Saturday, December 29, 2007

Woeful Saturday

Spent the day mostly curled up in bed. Watched five movies - three of them cartoons and fell asleep in the middle of the last one. I got the cramps real bad, i had to call in sick for work. Arrgh! The wonders of womanhood.

The year is almost over. It seems like time flies! Or so it seems when one is mature enough to know the importance of time. I remember when i was a kid i couldn't wait to grow up, but it felt like forever to gain my freedom and independence. Oh, how i long to be young again... Now, with two jobs, a husband, my family and a home to keep neat, 24 hours is not enough. I am not complaining, i am simply realizing how important it is to live life today and not always yearn for tomorrow.

I guess i feel like this after seeing my mother-in-law slowly losing her memory. She's old. And that's my worst fear. We spent Christmas Eve with her at her apartment. My brother-in-law and his family was there too. So the place was a little crowded. Marie was busy in the kitchen and Rick was helping her while the rest of the group was in the living room playing a catch phrase game. We were a little noisy, but we didn't think that would bother her. Then suddenly, Marie, asked who made the rolls, the food and she couldn't remember why everyone was there. It went on for a couple hours, same questions and no recollection of the day whatsoever. It was sad. Everybody was nervous. We ate and opened the presents. Then she was fine. She didn't know what happened to her. The doctor said she must have been overwhelmed by the day's events. The stress in preparing the food and the noise. She lives alone and so it's always quiet at her place. But she seems fine now (thank God!). Hopefully it stays that way.

The weather wasn't the greatest either. Snowstorm during the weekend and more snow Christmas Day! Driving was terrible! A two and a half hour drive took five hours! Horrible! But it wasn't that bad. It was still fun. I am finally comfortable around my in-laws. They don't ask me specific questions about the Philippines anymore, like traditions and food. Which i am glad because i don't really know what to say. For me, each family has it's own tradition, their own way of celebrating. So i am always careful with my answers. I don't want to give the wrong impression! *-* I got a lot of Christmas presents from them. They were all nice! Thank you! And then i got more when we came home. Thank you, Richard, everything was wonderful! Good shopper!

Life. It's full of surprises.

Friday, December 21, 2007

Friday, December 14, 2007

Holiday Hullabaloo


Christmas is fast approaching. Lights adorn boring houses in the neighborhood and made it look more interesting. It seems like year after year people add a little bit more lights outside their house. We didn't do much light decor this year. It's not because we don't want to, it's because we can't! Last summer we had new soffit and fascia installed but not the rain gutter(that's where you hang the lights). We didn't wanna ruin the new soffit by pounding nails just so we can hang some lights, so we opted not to put up lights on the roof instead. There's a couple of lighted Christmas tree outside and some lighted ornaments on the window. That's it. But inside, we have a medium sized - real tree and a bunch of lights all over the house. We wrapped the pillar in the basement with lights, some more lights in the bookcase and a wreath on the big window in the living room. I think our house looks so bright and beautiful! Snow came early this year so it is definitely a white Christmas!

There are no presents under the Christmas tree yet. I already have quite a few here at home waiting to be wrapped, but i always forget to buy a tape! Although, I think i am doing pretty good this year, almost done with Christmas shopping-two more to go, Christmas greeting card is ready to go and i already picked out my outfit for church on Christmas Day! Great! Now i don't feel rushed. Last year, i didn't have the cards out until the twenties! I felt terrible! Anyway, I have a theme for Christmas this year - everything is in red and gold. From the lights and bulbs on the tree, to the Christmas wrapper I'll use and even on what to wear for Christmas eve dinner and to church the following day. A little over the top? Nah... just want to try something different, something new.

I am just so excited about the holidays! I can't wait to come home and open my presents, (although i don't see one yet, but i know they'll come), eat a lovely dinner and visit with family. This is the time of year too when i miss my family back in the PI the most. We celebrate differently there, more food and more family. Although i think it's different now that the kids are all grown up. Maybe they'd rather be out somewhere with friends. But i know one thing that'll never change - my Papa and Mama busy preparing for the noche buena. Papa will do all the cooking and Mama just cleaning up after him (she's a killer cook-literally!). Sometimes i feel like i hardly know my siblings anymore. I feel sad about it, but helpless. Life's journey has taken me far from them. But they will always be close to my heart.


Have a great Christmas everyone!

Saturday, December 01, 2007

Shopping and Bus Rides

I had my first public bus ride in the country last Thursday. Having the luxury of owning a car does wonders to a person. But for me, driving in a big city is a no-no. Scares the hell out of me! So i decided to take the bus and go shopping while Rick had his colonoscopy done. It was an adventure for me because i don't know which bus to take, where it'll stop and how much to pay. But i was brave enough to ask for directions. I'm not a guy anyway! *wink* I had to walk four blocks to get to the bus stop. It would have been fine if only the temperature was not blistering cold! I was practically shivering while waiting for the bus. But, it was worth it. I told Rick i'll do it again next time he's got a longer appointment.

