We were practically out all day today. We took the Durango at EZLube for a change oil, had lunch at the Filipino Restaurant in Riverside and went to look at a new house in McKinley. We planned on going to see a movie but Rolly remembered that we made a commitment to be at Craig's 40th birthday at the Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula Wine County. We even stopped by Goldilocks to get some shanghai lumpia. I was a little skeptical knowing were the only Asians on that party. But it turned out they are the warmest people I've ever met! They are all real people and we really appreciated being invited to party with their closest family members. Felicia's Dad even invited Rolly to join him on a Pool Tournament in LA. Apparently, Efren Bata Reyes will be there and so as Manny Pacquiao. He is a VIP member so they actually sit closer to the players.

We were there for almost four hours. The place closes at 5:00 pm so we started fixing up around 4:30pm. By 5, we were at the Crossings already to watch the Couple's Retreat (starring Vince Vaughn) but they were not showing it at the Edward's. So we ended up going to Barnes and Noble to read some books. Then we went to Target to get me a new blazer and a toy for Alyssa.

It was a long day but I enjoyed every little bit of it! We were so tired when we got home at 8 in the evening but it was all worth it. And before I end this day, I would like to share this photo I took at Dos Lagos. It is a flower that looks like a squid! I so the love the positioning that I just had to take a photo of it...

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Before the day ends, I would like to share with you this pretty macro of a busy bee I photographed at Dos Lagos. I actually took a couple more but this I think is the best shot so far.

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I ran into numerous problems with my website lately. Aside from the downtime that happens almost everyday, I am also being charged way too much for bandwidth. I seriously need a new host for my domains that’s why I am currently looking at websites about website hosting to see what providers are the best out there. WebHostingGeeks.com is the best so far as it gives you the rank and the comparisons of each and every host. I actually realize that the one I am using now is only rank 9 with just three and a half stars. InMotion is the best so far… first in rank, with amazing five stars and 98% host rating. Other providers on the top five are: JustHost, WebHostingPad, FatCow and SuperGreen.

WebHostingGeeks blog also offer great journal archives about helpful things you might want to know from SEO tools, basic SQL and other website stuff. It sure is very helpful to me and to other webdesigners or webmasters out there. I seriously advise upcoming website owners to check this site, or even those ones to already have websites because it can save you money upfront. Believe me, you can’t go wrong with it.

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For the long weekend, we headed out to Vegas. We went to see some house at the Henderson area - about 20 minutes away from the strip. I like the ones in Inspirada Hills. I am still trying to convince Rolly it is worth the relocation. We really need to settle down on a place that we like better and deem best for Alyssa. For me, it is an easy choice. If I can move right now, I will. I don't really like this house we have here in Corona. There - I said it. I love the community but it is not enough to make me stay.

After looking at the houses, we went to the M (iMagination) for a lunch buffet. They really have good food and wines and beers. Of course, I am staying away from beer but I had some sip of their dessert wines. I was tipsy afterwards. Good thing I don't have to drive. I also took some pictures and here they are:

iMagination Portraits

Photo selection of Alyssa. I think they are so cute that I had to create a separate gallery for it. Most of them are taken at the M when she was dancing at the lobby.

9 Photos

iMagination Snapshots

Snapshots at the iMagination in Las Vegas after our festive buffet lunch. Alyssa even took a cup of Tiramisu with her. She likes it so much!!!

32 Photos

 

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I am still doing my catching up. However, my laptop had some sort of spyware infection. Then again just few minutes ago. Both happened after I opened up my Friendster account. I am not sure if it was just pure coincidence but I am not taking any chances. My Symantec Antivirus is fully functional and is very current so I am not sure how the spyware bypassed it and installed itself on my system. It's very frustrating.

Anyways, I had been wanting to post this picture I took sometime last week after Ate Racquel's written test at the DMV. We stopped by the lake to do some walking before heading home. I know this is not a photo I took today but I promise to make it up on the next week or so.

Isn't she just gorgeous? I love the tiny bit of water splashes too. I should have used my teleconverter for a closer shot but I was too lazy to go back to the car as I parked it a little close to the lake entry. Tomorrow, I am hoping to be able to drive Alyssa at the lake again if the weather is better. Then, I should be taking new photos...

