Angelina's 1st Swimming Lesson

We want her to learn swimming as early as 2 year old but because of her skin problem (eczema), we opted to wait until she's 4 year old and understand the concept of "no scratching" effect.

She promised me to be good and not to scratch her skin but there are times when it's so dry that she can't avoid it specially when she's sleeping.

Since, at this stage of her life where learning is the best, I enrolled her at last. She's so happy about it and so proud to tell her Dada and Grandpa about her 1st swimming lesson experience.

Reflections From the Past

This picture was taken when I was once a part of the teaching force at VNHS (Valencia National High School) in our very own province, Bohol. The school is 24 kilometers from my hometown. It wasn't that far to ride a jeep, bus, motorcycle or a private hitch car of Engr. Madrinan, who works at the Garcia Limestone.

Anyway, one of the duties that's being entrusted to me was being the Matron of Sponsors with the CAT-I Unit (Citizen Military Training) aside from being a volleyball coach and a regular classroom teacher to a third year High School students.

Coaching the volleyball was okay with me but as a Matron of Sponsors, I did say, I threw a feet about it. I didn't argue with our principal (who used to be my teacher in High School) but I was just being honest with my feelings.

If I remember, this is what Sir Inting told me, "Sing, (he called me Zosing though...) I won't give you the responsibility if you are not capable enough but I believe in your talent and skills."

I still want to say more but I just told myself to shut up my mouth...wink!

Without much ado, we had meetings and practices after class with the 14 selected sponsors. They also need to study for any questions during the tactical inspections and a presentation during the program.

I was so nervous, which is a normal feeling, to be the host of the said affair. ( My golly! I tried my very best despite of my broken English.) Hindi naman pwedeng tagalugin, where I can talk straight pa naman, kasi 'yon talaga ang pinag-aralan ko or being an EMCEE in our Visayan dialect.

I never hosted a program in my whole life and just reading all the biodatas of my intellectual and lovely sponsors was enough to drained me out and asked for something to drink...lolz! All these things happened during the Presentation of Sponsors.

After the program, there was this engrande food being prepared for the inspectors team. We're being told by our Commandant to entertain them and be the hostess at the Home Economics Building where all the food were being served.

I was not sure if t'was still part of winning the 1st place with regards to the Tactical Inspections.

One thing for sure that I can't forget...this stylish and fashionable co-teachers of ours wants my skirt to be skimpy and sexy. Oh my gulay, bechay!

I did an inch above knee level and 2 inches for my lovely sponsors.

The following year, 1st time history in our province, as far as I knew, that the town of Valencia hosted a Provincial Meet and the main venue was at VNHS. We're being told and advised to be the usherettes during the said affair. It's not me who's doing the job but our lovely sponsors but it was me delegating who's who to be pin up with Corsage and Garland.

After two years of having the said position. There is this beautiful teacher who's new to our team and I turned over my position to her and she accepted it without saying no because she's the type of woman that likes to be in the crowd and it really fits her personality.

Glad that it was over!

Enjoying The Nice Weather

Outdoor fun is great!

"Mama, I want to go biking since it's so nice outside," her excitement after taking her afternoon nap.

For the past days, she's on her bike and scooter while I was busy working outside our yard.
I finally finished up the bush trimming thingy.

I'm not sure if I want our grass green due to water consumption..wink! I just walked around the grass and pulled those Dandelion so they won't spread all over our yard.

After everything's done at home, I told Angelina that she can go biking at the park as a reward for being a good child to the entire family, friends and relatives...wink! She had a kicked out of it and invited her Lo and La. Seems like my folks like the idea of walking in the park instead of the neighborhood.

What A Bright Day

TGIF!

Another Friday once again. Weekend here I come. Angelina 's invited to a birthday party tomorrow. It's her classmate's 5th birthday.

Too bad, today is trash day and seems like her Lo put the invitation in the trash unintentionally.

Poor, Angelina, I guess she can't attend.

Well, it's me who will be dropping her off to the said birthday party and I don't feel like it.

Not that I stop my child's happiness but as I always said, I don't want to go to a party that I don't know the host. It's just me and I relate the story to our Angelina. Kids are kids and just like our girl, she likes to have some fun.

At the end, she understood that I can't take her to the party because I don't have the address and phone number. I'm not sure if I have to appreciate what Pa did with the invitation card:))

Let's Go Safari

In my wildest dream, I want to explore the beauty in South Africa. My husband went there many times with his ex-wife, adopted son and his Dad. Just looking all the pictures that they took, it just reminds me of my very own beloved country, Philippines.

