September 14, 2013 - I felt so great and overwhelmed to wake up in the love, goodness and greatness of God, manifested in the presence of my family (calls from Philippines), whose love, support and care are never ending, friends (Facebook) and work colleagues who added joy to my day.
To my inlaws, who are always being here for us (my husband and our daughter), when we need help. To our kind neighbors, whose hearts are genuine to help anytime. It is not so usual that you can have a caring neighbor. So, I always think I'm blessed to have them.
To my husband, he turned me onion-eyed yet loved and remembered for the bounty he brought to my life, which we joyfully shared together over mirth and laughters. He and our daughter inspired me everyday.
To my family, they are my life. They are basically the reasons why I always keep on striving to be a better person - being as a daughter,
a sister,
a friend,
an aunt,
a wife,
a mother,
and by simply being a better ME.
They all made my day a very special day for me -- and that makes life worth celebrating at 28 years! Cheers!
Pictures collaged from work, home, husband's gifts, foods and myself!
September 2013 is the month of my first ever career here in The Netherlands. It's not easy to find a job here but I guess I was lucky enough to be hired as a chambermaid in Pullman Cocagne Hotel here in the near city. At first day, my body was in pain. My husband asked me to stop and look for another job right away but I just smiled. I think it's pretty normal since I didn't use to this kind of work. But later in a week, I'm starting to love the job. I am working 22 hours in a week and sometimes being called on duty and worked almost 50 hours. It's my pleasure to clean every room as much as I could. Normally the whole shift, I can clean 15 rooms and most of them are check-outs. It is just important that you always have to put a heart in everything you do, always. In that way, you can always have a smile at the end of your day. No matter how busy and stressful your work may be. Always have a heart, at work or at home!
My little girl's first day of the week to school. Her teacher had her and her classmates to draw and paint their dreams. When her teacher asked her "What do you want to become when you grow up?" Alex said "I want to be a painter". Her teacher asked her "Why?" and she said "Because I love mixing colors, all different colors".
And she painted a painter. This looks like a joker to me. ^__^
It's unusual to hear from a five year old kid to say that she wants to be a painter. Mostly like, ballerina wanna be, doctor wannabe, teacher wanna be, etc..
In the meantime, this is what she wants to become. A Painter someday. She paints and draw a lot every day. Well, maybe this will change in time to come. But if she'll stick to it, I'll always be there to support and mix the colors for her, putting life to every thing she wants to paint. And for whatever she wants to become, I'll still be there for her. I just love her dearly!
I came here in this country January this year as an alien. So I waited for my papers and documents to be all complete then I started looking for job. May this year, I was so serious of looking for a job. My husband even helped me but things perhaps were not really in place yet. So I prayed and had faith and never stop looking. I had my faith with me every day. Until one day, someone called me that I'm appointed to an interview (and so I was hired). Looking for a job is not that easy so I consider this one as I a serious blessing since I'm an alien here. So, I'll start working this Monday, September 2, 2013. I could tell you my job is not that easy but not hard either. I only have to deal with cleanliness and time pressure. If you know what I mean. I'm a hotel's chambermaid soon and that soon will be starting this Monday. I am just so excited but nervous at the same time.
This is my name tag, my access card and they key of my locker. I always think I have a cool name. Lol!
And this is the hotel that I'll be working soon;
That's right, it's Pullman Cocagne Eindhoven. The most beautiful and clean hotel in town. This hotel has many awards with cleanliness and accordance. So, I need to do my best and work hard and smart since I need to maintain the cleanliness of every room that I am going to attend to. This is not just a job for me, I call it commitment. I commit this one as a serious thing to be taken care of. Since the hotel has many awards with cleanliness, we, the chambermaids and the whole housekeeping department have a lot to do just to maintain with that award thingy. It is our commitment for the hotel. Hoping for the best. I know I can do this. I trust myself. Never once I doubted myself. Too much loving, huh? Lol!
God loves me. He never failed me. He's always honest with His words.
Movie Park is one of the best attractions for kids in Germany. So, we spent our weekend there (July 27, 2013) for our little sweetheart! Upon entering the park, Dora and Diego were there in the entrance to meet and greet every kid. Sooo nice of them! My baby love was just so happy to finally met her favorite "Dora"!
