precious moments

University vs. College

It's been over a month since Ryan and I started our classes at Prairie State. It's been good although sometimes it is hard to joggle school, work and our second jobs. Our second jobs are ok. We started it as something to do on our day-off (Wednesdays) but when they realized we are doing really good for starters they wanted to add more on the work load. The good part about it is we can get to do it together. I help Ryan out in his store and he helps me out with mine so we are always together. Wednesdays is a very hectic day for us. We have exams every Wednesday.

         I really like it going to Prarie State College that in Governors State University.  In GSU, most of my classmates were as old as dad. Some where not too friendly but there are also some that are really friendly. PSC is situated in a busy street in Chicago Heights while GSU is located in a 750 acres of natural and preserved landscapes, coupling aesthetic surroundings . Inside, GSU has a complete library, Center for Performing Arts, Student Environmental Contract Laboratory, Follett Bookstore, cafeteria, child-care (housed within the Family Development Center ), and a fully-equipped fitness center, with swimming pool, weight room, and basketball courts. Outside, the campus is home to the world renowned Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park, the 120-acre GSU Environmental Research Preserve, an organic farm, and several ponds. You won't even know that there is a school if your driving towards GSU. Unfortunately, I can't find any  of GSU's photo. Will post soon when I get one.

       Anyways, in Prarie my classmates are really nice. I love both of my seatmates. In my right is Ryan and in my left is Meridith. Yes, her name is Meridith too . The first day of class I saw her writing notes with her name on the right top side of her notebook. I gave her a path on the back and showed her my notebook with my name in it. She smiled and said freaky and I said yes. Since then we talk a lot. Ryan said I don't have my own identity in the classroom because someone  has the same first name and last name as I do.

          My teacher in Business 101 is really old. I think he is already in his 70's. Sometimes he  can be very interesting but sometimes he can be very boring. One time it was a Monday, I was so tired and I didn't get enough rest the night before , I fell asleep in his class. I did. Have you guys experienced it when you are trying to stay awake but the more I tried pretending to be up the more my head kept on falling off. Ryan told me that one of our classmate keep on staring at me while I was doing it. I told him it was very embarassing hahaha. Ryan just keep on telling me, " Sweety 10 more minutes to go" but I was just tired but after he released us, I was up as ever .

The entire PSC building.

The Dental building where we go for our teeth cleaning.

           I can't wait till we finish school and be able to relax. I just ask Papa to get my transcripts of record and hopefully when it come in I will be able to send it to ECE and evaluate and see how many classes I need to take prior of going to the University. This is what you call "konting tiis" I guess. I can't wait for Ryan to become an accountant too, that will be very nice. But for now, we are both taking it slow.

WORK

          It is same old same old. I need to sit down with 3 of my team members for something. Our Jewelry Specialist is not doing too good in her department. The department I used to have. Apparently there is a huge miscommunication among the three of them. When I asked the Specialist, she gets defensive and blame the ladies that are working for her and when I ask the ladies, it is the specialist's fault. So we need to sit down and figure what's going on. Besides, the department has been going downhill than it used to be. It hurts me to see it that way. I don't see the pride in her or  sense of urgency at all. Her review is up so I should be able to stress it out there. Other than that,  things are ok. My exec is still mean to me. I am not sure why she always feel intimidated by me, so whenever we talk, she gets too defensive. But I let it pass. We have so much going on at one time to even think about it. On the other hand, Ryan is working on his training for another promotion. I hope everything goes well. He already passed the interview now he is on the developmental process and the leadership ek ek . I will be going for another Training in Indiana. I almost have a heart attack because I thought I will be driving over there. Luckily, Ryan is off so he can take me to Indiana. I guess that is all for now.

Have a wonderful day !

Our Second visit to Canada

First off, all I can say is we had FUN. I can actually say we had enough of Ontario for now. We have visited all the Museums, all the rides and have seen what we went there for. Both winter and summer. Although Ryan is planning to go and visit Toronto and Ottawa pretty soon.

