party time!

hubs bday bash

the party is scheduled at 7pm..but preparations started as early as 8am..kudos to my good neighbor a who drove us to publix to buy our groceries..today, we are cooking pancit bihon, kaldereta, lumpiang shanghai, rotisserie chicken, barbecue (which i marinated last night) and mexican cake (mom in law's specialty which hubs requested) the deal with neighbor a is i get to babysit r which i really dont mind..good thing r's jigsaw puzzle kept him busy while i did my thing in the kitchen..
mom & dad had their guests too ninong l & ninang n..while the rest of our guests are our friends nearby..talk about last minute invite as we called them just last night at 8pm after convincing hubs its time we celebrate his birthday!

elow baby

happy bday!

the mid life crisis

hubs decided to cancel all celebrations whatsoever today..! reason, he feels he is so old! he just wants to let go of this day and consider this just an ordinary one..but this is not possible..today is his birthday! thanks be to god!!!
mom and i decided to cook pancit bihon with ingredients fresh from the philippines...but hubs declined..so at 3 pm while he was busy working on his wood project at the garage, mom and i sneaked our pancit recipe..it was also our fist cooking cum bonding..hmm..i had to recut the beans from the exact size my mom wants it..hmm hmm hmm...same with the carrots..
dinner was superb at saltwater..even though he did not want to go out, we all voted dinner out..i had calamari and shrimps and pina colada..ooppss..just a sip..!
to the love of my life, i just pray to god he will give you your heart's desires..and that we will forever be in love..!and that we may live a longer, healthier life..!

enjoying the moment

it was our last week together, alone....im being so ma drama as i reminisce our times together..tonight is our last night of having the house all by ourselves..tomorrow, the in-laws will be here..dont get me wrong..i truly am excited to have them for the next 5 months as i will not be alone in the house anymore but i just feel different..maybe ive gotten used to that feeling of being alone..of taking care of hubby all by myself or doing anything or nothing as this is my place, my territory, my home! now i will have to share this with someone else..it gives me the creeps..hmmm..fear of the unknown???ive heard horror stories of in-laws and i do pray i wont get to share in the limelight..
oh well,, things will be surely ok..as for tonight, we just hugged and kissed and counted the hours as they came..will his mom like my cooking? errr..i havent even cooked for my dad which i do regret...
next time, i pray, dad ko naman ang magbabakasyon dito and my sis and my bro..i hope god will grant my prayer!!

baby shower

today is ate l's baby shower..she is 42 yrs old and in her 1st pregnancy (can you believe?) kuya b & ate l , both doctors , decided to focus on their careers first, build a house, save, etc etc before plunging into having kids....they had so many attempts after having lost a few (tsk) and finally the baby is due 2 mos from now and all is well this time , (we all pray so) ..it was a looooong wait for this couple who have been married for 20 yrs or so..god does answers prayers!
it was a 2 hr drive from our place which is the reason why hubs was in no mood to go..! but i insisted and he gave in anyway..it was also an excuse for me to shop a little with my college buddy s...she gave me a very sweet bday card hand delivered, yeah a week delayed but i dont mind coz she called me anyway (ooopppss..daily calls..)..hubs was starting to get sleepy though i was talking and singing and dancing inside the car???(can you imagine that?) driving for long hours is really not for hubs..ive accepted that long time ago but we just have to go..i just have to go!!!
when you think about it, having a baby is just another god's great blessing! who would have thought i would be given that chance too? hubs and i would contemplate about the baby as it will change our lives soon..but the right word would be, having a baby would enrich our lives..not just change but enrich! geeeezzz...im really excited!!!

it's a boy!

it's a boy!

baby's 1st pic!

baby's 1st picture..best bday gift ever!

busted wedding

cramming cramming cramming!
today is hub's good friend's wedding to be held at destin, an hour drive from our place..i specifically reminded hubs to confirm the wedding as hurricane ivan have been to destin too..we have talked to the couple and told them we were coming a month ago and hubs said if it was cancelled today,by any chance, it was their duty to call the guests so we will not call them! the groom is surely busy so no time for phone calls..he recalls his own wedding.. okie dokie..he's driving anyway...so let it be..
i had the dress in mind so i took it from my closet but sadly i dont have the purse to match it..tsk! hubs wanted to have a new polo & tie to match his suit..so off to the mall we went!
i dont know if it was because we were shopping under pressure but the good thing is i found what we were looking for..hubs liked the color i chose for him and the tie that comes with it..i also got the tiny purse..its not what i really wanted but itll be fine at the moment..they have limited choices here..
on the way home i asked him to try calling his friend again but still he said no..so we
took a shower, put on my make up , got our gift and off to destin we drove! we were smiling as we looked at each other..he looked handsome in his suit (syempre asawa ko na sya) and he said i was pretty as always..(hmm..kahit di ko pa sya asawa alam ko na..hehe..) another date huh..
we got to the church on time..5pm sharp..and the church..was closed!!!..no people around..no announcement..no nothing..silence filled the car! and then we started laughing..bwaahahahahah..
i got off the car to take a closer look at the church when an old man came and asked me..
Manong : Hi mam. Can i help you?
m : Yes sir, we were supposed to attend a wedding!
Manong : Oh mam , i think it has been moved..You see we have a big hole in our roof and we still dont have power here..Have you called the couple yet?
M : Oh no sir..we havent...thank you anyway!
I rushed back to the car and told hubs about it..He shook his head..Then he said "I should have listened to you.."
Moral of the story..makinig sa asawa!
The drive was fun though..a round trip 2 hour drive..! Being with him still makes me happy!

my 31st bday

its my day today & i thank god for giving me 31 yrs of life here on earth! i started my day with a prayer offering God my whole life and thanking him for the wonderful husband beside me and the tiny baby in my tummy and for protecting us and loving us at all time and keeping our families safe and healthy! i got the phone call from my fave dad, bro & sis and good friends too..God is just amazing!
i had my favorite breakfast at mcdonalds..babaw ko daw sabi ni hubs when he asked me where i want to eat this morning..i just cant resist their hash browns & sausage mc griddle..hubs & i then had lunch at chef imondi, where their baked grouper was so yummy i ate everything including the green beans splashed with pepper and olive oil..their bread was so delicious too..i shouldnt even wonder about that as their cakes & other pastries are just fabulous! dinner was supposed to be at olive garden but my favorite calamari is not being served for the day..limited menu due to hurricane..tsk! we went to uncle ernie's to have my calamari but it was near the beach so it was closed for business..tsk..we then went to angelinas but still it was closed..i told hubby to just eat dinner at home since i have something thawed already..but he insisted we eat out so we finally went to roadhouse grill , one of the few restaurants to be opened that time..i had cheesadillas, salad, some steak and lots of bread..how can i eat that much?
when we went home, i went straight to our room & i saw 2 gifts neatly packed in our bed..i asked hubs if he has another surprise for me..he was more shocked as he knows he gave my gift already earlier than usual..so i checked the gift and it was from my sweet and kind brother in law..he knew what i wanted..a gorgeous watch which matched my ring and a basket of goodies from bed bath & beyond which has shower gels, lotion, scrubs, kakikayan etc etc and a very sweet birthday card!..i called him on the cellfone but he did not pick so i left a message anyway..when bro in law came home i thanked him again ..he insisted we get some dessert as he bought some in the ref..my stomach was full and there is no more place for the dessert so i declined..he was insisting..! i said thanks anyway..
i went to the den and there was another package for me sent by my best friend i from ny..super sweet at bait talaga itong friend ko na ito..!grabeee..
before dozing off, i got my usual glass of water so i opened the ref..inside the ref was a cake with cookies and cream ice cream and it said " happy birthday dang!" from charlie & joseph..
i asked hubs if he knows about the cake as his name is included and he said " no..but lets eat the cake now!"yum yum!
i had a blast! thanks be to GOD!

brownout

it was dark & gloomy at 6am! the winds were still strong outside..one plyboard from the window just flew..and the slippers i left at the backyard..were gone! my fault!
there was no power the whole day but with my cd player with batteries attached to the computer speakers we were able to listen to the news..curfew has been in effect so everyone was asked to stay at home until it was lifted at 4pm..there were debris everywhere so it was unsafe for people to go out and to expedite those people trying to clean up the streets and fix everything that needs to be fixed..especially the electric lines!
by noontime it was bright outside..we removed the plyboard and opened the windows because its really hot & humid inside the house..hubs was telling me we should buy generator..i told him to be patient..thanks to my grill with side burner we were able to cook too..although last night hubs cooked lugaw already..we just had to heat it up! saraappp!
at 8 pm...me kuryente na! yippppppeeee!!!

paranoid

i dont want to watch the tv anymore..its all filled with hurricane ivan..mobil alabama & pensacola are the direct hit now but we in panhandle cannot escape the tornado..my goodness..me tornado! and lots and lots of them..
the weather channel can monitor the direction of the tornado..kapraning lang kasi it will tell you its at this place at this time so my tendency was to look at the clock closely & wait for what's gonna happen next..hubs went to work pa rin but he got home at 4pm..now, he's sound asleep..snoring..i cant even sleep..!i could hear the strong winds outside..!
i remember twister the movie..i prayed!!

