Saturday, October 31, 2009

Bren is Bumblebee!

He was a little Bat...turned into Darth Vader...sailed as a little Buccaneer...raced like Lightning Mcqueen...and this year, he transformed into...BUMBLEBEE.



This is my cute little nephew, Brennan Carlyle. He's 4 years old and like all kids on Halloween, he's all dressed in his bumblebee outfit and proceeded from house to house for the customary trick-or-treating. My sister said he had a blast. He's got a grocery bag full of candies and didn't want to let it get away from his sight. He asked for his bag of candies first thing in the morning and just practically ate nothing but candies. So typical for kids his age. It was a shame we didn't have any trick or treaters this year. As I've said this town is the home of retirees so I've yet to see a toddler so far. If we have kids, then we'll probably be the only one trick or treating here, lol! I've entertained myself by viewing cute photos of my friends' children on Facebook. They look so adorable so I thought of sharing my "tisoy pamangkin" photos on my blog. Happy Halloween!

Thursday, October 29, 2009

One great love

A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person. ~Mignon McLaughlin~

In the midst of an overwhelmingly busy move, we celebrated our 2nd wedding anniversary in a low-key but cozy fashion. We've been caught up in so many things like the big move and our big vacation in the Philippines for our wedding. We did not make plans for anything fancy. Nevertheless, we enjoyed the moment together in a Mexican dinner date. It's been two years since we professed our love and commitment to each other in front of God. In those years, we've come to know, love, understand and respect each other more. With him, I always know I have someone who understands and knows me by heart. He always makes the good times better and the tough times so much easier to bear. He's my best friend and I can't imagine what life would be without him. Marrying him was the best thing I ever did and I'd gladly do it all over again in January.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

I need a break!

Moving is tiring. I learned that the hard way. All the general cleaning, unpacking, arranging of stuff and all that, boy, it’s such a pain! I feel like I need a very long and relaxing vacation some place warm and fun. Here in the U.S., I think orlando vacations is one of the best. It’s a place any family would love to go. Kids adore the Disney characters while adults love to splish splash in the warm waters of Florida beaches. However, for now, I can only wish for an Orlando vacation, which is fine with me. Anyway, in 2 weeks, I’d be in my beautiful homeland Philippines so it’s not a bad alternative for a vacation.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Dead tired me

The last time I've felt this exhausted was when I helped with a branch move to a new building. I'm referring to my previous job at the bank. There was no heavy lifting involved but the walking around the huge building and the hooking up of several PCs had taken a toll on me. Today, it's a different kind of labor though. It's not about computers. I've busted my b**t all afternoon. Pardon my French, lol! But yeah, we've been cleaning, cleaning, cleaning for God knows how long. Ok, I'm exaggerating. It's been probably for 2 hours. I have never done straight cleaning that long so I'm really physically drained. I don't have the right to complain because hubby had done a whole lot more than me. But still, I feel so tired right now. I had to rest for a few minutes because my lower back started to ache from scrubbing the tub. I bet there would be another round of cleaning and organizing next week when we officially move in to our new place. Gosh, I can't wait for my long vacation in the Philippines in 2 weeks. Darn, I really need the break!

Friday, October 23, 2009

Boxes...boxes...boxes

The movers did a very good job putting almost all of our belongings in boxes. I couldn't imagine going through this stressful process of moving without the help of a professional moving company. Working for the government has some perks. Today, the movers completely moved all our stuff and put it in storage until Tuesday when they will deliver them to our new place. We get to keep our personal belongings so at some point, there's still some stress sorting out which ones to carry ourselves and which stuff needs to go with them. Naturally, all the heavy stuff had to go. We won't be driving to our new place until Monday. I don't understand why but it's a government order and we don't want to make this more complicated than it should so we have to comply. For the next 2 days, we won't have a couch, T.V., bed, kitchenware and stuff. We still have our internet connection though, so it's a huge relief in this crucial period of transition. We've been eating out for the past 2 days and I would imagine for the next few days as well. I hate to think about how much pounds would I gain for eating out so much but I'm left with no choice. There will be more exciting photos on my future blogs so hang in there with me!

*Sorry for the ugly sight but it's my pleasure sharing what we've been going through lately!*



Thursday, October 22, 2009

Packers are taking over!

