Monday, March 31, 2008

Weird Easter Snow

Shelby plays with the snow Shelby having fun with the snow


Technically, spring is one day old when a winter storm dumped more than a foot of snow here in Iowa last Easter. After my sunday easter mass at St. Joseph's Key West, hubby and the girls picked me up for an Easter Sunday Brunch at Holiday Inn, which we did last easter too. The buffet style foods were great.....and the arrangement were so nice that I feel bad I forgot my camera this time to take some photos. We had so much fun....that I did not guess that I will pay the bill at the end....great, huh.

Later that afternoon, here comes the snow storm, Shelby comes out of the house and play with the snow. It wasn't even at all that bad outside, the temperature is like in the 40's so the ground is warm that I don't worried about the snow will stick to the sidewalk.

With these, Dubuque set a new record of 76.2 of snow for 2007-08 season.

The World Tag Linker Chain




Thank you Nedekcir for this tag. Links around the world tags (update as of Mar. 31, 2008 9:07 AM GMT+8)
Instructions:

1. Place your link after the list. If you have more than 1 blog, feel free to add them all here!

2. After placing your blog’s address, you must tag 5 or more bloggers that is not yet in the list, this is to keep the ball rolling.

Make sure to update your list every now and then, by getting the master list here.

1 - Momhood Moments 2 - Business Mars 3 - Pinay Mommy Online 4 - OnlineBiz and Resources 5 - A Simple life 6 - moms….. check nyo 7 - Mommy’s Little Corner 8- Princezz 9 - Princess 10 - Random Thoughts 11 - Paradigm 12 - See Me For What You Will 13 - Pamp's Blog Corner 14 - Pampered 15 - HappyHeart 16 - Qtcotzkie and Baby 17 -tragicseven 18 - s.t.a.r.d.u.s.t. 19 -Twinkletoe I 20 - Twinkletoe II 21 - Kaye's Side 22 - out of the box 23 - Just Saying 24 - Tipsy Tips 25 - Different Angles 26 - Delicious Corner 27 - I Care 28 - Blog Blag Blog 29 - Daily List 30 - Life's Journey 31 -Cecil 32 -Ron & Cecil 33 - Frenchcess 34 -Trendy Momma 35 - Cherish 36 -Dha Maldita 37 - Lovin’ Purple 38 - The Notebook 39 - Saranghaeyo 40 - Welcome to my Crib 41 - Hearts Desire 42 - Island Paradise 43 - Texas Life 44 - Long Journey 45 - D' Cooking Mudra 46 - My life 47- Swept Away 48 - Winged Words 49 - Rainier and Katrina 50 - Life! Learn it. Live it. Love it. 51 - Colour Our World 52 - pinkykei 53 - Choc Mint Girl 54 - The Next Chapter 55 - Painted Life 56 - Jannesse 57 - Shopaholic Pat 58 - A Matter of Perspective 59- Ang Therapist 60- Endometriosis & Fertility Resource Page 61- Freebies Australia 62- Abstract Musings 63 - Joey M.D. 64 - The Working Mom 65 - Online Raket 66 - Ang.Lakambini.Org 67 - Listen to the Beat 68 - The Strategist Notebook 69 - Link Addiction 70 - Ardour of the Heart 71 - When Life Becomes a Book 72 - The Malaysian Life 72 - Yogatta.com 74 - What goes under the sun 75 - Roshidan’s Cyber Station 76 - Sasha says 77 - Arts of Physics 78 - And the legend lives 79 - My View, My Life 80 - A Simple Life 81 - Juliana RW 82 - The Callalily Space 83 - Petra Summer in Blue 84 - Confessions of an Army Wife 85 - Bless’ Sanctuary Happy Life 86 - http://bless519.bravejournal.com/ 87 - La Place de Cherie 88 - Chez Francine 89 - Le bric a brac de Cherie 89 - Little Peanut 90 - Pea in a Pod 91 - The Creative In Me 92 - Me and Mine 93 - Expressions from the Heart 94 - TeacherJulie 95 - Sweetbites by Bang 96 - Paul, Toni and Lance - Bridging the Distance 97 - Our Growing Family 98 - The Uncensored life of me 99 - My Untamed World 100 - Something Purple, A Detour 101 - Something Purple 102 - Changing Lanes 103 -Blog District 104 - The Chic Shopaholic 105 - Gracie de guzman 106 - The Wifey Diaries 107 - Kelli 108 - Sindi 109 - Mark 110 - Mrs. Nespy 111 - My Kids Mom 112 - Bringing up Salamanders 113 - Turtleheart Cove 114 - Turtleheart Crafts! 115 -Mom Knows Everything 116 - Beth & Cory's Mom 117 - A Mind Forever Voyaging 118 - enjoying the ride 119 - Jennifer's thoughts 120 - Mom of 3 Girls 121 - Amanda 123 - Don't Make Me Get The Flying Monkeys 124 - ExPat Mom 125 - Just Jessie 126 - Wilson Six 127 - Krisitn 128 - Nuttier Than You 129 - Shonnte 130 - Summer's Nook 131 - Laura Williams Musings 132 - Sher 133 - Shanda 134 - Seven QTPies 135 - Mel 136 - Skittles 137 - Lady Banana 138 - Make Every Day Your Lucky Day 139 - Thumbelina Creations 140 - Ivonnardona’s Creations 141 - Jewellery Craft 142 - A Bead a Day 143 - Useless Ramblings 144 -Candid Yammering 145 - Green Eyed Mama 146 - Mother May I 147 - Full Time in New Mexico 148 - Dragonflys Musings 149 - Missbodybeautiful 150 - My Thoughts and Moods 151- My JOurney 152 - Celebrate Life 153 - Deeply In love 154 - mY pReciOus 155 - mY vOyAge 156 -denz techtronics 157 - denz recreational 158 - Cashing 159 - Icelog 160 - Life's Impression 161 - Liza 162 - Its Not A Weekend;Its a Lifestyle 163 - Napaboaniya APAD 164 - the travelling ducks 165 - Rooms of My Heart 166 -Lifes with the Two Crazy Dogs 167 - Pearly with Love 168 - Rose' World 169 - A Roadmap Of Memories 170 - Blog Indulgence! 171 - My Wanderings 172 - Maiylah’s Snippets 173 - Picture Clusters 174 - MyOwnUtopia 175 - Bahchi 176 - Adie 177 - LiLo 178 - Kulit’s Money Making Tactics 179 - Yotoblog 180 - My so-called world 181 - Labski 182 - Pamps' Blog Corner 183 - Pamps' Pamps Compilation of Videos 184 - Mailboxmoney 185 - Rainbow Traveller 186 - Urban Arts 187 -Cybercoolsnews 188 - Cybertunes 189 - Cybershopping 190 - Groovy Vegetarian 191 - Hip Hop Fanatic 192 - About Blog Contests 193 - Free Music Lyrics and Videos 194 - Total Health Blog 195 - In The Life Of...Mne 196 -In My Kitchen 197 - Get Your Wish - 198 Virgie's Webplace -YOU'RE NEXT!!!

