Goodbye January!

So this is a goodbye for the month of January! It feels like time really flew by. Many things happened for the whole month. I am glad that I met wonderful friends. I must say goodbye to the first month of the year. I welcome another month with all the love and wonderful expectations for the coming months. I experienced the harsh weather, very cold temperature, the snow, the joyride everywhere and staying home. I enjoyed the month of January very much. I can say that I had fun even though I complain a lot from the cold weather. How about you guys? How did yours go?

Traveling to Canada

Yesterday afternoon, when we got home from our Fort Ransom trip, I got a voice mail from one of the Filipina I met here in our town. I called her back and talked for a while. I told her about our plan of visiting the International Peace Garden, which is located on the border between Canada (province of Manitoba), and the United States of America (state of North Dakota). She told me that I need a tourist visa whenever I want to go or visit Canada. However, I told her she could go and visit Canada using her Philippine passport and her permanent resident card (Green Card).

Since I know someone who is from Canada and she is living in Louisville, Kentucky now, I contacted her and asked her about visitor visa for Canada. She said, I don't need one. When visiting Canada, except for Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents, all others require permission to enter Canada as a visitor, with or without a Temporary Resident Visa or TRV. Individuals who wish to enter Canada for a temporary purpose, such as tourist, temporary foreign workers (work permits) and international students (study permits) must apply for and be granted a temporary resident visa, unless they are citizens of a visa-exempt country.

Many people do not require a visitor visa when traveling to Canada. If you want to know the list of visitor visa exemptions, click here. It also says that persons lawfully admitted to the United States for Permanent Residence who are in possession of their alien registration card (Green Card) or can provide other evidence of Permanent Residence in the United States. You can always present any supporting documents that will prove that you are a Permanent Resident of the United States.

If you are a permanent resident of United States, you can present the following when entering Canada:

• a valid passport
• permanent resident card (Green Card)
• State Identification or Driver's License
• some proof that you are a permanent resident like bank statement, letter from your work or title deed of the house or vehicle

What Do Our Stars Say About Us?

Winferd, March 25


Hazel, September 29

Snapshot # 4

Taken last Sunday when the husband and I went to church. I told him to take a picture of me with the mountain of snow behind me. He gladly took the picture. It was snowing that night. If you look at the picture, you can see me smiling just like a little kid who enjoys snowfall.

Have You Ever?

I grabbed an interesting tag from Dhemcy - My Life's Perception and Inspiration. Let's take a look what are my answers.

1. Have you ever been on TV?

• I don't think so but I watched the anniversary of GMA-7 live year 2006.

2. Have you ever sung in public?

• Yes! I sung twice actually. First, I was in High School and joined the duet competition. It was embarrassing! We didn't even finish the song. Secondly, I was in Ilo-Ilo with my classmates when we attended the conference and went to a bar and sung on stage.

3. Have you ever dyed your hair blond?

• I don't think I will look good with a blond hair. It is just hard to maintain a colored hair. I am happy with my long, black and shiny hair.
  

4. Have you ever eaten frog legs?

• Yes I did! When we had our summer vacation at my grandparents province. It is like a specialty and it really taste good.
  

5. Have you ever received a present that you really hated?

• No. I like receiving gifts no matter what. I am not picky.
  

6. Have you ever walked into a lamp post?

• Nope, never did. Usually I walk on street lights but not lamp post.
  

7. Have you ever cooked a meal by yourself for more than 15 people?

• Yes! I love cooking when there's a party.
  

8. Have you ever fallen or stumbled in front of others?

• No doubt, I was clumsy in my younger years.
  

9. Have you ever done volunteer work?

• Yes, I was in High School when we have to teach the poor kids about God's words for 1 hour, 3 time a week.
  

Must Love Horses

Finding someone special is worth the time. Many people are longing to find their own true love. Just like any other commercial in the TV, online dating or internet dating is widely spread using advertising or any other form of media. It allows any individuals to make contact and communicate with each other over the internet to develop a personal romantic relationship. However, even when members' profiles are real, there is still an inherent lack of trust with other members. My friends have tried the online dating websites, and they have been successful finding their one true love. It really takes time and effort to find someone dearly to you.

