MY THOUGHTS

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2010-01-01T21:43:00.002-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!

It has been a while since I last wrote in here maybe because I lost my passion in writing for the meantime. Anyway, I would like to greet everyone a Happy New Year. I pray that this year would be a good and prosperous year to all of us.

Dysmenorrhea

2009-08-28T23:16:00.004-04:00

Sad to say, when I have my menstruation every month comes always the most dreading part the menstrual cramps. For no apparent reason, it just happens every month and I don't like it. Why? it is because it is super painful that ended sometimes in vomiting, made me feel restless that I prefer to just stay in bed and I don't feel like eating.

Dysmenorrhea (or dysmenorrhoea) is a medical condition characterized by severe uterine pain during menstruation. While most women experience minor pain during menstruation, dysmenorrhea is diagnosed when the pain is so severe as to limit normal activities, or require medication.

What is Dysmenorrhea?

Dysmenorrhea can feature different kinds of pain, including sharp, throbbing, dull, nauseating, burning, or shooting pain. Dysmenorrhea may precede menstruation by several days or may accompany it, and it usually subsides as menstruation tapers off. Dysmenorrhea may coexist with excessively heavy blood loss, known as menorrhagia.

Secondary dysmenorrhea is diagnosed when symptoms are attributable to an underlying disease, disorder, or structural abnormality either within or outside the uterus. Primary dysmenorrhea is diagnosed when none of these is detected.

Treatment of Dysmenorrhea

For treatment of primary dysmenorrhea, most doctors prescribe antiprostaglandin drugs or NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen. These drugs inhibit synthesis of prostaglandins, lessen the contractions of the uterus and reduce the menstrual flow. These drugs should be started at the onset of bleeding to avoid inadvertent use during early pregnancy and taken for 2-3 days.

Oral contraceptives are another alternative. By stopping ovulation and decreasing prostaglandin levels, they may eliminate cramps.

Treatment of secondary dysmenorrhea depends on the cause. Endometriosis is the most common cause of secondary dysmenorrhea. Depending on the stage of this disease and the woman's age and desire to have children, the treatment methods vary from conservative drug therapy (androgens, progestins, oral contraceptives and gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists) to surgical procedures.

If the problem is adenomyosis, a hysterectomy may be necessary.Pelvic inflammatory disease may be treated with antibiotics. Uterine fibroids, fibroid tumors and pelvic tumors are often treated surgically. Cervical narrowing can be corrected with surgery as well.

Occasionally, an IUD (intra-uterine device) may be the cause, and if so, the doctor may prescribe antiprostaglandin drugs, and suggest removing the device and using another form of birth control.

Self Care

For relief of painful menstrual cramps and their associated discomforts, start with a hot bath. The water helps relax the uterus and other tensions that may be contributing to the problem.

Place a heating pad on your abdomen. The flow of heat can provide soothing, temporary pain relief.

Exercise regularly. Aerobic exercise such as walking, swimming, running, bicycling, and aerobic dance may diminish cramping symptoms. For some women, exercise may inhibit prostaglandins or help release endorphins, the brain's natural painkillers.

Swine Flu

2009-08-25T23:55:00.001-04:00

According to news, Swine flu would once again cause havoc come fall and winter. Is this true or not? Or are they just trying to scare the people?

Yes, when I got here last May it was the height of swine flu but good thing though nothing happened and I hope nothing will happen in the future. This is my first time in US and I am really looking forward to seeing the changing of leaves and the snow. This is the dream come true for anybody and I am so much excited but with the swine flu in the news again, who wouldn’t be scared?

Well, I am crossing my fingers here and hope nothing will happen or I will have a vaccination just to be very careful. But we will see…

Car damage

2009-08-24T23:41:00.003-04:00

I felt bad today as I accidentally hit the mailbox and subsequently broke the side mirror of our car. It was a horrible experience, as I have never imagined that I was going to have the accident. Yes, I once scratched our car but I know it can be fix and I know too that the side mirror can be fix as well, but it just felt different.

For a moment there, I was really afraid of what Dan might react, good thing though, he wasn’t really mad at all, he was cool with it since he knew all along that sooner or later that this will happen. And im so relieved that that was only his reaction or if not, I wont be able to sleep well for the next few days.

Well, I have learned my lesson for the day and I will always forever remember it and be cautious for the next driving lessons.

Ms.Venezuela did it again

2009-08-23T22:57:00.012-04:00

Yes, Ms. Venezuela is the newly crowned Ms. Universe 2009 Stefania Fernandez, for the second year, Venezuela did it again.

All the while I thought that Ms. Philippines would get in as she was among the top 15 in the pre elimination. Boy, I was wrong and I was a bit disappointed about it. Well, what can I say, there were almost 80 contestants who were also vying for the most coveted beauty award.

However, I forever believe that Ms. Philippines will be able to get the crown anytime soon.

MY THOUGHTS: My Sassy Blog Award

2009-08-23T22:53:00.000-04:00

MY THOUGHTS: My Sassy Blog Award

My Sassy Blog Award

2009-08-23T22:10:00.003-04:00

OMG!!!!

For the first time, I have a blog award. It’s really rewarding and amazing since this is my first time and thank you to Anna for giving me this awesome reward. In fact, I even asked Anna how to get the reward. I am a neophyte in the blog world so I have yet to learn all these things.

Thank you Anna

Bridal Shower..

2009-08-22T22:31:00.004-04:00

Since I got here I have never attended any Bridal Shower nor Baby shower yet, so yesterday my Filipina friend invited me to go with her to a bridal shower of her soon to be niece in law. Being the first time to attend such a nice celebration, I without more ado I said yes even if I didn’t know the bride, but who cares.

So we went there today, at first, I was a little hesitant to introduce myself, as I didn’t know anybody there aside from my friend but good thing though that I felt comfortable later on as my friend introduced me to the people that were there. I got to meet the bride who I think was very demure and feminine. I mean, I was a bit amazed about it since from what I have believed that American ladies were outspoken and bubbly but she was the exact opposite. Nonetheless, she was very nice, warm and thoughtful.

In totality, it was a according to the Mom in Law of my friend, a different bridal shower. There were no games to make the whole celebration lively; it was more purely prayers for the bride, to give them guidance in their marriage. She was a little disappointed though but as for me, as a first time to experience a bridal shower, it was still fun but I am wishing that I will be able to observe the real bridal shower and I thank my friend who brought me there.

HGTV

2009-08-22T00:37:00.002-04:00

The channels that I watched when I got here were USA Network, Travel channel and TLC shows. All my days were composed of watching shows from all of those channels but recently I was intrigued with this certain channel, which was HGTV, or should I say Home and Garden Television. Yes, my curiosity was lift up for the reason that the show is of great beneficial for me and for many people as well. Why? It is because that they give a good information that would make the house looks great. They provide a wide variety of suggestions that would improve the outlook of a house. Thus, I learned something that I can definitely use in my house. So from now on, I will be consistently watching the show to have a greater perspective about designing in the future.

I have change...for the better

2009-08-20T22:51:00.005-04:00

I have been very careful with changing blog templates since I know that it will have changes that I might like or not; so instead of risking having my blog in disarray, I decided not to touch it.

But thingds changed, I have come to notice that my blog is kinda monotonous compared with the others so I searched for a template that is well suited for my taste, I have tried different templates to collaborate with my writings but none match. Until I came this template, which is currently Im' using now, it has a meaning for me.Yes, it is kinda cartoony but I sense that there is something more in this picture.

Caffeine Headache

2009-08-18T17:21:00.007-04:00

Last night was a horrible night for Daniel and me but it was more to him since he had this terrible headache which had resulted to vomiting and sleepless night. I had to constantly massage his temples just to ease the pain. Luckily, he was able to go to sleep and I did too.

This morning, he was saying that it was a caffeine headache, you see, he made soda his water and unfortunately, he ran out of soda yesterday, which he believed that caused the headache. So I looked in the internet and came across this.

Caffeine may be something that we consume on a daily basis but that doesn't diminish the fact that it's a serious drug. People who regularly have caffeine in their diets realize this when they fail to get their daily dose of caffeine and begin to suffer from drug withdrawals symptoms. The most common of these is the "caffeine headache" or "caffeine withdrawal headache". Unfortunately, the most commonly recommended treatment for the caffeine headache is to consume some caffeine. For people who are trying to cut back on caffeine, this isn't a solution. In fact, it's just a way of perpetuating the problem.