Sunday, March 30, 2008

A Family Tragedy



I am terribly saddened by this horrific tragedy in Iowa City last night of Easter or early Monday morning. A former bank vice-president who was in trouble for stealing money from a bank where he works killed his wife, four children with a baseball bat and then drove his vehicle into a concrete pillar along Interstate 80, killing himself.

The whole story makes me sick to my stomach so I won’t go into any more details about the murder / suicide. Click here for the whole story: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,340920,00.html

The question that comes to mind now is what in the world did Steven Sueppel do with the over half million dollars he embezzled? Is there anyway there could be some 3rd party involvement that will never be divulged to the public. I can't believe the guy spent that much on drugs for personal use?

Make Friends, Make Money with PayPerPost!



I just signed up for payperpost last week, and received confirmation that my blog being accepted today. Not too long ago, in my fil-am forum community, I heard about a site where you get paid to blog and sharing your opinions. I've been reading their blogs and really find it hard to believe that by signing with PayPerPost and write about blog ads they can save and buy good stuffs, thanks for their great information. I just started blogging last February and its so cool because you will gain a lot of friends and at the same time will have an opportunity to make money by signing up at payperpost.

This is what I've learned how the site works... bloggers sign up and create an account with them and advertisers sign up and create an account as well, then the advertisers after signing up can create opportunities by putting out a request for bloggers to write articles for their products/websites. What I love about this is, it is a good opportunity for bloggers to make some extra money at the same time making friends and sharing your opinions. Thanks, that I logged in today and found out about my approved blog, now I have a chance saving money to buy Christmas presents for my family.

So, if you’d like to earn money while blogging, get setup for a payperpost and check it out here now..

It might take a bit of time for your blog to be accepted so it might be a good idea to sign up now if you plan on having an account with them.

Link Tags

Thank you Mylou for tagging me, I think I need this to increase traffic on my site.

Rules: Cut and paste the following starting here. I have randomly selected 5 of you below to be tagged and I hope that you will similarly publish this post in your blog. You will have to tag 5 other bloggers and just keep adding on to the list. (Do not replace, just keep on adding! Yes we hope it will be a long list!)

It’s real easy! Tag others and see your Technorati Authority increase exponentially! The benefits of Viral Linking:- One of the fastest ways to see your technorati authority explode!- Increase your Google PageRank fast- Attract large volume of new traffic to your site- Build your community- Make new friends!

