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Saturday, May 31, 2008

End of the Month

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It's the last day of the month of May! Another wonderful month had passed and we are moving on to a new joyful month of June. So what are the things we are going to expect on June? Are there any changes from the weather? Changes in the things we usually do during the whole month of May? Well, there would be a lot of things to do in the coming month. It's summer time!

Today, my husband's grandson, Tyler will spend his weekend here with us. He's out from his school for the summer. We are going to have a burger party later and have some fun. Still, we are thinking about our long summer trip. Hopefully that the price of the gas and diesel will come down so everybody can enjoy going on a trip without any hassle about the gas prices going up.

This summer time, I know that everyone would be getting ready for their summer trip. Everybody will go splashing to the beach, picnic in the lakes and enjoying their time in any theme parks or state parks. As for me, I am ready for the summer too. My essentials for here, there and everywhere are almost ready too. I guess, I need more a little shopping to complete them. But for the time being, let's enjoy the last day of May!

Friday, May 30, 2008

A Little Facts About Me

I got 15 questions from Felicity's Journal. These 15 questions are all about me! I don't know what are the questions yet as I didn't start reading them one by one nor read Felicity's questions and answers. I just don't want to spoil the thrill while answering them and I will surely get back to Felicity's answers after I am done answering these questions. Thanks Fel!

RULES:

1. Add your blog/s to the list. Feel free to add all your other blogs. It’s okey if you only post this questions in one blog as long as you answer them.

2. Get back to ME {refers to YEN} and I’ll add your blogs to the master’s list here! Yup, another linking thingy but this one has 15 questions and you get to enjoy answering them too!

3. Tag as many friends online you know. But you don’t need to be tag in order to join.

QUESTIONS:

1. When you buy a greetings card, are the words or the picture more important to you?
  • It's actually both the picture and the words that are important to me! I am looking for a very catchy picture and words that would surely fit the personality of the person. I also like giving greeting cards to anyone. I usually personally hand-picked the very sweet and very wonderful greeting card I could ever find. I want my friends to know that even it's just a paper/card. My thoughts are written there that would last a lifetime.
2. What’s your favorite kind of cake?
  • I love eating the super moist chocolate cake with chocolate icing on it. I have loved the easy-to-make strawberry shortcake I got from a good friend Joy. I think, I am also a cake monster (aside from being a cookies and brownies monster) for I love whatever cake it is with a nice icing on top.
3. Do you ever make gifts for people, if so what, or do you buy them?
  • I do! I love gift-giving because I know in return they will give me something nice too (laugh!). Seriously, I do like to give gifts on special occasions. I buy them in store and have it wrap in colorful gift wrappers.
4. What’s your favorite holiday?
  • Of course, the Christmas Season! Nobody beats the Christmas Season, everybody knows that. Christmas Season is the best holiday of the year... where people get together, bring joy together and the last but not the least, to enjoy gift-giving! yehey!
5. Are you going on holiday this year? If so, where?
  • Hopefully yes! I would love to visit Orlando, Florida during the holidays. Better yet, a wonderful getaway at San Francisco Bay Area in California and in Los Angeles in California too. It would be a lot more fun to spend the holidays in Brooklyn or Manhattan, New York where I always dream of.
6. What was the best party you’ve ever been to?
  • I would say all the wedding parties I have been to. I love the thought of having two persons unite each other's heart for a lifetime. Plus, the good food, the ceremonies, the get together of some good friends, the joy and laughter brought to everyone. It is a nice feeling to have something to remember.
7. If you are married, describe your wedding. If not, what would your ideal wedding be like?
  • My wedding was so easy and fantastic! I can't even remember a thing happened during my wedding. It was a wedding in a small and cute chapel in an alpine mountain where the trees, the clouds, and the birds joined me and my husband for a marvelous moment of our time.
8. What’s the most romantic thing that’s ever happened to you?
  • Everyday has been romantic to me. My husband makes me a baby, a real princess and a queen! He sometimes cooks me a breakfast, lunch or dinner. He would always tell me how much he loves me for who I am. He always give me something that I like. He said, he would give me the whole world if he can. Now, who can beat that?! (laugh!)
9. What’s your favorite girl’s name?
  • I always have a passion for the name Hannah and Tatiana. I always tell this to myself, if I will ever have kids, I would named them after my maiden and married names initial.
10. What’s your favorite boy’s name?
  • That would be Kiefer or Kirby but the names are not the same with my maiden and married names initial. Henry and Tristan would be fine too.
11. Which celebrity would you like a dream date with?
  • It would be Josh Lucas and Paul Walker! Don't even ask me why... just look at them!
12. Which female celebrity do you find beautiful?
  • Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson, Jennifer Garner and Jessica Biel
13. Which male celebrity do you think is attractive?
  • Josh Lucas, Patrick Dempsey, Clive Owen and George Clooney
14. What is your best character trait?
  • I have so much patience, sweet and caring.
15. What is your worst habit?
  • I worry too much. I tend to mess up something that is organize (not in things, but situations)
Now, it is your turn. Enjoy!

The Casts:

1. Me and Mine 2. Creative In Me 3. Little Peanut 4. Pea in a Pod 5. Sugar Magnolias 6. My Paperless Writings 7. As The World Turns 8. Felicity's Vision 9. Bienvenue `a la Noryfel 10. Inday's Kitchen 11. My Comfort Zone 12. ADD YOUR BLOGS

What about you Chrissy, Eva Marie, Adei, Roche, Jenneth, Joy and Kate? Tell me a little something about yourself. Let's get to know each other and have some fun with these questions. Have a wonderful day!

Horrible Photo Moment

Last Friday, we had a schedule for a photo moment to a professional photo studio at Olan Mills Portrait Studios. It's been a week now. We got there on time, we were actually a little bit early for our scheduled time (3 minutes before 12 PM). We waited for 30 minutes past our scheduled time, but nothing happened. The photographer and the staff didn't even bother to acknowledge our presence while we were patiently waiting for our turn.

My husband was really upset! He raised any kind of hell to the lady who's just there sitting and looking in the computer choosing some nice pictures taken from one of the customers. She made us wait for 30 minutes, I was standing all along and my feet are getting tired wearing pointed close shoes with high heels. But still, we didn't get the service we paid and waited for. Very unprofessional!

Luckily, I got my fresh photo shots after preparing for 2 hours and 30 minutes. I curled my hair for an hour, put my best make-up on for another 1 hour and the 30 minutes for dressing up and putting my shoes on. After all the horrible moment in the studio, Winn told me that's he's going to buy me a much better digital camera because he said, he will never ever do it again for a professional photo studio or will never ever come back again to Olan Mills Portrait Studio at K Mart. At least, after that incident, I will get a treat from my loving husband!

Thursday, May 29, 2008

The Meaning of B-I-T-C-H!

When I stand up for myself and my beliefs, they call me a bitch. When I stand up for those I love, they call me a bitch. When I speak my mind, think my own thoughts or do things my own way, they call me a bitch.

Being a bitch means I won't compromise what's in my heart. It means I live my life - MY WAY! It means I won't allow anyone to step on me.

When I refuse to tolerate injustice and speak against it, I am defined as a bitch. The same thing happens when I take time for myself instead of being everyone's maid, or when I act a little selfish.

