When Your Vehicle Act Up

Now that my husband is currently deployed, among the things that I always pray not to happen is our car not to act up. Although we can just call our insurance provider and then they will send someone to rescue you from your predicament but still it is a hassle when it happens. Right now I still have to jump start our truck since it's not cranking up. I believe its battery is dead. My friend offers help to jump start it but we can't find a good time yet. So it is best that you will have your vehicle checked up regularly. If you need anything for replacement or changing you need to act as soon as possible before it gets worst. You can check online and compare where you can get affordable motor parts. There are auto parts liquidators you can find that sells inexpensive vehicle parts and even Mopar performance parts. Before, I am apprehensive of getting anything online but since I started online shopping I am used to it already and I love it's convenience.

I Started My Spring Cleaning

It's almost spring time and I have to ready do my spring cleaning. I have been doing some reorganization here in our apartment unit and so far I see some progress. The other day I bought a new area rug for our dining area and while I was moving the table the leg came off. Our dining table is already old and now I guess it needs a replacement. For the past two days I've been going out to check out furniture store but I am torn between buying an inexpensive one or one that we can still use even if we move once we have our own place.

Anyways, the rug that I previously used in our dining area I was thought of throwing it away. I have no room to store it. But as I was contemplating I can still use it in our bedroom. So I put it at the foot of our bed which I think works. Now I need to have another bedding set that will complement with the rug. I was thinking of getting an allergy bedding since I know spring time is also allergy time and I want our kids to be safe against allergies and germs. We will have our daughter number two in spring so I have to prepare our rooms to be free from any allergens. I hope I will be able to finish my cleaning and re-organizing before my d-day so at least I can still have time to relax :-)

Getting a Degree Online

It is not rare this time to opt for an online degree. Many find it convenient because even if you're a full time employee or have to take care of your kids, you can still attend class at the comfort of your home. This is what I am going to do this coming quarter. I am going for an online classes. I've been doing this before and I will do it again. Even though I still like the on site setting of going to classes but because of my circumstance online class is convenient for me.

Some of my friends whose husband are also deployed are taking online classes since we all have children to take care of. One of my friends whose planning to enroll this coming May is still looking for a degree. I suggested to her about getting a business administration degree since she is more inclined on business operations and the likes. In fact I suggested to her to check out Northwestern College's online associate's degree in Business Administration maybe she will like their program of study. This college aimed to hone the business or entrepreneurial skills of their students so they will excel in the business world.

In choosing an online school, you need to consider how the school implements its course program and how they prepare their students to get a career after they graduated. The success of every students in the workforce also rely on how the school prepares them. So for those that wanted to get an online degree, make sure the school you are going to are competent enough to prepare you to the path of success.

It's Tax Time Again

Have you filed your 2009 taxes already? This year we decided to file our own taxes. Hubby did it even though he's in Iraq. He can file it electronically since he has an APO address. At first we thought of having it done at the tax services that we've been using for the last two years. But since our documents for filing taxes are all straight forward, we decided that he will do it by himself. He's using Turbo Tax in filing.

Maybe, if we have properties and other estates to declare or investment returns or what not then we have to seek for the professional services. Now that my husband experienced doing it on his own, he said that next time he will do it by himself as well. He will read more about it coz I know it is so intricate and tedious especially that almost every year there are changes on deductions and the likes. Honestly, I wanted to learn doing taxes. Maybe later on I will try to enroll in a class that let's you learn how to do taxes. I know H&R Block offers such classes. I'll just look for a time in the future.

Resources About Mesothelioma

Are you looking for a resource center about Mesothelioma? I found a good resource online at mesothelioma.net. They have a comprehensive information about this illness. You can find about its causes, symptoms, treatment and others. I found this site when my brother told me that one time he was exposed to asbestos. So I made a research about it knowing off hand that asbestos can cause this disease. I remember too before that my sister's house had an asbestos on their roof. I told them about it and I am glad they're not living there anymore. So, if you are looking about information about mesothelioma, check the site and get informed about this disease.

