Am I a Good Friend?

You Are a Good Friend Because You're Supportive

You are almost like a life coach for your best friends. You give them help when they need it... but you also know when to give them a push. People tend to rely on you for moral support and advice. You've probably always been mature for your age, so this is a role that's you're comfortable with. A friend like you is one of the rarest kinds. You are both a good mentor and companion. Your friends need you most when: They are confused or worried You really can't be friends with: Someone who only wants to complain Your friendship quote: "The only way to have a friend is to be one."

What Makes You a Good Friend?

Carefree Frolic

At last, I did it! As we enjoy the magnificent views of the great mountains, the pine trees and snow caps all over the mountains around the state of Montana, I have done a good job that I have been wanting to do ever since. At last! I have made a pose that would truly make it the most memorable thing that I could ever imagine in my life.

I have been waiting for this day to make this a dream come true. Since we're spending our summer trip in the mountains of Montana, I saw the best place where I could do it - my carefree pose! It took me and my husband for like 15 times to take a good shot of the carefree pose. Winn was really scared of what I am doing because I was standing at the railings of the road and the next thing you will know it, a very deep cliff of the mountains. But, he's still very supportive of me. I was in my safest way to do it of course. I don't want to end up with a broken bone or be dead afterwards just because I am doing the craziest thing in my life.

So after a few takes from the photographer, my husband... I finally made it! I was on top of the world when my husband took the best shot. It was a wonderful experience to finally do it. I have thought of it several times, some days and weeks. Now, I got the trophy of having my own carefree pose.

The Badlands National Park

It was really hot when we visited The Badlands National Park in South Dakota. Like us, many people are lured by the unusual rock formations. Others come to camp, photograph wildlife and search for birds and flowers. The Badlands are a place of extremes.

Badlands National Park in southwest South Dakota, United States preserves 244,000 acres (98,740 ha) of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles and spires blended with the largest protected mixed grass prairie in the United States. The Badlands Wilderness protects 64,144 acres (25,958 ha) of the park as a designated wilderness area and is the site of the reintroduction of the black-footed ferret, the most endangered land mammal in North America.

We paid $15 for the entrance fee to see the magnificent rock formations of the Badlands. It was like nobody wants to live there because it was very hot and very dry place. We have seen some prairie dogs around in their underground holes. There is a rich and varied plant community in the Badlands, including the largest mixed-grass prairie in the National Park System. Wildlife abounds such as coyotes, butterflies, turtles, vultures, snakes, bluebirds, bison and prairie dogs and made Badlands as their residence. The Badlands will provide with endless pleasure and fascination.

Rediscovering the State of Montana

We're on 7th day of our summer trip and after camping for 3 days and 2 nights in South Dakota, we landed in the big sky of Montana. We are pushing ourselves to see as what the state of Montana has to offer. As we go through our summer trip, many things happened. Many unforeseen events that we really never knew could happen to us. Of course, there are days that we enjoy most of the time and sometimes, shit happens. We lost one of the bicycles we brought in our trip and the spare tire for the travel trailer. But still, we manage to enjoy and stay cool as what we really wanted.

This is our second time to see the beautiful state of Montana. Last year of August, we came from west to east and visited some towns in the western side of the state such as Missoula, Anaconda and Butte. My husband and I were fascinated by the great pine trees in the mountains, the rock formations in the mountains. And this year, we came across from east to west. We even visited the small town of Montana - Miles City, Forsyth, Melstone, Billings (the largest city of the state), Columbus (stayed in a campground), Bozeman, Belgrade, Butte, Terry, Glendive and even visited the state capital, Helena. We spent 6 days and 5 nights camping all over the state.

It was a wonderful and amazing trip to Montana. I even noticed that it is still cold, it feels like its winter time and I have to put my long sleeves on. I was fascinated by all the mountain ranges and the pine trees covering the mountains. I can still see some snows in the mountain brought by the winter. I would like to spend my summer time every year in the state of Montana.

Corn Palace in South Dakota

The Corn Palace is a multi-purpose arena or facility located in Mitchell, South Dakota. It is a popular tourist destination, visited by over 500,000 people each year. The Moorish Revival building is decorated with murals and designs made from corn and other grains. It also hosts the home basketball games of Dakota Wesleyan University.

Each year, the Corn Palace is redecorated sporting a new theme. The decorative materials for the Corn Palace are all native corn, grasses and grains of South Dakota. Approximately 20 local residents are hired each summer to redecorate the Palace. The process begins in the early summer when all of the grasses and grains are removed from the building and replaced in new geometric designs. There are 3,000 bushels of milo, rye, oat heads and sour dock being tied into bundles and nailed to the building. There are also 9 different colors of Indian corn used to create the mural pictures. Cal Schultz is a local artist and has been designing the Corn Palace murals since 1977.

We spent 3 days and 2 night in South Dakota. We visited the only Corn Palace in the world. It was really wonderful and amazing! The corn murals were fantastic. People from South Dakota are really creative, artistic and passionate for having a free-attraction place. It's a must-see palace!

Good News!

Last week was really a busy week for me and my husband, Winn. We prepared everything because we are getting ready for our summer trip in the Northwest. We are very anxious to get moving and would like to enjoy the summer. While getting busy, I still manage to signed up for PPP and posted three opportunities in my blog after being approved. I surely had fun writing and sharing what I feel and what I think of something.

Now that we are on our 2 weeks summer trip, it is really hard for me to get my wireless internet connection. We have been to the mountain areas in South Dakota and Montana. I know I should enjoy our vacation because I am spending my quality time with my loving husband, but I just can't help it but to take a peek on my blogs and been waiting for my post approval. Luckily, my husband went to look for a campground where there's a phone and internet access so I can check my inbox. I got an e-mail from PayPerPost telling me that my two post was approved! I am so glad and been telling my husband how I have done a good job. For sure, I will be more inspired in catching opportunities and will write something about it. Thank you PPP!

