TODAY

Wednesday, August 31, 2005

Today - August 31, 2005

We went to attend a Desktop Publishing and Print Marketing Workshop in Irving, Texas. The seminar was free and sponsored by RISO.

The instructor was Mr. Bill McKenna.

It was very informative, specially with what's the current software that is leading the market of the publishing world.

The workshop was over early and I was able to pass by a filipino store and buy some phone cards and filipino foods.

Tuesday, August 30, 2005

Monday, August 29, 2005

Today - August 29, 2005

Monday, Monday, Monday!

Rush, rush, rush.

Everyone was all anxious with the storm Katrina. My boss Larry didn't show up for work, for they were constantly monitoring the development of the storm. His in-laws lives in the area where the storm is heading. Eveyone was checking the news online.

My "kababayan," Tonette O'Hanlon lives in Louisiana, so I sent her a text message, inquiring how she was. She text me back and said, they evacuated to Houston for safety. Some people, just stayed behind, for their own reasons.

It was the worse storm ever! Lots of damage! No power, no telephone working. Floods all over. See links below.


http://www.webshots.com/collections/hurricane/hurricane_0.html


http://hurricane.accuweather.com/hurricane/hurricane-news-video.asp?partner=accuweather&myadc=0

http://www.fema.gov/emanagers/2005/nat082905.shtm

http://www.nasa.gov/vision/earth/lookingatearth/h2005_katrina.html

Sunday, August 28, 2005

Today - August 28, 2005

Performance Day for the Cochran Church.

I have been looking forward for the day that my daughter and I will be performing together. And today is the day!

The performance went so well! Danaea was great for a first timer. I am so very proud of her. I called Skip and he was so proud of her too!

I wish I brought the camera with me, but as usual, when I get nervous, I tend to forget some stuff (smile*).

I'm just overwhelmed with pride that I am speechless and wish I had the camera so the pictures would have been able to speak and relate how a parent feels when they see their daughters perform.

She wore the saya and she had her hair up. She just didn't put on any make-up. She said her lips was red enough.

I'm just happy as a bumblebee smiling, feeling too silly and proud! Today was a great achivement for my daughter joining our dance group.

Saturday, August 27, 2005

Today - August 27, 2005

I slept late, so I woke up late Saturday.

Today, Fides, Mipette, and myself were supposed to visit Patricia in the hospital and have a ladies day after lunch. I checked my phone and found I had three missed calls, from Sancha, Ate Zonia and Fides. I called Sancha first, and she was in a religious seminar, she told me she will call me back later. I then called Ate Zonia, and she told me that we were going to have our rehearsal for tomorrows dance at her office this afternoon. I then called Fides to inquire on what to bring and what time to be there. Fides said there was no need to bring anything, she will take care of the movies and snacks, and we will just see each other about 12:30.

Danaea then woke up (she too stayed up late) and I told her of the plans for the day. If she wanted to hang with the ladies and check our baby Makai... to my amazement she said Yes. So the day was planned. After the ladies day (Plano), we will head out to the practice (Dallas). Fides brought some espasol, and Patricia ordered some pizza and fruits for our lunch.

Most of the people were late for practise, but we still made a good rehearsal. Ate Zonia was making Danaea wear a "saya (skirt)" for the Wasiwas dance number. I thought there would be a resistance, but she just said OK. I was happy! Then Ate Zonia said, the hair has to be in a "pusod (hair put-up in a bun)," again, I was wondering if Danaea would get mad or not. She don't like these girlie girlie stuff. Danaea said her hair was long and might be hard to put up. I then suggested if she wanted her hair cut and style in a way that it wouldn't be hard at all. Guess what? She agreed. I am really, really happy and excited. I hope she is showing signs of accepting the girlie girlie things she has to go thru. I know I had a bit of a hard time myself, but I finally got round to it. I was a man hater. Yeah, I know it is hard to believe. But yes, there was a point in time, I just hated man. :) But I do love them now, or learn to love them. And I love one particular man so much, my honey Skip!

I called Tomas of the Regis Salon and asked him if he could attend to my daughter. He said he had an appointment at 8PM, but if I could come by 7PM, he will just move his 8PM appointment for me. Isn't that awesome! I guess, if you give a good tip, they tend to treat you nicely and accommodate you well. Good tipper always gets good service, so bewarn my friends.

After the rehearsal, my daughter and I headed to the Regis Salon. I was supposed to look for Danaea's black shirt and pants for the Arnis show. Thank God for Sancha is such a good and kind person. She called me up and said that she found it and will just get it for me. So I owe Sancha some money. I just went around the mall, and shopped.

Danaea's hair was lovely. She was very pleased about it. Tomas said, if you have curly or wavy hair, you should work towards it and not against it. Danaea then told me, "Mom, you better take picture of how this hair looks because I wouldn't know how to fix it this way again." hehehehe... so she and I had fun taking pictures... and I will share it below the snapshots we did.

