Blackhead-free

I am always asked by my friends around here what my beauty secrets are as they say my facial skin is a product of their envy. You see, I am one of the lucky ones who are fortunate to be acne and blackhead-free. You want some evidence? Ha ha. Here, let me tell you what I'm talking about! :P {Shhh.... don't let this be a serious topic that affects you, ok? :D}

(It's me and my daughter)

Actually, I don't have any secrets to reveal because my beauty regimen is but the simplest thing that you may want to know. I don't use any expensive facial products for maintenance at all, and make-ups are not that of importance to me. A lip gloss will do as a must-have in my beauty kit. A facial wash using any facial soap before and after bed-time is a ritual to start and end my day. I don't use powder or foundation, but a Pond's cream serves as my partner for many years now so that might give you a hint. :D Oh well, I don't really lie on cosmetics and any artificial products to beautify me physically as for me, beauty comes from within. I am just lucky to be not that prone to acne or blackheads and I hope my daughter will grow the same way.

#

Quit Smoking, Now!!!

I am a 100% supporter for any quit smoking campaign. You see, my late father was a heavy smoker during his younger years and because of that, he didn't get to enjoy a long and lasting life because his was taken so early caused by lung cancer. His smoking habit affected most of his later years when he was already suffering the effects of it. When he was on a cessation stage, I remember how strong an advocate he became to quitting smoking and his experience was one that has so much credibility with regards to the campaign. I am sure when it comes to quitting to smoke, there is no such thing as an easy way of doing it. The good thing though is that comparing to how people do it before, there are better ways and options now with regards to resources and available help. Using an electric cigarette is an option. This e-cigarette thing is a kind of non-flammable electronic device, with efficacies similar to those of the traditional cigarette. It can stimulate the smokers and satisfy their smoking addiction, making them happy and relaxed, so as to relieve the suffering during quitting smoking process. Sounds like an execellent help, right? If you know someone who is into a smoking cessation program, you might want to tell them of the site www.icansmokewhenever.com; it will be a relevant one.

#

see green!!! [Spring Find 1]

It's been my constant complaints concerning how lazy I am in uploading the pictures I got in my 12MP digicam loaded with 4GB of memory card. You see, ever since spring has started, all of the shots I've captured have not been transferred here in my laptop's memory and yet, the 4GB SD card is still not full. Believe me, it's now close to a thousand pictures and reviewing them every now and then, it even makes me lazier even more to transfer them here. But I have to spend time uploading them online so that I could order their prints asap, before they'll reach thousands. Last Friday, I started doing it and yes, it's still not done. With my Spring Find series, I'll share with you a shot which I'll call "see green!" It's this:

Can you name this flower? It looks like ornamental to me because I've been observing this at a nearby park for weeks now and yet, I am not seeing any flower, even a bud of it. So I'll just have to make use of their five-finger-leaf. Now you're seeing green, huh. On another hand, what green things you got in there? Care to share?

#

KVM Switches

It is unbelievable to see how many wires are being hooked to one of our KVM switches here at home, especially in the living room where most of the entertainment system are being hooked. The thing is, I am scared to see all the outlets plugged in even when the systems are not in used, but SIL assured me that because we are using voltage regulator, everything will be alright. Oh well, I believe so because we have not been in danger ever since. But it is still scary, right? And so, when it's just me here at home, I always have all the outlets unplugged when they are not in use. It's better be safe than sorry, right? ^_^

#

It was a Surprise...

...to see my sister-in-law Daisy who was with a braces on when he came home the other week to surprise everybody. Well, I know she's had that plan to undergo a dental cosmetic to fix her teeth, but it was surprising to see her having one because aside from hearing a changed diction from her, I thought the braces did change her looks a little as well. She is currently in Las Vegas but she knew a Sacramento Dentist that she wants to recommends to anyone who is looking for a dentist in California. Hmm... it just reminds me that I am due for a dental check-up once again. But, our dental insurance is about to change now that the hubby will be transferring to a new work so I'll just wait four insurances to be settled before I'll go ahead with my needed regular dental routines.

