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Storm Cloud.
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Tuesday, 31 August 2010 |
Dear Storm Cloud: Your mom had warned me to bring extra clothes and not to wear nice clothes because you spit a lot. I had no idea what kind of "spitting" that you do but I know what acid reflux is. I was ready for that. She said you have a lot of burping clothes ready, too. I said OK. Yes, you do spit a lot, Storm Cloud. I got used to it during my first week with you. So, spit on me. I always have your burping clothes on my shoulder and an extra bib for you. Just let it all out so you can finish your milk and eat your first baby food, alright? Though let's be careful with the carpet and the nice sofa, eh?
P.S. I know you are enjoying the massage that I am giving you: on your tummy, on your back, and on your feet. I am enjoying it, too. I taught your mom how to do it so she could give you a good massage after your bath at night and before retiring to bed.
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Storm Cloud.
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Monday, 30 August 2010 |
I met you two months ago. Your smile, oh, I'll never forget the feeling that it brought me. I wasn't over-reacting. I almost cried. There's something in a child's smile that is always comforting me. A reflection of your mom and dad. Something in that smile told me that they're nice.
I started last week. So far, they are kind and nice. They bought me my requests. Some bananas, yogurt, pretzels, and green tea. I like to munch while you are sleeping. God is good. He would always provide me with good employers. Indeed, goodness in people doesn't really come with what race or what religion one belong. And each one's beliefs, we should respect.
You are my job now, Storm Cloud. I am new to this. Help me help you grow up to be a good person. Inside and out.
P.S. Thank you for always giving me that warm and heart-melting smile. And well, for the first week, although my body really ached, you haven't given me a headache. Good job.
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Some-Kinda-Blog-Stop
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Saturday, 28 August 2010 |
Things got into the fast lane when I came back from my 2-week vacation in Western USA. I started working in midtown-Manhattan on August 23. And boy, how my body ached for the first few days. But I enjoyed it. It's like I am back to working out-- doing weights and walking. Everything is a first-time. I am happy that I have a good employer. And yes, they are feeding me well. *wink*
I am sorry there is no time to write about my travel; but I made sure everything was documented-- I took a lot of pictures and made a photo-video out of it. 
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Some-Kinda-Blog-Stop
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Friday, 06 August 2010 |
Behind the faux wood blinds, I could see them wagging their tails at me, as if asking them to let them in already last night. I was done doing the dishes (I told you, it's an addiction!) and they know that I am bringing them down to the basement where my room is.
Lucy has her own bed at the foot of my bed (she snores a lot, by the way, but I don't mind) while Rameses sleeps beside me on the bed. Moments that I know I am going to miss a lot soon. *sigh*
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Some-Kinda-Blog-Stop
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Friday, 06 August 2010 |
The first day that I was here in Utah, all my cousins and my auntie and uncle, started texting and calling some people to see if they could help me find a job here. Uncle said I already have a room here and if I stay here, he'd even buy me a car (just the promise of a weekly hike in the mountains will do actually. lol.). One of my cousins even showed me some IT stuff (some cad drawing, networking, etc). I really appreciate the excitement and the thoughts but I don't think there's really something for me here. Plus the fact that I'd rather try go into a medical field than go back to I.T..
Well, we'll see. I have a previous engagement in NY and I am eyeing a school there, too. So, we'll see.
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Some-Kinda-Blog-Stop
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Friday, 06 August 2010 |
"Wow, you're big!"
I couldn't get over it. I think I will never forgive myself for saying those words to cousin Mike. After more than a decade of not seeing each other, those were my first words to him. And I didn't even mean it badly. I meant, he has grown tall and he has built real hard-rock muscles in his body. It wasn't an insult (I wasn't even planning to suggest any diet pills that work, that is far beyond my thoughts and I am not that fit myself as well) but I am not sure if he has taken it badly. I am guilty. I felt sorry. And I miss Mikey! Argh! And his dogs kept following me. Mikey, please don't be jealous. I am just borrowing Lucy and Rameses at night, eh? Bring me to your hockey game! *wink*
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Some-Kinda-Blog-Stop
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Friday, 06 August 2010 |
This is no time to do the baby shower invitations that I was supposed to do; not even to do another photobook (but this I had to rush because my credits are expiring soon). I was supposed to do some mountain-biking with Lindsey but we had to change our plans. I did my laundry this morning and now waiting for my Auntie to get off from work so we could do some errands before we leave for Las Vegas tonight. Yup! I'll be in another state tonight. Yay!