in action

hubs getting ready

early to bed, early to rise

hubs was up at 530 am..he was lucky to get the plyboard we needed from lowes..there was a long line when he got there but thank heavens there was an early delivery too.. i woke up at 630 am to prepare our breakfast..i had to prepare something heavy , fried rice, eggs & daing..this will be a whole day work for him..i took some pictures while he was sawing, drilling holes & he hated me for that..i want to catch his moments eh..
me hurricane na daw nag pipicture pa ako..hehehe..

out of stock

hubs came home early.. we rushed to home depot to buy plywood so we can start boarding our windows..lo & behold! the line was really long..& they will give each customer 10 pcs only..we headed to lowe's but it was out of stock & delivery will be early tomorrow at 6 am..had no choice but to go home..just bought plylox for a whooping $200..ouch! these are just the pins to post the plyboard..i can just imagine the total cost!
we also met r & c..all busy cutting their plyboards..good for them! hubs lent his table saw and his expertise in cutting and measuring ..kapagod huh..
i have packed our bags, taking note of the essentials..i plan to bring the wedding album in case we need to leave the house..i have bank records, insurance policies and pictures of our house, the appliances and whatever i can think of..on the other hand, maybe i could start setting up my home page or webshots account so i can post these pictures....i owe my dear friend monet this one!

hurricane ivan

First there was Bonnie in early August, a tropical storm that paved the way for Hurricane Charley.
Charley struck southwestern Florida on Aug. 13 with 145 mph wind, causing an estimated $6.8 billion in damage and 27 deaths.
Then came Frances on September 5th, a little over two weeks later, making landfall on Florida's eastern coast with 105 mph winds, leaving between $2 and $4 billion in insured damage and at least 15 deaths.
Now here comes Ivan (the Terrible?) and Florida residents are, once again, being urged to evacuate some areas that may be threatened.
This time, Panhandle, where I reside, is a direct hit! Its expected to hit us on wed night or thur morning. I just pray it wont! Nevertheless, we had our gas tank full, candles, rechargeable lamp, batteries working, water supply, and we are closely monitoring the news..
I need your prayers please!

back to work

funny i did not sleep the whole day! how can i when i have to finish my laundry, iron clothes, clean the house , cook, and the list goes on! hmmm..im taking it slowly though..but still have to finish all my chores..
my friend s starts to work today after 6 yrs of being a homemaker...i wish her good luck! i wish i wont have to wait that long..hmmm..hey, give yourself a break! you worked for a decade..consider this a long vacation leave! nyay...

labor day

it's a holiday & hubs is with me the whole day! he had been wanting to go to his office to get a report daw which he says needs to be finished right away..! i told him i could come & he could just leave me in the car! he says he needs to be alone..hmmm..i smell something fishy..told him to be honest with me! then he said, " you always spoil my surprise! im suppose to get you your birthday gift but you wont me let me..! now, come with me & ill show you my surprise..! kainis!!"
my birthday is less than 2 weeks away so this was a real surprise for me..hubs can never keep a secret from me..bwaahahahha..he tells me i always get a crack for spoiling his plans! as he spilled his heart out, he has invited my friends also as he plans to take a vacation from his work and cook for my bday..haaaay...kilig!
now, for the real surprise..he has been looking at this for the last 2 weeks knowing that im the ma-gadget at ma hitech kuno person so..here it is!
my new toy!
i was jumping for joy as he handed me my new digital camera! cant wait to use this!
isnt he the bestest?

terribly homesick

ive got the greatest hubs in the world..but im telling you i terribly miss my dad! with that urge, i grabbed a phone and dialed his number!
dad: o anak, kamusta ka na? me hurricane daw jan? oks ba kayo?
m : ok naman po..medyo mahangin..im watching the news at sa ibang parts grabe po talaga! awa ng dyos dito po ok lang po..musta na kayo?
dad: hay naku anak, miss na miss na kita..ganun pala talaga..ang hirap! pero ok lang, basta happy ka jan! feeling ko mag isa ako sa mundo..ang mga kapatid mo laging wala so mag isa lang ako dito sa bahay..andito naman yung katulong pero..iba eh..
m : pasensya ka na dad..sana kasi asikasuhin mo passport mo..then apply visa..para magkita tayo! dalawin mo naman ako dito! para makita mo rin ang buhay ko!
dad: hmm..pinag iisipan ko nga yan eh..malamang ..pero tamad kasi ako, tapos matanda na..buti kung makasakay pa ako ng eroplano..
m : bata ka pa..parents nga ni s mga 75 yrs old na pabalik balik lang dito..sige na, dalawin mo naman ako!
dad: hayaan mo, pag sinipag ako..basta ingat ka jan! mag bait ka sa asawa mo hah..
m : opo..
i changed topic na, told him stories of our neighbors, the hurricane and whatever comes in my mind because i dont want him to know that im crying....maybe he felt it in a way but id like to believe that he doesnt know....
i just miss him terribly!! i cant show hubs im crying..i know he understands what im going through kasi ive done this so many times!! so i locked myself in the bathroom!!
hmmm...someday, ill get to see my dad here! god is good naman & i know he will grant my prayer!
i should stop this..! its bad for the baby!

indian restaurant

our neighbors invited us for dinner at 7pm...there was a newly opened indian restaurant nearby still no sign of the hurricane at our place yet.. so we , the 3 couples, decided to go to "the taj palace"..
they served real spicy food..i had some lamb, and awww.. i forgot what they call their bread ..it was yummy! the owners frequented our table to make sure that we are enjoying their food.! it was ok! might come back again! hubs loved it!
after dinner, c invited us to watch taking lives with angelina jolie! the other couple declined as the preggy wife is already sleepy.
at their house, 30 minutes has passed & hubs fell asleep..! that movie kept me awake but i just cant bear seeing hubs in their sofa..! we went home na lang while i had this mind boggling questions bout the movie..ill make sure ill see that movie tomorrow or else ill be really grumpy!
ayyy bitin!!

hurricane frances

prayers does wonders! i feel sad watching all those people affected by the hurricane..i just pray that they feel god's presence at this time..with special mention for my dear friends in tampa & jax..
thank you for all your prayers!

wedding video

as much as i dont want to sound so corny and this blog too mushy.. i just cant help it..forgive me pls but circumstances happen..hubs was in a hurry to go home that he forgot to rent dvd's for the 3 day weekend! so after a day's work, he hugged me tight, kissed me , and said " can we watch our wedding video? miss ko na eh..pls?"
im telling you hubs is more excited in watching our video..he brings it to his friends house for weekend getaways..guests coming over at our house cannot escape watching this video too as hubs would proudly say.."uy, you have to see our video" then plays it even before they can say no..he brought it to work one time & made them watch it during lunch break..he's the boss anyway!
so after that 30 minute video, we would recall the feelings , the emotions on that unforgettable day! then he would hum the songs from the video, we would dance....ahh, the list goes on..we're crazy in love! we're still newlyweds anyway so we could use this excuse!
"on this day, i promise forever..on this day, i surrender my heart..

no personality???

i took this from toni's blog....


what decade does your personality live in?

quiz brought to you by lady interference, ltd

ahihihihi..better eat some breakfast..

the little black box

ok ok..enough about those mushy posts..i have been contemplating if ill blog about this or not..after all, my blog has lots of drafts waiting to be posted as soon as i feel like it..some get posted, others deleted..depends on my mood..thats the thing about blog, sometimes you reveal yourself, sometimes you dont..
i have this box which contains hubs emails, cards and the like..i left at home other boxes which contains letters from the ex-men too..i cant bring those here..or else, away!
i specifically reminded hubs to keep in a safe place, one that i can never see, whatever past love notes he has..i know he told me everything..loving a person and getting married is a package deal..you have to deal with the past, present and the future! hmm..yeah, that's the line he used to propose and the name of my ring!!
& so, this weekend, i saw his box and was able to read a portion of his past..a love note from his ex..luckily he told me everything about it and what was written has been discussed even before we got married..but still, i felt different..or else, i will not just retrieve his old messages/emails for me. .darn, why do i care? i know it happened..its just that seeing it did happen seems a different thing..i dont even think of confronting him as it will bring no good! what is there to discuss anyway? it happened five years ago..i wasnt a part of his life yet..
and the moment we met, he chose me.. no ifs not buts, lets get married! ive never met a guy so sure and so confident that i said yes! (after i asked for "the sign" of course) my goodness! god willed that we be partners in life! and hubs has been very honest from the start..he wanted to come clean so he told me everything..he even said that he knew i was his true love because he can be vulnerable and not fear...that he has opened himself up to me in no way he has done to any other person..not even his parents or this ex.. which is why he chose to marry me, the soonest time..not a day pass that he doesnt show his love as he has been sweet, and affectionate, dedicated, romantic, helpful..!i really couldnt ask for more.. hmm..so why am i feeling this?
maybe im just going nuts....i even blamed myself for reading that note.. it was too tempting to resist! .. i was alone & it was there! or maybe.. hormones?
basta , i know one thing..he loves me!!and he's seriously taking his vows..so i have to do the same.... after all, i truly love him!
"..i will support you in the ups and downs of life..i will keep the good memories alive and let the bad ones die.."

feeling nostalgic

Subject: none
Date:
Thu, 24 Jul 2003 20:15:43 -0800

to the brightest star in my universe
tonight i find myself thinking of you, wondering what u are doing this very moment.
cant sleep...your face ever so vivid in my mind...u are just unforgettable...everything
about you...indeed i am most blessed of all men...and to God i am forever grateful...
that in the vastness of the universe He led me to the brightest star ...YOU!

