Our Melting Pot Dinner

i just had my first fondue at "the melting pot". it was an extraordinary dining experience for me. it was hubby's second time but its been awhile the last he was here so he kinda forgets the experience.

we had the following:

drinks: freshly squeezed orange juice for me; diet coke for hubby

first course: fiesta cheese fondue for both of us

second course: chef's salad for hubby; california salad for me

the third course: the center cut for hubby; breast of chicken for me with mojo fondue cooking style.

first off, our server prepares the tableside by warming up the pot right on top of the table. then she came back and poured the olive oil on the pot, then cheddar cheese, flavored it with mexican herbs, spices, jalapeño peppers and salsa. we specifically told her to put most of the jalapeños over the fondue. we also served us with fresh breads, tortilla chips, chopped apples, and broccoli for dipping.

then we had our salads.

chef's salad has crisp greens with roma tomatoes, cucumbers, sliced eggs, smoked ham and emmenthaler cheese, topped with sweet and tangy house dressing.

my california salad has mixed baby salad greens, roma tomatoes, walnuts and Gorgonzola cheese, topped with homemade raspberry black walnut vinaigrette dressing.

finally we had the main entree.

our server warmed up another pot with seasoned caribbean bouillon, garlic and citrus juice on it. this style of cooking is called mojo fondue.

she gave us raw chicken breast for me and raw center cut for hubby. i was a little bit scared when i saw it...heheh i thought that was it! silly me...apparently, the idea was to dip the meat into the boiling mojo for 2-5 minutes and dip it into any of the sauces. if i can recall correctly, there are i think 5 kinds of sauces and accompanied with fresh broccoli, portobello mushrooms, and red potatoes.

overall, its a one of a kind dining experience. the cooking style was very unique and the ingredients were fresh making it the best quality worth coming back for more!

Kennedy Space Center and Cocoa Beach (May 13-14, 05)

May 13, 2005

We got here after an hour from Disney. We were so tired that we had to take a nap. About 8PM we both woke up and as promised I took my hubby for a nice Dinner at Durango Steakhouse. We had Naked Nachos as our appetizer. We also had Oak-Fire grilled Bar-B-Que Baby Back Ribs and Western Cut Filet Mignon as our entrees. As a birthday treat, hubby got a free Mexican Fried Ice cream. It was real so good with vanilla ice cream coated with a crunchy ingredients, deep-fried and served up in a cinnamon-coated tortilla shell. Topped with honey and whipped cream. Overall experience was very good to excellent. We went our of the restaurant with bulging tummies and it hurts! We decided to drive around Cocoa Beach untill it was past midnight.

May 14, 2005

The next morning, was a visit to John F. Kennedy Space Center. This is hubby's one of fave place to visit...you know that geeky thing? hahah me naman was like...whatever! It was cool though to see the launch pad for the huge Saturn V rocket. Armstrong, Aldrin and Collin walked on it to the command module of Apollo 11. Unbelievable how tiny these Command Modules are. We also got to see the Mission Control Room where Engineers and Technicians commanded from the lift-off to splash-down. The we rode into a bus for an educational tour. While on our way, the driver which is also our guide tour pointed out the turtles, an eagle and birds. From a distance, we saw the Shuttle on the Launch Pad that was supposed to take off this June.

Walt Disney World (May 10-13, 05)

We arrived in Orlando 2 hours after we left Bradenton Beach. I was so excited the moment I saw “ Walt Disney World” sign from the road and driving under the Walt Disney World archway. I was taking pictures through the windshield of our vehicle. Then we arrived at the gate....ah the magic.

But wait! We lost our way to the hotel! Sheeshh! The driver too, must have felt the magic that he turned too soon to get to Port Orleans Resort French Quarter. Indeed, driving around Walt Disney World needs so much attention, as there are a lot of fascinating scenes to catch your attention.

We were at the front desk trying to check-in about 1:30PM. We were housed at Building I. First thing we did was to locate the room and checked if we would liked it or not. We're so glad we left our stuff at the vehicle because they gave us two single beds! We went back to the front desk and asked for another room with 1 Kingsize bed. Luckily, there was 1 room left at building 4 but they had to clean it first and it won't be ready until 5-6PM.

We looked for Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory for our lunch. I had Chicken Quesadilla, an orange juice and chips. Hubby had pizza and bought this Refillable Mug for $10.00 which has Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter Resort logo on it. It has free refills of beverages throughout our stay. Good deal huh?

After that, I asked hubby if we could go check out a Filipino Store just to kill a time. I already had the map printed out, so it was easy for us to locate it. By 5PM I was done grocery shoppin'. We then head back to Walt Disney World. While on our way, I called Walt Disney Information to check about our room. Darn! I had to call them back again 'coz our room wasn't ready yet.

We decided to checked out DOWNTOWN DISNEY. This place is the epicenter of excitement. The be-all, end-all of the big-city fun. Here you can find blocks and blocks of shops you've dreamed about.

First off we started at the West Side particularly in Planet Hollywood. Inspired by the glamorous world of film and television, they serve lunch and dinner. We saw Jenny shrimp boat from the movie Forrest Gump. DisneyQuest Emporium, its where a cool collection of Disney merchandise can be found. For music, movie and multimedia there's this Virgin Megastore. They also have Guitar Gallery store, Magic Masters, Sosa Family Cigars which is a premium smoke shop. Sunglass Icon that sells sunglass fashion from around the world. Disney's Candy Cauldron, Magnetron which is a collector-quality magnet shops. Man, this is where I saw thousands of magnets, decorated wall to wall. Hubby bought a few including a crab magnet. He bought it for me because I love crabs. He also bought a wheel of food magnet. It would be useful when he is undecided what to eat, and some picture magnets. We walked down to House of Blues, they serve a southern-inspired cuisine for lunch and dinner. They also have an indoor interactive theme park called DisneyQuest and Cirque du Soleil La Nouba which is mostly for acrobatic entertainment.

