This trip wasn't really a part of our plan. As you know my husband will only be home for two weeks, this is his first R&R since we went back to Iraq. And plans has been made as to how are we going to spend that short period of time, together. Going to Tennessee for a couple of days is one, and probably go to Myrtle Beach on South Carolina too, heard that's a good place so yeah, I want to go! I'm thinking he must have planned something to surprise me on that one. *sweet*
Anyway, I told him that I want to go to the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC, to get my passport information changed, change my last name to my married name, since this is the only time I could do this, him being here. So we included DC in our plan. I was surprised he told he's never been there!! That made it perfect, because we both never been to that place, and we enjoyed our one day trip there.
So we're in DC on Monday. We woke up early, was so excited. The embassy was probably just 50 steps away from our hotel, so it was so convenient! I was so thrilled, because I'd be seeing a part of my country, where I can see fellow Pinoys, and I can freely speak tagalog all I want! And to my surprise, they do flag ceremony on Mondays! It's so cool. I can't even remember when was the last time I attended a flag ceremony and said my "Panunumpa sa Watawat" (Pledge of Allegiance to the Phil flag), do you? Felt like I was a little kid as I sang our national anthem, and I'm happy as well because my husband was there with me, now he have seen how we do the ceremony. Glad I was able to share it with him. I felt so proud. The ambassador was there, and so the rest of the employees, and "early birds". So, my advice, go on Mondays if you want to experience this as well.
After that, everyone went inside, time to work! We're already in line, when I realized, I have to go outside and get my passport pictures taken. So I asked the fine lady at the counter, she said CVS is just a walk away from there. I never had the time to get this done before we went to DC, oh well. Another tip, get your pictures done ahead of time, make sure you get the best shots! Because I didn't like mine. Back to the embassy; the whole process just took less than 30 mins. actually, it was quick. What took me so long was the time spent filling out forms, we also did "Report of Marriage" application, that's why. See, I had to legibly fill out 4 Forms, all handwritten, nice. And done with that, the lady at the first window checked my forms, and pictures, and directed me to the next window, the Cashier, where I paid $83 for all. And then I was told to proceed at the left side of the embassy lobby, where another woman checked my Passport application form's information, if they are all filled out and spelled correctly. She printed a copy for me to check for errors,and had me signed on the signature part of the printed form. She printed one again, and had me signed again. That's it! She took all the forms, pictures, my old unexpired passport, and said expect the new passport with my old one on mail via UPS after 6 weeks. I really don't want to give her my old passport, for I don't have any identification with me at all, aside from that, but then it's a requirement, so let it go. I never heard of lost passport yet being in this process, so I guess I shouldn't worry. So there, all I have to do is wait 6 weeks. After that, we went back to the hotel, and went on our Washington DC sightseeing. See my next post!
Oh here's the breakdown of what I paid: $83
$50 - Passport Application (the maroon one)
$25 - Report of Marriage
$ 8 - UPS carrier fee
Passport Application requirements (change of last name)
1. Old Passport
2. 4 pcs. passport pictures, royal blue background
3. Application form
4. Photocopy of Old Passport's biographic page and back, date of US entry stamp
5. Photocopy of Marriage Certificate
6. Certified Copy of Marriage Certificate (needed for validation only)
TIPS
* Get your set of pictures taken wherever (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart etc,)get the best picture you could get, remember this will be your passport for years! (until you renew again)
* Get the requirements all ready in hand before leave your home. That just make things easier and faster.
* If you're going to file "Report of Marriage". Print out the form online and make copies of it (4). My mistake, I forgot, so I wound up filling out 4 forms there!
* Go on Mondays, before 9am, so you'd be a part of the flag ceremony, trust me it just feels great!
* You can pretty much go anytime of the day, because there's no long lines.
* Plan your trip. Washington DC is so beautiful, never miss to explore around!
For more questions, please leave a comment so I can address your concern, Thanks!
**UPDATE: Just got my New Passport!
Philippine Passport Change Experience at Washington DC
his first R&R!
Im so excited, husband's coming home soon! He just got his R&R dates and flight schedule today. He'll be flying home on Sept 2nd!! wooo hoo! I'm so happy, can't wait for that day! Oh I miss him so much!