Many sites are broad-based with members coming from a variety of backgrounds looking for different types of relationships. For example, Jewish singles or Latino singles. Some online dating sites are more specific that usually based on the type of members, interests, location or relationship desired just like equestrian cupid. This is an exclusive community for horse lovers and equestrian singles to meet someone to share their passion for horses and pursue the country lifestyle. Join the community of the best, largest and most effective dating site for single horse lovers and meet your horseback-riding friends! They offer FREE sign-up for those people who are interested to join this community. Don't miss the chance of meeting someone special online!

Dessert: Maja Blanca

I don't crave for this a lot. But suddenly earlier today, I took a moment to look in our pantry. I saw that I have ingredients for my Maja Blanca. It is easy to prepare. I saw the recipe from Lisa - In My Kitchen. The husband said he likes it especially that I put corn and peanuts on it. You can also put grated cheese on top if you don't like or allergic to peanuts.

Ingredients:

• 1 can cream style corn
• 1 can evaporated milk
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup cream cornstarch
• chopped peanuts or grated cheese
  

Procedure:

• In a mixing bowl, combine cornstarch, sugar, corn and evaporated milk. Mix well.
  
• Heat the saucepan, pour coconut milk and bring to a boil then simmer for 3 minutes.
  
• Pour the mixed cornstarch, sugar, corn and evaporated milk. Stir constantly until mixture is thickened.

Postcard From Paris!

Bonjour! Comment ale vouz? Last Tuesday, I got a postcard from Paris, France. A very dear friend Rossana from San Francisco, California sent me this lovely postcard. She sent the postcard as soon as she got to Paris to make sure I will received it. That's sweet! She and her husband took a 2-week vacation in Paris, France. She's so sweet to remember me by. Thank you, Ross!

The message:

Hello Hazel!

Greetings from Paris! We're having fun. Saw the Eiffel Tower and tomorrow we'll go to the Louvre to see the Mona Lisa. Take care!

Rossana

Oh how I wish to see the Eiffel Tower someday. I guess I have to save my blogging money to apply for a tourist visa and buy my plane ticket. Paris, France is one of the places I would like to visit.

Apartment for Rent

If you are looking for a commercial properties in Kiev, Ukrain, you might want to check out apartments kiev. Rent.UA offers complete information on rent of real estate in Kyiv.

Miss America 2009

Back home, I love watching beauty pageant. It started when I was in 3rd grade. I watched how Sharmaine Ruffa Rama Gutierrez crowned as the 2nd Princess for Miss World in 1993 and so on. Last night, the husband and I watched Miss America 2009, the 84th pageant was held at the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada. Hosted by Mario Lopez from the Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino.

Miss Indiana, Katie Stam crowned as Miss America 2009

Miss Kentucky, one of the top 15 and 12 Finalist in the Miss America 2009

Miss North Dakota, a contestant in the Miss America 2009

We both shared our comments about the contestants on how they handle themselves on stage, the way they walk and talk. I didn't know that my husband will support me watching the beauty pageant as he loves watching western movies. We finished it until the end.

Snapshot # 3

A picture of a beautiful sunset in a cold afternoon in North Dakota. I took this picture few days ago when we had nice weather which is 20 to 25 degrees without the wind's blowing.

What's Your Manga?

What is your favorite anime action-adventure? I was in college when my younger sister introduced me to anime. She loves watching it! Let me just give you a little description about manga. Manga are Japanese comics and print cartoons. It is the roots of all Japanese anime on TV. The TV producers adapted the manga onto anime. One example is Naruto Manga. It is the most popular and one of the best anime right now.

Naruto is an adolescent ninja who constantly searches for recognition and aspires to become a Hokage, the ninja in his village that acknowledged as the leader and the strongest of all. He has a very strong spirit and a never-say-die attitude. Just like anybody else, I love watching cartoons and I can even name one of my favorites.

Fish and Fries

I have been craving fish for few days. I love eating fish, my husband don't. He's not a fish lover. But he can eat tilapia and catfish. While driving home, I requested a fish and fries for lunch. The husband gladly granted my request. He cooked both the fish and fries for me. We had a scrumptious fish and fries for lunch!

What Do You Love About Your Husband?

