and nephews now!] and they could tell you how much they're afraid of me. NO... how much they respect me... He he. I think they love me, don't you think so? Well, they're very proud of me as their auntie so that should say it. LOL Actually, my version of being strict is just to teach them what hard work and sacrifices are and the value of both. See, we siblings [my nieces' and nephews' moms and dad] were raised up being taught so and really living it. We didn't get rewards and lots of gifts when we were young. We weren't given lots of money to buy whatever we wanted. We work so hard to get what we needed. Whatever things we received as rewards, even the littlest, they're really valued and they're considered as a HUGE consolation. Now with the younger generations growing up, I can sense how much they're being spoiled by their parents. I know, because I can see it with how my siblings are raising their kids. It's a no-no to me to give whatever they ask. They need to realized that in the real world, they can't just simply get what they want.

When my two nieces, both are still in high school [freshman and sophomore they are!] asked for an MP4 from me, I knew then and there what to tell them. But of course, I was so surprised to hear that from them. I thought, "what? an MP4? I don't even own one! (That was before swithart bought me one! LOL)" I love them both, undoubtedly, but I couldn't give them what they're asking just in an instance! I could've bought wholesale ipods so I could give everyone of them fairly but I won't. See, they're living in Philippines and it is not practical for them, at such an age, to be carrying one whenever, wherever. It is ambitious on my part. They're highschoolers you know, and I want them to mind their studies and do good in it. I want them to aim high and hit the above average grades. I want them to focus on learning and understand that they don't need such stuff in order to achieve what we adults want them to achieve. I simply told them to ask me anything that they need and not want.

And then I challenged them to show me a grade of 85+ [A and B] at the end of the school year and I could reward them with what they want. Does that mean I am a tough Aunt? :)

thank God it's Friday!!!

Ah-huh!!!

...my most anticipated day of the week next to the day after that! It's been a long and very tiring week for me, and so, I am thankful that weekend is finally here to give me a break! I regretted sleeping last night without finishing that online task I should have written. This morning, when I got up, I found out that the worth $20 opps I've reserved is now gone! Ha ha! It's a loss, but as swithart always tells me, I deserved the good night sleep and it is priceless! I agree. With the long sleep I've gotten, now I am all energized to finish up my tasks for today before the sun sets. I've got a lot here, plus I have to do some grocery shopping later because tomorrow is our church potluck and I need to pick up some stuff which I'll be cooking. I'll try to be quick here. I still have plenty of photos to edit before starting my offline tasks. For now, I wish one and all a great Friday and I hope everyone is safe and is able to smile. :)

...of cruising together!

My best friend S has had the time of her life when she and her husband, together with their children, went on a cruise last year. It was actually a sort of their anniversary celebration plus the Christmas and New Year holidays combined. Seeing the photos that they have taken during the cruise, all I can say is, "wow!!!". It was such a wonderful experience touring several of the European countries in just a couple of weeks. I surely love to go on a cruise but for now, such getaway will remain to be a dream for me. My sister who is planning to visit us this December was delighted to learn that they can stay here for 90 days on a tourist visa. She was wondering of the possibility for any of those Caribbean cruises and my sister-in-law DZ, a travel queen that she is [yep, she's toured almost all of the whole world already!] recommended a certain Caribbean cruise that we would enjoy which she herself have experienced already. Cruising together, not only with my husband and daughter but also with my sister's family and some friends would be wonderful! But until then, I can't tell how awesome it really is! (Now I'll keep on dreaming! :D)

still the busiest bee!!!

Oh how I long for the week to be over now! See, I'm still the busiest bee buzzing around here! My life offline surely keeps me sane and I am happy to count all of the blessings being poured on me each day. I am tired now, it's not even close to sunset but I feel like sleeping already. :D just got back from the health department for Triz's appointment with our nutritionist and we had a blast with our visit because Triz was being so silly and she entertained everybody who attended us with what she can do and show. Right now, baby Joshua is still here [and thank God he's sleeping so soundly!] and I am hoping that any minute, either the mom or the dad will come pick him up so I could mind my online tasks na pud! Hehe... Later tonight, we'll be going to church and I love it because every topic is worth my time listening. It's been a great Thursday so far, the weather is amazing! Sunny, a little windy, but the temperature is in the 60s and I am soooo loving it! I hope everyone is doing well!