Dinner at Friend's Place

Today is a very nice day. Our weather was sunny and the temperature's high was in the high 50's. If it wasn't for the wind it surely would be nice to have a walk around our complex. I am glad though I was able to do my errands. Sent the package to hubby and went to the store to get some stuff. I am trying to finish buying what I need before I pop. We got home passed 4pm and my dear friend called me to have dinner at their place. She's cooking sauteed bean sprout and other veggies with pork. It's very yummy. She also called our other friend to come by. Good thing they're free so she was able to join with us. While we dined, my friend told us that she may need the best diet supplements for pigging out all the time :-) We're always like this, when somebody feel like cooking something we invited each one of us. This is our way of bonding while our husbands are away. I am blessed to have them and it's a big help to have someone with the same situation as mine.

Not So Good News

I supposed to go to the college today to register for classes for spring quarter. Unfortunately, when I checked online for the classes that I am going to take it's all closed. Meaning, the seats are full. This happened last quarter as well that is why I wasn't able to enroll. I will be taking online classes because of my situation. Hubby is not here, I am due to give birth and I don't have a baby sitter. I talked to my husband about it this morning and he said I should still go there and put my name in the waiting list.

So now I am thinking of having another option. That is to apply to a solely online classes through the Central Texas College. Instead of going for Medical Assisting I will just get a certificate in Medical Transcription. All the classes for this certificate program are online but I can apply on post where my hubby is stationed. I already called this afternoon the CTC representative at the education center on post and was given information about what to do and she will help me through.

I wanted to go directly for Nursing program but it will take me more time to apply for the program since I need to get all the pre-requisites first. I will be using MyCAA financial assistance which pay up $6,000 of any portable career programs you want to take. CTC is a military spouse friendly school and getting this certificate for now will enable me to work at home while I can still take care of my kids. Also, if we PCS in the future I will not transfer school since I go to an online class. Tomorrow I will be heading on post to start the process. I know I have to start from scratch again since this will be a new school.

Have Acne Problem?

Do you have acne problem? I know how annoying it can be when you have zits or breakouts in your face. Causes of acne include among others the excess oil in facial glands and I've read also about some vitamin deficiencies. I know also that it can be caused by hormonal imbalance. If you are suffering from it, you may have to ask your Dermatologist if you have vitamin deficiency that caused your acne breakouts. I have read that there are vitamins for acne right now in the market that can help in curing or preventing it. I have suffered from it before and I am so glad that I no longer have the big ones coming out on my face. Although there are times that I have some acne breakouts at my nape but not as worst as before.

Hubby's Weight Loss

I waited for my husband to call me early today but it did not happen. He was able to call when it was around 10pm his time and 11pm here in north west. He said that he just got back from the shower after running for 12 miles that evening. He also informed me that he lost another two pounds about a month. It is not a big loss but still he is happy for it. He is aiming to loss five pounds before his R&R leave. I asked him if he want the quick and easy weight loss regimen and he said he will stick to what he is doing right now. Mind you, after his every run he will tell me that her feet are sore, back ached and hips bothering him. I jokingly tell him too that oh my you are falling apart :-) But he will say despite the pain, he can handle it since he's a soldier. Yeah, okay, whatever :-) I am proud of him though that he is doing his best to balance his work and attaining a healthy lifestyle.

What's with the Pose?

That was what my husband asked me when he saw this picture of our daughter that I tagged him in Facebook. He said that hope this will not get us in trouble when she become older :-) I told him that she does the pose every time her picture is taken. Right now she's also doing the pouting of her lips :-) It didn't show in this picture but in others it does. Her pout looks like she's smirking though :-)

She is growing fast and want to act independently; like changing clothes, walking and not on the stroller, pick out her accessories among other things. When her Daddy is online she love to talk to him. She gets excited that every time the phone rings she will say it's Daddy. I know she'll grow as Daddy's girl and hopefully a doting big sister as well.

