Atlantis The Palm Hotel in Dubai

This is one amazing hotel! I have always heard and read about the "Lost city of Atlantis" -- now someone has recreated it and made it a wonder. I wouldn't be surprised if this makes it to the top places to visit and stay at.

I would definitely not mind going there in the future when we can save enough (room rates start at $454 per night) and the kids are a bit older. A good reason to pay my relatives in Dubai a visit ;)

This hotel is just new and opened September of this year (2008). Check some of the hotel's features in this photo gallery.

This is the hotel's official website: http://www.atlantisthepalm.com

I am excited. I just learned that they are making another Superman movie that is to be released in June of 2009. For most of the people that know me, I am a Superman fan. I loved the Superman series with Christopher Reeves so much that when I learned they were coming out with Superman Returns (2006), I was really anxious as to whether they can keep up with the "standard" that fans loved (like me!) especially with Christopher Reeves being Superman. Anyway, after I watched the movie, I was impressed -- they stuck with the "standard" and I thought the guy (Brandon Routh) who played as Superman did a really great job in portraying Superman and Clark Kent's role. I can not wait now to see the next Superman movie that is coming out in the summer of 2009. I just hope it is as good as the last one.

Oh, fun times... brings back childhood memories.

PS. I love Superman. :) (Of course, I love my hubby more than Superman. My hubby is Superman too ;) )

The Ugliest Facebook Profile You Will Ever See!

"...this is definitely the ugliest Facebook profile I have ever seen."

read more | digg story

Google Me

Got the idea from Meryl...

Type in the following and choose the first choice (that makes sense) that appears on the list:

1) Type in “[your name] needs” in Google search:

~ Laurie needs to read for CBE Certification

2) Type in “[your name] looks like” in Google search:

~ Laurie looks like an average girl, but all the doctors know there is something strange about her. (I wonder what... hehe)

3) Type in “[your name] likes” in Google search:

~ Laurie likes Books Blog

4 ) Type in “[your name] says” in Google search:

~ Laurie says he's battling depression (This is Hugh Laurie)

5) Type in “[your name] wants” in Google search:

~ Laurie wants to raise awareness after Finance's tragic Sudden...

6) Type in “[your name] does” in Google search:

~ Laurie does the bumper cars (This is Hugh Laurie, again)

7) Type in “[your name] hates” Google search

~ Laurie hates the airport (and Hugh Laurie once again)

8) Type in “[your name] goes”

~ Laurie goes on a diet (I should, shouldn't I?)

9) Type in “[your name] loves” in Google search:

~ Laurie loves The Children's Books

10) Type in”[your name] is” in Google search:

~ Laurie is "overweight" (Nooo!!! --- hence, the diet ;))

My Comfort Zone

Lately, I am finding myself heading to my computer when I feel stressed or just want a break and get away from everything. Is that weird or what? I feel like my comfort zone (as of lately) is my computer. Even if I don't exactly need to do anything. I'd try to check emails, check blogs, surf the net or write a post (like I am doing right now!). I do however, DO a lot of work on my computer -- mainly for work, and I do a lot of banking online, my accounting is done thru the computer with my accounting software, I do most of my shopping online, etc.

I can't exactly get out of the house and drive somewhere because I don't have my own vehicle. And besides, I don't really feel like driving especially when I am stressed.

So right now... my computer will do fine and keep me company.

Today I am feeling exhausted. I guess that is part of being a Mom to 2 very active and inquisitive kids. Aside from being a stay-at-home-mom, having a part-time job can be quite taxing. Not to mention all the household chores that comes with being a wife and the Woman-of-the-House.

I was able to get a couple loads of laundry done, folded but not put away yet! Actually, I have a basket of laundry sitting beside me as I type in hopes that I fold while surfing the net and chatting to some friends and family online.

Sometimes, the pressures of running a household can get overwhelming. It feels like you keep working, but your work never gets done. This is so true with having 2 kids. You clean one room, and then as soon as you get to the next, the room you just cleaned is a mess again. Well, I'm not complaining... I love that fact of having kids and the fact that they are happy, healthy and active. They are pretty good with keeping their toys away (if and when you tell them). It doesn't happen automatically yet. But we're working on it. They're still too young to get the concept yet, I think.

