Bitz and Pieces of My Dailies

Windmills! Kinderdijk, The Netherlands

2008-04-29T15:30:00.004-05:00

We arrived in The Netherlands June of last year (2007) and since then it has been a quite nice experience. I always wanted to travel around the world (who doesn't dreamt of it huh) and my husband's job is a tool for making it come true. The day we arrived here I have been ecstatic of the nice people and how they maintain cleanliness around them. They love to garden and would even scrub and brush the pavement (how is that!). We don't have our own permanent place to stay yet when we arrived so as a result we stayed in a hotel, company paid. Every time we take our breakfast I always dropped by at the counter checking what's new and look for something to read on. I noticed that there are a lot of brochure to choose from on different destination in Holland (other name of The Netherlands). While rummaging, I saw a brochure for a windmill destination which Holland is most known for. The destination is Kinderdijk...aboout 2hour drive from the city we are in. I told my hubby about it and he said that I'll just keep the brochure so we can refer it again and maybe one of these days we can visit the windmill village. We got our place after almost a month in the hotel, our household good arrives and all are set and we are heading to the windwill village. It was raining when we had the boat excursion going to the windmill village but it was all worth it. You can either drive to Kinderdijk or take an excursion boat thru Rotterdam port area. There was no entrance fee going in to the village but if you want to get inside to their windmill exhibit (built in 1738) there's a 3euro fee (we did that). When I arrived to the village I am astounded because I usually see them on tv's and movies now I am here....According to statisctis there are still more than 1.000 mills. Nowhere in the world you will find as many windmills as near (the Dutch village) Kinderdijk. Around 1740 no less than 19 sturdy mills were built here. They have been well preserved to the present day. In 1997 the mills of Kinderdijk were put on the World Heritage List of UNESCO.

Whatta MALL! Galeries Lafayette in Paris, France

2008-04-28T13:20:00.008-05:00

This is Galeries Lafayette in Paris, France an active shopping district near the Opera, which recently opened the Saint-Lazare train station fed by a continuous flow of travellers from, Paris’s suburbs and the Provinces. We went to Paris last month (March 2008) to celebrate our 3rd year wedding anniversary and happened to drop by in this big mall after seeing the Opera edifice. I have never seen a mall like Galeries Lafayette or should I say I haven't traveled enough (yet) to see such mall like the one in Paris. I have been to Minneapolis but never saw the biggest mall in the United States; Mall of America as they call it. Paris is an epitome of fashion and it stood still especially roaming around this great mall.

Me and Amber at Galeries Lafayette

a busy narrow streets in Paris (taken from Galeries Lafayette crossing bridge)
What a glowing mall indeed!
The Glass Dome

Cosmetic Merchants on the first floor

The main mall is so nice with 5 floors, balconies and glass dome. Inspired by a neo-Byzantine style, the 33-meter high glass dome comprises of 10 painted windows encapsulated in rich metallic frames and decorated in a sculpted floral motif. The banisters of the lower floors adorned with leaflet were signed by Louis Majorelle who also graced the store with the escalator ramp. If you get tired roaming around there's always benches around the mall where you have the time to think "to buy or not to buy". Impulse buyers? don't go to this mall, it will surely broke your wallet. A golden light was used to create a more intimate environment and to set the merchandise a glow. The store has 96 departments, adding to the traditional offerings such innovations as haberdashery, photography, lighting, furniture, travel goods, toys and tableware. On its higher floors, the store offered a tearoom, a library and a hairdressing salon for its cherished clients to unwind or just to escape from the pressures of the city. From the rooftop terrace, one could see all of Paris, with an unobstructed sight of Eiffel Tower. Shopaholic? then don't forget to put this in your itinerary if you will plan to go to Paris and experience a Parisian life for a moment. It was great!

Take a shot mom, I'm ready

2008-04-27T13:29:00.003-05:00

My daughter loves flower. Everytime she saw a flower she would come to it and trying to touch. My husband and I always remind her not to pick flowers, she does put that into her mind though. This is a picture I took of her while we were strolling around NATO headquarters in The Netherlands. She was so amazed with the tulips they are growing their that when I asked her to pose with the flowers she smiled and make funny faces for me to take with no doubt. She loves camera too, so it is not hard to capture a moment with her. I just had so much fun with my daughter.

