Aside from 2007, I can say that 2009 was also a year that had lots of memories to keep. There were bad but I tend to just dwell on the good times. So, in this entry, I'm wrapping up all the activities and travels that we had for the year 2009. I know this is kind of late - posting this 3 months after the close of the year. But as I went down memory lane, I couldn't help but smile on the pictures that I had with my husband and our friends for the past year. I can say that there were really lots of good times that happened last year that I wouldn't want to forget any part of it. So, I tried creating collages for each trip/activity that we had. This was very tiresome since I had to browse and select among thousands and thousands of pictures for each travel. I usually take more or less 2,000 photos for each trip - so putting all these pictures together took me almost 3 days to complete (3 weeks in reality since I only have my weekends to work on this). Most of the pictures included were not post-processed due to lack of time.
I can say that these travels were really budget-friendly. I would recommend travelling with friends so that you can split the costs and save some money. Also, if you have friends from other states/countries - I recommend asking (but not obliging) them if they could spare an extra room (or extra space in the couch or air bed, hehe) for you. Of course, this depends on your closeness with the other person... (I can't imagine myself asking for a favor from someone I just met or someone I was not even close to in the previous years). And also, be sure that you really have the intention to visit your friend and not just to use him/her for you to save money. As for myself, I actually appreciate friends asking for a night or two in our small apartment (I know that not all may have the same feeling about this. I'm just maybe weird). And lastly, of course, don't be hurt if they say no. :) This is the time to resort to your miles and hotel points, hehe. So since travelling is part of my professional job, I usually just use my hotel points and airlines miles in our travels - really a big help!
One thing I appreciate in the US is that you can travel to different states just by car. I think for most of these travels, we just drove with friends. Not only that most of the time, it's cheaper... You can also talk about anything while inside the car...or for some, satisfy their never-ending crave for sleep! :)
So, here are the travels we had outside Illinois (or even outside US for one) in no particular order:
1. Nassau, Bahamas (July 2009) - Thanks to our Bahamas friends - Pussy cat, Lyds, Uditha & Dennis and... to Olan also who introduced us to these fabulous friends!
2. Boston/Cambridge, Massachusetts (January 2009 to current) - Although I've been staying in this state every week since January, there were times that I had to tour some of my friends visiting Boston. 
3. Nevada/Arizona (December 2009)
4. Luray, Virginia (September 2009) (..although we stayed at Falls Church, VA in Angiela's apartment. Thanks, Angiela!)
5. Las Vegas, NV for the New Year! (December 2009/January 2010)
6. Pennsylvania / Niagara Falls, NY (September 2009)
7. New York City/Brooklyn, New York (May 2009) - my birthday celebration
8. San Francisco/Oakland/Santa Cruz/Daly City/Napa, CALIFORNIA (December 2009) - Thanks to Ate Shierra and Kuya Jess for lending us their apartment during our stay.
9. South Bend, IN - White Water Rafting (August 2009)
10. South Dakota (October 2009)
11. Washington, DC (September 2009)
...And these are some of the trips we had within the Chicagoland! 
12. Glencoe Beach - Glencoe, IL (July 2009)
13. Paramore/No Doubt Concert - Tinley Park, IL (July 2009)
14. Six Flags - Gurnee, IL (August 2009)
15. Taste of Chicago 2009/with Counting Crows performance - Chicago, IL (June 2009) - We also watched the Gay Pride Parade the day after! :)
Thanks to all our friends who joined us in all these trips..especially thank you for all our combined efforts in preparing itineraries! With all these, I am now closing the book of Year 2009.... while at the same time opening the book of 2010 - More travels to come (I hope!) :)
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Wrapping up 2009 travels and activities
Friday, February 26, 2010
Iron Chef Randy
Each one of us has something to boast about our father, mother, or even our partner. For many married women, they would say things they like about their husbands such as being thoughtful, caring, understanding, intelligent and the likes. I'm not saying that my husband doesn't possess any of those. It's just that I think the best quality that my husband has is very much different from most men possess. He loves cooking ("loves" actually I think is an understatement) and he cooks well based on my fair judgment.