We walked through the Pleasure Island. It is mostly for adult entertainment. Here you will see outrageous clubs and wild entertainment that lets you rock the streets until the wee hours. Moving on to the MarketPlace. We had to pass into a small bridge and here we saw the beauty of the Sunset from the Village Lake. First thing we saw was this giant seafood riverboat restaurant called Fulton's Crab House. We almost ate here if only not for the priority seating wait. Next we went to LEGO Imagination Center. A lot of interesting stuff you can build while you are here. Kids are everywhere trying to make their own Lego creation. By the lake we saw this giant sized lego dragon. I say its pretty cool how they could make it looked like real. Very impressive. Next shop is the World of Disney. It holds the most unique collection of Disney merchandise. Hubby bought me a Mickey Mouse here and I love it! You want italian cuisine and award-winning list of wines? Portobello Yact Club is what you are looking for. McDonald of course is here. Then there is this store full of chocolatey goodness and exceptional ice cream called Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop. It is actually pretty full of customers waiting in line. They also have Earl Sandwich Restaurant featuring gourmet sandwiches, salads, desserts and beverages. After that we hop in into a california cuisine called Wolfgang Puck Express but nothing seems interesting so we checked out Rainforest Cafe. We are pretty hungry that we could not wait for our turn in the long line. John had to buy a VIP membership for $15. Its a wild place to shop and eat. Inside was an indoor rainforest creation with lush sorroundings, waterfalls, elephants and big acquariums...fake of course!

After that sumptous dinner, we headed our way home to the hotel. We are super tired but its worth it. At least our day was not a waste because we get to see Downtown Disney. Blessed the hearts of the Walt Disney staff's...our room is finally ready!



May 11, 2005

Good morning! It's a little late after 9am. I am so excited knowing I am about to be given a million things to do today. I am getting that “feeling” that I have left the real world and to enjoy everything I possibly can. I am grinning ear to ear as I was taking my shower. As usual Mr. Sleepy head was lazy to get up. I was about to get my breakfast at Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory when he just took his shower. I had Mickey Waffle with strawberries and my hubby's own concoction of coffee. A combination of real coffee, hot chocolate, and creamer. Weird or shall I say unique? It actually taste good.

Everything was ready with the camcorder and digital camera, disney attraction map's, and times guide we hop in into one of the disney's bus going to the MAGIC KINGDOM. I could not forget the feeling while we were walking through the gates of the Magic Kingdom. I have felt Walt Disney's spirit inviting us to come, enjoy and play. I was like, “wow, i am at the walt disney world!”. I don't wanna go home...flashing my big 'ol smile.

I could see the monorail carrying guest from Magic Kingdom to the Epcot parks. At the Main Street, USA was the Walt Disney World Railroad wherein one could ride an authentic steam train that stops at Frontierland and Mickey's Toontown Fair. We first enter the Town Square with The City Hall (guest services), Main Street Vehicles (horse-drawn trolley), Fire Station, the Exposition Hall hosted by kodak which is the best spot to get camera supplies. One of the packages that hubby bought was the Photopass where a professional photographer is found throughout each of the theme parks. We have them capture photos of US together and they gave us a a photopass cards. They will have the photos organized and i just have to log-on to their website and then i can view and share it online. Downside is that the photos are so pricey to order.

In one of the kiosks I saw some of the characters. Mickey is the only one I am crazy about falling in line to have a picture taking. A lot of shops on the block. Entertainment along the way is also provided by Dapper Dans Barbershop Quartet.The street ends at the plaza where we can see the breathtaking Cinderella Castle. We stayed here for few minutes waiting for the live show at the Castle Forecourt Stage. It was Cinderellabration! Here, Cinderella is crowned a princess on a sparkling coronation pageant with guests princesses – Snow White, Princess Aurora, Belle and Princess Jasmine with Fairy Godmother overseeign the event. This show is adapted from a popular production created for the 20th anniversary celebration of Tokyo Disney Resort in 2003.

We moved on to Tomorrowland. First we rode Tomorrowland Transit Authority (TTA). It is a seated , slow paced continuous loading ride located above the ground in Tommorowland. We first rode up a stairless escalator to board this attraction. This ride takes guest on a scenic tour of all the attractions in Tomorrowland like Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, Tomorrowland Indy Speedway, Astro Orbiter, Carousel of Progress, the Arcade, Galaxy Palace Theater, The Timekeeper, and the ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter. It is also a narrated journey..uhh...how could we forget the paging...”Paging Mr. Morrow, Mr. Tom Morrow." and... don't forget to "keep all forward facing tentacles inside the vehicle!"

Next we rode into a fast, bone rattling roller coaster called the Space Mountain. We reach the loading platform, we boarded a six-passenger rockets, seated single-file. I remember we entered into a tunnel of strobe lights and colors then we were thrust into the darkness of space via a roller coaster and it dips and swerves through the galaxy, shooting stars and glowing planets. It was pretty cool....although I admit I was screaming the whole time. :o)

And finally we rode the Carousel of Progress. We were seated into a rotating carousel theater which carries us into the homes of four generations of the same family from the days before the electricity to the present day. I personally liked the theme music “ There's a great big beautiful tomorrow.” played everytime the theater rotates again.

We are on our way back to to the Main Street USA when we saw this sassy moving and talking garbage can. It follows the guests and interacts with kids. The name is Push She and it looks very identical to the normal garbage cans seen in Tomorrowland. Im sure there is one person operating it. :o)

Back to the Main Street USA, we grabbed some food for a late lunch and checked out some disney shops. Finally its 3PM, the much awaited “Share a Dream Come True Parade” has started. The street sides were pretty full, and it was hard to get a good spot to take videos and photos, nevertheless we tried the best we could.