I feel at a loss right now, my oldest is 2 years and I am wondering... should he be knowing his alphabet's by sight and know how to at least write them? When do kids usually learn to do those? I guess it is just because I hear from some mom's that they did those with their kids and that their kids knows how to read and write their ABC's at 2. Well, to be truthful... I really haven't worked with him on that as much as I want to. Is it generally true that boys have a shorter span of attention? It sometimes frustrates me when we play "school" that I cannot keep him interested in what I am trying to show or teach him for more than 10 minutes. I feel such an insufficient mom sometimes.

But well... I can always be better. They say, the biggest room for change is improvement (or something like that). So, I guess I will just have to keep trying.

ChoiceFilets.com : This one is sure to make you Salivate

It's rare that I come across a website that actually makes me salivate, but today I came across one that had a great design and very delicious imagery. Being a designer myself, I definitely could appreciate the great use of colors and imagery. It made me hungry just looking at it.

-----------------------

If you are looking for great steaks, smoked meats, delicious desserts and appetizers, and so much more, this is the site to go. I just made my first purchase today and can't wait to get it. I will come back to rate and comment on the quality of food they have.

read more | digg story

Jun 27 -- Friday's Feast

Appetizer

What is the weather like today where you live?

It was a lil' warm earlier this morning, but then towards the afternoon it rained... hard. It is still in the 70's tonight, though.

Soup

On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how career-minded are you?

I should say a low 2. Even though, I own 2 businesses (together with my husband), I am so very much inclined in being a SAHM. I never was into the 'go out into the world and compete career-wise'. SAHM and running/owning your own lil' business works for me.

Salad

What type of window coverings do you have in your home? Blinds, curtains, shutters, etc.?

I have both blinds and curtains.

Main Course

Name something that instantly cheers you up.

My kids coming up to me unexpectedly just to give me a hug or kiss. Or a nice cup of hot chocolate drink. A phone call from home.

Dessert

How many times do you hit the snooze button on a typical morning?

My hubby does (at least 5 times). I usually don't get up (even with the annoying alarm going off) unless the kids wake me up and sometimes if I am lucky, I can get them to lay with me in bed for a couple more minutes.

Friday's Feast

Appetizer

If you could live on another continent for 1 year, which one would you choose?

I think I would choose Europe. There are a lot of places in Europe that I would love to visit, and from pictures and talks from people that have been there, it is gorgeous.

Soup

Which browser do you use to surf the Internet?

Mozilla Firefox

Salad

On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being highest), how much do you know about the history of your country?

About 7, 8... don't exactly remember dates or places.

Main Course

Finish this sentence: Love is…

a many splendored thing

Dessert

Have you ever been in or near a tornado?

Thankfully, no.

To participate, visit Friday's Feast!

Female Language [men need to learn]

The List Of Nine Words Of the Female Language That Men Need To Learn If They Wish To Survive.

Women have their own language. Men need to learn at least a part of this Foreign Tongue for survival. Every man alive on this planet should print the following list, memorize it, and keep it on their person at all times. (After reading it, I would say this is about 99% accurate.)

1. Fine: This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.

2. Five Minutes: If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before doing some chore around the house.

3. Nothing: This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with "nothing" usually end in "fine".

4. Go Ahead: This is a dare, not permission. Don't do it, or you will pay.

5. Loud Sigh: This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to # 3 for the meaning of nothing.)

6. That's Okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements a women can make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.

7. Thanks: A woman is thanking you, do not question. Just say you're welcome. (I want to add in a clause here - This is true, unless she says "Thanks a lot" - that is PURE sarcasm and she is not thanking you at all. DO NOT say "you're welcome" ... that will bring on a "whatever").

8. Whatever: Is a women's non-profane way of saying @#!&% YOU!

9. Don't worry about it, I got it: Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking "What's wrong?" For the woman's response refer to # 3. Send this link to the men you know, to warn them about arguments they can avoid if they remember the terminology. Send this link to all the women you know to give them a good laugh, because they know it's true.