Camping in South Dakota

It has been 3 days (Sunday-Monday-Tuesday) now since we went on a trip. For three long days, we have experienced a lot already. On the first day of our trip, we had a blow out on one of the tires on the travel trailer. Winn didn't notice it so we keep on moving on until a woman from St. Louis, Missouri told us about the tire. So, we stopped in front of the Gateway Arch to change the busted tire. After changing, we went to Sam's Club to buy a new tire.

The second day of our trip was pretty much smooth and easy. We just drove and keep on moving until we will reach our destination. We have driven about 900 miles. We went to Montrose, South Dakota and spent a night in a campground. It was a wonderful place where there's a lake where you could fish and very quiet. Camping is really one of the things we really wanted to do and will never missed doing it this summer.

We visited several places in South Dakota on the third day, such as the Corn Palace, The Badlands National Park, and few places in Rapid City. We ate dinner at Olive Garden Restaurant where we had a succulent meal. Tonight, we got us a campsite near Black Hills where we could set up our camper and retired for the evening.

The World's Best Place to Live 2008

No. 1: Zürich, Switzerland

Mercer score: 108*
2007 rank: No. 1
GDP: $300.9 billion (2007 est.)**
Population: 7,581,520 (total country); 347,517 (total city)
Life expectancy: 80.74 years

No. 2 (tie): Vienna, Austria

Mercer score: 107.9
2007 rank: No. 3
GDP: $319.7 billion (2007 est.)
Population: 8,205,533 (total country); 1,825,287 (total city)
Life expectancy: 79.36 years

No. 2 (tie): Geneva, Switzerland

Mercer score: 107.9
2007 rank: No. 2
GDP: $300.9 billion (2007 est.)
Population: 7,581,520 (total country); 185,000 (total city)
Life expectancy: 80.74 years

No. 4: Vancouver, Canada

Mercer score: 107.6
2007 rank: No. 3
GDP: $1.274 trillion (2007 est.)
Population: 33,212,696 (total country); 560,000 (total city)
Life expectancy: 81.16 years

No. 5: Auckland, New Zealand

Mercer score: 107.3
2007 rank: No. 5
GDP: $112.6 billion (2007 est.)
Population: 4,173,460 (total country); 1.18 million (total city)
Life expectancy: 80.24 years

No. 6: Düsseldorf, Germany

Mercer score: 107.2
2007 rank: No. 6
GDP: $2.833 trillion (2007 est.)
Population: 82,369,548 (total country); 581,858 (total city)
Life expectancy: 79.1 years

No. 7 (tie): Munich, Germany

Mercer score: 107
2007 rank: No. 8
GDP: $2.833 trillion (2007 est.)
Population: 82,369,548 (total country); 1,332,650 (total city)
Life expectancy: 79.1 years

No. 7 (tie): Frankfurt, Germany

Mercer score: 107
2007 rank: No. 7
GDP: $2.833 trillion (2007 est.)
Population: 82,369,548 (total country); 3,700,000 (total city)
Life expectancy: 79.1 years

No. 9: Bern, Switzerland

Mercer score: 106.5
2007 rank: No. 9
GDP: $319.7 billion (2007 est.)
Population: 8,205,533 (total country); 122,178 (total city)
Life expectancy: 79.36 years

No. 10: Sydney, Australia

Mercer score: 106.3
2007 rank: No. 9
GDP: $766.8 billion (2007 est.)
Population: 20,600,856 (total country); 4,297,100 (total city)
Life expectancy: 80.73 years

Me, Myself and I

I got this tag from Rowena Tadiarca, a woman from Quezon City, Philippines. I met her here in blogspot where we exchanged links to each other. I didn't know that somewhere from the Philippines would make such an extended friendship here. Thank You for this tag, Rowena!

The rules are posted at the beginning. At the end of the post, the player tags 6 people and posts their names, then goes to their blog and leave a comment, letting them know they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve posted your answer.

1. What am I doing 10 years ago?

• I was 15 years old then, I was in High School. I was a good student and making good grades! I fell in love too to one of my crushes... Yes, to one of my crushes. I had admired one of the staff from school too. It was 10 years ago when I was enjoying my teenage life!
  

2. What are 5 things on my to-do list today?

• Go to church and hear mass
• Celebrate Father's Day with my husband and that includes watch a movie and eat our lunch to our favorite restaurant.
  
• Time to buy the Nine West cross-body I have been eyeing from Macy's and get my Victoria's Secret body splash because I am out already from my old cologne. I did shop for my husband's Father's Day gift too.
  
• Upload and post new pictures in my Multiply page
  
• Extend the celebration of Father's Day with my husband alone, just me and him together. Had a leftover dinner from the roast chicken I made yesterday.
  

3. Snacks I enjoy:

• I enjoy a delicious pizza, hot hickory buffalo wings, sandwich with corn or potato chips, chocolate cake or brownies together with a nice and cold soda.
  

4. Places I’ve lived:

• I have lived in Solana, Cagayan Valley, where I was born and grew up for 3 years. My grandparents took care of me while my father was working and been deployed somewhere in the Philippines and my mother was finishing her degree in College.
• I have lived also in General Santos (I guess for a year) where I finished and graduated in Kindergarten. My mother worked in one of the factories there too.
• I have lived, raised and grew up in Zamboanga City where almost half of my life was spent. I spent my Elementary, High School and College years in the town.
• I have lived and worked in Palanan, Makati for almost a year before I met my husband.
• I live in the United States since July 4, 2007.

5. Things I’d do if I were a billionaire:

• That's a lot of things to do. I would probably be doing what the world has to offer. The fashion, the fancy cars, the wonderful and fabulous house, travel a lot around the world together with my husband and my family. I would just enjoy gift-giving and make the world happy and peace!
  