Valentine's Day

I know it's valentine's day today and supposed to be spent with our loved ones especially my partner in life, the hubby. Sadly, he is not here since he is currently deployed. So what I did today was went to the store for a little shopping and then this afternoon we went to attend a birthday party of the Mom of a new friend. While preparing to go to the party, I noticed that my eyes looked like I'm tired. I need to remove dark circles under eye so I will not look haggard. Instantly I used concealer to hide it but I know if I keep going to sleep late and not protect my skin then it will get worst. Hopefully I won't get to the point of having an invasive procedure just to remove it. Thinking about it is kinda scary to me. Got fears of being subjected under the needles :-) I wanted to become a nurse but I fear syringes. Ironic, isn't it? I don't mind using it to others but not on me. Anyways, the party was great and the foods, Filipino dishes mostly, are all yummy. Happy Valentine's day to all!!!

Germ-Fighter Pillow

How long do you keep your pillows or how often you change pillow cases in a month? Honestly, all our pillows right now are about three to four years old and I change bedding including pillow cases twice a month. But as I watched this youtube stream below, it really disgusts me how our pillows accumulate allergens, fungi, and bacteria over time. Check this video below.



I am now thinking of buying new sets of pillows :-) I know it is very scary knowing that we are sleeping with those microbes invading even in our sleep. I really need to change my habit now and follow the recommendation of changing pillow cases once a week. And better yet get an allergy pillow or the germ-fighter pillow. This is what I do need not only for our bedroom but also for our daughter. I am talking about the Healthy Dreams Germ-Fighter Pillow from National Allergy. Their pillows are made with filters that protects users from breathing in harmful particles in the pillows. As parent we want to ensure that our kids are healthy this is why we use all germ killing products just so our kids will be protected against infection and other diseases. So why not we start with having a germ-free and allergen-free pillows for us and our young ones to use, right? Cleanliness starts at home as the saying goes and it would be best to start right in our bedroom. With it, we can go to dreamland free of worries of getting sick.

Counting the Days

I am very excited and we are counting the days of hubby's coming home for his R&R leave. We're expecting him to be here by mid of April. I know we are still in Feb right now but the days just go by very fast. There are times that I would say it's very hard being away from him although we get to talk many times a day. We are using almost all types of communication there is; we have skype, YM, emails, we send each other cards, and telephone calls. But it still incomparable than seeing him and talking to him personally like he's physically present here.

Earlier, we were skyping and of course we talked about sort of things to include what he gonna do after this deployment. He need to pick out another duty station or look for another unit because he don't want to go for another deployment. This is his third and hopefully his last. He wanted to spend more time with us as well as spend the remaining years before his retirement to prepare for his civilian life. When they come home in August, maybe we will know if we are going to PCS or remain here. If he stays in his unit right now, guaranteed he will be going to Afghanistan by fall next year or in 2012. Oh well, this is military life.

Fried Tilapia and Veggie Omelet

Our typical breakfast here that I share with our DD; rice, fried tilapia and vegetable omelet and a glass of OJ. Hubby had it too when he was here before his deployment. It's easy to prepare and can really give you a full tummy for breakfast. I may have another veggie omelet tomorrow morning :-)

Burger for Dinner at My Friend's Place

My friend invited us for dinner in their apartment earlier. She was preparing her signature burger, of course made from scratch and cooked in the grill. Along with it we had corn on a cob, fried okra on the sides then drinks. If it's home made burger patties and you got all the ingredients in it, expect also that it's packed calorie wise. We just joked at each other that it is not always we have it so it's okay. She added that she have some natural fat burners to shed the added calories after eating our dinner. In as much as I am watching my calorie intake but I am not in a strict diet. Good thing with me I can control my food portion and I don't always eat fatty foods. I can easily loose weight but the only problem is to trim the fat around my belly :-) Sometimes I'll just say forget about gaining few pounds I can't resist some of the comfort foods especially eating it with friends as company :-)

Hair Loss Vitamins

I learned that hair loss is hereditary as well as a result of vitamin deficiencies. In my family, especially my mother side we have very thin and fine hair strands. I noticed that when I got pregnant my hair loss is very alarming. I can pull a lot of hair when I take a shower or comb my hair in the morning. I have been searching for vitamins for hair loss but so far I did not find the one that will work with me. I also use different shampoo and hair products hoping the condition will improve but so far no luck yet. This is also the reason why I don't wanna try having hair color because I'm afraid it will damage more my hair. The last time I went to a salon for hair treatment was last year. I bought the hair products they recommended to me but didn't even finish the whole bottle. I hope to find an effective vitamins soon to cure my hair loss problem.

