Unwrapping Man-made and Natures Wonders

NFL Sunday Ticket

2012-02-04T09:08:00.000-08:00

The article written by Landon Gilbert

I don’t even remember what my husband used to do before he had NFL Sunday Ticket on Sunday ticket direct tv. I know that he has always been like a psycho watching football on television. But now with Sunday ticket, he can keep up with all the games at the same time. He even joined two fantasy football leagues this year. I can’t believe that he wastes so much time on football games. But over the years, I have learned that nothing is going to change the way he is. I just have to entertain myself when all the games are on. When our kids were small, I would resent his watching television all the time. Now our kids are all grown up, so I can go do something else when he is glued to the games. Most of the time I just go in another room and watch something that I want to watch. Other times I call my girlfriends who are also football widows, and we will go shopping or watch a movie at their house. Let me just say that I have never been much of a fan for football, and I don’t think that is going to change.

Four Corners

2012-02-04T07:37:00.000-08:00

I can't exactly remember when this photo was taken. I was so happy when we arrived at the Four Corners. It was under construction but it really did not stop us as well as many people from visiting this historic place. Four Corners is the region of the United States that consist of four States namely: Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah.

I am really very fortunate that my husband and I have mostly the same interest and one of them is traveling to National Parks, small towns and places where natural beauty of nature exist. I am just hoping that someday we can come back and visit this place. I already file a vacation leave for a week and we're planning before to visit Canada but we changed our minds and we will just go driving North instead of flying.

Retirement Travels

2012-01-03T14:49:00.000-08:00

This guest post from Lenny Mcknight

I’ve always heard the saying “don’t blink” because you might miss a large part of your life, but i never really believed it until now. It seems like only yesterday that my days were filled with school, football and girls. Now forty years later, here I am with a wife, three kids, and seven grandkids. If that’s not enough, after serving my time in the army and working day in and day out for the past thirty years, I can finally say that I’m retired. To say that I never thought this day would come is definitely an understatement. The grind of a Monday through Friday, 9 to 5 career absolutely had its ups and downs but now that I’m standing on the outside looking in, I wouldn’t have traded it for the world. For the past forty years, my wife and I have talked and dreamt about this time in our lives and what we would want to do and now that it’s finally here, all i can think of is family. Unfortunately, none of our three children live near us anymore and none of them even live in the same state. So i guess the traveling that the Mrs. And I used to dream about will be from state to state seeing all of the things that our kids and grandkids and getting to experience. Thankfully we have peace of mind knowing that our house is secure thanks to our new HOME SECurity FAMIly. Since I don’t have to worry about the house, i guess i should get packing and take in a nap before it’s time to hit the open road.

Breathtaking Scenery #1 (A house and a waterfall)

2012-01-03T14:32:00.000-08:00

I can't remember where I took this photo. All I know was that we're on our way to a lake in order for my husband to take photos to be added to his portfolio. I was mesmerized by the scenery, a beautiful house and a waterfall just nearby and by the way, a river in front of the this house. I think this was taken during fall season.

Weather

2011-11-25T02:48:00.001-08:00

Contribution by Saul Martin

Isn’t it funny how you can know the weather way ahead of time now? When I was growing up, we would just wake up each morning and see what kind of weather the day would bring. Then we would plan what to wear based on what we saw and felt out the door. If it was raining, we would just throw on a raincoat or grab an umbrella and be on our way. Or if we were lucky enough, we would look out the window and would see the bright white that a surprise snowfall would bestow upon us. I remember those days well from when I was a child we would jump in celebration because where we lived we seldom got a good snowfall. Snow would always guarantee a vacation day from school. Nothing would bring us more joy than when we got to stay home on a snow day. Today things are all totally different. Today is Monday, and my husband just asked me what would the weather be on Friday. Well now that we have wildbluedeals.com, all I have to do is go to the weather channel online. It can tell me what our weather will be for the next ten days. Who would have believed that so many years ago when I was a child?

Tips to Enhance Your Knowledge about Cosmetics

2011-11-24T11:43:00.001-08:00

I love going on a trip with my husband. Although I already know where will be our destinations which mostly in places where few tourists go but still I will make sure that I look beautiful in my own special way. I always bring my small make up bag which has my favorite face wash, moisturizer, liquid foundation, lip balm and compact face powder. Once in a while I will bring a lipstick and eye shadows which most of the time I will end up not using it either.

At first I don't have the incentive to do a research on Cosmetics Tips because I grew up with lipgloss and baby powder only and I don't want to waste my money buying Make Up and at the end I am not using it because of lack of knowledge. When I started working in health and beauty department in one of the biggest corporation here in the US, I started watching Make Up Tutorials online and my husband also bought me a book on how to apply make-up in order to further and enhance my knowledge. I still consider myself a novice but I will continue to enhance what I learn because I need it not only for myself but most importantly for my job.

One of the websites that I recently discover is the Cosmohut. This website is created to meet the needs of make up fanatics and even to those who are just a beginner. They offer a searchable database of make up tutorials, product reviews and an online women community which are really helpful. If you are like me who want to further your knowledge about how to apply make up and see what other make up fanatics are up too, this is a perfect website for you.

Postcard from Sweden

2011-11-22T21:18:00.001-08:00

A friend of mine whom I have never meet personally will once in a while send me greeting cards and postcards. We're been friends for more than 8 years and I really do appreciate the thoughts.

Vasteras is a city located on the shore of Lake Malaren in the province Vastmanland in central Sweden, some 100 km west of Stockholm (the capital of Sweden).

