Sunday, March 30, 2008
Tik Tak Tok... updating my database
It is now time to create a new series of my novel. And hey! There is one loyal reader here who never get tired of visiting just to see what's up with me or what's new with my blog. She actually gave me a link for her tag-blog and I guess I should respond from that. Well thanks to you there, now that I have no more excuses (he he he) to avoid that tag-blog. Just stay tune and I promise that I will do that later.

Anyway, back to me... As I said before, never ever put too much informations about yourself on the internet. Because it's like exposing your home to the public full of thieves and random strangers. But maybe little of something will not hurt anyone including yourself. But yeah, I was thinking of joining the navy lately. Not because of I really want it, but because I am thinking that it would be an easy way to migrate my wife and my child to the States. And other than that, it would be great to grab the opportunity of having a free housing and full benefits for me and my family. And after Navy, the awesome part is going to be the awesomest to the awesome level in the awesome world. Its the job hunting. It's so easy... even the caveman can do it. OK... well, an ex-military caveman can do it.

Yesterday, I received a call from my Kumareng Icha with regards of some "seminar". And I asked her "what kind of seminar is it all about?" And she said "it's a seminar! basta seminar, It will help you out". I am pretty hesitant to attend because I have to work and besides I don't have any idea about that "seminar". Aside from those excuses, the location is quite far. But because she's my nice Kumare and I got nothing to do after work, I decided to go. So there I am, I arrived with my rugged clothes not having any idea that other people who also invited there are wearing formal business dress. Well what can I do? She didn't mention anything about it! I sweat out my butt driving just to get there on time and I almost lost the bumper of my poor car. Thanks to the face reaction of the guy who saw my car, he gave me an idea that something happened to the front of my car when I hit a pot hole. But enough of that. About the seminar... It was actually about life insurance. But it is not really just about that. On that seminar, I've learned about something that everybody does... Over spending money. The seminar pinched my heart and opened up my thoughts about financial management and how's my life is going to be when I retire. I don't want too much details about what happen, but the only thing that makes me think is my wife and I when we get old. I've been thinking about this just before I attend this seminar. I realized that I am now 28 years old and looking 2 years ahead to the age of 30's is not that far. I am getting old and I am just starting a life with my family , I haven't save anything at all. Like dude, I am halfway for being dirty old 60 wrinkled guy sitting on a wheel chair. It is depressing when I try to look back from my mistakes and stupid expenditures that I made before. I mean I worked my ass off with 2 jobs just to spend it like no more tomorrow. Zero savings, as in nothing! Just like now, I've been living the States for about 7 years now and I still don't have a permanent address. Hahhhh I need to pull this off and start thinking about what its gonna be when I reached my retirement age or when I die. I don't want credit cards or something that I can't say mine until I pay it off.

The great formula for planning to be financially stable that I've learned was "PAYCHECK minus SAVINGS equals EXPENDITURES", not "PAYCHECK minus EXPENDETURES equals SAVINGS".

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posted by russtot at 9:10 PM | Permalink | 1 comments
Sunday, March 23, 2008
When do you know when enough is enough?
I've been thinking ever since that I've decided to open a blogspot account (which lately converted to my very own domain) about the purpose of blogging and how am I going to start it. Am I going to do a daily journal? or maybe just a blog that contain useful informations or DIY about gadgets and other interesting stuffs? Then I decided to do both. But would it be safe to tell to the public about me? When do you know that you are blogging to much personal informations about yourself?

Wifey and I just had a little arguement about this. I just don't want to make the story long but I guess if it's too personal, don't post it on a public blog and it should be kept, though I have other reasons.

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posted by russtot at 11:21 PM | Permalink | 0 comments
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Few Buntis Update
I haven't updated this blog for the past 7 days. And that's a record for me. I have so much stories to tell but I got little energy to write in details. Kaya ung gist na lang.

March 18- I noticed that my undies had brown discharged. Dedma lang ako kasi konti kala ko wala lang. But the following day, mejo lumakas na. Buti na lang I always use panti liners kaya alam ko kung gano kadami ung fluid.

March 19- This is the time that I really panicked coz the brownish discharge turned into red. This is also the time that I finally informed hubby about my condition. Though I know that my family can take care of me (at 10-minute drive amin FEU fairview Hospital), hubby still called his folks to fetch me from QC since my OB is from Cavite. From then, my OB GYN gave me 4 meds. Isang Vitamin C (since sipunin ako these days), a vitamin to help my baby's development and 2 meds na pampakapit. I was advised not to take any long road trips and complete bed rest for 10 days. I also had an ultrasound of my baby. Miski di clear sa akin ung image sa ultrasound machine, I was so happy to know that my baby is alright. Clear ang heartbeat. Sobrang bait ng in-laws ko. I couldn't ask for more. My MIL even reimbursed what I have spent for my check up and medicine. Isa na siguro ako sa pinaka maswerteng manugang sa buong mundo.