Whether you believe me or not, I have no friends around here where we live now. I have met few Filipinas who are also married to their American husband but they have different interest compare to mine. Luckily, I found nice and special friends in the blogosphere where I can share my thoughts and feelings. Thank you Umma - Spices of Life for tagging me!

My husband and I first met over the phone in May of 2006. He visited me in the Philippines (September 2006) after 4 months of corresponding with each other. He stayed 9 days in his first visit. Then he went back November of 2006 in his second visit and stayed for 3 months. He proposed to me December of 2006. He went back to U.S. of A. on February 2007 and went back for the third time in the Philippines in May of 2007. He stayed for 1 month and 2 weeks. We got married in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee on September 2007.

• I have known my husband for 2 years and 8 months and married for 1 year and 4 months. What I love about him is, he really cares for me and for my family back home.

• I love my husband because he makes me feel very special. When I am lazy to cook our food, he will take time to cook food for us.
  

• I love my husband because he thinks of me always. He always cares for me. He always check on me and supports me to all my endeavors.
  

• I love my husband because he pampers me like a baby. He let me go shopping and buy what I want while he's comfortably sitting in the couch at the mall while waiting for me.

• I love my husband because he always needs my attention and let me know how much he love me and that he always tell me how special and important I am in his life.

• I love the fact that my husband can't sleep at night when I am not at his side. I think that is cute knowing that he needs someone like me to be with him at night.

Time to Organize!

Are you tired of looking at your messy and disorganize garage? Where do you store your tools? Maybe it is time for you to organize your tools and things in your garage storage. If you are looking for durable, stylish and efficient garage cabinets for storage, visit the website of Car Guy Garage for your storage solution.

Birthday Wish Award

For my next birthday this year, I will turn 27 years old. It will be 8 months and 7 days from today's date (September 29). I have no plans for my 27th birthday yet. I celebrated my 26th birthday at work and the husband surprised me flowers and chocolate-mocha birthday cake. For sure, I will be stuck at work on my next birthday, again!

I was surprised when Madz - The Pride of Hingotanan Bohol sent me a link on this Birthday Wish Award. She keeps on sending me a message about exchanging links but I always forget to add her 3 blogs because of my internet connection. I am sorry about that girl. I never knew I could met someone special like you, Madz! On the other hand, another friend of mine whom I met few months before 2008 will end, Donabel - Memoirs of a Pinay in America forwarded this award too. Thank you for this award!

The rules are:
1. Make a list of what you want on your birthday
2. The list should be 15 numbers
3. Post the image of this award in your posting
4. Give it to 10 friends of yours

Here are my 15 wishes for my birthday:

• Just like I always wish and pray every year when it's my birthday, I want God to give us, my family and friends more blessings and good health.

• I wish that before this year will end, our house in Kentucky will be sold. Paying two utility bills and insurance is just crazy!
  

• I wish that the gas prices will remain cheaper than it is used to be so that many people and campers will travel.
  

• I wish to get a raise on my salary! Yehey!

• I wish to lose some weight. I felt like I am getting heavier everyday of my life!

• I wish to fill up the balikbayan box that I am going to send to my mom and sisters before Holiday Season will start this year.
  

• I wish to get all the DVD's complete season of the TV series House, M.D.

• I wish to spend a wonderful 6 month vacation in a warmer place after working 6 months in a campground. I just don't want to spend another harsh winter here in North Dakota.
  

• I wish to receive a nice pair of diamond earrings and a ring from my beloved husband to add to my collections.

• I wish to meet my wonderful online friends.
  

• I would love to travel to 7 more states that I haven't seen yet - Michigan, Ohio, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arizona, California and Nevada before traveling to east coast.
  

• I wish to get my favorite designer handbag I have been wishing to get for a long time.
  

• I wish to earn more opportunities from blogging so I can earn more money!

• I wish to earn another degree here but I just can't make up my mind yet.
  

• I wish that there would be WORLD PEACE!

Ted's Twitter

Get to know more about Ted Murphy at Ted on twitter. Visit his profile now!