Charlie

Subject:
ITGFY
Date:
Thu, 10 Jul 2003 20:07:45 -0800

love,
thanks sa e-mail. so excited to chat with u this weekend.sunday is leo's birthday and he is inviting me over to his house. kakagawa lang ng pool niya sa bahay so it is going to be a pool party with his in-laws. his brother and sister in law is driving from west virginia. m planning to attend. any ideas for a gift love? sana nandito ka na para kasama kita and para ikaw bumili ng gift, mahina akong umisip ng pangregalo. anyway siyempre may date tayo bukas friday night ko and saturday night ko. 2 nights love pwede? miss kasi kita sobra. kung may lakad ka just tell me ok lang. ingat ka lagi. how is ging? have a safe and happy friday. ano gimik u? love u so much. aga ka ba uwi? bilib naman ako sa e-mail add mo. so sweet nd thoughtful. love u. advance happy monthsary love. 8 wonderful and happy months. ITGFY--I thank God for you.
all my love,
Charlie

PS. di darating ang araw na magsasawa ako sa iyo. pano pagsasawaan ang buhay ko?

a glimpse

"i remember my last glimpse of you the night we parted. i took you home that night knowing i won't be seeing you for a whole year. i saw you look back as the tricycle pulled away. but then that was enough to bring comfort to my aching heart. just a glimpse of your dreamy eyes...a glimpse of your warm bright smile...a glimpse of your long black hair...a glimpse of your fiery red lips...just a glimpse of YOU!...time went by...seasons changed...and here i am about to see you again...ecstatic to say the least... for this time around it would be more than just a glimpse...but a chance to gaze into your eyes...forever! "

then he added this ...

love thanks for your e-mail. see what inspiration you bring. i was just reading and suddenly i was transported back to that night and out of that came these love thoughts. take care always and i will see you soon. I LOVE YOU.

hubs wrote this last year, 3 months before our wedding..! im so glad i kept this along with all his poems, emails, cards...! im just so glad we're together now! i just praise and thank God for his love!

peels sleep

hubs does love me..he slept the whole day..just beside me that is..i find it amusing...i thought its alright for me to sleep..but with him being sleepy too..hmmm..last night pa sya huh..
he still cant sleep without him hugging me or me hugging him...there's a secret code that when he makes this turn i hug him and when i do that turn he hugs back..dont know how we invented that..it was just a natural thing..isnt he adorable?

anton's baptism

it was unusual that we had to wake up at 7am on a saturday morning..with puffy eyes, we forced ourself to eat cereals and a glass of orange juice for me while hubs had his cup of coffee..we have to rush or we'll be late..
2 hours of driving & we reached tall..we arrived at the church 11am. it was just about to start..s was the first to kiss me & she congratulated me, us..then the entire clan followed, familiar faces greeted me too..i was thinking, i just told s..and now everybody knows! hmmm...
baby anton was an angel..welcome to the christian world!!!
the reception followed at florida buffet..hubs got me a plate filled with brocolli, chicken, pasta, pot roast etc..he gave me a soup of mixed veggies too..ooopps, btw, i dont eat veggies but now i am forced to..huhuhuhuh..
we then went to marshalls to shop around for house stuff..then.. tada..my eyes caught this shoes on sale..so i bought 2. ..ahihihih..i remembered monet..this is my prize too! buti talaga, bait si hubs..grabe..
we went back to s mom's house..a little of tfc channel inside the room and im amazed at how new young actors and actresses (are they really actors?) gazed the tv..i dont know them..tsk..to think ive been just a few months away..
s then invited me to eat at au pache, a pastry shop nearby and asked if we could tag along our hubbies..we were surprised to see them nowhere..c's car is gone so maybe the 3 guys went out..we decided to eat anyway..
a talk with s brought back college memories..i cant believe weve been friends for 13 yrs..it felt good! as the strawberry tart, chocolate truffle melted in our mouth, it did felt good!
she kept calling the guys on their cellfone but they are not picking up..i said she should not bother kasi im sure theyre ok..i did not even think of calling hubs..im sure theyre together & theyre doin fine..s still tried..and on her 5th call she was able to get through..the guys went to starbucks for a coffee, they went to best buy, and did some guy things...guys do guy stuff while girls do girl stuff once in a while..i thinks its that simple..still s insist that they follow us...the shop was about to close so i dont think they can make it..anyways, i bought a box so hubs can try it at home..s did the same thing..
on the way home, hubs was real sleepy..he asked me if i could drive and i said yes of course...he slept the entire trip..!!!could he be pregnant?!?

love thy neighbor

at 1130am, i got a call from a..she wants to have lunch at applebee's and she's bringing her kid r too..5 mins after, she ranged the doorbell and we were ready to eat out..at this time i forgot im sleepy coz , hey im going out..rare times..heheh..
their menu had a weight watchers list..but then who's watching what? so..i gobbled a bacon cheeseburger, a plate of french fries and half of mesquite chicken salad..a ate the other halfof my salad and half of the big apple burger..the other half of apple burger went to r's tummy..have we not eaten for days?
we then went to publix ..i bought some oranges, grapes, fruits, milk, yogurt...looks like im seriously eating..
r had been so sweet that he wanted me to sit beside him as his mom drives..i said i cant..he started crying out loud....his mom then asked me to sit at the back of the car beside his car seat..i explained to r that this is just temporary & next stop i will be sitting next to his mom..he understood & stopped crying..he is just 4 yrs old..oh well..
we strolled at target too..bought some stuff..i felt tired afterwards so we decided to go home..
as soon as im home, i went back to sleep..ahihihiii...

sleeping beauty

want to blog but i feel so lazy..to think ive been sleeping the whole day! i wanted to do my usual chores but i just cant move..lying in the sofa is more appealing than cleaning the house..tsk!
are my cleaning days over?

the test

hubs & i had our dinner early..then our good friend s called, asking me if i took the test..i told her im still thinking about it..being the expressive person that she was, she just blurted out how i should start taking care of myself and its good to know if its what we think it is or not..blah blah blah..then he asked for my hubs and did the same thing..blah blah blah..after the call, both of us looked at each other & then laughed..gosh, it was like having a sermon on the mount... or worst , talking to our mom..as if we dont know what to do with our lives..wooohho...
at 9pm i had a sudden urge to eat french fries..i felt i just got to have it now! those crisp, hot, golden yellow fries dipped in mayo..hmmm....
hubs was so kind to give in to my craving..we drove to wendys..beside that was publix..i just asked hubs, "what do you think if we buy the pregnancy kit?" he replied, "sure..if you feel like it it, let's get it..im just thinking you might think im pressuring you on this"
munching my fries back home, i can feel hubs excitement..i know i saw that look in his face before..let me think..
as soon as we got inside our house, hubs opened the kit and carefully read the instructions..i was about to finish my french fries when he told me , "come on, its pee time.." he still has that look..im wondering...
together, we both went inside the bathroom..we again reviewed the instructions..he swears in his entire life he has not tried using that and so am i..i even joked, "ok love, your turn to pee"..eheheh..
the test said that it will take 3 minutes to have a pink line..if it shows one pink line, negative..if it is two pink lines, positive! but in less than a minute, it gave us the result!
the answer....TWO PINK LINES! well, it says its 99% accurate so there is that 1% chance that it could be wrong..you know..hmmm..teeheheh..
hubs was so ecstatic.., he flashed a wide smile! hubs hugged me tight! he said "i love you, mommy! now, we're pregnant!"
now i remember that look...that face..i saw that on our wedding day, when we were about to get married 9 months ago, as i march down the aisle..as he said his vows, yup! that was the face!
he still has the look as we prayed before going to sleep..!we thanked god..for we believe this is his time! oh & we tried to call our parents, but we cant get through..tsk..so we had to call s....she knew she was right daw..haaayy..sige na nga!
life is a bliss!

the article

i think it was my friend monet who told me about this site so i just checked it..i found this article..
i had shivers....

pancit bihon

to make my mind think of anything else but the thing that i dont want to think..i have to be busy..so i thought of cooking pancit bihon..ive never tried to cook it..besides, i was craving for it..its been months since ive had one...so i prepared the ff:
1. i boiled 2 pcs of chicken breast in about 10 cups of water..i add salt & pepper to taste..it took me bout 25 mins..i removed the chicken & had it flaked..the bigger the flakes the better for me..:)
2. i chopped 1 medium sized onion, sliced the repolyo into small ones, wanted to have julienne carrots but my ref does not have it so no carrots for me..tsk...i then turned on the stove in medium heat..in my wok, i poured 3 spoonfuls of olive oil (im using olive oil for hubby)..i placed the minced garlic & chopped onion , sliced chicken, and shrimps..then i seasoned to taste..i added the veggies..mix mix..then i poured in the chicken broth..
3. i then added the bihon which i soaked in the water for just about a few minutes..
4. mix mix (heheh..my own term) i added soy sauce and some more ground pepper..when i saw that its almost dry, i assumed its cooked already..i grabbed a fork and tried it..voila! my first cooked pancit ever! i can have bday parties now! heheh..
hubs came early & was so happy with the pancit..he said its hard to cook pancit daw & he gave me a hug for a job well done..did you know that he had 3 servings of pancit? gosh..i cant believe he ate that much..he reminded me to save some as he will bring it tomorrow for his baon..seems like he loved it....makes me happy!
by the way, its my yaya's bday..come to think of it..she is now 52 yrs old..she has been with us for the last 24 yrs..she has given so much to our family..she is still single..i guess she'll never marry now but who knows..gotta call her & greet her..timing naman i cooked pancit! hehhhehe..

