Routine

Taken at Red Robin in Indiana. Trying to decide which food to order.

I envy Papa's energy. I don't know where he got it from (must be from the vitamins) but I am happy that he is very active (thank God!). He is the one person that doesn't get bored because he always finds something that keeps him busy and occupied. Well this is how his day starts here. He usually gets up as soon as Ryan leaves for work. Ryan didn't wake him up though but he is already awake around that time.

6:45-7:00 a.m. wakes up and turn on the TV to watch the news in the living room while lifting his dumbbells with a good 30-45 minutes.

8:00 a.m. heads to the kitchen to boil water for his green tea. He drinks this tea 2-3 times a day which Frankie liked drinking lately too. If we have the paper, Ryan always leaves it in the kitchen table for him to read and if not he reads either the Time magazine, Newsweek or the Reader's Digest while taking a sip of his tea. He usually doesn't eat breakfast yet until he finished running.

8:45 a.m. He pops a VCD into the karaoke machine, hops on the treadmill, hits play with the remote control and starts walking while singing or whichever goes first. He usually finishes the entire CD which is a good more or less 45 minutes of walking. He then change, sit on the couch to relax then around 9:30 a.m. or 9:45 a.m. Frankie comes running out of the bedroom looking for Taytay. They then eat breakfast together. Papa used to make breakfast and knock on our door to wake us up to eat but I told him that I don't eat breakfast so he makes a little something for Frankie and him now. After breakfast, they both watch Boz or Barney while I check my email. Then he asks me what I want for lunch or what is going to be our lunch and he cooks most of the time and dinner too.

Past time: He watches DVDs in the afternoon. Ryan has a lot of them. When there is no snow to shovel or no floor to sweep (he does that every morning) that is what he does watch a DVD. Sometimes he also sings with his karaoke or play with Frankie. He also watches TV Patrol and his favorite shows online with my laptop so he feels like he is just in the Philippines. Sometimes I take Frankie and him out window shopping or if we need to pick up something. He likes it when I just let them roam around the store while I am in Starbucks reading something.

Job: Papa hasn't mention anything to me about getting a job. He knows from the very start what he wants and that is to help watch Frankie so that I can find a full time job and help Ging-ging. I know that there are a lot of people that he wants to help back home. Especially those in the province (his relatives) where they can't barely afford to buy school supplies but he has his priorities straight and Frankie comes first. I have told him several times that once I get a full time job and see what my schedule is, he can actually get a night job (probably 6-10 p.m.) while Ryan and I can watch Frankie but he doesn't seem to be that interested with that yet. I am just glad that this spring, our friend Sheila and Kenny are asking his help to fix up their house that they wish to sell soon. Papa knows how to fix a house. He is a plumber, electrician, carpenter and more. He has moldings to put up and bathrooms to upgrade. We have slowly bought him his tools so hopefully this will be a way that he can make money. Although Ryan and I try to give him cash here and there but I know it is different when you are making your own money.

All in all, I think he is doing alright here. He doesn't seem to miss my mama and siblings as much because they always see each other online. He is very open to me too that he tells me if he did. I find it so fascinating when I hear him tell them about what he discovered here or what other people gave him (like the stuff that Dad and Noelle gave him as his welcome gift). How nice things are and his experiences. I also find it very amusing to watch my Mama or my sibling on the other side eagerly paying attention to his stories and also asking questions. I asked him all the time if he is happy here and he always tells me that he is and it shows on his face. I never fail to thank him all the time for his help around the house. Can't you tell that we love our Papa so much? Oo intawon kay nag-inusara ra ni. With silly Frankie alone, it is enough to keep him busy and occupied.

Properties for Sale in Hawaii

The weather in Hawaii reminds me so much of the Philippines. If Ryan and I will not be able to settle in the Philippines, I would love to live in Hawaii when we retire. I envy our neighbor who is just doing the same thing. They are in their late 60s, and they are so sick of this Illinois weather and are desperately planning to move to Hawaii. They occasionally go to Florida during winter, but they want to have that nice weather through-out the year.

Now the problem they have is they do not know anyone in Hawaii or know what are even for sale in the city they have in mind. They couldn’t be there all the time either because they also have things to attend to here in Illinois. They also need to put their house in the market too. Thankfully, they learned about 1AmericanDreamRealty’s account in YouTube that featured Hawaii real estate for sale. It contained uploads of houses for sale complete with the town/city the property is located and the price. I really think this is really neat.

