Mis historias coinciden mixtos

1 Year Mark Alive and Kicking..

2012-08-12T18:03:00.001-07:00

Soo it's my first year mark of my life's journey thousands miles away from home and I'm telling you the transition was tough, well it still is. I would not gone through those bumpy times without the all out support of my amazing husband! I encountered ups and downs along the way. Felt alone at times, longed for my family and friends (I always do); the silly jokes we shared, the food trips, the getaways and so on. Those were the days I would never forget and carry the memoirs with me regardless where I am at. The culture differences is another thing I endured. Example is just minor hehe - I am used to Chikachika (I know chikaminute is not good but darn I admit I miss chismiss hahaha!) with neighbors, but here you know everybody is busy, Jeeezz I don't even know my neighbor's name! Don't get me wrong Americans are friendly it's just they don't have time for it. The motto "Time is Gold" definitely applies here :D. One more thing is the common problem to almost new comers here nosebleed thing attacks at times hahaha! (actually it's kind of fun, make me laugh whenever I recalled instances happened to me)! Mine is manageable though hehehe! :P

A lot of good things happen also in between. I learnt so much more about life, how to dealt with it and snapped out of those not so good days. Also, living here made me realize that those things I kinda avoid doing before like cooking, decorating, cleaning and the like are actually fun to do (or shall I say I just don't have a choice lol!). Not to mention my Job tends to be demanding at times. In fact, most of the times after office I woulda rushed home just so I could ready our dinner before my husband arrives. It's not because my husband is demanding (he totally isn't :D) rather, I just wanted to spend our time more efficiently, that way we will still have time to relax a bit and have a refreshing walk at night before sleep. Oh yeah, feels like there's no enough time for everything when your busy but I gotta do what I needed to do. Yet, I still managed to find time and balance it out, such a satisfying feeling.

I should say, I am happy where I'm at and what I have right now. Again, being far from family isn't easy and I still am adjusting up to this point and somehow I am able to manage the situation just fine. Hmmm well, I believe that's the beauty of life...you'll never know your capabilities when you're not pushed to your limit. Plus, I always believe life is a wonderful thing to enjoy, seize the moment and live one day at time. ;) So everybody let's all enjoy life! :)

♥M

Home Alone....

2012-05-08T19:16:00.000-07:00

Hubby is on a 3day business trip in Orlando, Florida and this is my second night to sleep alone. Yes, ever since I never slept alone. Well, I never had to because I have a friend, a sister or a cousin just a call or sms away and they come to the rescue. I dunno what's in me (I know I'm weird!), why couldn't I stop thinking scary thoughts even if I knew that our place is safe, I locked the door and windows. (Hmm should I blame those scary movies?! Nah, I love scary movies infact.)Still, it can't stop me from worrying way too much. Obviously, I'm one hell of a coward when it comes to being home alone at night. But....this time I got no choice, I can't go together with hubby because of my work nor can I stay with Grandparents for same reason and so last night I broke my own record (yehey! hahaha) and guess what, I had literally an on and off sleep, was it every an hour, maybe every 30 minutes or even shorter interval. I'm not sure, all I remember It was one of my longest night. Thanks goodness I'm always busy at work thus my sleepyhead can't kick in ;).

On the lighter note, loving Grandma called me at night to check if everything is okie, and it sure does cheered me up somehow. Of course my husband and I talked also and it felt like when I was still in Pinas :P just no phone bills hehe!

Alright enough with my ranting lol, just writing some random thoughts before I head to bed soon but I know tonight I will have a better sleep ;) Goodnight! #positivevibes!

❤M

First job here in the US...

2012-04-20T17:14:00.000-07:00

Time flies! I have been so busy these days with my work for more than a month. Yeah, I got lucky or shall I say my two months of mad job searching paid off. Thanks God, I was given an opportunity to work as an office/administrative assistant in a Property Management business here in New Jersey. Actually, my job is kind of related to my previous work experience in the Philippines but even though, I still need to adjust a lot from the culture and work environment, I need to put extra effort to be a better fit. Oh one more thing the bus commute (tiring yet exciting not to mention saving :p)! I don't drive yet (currently have my learner's permit) and my husband's work is on the opposite direction. Needless to say I need to take the bus. I was nervous and a bit shy on my first ride adventure. I don't have so much confidence talking to other passengers nor to the driver and ask about my bus stop instead I used my phone GPS/Map the entire ride to know my destination and it worked just fine. The second day of course was a lot better, I needed not to use my Phone GPS at this time and just pay attention to bus voice direction guidance.