Was planning of shopping "til i drop" but decided against it. I might get nice stuff for Christmas. I already had an early Christmas present. Rick bought me a diamond ring! Whoopee! Yah, we went crazy day after thanksgiving, we went shopping at 5am just to get a really good deal on a flat screen TV, which we got, plus the ring! hehehe...

Speaking of thanksgiving, Rick made us thanksgiving dinner. The whole works, turkey, stuffing(the best i've ever had!), cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie and some sparking white drink. We had fun. We ate too much. Which we regret after a couple hours... The part i didn't like was eating leftovers for three days. I swear i smelled like turkey by then!

Shopping, food, and fun - just a few to be thankful for.

Thursday, November 22, 2007

My Thanksgiving List

Another year is about to end. Today, the Americans are celebrating Thanksgiving Day. It's a day where food and family is abundant. Here's my list of things I am thankful for:

1. Food - because it gives us nourishment.
2. Family - they remind us who we were and what we've became.
3. Good health - without it living would be so much harder.
4. Friends - free therapy!
5. Job - helps provide our needs and some wants.
6. Love - makes waking up in the morning more meaningful.


note: i didn't get to finish this entry but i decided to post it anyway because i don't have an entry for November. Not even One.

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Growing Up

It was already late last night and i couldn't sleep. My mind was just wandering. I couldn't stop thinking. I partly blame the vacation talk before we went to bed. We couldn't decide on when and where to stay. I have such a fickle mind! So, another day is about to end and we still didn't book anything.

While I was trying to sleep last night. I suddenly thought of how hard it was being a grown up. We have to make our own decisions and be responsible for our actions. It used to be our parents doing that for us. And we resent them whenever we don't get what we want. Before, when i was younger, i was often asked what i want to be when i grow up. I knew deep inside what i wanted to be. I always had a dream. Finish school, have a career and family. I was blessed enough that i was able to attain almost all of my dreams. I finished school. I have a career and i have a family. Although we don't have kids. I still consider us a family. I may not have the riches that I always wanted. But that is fine because we live a comfortable life.

So what now? That question was really bugging me last night. What do i do now that i am a grown woman. Can i still say i want to be something when i grow up? I got scared thinking that there is nothing to hope for anymore, nothing to dream about, nothing to look forward to, but wait for sickness or death to come knocking at my door. Then it hit me. I was just suppose to enjoy life. The life that i have now and stop worrying about the future. Enjoy the hard work i endured to become a grown up. It's time to make up for missed opportunities because i was so busy trying to grow up. I guess that explains my unexplained excitement when we went to Disney Land. My eagerness to see the wonders of the world that i only saw in the movies, read in books or learned in school. My desire to fill-up my closet with clothes, shoes and purses. Growing up i didn't have much. Now I understand and i know what being a grown up is all about.

Although i know i haven't reached my full potential yet. There is still room for me to grow. So i thought i should go back to school and try to learn some more. I don't like it that i am not learning anymore. I think it's boring and i'm scared i might become a bore too.

Yah, i still have dreams... i want to travel all around the world. Visit the queen. Dine with the stars. And most of all try to match Imelda's collection. *wink*

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Blogging Business

I came upon somebody's blog and she says that she's being paid to blog. I have heard about this but i just don't know how... Well, so i tried to visit the website and learn more about it. I went through the process, fill-in all the information needed to have an account with them. Nothing fishy so far. They didn't ask for too personal information until i logged out and logged back in. They want my social security number! Now that's a bummer! I would never disclose such information to anybody on the web! So there goes my money making dream. I hope someday someone will show me how to do it and lead me to a legitimate site.

Anyway, I am sore from raking the yard for three hours! Yup, I got a lot done. The yard looks so much better now. Tomorrow, more leaves will be on the ground! But at least I got rid of some of them. That's just how fall weather is. You have to deal with a lot of LEAVES! It's not too bad though. The trees looks so pretty when they change colors. But once they're done, then, they end up on the ground. Then they don't look pretty anymore. They look messy and you have to clean it up! After all our hardwork, the neighbor's yard still look so much better. But he rakes his yard everyday! That should make a difference. Saw him kicking a pile of leaves towards the side of the road the other day. Wind was gusting and so that sent the leaves flying all over the place. Most of it ended on our side of the street. Smart-ass!

I realized my entry last week had a little bit of a sad tone to it. It's just that i have been talking to a friend who's having some problems. And hearing her sad story made me sad too. Life is full of surprises and not all of them is pleasant. We just have to be strong and persevere. Just like the blogging business. I know someday i'll figure it out! It might be too late. But i know it'll happen. I'll just keep my hopes up and smile!