When Ryan and I were looking for a house, we spent countless times looking at pictures of the outside of houses, but when we got there with our realtor, they were both so disappointed with the inside of the house. What a waste of time and energy to get there. Plus, Ryan and I worked, so we had to take off early from work just to meet with our realtor. With these house uploads from 1AmericanDream Realty in YouTube, it will help prospective buyers tremendously.

Last Winter

Going in the Filipino restaurant.

Ice cream

I was a little glad that the weekend is over because I was really busy going places and working. Friday, I took Papa and Frankie to the Filipino restaurant and had some lunch. I also sent some money for Ging-ging's tuition fee and thankfully they got it just in time. We stayed there for a little bit to chat but had to rush home because Ryan was going to pick me up so that I can help him with his last installment of the reset. We stopped by Menards to buy Papa some hock and eyes first for one of the drawers so that Frankie won't be able to open it anymore. It was my first time driving to Bradley and I actually liked it. Ryan volunteered that he can send the money next time so that I don't have to drive really far but I told him that we are ok. It is so relaxing for me driving with Papa and Frankie while talking about a lot of things about the Philippines. It is also nice that Papa will know where it is so he can do it himself when he is ready to drive. I didn't make it to work because Ryan didn't come home right away because he needed to stay for a 2 hour over time but I called my supervisor and he was ok about it. He is just happy that I am going in.

Frankie coming home from Bradley. He was so mad that he was not able to put together my name tag. Papa took a picture of him.

Saturday, we were supposed to go and get Papa's haircut but since Frankie woke up early and went to take a nap around noon, Papa didn't want to drag him out so we waited. It was enough for Ryan to come home from work so he volunteered to stay home and watch Frankie. We ended up leaving around 3:00 p.m. but when we got to the place, there was a 45 minute wait. There were a lot of people with a few barber so Papa decided that we will just come back. We went to Best Buy and looked around until it was time for us to go to church. This is the second Saturday that I went with Papa to church. It feels really nice and it was also nice for Ryan to watch Frankie. He is in the stage where he doesn't seem to settle down and Ryan suggested that it is best for them to stay home. When we got home from church, dinner was already ready and all I did was eat and go to work. Today we were supposed to go to Sams but we changed our minds. Instead we went shopping at Aldi and Target for our one week consumption. We skipped shopping last week and it wasn't a good idea because we ended up taking out most of the time. So this week there will be no taking out since Papa will be preparing all of our dinner. What a relieve. I used to worry on what to cook but this time Papa just ask me what I want for dinner and I tell him and he cooks it for us. He always volunteer so I don't feel guilty about asking him to cook for us.

BTW, he had the biggest grin on his face during his first month here. The mail came and he got it for us. He got one from immigration and he opened it. It was his green card that will expire in 10 years. I was putting Frankie to nap when I passed by his room and he called me and when I looked at him he was showing it to me with a big smile on his face. Now all we have to do is get his social security number tomorrow. We will be out again for the rest of the day and I will be working again tomorrow night.

iPad

My brother has been saving up his money to get himself an iPad. He was not really that fascinated about owning an iPad until someone from the school that he is teaching demonstrated how an iPad could be very helpful in teaching Physics and Chemistry.

Since then, he has set his mind about owning one. I don't oppose to his wishes because I have seen how handy and useful it is to have an iPad. He can now do a presentation with just a click of a button without going to the desktop. Although, I suggested to him that he should make sure to get an iPad sleeve for his iPad.

I am looking into get one for myself in the near future. I promise to get myself an iPad once I start going back to school to finish my master's degree. It will help me tremendously with my school work especially with my writings. I will definitely get one of those custom iPad sleeves to match with the color of iPad I am going to have. Technology never cease to amaze me every time.

Baked His First Cake

Last week I was sitting down in the kitchen trying to write when I really have the urge to bake a cake and to eat something sweet. We have so much box cakes here that Ryan hasn't get around to baking. He has been really busy that he hasn't made some for me and Frankie. So I thought of making it myself. The goofy me, when I saw it looked liked it was burning I grabbed it and put it aside. The middle is not cook yet while its surroundings is cooked. Ryan said I could have waited for him to make it but I told him I couldn't wait anymore. When we ate the cake there are some parts that tasted like eggs. I must have not mixed it well. So "palpak". I followed every single instruction that was in the box. Ryan kept laughing because everything was in the box and I was not able to get it right.

