Yes I am making extra income, some make huge but not me. This is all I can get for the meantime. For one, I’m still learning. Second, I can’t really do this full time. I always blame the kids for not giving me more time to sit and write. But hey, I’m still earning.
A ReEntry Permit or Visa Abandonment?
I did mention that my Mama is opting to surrender her Green Card. As per advise by the Consulate here in Cebu, she has to surrender it in the Embassy personally. She has to 'willingly surrender it' because she wants to go back to US for a visit afterall. I know of a case where someone literally abandon her PR for years without entries to the US. Now, he is having difficulty entering United States even with the invitations and re-application by his family. He was not even granted a Tourist Visa (B1/B2). It was negligence and ignorance that deactivated his US Visa.
So going back, Mama was serious of doing so, hoping that she will be granted a Tourist Entry. So last Monday, July 20, I accompany her an hour flight away from Cebu to surrender her Green Card and hopefully, apply for Tourist Visa (non-Immigrant visa) on that same date since we are booked for last flight back to Cebu. First flight inbound, last flight outbound, this will be a one day adventure miles away from my kids! A day off maybe! We were actually early in the US Embassy. As usual, the lines outside the building are getting longer especially that line for the non-immigrants. Good for immigrants, they don't make a line! Immigrants are waiting for Window number 35 to open at 8:30am. We had an hour and a half more so waiting means talking!
I had fun there meeting other people talking about different cases. Some lost there passport and Green Card. Some had their Green Card expired while on vacation here in the Philippines. And two, including Mama, wanted to surrender their Green Card. Mama's case is one attention-getter. While others on the other side of the building are flocking and competing for entry to the US, she wants hers surrendered!
Anyway, at Window 35, her turn, she was given two options. One, surrender the Green Card, fill up I-407, apply for tourist entry, 100% grant. Or two, retain immigrant status, fill in ReEntry Permit, continue Permanent Residency. Of course as decided, she filled up I-407 (Abandonment of Lawful Permanent Resident Status). It is a one-page form that asks for your basic personal information and your reasons for abandoning PR. It was funny when she argued with the person in the Window that she is not 'abandoning her PR' but is 'willingly surrendering it'. Well, it legally means the same thing, she has not abandoned her PR but is abandoning it!
Now that Mama is officially not an Immigrant anymore, she could stay in the Philippines as long as she wants, "without pressure", as she always say it.
So, next step: Apply for Tourist Visa (B1/B2). Easy!
So going back, Mama was serious of doing so, hoping that she will be granted a Tourist Entry. So last Monday, July 20, I accompany her an hour flight away from Cebu to surrender her Green Card and hopefully, apply for Tourist Visa (non-Immigrant visa) on that same date since we are booked for last flight back to Cebu. First flight inbound, last flight outbound, this will be a one day adventure miles away from my kids! A day off maybe! We were actually early in the US Embassy. As usual, the lines outside the building are getting longer especially that line for the non-immigrants. Good for immigrants, they don't make a line! Immigrants are waiting for Window number 35 to open at 8:30am. We had an hour and a half more so waiting means talking!
I had fun there meeting other people talking about different cases. Some lost there passport and Green Card. Some had their Green Card expired while on vacation here in the Philippines. And two, including Mama, wanted to surrender their Green Card. Mama's case is one attention-getter. While others on the other side of the building are flocking and competing for entry to the US, she wants hers surrendered!
Anyway, at Window 35, her turn, she was given two options. One, surrender the Green Card, fill up I-407, apply for tourist entry, 100% grant. Or two, retain immigrant status, fill in ReEntry Permit, continue Permanent Residency. Of course as decided, she filled up I-407 (Abandonment of Lawful Permanent Resident Status). It is a one-page form that asks for your basic personal information and your reasons for abandoning PR. It was funny when she argued with the person in the Window that she is not 'abandoning her PR' but is 'willingly surrendering it'. Well, it legally means the same thing, she has not abandoned her PR but is abandoning it!
Now that Mama is officially not an Immigrant anymore, she could stay in the Philippines as long as she wants, "without pressure", as she always say it.
So, next step: Apply for Tourist Visa (B1/B2). Easy!
My Kids can Speak Two Languages
I have read in a book about Child Development a long long time ago that the best age to teach children to speak many languages is the age of 2-3. I have always believed in that since we know children can absorb things like a sponge.
My kids primary language is English. But I do speak to them in Cebuano or Bisaya and Mark speaks to them in Tagalog. So far, Alyssa, 3, my eldest who can now communicate really well speaks in these languages. Allen, 2, has some Cebuano and Tagalog words. Mark and I don't speak another foreign language except English. So, we supplied them with videos that can teach them at least words from other languages like Dora the Explorer that introduces Spanish words. Another program that introduces foreign words is Little Einstein, a programme from Disney.
