Friday, February 29, 2008

Got nothing to do? Get on the computer and make money!!!

To all my friends bloggers out there, you might wanna try this out. It would probably just take like 5 minutes for you to do it. I'm enjoying a free membership this time but after a month, I'll upgrade to a gold membership so I can earn more. Don't worry guys, this is absolutely free and you don't have to fill out forms and do surveys. Wanna know more about it, click the link below.

Data Processors Needed-Work at home FREE!

This isn't a paid advertisement. I am a member of this and I thought I might as well share this to all my blogging friends out there!!!

Friendship Chain

I got this from Francine, and I'm posting it here so all of my friends can join us too.
~~Begin Here~~



This is the easy way and the fastest way to :

1. Make your Authority Technoraty explode.
2. Increase your Google Page Rank.
3. Get more traffic to your blog.
4. Makes more new friends.

Rules :

1. Start copy from “Begin Copy” until “End Copy” to your blog.
2. Put your own blog name and link.
3. Tag your friends as much as you can.

1.
Picturing of Life 2. La Place de Cherie 3. Chez Francine 4. Le bric à brac de Cherie 5. My Sweet Haven 6. ADD YOURSELF HERE!!!

~~END HERE~~

I'm inviting lis, sexymom, ethelbert, csseyah, a fil-am journey, and princezz .

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Random Thoughts

Probably like millions of people in the US, me and hubby were glued to the television last night to watch the results of American Idol 7. It was such a relief to hear Ryan Seacrest announced that Ramiele Malubay is safe this week. Obviously, she's one of my bets in this season's idols. She didn't get very remarkable comments from the judges on her performance this week so I was like a little nervous that she might be one of the girls who would be saying goodbye last night. Thank God she's still in for another round of powerful singing. I'll definitely vote for her again next week.

On a different note, I'm sure a lot of filipinas can relate to the great ordeal of learning how to drive. Hubby says I'm improving each time we practice but personally, I still get scared a lot everytime we hit the road for another practice on weekends. I hope tomorrow will be a better day for me as far is driving is concerned. I'll try to do better with my parking skills and as much as possible drive with the minimum speed limit. Nope, I don't drive past the speed limit but yes, that's right, going fast scares the hell out of me so I tend to drive less than the minimum.

I'm going thru a writer's block at this point. There's been a lot of things going on in my mind that I don't know which one to write. Anyway, I'll be sharing more of my thoughts next week. Hopefully, there will be some exciting things that I can share with you. For now, I'll have to end this post before I ramble on nonsense things, lol. See yah around!!!

Monday, February 25, 2008

Tag Me By Four

This is the first tag I got from a new friend, Francine of France. Thank you so much, girl, I appreciate it.

4 Jobs I’ve Had (in order)
- Purchasing Assistant
- QA Staff
- QA Team Assistant
- Housewife

4 Movies I Watched Over and Over
- Troy
- Titanic
- Do Re Mi
- SpiderMan 3

4 Shows I Watch
- American Idol 7
- TFC and GMA Pinoy TV shows (i.e. Marimar, Lobo, ASAP, SOP, The Buzz and a lot more)
- Who Wants To Be A Millionaire
- Grey's Anatomy

4 Favorite Things To Eat
- Pizza
- Chocolates
- Strawberries and Peachies
- Ice-cream

4 Places I Would Rather Be
- Philippines
- Venice, Italy
- Athens, Greece
- London

4 Things I Look Forward To This Year
- Denver, Colorado trip in August
- Summer Adventure (place still undecided)
- Our 1st Anniversary in October
- Driver's License and Greencard

Friday, February 22, 2008

American Idol 7





One of the girls who made it to the top 24 is Filipino-American Ramiele Malubay from Miramar, Florida. She did her own rendition of the song "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me" last Tuesday. Apparently, the judges and the crowd liked her performance 'coz she didn't get voted out and still has the chance to perform again next week. Personally, she's one of my bets. I like her 'coz she's cute, charming, humble and petite. Her voice is amazingly strong and powerful and she sings from her heart. I also think her references to Philippine culture was fantastic. She cites Regine Velasquez and Lani Misalucha as some of her musical influences. I hope she will continue to make it all the way to the Final 12.

