On Receiving Tip

It still feel weird accepting tip from guests in my workplace. I am used to giving tips when I dine out and now, it's the other way around. Anyway, I've been working for almost a month now. Considering that my line of work supposedly do not get tip from guests, I am caught off guard when someone hands me cash. One time I said, "No Sir, it's alright! " yet, he insisted. Well, it's Christmas ... I wonder if anybody gives a $100 bills (wink) , it would be awesome huh?

At work, how much is the biggest tip you have had? So far, I got $25.

#Chilly Day Today

Oh my goodness, it is chilly today. I went out to take photos by the backyard.  Our home insurance requested that we submit photos showing the fence and the roof. I was out for less than 10 minutes and my fingers and toes were numb. It is so chilly and breezy outside. I took few photos in a hurry LOL.

I love this weather, don't get me wrong. Time to wear the wintry boots, ohh lala!

Musical Instrument

Have you ever found the right place to buy any music related products via online? You might try to check out http://www.musiciansfriend.com/  today. I just saw the site and wanted to share it with you too.  I'm thinking to buy an electric guitar but, that will be in few months. Right now, I can't afford one. My brother owns an electric guitar before given by my uncle. Such a beautiful thing to play! Since then, I am dreaming to own one too.

Vater Drums

I was at work and the music on air was so beautiful. Some of the guests danced to the rhythm LOL. They are funny sometimes and there are instances that guests imagining their fingers as Vater Drums. I had to show to them that what they did were alright. Nothing crazy really considering that they belong to the golden age. I love my work and I had fun with the guests. Most of them are nice and sweet and yes, they thought they are teenagers that plays the drum hahaha.

The Beauty of Sunset

I remember where I took this photo. This was the parking lot of Jimmy Buffet, it was the last time that we went to Margaritaville. This casino was closed you know. The newest casino in Biloxi but, the first one to go. Jimmy Buffet/Margaritaville did not come to an agreement with their landlords. They are supposed to build a hotel come 2015, it's needed so they can stay in business. They can't compete with other casinos in the area if they don't have a hotel. They were closed at 10 PM on a Monday, September 15, 2014. Only 2 years since they opened in 2012.

On this particular day, we dine in one of their restaurants overlooking the Biloxi Bay. It was gorgeous. As we head home, we saw the parking lot empty and was a bit sad. 

When I saw the beautiful sky, I said a prayer that the workers in this company will find a new job easy.

Venturing On a New Journey

Soon .... I will be back in school. I will be sharing y'all the journey of my studies. I am not scared but, I am anxious because the last time I went to school was more than a decade ago. Goodness, I am that old LOL. The last time I went to school was when I enrolled in Master of Arts in School Management and I quit to support a cousin in College.

Whewww ... no regrets though coz that cousin has a stable job now and though he did not graduate, being a college level made a good impression in his resume. Anyway, I hope to submit all the requirements needed to enroll in this course by next week. I only have two weeks to accomplish the requirements and haven't started yet. Gezzz ... goodluck to myself.

By the way, I am sharing this photo that I took few days ago. You probably have this wild flower in your backyard. It looks beautiful isn't it? Have a great week ahead. Thanks for reading my blog. Come by next time.

Series 1 of #Outlander : Diana Gabaldon

This is a science fiction, suspense and romantic story of Claire Randall, a combat nurse who is married to Frank Randall in 1945. Then, mysteriously she was pulled back in time , year 1743 where she crossed path with Janie Fraser, a Scottish warrior and through force marriage, she became his wife. Claire is now in dilemma to return to her husband in the twentieth century but, leaving Jamie behind whom she is passionate with surely will break her apart.

I saw the 8 episodes of Series 1 of the Outlander and I love the show. I was intrigued with all the characters and after knowing that Outlander is based from a novel written by Diana Gabaldon, I am now excited to read the book series. Season 2 will be aired next year and that's a long wait. Of course, I will be looking forward to watch the Season 2 of the Outlander but, I am now excited to read the book. I want to know what's the ending, LOL.

I like the character of Jamie. Sam Heughan portrayed the role well. I like the Wedding episode. LOL. Awww, I bet you like it too. How romantic that despite it was a forced wedding, he wanted to get married in the church. The first night was funny ... romantic and goodness, you missed a good episode if you missed it.

I can't tell if Claire will go back to present time and end up with Franck. There's nothing wrong with him and their relationship was perfect. What do you think? Oh my goodness, Black Jack is a hateful character. He is scary!