Hubby is Losing Weight

My husband told me that he is losing weight there in Iraq. He really wanted to and I am proud of him for going through all he effort. He is running almost everyday over there and go to the gym as long as he can if he is not busy. He lost around 20lbs already. Now he is concentrating more on burning belly fat. While in his CHU at night, he do his sets of push ups, sit ups and crunches after his run. Earlier he called and told me he woke up early because he will join the 5K run over there. Then on the 20th he will join the 10K run as well. He loves running. Even when he was still here he runs a lot. Maybe this summer I can join him in his running and buy our DD a jogging stroller so we can bring her along with us.

Military Spouse Career Advancement Account

For spouses of DoD active duty members and spouses of activated members of the national guards and reserve components who wanted to go back to school, there is a new program from the Department of Defense (DoD) that is called Military Spouse Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) that offers up to $6,000.00 Financial Assistance. This assistance will pay for tuition, training programs, and certification or credentialing fees.

I used the old program, Career Advancement Account, to pay for my tuition when I took the Medical Billing and Coding Certificate. I already finished the program and when I inquired if I can still avail of the new one since I would like to pursue another program in health care. I was told that I still can avail of it. So I applied online and I have to go to my school to check with a counselor to determine the total cost of the program I am going to take. Good thing the community college that I am going to accepts MyCAA as well. The program promotes a portable career for military spouses that in the event of relocation the spouses can still work in their respective career.

Something Weird

Something weird happened this afternoon when me and our DD entered our apartment. Our electric fireplace was on when I am definitely sure it was off and I haven't turned it since last winter. I was really taken aback. My first instinct was to call my friend from the same complex while I go through every rooms and cabinets in our apartment unit. I checked the doors and windows as well and everything is locked. I am wondering now if it is malfunctioning or somebody really turned it on. It's really scary. I will have to call the office tomorrow and have somebody check it. I will have dark eye circles again for not having enough sleep if this weird thing will not have answer. My friend told me maybe our DD turned it on but it's not possible because she don't know how to open it. When we left I also made sure everything is off. So that leaves me really wondering now.

The Kind of TV

Almost every year the market will launch new technology and high tech gadgets. Like for example the television. I remember when I was young, in elementary, we used to go to our neighbor's house to watch television and it was a black and white one. Then came the colored television to which only the wealthy can afford in our area. Still we either go to our Aunt's or neighbors to watch shows and movies. Then now you can see different kinds of television sets. There's the plasma tv, , lcd tv and led tv, and the sizes varies as well. You can choose if you want the standard set or the flat screen type and if you want to mount it on the wall, sit on top of the fireplace or have it in an entertainment center. When I go to my friend's abode I will see different televisions sets. Most of them owned the bigger kinds. Of course it is good to watch your favorite flick in a bigger television but I am not really very particular on television sizes. We have an LCD tv right now and I am okay with it's size. If hubby wanted a bigger one, maybe we'll wait until we can get a good deal or if our old one will retire :-)

Busy Monday

Me and our DD got out of bed passed 8am this morning. I woke up twice in the middle of the night. Hubby called and DD went to potty. Although I let her wore diaper but she still wanted to do number 1 in her potty. This morning I was thinking of doing some errands that I wasn't able to do last week but was caught up with house chores and preparing ourselves to go out. My main task was done though. We went to Walmart to buy the stuff that I am going to send to hubby overseas. When we were done at the store the rain was pouring hard. I did not bring our big umbrella so I used our little girl's tiny princess umbrella :-)

Now I have everything hubby asked me to get and I will be sending two boxes for him tomorrow. I did not have the chance later in the afternoon because I didn't wanna drive again in heavy downpour. I already made two trips, to Walmart and Best Buy, so I will wait tomorrow to go to the post office as well as finished my grocery shopping. If it wasn't raining I could make stops to different stores but having a toddler in tow in wet and soggy weather is just impossible for me to do.