The park is divided up into 6 areas, each with their own collection of attractions;
1. HOLLYWOOD STREET SET
*Bermuda Triangle: Alien Encounter - an Intamin spillwater. It is a replica of the previously operated Sea World ride in Australia.
2. STREETS OF NEW YORK
*Time Riders
*NYC Transformer - a Huss Top Spin
*Van Helsing's Factory - a Gerstlauer Bobsled roller coaster
3. NICKLAND
*Avatar Air Glider - A giant Skychaser
*Backyardigans: Mission to MArs - Family Roller Coaster
*BarnYard Bumpers
*Blue's Skidoo Jet Ride
*Fairy World Spin - Fairly Odd Parents
*Diego's Rescue Rider - a Zamperla Jump Around
*Dora's Big River Adventure - a Zamperla Log Flume
*Ghost Chasers - A Mack wild mouse
*Jimmy Neutron's Atomic Flyer - Family Coaster
*Sea Swing - a SBF swing ride
*Splat-O-Sphere - a Chance Rides Aviator
*Spongebob Splash Bash - a Preston and Barbieri Splash Battle
*Swiper's Sweeper - a Speedway
*Team Umizoomi Number Tumbler - a Zamperla Kiddie carpet
Wonder Pets Flyboat - a kiddie freefall tower
*Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - driving cars
4. THE OLD WEST
*Bandit - the Germany's first wooden roller coaster
*MP Express - a Looping Coaster
*Side Kick - a Huss Frisbee
*The High Fall - a Tilting Gyro Drop
5. SANTA MONICA PIER
*Crazy Surfer - Disk-O Coaster
*Hollywood Filmmuseum
*Pier Patrol - a Wild Water Rondell
*Pier Side Carousel - a Wave Swinger
*Rescue 112 - a Zamperla Fire Brigade
*Santa Monica Wheel - a SBF Ferris Wheel
*Stormy Cruise - a Zamperla Rockin'Tug
6. MYSTERY RIVER AND ICE AGE
*Ice Age Adventure - an Intamin boat ride
*Mystery River - an Intamin rapid ride
So, with a kid around I guess you know where we mostly spent our time. Yeah right, in NICKLAND. My baby love was just so happy seeing a few Nicktoons mascots like her favorite Dora, Diego, Spongebob, Patrick, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, etc.
These pictures were taken during the Nickland's Nicktoons show! Only SpongeBob, Patrick and Dora were on the show!
You have no idea of how happy she was this day!
And of course, I have a video of her dancing with the music during the Nicktoons' Show!
And a short clip of her riding WonderPets Flyboat!
We really had a good time but most of all, our little sweetheart Alexandra was more happier than us which was exactly our purpose why we were there. All for her and a piece for us.
Wolfsven is one of the nature beauties in Geldrop, The Netherlands. It is just 5-minute drive away from our home or 15-20 minute walk.
Wolfsven also has this long slide for kids and adults;
Sorry, I didn't take closer pictures of that slide. I couldn't leave the bags because my girl and my husband were swimming.
Well, when you go there and your kids get bored they can also enjoy the playground.
Or if you are the one who gets bored, you can always use every recreation they have in the park. Like basketball, table tennis, etc...
If you live close to Geldrop and if you want peace and serenity this summer, don't forget to pass by Wolfsven. We just had a great sunny day there today!
My husband and our girl enjoyed the weather as much as I did!
I am seriously happy today. This morning, my sister in law dropped her kids here in my place because she had an appointment. I pumped the mini pool and had them swam and played all day.
Of course that girl (right) is my kid. Yes, she is. Very bubbly and happy kind of girl. My one and only sweet and loving girl. ❤
Pretty cousins...
I absolutely had a fine day with them. And when a fun day just about to end, their Mom was here to get them already.
Sorry, I just can't take picture with the boy in the pool. He hated the idea and always tried to shoot me with the water gun when I was trying to capture him. Better save my camera from water. Haha!
June 27, 2013 was the last day of school of my daughter. We, the parents were invited to be there to see their short presentation (singing and dancing). Every parent who was there was seriously proud of their children. Everyone was just simply adorable. Kids always are!
