Stop Collection Calls

There are a minimum of eight calls we get everyday from different telemarketers. I find it very annoying that I have not answered the phone in a long time. I figured that if it was someone I know that needed something from me he or she will leave a message. The calls are usually asking us to switch our health insurance for what they have for a lower rate. Sometimes, it is about asking us to replace our current car insurance with what they have. Call campaigns are also annoying especially when election is approaching. I always find those calls very irritating how much more if debt collectors are the ones calling and harassing me everyday. I don't think I can handle that.

Who doesn't owe anything these days? Although there are people who owe more than the other, but they should not be harassed with phone calls everyday to remind them about what they owe. I am sure they are probably thinking of ways to pay their debt back. There are a lot of reasons for a person to owe money. It could be from maxing out their credit cards or owing money for something important such as for medical expense. Everybody deserves the peace of mind and one way to stop collection calls is by going to Creditlaw.com.

Creditlaw.com offers free legal help when you want abuse and harassment from debt collectors to end. All you need to do is submit your case for a free case review to get started. Once approved, they will contact the debt collector in your behalf and end harassment once and for all.

Dinner

Just right when we got home from Chicago, Sheila called me asking if when we are going to be at Jenny's house. We just got home about 30 minutes ago. I didn't dress Frankie up but decided to go there right away. The food was really yummy too especially the Jamaican rice chicken that their friend made. Frankie was able to play with Kyle for a little bit. Sheila walked us to our car and enjoyed a little picture taking with Frankie outside. It was so dark that all I did was click, click and click. The pictures turned out ok as you can see. It reminds I need to upload these in friendster for Tita Sheila to see. Ryan was expecting us to come home a little late but I told him that since we are going to Michigan City, Indiana anyway we would like to put the kids to sleep and freshen up for a little bit. Frankie was still up when I left them to go out.

Getting ready to run to the car. It was chilly that night.

Tita Sheila's anak-anak.

Test Taking

I have taken a lot of written tests in my life. There were some tests that were life changing such as getting into a good private high school or to a good college. There were some tests that I took just to get by, but every test that I take makes no difference, I still get nervous every time. When I taught History before, most complains that I got from my students was how nervous they were when taking a test. One of my students even throw-up when she is about to take a major test. Every time I give that class a quiz/test, I always make sure that she was ok and feeling relaxed because I am afraid that she might get anxious and scared. I used to ask her why test taking made her feel really nervous, and her answer was she was scared to fail.

Before I give a test to my students, I made sure to tell them jokes to keep their minds off the test. I also tell them that whatever the outcome of the test was the result of their hard work, and it should not discourage them. There were some teachers who actually give out test taking incentives to their students. I like the little ribbons that said "I'm a Test-Taking Star" that I found at Positivepromotions.com. Some of these incentives are proven to boost child's confidence to do well in the test, and of course, create a positive test taking atmosphere in school.

Get Together

A little blurry but I love this picture. This is Nathaniel, Noelle's son teaching Frankie how to play the piano.

This year was a little different. Instead of the usual Portage, Indiana venue for Thanksgiving, we were invited to have it at Grandma Horner's nursing home. She rented a big hall and that was where we had our get together. It was quiet a long drive from our house to Chicago. Traffic was really bad. We left an hour and a half early but we still got there a little late. Everybody was already there waiting for us and it surely was nice to see everybody again. Besides seeing Grandma, Brian, Beth, Kevin, Noelle's kids, Dad and Noelle, I always look forward to seeing Ed and Pat. I don't know why. It seems like I feel so at home when I am around them. You see Pat and Ed were adopted by Noelle's brother and they were from Korea. They are both very nice. Ed is a lot outgoing while Pat is the quiet type. Ed was Frankie's playmate as you will see it in the pictures below. I also saw that cute headless birthday cake that Noelle and Dad prepared for me. Later you will also see how I used the question mark to make it as the turkey head. All in all it was so nice. Ryan and I were mostly thankful to whoever left that cart in the hall because that was where Frankie stayed most of the time. We didn't really chase after him until when we were getting ready to leave. We are also very proud of Frankie because he was so friendly and behaved the entire time. He actually made everybody laugh many times with his sillyness. It was also nice to hear compliments about him. It makes us think that we are doing a good job which I know we are. We have so much to learn but we are getting there. Here are some of the pictures.

Self Publishing

It always amazes me how some people can easily put their thoughts together and create a very interesting story whether a true to life story or fiction. When I was in high school, writing had always been my issue. Even when I got here and started going to college, it would take me days and days to finish a single paper. Writing these days is not as rough as before anymore because I write a lot in my blogs.

Everyone can write a story about their life and share it to everybody. Sometimes I wish my life is as exciting as other writer’s life because I would love to write about my life and let people learn from it. One of the many favorites I have are stories about life’s hardships and triumphs. I also enjoy stories that encourage readers to figure things out or the ones that boost confidence. What is nice about writing these days is writers can easily do self publishing.

Writers used to worry about how and where to publish their composition once it is done but not anymore. At Instantpublisher.com, writers can now easily publish their book saving a lot of time and money. Self publishing their own composition will mean total control of their work. If in doubt, writers can even request for a free self publishing guide book, so they know exactly what to do to make self publishing to their advantage.

