Back home winning on a Halloween weekend!

It's nice to be back home with a winning team! As you guys knew, we went to Wespoint, NY last Friday to watch yesterdays game, Army vs VMI (Virginia Military Institute). It was an awesome day for Army, they crushed VMI by 22 points (29-7), isn't that sweet?

Before, when Army plays we just prepare ourselves for a loss, but this season the team seems to be improving quite well. I wish that they'll win one more and they will surely go for a Ball. Will be back again this coming weekend for Air Force game. I know it will be the toughest game for the season cause Air Force has a good team this year. Hopefully they'll play their best.

Ohh by the way I got 4 kids trick or treating our house since we arrived around 12 noon today. They were all dressed creepy and cute. I'll be leaving candies on a bowl on our porch and then we'll head out to my girl friend's house for dinner and probably join Kristine trick or treating their neighborhood too!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

America's Pastime

Guest post written by Joseph Finch

The great part about America's pastime is that it goes on all summer and into the fall. Unlike other sports that just end after three or four months, baseball is there for half the year, and you never get tired of it. Baseball is a sport that is as old and iconic as America itself. From the old days when people listened on the radio to the middle of the century with black and white TV, baseball has been the sport of kings. The fact that all the eras can be tracked by the same statistical measurements allows it to tie generations together smoothly and succinctly.

You see, outside of a few weird eras, most of the statistics are relatively the same. Thus you can compare a guy like Sandy Koufax to Tim Lincecum, whereas in basketball comparing Wilt Chamberlain to Shaquille O'Neal is purely a subjective practice. In baseball, everything is about the numbers, and the numbers allow you to compare across eras. This only further enhances the enjoyment of watching baseball on television, because the present is not only competing against the other team, but the ghosts of the past. Watching baseball on my satellite TV from www.directstartv.com/directv_current_offer.html is something I do every summer, almost like a ritual. As a devoted fan for 30 years, I plan to keep on doing it until the day I retire.

Blogging from Westpoint, NY

It's been years that my husband & I came back and forth in this place to watch Army football game. We usually spend 3 days and 2 nights, simply eating out and strolling the small town. It is so nice to be back here and get away from the hassle and bustle city life. The town resembles my hometown in the Philippines except the nice roads. It made me feel I'm at home though its 10degrees colder from our town in NJ and wayyyy colder than in the Philippines (not a surprise) especially that its already in the mid-fall season. The leaves of the trees are in yellow except the evergreens.
Tonight, we're planning to have our dinner at the local Mexican restaurant, this would be our first dinner there for the year since we've never went out to dinners the past visit cause we were too tired to do so. Their food is awesome I love it.
Anyway, I'll take a cat nap for a minute then we'll head out to the restaurant right after. Have a beautiful weekend folks!

Spend Time With Your Child In Gabbaland

Post contributed by Noah Schmidt

There are many programs on television for young children. They usually include cuddly rabbits and bears with the ability to speak, and some use young cartoon children as their main characters. You'll hear a few kid friendly tunes that usually have a moral lesson within the lyrics. All of which is fine, but as parents we get tired of watching these cute and cuddly children's shows. That's why I consider the children's show Yo Gabba Gabba to be a God send! Yo Gabba Gabba is my savior throughout the day, and is only a few remote clicks away on satellite tv from Best Choice TV.com! Not only does it keep my daughter entertained, but I find myself entertained by it too. This children's show has likable characters named Plex, Foofa, Muno, Brobee, and Toodee. There is also a narrator named DJ Lance Rock, whom seems to be my daughter's favorite. I'm guessing it's his brightly colored costume and fuzzy hat. There are many up beat songs and dances all throughout the program as well as skits, and guest appearances. This is the only children's program I have seen that promotes manners and friendliness, and also expresses the importance of having fun and living life in a joyful way. So the next time you sit down to watch a children’s show with your child, give Yo Gabba Gabba a chance.

Batman: Mask of the Phantasm

Written by my friend Betty Walls

Batman: Mask of the Phantasm is probably the best Batman movie of all time. The animated movie is definitely better than any of the live action versions that have crossed the big screen. I'm a huge Batman fan and love almost all the Batman films, but this one takes the cakes. I love how they feature (through flashbacks) Bruce Wayne before he becomes the Batman and the choice he has to make whether to continue being a vigilante or find happiness with his girlfriend, Andrea Beaumont.