6. People I want to know more about...

• I want to know the life of being the Queen of England
• I want to know the life of being a President or Prime Minister (whichever country it is)
• I want to know the life of being a nurse, caregiver, soldier, doctor, lawyer, manager or chief executive officer of a big company
• I want to know the life of significant people who brought the life of art, inventions and just about everything here in the world.
  
• Lastly, I want to know more the life of the people whom I have met here online, whom I have shared and built friendships with them.

I am done with the tag job. Now, its your turn to do this tag job. Let me hear from you Jenneth, Chrissy, Eva Marie, Roche, Felicity, Kate, Joy, Adei, Helen, Sophia and all my fellow bloggers here. Enjoy and take care always!

The Longest Day

June 21 is the 172nd day of the year (173rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. There are 193 days remaining until the end of the year. On non-leap years, this day marks the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere and the winter solstice in the southern hemisphere, and thus is the day of the year with the longest hours of daylight in the northern hemisphere and the shortest in the southern hemisphere. In astrology, it is the cusp line between Gemini and Cancer.

Last night, I set up my alarm clock so I can watch the sunrise at early 4:00 AM. It was a little bit cloudy so I didn't see much but I can see there's already light coming up. So I waited for few minutes before I could go back to bed. Usually, June 21st is the longest daylight of the year (or at least would start on that date) during the summer time. I was really surprised to the changes since I came here in the U.S. almost a year ago. The daylight starts at 4:45 AM and the dark starts at 8:45 PM. So, that would be 16 hours of daylight.

Today, I didn't do much except that I have to do the laundry, feed and play with my 4-legs kids (the 2 red dachshunds and 1 chocolate Labrador) and of course, doing my internet blogging and chat with some good friends. I did prepare our brunch too. My husband requested a lighter meal so I prepared biscuits and oatmeal for us. It's time to finish packing up our clothes too and put them in the camper so we are ready to go on a trip. I surely wouldn't want to miss enjoying this summer as this would be my second summer time here in the U.S. I can't wait now, the clock's ticking so fast and I am set to go.

Post Review

Internet blogging is one of the modern craze right now. Some of my friends turned out to be poetic and write about their thoughts, own experiences and share everything while putting them all in writing. My third post from PPP is to review a post from a fellow blogger, http://joy-godsgrace.blogspot.com/. It caught my interest in reviewing her posts. She's a mother of two little boys and a good wife to her husband. I couldn't believe it to my amazement that a wife and a mother are hooked in this kind of internet blogging. I don't know how she manages her time doing all the household chores, taking care of her two little boys, cook and prepare their meals and yet, she still manage to look fabulous and can share her thoughts in blogging.

As I view her blog site and read all her posts, I was really surprised that JOY have posted many things and made her site colorful and wonderful compared to mine. I have fun reading all her post as it lead my faith to God much stronger and that it enlightens my whole personality. I would like to say thank you for including God's scriptures as it made my day. I would surely come back and read your new post. Thanks for sharing! As for me, blogging was my comfort zone whenever I feel bored, think of something interesting and I can write everything I have experienced. This is what I enjoy and I am having fun everyday of my life.

The Flame of Friendship

The Flame of Friendship.

A symbol of spirit of unity.
The burning icon of love.
Undying picture of hope.
The hot symbol of oneness.
The Flame of Friendship.
And now it's your turn to flame yourself!
Meet new friends. Discover friendship. Make bonds.
Copy this post starting from the PICTURE ABOVE to the end
and add your blog on the list below.
Let's start FLAMING!
-----------------------------------------------------------
The People Who Accepted The Flame of Friendship
-----------------------------------------------------------
Tiklaton: We are the witness.
Janeth Vicy's Life Journey.
My Precious
My Sweet Haven
My Comfort Zone

(now, you follow!)
OOOPSS!! Don't forget to invite your friends!
_________________
END COPY HERE

Thanks Jhenn for tagging me! I had fun doing it, it is so easy and I love the picture. Now, I am tagging all my online buddy here in blog spot. Enjoy and Have a blessed Wednesday!

Police Gear

Summer is just right around the corner! Are you prepared? Are you looking for the newest and coolest products that will bring attention this summer wearing a tactical attire? Then, you have come to the right place. The tactical pants is the right online store for you. They offer a lot of clothing items from head to toe. The LA Police Gear proudly offers the full line of outstanding products produced by the top of the line brands. They also have special offers like free shipping, free hat, free travel mug, free knife and free return shipping for a certain purchases. Their products are chosen carefully for a great value, feature a new concept and design to eat someone's heart out.

Their line of clothing they have are comfortable to wear and very nice. I would like to get one for my husband since all of his clothes were tight for him because he gained weight last winter time. I am pretty sure that he will love the quality of the cloth because everything is made from the top of the line brands. The tactical pants have over 5,000 items on their website where you can buy impressive, with a good quality line of clothing that you can show off this summer. So what are you waiting for? Visit their website, tactical pants and order now. Let everyone see what's the new craze!

Unlimited Talk

Tonight, I have talked to two of my friends from Canada, Jenelyn and Maria Lucia. Jenelyn was from Cagayan De oro, Philippines and became my friend when we had the MBMYC (Mindanao Business Management Youth Council) conference last February 2005. She's a student from Xavier University and one of the student staff who helped in the conference. She now lives and work in Edmonton, Alberta in Canada. Just earlier today, she sent me a private message and asking where I live. She even give me her phone number so I can contact her and talk to her. I made the call and was happy to hear her voice over the phone. It was 30 minutes of saying hi and hello, talk about how she got there and what she's been doing. The last time I saw her was when I came back to Cagayan de Oro last August of 2005 and the last time I saw her and enjoyed her company.