#

My Kind of Dining Room Setting

I grew up together with my other seven elder siblings. With our parents, we were 10 in the family (yes, that huge!) making my (late) dad order a customized dining set for 10 seaters. It was a long dining table made of a Narra tree (Philippines' national tree) and the chairs were a match to the dining table. Every meal time brings a whole lot of laughter that everyone in the family shared and I always love to reminisce those wonderful times I've shared with all of my loved ones. Well, with my small family now, this particular DINING ROOM FURNITURE is what I so love to have in our new place soon.

Yes, I want one that would help make my place look spec and span. With this kind, can you tell what type of personality I am? :-) The good thing about this set is that at spacify.com, there are more colors of the chairs to choose from so I have an option. You may want to check out the site. If you are looking for any home furniture of your taste, just spacify (dot com) it.

forget the aches, it's goofing time!!!

I don't normally post photos here in my blog that show how huge my face is (LOL) but this time, I will. Don't ask me why or how or what. Actually, I've got tons of photos from my 4GB memory card taken by my 12MP Pentax digicam since last month and I've been the laziest in uploading them at Friendster and Facebook, thus, my connections can tell how idle I've become at those sites. Also, a couple of my friends have encountered problems at Facebook and they've been complaining that their accounts have been hacked leaving me idle even more in posting the latest shots I got here. Our family and friends back home have been asking for new pics but I don't have any to show them. They said even my blogs, when they checked it, looked empty without our faces so this time, I'll get back to my photo sharing time, but please... spare us from your hateful remarks if you dislike our smiles. Ha ha ha. We've been bombarded with problems and the likes around here caused by so many aspects of life but it's great to have loved ones around who could cheer us up whenever we need to. In our part, we are gifted by this silly daughter who knows well enough how to make us feel great despite the odds.

She's the one. She blesses us with so much mirth day and night.

Goofing and just being playful.

It's true, none of us will be satisfied without the other. Just when swithart and I felt before that we are stronger when we're together, now that our daughter makes us three, it makes life even better and sweeter no matter what. The trials that we encounter each day is nothing because at the end of the day, the three of us could kneel down together to lift our voices in prayer and rejoice those aches away. I'm kind of feeling a bit low these days; it's just one of those days when you feel like surrendering, but you won't, because you know that there'll always be rainbow after the rain. :)

Have a terrific Thursday everyone and don't forget to smile even when it rains. We always do.

#

Office Space

Just when I was looking for an attorney-at-law from a superyellowpages that we have here at home, the hubby has prompted me to find any vacant Offices as well that are for lease in the place where we will soon move to because he said his adviser has suggested him to put up a Mathematics tutorial office to make use of his academic skill and knowledge by offering Mathematics tutorial services while at the same time, earn from it as a sideline. I thought it would be an excellent idea and he seconded our motion as well. But since we are yet to move in July, I am just bookmarking officespacelocal.com for now and when everything will be settled after our move, then it's time to go ahead and find the office space that would be a good site for him. Has any of you tried finding for a vacant office space in your area through the site? How was it?

#

...and kris allen took the AI title home!!!

Yoohooo!

Sorry Adam Lambert fans! LOL I am just not into rock 'n roll genre at all! Though alternative will do (sometimes), rock just couldn't be taken, really. In fact, when Adam performed with the KISS band, I couldn't dare watch the TV screen with the Kiss singers in painted faces, and my toddler exclaimed they looked so scary that we had to leave the living room and go to the pc area and just mind the NBA playoff instead. LOL Seriously, I am contented with the results and Pa-in-law literally jumped for joy because his 20+ successful votes last Tuesday night was sooo worth it! :P Ha ha. We were rooting for the young and talented Kris, no doubt about it. He thought his fella deserves the title more but we thought he's got the package. Here's my deal: I hope Queen would just hire Adam Lambert because his vocal suits perfectly to be a rock 'n roll lead. He he. Now, enough with this (un)sensible thoughts of mine! ^-^ Have a great time everyone!

#

Summer Cruising

We have been seeing bikers around here who are enjoying the roads and highways, especially during warm spring days. In fact, my toddler is very much familiar already with the sounds they make every time they pass by along our street here or when they're driving beside us in any highway. Come summertime, it's a given that the bikers and cruisers will even increase in numbers. However, I am not joining. But my sister-in-law in Las Vegas in into it, after fulfilling her dream of getting herself a new motorcycle to drive the warm days away! I think she isn't needing any new part or accessory just yet, but I reckon cruisercustomizing.com will be a perfect site for her! They've got the super large selection of custom chrome motorcycle parts and accessories, including saddlebags and riding apparel so any cruiser owner would find this site to be so cool. How about you? Are you into summer cruising, too?