The present has Andrea returning to Bruce along with a fearsome new foe, the Phantasm. I also love how they also flashback to Bruce starting out as a regular vigilante dressed like a normal person and how this does not cause criminals to fear him. As he searches for an edge, he comes across the bats that had terrified him as a child and decides to use them as a persona to strike fear, and more importantly, hesitation, into the criminals that he is after.

Back to the present, the Joker is now being targeted by the Phantasm as he apparently wronged the Phantasm at one time. While as the Batman, Bruce struggles to unmask the Phantasm, he, himself, is consumed by Andrea and the prospects of ending his Batman persona to finally find peace with his parents death. Ever since I saw this animated movie on satellite tv from www.directstartv.com/directv_programming/directv_nfl-sunday-ticket.html, I've been hooked!

she said, i said...

It has been weeks since I got back home from my Philippine vacation. During my stay in the Philippines, I was able to talk to many people whom I knew from way back then. I spoke to my cousin and give my comments towards her younger sister who happens to work in Israel as house-help/caregiver or whatever they may call themselves. Apparently, G took my comment out of context and she's been trying to post nasty comments on facebook. At first I ignored her for my conscience is clear. I just felt bad for her kids though.

Until this time she still bad mouths me. Her minions, who doesn't even know who she really is, come to the rescue, if they only knew the real G, I doubt if they'll stand by her. They see me as the bad gal. I don't care but I don't like it. I tried to fight back but I realized its useless because I knew that a person who is enveloped by his frustrations and anger is closed minded. She can revert everything to make herself looked the underdog. She can make up excuses to make herself look good. Oh well, people from their neighborhood where I used to live back in college are aware of who/what she is up to. I need not have to explain my side.

Digging dirty linens from my closets is impossible for I live a clean life maybe if we have to weigh our past we might be on the opposite end of the spectrum so why defend myself? There's no need. People knew, our own relatives knew, why bother? I just wished she is happy and contented and besides I don't live to please her nor exist for her. My best consolation is that, my existence, success and accomplishments are my best revenge. So be it.

Toy Story Is My Favorite Animated Movie

I appreciate the guest post, Vito Rivers

My favorite animated movie is Toy Story. When it was first released my spouse and I went to see it in the theatre even though we did not yet have children. Now that we do have kids it has become more meaningful, every time I spot Toy Story on satellite TV from expertsatellite.com I always tune in. I love how Woody the cowboy and Buzz the space ranger do not get along at first. Woody is very jealous that his owner Andy has begun favoring his new toy, which is Buzz Lightyear. By the end of the movie they have become great friends.

I have enjoyed introducing them to my children; my three year old adores the characters. He even requests to watch the movie. I keep it recorded on my DVR so I can show it for him at any time. Mr. Potato Head is very funny and is great for the adults. The last time we visited Disneyland we were able to pick our own Potato Head.

The story is wonderful for kids; it teaches them how to get along with each other and even those that we don't like at first can become our greatest friend in life. The technology of the film is incredible, I feel like I am watching real toys. The animators have done a great job in creating this film.

My Upcoming Chess Competition

Guest post written by Edna Ferris

I’ve always loved playing chess. My grandmother taught me when I was a little girl, and it’s something I’ve tried to carry throughout my life, both to honor her memory and because, well, I love it! I’m enrolling in a chess league next week, actually. My sister saw it advertised in a newspaper and knew it’d be perfect for me. How sweet!

Not to toot my own horn, but I’m actually pretty good. After all these years, I had better be! I’m wondering how I’ll stack up against the other players, though. I guess I’ll see when I find out!

Something else I need to do before then – go to www.HearingAidsbyMiracleEar.com and sign up for a hearing test at my local center. I want to make sure I’m on my game for my first match! Plus, I think it’s something everyone should do, regardless of age or otherwise.

Anyway, I think I’ll have quite the little fan section at the tournament. My sister and brother are coming, along with their kids and maybe even a few grandkids. Let’s hope that gives me the confidence I need!

