Going Back To School

Another week is here. I really need to go to sleep once this post is done. I have been planning to go back to school and maybe take health related studies next year. This is still tentative and I am still finalizing it. I am just thinking how I look like when wearing one of those best cherokee scrubs. Feeling like a nurse when wearing it...hmm. Two of my sisters are nurses and the other one is soon to graduate next year. Am I going to be a nurse too? Or maybe a nursing aid or caregiver? Let me decide on that early next year. For now, I am still continuing one of dreams which is travelling when time and money are available. Going back to school will surely a challenge for me.

Have a nice week to all! Goodnight peeps!

Important of Having A Credit Card When You Travel

I am glad that my application for credit card  was approved  two years ago despite being jobless. I just see its importance when I travel. Without it, I won't be able to book flights and hotels online. I really don't have a big amount of credit limit because I just need it for  petty things and some emergencies.  Sometimes swiping this plastic can be addictive when  you always want to use it for nonsense things or stuffs that you really don't need. For those who are having difficulties in paying their debts, I guess it is advisable to have fixed immediate annuities. With this  method, it will help you control and budget your financial  aspect in life.

Sometimes we just need to learn how to control our limits.  If expenses will  exceed income,  it will  result to overdraft, thus giving  headache in  our lives.

Sunday Walk in Oberpfalz

Another Sunday is here! We woke-up a bit late this morning since it is weekend. As usual, I made my cup of green tea. I also made some toasted bread with ham and cheese on top of it. While eating our breakfast, I was reading some travel magazine and the weekend newspaper. Here I am now in front of my lappy checking for emails and other news on the net.

We want to go walking later since we are already use for a Sunday walk. I hope in one of these weekend we can also go trekking. If that happens, I would love to use one of the jansport backpacks I bought last month. I am quite excited about it because there are hills and mountains nearby our place that I haven't visited yet. This area of Oberpfalz or Upper Palatinate in Bavaria is just a lovely place!

It seems that it is raining outside now. If the rain will stop later, we would surely go for an afternoon walk. Enjoy your Sunday!

The image I have here is where we always go for a walk.

Goodbye Leap Day!

I am finally saying goodbye to leap day! February 29, 2012 is a leap day. This only happens every four years according to what I learned from my teachers in school. That was a long time ago and over two decades now. I guess your teachers also mentioned leap year to you in one of your subjects. It will be ending in over an hour now...Others might say, so what? I don't really care!

For me, I do care about this. You know why? There are just a lot of great things that have been happening to us since the beginning of leap year 2012. A million thanks is not enough but I am shouting it out, Thank you dear Lord for all your greatness and goodness. Thank you for all your blessings and graces. Thank you too for all the trials especially during the end of 2011. I know you will not leave me and those trials just made me more determined and stronger. Most especially, thank you dear God for the good health and the breath of life and all our talents and faculties and all the gifts of nature that you are always giving us.

I am slowly saying goodbye to leap day now! I wish everyone a better and wonderful start of the month of March. Cheers!

Where is My Madrid Travel Guide Book?

I was searching for this book for some weeks now. I know I have it somewhere in the house but never had an idea where I put it. I was looking for my Madrid Travel Guide Book which I bought during our trip in Spain last December 2011. I searched for it in our bedroom where I also have some travel books beside my bed. I also searched for it in my little library but still can't find it. I also did dot find it in our living room, kitchen and bathroom.

Where did I put that book? Sometimes I just keep on forgetting things. I badly needed it because I will be flying in less than two weeks to Spain again and will be staying most of the time in Madrid. I want to explore more the city when time permits. I believed I have more time when I will be there. We only had a day sightseeing when we were in Madrid last time.

a snapshot of the Cibeles Palace (City Hall) while we were inside the bus going around in Madrid. Taken last December 2011.

This afternoon when I had a glance of the new bookshelf at my back while sitting in front of my laptop, I saw a red-covered book. I guess, it is what I have been looking for since 3 weeks ago. I grabbed it and I am happy to know that it was my Madrid Travel Guide Book!! yohoo! I finally found it. See I was not searching for it today but I found it. This is cool.

See you later folks. Time to prepare for dinner!

Thursday Etcetera!

TGIF is almost here! Two more nights before Christmas Eve comes. I believed a lot of people are quite excited for this unique celebration. Some might be excited in opening their Christmas presents. Some might be partying and some might be simply enjoying the ambience of their homes.