From the day I started working, my daily routine has changed significantly. I barely have time to spend with my laptop and talk to my friends. Early in the morning, my alarm clock is my friend, it reminds me to rise up and shine no matter how sleepyhead I am coz I shoulda leave the house at 7am and catch the bus. After a busy day at work, when I arrived home "ako'y isang ulirang maybahay" :P I prep foods for our dinner, well my husband sometimes does, whoever comes first starts cooking ;).

Now here comes the weekend, Yay! the days that I love and long for always. It's the time I recharge my exhausted mind and body, and be a baby to my husband :D.....At the end of day, I'm grateful and couldn't ask for more. I don't have right nor reasons to complain because I believe, if you do...there's always down there 6 feet below the ground who would love to swap anytime lol! hahaha! so better yet be happy and spread positive vibes!

Happy Weekend!

♥ M

Green Card on Hand!

2012-02-17T14:16:00.000-08:00

I can now visit Pinas and Re-enter U.S without hassle

Yay! Finally my Conditional Green Card/Permanent Resident Card was approved without interview and it has arrived yesterday! My hubby tried to surprise me by hiding the mail from his back not knowing I saw him from the door's peephole lol! Ended up laughing with each other. So happy and such a relief. All of those paper works paid off but.... it doesn't end there. Need to start consolidating evidences for a bonafide marriage in preparation for the ROC then last step is the Naturalization/Citizenship. Go lang ng Go! hehehe!

♥M

Merry Christmas ♥

2011-12-22T13:45:00.000-08:00

Sooo it's Christmas time and the more I miss Philippines badly. I miss how Pinoys celebrate the Christmas. Visiting relatives' and friends' house then makikitikim ng salad and mamamasko. There are others who may be hiding from their godchildren though lol! Also, the energy of he partey! parteey! is superb! Oh speaking of which, I love the facebook photos of my friends having fun here and there. I can't do nothing but to wish I'm also there rocking the table and having kampay with them hahaha! I still vividly remember those days having a blast and the best part is being with my family on Christmas eve staying awake 'till morning. Sharing the must have pancit and biko, drinking wine, plus a mighty tuba as a reserve hahahaha! Was the best! Ahhh it will never be the same celebrating Christmas away from home but it doesn't mean it will make me less happy celebrating Christmas with my husband here in the US. What matters most is that the true meaning of this holiday is in our heart!

To my family I wish nothing but the best for you guys! May His love fill your heart with Joy and Peace this Christmas and each day of the year to come. I ♥ you guys!

To my friends may all of you have an awesome holiday!

Lastly I pray for the people of Iligan and CDO that may this Christmas be the new beginning of a beautiful tomorrow for everyone!

To all Feliz Navidad!!!

♥M

Weekdays' Marathon

2011-11-04T15:43:00.000-07:00

countin the days ;)

Days gone by pretty fast, I barely notice it's TGIF again. I was hooked watching Nikita Season 1 TV show streaming in Netflix (nice chemistry of Maggie Q & Shane West). Obviously, it temporarily occupied my days enough. Thanks goodness done with the 22 episodes during weekdays,(I want my weekend unoccupied with such you know... :p).Well here's why... while there's no much difference actually between weekdays and weekends. It's just the latter gives me and hubby enough bonding time together and it's enough reason to excite me to look forward to it always without any other interruptions.

On the other hand, just to give some update about my Biometrics appointment, it was a breeze.Was a short drive from our place and fortunately, there was no line when we arrived there, so it just took me 5 to 10 minutes for fingers scanning and photograph. Staffs at USCIS local office in Hackensack NJ were all nice. In fact the guard and hubby had a good short talk while I was getting my stuff done. Nice huh I really feel that am getting close having my Employment Authorization and Green Card on hand. For the meantime just wanna seize the moment of not having an alarm clock every morning.

On the same day (Wed 11/3) we went more shopping for winter clothes at Macy's which by the way we really had a good dealtat as always. Thanks to Macy's Coupons for their members. And oh I love going to shop on weekdays while people are busy in their office working. It sure is an advantage for a smoother transaction such as no lines in the fitting room nor when checking out. Thus it saves our time. So after shopping we headed at Grandma's place right on time for delicious dinner. Loved it!

