M.F.E.O.

Our First Baby Is A BOY!!!

2012-03-12T18:00:00.009-04:00

Hubby and I went to the Hospital around 12:30pm ET today to finally get the much awaited Ultrasound medical images of our baby. It took a while before the baby cooperated with the technician and us to see the gender. We really got to talk him over, the technician shook him a little bit, my hubby whispered to him over my belly, and so am I--hoping he would hear the vibration of my voice, I was like asking him to move and spread his legs a little bit, and just as we've suspected, our firstborn is a BOY!!! We've also wondered why my belly is too big for his original estimated age. It turned out that the reason for that is because our baby boy is actually a week older than what we've originally thought. The technician gave us a new due date which is August 7, 2012. We were not allowed to get the video of him, but hubby and I were like ecstatic when we saw him move inside my belly. His heart rate was 151. You've got to believe me, it was an awesome experience for us, hubby and I were like all smiles as we went back to work. We simply can't wait to finally see and hold him. We love you our bundle of joy, see you soon!

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Our First Visit To The Doctor

2012-02-06T13:15:00.016-05:00

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Daddy & Baby Bonding

2012-02-01T19:58:00.000-05:00

I really find this very cute. I so love my husband =)

The Baby Is Coming

2011-12-21T07:30:00.011-05:00

Hubby and I woke up together this cold Wednesday morning and mutually agreed to test if the symptoms I am feeling these past 2 weeks is actually because… I am Pregnant!

I am Pregnant!!!!

Both of us were jumping for Joy.

What a great early Christmas Gift from the LORD!

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I was already 6 weeks pregnant when we found out.

A Captured Memory by Missy

2011-12-04T11:00:00.008-05:00

This is a portrait captured by my friend and workmate--Missy, after the CRBC Chistmas Party, held in the Sturgis Branch last night. Visit her website @ Captured Memories Photography

The Cutest Hubby In The World!

2011-11-30T12:34:00.001-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T12:42:00.002-05:00

Are You Married For The Right Reason?

2011-08-20T15:19:00.066-04:00

After my hubby picked me up from work today, we have decided to a have a lunch date in one of the local Chinese Buffet downtown. While we chow down our food, I can't help but be anxious about what's inside my fortune cookie. It says, "Stop searching forever. Happiness is just next to you." Sounds like a perfect fit to me so I have decided to get a captured memento.

This, however, made me perpend about the many people in the world, who are still searching for a partner in life; who would truly love and care for them against all odds. Sadly, not many people--including the married ones, have the pleasure of having a lasting blissful relationship. Just a thought of that made me not so surprised with gobs of annulments, divorces and breakups happening all over the world.

According to Divorce Statistics, 45%-50% of the first marriages here in the US, end in divorce, 60%-67% for second and 70%-73% for third. These may look like sheer numbers to you, but not for me. I find this kind of disturbing, knowing how the value of marriage here deteriorates as years go by.

Being raised as a Catholic, from a predominantly Catholic country, I am one of those conservative individuals here in the United States, who is experiencing some sort of a culture shock as far as how people bounce from one marriage to another in a snap. If we are going to interpret the numbers I previously mentioned, it means, the more frequent people hop in and out of relationships, the least are their chances to make it last. My analysis do not mean to initiate criticism on anyone, but just more like to hype my introspection about the subject matter as a whole. You and I, do not know what is really going on inside a relationship; unless one tells their story. For that reason, none of us really has the right to alienate and judge those who are in their circumstances. So I say, I do not criticize them, but more like, I am just kind of empathic and saddened about their ordeals. People take their chances to go into relationships to find love and happiness, and when they couldn't find it, it is always a very sad story for me.

I am very fortunate--in case you want to know, to have found a relationship and be married with the person I love and care about from head to toe, body and soul. Our marriage isn't perfect, but real; may not be filled with wealth, but with faith. It is founded by friendship, bound by love, attached by respect and strengthened by trust. We may be experiencing heartbreaking trials and hardships from time to time, but surpassing each, in GOD's help, just make us stronger together... I guess, that is all what matters.