In our household, Randy (the husband) does the cooking, most if not all the time. Since I travel every week, Thursday/Wednesday nights (the night I'm coming from travels) have become special dinner night. My husband has this habit of preparing a special dinner for us knowing that I'd be dead tired by the time I reach home. He actually doesn't like me being on a first class flight because that means I'd be eating my dinner in the plane. But what I do sometimes is I skip the dinner in the plane just to have an empty stomach and enjoy what he had prepared for us at home.
But lately, he's been running out of options as to what to cook. We got tired of eating the same dish each day. So in one good day, when we were at Costco, I spotted a cook book that has recipes from all over the world, with pictures and all. Whenever I cook, I usually just google something for the recipe and I have been wanting to have either a recipe book or a container/notebook where I can keep/jot down recipes I get from the internet. So when I found this book and after looking at the tag price (it was just $5.99!), I immediately decided that I should buy the book. I have mentioned that it has pictures of each and every dish - which helps us a lot in deciding what we have a taste for for a given day.
Of course, the husband didn't argue in buying the book. He knows that he'll really be benefited by the book. So, I tried taking pictures of what we/he have/has been cooking. I helped in some dishes whenever I'm home and not travelling. But all credits should go to "Chef Randy":
This was our first trial of cooking out of the ordinary. Most americans prefer eating burgers for lunch or dinner. So we tried cooking a home-made burger! I did the 'pisil-pisil' to shape it like a true burger...hehe! :P The recipe for this actually didn't come from the book as we made this even before we discovered the book.
In the following pictures, I will be posting the dishes we've tried from China section of the book. Brace yourself... the following texts/pictures are not recommended to those who are trying to lose weight. :P
And here are the ingredients! The ingredients are somewhat simple -- just whatever was available in our stash.
...and the finished product! Our buns were small. But one bun was more than enough to fill our empty stomach! T'was soooo heavy. Yum! Yum! (We added American cheddar cheese and yes, we forgot some lettuce and pickles). 
Beef with mushroom & broccoli from China. 
Braised vegetable from China. I very much liked the straw mushroom! :)
Sweet & Sour Pork from China.
And here's the culprit of all these:
The front cover. You'll see that there are post-its stuck in the pages. We actually tag those that we want to try. :)
Sample page of a recipe (Chicken Biryani - we've tried this too!). It has a listing of all the ingredients (swear! some ingredients are never-heard and hard to find!) and step-by-step procedures with pictures and a final product picture. Convenient, isn't it?
And this is how the recipes are laid out. By cuisine.
And these are the cuisines available in the book:
Africa, China, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, India, Middle East, Morocco, Italy, Spain, France, North America, Cajun & Creole, Caribbean, and Mexico.
We have also tried some from Thailand, India and Spain. Maybe I'll save those for my next entry! Bon appetit! :)
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Sunny Saturday
Peeking from our bedroom, it's so nice to see the strong rays coming from the sun! Oooohhh. I love the heat. I love the sun. I can't wait for spring/summer. But I'm pretty sure that the sun is deceiving me again. It looks hot and warm outside looking from the inside of your apartment, but once you step your foot even just an inch out from your doorstep, there's no doubt that it would immediately transform to a frozen foot. It doesn't sound right in this early morning. Eeeek.
