Another Marathon Event in June

My husband loves running a lot! Actually, he had joined so many marathon events in the past 8 years, I think. Since I got here in 2009, he already participated in 7 marathon races, 3 of which were almost 200 miles in distance.  The last long-distance race he joined last year along with eleven other Chiefs in the Navy was, a 200-mile relay.  It was a 2-day event that started from one state to another.

You won't believe, but when our youngest was born back in 2011, he was actually doing one of the relays at the time.  Our neighbor, Connie, was the one who drove me to the hospital when my water broke at 5:30 in the morning.  Good thing was, when I called my husband to let him know that I was about to go to the hospital, his team was already within the area, about 20 minutes away, so he was able to make it.  I was taken to the hospital without him, and by the time he got there, I was already in labor.  He was dead tired, but he still made it.  I'd say, he got there just a little past 7 in the morning, and our baby Princess was born two and a half hours later.  That's why, when the race was done and they got one extra medal that was supposed to be for the other runner that didn't finish the whole race, they gave it to our little girl.  Sometimes, we even call her, "The Marathon Baby".  Thanks to the other guy who took over my husband's last leg because he never went back to finish the race with the other guys.  But, he still got his medal because they knew he never meant to not finish it on purpose.  He even jokes around about making his little girl "pay" later on in life, for not letting him finish the entire race.  (Hehehe)

This coming June, my husband will run the same relay again - for the last time while we're here in this state.  As you all know, we're close to PCSing, and he won't be able to do this for the next 3 years.  This relay is actually a popular one and its got a lot of great sponsors, which made me wonder if whether triangle direct also supports events like this.

My husband and his other team members (they made him their team leader) received these really cool medals, and they're like a set you only get to complete if you finished the entire race.  I mean, you won't get the other medals, unless you join the next relay.  I really don't know a lot on how it works.  But, as far as I know, my husband joined two different races to get the medal he's been wanting.

I wish we all could go this time.  He told me how beautiful the view was, and how much he wished we could've been there during those other times he ran the race.  I really want to go and be there at the finish line to show him support, and of course, to cheer him on even at the last few meters.  And, I also want to experience and see for myself how it really goes.  I am thinking of joining marathon events when we come back here.  If only the kids were a little bigger, I would have joined one already.

Oh, well, there's always a perfect timing for everything, right?  I just have to wait.

Got His Orders for His New Duty Station

Last week, when my husband went back to work after the holidays, he finally found out where his next duty station will be.  And I must say, it's going to be a real BIG MOVE this time.  A lot of things definitely need to get done, and we need to start as soon as possible.  We've only got a couple of months left, and we really want to make sure we got everything good to go before we leave.

Hubby's next duty station will take the whole family outside the US for 3 years.  I am feeling anxious, excited, and at the same time, to be honest, I do dread this next big move.  A whole new place, new people, no friends, no family - it's going to be just us again.  But this time, I do hope to meet more military wives and make new friends.  I didn't get to do it here because we decided to stay off base where most of the military families live.

There's already so much going through my head as early as now.  I can't help but feel nervous because it's going to be a big adjustment for the whole family.  I'm thinking about the kids, especially the oldest.  He's 3 now, and by the time we get to the new place, he's already 4.  We need to consider sending him to school, thus, we need to find a good school for him.  And since it's a foreign land, I can only hope it won't be that hard for us to find the best one for him.

We need to find a house for us there before we could move.  I don't know how we're going to do that when we're thousands of miles away?!  Another thing is, transportation.  My husband said, they won't ship the cars there.  I can already imagine having to get around with 3 kids without our own car.  I'm worried because my husband can get deployed for months, so how am I suppose to do stuff without a car, with 3 kids, in a different country?  I wouldn't be worried if we're going back to my homeland, but we're not.  It's definitely going to be a big challenge for both of us.  And inasmuch as I don't want to think about it, but I might stay in the Philippines with the kids while he's in deployment.  It will be a perfect time to visit my family and spend time with them.  And, I also need a break from all this.  With my family back home, I can finally get some rest because I know I will have them to help me out with the kids.  We'll just go back once my hubby's done with the deployment.

Another thing is, the dogs.  My husband wants to take the dogs with us, but since the other one is already old, she might not make it.  It's going to be a long flight, and they need to undergo medical as well.  As far as what I've read on the COF that hubby brought home last night, the process can at least take 7 months from the date of their first rabies vaccination.  (I don't know how many shots they need when it comes to that.  It's going to be our first time outside of the US.)  And, it was stated there that animals which have not met all requirements will have to be quarantined upon arrival until all are met.  There are NO exceptions! 

Hubby doesn't want to take the risk of bringing the dogs, but he's also scared that something might happen to them while we're away.  He's looking at asking his Mom if she can take care of them while we're gone.  Anyway, she lives all by herself.  The dogs can keep her company.  I know it'll break his heart to leave his "girls" behind, but I told him, if you're scared of losing them because of the long flight, then, 3 years without them isn't worth the risk.

