American dream???

Let it snow,,,let it snow....18 inches of snow...

2009-12-21T18:57:00.000-08:00

It's very unusual to have winter storm in Maryland or DC, meaning it doesnt happen so often. This year Christmas welcomes winter storm like it never before here in Maryland. On the 19th day of December, 2009 (Saturday)was the most snow here in Maryland on a December period. The first big snow storm I've ever seen in my entire life....cool to look at and play with but the aftermath worried me.

This was our home few days ago before the winter storm hit Maryland in just a few inches.

Our doorstep if you can see the difference.

We gotta shovel and plow the snow or else after few days it will become water but because of the freezing temperature, it will become black ice and can endanger anybody who walks on the walkway.

Good thing that my hubby got a snow blower. It really helps us a lot when we we're shovelling the snow, it lessen the work.

They say it was only 16.4 inches of snow but in our home its more than what it looks like because the wind blew the snow and it increases and adds to it.

The steps going up to the deck which was almost covered by the snow.

The first attempt to get rid of the snow around 2pm saturday.

Our deck with the snow all over.

We tried to clear the snow and shovelling was really tiring especially when you never had workout for a long time, back hurts, hands, arms, legs,it was tiring.

Who said I never enjoy the snow? I love it terribly but after the snow, here comes the ice and the black ice. The experience was terrible.

Attempting to make a snowman but I was too cold to make one.

Enjoying the scenery of a white Christmas.

Checking out on my own how it feel to lay on a snow.

The snow was really high for me, it's hard to walk.

This was after we shovel the driveway...hopefully the roads are clear already too.

Soon, it will be Christmas day. Hopefully everybody realizes and understand that Christmas is not for gifts nor material things....it's baby Jesus' birthday. We should celebrate His christening. God bless yah all...Merry Christmas!!! Happy Hannukah!!! Merry Keshmish!!! Maligayang Pasko!!!

Watching "2012" Movie at AMC Theatre, Waldorf, Maryland

2009-11-30T17:20:00.000-08:00

Me, my brother and my hubby watched the movie "2012" on my birthday last Nov. 21, 2009. The movie for me was alright, but I was kinda disappointed on how it ended. It can have best picture but not award winning piece.

I like the story of Independence Day better. That's just my opinion, try watching it.

The theater was not as good as the Movie theater in Tyson's Corner in Virginia. I guess because it was the nearest, we got no choice but to watch it there.

Thanksgiving - turkey, ham and chicken

2009-11-30T17:01:00.001-08:00

We did celebrate Thanksgiving day this 2009 even though it's just me and my hubby at home. He cooked a "turkey" and I seasoned the "ham". It was something cool for me coz I was part of preparing the feast. The way we celebrate Christmas in the Philippines was the way they celebrate Thanksgiving here.

Turkey and gravy, Honey-baked Ham, Roast chicken, corn pudding, stuffings, potato salad, rolls, and punch.

For every meal that we ate, whether it's not much nor it's overwhelming, we should always give thanks. Through every struggle and every tear drops, there's always joy at the end of the rainbow...

Give thanks to the Lord for everything.

The HISTORY OF THANKSGIVING
The Pilgrims left Plymouth, England, on September 6, 1620. Their destination? The New World. Although filled with uncertainty and peril, it offered both civil and religious liberty.

For over two months, the 102 passengers braved the harsh elements of a vast storm-tossed sea. Finally, with firm purpose and a reliance on Divine Providence, the cry of "Land!" was heard. Arriving in Massachusetts in late November, the Pilgrims sought a suitable landing place. On December 11, just before disembarking at Plymouth Rock, they signed the "Mayflower Compact" - America's first document of civil government and the first to introduce self-government.

After a prayer service, the Pilgrims began building hasty shelters. However, unprepared for the starvation and sickness of a harsh New England winter, nearly half died before spring. Yet, persevering in prayer, and assisted by helpful Indians, they reaped a bountiful harvest the following summer.

The grateful Pilgrims then declared a three-day feast, starting on December 13, 1621, to thank God and to celebrate with their Indian friends. While this was not the first Thanksgiving in America (thanksgiving services were held in Virginia as early as 1607), it was America's first Thanksgiving Festival.