It's time to shield!

2008-04-27T11:30:00.008-05:00

Summertime is almost here! Although it's still in the season of spring I can feel the summer heat now. When we had our afternoon walk today around our neighborhood with my husband and my daughter and I feel the heat penetrating my skin; made me remember to put some sunscreen the next time I go out to shield me from the UV rays. My husband and daughter needed it most because they got lighter skin which is more prone to skin damage which for the worst scenario will lead to skin cancer if not prevented. So, a few minutes ago I checked my drawer looking for sunscreen. I found a few different kind of sunscreen we got. My husband usually store a Banana Boat SPF 30 but I can't find it anymore; I guess I will get him a new one before we will head to Italy we will be there until summer. My daughter got the Coppertone WaterBabies SPF 45 when she's soaking in the beach and Banana Boat Kids SPF 30 they are both tear-free. I got the Neutrogena Age Shield SPF 45 with Helioplex™ which has the most effective UVA-blocking technology available. This broad-spectrum sunblock defends skin against UVA and UVB rays. Waterproof and sweatproof, it contains Anti-Oxidant Vitamins A, C and E to combat environmental damage. And for my face Aveeno moisturizer with SPF 15 but I realized that I needed and wanted to have a higher SPF than just having SPF 15 so I got myself another sunscreen which is also Aveeno Continuous Protection SPF 30. I like Aveeno on my face because they are oil-free, hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic. The sun gives off ultraviolet radiation that we divide into categories based on the wavelength. UVC - 100 to 290 nm, UVB - 290 to 320 nm, UVA - 320 to 400 nm which means UVB and UVA is the major contributing factor for skin damage that is why most sunscreen/sunblock says "UVA and UVB Protection". UVB is most intense between the hours of 10:00 am and 2:00 pm when the sunlight is brightest. It is also more intense in the summer months accounting for 70% of a person's yearly UVB dose. While UVB does not penetrate glass UVA penetrates deeper into the skin and works more efficiently. The intensity of UVA radiation is more constant than UVB without the variations during the day and throughout the year. UVA is also not filtered by glass. The most damaging effects are wrinkles, lowered immunity against infection, aging skin disorders, and cancer. However, we still do not fully understand the process but it could be a contributing factor. So when you go out again under the sun wear a hat, a sunglass or bring an umbrella and don't forget to shield your skin with sun protection agents.

Sundried Tomato

2008-04-26T14:56:00.006-05:00

Before modern canning methods were available, Italians dried tomatoes on their roofs for use in winter when fresh tomatoes were not an option. Nowadays, sun-dried tomatoes (pomodori secchi in Italian) are not as popular in Italy as they are in America, where they are mostly relegated to antipasto or as a flavor-booster for sauce. But as for me, I come to know more about sun dried tomatoes being here in Europe. I used to know sun dried tomatoes only on spaghetti sauce but not from a sumptuous jar soaking in olive oil and sometimes with sunflower oil too. The thought of dried tomatoes does not bring to mind a gourmet meal to me. However, a relatively small amount of sun-dried tomatoes gives a gourmet touch and a burst of flavor to a variety of recipes. I used it on my pasta, pizza or salad. These dried, concentrated vessels of flavor have enjoyed a popularity boost in the United States in the past couple of decades, initially as a gourmet item but fast becoming a favorite of home cooks. I love to eat sun dried tomatoes right from the jar, it is like lunch to me. An appetizer sometimes.

Next month we will be in Italy for 7weeks for a work related purposes. I will bring home lots of sun dried tomatoes. I am so excited seeing Italy too!

Busch Gardens-Williamsburg, Virginia USA

2008-04-26T08:43:00.007-05:00

The Griffon
Getting in to the park
Lochness Monster

Before we left for the Netherlands we went to visit my brother in law's family in Virginia. While we were there we visited the most coveted amusement park in Viriginia, Busch Gardens (Europe) again. It was my second time there, the first one was when we had our honeymoon (April 2005, I was 2weeks pregnant with my first baby at that time). My mother in law and my brother in law's family was there with us too; we really had fun all together. We only visit the park for a day though but it was all worth it and really wears you out.

