A WALK TO REMEMBER

Chilling winds and the snow

noreply@blogger.com (maritz) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:22:00 +0000

The freezing cold temperature .. these are just some of the challenges during winter season as expressed by my friend today. She lives in the Vancouver Canada and it's her first winter experience. Instead of being excited, she was disappointed with the harsh environment brought by the season. She's thankful with the new raypak heaters her fiancee bought. It really helped her adjust to the freezing temperature. As she was expressing her experience, I can not helped but imagine myself in her situation. I guess I couldn't survive being in Canada at freezing point. How about you?

Skywatch Friday : Somewhere over the rainbow

noreply@blogger.com (maritz) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:15:00 +0000

A great reminder that after the storm... there's a rainbow.

Vintage Sound Effect

noreply@blogger.com (maritz) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:04:00 +0000

My daughter and I spent a day with each other over the weekend—we did our nails, our hair and talked for hours about random things concerning school and church. While our men (or should I say boys) spent the day singing and drooling over the vintage sound effects of the carl martin surf trem . They have many things in common—their sense of humor, purpose of serving God and their passion for music. It was really nice when we got together at the end of the day and did nothing for a change. The past weeks have been pretty hectic so I was really happy to have escaped that, even for just a while.

N Hotel

noreply@blogger.com (maritz) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:14:00 +0000

The N Hotel Swimming Pool. The venue of the debut of the daughter of my friend.

My entry for Watery Wednesday

Our Internet Cafe

noreply@blogger.com (maritz) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:08:00 +0000

I was watching the news the other day and saw that Kodak had declared Bankruptcy. I was shocked, a company as big as Kodak? But I realized later on that it would’ve come sooner later anyway, due to the recent advancements of this age. We just don’t print pictures anymore. But the report brought back memories of our internet café that we had to get assumed because it had a huge overhead and our trusted personnel wasn’t as trusted as we initially thought. I can’t help but think, what if we’d declared bankruptcy at that time? What if we could’ve done something other than get it assumed?

What a help Bankruptcy Lawyers would have been at that time! Even in the U.S, arizona bankruptcy attorney and Phoenix Bankruptcy Attorney are a hit! I’m thinking if any of my children would want to be attorneys. My daughter, I assume, would want to be a princess but my son (who’s attending college in a few more years) has expressed his interest in accountancy. It’s a very known path that accountants take--usually proceeding to Law after graduation. I wonder if my son holds the same aspiration as many… I might have to ask both my children later.

Arizona Bankruptcy Lawyer?
1 East Camelback Ste 550
Phoenix, AZ 85012
(602) 648-3274
http://www.arizonabankruptcylawyer.org

Word-filled and Wordful Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (maritz) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:57:00 +0000

Flooded once ... robbed twice...

noreply@blogger.com (maritz) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:29:00 +0000

The shattered image of our house hours after the flood water subsided. Our things were scattered everywhere. What’s depressing was that some of our things which were stolen by the one we hired to clean the house. They took from us appliances like TV, digital antenna computer monitor and tools. They even ransacked our kitchen cabinet and took my precious Corning wares. It’s sad to know that there are some people who are heartless and cruel enough to to do such thing. Now, they could no longer be reached on their cellular phones. Oh God! Forgive them!

Garage Sale : 3 for P100

noreply@blogger.com (maritz) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 15:09:00 +0000

Thank God we were able to have a Garage Sale before the dreadful TYPHOON SENDONG hit our place. We were able to raise a considerable amount of money out from our used clothing, shoes, utensils and gadgets.

This is my entry for BLOG PHOTO CHALLENGE AND COLORFUL WEEKEND.

Addicted with Yoyos!

noreply@blogger.com (maritz) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 15:05:00 +0000

I can’t believe how time is flying so fast! We’re nearing my son’s first formal event and I just can’t help but reminisce about the past. I remember a time when he was so addicted to yoyos. He would ask us to buy all sorts of yoyos like the duncan metal drifter. We had a hard time saying no to him every time he asked us something. We loved him so much and always had his best interest in mind. My sweet baby girl is also growing up too fast, she may be addicted to Barbie now but who knows what’ll happen in the inevitable future. I admit it wasn’t easy raising children. We have our own fair share of ups and downs but I’m thankful to God that most of them are ups.

#15 BPC : Plates for Typhoon Sendong Victims

noreply@blogger.com (maritz) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 03:35:00 +0000

Thanks to Shakeys Pizza for the plates distributed to the flood victims at Macasandig, Macanhan and Balulang through the Kagayan Evangelical Disaster Relief Network.

My entry for Blog Phot Challenge and Mellow Yellow Monday.

