Bits n Pieces

I don't want to be here

2011-03-08T13:34:00.000-08:00

I want to be home
where my heart belongs
This place is not my refuge
I am not at peace

Call me selfish or insensitive
but I want so much to just leave

I would rather be alone
than be all in this chaos
How did I get myself into this?

Coupons for February

2011-02-10T15:57:00.000-08:00

Bath & Body Works®
________________________________________

One Day Only!
$1 Shipping
With Your Purchase of $25 or More!*
Shipping Offer Valid in the Contiguous U.S. Only*

Enter Code SHOP25 Online at Checkout.

New York & Company

Now through Sunday, February 6th, $75 off your purchase of $150
or more. Promo 6396 in stores & Online

Or

$35 off your purchase of $75 or more, promo 6395 in stores and
online

$75 off $150

$35 off $75

Redeem this coupon online: enter appropriate promo code (listed
above) at checkout; discount will appear on following page.

Coupon: Xoom December 2010 Coupon Code

2010-12-14T21:44:00.001-08:00

For the Holidays, Get 50% Off Your Next Transfer
Xoom is offering a 50% discount on your next money transfer to the Philippines just in time for Holidays. Just enter coupon code FIFTYXMAS on our payments page. This offer is valid until Dec 31, 2010.

Novena to St. Jude

2010-12-12T21:40:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorite prayer. I has proven very effective for me many times when I was feeling hopeless.

Most holy Apostle, St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Church honors and invokes you universally, as the patron of difficult cases, of things almost despaired of, Pray for me, I am so helpless and alone.
Intercede with God for me that He bring visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation and help of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings, particularly -
(make your request here)
- and that I may praise God with you and all the saints forever. I promise, O Blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor granted me by God and to always honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you.
Amen

PRAYER

May the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, and loved in all the tabernacles until the end of time. Amen.

May the most Sacred Heart of Jesus be praised and glorified now and forever. Amen

St. Jude pray for us and hear our prayers. Amen.

Blessed be the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Blessed be the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Blessed be St. Jude Thaddeus, in all the world and for all Eternity.
(say this prayer, followed by the Our Father and the Hail Mary)

K1 Letter of Intent

2010-12-11T17:54:00.000-08:00

Fiancee Letter of Intent

Address:

Embassy of the United States in Manila
1201 Roxas Blvd., Ermita 1000

Manila, Philippines

Date

Dear Sir or Madam:

I, ____Name______, do hereby state that I am legally able and willing to marry _____Name_____, and intend to do so within 90 days of my arrival into the US using the K-1 visa.

Yours truly,

Name

K1 Interview Questions

2010-12-11T17:39:00.000-08:00

Here are some questions the US Consul asked me during my K1 visa interview at the Philippine US Embassy.

What is your Fiance's name?
When is his birthday?
What does he do for a living?
Have you ever been outside the country?
How long? what was the purpose of your travel there?
How did you meet your Fiance?
When was the first time you met personally?
How long was his trip to the Philippines?

Adjustment of Status K1

2010-12-05T15:15:00.000-08:00

USCIS
Attn: AOS
131 South Dearborn - 3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60603-5520

DATE

Nature of the submission: Application for Immediate Relative (Spouse) Family Based Adjustment of Status

Non US Citizen (Applicant): _______________________
US Citizen (Sponsor): ________________________________

To whom it may concern:

Enclosed please find:

Ø Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status and supporting documents

Ø Form I-864, Affidavit of Support from sponsor

Ø Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization

Contents include:

o Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status Including:

· 2 passport photographs of Applicant:

· Check in the amount of $1010 made payable to the Department of Homeland Security

· Copy of Applicants Birth Certificate

· Copy of K-1 Visa with U.S. entry stamp

· Copy of Applicants passport biographical page

· DS-3025 Vaccination supplement (Vaccination Documentation Medical Worksheet)

· Form G-325A, Biographic Information Sheet (four copies)

· Certified copy of Marriage Certificate

· Copy of Approval Notice for I-129F (Form I-797)

· Copy of Valid I-94 (front & back)Copy of Applicants passport biographical page and previous entry stamps to the U.S

o Form I-864, Affidavit of Support from sponsor Including:

· Tax documents from 2008, 2007 and 2006 (Tax Transcripts, W-2)

· 3 months Payslips

· Proof of Sponsors U.S. Citizenship (copy of the biographic data passport page)

· Sponsor’s copy of Military Id

· Sponsor’s Birth Certificate

o Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization Including:

· 2 passport photographs of Applicant

· Copy of Valid I-94 (front & back)

· Copy of K1 visa issued by a foreign consulate

· Copy of Applicants Passport Biographical Page

· Copy of Marriage certificate

Sincerely Yours,

(Name)

Coupon: Xoom Coupon Code

2010-11-17T12:22:00.000-08:00

Xoom is pleased offer a 50% discount on your next remittance to the Philippines. For a limited time, you can save money while you send money to the Philippines.