Here are some other things that you can do to get rid of a caffeine headache:

· Take a nap. Sometimes it is possible to just sleep through the withdrawal headache. If you're in a position to take a nap during your day, this could be a way to resolve the problem. This is especially true if you are trying to cut caffeine out of your diet since chances are that you're going to be tired anyway

· Medicine. People who aren't opposed to taking headache medicine will generally find that the typical pain relievers are capable of eliminating the caffeine headache. Tylenol, Aspirin or Ibuprofen may be used to get rid of the headache. People who are trying to ease off of caffeine and not just quit it cold turkey may find that Excedrin, a pain reliever that contains a minimal amount of caffeine, may help best. Of course, if this is an ongoing problem, you'll want to discuss the use of this medicine with your doctor.

· Peppermint. One of the most common natural headache cures is peppermint (usually in the form of peppermint tea). People who suffer from caffeine headaches have reported that they usually go away shortly after using peppermint as a natural remedy

· Drink lots of water. One of the best natural things that you can do for your body is to drink water. You might be surprised by how much you can cure when you get more than your necessary eight glasses of water per day. Try adding more water to your diet and see if the headaches don't disappear.

· Get a massage. You might find that you just need to get your body into a state of relaxation in order to cause the headache to disappear. Schedule a massage appointment at a local day spa. You might consider discussing what aromatherapy options they have available for headaches.

Ultimately, the caffeine withdrawal headache will go away on its own. These are just some of the ways that you can convince it to move along faster so that you can move on with your day!

So I guess I might have to exercise these tips for him, in case it will happen again.

and we are in motion

2009-08-17T23:25:00.001-04:00

Congratulations to both of us! For one week now, we have achieved something that we have wanted to do. It felt great that we did it as we all know that we are the type of individuals who can’t hardly keep up with routine stuff but by looking at ourselves we don’t have a choice but to do this one, for us to be fit.

Yes, ever since I got here, I have been dealing with my gaining weight. Who wouldn’t be? I would love to be working my butt off but I am stranded at home without anything to do, I watched TV all day long or sit in front of the computer, that is my activities everyday. See I wonder why I put on weight.

Anyway, so the first week with exercise was really a great achievement and I hope that we would be able to keep up with our routine stuff as I really wanted to loose weight or should I also say be fit. Good luck to us!

Summer: Is it over?

2009-08-16T22:23:00.004-04:00

Summer is nearing its time to end as school year starts. This can be hilarious coz I have always been associating summer and school as far as I can remember. Yes, it’s true, right? Why is this so? For the simplest rationale that once the summer is over, can’t sleep late anymore and wake up late, can’t watch TV all day long, can’t play with your friends everyday, instead when classes have started, have to finish assignments, have to sleep early and get up early and because of these undeniably obvious reasons that I can say that summer is almost over. Thus, in the USA, when summer is about to end; the most exciting game is about to begin, the Football season. Oh why, oh why? Yes, football is played during winter season, a time where it is freezing cold, a time where everyone would be in his or her house sipping hot chocolate. Now this is funny, I came about this comedy routine of George Carlin, when he compared Football and Baseball.

“Baseball begins in the spring, the season of new life while Football begins in the fall, when everything is dying. In addition, he said Football is played in any kind of weather: Rain, snow, sleet, hail, fog...can't see the game, don't know if there is a game going on; mud on the field...can't read the uniforms, can't read the yard markers, the struggle will continue! While In baseball if it rains, we don't go out to play. "I can't go out! It's raining out!”

Enough of flowering words, and since it is Football season by now; I am rooting for my husband’s team, which has won 6 Super Bowl Titles, and that is the Pittsburgh Steelers. I have come to know about this just last year when they won the Super bowl and because Dan is really an avid enthusiast. Well, I hope this year they will be able to conquer the Super bowl title, yet again. Go Steelers!!

Summer is for Garage Sales

2009-08-16T20:18:00.004-04:00

Up until now I am still greatly fascinated seeing garage sale or yard sale. It is the “in” thing that I haven’t had the chance to see in the Philippines, let alone experience it. Yes, there are sales all over in Davao but not the same in USA, where in it is a big thing. People would drive around the block to see if there are any garage sales. I for one would like also to know how to go about it, do haggling with the sellers, and buy second hand stuff that is still good to use rather than buying new ones which I’m sure are all going to be expensive.

So what is Garage sale? According to wikipedia; A garage sale, also known as a yard sale, rummage sale, tag sale, attic sale, moving sale, or junk sale, is an informal, irregularly scheduled event for the sale of used goods by private individuals, in which "block sales" are allowed, so that sellers are not required to obtain business licenses or collect sales tax

Staples of garage sales include old clothing, books, toys household knickknacks, lawn and garden tools (UTC), sports equipment, and board games. Larger items like furniture and occasionally home appliances are also sold. Garage sales occur most frequently in suburban areas on good-weather weekends, and usually have designated hours for the sale. Buyers who arrive before the hours of the sale to review the items are known as "Early Birds;" they often are professional restorers or resellers. Such sales also attract people who are searching for bargains or for rare and unusual items. Bargaining, also known as haggling, on prices is routine, and items may or may not have price labels affixed. Some people buy goods from these sales to restore them for resale.

Anyway, when I am already stable here in US, I would surely try to do this not just for the heck of it but to buy cheaper stuff.

Nursing home

2009-08-15T21:55:00.004-04:00

Nursing home is everywhere in the US of A. Even before I arrived here, I am all well aware of this facility, which cares for people who require constant nursing care and have significant deficiencies with activities of daily living. Residents include the elderly and younger adults with physical or mental disabilities. Eligible adults 18 or older can stay in a skilled nursing facility to receive physical, occupational, and other rehabilitative therapies following an accident or illness.

I am saddened to have known this because for the simplest reason that I live in Philippines, who were raised in a culture that has strong family values, yet, it is completely different in USA, not that I am saying that Americans are not but because of time. I asked a friend why; she told me genuinely, that the middle-aged individuals are of sandwich of responsibilities, such as taking care of their parents and also their children, plus the fact that they are also busy working, which then inevitably, left them no choice but to have their parents be in a Nursing home. It is really heartbreaking but at the same time, I am sure they are thinking of the betterment of their parents. Moreover, I soon realized, that them living in the Nursing home, they are well taken care of.

I had my share of this experienced, as my Grandfather and Grandmother in law are both in Nursing home to which I can still vividly remember the first time that I visited them; it brought tears in my eyes. And made me think, that if I get old I wouldn’t want to be here as much as possible.
But with grandpa, I believe that he is the only person in there, who gets to be out everyday. Yes, he is out everyday. We have our schedule to pick him up; Daniel and I have him during Tuesdays and Saturdays, while my Mom in law has him Monday and Thursday and his girlfriend Fridays and Sundays. Well, I sure am happy that he is out most of the time and can do anything he wants.

In conclusion, there is nothing much I can do about the sprouting of Nursing homes, residents may live there but I fervently believe that they are not forgotten. They may not be visited everyday but that doesn’t mean that their relatives are not thinking of them. In fact, I’m sure that they are thinking of their well being.

Sisters

2009-08-15T15:19:00.004-04:00

We grew up, we had our own set of friends, we went to different schools, and we had different goals in life even so we are sisters and I miss her.

When we were younger, we used to fight all the time for no apparent reasons. We quarreled with all our might like, throwing things or pulling out our hairs with our bare hands. We were young and naïve. The days that we were still unmindful of our surroundings coz we were focused on our needs as a child. We may not have our own dolls or any material things that young girls should have yet I can say that we were brought up in a good way.

Time passed by so fast, and before we know it, we were not getting any younger. We don’t quarrel anymore nor pulling out of hairs. We are over and done with all the petty fights coz we know better than that. We are now mature and we fervently believe that fighting is not of a good solution. Anyway, we still have different goals in life. I am married and she just finished college and passed the Board exam for Pharmacist and currently working as a Pharmacist in Davao City. I am her sister and I am truly proud of her.

We may be thousands of miles apart, but we both know, we have each other for better or for worse and I terribly miss her

Macintosh

2009-08-14T18:58:00.003-04:00

I have long been wanting to own a MAC laptop ever since, that I could not think of a reason why I am so overly fascinated with it when I know that it is still the same like any other computers, check emails and updates for websites. I don’t know, maybe I was led to believe that possessing a MAC laptop somehow make you belong to a high status quo, or so I thought. Why? MAC laptop is not your typical computer in terms of price. Normally, the other brand laptop would range to $400 to $900 but with MAC it can get as high as $2,000 or more and the minimum price would be $1,000. And with the economy right now, who would like to spend thousands of dollars just for a computer.