So much on our plate right now.  I cannot even begin to think which should come first as far as the things we need to accomplish before leaving, is concerned.  I certainly don't know what to expect, nor do I even want to expect a thing right now.  I am overwhelmed with thoughts and I don't know what to do with them!  I can only pray that God will lead us the way and show us the right things to do, from start to finish.

Well, I guess it's safe to say now that it's official.  We're going overseas!  But, I cannot disclose where we're going.  In due time, I will.

His Early Christmas Gift for Himself ;)

My Big Kid finally got his new Wii U!  He's been wanting to buy one since it came out.  He tried getting one on Black Friday, but all stores that had them ran out of stock, so he had to wait.

connecting his new "toy" to the internet

On Friday, he came home with a big plastic bag that has the label GameStop on it, so I knew right then and there what was in the bag.  He waited for  that for like 2 weeks, and now that he finally has it, he said he's happy.  He admitted he kind of splurged on that thing, but he according to him, that will be his early Christmas present for himself, and that he doesn't need anything else.  When he told me how much he spent on that "toy", I was a little taken aback.  It did cost some $$, but he deserved it, so I'm not going to say anything against it.  And besides, he really doesn't spend a lot on himself.  It's only when there's something he really likes, and it's very rare.

I'm not going to lie, the Wii U is pretty neat!  My husband and I love playing Wii games together, and I am pretty sure we'll even enjoy doing it more now that we got a nicer Wii to play games with.  We haven't tried it yet, though, because he's been busy trying to familiarize how it really works.  I hope, this weekend we can finally start playing games.

this GamePad looks more like a mini TV to me =D

Well, he's got his gift for Christmas, what about me? (Hehehe.)

I really am not worried whether I get one or not.  I'd rather have my kids get more than me having one.  I don't need anything really anymore.  All I want to buy for the winter is, a new pair of boots.  My old one needs to go bye-bye.

But, on a second thought, I might not even need one.  Looks like we won't be getting any snow this year.  It sucks, though, because this will be our last Christmas here, and we would love to have a white Christmas again.  It's actually weird that it's already December, but it feels more like it's Springtime.  It's up in the 50s right now.  In 2010 and last year, we were already getting snow during this time.  I don't know what's up with that, but I'm not really happy at all!

Fresh Surprise ;)

My husband reported back to work today after his 2-week long leave.  I must admit, I missed him a lot, and it it were not for his job, I would've asked him to stay home and just go in on Monday.  But you know, that's not how the military works.  If you got to go, then you got to go!

Anyway, I honestly thought that he might be home a little late today like what he already told me last night.  He was informed that the results for the new Chiefs might be out today, and him being a Chief now, that means he must stay there till everything gets done.  I don't know what they really do.  All I know is, when he made it last year, he stayed at work till late at night.

Well, he came home early today.  He got some stuff for us and the kids, and then he told me to go grab another bag he had left in the car.  And so I did as I was asked to do.  To my surprise, when I opened the back door of the car, there it was, a bouquet of fresh flowers sitting in the backseat!  What more could I say about that?  It did put a big smile on my face.  And when I went back inside the house, I thanked him, gave him a big hug and a kiss for such a sweet gesture.

Thank you so much, Mahal!  No words can ever express how much I'm grateful for having you in my life.  Not because of things like this that you do for me, but because you complete me, and I know that without you, I'd rather not be here as well!  I love you with all of my heart - to infinity and beyond!

Definitely NOT a Good News

My husband called me from work today informing me that he just found out he's got a 24-hour watch on Father's Day.  Yes, he goes to work early on Sunday morning and won't be home till the next day.  Although, he's got Monday off and he said we'll just celebrate it when he gets home, we both still felt sad that we actually won't be spending Father's Day as a family.  This will be the first time he'll be working on a special occasion.  But that's part of his job, and of our life as a military family.

I don't know yet what he's got planned for us to do on Monday.  I know he'd be so tired, so I'm not expecting us to do much.  I might just get some things at the grocery store tomorrow to fix for the family in case we decided on staying at home.  I definitely won't mind cooking and baking for them, especially if it's for my husband on such a special day just for him!

That definitely wasn't a good news, but we'll make sure to make it up for the whole family to still get to enjoy no matter what.

He's Got The Style

My husband loves to dress up and every time he does, he presents himself really good. His style is simple yet elegant. Aside from his good looks (I'm not saying this because he's my husband, it's because that's the truth), one of the first things that you'll notice about him is, they way he dresses himself up. You'd probably get an idea right then and there about what type of a person he is. Though, not all first impressions last, I guarantee, he will make an impression on you that you'd probably remember about him for a long period of time.

