Wisconsin Experience

It was my first time to visit Wisconsin and it's because of the Pathfinder camping that brought me to that place. The trip was so tiresome. We were driving 2 days and spend the night in Indiana on our way to Wisconsin. We were excited to see the place specially me, because it was my first time to visit the place. We arrived Wisconsin at 5pm Monday, we left 10 Am Sunday from NC. That was a long trip ha?

The camping site was so huge that some campers will ride a bus from their camps to the activity area. Can you imagine how inconvenient to live with 35,000 people? that includes small kids. The most inconvenient was the shower and the bathroom. You could just imagine the long line of people waiting for the shower room? Even if you will wake up as early as 4am? there 's a long line already in the shower area. This place will be vacant only at noon time when the campers are having activities. Some campers missed the activity just to avail the shower room.. LOL.. can you imagine that? Even at night time, the shower room is full up to 11pm.

There are lots of portable rest rooms for easing yourself. But some can not take it.. it was so dirty and smells bad. They will empty the portable rest rooms every 2 days. Can you imagine how bad is the smell in that rest room? there's no water in there to wash yourself.. Anyway, most of the campers are used to have this for 1 week. For me? I don't usually go to these portable rest rooms. I go to the EAA Museum because they have very nice comfort rooms. Or else, I will go to the YMCA.. they have nice bathrooms too.

But anyway, we enjoyed in our 5 days camping. The activities were very exciting. There was a nightly program that was very entertaining. The kids loved it. There were lots of activities during the day. I enjoyed with the obstacle course. Climbing the monkey bridge, going on a slide, passing the tire , and more... Oh!! wow!!! I like that.

One exciting thing was the trading of pins. There were lots of campers who were able to trade international pins.. By the way, that camporee is Worldwide. People from different countries in different parts of the world were there just to participate in that occasion. I could hear some people talking in the charging area they said, they were preparing for this event for about a year, some said, they were preparing for like 5 years, hahah.. because this event happens every 5 years. I know some of them spend a big amount just to come to America to be a part of that camporee. Wow!! Maybe if by this time I am still in my country? I will have no chance to come to Wisconsin. I am just glad that I am now in America and that, we did not spend that much money like others did to participate in this event.

We were relax in going back. We spent 2 nights in different hotels on our way back. Our first stop over was Indiana again.. then the next stop was Ohio, then we arrived NC at 10pm Monday. Wow!!! wonderful experience.

Interesting Airshow

Have you been to an air show? Well, for those who have no idea what I am talking about... This is all about flying acrobat planes with skillful pilots showing their talents on flying the planes upside down, Oh!! wow!!! actually it's my second time watching an air show. On my first time watching the plane turning while flying I find it horrible!! what if it will crash in the middle of the crowd watching? that was my thought before and I keep on screaming every time the plane goes upward straight then coming down in a vertical position. Can you imagine that? Not only that! when it goes up, it spins while flying in a vertical position.

Well, I feel relax in my second time watching the air show. I don't scream anymore. LOL... I find it very amusing. I heard, there are some Americans who shed tears when the American National anthem was sang by a little girl of 11 years old. She really has a nice voice. It is very solemn when the airborne jumped from the plane in their parachute!! what makes it very touching was that most of these pilots were serving the army. They are really trained in combat. To the extent of giving their lives to serve the country is very touching.

By the way, the air show was held in Winston Salem North Carolina Airport. The world champion acrobat was there to show his remarkable ability. Imagine that? he can still talk in the cockpit while flying the plane upside down? The MCEE was talking to him and ask him some questions, he was very relax answering all the questions while flying the plane spinning and turning upside down. WOW!! I've never seen like that in my life. Of course!! in the Philippines I never heard of something like that. Oh!! what an experience!!! I just wish my friends who are in my country could also witness something like this. It was awesome!!!!

Preparing for a Trip to Oskosh Wisconsin

I am Somewhat excited and a little bit worried about the trip because we will be driving all the way from North Carolina to Oshkosh Wisconsin. As what I know, it will take more than 15 hours driving from NC to Oshkosh. Oh!! what a trip. This is a camping trip with the youth in our church. Pathfinder group. This is a worldwide camporee and I could just imagine the population in the camping site. Imagine!!! worldwide? I am now wondering if how many countries will be participating in this event. Excited? well, yes but in the other hand, worried about the situation.. hahaha like the bathroom, the shower room and everything. It is just hard to fit in when there are lots of people in the area.

Well, let;s just try to see. We will leave hopefully early morning of Sunday Aug. 9.. and probably arrived in Oshkosh on Monday. This is my first time to visit this place. If not of the camping activity of the youth in which I am one of the staff, I would not be able to grasp this opportunity of attending a worldwide event. I have mixed emotion at this time. Yahoooo..

Actually, I am also excited to see the air show.. if there is still another one for this event. They had the full air show in the lat week of July but maybe they still have a little exhibition during camping days.. hahaha... I just hope so.

I have heard of a woman pilot without arms... Can you believe that? But she was able to fly using her feet only. I just wish she is still there at this time where the camping will be.
Anyway, I will keep you posted of the whereabouts of this event.

Cute Asian Styles are Unique in US

yes, that is true. Asian style of clothing is unique in America. There are many Asians I meet in America. Koreans, Malaysians, Chinese and oH!! speaking of Chinese? they are successful business people here in America. Some have restaurants and some have boutique in malls where they sold their products. But then, there is also an online Asia jam.. where you can buy stuff like clothing, unique styles where you can not find here in America. So, if you are an Asian this is the best place for you to check out.
Not only for Asian people but to those who are collecting costumes and dresses of different Asian styles this is the best place to go. I for one is interested to have collections of dresses from different countries. Check this out, I have found this site very interesting to explore.

You can find a good deal here of the stuff you want. Watch out for their big discounts and sales. It is worth to check it out. You can find here Korean attire, Japanese, Taiwanese, etc. Not only clothing but shoes too. Don't delay, they are top on of the designers in Asia.

I can see the difference!!!

Why kids are different here in America compared to other countries? " THAT KID IS WESTERNIZE". I heard this comment often from people in my country when they see some kids who are outspoken, they would say, he/she is Westernize. Why? what is the difference? Well, I have seen it.. how and why.

Most common reasons is that.... it is against the law to smack the child when he made mistake. It is against the law to impose disciplinary actions because the kids will report to the police that they are victims of child abuse. You can not raise your voice to your kids for they will retaliate and will give you a hard time then they will call 911.. LOL..

It is not easy to raise kids in America specially in training them. Much more that all parents are busy with their jobs, they have no time for their kids and most often, kids are with baby sitters or they will be in day care together with other kids who are hard to deal with.

