Book Buy Back

When I was studying college back in the Philippines I got a lot of textbooks. I cannot remember if our university was having a book buy back before but if ever they have I swear I will sell back my textbooks to them. Now after more than ten years those textbooks are kind of obsolete already. I have science books and other materials that are just collecting dusts in one of our bedrooms back home in the Philippines. I told my mother to just put it in a box but she said it was in the box before but termites started to ruin it.

Good thing here in the US there are so many ways you can sell back your textbooks. You can sell textbooks online, bring it to second hand book stores, or the school itself will buy back your books. I did sell back my books every after quarter except those that I know I will still need in the future, like my ICD 9 and other coding materials. The book buy back program really helps to at least give you back the money that you pay for your textbooks. Even though it's not the whole amount but at least your books can still be used.

Health Plans

Recently the Health Care Reform Bill was passed and then signed by the President. So, what is in store for us with this bill now? I am hoping that this bill will really give what the people needs when it comes to health services. Right now we have a great health care coverage under my husbands employer. I am due to give birth this April and I am not worried at all because everything is covered. We will not pay a dime and I will give birth in a military hospital. I am also sure that the services are great since I gave birth in a military hospital before. I know I will be well taken cared of.

A friend of mine was thinking of changing insurance provider because they are paying too much and the coverage is not that good. I told her she can check out the Blue Cross Blue Shield NC health plans and get a quote there. Maybe she can get a lower health insurance premium. We are just fortunate not to worry of our health plans right now. But honestly, I am trying to learn the ropes of selecting another health plan because who knows I may need it as well in the future. I am hoping that because of this health care bill, health plans will be affordable and everyone can be covered or accessed to one.

Summer ang Simula - The ABS-CBN 2010 Summer Station ID

I have been waiting what would be the 2010 Summer Station ID of ABS-CBN. Now I found through youtube the clip of their station ID. It was sung by Yeng Constantino and Kean of Callalily.

I always look forward for their station IDs since I know it will feature lots of their stars and it will be an inspiring song too. This summer station ID is very colorful and give meaning and inspiration to all Filipinos especially so that the election is fast approaching in the Philippines. I hope just like the message of the song said that this summer will be the start of the new Philippines after electing the right people to serve the Filipinos. New hope and new day for the Philippines.

Congratulations to All Graduates of 2010

In the Philippines the month of March and also April is when graduation ceremonies of different schools is held. When I graduated high school it was in March and in college it was in April. Every time somebody graduates in the family you can't help but have that feeling of pride. You felt proud of the accomplishment and milestone that one achieved. This year I have some relatives that graduated in high school and college. But next year there will be two that will graduate in elementary; my niece and nephew. I am thinking of making the graduation announcements for them when they graduate. I am planning ahead even though it's still far.

Right now there are only three students in our immediate family, not including me and hubby. Just the young ones. Two in elementary and one in college. I hope my nephew who is in college will be able to finish his degree so he can have his own life with a good job. The other two in their last year of elementary this coming June school year. I am wishing them both to excel in their class and hopefully graduate with honors so they will have a great start in high school as well.

To all the 2010 Graduates - CONGRATULATIONS!

Choice of Furniture

I mentioned in my previous posts that we are looking for a dining furniture because our current needs to be replaced. The legs are coming off and the cork board table top is making it impossible for the screw to be tightened. Since I want hubby to help me decide in choosing the right one for us, I've shown him lots of choices; from traditional, modern, contemporary, and rustic furniture styles. I've been to different furniture stores and shops but I am just confused of what to get since I found lots of great choices.

So, what we decided is to wait for him to come home. He will be here in two weeks time. By then, he can go to the store where I found the nice set that is affordable and he can look at it himself. We have to choose a furniture that not only affordable but also functional. We will be using it everyday and it is best that we'll get a sturdy, lasting set that we can bring with us to our next place when we PCS. My friends advised me not to splurge on the dining set we planned of purchasing since we don't know if it will fit in our place to settle in the future. I know it and our goal now is to have a usable and functional set for the family to dine in.

Favorite Slide

This picture was taken about two weeks ago when the weather was kind of nice and my friends decided a met up at the park. Our DD love the slides but she is still scared on the swing. The first time she was on this slide was when daddy was still here. Both of them slide side by side. From then on every time we go to this park she will tell me "Daddy slide, Mommy".

When her Daddy comes home next month I will find time for to have visit the park again. I hope the weather will be a bit warmer then so we can enjoy it. One good thing here in the US because in every community they have a park that families can enjoy for free. Seldom you can see it in the Philippines. Unless you are in a rich subdivision or the newly developed one that they have clubhouses and recreation area for kids.

