I Love/Hate America

A BIG REVEAL: A LEGITIMATE REASON NOT TO BLOG

Vacation is over. Husband's gone back to the U.S. I am still staying For a little bit longer. Perhaps, you might ask why, or perhaps you'd suspect I just love my place so much, I have a hard time leaving. Actually, on this post, there's quite a revelation to be bared.

I haven't said anything about it before I came here to the Philippines because I felt like it's still a "decision-making process" though I've already made up my mind about it. Earlier this year, my husband and I reckoned there is no better chance for me to find employment in the US than being a registered nurse. It blew out from my frustration of being not able to find work for a long, long time. I even applied for some positions  that mere high school graduates can qualify for, such as  a restaurant usher. It was terribly discouraging to find out that they prefer the  high school grads because they have more experience  in that particular job. The unemployment crisis hits me the hardest as I don't have enough U.S. work background in my career field. I also had a record of a long unemployment gap in my resume where I stopped working to focus on getting pregnant.

Hence, to remain in my hometown is the best choice. I am going back to school---nursing school. At first, I was quite reluctant to be apart from my husband, but he reassured me if we do not make a little sacrifice, nothing will ever gonna happen to achieve our dreams. Going back to nursing school in the U.S. is quite expensive and even doing it on a student loan does not make any sense to us. Since we're trying to improve our lives financially, getting another loan of $25,000 to $35,000 for college is insane. Besides, I don't like to think about paying a loan after graduation.

Now, I'm here in Davao, Philippines. I was late for the school's June enrollment so I need to wait for the 2nd semester on October to enroll. Good thing, the first few semesters are going to be on module which means I can go back "home" to the US anytime and take the modules with me and correspond via email to my teachers. But the rest are to be spent in hospitals and laboratories.

Of course, I was thinking why I didn't think about this in the past? Well, our priorities were different then; like raising a family but that did not happen. I tried doing online stints but that  did not improve our lives. Until I prayed about where God is leading me to. Amidst tears, and the comforting reassurance of my husband, I know now what direction I need to go.

So, now I'm also thinking about the direction of my blog---for a little while. This means, blogging will definitely take a backseat. This is what I really want; to take blogging  not as a means of "livelihood" but as an outlet of  streaming my ideas. Studying in college will replace blogging and I'm so glad I have a "legitimate" reason not to be  too preoccupied with blogging anymore. But if I do update it, I might be including a few posts about American stuff. Yet as  for this time until I go back to the US by March, I'd scribbling more on my life here,. of course with a little bit of "American" spice. I have a few ideas now waiting to be drawn on this blog.

My husband is coming out a personal blog too and there you will see his insights about his experience being a first time visitor in the Philippines. It's really a must-read because it's funny yet true.

I hope I can entertain you again with all the things I see, hear and experience here based on a comparison from the life I live the American way.

Have a blessed week and enjoy it from the abundance of God's favors.

AWESOME OUTDOORS

One of the most impressive and most gorgeous features of my mother's new house is its roof deck. It was designed to look like an outdoor space where we can hang out, eat out, hold parties and just relax and unwind. It provides a great view of the picturesque mountains and the majestic Mount Apo. At night, the whole scenery from the roof deck is a brilliant splendor of lights from the feet of the mountains and the from the skies.

ADDING CURBSIDE APPEAL

My mom works as home health aide in New York since 6 years ago. With her income and savings, she was able to buy a house in the Philippines that is worth 2.5 million Philippine pesos (or the equivalent of almost $50,000). It's a new house with a modern contemporary design along with a modern-minimalist themed interior. The house has 3 floors with a roofdeck overlooking the majestic volcano, Mt. Apo. When my husband was staying here, he was instantaneously charmed by the splendid view and the clean, refreshing ambiance of the house. Though the outdoor is not finished yet, and the curbside is a bit messy, my mother has laid out her plans with the architect.

FINDING MR. RIGHT

Last weekend I had a "mini reunion" with old close friends as we had a wonderful time chatting at a very chi-chi cafe located in our hometown. Some of my friends are married, but some of them are not. In fact, they are still searching for their soulmates somewhere out there  hoping with their arms outstretched ready to catch these damsels.