Pilgrim Edward Winslow described the Pilgrims' Thanksgiving in these words:
"Our harvest being gotten in, our Governor sent four men on fowling [bird hunting] so that we might, after a special manner, rejoice together after we had gathered the fruit of our labors. They four in one day killed as much fowl as... served the company almost a week... Many of the Indians [came] amongst us and... their greatest King, Massasoit, with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted; and they went out and killed five deer, which they brought... And although it be not always so plentiful as it was at this time with us, yet BY THE GOODNESS OF GOD WE ARE... FAR FROM WANT."

In 1789, following a proclamation issued by President George Washington, America celebrated its first Day of Thanksgiving to God under its new constitution. That same year, the Protestant Episcopal Church, of which President Washington was a member, announced that the first Thursday in November would become its regular day for giving thanks, "unless another day be appointed by the civil authorities." Yet, despite these early national proclamations, official Thanksgiving observances usually occurred only at the State level.
Much of the credit for the adoption of a later ANNUAL national Thanksgiving Day may be attributed to Mrs. Sarah Joseph Hale, the editor of Godey's Lady's Book. For thirty years, she promoted the idea of a national Thanksgiving Day, contacting President after President until President Abraham Lincoln responded in 1863 by setting aside the last Thursday of November as a national Day of Thanksgiving. Over the next seventy-five years, Presidents followed Lincoln's precedent, annually declaring a national Thanksgiving Day. Then, in 1941, Congress permanently established the fourth Thursday of each November as a national holiday.

Lincoln's original 1863 Thanksgiving Proclamation came - spiritually speaking - at a pivotal point in his life. During the first week of July of that year, the Battle of Gettysburg occurred, resulting in the loss of some 60,000 American lives. Four months later in November, Lincoln delivered his famous "Gettsysburg Address." It was while Lincoln was walking among the thousands of graves there at Gettysburg that he committed his life to Christ. As he explained to a friend:

When I left Springfield [to assume the Presidency] I asked the people to pray for me. I was not a Christian. When I buried my son, the severest trial of my life, I was not a Christian. But when I went to Gettysburg and saw the graves of thousands of our soldiers, I then and there consecrated myself to Christ.
As Americans celebrate Thanksgiving each year, we hope they will retain the original gratefulness to God displayed by the Pilgrims and many other founding fathers , and remember that it is to those early and courageous Pilgrims that they owe not only the traditional Thanksgiving holiday but also the concepts of self-government, the "hard-work" ethic, self-reliant communities, and devout religious faith.

-----REF: www.christiananswers.net----

Birthday celebration at Applebee's with my brother...

2009-11-23T04:38:00.000-08:00

Another year has come, another celebration was done, another wrinkle and year was added, another surprise was announced. My hubby surprised me with a birthday present that was priceless...the gift that cannot be paid...bringing my brother from California to Maryland was something I did not expect.

Yes....my hubby made ways to bring my brother to Maryland for my birthday...I can't help it but cry, shout and breakdown, seeing my brother after 11 years once again I saw him in person...it was a joy that you cannot explain. It was an overwhelming experience.

My family loves eating so we went to Applebee's for dinner.

Appetizers are dynamite shrimp and boneless buffalo wings with refillable soda....

The menu: 2 for $20.00 , we ordered steak with mashed potato and broccoli; and riblets with french fries.

My hubby ordered fried shrimp with french fries and cole slaw.

My neverending rack of babyback ribs with french fries and cole slaw.

An unforgettable birthday I ever had. The best days of my life...seeing my brother again...one of my best friend.

Always nice to enjoy football games at Applebee's.

Red Lobster...experience the taste of wood-grilled seafood...

2009-11-16T09:40:00.000-08:00

Everytime I got my salary every other Friday, I see to it that me and my hubby go out for dinner and enjoy each other's company. My hubby suggested this time that we go to Pizza Hut to eat and drink some beer and chill...I like the idea of chilling out and I even suggested that we order some spicy chicken wings but on the other hand, I said the amount that we will be paying at Pizza Hut will also be the same with Apple Bee's with a complete meal. I'm craving for shrimp and some steak so we end up on Red Lobster and ending up with $65.00 for our meal...hehehe....way too high from our budget plus $10.00 tip...heheheh....we gotta tip right???