What do you think? Do you watch Outlander? Who is your favorite character?

#GoogleDoodle : First Day of #Autumn

Don't you love Google Doodle ? I do! It's always fun to see what's new and interesting for the day. It could be acknowledging a holiday, birthday or anniversary of influential people, weather, innovation, science and technology and so on. Today, I woke up so excited! Let me tell you, I am not a big fan of #summer. The weather is super cool ... that's exciting for me!

My husband went outside to turn on the pool pump and came back to tell me that this is the day that I love staying outdoors. He is right! The air is chilly at 6:30 AM , windy and hey, this is the start of my favorite time of the year.

The only set back is when all the leaves fall on the ground. That's a lot of raking and blowing to do. I decided to just mulch it , make it as a fertilizer. I will not worry that for now. I will just enjoy the cool weather up to February. I don't think if I will miss swimming at all.

How about you? Do you like Autumn? Don't you love to see the shedding of leaves?

Praying for Comfort : #StevenSotloff

How devastating it is to lose a son? Or, losing a member of your family to an untimely death and brutal killing? This is a jaw-dropping reality that we read and watch on the news and this should never happen. But hey, it did! A mother's plea was not heard. We are not living in the savage era but, I guess ... some parts in this world ... they still are. For us who respect life, who feared the punishment of God, and who loves humanity ... we are shaken to the core knowing that some humans are not acting humanely.

We will not point our fingers who to blame. This story is so complicated that even if we debate the issue, the life of Steven Sotloff will never be back and his family will never be the same ever again. I pray that God will bring comfort to his mom, his family and his friends who loves him. I pray that those who are responsible will suffer the consequence and there will be justice.

Let us examine ourselves ... our conscience, what do we get from this devastating news? Do we continue to hate? Live in anger? What do you think? The government should do something ... then, what?

Here's what I shared in my Facebook yesterday, the words of wisdom from #MahatmaGandi :

“When I despair, I remember that all through history

the way of truth and love

have always won.

There have been tyrants and murderers,

and for a time,

they can seem invincible,

but in the end,

they always fall. Think of it--always.”

#prayingforcomfort
#StevenSotloff
#prayingforpeace
#respectforlife

#VSFreebies : Sport Thong

Check this out! My #VSFreebies came today. I love freebies in fact, I have more than two dozens of undies and got them for free. Awesome deal huh? Did you get your VS freebies yet? Wondering how to get free stuff from Victoria's Secret? Become an angel now. Check out the Website for more info.

On Trust

True enough. Trust grows from within us. Once we saw the goodness ,the nurturing care and the loving character of a person, we tend to give away our trust.  It doesn't come along in an instant. It takes years to develop so; if someone trust us, we wanted to keep it that way.

Life is not all the time pleasant. Like you, I have friends who deceived me too and as the saying goes, it only takes a second to break that trust! It takes forever to repair and for me, once that bond of trust broke, there is no way that it will going to mend.

On Honesty

Honesty is such a lonely word ...

I went to meet a friend today. We decided to meet up at the Outlet Mall. We never talk seriously about love, life and family but, today was different.

It's dark when I arrived home yet, I decided to swim in the pool to relax my mind and I thought about my friend's situation.

She was married for 10 years now, no kids but, she has one from previous marriage. She never lied to her husband so; basically she thought all along that he holds no secret from her as well. She found out that the husband was married 3x before and that he has 2 kids, one from the first and second marriages. Apart from what he told her that he was married once and that he has one child. Why did he hold a secret from her? She really doesn't care, she told me but, why keep it as a secret? She found out later that the husband did not acknowledge the eldest child as his own. She asked me, "Why he had to lie?"

Maybe he did not told her because she would probably insist to go and find the child. He will not like it for sure. He doesn't like confrontation I bet.

My friend and I parted after 5 hours and I was sorry for not being able to give a sensible thoughts about all the "why's " . Of course, I can't give her a sensible answer ... only her husband holds the answer to all the "why's".

She will hold it as a secret until her husband will be ready to tell her.

I thought about my friend right now. She will never look at the husband the same ... ever again.

Speechless on Father's Day

I don't hold grudges and I can forgive but, I am only human to NOT FORGET! When I was growing up, I had a tough childhood days especially when mom lost her job. She is a single mom to two toddlers. My father abandoned us when I was 9 months (in the womb of my mom) and my brother was 2 years old. Life was tough for mom had to sweat out and trying all odd jobs to support me and my brother. I saw how she work so hard and never did I see her cry , complain or lost the will to go on.