It's been a while, I know! I'm sorry, things just got crazy for the past few days. I'm out of work but I was so occupied with so much stuff. We drove back to Bull Shoals to sign the lease contract of our new place and got the utility bills changed over to our name. As of this writing, we're back here in Ozark for at least 5 more days, then the big move is gonna happen. I am blogging in our bedroom right now so the packers can have all the room they need, I didn't want to get in their way while they're doing their job. There are 2 ladies up here with the moving company who are taking over our house and packing our belongings to get ready for the movers that will come tomorrow to pick up our stuff. It feels weird, it's kinda crazy. I'm not used to strangers coming over the house, let alone touching our stuff but it's something that has to be done so that's fine. We'll survive! We may be out of internet and phone connection for the next few days because of the move but I'll make sure I'll update this blog as soon as we get settled in our new place. I am excited! It's kinda' stressful but it's a new experience so I value it.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Thinking ahead

Ironic, but yeah, I am glad that I am out of work. It gives me so much time to do the things that I love doing like blogging. Plus I get to sleep in every morning not having to worry about getting late for work. I’m not sure what’s in store for me when I get back from a long vacation in the Philippines but I’ve been considering the option to go back to school or find a new job when I get bored from just bumming around the house. I’m pretty sure I’ll get bored and eventually yearn to work again. The options are not much considering the economic state of the country and my unwillingness to take just about any kind of jobs. I know for a fact that I don’t have the ability to take Sales Jobs. I just don’t have the customer service skills that most sales agents need. I’m not closing my doors for any possible new jobs in the future so we’ll see.

Monday, October 19, 2009

I know what he likes to receive on his birthday

I’d already be in the Philippines when Jeff celebrates his birthday in December so as early as now, I have thought of what to leave him as a gift for his birthday. My husband is one of the simplest people I’ve known. He’d appreciate even just a card because to him, it’s the thought that counts. I know he loves to read. We are both book lovers actually. He may enjoy a totally different genre than mine but in some ways, we both love to read together books that I usually choose. On his birthday though, I’m going to give him a book about History, which by the way, the genre he prefers. I’ve looked into Amazon books and found an interesting account of The Bataan Death March and its Aftermath. This grim history book revisits the worst ordeal Americans and Filipinos experienced during WWII, most specifically in the hands of the Japanese during the infamous death march in Bataan, Philippines. Even if history is not really my cup of tea, I was interested to read this book after reading the synopsis and reviews online. I know for sure that Jeff is going to enjoy reading this while he’ll be in a plane to the PI.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

We love to use the computer

Jeff and I are both computer addicts. He’s into video games while I’m into blogging, Facebook and net surfing. With our current set-up, our computer stations are in two different rooms. We don’t like that so when we move to our new place, we’re going to get an office furniture that’s gonna fit in one room so even if we would spend most of our free time on the computers, we would still be able to talk and bond at the same time.

Friday, October 16, 2009

Today is my last day!

"Don't be dismayed at good-byes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends."

-Richard Bach -

It's my last day at work. Mixed emotions... I am sad. I am excited with the new life ahead of us in a new place. I am glad that I don't have to wake up early mornings to go to work. I am fearful that I might get bored with nothing to do at home after our Philippine vacation. I hope this is normal. I can't seem to bring myself to be fully happy on my last day at work even if I really wanted to quit working for a while. I'm going to miss my job. I'm going to miss Ozark. But I really look forward to a new place, new life, new environment, new people, new working place for hubby. Goodbyes are always sad. I realize that. I am so glad I have a blog. It feels good to write how I feel. Hubby picked me up after work and I couldn't help but cry. I know, I'm such a wuss! I'm glad he understands. He bought me some swirl ice-cream cone to make me feel better. Haaay, life!

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Istorya Ta Bai!

I have heard of this site even back when I was still working in the Philippines but I never really get the chance to explore it and read the threads. I stumbled with it again here in the U.S. while I was researching for wedding suppliers. Istorya forum has been an important tool for me as far as learning what's new, what's hot and what's not in the Philippines. In two years that I was away from the country, I never thought Cebu could improve that much. I wouldn't have learned that if not for iSTORYA.NET. Besides taking care of our wedding, I have made plans on which places to visit, restaurants to try, boutiques to shop, hair salon to go to, beach resorts to bring my family to while I am there. All because of this website. I mean the forumers are "laagan" and very well-infomed so if you're basically looking for information on almost anything, you'd find it in this forum. The threads that I frequently read are Destinations, Food & Dining, Fitness & Health and Trends & Fashion. However, there's more to that on this site so if you haven't been to the Philippines for quite a while and you're unsure what to do on your future vacation, you might wanna visit the forum and learn current things about the Philippines.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Pamper them in their sleep

If there is something that I am NOT, but wish to become is to be a pet lover. It’s not that I hate pets but for some reason, I am scared of dogs especially the big dark ones. I have been bitten by a dog before. It was not something majorly alarming, but since then I have always been afraid to be around dogs. I love the white, cute and fluffy small dogs though. I wish to have one but I don’t know if I will be dedicated enough to take care of them with their grooming and other needs. Given a chance to have one, I think taking good care of them extends to providing them with comfy pet beds. If we think of them as our best friend, then they also deserve the comfort that their owners are enjoying during bed time. Don’t you think?

