A quaint little Italian restaurant situated at the corner of River Drive and Ocean Shore Blvd. An ambiance that matches that of a small-town feel. An array of sumptuous food prepared with a home-cook style. A smiling and all-pleasant staff, including the owners. This is my favorite Italian restaurant in Ormond Beach, Montovani Restaurant.
*Photos taken using Samsung Continuum Android Smartphone
Motherhood is a huge responsibility to take. You will never be ready until you get there. It is 24-7 job with no monetary compensation, but tons of mutually-given affection and care. It is the most rewarding task that any woman can experience.
On the 9th day of November 2001, I became a mother to a little bouncing baby girl. Just like any career-driven young woman, I thought, I was not ready. Okay, I was not “that” young. I had my little mushroom when I was 23-year old. I was ecstatic and scared. Yes, scared. I did not know what future I could give her. I was at a lost, and was earning a meager income. A year after that, I landed a job that paid me 3x more. Life started to get better. I was able to provide my little mushroom things that I did not have when I was a little girl myself. Thanks to my family, especially my Nanay and my sister, Joann. They were a big part in taking care of the little mushroom while I was away and working.
Every decision I made is leaning towards the goal of giving her the best life that I could provide. To this day, I still have the same mission in life. But as he gets older, she becomes a part of the decision-making. After all, everything is her dream, not mine (as what she said to me once).
year 1979, me & my nanay
Before I end my post, I want to greet my very own mother, Nanay, a very Happy Mother’s Day. She is my lady of steel. No amount of trials and tribulations puts her down. I say, it is because of her that I value education. She instills in my mind that, a good education can make a big difference in one’s life. I totally agree! I maybe half-way around the world, but you are in my mind and in my heart. Thank you for all the hard-work and the love!
To my very caring and loving sister, Joann;
To my always smiling and pretty best friend,Celeste;
To my relatives, and friends; and
To all mothers in the world – Happy Mother’s Day!
Eight straight hours a day, I type. One hour each night, I type. No wonder my palm and wrists are starting to hurt. Could this be a symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome? I hope not! To avoid experiencing this agonizing pain, I searched for a palm rest for my keyboard last night. I went to Best Buy in Daytona Beach, I found only one unit in-stock at $19.99 retail. Expensive! I checked out Target, and I came out of the store with the same frustration. The last stop of the night - Office Depot in Ormond Beach. Luckily, I found a wireless keyboard with palm rest feature for only $20.00! Its regular retail price is $35.00. Instead of getting the palm rest alone for $13.00, and I got a new whole keyboard for 20 bucks. Big difference! Great find!
Last month, our little mushroom had her annual eye check-up. As you know, it a must for people who already have eyesight issues. It is during this exam that the optometrist will determine whether to change the magnification of the lenses or not. After the procedure, sad to say, it was determined that she needed a higher-powered lenses henceforth. It is her third year of being a bona fide four-eyed child. Am I happy about it? Yes, of course.
During her 1st grade year, the teacher noticed that our little mushroom flinched whenever she looked at the class’ white board. She officially informed us through a letter. I was in a state of denial. I am in my early 30′s and I have no problem with my eyes. No one in my immediate family wears prescription glasses The mushroom has my genes. She should be fine. I stalled the eye doctor visit for a month, even if I had no problem regarding vision insurance or getting an appointment. The reality had not sinked in yet. Eventually, I picked up the phone and dialed the doctor’s office. The visit served as an eye-opener. I could have impeded my child’s learning process if I had not set aside my childish perception about prescription glasses for kids. It’s the best decision I had. For three years (and counting), she is in the gifted program of her school. She continues to amaze me with things she learns by herself, not just academically but as well as in sports.
The best part about this whole experience – wearing glasses is becoming a fashion statement. Some people wear them even if they do not really need it. It has become all about aesthetics. Our little mushroom likes her cool-looking glasses and has her own collection.
The American Cancer Society will hold its Relay for Life of Ormond Beach on June 4-5, 2011. The events includes the the famous Survivor Lap, which will begin at 12:30pm on June 4, 2011.
Realy for Life
Visit their website for more details www.relayforlife.org/ormondbeachfl.