Friday, August 26, 2005

Today - August 26, 2005

It's Friday again! How the days flew so fast!

My hubby is not coming home today because he just flew back to New Mexico last Wednesday afternoon. He had to do overtime so he could be home sooner. He is such a hardworking husband and I love him much!

In the afternoon I got a call from a friend Mipette (Nixon). Our friend, Patricia (del Rosario-McRae) gave birth to a baby girl named "Juliet Makai" last Wednesday, August 24, 2005 at the Plano Medical Center. Mipette was hoping if we could both go visit Patricia in the hospital. We agreed to visit her this evening and I was assigned to buy a flower plant. So on the way to the hospital, I bought an pretty orchid. Kinda high priced($24), but oh well, it is a good well wishes for a good friend who just had a baby, so it is worth every penny.

Patricia was already walking and doing well and her husband Paul was eating dinner and baby Jayda was fast asleep. We didn't stay long for we came in while they were starting dinner. We also needed to catch up with Fides Pacheco (Patricia's sister-in-law) and Patricia's parents in Mango Thai. What's up with Mango Thai, I was just there (Aug 23rd).

Mipette and I found Fides and Patricia's parents. We were introduced and said our Hi's and Hello's. Mipette and I then took a separate table and started ordering our dinner. Then Fides and Patricia's parents decided to eat their dessert in our table. We shared a few moments of chit-chat. Patricia's dad paid for our dinner, we felt embarrased, but grateful. Fides then decided that she stay with us to chat more and have Mipette drive her home. We talked for quite a long time, and it was past 10PM past that we finally went our ways.

Thursday, August 25, 2005

Today - August 25, 2005

I had to get up earlier and bring Danaea to school earlier for her english test.

With all the excitement going on for my citizenship, I forgot to mention what happened in school.

Last summer, we got a letter from her English Pre-Ap teacher Mrs. Kathleen Krumnow, advising us of what books to buy and study ahead of time, because she was going to give them test when they get to school. So being a diligent mom, I bought two of the books she told us to get. And as you could read in my previous blog, I even read one of them.

Come August 15, Danaea got her sked, she didn't have the English Pre-Ap. She didn't tell me until Friday. And I was upset, very upset. I ask Danaea why, and she told me she didn't know. She just got a sked that didn't include the pre-ap class. Danaea told me to just let the issue go, and I ask her if she was upset, she said yes. She was excited to be in the class, only to find out she wasn't. So I let the weekend go... and Monday, August 22, I wrote Mrs. Krumnow a letter, telling her to inform me why the sudden change of heart. I said, buying those books were not our priority list until she sent us a letter signed by her telling us to do so. I told her that if Danaea had bad grades in English, I would have felt suspicious. But she had great grades, so there was no doubt in my mind that she would get in that class. There were exchanges of emails, and finally before the week ended, Danaea was moved to English pre-ap. Hence, the test she needed to take this morning was a make up test of what she missed the other week. It was a good thing, I didn't let this issue fall. I really am glad to be an american citizen, it gives me a lot of balls now, as they say.

Anyways, today, I went to the passport express agency. Paid $127 for US State Dept., $30 for District Office and $150.21 for the agency to process my passport for me. This was the fee for 6-10 days processing. There was a guy that paid over $500.00 to get it in two days. Amazing isn't it! How money works sometimes!!!

I too was pleased, because my highlights and hair style didn't fail me. After spending those big bucks, I expected good comments from people. Not just relatives... hehehe... The express agency lady commented I look great in my passport photo, one point for me. Then when I was told to go to the passport office next building, the lady processing my paper also commented I looked great in my photo, two points for me. That was swell! Now, I know I got my money's worth. (Smile*)

The guy in the office told me, he will facilitate it and call me as soon as he gets it, hopefully in less than two weeks. I am again excited for that day!

Wednesday, August 24, 2005

Today - August 24, 2005

I was so excited with yesterdays event, I am still not over it. After a great lunch at Aija, we got a call from Jeff, Skip's nephew. I then told Skip, well, we have another celebration to make tonight with our daughter Danaea, and might as well bring Mama Jean and Jeff to make it a bigger celebration.

We then picked Danaea, then Mama Jean and Jeff and head out to Mango Thai. Skip and I loved Thai cuisine. And we wanted to share my citizenship day with them at our favorite place. The meal was awesome. Mama Jean really enjoyed her food. I was so glad that she loved it.

I was going to share some pictures, but I totally forgot taking them.

I went back to work today, talked to some friends about the events that happened yesteday. They told me the Amigos Staff Annual meeting was a blast and I missed it. They had the food catered and tons of gifts. I wouldn't have missed it, but the biggest event of my life was also happening on the other side of Dallas, so I was excused.