To fulfill your dreams you have to make sacrifices as well

2011-11-02T05:41:00.000-07:00

As a photographer's wife, I learned that in order to get the best photos of a certain landscapes, it may take time to get that perfect moment. That is why, I encourage my husband not to worry about me if he wants to stay longer in a certain place in order to capture the best photos. I want him to pursue his dreams which one of them is having his first gallery someday. Before this could happen, he has to acquire more photos to add to his portfolio and it means he has to take trips often. Since it is almost winter time, he wants to revisit Canada and this time stay there for two weeks or more. I told him that he should have to take this trip and plan it ahead so that he will know whether he has to stay in a hotel or consider rent Edmonton. I really want to be there with my husband in all his trips but I just can't because of my job. Seeing my husband happy and fulfill his dreams are my priorities right now. I, too is excited to help my husband open up his own gallery someday.

Almost one month ago, I was offered a month trial period for a possible job promotion. I was so excited and happy not only because I will be earning a little bit more but I love the challenges. Being the head of a huge department is not an easy task but since I love my job it would be an advantage. I have few issues that I am facing right now at work but I know I can handle it.

If I get this job, it would be of great help in terms of our finances. Right now we limit ourselves not to take many short trips because we have to save and money is tight right now. As you know, my husband is a commercial photographer and doing landscaping photography on the side. He really wants to go out and shoot more beautiful landscapes of other countries to add to his portfolio but because he is not working as much as he used to, it limits him to what he really wants. So, if will get this job promotion, I will be working more hours but I will definitely be helping my husband with our finances. This way, he can visit at least one or two countries a year to take photos of the landscapes that are on his list.

Traveling by Train

2011-09-25T09:04:00.000-07:00

Train Station in Santa Barbara

Last Friday my husband and I went to Santa Barbara, California by train. Although we have a car but we prefer to ride on a train just for experience purposes. Our plan was to eat in a nice restaurant in downtown Santa Barbara and stroll around because we have to be on the train station going back to LA before 2:00 o'clock in the afternoon that same day. Hubby's last time being on a train was almost thirty years ago while my first time being on a train for a very short time (around five minutes) was more than five years ago when I went to Manila, Philippines to process my papers in going here to the US.

Ocean

The train ride was more than two hours from downtown Los Angeles to Santa Barbara. On our way to our destination, there are areas wherein you can see the ocean on the left side of the train and farmlands on your right side. The train has a nice and comfortable seats with a folding table in front of you, just like when you are on a plane. There is a small snack bar inside the train and a bathroom too.

It was indeed a good experience most especially when we arrived in Santa Barbara around 10:35 in the morning, I was really starving and my husband asked me if I can wait for 25 more minutes because most of the restaurants we passed by were closed. I told him that I can't no longer wait because I started shivering. So guess where we ended up eating? In Panda Express. After we ate, we were laughing so hard because after all the time and money we spent in going to Santa Barbara we just ate in Panda Express wherein you can find this fastfood chain all over LA.

Farm

After we left Panda Express, we went window shopping but open to buy something that we like. I got three pieces of underwear from GAP (on sale for $3.42) and a collared blouse while hubby got a nice compression fit shirt with a long sleeve for him to use during colder weather. Before we headed back to the train station to go back to LA, I dropped by at Starbuck for my favorite Caramel Frappucino and hubby went to another store to buy a yogurt.

We had a long day but we're having fun and our bonding together was priceless. We're planning another train trip but this time is going to the opposite direction...to San Diego.

Traveling Baseball

2011-09-24T21:57:00.000-07:00

Contribution by Saul Martin

The most exciting part about watching my children play sports is knowing that it’s ultimately teaching them some valuable life lessons. They are both extremely good at everything they do but I think they are finding out that you can’t win them all and sometimes you have to learn to be a gracious loser and I firmly believe that ultimately builds character in them. Recently, my son was chosen to go play baseball for a traveling squad during the summer. My wife and I are very excited about this opportunity but it means that we are going to have to be out of town for weeks at a time. My neighbor recently saw how stressed I was getting about leaving the house unattended and told me about Security Choice. Now I feel like my worries have been all been eliminated and I can leave the house without constantly calling my neighbors. All I have to worry about now is making sure my son doesn’t feel like he has to play just to please my wife and I.

Salt Flats in Badwater, Death Valley National Park

2011-09-17T20:16:00.000-07:00

Have you been to Death Valley National Park? I was there once few years ago and we went to the Badwater Basin which is 282 feet below sea level and took few photos of the Salt Flats which cover nearly 200 miles. I was mesmerized by its beauty and was amazed and curious how it was formed. The salt flats are fragile. Walk with cautious.

The information below is from the National Park Service

What causes salt flats?

Three basic things are needed for salt flats to form:

* source of salts, usually from a large drainage system

* enclosed basin that doesn't drain to the sea and wash away the salts

* arid climate where evaporation exceeds precipitation, leaving behind just the salts and fine silt

Using calling cards for international calls

2011-09-13T21:16:00.000-07:00

After only a few months since arriving here in the United States I have been using calling cards to call my family and friends in the Philippines. It is really hard being far away from your loved ones. Even though my husband showers me with his love, affection and a lot of his time by taking me to different places but I still can't help myself from feeling homesick.

When my brother had a motorcycle accident in the Philippines, my sister called our home phone and told my husband what had happened. I was at work at the time so my husband gave me a call and informed me about my brother's accident. Because I always carry my calling card and pin number with me, I was able to call my sister immediately without having to use our home phone and avoid being charged with a ridiculous amount for a long distance call.

When I am running out of minutes, it is very easy to reload online. The minutes never expire and there are no hidden fees. I can use either our home phone or my cellphone to call internationally anytime. It is really very convenient for me because whenever I feel homesick, I just press the buttons on our phone and use my calling card numbers and enter the pin and I will immediately know what is new with my family in the Philippines. Being updated with what is going on with my loved ones gives me peace of mind.

Geysers in Yellowstone National Park

2011-09-12T23:54:00.000-07:00

Geyser is a vent in the earth's surface that periodically ejects a column of hot water and steam. Geyser is come from the word Geysir which is the name of an erupting spring at Haukadalur, Iceland. The geysir word itself is derived from the Icelandic verb geysa, "to gush", the verb from the Old Norse.