It means I have the courage and strength to allow myself to be who I truly am and won't become anyone else's idea of what they think I "should" be.
I am outspoken, opinionated and determined. I want what I want and there is nothing wrong with that! So try to stomp on me, try to douse my inner flame, try to squash every ounce of beauty I hold within me. You won't succeed.

And if that makes me a bitch , so be it. I embrace the title and am proud to bear it!

B - Babe
I - In
T - Total
C - Control of
H - Herself

B = Beautiful
I = Intelligent
T = Talented
C = Charming
H = Hell of a Woman

B = Beautiful
I = Individual
T = That
C = Can
H = Handle anything

Beauty Secrets Tag

Who says I am vain? I am not! I don't even consider myself vain at all. I just want to enhance my beauty of being a glamorous woman of the millennium. My husband always tells me that I don't even need those make-ups to make me more beautiful. He said, that I am hiding my natural beauty with those expensive make-ups. He always makes me feel comfortable for whatever I have in my body. It feels so good that someone, like my husband, adores and loves me so much!

My Foundation: I am not actually into foundations. I don't use foundation unless I am going to special occasions, I used the Cover Girl clean make-up or Maybelline New York Dream Matte Mousse. I rather put Pond's moisturizing cream on my face then apply a Maybelline New York shine free pressed powder.

My Blush: I love using blush-on! I love them on my cheeks. I used Maybelline New York expert wear Blush top with Bonnebell Blend and Glow. I love mixing up my blush-on because I wanted to see my cheeks blooms and glows anytime of the day.

My Day Cream: I use Pond's dry skin cream. I have been using it since I got here because I noticed that my face were dry and breaking out from the changes of the weather.

My Lipstick: To prevent my lips from chapping, I use Nivea Lip Care. Then when I go out, I put on Cover Girl wetslicks lipgloss or Maybelline New York superstay lipcolor.

My Essential Beauty Product: I use Neutrogena Deep Clean cream cleanser to wash my face and to avoid having an oily face. It penetrates and refreshes my face and makes my skin smooth and healthy. I try to wash my face at least twice a day (morning and evening) to prevent my face from getting pimples and from having an oily face.

My favorite Make-up product: Nothing in particular. I use different brands for my make-up. I usually use Maybelline New York, Cover Girl, Revlon and L'oreal.

My Perfume: I have a secret garden collection of Victoria's Secret refreshing body mist. My all-time favorite are the Pear Glace and Strawberries and Champagne. But I do like the Ralph Cool by Ralph Lauren.

My Nails: Old Rose! But most of the time, the color of my nails are Platinum and Girly Pink. I use Maybelline New York salon expert nail color. This time, I am so much vain when it comes to my fingernails and toenails. I love to see them colored and I love taking care of them. Back in the Philippines, I always have my nails done every after 2 weeks. Since it is pricey here, I still get my nails done but not very often as I was used to back at home.

My Feet: I just wash it everyday and put on some Vaseline 100% pure Petroleum Jelly to make it soft and smooth. Back at home, I get a foot spa for at least once a month. Here, although I still get a foot spa but not very often as I was used to back at home because it cost me a fortune.

My hands: I use Nivea Hand smooth indulgence hand cream or just the regular Nivea body smooth sensation daily lotion and sometimes I use Vaseline 100% pure Petroleum Jelly to make it softer and feel smoother.

Three Products to bring on a deserted island: I want my breath to feel fresh and cool so I will bring Crest toothpaste or just a fresh burst Listerine antiseptic. Then I want to bring my Dove powder invisible solid deodorant to prevent me from having a wild body odor. Lastly, I will bring my Cover Girl wetslicks lipgloss.

Women I admire for their beauty: Eva Longoria-Parker, Jennifer Aniston, Jessica Biel

Women with the best Sense of Style: Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Lopez, Kate Hudson

My ultimate dream: To live the American dream!

My favorite fashion Publication: Cosmopolitan and Marie Claire

Anyways, before I get carried away here, I wanna thank Chrissy from Essex, United Kingdom. Thanks for sharing your beauty secrets to me. This is for all my fellow bloggers. Enjoy and stay fabulous and beautiful!

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

How Young Are You?

Did somebody can't believe that you don't look like your age? Well, I have experienced that kind of compliment... If that's how you call it. It's been 2 weeks now since I was mistakenly recognized by the Sales Associate at Wal-Mart when I was about to check out some of my items. I bought a DVD rated R movie "Tears of the Sun" starring Bruce Willis. The Sales Associate asked me how old am I the time she's holding the DVD movie I put in my cart. I was terribly in shocked as I didn't buy any cigarettes nor any beers and hard drinks. I got a quick thinking, why is she asking for my age? I didn't realized that the DVD movie was a rated R. I was speechless! I wasn't able to answer her back regarding my real age.

Luckily, my husband was just behind me that time and backed me up to the Sales Associate from Wal-Mart. She revised her question then. She's about to let me show to her my identification if my husband wasn't there. Her revised question was, "who's going to pay for this DVD's?" After revising her question regarding the age, I felt an amazing relief! I told her that it was my husband who's going to pay for everything.

Then, just last Saturday, we were invited to a Memorial Day party in Glasgow. I met some of the Filipinas that I have never met in my 10 months living here in Kentucky. They have asked me about my age, some were just guessing! I couldn't believe that I still look so young at my age (I am 25 now), wherein back at home, I always lied about my age (not much, but just a little). Some where thinking, I am just 22 years old, some even joked on me that I was just a sweet 16 little girl or an 18 year old lady-baby.

I know I should feel good about it because everyone (or at least some that I know of) wants to look younger than their age, but hey! I am on the right age to buy what I want. Looks could be deceiving sometimes but after all, it makes me to perceive the amazement of joy and laughter that luckily, I am one of those women to have that kind of baby-face look.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

The Big F-A-R-T!

Can anyone tell me who doesn't fart at all? I mean, what's the big deal when you fart? I was watching this TV series, Sex and the City, in the episode "The Drought". Carrie farted in the bed in front of her boyfriend, Mr. Big (Chris Noth) and she was totally ashamed of herself for farting. When Carrie was writing for her column in a newspaper, she farted once again. People will laugh at you, when they hear you fart, putting yourself in a shame just for farting.

When I was growing up, my father will always fart while we were watching TV in the living room and we laugh so hard. Anyone could fart in the family, anyone could fart in a group of friends around, any classmates, or co-worker and either anyone who will fart will excuse himself/herself so he/she can fart privately or let it out and let everybody know you just farted. My husband's father always tell them that if you fart at the table, he will slap you from the table from farting. It is always been a rude act when you fart on the table...

I have a fair share about myself farting quietly in the classroom, in the mall, in my bed, in the office, in my workstation, with my friends around, with my sister beside me and she'll whacked my head for farting on her. What's going on in this world? The 4 letter word F-A-R-T is just an ordinary word and part of life in this world. Come on, who doesn't fart? Even my own husband farted on me and that's all the time, there's no chance in a day that I never heard him farting and its a big fart... Yeah folks, its no secret to us about farting because we know that everybody fart. In this case, whichever way you fart, you can do it privately or let the whole world know that you just farted...