Bradenton Beach (May 7-10, 05)

May 6, 2005 Friday

Tonight we start our journey to the Sunshine State - Florida. I am somewhat excited for this trip since this is my first time traveling by car for approximately 17 hrs. excluding stops. This trip is nothing compared to our previous trip to Tennessee and Chicago which is more or less 6 hrs. This trip is like going home in the Philippines which is 17 hrs.!

We have a lot of errands to do before we leave tonight. First thing in the morning, my Babe's laser eye surgery check-up. Next stop would be Microcenter to exchange the stuff that he just bought last night for the camcorder, he bought CD-R instead of DVD-R. I on the other hand, has to do the final checking/packing of our luggage. Then, he'd pick me up so we can drop our lawn mower for service. Go to the Post Office to request them hold our mail, we also need to go to Best buy and while hubby was there, I also sneak out at Old Navy to buy something I don't really need. Last stop was to go to the bank and make sure “I” have enough to spend for this vacation.

Part of the plan was to get some nap so hubby can drive most of the night. It was around 6PM when hubby's cellphone rang, it was Doug, our friend calling us if we would still drop Flippy to his house. After that phone call, I was already up and about while hubby's still trying to get some nap.

We left the house exactly, 9:01PM, 30 minutes after, we dropped Flippy to our friend's house. And then off we go, finally on the road!

We had to stop to get some gas and food at Whitecastle 40 minutes after 10. By 11:50 we are passing the City of Cincinnati and entering the State of Kentucky.

Music, snap shots and conversations our weapon to injure this long and tiring journey.

May 7, 2005 Saturday

We're now in Corbin, Kentucky, home of the Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) and it's 2:22AM. We felt we needed caffeine so bad. A stop at a gasoline station would be ideal, we can buy coffee, use the restroom and pump some gas.

We are entering Tennessee State at 3:10AM. Knoxville City after an hour.

By 5:15AM we are in the State of Georgia. We drove over an hour before we decided we are too tired to go on. We stopped at a Rest Area and took an hour of sleep.

It's 7AM time to move on. Hubby wasn't so excited to be in Georgia because its a very long, and almost never ending state. Imagine, it would take more or less 6 hours of patience to drive this State! I got excited though when we passed downtown Atlanta because I get to see tall buildings. I dunno, but I am very much fascinated seeing skycrapers. Just like Chicago, its one of my favorite place to visit.

Finally, its 1PM and we are entering the Florida State but we have to drive all the way to the South (going Tampa) and its still a long, long way away so we are not that thrilled yet. Although we felt relieved that we are done with Georgia.

Were driving Ocala when we saw this Walt Disney World Information Center. Tired as we are, we felt we needed to stop for few minutes and check it out.

There was really nothing exciting in it, just usual information desk with a little shop.

We finally arrived at Bungalow Beach Resort around 6PM, located at Anna Maria Island, Bradenton Beach. We will be staying here until tuesday. It is cozy, little place. Everything we need is in the room. There is little toaster, microwave oven, mini fridge and utensils.

An hour after we went to Publix Super Market for grocery we need during our stay. After dinner, we went to watch for the beautiful sunset. It was pretty amazing! Then we went for a walk on the shore.

That night we slept like a rock...

May 8, 2005 Sunday

Geesh, its 11AM! Can't believe we slept that long! I think we deserved it anyway, since we are almost awake for the last 24 hours. I made a good breakfast and exactly 12noon we went for our first swimming in the ocean. Since we went out late, we run out of lounge chairs with umbrella. We just put our stuff into the white sand and off we swam into the gulf of mexico. I was surprised that the water was colder than was expected. But nevertheless we enjoyed it, the crystal clear water, no big waves, not too crowded beach.

3PM we felt that we needed to hide away from the sun as we have been exposed for a couple hours. We then moved swimming into the pool which is very small. Hubby was not excited to swim because of palm tree's flowers falling right into the pool. He even cleaned it for me and join me for awhile. After that, we took a good shower and decided to go for a ride and see the rest of the Anna Maria Island, our vehicle needs to be washed too since there were a lot of bugs stick unto the windshield. I snapped some photos while the vehicle is running, some were taken using the camcorder.

4PM we went to Good Fishing just to check what's in there. Nothing really very interesting except that its a good place to catch fish, there was a restaurant inside and a guy singin with his guitar. Hubby told me that there is this restaurant called Beach House Restaurant that has a good food and a very nice place to watch for the sunset. There is even a contest as to who can guess the exact minute that the sun will set. Before dinner time we stopped by at Publix Super Market and bought goggles for John and snorkle for me. Dropped the stuff to our room, then went to the restaurant.

We arrived at 6:30 but was dismayed with the waiting hours, 2 hours my dear! We had no choice but to wait. We thought we could still enjoy the sunset if we go out the restaurant's parameter but the buzzer that was given to us will be out of reach. The sun was near the horizon about 8PM, we have 30 mins. more to wait. I just asked hubby to go ahead and record the sunset and I will stay inside the restaurant and wait for our buzzer to go off.

Sunset at exactly 8:17, I have no idea if somebody guessed the exact minute. I don't care anymore as we are too hungry and excited as to what food they have. Finally, its our time to be feed. We had a good dinner though, in fairnness. This restaurant is just too popular that they couldn't cater the customer all at once! We were sitted at the covered gulf front, which is supposed to be a perfect view for the sunset. There is also a live entertainment and a shop for gifts and souvenirs. After that sumptous dinner we went back to our little bungalow and watched tv. Then decided we wanted that licky-licky from McDonald's. When we got back, we rub each other's back and off to the wonderland...

May 9, 2005 Monday

Today we woked up around 8AM because we wanted to swim earlier than yesterday. Also we wanted to get us lounge chairs with umbrella's. After we shared the breakfast that I made, we hurriedly went to the ocean and grab a place we can put our stuff safely while we are swimming.We both enjoyed swimming using goggles and snorkles, not realizing that we've been swimming for straight 4 hours! Me being afraid of the sun looked at my skin, realized that I had so much sun on my skin, and John afraid he's going to looked like a red lobster, we went back to our room, took a shower and go for a ride. We have been wanting to go for a ride on that bridge called Sunshine Skyway Bridge and at the same time he's been trying to find a good rib house for me. We were kinda lost in space after we passed the bridge and ended up in Churches. We had our food to go so we will be home before the sunset. We were planning to go for a night swimming but apparently, it's not american's thing.