A Life Insurance to Protect Your Family

I never saw the need to have my life insured, not until my father died 10 years ago and we all were left with too much burdens-- financially and of course, emotionally. We weren't stable during that time and the best weapon we had to fight and continue with our lives was the unity that we siblings have. I could never forget how much we struggled together and I am so proud to look back to that time with much grace and honor to show to the world that we made it to what we are now by supporting each other all those years.

Having experienced such plight in the past, I now see the importance of having my life and my husband's life be insured, especially that we have our daughter to mind. Right now, we only have the lowest rate of a term life insurance but soon, when swithart has to start working full time, getting our lives insured is one of the things that we are considering and I am thankful that we have a handbook around here that I could use as a guide to knowing the premiums and policies that would be best suited for our option. It costs big when you think about it and not do anything, but when you really have to pay for it and think of what tomorrow brings, I believe it will all be worth it and the peace of mind it gives you is priceless. If you are in the process right now of finding the best insurance for you or your loved ones, you can ask for an instant term life quotes for free at reliaquote.com!

sooo lovin' this Philips GoGear of mine!!!

Just the best, really! With the 8GB memory, I couldn't be more satisfied!

Swithart got me this during my birthday after he heard me complained one time when we went on a quite longer trip that we are left with nothing to use now when we've purchased several last year. Yes, we did buy more than one MP3/MP4 last year but when we went home, we gave everything away to our nephews and siblings. We came back with nothing and I realized that having one would be good not only for me and him but also for Triz who loves to listen to good music, as well as our own recordings which I have here in my pc. Now that I have this, ahh... every long travel we've had was a blast because this contributed much to Triz very okay behavior while stucked in the ride for several hours.

The super easy to use feature makes it so quick for Triz to learn, hence, she could operate this all by herself. The headphone is of high definition and did I mention how good and precise the sound is? Actually, since I've been on a break doing my reading habit which is my sleeping aid every night, with this player I got, night-time sleeping now comes so easy! I won't forget to mention how long-lasting the battery is. Really, really great product overall!

The Liquid Scenarios [Software]

It is true, man's general knowledge in today's age and time has indeed increased and manifestations can be seen by what technology offers to everyone. Let's talk about business! Can you tell the difference with how the financial and business aspects of today's society is so deliberate, concise, fast, and really beneficial compare to how it was maybe, 50 years ago? With the existence of those many kinds of software that business analysts and programmers are using, everything seems to be so easy and smooth with regards to managing the data that those large leading companies are dealing with. One of these software is a financial software that works so brilliant in Seeing Into the Future of IPOs. To see what the future offers? Isn't that amazing?

Liquid Scenarios Enterprise 2.0 RC1 is what it's called. Unfortunately, I am no business and data management expert so I won't be able to give you the very detailed information about it. But one of the reviews I've read about this software is from The Denver Post and it has said "A financial software so easy a child could do it!" I have yet to ask my SIL whom I believe knows about this and it would be great learning more what this software could offer. "Because time is money" is a niche so often heard in the entrepreneurial world and since this is what Liquid Scenarios has been shouting out in the site, I would have to say that using this software will truly save one a HUGE amount of time therefore making him earn more. Now check out liquidscenarios.com and get all the necessary information I haven't covered!

sneaking in

Busy days... busy week-- it's what I have so far! I am just sneaking a little time in here as later, I'll be off again for my babysitting task. Today will be a challenge since it's only going to be me with Triz and baby Joshua till 12 something this afternoon! Good luck to moi! LOL It's now Wednesday and I couldn't believe how time goes by so quick. I feel like the weekend was just yesterday and oh... I am mostly loving it! Yesterday, we got another good news regarding swithart's job application and that is, he has been invited for a campus interview in one of the universities in Iowa and what I am loving about it is the fact that they'll shouldering the itinerary! Yes, it's going to be a wonderful trip but when the most awaited contract will arrive within this week or early next week, I am insisting to swithart that he doesn't need to go to the said appointment since we already have made a decision of where to go. Anyway, I wish you all a wonderful middle of the week and I'll see you all later when I could drop by your blogs!