♥M

Yay! Just like back in Pinas

2011-10-29T11:20:00.000-07:00

Centura tuna and Nova = tasty snack!

I have been missing one of my favorite canned tuna from Philippines... well not anymore. Thanks Mr. Google who led me to Phil-Am store website. This store caters almost all Filipino goods which is great! So without having a second thought, we placed our order online last Thursday night and received the goods today (Saturday) lunchtime.Yay! Nice service for me, the $12 shipping fee is worth it.

Thanks goodness my hubby likes Century Tuna also! Will definitely purchase again ;). Happy to discover this Filipino store it helped me feel not far from my homeland. To all Pinoys out there check their website out, they got varieties of Filipino Goodies just like SM Hypermarket.

p.s it's snowing right now while im writing this ♥ it!

Edit: We received a thank you gift from Phil-am store after posting the package delivery picture linked to this blog in their fan page wall. So nice of them sending us 9 different tuna flavors :D. Much appreciated. Thank you guys!

♥M

My First Credit/Debit Card...in US

2011-10-24T08:46:00.000-07:00

I personally preferred MasterCard ;)

Here in the United States, establishing a good credit is highly important. In the future whenever you plan to purchase a car, house etc. the company will run through your credit record first to verify if you're a good payer before you hear any approval from them. Fortunately, it is not that terribly difficult to build a good one. One of the easiest way I know is by obtaining a secured credit card or riding on your husband's (being added as authorized user) and that's what we did.

Few days ago I got my first Debit/Credit card issued under my married name. I still am not used to seeing my new official name in my ID/Card though haha! Way to go for online shopping? Oppss! Certainly not unless otherwise with hubby's go signal. I'm not earning my own money yet. Hence, restrictions applied which I happily agreed with.

Actually sometimes I'm an impulsive buyer but it rarely happens, only if when a certain item really drove me crazy to the point that I know what will happen if am not gonna go for it - will result to a sleepless night! Other than that, I consider myself as a responsible spender. I would always do the math before swiping my card way back in Pinas and will absolutely do the same thing here. Well, neither among responsible spenders wanna bite more than they can chew thats for sure.

♥M

Getting NJ State ID

2011-10-15T19:56:00.000-07:00

Guess what?..I got my first ever United States government ID. I know there's no big deal..well actually it is for me! It unlocks lots of business transactions, example is when opening a bank account (some banks are too picky, if you're a new immigrant, they would ask for a State ID aside from Passport and SSN card). So, here's the lil drama that we went through over the process...

Last Saturday, Hubby and I tried to get me a State ID but unfortunately it was unsuccessful due to some lame reasons that the lady from State of New Jersey MVC told us. Despite of presented to her my Passport with attached valid I-94, K-1 Visa, SSN card, Married Cert., first class mail from USCIS and a bill that's under my name, she was not satisfied still. Instead she told me afterwards that I need to get my Biometrics with USCIS done first then come back later. Hmm I guess this is more likely to happen to new Immigrants with pending Adjustment of Status for Permanent Residency. We told her that our case is in process already but she wouldn't want to consider it. Apparently, we don't have much choice that time but to leave the office. We don't wanna discuss more that time because we forgot to print what's stated in their website about the requirements (which I supposed they should know) though I vividly remember I have met their 6 pt. ID Verification when I took it online. Ugghh! if only I wasn't too confident that these people who work for NJ MVC knew what they're doing, I should have brought the validation note from their website. My bad, well lesson learnt. Never assumed!

Anyhow, what happened didn't stop our plan to come back this morning...we arrived around 9am and there was a short line outside the office already. I really don't mind falling in line, I kind of used to it in Pinas so while others' started to get annoyed I enjoyed the cold breeze :P. Few minutes later we're inside. We presented same documents we had last Saturday to a black lady and as expected confusion drew to her face while reviewing my requirements. At this time we shown her the printed confirmation from their website but oh boy she still wouldn't want to trust it. Geeezz what's up with that? She let us seated while she go spoke to her supervisor for like 20-30 minutes. It made me think is my case that rare or it's them who's not doin their assignment? Maybe it's in that branch only. Whatever it is, we were hoping for a positive outcome. Oh Speaking of positivity her she is walking slowly as if nobody is waiting, but at least we're right she told us we are good to go for the next step. Alright, so we proceeded to another counter for photograph and thanks goodness this time the lady did her job swiftly.