March 20 and 21- I am so sad on this day. This is Papa's first birthday na wala ako sa bahay. This is also the day that I joined Russell's folks as they do the traditional visita iglesia. Sabi nila, somewhere north daw. Di ko akalain na Super north pala coz we reached Ilocos Norte and Sur (our first stop was Pampanga then Pangasinan.). As in Vigan and Pagudpud. Ako lang walang baong damit. Super tiring pero ok lang. I feel so pampered. Talagang alaga ako ng my sister-in-laws ko. Sobrang thankful ako na sila ang naging seconf family ko. On the other hand, I promised baby na last na itong long trip na ito. I just prayed sa lahat ng santo para lumakas ang kapit nya.

Agoo Church, Pangasinan

Welcome to Ilocos Sur

St. Augustine Bell Tower, Vigan Ilocos Sur

Exotic Pagudpud

Happy Hernandez!

On our way to Patapat Falls, Ilocos Norte

March 22- We arrived home 6am na. This is from the 12-hour drive that we have. Kawawa naman si FIL cause he was awake all this time, baka kasi maka tulog ung driver. We were 8 who occupied their MB 100 van. Ako nag occupy nung unang buong seat para daw makahiga ako ng maayos. My father was so worried of me. Di kasi ako nkkpagtxt coz I ran out of cellphone battery eh. Patang-pata ang katawan ko kaya nakatulog kaagad ako. Anyhoo, I'll ba taking my meds for 7 days (2 cycles every day). So far, my bleeding has stopped.

Tomorrow is Easter Sunday. As much as I want to go malling, malamang dito lang me sa haws. I need to have full rest para maging ok din si baby.

'Till next update, Ingat! :)

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posted by russtot at 3:25 PM | Permalink | 0 comments
Moving on the 15th
With the recent spotting that I had, it is now a MUST for me to move on our initial plan of April 15. The house that we are going to rent is quite nice and it is just a 10-minute commute time away from the office. As such, I will no longer have any problem with long road trips. However, since my house mate is also a female, I just worry that both of us are clueless just in case a faucet would break down. It is still different when you have a man in the house.

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posted by russtot at 3:20 PM | Permalink | 0 comments
Our Holy Week Trip
We just had our holy week vacation in Ilocos Norte, more specifically, the exotic Pagudpud Island. While we stayed in a not-so-good hotel, we were envious of other people who got there with their camping gear. Not just it saved them money but camping just in front of the beach is really exciting. Perhaps, that is why the reason why my mother in law is now keen on planning our next beach trip. :)

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posted by russtot at 3:15 PM | Permalink | 0 comments
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Cruising Together
During the early stage of our wedding preparation, hubby and I had dream of having a royal caribbean trip. But as our wedding expenses ballooned, we just had to scrap the idea. Thank God that somebody shouldered our Boracay honeymoon. Though we are not able to experience our ultimate honeymoon dream, hubby promised that we will still get to experience it on our 5th anniversary. We'll see :)

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posted by russtot at 10:25 AM | Permalink | 0 comments
Losing a Few Inch
Sometimes, I can't help but watch home TV shopping network especially when the one being shown has something to do with losing weight. As early as now, I am already thinking of how I can reduce some inch of my waist line after delivering our little angel. I have heard, for countless time already the effects of diet pills and tea but this is the first time that I have heard of Orovo. If you are as curious as I am, better check their website. :)

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posted by russtot at 10:21 AM | Permalink | 0 comments
Of fairs and trade shows
Hubby is fond of car shows. I am into bridal fairs. Every Christmas, my elder sister is into trade fairs. Just an observation: in every trade fair, having an eye-catching booth is really important. I even know a few friends from the other industries who would have gimmicks on their trade show booths just to encourage visitors to stop by at their booth. I can't blame them. Because the appearance of a booth is what really makes me stop by, in the first place.

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posted by russtot at 10:14 AM | Permalink | 0 comments
No Update
It's been two weeks since hubby left. And he hasn't updated this blog yet. He just started his part time job at his former law office. Though we get to talk almost everyday, I am not sure if he is going to work even during on week ends. I texted him few minutes ago if he could go to YM but I haven't received any response as of this time. hmmm :(

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posted by russtot at 10:11 AM | Permalink | 0 comments
Friday, March 14, 2008
Forensic Data
I watched one of the episodes of CSI Las Vegas and how the crime as resolved was through Data Forensics. It really makes me wonder how technology is changing and how it has affect our loves. In the said episode, a death thereat email was deleted on the account. But the forensics people were able to retrieve the data on its hard drive. Amazing isn't it?
 
posted by russtot at 8:06 AM | Permalink | 0 comments
Monday, March 10, 2008
The bad cook
Yesterday, it was almost dinner time. My cuzin Bill was sleeping, Don was playing games and I on the other hand just surfing on the internet. My uncle asked us if there is anyone who could fry the egg rolls for dinner. He asked Don first, but Don doesn't know how to do it, so I volunteered. But it was a mistake that I raised my hand to do the job... nasunog na hilaw (Toasted but rare) ang shanghai rolls. Too much apoy kasi... so there's no other choice but to throw away the food. I was embarrassed with what I did. I thought that frying is easiest cooking job in the world. But I am wrong.