After I talked to Jenelyn, my High School classmate and friend, Maria Lucia from Toronto, Ontario in Canada was calling me. I couldn't believe it that just after 30 minutes talking over the phone from Canada, here comes again another call. I was just surprised because after graduating from High School in 1999, we didn't hear from each other anymore. It was like a total silence between me and her. We talked for like 2 hours. I called her in my phone closely for an hour then agreed that she will be the one to call me back to get a fair share on our phone bills. She called me in her phone and talked just like there's no tomorrow. The only thing that stopped us from talking over the phone was that both our phone was a battery empty.

I really had fun talking with them. It's been a long time since I enjoyed being with them as we rule every hour and day when we're together. For sure, the phone call will not be the first and last... There will be more fun phone calls in the future.

I signed up for PayPerPost!

It was April 19, 2008 when a friend from California, Roche sent me a private message to let me know how she enjoys blogging. She noticed in my other website that I love to write just about anything I do, every travels I have been to and just something to talk about and write. She told me that she has been a member of payperpost and that she enjoys writing and earning from PPP. I asked her what is PPP? I really have no idea what is she talking about nor any idea what she's trying to tell me at first. So she gave me the website of payperpost and read something about it and told me to start writing a blog.

I have been writing essays since I was in High School and College but that was just a school requirement. Nevertheless, I have been still writing but I put them in my mind, not in paper, not in MS word and definitely not in a tissue paper but I put them all in my memory. Writing was my comfort zone. I can write anything I want, my experiences, about my family, my love life, my friends and all my daily activities that I can share and put them all in writing. I just love what I am doing.

Last Monday, June 16, I signed up for PPP and got approved the next day, Tuesday, June 17. What a relief! I am finally a proud member of payperpost! I couldn't believe it at first and never thought it was really fast for them to approved me. A bunch of thank you to payperpost! Now, I will be more inspired to do my writing job because I will be working with PPP in which I will get a monetary reward and that I can earn in my own way. I will surely have a lot of wonderful experience I can get from them and it would be more fun to write.

Bangkok, Thailand Getaway

I was browsing my Multiply page when I came to view and reminisced our Bangkok getaway last May of 2007. After visiting me for the 3rd time in the Philippines, my husband decided to have a getaway in Bangkok, Thailand on May 26 - June 2, 2007. He told me that he wants to see what's in Bangkok. It's gonna be a one whole week of fun being together.

But actually, before he went to see me for the 3rd time in the Philippines, I already furnished everything, the tickets and tour packages that we needed there (in Bangkok). It seems like I was his Executive Secretary doing everything for my Big Boss. All I did was to wait for him at the airport the night he arrived, and that's 4 days prior to our Bangkok trip.

One thing also that we decided to have a getaway was not to wait too long and get bored for my US visa to arrive and so we are off to go and we had a blast! Everything was full of fun just for me and him. We really had fun! We experienced the elephant ride in the Elephant Village. We always go whenever there's fun and adventure. Its like we are discovering ourselves really well before we get into marriage and the rest is history...

Sex and the City: The Movie!

It was a hot summer afternoon of Father's Day when we finally watched the Sex and the City: The Movie. Sex and the City is the romantic comedy feature film adaptation of the HBO comedy series Sex and the City (itself based on the book Sex and the City by Candace Bushnell) about four female friends living in New York City. The series often portrayed frank discussions about romance and sexuality.

It has been more than 2 weeks now since the movie started showing in cinemas (May 30th). We just can't watch it because my husband's grandson was spending his summer break from school with us. I know that the movie was a very sensitive one so we watched other movie instead. I had mixed emotions while watching the movie, Sex and the City. I laughed and cried. I am listening to every word they say. I am just so glad that I can drag my husband, Winn to watch the Sex and the City: The Movie because he likes to watch it as well. We were holding each other's hand while watching the entire movie.

Daddy's Corner

It's been ages (specifically 19 days ago) since I was tagged by Kate Love from Hazard, Kentucky and Felicity from Bakersfield, California. I know I should have posted this right then they tagged me. But I just wanted to post this today as we are celebrating FATHER'S DAY! I wanted to greet my Papa (who's not with us for almost 5 years now), my Husband - Winn (who became also a Mr. Mommy to his son and daughter), to Mark (my husband's son) and to all fathers out there who made all ends meet for everything.

Rules:

1) Copy from {Start Copy Here} to {End Copy Here}.

2) Blog Brag about your husband - Yes, the father of your child or children. As I’ve said singles may also join by bragging about their own fathers, or even grandfathers. It doesn’t matter! Of course, Daddy bloggers themselves may also join, but you have to blog about your fathers and not about yourselves, deal? Ok? Good.

3) Add your blog in the list below linking to the post that you just made. Or if you wish, do it as how I’ve done it in my other blog by adding a new page.

4) Leave some love HERE. Yup! At My Comfort Zone BlogSpot. Thanks!

5) Let’s not forget Peppermint Creative for the corner border I used for the badge.

Bloggers Corner:
Kate Love
Inday's Kitchen
My Comfort Zone
Your Blog Here!

Since my father passed away last August 02, 2003... We felt so miserable. It was hard for my mother and his 3 daughters together living without him. Knowing that we will not grow old without him by our side. He will not see our kids (his grandkids) grow and play and call him Grandpa. He didn't even see us (me and my sister) finished and graduated from College. I knew he would have been so proud for both of us. As he always said this line all along when he's still alive "Finish your degree in school and you can do whatever you want." It has been put to our mind since then. Of course, as the years passed by, we don't have any father-figure. It was hard. We felt like, someone is missing all along. He was a good provider for his family and he sent us all to a private school (High School and College only). When it's time for his paycheck, we always go for a family grocery time and he took us out for a wonderful dinner in a nice restaurant. It's been always like that every payday (at least once a month).

I knew this has long been said to him when he's still alive, but I will always tell him how much I love him as my father. He brought me to this world together with my mother's help. I would say this over and over that I am thankful that you brought me good life. That you raised me well as a good daughter (well, I may have been stubborn at times but I still listen carefully for all your advice). I will always treasure what we always had before. You may not be with us right now, but you are always remembered! Always...