The Strategist Notebook, Link Addiction, Ardour of the Heart, When Life Becomes a Book, The Malaysian Life, Yogatta.com, Rojoy's Daily Update, What goes under the sun,Roshidan’s Cyber Station, Sasha says, Arts of Physics, And the legend lives, My View, My Life, A Simple Life, Juliana RW, The Callalily Space, PetraRoger Summer in Blue, Confessions of an Army Wife Bless’ Sanctuary Happy Life, http://bless519.bravejournal.com/, La Place de Cherie, Chez Francine, Le bric a brac de Cherie, Little Peanut, Pea in a Pod, The Creative In Me, Me and Mine, Pinay Mommy, Expressions from the Heart, Buzzy Bee Mom,TeacherJulie, Sweetbites by Bang, Paul, Toni and Lance -Mommy Joy Of Two Bridging the Distance, Our Growing Family, The Uncensored life of me, My Untamed World, Something Purple, A Detour, Rojoy's Kitchen,Something Purple, Wifespeaks, Changing Lanes,Bits and Pieces , Life Together Starts , A Housewife’s Journal, Joey M.D., The Working Mom, Online Raket, Idle in Makati, JengSpeaks, A Matter of Perspective, Ang Therapist, Freebies Australia, Abstract Musings, Endometriosis & Fertility Resource Page, The Adventures of Dong and Jing, Rojoy's Daily Update, Buzzy Bee Mom, Mommy Joy Of Two, Rojoy's Kitchen, My Journey, Celebrate Life, Deeply In Love, Loving Living and Laughing, Mindless Thought, Virgie's Webplace

I want to pass this links tag to: Jana, Funkiemommy, venu, Beth, and marie.

Saturday, March 22, 2008

The Pain of Moving

We were so stressed of moving.....couple of days ago, the Human Resources informed my husband that he needs to report for work on the 28th of April. So, we need to pack up our things 1 week before that, call up the moving company for the schedule of packing all our stuff, then set up the date of moving. We decided to throw away some not so needed things, like his old lazy boy chair, some old clothes, etc. We also given away to friends the other things that still useful like the bunkbed of the girls. Now, that they are taller, each of them needs a bed.

The not so fun thing is the searching....it's hard to find a place especially if you have a dog. Some nice condos don't accept pets. We can't just gave up our dog, he's our boy. We found a place but it's a townhouse, much more expensive but they accept dogs. It's a nice townhouse, spacious kitchen, 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and its near the girl's school. We will pay $35 monthly fee for our dog, plus $300 for dog deposit. Since we are in a rush, we just get it.

Unluckily the townhouse will be available on May 1st but husband needs to report for work on the 28th. The deposit was made, contract was signed..so the only remedy is to stay at the hotel for 1 week. All the stuffs will stay at the moving company and we will move to the hotel. I'm against staying at the hotel for economic reasons, but we have no choice as of the moment. As planned we will be moving on the 23rd of April, stay on the hotel for 7 days, waiting for the availability of the townhouse.

Friday, March 21, 2008

Little episode of my life in Saudi-as a woman

Well, I'm a person who had experienced life transition situation many times, and its always not easy. You have to be able to cope up with the cultural differences of communication and cultural differences. I spent 3 years of my life in a completely different culture in a country where religion serve as their constitution.
As an overseas contract worker, being warned not to bring pork, pornography, Bibles, crucifixes and the obvious ingredients of home-made alcohol into the country did not come as a surprise. The country is devoid of public entertainment, cinemas and club. There are some fine restaurants but with the strict seating area for single men and families, single women are not allowed in any restaurants unaccompanied. For women, in public you are required to wear their traditional islamic female dress (see the photo above), a black cloak-like affair called the abaya, which masks any resemblance of a women form/shape from male onlookers. For some stricter city like Gassim, all women including non-muslim required to put cover on face, with only the eyes is visible.
If you're imagining right now, just picture the image of a ninja warrior, that's exactly how they will look like, with those all black dress covered from head to foot. Note also that you have to cover your hair too with scarf. It's not easy for me, especially during the extreme heat season of the country. NO matter what, you have to wear their national dress, even in an emergency situation.
One time, at my work, I was in a rush to get an in-patient for physical therapy. The Physical Therapist instructed me to get the patient exactly in time, because the Male patient will use the gym(remember male and female should always separate) in about 30 mins. The patient I was about to get is already in her patient's gown. But because she will be getting outside from her ward, she needs to put on her abaya and black face mask which will take 15 minutes to put on, oh my gash, I wish female patients will be exempted from wearing this because time is important in a hospital. What if there is a fire or in a between life and death situation?, I think female there is scared not to break the law, they will still wear their masks and abaya. Ok, were done with what women wear in Saudi.
Let's just put everything together:
Women in Saudi aren't allowed to drive.
They aren't allowed to go to public place with a man that aren't their husband. If the mutawa (their religious authorities) caught you with a man and you can't show any marriage papers, you will be jailed.
Women in Saudi can't vote.
They are not allowed to go to football matches.
Women in Saudi Arabia are not allowed to try on clothes in shops and malls.
They can hardly work.
With all of the above, why do they even have to exist in Saudi Arabia? why not just simply send all females to the neighboring countries and change the name of the country to the The land of Males.
Are they allowed to breath?

