Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year To All!

Oh, Christmas Tree

It's almost christmas and we just had our tree up last sunday. It's a bit too late i know, but christmas wont be the same without one. The house smells like pine and i like it. We got a real tree again this year and we were kinda thinking of getting a small one. But when we got home, it was huge! We were gonna get a fake tree but when we went to the store, it cost about the same or more! Besides, nothing beats the smell and the beauty of the real tree. I think Rick is allergic to it though. He kept sneezing and he complains of a headache when he stays in the living room for so long. I hope that's not the case though. I think it's just the dust in the house coz of the construction in the basement.

I am still not done with my christmas shopping. I still have to buy Ken's kids some presents! Although it wont be too hard coz all they have on their list was a bunch of cd's, dvd's and video games. So we're gonna get those on christmas eve day. We dont have a choice coz we only have a walmart here and they dont have a lot of choices. I'm not done shopping for Rick either but i already got him a couple presents under the tree. I hope he'll like them. And for my family in the Philippines, i am just gonna send them money and they can buy whatever they want. I know it's not the same as opening a real present that has been sitting under the tree for days but, i dont have a choice, kay-kay usually does the christmas shopping for me but now that she's pregnant, she cant do it! I've heard that our tree looks so empty this year... i feel bad... but, we'll make up for it next year! Hopefully...

I sure do miss spending the holidays with my family. I miss the rush, the bunch of presents under the tree, the good food and the chaos when they open their presents. It's really different here. We dont stay up until midnight to wait for christmas or new year. No fireworks, no excessive food on the table, no relatives coming to visit. I came to accept that difference, but there are just times when i miss the filipino way of celebrating christmas and new year... Now, i'm all misty thinking about home... i miss my sisters - the shopping and cooking, i miss my brothers - all the yelling at them to help us and for stealing the food, i miss my mom and my dad who patiently prepares for everything and trying hard to keep the traditions in the family going. Now, i have a new life without them, my new life is so peaceful that i long for the chaos back home which i tried so hard to escape. I know it's crazy to want that but i really do miss all of them... Hopefully someday we'll be able to spend the holidays with them.

My day-off

Finally! I have the whole day to myself. Rick had to go to Wausau for work and the guy doing our basement decided not to show up today too! So, i am alone in the house. Well, of course the three cats are here with me... It is sometimes nice to be alone. I have time to catch up with my housework, email friends, make a meal that i like and wear my pajamas all day! It is a good time to think too. Think of christmas shopping, what presents to buy, what to wear on our christmas dinner and just think of anything that i didnt have time to think when i was busy with work! Oh! i just love being alone sometimes! I am going to watch the Pirates of the Carribean again later, this time with sub-title! hehehe i have a hard time understanding Jack Sparrow! Forgive me for being slow! :-)

Last Saturday, we gave our friend, Em, a baby shower. That was one of the reason why i need some alone time. We had to rush, rush and rush to have everything ready. We only had 5 hours to prepare. In 5 hours we had to accomplish the prizes for the games, plates, napkins, cups and silverware, appetizers, drinks and more food! Jemima and I was able to make it! Whew! Most of our guest were Filipinos so they were late! *-* and that was a good thing! We had a blast! The food was good, new friendship was made, a lot of talk and laughter. It was funny though coz there was a mixture of tagalog and cebuano people, so sometimes we get confused as to who is which, so we start talking in bisaya and the other person would say she didnt understand a thing! And we'll just laugh! The party lasted for 4 hours! That was amazing... before we went home, we planned for a Christmas party, it'll be on the 23rd of December. Hopefully it'll be twice the fun!

Enough said already. I better get back to my day and enjoy it some more. I wish i can call my family, but it's early morning there. I woke up at 9:30 this morning so i wasnt able to catch anybody online. I miss all of them. Havent talked to anybody since we got back from our vacation. Maybe i'll give them a call tonight...

Back to Reality

i wrote this on the sand on our last day at the beach

We just got back from our trip to Florida. We were gone for six days. Now we're back. We're back to the reality of our real world which is cold and white. Back to work and waking up early. Yah, i resent coming back. Rick feels the same way. But we didn't have a choice. It sure is nice to be back home and sleep in our own bed but the cold is killing me!

Anyway, we had fun on our trip. We went to the Southwest Florida area, particularly, Naples. On our first day, we went to Sanibel and Captiva Islands, we drove around and drool with envy on the nice homes along the beach. Then, we went to Naples where we stayed and spend our nights. The second day we went to the beach and swim and lay on the sand for hours! Just enjoy the peace and the beauty of nature - birds flying around and over us... Then, we took the sunset cruise, sightseeing, watch the dolphins and just enjoy the ride...

