It Is But Necessary

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When my husband was deployed the second time in 2008, we went to the legal office on post to do his Last Will. As we all know that going for a deployment specially in combat zone everything can happen. It is recommended to all service members to leave necessary documents to their respective families in the event that something happened to them or they become incapacitated. So, we were interviewed by the legal officer and given some forms and paper works to read. Included in the Will is the funeral planning in case something happened to my husband. At first I was kinda apprehensive in talking about it but it is necessary.

As we both read the choices of the funeral plans we looked at each other and started smiling. The legal officer was saying like yeah I know how you feel and smiled with us as well. My husband let me did the reading but when I asked him if he wants cremation or full body burial in casket, he groaned and let out a soft laugh. Going through the process of completing the Will is really emotional. It made you think of the possibilities as what the choices in the forms dictates. Others you find too morbid and brutal but it is reality. In as much as you don't like it to be discussed but it is necessary so the loved ones who are left behind will not be in the dark of what are the things to do. I am so glad we were able to finish it that day and had the Will signed and sealed.

Valentine's Day is Coming

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The month of January went by so quick. Tomorrow is February already and you know it's the love month. But sad to say another celebration for me and hubby that we can't share together as of the moment physically because of our distance. Nevertheless, we can create a moment of togetherness through online communication to celebrate our love this Valentine's day.

So, have you thought of something sweet and valuable gift you can give to your loved ones? Why not check out some unique personalized gifts? Occasion such as Valentine's, I prefer to give something that is more personal. Something that will profess your love to the receiver and showing your appreciation of how valuable they are to us. It may not be an expensive thing but if it is done with effort and heartily given it sure will be a great treasure to them. The days is rolling out so quick so start looking for something nice and inexpensive right now.

Farewell Party

Moving is military life. This afternoon we had a farewell party for our friends who are moving or PCSing. We just knew them for few months and now they are moving out not only for out of state but out of the country. They are going to be stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Sometimes it is hard to really bond with other military families because when you already established the friendship then you will have to bid goodbye to them. But in a way it also enriches your life and as long you have the communication, who knows, someday you will meet again.

To our friends, N & K, even if the time we knew each other is only short I will treasure the friendship. God bless to both of you and to your soon to be addition in the family. Til we meet again.

Find the Best Insurance

Looking for the best insurance nowadays would entail much scrutiny. There are lots of insurance providers in the market right now that entice consumers with different marketing strategy. But still you can't be sure if you are getting the best coverage as what they promised with your money. So to find the best, you need to get insurance quotes first. The comparative of the different providers can give you an idea of which one you need and fits your budget. Don't be fooled by what their ads or campaigns is saying because you just don't know there are underlying fees and charges that later on they will impose on you. The internet has a vast resources of getting these quotes and don't hesitate to search for the best one.

Starting Up a Business This New Year?

With the economy still on the down side, a lot of people are trying to make both ends meet. Some enrolled back to school and attended retraining just to enhance their skills in order to become more competitive in this very tight marketplace. For some people, starting a new business sound like a good idea too. So, are you one of those that wanted to start up a new business? If you are you can check out franchise opportunities. There are established businesses that are offering franchising to those who are interested. One edge on getting a business franchise is that if it's already well-known, starting is not really that hard. There is already a niche and you just have to follow the franchise rules then, in my opinion, you can never go wrong. Make sure also to make a business plan and see to it the viability of the business.

Anniversary Surprise

This is a very late post. I was trying to post this picture here but I got side tracked. Although I already posted here that hubby surprised me on our anniversary but forgot the picture I took that day I found his surprise at our apartment door.

I am very thankful for hubby's thoughtfulness. When we talked over the phone discussing our anniversary, he did not mention anything whatsoever. All along he's cooking up something like this.

Our anniversary falls on every December 18th. Last December marked the 5th year of us being married. Half a decade of being together really made us stronger. We're both thankful that even though we are far apart right now but we still continue to be strong and work towards the betterment of our family. I am thanking the Lord for the best relationship that we have and also for all the blessings that our family received through the years.

Beautiful Skin

I am envious for those who have wonderful skin :-) Yeah, it's true. I have dry skin especially on my legs and my face. Although I am not putting any make up on but I do my best to moisturize. If I can't put moisturizer my facial skin will feel rough. I also have some blemish and small scars on my face. It was caused when I had chicken pox when I was in sophomore high school and also acne scars. Some of the scars are not visible but there are some that left a mark. My best lesson learned when I had acne is not to pick it and get adult acne treatments right away. If you have acne right now you need to make sure it will not leave a mark in your face because the scar is hard to remove.