My husband is a tall guy, so just imagine the sizes of clothes he wears. I've even worn some of his shirts when I was pregnant, up to my 9th month, and mine wouldn't fit me. Big and Tall Clothing can definitely best describe the size of clothes he wears. I really love it when I see him in a simple outfit but brings out that good looks he's got. Make him wear any type of clothing and he will surely bring justice to it, literally. And another thing I admire about his fashion is, he would go for comfort as well, not just merely plain style.

I think fashion is somewhat similar to driving. My husband would always tell me, "Remember, it's not the car that makes the driver. It's the driver that makes the car." And same for fashion. I honestly believe that it's not the clothes you wear that make you look great. It's how you carry and present yourself that make the outfit look even more elegant.

My husband may be a guy, but he sure does have the style!

Earning a Degree Online

With the type of job that my husband has, he never got the chance to attend college like other normal students do. He joined the military right after he graduated from high school. I know he'd love to go to a university like a regular student, but right now, his job comes first.

Although he's got no time to go to school and all that, he never gave up his dream of earning a degree one day. So instead of letting the chance of fulfilling his dream go, he went ahead and applied for online courses. One good thing about him being in the military is, they pay for his education. He said, he'd grab this opportunity and finish a degree, so when the time comes that he gets done in the military, he knows he can find a good job as a civilian. And I totally agree with him on that and I will support him all the way.

On the other hand, I, being able to study Nursing back in the Philippines, still want to pursue my studies here. I know how different it is here compared to the curriculum of the university I attended there, so I am planning on taking online degree programs in nursing. In that case, I won't have a hard time finding a job after I graduate, having been able to finish a course here that would fit their qualifications. But of course, before I can be able to take online courses, we'll have to make sure we have the money to pay for my education. I heard that the military also offers scholarship for military spouses, but just in case that already changed, I have a back up plan. The http://www.fafsa.ed.gov offers students who are in financial difficulties, help for paying college. All I have to do is, submit a free application for Federal Student Aid and they will check if I do qualify and they will help me understand my options for paying college fees. I'm actually glad to know that there's a lot of help available out there if only you're interested and if you really want to finish your education. There's always a way and I am not going to let some financial issues impede my dreams of finishing my studies, getting a stable and well-paid job to help better the future of my family.

Just Beautiful: Huis Ten Bosch

This Dutch theme park, located to the northeast of Nagasaki City, is one of Nagasaki's most famous attractions, along with the Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Memorial Museum. More than a theme park with rides, etc., Huis Ten Bosch is a miniature Holland--in appearance at least. You have Caucasians dressed in traditional costume, old-world boat tours, entertainment shows galore, beautiful gardens with tulips, impressive architecture, shops and restaurants, hotels, and even a small residential district for the wealthy!

source: Huis Ten Bosch, Sasebo, Japan

This photo was taken in Sasebo, Japan during John's deployment in 2008. He sent me this through e-mail and was pretty amazed at how beautiful the place is. I actually told him that I want to go there someday. He said we will all go, God willing. I haven't seen a palace-like structure before and I would love to see one and actually be able to go inside and take a tour. Castles fascinate me ever since I was a kid because I loved to pretend I was a Princess. And I guess that hasn't completely went away because until now, I still feel the same way sometimes. [hehe]

So, there goes my first entry for Just Beautiful. See you next week!

For more of Just Beautiful entries, please go to:

Bad Purchase: A Stolen Phone

I can't help but feel sad and sorry for my husband today. He made an online purchase from a website and he got screwed over! His old Droid phone has been acting up for months now and he wanted so badly to have it replaced without having to buy from the actual phone service company, paying full prize, and getting stuck in a 2-year contract. For a time being, he wanted to just buy a used phone that's still in good condition till the one he really wants to get comes out in the market, for him to save money. So on Saturday, he put a bid on a Droid-X phone and he got it for a little over $180 total including the shipping and handling.

Today, the phone came in the mail and I saw how happy he was. Well, I would be as well if it's mine. When he opened the box and finally saw the phone, he got even more excited. I did, too. The phone didn't only come in good condition, it also looks awesome! It's so much lighter than the old Droid and the screen is wider. It's such a beautiful phone!

Mr. and Mrs. John's Weekend

Let's not just include Saturday here because we didn't really go out that day. I stayed at home the whole time because I wasn't feeling well.

Yesterday was such a beautiful Sunday :) We started our day out with a lunch at a Mexican Restaurant in Imperial Beach. We both wanted to eat Mexican food yesterday, so that's where he took me.

Right after lunch, we drove around the area and he showed me Mexico from across the border. We drove past Silver Strands and ended up at Gator beach, which is part of the Naval Base. He showed me the place where he used to do most of his trainings. It's such a beautiful place to relax and it was my first time to ever walk along the beach feeling cold!! [hehehe] The breeze was so cold, it gave me goosebumps. And oh my, when I tried to play in the water, it was cold as well. I was like a little kid and I saw how my husband would laugh at how I was acting like being out there. We walked along the beach, took photos with his mobile phone (we didn't know we'd end up being there, so yet again, I forgot the camera) and then we started heading out. It was such a wonderful feeling of having sands all over our feet. I missed being at the beach and just playing in the sand and water. I missed home!!