Unwinding

We are going bowling tomorrow. Ryan already made the reservation and it will be at 11:00 a.m. I am not sure where it is going to be at but all I know is I am looking forward to it even if Papa and Frankie won't be able to come with us. Since it is going to be Valentines tomorrow and Papa won't be able to read it anyway, so Ryan got him a tool box and a nice hammer that will be his own. It doesn't mean he can't use Ryan's tools but Ryan said it is nice when he has his own when he does the upgrading in Sheila's house. I am sure Papa would be happy with anything.

Today we went buy Papa shoes as our gift for him. He only have one that he brought from the Philippines and it looks so worn out now because he uses it to do stuff outside. We got a Kohls cash the last time I was there to buy the make-up and my gift for Ryan so it was nice that I was able to use it for Papa. I intentionally took them there today because of their stretch your dollar sale. Last night when we were doing ad set, we had to put up signs because they added an addition savings off on clearance items. They have so much clearance in shoes that I was able to get one for Ryan and one for Frankie. Papa also found one and bought another one using the money that he saved. With the 20% off that we got from the mail, plus another additional 10% off of clearance item during our check-out, then the $20.00 Kohls cash and my 15% discount, we really had a good deal. Papa was so happy with his shoes that he gave me any thank you kisses.

Term Life Insurance Calculator

My father-in-law got Ryan his life insurance when he was very little. When we got married, he turned over the policy to us, and we have been paying for it since. It seems like the only way to be protected these days is through insurance. Every month we pay for Ryan’s life insurance, car insurance, homeowners insurance, and of course health insurance that is through his work. Without these, how else are we going to be protected?

Insurance has proven to be a life saver for most people. It protects yourself and your assets against loss. I still do not have life insurance even if I know how important it is. We did try to look around, but we wanted to make sure that we can afford it before making a decision to get a policy. I told Ryan that I can probably get the term life insurance since it is not lifetime, and I can always continue it when the term ends.

Plus, before we can even commit to buy anything, we can always use the term life insurance calculator to see how much or where we are going to be at in certain years with the policy. At Buytermlife.com, anyone can use their calculator and after the calculation you can click run a quote and find different quotes from different companies. It is so convenient because it includes how much are you going to pay each month allowing you to budget with what you already have before buying a policy. Isn't it great?

Remembering Papa's Departure

Still waiting for Papa's departure. I truly missed them all. They are my siblings.

I hate goodbyes. When I saw this picture I can't help but cry. This is Papa saying his goodbye to Resty and also giving her a kiss.

December 27 at 1:45 a.m. Philippine time Papa left Cebu. We are going to pick him up at Ohare in any minute and I hope there are no delays. I am a little thankful that he was not able to make it for Christmas here. The past few days has not been to good to us (weather wise) and the flight cancellation was to the roof. I was also glad that my family was able to celebrate Christmas with him and had a nice outing before he left Cebu. My brother Gayfred was so diligent in letting me now how everything is. Ging-ging in the other hand was the photographer. Resty too also texted me every step of the way. I talked to Ging-ging when they got home and she said nobody cried because Papa turned away right way and left when the departure gate opened. He has always been like that even when he used to leave us for Libya. He hates goodbyes. Brother Gayfred also said that Dan-dan was such a clown and made everybody laugh and that ease the pain even for a little bit. Ryan said Papa looks happy in the pictures and that makes us happy too. We want him to be happy in coming over here. I couldn't wait to see him later. I am excited and I better get ready because the drive will be over an hour. Before I go, here are the pictures before he left Cebu.

Custom Pins

In 2008, Ryan and I joined a Baby Expo in Schaumburg, IL. It was our first time, and we were so excited with all the free stuff that we got for the baby. I remember being a few months pregnant then with our first child, so you can just imagine our anticipation. Each booth had wonderful things to offer such as new baby gadgets, toys, formula, baby bottles, and even baby clothes. Some of the representatives of the booths walk around the convention center to invite people to come see their booths. I noticed that most of them wore custom pins to identify the company they were in. It was so much easier to find their booth even without asking which side of the convention center they booth was located.

Custom pins offer a lot of purpose. It could be a great giveaway for conventions. It could also be great corporate gifts, recognitions, and more. At Pinmart.com, you can easily design your very own custom pins for your company. It all starts with your idea, Pin Mart’s expertise, and you will have your customized pins in no time. You can add your logo, chose a color or suggest a design. All you have to do is choose the process you want your custom pins to be in and request a quote to get started. Plus, what is even better is the more pins you order, the cheaper it gets at Pinmart.com

Second Visit To Canada

As promised we made plans to see the falls again and this time during winter. I have lived here in IL with the Chicago weather of course but the coldness was nothing compared when you are actually by the falls. Most of the fun stuff were closed because of the season like the Maid of Mist voyage. Ryan and I were all so dressed up because the cold was almost unbearable. We didn't even stay that long but I was still able to take pictures of the beautiful falls. We also managed to look around downtown Ontario and played some games in the arcade. Fun stuff!

