Sunday 30 November 2008

"Thanksgiving Day"

"Thanksgiving Day" is a holiday that the "British" do not celebrate. Statistically, there are only two American families living in this village including us. Needless to say, we had some cars parked in front of our house and you could tell that we are having a party while the rest of the neighborhood are quiet and had their lights and windows closed.

Back to the "Thanksgiving Dinner," just like any American family, we had turkey, ham, stuffing, corn bread, cranberry, vegetable and the traditional filipino food(of course). Deserts: sweet potato pie (home made, which according to my family was good), cheese cake, fruit salad, leche flan and home made fruit punch..I made four bowls. Everybody loved it. Along with the entertainment, our guests participated in playing wii and karoake which put a bit of spark on this celebration away from home.

It was a bit of hard work, but overall we had a wonderful time and I hope you did too!
Thanks Ashley for helping out! You did a good job!!

Thursday 20 November 2008

" A Truly Blessed Day"

Imagine when you cannot sleep at night because you have so much on your mind. Well, I was like that the other night. My mind was so active and i don't believe that I even went to sleep. All kinds of things were on mind e.g. home, family and job. I prayed and prayed that He protects us and provides us all the things that we need. I got up the next morning with a purpose to go to RAF Alconbury and take care of some business such as; to submit my application package and visit the Education Center to see the University of Maryland Representative. I reviewed my application package before I left the house and printed a few copies of my resume using fine linen paper and put everything in a nice folder. I dressed up like I normally do when I used to work...looking presentable LOL. Anyway, I arrived at the school and spoke with the office manager. She reviewed my paper work (50 pages). Yes, it was a lot of documents to fill out. I guess when you are dealing with children and government, it is not a joke. So, some of my friends may be called for a background investigation (of course with permission from you guys). However while I was there, I was put behind close doors feeling that something was wrong...unbeknown to me that I might be considered for a full time position, I will know more later. And it did not stop there..once I arrived at the Education Center, the UMUC rep wasn't there. So as I was leaving the Ed Ctr when the CTC rep called my attention and ask me if I was still interested for a part time position...I now know that there is something for me out there.
Having said all that, when you need something "just call on Him and He will provide." It may not be exactly what you ask for, but "it's a sign that He listens to you."

"Matthew 7:7 - Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."


It has truly been a blessing because I know that "He always hear my prayers and so are yours."





Thursday 13 November 2008

Hill House Gardens Here We Come

Six weeks leaving in the temporary housing was quite an experienced. We moved into our house (rental property) on October 14. The first two nights, we basically slept on a blow-up bed. Luckily two days later, our household goods arrive before I could finished unpacking the first shipment. Needless to say, this is when the fun begins. You see boxes everywhere, it took me three weeks to finally put things in order. However, it doesn't mean that it is in perfect order yet. There are still quite a few things that I may still move into different section of the house. You know how women are??? It will probably take a few months to really get the house to where I can be comfortable (how perfectionist!). Anyway, take a little tour of the house today.
Katie's room. Her favorite color is red. Luckily the carpet is already red and I am coordinating the room with the same color of accessories. In the same section of the room is where we place the computer desk. As you can see, Rodney is on it.


Ashley's room the theme is "Hello Kitty" I think, she likes her room.



Guest Room
















Master Bedroom
Kitchen













Of course the "Kitchen" this is where I spend most of my time cooking and doing some work. It is the warmest spot of the house because the "SUN" is shining through the windows, if any.

















The "Living Room" is kind a roomy. We definitely have more room for more living room furnitures. Same thing for the "Dining Room" on your right.
















The "Conservatory Room" which is a "Sunroom" . We enjoy watching "TV" in this room. On your right, parked in the front of the house is the "Acura" and a "Lexus," which we just bought as a second car. It is a 1995 and in good condition. Rodney is enjoying it.

As the day goes by, I am beginning to learn my way around in the neighborhood. This little village called "Stanwick" is actually a decent neighborhood. About 500 ft. away from my house you will see: 1) "General Store" they sells just about everything you will need in your daily routine; 2) If you don't want to cook, you will see "Chinese Take Away" (well know for "to go" Chinese Restaurant in the U.S). This Chinese Take Away is also talk of the town. They have the best food in the area. I kind a beleive that because Rodney and I tried several Chinese Take Away around RAF alconbury and guess what? it did not taste like chinese food. We actually like the food here better; 3) there is a "Club" and a "Pub". What is the difference? Well, I have never been to the club. My guess is just like a typical club in the state. Pub is somewhat like "Apple Bees," Bennigans and so on..they serve lunch and dinner and they have a bar as well. We ate there once, unfortunately we don't think that we are going back..It was a bad experience, but of course that may just be us; 4) the "Buthcher Shop." I am acutally enjoying buying fresh meat there. It is inexpensive and its near by. So, when I don't have any meat in the refrigerator I can just walk and buy some fresh meat; 5) a "Church" with graveyard around it. We also haven't been there and I am not sure if they have service on Sundays. But wait, every village in the UK have churches that looks like this; so I cannot use the church as a land mark because they are all identical; 6) a lake "Stanwich Lake" WOW! They are actually building a theatre by the lake. Rodney and I visited the lake and it is going to be our spot to get our exercise especially when the weather gets better and last but the least; 7) companies right in my backyard, "the horses" they are becoming my everyday friends. They come and visit every afternoon to say "hello." Of course, I am just kidding! They are actually looking for Rodney.. Horse Ha! Ha! Ha!