Autumn of change... exciting!


Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Mistakes and Promises

There's only two things that's certain in life - taxes and death.

I think i heard that from my taxation professor in college. And he's so right! Everybody pays tax and eventually, we will die. No morbid stories here! Just contemplating on decisions i have made in the past. Yes, i did some bad ones, some really awful ones and somehow something that was good enough. Yah, i mustn't have done so bad... I didn't turn out too bad after all.

My sister was having a hard time deciding on what to take for college. She tried nursing school for a while and i guess she didn't do too well. Oh, how she reminds me of my younger days... But not that much. I knew what i wanted to be even when i was only in 6th grade - I wanted to be like my Mom! Tinkering away with numbers.... no, not the engineering numbers, but one that has $ on them! I knew where i want to go to school too! Lucky enough, I got what I wanted and here I am...

Life is never a bed of roses. It is not a fairy tale either. We make mistakes and believe in empty promises. But life isn't too bad. It can be hard but not bad. The good in life outweighs the bad in them. We just always have to look at the brighter side of things. See the glass of water as half-full rather than half-empty. Seize the opportunity that comes our way!

I guess my professor was wrong. There are three things that's certain in life - choices, taxes and death. We are faced with choices from the moment we wake up to the time we go to sleep. Decisions that we have to make ourselves. Good or bad - it makes us who we are. You can make your own bed of roses or your own fairytale. But life will never be perfect. You just have to make the most of it.

Life is beautiful.

Friday, September 07, 2007

Live in the Philippines

I always read this website about living in the Philippines. It's a blog maintained by a foreigner, named BOB, who lives in the Philippines, particularly, Davao City. Rick and I both read it whenever we can because it is such an informative website. Rick can learn about how life is like over there from a view of a fellow American. Bob doesn't say bad stuff about the country and the people. He just say it as it is, which, i admire about him. He doesn't try to scare people away, but encourage them to give it a try...

We plan to retire there someday. Take it easy for a while and see if we would like to settle there for good. The value of the dollar isn't much anymore. And probably the cost of living would be somewhat similar to what it is here. But having family around trumps the "American Dream". Plus having easy access to the beautiful white sandy beaches and the fresh seafood and fruits... makes it all worthwhile. Yeah, Rick has family here too... his mom and his brother lives 3 hours away. And they call each other once in a while. We go visit them once a month, if we can. They never come visit us. So i don't think it'll affect anything if we move. I know the transition is not gonna be easy... but it's worth a try. Hopefully we'll find a way to somehow keep the house here while we're gone. Rent it out perhaps?

Anyway, after following Bob's blog for a while now, i realized that he knows more about my country and the people there than I do. Being away for a while is not an excuse. I took for granted the beauty, the culture and everything that made me into who I am. I should have explored my own country more than my desire to visit all 50 states. Someday i'll go back and somehow explore the islands some more... hopefully it's not too late yet.

Change can be good or bad. But it's worth trying. Look at me now! *-*

Saturday, September 01, 2007

Weekend of Fun


Boy, oh boy! was my weekend ever fun!

THURSDAY - after work, i met with Em and Jemima. We went to Celia's place, talked for hours, ate, and then we went shopping! I didn't buy much. So did they, but it was already 9pm when we got home! Our husbands were worried! None of us bothered to give them a call that we were going to be late! Sometimes, we just have too much fun that we forget we have a family waiting for us at home... It was clean fun, by the way, no booze or whatever... we just like to talk and eat and shop. I'm glad I'm blessed with good friends.

FRIDAY - we went canoeing on Namekagon River. The canoe rental place is about 6 miles from Spooner, so it wasn't that far. From there, they took us to a boat landing which was about 5 miles. I was really excited because i have never been on a canoe before! I was a little scared too coz it's not really a big boat and you have to keep still or else it'll tip over, or so i thought. The day was so pretty, the sun was out and there was a gentle breeze... So off we go down the river. I was all smiles and giddy! Looked around trying to seek some form of life. We saw quite a few birds flying around, some trying to catch a bug on the water and some just staring at us from a tree or a log nearby. There was quite a few turtles on the bank on top of some log or a big rock trying to get a tan. We saw different kinds of fish in the water too! The water was so clean and clear... We even saw a couple jumped in front of us maybe trying to catch a bug or something.