High Cholesterol Problem

Back in July of last year I had my general health check up. It was found out I had a high bad cholesterol level. Of course for me it's kind of alarming because we have in our health history of hypertension, high blood pressure and other heart disease. I met with a nutritionist and I was given options as well as gave me information of what food to eat that are rich in fiber and can help lower bad cholesterol. I was also researching information online and I found out about konjac glucomannan. Accordingly, this glucomannan which is a dietary fiber, is derived from the plant konjac. As a rich fiber source, it helps in lowering cholesterol, aids in constipation and others. I may have to check more info about it and maybe I can use it to lower my bad cholesterol.

Facial Problem

As the saying goes, it's hard to face a problem when your problem is your face. Yeah, it is true. When you have a problem with your skin especially if it's visible, like in the face area caused by severe acne, it is really bothersome. It can diminish your self-esteem and you are always bothered talking to other people especially when they are looking straight at your face while talking. Part of growing up is to have this occasional facial breakouts. So proper hygiene during puberty is really a must. My sister used to scold me when I was in high school because I am not that particular in washing my face. Then I will always complain of having breakouts. I was lazy then that is why. I did not realize that what she was telling me all the time was for my own good. Right now I still have problem with breakouts but glad it's not all over my face anymore. Though I still need to look for that perfect facial skin products that will suit my skin type.

Our Weekend

Wow another weekend had passed. Ours was great if not only for the wet and soggy weather. Saturday we attended a children's party. The daughter of one of my good friends here celebrated her 2nd birthday and they had it in their apartment. It was just a small party for the kids but we had fun. My friend's husband came home for his R&R from his deployment in Afghanistan. It sure is a good birthday for their daughter since their family is complete. When it was time to go home we realized it was raining. Since we just live at the same complex, me and DD just walked home. I did not bring a thick jacket and no umbrella so I was kinda cold and got soaked. The box of pizza that I brought home wasn't enough to cover me from the rain :-)

Our Sunday was also okay. We didn't go to church. I was thinking of not going out but our DD's milk was low so I don't have a choice. I wanted to go to Albertsons and Safeway but it was raining. I decided to just get couple of stuffs at Walmart and do more grocery shopping next weekend. I only need few things and mostly it's for our DD. The parking in our complex was packed when we got home. I parked my car on the other side across from us and lugged my groceries all the way and it's raining. This rain is too much for me :-) Hope we see sunlight this coming week.

Free Directory Submissions

I am thinking of looking for site directories where I can get a free directory submissions. I need to boost traffic for all my sites. I have been neglecting my blogs and did not mind increasing the traffic. I realized that in order for me to get more revenue, I need to work on it the soonest possible time. I know there are lots of web directories I can find online and it's just a matter of when and what kind of services I want to get. I will only look for free ones since there are directories that are very expensive. I can't afford to pay the high cost so I will just opt for the free ones.

Slow Metabolism

I think I have a slow metabolism because I feel sluggish most of the time. Honestly I need to do more exercise since I am not getting any younger. I wanted to do more walking but it's always raining over here in our nick of the woods aside from the low temperature of the winter season. When it's cold you also like to just stay indoors and be a couch potato. When me and my friends got together we talked about colon cleanser to clean up our colons because we have been pigging out a lot lately and not doing exercise. I may have to check out colon cleanser reviews in days to come to suggest to them. But really, I have to stop being lazy and get on my feet to do more exercise to increase my metabolism.

People Need Work

Despite the positive result of the stock market, but still there is slow job placements from all across the country. There are still companies and employers that are slashing and laying off employees. You can hear from the news and see on television reports criticizing the President of the slow job creation. I am no expert when it comes to politics but I do believe politician should stop bickering and start uniting for the common good, that is to provide jobs to thousands or I think millions of people who are now unemployed. I know it is in every politicians' agenda but more effort should be put into it so those that don't have job can start going back to their feet. But seeing job openings such as the pa job listings can make us still hopeful that somehow there will be enough jobs for the people that need work.

A Great Giveaway for ALL ACTIVE DUTY SOLDIERS

Are you or you know of someone who is actively serving in the military? If you are then don't pass this great giveaway hosted by clickclackmom.com who teamed up with Borders Booksellers and Sony. They will deliver a Sony Touch Reader Digital Book to an active duty member of the military this Valentine’s Day! How about that?!!!


This giveaway is valued at $300 and is a perfect gift for our beloved soldiers this Valentine Day. So what are you waiting for? Head to clickclackmom.com and join to win this fabulous giveaway. Just follow her contest rule and you will be on your way of winning. The contest will close on January 25, 2010. Hurry and join now!

Gain or Loss This New Year?

