CHEROKEE TRADITION

THIS IS REALLY WORTH SHARING!!!!!


Do you know the legend of the Cherokee Indian youth's rite of Passage?

His father takes him into the forest, blindfolds him and leaves him alone.
He is required to sit on a stump the whole night and not remove the blindfold
until the rays of the morning sun shine through it. He cannot cry out for help
to anyone. Once he survives the night, he is a MAN.


He cannot tell the other boys of this experience, because each lad must come into manhood on his own. The boy is naturally terrified. He can hear all kinds of noises.
Wild beasts must surely be all around him. Maybe even some human might do him harm. The wind blew the grass and earth, and shook his stump, but he sat stoically, never removing the blindfold. It would be the only way he could become a man!

Finally, after a horrific night the sun appeared and he removed his blindfold.
It was then that he discovered his father sitting on the stump next to him.
He had been at watch the entire night, protecting his son from harm..
We, too, are never alone. Even when we don't know it, God is watching over us,
sitting on the stump beside us. When trouble comes, all we have to do is reach
out to Him..

If you liked this story, pass it on. If not, you took off your blindfold before dawn.

Moral of the story: Just because you can't see God, doesn't mean He is not there.

'For we walk by faith, not by sight.'

KFC Monday Free Chicken

I was called to fill in yesterday at the Preschool. I was watching our noon time show Wowowee while eating my lunch when my cellphone rang. I talked to the other line and told her to give me an hour to get myself and Angelina ready.

Our precious Jewel was all excited to be around with the other kiddos. As of now, I'm surprise she never mention or say a word about looking for a boyfriend. It's been a while that she quit hunting and searching for her future prince charming.

"Now I can see my friends again," that's all she had to say. She's playing for three hours and a half until all the preschoolers were gone for the day.

There were four group head adults watching all the kids in one big room. Suddenly, Mrs. Marsha's cell was ringing. A church member called her to let her know that KFC's giving away free grilled chicken.

She looked at us and said, "You guys want free grilled chicken?"

Wow! After the last child being picked up, we all hopped in Marsha's SUV. The nearest KFC is just a mile away from our workplace.

Holy Cow! There was a crowd of people waiting for their free chicken. The place was packed even the Drive Inn window had a long line. The four of us looked at each other. In other words, "Are we going to pursue this mission?"....lolz!

The place was smokey indeed! As if morag nagpuhag ug putyukan sa kaaso with all the chicken being grilled.

We just didn't go there to get the free chicken. It's kind of embarassing...common sense na naman. We ordered one meal and the lady at the counter told us to wait for fifteen minutes for the free chicken to be cooked. While waiting, my girl was coloring and keeps complaining that her eyes was teary because of the smokey weather inside the KFC...LOLZ!

What's funny about it? As you can see on their flyer or billboard about the grilled chicken...it's a bucket of grilled breast chicken.

Our name got called finally! We opened our order and asked each other, "Where is the free chicken?"

Hmmm... we all had a great smile looking the tiny itty bitty grilled chicken leg being included in our order.

Is that it?.... What do you expect? ....Laughed Out Loud! (LOL!)

We looked at the picture again with the bucket of grilled chicken and there you go...there is this tiny itty bitty chicken leg behind those chicken breasts. You just have to look at it very closely to see it instead of having a feast in your eyes with those grilled breast...Whaaaaa!

Angelina and I just shared our food. She ate the whole corn on the cob and one chicken wing while I gobbled the biscuit, mash potatoes and the rest of the chicken.

While eating, Marsha relates to us that Taco Bell also had a good deal of 4 Tacos for a dollar.
Mrs. Claus said, "Why didn't you tell us earlier, that would be better than this."
I was laughing and so with Mrs. Caroline.

"I told, Zosima while we're in the classroom," Mrs. Marsha said.

"I thought, KFC's free chicken is more than exciting," I said my line.

"Oh well, don't worry about it, maybe they will have that 4 Tacos for a dollar next Monday," according to Mrs. Claus.

We all laughed and had a blast with our adventure that night. Mrs. Caroline was just busy eating her share and so with our Angelina.

For me, it was fun!

Morale of the story? Next time...ask for a thorough details before getting too much excited about it. Also, think about free stuff... don't expect the best of it...lolz!

Have a great Morning!

Kung Maibabalik Ko Lang

Ang pagmuni-muni ay bahagi na sa ating buhay lalo na ang pagbabalik sa mga nagdaang kasiyahan.

Naalaala ko tuloy ang aking kabataan sa aming nayon. Anak ng Ilog po ako. Lumaki akong sa ilog nagtatampisaw palagi.

Natuto akong lumangoy noong ako'y mag-aapat na taon pa lamang. Paano kasi sampung beses kaming maliligo sa loob ng isang araw kasama ng mga kabataan sa aming lugar.

Sa simula, doon lang ako sa makitid o mababaw na tubig humahawak sa mga ugat ng kahoy na "Kayam". Muntik na nga akong matiklo kasi nadulas ang aking kamay sa paghawak at buti na lang nakita ako ng aking nakakatandang kapatid at nasagip niya ang buhay ko.

Sabi nila, normal lang daw 'iyon sa simula para naman matuto eh kung walang nakakita talagang malas ang buhay. Ang masabi ko lang, binuhay pa ako ng Panginoon dahil may misyon pa siya sa akin. Sa aking murang isipan, naalaala ko ang mga munting bagay-bagay sa aking paglaki.

Minsan nga, palo ang aming inabot sa aming mga Lola kasi maghapon talaga kaming nakababad sa tubig. Magpahinga lang kami para patuyuin ang aming mga buhok at katawan sa sikat ng araw. Alam mo na sa murang pag-iisip ng bata, gustohin na maging kulay "kayumanggi" daw ang buhok kaya nagbilad kami sa araw halos buong maghapon. Nagkatotoo sa iba kong kasama pero sa akin kailan man hindi nagbago ang kulay pero talagang ang dami ko ng patay na buhok at lalong nangingitim ang pinagwalang-bahala na balat. Ang kintab-kintab pa ng mga buhok namin at saka ang katawan dahil sa katas ng niyog. Hindi kami gumagamit ng lotion sa aming murang isipan kung di ang gatas ng niyog talaga.