There were lots of time in the past, Hubby invited me for a week vacation in Africa so I can see the exotic place with lots of attractions where my eyes can feast. I refused back then because of the amount that we have to spend. In my mind, I always compare the value of the dollar and peso and the equivalent to it.

I was thinking, it's a waste of money and don't want to go out of the country except back home. Yeah, we've been to some states in America for a pure and genuine vacation. My husband likes to travel and we enjoy flying or driving just for fun and relaxing moment with family.

Whether I like it or not, according to my husband, he will take me to South Africa and enjoy the white beaches with my two-piece bikini under the heat of the sun. We can go diving with great white sharks and most of all Family Safari in Africa.

In order to travel in South Africa, we need a place to stay. I found this Sun City Hotels epitomises five-star luxury, offering immaculate accommodation and facilities. It is conveniently located at Pilanesberg Sun City, Sun City, South Africa in Pilanesberg.

And if we decide to move to another place or City, I would like to go to Johannesburg. One of the greenest cities in the world. It's known as the heartbeat of South Africa. I can't wait to stay in one of Sandton hotels in Johannesburg.

There are cheap hotels in Cape Town too that would accommodate for our stay. I browsed online and saw this Cape Town Waterfront hotels. They offer great deal for those travellers seeking a balance of comfort and value of money.

From beaches to Safari, I can't wait to visit South Africa in the near future.

It's Not Too Late

First and foremost people may ask, what is mesothelioma? It s a form of lung cancer that is almost always caused by asbestos exposure and is most commonly found in the outer lining of the lungs called mesothelium.

Each year, thousands of people pass away or become ill due to the negligence of asbestos manufactures and the development of asbestos-related disease called mesothelioma. It's because some companies that manufactured asbestos-containing products knew about the health risks of asbestos exposure, but decided not to tell the employees or leak this information to the general public. It is believe that companies which manufactured asbestos-containing materials knew about these hazards as early as the 1920's.

So, if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an illness related to asbestos such as mesothelioma, you may have legal options for compensation. A mesothelioma lawyer can can help you fight for your rights. It is important to save all medical and financial records relating to asbestos-induced illness for the mesothelioma attorney.

As a client, you will not have to be involved with other stages of the case. Mesothelioma lawyers understand their clients may be too tired to deal with the details of filing a lawsuit or attending a trial. For this reason, mesothelioma lawyers handle every aspect of the case.

Life is so precious but we don't know what's ahead of us. It's always for the best that we have to be prepared though.

For the record, lots of people survive too of undergoing therapies and treatments after being diagnosed of asbestos exposure and the so called Mesothelioma disease.

I humbly say that I get paid to post this entry in my blog.

Book Fair Sponsored By Books Are Fun

We have a Book Fair today at work. During our down time, I had the chance to see the neat stuff that they are selling.

One of them that caught my eyes is this book titled "365 Days To Live Cheap". It was kind of interesting so, I opened the book and did some scanning.

Maybe later, before I go home, I will buy a book for our little one to read. She likes reading and she always want me to read one story at night before going to bed.

The Truth

The starting point of maturity is the realization that "no one is coming to the rescue". Everything you are and everything you will be is entirely up to you...!!!

Antique Mall

I had my eye appointment yesterday afternoon at 2:00 PM. Right after I dropped off our girl to her school, I drove to my appt.

It was kind of early to get in, so I wander around the shopping center. What caught my eyes is this Antique Mall as what it says on the sign. I always pass this place almost everyday since it's the same street where we live but never been inside.

Yesterday was my curious adventure inside. It's kind of cute looking all the stuff they have. As I can see not all are antiques though and I noticed that there's always a division and has a number in every section called "booth #". They have some neat stuff but didn't have the guts to buy one. As much as possible, I don't want more junks inside our tiny abode. Simple and a little bit organize is all I want.
I don't want to say that I am a clean freak individual kasi nakakahiya naman to say it and only to find out nagkagulo din naman pala ang bahay Better to be humble than to boast eh, pagsisinungaling din lang naman pala...wink!

Anyway, back to my Antique adventure, for curiosity's sake..I asked the clerk at front why there are booth numbers . Only to find out that there are people renting those space, hence the sign "Antique Mall". It's like a tiny mall where you can walk around.