As a human being who makes mistakes, I am the kind of person who doesn't walk away and turn my back but will find out what went wrong or think of a way of what would be the best solution or replacement to cover up my mess or improve such things.

Since, I am all alone here. I need to do things on my own. I've got to learn how to cook! But thanks to Youtube, I can now learn how to cook adobo in a slang way:

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posted by russtot at 8:08 AM | Permalink | 0 comments
First post
Hello guys. This is going to be my first post while I am away from Thet. I am trying to hold my emotions because it will not going to help me out in here. Thinking about it makes my stay here more difficult, considering that she is pregnant and that is going to be the hardest part ever for a father. Oh well, you've got to do what you've got to do, right?

As you guys can see, Thet is the one who's managing this blog ever since I stopped posting things in here. Yeah because I left. Well... here I am in Los Angeles, California standing in the middle of unemployed circle of people, looking for a job and hoping that I get something better than my past work experiences. It's not that easy than what I've thought, but better than the chances that you could get when you are in the Philippines (it's a jungle back there, if you're an average worker). I am pretty much stuck up in my uncle house in Whittier and thanks to my little cuzin's PC, I can access companies that are looking for people who can fill up their available job openings.

As of now, I have already applied in 15 companies. Yet, there is only one who contacted me for an interview. I guess that wasn't bad at all, because I didn't use a lot of sweat looking for a job. Maybe a little but thanks to the internet, it saves up a lot of my energy.

Last Friday, because of my desperate thoughts of looking for a job. I tried to apply again in my previous Part-timer job (Target). But my thoughts of "what if there are much better job that waiting for me out there?" strike on my brain and pop out to my legs. That makes me fill up the application and walk away from the store. Although, they've told me that they can get me the interview right here - right now... I told them that I need more time to think about it, if I want the job back or not. My interview was re-scheduled next week to think it over.

Right now I have so much things to do. And these are the things that I really need to accomplished... (from the most important that needs to be prioritized to less important that also need attention)

  1. I need to file my application for American Citizenship before Thet deliver my first baby.
  2. I need to find a Job.
  3. I need to file my tax return for the year 2007 before the deadline on april 15.
  4. I need to find an apartment so I can move out from my uncle's place.
  5. After my AC application approved, the application for spouse petition need to be filed.
  6. Save up some money for the birthday of my baby.

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posted by russtot at 7:24 AM | Permalink | 0 comments
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Home Security
Our home insurance has expired. My mom has been weary about not having home insurance as this is the only security we could have just in case something unfavorable happens (like fire etc.). My dad, on the other hand, is not keen on having a home insurance is as the subdivision where we live in has not have any incident of fire accident in the entire 15 years that we have been living here. I still believe that though that having a home insurance means that I can sleep well at night. It's just like having some sense of security for the house and the family.

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posted by russtot at 11:50 AM | Permalink | 0 comments
For Easy Cleaning
Hubby and I would always borrow car from either from his sister or his parents when ever we got to process some pertinent papers or just simply going to the mall. As such, we have to make sure that before we bring back the car, we have to make sure that it is clean. Shame to us if we are going to borrow it clean and return it dirty. We've been looking for a catch all in SM Bacoor but we found nothing. Having a catch all is actually good as also stain resistant. Thus, it will allow us to have easy cleaning.

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posted by russtot at 11:40 AM | Permalink | 0 comments
Colon Cleanser
I would often complain how I feel sluggish every time I get to home from work. Aside from that, I have occasionally experience constipation which adds more anxiety to me. A good massage from hubby is a good relief, but it's only good for a day. I've took vitamins before but I still feel the same way. Until I saw a health magazine from the US regarding colon cleanser. I think I will try this one and see if this works for me. :)

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posted by russtot at 11:19 AM | Permalink | 0 comments
Wasted Youth
When Hubby was here, I once asked him who is this man who I think is already on his late 40's who would always be in their gas station drinking 3-5 bottles of SML every night. Apparently, he is the son of one of their neighbors who is into real estate. This man once became a drug addict and he just don't know if this man went into a drug addiction treatment because he seems to be 'clean' now. He showed me where the man is living and I was amazed with how huge the house he is living is. It has 4 car garage and they got 4 maids too. Unfortunately, this man does not have any family of his own. Maybe this man became very lax on his youth and he forgot about his future. Though he is living in luxury, I don't think he will be as happy as when he has a wife and kids of his won.