BATHROOM TILES

It's nice to do a little bit of make-over on a somewhat drab or old bathroom like ours. If you step into our bathroom, it seems you'll be transported back into the 70's. I hate our fugly bathroom and it definitely needs a redo.

VACATION UPDATE: IS THE PHILIPPINES STILL THE PLACE TO CHILL ?

I was supposed to post these vacation photos a week ago but was sidetracked to some more important decisions that I need to focus on. Well, our vacation is over, and my husband's gone back to the U.S. while I am here remaining in my hometown. I want to stay much longer here  than I usually do. I feel life here is more "relaxed" and "spontaneous" despite calamities and mayhem.

In that note, the Philippines was recently caught in the international limelight when a dismissed cop in Manila took hostage and killed passengers of a tourist bus.  Everyone easily recognized the faults and errors of the authorities who failed to curb and prevent  that fatal incident; that it caused such a  great terror among all people all over the world.  A few weeks back, Manila, also experienced a disastrous calamity of water shortage to top all of its daily problems of pollution, traffic, crime, and chaos.

Because of this, my husband now vows never to land in Manila but instead take a connecting-direct-flight to Davao. He is scared-shit of Manila that he shuns the thought of visiting it. But even then that this is an isolated case, many people are still afraid of coming to the Philippines. This will greatly affect the Philippine tourism industry.

So, the question is; is the Philippines still the  place to chill? My husband thinks so....he calls it "Chill-ippines."

(Note: These photos were all shot in Davao, Philippines, NOT Manila)

This carabao (water buffalo) pees to welcome you.

A sculptural rendition of Filipino heroine, Gabriela Silang leading the Philippine revolution

It's actually spelled "Land of Promise" referring to my cherished hometown, Davao.

Overlooking the majestic and tallest Philippine peak, Mt. Apo

The letters are carved from Davao's famed "icons"

Husband is enjoying a day of wakeboarding overlooking his favorite mountain, Mt. Apo

Another shot of his wakeboarding stint

Shopping is not his thing
He wanted to take a jeepney back to the U.S.

He said the durian thorns feel like acupuncture.

These fruits not only abound in our town, but also in our table.

Chillin' out in Davao,  Philippines

Is the Philippines a place to chill or a place to fear?What do you think? If you do not live in the Philippines or a non-Filipino, will you go to the Philippines if you have the chance?

HOMEWORK HELPER

One time, I was amazed by the brilliance and smartness showed by my nephew when he was doing his Math homework. I was also stunned when he speaks fluent English matching a wide vocabulary at age 8.  I think his school did an awesome job in educating this child. But I also learned that he gets help from an online tutorial service. It's like his homework helper.

MOVING TO DALLAS

My sister's sister-in-law is also a good friend of mine who recently came for a vacation to the northeast along with her family. Over panini, and iced-cold tea, we were sharing tete-a-tete, updating each other with our lives' saga since we last saw each other more than 10 years ago. She became a fulltime mother to her three sons, and her husband is a nurse practitioner in a  hospital.

MADE IN AMERICA: HERSHEY'S BAR

Birthplace: Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Originator: Milton S. Hershey

Hometown Now: Hershey, Pennsylvania

Date Introduced: 1894

Percentage of U.S. Chocolate Business: 95%

Number of Products Sold: 7 varieties

Milton S. Hershey was a candy manufacturer who made a conscious decision to bring chocolate within the reach of the ordinary American. At the time, it was very much a confectionary for the rich, but Hershey's mass production techniques made the sweet treat universally available. He built his factory in the heart of the Pennsylvania dairy county, and gradually built up the business by adding more product lines.

Milk chocolate with almonds was brought out in 1905, and the well-loved "Kiss" in 1907. Hershey's moderately priced chocolate retained its popularity even during the Great Depression, so that no Hershey workers were laid off. The company is now a confectionary giant, and owns many of the most familiar American brands, including Reese's and Kit Kat, and  the business still remains a strong supporter of non-profit organizations. Today, the Hershey's Chocolate Bar is described as "The Great American Chocolate Bar."

DID YOU KNOW ?

*   Hershey's process milk chocolate is a trade secret that gives the product a particular "sour, tangy "  taste.

*   Hershey bars are available in six flavors; Milk Chocolate, Milk Chocolate with Almonds, Special Dark Chocolate, Cookies n' Creme, Mr. Goodbar, and Krackel.