As we went to Neumarkt today for some errands and shopping, we happened to pass-by a beauty parlor. I need to have a trim of my very long hair and also want to ask about eyelash growth. Since we don't have a lot of time and it might need us some hours to wait, I decided that I will be backed there next week. Girls need some beautification from time to time. Agree ladies?

Got a picture of some cute stuff toys in one of the stores we visited today.

Cold Winter in Germany

Hello folks! Just giving you some updates before I slowly start packing my stuffs. It seems November is also ending. We will be welcoming another wonderful month of December. This also means the start of winter season in Germany. Since October until now, the weather is getting really cold. That is also the reason why I already put-out my winter clothes and other winter accessories. I am planning to buy a heated clothing to keep me warm especially during cold cold nights. Our heater is also running since October. We are using an electric heater and pellet oven as well. The latter is running 24-hours a day to keep the whole house warm. I am quite use with very cold winter weather in Germany. As long as you are using the right winter clothes, you will never get frozen outside.

Here is an image taken somewhere in Schwarzwald or Black Forest in Germany.

Wish to Go Camping

I am back online and ready to share a little update. Its all about planning for trips again. I know it is very impossible to go camping at the moment. It is just so cold outside that sometimes I am lazy to go out for a walk. Hopefully in summer next year, we can plan and do some outdoor activities like camping and hiking. I would love to try one of those eureka tents from RockyMountainTrail.com. Hubby has an old camping tent but it is not so good anymore. When everything will turn out better next year, we could do some little trips and outings again. That would be quite interesting. Goodnight folks! I guess I am quite sleepy now after waking-up so early in the morning.

Grocery Shopping

It seems to be a busy and long day for me today. I woke-up earlier this morning to do some errands and go grocery shopping. I am always telling myself now "no more extras". This is the time to slowly save and spend money wisely. I bought some extras which are not in the shopping list but I have to buy it because I need it next month while it is still available and cheaper now.

I am still thinking of going back to retail and do again salesforce reporting. Being in retail for more than three years was nice but it requires hard work always. Actually if I have to sum-up I am already in retail industry for more than a decade now. I grew up in a family where my Mother always do some retail business. I am still thinking of going back to this industry. I still have to wait a little bit until the result of the job application that I will be sending this week. Wish me luck for this job.

A Beautiful Sunday Walk in Bavaria

No hectic today besides it is Sunday. I already woke-up late this morning. I went to bed very late last night after watching a movie on Television. After taking our brunch, I told hubby that we must need to go for a walk in the afternoon. At around 1:00pm, we started walking around.

The weather is very cold. What can you expect during Autumn in Bavaria, Germany. It was good today because it was sunny...a perfect weather for wandering. I made it sure that I had the right clothes on. I did not really felt so cold because I wore warm clothes. The scenery around our area is very nice. The hills and valleys are perfect for looking and walking around.

After around two hours of walking in the fresh air, we need to hurry home because hubby wanted to watch a football game in our place.

It was a beautiful Sunday autumn walk today. Thanks God for it. I wish everyone a fantastic week ahead!

the hills and mountains around our area. This is where we sometimes go for a walk. I love it!

Friend's Baby Shower

Hello folks! How's your Saturday? I hope you had a nice one. I had a wonderful time during a friend's baby shower today. It was my second time to attend such kind of celebration. Germans usually don't do that. Giving of presents only takes place when the baby is already born. Thanks to Filipino-American friends for inviting me. I truly enjoyed it. The baby shower for Ge was a success and I believed that she was very happy about it.

Everyone had fun during the said gathering especially the games that were played. A lot of food were also prepared by friends. The opening of the presents for the incoming baby was the highlight of the program. It was truly a wonderful and enjoyable celebration. Thanks to good friends for making it happened.

Wishing Ge a safe and sound delivery soon. God bless you!

some of the foods during the party.

the very beautiful diaper cake made by Joy.

presents for Ge's incoming baby.

A Walk in Golden October

It's been some weeks now since I did not had a walk with hubby. We were on a short vacation for one and a half weeks in Turkey and the past weeks were also busy ones. Since the weather was so friendly during the start of golden October, we finally took the chance to go walking around. October is already the start of Autumn in Germany and in most countries in Europe. The leaves on the trees are slowly turning to yellow, orange, red, purple, brown and other colors. This is another season of the year that also I love due to its colorful surroundings.