A Less Stress and Relaxed Relocation

I know for sure how much stress and tiredness a relocation can give. In my 26 years of existence in this world, I could vividly remember still that when I was little, my family has moved from one city to another for quite a few times. My father's work demanded such, and so, I was used to moving to and fro, with much of the household's stuff be carried and brought from one place to another. Soon, I will be taking the same track when my small family will be moving out from here.

We are currently in central Illinois and relocating to our next place to settle [which is probably in central Wisconsin] won't be that much of a hassle since it's not really that far. Also, Boston Moving Company and some other moving companies are available to call to during transition time. I think I am well-managed enough to deal with stress but having a little child around, I am sure it won't be that easy. The good thing is, we only have few belongings to bring with us and I am willing to let go of these personal stuff that we have by maybe dropping them off to Goodwill or Thrift Store so that we will not have a lot to carry, lessening or luggage and boxes and making the entire setting be a little smoother.

Everybody wishes to have a less stress and relaxed moving experience. Having the help of moving companies is one way of removing the stress. If you are relocating soon, try checking out humboldt.com and see how less stress you can get with them. As for me, the fact that we are being provided a good amount of money by the university that employed the husband as a "moving out stipend" is a HUGE reason to have a smooth, less stress, and relaxed moving out. :)

it's Yaya's birthday!!!

Every 17th of April is my bestfriend best sister's birthday. Today, I wish her the best, the happiest, the most wonderful, and all of the positive superlatives I could think of on her birthday celebration! She deserves to have every blessing and happiness in this world because she works so hard for us and she is incomparably unique in her own way.

W/ her cutie puppy which I thought isn't real!

I call her Yaya. People would think she isn't my sister because Yaya is a Filipino term used by kids to call their nanny or housemaid. I call her such, or rather, she taught me to call her such for a very special reason. She was the one who took care of me when I was little and when our parents would leave us at home for work. I didn't realize such term would depict a very special bonding for the two of us. We were a lot in the family, 8 siblings and we have only one brother. She is the 5th, I am the 8th and she calls me "gang" [an andearment term for 'precious'] like how most of my older sibs do. We were very close to each other when we were growing up but Yaya and I are the closest. We've crossed rivers together, climbed mountains hand in hand, and literally solved problems together. She has provided me with so many things that none of my other sisters could outdo. Everybody knows that I am her most loved sister and nobody could take that away from her. Our times spent in this world have had a lot of happiness and toils and we shared our success and frustrations together. Now that we have our different lives and she has achieved so much already which I know I will never be able to attain the same way she did, all I can say is... I am always and forever grateful that she never lost her trust in me. For her, what is hers is mine and I am aware that that alone is a thing that's so hard to find among siblings. She is the kindest and the most generous person next to our late father and I never took advantage of her like many did and I never will. I am sure everybody in the family is grateful for her presence in our lives and I am no different. I love her so much and she knows that.

It's been a year since we last reunite with each other and trust me, when we talk on the phone, an hour isn't enough! Hehe... I am so looking forward when she and her family can come over to visit us this December and spend the New Year with us. Awww! I can't wait!

It's her inside the Makahambus Cave in CDO last year.

BSN Supplements

The last time we chatted with my brother-in-law N, swithart's youngest brother, who works as an ER resident physician in one of the public hospitals in Cebu, Philippines, he asked us if we could send him this particular vitamins which he said he will need to get going. You see, we find his schedule to be be so hectic and tough that it seems to be killing his own self! He works more than overtime everyday that when he gets home, he sometimes could sleep right away for being so burned out and tired from his straight duty. It's the reality of being a resident physician back home and in a public hospital, plus at the ER. He said he enjoys what he's doing but he can't deny how tiring it is and he couldn't get in touch with his family that often anymore because of his schedule.

Funny thing is, he would almost always demand and prescribe his patients with medicines and vitamin supplements depending on the medical condition's needs of the patients, like all doctors do, but he himself needs to take one, too in order to maintain his good health. I just recently learned about BSN Supplements (FitFuel.com) when I was trying to search for that particular vitamins that N mentioned and I think this perfect for him. Active physical performance is what everybody expects a medical doctor should be and I believe BSN Supplements Bio-Engineered Supplements and Nutrition, Inc. (BSN) could do that to my brother-in-law. But no, BSN Supplements are not limited to such kind only. If you check out the site, you will see various categories of their products-- from vitamins and minerals to diet and fat loss (which is exactly for me! LOL) to bodybuilding formulas.