Today too, Skip was flying back for Albuquerque, New Mexico. He will not be coming home this weekend, but we plan to have a longer weekend by Labor Day. Skip went and search on how I could facilitate my passport faster. He found an agency in Plano, Texas. I was supposed to go there tomorrow and have my photo and passport done at 8AM.

After bringing Skip to the airport at 4:30PM, I went back to the office and continued my day. I took my lunch break to bring him to Love Field, so I wouldn't have to file any leave of absence.

I then called Tomas of Regis Salons for an appointment. I decided to get my highlights after all, since tomorrow is kinda another big day for me. I will be processing my passport for my travel, and I certainly want to look my best too! So there you go again, I spent another whooping $100. My, my, being pretty is really getting expensive these days. And I really do like the way my hair looks now. I feel very american with the highlights on it... hahahahaha... Silly me!

Tuesday, August 23, 2005

Today - August 23, 2005

Finally, my day has come to be officially recognized as an american citizen. I was so elated! I was all smiles!!!

Danaea can't come with me, because the 8th grade class are stricter now. So, we just had our picture taken by Skip... which is a little blurry, my apologies... hehehe...




Our appointment was at 9:15 at the Dallas Convention Center, Ballroom A. And we were surprised to see that there were so many people around. There were 701 new citizens, plus their families. How crowded is that? It was like a big graduation party. There were five long lines and we had to wake to the end of it and pick which line to be in. I got lucky! I picked the line that was moving faster than any other line.

I saw some filipina, and I looked at their way and smiled, and they just stared at me. Oh well, I guess they were not excited as I was. Maybe they just were not the friendly ones, or for whatever reason, they just didn't reciprocated my friendliness. I tried to look around, I saw other excited people like me, but there were also those that were just standing there like mannequins, or like puppets.

It made me wonder. Are they excited to become a citizen? Is this what they would wanna be? Or they just have to be for some other reason only known to them? It kinda made me sad that anyone would bother to apply for an american citizenship and not be excited. I dont know, maybe I am just an excitable person, I guess!

In my opinion, if you are not happy to become one, then don't. If you are on exile, then you should be happy to be accepted here. Ff not, then go to another country and see if they accept you there. If you find it hard for other countries to accept you, then you should be grateful that the US accepted you. Why are they ungrateful? Well, that's another issue I shouldn't touch, because it is so sensitive and it will only conclude in arguments and fights. Let's go back to happy thoughts!




After my citizenship, Skip and I had a special lunch at Aija. It is a filipino owned and managed restaurant located at downtown Dallas. It was so good! Skip was so impressed that he told me he wants to go back and eat at that place.

Monday, August 22, 2005

Today - August 22, 2005

It's Monday! Just one more day and I will have my oath taking as an american citizen! I am super excited. Work went so fast, I can't even remember what I did, I just know I wanted the work day to end and start fixing myself for tomorrow.

I was hoping to get my hair done by 6:30PM, hair cut and styled with highlights... but when I went to Valley View Mall, they all told me it will take about two hours and a half... and I didn't have that much time. Skip is arriving tonight to be with me in the oath taking ceremony... So I finally decided to have a haircut at Regis Salons.

A stylish named Tomas served me, he was gay. A pretty gay! He looked more like a she... hehehehe... I have lots of gay friends, they are very fond to be with and I miss their company which were full of laughters.

Anyhow, I had my new hairstyle for a whooping $60. I know it was too much, but hey, I wanted to look pretty for tomorrow. I presumed that if you wanted to look great, it wouldnt be cheap at all.

I really loved my hairstyle after Tomas was done with it. It was cute (for me)! I think it made me look a bit younger too... hehehe... I was so pleased with it. I then went to Love Field airport to pick up my honey!

Skip was pleased too! He said I looked so pretty! Well, he always says that because he is my honey... hehehehe... he is biased I think... hahahahaha...

Sunday, August 21, 2005

Today - August 21, 2005

I was supposed to go to the parlor have my hair fix and attend an officemates farewell party... but I totally forgot to do all of these. I was hook into reading my daughter's novel for school "Summer of my German Soldier." It was a good one, although I didn't like the ending, but it was very catching and intriguing. The main character Patty really captured my attention. So I had to finish the book... regardless of what... hehehehe... I used to be a bookworm... years and years ago... and now it seems like I am getting back into that habit... kinda bad, if you can't do anything that you planned... I should be more disciplined I guess... I try to be... but I am looking forward to getting me another book... It started when I got back ready my cousin Pong's book "Trace." Well, I bought it for her... and I am supposed to bring it with me to the Philippines... and I just got interested about it and started reading it and liking it and now I am back into that addiction... In a way, this is good for me...

Saturday, August 20, 2005

Today - August 20, 2005

My hubby Skip isn't coming home this weekend. It's pretty lonely but in a way it is good so I can continue cleaning up my mess... Gosh, what a messy messy person I am... Not proud to admit it... but I am...