We started driving towards Spring Valley, but John didn't tell me right away where he was taking me. I got surprised when I noticed we were driving towards the mountain area. He showed me the places that got affected by the huge fire way back in 2007. We drove past Jamul and some other places, too but I forgot their names.

Anyway, he took me up to where he and his friends would go for mountain driving. Basically, a good place to go drifting. It's such a picturesque place to go to - I felt so close to God while we were up there. It was so quiet. All you can hear was the breeze, the sound of water flowing from a small creek, birds chirping, and some cars passing by. It was kind of hot up there but the view around us was too beautiful for us to even feel or notice the heat of the sun. Plus, the breeze was cool so it was tolerable. We stayed there for almost 20 minutes, then he started driving back down.

I don't know how far we've drove, but on our way back, we passed through a border patrol. John, on our way there, had let me prepare my ID just in case they asked for it on our way back. When I asked him why, he told me we'll be driving close to where the Mexican border is that's why they'll ask for IDs or citizenship on our way back. Luckily, they didn't ask for anything. We stopped for a few seconds, the border patrol man just looked at us and then let us through. I had so much fun driving around with my husband and I really am so happy that he takes time to take me to places and show me around San Diego area!!

We stopped by in Rancho to get something to drink. On our way back to the car, we spotted an AT&T store. And since we've been looking around to get me a new phone, we decided to go inside and take a look at what they have in there. John asked if they have iPhone and when the guy there told us they do have it, we started looking at the phone.

My husband knows that I am used to using cellphone with keypad, so I was really hesitant to get a phone that doesn't have it. But, I need to have one for emergency purposes especially that he's always out at work during the day so I had no choice. I looked at phones with keypad, but I couldn't find a phone that I like. Or at least like the Nokia that I was using in the Philippines. John let me chose if I want the same phone that he has or the iPhone. Since they're the same, touch-screen phones, I went with the iPhone. I didn't know he was going to get me a new phone on that same day, so I was really surprised when he said he was getting me one. I felt so grateful to him and happy that now I have my own phone. I no longer have to worry about contacting him anytime, anywhere and my family back home can call me or text me anytime they want to. Having a phone here is a necessity. And now that I have my own, I am worry-free!!

After we got the phone, we drove back home, but stopped first to get us food for dinner.

..And that's how we spent our Sunday ;)

I Miss Eating Sweets!!

Before I got pregnant, I could eat as many sweets as I want - of my choice - anytime of the day. Even before I found out that I am pregnant, I've been eating a lot of sweets till basically my husband got to the Philippines in April. Everything completely changed for me from that time he got there.

I've always loved eating sweets, especially chocolates so you can't imagine the torment I am going through right now every time I want to eat sweets and my husband won't let me. Hey, don't get me wrong. He's a very sweet and loving husband. It's just his way of making sure I don't eat too much sugar while pregnant. It's me who's being hardheaded here. But really sometimes it's just too hard to contain myself especially when I want to eat sweets so bad. He would give me just enough, but for me, since I am used to eating a lot of it, I never get the satisfaction that I am craving for. I know my husband is doing the right thing. Eating too much sweets while pregnant can cause a lot of bad effects on me and the baby. I could get gestational diabetes and have it for the rest of my life if untreated or I could have a hard time delivering a big baby if I didn't watch what I am eating right now.

That's why...

Though I miss eating sweets a lot, I do my best now to listen to what my husband says. In fact, I still have to be thankful that at least he lets me have some [just enough sweets] once every other day and he really makes sure he watches what I eat - healthy diet And in making sure I am eating healthy, I must say, he's doing such a great job!!

He's right in every way. It might be tough on me these times, but I surely am going to thank him for everything he's doing for me and our baby right now.

Our Baby's Kicking and Punching!!

Ever since our Baby Boy started making movements inside my belly, I haven't had sleep like I used to. During my first few weeks of my 2nd trimester, he would only make it hard for me to go to sleep early at night. But now that he's 6 months, he moves a lot and he kicks or punches Mommy on both sides all the time. [hehehe] Though his movements sometimes knock my socks off, keep me up till it's late at night, and wake me up so early, still I can't help but smile at it every single time. Nothing can really beat that feeling knowing you are nurturing a new life inside of you and especially when the baby starts responding to sounds and movements from the outside!! He responds with a strong kick or a punch every time I rub my hands gently around my belly - especially when it's Daddy It's as if he's trying to play with him. Yes, he likes to move a lot whenever Daddy's hand is on my tummy. Of course, Mommy feels so happy every time she sees that big smile on Daddy's face when he feels his little boy responding to him :) The joy is so beyond compare!! I oh so love being pregnant and we both just can't wait to finally see our little bundle of joy. Just few more months to go and he will be with us :)