I asked how much is their smallest space to rent. This nice middle-aged gentleman show me the tiny spot and said that the price to rent is $82 per month. For the profit, 10 % will be his share.

I narrated to my husband about my mini-adventure at the antique store and he was tickled pink. He said I'm so cute (siyang maysabi na cute ako ha and not me) and so innocent look ( sa kanyang paningin 'yan ha!...lol!).

Well, I just expressed my feelings about the store. My concept, they're antique so they must be pricey but I was wrong. It was like a garage sale to me...just like what our neighbor have every summer in her front yard...wink!

Now, I know what is an antique store looks like. I am so glad that I had the chance to get in. It was fun and enjoyable.

What To Do, What To Do!

I talked to my on call job that I'm looking for a regular job in the afternoon now and they can't call me anymore or rely on me.

I was told by our director that if I can wait, there's this one worker who's gonna be leaving pretty soon to join the airforce/military.

Bad me, I am already hired and accepted with my new preschool. I agreed with the time, schedule, responsibility and salary. I did watch the video and toured the facility and meet my new co-workers.

I am happy because I got hired, right? As usual, I'm not teaching since all the teaching will be in the morning. I f I do so, it's gonna be an informal one...something to do in the afternoon like crafts, arts, singing and anything that would kill the children's boredom. Yeah, I am lucky that they are in need of a group leader. Just a note, group leader needs to be ECE certified or out of country equivalent, Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education.

Bad two, I applied for another job without telling my husband...wink! I thought it was a surprise and makes him happy so I can have some reinforcement in paying some of his co-pay for all his medical expenses. It's true husbands are husbands, they have the pride. In other words, he don't want me to work saying that we can still survive despite of our meager income.

"Dear, I'm just wasting my time whole afternoon," I insisted. "That's okay, play with your computer, watch your Filipino channel and go out with your friends," he said.

"We even want you to quit your morning job," his shocking news to me.
"Who's we?" my questioned.
"Dad is planning to go home pretty soon and he wants you to be his social worker, home care or whatever they call it and he needs you full time," his narration.

"No, I don't want to quit my job and it's not a hindrance! I can take care of him after I get off from work. I can work the 2nd and third shift and be around you guys," saying my side.

"Dad will pay you more of what you're getting from your regular job," he continues.
"I know, I know! What if something happen to him? I'm loving my job and it's hard to find a job now that would give you a very flexible schedule with the here and there picking up and dropping of our child to school," my further explanation.

"We will see, it's not right now though but sometime overtime. One thing for sure, don't accept the regular preschool job if you want peace in our family," his further ramblings.

My FIL and I had a hard talked about it and moving to his place will be a huge transition. They want us to put a sign "for sale" to our house and talk with our realtor. Huh! It's not that easy...as we can see, not a lot of buyers at this point of time. I told them, FIL, BIL, DH that what if I quit paying the house payment and afterhow many months, it will goes to forclosure?

"It's not a good idea, Zosie," my BIL has to say. "You put up a lot of money to your house already and you're building up equity to it. Why not try to put it in the market?"

Transition, transition, transition! What to do, what to do? I want one step at a time but time like this...we will see how far I (we) reach our goal.

There's so many things to consider.

Angelina's school, my job, my biological parents and etc.

I'm a home body but to be at home 24/7, oh my golly! It's a different story...lol!

I guess, this is what we called...community service and helping to the elderly. I love changed but it depends on my liking...so help me God.

Need to have some feasibility studies with regards to this transition thingy.

I believe God will never leave us nor forsake us. He's always there to guide us through. In Him, there is always hope in life. Cheers, God Bless and happy Thursday!

Talking About My Child

Wish I have all the energy just like her. But as I get older, I'll be weaker overtime...lol!

Anyway, I changed her nap time routine. Instead of a morning nap, she has to take her nap after school. I noticed, as she's getting close to 5 year old, she has a hard time taking her nap or maybe because grannies are not imposing hard and very strict about it.

As much as possible, I want our girl to take a nap even just an hour everyday. That makes me feel better and at peace.

We started the after school nap yesterday and it works really good on her. She was dead tired, I guess.

Starting last Sunday, I have to take her to church an hour early so she can join the choir practice in preparation for the kids presentation on Easter. It's just one song though and I'm about to go crazy (just exaggerating) listening the song in our car every time she rides with me...lol! "Please play the CD for me, Mama."

The Sunday school teacher gave each parent a CD so our child can sing along with it as a practice tool. Our girl is singing and hamming to it. Seems like she knows the song already.