The next day we went to The Everglades. I dont know if you've heard of the place, but it's supposed to be a great source of oxygen for all mankind. It wasn't really a spectacular sight, just green and swamp all over! We took the airboat ride and that was fun! The ride itself was fun! The driver would be cruising on full speed and do sharp turns it felt like the boat was gonna tip! I was screaming and laughing at the same time! Well, we get to see more of the Everglades and the alligator and different kinds of birds. After that we went to Marco Island and i just fell in love with the place! It was small and not so crowded. High-rise buildings along the beach and what a lovely beach! Shells everywhere! You can see the dolphins swimming by from the shore too! More birds and just peaceful and beautiful! I really want to live there. If we were to move to Florida, that would be the place i want to move to.

That night we ate at Joe's Crab Shack. The food was great! I sooo love their crab balls and crab dip! Yummy! On our last entire day there, we went shopping for souvenirs and spent the rest of the day on the beach, planning our lives and dreaming of living in Florida. Contemplating about which is worse between a hurricane and a tornado... trying to find a way so that we can afford to live there. Hopefully.... someday....

But now, we're back home. Our cold and snow-covered home. I am happy to be back but sad too coz Florida is just so pretty! I really loved our vacation, it was nice to get away and not think about work and bills for a while, but simply enjoy life and live it like how it is supposed to be. But I guess i wouldnt have enjoyed it as much if we live there, i would have taken for granted it's beauty like what i do here. I am simply grateful for life and it's beauty that surrounds us...

picture of the apartment where we stayed

Thanksgiving

This was our thanksgiving turkey!
Rick made it and everything that goes with it. Yummy!

Honey May and Me

Last November 16, Honey May came over to visit. It was nice seeing her again. We haven't seen each other ever since we left the Philippines and that was more than two years ago. So, we had fun catching up and simply enjoying each other's company. Rick and I showed her around our area, which didn't take so long since it's so small! She laughed at me when i told her about the big city here with a population of 8,000.

She loved the lake! Which is good coz that is, in fact, the big seller here in our area. Although Wisconsin is known as the Dairy State, we have quite a bit of lakes around here too. We stopped at a couple of cheese houses and saw the gross looking moldy cheese! She took pictures of everything! Too bad though she wasnt able to see a black bear in our yard or even a deer! It was deer hunting season so i guess the deer was hiding some place safe! Then, we had Friday Fish Fry at Nick's! There's really not a lot do in Spooner. It is such a small town...

The next day we went to Minnesota. Went to see the Capitol, the Cathedral then drove down Summit Avenue where the old victorian houses are and some are castle look alike. It's a pretty neat street if you love historic places like she does. While I, didnt care much for it. I like modern stuff which makes more sense than an old creepy house with vines all over the wall! For all we know the place is haunted! I wouldnt want to live in an old house even if it's for free! Go ahead Honey May, laugh at me! *-*

When the day was almost over, we went to the Mall of America, the largest mall in the country, where we just walked around and took pictures and not buy a thing! There was just too much to see and too many stores to go that we were lost half the time! Finally, we bought a couple of tank tops from Banana Republic. I'll always think of her when i'll wear that top. I'll think of the good times! Past, present and future.

It was really nice to see a familiar face after living here for quite a while. Seeing her made me miss my family. My sisters, which she's also friends with. My mom and my dad, whom she helped while they were busy during tax season. My brothers, who likes to tease her. It's really nice having a friend like her. Hopefully this friendship will last forever and stay stronger as years go by...

Mechie - soon to be Mom

Kay-kay is pregnant! Finally! I am really happy for her. I am glad too that she had told everyone in the family about her good news. Coz i dont think i can keep her secret any longer! I am going to be an aunt soon! It's a first in our family and that's why i am so excited. She told me that she's feeling a lot of weird things in her body. I felt sorry for her but it'll be over soon... She is gonna be a great mom. I remember how she takes care of everybody at home. She was like the little mom and i was like the little dad. She cooks while i yell at everybody! :-)

Rick asked me if i was okay with her getting pregnant before me. I told him i am perfectly fine with it! I know things happen in God's time. I am glad too that my parents will have a grandkid soon! A tiny bundle of joy! It'll change the family. I am just so exicited! and kay-kay getting pregnant gave me hope too because we both have the same condition but she was able to conceive. So, no sad stories for me! I am excited and very happy for jong and kay. Wohoo! Way to go! More to come!

Kay-kay, you're not an ATE anymore. You're gonna be a MAMA!