License Certificate

Yay, finally got my license certificate today, this means I can apply for a job without worrying about legalities that govern with it. I really needed to find a job soon so that I'll be able to save up and pay my student loan.
This time of the year job market might not be as great as the previous years, however I'm still positive that I'll be able to find one. I wish it will be a hospital job but if not long term care wouldn't be a bad idea, I just need to get in to the workforce and start from there. Wish me luck.

Gearing for the Snow Season

The days have gone by so fast. I can feel in the air that winter is fast approaching. I can't believe how fast it was for the summer days to be over. Before I know it, I will be shoveling snow in our driveway again.

I am pretty soon that before winter comes, I will be venturing in my chosen career. This will mean that I have to brave the snow days and endure the road conditions everyday as I will be working then. As early as this time, I am already preparing my car for the winter season to come. I plan to buy new sets of Tire Chains so that I don't have to worry driving my car in a snowy condition. This will be my first time to work here in the USA and I am getting excited about it.

In New Jersey where we live, we get a lot of snow everywhere that is why I also reminded my husband to get a Compact Grip Tire Chain for his car because it will be safer for him to drive his car especially for his weekend trips to West Point. Of course, safety is our main priority.

Anyway, are your cars ready for the winter season? If you are not, check out the tire chains that are sold by Tire Chain Dealer and let them help you determine which snow chains are right for you.

Let me tell you our story...

I really love to brag my achievements, who doesn't? It wasn't a long time ago our family is really struggling to meet both ends. My parents are nothing but just ordinary individuals, but it didn't hinder them to dream a better life for their nine children, especially my mom. She is the most persistent woman in the entire neighborhood, my siblings can attest to that. She is very determined to send all her children to school, despite the hardships and humiliation she remained to be strong willed and persistent. She is rewarded and some to spare, all of us are equally dreamers like her, we got degrees except our eldest who got married early.

What we've got now is the fruits of our labor ---a combined labor of 9 sets of hands. I can proudly say I never owe my cousins nor my uncles/aunts a penny nor gratitude, why? because my brothers and sisters worked hard in order to have a roof on their shoulders while they were staying at my uncle's house. I might have been young back then but my memories is still vivid. I remember every harvest season my parents set aside a portion of our harvest for my uncle's family in lieu of my brother and sisters stay. Whatever products we have in our small farm they will get their share too. My siblings worked so freaking hard in exchange of a free roof on their heads and a free left over meals, they worked till the wee hours and woke up early doing household chores. Do they get any compensation? Hell no! Were they treated as humans? Only God knows and our relatives of course.

My sister often got used items from my cousin in exchange of her silence from the immoral doings she's up to, unfortunately; later in their lives, they had fallin' out my sister was being charged to be indebted. Both their lives now are in the opposite directions, my sister is happily married and successful while our cousin keep on claiming my sister and our entire family owes them. Who owed who? Financially? God knows.

And how would you like hearing "eat the left overs, anyway you barely eat at home". I think I can write a very long chapter about our lives in the city especially my elder siblings, but one thing I can be proud of, we surpassed the trials and we are "made" an achievement that my uncles children will never come close.

I remember when I was in college, Me and my brothers rented a room nearby their house, my aunt still asked me to do household chores, the way she did to my older siblings but I always say I have school works to do and because I believed I am no longer in their house I shouldn't be considered their slave. One time she told me how poor we were blah, blah, blah..... as if I didn't know, she once said to me that her daughter went to this so and so school so she shouldn't have any problem in school unlike myself I came from the barrio, deep in my heart I said to myself.. wait and see. I think I am her worst Karma because I graduated with flying colors and her daughter couldn't even pass college algebra. And now, I looked back, had I let myself discouraged the way my aunt treated me I would never become what I am now, I took her challenge with courage and persuasion. Oh! how I wanted to tell to their faces that I got a degree here in the USA, on academic scholarship, graduated with flying colors, and passed my boards!!!
Yes, I came here because I married an American, but the same American treated me like a princess, with dignity, pride, and respect that none of my aunt's daughters would ever get the same treatment as I got. Morality wise who is worse, me for marrying an American or somebody who became-- a mistress, having a child out of wedlock, a broken family, and a notorious user?