The water was so shallow that i felt foolish to feel scared. I think the deepest there was, was 4 feet or less. It was so shallow that we got stuck a couple times. We had to get out and push the canoe 'til it floats again. Although, we partly blame our weight for that! There was one spot where the current was pretty strong and big rocks all around! It was exciting! Rick got wet coz we hit a big rock that sent water flying his way. It was fun and exhausting at the same time. I wish the seats were more comfortable and have a back so we can kind of lean and rest once in a while. It took us over three hours to get back. We didn't even notice we were gone that long. There was just so much to see that we forgot about time. But we felt the pain after we got home. Our back was just so sore for sitting so long... We didn't have to paddle as much, we just drifted mostly, so our arms or shoulders is not sore at all! We may be sore but we had fun and we are surely gonna do it again!

SATURDAY - we just stayed home. I did my chores while Rick putts around with his plants. He made my favorite beef stroganoff over rice for supper! Yummy! We finally put the boat seats in so we are gonna give it a test drive tomorrow. Rick and i are already toasted from the sun. He's red and i'm black! Arrrgh!

Another day of sun wont hurt...

Sunday, August 19, 2007

Funny Mistakes

Last Wednesday, after reading a fashion magazine, i trimmed my eyebrows. There's this new trend on eyebrows and i sort of wanted to try it. See if it looks good on me. Well, I kinda screwed up and somehow managed to trim (pluck!) half my brows! Now I look ridiculous! My brows ends up in the middle of my eyes. To give you a better picture, let's say a normal length for it is 2 inches and now, mine is only an inch! The weird thing is, I don't feel stupid or hate myself for having done so. I find it funny and I giggle whenever I see myself in the mirror. I admit I look hideous but it'll grow back... So no worries! I just cover my mistake with my overgrown bangs. I learned an important lesson with this experience - Don't be cheap if you want to be trendy! Go to the professionals!

I had a nice weekend, Friday, we went to Turtleback to play some golf. Rick usually takes me to the driving range and practice hitting. But this time, we actually played a real game! We only did the 9-holes and it was fun! He obviously won, but he said I didn't do too bad at all! He even thinks I did very well. I scored 65 for a 35-par course. I think that sucks, but for a first timer, he said that's really good! I don't have a problem getting the ball on the green, my biggest problem was putting, getting the ball in the hole! I'm looking forward to our next game. Hopefully, I'll do better...

Saturday, it was a rainy day and I didn't have anything planned for the day. But Rick insisted on taking me shopping! I can't believe what I was hearing when he said he wanted to go to Rice Lake. Of course I didn't waste time because he might change his mind, So I quickly changed and fix my face! Tried to look good even if I didn't shower. I rarely go to the mall without taking a shower. But i didn't want to risk it. It must have been my lucky day because 1. he took me shopping without a fuss 2. i found a couple pretty dress on sale and my size! We came home with a smile on my face. I actually slept pretty good too!

Life is Good!

Friday, August 10, 2007

Just Another Day...

I got the day-off again. Time to shop online, catch up with chores, talk to my family and have a little ME time. I sooo love Fridays! I already have my schedule lined-up for today - that is the chores part, but for the me time, i don't have any idea yet. Maybe I'll soak in the tub for an hour and scrub away dead skin cells. Or maybe I'll cook something Filipino and chow away! Better yet, I will do both! Oh... I sooo love Fridays...

I felt bad after Rick read my last blog entry. He kept asking me if it was him that's making me unhappy. I told him no, but i guess he's not convinced. I am just tired. Plainly tired. But I am getting used to my schedule now. I think I am even sleeping better. Although, the habit of waking up at 7am follows me even during the weekend. I wish my system has a weekend sleeper button, just like our alarm clock! But it doesn't! Sucks! He even asked me if i wanted to go on vacation, but really, i don't need another vacation! Not yet anyway. I will just feel more tired and lazy once i get back. I'll get out of this phase in my life. I feel better already! I just need rest and lots of sleep. I need to eat healthy and exercise too. I'll add the treadmill to my to do list today.

Anyway, I went to the Diethelm family reunion last Sunday. I was kinda apprehensive about it days before. I wanted to look great and make Rick proud of me! I even bought a foundation so i will look flawless. Unfortunately, i bought the wrong color. So i ended up looking like a clown. Good thing we had to go a few miles yet and i keep a bottled water in the car, so i was able to erase my face! Rick kept telling me I look wonderful! Which made me feel good. So finally, the inevitable came! One by one the Diethelms came... everybody seems to know about me. And they were oh! so nice to me. They teased me about having a quiz at the end of the day about the cousins' names, which they all know is impossible to remember! I was really glad we went to the reunion. There really was no reason for me to get scared of meeting them. They all seem to be lovely people. And I know I made Marie and Rick happy, which makes me feel happy too.

Good people and good food sums up to a GREAT day!



Friday, August 03, 2007

Time Flies!

It's already August. It seems like it was only yesterday when we celebrated Christmas... Time does fly nowadays. It's hard to catch up sometimes but we have to. Good thing my schedule is pretty much the same now. Although it still involve lots of work days and very little time for me and my life.