Anyhow, we got a call from Ate Zonia Velasco... we will have a practise for our show on August 28. Danaea would be joining our group and she would be performing with some kids about Arnis... the filipino martial arts using two sticks...

Friday, August 19, 2005

Today - August 19, 2005

Today is my flex day. No work for me. I had time to do some more clean up in the house and get my stuff ready for the big garage sale I will be having... I thought my friend Sancha and I was going to have the garage sale tomorrow (Saturday)... but something came up and so we moved it again for next week...

A again called... the third day... same messages... This time I was home and I didnt answer the phones and I told my daughter not to answer the home phones too... Maybe if nobody answers her... she will give up... It is kinda cruel... but for now... this is the only solution I have... and I will stick to it...

Thursday, August 18, 2005

Today - August 18, 2005

Today is a big day...

Danaea graduates in her Arnis class, she will get the purple belt. I will buy ice cream and cones and chocolates for her and her friends! I am so proud of her, she is one of the best students their teacher has!

And an update on A...

She has been calling me for two straight days now... in my cell... in our house... asking me to return her call... wondering why I don't answer her...

My daughter is getting irritated, coz she calls and calls and calls... my cell alone has 5 missed calls from her for one day... And she called our house three times for the last two days...

I feel sorry for her... but I just have to cut her familiarity with me... since she doesn't know how to value the friendship I gave her.

Wednesday, August 17, 2005

Today - August 17, 2005

Talking about gas price increase. I remembered for a couple of months now, our electric bill has also gone outrageous. It seems like all the expenses are getting bigger, but our income is still the same. This is insane!

Anyhow, here again are some good reference tips I found:

http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf000682.tip.html



http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/efficiency/energy_savings.htm



http://www.ameren.com/AboutUs/ADC_RS_NaturalGasEnergyTips.asp


http://money.cnn.com/2004/04/28/pf/saving/willis_tips/

and finally, here's what FTC has to say...

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/autos/gasave.htm

Tuesday, August 16, 2005

Today - August 16, 2005

Let's talk about gas prices.

Last Sunday when we had the memorial for the late Senator Raul Roco, I got some gas for my car. I was shocked because it was a bit higher than what I paid last week which was somewhere in the range of 2.5 something... Now it was 2.66! This was outrageous, I thought, so I just got a few dollars, just enough to get me by until the next day or so.

Today, I was low and I needed to get some more. And you know what?? The price went up again to 2.73... My God! That wasn't even a week ago... What is happening now? If this gets going higher, I will just have to take the bus or share a ride with someone.

Here's some links that will tell more about gas and how to use it wisely,

http://www.lennoxnews.com/articles/2005/08/18/news/news02.txt


http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/drive.shtml

http://www.kxan.com/Global/story.asp?S=1419248

http://www.genuineflmservice.com/?page=fuel_savings_tips

http://www.allfastcars.com/fuelsavingtips.shtml

Monday, August 15, 2005

Today - August 14, 2005

Payday! I love paydays! Its that time of the month that I always look forward to. Every payday, I always spoil myself with something...either eat in a good restaurant or buy me some new clothes or shoes or bag... hehehehe...

I make myself work hard and then reward myself for it. I found that if I do this, I get to enjoy the fruits of my labor and makes me want to work more...

Saturday, August 13, 2005

Today - August 14, 2005

I got up excited today! I will be reading the epistle 1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18, during the memorial service of the late Senator Raul Roco. It is such an honor to be of service to such a great statesman, even in his death.

I was never conscious of how our politics went in the Philippines, but I have always heard people admired Sen. Roco. And for him to die last August 5, 2005 was a sad news for the Philippines. One of our member in the Filipino Folk Arts Theater Inc. (FFATI) is the Senators niece, Margarita Roco. Margarita has a great singing voice, more like an opera singer and we are all so proud to have her. Like her, I am also one of the newbies in our group. Ate Zonia Velasco our director, organized a memorial service so we could pay him a tribute.

There were not many people who attended. Marga doesn't have a lot of family in the US, so it was just some close friends of the Senator, and some important people of Dallas. But, there were a lot of pastors though, about four of them.

It was videotaped, to be sent to the Philippines, to Sen. Raul Roco's family. And our pictures was taken by Lita Cruz which she promised would come out in the The Texas Herald. We'll see! That would be something to be proud of as an Iliganon, dont you think?
Today - August 13, 2005

Finally, it's Saturday and I could find time to do some cleaning in the house. I plan to do a garage sale this Friday during my flex week, and cleaning up really helps to see how much junk I could sell. Well, they really aren't junk. We still care for these stuff, it's just that we can't keep them much longer and we need to get rid of them. I also need extra money to carry with me to the Philippines, so what better of earning it but by selling our extra stuff.