I have yet to browse the site and see if they've got what we take for our eyes and for my asthma as well. If they do, then it would be perfect as we could then purchase all of our supplement needs in just one store! How about you, what vitamin supplements do you take?

Off With My Reading Habit

I am saddened to see my piles of books and magazines in my small table just beside our headboard. Those numbers of books and magazines show that I haven't been reading much lately. Though my desire to read was never gone, it is my worsening eye condition that prevents me from doing so. I used to read a lot during bedtime; in fact, it is my sleeping aid every night. But now, swithart would always caution me not to to protect my eyes. Even with enough lighting that I need, he still would not want me to read when I am already lying in bed. My option is only during daytime when I don't suffer from the glare of the articial lights and I am sitting down comfortably with my eyeglasses on. But it is so hard to find my me-time during the day as I'm surrounded with a lot of household chores plus I got my online life to be mind to. Hehe... As for our bedtime stories with the toddler, currently, our version is not reading but storytelling and narrating. So you bet Mama and Dadi has to remember those good old stories worth sharing to this amazing daughter we have who never fails to ask for one every night!

do you mind???

Okay, I'll try to make this post a quick one as I am advertising myself in here; I hope you don't mind. :) See that widget above in the right side of this page? That says I am CONTESTANT #8 and if you are a frequenter or a visitor in this blog of mine and you have some moments to spare, I hope you can take a look at my entry at Lainy's Blogsversary Writing Competition. I wrote "MY BLOGGING PLIGHT" and the voting ends in April 25th. If it isn't too big of a burden to you and you like my entry, I would be honored to have your vote. (Blush...) The widget will lead you to the polling page and you can see all of the entries in that page as well. Just click POLL below contestant #8 and answer some more few questions after that and you will be good to go! To all of those who have voted already, THANK YOU and we will take home the prize together if we will win! Ha ha ha!

Hurry Up, Summertime!!!

What activities are you looking forward come summertime? I am sure there are a lot. I know most, if not all of you are into outdoor escapades and beaches. I am, too, but sadly, this year's summertime will be a very busy one for us! Yes, because in August of this year, swithart will be starting his tenure-track Mathematics teaching position at a certain university somewhere and that would mean we will be moving out of here! Yay! I am the most excited! Hehe.... Simply because we have been waiting for this time and then very soon, I could proceed to starting the first step of going back to school and take up nursing classes or medicine. Whichever, I am all set for it! My daughter's 3rd birthday in July 4th will be a grandiose one but I am not sure yet of where and how to celebrate it. Maybe because by then, we are already very busy packing up, we might be celebrating it on the road. LOL Also, SIL is coming over from Las Vegas to take Cyndi, Ma and Pa with her so we will be having a farewell gathering around here and I am sure there will be tears to fall. :( Oh... summertime, won't you come now? But there's one thing I love most about the heat during summer! It's the sweating I could have, even if I'm just doing a very light exercise. It makes me need not any facial cream to use because I won't have dry skin at all, it takes away those blackheads naturally, and most of all, it makes me feel like I am in my homeplace CDO in Philippines because it's hot, hot, hot! So summertime, come hurry up!

of tags and awards

It's been ages since I last posted a tag and an award in this blog. All these times, I know I missed thanking a lot of my very friendly fellow bloggers who never fail to include me in their list of awardees. I used to copy and paste the URL of those posts that tagged and awarded me and save it in my MS Word so I have something very concrete to look back to in case it's my posting time. However, this past few weeks or months, I missed doing such because I was really busy and I had a lot of other things in mind which I wanted to give more priority to be posted. Thus, I am very sorry to everyone of you whom I failed to give a special mention. I got several awards though that I've gathered from the recent posts of my fellow bloggers where I saw my name as one of the recipients. To show these awesome awards off, here they are:

Lainy and Nova thought so! ;-)
STAR-chuu and I follows each other! ;-)
From Lainy again! And some others that I really forgot. (Sorry guys!)
A Neno's Award from Twerlyn! Thanks sis!
I know there are several more that I missed grabbing and posting and therefore I apologized to all of you whom I failed mentioning in this post. I understand if you won't acknowledge me next time! LOL As for the tags I missed doing as well, I know I owe the following peepz my version of the tags they've thrown on me.

