Eden Nature Park: Adventure Pics

Two weeks after I arrived here in CDO, we head off to Davao City to meet with Ate Eve's and Ate Jonah's family. Such trip was a great one, a good six-hour-drive during the night and we made it safe and sound! And then... Eden Nature Park in Eden Toril, Davao City was where we went for the adventure number one! LoL. Thanks to Yaya for always being the donor! Without her, hah, nothing much would be going on. I've got photos to share, just few of the very many I've taken, but enough to give you a glimpse of the terrific day we have had. Here, take a look!

The map we trailed. No, not by foot as that's approximately 80 hectares, baby!

So there, we toured around the resort by shuttle! That's Ate Queenie posing!

First stop, the fishing village! Mga apo ni Joe.

Banat jud pamingwit para naay isud-an paniudto!

Naa jud diay! Pero ang 3 kilos of tilapia nga kuha, igo ra gi-tilapan! LoL.

And then, the lettuce plantation!

Somewhere greeny and pretty! With Ate Jonah behind and Ate Jov beside. Piggy sis! LoL.

Kami yan! {L-R} Kuya, Ate Gina, Ate Jonah, Ate Jov, Kuya John, Ate Eve beside moi, and Yaya in front!

There's us in the beautiful vine! {I forgot the name of this flower}

There's another pose from me and Triz!

At a wishing well daw! Hehe...

{Left pic} Whatever you call it! {Right pic} Overlooking Davao City downtown. That's 3000 ft above sea level!

The Indiana Jones escapades! Jea in action!

Very fun and exciting one!

Simple lang ug kalipay!

Define haggard. LoL.

Last stop: the restaurant!
Too bad I missed taking pic with a friend, a former high school classmate who works as a cashier in the resto. Hmp!

...and here we are on that very adventure! Sa kadaghan namo, kinsa'y di malingaw? Hehe... We really had fun.

Fair Used Prices

I have had books ever since I was little. A reader that I am, I collect books which, if I'll arranged them all, would make up a mini-library here at home. Now I call them my used equipments. Swithart has a lot as well, especially those Mathematics related ones. Now if we decide to make money out of those used things that we have, we should find someone or a certain place or website that could give us the fair used equipment value regarding our possession. And I would think Usedprice.com! Why so? Because it is simply the best and the biggest online used pricing and fair market pricing service. If you'll check their database, you will learn that whatever used things you possess, you can find a fair price for it. Be it guns, used computers, used musical instruments, etc. etc., the fair market value will be determined for and to you. No to guessing work actually as the data is being reviewed by retailers, pawnbrokers, and online sellers themselves!

So what are you searching for?

a break!!!

I have had a fabulous weekend! From great Sabbath celebration at church to a Sunday full of fun and wet adventure over at Timoga Spring Resort in Iligan with my entire family, that indeed was a great day! Triz had been having a slight fever last week and I am glad and thankful the Paracetamol Tempra helped me with it. Of course, not to forget God's healing power. Foods were plenty with lots of laughters and chitchats, ahh... who doesn't love being home? I wish swithart is here, as it is during this time that I would like to be unalone. Time is near though so I'll worry no more after this. :)

Baby Mall Online

Baby necessities-- infant baby clothes, beddings, toys, bath, feeding, furniture, footwear, and even gifts- all of them can be found at babymallonline.com, the online infant care shopping resource. It was during the baby shower that our friends here in Bloomington gave us when I received the complete list of items for Triz, our first baby. I love the products a lot, especially the ones that were gotten from babymallonline.com! The site is actually unknown to me until a friend told me about it. I care less with the prices as the clearance works out well for me. AND... it's always a free shipping when you order for over $100! And oh, updates on the latest promotions, specials, and great deals can be checked out at their baby mall online blog! Parents, that's something, isn't it?

on tv!!!

I am but the only one awake at this time. The entire household have been in slumber and I am loving this time. Hehe... A lover of silence I am. In other words, I wouldn't survive I guess living in Iraq with all those bombs and guns. LoL. Anyway, I've got tasks to write and now is the perfect time. I am in no hurry though as I still have much time. It's the TV that is my companion. Reporter's Notebook at GMA-7. Yeah, I am a Kapuso. Hehe... I have missed watching documentary shows from this channel for so long and every night while I am here, I am being given the chance since I am usually just the one left who sleeps the latest. I just love their topic and how they present it. So relevant in today's world and so sensitively brought up. I don't mind sleeping late, as long as GMA-7 is still on. It's at this time that I love having the TV on!