Amber at Busch Gardens
Amber on a Merry Go Round ride
Amber and Vince
Amber and cousin Tony on a Ladybug ride
Amber and Daddy Vince again

I am sailing!
Amber frolickin at the Land of the Dragons
Daddy Vince watchin' Amber
My daughter looks sleepy
Amber and cousin Tony enjoying their Ladybug ride

Busch Gardens Europe, is a 17th-century charm combines with 21st-century technology to create the ultimate family experience. Voted the "World's Most Beautiful Theme Park”, Busch Gardens boasts more than 50 thrilling rides (includes the Lochness Monster which was the first ride we took) and attractions, ten main stage shows to name one which I did watched was the 20 minute production of "Secret of Castle O' Sullivan as told by its young heir, a wide variety of award-winning cuisine and world-class shops.And, there are more reasons than ever to visit Busch Gardens. Now Open, Busch Gardens newest roller coaster "Griffon" sends riders through an extraordinary journey 205 feet up and 90 degrees straight down at more than 70 mph but we didn't try to get on it because of the long line at that time and there are other rides we want to get on too- and that's just the beginning of the family adventure we had that time in Virginia, the rest is history to be kept. If you want visit Virginia, visit Busch Gardens Europe. They also have Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida which theme is Africa. I would like to visit that amusement park someday too. For more information regarding Busch Gardens, Va this is their official website http://www.buschgardens.com/bgw/default.aspx check out their newest rides and attraction.

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

2008-04-25T08:16:00.012-05:00

The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum has been the home of America's music since 1967. In keeping with the cultural significance of the music and the heroic achievements of those who form its membership, the Museum opened in a $37 million landmark, new building in May 2001. This monumental edifice is located at the entertainment center of Nashville, Tennessee. I had my own experience inside the museum and it was great. I love the vast collection they have especially the 800 stage costumes worn by country music stars (like the legendary Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Faith Hill, Keith Urban, Shaina Twain, etc. ) and instrument collections they got (used by Willie Nelson and Glen Campbell). Every now and then they got featured exhibits.

Amber and Vince posing with the records

Amber at lost

Stage costumes display

Stage costumes

I'm a Keith Urban fan! yahoooo!

Elvis Presley's Cadillac car
Elvis Presley's Gold Piano

Outside the Museum

During our visit it was Ray Charles' biographical exhibition which provides an overview of his remarkable career with special emphasis on his country music influences and his contributions to the growth and ennoblement of the genre. This major exhibition opened on March 10, 2006 and is on display for a near two-year run. The exhibition includes artifacts, instruments, costumes, photographs, computer interactives and moving images to tell a country music story about an impoverished blind child who grew up listening to the Grand Ole Opry and became known as the “genius of soul,” ultimately redefining American popular music. By recording, in his own inimitable style, the works of country songwriters, Charles brought many new fans to the genre. If you happen to visit Nashville, Tennessee dont forget to visit this incredible museum. It's worth it. For more info visit their website for tickets and events http://www.countrymusichalloffame.com/site/

Cruisin River Seine

2008-04-23T14:30:00.021-05:00

This is me and my husband with our daughter on board for a river cruise

Last month, I and my husband celebrated our blessed 3 years of marriage in Paris, France. It was really a great escapade; it is so far one the most memorable moment in many of my adventures. Paris really is very amazing. We always gazed in awe. Paris, France is 4hours away from where we lived (Brunssum, The Netherlands) so we just drove there and book a 5days;4nights hotel. One of the things we did in Paris was cruisin the majestic Seine River. We were suppose to do dinner and cruise but we were so tired already. And so we decided to do the noon cruise and had our lunch by the river at Cafe Seine (food was great there too; for a complete meal it is 20 euro excluding beverage). We boarded on Vedettes de Paris cruise boat (11 euro per adult; kids 4 euro and under 4years old are free of charge) their dock is located at the foot of Eiffel Tower it is very accessible.

