Elvie's Birthday Party... Plus

Two Saturdays ago, I met Elvie at Baby Tom's birthday party. She was one of the two new Filipina I just met on that day. We had so much fun that Elvie decided to do it again. Few days after that was her birthday, but decided to celebrate it on Saturday, and thank goodness that I worked morning and was free whole afternoon henceforth, and was able to join this wonderful get-together.
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I was glad that this time, my husband was with me. I was so surprised when we get to Elvie's house and saw a whole bunch of Filipinas that I haven't met before. After introducing ourselves to each others, there was connection right away, especially because all of them, except for one, were of the same dialect which was the "Bisaya". We fondly call ourselves "mga bisdak".
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The food was great and the hospitality of the household was amazing. Elvie was the one preparing all the foods, and of course, they were Filipino foods. We were just very comfortable laughing, talking out loud, endless eating... and again... the best part of every Filipina gathering, the picture taking. All of our husbands was having fun taking pictures of us, and we almost feel like we were celebrities with all those endless and blinding camera flash. We were even confused where to look with all those cameras aiming on us.
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Too bad, the party had to end. It always does. The amazing part of this gathering was that half of the visitors were from a distant cities such as Orlando, Jacksonville, and even Washington. They just came to Merritt Island to celebrate Elvie's first birthday party here in USA. But before we parted, guess what? Everybody have to give their Facebook account/name to everybody. After all, this is where they first met and became friends... and so are we.

Brevard Zoo - For The 2nd Time Around

My parents-in-law are here with us for three weeks already. I feel a little guilty that I haven't had time to go out with them just like what we do on the last time they were here. So, I had decided to make myself available this day. I don't have anywhere particular place for go. All I know is that I want to go out and have fun. It took us a while to figure out where we should go, and my husband suggested that we go to Brevard Zoo. My initial reaction was a little hesitant because we have been there on the year 2008, but then I realized that it was 2 years ago, and maybe there are changes and improvements that took place then. After all, my main intention on this outdoor activity is to spend time with them while having fun.
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It only took us 2o minutes to get there from our house. That is the good part in it. As what I had hoped, there were really some changes that took place. They have improved it, and we have seen more animals this time than we did before. To my surprise, I was not bored at all given the fact that we have been there already. In fact, I was as excited as I was before. My parents-in-law were glad that we went there, too. It was really a good zoo with so many animals that you can see and touch; considering, too, that the entrace fee is very reasonable. Too bad, that we had not the chance to bring there our grandkids because Ciara was not feeling very good then. We are hoping that on this summer that we can take them there.
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Sure, we missed something by doing this. My husband had to move his study time, and I had to move my laundry time, but it was not a big sacrifice at all, because the most important is the bonding moment that we were creating as a family which is very essential in our lives. We thank God for the very wonderful day.

A Pool Without Breaking Your Ground

One of the things that Ciara and Corbin (our grandkids) wanted to do when they were here with us was to swim on the pool. They loved to swim, but sad to say that we didn’t allow them because it was too cold. We promised to allow them to swim on summer time when they come back. We are glad that they liked it here with us. They said that they want to come back. I believe that one of the reasons was that they got to play with their cousins that live here in the complex. It was a wonderful time having them with us to bond together.
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Their interest in swimming made my husband think that he should tell their Dad to put up a pool in their backyard, too. PcPools.com is the website to go to check for the varieties of styles of above ground pools, in-ground pools, installation and supplies. The image that I enclose is one of their latest styles. I think it is pretty. This is what they call above ground pool, which I believe, a good idea, because in this way they don’t have to break the ground, and I believe that this cost less than the in-ground pool that we have. Just like with the in-ground pools, this pool is built to last, too. I’m sure that our grandkids will be happier to have their own pool at their backyard someday.

Family reunion activities

Guest post written by Clint Brown
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As much as we love getting together and eating a ton of really great food, you can't just do that for hours and hours at a family reunion. You do have to do some other things eventually. So this year I took it upon myself to plan something for all the kids to do so that they could use up some of that energy and let the adults catch up and chat some more without being bothered.
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I got the idea to hold a kickball game or two after everyone's lunch had settled and I convinced my two sisters to help me, which I think they also appreciated so our great aunts wouldn't corner them about being in their 20s and not being married. I downloaded some kickball rules with my clear internet and printed them out for us to take to the reunion.
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Well, it ends up that the family kickball game was a really big hit and I've already got requests to organize another one for next year. I think a lot of the adults are even interested in participating in it.