Thursday, February 21, 2008

MARIMAR Pinoy Version




















One of the things that occupy my days is watching Filipino shows both TFC and Pinoy TV. We've subscribed to the Filipino Channel last December 'coz hubby thought this is one way to help me cope with my boredom and homesickness. I must admit that I am a TV addict and I keep up with what has been happening in the Philippine entertainment industry. Of course, there's Philippine Entertainment Portal website that I regularly visit but I still craved watching shows on TV especially the telenovelas. The GMA-7 Pinoy version of Marimar is on top of my list. I vaguely remember the original Mexican version wayback in college so despite the fact that this show is a remake, I still enjoy this a lot. The pinoy version has its own twists of the story and I definitely like the fresh face of the female lead, Marian Rivera.

I've seen her past movies and I already find her pretty and talented then but I never thought that she'd make it big on the primetime shows of GMA but a very good break came in her way through Marimar and currently Marian Rivera is a household word. Marian has captured the hearts of the filipinos with her innocent smiles, mestiza looks, well-trimmed figure and topnotch acting. The role of Marimar seemed to be tailored-fit for this stunning girl. I can't afford to miss an episode especially now that it will finally make a graceful exit from the airwaves a few weeks from now. There has been talks that she will reprise the role of Dyesebel on her next fantaserye show on GMA. Wow, way to go, Marian!!!

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

The Gateway Arch


Travelling to new places is fun and that's something Jeff and I love to do whenever we get the chance. The weekend after valentine's day was a perfect time for us to stay out of the house and do something fun and exciting. We packed our stuff and hit the road for an approximately 9-hour drive to the beautiful and largest metropolitan area in Missouri which is St. Louis. I've been to some big cities in the US like Chicago and Little Rock and St. Louis turned out to be what I expected. The tall buildings, wide roads, numerous business establishments and wondrous tourist spots are all sprawled out in the whole metropolis.

There are so many things you can do in St. Louis. For me, the highlight of them all is the visit to the city's best known landmark, The Gateway Arch. The Arch is the tallest national monument in the United States at 630 feet. The span of the Arch legs at ground level is 630 feet, the same as its height. The Arch sways a maximum of 18 inches (9 inches each way) in a 150 mph wind. In order to get to the top, you'll have to ride in an enclosed tram which leaves at least every 10 minutes.

The ride was safe and it travelled in a comfortable speed so it wasn't bad at all considering that both of us are afraid of heights. Sometimes you'll just have to overcome your fear and experience a little thrill and adventure once in a while, though I must admit that I really didn't look out all throughout the ride to the top. I didn't have to anyway because the real treat was when we were already on the top of the arch and we had this magnificent view of the entire city of St. Louis. It was so windy that day and it was the perfect time to feel the swaying movement of the arch against the strong wind. It's like you're on board of a ship on rough waters only this time you're actually hundred feet above the ground. It was truly an amazing experience for us.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

A Journey To Forever


On a beautiful Saturday afternoon in October, I married the man of my dreams. It was a simple church wedding attended by a few family members in the US. It may not be a grand wedding but it was a grand fulfillment of my dreams to officially commit myself to the man who vowed to be faithfully in love with me till the end. We dated for two years before we tied the knot and it was pure bliss from then on. It was the most happiest moment of my life and I was a radiant bride overwhelmed with excitement and anticipation. It was such a joy to remember that in a world of uncertainty, we found each other and finally decided to take a journey to forever. I'm quite certain that we're gonna have some ups and downs in our marriage but we won't let that diminish our love and respect for each other. We would always be a strong pillar for each other. Through the most difficult times, we would weather the storm together. He would always be my inspiration and I would always be the girl who puts a smile on his face whenever he'll be in his lowest point. I think that is what marriage is all about.

Thursday, February 14, 2008

My One and Only Valentine



Like so many other couples, we had a very special date on Valentine's Day. We've been together for three years now, but this is the first time that we get the chance to actually celebrate it together physically. The last two years were painful long distance years of our lives that's why we both really look forward to celebrating many events in our lives especially the Day of Hearts to make up for the lost time.