I am mostly tired nowadays. Probably because i am working too many hours or maybe because i don't sleep very well at night. I guess, both! Sometimes when the alarm wakes me up in the morning, the first thing that comes to my mind is "darn!", coz i don't want to get up yet but i have to! I feel terrible when that happens coz i am suppose to be thankful for another day. But there are just days when sleepy me wants to stay in bed a little longer...

I feel like i'm in a rut nowadays. I don't know why, but Rick noticed it too. He said i seem to be unhappy. But really i feel weird. Shopping doesn't even cheer me up! I feel sad but i don't know why i am sad... I am tired all the time, maybe that's why i am sad... I really need a break. I finally have the weekend off but we have to go to the Diethelm (Rick's mom's side of the family) reunion on Sunday. Now i can't just relax at home, stay in my undies, not take a shower, eat junk food and just watch tv all day... oh how i miss those days...

News people are still talking about the 35W bridge in Minneapolis that collapsed. It was really a tragedy. Everybody was in shock. My friend at work called her brother who lives in the cities immediately when she saw what happened on the news. Rick called his family too just to make sure that they are fine. Everyone was fine. Thank God! I got goosebumps while watching the news coz it was just so sad... We never expect anything like this to happen... especially not in America!

Wednesday, July 11, 2007


Ethan Zachary A. Basilio

Welcome to the world, my little nephew...

Monday, July 02, 2007

And We're Back!

It's been a couple of days since we've been back from our vacation, but my system is still not in tuned to my real world. I feel tired in the most weird times of the day, am hungry and craving for junk food! But i am trying to be good... made szechuan veggie last night!

Anyway, we had a really good time in South Dakota. The drive wasn't fun though. Sitting in the passenger's side for 6-7 hours was driving me nuts! It was a great relief to find the inn very nice and clean. Coyote Blues was nestled on top of the hill surrounded by pine trees... One drawback, no TV! We find it hard not having a tv in our room because we always watch tv before going to bed. We didn't waste a day just laying around. We were out and about by ten in the morning! We made a list of what we want to see and do and by the end of the week it was done! We went to Wyoming to see the Devils Tower first. It's one of my favorites. Specially the story behind it. They say a bear trying to catch two girls made all that marks on the side of the mountain. Must be one really big hungry bear! Then we went to see the famous Mount Rushmore Memorial. There were lots of people from all over the world! I learned something about America's history too. We also went to Custer State Park to see the bison and other wild animals. I was like a little girl screaming with glee to see the bison and the mules. I find it really cute that "Donkey" came up to my window and stared at me, waiting for me to pet him. It was sad to see the forest fire though... it was arson. Why are some people cruel? On our last day, we went for a horse trail ride. Which was not a good idea because we were so sore the next day and the day after that! I ended up with Zipper my horse, who keeps running off in full speed because the horse behind him bit him on the butt! I have to hold on for dear life everytime! The third time he did it i gave up and decided to walk instead even if there was still a mile left on the trail. Rick said that was very smart of me to do that. Although he gave me crap about it for a couple of days. He claimed he's more sore coz he stayed on the horse longer! hehehe I still smile whenever i think of how silly i must have sounded and looked yelling at the horse! But, oh well, i'm still in one piece and not hurt! That's more important!

I'm really glad to go on this trip. It made me appreciate God's creation more. Seeing how wonderful His work is and how He strategically built these marvels in the middle of nowhere so that people who live there will have something. It made me realize how much God loves me, how special i am to Him. I am thankful for Rick too for being such an environmental freak! I wouldn't have had the chance to see South Dakota, the Black Hills, the Spearfish Canyon and the first hand experience with exotic animals, without him. It truly felt so good being surrounded by nature's beauty. Life is indeed wonderfully good!




for more photos click here

Friday, June 22, 2007

Nothing...

I don't have anything to do! Everything is packed and ready to go! I am just waiting for Rick to get off work and then we can leave for South Dakota. We are going on vacation for a week! Yipee! This will be our celebration for our 3rd wedding anniversary. Yup, three years and still going strong!

Anyway, i've been talking to kay-kay quite a bit this week. She said she's gonna have the baby soon and they need financial assistance. Which is a bummer coz we are going on vacation and i really need the extra cash. But, oh well, they need it more than i do. So right now, that's mostly what's bugging me... i just don't know how to send the money! Hope all goes well for her and the baby. To whoever is reading... do say a little prayer for my little sister. Thanks!

Hmmm... thinking what else needs to be packed... Don't you just hate that feeling that you forgot something! I always feel that way whenever we have to pack and go somewhere! The thought will bug me all the way until i will finally think of something! My packing is never perfect! But that's okay coz there's a Walmart in every corner of this country! The weather forecast for SD doesn't look too good. It'll be hot! I'll be toasted by the end of the week! But i know we'll have lots of fun! I'll take lots and lots of pictures! I'll post it when we get back.