Cocoa Beach (Florida) Air Show - October 31, 2010

Some of those that were in the costume party last night agreed that we met up at Cocoa Beach this afternoon for the Air Show. We arrived at the location at 1 o'clock, but looking for a spot to park was terrible. Special thanks to my employer for allowing us to park at their parking spot because they lived around that area. The rest of the party where there at the spot already.
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It was a hot afternoon, enough to put some tan on our skin. Americans like it, but not us, Filipino ladies. Thanks to the sunblock lotion, it did not burn my face. We got a nice spot. Faye brought a gazebo which was very helpful to keep us shaded, but was removed later because of the strong wind. There were a lot of foods that were left over from last night's party. Before the most exciting part of the show came, we were just relaxing, eating, drinking and chatting. It was some kind of a continuation for the bonding we had last night. This is some kind of a healthy couple's activities that I believe we should do regularly, as our availability permits.
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Then the best part of the show began. It was awesome! It reminded me of a book I loved when I was a little girl. It described the power of the plane where it can "make loops, zoom and dash... and come to land without a crash". One surprise very loud zoom from our back really made us scream. It was flying so low that we really had to duck down. There were a lot more that they did that I can't explain. I can't find the perfect word to describe them. But for over-all rating, it was excellent. We really had a blast. It was worth the time and effort we spent.
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And look at these birds (the last picture), they were doing their own air show, too. How cute! Well, I believe that if I can hear them talking, they would have said, "Hey, these planes are imitating us!" How true! Because after all, they are the original "air show performers".
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Click on each picture for better view. Thanks.

Costume Party 2010

We had our costume party last night at Dolly Huhta's house (Merritt Island, Florida) in celebration for Jane Schuler's birthday which was 29th of October. Seven Filipinas in costume were there with five husbands in costumes, too. It was fun and a successful party. We were all so happy that it turned out very smooth and fine.
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We had bunch of Filipino foods that while we were eating we felt like we were just in the Philippines. We had longaniza, leche flan, chop suey, carbonara, lumpia shanghai, cassava cake and caldereta. It was Jane, the birthday celebrant who prepared all of them, except for the lumpia shanghai which I prepared, and for the caldereta which Dolly prepared.
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I will name these beautiful ladies I was with, in case you are familiar with any of them and might want to know their names. I will start from the left to the right:
Luzalee Amos, Michelle Gowen, Grace Elliott, Jane Schuler, Dolly Huhta (with her son Joshua), Faye Dietz, and Riza Valmonte.
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Aside from us who are in the pictures, there are few more people who come for the birthday party but were not wearing costume and did not join us in our pictorial. They are the birthday celebrant's friends. There were few kids, too, that were on the party that were on costumes, but somehow, we forgot to organized them to have their pictorial, which I regretted and considered as a shame, that we were just so indulged on our own activities, but it was also because they were playing in one room and we can't put them on one spot all the same time.
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But anyhow, in over-all rating, it was a very wonderful night. And we are all looking forward to it on next year around with the hope that there will be more people that will be added to us. My husband said that we were a groupie who loves the camera. Wherever there is a picture taking, we all flocked together. In fact, we had over a hundred of pictures taken on that night. Thanks to the digital cameras because we don't have to spend too much on films.

Getting Ready For The Big Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving Day is fast approaching. It will be a little over a month to go. Wow! How did time fly so fast? Where did it go? Thanksgiving Day is one of my favorite holidays here in USA, because most of my husband’s family from north will go down here to spend that special dinner with us. Just like last year. It is always fun having a large crowd in the house for that very special day. My husband calls it “The 3 F’s Day” Why? Because that day is about Family, Food and Football.
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There will be a big preparation for that dinner. There will be wide variety of foods. Everybody will be preparing their own specialty menu. Turkeys, of course, is always part of that special event. And there will be variety of ways to prepare them. I wonder if we can do all the preparation here in our house. We may need a butcher block to prepare the Turkey. Using a butcher block for chopping meat is safer and less messy than doing it on the counter.
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Putting up Adirondack chairs will be ideal for outdoor gathering, too. I just love its southern beauty; sturdy and yet elegant. The oldies will be on them while they are watching the kids playing on the playground.
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Another important thing to consider is our utility sinks , too. I had to have my husband check on it. We had the problem with our sinks two weeks ago. It was from the grease that was stuck in the pipeline. We better make sure that it will not happened again. Not on that time.
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Sometimes, preparation for family gathering is stressful, but all the stress will be worth it, because there is nothing more fun than having your family around for a special day of the year.

