Checking Out for Sale

I'm always on a lookout for store sale. I love doing it online first and then go to the store. That way I don't have to waste my time looking for stuff on sale in the store. It's fun to just browse sometimes. I'm glad I have my husband who helps me control my spending. Being married, life does change but I think for the better.

Apron Giveaway

The Apron Goddess is giving away this beautiful apron made by Gingham Life. It's one beautiful apron I don't want to miss out on that's why I want to blog about it and let others know that this contest will end tomorrow, February 2. So if you're into aprons like me, come join the fun! 

Bath and Body Works Giveaway

I love Bath and Body Works! I can't help not to join the contest from What’s Cooking at DD Christmas Spirit Giveaway!

The Prize:

One winner will receive the Bath & Body Works Signature Collection Triple Moisture Body Cream and Fragrance Mist in the Twilight Woods scent. (ARV $24). Go visit What's Cooking at DD to enter this giveaway. It will end tomorrow, February 1, 2010.

Scharffen Berger Chocolate Heart Cake Giveaway

What’s Cooking at DD Scharffen Berger Chocolate Heart Cake Giveaway!

The Prize:

Three winners will receive the Scharffen Berger 9.7oz 70% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate baking bar, 6oz. 62% Cacao Semisweet Chocolate, and a heart shaped baking tin.

To Enter:

Visit What's Cooking at DD for more details. I love chocolate so much that I can't help not to join!

My First Surgery

That is me after surgery. I look so ugly! I'm glad my husband is still in love with me. I dreaded this day because they said so many stuff that could happen after the surgery and it scare me. I cried during my consultation. Then at the surgery day, which was yesterday, Steven drove me there. When my name was called they asked me if I've eaten anything for the past 6 hours, I said no. Then they let me sit in a dentist chair. The nurse stick on IV into my left arm. The needle was big, it scared me. I didn't look but it didn't hurt so bad. I was disappointed when she said she couldn't find the vein so she had to change to my right arm. Then when she stuck the needle, it hurt so bad but it did it right this time. Then the dentist came and greeted me. He injected the sleeping medicine into my IV and all I remember was staring at the light then I fell asleep. When I woke up up, Steven was in front of me with a different nurse. I told them I felt like vomiting. Then Steven said they injected a medicine that will help me not feel dizzy and I fell asleep again. I woke up a few minutes later and threw up blood I swallowed during surgery. It was so gross. It was funny because Steven said I told him I hate the dentist. Hehe! 

I still smiled even though I felt awful! It was a crazy day but the love of my husband made me feel good. He fed me, gave my meds on time, made sure I am doing really well. I slept like a baby. I'll never forget this day! It is my first surgery.

After Six Days as CNA

Yes, this is me the night before surgery. I ate a lot of french fries after six hard days of work. I was exhausted and losing weight so I feel I could eat whatever I want again. I still am careful about what I will eat because if I'm not, I could easily gain so much weight. I'm very happy with my job. They've been giving me two hallways to take care, about 8-12 patients since my solo. I only had 3 days of orientation and after that, they gave me that many patients. I was overwhelmed that I cried after work on my first solo shift. Steven comforted me and I know God has been helping me get through it. The patients would cuss at me at times or try to bite me if I get their dentures to clean it up or cough or sneeze at my face. You just have to think what if you were in their shoes? They would be happy to trade places with me. One lady yells help me, help me so much that when I come home her cry is still in my head. She would tell me she wants to die because she doesn't want to be in her situation. I feel so bad. One lady was so needy that you could stay in her room for a long time until you meet her needs. Yes, it is the life of a CNA. I can't even think about the money I earn but the welfare of the patients. Make sure their needs are met. I don't feel so gross out about wiping poop or changing briefs with pee. I'm so glad I got used to it. I hurt my right arm after turning so many people. There are heavy ones and there are smaller ones. One of the CNAs said I will build muscle in being able to turn them. She is smaller than me. Crazy! Oh well, maybe someday I can. Four of my toe nails are bruised too from walking. I was already limping the first day. I can't wait to get a better pair of shoes. This is all for now. I'm on a four-day break because of my surgery. Awesome!

Hidalgo

I haven't watched tv since I started working. This morning when I woke up, I decided to watch the movie Hidalgo. I have no idea how many times I've watched this movie, it is one of my all-time favorite. I was really sobbing when I watched it. I've cried before but not like today. It's such a beautiful movie and the Mustangs are just so magnificent. This is a true story too where the rider of Hidalgo, Hopkins really proved those who doubted him wrong. I like that! Even if people laugh at you or tell you you can't do it, don't give up. You can always ask God for strength.