When I saw my brother reprimanded by our neighbor when he knocked down a weighing scale in the store, the sight was heart broken and I told to myself ... if only I have a father to protect him. Oh I have gazillion incident to share but, what difference does it make ? You probably heard it from other broken families. I forgave my father a long time ago. We all did.

Each year, when everyone is busy preparing for a Father's Day get-together for their family, I am speechless. I can't relate. All I can think of is my mom. The hard work, the resilience and the good mom she is. She may not read this but, she knew that my brother and I appreciate everything she did for us. We became who we are now because of her. I love you Mom. This day is for you.

#NYC : Expert Last Spring Looks

I love lipstick and collecting them has grown to become my hobby. I usually pick colors that are not bold and daring. I was one of the lucky influenters to received a #UniVoxBox from Influenster. When I was asked to select a color, I chose the Forever Fuchsia.

Do I like it? I love it! I thought I would look funny wearing it because of my skin color but, it was perfect. It lightens my aura ...hehehe. This time I will be collecting this type of colors.

I received this NYC lipstick complimentary for testing purposes from #Influenster. All opinions are 100% mine.

#Rimmel Stay Matte : Classic Beige

I seldom wear make up and that's the truth. I can go out with just a lipstick on. Once in a while I do like when I go to church and parties but, that rarely happens. Don't get me wrong, I have sets of make-up and when I am in the mood, I do use it. I am not that girly type you know. Now, when I had the chance to use this Stay Matte from Rimmel, I love it. It is easy to apply and it blends well with my skin. It smells good too. I only apply a tiny bit and that's all I need to cover the blemishes on my skin. It feels awesome.

I received Rimmel's Stay Matte as a complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster. All opinions are 100% mine.

#Pilot: Acroball Pure White

Okay, if you never used a Pilot brand before, I am baffled. Most of us love to use Pilot pens. The price is a little bit more compared to ordinary pens but of course, that's the point. Pilot is no ordinary because of the quality. I used it and it writes well, so fine and so clear. The grip is so perfect.

I was given this Pilot pen as a complimentary for testing purposes from #Influenster. All opinions are 100% mine.

#ImPress Press-On #Manicure

I tell you what, I rarely go for manicure and pedicure. I had a traumatic experience that's why LOL. Someone cut me and since then, I go once in a blue moon. I know how to clean my own nails in fact; I had a pedicure set. I went for a special training in high school too.

I have long nails and check this out, a press-on manicure by impress. I will be using this soon and I know it will be perfect for my nails. I was able to use this before and it is pretty neat. Oh, I love the colors too, what do you think?

I received this impress Press-on Manicure complimentary for testing purposes from #Influenster, All opinions are 100% mine.

#Playtex Sport Fresh Balance

I started using Playtex brand when I was in high school. Honestly, this brand tops in my list so; when I received this Sport Fresh Balance, I was happy. I did not use this yet, but ... when pretty soon I will. I am confident that I will love using this. Knowing that it has odor shield (which is really important), I am sold. With the 360 protection, now ... who wouldn't want that?

I received this product as a complimentary for testing purposes from #Influenster #Playon . All opinions are 100% mine.

Loving my #UniVoxBox

When the postman showed up with this box, he was having a big grin. He knows that I am a blogger and receiving boxes of goodies are on a normal basis. He would teased me that pretty soon, I can't open my door and stocks of boxes will be on the front porch LOL. Kidding aside, I am loving this #UniVoxBox . There are 6 items inside:

1. The Broadway Nails imPress Press-on Manicure

The price for #impressmanicure is $5.99 for colors and for pattern, just like what I got here, it is worth $7.99. On the go women like me loves this. Just peel it off, press it on and boom ... new manicure in seconds and it will last for 1 week. I love the design of what I got here with pink and gold colors. It's fashionable and pretty.

For more information, check them out in Facebook: @bwaynails

Twitter: @bwaynails
Buy it in : CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, K-Mart, Rite-Aid and Target

2. Red Rose #RealTea Premium water Enhancer
I was actually surprise when I first used this. using a glass of water with ice, I squeezed two drops. I love the taste, I never add sugar and it tastes sweet. Would I but this in the grocery stores? Of course I will. You should try it. This is worth $4.49 in the grocery stores. This can make 24 servings. What I like about Red Rose Real Tea is the taste. It is lightly sweetened and has no dyes or coloring added. Try it.