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I've been taking my Father-In-Law's wife Racquel to the DMV last week to take her written test. Last Thursday, she finally passed it (after two tries). I was really happy for her. Now, all she needs is practice her behind-the-wheel skills. Good thing she tried driving a stick-shift in the so it should be easier for her to drive an automatic. She doesn't want to drive my SUV though, she said she can't see the front and the back. Before my convertible, I was already using the white Explorer so I am used to shifting cars. I think SUVs are way safer than compacts. Specially I have to drive Alyssa around.

Before heading home last Thursday, we passed by Dos Lagos for a little walk. It is always fun to walk around the lake. Here are photos I took of Alyssa and Racquel. Well, mostly Alyssa. I also took some macros but I place them on a separate gallery.

[View with PicLens]

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Ok, finally I am getting into my blogging again. It's been awhile. Rebuilding from scratch is really hard, and losing way too many files at one is just so unacceptable. I am not sure why I haven't backed up my SQL. I learned m lesson the hard way. At least I still have my template stored on my hard drive. I just had to update the links. My website looks like its working fine. I still haven't fixed my freebie link but I will get to it before the week ends.

One more lesson: Yesterday was my phone interview for a nutraceutical company (as an Costumer Service Office Manager). Alyssa was behaving good so I trusted her to remain that way all through the course of the phone call. But of course she didn't. She even started yelling "AQUADOODLE" on my mouthpiece. I was so embarrassed. That was even the VP I was on the phone with. Now my chances are slim to none. As I look back to it, I would just want to think that its not meant to be. He said he will call me back by Thursday or Friday if I make it to the second round of screening. I just hope they consider my educational background, interests, skills and experience. Then again, who in the world would have their kid around during an interview on the first place? It is very unprofessional.

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I was on the phone with my Dad and he was telling me about a project he is planning to do and the main material he will be using is called tivar. I am not really sure how these ideas pop on his mind and sometimes I don’t really understand what he is saying. But we are always interested on whatever he does because they always end up to be something great and useful. He is very creative and resourceful. I would like to say I am like him in my own little ways…

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We are so fond of Vegas that we come here ever too often. We actually would like to get a home here in the next year if God permits. I love the fun and endless sleep... and yes, I am now becoming upfront about not liking it much in California. California is California, there is no place as beautiful as it is. I just don't like Alyssa growing up to a place where she people think she cannot do anything right. C'mon, she is just a kid. Give her a break. Whenever it's just the three of us, Alyssa behaves a hundred times better. I guess that's one reason why I get so frustrated because "the others" would actually find satisfaction when they see her throwing tantrums. And when Alyssa is on her quiet moods, they would say smart-mouth comments like: "Bakit ang bait mo ngayon ha?" Excuse me.

These are factors driving me away every single day. I feel like nobody deserves to be pushed around and be under someone so domineering and manipulative. I wouldn't... and I don't want Alyssa to be around other people who are just so inconsiderate. Those ones who talk without even thinking what the others might feel. Or those ones who says all flowery things when around you, and stabs you in the back when you aren't looking. Very irritating. I don't need them to make me feel down... I haven't been inferior and if their goal is to make me one, I am sorry to say but I don't welcome the thought - not even a fragment of it.

Oh, the negativity. It is very alienating. Even if I try not to think about it, it sure can creep and finds its way to my mind.

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We were at Sam Woo tonight for dinner when Michael Chang was about ready to leave with his to-go order. I am a big fan of tennis and I have seen him on tv when he was still playing. I remember his face pretty well! The first time I have seen him was when Rolly took me out to lunch at this Japanese place called Mitsuwa in Irvine. He was there too! And was standing really close to us. And it was funny because I was staring at him, I told Rolly, "I think he was one of my instructors at SLU before." The nerve of me saying that! He does not even look Filipino at all! Rolly was laughing! But I knew he looked so familiar. Then one guy stepped closer to him and asked: Are you Michael Chang? And he said yes. I was like, hmmmm... he is walking just like an ordinary guy now. But of course he was driving that Ferrari parked in front of the restaurant!

Anyways, I don't see the point writing this down... but you see, just like what I've said I am a tennis fan and I cheered for him when he was still out there playing.

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