Meery Christmas from the Johnson's

I salute myself for being able to put up our tree and decorations on the first day of December. Yay! However, I still need some finishing touches. I don't have much to decorate like anyone else here. Not much time to make more and no extra money to spend for it. We've been broke after our PI vacation...oucch!

I will share more when I am done and content with my decorations =) Peace yo!

Sweet Moments with Friends

I was browsing the photos I got from my PI vacation and I can't help but smile looking at it. It's been a month since I got back. I can say it surely was a the best vacation. I have taken more than 900 photos plus a few videos that I can look at when I get homesick.

Here's some of my favorites with my bestestfriend Cathy, and my college classmates/friends/boardmates/batchmates =) Jeany, Josephine...I spent 4 years with these wonderful ladies.

Jeany surprised me with Cathy and Listher (her son) and Josephine in our Pizzahut gathering.

With Cathy and Jeany

With Josephine and group photo with Roy

pix 1. Cathy and I -She is my bestest friends since high school. We went to the same college. Took the same major, we were inseparable until our friendship was tested on our last year in college. We did not talk for few months but we sorted out things, weeks before we graduated. We both were wounded and things were never the same again. We haven't seen each other for 9 years but we communicated a few times through sms and e-mail. It was a surprise seeing her again after so many years. She hasn't changed. Still the prettiest, down-to-earth and dedicated to the Lord, even with hardships in raising her son as a single parent.

She named her son Lister. Actually, he had two names. Listher was like his middle name which was our combined name when we were in high school. Thus Elisa and Catherine = Listher

pix 2. Jeany and I -She is a sweet and loyal friend that I can always count on. I used to hang out with her in her boarding house doing things like cooking, eating, studying, doing project and other school stuff, talking about things and being silly. And she won't let me go back to my boarding house until she gets a friendly smooch haha! I can't thank her enough for tagging Cathy, Listher and Josephine along with her. She's now a happy mom and wife and i am so happy for her that life turns out the way she wanted it to be.

pix 3. Josephine and I. Cathy, Josephine and I were room mates on our first year in college. Very happy go lucky girl. Walang pakialam in bisaya. but very smart and great sense of humour. Now it kind of surprised me when I learned that she is now the Acting-Principal in the school that she's been teaching with for for the last 7 years! Hah! Now you need a BF - as in boyfriend, husband-to-be...paging....paging...wink*wink ;=) single guy outhere? heheh manawagan ba?

We dined at Pizzahut from 2pm. The food was consumed and everything but the 4 of us were not done catching up so we stayed there until 6pm. Then we agreed to meet again the next monday in Magsasay where Josephine worked. We spent the entire day just catching up about things and I was the dumbest woman who forgot about bring my camera. Darn!

pix 4. Our group photo with Roy also our batchmates who now works at SPC. He was the only thorn among the roses before thus making him the all time favorite Prince Charming among our batch. He was gifted with a lovely wife and the most tisoy ever na anak. Way to go Cor Jesian's!

Hong Kong Videos

I have finally uploaded all our Hong Kong video's and would like to share some of them:

The Shops at Nathan Road

Clock Tower near StarFerry concourse in Tsim Sha Tsui is landmark from the Age of Steam.

The "Journey of Enlightenment" involves a stunning 5.7 km cable car ride up the side of a mountain on Lantau Island to Ngong Ping Village.







The World's tallest outdoor seated bronze Buddha sits serenely atop Ngong Ping plateau amid the the spectacular mountain scenery of Lantau Island.







Ngong Ping Village Shops

A spectacular multimedia event, named the world's largest permanent light and sound show covering more than 30 buildings on both sides of the Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong.

Meet and Greet with UIC Peeps

Being able to meet up with my former co-workers and friends from UIC was one of the best thing that happened on my vacation. I sent my invitation thru text messaging via Jenny and in days she managed to confirm 11 attendants. Isn't that great?

Jenny and I

It was very nice of her to inform them about my invitation and I truly appreciate her kindness. Eversince I got here in Ohio, she never stopped communicating with me. She is always there to chat when I am online or simply left me an offline message whenever she can. I have never told someone before how she warms my heart with her friendship. She was the very least person I thought would communicate with because of the distance. I never got the chance to really know her well and be closed to each other back then, simply because we worked in different campuses. We do talked mostly on matters about our jobs and made sure that we run the same policy, that's about it. Oh wait, I just remembered, I was one of her bridesmaid! Yay, and we do go out in groups and that's about it. Anyhow, most of my friends that I expected to come showed up at Pizzahut, SM.