Mechie and Jong, congratulations! We now have a greater reason to come home. Maybe we'll see you guys in a year!

Normal

I finally had a normal weekend. No work and no emergencies. So, i was able to do some shopping. I bought another pair of boots, purse and a couple shirts for Rick. We got a good deal for all of them. Although we were ripped off by that guy selling coupons! It was community appreciation day so there were people selling coupons for $5 by the door at Herberger's. With that coupon, you get $10 off your purchase at the store and additional 20% off on regular priced items. But, that wasnt true! By the time we checked out, we couldnt use any of the coupon! 'Coz stuff we bought were already on sale! The problem is, everything in the store is on sale! Arrgh! There goes our five bucks! What a scam!

It was my mom's birthday last november 3rd. I wasnt able to call them (again!) coz i had to work! i dont know what's up with my schedule! It seems like whenever it's somebody's birthday i have to work really early! It sucks! I only sent her an e-card and she said that the card made her cry... awwww that's so sweet. I didnt mean for her to cry! I just wanted to let her know we miss her and how much we love her. We do miss being with the family.

Anyway, i have to get going... Tom Cruise is waiting for me and it's getting late! Have to wake up early tomorrow for church.

Reality

I had one of my scariest experience in life last friday. I thought i was gonna lose Rick.

The phone woke me up friday. it was one of rick's co-workers, telling me Rick was brought to the ER, he was having chest pains. Then, my mind was spinning like crazy, trying to remember the last time i saw him, i was half asleep so it wasnt such a good memory. I kept praying that he is fine but at the back of my mind i was scared, what if it's bad and he's gonna die! I couldnt bear the thought. But the whole time i didn't cry. i was too scared to cry. i have to be strong. i just want to see him and make sure he's okay. I got to the hospital and saw him and he was better. I was relieved. I was waiting for him to be released when the nurse called me and said that they are gonna transfer him by ambulance to St. Mary's in Duluth for more tests. I couldnt believe what i heard. I got scared again. This must be something serious. Worse- i have to drive myself!

I've been to Duluth quite a few times. It's like 90 miles away from Spooner or an hour and a half drive. But, i never drove there by myself. Rick was always with me, telling me which exits to take and which corner to turn. So i was really nervous and worried at the same time. But i didn't have a choice. So i just kept on going. I made it in one piece, no accident whatsoever. My knees was so weak when i finally got to the hospital and saw Rick. I was relieved i made it and relieved to see Rick's okay...

Somehow, this experience made me stronger and confident about my driving. It also taught me a valuable lesson in life. Life is short. We hear it all the time but we never truly understand the meaning of it unless we experience something that reminds us of our mortality. Although, this time it wasn't my life, it was of someone i truly love. We really should live life to the fullest. Enjoy each other as long as we can. And most of all, being thankful for every morning we wake up because we are given another chance to love and be loved all over again.

Olive, my little sister

-=Olive Rose Alfonso=-

I think she was 3 on this one. wearing make-up and a pretty dress.

Winter is coming

I woke up this morning to find everything outside covered in powder. Yah, powder. Snow. But not really snow. We had flurries last night and it was cold enough that it didn't melt easily. So everything outside is covered with just a tiny hint of snow. It's winter. I think fall cheated on us. It didn't stay long enough for us to enjoy the cool breezy feel of fall weather. It suddenly became so cold! I remember last year about this time, i didn't have to wear any jacket to go anywhere. Now, i'm cold even if i wear my leather jacket. i feel like i have to start wearing my winter ones! But snow means christmas is coming. And i am excited about that! Presents and lots of good food! I wonder what my Rick will get me this year... i better start putting my list together. That's a Schneider tradition. We make list of things we want to get for christmas and pass it to everyone in the family. Then, they pick from that list. It makes shopping a lot easier! And christmas presents, more fun!

It was my sister's birthday yesterday. I feel bad i wasnt able to call and wish her a happy birthday. I had to work at 6am yesterday so i didn't get the chance. Talked to her last night but it was too late. But she said she had a nice time. I'm glad about that. I cant believe though that she's sixteen. Wow! It seems like it was just yesterday that i practiced putting make-up on her face. She was our doll. I always like playing dress-up with her and she never complains! She loved it! Now, she's all grown-up. Following her dreams. Making lots of friends and creating her own adventures. I am really proud that she has the desire to serve the Lord. Using her singing voice and dancing feet to glorify Him. She's awesome!

Olive - though we're miles apart and it seems like i am nowhere in sight, i want you to know that i am always here for you. someday we'll be together again. we'll have fun, we'll have fights but we will always be friends. Because we are sisters, that's what sisters do. love you!