Thinking about this situation, I am hesitant to work as a teacher here in America.. hahaha I keep on thinking about the scenario that would happen when I will be in the classroom. Kids here in America are different from kids in my country. In up bringing, in culture and everything. There are lots of emotional problems here than in my country. But then, I come across a book which is helpful to parents and teachers. There are tips and guides on parenting. Libraries in schools must obtain a copy of this too, and much more important, parents must have a copy of this. If you are not a parent, you can give this as a gift to friends who are parents or becoming parents. This would be a helpful tool specially to new parents. Check out here.

It is a fact that the young generations are will be the pillars of our society in the future. So it is important that parents and teachers would help mold the right attitudes of kids.

Earning through affiliate Marketing

I have been hearing about affiliate marketing for a long time but since I am not a business minded person, I just ignore it until one time when I search about how to earn online, I came across lots of affiliate websites where they say, you can earn by promoting the products of others. I ask myself, how can I do it? I really want to try it because I was encouraged by testimonials of people who really earned through this.

Well, I can share with you the site I discovered and you can see it for yourself. I am new to this site but I can see it as a promising one. It is worth to spend your time. Try to check this. Explore the site, read the FAQ, join the forum and make your own blog. You can select the product you want to promote using your blog or website if you have one. It is not hard as I think. You can post the link on your email and to any networking sites you are into. You can share the link to your friends and associates. This site is really cool.

You can start earning immediately by sharing the link to the world and once somebody sign up or make a purchase you will earn a commission. What are you waiting for? Try now..

Another Online Venture

Hello world!!! It has been a month that I was not able to share my experiences but now I''m here ready to blow what I recently discovered. In the last 3 weeks, my hubby shared with me what he reads in the news. He is really updated when about what is going on in the world. Then he told me to read about it. It was about earning through affiliate marketing. I am not interested at first because I am not a business minded person. heheh but HE does. My hubby is into business, he has his own small business where we get our bread and butter. But anyway, I read about it and sign up for it and it says I have to pay $1.99 for the kit. What? I don't want to pay anything from any online promotion hahah... but since I was convinced of the testimonials I read, I finally agree to pay for the kit. Well, this is what happened.

I use our debit card to pay for the online kit. They said, I will have 7 days free trial and as soon as I received the kit, I will explore, study and learn about it and use it.. then if I will be satisfied with it, they will charge me like $39 a month? As I read the kit, I am wondering why I will be paying them while the kit they shared has nothing to do with their website? They are giving some affiliate sites for you to join and of course you will be earning through the affiliate sites not the one who sell the kit. hahaha Funny thing.. Seems like I was scam.. And finally before the end of my free trial I called them to cancel my membership because I can not earn in a few days of venturing the sites they have in the kit they sell without learning how to do it. I was stressed thinking that I will be charge that much? without even earning? Well, my hubby don't trust any online agreement specially if our debit card number is at stake, so I change my debit card to be sure that they will never get any penny from us. Because sometimes we can not trust people. They might be saying we will not be charged only to find out, they are getting our money. So, those who are seeking online money earning, be careful. There are many legit sites but you should know how to find them.

Sincere and true friends

I am glad to have found a sincere and true friends here. There are a few of them who are willing to pick me up and take me home anytime I want to attend a special gatherings. Oh!! it takes a lot of sacrifice to do that huh? But anyway, there is one who is really sincere in offering here service to pick me up and take me home. Wonderful!!! We always go together at least once or twice a week. I like her because she is really a good friend. She always help people.

This type of friend is rarely found in a busy society today. Most are very busy with their own thing and no time to help others but focus their time on themselves and their family. But this lady has it all. She has time for her family even if she is busy everyday helping people. She always has her phone with her, calling to her sons or husband while she is on her way to do errands for people. She never forgets to have constant communication with them. Can you imagine that?

I wish there are more people like her in our friends circle. She is really nice and worth to keep.
She is prayerful and get your nerve to be inspired in spite of the odds of life. I really treasure our friendship.

To Own a car is a necessity in America

Oh yes, you heard it right!! to own a car is a necessity here in US. When I was yet in my country I never have a car. I am used to public riding when I go to work but when I come to United States, I feel the need of having my own car because we are living in the country area where passenger buses are not available and my husband is at work all day. It drives me crazy to wait for somebody to give me a ride and take me to where I want to go. And for this reason, my husband bought me a Chevrolet not a brand new car, just a second hand but I am very glad to have it because it is my first car ever.

Since I am just learning to drive, my husband won't trust me to drive that car all the time. He is the one using it because it doesn't consume a lot of fuel. His car sucks a lot of gas, so then, to save money, he used my car more often. And now my Chevrolet is over used and needs to be replaced. I mean we plan to sell it and buy another one, not necessarily new but one with lot of mileage. I start searching of where to find the best dealers. I came across reedmantoll car dealers. Oh!! they have the best offer so far that I have found. I was attracted to their offer of full tank with every vehicle purchase? Oh wow!! with the gas price keep on rising now, it makes me feel excited. Free first oil exchange and they have factory trained certified technicians to help you when you have problems with your car. Am sure they can be trusted because they are in business for more than 60 years and any business will not last that long if they can not be trusted. Another good thing is they will buy second hand cars. They have a pretty good deal with their services and their products.

This dealer is worth trying because they offered best customer service and topnotch maintenance work. The best place to find new and used cars, truck, minivans and SUV inventories. Their website is user friendly and easy to navigate. You will find it interesting to learn more about their pretty good deals in car of different brands. Good luck to your search.

Giving stuff to Homeless Facility

I was shocked to know that here in America, there are people who are homeless. I said to myself when my friend told me about it, REALLY? I thought only in the 3rd world country where you can find people who are homeless. I am so curious about why there are homeless here? My friend said that, some of them lost their homes due to calamities, and others they are drug addicts and others have lost their jobs and they can not afford to pay their house or even to rent one.

Well, everywhere is like that I think. Then, I am just wondering where are they staying at day time because the homeless shelter will let them stay at night only so that they have place to sleep. My friend said that they will just roam around the street bringing their bags with them. Oh what? I did not see any, like what I will always see in Philippines. Everywhere there are people asking for money, going around everywhere but here in America, they have facilities who will provide food for the homeless. There are soup kitchen where people can just go there to eat for free.

Yesterday, I went with my friend to the home shelters delivering stuff for the homeless people who are there. We give them more than a hundred individual packs of goods ready to use. We've got these from donations in the church. Oh wow!! I am wishing there are some things like these for the people in my country who are just staying in the street and no place to go and no food to eat. I did not hear of any shelters there except the DSWD which is also full of people who are needy and that they government is also categorizing of whom they are going to accept there. But in America, there are lots of private facilities as well as government facilities which will help people. And there are many also who are willing to donate food and clothing to those who need it. Well, the needy in United states are still better and well provided compared to those who are in other countries.