Nonetheless, I am still envisioning of owning it someday. I know that I am not rich but I will find a way, eventually. So, what made me fell for MAC? For the simplest reason, I don’t want virus in my computer. I am at all times surf in the Internet that I haven’t had the time to see the boxes that I am clicking. That is how I am in front of computer, pathetic, isn’t it? Moreover, the design of the laptop is so amazingly built, the features, the components and it is a great computer for professional applications such as business, photo editing, rendering, movie editing, etc.

Fortunately, I have my own MAC laptop now and I was extremely happy when Dan bought it for me. I was not expecting it at that time, plus the fact that I was worried of the price. Anyway, so far, I am loving it everyday.

Birdstrikes

2009-08-13T20:16:00.003-04:00

Without anything else to do at home, I asked Dan if we can go anywhere and drive around place where we haven’t been into yet. Instead, of just staying home and do nothing, we can have a so called exercise. So out we were, Dan decided to go to cemetery. As you can see, cemetery is the place where I practice driving coz I know it is somehow deserted. As a first time driver, this is the best way how to easily learn and get acquainted with driving. Anyway, while we were driving around the place, I noticed that there were a lot of geese. So I have to stopped and go to another place where there were none. Hence, I remembered the accident which happened in New York last January 2009.

The US Airways Airbus A320 which crashed in the Hudson River last January encountered a flock of birds shortly after takeoff from La Guardia airport, presumably suffering substantial damage to both of its engines. Because of the plane's low altitude; it was unable to reach a suitable airport for an emergency landing, gliding instead to a splash-down in the river. Birdstrikes, as they're called, are fairly common and seldom harmful (unless, of course you're talking from the bird's point of view). Good thing though, everyone was rescued.

So I guess, this should be taken seriously as there had been reports of crashes years before

White tea vs Green tea

2009-08-12T22:31:00.006-04:00

Hubby and I have our own different kind of taste. There are foods that I really like and which he doesn’t and vice versa. He likes coke while I prefer water, he likes potatoes (of course) while I (of course again) like rice and so on and so forth.

Among much other stuff, I have come to like Green tea while he is into White tea. So I have arise to differentiate both, Green tea contains antioxidants in high concentrations, it tastes good and it has a low content of caffeine. White tea, on the other hand, is tea leaves that are picked before they open fully, when the buds are still covered in fine, white hairs. That, of course, is why it's called "white" tea.

When discussing white tea vs green tea, it is important to realize that they both come from the same plant, the tea plant Camellia sinensis. The main difference between the two types of tea is that the white tea leaves are harvested at a younger age than the green tea leaves. They both undergo very little processing. White tea is not fermented at all, while green tea is partly fermented. By contrast, black tea is fully fermented because they are so gently treated, white tea and green tea retain their content of beneficial antioxidants.

Antioxidants

However, studies have shown that the young, white tea leaves retain antioxidants in higher concentrations than green tea does. Studies have shown that white tea has a concentration of antioxidants that is three times higherthan in green tea. Essentially, white tea contains the same concentrations of antioxidants as the young and fresh tea leaf buds that are still attached to the bush. This makes white tea the tea with the highest antioxidant content, which for many is the main reason for drinking white tea. For comparison, one cup of white tea contains approximately twelve (12) times as much antioxidants as fresh orange juice.

Flavor

For many, the taste of the tea is important, and not everyone is a fan of the often "grassy" aftertaste associated with green tea. White tea has a much gentler and subtler taste, smooth and silky and almost sweet. The appearance of correctly brewed white tea has been described as a pale gold, not unlike a young white wine.

Caffeine

White tea contains less caffeine than green tea, about 15 mg per serving compared to the 20 mg for green tea. If caffeine tends to make you jittery, white tea may be the better choice.

Source: White Tea Central

http://www.whiteteacentral.com/whiteteavsgreen.html

toenails...

2009-08-12T19:08:00.010-04:00

I had fun cleaning my toenails and hubby's. Although, I am not good at this but since the pedicure cost a lot here, say $25.00, I have no choice but to do it on my own than waste money. 25 bucks for a simple pedicure costs a lot more..whew.. That's why before I got here, and with the help of my friends from US, told me that I should bring my own set of manicure and pedicure paraphernalia already.

As you can see, I have yet to learn how to do this one as there are paint dripping all over the nails. A little practice would really be a big help for me. Maybe next time, It will be presentable.

Personal Interview

2009-08-12T12:04:00.003-04:00

I don't know but Im not really a fan of question and answer thing. Actually, this is my first time to write something about it.

So, lets begin

1. Say something about your love life.

im happily married

2) What is your fave song for now?

Everything's gonna be alright by Bob Marley

3) What is your current mood?

its a wonderful day..smile and shine

4) Cigarettes or beer?

ah ah..beer occasionally, i must say

5) What happened to you last night?

went to sleep around 3 am, cant believe that hubby was snoring..hmp!

6) Have you ever fallen in love with a friend?

i dont think so

7) Do you have a bestfriend?

yup i have..of course!

8) Who was your first love?

i dont want to remember..hehhee

9) Which do you prefer: jollibee or mcdo?

Chicken joy..Jollibee..im Filipino
10) What did you do to the person who broke your heart?

i broke their hearts too

11) Do you have problems?

we all have problems...

12) Last person you hugged?

my hubby who i love so much

13) How's life?

enjoying it..every bit of it

14) Hip hop or emo?

hhhmmmm......let me think..emo?

15) What will you do this weekend?

will attend another party together with Filipinas..cant wait..new friends

16) Are you a war freak?

so-so

17) What do you think of the most when you are alone?

i wonder if there is mo-mo (ghost)..hahhaha.

18) Is your friendster set to private?

yes

19) Who are the most important people in your life?

my hubby and family

20) How many piercings do you have?

just on my ears

21) Do you remember your dreams?

it was sad..so better not write it

22) What do you have to do before you sleep?

cant take off my eyes in my laptop..

23) Who was the last person you talked to on the phone?

oh..my hubby of course..checking out if im okay..how sweet

24) Who was the last person you talked to in person..

hubby..we live in the same house..com'on

25) Is someone mad at you right now?

i dont know...

26) Do you ever hang out with someone of the opposite sex?

im not alien...i have friends too..

27) Have you ever had a reptile as a pet?

no..no..no

28) Who was the last who missed call on your cell phone?

it was a telemarketer..dont want to answer it
29) Have you ever finished a rubiks cube?

i did try but cant finish one area..bad..bad

30) When was the last time you rode a bike?

2 weeks ago but the bike was really old

31) Are you wearing socks right now?

no..

32) Do you like mornings?

hmm no..i wke up late all d tym

33) Will you donate organs after you pass away?

34) Do you drink tea?

Liption Sweetened tea

35) Have you ridden in someone else car today?

Yup
36) Is your room clean? ..

I guess so..hehehe

38) What should you be doing?

find a job hopefully

39) Whats the connection between you and the last person you texted?

the love of my life...

40) What kind of people do you hate?

cheaters...

41) Has anyone gotten on your nerves lately?

even if he is my hubby but we also have differences

42) Do you think you'll be married in

I am married and enjoying every bit of it

43) When it is a rainy night, what do you do most of the time?

hug my hubby

44) Have You ever felt like you're tired of your life?

sometimes..if i have nothing to do

45) What do you regret most?

nothing! ive done everything that i could

46) Do you think life is unfair?

sometimes...

47) What is the on the top list of your new year's resolution.

dont have coz im sure i wont be able to achieve it

48) Until what age do u want to live your life?

as long as im capable 2 live

49) Have you had a white Christmas before?

coming soon...
50) How much do you love yourself?

so so so in love of myself

Wii

2009-08-11T15:07:00.005-04:00

I extremely enjoyed playing Wii with my hubby everyday. Since we are not been doing anything for the past few months, we have been keeping ourselves busy by playing and its sort of an exercise for us. And to put up a little spice in the game we do a little competition and do consequence if the other loses. We played Tennis and Bowling, and I must say Im kinda good in Tennis while Dan is into Bowling. So can you imagine the fierce competition?But there were times that it would be opposite, although its rare, that I won in Bowling and he in Tennis.

So what is Wii? According to WikiAnswers..

The Wii is a console put out by Nintendo. It steers a little away from the traditional gaming experience of using a controller and pushing buttons and joysticks. You use a remote and various attached controllers (such as the nunchuck) to play. It is motion sensitive, so the games use different motions to play. For example, in the game WiiSports, you swing the controller like a bat to swing your character's bat. Some games have more complex control techniques than that though. It is basically the motion thing that is making this console so popular with people who aren't usually that interested in video games. The motion makes it more of a party experience versus the old way pushing buttons.