Toodles everyone! South Dakota, here we come!

Monday, May 28, 2007

My Balikbayan Box

A day before my 3rd year anniversary here in the country, i finally mailed the box! It took me three years to fill it up. It's not a very big box but i just didn't devote time to shop for my family. It's hard to shop for somebody else coz you never know what they want. I'd rather send them the money and buy themselves whatever... I have been doing that since i got here, but they still want the box! So, my dear family, the box is on its way... in 5 to 6 weeks you'll get the box! Hope you guys will like what's in it. If not, well, too bad! hehehe...

Friday, April 13, 2007

Time

It's been a while since i wrote anything. A lot had happened to me and i couldn't find the time to drop by and leave a few comments. It may not make sense sometimes, but to me, it means a lot. This is somehow my way of venting whatever it is i feel inside. Another reason why i didn't post anything for the past few weeks, is because i sooo love the slide show i made for rick. I wish more people had left a message but i guess i don't have that much follower on my blog. Hehehe who am i kidding! I'm no superstar!

Anyway, life is still good. I mostly work days now, so i get to spend more time with Rick. Mostly bugging him about nothing. He made a comment the other day about how our lives are so boring! I just simply said, "What do you expect? We live in Spooner." Yah, there is really nothing to do here! Specially when the weather is cold and the lake or river is frozen! There really is no form of entertainment in this area. Unless you like to get drunk, then there's a dozen bars you can go to. I have been to a few bars, and you'll laugh how boring it is inside. No music, no videoke and no band playing! Just a bunch of old people hanging out. I still feel bad though 'coz i am such a couch potato, i don't offer any adventure to him. I can't just blame the town for our lack of activity. I need to do something!

Talked to Abigail a couple days ago. She was my classmate in high-school. I think we've been friends before that though, like grade school maybe. I remember when we were in high school, we had a group named JAM (Juliet, Joanna, Abigail and Marveen). Then in our senior year the group grew and we changed our name to TOY CART (Tagawa, Ocampo, Yap, Corpus, Alfonso, Rosaupan and Tagawa). We were close friends with the TE BIRDZ, i forgot what it stands for. Anyway, it was fun talking to her again. She sounded really happy and she can tell too that i am pretty happy with my life. It made me miss her more after talking to her. I wish the call was longer, we both have so much more to say. Ten years of not seeing each other can't be summarized in half an hour. But i got duped by the phone card company, i only got 16 minutes for the 1 hour and 30 minutes they advertised.

Life! We have to be tough to survive.

Thursday, March 15, 2007

My One and Only Love



I thank the Lord each day
for bringing you into my life...
for filling my heart with your love
and my days with the wonderful joy
of your companionship.
The love we share means everything to me.

Happy Birthday, Richard! I love you...

Message Box for the Birthday Boy







Friday, March 02, 2007

Picture It! 7

Pictures after the second snow storm...






Back to back winter blast

Two snow storm in one week! I have never seen so much snow in my entire life. Well, it's only my third winter, so i guess i cant exaggerate it that much! hehehe But still, all the snow is wonderful! It's awful driving, but Rick has been kind enough to drive me around, so that's a good thing! I am more afraid for others than me getting hurt. It is really different. I even missed a turn one day coz my brakes wasn't working. The car was sliding! So i just had to continue driving and made sure i stepped on the break way before i get to the next turn.

All these snow brings out the kid in me. I soooo want to go outside and play! But Rick doesn't want to go out and play with me. And I would look silly jumping up and down, rolling on the snow, making a snow angel and throwing snowballs all by myself. So i just stayed indoors, admiring the beauty of white all around me. These are the days i wish my siblings are here with me. I know we would have a blast! For now all i can do to share this wonderful beauty of nature, is by sending them the pictures. Olive and Kay-kay was pretty happy about it. They want me to send them snow! That's just them being silly. They settled by having their names written on snow.

I'll be posting another batch of pictures, this time, it's after the second storm. The driveway has been plowed, the car has been used, so all the snow you see on the driveway and the car are fresh! It's pretty cool, so i hope you'll like them. Let me know if you want your name written on the snow too... *-*

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Picture It! 6

Some pictures taken after the snow storm last weekend...





Saturday, February 24, 2007

Sleep Number

We got home last night from our trip to Appleton, WI, just in time before the snow storm was suppose to start. We were suppose to get 18" of snow according to the weather forecast, but so far we only have around 4", which is good, coz then i dont have to shovel as much. But the weekend is not over yet, maybe we're getting some more tonight.