Its very amazing seeing them after 3 years! None of them aged. Two of them got married while I heard some bells ringing here and there. It seems like I was just gone for few months. We were all busy catching up. I really wished we met up while JJ was still in Davao but he had to leave a week ahead of me due to a conference in Chicago.

L-R: Claire, Jenny, Ate Caring, Ate Ping, Jo Geral, Ate Vangie, and Me, Roy, Sam and Raynan. Elmer and I with Roy in the background (second photo)

Left photo: with Elmer, Claire and Jenny. Right photo: Jo Geral, Ate Vangie and I

With Sam and Raynan

Sam and I used to work together while Raynan works at the Annex campus.

Left photo: Claire used to work with Jenny, holding the Graduate section of the Library. Now she works in UM Tagum.

Right photo: Ate Vangie and Ate Caring both worked at the Technical section of the Library.

The many happy faces. It was great seeing all of you, until next time!

Week One @ Hong Kong

Hi Everyone. It's been awhile since I updated here, JJ and I have been away from a month long vacation to Hong Kong and the Philippines. I just got back last friday November 3rd and to this date, still coping up with my rest.

So where will I start? Maybe from that night of October 6th, where JJ and I were cramming until the last minute getting ready of our luggages and making sure the house was clean before we left. It would be horrible if we come home and there were leftover foods at the refrigerator accumulating molds, a smelly sink, toilet bowl oozing with dirt and what else! So I made sure everything was taken cared of while JJ is getting ready of our tech stuff. He bought me an Ipod at the last minute, great but not-so-good idea! He was having a hard time figuring out how to transfer all our songs into this new gadget plus movies and photos. We also did last minute grooming on Star. I made sure she smells good while at Aunt Carmen's house. We dropped her off at her house 11:30PM Ian, her son had a football game from somewhere.

We were up all night taking care of everything. By the time I was done at the shower 5AM Doug (our friend) was already knocking at our door to pick us up for the airport. We got to the airport, checked our luggages and in 45 minutes we arrived in Chicago where a UA 747 waited us for our 10AM flight to Hong Kong.

October 8 at 5:15PM we are finally settled in our room at JW Marriott Hotel. A 5-star hotel, very cozy and cleaniest hotel I have ever been. We joined JJ's bosses boss, also named Doug and another co-worker from Chicago named Chris for a dinner at Dan Ryan's Chicago Grill inside the Pacific Place, a mall connected to JW Marriott. After dinner, we walked around the mall to get me familiarization among their shops. I was beaming with smile looking at those European named brands. "Smile na lang ako, I promised myself to do good when it comes to shopping". I told myself, I have already enough. Hehe kuripot or just nothing to spend?

The next morning was started with Starbucks across the hotel. What a surprise, they don't open until 7:30AM? How sad is that? Maybe people here are not much into starbucks? We still waited until they open and the customers we saw at that time are all american's. Get the point? Anyway, going back to the hotel. JJ was giving me hints and tips where to go in case I decided to explore the place. I spent a lot of time reading my book and watching foxnews while eating fruits. The hotel provided fruits such as apples, banana and oranges and regularly replenish it. I got myself ready for some exploration at the famous Pacific Mall between 12-1. At first, I don't know where to eat. The Mall was so big that I was scared I get into a high end resto or a place where the taste was unfamiliar to me. Finally, I settled at The Metropolitan Cafe @LG of The Mall. I had chicken panini which really taste good, price was like eating at Panera Bread. Not bad!

I did some window shopping starting off with Mango. They have nice tops a little pricey but I actually fall inloved one at Zara. I also checked out european brands, freakin' expensive to my dismay. There was one purse at LeSportsac that I liked and almost bought but they run out of color that I like besides how many purses can I use at a time? U might think I went back to hotel empty handed? Nope! *Grin* I actually went to watson's and bought personal items of which the total costs was enough to buy 2 tops!

Back to hotel safe. Thanked God I found my way. I slept from 4PM and remembered JJ got back to the hotel at 5PM but I did not woke up until 9PM. He was telling me how he tried to wake me up until he surrendered. We both were lazy to go out so we called for in-room service. Got myself a Hot 'n Sour soup, pizza for JJ that came with salad which I ate. We goofed around finally slept 1AM only to wake up at 5AM.
The next day Oct. 10 we started with Starbucks again. Back to the hotel and finished reading my book, finally! I listened to music since Ipod wasn't working. He accidentally deleted all the music! Went to the mall and bought the tee that I have fallen inloved with. Shopping at Pacific Mall was actually as pricey. So I was waiting until JJ and I can go to the Ladies Market. Back to the hotel and slept again until JJ was almost to the point of spanking me for not waking up. I don't know. I've been so sleepy the last two days. If I woke up right away we would be able to ride the tram going up to The Peak.

