childhood

Click here for a clearer view of the picture.

Happy birthday, Ruby!

HaPpY bIrThDaY, kApAtId! Wishing you more healthy years to come! Mwah!

did you?

Did you ever wish of becoming a different person with who you are right now? Did you ever think why your role in life has to be like that? Did you ever wish you never existed? Did you ever imagine having the kind of life you have now? Did you ever feel sorry having hurt someone? Did you ever ask yourself why do you have to get hurt? Did you ever regret a decision you have already made? Did you ever hope for just the good things in life? Did you ever say sorry for the people you’ve hurt? Did you ever try to make amends for what you’ve done?

They say you make your own destiny… that life is never simple… that the world is always unfair. But what if you’re not brave enough to face the difficulties of life? What if you can’t hold on to what you really want? What if you can’t control the wheel of life?

treasured memories

I was the happiest during my vacation in the Philippines. There's nothing I can do for now but to reminisce… to remember those memories of being with family and friends. It’s so great to have spent some time with people whom you haven’t seen and talked to in years. I really feel a month’s stay was kind of short. If only I could be there longer...

birthday greetings!

I was on the phone with Papa last night. He said him and Ma have agreed to just cook some for the day. I don’t think he invited his friends but they might show up you know. Irvin went to our house after work and brought Fundador for Papa. He said they had chicken, kare-kare (my Papa’s specialty), lengua estofado, spareribs, pancit (rice noodles) and salad. Wow! Anyway... Happy Birthday, Papa!

Oh and it was also Daighne’s (my niece) birthday last Sunday. I phoned her but it was only last night that I was able to talk to her.

Belated Happy Birthday, Daighne! Hope you'll like the fancy watch that Ninong Tito gave you. Mwah!

winter clearance

It is at this time that you get good deals for winter clothes and accessories. And since most stores want to get rid of them, they offer really great discounts for such. Take for instance the coat that I got for Irvin from Express… it was originally priced at $198 (not yet including the tax) and it was on sale for $29.99. That is like 85% off. I also bought him some long sleeve shirts from Old Navy which are discounted at 75%-80%. American Eagle has great buys too…around 80% discount also. Well it depends on the item.





Kuya Nel was encouraging me to get this down jacket from Gap. Original price was $98 but now on sale for $39.99. I still find it expensive for the kind of jacket that it is. So I didn’t get it. They went out again the next day. Kuya Nel called me at my cell saying the down jacket that I didn’t buy is only $19.99. He was asking me if I want him to get it for me. So I said yes.



Now here is the problem… after all those shopping that I did, I am having second thoughts with the size. Well I have always bought him an XL and they fit ok on him. I asked him to take his measurements. At least I could still return them if they are too big. Plus I still have the chance to get a smaller size. That is… if they still have it on sale.

something new...

Here are some "not so new" things I got for myself...

Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year have passed and I didn’t even have a camera. I gave my Canon film-based camera to Mama and my Olympus D-560 to my brother Mickey during my recent trip to the Philippines. So I was just using the Nokia 6630 cell phone (which is also from the Philippines) but I didn’t know how to upload pictures from there until just recently when a co-worker helped me figure it out.



Click here to learn more about the features of Nokia 6630.

Also, I've been eyeing for the Sony Cybershot DSC-T7 but it was $599.95 that time until Sony had a price drop and what’s even better is that they offered a $50 mail-in rebate. Without any second thoughts, I bought one right away.




Click here for the specifications of this camera.

'worries'

Many say married life is no fairy tale. It’s not that you won’t be happy but it’s not also easier than you think…especially when a couple is just starting.

Of course, I was the happiest when I learned of Irvin’s visa approval. On the other hand, worries started coming in and much worse, it’s stressing me out so much. I have been on the lookout for an apartment even before his interview. There are actually a lot to choose from. The thing is it’s either it’s way out of the budget or if it’s not, I don’t like the area. And… we will need so many things too to furnish the apartment.

I feel bad for Irvin though as I get easily annoyed these days. But despite all these pressures, my hopes are still high. I’ll be ok as long as I know he is willing to take all the risks with me. And I’m sure God will guide us all the way…giving us the strength we need to go through anything.

i feel good...

I have been buying things for Irvin ever since…not just when there are occasions but every time that I find something I want to give him. Soon enough, he will join me here so I’m starting to prepare as early as now. I stacked up on some toiletries that I regularly buy at Costco. I got him some personal things like undershirts, socks, boxers and briefs. I don’t know but I would say I feel different…I’m happy doing this as a wife and no longer just a girlfriend. Aaaawww…

new baby!

Ate Irmee gave birth to a healthy baby boy whom they named Achilles Miguel on January 8th.




Congratulations, Kuya Lit & Ate Irms!

misinterpretation

My sister and I kind of argued last night. I’m not elaborating on that though as I still want to keep it private. I may have used the wrong tone of voice or improper choice of words perhaps?! But all I want is for her to have some sense of responsibility. And I don’t think she understood what I’m trying to make her realize. I have given my very best to support her all this time. I still do actually but I feel like it’s still not enough… still not appreciated for what I do that I can’t even voice out my concerns. Why does it have to be like this?! *sigh*

coming to America!

Irvin had his interview last night at the US Embassy in Manila and was granted an H4 visa. What a big relief! Whew! I'm still in cloud nine...honestly! I just couldn't believe it! We’ve been always worried about this especially that he was already denied 3x.

Anyway, some things are yet to be finalized before he can actually come here...tender his resignation (at least 30 day notice is required); settle his life insurance premiums (with 4 more years left); close some bank accounts; follow-up the wedding video and photo album; etc. etc. We hope to settle all these in a month’s time... or two maybe?! We are just very grateful that everything is falling into its place.

Thank you, Lord for the continuous blessings and guidance!

a festive welcome to the new year!

Lechon (roast pig), pancit sotanghon, pancit palabok, beef steak, beef and mushroom, sweet and sour fish, spareribs adobo, chicken lollipops, ginataang langka, fresh lumpia, lumpia shanghai, kare-kare, ziti, cake from Bineros, leche flan, cookies, cheese cake, ube haleya, cassava, fruit salad, and macaroni salad... anything else?! What a wide selection of food to welcome 2006! And it couldn't be more fun had I not celebrated it with Tita Gie and her family.

Now it's time to go on a diet...time to lose all those pounds gained during the holidays. No more excuses! :)

HaPpY nEw YeAr!!!

Have a great and wonderful 2006 everyone!!!