Health Insurance

Health Insurance is very essential. It helps to ensure that you and your family is protected against the financial hardships that may result from healtcare expenses. Without insurance, you may not be able to afford medical care when you need it the most. I think that people with health insurance are more likely to go to the hospital before their condition worsens and become more expensive to treat.

I am a believer of health insurance. I have a personal experience why it is essential to have a health insurance. When I gave birth to my baby girl, she was born premature and due to some health issues, she has to stay in NICU for almost 2 months. In my mind, I saw the bills coming yet, I was not prepared for the amount the hospital and health professionals charged us. When I received the bill I was in total shock. I couldn't believe that bill was hundreds of thousands. Thankfully, the big chunk of that bill was shouldered by the health insurance company. If not for the health insurance, I wouldn't know where will we get the money to pay for it.

If you don't have a health coverage now, don't wait for tomorrow get a kaiser health insurance today. The kaiser permanente denver rate quotes are easily accessible online. You can find information about rates and plans in minutes. And when you become a member, you will have an access to online services where you can email doctors, get information and refill prescription in minutes.

A good friend of mine is a satisfied policyholder of kaiser permanente northern California. What she like the most about this company is they have variety of types of health coverage for individuals and family. Regardless of your pre-existing condition, this health insurance company will give you a free quote of the best plan that will fit your lifestyle and financial needs.

Condolences to Cris and Family

Cris is my sister in law. She is the wife of my brother Loloy and the mother of Ace, Cassi and Langlang.

We are sending our heartfelt condolences to her and her family. Her dad passed away this Tuesday morning (Philippine time). I know how painful it is to lose somebody, our prayers are with ya'll.

I hope you all can come home for the funeral. Take care and have a safe trip.

Web Design

I came accross a Florida Web Design, whose work are really impressive. This web design company is based in Orlando, Florida.

db Tech Web Design has talented web designers that will create a website that will suit your needs. Their website creation will assure you of more potential customers and keep current customers coming back. DB Tech Design uses the latest technology in creating websites that are appealing, functional and sure to catch the attention of customers. Their creation will surely make the customers head turn on.

This Orlando web design uses fresh, new, and unique ideas. Their services includes: webdesign and redesign, e-commerce design, database management. They help you with search engine optimization. They also offer logo design, website copywriting and a lot more. If you need their services contact db Tech Design and they will give you a free quote right away.

Extra Job

Are you looking for an extra job? Visit Freelance Job Board and find online job that will help you get through with this tough economic times. Finding online job could be tough but freelance job board has 7000 jobs looking for workers today. Don't worry, there is no extra cost to find a job, this website is 100% free.

Baseball Fantasy

Baseball season is near. I love baseball. I enjoy playing baseball fantasy. Dave and I already registered for baseball fantasy head to head. We are just waiting for the players that will be assigned to us. Last year, was the first time I joined and I did good! Hopefully, this year I will have another trophy for the baseball fantasy.

Oxygen in Sports

Oxygen is the most vital ingredient to health and vitality. We need oxygen to live. The quality and quantity of oxygen we inhaled affect our health. The lack of oxygen in human cells and tissues linked to a variety of health problems and disease. Oxygen is necessary and essential to life activities.

Oxygen energizes cells, helping them regenerate, and it combines with other substances in the body, a process known as oxidation, to destroy excess or toxic materials which devastate bodily functions and deplete the body of life-giving energy.

When it comes to sports, oxygen plays a great role on any athletic performance. The amount of oxygen supplied to the muscles affects the performance of an athlete. Any athlete needs a lot of sports oxygen because if an athlete has more oxygen intake, this will make the athlete train harder, train longer, and recover faster.

Taking sports oxygen will increase endurance and stamina thus it will help achieve your goal in less time. The best source for sports oxygen that I have found is http://www.oxygen4energy.com/.

First Time Mommy

I am a First Time Mommy. Although I helped raised my niece, it is different when it is your first born. When you have your own baby, you tend to get nervous thinking that you did not do the right thing. There are so many things that you are not sure of. Most likely you tend to over react especially when the baby is not feeling good.