old email

love of my life,

its sat am for me. getting ready to go to leo's.im enjoying my weekend kasi wala nang pressure regarding survey. thank God it is behind us. i was praying and really thanking God for His grace, love and faithfulness. i was watching tv and my eyes started looking around the house and i can't help but thank and praise Him because all of these is from Him. most of all m looking forward to making this house a home with you and our future kids. i love you very much. c ya when i get back

hindi magbabago ang tibok ng puso ko,

hubs

this was his email dated last year..i was checking my mails and i found this in my folder..how time flies!
mushy mushy mushy!

lazy day

i never felt so sleepy in my entire life..being a homemaker would mean i got lots of time to sleep but i havent done that..i swear! i only get to take afternoon nap on weekends because hubs insist we do that..plus he's the sleepy one not me really..
lo & behold at 3pm, my friends s called me (like a day pass by without her calling me eh..)
s: hey, what are u doing?
m: sleeping..until i heard the phone & rushed to check if it was hubs
s: have you been sleeping the whole day?
m: uh-huh..
s: when was the last time you had your period?
m: let me see..we're always sabay di ba..hmm 13th..yeah 13th nga, why?
s: ohmygod! youre delayed its the 23rd now..have u checked yet?
m: no, why should i? im having some pain so i know im getting my period soon!
s: tell hubs you should check na..better be sure than sorry.!
m: im positive, ill have my period..its just delayed!
s: my friend you're in denial..thats ok..i felt that too!
m: hay naku, dont want to talk to you bout this..sige na, gota go!
s: you are d-e-la-y-e-d..my god, you're pregnant!!!
m: of course not..hush..! good bye
click
the phone rang again,
h: hey love, how are you?
m: sleepy..can you believe i slept the whole day?
h: tell me if i need to buy the pregnancy kit, we could have done it this time! YES!
m: i dont think so..i mean, i feel that my period is coming..its just delayed..
h: its ok love..we're ready!
m: hmm..just come home..i dont want to talk about this..
h: if the baby comes, it's a blessing..if not, maybe its not yet time! whatever god wills ok..
m: ok thanks..
h: so , should i buy it now? (chuckles)
m: no..dont buy anything! ill have my period soon! i can feel it!
h: ok, denial queen! see yah later!
m: tse!
h: love you
m: love you too..
click

i stared at the phone for a long time..my mind began to wander..could i be pregnant? how could that happen? yeah, im married..but..i dont know..am i ready? i always thought i wanted a baby but now that im thinking of the possibility of raising a kid..i dont know what to feel..besides, i can really feel something..i can feel that im having my period real soon..it's just delayed which happens..its normal to be delayed at times!
what if i take the pregnancy test and its negative..what will i feel? ive never taken that test ever ..would that make me feel weird? would i be sad? maybe....yeah, i would be definitely sad..i will just wait na lang..
hubs is right, "Thy will be done"...

sleeping day

today is sleeping day! we had breakfast, got a call from s..she reminded us to hear mass(hala, di ako nakasimba..tsk)and reminded us that we will see them next week..ok ok.. we went back to bed..woke up, had lunch, watched tv, then dozed off again in the sofa..woke up at 4pm, surfed the channels, prepared dinner..then its time to sleep again.!!
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...ooopps..had a call from c & a that theyre back from jax..good for them! now where am i? is this a dream? ;)
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz....

birthday party

its l's 3rd bday party held at their home in marianna, 1 hr drive from our place. it was a swimming party held at their own pool...the kids did not mind the sun while i tried very hard to stay under the shade (hubs find that funny that takot ako sa araw..)you know hubs can take an hour drive but needs to stop at a rest area if he goes more than that..he gets sleepy kasi talaga..
it was nice to see l too..he is hubs college friend..their conversation meant reminiscing their college gimiks..its nice to know old stuff about hubs..i get to discover lots about him..
its really different when pinoys have their party..the typical american party consisted of spaghetti, sandwich, ice cream & cake..that's it..! go to a pinoy party & you'll see menudo, lumpiang shanghai, pansit, veggies, etc.. plus the party started at 10am and ended before lunch..we just decided to stay a little longer coz i want hubs to spend time with his friend..i also got to talk to l's wife and other mommies and play with their 2 kids..l's comment goes like this.."having a baby is like having a 30 yr mortgage..if that doesnt scare you i dont know what else does.." (eto ngang 15 yrs takot na ako eh..hmm..less 2 yrs na pala so 13 yrs na lang..yehey)
we left at 2 pm & we decided to do our grocery..we went to sams club.. we bought beef ribs and other stuff..we decided to have them grilled tonight..yum yum! cant wait! as soon as we got home, he prepared to marinate the beef..he told me to just relax while he starts to light the grill up..:)
i had a small chat with my sis too.. she just gets beautiful each day..i got to see yaya & dad too in the webcam..now i really have to make sure my webcam works so they can see me too..this has been on hold for so many weeks..my sis showed me her pics in her rapelling etc..she is seriously thinking of joining the mountaineering club..i said no..she is still a baby! she said she's 25 yrs old now! i still think she's a baby! teehehehe..

good old friend

my good friend s never fails to call me in a day..my other friends thinks it weird but she has always been like that, daily phone calls & chats..she just makes sure i dont get homesick plus the usual chika..this time she was making kulit why did i not join our neighbors c & a to spend the weekend with her..you see she has just visited me 1st week of august & now she wants us to see her naman..our neighbors doesnt mind the 4 1/2 hour drive to jacksonville but this weekend would mean a day off for hubby which he cannot afford to have at the moment..s joked that mahina na daw sya..what if i just leave hubs instead and spend the weekend with her..hmmm..i said no....i will only go if hubs go..hubs has been under so much pressure lately with his work, expecting surveyors, running the therapy dept and so much other stuff that i look forward spending weekends with him..ayun nagparamdam ng slight tampo si s sa akin..i just shrugged & i know she'll be over that feeling soon..
thats the weird thing..this time i get to realize that id rather spend time with hubs than go out with friends..i mean, i felt that during my single days, i was really having the best time of my life..kabikabilang gimik, lakwatsa dito, lakwatsa doon..never mind if i got work the next day, i would still go out with friends, go home at 4am & be at work at 8am..i would say nagpakasawa talaga ako! so even if stay home the entire week i feel ok now..i just know i have a different life now..
so when s was insisting i visit her & spend 1 whole week with her,(im telling you not just the weekend but let hubs fetch me the week after) i really disagreed!
hubs knows the whole story so he gave me a tight hug after the talk..then whispered, " thank you for staying this week huh..i need to relax with you eh.."
the phone is ringing again..and you guess it right its from s..!

dentist day

call me teeth freak or what but i have always enjoyed my visits to the dentist.. back home, i would never miss my twice a year dentist appointment..i have the same old dentist for the last 12 yrs and i felt uncomfortable going to a new one.. in my previous work, we had a dental plan too but it meant going to a different dentist, one that was accredited by our company.. it did not bother me that i had to shell out extra money from my own pocket as long as i get to see my favorite dentist..talk about loyalty.
when we were about to move here, one of my top concerns was having a new dentist..hubs assured me i would love the dentist he has..and i would love the hi tech stuff they use here..so last march , off we went to his dentist and boy oh boy..hi tech nga..feeling ko promdi tuloy ako because i kept on asking what the hygienist was about to do etc etc..i was comparing notes mentally..who's better, who's faster, who's friendlier, i was checking their xray, galing..hay naku!
6 months have passed and now we have to see the dentist again..i was so excited..so much excitement that my tooth hurt..oh no! could this be a bad sign..?
after the xray, dr. f recommended that i get a root canal! uh oh..just in time..but at least, i get to compare how they do it here..hmm..
i had anesthesia & of course i did not feel anything..i felt how dr f pushed and pushed to kill the canal with this tiny needlelike stuff inside my tooth. grabe..i was amazed how i felt no pain at all..they had a temporary filling afterwards so i will come back again in a month's time..naku, excited na naman ako..
hubs finds it weird! tamad kasi sya mag dentist eh..hhehehe..
yun nga lang the anesthesia is still here ata..i am looking at the mirror, making faces and my mouth is still numb..tabingi pa nga ata..hala...!

honeymoon

i have always wanted to do my scrapbook..so i started fixing our pictures..i have this huge boxes of pictures..i was shocked to see that it has piled up although we've only been married for nine months..then i started to place some in the photo album. it was a wooden box type given by hubs officemate. i thought i should change the pictures in our frames too..so i started cutting fave shots of our recent trips..
then i saw this picture- the el nido picture! memories of our honeymoon just came in my mind. it was good that up to this time, hubs thinks our honeymoon was the best vacation he had so far..ive asked this question about a million times & never did he fail of giving the same answer. it was really an unforgettable experience for both of us..we were truly pampered for 3 days.. this place is real heaven for honeymooners. we were even stopped by hubs parents from going there as it was dangerous daw. but we have paid for it a month before our wedding so there is no turning back for us ( unless we call the whole wedding off..hehehe..)hubs had to tell his parents na lang that we were off to boracay instead of palawan..when we got back, they started asking about our trip & i did not even say any word..i would always change the topic that time. if they find out, hala..ill let hubs do the talking..after all, my whole family knows the truth!
hopefully we could go back and do some reminiscin..hay naku, miss ko na talaga pilipinas!