Marie Schneider

Marie Schneider - My mother-in-law

(This was taken at her apartment)

Mom's coming!

My mother-in-law is coming today. She's gonna spend a couple days with us. We dont have anything special planned for her visit coz Rick and I have to work. We were just informed of her visit last week. So you cant blame us for not having our schedule fixed. She doesnt come often, in fact this is only the second time she stayed with us, so i feel bad for not being able to stay and visit with her. But i know she will understand. We'll try our best too.

Marie is already 87 years old. But she still lives alone and can manage to take care of herself without any help. She can still drive her own car! But she gave it up last month. She's sad about it but it's just too hard to have a car during winter, specially if you dont have a garage. Last year, she had to scrape ice off her windshield so that she can go to the store. Trust me, that's no fun at all! She is a nice person. I really like her. She welcomed me to her family without hesitation. I felt like she already loved me before she even met me in person. Despite the age gap, we get along fine, no pretenses! We are friends! No doubt about that! We laugh, share stories, we tease our Ricky, we just have a good time whenever we're together. I wish we get to see her often but she lives so far... We go visit her every chance we get though coz we love her so much!

Anyway, I have been cleaning the house like crazy for the past couple of days. I want the house to look okay when she arrives. Although our house isnt that bad, i just feel like i have to do my best. I guess it's the filipino in me that's behind this feeling. Hospitality. We're so famous for that. My whole body aches! Worse, i didnt sleep well last night coz my back hurts and i cant find the right position to make the pain go away. So now, i am groggy and achy! and i have to go to work in a couple of hours! But i am proud of my home. I even re-arranged the guest room, now it's a nice little bedroom with everything on it! I hope she'll love the room! To be honest, i didnt really did all the cleaning for her.. :-) the guest room smelled bad! and i dont know what caused it. i tried everything, washed the carpet, put air freshener, odor eliminator, and candles! But nothing seemed to work! So yesterday, i tore the room apart not giving up until i found it! Guess what? it was the bouquet of roses Rick gave me on our wedding day... hehehe i loved it so much that i decided to keep it... i know it's silly! Now, it's in the garbage! and the room smells good again!

Welcome back, Mom!

Minnesota Twins

They Suck! Big Time!

I hate how they just wasted the opportunity to win the world series. They got to the play-offs by luck! Maybe that's why they are loosing. They were just lucky, not really a good team. But i am still sad... I feel bad for Santana.... They must have worked hard too. But this year is just not their year. But they have been in the play-off three years in a row. All those time they wasted their chance. Oh maybe not really wasted it, they are just not that good yet!

Go Twins! (for next season)

1st day of October

We just got home from church. There was a raffle/bazaar at church today and they were serving lunch. So we decided to stay and eat. Turkey, ham, stuffing, potatoes and pumpkin pie. Yum! Feels like thanksgiving!

Anyway, i posted pictures from our recent trip to Hayward, WI. The drive was really pretty! I wish i have a good camera with super zoom on it that way the results will be better. But i think the pictures aren't that bad... I like them! But seeing the view in real life is way better than any camera can take. I cant describe it, but all the colors is just so awesome! Wish my family were here to see all these. Maybe someday...

Fall 2006

Untitled

I dont know why i feel sad today. It must be the weather. The sun hasn't been out for the past few days. It's been cold and gloomy. I'm stuck here at home coz it's too cold to go anywhere. Besides, i really need time to be by myself and think. Rick has been hinting again that he wants to go on a vacation. I guess he's bored. We dont do anything fun. It'll just get worse once winter is here. We wont be able to go out at all! I feel bad coz he's bored and i am not! A lot has happened to me the past couple months and i feel like i still dont have a system going with my new life. I am still trying to catch up with laundry, ironing and all other housework. So, i am not bored at all! Tired, maybe, but not bored. Although, yah it can get boring when all i do is work and home, but i like that. TV makes me happy. Cuddles makes me happy. Just being home and feel secure makes me happy. I really dont need to go anywhere just to have fun. All i need is something to do.

Now, I realized that Rick and I have different interest. He likes to go out. While I only went to bars before just to meet guys. But now that i have him, i am not interested anymore. I used to like go to the movies and make-out, but with the movie theaters here so small, you cant even whisper or yet, "do" anything! Besides, we dont need to go anywhere just to make out! hahaha I really need to come up with something before he gets really bored. I feel bad too coz i work too much and i always come home from work tired. Something really has to change... Help!