Climb aboard for a cruise with commentary, and let yourself be taken in by the mythical charm of the banks of the River Seine. See for yourself the very heart of historical Paris, and admire its unique, sumptuous architecture. Make the most of your trip on our genuine river boat like this. You can visit their website www.vedettesdeparis.com for more information.

Pont-Neuf the oldest bridge inaugurated in 1607

The exuberant Alexander III bridge near Invalides, inaugurated during Paris 1900 Wolrd Exhibition

Between these buildings is the smallest house in Paris

Pont de Arts a nine arch metallic bridge; this is the first metal bridge in Paris. Known from the movie Les Pont des Arts a French film directed by Eugene Green.

Let's be clear. If you come to Paris, take a Seine river cruise. I assure it is a great experience. I love Paris!.

I got a Pus Pocket

2008-01-30T16:14:00.000-05:00

I went to our assigned medical clinic today here in the Netherlands and ask the lady incharge there that I needed a quick and urgent exam for my swelling bump on my back. She said "what's your appointment about?" I responded "I got a lump on my back that I needed to be checked because it's so sore and swelling". She ask for my ID and went to her computer and entered my data and then she said "arrive at 15:20 today" that's 4hours from then. Wow! I did'nt expect I got the appointment so soon because it takes at least few days from the day I ask for an appoinment, depending on the availability though. I was just surprise, it is my first time to have a same day appointment and I am happy.

This is the appearance of a pus pocket on my back

Way back 2004 I got a bump on my back...just a little bump that look like a zit. It grew bigger but not this big. Before we left for the Netherlands I have this checked with our family doctor at Fort Campbell she said "its nothing to worry about, nothing serious about it. But if you try to open it, it has a foul smell inside that skin" she really didn't explain what it is. And so I didn't bother anymore since it don't really bother me at all because it's not painful in any way. Just 2 weeks ago I felt a sudden soreness on my back, when I checked my bump it's getting bigger than it used to be and it's swelling. My shoulder blades hurt when I move and most of all it is very uncomfortable to sleep on my back right now.

I went to the clinic with my husband at the exact time the lady told me or my appointment will be cancelled. I can't afford to lose my appointment because I am getting paranoid on what's happening "back there" I got funny notions of having a cysts that will develop into a benign cancer or worst than that. A nurse assistant tend to me when I checked in, she took my vitals and everything is fine so far. She told me to wait for the doctor for a couple minutes. I waited and waited inside the exam room. I stayed there for 15mins waiting for the doctor. The door opened and there she comes. We greeted each other and after that she just took a quick look on my back, she immediately said "you got a pus pocket". What the hell is a pus pocket! She explained it to me that it is an abscess. Abscess is a pocket of pus. Pus means you have an infection. Pus is made of dead tissue, germs (bacteria), and white blood cells. The white blood cells rally around to kill the germs. Sometimes, abscesses will burst and drain, a way the body has of getting rid of the infection. She instructed me to apply warm, moist compresses. Wrapping a pustule or abscess with a warm, moist cloth for 15 minutes several times a day will gently draw pus to the surface and soften the skin so it can naturally rupture and drain without aggravating the infection or causing pain. She prescribed an antibiotic (cephalexen) for 10 days, 3 times a day. If it still don't drain and very sore she told me to come back and they will take the gunk out. I was relieved that it is not something serious, though it hurts.

Handwashing

2008-01-29T07:23:00.000-05:00

Every day in our lives we wash our hands, it has been passed on from generations to generation. It is a very important routine that we do it because it is our hands that facilitates food into our mouth (with the aid of a spoon, fork or chopsticks), we want to stay away with Salmonella of course. Handwashing and other hygienic practices are taught at every level of school, advocated in the work place, and emphasized during medical training. But most of all it should start at home. I always my daughter that before and after we eat we should wash hands and I am happy that she would immediately come with me to the kitchen everytime I say "it's chow time". I also reminded her that she cannot touch anything yet until she's done eating except her food and cup, I get upset if she touches my couch with oil and juice on her hand. It is hard to clean the couch although it is a microfiber type. In addition to other strict hygiene practices when handling uncooked poultry and raw eggs, scrupulous handwashing is necessary, using hot and soapy water.