Beef Tenderloin Tips

When cooking beef, I usually boil it first until it is tender. I seasoned the beef with salt and pepper and add beef bouillon mix to add taste to the beef. This is one of my husband's favorite. I don't overcook the bell pepper, so it is still crunchy when you bite it.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of beef strips
• 1 can of mushroom
• 1/2 green bell pepper, cut into strips
  
• 1/2 red bell pepper, cut into strips
• 1/2 yellow bell pepper, cut into strips
• 1/2 yellow onion, cut into big strips
• 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
• olive oil or vegetable oil
  
• 3 tablespoon soy sauce
• salt and pepper to taste

Procedure:

• You can boil the beef if you want or fry it in olive oil. Saute garlic and beef in a pan until the beef is golden brown. Add the onion and mushroom. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  
• Add soy sauce and simmer for 5 minutes until the meat is cook.
• Lastly, add the bell peppers. Do not overcook the bell peppers.
• Serve it with hot rice.

New Cell Phone Quest!

Seeking a new cell phone can be very stressful. I have been there. It pays to shop around finding the best deals and good rate plans that we can afford. I have been searching online what phone that has quality features and best for me. I am a very meticulous person when it comes to choosing the best phone for me. Of course, I want the best among the rest, a phone that has good features that will serve me great and a phone that will provide me what I want. I want to own free Verizon phones that I can use everywhere I go. You can get free AT&T cell phones with cash back depending on what cell phone you want to get or choose from free Sprint phones online.

Since we are really on a tight budget last year and this year, there are still more ways to save our pockets from spending expensive cell phones. For a limited time offer, you can find great cell phone sale at BestInCellPhones.com that are brand new and offers full satisfaction guarantee. They also offer free cell phones, cash back after rebate and free bluetooth headsets. What a great way to start the New Year with new free cell phones! By visiting their website, you can choose and compare cell phone plans from their wide selections of different brands and carriers according to your preference.

Snapshot # 2

A photo of an excited girl who simply loves shopping

I woke up early today as we have planned on visiting the state capital of North Dakota - Bismarck. We ended up going to Kirkwood Mall. We had fun walking, window shopping and dining in a Chinese buffet. We are looking for a backpack that we can use when we go travel this coming springtime before I start working in a campground.

Jewelry Designs

I love jewelries. I guess it is every woman want. Many people have been in the business of handmade jewelry. It is a growing trend that I always hear and watch in the TV. If you are looking for hand designed copper jewelry, you can find it at Archmaille Designs. It is just amazing how a creative and talented person can do such a wonderful creation.

Honest Scrap Award

Another award I got from Umma - Happy Moments, Happy Thoughts. This girl simply amazes me with all her informative and very interesting posts. That's why I keep on visiting her site every day. Thank you my dear!

Honest Scrap Award Rules:

• When accepting this auspicious award, you must write a post bragging about it, including the name of the misguided soul who thinks you deserve such acclaim, and link back to said person so everyone knows he or she is real.

• Choose a minimum of 7 blogs that you find brilliant in content or design. Or improvise by including bloggers who have no idea who you are because you don’t have 7 friends. Show the 7 random victims’ names and links and leave a harassing comment informing them that they were prized with “Honest Weblog.” Well, there’s no prize, but they can keep the nifty icon. List at least ten honest things about yourself. Then, pass it on!

Here are 10 things about me:

• I am addicted to gadgets - I guess, some of you love to own any gadgets to be part of the modern world. Who wants to have a camera using a roll of film nowadays? Do you want to carry a heavy portable radio to listen to your favorite music while walking?
  

• I am a cookie monster! - I can just eat any delicious cookies I can get. I love it!

• I am a wise shopper - I go for descent, reasonable and affordable prices when I shop for clothes, purses, shoes, make-ups and gadgets.

• I love to travel! - Who doesn't? I mostly save my money on vacations and road trips. I have been to 29 states of USA and I am already thinking what's the 30th state I am going to visit. I enjoy traveling with my husband.
  

• I like eating hot dogs - But I don't like their hot dogs they sell here. I miss the tender juicy hot dogs and winner hot dogs back home.

• I am fascinated with jewelries - I think I want to work in a jewelry store. I am just fascinated with all the jewelries in the store, though I don't wear them much. I love to wear earrings and rings only. I would love to have a collection of jewelries for me to see them everyday that I am alive.

• I hate being told what to do - I can do household chores and I am good at it. I clean the bathroom, kitchen and the entire house according to my will. Just don't tell me what I need to do because I can be lazy sometimes.