He's Finally With Us :)

My husband is finally here!! He got here on Wednesday morning. We're staying at a hotel right now and will be checking out this Saturday. I'm thankful to God for keeping him safe all throughout his trip and for being with me during my appointment. I was able to finish it in less than half a day but will need to go back on Monday to get the results. It was fun and an adventure for me and I actually never had a hard time doing every single thing I needed to. I'm just grateful and happy that it's finally done and over with :)

Well, I'd better be off of here right now. Got some other important stuff to tend to ;) We're so happy that John is finally here again!! Baby C is so happy that finally Daddy was able to feel him/her move inside Mommy's belly for the first time. It almost made me cry when I saw my husband's facial expression. I knew right then and there that no words can ever express how we both felt at that very moment.

Till next time :) Ciao!!

On the 8th of April

Daddy's coming here to be with us, says Baby C ;)

That's true, my husband will be arriving here on the 8th, that is this coming Wednesday. This time, he'll be staying until May. I and our baby can't wait to spend time with John again. We have missed him so much and we've been looking forward to having him with us longer this time :) Like his previous travels here, we'll be staying at a hotel for the first three nights. We both like the idea of having these days to ourselves, just the two of us. We can do whatever we want inside the room ;) It's so not the same at home. We have to mind the others living with us. [hehehe]

My husband is coming home so that means one thing for me - CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN!! Since I've started my pregnancy, I haven't been that mindful when it comes to keeping my whole room as clean as it has always been before I got pregnant. Now, I'd say, it's a mess!! I mean, it's jumbled and some of my stuff aren't suppose to be where they're at right now. This doesn't make me a happy person right now, but I still feel a bit lazy to do the cleaning thing. But, do I have a choice? ;) [hahaha] I'll start cleaning this weekend. I still have a lot of other important things to take care of. In the mean time, I'm going to bed before this little one starts kicking me as if saying, "Mommy, for heaven's sake get some rest now. You're keeping me up as well!!" [hahaha]

Goodnight everyone!!

Saturday Thoughts

For this whole weekend, my husband will be in a camp somewhere up north California. It's part of their training for their upcoming deployment. I'm kind of worried about him because he still isn't feeling completely fine. But he had to go. I just pray that he will be all right the whole time he is there.

I still am a bit unhappy about this upcoming deployment. But we both know that things happen for a reason. We both had prayed to God about this - if whether he'll be deployed or not - that whatever His plans are, so let them be. We know they're sent for our own good. And now, we're starting to see the bright side of this. And this reason, somehow is what makes this whole thing a little lighter to bear for me now. We know now why God let this happen - for our future :)

Though I know this one is yet another obstacle that we both must trounce, we know everything will work out fine. There's a lot of things we need to really start working on now - a lot of them we need to accomplish. I made it through my first deployment and that was a tough one. So, who said I can't make it through this time?! ;)

Our Unforgettable Malaysia Trip

Again, my husband left me a surprise on our Multiply. When I hopped online to see if he's still on, an e-mail popped up and the only word I uttered was "Wow!!" when I finally got to take a look at what's inside the e-mail - a link to the photos taken during our trip to Malaysia on August 17-20, 2008.

It took this long before J was able to post our photos because he got so busy with work. I'm happy that he took the time today to do this. He knows it will surely put a smile on his wife's face ;) Mahal, thank you so much and I appreciate this a whole lot!! mwah mwah mwah I love you bunches and bunches, kiddo!!

Here's what he wrote on Multiply for the album description.

This was a miracle in the making as I was able to fly my wife out to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Even though it was short lived because of how the flight schedule was from the airlines it was the best time I think we have had yet. Being able to see my wife during deployment was the best thing I have experienced yet in my career. We were able to eat at Malaysia's only revolving restaurant and it was very romantic, well at least I hope it was for my wife ;) The experiences I have been able to have with her will carry on to our children when we have them. Mommy and Daddy have definitely went to some places and we have many more to journey to. Mwah mahal ko!!!

And here are our photos. They're not much, but each surely does hold remarkable memories that would last us a lifetime.

The beautiful Petronas Twin Towers at day time and nighttime
[view from The Federal Kuala Lumpur, Revolving Bintang Restaurant]


These were taken on our way to the Petronas. I think we walked a good 2 miles to get there!!

[John and the giant soda!!] & [KC at the Revolving Restaurant enjoying the moment with her husband]

That's us...Enjoying the great meal and romantic ambiance of the place...
Taken hours before I had to leave back to the Philippines...