After a few hours of clean-up, I went to take a nap. Then in the afternoon my daughter and I went to see the movie "Dukes of Hazard." It was a fun show. And Jessica Simpson is really a pretty sexy gal... and I'm proud to say that she is a Texan.

In the evening, I finally got to use our treadmill. I got a book by Patricia Cornwell (TRACE) and I amuse myself by reading it and walking in the treadmill. I lasted 37 minutes, and was sweating a lot. It made me happy. I never sweat this much anymore. And this was a good exercise, I know in a day or two I would start to hurt. But I plan to do it more often. I want to lose some weight before I go visit the Philippines. I feel insecure to see my friends looking great and they see me and say, "My God Deb! What did you eat?" hehehehe... I am now a fatso... Anyways, I am determine.

I was 151 lbs. three weeks ago. I tried not to drink coke, or at least minimize it like just once or twice a week. My weight went down to 149 lbs. I didnt even do any exercises. Now, I weight myself this morning after drinking coke last night... I weight 148.5 lbs... and again after the exercise... it was still 148.5... at least the coke didnt do nothing to my weight. I will make it a point to do the treadmill if not everyday... then at least 7 times a week... It could be twice a day... but I will make sure I do it 7 times a week.

The word for today then would be treadmill. A treadmill is an indoor sporting tool used to allow for running without moving any distance. The word treadmill originally designated a type of mill which was operated by a person treading steps of a wheel to ground grain.

Friday, August 12, 2005

Today - August 12, 2005

Let's continue talking about A.

A was one of the few first people I met that was from the Philippines. But we never hang around with each other. I was a candidate for Mrs. Philippines of North Texas and so I ask her if she and her friends would like to watch a concert or go dancing because I had a ticket to sell. She never really bought any. She then introduce me to some of her friends. She got hold of my cell and she was then calling me everyday when she is bored by herself. She even calls me at work and just chat with me. I told her not to do that because I was working. And she still keeps on blubbering like she didn't her me. So I did the same. Maybe if I call her when she is working, she would realize it is wasn't right to be talking with friends during work hours. And guess what, she don't want to talk to me because she said it was work hours. She can't stay on the phone for long. That was good I thought. Now she understands how I feel when she does that to me. But to no avail... She still calls me everyday and ask... "What are you doing?" and when I say I am working... she would say "Talaga??" which means "Really" in English. Like it was amazing... hahahaha...And she would again do her blubber and I tried to hang up the phone but she wouldn't budge and since I don't want to be rude I had to keep on reminding her, I need to get off, I need to get off... until finally for about 3 times of asking her, she would give in...

Anyhow, blubber is one thing. She still has some other qualities. She don't drive a car. They do have a van at home, but she pays a co-worker or let's her husband drive her to work. Last year, she started calling me not only to blubber, but to ask me if I can bring her home since her officemate wasnt available. I was friend who was there to help a friend... or so I thought! And she lived way way out of my way... about 19 miles extra trip for me to get home. I did it once, twice, thrice... and now she keeps on giving so many excuses and reason for me to bring her to her house... and it was getting into my nerve. Not only are the prices of gasoline going up... but I am becoming her driver. Before she and I became friends, I wonder who was bringing her home when situations like this occur?? I don't know. But it was becoming obvious to me and my hubby that she was using me. But still, the understanding Deb just put it aside. I thought, I will bring her home once in a while so she would'nt take advantage of me. Now she discovers I like to eat... hehehe... my weakness... she tells me she is cooking some authentic filipino food and she wanted to share it with me, but I had to come and get it in her house because they are not allowed to bring food in the office. So the fatso Debbie went into the trap. I longed for Filipino dishes, and since i dont cook well, this was like a treat to me... Until one day, when she wanted me to bring her to her house for some food... and I couldnt because I had a different schedule... I told her, can I just come in later tonight and get it from you... She made excuses that she had to go somewhere with her hubby... Then same thing happened... she asked me to bring her home because she cooked another food... but ever since my husband started working in Albuquerque, New Mexico, I didn't want to run around the place and leave my daughter Danaea by herself. So I had to begged out and tell her can I pick up the food on the weekend... and again, I get the same excuse... she is going somewhere too... and would not be at home. I then realized, she didnt really want to give me her food, she just wanted a free ride... and that was not nice because she used the food as a bait for me, since she knew I love and longed for Filipino dishes. So, I kinda put a bit of distance with me and her... and Christmas came... and I bought her a present... and since I still had a busy sked... I just told her one of these days I will give it to you... She told me she had one for me too... so that was sweet... and she again wants me to come over to her place and get it... I know the ploy... but since it was christmastime and she was so sweet to have bought me something... I felt pleased...