I am just hoping that we will get more sunny and friendly weather this month. Lastly, I would like to wish everyone a wonderful month of October. Enjoy and stay safe all the time.

Here are some images I took during our walk this afternoon and yesterday.

the walking and biking way, far away from the main road. it is safer to walk here.

the surroundings are getting colorful now. I love Bavaria, Germany!

Knock Knock on the Door

I heard someone knocking on our door yesterday. It was the postman and he was delivering the new samsung digital camera that I ordered. I finally have it after some weeks of waiting. I did not expected for it already but I am happy to received it now.

Today, at around lunch time, somebody knocked at our door again. and yes, we don't have a door bell . Besides I don't want one to be installed also. I just need sometimes peace and silence to concentrate. If I don't hear the knock, I am sorry about it. I also reminded some friends that if they are coming, they need to inform me in advance because sometimes I am just so busy.

Anyway, who's knocking this lunch time? It was again a member of Jehovah Witness. I admire what they do going house to house and spreading the Good News. Sad to say, I cannot change my religion. We had a bit conversation and she asked me of do I think of the world 20 years from now? I told her that I cannot say something about it because I am not a Prophet. I also told her that I am not afraid of what will happen in the future because "I believed".

After she gave me a pamphlet , she walk away and wish me a good day. I did the same. I love reading their pamphlet because I can also get some ideas from there.

Just a reminder, be careful of whose knocking on door door. This world is sometimes dangerous.

Thanks To All Who Remembered my Special Day

It was a very memorable birthday celebration I had a week ago. A lot of our friends attended during my birthday and at the same time our thanksgiving party. Some neighbors and relatives were also present. I believed everybody was happy and contented. I would like to send Paper Culture thank you cards for those who attended but it seems that I was so busy the past days. I also can't find the right one. I was even very tired today and can't stopped to go for a quick nap. After taking a short I prepared a simple dinner. After taking our dinner I spent almost two hours working in our garden. It was quite a relaxing day despite being tired.

Lastly, I would like to thank everyone who took their time in celebrating with us my special day and our thanksgiving celebration. Most of all, thank you dear Lord for everything! You are always great!

some of the Filipino foods prepared during my birthday. Thanks to all friends who helped in preparing it.

Eight Years

Time truly passes-by so fast now! We are now in the month of July then comes August soon and the BER months. When I say BER months, I mean with these are the months of September, October, November and finally the holiday season of December. I almost forgot yesterday that it was my 8 years anniversary of living in Europe. July 8, 2003 was the day when I first landed in London Heathrow Airport to connect with my terminal flight to Frankfurt, Germany. Three months later, I got married with a wonderful, kind and loving husband. Until now, I am still wearing the promise ring finger hubby gave me.

I can't thank God enough for all the good things and blessings I received since living in Germany. We may not be rich but we have all the basic things we need in life. Most of all we live a happy and peaceful life. Lastly, I can say that 8 years of living in Germany is simply awesome! Cheers!

Beach House-The Making

We never expected that we can built a house along the beach. The project started some time in 2004 and little by little, it is standing now some meters away from the sea.

THE PLANNING

As far as I can remember, there was really no right plan for that beach house. I was not there when it was started. I just told my Uncle who is a carpenter that I wanted to build a small house with two bedrooms, a kitchen and a living room. That is enough for us to stay especially when we go for a vacation in the Philippines. I never expected that the house was built double-size as really planned. That was also the reason it took us some time to finish it. At least, we don't have a loan or credit for this project.

the ceiling in the living room...the hardwood door with some carvings. most of the windows are sliding.

DOORS and WINDOWS

Since the house is located along the beach, I always wanted sash windows for it especially the ones facing the sea. Since I was not there again during the installation, I did not knew that my brother already decided for sliding glass windows. It looks great anyway and perfect for a house near the water. The doors were all made with hardwoods and I love the carvings on it. Sometimes it is difficult to decide on these things considering the material, style and money.

a view of the beach from our window.

FURNITURE AND FIXTURES

The house is quite furnished now. When I went home last year, I bought a set of dining table, living room set and a bedroom set. It cost some fortune but I am happy and contented now of how the house looks. I still need more furniture but I will buy it in our next vacation there.