The American side

Isn't it beautiful.

A few from our hotel room.

We hope to take Frankie and his Grandpa there again. All we have to do is get my US passport and Frankies and I am sure you will be seeing it here soon.

Rosetta Translation

I had a bachelor’s degree in the Philippines. When I got here in the US in 2003, I wanted to take my master’s degree. I thought it would be that easy since I had all my credentials with me. I was informed that I have to hire a translation company to translate my transcript of records. They wanted the original report along with the certified translation. There were subjects that were Philippine based that need to be translated.

There are a lot of documents that need the aid of one of those translation agencies. In fact, people who have to go through immigration will find themselves also required to translate documents to the country’s official language. Legal documents, birth certificates, diplomas, and transcript of records are just a few of the papers that need translation.

There are a lot of translation companies out there, but before hiring one, you have to make sure that they are a full range translation agency. Plus, they should have highly qualified experts to work on the documents for you. At Rosettatranslation.com you can expect just that. For a fraction of the cost, you can expect a professional translation service that caters to your time and needs. You can visit them today for a list of languages that they translate. What is even better is you can get a free quote of their translations services. By filing up the form located on the right side of their website, you will be on your way of take care of your most important documents.

My First Visit To Canada

As most of you know, I majored Social Science in college which includes history, geography and political science. Among all the branches that comprises Social Science it is with history that I find the fascination with. I used to teach world history, Asian history, Philippines history and local history besides other things. And as you know I read a lot and every time I come across a picture of Niagara Falls, I couldn't help but wish that one day I will be able to see it and feel the mist and my dream came true and Ryan took me there in May of 2004. All I can say is "beautiful". We also celebrated Ryan's 26th birthday there.

Us with the Canadian flag in the background. A little foggy.

Love the tulips.

We had a wonderful time because it was during spring but Ryan and I wants to see the falls during winter and 2 years after we decided to go back experience it again.

The Use of Credit Cards

I seldom bring cash with me these days. In fact, I rely more with my debit card than cash. My husband and I get each of our cash allowance each week, and I usually deposit it in my own account and use my debit card if I need to get something. If we need something that is house related, we usually use the joint debit card that we both have. One thing we learned from our debit cards is we need to keep tract with our spending and make sure we still have money in it before using it.

People use their credit cards or debit cards almost on a daily basis. That is why it is best for stores everywhere to accept credit cards. I don’t even know a store anymore that does not process credit cards. There was one store I used to go before that only accepted cash or check, but after two years, they eventually closed. I used to tell the owner that it would be nice if he accepted credit cards, but he said he could not find cheaper transaction rates the main reason why he didn’t get merchant accounts for his stores. By doing that, he pushed his costumers away.

I am sure that if he knew about Acceptcreditcards.me he could have easily gotten himself a merchant account that could have possibly saved his stores. With very low transaction rates, ACM Merchant has yet the best credit card processing. So, if you are thinking of opening your own store or you know someone that is, they should visit Acceptcreditcards.me to get started.

Fun Outside

I have been wanting to take Frankie outside so that at least he can have a little fun. We are always inside all winter long but it is a little chilly outside. Today we have decided to go out anyway regardless. We still have so much leaves on the ground because Ryan was not able to clean them up last fall but he likes it anyways. He got home from work and started doing the leaves.

Water Pump

When I got here from the Philippines, my husband and I stayed with my father-in-law after we got married. We lived there for two years until we finally got our own house in a little close to the city. I enjoyed living out in the country. I love the fresh air and the freedom I felt being out there. The houses there were very far apart that no one interferes with our business.

My father-in-law has his own deep water well. He also own one of those water pumps since he live out in the country, and he needs it for bring water from the well and into the house. I also love washing our clothes there. There were times that even if we have already moved, we still go there to do our laundry. He has soft water and it made our clothes to nice and soft. I hope for the day that we will be able to have our own deep well out in the country.

My Very First Party

One of the major challenges that I have to endure is the lack of help here in the US whenever you want to organize a party. My skills were tested when I said yes to a lady who wants to have a jewelry party in my house. Since I didn't have a house warming party, my co-workers wanted to come and see the house and at the same time check out the jewelries. Thank goodness to my very helpful husband and we were able to work everything out. Here are the pictures :

Meditation

It is now a year ago when I had the most difficult time of my life. I was working fulltime and going to school fulltime. I was also taking care of my son and my husband at the same time. I asked myself why did I put myself in that situation, but I didn’t have any choice because I wanted to graduate that summer and I needed as much classes to graduate. In the middle of fall, I felt like my body shut down. I was having a hard time juggling everything. I didn’t have a life. I was giving my hours away from work just to be able to study. On weekends, my husband and I spent our time in the library studying, but it was not enough.

I never thought that I will be able to survive that chapter in my life. I became vulnerable that I was starting not to perform well in my job and my school. Good thing, I was also taking a health class then, and I was so pleased when the teacher introduced to us about mindful meditation. It helped me get through the stress I was in. It helped me calm down my body and my mind. I remember doing it almost every night before going to bed. It made me feel so refreshed the next day. Our teacher gave us a link online, but I couldn't find it anymore. I found Humanisticspirituality.org though and will be using them from now on. I can't believe how meditation saved me and my sanity.