I miss you, Papa!

Make Me A Supermodel!

Yup! You read it right! Its always been my dream to become a supermodel! I was browsing a Victoria's Secret online last night and looking how gorgeous the models are. It was so frustrating to see them super tall, super sexy and super pretty. How could somebody seem to be perfect that they could just posed for a very sexy lingerie and get big bucks from it? How could somebody seem to be so pretty and become a cover in a magazine? Is there any chance that the fat people, I mean the "overweight" become a supermodel too? Why not? Is being a too sexy person will only get their chance of a lifetime to be discovered as a supermodel? What about people who wanted to be "in" in the modeling industry?

I have always thought that being paid big bucks from being a supermodel makes life easier... They can buy all the material things here on earth, even expensive stuff, branded-named-signature products. They can party all night they want, always on the limelight and being chased by some idiot paparazzi. How could they have so much in life for being so pretty, sexy and tall? How Tyra Banks being praised by the people when she talks on her show? What does Kate Moss mostly do after all the fashion show event? Why is it that Naomie Campbell a bad supermodel and yet still earning big bucks? Are most of the supermodel even touch others lives? Do they even think how to share what they have? SIGH!

Here's the deal, I was looking for some great buys of some bikinis for this summer time. It was like more of a planned getaways to hit the beach sexy and show off a little bit of how sexy I am in my own way. I would definitely take pictures of me wearing sexy bikinis and forget about how many excess fat I gained during the holidays and winter time. No matter what people will say about me, I will ignore them and definitely enjoy as other people love to enjoy during the summer time... The Beach! Well, we will see what's going to happen when everybody will say, goodbye winter... welcome summer!

First Summer Splash

Last Wednesday, I had my first summer splash. It's not actually in the beach but in the swimming pool! We took Tyler (my husband's grandson) home in Somerset earlier and it took us about 2 hours to get there. Summer is really here! Its getting hotter and hotter all day and that's everyday. Sometimes, I just want to surrender with how the weather change. In some states of America, they have a heat wave. A heat wave is a prolonged period of excessively hot weather, which may be accompanied by high humidity.

After dropping Tyler off last Wednesday, we drove for 45 minutes going to Mark's place where he got a big swimming pool. Mark and his family was out of town for the week. They went to St. Augustine, Florida to spend their annual summer trip since his 3 daughters were out of school for their summer break. We actually went to Mark's place not just to enjoy but to check his place for some breakouts because they have been long gone for a week now.

So, after checking the place, I ripped off my clothes and put on my swimsuit. The first time I am going to show off my body and have a wild summer escapade with my husband. It was just me and him together in the swimming pool. I finally flaunt my sexy body (laughs!) and show off what I have been hiding for 25 years! We just talked about some good things while swimming together in the pool. Nobody is around and we really had a blast! After swimming, we ate in King Buffet where we had a great lunch. Indeed, my first summer splash with my husband was amazing!

Eggs-travagant!

Yesterday, we went to Mark's place, Cumberland Farms to gather some chicken eggs. My husband's son, Mark stopped hatching eggs because of the very hot weather. The chicks can't be shipped when the temperature is over 80 degrees (in Fahrenheit). He will start hatching the chicken eggs again in December. Mark's family was out of town. They all went to St. Augustine, Florida to spend their annual summer trip since his 3 daughters were out from school for their summer break.

I had fun gathering the chicken eggs. I actually helped my husband to gather them all. We had a bucket full of chicken eggs plus 3 dozens of eggs reserved for us we got from the refrigerator. The hens got mad at Winn because he's getting all the eggs. Some hens scratched his hand and head, its the only way how they protect themselves and their eggs. After gathering all the eggs, we washed and clean them carefully and place them in the refrigerator to keep them from spoiling.

Now that we have all those eggs, we can save some money and a trip to the grocery store from buying some eggs. For sure, we have eggs for our breakfast, for baking, for cooking that we will consume for a very long time.

Philippine Independence Day

Do you still remember the back portion of a five peso bill? Wherein the proclamation of the independence of the Philippines from Spain by General Emilio Aguinaldo on June 12, 1898 as depicted on the back of the old Php 5 bill.

The Philippine Declaration of Independence occurred on June 12, 1898 in the Philippines, where Filipino revolutionary forces under General Emilio Aguinaldo (later to become the Philippines' first Republican President) proclaimed the sovereignty and independence of the Philippine Islands from the colonial rule of Spain after the latter was defeated at the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War.

The declaration, however, was not recognized by the United States or Spain, as the Spanish government ceded the Philippines to the United States in the1898 Treaty of Paris, in consideration for an indemnity for Spanish expenses and assets lost.

While the Philippines first celebrated its Independence Day on June 12, its independence was only recognized on July 4, 1946 by the United States. Henceforth, Independence Day was observed on July 4, but in the name of nationalism, and upon the advice of historians, Republic Act No. 4166 was signed into law by President Diosdado Macapagal in 1964, proclaiming June 12, which up to that time had been observed as Flag Day, as Independence Day.

I always remember that every June 12, celebrating Independence Day was a holiday in the Philippines. I knew I was happy back then if there's no class but just to enjoy celebrating the Independence Day. There will be some ceremonies, the marching band all around town and sale from the mall. Now, I have heard from my sister that the President of the Philippines moved the holiday on Monday, June 9. I mean what's wrong having it directly to the date, June 12 instead of having a Monday holiday? Better yet, she could have moved it on June 13, Friday to have a 3-day weekend. Well, whatever it is... I hope everyone in the Philippines celebrated Independence Day a happy, full of fun and joyful one.

Happy Independence Day everyone!

Visit to the Animal Shelter

Today, we are scheduled to bring my chocolate Labrador back in the Animal Shelter. It's not that we have to bring him back there because he had a bad behavior or we're tired taking care of him. My baby Wacko will have his second booster for the vaccination and the third booster will be given on June 25. He's just 7 weeks old and weighs 10.5 pounds since we adopted him. He can barely play with my other 2 kids (Spankee and Lexie - the 2 Dachshunds). He's even afraid when Spankee will bark at him. He tried his best to hide himself somewhere to protect himself from fighting.