Guess what? Another disappointment... hehehehe... It was a regift... she told me a lot of lies... I discovered it was a regift coz, i found a tape with a wrapping paper that was torn in one side of the box... hahahaha... So now my friends... how do you think you would feel?? hehehehe... After thinking she was only using you, and realizing she wasn't that bad afterall... then discovering... it was pretty obnoxious of her to tell me lies where she got it and told me she just had no time to wrap it for me... hahahaha... So to you all doing a regift... please make sure... no takes and old wrapping papers are showing... This is the second incident that I got a regift from another friend... tell you about it later... but this one is a very good friend... so I am very lenient on some of her actions... hahahahaha... we go back a long long time ago...

Anyways, to get back to my story... I felt disgusted with this person... The gift was pretty... but the idea that she lied was not good for me... I kept on my distance again... she still calls me everyday... same crap... "What are you doing? Really?" and she would tell me stories, she told me already a few days ago... hehehehe... and even if she was like this... I still wasnt rude... I still made her do her thing... when I wasnt working or when I am shopping or driving... I just let her blubber... hehehe... maybe she needs to let it out of her system... that's fine with me... hehehe...

Her daughter graduates, we heads for California. When she came back she had many stories. After a few weeks of returning, she suddenly tells me, she bought me a purse... a GUCCI... from California... I thought to myself... yeah right... a GUCCI... hehehehe... that is expensive and I myself will not buy a real GUCCI for a friend... hehehe... She kept on calling and insisting that I picked it up... And finally after two months, I gave in... I brought her home and picked up the bag... It was cute... soft inside... and she even added another nine west bag for my daughter Danaea... So I was very pleased... and thought, maybe she did changed...

Finally the day came that I used the bag she gave me... and guess what?? hehehehe... I couldnt believe myself... It was a second hand... hehehe... I saw the leather for the string that ties it was already torn... i inverted the bag... I saw some trace that it was already a used bag... oh, my God! hahahaha... When will I learn! When will i realized... this person is just messing with me... But I couldnt possible believe that she would insist for two months for me to get the bag she bought for me from California and to find out it was really crappy... hahahaha... I never thougth she had the guts to do that to me... I still wore it... and it fell apart... hahahaha... Gosh! Now, isnt that already a sign that she wasn't really a friend, friend! hehehehe...

So when she pulled this trick on me during my party... That was it! I think after reading all those experience... that I remembered she did... hehehe... I think you would also conclude... she wasnt really a true friend... Well, if your conclusion is contradictory to mine... then be my guest! I think those were good enough experience for me to learn my lessons that some people are just "one of a kind special" in this world!

Thursday, August 11, 2005

Today - August 11, 2005

I was so disgusted with a couple of friends (which will remain nameless). I really don't know if you can call them friends. Let me give a little background of what happened a few days ago...

Remember I had a little party and ordered a lechon (roast pig)? Well, I had some of my guest bring some lechon home after the party. I had two other friends A & B who were coming in late because A was working and had no car, and B with the car has to watch over her kid until its 5PM and she sends off her kid to her dad. A was calling me even before the party and told me to set aside the pigs feet and some crunchy skin, because that is why she is coming. And I retorted, "It's good to know that you are coming not to celebrate my citizenship, but just to eat the lechon." And A kinda check herself and said, "Of course, to celebrate your citizenship too." And guess what? They came in and left without saying "Congratulations!" So now you know, they were not there to celebrate with me or anything.

6:00 PM these A & B arrived. A complained why there was nothing left of the lechon. She was expecting a whole bunch. I told her, I had other guest that came in on time and we had to eat. But I made sure they were left a lot to eat and bring home with them.

The leftover lechon still had some crunchy skin, ribs and tummy met and all the four legs were intact. B was complaining that she wanted more pig's skin. I told her there's a lot of skin and meat left for just two people. B replied and said, she doesn't like the meat, just the skin. I said that all the other guests loves the skin too, and I just set aside some skin, meat and the four feet for them, since that was what they asked.

I told them I had to leave and send off my hubby to the airport and will be back soon. They ask me if I already kept some lechon for myself. I said of course, I love lechon and I want to save some for the next few days and still savor the good meat.

The first time these women came to my house, they were acting like they own the place. Those type that would just open your bedroom and snoop around your personal things. So before I left for the airport, I told my nephew Randy to watch them. He told me to lock our bedroom.

Randy was still entertaining another guest Patrick (A young man that used to work for my husband). So he never got round to watching A & B in the kitchen.

I got back from Love Field, and guess what? A & B told me they already changed the arrangement of our decors on top of the sofa table and the fireplace. Arrrgghhh! I told them, my husband did the arrangement himself and I don't think he would appreciate if it was moved. So they just kept silent, but never returned it to its original state. I had to do it myself when they left.

We talked for quite awhile and I shared some photos of my hubby and me when we first met. They were shock to see me slim and young 5 years ago... hehehe Well, I am even shock at myself at how fat I am now... hahahaha... how being obese could make you look matured...

Anyways, B said that she would like me to find her a hubby like mine. I told her I thought she was married or living with someone. She just laugh!