The Bedroom Project
I have decided that yes, I'm going to re-design our bedroom. And I have to finish that and have it ready before my husband gets home. And that will give me 3 weeks wo work on everything. I'm sticking to a blue motif, since we have a light blue painted-wall, and I have purchased a bed duvet sheet set on ebay. It's blue and brown. Then yesterday, since I was in Walmart, I bought queen pillows to go with my pillowcases. Now, I'm working on getting a Siberian goose-down comforter and a 1200 or 1500TC white bedsheet set. I know this is an expensive project, but my husband deserve it, and me too.
I just can't get myself motivated to re-arranged the furnitures inside, and finish this all.. oh well, I think I'll put this up on my things-to-do lists for the weekend. Just feeling lazy.
And top of that, I need to find my passport. Of all the things that I have misplaced, this most important thing is the one I think I lost! grrr, I hope to find to find this or else, this is a big paper work to deal with AGAIN..
Goodnight!
Interior Designer Wanna be..
Yeah, I'm a frustrated interior designer wanna-be. That was my first choice of career that I want to pursue when I graduated from highschool. I love decorating my bed and even envisioned improving my parent's house. And now that I'm married, I have my space to play with. Before we moved in this house, my husband spent a lot of money on renovation, like what you call, home improvement. He was in Iraq and I was in Philippines when this house underwent renovation. My inlaw was the one in-charge with everything, and she did a great job. The shopping is the fun part here, but if you don't know where the cheap stuff are, then you'd end up spending too much on something. If you don't know where to go, then google is your friend, you could easily find the best deals if you're up to online shopping. Things like house paints, tools you need, and supplies and projects accessories, you can easily find better deals and bargains if you know the stores to get it from. Nothing beats a wise shopper you know, take it from me, I'm an online shopper too!
Letting someone go..
I had a long day yesterday, not to mention, a very emotional one. My inlaw and I went to our favorite stores, mailed boxes at the post office, went to visit and had lunch at her new friend's house, had our groceries done.. It was a busy day, a long one for me, I don't even have the time to finish my online job.
What happened? On our way home, we decided to take the dirt road. As we pass by, we saw a grown hound dog, sick, skin-and-bone kind. Mom stopped the truck, and can't help to see herself leaving the dog. I admit I was having second thoughts because it's a stray dog and who knows he might bite or attack us. But when I saw him and his gloomy sad eyes closely, my heart sank. I hate the people who just dumped him there. He's so weak that he can't even jump up the truck, so mom had to carry him. When we got home, we fed him and gave him water. He is so thirsty. After he ate, he turned to a happy boy, I;m sure I saw his face lightened a bit, and he wags his tail, like saying thank you.
Mom said she heard that people dump dogs and puppies there, mean people who don't know what to do with them. This is the 4th time she saw a dog. One time he picked up a Jack Russell puppy scared and lost. She took care of him, and find him a home. She wants to keep him, but she knows she can't afford to. Keeping a dog is just as expensive as having a baby here, as they say. I wish I could keep the hound dog too, but I just can't. Earlier this morning, we drove to the the county's animal shelter and turned him over. I know someone will take care of him.
I am hearbroken. I'm sad for him. I know we did the right thing, give him to right place. Wherever he will be, I know he will be fine. My inlaw and I were crying when we left the shelter.
I don't know who's to blame here, but one thing I know, I hate those people who doesn't have a heart and did that thing. *sigh*
Pimp that Bedroom!
So, I have decided to turn my bedroom into a master suite, and make it complete before hubby gets home on September. And I found a perfect bed set for the queen bed on ebay. Hubby loves blue and I'm so into earth color, so this pieces is really perfect for us. I'm watching this one and planning to bid on the last minute. I love this set and I have to get it!!
I need HELP. Please help me decorate our bedroom. It has light blue wall and ceiling paint, and beige carpet. I'll post pictures soon, I'm still in the middle of re-organizing everthing. Right now, I need websites where I could find ideas for color mix and matching, stuff to accentuate the bed etc. I just want it to look cozy and inviting, relaxing and the best room in the house..