This is Bath and Body Works-Mango Mandarin I bought yesterday. It really smells good. This picture is taken at our guest bathroom downstairs. There are more available scents to choose from just visit their site http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/category/index.jsp?categoryId=2831202&cp=2831054 they are on sale right now, 3 for $10 I got mine for $4 :(

I usually use Dial handsoap, but yesterday when I went to AAFES, I saw Bath and Body Works product I went closer to its shelves and give myself a try. I did like one; Mango Mandarin scent. I really like it so much because the scent brings me home. I just love it. So I bought one, it is quite spendy compare to Dial but it's worth the scent and is antibacterial and has microbeads which you can really feel in on your hand while washing. By the way, I got this washing technique that I found at this site http://www.stanford.edu/ . This might be helpful to acquire some new techniques. I read it and it is a good article so I am sharing it with you.

USE PROPER HANDWASHING TECHNIQUES --- PROTECT YOUR HEALTH

Handwashing is the single most important procedure for preventing the spread of biological contamination. Despite this fact many laboratory personnel don't wash their hands properly. Here are some handwashing tips and procedures for your use.
1. Consider the sink, including the faucet controls, contaminated.
2. Avoid touching the sink.
3. Turn water on using a paper towel and then wet your hands and wrists.
4. Work soap into a lather.
5. Vigorously rub together all surfaces of the lathered hands for 15 seconds. Friction helps remove dirt and microorganisms. Wash around and under rings, around cuticles, and under fingernails
6. Rinse hands thoroughly under a stream of water. Running water carries away dirt and debris. Point fingers down so water and contamination won't drip toward elbows.
7. Dry hands completely with a clean dry paper towel.

8. Use a dry paper towel to turn faucet off.
9. To keep soap from becoming a breeding place for microorganisms, thoroughly clean soap dispensers before refilling with fresh soap.
10. When handwashing facilities are not available at a remote work site, use an appropriate antiseptic hand cleaner or antiseptic towelettes. As soon as possible, rewash hands with soap and running water

Fun in the Kitchen with Amber

2008-01-29T04:47:00.000-05:00

My daughter is 25 months old now and everyday she's being a 'toddler" you know, some stuff that normal toddler do; being bratty. But in these pictures below I just loved her so much because she is having fun in the kitchen. So I grab my camera and took some snap of her. This was taken last October 2007. She is fond of role-playing now. She does what she saw me doing in the kitchen.

She is trying to check the oven here...as if baking something.

She took my step stool which she is fond of doing. She don't have her own step stool, I am thinking of buying her one online through this website http://www.stepstoolsforkids.com/ . They got tons of step stool for kids that I know she will really love.

She's having fun! It shows on her face...just love her.

She took my skilcraft dustpan and brush and trying to sweep the floor. She's a big helper now though.

White Water Rafting- Cagayan de oro City, Philippines

2008-01-28T00:09:00.000-05:00

My friend Nimfa (my daughter's godmother) and my husband.
we had to stop and float hehehe
I was awed by one of the vegetation we passed so i took picture of it, there was more in it than what this picture say.
This is our orientation ( right in the river itself hehehe...)
That's us in the raft together with my 3 brothers, 2 guides, Nimfa and her daughter and my husband.

I was in the Philippines last November 2007 with my daughter, my husband just followed us through in December since he had some job that needs his attention. While I was there I was thinking of the best adventure we can share together while we are there for the season. I listed the activities I wanted to do with my husband and River Rafting was one of them. There was nothing more exciting than doing the rafting adventure since it is just very close to where I grew up and never tried it. And so, I book a rafting event from my brother's friend. I wanted to do the rafting on the next day. He said it's supposed to be 1 week booking prior to the event but since there were no bookings on the following day; he made us through. This rafting adventure has at least 16 rapids and runs about 3hours or more if you want to stay longer in the river for swimming and floating (which we did and it's so much fun).

I was very excited the night before the event. I will be experiencing an adventure that I eventually want to do it over and over again. Morning comes and I woke up so early to prepare while my husband our daughter was still asleep, my mother will take care of her (Amber) while we are gone. I woke up my husband and told him I am ready and it is time to go, dragged with me my 3 other brothers so they will also experience river rafting which they have been looking forward to experience one day.