God's Wonderful Creation

Pictures that we took when we were on vacation. I have nothing more to say but admire nature's beauty.

Gift

My mother-in-law’s birthday falls every Christmas Day, so Ryan and I always try to give her two gifts for her birthday and Christmas. Sometimes I couldn’t help but worry what to get her every year. What do you get a person who has everything? I am sure she loves whatever we give her. There are times when we give her a gift card, so she could get what she wants. I still don’t know what to give her this year. Last year, we gave her a cinema gift card because we know she loves to watch movies with my father-in-law. I am trying to think what it is that we have not given her.

We could give her another gift card, but we have given her that last year. I want to hand her something that is nicely wrapped. I may have to give her one of those plus size sweaters for Christmas. I just need to figure out her favorite color and size, so I could get it to her soon. I will definitely be looking online since I am not as mobile as before, so I can get ready for it. I have now one less to worry and that is what to get her for her birthday. My mother-in-law is one of the most awesome people I’ve known, and I will try to get her something that I hope she will like.

Fountain of Youth

Before we head out to our last stop of our trip we stopped by the Fountain of Youth. We had a little sip from the water of the legendary spring, listened to the lecture and off we walked around the place. It wasn't that big but the view was beautiful. Please excuse some pictures which doesn't have a caption. It has been almost 2 months and I forgot the significance of some already.

The Fountain of Youth is a legendary spring that reputedly restores the youth of anyone who drinks of its waters. Florida is often said to be its location, and stories of the fountain are some of the most persistent associated with the state. Recent scholarship into US Census data has identified Clifton Forge, Virginia as a possible location of the Fountain. In the 2000 Census, no individuals died or were born in this small American city. Clifton Forge was the only city to record such an improbable phenomenon, suggesting that some miraculous extender of life exists nearby.

The Fountain of Youth

A long-standing story is that Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León, Puerto Rico's first Governor, was searching for the Fountain of Youth when he traveled to present-day Florida in 1513, but the story did not start with him, nor was it unique to the New World. Tales of healing waters date to at least the time of the Alexander Romance, and were popular right up to the European Age of Exploration. The later legend derives from the "Water of Life" tale in the Eastern versions of the Alexander Romance, where Alexander and his servant cross the Land of Darkness to find the restorative spring. The servant in that story is in turn derived from Middle Eastern legends of Al-Khidr, a sage who appears also in the Qur'an. Arabic and Aljamiado versions of the Alexander Romance were very popular in Spain during and after the period of Moorish rule, and would have been known to the explorers who journeyed to America.

There are countless indirect sources for the tale as well. Eternal youth is a gift frequently sought in myth and legend, and stories of things such as the philosopher's stone, universal panaceas, and the elixir of life are common throughout Eurasia and elsewhere. An additional hint may have been taken from the account of the Pool of Bethesda in the Gospel of John, in which Jesus heals a man at the pool in Jerusalem.

The Arawaks and the land of Bimini

The native stories about the curative spring were related to the mythical land of "Beimeni", or Beniny, a land of wealth and prosperity. The spring was purportedly located on an island called Boinca. Although subsequent interpretations suggested the land was located in the vicinity of the Bahamas, the natives were referring to a location in the Gulf of Honduras.[1] The islands of Bimini in the Bahamas were known as La Vieja during the Ponce expedition. According to legend, the Spanish heard of Bimini from the Arawaks in Hispaniola, Cuba, and Puerto Rico. Sequene, an Arawak chief from Cuba, had purportedly been unable to resist the lure of Bimini and its restorative fountain. He gathered a troupe of adventurers and sailed north, never to return. Word spread among Sequene's more optimistic tribesmen that he and his followers had located the Fountain of Youth and were living in luxury in Bimini. Bimini and its curative waters were widespread subjects in the Caribbean. Italian-born chronicler Peter Martyr d'Anghiera (Peter Martyr) told of them in a letter to the pope in 1513, though he didn't believe the stories and was dismayed that so many others did.

Ponce de León and Florida

The story continues that Juan Ponce de León heard of the fountain from the people of Puerto Rico when he conquered the island. Growing dissatisfied with his material wealth, he launched an expedition to locate it, and in the process discovered Florida. Though he was one of the first Europeans to set foot on the American mainland, he never found the Fountain of Youth.

The story is apocryphal. While Ponce de León may well have heard of the Fountain and believed in it, his name was not associated with the legend in writing until after his death. That connection is made in Gonzalo Fernández de Oviedo's Historia General y Natural de las Indias of 1535, in which he wrote that Ponce de León was looking for the waters of Bimini to cure his sexual impotence.[3] Some researchers have suggested that Oviedo's account may have been politically inspired to generate favor in the courts.[1] A similar account appears in Francisco López de Gómara's Historia General de las Indias of 1551.[4] In the Memoir of Hernando D'Escalante Fontaneda in 1575, the author places the restorative waters in Florida and mentions de León looking for them there; his account influenced Antonio de Herrera y Tordesillas' history of the Spanish in the New World.[5] Fontaneda had spent 17 years as an Indian captive after being shipwrecked in Florida as a boy. In his Memoir he tells of the curative waters of a lost river he calls "Jordan" and refers to de León looking for them. However, Fontaneda makes it clear he is skeptical about these stories he includes, and says he doubts de León was actually looking for the fabled stream when he came to Florida. Additionally, Ponce did not mention the fountain in his writings throughout the course of his expedition.