A Happy Father's Day indeed

" He didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it. ~Clarence Budington Kelland"

Father's Day has just passed. My husband, the kids and I had a great time with his parents at Bay Beach. We had a picnic there and walked through the Wildnerness Nature preserve. The kids rode on a lot of rides and my 2-year old son even got to ride a pony. Oh, was he ecstatic! He always wanted to ride a horse. He would ride his toy horses, even the itty-bitty ones -- and now he got to ride a REAL horse (well, a pony... but to him it is the real thing). I think that pony ride and riding the airplane MADE his day. Making our kids day (esp our son's day), made my husband's day. To him this is Father's Day.

Father's Day for my husband is all about having fun this day being a DAD. Our lives, especially dad's are so busy taking care of and providing for the family's day-to-day needs that seldom can he take the time to really enjoy and be a dad to his kids. Personally, we had been so busy with work, especially my husband, working a full-time job and running his own business--leaves very little time to play and have one-on-one time with our little ones. He decided to make his day for his kids. He planned out that we go out to Bay Beach which is mostly for kids and family.

There is a book that Jeb just ordered, which was recommended to him, in how to raise your son to be the man that he is. I was curious about the book so, I tied to get a glimpse of it over the internet and I thought it would be a really good book to read. The book is titled: "Wild at Heart: Discovering the Secret of a Man's Soul" by John Eldredge. Just the few pages that I have read from the excerpts made me say, "this would be a really good book for my husband and all the father's and men out there to read--even for me to really get to know my man... and my son."

No water heater

I don't have any hot water. The city must have turned off the gas lines. This is my first time to take a cold shower in a very long time. I used to take cold showers all the time while I was still living in the Philippines, even in a colder climate place (like Eden). So, I should be used to it, right? Besides, it is warming up a little bit here too and been a lil' bit humid. At least we still have power (electricity). I heard in some places here in town, they even have no electricity... so I am thankful for the water -- even if it is not hot.

I had to give the kids their baths at Mom/Dad's today while we were over there for dinner. I don't think the kids can handle colder water yet. Hopefully, we get our heat back and be able to be spoiled with hot/warm water on tap again. :-p

This week has been such a busy week, I am soooo glad for the Sabbath. God knew when He created the Sabbath day for us. We definitely need the break and reflect on Him. Have a Happy Sabbath everyone and please help pray for those people who are affected by the flooding and storms that just went through.

A community lake in the middle of town

This is the most rain we have had in a long time. Yesterday afternoon, the kids and I were 'camped out' in our hallway and bathroom, waiting for the thunderstorm and tornado warnings to pass. It rained so much and so hard with thunders and lightnings -- it is just awesome! With all the rain of course, comes flooding. Our backyard and garden was flooded again. I shall say at least a good 4 inches of water. After the storm subsided for awhile I went outside to check around. I was curious because from my window in the office, I kept seeing cars drive by our road, and then they stop and then they drive backwards. I saw maybe at least 5 cars do it. I thought to myself... what crazy drivers. Are they just out to have fun?

I went out to see what was going on, people are starting to flock down the intersection of Park and 7th Street (our street). Wow, the entire Park/7th street is flooded up to waist deep. I took some pictures but my video camera don't do much justice with taking pictures of it. I did take some video footage though and hopefully you can see just how crazy-awesome it is (If and when I get them uploaded). It is like a little water park :) We have our very own wading pool. When cars and trucks drive by it makes quite the waves... Jordan loved it. It is also funny to see quite a few people out there in their swimming trunk/suits. Anyway, my kids had a fun time being outside for a little while playing in our flooded backyard, until it rained again. This is definitely the day you don't want to be out driving in the streets.

I love thunderstorms. :) AND I love playing in the rain and puddles. :) I am such a kid at heart yet. They remind me of fun childhood memories.