#

Singing Bowls, Anyone?

I've blogged about my sister who is into ethnic products, especially small or big vases. I've even featured a tissue box that she owns, originally coming from Cambodia which she herself brought with her as a souvenir. Recently, I've come across a site that sells Crystal Singing Bowls, really unique handicrafts from Tibet and Nepal and are sold in their original imported condition. Wait, I know what you're thinking! You're about to ask me if I meant singing bowls, aren't you? Yes, I do! Singing bowls, or make that Tibetan singing bowls that silverskyimports.com sells, are cultural artifacts that any person who is into ethnic or cultural products would surely find to be so relevant for their collections. Of course, it does sings! Seriously. So imagine this bowl to be producing a melodious tone for you:

(Click the image to go to the page and listen to the sound it creates)

Actually, these singing bowls are used by people for some sort of spiritual meditation. If you're familiar with Asian religions, like Buddhism, you know what I'm talking about. If not, then I owe you further explanation. But I won't do that right now. Instead, I recommend you visit Silver Sky Imports and get yourself familiar with the uses of singing bowls. But of course, there's more to that than just spiritual meditation causes. Their sounds can also be used as pieces of art or conversations. I even believe singing bowls' sounds are used for yoga, massage, or relaxation classes. Oh well, so much of these bits and pieces! If you're interested, go ahead now, get yours at silverskyimports.com!

#

Air Con Is a Must

Let's admit it: it is not easy to find a new place to live, be it a house or just an apartment. That's what we're going through right now as we are searching for the comfortable and convenient place to reside as we relocate somewhere in Wisconsin come July of this year. It's been a tiring process and though online searching for apartments or homes in the area where we're moving is contributing to the ease of the entire thing, it's undeniably too hassling to receive calls from countless moving companies that are affiliated with online realty that help us with our search. So far, we've got three places that we find to be having the most of what we are looking for and this is what I feel to be the best:

The complex is complete with the basic amenities that I am finding to be of good benefits. The entire package or monthly rate already includes air conditioning [which is a must for us, especially for our very sweaty toddler! lol] and cable as well as all those basic kitchen appliances for starters like us. So far, the management's costumer service has been of exemplary performance with regards to all of our inquiries and hopefully, we can make a good deal, or find a better one when we could go there sometime next month to check our desired places in person. We'll see what we can come up. Meanwhile, I suggest you visit aircon247.com for all of your air conditioning needs, especially for the summer. Can you feel the heat now?

#

Payday Loan...

...it is going to be our first option soon. I am sure everybody will agree with me if I'll say it it too hard and tough to start from scratch once again. We will be on the same plight soon as we move out from here and we'll start our new life in Wisconsin. As early as now, the husband and I have been thinking of where to get the extra amount of money that we will be needing for all the necessary expenses that are a need. We could ask for help from my sister-in-law but we will not, because we know her financial status, too, and we understand how tight her budget is. We could also get a hold of my elder sister in Japan but only if we don't have any other option anymore. For now, the Faxless Payday Loan is what I think is the best way to seek for financial emergency assistance. It's an advantage that applying online is so easy and credit check is not required at all, therefore, that means instant approval. When all things are settled, despite the financial crisis that we are undergoing right now, I'm sure life will become better for us in the new place, in time. :)

#

i got a new layout: have you noticed? :)

Thanks to Mommy Gen of MomGen Designs for the kind effort and the super nice job she's done! I deserve to only have the header of this blog be changed as one of the prizes I won (2nd place) at Lainy's Blogoversary Writing Contest last month but Mommy Gen was kind enough to offer a blog makeover for FREE so without the slightest hesitation, I gave her a go signal on it. Hah. She must have been too tired of seeing a free template, eh? LOL Anyway, I have demanded for the simplest design she could make with red as the dominant color and her creativity resulted to what my layout is right now. Do you friends like it? (I hope so....)

Thank you so much Mommy Gen for this free blog makeover you did to my page.