*   The streets of Hershey, Pennsylvania are lined with Hershey Kisses-shaped streetlights.

*   Milton was a great philanthropist, and endowed many institutions.

Have you ever had a  Hershey's Bar? Is this your favorite chocolate bar? What flavor do you prefer? What other brands of chocolate do you like?

SCHOOL LOCKERS

Four of my nephews are going to private schools. Each of them are goes to a different school and  all of them excel in academics. I see them they diligently study their lessons and participate in school activities. They really love to learn and discover a lot of things.

HOME ADDRESS PLAQUES

Every summer, my husband and I take time to drive around neighboring towns and communities to sight-see and to just explore new and pretty sights that we've never seen before. Sometimes I'm at the wheel and sometimes he's the one driving because he loves it. It's amazing that there are a lot of beautiful towns and communities around our area so we stop and get off to sense the beauty of the sights.

CROCODILES, BEACHES, PARADISE: VACATION UPDATES

Apologies for not updating except paid posts and scheduled posts but I am so glad I'm taking this respite from blogging. It gives me a new perspective on things ----that blogging is not a life, but a channel to streamline thoughts, ideas and emotions. Of course, I knew all of these before I even joined the bandwagon of blogging but unconsciously I was totally sucked by its standards.

Well, I have to admit I do not have internet connection for the last 2 weeks and the only chance I could log in was to check comments and Facebook updates (I'm not a Twitterer)  whenever my bro stops by our house bringing his broadband-connected laptop. When we got in here, our house was still under reconstruction. My mother rebuilt our 3 bedroom unfinished house to a 3 storey 4 bedroom bigger digs. with a roofdeck overlooking the majestic peak, Mount Apo.  Because of the construction, every connection to the world was cut off----internet, landline phone and cable TV.  But we did not mind because we're always in the  outdoors anyway.

Our vacation is absolutely fantastic. My husband, despite my forewarnings,   was in a"culture-shocked "-state for a couple of days ---of course, with all the lawless driving, dust, customized pedicabs, shanties in the slums, roosters and dogs making noises all at the same time, and so many more. However, at the end of the 1st week, he proclaimed, "I love it here!" He was more enamored with the people. He finds Filipinos very polite,  happy, cheerful, sincerely friendly and the women beautiful----"Too many hot Filipino chicks here!" He even said, he would miss the Philippines by the time he lands back afoot in the USA.

He ate all the food we served him but he still shuns balut and daing (bulad in Bisaya). We went island-hopping renting a boat for P10,000 a day (a little more than $200.00), and he was floored. He went absolutely mental about all the fun he could do----swimming, diving, snorkeling, sunbathing, chilling, eating and drinking. "A tropical paradise.." he exclaimed. He tried to get a tan but ended up like ripe tomato. He became instantly obsessed with massages at the spas here. Imagine an hour of whole body massage is about $12. I tell you, he literally  goes to the spa to have his  massage every day.

And every time he speaks Tagalog, Filipinos go on a roll. They love it when he tries to converse in the national language. The most-loved monologue he utters is , "Nandito si Bruce Willis (Bruce Willis is here)" while pointing both his index fingers to himself. He is amused by signs like "Bawal umihi dito (Peeing is prohibited here)."

Loving my hometown was the thing I never expected from him this time, but he fell in love with it so much, though that he checked on some real estate development companies and communities. He almost bought a house for $50,000. But I dissuaded him because it's not time yet. 

Here are some photos of our vacation. Most of them are in Facebook.

 

 

 

 

 

TV FOR FAMILY TIME

Nowadays, people are staying at home longer. Families spend more time together at home doing things that not only create strong bonds but also more quality time together. The great advantage of staying home more often also saves money. Perhaps, the economic situation became a catalyst for creating and developing qualities and values that make up a loving, close-knitted family.

Some families eat together more at home and some are engaging in fun activities at their backyards or lawns. Some cuddle up together to watch movies at home. TV, before, slammed as an idiot box, now positions itself as an instrument to regain togetherness and unity among families.With so many entertainment options that range from news, sports, movies, game shows, reality shows, music videos, documentaries and educational programs, there is always something for every family.