I believe so much in romance and surprises and I feel so lucky that my hubby never fails to show how much he cares about me. It's a wonderful feeling when he tells me "I love you" but it's heaven when he does things for me and gives me surprises like I'm the prettiest girl in this planet. He is such an expressive and mushy guy and it doesn't bother me at all. I loved it when he surprised me with flower delivery at home while he is at work even when there's no occasion at all. There's never a day that I can't say that my hubby loves me and that I'm the most important thing in his life. He is very much good in expressing that he cares.

Our valentine's date was one of the best times that we shared together. I got a bouquet of roses and of course chocolates and a cutie lil red stuffed zebra from him. We had a special dinner in a restaurant after we stopped by at a park and enjoyed a few moments of just being alone together away from other couples who were also dating on that day. I love my hubby so much and I don't only appreciate the things he has given to me but the way he express his love for me is exceptional and that is beyond compare.

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

A Taste of my Filipino Cooking

One thing I learned when I got here is that it's never too late to learn how to cook. Back in the PI, you can hardly see me in the kitchen. Unlike most women who love to cook, I didn't find interest in cooking. It's probably because most of my life, I've lived with my parents. I didn't see the need of learning how to cook 'coz everytime I come home from work, dinner is always ready. Bottomline is, I am lazy when it comes to cooking and doing household chores. But I know that will have to change as soon as I get married and have a family of my own. Eventually, I developed an interest in learning how to do stuff in the kitchen. Recipes from my sister, friends and internet are the contributing factors. This is one of the biggest adjustments that I have to make since I chose to live here in the US.

Luckily, my husband has a filipino stomach. By that I mean, he doesn't have problems with eating rice and other filipino foods. As a matter of fact, he loves rice, lumpia, pork adobo, pansit canton, bihon, leche flan, buko juice, halo-halo among others. Basically, he doesn't have qualms in trying filipino foods. However, he made sure shrimps and bulad (dried fish) are out of the list though. Last night, I was in the mood of cooking lumpia and prawns. Hubby helped me wrap the lumpia while we talked about what had transpired during his day at work. It was fun doing simple things together and I enjoyed it. I am far from being a good cook but I'm really trying so hard to learn and I'm surprised 'coz I'm enjoying it.

Monday, February 11, 2008

A Different World

For the past five months, my life had been totally different from what I've been accustomed. Gone were the days of early commute to work and the ten-hour schedule of working around the computer as what my job had required me to do. I miss the early morning traffic jam and the shoving and pushing around just to get a ride to the city. The family that I used to live with for the most part of my life is now thousand miles physically away from me. The hustle and bustle of Cebu City seems to be a strong contrast to the very laid back, serene and small town of Ozark in Arkansas.

When I get here, everything just seems to be so different. For most of it, I feel lonely, homesick and bored. I can't recall how many times I've cried because I remember the exact hour of the day when I sat in our couch and watched tagalog soap operas on tv, the conversations that I used to have with my mom, the convenience of going to the malls alone without having to learn how to drive, the pleasure of not having to plan and cook on what to eat for a particular meal, and you know what, even the occasional bickering that me and my youngest sister used to engage makes me miss my hometown so much.

Looking back, I thought that I was ready for these. But reality is more difficult now that I have to live with it. Don't get me wrong. I didn't regret the decision to be with the man that I so much love. I wouldn't want to change a thing. He's been so loving and supportive in all the adjustments that I have to make. He's always been my comfort and refuge everytime I feel like crying and quitting. My hubby does everything to make it easy for me to be here. From providing phone cards to call my family back home, books to read, OPM cds to listen to, fast internet connection, Filipino channel subscription, to being a super patient driving teacher and a lot more. Above all these, his love for me is unfailing and that's what makes me go on. I chose to stay and fight with the culture shock because I could never ever live without his love.