It is Herrera who makes that connection definite in the romanticized version of Fontaneda's story included in his Historia general de los hechos de los Castellanos en las islas y tierra firme del Mar Oceano. Herrera states that local caciques paid regular visits to the fountain. A frail old man could become so completely restored that he could resume "all manly exercises… take a new wife and beget more children." Herrera adds that the Spaniards had unsuccessfully searched every "river, brook, lagoon or pool" along the Florida coast for the legendary fountain.[6] It would appear the Sequene story is likewise based on a garbling of Fontaneda.

The very last excursion of Ponce de León ended in the vicinity of the modern Port Charlotte, Florida. Within a very short distance from the site of his last battle lies Warm Mineral Springs. This spring has been in use for thousands of years. It is, therefore, conceivable that his last action was an attempt to reach this artesian well, and to ascertain whether it is the Fount.

Earlier versions of the legend

As noted above, the concept of a Fountain of Youth was not new to Europeans when they heard of it in the Caribbean. A Fountain or Well of Youth had appeared in the Alexander Romance, the Travels of Sir John Mandeville and writings related to Prester John long before the Old World became old. Explorers of the time had a habit of projecting onto newly-found places what they had read in books of fantastic travels, as demonstrated by the naming of Amazonia, the insistence that Ethiopia's king was Prester John, and the speculation that the Earthly Paradise was to be found in Asia, the Americas, or wherever its seekers happened to be looking. When the Spanish heard native American stories of a youth-rendering spring in a land of plenty, they could not help but believe they had found the wonderful Fountain of Youth at last. Unfortunately, earlier native versions of the legend are not known outside of what snippets Spanish chroniclers managed to preserve of what is sure to have been a rich tradition.

The Fountain of Youth today

The city of St. Augustine, Florida is home to the Fountain of Youth National Archaeological Park, a tribute to the spot where Ponce de León is traditionally said to have landed. The tourist attraction was created by Luella Day McConnell in 1904. "Diamond Lil", as she was known, fabricated stories to amuse and appall the city’s residents and tourists until her death in 1927.[7]

Though the fountain situated there is not "the" Fountain, this does not stop tourists from drinking its water. The park exhibits native and colonial artifacts to celebrate St. Augustine's Timucuan and Spanish heritage.

In the book Weird Florida, part of the Weird U.S. series by Mark Moran and Mark Sceurman, author Charlie Carlson says he conversed with members of a supposed St. Augustine-based secret society claiming to be the protectors of the Fountain of Youth, which has granted them extraordinary longevity. They claimed Old John Gomez, a protagonist in the Gasparilla legend from Florida folklore, had been one of their members.[8] In August 2006, popular American magician David Copperfield claimed he had discovered a true "Fountain of Youth" amid a cluster of four small islands in the Exuma chain of the Bahamas which he recently purchased for roughly $50 million. "I've discovered a true phenomenon," he told Reuters in a telephone interview. "You can take dead leaves, they come in contact with the water, they become full of life again. … Bugs or insects that are near death, come in contact with the water, they'll fly away. It's an amazing thing, very, very exciting." Copperfield, who turned 50 in September 2006, says that he hired scientists to conduct an examination of the "legendary" water, but as of now, the fountain remains off limits to outside visitors.

The Fountain of Youth lives on as a metaphor for anything that potentially increases longevity. It is a frequently used plot device in age regression stories. Nathaniel Hawthorne used the Fountain in "Dr. Heidegger's Experiment" to demonstrate that positive thinking is a far better remedy than deluded journeys to Florida for legendary cures; Orson Welles directed and starred in a 1958 TV program based on the legend;[10] and Tim Powers featured it in On Stranger Tides, a novel of 17th century voodoo adventure. In 1953, the Walt Disney Company created a cartoon entitled Don's Fountain of Youth, in which Donald Duck had supposedly discovered the famous fountain and can't resist pretending to his nephews that it really works. In 1974 Marvel Comics featured the Fountain (which works if bathed in, but cripples if drunk from) in Man-Thing and later The Savage She-Hulk, and in 2005 the Fountain turned up in the DC Comics series Day of Vengeance. The fountain and its waters form the main plot device in Microsoft and Ensemble Studio's Age of Empires III campaign "Blood, Ice and Steel". Recently, characters in 2006 Darren Aronofsky film The Fountain search for the Tree of Life to cure a brain tumor. Jorge Luis Borges refers to the Fountain of Life in a short story in the book The Aleph, in which the people who are immortal get tired of it and eventually start looking for the Fountain of Death to reverse their immortality. The 2007 film Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End ends with Captain Jack Sparrow heading off to find the Fountain of Youth, positioned in southern Florida according to his map. Also, The Mighty Boosh has an episode called 'The Fountain of Youth' where the two characters Vince Noir and Howard Moon go searching for it. An episode of Cartoon Network's Ben 10 focuses on the lead characters defending the Fountain of Youth before it is ultimately vaporized.