Nursing home ministry

Oh!! well, in the last few weeks I am too occupied with many things and am glad I was. My friend pick me up every Tuesday and we visit some nursing home facilities. We sing songs for the the people there and we brought them some food to eat too. I feel pity with these people because some of them are sick. Most that I meet are old people. Oh!! my... in my country, our old folks will e taken care of by their children. But here in America? most of the old and sick people are staying in the nursing homes. Their children are too busy to take care of them. But in the Philippines? that is very unusual. Our old people are staying in our homes and well taken care of by us. We don't want to be away from them when they are old and sick. We want to personally take care of them. It is really different when other people will take care of our old. They don;t have the compassion that we have for them.

I have a friend who said, " I don't want to grow old in America" LOL.. He said that because he had seen the situations of the old here. Very lonely, No families around, as if no body cares except the nurses and CNA"s who are paid to do the job. When I look at these people I feel sad for them. It is very awful. I could see the smile on their face when somebody visits them and pray for them. Isn't it wonderful to witness and share the love of God to these hopeless and lonely people? This is the most reason why I am inactive in here because of my busy schedule.

Anyway, am here now to share my whereabouts for the past weeks. We don't have nursing homes in the Philippines so, then it is an interesting thing for me to be involved in this kind of ministry.

Way of survival in US

When I first came here in US, I am surprised when women do the work that only men in our countries will do. hahaha... well, maybe that is my impression because I never do such thing when I was in my country. Things like, mowing the lawn, carpentry work, etc. heavy jobs. At first, It surprised me and I keep on wondering why women do that? I understand later on that women who are living alone specially single mothers have to do what they can do in order to survive and that is doing heavy things that only men will do that in my country. I mean commonly.. I did not see a woman doing carpentry in my country, but here yesterday, I've seen a woman working in their roof putting shingles. Some women do the brick or do siding? Oh!! it is interesting, anyway.

As I heard from my Pinay friends who got married and lived here, they said that they do everything just to earn. Whatever work that they never had experience doing in their country, they will do it here. There are many professionals who work as server in restaurants, work in the alteration shop, baby sitting, caring for old people, cleaning the house of others or they call it house keeping, mowing the lawn of others, etc. They said, they never done that in the Philippines but here? whatever it is, ladies should do it in order to earn. In the Philippines? it's embarrassing to others to do that kind of job specially if they are professionals.. PRIDE,PRIDE.

As I keep on thinking about it, why then we are ashamed to do that job? It's not bad to do housekeeping? the only thing is that, when they are in the Philippines, they have maids to do the cleaning of their house and now when they come to US they are the ones who are paid by others to clean houses. Not a decent job for a degree holder right? Well, you have no choice when you are still new to the area. There are many adjustments to make. It made me realize also that we need to be flexible to do anything to survive. That's life in America. Everybody must work to earn a living. Even if you don't feel very good physically, you have to report to your job. Work is always a priority.

Bathroom New Look for the Summer

Hi to all my friends. Life has been so busy during spring time, going here and there with friends. It's really fun enjoying the mild weather but there were times we experienced cold in spring though. With my busy schedule everyday, I felt tired all the time and a soothing warm bath would helped me relax and feel good specially at night time. But I realize that summer time is fast approaching and am sure our bathroom plays an important role at that time of the year. LOL. As I look around our bathroom, I feel the need of change. I want a new look with our bathroom accessories. Am sure we will be spending more time taking showers because it's hot here. I remember last summer we had 100 degrees temperature? oh!! that's incredibly hot, I might take showers 3 times a day when that same temperature will happen again this year.
I don't mind spending more time in our bathroom as long as I am comfortable with our bathroom accessories. hahaha.

I'm just glad that my hubby knows how to remodel bathrooms because that is his business. He is really good at that. He knows how to replace sink vanity, tubs, bathroom flooring,bathroom taps, etc. and that we can cut our expenses for that project because we will not be paying for labor. Right now, he is remodeling the bathroom of our friend and this is the second bathroom he did for the same person. Their bathroom has a new look now, it is nice. The owners are very picky with their bathroom accessories which I really admire. Their choices of colors, designs and brands are really awesome and that is what I wish to have in our bathroom too.

Well, it is our project this summer to have a new bathroom look and we will make it to happen. I'm sure we will not be spending much for that because hubby can install the accessories with no labor cost. What we just need to do is to find the bathroom accessories we want with the brands that are durable and affordable and that's it. Oh!! I am excited to have this happen. I might be spending lots of time in our bathroom in summer to have a cool bath and at the same time enjoying its new look.

Jobs, Jobs, where? how to find one? a big QUESTION!!

Hi, to all of you out there. Do you had this experience? asking yourself the same question? Well, I do.. for almost 3 years now I am looking for a job that fits my qualification. By the way, even if it's not in my line as long as somebody will hire me I will do it.. hahahah that's what I said to some of my friends hoping that they have something to recommend. Unfortunately, it doesn't happen for about 2 years now almost 3 years. Imagine that? In these tough times, it is really hard to find a job. I can hear from some of my friends who are out of job now, they are looking for one. Some of them were laid off some were fired, etc. It is a very sad situation.

Anyway, there is still hope as long as we are alive. Prayer can do wonders. That is the only sure thing to rely in this hard time. God has a thousand ways to provide. We just need to trust Him and His leading.

I meet a friend today, she said, she has been looking for a job for almost 3 months now and still nothing. Job is hard to find. She has been everywhere. Well, in this tough economy, maybe the best thing to do is to earn online.. hahaha... writing articles online is good if you have lots of ideas? you can be paid like $10 an hour and that's good. I am doing that for the mean time.
It's just good than nothing. You can be paid by just selling your ideas. I can work in the comfort of my home without pressure and no gas expense. This is a great experience. But I still need a regular job like what others want to have too.

Flea market Experience

Well, flea market is an interesting place for me here in this country. hahaha if you will ask why? it is because I can find most of the food that I use to have back in my country. hehehe Don"t think that I come from Mexico because most vendors in the flea market are Mexicans. It just happen that the Mexicans and the Asians have similar kinds of food and items we usually used.

I compare the price of vegetables and other goods in the flea market from that in the store. It has a big difference. I can buy a bundle of broccoli in the flea market as cheaper as $1.50 and it is $3 in walmart. That is a 50 percent difference. A bundle of Asparagus for $1 dollar and the regular price in other store is $3.50? that is a big savings. with my $10, I can go home with 2 plastics bags full of vegetables. I really love that.

Not only vegetables but also other things like kitchen utensils, dresses, draperies and etc.
It is a help to all of us who are struggling in this poor economy that we are facing today.