Monday, May 26, 2008

Sex And The City Marathon

Last February, we bought the DVD complete season from 1 to 6 of Sex and the City. I was amazed how could a woman like me, ever missed watching this TV series. I am more surprised when my husband was watching it all along. I asked him, "Why are you watching Sex and the City? This TV show was just for women like me." He said back to me, "I want to know what women think and what they want." He amazed me of never-ending amazement about everything and I can really say that I am lucky enough that he knows what I want, so he knows what he's capable of giving.

So, I started watching season 1 the followed by the rest of the seasons. Winn helped me hooked up the TV and DVD player. I prepared the chocolates, chocolate chips and cranberry juice for my Sex and the City marathon. He said, the very first time I will watch the first episode, I am going to like it and that I cant take my eyes out of it. My friend said that it is a "mortal sin" not to watch Sex and the City. And so I was hooked up with Sex and the City and excited to know more about Carrie, Miranda, Samantha and Charlotte... and it is a mortal sin not to finish watching them all!

I am watching the last DVD, particularly the season 6-part two. I have to finish watching it before it will be shown on the big screen very soon. On May 30th, it will be the premiere of Sex and the City the Movie. I just can't wait to finally see my four girlfriends in the big screen!

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day is a United States Federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May (in 2008 on May 26). Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. men and women who perished while in military service to their country. First enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War, it was expanded after World War I to include casualties of any war or military action. (Quick Information)

Our Memorial 3-Day Weekend was spent with good food, wonderful laughters and nice bonding with family and friends. Yesterday, that was Saturday, I had a marvelous Memorial Day party with some of the Filipinas here in Kentucky, particularly in Glasgow, Bowling Green and Edmonton. I didn't know that there's such Filipinas here as they will gather mostly in big cities like Louisville and Lexington.

Today, a family bonding with Theresa's family, my husband's daughter. They came over for some good food, had lots of fun and talking. They also have a quick vegetable harvest for their own consumption. My husband felt great about it because he can share his own vegetable garden with them.

I had fun yesterday. I got to meet many of them and shared their own experiences here in Kentucky. Like me, they're also married with their American husbands. They did ask for my mobile number for future invitations about more incoming parties with them. I am just glad that I am expanding my network towards meeting new friends but I have to say that I will still be very careful as it is really hard to find real friends.

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Arte y Pico Award


I got an award! I got it from my good friend Felicity from Bakersfield, California. Am I just so adorable to get another award? Well, I must be lucky then for the wonderful friendship we have built here. Thanks Felicity!

So here’s the rule for this award sharing:

1.You have to pick 5 blogs that you consider they deserve this award for their creativity, design, interesting material, and also for contributing to the blogging community, no matter what language.

2.Each award has to have the name of the author and also a link to his or her blog to be visited by everyone.

3.Each award winner has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog that has given her or him the award itself.

4.Award-winner and the one who has given the prize have to show the link of “Arte y Pico” blog, so everyone will know the origin of this award. Arte y Pico

Make sure you visit the link above.

Now, I want to pass this award to my creative and beautiful friends from Multiply (Hazelicious Haven) and to my BlogSpot pals (My Comfort Zone). I wanted you to know that I care, I feel honored and I am happy to become your one true friend.

Friday, May 23, 2008

Photo Studio Moment

My husband and I decided to have our photo taken at a professional photo studio. Our photo studio moment are scheduled on Friday at 12:00 PM. I am getting excited about it and been thinking what are we going to wear. What's the color of my dress that would match the background in the studio, how much make-up I will put on and what will I do with my long black shinny hair.

Last night, I asked my husband what is he going to wear for our photo studio moment. I even asked him what's our theme, how are we going to pose for the camera and what would be our facial expression. You see, I wasn't expert at all with this kind of moment as I have never experienced having the man in my life to a photo studio and the same with his experience before as it wasn't that spectacular as he said so.

Things are pretty tough on me deciding what to do on our photo studio moment. For two days now, since we have made the schedule for our professional photo studio, I came to the point to wear something nice to the last minute I am preparing for everything. Of ourse, I would want to make things perfect for us because memories last a lifetime!

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Friends Around The World


I got a wonderful tag from Jhenn of Ozark, Arkansas. I know I should have posted this yesterday but I was busy yesterday because of my puppy adoption visit from the Animal Shelter.

::Start Copy Here::

Rule:
1. Copy from ::Start Copy Here:: through ::End Copy Here::.

2. Add your blog to the list. Feel free to add all your other blogs. Just make sure to post this to each of the blog you added in the list.

3. Tag other online friends you know. You don’t need to be tag in order to join. If you want to join just post this one in your blog.

4. Let me know your blog’s name and URL by leaving me a comment HERE. I will add you to the master list. That way, everyone is happy and can meet new friends too!

5. Come back once in a while to get the master list! Let’s see how this makes our Technorati and PR goes up!

6. DO NOT REMOVE THIS: scrap page made by Yen. Using alphas and tapes from Kate H., flowers from Ida, paper by Catrine.

1. Me and Mine 2. Creative In Me 3. Little Peanut 4. Pea in a Pod 5. Sugar Magnolias 6. Chez Francine 7. Le bric à brac de Cherie 8. La Place de Cherie 9. My Sweet Haven 10. My Comfort Zone 11. ADD YOUR BLOG HERE

::End Copy Here::

Now, I am sending this to all my fellow bloggers here in my BlogSpot! Come join the community full of wonders and happy smiles around the world.

Sister Act

Looking back when we were little, we are fondly called as "kambal" or the twins. Everyone will be mistaken calling our names, me as my sister Haide and my sister will be Hazel. Its always been the same as we were growing up. I don't know if they are making a joke on us or they're really doing that on purpose.

Now, that we are living separately, we seldom communicate with each other because my sister got a job in Bank of the Philippine Island at Forbes in Makati and also realizing the time difference we had. Although we still catch up sometimes in emails, chikka text and phone calls but still her absence made me miss her so much.

She has been my best friend, sister, enemy and secret keeper. I wished her all the best in her life, in her job, in her health and most of all, in her love life... She's taking so much responsibility in herself, living independently and getting to know what she really need and want in her life and I know that someday, she will find her happiness too.

Take care my crazy sissy and God bless you!

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Puppy Adoption

Its been 5 months now since we moved to our cape cod style house last December. I left a small part of my heart for my first dog here in the United States which is a red bloodhound dog that I named Chuckie. I left him in our old house and gave it to the little boy next-door neighbor who likes Chuckie so much.

A bloodhound (also known as the St. Hubert Hound) is a large breed of dog bred for the specific purpose of tracking human beings. Consequently, it is often used by authorities to track escaped prisoners or missing persons. It is a scent hound, famed for its ability to follow a scent hours or even days old, over long distances. Combining a keen sense of smell with a tenaciously strong tracking instinct, bloodhounds have proven their worth as the archetypal trailing dog.

Two weeks ago, we visited an Animal Shelter near our place or just about 18 miles from our house. My heart jumped for joy as I have seen so many dog breeds in the Shelter. I couldn't even name what dog breed are they but I am just happy to see them barking, howling and growling as they run back and forth to their cage. I have been looking for a yellow or chocolate Labrador puppy that I can train and teach.

This time, my husband promised me that we are going to adopt a puppy from the Animal Shelter and I am just glad that we will do it this month. He told me to get a really petite one so we can carry and bring my dog when we go on a trip. He doesn't like the big ones as they are heavy and very difficult to transport when its time for us to go anywhere. I wouldn't want to left another dog as we enjoy traveling, not anymore... and that's for sure!