Anyway, it's fall! Meaning, new season of my favorite shows is coming up! Like Gilmore Girls, Grey's Anatomy, Desperate Housewives, Nip/Tuck, CSI and Dancing with the Stars! These are the reasons i like staying home. I used to have at least one favorite show for each day. But with 7th Heaven and Charmed gone, my line-up isn't complete. Plus i am tired of watching Sex and The City reruns!

I really should get a life!

On Bong

He was one of the first internet boyfriends i had. We started talking way back in 2000. He was still in Manila then. We talk constantly, text, cellphone and emails. Then he went to Singapore and we continued our communication. I know it was a little spendy on his part, calling me almost everyday, but he still did it. I did my part by texting him a lot too. Sometimes I call him. He often sing to me on the phone and i liked that very much. We kept in touch until 2003. But it wasnt as of often as the first couple years. He just got so busy with his work travelling that he couldnt find time for me anymore. I cant blame him. I am thousands of miles away. I have moved on too. But in my heart he has a special place. Because i thought we shared something special...

But i was so wrong! Yesterday i said hi to him in YM. It's not often that i see him go online so i was happy when i saw him. But he didnt recognize me. We never saw each other maybe that's why. But I tried to refresh his memory, but nothing. I didnt understand why. Then i realized, maybe i didnt mean anything to him. maybe what happened between us wasnt special at all! I was so foolish to believe it was.

Well, I guess it doesnt matter anymore. I am happy now. I hope he's happy too... Wish we could've remained friends. But i guess that'll never happen.

You called me - Mahal...

Reflection

I was passing waters in the resident's dining room when i realized i wasn't alone in the room. with me was one of the lady residents. she was sitting on her wheelchair, staring at nothing with her mouth open. at first i thought it was funny. then i felt sorry for her. she's in the nursing home waiting to die. how long she waited, that i dont know. but she was already there when i started working at the nursing home. and that was a year ago! I then started to wonder why God let something like that happen to a person, why couldnt he just take them! Suddenly a thought just came to me - they are there so that people like me will have a job. That is very true! There are thousands of nursing homes or assisted living facilities all over the country. Thousands of people working at such a place. All relying on that income for survival. If God would immediately take away those who gets old or get sick, a lot of people will have nothing. I cant imagine what it would be like...

I was almost done with what i was doing. I looked at that resident and smiled. I didnt feel sorry for her anymore. I was grateful. I went to get her and wheeled her to her place. It was still early and she shouldn't be in there. But it's not her fault that the dining room door was left open. Besides, i owe her one for giving me this thought. She reminded me to be thankful that i can still do things, whether i like it or not! Somehow it occured to me that this is just her body, her soul left her long time ago. She is just here to serve her purpose. She's still here for people like me...

Picture It! 4

LEO - our youngest cat. i call him scaredy-cat.
a little bitty noise will scare him.
i dont think he likes me.

SASSY - the only girl. she's mean that's why the name.

but she can be pretty sweet when she wants her hair

brushed or simply wants food!

BLACKIE - he's the gentlest cat i know.

he always wants attention whenever

i am on the phone or in the computer.

Training session

i was training somebody the whole time i was working last week. and after a couple days with her, i was ready to give up and fire her! she seemed nice at first, but, on my third day with her, she was getting on my nerves! fast! she snaps at me when i try to remind her what to do. like, when i say, "make sure you dont forget to take the snack cart to the nursing home, okay?" and i say it in such a sweet way that i amaze myself (hehehe). but then she would snap at me and say "i am not forgetting!" then when i try to point out things that she forgot to do, she would say, "i didnt know i was suppose to do that. nobody told me!" hello?!? so now she's calling me a liar! and so i patiently pointed out to her that i did, 3 times! my other co-workers doesnt like her attitude either, coz she doesnt like being told what to do, they tried to show her something to make her job easier but she didnt like the idea! so she started ignoring that girl. what a nerve! but how will she learn! it was really a frustrating week for me. i wish i can fill-up an evaluation form, i would surely give her a failing mark. but no, there is no such thing in our system. oh well! i cant do anything about it now! all i know is she's not gonna get any help from me!

you might find it weird that i am writing about this girl i trained. this is simply my way of showing you guys that not everyone here is smart! they can be the dumbest creatures on earth! oh, they are not the prettiest either! there was this young lady, a co-worker's daughter, she thinks she's really pretty! she acts like it anyway! i really dont know how to explain it. but she is what we call "pamati" or "OA" in the Philippines. she looks trashy too! wish i can take picture of her... and so whenever i see her and she starts talking, i laugh inside and i really want to tell her that she is not pretty! hahaha... she's not my friend so i cant do that! i shoudnt be writing this but i did! for all we know she feels the same way i do! hahaha...

anyway, my new schedule is not really working for me and rick. so i will try talking to our manager tomorrow and convince her to give me day shifts. i hope it works! coz if it doesnt, then i have to cut my hours and only work 3 days a week instead of 6 (meaning, lesser shopping money for me!). i have to figure out something for the extra time i'll have! i'll try to look for another part-time job. housekeeping perhaps?