Happy Birthday To Us

2011-06-30T13:11:00.045-04:00

Birthday Card for us from Mama Ces, my mother-in-law

My hubby and I have so many things in common, we both like: Mountain Dew, Nestle mango ice cream, Purefoods tender juicy hotdog, white chocolates, cooking but also dining out-whenever and wherever we like, simple things regardless of their monetary worth-we're never brand myopic, and to sojourn libraries and bookstores to leaf through all sorts of reading materials.

During our high school years, we both belong in the same class from 1st to 3rd year (sections White Pearl, Zircon, Carnelian, respectively), but we were separated by the Amethyst class-my section and Ruby class-his section in our 4th year; we also both like to hang out in the school library more often than any other place in the Canossa San Pablo Campus-where we both went. These and more are just few of the things we commonly share, but to top all these similarities, we were both July born of the 1976-he was born on the 1st, while I was born on the 24th.

Sometimes, I am still flabbergasted when I muse about how alike we are in so many ways, but just the same, I am dazed in a positive way-it is certainly copacetic to envisage your husband like a mirror of yourself in a different body. It's also too funny how some of our common friends allude us as a couple who could pass as Fraternal Twins.

Few minutes from now, my man is about to celebrate this birthday, but I would like to celebrate it as it is mine for the simple fact that WE ARE ONE since the day we got married. His celebration is my celebration, his happiness is my happiness... his day is also my day, for the day he was born, was the day when GOD wrote the first chapter of our love story. The day when he brought into this world, the man HE has meant for me.

To my dear Joseph Erwin,
It may not show sometimes, but I would like you to know that I love you very much and I am very thankful to GOD for giving me a life-partner/bestfriend/barkada/lover as wonderful as you. I know that there are several circumstances which don't make things easier for the both of us-these so-called teething pains of the newly weds, but I would like you to know that whatever happens, I will always be by your side. I am also aware of your uneasiness regarding people who wants to rend us apart, but please be fended by the fact I am yours until my last breath. My mind, my heart and my soul was not discombobulated when I chose to be with you; it is not and never will. You are the one I want to grow old with and each of my days with you made it more evident to me that I made the right decision; could even be the best decision I ever had. My wish for the both us is not wealth but good health, so we could certainly keep up with our many plans in the future. Again, I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH and I thank you for making me the luckiest wife in the world.
Love,
Maria Gina Angela

Birthday card from Mom for my hubby...

Two years and counting.....

2011-06-24T21:11:00.013-04:00

In less than a few hours, my wife and I will be celebrating two years of married bliss. There are some who thought it would never last. There are others who thought our marriage will be over before it got off the ground. Still, there are people who can't accept and respect the fact that we are married & cling to some twisted notion that we will go our separate ways eventually so they can pick up the pieces...I hate to break it to you guys but that is NOT going to happen...ever!

For the record, let me make it clear that I love my wife. I have no desire to leave her for someone else. I plan to grow old with her. And if ever I'm getting married a second time, it will still be to her so deal with it!

The last year was pretty hectic. We finally moved to our very own place. It took forever to refurbish it, not to mention the long and arduous process of unpacking. We still aren't finished but hey, we're getting there! I'd say we are about 90% done but we have accepted the fact that this will be ongoing for awhile. Slowly but surely, we made our humble abode our little slice of heaven.

Last year also marked a significant milestone in both our careers. Gianne with her promotion & my long overdue return to the workforce. It wasn't easy. We both have significant commitments and we did our best to keep them on both fronts. It's surprising how severe one's time management skills are put to the test during times like these. Spending time together is essential and it is simply too easy to make excuses not to in these circumstances. Getting married is easy but staying happy while being married is entirely different.You have to work at it, period!

I'm so fortunate to have someone who is as supportive & understanding as her. I'm so thankful that despite our differences, we often know what the other is thinking and this helped immensely in keeping us together.