Alam n'yo na sa probinsya, ang daming niyugan at kung may mahulog man na niyog at sinong makakita sa kanya na mapunta. Kung panahon ng pag-aani ng niyog, kukuha kami sa mga naka-baked na mga niyog at nguyahin namin para gawing Shampoo at lotion sa aming katawan. Eh! mga bata kasi, walang pakialam sa mundo basta lang ang alam namin maganda sa balat at buhok kasi paano pati langaw madapa...whaaaa!

Eh! kasi bata, palagi kaming pinapagalitan ng mga Manang na naglalaba sa tabing-ilog kasi nangingitim ang templa ng tubig sa aming kalalaro at kailangan pa naman nila ng malinis na tubig. Pati tuloy ako nagkaroon ng tinatawag na "ear infection". Dinala ako ng Mama ko sa EENT at sabi pa naman ng maggagamot na hindi muna ako lulubog o lumangoy sa tubig kasi masama sa aking tainga.

Eh kasi bata! Talagang matigas ang ulo kaya nakisali na naman sa kasiyahan ng pagtatampisaw sa tubig.

Ibinalik na naman ako kay Dr. Racho kasi ang sakit na talaga ng tainga ko. Maski wala kaming pera at sa awa ng Diyos nakaraos din ang mga magulang ko sa gastusan dahil sa aking katigasan. Mula noon naging maingat na ako at kung maligo man, hindi na 'yong parang "tunaan sa Kabaw".

Sino ba naman ang hindi ma-engganyo sa nakakatawag-pansin na ilog sa aming bayan. Naala-ala ko nga kapag may mga turistang dumaan, nag-exhibition kami sa pagtatalon sa puno ng "Kayam" pabagsak sa tubig. Eh! kasi bata! gustong magpakita ng gilas. Kinunan kami ng retrato ng mga turistang dayuhan pero hindi naman kami binigyan ng kopya....ahehehe! Paano nakasakya sila samantalang kami ay naging aliwan sa kanilang paningin at binaliwala lang namin ang mga dumadaang sasakyang pantubig.

Earth Day Celebration

Ngayong darating na Miyerkoles, Abril 22 ay ipagdiriwang ang Earth Day. Hindi lang dito sa ating bansa kung di ito ay pansa-daigdigan. Ang buong mundo at ang lahat ng tao ay dapat magbigay halaga sa ating kalikasan na pawang ipinagkaloob sa atin ng Poong Maykapal.

Gusto nating lumanghap ng sariwang hangin di ba? Kaya, hindi pa huli ang lahat para mailigtas ang ating mundo sa pagiging maingat sa mga bagay-bagay na ating gagawin na ikakabuti ni mother Earth.

At sa muli, hindi na kailangang isalaysay pa ang ano ang mga bagay-bagay na ito. 'Ika nga, common sense daw kung ano ang tama at ano ang mali.

Kaya mga kabayan magtulungan tayo na ipigil ang pagkasira ng ating mundo at mapigil natin ang pagtanda ni Inang Kalikasan.

The Freezer's New Home

My FIL (Father-In-Law) bought a freezer two years ago. Upon knowing that we don't have enough room for our frozen food since our refrigerator is not big enough...

...he's giving away his new Freezer. I talked to Hubby about electricity consumption and he said it's not gonna be that much.

Here's how to describe my FIL. He is a giver and he will do his best to please his family members. He's getting old and his idea may conflict to ours but we're trying our best not to hurt his feelings.

We told him about accepting the freezer but we can't put it inside our house. (We don't have room for it, our house just have enough space for what we have right now. So, Dad's freezer's new home is now in our garage. My FIL, BIL and Hubby were hauling it this morning. Hubby just called me about it.

I'm so thankful for having my FIL. For all my life here in the USA, he's been helping us in all aspects of our lives. The first time my parents stepped here in America, he thinks they are vulnerable to him. He was so scared and jealous of all the attention that might happen. His perception was really strange towards my MAPA.

After what's being transpired and all the explanation being done, he realized how important they are to us. (My parents).

Hindi naman sila nang-aagaw ng attention specially to our Angelina. My parents are very understanding ug way libog. My Ma has the attitude but I'm so happy how much she changed now that she's with us.

My FIL is happy that my parents are back...that's what he said. (Malay ko...lolz!)

Now, I need to go to the store and buy some great sales of stuff that can be added in our regular size freezer. Thank you, Dad!

What A Busy Good Friday

I was supposed to be working all day at the Christian Preschool and Daycare but I called in and let them know that I will show up after the viewing and a short service for Manong Celso.

The venue was in Lakewood and it's kind of far from where we are. Thanks to our LIMO ride. It was a memorable experieced.

After that event, I dropped off my Ma and Pa at home then changed for my clothes then I logged in at work by 2:30 PM. The kids were still sleeping when I reported to work. Angelina and I were just sitting down waiting for the tiny people to get up.

Lights up at 3:00 PM and everyone has to get up. I went to the kitchen to get their afternoon snacks, Ice cream on a stick from Dairy Quenn.

During Friday, kids are allowed to watch movie after their nap time. That's what we did after their snacks. We finished one movie and that's it. I took them to the playground to have some fun. I would say they like to play outside than to watch movie. It was kind of chilly so we didn't stay there for too long. I was off by 6:30 PM. My day was not done yet. The three of us (Mrs. Claus, Mrs Caroline and I)already had a plan two days ago to buy fresh vegetables and fish at H-Mart. Right after we closed the school, we hopped in my car and we drove to Parker Rd and Yale for our needs. We're all hungry after all the walking around the store. We dropped by at Vietnamese Restaurant and fed our hungry parasites.

