Blog changes = Life changes

I am so excited for these new updates in my blog.

As you've seen in one of my previous posts, I've been blogging for eight years. Imagine all the changes I've done?! Countless - some drastic and some are not.

So, now, I've done another huge update.

First, my domain name was changed from www.J-Thinks.com to my real name www.JONAVER.com.

I've been in a long break before I started blogging again and took some income assignments, here and there. But I realized I'm not, and will never be as active, as what I used to. Plus I forgot most of the blogging tricks I used to practice. So, I turn into finding someone who could guide me in maximizing my blog's purpose. Her first advise was to create a brand - something unique and will stand out. So, yes, I think my real name is nothing but a perfect brand for me.

I am tired of being [called] fat

I used to think that I am not fat. My husband keeps telling me that I am not. But when other people tells me that I am, it's hard not to believe them. Especially when I look at the mirror, step on the scale, or look at old pictures and realize how skinny I used to be. It never helps when people continuously tells me how big I am, even laugh at me, like my weight is some kind of a joke.

Words of Wisdom Wednesday: Ugly The Cat

This story was on my Facebook's news feed from an the Unknown Author that definitely moved me. This is a story of how easy for some people to pass judgment over something that appears sore to their eyes. People tend to judge the book by it's cover, no matter that popular the saying is to do not do it. And this story has truly inspired me. It taught me a lesson on how important it is to be kind to others, despite of their appearance, what they do, or what they say to you. It's normal for people to become defensive and hurt people who hurts them, instead of understanding them because hate doesn't get resolved by another hate, but with kindness. So, be kind because you'll never know what they're going through, just like Ugly.

 

Four women of my life: my Mother-In-Law, my Aya, my Nanay, and my Mamang

Mother's Day is a very special day for me, not only because I am a mother myself, but also because this is a great opportunity for me to thank my mothers/grandmothers and treat them extra special today. All mothers who took care of their children deserves a good Mother's Day, not necessarily by getting them expensive gifts but by making them special in any possible way you can.

I knew a lot of Moms but there are four most influential mothers in my life. I've learned so much from them and I am the mother than I am now partly because of them. This Mother's Day won't be complete without recognizing the mothers of my life. And they are....

Words of Wisdom Wednesday: No Doubt

This is what I am feeling right now. I am asking myself until when should I keep moving or how hard should I keep trying. 

I want something in life and at one point thought I was right on track until impatience fooled me and made me take a different road. It seemed to be a long road. There were many obstacles and some were hard ones. But when I was about to give up, a little bit of hope hinted me to keep going. Then there was light, but it wasn't a full light. Something's blocking it but it's there. Now, I am trying to figure out how to get where the full light is at.

In life, there will always be hindrances. But they are just like that and nothing more. They are just like the tiny torn on a stem. You will need to touch them to get to the most beautiful part of the plant, the flower. The flower symbolizes your goal. The torn will never be bigger and more beautiful than the flowers on the top on the stem. And that's how we should see our goal, it should be bigger than any hindrances.

Life is never easy and it's meant to be that way. They said, if the fight ain't hard, then it ain't worth winning. I have won so many fights before and if I gave up on them, I wouldn't be where I'm at right now. I am far from my goal, but I will keep moving, fighting, and trying to get to where I wanna go.

Words of Wisdom Wednesday: Better You

I would like to start a little tradition in my blog called "Words of Wisdom Wednesday". I know it isn't original (i looked it up before I started typing this) as I have found one in Pinterest, but it's a good way of sharing some words of wisdom, at least one each week.

As a quote fan myself, I get inspired by a simple phrase that reflects me as a person or my current situation. It is like getting an advise on the spot. So with that, I hope to also inspire people with these quotes I'd be sharing every Wednesday, the same way they inspire me.

Happy Thanksgiving To Americans!

Tomorrow is my third Thanksgiving/Turkey Day and this is one of my most favorite holiday here in the US. Because one, there's a lot of food, and two, the Holiday season officially starts. The best thing about this year's Thanksgiving for me is I GOT BLACK FRIDAY OFF, not to go shopping (though I'm thinking about it) but just having 4 straight days off but luckily, I'll get 7 days this time....woohooo! (I know, my work mates are jealous...sorry guys!)