GAINING CONFIDENCE IN FINANCES

One of my brother's best buddies is in town. He was trying to negotiate with my brother to join him in a business venture. But my bro is quite hesitant to engage in business with him since his buddy is sinking in credit card debt. Not that he does not trust him, but my brother wants to start on a clean slate where their only obligation is their business capital and not personal debts.

ONLINE STOCK TRADING

Though the stock market is fluctuating and unpredictable at these times, my friend's husband still believes in investing on IRA accounts. Now that he is retired, he accumulated a large amount of money from stocks which he invested many years before. Enjoying the fruits of his labor and wise financial planning, he is living debt-free.

MADE IN AMERICA: STARBUCKS COFFEE

(Scheduled Published Post)

Birthplace: Seattle, Washington

Concept Originator:  Howard Schultz

Hometown Now: Seattle, Washington

Date Introduced: 1971

Number of Products:  7 basic coffees, limitless variables

 
Starbucks is a true phenomenon, having mushroomed from just one Seattle cafe in 1971 to a company with 17,133 outlets in 49 countries worldwide. But there is a mixed reaction to their success. Some see Starbucks as the benign face of creeping globalization, a "McDonald's for the new media generation." But Fortune Magazine rates the company as the 3rd most admired and eleventh in their list of "100 Best Companies to Work For." 

The first Starbucks opened in 1971 with owners Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl and Gordon Bowker. It was an enterprise selling high-quality coffee beans and equipment. Later, Howard Shultz, who joined the company in 1982, was the inspiration behind Starbucks expansion. His travels to Italy introduced him to the coffee culture of the barista (the bar owner), and a variety of exciting brews. 

Starbucks expanded to offer a virtually unlimited selection of coffees, teas, and cold drinks. Despite the company's stated concern for the environment, the U.S. Department of Transportation has identified a gas-guzzling trend the "Starbucks Effect "-miles added to the daily commute by gourmet coffee-crazed Americans.

Starbucks in Manila, Philippines

DID YOU KNOW: 

* The name Starbucks comes from Herman Melville's whaling novel, "Moby Dick."

* Shultz idea of selling beverages in the store was rejected by the owners thinking that "coffee was something to be prepared at home" though they gave away free drinks as samples.

* Each Starbucks barista is educated in coffee tasting, growing regions, roasting, purchasing (including fair trade) thus they wear aprons  displaying  the title,  "Coffee Master." 

Are you a coffee lover? Have you tried Starbucks coffee? Do you like Starbucks coffee? If not, where do you get your favorite coffee? Or do you make them yourself at home? How do you like your coffee?

PROPERTIES IN WILMINGTON

For a long time, my husband and I are always dreaming of moving away from the northeast. We would like to move down south such as in the states of Florida, Nevada, Texas and North Carolina. My time online is usually spent on looking for properties in different states even though we are not moving that soon yet. I just enjoy surfing nice houses and compare prices and communities.

RUSTIC BUNK BEDS

My mother's interest in home and interior decor is strikingly apparent in the new home she had built. Her taste is varied but she's more inclined to homey and warm feel of a home. So the rustic theme appeals to her. She is mixing it up with traditional and Asian decor and the combination comes out beautiful. She likes rustic furniture especially because they're kid-friendly. Her grandchildren always visit her and they  play around the house hence kid-friendly furniture suits her.

AMERICAN BEAUTY

(This is a Scheduled  Published Post)

Are you a beauty junkie? Does your wife or girlfriend love to indulge herself with skincare and beauty magic formulas and potions that they believe are the elixirs to regain youthfulness and maintain eternal allure? Do constantly seek for the products that you hope will work beauty wonders for you?

One time I happened to stumble on a blog post where the author was dissing American beauty products. Apparently she's a European female who patronizes European-made beauty items. I was tempted to comment but for some reason I didn't probably because she might deem my comment as biased.

 

However, even if I sound  partial, I reckon American beauty products  are the best in the world. How do I know? Because I use mostly American-made beauty creams, gels, goops, lotions and potions.  And they work for me. Don't get me wrong, I know I am not your typical  description of  "pretty" but at least being a beauty junkie for some time now, had decelerated aging,  making me look like I'm 28 at 42. The only  European beauty product I rave about is Olay Regenerist.