If any of you is in need of her services, from headers to an entire customized page makeover, don't hesitate to contact her at momgendesigns.com! She does great according to your preferences and likings and she will not fail you! Promise!!!

$100 Is All It Takes

It is everybody's dream to go on a break come summertime. No, it is not the usual ordinary break that I meant. It is not just a one-day-break from your job, not the week-long trip that you need as a breather. It is the escapade of a lifetime where you get to enjoy the beautiful scenery of a paradise, not by yourself alone but by your whole family or best friends together. How about the breathtaking view of the Atlantic ocean? Well, that is so possible when you go for an adventure in the Virgin Islands. But how about owning one of the stunning St. Thomas Villas priced at $2 million? You think it's too ambitious?

Well, $100 is all it takes, people! Yes, an entry is worth $100 and then, you'll have a chance to become a Virgin Islander and win the luxurious, fully-furnished 6 bedroom Ocean Cliff villa and to give you just a little glimpse of the waterfront property, I have a shot to show you:

Seems unreal, eh? But check out vipropertyraffle.com to get you more familiar with the raffle's terms and conditions or if you're good to go, start registering now! This is such an awesome deal that I find it too hard to not recommend it as who knows, the winner who will be selected might be someone who have learned about this through me, how's that? This ReMax dream property will become a reality if you give yourself a chance to win! Remember, $100 is all it takes!

#

Auto Radiator Checked Before the Trip

I haven't shared in this blog our excitement here at home the past week has brought us. I got so busy the whole week and that's because of so many reasons. Two of the reasons are worth mentioning: Nora's arrival from Philippines last Monday night which painted the biggest shock of happiness to Ma and Pa's faces and Daisy's surprise visit here from Las Vegas last Wednesday night to give everybody else [but me and swithart] the most surprising thing for this month. LOL With those instances, you bet our week was so full.

Everything happened in just an instance actually. Well, it's not a surprise at all since most of us here are pretty spontaneous with everything. When Nora arrived last Monday night, she had her car and Daisy's brought to the car shop to have them checked and be readied for a long drive [approximately 1,800 miles] from central Illinois to Las Vegas, NV for Daisy's planned weekend travel. Last Wednesday, every part of the cars was checked and Daisy's had a lot of replacements made including its auto radiator since it has to be that well to make sure they'll arrive to their destination safe and sound. There was an aftermarket radiator that our car expert knew about here in our very own place and it helped big time with what Daisy's car was needing after a leak in it was seen. Oh... I should recommend to you radiator.com because it is the friendliest local radiator shop I've known in the country not to mention their complete list from all car brands. They also got the lowest price and finding for their local store is so quick: just by typing your current zip code in their store locator section and off you'll be given the right area to serve you.

Right now, Nora and Daisy are in Dever, CO and have been retiring for the night. Tomorrow, they're gonna resume their driving and hopefully, they'll get to Las Vegas on time. We don't worry because we know their cars have been checked and okayed and as long as they'll remain to be carefull and safe drivers, they'll make it to their destination perfectly fine.

#

Un-traveling Me

What do you know about the country of Peru? I have just watched the hundreds of photos of my friend who toured five countries in Asia in a month (from mid-March to mid-April) and I was all "wow" and "how nice" in expressing my joy and awe while looking at how fun and beautiful their escapades were. I'm sure a Machu Picchu travel in the country of Peru would definitely be a grandiose adventure for her, especially that Peru offers so many beautiful spots where nature is at its finest. See this shot?

That's just one of the many must-travel places in the country of Peru and if given the chance, I sure would be delighted to hop in a helicopter and have a real glance of that gorgeous mountains. For now though, the traveler in me is being restricted with financial restraints as well as time constraints so a travel to any desired places will not be possible FOR NOW. But to all of you world-setters, you can visit Peru for less and start building magical memories; just give peruforless.com a visit and take advantage of their tour packages offers! Share with me your Peruvian adventure then, will yah? ^-^

i voted, and it was worth it!!!

For the first time ever, after being an AI [American Idol] finals regular viewer for five seasons now, last Tuesday night, right after the final 3 contestants performed, I was convinced to get up, tuck the phone out, and dial 1-866-idols-02 to vote for Kris Allen whose two performances that night rocked my evening! Yes, he was the best for me and his playing the piano and the acoustic was just wonderful and I felt it would be a waste if he won't make it to the final 2. He he. So, off I voted, 9 times [only] because the 10th redial wasn't successful anymore, and when Wednesday's elimination came, I was the happiest to see my man who's made it!!! Woohooo!