Every new year one of the resolutions people are making is to lost weight. So, what is yours? Do you wanna gain or do you wanna lost excess pounds? I was watching the Biggest Loser last night and honestly I find every story inspiring and encouraging. Although right now I have to gain weight because of my circumstance but after this I definitely will join the bandwagon. Others are trying to scout for best weight loss product and I think this is a matter of preference to one's person. There are so many ways to make sure we are living a healthy life and what matters most is our determination and perseverance to handle the pressure that comes along with it. There may be hindrances along the way for sure but if you are totally into it and make it a lifetime goal, then you can encompass all the obstacles. Just be strong and focus on the goal no matter what.

Customized Gifts

I am thinking of what best gift I can give to my family back home that is more personalized. A friend suggested for a customized gifts like custom mugs or personalized blanket with our family's picture in it. I searched online for sites that offers this kind of service and I found a ton. I also went to our local stores around here in our area and their photo services offers this type of services too. Now I am interested to have the custom mugs where we have our family picture on it and also a t-shirt that me and our DD can wear when we pick up our Daddy. I am already excited for the outcome and hopefully it will be an awesome one. This is my first time of having this type of customized gift that is why I am very excited.

Talk About Saving

When I am with my friends here whose husbands are also deployed, we always talk about how to save. We share our different strategies to save money for our family. Our husbands are sacrificing too much for being in a dangerous place as part of their job and we wanted them to know that we value their sacrifices by not spending too much their hard earned money. For myself, I want my husband to see the fruit of his sacrifices when comes home. So far we are on track with savings and paying off debts. Right now we only have one credit card left to pay and the rest are all basic utilities and rent fees.

I am watching financial shows on television and they're talking about saving your money in a bank which is FDIC accredited or even said to check out Credit Union in your area to save your money. The goal is to have at least eight months of emergency fund. I admit we are still far from having that 8 months emergency fund established but at least we are getting there. You also need to gear up your retirement funds for the future. Other people's strategy of saving is buying gold coins and keep them at home like the Turkish woman on Oprah show said. But I believe whatever type of saving you think is best for you and your family you have to do it.

I heard a lot of stories about military wives or partners who are over spending their husbands' or partners' money while deployed; that when the soldiers come home they ended up broke and it will cost their family life to be broken as well. It is very sad to know but there is reality to it. I did not hear a story like this once but many times. There may be stories behind their action but I hope those that are left behind know the degree of sacrifice the soldiers are dealing while in combat and refrain from squandering the soldier's finances.

New FRG Leader

When hubby left in September he was under the HHC l-38 of 4th Stryker brigade. Ever since they left I did not receive any emails informing me of meetings or other information regarding the company. Hubby was with the same company when he was deployed the second time and I constantly receive communication from the rear detachment or FRG.

Just recently hubby was moved to HHC Brigade. And lo, I received an email from hubby's previous company of the meeting for tomorrow. It was the first one I received but unfortunately I cannot attend for it since hubby no longer belongs to that company. I have to call the Rear-D and ask them who is my new FRG leader. I wish I will not get lazy and will do my best to be active, hopefully.

No Hand Dryers or Even Napkins

I was doing my Christmas shopping last December in one of the stores here in our area. When our daughter needed changing we went inside their restroom. After I was done changing her I washed my hands and hers but to my dismay there was no napkin and their hand dryers were none working. Good thing I am always bringing small pack of kleenex in my purse along with our daughters wet wipes. This is one of the disappointments when I am going to a store restrooms or public restrooms and after you use the facility there's no tissue or napkins you can use. I guess during the holiday shopping time the rest rooms are very busy as well that's why they ran out. But I hope some of the stores' utility management can anticipate the situation and have their facilities ready in times like it. It is one way of promoting good customer service as well.

What Gift You Got Last Christmas?

Christmas is over and new year is here. So, what gifts you got last Christmas? I know a lot received electronics such as cameras, Xbox, Wii, playstation 3, Nintendo DS, and other gadgets. Although we received all these material things, there can never be more greater gift than the love families is sharing not only for the holidays but throughout the year. For me, I am so thankful for my family, relatives and friends that share their warmth thoughts for us on Christmas. I am so blessed to have their love and support specially so that there's only me and our daughter here celebrating the birth of our Savior. I noticed that even if I received the material gifts that friends and loved ones gave, I still felt the void not sharing it with my husband and my family from the Philippines. I am hoping that the last Christmas will be the last one that we are not together as family. It is really difficult. I still prefer we are together even if we don't have much to celebrate with. Despite that, I am still thankful that we got through it and was able to exchange wishes and goodwill through the phone and of course the internet.