We tried though but the wind was so cold and so strong, we are afraid we're gonna freeze our ass off. I went to the swimming pool anyway and swam a little bit. With my churches drinks, hubby took some photos of me while trying to do a commercial, I also have 1 goofy photos that looked very funny! Then we bathed ourselves as we smell like dried fish hehe....we watched our fave 24 before bedtime.

May 10, 2005 Tuesday

Woke up at 7:30AM to swim the Atlantic ocean for the last time. That was the best swimming we ever had. The ocean was so serene. Waves are moving peacefully. It was like an undiscovered place with only hubby and I swimming. Amazing how people did not realized mornings are the best time to go for a swim. Most vacationers were busy jogging, and tanning themselves. We didn't stay that long though because we had to check out before 11AM.

We left Bungalow Beach Resort for Orlando. Passing Cortez Bridge we saw drawbridge left up. Apparently that bridge is not tall enough that when a boat with tall mast will pass, the bridge has to be raised.

Officially on Vacation to Florida

We will be on our way few hours from now to Florida. We are going Cicinnati, then to Kentucky, Tennesse and Georgia, finally Florida. Wheewwh! its going to be a long, long, long drive.

Total estimated distance: 1,089.99 miles

Total estimated time: 17 hours, 52 minutes.

We will be back with tons of videos and photos.

Cyah!

John & Elise

Tulips

We were supposed to have our flower beds extended last fall but the guys kept forgetting until it was already cold to go out to do their thing. They then told us that they can't do it until early spring. Too bad I wasn't able to plant most of the bulbs that I bought from Oakland Nursery. I have Dutch Master Daffodils, White Emperor Tulips, Crocus Mixed, Crocus Speciosus, Specie Irish Dark Blue, Grape Hyacinth, Wood Hyacinth, and Paperwhites color white and yellow that are NOT planted. The only bulb that I have planted are the Pastel Tulip Mixed which I planted beside the house. The ones that were not planted were supposed to be for the new flower bed extensions.

I was so amazed that these Pastel Tulip Mixed started popping out even if it was still snowing. They are so lovely and colorful. It is the first year I have grown a tulip.

Flippy Out Pet

Hey ...nothing very much interesting here. Juz posting FLIPPY - the only pet that hubby and I can agree to take care of. He has been with us for over a year. His color is green and blue with little spots of red on his fins and head. He is a Siamese Fighting fish properly known as betta fish. He should be kept all by himself because he is a territorial animal and will react violently if two are placed in the same container. If you put a mirror up against the bowl, you can see his reaction - a preliminary phase of their fighting. You will notice the gill covers open up and it would make him look bigger. We used to put him in a bowl-liked glass but we noticed everytime we would go near him (ex. checking on him or feeding him) he would looked like he is angry. He probably can see a glare of himself in the glass. So we bought a new bowl intended for betta fish. It looked like a vase infact we can put lily plant on top and the roots would grow down into the water and absorb small amount of waste produced by betta fish. He will live for 2 to 3 years.

A Little Celebration

Hubby and I had a little dinner celebration at Damon's Grill tonight. Celebration for passing a certain exam which was very much overdue. I am so glad I decided to do it because it has to be done. I always think it was that hard and I needed more time to pass. It was funny because while I was studying for that exam I fall asleep in bed. And while on our way to the location it was raining and very traffic. So I only had a little time to take the test before they close. Most of the questions were in the study manual that I was reading but there are some that are tricky. Infact the first question nailed me down and I got a wrong answer. Sheesh good thing I answered most of it. In some ways, I think I am clever, like marrying a foreigner...somebody who exactly has different culture as Filipino's. Marrying to someone who would take me far away from my family and friends. I remember when I first met his Dad. He told me I was clever. It is the same word my sister Jovy described me while we were on our way to the airport for my departure for US. Knowing everything would be different here, I easily embraced the culture and never had problems like homesickness.

But there are also some things that I think I am thick. Like this exam that I was talking about. I always think I don't wanna do it because of fear. Now is the time where I couldn't let this thing passed by. It's now or I'll be sorry for another year. Plus it would also make hubby and mine's life more easier. If other's can't do it why can't I? My old boss - Amber told me before, that I am smarter than anyone working with us. If they can do it, then I can too. I just have to let go of my fear. Have confidence that is!

Talking about our dinner. Oh my...hubby and i were so stuffed. He had Serloin steak while I had Spicy Grilled Shrimp and Barbeque Ribs. Man, that barbeque rib was so tender. It was so deliciously good to the bone. I didn't care much on barbeque ribs after I had a bad experience with Bob Evans that happened last year. We leave very close to both restaurants, infact last summer we used to walk for there for dinner. It was a 20 minutes walk so it was a good distance for walking exercise. For desserts we had Triple Chocolate Truffle Cake, It has three grand layers high - dense cake, then scrumptous chocolate truffle, then chocolate cake again - splashed with plenty of rich chocolate sauce and delicate whipped topping. Man it was very very very delicious.

They also have 4 big screen tv's and since it was almost time for American Idol, we asked the waitress if its possible if they could switch one of the tv's to Fox 28. Request granted! The downside is, it doesn't have a good audio. After Vonzell Solomon sang her piece we hurriedly go home to have a better viewing and audio for the rest of the show.

As always Bo Bice did a very excellent job today. Carrie Underwood on the other hand sang her piece beautifully but It didn't blow me away unlike last week's. Maybe because I am not familiar with the song that she sang? ('.') Vonzell Solomon I think is a threat to Bo and Carrie. She is not my favorite but I liked the way she picked her songs and she always does a good job. My favorite is when she sang that Whitney Houston song. Anthony Fedorov...hmm...I always think he is cute and sexy when he dances. I don't think he would go tomorrow but Scott Savol probably will. Constantine Maroulis didn't do well today. He might be in the bottom of three this time. Will see tomorrow.