So basically, Wii is an interactive game that can be played by everybody as it has all kind of games that are well suited for certain ages. So go and buy now..

August is Kadayawan Festival..

2009-08-10T17:04:00.007-04:00

“Nahiusang Katawhan Nakigdait sa Kalibutan”

(“One People in Communion with the Earth”)

This is the year's theme for Kadayawan Festival, which is held every year during August in Davao City Philippines. The festival is a celebration of life, a thanksgiving for the gifts of nature, the wealth of culture, and the bounties of harvest.

Over the years, I had the great time watching the festivities because there are so many to see. Not only the abundant fruits, but during the whole month there are activities that are just amazing and without a doubt one of a kind. Its a month long celebration, where there are live bands every week, honors Davao's artistic, cultural and historical heritage, its past personified by the ancestral “lumads”, its people as they celebrate on the streets, and its floral industry as its representatives parade in full regalia in thanksgiving for the blessings granted on the city. A celebration that interfaces the three aspects: tribal; industrial and; arts and entertainment. The festivities are highlighted with floral floats, street-dancing competitions and exhibits that showcases the island's tourism products and services.

And since im here in the US, I will miss the whole festivities. Somehow it saddens me to know that my friends are going to celebrate and enjoy the whole month while Im here asking them how the celebration turn out to be. Well, maybe next year, hubby and I, i hope, are going back to Philippines and experience Kadayawan again.

May Bukas Pa.....

2009-08-10T13:16:00.003-04:00

May Bukas Pa (literal meaning of "There Is Still Tomorrow", which actually means "There Is Still Hope") is a Philippine drama

Yes, I still watch this series even if Im in the US already, of course with the help of Internet. What got me intrigued of this one, was that the impact is different from the what we have been used to watch. This one is somehow can be truly associated into a reality since there are people who are really in need of help and is really happening in the society. Amidst, all the problems, Filipinos are not easy to give up and will always have the ways to find solutions in every problems, may it be big or not.

Cookout..my first time in US

2009-08-09T23:45:00.004-04:00

It was only a small cookout but nonetheless, it was fun.

My hubby asked me if we can have a cookout together with his friend Monica and her kids. I was hesitant at first since I didn't really know her that well. So instead of saying no, I told him yes.

I sure glad that I said yes, because I did have fun. We had burgers, hotdogs, bratwurst,corn in the cob, and nachos. I cooked pancit bihon for Monica to taste and i was really happy that she loved it.

I hope we can do this again next time as I really enjoyed messing up with her kids and the food and I get to meet and friend Monica.

Facebook

2009-08-09T14:39:00.005-04:00

Facebook is a social networking website that is operated and privately owned by Facebook, Inc.^[1] Users can add friends and send them messages, and update their personal profiles to notify friends about themselves. Additionally, users can join networks organized by city, workplace, school, and region.

It was December of 2007 that I signed up in Facebook, out of curiosity because my cousin posted a shoutout in another social networking that she was in Facebook. At first, i didnt really care about it that much since Friendster was more the popular social networking back then or should I say in the Philippines. I was more focused in Friendster, updating photos and searching for an old friends from elementary, high school and college. Friendster was the "in" in my friends and they weren't familiar with Facebook.

Time have passed, and before I knew it. Everyone is hooked into Facebook already. Everyone is saying that Facebook is the "in" thing now. So that means that Friendster is now outdated. Well, based on my experience between the two social networking, i would say that I like Facebook more since I can do a lot of stuff such as games and chat.

For now, I am more into Facebook than Friendster as all my friends are into it already. Go Facebook!

Lazy Sunday

2009-08-09T13:34:00.003-04:00

For three consecutive Sundays, we have been feeling lazy and restless for no apparent reasons. We woke up noon and just watched tv all day long. I know its unproductive and unhealthy but we felt we needed some time off to be idle and just being lazy. And the funny thing was, we haven't been doing anything for a past few months since we are not working so we have the chance to be always idle. But somehow, Sunday is just a different day.

Anyway, we will see what happens today. We didntt make any plans for the day so we will just be spontaneous :)

Have a nice Sunday everyone. :)

Green Thumb

2009-08-08T18:53:00.006-04:00

Oh well, out of boredom, I decided to venture into gardening. At first, I was a little hesitant to begin with it since I don't have really an amazing green thumb. Yeah, we have plants at home but I seldom take care of it as my sister was there to always look for them.

Yup,Its a new experience and I'm glad that my mom-in-law helped me into this. We went to a flower shop and she picked out the flowers that were good for a neophyte in gardening. She chose Roses of different colors and Petunias which I believed were amazing. I have been envisioning the outcome of my first garden.

After, I bought my gardening stuff, I readied myself to start my own little gardening. Under the heat of the sun, I started to plow and plow, I was unmindful of the time as i was really busy doing my stuff. After all the Roses were done, I started planting my Petunias and before I knew it, I was done and was happy to know that I did it.

After 2 weeks, my Roses were starting to perked up and so were my Petunias. Lovely, such a wonderful accomplishments.

NCIS

2009-08-08T17:14:00.004-04:00

NCIS (promoted as Navy NCIS in season one), aka Navy NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service or NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service, is an American police procedural television series revolving around a fictional team of special agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, which conducts criminal investigations involving the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.

I have been really glued watching crime series,NCIS, for the past few months. My hubby introduced me into this and since its my first time here in US, so why not. That was last May, and up until now, never missed the chance to watch it. Although, right now, its a repeat episodes but still the same, never had the chance to watch it while i was in the Philippines so it doesnt make a difference. Everyday, at about 5 pm to 8 pm, i find time to be in front of the tv and watch it.

When i was in the Philippines, never really cared about crime series since its not popular back there, all i watched was drama series, since thats the "in" back there. So watching, NCIS, is a totally refreshing new series to look forward to which is come this middle of September, NCIS will have a new season and im so looking forward to watch it. :)

August..whats it going to be?

2009-08-02T23:31:00.004-04:00

This past few days had been a tough time for both of us. So much had happened that i dont want to dwell anymore, but still cant help to think about it. There are lots of what ifs for these moments,and this might not happened if only we were thinking ahead. But hell no, we were busy thinking of something else that we forgot to think of some very important stuff and now the damaged has been done.
Oh well, i guess we learned something from our mistake and I hope August,would be a good month.

Freaking Hot

2009-06-23T23:40:00.002-04:00

i am used to warm weather since thats the climate i grew up with. In the Philippines it can get as high to 30 degrees Celsius or even more but i didn't mind about it. We didn't have any air conditioning to lessen our burden from the heat. Instead, we hit to the beach and splurged ourselves in the water and the let the cool run into our body. It was bearable and i sure like it.
And then I got here, at first it was cold and then summer came which just started last sunday (June 21,09) and boy it was so hot. The warm weather is so different back home. In less than a minute that i was out, i was sweating all over and getting darker which i could care less.
The temperature has been between 85 Fahrenheit to 100 Fahrenheit. Well, theres still 2 months ahead and am I looking forward at it?Well, i should say yes since the winter would be very,very,very cold and its my first time too.

New Place..

2009-06-21T22:02:00.004-04:00

Its been over a month now since I arrived in Toledo but up until now I still cant believed that I am here with my man. After all the visa process and the tantamount of problem with the papers,its nice to know that the experience was worth it.
Anyway,ever since I got here, I felt that I moved in to another planet. It so different here compared with my native place. The place,the weather,the transportation,the food,the people,the way of living...i can still name a lot. :).
So far,everything is okay. I am able to adjust one at a time. I still miss home back in the Philippines but this is my home too. A home where we will build our own family.

GOT MY VISA

2009-04-20T09:14:00.004-04:00

After the tedious journey. It is still amazing to know that we are done.I got my visa last April 16,2009.

Thank you Lord!

INTERVIEW APPROVED

2009-04-08T09:07:00.004-04:00

April 07,2009, i had my interview with the US consul and after so many months of patiently waiting the word that we have been dying to hear she said that my visa is approved. Thank you so much Lord.

I cant wait to see you B

busy,busy,busy (HELP ME GOD)

2009-03-26T00:07:00.002-04:00

i havent been blogging for the past few days as i am really busy doing all the paper works for my upcoming interview which will be on April 07,09. But before that, I will have my medical this April 1 and 2.

God Bless and Guide me for this very important event in my life. I just want to be with my MAN.

Have a wonderful journey

2009-03-08T11:20:00.002-04:00

Last March 06,2009, a news that brought tears in everybody's eyes as Mr. Francis "Kiko" Magalona, passed away. One of the best and the original rapper in the Philippines.