Las Vegas Golf Authority

'What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.' Really??? That's what I am going to find out one day! When it comes to the night life, games and casinos, maybe yes, such adage is applicable, but when we talk about Las Vegas golf holidays, I think it's no good to just keep it! Lasvegasgolfing.com, the Las Vegas Golf Authority features resorts and golf courses at prices none can beat and when you go in either of the courses they have, you are being given the chance to play where golf's greatest champions have played. Hey, reservations are open 24/7 via toll free so when you're in Las Vegas for holiday, don't dare miss booking for affordable golf packages. Only at:

Makahambus Caving

A trip unplanned but was really a fun one! Well, it's just here in the city, few miles away, like 20 to 30 minutes ride away from the city proper is the Makahambus Cave of Cagayan de Oro City. An unplanned adventure because the supposed trip was to go to Bayanga, at Jon's family's poultry farm to buy a goat for last Sunday's party. And so, on our way home, since we were passing through Makahambus, we just managed to stop by and have a glimpse of the cave (though it's been my tenth times to get in! haha!) Here are few (again) of the pics, if you would like to see:

Welcome to Makahambus Cave of CDO

At the very entrance. (Yikes moi, so biggy!) Hehe!

Yaya and the rest of the gang! Few steps from the entrance.

Triz's first time at a cave! Number three sign is her smile sign! LoL

We're in! Peace!!!

Kagay-anon looks. Haha.

I didn't join them went through to the other end where there is a little porch where people can stand by overlooking Cagayan River, but I did took a shot of the loooong Cagayan River where the famous Philippine White Water Rafting is known . I am at around 200ft high with this capture.

And here's Triz after having been in from the cave. Looking good, eh?
We all had fun! Hope you liked it!

James Allen's Fine Jewelries

Diamonds... diamonds.... Show me a woman who doesn't love one! Anyone? Well, I am not really into it, but as I looked at jamesallen.com's displays of the finest jewelries like diamond rings and engagement rings, I am full of amazement of it's beauty. James Allen, a professional jeweler, is a source of all kinds of diamonds and you can even see an amazing 3D display of their jewelries. What more, gift ideas, plus policies and education is also being served and if you prefer, you can design your own ring by choosing your own diamond preference as a start!

The site is so user-friendly so don't hesitate to check it out soon!

Choices... choices!

...so many choices to make, yet so little time. I've had a lot of things to do and some decisions to make. But in the meantime, I am pondering on the thought about options. yes, life is full of choices. What is your predicament regarding choices right now? To the recent graduates, the dilemma would be, "where to go from here? Will we take a deep breath or take the crash course in the real world?" To some of us, it would be, "is this really my cup of tea?" Sometimes, a common question is, "to drink or not to drink", "to smoke or not to smoke", "to go or not to go", "to have another child or to wait". And the choices go on and on. And on.

Choices are part of every individual's (and I do mean every) everyday life. And like any other component in life, they have their own ups and downs, involved risks and careful brainstorming and analysis. Whether they involve a better alternative, a spineless decision, an option or an election, they're still a choking, risky stuff. Despite the heady implications I've shed light here, a choice is not a negative act. It is power and a right of every human being. And since it's a given privilege, we can learn from it, no matter what the outcome may be or will be. So if you're in a deadly quicksand right now and you feel like the endless choices are eating your brain neurons alive, remember that these flooding choices are also blessings and opportunities in disguise. So, limber up, cool down, and feel happy to be alive and enjoy your freedom of choice. Isn't God to be kind enough for giving us the freedom to choose? Therefore, choose to do good.

Use a List Broker!!!

When you're in the commercial marketplace running a business and contacting your target market becomes a thing which needs help from experts like list brokers, consider a business list broker in the company of Direct Contact Marketing Group, Inc. It is true, there are a lot of list brokers that are existing out there and finding the best one that you could use to reach your market and costumers is a little harder a task, but if you are in and up for a list broker that could perform best for you, then dcmg.com will be a good option!

Mothers, Happy Mom's Day!

When I became a mother, my life changed in every aspect. It is indeed true, that a child changes everything. As in EVERYTHING. However I tried so hard to understand why I was changed just by the single tiny infant who was born in me, I still cannot fathom how lucky I am for the privilege of bearing a child. I think this gift of labor and child delivery is but one of the reasons why we are being honored on this very day. It's true, we can not measure the tremendous love that God has for His Children in human terms. However, I do believe the closest thing on Earth to that great love, is the love a Mother has for her child!