• I love to go grocery shopping - Although it will take longer time for me to finish and accomplish what's on my grocery list before I head the counter to pay.
  

• I want to be alone sometimes - Sometimes it is good to be alone but it doesn't mean that I am lonely. I want to think alone and reminisce the past just by thinking.

• I enjoy watching TV with my hubby - When I see my husband alone in the couch, I can feel that he needs me to be there with him. We enjoy cuddling, hugging, caressing, touching together in our couch.
  

Now I am passing this award to: Adin's Gossip Corner - Anne's My Little Home - Dhemcy's My Life's Perception and Inspiration - Donabel's Memoirs of a Pinay in America - Grace's My Life - Ivy's My So-Called Life - Jacy's Reveries of SimplyJacy - Jhenn's My Sweet Haven - Sweetie Pie's The Solitairy Love - Roche's Illustration of Passion - Rosemarie's Celebrate Life - Rowena's Thoughts - Vannie's Ozzy's Mom

Nice Weather Today

How's everybody? How's your week-end so far? As for me, I am feeling fine and sleepy. The temperature is 31 degrees Fahrenheit. Not bad at all compare to our previous temperatures which is 21 degrees below zero (-21F). We are suppose to go to Bismarck this morning. That's more or less 2 hours drive from our house. I woke up early today at 8:30 AM. But we are not allowed to go out, the weather forecast suggested no one is allowed to travel because of the black ice on the highway. The wind is blowing so hard that you can hear its sound.

In the afternoon, the weather got better. It ended up being the nicest day of the year. But it was too late for us to go somewhere. So we stayed home, I did the laundry and watched movie. My husband is taking his nap. At 4:45 this afternoon, the sun sets. I wish for much nicer weather this coming days.

Give Me Some Air!

This coming summer, I know everyone will complain about how hot the weather is. People will travel with their cars. We need to turn-on the AC to give us comfort and fresh feeling. During summertime, I normally turn-on my car's AC to keep me from feeling hot and sweating. At discountACparts.com, you can buy great deals on auto AC parts. Whether you are looking for air conditioning compressor or if you need an upgrade for your BMW or Mercedes AC compressor, you are in the right place! They carry full line of A/C Compressor and other auto parts that you need for auto upgrade. All of their parts come with free shipping and no core deposit. It is indeed a best buy! Visit their website now and find great deals.

Multiple Awards!

Thank God, it's Friday again! Can you just imagine how time and days passed by? In just one blink, another day passed by and a new day will come. It is still cold and freezing where we live. I am visiting Dhemcy's blog - My Life Perception and Inspiration and Umma's Blog - Happy Moments, Happy Thoughts to give them both a holler. We exchanged few messages, read their posts and dropped them EC. I am glad that I met this two wonderful ladies here in blogosphere. Sharing life's experiences is indeed great with people like them. I decided to grab the Triple Awards for Sisterhood and Best Friends. On the other hand, Sweetie Pie - My Simple World, gave me this award. I am just one lucky girl for having sweet and nice friends around. Thank you!

Here are the rules for the recipients:

1. Put the logo on your blog or post.
2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude!
3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.

If you happen to drop by here in my site, feel free to grab this award. It is my pleasure to forward this fabulous award to all my friends here. Thank you very much!

Get it Here!

When I want to post pictures in my blog, I usually search in the web for images that are good and nice. It took me several minutes to finally get the picture that I really want. Good thing, Acobox is here to serve me. A quality, free and hosted image in my web page. I just signed up for it. Definitely a good choice!

Cute Blogger Award

I got lucky today that I have been awarded by Grace - My Life. Thank you for this wonderful Cute Blogger Award, Gee! Thank you for remembering me!

Here are the rules:

1. Each blogger must post this rules

2. Each blogger starts with ten random facts/habits about themselves

3. Blogger that are tagged need to write ten facts of themselves. You need to choose ten people to get tagged and list their names.

4. Don’t forget to live them comment telling them they've been tagged and to read your blog.

Here's my 10 random facts about me:

• I can watch TV the whole day. The only time I will get up from the couch is when I need to drink some water, go to the bathroom to pee or do my thing and go to the kitchen and look for something to munch on.
• I enjoy both being a home buddy and being outside to have fun
• It took so long for me to go shopping. I have all the patience to choose the best clothes, shoes, hair clip, make-ups, purses and all the things that a girl wants like me.
  