J's right when he said "The experiences I have been able to have with her will carry on to our children when we have them." It's true, we capture photos using our cameras, but the real images and the memories behind them are forever kept and treasured in our hearts :)

Our trip to Malaysia was truly a miracle, a wonderful blessing that we will forever be grateful to God for. We didn't even have enough time to plan for it. J just suddenly asked me on August 8 if I would like to fly out to see him and get to spend time with each other during their port visit. I thought he was just joking at first, but later that afternoon, I went out to print a copy of my flight itinerary :) He even forwarded to my e-mail the copies of the hotel reservation and the hotel transfer voucher that I also printed out together with my itinerary. I knew then, he was really serious.

We almost didn't make it because of some card problems we encountered while J was trying to purchase my ticket. And at the airport, on the night of my departure, I almost ran out of money because I didn't know I had to pay for the Tourism Tax with an amount of P1,620.00 aside from the P750.00 at the Immigration. I had to convert my money [in USD] back to PhP just so I'd be able to make it through. At the time, I already had converted my money to USD for the hotel deposit. You can't imagine how nervous I was at that very moment when I looked into my wallet and found out I may ran out of cash. But God saw right through our hearts the desire and longing to see and be with each other even just for a short time and that we weren't giving up, so He made a way where there seemed to be no way!! All in all, I only had a total amount of P200.00 [$4] left in my pocket. I even only bought a cup of noodles and a bottle of water on the plane. But, everything was worth it :) I stayed up the whole flight, reading and listening music. I couldn't sleep. I was just too excited knowing that I was going to see my husband again and in a country we both had never been to before. In other words, it was both our first time in Malaysia!!

The whole flight to Kuala Lumpur only lasted 3 and a half hours. We left here at exactly 2100 and arrived there at 1210 - that's 20 minutes ahead of the actual time of arrival. After filling up the disbursement form, we then went to wait for our turn to be asked by the Immigration officer regarding our purpose of travel. I got asked by a lady and the only question she asked me was, "How long are you staying here?". I answered right away, "Three days." Then, she stamped my passport [I got 30 days on it] and off I went!!

When I went out of the airport, the hotel transfer was already outside waiting for me. I didn't have a hard time looking for him because he was right outside, in front of the exit way and was holding this sign with a big, black print that read "Mrs. K.A.C. The Federal Kuala Lumpur Hotel". I was greeted by his warm and kind smile, and although I was already starting to get really tired, that simple gesture of his brought me back to my senses and somehow made me smile as well. He took my suitcase and escorted me towards the waiting car. One thing I will never forget about that night - that was my first time being inside a right-sided car. They drive on the right side of the lane. I was a little bit intrigued as to how it would feel, so when the car started moving, I realized I also started liking it :) In fact, I enjoyed all the way to the hotel. I forgot about being tired and all that. All throughout the whole travel, I was wide awake. I didn't want to miss a thing. Though it was early in the morning and dark outside, I still got to admire all that were in front of me. I said to myself, "Finally, I am here. Oh, so this is Malaysia?! It looks so much like Philippines!" Honestly speaking, everything that I saw there reminded me of my own country. I didn't compare the two because I know each is unique and beautiful. There were just some things I wished we have here as well, at the time. They got really wide lanes there, not-so-heavy traffic, clean air and surroundings!! I admired how disciplined they are for keeping their places clean, air pollution-free. I loved the whole time we were walking outside. In fact, we even decided to just walk all the way to get to the Petronas Twin Towers instead of riding in a cab. It was hot, but still it felt great.

I talked to the driver the whole time. We introduced each other by name. His name's Nabeel, a Malaysian. But for me, he looks more of an Indian. He was so kind for answering all my questions. That was my way, too to at least break the ice and make the whole travel comfortable for both sides. We had a nice and sensible conversation that night that we almost didn't notice we were close to the hotel. My oh my, the whole trip from the airport to the hotel was close to one hour!! Yes, that's how far. There was no traffic and Nabeel was driving quite fast, yet it took us that long to get to our destination - The Federal Hotel in Bukit Bintang.

Anyways, after checking in, I went straight to our room. The moment I was inside the hotel, I suddenly felt so tired again - and at the same time, really sleepy. John was not supposed to arrive till later on that day, so I spent the whole time alone in the room. I wasn't able to fall asleep until, I think, 0330. The room was huge and I felt so alone and empty. All I had in mind the whole time was my husband. Oh, how I couldn't wait at the time for him to be there next to me!! I couldn't wait to see him, hug him, talk to him, and above all, I wanted him so bad, but I know I had to hold back all those emotions. He was on his way anyway. It required a lot of patience out of me, though convincing myself he'll soon be next to me. I was just so over excited to finally see my dearest husband again!!