Old Faithful

The photo above was taken in Yellowstone National Park when we went there almost two years ago. It is the best known geyser in the world, the Old Faithful. This geyser will erupt every 60 to 90 minutes and will blasts a few thousands gallons of boiling hot water between 100 and 200 feet into the air.

There are only about 1000 geysers in the world and most of these geysers are located in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA. Other countries that have geysers are Russia, Chile, New Zealand and Iceland.

Our planned vacation to Switzerland

2011-09-10T20:45:00.000-07:00

Most of the people I've known love to travel and of course I am one of them. For almost five years that I have lived here in the United States, I can't exactly remember how many times we have been on local trips throughout the Western U.S.. Because of my irregular work schedule and usually I am allowed only a one week vacation at a time, it is really hard for me and my husband to travel outside the United States together.

We currently have plans for holiday travel internationally next year. Our first choice would be to travel to Switzerland and if I am able to ask for a two week vacation leave again, we are planning to go to Ireland as well. I am so anxious for this day to come. Our planned vacation will tentatively start around the last week of June through the first week of July 2012. It would be my first time traveling to another country besides the Philippines and the United States.

We've learned that planning your travel ahead is crucial. Since it is not cheap to travel, shopping for airfare and accommodations is really very important especially to people like us that are not wealthy. There are so many travel sites out there who claim that they offer the best airfare and accommodations but based on our personal experience, there is no guarantee that they are disclosing all the fine details or not unless you have to go to their website and do your own research. One of these sites that you should check out first is itravel2000.com. They have vacation packages which has been an ideal way for us to book when we will travel for two weeks next year.

Flower Fields in Carlsbad, California

2011-09-07T13:35:00.000-07:00

Have you been to the Flower Fields in Carlsbad, California? I was there once in April 2009. I was overwhelmed with what I saw, 50 acres of different flowers with different colors. As you can see in the photo above, the flowers were planted in horizontal row. Thus, it looks like a rainbow when you stand in an elevated area even just few feet away from the flower fields.

The flowers you see in the second photo are called Tecolote Giant Ranunculus which is one of the finest strains of ranunculus plants in world. There are other flowers in the fields but I don't know their names.

The Galapagos Islands Get-away

2011-09-06T08:09:00.000-07:00

There are so many places we want to visit. These places are not only here in the United States but also countries on different continents of the world. Since we can't visit all the places on our list, not only because of financial reasons, but the time as well. My husband and I have a list of our top 100 places to visit so we just have to choose the places that are on top of our list. One of these 100 places are the Galapagos Islands. I first heard the name of these islands while my husband and I were watching game show on TV, Jeopardy. They showed exotic animals on an island like iguanas, birds, turtles, sea lions and more. I thought immediately that this island must be protected and people are probably not allowed to visit these very beautiful and unique islands. But I was totally wrong because my husband told me that the islands and animals are protected but visitors are allowed to visit the islands and see the exotic animals. In fact, he told me that he wants to visit these islands with me if I would like to. He wants to go on one of the Galapagos Cruises for a few days. This will not happen this year but we are hoping that it will be next year, maybe a few months after our planned trip to Europe. If we will be able to decide to go next year, we have to book in right away so that we can plan our Galapagos Cruise adventure. Seeing those rare animals and the islands will be very exciting especially since I've never experienced being on a cruise ship. The Galapagos Cruise Ship would be my first and hopefully not my last.

It would be a lifetime opportunity to visit these remarkable islands, see the animals and even go swimming in the clear water and enjoy the white beaches of the islands. I hope next year I will have time to be away from work for couple of days and spend it with my husband on one of the places we want to visit together.

When we first met

2011-09-01T00:39:00.000-07:00

When I first met my husband in person at Marriott Hotel in Cebu, Philippines I was so excited and at the same time nervous because it was my first time traveling by plane and my first time as well going on a trip by myself alone to a place which was totally new and strange to me. My family and friends were very concerned about my safety because they knew that I never been to Cebu and although my husband and I were friends for three years but we haven't meet in person yet and who knows he could be a bad guy.

But our first meeting went well although it was a little bit awkward since I was not used in speaking english and being with a man alone. I was so lucky because my "hubby" was very accommodating and he tried to speak english clearly and slowly until I get used to it. Since I had only I think three days to be with him (since the company I work with at that time will not give me more than four days vacation leave) we spent our time together wisely and happily. We had a sumptuous breakfast buffet at Marriott Hotel for three times in a row, we went in a tour for three hours or so, we went to the mall to buy souvenirs for my family, had dinner at one of the nicest hotel in Cebu which I can't remember the name but I can still vividly remember that they had a man-made pool that was look like a long worm. In fact, after we ate dinner at this hotel I asked my husband who was just a friend at that time if we can stroll around the vicinity of the hotel. I saw women with their bikinis and men with their trunks in the pool having fun swimming and splashing water to one another. The view was very captivating and the water at the pool was very inviting. I really want to soak myself for even just a couple of minutes most especially that it was very hot that day and the night was just perfect for a good night swimming. But I am not sure if we are allowed to use their pool because we weren't a guest in that hotel. We just went there to eat dinner and besides we did not bring any extra clothes.

It was just one of the good memories that I keep on reminiscing every so often. I was not wrong in insisting to meet my "husband" although my father did not agree with it because he said that "hubby" should meet me in our city rather than in a place that I don't know anything about. But for the sake of my husband's safety, I agreed to meet him in Cebu. I did not regret of following my guts because we're happily married for almost five years now. We're even thinking of visiting again the place where we first met during our 10th year wedding anniversary. It is still a long way to go but I am very excited for this day to come.

