A New Printer?

...not for now!

I saw this epson tm-t88iv printer on sale right now and let the hubby see it too as he might be interested to get one as replacement for our current printer which has been acting up lately but he said it's not the right time yet to get a new one! We haven't filed our income tax yet as we are still waiting for a particular document to arrive and so the hubby said it won't be too soon to receive our refund, thus, there is no chance yet of getting a new printer. Well, I think he just loves our current Canon Pixma printer that much! LOL. It's a xerox-fax-printer combo and it's a gift to us from the sister-in-law so there is a sort of sentimental value in it. Actually, I feel the same towards it and towards the value so now, I will just have to let you check out what I've seen at posmicro.com! Who knows, you might be looking for a printer for personal or commercial use so the site might be of relevance to you!

Sunday Ride

Like I always mention, weekend is always a wonderful time because it's when my family is gathered together to spend time doing little things but are very memorable. Yesterday, it was a great time at church (every Sabbath day is the same) and a good rest at home after church. The food is always sumptuous every Sabbath noon because it's vegetarian buffet with the wonderful church family and oh yes, it's nice to fellowship with brothers and sisters at church every time. Today, we treated ourselves to a little shopping spree (did I say it's payday? aw!) and a little joy ride around the city, just looking around for something interesting to watch. The temperature rose to the 30s and I love the warmth! It's funny because it has gotten warmer already and yet, the ice around us hasn't melted yet. There are still 2 to 3 ft that are yet to disappear and today, though it warmed a little bit, there has been flurries every now and then and so this part of the great Wisconsin river in the west side of the city still is very icy.

That footprints on the ice seemed to be of humans, but nah, don't be fooled. They're of the deer roaming around the forest and by the river so don't you ever try stepping on this icy spot, unless you have the power like Jesus does to walk on the water! :)

I am looking forward forward for spring. And for summer. And for fall. I know, I sound to be like in a hurry, and yes, it's true. But I have to deal with my dreaded dental appointment first and that's happening tomorrow morning so for now, I gotta chill and enjoy the remaining hours of the first day of the week! :) I hope you had an awesome weekend, everyone!

On Cars

The hubby and I have been discussing on getting a new car for ourselves. Our van is somewhat old now and come summertime, we are planning to be driving to Las Vegas and back to spend a vacation there and bring Ma and Pa-in-law when we return. BUT, there is no finalization yet on that plan. Our budget is very tight right now and it's so hard to mess around with school tuition, bills, and savings. But in the soon future, we really can see a need for a new or second hand car, especially when I'll start going back to school.

As to what car it's going to be, you bet it's not going to be one of those recalled cars echoing all over the world right now. A ford focus is nice, I like the reviews and the specifications that I've read at thecarconnection.com but we'll see what hubby and I will agree on. We're actually comparing car prices these days and which models we really desire. The bigger the better it is for us, since we often have family members joining us whenever we go travel. I think thecarconnection.com is a good site to check out if cars and the likes are what your concerns for now!

Congratulations and Best Wishes...

...to my very good friend Honey and his husband PJ! Ahhh... they make an awesome couple!

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The big day was last February 20, and before that, I've been talking to Honey on the phone, making her laugh away all the lonesome feelings she's got because all of her family is in Philippines and only her husband's family is going to be there for them. She's based in Northern California now, after her Fil-Am husband took her from Philippines just last January. Oh man... what love! LOL

Showing me their photos, it seems like I was one of the people who were there. The wedding itself was beautiful because most of those who attended were Filipinos, her husband's family's personal friends and relatives. The support was just exceptional! And much more, it was very intimate and personal because it was just held at their backyard, very outdoor yet classy, and since it's wintertime, yes, they did use outdoor fireplaces to keep themselves warm.

My friend Honey was like, "I wish you're here, Cel, I wish we're just neighbor because I didn't know America can be this lonesome!" She bet! She's a very outgoing person, used to work with the DSWD in Philippines since she's a licensed social worker, and now, she chose to become a homemaker, and a loving wife. Ha ha ha. She's a college buddy, if you may ask, and it's funny how time flies by so fast. It's still very fresh in our minds when we would spend time together at our house, calling my used-to-be boyfriend now my husband for help with our Algebra and Physics homeworks and workbooks. Geeez!

Now, I wish her all the good things in their married life, all the happiness their love may bring, and much much love to share. We're planning to meet each other come summertime in Las Vegas so we'll see. Seeing each other here in the US is a goal, and ah... it's going to be a wonderful time then!