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

He still makes my heart melt!

Yipeey, it's my birthday today!

Thank you to all my friends in Friendster and Facebook who sent me greetings. My sweet hubby pulled off another wonderful surprise for me. He took a day off today to bake me a chocolate cake and cheese manicotti pasta for dinner. Of course, I didn't have the slightest clue until my lunch break came and I decided to come home for lunch and saw 2 naked newly baked cakes on top of the oven, without the frosting, candles and all. In short, I found out prematurely and I kinda' spoiled the surprise, lol! He later revealed that he asked for this day off last week but just didn't tell me since he wanted to surprise me. This morning, he woke up early, showered, get dressed as if he's going to work. We even kissed goodbye as we always do each morning when he goes to work, so I really didn't sense anything different. Without me knowing, he took a detour to the grocery store in town and bought the necessary ingredients for his planned surprise. He may not make the fanciest cake out there, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. I think it's the best cake I've ever tasted. It's an obvious labor of love and it's chocolate, so I couldn't ask for more!

As for my birthday gift, I've asked for a Nintendo DS Lite and my sweet hubby gave me one. It's a metallic pink with New Super Mario Bros. for the game cartridge. I know, I know, it's so childish, lol, but I love it! I've never had toys like this when I was a child so now that I have my hubby who would make my childish wishes come true, I didn't think twice and ask something that would entertain me on long travels and would definitely put a smile on my face. It's another wonderful birthday with my lovey and as always, I have been grateful to God for giving me such a thoughtful, caring, romantic and loving partner in life. He's the sweetest! I must have done something good to deserve such a man!

Sorry no pictures of me taken, I looked so haggard from work, I can't dare to share them with you, guys!

Happy birthday to me!


Nintendo DS Lite
My ever favorite computer game -- Mario Bros.

Friday, October 2, 2009

Pasalubong Madness

We have done our last big shopping for our Philippine vacation. It practically took us almost a day to take care of all the things that we have to bring with us on our trip to the Philippines. I bought more “pasalubong” for my family and friends back home. We finally purchased a new huge Samsonite luggage for my wedding gown. I thought of bringing my gown as a carry on but I’ve learned from a lot of Filipinas that they just stick their gowns in their check-in luggage and they were fine. I decided to just put it in a very durable luggage and check it in to avoid stress at the airport. Since I’ll be travelling alone, I think a laptop, a camera, a purse and a wedding dress will be too much for me to handle. We also bought a new pair of prescription glasses for hubby. His old one is still good but I just didn’t like the round frame so I’ve been bugging him to buy a new pair. Our health insurance only covers 25% of the cost but we were not heartbroken because we’ve anticipated the possibility that they may not cover this at all, since it’s not a typical illness or medical condition, so we’re quite happy with the discount. We still think insurance is a racket though, most of the plans are confusing and expensive, but it’s a necessary evil so we have to have one. I have read somewhere though that you might be able to find good insurance deals by going to health insurance lead websites. Well, I’m not sure if that route is any better but you never know until you try.

Gosh, my feet hurt from walking around the mall. But it’s okay, I love shopping, it puts a smile on my face especially if hubby cooperates and would just sit in one of the benches, read a book and wait patiently until I’m done, lol! We rewarded ourselves by sharing a banana split from Dairy Queen, oh, it’s so divine I forgot about my obsession to lose weight. I can’t be like this all the time though, I’ll just exercise more tomorrow, promise! Oh, yeah, the alterations for my gown is 100% complete and I’m very happy with the outcome. I had my last fitting this morning and it fits perfectly with my current body so I must not gain weight starting today. I would still try to lose some more though, and it wouldn’t affect the fitting anyway since the back is a lace-up closure. But I know it’s easier to gain than lose weight. What, with the holidays coming and the inevitable frequent dining out with family in the Philippines, all I can say is Goodluck! But seriously, I'll try to be very careful. It would be a disaster if my gown won't fit me on my wedding day, wouldn't it?