J arrived at exactly 1330 later on that day. Not on the actual time he first told me he was coming. Supposed to be, he'll be at the hotel at 1000, but he said that the ship was an hour away from the city and he still had to take an hour-long bus ride and a cab to get to the hotel. Mind you, when I realized he wasn't coming yet, I cried. I was crying because I was wanting so bad to see him and I was ... hungry!! You read it right. I haven't had my breakfast and lunch. I wanted to wait for him. So, when he rang the doorbell, I ran to the door and opened it - and there he was!! I kind of acted as if I wasn't that happy to see him - the heck, I was!! I just felt so relieved that he was finally there with me that's why I was in my quiet mood as what he calls it. But the moment J pulled me close to him and hugged me, I gave in to all the feelings I had been holding back since the night before. When I heard him crying, I automatically cupped his face with my hands and wiped his tears away telling him it's all right, we're together now - and then ... we kissed :) We kissed so passionately, neither of us wanted to stop. I loved that moment. And I love how he smiles when we're kissing. I'm sure you already have an idea as to what happened next ;)

We stayed in our room till 1630. We went out for a little walk and looked at stuff and bought some items from stores/shops just near the hotel and we went down to the Delaney's Irish Pub to meet up with his buddies from work at 1700. I was a bit nervous but so excited that I was going to finally meet them in person :) They were all so nice and funny and I must say, I enjoyed my time with them.

After that, we left the group. J and I went to this Indian restaurant and had dinner there, then we went to the Salsa Havana just inside the hotel and played pool. We made a bet - loser will do whatever the winner says or asks ;) I LOST!! Well, yeah, tell me about it!! We went back to our room after finishing the game and to make the loser pay ;) We both went to sleep with a wide, wide smile on our lips...Aww!!

The following day, we went out to look at some more stuff, bought souvenirs, and had lunch at the Planet Hollywood. Then, we went to the Petronas. We didn't know it was that far, because from our hotel, it looked so close, so we decided to walk all the way there. We only found out that we actually walked 2 miles when we were in the cab on our way back. But we had fun, though. We got to see the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre and really nice places along the way. We bought souvenirs from the Petronas Souvenir Shop. Later that evening, we had dinner at the Revolving Bintang Restaurant on the 18th floor of the hotel. It was a very romantic dinner - a memorable one for us. Everything was perfect that night, I didn't want it to end. But I had to leave back to the Philippines and J had to go back to the ship. We were still planning on going out that night after our dinner, but we decided to spend our remaining time in our room for more intimate moment together. At 2130 that night, J took me to the airport for my trip back home. It was his first time to experience having me flying out and leaving him behind. And on the phone the following day, he told me how it made him feel after I left and he went back to the hotel alone and I wasn't there anymore. Well, I told him, that's how I always feel every time he leaves back to the States. Now, we both know how it truly feels.

Leaving is hard, but sometimes it is even harder for the ones who are being left behind.

The whole trip was truly a blessing!! Everything could have remained dreams if God wasn't there to help us through. It was an experience that we'll truly remember for the rest of our days. We may haven't gotten a lot of time together, but God made sure we'd get the best out of our short vacation - beautiful memories that are worth-keeping for a lifetime.

That's how the whole trip went. Kind of long, isn't it?! I should have posted about this a long time ago, but I couldn't because there were no photos yet to go with the story. I hope I didn't bore you or anything. And thank you for your time reading :)

Getting Closer

The husband is now in a country that's just hours away from me ;) In fact, we now have the same time. It's where he'll be flying out from to get here very, very soon :)

I was awakened by a phone call this afternoon [I fell asleep reading ;)] and when I got up to answer the call and saw the number on the screen, I knew then that it was him and where he was calling me from. He told me that his days being on the ship finally had come to an end, though he is going back there tomorrow to get the rest of his stuff and to sign something regarding his leave. That's pretty much it and he'll be on his way home to me ;)

He told me he that bought a new suitcase because he didn't want to use his military duffel bag all the way here. Every time my husband travels here, he travels as a civilian and he does not show any gesture, anything that would make people suspect that he is in the military. He's so extra careful when it comes to that. Something I've already learned to grasp completely because as his wife, I am a part of it. I have my fair share in keeping this little secret as safe as possible whenever he's on travel as an ordinary citizen. I'd say it's kind of hard sometimes, especially when somebody ends up asking me what my husband does for a living and I couldn't give the right answer. It's just that, I am so proud of what he does and by hiding the truth, it makes me feel less of a Proud Military Wife that I keep saying I am. Although I can tell about his real job to close friends, there are still limitations which I completely understand. And even I, his own wife, don't know a lot about his job. My husband trusts me, but there are just some things that are meant to be kept from us. Not because they want to, but because they need to as part of their job :)

All right, so much for that...

I am just so happy that he is almost home now :) Just few more days and my soldier is finally in my arms again!!

My Soldier is Coming Home Very, Very Soon!!