By the way, American Idols live tour dates is up and they will be in Value City Arena at Schottenstein, Columbus OH on August 3, 05. Woul love to see it...hopefully.

Signing off now!

An Ugly Weekend

It's sunday and I had to go to work for somebody who can't make it. I figured i'd be off from work for 10 days for our coming vacation so I might as well take the opportunity to make more moolah. Anyway, it's only 5.5 hours so it's not too bad. I can still spend the rest of the day with hubby piddling around the house. We haven't been sociable lately. We don't feel like going out on our usual sunday lunch with Doug at BD's Mongolian Barbeque. The last time I saw him was on our little trip to Windsor, Ontario Canada. Hubby was telling me how he was worried that he had offended us since we haven't gone out with him for a month now.

Anyway, yesterday it started snowing again. Not that I am complaining because I love snow. It is just weird since we're already in the middle of spring infact winter coats were already kept inside the closet. The ground though wasn't cold enough to accumulate the snow so it melts when it gets in the ground. But today, when I got home from work the snow kept pouring like crazy. It did start accumulating around 6PM.

Here's the photos taken outside the house overlooking the driveway and the neighborhood. Also, a photo of my poor tulip flowers beside the house. I am sure they will be traumatized after this. :-(

Life Oh Life

I have been so stressed out and depressed the last 2 weeks or so. Why? Because I can't get enough hours between my two jobs. It sucks! I've been trying to make money not for me but for my family back home. I have this project of renovating our family house for half or more than a year now but still can't finish it. I am still half-way and here comes my nephews going to college. Why will I bother about their schooling? It is because they are the poor choosen one's who are destined to have a useless father and no self-esteem mother. Their father used to be a policeman but lost his job due to drugs. Yes, he is into it...user and pusher! Not to mention he impregnated some idiot, inconsiderate, home wrecker womEn who doesn't mind investigating wither the guy is married or not. It's not only one or two women but probably enough to count my left and right fingers. My sister on the other hand has no enough guts to do anything about it. I mean saying and doing is two different things. I do not know what kind of mentality my sister has but she end up having 5 kids!!! Hello! She already knew she can't count on her husband. The worst we forced them to separate so there will be no 6th kid. She don't even bother to find a job so she can feed her kids. I know of some single parents outhere who does everything to be able to sustain the needs of the kids. They've been separated for almost three years now and that useless father has not given any single centavo for the 5 kids. It's not easy to raise 5 kids ya know? My sister Jovy and I with a little help from Grandma (other side) are sending the eldest to San Pedro College a hospital school of Nursing. Hopefully he can finish college and get a good job then he can send the rest of the siblings to school. The second nephew is first year college by June. He is very interested in taking up nursing. In fact he passed the entrance exam from Davao Doctors College. I think I can send him to school, ONLY if i get more hours from works. His tuition fee's and allowances will be my big problem and is making me stressed out. Until these days I haven't talked to my sister Jovy yet because I am hiding from all these problems. Poor sister I know she is more stressed out than me since she is the hands on instant mother to the two boys. The third sibling will be sophomore this June and is being taken cared of by our eldest sister who is a teacher. The 4th kid will be in grade 2 and the youngest will be 4 yrs. old but very sickly. The 2 kids and my sister are with my parents. I felt so sorry for my Tatang as he is very old now and according to him he is already tired feeding us (minus me) and the kids. Our farm is enough to sustain the whole family which is better than nothing. Heck, our farm sent us to school coupled with my Mama's small sari-sari store in which the later is gone after I graduated in college.

Anyway, I finally told Gretchen (the one who makes our work schedule) that I needed more hours. Bless her heart, she gave me 40 hrs. last week and then I have 8 hours in my other job. I knew I'm gonna be tired and exhausted but I just can't sit down here and feeling pretty. I have families back home who are expecting of my help. Hubby has been so kind to me that he is sending money twice a month for their expenses, grocery and a little amount to save for the house plan. I just don't feel like asking him to finance the house renovation because I told him I want most of the money from my earnings. Aside from that he shoulders ALL our expenses big and small. All my income is for me and for my family back home. See how kind my husband is? I'm just so blessed! I don't know what I did oh Lord that you gave me this so kind of a partner....;-) wink to hubby...

Anyway, since hubby and I are working so hard lately, we felt like we needed a break. He has just booked our 10 days vacation in Florida. As expected he shouldered all our hotel accomodations and stuff. We will be somewhere in Brandenton Beach for 3 days, to sun our buns and relaxed. Then we move on to Walt Disney World for 3 days, and in Cocoa Beach for 2 days that is near Kennedy Space Center. A full day of travel to and from Florida. The thought of going to Disney excites me more. It's going to be a dream come true vacation... full of recreation, enchantments and magic. I have always dreamed of having myself a photo of all these disney characters...heheh! Who says Disney is just for kids? No way jose! Hubby and I are going to be a big kid when we get there. There will be a lot of photos coming soon...so hang on there!

Whoa Is Me!

I am all by myself tonight...whoa is me! I don't like hubby's new boss anymore! You see, its only a month ago when hubby was asked to go to New York to personaly meet with him and discuss their project. Today he has to go back to talk to people that does the same kind of job as him and some vendor. What's so annoying is that its only an overnight and usually earlier of the week. Its impossible for me to go with him since he has to go back home as soon as the meeting ends and buying a plane ticket for me would surely be from our own pocket. I wish the boss would set the date like thursdays and fridays so I can go with him, and we can see the city on weekends... then we can have a lil vacation.