HOME DECORS AND ACCESSORIES

Special thanks to my dear brother who takes care of the house. He loves to hang beautiful curtains in all of our sliding glass windows. He also bought some house decors and accessories when I went home last year. Some paintings are already hanging on the walls. Porcelain and crystal decors are also displayed on the living room now.

House in the making. I took this image last 2006. Now, there is already a huge terrace surrounding the house facing the sea. I love it there!

This is where we plan to retire in the future. Until now, there are still some improvements going on. The seawall is still not done. The huge terrace facing the sea still needs some lift and finishing. In one or two years maybe, everything will be in order already. At least, we have a house that we can call our own...a house along the beach..I miss this beautiful place!

Five Places To Do Gardening for a Living

If you have a green thumb, gardening can be a good profession anywhere in the world. Gardeners work at places where lawns, gardens, and trees need professional care. Depending on the country and season, gardeners and groundskeepers are responsible for garden furniture care, preserving the condition of the soil, and planting, watering, and pruning flowers, shrubs and trees. Often, gardeners are called upon for their creative flair, whether it’s adding garden accessories, decorative garden lighting fixtures, or simply designing a new layout which increases its visual appeal.

Many community residents are frustrated in trying to keep their lawns in good condition due to health issues or difficulties relating to age. After obtaining a relevant work visa (if applicable) start with offering your services to senior citizens in and people who are getting ready to go on vacation. Also, check with local lawn services. Once you have built a good reputation and a small clientele, offer your services to businesses and institutions that have gardens around their buildings, such as:

Resorts and Hotels

In any country you go to, there are always resorts and hotels. These establishments usually have massive grounds which employ gardeners and landscapers to maintain the appearance, health, and condition of grass, flowers and trees.


Apartment Complexes

Villas and apartments hire gardeners and groundskeepers to provide care for grass, trees, shrubs, plants, and flowers.

Housing Developments

Depending on the economic growth of the country you live in, housing developments that exist often employ gardeners to and maintenance of grass, trees, shrubs, plants, and flowers.

Schools and Colleges

Again, there Schools and colleges use gardeners to cut, fertilize and water their lawns.

Churches, Temples, Mosques, Monuments and Cemeteries

These places hire gardeners to take care of lawns and gardens. Often they can involve landscaping and manicuring gardens and flower displays and arrangements.

If you enjoy the outdoors, you can easily turn a gardening hobby into a profession. It is easy to start a gardening business, whether you want to work full-time or just a few hours a week.

Four Seasons In A Day

Four Seasons In A Day, this is how I call it when we have a crazy weather in a day....rain... sunshine...rain...shine..rain...shine...rain...shine....I can't exactly remember who many times it did happened today. I am very sure that it happened more than five times. This kind of weather in Germany sometimes drives me crazy. You can't do anything outside because it's wet and cold. The worst thing is, I get headache when the weather is like this. I even turned on the heater until now because it gets cold inside the house. The only creatures that are happy during this weather are the plants and flowers in our garden. I see them growing good everyday. Their blooms make my heart smiling. Despite this four seasons weather in a day, some creatures are happy. I guess I'm happy too! Have a lovely week ahead!

the flowers in our garden last summer 2010.

Hubby's Bike Accident

This is the reason why I don't go biking anymore. I used to four years ago. Since hubby's bike accident last 2007, I am already afraid of biking. Due to that accident hubby's ankle was broken and got operated. Weeks after that, it was found out that his right knee was also broken. He got one of those acl braces for sports that he used in his knee. It is very better now but sometimes he is still complaining of pain. The doctor actually suggested for an operation for his knee but hubby decided not to have it. He asked the doctor if he can guarantee that it will be better after the operation, but he answered it is not 100% guaranteed. Hubby said that maybe in the future, when he can no longer bear the pain, he might probably have it operated. Thanks to some medical gadgets like knee braces, hubby's knee is better now.

Welcome to Germany

It's been almost a year now since my friend from the United States visited us. It was her first time in Europe and she wanted to see and explore different countries in this continent. I was quite excited that time when picking her up at Nuremberg airport. It's been a decade since the last time we saw each other. Finally last summer 2010, she finally stepped-on the soil of Germany.

She spent three weeks during her vacation and was able to see seven countries in Europe. I believed she was satisfied during our trip. It was fun, exciting and full of adventure. Anyone wants to go touring with me next time? Just kidding folks.

The arrival/departure information board in Nuremberg International airport last August 2010.