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Delicious Palabok

Tonight, I made a delicious "pancit palabok" for me and for my husband for our dinner. I know he doesn't like much rice noodles or even care to eat much pasta noodles because he's not used to it. He's allergic to pasta noodles. But tonight was amazing! He ate much of my delicious pancit palabok that I cooked from scratch (oh well, I followed the recipe from Mama Sita's).

Pancit Palabok and Pancit Luglug are essentially the same dish, the difference being primarily in the composition of the sauce used. Both types use a round rice noodle (often specifically labelled for pancit luglug or palabok) smothered with a thick, golden shrimp sauce or other flavored sauce, and topped with:

* Shrimp, (the size and shell-on or shell-off depending on preference)
* Crushed or ground pork rind or pork cracklings (chicharron) for toppings
* Hard-boiled egg (sliced into disc or quartered lengthwise or chopped)
* tinapa flakes (smoked fish)
* freshly minced green onion

Palabok/Luglug and Canton are a communal comfort food, and can be found at nearly all Filipino potluck parties. They are best made and eaten in batches for they are easily consumed.

I am just glad that I finally made this pancit palabok. I have been craving this for a long time and since one of my contacts in my other website keep on posting pancit palabok. I did try to cook it from scratch and everything went well. We finally had our pancit palabok for our dinner and our stomach was satisfied with the result.

Pennies and Dimes

What can you buy with your pennies and dimes? A piece of cheeseburger? A pack of cigarettes? Some mints or a cup of coffee? For months now, the prices of diesel and unleaded gas are crazy rising. The people are so depressed about the gas prices getting higher and higher. They have been complaining almost everyday for it and they can't do anything about it. No one knows if it will ever come back down or not.
When I came here in the United States last July 4, 2007, the gas prices were just $2.35 per gallon (unleaded) and the diesel was just about $2.85 per gallon. That's the gas prices I can remember since I was new then and never knew it was gonna raised like crazy. And now, for my 10 months of living here in the United States, the gas and diesel prices went up to $3.75 per gallon and $4.50 per gallon respectively.

I have my fair share on how I can spend my pennies and dimes. I know it takes some time to count them before you can have a quarter and a dollar. But everything will be paid off after counting them and finally have something to spend on. Like a cup of coffee, some mint or some delicious pastries that cost more or less $1.50 and will also satisfy your wants.

So, whenever you have pennies and dimes, take time to save them. You will never know when to spend it but you will always have a treasure that you will surely enjoy someday.

Monday, May 19, 2008

Home Sweet Home


Well, it has been 5 months now since we moved to our cape cod style house here in Kentucky and now we are moving again! Last Monday, our house was back to the market and our house is on sale. My husband talked about this thing to me and I would say that I have been part of this house too... I mean, although I have never lived here for a long time (like for years) but it gave us wonderful memories too.

As you all know, we moved 5 months ago before Christmas time here. I felt how exhausted we were at the time of Christmas Season. Of course, the unpacking of our things, arrangement of the couch in our living room, cleaning and decorating the house to make it a lovely living house. Everything what we went through moving wasn't easy at all especially doing it in the time of December where everyone was enjoying and shopping for Christmas gifts. Well, I did my shopping time afterwards and it's better be late than never!

Now that our house is on sale, I was thinking where would be the best place for us now? What would be the perfect house for me and for my husband? Yes, we do like to travel a lot and go to different places where we could discover anything from the place. Whenever the weather is nice, we like to go to some beautiful places and just enjoy every bit of it being together to relax, have fun and discover the things it has to offer. But as for me, I also want a wonderful house where I can call a home.

Sunday, May 18, 2008

I Got An Award

Today, without my knowledge... I got 2 awards from Felicity from Bakersfield, CA and Chrissy from Essex, England. I told myself last night that I won't be checking my blog site and other websites because I am going to give my full time alone to my husband. I won't be stuck in front of my pc for the whole day since Sunday is our date time.

But I couldn't just resist of checking it anyway because I know I have missed so much here and my friends who wished me hello's and check on me once in a while. I feel blessed for everything. I may never have any friends around me where I can mingle, talk, go shopping with them and have some coffee break... But I know I have friends on line who really value the friendship we built here and I thanked you for nice conversations we had. Thank you also for keeping me as your new found friend.

Fun at Knoxville Zoo

We are home at last! After spending our weekend at Mark's place (my husband's son), we are finally home to our sweet home. We drove for about 3 hours last Friday because we are going to deliver the horse trailer that my brother-in-law bought from us. We left it at Mark's place and he will get it from there. We spent the night, had a great dinner and had fun with the kids.

After a long day of spending our wonderful trip to Knoxville Zoo yesterday, we really had a blast but a very tiring day. We woke up so early that day just to get moving in the road for we know, its gonna be a lot of fun the whole day. We had breakfast at Perkins Restaurant and everybody was just so excited to get going to the Zoo. Knoxville Zoo is located in Knoxville, Tennessee.

We had lots of fun! We saw some wild animals from Africa and different parts of the world. We enjoyed the bird show where an African gray parrot was talking and amazed us by entertaining the audience. I had fun riding the camel too together with Alexandra (my step granddaughter). We went to see the lovely red panda, the white rhinos, the otter and the beaver who amazingly entertains us by swimming like an acrobat.

We had so much fun the whole day. After the exciting adventure in Knoxville Zoo, we went to eat together at Texas Roadside where everyone filled their stomach with delicious foods, good conversation and so much laughter.

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Pinoy Choc-Nut

Do you still remember eating Choc-Nut? If the USA has its Baby Ruth, Australia has its Tim Tam, while the Philippines.... well, it has its Choc-nut. It's not sealed in colorful foil wrappers or as expensive as most commercial chocolate candies, but its selling like hotcakes in the Philippines.

I finally had my Pinoy choc-nut which is one of my favorites that I always eat in the Philippines. We bought it at Asian Store in Louisville, Kentucky last April when we had to go there to buy some Philippine products. I miss the foods from the Philippines, you know! I came to finally saw it in the store and bought 2 packs of choc-nut. As you all know, this is Kris Aquino's favorite milk chocolate too.
Choc-nut is a small block of chocolate (think of a thinner and slightly longer version of Bazooka Joe's bubblegum) made from peanuts, cane sugar, milk, cocoa powder, and artificial flavoring, wrapped in recycled paper. Most people, especially foreigners, compare it to USA's Reese's Pieces peanut butter cups only that Choc-nut is much cheaper.

Another unique feature about Choc-nuts that makes it even better is the challenge they impose upon the consumer. Most of the time, it crumbles or breaks into three small pieces when you grab it which makes it harder to eat. My husband loved it too and we finished 2 packs of choc-nut chocolate candies just few days ago.

Friday, May 16, 2008

Friday Madness

It's Friday again! We are about to go to visit my husband's son, Mark at Parkers Lake, KY. It's just 30 minutes away from Somerset, KY where his daughter, Theresa lived. I am so excited to see his grandkids again. I woke up early in the morning to pack us some clothes to wear for a day because after spending a night at Mark's place... We will go to Knoxville Zoo in Tennessee.

I am sure, it's going to be a lot of fun! I will surely enjoy bonding with the kids and have a good conversation with his daughter-in-law, Julie. It's going to be a whole day of fun for us in Knoxville Zoo. I am going to spend it with so much joy and laughters the way it should be.