A lobster on an aquarium, a picture taken at Red Lobster, Waldorf, Maryland.

Time to treat yourself at Red Lobster.

Garlic bread for free while waiting for the appetizers.

As appetizers we got calamari and chicken fingers for $8.25

I chose Coleslaw and wild Jasmine Rice for my side dish and refillable soda ($2.29 each).

Grilled yummy Sirloin steak, tasty Walt's shrimp and Jumbo shrimp for $26.49 for my meal.

Double Flounder stuffed with crab meat and Jumbo Shrimp with mashed potato and broccoli as side dish for my hubby worth $21.99.

The meal was great and I know I'll be coming back soon. Try fettucine alfredo shrimp, it taste good too. With all the restaurants that I blog you can always try and pick your choice. Enjoy eating...Soon, we'll be going to Bonefish...watch out!!!

Ihop...come hungry, leave happy...

2009-11-16T09:30:00.000-08:00

Everyday I worked from 8:30 till 6:30pm or sometimes till 7pm almost everyday, in which I am stressed out and want to have some time to relax or enjoy myself. On my day off, I usually do my household chores and try to do some errands that I wasnt able to attend to during the week.

One time, I went to the dentist and have a cleaning but they did some xray and so on and so forth ending me up with the dentist saying I have to make another appointment for deep cleaning and some filling meaning worth $1694.00...yup...that's what needs to be paid good thing insurance always comes in handy so I'll be paying for $338.80 all in all....

After a shocking bill, I said I need to treat myself and i went to Ihop. I was really hungry then, I ordered Sirloin tips and eggs..hmmm....its really watery and yummy....

Grilled, tender, sweet and savory USDA Select sirloin tips with grilled onions and mushrooms. Served with two eggs, hash browns and two buttermilk pancakes.

They are known for great pancakes. I love the meal. I really had fun eating my meal.

It was served with coffee and I also got me an apple juice to finish my meal.

It's not bad to treat yourself once in a while and enjoy the feeling of eating out. But it would be nicer if I had my whole family with me eating breakfast or lunch out. If you're in love with pancakes go to Ihop if you're into really big breakfast you can also try Bob's Evans.

Outback at Waldorf, Maryland

2009-11-05T18:39:00.000-08:00

They have a saying that "the best way to a man's heart was through their stomache." I say "the best way to a human's heart was through their stomache...of course, man or woman loves eating." that's my own opinion but not everybody believe on that. I'll bring you to Outback Steakhouse this time still at Waldorf, Maryland.

For our appetizers are spicy shrimp stuffed with crab meat and ahi tuna(japanese style).

Menu for today "Grilled Salmon with Mashed Potato" for my hubby and for me "glazed porkchop with french fries and wild jasmine rice with refillable soda of your choice."

A nice fulfilling dinner makes my tiring day satisfying. Try it and enjoy....Happy Eating.....

Golfing at Marlton Golf Club....

2009-10-27T08:47:00.000-07:00

It's always nice to see people playing and enjoying golf on a nice sunny breezy day. Though its not the season really to play golf coz winter is coming; yet, I see a lot of pro still playing golf. I have no idea how it works but i learn from my hubby who wants to be pro in the future as a hobby. God bless him on this game....hehhehe....

Having a video game Wii it helps you understand more how it works..from the wind to the hardness or softness of your stroke..a lot to learn..it's not just saying strike it or hit the ball and make sure it go straight to the hole but it's more to it than that...besides you need to put a lot of effort on it...a lot of energy and strength to be able to control the way you hit the ball and where the ball goes. Like I've said, I'm not even a beginner, I just tried how to hit the ball and believe me it's not easy. Especially with me, I am not good at any kind of games that involves a ball, period.

One time, the church organizes a golf tournament for charity. They call it 1st Annual Discover Charity, Discover Golf Tournament 2009 last October 10,2009, Saturday at Marlton Golf Club, if I'm not mistaken. It was a charity for the church and other institutions, not much people played maybe 5-8 teams tried with 4 persons in each team. Of course I did not play, but my hubby did. Though doesn't know much about golfing, he tried it anyway. What's to lose, right? Because this was a charity, not everybody are good at playing golf, these are just beginners or amateurs not like Tigerwoords or anybody else...some even are lawyers or pastors or even Elders.