Get 50% Off Your Next Transfer
To get the 50% discount on your next money transfer to the Philippines, please mention coupon code “HALFPH” on the payments page. This offer is valid until November 30, 2010.

Recipe: Texas Margaritas

2010-11-04T11:00:00.000-07:00

6 oz (3/4 c) Frozen Limeade Concentrate
6 oz (3/4 c) Tequila
4 oz (1/2 c) Beer
2 oz (1/4 c) Orange Juice
2 Cups Ice Cubes

Blend all Ingredients in a Blender. Blend until Slushy. Keep in Freezer in a plastic pitcher.

Makes 4 (8oz) Drinks.

Enjoy! :)

Free P&G Samplers!

2010-10-31T14:59:00.000-07:00

I signed up for P&G website a month ago and got alot of free samples. They also give out free coupons you can use. Every week I try to check the website for free stuff!

Click Here!

Xoom Coupon Code

2010-10-30T17:18:00.001-07:00

You can send money from the U.S. to the Philippines using XOOM.com for free!

Just use this coupon code: LIBRE

Recipe: Greek Chicken ala Kabobs

2010-10-29T08:55:00.000-07:00

I made this the first time 2 nights ago and became our favorite easy to make dinner! My husband loved it! :)

Ingredients:

1/2 cup Kraft Greek Vinaigrette Dressing

2 Tbsp. Mayonnaise

1-1/2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 lemon, halved

Directions:

Pound Chicken. Wrap chicken in plastic wrap. Use a rolling pin, or the bottom of a small skillet. Pound until they are as thin as you like.

Mix dressing and mayo; pour over chicken in shallow dish. Stir to evenly coat chicken. Refrigerate 20-45 min. to marinate.

Grill or Bake:

To Grill; Heat grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade; discard marinade. Put Chicken in the grill of 8 to 10 min. or until chicken is done, turning occasionally. Meanwhile, place lemon, cut-sides down, on grill grate next to the chicken; grill until heated through.

To Bake; PreHeat oven to 350 degrees. Remove chicken from marinade; discard marinade. Bake for 25 mins or until chicken is done.

Squeeze lemon juice over chicken just before serving.

Recipe: Lumpia Shanghai

2010-10-25T10:35:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

1 LB. ground pork

1/2 LB ground beef

1/4 Cup Ground Shrimp
1 medium carrot, minced
1 small onion, minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 stalks green onion, chopped

1 stalk Celery, minced
1 egg, beaten

1 Tbsp. Soysauce
salt and pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients in a bowl. I fry a small pattie of the mixture just to test if it needs more salt or pepper. Peel off one spring roll wrapper and cover the rest with a towel to prevent it from drying out. Put one tablespoon or less of the mixture in the middle of the wrapper. Shape it with your spoon so that it resembles a thin cigar. Brush some water on both corners and fold across. Always brush the corner to be folded with water and fold. Try to fold it as tight as possible. Don't forget to seal the edges with water. Fry in medium high heat until golden brown.

You can freeze the lumpia up to 1 month. You don't need to thaw it before cooking. I just cut the lumpia in half and fry it.

Serve with sweet and sour sauce or duck sauce.

Recipe: Marble Brownies

2010-10-25T10:16:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

1 pkg. (19 to 21 oz.) brownie mix (13x9-inch pan size)

1 pkg. (8 oz.) Cream Cheese, softened

1/3 cup sugar

1 egg

1/2 tsp. vanilla

Procedure:

HEAT oven to 350ºF.
PREPARE brownie batter as directed on package; spread into greased 13x9-inch pan.
BEAT cream cheese with mixer until creamy. Add sugar, egg and vanilla; mix well. Drop by tablespoonfuls over brownie batter; swirl with knife.
BAKE 35 to 40 min. or until cream cheese mixture is lightly browned. Cool completely before cutting to serve. Keep refrigerated.