Random thoughts

I am listening right now to my sister's music background for her blog. It's really nice. Makes me think of family, friends and my life. I think the tune is from a music box. Really pretty!

It's the weekend and i got the weekend off. Yipee! My week has been pretty busy. I only got one day off. I know i said i dont have a job anymore. But i still have that part time job at the hospital. I dont get much hours there and lesser pay too. So i am still currently looking for another job. I applied to a couple so far. Hope i'll get positive results. I miss getting up in the morning and dressing up for work. Now, i wake up at nine and wear sweat pants to work. It's not very glamorous, i know, but at least i am doing something and earning money at the same time.

Rick wants me to think of something fun to do this weekend and all i can think of is shopping! But i am not in my shopping mood coz i dont need anything right now. I dont need more nice clothes coz i certainly dont need it at the hospital. I cant wear jeans there either! The past couple times we went out shopping, it was Rick that actually bought something! I am proud of him! I think my style is slowly rubbing off to him. I was gonna go shopping for my family back in the Philippines so that i can finally send them the balikbayan box, but i had to send a bigger amount of money last Monday to pay for my dad's hospital bill. So right now, i cant afford to do anything.

It's a gloomy day here. We had bad storms last night. 7 tornado touchdown in the cities, which isnt very far from here, but we mostly had strong wind and rain. I think it's tornado season again. It can be pretty scary , specially when we hear the siren goes off, it means the tornado is here. Nothing bad happened to our town so far since i've been here. Hope it stays that way! I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Hope the weekend would be better so we can go to the driving range or better yet play 18 holes! :wink:

Fishing Day

We went fishing yesterday at Spooner Lake. I was so excited, that everytime i catch a fish i would be screaming with glee! Rick had to shush me coz i was a little too noisy hehehe... Nobody was around though! But i guess he just dont want to scare the fish away!

Rick had his share of the fun too! Although I still caught the biggest fish that day.

I get to drive the boat too! It was fun! The weeds were a little scary though. It gets through the propeller and makes the motor run slower. It felt like the weeds didnt was us to go anywhere!

Fishing is weird. There's a lot of different kinds of stuff to use like hooks, bobber, lures, lines and bait. And you have to use a specific type of "stuff" for a certain type of fish. I know it's mind boggling! I never knew fishing's so complicated! It was frustrating at first but i gave in and settled for just catching a sunfish. All we caught were little ones, so we end up throwing it back in the water. Finally, after catching so many, we gave up and went cruising around the lake instead. I had lots of fun and I have learned so many new things too! We already had our next fishing trip planned. Hopefully we'll catch a keeper this time.

Picture It! 3

Picture of the bridge taken at The Tower

The Tower at Enger Park

This place offers a spectacular view of Duluth.

Glensheen Mansion - Duluth, MN

The place was rumored to be haunted. The owner of the house was robbed and murdered inside. The place is open to the public for tours. The tour is not about the murder though, but about the house. It was considred hi-tech during its time. Nothing creepy happened when we took the tour. But the baby of our friend was giggling and nobody was playing with him?

Monday Misery

I woke up around 9am this morning. I know i should be happy about that, but i am not! I feel bad not working. I feel sorry to see my husband go to work while i am home not doing anything! I dont even have to make lunch for him! I feel so useless... I never thought i'd be miserable once i quit my job. Yet I am! But i have to do it! For my sanity! Money was good there but i was not happy! I was crabby everyday. I'll just try to convince myself that i did the right thing...

But my day wasnt a complete waste. I cleaned the living room and kitchen windows! I finished the laundry too. Tomorrow, i'll do the ironing! Oh boy! My life is so exciting! I dont know why i am writing an entry about my day! This is just a complete waste of your time - to whoever bothered to read this! hahaha

I just feel so miserable... I like being productive, needed and useful. I better think of a project...

Bye bye job!