My baby was born premature so obviously she has different needs. Besides being premature she has apnea and reflux.

During the first few days that my baby got home, I learned to do the routine that I have seen that the nurses did when my baby was in NICU. I learned to take her temperature, change and feed her every 4 hours. She got used to that routine after spending almost two months in the NICU.

The issue of how many times should the baby be changed is not a problem for me. Whether she dirties the diaper or not, I changed her every 4 hours. Later on though, I changed her when it is dirty or when the diaper is full.

For new parents, parenting is as not as easy as it seems to be. You can learn ideas from different parents at parentsconnect.com, this website helps you connect to different parents and learn from them. You can read stories and get advises on all your parenting concerns.

Birthday Gifts

My birthday is not yet until next week. Today, when we went to see Mom and Dan, my birthday gifts (yes gifts... as in plural hehe) were already in a box! I was surprised of course because it is still early to receive a gift.. but hey I am not complaining!

Anyway, Mom handed me a box full of wrapped things but she cautioned me to open the biggest one last... So here was I carefully opening my presents... after I read the 2 cards (1 card from Mom Lori, Dan and Terri and 1 card from Bosley and Buffy, the dogs) then I opened a wrapped cantaloupe, a wrapped clementines, a pair of socks, a small chopping board, some cadbury candies and the last big one which I need to be careful opening as Mom cautioned was a COACH PURSE!

I was having fun opening the little gifts, the wrapped fruits and other goodies were silly and funny. When I opened the big package I felt that it was a purse, when I saw it I thought they were joking with me and bought me and imitation coach purse. Mom and I always joke about owning a Coach Purse... But when I checked the purse, I was shocked to see that it was an original Coach Purse! My first reaction was "Why did you buy this? This is expensive!"

To make the story short, I was surprised with my birthday gifts! Oh I am not just surprised I was shocked of what I got! but I LOVE IT!

Thank so much Mom and Dan and Terri. Of course, thanks to my Babe who didn't spoil the surprise.... Thanks Mom for the effort of wrapping those silly stuffs.. hey, I love clementines and I now learn to like cantaloupe. I always wanted a small chopping board because the big ones are too much trouble to clean up ( i am lazy). The socks are nice and of course the cadbury is my favorite.

Tax Issues

Tax issues are sensitive matters. If you are experiencing the burden of IRS and state tax debts, you need to consult Tax Relief Specialists. Facing this problem by yourself is not easy that is why you need to hire people that are experts on this matter. Tax Specialists can provide individual or business tax relief regardless of how much you owe or how long have you put your tax off.

Sometimes, a person can be a victim of spousal circumstance. Your spouse may have misfiled your joint tax return. If that happens, then you are qualified to excuse yourself from the associated tax liability. All you need to do is prove to IRS that you don't have any knowledge about the misfiled tax and that it was your spouse who is responsible of the misfiling. Once you prove that there was no error on your part, you must file Form 8857 and claim as an innocent spouse. IRS innocent spouse relief is somewhat complicated that is why you need a help from a Tax Specialist. These specialists has years of tested knowledge on this matter and they know every proper channel to look into.

A common problem of a business owner with employees is the 941 payroll deposit. This deposit is imposed by the IRS on all businesses with employees. Each business quarter tax that is due and not paid, penalties and interests will be added to tax that the owner owed. When these taxes are ignored for an extended period of time, the government can close down the the business and seize all the property in order to pay off these taxes. When this happens, you can turn to Tax Specialists for help. Depending the extent on your situation, most of the times they can secure a lower settlement and they can get penalties and interests lessened.

Whatever type of tax problems you are facing, consult a specialist and discuss with him/her your options. Get help from all your tax troubles and rebuild your life.

Good Job ACE!

Ace (my niece) sent me an SMS informing me that she is an honor student. I was so happy to know that she has done good in school. Ace attended a private Catholic School in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines. I know that Ace is a fast learner. I remember when they just move to Bohol (from Manila) that she befriended college students instead of kids her age. Actually, back then, she spoke more Tagalog than Visayan and she can communicate better with the college students rather than with kids her age.