I'm not saying that the whole past year has been a bed of roses. We do have our moments. We argue & clash like normal couples do from time to time. We're only human. We have our own quirks and pet peeves. Yet despite of that, we never ceased to communicate which enabled us to resolve the matter at hand posthaste.

Honesty plays a huge role in our marriage since we both believe in not keeping secrets from each other. Learning when to back off and listen to your spouse is a bit trickier ,not to mention a more humbling gesture than most and yet we found this to be an indispensable skill in keeping the peace.

Looking back at the past year I realize how blessed I am to have her in my life. I have learned so much from her and with each passing day I learn something new. With every moment that passes, my love for her grows and my desire to spend my life with her intensifies even more.

As I write this, I realize that two years isn't much time for most people. For me however, the two years are among the most precious times I will treasure till my last days.

To my greatest love, my partner , my best friend & future mother of our children Happy Anniversary! Till the day comes that I depart this earth and beyond that, know that you have my heart . I am yours and yours alone...I Love You so Much!

Just Another Valued Purchase

2011-06-09T21:24:00.004-04:00

Went to Battle Creek MI with my hubby. I bought a new bible, but this time it's the CARTOONIST'S BIBLE. Guess what I want to be when I grow up--metaphorically speaking (LOL).
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Back in our walking shoes

2011-06-05T21:27:00.006-04:00

Time to lose the happy weight. Glad to do it alongside with my hubby.

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I Love a Quiet Day like This...

2011-02-17T12:48:00.013-05:00

It's been quite awhile since Gianne and I had a nice,quiet cup of coffee at our favorite local coffee house. We took advantage of her rare day off and headed downtown ...It didn't hurt that it was Valentine's Day either...

Here's Gianne displaying her usual sunny demeanor despite the fact that it was 15 degrees outside...

I'm just glad we were able to spend some quiet time together that day...

We browsed around at the local book store afterward and worked up quite an appetite so we ended up at our favorite buffet...

I could eat this all week...

Itadakimasu!

Yummy!

Having lunch together is usually a weekend affair...but not today!

Modern Warfare...Rabbit Style!

2011-02-12T18:21:00.008-05:00

War is hell...move over G-force!

Cabin fever...

2011-01-06T14:53:00.010-05:00

I can't believe it. After a strong start during Thanksgiving, the typical winter fare of snow showers and winds of almost storm-like proportions had all but petered out to nothing by New Year. What a disappointment. We even had a heat wave of spring-like weather for almost 2 weeks...utterly ridiculous! I had even upgraded from a snow shovel to a snow blower in anticipation of harsh winter since it seems to be the logical succession to the mild winter we had last year. Sadly, there were only two occasions where the new snow blower had to be broken out to handle the snow and it has been languishing in storage ever since.

Last week, the mercury went down to near winter proportions again but sadly, cold and dry isn't my cup tea either. Too dry that there's no snow but too cold to stay outside to do anything else. *Sigh* What else is there to do?

I've practically ran out of things to fix around the apartment and office plus there are chores that will simply have to wait to be done until spring. There's nothing good on tv and I'm quite tired of all the political prattle that's predominantly shown on the news 24/7. I've grown tired of watching videos either online or on my dvd player and I'm out of books to read as well, except for the Book of Baby Names since I haven't finished that one yet but that's another story.

What about exercise then? When its 20 degrees outside, it's a bear to move , even indoors .I sure can't be found guilty for not trying though. Calisthenics, kettlebell exercises, yoga, pilates, tae bo even my old stand-by "the army dozen" has kept the holiday pounds at bay but they feel more cumbersome and chore-like as the days whittle on by.

Today, just when it seemed like my cabin fever was going to get the best of me...there was snow on the ground! White powder! Woohooo! Not enough to bring out the big guns but enough to give an excuse to go outside. Call me crazy but I was actually overjoyed for the opportunity to go out and do something else other than my mundane list of chores!