I feel bad for the people who live close by the floodings and have their basements flooded. I have heard of some people I know who had problems with their basement flooding or rental units. Insurance companies sure would have a lot of cases from people claiming their flood insurances. I am glad I don't have a basement yet and won't have to worry of it flooding. The next house we will be getting though would be a little bigger one with a basement. We'll just have to make sure our sump-pump works well, especially in weathers like this.

Too much rain makes lake disappear?

It has been raining so much these past week with thunderstorms and all that my garden got a good 1-2 inches or more of water, and my pond was full to the top. The water has receded now and all is good again. But this is nothing compared to some other areas here in Wisconsin. I heard from my dad-in-law that Wisconsin Dells' Lake Delton is gone. Because of the storms, the water level rose so high the lake 'made' a new path and drained itself into the Wisconsin river. Crazy. The lake is gone, maybe only 10% of the water is left. Here is a link to a news article about the flooding and lake.

It is sad. Wisconsin Dells is a big summer and tourist spot for vacationists, as well as the site for our annual Feast of Tabernacles. So much for the Duck tour rides, water shows (like the Tommy Bartlette shows), etc. Click here to see pictures of the floodings and effects of the storm here in some parts of Wisconsin. The lake in Wisconsin Dells, is a man-made lake by the way (I never knew it... looks too real to me!), so maybe they can repair it and fill it back up again. For how long? I don't know.

I've been tagged, again.

One Word Meme

Kimberly tagged me . . . Here goes!

Answer each question with one word and then tag four friends.

Manic Monday One Word MeMe

1. Where is your cell phone? Somewhere

2. Your significant other? Husband

3. Your hair? Long

4. Your mother? Sings

5. Your father? Preaches

6. Your favorite thing? Happiness

7. Your dream last night? Nonexistent

8 Your favorite drink? Hot-chocolate

9. Your dream/goal? Kingdom

10. The room you’re in? Office

11. Your hobby? Creating

12. Your fear? Torture

13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? "Home"

14. What you’re not? White

15. Muffins? Blueberry

16. One of your wish list items? Fulfilled

17. Where you grew up? Philippines

18. The last thing you did? Blinked

19. What are you wearing? Clothes

20. Favorite Gadget? Computer

21. Your pets? Birsh (Fish and Bird ;))

22. Your computer? Upgraded

23. Your mood? Content

24. Missing someone? Yup

25. Your car? Truck

26. Something you’re not wearing? Glasses

27. Favorite store? Kohl’s

28. Like someone? Yes

29. Your favorite color? Purple

30. When is the last time you laughed? Today

31. Last time you cried? Forgotten

I am tagging:

Danny
Phou
Ate Sarah
Ann

Here are the rules:

1. The rules of the game get posted at the beginning.
2. Each player answers the questions about themselves.
3. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5-6 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog.
4. Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve posted your answer.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

1) What was I doing 10 years ago?

Hmm... I would have been turning 18... Just started off with college, taking BS in Computer Science. Life was a little rough, new place to live in, new school, new church... chaos but I lived, had fun and learned nevertheless.

2) What are five things on your to-do list for today?

Let's see...

- Finish doing laundry and folding
- Finish wrapping the Mother's Day little gifts (to be distributed at church on Saturday)
- Clean the house
- Pick up groceries
- Make Friday night dinner

3) What snacks do I enjoy?

Chips, Nuts, Fruit, Sandwiches

4) Things I would do if I were a billionaire?

Donate some to the church to do the Work, pay off all outstanding debts, set up both my families' future... and my kids... invest.

5) Three Bad Habits

(1) Procrastinate (2) Not exercising as much, (3) Staying up too late and being lazy in the mornings

6) 5 places I have lived… (present to then)

-Fond du Lac, WI USA
-Eldorado, WI USA
-Davao City, Philippines (Mindanao)
-Silay City, Negros Occidental, Philippines (Visayas)
-San Pedro, Laguna, Philippines (Luzon)

... been and lived all over the Philippines.

7) 5 Jobs I have had

-worked for a summer at a General Merchandising store/warehouse
-assist at the UCG-Philippines office Mailing department
-Computer Graphics designer
-Co-Owner / Owner for Black Tie Solutions, LLC, Phlower Cards, LLC
-Contractual Web Master for Hexagon Metrology, Inc.