Barcode Scanners

______________________

I just love how barcode scanners work! Really amazing! The portable ones are what I find to be very good. I was able to appreciate it all the more when we shopped for furniture and heavy items at a supercenter. You see, it would be terrible carrying large boxes placed under our shopping cart to place them at the countertop as they're very heavy. Just like when we bought our TV stands, computer desks, dining sets, and even our treadmill! Without the barcode scanner that would scan the items right then and there to where and how they're placed in the cart, it would be rough to lift them up every time. You know what I mean? So yeah, I think barcode scanners are excellent inventions. What do you think?

Very Important

How important are home security systems? In my sister-in-law's part, it's very important! You see, the house that she has purchased late last year has been installed with one, and several times, the house has been saved from fire and burglary. Imagine, it is located in Las Vegas so you should understand the rate of crime in the place. Thing is, she's been living in an apartment when she bought the house and her rent's contract won't be finished until May this year so it would make sense why she doesn't live yet in her newly-purchased house; that's because she's still paying for her apartment monthly. It's great that she installed a home security system because when somebody tried to illegally open the house to steal stuff when nobody was around, the home security worked. So really, it is very important for your home to be safe and secured!

The Latest

So what's the latest? Ahh... a lot have happened lately! Some overwhelmingly tough and rough, some great news! Meanwhile, here's the latest in our neck of the woods, weather-wise!

The forecast yesterday didn't say so. That is, that snow will be pouring in overnight. But this morning, this has been the accumulation. At our backyard, it's been 3ft already, but because a lot have been added last night, you could just imagine. Poor swithart, he has to brave the ice early in the morning since he has a class at 8 o'clock.

On the other hand, bad and great things are happening in our lives these days. But, I'll dwell on the great side. After all, I don't want to have remaining days of the week cursing and blaming somebody. It won't do any good stuff for one's heart, will it?

So what's the great news? Well, yesterday, SIL's lawyer called us to let us know that the judge's decision favored her. That's about the filed case that SIL did regarding getting her own daughter's custody from the dad. So our trip to IL last week, to testify in the court for SIL was all worth it. We are very happy and thankful for it. That's just one of the good news, and I can't stop smiling right now thinking more of the others! :D

The First Question

When one calls for an appointment for a health consultation here in this country, the very first question that the person on the other line would ask is, "what is your health insurance?" or "do you have any health insurance?" If you're answer is negative, I bet, you can never get an appointment! And I pity everyone who isn't insured, because when the time comes that a checkup or an emergency trip to the hospital would arise, it would be too tough to handle. When you're around North Carolina, there is a health insurance in NC that's quite affordable, just like what we have here in our state. I am just thankful that with the hubby's full time job, we get to have insurance that I couldn't complain about so far.

In fact, next month, the three of us have multiple trips to our health provider. I have triple runs to my eye doctor, my dentist, and my primary care physician while the hubby has two and the daughter has two. Without health insurance, I don't think I've made this appointment possible. That's how in need a health insurance is in this country.

For SEO Purposes

I can't remember how many times I've submitted my blog sites to search engines so that I could gain some popularity and earn hits and back links. If you're a blogger like me, you can say it's just right. As with my hubby's professional website (http://www.uwsp.edu/math/jduarte/) he's wondering if he can submit it too via manual directory submission. "Of course", I thought, since his site offers help to Mathematics learners and he does accepts queries and inquiries about Mathematics problems so it's okay, isn't it? Meanwhile, I must say submitting your URLs to search engines really help. I've friends in different parts of the world who were able to find out about my updates and discover where I am now and search engines helped them did it so it really is a good thing.

To Illinois Later this Week

My sister-in-law in Las Vegas will be arriving tomorrow here at our place.

Her flight is from Vegas to Minneapolis, MN to Wausau, WI and she'll be driving from the airport coming here. And then on Thursday morning, the three of us (the sister-in-law, me, and the daughter) will be driving down to Bloomington, IL for a very important matter on Friday. Clue: legal matters. I don't like traveling without the hubby but I can't do anything about it because swithart won't be class-free until Friday noon. It's just a good thing that the department allowed him to take an absent on Thursday afternoon so he'll be following us maybe five or six hours later.

The Abe Lincoln Bridge along I-31

This trip is going to be a serious one though, not a fun escapade. However, I can't help but get excited since I'll be seeing friends and familiar people in there. It's the old place where we used to live so you can define some meaning in there. It's not sure yet if we can spend our weekend there since our appointment in the court will be on Friday and swithart thinks we need to get back here as soon as possible so we'll see. More than anything else, I hope this trip of ours will turn favorable on our part. It's going to be my first time appearing in court ever and it's a little eerie. But for the good of the people concern, I'll testify accourding to what I know. Now I've left you wondering, I'm sorry! LOL.