I know, snow on the ground means difficult driving conditions for people who actually have to got to work . It means kids have to bundle up accordingly to be able to go to school. The people who actually work outside i,e postal workers, cops and the like will have to take all the extra steps needed to fulfill their duties which are hard enough to begin with but as a new resident in the Midwest, I know I have to deal with it as well.

I'm putting on my winter gear as I write this. I guess here, the snow has the same effect on me as the rain. It makes the stress of being cooped up melt away, just like standing in the rain washes away my anxieties and soothes my frayed nerves at the same time. Whatever it is, it keeps my sanity in-check and that for me is enough . Definitely, a welcome change of pace.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T20:22:00.000-05:00

Happy Veteran's Day

2010-11-11T20:22:00.000-05:00

An Amazing Year....

2010-06-25T00:30:00.001-04:00

One year ago, I exchanged vows with the most wonderful of God's gifts ever bestowed upon me...my lovely wife. That moment was the start of the most amazing year of my life.

Since that day, everything seem to have a new, more significant meaning. Everything I do seem to have more purpose. There's a bounce in every step and a constant hum on my lips. Finally, I've discovered a life beyond myself and my eternal musings. And I'm perfectly happy with it! Yes, life is good.

Gone were the days when I'd just slog through the work week and retire for the weekend while dreading the the start of the next one that's just around the corner. Gone were the days that I only looked after the affairs of others without having someone to look after my own well-being. Gone were the mundane monotony of my existence. Gone were the thought of happiness in my solitary subsistence since I wasn't convinced that I will be so lucky as to have someone to grow old with...or so I thought.

It may be out of character for me to say this but I will say it anyway. I have never known such happiness since that fateful day and I wake up happy each and every morning ever since then. Now, I'm not saying that our marriage is perfect nor that we never had any problems or arguments throughout the year.Like a normal married couple we argue, fight, get on each others nerves, bicker and what not. We are challenged with household politics and finances. We also have our individual wants, needs and preferences. However, we always look to each for the strength, resolve, patience and wisdom to overcome whatever comes our way. And in doing so, we prevail.

A year seemed short yet I've learned quite a lot from her and about her. The more I learn , the more I love and respect her as a woman, as my wife, my partner, best friend and life long companion. I couldn't be more fortunate to have someone as wonderful as her to be with. I honestly can't picture my life without her beside me and I"m looking forward to our life ahead together when we start a family of our own in the future.

As we begin another year together, let me just say that each and every day was a joy and I'm thankful and fortunate to be loved by you. Thank you for accepting my shortcomings since I know I am flawed and imperfect. As I strive to better myself ,let me give thanks to Him who made us cross paths once again and made our union possible. Happy Anniversary Baby, I Love You so very Much....

Born For Each Other

2010-05-21T19:52:00.010-04:00

It's been quite a while since I last posted a blog here, but I never stopped thanking the LORD for the blessing of love and friendship HE has granted me and my husband. I do not believe in the concept of SOUL MATES, what I do believe is any man who finds a wife finds favor from the LORD [Proverbs 18:22]. I believe that I was born for my husband, just like how Eve was born for Adam, for this I never stopped thanking the LORD for having a husband like mine. My husband may not be perfect but is definitely everything I just hoped for: Loving, Caring, Responsible, Generous, Sincere, Wise, Smart, Patient, Understanding, Good looking and last but not the least, GODLY. Baby, if you can read this, I would like you to know that it may not often show how much I love you, but I do love you more than you'll ever know.