By 9PM, they decided to leave and brought with them the lechon and the "pansit behon or noodles" with them. I was glad because there was so much food and I know I need to give some away.

I just got disappointed that they left me a lot of bones with meat to throw since A just sliced the meat out of it... My trash was already full, and I was hoping they would carry away the lechon that was left. A told me I didn't know better, I should have sliced the meat that way so I could get a lot of meat. She said I should have done the slicing earlier. HAH!!! I replied, "Why would I do that? You were supposed to bring the whole lechon left in this container." She told me she was not bringing ribs and bones with her. She was just going to scrape the whole meat out. She said I should take care of the bones myself. What a guest!!!

And tonight, I was looking forward to a lechon dinner. I was going to heat it. And boy, what a disappointment it was! The lechon I set aside had no skin left. No skin left@#*!!! Danaea and I love the skin of all the parts of the lechon. So I made sure that we had skin left for to eat. Those darn women took it off. Took all the skin off @#*!!! Didnt even left me a bit. I was so mad last night. I couldn't believe I had friends like that. And to think of it, I saw them yesterday and we had halo-halo and they never even told me they took my skin from my lechon.

I promised myself I am not going to invite them ever again in our house. I might go with them for a snack somewhere, but never will they get back to our house. They already showed me that I couldn't trust them for nothing. That was it!!!

I had to call my hubby Skip and my nephew Randy to gripe and tell them about it. I was so shock at how they acted. I don't think they were my real friends. I read a poem or saying somewhere before - that a friend is someone who can reach in your refrigerator and not ask permission. I think that is only true if you didn't give your friends their share and you didnt tell them you set aside something for yourself. I feel a resentment towards them.

Maybe I am selfish. But I tell myself, how could I be selfish if I gave them what they ask for in the first place. Because if they demanded the skin that I had in the refrigerator, I would flatly tell them NO! I want to save some for me and my daughter.

I have other friends who acts so decent. I guess these two are just knockleheads. I think I would have felt better if they told me what they did before they left, or maybe after a few days call me and told me what they did. But not to find out like this. I have been looking forward to a nice dinner tonight. It was just cruel! Maybe that is why I am a fatso, hehehehe... because I love to eat... hahahaha...

For sure though, they will never be invited back to our house again!!!

I know I don't need to be badmouthing anyone... but since this is my blog, I just want to express my frustration with some people or things... Anyhow, they will remain anonymous. I have lots of stories to tell about A. I guess after you read all of it... you too would tell me... Debbie, there were already signs that she wasn't really a friend... so you should have seen it coming, or not expect anything decent from her and her friend B.

Wednesday, August 10, 2005

Today - August 10, 2005

I will share our photos with my nephew Randy... We had been so busy when he came here that we were not able to go around Dallas nor take any photos... so we made sure before he left that we were able to take a few snaps with him.


A stolen shot of Randy while he was looking at our neighborhood
Randy outside with Danaea picking up mails
Randy, Danaea and Deb messing around the house





Tuesday, August 09, 2005

Today - August 9, 2005

Back to work again! Lots of work to do since I was on Sick Leave yesterday and my deadlines are approaching.

I had a great week though... it was hectic but full of fun...

And here's some photos I would like to share - our lechon and my family, minus my daughter who was taking the picture and Randy who didnt want his photo with the lechon... hehehe...




Today - August 8, 2005

I was on sick leave today. I was so tired and my body ached for the activities we did the past few days. I felt I need to take some rest and regain my strength. I had to bring Randy to the airport before 11AM, and I just wasn't in a good shape to work.

Advil was always a good help. I felt better after a few hours and we were able to take pictures with Randy before he left for Colorado.

I then went to sleep most of the day and updated my blog.

Sunday, August 07, 2005

Today - August 7, 2005

The big day is here, we were celebrating my citizenship, and we were still cleaning the house. I felt bad to have my nephew Randy help us in the house, because he came here to enjoy his vacation and have fun. It was to Thank GOD for the many blessings he has bestowed on all of us (Greg's graduation, Wendy's Bar results, Randy's conference paper, Skip's job, Danaea's school, my cousin Eva's fiancee visa interview, etc.)!!!

We had to get the pansit behon from Marilou in Plano, and pick up Danaea in Rowlett, then pick up the lechon by 11AM. We still wanted to buy beef, sausage, ice and veggie, but there was no more time to do it all. We only had one car.

Danaea was a bit upset when we picked her up. The party was not a slumber party. She said she called and called last night for me to pick her up. But I never got the call. So she ended up sleeping with the birthday celebrant Angelica. I felt so embarrassed because I just presumed that the party was going to be a slumber party. And my poor daughter felt so bad to encrouched on Angelica and her parents, but since she had nowhere to go, she had to.