It's the weekend. And I am enjoying it so much! I dont have to worry about not being able to sleep in coz I got used to waking up early during the weekdays! And I dont have to worry about getting up early on Monday coz I QUIT MY JOB! Yes, I did! And I am so proud of myself! It was so hard to get that job (something related to my profession). I waited so long... and finally that opportunity was offered to me. It was almost a year ago. September 19th would have been my anniversary and i could start earning vacation time. But, i wasnt able to wait for that benefit. I know i should have waited. But my boss just got so unbearable that i woke up one morning and decided not to go back. It's bad that i didnt give them advance notice, but i dont think they deserve it. She was a jerk! Anyway, that's all over and done with. Time to look for another job!

I am currently using my new PC from Gateway. It's pretty cool. Monitor is so big it looks like the letters i am typing right now is popping out! hahaha weird! I love the keyboard too! It works like magic! I havent been using the backspace so far and i am on my second paragraph... would you believe that! NOT!

Anyway, let me tell you about my day. My Filipina friends, namely, Jemima and Cora invited me to go with them to another Filipina friend of theirs whose having a party. It's free food so obviously i went with them! hehehe The lady's name is Susie short for Jesusa. She was nice and a very good cook! She did all the cooking herself and refused help from us. So while waiting for all the food to get done, she urged us to go watch the parade. It was their town's fair called Minong Days thus the parade. It was nothing spectacular just a simple parade. It was pouring candies, chocolate and suckers though. That was the fun part! But too bad only the kids were scrambling to get some. I met three more filipinas at that party. They were nice but i dont think i'll be seeing them anytime soon. Besides the fact that they live quite a ways away, i dont think we have anything in common. So no sad stories here... In short, new friends and good food equals to a wonderful day!

Old friends...

I just finished checking my friendster account. And what do you know! I got a message from my long lost friend Marveen! I think the last time we saw each other was her wedding day. And that was ten years ago! Her life pretty much changed after that. No more parties for her! While me and the rest of the gang continued to hang out. I wasnt always present on those get together. But it was enough to catch up with how things are with them. But Marveen just completely disappeared. She quit her job and moved to her husband's town.

Well anyway, i am happy to hear from her again. Hopefully i'll get an email from her soon. Although I am a bit upset coz I never heard from Laura and Abigail anymore. I sent them a couple emails but still nothing... I dont know if I offended them or something... I even went back and checked the emails i sent them. It wasnt bad at all! Oh well, at least I tried...

Saturday

It's the weekend! Not much to do... It's so hot outside that i dont feel like doing anything! Well, I wont mind shopping! It's cooler in the stores! I'll try that line with Rick and see if it works. hehehe..

I have been doing a lot of shopping online though. Bought a tankini swimsuit. Hope it'll get here soon. I cant wait to try it on! Was looking for good deals on desktop computers too. We really need a new one! But i cant make up my mind on what to get! Gateway or Dell? Both offers good quality computers, same specs and about same price too. So it's really tough! I'm racking my brain trying to pick! I tried reading some reviews about those two companies. It was helpful. Helped me get confused some more! Arrrgh! Both has its advantage and disadvantage. It's just a matter of which is more important to you. And honestly, i dont know the answer to that one! All i care is having a pc. But i'll come up with a decision before the day ends. Hopefully...

Rick has to go to work this afternoon. He needs to be in their booth at the Washburn County Fair. He's asking if i want to go. I dont know! I dont have anything to do here at home. I am all done with my chores. I dont feel like doing anything or going anywhere. So there! That's my answer!

I dont know... my day is just so full of uncertainties. I bet this entry is confusing too. But i am just pouring my thoughts here. Hoping that by reading what i am thinking, i might come up with something... oh well... maybe a little chunky monkey will help! Yum!

Picture It! 2

I just love dandelions! It's all over our yard and it's killing Rick! hahaha But i cant help it! I just find them adorable! How can something that looks so pretty be such a pest!

Picture It! 1

That's how small the city is...

On weddings and divorce

I just got an email from a friend. She told me that they are getting a divorce. It turned out her husband cheated on her. Another Filipina. Sad, but true.

All along I thought inter-country marriages lasts forever. That divorce rarely happens, specially if the guy is older than the girl. (It shows age doesnt stop no one!). It is so hard to marry someone from the Philippines. There's a lot of process you have to go through. Travel, paperworks, and the waiting. These guys have to go through all that just to get the woman of their dreams, the love of their life. It is not easy. Not at all! I was so foolish to believe that the ocean that separates our countries is proof enough for a lasting relationship. I was wrong. Nothing guarantees forever. We have to keep working on it. Love. Respect. Work.

I was gonna tell her how happy i was that we just had our vows renewed. But i guess now is not the right time to share my good news. There's always time for that later. It's ironic how i was so happy celebrating our love and on the other side of the country, someone is grieving.