I'm just so happy that in a couple of days, my husband will be home with me!! He was able to take his leave ahead of time and we're so thankful to God above for allowing this to happen. J worked so hard on having his leave request approved and God has rewarded all his efforts. I can't thank my husband enough for doing everything he did just to be with me and for us to be able to celebrate our first wedding anniversary together. Although he didn't get to have a longer time with me, at least we were given more than what he had when he came here in April-May before he left for deployment. This is such a wonderful blessing that won't be possible if God hasn't been always there for us :)

We still haven't decided where we should spend our anniversary, but we did agree that we'll talk about it when he gets here. At least, I got our plane tickets for Samar taken care of ;) I've got a story to tell about that one. I mean, what I had been through just to make sure I got us our plane tickets. I'd say, it was a test for me as to see how determined I was to get it done. And I'm thankful I beat that one. God made sure I won't give up just like that - without me fighting and doing my best to get what I needed.

Gracious, I'm so excited!! It's sometimes hard for me now to sleep at night knowing that in a couple of days, I'd be sleeping again next to the man I love the most and just the thought that I'll be waking up with him laying next to me, just gives me this joy I can never put into words. I can't wait to finally hold my soldier in my arms and just be held in his for as long as we want to. And above all, I am just happy and thankful to our Almighty Father that he's coming home safe and sound :)

I'm happy for those who will get to see their love ones, too very, very soon. They're all on their way home :) God has been so good for keeping them all safe and for guiding them while they were out there doing what they needed to do. He has never left their sides nor allowed anything bad to happen to each of them. I know not all will get to go home just yet, but I'm sure God will stay with them until they're able to. And to those who lost their loved ones out there, my prayers are with you. I know God will send them to continue looking after you, making sure you're all fine and doing well. They didn't leave us with nothing. They left us with something we'll always be grateful for and proud of - we are living a free life because of them who are willing to sacrifice their own lives for us. We will always be so proud of each of our heroes and they will always be remembered!! Thank you for fighting still for our freedom!! We can never repay you just as much, but our prayers are with you always.

A countless thank you very, very much to all soldiers out there - from a Proud Soldier's Wife :)

Weekend Photos: Deployment is Nearly Over

These are photos of J taken before they left the area and after they successfully did their missions. He's so ready to be back home!

(I actually don't know what kind of camera they used in taking the first photo)

Over the phone, he told me that they did a lot of fun things during their last 3 and a half days of stay there after they got back from doing missions. He was able to go and buy more stuff he needed and for the family of course. And the most fun things they got to do were; they went to a camel farm where he got a chance to feed a baby camel. He said he's got photos but will show me when he comes home. They went to the actual location of the bridge that connects Saudia and the place they were at and he said the experience was so amazing. They also went snorkeling and I kind of teased him for that. I said to him, you'll go snorkeling where? In the desert sand? [hehehe]

I'm so happy for my husband that his job gives him the opportunity and chance to experience these things that most people can only dream about. At his age, he's been to many countries, seen many places, and has seen a lot about life in different angles, in different views and aspects. That is probably why my husband thinks and say things the way he does and I am so proud of what he knows, what he understands, and his eagerness and willingness to learn more about things in general. And above all, he has been to those places I've long been dreaming to visit since I was a kid and I'm so happy that at least for now, one of us actually has been there and has stories to share to the other. Maybe, in God's own good time, we could travel back there together and have the time of our life!! For now, I am pretty content just seeing them through photos that he sends me. Knowing he's in every photo makes me feel I was there, too the whole time, especially how well he tells the whole story :) I'm so looking forward to listening to the rest of the story about his whole deployment when he comes home. And it's going to be very, very soon :)

Zwajy jay aLa aLbat fi esbw3aeen ;)

I feel more than just ecstatic that my husband will be coming home in a couple of weeks. We finally got his itinerary and as a matter of fact, he printed out a copy right after he received it. What a week it was for the both of us because it took five days before the agency was able to really forward the copy to my e-mail. Now, everything is good to go :) We're both counting down the days and wishing we can just fast forward the time and then make it stop from ticking once he gets here so he doesn't have to leave right away. Hay, I really can't wait!!

What bugs me sometimes is the funny truth that, the more I think about it, the more the wait seems longer. And the closer it gets, the more anxious I become.

On the other hand, I am pretty excited of his homecoming!! This is going to be my first time experience as a military wife welcoming a husband home who has been gone on a 6-month deployment. I'm so full of mixed emotions right now and I still haven't decided on what to do or what to give him on the day of his arrival. When he came here in April and I picked him up at the airport for the first time as my husband, I bought a bouquet of flowers (his favorite color) for him. This time, I want it to be something different. Not only that I'll be welcoming the love of my life home, I also will be welcoming a Soldier, a Hero, and he deserves something extra special. Now, the problem is, I'm left so clueless on what to do. I already came up with one, but I'm hoping I could do more for him. I know it doesn't have to be that all mushy and everything, I just want to make him feel that I'm joyful and grateful to God to have him back, very much loved, and that his wife is very, very proud of him :)

So, that's it. Countdown is almost over. It really is goodbye deployment and hello homecoming :)