Deep thought before bed -- I'll see you, TOMORROW

I should've been already sleep by now but I don't feel like doing so. Tomorrow is my first day of work for a new job. Actually, it's just a training, but a paid one too. Tomorrow will be the start of another big change in my life. After a year and almost 5 months of not having a full time, I'm gonna start one tomorrow. It will be hard, but I know that it'd only be in the beginning and soon, I'm gonna get used to it again. Tomorrow, my son's life will change coz he's gonna start attending school at a young age of 3. Tomorrow will be my first time being separated from my son for the whole day and it'd one of the hardest thing, above all.

Getting this full time was a very big decision that I did on my own but with my husband's full support and guidance from God, so I know I did the right thing. But a part of me is worried, especially about my son. I know, in my mind and in my heart, that he's gonna be alright. He's gonna have fun and learn a lot of things in school, but I know that we'll gonna be missing each other so much, I don't think I can bear it. But I need to work which is the best for his future. And him in school is what's good for him too, so that he can develop his interrelationship with other people and being independent.

Ever since I got the job offer, I have been always thinking about this. God knows how happy I am with the new blessing that He gave to us. A job that I like with everything that I needed. But things aren't always perfect. Though I got what I wanted, this time is a huge obstacle for me between my son and my family. I guess I'll just to pass through this obstacle just like what I did with all the other ones that I've been through to prove that I deserve all of this blessing. I know, life should be always like this. But I'm only human and I'm not strong. I have God with me and that's all I can depend on. He had never left me and I'm sure that He never will.

Goodnight!

I owe everything to God

This is another late post. I know I should've been posting this last week but I just never had a chance. Why? You will know later, so read on.

I am so thankful to our Lord above for all the blessings that I got from Him --everyday blessings and those blessings that I consider miracle for they don't always come in normal basis. I am talking about the things that I had been always asking from him --a job and our Greencard!

From the time I got a hold of my employment authorization card, I have looked for a job. I guess I submitted applications online and walk-in to more or less 50 companies. Yes, that's how hard I looked for one. It was hard for someone like me who never had experience working here [US] and being fresh from the boat. I even lose hope at some point but my husband has always been there to support and enlighten me [Thanx Hon! *wink*]. Finally, a company accepted me! T'was last week when I started my training and even the job itself before I even got done with my training. Today was my 2nd day of work and so far, I'm enjoying it! It's a pretty challenging job but I guess it is just a matter of getting used to it.

Last March 09, we applied for our [me and my son] adjustment of status. After the long wait [4 months] and a request for additional evidence [RFE], we finally got our Greencard! Which means that we're no longer out of status and we're free to travel in and out of the country when we want to. We no longer feel staying here illegally [though we never were]. It was such a relief! But we'll gonna see USCIS about 21 months from now for the removal of condition [permanent residency status]. And for now, we're just enjoying the moment without stress from USCIS.

I would also like to mention that yesterday was Our 1st Wedding Anniversary which is another blessing that we got. I know we're not married that long yet but we [me and hubby] are still glad coz we're able to get through the 1st-year-stage of our married life and just learned how much we love each other, now stronger and better than before.

So, for all those blessings we got, we owe them all to God coz they all came from Him. THANK YOU!

1st Year Anniversary in the US

Today is a year since I first got here in the US. I can't even believe it! Time went by so pass, and it's just so hard to realize it.

Honestly, life wasn't as easy as what we thought it should have been. All the adjustments we had in this new foreign country was one of the hard things we ever had within a year of living here. Actually, we're not even fully adjusted yet, but I know we'll gonna get there sooner or later.

I still consider myself lucky though, cos everyone whom I expected to support me never failed me. My husband was always been the best provider, taking care of us with all his best. My parents who are also trying to survive the loneliness they felt after we left was always been so loving and a great inspiration to me. My bestfriend whom despite of her busy schedule can still find the time to reply to my long e-mails, just to keep in touch with me. My parents-in-law who had always been treating me as their own since the first time I met them. Those people made me feel that life here is wonderful no matter how tough it can be most of the time. And that what matters most to me.

I know we'll have more tough times to come, but I know too that God will let me go through cos He is the one who gave me this life, He is the one who gave me everything I needed, He is the one who brought me here, and He is the one behind my strength to face everything.

Today, on my 1st year Anniversary in the US, I don't only celebrate my time being here, but the things I had been through and still had my feet standing firmly on the ground, ready to face another year of challenges, struggles, and of course, happiness.

Our Nicest Neighbor

Last Thursday, May 21st, afternoon, we were surprised with a Little Tykes table and chairs outside our house. It was set on the ground properly just like somebody put them purposely. We just left it there thinking that somebody just left it there accidentally. But it was still there the next day and the next day. We're guessing that somebody really left it there in purpose and somehow knew that we got a 2-year-old. So, we just brought it inside the house.