Wired magazine, along with Smart Money, has been my sleeping pill at night. I ditched the novels and pocketbooks a long time ago. Whenever I need to sleep but still feels so much awake, reading an article is my trick. Most of the times, it gets so interesting that sleeping is put aside for another hour or two.
There is one featured article in the Wired March 2011 issue that I have been meaning to blog about. It is entitled “Made in the USA” by Brendan I. Koerner. The 4-page article is very informative and eye-opening. It is primarily about importing goods from China. Right now, there is much going on in the global manufacturing and supply chain industry – the rising cost of Chinese labor, the rising shipping cost, the decreasing cost of robots, etc.
One US company in particular, Sleek Audio, decided to move their production stateside. With all the chaos, this company experienced major delays in shipment and massive sales returns due to quality issues. Consequently, they lost some customers. Thus, the decision is necessary and logical. Somewhat, I am happy with the said decision. It will eventually help improve the labor market in the US, which will increase the purchasing power of the people. Even if it means more expensive selling price of products, it remains a good decision. It is a win-win situation.
Source: Wired Magazine, March 2011 issue
Anyway, I do not want to share all the details of the said article. Grab a copy, if you still can.
Home-made meatballs with shredded cabbage
So what I do now – I mix any kind of vegetable in my cooking. I put a little bit of spinach in my shrimp fresh ramen soup, a little bit of cabbage in my home-made meatballs and hamburger patties, a little bit of cubed cucumber with vinaigrette as a side dish. As long as the vegetable does not overpower the meat, she is fine with it. So far, no complains. The experiment to induce veggies continues.
This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Pier 1 for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
It is officially the first day of spring! It is a start of a new season, a new set of scenery, and a new set of blooms. What is a better way than to enjoy such wonderful climate and scene while lounging in your outdoor living space, reading your favorite book or sipping your favorite cool drink. It is also the time to rethink of your outdoor furniture. Is it time to get a hip and contemporary set? Colorful? Flowery? Bold? Basic? Regardless of your criteria, there is one place that has been a must-stop for anyone shopping for furniture and décor, be it for your house interior needs or your outdoor living space. You must be thinking of what I am thinking – it is the Pier 1 Imports store.
Various unique, colorful and quality outdoor furniture and décor from all over the world are already on sale. Their products have very distinct elegance and look. When you see one, you will know it. In fact, it has become a status quo to own Pier 1 Imports products. It is like a trophy. Take for example their wicker-inspired furniture. It ranges from the iconic Papasan chairs and table base, Swingasan, the classic swivel chair, and my favorite, the outdoor wicker rocker and sette. It is well-made and stylish. Though imported, these furniture and décor are reasonably priced. As they say, you pay for quality and style. Besides, the store also offers great bargains. Sign up for a special in-store offer for this weekend.
To keep abreast with their sales and promo, check our their Pier 1 Outdoor newsletter. If you a blogger for Pier 1 Imports, they will have a Pier 1 Tweetups to be held at various cities in the USA – March 22 for Dallas, April 5 for Atlanta and April 20 for New York City.
Look what I bought today? The book – How to Win Friends & Influence People!
I was a bit disappointed though. I did not come home with the digicam that I hoped to buy – Nikon Coolpix P100. Best Buy no longer have it. On a brighter note, Nikon Coolpix P500 will be available in the market soon. It definitely has better specification at the same price. I just hope that, it will be avilable sooner than March 25.
This is probably one trait that I am not keen of. Based on my observation, I see this common in Filipinos. I do not get it. I take things at its face value. No sugarcoating. No flowery words. I do not assume – read the first 3 letters of this word. Say your piece, and let us get it done and over with. Don’t beat around the bush. Your action speaks so loudly that, your words can not be heard. If you get offended, say something. We are not Jean Grey’s or Prof X’s of the world.
I guess, I just have to face the reality – each person is unique. Different strokes for different folks. I, myself, have traits to change too. Most of the time, my mouth is faster than my brain. Straightforward or tactless, I do not really care which I belong. But it is indeed something that I need to ponder on and change. Oh yes, I also have a streak of mean-ness in my body. Sorry, folks.
All I can say is – Sigh!
Thankfully my dollar angel reminded me to file our amendment for tax year 2007 today!