• I have a passion for cooking. I love to cook!
• I cannot stand a dirty and unorganized place. I take time to clean and organize everything. I am somewhat a neat-freak person.
  
• I am a heavy sleeper. Thunder won't even wake me up. My usual wake up time is around 10:00 to 11:00 in the morning. Again, I love to sleep!
• I can stay for a longer time in-front of my computer. It is part of my life.
• I love blogging! I can write and express all my thoughts.
  
• I love meeting new friends. I am a person whose friendly, sweet and bubbly.
  
• I don't forget to always say "Thank you, God!" everyday. It is my daily routine and it feels good.

I guess, all of you got this award. But if you haven't receive anything like this, please do grab it. It is my pleasure to share this with you. Thank you very much!

Show That Spark!

Were you able to watch the movie Wild Hogs? It involves four middle-aged suburban men from Cincinnati who find themselves frustrated with the pace of daily life. Their one collective hobby had always been to ride together on motorcycles around the city, though after college that happened less and less often. They embark on a cross-country road trip west on their Harley-Davidsons bikes to seek adventure. I saw many couples who went on a road trip using their Honda goldwing motorcycles. My husband wants to own one.

Are you ready for a road trip this summer using your motorcycles? If yes, how about giving a spark with a style on your motorcycles before you go. Give a full service to your motorcycles to customize its look and you can change some parts of it for a better run. GoldwingCountry.com is owned and managed by group motorcycle enthusiast. Their goal is to bring goldwing riders together and letting them exchange information about parts and accessories and providing them with an exceptional shopping experience. Bikers servicing other bikers! By visiting their website, you can find great deals and you will learn more for your motorcycle accessories, wheels and tires, body accessories, riding apparels, tools and maintenance. It will be cool when you give your motorcycle a spark!

Snapshot #1

Our neighbor which is 1.5 miles east of us, came over without us asking and cleaned our driveway with his huge snow blower. What a good Samaritan is that? We offered to pay him, but he refused. He really did a good job!

Addiction Treatment

Many people who do not know how to keep up with their depressions. Some people changed their lives because they turn into someone else. The people around them cannot understand what they are dealing with. I was watching TV earlier today when I saw the commercial about the teens addicted to marijuana. The question was "What has weed done to you?" I have heard several answers from them. It was crazy! Just imagine how many lives destroyed because of a certain addiction. It is not only one person, but also families and friends are affected. If you or your loves have a hard time coping up with your addiction, seek help.

There are people who are willing to help without judging you. They will guide you throughout the process and provide the highest quality addiction treatment. Just like the people from Promises Treatment Centers, they provide the best treatment and environment for healing from alcoholism and other addictions. If your loves one turned to alcohol because of depression, the alcohol rehabilitation is the best place for them. There are so many cases of how a person turned into alcoholism. By placing the person into a safe and supportive environment, they will have the opportunity to stabilize medically and psychologically to gain the recovery they needed for themselves.

MY 300th Post!

Wow! I can't believe it! I am already posting my 300th entry on this blog. Imagine I started with nothing to write, as my blog really involves with my life, my husband, and our adventures as husband and wife. Looking back, I shared everything here since I started this blog. I am loving it! If you will just notice, I try to make a post everyday. I wanted to make a journal of what happened to me and my husband in a day. I want everything organized here.

I know this is not a lot compared to the other bloggers who loves blogging. I always thought I am bad to write anything like this. I just don't want people reading my wrong grammars and bad spelling. But hey, nobody's perfect! I guess, just like any other normal bloggers, they love to share and say it here. Happy blogging!

My URL Update

Whew! What a mess! Well, it has been 13 days now since I bought my own domain for this blog - My Comfort Zone. I know I should have done my job right away but I just couldn't do it. I don't know how. I wasn't able to submit a ticket letting PayPerPost and SocialSpark about my updated URL. Silly me! I am sure that I missed so many opportunities as they won't give me anything from this blog. My URL wasn't updated for 13 days! Just imagine how many opportunities I didn't get?