While I was driving, Hubby called if I can drop by at Safeway to buy some of his needs. Mission accomplished and dropped off the two ladies back to the Preschool. Our Angelina was snoring at the back of my car. She slept after eating her Vietnamese Noodle Soup.

Came home closed to 10:00 PM and let my Hubby take care of Angelina's brushing routine. I was shooting three birds with one stone. Praised God for the safety of our travelling mercy and the good health, I thank our God for giving me the energy to continue moving on with all the tasks that I am responsible of.

The Limo Ride

What is a Limousine?
Any of various large passenger vehicles, especially a luxurious automobile usually driven by a chauffeur and sometimes having a partition separating the passenger compartment from the driver's seat.

It was my first time ever to ride this large luxury automobile.
My curiosity kicks in...! It was free of charged and I was a happy camper when Manang Melba told me about it. Hubby did teased me that the luxury ride will be for family members only. But, my mind was already set that I will ride this puppy for sure.

Well, I thought Hubby was going with us but he's not feeling so good and decided to back out. I didn't force him and just let him stay home as his normal routine.


Ma, Pa, Angelina and I were able to enjoy the humungous LIMO.
I've seen a LIMO on the rode when I'm driving or when I'm just a plain passenger but never stay closed to this kind of transportation.

Finally, this morning...I got the chance to explore it from the outside to the inside.
Thanks to our very friendly, helpful and gentleman chauffer.

To all my readers, the reason for this Limo ride was to attend the viewing and a simple service for Manong Celso who passed away due to Cardiac Arrest (CA).

Off She Went To Our Next Door Neighbor

She has known and played with Bethany when she was two year old. I'm talking about our friendly, bubbly and energetic Angelina.

For the past few days or shall we say this week, she was in the custody of our next door neighbor. She don't even want to go with his Grandpa because she was enjoying the company of Bethany.

Who is Bethany? She is a 10 year old girl, the grandchild of our neighbor. She's on her Spring break vacation and stayed with her grannies for 4 days while her Mom was out of town.

To be exact, we have very nice, friendly and accountable neighbors to our west, east front and back. Rich, James and Bill become good friends. Whenever they will go on vacation, they have to tell us so we can watch their house while they're gone and diddo with us.

Anyway, Hubby narrated to me the story when I came home and can't find our GIRL.
According to him, as soon as he pulled up in our driveway from picking up Angelina in her Preschool she saw Bethany running to our place waiting for Angelina to get out from the truck. She was asking permission if she can play with our GIRL. You know kids, right? So, our Angelina was in so much joy to see Bethany and upon hearing on what she said. If Angelina has a tail, I would say it never stop wiggling because of her excitement.

Hubby explained to Bethany that she can play with Angelina after her nap of the day, right about two hours after their conversation.

Lolz! Well, after two hours of their nap, our door bell rang. It was Bethany waiting outside ready to pick up Angelina. She was even telling my Hubby that Angelina and her will eat together in her grandparent's house. We trust our neighbor and as I've said they are very nice, organized and clean freak couple. They belong to the Masonry Religious Order and they're known for their good deeds. Hubby and James like to talk about their wives on how we drive them crazy about things around the house...wink! (organizing wise...)

So, our Angelina stayed for hours within three consecutive days in our neighbor's abode. Bethany likes our door bell, I guess...Aheheheh!

Today, Bethany's Mom will pick her up and she will be back on Easter which is Sunday. I think it was cute when she told me that she's inviting Angelina for their Easter Dinner and bring some easter goddies for her. I mean, it's their family gathering and we don't want Angelina to invade their family privacy. I know for sure, Bethany will give Angelina a buzz in our front door...wink!

We're just so blessed with all the people around us having a good time with our girl, from her Lo and La, Grandpa Bill, Uncle Bill, yours truly and Dada, our very nice neighbor and with her Preschool classmates. Like mother, like daughter? Sana naman, Lord. We always pray to our Almighty Father to guide our little Angel to the path of righteousness.

Hubby and I have different background history during our younger years. We have to consider the genes that runs in Angelina's blood. Hubby wants Angelina to possess or acquire the kind of attitude I got. (That was he said to me and don't get me wrong.)

Let us also consider that Hubby is a guy and I'm a woman. What he did when he was young was a part of his growing up adolescent stage.

I better get off now and do some handy-dandy work here.

Have a great Thursday!

Our Action and Dramatic Sunday

There's no Sunday School for everyone. Our Angelina stayed with us the whole service and she did a terrific job sitting in one place.

As Christians, we commemorate the Palm Sunday. We were greeted by the ushers who's job is to give away those Palm leaves. We got one and my parents too. We all waved our palm leaves at one time inside the church and I was just kind of looking around, my...I forgot my talent, the photography session...lolz!
( No harm, I took a pic of my palm leaves today in our abode.)

There was a play or dramatization for the Last Supper with the 12 Disciples. I heard my Ma whispered to my Pa, "Mga Apostoles ug atong Ginoo, GOY nanihapon ug kadtong pagbudhi ni Judas sa atong Ginoo."Each Disciple had to say their piece or speech on how they become a part of Jesus ministry and they were all furious and eager to know who among them betrayed the Son of God.
"Is it I, Lord?"
We all knew that Judas Escariot was the one, right?
There was also the washing/cleansing of the feet of the apostles.
Hmmm...Peter wanted to wash his whole body.

After the wonderful service, we all agreed to eat out in a newly opened Chinese Buffet that just started three weeks ago. It was Hubby who found out this place. They have those King Crab Legs and the food are just fantastic according to Hubby. He asked me if I like their food. I do but not as good as the other that I liked. Hubby gave me the look...