We woke up late today. We woke up @ around 9am (yes, that's late) and just got up @ 10am. We slept kinda (like "yah know") late last night...errr, mornight. I hurried to bed @ around 3:15am. Why that late? I have a list of reasons:
(1) We were supposed to go to Dominican University to pick up "something" yesterday (Friday). At 4pm, when I was about to take a bath, I screamed inside the bathroom. You see, I have this habit of putting on the hot water at its maximum before I adjust it to the bearable temp. I was waiting...waiting...waiting...for it to be burning hot (I looooveee hot bath!). But it seemed like it was taking ages for the dearly hot water to come out. So I said, maybe I just feel cold that's why I can't feel the warmth of the water. So, I turned on the heater inside the bathroom (ok..ok...I'm not being eco-friendly here. Sorry, Comed). After a few more minutes of waiting, I still waited in vain. Sigh. So yeah, you know what came next. Aside from my very predictable argument with the leasing center, it ended up "me not taking a bath". yikes! I swear, this is the first time that I came out of our apartment without taking a shower. That actually didn't sound so bad because good thing, I was able to shower the night before. So, because of this, we were just able to get out of our apartment at around 5:30 pm and headed to Riverforest.
(2) After getting my "something" from Riverforest, we ate, stopped @ Borders (to stock up again on books. I already finished the book I bought last week. So I bought 2 books this time), stopped @ Redbox to rent (2) DVDs, went to Randy's friend to pick up something. It was already 9pm when we reached home.
(3) At home, we did some home stuff and had my elusive hot bath (Yey, the hot water came back by the time we got home!). Time check - it was 12:00am. And because we rented 2 DVDs, we had to watch at least 1 so that our dollar wouldn't go to waste. So, we watched the first DVD - "Julie & Julia". My verdict of the movie: I did not like it. Maybe 2 out of 5? (Is this an appropriate description when I fell asleep in the middle of the movie? Well, I just missed the 20-min run of the movie). There's no twist and the ending is so predictable. I love Meryl Streep but the plot just doesn't fascinate me. And it's not even "OK" for me...I really did not like it. (You know when sometimes people just say - "Ok lang"... I even didn't have that "pampalubag loob" reaction).
So, that's it. That is how my Friday/Saturday early morning went. There are a lot of activities lined up for today. I just hope I could finish all of them. Have a nice Saturday, everyone! :)
Saturday, January 30, 2010
The new avatar...err, blog image
No, I'm not referring to the movie (yeah, the one in 3D), hehe. As you can see, I have a new blog image here.
Let me tell you a little story about this. This picture was taken sometime in February 2009. Yes, that old. I was still reviewing for CIA exams (no, not the central intelligence agency..so don't worry) that time and while in the middle of a boring chapter, I asked my husband to take a picture of me while I do my nonsense poses. And here was one of the results. It took a long time before I post this because I've had enough pressure on the exam that time, and I didn't want to put more pressure on me once the people start asking about the details of my review. Since, I'm now done with all of these, here you go. The avatar was finally put to use. :)
Details about the picture: The first 3 books are my own CIA reviewers and the 4 books from the bottom are books I borrowed from the library (and yes, I have returned them all...geeezz!). Don't ask me about the 4th book from the top, it's my husband's and I have no damn idea how it got there! :P
The comeback...and the updates!
Wow...I miss this. I really miss this. Sitting here in front of my laptop doing nothing. This is quite strange. Before, ideas keep popping as soon as I lay my hands on my keyboard. But this time, I seriously spent a good 15 minutes trying to decide what to write or even how to start this entry. So, here it goes.
So my first post since setting myself free from all the pressures of review (Okay. This requires a separate entry) will be our activities today on a Saturday. This is my first weekend without anything to worry about a chapter to finish reading or a practice set to finish answering. I never thought that it would be hard to think of activities to do on a free day. I actually have tons and tons of catching up to do, but never had the enthusiasm to start them. This includes watching all DVR recordings that I've been keeping for the last 3 months, reading magazine subscriptions that I haven't opened for the last 6 months, organizing our utility bills, receipts & payslips, etc.
Today, we started the morning by running some errands (Meier, Walmart, & Costco). This took us I think 4 or 5 hours to finish. Then we headed to Borders to stock up on some books to read (but only was able to buy 1 book. And don't ask me what book, or else you'd say I'm soooo high school and outdated! haha!). On the side, we were also able to drop some old clothes to a nearby donation box. Actually, these clothes came from a friend who moved to California...since none of them is of our size, we just decided to donate the clothes. They had been sitting in our car for months and we just always forget to drop them. And today, thankfully, there was a donation box close to Walmart. So, there...