====================================================
Born For You
by David Pomeranz
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Too many billion people

Running around the planet

What is the chance in heaven

That you'd find your way to me

Tell me what is this sweet sensation

It's a miracle that's happened

Though I searched for an explanation

Only one thing it could be

That I was born for you

It was written in the stars

Yes I was born for you

And the choice was never ours

It's as if the powers of the universe

Conspired to make you mine

And till the day I die

I blessed the day that I was born for you

Too many foolish people

Trying to come between us

None of them seems to matter

When I looked into your eyes

Now I know why I belong here

In your arms I found the answer

Somehow nothing would seemed so wrong here

If they'd only realized

That I was born for you

And that you were born for me

And in this random world

This was clearly meant to be

What we have the world

Could never understand

Or ever take away

And till the day I die

I blessed the day that I was born for you

What we have the world

Could never understand

Or ever take away

And as the years go by

Until the day I die

I blessed the day that I was born for you

Time to go.....

2010-03-24T23:03:00.001-04:00

I just finished watching a show on Spike Tv called "1000 ways to die". As it's title implies, from the macabre, bizarre, absurd, ridiculous and the outright unlucky, there are simply an infinite number of ways that people will depart this mortal world. However, not all people, I suspect will be willing to give up the ghost so easily. Some will at least try to hang on to dear life for as long as they can. There will always be that nagging question of one's mortality . However, the truth of the matter is that we all will pass on some time in the future. We can try to prolong our lives but we will ultimately bite the dust so to speak.

Instead of worrying about the inevitable, I personally believe that we are better off living our lives in such a way that we won't have any regrets when the time comes. Difficult as it is, we are indeed only human. Alas , we can only do so much but wouldn't you rather accomplish all you can instead of regretting not pursuing your passion in life? I'd rather enjoy mine now instead of wishing that I did while heaving my last breath....

I always marvel at how terminally ill children go about their lives. They know each day that passes maybe their last and yet, they still are able to smile and truly enjoy whatever time they have while they still have it. I remember a certain young girl when I was in high school. I can't remember her name but I knew she was a few years younger than I. What struck me was the fact that she was always cheerful and carefree. When she passed away , I was shocked because had no idea she was terminally ill....

That got me thinking. Having so many near misses during a very short thirty three years, I realized we do indeed owe it to ourselves and loved ones to make the effort to live as opposed to merely exist. To tell people how much we love them. To keep in touch with family and treasured friends. To reconnect with those we lost along our journey and make new friends along the way. Living is never easy but making the effort to do so makes it worthwhile.

As I write this, I realized that I had indeed been living my life as I should have during the last eighteen years. Sure, I had setbacks, quite a few of them in fact but I had never looked back since that day. To live and to love like there's no tomorrow....To me, that's how life should be...

The Annoying Southern Cal Snowman....

2010-02-09T14:30:00.000-05:00

When I arrived here in quiet, little Sturgis, MI six months ago, I felt like I stood out like some sort of oddity in a petting zoo. I couldn't help but notice a slight raise of the brow, roll of the eyes , an almost imperceptible smirk or frown at the corner of someones' mouth whenever I'm introduced to people and they found out through the course of the conversation that I'm from sunny Southern California. What the hell is the deal here? I don't stereotype people since I absolutely abhor this myself and yet the haters seems to pop out everywhere.

During my years of living in the City of Angels, I did notice that the locals have a certain flair and flamboyance on how they do things but then again, who doesn't right? Inhabitants back east have their own way of getting things done and so does everybody else in different locales but it seems there's a strong bias towards Californians in particular, based on my own personal experience.

An example of this is when I told my uncle in Long Beach about my boar hunting experiences and that a friend I knew invited me to do the same in Florida but instead of the usual firearms, he suggested we do it with spears instead. I told my uncle that I would only first observe the process and then decide whether to participate or not in the hunt. My reasons were , one I am proficient with firearms and have zero experience with a spear. My second concern was the size and toughness of our quarry since I personally had a 250 pound boar take center mass hits from a 12 gauge slug gun at 15, 10 and 5 yards away and it literally died on my lap. Common sense told me if a boar that size can take such hits and almost gore you then going after a 400 to 500 pound boar with nothing more than a sharp stick isn't the smartest thing in the world right? Wrong! According to my uncle's nephew ( he's from Tennessee ) we Californians are so biased and full of ourselves that we should try things first before we say that we , under any circumstances won't do the said task at hand. I was so infuriated that I told him go boar hunting with a sharp stick Florida first and if he survives, I'll go out there myself. Of course the moron told me hunting wasn't his thing and he has better things to do rather than that. He couldn't come up with a better excuse for his tirade...damn hypocrite.