He was diagnosed to have Leukemia August of last year and last Friday which was the March 06,2009, 12 noon he died because of complications.

We will surely miss you Mr.Rapper. A great loss to our country, Indeed!

God is good

2009-03-04T09:42:00.004-05:00

after so many months of waiting we have finally received what we have been wanting to hear and get. We are approved. God is really so good. Without him, his guidance, we or should i say, I had give up already but i didnt i am still holding and it did pay off...

CHANGELING

2009-03-02T23:49:00.007-05:00

I was more than intrigued about this movie, all my friends wanted me to watch this since they say its a good one. So I marched myself to the DVD store and bought one.

After watching the movie, i felt good and hopeful. Why? its because i am about to loose hope about this visa thing, its been 7 months now and still counting. We havent heard anything yet.

But by watching this movie, its good to be hopeful and it gives so much comfort that I am not alone in this journey, that i have my fiancee who loves me dearly and wont give up till the end.

MaRCH (Fire Prevention Month)

2009-03-02T06:10:00.004-05:00

March is the Fire Prevention Month in Philippines. Here are the tips to prevent fire

From the Bureau of Fire Protection, here are home and life-saving tips:

• Put phone numbers of your nearest fire department near your phone.

• Eliminate fire hazards through good housekeeping: dispose waste paper, rubbish and other flammable materials regularly.

• Keep matches out of children’s reach.

• Oil or gas lamps and candles should be placed away from curtains. Do not light them near windows, fans or where children or pets may topple them. Put out the flame before going to bed.

• Do not keep flammable materials like gasoline, alcohol and paint inside the house.

• Regularly check your electrical installations, and have all frayed wirings and electrical fixtures changed or repaired by a licensed electrician.

• Do not overload electrical circuits by putting additional lights and appliances.

• Blown fuses should not be replaced with coins, wires or any other metal.

• Never leave a lighted cigarette/cigar/pipe unattended. This may fall on flammable materials.

• Keep a first-aid kit handy.

tired of waiting????

2009-02-25T10:49:00.002-05:00

should i stop?? im tired of waiting and its totally depressing.

i admit, im not good in waiting...

ITS THE LOVE MONTH

2009-02-19T20:48:00.004-05:00

I am so lucky that i met my soon to be husband. We are not married yet but im 100 percent sure that our companionship will last long. We, of course, will have our own little spats but we will do our best to resolve it.

Why I love him so much..

1. He is happy when I am happy

2. He kisses and hug me whenever he feels like it (maybe it be while washing the dishes,after eating,or just playing around)

3. He is calm and compose when things go wrong

4. He is positive when i am the exact opposite

5. He never ceases to surprised me

6. He always peeked whenever i took a bath

7. When we have misunderstanding, he'll be silent and just smile afterwards

8. No one has cried for me before (I am so touched)

9. I love to hang myself at him and he never complains

10. He explain things whenever i am confuse especially economics/politics

11. Although he is tired of eating rice but still the last night before he went home, he ate rice

12. He never complained with that way I cook (he knows im so horrible in cooking)

13. He will give me a massage if i say that im sore and way to good

14. I am spoiled

15. He constantly reminds me how beautiful, sexy i am (im just a typical filipina)

16. He plays my games (PSP and Nintendo DS) whenever the task is difficult

17. He is always on the move

18. He loves adventure so am i.

19. He encourages me to do things

20. He loves my family and friends

21. He loves me more and everyday never ceases to say and show it.

22. He loves to spank me whenever he feels like doing it

23. I love my man for what and who he is..

Thank you for all the things that you have given and shared. I thank God for sending you to me.

what a night!!!

2009-02-19T03:29:00.005-05:00

It was a typical day yesterday, woke up late, talked to my hubby and prepared the stuff that are needed for the interview soon, made a card for my future mom-in-law.

I went to the mall to mail the card and since im not doing anything at home and im already freaking bored to spend again the night at home so i decided to watch a movie. I paid the ticket and sat in the chair waiting for the movie to start and boom, I got a text message from mina saying that all the Wave 1 from Sutherland are going to have a get together. Since i havent seen them in a while, i got up and have my hand put a mark on so that i can still go back later if i wanted to.

I got the see Ervin my former colleague-turned supervisor. We had quite a get together. We were there for 3 hours and i was drunk. Its been a while since i felt that way, boy, it was not so good.

Around 9 pm we separated ways, and i went back to the mall to watch the movie. You know, P80 is a lot, i dont want to waste it. I got home around 12 midnight feeling sober. :D

Thanks Ervin for the treat..

preparing

2009-02-17T22:45:00.002-05:00

although, we didn't receive yet the approval or they call it NOA2. I am already starting to prepare the things that i need to do so that by the time that we have ours, its organize already.

I reviewed the chat transcripts over the last few months from the day we met and up until the present. I selected the pictures that are need to be printed, compiled the needed documents such as his ITR 2007 and w2.

As for me, have yet to get the important papers from government offices.

ITS FEB 14..THE VDAY

2009-02-14T14:44:00.003-05:00

I spent Vday with my friends. We watched Underworld:Rise of the Lycans, yet again. I have seen the movie but since i was bored at home i decided to join them. Heck, its valentines, i should be out celebrating although my partner is nowhere near with me.

After watching the movie, i went to another mall to meet my other friends. We had a very nice dinner at LACHI's. But before we had ours, we patiently waited outside since all the tables were fully occupied. We were already complaining that the food should be good coz they had us wait for quite a while. Indeed, it was a good dinner.

Lastly, after dinner we took our time having coffee while checking emails and the like.

Overall, it was a pretty okay Valentines Day. How about yours?

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY

2009-02-13T09:43:00.003-05:00

February 14, the day of heart. Everyone will be very busy giving flowers and chocolates to their loved ones. Im sure restaurants too will be packed with couple and families.
I wont be able to celebrate Valentines with baby as we are separated across big seas and half way around the world. Instead, i will celebrate it together with my friends.
For you B, Happy Valentines Day and I am positive that we will be celebrating Valentines next year. I LOVE YOU

a call for celebration

2009-02-13T05:38:00.001-05:00

A friend of mine was promoted from her job today. She has been employed from this company for quite sometime now and I fervently believe that she deserve it.

Well from your friends, CONGRATULATIONS MS. GENELYN D. TAMPOS.

WILD WATER RAFTING

2009-02-12T01:12:00.000-05:00

Last January 17, we had our extreme adventure..WILD WATER RAFTING.

At first, it was so nerve wracking since this is going to be my first time and so are my friends who were with me at that time. Just by looking at the pictures and videos while we had our briefing, it was a mixed emotions of excitement and nervousness

Alas, we were at our putting area already where we put our safety gear such as life jacket. We had a short orientation on how to go about during the entire rafting experience.

The entire trip for the rafting was undeniably awesome. It was a superb experience that we would again do it over and over again.

I hope everybody can try it and be amazed.

hoping that this is going to be a good journey

2009-02-10T09:15:00.000-05:00

over the past few months, after we got the notice that we should submit the needed documents for the visa process, we never stopped calling Dan's friends and his family to help us get the paper since Dan won't be able to get because he is here in the Philippines.

Christmas passed and new year came, we didn't have the paper yet. We fear that we wont be able to beat the target which was Feb 07,09. Dan, is constantly calling his friend Scott, who fortunately his brother works as a Sheriff.

Luckily, Scott was able to get the paper and mailed it to the lawyer. Days passed the lawyer emailed and said that it was not the right one as it should be a Certified True Copy.

Once again, I was depressed while Dan was hopeful.

Days before the deadline, we never stopped calling his mom, his brother, Scott and the lawyer. At last, Scott got the paper last Feb 06 and mailed it directly to the lawyer via FEDEX. Our deadline was Feb 07. We hoped that our lawyer mailed it directly to the appropriate office so that we can beat the deadline.

Just this night, Feb 10,2009. 9.35 to be exact. I got an email from CRIS, stating that they received the documents and the case is now resumed.

I hope and pray that the decision will be positive.

PSP…PlayStation Portable

2009-02-09T21:30:00.002-05:00

If you ask me, I am not really a fanatic of gadgets. If there is a chance that I will be able to play it, after a few minutes I would get tired and stop playing with it. That is how I am with gadgets.

But my fiancée insisted to buy me one for future purposes, which includes that for my trip hopefully to US, I won’t be bored while on the plane

So we bought one for me, and for the first few weeks I was engrossed playing the games that we also purchased. Now if you are bored with the games you can also listen to music. You can also put music in your PSP by just saving it to the memory card.