Spruce Up Your Patio

It's spring time again and it's time to spruce up our backyard, patio, or balcony with colorful and inviting patio furniture. Last night we were at a friend's place for dinner and their neighbor was decorating their back patio. They have placed in new furniture and also flowering plants in pots. I was kind of wishing we have our own place as well because I love to have a patio with a relaxing sitting and lounging area. The kind where you can sit down with your family and friends enjoying good food and great conversation. When we will have our own place, I am pretty sure it is one of our house projects; a nice outdoor living space.

Powerful Fat Burner

Around 10 this morning my friends came by at our apartment and brought some items that they are selling; like bags, shoes, dresses and accessories. They have very nice dresses collection on sale and I heart the one that can be worn at spring until summer time. I told them I will need a powerful fat burner or the thermogenic fat burners just so I can fit in one of the dresses. I will be giving birth next month and since I am going to breastfeed I am not sure if I can easily get back to my pre-pregnancy weight. It will take time for me to go on a diet since I needed all the calories and nutrients to breastfeed. Nevertheless, I still got the dress that I like and I am planning to wear it in summer. I think I will not gain as much weight as before considering I will be doing all the housework and taking care of our newborn and our toddler after hubby will go back overseas. My friend told me that base on my body structure, I will easily go back to my pre-pregnancy weight. I am hoping so too :-) It will be great if that will be the case.

Family Health News

I was chatting with my parents and sisters on YM last night. It was our first time to chat with them altogether because my sister just acquired and bought a laptop and desktop recently. She got the broadband connection through Smart wherein she has the prepaid services. She will buy a load in order to use it. The connection was really good and we're able to use webcam. They were able to see us live on cam after eight months since our last visit to the Philippines.

Our little girl was very excited seeing them even if it's only through the internet. I am happy that my folks are doing well. Last month both my parents got sick and thank God they're okay now. The sad thing though is the news about my brother in law, our oldest sister's hubby, who is diagnosed of enlargement of the heart. He has hypertension and his blood pressure is always high. I was told by my sister that he's in the stage that he needs operation to correct his condition. I hope everything go well and whatever decision they're going to come up it will be for his own good. My sister, the wife, was recently diagnosed of diabetes and she's taking medications for it now. I pray that everything will be okay for all of them back home.

Now that I have more ways of communicating with them I will be in constant contact with my family. I get worried every time I heard about any news pertaining to their health. My parents are in their 70s and not in the best of health and now my brother and sister have some kind of illness too. I know everything will be okay and I told them we just continue to pray that all will be alright. There's nothing impossible with prayers. God will never forsake us.

Youthology

I was browsing online and doing my entrecard dropping rounds when I stumbled upon a term youthology. I thought it was some new terminology that I didn't know about but I found out it is a type of cream that helps fight wrinkles. I looked up the term on Wikipedia but I did not find any and when I search online I found about lots of youthology reviews. I also found different consumers who had tried the anti aging serum, their stories varies. Some had success using it and some are not satisfied with it. But I think the important thing to know is make sure whatever products you are using for your skin you need to consult your dermatologist. Being aware is a good thing and can help you in the long run. Now every time I see this word, youthology, I know that it does pertain to beauty :-)

Healthy Eating is Good for the Skin

Every day when I look at the mirror I wonder how would I look when I'm in my fifties :-) I know it will be different and I am just so curious right now. I really am not a vain person and I told myself I should start taking care more of my facial skin. So far I am now using the best day cream in my opinion because my skin shows great improvement since using it. I just hope that it's not the same with the ones I used before that only shows two weeks of improvement and after that I started to have breakouts.

Taking care of our skin early is very important. Eating fruits and vegetables and also proper diet can help as well. Fruits have antioxidants that is good for our skin. When we were young my Mom used to tell us to eat lots of vegetables. We live in a province wherein we can plant different veggies in our backyard. My Mom cooked the veggies and she encouraged us to eat it. I am not fond of eating veggies though when I was little. Now that I am a parent I am doing my best to introduce veggies to my kids too. I want them to become healthy and have a good clear skin unlike Mommy :-)

Daddy's Latest Pic

Actually this was taken when hubby was with the HHC 1-38 - Rock of the Marne. He just sent me this pic along with the pictures when his old company gave him a plaque as recognition of his service at the HHC 1-38. He told me he really don't wanna move to the Brigade HHC but it's an order and he has to follow. Right now he is doing okay and settled.
Because of his move to the Brigade he wasn't able to finish his online class that he was enrolled back then. Now that he is settled in his new CHU (Containerized Housing Unit) and everything is going well he is going to enroll again. I am praying he will be able to finish the class so he can move on with his degree completion.