I missed my Babe already! :-( I'm gonna be watching the American Idol and House all by myself tonight. Whaaa...huhuhu!!! Bed is going to be too wide for me, no goodnight kisses and hugs...no puppy to play ^ .^ I wish I could sleep as soon as I lay down into the bed today for I really need a SLEEP. Last night we went to bed about midnight. I was busy packing his clothings and personal items while he was busy getting ready with his laptop and looking for his misplaced cellphone charger. I was tired from work but slept about 1am to my guess. My body clock woke me up before 5am this morning. I didn't want that early though. There were a lot of things going on in my mind. I tried to go back to bed and wake up 15 minutes before hubby has to leave for the airport. No matter how I tried to close my eyes, my mind keeps wandering. Frustrated! I went to the kitchen and did coffee for my Babe. After that I went back to bed, not trying to sleep but just wanting to lay down. Finally, Babe left it was 6:10AM. I went back to bed and tried so hard to get some sleep. Still my mind is wandering. Then I felt that my head was heavy. I went to get my shower so I feel cold then tried to go to bed again....:( Tired of trying, I went to the computer and read some blog postings. Now, I felt so old, tired and lonely without my hubby to cheer me up.

Ops, speaking of cheering me up. I just got a text message from hubby saying that he will call me before I go to sleep. How sweet of him. :x

Next post, I am going to tell you what's making me restless. OK dokie? Cyah!

Bye-bye Extra Pounds

Wow! it really feels good outside since sunday. Snow had its last horrah last saturday. (I hope!) My tulip flowers at the side of the house has started peeking out which made me excited since it is my first time to see them blooming. Too bad, I didn't get to plant the daffodils I bought last fall which is supposed to be for the flower beds infront of our house. I bought them real cheap at Oakland Nursery.

Anyway, talking about good weather. Me and my hubby were thinking its time to sheed these extra pounds that we gained from the last Fall and Winter. I am sure I gained more or less 5 lbs. It's my fault I know - all those sinner foods and spending few hours infront of the computer! I started jogging few days ago. Yesterday was my 4th time while its hubby's first time. He decided to would go for his rollerblade which has been hiding from the darkness for over a year or two!

Gym was my favorite place after a long day at work while I was in Davao. Yes, I love taebo, kickboxing, pilates and yoga. I coupled it with strict dieting when hubby and I were already sure of my coming here in US. I wanted to be fit on my wedding day. Loosing weight and becoming fit really makes me feel good about myself. I used to be chubby since I was in High School. My fitness instructress Sharon told me I achieved my desired weight which is 95lbs. couple months before I came here. She was a very good intructress and she make it sure to monitor our weights and inches every month. I was so ecstatic when she even said my waistline dropped from 26 to 24! Woohoo!! When I got here, I managed to stay fit by going to the gym. But not too long, I stopped due to some serious reasons. So, hubby bought a bike so I can bike with him. He also bought a tennis racket so we can play whenever we want. These are things we both can't really do anything on winter season. How about buying DVD's or VHS tapes for exercise? I've got 6 of them! I also have step bench exercise system. Only, I am not motivated to use them because our floors are made of carpet. Ya know what I mean?

Uhm...its 6:17PM! Hubby is not here yet. So i guess I would go all by myself today. OK! I'll catch u later...need to jog this extra pounds! and hopefully if im still in good shape I can do weights when I get home? We'll see!

My K-1 and AOS Timeline

K-1 Timeline:
12/03/2002 - I-129F petition sent to Nebraska Service Center.
12/14/2002 - NOA #1 Noted: 150-180 days to process this kind of case.
04/19/2003 - NOA #2. NSC Approved our K-1 Petition
04/28/2003 - NVC forwarded Approved Petition to US Embassy-Manila
05/24/2003 - Telegram from US Embassy-Manila (Schedule of interview)
05/30/2003 - Picked-up my K Packet at St. Luke's Extention Clinic and paid Visa Fee at BPI.
06/02/2003 - Physical Exam at St. Luke's Medical Extention Clinic (half day)
06/03/2003 - Went back to the Clinic to get my Vaccination.
06/07/2003 - Interview! I got an Approval Stub after the second set of interview.
06/11/2003 - Received my K-1 Visa in Mail.
07/23/2003 - POE - Detroit.
09/19/2003 - Wedding at USVI

We mailed AOS with EAD at Nebraska Service Center last Oct. 15, 2003 but they returned it because they don't accept family based I-485 applications. We are told to submit the application to local INS Office.

So we mailed the application on Nov. 5, 2003 at Cincinnati Sub-office and for the second time it was returned because of wrong Fee. We have to add a Fingerprint fee for the AOS application.

Nov. 18, 2003 mailed AOS and EAD applications back to Cincinnati Sub- Office with the corrected fee. I hope its all OK now.

AOS Timeline:

11/18/2003 - AOS and EAD sent to Cincinnati Sub-office.
01/09/2004 - Received a letter/receipt (dated 01/05/2004) for my applications on I-485 and I-765 from Columbus Satellite Office.They also give me my Alien Registration Number.
02/19/2004 - Received an appointment letter from Columbus Satellite Office to get my EAD on March 9, 2004.
03/09/2004 - Busy day! I got my EAD at Cincinnati Sub-office which is valid for 1 year. I also applied for SSN, I got State ID and Temporary Driving Permit.
05/13/2004 - Received Fingerprint Notification
07/26/2004 - Fingerprint appointment - BCIS Columbus Office 10AM
11/05/2004 - Received an interview appointment for my I-765.
12/10/2004 - I-765 or Adjustment of Residence Status Interview with my Spouse at Columbus Satellite Office with the Asian Consular Officer. Time schedule was 11AM. Officer stamped my passport with Green Card with conditional status valid for 1 year, work permit granted.
01/03/2005 - Received my Green Card by mail. Thanks! yohoooo!!!

Celebrating Lyn's Big Day

Happy Birthday Lyn!

Lyn asked me last friday if Michelle and I are available to go out for a dinner at a Seafood Buffet Restaurant the following day. I told her that Michelle and I worked together and we'd be off by 5PM so we surely can go to dinner with her. I figured it would be fun to go out and celebrate her birthday since its the weekend and the following day is also Easter Sunday.