Looking for Temporary Shelter after the flash flood

noreply@blogger.com (maritz) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 22:03:00 +0000

After finally getting over the shock that my family and I are quite close to never coming back to our previous home (except probably to clean it, etc.), we decided it be best that we look for new places to rest our heads upon. Since at the moment our place is a split-image of ghost town and is really not suitable for living. Even my children have not the backbone to enter it, thinking it may be fairly precarious after all that it’s been through while under the hand of the typhoon. My husband and I have decided, with our children’s best interest in mind, to relocate in the mean time to avoid unnecessary hassle and accidents that may occur if we push through living there. Although it breaks my heart to leave the home which I so dearly hold to my heart, I am convinced that there is no other option.

We’ve searched near and far (but not too far) for a place we can rent for a short span of time before we, in due time, set up a new permanent address. But too many people, I guess, have the same thing in mind as it is easier to find a panda on the streets than for us to find a temporary home. But putting pandas aside, it is certainly easier to find Denver CO real estate. Oh there are times when I think of packing our bags and moving to Denver! If only it were as easy as one, two, three. But too much is at stake and as fun as moving to another place (country even) is, it’s no kid’s play. Even a suburban town like Broomfield would be quite chilly, contrary to the scorching heat offered by the sun in this part of the world. Broomfield real estate is also rather easy to access. But then again, maybe if I look hard enough I’ll be able to find that perfect temporary house soon.

#7/366 BPC & MYM : From Canada with Love

noreply@blogger.com (maritz) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 03:00:00 +0000

Thanks to my friend Christian Ortaliz for being a good samaritan. Your clothes, bags and other goods will surely make the flood victims evacuees here in our church happy.

My entry for Blog Phot Challenge and Mellow Yellow Monday.

Considering a Personal Loan for Education

noreply@blogger.com (maritz) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 01:36:00 +0000

Image by ralph and jenny via Flickr

As you begin or continue your college education, one of the biggest hurdles you will encounter is paying for your tuition. Many people understand this, that's why there are plenty of loan agencies offering their help. However, there are different types of loans to choose from, and you don't always know which one is the best for your situation. A personal loan is one that can be used for just about any purpose, and doesn't necessarily require collateral behind it. Some don't even require a credit check, so they are simple to get. So for a college student, you may want to consider going through a simple application process to help pay for school with a personal loan.

Considering a Personal Loan

As you think about applying for a personal loan, you should ask yourself several questions. Begin by asking yourself if you really need it. Loans should only be used as emergency cash, and if you are able to pay for school without it, you may be better off not applying at all. However, if you can't pay your tuition without extra cash, applying for a personal loan may be your best option.

Create a plan outlining how you will pay your loan back. This will help you decide what type of personal loan to apply for and which company to go with, depending on what they offer. For example, if you are willing to pay back a set amount each month, you may want to consider personal installment loans. Determine how much you are able to pay back each period and search for loans that offer your ideal payment plan.

Image by NoHoDamon via Flickr

Applying for a Personal Loan

As you begin the application process, you need to determine how much money you need. Companies can allow you to choose the amount you want up to a specific amount, which can vary between agencies. Some set a higher limit, so look for one that can give you what you need, but don't take more than what you can pay back.

It is a great idea to research different companies to know which ones you can trust. While some banks offer personal installment loans, you can also apply online at high-rated sites such as Plain Green Loans. Search the Internet for great reviews and make sure you meet the proper criteria for a personal loan. Most agencies require you to be 18 years of age, employed, and have a proper email and checking account.

#6/366 : Frying Pan

noreply@blogger.com (maritz) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 01:13:00 +0000

My first entry for Blog Photo Challenge.
Kitchen utensils from Kagayan Evangelical Disaster Relief Network.

Hulagway sa Kinabuhi : T

noreply@blogger.com (maritz) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 06:46:00 +0000

T- TIGLIMPYO

Asa ka kita ug ga pang limpyo ug flooded sites nga naka cowboy hat? hahahaha... syempre pares gud sa boots ang hats di ba?

Seriously... this photo is taken during the clean-up drive at Burgos streets, cdo sponsored by Cagayan de Oro Evangelical Minister's Association ( COEMA)

Happy New year

noreply@blogger.com (maritz) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 11:33:00 +0000

Word-filled and Wordful Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (maritz) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 12:12:00 +0000

Entry for Worfilled Wednesday and Wordful Wednesday

Merry Christmas Sendong Survivors

noreply@blogger.com (maritz) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 04:45:00 +0000

The cake we sent to the Sendong Survivors that were staring at our Command Center

Weight Loss – An Overview And Quick tips

noreply@blogger.com (maritz) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 01:22:00 +0000

If you want to lose some weight, the most important thing is to remember that you should have a quick weight loss diet chart prepared. Weight loss is a term that we are all familiar with. It is an increasingly growing trend that is common among men and women, especially in urban areas. Losing weight is quite an appealing idea since it has many positive aspects.