Papa told me that when he was working in Libya, they used to bake a cake made from scratch. So he told me that he will bake the cake this time. Instead of mixing together everything with the ingredients as the box said, he mixed the eggs and the cooking oil first before mixing it with the rest of the ingredients. He did and the taste was evenly distributed. We had chocolate cake which I was not able to take a picture because Ryan took the digital camera and when he came home, the cake was almost gone. He was showing it off to mama and ging-ging through the webcam. He was really funny. We still have a couple left in the cupboard and he will be baking it for us for sure. It was nice to have some snacks to eat in the house. I came home late last night and wanting to have some but when I opened the refrigerator it was all gone. Papa told me this morning that Frankie ate most of it last night. Well, we can always bake another one.

Junk Removal

How do you know that you have so much junk? It is when you cannot put your cars inside your garage because it is full of stuff/junk that needs to be disposed. We are so guilty of this although we are still able to fit two of our cars in our garage. We have three small TVs in the there, baby furniture, Christmas tree, and a lot more. I have been thinking of donating the TVs to the nearest charity or maybe give it to Frankie’s school for the next school year.

There are a lot of people holding on to their appliances that they no longer use or need. Maybe they do not want to give it away or they do not have the means to get rid of it. There are two options to get rid of home appliances. First, the appliance(s) could be picked up by the garbage truck or second, you could seek the help of 1800gotjunk.com to pick up your appliances. What’s the difference? The second option picks up the appliances without any hassle or you lifting a finger. You just need to direct them where the appliances are to get started. Plus, the appliances are disposed the right away where most of its parts are recycled. Those appliances that are in a working condition are thoroughly cleaned and donated. So, if you have some appliances and other junks and you are living in Chicago, let the experts do an appliance removal Chicago to take it off of your hands once and for all.

Fascination

Besides the tools and roaming around Menards, one of Papa's fascination is going to the sporting goods section of the store. Yes he loves looking around baseball gloves and baseball bats and comparing the quality. Aside from singing, he used to play baseball in the Philippines and I am sure he misses it so much. Playing baseball is one of his pass time with his friends and they do that almost every weekend. I know they are a little old to be playing baseball but that definitely made him a little fit. He uses a left handed glove. He was so happy when he saw one at Target about a month ago. He never owned one and he has always borrowed from his friends. I told him during spring/summer we can probably ask Dad if we can play behind his house because he has a huge space. Maybe then I can get him the one that he really liked. Besides teaching Frankie how to sing, he also wants to teach him how to play baseball. Now they have a lot of stuff lined up for summer.

I always love taking pictures of both of them. It is something to keep and cherish. The picture above was taken on our way out last Monday. I didn't want to write so I asked him if he wants to go out and he said yes. I filled in the tank (yes I know how to do it myself now :0) of my car so that we don't have to deal with it later. We went to Home Depot but we didn't stay that long. Papa likes Menards better and I agree. We stopped by Deals to get a broom for the garage. I also got Ryan 6 pairs of socks and I told him that, it was my Valentines gift. He knows I was just kidding. Frankie was getting anxious so I gave him my cellphone. The first picture is what I find very funny. I use my cellphone to take pictures of him so he knows that he can smile and have a picture taken. That is why every time he has my cellphone, he would smile and have it close to his face. The second photo was him pretending to be talking to his Dada. I told him to tell Dada that we are in Deals and he started rambling. He was so fascinating to listen.

We have been out for 4 days now. Today is different because Ryan asked us if we can pick up the nails instead for the windows at Menards. We stopped by toys r us first but didn't stay long. Frankie was getting very excited with all the toys. All I ever wanted was to look for the number/letter mats that they have but it was a little expensive there. We were in Menards for almost two hours but I can tell that Papa had a good time.

Birthday Gift

I grew up adoring different Disney princesses. I know every story and every princess in each story. I used to enjoy watching VHS tapes of different Disney movies while waiting for Christmas day. It was one of my very fond memories growing up. When I was younger, I really would like to get a disney jewelry featuring any of the Disney princesses, but they were not available then. Thankfully, they are now, and I can buy a couple of matching necklace and bracelet for my goddaughter. Her birthday is coming, and we share the same passion with Disney princesses. I am sure she will be very delighted to own a matching one.

