Toothache

I've been waking up with a terrible toochache the last 3 days...and it really sucks! J has already told me numerous times to schedule an appointment with the dentist. But I dont want to. Dentists are on my hate list. Quite honestly, I've never had my teeth pulled by a dentist. The last time I had my teeth checked was when I was 17 and that was only because it was one of the requirements in college. Sauna kung maghingo akong ngipon, ako ra man hiktan ug tanod, ipabira dayon sa manghud.

As I am writing this, it feels like somebody is pounding my teeth with a hammer. It really hurts. Mura ko'g malipong sa kasakit. Makalagot! I feel like kicking the dog just because my teeth is aching.

I guess i'll consider J's suggestion. But i'm not sure yet.

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Introducing...

...Buddy. Yup, that's my dog's name. He is a cross between a Pekingese and a French Bulldog, thus called American Bullnese. It's actually a new breed started by Robert Rice of Jacksonville, FL in 1989. He is only a year and six months old and he's no taller than a purebred French bulldog.

Fun Facts about Buddy:

• He snorts. Yes, that's true. Whenever he hears something or sees somebody outside (like the neighbor or the mailman), he snorts...and it gets real loud too. Hardly ever does he bark.
• He snores...especially when he's in a deep sleep. It's kinda funny and annoying at the same time.

I love buddy. He's more than just a dog to me. He was a gift given by my husband when I first got here.

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"So-so" Untraceable

We just came home from watching the movie "Untraceable". I love suspense movies but this one isn't really as suspenseful as I thought it would be. I like movies that make me think and guess. On this movie though, they revealed the killer's identity much too early, and that just ruined it. I wished we watched "27 Dresses" instead. That might have been worth the time and money.

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Minding Our Own Business

It's tough enough trying to create a life of serenity when dealing with our own mental tendencies, real-life problems, habits and the contradictions and complexities of life. But when we feel compelled to deal with other people's issues, our goal of becoming more peaceful becomes all but impossible.

How often do we find ourselves saying things like, "I wouldn't do that if I were her," or "I can't believe he did that." How often are we frustrated, bothered, annoyed, or concerned about things that we not only cannot control or be of actual help with, but are also none of our business?

I'm not saying that we should avoid being of help to other people. Rather, it's about knowing when to help and when to leave something alone. I used to be the type of person who would jump in and try to solve a problem without being asked. Not only did my efforts prove fruitless, they were also almost always unappreciated, and sometimes even resented. Since recovering from my need to be overly involved, my life has become much simpler. And, now that i'm not butting in where i'm not wanted, i'm far more available to be of help when I am asked or truly needed.

Minding our own business goes far beyond simply avoiding the temptation to try to solve other people's problems. It also includes eavesdropping, talking behind other people's backs, and analyzing or trying to figure out other people.
Whenever I catch myself involve where I really don't belong, I always try to back off and oftentimes, it makes me feel better. I'd rather focus my attention where it's truly relevant and needed.

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Citizen Soldiers

I love this song. I first saw this video at the movie theater. I don't like war but it's inevitable. Even the Bible talks about it. We must really be in the last days!

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Hairstyle Resources

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Unplanned Weekend Getaway

Hubby and I went to Pompano Beach last week to check on a property. It was a long and tedious drive for my husband but for me, it was fun -- only because I love going to different places. Adventure is in my blood and having a father in the army didn't help either. When we were still young, we used to go to places where my father was designated. Lanao del Sur was one of those places, specifically Kalawi. We befriended muslim kids, swam at Lake Lanao almost every morning and even learned their dialect a little. But that was a long time ago. And for me as a kid then, that was an adventure.

And so, J* and I left the house at 10:00 pm for a 5-hour drive to Pompano Beach. By 12 midnight, we were already on Alligator Alley. The name of this 84-mile stretch alone is scary as it traverses the Everglades which is home to the creatures that gave this highway its very name - "Alligators". I surely didn't see one but it doesn't mean they weren't there. And it was so dark and foggy that J* had to reduced the speed. Thankfully, there weren't a lot of vehicles on that road that night.

A good sleep would have been nice but unfortunately, we didn't go to sleep until 3 am and we had to wake up early for the business meeting at 11 am. We've already decided to go back to the hotel to get more sleep after the meeting but we went to Miami instead. We just drove around and stop by Starbucks to get some Latte and Frappucino and then we headed home. We were about an hour away from Orlando when J* asked me if I wanted to spend the weekend at Disneyworld. So, I bought 2 tickets by phone immediately just in case hubby's mind will change..hehe. Luckily, one of our condos in Orlando was vacant so we didn't spend any money for hotel reservation.

That weekend was grand and we had so much fun.

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Introspections

I miss the Philippines. I miss home.

I don't get stricken by homesickness all the time. It's only when I think of how nice it would have been if we went on a vacation to Iligan City during the holidays or how nice it would be if I could go back to the Philippines next week. You see, I already had a round-trip ticket bound to the Philippines for next week supposedly...but I cancelled it. I had to. It's a conflict of schedule. The worst thing about it was I already told my family that I was coming and it was so heartbreaking to take it back. I shouldn't have told them. I hate giving people false hope especially that it's my family. I'm just glad they understand...at least, I hope they do.

The only person that keeps my spirit up right now is my husband. I am so lucky to have somebody in my life who understands and accepts not only the good things in me but as well as my shortcomings. And for that, I thank my husband and I thank God with all my heart.

I have really been blessed. And I am so thankful most especially for the intangible blessings that God had given me. To be able to love and be loved, forgive, understand and accept...these are just a few of the many grateful things that I am so thankful for. Material things deteriorate and when I die, not a single thing will be of so much value anymore, not even today that I'm still alive.

In my life, I only have one goal - before I die, I am going to "give back". Giving back not only means helping other people and sharing the blessings, it is also teaching people "how to fish" stand on their own feet. Amazingly, my husband and I share the same passion. And someday soon, we will fulfill it.

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