When it was time for us to get out from the table, pay and go home...Hubby slipped and fell to the extremely hardwood floor without noticing the wet floor that came from the licking ceiling. I turned my back and there he was, lying halfway on the floor. I didn't panic and just came to his rescue together with the waiter. He's conscious, alert and responsive. My Dear Pie stood up, looked at his elbow, his head and hips. I was assisting him. I looked at him and can't hide my smile. He gave me the look and almost join my (kiliti) smile. I know it wasn't funny but my Hubby is prone to fall as he's getting younger...lolz! One of these days, I will put a lease on him, wink!

Yeah, there was no sign of CAUTION or whatever. You can't see that there is water on the floor. It was clear as in.

Anyway, it was the restaurant rule to call an ambulance and took my Hubby to the nearest Hospital. He didn't want to lay in the ambulance bed but it's their rule to to keep the injured person in proper place. Angelina took a picture of it but it didn't turn out really good. It's against the brightness of the sun.
As you can see in the picture, our Dada had his dress shoes on that can slip easily.

So, the Paramedics took him to North Subarban, 5 minutes away from our house and from the restaurant. I took Ma and Pa home then headed to the hospital with Angelina. After about two hours of waiting for the X-ray result showing that there was no broken hips and elbows, for sure his head was okay, no broken skull or internal bleeding because he knew he protected his head by using his elbow to touch the floor. God is so good for protecting his physical body and mind. Hubby asked his forgiveness about how he acted earlier in the restaurant pushing me to like their food. I was just being honest, right? I'm not a ride on kind of person. It was his idea to go to this restaurant...lolz! I didn't blame him for coming there nor defending myself (I do like the food but not the best) but for sure accident happens anywhere. We just have to be extra careful of our surroundings. (Kinahanglan guro ni siya magpulsiras...wink!)

Anyway, we all went home after two hours in the hospital. They (Da and Angelina)took their normal cat nap while Ma and I were watching ASAP and the Buzz.

Later in the afternoon, I went to a surprised birthday party. There were lots and lots of food prepared by the host.
The celebrant was celebrating his big 5-0 birthday. For sure, the excited wife surprised her husband with regards to food preparation.
Thank you!

Ang Tanging Ina Nyong Lahat

SYNOPSIS:
The most famous mother is back for the sequel of the highest-grossing comedy movie in the Philippines!

With the one big happy family that she has, any woman would admire Ina Montecillo (AiAi delas Alas) as the embodiment of the perfect mother. But after more than 40 years of doing everything for her family, she feels that her children don't need her anymore. Ina then embarks on a journey of once again making her children proud of her that surprisingly lands her as the president of the Philippines.

Ina revolutionizes Philippin politics by running the country not as a serious and uptight leader but as a hilarious and caring mother. Because of this, she gained the support and trust of the Filipino people. But just as she starts to become the president that everyone loves, she also changes and becomes the mother that her children hates. In the end, Ina has to make the hardest choice of her life - becoming the mother of the nation or becoming the mother of her children.

From Starrystarrystore.com

New Kind of Breast Cancer...A Must Read!

Please forward to all of the women in your lives .. Mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, friends, etc.

In November, a rare kind of breast cancer was found. A lady developed a rash on her breast, similar to that of young mothers who are nursing.

Because her mammogram had been clear, the doctor treated her with antibiotics for infections. After 2 rounds, it continued to get worse, so her doctor sent her for another mammogram. This time it showed a mass.

A biopsy found a fast growing malignancy. Chemo was started in order to shrink the growth; then a mastectomy was performed; then a full round of Chemo; then radiation. After about 9 months of intense treatment, she was given a clean bill of health.

She had one year of living each day to its fullest. Then the cancer returned to the liver area. She took 4 treatments and decided that she wanted quality of life, not the after effects of Chemo. She had 5 great months and she planned each detail of the final days. After a few days of needing morphine, she died. She left this message to be delivered to women everywhere:


Women, PLEASE be alert to anything that is not normal, and be persistent in getting help as soon as possible.

Paget's Disease: This is a rare form of breast cancer, and is on the outside of the breast, on the nipple and aureole It appeared as a rash, which later became a lesion with a crusty outer edge. I would not have ever suspected it to be breast cancer but it was. My nipple never seemed any different to me, but the rash bothered me, so I went to the doctor for that. Sometimes, it itched and was sore, but other than that it didn't bother me. It was just ugly and a nuisance, and could not be cleared up with all the creams prescribed by my doctor and dermatologist for the dermatitis on my eyes just prio r to this outbreak. They seemed a little concerned but did not warn me it could be cancerous.


Now, I suspect not many women out there know a lesion or rash on the nipple or aureole can be breast cancer. (Mine started out as a single red pimple on the aureole. One of the biggest problems with Paget's disease of the nipple is that the symptoms appear to be harmless. It is frequently thought to be a skin inflammation or infection, leading to unfortunate delays in detection and care.)


What are the symptoms?

1. A persistent redness, oozing, and crusting of your nipple causing it to itch and burn (As I stated, mine did not itch or burn much, and had no oozing I was aware of, but it did have a crust along the outer edge on one side.)

2. A sore on your nipple that will not heal. (Mine was on the aureole area with a whitish thick looking area in center of nipple).

3. Usually only one nipple is effected. How is it diagnosed? Your doctor will do a physical exam and should suggest having a mammogram of both breasts, done immediately. Ev en though the redness, oozing and crusting closely resemble dermatitis (inflammation of the skin), your doctor should suspect cancer if the sore is only on one breast. Your doctor should order a biopsy of your sore to confirm what is going on.

This message should be taken seriously and passed on to as many of your relatives and friends as possible; it could save someone's life.

My breast cancer has spread and metastasized to my bones after receiving mega doses of chemotherapy, 28 treatments of radiation and taking Tamaxofin. If this had been diagnosed as breast cancer in the beginning, perhaps it would not have spread...