My Gardening experience

Wow!!! I love to have my own vegetables. I had a garden the other year and I want to have another one this year. Actually I already planted some vegetables seed but I'm wondering why until now there's nothing in there yet? It is almost a month that I planted the seeds. Well, anyway it says in the pack, it will grow in 3 weeks. I am still waiting.

Gardening in US is very different from the Philippines. In there, we can have a garden whole year round but here? we have to wait for the spring and summer and it must not go beyond that climate because the plant will be ruined by frost in the fall. In the Philippines? we can have a garden anytime of the year. And another thing is that, there are lots of animals here that eat my plants in the garden. There are deer, raccoons, squirrel and wild turkey. They give me head ache last year that I did not post through my garden. I was not able to harvest anything from my garden last year. The other year was good but not last year.

This year, I will do something to scare these animals away from my garden. Some of my friends said, I can use perfume, mothballs, cans, hair and even urine. hahaha... that's funny. But they said, the deer will not go near the smell of urine. This is the first time I heard that.. maybe because there is no deer in the Philippines near I live. But anyway, I will try to do something to scare them away. I love to have my garden blooming with fresh vegetables. I am now excited.

Week end camping Nosoca Pines Ranch

Wow!! I like the place.. We had a good time last week end with the youth in church during our camping in Nosoca Pines ranch in South Carolina. There were about 600 plus youths and adults in attendance and that excludes the little kids.

I love the activities we have had.. Basketball, baseball, volleyball, water activities, cannoeing, swimming, Pontoon ride, buggy ride and lot more. Kids are enjoying every minute of those activities. Even if there are lots of participants, we are not crowding because the Camp ground is so huge.. wide, wide area. There are lots of cabins but we are not using them. We pitch our own tents and experience the beauty of nature around us.

It is freezing at night time like 30 degrees? Ouch!! that cold.. but we manage till morning.. hahaha by wrapping ourselves with our sleeping bags and comforters.. It was a nice experience away from home.

On Sunday morning everyone is busy for our work bee. We clean the whole area in preparation for the summer and fall where many people around the area are going there for retreat and other meetings. This place is really a good place for meetings. They have huge cafeteria that can accommodate hundreds of people, they have store for souvenirs, they have comfortable bathrooms and nice cabins. It is really a nice place to go. I have been there twice. One was for a seminar and lately I went there for a camp out. Nice experience.

I'm glad I know you

How many times you heard that from a friend? Well, for me, I can just count it with my fingers. Yesterday while cleaning the house, I keep on thinking about a friend whom a just know for 2 months but I am really glad to know her. Why? well, since I know her, I already have a chance to go out from the house because she can drive while I am not yet driving. She will just pick me up when she wants to go somewhere and I love it because I have never been into that place before. When she needs a helping hand to do things in her house, she will just called me.. and it is a blessing for me because she will pay me.. hahaha.. Then one day she told me.. I'm glad I know you. I appreciate the help that you have done for me, it is such a blessing to know you.. Oh!!! Well, I feel the same. Since I know her, I was able to roam around places my hubby do not usually go.. you know? the girl thing? hahahah going around shopping, hopping from different stores to another? ouch, mu hubby do not like that kind of thing.. But when I have this friend of mine, I feel like I am free.. hahaha.. I can go anywhere. It is such a blessing to have a friend,, and the good thing is She is also a Filipina who have the same way of life with me when we were in the Philippines therefore we can relate to each other.

Snow in early spring

Snow is not a good thing for me if it is everyday. Well, I am excited when snow comes but when the ground is full of snow and it takes, weeks and more to clear the ground? it is annoying.
Am just glad that here in NC, we seldom have thick snow. But just last Sunday we had 6-7 inches snow and until now, it's already Thursday but the snow is still on the ground.. Thick ice are found beside the road. In our back porch we still have thick snow..ouch!! I feel like scrubbing them out hahah but it is also cold to do that.. My hands feel numb.. It is nice to look at in the first day but when it lasted for many days, it is not a good feeling.. I think it's better to have a rain and a flood because it will subside in a few hours. Lol.. anyway, that is life in America. I have to accept it because I am already here.. cold.. cold.. cold.. for 6 months already... I miss the hot summer days in the Philippines. whew!!

The Lost Sea Experience!!!

The Lost sea is America's Largest underground Lake. It was an exciting experience to have an adventure underground. We traveled from NC to Chattanooga TN. Oh!! it was a long drive like 4-5 hours? But it was an exciting experience. We sleep over night in the cave. It doesn't look like a cave inside.. This place is a registered natural land mark. It is lovely inside the cave. You will be fascinated by strange and unusual rock formations, Take a boat ride adventure in the lake. We had a tour inside the cave, with our tour guides.. we were I think 4 groups at that time, going in different directions.. We experienced crawling and climbing high rocks.. Oh!! what an adventure.
There are lots of lights inside that it looks like an underground city. I have never seen like this lake in my life underground? it is so amazing. After a 4 -5 hours tour we find a place to rest for the night. It was so noisy inside that it is very hard to fall asleep. Snoring here and there LOL and farting too. hahaha.. some are coughing and some are talking.. Well, we have fun.. anyway..
I will never forget that LOST SEA ADVENTURE..

Balikbayan Box

Am glad to know that there is a Filipino near my residence who is working for LBC collecting the LBC Balikybayan Box. The good thing is that... he will just pick up the box from the residence of his customers.. of course his customers are all Filipinos who will be sending box of goodies to the Philippines. I am so glad to know from my other Pinay friends that there is someone doing this. It is easy and convenient for us who want to send our boxes to the Philippines. It has been a long time that I collected those items that I send. Lol.. My sister is waiting for a long time when I can send box.. well, am just thankful that I have money to pay for the box this time and hoping that it will reach to the Philippines in time for the graduation on March.

We are lucky here in America that we can buy cheaper stuff that are of good quality. In the Philippines? life is just so hard specially if there are students who need uniforms,shoes, dresses, etc for school. They have no budget for stuff of good quality because it is too expensive food is their priority. So it is their joy to receive Balikbayan box.

The first time I visit Florida

My first visit to Florida was when we attend the graduation of my step son. Wow!! I like the place!! looks like tropical. I 've seen palm trees, Gumamela flowers and even Santan. These plants are common in Asia particularly in the Philippines.I feel like I'm home. Lol.. We went to the beach I just forget the name of it.. but it was a nice one. But I can say that it is very different from our beaches. I could not see any cottages along the beach area not like in the Philippine beaches? we do have cottages where we are going to put our food because we usually bring food when we go to the beach in the Philippines. But here? no cottage in that beach. It was a very wide area where people just spread their beach towel and they sat down. Some are bringing their chairs, and a cot and there.. they lay on the beach under the heat of the sun. Most Asians are very careful not to stay under the heat of the sun when they are on the beach but the Americans they love it.