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Some-Kinda-Blog-Stop
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Friday, 06 August 2010 |
"Watch-out for the Mormons."
That's what everyone has told me when I got here in Utah. My cousins, my auntie, and uncle. If the dogs can speak, maybe they'd tell me the same.
Not that we have something against this group but to each his own, we are a family of Roman Catholics and we were brought up to stick with our belief and faith no matter what. It's just that sometimes the way of other people to get you to believe in their stuff is irritating. I, myself, have learned to block them.
When I was waiting for Chris in a coffee shop near the place where he had his drug test for his new job, I saw lots of this kind of people. My cousin said they're not supposed to drink and smoke a cigar, but hey, I saw one sitting outside the cafe, with a Dutch Master between his finger. All I could think of was, "See, we're all the same. Sometimes we do stuff that is against our religion's rule."
No one has bothered me yet. And no one will. No one could.
I understand these people. To quote what Lindsey said, "They have good intentions. They thought they could save you."
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Some-Kinda-Blog-Stop
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Friday, 06 August 2010 |
Everyone that I know here in Utah is in medical field (well, except for my uncle who is a design engineer), I wonder if I could get in to some courses, too, now. I do not know much of it, but hey, I know what a portable oxygen concentrator is since I worked for Grandma Irna last year, eh? That job has actually triggered my curiosity and my interest to get in to a medical field, too. I just hope I'd be given that chance soon.
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Some-Kinda-Blog-Stop
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Friday, 06 August 2010 |
I don't remember when was the last time that I saw my niece, Cheska. Probably four or five years ago? I am not sure. But I do know that I miss her so much. She's such a sweet and funny girl. She and her mom, Jane, left for Las Vegas a few years ago and when she went back to the Philippines for a vacation, I was already in the east coast.
So when I learned that I could finally fly in to Utah, I took my chance in looking for a gift for her even if I wasn't still sure if I'd see her. I did not find a shop for personalized gifts in New York so I settled for a Pylone wrist watch. It's cheap but knowing her, I know she'll love it. She is so easy to please. I love her for that.
And yes, we're going to Las Vegas this weekend to spend time with her and Jane. Yey!
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Some-Kinda-Blog-Stop
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Friday, 06 August 2010 |
We do not have any idea how old the refrigerator was in Great Neck. But this summer, food are getting stale inside and it doesn't seem to get its maximum coolness. If we're in the Philippines, we could just ask someone to check if it's the Freon that is failing. But here, one could easily buy a new one. It's too much.
Luckily, Sir H got a new set of kitchen appliance for his new unit. Talk about good timing. GN has the old refrigerator now (they rented a U-haul last week) and it's chilling. I think we only have to change the refrigerator filter for the water despenser and it's all good again!
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Some-Kinda-Blog-Stop
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Friday, 06 August 2010 |
Would you use a set of bed linens (blankets, pillow cases, etc.) that costs almost two-thousand dollars? Me? I don't know. Even if someone gives it to me as a gift, I don't think I'd ever use it. But of course it's a different story when you're known and you have friends who really could afford such gift, like Sir H. I went online to check on the gift set that he received a few weeks ago and boy, did it cost $1700. Woah!
Well, at least www.finelinens.com have cheaper ones.
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Some-Kinda-Blog-Stop
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Friday, 06 August 2010 |
After almost two years of wishing and planning to get here in Utah, in August 2, I finally flew in. It's my first time to actually take a domestic flight and my first time to do the booking online. It cost me $519.80 for the ticket because I thought I had to get an insurance (well, it only costs $23-- and they don't have any option for a cheaper one-- 'cheapest auto insurance' keeps popping in every search I do). Anyways, I used TravelSpot because they have the cheapest airline ticket. I was booked in Delta Airline with only one stop.
I left JFK Airport at around 4pm. Had a connecting flight in Las Vegas where I waited for two hours. Enough time to take some photos, try their air-train, and have dinner at CPK. Memories. I have lots of good memories with my friends in CPK-Philippines.
The second plane was smaller than I expected. I was seated by the window.
My flight to Las Vegas was all right except for the landing part. The unsteadiness usually makes me dizzy. It was worst during my flight from Las Vegas (Nevada) to Salt Lake City (Utah). It was a short 2-hour flight but we experienced turbulence. Flight was bumpy. Heard a guy screaming when we were lifted from our seat (it was funny). Glad they invented seat belts. The walk from the plane to the baggage-claim area helped in getting myself back to normal. Cousin Tina fetched me. Saw each other 14 or 15 years ago. She thought I was taller. Well, I think I stopped growing 12 years ago. LoL.