 

Here are some of the revolutionary hair, make-up and skincare products that were born in the U.S.A. and the stories behind each.

VASELINE PETROLEUM JELLY---In 1870, a 22-year old chemist from Brooklyn, New York made a visit to a Pennsylvania oil well and there discovered that the factory workers  were using a particular sticky substance to heal cuts and burns.  Later he improvised the concept and sold the first jar  of Vaseline Petroleum Jelly, which still soothes everything from cracked lips to dry hands. It has become a must-have  in every family household. (Price today: $ 1.79)

MAYBELLINE GREAT LASH MASCARA---T. L. Williams, another New York-based chemist, was urged by his sister to make an easy-to-use product that darken eyelashes. He then developed it and named it after his sister, Maybel and called it Maybelline Great Lash Mascara. In 1917, it became  the first mass-marketed brush-and-tube mascara , and is still America's best-selling wand. (Price today: $6.15)

NEUTROGENA FACIAL CLEANSING BAR---It was in 1930 that the Neutrogena company  was first founded by Emanuel Stolaroff in Los Angeles, California.  But it was only in 1954 that he became inspired in his travels, from a Belgian chemist to make a mild, clear soap that rinsed quickly and easily from the skin, leaving no soap residue making the skin return to its normal pH. He later adapted the idea and by 1962, the soap became synonymous with the company's image. (Price today: $2.29)

ESTEE LAUDER  RE-NUTRIV COMFORT CREME ---A woman  named Estee Lauder began mixing creams in her kitchen at her New York apartment selling them to local beauty salons. When she achieved stellar success, she developed her Re-Nutriv line, and its signature product called Comfort Creme works wonders softening and treating dry aging skin.(Price today: $120.00)

COVERGIRL CLEAN MAKE-UP---In 1909 Cover Girl was set up in Baltimore, Maryland but it was in 1961 that it launched Clean Make-Up in powder and liquid formulas. This is one of  the first make-up foundation to be water-based rather than oil-based. It is still a favorite because it treats the skin while covering and enhancing it. (Price today: $6.25)

CLINIQUE DRAMATICALLY DIFFERENT MOISTURIZING LOTION---Estee Lauder's son, Ronald , Vogue editor Carol Phillips and dermatologist Norman Orentreich created the world's allergy-tested, dermatologist-created line in 1968. They introduced their company with the 3-Step Skin Care System including the Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion. This anti-aging lotion sells every 5.3 seconds worldwide, and is one of the best-selling beauty products in America. (Price today: $24.00)

LA MER CREME DELA MER --- After 12 years and 6,000 experiments, California aerospace physicist Max Huber developed a cream to treat scars from chemical burns he incurred in his lab: Creme dela Mer. Today, a lot of women swear by the  anti-aging powers  of its blend of sea kelp, minerals, vitamins and oils. (Price today: $130.00)

AVEDA CLOVE SHAMPOO---When Minneapolis hairstylist Horst Rechelbacher became frustrated with the lack of natural beauty products, he began to seek out inspirations from across the seas. Inspired by his trip to India , he developed a haircare line  incorporating  many of the natural ingredients used by the Ayurveda practitioners. His Clove Shampoo, launched in 1978  is the bestselling one, which he first mixed in his kitchen sink . This shampoo has a pretty, spicy scent and makes your hair soft and shiny without the harsh chemicals that strip off the hair's natural oils. (Price today: $26.50)

BURT'S BEES LIP BALM---Originating in Maine, Roxanne Quimby and Burt Shavitz began making candles from leftover beeswax. In 1984, they began their first personal care product, Burt's Bees Lip Balm which keeps lips hydrated but not sticky---and is the brand's most popular item. (Price today: $3.00)

PANTENE PRO-V SHAMPOO---This popular shampoo among women and beauty editors was formulated by Procter and Gamble in 1985 when it acquired a shampoo brand named Pantene. It developed a full hair care line based on the hair-strengthening ingredient pro-vitamin B5 (panthenol). Instantly, Pro-V became the fastest-selling shampoo in the world. (Price today: $6.84)