I was at the reception, your highnest, taking care of the registration(I believe) and just taking pictures of all the action. I love taking pictures....Anyway, let me get back, I'm sure they were tired after all the hitting of the balls and trying to get a par, birdie, eagle or even albatross. At the end of the day, everybody enjoyed the game as a starter it was an experience they will never forget. We ate at the Cafeteria, they had free food for the players but because some of us were volunteers were also free. hehhehee....They got all food like we had a cookout.

We had some raffles, auctions for charity and the most awaited part was the awarding of trophies. The trophies was also donated by.....I wasn't planning to play but just support the church event but in the end I was picked on the raffle so I was able to get a soveiner t-shirt and my hubby too and a golf towel from the senate. At the end, my hubby's team end up winning 2nd Placer, so no harm in trying.

A week from that, my hubby encouraged me to try playing golf even just learning to hit/strike the ball and givng me some putting tips. Well, I have no idea how it works, I tried to hit the ball using this golf club but I swear, it doesnt work. After a few strokes, practice and more effort, I was able to hit the ball and it moves farther than I expect it. Honestly, it's not easy as it looks like. I tried putting then and because of the slope, it's harder to attack the flag(the hole). I did make sure that I have pictures of myself trying.

We played at Marlton Golf Club just for striking the ball and putting on a Sunday afternoon after mass and I did enjoy it. Though my left hand finger's skin peel off coz of grasping the club so tight, I think I would like to go back and try it again. Never be afraid of trying new things and have to believe in ourselves that we can do it....right?

at Jasper's....Crofton, Maryland

2009-10-11T21:06:00.000-07:00

Just got back home from West VA last Sunday and it was a busy week. After my father-in-law died, we want to bring mom back to Maryland to keep her mind away from Bob(my deceased father-in-law). We went shopping at the Farmer's Market(which i wasnt able to take pictures) and went straight to Walmart and Food Lion. Days flew fast and we have to send mom to my hubby's sister for another week vacation there. So, me and hubby decided to treat mom for dinner one evening before she leaves. We went and tried Jasper's in Crofton, Maryland.

We even said that it must be a very nice restaurant that the parking was so crowded. When we came inside, it was not as crowded as it look like outside. Yet, the place looks nice. The way it was setup and the price was just like Applebee's, Fridays, Ruby Tuesday, Olive Garden and Red Lobster.

The food was great and it was fresh and new. They have a combination of chicken fingers and half rack bbq ribs with fries and coleslaw for $17.59. We order cajun calamari for $8.99 and cajun shrimp for $8.69 for appetizers; and I order my never-ending-bbq ribs with the chicken fingers. With a refillable soda...wow.. t will fill you up. We did'nt order anymore dessert coz we're too full. It was a nice experience having dinner with mom, Reese, and my hubby. I did enjoy the whole week with mom as well...and i wish we can make her more happier inspite of her hubbys loss. After feeding our face, though its a little 30 minutes ride going back home, we can't wait to play basketball Wii again....hehhehee...we got so addicted to it...good thing that the next day was holiday, not to worry about working...Just remember that, never be afraid to try something new, if somebody can try it why can't you?....as long as you're not doing anything wrong you should'nt be afraid of anything. May God bless you.....

enjoying the game....bowling...wii....all-in-one....

2009-10-10T20:41:00.000-07:00

We used to love simple ways of enjoying life...playing simple outdoor games, playing kites on a breezy day, playing paper boat on a rainy day, even playing cards indoor or just simply chatting with friends endlessly. Inspite of all the simple things we do, we laugh, cry, shout, and enjoy the company together. One of the games that i like most was "bowling", but too expensive for us to play in the Philly . Inspite the fact, that i never learn how to get a strike, i still like it.

AMF Bowling Center was one of the bowling place we go to. You can order food if you want like chicken fingers, pizza, hotdogs and chips, drinks or beer.

Per game was $6.00 plus $4.25 shoes rental plus tax...