At home, in West Jordan, Auntie Nemia and Uncle Cirilo were awakened when we arrived. It was past midnight. The last time we saw each other was in 2006.
I was introduced to Rameses, a yellow lab dog. I let him sleep with me on the bed. Had the room in the basement.
Second night, Lucy, the mixed lab and boxer, joined me and Ram in the room.
I love it here.
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Some-Kinda-Blog-Stop
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Saturday, 31 July 2010 |
A dear friend of mine is sick. He's single and well, I quote him, he is getting old. I was shocked when I saw his cabinet full of medicine. From vitamins to the maintenance ones. It's odd, I even saw a nuphedragen somewhere. Maybe he was taking it when he was triple his weight now. He has gone so thin and fragile now. But he said not to worry because he's feeling better again. He just came out of the hospital.
It's really hard to grow old alone. Hard when you have a family but couldn't rely on too much. I used to say I'd work hard and save for my golden years in a nursing home. That way, I won't have any problem taking care of myself when I could no longer able to. Maybe money can't buy everything. Well, I say, it could buy comfort when one needs it most.
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Some-Kinda-Blog-Stop
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Saturday, 31 July 2010 |
Almost four in the morning and I am still up (I would probably need the best eye cream there is in the market soon). The moving out from the old 15th floor unit was done last week and moving in to the new and bigger 7th floor unit was done, too. A U-haul will be rented tomorrow (uhh, today) to move the old appliances, cabinets, and the queen-size mattress. Some will go to Great Neck and some will go to Connecticut. GN is definitely getting the refrigerator.
Well, I guess I'll rest on my 9-hour flight on Monday.
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Some-Kinda-Blog-Stop
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Tuesday, 27 July 2010 |
Because I keep on talking about weight-loss here, someone sent me an email about apidexin (a fat burner that uses 8 powerful and effective diet and weight loss ingredients, according to Sylvia and the site). Thanks, Syl. I am not really into pills but maybe I could recommend it to some of my friends.
Anyway, I have to hit the sack early tonight as I have a full day ahead of me tomorrow. I have to catch the schedule of my rides (buses and trains) to be able to reach NJ before 10am. Night-night!
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Some-Kinda-Blog-Stop
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Tuesday, 27 July 2010 |
Since I have mentioned about my weight-loss, I thought I'd share a few quick weight loss tips that I have been doing religiously (they're common and obvious but I am sharing them anyway): (1) Minimize your sugar and rice intake when you don't have any activities that could burn it (For almost five years now, rice is not in my usual meal); (2) Avoid soda; and (3) Eat fruits.
I could give you more. The more you do something, the better, but those are the only thing that I am able to do conscientiously. I haven't been doing my exercise religiously and well, I could add drinking plenty of water but I miss doing that sometimes. So there, I only have three. Goodluck to anyone following my footsteps. I am still way behind my target, which is, 105. 
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My Health and Fitness Log
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Tuesday, 27 July 2010 |
Move over diet pills, I finally did it without your aid! 110 pounds.
I am back to how much I am supposed to weigh. It wasn't easy to get but after almost two years of trying, I have finally shed of some six or eight pounds. Go on, laugh. But yes, without proper exercise and no sports at all, it was so hard for me to lose it. And that six to eight pounds have obvious effect on me, by the way. I have been wearing the jeans that I brought from the Philippines again. Ah. Relieved! I should carry on.
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Some-Kinda-Blog-Stop
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Tuesday, 27 July 2010 |
I have finally booked my first (ever) domestic flight here at Uncle Sam's. I am so excited I could jump up the pull up bars downstairs!
I am going to Utah, San Francisco, and hopefully, Las Vegas. Yay! It's over a year delayed, of course-- I was supposed to be there in August 2009 for my cousin Chris' wedding-- but well, it's better late than never, eh?
I only have 2 weeks to spend with family there, I am not sure if I could squeeze in some time to meet up with friends. If not, I'll make time again next time. No matter how long it takes for me to plan.
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I am Mae German. 32 years old. Born in Mangatarem, province of Pangasinan. I was taught and trained by Juan Dela Cruz, and I am currently being trained for more by Uncle Sam. Writing since the age of 12. Blogging since 2001. I keep a notebook and a pen in my bag, on my bedside table, and inside the bathroom. Misses a lot. Sometimes even my own voice. Loves to laugh. Sometimes even at myself. I am a work in progress. My ultimate dream is to be a SAHM. That is, if I am bound to have that chance in this lifetime... and I am.