Remember the Kids Expo? There was a Karate Demo at the event and now my girl is bugging me to join the Karate. I explained to her that she needs to be 5 year old to join the martial arts.

Oh my golly! Of all the activities she saw, it was the Karate that she's fascinated with. We will see. I already told her that she can only have up to two extra curricular activities when she's in a regular school. One on the weekend and one after school. That way, I won't be running here and there that much. I still have time for myself and our other activities together.

Yesterday, she told me that her boy classmate will make a ring and a necklace for her.
"Why would he do that?" my questioned to her.
"Because he likes me, Mama!" her say.

What can I say? Kids are just fun to be with...lol!

Reliable Car

Driving is a great privilege and owning a car to drive is a total package.

Having a car in the United States is a necessity. It takes us from here and there to work, school, church, appointments and joy riding with friends of course.

As always, handle with care, I mean we have to take care of our cars. Every six months or a yearly maintenance is very important. It's better to be safe than sorry, right?

Hearing the news over the radio and seeing them on TV, there's a recall for almost all model of Toyota products.

My friend who is living in downtown Chicago called and told me about it too. She owned a Toyota Corolla, 2002 model and super glad that it wasn't included in the Toyota recall. I understand that a lot of people owning different model of Toyota were not happy about the recall but sometimes, things will just come up from the open. It's a good thing that the Toyota Company announced it in public for the safety of all the users.

Back to my friend's car, she told me that she brought her car to the nearest chicago auto repair for maintenance and whenever there's something wrong with her car. She talks about how professional, quick and honest this auto shop she's going to.

One time, while she's in the hospital (where she works at as a nurse), the auto repair people called her if the y can replace the car's water pump. She was not even thinking that there is such a thing in a car. Yeah, we only drive and don't have any idea or clue what are the things to be done with our cars.

Anyway, I'm happy for my friend in Chicago. Even though she's just living by herself, she manage to handle all the things to be done, specially the quarterly or yearly check up of her car.

Having a car is just like having a child almost. We have to take good care of it and make sure the maintenance is up to date.

What My Birthday Has To Say

Humorous, Optimistic & Generous

Inquisitive and energetic, you are the traveler. Your philosophical, broad-minded approach to life motivates you to wander far and wide in the search for the meaning of life. Extroverted, optimistic, and enthusiastic, it can be almost impossible to keep yourself down. You love change. In fact, change is essential for you to feel your best. Favorable Colors: Purple Key Body Part: Hips, Thighs Lucky Gem: Topaz Strengths: Great sense of humor, idealistic, generous. Weaknesses: Will say anything no matter how undiplomatic, promises more than can deliver, can be impatient to the point of rudeness. Charismatic marks: Open and interested. Generally tall, strong legs. Clothes for comfort, not style. Women act in a “tomboy” manner. Likes: Travel, being outdoors, freedom, philosophy. Dislikes: Details, being constrained, off-the-wall theories, clingy people. Best environment: Outside, on the move.

I Did Everything

...just to please you.

I totally understand what you've been going through.

I am with you but I don't have the character of a saint but I try my very best.

Someone caught you in the act on how you treated someone.

They can't tolerate your behavior but I was there to rescue you.

Whatever and wherever it takes...I am always here for you, just to let you know...

I always be me by the saving grace of our Almighty God.

The Spring Has Sprung

It's the first week of March. Time flies and there's so much to do and accomplish inside and outside our home.

I've been out in our yard today, pulling some weeds here and there. Yard work is fun if it's not against your will working with all your mights. It's a very good exercise and refreshing to be outside in our backyard. In fact, our little girl was having fun playing her scooter while I was busy raking and pulling the dried leaves with the nice weather we had earlier during the day.

As I was raking, I saw our Tulips happily sprouting and the grass is changing its color, a little bit greener than brown.

Now, that I get used working outside, I learn to appreciate the beauty of all the flowers, plants and trees around our house.

Before, I only take care the inside of our house but now that my husband is on health restriction, I have no choice but continue what he started with our surroundings. Spending an hour to two hours outside is a great feeling. I have to be more vigilant of all the plants and flowers growing outside our home and be a friend to them. I can't promised them how good I am taking care of them but I will do my best as I can as what my dear husband had started. Seeing some flowers bloom and plants growing just brighten my days.