Therefore, on this day we honor one special lady in our life, our Mother. If you are a mother yourself, then kudos! So, LET YOUR FATHER AND YOUR MOTHER BE GLAD, AND LET HER WHO BORE YOU REJOICE, ( PROVERBS 23:25 ) and may she/you be filled with God's Love, Hope, Faith, and Peace today

and everyday!

The following was sent to me by a friend long time ago which I've kept in one of my saved drafts. I feel that it is appropriate (to the max!) to share it with you today. It is called:

Why are you crying, Mom?

"Why are you crying?" he asked his Mom. "Because I'm a woman" she told him. "I don't understand," he said. His Mom just hugged him and said, "And you never will"..........

Later the little boy asked his father, "Why does mother seem to cry for no reason? "All women cry for no reason" was all his dad could say........

The little boy grew up and became a man, still wondering why women cry...

Finally he put in a call to GOD; when GOD got on the phone the man said, "GOD, why do women cry so easily?" and GOD said.......

When I made woman, she had to be special. I made her
shoulders strong enough to carry the weight of the World;
yet, gentle enough to give comfort....

I gave her an inner strength to endure childbirth and the rejection that many times comes from her children......

I gave her a hardness that allows her to keep going when everyone else gives up and take care of her family through sickness and fatigue without complaining......

I gave her the sensitivity to love her children under any and all circumstances, even when her child has hurt her very badly...

This same sensitivity helps her to make a child's boo-boo feel better and shares in their teenagers anxieties and fears.......

I gave her strength to carry her husband through his faults and fashioned her from his rib to protect his heart.....

I gave her wisdom to know that a good husband never hurts his wife, but, sometimes tests her strengths and her resolve to stand beside him unfalteringly.....

I gave her tears to shed. They are hers to use whenever she needs them. They are her secret strength. They make her more like ME.....

-Author Unknown

To all mothers out there...

Vote Up: Design Diva Fabrics

My mother, having a little skill in dressmaking, has so much concern about fabrics. I, too, have especially with regards to the kinds of linens that I buy. Now I am having an excellent time with this Vote Up Count Down promotion that designdivafabrics.com has in store for all of us. How this thing works is just so easy. Simply visit the site, register for an account for free, and once you become a member, you can log in anytime and start voting up for the fabric/s that you really really like. I love the fact that there's already this discount brocade upholstery fabric being featured because I just adore such kind. Right now, here's what many people are voting up:

So when are you gonna start voting what you like?

...regarding my old writings

I was wanting so bad to have a good read of all my write-ups published in our school publication back in high school and college years, so I could choose among it the good ones, I mean, the better ones, to be put in here. When I started this blog, my main reason is to compile my written thoughts in poetry and literary digitally, and so, I have to dig in though all my files that I've kept. I've started doing so, and in three days that I did, I've only found few copies of the school papers that I've tried to keep. I wonder if I've ever kept them all. Hah. That would be disappointing and sad. You see, those articles were so precious to me in the past, and reading some of them now, I am but in awe of my capability. (Drama!!!) I am thinking that by now, I won't be able to let my mind work to write those kinds of missives. I mean, I still can, but for sure, the subject matter would really by different already. Ahh... I'll jut continue doing my digging here. So far, I've only found seven copies of my college school publication that I have kept in a luggage. I hope I can find some more. :)

Sports Addict?

I know swithart is, undoubtedly! And Yahoo Sports is the site he frequents himself, whenever he is out of channel. Hmp, ask him anything about NBA, MLB, NFL, Tennis, Golf, even NCAA, etc., you will not fail to get sporty updates! And to you NFL sports fanatic out there, who do you pick? At addictsports.com, get the latest on the nfl football picks that fellow sports addicts are tuning in. A forum that will excite anyone interested in sports, you will never be left behind. Get your daily dose now and express your pick! Chicago Bears, anyone?

redoing things

I missed bloghopping and I am glad I've bloghopped again even though not to all blogs that I used to frequent. I tried so hard to click my linkies but if I have to wait for more than a minute while the page is loading, sorry, but I have to stop and look for another page that will not take forever to load. LoL. Blame it on my dial-up connection guys! Even with my writing entries, I would want so bad to share photos but I just haven't found time editing my pictures to change their resolution so I could have an easier time uploading them. Well, not now.