I consider myself lucky for having someone who cares for me a lot. But this news from her reminded me of how things cannot go exactly as we wanted it to be. We cannot have everything in the world. Do not take for granted what we have now. Be grateful.

Wedding pictures

One week

It's been a week since our wedding. The bouquet of red roses Rick gave me is still very much alive and blooming as ever. I cant believe it lasted that long! It really is pretty!

The wedding was wonderful. Everybody had a nice time. They all love the priest, Father Andrew Ricci, he made the ceremony so light and the atmosphere was friendly and comfortable. They all said i looked so pretty and my dress was beautiful. I dont know if they were lying or not! But, hey! i'll take the compliment! hehehe... The food was really good too! And oh such big serving! I am glad it's over and done with. No more worries and I am sleeping better this time.

Nothing seem to have change in our relationship. We dont feel any holy'er or better than anybody. We are still the same couple who love each other so much. I am glad we have each other. It sure is nice having someone to love and someone loving me back. I hope and pray that we will stay in love forever... perhaps another wedding?

Here comes the bride...

all dressed in white... yes, that would be me! tomorrow!

i cant explain my feelings... i'm excited and nervous at the same time! i'm afraid i wont be able to sleep tonite! i dont know why i am so worried though, it's not like my husband will change his mind and not show up at church! we're already married! two years in fact! or me, do a julia roberts stunt and run! i'm more worried about tripping during the bridal march or do something stupid while we're up in the pulpit. i'm crossing my fingers and hope that everything will be perfect.

But it's a nice feeling getting married again. it proves that after two years of being married, we still want to be together. he still wants to be with me. and i still want to be with him. i can never imagine myself being with somebody else. i dont want anybody else. he's not perfect. so am i. but our imperfection made us perfect for each other. i'm lucky he found me. i was thousands of miles away. but he found me. true love thus wait. and i am glad i did.

to my ricky, thank you. i couldnt ask for anything more. you are wonderful! you are so kind to me, so patient and understanding. i can be a handful sometimes but you still smile and say you love me. how did i get so lucky? i dont know. i think somebody up there loves me. HE gave me YOU! my wonderful ricky...

Happy 2nd year Anniversary! I love you!

Friendster

I was surfing friendster earlier and i saw lots of old friends. Particularly friends from high school. Saw some of their pictures, and pictures of their kids too! They look different. Older. But the same smile that i've seen all through high school. Most of them are now abroad. Just like me!

It made me smile thinking how the old days were... how we were so young and carefree... Now we have our own families! We're all grown up and responsible (i think)! But it made me feel sad that none of them even tried to add me as their friend. I'll try to leave one of them a message. That way they'll know i am still alive!

Upper Peninsula in Michigan Trip 2006

We just got back from our "Spring Trip 2006" and i cant wait to share my pictures! We went to the Upper Peninsula in Michigan to see the other side of Lake Superior and some other nature sites too, like Lake of the Clouds and the falls in Presque Isle. It was truly a wonderful experience to see the awesome work of God! We drive around Porcupine Mountains too! But too bad... can only see the porcupine image when you're on the lake (Lake Superior). My favorite part was the falls in Presque Isle. It was really beautiful! It reminded me of that trip we had to Maragusan to see the falls and I slipped and hit my face on the rock! Had a black eye the next day... it was pretty scary! But it wasnt like that this time, coz there were steps and trails to follow to see the falls. So therefore, i am still in one piece! Although my back hurts like crazy from all the walking we've done! I am happy though to get away for a while and spend some quality time with my Ricky. He's wonderful the entire time... which made the whole trip more meaningful and a memory to cherish forever...

Pictures from Michigan trip

Sunrise from our cabin

Lake Superior - Silver City, MI
Lake of the Clouds

Dealer's Meeting

We were so busy today at work because of the upcoming dealers meeting. Had to compile 90 workbook or materials for the meeting. There were 4 of us working on that and it took us the whole day to finish. We sure were glad we got it done in time and didn't have to work overtime!

I am getting pretty excited about this dealers meeting. Because I can finally put a face on that voice that I get to talk to on the phone all the time. Most of them sounds nice. I'm more curious about these guys that came from the Southern part of the country. Their accent intrigues me...

Hopefully everything will work out tomorrow. There will be a banquet after the meeting and I am taking my husband with me. I dont know if we're suppose to wear formals though... I'll find out tomorrow! I hope they would serve something that Rick can actually eat! hahaha

Happy New Year

2006. a new year. a new chance to make our lives better. another opportunity to start blogging. i dont know my theme yet hopefully i'll come up with something soon...