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

This will blow you away!

Really amazing! (Just click the photos to enlarge)





















Amazing isn't it? Find out how David Copperfield tricks us. Gypsy, who gave the first comment below has the answer. But the admin deleted it. Curious to know it? Let me know, and I'll tell you.....

The longest line

I just received two tags with exactly the same contents and links, so I decided to just put it into one, combine the links that Avee and Flor gave me. Thanks guys for this tag, I know it will help my new blog to increase page ranking.

Copy and paste the following starting here (for bloggers paste on the "compose" not the "edit html" part in posting blogs so it will be linked automatically). I have randomly selected other bloggers below to be tagged and I hope that you will similarly publish this post in your blog. You will have to add your link in the end of the list and tag other bloggers and just keep adding on to the list. (Do not replace, just keep on adding). Tag others and see your Technorati Authority increase exponentially!The benefits of Viral Linking:- One of the fastest ways to see your technorati authority explode!- Increase your Google PageRank fast- Attract large volume of new traffic to your site- Build your community- Make new friends!

Abie - Journey to Life
Abie - MyPlanetPurple
Farah - changing lanes
Bela
Kaptyurd by Howell
Aggie
Apols
Apple
Thea
Jacqui
Jane
Jody
Joy
Kelly
Leah
Mich
Pat
Peachy
navin
Vien
Nick
Anna
venu
Catsy's Blogs
Catsy
Catsy II
Pet Blog
Out of the Blue
Travelnorms
LiraJackie1
Jackie2
Avee's Adventures
Avee's Never Ending Stories
Gigi's Humble Home
Gigi's Simple World
Flor All I want is everything
Virgie's Webplace

And I want to pass it on to, let me see who's still not on the list yet, ah: Jana, Chelle, Sheng, Janeth, and Shareen. Ladies hope you keep our blogging community alive by passing it on to other bloggers. Thanks.

Monday, March 17, 2008

Stimulus Payment Notice

We had just received this Notice from IRS today about our Stimulus Payment. For those who are living here in the US, perhaps most of you knows about this new law. United States Congress and President George W. Bush just signed into law the Economic Stimulus Payment Act of 2008, which provides for economic stimulus payments to be made to over 130 million American households. Under this new law, you maybe entitled to a payment of up to $600($1,200 if filing joint return) plus, additional amounts for each qualifying child. And it is Tax-free. Believe it or not, the US Government is truly giving us a gift. This happens only in America, folks. I wish there is something like this in the Philippines, government giving money to poor people instead of crocodile (buwaya) officials putting the money in their wallets.

They will begin sending the one-time payments starting May. To be able to receive payment in 2008, individuals who qualify will not have to do anything more than file a 2007 tax return. So, fellow tax payers its clear that if you filed and got your refund, all you have to do is just sit and wait. The IRS will determine eligibility, figure the amount, and send the payment. This payment should not be confused with any 2007 income tax refund that is owed to you by the federal government. Income tax refunds for 2007 will be made separately from this one-time payment.

In addition, individuals cannot receive a payment if they can be claimed as a dependent of another taxpayer or they filed a 2007 Form 1040NR, 1040NR-EZ, 1040-PR, or 1040-SS.

I wonder how the people will spend it ( I heard a few people talking about buying a car, and new furniture. Some saves it for special reasons) from what I understand, the idea behind these rebates is to spend the money and stimulate the economy. But while the reason for getting the checks is clear, exactly who gets what and why?

And beware of scammers who want to get a hold of your money. Right now there are people who claim to be from the Social Security Administration. They tell you they can get your rebate to you quicker and all you have to do is give your date of birth and checking account number. Another is an e-mail scam that looks like an official message from the IRS, but it's not.

Remember your check will be mailed to you or direct deposited to your bank account.

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Suicides and the Spring Time

Spring time is approaching... grass, plants, tress, leaves, flowers are going back to life again. There will be more sunlight, daylight is longer, more outdoor activities....these are some of the reasons I thought people are likely more happier and less depressed during Spring time. The truth about spring and suicide might surprise some people, which is exactly the problem.

There has always been a myth that suicides peak during the holidays(month of December and winter time) but it's actually just the opposite(this is according to Mental Health America). Research in US and Europe suggests suicide rate soar in the spring, with April and May among the most dangerous months for people who suffer from depression. It maybe related to brain chemicals ang light-for example, there is more sunlight in spring and the sun is closer to us, so the sunlight is better. Sunlight creates more serotonin- a brain chemical associated with good mood- while decreasing melatonin -a brain chemical associated with sleep. The question is why wouldn't this combination reduce the risk of suicide?