Florida is a nice place it's not cold unlike other states during winter. My hubby's parents have a vacation house there, they usually go there during winter time or spring time. I love be back there sometime.

could you love this much?

Well, since February is what they called, month of love many lovers are now preparing something special for the one they dearly loved. This occasion helped me realized that people are really concerned on giving special gifts to their beloved in occasions like this. Did we realize also how much God loved us? God is giving us gifts not only on certain occasions but everyday of our lives.
Even if we are in tuned with Him all the time but He is always there for us. I don't know if people realize this. He gives us air to breath,, What if God will with hold air for 1 minute or so? do you think we can breath? I think not, it's hard when air is gone. Much more for that... He gave His life for all the sinners in this world. He died for the sinners ( you and me) because of His love. COULD YOU LOVE THAT MUCH?

I don't think if there is anybody here who would gave his life for the one he loves.. many people are showing their love on Valentines day.. chocolates,flowers, different kinds of material gifts for the one they love... but do you think, any of them would give their lives for the one they love? I don't think so. Everyday, is a day of love,,,,love for everyone.

Holidays!!!!

Speaking of holidays, I could say that people here in America are different in dealing with holidays. Others are even working on holidays.. wow!! I have a friend who still report to work even if it is a holiday. She said it is really a must.. haahaha.. anyway, she can be off in her day off!!
Well, As what I used to in my country, most people give importance to holidays. Some even extend their holidays.. and some will leave work a day before the stated holiday and it's fine with the management. Their boss will just let them go.. But here in America? there's nothing like that.
If they are told to report even during holidays they have to.

Well, I did not experience yet things like that because I am not working and every now and then I am enjoying my holidays,, I even feel that everyday is a holiday for me but.. it is very boring.
I never experience to be staying home for a long time. Can not just go anywhere unless somebody will come and fetch me.. I know that there are many things you can do at home, but I am not a home buddy hahaha... I used to be out everyday.. But here, I am always in... I am on a holiday for a long time...

what's up?

Valentines day is around the corner. What are you guys are planning to do with the love of your life? Some do plan to have a romantic dinner!! wow!! How nice., for me? I don't know yet because we are out of budget. Lol.. Maybe I will just cook a special dinner and have our romantic dinner at home. hahaha... It's not a big deal here when it comes to celebration like this. I can just remember when I was yet in the Philippines? hahaha they usually have a Valentine presentation in the park. They had that contest... longest kiss!! it's a funny thing.. Many couples joined that contest with a prize for the couple who can hold their breath kissing for a long time. It's really fun. Media men are covering the event. I did not see that kind of thing here in US. As far as I know in the place where I am residing now? I did not hear any special event during Valentines day here. It is just like ordinary days. Well, I don;t know in some other places but here? Oh!!!! not exciting!!! Maybe they are too busy with work, because in here, work is a priority than anything else. Not like in other countries, they are more of fun activities than work. They can leave their work and have a long vacation just to enjoy the event but here? no... no... work is a priority..

Happy Valentines day to all.

Scrap booking!!!

I like this type of activity. Today, we are enjoying sorting our pictures old and new so that we can make a good photo collection.. Lol. This is my first time to join this activity with friends. What I know about mounting pictures is just to put it in an album and it is done. hahaha But, I find this scrap booking CUTE!! because you can put different designs on your crap book then stick your nice, funny, cool and worth remembering photos. I love it... Young and old in our group are enjoying. It is an activity done by our youth group in church. By doing this activity, it gives me an idea that this is a good gift to give to our loved ones on valentines day. Wow!!! gather all the pictures we can get from our loved ones and make a scrap book as a valentines gift.
This is for sure a gift worth to remember...Ok, start collecting pictures now.. still one week more to go.. Good luck..

My time wasters of the day!!

It is my early morning ritual to log in and see who is online among my friends. Oh wow!! my long time friend was there!! I'm so excited that I forgot the time it's already 9 am when I remember that I have to do my laundry, do my house cleaning and take in some wood for the wood stove. But ah!!! I can't stop chatting with her. Good she decided to log out for it's almost midnight in her place. Well, I was about to start my laundry when another friend was on the phone and we talked for almost 2 hours.. lol. I look at the clock it's almost 3pm. I decided to pick up the mail but is cold outside. Oh my!! I don't want to get frozen ..So, I took the car even if the mailbox is just few meters away. When I get home and get out from the car I saw the car is so dirty and we are going to use this for tomorrow's appointment. So, I decided to wash that car it took more than an hour to clean the car inside and out. When am done, it's almost dark and I have to prepare supper. hahaha I was not able to do my laundry and my regular vacuum cleaning. I was not able to log in to my regular websites because I spent a lot of my time chatting. I can't regain the time I wasted. I hope I can discipline myself next time.

Dollar Store!!!

I like the dollar store. There are 3 dollar stores that I know. Dollar General, Family dollar and the Dollar Tree. I like the dollar tree most because everything in there is a dollar. I usually buy greeting cards in the dollar store because I can get 2 pieces at $1 only so $0.50 each? gift bags in any size you can just buy it at $1 each? while when you go to other stores you will pay $3 or $4 a gift bag? Wow!! I like to go there and spend the coins that I kept. Lol.. what is cool is that, when you want to host a party, you can buy party stuff at a lesser price compared to other stores.

Well, some people said they were able to cut down their expenses for grocery items because they can get the things they usually buy in other stores at a low price in the dollar store. Wow!! good deal. My hubby do not want to go there thinking that because they have low price, their items are in poor quality, but when I discovered that the soy milk that he usually buy for his breakfast is sold in the dollar store at $1 per box while in other stores we paid $1.68? hahaha
He will never comments now when I said I will go to the dollar store. If you want to see it for yourself, visit dollar tree website.

Inspiring surprise!!!

Last night, I received a note from a friend in AC ( associated Content) with a big CONGRATULATIONS!! I was amazed what for? then she said on her note that I made it to the top 1000, my badge as AC producer. Well, I just smile because she might be mistaken. But I have a high regard on this lady and I know she will not be kidding or made a mistake? I was so curious of what she is talking about that I log in to the site and checked what was it all about.
Well, I saw the badge beside my name in my profile and I read the explanation what it was all about. Since I am not searching or reading more about their FAQ or promotions or other offers, I did not know that they will award their content producers who have high page views in the previous year. Meaning last year 2008. I did not expect that I made it to the top 1,000 with my page views. Well, I'm glad, I don;t know how it happened but what I know is that I just promote my articles , book mark it to popular websites affiliated by associated content.