FREDERIC FEKKAI BRILLIANT GLOSSING CONDITIONER---Frederic Fekkai, a French-born hairstylist living in new York launched his own line of hair care products after he became famous for styling Hillary Clinton's hair. His Brilliant Glossing Conditioner which came out in 1995 is unique for featuring micro-encapsulated olive oil which makes hair shiny without weighing it down. (Price today: $23.00)

BARE ESCENTUALS BARE MINERALS MINERAL FOUNDATION---Contrary to popular belief that Bare Minerals is a new millennium product, it was actually been around since 1976 in San Francisco, California. The company focuses on natural and healthy skincare products and began selling to local boutiques. Then it became available through QVC TV shopping network in the 90's that accelerated the product's  popularity. Customers are going a-gaga over this healthy make-up option making Bare Minerals very popular and a top favorite among women, beauty editors and skincare specialists. (Price today: $25.00)

(Source: Martha Stewart's Living Magazine)

Now, here's a shot of my vanity kit (Note: Not all of them are in my kit at one time. I alternate them every week).

The brands in my make-up kit are all American;  CoverGirl, L'Oreal, Maybelline, Benefit, Estee Lauder, Physician's Formula, Serious Skincare, Mary Kay, and Revlon. The only non-American brand is Elizabeth Arden, which is from Canada.

What make-up brands do you use? Are they mostly locally-made in your country? Do you prefer European brands or American ones? Do you own any American made beauty product or do you use other than American brands? What are they? Have you used any of the above-mentioned products in the list of my post?

TREATING THEM WITH LIFESTYLE GIFTS

I have no children but I have 2 nieces and 5 nephews, ages 3 to 17 whom I dote on. I am so proud of them not only because they are well-behaved kids but they're all intelligent, loving, and sweet. Each one of them is looking after each other's interests and the love and affection among them are so evident that even strangers can easily identify. It's rare to see cousins sharing love, friendship and affection toward each other these days.

VIDEO INVITATIONS

Back in the Philippines, I used to own an event organizing firm that specialized in special events such as musical concerts, product campaigns, launchings. fashion shows, and promotional activities. But I never had handled any wedding or any event like that. Weddings were not our expertise. However, a few people would cajole me to organize this type of event but I always politely declined.

ALL READY, ALREADY READY TO GO

In a few hours, we're leaving the U.S. land flying across the Pacific for 18 hours, actually for a total of 24. 5 hours of travel time (14 hrs. to Seoul, Korea, stay 5 hrs in there, then 4 hrs. to  Manila, Philippines, and 1.5 hr to Davao, my hometown).

We're "all ready already ready!"

Just like, Filipinos who say "already" multiple times in one sentence (inadvertently using it to translate the Filipino word, "na"), we are multiple times over the moon, head-on-the-clouds thrilled and excited for this trip to the Philippines. It's my husband's first to witness how colorful, beautiful, intriguing and crazy the Philippines is.

Here are our boxes and luggage; 2 big boxes, 2 26" baggage, 2 trolleys, 2 handcarry-ons.

Our passports and  e-tickets;

My posts for the next several days will be more of scheduled ones but I'll update soon with photos of our vacation.

Also, I urge you to visit my other blog, "Worthy of Our Praise" where I post music videos that will surely lift you up, cheer  you up and inspire you to be stronger.

"Sometimes we think that God has closed down the heavens, His hands are tied , and His eyes are blind when we desperately need Him. A mother can forget the child in her womb, but God does not ever forget you, for He has engraved you in the palm of His hands.

When you think God is not behind you and feel like He's doing nothing, that's when God is doing His greatest works. God does not work on your time, He works in His time to be on time when you just needed it the most. God is never late, so just praise Him while you wait."

Praise Him with the songs here on my blog; "Worthy of Our Praise."

May you enjoy the rest of your week and God bless you all.

LEARNING ABOUT US, A SPECTACLE VIDEO AND SUBSTANCE AWARD

Normally, Fourth of July is always barbecue-time for us--my husband and I. But last weekend, we headed to Massachusetts at my mom-in-law's place in Concord. Since my husband will be spending his birthday in the Philippines, his mom presented him a gift and cooked us a special dinner.  The next day was the 4th of July and we spent the whole  morning watching a show on History Channel about American history.