Since we are running out of time for the dinner, we rode a taxi only to get there and waited for the chinese co-workers for about an hour and half! sweet!
Anyway, I met JJ's co-workers. Most of them looked like fresh graduates from colleges. They are probably just typical asian's who looked young but are actually old...like me? Bwaahahah! Finally, the dinner was over and I was excited to see the city from the observation deck.

It was very beautiful up there looking at Victoria Harbour with all the lights, it was just romantic! Doug and Chris took the tram going up and down while the chinese co-workers took the bus. Not a single of them took the tram and it wondered us why. We concluded that the tram was quite expensive compared to taking the bus and since they are a resident it probably doesn't excite them as much as the tourist do. We took the tram going down and walk back to the hotel.

Oct. 11, JJ was supposed to work at the office that morning but we got up late. He even missed morning breakfast with the boss. The good thing is, I get to go with him at the Buffet breakfast. We ate like there is no tomorrow. Food was expensive but oh-so-licious. HK $840 for both of us, wait 60USD? We ate so much! It's like we consumed our whole day meal, funny but true, that was all we ate the entire day! Anyway, instead of going to office and dropping me off to the nearest mall, JJ decided to just work at the hotel. Doug and Chris are actually going back to the states early that morning.

Later that day, we went to check Tsim Sha Tsui via the scenic Causeway Bay and with the most inexpensive mode of travel, the Star Ferry. Thanks to Ligaya and Angeli my dearest friends in Y!360 they are my source of info. They give me a lot of tips where to get inexpensive stuff and where to go for sightseeing. We walked back and forth from Tsim Sha Tsui to Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok and Kowloon. There was a lot of shop esp. at Nathan Road and Canton Road. The Avenue of Stars was along Tsim Sha Tsui promenade. It was like the Holywood Walk of Fame. As we walk through it, we saw the Clock Tower near the Star Ferry concourse. Famous at Yau Ma Tei was the Jade Market and Ladies Market at Mong Kok.

The following day we started with a breakfast at McDonalds at the Admiralty. Later, we decided to learn to get to places via the MTR. So we loaded an Octupos card which you can also use to pay for some shops. We headed out to Lantau Island. We first ate at the Spaghetti House and wasted about 2 hours going back and forth the mall looking for a bank who could incashed our traveler's check. Finally, we boarded a cable car to Ngong Ping village. They call it the "Journey to Enlightenment". The ride is 5.7km starting from Tung Chung. You can see the countryside, panoramic views encompassing sea and mountains. Ngong Ping 360 was indeed stunning, a must-see in Hong Kong.

The ride took us to the Ngong Ping Village that has several themed attractions, shops and restaurant. Nearby was the Giant Buddha, the world's tallest outdoor seated bronze Buddha. It sits at the top of Ngong Ping plateau. Then we followed the hiking trail of 15 minutes leading to the Wisdom Path, an outdoor replica of the centuries-old Heart Sutra. The sutra was displayed on wooden pillars. I just hope somebody was there to read it for us and translate or explain the meaning. The Lantau Peak was obviously seen even from the Giant Buddha's site and also the Po Lin Monastery. However I don't know why we had no picture of it? Anyway, we boarded the last cable car trip at 6pm back to Tung Chung shops. JJ got himself a replacement tennis shoe. That night we moved to a harbor view room which is half more than the old room. The harbor view was not really something worth paying for. All you can see during the day are the boats and ships, it was always dark and gloomy and you can see how polluted the air was. I got headache the very first day I got out of the hotel. Perhaps what makes it expensive was the fact that you can see the "symphony of lights" at night.