The fun is endless in Costa Rica

2011-08-21T16:44:00.000-07:00

I first heard the name of this country when I was probably 6 years old or so because two of our neighbor's daughter flew to this country to work. In the country where I grew up, internet was not common or may I say not very popular at that time because computer was too expensive and having an internet connection was too high as well. So, I've known nothing about Costa Rica and besides during those time knowing about this place was not a priority because I was too young and my mind was fully occupied with playing and hoping that we can eat at least three times a day. The only thing that reminds me of this country is their beautiful beaches and tropical weather because I saw it in the postcards sent by our neighbor to their parents and I heard it in their stories during the time when they visited their family.

When I first came here in the US almost five years ago, as curious as I am, I asked my husband a lot of questions and I remember he mentioned it to me he was in Costa Rica with his friend once. Their main purposed in visiting this country was just to see some vacation spots that are very popular with tourists. They went Zip Lining but not Bungee Jumping. At first they were hesitant in zip lining but did it anyway because they saw young kids and older people did it. He said it was fun and exciting after all.

There are many magnificent places you can visit in Costa Rica as well as activities you can do that will make it a nice place to stay for a while. Since staying in a hotel for a longer period of time will cost you a fortune, Costa Rica Homes for Rent are available to people who want to stay in a place that they can call their own. If you want to experience your adrenalin going, try Zip Lining and Bungee Jumping. If you want to cool off yourself, you can plunge in to one of their beautiful beaches, if you want to see Costa Rica's rainforest you can go on a Sky Tram adventure. The fun is endless as long as you are into it. In fact, I am adding in to my list now Costa Rica and hopefully I have the guts to go on Zip Lining and the Sky Tram adventure. Bungee Jumping is out of the question at the moment.

Mantangale Alibuag Dive Resort

2011-08-20T22:25:00.000-07:00

Mantangale Alibuag Dive Resort is situated in Balingoan, Misamis Oriental, Philippines. The island you have seen in the photo is the Camiguin. I was happened to be in this resort when my Uncle and Aunt invited me and my sister to go with them for a lunch and quick tour of the resort. It was actually my second time to be in this vacation spot but as far as I can remember I did not have any photos to share when I first visited this resort. It was in the stage of my life when I was having difficulties financially.

Mantangale has a white sandy beach. The water was clear when we were there. My cousins went swimming even though we did not have a plan to go on a splash. The water was very inviting. If only I brought with me an extra clothing I would definitely plunge into the water.

We strolled around the resort's vicinity. We had fun taking photos especially with the dwarf coconut trees.

Me and my niece, Aimee

Mantangale Alibuag Dive Resort has an entrance fee of P150.00 or $3.70 per person (fee may varies). This fee is consumable, meaning you have to use it in either using their amenities or eat at their restaurant. If you decide not to use the fee you cannot get your money back. They have cottages and suites if you want to stay there for a day or a week. The place was great not only because of the beach but also with their swimming pool and the Orchidarium.

For my next visit to the Philippines, I will definitely come back in this resort with my family and few of my relatives and certainly I will bring an extra clothes.

I will Visit New York Someday

2011-08-16T21:31:00.000-07:00

I love traveling and I am quite certain most people do too. But the question is, what would you prefer to indulge yourself, in a big crowded cities or in a quite remote area or National Park? No matter where you want to go it would be nice if after a long and exhausting day of exploring that a comfortable and cozy room will await you.

Although I prefer to be in the natural world, I would also like to visit big cities here in the U.S. that I've never been to like San Diego, Dallas, Orlando, Chicago, Houston, Seattle, Miami, Atlanta, Honolulu, New York and etc. My first choice to visit among these cities is New York because I heard a lot of things about this "city that never sleeps". Besides, a good friend of mine lives in New York. She already visited me once here in Los Angeles and I would like to return the favor. I can stay in one of the luxury New York City hotels and give her a surprise visit where she works. We can then go shopping, watch a movie or dine in at Todd English restaurant and go to her favorite bar at night. We have a lot of things to catch up on.

Just thinking about this possible visit to New York gets me excited. I don't need to be worried about getting lost because I will stay in the hotel that is situated in the heart of Times Squares and Broadway Theatre Districts where I just can walk to where I want to go.

A Better Solution to an Unfortunate Accident

2011-08-11T22:22:00.000-07:00

My husband had already purchased our house before we got married. He fixed a lot of things around the house right after he bought it including our front yard and backyard. But there was an incident wherein he really can't forget. It cost him a considerable amount of money and time. This is what happened. He forgot that he was washing his clothes in the washing machine in our back room. He went to the store to buy some items for his upcoming trip to Monument Valley. When he arrived at the house, he saw water flowing onto our driveway. Suddenly he remembered that he was washing clothes and he immediately rushed to our back room. The floor was flooded with water. The hose from the washing machine where the water comes out accidentally freed itself from where the hose was inserted into the wall. He was so worried because the floor was made of hardwood. He tried to dry it as much as he could but it was too late, the water had damaged the floor. So two weeks after the incident, he took the hardwood floor out himself and asked his friend to help him put in a new floor. Since it is very expensive to put in another hardwood floor, he chose to put a laminate floor instead.

Although the floor in our back room now looks great, my husband would have been better off knowing there was a wood floor water damage repair austin. He would not have undergone all the trouble he went through. They have the right equipment and professional people who will do all the work and it would have saved my husband money and his original hardwood floor. It maybe too late now but at least if it happens again, we will know who to contact immediately. Also, aside from water damage, this company offers a variety of other services. You can visit them at http://www.thesteamteam.com/austin-restoration-services/smoke-fire.shtml to learn more about what they have to offer.

The Queen Mary

2011-08-09T11:10:00.000-07:00

Before the Queen Mary becomes a tourist attraction, it was once regarded as the only way to travel by the elite people since her first voyage in 1936. Queen Mary was one of the most world renowned and remarkable vessel and sailed primarily in the North Atlantic Ocean until 1967. During the World War II, the Queen Mary was used as a troopship.