I really hate bringing up things from the past but my cousin called for this. I just wished she never started with me because I can strongly affirm that she couldn't find any dirty laundry on my closet unlike her. How dare you call me and my family for ungratefulness where in fact from day one we never owed nothing for we served your family and you treated us worse than a slave. I knew we struggled in the past but look where we are right now and look where you are? You have the nerve to call us that we didn't look back from where we came from? Why did we left you when you needed us? Did we treated you the way you did to us before? Who helped you when you needed help the most? Will you be able to leave the country if not because of your cousins who you called flies who are now in the carabao's backs? What do you think of yourself? Yes, life is like a wheel and that wheel is already flat tired and AAA can not be reach to pump more air. LOL!! Yes, your equally shallow friends who stood by you, have the nerve to say things against us they don't know where all these things came from, lest they knew the truth of the matter. Yeah, you have so many friends but try to look around are they aware of what really is going on?

Trying A New Breakfast Dish

Content by Mauricio Benson

I love being in the kitchen. There is just something about trying a new dish with new ingredients. Sometimes, it seems like we eat the same thing all the time and this was a chance to step out a little. I picked up a recipe for a breakfast muffin from a show on satellite tv from www.bestchoicetv.com/satellite-tv/tx/. Usually, it looks easy, but when I try it out myself, I run into problems.

That wasn't the case this time. I followed the directions exactly so that the muffins would be perfect. When I saw them in the oven rising, I knew that they were going to work out. There was a great smell that came out when I opened the oven. After letting them cool off for a few minutes, I let the kids come in and take a taste. They are usually tough critics. However, this time, my new muffins were a success. I even had one of them ask for seconds. That never happens.

So, I feel pretty confident about the recipe and how things turned out. This may be just what to take to the next breakfast potluck at the school. No one will need to know how easy they were to make or how I got the idea to make them.

My Cousin will be Visiting this Weekend

This weekend, I will be expecting a visit from my cousin who lives in New York. Gladys and her family (husband and son) will be visiting us for the first time. Gladys and I are neighbors in the Philippines. Our parents' houses are less than a mile apart. In the Philippines even if you are miles apart you are still neighbors.

Glady's mom sent her some Philippine goodies that is one of the reasons of the visit. She will be picking up the goodies that her mom sent for her.

We are looking forward to her visit because I haven't seen them for a long time and it will be fun to have a kid in the house even if it will be just for the weekend. Glady's has a 1-year old son.

Guess I need to plan how to spend our weekend.... actually I have plan what filipino food to serve.... it is all about eating folks !!! lol

Decorations to last a while

Guest post written by Samantha Harris

I do love decorating and celebrating Halloween, especially once I start baking and buying up all kinds of Halloween candy! But when I decorate though, I like to keep stuff up as long as reasonably possible. (No, I don't leave my Christmas lights up all year long.) So when I decorate for Halloween, I do more general fall things that can work for Thanksgiving decorations too.

I was looking up some ideas for some decorations that I could leave up like that besides just the regular old pumpkins that everyone puts out, including me, every year. I was looking for some stuff like that with my ClearWirelessInternet and came up with some ideas for some stuff.

I found some instructions for some decorations that are like origami leaves. I thought that would be a little challenging while not too hard in the long run. Plus, if I messed up on one I could just grab another piece of paper and make some more. I hung some of them up on my fridge and they look really cute.

Sleepless in Glendora and the much needed update.

It has been two weeks since I got back, my biological clock hasn't back to its normal cycle. My sleep pattern went out of whack. I knew this would just be temporary yet I still wished this would be over soon.
Due to the weather change, my allergies are in full force, my throat hasn't been well, it is still coarse and awful, been taking medications to alleviate pain and exhaustion. Right now I felt better each day, as a matter of fact I resume my exercise regimen because if I will not exercise I will blow up like a balloon, so far things have been well and nothing that I can complain of.
Regarding our house renovation, everything turned out the way we wanted despite that we are broke. I really needed a job now so that I can resume shopping to keep the economy moving. Anyway, I have many things to talk about but this is it for now, hopefully I'll get a chance to write down my stories maybe one of these days. Have a good week everyone.