I took a short clip of my daughter, performing with her classmates. Proud Mama here! She is the one who is in plain white maillot and black shoes, 10th from the left.
After her school's Recognition Day, my daughter stays at home most of the time.
This picture was taken during her first day off from school (summer). She was so funny when she woke up that day, veryyyy early. She was thinking that she was still going to school. When I told her that it's already Summer, she was about to cry. I never really had hard times explaining her the meaning of Summer, lol! I only told her that it's only few weeks and she's going back to school again. Voilà ! Such a sweet kid!
In my part, I am also enjoying having her around 24/7...
Oh yeah? Is it or I'm just selfie-ying! Haha! Oh, well!
Well, I'm talking about the finale or the game 7 of NBA, June 21, 2013. I've read a lot of trash talks about the Miami Heat as well as the San Antonio Spurs. And I found it cute to see this one;
I love basketball very much. I can say that this is the sport that I love the most. I guess most people in the whole wide world knows Michael Jordan. And who's not? He is such a good player in the said sport. A very dear legend whom I also admire for his intelligence and passion in basketball.
When LeBron James was out in 2003, well it was an epic story but his history before that was incredible. Even when he was still in school, he was already making his name. He represented by Agent Rich Paul of Klutch Sport. He has numerous endorsement contracts; some of the companies he does business with are Audemars Piquet, Coca-cola, Dunkin' Brands, McDonald's, Nike, State Farm, and Samsung. Coming out of high school, he was the target of a three-way bidding war between Nike, Reebok and Adidas. Eventually signing with Nike for approximately $90 million. His signature shoes have performed well for Nike, and in 2013 he led all NBA players in shoe sales. In 2011, Fenway Sports Group became the sole global marketer of his rights, and as part of the deal, he and his manager Maverick Carter were granted minority stakes in the English Premier League football club Liverpool F.C. As a result of his endorsement money and NBA salary, he has been listed as one of the world's highest-paid athletes. In 2013, he surpassed Kobe Bryant as the highest paid basketball player in the world with earning of $56.5 million.
So, when he stepped in into NBA everyone was amazed (not the haters). And how could you not love the guy; He was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the first overall pick in 2003 Draft. In his professional game, he recorded 25 points against the Sacramento King, setting an NBA record for most points scored by a prep-to-pro player in his debut outing. He recorded his first career triple-double on January 19 of the 2004-05 season, becoming the youngest player in league history to record a triple-double at 20 years of age. He was of the Team USA guys for the 2012 Olympics in London, England. He became the leader of the team with Kobe Bryant. He facilitated the offense from the post and perimeter, called the defensive sets, and provided scoring when needed. During the Games,he recorded the first triple-double in U.S. Olympic basketball history.Team USA went on to win their second straight gold medal, again defeating Spain in the final game. He also joined Michael Jordan as the only players to win an NBA MVP award, NBA Championship, and Olympic gold medal in the same year.
Now, tell me how could you hate the guy? These are only few of his achievements. And with his very young age he can still go far than we are expecting. People keeps comparing him to Michael Jordan but they don't know that LeBron loves M.J. He even had number 23 when he first came out, showing that he had his idol's number. I both love Michael Jordan and LeBron James because they play the game so well. They have their own tactics with the game so please stop comparing. And with LeBron's transferring from Cavaliers to Heat, that's only a business. There were lots of players been doing that before, why not hate them? LoL! HEATERS will always be heaters. They are just making LeBron more stronger. Ohyeah!!!
And this is what excite me the most. He is going to marry his high school sweetheart Savannah and the mother of his two sons; LeBron Jr. and Bryce Maximus this coming September 13-15. Oh my, I hope it will be on the 14th because that's my birthday. Oh well! I'm just happy for this back-to-back championship of King James and his team.
When I was a kid, all I know was playing outside (Be it playground, basketball court, river, etc.) As a mountain kid, my happiness was very shallow. Few years after, I went to grade school. I was being taught to write my name and recognized colors and numbers, etc. Well, that was great! At the age of 8, I learned to play guitar. Not that I was forced to but maybe because I saw my father and brothers playing it everyday. Something that I enjoyed a lot than doing things from school. I grew up with so much good music in our house. Brothers Four was one of them. And then I started to like Janis Joplin, Carole King, James Taylor and a lot more. As a kid, it was good to know good music in earlier time. And I seriously owe it to my father and brothers. And those high school times that I played with my brother's band were just amazing. But then, I was always shy but always amazed my parents and siblings every after playing/singing though. The shyness that I can't even overcome until now. It's still with me.