Today the Queen Mary is permanently docked in Long Beach, California and become a tourist attraction. I was given an opportunity to experience its remarkable history and elegance when we visited the ship almost a month ago. We ate at the Champagne Sunday Brunch which offer an extensive buffet selection with more than 50 dishes. The service was good, the foods were exceptionally great and the ambiance was nice.

After eating at the Champagne Sunday Brunch, we walked around the ship and took several photos. I've never been in a ship as big as the Queen Mary. Although the Queen Mary is more than 70 years old, I can still see its magnificent beauty and elegance.

" Forgot to take photos of the Queen Mary alone"

Camping at Yellowstone National Park

2011-08-04T12:28:00.000-07:00

I can't exactly remember how many times we went on camping. I am quite sure it was more than 5 times already. The last time we packed our camping gear was when we flew to Yellowstone National Park last year. For some, it might be not a wise decision but for us it was indeed a clever one. It was already an expensive trip by just the fare alone and so we figured out that if we go camping every other day we can save a lot of money. Lodges, hotels, inns and motels especially inside the park are very expensive. In fact when we stayed for a night at one of the lodges at Mammoth Hot Spring in Yellowstone, if I were not mistaken we paid more than a hundred dollars.

There were campgrounds around the park where we can choose to set up our tent and stayed for a night or so. Some of these campgrounds were on a first come first serve basis only and yet others will accept reservation for a very affordable price. When we arrived at the Madison campground one morning, different sizes, colors and shapes camping tents were already been erected. As we were setting up our tent, other campers who probably been there for a day or two were busy cooking their breakfast in their camping stoves. Foods and coffee aromas was up in the air which made us have to leave the campground as soon as possible to eat our breakfast before we have to scout for a place to photograph before sunset.

I missed the fun of "real" essence of camping during this trip. There were many camping gears that we did not bring with us like our stove, foods and other very important stuff. Hopefully our next camping trip will be soon. I really like to stay away from work and this crowded city where I live for even just for a few days.

Grand Teton National Park

2011-08-03T22:07:00.000-07:00

Grand Teton National Park is situated near Jackson Hole in the state of Wyoming. I had the opportunity to visit this spectacular park last year with my husband. As my friends know, I prefer to be in nature rather than in a crowded, big city.

This photo was taken in Oxbow Bend. The mountain in the background is the Grand Teton mountain range. I, my husband and other photographers were already in Oxbow bend before sunrise. We wanted to capture the best photo of the mountain, the snake river and the Aspen trees as soon as the sun rises. Unfortunately it was overcast, so we waited for awhile until a photographer spotted a moose eating the grass. I was totally ecstatic and anxious in firing my camera to capture this very beautiful scenery.

I can't exactly remember what part of the park where I took this photo. I was mesmerized by the scenery, horses eating grass and the Grand Teton mountain range in the background.

Grand Teton National Park is a must see place for everybody.

Magnificent Calgary

2011-07-31T12:52:00.000-07:00

There are so many magnificent places to visit in Canada and Calgary is one of them. In fact this is one on top of my list to visit before I die. I am convinced not only because of the breathtaking photos I've seen from this area online but most importantly because of my husband's experiences. He went to Calgary in 1987 and stayed in one of his friends Calgary apartments to shoot the venues for the Winter Olympic in 1988. He went there during summer months because he also want to see and photograph the Canadian Rockies especially Banff National Park and Lake Louise which are only a couple hours from Calgary.

More than five years ago, my husband went back to Calgary again, not to take more photos of the Canadian Rockies but also the prairie and some other places nearby. As you may know my husband is a commercial photographer and does landscape photography as a hobby and hopefully he will make a living from this area of photography alone.

Calgary is the largest city in the province of Alberta, Canada and has beautiful natural landscapes, eye-catching skyscrapers and its economy is dominated mostly by the oil and gasoline industry. This area is not only worth visiting but should also be considered as a permanent city to live in. If you are going to move because of a work promotion, want to open your own business or you just want to experience the never-ending outdoor activities, it is an excellent idea to look for an apartment where you can settle down and rest after your fun-filled day is over. I know that owning a house is what most people dream about but living in a nice apartment for awhile while you are saving for the house of your dreams is indeed a wise decision to make.

Elk in Yellowstone National Park

2011-07-28T12:35:00.001-07:00

ELK = is one of the largest species of deer in the world.

There are ten Elk in this photo but actually the're probably be more than thirty Elk in the riverbank. I can't exactly remember the place where I took this photo. I know for sure it was when we went to Yellowstone National Park last year. The Bull Elk (one with antlers) was herding "too many" female Elk called the cows. They look small in this photo but they are actually huge.

How about this Bull Elk laying in someone's backyard. As we were driving we saw several houses probably a hundred feet away from the road and three of those houses there were several Elk laying down and eating grass at the same time. We stopped by and got out from our car. I grabbed my camera and took few photos. One Elk crossed the road and he was gigantic. He looked like a horse with antlers.

So next time, if you are planning to go on a vacation within the United States, Yellowstone National Park is worth the money and the time. Make sure also to bring with you your camera because there are a lot of magnificent places and animals to see around the Park.

Fixing it up

2011-07-25T21:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Wm Rowe

When I decided to buy this old fixer upper I had no idea it would turn into so much work. I didn’t think it would be a big deal for me to live in the basement for a few days while they worked on the upstairs but here I am three months later, still living in the basement. It’s such a pain in the butt to have to haul all my stuff up and down stairs and I don’t even have a working kitchen to use so I’ve gained a little weight from eating out so much. I had to go to www.Texaselectricityproviders.com/ to get my utility bills down since it takes a lot to get the basement to cool off and I’ve got fans running down here pretty much 24/7 anyway. I sure wish I had known it was going to be this big of an ordeal when I first bought the place – I may have reconsidered before I forked out the down payment. I just hope it’s worth it in the end when I see it done!

Travel-size Items

2011-07-24T08:49:00.000-07:00

Travel size items are very popular these days. These items are very handy wherever and whenever you go. You can even take it with you in your carry on bag when you fly. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will allow air travelers to carry with them liquids, gels, and aerosols as long as it abides to the TSA rules.