Source: Wikipedia.org

Lowe's Coupons

Lowe’s is one of my dad’s favorite stores. After dropping off Frankie from school last year, he never failed to stop by Lowe’s to see what they have on sale or clearance. He loved looking at the tools they have there. In fact, before he went home to the Philippines, he saved his money to buy some tools to give to his friends as a gift. How I wish we knew that we could get the lowe’s coupons online. He could have saved even more with their already reasonable price.

Last spring, Ryan and I were there to check out the plants and scrubs that they have this year. We were able to get an apple tree last year, and I was so pleased because it is now bearing fruit. Hopefully, they will carry fruit trees again next year, so we could add it in our backyard. After all, it is nice to buy it using one of those Lowe’s coupons. I love using, finding, and collecting coupons because I love to save some extra bucks. In fact, I like getting coupons from different stores and save it for future use because if one can save here and there then hey, why not?

Fun At The Zoo

My husband Ryan took a day off today so that we can go somewhere fun (according to him) and after debating where to go (he always win anyway with that puppy begging look) we went to the zoo. I don't even know how many times I have been there and this was Frankie's second time. He was only a small baby last year that was why his Dada wants to take him there again. I have to say he is more aware now and you can see the fascination on his face whenever he sees the animals. I am glad I said yes to Ryan. It was so beautiful outside and wasn't hot at all. We chose to take the scenic but longer route around the zoo for a little exercise. It was surely a nice short get-away with my boys.

Camera Batteries

I remember our first digital camera. Ryan and I got it on clearance in one of our local stores here. I was so excited because that was when digital cameras first became popular. I love owning a digital camera. Ryan and I used to own a manual camera that takes a film. It was a hassle to take them to the store to get them developed. It usually took 2-3 days to come back then I have to make a special trip again to pick it up. If I wanted to share it to my relatives back home, I have to scan each one of them to put it up in my blogs.

With a digital camera, I do not have to worry with any of that. I usually keep a copy in the computer and in a CD. To those pictures that I want to have a hard copy, I usually print it myself since we have a special printer at home. It’s been a while since we have our first digital camera. We gave it to my sister in the Philippines. We now have an Olumpus camera. I like the features of it too, and it has a better megapixel than what we used to have. Plus, I like how easy it is to get olympus camera batteries. It makes it even better.

Broken Vow (Cover)

If you visit my other blog I am sure you have heard Ging-ging sing Broken Vow but if you haven't then just for the fun of it here is it again. It was first popularized by Lara Fabian then later sung by Josh Groban.

Lyrics:

Mmm…

Tell me her name
I want to know
The way she looks
And where you go
I need to see her face
I need to understand
Why you and I came to an end

Tell me again
I want to hear
Who broke my faith in all these years
Who lays with you at night
When I'm here all alone
Remembering when I was your own

I'll let you go
I'll let you fly
Why do I keep on asking why
I'll let you go
Now that I found
A way to keep somehow
More than a broken vow

Tell me the words I never said
Show me the tears you never shed
Give me the touch
That one you promised to be mine
Or has it vanished for all time

I'll let you go
I'll let you fly
Why do I keep on asking why
I'll let you go
Now that I found
A way to keep somehow
More than a broken vow

I close my eyes
And dream of you and I
And then I realize
There's more to life than only bitterness and lies
I close my eyes

I'd give away my soul
To hold you once again
And never let this promise end

I'll let you go
I'll let you fly
Why do I keep on asking why
I'll let you go
Now that I found
A way to keep somehow
More than a broken vow, mmm…

Trick or Treat

I still have not decided what Frankie will be this Halloween. I think I may have to take the burden off myself and let him decide which character he wants to be. He was a doctor last year, and I may have to ask him to select one of the characters of his favorite Toy Story movie. When I was looking for a costume for him last year, I noticed that the stores that I had been to did not carry plus size Halloween costumes. I find it really odd since I have seen plus size wearers participate during Halloween. I wonder where they get their costumes.

Halloween is the time of the year where everyone is looking forward to it. It is the time where adults and kids alike can be whoever they want to be. I don’t know if I will be able to dress up this year. I dressed up as a doctor last year to match with Frankie’s costumes. I am wondering if there is a place where I can get a costume for pregnant women like me. It would be awesome. I just want to be a part of the celebration like I used to every year. At least, if couldn’t find a costume for a pregnant woman, I can check out Womanwithin.com see what they have because they carry plus size costumes and accessories. I might be able to find something that might work. The costumes they have are really cute. I will be browsing to see if there is something I can grab to wear for Halloween. My mom might find something too since she will be coming with us trick or treating.

Clothes Anyone?