My back is really sore these past few days. It all started when i slept on a sleep number bed at Radisson Hotel. It wasn't the first time i used one, but for some reason, when i woke up the first morning there, my back hurt. It's not really my back, i guess, it's more on my side, it's like on my ribs... It's hard to bend and reach for something. It's hard to breath. I cant sleep very well at night coz of the pain. Sleep number beds are suppose to help you sleep better. You can manually adjust the firmness or softness of the bed by just pushing a button. I thought my sleep number was 65, so i used that number the first night. I woke up with a sore back. Maybe it was too hard. So i set it to 35 the following night. It didn't make the pain go away. Although, it didn't make it worse, which is good! I really don't know what's wrong. But on Monday if i still hurt, then I'll go see a doctor.

Another funny thing happened at the hotel, or maybe i should say "gross"! I like making the bed when we get up in the morning. It's just a habit of mine. So, even if we stay at a hotel, i still make the bed! Rick always reminds me not to bother coz housekeeping will take care of it! But i never listen. We didn't share the bed at the hotel. There were two queen size bed in the room. We think the bed was too small, so we decided to use both. We're used to having a king size that's why. That morning i made the beds, and found a pair of underpants under my sheets! And they don't belong to us! It was really gross! I called Rick as soon as i saw it. I was getting goosebumps from the gross feeling! It wasn't folded or anything that would suggest it was clean! One leg was kinda inside out, suggesting it was taken off! Eeew! He complained and the hotel manager apologized profusely. They gave us two complimentary in-room movies, which is nice, but the thought of somebody else's piece of clothing beside me that night is something that i'll remember forever.

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day for Me from Rick

My hunny bunny woke me up with a phone call. It was already 9:20 am and i am still in bed. I don't feel so good today. I got up, pick up the phone and found pink roses and chocolates by the dresser in the bedroom. I smiled and thanked him for such a sweet gesture. It sure is nice waking up to something beautiful especially if you're not feeling good. Tells me i'm going to have a wonderful day after all! I was still on the phone with Rick and he asked me if i have been anywhere in the house! That's a hint that there's more treasure somewhere! He tells me to have some coffee like i usually do. So i got up went to the kitchen and there i found more roses, red this time, and i smiled some more... It feels so good to be loved... I then proceeded to arrange the flowers in the vase. After i was done, i then got some coffee and there i saw a heart shaped, pink cookie to go with my coffee! Oh what a wonderful surprise! My ricky thinks of everything! He told me the day is not over yet. That's another hint. So i am expecting more surprises later...

I love you Mr. Schneider! You rock!

Sunday, February 11, 2007

My Tinola


I just got done eating my supper. I had tinola with pritong isda on the side. I have been craving for filipino food the past few weeks. I miss my home really bad. My dad's cooking, fresh fish and the simple way of preparing the meal. I'm getting tired of eating bread and potatoes with everything! Although i am complaining about the food here, i still managed to gain weight! Arrgh! So today, i finally opened the bag of jasmin rice and treat myself to a filipino meal. We stopped at Economart last night and i did a little shopping. Bought myself a pack of tuna and the works! It was a bit odd that i started cooking at 4pm, but i just couldn't wait any longer! So i made some mess in the kitchen, grease from frying is all-over the counter (i forgot how much i hate frying fish!). As soon as the rice was done, i started chomping away! Ahhh... what a wonderful meal! It would have been better if i had some lemon grass and kalamunggay, which i don't, so i just have to settle with what's available. It was still good! I'm full but my mind is telling me to eat again! What a pig!

Friday, February 02, 2007

Bitter Sub-zero Weather


It's freezing out here today and it's gonna get worse during the weekend. Nothing above zero! I wish the picture was better but that's the best i can do. Besides, if you are really interested to check out the weather here, you can always go to the weather channel! They said on the news last night that it's dangerous to go outside. 5-10 minutes of bare skin exposure will give you frost bite! The wind chill is making it worse too. I think they mentioned something around 25 below for wind chill. I don't know how that feels like. All i know is that it's cold and i am not going outside. I can't wait for the heating bill!

I wasn't able to write an entry about our Chicago trip. I was so tired the day we came back. But i tried to post the pictures. There wasn't many because i was too scared to use the camera 'cuz the battery wasn't charged. I made sure though that at least we will have something. We'll go back there someday and spend more time roaming around and I'll make sure to take lots and lots of pictures! The place was nice. It reminded me of the coastal road in Pasay and downtown Chicago reminds me of Makati. Tall buildings, busy streets, designer stores and people walking around. There were rude drivers too! The funny thing though is that I got scared being in the big city. I came from an overpopulated country for crying out loud! Why did i feel that way?! I was so paranoid walking around the streets of Milwaukee and Chicago. I felt like someone's gonna rob us! I wonder if i'll feel the same way when i go to Davao... Duluth and Minneapolis doesn't scare me though! Black people scare me though coz they sound like they're fighting when they talk. And there's not a lot of black people around here....