Then lately, I posted a picture on Facebook (as far as you know it's a social networking site).
And because of this picture, I was invited to sing for the church event. I wasn't so sure what to sing because of course it's a church. Few days after, this picture had an overwhelming comments. Old and new friends were trying to convince me to show and share my talent. I'm not that good, just letting you know. But then, was still hesitate just because of my shyness again.
The event was fine and everything was great.
Being timid is not good. It means you don't trust your capability to do such things. I just hope there's a store where I could buy medicine to cure my shyness and boost my confidence. If only...
Burger's Zoo is one of the biggest zoos in the country. The zoo has 8 theme sites:
Burgers' Dierenpark (the original zoo).
Burgers' Safari (safari park)
Burgers' Bush is a 1.5-hectare (3.7-acre) indoor tropical rainforest.
Burgers' Mangrove (a mangrove swamp)
Burgers' Desert (focusing on the Sonoran Desert).
Burgers' Ocean is a 8,000,000-litre (2,100,000 US gal) sewater aquarium duplicating a tropical reef, and is home to living corals, coral fishes, sharks, rays, and other aquatic animals.
Burgers' Avonturenland (the zoo's playground), opened in 2002).
Burgers' Rimba (the zoo's newest attraction), opened in 2008. The Rimba gives visitors an impression of a Southeast Asian rainforest. The animals in this display include Sumatran tigers, sun bears, binturongs, Golden-cheeked Gibbons, dusky leaf monkeys, Sri Lankan leopards, golden jackals, banteng, muntjac, hog deer, Eld's deer, siamang, pig-tailed macaque, reticulated python, and water monitor.
Burgers' Kids Jungle (Indoor playground in the theme of a South-American village, opened in 2012)
Ocean
Safari
Desert
These are only few pictures among the hundreds that I have. Well, seriously once you are in this place, you can't really help yourself to take them pictures. They are just so precious. And spending a day with them is so memorable to me. I think I'll go back there one of these days. Lol!
When I was in high school, I saw random movies being shoot in Paris. Since then, I've started to like the place and dreaming of going there someday.
So, lately my husband got a holiday from his work and our daughter had 2-week break from school. My husband asked me where I wanted to go here in Europe. I answered, "I guess you already know". Without telling him exactly where I wanted to go, he knew it already. My husband knows every place I want to go to and he knows too that Paris is the first on my list. So we decided to have a short stay in Paris. In less than a week, we had a blast. We've been to the famous star of Paris, the Eiffel Tower. I've been dreaming of touching it. And just the day I saw it, it was a dream come true. I know I may sound shallow but it's just one of the things I really wanted. Rope it, baby!
Yeah, that's my kid watching the tower from the boat when we're cruisin' Seine River. And for her, we also spent a whole day in Disneyland. It was really her day. I didn't see a single second that she wasn't smilling. Oh, only when she was hungry and asking for foods. Lol!
We also went to Notre Dame and Sacre Coeur Cathedral.
I guess you can figure out how our stay went through. It was really a great one!
And it's all because of my husband. Alex had a whole heart of thanking him for the Disneyland tour which made my husband's heart melt. I told him that he didn't know how he made me feel happy by bringing me to Paris. Oh well, it was the first time. And first times always feel like ohhh yeahhh, right? Lol!
It was a beautiful sunny Saturday when I was at Keukenhof. Keukenhof is located at Lisse, Netherlands. It is the world's largest garden. Full of tulips and different flowers. One of the best places to take pictures. I really had a great time though it was windy.
But the most beautiful idea was I met my good friend there whom I've never seen like ages. It is like almost 9 years that we didn't see each other. The last time was when we were still in college. So, I am seriously glad that we met and had time together again.
I also had a chance to meet her Dutch boyfriend, Jaap. They were such a sweet couple!
Gen is such a good friend of mine since we were in college. We might not see each other everyday but at least we live in one country now and we know that Keukenhof is not the first place we can go together.