Two Distinct Reasons Why I Enjoy Going To A College Football Game In Tallahassee

Content by Donny Vinson

The Florida State Football program is on the rise again. The Seminoles have a new coach that is determined to take the team back to their winning ways. The new coaching staff has done a terrific job at scouting and recruiting some of the top high school players in the nation. This year's team has some of the brightest and most talented high school recruits that are expected to make big plays this season.

Here are two reasons why I enjoy going to a college football game in Tallahassee:

Seminole Chant

Have you ever witnessed The Seminole Chant? The Seminole Chant is one of the most exciting things that take place during the game. Thousands of loyal fans execute The Seminole Chop with precision and enthusiasm. The Seminole Chant and Chop is known to provide the team with the extra motivation they need to win the game.

Food

The food at Doak Campbell Stadium is delicious. My friends and I enjoy the hot pizza and cold beverages. The prices are also pretty reasonable when compared to prices at other stadiums. Getting a slice of pizza for three bucks at a football game is a real bargain!

Going to a college football game in Tallahassee, Florida is one of the most exciting activities that take place in Florida. I always watch the games on satellite TV from www.tvbydirect.com/directv-deal/FLORIDA-FL-direct-tv.html when I am not able to attend

Catholic Relationship

As you all know, we just had our Catholic wedding in the Philippines. The ceremony was solemn and it was officiated by our good friend Fr. Arlims. My whole family and close friends where there to witness it. It was great.

I have been married for over 5 years with my husband. We have been a devout catholic and I am glad that we have the same religion. Philippines is a catholic country where 90% of the populace is Catholic. Unlike in USA most people are not Catholic thus it seems hard to find your catholic match.

On the other hand, there is a catholicmatch website that helps people to find catholic singles for a possible relationship. This website helps single to find their match. It encourages singles to grow in faith and fall in love. If you want a relationship through online dating that is based on faith, visit catholic match and start meeting people.

Gameday At The University

Thanks for the guest post by Eugene Fulton

By far the best thing about going to college football games is the enthusiasm. The coaches are all really pumped up. Barking plays, wildly flailing their arms around, it is quite a sight. If you have new players on the team, they are all confused. The coaches yelling is disorienting them, the cheering crowds, the cheerleaders. It is great.

If you cannot always get to the stadium to watch the games in person, the next best thing is our tv from www.directstartv.com/directv_equipment/directv_receivers.html. The closeups do not really do the coaches enthusiasm to the max, but you will still get to see every vein pop, every excited word.

The stadium experience cannot be beat. You, a bunch of your friends, and a bunch of beer. Everyone is enthusiastic, sometimes there is even facepaint. The sea of team colors is spectacular. Everybody is in the spirit for a good game.

The pennants and mini pom poms are always a good additive to the festivities. They are typically very affordable as well. If you get the chance, stop by some of the tailgating activities. There are always plenty of games, and plenty of chances to make a new friend or two.

Back to USA

We are back and yes, as expected I am sick as a dog!

I am having cough, fever and allergies. This happened to me too the last time I came home to Philippines. Despite how bad I am feeling right now, it is all worth it. We had a great time in the Philippines and I am sure that I will do it all over again.

Despite spending over a month in my hometown, I feel like the vacation was too short. I haven't been able to visit all my friends because of limited time. With my time being spent in preparing the wedding, which turned out to be wonderful, I didn't find extra time to visit all my friends. Perhaps the next time I will see them.

I am just thankful that everything went well!

See you again next time Pinas!

The Wedding Reception

The Wedding Reception was held in Bohol Plaza Resort and Restaurant. It is a well known resort in our province and most of my family has not been there that is why I decided for the reception to be held there.

This is a resort overlooking the city. Very nice place.

The resort provided a very well decorated reception. It was nice although I was not satisfied of their service. We had some problems with the drinks as the drinks were not enough for the guests. All in all though it was a pleasant experience.

My Wedding Gown

I am so happy how my wedding gown turned out. Who can believe that this gown is just made locally? I am so glad that the dressmaker understands what I want. I gave her my design and you can just imagine how delighted I was that she got it perfectly. For the price that I paid which is really cheap compared to any other wedding gowns... I was speechless and very ecstatic!

Tadaaaaa here's my wedding gown...