Way back then, her parents had a carenderia that caters to college students, that is where she met all her college buddies. From then on and the way she communicates to college students I know she will do good in school.

Good job Ace! I hope you will continue to study very well.

I am very proud of Ace, at her age she can talk good/straight English already. In fact when we were there during our vacation, her and Dave talks a lot!

Has the Economy Affected You?

"Life is so hard these days", is a common statement that you can hear from friends. Whenever we have get together with my friends, we always hear complaints about how making ends meet is harder to do now. We always discuss how we cut on some things just to be able to pay all the bills.

The present economic situation we are facing right now is really affecting everybody. Being a Mom, is a hard job to do because you are the ones that do the budgeting in the family. What is even harder is the money coming in is less and less but the bills never goes down. Most of the times, Moms tend to forget their own needs because they always give priority to the needs of the kids.

I can relate to all the mothers out there and I have good news. Sears presents Busted Moms. This is a contest sponsored by Sears where you can have the chance to win a $2,500 Mommy Make Over Package. For you to be able to join this contest be a fan of Busted Moms on Facebook. Tell your story or upload a video and you will get a chance to win a Mommy Makeover. You can also follow Busted Moms at Twitter - @bustedmoms will be giving away Sears Gift cards and they will provide updates on hot deals at Sears.

Talking about hot deals, Shop at Sears now because they are offering 75-80% OFF their Winter and Fall Apparel from now until April 18, 2009. Hurry and enjoy their huge discount.

Travelling with an Infant

Air travelling with an infant is very hard, especially of your child is in a stage where she already learns how to walk. The hardest part when we had our trip to Philippines was our flight from Chicago to Japan. It was the longest leg of the flight. Although Andrea's pediatrician recommended Benadryl for Andrea to help her sleep in the airplane, after the effect of the benadryl Andrea got fussy. Who wouldn't be anyway, that was such a long flight. Andrea wanted to walk and roam around, which of course hard to do because if you keep on getting out of your seat you will disturb some passengers.

Air travel is really hard. Some of the tips I can give is, bring some toys that can entertain your baby. Bring a lot of munchies. And of course, ask your pediatrician what she will advice to help the baby during the flight.

Although the air travel was hard, I will do it again because we had so much fun in the Philippines.

New Bed

We need a new bed for our second bedroom. Our second bedroom has been converted into multi-purpose room where we put everything in it. We have our DVD Racks there. We are movie buffs so we got hundreds of DVDs. I couldn't put the DVDs in our living room because Andrea loves to plat with it. She loves to take all the DVDs out of the racks and it is so much work to alphabetize it again. We also have my books in the second bedroom. I love collecting hard bound copy of books written by my favorite authors. Besides those, I have my Angel Collection displayed in our second bedroom. On top of all those mentioned, we have more of Andrea's stuff in there.

After few hours of arranging everything in the room, ( Thanks to my husband who did all the work.) we decided that we need a new bed. In this way, when we have company they can spend the night here comfortably.


This high quality guest bed that combines style and practicality is what I would like to buy. Unlike standard guest beds both upper and lower mattresses are 190cm (6'3) long. The lower base slides out to reveal the under sleeping platform which has drawers built into the underside This product is a fantastic bed for sleeping guests and a great space saving design.

The time4sleep website also sells Metal Beds that is a very good choice when buying a bed. Whether you choose a clean contemporary design, sleek chic, or a classic Victorian or French inspired metal bedstea, you are guaranteed to love one of their stunning metal bed frames.

Time to shop now and have a better sleep for less money.

Aging Infrastructure

Have you wondered what if the bridge that you are in will suddenly collapsed? Scary isn't it? Sometimes, when we are in the middle of the traffic and we are stucked in the middle of the bridge, I couldn't help but imagine that scenario especially if the bridge looks old.

Today, the condition of the world's infrastructure should be at the top of the mind of every society. There are so many aging bridges all over the world that infrastructure professionals has encountered many obstacles in gathering the data that is why they are seeking the best tools for sustaining bridge infrastructure. Thankfully there is a new solution to this problem. There is a family of software that addresses virtually any bridge type, both existing and new structures. This software will ensure a better engineered bridges.