ahhh..best times! 

el nido palawan 

cyberchat

i decided to take a break from my forced hobby --i.e. sewing curtains so i opened my notebook. lo & behold! my college classmates were all online & were about to start a conference call. the webcam allowed us to see each other even if we were all on different countries. we exchanged pictures, gossips, tips on how to have babies, married life, in-laws, etc..it was so good to see them! even if it is in the computer screen only...i got to see their apartment & their own space..nice!
funny that when we graduated from college, setting up a gimik would be hard as all our schedules have been juggled up. sometimes we would see each other once a year during christmas or when was about to get married or during christening where we are all godparents..but whenever we're together it seems like we have been seeing each other all this time..true friendship eh..!
thank god for the technology!! thank god for great friends!

nine months

hubs in his happy voice greeted me "happy monthsary!" its been wonderful wonderful nine months..i still thank god for hubs..i love my life more now that we are together..
i got the goodbye call from my best friend and her marriage of 7 years is about to end.. i still have high hopes..as i believe in forever..i still pray that a miracle will happen..she knows i will always support her and love her..ahhhhh..if only..
meantime, another curtain call..a few more stich and i hope im done!
(who ever thought i can sew this curtains?..my dad doesnt believe im doing this..he doesnt even believe i cook..hubs is the only one who thinks otherwise..)

handyman hubs

he fixed the mirror - he attached this pins which would prevent the mirror from falling.- he got this idea as his officemate had their mirror broken as it dropped from the wall. bigla lang bumagsak talaga. we dont want this to happen so the pins..he set up the roman blinds for the guest room ( i got this blinds from lowes yesterday & theyre lovely-native pa rin but in a different way its made of bamboo sticks ata) he sorted his files --ive been telling him he has to go through all those boxes or else ill just burn them (ahhh--tapang ko ah..)he fixed our master bedroom too..hay naku, he is the best talaga! masipag at mabait na asawa..
then he said, "our rooms have their window treatments except for one..somebody said she'll do it but upto now i dont see anything yet.." oooopppss...that was for me..cant blog muna...
gotta finish my curtains muna..or ill be in big trouble! :)

weekend with hubs

we woke up at 11am..and we had to hurry as the bank closes at 12 noon. ive been telling hubs to deposit my check but its been a week since so we had to do it today. we had our brunch and with hubs driving skills --meaning "yellow light has 3 seconds before it turns red so i can still go..", we met the deadline. hubs then declared that it is our date day! so i get to pick the store i want to see. first stop was my fave bed bath & beyond. we got a good deal as our plates have been on sale. i felt bad in a way because i bought them at a regular price . that time i truly wanted to have them. so, what i did was to buy the remaining plates. they are now being sold at a per piece price. add to that is i still have our gift card (we got it from our wedding reception here) and i still have some more left. today is a good day! next stop was ross. i got these native baskets at a very cheap price. next was pier one. now, this comes the hard part. we spotted these ramonchairs, two fabulous seats which would be oh so perfect in our master bedroom. but the price is way beyond. (for me..) hubs as usual promised he will work hard so that i will allow him to buy those 2 pieces. i said my famous line, "let's sleep over it first". he agreed afterwards but he just kept on looking and seating on those chairs. they were so comfy. to divert his mind, i asked him if we could have doughnuts. we decided to have krispy kreme . he remember he had to buy something for the mirror to hold it in its place so we went to home depot. this time we got a call from c and theyre on their way to home depot too..they came sooner than expected. the boys shopped around while me , with a & r,looked around. we then went to lowes to shop around for the type of wood which my hubs will use for c's entertainment center..have i mentioned im married to a carpenter? (a frustrated one as he claims) hubs is an all around handyman. hes got all these tools in our garage which i myself am amazed. boy, he can fix this and that. he designed our own entertainment center., he did my closet, my laundry area, his work bench area etc etc.. i would joke that before he buys anything he should try to do it muna as he can do it naman. like the ramona chairs which he again mentioned. i told him he can do that. no need to buy!
we bought some ribs and chicken and had dinner at home. c was asking for ice cream but i gave him oranges.. then we decided to watch the butterfly effect . it was a good one but i had to make sure i had my hands in my eyes most of the time. nakakagulat kasi eh. at 12 midnight, our other neighbor r rang the doorbell to say hi! we actually called them before putting on the dvd but they came after the movie so 2nd screening daw sila ..no way! got to sleep ! heheheh..
i feel blessed that i have great neighbors..great friends too!

friday the 13th

its been two weeks since ive encoded hubs work so i had to join him in the facility to do his logs. i had no choice. the idea not to have backlogs has been discussed with hubs over and over again..(ok since january)i.e. he should encode daily! but his busy sked does not allow him to. hence, i ,by his might and power, delegated and forced moi to be in charge of the encoding. hooray for me! i just hope it pays me..but it does not..tsk..well, at least i get to explore the nursing home. and i get to help hubs too..and i get free lunch as well..hmmm..what if he just change his job?? (this talk has been discussed since january too..)--errr..he might think of changing his wife..so dont talk about this anymore.
my 8-4pm job came to an end and then we got a call from neihbor c.. he invited us to join his pinoy friends for a tennis game. armed with our rackets and our potluck contribution (simply adobo and bananas- theyre not mixed ok so dont panic),he picked us up and we headed to the tennis court. now this is networking as i met other 5 pinoy couples. hubs has known them before when he was still single but he does not normally join them as he felt out of place. now no more. he can truly relate. it was an instant get together for all of us. after dinner, we tuned it to the olympics. we waited and waited until the philippines delegation came. the unending discussion of the greek alphabet as to when the philippines should be placed emerged. it all stopped when our trouped waved their hands wearing our famous barong.
the other couples were very warm. they told me that i could call them whenever i feel bored or homesick. b, who had been married for 11 yrs, had been so friendly sharing her stories of her experience living with her hubby as a plain housewife with no friend whatsoever. good thing she now has a 3 yr old pretty girl. she said i should not be in a hurry to have a baby. just like what she did. we'll see..
ive been trying not to think about it..but it just..hmmm...i just pray to god that He stay with my best friend during this difficult time.. tonight, i saw these 5 married couples and they all look ok. one has been married for 23 yrs whose biggest dream is to go home in the phil.(she has not been home for 23 yrs, can you believe that?) ., then there's another one married for 7 yrs and theyre doing ok..
i just lift to god my best friend and her relationship. ive seen them grow into a very loving couple. theirs is one of the strongest ones . we just had our recent vacation..best times! and i also pray that hubs and i will no go through that rough time. just thinking of my friend now makes me cry. i pray that she'll get through this!we've been best friends since high school and we managed to stay in touch despite the distance. i really dont like that this is happening..but then, unexpected things happen! and this one is something i never imagined!

bonnie & charley

its funny that the hurricane is named charley. hubs was joking that malakas daw ang dating nito for obvious reasons! News flash have been ongoing to alert us and for us to be prepared. last night, we made sure we got enough supply of water, new flashlights, batteries, rechargeable lamp, enough food etc. we even cleared our patio. we placed the grill and the chairs inside the garage. hubs said that the storm might take this things away so better be safe than sorry. we prayed & thank god He heard us!
today turned out to be an ordinary day. the sun was bright & sunny! i was looking for my first experience of a real storm here but no luck! (which is good of course)
I wanted to have something new, something i havent done before and god granted that... It was in another form though. I had to babysit R, my 4 yr old neighbor from 8am-4pm. As day care had been closed today, our neighbor had no choice but to leave their kid with me as they had to work at the hospital. I offered help anyway and hubs did not mind. The couple needs help so it was ok..
Im used to taking care of my pamangkins but this is different. R & i were together the entire day. I had to watch Blues Clues, Dora, and all other cartoon dvds. Then, he got bored and asked if we could play the computer. We now had to play the cartoonnetwork.com & nick.com. All in a day! Lunch time came & I had to cook instant pancit canton as R doesnt want to eat adobo cooked last night.
I noticed that I kept on looking at the clock when it striked 3pm.. began counting the minutes until it was 4pm. Im so glad his dad arrived on time.:) He thanked me and offered me a ride home (walking distance lang naman bahay nya sa amin since we live in the same village) He offered to pay me but I declined. Nahiya talaga ako kasi we're friends and I felt awkward! C was never mahiyain. When he brought me home, he asked if i have ice cream which is always present in my ref so ayun, he gobbled my ben&jerrys. Haaaaay...
When hubs arrived he told me J called to ask how we were kasi nga me bagyo. I felt ok naman. Sana laging ganito feeling ko.. I like myself better when I dont react. As in call lang & it was a voice message.
My crockpot made sure my nilagang baka was ready for dinner! Tonight it rained a little and timing ang ulam. Hubs appreciated my cooking! Well, he does that always which makes me inspired to cook. After all, he is the only reason why ive been cooking!

proud mama! playtime! 

at last, a pic of my long lost friend with 3 kids.. 

at last..