Below is a picture of hubby's plaque that he got from his old company. He said it is made of glass and he will bring it with him when he comes home next month. I wish we have a curio to place it. His other plaques I just hang on the wall and some are still in the boxes. If we have our own place I can definitely find a good place to put all his military plaques and certificate awards.

Printing for Less

Are you in a direct mail marketing business and need to print stuffs in bulk? You can opt for printing it for less at different services online. One website I found was the Print Direct for Less.com that I am sure can cater for all your printing needs. My closest friends here right now are venturing into a small business of buy and sell. I told them that they can make a head start on their business by making business cards or flyers that talks a little about their business. I know they're starting small time but who knows if it will click then they can expand it. They wanted me to join then but I refused since my hands will be tied by taking care of our toddler and our coming addition. So for those who have printing needs, check out the site above and maybe it can help lower your business cost.

Where to Go for Block Leave?

My husband's block leave schedule will be in October. He will have a 30 days vacation after the end of their deployment. He asked me what we want to do for that 30 days. I told him we can drive somewhere or we'll see what will come out when that time comes. Right now our daughter just love to watch Mickey Mouse. She always request to see it when we're at home. I am thinking what if we go to Disney World. I've seen lots of deals for Disney vacations and I bet if we search online for a real good deal we can definitely find one. I told him about it and he said he will look online if he can have the chance. I haven't been to Disney yet so it will be a nice vacation for the whole family.

How's Your Credit?

One thing that my husband educate me when I came here was about my credit. I really did not know about the importance of it until he explained it all to me. He said that in order for me not to ruin my credit and I will not use any credit repair services in the future, I need to be mindful of it. Credit history is what most financial institution will look into like in applying for a job, applying for credit cards, and especially if you are going to mortgage a house. My first and only credit card I applied after two years of living here in the US. But before I applied I already had my first job and hubby included my name when we had my car financed. We made sure of paying on time through allotment from his pay. It does help a lot in improving my credit score. Right now my car is already paid in full and only have my credit card. I am making sure that when I use it I will pay on time and not max it out. I haven't check my credit report this year but will do it when hubby comes home during his R&R leave.

Good News

Hubby was very excited to tell me his good news the other night. He lost another 4 pounds off his weight :-) Seven more pounds and he will reach his weight goal before he comes home for R&R leave. I am very proud of his drive and determination. I told him even if he losses less than 7 lbs in the next month it's still okay as long as he's constantly losing weight. He is really doing a great job to becoming healthy. My concern for him is his ankle. He injured it too many times. I've been telling him to have it checked or x-rayed but he is just so stubborn. He always reason that he is fine and he can handle it. Hopefully he will see the sense to prioritize it because he will be the one who'll suffer if he will not tend to it soon. But right now, I joined him in his joyous achievement. It has been more than two years that he's battling his weight and now he's about to reach his goal. God bless more to him and always pray his enthusiasm about living healthy and fit will never fade.

Are You Vain?

I think the answer to some for my title question would be, not really :-) It is my answer, to be honest. I am not very vain but I want to look good wherever I go. I don't wear make up everyday. I only put on make up when there's an occasion. I have make up kits and other beauty regimen products but I seldom use it. I read in a magazine that if you want to look youthful you need to take care of your skin. Some would even invest for the best anti aging product just to maintain the youthfulness. Honestly I need to do so as well. Now that I am in my 30s I am still skeptical to use or try different beauty products because I am afraid. Scared that it will not work for me instead make my skin look worst than it is. For now that I am not yet ready to try any of the anti aging products in the market, I just live a healthy life. Eat right, drink plenty of water and have a good rest all the time.

Vacation Planning

My husband just told me recently that during their R&R leave from deployment the military will pay their transportation anywhere they want to go including overseas. Then he mentioned that if I am not pregnant right now we could visit our cousin in Australia. From Iraq he will fly there for free and only me and our daughter will purchase a round trip ticket. It could have been a very nice vacation down under. Now that it will not happen, we are planning something for his 30 days block leave in October. He wanted to go somewhere since they're allowed a whole month for a vacation leave. His plan is to go east coast since it's been a while he haven't seen his relatives over there.

I was checking out the Outer Banks vacation homes in North Carolina since they have good deals for vacation accommodation. His sister lives in NC so it will just be near her and also with the other relatives. I am not sure though if he prefers renting vacation homes or just stay in a hotel. Asking about my preference, it doesn't matter as long as we're comfortable during the vacation and it's not expensive, then I'm all for it.

