Luggage For Travel

Even though I still have another year before our next overseas travel, in God's grace, I am already thinking of looking up for luggage sets. When we traveled to Philippines this past summer I bought a new set. The color is fuchsia pink and hubby said it's too girly. The set composed of large, medium, small plus a small carry on. But still it wasn't enough for all our stuff. I still used another three suitcases in different colors. When we came back here, I left two of the luggage with my parents. So now I need to replace those before we travel again. I am already thinking of something the same as in the picture, I just need another color though. I want something sturdy that even if it is thrown it will not be destroyed and also a water proof one. Hopefully when the plan of this next travel is being set, I will have my new luggage set.

Friend's Birthday Bash

On November 7 me and my friends here were having some good time. It was a dear friend's birthday celebration and most of the attendees were military wives and husbands are currently deployed. The bonding that we had really helped making the time go by quick. All of us had a blast. Of course there were Filipino foods, videoke singing and dancing. The kids enjoyed playing as well.

I told my husband that I am very glad I have friends that I can hang out with that shares the same situation with me. We're able to help each other killing the time while waiting for our husbands to come home. All of us also came from different states before we got stationed here and I know when our soldiers returned home we will be going separate ways since a part of our military life is the constant moving. But for now, I am glad we are enjoying each others company.

Photography

Honestly I envy my friends who can take great photos of just about anything. When I surf online or view my friends' websites, I get amazed of how they manipulate their captures. I admire what they are doing and I thought they are very artistic to do it. One of my friends told me that when she started she find it very difficult but with constant practice, reading some materials and learning techniques she was able to take great pictures. But I know if one ventures into photography you should have one of those professional cameras. There are digital slr cameras in the market that my friend was telling me about. Before she bought hers, she was having some hard time deciding on what to buy. I know these type of cameras don't come cheap. This is why I am, until now, still contemplating if I really wanted to learn photography or not. I don't want to waste my money if I will not use the camera constantly. I am pretty sure though that in time I can set aside more time and effort to learn photography. It is a very good hobby and it will be nice if I can capture my family's moments and have a great outcome in print on it.

Looking For Insurance?

We all know that getting prepared for our future is very important. Along with saving for the rainy days, we also buy insurance to make sure that our family is well taken cared of. For those that need insurance, it is best to look around or shop around for different insurance; may it be for your auto health or even term life insurance. One very helpful resource is the internet. You can just search online for life insurance quotes and you will get tons and tons of result. But make sure that what you are looking for is really the one you need. Be careful also in choosing insurance provider. Beware of scams and make sure that you get the most of your money.

Malling with Friends

When hubby was deployed for the second time in 2008 I never went to the mall. He was away for six months and for that duration of time my route was only home, grocery store, hospital for our daughter's appointment and also doing errands on post and off post. I haven't been to the mall and I only eat out at the Filipino restaurant down the road. I didn't even went to fast food restaurant to get anything even through its drive thru. Hubby was encouraging me to go out so I will not be bored at home but I just couldn't.

Yesterday me and my friends here talked about going to the mall. Their kids don't have classes since Wednesday so we set our mall-ing earlier today. It was raining and nippy. We had lunch at the mall and then did window shopping. We let the kids play at the play area. I was able to buy a gift for the birthday boy on Sunday and a bedroom sleeper for our DD. It is hard to shop around with a toddler in tow and so after few stores we decided to go home. Me and our DD passed by Target store and bought some stuff then we headed home. It was a long day but it's nice to see the mall again after almost two months :-)

Jobs in IT

My husband will retire from the service in a few years. For his retirement, he is preparing himself for a civilian job. Jobs in IT is his target since he is more fascinated with information technology, computer and stuff. As his preparation, he is now pursuing a bachelor's degree in the field of computer science. I am totally supportive of his endeavor and I know he is also supportive with mine. We are both hoping that by the time of his retirement we will both have the career that we are both aiming to have. I am positive that with God's grace along with our perseverance, we will fulfill our goals and dreams. Dreams that is not only for us but for the future of our kids and our family.

Different Insurances

Coming here in the US opened my eyes to avail insurances that serves as security in our life. In the Philippines I do have life insurance from my job as well as health insurance but I wasn't really putting much importance on it. When I got married, my husband talked to me about the different benefits he gets from the Army and we are very lucky that we are also covered hundred percent. I started working in 2005 and when I was qualified to get a life insurance I applied for one in addition to my life insurance from my husband's work. As I applied, the provider talked to us about the different types of life insurance. I must say I was informed by that time. I know now that I should not take for granted the security of my family. The same thing with my husband; he told me that our family's security is his main priority. He wanted to give us the good and secure life especially for the future.

Birthday Party at Charlie's Safari

Before hubby left we were invited to attend the birthday party of our friend's daughter. Hubby and our DD had a great time bonding together. He let her played with the different token games and also the gymboree inside the indoor play area.