TO ALL READERS:

This is sad as women are not aware of Paget's disease. If, by passing this around on the e-mail, we can make others aware of it and its potential danger, we are helping women everywhere.

Please, if you can, take a moment to forward this message to as many people as possible, especially to your family and friends. It only takes a moment, yet the results could save a life.

How's Your Weekend?

Mine? Woke up at 8:30 AM and answered the phone. Yeah! I was still in bed when someone called to remind me of our window shopping. I informed my husband a night before of our plan going to Buckley Airbase for some grocery shopping though...wink! I jumped in the shower with my little girl as quick as we can then fed her with cereal and banana.

By 9:20 A.M, Mrs Caroline showed up in our door. We left our home at 9:36 A.M. to be exact and need to stopped by at Mrs. Claus place. I thought, I had to leave my car in her garage but the plan was changed and I was assigned as the designated driver.

I had three young and good-looking senior citizens riding in my small but reliable car, my Ma, Mrs. Caroline and Mrs. Claus. There's one more senior who wants to join the fun but sad to say we don't have room for her specially that we're getting inside a military base. So, we're having our senior moments cruising the never ending road that Mrs. Claus guide me as my navigator...wink! I didn't have the complete address of the Base and didn't bother to asked my Bana at home to search the web. We had so much fun looking around the neighborhood of 120th, Tower Road all the way to Buckley Airbase.

I was not sure what's the event at the base but there were lots of people waiting in line to get a pass. Just like in our case, there were three of us that needs to be check-in by Mrs. Claus. It took me three times to go back and forth from my car to that security office to get the right registration date and insurance date of my car since I was the one driving. My old and new registration papers were all inside my car and didn't bother to arrange those thingy. Good thing, I have them all in my glove box. My golly, they were also asking two forms of ID's and without knowing my Ma's Colorado ID expired last 2007. Thanks to the nice lady security for considering our one day visit despite of my Ma's expired ID.

By the time we got inside the base, it's time of us to eat lunch. It's all American food court. Angelina and Ma got Burger King and the three of us had some Robinhood Salad. We're slowly taking our time and enjoying our meals.

After our light lunch, we all went to the CR (Comfort Room) to ease our full bladder then proceed to our main goal which was the spending money portion...lolz! We went first to the dried goods, I mean clothing and apparels stuff. Our girl found her skateboard that she's been dreaming of for how many months. She was all giggly and happy holding her skateboard. She grab some more items like chocolate bars, guitar and clothing. I let her choose, the skateboard or those. To die for it, she picked the skateboard above all things. Overall, she only had a skateboard for her shopping spree. Oh, I bought her a baby girl gray and pink color shoe. It doesn't matter to her to have shoes or not as long as she got her skateboard. It was her Ma's decision to get a shoes for her. Mama knows best, right?

Once everyone's done with the shopping, I took all the bags in my car and just let them in to the other side where the groceries are. Goodness gracious! You can just see all those people grabbing tons of meat. It was worth a price, in fact I grabbed lots too (from my ordinary meat shopping) and some items that we need for our daily use.

My trunk was full of goodies and were glad that we made it closed after attempting for so many times. It was just a matter of organizing you know?

As we hopped in the car, we feel like eating rice and Manila to Go is just 6 miles away. We end up eating there and ordered Halu-halo for our dessert. Since we're already in a Filipino Restaurant, I ordered some food to go for my family who were left behind, I mean for my Hubby and Pa.

On our way back home, I took the risk driving in the highway for us to be home earlier...whaaaa! We stayed for a while in Mrs. Claus house to sort out all the things that we bought and had to calculate how much we owed her since she paid everything for us. We're not a member but Mrs. Claus is. My precious Golly, I spend more than what I budgeted for. Oh well, it's once in a blue moon that I go shopping in a Military Base.

We arrived home at 8:47 PM. Wow! it was an all day affair for us. My Ma was so tired already but she was more than patient to wait until we're all done. She was enjoying too from shopping, walking, eating and watching her Apo.

Sunday, as usual we enjoy hearing the Gospel at New Life and tried to apply it in our own life as much as we can...Thanks be to God. Wee had a nice weather two days in a row, Saturday and Sunday. Seems like everyone in the house were happy campers. We didn't eat out and just ate the food that we bought at Manila To Go. We had some left over food too from my Ma's everyday cooking.

After we cleared our table and kitchen, they all went to take their afternoon nap while I was relaxing downstairs watching my ASAP '09. Dang! our girl woke up when the "The Buzz" show was on. We promised her to go outside and play with her skateboard. She's been skateboarding inside our house already as soon as we come home the other night after buying it.

Well, I was taking my time watching a part of the Buzz show when my husband was ready to go out and play. What can I do? Just turn off the TV and attend to my family's demand to joined with their fun. My husband would be mad if I won't join with them when it comes to family bonding specially for our Angelina. We got Dada and Angelina, Mama and Angelina, Lo, La and Angelina time but we have the best part, FAMILY FUN! Everyone needs to be involved. It's the rule in our very own humble home.

After helping our Angelina with her skateboarding talent, Hubby and Angelina decided to make a snow-woman. We were playing and throwing some snowballs at first. It was fun indeed and it's good to see and feel the genuine laughter of everyone. Ma and Pa were just watching in the patio door and we let them out when it's time for them to have a pose with the snow-woman. We didn't force them to join with us but I guess they overheard us having so much fun in our backyard.