Dieting, skipping meals and diet pills are not going to be effective in the long-term although they might provide short-term solutions. Firstly you must write down your weight loss goals so that you can refer to them whenever you are in the need of some motivation. You must cut out on all junk and processed food such as soda, pizzas, burgers, fries, chips, etc. Snacks must be avoided. Also you must replace all sugary and greasy foods which are high in carbohydrate content with low calorie alternatives which are easily available in the market nowadays. Focus must be on low calorie, protein rich diet which fulfills all the nutritional requirements of our body. It is advisable to eat small meals at regular intervals of 4-5 hours. Drink at least 8 glasses of water every day. This helps to keep our body hydrated and increases our energy level. It also flushes out all the toxins and extra fat in our body. Exercising is an absolute must! There is no shortcut around it. Regular exercise builds our stamina, tones our body, increases our metabolism, helps in fat reduction and improves our physical as well as mental fitness. A fixed routine and sufficient sleep is also very important.

Christmas Rush made me crazy!!!

noreply@blogger.com (maritz) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 23:14:00 +0000

People love to shop at the eleventh hour. That’s a fact that can not be change and to be honest I am one of them. Yesterday, I went shopping for gifts and foods for our “ Noche Buena” . I waited for an hour until I reached the cashier’s booth. People were rushing up and were irritable. The adjacent cashier and her customer had a fight over the receipt printer that’s not working properly. If only I was not affected with the flash flood that hit our city, I shouldn’t be shopping at this Christmas rush hours. I wish some of the store will extend their time up to midnight to accommodate late shoppers like us.

Typhon Sendong caused flash flood in Cagayan de Oro City.

noreply@blogger.com (maritz) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 03:30:00 +0000

I never dreamed that what we have worked for 16 years will vanished in just 20 minutes. The Flash flood that happened that dreadful dawn of December 17,2011 left us nothing but sadness and despair. I have mixed emotion… happy because God spared us from the dreadful flood but sad because of the death of some neighbors and the over-all damaged the killer flood brought us.
How God spared us? My mother-in-law was not feeling well, so my husband decided to sleep at their ancestral home while me and my kids will just stay home. He has a Bible Study at 7 pm so I told him to go straight to mom’s house in Gusa, CDO. While at home, my plan changed… I called him up and told him to fetch us home after the Bible Study. We arrived at mom’s house 10 pm. At midnight I answered a distress call from our helper and told us that our house was flooding and the water is rapidly increasing. After a few seconds.. our conversation was cut-off.

I nearly fainted thinking of the demise of my loved-ones living at the subdivision. My brother, his wife and 2 months old baby, our friend and his pregnant wife, our church mates .For 3 hours, I was tortured thinking of their situation…until my helper called me using another cell phone and told me she’s safe on the roof and as well as my brother and his family .Whew! What a relief !

Around 4:00 am my husband went to our subdivision and rescued our loved-ones and friends. I broke down right-away upon seeing my helper, my brothers and the 2 months old baby. I am planning to make a separate blog to gather stories of survival from people affected by the catastrophe. For now, our time is focused on retrieving our things which can be repaired like desktop CPU, air-conditioning units, furniture and other household appliances. We do not know where to start cleaning up. We have to start from the begin… we’re back to zero. Now, I am looking for best buys for the basic things at home.

Surviving the Flash Flood in Cagayan de Oro City

noreply@blogger.com (maritz) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:45:00 +0000

My heart continue to bleed at what happened to us and the whole city of Cagayan de Oro. As much as I wanted to blog about it, I can not do so because I can not stop crying. My family and two of my brothers were greatly affected by this tragedy. I went to our house and these ghastly pictures confronted me. Almost all our things were damaged… gadgets, furniture, appliances, books , musical instruments... things God gave us for the past 16 years. The same scenario with my brother’s house…even the laboratory ovens and other pharmacy equipments were destroyed.

I just do not know how my “DEAR GOD” diary survived! Here it is…

Waffle with Ice Cream

noreply@blogger.com (maritz) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 07:28:00 +0000

Grabbed this photo from my friend Marilou... a yummy dessert we tasted during our stay in Singapore..

Bohol the second time around

noreply@blogger.com (maritz) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 03:14:00 +0000

Chocolate hills of Bohol are truly amazing. Though this is our second time to visit the place.. but still it can not stop to amaze us!

Watery Wednesday, Mid-week Blues, Wordless Wednesday

December 12, is the busiest day for Courier Companies

noreply@blogger.com (maritz) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:53:00 +0000

Fox news reported today that the second Monday of December is the busiest day of the courier companies. Fedex for example projected to move 17 million packages around the world. True to its report, my sister-in-law called us this morning and announced that the package that we expected to arrive before Christmas will be at our door step on a later date ( end of December or first week of January 2012) . This is because the two big boxes she’s sending was no longer accepted by the dispatch company nearest to her place. The kids were a little bit disappointed not have their gifts this December 25. My hubby is super excited to see the DSLR and the alec bradley collector’s item my sister-in-law promised.

Some of the gifts we received from my sis-in-law last year