MAILS

   Got home last Tuesday to see some surprises. First, the most waited greencard. We were hoping that I will get it before we leave for Canada but to no avail. I actually got it last Saturday. It expires in 2016. Next, was a drawing and picture of Triz in her ballet attire. I will definately put it on my table at work. Lastly, was a valentines card from Ate G. Ryan asked me about Ate G and David. He said we could have stopped by their house if he only knew that they lived in Ohio. Instead of taking Detroit, we could have taken New York, then Pennsylvania then unto Ohio then Indiana. I told him it was a  bit late anyway. Hopefully we will see them in Chicago. Lastly, Ryan got something interesting from the mail. It is from a girl from Cagayan de Oro. He got a letter and pictures of this girl that he used to correspond over 6 years ago. The mail actually went to Monee our old address and was forwarded here. They were actually talking before Ryan and I started talking. This was the time when I did not respond to Ryan's email for 2 weeks. She was hoping that Ryan is still single and if not hope that he can give her email address to Ryan's friends. He wanted not to email her back but I insisted. I don't want to her expect anything. So last night, we emailed her together and sent her our picture. I hope she will find what she is looking for.

MEETING JOHN, LANIE AND THE KIDS AGAIN

     It wasn't too bad of a ride. I think I slept 3-5 times going to Lanie's place alone. We left the house at around 3:00 pm (4:00 pm their time). Ryan decided to take the day off. I already took that day off. I was too excited to be able to leave early. We were excited and ready except one. We left the charger for the digital camera. The battery died on us. Thank God to the generousity of Larry and Mama Tess they gave us an extra battery but that's another story. When we got to Michigan it was almost 9:00 p.m. We were lost looking for Lanie's house. I think we went the wrong way. Anyways, when we finally found it, Lanie ran outside. She was freezing but was so happy to see us. It was sooo cold in Michigan but it is nothing compare to the warm welcome. I told her to wait for us inside or she will freeze outside. She gave me a hug and Ryan a hug. I gave John a hug too. We were all so happy to see each other again. 

       Dinner was yummy. I had tilapia and I think I was able to eat two of it in kinamot. The sauce was very yummy too. The house is gorgeous. It is beautifully decorated and very spacious. I love how everything is. I also love the guestroom. Talbog ang Embassy Suites , where we stayed in Canada.

The three of us goofing around infront of the camera. With Jonathan and Triz.

       Imagine free everything from breakfast to dinner. This is the third time that I have been to Lanie's house and I can see how John and her interact with each other. That house is full of love. You can see that to  the kids also.  Garin is a little cutie. I think he will be a boy version of his Ate Triz. Jonathan is learning how to talk. It's funny how he tries to insist about something I didn't understand. The get together that Saturday went well. Unfortunately I was not able to take any pictures at all because the digicam started acting up. I want to save the little battery for the falls. For some pics during the party you can check Lanie's blog. Ryan was with John and his friends during the party. They were playing some networking game in the basement. Atleast Ryan won't be bored with all the Filipinas speaking Tagalog. He really had fun though. For more pictures of our Michigan visit please  click here.

      Lanie, John and kids thank you so much for the warm welcome. We surely had fun and hope to do it again soon. Lan thank you so much for the hospitality and all the yummy food. Mao na I don't want to go home. I started crying when I bade goodbye to everybody especially to the kids. Jonathan even yelled and said "cry" and pointed at me when he saw me crying. I will get over it when we will finally have our own pretty soon.

THE DRIVE TO CANADA.

      Sunday we left for Canada with the goodies from Lanie in tow. Ryan was more nervous that they might not admit me in Canada since I only have a stamped passport. I still did not get my greencard then and plus the worry of they might not admit us with food in the back of the van. All the worries were nothing when they let us go in a breeze.

 

Ryan was excited to drive in another country. Although Canada looks like the US but he was still extra careful.