m has been my classmate from 1st yr to 4th yr college..she had to go to davao after graduation where her whole family resides..i joked that one day id visit her and it came true..our college barkada stayed at their house for 1 week& we had a blast! seeing davao was a dream come true..we went to pearl farm ate durian, bought a shirt at durian republic, did the tourist thing...etc etc..it was a vacation to remember! then a year after she got married! we again went there to attend her son's baptism as k & i are ninangs..another memorable one! this time, we noticed a big difference as after our dinner at davao insular hotel she was in a hurry to go home as she now thinks of her baby! wow! she was the first one to marry in our barkada & the first one to experience how it is like to be a mom!we did not know how to react!
we managed to keep in touch but for some reason, we only talk during our birthday and christmas! but those talks would last for hours because we had to update each other with so much..today, imagine my surprise when i got an email showing me his 3 boys..(that includes her hubby) she looked fabulous just like our college days!
got to answer her email now..!this email ..is the highlight of my day!

it's over!

our favorite show outback jack is over!Jack made his choice and hubs and i totally agree! it was natalie, hub's crush!
we really got hooked to this tv show that tuesday nights we would have our dinner early so that we will not miss this show at 8 pm..then at 10 pm it has a replay which would you believe , we still watch?..and our conversations would always involve natalie, marissa and jack..i even fancied jack for a while..but..not anymore.!( he made maria cry in one scene & that made me drop him! i was really affected ..tsk..
maybe jack saw how good natalie's heart is..!opposite poles attract..at first, it was clear that he had an early liking with marissa who is really so kontrabida..so confident too that he would be jack's choice! hahahhahha..buti nga sa kanya! (but i like her dress! she looked gorgeous even when jack dumped her..it pays to be pretty , i can relate..heheh..)
it was the first reality tv show which hubs & i truly liked..it had so many twists & turns! and natalie is hilarious..she always has funny comments on almost anything under the sun (& the moon!)
good choice jack! good choice!

fab five

while channel surfing, hubs & i caught the fab five..much to our luck, it featured this pinoy couple, newlyweds, who wanted to host a reception..we have heard so much about this show but we never thought it was really great!..we then recalled how we hosted our reception here. it was our real first party planning together. our wedding was a little different as he just came a week before while i (together with mil) prepared..planning our reception here was much fun and stressful because we both wanted different things..i want it simple, he wants to be bongga!
i wish i had called this fab five for our party..my oh my, how they planned it so well with all those freebies! the pinoy parents were very happy with the outcome! i saw those two daddies crying a tear or two for their kids..romantic talaga mga pinoys! and sentimental too..
and i love their souvenirs for the guests, very simple & elegant..just a glass vase with a tiny green flower! why did i not think of that? :)
For details, click this link
This show earns a good spot in our tv scheds!! Queer_Eye_for_the_Straight_Guy!! Hooray!

breakfast in bed

it was the nth time hubs surprised me with breakfast in bed but i always feel like it was the 1st time..he would laugh & giggle as i ate in my bedtray my corned beef, eggs & fried rice fave with orange juice of course..it was his motto that he would prepare meals on weekends as i do that during weekdays..that is his way of returning the favor..good way to start the day!sweet noh?
as of course, he was still in high spirits when our sofa was finally delivered. despite the breakfast he made, i was having "separation anxiety" over our sofa which has been the witness of my crying moments (when im terribly homesick i just burst into tears in the middle of the day-((sometimes night but i do try to make sure that hubs is sleeping or else..)) this would happen as hubs is busy with work) but then, the gloomy face changed when i saw the new one..hubs is right! ill feel good once i have this!! rhodes was on time but the slight scratch on my wall as they entered the front door while carrying the sofa gave me another gloomy face.. hubs just said hush & said he'll fix it! no one can really spoil his mood today!
after fixing the living room, we cleaned the garage! i cant believe we have tons of boxes all containing magazines -READ DATED 1993-2003. hubs insist on keeping it as he will read it in the future..just tell me when as ive asked that question 8 months ago..still the box has not moved! i have an evil plan of throwing it & not telling him but what if he finds out..golly!that means T R O U B L E for me! sighhhs...
then we rented some dvds..we opted to watch cheaper by the dozen..this made us real scared! well it made us laugh but it made us think too..he said maybe we should have not kids anymore! i asked him how did he read my mind? hmmm..it was just a movie anyway!..yeah it frightened me but..i still want to give him kids..! i know he will be an amazing father as he is now an amazing husband! if that day comes, ill be happy and grateful to god! Oh well, The Master has His plans! I will just abide by His will!

love thy neighbor!

it was 9am when A called! it was her day off and she would like to tag me along with her pre natal checkup, groceries, shopping etc etc..i quickly took a bath & wanted to call hubs..then i changed my mind..i could still go out without telling him right..? no guilty feelings whatsoever..( i was in dilemma because what if he calls & he starts to worry that im not home..-awww..no, no phone call-ill just tell him later)
so off we went to the doctor, the mall and before we knew it it was 5pm..once again i bought another jar for my kitchen cabinet..it was always a good thing to buy something you like at a cheaper price. i just dont know when i will stop collecting jars/potteries and the like..hehe..lagot ako ke hubs..the deals at target are just too good to resist! i just have to remind myself what are the essentials etc etc (a mascara & lipstick is a must- hehe so i grabbed both!)
its really different now that hubs work while i stay home! he gave me the checkbook since we got married! major purchases would require our mutual agreement ( i had to do my budget first before i said yes to that living room set )i would normally have 2nd thoughts now before i buy something. unlike before when i was single , i felt that i could buy anything as i deserve it because i work hard for it. now, i..maybe..am becoming responsible (owwsss?) so i have been thinking first before acting on it...but if its a necessity i would definitely still go for it! its just different now! but im glad hubs trusts me! i like that im in charge !!
a also paid for my lunch at golden corralyum yum! delicioso! their steak is an all time favorite! i reached for my wallet when a stopped me & said its her treat! she & his hubby has always been kind to me! she would call me, check on me, brought me pasalubong and they are my churchmates too!how i love my neighbor!

in denial

ok ill admit it! i have a slight tampo ke hubby which resulted to my being so withdrawn! i felt that i should not share any emotions to him or to anybody..in fact i started to discover other blogs and other things i could do with blog (thanks tin & monet) i attempted to write my emotions in a way but they were on all a draft mode..maybe someday i might post it or maybe delete it..i was telling myself eveyrthing is ok..itll soon be ok..he loves me and i love him..!
so tonight is the night.. we finally talked! and we were able to address the issues..thank god! i was able to see his point of view & he too saw mine! so we came to a compromise! it felt good!
marriage needs trust, respect & open communication! i am still at awe how two lives can share one..hmmm..god is just marvelous! and love..its a wonderful feeling!

outside world

i never thought blogging could be so addictive..i have new things to explore, html, site meter, haloscan (thanks to dear friends who share their minds-u know who you are & i owe you lots-:)) other blogs to read..this is so much fun!
there's a big world out there! big big world..

is god talking to me?

i got this email from a friend..it sure did hit me!!

Five Ways God Uses Problems
By David Langerfeld

The problems you face will either defeat you or develop you - depending on how you respond to them. Unfortunately, most people fail to see how God wants to use problems for good in their lives. They react foolishly and resent their problems rather than pausing to consider what benefit they might bring. Here are five ways God wants to use the problems in your life:

1. God uses problems to DIRECT you. Sometimes God must light a fire under you to get you moving. Problems often point us in a new direction and motivate us to change. Is God trying to get your attention? "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6


2. God uses problems to INSPECT you. People are like tea bags... if you want to know what's inside them, just drop them into hot ever water! Has God tested your faith with a problem? What do problems reveal about you? "When you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience." James 1:2-3


3. God uses problems to CORRECT you. Some lessons we learn only through pain and failure. It's likely that as a child your parents told you not to touch a hot stove. But you probably learned by being burned. Sometimes we only learn the value of something by losing it. "It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes." Psalm 119:72


4. God uses problems to PROTECT you. A problem can be a blessing in disguise if it prevents you from being harmed by something more serious. Last year a friend was fired for refusing to do something unethical that his boss had asked him to do. His unemployment was a problem - but it saved him from being convicted and sent to prison a year later when management's actions were eventually discovered. "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good" Genesis 50:20


5. God uses problems to PERFECT you. Problems, when responded to correctly, are character builders. God is far more interested in your character than your comfort. Your relationship to God and your character are the only two things you're going to take with you into eternity. "We can rejoice when we run into problems... they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady." Romans 5:3-4

Here's the point: God is at work in your life - even when you don't recognize it or understand it. But it's so much easier when you surrender to his plan for your life.

by: Joe Gatuslao, Bacolod City

our community

i was rearranging the jars we bought, decided to make my kitchen look spic & span for the nth time when i just thought, i am all alone(from 8am-5pm)! this has been the scenario for the last months..i then looked at the window and i saw our neighbor across getting her mails..she could be 60 something & yet she's alone too!i decided to get our mail..but she went inside so i missed waving a little hello! i took a good look at our lawn..the grass has been greener and thicker & my flowers (yellow and pink) have all bloomed..weeds are manageable, thanks to tru-green & my hubby!
looking at this made me appreciate how beautiful our community is..you see couples walking together with their kids & dogs who never fails to say hello, the pool, the neighbor's lawns.. everything..
i remember my wish last nov 2001..i visited my friend here & i just made a wish that i could live here at the hammocks ..god answered my prayer as i met hubby who happens to live here ..is it coincidence? god is just good!
i better take a walk around! later!