Then, just this afternoon, someone knocked on our door. It was our only neighbor who says hi to us (really..our neighbors are not friendly) and he lives in the house next to us. We found out that he was the Santa neighbor who just left something for our son outside our house. He was just making sure that we found it and let us know that he got more stuff in his house. Those toys are actually his daughter's but she's already too old to play with them now, so he decided to give them to my son if it's okay with us. Of course, it is AOK for us! Free things are good cos they're FREE (lolz)!.

So, aside from the table set we got the other day, we got a big toy box, blocks, and couple lawn chairs, all for my son. Though they're not brand new toys but they look new for my son and he was so happy about it. Thanks to OUR NICEST NEIGHBOR (*wink*).

Two Movies In A Row - Missin' Pinoy Flicks

I'm not really fond of Pinoy movies until I got here in the US. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate them and I'm proud of the Filipino talents. It's just that most of the movies, or shall I say the movies before and some now, are so predictable. But it's not a generalization. There are lots of Pinoy movies that are good too, but I guess it's just a typical Filipino mentality to not love their own. Just an opinion.

Anyway, I was so excited earlier when I finally received the DVDs that I ordered online. They're all Filipino movies. I miss Pinoy movies so much that I just want to have a movie marathon with them. I got 4 DVDs but of course, I wasn't able to watch all of them. My son wouldn't let me (hehe), so I only watched two today.

I first watched this movie, For The First Time, starring KC Concepcion and Richard Guttierrez.

I'm surprised why most people said that KC didn't do good in the movie. Actually, for me, she did pretty well considering that she's a newbie. Yes, she may be the Mega's daughter but it wasn't the mega acting, it was KC. For me, she did better than what I was expecting. I was more surprised with Richard's acting though. I still think that he can do so much better with acting.

But the movie is a so-so. I just like it because KC's there and I like her. The story is somewhat good but the flow isn't. It's like it has so many endings, then it would start again. So, my overall rating, just 3/5.

Then, I also watched One True Love, starring Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera. It is a really dramatic movie, so it's expected to be boring unless you wanna pay attention to the movie, and I suggest you should cos it has a very good story. I'd rate this movie 5/5 cos it pulled tears from my eyes (lol).

Of course, the actors are good too. Marian Rivera is really a shining star and I am always impress by her acting skills.

So, if you haven't watched this movie yet, I hope that my short reviews would help.

It's the thought that counts

Today's my parents 35th Wedding Anniversary and it's so sad that I am not with them right now to celebrate it with them. This is the first time that we're not together on their very special day but I still want them to feel that this day is still very special even with just the two of them alone, anyway, when they got married 35 years ago, none of their kids exist yet.

I had a little surprise for them. I found out a website from my friend in Michigan, Richel, www.PinasGift.com, where you can send gifts through them to someone in the Philippines. I don't have a job yet but I'm earning a little from my blogging so I can't afford expensive gifts yet. That's not what's important though, "It's the thought that counts". I bought PHP500.00 worth of gift checks for Pizza Hut since they love eating at Pizza Hut and can only afford the PHP49.00 per 2 slices of pizza. So I think, it is good to finally give them the chance to eat more than the ham and cheese pizza.

They received the gift checks that came with a greeting card that has my personalized message for them last Friday. I never told them about until my Mom told me that they received it and they were so surprised. I'm glad they like it. I assume that they're having their lunch today at Pizza Hut and eating something more than 2 slices of pizza.


New Year's Eve 2008

To my parents: I love you both so much. I may not always show it to you, which I'm not proud of, but God knows and in my heart, I will always love you, no matter what. Nothing can ever compare the love and care you've given me up to now that I already have my own family. Despite our distance, you never fail to show me your love and support, not just to me but for my son and husband. And I know that nothing can ever change that because you love me and I love you UNCONDITIONALLY. You know that someday, we'll gonna be together again. It is always our plan and we'll stick to it and I can't wait for it happen. I miss you much Mamang and Papang!

Hey! I'm Alive and Kicking and Got something good to share

Yay! I'm back after being gone for awhile, AGAIN. Well, I guess that would always be the case now but I'm glad cos now each time I come back to blog, I got something good to blog about and not just putting up some fillers, paid post, etc. Though I was sadden about being kicked out by PPP a few months ago but I have moved on and saw the good side of it -- no filler post, not being stressed of catching max opps everyday, and I get to spend more time with my family. At least, I still have the good ole PayU2Blog on my side who never failed ever since I became their avid fan and loyal poster.