No Need

My breakouts, like I've said in my previous post, only appear significantly pre and post my monthly period. Thus, I don't need an acne body wash to be used regularly. Actually, I've tried using one when my niece-in-law let me used hers during one of our escapades last year and I think it didn't work well on my skin. You see, I am just a regular body wash or soap user. Without an exfoliator, I am even fine with just a bar soap. That's what I've been used to ever since I was little. But guess what, I've always have request from my sisters in Philippines to buy a certain kind of acne body wash and have it send to them every time I ship a balikbayan box. So in my next shipment, I'll be including a couple or more of it just so I could satisfy my sisters' wants. HAH, lucky sisters! :D

A Little Shopping Made

I am too fat. At least, that's what I think I am, now! Last Friday, I was complaining how little in size my clothes have become because they don't fit in me anymore. You see, on Sabbaths, I always wear dress, not pants. And so, when I checked out all of my hanged dresses in the closet, I got surprised that only a couple of them fit me good, most don't anymore. (Sigh***.) My three months of vacation in Philippines is blameworthy. The access to all those yummy foods that I love to eat was there anytime of the day! An appetite suppressant didn't work at all. YES, me and my elder sisters took one kind, because we all are struggling to lose weight. So I was complaining to the hubby last Friday that I hate my body size now that it's gotten so big already, especially my bulging tummy, because my Sabbath dresses won't fit anymore. And since it was a Valentine's weekend, he treated me to a little shopping spree at the mall, one thing I was so happy about, because that day, I got three new dresses added in my closet! Yahooo!

I'm Hiding It!

We went driving around for Valentine's Day. Road trip in short.

We did it over the weekend, Saturday and Sunday, the three of us (our dates are always by three now that we're a family), and because it is freezing cold outside, I got to hide my neck acne with my jacket and scarf, hurray! :D It's weird because recently, I've been experiencing breakouts every month pre and post menstruation. And you guessed it, I'm not loving it at all! Who does, anyway?

I am just thankful that no matter what, my hubby still counts me as the most gorgeous woman in his life! Ha ha ha. Come on now, gimme a break! It's Valentine's Day so let me be a little bit cheesy right here! We didn't have any elegant date to show off you see, as we only dined out for lunch at McDonald's, the daughter's favorite place for now because of the play area. It's good that the hubby still knows some romance by just praising and consoling me on how beautiful his wife is in his eyes. Duh.

Nevertheless, we had a great time over the weekend! Hitting the hi-ways and by-ways may not be a big deal to you but it's wonderful to be out there seeing how beautiful the nature is during the winter. I'll try to post some more photos at my other blog! I hope you friends had an awesome and lovely Valentines celebration!

Of Vitamins

I am NEVER a sucker of medicines, even vitamins! For me, it is such a burden to take one (or more) as I find it too hard to swallow a tablet, caplet, capsule, or even liquid! Accordingly, I'm like this ever since I was born because my parents told me so. Taking prenatal vitamins when I was pregnant with my one and only child didn't console me at all. I just did it regularly all because I have so much love for the baby in my womb and the hubby congratulated me for a job well done when everything was over! LOL. Now, I got the same burden with my very own daughter. Why? Because she is NEVER into taking medicines or even vitamins! She's like that ever since she was born. Now tell me, could it be that "like mother, like daughter" is indeed a syndrome? HAH.

Job Seeking

I've heard in the news lately that job loss in the country has declined in the past few months. However true is that, I'm sure it remains to be one of the most significant issue that the country is facing. I hope the stimulus money can give enough jobs to people. I cannot imagine living in this country without a stable work, it must be very hard for someone, much more for a family. My friend who went home to Philippines for a 6-month-stay there quit her job as a private caregiver. When she returns in July, she is hoping she can find a stable work that can help her get by daily, given the high-maintenance in the country. With that, I wish her well. As for me, I wish to be working, too, but for now, I'm staying my foot at home, taking care of my daughter and husband and I think it's one of the most fulfilling career a wife and a mom could ever have!

Even the sun shining is worth thanking for!

(This is an old pic but today, we have the same atmosphere 'round here)

I always love to be grateful most especially on a Friday. You see, it's weekend and I feel like I am the most blessed creation because of the long week that we all had but it's a safe and healthy one. Today, the hubby will be home by noon and we've got errands to run to the whole afternoon to prepare for the Sabbath and then it will be a perfect time for rest. It's cold here, (6 below zero right now) but there's the sun shining for me so I think it's enough reason for me to say, "thank God!"