After the not so smooth transaction we had, nonetheless we leave the MVC office happy especially me having my NJ State ID on hand :D. Then, we went to Asian Grill to have our lunch with hubby's best friend, enjoyed their delicious foods as usual and afterwards we went to Starbucks and enjoyed our Frappe ;)! Ended great! yeah!

To those with pending case AOS status and want to get a State ID, I wish you guys to have a pleasant experience at your State's Motor Vehicle Commission.

♥M

Biometrics Appointment

2011-10-12T15:44:00.000-07:00

Had a good news yesterday, I got my Biometrics notice from USCIS for November 2 appointment (roughly a month after their acceptance date) at their local office in Hackensack NJ and guess what?..its pretty close to our place so it's a bonus! lol ;). I was worried the last few days coz every time I checked my case status in the USCIS website it prompted a "case not found" message, ugghh the website is unreliable. I'm guessing it under maintenance. I would no longer rely on the website itself henceforth to save myself from any anxious feeling that would haunt me, especially after reading in some forum about case that got lost and was just back on track after week-months more of waiting game. I thought it's better to call 'em. Well now it's exciting for me knowing that my AOS and EAD application is on track. So am feeling lucky that my case is moving and I'm hoping for a smooth journey likewise to other AOS Filers.

♥M

Busybusyhan...routine

2011-10-03T14:27:00.000-07:00

Ayos for me!!!

I often encounter questions from friends if what I'm up to these days especially when home alone...and here it is........

Due to my overflowing free time (which I need to enjoy and take advantage of for the meantime while I am not working yet), I thought of writing on what's going on me here in the U.S. when my hubby is at work (for my funny note to look back in the future na rin). Soo where would I start?....Hmm I should say in my two months of existence here in NJ, the ~~major, major~~ things I do were all for a lazy mee..LOL! Seriously, I usually got up a bit late in the morning, but of course when my husband leaves for work I am literally awake to say bye bye plus a hug and a kiss then I rest some more hehe! Mike usually grab just a tea for breakfast which by the way I do the same thing so no cooking for us mostly on weekday mornings (but would be working on cooking the Mayo way soon..). I know what you're thinking fellas, by now I should be cooking already but as I said I'm workin on it already, in fact I'm cooking my own lunch and it's pretty much tasty for me. Anyway in the morning, there are things that make my butt moving and do some exercise such as the XBOX 360 and Ab-coaster, the latter gave me muscles pain on my first day though. I know it's a good sign coz meaning to say my body is responding to the exercise. Apparently, including these things in my routine help me not gain nor feel weak. Oh before I forgot, I also have this one good exercise, cleaning the house (I call it IndayMode hehe). So there, my morning done swiftly and now here comes my noon time....I watch movies on Netflix, browsing some job sites for future reference, talk to my Fb friends and family back in Pinas hmm sounds busy huh! By the way in between of those mentioned activities hubby and I chat also just to update and say we l♥ve and missed each other already aww sweet :P. Before we knew it, our day is over and while Mike is on his way home I get ready the raw foods and we cook it together (more his way though) ahhh it's absolutely fun!

So far this is my weekdays' routine, pretty simple but I consider it busy as in ~~busybusyhan~~ lol! Maybe kind of boring to others but I don't give it a damn in fact I feel pretty darn good finding ways not to feel the homesick thing and I somehow managed it the way I want it! Plus I tried to blog even if I'm not a pro. Isn't it good yea?

Alright! have a good routine folks!

p.s my weekend is a different story :P often it's incredibly awesome....well for me! ;)

♥M

Adjustment of Status sent

2011-09-27T16:47:00.000-07:00

Picture of our packet :)

Yay! Finally, my AOS (Adjustment of Status) paperwork done and sent to USCIS Chicago Lock box. It took us 6 weeks from the date of my arrival to submit my stuff. Whew! Entering here in the United States as a K1 Visa holder is definitely no joke. Tons of paper loads awaits once you got here, not to mention from the day back in Philippines for the U.S. Embassy interview. Still, in spite of all those argument and annoyance while doing it, I feel so grateful seeing my hubby helping me keenly.

Anyway, here are the documents that I included in my AOS packet just in case somebody who is in need pass by in my page, I could at least give him/her an idea.