We will drive for about 3 hours going there and while we're on our way, I wanted to make our driving hour happy and exciting. I know driving for about 3 hours sounds not fun at all because all we are going to see are the trees, rivers, the mountain and the lakes. But, as long as we are together, we will surely enjoy every bit of it.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

There's Something Fishy!

Finally, I made my husband ate a fish! Yes folks, he actually doesn't like to eat fish at all. He's more on steaks, porks and chickens. He's not used to eating fish. He may eat some fish but it's got to be a salmon and tuna. But you can never ever serve him with different kind of fishes caught in the ocean. He can try to eat tilapia but he will never finish eating it.

But last night, I made a sizzling bangus (milk fish) top with a stir-fry green beans and carrots. I prepared something new for our dinner last night which made him eat it really good. I served it with mashed potato. Although, at first I got some wide critics from him for cooking fish. He said, it's so fishy and taste like a fish! Of course, you are eating a fish, honey! You will surely taste the fish in it because it's a real fish!

At the end of our meal, he liked what's served in the table. And he thanked me for letting him try a new and different taste of a fish.

Today I Am...

Well, I got a tagged from my online buddy from Bakersfield, California - Felicity. I know I should have done this yesterday but I got it very late at night. So, I wanted to start my day with this tagged from her. Thanks girl for this wonderful tag. Looking forward to get more tags from you.

Today, I Am...

* EXCITED - although tomorrow will be the day we will visit my husband's son, daughter-in-law and the kids, I just can't wait to see them again. We will go to Knoxville Zoo in Tennessee.

* DISAPPOINTED - that until now, I still don't have a job here in United States. My anniversary is fast approaching and I wanted to do something for own myself before I reached my 1 year living here.

* SLEEPY - Time check here is 1:15 PM. I just actually woke up, had my brunch with my loving husband and I should be working out with our elliptical machine to lose some weight instead of being a lazy ass.

* BUMMER - For 1 year and 9 months now since I resigned from my last job in the Philippines, I've been jobless. It was fun for a while but lately I feel miserable doing nothing. I want to work you know! I miss going to work. I wanted to be productive and don't you just miss receiving paycheck every month?

* HUNGRY - not really! I just had my brunch, a fluffy pancake with thick and rich maple syrup. Two pieces of sausage patties and hot chili pancit canton. Wow!

* DEDICATED - to finish reading my Harry Potter book 6 and 7 before another new HP movie will come up. I am also dedicated to finish watching the DVD's of Sex and the City because we will watch the Sex and the City the movie on May 30. I am just excited to see my "four girlfriends" in the big screen.

Lastly, I still want to blog hop, leave comments on my friends' posts and pictures in Multiply and read some new blog posts. Find and watch a good movie in the TV. Chat with my sisters and text my mom.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Baked Cinnamon Rolls

My husband was complaining that he's hungry early in the morning. I did ask him what he want for breakfast. He just said, surprise him of anything good that will satisfy his belly. I look up inside our refrigerator and found almost all of the food we used to eat. Then I finally came up baking a cinnamon rolls that we just bought the other day. It's my first time to baked the rolls and for sure, we'll love eating them.

Since Pillsburry Cinnamon Rolls made it possible for everyone to bake it very easy, I had my fair share about baking the rolls for our great breakfast. I started heating the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. I greased the baking pan and placed the rolls 2 inches apart. Bake the rolls for about 8-10 minutes or until they are golden brown. After the desired baking minutes, take out the rolls from the oven and spread with icing on top while it's still hot.

I made sure that it's still hot before serving them to my husband. To my surprise, we end up eating all the rolls with a glass of orange juice.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Hanging Flowering Pot

Last month, we went to McMinville, Tennessee to buy some trees. We dug a hole and planted them the next day. We spent 3 days planting them. The heavy rain helped us water the trees and made them really grow fast. My husband took care of them everyday as they need to be cultivated for better growing roots.

As we continue to make the world wonderful, we went to buy some hanging flowering pots that we can hang and display in our front porch. We bought Verbena Trailing, Mexican Heather, Green Hosta and Petunia Trailing Purple and Petunia Trailing Blue Velvet. As we arrived to our house from Covered Bridge Nursery, my husband helped me display them in the front porch.

I am so fascinated how those hanging flowering pots made our house look fabulous. They add more elegance to our cape-cod style house. So much for that, I intended to take care of them everyday as they will give us blooming flowers for the rest of spring time and this coming summer time.

Monday, May 12, 2008

Fresh Vegetables

Do you have a vegetable garden? Did you ever pick fresh vegetables from your own garden? Well, we have one! My husband started the vegetable garden ever since the spring time started. He worked so hard to make this happen. He plowed the soil to make it soft. Then he planted the seeds. We were lucky enough to get some few showers to help water the plants. He put fertilizers to help them grow fast and ready to harvest.

He's just so excited working in the garden because he knows that there will be some fresh green leafy vegetables soon. Almost everyday he work in the yard. He hoed the plants for faster and better growth. He always check on them for some bugs and ground moles that will destroy the plants. He even shot the rabbits with a pellet gun to chase them away.

Just two days ago, my husband finally started to harvest some of the vegetables. Lettuce, onions, mustard, radish and turnips. We actually made a wilted lettuce salad, garnished with some bacon pieces. We enjoyed eating the fresh vegetables that we gathered from our garden. All his patience and hard work paid off well because we know that we are going to have fresh vegetables all summer long.

What HAZEL Means


You are truly an original person. You have amazing ideas, and the power to carry them out.
Success comes rather easily for you... especially in business and academia.
Some people find you to be selfish and a bit overbearing. You're a strong person.

You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection.
You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive.
You have the classic "Type A" personality.

You are incredibly wise and perceptive. You have a lot of life experience.
You are a natural peacemaker, and you are especially good at helping others get along.
But keeping the peace in your own life is not easy. You see things very differently, and it's hard to get you to budge.

You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.
You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together.
At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow.
You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily.
Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is.


Sunday, May 11, 2008

Mr. Mommy

I don't know where to start... I just wanted to write something to enlighten my husband's mind. I wanted to share how he did a great job for raising his son and daughter. He became an instant "mommy" after his divorce from his first wife. For today is a special day for all mothers in the world.

For all these years, he's been a dad and a mom to his son and daughter. Brought them to life and took care of them alone. He made all things possible for them as they were growing up. He had to go to work so they can have money and feed his children. It was pretty hard on his part. Taking care of two kids while he's working. He was worried all the time and thinking about what they're doing. He's even more worried when his kids get sick. As he goes home, he checked on them and asked them what did they do all day and put them to sleep before he goes to sleep.

Before he goes to work, he made sure he will cook something for his kids and feed them. Although he got a little help from his parents who lived next door, he still consider it as a hard life. The bottom line was... his kids was growing up without a mother figure. A mother who's suppose to be there to watch them, take care of them and love them. As this part struck me most. Where is the mother figure who's suppose to give them unconditional love? Where is their "mother" as they need the support of a loving mom? A mother who's the first one to watch them grow, hear their first uttered words and who always give them inspiration?

As for me, when I become a mother someday to my kids, I promise I will not let them go. I will always there for them always to watch them, take care of them and love them unconditionally. As for my husband, he may have a hard life but he did a great job for raising his kids and brought them good life.