In Yahoo News, I found this article and I found out there's more on Unraveling how Children Can Become More Bilingual Easily. Read On.
My kids primary language is English. But I do speak to them in Cebuano or Bisaya and Mark speaks to them in Tagalog. So far, Alyssa, 3, my eldest who can now communicate really well speaks in these languages. Allen, 2, has some Cebuano and Tagalog words. Mark and I don't speak another foreign language except English. So, we supplied them with videos that can teach them at least words from other languages like Dora the Explorer that introduces Spanish words. Another program that introduces foreign words is Little Einstein, a programme from Disney.
In Yahoo News, I found this article and I found out there's more on Unraveling how Children Can Become More Bilingual Easily. Read On.
An All-Chocobutternut-Munchkin Carton is not Allowed!?
These are some of the things that do not make a news. But I would like to use the power of blogging...a bad reputation does scatter like a wildfire.
Actually I am avoiding to talk about this story but I'm itching to write about it. Sorry. Afterall, this is blogging. Freedom of speech baby!
It was past 7pm. Done grocery shopping, Mama and I dropped by Dunkin Donuts to buy some doughnuts for my sister Lit who is sick. So I really made sure I'd bring the best flavored donuts available for her. I asked how much does the box cost. Seventy-two pesos for 25 munchkins, she replied. Again it's past seven and there are barely 2 flavors left and no one in the house likes the other one. Give me a box of all chocobutternut munchkins. And you want to hear what the lady in the store said? "Hala dili ra ba na pwede!" (Ooops, it is not allowed Ma'am). And my translation sounds even more polite! I asked if buying just 10 pieces is Ok and guess what, it is. "Sige, lahia nalang ang resibo" (Just give me 2 receipts!) I was thinking if it was an inventory issue so I'll make a Win-win resolution. She mumbled while filling the carton with 25 pieces of chocobutternut munchkins and drop the carton in front of me with force. So you think I'll tolerate this kind of manner? Of course not!
I wonder what are these Dunkin Donuts rule or is it just hers? What's the difference between buying 2 platics of 10 pieces and a box of 25 same flavored donuts? I want to know the logic.
Actually I am avoiding to talk about this story but I'm itching to write about it. Sorry. Afterall, this is blogging. Freedom of speech baby!
It was past 7pm. Done grocery shopping, Mama and I dropped by Dunkin Donuts to buy some doughnuts for my sister Lit who is sick. So I really made sure I'd bring the best flavored donuts available for her. I asked how much does the box cost. Seventy-two pesos for 25 munchkins, she replied. Again it's past seven and there are barely 2 flavors left and no one in the house likes the other one. Give me a box of all chocobutternut munchkins. And you want to hear what the lady in the store said? "Hala dili ra ba na pwede!" (Ooops, it is not allowed Ma'am). And my translation sounds even more polite! I asked if buying just 10 pieces is Ok and guess what, it is. "Sige, lahia nalang ang resibo" (Just give me 2 receipts!) I was thinking if it was an inventory issue so I'll make a Win-win resolution. She mumbled while filling the carton with 25 pieces of chocobutternut munchkins and drop the carton in front of me with force. So you think I'll tolerate this kind of manner? Of course not!
I wonder what are these Dunkin Donuts rule or is it just hers? What's the difference between buying 2 platics of 10 pieces and a box of 25 same flavored donuts? I want to know the logic.
Little Alex's Leche Love
It is well marked, I am an advocate of breastfeeding. I have breastfed my three kids with ease. I've read that some mommies are having trouble to succeed in this beautiful nature. Oh well, the first time is indeed difficult. I was struggling too but I was determined to succeed believing that this is one of the things that Nature does better. And it does better for me maintaining 105lbs weight with three babies. Incredible huh!
How I admire this piece of adventure! A mother-baby bond that nothing can replace. There is just one and only one problem I can think of. I can't be out too long. Baby Alex will starve. He is only 6 months old and he does not drink a formulated milk. We tried introducing the bottle just in case but the response is negative.
He loves my milk very much. Whatever happens, he just waits for my arrival everytime I go out for a grocery shopping. It is sometimes a trouble for I cannot make some other errands. I have to go as fast and be back home soon for I know my Alex is hungry. It is always an emotional event when he sees me approaching him when I arrive. I can see his big tears rolling to his cheeks telling me things that only him and me quite understand. It tears my heart apart seeing him cry but I feel better at the same time assuring him that I'm home.
For me breastfeeding is one of the most wonderful gift I can give everyday to my growing baby. I know sooner it has to end but the bond will last a lifetime.