When we were at the river...it was so pristine; you can hear the casacading water splashing on the big boulders. I felt the thrill and rush to get into the raft so soon. But, before anything else each one of us were handed a life vest, helmet and paddles; we were all feeling like a pro though it's our first river rafting. We had 2 guides in our raft and they were great guides too. We had orientation first as SOP which is also very helpful because you get to know some of the basics and some commands you need to remember in case there is an emergency like falling off from the raft. After the brief orientation we immediately boarded to our assigned raft and there comes the adventure begins! First experience with the rapids was so great, I was a little bit scary and exciting. But when the water hit me...Wow! it feels so cool and refreshing and I wanted to hit more rapids then. Along our way we come to witness the striking beauty of the rocky walls with some fossils in it hundreds of years ago. We passed the locals bathing by the river, saw a cave along the river side and some havens of snake and monkeys. It was indeed an adventure gazing with nature and experiencing it. It was a memorable experience and we will do it again soon! see yah Cagayan de Oro Rafting.

If you want to experience some rapids like we did...you can visit this website http://cagayandeoro.gov.ph/ or http://www.raftingcdo.com/ for more information and pictures to see.

Check out my Guestbook!

2007-09-14T06:52:00.001-05:00

Rain

2007-04-26T13:47:00.000-05:00

The alarm clock buzz. It was 5:30 in the morning; time for my husband to wake up and get ready for work. Every time the clock buzz I can't help not to be disturb in my sleep. When I opened my eyes and gazed on my surrounding I realized it was raining. I can hear the raindrops as it puddles on the ground. So I slowly close my eyes again while listening and beam to the music of the rain. Many people don't like rain; coz rain makes them sluggish, it makes the road wet and slippery and they get stranded.But not me. I love rain; I love the song that it brings. If we just listen closely to every raindrops we will realized that it has different kinds of sounds. I knew that when I learned to "listen". Every time I listen to RAIN it brings me home...I remember events in my young years and always delighted to reminisce those times. I love to play and stump on the rain carelessly as if its a big event in my life. I remember my playmates as we ran along the streets to look for gutters where there's a big drip of rain falling from it and we just giggle as it touches our skin; I remember a young childs innocence. Now, I wondered where they are right now and what kind of life they are leading. As for me, I am a mom and a wife. I love my family; most of all my lovely daughter. She's the one that keeps me sane these days. Being confine in the house 24/7 was never in my wildest dreams and I hate it so much. I wanted to do something more and better and express my individuality. I miss home so much...I miss the sanctuary that allows me to be who I am and what I am. Thank you for the Rain that brings me to it today coz at least I feel better in my own comfort zone where there's just me.

The Chronicles of a Wayfarer

2007-04-25T15:40:00.000-05:00

We are all wayfarer in this world. Who we are right now are based on the decisions we make in the past whether it is wise or a folly one.Chronicling my life events in this webdairy/journal whatever you call it; will help me check and balance the events of my life.Some ideas might be harsh.It's just a way of expressing oneself thru a composition of ones own volition. Judge prudently.

On Blogging

2007-04-25T07:04:00.000-05:00

To my Readers:
This is my first time to join the Blogging World. I really don't know what to write, don't know where to start coz I have a handful of thoughts crumbling in my head that needs to be organized. It is like writing my first composition again. Before I was pessimistic about writing a blog; I am thinking why would I tell the world about me (and who would interests reading my life events), besides it will just take my precious precious time. Well, I realized this would be a good venue where I can burst all my frustrations and victories in life or just a simple thought of life; on what I am passionate about. A venue also for my relatives and friends back home (my beloved Philippines) to keep track on my daily events; that way they would feel we are still connected. We may be miles apart but I know deep in our hearts we hold each other in our hearts. Coming up with blog name was challenging to me; might change it later to something much easier to remember and catchy. As a neophyte in blogging this is what I come up with. I will try my best to improve my blog site to entertain every single reader that will come along this blog. I am still learning and will continue to learn about how to improve this blog. I ask every blogger who knows every bit in improving a blogsite to share their knowledge and expertise, I would gladly appreciate it. I will write more later and will try to make it often. See ya laters. I still have chores to do hehehehe....