I must confess that I did have my share of encounters with the snobby Californians myself throughout my residency in Los Angeles but also in Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Iowa, Illinois, Oregon, Wyoming, Indiana , Nebraska, Michigan and just about everywhere else. They were Caucasian, Latino, African American, Native American, Asian and so on and so forth. My point is that there will be philistines virtually everywhere you go and stereotyping people because they used to live in a different place or have a different ethnic background isn't going to be much help to anyone either. It's as simple as that.

The only thing that ticks me off more is when people treat you like a retard just because your from some place else. An example of this is when people here so graciously point out to me that winter road conditions are hazardous and I should leave the driving to my wife's 84 year old Step dad since I' m inadequately experienced when it comes to winter driving. I almost went postal that day. They don't know me, they know nothing about me and my driving experience and yet they immediately assumed the worst since I am from California. They even went as far as to tell me this in a slow, deliberate manner as if they were speaking to a child.... Damn pillocks!

This morning I continued on my seemingly Californian way of doing things. I shovel snow in my shorts and flip flops. I use a leaf blower instead of a snow blower whenever possible. I get the job done faster and my sidewalk, driveway and porch are cleaner than Mister know it all in half the time...and they hate it, Hah! It's just my way of getting back at them... I actually enjoy annoying those self righteous nincompoops. I can't say damn Michiganders because whether they like it or not , I'm now a proud Michigander too, and a proud Californian , a proud Filipino and eventually a proud American as well. If I do as they have done , then I'm no better than those ignoramuses and I'm not so keen on joining their ranks. Not now, not ever. For now , I'll just keep amusing myself with their disdain on how I do things. Take that , you bloody dingle berries!

Tax Time Anxiety....

2010-02-03T05:00:00.000-05:00

Someone once said that " The only sure thing in this life are death and taxes ". The death part for me, is much easier to deal with its inevitability . Taxes however, is a different story altogether since you are obliged to pay your share till the day you die. That's the sad fact. Even after your demise, if your family is fortunate enough that you left something for them to ease your passing, unfortunately they will be under the scrutiny of the taxman who will then demand his share of the loot. Thus is the wretched cycle of how we and our descendants are legally pillaged by the IRS during our lifetimes.

Don't get me wrong. I believe that the voluntary contribution is necessary to keep our government to be able to provide the citizenry with basic services. As a responsible and upstanding member of our society, I believe this is part of our civic duty. What I absolutely abhor is the complicated paperwork, the duration of which you have to pay it in your lifetime not to mention the ridiculously high price we have to pay which is usually a third of what we earn. And let's not forget the ruthlessness of which the IRS pursues its share. Utterly despicable.

I must apologize for my exaggerated rant but you do get the picture, right? It would have been nice if I could just get my wages, pay the appropriate tax and live happily ever after, right? Regrettably, this is never the case because the moment you open up your W2 and begin the arduous process of deciphering what to deduct , and how much to pay ,you then realize that its complicated beyond belief. It's no surprise that a whole cottage industry on providing taxation services to us regular folk had sprouted throughout the years with the promise of making tax prep simpler and stress free. This is big business since there are millions among us ( myself included ) who would happily pay up to make it go away....or at least make it less painful to part with our hard earned Benjamins come tax time.

Just thinking of these complications are enough to give me sleepless nights and coon eyes. It definitely is more stressful nowadays since I haven't had any real work for the last 6 months. Sometimes, I just wish the taxman would give me a break from all this but we know better. The truth is he will be after every last bit he is owed. Sadly, it's usually the ones who are down on their luck who will have to keep up otherwise they will easily fall victim to the system if they don't.