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

When I Found LOVE

Have you ever fallen in love? I think most of us have experienced varying degrees of love and intimacy, be it in our relationships with our family, friends and special someone. I would say that love towards the opposite sex is the most mysterious. When we start to build a relationship with someone that we like, there are so many questions that seem to nag at the back of our minds. How can we know that this is love...When can we say that we’re in love...How can we be sure that he/she is the one..When will be the right time to vow a lifetime spent with him/her...Oh, it is so difficult to get accurate answers. The reality remains that relationships don’t have guarantees. It takes a lot of effort to make it work and it takes more than just saying you love the other person to make it grow.

THE PAST:
I had never been so lucky with my past attempts to build a relationship. Like so many of us who fell in love, I felt pain, frustrations, sorrows, disappointments in my quest on finding my true love. True love has been very evasive in my experience and there were times that I thought to myself that I was not worth-loving. Well, yeah, I guess I was just being overly sentimental, but then, I think I reacted like many other normal persons would react. I find it hard to brush away the feeling of insecurities and uncertainties that were starting to creep in my mind. Though even during those most dispiriting moments, there’s still that faint hope inside that the right one would come along, but I just wasn’t certain when.

THE PRESENT:
I find love at the time when I was willing to just give myself time to enjoy being alone. When I didn’t allow myself to feel the pressure of finding it, to feel the need of having it, to feel the urge of
meeting someone to love. When I just let myself enjoy the things that surround me even if I was loveless, that was the time when Jeff came along. We both gave ourselves time to enjoy the feeling of having someone to talk to just about anything under the sun. We both feel that we liked each other but of course there’s this haunting feeling of failing again so we never rushed things. We believe in perfect timing and after talking for 10 happy months, we decided to meet in person. He turned out to be more wonderful to be with in person. There was never a dull moment when I was with him. Everything feels so right. He simply made me the happiest girl in the planet. Sure, we experienced adversities, but we never let it overwhelm us. Instead, it helps build character in us and it makes us appreciate each other all the more.

THE PROPOSAL:
When I try to recount what had happened during that day, I usually end up at such a loss for words. It was a perfect romantic moment that I wanted to share to my friends but I know words won’t do justice to the real thing that ever happened on that day. However, I want to relive that night by sharing it to all of my multiply friends.

Hotel Veniz Balcony
Baguio City
Thursday, December 21, 2006

After spending a wonderful time at Mine’s View Park, Baguio, we went back to the hotel to get some rest, then we ate dinner. Jeff wanted to take me to a fancy restaurant but we both didn’t know which place to go as it was both our first time to visit Baguio. We ended up having pasta at Don Henrico’s for dinner, lol. I have no idea what was in stored for me on that night. I knew that the most important purpose of his second trip to the Philippines was to propose for marriage but I didn’t think it would be on that night. I was half expecting that he would do it in Baguio but it never occurred to me that it would be on that night. The date with him in Mines View Park during the day was fantastic enough so I never thought that there’s still some more fantastic thing to happen on that day. After we binged in with our favorite pasta, he led me to the dimly lighted balcony of the hotel. The breeze was cool and the city lights were relaxing to look at. We were on the fifth floor and the balcony offers an enticing view of the city at night. It was a very romantic moment. I wished it never had to end. It just felt so wonderful to be so close to him in that ambiance. With arms interlocked, I lean on him while we both gazed at the beauty of the night before us. Then suddenly he had to pull away. I thought he might need some air, but he just took something in his camera case. I couldn’t figure out what it was because the place wasn’t fully lit but when he took my left hand and slipped a heart-shaped diamond ring into my finger, it was then that I realized this must be the moment that I’ve been wishing for. Down on one knee, he asked “Will you marry me? I was speechless for a moment. I felt an indescribable feeling inside. I was so overwhelmed with emotions. I hugged him so tight and we kissed then I gave him my answer. Of course, it was a sweet “YES!”

I have watched scenes like that in Hollywood movies and though it warms my heart to see couples do that on screen, it didn’t really have any meaning to me at all, until it happened to me personally. I think this is one of the best, if not the best moment of a girl’s life, to be asked by her boyfriend to spend the rest of their lives together. When I said yes to Jeff, it wasn’t just a simple answer to the question but for me, it was a symbolic yes to a challenging life that we have to face together in the future.