Plus, PSPs are also wifi, if you are out and you forgot to bring your laptop you can check your emails.

It is really a multi functional gadget. good thing, we bought it!

UNDERWORLD (Rise of the Lycans)

2009-02-07T08:48:00.000-05:00

I have been following the Underworld Series and have been looking foward watching the 3rd series which is the UNDERWORLD (Rise of the Lycans).

In this movie, it was thoroughly explained how it all began. Why Lycans and Vampires hated so much. If you noticed, in the first series, there were past scenes where you saw Sonja.

All in all, I love it and its yet another vampire exhilarating movie.

SUPERBOWL

2009-02-04T21:16:00.000-05:00

I'm not really interested in football. Heck, I don't even know the rules of the game nor any popular names in this field. Unlike with Michael Jordan, from Basketball.

But i got curious with it since my partner loves it. Good thing is his favorite team is playing to SUPERBOWL.

When I saw the crowd for the Superbowl, I cant believe that there are thousands of people watched the game and cheering on their teams.

Well, im sure happy that my fiancee's team won. GO STEELERS

painting

2008-11-18T21:40:00.000-05:00

after my resignation, i thought i wouldnt be doing anything at all at home but boy i was wrong my boyfriend was already planning to paint the house. so right after i submitted my resignation, the very next day we were out looking for a hardware and got stuff for the painting.
At first we painted the gate, guess what color??? VERMILLION RED!!!!!!hehehe..it was a shocking color but it was alright. it took us 3 days to finish painting the gate since he is so meticulous that he wanted to paint all the small part.
after the gate,next stop?? the bedroom..my sister wanted color green so we decided to have a two tone. it was fun doing it and i must say i did enjoy it although i didnt realize that its going to be so tiring but nonetheless it was still fun.

birthday cake

2008-11-06T05:26:00.000-05:00

my friends surprised me with their birthday cake. Yeah, i know they will prepare something special coz thats what we are during each other's birthday.

I sure was amazed with their gift it was a birthday cake and its not just an ordinary cake, take a look. My fiancee was also surprised by it and overwhelmed with their gestures.

I had a great time celebrating my birthday with my friends and of course with my baby who was here to join me in this occasion.

my resignation

2008-11-06T05:00:00.000-05:00

i have been considering the idea of resigning from my job as its already becoming tedious and monotonous. one thing thats keeping me from this work is the salary. since i am the "breadwinner" in the family so i have to have a high salary to pay our monthly bills.
but good thing though, my fiance talked me through it and promise to help me with the bills since he knows that i have been complaining with my job. so after 1 year, i made a very wise decision, i passed my resignation letter and it really feels good.

Dream a Little Dream of Me

2008-09-30T23:48:00.000-04:00

Title reference: The episode's title is a reference to a song, usually credited to Fabian Andre and Wilbur Schwandt, although classical composer Milton Adolphus has also been cited. It has been massively covered by many artists. The lyrics were written by Gus Kahn.

Dream a Little Dream of Me, this is the first episode title for the Season 5 of Greys Anatomy.
It was not shown here in Philippines yet but have already seen it courtesy of YOUTUBE..:)
I must say..LOVE GREYS ANATOMY, indeed!

it was a blast

2008-09-28T23:21:00.000-04:00

yesterday was the birthday of one of my closest friend..and it was a blast..we celebrated her birthday at Forest Hill, its a pool..and all our friends were there..
it was sort of reunion already..hope we can have this get together again.

its her bday!!!!!!!!

2008-09-27T23:33:00.000-04:00

we are going to as always pool party later....
HAPPY 26th birthday to you my friend...
we love you

NIGHTS IN RODANTHE

2008-09-25T18:32:00.000-04:00

I am really an avid fan of Nicholas Sparks..I think I read all his novels already.One of my best favorite is THE NOTEBOOK.Boy, i fell in love with the book even more when i watched it.
Now, i am looking forward to his next movie, NIGHTS IN RODANTHE. Will watch this movie together my big baby :)

SME Interview

2008-09-23T18:15:00.000-04:00

Today was the SME (Subject Matter Expert) interview. Honestly, i felt envious. I should also be part of the applicants. But because of the inevitable circumstance I choose not to.
I know there is still far more greater opportunity ahead of me and I fervently believe that I made the right decision, that is to be with my future husband.

LONG DISTANCE RELATIONSHIP

2008-09-23T17:36:00.000-04:00

I read this article..it is very interesting..

How to make Long Distance Relationship Work

1. Ask the important questions
2. Communicate in some way every day
3. Do things together. Defy the distance
4. Take advantage of the benefits
5. Pursue common interests
6. Pursue common interests
7. Talk about your future together
8. Know when to say good-bye
9. Remember: things will get better with time, and even the relationship will become better. Have hope.

i am so excited

2008-09-22T19:02:00.000-04:00

i will be spending my birthday together with my fiance and i am so excited..this is going to be my first time

growing old

2008-09-22T18:30:00.000-04:00

It has been a tough journey but when i met him, my journey to life became more meaningful and wonderful. I am so glad that across great big seas and halfway around the world our hearts met and fell in love.
I love you my baby...
God is indeed so GOOD...

GREYS ANATOMY

2008-09-22T18:21:00.000-04:00

i cant wait for the Season Five to start...
oh...i am really an avid fan of Greys Anatomy
I just wish Dr. Yang and Dr.Burke will still be together

MOVIE WEEKEND

2008-09-22T18:15:00.000-04:00

Lately, every weekend, my officemates were spending time together by...what else???watching movies..
whew..it was such a treat..after a long nights from work we have been consistently looking forward to weekend just to pamper ourselves..
last weekend..we watched death race and i must say i love the action race although the story was kinda lame but nonetheless, i was entertained with its unstopable car race..
this weekend, we watched Bangkok Dangerous..hmm, i was disappointed with the movie as i was expecting more, it was an action movie with a touch of drama.
Next movie treat, Nights in Rodanthe..cant wait

2008-09-22T17:54:00.000-04:00

i had already made up my mind.. i decided not to apply for the position.
dan and i had a talk about it, at first he doesn't want me to stay up until march but its okay for him to wait for me but then i can sense that he is really not sure about it. instead, i know he just wants me to be happy.
While i was in deep thought, he has a point, we have waited for so long already and extending up until march is bearable but we choose not to prolong our agony.
So Monday night, i had a talk with my supervisor and i told him that im not pursuing the application anymore. It was a deep conversation and relaxing, and for a moment, i know i made the right decision.

LOOKING AT THE BRIGHTER SIDE

2008-09-17T18:26:00.000-04:00

After my whining yesterday, i had the chance to chat with my future mom-in-law. yes, we chat whenever we caught ourselves online.
Although, we havent met yet in person and we are halfway around the world, i can certainly feel the warmth of her presence and her love. I am so lucky to always talk to her under the sun. She gives me encouragement and wisdom.
I just love her

whining

2008-09-16T18:21:00.000-04:00

it has been a very tedious and strenuous journey just so i can get the position, unfortunately my effort didnt pay off..i failed yet again.
things have been drastically out of hand recently..i thought i was already well equipped for moving up. i practice and practice day and night..i asked tips, opinions in preparation for the interview..still i failed..
again, im back to scratched again..waiting for a new position :(

celebrating

2008-08-09T02:42:00.000-04:00

its refreshing to know that after the entire struggle that we went through, we are now celebrating our first year in sutherland.although, the originals are quite a few already.the remaining originals are promoted to a different positions which i believe is just right and i am so happy for them (i am really).

i hope we will still see each other working in suth for many more years :)

a night with joey

2008-07-08T22:27:00.000-04:00

It was unplanned.

Joey and I went out and spent time together over a cup of coffee. We were pouring out our heartaches and disappointments. We were telling each other our plans for the future. We were reminiscing our time together with our other friends. It was a good night out.

How we wish, we could turn back the time, time that we were still the first people who were taking calls, time that our responsibilities were still our callers and none other else, time when we eat right after our shift or payday perhaps, and time that we go out once in a while just to unwind from the tedious and strenuous work. I guessed we missed those times.

Presently, one by one, we are slowly starting to have our own ways, Rojay, has a new life as a teacher and I am so happy for him coz he can now pursue what he finished. Joey, will be rendering her 30 day work before she will leave us for good. Gammie and Faith are now busy being a SME. Mina, is with Ron’s team and I, is of different team and im back taking calls.

Missed the good old days..Guys…

CONFUSED!!!!

2008-07-03T20:57:00.000-04:00

Im confused!!

I’ve heard it and it was confirmed!