So yesterday, Ivy - The Designer Chic sent me a message to inform me that I should submit a ticket for both PayPerPost and SocialSpark to let them know about my updated URL. I wish they will be efficient enough to update my URL. I am dying to get more opportunities for this new year. Special thanks to Sweetie Pie - The Solitairy Love for the help. Thank you for all my friends who give me information what I need to do regarding my updated URL. You know who you are! Thanks!

Changed Schedule

My husband is a Baptist and I am a devoted Catholic. We may have different religions but we only have one goal - to praise God above all. When I met him, he knew that I always find time to go to church and hear mass. For me, it is always refreshing. It gives me a new life everyday. When I first came here, we lived in an area where most or majority of the people are Baptist. But we didn't stop looking until we found a Catholic church. I can still remember that there were few people attending the mass and we can just sit anywhere.

The interior of St. James Basilica

We have moved from Kentucky to North Dakota where there's a huge Catholic church with many members. I feel at home. The people are very warmth and accommodating. We usually go to church around 8:30 or 10:30 in the morning. But lately, we changed our schedule to avoid the noise of the kids who's looking for attention from their parents. Don't get me wrong, I like kids but when you're inside the house of God, you can barely hear the priest talking and couldn't concentrate at all. So we changed to evening mass at 6 o' clock where there's less people and no noisy kids.

I Am Out!

At last! I am out of the house once again. For the past few weeks, I seldom go out of the house. If ever I am outside, I don't stay that long as it is very cold and all the parts of my body gets frozen. I know some of you hates being in cold weather. Well, can I complain? I guess I don't have the right to complain at all since this is the place we chose to live by. I just want to be out sometimes and enjoy the weather this wintertime. But we just can't!

Earlier today, I had the chance to enjoy the outside. The temperature is 25 to 30 degrees for the first time since Thanksgiving. I love the weather outside! The wind didn't blow today. I didn't even wear my gloves to keep me warm. It is very lovely, except for no sunshine. That would have made the afternoon more perfect.

2008 Summary

JANUARY

• Celebrated New Year in a newly purchased home
  

FEBRUARY

• Spent Valentine's Day in Tennessee
• Got a free meal from O' Charleys
• Attended a funeral in Eastern Kentucky
  

MARCH

• Went on a pre-spring trip to Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Tennessee
• Went to Cumberland Falls
  
• My husband made a vegetable garden
• My husband's birthday
  

APRIL

• Went to see and visited my Aunt in Savannah, Georgia
• Went to Hilton Head Island in South Carolina
  
• Went to see the Biltmore Estate in Ashland, North Carolina
• Got my Permanent Resident Card
  
• Went to Tennessee to buy some trees
• Helped the husband to plant the trees we bought
  

MAY

• Put the house in the market
• Went to Edinburgh, Indiana to shop in an outlet store
  

JUNE

• Went camping in Missouri, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana
  

JULY

• Celebrated Independence Day in a hotel in Wisconsin
• Living in United States for a year
  
• Went back to North Dakota and bought a house

AUGUST

• I got a job as a receptionist
  

SEPTEMBER

• Our first wedding anniversary
• My 26th birthday
  

OCTOBER

• End of my job as a receptionist. The campground will close for the winter season
• Went back to Kentucky to clear the house, get all our things and bring it all in North Dakota
  

NOVEMBER

• Went back to North Dakota
• Sent Balikbayan Box for my family back home
  
• Spent Thanksgiving Day together in a restaurant
  

DECEMBER

• Celebrated Christmas Day in Devil's lake
• Experienced my first blizzard
  
• Went ice fishing
• Changed our Kentucky Driver's License to North Dakota Driver's License

What's Going On?

It's Friday once again and weekend is here. The days passed by so quick and I can't even imagine when was the last time me and my husband went out for fun. I have mentioned in my previous posts how I complain about the cold weather here in North Dakota. We can't go out! We are like living in a North Pole where Santa Claus lives.

It stays too cold and the snow that fell last November is still here. It doesn't melt. We can only count how many times we had fun outside this wintertime. And even if we have a truck which is a 4-wheel drive, there's not many places to go because everything you see is snow. How can I enjoy wintertime? I really want to enjoy the snow but it is just so hard to go anywhere. I wish, that in 3 weeks time, we can go some place warmer and celebrate Valentine's Day. I am getting excited!