... and a full-time Mom

Six suckers, er people I want to know more about…

1 Chery
2 Meryl
3 Isis
4 Ann
5 Phou
...

To all BSG (Battlestar Gallactica) fans, like me. Here's some news on the coming Season 4.

http://blog.wired.com/underwire/2008/03/last-night-the.html

Be aware, if you haven't finished Season 3 yet... there are Season 3 spoilers in that article.

Ohhh... I am excited, can't wait. Yes, I've "turned to the dark-side" (quoting from my sis-in-laws' description of a geek). What can I say, I am married to one!

Battlestar Gallactica

Just got done watching the last episode of Battlestar Gallactica's Season 3... and it is driving me insane! April is not coming soon enough... I tell you, as much as me not being a big Sci-Fi gal, my hubby got me hooked to Battlestar Gallactica.

The only TV shows series I am interested in before was Smallville, and now I don't care much of what Smallville has to offer compared to Battlestar. I think they overdid and over-stretched Smallville. It is actually getting really silly, compared to Battlestar.

Anyway, enough of my ramblings.... but really that was a really neat and interesting end to Battlestar Gallactica's Season 3. Can't wait to watch the next season's episodes.

What a Surprise!

Okay... the "Daddy and Son" day was actually a conspiracy between my hubby, my sister, the WHOLE family (even Jebby's parents), and Jordan... BUT ME!!!

He went to Milwaukee to pick up my sister in the airport. My sister, Cheryl was giving me a surprise visit for a whole week! Funny, the dad and son day was mostly spent in the airport. Jeb has misread my sisters' flight itinerary. He thought her plane arrives at 10:45am, but actually that was the time she was leaving the Denver airport. So, he and Jordan waited in the airport for 4+hours. My hub said that Jordan was very good the whole time. They walked around the airport and probly went up and down the escalators a dozen times. He even got Jordan a little airplane souvenir.

All these time I thought they were actually somewhere having a grand 'ol time playing and such... they were in the airport.

When they arrived, my hubby hurriedly walked in the door and asked me to take Jordan out the truck 'cause he has to use the bathroom so bad. Okay, I put my snow boots on and walked to the truck on Jordan's side to take him out of his car seat. When I opened the door, I noticed the blanket that I placed in the truck (for emergencies like being stranded in the snow or such), was draped over something. And then, it moved... and then a faced poke out the blanket. That startled me, that I actually screamed! I thought someone got in the truck while Jeb was away. Enough to say, I took a good look at the "supposedly stranger tag-along" and it was my sister!.... and then I screamed again. This time because I was so happy and excited.

I kinda had a hunch that something was up. I kinda pieced pieced together of things I have heard/read and just the whole "strangeness" of it all. My hubby was very vague of where he would be taking Jordan and every time I ask him what his plan was, it was a different answer. Weeks ago, he kept insisting that I clean out the top bunkbed in the kids room in case his friend Mike would need a place to stay for the night while he was in town. Before Jeb left for his "little outing" he asked me to bake a pie. So, little things, like my other sister Meryl calling me that day and asking how I was and what I was doing and to call her back the next day. And when I ask why... she just said, "to give her an update on how things are". Okay, that is very weird... she never asks those questions or requests in any of our conversations before. And then almost not that long after Meryl and I hang up, my mom calls me too. Earlier, my mom-in-law calls me to and asked as to what I was doing... I said, I was tidying up the house and getting the most out of the time that I don't have Jordan to distract me. Later that day, she calls me up again and says that we are having dinner at their house. Weeks earlier, I was able to accidentally see a conference convo between my sister Cheryl and my mom about a supposedly "surprise visit", but I brushed the idea off when I confronted Jeb about the idea. All the more I got suspiscious is when my sister messages him on chat.

Granted all these hunches of mine, I am impressed at how my hubby kept the surprise visit a secret from me for a a little more than a month. Knowing him, I know he can't keep secrets very well... so I was totally shocked when he pulled this off. It is a great surprise and worth it :) Throughout the whole day, I was keeping my hunch a wish and hope that it would come true. I guess that's what kept me motivated to tackle a lot of things that Sunday.