Husband dropping off the donation (Photo taken via iPhone)
By the time we left Borders, I was sooo hungry. And since Portillo's was the first restaurant that we would pass by on the way home, we decided to take a turn and head to Chicago's #1 hotdog restaurant. It's been 1 year ago since we last ate here...and nothing has changed. Their chili dog is still delectable...yum!
And the day never ended just yet. We also drove to Trader Joe's for a sweet treat - Tiramisu! I'll post a picture of this once my mojos get back. That's all for now. (I just received a text from Pinas saying that I haven't called for a long while now...ahhh...I told you, too many things to catch up on). So this was how our Saturday went. Have a nice Sunday everyone! 'Til next time! Ciao!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Out and about
I know I've told myself to keep this blog alive...but despite my efforts, work and life stuff still continue to pour in that just left myself with no choice but to set aside blogging. Even my facebook account is just relying on friends' photo tags and grabs. (And don't start me on Multiply because that has been sleeping since time immemorial). Many stuff have been going on that are related to the present and future...naks (wala bang past?)! hahaha! Oh well, time will come that I could share those online. For the time being, I would just want to keep this to myself/family and some really close friends. For now, I'm lifting everything to God... let thy will be done. :) That's it for now. I will have a longer post sometime in a few days. I promise.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Turkey Day!!!
It's again Thanksgiving weekend! woohooo!
When I first came to US, I was never aware of this holiday. I even went to the office one day before the thanksgiving day (which is the Thursday of the week) and just found myself alone in the whole building. It turned out, people in my client usually take vacation leave the whole week of Thanksgiving. From then on, I've promised myself that I will celebrate this holiday just like what other Americans do... what the heck, hindi naman ako nakakapagcelebrate ng Philippine Independence Day so why not join them in their festivity!
So last 2007 we just went shopping @ midnight. 2008 - my husband and I just had a nice dinner and went shopping early morning the next day. For this year, we'll be having dinner/videoke/movie night with friends at home. We were supposed to travel again on this holiday since it's 4 days of vacation...but then plans changed and just decided to stay intact in Chicago and save our travel mojos in December. I didn't go to Boston for this week because of the expected overflow of travellers in the airports. I don't want to get stuck in the middle of the holiday...oh my gas!
For everyone's curiosity, here's the origin of Thanksgiving holiday. Thanks wiki!
Of course, Thanksgiving wouldn't be complete without the Shopping. This is the holiday where people are going gaga with the crazy deals of almost all stores (online and in-store). After the weekend, there's also what they call "Cyber Monday" where online stores also put their stocks on sale (on top of the sale percentages that they gave on Black Friday). I actually started my shopping last weekend because I already found good deals that would only last that whole weekend. But then for today and Friday, I've been seeing more and more deals. So, here are the shops that we plan to visit:
- Frys (not for the sale items...but I just need a new memory card reader)
- Banana Republic Factory Store (everything is 50% off! Last weekend, I was able to save 45% for a coat. All outerwear were 30% off and I got this personal day sale coupon for 15%.)
- Saks 5th (up to 60% off on top of already "on sale" items)
- Ann Taylor (up to 60% - however for this one, there's only one particular branch I plan to visit. All other branches in my opinion don't have enough good stocks.)
- Walmart/Target (haha! Looking for cheap gift finds!)
(All of the above are clothing stores, you might be wondering. It's because I'm still looking for my "pamasko". This is one thing that I will never ever outgrow. I don't want to forget the feeling of excitement whenever I wear new clothes (kahit galing lang sa palengke ng Binan) on Christmas day.)