So now, I’m back from the beginning, back from the scratch.

After all the hard work that I have done, the painstaking effort to help the team, the innumerable paper works, I guess it was not enough, I failed.

I don’t know where to begin. Is it wise to start from the beginning or start fresh from a different company?

I am confused, puzzled of the things that have happened. I pray whatever my decisions will be will have a positive outcome

overseer

2008-06-17T04:09:00.000-04:00

One thing that’s keeping me from this work is my so called lolo, but he changed it to colleague…

It’s my first time in BPO and I didn’t know what to expect, yes, I admit, I stutter, I stammer and most importantly I’m not good in English. Yet, I have been here for 10 months already and still counting.

I’ve had my share of heartaches over the first few months. It was not an easy journey. I struggled, I gave my best, I thought its already enough but it was not. I was compelled to do more coz I wasn’t performing well plus, my then sup was emotionally harassing me. I couldn’t take it anymore. There was some point at that time that I wanted to quit but doesn’t want to because I have a lot of obligations to attend to. For this reason, I continued my journey.

Presently, I am really happy with whatever is happening now. I love my team and I love my sup. Although he likes picking on me which I really don’t know. Maybe he finds me cute or adorable..hehehe. We have communication, there is openness, we can talk about anything, and I feel good when I’m working with him, he gives me encouragement, he gives me feedback may it be negative or positive. I don’t mind if we are constantly bickering coz I know it will not last.

If ever there is a change of overseer, Id like to be in his team again and I will not get tired working with him as long as he will approve my VL.

Teacher Mae, Teacher Mae

2008-06-17T03:08:00.000-04:00

Teacher Mae, Teacher Mae, Thank youý, simple yet full of meaning and sincerity that cannot be measured nor exchanged with any material thing, words that were spoken by one of my pre school students during my practice teaching at the Ateneo de Davao University.

Words that were still implausible to imagine, for I myself, cannot contemplate that I chose to become an educator by profession. Yes, after the entire uphill struggle that I have gone through in my collegiate world; sleepless nights, innumerable paper works and strenuous examinations, being called as such was still unacceptable for I believed that being an educator is really a challenging and complex occupation. Above all, teaching pre school student is the hardest because I am fully aware that I am the primary source of foundation that will unquestionably instigate learningýs all through out their years and I think I donýt have the skills and capabilities to mold them into such.

However, after hearing those words I felt immense joy and happiness. My time with them during my practice teaching was the greatest and truly unforgettable. Teaching them with the wonders of Reading, Language and Mathematics and the feeling of sharing and imparting them the lessons that I once knew was beyond description. Their smiling faces, and cheerful disposition were very infectious that I cannot help but socialize with them even at the most stupid and silliest circumstances. Nonetheless, it was still gratifying for I know that they were certainly learning and enjoying every bit of my lessons and so am I. With these, no amount could surpass all the pleasure Iýve had with them.

Everyday Iým looking forward to going to class because I know each day is a new experience and learning that will always be treasured and remembered. Hearing my name over petty quarrels was like being a judge, who made decision over small things such as reconciling students. Furthermore, I could never forget the time during every recess for they always share their snacks to their classmates. It is really amazing to think that as young as these children they are already learning to share and give what they have. As their practice teacher I feel happy and proud that I have been once a part of their life wherein they learned something that cannot be learned elsewhere.

However, there were times that they became disruptive and unruly and already becoming unmanageable, SILENCE was the paramount technique of making them behave for they simply understand that I am already irritated. Unknowingly, sometimes their interminable questions create a pleasant teaching-learning experience of their naivetý living in this world. Obviously, children are creative in nature and possess different distinctiveness that makes them even more to love; their simplicity is genuinely unique and invigorating that as a future educator I am more compelled to do well in my chosen field of career. Yes, I should be.

My practice teaching went by so fast that I havenýt become aware of the time, it was already March, time to say goodbye and leave. It was so painful to bequeath because I have already built relationship that I donýt want to sever. They became the bone in my body. They are my inspiration and my angels who motivate me innocently. They became my life.

From the experiences during my practice teaching, it can never be denied that one by one I am already starting to like my chosen field of career. I am already accepting the thought of becoming a future educator and teach pre schools students in particular. Yes, I know this is hard and a tedious job but hey, what can I do I love children.
Moreover, with determination and patience as my weapon and shield Iým sure Iým going to make it through and be an excellent teacher.

Yes, Teacher, teacherýwas the words that I began to value and appreciate the magnificence of being an educator. It holds a very high position that no other profession can outstrip, for I fervently believe that there will be no doctors, engineers, nurses, architects, psychologists, accountants and etc. in this world without the teacher. Donýt you think?

My side of story

2008-06-11T05:06:00.000-04:00

I am a good person and I deserve to be happy but this is not the case. Over the years, when I have had my own relationship, I would always give my best coz I always believe that this is the person that im going to spend the rest of my life with. Unfortunately, all turned out not the way that im expecting it to be. So after all those despondency, I vowed to myself that I will not have a connection with Filipino guy and so my journey to find a foreigner guys begins…

By January 2007, I signed up to all dating websites that I can think of. At that time, i was thinking that the more websites the more chances of finding a potential good guy so I sent interest to men who intrigued me most because of their “excellent” profile and luckily, I met someone thru myforeignbride.com, his name is Rich and I thought we have a connection, we would always chat and talk thru yahoo messenger but our relationship didn’t last long. Then one day, I never heard from him with no apparent reason. He didn’t leave a message nor called, which led me to think that I am a bad person. It was painful since I invested emotions for him.

During our getting to know each other with rich, I sent an interest to someone, his name is Dan. At first, I don’t find him attractive or perhaps I wasn’t concentrating on him since I am more directed with Rich but Dan and I established a good friendship. We would talk about anything and everything under the sun. Moreover, I also learned that he was talking to some other girls which were fine since I too, am with Rich.

Dan and I hardly ever chat online after what transpired with rich, I went on with my life. Just like with Miriam Quimbao, she stumbled once but gracefully stood up and eventually won the 1st runner up of Miss Universe. Soon, I met another guy, his name is Tim, and he is divorced and has 2 kids. While we were constantly chatting, I soon admired his valor for exceeding all the trials in life and raising his children, together with his mother, of course.

Like with rich, it didn’t blossom into a wonderful companionship. For the second time, I am left again heartbroken.

Was I harsh with my life? Nope, coz I know deep inside that God prepared something for me far greater than what I had before. I continued with my life, I found a better job and had been transferred to another city which was good, to meet friends and enjoy life.

When I was in Clark, I focused more on my job. I was busy and still adjusting to my new work. I talked to my friends over the phone, thank God Suncellular was there, and it’s cheaper to call. I met new friends and had really fun there. After 2 months without checking emails, I finally thought of checking it and my yahoo messenger. And I saw Dan was online. We chatted for about 30 minutes and I found out he went to Japan for vacation. It was a good conversation, relaxed, calm. There were no emotions involved just 2 people exchanging thoughts and ideas over some serious and hilarious theme.

Months passed, and I haven’t heard from Dan since the last time we talked. I went on with my life, yet again. Eventually, I got back to Davao to work. I kept myself busy, which wasn’t a problem to me. My work schedule permits me to be hectic all the time and by the time I got home, I’d go straight to bed.

The latter part of the year, which was December 2007, I’ve come to be active again in dating surroundings. I expanded my horizon and searched for more for a fine partner. I learned my lapse and that is; don’t give your emotions instantaneously. I shielded my self from getting hurt, thus, I was carefully scrutinizing every man I talked with by asking numerous questions, may it be sense or senseless so long all my doubts will be answered.

I had the chance to chat once more with Dan. We were able to share friendly conversation without any trace of pretentions or something. The two of us seated there for hours. We were unmindful of the time that was passing. Regrets? I have none. It was indeed a wonderful talk.

I didn’t realize that we have been relentlessly talking with each other. I learned to trust him and share my surreptitious that none people know of. I opened myself and he was too. He shared something that I know took a lot courage to communicate, divorce. After hearing those words, I felt sorry for him. I also felt used. It was like I felt the same feeling he had after realizing that he was fooled by some unworthy individuals. I felt angry at the person. But I have no right to feel that way on the culprit because it was already done and the damage, too, has been done. I was with him that day, in thoughts, feelings and emotions.