Ally of In the Eyes of the Beholder about the birthday wish tag.
Mystique of Mystique's Moments about the picture-picture tag.
Twerlyn of Stay in Love about the handwriting tag.
...and some others who I forgot as well!

Huh, can you tell how big the recent birthday of mine (March 28th) impacted my memory status? I know, my forgetfulness is a sign of old age (LOL) and I have to admit that. Hehe... Thank you everyone for all of your acknowledgment and give me a heads up if you feel like you should be in the special mentioned people of this post of mine!

I'm Still At It

For a month now, I am still at it. At what, you may ask? Well, at my simple and controlled diet regimen. LOL My elder sister recommended me something and I did follow it and the first two weeks have been perfect! Yes, I've lost 5 lbs in just two weeks only through a very controlled diet that's filled with fruits and vegetables. It was very hard but because I've seen a good result, I am determined to keep going. However, the past couple of weeks ruined the entire process! You see, we went on a trip for two weeks [in Wisconsin the first week; in Arkansas the second week] and every travel time, I need to fill up my stomach with really heavy foods, especially rice which is rich in carbohydrates so I won't get sick and all so after the two-week-getaway that we've had, I've regained the 5 lbs I lost plus some more of it. How bad, really! Now could anybody tell me what are the best weight loss pills in the market right now? I actually got informed about a certain wonder pill that would really work but I am hesistant to try one still. Hmmm... if in three months I still won't loose 10 pounds, I may try one then! Ha ha ha. (Now I gotta remember this deal I'm making for myself!) Heck! I keep super hula-hooping via Wii Fit though so I might achive my goal before I know it! ;-)

tGiF, etc...

This week that's about to end has been a blast for me and swithart! And now, I could truly say thank God for all the blessings! Well, I am always grateful each moment as I could endlessly feel that I have what I need to survive and I'm always good to go. Healthwise, everyone is doing very well, though there are little stresses and minor aches and pains for somebody but overall, it's a total wonder! Sadly, we heard a lot of financial burdens back home and a lot of our relatives are asking for financial support and though we are very tight with our budget here as well, we'll just try to send what we can share. Today, I am feeling the need to get up earlier and start my day right away. It's preparation day and I need to finish a lot of tasks online and off before Sabbath. I am looking forward to tonight's first night of the two-week-seminar at church and if you are near the Bloomington-Normal area here in Illinois and you're interested to attend the "Truth for Today, Hope for Tomorrow" seminar called The Wedding Supper of the Lamb, give me a heads up and I'll get back at you for further information. It's a very uplifting time and I must say the information you will be listening too will add so much hope and meaning to your life in this these last days. Meanwhile, I wish you all a wonderful weekend ahead!

Free Hotel Rooms

"Are you kidding me?" That's what my initial reaction when SIL told me that she missed a great offer of vacationing to Hawaii when she let go the free hotel rooms for four to six persons in the beautiful islands of Hawaii because the promo date is not that accommodating on her part. She is the busiest bee right now since a lot of things are up to be done by her for the upcoming summer. Her house hunting in Las Vegas is her top priority for now and since she is working eight hours a day plus reporting to her military unit mostly every weekend, her only time to do her personal errands are very limited. No time for vacation for now and being the travel queen that she is, I bet she can't wait for summer of 2010 to give herself a break! Well, she is a member of a particular travel organization and with that, she always receives many kinds of travel ads so free hotel room offers and the like will once again come in the future. I believe so.

over!!!

I mean, my hibernation in this blog is now over! Hehe... After more than a week of being idle in here, I now have time to put into words what I have been keeping all this time! lol I haven't shared yet the photos and experiences we've had during our trips. There are a lot to share but my slackness is blameworthy for the silence! Though writing tasks were not that much for this blog as well in the past week, it's not the only reason why I kept silent. Really, I just have a lot to do. And now, I am up, alive, and kicking! Haha! I have so much to be grateful and for now, I wanna say thank you everyone for your constant visit here! :) And oh, did you vote for me? Hehe... I would be thankful if you did! If not, you still have time! Just click that widget at the upper rightmost of this page. Remember, I am contestant #8 friends! :) Thank you!