THE VIEW FROM INSIDE OUR HOTEL ROOM

MEETING MAMA TESS AND LARRY

         More  than anything else, we were both excited to get to Ontario because we will be meeting Tess and Larry that evening. I have known Tess for almost 2 years now I think. She emailed me one time when someone ignorant, can't get a man and insecure was harrassing Ryan and I in the forum. That was how our friendship started. Plus we are both Novembers. We had an half an hour rest prior to the meeting. We were so excited. We don't know how are they going to be. What are we going to talk about?  How are they like? Although I already felt that they will be how I expected them to be and I was right. Two very down to earth people.

         When Larry gave us a call in our room. We were running around like headless chickens. I was rushing Ryan up because I heard from Larry that Tess is freezing in the lobby. When we went and see them. I just gave mama Tess a hug. Finally it was all I can say. We went to the 9th floor for the manager's reception that was where we resumed our chika. Sos kay sexy baya ana ni Mama Tess. Grabe, when we are standing right next to each other, it seems like ako ang angkan haha. We had fun. Even Ryan said he felt kuno as if he has known them for a long time. Seldom will you hear Ryan talk. He actually doesn't if he is not comfortable. It was really nice to meet you guys. You both are meant for each other. Larry?  he is great. I gave me a huge big hug when we first met. He is the guy that is so easy to talk with and  easy to make him laugh. Mama Tess in the other hand is very demour. Slim kaayo and very articulate. Pinahimutang kaayo.

          To mama Tess and Larry thank you so much for crossing the border to see us. Ma, I am sorry if I wasn't able to bring you anything. I ordered something through Lia Sophia in their new catalog 2 weeks before we left but I still hasn't get it it. Will mail it as soon as I get it. Lanies and Triz was from the previous catalog. Thank you for the gifts. The stuff toys, pang add sa akong collection and the rosary. I loved it. The dvd Tuesdays with Morrie, I was crying the entire time. I will take it with us when we go visit Geri soon. By the way Mama Tess, we did good in our exams last night. Thanks for the concern.

SITE SEEING IN NIAGARA FALLS

That Monday, we ended up site seeing and visited Museums. It was freezing by the falls though. Below is my favorite picture. We always wanted to see the falls during winter. It was beautiful. Just FYI, please don't mess with my leopard hat . I got it from Grandpa and grandma Neis for Christmas. I have been complaining about that. They could have given me black or blue or even pink but why a leopard. But it serves it's purpose.

Opposite is the American side. Look at the branches. Isn't it pretty? For more Canada/falls pics please click here

In the wax Museum just before the camera became officially dead. Ryan with Clint Eastwood.

       We also ended up going to Midway Canada. It's an arcade. We played like there is no tomorrow . Ryan won and got me an elephant stuffed toy and he got himself a homer stuffed toy. We had 21 tickets left but couldn't find anything so we gave it to the little boy right next to us. Got back in the hotel and watched The Island.

GOING HOME

        Going home was uneventful until we got stop in the border for the humba. After seeing the pig's feet, they said it has to stay or I have to stay. Sos sorry kaayo Lan. I know gihaguan jud to ug maayo.

          Thanks for reading this entry. It actually took me two hours to do this and I am not done downloading the pics.

Our first Valentines !!!

     Oh! how can I forget that. Those were the days. When Ryan and I were officially mag un(on, jowa, kami na,together, atbp.) after 3 months of talking I was static. It was completely different for me. Although I had another internet boyfriend before him but Ryan was soooo different. He pays attention to every detail and gives me so much attention that it was so overwhelming. Early November of 1999, I jokingly told Naome our librarian that I will make Ryan fall in love with me. She laughed and said, "yeah right!". January 04, 2000 was when he finally told me his feelings. I shouted,  "YES " in the library and told Naome, "I told you so". Luckily the kids were in class and nobody was in the library . I can never forget that. It was a Tuesday. I only have one class every Tuesday then. So I usually spend it in the library, reading. Ha! reading ba uroy . Although I hate Tuesdays because it was my Political Science class with the Level 11s ( love you guys) but I love the time that I get to spend with Ryan.