How I admire this piece of adventure! A mother-baby bond that nothing can replace. There is just one and only one problem I can think of. I can't be out too long. Baby Alex will starve. He is only 6 months old and he does not drink a formulated milk. We tried introducing the bottle just in case but the response is negative.
He loves my milk very much. Whatever happens, he just waits for my arrival everytime I go out for a grocery shopping. It is sometimes a trouble for I cannot make some other errands. I have to go as fast and be back home soon for I know my Alex is hungry. It is always an emotional event when he sees me approaching him when I arrive. I can see his big tears rolling to his cheeks telling me things that only him and me quite understand. It tears my heart apart seeing him cry but I feel better at the same time assuring him that I'm home.
For me breastfeeding is one of the most wonderful gift I can give everyday to my growing baby. I know sooner it has to end but the bond will last a lifetime.
Happy Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel!
Today, July 16, is the Feast Day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
Mama and I joined the procession in culmination of the novena masses to our Lady of Mount Carmel. It was an hour procession from the Carmelite Monastery Cebu towards St. Joseph's Parish Mabolo with the images of the Carmelite Saints and the miraculous image of the Lady.
Mama and I followed the Society of the Angel of Peace (SAP) brothers and sisters with their founder Msgr. Cris Garcia. The image of the Lady of Mount Carmel went out last from the Monastery and she did looked splendid with the flowers around Her.
In honor of the Lady, I'm going to share a testimony of how She granted my prayers.
For once in my life, I felt I was alone. I was jobless and I was loveless. Funny but true. I heard about other people's prayers granted by the Lady. So then, with faith, I started my novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel. I religiously visit the Carmelite Monastery with my close friend Beth during that nine consecutive days. I prayed for a good job and yes, I prayed for a love from a good man. In other words, I prayed to be happy.
On my fifth day of my novena, I received a phone call from a friend. She was the one who read my online application for the job position. If I'm not mistaken, it was Academic Coordinator. Unfortunately, I lack the experience for the position that I was applying for so she offered me another job. I thought about a job in line with my academic knowledge or experience. I have a degree in Psychology and was once a Guidance Counselor so I thought of landing in a job that is at least related to them. But the job offered is actually not at all related to any of the two. I gave it a shot anyway.
Before I went to church for my 7th day novena, I went to the office for an interview. By the way, the position is Technical Coordinator. Yes, you read it right, technical and according to my friend that if I'll be hired, I'll be joining in a group of males, about 30 males, mostly engineers, or shall I say, all of them engineers from different field. There was two of us to be interviewed. The other one is a very tall lady who has backgrounds in the said job description. During my turn, I wasn't interviewed at all. But the 'boss' just gave me orientation instead, I wondered!
Fast forward, I was hired. Fast forward, I married my boss!
Mama and I joined the procession in culmination of the novena masses to our Lady of Mount Carmel. It was an hour procession from the Carmelite Monastery Cebu towards St. Joseph's Parish Mabolo with the images of the Carmelite Saints and the miraculous image of the Lady.
Mama and I followed the Society of the Angel of Peace (SAP) brothers and sisters with their founder Msgr. Cris Garcia. The image of the Lady of Mount Carmel went out last from the Monastery and she did looked splendid with the flowers around Her.
In honor of the Lady, I'm going to share a testimony of how She granted my prayers.
For once in my life, I felt I was alone. I was jobless and I was loveless. Funny but true. I heard about other people's prayers granted by the Lady. So then, with faith, I started my novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel. I religiously visit the Carmelite Monastery with my close friend Beth during that nine consecutive days. I prayed for a good job and yes, I prayed for a love from a good man. In other words, I prayed to be happy.
On my fifth day of my novena, I received a phone call from a friend. She was the one who read my online application for the job position. If I'm not mistaken, it was Academic Coordinator. Unfortunately, I lack the experience for the position that I was applying for so she offered me another job. I thought about a job in line with my academic knowledge or experience. I have a degree in Psychology and was once a Guidance Counselor so I thought of landing in a job that is at least related to them. But the job offered is actually not at all related to any of the two. I gave it a shot anyway.
Before I went to church for my 7th day novena, I went to the office for an interview. By the way, the position is Technical Coordinator. Yes, you read it right, technical and according to my friend that if I'll be hired, I'll be joining in a group of males, about 30 males, mostly engineers, or shall I say, all of them engineers from different field. There was two of us to be interviewed. The other one is a very tall lady who has backgrounds in the said job description. During my turn, I wasn't interviewed at all. But the 'boss' just gave me orientation instead, I wondered!
Fast forward, I was hired. Fast forward, I married my boss!
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