I really love this site because you can earn double with your article. They will pay you with an upfront payment ranging from $3 and up depending upon the topic and quality of your content and you be paid by your page view bonus every month. That is cool.. which means as long as there is AC on the web, you will be receiving your page view bonus every month. So, the more articles you have the more money you can get if you promote your article properly and you have good key words. It is exciting. If you want to try joining you can visit associated content
You can also check my content in this link.. associated content.com/user.125082/lets.html
You don't need to be writer to join. Just share what you learned.

Friends who have good hearts

I'm just glad I have friends who have good hearts. Americans and Filipinos. when I first arrived here, It was fall... and few months will be winter time. My new American friends give me winter clothes, socks and all kinds of stuff. My hubby has no more problem of buying me things for the winter. Lol. My mom in law sent me package full of clothes,jackets and boots for winter use. Wow!! it is a nice feeling when people have concerned about you. I have no idea of what to prepare because it's my first time to experience winter time. There are times that I go out in my simple attire of just shirt- and pants then people would ask me, where's your jacket? I said, well, I did not bring one because when I left home the temperature is high. They said, I should always take jackets with me because it is winter time. No matter what the temp is, it is still cold. Oh !! wow I look funny with my shirt while other people are in thick jackets. I shivered hahaha.. and it's a lesson learned. Now, I always go out bringing extra coats all the time.

I am glad to have found Pinoy friends around. I feel comfortable with people in my race because we can relate to each other. Well, my Pinoy friends are already working and they are driving too. Well, it is in our culture that we will help each other. Since they were able now to come up with the standard of American living .. hahaha I should say, they also have plenty of stuff that they don't need. They keep on giving stuff to me. Oh!! I have a lot of things that I don't even need them. But I keep on accepting the things they will give... hahaha I end up collecting things
that I have no place to keep them . My goodness...Well, there are people in my country who need these. I will send it in balikbayan box and share these stuff to them. Relatives and friends who are waiting for blessings. It makes a difference when the tags says MADE in US. they will really treasure it. Lol.

People are in abundance

Why I say " people are in abundance"? it's because they keep on giving away stuff which are in good shape but they don't need it. They have a lot of things. Sometimes they will hold a garage sale which they are selling items in a very low price. Some of those items are still brand new.

I remember one time when our land lord clean his storage, he has a lot of things to be thrown out to the dump. Oh wow!! as I checked the stuff, I found things that are in good shape like study table, bed frame, foam and other stuff. I asked him if I can take some of the items.. Lol.. I was kind of embarrassed but well, I can't stand seeing those things to be thrown to the dump?
We never do that in our country. When we throw away things those are really rotten and could no longer be in used. I just wish America is near to my country so that I can just share what I got here to others who never have things like these. Every time I see things on the dump, I can remember people in the Philippines who are scavengers, digging the garbage hopping to see things that they could sell in order to have money for food and other needs. Some Americans did not realize that the things they are throwing away are still valuable. Well, they don't realize it because they did not see the real situation of other people in other parts of the world. People here are in abundance, they don't care about little things because they have plenty.

See the differences?

No wonder why many would like to come to America it's because of it's abundance in many ways. Food, clothing and more. As what I observed, the poorest man here in America is still better than the poor man in other countries. I mean, hello,... the poor man here has a car and a house to live. But the poor people in other countries have no house to live and no food to eat.
The government here in America is supporting the poor. The needy can apply for government aid and there are many organizations who are helping the homeless. Many people who have things to share will give their donations to the needy. That is great!!!

Well, in some countries, you can see children and grown up in the streets begging for food and money. Well, I am just wondering why they do that? they are not disable? they can work, like car washing, selling something or anything their hands can do, they can earn. The problem is they are lazy. Most are just hanging around talking to friends, having good time instead of looking for something to do in order to earn.

Here in America, people have always something to do, except maybe for others who are disabled but even then, they are doing something. They are not begging on the streets.
There is a blind couple in our church, they are supported by the government but still they are working some crafts that their hands can do even if they can't see. Most people here are not having servants to work for them, they will do the work at home themselves even if they are busy in their full time job outside home. Most have no time to stay idle. But in other countries?
they have house helper to do the task at home, cook for their food, wash their clothes and most of their house helpers are stay in. Well, very seldom here have house helpers who are stay in.
Most helpers are paid per hour. When the work is done, they will be out.
I have seen the big differences when I myself had seen it. I just heard things like these before but now I see the differences.

ehow earning site

Well, it is fun to share what you know and you will be paid for doing it. I know about this site from a friend in Associated content. She has a full time job as an IT at day time and she is writing at night time. wow!! that's how she earned extra bucks. I was curious to hear it that I check the site and I finally decided to join. I have about 49 articles on that site but I am not earning a lot every month because I have no focus.. hahaha I have a lot of sites to visit that's why my earnings are always carried over to the next month until I reach the pay out which is only $10 to reach every month. But in this site you will earn according to how useful is your article to the readers.
They make comment and promote it.. well, that's how I know about how we are paid in there.
I received my pay out 3 times already in that site. It's free to join just check ehow.com

You can share all the knowledge you have on how to things like.. how to make gluten. How to fly a kite, How to do laundry an easy way, How to cook macaroni in a unique way.. hahahah everything you know you can share it there. But they are not accepting international users and you have to join to their WC.. writing compensation in order to be paid. You must have a paypal account too. Try to check the site and enjoy. http://www.ehow.com/members/viol.html.target_ehow member viol.

Mylot earning site

This is the site I am so engross with. In here, I am not earning much money but I really enjoyed my stay in this site since I joined. Their pay out every month is not hard to reach if you are actively participating. This is a paid forum site where you can voice out everything you want. But be sure you will not violate their guidelines for posting and responding. I have been paid monthly by this site since I joined. Well, I started to be in mylot May 2008. I am almost 1 year in this site. They really pay unlike other sites that keep on promising something but did not happen. In mylot really pays not a scam. The good thing in this site is they will accept international members as long as they have paypal account. There are many members from the Philippines, India, UK, Canada, Indonesia, China and other places outside United States. It's free to join.

What I like in mylot is that you can gain friends who have great ideas and they are also supportive. I find it a good place to release you stress, vent, complain, disappointment,worries and everything, and there are people who will listen to you. That is what I like in this site.
It is free to join.. just check on this site.. http://www.mylot.com/?ref=Bebs08

I am enjoying now with the sites I am earning. You can earn too like I do if you will spend your time on it. Have focus to receive bucks at the end of the month. Set aside you TV viewing.. lol

Earning online

Earning online is fun. I love it. When I first join in this venture of earning online, I am having a hard time because I don't know what to do to earn and what site I'm going to join. While I was reading my email, I've found something interesting. It says, WORK FROM HOME AND EARN.. I was so curious to check what it is all about and what am I going to do to earn? well, I was direcred to the site looking for writers. Oh? I am not a writer hahaha.. but then I give it a try. It says there in their promotion, YOU DON'T NEED TO BE A WRITER, just share what you know to the world. So, it's fun. My first article was about classroom discipline. Well, I had experienced teaching in a classroom with more than 50 kids and discipline is a problem but I made it. I learned some techniques on how to deal with students who are hard to control. That was my first earning online. I was paid $4.20 for that article. Well, not bad, at least I am earning? My articles are found in here. http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/125082/lets.html

I am glad I have found some earning sites online and spend my time in there than just merely watching tv or sleeping while at home. Here in America, everyone must have something to do to earn a little extra to supplement the family income. I have a degree but seems no body will hire me when I apply for work. So I have decided to just stay home for a while but not to just sleep or having a good time but find something to do to earn bucks. There are many places you can earn online but it is not a get rich immediately as other job seekers would want to hahaha.
It needs perseverance, patience, determination and hard work. Spend time to grow in online earning.