sofa & loveseat

Guess wut, hubby has a new crush !--Sure do hope its me but its natalie from outback jack.. we really dont know whats with her but i am thinking i do like her..she just makes us laugh! her comments in the jungle area has always been hilarious..she thinks her french tips nails are her top priority..!a real city girl living in the woods..
ooppsie, we got the sofa we wanted...it has clean lines and dry wood underneath .....our sofa is still ok but hubby wants the contemporary look plus it has been with us for 6 yrs..tonight, we went to homeplace first where we bought our formal dining set & we were surprised to see the same sofa we wanted at lesser price of $200@ plus the loveseat..it had a slight difference so we thought..we then headed to rhodes & now, it looks a lot different..the foam, the pillows, the fabric, plus the color..i had a good feeling about the sofa & so is hubby..(that was one sleepless night..heheh) sam, the salesman, who has been working for 29 yrs in that furniture store did his sales pitch & we know we've been hooked! itll be delivered on aug 7..oh wow!
back to outback jack, i dont like him anymore..!he is no longer my type! he makes girls cry! he doesnt even see how rude marissa is! he's just after the looks!
we also borrowed neighbors' pinoy dvds..hubby wants to watch it..funny, we are the first ones to watch these instead of the owner..our neighbors are really kind..well, we did the housesitting..so...hehe..seriously, we are just blessed..
thanks to monet & irene..ive been so inpired to blog!
later!

where is the lettuce?

hmmmm..lucky day! hubby got home early & he wanted to take a stroll..plus we need to buy lettuce for our salad..as we drove to publix, he said he wanted to do the upholstery in our sofa..we went first to joanns to look for the right fabric..we found it to be pricey! so we checked a furniture store..voila, we found a sofa that we truly want..im sure it will fit in our living room but im just the budget conscious type..i still get overwhelmed at the prices here but hubby says its a good deal! told him we had to sleep over it and come back tomorrow if we still want it..so we just went to another store, ended up buying jars & other stuff..on the way to our car, hubby cannot find the keys ..we searched for it but we cant find it..strolled again inside the store, the parking lot etc ..we just cant find it..we had to call our brother to pick us up to get the duplicate keys back home which we have to search again in the house..luckily we found it in one of his drawers..this time im keeping the other key..for times like this..you'll never know..
oh & i was looking at the items we bought, i cannot find any lettuce..i have my tissue, my foil, but no lettuce..! well, we can have rice tonight..! (excuses)

cant wait to sit here & eat!! 

fernwood 111603..swans, fishes, lovebirds.. 

view from the top before i walked down the aisle!  

pasalubong

we were finally able to get our pasalubong from the phils..our neighbor was so kind to give us dried fish, local canned goods, hot & spicy sardines, banana chips, torones etc..of course my inlaws were so kind to give me 6 boxes of pastillas..(tig 2 kami but sa kin na daw sabi ng boys)yum yum ..! & i love the recipe book my fave sister gave me..cant wait to cook!
i was able to hear mass too..after 5 weeks..tsk! our neighbor picked me up for the 1130 mass..he is so comfy with us that he asked if we still have spaghetti..i said i have it in my mind already that they will eat lunch at home..hinampas sya ng wife nya tuloy.. so shy she said sorry kapal ng mister ko..i said no problem..the table has been set before i left, i just forgot to mention that we'll have spag for lunch & kfc too (leftovers hehe)
for dinner, we had last minute grill for the liempo..!buti lunch lang si neighbor or else..heheh..we grilled some tilapia & mahi mahi for our ever conscious bro in law.. i had a little chat  with my bridesmaid who is planning to get married next yr..hmmm..sarap!
before going to bed, hubby started singing..! i was transported to our galera days, he would sing song after song..born for you, on this day, i cherish the treasure of you, one more day, ikaw and 50 more songs to name a few..nag concert si mokong..! my heart just melted..he is the sweetest ever! sometimes i cant find the right words to describe him..his love for me is something i feel so blessed to have..he shows it in his own unique ways..uso pa pala ang harana..!

destin-tax free

how i love destin! how i love hubby!!how i love my life!
my first shopping experience here was destin so ill always have fond memories.! before heading to destin, we had eggs & spam for breakfast..we decided to invite our neighbors ..small world because our other neighbors (we are 3 pinoy couples in the village) are also coming..it was so good to bump to each other, in the parking lot, in the outlet, etc..
we had lunch at ihop! best pancakes ever! after shopping till we drop, its time to go home..we thought why not have dinner together at our home..so we cooked  spaghetti ..other neighbor brought kfc while the other brought starbucks coffee almond fudge & java cream..how can you resist that! instant get together..feels real good!
we wanted to watch the tagalog vcds which our neighbor just bought(crying ladies & private joyce..hehe)  but the afv kept us glued..it was nice to look at our friends in the sofa..the other was snuggling, making kulit while the other was just being mushy! we signed out at 11pm as this two preggy friends are both sleepy! they were convincing me that its a good time to get preggy now! well, in gods time!

hongkong buffet

im a working girl again!! my day starts with "i have nothing to wear hubby!"  settled for a shirt & a jeans get up..and my sausage mc griddle for breakfast..hubby's officemates are going out for lunch & they invited me..with one look from hubby he said i should come..(he works even on lunch..gosh!)
i am so glad i joined them..wow! ive never tried any chinese/japanese food this good i am thinking of bringing hubby the soonest time..all those choices! i love the chicken with peanut butter, the crabs, even their ice cream has 12 flavors..all for $5.50..real good deal!
as we were about to go home, hubby asked me for a date tomorrow..he said he wants to go shopping at destin with me!! its a tax free weekend so we have to go..also, he does not want to hear that "i have nothing to wear" line..sweet..
we had grilled mahi-mahi for dinner! we just love our new grill! then i got a call from my best friend in ny..i got a call from jax too..it feels good that i have super dooper great friends who thinks of me and checks on me too..!  friends are real blessings!

working girl

back to work for me..i get to help hubby with his encoding tasks every monthend..the exchange was a free breakfast from hardee's..i love their steak biscuit..had lunch at sonics..
the new computer room looks like an internet center back home..i dont like the table though, it makes my arms ache..
ooppss..highlight should be my dentist appointment..that should be the title..hubby made sure i get to the dentist on time inspite of his oh so busy sched , with his ptas being absent etc etc..went to dentist & he scheduled me for a root canal on aug 5..the hygienist cannot find anything but with dr furtrell, just one tap of my tooth, he knows what needs to be done..i wanted to tell the hygienist you have to tap that tooth coz thats how my fave dentist back home does it..hmm..
got to remind myself that this is my life now..this is where i live..this is where i belong..in the meantime!

normal day

this is a pretty normal day ! hubby came home early, did all my chores today! i just thank god for all his blessings!
we fixed our neighbors house too..hubby was so kind to mow his lawn, we're really good caretakers! hehe..other neighbor suggested we post a for sale sign in front of his house as a welcome remark for our balikbayans..
buti pa sila galing pinas! kainggit! hmmm..count your blessings! i cannot ask for me..
hubby hugged me so tight tonight!

outback jack

hubby came home early at 415pm..wanted to mow but he's too tired to move..ill admit he seems to stressed lately..buti i cooked tinola, his comfort food..
tuesdays are great! what with outback jack..hubby was asleep in the sofa already but he managed to watch every scene ..biglang nagising..we just love this tv show..the twists & turns..makes us wonder whats gonna happen next..
natalie is so cute too..! she is so funny! so pretty & funny!!
& of course jack..hmmm..yummy!

tired & stressed out!

he was so stressed out..he told me he finds comfort in me daw..& my cooking..i experimented..again! i boiled the shrimps, prepared a sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, cornstarch, etc etc..i followed the recipe book..i didnt like it..but he loved it..!(lagi namang gusto nya luto ko..) i told him he could be honest for once bout my cooking..he said he really loves everything i cooked..
pero still he is stressed out..is it time to move to a new job??the offer is really tempting..with all his reports in his full time job (with me helping him pa every month end..haay..)
may god guide us with the choices we make!

Talk in my sleep

I was talking in my sleep..It was raining hard & I said.."Umuulan pano na yung bbq natin?" Hubby chuckled.."Dont worry, wala ng ulan bukas."..Even in my sleep..well..
I loved the fried rice and ham we had for breakfast..Then, its time for the "grill."  To keep the memories alive, I had the camera set up with us touching the ignite burner for the 1st time..hahahah..are we just plain silly or what?
The bbq was just what we expected..Delicioso!! Though next time we would soak the sticks in water 1st..That would prevent it from breaking..Hubby's insight! Does that mean bbq again next week?  His idea is even to have a bbq business..I said why not? ...
We cleaned the den this time..If we could just maintain everything in order! Hubby displayed the glasses we got as a gift..To have a tropical look ..It's his touch..Hmmm..!!
Then, I got a call from Hershey in NY. She's asking if if we'll attend her wedding on Oct29..I wish we could..but..its a Friday..&..hmm..we'll see..Im happy she's getting married..finally!
ooopss..hubby does not have any uniform yet..Gota laundry now..even on a Sunday!!Para ke love eh..anytime!
What a great weekend!!
 