It was a nice start of the year, 2008. He made known his feelings to me in our native dialect. I was shocked and delighted all at the same time. Shocked, coz I didn’t know that he was feeling that way already and delighted because the feeling is already reciprocated. None of us was looking for a relationship; it was purely out of friendship. But I didn’t let him know that. I gave my self a time, time to reflect and the consequences if this will not work out. I was so pessimistic. I soon understand that this is the reality of life. There will be happiness and sadness. I always have an inkling that “we will never discover genuine happiness if we don’t have the courage to let go”. We have to go through the bitterness of life before we appreciate the wonders of life.

So, by January 09, 2008, I said yes to him. It was an unforgettable day. We found love with each other. We were constantly chatting and once in a while he would call me. We gave so much in our relationship. Since, I’m working in a graveyard shift, 11:30 pm – 8:30 am and he was working 2nd shift thats 3:30 pm-12:30. By the time, I got home I’d go straight to bed and woke up around 2 pm, to go to the nearest internet café just so we can talk and we’ll be talking for hours and hours and this has been going on for months. It was strenuous but this is love, we have to make sacrifices in order for the relationship to last.

We have been frequently chatting for months, learning each other more, planning for his first visit. And came, April 2008, it was his first time to visit the Philippines. Imagine, I have been counting the days that he’s going to be here, by the thought that it’s already april, it was nerve wracking. I don’t know what to expect and what im going to say during our first meeting.

Came the day that he’ll arrive, I stood at the waiting shed. It was so hot but I was feeling very cold, and my knees were trembling, my heart were pounding its as if it will come out, my hands were all wobbly and I couldn’t think straight. Suddenly, I looked at the people coming out from the airport. I searched for any familiar face and I found none. I was informed that the PAL flight was delayed. Gosh, another hour of painstakingly waiting.

I waited for 1 hour and a half, and finally I saw something flying up in the sky that is going to come down. I heard the loud noise screeching on the tarmac. It was PAL landing already. Upon seeing the airplane, yet again, I was feeling tense and jumpy. One by one, I saw people coming out. There were balikbayans who were embracing their loved ones, a lot of foreigners may it be American, Chinese, Australian; I was looking intently at the people who were coming out but I didn’t see any familiar face. Out of nowhere, there was this porter who was holding a big luggage shouting a familiar name. The porter said in our dialect “Mae, Mae kinsay Mae diri.. Of course my name is Mae but hello my name is common so I didn’t pay attention to him. I concentrated my eyes at the people getting out from the airport. Now while the porter was shouting the name, I accidentally, looked at the luggage he was holding, it was his name and when I saw that, I turned around and he was there with a big smile planted on his face. Momentarily, I was shocked and when I came to my senses. I immediately hugged him. It was a sight to behold.

It was a fantastic 2 weeks vacation, we went to Blue waters, we tried the zip line, we visited the crocodile park, we went to jacks ridge for dinner, we went under water for scuba diving, we watched 3 movies together and we even went to manila to visit my friend. He got to meet my family, relative and friends. It was superb, I get to know him more and he got to know me also. Every single day was just so memorable.

Time has passed so quickly that it was already May 3rd and he’ll be leaving the next day. His last night was so sad but truly a passionate night. We got at the hotel around 1 am because we were out with my friends. When we got there, he immediately checked his laptop doing something; while I was preparing to go to bed coz I was tired. After, I tucked myself to bed and he turned of the lights and he played the music that in his laptop. The first song played was grow old with you, after hearing the music I cant help but cry. He hugged and kiss me and it felt so good but sad. We hugged the rest of the night.

May 4th, we were silent while helping him gets his luggage done. We spent the entire afternoon doing silly things. We went to mall to play basketball. And time for him to go to airport came, we were in a taxi and I was about to cry but I held back my tears coz I noticed he was crying. Boy, it was so sad, I hugged him and told him its going to be alright. This is not the end. This is not goodbye but we’ll be seeing each other again.

Inside the airport, we hugged and kissed, we were unmindful of the people that surround us. He was really crying and I was comforting him. I’m holding back my tears so that he’ll not be worried. I led him to the hallway where only passengers can go through. I reminded him that this is not goodbye. I won’t say goodbye but see yah.

This is not the ending of our story but this is a start of wonderful companionship to forever. We will be weaving our future together and by simply thinking about that, I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with. I want to grow old with him.

HIS STORY

2008-06-09T02:44:00.001-04:00

How Mae and I met

We both were on an internet dating site called My Foreign Bride. I was only a member for a month between February and March of 2007. Mae was the first one to show an interest between the 2 of us. So after we talked for a while we exchanged email and started talking on Yahoo messenger. At first we would only talk once or twice a month since I was still recovering from my divorce. She was talking with some other people also.

She would come online sometimes while I was at work and I would talk to her. Than one day when she came online I called her sunshine because I had seen pictures of her and she always had a smile on her face. Well right after that she responded by calling me moonlight. As soon as I read that I thought to myself that she was a quick thinker with the snappy comebacks. This got me intruiged.

I moved to Louisiana in October 2007 to start my life over again. Than one day in December 2007 after sending out Christmas cards I got a phone call from an old friend of mine that really blew my mind what they had to say. After that I needed someone to talk to and it just could not be anyone. Well to my surprise Mae came online and I felt comfortable and relieved to talk to her, so I told her what had happened.

Than after that night she kept coming online and we would just talk about anything and sometimes nothing at all. As soon as I noticed that we had been talking all week long I realized that there was just something amazing about this woman. I was able to have a conversation with her and I was comfortable talking with her.

Than when I was driving back to Louisiana from Toledo I got the chance to talk to her on the phone and from that moment I knew that I was in love with her but I didn’t tell her right away. I wanted to make sure of my emotions and feelings for her. I started to find myself getting home from work as fast as I could so I would be online when she was.

Than one night, around first week of January 2008 I really surprised her by telling her that I loved her in her language. And it was Janaury 9, 2008 when she said yes, and we were officially on. I asked her if she really did mean it and she said yes. She was just afraid that I would break her heart. I told her that I always keep my promises and that I would never do that.

Than around the middle of February 2008 we started talking about me coming to Philippines to spend time with her. At first I think that she thought that sure I was going to tell her I was coming there but then not show up. Well I told her that I was going to be getting laid off from work and it might be until July. So as soon as I got my income tax return I bought the ticket for me to fly out on April 17th and I would arrive there on the 19th. Than when I got the flight information I forwarded it to her and than she knew that I was really coming there and that I was keeping my promise to her.

Before my flight we had talked a few times about marriage and having children. I had even asked her what would be a special way that she would liked to be asked to be married. I had gone to purchase a ring for her but didn’t know her ring size. I was also laid off at the time so I just bought a ring that I could afford for her.

On the day of my flight I called her to tell her that I was on my way to pick up my friend who was going to take me to the airport and have my car for the time I was away. He even had my cell phone so he could call her on one of his breaks at work to let her know that I was on my way.

Supposedly my arrival time in Davao should be at 12:30 pm of April 19 2008 but it was delayed due to unknown reasons. I was a worried because I don’t know what time will I arrived at Davao and worst, Mae was waiting for me at the airport and she doesn’t have any inkling that our flight was delayed. Alas, it was all over, we were on our way to Davao.

I had to come out of the airport from the international side which she was not standing at. So as I was walking along the backside of everyone waiting for the people to arrive, one of the porters was yelling her name and as soon as she turned around I noticed her right away.

I checked into the hotel and than we went out to eat and I met her mother and sister at a restaurant close to the hotel.

The next morning, it was April 20 2008; while she was sleeping I slipped the ring on her finger without her knowing. When she finally woke up she saw the ring and was in shock. She was just so stunned and so than I asked her and she was just so happy that she said yes.

On my trip there Mae had the entire 2 weeks all planned out. We went on a zip line, a crocodile park, a nice island resort, scuba diving. We even took a day trip up to Manila. I met her relatives of both sides and I met her friends, who were very nice and easy to get along with. I formed a special bond with her sister and her sister’s friend, coz I like picking on them and of course I get to meet her parents.

On April 30, 2008, I had a serious talked with her parents. I was really nervous as to how should I tell them and soon, I told them that I wanted to marry Mae in her language and momentarily they both said yes. Mae was so happy about it and I’m happy too coz they have already gave their blessings and that is the most important.

I was there from April 19 to May 4, 2008, and it was the best time I’ve had. I get to know more Mae and love her more. She is the woman that I wanted and spends the rest of my life with.

The only thing that I could not get used to over there was the driving. It was like being in a NASCAR race but with more than 43 cars.

May 4, 2008, it was. It was the day that I left and one of the worst days of my life. I did not want to leave her. I kept on holding her and hugging her. I know this won’t be the end of our love story. Instead, I fervently believe that this is the start of our wonderful companionship to forever. We will be weaving our future together.