Remembering My Philippine Visit

I was checking my camera's second memory card a while ago to see if there are duplicate pictures that I can delete so as to save space on my MC. I saw these pictures. I can't help but be still for a while as I look through each one of them again. It was one of my happiest and the most important trip in my life and I had a blast. I realized that I haven't shared here on my blog the pictures that was taken during my visit there; and here are the summary of them.
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My trip was Orlando-Atlanta-Korea-Manila. It took me 27 hours to get to the Philippines. I could have gotten a ticket direct to Cebu, but I declined it because I wanted to stop by Manila to shop at Duty Free Fiesta Mall. I needed to buy more chocolates because I did not bring with me enough to give away because of its weight.
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I took another plane going to Cebu the following day, and there were my family, meeting me excitingly with a banner on their hands. It was so heart-warming. It took away all the stress and pain that the travel generate in me. I spent 4 hours in Cebu, in my sister's house. They served me my favorite lunch and I was so satisfied. After lunch, I gave them all the gifts that I prepared for them. Everybody were so happy.
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On the night of the same day, I was aboard a ship that took me to Surigao City, where my mother and the rest of my family were waiting for me. I miss being on the boat. Although it don't look comfortable at all, but doing the things that I usually do before gave me comfort and satisfaction. In the picture shown, I was talking to my husband through cellphone on that very minute.
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I was so happy to be back in Surigao. I was re-united with my best friend, Ann. I was re-united with my sister, my nieces and nephews. But above all, I was re-united with my Mama, the one who was patiently and anxiously waiting for me for two years. In fact, she cried the very moment that she saw me disembarking from the motorcycle. She then told me "I thought we will never see each other again." It brought tears on my eyes, too, but I was trying to hold them. My mama was so happy that we were together again.
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We set a day for everybody to come to my sister's house, to just celebrate being together. We had "lechon" roasted pig, which was part of my plan to do when I get there because I miss that food so much. It was a joyful moment of enjoying every food that was on our table, prepared by my sisters and brothers.
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Part of the plans, too, was to stay in Fiesta Resort in Surigao City to just unwind, play, eat and enjoy every moment that we were together. The place was good and safe for all of us, especially the kids. Foods, as always, is the best part of a successful reunion. It is always the best way to draw each other closer.
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It was so awesome seeing my mama, my sister Melinda, my niece Ramelyn, (Melinda's daughter) and baby Gab (Ramelyn's daughter) being together in the same place at the same time. They are the four generation in our family. My mama is just so blessed to be able to see her great-grand daughter.
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Being in that resort was our alternative in escaping the humidity in the city. Being in that resort gave us a good uninterrupted sleep. It was like having a big slumber party. It was just a wonderful moment to all of us. It was also a great bonding time for all my nieces and nephews, to know each other as they grow old and to keep that bond that they already had started. It is my wish that as we all grow old, our family bond will still be as strong as it is today.
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Came my departure day. I had mixed emotions. Sad to leave my Philippine family. Happy to be back to America which I already call my "home" and be with my husband again. But the good thing is, I can always come and visit Philippines as our financial status allows and as God permits. My hope is that on my next visit, my husband will be with me then. To my family in the Philippines: I love you all.

The Happy "Crime-Doers" Couple

Have you ever seen a couple that were caught doing some crime and yet so happy? Now you have. And hey, we look good while they took us some photograph, too. Whatever the crime we did, it is very obvious that we didn't regretted doing it.
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Okay. Here is what really happened. Last Sunday was my husband's birthday. He wanted to go to Al Capone's Show & Dinner at Kissemmee, Florida. I tell you, it was very cool show with buffet dinner and free unlimited drinks. The casts were just so wonderful and everybody were just having non-stop laughter. We really enjoyed the entire show.
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We spent the night in that area, and on that following day, we spent it looking and eating around Kissemmee and Orlando area. We had a good time together. It was some kind of a bonding to us because I will be leaving for Philippines this Friday. I love my husband very much and I already feel that I miss him. "Happy birthday day 4, honey."