As I write this, I'm anxiously waiting for my accountant's call for my appointment. Personally, I'd prefer to get this over with as soon as possible. There's no use in prolonging the inevitable so I might as well bite the bullet. My body and mind will thank me for it. And once that's taken cared of, I will have there rest of the year to catch up on my sleep till next tax season comes along...and start the cycle of anxiety once again...and again....and again....

Perspectives

2010-01-28T19:56:00.001-05:00

Someone once said that married life is a constant learning experience. I believe that it's true in every sense of the word and more. Since being married recently, 6 months and 3 days to be exact, everyday I learn more and more about my beloved wife. Whether intentional or by accident, these indispensable nuggets are rapidly inventoried and noted for future references. An example of this is the surprise I got from the morning paper today. She called me from her office and asked to speak to her Mom about something , little did I knew it was about an article in the local paper. Heck, I didn't learn about her being in the local paper period. It was a pleasant surprise to say the least and I'm quite proud of her being chosen to be featured in the Sturgis Journal.I'm glad to have been able to read that little feature since it gave me another perspective about my wife. I would like to share this with all of you and I hope that you will enjoy it as much as I did

Making the Most of Minus 15 Degrees....

2010-01-07T17:39:00.002-05:00

Ah yes....the fabled Arctic beast of the Mid-west. Of all the days it could have decided to swing by Sturgis, it always had to be the day when I'm outside...in the cold...working....These days, the only time you could catch me outside is when I take out the garbage, pick up the mail and in this case, working. A family friend enlisted my help to clean out a current project site they had and being the one on extended hiatus, I immediately agreed to be the peon for the day without second thoughts.

I was in such a hurry to get out of the house since the last few days almost relegated me to a zombie like state of mind that I didn't realize that the Arctic fiend was already turned loose upon our quaint little town. I had to bundle up, big time. Getting to the job site wasn't any help either since all the rubbish left by the first band of contractors was strewn everywhere for us to pick up, those bastards! I didn't mean to use such profanity befitting a drunken sailor but I grew up learning that you have to clean up as you work along as a courtesy to the next batch of workers coming after you and more importantly, to the site owners as well. Apparently, those who came before us was only out for a quick buck rather than a job well done....Bloody Philistines!

Before we started, we opened up all the windows and doors to establish proper airflow inside the structure so that we could minimize the possibility of inhaling dust, drivel and more importantly the fibers from the insulation that those damn pillocks mindlessly tore out of the walls and had surreptitiously dumped inside the house. That meant that we have to forgo the heater since my companion and I would prefer frostbite over filth in our olfactory and respiratory cavities.

With the preferences to frigid air settled, we systematically went about the task at hand, clearing away the chaos quadrant by quadrant, starting from the back of the house going towards the front facing the street like it should be. Believe me, trying to scour dust by the shovelful while in full winter regalia plus a dust mask in close quarters isn't easy. What's worse is we have to haul all of the offending grim to a dumpster situated outside on the front lawn....in the snow....which haven't stopped falling since last night...

It took us quite awhile to clear everything out and and eventually, we did. The result was a job site that had no resemblance of it's former self. Having satisfactorily finished the job, we gave ourselves a pat on the back and retired for the day. Having said all that, you must be wondering why was I smiling in the photo despite all the dirt and squalor not to mention the extreme weather conditions that we had to deal with...Ah! The plot thickens...

Please allow me tell you why. Honestly, I haven't felt useful in my current state for quite awhile now since I'm the stay-at-home husband. Seemingly menial tasks like being the resident kitchen gnome isn't at all demeaning in my eyes, and I welcome the change of pace. However, I can only do so for so long. Personally, I'd rather be earning a living than just simply waiting at home. It's just not my cup of tea, that's all.