Honestly, I know a tad of American history but still of course, I'm clueless about the other details. The show entitled, "America: The Story of Us " was fitting for that day and surprisingly, I enjoyed watching  it so much. I learned about the Pilgrims, the native Americans, Paul Revere, Isaac Davis, the Minutemen as well as George Washington, the British Army, Seven Years War, Boston Tea Party, American Revolutionary War,and so many more.From the Spanish colonization, to the British invasion, until the Industrial Revolution, the episodes lasted 5 hours. But we had to cut off our viewing because we needed to go home.

On the way home,  I managed to take photos of the actual birthplace/home of Isaac Davis in Acton,  and the location where the Battle of Lexington and Concord  (in Massachusetts) ensued. My husband grew up in Acton, and my mom-in-law now resides at Concord. Massachusetts is the first British colony and where the Pilgrims first settled.

Isaac Davis was a militia officer in the American Revolution who led the first attack on the British Regular Army during the American Revolutionary War. Being the captain of the Acton Minutemen, he was also  the first to die in that battle.

Then we went to the Minute Man National Historical Park where the Battle of Concord and Lexington occurred. This is the signage that greeted us;

The hiking boardwalk in the park;

Later that night, when we were back home in Connecticut, we planned to go  fireworks-display-viewing  at a nearby park. But since the firework site was going to be  triggered at the summit of the hilly East Rock Park, just behind our building, we just got outside watching the fiery spectacle at our  carpark. Surprisingly, we did have a great view that we never expected. It was like, the fireworks were falling right on the top of  our noggins, ready to blow us apart. 

Here's a video which I captured. I made a little intro with my Filipino-accented American English.  I spoke too slow because I was just  distracted by what I saw, and  by the video camera I was holding too long on my hand.(Yes guys, that's how I sound when I speak).

I hope you enjoyed the vid. 

On this post, I also want to show you another award that I got. This was given to me by Elai of Elai's Precious Angels.

Some bloggers really used this word, "substance" to describe my blog. Now, I feel like the award is putting me  the screws  to produce more "quality, substance-filled content" on my posts.

When posting this, it asks for the recipient to sum up his/her blogging philosophy, motivation and experience in 5 words. Well, it's hard to make it in 5 words, but I'll try;

"Share experiences but never to degrade."

I'm passing this award to bloggers who think their blogs are of substance.

Do you know your country's history well? Do you know American history? Are you proud of your country's historical heritage?

INSPIRATIONAL POSTERS

I'm done with shopping for gifts to give away to my family, relatives and loved ones when I get home to the Philippines. I enjoyed shopping for gifts for people I haven't seen for years and I had packed them in boxes ready for our departure.

DO IT NOW: REPAIR YOUR BAD CREDIT

Lately, I had been hearing a lot of sob stories from people who are drowning in debt. My heart goes to them because I can empathize with how they feel. Though my experience was not terribly disastrous, I was greatly affected by my husband's bad credit a few years ago. It was bad debt incurred when he was just a bachelor and when we got married, it was left unfixed.

EXTREME FISHING TRIP

An old friend of mine from California called me a few days ago and I was so glad to hear from her. As usual, her jovial self cannot be contained because she's always a cheerful person no matter what the external conditions that are surrounding her. She prattles about the summer days and her plans of going out-of-town for her  yearly fishing trips. According to her, fishing gives her the balance in her life. As she is always moved by the fast-paced, stress-filled career she had  for years and by the constant turmoil of her dysfunctional family's woes, she needs some solace. Though she deals with these extremely well, and can take it on a humorous side, she sometimes yearns for solitude.

ANNIVERSARY OF THE LAND OF THE FREE, HOME OF THE BRAVE

Tomorrow is the the American Independence Day and also, the Fillpino-American Friendship Day. A double celebration for us Filipino-Americans. Ironically, being transplanted Filipinos in the Land of the Free, we, on this day were also freed from the American reins in the Philippines more than 60 years ago. Isn't that something that Filipinos wanted freedom from the American colonizers only to yearn  living under the Americans again?

Anyway, here's an excerpt from my Independence Day post last year:

"In July 4, 1946, the Americans unleashed their dominion of the Philippines on the same day they acquired their own liberty from the British rule.