Speaking of the solution to the aging infrastructure, the new thing now is using the Microstation Software. MicroStation software is used by architects and engineers to deliver better projects. With an integrated suite of easy to use and versatile capabilities, MicroStation helps teams improve the way they design, model, visualize, document, and map projects of all shapes and sizes. MicrosStation is supported by proven, stable, versatile and powerful Auto CAD Software.

MicroStation Help is provided by the "always-available" support team. You can always ask help 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

A Day in the Beach

When we went to Philippines for our vacation, we didn't have time to go to Panglao Beach Resorts because it was just a short visit and it was raining most of the days. On the day before we left we decided to just spend some time at Kainggit Beach... This beach is a public one and not as fancy as those in Panglao... but still it is a beach.

Below are some of the pictures. The beach was not really nice but the food was GREAT!

The food vendors

My Mom and Dad (with my brother in law)

Aren't they sweet?

Mom holding my niece Langlang

Danny my brother in law holding my niece Cassi

My Little Mermaid

She loves the water

Look how happy Little Miss Andrea here.

Addictive Game

I admit, during my spare time, playing online games makes me feel relaxed and rejuvenated. I feel rejuvenated because while I am playing the game, I will concentrate on the game and I give my full attention, thus forgetting my present world.

I found some games at MagNext Virtual and I got hooked! It gets so exciting that I got addicted to it. I swear I spend hours playing it.

MagNext Virtual is an out of this world high tech place in space built for racing and riding. You can meet a lot of magnetic kids and kids at heart and play against them. In fact, you can invite your friends to join the fun. The more friends you will invite the merrier. The coolest thing about this MagNext Virtual is you can collect Magz and use it to buy special paints, special skills and even super cool gear.

The game that I got so addicted is the Spheron Triple Racer. This game is like you are in a real race. At first I didn't do good, perhaps because in real life I don't know how to drive. After a while I got the hang of it and I was speeding like a race car driver! I had so much fun with this game.

Another game that I like is the iCoaster. This game requires quickness so that you will get bonus with the unused time. It is fun to look for the missing part of the coaster. It is like looking for the missing puzzle. I enjoy this game because I challenge myself to do better (time-wise) as I play it over and over. This game for me is very educational.

If you are looking for some challenge, play the games at Magnext Virtual. I am sure you will have so much fun.

Miss These?

Grilled Squid

Grilled Fish


Grilled Fish (different kind)


Getting ready to make "kinilaw"

kinilaw

Kamote (sweet potato)



These pictures were taken Jan 19, 2009. A day we spent in the beach during our vacation in the Philippines

Young Christians' Weekend: A Reminder

I am reminding everyone of the Young Christians' Weekend at Branson. Join thousand of teens accross the country in rocking the park for two straight days and one night. The Young Christians' Weekend will start tomorrow, March 27 and ends on March 29. This will be held at the Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri. This Christian youth event will feature the powerful vocals and lyrics of DownHere!, Kutlass and the sounds of Leeland. Let your soul be fed with awesome worship services and messages from Joe White of Kanakuk Kamps and others.

While you are in Branson you can stay at the HIlton Branson Convention Center Hotel. Hilton hotels are situated within the electrifying entertainment capital of the Midwest. Hilton guests will have access to shops, boutiques, restaurants, and other attractions.

While you are in Branson, take your family on a fantastic lake cruise aboard the magnificent Showboat Branson Belle in Branson, Missouri and journey past lush Ozark Mountains on the crystal clear waters of Table Rock Lake.

You can also visit the Branson's IMAX Entertainment Complex, where everything is BIG! Big Screens, Big Shopping, Big Food and Big Live Shows.

If you like to experience the luxury of rail travel from yesteryear, ride on a 40-mile round trip excursion thru Ozark Foothills and Tunnels and learn the history of the area as you pass bridges and trestles.

There are so many things that you or your family can do at Branson. Whatever you do, always remember to stay at the place where there is comfort and security. Stay at Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing or at Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel.

Singkamas

I always thought that singkamas is called turnips. As far as I know, that is what we called singkamas. Anyway, another name for singkamas is Jicama.