Seems when you are very depressed, you don't have the energy to act out your suicidal thoughts, it's all related to the energy to do it. So, it means spring suicides are tend to be more violent and more effective because of the increased energy boost. There's the energy to make the valid attempt.

Let us pay attention closely to our loved ones to suicide's warning sign. There are so many myths about suicide but the one that people who talk about it don't do it. NOt everyone who talks about suicide does it, but anybody who has done it has said something about it before. Watch for some behavioral signs and don't ignore them thinking it's spring and they feel better.

BEWARE OF WARNING SIGNS:
  • Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness or having no purpose in life, along with a loss of interest of pleasure in doing things.
  • A preoccupation with death, dying or violence, or talking about wanting to die.
  • Seeking access to weapons, medications, or other means of killing oneself.
  • Wide mood swings (feeling extremely "up" one day and terribly "down" the next).
  • Feelings of great agitation, rage or uncontrolled anger, or wanting to get revenge.
  • Changes in eating and sleeping habits (including withdrawing from family members and friends or suddenly becoming outgoing when the person is typically shy.
  • Risky or self-destructive behavior, such as taking illegal drugs or driving recklessly
  • Sudden calmness (when the person had made the decision to end his or her life).
  • Life crises, traumas, or setbacks.
  • Putting one's affairs in order - including giving away belongings, visiting family members and friends, drawing up a will or writing a suicide note. (source: American College of Emergency Physicians)

The "I" tag

Elaine passed me this tag...

I AM…........ excited with our plan right now.
I WANT….. change
I HAVE…... so many things to do for the next few weeks..
I HATE....... winter
I FEAR….... failure
I SEARCH… for a condo right now (see my previous post)
I WONDER.. if our plan will push thru, i wish...
I REGRET….everything that I've done wrong
I AM NOT....right handed.
I DANCE.......left and left
I SING….......bahay kubo out of tune pa.
I CRY............when I'm down
I WRITE…...anything that interests me
I WON..........a spelling competition
I AM CONFUSED… about life.
I NEED…................. more energy to do all these tasks.
I SHOULD…...........be thankful and grateful.

I want to pass this on to: Norma, Audrey, Nedekcir, Lina, Susan leonita, and Poray.

Hardwork Pays....

It's the time of year again (in the Philippines) that we will celebrate the most important day of school life....Graduation. I have nephew and niece that gonna graduate high school this March 26, 2008. I'm so happy for their parents, at last after all those hardwork they had made just to have financial means to support their children, they will now enjoy the fruit of their sacrifices by seeing them on the stage.

In our conversation this morning, I can feel how excited they were, I always tell them the value of education that on these days, if you don't have education, the only thing you'll be shown is the door. Don’t let your dreams stay only dreams. Take steps to make them a reality. You can start by having a good education. And don't let any obstacles hinder you, like lack of financial capability. That's the no. 1 reason of the rising number of out of school youth today, no money to support their education. But don't let that reason beats you, if the money is the problem, then find way to make one. I was one of them, unfortunately, I was not lucky enough like some of my batchmates who has capable parents to support their college education. If only those kids know how lucky they are, that there is someone who will be able to finance their education unlike us and the majority.

I still remember after my high school graduation, there were only 4 options that you can choose if u cannot go to college: those days, going to Japan is very popular, you will be trained to dance or sing or play in a band. Second, just get married young, have kids, and stay poor. Third, start working, salesperson if you have personality(this is a must in the dept. store), or any high school graduate jobs like washing dishes, or factory jobs. And fourth, just stay at home being PAL (palamunin), like a parasite.

Geesh, I chose none of the above. I bravely follow what my heart wants...to go enroll in a college, without any assurance that I have enough money for my expenses. Thanks to those fastfoods companies that gives opportunity to students earn money while studying. Jollibee is part of my college life, some competitors accused them of exploiting young students working, still, the fact remains that they help many poor students to survive and finish their college course. It is a good training ground for students to learn the value of hardwork, teamwork, good communications, and time management. I owe one to SM Supermarket too(working as cashier), by giving us, the students the opportunity to work with them. And many other companies who offered part time job to poor students who rely only to their earnings to support their education. Surely, hardwork pays....

Friday, March 14, 2008

Links around the world-one way to boost pr

The goal of this tag is to boost blog pr by linking as much as many blogs around the world. I got this tag from Ice. Thanks a lot, friend. So, let's start spreading.
Instructions:

1. Place your link after the list. If you have more than 1 blog, feel free to add them all here!
2. After placing your blog’s address/es, you must tag 5 or more bloggers that is not yet in the list, this is to keep the ball rolling.