The answer to my cravings..
Bought some stuff that will make me happpy for the rest of the week..
Arroz CaldO (rice porridge) - Sine I can't make my own..thanks for ready mixes out there!
Mango candies - I thought they were dried mangoes, oh well this will work, at least it's mangoes
Salted Duck eggs (itlog na pula!) - if paired with chopped tomatoes and rice, oh wow, ulam na ulam!
Dried Squid - I've been craving for this one for like months already! $6 for 6 oz. of it!! mahal... a crunchy fried dried squid will make my day for sure.
I got those, where else? at the Filipino store! Went there this afternoon to mail a balikbayan box to my family at 'Pinas, paid $100 for it. And since Im there already, I shopped quickly for something to eat, snacks that Walmart doesn't have or anywhere, but here. I'm so happy the box is gone. Glad my inlaw's here to help me with all this chaos.. lol
ciao!
Trade Show-biz
Whether you're new or been on business for years, marketing your services or products, advertising should always be there. I have seen newcomers's baby businesses booms initially with displaying their items thru trade show exhibits. I have been to a number of exhibits before, from weddings to cars to food trade shows, I've seen very appealing table covers and met friendly sales representives (that aren't pushy), and you know from that, you're sure the products are well introduced in the market. And from that, the next success stage of marketing is thru word-of-mouth. With me who could easily be swayed with colorfully designed table top display, I'm one of those few person that will help you drive business in your business. Oh well.
Rabbit Meat for a Gourmet Meal??
I would say I have an adventurous palette, I could be a vegetarian or a carnivorous on one hand. But eating Rabbit Meat for a meal? NO way. I love watching Food Network's Iron Chef America. Hubby and I always watch it, well any show about food we do watch it..does it show how much we like food huh? Well, I always get to see this episode, featuring rabbit meat as their secret ingredient, everytime. I think I have seen this for like 5x already! I'm getting sick of it.
IMO, a rabbit will always be a pet, not a delicacy, or a meat that you can eat. It's just awful to see them cooking it, Urghhh! I had a pet rabbit when I was a kid, and I love them so much. I can't eat this. I asked my husband if he do and he said why not, he eats it. Dang!! what's wrong with him?? lol I guess being vegetarian is the way to go.
Do you eat rabbit meat? oh please say no..
A Cheap Trip
I remember when my husband and I were still dating then, we love staying at hotels. Most of the time I'm the one who picks a hotel for him to stay at, of course I get the most romantic one I could get. Sometimes it's a little pricey, but it's worth paying for, but it's just a pain in the wallet. There are cheap options though, Cheaperthanhotels and such. If you're up for travelling, and let's say you want to get Cheap Manchester Hotels or Cheap Edinburgh Hotels, you could always get a deal that's right for your budget. Who doesn't like cheap good deals anyway? I'd rather go get something reasonable priced hotels than go splurge in a suite or something. If you're spending a holiday with your family of friends on a foreign country,get the best deals on rooms that you could get, I mean you'd be out all day anyway exploring and touring, and you only need a room to sleep at night, right?
Oh me, I want to go see Prince William, where do you go for Cheap London Hotels?
Batman was at Domino's today!
I didn't know that Batman's The Dark Night movie will be out on July 18th until I got a slice of Domino's Cloaked in Pepperoni Pizza. Batman's promotion is really effective, making it the cover it the cover of a pizza box?? But guess what, this is the best Pepperoni pizza I've ever had! I thought Papa John's was the best, but this one took my number one spot for pizzas.. Wish I could see Christian Bale and the late Heath Ledger on the 18th, if hubby's here, we'd go. I think I'll just wait until it's up on Netflix.