Anyway, I am happy I've finished up many things for more than a month of staying here. At least, with regards to my personal plans and desires. Now I've got few more left and I'll finish them up next month. Hehe. As to how Triz and I are doing, very much okay. The weather seemed to be nice in the past few days. Well, raining is what I am trying to say, and when it does, I am loving it! The farmers must have liked my desire, too, but my own conclusion is that, I love it when it rains because I won't be hurdling the so hot and humid atmosphere outside. Triz is doing so well with her dealings towards people here. I could tell, she has already adjusted much. In fact, I could leave her home even with just her bigger Ate's (my nieces). And every time I do, I love the feelings of excitement of going home with the thought that Triz must be waiting for me so bad. LoL. Indeed, she does and it feels surreal as a mom. Hah.

That makes me ponder on "Mother's Day" thoughts. It's gonna be this Sunday, and I am glad I will be celebrating that day with my Ma and MIL around, and of course, with my sisters who are moms themselves. Yesterday, we went somewhere with my Ate Gina and I was texting Queenie, her lady daughter, where she was because I want her to do something, she replied she was in the mall, alone, to get something special for her mom and it's gonna be a surprise. I didn't know I haven't erased her message when Ate Gina, Queenie's mom, borrowed my phone unexpecting to read a message about it. I thought of not letting her know what Queenie did, but she knew about it in her own way. She was a little hysterical (hehe), but more emotional and excited. That's when I felt that yeah, Mother's Day is indeed coming up. To all my fellow moms out there, "Happy Mommy's Day" moms!

American Home Craft, Inc.

So this is all about home improvement, crafts, and home decors! Right now, we are already very anxious to get sets of those stuff and yet, the house that we have is still under construction. Hah. It's because American Home Craft Inc, America's home improvement company has it all! From cabinets to counter tops, windows, doors, vinyl siding, and even texture coat of many kinds-- if you are in for a house remodeling, renovation, or construction, then the site is simply one best place!

Too good to be seeing those elegant and classy designs, huh. They even have a service where you can request for an in-home estimate and that's for free. The highest quality of products is what they guarantee to their costumers. Isn't that the biggest concern of everyone?

...these things i'm missing

When I arrived home more than a month ago, being home didn’t really sink in that quickly because, maybe, tiredness during the long travel was what hit me personally. I did had so much fun and excitement when the plane landed at Lumbia, CDO and when Yaya told me to look at a spot somewhere for it was where Mama and the rest of the gang were waiting for us. And yeah, it felt great to have seen them even from afar. And it felt even greater to have hugged and kissed them once we were able to come out from the airport’s building. Ahhh… home.

And when we all arrived in this very house where I left more than three years ago, it felt surreal to be back. LoL. Seeing the things and so much stuff that are familiar makes me smile as I think back of the past. The stuff inside the cabinets and closets were that familiar, the albums- my very albums seemed to be smiling too, waiting for me to be glancing at them, once again. LoL. I sure missed home so much and now is the perfect time to enjoy these things here, before we will fly back to the US. The books, yes, these many books that I collect, some I hid in a luggage, some in boxes, and many others were just here in the shelves, ahhh… these are what I couldn’t wait myself to be reading once more.

I still have so much time to enjoy my stay here. If only I have so much extra of these times, people here would be seeing me spending my spare time with my very habit: reading. I missed reading for 4 or 5 hours straight without a single disturbance. I don’t know if I can still do it here.

Who's the Boss?

Being a reader that I am, I am always being met by stories that I find so fascinating and are of worth sharing. The question 'who's the boss?' is often asked in marriage life, and in a family generally. But the following story taken from the magazine SIGNS presents a different perspective of how a person becomes a boss in his/her life and on other people's lives. It's worth reading on, I am telling you, and the lessons are great enough to be learning from it.

My sisters and I grew up in a wealthy town outside of New York City. Our friends were all privileged, as were we. My parents, however, hailed from rural Georgia and held very conservative values. Both had worked at paying jobs beginning when they were barely in their teens. While in high school, my mother earned the money for her first car. Daddy ‘earned his keep’ by picking cotton.

“As an adult, He earned a PhD in Organic Chemistry and headed up research at a large pharmaceutical concern. Nevertheless, he mowed the yard on weekends, changed the oil in the cars when needed, and shined the children’s shoes ever Sunday evening. My parents felt that running the household was a family concern, and as such, was an opportunity to teach. They expected my sisters and me to do the household chores (for which we were never paid) and take an outside jobs at appropriate ages. We began babysitting around age ten. At age fourteen we all held jobs after school and on weekends.