Note

For best results, do not use brownie mix with a syrup pouch.

How to soften Cream Cheese:

Remove aluminum wrapper and place Cream Cheese in a bowl. Microwave for 10 secs.

Missed Call

2010-08-12T21:46:00.000-07:00

My husband is leaving today to go somewhere in Northern AFG... He tried to call me but I didn't hear my phone because I left my cellphone downstairs in the kitchen table. By the time I checked my phone I already missed 2 calls from him and a voicemail. When I listened to it, I felt worried and nervous. This isn't his first time to go elsewhere in AFG but it's the first time I felt this way. I am sad that I will not be able to talk to him on his Birthday on Sunday but what can I do? All I can do is pray, hope and wait. Pray for his safety, Hope he is okay and will be okay and Wait for his return home.

There isn't just enough words to describe how much I miss him. :(

Recipe: Lemon-Garlic Roasted Chicken with Garlic Sauce

2010-08-12T21:14:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

1 Chicken (3 1/2 to 4 pounds)
Salt and black pepper
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
1/2 lemon
4 to 6 cloves garlic, peeled, left whole
5 to 6 sprigs fresh rosemary Garlic Sauce (recipe follows)
Additional rosemary sprigs and lemon wedges for garnish

Directions:

Rinse Chicken; pat dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper, and rub the skin with butter. Place lemons, garlic and rosemary in cavity of chicken. Tuck wings under back and tie legs together with cotton string.

Arrange medium-low charcoal on each side of a rectangular metal or foil drip pan. Pour in hot tap water to fill pan half full. Place chicken, breast side up, on grid, directly above the drip pan. Grill chicken, on a covered grill, about 1 hour until meat thermometer inserted in thigh registers 175 degrees to 180 degrees. For until the joints move easily and juices run clear when chicken is pierced.

While the chicken is cooking, prepare Garlic Sauce. When chicken is done, carefully lift it from the grill to wide shallow bowl so that all the juices from the cavity run into the bowl.

Garlic Sauce:

2 tablespoon olive oil
1 large head or garlic, cloves separated and peeled
2 (1 inch wide) strips lemon peel
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) low salt chicken broth
1/2 cup water
1 sprig each sage and oregano or 2 to 3 sprigs parsley
1/4 cup butter softened

Directions:

Heat oil in a saucepan; add garlic clove and lemon peel; saute over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until garlic juice starts to brown in a few spots. Add broth, water and herbs;

simmer to reduce mixture to blender or food processor; process until smooth. Return garlic puree to the saucepan and whisk in butter over very low heat until smooth. Sauce can be re-warmed.

Finally Carve your chicken; serve with Garlic Sauce and cooking juices. Garnish with additional rosemary sprigs and lemon wedges.

** sorry was not able to take a pic of the chicken after the sauce was mixed with it :)

Places to see in Chicago

2010-08-11T22:40:00.000-07:00

1. The Silver Bean - You got to have a pic taken here if you are visiting Chi-town. Like I told my husband, You ain't been to Chicago if you got no pic with the bean lol


The Bean @ Mellenium Park

2. Old Town - I can imagine myself living here. It's so beautiful to walk around old town during the fall season. The colors of the flowers, trees, houses etc is soo breath taking... words arent enough to describe it..

3. Museum of Trade and Industry - They have planes, submarines, trains, cars etc inside the museum. It will take a whole day to see the entire place.

Inside the Museum of Science of Trade and Industry

4. The Shedd Aquarium - I've been to HongKong's Ocean Park and Manila Ocean Park, and what makes the Shedd Aquarium different is that everything is indoors. They also have an entire floor of Philippine's Marine life section. There's always alot of people wanting to go here so it's best you come early. We had to wait in line for 30 minutes before we can get into the Aquarium.