Pedicure, the US style
After a week of working to the bone, finally I had the time to pay myself off with the hard work I did. The price? a day at the Nail Salon!! Got myself a nice pedicure. My mother-in-law and I decided today, we'll get one. For the record,this would be only my 2nd time to have it since I got here 8 months ago. First would be the day I got married last January, where my hubby paid $50 for a mani-pedicure package. Yeah, kinda pricey. Well, today's experience is great. The salon had undergone a little renovation, and one noticeable change are those big automated massage chairs, that I love!! You could choose whether you like a soft or hard massage, speed and stroke. I had fun. I thought maybe I could buy one of this chair in the future, so I asked my nail tech, how much this masseuse-chair costs. Wow, a whooping $5,000!! I could buy a good second hand car from that.. oh well
Paid $23 for pedicure, $7 for getting my eyebrow waxed, and $6 tip (don't forget). What a pleasurable, a little pricey pampering day..
I love Jewelry
I happened to stumble a jewelry website one time, while I was looking for wedding suppliers for my friend Rachiel. I have checked their engagement rings line, and my eyes are stunned, and wished I have one of everything. They are extremely beautiful! This site is a great online source for different high-end kinds and styles of rings, pendants, bracelets and necklaces you could think of. And it’s educational too at the same, it explains what you need to know about diamonds, gemstones and silver and gold, and cleaning tips and care. You can shop the price range of your choice, as well as by product you need and material, i.e. pearls, stones, silver, gold or even your birthstone. You can even buy items under $100! They have this bargain of the week and clearance center, everything is affordable I must say, it tells you how much you save on every item. Check out their diamond earrings! Don’t you just love them? They also offer free gift packaging and free FedEx delivery, 30day return and you can talk to a jewelry specialist if you have questions- great customer service really. I just signed up for their newsletter for exclusive offers.
20 Questions to know more About ME
Thanks Ynnuh for the tag!!
Here are the Rules for this tag:
Remove one (1) question from below and add in your personal question, make it a total of 20 questions, then tag eight (8) people on your list. List them out at the end of this post.
1. What is your favorite food?
- Buffalo wings, Fried Chicken, French Fries, Chinese Food!
2. What was your happiest moment when you were a child?
- Family either goes to grocery every week or dine at Shakey's after a mass.
3. Where is the place that you want to go the most?
- I love the beach..
4. When was the first time that you feel the real love?
- San pa ba? with my hubby David
5. When you encounter a sad moment, what do you do?
- Tell hubby im sad, and get a big hug from him./ Call a friend.
6. What are you afraid to lose the most?
- My husband.
7. If you win $1 million, what would you do?
- Pay debts! Build a resort in Boracay and travel around the world.
8. What is the saddest moment for you last year (2007)?
- I left Philippines, happy and sad the same time.
9. What item do you wish you could buy next?
- a pink laptop
10. How do you cope with boredom?
- Shopping
11. When was your first kiss?
- a long time ago, cant tell the whole world, hellllo
12. What type of person do you hate the most?
- Control freak
13. What is your ambition?
- Be happy and healthy.
14. If you had one wish, what would you wish for?
- Husband to go home and stay for good.
15. How did you celebrate New Year?
- 2008? celebrate it with spaghetti and chicken alfredo, with hubby.
16. What has been the craziest thing you’ve ever done in your whole life?
- maybe cheat on a boyfriend? it's not even crazy.. haha
17. What do you look forward to in 2008?
- more money!
18. If your life is a song, what title best fits it?
- Three Little Birds by Bob Marley
19. What is your inspiration in life?
- husband and parents.
20. If you were to change one event in your life, what would it be?
- I should have had a big wedding in Philippines before I went here, US.
I want to pass this to Ellheym, Julie, Jhaney, Qtcotzkie, Mocca, Dezzy, Rossgirl, Lala
Bitch Stole My Fish
I just want to share you this picture that my brother sent me as a comment on my friendster. This is so funny! If you cant even smile on this one, then you have a problem! haha
Anyway, it's been a while since I posted something AGAIN! June have past without a word on this blog, poor me. My husband leaving have made so sad that I cant do things in a happy motivated mode, feels like my life has no excitement at all, boring solitary life.. not for a long time, oh Im so glad! We're counting the weeks almost everyday until he gets back on September. So theen, I'll be a happy girl again. He's working in Camp Bucca, and according to him it's a hell on earth kind-of place. Im glad he already have his own room to sleep with A/C. Before he's sleeping on a tent with 10 people, yeah no privacy at all. It sucks. I feel bad just thinking about it. Food is not good, he cant sleep good, what's worse, you have to walk out if you need a bathroom break. Yeah, shower room/toilet is a walk away.