Not a lot of Americans have the knowledge that the Philippines was under the American government in the past. Well, they may have learned about their history but they don't know much about the historical details such as land and territory acquisitions of their own country. So, it comes out as a surprise when I tell them that July 4 is also a day we celebrate in our country ---sort of a commemoration of independence from the American jurisdiction when the American government accorded freedom to Filipinos.

July 4 is Filipino-American Friendship Day. In fact, it was the Filipinos' Independence Day which they observed from 1946 to 1964. But on August 1964, the Philippine government, upon the advice of historians and nationalists,  designated June 12, as their Independence Day when the Filipinos, along with the Act of the Declaration of Independence , restored their liberty and sovereignty from the colonial rule of Spain  on June 12, 1898.

So June 12 became the Filipinos' Independence day since then, and July 4, instead was changed to Filipino-American Friendship Day. For most Filipino-Americans, July 4 is a very special day---a day filled with two causes for celebration; independence and friendship. All the more, a special day that we are blessed having Americans as our allies and friends...."

 

Well, as we all celebrate Independence Day, we are proud to say that as freed people,we are Americans--"in the land of the free, home of the brave."

Enjoy your barbecue, picnic, and the fireworks!

What are your plans or what are you going to do on this special day?

READ ALSO:

INDEPENDENCE DAY: TWO CELEBRATIONS IN ONE DAY

MY OWN LIST OF FAMOUS FILIPINO-AMERICANS AND FAMOUS FILIPINOS IN AMERICA

 

DISCOUNTED WATCHES

Preparing for our vacation is what taking  most of my time these past few weeks. I  already had done shopping for gifts but I'm not finished packing yet. I am the type of person who favors to  organize ahead of time, thinking ahead of "things that I could have missed." Though it was a strenuous thing to do, I enjoy the task of packing and wrapping the gifts, and of course shopping.

BLOGGING SUCKS, ET AL

To be honest with you, I don't feel like posting tonight but I have to let off a little steam. These are what I'm thinking;

1) I'm tired of blogging, really.

2) If only not for my PR5, I would have quit by now.

3) Blogging confounds me. It has a lot of rules (and laws) that other bloggers claim it's working but don't do it. So how could they tell it works if they do not even apply it?

4) So-called pro bloggers and even the neophyte ones,  establish rules and techniques of "how to's" ----make money, attract traffic, encourage commenting, time of pageload, SEO ranking, keywords, etc. etc. etc.

5) I don't know what to make out of bloggers who hold contests to attract comments and persuade others to comment when they don't even comment back on their own blog's commenters (or comment back to the commenter's blog). That seems to be hypocritical.

6) I need a job that would stop me from blogging. Seriously.

7) It amazes me how other people can get 10,000 or more followers on Twitter. Bragging rights or shameless self-promotion?

8) I'm annoyed when people say Twitter is a social networking site. It's not. It's a microblogging platform. A good example of a microblogging platform is the Typepad Microblog.

9) Micro-blogging? Blog microscopically?

10)  I don't like Entrecard's "300 Drops in Minutes system" So what's the use of dropping by on a blog anyway, when you just leave 2 seconds immediately after you just clicked the page?

11) Why am I so beat by blogging? It has taken so much of my time, energy and lively spirit  over the years. Sometimes I feel , blogging has sucked the life out of me.

12) I am thinking of making my blog private. To keep away jelly people, stalkers, green monsters, morons, arses and jerks. (There's this girl blogger who still stalks me even after banning me because she thought my post was ridiculous to her sentiments...she stalks me at BlogCatalog, Multiply, and of course, here on my blog.)

13) Probably I'll go back to school so I can have an excuse not to blog. I'm seriously planning about it.

14) I think this is the nth time I'd express my intention to give up blogging yet I could not do it. I am just looking for a "profitable" excuse to just do it.

15)  The only thing that makes me excited now is my forthcoming trip to the Philippines. It would be a respite from "thinking about my blog."

Do you feel the same way I do? What are your thoughts? Do you love blogging? Why?

AUTO REPAIR: PASSENGER OR DRIVER?

Driving is not my cup of tea, but my husband enjoys it so much. He said during his bachelor days, he usually just drove around, crossed towns and states because he enjoyed the ride and each new views and things he saw while cruising. Inevitably, as much as his car gets to be taken on the road, his car usually breaks down or caught in minor mishaps. Now that we're married, he still gets a high just by driving.