Payment in the amount of $1,070.00 payable to U.S Department of Homeland and Security (personal cheque)
G-1145 - Form for E-notification of Application/Petition Acceptance (optional)
2 US passport size photos
I-485 - Application - Application to Register Permanent Residences or Adjust Status, signed and dated
G-325A - Biographical information form
Certified true copy of Marriage Certificate
Photocopy of passport biographical page
Photocopy of K1 visa in passport
Photocopy of USA entry stamp
Copy of I-94
Copy of I-797 - Notice of Action, Approval of K1 petition
Copy of NSO Birth Certificate (Baptismal - optional, I just included mine just in case coz my BC is blurry)
Sealed I693 - from Civil Surgeon
I-864 - with 3 years IRS Tax Transcripts, Employment Letter, 6 months pay stubs (My husband's)

Documents I submitted for Employment Authorization Application:

G-1145 - Form for E-notification of Application/Petition Acceptance (optional)
2 US passport size photos
I-765 –Application for Employment Authorization
Copy of Marriage Certificate
Photocopy of passport biographical page
Photocopy of passport visa
Copy of I-94

Forms are available in USCIS Website

Send the packet to : USCIS P.O. Box 805887, Chicago IL 60680-4120 for U.S. Postal Service (USPS) deliveries
USCIS Attn: FBAS 131 South Dearborn-3rd Floor Chicago,Il 606003 for express & courier deliveries

So that's it guys! I hope and pray that our AOS application will be a smooth and RFE free.
Good luck to those who are in process also!

♥M

Beautiful life...

2011-09-25T19:58:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love this song, one of my all time favorite ♥. It made me smile every time I hear this. It expresses my million thoughts about how thankful I am for all the countless blessings that I have received. For having my nice friends, family and my husband who never fails to amaze me in his simple ways. LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL!

So people smile for God has nothing but the best for everyone.

♥.M

Resume-The American way?

2011-09-22T14:40:00.000-07:00

Good book and helpful specially to first timer here like me :)

So I started workin' on my resume slowly (in preparation for a mad job searching once I get my Employment Authorization) - the American way, yes there's quite difference compare to what I'm used to way back in Pinas. For example, here it's not necessary to attached photo on resume, putting basic personal infos like marital status, age, height etc. rather it is a straight forward type focusing on your skill, qualifications and experience. I have had heads up regarding on this already though, since my Hubby shown his before. Still it's a bit odd to me. I kept bugging my husband to fix my resume for me but he would just say it's too early for me to worry about it and that He is not pressuring me to find one. He just assured me ones AOS (Adjustment of Status) paper works done we will work on my CV. I would just agree but in my mind I always have ideas and want to start fixing it step by step now. While I am laying on bed, I saw one of his books titled " Resumes to get you Hired by: Jack McCarthy" I'm like great! I can now start doing it myself. Right then and there I grabbed the book, opened my laptop and start editing my resume. Good thing about this book aside from the great advices and tips of the author is that, it also has over 350 sample resumes on different fields. So, I just actually need to pattern it on specific position I am applying for. By now, I am half way through and I'm happy how it look thus far. Of course I would still show it to hubby for final touches ones done. I'm just hoping and praying it wouldn't be that long to find job and that the luck will be with me. Yea! Positive vibes!

♥M

Weekend Shopping

2011-09-19T15:15:00.000-07:00

Hot leather gloves. Perfect for Winter ;)

I had a nice time last weekend, hubby and I went to Macy's, Palisades Mall NY to complete my winter gears. We bought few winter jackets from North Face and Michael Kors. I'm glad they both have my size XS/P. I actually was worried about the availability of my size (I'm petite, my friends used to tease me to go shoppin' at children's section lol!). Anyway, as we continue shopping, a middle aged woman cashier approached us and suggested their best buys. Hmm the way she talked I could tell she is a Filipina plus her features. I just withheld myself asking her coz I'm a bit shy. So what happened, she introduced herself to us and I was right she's from Cebu City (I guessed the feeling is mutual, she knew it Pinay din ako hehe). Cool, we did some chitchats while hubby is looking for a good scarf (yeah hubby played a mother role to me also lol! But i thought it's sweet.) She invited us to attend an event/Filipino gathering this coming Saturday, 9/24 at Spring Valley. It excites me thinking that I would be meeting more Filipinos on that gathering, would be a good start to make new friends and start networking. Everything seems perfect except for it's Dad's (Mike's Dad) Bday celebration so I feel bad I would be missing such opportunity. Oh well, I'm still happy I met Tita Fe,(that's her name) we exchanged nos. and for sure there would be more Fil. Gathering on the list!