For more information, check out: @shareredrosetea on twitter
Facebook: @redrose

3. #ExpertLast Lip Color in Forever Fuchsia
Oh you will love this NYC lipstick. This is my favorite lipstick this season. This is only $1.99 and you should know, there are 20 shades available for the New Expert Last Lip Color . The shine can last up to 6 hours so; pretty good for everyday wear right?

For more information, check out: @NYCNewYorkColor on Twitter
Facebook: @newyorkcolorcosmetics

4. Pilot Acroball Pure White
This pen is a Pilot brand so; this must be good right? It is and it writes well. This is the pen that I used for a couple days now, a ballpoint. I love this pen. It glides so good and smooth with easy grip. The price for this pen in the stores are the following:

3-pk is $4.59 ;
4-pk is 6.24;
5-pk is 7.49

#PenitFWD
For more information, check out: #pilotpenusa
Facebook:@pilotpen

5. Playtex Sport Fresh Balance
Odor shield technology, that's what this Sport Fresh Balance designed to neutralized odors. We love to smell clean and fresh. I tell you what, this Sport Fresh Balance smells good, fresh and clean. Using this will definitely gives you the confidence especially when you #PlayOn. Check it out in the market. You can buy this for $399 to $4.99.

For more information, check out: @playtex_sport in Twitter
Facebook: @PlaytexSportandGentleGlide

6. Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse
Cake-less, shine-less and weightless, that's what I feel when I used the Stay Matte liquid mousse. It is perfect for my skin and with little amount, it covers the blemishes on my skin. I love this product. There are 8 shades available for #StayMatteSwitch and you should check it out. I recommend this product.

Facebook:@rimmellondonUS
Twitter: @RimmelLondonUS

#RedRose Real Tea

I thought this is just an ordinary water enhancer which tastes bland and yucky but; I was wrong. I  tried it awhile ago. I took a glass of water with ice in it and I squeeze two drops, stirred and tasted it. Boom! I love it! You should try it. I just made another glass and I think this will not last long. No sugar added and it is a thirst quencher.

I was given a #RedRose #RealTea as a complimentary for testing purposes from #Influenster. All opinions are 100% mine.

I Can't Wait to Watch the #LaborDayMovie

This movie intrigued me and after watching the trailer, it makes me want to watch it now. Would this happen in real life? Would trust exist in the first place? Can love blossom in this extraordinary situation? Watch the trailer now. What do you think?


 

The

#HappyAprilFools Day

Good morning y'all! LOL! It's April Fools Day friends, don't get mad when someone got you today. Just enjoy the day and laugh out loud! This is the day when practical jokes are spreading like infectious disease and when you fell for it, you will look like a fool. I stop doing practical jokes a long time ago hehehe. I just don't think that it is nice. When people do practical jokes to others, I can't help but laugh out loud. I hope people will not react badly and just relax. If they get you, do not get mad. Just smile and stay happy!

#JaredLeto : #BestSupportingActor #Academy Award Winner

When a good son shows gratitude, respect and love to his mom, he becomes a man. The courage in acknowledging and giving gratitude to his mother in front of millions speaks volume of who Jared Leto is as a person. I am not a fan of Jared but, when I heard his speech, I admire him so much..

He loves his family and friends sincerely because he acknowledges them too.

Mentioning Ukraine and Venezuela tells me that Jared is a no-nonsense actor and clearly aware of what's going on in the world. He has compassion for others. As he accepted the Best Supporting Actor Award for his role as Rayon in the movie Dallas Buyer's Club, his speech is one of my favorite highlights in the Academy Awards night (2014 Oscars).

"In 1971. Bossier City, Louisiana. A teenage girl finds out she's pregnant with her second child. She's a high school drop out. A single mom. But against all odds, she manages to make a better life for herself and her children. She teaches them to be creative. To work hard. And reach for the impossible. That girl is my mother and she's here tonight. Mom, I love you thank you for teaching me to dream.

To my brother, Shannon. Thank you for sharing the incredible adventure with me that is Thirty Seconds to Mars. You are a true artist and the best big brother in the world.

To all the dreamers around the world watching this right now, from the Ukraine to Venezuela - We think of you as you struggle to bring to life the dreams that fill your heart. The impossible is possible, and we believe.

To the amazing Focus Features, Jean Marc. Matthew. Jennifer. The entire Dallas Buyers team. Mick Sullivan. Jim Toth. Robin Baum. Jason Weinberg. Emma Ludbrook and Cali Adams. Thank you for the faith.