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posted by russtot at 11:06 AM | Permalink | 0 comments
Home
I am now at my folk's house in QC. It's true when most people say that there is no place like home. Somehow, being with my family eases the weariness and pain that I feel with hubby's absence. And since DST is now over, I will have to come work from 8pm-4am instead of the usual 9pm-5am. Well at least, commuting will no longer be as hard as when I am coming from Cavite. I miss my in-laws though. I don't think I could ask for more. They are very nice to me and there wasn't an incident that I feel alienated with them. I just hope that hubby will move out from his tita's house. No matter how kind your relative is, mahirap na. Baka may masabi pa at pagsimulan lang ng sama ng loob. Anyhoo, despite of the fact that we get to chat and talk over the internet everyday, I miss hubby's kisses and hugs every night before going to sleep. HayyYYyyy..tagal pa ng 2009. :(

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posted by russtot at 11:01 AM | Permalink | 0 comments
Friday, March 7, 2008
More Shopping Time
Hubby is now in L.A. It will take time before I'll be able to see him. It's a sad thing though that he will spend another Thanksgiving Day again without me. How I wish I could join him do Black Friday shopping. I know that his cousing and sister-in-law, Lorie would wake up as early as 3am just to be able to come on time for the opening of the stores. He, on the other hand would always get bfads. I am not sure if hubby and his cousin are aware that they can actually purchase black friday items online so there isn't really any need to wake up that early. It will save them time and energy. I told hubby though that he does not need to buy baby items. He just needs to send me money so that I could buy those baby stuff myself. Hehehe! But really, I am also anxious on how does Black Friday really goes. We don't have that in the Philippines that is why. I have search for items that are being sold during Black Friday and as early as now, I am doing my shopping list that I will buy for my loved ones as I don't usually buy items for myself. :)

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posted by russtot at 8:35 AM | Permalink | 0 comments
Monday, March 3, 2008
Hubby on LOA
Folks, this is Thet- Russell's preggy wife. For the mean time, I will be maintaining this blog. He already left the Philippines yesterday kasi. Though I can't promise to leave a comment in your posts/shoutbox, i'll make it a point to visit your blogs at least twice a week. That's the least thing I can do for hubby's friends like Juliana. Thanks girl!

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posted by russtot at 5:00 PM | Permalink | 2 comments
Building your dream house

Just like any other bloggers I know, hubby and I are dreaming of having our real property- something that we can call our OWN.I I have read from one co-blogger that she is already on the first stage of building her dream house. The vicinity of where her house is located is something like of Branson property . The homes in this are really reflect the beauty of its surroundings. In addition, every home is crafted with care, and the spacious floor plans are designed with good flow in mind. There is indeed beauty in every detail. Wow!

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posted by russtot at 4:59 PM | Permalink | 0 comments
John Hancock
When we were just starting to prepare our wedding, we have not thouroughly thought of what we are supposed to give to our principal sponsors. At first, I have thought of giving our male principal sponsors with branded pens but I just couldn’t find any specific brand that could personalize such item. When one of our clients sent us some siuvenir items (just this year), I found out that they have outcourced their corporate give away items thorugh Papermate pens. It's nice and cheap too! A real good find.

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posted by russtot at 4:53 PM | Permalink | 0 comments
First

I am really excited with my baby’s coming. Our little angle will de “due” between last week of September of first week of October. Too bad though that hubby won’t be here when I deliver him/her. My sister is telling me that she will just give me the crib of my niece (which by the way was a gift from me. LOL) Anyway, as early as now, I am browsing magazines and online store in hope to find a crib that is similar to those of Emily crib.

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posted by russtot at 4:51 PM | Permalink | 0 comments
Too fast, too furious

My brother owns an old Mitsubishi Lancer. Though it is model 94 only, he made it a point that the car is “fully loaded.” Aside from high-end sound system, he put a car spoiler. In fact, it took him awhile looking for a wide variety of car spoilers before he was able to decide which one is the best for his “babe.” Honestly, I don’t have much idea about cars so I have to ask hubby most of the time about automobiles. I think all car spoilers look the same. LOL

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posted by russtot at 4:48 PM | Permalink | 0 comments
Experiencing Sin City

When my mom visited me in US last year, they were supposed to go to Las Vegas to experience how to live in the “sin city.” I was already scouting for any Las Vegas hotel where they could stay but mom and her friends had to cancel the trip because of lack of time. They had to go straight to Utah for a conference for Rotary International. I have been to Las Vegas for a quite a number of times already and every visit there seems to be a new experience, always. This city really never sleeps. Hopefully, next year, I can bring wifey and our baby to this wonderful place. Heck, wifey is a big fan of CSI Las Vegas!

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posted by russtot at 4:43 PM | Permalink | 0 comments