CARRY-ON BAG

* * Each container of all liquids, gels and aerosols must be in a 3.4 ounce (100ml) or smaller container. Larger containers that are half-full are not allowed. All these items must be placed in a single quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag. Each traveler can only use one of these clear plastic bags.

* * Travelers must remove their quart-sized plastic, zip-top bag from their carry-on and place it in a bin or on the conveyor belt for X-ray screening. This will allow the TSA officers to examine your declared items easily.

We have to remember that this rules are implemented for our safety. Always give yourself ample time going to the airport. For more information, please visit the Transportation Security Administration.

Be Healthy for your Journey

2011-07-19T15:08:00.000-07:00

Bandon, Oregon

When my husband went to Bandon, Oregon two years ago to take photos of the Monolith along its coastline one very early morning he began to feel weak, dizzy and could hardly breath along with a rapid heart beat. He immediately went back to the hotel where he was staying and asked the hotel attendant where the nearest hospital or medical clinic was located. As soon as he arrived at the hospital's emergency center, it was a little bit crowded with patients, nurses, physicians' assistants and doctors wearing with their hospital scrubs uniforms. One of the doctors immediately gave him medicine to slow down his heart beat. He was then able to complete his trip without any further problems.

After he arrived from his trip he promptly called our primary doctor for an appointment. The doctor then recommended my husband to see a cardiologist. His findings was the same as the findings of the doctor in Oregon. My husband was having a temporary rapid heart beat which is called atrial fibrillation. One of the probable causes of my husband's condition was that he drank too much coffee on empty stomach. He had 4 cups of coffee the day before and at least 2 more in the morning before he had shortness of breath and rapid heart beat.

This incident has given me some food for thought. Would it be a wise decision if I attend school to become a nurse? Since we love traveling together, we should be physically and mentally healthy at all times. If something were to happen to him or me, at least one of us will have the knowledge on what to do especially since we love going to remote areas where people and medical professionals are scarce.

I have high respect for people in the medical fields. They work so hard to help people who are sick and give them hope for a brighter tomorrow. I am sure this is one of the biggest reasons why many people today are going to school to be a part of the growing need of health care professionals. Patience, perseverance, compassion and dedication are what a person should possess in order to be successful in this chosen field. And don't forget not to overlook the importance of having a professional appearance. You can accomplish this by ordering your custom made scrubs at http://www.blueskyscrubs.com/categories/Scrubs/Scrubs-for-Women/Original-Scrubs/. Good luck!

Shiprock, New Mexico

2011-07-16T00:48:00.000-07:00

Shiprock mountain is a rock formation rising nearly 1,583 feet. It is located in Navajo Nation in San Juan County, New Mexico USA. This mountain is absolutely gorgeous. In a far distance, this mountain looks like a gigantic ship docked in the middle of a desert. When you are very close to the mountain, it looks like it is not real, as if you are in a different world. This beautiful and magnificent mountain is worth a long, long drive. You've got to see this.

Nescafe Instant Coffee and Coffee-mate Creamer

2011-02-27T11:24:00.000-08:00

A box of Nescafe pure instant coffee contains 8 packets. Each packet makes a cup of coffee. On the other hand, the Coffee-Mate coffee creamer has 7 packets per box. Based on my own experience, Nescafe coffee and Coffee-Mate creamer are good to be used together. For a cup of hot water, it is ideal to use one packet of Nescafe coffee and a packet of Coffee-Mate coffee creamer. But the choice is yours what you want your coffee to taste to be. These coffee and creamer are very convenient to be carried for camping, traveling or anywhere where hot water is available. Don't forget to bring packets of sugar too.

Third Visit in Yosemite National Park

2011-02-22T17:10:00.000-08:00

This is already my third time visiting Yosemite National Park. The park is just magnificent. Its breath-taking sceneries always impresses me. Even though it's winter time, there are many visitors in the park. Snow flakes are still on the trees and most part of the park are still covered with snow from previous storm.

Since this visit is unplanned, we try to spend our time wisely. We have only a day to have fun and enjoy the beauty of the park.

As usual we take Bones with us. He loves the snow and playing with it seems like a paradise to him. On the other hand, my husband is busy looking for the best spots to photograph. I am the one who looked after Bones and we both had fun playing the snow together.

While my husband is waiting for the right timing of photographing the view from the tunnel, Bones and I are playing the snow at the parking lot. When we both got tired we stay inside the car while I am listening to music from my favorite bands, Westlife, Backstreet Boys and N'Sync.

I will not be surprised that one of these days we will be visiting this park again. Twelve hours driving back and forth is all worth it.

Universal Studios Hollywood

2011-02-12T00:32:00.000-08:00

Universal Studios Hollywood, the Entertainment Capital of L.A is a movie studio and a theme park located in Universal City, California. This amusement park is a good place to unwind and have fun with friends, family and relatives. You can go on different rides, studio tour to different movie sets wherein some of it still in use nowadays, shopping, dining and watching different shows like the Shrek, Terminator 2: 3D, WaterWorld, and more!

Although I am scared of fast rides but I find Revenge of the Mummy exciting yet it's nerve-racking. It is like you are in a roller coaster ride but during the course of the ride, the car just automatically stop for I don't know how many seconds and moves so fast in backward motion. I just can't help myself not to scream and I did close my eyes as soon the car enter the dark tomb until the ride is finished, lol.

Right now when you buy a day ticket for Universal Studios Hollywood you will get the 2011 free. To get more information about this movie studio and theme park including the price of their tickets, just kindly visit their website at http://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/.

Over the Shoulder Organizer

2011-01-21T23:33:00.000-08:00

This is a very nice over the shoulder organizer to be hand carried when you're flying anywhere in the world. It is very portable has over 16 compartments, outer zippered pockets to keep your items secure, it is expandable and has an adjustable 22" strap for your comfortable use.