I never knew the word Jicama until few days ago, when I bought a piece of singkamas in Walmart. The word Jicama was in the singkamas and on the ticket when we paid our groceries, it showed there the jicama. That prompted me to look online and found out that singkamas is also called jicama.

I remember when I used to live in Manila that during Lenten season we always do our pilgrimage at the Grotto of our Lady of Lourdes in Bulacan. On the way to the grotto, you will never miss those sidewalk vendors selling a large clump of singkamas at a very affordable price. They are a lot fresher and juicier compared to the one's that are sold in the grocery stores.

During summer season too, you can always find singkamas in the sidewalk, sold by the side walk vendors or sold in those rolling carts. I can still picture it in my mind.... slice of singkamas in a barbeque stick, soaked in a large jar of water, and a jar of bagoong on the side or a jar of salt. I never liked bagoong on my singkamas.

I have my own version of singkamas that I love to eat. I just peel and slice the singkamas and marinade it with a mixture of vinegar, salt, and sugar. Refrigerate for a couple of hours and yummy! I indulge myself with as much as I can handle... it is so yummy that you can taste the vinegar and salt and singkamas together.

Great Investments

Investing into a property is always a good thing. If you have the financial capacity to do so, it is very important that you invest your money in something that in the end will give you profits.

If you are interested in owning a ranch, there are a lot of ranches for sale this time. The most important thing when you want to buy a ranch is to find the finest real estate services for ranches that you can trust. It is important that you will avail the services of a known real estate services to make sure that the property you are buying is a good buy.

There are also a lot of fishing property for sale that are very good investment. If you got the money and you enjoy fishing, why not invest into something you love to do? You can find fishing land property in Alaska, California, Oregon, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Tennessee or Georgia.

If I have the financial capacity, I wouldn't mind owning one of the argentina estancias. Argentina always fascinated me. There is a property in Santa Cruz, Argentina called Estancia La Tercera/El Castillo which is located in the shores of San Martin Lake, the deepest lake in Americas. The property offers awe-inspiring views of the rugged Andes and the milky blue waters of San Martin Lake. Maybe when I win a multi million lottery, I can afford to buy this! I wish!

Meeting Jack and Ate Fe

I have known Ate Fe through WOF (World of Filipinas Forum). We have known each other thru the net since before both of us moved here in the USA. We have very close schedule of Embassy interview ( I think just 1 week apart). We didn't have a chance to meet each other in person in the Philippines but still we kept in touch through WOF, chats, emails and even friendster.

Jack and Ate Fe are presently residing in Florida. Right now, they are doing a trip and decided to stop by here for two days in Alabama before they go to Memphis then to Branson then to Nebraska. So finally, tonight, we meet each other. It is so great to see them both in person.

They brought us some pasalubong... Andrea got a new fairy angel and Nemo from them and Dave and Myself got a Florida mug. Yeheyyy!

Anyway, Thanks guys! It is so nice to meet you at last! Have a safe drive! Take care!

Pie Contest

Do you have a recipe of a pie that everybody can't resist? Are you ready to show your secret pie creation? Get ready then, and book your stay in Branson, Missouri at the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing and the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel to experience the First Annual “Great American Pie Show.”

The first Great American Pie Contest will be on Friday, April 24th and Saturday April 25th 2009 at Branson Convention Center. This event is sponsored by Branson and Taste of Home magazine. NBC's Al Roker from the TODAY show will be the special guest judge in this very historic event. Bring your pie and who knows, your pie creation could win you fabulous prizes, including a first prize of $2500 plus 4-day/3-night vacation in Branson.

If you are not interested in the Pie Contest, which I doubt, you can still visit Branson, Missouri. and enjoy the beauty of natural Ozark Mountains. You and your family can always enjoy a world-class entertainment at Branson.

Book your stay at the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing and the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel and avail of their bed and breakfast package where you can just kick back, rest, relax and rejuvenate. You also have a choice to avail on their Romance Package, where they will provide all your needs to have a romantic stay. They will offer you the ultimate "do not disturb" get aways.

Book your stay now and get ready to enjoy Branson, Missouri.