Anywho, you're maybe wondering where I'm at when I wasn't blogging, aside from being around the house and spending quality time with my precious ones. As I have said on one of my previous posts, I have been into Ticket To Ride Online game and to add up to that, I finally was able to subscribe to Cosmopolitan magazine -- the only magazine that I'd read from cover to cover. So, the good thing that I mentioned on my title is something that I got from them. Here it is ....

15 Things You Should Never Apologize For

1. Ordering a Real Dessert; 2. Someone Else's Bad Day; 3. Ditching a Bad Lover;
4. Having a Crazy Family; 5. Buying Into Your Horoscope;
6. Really Wanting a Boyfriend; 7. Being a Self-Promoter;
8. Investing in Your Looks; 9. Having a High "Number";
10. Changing Your Mind; 11. Being Inexperienced;
12. Hoping Your Children Will Be Cuter Than Your Friends';
13. Sticking to a Budget; 14. Only Doing Things Online That You'd Do in Real Life;
15. BEING HAPPY.

If you hadn't figure out what's good about it, well, here it is: it is some kind of reality-check for us to not being guilty in every single thing that we do. I mean, most of the time we feel bad for doing some of the things mentioned above while the truth is, we shouldn't be. To top it all, HAVE A GREAT DAY y'all!! :-P

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Activities day after day after day after day . . .

Honestly, I really hate staying at home cos I'm not used to it. I can remember when I was just a kid and not going to school yet, I barely stays at home the whole. I'm always found at the neighbor's house. Why? Because my parents has been working as far as I can remember and so they usually have our kind neighbor babysit me. And I never remember myself spending a day without going out from the house. But it's the exact opposite now. Do I hate it? Nope! Actually, I hate staying just at home all the time but I love being with my son the whole time. Though sometimes I wish I have my time alone and take a break from my son who can be a really terror sometimes, but generally, I like taking care of him instead of having someone else' doing it for us.

You may be asking, what we do at home 24/7? Well, as boring as it may sound but we do almost the same thing over and over again. Most of the time, I'm at the computer, blogging, earning money, and surfing with the TV on which usually on Nick Jr. channel cos my son loves their shows. If I'm not at the computer, I am watching TV with my son. I like WE, MTV, TLC, and REAL channels. So, yes, that's pretty much basically our daily activities. Am I bored? Sure is! But the fact that I've been spending most of my time (or all of my time) with my son makes me forget about boredom cos there's nothing more wonderful than seeing him grow, develop, and learn every single second of his life.

She's too good to be true

I have another favorite TV show, Momma's Boys, a new show on WeTV that is shown every Thursday. Last Thursday was the first time I watched it and I don't know for sure that it was it's first day or what. Momma's Boys is a reality show where there are three young men who would try to select from about 50 girls (probably more) to be their girlfriend and my favorite part of it is, the boys' Moms would live with the girl in one house until the search is over and the guys had selected the winner.

Among those girls who wanted to win the guys' heart, they terminated about 20 (or more) of 'em that night. Then there was one girl who looks so innocent and every girls there like her so much. Among the three boys, online one wanted her to stay and know her more, but instead of staying like what all the other girls would do, she resisted 'cos there's still one girl left aside from her that the guys needs to talk to and decide whether she stays or not. If the innocent girl will stay, the other girl will automatically be terminated and that was the reason why the innocent girl refuses to stay.

Everyone cried when she said her last message to the guys. She said, "I appreciate that you wanted me to say, really, I appreciate it 'cos no one had ever said that to me, but I'm already fine with that and you deserve her than me so I can't stay", while crying.

Oh, if you'd only see her, she's like an angel. She looks so innocent and smiles sweetly. No one could ever dislike her.

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Happy 51st Birthday My Beloved Mamang!

Yes, today's my beautiful mother's 51st birthday. She may doesn't want me to announce her age but I can't help it. Anyway, she does look younger than her age, right? hehe.

But unfortunately, I'm not with her right now to celebrate her birthday. I always wish I am. We are thousand miles away from each other right now. And this is her 1st birthday where I'm with her.

I remember her last year's birthday, I bought cake and ice cream for her. It was supposed to be my wedding day but was postponed for some reason. We're so tight on money that time and it was her 50th birthday. I really wanted to give her a big celebration, just like what she wanted, but we just can't afford to do it that time. But I know, she was still very happy 'cos we're still together and happy.