The fun started when we were on our way to the restaurant. I was in Michelle's car and Lyn is following us. Apparently Michelle lives closer to the restaurant that we are going so she knew which road to take without too many traffic lights...in other words, she knew a shortcut. Lyn lost us when she had to stop at a red light. I don't know why these two ladies did not agree which road they will take??? We ended up playing hide and seek! Thank goodness for these wireless communication gadgets! We had to stop at a gas station so Lyn can catch us. Alas, we arrived at the restaurant at the same time, safe and sound!

After we were seated, we attacked the food like the hungry beast that we were. I was taking my time choosing my food when Lyn started putting stuff on my plate like fried frogs, mussels, some kind of rolls, squid with taro and coconut milk inside, breaded and fried crab. I added shrimps which are my favorite and I also added fried fish. (Gosh! I hope hubby won't read this part or he will puke!) Anyway, once it was all assembled, my plate looked like a mountain. THEN! we saw the steamed crab! Afraid that the restaurant will run out...heheh Lyn asked me to grab another plate and we started piling on the crab legs.

I couldn't imagine that we could eat all that food. I have plates in my left and right hand...same with Michelle, Lyn had one but also full. Btw...just want to make it clear, those extra plates that I got and Michelle's are for the three of us, OK? :-)

For a few minutes the ladies stopped talking, trying to have a good feast with the bountiful blessings infront of them. Wow, that was the first time I had all seafood in a Chinese restaurant.I usually get szchuan vegetable or vegetable lumen. Anyway, the other two ladies were done in a snap! Geesh! Did they inhale the food??? How did they do it? Michelle was always kidding how slow I am...she's like "your like a kid"! and I'm like, HELP ME! and she say's...go get me noodles and fruit, your plate will be empty when you get back. OK, I think I needed to stand up for awhile, so I did what she asked me. I came back with 2 plates again...left and right! She only ate some food that she liked on my plate. By this time I was getting full, so I started cheating... I tore my food so it looked like i had eaten more. Duh, I'm afraid I'd be left washing dishes for not eating all the food on my plate. Anyway, I was done with my first plate and on to the crab! Lyn was ready to go back for her second plate. Michelle by the way was done with the plates I handed to her, oops, minus the plate that had the desserts on it. The two ladies were back with a plate each. Sheesh! There had already been like two guests seated at the opposite table, while we are still there... almost 2.5 hrs already? I was so shy everytime the waiter would come and pick up the plates. I even asked him to call a police or 911. ;-) but I don't think he understood me because he just ignored me. I also notice the waiter looked pissed at us, he-he! imagine how many times he had to come back just to clean our mess.

The three ladies finally surrendered! Lyn and Michelle were fighting as to who will pay the bill. Michelle and I already agreed that she will pay the bill but goofy Lyn insisted she will pay the bill. Oh well! Good thing, we can start our picture taking.

Nah, I thought were done for the night! We agreed that we needed to walk our food off, so we went to Kohl's Department Store to browse what's on sale. This time we spent about 2 hours shopping for one item for each of us. Had it not been that the store was closing, the three ladies wouldn't have gone home.

I had fun! I hope Michelle and the birthday girl had fun too. Happy Birthday Lyn...and thanks for the dinner!

I Feel Sick

I am not feeling well today. I woke up with a sore throat and my body is aching. I usually get a sore throat if i consume too much sweets. Its probably that dark chocolate toblerone I ate last night! Nevertheless, I still manage to go to work. Then, my sinus started to bother me. My headache was terrible, specially in the forehead and the top back of my head. My eyes feels like its burning and then I started feeling cold and I was shivering. What is going on with me? The only medicine I had in my purse was cold tylenol, so i took 2 tablets around 2PM, then another 2 about 4PM. I was hoping I would feel better. I even went to Polaris Fashion Place with Michelle (my co-worker). But when I got home, I started feeling worst again...my extremeties are so damn cold and my body is aching and in terrible pain.

I need to go to sleep, I know! but I'm still here watching American Idol again...apparently a human error happened last night. In-correct voting numbers were displayed during the performance recap at the end of last night's show, that means viewers has to re-vote. That sucks! Especially for those phoned-in votes. Text votes on the other hand will not be charged! Who do I liked among all the contestants? Probably Nadia Turner, Carrie Underwood and Bo Bice. I do liked Constantine Maroulis though. But my bet is going to be CARRIE UNDERWOOD. Simon said, she would outsell all other preview Idol Winners. Here's a link to her fan site: http://www.carrieunderwoodonline.com/

Canada, Our Second Day

We went back to our hotel at 2AM. I was tired and sleepy but I was excited to see the city, so it was OK. 8AM, I woked up for a need to go to the bathroom. I tried to go back and get an additional hour of sleep but I can't. My adrenalin was up and about ready for another exciting day so I went ahead and took a shower. John, as always was still in bed. I looked at the view of the Detroit River. It was foggy but very pretty. I don't know but I'm always fascinated to see tall buildings. Here in the photos, I took the tallest skycraper in Detroit, the GM building.

About 10:30 we had our breakfast at the hotel. We decided to visit Fort Malden Museum at Amherstburg and If we have time we can go visit the Hard Rock Cafe in Detroit, MI. And finally go to a Souvenir Shop.

It was freezing cold! I almost turned into a popsicle! Imagine I have 4 layers of clothes but I was still cold. Here's the link of the all the photos I took during the trip. Windsor, Ontario Canada Photos

We went to Devonshire Mall for some souvenir shopping but never found one so we ended up eating a light lunch before we head home and just stop by at the Duty Free Shop. I had a Spicy Chicken Wings, which has similar taste to the Hot and Spicy Chicken in KFC Phils. I don't care much the KFC here in Columbus as their spicy chicken is always on a sauce. We then hit the road on our way home but I told John not to forget to stop by at the Duty Free Shop. I got myself, and my sister Jovy a t-shirt (size 8 for kids) wheew! they don't have small sizes for petite and the medium were still big. I got some key chains for the sisters and my mom. I knew my sister Jovy would get jealous as soon as I break her the news that I've already been to Canada. This is where she wanted to Immigrate.

