Month of "December"

Just like every year, we tend to get excited when December comes. Commercialism normally advertises in every news paper. But, will it be the same this year in spite of the economic crisis? With the number of properties being repossesed, Department stores are filing for bankruptcy and job layoffs are drastically increasing, but do you think this will stop consumers???

CHRISTMAS is celebrated around the world. Some are excited because "Christmas" is right around the corner. But often we ask "Why" do we cebrate and "HOW" do we celebrate "Christmas.? For many, christmas is being celebrated with their families and friends, exchanging gifts, and having a moments of "Peace, Joy and Love." WHERE do we fit in???? Well, As I was acustomed to say, "Christmas is Everyday." Although, we do things that we can only do during Christmas time e.g. decorate the house with ornaments.

Well this year for the first time after so many years, I decided to put up a "pre-lit christmas tree" and a few decorations on top of the fire place. It actually looks nice and feels like home. As a tradition, our family travels every year during this holiday. This year is no exception. Our destination this time around is Malta.

Where is Malta? Malta is in Europe and located South West of the italian island of Sicily. It is North of the African continent and sits in the Mediterranean sea. The island is about 315 sq. km.

Well so much about the history, I will be able to share more after we come back from the trip.

Enjoy your holidays!

"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!!

" 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."

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.. Ha! Ha! Ha!

Shopping Malls

A month ago since we left the U.S., there are times that I get so bored maybe because I miss home or I miss the fact that I can't jump in the car and go shopping (Is this really the case?? Who knows??). To make me feel better to my surprise, Rodney took me to the shopping mall (NEWLANDS MALL) in Kettering which is about 30 minutes away from Stanwick. Not too bad for a mall, it reminded me of "Coliseum Mall" Speaking of coliseum mall, I bet by the time we go back to the state it will be finished. Anyway going back to the "Newland Mall" unbeknown to me there is a "T.K. Maxx," which is TJ Max in America. Of course, it brough joy to my face and Rodney was like so happy to see me smiling. It reminded him of my so called "Therapy." TK Maxx is like TJ Maxx where you see all shoppers patiently looking for the bargains. I bought a scarf from the store and everything else is expensive. It is something that I have to get use to, instead of coverting the value of money each time I shop. Hey take a look at this "B&Q," which is the "HQ" back home. I guess, this is the place where we will be buying our gardenings and home improvements needs. I bet Rodney is looking forward to be a handy-man . The mall to your left is actually located in Norwich Across from this mall is the "Norwich Castle" (to your right). We did not go inside, but just the view from the outside is pretty impressing. Of course, there are many more castles that will really take my breath away. This castle was a prison for over 650 years and in 1894, they turned it to a museum. We did not get a chance to go inside, but for sure I would like to see the inside next time.

The Best Meal Since Arriving England

Being in the military lodging (family suite), we do not have the benefit to fully cook a meal that would satisfy our cravings (NOT TOO BAD). So this weekend, we were invited to one of Rodney's co-worker's house for dinner. He is married to a lady from Thailand. It was a very good dinner. I felt like I hadn't eaten in so many days. A home cooked meal really tastes good, particularly if the cook is really good. Well, I must say she is good (notice how I used the word "good" several times) and yes, everything was good!. We have gone to several nice restaurants here in downtown Huntington just outside RAF Alconbury, but none suits our taste yet. What made it even worse is we went to this expensive restaurant because we had a taste for sea food, we were not please because the fish was not fresh and it actually smelled bad even the people next to our table said the same thing. Needless to say, we complained. And guess what, we did not pay for the meal and they even offered us (people in the restaurant) anything we wanted from the restaurant for free. The table next to us ordered steaks, but we only asked for a glass of wine and left. You wanna bet? We will not go back to that restaurant ever.

Back to this couple, both she and her husband are christian. So, we call this dinner a good "fellowship". On top of that, they invited us to visit their church. The church is located in Cambridge, which about 30 minutes from Alconbury and it will be about 45 minutes drive once we moved into our house. The service is similar to the way Bethel Temple is organized. I must say the female pastor (guest speaker for today) was very good. She reminds me of Joyce Myers. We have already attended the service here on base. It is not too bad, the people are very friendly. We don't mind attending the base chapel. We might still visit churches from time to time. The picture isn't the best because it was raining when it was taken. But this supposedly is the a five star hotel in Cambridge.

Driving License

Today October 1 at 9:00 a.m.. My official 423 Air Force Driving License has been issued. But what does this mean? Well I can now officially drive anywhere I want to go in Britain. However, it doesn't mean that I mastered all the rules and regulations. There is a lot more to learn, what is imperative is I obtained a license. Yah! Imagine all the practice tests that I took and how many times I've failed...I am not proud of it :(. After so many attempts, I've finally made it.

To make it more exciting, Rodney's office is the one who processes all driver's license for military, and civilians and I got to see his office and met some of his employees. His office is not fully organized yet.

Now, I can say it's time for a serious job hunting. Right now, I am busy preparing for the 2 classes I am teaching online beginning Oct 13. This is keeping me pretty busy and a I'm a bit excited to move in into our house in 2 weeks. Yeh!!! Counting down...................