Gosh, I am not really myself these days! It seems like, there is so many things I need to do and so little time and I am cramming myself to confusion. I forgot that my nephew Randy was an SDA and he doesn't eat pork, so I stayed up late last night to make three dishes (chicken salad, chicken apritada and chicken adobo).

The lechon was the main dish, and in my previous blog where I talked about it. My in laws and friend Martha and Patrick who were all caucasian never saw one before, and there were mixed reactions. Mama Jean was so excited about it, and Wendy was groused at it.

But even if the day started so pressured... we still managed to have a successful party. I was so thankful for all my good friends that came and brought something to share, and my relatives that supported us! It was really a real blessing to have these special people near me.

Our first guest were Maria Nixon and hubby Dennis (beautiful card and dangling earring), then Sancha and Toto Pascual with their kids Trinka and Tofer and Inang (filipino delicacies). Then Wendy (Skip's younger daughter and she brought cheese), Mama Jean (Mexican dip and chips), Patricia McRae (brownies) and sister in law Fides Pacheco (lemon cake), Christi, Greg and Brooke, Martha (beautiful flower and card), Ate Zonia (puto), Patrick, Marilou Kordy (pansit behon) and Marilou Orchard. We didnt have enough chairs, but it still worked out well. They were all so sweet and I just wanted to thanked everyone who came and partied and shared with us their time and effort and gifts to make the party a success!

God Bless America, for its wonderful great country and people! And I am so proud and happy to be one!!!

Luckily (well, just for this moment) Southwest was again delayed for over an hour, so Skip was able to rest a bit before I had to drive him to Love Field at 6:45PM, for his flight back to Albuquerque, NM. I then started cleaning up the mess of the party and was so tired by the time I went to bed.

Saturday, August 06, 2005

Today - August 6, 2005

I'm so stressed! Tomorrow is the party and still we were not able to buy the stuff we wanted to place in our house. It was so frustrating to go to a mall and try to hunt for a parking spot. Of all the days, I had to shop, it was the tax free day! It was really ridiculous. I called Skip and told him I am give out. He was surprised because shopping was always fun for me. But today, it was like a mission impossible.

Our daughter Danaea had to attend a birthday party and I had to buy her gifts for her friend. I had to make sure she gets there in time today, while I had to scout for a beautiful curtain that would go well in our kitchen. I had to take advantage of the tax free day and buy some of Danaea's uniform shirts and school supplies. It was just all so crazy. There was hardly any parking area, and it was so freaking hot! I nearly cried because of my desperation.

I had to go to my friend Sancha's place to bring some ingredients for the Filipino delicacy that she volunteered to make for our party, "pitche-pitche" and "palitaw." It was already past 10PM when we got to the house.

Friday, August 05, 2005

Today - August 5, 2005

Today was one good day for me. I had my review for last year's performance with my Director Larry Godwin, and I was very pleased with the results. I was encouraged to do my best, even if we will not be getting any increases this year.

We still were busy in the house trying to make it presentable for our upcoming celebration, putting up the decorations we got from Stein Mart.

Today is a big day for Greg (Christi's husband). He is graduating with a Masters Degree in Information Business at the University of Dallas. He just needed a .1 to get "Honors."

We are so proud of him and happy for their family! I was shopping for shirts to give as a graduation gift and Skip told me it wasn't appropriate. I looked and looked and I still couldn't figure out what would be appropriate to give, so we ended up bringing nothing. I know we still owe him a gift and I was thinking, since it will be a belated gift, I will just buy it from the Philippines so it would unique and memorable.

Photos of the graduation will be shared by Christi, since I forgot to bring our camera.

Wednesday, August 03, 2005

Today - August 4, 2005

I am beginning to be a disappointment to myself and my friends. I told them to view my blog and see what's up with me and it's nearly a week and still I haven't told them anything. I know this is no excuse, but I am just so super excited for my upcoming Thanksgiving Party for my US Citizenship! Oh well, let me see what I can come up with...

I wanted to invite all my friends, but i didn't have that much preparation to accommodate them all.

We went to Stein Mart and shopped for some kitchen decors, and Skip bought a chess table which was a good bargain. We also bought some ingredients for the pansit behon that my friend Marilou Kordy was going to make for me.

Marilou Kordy is filipina, married to an Iranian. She has been a good buddy, and she is a great cook and decorator. She gave me some useful tips on what or how to improve the look on my kitchen. Thanks Marilou, I really need some tips to get started and make my own decorating idea.

Tuesday, August 02, 2005

Today - August 3, 2005

Excuses, excuses, that is all I have lately for not being able to update my blog. What a shame!

My nephew Randy Lagumbay is arriving today from Boulder, Colorado. In my previous blog I bragged about him...

Monday, August 01, 2005

Today - August 2, 2005

A second attempt at updating my blog. I still can't make up my mind on what to talk about. It seems like there are just so many things that is in my head, it's making me absentminded.

Good news though, my honey is arriving today and will be spending the whole week with us!