October 13, its our last day and since our flight to Davao via Cebu was not until midnight, we checkout exactly 12noon and left our luggages at the conceirge. We went back to the Ladies Market, they have a lot of inexpensive bags, accessories and bargains of women's clothing. We walked back and forth Nathan Road and I noticed the streets around are dirty and stinky. Somebody even came to JJ and asked him if he wanted to see "hot japanese" and "hot chinese" dancers? I couldn't stand the smell and crowd so we took the MTR going to Wong Tai Sin. We was gonna checked out the Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple but we got there just in time for them to close at 5:30PM. Darn, so we went to the adjascent shops. Got nothing and decided to go home. We passed the temple again and saw a lot of tourist going inside. We waited outside and the guards let us in. The lights made the temple very colourful. 3 main religions of china are practiced in here - Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. Finally we left for Tsim Sha Tsui and find a place between the Avenue of Stars and the Clock tower to watch the Symphony of Lights. It is a multimedia event, named the world's largest permanent light and sound show accredited by Guinness Book of World Records. It covers more than 30 buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbour. That concludes our night at the famous Hong Kong. Headed back to the hotel to gather our luggages and boarded the bus that took us to the airport.

the day that was...

September 19th, marks our 3rd year wedding anniversary. I am happy and proud that JJ and I made this far. I do not remember us having a fight or misunderstanding this year. Everything went on smoothly. Now I can prove to those who are skeptical about this marriage that JJ and I are for real and our love for each other is undeniable. We are a happy couple and we will always be.

So what did we do to celebrate the occassion?
Nothing really much! JJ wished he can get off from work like I did. Although he tried to sneak out he just couldn't do it. We could have spend each other for the most part of the day goofing around and being silly. The last two years were celebrated with a short vacation in Chicago and Hocking Hills. This time is going to be our upcoming Hong Kong business trip with leisure and in the Philippines. It's coming up soon!

The good thing is, I got our anniversary flower from proflowers early this afternoon. It was shipped fresh, budding and ready to bloom. This time I wasn't alone grinning and sniffing while trying to open the box of flowers that came with a glass ginger vase. Star was very excited if something is in-store for her. She was grawling and barking and running around the box. The 24 colorful rose blossoms are sweet and stunning! I love the thought that JJ continue's to send me flowers (and gifts) he is an amazing husband. ;)

Got a card for JJ and in it i scribbled a note from my heart, that goes:

Hi Babe :)
Sept. 19th! the day when our lives become one.
We started our journey thru life together.
3 years have gone by and we're still walkin side by side, hand in hand.
You are my best friend, the finest partner, and the sweetest love has ever known.
I'm so grateful life has led me to you.
Thank you for all the love =)

JJ also loved star's signature paw greeting. She was so sweet to stand still while I was putting an ink on her paws and was able to print it clearly on the card. Star was very cooperative for the most part.

I also got him a gift which is a Polo perfume. He wasn't sure if he'd like the smell. The only perfume he wears is Cool Water so I thought I'd let him try something new and I was glad he did liked it! It's not a strong perfumed as a matter of fact it is as mild as that of Cool Water. (i think!)

When JJ got home he checked on the flowers and looked for something else. A gift that is supposed to arrive on time but was delayed by UPS. Darn it! UPS did it again. So I had to wait for the next day to see what it is.

Off we go to dinner at Hoover Grille. It's waterfront location on prestine Hoover Reservoir is relaxing and very beautiful. While waiting for our food we were playing I-recall games. We recalled where we celebrated our first and second anniversary and what we did on those occassions and where we dined out and what we ate. Just being silly, it was fun though. Later on we come up to an idea that on our 5th year anniversary or every 5 years we will go back to US Virgin Islands where we got married at Trunk Bay. Sweet!

After a sumptous dinner we ordered Creme Brulee for dessert - darn, it was evilicious =) lahat yan ubos, finger lickin' pa! We got home after a joyful night and while getting ready for bed I asked him again what he got me as a gift.

He gave me a hint. "it is something you wanted at some point"
hmmm..... something pooped in to my little brain...
but i told him i won't tell him.
and then he got curious....tell me!
pakipot pa...i won't!
...then i said, besides Ipod? (oh plez don't give me that!)
GRIN!
Ok, another hint pa. Is it something I could wear?
Yes! Ok. that Tiffany & Co. bracelet that I've been wanting since December.
his eyes were twinkling.
Big smile. Evil smile. harharhar!
...and he blurted out. YOU ARE SNEAKY! How did you do that! Something is wrong with you! I don't like you anymore. Blah blah blah!
for some reason, my instinct was very strong that he got me this:

Dayton Air Show

Air show vidclip

Dayton Air Show

Air show vidclip

Dayton Air Show

Jet fighter demonstration

Dayton Air Show

Tora, tora, tora

Dayton Air Show

Thousands of expectators gathered this weekend to watch the Vectren Dayton Air Show. It was highlighted with the World Famous US NAVY BLUE ANGELS Flight Demonstrations Team lead by CDR Steve "Boss" Foley. Their performance is a thrilling mix of amazing maneuvers by the four-jet delta formation and two solo pilots in the incredible Boeing F/A-18 Hornet.