When I bought this over the shoulder organizer it was on sale for $9.99. Its original price was $19.99 and I have a 20% off coupon from the store where I bought it. It was really a good deal.

Madame Tussouds Hollywood

2011-01-11T14:04:00.000-08:00

Madame Tussouds Hollywood is a wax museum with over 100 incredible life-like figures situated in 6933 Hollywood Blvd , Hollywood Ca. You will see life-like figure of Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Kobe Bryant, Tiger Woods, Julia Roberts, Bruce Willis, Spiderman, Michael Jackson, Jackie Chan, Madonna, Marilyn Monroe, Tom Hanks, Lady Gaga, and more. In front of the museum you will see names of famous movie stars and celebrities on a star carved in the sidewalk of Hollywood Blvd.

Museum Hours:

Monday-Thursday, 10:00am-8:00pm;

Friday-Sunday, 10:00am-10:00pm;

Summer Hours (Memorial Day to Labor day): Daily, 10:00 am-10:00pm

Madame Tussouds Hollywood is closed on the day of the Academy Awards. It is best to call them in advance if you want to visit Madame Tussouds Hollywood at 323-798-1670 to make sure that they are open when you visit the museum.

Wait! Don't forget to bring your camera to have souvenirs. I am sorry to tell but I don't know how much is the admission fee because my cousin's husband pay for it. I am with my cousin and her family when we visited the wax museum.

Camping Outside Yellowstone

2010-11-16T11:42:00.000-08:00

It's been getting colder here in where I live. In fact in many parts of the US it's already snowing. But even the weather is colder and freezing, there are still a lot of people who wants to go on a vacation or even camping. Talking about camping, we've done that several times this year and in fact when we went to Yellowstone National Park, we spent our first night tent camping in one of the campsites just outside the park. You won't believe how cold it was. I've never been felt so cold in my entire life. It felt like I was inside a freezer. My feet and hands were numb and freezing while my face was red and my nose was painful. I wore several layers of clothes, a net hat, two socks, two gloves and a sleeping bag that is ideal for a mild conditions when the temperature drops down to 40 degree Fahrenheit. But still I was freezing cold and the temperature conditions allows me to sleep uncomfortably and I was awaken for many times. At probably around 3 am I could no longer take the freezing temperature. I awoken my husband and told him about what I've felt. He rubbed my hands and feet and gave me hand warmers and toe warmers as well which he kept in one of our luggages. It really helped a lot and I was able to sleep straight. We woke up early the next day because we have to tear down our tent and my husband needs to take couple of photos if possible.

There are so many things that I've learned about camping. We have to be prepared to any weather condition to the places we want to visit. Doing a lot of research will help us prepare to any possible scenario while we're camping. If my husband did not bring few hand and toe warmers, I would possibly not enjoy our vacation that much. Have fun in your camping!

Ancient Bristlecone Pine Tree

2010-10-18T20:33:00.000-07:00

I've seen and touched the oldest tree in the world during our trip to Bishop, CA two weeks ago:

This Bristlecone Pine tree is taken in Great Basin in White Mountains of the Inyo National Forest

Bristlecone Pine tree (Pinus longaeva) is one of the member of pine family and considered as the oldest living creature that thrive the earth. Bristlecone Pine is easily identified from the other Pine trees because its needles are arranged all along its branches like a cat or fox tail. They thrive in the lighter-colored dolomite soil. This kind of soil is very alkaline in soil chemistry, thus makes for a very challenging growing conditions. This Bristlecone Pine can be found in Eastern California, high mountain regions of Nevada and to a lesser extent in Utah.

Glacier Basin Campground

2010-08-09T12:04:00.000-07:00

More than two weeks ago, we went on a 10-day camping trip in Colorado. We have specific destinations where to camp and how many days we are going to spend in these campgrounds. But unfortunately, our plans change after few photographers we've met in Yankee Boy Basin in Ouray County, Colorado told us that the wild flowers in the areas that we want to go to are not really looking good in a photographers' stand point. So, we both decided to go to Rocky Mountain National Park instead. There are few campgrounds in the park that we can camp. When we first arrived at the park, we went immediately to one of these campgrounds to make sure that we can get a space before we will scout for beautiful landscapes that my husband can take pictures. But we were very unfortunate. The two nearby campgrounds were full. So we asked the lady in the Park Ranger Station if we can reserve a space for the night and even for the following nights. But the lady told us that she can't guarantee that there are campers who will leave the campground for that day. She suggested that we should come back to the campground (Glacier Basin campground) before seven o'clock in the morning the next day to be in the waiting list.

Here is a photo I want to share of the campsite where we put up our tent

Since we can't camp for the night, we decided to drive for an hour away from the park and find a hotel we're we can stayed for the night which allowed dogs. The following day we went back to Glacier Basin campground very early in the morning to be on top of the list. My husband decided to leave me in front of the Park Ranger's station while he was going to a lake to take pictures. I was probably waiting about an hour or so and I was freezing cold outside the station when my husband arrived. But all the waiting I did is paid off when the lady Park Ranger told us that there are few campsites that are been vacated.

We stayed in the Glacier campground for two days.

Calico Ghost Town

2010-07-03T13:54:00.000-07:00

Few months ago we went to Calico Ghost Town situated in Calico Mountains in the Mohave Desert here in Southern California. It was founded in 1881 as a silver mining town but became a ghost town in 1904. The county park is located in San Bernadino county off Interstate 15, 3 miles away from Barstow, Ca. A giant letter CALICO can be seen in the Calico Peaks. One-third of Calico's old structure still stand and the remaining buildings had been carefully reconstructed.

You can take a ride on a narrow gauge mining train to see some part of the town that is hard to see if you just walk.

Few sites to see in Calico:

There are many interesting area of the town that you can visit. Before leaving the place, don't forget to buy souvenirs for yourself, loved ones and friends. If you want to have a big time souvenir, try going to a photograph center and have your picture taken wearing clothes that resembles the past when the town was still inhabited.