         Our love grew like a plant watered with love (char). Even only after  few weeks, I felt like I have known him forever. February 3rd, he called me and asked what is my ring size. I didn't know what was my right size then. I asked him why and he said he wanted to buy me a promise ring for Valentines day. I was happy but didn't really understand what a promise ring was (wala baya na sa ato). He explained that the ring symbolizes his love and  promise that one day we will be together. That time I had mixed emotions. I was scared to lose him although it is only been a month but I keep on telling myself that the promise ring will keep me hoping. On the other hand, after hearing about the promise ring, I decided to buy him one too. Although I had been to Ayala Mall (Cebu) but some rings were costly.  I manage to save up $4.00 (P200) to buy Ryan the ring. Although not sure what was his ring size, I made a gamble. February 29th I got the ring, his first Valentines card, a voice tape, Savage Garden CD and a poem that he composed and wrote just for me.

          In the center of the heart is a little envelope that when you open it, it comes with a little key. He said, that was the key of his heart. (Samot ko kakuyawan) I was even more scared. We were not even together for 3 months and we were so much in love. On the top of the card it says", I'll be yours forever". and the inside is more char char!.

                              Sweety,

  You alone hold the key to my heart.

With just a glance, a whisper, a kiss,

You unlock something deep inside me

that i've never shared with anyone before....

(then the key)

You take this simple LOVE I give you

and make me feel as though it is a treasure.

You alone hold the key to my heart,

and I want you to keep it forever.

                                                                                                        Love,

                                                                                                   Baby Ryan

          A kiss ba uroy . We haven't even meet. That was the promise ring he gave me underneath the key. It is my birth stone with diamond dusts. Dust ra siya kay glitter ra man ang makit-an. When we both got the rings, we then exchanged vows over the phone (char!). I was yearning to see him so bad. So he sent me a collection of his life. From his baby videos, first communion, then too when he graduated college. That was how I knew he did really good in college because he never mention anything to me. When his name was called I had tears in my eyes. When I saw him got his medal I felt so proud. I was so happy to just even see him move. Anyways, inside the card was his first written poem.

I am in love with you
Sweety my heart is bound to you ,
My dreams have all come true
My body feels as if it has begun anew
I am in love with you Sweety

You are the woman who I want to kiss
You are the woman who brought me bliss .
You are the woman I always miss
I am in love with you Sweety . Who else could I want more in life .
Who else could I want more as a wife .
Who else could cure my strife
I am deeply , madly in love with you Sweety.

              Honestly bura ko na gaga adto when I got everything. I was reading everything with the, I knew I loved you background from the CD he got me. I listened to his voice over and over again. Medyo ambisyoso man ni akong bana ,hahaha he even sang in his voice tape. Actually every time he sent me one naa jud nay kanta. My entire family laughed pero he did it for me baya. He composes poems whenever he gets the chance. Sayang lang because I was not able to keep everything. I left them back home but was able to salvage some of Ryan's poem composition.

             I was so embarass when Ryan got his ring and I got mine. Sos ang akoa kay P200 ra jud. I told him though but he completely understand. Specially that I was sending my sis then to school. Some people at work and school asked him what was the ring for. He proudly said it was a promise ring from his Sweety (iring). He wore that ring everywhere he go.

             Cute no? I always love first time. What was your first Valentines like? I never expected this will work. It was a long 2 years before I finally met Ryan face to face. We hugged for the longest that my FIL had to separate us because the hotel pick-up was already waiting for us . What can I asked pa man uy? We are all so blessed with our husbands, aren't we? I know I am. All I can wish is good health to Ryan so that I will be able to celebrate our first Valentines over and over again.  To my man...

              I LOVE YOU SOOO MUCH CUTIE!    

AND

     HAPPY VALENTINES TO EVERYONE !!!