Frankie's Great Lolo's 79th Birthday

We were all invited to attend Grandpa's 79th birthday in the nursing home he is staying. They must have rented a room or something and everyone were already there except Ryan's cousin because he had to work when we got there. It has been a while since we have seen Grandpa. He looked the same as the last time I've seen. He's friend/room mate was also there to celebrate his birthday with him. I talked to Grandpa and he was so happy that we were all gathered to celebrate his birthday with him. We didn't bring anything since Aunt Pat said there will only be ice cream and cake. So before we head to Indiana, the 4 of us ate at Red Robin.

We didn't stay that late since we still have a long drive to do. We needed to go shopping too. At any rate, even if it was quick but it was nice to see everybody. Ryan's aunts welcomed Papa and talked to him asking about the weather and how he likes the US. Those were the questions I always get when I first got here 6 years ago.

Insurance for Mama

We are all very thrilled and happy that my mom now lives with us from the Philippines. She has been here for a few months now, and she has helped me and Ryan with Frankie and around the house. Although we are happy to have her, I am still worried about her health. Mama is almost 60 years old and she has diabetes, hypertension, and a heart condition. It is controlled by her medications, but I could not help but feel worried since she doesn’t have healthcare insurance. With her age and the different illnesses she has, I doubt it if she could get lower health premiums.

I called different places to check out how much it would be to get mama her own health insurance. We want to make sure that she is protected even if it will cost us a little bit each month. It was so hard to compare for the best health insurance quotes over the phone that is why I decided to look around online. Thankfully, I came across America-healthinsurance.com where it was so easy to compare quotes because I saw the quotes in one place. Then it won’t be hard to decide which one that would work best for my mom and our budget.

So, if you are self-employed, a student, or anyone that is looking for a health insurance, you can fill up the form found at America-healthinsurance.com to get started. By getting your quote today, you will find discount medical insurance policies that might work for your advantage. I will definitely check this out again later for my mom, and I hope to find something that will be perfect for her and our budget.

Monee Reservoir

I so love their smiles and the view in this photo.

I can't believe how beautiful it was last week. From Monday till Friday the three of us were out either to go places or to do errands that Ryan asked to do. Last Tuesday was so warm that I decided to take Papa and Frankie to Monee Reservoir. It was so beautiful. I was surprised why there were not much people there but when we all got up of the car it was a little windy and with that a little chilly. We still decided to walk around for a little bit. Frankie was so excited and happy. We let him run for a little bit and Papa grabbed him when we were walking on the walk way. The view is very beautiful. I told Papa that this spring, we can have a picnic over there. I tried to many times to have a picture taken with Frankie but he is always on the run not unless if it is Papa that he is having the picture with. They both had so much fun but we didn't stay that long. We will go back there again. I promise.

Enjoying his afternoon walk with Taytay and Mama. Too bad Dada is at work, he could have walked with us.

Wedding Anniversary

In two years, Ryan and I will be celebrating out 10th wedding anniversary. It seems like yesterday that we exchanged our vows in front of his family and away from my family. He promised me that on our 10th year wedding anniversary we are going home to the Philippines to renew our vows. I am not holding him with that promise just yet because I do not know if we will all be able to go home. With the baby soon, there is going to be five of us and airfare is not cheap.

When we initially planned to renew our vows about 2 years ago, my siblings wanted to take care of the Wedding Anniversary Invitations. We did not plan to invite a lot of people but close friends and of course relatives. Due to unforeseen circumstances, we were not able to push through with the plan because something came up with regards to Ryan’s job. I figure that it will happen in time, but I still would love to get married again in front of my family in the Philippines.

Green Thumb

I have mentioned before how much Papa loves to plant especially fruit trees. In his piece of land that he inherited from my late Grandpa, he planted 12 mango seeds and and only 10 survived. Some has started to bear fruit while others are not. In San Fernando he has also planted mangoes and "santol" in mama's piece of land that she got from my Nanay. He used to do it not for him but for the tenants to have something. All he was asking was for them to take care of the plants he planted because in the end, they will be the ones enjoying the fruits.

So as you can imagine, our house is also full of fruit trees. We have one huge mango tree in front of our house. We also have 2 "tambis" trees one right next to the mango in front of the older house and the other is in front of our newer house. We also have the very very sweet jackfruit tree, coconut tree and the latest addition is the "balimbing" which by the is very sweet according to Papa. It was in the exact spot where we used to have our guava. It died years ago because Mama used to make a bon fire right next to it. Balimbing doesn't come in season so it bears fruit all year long and with so much fruit it is producing every time, they have to share it to our neighbors.