Happy Mother's Day!

Today is, May 11, 2008... The whole world is celebrating for Mother's Day! It is time to give tribute to all our mothers. Mother's Day is a day honoring mothers, celebrated on various days in many places around the world. As long as I can remember, I always give my mom a greeting card every Mother's Day. That's how I show my appreciation for loving me unconditionally. For taking care of me no matter what happens.

The photo above was taken at Zamboanga City Domestic Airport when my mother was with me at the airport because I am meeting my soon-to-be husband, Winn for the third time. She waited and watched until I was on board my flight. She's also my guidance for everything. I love to be with her, talk to her about our dreams, go out with her for a dinner. We also go to church together and hear the mass. I love making her happy and I love doing things for her that can make her smile.

To my mother, celebrating mother's day without me... I hope you are happy right now. I know your day won't be complete without us, your 2 daughters not by your side. But, I am always here for you spiritually and I will always pray for your good health.

Happy Mother's Day, Mama!

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Know Me in 4 Things

Just before my day ends, Roche gave me something that I could work for a few minutes about "know me in 4 things". It's not that bad to lay my cards on it... So I gave it a try.

4 Jobs I’ve had in my life:
1. Greenwich Service Crew
2. Canteen Concessionaire (about our Feasibility Study)
3. Call Center Agent
4. Devoted and Loving Wife

4 Shows I’d DVR(Tivo)
1. Hell's Kitchen
2. House M.D.
3. Passport to Europe with Samantha Brown
4. Law and Order

4 Places I’ve Been
1. Hongkong, China
2. Bangkok, Thailand
3. Narita, Japan
4. United States of America

4 Favorite Foods
1. Filipino Food
2. Italian Cuisine
3. Mexican Food
4. Anything with chocolate

There you go folks! The 4 things you never knew about me has been revealed! Enjoy your day and happy weekend.

Freaky Friday

It's the last day of the week and I am still cramming for my what-to-do list to be finished. I wanted to finish them all before Sunday will start. There are times that I became lazy working in my what-to-do list this week because of the rain. It's not that I am blaming the rain last Thursday, but I just couldn't start working my ass off because it was a heavy rain and all the things I wanted to do was actually outside our house.

I am done cleaning the house, our bedroom, living room, kitchen and the bathroom. I am done with my laundry too and all our clothes that we're going to use during the trip are all set to be placed in the camper. But at the back of my mind, there are still some chores that I need to do... Oh, I know it now... hit the elliptical machine and work on the fats I gained last winter time. It's really a must for me to work on it once in a while to keep me get going. Besides, summer time is really fast approaching and I need to flaunt some skin.

I still didn't get my English dictionary but I might get it maybe next week as it can wait for a little while. Well, my husband mowed the grass yesterday so I am passed with that thing. I am cooking my husband's favorite Filipino dish which is the sour soup pork (sinigang na baboy). I used the slow cooker so I can have time doing some chores in the house. It will be ready for the dinner time and we will have that after a long day working around.

Friday, May 9, 2008

My Summer Flip-Flops

The heat is on! Summer time is fast approaching... Soon, everyone will be splashing in the beach and will enjoy the summer heat. Everyone will be going on a trip and just enjoy the beauty of a green nature. Everything will happen in the summer time.

As for me, I am getting ready for everything also for the summer time. I did shop for my summer outfits last April. My husband and I prepared every little thing for our very long summer road trip and I did shop for my summer flip-flops that my cute toes will surely enjoy. I just want my feet to be comfortable wearing my new flip-flops wherever I may go.

Though it was raining yesterday, we decided to have a walk for a little while in the mall and I decided to buy my flip-flops at Old Navy. I got them on sale so I grab 4 pairs of different colors and I am happy with it. Although I am a little upset that I didn't see the other kind/style that I wanted. The sales clerk said that they don't have on stock because that was last year's flip-flops fashion. But I can actually see them online at Oldnavy.com. But that was fine, I know I can have another set of summer flip-flops while we're on our summer trip.

I am still waiting for my other flip-flops which I just bought from one of my contacts in Multiply and I am just so excited to try them on when I get them. Definitely, I am paying much good attention to my cute toes and nice feet that will absolutely bring me for a wonderful summer fashion.

Thursday, May 8, 2008

When It Rains, It Pours

Well, how shall I start this thing? Its been raining since last night and I couldn't do anything to make things work out for everything in my what-to-do list. I know I should start working on something that would still make my day productive. My husband said that he will check the camper for any leaks and that it would be ready in the summer time for our long trip. I should also be transferring some of our canned goods, some chips, spices, bottled water, sodas in can in the camper that we will bring for the trip. We really don't want to get hungry during the trip. At least, for the time being, some things are set up and ready to go.

So I think the rain won't stop until tomorrow. At some point, I am also glad by the rain today because it waters our newly planted trees, my husband's vegetables and some crops he just planted 3 days ago... I just can't wait for them to grow, see them bloom and bear fruits for us to enjoy eating. Winn planted them for personal consumption, and of course, I helped him a little bit. We really wanted to eat something fresh from the garden. Something that we can really enjoy eating and say... "Hey, we planted these vegetables..."

Now that its raining, I am glad that the rain waters the vegetables, the plants and trees and almost everything here that needs rain. Because I know that the rain will bring good things to life...

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

How's My Driving?

Learning how to drive was one of the things I wanted to accomplished in my life. As you all know, I have no idea as what and when to drive as I go to the flow of driving. It all started when my father had a Wangler jeep back in the Philippines but he never did teach me how to drive. You see, I could have known better if he did teach me to drive. It could be one of my skills since not all people in the Philippines know how to drive even if they reached the age of 16. Why? Because there's no car for them to drive. In the Philippines, only those families who can afford to buy a car can drive or at least people who have a car.

Now, that I am here living in the United States, everything seems new to me, especially when it comes to drive a car. People here started driving when they reached the age of 16 or less. The school offers a driving lesson course where students started to learn how to drive when they reached the age of 16. It is a must here! But in the Philippines... We learned how to commute a ride and pay for our fare whenever we go to school, mall or work.

Five months before I came here, I enrolled in a driving school. I learned the basic things about driving and finally, after 24 years, I got my Philippine Driving License. Then 4 months of being here, I got my Kentucky Driving License. It is actually my husband who pushed me through learning how to drive since I will be actually driving alone (I mean, without any supervisions of my husband). It's fun to drive! You could go any places or just about anywhere by driving. And now that I am 25 years old, this is my time to shine in driving because I know, in the near future... I can be better in driving.

My Busy Wednesday!

As I wrote my what-to-do list yesterday, I noticed that I will be very busy this week as I wanted to work my ass off to everything I listed. So, I set aside my favorite thing to do as I woke up in the morning... My Multiply, My Blogspot, Friendster and Myspace. I should be working and do some chores to prepare for our upcoming road trip in the summer time. I just can't wait!

So, after our breakfast, I started folding the clothes after I did the laundry yesterday and put them in the closet. I noticed that I have few clothes that I don't wear at all. It may be a good idea to put them in a box and send them in the Philippines as I have some cousins or neighbors who's going to wear them and I know I can make them happy for the little thing I did.