Everyday we look forward on new technologies with fashion and style design to give us joy, excitement, and cover our needs and our curiousity. We got so much to cope up with, like Nintendo,"XBOX", PS3, Wii....so many to choose from. But, one thing that makes me wanna play more...the wii....u can play a lot of games: like boxing, baseball, golf, tennis, driving, bicycling, running, different kind of body fitness and even teaching a student....it's crazy good...i luv it so much, that it makes me and my hubby play it almost every night playing bowling or tennis...but he loves golf more...we got the wii for $200 dollars on SALE at Walmart including 5 games and one controller...try it its worth the price...

Buy one, play and enjoy...you'll see the child in you....

A lot of times i tell myself to embrace my youth coz once it pass its gone...Let's enjoy our life and appreciate every little thing we have coz it maybe gone soon....

good life after settling in

2009-10-06T06:14:00.000-07:00

It took some time before i settle in emotionally, physically and mentally here in the United States. I always love living in the Philly coz of the fact that i am near family, friends, and relatives. They used to ask me how was life living in the United States, and most of the time i tell them it's too lonely being far away from home. But, after finding a job, being busy trying to adjust to everything and learning the American way; i can say that im loving the lifestyle here.

Working full time in a bank was not a joke but it keeps me busy and employed.hehehe...

When you want to really eat good steak and eat all you can, its best to try "FOGO DE CHAO". You got all meats from chicken, pork, beef, sausage to lamb...one of the best "eat all you can" i've ever tasted. It's a little pricey for one person for dinner was $49.50 plus drinks, but it was worth it. RSVP...
"FOGO DE CHAO"
1101 Pennsylvania Ave
Washington, DC 20004
(202) 347-4668

Some things in life you cannot reach, you cannot have, you cannot control...but one thing i know, that the Lord has the best plan for me....

My Life....

2009-09-04T19:47:00.000-07:00

Hello everybody....thanks for checking out my blog....wow...this is my first...ope i wont disappoint you and make u check my site every now and then....well...I am a Filipina married to an African American for almost 3 years now (by the way our wedding here in the United States was Christmas Dec.25' 06)....
Let me take u way back into my origin....I was born in Bislig, Zamboanga Del Sur, Philippines but was raised in Las Pinas City, Philippines. Was able to finish college with a degree of Business Admin...and try my luck on education, was able to pass Philippine board exam...all along i know im dumb...hhehhhe....ok na rin pala...i guess close kami ni Lord. I'm that kind of person that believes in good deeds and karma as well as do your best and God will give you the rest....Anyway, after graduating college, papa and mama decided to let me start with a small business which was computer shop;it stayed for 3 years or more i guess then it ended up when the business was not booming anymore then we send the computers in the province. i was left with one pc desktop for my home use so i can chat with my boyfriend in the US (which was my husband now). I was brokenhearted before i met him and keep asking the Lord to send the best guy for me. It was one Christmas night when i met my hubby on the internet on Yahoo Messenger on DC chat room...that's y we also got married on Christmas Day.(that's the story with the wedding day)...It took 5 months before he decided to visit me in the Philippines and came back before Christmas Day and spend the Holiday with me and family and everybody met him and welcome him like one of the family...I'm sure some of my relatives are hesitant if He was really serious in marrying me but after the 3rd visit we had our ceremonies and showed everybody that we're for good and for life....and after three long years i was able to get my fiance visa and was able to fly to US last December 18, 2006, i know...it was before Christmas and new year...as soon as i got my passport on a Friday, i had to attend the seminar Saturday morning and my hubby bought me a ticket on a Monday...He didn't give me enough time to enjoy the family and the last holiday in Philly..but his reason was it was his time to enjoy living with me after all those 3 long years of documentation and application...We both thanked the Lord for everything....my hubby's hard work in bringing me to US has paid off...now I'm currently working in one of the biggest bank in the United States...as a Sales and Service Specialist....Life is a journey...jaz keep moving forward and learn from the past....never lose sight nor sense of the Lord for He will never forsake you....I got a lot to tell you at the right time but for now....i have to park my keyboard and sleep coz i have to go to work in the morning....when i got the chance tomorrow I'll update you with pictures as well....thanks and God bless....peaceyahall....