It was Hubby and Angelina who worked hard with the Snow-woman. My hand were already freezing from throwing snowballs so I was taking a break. I went in the garage and search a hat for the lady snow then Hubby asked me to get a carrot for her nose. What can I say? We had a Sunday blast around the house. For dinner, Ma made a kalderetang manok and some fried dried squid. Our family doctor told me to quit eating seafood for 2 weeks but who can resist the smell and the taste of our very own Filipino delicacy. To heck of what they called this allergy thingy. I was born eating dried fish in my whole life and now they want me to stop? Hubby was just shaking his head looking at me dipping the fried dried squid in our very own Philippine Datu Puti vinegar. Yummy! Hubby's so concerned of my health but he's ignoring his own health...can't understand him! Oh life... we're both stubborn, I guess! We're two grown up adult that likes to adventure life in general.

And yes, I included some photos of our fun! You are more than welcome to watch in your own free will...loz! Countrywomen, have a flurry Monday morning!

A Friend's Visit In Colorado

A friend from San Francisco visited us in our humble abode yesterday. It's not mainly for us but her husband has a sister in Aurora and they happened to be in town to visit her.
She already told me beforehand that they're coming to town. My Ma and Pa were happy to see her together with her husband. Baby Laura as she is fondly called came from the same province where I grew up. I've known her since I was a child. Her Ma and my Ma were good friends.

During our visit in San Francisco back in 2007, we dropped by to their place and they treated us for two nights with yummylicious dinner.

Last night was our turn (not a gratitude but common sense...wink!) to treat them in one of the finest dining restaurants in downtown Denver. Our whole family went out to eat at Rodizzio's Brazilian Grill.

Hubby was in-charged of last night's affair. Everyone were having a good time enjoying the different kind of grilled meat that the servers were courteously serving. Ma and Baby Laura were the one talking most of the time.

It took us for 2.5 hours of eating and talking. We were loud at times due to my Ma's hearing disability but our neighboring table didn't mind of our loudness. For desserts, our Angelina and Hubby got some Chocolate cake while Michael and Laura shared their Strawberry and Rassberry cream. Ma, Pa and I were still munching the Banana Q and we even took our left over home, just the Banana itself for some reason our Brazilian beautiful server gave us the permission to take it home.

We thanked my Hubby for taking the gang in a very nice fine dining establishment. It was his idea and not mine. Super!

After the elegant dinner I would say, we drove around the downtown area for them to see the kind of place we have here in Denver. Since it was getting late at night, we dropped them off to their Hotel just by the heart of the city. We all bade goodbye and goodnight to each other.

Today before noon, while I was at work, Baby Laura called that their flight was canceled because of the Spring blizzard. Bummer! We still want to see each other but how can we? The road was really in a bad shape to drive in this snowy, windy and stormy weather. She totally understand since she's been watching the local news on TV and seeing all those 100 cars piled up by Broomfield area. What a day if you asked me. Well, today is my friend's 1st experience of Spring storm in her whole life. They don't have this kind of weather in San Francisco. We talked again on the phone and for sure she was asking me on how I survived in this kind of climate.
"It's a matter of time," my simple and honest respond.

Puasa na Ni

It has been like ages that I never watch my afternoon delights soap opera on TFChannel. I really missed Cherry Pie and Gina Pareno's gimmicks in Tayong Dalawa. I will catch up some of the episodes in You Tubes one of these days.

Yeah, we didn't get the DVR...poor us can't afford to do so...singhot!

Well, we're still thinking about this thingy. The pros and cons, whatever they called it...ahehehe!

It's so quiet right now where I'm at. Hour and 15 minutes, I'll be out of this building and go somewhere for a date with my family, I guess.

We will see saan kami dadalhin ng tadhana sa hapong ito. Wish ko lang na sana sa kapunawpunawan....just kidding. Why not for a helicopter ride...sometimes but not tonight. We have company coming to our humble abode. We will just take them out for dinner.

Hmmm....seems like the weather is nice out. I can see the sun is happily showing. I've heard from the weather man that tomorrow will be snowing. Can't say no for the Colorado weather...olala baby!

Pssttt....morag niabot jud ang kalami sa inyo niluto diri. Ijara wa man jud mangimbitar sa ila kombira....wink!

Our Sunday Extravaganza

Actually, the title is kind of an overstatement if you asked me. Can't think of any title for this entry...lolz!

Hubby woke up with aches and pains all over his body from yesterday's hard work in our yard. I tried my best to gave him a whole body massage last night right before going to bed. He was being thankful of my thoughtfulness...POINT! ahehehhe! Well, frankly speaking...he deserved to get one.

I thought, he's not going with us to church but he still managed to be with his family in the house of God. He's my one and only LOVE..., we have our dull moments but we are one of the sweetest and genuine couple on earth...ano ang gagawin kapag wala ka na?

Where am I? I told myself not to be carried with my emotions...
I offered to my Esposo to drop Angelina to her Sunday School so he won't have to spend his energy going up and down the stairs. They (Ma, Pa and Dear Pie) went straight to the sanctuary. I stayed a little bit in Angelina's class and enjoying their morning delights... the DONUTS!

Hubby's wondering what took me so long to join with them upstairs. I said my piece by whispering back to him.

I agree with the sermon about the closer we are to God the enemy is just around the corner ready to destroy the child of God. So, be faithful to God and never ever give a chance for the enemy. Ignore the enemy and just pretend he never exist. Jesus is our only hope and He's powerful above all things. To God be the glory!

After enjoying the food of our souls, Hubby's asking a favor if we can go home so he can go back to bed and rest for a while. He rest assured that we can have our dinner out.

Him and Angelina woke up right around 4:00 PM and I told him that I need to finish up my show on TFC which is the "The Buzz"!

It was so windy when we had our drive going to Famous Dave's B-B-Q.

We ordered a whole American Plattered BBQ. It was our first dinner to this place. There were so many people and the place was so loud. Maybe because it's Sunday?

Food wise? Great babyback ribs, chicken, beef, chili, Coleslaw, corn bread, Jojo's potatoes, corn on a cob and Texas slice bread.