A Shift in my Career

We are in the process of weighing things over regarding our options of where to settle later this year. The husband is about to finished his Ph.D. in Math Education this summer and fortunately, he has been blessed to be offered by a job-- a success which I consider a fruit of all of the efforts he has exerted during the whole application process. Mind you, not one, but more than two positions are being offered to him. Thus, a big task of decision-making lies for both of us. There's this one campus that I really really liked settling and would be perfect for the husband's research study but there is a disadvantage on my part: there is no medical school nor a lot of healthcare courses to choose from in case I would take up a degree in nursing or medicine.

The people at the Mathematics Department of the university whom we talked to during our visit suggested unto me a shift of the career I could make. There is this one big and known insurance company in the place and they said I could always work for a Collection Agency or at any department of the company if I am willing, given that I have the potential to work for such job. Thinking about the whole matter, I have to say I agree. Sometimes in life, one has to make a change in order to reach what has been laid out and plan. But for now, I still am not convinced of letting go my desire to pursue nursing or medicine when the time comes.

we're off to Northwest Arkansas!!!

If you've been a frequenter of my blogs, you must have known about our quest for a college/university institution to settle. The husband has been incomparably patient and hardworking in this endeavor and I am with him all the way! Hopefully, soon enough, we will be able to finally end our search. Fortunately, the result of swithart's applications so far has been pretty good. Last week, we went to the central part of Wisconsin for the scheduled campus interview and just after one business day, we are very thankful for the favorable response that we got. If we won't have any choice anymore, this will be our new campus then!

However, there's another opportunity that we are very much interested as well so tomorrow, we will be hitting the south of I-55 and go west of I-44 then head to I-71 to Northwest Arkansas for swithart's campus interview and demo on Thursday. We just want to try and if he'll be offered the job, then all we have to do is to consider and weigh things over. If not, it will still be worth it since Ma and Pa are going with us and we'll take the chance as well to do some adventures and escapades on our trip. Mind you, it's a long drive [8 hours] so I hope we will make it safe and sound! Thank you for taking time visiting me here and I'll see you around when I'll get the chance. For now, I gotta go ahead and finish my preparation for our trip tomorrow! Have a good time everyone!

The Need for a Moving Company's Services

You all know the hassles and bustles of moving, don't you? Well, all my life, I have been such a victim of a very mobile household. I think, if I counted it right, during my childhood until I got married, my family has moved from one place to another for eight times and me living here in the US becomes my ninth time of having to deal with transferring my residency. And you think I'm done with it already? Well, not really! In fact, in just a few months, we will be leaving this place where we're currently situated and that would make it my 10th time of relocating in my entire 26 years of existence! LOL

Right now, I am already comparing the rate of this particular Moving Company from all others that I know exist. I am sure you will agree with me if I'll say that indeed, the stress and tiredness of moving are being lessened when we are allowing a moving company's services be of used to us. I am just very thankful to know that we are getting a moving stipend from the university that my husband will be working with in the future and that should be a HUGE help for our expenses. How about you, when's the last time you have moved? Or maybe, like us, you are also up to relocating soon? So what's your stand in using a moving company to help you with the entire situation? I bet you will find it to be a great help as well!

a day at the library

I have been meaning to post some shots during one of our hops at the library here. I have a lot to choose from of what to post, but I have several taken late last month when art exhibit made by grade schoolers here in the county were displayed in the second floor of the library and I must say, Triz, together with me and swithart were pretty amazed with the artworks that were really beautifully made. Here, I've got few shots to share!

So it's photo-sharing time, huh! Well, I hope you won't get bored. You see, I still have a lot to share, especially those I've captured during our short but many trips. If I am finally done editing the sizes of these, I can make a slideshow and post them altogether to lessen the time. :) Have a terrific Tuesday everyone!