Here are some shopping online links that you might want to consider, too:
http://www.blackfriday.info
http://bfads.net
So, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, here are the things I'm very much thankful to God for:
- Keeping me and my husband together despite the trials that came our way this year
- Keeping our families and loved ones back in Pinas safe and healthy, despite the catastrophes that Philippines have suffered
- For all my friends who are there for us
- For all the blessings, the food, the travels, and all our necessities despite the economic downturn and all its effects
- For my job which has become stable all the years (This year, I'm everyday thankful for this.)
- and lastly, for the trials that tested my faith and made me stronger
HAPPY THANKSGIVING, everyone!!!
(I woke up late, I wasn't able to witness the start of the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade...this has been a tradition for me and Randy. Haayyy)
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Back on track
And so.... I'm back to blogging!
I hibernated for quite a long time. I've been busy with keeping up with the requirements of my assignment at work (which started early January of this year). Also, I was busy with my recently accomplished certification and I was too lazy to even compose a blog entry. And now, as the year slowly ends, I want to end this year with little blog entries here and there (para naman may mailagay sa 2009 roll, hehe).
So, what has been keeping me busy? And the list goes...
(1) I'm reviewing for another certification. Actually, I'm losing the determination to finish this one. If not because my company paid for this, I would probably just cancel this exam. I'm now on the 2nd to the last chapter of the reviewer. But I still have 1 book to cover and a CD. OMG.
(2) Halloween is fast approaching! I still can't decide what costume to wear or even if I should wear one. Last year, I was "Kat Von D" of L.A. Ink (or Miami Ink, formerly).
(3) I still have lots of backlogs in terms of organizing/posting my pictures. Haay... I have lots in my list: Glencoe beach, Boston trip, Niagara Falls trip, Washington DC/Virginia trip, South Dakota trip. Hmmm...what else?
(4) Christmas is also near! And so, I need to spend time shopping for gifts for family and friends. Maybe I can start this on Saturday.
So, that's it for catching up! See you around, friends! :)
Sunday, October 25, 2009
A Fall Engagement & Wedding (Aim & Acy)
As the leaves start to fall and so is the temperature…
I was asked last week by Acy (a former co-worker from PwC) to help her with their STD* by taking some good pictures of her and Aim – “Kailangan lang namin ng matinong pictures…” – that’s how she worded it, hehe. To take advantage of the remaining days of Fall season and before the snow starts pouring, we scheduled it in the weekend after.
We were so glad that we were able to pull this off despite the changing forecast of that day’s (October 24, 2009) weather. It was raining in the morning and then it stopped late afternoon (thankfully!). It was a bit cold but sunny…so overall, the temp was manageable (which by the way, is something you should really be thankful for if you are in Chicago).
So, here are some of the pictures we were able to produce that day. Just like any other couple, Aim (the Groom) was a bit apprehensive about his smile (“Is my smile corny?” – this made us laugh!) and was reserved in the early part of the shoot, but later on was able to show his amusing behavior. Acy (the Bride) on the other hand was very willing to strike a pose whenever, wherever. By the way, we were also thankful of Aim’s ability to understand a little bit of Tagalog and sign language… hahaha!
*For those unfamiliar with the wedding preparation terms, STD stands for “Save the Date” cards that are distributed to the prospective guests months before the actual wedding.
Aim & Acy
October 15, 2010
Caleruega
Friday, October 16, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Union Oyster House
The Union Oyster House is the oldest restaurant in Boston and the oldest restaurant in continuous service in the U.S. — the doors have always been open to diners since 1826.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Ellis Island Immigration Museum
Ellis Island Immigration Museum
New York
May 10, 2009
Opened on January 1, 1892, Ellis Island became the nation's premier federal immigration station. In operation until 1954, the station processed over 12 million immigrant steamship passengers. The main building was restored after 30 years of abandonment and opened as a museum on September 10, 1990.
Today, over 40 percent of America's population can trace their ancestry through Ellis Island.
Times Square
Times Square, the most bustling square of New York is known for its many Broadway theatres, cinemas and supersigns. It is one of those places that make New York a city that never sleeps.