Remember my on call job in the Preschool? I treated my family for a dinner on my first pay check as a thanksgiving of what I got. Hubby was in tears kunohay...
Yeah, since we like to eat out and it's an avoidable habit of eating disorder...ahehehe! I need to find a way that is out of our budget. It's not a big amount of check but sure it feeds our hungry tummy plus my kapricho effect...whoho!

For me, there's lots and lots of wonderful things that I have to be thankful Above. If the world is on recession, God works in so many ways. There's no recession in the hands of the Almighty according to the believers.

Meeting Schoolmates and a Doormates

We finally met each other. I got off work as early as I can and went to Cinzetti's Italian Market where we had our lunch.
(Nerah (Bobette's cousin), Ken (Nerah's son), Bobette and yours truly)

Bobette and I were schoolmates and dorrmates during our college days in Silliman University (SU)way back in 1989. We stayed in Woodward Hall Dormitory just inside the Silliman Campus. I was a Desk Assistant (Student Assistant) during those time and I was loving my job which is a stepping stone in landing a job here in the US as a Guest Relations Specialist wherein the common denominator is answering phone calls.

After long hours of chitchatting in the restaurant, we all went to Pacific Ocean Market by Broomfield to buy some Asian food. Our never ending talked still continues as we go from one isles to another. We had a great time and hopefully my friend Bobette can take the NCLEX exam here so she can stay here in the US permanently. A special thank you to Alleth and Eva for giving her some clues and insights on what to do with regards to this matter. It's nice to have friends around where they are willing to share their knowledge of the things that is out of my capabilities.


After my long day out, I took my girl for a walked around the neighborhood and we met some of our neighbors enjoying the nice weather out. As we walked along the way, our girl complaint that her legs were tired. Too bad, I can't carry her and she had to walked until to the finished line which is our home.


Where's our Dada? He's busy mowing our lawn and watering the brown grass since yesterday is the first day of spring. The Spring just have Sprung for this season and we're all loving it. I can see the Tulips in our backyard are sprouting and ready to come out pretty soon to show their colorful bloom.


Hubby's done cleaning our backyard and sprinkled some flowers seed for the summer. He likes yard work and like the green, green grass of home. I do help him every now and then but most of the time, he's in-charged of the outside world.

While we're working outside, our Angelina had the chance to use her chalk using our sidewalk as her chalkboard.

We had a great Saturday so far. Right now, my whole family is watching the Wowowee show. For sure, our Angelina's trying to imitate the dancers on the said show. Go, go girl!

Goodnight and God Bless!

Shopping at Silverthorne

It was an instant gratification...!
Too many options in life.
Something to be grateful and thankful of anything that comes our way.

Supposedly, we will go malling in Colorado Mills with comrades in town but I indeed up shopping in the mountain of Silverthorne, an outlet store.

After the said cancellation of the main plan, I called my Hubby home to let him know that I'm going with him in changing a lock somewhere.

Before noon, I talked to a girlfriend and she's going up in mountain high Colorado to visit her brother. Hmmm... closed to Silverthorne where I can go shopping.

I called back my Dear Pie and asked if it's okay to change my mind. He was cool about it and called back girlfriend that I'm going. I was guilty though because I let her wait since I was still at work when all these things happened.

Later, my phone was ringing and it's the school calling if I can come to work at 3:00 PM. Too bad, I was already excited and made a decision to be up in the mountain.

Anyway, we arrived Dillon by 3:00 PM. Picked up girlfriend's brother and his friend and we all went straight to the outlet store. While they were in the Nike's store, I chose to be in the Coach place. Believe me or not, what a great deal I got. The price was right for a shopper like me.

After our shopping spree, we sit down in a Chinese Restaurant to feed our hungry tummy. The food were kind of pricey but what can you say stamping your foot in Ski Resort area...it's always expensive!

Got home by 8:48 PM and surprised my mag-ama who were almost done with their bathed.
I showed to my Dear Pie of what I got and the kind of priced I paid. He likes it and was hardly laughing of what I just said. Whatever it was, just between me and my Dear Pie.

Thursday at China Town

While I was at work, a friend called if we can go to our very own version of China Town by Alameda and Federal. Her daughter's birthday is coming and she want to buy some Jade bracelet, pendant and earrings as a present.

Our meeting point was our abode. Her husband dropped her off. We had a simple lunch at home where the dried fish was the star of our meal. Ma made some Tinolang manok with spinach and the famous beefsteak.

We sure had a full tummy!

By 2:30 PM, we're heading to Alameda with my Ma with us. It was a lot of walking, hopping from one store to another. My Ma complained and decided just to stay  inside the car.Me and my friend were having a good time checking out Jade stones from one store to another.

Finally, she got what she wants. Real Jade is not a joke. It's very expensive and they said it brings goodluck to the person who's wearing it according to the Chinese culture.

After the Jade hunting, we went to the Asian grocery store. Hey! my Ma was happy indeed looking the Manila mangoes in town. It's that season again to enjoy the savory Manila mangoes. The price was unbeatable. It's only $10.00 a box with 14 pieces on it. I called a friend on my cell if she wants some and she said yes right away.

We ordered a total of 5 boxes of mangoes. I'm so happy that this kind of magoes are back in town for the season. Yummy and juicy to the bones! Here's the mangoes!

For our dinner, we called another friend who's at work if she would like to join with us. SInce it's about time for her to get off from work, she's loving with the idea. We dropped by at Panda Express and had an affordable dinner. Supposedly, I have to pick up some stuff from the Philippines with love but the crews were so busy serving their customers. So, we just left after our dinner and made a sign language with the manager to be back when she's not busy.

For my Hubby's dinner, I dropped by at Chipotle to buy something for him.

As usual, I thank my LOrd for the travelling mercy. It was a long drive for me but worth it.

The Tea Cup

Love this story or not, you will not be able to have tea in a tea cup again without thinking of this.