TO BE CONTINUED...

the story of the Lump on the Roof of my Mouth

2010-08-11T22:22:00.000-07:00

Two months ago while I was vacationing in Pi, I noticed a lump on the roof of my mouth. Right away after noticing it I went to check in mirror by tilting my head so I can see it (trust me it's not as easy as it sounds). What I saw was a lump that wasn't sore and it only showed as something thats protruding on the skin... so yeah it is a lump!... It doesn't hurt when I touch it and it's hard. I told my husband of course and he told me not to worry and it will go away in a few days... But 2 weeks later I still got the lump. So I decided to see a doctor when I got back here in Chicago. I first went to see my Primary Care Manager. He's a family doctor so when he saw the lump he thought it's sort of a cysts. So he referred me to see an ENT doctor. The day before of my appointment, I had all these crazy thoughts running through my head. What if this, what if that... all sorts of crazy scenarios. On the day of my appointment, my mother in law had to drive me to the doctor's office because of my amateur driving skills (if you know me you'll know what I'm talking about) . To make the long story short, after the ENT doctor checked the lump all he said was "You were born this way", with a huge grin on his face. He explained to me that it is indeed a bone like I earlier suspected, and most people do have it and this is called a "Torus". I walked out from the clinic feeling kinda stupid for worrying about it too much.. but at the same time I felt like a huge burden has been lifted off my chest... I couldn't wait to tell my husband the good news!

Back from Hiatus

2010-08-11T22:05:00.000-07:00

I haven't found the urge to write since I got back from my vacation in Pi. So many things has happened since I got back I don't even know where to start... But let me give you some of the highlights in a not-so chronological order... So I was able to finally change my name in my passport to my married name, had myself checked with an ENT doctor, got approved for my ever first US credit card and celebrated my first birthday here in the US...

Here are some pictures taken on my birthday!

Birthday cake with a pic of hubby


Sis in law, I and Cousin in law

Military Wife

2010-08-11T21:53:00.000-07:00

I got this post from my Key Spouse and I thought this would describe exactly what I am going through as a military wife...

What is a military wife?

Each one may look different and each is wonderfully unique,
But this they have in common:

Lots of moving...
Moving...
Moving...
Moving far from home...
Moving sofas to basements because they won't go in THIS house;
Moving curtains that won't fit;
Moving jobs and certifications and professional development hours.
Moving away from friends;
Moving toward new friends;
Moving her most important luggage: her trunk full of memories.

Often waiting...
Waiting...
Waiting...
Waiting for housing.
Waiting for orders.
Waiting for deployments.
Waiting for phone calls.
Waiting for reunions.
Waiting for the new curtains to arrive.
Waiting for him to come home,
For dinner...AGAIN!

They call her 'Military Dependent', but she knows better:
She is fiercely In-Dependent.

She can balance a check book;
Handle the yard work;
Fix a noisy toilet;
Bury the family pet...

She is intimately familiar with drywall anchors and toggle bolts.
She can file the taxes;
Sell a house;
Buy a car;
Or set up a move...
...all with ONE Power of Attorney.(Sometimes even without one!)

She welcomes neighbors that don't welcome her.
She reinvents her career with every PCS;
Locates a house in the desert,
The Arctic,
Or the deep south.
And learns to call them all 'home'.
She MAKES them all home.

Military Wives are somewhat hasty...
They leap into:
Decorating,
Leadership,
Volunteering,
Career alternatives,
Churches,
And friendships.
They don't have 15 years to get to know people.
Their roots are short but flexible.
They plant annuals for themselves and perennials for those who come after them.

Military Wives quickly learn to value each other:
They connect over coffee,
Rely on the spouse network,
Accept offers of friendship and favors.
Record addresses in pencil...

Military Wives have a common bond:
The Military Wife has a husband unlike other husbands; his commitment is unique.
He doesn't have a 'JOB'
He has a 'MISSION' that he can't just decide to quit...
He's on-call for his country 24/7.
But for her, he's the most unreliable guy in town!
His language is foreign
TDY
PCS
OPR
ACC
BDU
TAD
And so, a Military Wife is a translator for her family and his.
She is the long- distance link to keep them informed; the glue that holds them together.

A Military Wife has her moments:
She wants to wring his neck;
Dye his uniform pink;
Refuse to move to Siberia;
But she pulls herself together.
Give her a few days,
A travel brochure,
A long hot bath,
A pledge to the flag,
A wedding picture,
And she goes.
She packs.
She moves.
She follows.

Why?
What for?
How come?
You may think it is because she has lost her mind.
But actually it is because she has lost her heart .
It was stolen from her by a man,
Who puts duty first,
Who longs to deploy,
Who salutes the flag,
And whose boots in the doorway remind her that as long as he is her Military Husband,
She will remain his military wife.

*** Sigh I miss my husband...

I Refuse to Change

2010-05-20T05:02:00.000-07:00

I refuse to change just because I am different.
I'd rather be different than be like everyone else just to be liked or accepted.
It doesn't matter where I am or I will be.
I refuse to be dictated who I should be.