♥M

Filing SSN

2011-09-16T13:58:00.000-07:00

Few days ago, Me and hubby went to Cliffton SSA office to get my SSN. There were few people on the waiting area but most of them are for benefit claim. I filled up the form and after like 5 mins. my no. was called. We were assited by a nice american-indian guy. He took my Passport and checked my attached I-94, Marriage Cert. He typed my info in his computer and after couple of mins He asked me to double check the infos and that's it we're done! He gave me a letter stating that within 2 weeks my SSN card will be mailed to our address. To my surprise I got my mailed SSN card already just today (took only 4 days)! Yay!Thanks God! We're almost there - submitting the AOS.

So the requirements are (for K1 Visa Holder) :
Passport
Valid I-94
Marriage Certificate (if Married already); A K-1 visa holder may also apply for SSN prior their wedding day and go back to the SSA once married already to update her name.

Social Security Office Locator

♥M

NJ Civil Surgeon

2011-09-16T13:17:00.000-07:00

On the day after our wedding, Me and hubby went to see a Civil Surgeon for my medical requirement/ I-693 completion. We found one nearby our place and there we met Dr. Jaroslaw Pondo, MD of Rutherford, NJ. He did asked me few questions about my medical history. By the way, i brought with me the CD X-Ray and vaccines records, the ones that is given to me by St. Luke's Med as my personal copy. Dr. Pondo reviewed my records and told us that all vaccines were met but I still need to do CBD test since I don't remember if I have done it before. He also extracted blood sample for some additional testing (forgot whats the term). It was done quick. On Wednesday Sept. 14, we went back to the office to get the result and thanks God was negative and there's no need for me to undergo X-Ray because the bumps of CBD test is 4mm (law requires to undergo an X-Ray 5mm and up)We paid $175 total. Yay! we got our sealed I-693 already. Over all it was a nice experience and we're happy we met a nice Civil Surgeon, to those who are interested and in need here's his ofc contact # (201) 896-0050 .

Civil Surgeon Locator near you

♥M

Bye Bye Single Life

2011-09-16T12:39:00.000-07:00

So finally, I am officially Mrs. Benis now. I arrived here in the USA last Aug 11, 2011 on a K-1 Visa. We got married on Sept 11, 2011 at 2pm (exactly 1 month from the date of my arrival). I know, I know 9/11 is one of the worst tragedies in history. Well, for me great things happen on that date and one of those is my wedding. It is the most special day of my life filled with love and fulfilment, that finally I am legally married to my one and only man of my life. Hmmm plus a bonus, right after the ceremony we got our Marriage Certificate on hand.Great! we need not to wait it be mailed to us. Now, I am living happily together with my husband. Praying to Almighty God to blessed and guide our new journey together. Life is awesome!

Taken at Chestnutridge NY M♥M

Weather weather lang yan

2011-09-15T14:05:00.000-07:00

I'm excited to experience the different weather conditions here in the United States. It was summer when I arrived here, mid August. Days gone fast and I am looking forward to see trees transformed its color from green to red and brown as fall season comes in a couple or a week from now. In fact, I can feel the cold breeze already. I dunno how would I feel when Winter comes though, aside from feelin' cold. Ha ha! But I don't worry, I think it would be nice as long as I am completely geared up with nice warm clothes and boots. So, Winter please be gentle and don't worry we will take lots of picture together. He he!

nice color isn't it? :)

upon staring in this pic i feel cold lol!

♥M

PNOY's (SONA)State of the Nation Address 2011

2011-07-25T05:37:00.000-07:00

I watched PNOY SONA via live streaming of ANC today 4pm. I am the type of person that interests in economy and politics lots especially when it comes to our beloved country Philippines. I was impressed how Pres. Noynoy delivered his speech, He has so much more confidence and authority when speaking publicly, compared to a year ago. He showed confidence in every words he spoken and the choice of words He used are quite simple, hence, for this reason I shall have to say that every Juan could perfectly understand without doubting what PNOY is referring to. Thus, it makes Him a good public speaker plus He has not have any paper in hand to look at during his one hour SONA. Seriously, I don't see any reason why would a Phil. SONA be in English where in fact it's not our National Language. For me, the simpler, the better. Well it's not the only reason why I like His speech. I like it because it's substantial, I like the plans I hear about corruption, education, transport, and environment. Also, knowing that we had 4 upgrades from the World credit Company is a big factor. These are only few of good things He accomplished for a year.