Last weekend we picked up Ryan's Grandma's old clothes that his aunt wants to give away to the Philippines. We took the van just in case our aunt will give us a lot and she actually did. I don't even know how many boxes we have in there but all I know is we have to get rid of them really soon for the Philippines. I haven't seen any clothes that I like but our aunt gave me a couple of shoes that fits perfectly. I guess grandma and I have the same shoe size so I was happy. I don't have to go shopping. I couldn't thank them enough. I am sure they will make a lot of people in the Philippines happy.

Plus Size Shoes and Boots

I worked for three years as a supervisor in a shoe department at a store near our place. Everyday I helped different kinds of customers with different shoe or feet problems. I have seen feet with wide calf, feet that are too narrow or too wide, and even feet with spread out toes that putting it in an enclosed shoe would be hard. Most of the problems I encountered with costumers are from people who were plus size or tall men wearers because they couldn’t find a pair of shoes that fits them and fits them well at that. Size wise is not the problem but the issue is not having a wide enough shoe to accommodate their feet.

The place where I used to work carry wide, but it was very limited and they usually do not have wide size for boots. I used to hear complains about how hard it is for plus size wearers to get in trend with the latest style because there are no pair of boots that would fit them. It must have been so frustrating. Thankfully, there is a place where plus size women can now buy wide calf boots and can be as stylish as they want. At Onestopplus.com, they have a wide selection of plus size shoes and boots. They also carry regular sized shoes. I like how easy it is to find what you are looking for by narrowing your search. You can use the size, price, color, or even the brand to get started with your search. I will definitely check out what they have. Mama might find something that she likes.

Papa and Sister Singing

If you are a constant follower of my other blogs you would know that my family loves to sing. Whenever I miss them back home I usually request for my sister and Papa to sing for me. Then upload it in you tube and I am happy. When I asked my sister what she will miss most when Papa will join us here, she said their singing duet all the time. When she is bored or tired from studying she usually asks Papa to sing with her. He used to be the Matt Monroe type of song guy but I don't know what happened why he is singing some Whitney Houston or Celine Dion songs now but I always enjoy watching them together. I always feel like I am just there with them. Excuse the mess. Here they are :

When you tell me that you love me.

I want to spend my lifetime loving you.

Some high notes that wasn't hit but good enough for me.

New York City

I have never been to New York City and I wish for the day that I can take my family there with me. I have been to New York though but not on the heart of the city. There are a lot of spectacular things to do in New York City. If you like art then the Metropolitan Museum of Art will be perfect for you. With a collection worth visiting, you can never go wrong.

Another significant place that is worth visiting in New York City is the famous Rockefellar Center. Rockefellar Center is the home of different famous studios and the famous ice skating rink among other things. If you want something fun, visiting the Empire State building will be another exciting thing to do. It will be fun watching the beautiful city through their observation deck. The Statue of Liberty is one landmark you do not want to miss while in New York. After spending the day at those beautiful tourist spots, you want a place to stay where you can enjoy the view of the city with spectacular accommodation.

There are different hotels in New York City but nothing beats Time Square Hotels. With their luxurious accommodations, they are the place to stay for visitors from different parts of the world. They have a list of New York City deals and special offers too, so you could plan your day ahead. Take a look at the hotel's photos and be amazed of what they have to offer. The next time you think about New York City, do you forget to check out the Intercontinental Hotel at Interconny.com.

Present

I mentioned in my other blog that I was saving to buy my cousins backpacks for school. The backpacks in the Philippines are not that durable according to my aunt that is why they asked mama to tell me. I told mama to tell my cousins that as long as they promised to do good in school I will try to get them some. The last time I was at Target school supplies were already on clearance but still 30% off. When I went there yesterday to buy some dressy pants I checked if they still have some school supplies left. I was losing hope because it's been a while since school started but I was so happy when I saw that they were all in the back wall and already 75% off. So I bought 10 backpacks, 8 for my cousins, one white jansports perfect for the nursing student Ging-ging for only $7.00 plus and another backpack for me. The hello kitty backpacks and the fatigue were only 3.98 each. I also got Ging-ging a little purple cooler for her school for $2.00 plus and an ice pack for .48. When I came home and I showed it to Ryan he was ok about it (he paid for it momentarily because my paypal is zero). All he said was to send them right away in a small balikbayan box so that they will get it in time for Christmas and that is what I will do very soon. I can just imagine the smiles of my little cousins in San Fernando when they get these but most of all thanks Dada for being so generous.

So if you want to get these deals for Christmas head out to Target by the seasonal department and you'll find them there before they salvage them all out. With 10 backpacks I got and a cooler I was only able to pay $48.00.

Electronic Cigarette

I grew up watching my grandfather use pipe or cigarette. No matter how many times my grandmother would warn him, he didn’t care because he likes the feeling he got every time he puff his cigarettes. At the age of 65, he died of lung cancer. It did not come as a surprise because we all saw it coming. At the later part of his life, he had become a change smoker hence speeding up his death. My grandmother was devastated, but it was a choice he made.

I am glad that none of my siblings smoke or it would devastate me so much. People that smoke certainly know the effects of smoking to their body, but they seem to oversee these harmful effects for momentary pleasure. That is why whoever came up with the electronic cigarette is a genius. Imagine how many people the electronic cigarette will eventually save. Electronic cigarette give the same sensation as the real cigarettes do minus the harmful effects to the body.