I refuse to listen to what everyone is saying.
I have a mind of my own.
They can call me ignorant, stupid or naive.
But I don't care.
I know myself.

I refuse to compromise my beliefs.
It doesn't mean everyone is doing it, it is the right thing.
I am not saying I am better than everyone else.
But I am who I am.

Vaca Time

2010-05-14T01:40:00.000-07:00

I am currently on hiatus from blogging, baking and being active in the cyberworld. I have limited access to the internet being here in the 3rd world. I will be back in the States on July 13th. See ya then!

Recipe: Macaroni and Cheese

2010-04-25T12:47:00.000-07:00

Makes 6 to 8 servings

Prep time: 10-15 minutes

cook time: 2-3 Hours (High)

6 Cups cooked Macaroni
2 tbsp Butter
4 cups Evaporated Milk
6 cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded
2 Tsp. salt
1/2 Tsp. Pepper

In Large mixing bowl, toss macaroni with butter. Stir in evaporated milk, cheese, salt and pepper; place in the crock-pot slow cooker. Cover; cook on High for 2-3 hours.

Variations: You can put in some peas, browned grouned beef or chopped onions

Recipe: Chicken Paprikash

2010-04-25T10:51:00.000-07:00

Makes 4 to 6 servings

1 Whole fryer chicken, about 3 lbs cut into 8 pieces
1 clove garlic, crushed
2 Large yellow onions, thinly sliced
2 Tbsp. sweet Hungarian paprika
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup sour cream
dash of garlic powder

In the Crock-Pot cooker, combine the chicken, garlic, onions, paprika, salt and chicken broth. Cover; Cook on low to 6-8hours (or High 3-4hours). Remove the chicken and set aside, covering to keep warm.

Skim off any fat from the liquid remaining. Add the sour cream to the remaining juices in the stoneware, whisking to combine. Turn to High and heat until the sauce is warmed throughout, about 10 minutes. Pour the sauce over the chicken before serving.

Recipe: Fish Tacos

2010-04-24T10:31:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago my sister in law wanted my mother in law to make some fish tacos for her bf Nick. I decided to ask my Mother in law for the recipe after trying it because I know my husband is crazy about Fish Tacos. So here's some pictures and the recipe for the ones that my mother in law made.

Fish: You can use either Mahi-Mahi or Tilapia

Rub: (For Fish)
1 Tbsp. paprika
1 Tbsp. ground cumin
1 Tbsp. garlic powder
1 Tbsp. onion powder
1 Tbsp. kosher salt
1/4 Tbsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 Tbsp. cayenne pepper (my mother in law used only 3/4 because I'm not too crazy about spicy foods)
1/4 Tbsp. red pepper flakes
1/2 Tbsp. ground black pepper

Combine All of the dry ingredients for the rub and mix well. Set aside. Brush the soy sauce over the flesh side of the fillet. Let set in the refrigerator for 1 hour. Remove from refrigerator and brush with the oil. Sprinkle with desired amount of dry rub. Let stand for 15 minutes before grilling.

1/2 cup soy sauce
2 pouds Fillet Mahi-Mahi with skin (**My mother in law used around 16 Tilapia fillets and this rub is good for 16-25 fillets.)
1/4 cup peanut oil
Mini taco shells (we got the soft corn tortillas)

Pureed Tomato Salsa: (For Tacos)

2 Tbsp. peanut oil
1 medium sweet onion
4 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
4 large ripe tomatoes, chopped
1 jalapeno, sliced (take out the seeds)
1 Tbsp. chipotle hot sauce
1 Tbsp. Mexican oregano
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Salt and pepper

Preheat grill or use side burners of the grill. Heat oil in medium saucepan, add onions and garlic and cook until soft. Add tomatoes, serrano and jalapeno and cook until tomatoes are soft, about 15-20 minutes. Puree the mixture with hand-held immersion blender u til smooth and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes. Add the hot sauce, oregano, cilatro and lime juic e and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cook the fillet with the flesh side facing the heat source. Cook until fork tender or 8-10 mins or until just opaque. Cooking time will depend on how hot the heat source is. Let stand for about 5 minutes after removing the heat. Flake the fish with a fork into a taco shell and top with Pico de Gallo. Add cilatro for garnish.