Links around the world tag (update as of Mar. 14, 2008)
1 - Momhood Moments 2 - Business Mars 3 - Pinay Mommy Online 4 - OnlineBiz and Resources 5 - A Simple life 6 - moms….. check nyo 7 - Mommy’s Little Corner 8- Princezz 9 - Princess 10 - Random Thoughts 11 - Paradigm 12 - See Me For What You Will 13 - Pamp’s Blog Corner 14 - Pampered 15 - HappyHeart 16 - Qtcotzkie and Baby 17 - A Sorta Fairytale 18 -tragicseven 19 - Listen to the Beat! 20 Just Saying 21 Tipsy Tips 22 Different Angles 23 Delicious Corner 24 I Care 25 Blog Blag Blog 26 Daily List 27 - Life’s Journey 28- Welcome to my Crib 29 - Hearts Desire 30 - Island Paradise 31 - Texas Life 32 - Long Journey 33 - D’ Cooking Mudra 34 - My life 35- Swept Away 36 - Winged Words 37 - Rainier and Katrina 38 - Life! Learn it. Live it. Love it. 39 - Colour Our World 40 - The Next Chapter 41 - Painted Life 42 - La Place de Cherie 43- Chez Francine 44- Le Bric à Brac de Cherie 45- Missbodybeautiful 46. My Thoughts and Moods 47. My JOurney 48. Celebrate Life 50. Deeply In love 51. mY pReciOus 52. mY vOyAge 53.denz techtronics 54. denz recreational 55. Cashing 56. Icelog 57. Virgie's Webplace 58. Place your blog HERE!

I want to share this tag to these friends of mine: Alranga53, Susan, Dezz, lutchi, laura, Janethvicy, Flor, Mylou and YOU!

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Dog-friendly Condo

As we get closer to the month of May, the reality that we will be moving has started to really set in. If you read my previous post, my husband got a job located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. We have decided that living in a condo or apartment for a while will be better for us than rushing right into buying a house.
We are looking to relocate to Pewaukee, Wisconsin (which is 15 miles to his work) and now started looking for a condo to rent that accept pets. I've done searches on the internet and have found hardly any rentals that accept animals. Our mini-schnauzer dog is now 3, he is a VERY clean, quiet indoor companion and will not damage anything or make noise. He was a house trained dog. 2 to 3 bedrooms will suffice for my husband and I. Can anyone recommend or is there anyone that you know whom we can contact? We'd love any information that can help us. Thanks.

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Germiest thing in the school


I was surprised with the grade shool student's experiment in the school today. Their goal is to find the germiest thing inside the school building. My guess was they will find it at the kid's toilet, coz everytime I accompany some special kids to the toilet I can see how dirty it was, some of the kids does not observe proper cleanliness in using the toilet. But nope, its not, can you guess what it is? The answer might not be what you think. Yes, its far from what I guess, they found it at the library, and it's the library's computer keyboard. They checked also the office computer keyboards and found out they have a lot of bacterias compared to the toilet seat in the kid's bathroom.
How about your home? Can you name the top 5 germiest things? I was right on my guess with this: kitchen sponge or dishrags- I prefer using microfiber dishtowels, I used them once then wash it. Second is the cutting board- I bleach them everytime I wash especially if I cut chicken or any meat. Your kitchen surfaces and faucet handles have a lot of germs too. Use antibacterial products to wipe these. Sink drains are nasty too, with germy biofilms, yucky. And the doorknobs too, I make sure I wipe it everyday with antibacterial agents.

Monday, March 10, 2008

America is becoming a Plastic Nation?

America, more than ever, is becoming a plastic nation, pumping in billion of dollars to find the fountain of youth. And as baby boomers approach retirement, plastic surgery isn't just for Hollywood anymore. It's the pursuit of fountain of youth and some argue, a culture's inability to grow old gracefullly.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxAn example of before and after Botox


Top procedures (women):

Surgicalxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Non-Surgical
Breast Augmentationxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Botox Injection
Lipoplastyxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Hyaluronic acid
Eyelid surgeryxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Laser Hair Removal
Abdominoplastyxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Microdermabrasion
Breast reductionxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx IPL laser treatment

Top procedures (men):

SurgicalxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxNon-Surgical
Liposuctionxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Botox Injection
Eyelid surgeryxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Laser Hair removal
Rhinoplastyxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Microdermabrasion
Breast reductionxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Hyaluronic acid
Hair transplantationxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx IPL laser treatment

What does it take to defy age and buy beauty? Here's what the Telegraph Herald found using average costs for each procedure:

*For 60s
  • Face lift - $8,000, taking several hours to perform under anesthesia. Bruising and swelling subside inside six weeks.
  • Brow lift - $5,000, taking one to three hours to perform outpatient. You wait up to seven days for suture removal.
  • Chin implants - $4,500, taking one to two hours to perform outpatient. Bruising and swelling sudside in a week.
  • Forehead lift - $5,250, taking one to three hours to perform outpatient. Bruising and swelling subside in a week.
  • Neck lift - $7,000 - tkaing one to three hours to perform outpatient. YOu wait up to three months to before fully healing.
  • Mama mia makeover price tag: $29,750.