I know In spite of all the positive outcome of PNOY's first year in service, there would always be lots of Criticisms. In this SONA proves the saying " Damned if you do and damned if you don't" well this applies to everybody regardless who you are in the society. I just wish there would be miracle for all the Crocs in the Government to grow their conscience magically, for sure our country will rise faster.

I hope and pray that every Filipino will cooperate rather than keep complaining and blaming anybody for in the end it still us the Filipino Citizens who will reap what we sow. We need to unify not to divide! Godbless Pilipinas and it's people!

♥M

I ♥ this day (July 19, 2011)

2011-07-19T00:28:00.000-07:00

Finally, the most awaited part of my phase for our US K1 Visa is done!
I should say that all the worries and too much nervousness is useless!LOL. It was pretty much easy just double check all your DOCUMENTS and organized it well to avoid delays.

I arrived at US Embassy Manila extra early, but it really doesn't matter what time you'll arrived there as long as it's before your appointment because the guard will call the applicant by batch based on the appointment time.

6:00am: Got inside the USEm
7:30: Did finger scanning (asked name and birthday)
8:30: Pre screener Interview and asked the ff. questions:
What's your name?
Petitioner's name?
When and where did you meet?
When did you meet in person?
When was the last time you see him?
How many times he visited you?
Does he own a house?
How old is he?
What's his work?
She took my NBI, CENOMAR, BIRTH CERT., I-134 together with Employer's Letter, Bank Statement, W2's and ITR for 2009 & 2010.

Waiting time again and finally at 9am my # flashed on the screen yay! I smiled and greeted her.I was assigned to window 61 with a middle aged with curly hair american consul. She was nice, she asked me the ff. questions:

Hello, how are you?
Asked me to raise my right hand and swore.
What's your name?
petitioner's name?
What's his work?
Has he been married before? kids? (she asked me same questions)
Which state he lives in?
Do you plan to work?
Wedding plans?
Do you have pics together, can you show me one?
She paused and typed then she said, WELCOME TO AMERICA and goodluck! you promise to marry your fiance within 90 days okie? Go back to your seat and wait for your name be called for Visa delivery details! yesss!

Very easy and quick interview! Thanks God Almighty!

Goodluck to those who will have their interview!

♥M

Bonding moment

2011-07-04T21:59:00.000-07:00

I had a good time with my bezy and new girlfriends the other day. We watched transformers: Dark of the Moon and I should say it was awesome! It's special effects — and 3D shots — are undeniably impressive! For me it's worth the pay plus Shia LaBeouf is charming. We liked the movie and it was such a nice bonding moment with my friends too.

♥M

Avoiding & Controlling Negative Emotions

2011-07-01T02:32:00.000-07:00

Some of my ways in controlling towards negative emotions particularly when you're annoyed.

Ignore the person as if S/he doesn't exists lol. If s/he is talking in front of you make an excuse like : you need to you go to washroom, you need to make a call urgent, you need to go while no heavy traffic yet etc. etc.

Drink a glass of water, this may help you cool down.

Do funny thoughts (this really helps for me haha!)

Think positive, no matter what, s/he will stop talking when get tired.

Don't argue, this will make the conversation long. Let him/her do the talking just smile if you still can mange, if can't show a tired facial expression.

Lastly, inhale and exhale and say a little prayer to brighten up of you mind.

Try it and feel the difference.

Welcome July!

2011-06-30T20:19:00.000-07:00

Months gone fast and before I knew it its Christmas already (hahaha darn I'm too excited to celebrate white Christmas!). Anyway, I am personally welcoming July whole heartedly for this month is extra special to me. I know this gonna be wonderful month and am gonna have a blast! This is just the beginning of a beautiful future that awaits me - New journey with the man of my dreams. Everyday is a blessing. Life indeed is gift and is full of wonderful surprises!
I wished everybody a wonderful July! Smile people!

Countdown

2011-06-30T02:33:00.000-07:00

Dang! I want to pull dates and jump on the 19th of July. It's gonna be an answered prayer! I know all will be fine by God's grace. I'm patiently waiting until im with my Loveboss. I'm so thankful its nearing. Docs prepared, we also doing mock interview with my love and I pray for a smooth interview. It feels so right imagining things i dreamed of turning to reality.
God is awesome so as my loveboss :)