How about you, aren't you glad it's weekend? And oh... did I greet you "Happy Heart's Day" yet? Well, I do now. Keep the love alive everyone! :)

Filled With Office Supplies

That's our home!

And that was during me and my daughter's three months of vacationing to Philippines. The hubby was left here alone, and when we got back, our living room was filled with office supplies and a whole lot of papers of his students. Of course, it wasn't a pleasing sight, but what can I do, there wasn't a woman left in the house for three months so it's to be understood, right? :D Recalling our arrival almost three weeks ago, I can't help but laugh at what I immediately did-- cleaned the kitchen sink like there was no tomorrow and proceeded to do a little makeover in our bathroom, like changing the curtains and rugs and sanitizing our lavatory as well. Tough luck I've had, but it was a consolation to realized that we're back and our home will never be the same again.

Bravina, the Speech Pill

Is public speaking one of your fears in life?

I know of many who don't have the guts and the confidence to speak in public and I feel for them. For me, ranging from 1 to 10 being 10 as the most confident, I think I can rate myself being an 8. Not bad enough, huh. Sure, the fear of public speaking is a fear that needs to be drawn back and put aside in order to maintain a good amount of self-esteem in you but it's hard, isn't it? I admire the late Edward Kennedy's enthusiasm and attitude towards speech delivery. He was simply awesome! When I was in college, presenting and defending my thesis which was considered to be the "passport" for graduation was the most tedious and challenging job I've ever encountered. It's the defense that caught me by surprise and made my adrenaline rise because three of my panelists were big people of the college where I was enrolled. But after all the tensions and fears were conquered, I made it!

Now though, it's a different story. You see, last week, I submitted an application for admission to the university here because I am trying to go back to school and enroll in Nursing Program but guess what, three days after I applied, the Admission Office called me up to schedule an interview for me. It is so, because I am considered to be an international student since I am not a US national and (another) guess what? I'm dreading it! So yesterday, I got interviewed and I got a good news to tell you: Bravina, the Speech Pill helped me through!

No inhibitions reserved when I was asked three big questions about my chosen course and desire. I dreaded it at first because of my fear to speak straight English since I'm not a US native but when the interviewer told me I did great, I was then relieved. There was no result yet though. They said it'll two weeks for them to check everything so I am excited. Meanwhile, I would like to recommend unto you to try Bravina, the speech pill if you've got speaking engagements soon and see what miracle it can give you.

Friday Thankfulness

Thank God it's weekend, I must say!

But beyond the weekend, I am the most grateful for all the countless things that the good Lord has bestowed on me. First, our being back home here in central WI where swithart has been patiently waiting is amazing. The flight from CDO (Phils.) to Appleton WI was the longest flight I've ever taken as we still took a three-day-stopover at SIL's place in Vegas. Also, it was the toughest and the roughest flight ever because Triz got sick in the plane from Manila to Vancouver, running a 103F fever. If not for the miracle of instant subsidy of the fever (yes, HE still works miracle!), I would have seek the help of the plane's doctor. She has been having LBM ever since we left CDO and she had it until we flew from Vegas to WI. Can you just imagine that? It was the flight that I felt so tired and worn out, but when we finally landed in our final destination with our Dadi smiling at us just by the arrival area, oh man, it was a joy to me and and an overjoy to my daughter who wasn't able to say a single word or two, just all smiles in her beautiful face. And now that we're together again, it's wonderful and I thank God for this another reunion of us.

I still mind the frustration that I got with my failed schooling in Philippines, but I am grateful for it still because I'm sure a lot of doors will be opening for me for this year. I trust in Him to lead me, and right now, He's making ways to comfort me.

I thank the so many people who made a god impact in me. Wherever I am, I know that more than a dozen of them are praying for me and I'm bringing good memories of them wherever I go.

I thank God for the wind chill and for the snow. Makes me breathe so easily because of the clean air. LOL. Back in Phils., I always complain of being hot and Triz has lost a huge amount of weight and now that we're back, her recovery is speedy.

Just as I am forever grateful to be blessed with a loving and wonderful husband, having this little daughter's presence is a reward as well.

We are back to reality here in our home where it's just the two of us together daily while our Dadi goes to the university to work. A lot have been complaining how bored they are of just staying home. Although I must admit, I WANT to work and earn, but for now, spending time and taking care of this pretty girl of ours is one thing I'll do with all my heart and mind. All her antics, her talents, her skills, and just about everything are precious and priceless. She is a blessing to us and she makes life worth living.

Don't blame me if today and everyday, I am grateful. It's just that, there's a lot of BIG and little things that I'm fortunate to have in my life.