Wish he'd just go home and work here instead. But like we agreed on, this is what he needs to do,for a little while and everything will be alright. I love my husband, Im so proud of him. Gosh, miss him soooo bad!
Feels like a marine's wife
It's been 3 days since my husband left for Houston, Texas. But it feels like forever! He will undergo training, medical and orientation there, then after 7-10 days, he'll fly to Iraq for work. I told myself I won't cry the day we drove to the airport, last Sunday. I cried all my heart out, I already missed him, given it has only been 30minutes since the last time we hugged. I'm so sad, so so so sad. It feels like my heart's breaking into pieces everytime I remember he won't be home for dinner, that no one will annoy me, hug me, kiss me, and the worst is, I'm going to sleep alone in our bed. I don't know what to do for me to get through the day. Hope I would feel better as time goes by. It will be 4-6months, then he'll be back, then another 4months until next year,hopefully sooner than that. I tried shopping the whole day with my mother-in-law for me to forget to be sad, but no, I would be cheating if I say I was ok. Tell me, who'd be sad shopping?? me!
Hope I'd feel better soon, I know this is hard for him too.
My online Boss(es)
I never thought having an online job could be as fun as well. It's always a continuous learning experience for me. I have a data entry/researcher job at Odesk and as a Virtual Assistant in GAF.
My buyer #1 -- He's an entrepreneur and holds a business website that tackles legitimate business opportunities that you can find online. He hired me straight away from an IM interview(chat). He said I could work on 40hours a week and gave me a 80hours limit! WOW. He's nice, and I can see myself working with him for a long time, as long as he needs my service.
My buyer #2 -- He's a writer/journalist. He's a contributor writer to major newspapers. He's from Berlin. Out of 89 people who applied as VA for him, I guess I'm the lucky one to get picked. Or maybe I did good with his sample research he gave out to each candidates. I work 20hours a week for him, sometimes more, and I get paid weekly too. And I can tell that this is a long-term job.
wahh, proud of my jobs! Not only it is a true learning experience for me, it also helps me in terms of time management and discipline. And it's great, earning $5 an hour is not bad.
Ramiele's gone, it should be Brook..
SAD. Not a lot of people remembered her name, on voting.
She got booted out. And Randy agreed so. I missed watching her performance the other day, but hubby had set the DVR the first week Amercan Idol started, so it's all recorded. I was expecting at least Brook or Jason, but unfortunately it's my girl. This is the only week that hubby missed watching the show since he worked overtime with one of his guy, and with him, he always get through the phone lines for voting. So I was thinking,maybe Ramiele got axed out because she didn't get any votes from hubby. lol
Maybe people didn't remembered her name, like her song goes,"Do you remember my name" by Dolly Parton, so she got less votes. Or maybe, people got tired of supporting her because she never get that "the right song yet" like the very critic Simon would always say. Oh well, the doors of having an album in Philippines is now open for her!
Xmods, the latest craze
My husband has always been a car aficionado, and it's always been his interest. Buying cars is a big thing I know that. But he has this latest addiction, he calls it a hobby, but I call it an expense.lol. He's into XMODS, like crazy. It started from buying one, only because his workmates have this. So we bought one on ebay, my thought was we wasted $50 for that. Okay he's happy with it, so it's ok with me. Then that RC didn't even lasted for 2days, it's broken. So, we bought a new one(the Black Transformer Barricade), at Radioshack. It still runs he said, but I don't see it here at home (maybe it's broken too hehe). And then the next week, he bought a set, like one of everything, it's used though, but it costs him $114, because of people bidding on it too. Here's the mess..
I admit, I play with it too. And it's a little interesting because you can customize or pimp it the way you want to, like you can buy chassis, tires, wheels and batteries etc.
XMODS delivers the ultimate in customizable RC. You can upgrade motors, tires and suspension, and get completely tricked out with hot body kits and graphics from the A-List names in aftermarket parts, including Versus, Sparco, Eibach and Bomex just to to name a few.
Oh well, boys love cars and women loves shopping!