Homemade Mask

I got this hilarious message and picture from my friend in Ohio, Lynn Whiteford and I thought this is worth sharing to you guys, so here I posted it in my blog.
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We all know that N1H1 flu is spreading around USA, and wearing a mask has become needed, so, in case we run out of masks during the N1H1 flu season, here is a ‘homemade’ mask you can make yourself. It is even compatible with the wearing of glasses! One thing though......... MAKE SURE YOUR MASK IS CLEAN!!!!!!!!

What's Your Japanese Name?

My friend, Bing-bing Ranque, forwarded me a fun email about translating your name to Japanese name. Here it is and have fun finding out what yours sound. (This is just for fun and I am not really sure if this is true.)

A - ka.........................J - zu................................S - ari
B - tu..........................K - me..............................T- chi
C - mi.........................L - ta................................U - do
D - te..........................M - rin.............................V - ru
E - ku.........................N - to................................W - mei
F - lu..........................O - mo..............................X - na
G - ji...........................P - no...............................Y - fu
H - ri..........................Q - ke...............................Z -zi
I - ki...........................R - shi..............................

Are You Ready For Snowmobiling This Winter?

My first winter experience here in Michigan was fun. I had my share of experience playing on the snow, but I know I still missed a lot of things about snow and one of them is snowmobiling. There was one time that a man came to our place with his snowmobile and I was so curious that I wanted to try but the man was in a hurry.
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Talking about snowmobiling, let me share to you the premier snowmobile website ever; SLEDtv.org. This is very interesting! There is no other site that has a bigger or better collection of snowmobile videos or snowmobile content. All of the top riders and tuners in the country visit this website for lots and lots of information on snowmobiling, trails, tips and tricks, instructional videos, or trailers for the latest hardcore snowmobile videos. Sport fanatics? Or just curious? It is about time that you start gathering information about snowmobiling.

"Who Is Your Guardian Angel Test"

My Mom-in-law forwarded to me this "Who Is Your Guardian Angel Test" a week ago, and I did not take it seriously. During our dinner yesterday, my mom-in-law asked me if I had find out who is my guardian angel and I replied that I had not find out yet. So, this morning, I had decided to find it out and after few questions, here is the result. My guardian angel is...

Uriel

"God is light", "God's light", Fire of God"; these are the name given to this angel. Uriel is considered one of the wisest Archangels because of his intellectual information, practical solutions and creative insight, but he is very subtle. You may not even realize he has answered your prayer until you've suddenly come up with a brilliant new idea. Uriel is the tallest and his eyes can see trough the eternity. All this considered, Uriel's area of expertise is divine magic, problem solving, spiritual understanding, studies, alchemy, weather, earth changes and writing. Considered to be the Archangel who helps with earthquakes, floods, fires, hurricanes, tornadoes, natural disaster and earth changes, call on Uriel to avert such events or to heal and recover in their aftermath Uriel is opening you for fairy kingdoms. Teaches you to find peace and patience which will bring you sudden insight, understanding and enlighment. Brings message, dont force yourself when you dont know what will happen, what can happen and dont worry about future, give up your mind control and TRUST. Let the higher powers take actions that will lead you on a good path again.

Tuscola County Fair

My husband and I, together with our grandkids, Ciara and Corbin, went to the Tuscola County Fair yesterday. These shirts were "give-aways" for kids under 12 years old. That's cool.

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These were the rides in the fair. There were a couple more that I missed to take picture, along with some of the treats and games. Of all rides, I only had the "Merry-Go-Round" because that's the slowest of them all. I can't handle rapid and fast motion. I easily get dizzy and might throw up or it might give me headache later. It was always my husband who accompanied the kids on the rides (if they needed to be accompanied).

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I tried the "Glass City" out of curiosity, and because it was something that I have seen on horror movie for a lot of times. I had to help a lot of people in there find their way out because they started to get panic. It was fun though.

This ride is called the "Mega Shot", and according to my husband, this one was the most scariest ride he had on. "It scares the crap out of me!" It slowly carried them upward for about a couple of minutes and once they were up there, but going down was rapid, it took them down for only a couple of seconds. Can you imagine?

It was such a great day. I love events like this. Foods, rides, games and animals. The weather was great, too. We thanked God for the perfect day that was. And we thanked God also for the chance of bonding with our grandkids. They only come here in Michigan to visit.