*For 50s

  • Chin liposuction - $4,500, taking an hour of outpatient. Bruising and swelling subside in two to four weeks.
  • Botox or filler - $ $275 to $450 per injection.
  • Nose job - $8,000, taking a couple of hours, usually outpatient. Bruising and swelling subside and two to four weeks. Nose completely heals in two months.
  • Pucker up those plump lips and and pay a minimum of $12,775.
*For 40s

  • Botox and fillers
  • Eyelid lift - $1,800 to $2,200 in one to three hours of outpatient. You wit up to a week or more for suture removal.
  • Brow lift.
  • Liposuction - $4,500 - taking about an hour of outpatient. Depending on where and how much tissue, healing can take several months.
  • Tummy tuck - $6,050, taking two to five hours sometimes inpatient, Full recovery in one to two months.
  • Fabulous 40-year fee: $18,200
If needle and knives might not be your thing, so dermatologist and specialists
offer less radical treatments like Lotions, Potions and creams. And because
injection therapy is a maintenance program that's why some patienst prefer to
use these creams and lotions.

If you are planning to have a cosmetic surgery be sure that you ask these some important questions to a plastic surgeon or cosmetic practitioner:
  • May I see before and after photos of recent patients?
  • Are my expectations realistic?
  • Can the results I want be done with alternative or non-surgical procedures?
  • Where is the surgery performed (hospital, outpatient clinic, office) and how long will it take?
  • What anesthesia will be used?
  • Will scarring, soreness, swelling, bruising result?
  • How long often has the doctor performed this procedure?
  • What percentage of patients have significant complications?
  • May I observe a video or real-life procedure before making a decision?
  • Who will assist during surgery? and are their qualifications?
  • Has the surgeon/clinic ever had malpractice insurance coverage denied, revoked or suspended?
  • What is the expected healing time?
  • If unsatisfied, will you repeat or correct procedures? If so, will I be charged again?
  • How much does the procedure cost?
  • Do you offer patient financing?
(source: Plastic surgery portal - immersivemedical.com)

Sunday, March 9, 2008

Did you remember to spring forward?

Hey folks in the United States, it's Daylight Saving Time(DST) again. Don't forget to move your clock forward. You might be late for work or meeting. Officially the change to daylight saving time should be 2am today, March 9, 2008, though we, and I assume other folks change their clocks before going to bed. Reminder also to install new batteries in warning devices like smoke detectors and hazard warning radios. I was surprised that some parts of the country don't observed DST like Arizona, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam and the Northern Marianas.
I'm still wondering what's the point or reason of this daylight saving time? According to the US Dept. of Transportation :
  • It saves energy. When we're awake, we're more likely to have our TVs, VCRs, and lights on (among other home appliances). By shifting the hours we're likely to be awake to correspond with the daylight outside, we're less likely to have the lights on, so we use less electricity.
  • It saves lives. When people's waking hours correspond with daylight hours, they're safer. Traffic accidents, for example, are less likely when it's light out.
  • It cuts down on crime. Crime tends to happen after dark. As is the case with accidents, people are less likely to fall victim to crime when their waking hours are synched up with the sun.
And this means more things to me too, the temperature rises and the daytime will be longer. It's amazes me by the time of 8o'clock, it's still bright outside.

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Are you an internet addict?


As the internet increasingly becomes part of our daily lives, I am hooked and can't stay away from the web. As I wake up in the morning, first thing I will do is turn on the PC, forgetting about breakfast.(If I do eat breakfast, I will be eating at the front of the monitor, lol). That's my routine, before going to work, check my email, chat with friends, check my forum, and now my blog. And also, there were important things like paying bills online, sending money online, credit card payment and checking bank statement online. I can't resist being away from the net even for one day. Worst, I spend like, 36 hours a week or 6 hours/day in the internet. 2 hours in the morning before going to work and like 3 or 4 hours after work. I can't even cook a good meal at night for supper, choosing easy to cook meals, so that I can have time for the internet while cooking. Oh, my, I think something wrong with me now. I have lost interest with the thing I am interested too before, and worst, I can't even socialize now, when friends invited me to go out.


xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxAt the hotel, using computer while on trip