Clearance Sale

I am always delighted to see poster that says.....CLEARANCE SALE. I' m sure most people would like to check what is it on sale. I surely do because we can find branded items which are expensive when we buy it at regular prices. But one thing I observed here in America is that when they have sale it is really cheap like 70 percent off, 80 percent and sometimes 90 percent off? Wow!!! but back in my country when stores have sale, it is very different from what I experienced here. No wonder most immigrants are sending lots of Balikbayan boxes to the Philippines full of branded goods because they are always watching the CLEARANCE SALE and other promotions every now and then.

The only thing is that the shipment is more expensive than the goods. lol.. I mean, they pay more for the shipment than the stuff that they put in the box. Anyway, that's the most awaited moment of all the family members left behind, the arrival of the Balikbayan box.

As I go around to some places with my friends, I can not control myself not to buy when there is sale. hahaha I just collect things which I think would be useful and other could use it if not me. I can give it as gift when there is special occasion. It is a good deal. I really love clearance sale.

Shopping online is easy and convenient

Here in America, most people do their shopping online. Shopping online is the most convenient way to shop. People here are busy and they have no time to drive to the store and stand in the long line to the counter. You can save your time and money when you shop online. Shop.com is the best place to find the best deals online. Just visit the site and you will be directed to different shopping sites in which you can compare prices of different items you want to buy for gifts and for personal use. They have hot deals of the week. You can search for hundreds of stores online to find the best deals for clothing, shoes, everything that you need, you name it and they have it. As you visit the different stores online, you can compare prices and find the best offers you want to avail.

At shop.com, You can avail their free shipping offers. Just check their free shipping spotlight of the week and find the stores that has free shipping offers. Shop .com has easy access to coupons, rebates, special discounts and other offers. You must check the site often so that you will be updated for their great promotion. Shop.com is the right place for avid shoppers. I am one of those who always look for discounts and special offers. This offer has a limited time so grab the opportunity to shop and save.

Why I find it easy and convenient to shop at shop.com? Well, they offer products by category and it is easy to locate the product you want. That includes clothing, shoes, computers and electronics, furniture, housewares, kids stuff, music, beauty products and many more. You can find the top brands you would want to have in affordable prices. I like the layout of their site because it is very easy to navigate and find the stuff you want and the stores where you can buy the item. Don't miss this opportunity, check online at shop.com and avail the best clearance sale you could ever imagine. Visit the site every now and then for hot offers.

Searching for Jobs

Job searching is not an easy game for me. One thing I have in mind is communication barrier. Hey!! this is America and everybody speaks English too fast I can not understand what they are talking about. I am hesitant to call the number for job vacancy, afraid that I might not be able to grasp every word or instructions they will give me. Well, I can understand English and can speak it too but it's hard to catch up what people had said when they talk so fast and could hardly be understood. Their accent is different from mine. What I did was to apply on line. I submit my resume for some job vacancies and finally I was called for an interview. She then told me that they are not the one who will hire but they will just recommend it to the hiring personnel. Well, fine!!! I called the hiring personnel but she then told me to wait for a call. Since that I did not hear from them. The problem is I have no state certificate yet and they need somebody who has a license or certified to teach. So then, I applied the vacancy that don't need a license. I receive an email telling me to submit my resume. After submitting my resume, I did not hear from them and as I check the vacancy again it was filled up. I am just wondering why they will not hire me? I applied to the position in line with my degree and what is the problem? Is it because I am not an American? Well, I then realized that I need to have a state certification to qualify for the job. I can take the certification anytime I want but still I am in the valley of decision whether I will do the teaching job or look for another type of job in which I will not be dealing with behavior problems, communication problems,etc. I was so frustrated because I want to have something to do in order to earn. But then I never give up. I look something online because many people said you can make money online. I search and search and I finally found some earning sites online which I will share with you on my next topic... hang on..

The Public Rest rooms in US

The public restrooms in US are far different from what we have in my country. Wow!! all toilet paper is free and there is hand soap and different kinds of hand lotion for you to use after using the rest rooms. There is a hand paper towel provided for you to use to wipe dry your hand after washing. All are free unlike in my country? you have to pay if you want to use the public rest room. Aside from paying the entrance to the restroom you also have to buy tissue paper or toilet paper to use. There are people at the rest room entrance selling the items. The American rest rooms have no faucet inside the room and no pail and dipper.. as what the public restrooms in other countries used to have. I even visited some rest rooms here in US where there is a mini living room area. There is a corner seat and a big mirror. There is also a place for mothers to change the diapers of their little baby. In some rest rooms like the church restrooms, they provided free diapers. When I first saw this, I was so amazed and feel like, Oh!! this is better than my house hahahah... The cool thing is that you will never bored waiting for your turn using the comfort room because you don't have to st and up on the line. There is a comfortable seat and reading materials for you to enjoy while waiting. The rooms are plenty and people who use it are few. The restrooms are really clean and smells fresh.

Winter is not Fun for me

While most people really like winter time because they want to play in the snow, skiing, making snow balls, skating in the snow but for me it is the most uncomfortable weather of the year. Well, I don't know anything about skating or skiing so, it's no fun for me when winter comes. Oh yes, I love to see the snow, I like to watch the snow falls but I don't like the cold. I have to use 3 layers of coat when I will be out from the house. I am living in the state where snow is not that heavy and the temperature is not so low but still I am not used to that type of weather. We seldom have temperature below 10 degrees. We are always in 20 below or above. Unlike the other states? they usually have below zero temperature and they have to shovel the snow in their yard. Too much expense plus the oil for heater and electricity bills are increasing every winter. I never experience thick snow here in my place. We only have snow 2-3 times during winter and is not that bad. We only have 3 inches and that's it. But it is really cold for me. Good that we used wood stove to heat our house so we were able to cut down electricity bills and oil expense for the heater. But still I am not comfortable with the cold. When I saw winter and the snow time in movies I thought it is fun but when I experience it myself, I keep on hoping it will end soon. It is not fun!! cold... cold... cold...