As usual, my husband is working in the yard again, since spring time started. He's checking on the vegetables he planted last March. They're growing healthy with the help of the few showers we had last week. And we are expecting another good rain tomorrow. After working in the garden, hubby helped me set up everything I needed for cleaning the camper.He cleaned out the anti-freeze and put fresh water in the tank.

I started cleaning inside the camper. I have all my cleaning materials with me including the vacuum cleaner. First job was cleaning the bedroom, and then the bathroom, followed by the living room and kitchen. I never knew it was that easy to clean it with the help of all my cleaning stuff and of course with hubby around teasing me. After cleaning, me and my hubby set up the new 26" flat screen TV that we're going to use during the trip. All is set for our long trip and I just can't wait having a home while on trip.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

My Long Week Schedule

It might not be late to note a what-to-do list for my week schedule, but I am here to share what are my plans for this week. As this may help me to bring all the task together and finish them without any hassles and finish them on time. I just want to move my lazy ass and do some work before we will leave again for a very long road trip. This time, I would say that I may have a very hectic week as we will get ready for everything we need for the trip.

Here it goes...
  • Do the laundry and fold all the clothes
  • Go to Wal-Mart for some grocery shopping
  • Help my hubby clean the travel trailer for the trip
  • Clean the house (just the first level of the house though)
  • Go to the mall and shop for my cross-body purse and my flip-flops for the summer
  • Of course, update my blogs once in a while
  • Check my Multiply, Friendster and Myspace (and I mean, that's everyday!)
  • Give my opinion about buying a new flat screen TV for the travel trailer that we're going to use in our road trip
  • Enhance my driving skills going to town, banks, post office... including the interstate highways! (I do the driving once in a while though)
  • Buy an English dictionary to enhance my English thoughts, grammars and the way I speak
  • Hit the Elliptical Machine once in a while (get moving, Hazie!) to get some exercise... Remember, that we bought the machine to do some exercise and loose some weight, not just for display and look at it! hehehe
  • Read a short verse in a Bible and explain it to my husband (it's really a must! As he asked me to do it for him). He wanted to enhance his knowledge about the word of God
  • Watch American Idol, Hell's Kitchen, House, M.D. and a good movie with hubby (I am giving some quality time with my husband and not with my own laptop!)
  • I hate to do this but I will try to.... Mow the grass! Geez, they grow so fast!
  • Don't dare miss going to church and hear the mass! Lunch date and Movie date with my loving husband.
  • And of course, the last but not the least... have something special between me and my hubby! hehehe
There it goes... my long what-to-do list for the week. I am hoping that I will do all the task listed and I will try to avoid farting around and just be lazy all week. I am most likely positive and determine to do all the things listed above as I hate to sit around in the corner and play with my computer all day, all night and never be productive at the end of the day...

Monday, May 5, 2008

It's Monday Again!

Another week had passed by and here I am again... sitting in-front of my computer and checking some e-mails from friends and love ones (I am actually in my Multiply site). My hubby was out in the woods looking for something. I woke up at 10:12AM today and seems I am starting to get lazy again. My husband asked me earlier, what are we going to do? I answered him back, I really don't know. Everything seems so laid back for me. We lived in a country area where you can see the woods in our backyard, the cows and horses roaming around, eating hays and drinking their water. I did finish paying all our bills and put them in our mailbox.

I was thinking doing my chores but seems like there's nothing to do at all. Everything is automatic and just wait for the machine to do it all for you. Those modern technologies made my ass lazy! I am watching Fox News right now and feels like no changes at all. The gas prices are getting higher and higher. The issues in politics are still there. The tough race in the Democrat Party between Obama and Clinton. Everything seems neutral and the same.

Before the day will end, I wish I could think of something I can do to make me more productive or at least could find something where I can move my lazy ass and do some exercise. The sun is shinning so I might as well go out and feel the breeze and smell the fresh start of a new Monday.

Sunday, May 4, 2008

My Shrimp-Broccoli Stir Fry

Since we missed hearing mass today, and do the usual things we always do every Sunday... I decided to spice up our Sunday afternoon by cooking something. I prepared my ingredients for my shrimp-broccoli stir fry... I made it a point that it's going to be a good veggie stir fry because I love to cook for my husband. He just loved to eat what I cook but never ever serve a fish to him. He's not just used on eating fish. He's more on eating steaks, chicken and pork.

This time, I cooked shrimp-broccoli stir fry, served it with rice. We enjoyed our meal and definitely we had a wonderful Sunday together. This time, we passed on the usual thing we always do every Sunday and of course there would be something special will happen later on.

Shrimp-Broccoli Stir Fry

Enjoy my shrimp-broccoli stir fry by trying to cook this in your home... Here's how:

Ingredients:
  • 2 cloves of garlic (crushed)
  • 1 medium yellow onion (may be used half, cut into strips)
  • green and yellow bell peppers (cut into strips)
  • carrots (cut into small strips)
  • broccoli (cut into florets)
  • 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
  • cooked shrimp
  • 3 tbsp. Mama Sita's oyster sauce
  • salt and pepper to taste
Procedure:
  • Saute garlic and onion in medium-high fire, add cooked shrimp and stir-fry for about 3 minutes.
  • Add the green and yellow bell peppers, salt and pepper to taste
  • Add 3 tbsp. Mama Sita's oyster sauce and stir-fry for 3 minutes
  • Finally, add the broccoli and simmer for 5 minutes or until broccoli seems cooked.
  • Serve hot with rice.

Lazy Sunday

Every Sunday, without any hassles, we make it a point that we always (I really mean, every Sunday) go to church and hear the mass. Then after attending the mass, we will go to a Chinese Buffet where we can eat Chinese cuisine or just go to some fancy restaurants where we will have our lunch or dinner. And if we still have time, we take time to watch a good movie where me and my husband could relax and enjoy together.

Its always a date every Sunday! We felt like we are not the married couples and just enjoying every bit of it. Actually, its just like we are still dating. We don't mind how people look at us. We don't mind other people's businesses as long as we enjoy being together.

But today, Sunday, May 4, 2008... We missed hearing the mass. We missed the usual thing we always do every Sunday. Me and Winn just slept all day until 12:30 PM. So, definitely we will just stay at home and watch a good movie in Starz. We don't have any plans for today since we woke up very late today. We wanted to catch up for a good movie but we just decided to stay home because there's something special we wanted to do.

Saturday, May 3, 2008

Spring Break in Savannah, Georgia

The promise of Spring! Last Valentine's Day, we were suppose to visit my Aunt (my dad's sister) in Savannah, Georgia but she told me that she will not be able to enjoy with us because she's still busy in school. So, we decided to take it off on their Spring break since they have one week off from school. It took us 10 hours of drive from our house in Kentucky to her apartment in Savannah, Georgia. The long hours of drive was crazy... its been raining, the road was foggy and encountered a heavy traffic along the road in the big city of Atlanta but nothing can stop us for this road trip as we planned everything for the spring break.

We went on a road trip last April 5, 2008 and spent 4 days and 4 nights. My Aunt lives in a small apartment together with her 2 house mates. We felt really at home with them although they're just living in an apartment. They made us feel like a special visitor, my Aunt cooked sinigang na baboy (Winn's favorite Pinoy dish) when we arrived and we let our belly filled with that delicious dish. Everything went well the night we arrived.