It is really nice knowing the history of the places of this country that I live now. It has been one my dreams to take online education classes in history to more fully appreciate the places I travel. Online universities offer a huge variety of interests to learn about.

Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women and Newborns

2010-06-06T22:38:00.000-07:00

We're supposed to be going some place for three days but we did not pursue our plan because my husband needs to work tomorrow. Since my husband felt guilty about not taking me to a three-day trip, he asked me if I want to see somebody or go some place nearby. I told him if it's okay for him to drive me to San Diego because I want to visit my friend who has been hospitalized in Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women and Newborns for almost a month now. She has a complicated pregnancy.

It took us almost 2 hours to get to the hospital and more than an hour to find a store near the hospital to buy something for my friend. I ended up buying her an orchid plant and mangoes. I am really happy that my friend is well taken care by Sharp Mary Birch Hospital.

Location:

Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women and Newborns

3003 Health Center Drive

San Diego, CA 92123

Tel.# 858-939-3400

View Larger Map

For more information about this hospital, please visit their website here.

Poppy Fields in Antelope Valley, CA

2010-05-11T16:41:00.000-07:00

More than a month ago, we went to the poppy fields in Antelope Valley, CA. It was a nice trip because not only we love flowers but also it was a good family bonding as well. We arrived in the field passed lunch time. There were many parked cars along the road to where you can see the poppy fields. It was windy when we arrived to our destination but it did not stop us from roaming around the fields.

Here's some of the shots taking during our very short trip:

Poppy Fields

Close Up photo of the Poppy Flowers

Me and My Big, Black, Baby Boy, Bones (The 5 B's). Surrounded by the Poppy flowers.

Anza Borrego Desert State Park

2010-03-15T22:53:00.000-07:00

Today, March 15, 2010 we went to Anza Borrego National Park. It is located on the eastern side of San Diego County, with portions extending east into Imperial County and north into Riverside County.

We left our house at 6:30 a.m., to drop by in Vista, CA . We left the city at 9:05 and headed to 78 east passing by the San Diego Wild Animal Park at exactly 9:35 a.m.. We continued driving until we arrived in a small touristy town of Julian at 11:25 am and stayed there for approximately 23 minutes to look around. We left Julian at 11:53 am and started heading to Anza Borrego Springs.

At approximately 1:00 pm we arrived at Anza Borrego's Visitor Center. We asked for a map of the park and asked the people in the center for a nice place to visit. There are a lot of nice places to delve but we decided to go to Coyote Canyon. To reach the canyon, we left the visitor center and yield to the Christmas Circle and turn right to the second exits (I forgot the name) and we continued driving for maybe 2 minutes or more then turn left to Di Giorgio and then drive straight ahead for approximately 15 minutes to reach the canyon.

Here are few of the photos I took in Coyote Canyon:

Lupine, Desert Dandelion and

Ocotillo Cactus

Lupine Plants

Beavertail Cactus

Cholla Cactus

Pygmy Gold Poppy

Alaska

2010-01-26T17:57:00.000-08:00

Just last night, hubby and I decided to take our next vacation in Alaska. I am really eager to go there even for a week hoping to enjoy the beautiful Alaska. I heard a lot of things about this state. They said that you will be mesmerized by its beauty. It has magnificent mountains, beaches, forests and other natural resources that they said you will surely love.

The tentative date for our vacation will be by July. We will only be there for a week because I am not allowed to be away from work for more than a week. We are also thinking of staying in an area where there are less crowd and away from big cities. Hopefully we will find a place close to nature, inexpensive hotel and good weather during our visit.

Hope this plan will be pursued. I am really excited now!

Places I Want to Visit

2010-01-21T10:09:00.000-08:00

There are a lot of places around the globe particularly here in the US that I want to visit. It may not happen this year but hopefully in the coming years to come. I particularly want to see the Yellow Stone National Park, Bryce National Park, The Statue of Liberty, The Niagra Falls, The Chocolate Hills in the Philippines, Boracay Island in Cebu, Eiffel Tower, Pyramid of Egypt and many, many more.

I mostly preferred to travel that involve being close to nature. But going to some places where tall buildings and having crowds is also very interesting to visit. I may not be able to stay in one of this places for many days but trying and enjoying what these places can offer would be a good experience I supposed.

Hopefully, by my next vacation leave from work, we will be going to a place that's in my list. If not, I will still go somewhere that has a very interesting and magnificent scenery.

The Yosemite National Park

2009-09-29T21:26:00.000-07:00

I've been to Yosemite National Park twice. I adore it's magnificent and breathtaking beauty. The park is situated in Sierra Nevada, California. The park has numerous waterfalls, the Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Fall, Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, Ribbon Fall, Horsetail Fall, Illilouette Fall, Wapama Falls and the Chilnualna Falls. I haven't had a chance to see all these falls because on two occasions when we went to the park I had a very limited time to stroll around. My schedule was very hectic and it took as more than ten hours (back and forth) in going home. The Yosemite Falls (the upper and lower falls) which is the most well-known among all the waterfalls in the Yosemite National Park is about 2,425 ft. high. You can see this falls in various places around the Yosemite Valley.

There are many beautiful scenery which you should not be overlooked if you visit Yosemite Park aside from the majestic waterfalls. You can also see the Sequoia trees, Half Dome, Merced River, El Capitan, the meadows, wild animals like bears and the valley itself as you enter the park from the tunnel. The last time we went to the park, it was snowing that night. As we were heading towards the main area where the lodges, grocery stores and hotels located, we experienced one of the things that I haven't experienced in my entire life. Snowflakes fell on the ground from the trees when the sun started to shine from the east. It felt like I am in heaven that time. Almost everything was covered with snow. It's all white.

If you're thinking to unwind, Yosemite National Park is worth visiting for over and over again.