There was a couple who took a trip to Englandto shop in a beautiful antique store to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. They both liked antiques and pottery, and especially teacups. Spotting an exceptional cup, they asked "May we see that? We've never seen a cup quite so beautiful."

As the lady handed it to them, suddenly the teacup spoke, "You don't understand. I have not always been a teacup. There was a time when I was just a lump of red clay. My master took me and rolled me pounded and patted me over and over and I yelled out, "Don't do that."


"I don't like it!" "Let me alone," but he only smiled, and gently said; "Not yet!"

Then WHAM! I was placed on a spinning wheel and suddenly I was spun around and around and around. "Stop it! I'm getting so dizzy! I'm going to be sick!", I screamed. But the master only nodded and said, quietly; 'Not yet.'


He spun me and poked and prodded and bent me out of shape to suit himself and then he put me in the oven. I never felt such heat. I yelled and knocked and pounded at the door. "Help! Get me out of here!" I could see him through the opening and I could read his lips as he shook his head from side to side, 'Not yet'.

When I thought I couldn't bear it another minute, the door opened. He carefully took me out and put me on the shelf, and I began to cool. Oh, that felt so good! "Ah, this is much better," I thought. But, after I cooled he picked me up and he brushed and painted me all over The fumes were horrible. I thought I would gag. 'Oh, please, Stop it, Stop, I cried. He only shook his head and said. 'Not yet!'.

Then suddenly he put me back in to the oven. Only it was not like the first one. This was twice as hot and I just knew I would suffocate. I begged. I pleaded. I screamed. I cried I was convinced I would never make it. I was ready to give up. Just then the door opened and he took me out and again placed me on the shelf, where I cooled and waited and waited, wondering "What's he going to do to me next?"

An hour later he handed me a mirror and said 'Look at yourself.' And I did. I said, That's not me; that couldn't be me. It's beautiful. I'm beautiful!!!

Quietly he spoke: 'I want you to remember, then,' he said, 'I know it hurt to be rolled and pounded and patted, but had I just left you alone, you'd have dried up. I know it made you dizzy to spin around on the wheel, but if I had stopped, you would have crumbled. I know it hurt and it was hot and disagreeable in the oven, but if I hadn't put you there, you would have cracked. I know the fumes were bad when I brushed and painted you all over, but if I hadn't done that, you never would have hardened. You would not have had any color in your life.

If I hadn't put you back in that second oven, you wouldn't have survived for long because the hardness would not have held. Now you are a finished product. Now you are what I had in mind when I first began with you.'"

The moral of this story is this: God knows what He's doing for each of us. He is the potter, and we are His clay. He will mold us and make us and expose us to just enough pressures of just the right kinds that we may be made into a flawless piece of work to fulfill His good, pleasing and perfect will.

So when life seems hard, and you are being pounded and patted and pushed almost beyond endurance; when your world seems to be spinning out of control; when you feel like you are in a fiery furnace of trials; when life seems to "stink", try this.

Brew a cup of your favorite tea in your prettiest tea cup, sit down and think on this story and then, have a little talk with the Potter.

Think Positive

> John is the kind of guy you love to hate. He is always in a good mood and always has something positive to say. When someone would ask him how he was doing, he would reply, "If I were any better, I would be twins!"
>
> He was a natural motivator.
>
> If an employee was having a bad day, John was there telling the employee how to look on the positive side of the situation.
>
> Seeing this style really made me curious, so one day I went up and asked him, "I don't get it!
>
> You can't be a positive person all of the time. How do you do it?"
>
> He replied, "Each morning I wake up and say to myself, you have two choices today. You can choose to be in a good mood or ... you can choose to be in a bad mood
>
> I choose to be in a good mood."
>
> Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or...I can choose to learn from it. I choose to learn from it.
>
> Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their complaining or... I can point out the positive side of life. I choose the positive side of life.
>
> "Yeah, right, it's not that easy," I protested.
>
> "Yes, it is," he said. "Life is all about choices. When you cut away all the junk, every situation is a choice. You choose how you react to situations.. You choose how people affect your mood.
>
> You choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. The bottom line: It's your choice how you live your life."
>
> I reflected on what he said. Soon hereafter, I left the Tower Industry to start my own business. We lost touch, but I often thought about him when I made a choice about life instead of reacting to it.
>
> Several years later, I heard that he was involved in a serious accident, falling some 60 feet from a communications tower.
>
> After 18 hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care, he was released from the hospital with rods placed in his back.
>
> I saw him about six months after the accident.
>
> When I asked him how he was, he replied, "If I were any better, I'd be twins....Wanna see my scars?"
>
> I declined to see his wounds, but I did ask him what had gone through his mind as the accident took place.
>
> "The first thing that went through my mind was the well-being of my soon-to-be born daughter," he replied. "Then, as I lay on the ground, I remembered that I had two choices: I could choose to live or...I could choose to die. I chose to live."
>
> "Weren't you scared? Did you lose consciousness?" I asked
>
> He continued, "..the paramedics were great.
>
> They kept telling me I was going to be fine. But when they wheeled me into the ER and I saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors and nurses, I got really scared. In their eyes, I read 'he's a dead man'. I knew I needed to take action."
>
> "What did you do?" I asked.
>
> "Well, there was a big burly nurse shouting que sti ons at me," said John "She asked if I was allergic to anything 'Yes, I replied.' The doctors and nurses stopped working as they waited for my reply. I took a deep breath and yelled, 'Gravity'."
>
> Over their laughter, I told them, "I am choosing to live. Operate on me as if I am alive, not dead."
>
> He lived, thanks to the skill of his doctors, but also because of his amazing attitude... I learned from him that every day we have the choice to live fully.
>
> Attitude, after all, is everything.
>
> Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34.
>
> After all today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.

> You have two choices now:
>
> 01. Delete this
>
> 02. Forward it to the people you care about.
>
> You know the choice I made.
>
> Thank You,