Where is the Sun?

For this time a year, I have been wondering where is the sun? Is the sun hiding from me? Although it played peep-eye with me one day last week. I have barely seen its rays since Thanksgiving of last year. I miss the sunshine that shines on my face. I miss the warmth that comes from its rays.

To tell you the truth, I love the snow. But when the time you cannot go out of the house and stay bored all week, that ain't fun at all. The weather doesn't cooperate with us. The temperature is still below zero degrees. I have been taking silly pictures of myself, my husband ate all the fruits in our refrigerator and left nothing for me. We can't even go anywhere to have fun because it's too cold and the road are slick. Now, who wants to tell me that snow is cool? It is just plain cold!

Fabulous Blog Award

A fabulous blog award for me? Since the New Year came, I have been receiving so many awards, tags and compliments about my new blog layout. Well, there's only one people behind for my fabulous new layout. She's no other than Ivy - The Designer's Chic. She put a lot of her time doing the layout and keeping up with my demands. The Fabulous Blog Award was given to me by Donabel - Memoirs of a Pinay in America. She's the sweet friend I just meet thru blogging.

To all my friends, I am passing this award to all of you. Please grab it because you inspire me with all your posts in all your blogs. Just imagine how good it is to meet someone new over the internet and in the world of blogging. Thank you very much and Happy 2009!

Spicy Lumpia Shanghai

I can cook! Sometimes I am just lazy to cook. Last night, I was preparing Spicy Lumpia Shanghai and fried them for lunch today. My husband helped me in frying because he was afraid I get burned. Believe me or not, it is my first time to make Lumpia Shanghai. I hate the over-all procedure as it will take a lot of work from chopping, cooking and wrapping.


Ingredients:

• 1 pound of ground beef or pork (whatever meat you want)
  
• 1 cup shrimp, chopped
• 1 cup carrots, chopped
• 1 cup green beans, chopped finely
• 1 cup bean sprouts
  
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
• 1 egg, slightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon red crushed pepper
  
• salt and pepper to taste
• lumpia wrappers
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• vegetable oil for frying

Procedure:

• Saute garlic and onion in a 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the ground beef or pork and stir-fry until the ground meat will turn its color from red to gray.
  
• Add the carrots and shrimp, then add 1 tablespoon of red crushed pepper. Add soy sauce, salt and pepper to taste.
• Add the egg, green beans and bean sprouts. Let it cook for 3 minutes.
• Wrap in lumpia wrapper and dip fry in vegetable oil.
  

Note: You can dip the spicy lumpia shanghai in sweet and sour sauce or to any sauce that you want.

Movie: Rain Man

Have you watched the movie Rain Man? It is a 1988 movie drama and romance starring Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise. It tells the story of an abrasive and selfish young brother who discovers that his father has left all of his estate to his older brother who is incapable of emotional development. After an autistic savant inherits $ 3,000,000 from his deceased father, his younger brother, in an attempt to trick him out of the money, learns some valuable lessons of life.

This was really an interesting movie for me. I say I got emotional while I was watching the movie. When Charlie (Tom Cruise) meets his brother, Raymond (Dustin Hoffman) he never knew he had, he takes his older brother on a cross-country odyssey they will never forget. Both actors did a very good job on their roles. Dustin Hoffman won the Best Actor in a leading role at the 61st Academy Awards. If by chance you see the title - Rain Man, watch it and you will learn something from the movie.

Photo Game Tag

It's game time! I got a tag from Donabel - Memoirs of a Pinay in America. She's one sweet girl I just met. Thanks for remembering me girl!

Here are the rules:

Use Google images to search for the answers to the questions below. You must then choose a picture on the first page of the results and post it as your answer. After that, tag 7 people.

1. The age of my next birthday:

2. Place I would like to visit:

3. My favorite place to eat:

4. A favorite thing:

5. My favorite food:

6. My favorite color:

7. City where I reside now:

8. City where I was born:

9. My College major:

10. Name of my first lover:

11. A bad habit:

12. A hobby:

13. My current wish list (maximum of 3):

I am sharing this Photo Game Tag to all the happy bloggers! Go ahead and grab it. Happy Blogging!