It has been 2 weeks since we adopted him. His birthday is April 03, 2008. Now, he's really playful and can keep up with the other kids (Spankee and Lexie). He knows he is getting bigger and stronger. He loves it when I am giving him treats as well as my other kids too for being good and if they behave well. I just can't wait when Wacko will grow up and become a big dog. I am going to teach him how to treat Spankee and Lexie as a small kids for him. He should know by then that he's big enough and it would be unfair on their part having a big dog playing around Spankee and Lexie.

The Yellowstone National Park

It was August of 2007 when my husband decided to take me cross-country around United States. I am still having my amazement moment the time I landed in the U.S. During my first month living in America, my husband showed me immediately 16 states (Kentucky - Tennessee - Indiana - Illinois - Wisconsin - Minnesota - Missouri - Kansas - South Dakota - Idaho - Montana - Oregon - Wyoming - Utah - Washington - Colorado).

I am really surprised as I imagined how big is the country of United States of America since it is called "united" with different states and different land areas and people too. Before, I only see them in the movies, TV shows or even in travel channel show. Now, I am almost there reaching the finish line of visiting all the 50 states. I thank God most of all for making this happen to enjoy the wonders of nature He created.

Yellowstone National Park is America's first national park. Located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, it is home to a large variety of wildlife including grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and elk. Preserved within Yellowstone National Park are Old Faithful and a collection of the world's most extraordinary geysers and hot springs, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

We experienced to watched the Old faithful in this park and watched all the animals walking. I took a closer look of a female elk which my better half took a picture and we discover that there are so many activities that you can do in the park. We truly had fun and had a great experience @ Yellowstone National Park.

Meet My Little Rascals

Here's my little rascals! Meet Wacko (the chocolate Labrador) and Spankee and Lexie (the dachshund breed). Lexie's name was changed to Starlight but it seems she's used being called Lexie by her former master so I decided to call her back Lexie. It was a very tough decision to adopt the 2 kids (Spankee and Lexie) because all I want was just the chocolate Labrador, Wacko. But my husband saw them at the animal shelter and told me we will adopt them too.

Its going to be 2 weeks now since we adopted them from the Animal Shelter. The moment I saw them, they are so adorable. They love to cuddle and play. I love giving them their treats if they behave well and did a good job such as peeing in their pee pad. Training them was hard because they have a short span of memory but I have to be more patient just like taking care of a baby while they are growing up.

Having this kids at home now is great! I get to play with them inside and outside of the house. They're all a mess because they run and chase each other. They fight, bark and play with each other. But, my poor little Wacko was scared to Spankee and Lexie because they're jealous of the baby - Wacko. They gang up against the baby because they are very jealous. Luckily, I get more help from my husband to keep them apart and separate them from the 2 little rascals - Spankee and Lexie.

Sunday Madness!

Need a break from a very tiring week? What about a break from the hot weather? I know, summer is really here! Everything seems get going because the sun is out. Some people are putting their stuff outside for some yard sale, others go to a trip for a beach splash and enjoy the wonder of theme parks and some was just to get laid and do something new and different.

Believe it or not, I still didn't get a chance to see my 4 girlfriends, in the big screen. I know it has been a long time since its movie premiere of the Sex and the City. It has been 9 days since the movie premiere and I know we can still catch up with it sometime but not very late. We just can't do it because my husband's grandson was spending his couple of weeks summer break from school. So, we might as well check out some other movies like the Kung Fu Panda by Jack Black, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian and You Don't Mess with The Zohan by Adam Sandler.

Another one hot summer Sunday. I have a personal date with my God, and oh, I can bring my husband. I am so grateful that Winn was always with me whenever I go - the church, the mall, the parks or even a very long trip, we are always together. I guess that's keeping the love alive. After church, we will be heading to Elizabethtown, KY to attend the Anniversary party of my online friend whom I met in the other website. It's gonna be a lot of fun again, good food and good times!

Picnic at Lampkin Park

It was a beautiful day today! The sun was shining so bright. I woke up around 8:15 in the morning and did my household chores. My husband and his grandson, Tyler was outside building the storage building. I cooked them a good and delicious breakfast. My pets are outside too playing with each other. I think it's been a week since we adopted them from the Animal Shelter. I am just so glad that they are so playful, adorable and loves to cuddle.

I cooked the famous Filipino dish today... I made pork adobo with eggs for our picnic at the park. This is the second time I am going to meet some of the Filipinas who were married to their U.S. citizen husbands. The last time was during the Memorial weekend. It was full of fun and laughters again. Many foods were served including yummy desserts. I just can't help not to eat them all and my diet? It has been fun doing it again and again, over and over... For I know I still watch what I eat. My husband enjoyed the foods to prepared by some Filipinos. All the laughters and conversation were overflowing and we really had a great day!

Hot Friday Mania

It's Friday once again! I woke up at 8:07 AM. It's an unusual wake up time for me. I usually wake up very late in the morning around 10:30 AM or early in the afternoon around 1:30 PM... Oh yeah, I know what you think of me, that I am a sleepy head - always in deep slumber. Sometimes, I wonder if I still fulfill the job of being a wife to my husband. I should be the one who wakes up early in the morning to prepare breakfast and start moving my butt to do some household chores.

The 400 mile sale is still going on and the U.S. highway 68 is getting busier. As I can see many cars passing by from east to west and from west to east. My husband asked me earlier what are we going to do today as he want to passed the day from building the storage buildings he and his grandson are building. He decided to jump in inside his truck and just drove all the way going west of U.S. highway 68 for the yard sale.