Excited Over my Order

I ordered a new sofa set online and I am so excited about receiving it next week. I mean, can you blame me? We're only using a hand-me-down right now and I have been meaning to get a new one for our living room since we haven't bought any when we started our brand new living here and now that it's in transit via FedEx to our address, I just can't wait! Why online you asked? Because it's the most accessible thing for me, plus, it could save me a bunch of $$$. Unlike when we bought our tv with one of those good-looking tv stands and all other appliances and furniture, the consideration in buying them first was very high. Now though, after five months, I really feel like we deserved a new sofa set! LOL. So you understand how I feel, don't you? ;-)

Lucky!

My sister-in-law is lucky! After several months of finding for a property in Las Vegas, last November, she finally won the auctioned estate foreclosure located in one of the subdivisions in the Sin City which is just 10 minutes away from her workplace-- the main thing that she was looking for! It's a big house, with four bedrooms and has a swimming pool and jacuzzi and sure, the price was good enough since it is during the global recession. This is the front view of the house by the way!

Taken night time, around 11pm, it was raining and really cold so I wasn't able to get a good capture.

Anyhow, this is what I shared about it. That it needs quite a few renovations and updates and we are thinking of spending our summer vacation in Las Vegas for my hubby to help with the handy work. As I've said, my sister-in-law is lucky, because even with the thousands of foreclosed properties right now, it's still not easy to get what you really want!

Planning Mode

We are currently in a planning mode these days of where to spend our summer months. If it's still too early for us to do it, then good for us. But you see, the budget is very limited for now. With the expenses I concurred while me and the daughter spent three months of stay in Philippines, plus a two nursing students being helped with, it's really tight. I even wish for the hubby to just work on summer since it's going to be a higher rate if he gets to teach but because his sister in Las Vegas has asked us to visit her in the summer, the hubby is considering such option.

I know how my sister-in-law badly needs his brother. You see, she has just purchased a new house and a lot of updates and renovations are needed on it. The living room itself, though it boosts a dvd home cinema with the largest flat screen tv that she got during the Black Friday madness, it still needs improvement with regards to the furnishing and wall painting. The SIL doesn't want to hire a pro designer because she believes she can lower the cost with just my hubby doing it all.

I am also considering going to Atlanta, GA to attend a huge congress for our church in the summer and maybe visit my best friend in Florida as well. But as I've said, it all depends on the budget. Wherever we will be going, one thing is certain though, if we'll go together as a family, it's always going to be a wonderful time!

Digital TV Recorder

The hubby works full time. While he does, he also is a part time student. He is enrolled continuously at the university for his graduate program because he is still doing the final chapter of his dissertation. With such status, you can imagine how much he needs more time than the usual 24 hours each day. He has a lot of shows that the missed watching, especially the ones that he considers to be a spiritual enrichment, those that are sermons from evangelists via certain channels where the shows are being aired. With that having said, he certainly needs any of those digital tv recorders exisiting in the market right now. Can you recommend any?

My Cell phone

I got a simple kind, but definitely, a cool one in a 3G network!

These days, cell phones are a must, don't you agree? Well, I think only my husband feels that he doesn't need one! With his access to a phone in his office and an unlimited internet connection, he thinks he never needs a phone. But boy is he wrong! When he travels to places, that's when he sees the need. And I am thankful he's gotten himself an also cool one when I had an upgrade of mine. When I was in Philippines, I used this cellphone. Being a world phone, I only had to unlock it and it's already usable. Its cam and video is great, but I had to be very careful though as it could be snatched away from me anytime by burglars flooding the country. LOL. How about you, what kind of cell phone do you like? So far, I am contented with mine. But if you're thinking of getting a new one or upgrading to the latest, thesource.ca has great deals on cell phones, just so you know!

Update!

Until now, I am still fighting for this hibernation of mine to be over! I know, it's been more than a week since I got back, but then, I still feel so lazy to keep going around here. I don't know where to start with the organization of stuff, maybe because my mind is still too occupied with Philippine events. Ha ha ha. Well, just the after-effect of a long vacation, if you know what I mean! Plus, a cousin of mine who is based in Washington, D.C. is about to fly home next week so imagine the thrill!

One most important thing that I need to mind soon is the search for a primary care provider. My eyes have gotten worse since its last check up and I need to get a new pair of glasses soon. We do have a health savings account and a health insurance but darn thing, to find an eye doctor in this new place where we've moved is hard, because there are only a few that accept our insurance. I hope when I search for a pedia for my daughter and a family doctor for the three of us, it won't be that hard. This week, that's my task to do. If I get to accomplish it, then I can already say, this hibernation is over!