But today, we're not together anymore. I know how sad she is. Though I don't want to think about it 'cos it's hurting me so much, but there's nothing that we can do. We already accepted the fact about our distance though but it's still sad to think about it.

I know that a few years from now, I'd be with her to celebrate her birthday again and we can't wait for it. Just thinking about it, without any definite plans yet, makes me very excited. But for now, I'll just greet her Happy Birthday with a kiss I blew that for sure will reach her in time.


Abi, Mamang, and me of New Year 2008

Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday Mamang!
I Love You So Much!

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Because of the shoes

Last night, while we were traveling to home from the Church, we're tuned in to Magic --.- radio station. That's always my hubby's favorite station and had become my favorite too when I got here 'cos they play music that we can relate to or something that we both like. Anyway, while listening to it last night, they have caller who sent them an e-mail a few months back. She was telling Delilah (the DJ), on air, about the e-mail that she sent.

It was about her friend. Her friend has been married for a few years and wasn't bless with a child after their one and only son passed away. So they donated all of his son's clothes to a charity based in Japan. But a few years, they decided that they'd adopt a child and coincidentally that child that they could adopt lives in Japan. After a long process for the adoption, they finally flew to Japan to fetch their adopted child. Once they saw the child, they're so surprised to see that the child is wearing the exact shoes that she donated to the charity, which was her son's. She knew it was her son's shoes 'cos it has a name of him printed inside the shoes 'cos they were asked to do it by his teacher when he was going to school so that they can easily find the shoes in case they'll be lost.

To make the story short, a miracle happened to them. Of all the children in the charity and of all the clothes that were donated, the child that they adopted got the shoes that was once owned by their late son.

Honestly, I had goosebumps while I listened to the story. And that couple, which was the caller's friends, wasn't blessed with their own child but they were still blessed 'cos no doubt that the child they adopted was really meant for them, 'cos of the shoes.

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My New Year Greetings To All

I know it's not quite New Year yet but I just want to greet everyone who happens to drop by my site.

This year, 2008, was not an easy year for me. In fact, I had a lot of struggles that I thought I would've never survived. But I stood strong, and even if I wanted to give up most of the time, I never did 'cos deep inside me, I know that I can make it 'cos I have Faith in God, all the time. And despite of all those struggles, I had lot of things to celebrate about. Just like being married to a guy that I have been waiting for all my life. And not just that, I always thank that I still have my life and will continue to cherish every moment while I am alive.

One thing that always keeps me going, despite of the hardships I've been to, is I know that lots of people out there had much more worries than what I had, but they are still surviving and continue to live and enjoy life as much as they can 'cos life is precious and we can only grasp it ONCE.

A lot of sorrows yet a lot of happiness, that's always what we have each year 'cos that is what life is all about. And my wish for all of us for this coming year, 2009 are.....

♥ A blessed life;
♥ Being healthy physically, emotionally, mentally, and most importantly, spiritually;
♥ To be safe all the time;
♥ A fortune, enough to let us enjoy the fine things in life but would still remember that life is not just all about that;
♥ To receive a lot of Love and to give a lot of Love back; and
♥ To keep the faith in our God 'cos whatever we have right now are all His will and He won't give us anything that we would never survive.

May everyone will have a prosperous 2009!!!! :-)

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My Last Minute Shopping

Time is flying really fast. The year is about to end and so as the Holiday. I felt bad for not being able to send the gifts to my family in the Philippines yet because I wasn't able to get the gift that my Mom likes. But I just did my last minute shopping a few minutes ago. Thanks to the last minute gifts from Kmart, I found Accessories New Look Organizer Tote Handbag that my Mom will surely love.

Kmart is really great for always providing the best deals with their low prices and great quality products. All the other online store doesn't have much great things for gifts left now, but Kmart is something you can count on for last minute gifts. They still have wonderful things that is perfect for a gift this holiday. Now that the holiday is about to end, do your last minute shopping at Kmart before it's too late.

As for me, I am just waiting for the order to be shipped and my gifts to my loved ones will be ready to go all the way to the Philippines. I am sure they are all excited about it, and I am excited to give it to them too. But I still wish I can pack myself and send to the Philippines though because I miss my parents so much. But there is nothing I can do about that right now. I hope that somehow, with the gifts I have for them, they would still be as happy as I wanted them to be eventhough I am not with to celebrate this Holiday season.