Meanwhile, I got a lot of tasks here to finish before the day ends. Tomorrow morning, we're gonna be hitting the south of I-44 going to the Northwest of Arkansas for another cool appointment that swithart is due of. It should be fun since Ma and Pa are going with us. It's a long drive though and I hope that everything that matters will cooperate. As usual, I'll try to get online if I could. I made sure that the hotel I booked has a wi-fi amenity so it should serve me well. So Arkansas, here we come for a short hop in your territory! lol

Everything Radio and Parts

Both me and my eldest sister used to work at a radio station before; however, we have different roles and jobs. I was a news writer and editor and I sometimes do broadcasting when somebody needed fill-ins but my sister was more on the technical side. She does radio operations and control and I reckoned such task was critical and really was a big deal in the running of the station. I was too young then when she was studying radio communication and I remember she used to bring a lot of radio parts whenever she goes home from school during the weekend. I would play with her handy walkie talkie and I would browse her books and manuals and whenever she sees me kinda showing some interest in those materials, she would spend time introducing to me what those stuff were. From radio antennas to transmitters, I have already some kind of technical backgrounds on those despite my young age because of my sister's influence on me.

I'm kind of reminded by all of those wonderful memories as I am browsing the modern radio kits, parts, and accessories at the SIRIUS website. I would have to say that in our country, there is no such thing as the Starmate Replay yet less than two decades ago. Everything during that time was still manual and dependent on batteries and I thought it would be awesome if I could give my sister a certain radio kit now to remind her of her good old days. And before I forget, I would have to mention that tss-radio.com-- the website that I am currently browsing showcases products that's everything SIRIUS. From radio to car kits to mount accessories and replacement parts, there are a lot in display at the site. You might want to check it out for yourself for for somebody who will be interested in those stuff and so I am recommending the site!

monday activity

I am trying so hard to start my work week full of energy and activity. You see, it's been a while since I last posted in this blog. Six days. That's pretty long for me considering that I've got so much to write and share. But then again, I'm just one of you... wishing for an extra hour or two every day. Well, the past six days have brought me a lot of joys and fulfillment and I am very thankful. More than anything else, yesterday marked our 5th wedding anniversary and that alone is a huge blessing. All of the well-wishes and greetings I got from you meant a lot and I'll treasure them forever. Also, our trip to Wisconsin last week was a great one! Hopefully, the result would be favorable on us but if not, we're still very thankful for the experience which was truly amazing! I have yet to share our photos of it, for now, they're still up for some editions because they're of bigger sizes that it takes a lot of time to upload. [I know, I'm lazy when it comes to that, shhhhh.....]

As for the weather, all I can say is: argghhhh! LOL Yes, we're still experiencing the wintry misery in this part of the world when in fact, it's close to mid-April already and even if spring has already sprung, I am teaching myself to just forget about it! When I looked at outside a while ago, the ground has been covered with 2-3 inches of snow. Ekk!!! Next week though, the temperature forecast is already in the 50s so that's what I am looking forward. Days are passing by so quick, have you noticed it friends? Ahhh... I am but gets thrilled for summer to come. There'll be a lot of changes here and there, and I can't wait for them to happen. For now, I wish you all a wonderful start of the work week!

The Go Airlink NYC Will Do

My close friend back home finally got her US Visa. She is coming over later this month and oh I am so excited. Yes, I am so happy for her because she'll be able to finally be with her man and her coming here will give us the chance to meet again and enjoy long hours of chats and talks including escapades and trips like we used to do when we were still single. Unfortunately, she'll be settling in Connecticut so that means we're still a thousand miles away. But we could still make it to get together since we both want to see each other so bad.

And then a trip to New York! Yes, it's what she had wondered we could do together! And I am absolutely thrilled about it! I wished the university in New York where the husband has applied for a job hasn't withdrew its hiring. The hubby would have had a bigger chance to get the job offer as he was told he was one of those with the high potential. Had it happened, we would have been moving to NY later this year. And that should make me a bit closer to my friend Kat who will be settling in CT. But oh well, things happen for a reason and so, there's always a better way for everybody, including us. :)

Since neither of us is from NY, the Car Service NYC will just do then for our adventure! It's well recommended and as I was looking at the rates, I should say it's pretty fair and affordable. The hop on hop off bus tours is what I find to be the most interesting as its double decker will really give the tourists the chances to see the beautiful sights of the New York area.

The Go Airlink NYC is the leading car service transportation provider throughout New York City, Westchester, Connecticut, JFK, LaGuardia and Newark Airports so if you are planning a New York trip soon, don't forget to check out goairlinknyc.com and be amazed with their awesome rates that are really sounding so affordable and has also a "combo tour" package that is perfect for a family or group getaway!