Before Papa left, he had two "santol" plants in a pot. He didn't have the chance to plant it to wherever he wants to plant it. Ging-ging buzzed me one time and asked me to show the pictures from her myspace account on Papa's santol. Some of the leaves are healthy while others are turning bad. I hope they can put it somewhere but one thing is for sure, there is no space left in our front yard.

No More Boring Winter

I can’t believe that a few months away from now is going to be fall, and before we know it, it is going to be winter. There goes the seasonal affective disorder again known as the winter depression. When we are less active and drawn indoors, we tend to get depressed. I tried to keep myself busy all the time with things to do, but there are times when I feel like there is nothing else to do, but this was before I learned about playing free online games.

I never thought that there are a lot of games to choose from Fupa.com. Can you imagine playing 40,000 plus free games? It will surely occupy your idle winter time with that. Besides, at the convenience of your home, you will enjoy free games for all ages. Fupa.com has a lot of interesting stuff to do too. You can play dress-up, puzzle, online cards, and a lot more.

So, the next time you think about winter and how boring it is, think again. There will be no more boring winters with Fupa.com. Sign up today and see what they have in stored for you.

Card

Frankie and I went to Jewel last Monday to pick up some chicken for dinner. I didn’t want papa to cook so I went ahead instead. It has been a while since I went out with Frankie so I decided to take him with me. I always enjoy talking with him while I am driving. Anyways, after getting the meal and picking up a pound cake for dessert, I head out to the self check out lane. I got my debit card ready and when I finally paid for it, my card was rejected. I thought we didn’t have any money in the bank anymore so I used a different card instead. When we got home I immediately called Ryan and asked him what happened. He told me that they were replacing the cards that we have but he only got one in the mail and I never did. It was a month ago and I wasn’t paying attention to it. Someone breached the security system and stole some account numbers and names. So just to make sure they have to replace all the cards. We were just wondering why I never got my debit card since I use it more than Ryan.

Tuesday afternoon with Frankie and Papa, we went to the bank to ask for a new card. It has been settled but of how I didn’t get my own is still a mystery to me. The good thing is they just never sent me any card. Thankfully, the lady at the bank was so nice and she requested a completely new one for me which number is different than Ryan’s card. A smart thing to do in case something happens to one card, we can still use the other. After the bank we decided to take Frankie to the mall. He had so much fun in the play area because he was by himself and we let him play for 20 minutes. We then picked up Ryan and my prescriptions at Target. We also bought ice cream and ice cream cone for later. We didn’t have the chance to go to the post office as it was getting late. I am just glad that everything went well in the bank.

Engagement

My sister recently got engaged, and I am so happy for her. My soon to be brother-in-law was so cleaver. Since he was in Australia working, he sent my sister a link of different engagement rings online and casually made her pick. Although she saw it coming, she did not realize that it would be that soon. Adam did not want to pick just about any engagement ring that she might not like. At least she was the one who decided which style to go with and Adam went with it.

Being engaged is one of the most memorable experiences a person can ever have. It is the idea of being with that one person you love for the rest of your life makes it even more exciting. It is amazing how beautiful the selection of different diamonds online at BrianGavinDiamonds.com. In fact, they even customized diamond rings and diamond engagement rings to your specifications. I always love two people meeting together as one, and I wish my sister and her husband to be lifelong happiness together.

Busy

Papa was out early today to get rid of the bushes on the side of our house. He didn't even eat his cereal and drink his tea yet. He was so anxious to go outside to get things done. He thought it was a little warm today because the sun is shining brightly but it was still very cold. He came back to change his coat and thankfully Frankie didn't notice him coming in and out because he was watching Wonder Pets.

When the show was over, he kept asking for his Tatay. I showed him where Tatay is through the window and he started crying. He wanted to go outside. Papa stayed there for an hour. The bush that he was trying to get rid of was so hard to get because it is not dead. Ryan has been telling me that he wants to get rid of it since we moved here but never had the chance to do it. Papa suggested that it would be nice to get rid of the divider (if that is what you call it) that is by our foyer and Ryan has been telling me too that it looks so ugly in there.When it gets warmer outside, he will also take care of that. It looks so clean in the side now after getting rid of the bush. There are a lot of leaves that were stuck underneath that bush and Papa was finally able to sweep them away. Now we are all waiting for Dada to come from his overtime so that we can go somewhere fun before I work tonight. Have a wonderful Saturday everyone.