I actually don't mind if he won't win, I am fine with the fact that he made it to the finale. I'm not sure if I still will vote again; it depends if he will do wonders come finale night. How about you, do you watch the show? Who's your bet? :Duh.

#

Rustic Furniture, Anyone?

So what is a rustic furniture? How do you like 'em? Are you into modern or contemporary designs? How about if I show you a rustic log bed? Take a look:

How do you find it? Oh... I loved it! And I am glad the hubby likes it a lot, too! Isn't that very nice? I actually thought a rustic furniture is one made of metallic products but I am exactly meaning the total opposite as a rustic furniture is one made of woods that show the natural beauty, just like that photo above-- a bed made of logs and old woods, and even if the woods looked aged, it still show strength. I'm sure it would be cool to have one and if time comes, I'll surely consider getting rustic furniture at scenicfurniture.com!

#

I Love Leather-Banded Watches!

What is your favorite style of a wristwatch? Do you like those that have extra blings? Do you prefer one with precious stones in it? Oh... they're expensive and though I may like to wear one, I think it won't look good on me at all! LOL Most of my loved ones and friends know how much of a sucker I am when it comes to watch. Yes, they could give me any kind of watch as a gift and they know I'll be fine. The very first watch I've owned was a Casio quarts, one which was very precious to me because it was a gift from my elder sister who was working overseas when I was in first grade and I topped the class at the end of the school year. She knew how a watch would satisfy me, thus, I truly treasured that gift. But just as things in this world won't last forever, all of the other watches I've owned since that one didn't last very long, still. ^-^

But oh... did I mention that I go with watch made of leather bands or straps? Yes, I am most comfortable with leather-banded-watches and this photo below is swithart's gift to me a couple of years ago which, until now, still works perfectly fine (Guess, eh?) even if it has aged already.

The only thing though: the bands now look very old and two are about to give up already, and though it is my sister who is using this now, (yes, I gave it to her after she expressed how much she liked it) I still feel for it since it has a sentimental value to me. :) The battery does pretty well still and I'm thinking of just giving my sis a set of Lizard Watch Bands which I saw at watchstyle.com. I bet she will like it because like me, she loves leather-banded-watch, too.

Right now, I am on Invicta watch with white leather strap and I think I'll be on it for as long as it'll last. I saw a unique collection of 8,000 quality watch straps at watchstyle.com and if you are into leather bands or straps kinds of watches, I would have to say the site is great for you!
#

Bed Matters

Last night was a terrible night for me. Yes, it was supposed to be a special night for all of us mommies, but my asthma attack made everything turned upside down. We weren't able to enjoy a night of lovely concert somewhere in town and our planned trip to the zoo yesterday afternoon was canceled, all because of my asthma episode. When the evening came, it got even worse and I tell you, I was sleepless the entire night. Our current place is blameworthy, as dusts are everywhere, no matter how much we clean our home, but more than that, bed accessories like bed wedges and bed rests do matter a lot to an asthmatic persons like me. And so, I can't wait to leave this place soon. Swithart has promised that he'll get me a set of bed rest because he feels so useless every time he seems me unable to sleep when I have the episode. Well, bedrestsmart.com is what I'm bookmarking right now so we can have a smooth and easy shopping in time! [It's the free shipping and the no sales tax that I find to be so awesome so you might want to check it out!]

Mothers... it's our day today!

Oh yes, it's great that a day has been named in honor of and to every mother out there! It does feel wonderful to celebrate our day, doesn't it? (Of course, I'm talking to my fellow moms out there!) It's supposed to be a break for us, but tell me about it, are we really having a break? Well, maybe some of you do. If your kids are now grown-up and not living with you anymore, then, you may be on a break. Good for you! But for us who still have young kids, nah... I don't think there's a halt to mothering. The statement that "being a mother is one of the most rewarding, fulfilling, and demanding jobs there are" sounds to me like a cliche, but then again, I'm here to tell you all that in fact and indeed, it's for real. The hours of work are 24/7. There are times I wish mommy’s job came with regular hours, but then again, that's just my wishful thinking. But a mother's job does come with some privileges, like being able to go back to sleep after feeding the baby, right?