As he was driving slowly to look for a better place for the yard sale, we came across some people stopping by looking for some stuff. As we went on and on, we finally stopped to one of the biggest yard sales today. I got a better deal from the cookie jar, plates, cups and saucers and some home decors. There were some good deals of books too but I was just looking for the authors of novels I really like to read. The sun was shining so bright but the people seems not bothered by the hot weather.

We continued our journey for the 400 mile sale. We stopped at Cadiz, Kentucky to get something to eat. We bought pork butt barbecue, butter bread, cheese puffs and pop drinks. Then we had a little dry picnic at Cadiz Recreational Park. Everything went well for me, my husband and my husband's grandson. I can really say that we really have a pretty good Friday. We enjoyed shopping good deals from the yard sale, the sight-seeing and the dry picnic.

400 Mile Sale

Are you ready for the 400 mile sale? The ultimate "shop until you drop" experience! The 400 mile sale starts from June 5 to June 8 of the year 2008 across Kentucky's historic highway 68 from east to west. U.S. Route 68 is an east-west United States highway that runs for 560 miles (901 km) from northwest Ohio to western Kentucky. The highway's western terminus is at U.S. Route 62 in Reidland, Kentucky. Its eastern terminus is at Interstate 75 in Findlay, Ohio.

Check out the website 400 Mile Sale. There will be a lot of fun stuffs, yard sale, booth crafts and antiques across the highway 68. The 4-day (from Thursday to Sunday) mile sale will bring so much fun for everyone in a great days of shopping, eating and just being entertained.

There will be some special events planned all along the route. Historic Highway 68 was once a major thoroughfare across Kentucky. It was two days ago, there have been some people arranging and bringing all their things for the said event. Everyone's busy preparing for their yard sale. Hundreds of yard sales will be setting up all along the route and many of the antique shops and other unique businesses will be opening early and having side walk sales and store wide discounts.

Strawberry Shortcake

Speaking of fresh strawberries yesterday, I made my very own shortcake made from fresh strawberries, of course. Strawberry shortcake is one of America's favorite desserts. Sliced strawberries are mixed with sugar and allowed to sit an hour or so, until the strawberries have surrendered a great deal of their juices. I made an experiment strawberry shortcake yesterday. I added some vanilla extract and a half cup of an evaporated milk. I got the easy home-made recipe from Joy.

In America, shortcake means a rich pastry enclosing fruits, and it became very popular in the mid-1800s. There are also many modern variations using pound cake, angel food cake, or sponge cake, but the traditional shortcake is usually made with a sweetened biscuit pastry, plenty of sliced strawberries, and a generous dollop of whipped cream.

Doing this strawberry shortcake was very easy. Just have all the ingredients ready (pound cake, strawberries, sugar, vanilla, milk and whipped cream) and you already have a mouth-watering shortcake dessert for everyone. It is very delicious, easy to make and I am sure everybody will love it.

Fresh Strawberries

Have you experienced picking some fresh strawberries in the farm? Then, after picking them, you can't just wait to enjoy eating the fresh strawberries? Well, I had fun picking strawberries today. We went to the Amish place earlier to look at their rustic storage buildings. We came to stop by at the Amish gardens and saw the strawberry plants. The Amish woman was picking all the strawberries that she can sell.

We bought a gallon of strawberries for $5. I asked for a permission if I could pick my own fresh strawberries and eat them directly. It was sweet and delicious! Although that's not my first time to pick fresh strawberries (I had one in the strawberry farm in Baguio, Philippines), I still had fun picking them.

Question and Answer

So, I got a tag now from Eva Marie from Sydney, Australia and Felicity's Journal from Bakersfield, California. I don't want to missed answering the questions because it came from a good friend, Eva Marie and Felicity! So, here it goes...

1. What do you want for your birthday?

• This is really an easy question because since I met my husband, he made all things possible for me. I know he would say yes because he wants to make my birthday a happy one. I would want a birthday trip to Orlando, Florida. I wanna see Disneyworld and Universal Studios and everything in Orlando.
  

2. Who will be your next kiss?

• But of course, my husband - Winn… Need I say more?

3. When was the last time you went to the mall?

• I think last May 8. I need to buy something to seduce my husband in bed (laugh!).
  

4. Are you wearing socks right now?

• Nope! I am done with that now. Winter is over and summer is here! Guess, it's time for nice flip-flops now.
  

5. How did you spend your summer?

• The heat is on! Summer time is just starting... I guess, I still need more planning for the rest of the summer on what activities we will have this time. But if you are asking about my last summer last year... It was a blast! For my first few days spent since I came here, I already visited 6 different states. Then followed by a summer trip to 8 states before our wedding in Tennessee.
  

6. Have you been to the cinema in the last 5 days?

• Nope, not yet... But tomorrow will be a movie date for us. I am looking forward on watching Indiana Jones and Sex and the City.
  

7. What was the last thing you had to drink?

• Water! I guess, I am trying to be healthy now.
  

8. What are you wearing right now?

• It's a striped capris and a nice shirt.
  

9. What was your last purchase?

• Things for my babies. I bought their food, their bed, food and water bowl, shampoo, pee pad, their stuffed toys, collars, leashes, rawhide chew and some treats.
  

10. What was the last food you ate?

• We had a burger party here. I ate cheeseburger and some vegetable salad.
  

11. Who would be the person you call if you were up in the middle of the night and couldn’t sleep?

• Who else I would call? Probably I will wake my husband up. He's with me all the time, always by my side and I felt secured when he hug me.

12. Have you bought any clothing items in the last week?

• Nope! But I did purchase some sneakers and flip-flops for my sisters. Good to go in the box going to the Philippines.
  

13. Do you have a pet?

• I have my kids with me with 4 legs! Makes me happy all the time although they are all a mess. They are so adorable and sweet.
  

14. What made you laugh in the last 5 days?

• The conference chat I had with my online friends. Everything seems so wonderful when we chat.
  