How John MacArthur Is Helping Haiti (doubleharvest.org)

OWOH - Apron

I'm excited that I get to participate in One World One Heart (OWOH) event this year. I enjoyed last year's event. I have been waiting for this for one year!
This year I'm giving away this apron from Tillie Willie. If you'd like to own this apron, just leave me message. This is open to any countries but you have to have a blog. Make sure I have your email to get in touch with you if you're chosen by random.org. This contest will end on the 14th of February. Winner will have 72 hours to respond, if not, a new winner will be picked.


P.S. Win a $10 itunes giftcard here. Only if you want to join. It's not part of OWOH giveaway.

My first Day

My heart was really pounding as I was waiting to go on my first day of my job as a CNA. I was excited but so nervous about not doing a good job. Steven brought me to Starbucks even to help me get a drink, maybe it would calm me but it didn't help. We thought that today I won't be taking care of patients since it's my orientation but we were wrong. I went alongside someone who showed me stuff I need to learn about their system. It was so tiring and my feet were hurting since 6:00 PM. My shift ended at 10:30 PM which seemed to drag on and on. It was fine!
I feel happy though even though I was tired. I feel like this is what I really want to do for a long time. God's will will still be done, whatever you want me to do, Lord. :) Such an awesome God. He gave me a job a week after I passed my license exam. Great pay, great benefits. I'm really happy! Tomorrow, I'm going to be hurting a lot!

When I tell people that I have lost 130 pounds, most people don't believe me.  They just can't imagine that I used to weight 370 pounds.  Well, to tell you the truth, neither can I.  Even when I look at old pictures of me I am taken back with surprise.  

The other response I get is:  How did you do it?  People will say something like, "You must have been on the best weight loss pills on the market!  Or they'll ask which special diet I was on.  
I did get a little help from an amoeba in the Philippines but I wouldn't recommend that course of action.  
Honestly, the way I did it was the only way:  I watched my calories and I exercised.  Some of the fad diets will help you lose weight, but you won't learn to discipline yourself regarding food.  Therefore, you'll most likely gain it back.  
Check out the pics below as I decrease in weight.  I wish I had a more extensive range of photos but I had a tendency to delete or discard photos of myself back then because I was embarrassed by what I saw.  Now I wish I had taken a photo every week or something to that effect:

Does your MySpace and Facebook bring God Glory?

Looking Like A Monster

I know this may sound disgusting but I've seen people who have pimple on scalp. It's not fun to have one for sure. I never had a problem with pimples but I've seen people who suffered from it. They have to be able to find the right cure that is suitable for their skin type too. I had chicken pox before and it was so bad that I got it in my scalp. I would not want to be in that situation anymore. It's super uncomfortable, I was in pain and I looked like a monster. My friend told me she almost ran away when she saw me. Glad I don't have to deal with it anymore. I hardly have scars too.

Losing Some

Are you one of those people who are still looking for effective diet pills? There are websites you can check on and find out. You can also ask your doctor which diet pill is the best for you. I am afraid of diet pills because I'm on medication. I am trying to control my own eating habits so I can be more disciplined. I'm tired of having double chin and not fitting into my old clothes. That's why it's important for me to really stick to eating more healthy food.

Pregnant?

I'm really excited when I found out my sister is pregnant again. She said she really needs prenatal vitamins and I wish I know what those are so I could buy them here. She has good doctor at the place where my parents are and I hope she will have a good one this time too. It would be nice to make her baby a quilt but I'm not sure if I could make it now. I would like to start working on it tomorrow. There's a clothing shop nearby our place that I could just walk to. I could make that my project. One of the quilting ladies gave me a batting (hope I got that right) for the baby's quilt. Now it's my turn to cut them. I love babies!

What I Enjoy Doing

This was me when I was still practicing with Steven my skills for my exam. I finally passed the board exam for my nursing assistant license. Now, I'm on a hunt for a job. It feels like I've applied to a lot but actually, I haven't. Gave out four applications and just got a call for an interview tomorrow. We'll see how it goes. I like this place that called me but it's going to be really far for me. I'm fine with it as long as I can get one.
I really enjoy being in the healthcare. Now that I have started doing this, my next goal will be to become a CNA 2.

Savings

I used to budget our groceries a lot but lately I have not been doing that. So I check online for budgeting tips because I know I need them. We wanted to start saving more money on something else rather than just buying food because we want it and not need it. There are people we can help or use the money we saved for the Philippines. It's also good to just buy important and healthy food since we are dieting. I wish I could lose at least 10 lbs. and maintain it.

Vacation Packages

It would be nice to go on holiday in warmer places around this time. I saw the cancun vacation packages and it made me really want to just go there with my husband. The photo from the hotel looks really inviting. I feel like it's calling my name. I really do miss swimming in the ocean. Every time I see pictures of the beach it reminds me of my country. If only we could, we would go visit the Philippines sooner.