It was my first time to actually witness this incredible show and I was so stunned seeing them off the air convened very close in one spot and not going to collide.

This show is amazing! Those who will have a chance to see them should watch it at least once. They have amazing flying skills and acrobatics, it was the best tlga!

After the show, I went to see if they will come out for a photo session and sure enough, some navy officers came out and started handing out an autograph pamphlets. One guys asked if the Blue Angels Pilot would come out for some photo session and an autographed signing and they did! I had my pamphlet signed with all 6 pilots! Sweet :p

Actually, one reason I wanted to see them is that after the show, they announced all the names of the enlisted navy's and where they are from. I heard a name, then - Manila Philippines...I was like, I wanna see him! LOL that makes me proud once and for all. He was working in their Power Plants so I did not get to see AD2 (AW) Paul Kwantanenggee.

So anyway, I got to see the Blue Angels 6 Pilots up-close which thrills me (for some reasons) and I had a photo with two of the pilots. The downside is your's truly's skin is too dark now after an all day affair with "Haring Araw", JJ looked a lot like a lobster.

...but i am grinning ear to ear and that's what matters

with LT Thomas Winkler, USN

with LCDR Shaun Swartz, USN

More photos here...

i have a lot of video's but it would take few days before the google video will approve it, so keep comin' :-)

Hiyaaaa!

This day marks the 3rd year since I set foot in the land of US of A. Yohhhoooo!!!!!

Scrap Gift

Just wanna thanks my kumare Jenny for this beautiful creation she made for me...

Best day of my life

So what happened on the 4th of july 2006, the day and year I turned30?

When I reached 60 yrs. old and my memories will start to fade, I hope that my kids and grand kids (if there is) will have something to check out and read what happened 30 years back.

Typical morning, Star woke me up around 8am so she can potty outside. We went for a little walk and played a little bit before we head back home for her breakfast. I felt so lazy to do something for my birthday so I sat down infront of my square-headed BF and blog hopped.

JJ then woke up and told me to clean up. I gave him a hard time. I am too lazy! Well I was excited for his birthday present for me. Told him i'd get shower if he will give me my gift. He said, I have to looked good before he will give me my present. But of course the hard-headed girl won! He hand me a birthday balloon and put 3 pcs. each of black and silver beads =)

SO, here it is! Something I could use for our upcoming international vacation.

We are supposed to be at Easton Theatre for the 1:30PM show of Superman Returns and we are running out of time. While I was getting ready, he told me he needed to get something to bite before we head out to the movie. So off he went!

Damn, I have too many clothes but why am I having such a hard time choosing what to wear? These on-sale clothes looked so darn cheap! I should probably get clothes that suits my age? I hate this thoughts! Grrr... I had to change my outfit 5x be fore I got comfy with jeans and a black tank top.

JJ got back with a sack from Wendy's and a bithday cake/ice cream for me from Coldstone Creamery. Isn't that yummy? I love grapes, opps... I meant strawberry! =) Hmm...another surprise from my ever thoughtful JJ.



Superman Returns was a great movie. JJ and I enjoyed it along with Doug, Larry and kids who managed to save us a sit. The theatre was crowded and why not? The movie lead me to some emotional moments and humor.

Brandon Rout as Superman did a very amazing job and don't forget he is super yummy too! Yay!

Anyway, after the movie JJ and I did some shopping for Star at Moochies and Co. then we head out to the Fish Market for a good dinner, only to find out that they were closed and so with Lindey's Cafe. We end up at Mimi's Cafe, still at Polaris. Gee! so much for an independence day birthday.

...and so we feast for a very good Cajun Blackened Salmon and 12 oz top sirloin.

...a glass of Mimosa for me and Merlot for JJ.

...a toast for my 30 yrs. of existence! for all the blessings and for having a great partner in life...there is nothing else I could ask for.

The best way to end this special day is watching a firework at downtown Westerville. This time with us is Star who is a little bit freak out with all the loud noise around her. She ended up wet after so much excitement of walking around while waiting for the fireworks to start.


The Westerville Fireworks Display

Did I tell you how much I love this digital ELPH SD550? *,*