Since IRS allows to amend tax returns within 3 years after the date of submission of the original returns, I almost did not make it to the deadline. In this case, it is April 17, 2011 for tax year 2007. It would have been a case of an opportunity lost due to procrastination, which would surely send me to having sleepless nights.
The background -
The Knight used H&R Block as his tax preparer every year. On September 2007, my daughter and I arrived here in the US. According to the H&R Block staff, we did not qualify for the residency requirement, thus the Knight could not claim us as part of his exemptions and as dependents. Though already married at that time, he filed as “Single and No dependent”. When translated to dollars – he paid almost $5000+ in taxes. That’s a lot! Anyway, we let it go and went on with our lives. We trusted that the tax preparer knew what she was doing and she must be right. We did not question her even if we’re doubtful. Come to find out – she was dead wrong! Year 2008, we still used the same lady. She missed something again! I amended our 2008 tax returns myself. No more H&R Block this time (even if it was for free)! I challenged myself – tax preparation should be easy for somebody with a business degree. I was able to do it. Take note – amendment is calculated and filed manually. It felt like one of those accounting exams that I had in college. You know – the feeling that says, get the bottom figure right or you’re screwed! After that, I save my household hundred of dollars in tax preparation each year.
Lesson learned – when in doubt, ask.
Congrats to my fellow Ateneans for bagging the 2nd top performing school during the Philippine Nurse Licensure Examination held last December 2010! As usual, XU never fails to make its alumni high and proud. From Ormond Beach to XU Campus – CONGRATS!
Here is the complete list of the Top 10 Schools:
1. St. Paul University – Iloilo (100% passing)
2. Xavier University (98.48% passing)
3. New Era University (98.04% passing)
4. Pamantasan ng Lungosd ng Maynila (97.45% passing)
5. University of St. Louis – Tuguegarao (94.81% passing)
6. Silliman University (94.18% passing)
7. University – Lucban (91.67% passing)
8. Emedios T Romualdez Medical Foundation (91.39% passing)
9. San Pedro College – Davao City (89.67% passing)
Forgive me. I have been slacking lately. There is really no excuse, but for what it is worth – it had been a really crazy 2 weeks for me. I finally took a step in fulfilling one goal – to earn my masters in a US-based institution. I submitted my application to a nearby university for part-time classes. Now, I need to complete a long list of pre-requisite docs.
Oh man, I just realized how complicated it is to enroll for graduate courses here in the US. On top of that, XU, the school where I attended my BSBM and (some) MBA in the Philippines is not cooperating. See, I already earned 21 credits in MBA. I am sort of hoping that some of these credits will be transferred towards my graduate-schooling here. On 01/30, I sent an email to my former school to get the syllabus of the courses that I completed. The evaluation firm needs it. As for the transcript of records, no problem, I got it covered. The evaluation process is pretty expensive, and I will not take the risk submitting my documents without the syllabus. Also, they will have to assess both my bachelors and masters course-by-course.
Sad to say, up to now, I never heard from them. Even a simple acknowledgement that they got my email – nothing, zero, zilch, nada, ! It is either somebody is not doing his job or they just do not care. Just imagine my disappointment. The university that I am applying will transfer up to 12 credits. That’s about $6,000.00 savings for me! Also, if I do not go through the evaluation process, that means, I need to take the TOEFL or IELTS exam. That is another expense, and hopefully, do not have to enroll in English 101 again.
That’s it for now – everything is still in a blur until my alma mater, XU, hear my request. Who knows, I may be able to catch the Summer classes.
The accidental artist – these are the words that came from our little mushroom’s mouth when she got the news from her art teacher that one of her artwork, the Native American Sandpaper Picture, in class was chosen to be a part of an art exhibit in Museum of Arts & Sciences in Daytona Beach. “She has no creative bones in her body!” as what the knight said laughing out loud. The little mushroom replied, “I know! I was not even trying my best when I did this work!”
The knight and I were skeptical about it, but it was put to an end when we personally read the letter from the school notifying us of the said 3-day event. Accordingly, ten masterpieces were chosen every grade level to participate in the said art contest. Hers is one of them! Even though the mushroom did not win, we still felt like a winner! Just being chosen was already an achievement.
As usual, she never fails to surprise us of her hidden talents. I should say, “accidental” talents. Just like what they say in the music industry – one hit wonder. LOL!