Sometimes, my husband will ask me if I want to go at the bar with him, which I will decline because I want more time in the computer. There was a time that he was on a military related trip and I was left home by myself, I sat for hours until the wee hours of the morning dinking on the computer. My husband does complain, I don't think I give him much attention lately. It's from him that I hear the first time the word, "internet addict". "Your an intenet addict now". And lately from marge , joking she's an addict coz her many blogs really amazes me. Well, she is an internet addict who has a job which requires her to be online for the whole part of the day. Now, I'm alarmed, by these signs, I think I am really an addict and will definitely jeopardize some important things in my life. My relationships with husband? my friends who is not into computer? my health (skipping the right time for meals).
So, I took time to take the "internet addiction test" and I got 85, huh, huh. I found out that there is this thing as internet addiction disorder, although theres no research that has established yet if its a disorder. I will have to do something to overcome my addiction, here are some ways that I think will help:
  • First thing in the morning, I will have a bowl of cereal and read my newspaper like I used to, before the Internet.
  • I will eat breakfast with a knife and fork and not with one hand typing. (trying hard to make this, huh, huh
  • Gotta clean the house, do the laundry , cook dinner before thinking of the internet.
  • I will take time to write letter to my friends and family who are internet-deprived or not into computer thing.
  • I will call someone on the phone who I cannot contact via the Internet.
  • I will read a book...if I still remember how.
  • I will not be tempted during TV commercials to check for email.
  • I will try to go to the bar with my husband even once a week.
  • Lastly, I will remember that I must go to bed sometime...and the Internet will always be there tomorrow!

Still, I will use my internet time in blogging and do the important things,(paying, banking, sending money). Anyway, Internet is still very important in our daily lives if we don't abuse it. Always use moderately.

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

My First Award


Yipee, I got my very first award for my blog. This kind of things really warms my heart. I just received this award from a cool mom, Liza, I am so touched. Thank you so much, and as sign of gratitude I would like to share this to:

1) Audrey - Live Each Moment

2)Ice - Ice log (obviously this is a cool blog, lol)


Check these blogs and you'll know why.

Monday, March 3, 2008

Baby Pressures

"Why haven't you had a baby?" "You should have a baby". "you'll make a great mother" or "have a baby already?"

These are some annoying questions of family/friends. I know my family really wants to see their future apo's(grandkid), niece or nephew from me. Just had a chat with my mother and nephew this morning, and as usual that same questions I got. As if its a must that I should have one, oh, don't get me wrong, it's wonderful to have a baby, of course.

But, its having a baby a must in one's life? They always says, you should have a child so that there will be someone who can take care of you when you gets old. I know, I know, they are just concerned about me.

But, should you have kids to have someone take care of you when your old? I want a baby anyway, but not for that reason. I want one to take care of, love and enjoy. I don't mean to sound harsh, but to some people that's what their selfish reasons, or for tax purposes, family manipulation tools etc. etc.Sure, its a perk to have someone help you out when you get older, but if that's the only reason for bringing a child into the world, you may check your motives. Besides, there are plenty of organizations/places that are dedicated to helping out older people who can't get along by themselves.

Sunday, March 2, 2008

Tags Galore

Finally, I got a tag from my friend Janeth. Just started blogging 3 weeks ago, and I'm not still familiar what is this means. It's really fun, but sometimes I don't have time, I will just blog when there is time as soon as I got home from work. Then, as I start writing, I will forget the time and will realized later on that we don't have food for dinner yet, lol. I want to thank Janeth for this tag.

Rule #1Copy all the links below and replace a single link under the appropriate alphabet. If your domain name, or even the title of your blog, starts with an ” A,” you’d replace the link under that alphabet and put the replaced link at the bottom. Also, don’t forget to credit the tagger, or where you got the list from, at the end of the list with a full URL of the post so that a pingback gets generated. alwaysbcmom.com because life is fun.

coffeenchoclate.blogspot.com
dzunejenn.blogspot.com
enjoyingtheride-jenn.blogspot.com
forumfinder.net
gotic-peach.net
happykeg.com
ipentimento.com
http://vicylifeisdifficult.blogspot.com/
juliesjournal.com
kabalyero.com
leahjoseph.com
michmagbag.com
notjustmama.net
originalmx5.net
patrickdevivo.com
qweddings.com
rantingsofawoman.blogspot.com
sujeesarmiento.blogspot.com
the-working-mom.blogspot.com
utadaonline.net
virgieswebplace.blogspot.com
wickedbabylon.com
jk-nocargo.blogspot.com
xaviermedia.com
yimto.com
zbudapest.com

Replaced Link: valmg.com

PreviousTagger: http://vicy-lifeisdifficult.blogspot.com/

Rule #2You now have to “tag” at least five people and encourage them to participate so that this thing spreads like a virus. Remember, though, that not everyone’s into these kinds of things, so don’t be upset if they don’t participate. Just simply replace your tag. Remember to tag blogs only and no pornographic ones as we do want to keep the integrity as a blogging community.

TIP: Tag your frequent EntreCard droppers via its messaging system. I would like to tag this to:
1. lourdz
2. Laura
3. Lispeth
4. sexymom
5. sweetpea