Little Pinwheel Gifts

I ecstatic when I got an email from Hayley who owns Little Pinwheel that I won $200 gift voucher. I joined the giveaway at Kenzipoo hoping but not expecting to win. I immediately shop for clothes for my nephew and nieces whom I love dearly. It's also the time where I am sending a big box of goodies to my country and they would surely love the beautiful clothes they will be getting. They're beautiful gifts and if you have little kids you'd like to buy some cute clothes, visit Little Pinwheel! You will surely love the site.

Caring For Others

Steven's aunt has filed disability appeal and it took her a long time to have her disability insurance. I'm glad that there are people who are willing to help others file Social Security benefits like Allsup. Allsup has now helped more than 130,000 people!! There are deserving people who needs help from the government because they are unable to work anymore. If you are one of those people, try checking Allsup and see what they can do for you.

Curling Iron Giveaway

I found this giveaway at The FabWon and would really love to win it. She is giving away Folica curling iron to two (2) TFW readers, the Andis 3/4" and 1" curling irons.

This is what she thinks about it:
"Folica sent me Andis 1.5" curling iron and I must say that is one huge curler. With fast heat up and blinking light to let you know when ready to use this Andis iron left me with big curls that lasted all night and into the morning. I can appreciate a styler that can hold to my straight hair tendency's. 295 F to 395 F high heat range - Hot in less than 60 seconds High wattage for quick heat-up and positive temperature control, even in damp hair Curls and styles hair in half the time Ceramic barrel Cool safety tip, can hold curling iron with both hands Automatic dual voltage."

Go visit The FabWon if you are interested in winning these cool hair irons by Folica.

Invitations

It would be nice to start wedding invitations business. It's a really good business I think everywhere you go. In the Philippines, people don't make their own invitations. They let a shop do it for them that's why I would love to start this kind of business if ever.

I could not help not to try this website for invitation cards. I like how high-tech it is that you can just make your own words and order it online. They will deliver it for you. That's a really good business. I like that they have words already made and you can just edit it yourself. I did ours for fun.

Scenic Sunday

I took this shot from my back porch. It's not so nice but I still love it. That's for my Scenic Sunday for now.

Perpetuum Jazzile - Africa

Bathroom Decor

Right now, I'm glad I am slowly putting decor on our apartment. I have pictures printed and bought some picture frames for a dollar. Now I would like to make the bathroom look nicer. I found the Toto toilet and just went through the website. I like the bathroom decor and would want to really focus on making ours nicer. I just really want to see what theme I want for it.

Motorcycle

In the Philippines, we don't have motorcycle accident attorney. I wish we do because there are so many motorcycle accidents and there's no one to defend them. That's the thing I like about being here in America. There are people specializing on a certain cases. My father drives a motorcycle and I don't like it so much because he had plenty of accidents before. He's getting older too. The last accident he had was when Steven was still there. He was disoriented but glad he had a different sim card with my phone number. He wouldn't be able to contact any of us if he didn't.

Warm Holiday

Ever have plans on going to orlando, Florida? I always wonder what that place would be like. I only see it in the movies. Ohhh, I didn't know that there is Disney in Florida. I'm sure they have plenty of tourist attractions too. If we can afford it, I would ask Steven if he and I could go there. I know he also hasn't been in that side of the country so it would be an adventure for us. Those who do not want to be in the cold place right now would maybe want to be in a warm, hot place. There are good flight deals sometimes and vacation packages.

What's Up With Me

I have seven more days before my big exam. I am overwhelmed by how many skills I have to master. Though you only get to perform 5 skills but you don't know which one it will be. Glad I do not have to go far to take the exam. It's going to be at Pinnacle Healthcare here in Springfield. I will just walk like maybe ten minutes. I am excited but I am really scared to fail. I keep praying to my God to help me when the time comes. Steven has been a very good patient of mine, he's the one I'm practicing on. He's reading the skills for me while I perform. I'm so glad he's there. I don't know what I'd do without him. 

Yesterday, we also took photos of each other. This is my favorite one. The rest, I look fat! Hehe! I look like in the oldies. Love it!

Talk About Dying

When Steven and I were walking to the mall yesterday, I told him I do not want to be buried when I die. That way, he can keep a lot of my life insurance still. It's kinda expensive to have a wake and then burial. I'd rather just have my ash be brought and thrown somewhere. I said I will tell my family so that they too will know and not get mad if ever he brings me back there in ashes. It's hard to talk about it but everyone dies. We will have a certain time on this earth and then we'll die and be with God. Steven did tell me the most important thing, you just need to be right with God every time.

Relaxing

I know a friend who can have her own spa in her own house. She said she need spa filters and then she can invite us to join her. It's nice to have your own because spas are so expensive here if you go to a real salon. My husband's friend paid more than a hundred dollars just to have one for his wife. I would not want Steven to pay for that much for me because I'd rather have the money to buy clothes and food. Unless of course, we're in Asian countries. It's so much cheaper there to have one.