This is for the 36 million brave souls who lost their lives to AIDS.
And to anyone who ever felt injustice because of who they are or who they love. Tonight, I stand before the world, with you and for you."

Tears

At this very moment, I want to cry for no apparent reason at all. I don't know if you can relate. I am so overwhelmed today and I can only do so much. It seems that I can't take a step forward. It seems that I am confine to a tight room where all directions end to a concrete wall. No door. It is impossible to break that wall with my bare hands. My emotion is so heavy right now. If only I can scream at the top of my lungs.

Self pity

Tired

Hopeless

Alone

Lost

If only I can cry a river tonight then, I will be refreshed tomorrow. Maybe I will watch a movie later tonight until I doze off to sleep. Movies like LOVE AFFAIR starring Warren Beatty and Annette Beaning. Have you seen that movie? Oh, you should watch it.

"It was my own fault, I was looking up.

I knew you were there."

"It doesn't have to be a miracle,

If you can paint, I can walk.

Anything can happen, don't you think?"

That video made me cry already.

 

Anyway, I talked to my mom awhile ago. We talk every night you know. She's my best friend and the one person who knows me. I just feel hopeless that after all these years, I can't process her papers to come visit me here. It is indeed lonely without my mom and my brother, and his family here with me. I want us all to be together here soon. I pray that God will hear my request soon.

 

Okay, I am done with my drama. Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to watch that movie.

All Set for Real Estate Market

No thanks to the cold snap for it slows down our #DIY exterior painting job. These pictures shows how serious I am with #DIY. Too much of Drew and Jonathan Scott's Property Brothers and John Gidding's Curb Appeal watching you may think huh? Or, was I a fanatic of #HGTV? LOL.

Three Yes's for those questions of course. By the way, for 3 years or more, John Gidding is my friend in Facebook, yayyy. Anyway, here I was doing the trimming paint job with my 16" extension ladder. Are you scared? My friends in FB was totally frightened, LOL! I am not scared of height for sure. I have new pictures to show you next time. Where did I learn to paint? Back home when I was a teacher. I always visit my classroom during weekends to improve it and painting is a sissy #DIY and I love doing it.  

Just to give you a #humor, here's my hubby taking a siesta and he would say, he is the supervisor LOL. Nah! Actually, he was doing all the painting using the roller. I was in-charge of the trimming because I have a steady hand. I was sitting there too while he was painting most of it. He was all red when he's done.

Here I was pressure washing the driveway. We will paint this today.

The paint will look good, I will be showing you the before and after photos. By the way, I love tools and I am crazy with smart tools LOL. There is a male spirit inside of me I guess. We will list our property this Friday and hoping to get a buyer real fast so we can move to the Gulf Coast. Wish us luck!

Red Nail Polish

I don't usually color my nails but lately, I noticed that when I feel sad, it's so good to see my nails with nail polish. Probably it is an outlet. I like it red, gold and blue. One time, I used black and I think, that was the last nail polish that I have. That's before Christmas. Well, for more than a month now, my nails have no colors. I like it better though. How about you?

Plumbing DIY Fixes

I am a homeowner since 1998, just two years after I landed a permanent job. I was single then and I bought a house in a great working class neighborhood, gated and located up town. I bought the house intended  a home for my mom, she deserved it! I grow up without a father so; when mom and I moved in to our new home, #DIY became part of my routine. I like it that way though because I am learning new things. When bulbs went out, that's easy to fix. When I have a plumbing problem, I fix it myself. But, there are times that plumbing problem becomes overwhelming and messy so; that's the time I hire the expert. Now that I am married, I am still doing it. What the!? I know right? I tell you what, IT IS NOT FUN AT ALL! This is what I did yesterday and boy, I am so tired.

Our Share of the Polar Vortex Phenomenon

Oh yeah, this is our temperature right now. The temperature will further plummet at night time. A freeze watch was already issued since Monday until Tuesday. I saw my neighbors took their nice plants indoor protecting them from the wind chill as well. Here in our place, we have a cold snap, our share of the Polar Vortex.

Polar vortex is the counterclockwise rotating pool of extremely cold and dense arctic air. The cold snap that we are experiencing right now is exciting for us since we seldom have this cold temperature. On Wednesday, we will have 68 degrees and by Friday, the temperature will climb and will be back to normal on the 80's. Up north will be brutally cold so; please bundle up, keep warm and stay safe. Have a great day ahead.