When the pregnancy test I've taken resulted positive in November of 2005, that's when I felt I became a mother. And since then, my motherhood experience has humbled me to the fullest and at the same time, lifted me up to as high as the heavens. There is no doubt it is the most rewarding career I've been on. Though parenting in today's generation is more difficult than in the past considering the shift and changes of the current generation's behaviours and traits, all I can say is, I am still fortunate and blessed to become a mom. (Thanks to God for the providence, to swithart for the donor [LOL], and to Triz for being the recipient of my love and care.)

It's been a blast to be a mother. All these times, trials and worries have been countless, but God promises hope to everyone and as a mom, I cling to His promises all the time.

Hebrews 13:5 says: “…I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Deuteronomy 31:8 says: “And the Lord, He is the one who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”

Jeremiah 17:7-8 say: “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit.”

To all mothers out there, we may have different ways of raising up our kids and lighting up our homes; we may have different personalities and keys in bringing out the best in our loved ones; we may be in the different parts of the world and of different cultures-- but because we carry a common denominator and that is of being a mother... today, I wish a real joy and wonderful time as we celebrate our day! :)

Not now...

Somewhere east of the country is where swithart and I both desire to go for a getaway. Our Florida trip before we had Triz was a fun and thrilling adventure and now that we have this child of ours, I'm sure our next visit there would even be more exciting. Swithart's been to several spots in North and South Carolina and still, the beaches are what he recommends the most to be worth going. How we'd love to head in there before settling to Wisconsin for good in a couple of months, but just not for now. It's true, there are a lot of Outer Banks rentals and checking out carolinadesigns.com would be a quick and easy way of booking your stay but we just don't have the luxury of time and resources for now to go to such adventure. Maybe when my sister can come and visit us later this year or summer of next year... that would be a great time! For now, plans and desires of our hearts to take a break and a vacation would remain to be plans. Meanwhile, I wanna greet every mom a happy and great Mother's Day today! I hope wherever you are or whatever your activity is, you will come to realize that it's always wonderful to be a MOM! :)

Horse Rider

I had a good time chatting with SIL in the phone who has been enjoying her Las Vegas living for two months now. We haven't had the chance to be talking for a longer time until yesterday, when she called, and Ma and Pa weren't around. We've talked about the future plans, about us relocating to Wisconsin while her, along with her daughter Cyndi and with Ma and Pa settling in Las Vegas. It totally is a change of environment and adjusting to a new surrounding is going to be another thing. We are not worried for Ma and Pa since they have been looking forward to the Las Vegas weather, but SIL has expressed her concern for her teenage daughter Cyndi, who desires to become a horse rider or an equestrian!

I exclaimed "why worry?" when it is such a nice passion, and then I understand that it's the place that isn't the perfect to be one. Aside from that, horse riding clothes that include breeches and all those accessories and equestrian apparels are definitely not cheap. Even more so, having a horse and the right equipment is making the whole story even more unaffordable! Hah. Good luck then, SIL! lol

But anyhow, our priority is the present and the soon future. Until now, she still hasn't found a permanent place to be purchased. To think, it is the very first thing that she's supposed to be minding with and we've been hoping that she could already find one before Cyndi, Ma and Pa will fly going there on the first week of June. Well, there's still time. Meanwhile, for all you horse riding enthusiasts out there, you might want to check out theequestriancorner.com for deals you don't want to miss!

These Alphabet Stamps...

...for now, are what my toddler loves playing with the most every library time! And I don't complain at all! I know it is a good way of letting her explore her academic horizon and I am just glad that the children's area at our city library here has a lot of educational materials that children will really enjoy playing. An alphabet rubber stamps with a bright color attracted Triz after having been enjoying playing with the puzzles, and for the third time last Tuesday of me not going with her and her dad to the library trip, I've heard so many stories from my almost three-year-old little girl of how much she had fun spending time at the library with daddy! Oh... I wish she'll stay like that until she grows big.

tGif...