15. If you could be anywhere right now, where would you be?

• I would say... all over Europe!
  

16. What is the last thing you purchased online?

• Nothing! I never shop online! I am just scared of identity theft.
  

17. One thing you hate about yourself?

• I hate having a not proportioned legs!
  

18. Do you miss anyone?

• Absolutely! My family, friends back at home and my online friends… I miss being with them.
  

19. What are your plans for the day?

• Not much. We had a burger party earlier when Theresa, Justine and Tyler came over. Tyler will spend his weekend here. Tomorrow, we will hear a mass and catch a good movie.
  

20. Last person you messaged?

• I left a text message for my mother. I am asking her how's everything there and ask about when will be their classes would start.
  

21. Ever gone camping?

• Yes! I had several times back in my Elementary years. I was once a Girl Scout of the Philippines.
  

22. Are you a good student in school?

• I think so... I always make sure that I get good grades until I finished my course in College.
  

23. What do you know about the (your) future?

• A lot! I mean I wanted to explore everything. I wanted to get a job and become a much better person. I wanted to make a difference that others can't. I wanted to go and try anything in this world.
  

24. Are you wearing any perfume or cologne?

• Nope, I didn't take my bath yet. But I don't smell bad.
  

25. Where is/are your best friend/s right now?

• My real best friend is in Zamboanga City, Philippines now. He's a nurse. He graduated the Bachelor of Science in Nursing and passed the nursing board exam after graduating from our first Business Management course. My other best friends were all over the world - Philippines, Australia, United Kingdom, Singapore and United States!

Now that I am done... I am passing the question and answer to all my online buddies here! Enjoy

Deliverance!

The act of setting free! Finally, I found my own relief. For so many years, I have been hiding something from my closet. Things from my past. It was horrible, some were lies, some were the things that made me a much better person. It has been 6 long years. I am almost 20 years old then. I have been struggling from my course in College, the health problems of my father, the family crisis we have been facing, so-called friends who have tried to ruin your reputation and including my impulsive and unpredictable love life.

I have gained so much trouble back then. People think I was a nerd-looking, ignorant, careless, clumsy girl who needs so much support to back me up. Hey, I was once an honor student! There are just some people who thinks that I can't be trusted at all. People will think less of me and make bad stories that will actually ruin my good reputation. People whom I trusted so much, people whom I thought would be there for me when I needed them. And that people? They were the rotten tomatoes in a big basket filled with fresh and good tomatoes. Nobody's perfect. Some people can't just see what a good life is.

It was such a relief after all these years. All I wanted was to clear my name and my reputation to all the bad rumors I have heard. That was such a coward things to do. There was no luck to any confrontations who made it. What for? I am just glad to finally open up the things we have misunderstood. And obviously, we are trying to rekindle a good friendship that we never had the chance to have before. We were both victims of coward actions of some so-called friends.

Eventually, after all these years, my experiences made me a much better person. I know I have been patient all my life. Good things will come for good people. I prayed hard that everything will be perfect after all the imperfections in the past. Everyone wants to be happy. Evidently, after all these years, I made things possible and been happy. I have a man who will be there with me always. Who will trust me, love me and care for my feelings. All my prayers were answered because I know for my own self that I was never, I did not and will not do such thing like that.

Thank you God for all the blessings. Thank you also for not leaving my side when I was completely feeling down. Thank you, my Lord!

Remembering Biltmore House

Last April, we spent our spring break at Savannah, Georgia. We visited my Aunt Mhina (my father's sister) in her apartment. She's a teacher in a Middle School. After spending our quality time together with her for almost 4 days, we went to Asheville, North Carolina where we had an amazing tour to America's largest privately owned home. The estate is magnificent and beautiful. The vastness of it just goes on and on.

Biltmore house is a French Renaissance-inspired chateaus near Asheville, North Carolina, built by George Washington Vanderbilt II between 1888 and 1895. It is the largest privately owned home in the United States at 175,000 square feet. Still owned by Vanderbilt's descendants, it stands today as one of the most prominent remaining examples of the Gilded Age.

Have you seen the Richie Rich movie? Yes, you heard it right! Richie Rich movie was filmed in Biltmore House, North Carolina. I am lucky to see the Biltmore house since I have only watched them in the movies like Patch Adams, Forrest Gump and Hannibal to name a few. Completed in 1895, it's America's largest home that offers a glimpse into a world of elegance and grandeur.

A visit to Biltmore Estate opens up a world of stories, from what inspired the creation of this American masterpiece to the many people who have maintained and loved the place. The house is just breathtaking. It's a wonder that you have to see it for yourself.

My Kind of Sandwich

You Are a Ham Sandwich

You are quiet, understated, and a great comfort to all of your friends. Over time, you have proven yourself as loyal and steadfast. And you are by no means boring. You do well in any situation - from fancy to laid back. Your best friend: The Turkey Sandwich Your mortal enemy: The Grilled Cheese Sandwich

So, my kind of sandwich is Ham Sandwich? What could be better than a simple, savory ham sub sandwich? The sliced, lean ham on a flavored bread, garnished with my favorite crisp veggies like cucumber, lettuce, bell pepper and tomatoes, and top it with sweet onion sauce. Oh so yummy! And my best friend is the Turkey Sandwich? The bird’s the word! High in flavor and low in fat, the sliced turkey breast is perfectly complemented by crisp, crunchy veggies and the choice of delicious sauce.

Believe me or not, I am a sandwich lover. I love to make my own sandwich. I love making the tuna sandwich which is very easy to do and its delicious. I love the sandwich at Subway. I love eating their Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki. It is one of their gourmet inspired specialties. They take lean and tender, savory, teriyaki glazed chicken strips topped with Subway’s own fat-free Sweet Onion Sauce. It’s a flavorful blend served hot with your choice of fresh vegetables and your choice of fat-free condiments on freshly baked bread.

What Kind of Sandwich Are You?