RV

Ryan and I love to travel even before we had Frankie. If it was our weekend off, we were nowhere to be found. We usually just drive somewhere and stay in a hotel. I loved exploring different states, and thanks to my husband, he took me to different places. There are times when we wish we had a RV, so we do not have to worry about where to stay for the night. Plus, it was cheaper to have than staying in a hotel. Of course, we need to get its rv insurance to protect us while out on the road and in the camp site.

I always told Ryan that maybe we can have one of those when we retire. Then, we could travel United States with it. I just hope that by then gas won’t be that bad because it is surely nice to have.

So Much To Do

I miss writing in my blogs sometimes. As you can see I haven't updated much lately. I have so much to write and so much to share and so many pending tasks. I hope they will still give me the star as long as I submit all of these before the deadline. Everything is ok here at our end. We are still waiting for something that will determine if we are really going home or not. It has nothing to do with Ryan's job but this one is way better that I would rather not go home if we get this one. Hopefully we will get the latter.

I am still very excited for school especially now that Ryan said we will pay cash for it. I have to look into the books. Papa is very excited for me. I will be gone most of the time but I will make sure to have that alone time with Frankie. I love my life and I love all the people around me. I couldn't be thankful for all the blessings. I may be tired sometimes but that is nothing.

Birthday Present

We have another birthday party to go to, and I have not decided what to give as a gift. We will be bringing a dish that mama will be cooking and some fruits. I am really looking forward to this because a lot of my friends are invited too. When Ryan asked me what game system the birthday celebrant has, he gave me an idea to buy xbox games since the birthday boy has Xbox too.

I am glad I asked Ryan because he gave me an idea on what to get. He also knows what games to get that is perfect for his age. Of course, I have to ask his mom, so she could check for me to make sure that I won’t buy any duplicates. A week left and I will be seeing my friends again.

Trip

I want to post pictures from our Wisconsin Dells trip but there is something wrong with the computer. For some strange reasons it is not picking the pictures that I have already downloaded in my laptop, so I can't download the recent ones that I took without downloading the entire 1,000 plus pictures in it. So I may have to do that and delete the same pictures that I have transferred in my laptop. Woohoo what a pain.

Thankfully, I decided not to do any of narms tomorrow so I can sleep over, go the Social Security Office when I get up and later pick up Papa and Frankie to go shopping at Kohl's. Hopefully all these snow will clear tomorrow. Anyways, I didn't say much about our trip because I didn't want people to know that we are out for 3 days. Nobody is watching our house except Bob our neighbor so I didn't want to take the chance. We don't want people to know that we were out.

Swimsuit

I finally had a chance to go to the store to buy my swimsuit. I do not have any swimsuit that fits me anymore because I have gained so much weight from the time Frankie and I got home from the Philippines. Back home, the resorts are not that strict. We can still swim in the pool even with a t-shirt and a pair of shorts. Here, it has to be with a liner.

I remember the days when I only have to wear extra small with all my clothes. I even wished that I gain a little weight because I thought I looked awful looking so skinny. Now, I would like to take it all back. I have gained so much weight that I may need the aid of diet pills. I never realized that the day will come that I will ever need the help of a diet pill. It has gotten worst after I gave birth to Frankie. Wish I could have my old body back.

Her First Credit Card

I was browsing through my paypal account last week and I came across the debit card section. I saw that I am still eligible to get another card as an extension for my debit card/credit card. I asked Ryan if it is ok if I can get Mama her own credit card. He was fine with it since I never activated any credit card or bank account in case I don't have any money left there anymore. So if it is empty then we just won't be able to use it, that simple. When Mama got his card, I immediately asked her for a chosen password. I asked her to sign it right away too. She was holding it for a few seconds and looking at it and then asked me how did she get her own credit card since you have to make a certain amount of money per month to have one in the Philippines. I smiled and I told him I made him as my extension.

I am not teaching her to be dependent in using the credit card or spending with it but I am trying to teach her how to do it in case she may have to use it in the future. Besides as I said, we only get to use it if there is something in my account. I will let her pay for stuff next time we go to the store and I use my debit/credit card. I know she will do it wrong just like I did before, but she will get the hang of it. Besides this is just between mama and me anyway.