Exercise Talk

Last night y husband called me through skype. Through the course of our conversation, he asked about my weight gain and compared it to my first pregnancy. I told him that I gain an average weight and according to the OB-Gyne it's a normal weight gain. He then asked me if he needs to buy me a treadmill after I give birth or buy me the best diet pills in the market. I told him that I don't need it. If ever, I will just go to the gym down the road and enroll there. He negated the idea because he knew it will just be a waste of money since I can't go there all the time. He suggested that if I wanted to go to a gym I can use the gym on post which is free. I can also use the track at the park and walk around pushing the kids' stroller. It is free and beneficial for me. I know I still have a long way to go to do post-pregnancy exercise but it is a good thing to have a plan ahead of time. I may be lazy at times but I need to do it to ensure I will be in good shape since all the work here at home will be mine until September this year.

Maggi Magic Sarap

When we were still living in Georgia I already heard about Maggi Magic Sarap, an all in one granulated seasoning. Accordingly, this has the flavor of real meat and spices and don't have artificial flavor. I have been looking for it in the Filipino store back then but they don't have it. When we moved here I tried looking for it again in any Asian stores but to no avail. When we went home last year I told my Mom I will buy lots of those to bring here in the US but unfortunately I forgot to put it in our luggage.

Yesterday my friend went to one of the Asian stores nearby and she saw that they're selling Magic Sarap. She then told me and tomorrow I will go there to buy some as well. Earlier my friend invited us for dinner in their place. She cooked 'tinolang manok' and seasoned it with Magic Sarap; indeed it was a yummy dinner. I will definitely go there tomorrow to buy it and also buy some fresh veggies so I can make sauteed veggies with Magic Sarap for dinner :-)

My Parent's Joint Problems

My parents are in their 70s already and as you know they also feel a lot of pains in their bodies respectively. Both of them have severe joint pains. Just recently both of them were sick and when they got well my fathers knee joints and ankles were swelling. My Mom told me that she also felt her joints are a bit swelling but they're taking their medication for it. I am thinking of getting them the best joint supplements to at least prevent their joints from further deterioration. I was told that its arthritis and they are both suffering from rheumatism and I just don't know if these supplements will be good for them. If ever I can find one I will let them bring it to their doctor so they can get information about it. Now I need to buy the supplements and include it in my next balikbayan box.

My Hair is Falling

I heard a lot of stories that when you are pregnant your tresses will have luster and shine. To some point I agree but my problem is my hair is falling especially during shower or bath time. I've been using different hair products just to prevent hair loss but still is falling. A friend of mine told me that during her pregnancy she experienced it as well. I noticed though that if I am a bit stressed out or I think of a lot of things also triggers my falling hair. Then I read about the correlation of being stressed and hair loss. Accordingly, aside from genetic or heredity, hair loss is also caused by stress. You can click here to learn more about stress and hair loss. So I think this also explains why I have some hair loss. It can't be denied that there are times that stress would come up in my situation. But I am doing my best not to be stressed out and I am glad that I am coping well. I may have to observe in the coming days if my hair loss will diminish since I am feeling great and already energized. I have a lot of wonderful things to look forward to. I don't have to dwell on things that give me stress anymore :-)

Building My Resume

I mentioned before that I am one of the recipients of the Career Advancement Account, a program of the Department of Defense and Department of Labor, that pays tuition for military spouses. I already finished my program and only waiting for my certificate from the school so I can give a copy to the CAA office on post. The in charge there told me that whenever I am ready to go back to work I can go to them and they will help me build my resume. They are willing to help building resumes to those who are beneficiaries of this great program. It is very timely since after I give birth I am planning to gather all the necessary papers for me to find a job. I do have my resume already but I need to update it. I can tap their expertise so I will have a nice one and also they can help us find an employer. Hopefully everything will go smoothly and I will be lucky this year.

Running Gear Pedometer Watch

My husband loves running a lot and that is his way of exercise right now in Iraq while in deployment. I mentioned to him that since he likes running and wanted to keep track of his calorie burned I will buy him a pedometer watch with monitors and calorie counter.

I checked online and found this Men's Sports Running Gear Pedometer watch by Casio.

This is the product description below:

Introducing the SGW200, a watch designed to support the daily training routines of runners. Features include World Time, Countdown Timer, stopwatch, and alarm, in addition to an Acceleration Sensor that uses your step count to measure running distance and a 150-record lap memory. The watch watches supports your training efforts by counting your steps while running and calculates the distance you covered and calories you burned. A large LCD is divided into three segments displays a clear, easy-to-understand presentation of data. Acceleration Sensor, Lap Memory 150, & Distance Calculation.

I sent it to him on the 26th of Feb and he told me he got my package yesterday. It's very quick and I'm glad he liked it.