“We were also expected to work while we went to college—part time during the school year and full time over the summer. As a result, I paid all of my college tuition bills and then put myself through graduate school, earning a Master’s degree.

“Needless to say, none of us were ever given cars. Daddy always says that no one was entitled to own a car, and if we wanted to have cars, we could buy them for ourselves.

“After graduate school, I became a financial advisor. I was on my own, but Daddy still called daily to chat.

“One afternoon when he called, I said, ‘Daddy, I just found out that my secretary’s father gave her a Mercedes-Benz when she graduated college last year. He also schedules her maintenance and gives the dealer his credit card so that all she has to do is show up and hand over the keys. What do you think about that?’

“Well’ he said, ‘I think that’s why she’s the secretary and you’re the boss.’

“Daddy’s been gone nine years now, and every day when I do the best I can at whatever I am doing, I do it in his honor. Growing up, I didn’t understand why I had to suffer under such strict parents. Now I’m grateful.”

Growing: Triz @ 22 Months

It is but amazing how a child grows in the span of just months, weeks, or even days. I am always in awe with the baby's growth and development ever since I became an aunt to my very first niece some fifteen years ago. Updating and recording my very daughter's milestones is no big task at all, given the fact that she is showing me how much she has grown in the last four weeks. Too bad I missed the last monthly records of her, blame it on how busy life in Philippines right now, with me being so lazy in updating my blogs ; instead, minding and enjoying our stay in this very hot and humid place.

Anyway, today marks Triz's 22 months birthdate. We were singing a happy birthday song this morning, I and Ate Jov while playing with Triz and Yaya was in the kitchen cooking something when she heard us and she suddenly asked whose birthday it is. I said it's Triz and she said no. I insisted it is, and clarified that it's Triz's 22 months birth date and then she agreed. Well, she then counted two more months before we're gonna have a big party for our pretty little girl's second birthday. Ahhh.. oh... how much time flies. Now I am already thinking of holding a Jollibee kiddie party for her so every kid right here would surely have a blast. Yes, Ate and Yaya did agreed so we are all excited.

And now on her milestones:
->She now talks a lot. But yeah, she imitates everyone's words and actions more so B-E-W-A-R-E indeed!
->She prays before meal by folding her hand, bowing her head, and closing her eyes, making everyone around so amazed by such habit.
->She takes a nap for a longer time, as long as I am just beside her, but if I am not, I'll make sure she is too exhausted and tired before letting her sleep during the day.
->I started to let her take a vitamins five days ago and a day after she has taken the first dose, boy did she had a great appetite! And thank God for it was my first and foremost mission. LoL. See, she has loose weight and reduce in {size} since we arrived because maybe, she underwent a culture (food, weather, people) shock. LoL but true.
->She still is a mama's girl, 100 %, but with the help of my loved ones and swithart's I can leave her for five hours the longest. And yeah, she didn't cry at all. And I love the feelings of being missed when I get home to her. :) KWIM fellow moms?
->She misses her dadi much, and I could tell just by her looks and feelings. Her excitement when she saw dad in the videos and thru the webcam is indescribable, and when they talk with each other during chatting time, ah it fascinates everyone around.
->She enjoys real animals and real sounds of those animals as there are a lot of those here.
->She plays a lot. And is such a teaser when it comes to her habit like scattering things that have just been arranged my Lola or aunts.
->She could identify and remember people quite easily.

->She could count from 1 to 10 with a help from somebody to start the counting. Hehe. And could recite the alphabets too nicely with my help.

I still have a lot to tell and share, but for now, I'll just say she is adored by each and all. And she is a darling among the crowd.

I am a proud mom, I know. But can you blame me? :)

Little Eyes See A Lot!

Each of us (parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, teacher or friend) influences the life of a child or many children. That is why we should see to it that what we do and what we say would be music to our children's hearing and that, should be in accordance to the will Above. You see, little eyes see a lot, and I could testify about it based on my very daughter's perceptions and behavior right now. 'When you thought I wasn't looking' is a line I would think to be the children's line. Read on if you would agree or not with me.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I heard you say a prayer, and I knew there is a God I could always talk to and I learned to trust in God.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing, and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don't.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw tears come from your eyes and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's all right to cry.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw that you cared and I wanted to be everything that I could be.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I learned most of life's lessons, and that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I looked at you and wanted to say, "Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking."

-Anonymous-

LITTLE EYES, INDEED, SEE A LOT.

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