Today, I felt great because I know I'll be getting a paycheck ( no matter how meager ) in the mail soon. I miss being able to accomplish a decent day's work. It has been awhile. Today, even if only for today I did and it felt so gratifying. This will take care of my anxiety and whining for awhile or at least until the next job comes along. Pennies for a dollar? Maybe. To me, every bit counts and in this day and age it is very much welcome indeed. As you know I'm among the throngs who aspire to be counted among the employed ranks this new year. I'm still very optimistic about this. However, until the opportunity presents itself, I'll keep myself busy with the smaller jobs that happen to scoot along. Beggars can't be choosers and until honest effort is exerted, one's pockets won't grow fat with the day's wages....

Looking Back.....

2009-12-31T23:19:00.001-05:00

As the year came to a close, I can't help but look back and ponder upon what has been quite a year. 2009 has probably been the most exhausting yet life changing year to date. For me at least since I've been on God's earth for only a paltry 33 years. Nevertheless, I will definitely treasure and look upon fondly at 2009 as a major turning point in my life.

09 started with the promise of starting a family. Albeit the schedule was pushed 6 months ahead, I still wonder today how I was able to move out in such short notice. Procuring the needed funds, severing ties, making new ones, making sure no obligations were left unfulfilled and no detail overlooked and taken for granted. It was after all, a life changing moment. Going on a 4 day road trip with all my earthly possessions across 8 states necessitated such attention to detail. I can't neither fail nor falter for the this was the crucial point in my life. And the beginning of a series of important milestones upon my earthly existence.

Leaving work and training a replacement to be as thorough and dependable as me was a challenge. My employer wasn't keen on letting me me go until a satisfactory one is found despite the fact that I could leave any time I wanted. Just leaving anything hanging without a definite conclusion simply isn't my style so I made sure that by the time I leave, my replacement will perform so well that it's as if I never left. And to my relief, he did and more.

If someone told me that in 2009 I would get married before my 33rd birthday, I would have simply laughed it off. Now, however I couldn't have had it any other way. I'm married to my best friend, my soul mate, partner, future mother of my children and the only one I want to grow old with. I am truly blessed. As a result, 2009 will be a year of firsts in my life. My first ( and only) marriage. Our first Christmas. Our first New Year. 2009 is the first year that I wasn't alone anymore and it is indeed a welcome change. Yes I am still adjusting to the bliss of married life but as I learn more and more each passing day, I couldn't have it any other way. I am where I should be and no where else.

2009 however, isn't without it setbacks as well. For the longest single period of my life, I am currently unemployed like 15.8 million people in this country. I'm thankful that my wife still has her job and we can get by day to day with it, nevertheless I still prefer to be counted among the work force since I am not one who can stay idle for any extended period of time. An extended hiatus it is, easy to deal with, sadly no. I'm still optimistic that I again will rejoin the working ranks this new year and prepare for my upcoming re-entry to the world of academics so my vast reserve of patience is always called upon to keep my sanity and maintain a positive outlook.

On the afternoon of Christmas day, my maternal grandfather passed away in circumstances that I'm still unable to comprehend. He was very dear to me and even though we had our differences in the past, I had always respected him and did my best to look after his well being as promised to my late grandmother. When my father passed away, I was unable to go home to bid him farewell and see him one last time. Sadly, it was also the case with my grandfather. At the back of my mind, I do fear that if something happens to someone I care about back home, God forbid. I may be unable to come home in time again.....Only time will tell if history will repeat itself.

Like the changing of the seasons, the ebb and flow of the tides, rise and fall of the sun, so will this year begin and end in the coming 12 months. Its all up to us whether to move along during the accompanying time frame or stand idly by and watch it pass through into the next year. Whether we set about and actually fulfill our resolutions, promises, goals and aspirations, it all rests on no one's shoulders but ours. No one else. As for me, I welcome the new year since this simply means I am still here and that I have so much to look forward to. Along with my wife, we both will push forward into the new year with a unbridled fervor since we have only just begun to live and build our life together . When you look it at it this way, despite of the looming forecasts ahead, 2010 doesn't seem to be so bad now is it?