 

what u sow u will reap

i just have to remember this quote for the rest of my married life! i got a call this morning from my hs best friend..she went here last month & we stayed for 3 days in orlando in a friends house..now the friends we introduced last time visited them &  they all had dinner..nice to know that they are all doing well..nice to know that hubby doesnt know a thing about this too..it just shows they dont communicate which..is really good for me..!
i was tempted to ask some more but i reminded myself, what you sow, you will reap! hey, he has been loving me like no other man has & the least i could do is appreciate it & never talk of the past..sometimes it does bother me..but this week i learned that if i really try my best to keep my mouth shut & not talk about that past, it does wonder! after all, I..(and only I ) starts that talk..Without my out of the blue questions about his past, he doesnt talk about it!! In fact he had it shared to me a long time ago so all I need to know, I know.. So, I..am in control!
I just wish I'll always remember this..! I said this in my wedding vow too...."I promise to keep the good memories alive and let the bad ones die.."
Bygones!
Hmm..on a lighter note, the garage  esp his work area is now ready for another project..heheh..We made sure everything was in its proper place..Then our eyes caught the grill..! Hubby decided to fix it..Armed with sponge&soap , he scrubbed with all his might while i supply water using a pail..( I remembered pinas..sarap..)Then, we were ready to buy the parts..But, the trip to Home Depot made us realize that buying the spare parts for the grill would cost almost the same with a new one..! The decision..buy a new grill!heheh..It was huge & I had a hard time putting it down from the truck! But I love it, we love it! I love the side burner too! This is what I learned from hubby..When you really want something & you can afford it, always get the top of the line..It will bring you joy and its price pays off as you get it to use it..longer!! As we were paying for the grill, I quipped.."Happy monthsary..Hope u like my gift!" He said its the other way..That was his gift to me..I said I want another bag and a wallet and some clothes & another shoe &....the list goes on..how about a trip to paris? :)
After buying the new grill, we went to the grocery to buy pork for our bbq..sarah's style! Yum yum!  Another team work with hubby..He sliced the pork while I prepared the sauce..We had to marinate it overnight..It smells so good!See, we just love doing things together! I am grateful to God..I just have to remember that line..always!!

home spa & 8 months

as soon as he woke up, i greeted him happy monthsary!!i was the first one to greet him this time..i made lambing..if he could come home early..which he did..! it was 415 pm when he walked in the door & shouted "sis??" (btw, that was my bro-in-law's greeting everytime he'd come home) i said..you...you're early..thought youd come late ( one of his pta is on leave & he had to treat a lot of patients)..he replied you requested i come home early & so here i am..! :) he wants to eat out coz its our monthsary but i have cooked already! i said why not eat here, ill just light a candle in the dinner table..and lets have a foam bath. (with candles too).he agreed!
the jacuzzi was great..it was so relaxing !we were just careful not to spill the water in our wood floors..that was his idea, the wood floors in the master bath (actually all over the house..) but it was really refreshing..the scent of eucalyptus (from bbw--another gift he gave me) plus the oil to reduce the tension & of course i got an extra treat..he massaged my back & my foot ..its just like my own spa right in my own bedroom! what a great life!
im really blessed to have a great husband..! thanks be to god! i pray for more months, more years, more love!!

webcam

i was able to see my sister in the webcam..she was fabulous! she had a new hairstyle which really suited her..i miss my little baby.. she showed our family pic taken during my wedding displayed in our sala..i saw our home! how i miss that place..!!
got a phone call from ronnie too..his parents are here for a 3 month vacation..i pray dad will soon visit me..if only i could force him to come here..i just miss my family!
our chat lasted about an hour..i saw my fave sis yawning..nilalabanan talaga nya ang antok! its just so good to see her!!

cleaning day

what a day! i swear ive never cleaned so much like that in months! i started cleaning the breakfast table, (i cooked it of course) placed our dirty clothes in the laundry then started cleaning my bathroom..i can never remember who told me that the best way to clean the mirror stains is to use a slightly wet newspaper..it just does wonders! i love lysol & the scrubbing bubbles..i had to clean the other bathroom too whom my bro in law uses..ive never seen that tub so ..im out of words..i scrubbed until my arms ached..i just cant figure out why the water from the shower doesnt goes out of the tub freely..need hubbys expertise..para akong batang nagsumbong pagdating nya..yun pala, madaming buhok ang naiipon dun..i just cant remove that..awieee..! i dont know ! maarte talaga lang ako..i then placed my liners in both bathroom as i can see that my shelf under those sink are safer with that liner! then i remember i have to fold my laundry, iron hubbys clothes..(di na, di naman pala gusot..) then i have to cook pa..ive been craving for breaded porkchop but it didnt turn out that way..hmmm...
tonight we decided we will stick to the workout plan..lessen my cooking chores too..hubby was switching channels when we spotted al roker's gastric bypass..hubby is now inspired to work out & so am i..wish us luck..!

so many things

so many things in my mind lately..i wanted to post everything but cant..i was trying to post a pic here but cant..i keep on getting an error message..i have to send my mails..later..got to answer some more emails..later..
i just wish everything would be ok..well..itll be..yup..it is ok! thanks be to god!!!

its monday again!

i used to love mondays..! when i was working that is..now, monday would mean having my home all alone by myself again..on the brighter side, it is only an 8 hour thing..as soon as hubby comes home from work, i would not be have to be alone again..ive been doing this for the past 6 months but this monday seems different..maybe because i had a 3 day weekend with hubby..we entirely spent the weekend just to ourselves..last friday was his doctors day..i sure do wish he is all well with his unstable blood pressure..haayy..still, we shopped around, ended up buying pottery for the kitchen, some decorative bottles..& other stuff..buti pa si house laging me bago..we also placed the frames in the living room & foyer..it is lovely!
we had some talk about the bed skirt stuff..i kept on looking for some nice stuff as i do want to dress up our bed..maybe ive been so kulit that he almost got angry..but saglit lang..thats the weird stuff, whenever we fight, actually not fight, discuss would be the right term..it doesnt take long for us to settle it at once..i just know in my heart the last thing he wants to do is hurt me & of course i feel the same way..so we end up the fight..err..the discussion at once..do we have a weird relationship? we hug after each discussion & we feel relieved & loved as always..sometimes we laugh at the thought of normal na kaming mag-asawa..we make little sumbat about my pending window treatment project & his pending wood projects..hahah..give & take!
this week we ate, slept, shopped, just took our time! it just feels good to be with him..
ohhh & btw, had lots of reactions in the love story..now im working on my ratings & should i still do my wedding kwento? ..of course i remember all the details..we were watching our wedding video last night for the nth time when i told him that the wedding car in the sample wedding video we had is the same as mine..i reiterated the "plate number" hubby shakes his head quoting, "only you can notice that" i just have eye for details..mostly women has it., right?
so back to the house, we just cant find the right jar for the left cabinet area..thats the thing, when you start decorating and making ur house reflect ur personality it puts a little pressure on you..we just did window shopping instead via my fave notebook (is is just cool or what?-i love this wireless thing)..im still hooked on the fountain which i want to place in our foyer..he saw that fountain a year ago, i stopped him from buying it but until now we both still want it..hmmm..just have to save for it as it costs quite a lot..cant find anything cheap these days!
i still have tons to do..who says i dont work? this housework is more than an 8 hr job..the pay,seeing my home spic & span! did i mention im the secretary too? hmm..versatility!
gotta work!

love story

ive been trying to write our love story..ive done many revisions .hopefully i finish it this time.
last night we watched spiderman2..i can tell i was moved, touched with some scenes..i remember exactly how i felt watching the first one..and now this 2nd one has my husband beside me all the time. totally different, but i still felt hmmm...out of words..
just had to take note of hubbys famous spicy chicken wings recipe..i never ate that much until i tried it..ceasar salad is the menu for this week..we also rented spiderman1 in movie gallery..went to winn dixie for some veggies..
dozed off at 1230am..its gonna be hard to wake up but have to prepare breakfast as hubby will have home health treatment for lunch ..tsk..he is hard working..all for me..!
now, back to the love story!

4th of july

It's my first time to have this 4th of july celebration with hubby! he wanted it to be so special..you know him ,the incurable romantic that he is..i had a great weekend...with him around, who wouldnt have one?
the fireworks were amazing! i told hubby we could just skip it & try to see it from our place but he declined..armed with our neighbors chairs, we headed to marina, by the beach, along with so many people who also want to watch it..hubby said i have to get a good view so he reserved front seats..heheh..i had the disney thing in my mind while watching that..but his hand pressing my hand,,that was another thing..
last friday, after a busy week in his work we had to see one more patient in home health..it was near the beach area..i said i should have brought my camera to capture the sunset..then he made a u-turn ..he said this way is faster..I can see he had a plan but he was trying very hard for me not to know it..Then, he said, i cant help myself..i have a surprise ..i want to bring you to pineapple willys beside the beach but you mentioned the sunset & you might think this is all your idea..but its not..it is my idea in the first place, ok? I cant stop laughing..This guy just amazes me! with his romantic ways etc etc..He said its friday & i owe my wife a date! It was a 30 minute waiting for a table but we both did not mind..The sunset was a sight to behold!
I loved the calamari, the steak (medium well)..I had an early glimpse of the fireworks as soon as the sun disappeared as some have started theirs so that gave me a magnificent view..Hubby remarked " I even had fireworks esp for you.." Awwww..this is too much..He is as baduy & as kenkoy as ever!!
How would i describe this weekend? Fireworks...