Now the fiasco at the Security Checkpoint!!! There were few lines of cars but it wasn't that bad. I looked up from my side and saw the GM building. I thought about getting a closer photo, hubby said go ahead, so i did.

I also took a photo of the sign that says Welcome Michigan but you can see on the bottom a little bit of the Security Checkpoint. As soon as we got to the Officer, the first thing she asks us is if we took a picture. Hubby said yes. They probably have a camera and looking at us while we were still in line. She asks if its digital and if she can see it. We did show it to her. Then she looked for our ID's. Asks us if we have alcohol and tobacco again and we said no. She also looked for our passports. Good thing, I brought mine and hubby's. I don't wanna be left in Windsor, ya know! Doug forgot to bring his. So, she asks few more questions to him. Then she put a paper on the windshield and asks us to go to the checking officer. Two guys, asks us again about the photos that we took. They looked on it and asks us if we could delete that last photos I took that has a little bit of the Security Checkpoint on the bottom. We don't want to argue an officer...we'd rather delete it or have them give us a hard time. Sheeesshhh! that was scary experience!

Canada, Here We Come!

It was saturday, (03-19-05) one of the few weekends wherein I get to spend time with my hubby. I usually work every saturday and only spend time with him on sundays. I even work on sunday nights if it gets worst at work.

I was up on my normal time around 9am. As usual hubby gets to sleep in with our comfy bed a little bit later than normal. Its 11am, and I was bored so I woke him up with a a hot, smoking blueberry oatmeal. He woke up and ate it in bed and beg to give him time untill 12:30 to sleep again. So i gave in.

Finally, I woke him up and scared him if we won't do anything, I would go to work. The first thing that came to his mind is to go to the Auto Show. Columbus Auto Show Then, he asked if I am interested to go visit Ikea in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for some shopping. I was excited at first, until he mentioned about Argosy Casino VI which is an easy drive from anywhere around Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana . It is a side wheel vessel, with three decks and accommodates 4,000 passengers. We phoned in the 1-800 number to book overnight but sadly it was fully booked. Oh well, so much for Indiana.

We went to get drive-thru food from Fazoli's. After eating, we tried to look again for possible weekend get-away. Then, hubby mentioned about Windsor, Ontario Canada I was soooo excited that I didn't have second thoughts about it, and said YES! I've always wanted to go to Canada and experience a new culture. I didn't care which city as long as it is Canada. By looking at the website, it looks like its a cool place. He also mentioned that its a place known for "Strip Clubs". So, I asked him to call our friend Doug, because he might be interested to go with us. And he did say YES! 4PM and we were all set booked at Hilton Hotel in Windsor. Its 10 before 6PM and we are all on our way to Windsor, Ontario Canada.

Its a 3.5 hrs. drive but John as a good driver manage to drive it for just 3 hrs. We passed the Tunnel that connects Detroit, MI and Windsor, Ontario.

As we tried to enter the city we have to pass The Security Checkpoint wherein an Immigration Officer asks us a few questions, such as where we are going and for how long, and if we have tobacco or alcohol (its not allowed). They also looked into our ID's. It wasn't terrible experience to get in. About 10:30 and we were already at the hotel trying to settled in. After we did vallet parking, we went out and head to the Casino. It was my first time to go to a Casino and I have never gambled before. John was not a good gambler either. And by the way, US$1 is worth $1.20 CDN. We were having a hard time playing the Slot Machines as the machine won't accept our money! wahhh! we almost gave up. Until John finally learned how to do it. It wasn't hard really, but we still ended up loosers. Oh well, so much for that...we head out to Doug's fave place. I'm not gonna tell you what it is, as I don't have the nerve to tell it.

A Newbee

Hi Everyone! and welcome to my first blog. Honestly, I never thought I could or I would make one considering I am too busy between my 2 jobs and being a housewife. I am just supposed to create an album here but it wouldn't let me, unless I would sign up for a blog. I thought blogging is an "in" thing these days, so what the heck...blogging here I come!

Overdoing Exercise

OK, I think I did too much today. Arrgghhh! my right knee is hurting as if the bones where dislocated. Oucchh!

Here's why. I did a 15 minute warm up about 6:20PM by doing some stretching from my neck, shoulders and arms, back down to my legs and ankles. Off to the road at 6:35. I jog around the neighborhood for 1 hour. After that I went back home to drink some water and catch my breath. It feels really good outside. What drives me nuts is when I passed by a house that owns dog almost as big as me! I have to slow down so they won't run after me. It is usually the time when they are out and playing with their "Masters". Some dogs are inside the fence though but they still bark whenever they see somebody. So anyway, I was back at home. After drinking water, I went to look for my weights. I couldn't find it. I was back upstairs and downstairs a few times. Then finally I saw it in the corner near the computer room. So I did some weights exercise.

It's 7:35, hubby is home! He asked me if I wanted to go for bike ride. I know if I'd say no, he wouldn't go alone. So I said yes, anyway I wasn't that tired yet at that time. We went circling around the neighborhood again when suddenly my right knee started to feel uncomfortable. I was having a hard time pedaling my bike, it hurts so bad that I had to stopped for few minutes. Its getting a 'lil bit darker so we had to head back on our way to the house. It wasn't long enough when I had to stopped again and had to jump on the grasses because I can't stand on my right leg. I did some stretching. I felt good a little bit after that. Lesson? too much leg work is not good, eh??? Thanked God I still managed to be home. We rode more than 4 miles today which is better than yesterday's 2 miles.

OK, I think I needed to go get some hot showers before bed time. So.....will c u l8tr? :-)