Rainy Dad & Son Day

It's been raining all morning, kinda nice actually (except for all the ice on the roads, streets and on everything!) In fact we have a Winter Weather Alert for our area. We're expecting some freezing rain, sleet and snow for the days' forecast. It says some parts of the country will have about 6-12 inches of snow. Well, so far I do not see any snow where I live... I don't know about later in the afternoon though. At least the temperatures are high enough for the water not to freeze that much. It is 33 deg right now.

Today, my dear hubby took our little boy for a "Dad & Son" day. They left about an hour and a half ago... I am not sure as to where he is taking him, but I'm sure it will be a special day for both of them. Dear hub says that they plan to be back by noon and in the afternoon, he plans to take me out. I again don't know where or anything what he plans for later on. I'm kinda growing anxious and excited at the same time.

Hubby just called and said that they just got down to Milwaukee. I guess that's where they were going, he didn't say where in Milwaukee though. He says that the traffic was really slow because of the bad icy roads. When he first told me to set this day for their "date", he said that he was planning to take Jordan to the Milwaukee Museum, but was planning on changing that plan. But I'll find out as soon as they get home. He says that he and the Jordan are already having fun. He says, they'll be home around 3pm because of the bad roads, but says it should mess his plan yet for tonight.

I'm glad they can have that time together... just him and the our boy. He plans to have a Dad & Son day once a month, if possible. I thought that would be a very great idea and a special thing for them both.

Anyway, I need to get going and take advantage of this day that I can get a lot done not having a little boy to attend to :-p My little girl is taking her morning nap now. I need to tackle the kitchen, laundry, maybe scrub the kitchen and bathroom floors... and Jebby asked me to bake him a pineapple pie. So, that is on my list for today... got to get going!

* * * *

3:50 pm

The weather here has turned to be pretty nasty now. It started snowing about 12:15pm... and it is still snowing, and foggy... and windy. Jeb and Jordan are on their way home. I just talked to Jeb a little bit ago and said they should be home within the next 40-45 minutes, if everything goes well (traffic, roads, etc.) I hope and pray they get home safe. I can just imagine how nasty the roads can be. Snow/slush over ice/slush... yeah, bad.

I had quite a productive day today. Got a few loads of laundry done (still folding the last load), tidied up the kitchen, picked up all around the house, vacuumed, baked my pie... Yes, it's been a good fulfilling day. I love the feeling when you see that you accomplished something, even as small as tidying up the house. And Aubrey has been such a good girl for me.

Looks like hubby just got home... laters.

Snow... and more snow!

I'm loving it! We have had TONS of snow as of these past weeks. Last week we had AT LEAST a foot of snow and on Thursday we had another 8 inches at least, and then it is forecasted that we'll have another 5-10" (inches) of snow for Saturday night thru Sunday. My hub says that we haven't had a winter with this much snow in almost 20 years. I guess the weather comes in cycles too. Anyway, the kids and I had fun shoveling snow last Thursday. It's so cute when my little boy tries to walk through the snow and then flops into the snow... the snow is almost half his height. We took some pictures of the snow and all, which I hope to upload later. (I know I have been slacking on the pictures updates as well -- been really busy lately.)

I do love the snow but I don't care much for when the temperature is below zero, which has been lately!

Well, I know some people have been asking why I haven't updated in a while (I'm trying to spend less time on the computer and more time playing with the kids. And if I am on the computer, I need to do work). So, here's a quick, random post for you. I'll try my best to give you a more detailed update soon!

PS. By the way, I just want to let you know that I am going to be an aunt three times this year. My sister-in-law's Kim (a girl, around June) and Lora (around October) are expecting a baby, and then my sister, Cheryl is expected to have her baby around October as well. The extended family is growing!!! :)

New blog!

Blogging has been quite popular lately and I thought I'd try creating a blog to posts other random and ramblings that I usually don't post on my personal website.