Oh... I am thankful it's now the end of the week! I tell you, it's been a busy one for everybody around! It's going to be swithart's last day to go school to settle disputes between his students, a thing which he has been doing since Tuesday. Yay, and then spring semester is over! So yeah, no more school time but we're gonna be off again to another kind of business after then. That is, our settlement for our moving out in July. Things have been paving the way for all of us here, planwise, and it keeps me sane. He he. More than anything else, thank God it's Friday! I'll be up and running today, since tomorrow awaits a busy time at church and I've got a lot to prepare so I wish one and all a wonderful weekend!

Do You Like Ethnic Products?

I do! Back then, during my grade school years, we used to make a lot of handicrafts as artworks for our Arts class. I could still remember how I and my friends enjoyed making a picture frame or a wall decoration made of dried coconut leaves and some other parts of a coconut tree. My home country, being tropic, is very rich in exotic products and most are made into souvenirs and memorabilia that many find to be good Ethnic Gifts especially for people who love ethnic products. My elder sister who now lives in Japan has tissue boxes that looks exactly like this:

Can you tell she adores things rich in cultural elements? You bet! She also collects different vases and figurines that come from different countries around the world and it is so pleasing to see her collections being displayed in one of her closets in their home. Now I have just found out about culturalelements.com-- a site that sells many kinds of products like home decors and accessories that are culturally made and that really comes from their land of origin. You might want to check the site out! If you are fond of ethnic items, you will love culturalelements.com!

Finding Spring

I have been slacking big time these past few days. Well, that's with regards to my online tasks you know. One reason is actually because of my eyes. Even with my eyeglasses on, I can't stand staring this bright screen of my laptop for long. My eyes tend to get droopy, lazy, dusty, and becomes so uncomfortable. And so, my eye doctor once again advised me to have my eyes take a break from any computer screen's bright resolution. It is a good thing for me because lessening my time online enables me to be more productive online. You see, I have been doing my version of spring cleaning around here, and until now, I still am not done. Ah... the hassle of packing up and moving out eh?

Anyway, I am delighted that the month of April has already come to pass. It feels amazing to start May with warm weather daily and nobody could complain. BUT my friends and loved ones in some other parts of the world have been looking for my spring finds. I mean, they have been asking me where my spring shots are-- our spring walks and activities and the spring beauty of the nature around here. I don't blame them; I've been doing it every year but now. Actually, I've had a lot of captures of the tulips we have here in our yard and of some perennials that Ma and Pa have patiently grew during their first springtime here two years ago. We also have few trips to the nearby parks and lakes and you bet I was able to take a lot of photos of the blooming spring. But then again, haven't had the chance to share them here.

At the ISU [Illinois State University] quad where we frequent every week for some short walks, the variety of flowers are very pretty to look at. This Bleeding Heart is one of my favorites:

Isn't that lovely? Can you tell I love whites? He he... My favorite flower is a white rose and I have yet to find a growing stem of it this year. Like I've said, my 12MP digital camera loaded with 4GB of memory card is full of spring shots that I haven't shared yet. Hopefully, I could upload some soon and post some spring finds here. How about you? Have you found the beauty of spring already? :)

Student Loans

I have always find it a huge advantage for upcoming college students here in the United States to easily apply for student loans for college education. I thought how lucky of them to not be dependent on their parents' providence anymore. You see, back in Philippines, student loans are not available for students and parents. There are academic scholarships, yes, but with the tight competition among many students, it is impossible for everybody to apply and get approved.

My sister-in-law finished his IT degree in 1997 with the help of a student loan. Thus, she knows full well the processes of grant or federal scholarship application and I trust her so when she recommends a certain website where student loan applications can be done so quickly and easy. Studentloannetwork.com-- a member of the Edvisors family of companies is a perfect site for students and parents who are seeking student loans, student resources, and financial aids application. Really a good avenue for someone who is struggling to get a degree and is needing financial help, especially in today's tough economic times.

It is no secret that I desire to take up a career in health care soon. With how tough our budget is, I will be grabbing the opportunity to apply for a financial aid when the time comes.