I'm thinking right now, if I have to add more flowers this year. There are many types of beautiful flowers that can be grown. Mostly that we have are perennials and I'm here in the internet at this moment searching what kind of flowers I need and how to take care of them.

There's too many options to choose from and I need to think more about it. Spring is just around the corner and need to do something to make our yard clean and beautiful.

Pa's 69th Birthday

We went to their favorite restaurant in town, Heaven Star.

It was my treat to my beloved Pa not to mention other stuff.

I praised the Lord for adding another year of his life.

There's so many things in our life that we must be thankful for. Giving God the credits is a great privilege. We can't be a perfect human being in the eyes of our humanity but we are in His love.


To you, Pa...thank you for being our Father, a great mellow grandpa to your grand kids and a very understanding husband to your one and only wife. You mean so much to us.

Happy Birthday, PA!

Furnish Filter

Finally, our filter in the furnish was changed. It's a good feeling to breath a clean air.

Now, my job is to unscrews those tiny holes where the air go through and vacuum all of them.

I don't know how many days would it take but it's my project before the month of February ends,

Happy Friday, ALL!

The Power To Transform

Are you looking for a subtle change in the size of your breasts or do you want a dramatically different look?
Do you want a very full breast that changes your silhouette? Or, just a little enhancement? Do you know your options regarding implant material, surface texture and "projection"... and how those factors can change the result?

As we can see, the reasons for cosmetic surgery are intensely personal and meaningful. It's a decision to make after years of contemplation.

I'm talking about breast augmentation where millions of people around the universe are into it.
I've seen and heard of people complaining or whining for having a tiny breast and feel so insecure when they see this very humongous bumps of other women. They think they are 10 year old girl with a flat front. Whatever you have just take it or you will end up with vanity.

"But I wanted to feel like a grown woman and look more proportion," listening to someone.

It's our choice, right? We deserve to put Ourselves first!

Beng a candidate for a cosmetic surgery and undergoing breast implant, you need to know who is qualified to perform breast cosmetic surgery. You must take the initiative to verify and recognize who is this surgeon that has adequate training, experience, board certification, and credentials that directly relate to the procedure.

The two most common means of finding a qualified provider to perform your breast cosmetic surgery include referral and your own research. Combining both of these clearly can be most effective. You also should consider the influence of the many physicians who advertise cosmetic surgery of the breast. If you are considering cosmetic surgery of the breast, hopefully, you won’t find or seek out a provider by responding to bargain advertisements or special offers. While advertising is a common and acceptable practice, it may not tell you the whole story. Always check credentials and seek out some form of referral to that physician.

Good luck to the power of the new you!

The Beauty In Skin Care

Can't deny, can't hide and can't cry when wrinkles attack. Let's just accept the fact that we're not getting any younger at all. As we age, it's hard to maintain the flawless and smooth looking skin. Shall we say, those were the yesterday's years.

But wait, have you heard about some stories over the internet,radios and television about having younger looking skin despite of old age? Well, lots of researchers and scientists are trying to invent something and one of these is the s invention of new skin care products.

Yes, there's so many skin care products that's been out in the market. It's hard to choose which is which. All we have to do is to listen the testimonies of people who were into it and see the great effect of the products. Just for clarification, not all skin care products is suitable to the same person. It depends on your kind of skin.

I've found this website online called skin care products that offers different kind of products. From anti-aging and wrinkles, acne treatment and just regular maintenance for your daily flawless skin ever.
Taking care of our skin and making it flawless everyday is the best that we can offer to ourselves.

I was Guilty But Need to Be Firm of What I Say

Well, our girl was not taking her nap when I came home yesterday from work.

I told her that once the clock says 10:00 and more it's time for you to hit the bed.

She was in bed, when I came home but pretending or just started her nap time. It was already past 11:00 AM.

She falls asleep about 11:30 AM and didn't bother to wake her up not until 2:00 PM.

When she woke up, "Mama, you didn't wake me up, it's already 2:00, I missed my school!"

"See what happen when you won't take your nap early, you overslept...tomorrow if you will do the same thing, another no school for you," sharing my thoughts to her.
She was really crying for missing her Monday at school.

She settled down after a while and said, "Tomorrow, you will wake me up so I won't be late, right? As long as I am sleeping already when you come home?"

I said yes to her and gave her hugs and kisses for opening her mind of what is good or bad.

Yeah, I was kind of guilty of not waking her but sometimes I have to be tough for what I'm doing for our child.

Keep up the good work, Little One.