The next morning, we went to the Baptist church to know more of my Aunt's co-teachers and some Filipino friends. We were introduced during their Bible Ministry and we were so glad how they welcome us there in Savannah, Georgia. After the church, we went to Tybee Island (Savannah's Beach) for sight-seeing. I wasn't actually ready to go to the beach since I wasn't in my "beach outfit". After the beach, we went to Tybee Island's Lighthouse and took so many pictures there.

The 3rd day of our Georgia visit took place in the 24 park squares of Savannah. We visited the Forsyth Park, the Fountain Park, the River Street, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and other Historic Houses in the park. Everything went well the whole day and there are so many tour buses in downtown Savannah for other tourist too. We really had fun as we joined other tourists to explore the wonderful downtown Savannah, Georgia.

The Sun is Out!

What a lovely day! After the heavy rain, thunderstorms and lightning that didn't put me into a deep sleep last night, it all turn out good this morning. The sun is up, the bird's chirping on the trees and the trees we planted 2 weeks ago are in good condition. Watering those trees every now and then seems incomplete as they need more rain to build their stems stronger. I just can't wait for them to grow bigger and stronger as they will give us a better shade and more privacy from a 4-way highway in-front of our house.

I finally found the comfort of being asleep after staying up late from 2:00 AM until 5:00 AM. I was put in deep slumber for a little while and that matters to me. I just wanted to rest my eyes for being stuck in my laptop for 3 hours talking and reading.

I am going out today and feel the sunshine. I will visit the vegetable garden of my husband. I just love being outside of the house and just walk in the yard... I guess, the rain brought good things for every living-thing in this planet. When it rains, it pours... and after all the heavy rain last night, there's always a wonderful rainbow to come.

Why I am still up?

It's 3:28 AM and I am still awake! What's wrong with me? Usually, I am already in deep slumber at this very moment. But here I am, with my glass of orange juice, a small pecan twirl and my instant beef noodles while I am doing something here in the internet world. I am actually chatting with my sister and she told me that she got a parcel notice for the package I sent for her birthday. It took her 1 month and 1 week to get it. What is wrong with the postal service? Well, at least she finally got it... It may be too late for her birthday (April 6) and I am happy that she's finally receiving what I sent.

I can't sleep... I don't know why... I am disturbed by the thunder, lightning and the heavy rain. We actually have a tornado warning. I can hear the wind blows so hard. I was in bed tossing and turning while thinking about the tornado warning. I never did experience such thing back home. Thank God that the city where I grew up and lived in was a free-tornado zone. I don't have to worry about hiding in any basements or bathtubs to protect ourselves. And I pray to God that He will protect us from danger or any harm that the tornado may bring...

Lastly, thanks for my online friends who shared their time with me while I was awake. My sister in the Philippines who dared to get up just to go to the internet cafe to chat and pay Php 25 per hour since Saturday is her rest day from work. I am almost done eating my beef noodles, the last bite of my pecan twirl and to drink the last drop of my orange juice.

Friday, May 2, 2008

Man's Best Friend

I have a dog, a red bloodhound dog, named Chuckie... but that was before. It was given to me Christmas season of 2006, I was still in the Philippines. He's still a puppy when Mark promised to give me a dog in exchange of my dog who died. I lost a mongrel dog back in Zamboanga City, we are about to cross the street going to the night market at La Vista Beach Resort. She got hit by a car running so fast and didn't even stop when they killed my dog. So what, if she's just a mongrel dog? She's still a part of this cruel world. I was there when they hit my poor dog, I felt the big impact that killed my dog and when the time I came to see and checked on her, she's lying in the ground, with her tongue stuck out, still breathing, cannot move but her eyes are still open and after a few minutes, she died. I shed a tear for my poor dog. My mom and my sister said "its ok" that maybe she's intended to die to save us from being jinxed at that night.

At first, I have only seen my new puppy which I named Chuckie in pictures that Mark sent to us when I was still in the Philippines, and oh, by the way, Winn was with me in the Philippines at that time (his 2nd visit). He's just so adorable in pictures with his ears are so big and long. That whenever he started to eat his food, his ears was in his plate and his paws are nearly big as the lion's paws. When I came to the US on July 4, 2007... that was the first time I saw my new puppy, Chuckie. But, he's no longer a little puppy, he's a huge puppy as the size of a normal dog and he got a tail like a baseball bat. My face was full of happiness the first time I laid my eyes on him, seeing him wiggling its tail and barking on me.

I felt so good, that I didn't feel any harm from him because we just met and I am no longer a stranger to him. I was amazed that he was a good dog all along and became bigger and stronger because Winn was feeding him almost anything... chocolates, steaks, baked potato and even dog food. I also found out, that Winn was showing my picture to Chuckie at the time of my absence. It sounds funny for me but I am still glad that its not hard for us to know each other. I took care of him, feed him with dog food and steaks, bath him 2-3 times a week and play with him.

In a short span of time that we are together, many things happened between me and Chuckie. There's a time that he made me smile because of the things he do as a normal dog, like digging a hole where he will keep his bones for the time being, chase me whenever he sees me running and barked at me whenever he sees me outside the house letting me know that he wants to play with me. He will run and chase my car whenever me and Winn will go to town or to church. There's also a time that he made me upset because he stole and chew the other pair of my shoe, together with my two pairs of flip-flops. Dogs can be really bad sometimes and doesn't know what they're doing but they are just so adorable and still a man's best friend.

When we moved in to our new place, Chuckie was not with us. He stayed in his new buddy from our old place. I know you're going to give your comments and reactions but please, let me just explain... When we are out of town for a week or so, Chuckie was not with us. He's just so big that he will not fit in in my car and he moves a lot, we used my car for long road trips to save some gas. While we are away from home, leaving Chuckie behind, we let our good neighbor that has a little brother feed him. He's been good to Chuckie while we are away from home. So my husband decided to give Chuckie away because we are always out of town and always on a road trip that he cant be with us even in a short trip.

I was so sad to finally decide what we gonna do with him since we are also moving out from our old house. Few weeks before we will move out, we finally gave Chuckie to his new buddy and he tried to change his name to Jed. But he will always be my good Chuckie. I know that we have good memories together that even we gave him away, he still come and see me in our old house and rest in the porch, and that we still buy him dog food and feed him whenever he visits us and play with me. To top it all, he sneaked out my newest flip-flops and chewed it just in time we are about to moved out from the old house the following day but that was actually fine because I can buy a new pair of flip-flops on summer time.

And now that we finally moved in to our new house, there's a time that I miss Chuckie, my red bloodhound dog, so adorable, so playful and so big. There's a time that when I read statements from some of my friends dog like Justine, Andy, Paris, Tito, Champ, Roxy, Buddy and Maximus, I felt like I was a fool to give Chuckie away to his new buddy. There's even a time that whenever I watched dog movies, I cant help it but to mention Chuckie's name and my husband unconsciously joked on me asking "Do you want me to steal Chuckie back from them?" and I know Chuckie is in good hands that they can take care of him everyday. That his new buddy will not leave him and can play with him all the time after school.

I love dogs, like everyone else in this world, who wanted a man's best friend, I have always wanted to have a good dog. This time, I have been wanting a yellow lab puppy that I can take care of, train, play with and watch it grow. When the time comes for that, I promised to never let go of my dog because he/she will be my pet, my baby and my best friend.