Plus, electronic cigarettes are so easy to get these days especially when you visit Thesafecig.com today. It can be ordered online with different nicotine levels of your choice and shipped to your house. Amazing isn’t it? What is even amazing is how safe it is to the environment and to the body. With a privately funded research, you can be sure that electronic cigarettes has gone through a lot of study to get them where they are today. Every smoker should consider using electronic cigarette.

Shopping In Bradley

I hate shopping especially when it is for me. Last Sunday the three of us went on our weekend shopping again and this time, Ryan wanted me to get some clothes for work. I really hate looking for clothes because I never like trying them on. I love shopping for other people but never for myself. We bought my father a couple of shirts. Ryan also got a couple and after a long search I got a couple for myself. We will be going back anytime soon again to get some more for work. Frankie also got a couple of toys from his Dada. It is the Mr. Potato Head. They put it together last night.

He loves pulling it apart and putting it back.

Fixing the hat.

International Calling Made Easy

One of the things I like to do is be in control. I am in control with my credit cards and my spending, but I can’t seem to control my frequent international calling to my family back home. I always make sure to call them every week. It wouldn’t be that bad if we only talk for 30 minutes, but it is usually more than an hour or even two hours sometimes. My husband has been complaining because it has definitely become quiet an expensive habit.

It would have been very nice to find low cost international calling to get connected with my family back home. I’ve searched online a few times to look for one, and it may sound cheap but they charge me with connection fees, surcharge, and other hidden charges that I ended up with very little left in the calling card. Fortunately, I found the answer to my problem. At pureminutes.com, I can register my cell phone number, get my local access number, and make international calls. What I like about it is I can check my balance and know exactly how much I have left to make the call instead of getting a calling card for a fix amount because it gets deducted every time I hang up. This way, I am in control. I can't wait to tell my friends about this.

From Illinois with Love

Yesterday afternoon my family finally got another set of balikbayan boxes we sent. This time it was the big one and a couple of small ones. We were cleaning up the closets about two months ago and Ryan kept insisting that he wants to send his old clothes to the Philippines. I also have a lot of pre-pregnancy clothes that doesn't fit me anymore that I also wanted to get rid of. I am so glad that they all liked it. Mama had set aside some clothes for Papa. Ryan told me to tell mama that she can give it away because we already started buying him some clothes here and when he gets here we will buy him some more. I am so glad that I have a very generous husband. We have another set of balikbayan boxes a couple of big ones and a couple of small ones. Ryan has been bugging me to get another box so that we can get rid of some of the shoes that we are not using anymore.

clothes, belts and moreNo chocolates this time but we sent backpacks and school supplies for the students that are over there.

Educational Toys

Before Frankie was born, Ryan and I agreed that all we are going to get him are educational toys for kids. I watched him grow up and loving all the toys that we got him. Now that he is going to have another sibling, it is time to take them out of the garage and set it up in the baby’s room. I can’t wait to see the new baby enjoy the toys as much as Frankie enjoyed them when he was a baby.

Educational toys and childrens play furniture are perfect gifts for baby showers, children’s birthdays, and even christening. Children love toys especially when it is educational toys. I used to like it every time Frankie gets educational toys from relatives and friends. I felt like they are actually giving us a favor by giving Frankie such toys. Educational toys are so easy to find these days.

When you visit Cptoy.com, you will find a wide array of educational toys and play furniture for children. You can shop according to different categories, age, and even price to narrow your search. If you are on a budget, you can also check out their sales on different toys, trucks, and more. Plus, it is free shipping on orders $69.99 or more. You can shop online or find a store near you. I think I just found the gift for my nephew's birthday.

Orland Square Mall

Frankie and I are so grateful that Ryan didn't have any commitment yesterday. They slept in until 10:00 a.m. Ryan got up and took Frankie out and cooked breakfast while I slept in until noon. When breakfast was ready Ryan woke me up to eat. My sleeping schedule has been really screwed up with working but I am not complaining. I am just glad that Ryan takes charge with Frankie when he is home. After lunch we head to our bedroom to clean up and get rid of the clothes that we want to send to the Philippines and put everything together in the box. Unfortunately, it seems like we may have to get another small one because the backpacks that I bought will not fit in there. Ryan decided to also send the complete bedding set for the queen size bed we have to the Philippines. We don't need it anymore and he said it is better that they can make use of it than throwing it out. That took so much space that the other set of pencil case and backpacks were still in the plastic bag. Good thing I remember that I still need to name the backpacks to where they should go. I may have to take some of them off because I don't think I will be able to close it. I don't like sending it like it is about to burst.

Frankie's old diaper bag for my sister in law and some ribbons for exchanging gifts.

After putting the stuff together, Ryan wanted to take us to the mall. So we went and had Frankie play in the play area. We got some yummy pretzels on our way out from the mall and stopped to get some Browns Chicken for dinner. Enjoyed a classic Filipino movie and sent my boys to sleep and I talked with my family back home. It was simple yet I had a wonderful time.