This coming Sunday, another friend invited us for his son's birthday party. It will be held in Charlie's Safari again. Since hubby is not here this time I will be the one to run around following our darling daughter. I have to reserve a lot of energy for that day since I very well know she will try all the play areas and games. I told hubby when I talked to her earlier that I will be exhausted after the party coz I know DD will be all over the place. Hopefully though she will be calmer so I will not be stressed out. But hey as long as she will enjoy and have fun then I'm all for it :-)

Cold Days are Here

It's really getting cold in here now. I know in other states they already experience the first snowfall of the season but I am hoping we will not get too much snow like last year's winter. Last night and early this morning I turned on the heater. Usually we will turn it on around late November or in December but it's still October and have to turn it on more often. It is just very cold. After I cook our lunch earlier me and our DD went to take a shower and as soon as I turn on the shower faucets the water that came out is really freezing cold. Our daughter even jumped out when she touched the water. Early this month I started getting our daughter her winter stuff as well as mine. Her last year's winter stuff are already small. I still have to do this progressively since it is expensive to buy stuff especially during the season. At the end of the season I need to stock up more for next year's fall and winter. Oh well, it's hard to go out when it's cold. I dislike putting on layers but what can I do, it's a must or else you'll freeze out.

Colon Cleanser

Way back when hubby was still here we were discussing about having our colon cleansed. He was intrigued because one of his friends had it. I told him that I have read a lot of colon cleanser reviews and many testifies that it is helpful to our health. I heard from the news months ago about questions if this is really effective in detoxification and cleansing the digestive system. I do believe though that having a well functioning digestive system helps in the absorption of nutrients to our body. Maybe when hubby gets back from his deployment I can let him ask his provider about it and he can have his colon cleansed as well.

A Friend's Birthday Party

Sunday was very cold, wet and soggy but it did not refrain us from going. The picture on the side was taken earlier of the party. The other ladies did not arrive yet. It was a nice get together. I was able to meet new friends and seen old faces as well. The kids were having fun as well. It's a shame I wasn't able to take picture of the food on the table :-)

We didn't stay long. At 7pm we went home coz the kids have school the next day. I could have stayed longer but I decided to go home instead since DD did not take a nap.

Next week there's another birthday celebrations; our friend and her son. Having to see our friends often and hanging out with them is fun and in a way eases the loneliness we feel while our husband's are away. I am looking forward for more bonding time and fun moments with them and for our kids.

Our Daughter's Fears

I really don't know when it started but our daughter get scared when I'm holding a box cutter, knife or even a scissor. She will not cringe though but she will tell me that it can give "ouchi", or according to her, an "ouwie". But in a way I am glad because she will not dare to touch it. She is now playing with our kitchen utensils since she can already open the drawers but her fears to touch knives or other sharp objects give me peace of mind that she will not take those out of the drawers. But I am not leaving her alone when she is in our kitchen. I make it sure that she only get her plastic wares and not those that is not safety for her to play with. When I am done at the kitchen I make sure as well to put the fence so she can't go there by herself.

Good Business Strategy

When my parents owned a small business when we were young, my father always said that a good business strategy is to manage the business well and make sure to excel in customer service. When I started working in retail here in the US, one of the things that our management always emphasized during meetings is to give an excellent service to our customers. I was browsing online and read many reviews and testimonies of customers for the services offered by companies and they always appreciate if the service given to them is good. A fulfillment house business that I also read online take pride in their services and making sure that they give satisfaction to their clients. So for those who wanted to own a business, it is a must to work hard on giving clients the guarantee of satisfaction for their business.

Children's Day

Two weekends ago me and my friends brought our kids to Huntamer Park for Children's Day celebration. There were rides, fun games, workshops, shows, and other activities that are all free for the kids. One show that the kids loved very much was the show with Ronald MacDonald. Even the adults enjoyed it as well. If it wasn't that cold we would have stayed longer but it was pretty nippy so we decided to go home early. I did not let our DD play with the slides and bouncy since she's still tiny one and I'm afraid she will be rub through by bigger kids. But she enjoyed watching the mascots and holding the free balloons.

Getting Fit and Healthy

After I gave birth with our DD I was thinking of things to do to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight. I only gained few pounds but with my height it seemed like its over my ideal weight. I breastfed our daughter so my weight easily went down. I told my husband that I don't need diet pills anymore because breastfeeding and taking care of our little one help me out. But despite that, I do believe that I still need to do exercise and eating right because there are times that I feel sluggish. I easily get tired and my energy is depleting fast. My friend told me that when she started exercising she felt the difference in her body. She got the energy boost everyday and she don't get tired easily. So now I am looking at exercise regimen that I can use to make me more energetic especially that cold season is here. It is important that we are healthy and our immune system is strong because this is the time of flu season again. Being sick is a bad thing for every one especially if there's a child in the household. So to all, be prepared, eat right and stay healthy everyday.