Silver Dollars

When we bought our house, Ryan and I thought of it as an investment. After moving out from my father-in-law’s house, we wanted to move to our own house right away. We did not want to rent because we wanted to save the money for the house. It has been six years since we moved here, and I couldn’t believe how low the value of the house now than when we bought it six years ago.

Through-out the years, houses around us are going for foreclosure, selling their houses so cheap, or filed bankruptcy, and it is indirectly affecting us. Our house is unfortunately almost half of its value with what we paid of it six years ago. We are hoping and praying that the market gets better in the future because we are going to be so out of here. Another form of investment that is soaring its value and not depleting is through buying silver dollars at silvermorgan.com. You can keep it and add it to your collection. You can even watch its value grow. The best investment you’ll ever have.

Long Day

I am so blank right now. I have been trying to write for the past hour but all I have been doing is eat strawberries in front of the computer. Yes I have already consumed two boxes. I am not planning to eat dinner anymore. It was a long day indeed but I accomplished a lot. I promised Papa to take him to Menards and after work I called him and told him that I will be picking him up. He is so busy moving the stones from the side of the house to the back of the house so that Dad can pick them up.

He wants them all cleared because he is getting ready to plant some of the little flowers that I got him last week. I don't know if they will grow bigger but they look so cute. Earlier Papa and I took 2 hours just roaming around Menards. I have to tell you, I have never been there for that long and that often until Papa got here. I got him another bag of seeds and I bought him an apple tree in a pot that is already bearing fruit. He is very happy and excited. I have to post some pictures soon.

Drug Treatment

I grew up surrounded by relatives and people that were dependent on drugs. I have about five cousins who wasted their lives and ruined the lives of their families. I also interviewed drug dependents when I was in college for a paper, and it is sad how they thought taking drugs was everything. Once a person is dependent with drugs, it becomes a physiological dependence because of the chronic use. They will start to believe that taking drugs is the only way out, and that they think they feel good when they abuse it.

Continued drug use targets the brain and that causes long-term effects of the way it will perceive things and function. I used to feel ashamed for my cousins about how they behaved especially in public. I consider it such a disgrace to the family, but we could not abandon them because despite how bad they were, they are still part of the family. The good thing is if they are ready to get help they could take advantage of different drug treatment programs. It is not the end of the world for them just yet. It has been proven that drug dependents can still turn their life around with patience, determination, and help.

Party is Over

The birthday party for Papa and Frankie is finally over and it is indeed a relief. I haven't downloaded the pictures yet but I will try to do it anytime today. I still haven't decided if I want to go work or I will do it later this week. I am just a little happy that we only get to do this once a year and that we can do them both together. Frankie had fun with his cousins and most especially with the new truck he got from his Aunt Pat and Uncle Phil. Aunt Amy and Uncle Don were there too. Vicky, Ken, Maddie and Ben also came. Frankie's Lolo and Lola didn't miss it, as well as our neighbors Bob and Mary and friend Marilyn and co-worker Angie. Tita Sheila and Tito Kenny didn't make it in time for the party but they came in last night. We ate dinner together and had karaoke till 10:20 p.m. Putting a party is tiring that is for sure but it also is nice to hear from your guest about how everything was most especially the food. Aunt Amy just loved the lumpia we made. Thanks everyone for coming.

Pow Wow

I studied World History when I was in college as part of my major. I also taught World History briefly to my high students. I enjoyed every bit of it, but my favorite part of the class was the very beginning which was all about the American Indians. They have such amazing culture that I just want to learn more. When we talked about the Americas, they are the ones that were highlighted although I wish they could have been talked about more.

I find it very unfortunate that I hardly see any American Indians where I live. It would be really nice to learn about their rich Native American Culture. One thing I learned about American Indians is about Pow Wow where it is the meeting together. I find this festivity really neat and unique because it involves dancing and singing.

Not only that, it also entails renewing old friendships and making new ones. They have very important people in Pow Wow which makes this gathering very fascinating. So, if you know someone who is a Native American and wants to be a part of Pow Wow please let them know about Powwows.com. There, they will see events, gathering information, videos, photos of Pow Wow, and a lot more. They can even participate in the forum where they can exchange ideas with other Native Americans.