Adjusting to American food

Adjusting to American food is really hard. There are many Filipinos here who are not eating the American food. They will cook the food that they used to eat in the Philippines like, fish tinola, fried fish, salted fish, dried fish, etc. In my case, I can't do that unless I am alone in the house. My husband is a vegetarian and I don't want to offend him eating meat or fish with him though he said I can eat what I want but I preferred not to when he is around. I have to eat the American food and practice preparing that kind of food because I am already here. In my first taste of the salad, I can not stand it. I used to eat blanched salad so, their fresh salad doesn't appeal to me. I used soy sauce for my salad plus fresh tomatoes and Onions but theirs, they used salad dressings of different flavors I never tasted before. It took me several months to be used to that kind of salad. Their spaghetti doesn't appeal to me either, I don't like the way they made it but that is what my husband used to eat so, I have to prepare it for him and I also practice eating the same. I have no idea of cooking American food but I ask from friends and search on the net. I used to eat rice 3 times a day but now, I only have rice maybe 3-4 times a month. I usually eat toast in the morning, which I never did before,, Lol and then anything I can get for lunch will do for me since I am alone at day time. At night, I have to prepare dinner so, I will make potato casserole, beans, pasta, etc, Well, I still missed the rice and the fish tinola but
I am not craving now like others do. Though I am still adjusting to American food but I can live with it now.

Taking the learner's permit to drive

I was encouraged by friends to get a learner's permit so that I can start driving on the road not on the driveway only. Lol. So, I studied the driver's manual. Do you believe that when you re not interested in that certain thing, you are having a hard time understanding it? I do believe on that.
I am not really interested to be a driver. I maybe just forced by circumstance. It is a neccesity because no one will take me to the place where I want to go if I can't drive. My husband has to go to work. He can not take me anywhere I want at anytime and there is no available passenger vehicle in our area. I hate to think about driving but I have to do it. So, I studied and took the exam. Oh my!!! I failed. Lol.. I mastered all the traffic signs but don't know about the driving skills. All the questions on the written exam were about what to do when you are driving.. Like when you are driving down hill what gear you use, when you skidded on the road, etc. I can not remember all those things and what to do. All are found in the driver's manual but I did not pay attention to it. That was it. I failed but the good thing is you can retake as many times as you can until you pass. No payment until you will pass then they will issue your card and that's the time you will pay. I reviewed the manual and put everything into my head and retake the following day. Thanks I made it and I was issued a card. But then, I am still scared to drive on the road. I practiced several times on the back road and even drive going to Walmart just once. Lol..My permit is about to expire now but still I have no guts to get my license. It is really a dilemma for me. I hope I can make it in due time.

Driving Problem

Driving is the biggest fear for most lady immigrants. That is my problem too. I never experience driving in my life even driving a bicycle? I never experience it. You can just imagine how hard it is when you never have been in a driver's seat. I start to learn how to maneuver using the lawn mower.. hahaha In my first try, I am so scared. I can imagine the kids in my country who are really expert in turning the wheels of the go cart easily? Lol. Why I am so scared? In my childhood I never experience driving anything because I did not grow up in the city where kids are expose to driving GO CARTS, Kids cars on the malls , bicycles and everything. Oh My!!! But anyway, I made it. I learn maneuvering the wheels by using the Lawn mower. Then later, I used the car. You can just imagine how scared I am driving a car first time in my life? My husband was with me, and the more he scares me when he raise his voice to let me step on the break or gas, sometimes I am confuse with the gas and the break.. hahaha.. But I made it in few days. I practiced driving in our driveway. One time when I was about to park the car, I hit the lamp post in our yard. It's too bad, the post gets under the car. I am alone at that time and I can't get the post out. When my husband arrived, he jack up the car to take the lamp post out. I did not drive for few months since that incident. It was awful!!

Finding new Friends

Finding new friend is not that easy when you have no access to go anywhere. My only exposure is when I go to church and when I go to the super marker for grocery shopping. All the rest of my time is at home. I am confined in the 4 walls of our house. since I can not drive, I have no other option to be with people and make new friends except by using the phone. Well, I called my friends who are also a stay at home wife like me and ask them if they knew other Filipinos near me. Of course I am comfortable with people who have the same culture with me because we can easily relate to each other. I'm glad she did introduce me to other Filipinos she knows and I started to be alive. When I felt lonely I just dialed the phone and talk to them for an hour or 2. I'm so glad that one of them live close to my house and she can drive. hahaha.. then she will pick me up sometimes and we will go out to the malls and other thrift stores we Filipinos are fond of. The most exciting one is when we cook Filipino food in their house and eat as much as we can. It is a different thing when your friends are in the same culture. We are helping each other and sharing our bits of advice on how to survive in the foreign land.

Culture Shock?

When I first heard the words "culture shock" I did not pay attention to it. I don't understand what they mean of these words not until I had experienced it. When I was yet in my country, I used to hang out with friends after work. That is my normal life so to speak. I felt relaxed after the days work when I can talk to friends, co workers and even neighbors. When I arrived here in US, it's totally a different thing. Neighbors are very quiet. You can hardly tell if someone is living in the next door. As if all are busy with their own thing. You ca not see anybody standing outside their house or even sitting outside. Unlike in the Philippines you can see people everywhere. You can talk to your neighbors, ask questions and spend time talking to know each other better. I feel like a total stranger in our neighborhood. I 'm wondering where the people go? Lol. I feel all alone in the house. My husband is working everyday and I am left behind with no one to talk to. We have TV, internet and other musical instruments that I can use to alleviate my loneliness but these can never replace the happiness I would have to be with my friends as I used to in my country. I struggle to overcome but I made it in 2 years time. Dealing with culture shocked is really hard. It needs determination and positive thinking that you can make it.

Dealing with cultural differences

Dealing with cultural differences is not an easy thing. I was raised in a conservative society where people around me have their own standard and cultural values very different from the Western world. When I was in the Philippines, I am highly respected by the kids especially my students. Every time they will see me, they will bow their heads as a sign of respect and say their greetings like, good morning ma'am, good afternoon or good evening. It was a shocking experience for me when I arrived in the US where children just call me by my name. Oh!! What? I am 40 plus? Lol and they just call me by my name? the kids? at first as if I was choked. I almost reprimand them but I then realize, hey!! this is not my country and this is how they were brought up. How would I let them know I don't like the way they call me? Well, believe me, I wrestled inside me for I am not comfortable that the kids will just call me by my name. But can I change their culture? haha.. I came to realize I can never do that. As the days go by I learn to accept the fact that I am no longer in my country where kids respect the old people. Kids in the Philippines will never called the older ones by their names but here in US it is normal for them to do that.