Stocking Books Old and New

My being a voracious reader got into me ever since I could remember. Thanks to my late father and our eldest sister who influenced me much. Back during my student life, stocking books old and new was my thing. A trip to this favorite bookstore of mine back home became a daily habit to check out sales and bargains of my favorite self-help books, history, biographies, health and fitness, love and relationships, fiction, and religious publications! Yep, my saved allowances can be seen by how my bedroom looked like a 'mini' library to most of my friends. Now though, I kinda feel like I have partially taken a break from reading. Oh yeah, my worsening eye condition is one factor as it disables me to do my nightly routine of bedtime reading. Aside from a trip to the public library to be updated with what's the latest on shelves, Amazon books I must say are a must to be checked out, too. Now that I have a kiddo who, I can tell is showing signs of loving books, I'm finding it as a huge consolation as that would mean I won't be ending my love for books and reading anytime soon!

Just an Old Tour and Trip

We've had quite a few trips the past several weeks that made me the busiest bee in the forest. I know, I owe you some shots of our escapades but can't you tell I'm such a slacker? He he... Really, I just am very busy... until now. But this I don't wanna miss sharing: our trip to Arkansas a couple of weeks ago was so much fun, scary, and interesting. Fun because Ma and Pa were with us on that 8-hour-drive routing I-55 S, 1-44 W and on to H-71.

Arkansas is a beautiful state, no doubt about it, and they're scenic views, clean roads and highways, and great nature truly make their state deserving to be called The Natural State. Right Arkansans? :) Unfortunately, we only got to spend a couple of days in there and most of the times, swithart was at the school campus where his appointment was scheduled. In other words, we really didn't have the luxury of time to enjoy all of the beautiful spots that NorthWest Arkansas offers. Aside from that, we were not that lucky that time because it was when a severe weather took place and it was unbelievable how many tornadoes shattered our planned trips during our stay there. The first night, there were actually 5 tornadoes and it was heartbreaking to learn the night after that two lives were lost in the nearby town that time and a lot of houses were damaged. YES, that's what made our experience so scary and trust me, Ma and Pa swore not to have the job be offered to swithart all because of that tornado! LOL [Well, Arkansas, we've learned is usually a tornado path so the old folks were afraid for the future. Ha ha.

But guess what's interesting? Okay... hint. Wal-Mart. Who doesn't know about the place to shop? Well, the city where we went to is called Bentonville and it is where Wal-mart's home office is located. Yes, and I felt in awe with how huge, as in HUGE Wal-Mart's home office is. We've passed by their truck park where countless Wal-mart and Sam's Club trucks were standing by and what I loved the most was how cheap the prices were of the fresh fruits and vegetables down there compared to here in central Illinois.

It was a unique time for us to visit the place and really so much fun. Though the storms stopped us from visiting the spots within the city, we still enjoyed a night of dining in a couple restaurants back there. And of course, we didn't fail to take a tour at the Wal-Mart Visitor Center that's one of the attractions of the city and it was great learning the origin of the Waltons and their entrepreneurial dreams that turned real.

It was just a short trip really, but we all had a blast. I actually tried using Westgate Reservations when I booked our hotel stay as it is what my SIL has recommended me, unfortunately, Arkansas isn't covered yet of Westgate's destination to choose to. However, for Florida, Missouri, Nevada, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, and Virginia resorts, Westgate does great in giving you a great accommodation so check them out for your next trip to any of those states mentioned!

Up North, Not South

My best buddy Sha who's based in Tampa, FL with her family has been so anxious to have us move down south. Not necessarily in Florida but at least, a state or two away from there. When she learned that swithart braced some interviews in two universities from the state of Georgia, she was ecstatic! She and her hubby hoped for a positive response, however, the university up north, in Wisconsin was the first one to offer the position and because everything about the job and the place is favorable on our part, we didn't hesitate to say yes to UWSP. Just when swithart was able to finished signing the contract, one university from Georgia called him and wanted him to fly to their place as soon as possible for the campus interview. Such a dilemma, really. Indeed, when it rains, it pours, eh? So now, we're bound to settle up north, not south. Sorry Sha! :) But don't worry, Orlando vacations are getaways that never end so there'll always be chances in the future for us to enjoy the Florida sunshine together!

[P.S. I invited her whole family to come and visit us next winter since Wisconsin has a lot of winter activities to offer from December to March but her husband countered that a trip to a wintry place is next to impossible for them. LOL. They said they won't trade the Florida sunshine during those months with the snow in the north. Hah. But I will have to convince them again. And again in the future! ;-)]