My fingers are freezing already. I better go turn up the heat. A little update! Em had a baby boy yesterday 2-1-07. They named him Chance John Kidder! Weird name huh. But the baby is healthy and really cute! Congratulations!


Sunday, January 28, 2007

Picture It! 5

Welcome to Illinois!

The Navy Pier

Sears Tower (black building)

Behind Rick is the Soldiers Field - home of the Chicago Bears!

Nope! He's not a Bear!

The Field Museum/Museum of Natural History

A pose with Sue (the T-Rex)

The Bean at the Millenium Park

Friday, January 26, 2007

What a hotel day!

Hola! Kumustas, Julieta?
That's how my Mexican co-worker greets me when i arrive at work. She's nice but can be a crab-ass when you do things wrong around the kitchen. It's amazing though how Mexico and Spain have the same language - Spanish, and how the Philippines have some similar words and similar practices with both countries. Yah, the Philippines was colonized by the Spaniards and they introduced the Catholic religion in the country, so i get that, but i didnt have an idea that Mexico is so far away from Spain yet they speak the same. They dont even have the same facial feautures! It made me think that Mexicans dont have their own identity. At least we Filipinos have our own language and very diverse cultures and practices - that is, a mixture of all the stuff that was handed down to us by all the countries that invaded and colonized our country.
Anyway, i am stuck in the hotel with nothing to do. They have a pool here but i dont feel like swimming. It's too cold out in the hallway. Worse, their pool is overlooking the reception/front desk area! I dont wanna be parading around the pool in my bathing suit! Jeez! People might think there's an elephant in the pool! Hahaha... no i dont look that bad! (i think!) and i have seen worse! So, it's a good thing we brought the laptop! At least i can goof around the internet and do some online shopping. Funny how being idle makes one think of odd stuff like my Latina friend! Nobody is online too so i dont have anybody to talk to. Rick wont be back until his lunch break. So i'll be thinking of more odd stuff in a little bit. We are in Milwaukee, WI by the way. Rick has some Lead/Asbestos class he has to attend to update his certification. He drove six hours for an eight hour class! And he has to drag me along with him. I dont mind sometimes, it just sucks when the drive is too long. I wanted to come too coz Chicago, IL is just an hour away from here! At least i can cross-off Illinois in my list of states to visit! We will drive down there tomorrow, we are planning to see the Millenium Park, Navy Pier, some Museum and the Sears Tower! Then from there we go back home and maybe spend a night in Wisconsin Dells. Hopefully things will go as planned. No snow in the forecast so it should be a pretty good ride.
I'll try to take pictures from this trip and post it on my next entry. Hopefully the battery on my camera is not dead yet. Silly me forgot to bring the charger!
Toodles everyone!

Thursday, January 18, 2007

Doodles

I haven't updated my blog for a while. I guess not much is happening so i dont have anything to share. It's the new year, i have a new look, but it's still the same old me. I've tried writing an entry a couple times. But i never get to finish it coz i get distracted by something.

Our basement renovation is almost done. We just need to paint one wall, put the carpet in and the fireplace. Then it's done! Of course we need to put new furnitures too. Rick was thinking of a northwoods theme for the room. So we have been buying some stuff that is northwoodsy. I'll let him decorate the basement and i'll try to talk him into letting me decorate the living room. I am dying to put my hands on that part of the house. I want to buy new furnitures, new drapes and make it look elegant. Right now the living room looks so plain. Old furnitures and cat hair all over the place. I just hate it! But the cat bed we bought is working quite well. Sometimes they lay on the couch but if i see them, then i get my water gun and start squirting away! I am mean! :-)

I am really tired right now. Had to wake up really early for work and i didn't sleep very well. I kept waking up like every hour to check the time, i dont know why, i think i was worried that i'll be late for work or something... And for the past couple days i always wake up early like around six even if i really didn't have to get up yet. I really dont know what's wrong with me... i am scared to take a sleeping pill too coz the last time i took one, i felt really weird. It was like my body was sleeping but my mind was wide awake. I wanted to wake up and just watch tv but i couldnt coz my body was sleeping... it was weird and scary at the same time so i am not going to do that anymore. I just have to accept my weird sleeping pattern, i guess. The other day i woke up at 3am, went to the bathroom and then i got the hiccups. so i couldnt sleep. it went away after half an hour but i was already wide awake. so i decided to make myself some scrambled eggs and put garlic and onions on it. the smell woke up rick and he said it was disgusting! Hahaha to me it was heavenly! Naturally, he didnt kiss my lips goodbye when he went to work. *-*

Oh well, i guess i better stop talking/writing now. I know i am not making any sense. I just want to update my blog...