29 December 2007 -  Jacksonville, Florida USA                                        

 

How Time Flies

 ~WOW~ Christmas was over; how time flies!!!

Hope you got everything you've wished for this year. I didn't but then again the traditions and fellowships of this season are more important than the presents/gifts.

Sorry, I am just inundated with so much work at this time of the year that I hardly had time to sit down and rest. It’s a shame that I only had to send out Christmas cards to those who sent us their greetings earlier this month. I know not finding my address book is not an excuse but working 14 and 8 hours alternately just totally zapped my energy to do anything else on my 1-day off in a week.

Now everything has caught up on me. I had to call out sick yesterday as I can barely make it another day. I have been gulping down a dose of Day Quail, Robitussin and Tylenol Sinus every four hours yet it doesn’t seem to make me feel any better. My body needs a complete rest and it feels so good to have a nurse husband to pamper me ;-)

As we approach the New Year, DH and I want to wish you all a blessed, safe and bountiful New Year!!!

The fact that the coming year has the potential to be good or bad; either way the only common denominator is our attitude. There is a lot of power inside us to make good things happen hence we are the one to decide how things go as far as making this year a year to remember.

Here's a toast for the New Year!!!
 

    17 December 2007 -  Jacksonville, Florida USA                                        

 

Praise Thy Husband

Excuse my ranting but I just had to sing praises to my darling husband again. I am actually a little uneasy to make all these things known to the general public thinking it might come off as upsetting to some wives out there who have been having a very rough time dealing with their husbands but please don't hate me and understand that I don’t meant to rub this off to your already throbbing wounds.

I think most marital problems sometimes stem from how we correlate with our man. If there is one common denominator among wives in general, that is our innate tendency to nitpick our husbands for all the things they did that were not in accordance with our liking or their actions that didn’t necessarily meet our reasonable expectations but don’t we often take for granted the many good things they have done for us?

So the message I am trying to put out across the globe is as simple as this: Each time your husband does something nice to you, to whomever, whatever, wherever, please take a minute to tell him what a wonderful man he is; thank him sincerely and tell him how appreciative and grateful you are of him for making the world a better place for you to live. Praises should always be heartfelt and sincere. I guarantee you that every husband out there needs to hear out something good about him. They may not always need praises but they would be glad to hear it… such a small gesture does wonders to your man’s ego.

Now is the time to sweet-talk your husband for whatever, even a little thing he has done or does everyday that makes your life and your family grateful on a day to day basis. It only takes a minute of your time and it doesn’t cost you anything yet this gesture is richly rewarding to them and it encourages them to do more and more household chores, this I can guarantee you 100% ;-)

A shout out to my DH

I really feel so grateful for my darling Tony. You know how easy it is to get all caught up in the bustle of the holidays. I mean in between his demanding job as a nurse, honey-do-list, household tasks and responsibilities to his mom who had gotten so sick last week, he barely had little time to stop and rest. But amid everything else, he still tried very hard to carry out and cater to my unrelenting demands. I feel so bad seeing how tired and worn-out he’s been these days yet I can’t do anything except give him a back rub when I am not too tired myself from working two jobs.

Things he did in the last few weeks that I am so grateful about:. 

1.   I turned him into an instant plumber by convincing him to install our new water softener unit and RO system so we can save at least $400 for the cost of installation/labor. I will make a separate post about the saga of the water softener and the things I just learned about water treatment and RO system.

Anyway, after studying the DIY installation manual one weekend, DH successfully installed our water softener unit and got it working properly. Then another weekend, he also managed to install the RO system underneath our kitchen sink that in essence gave us safe and free bottled quality water. Now I don’t have to spend a dime to buy bottled water from the grocery store every week. 

2.   Thursday, two weekends after he did all those work at home; his mom had gotten seriously sick that he had to call 911 to take her to ER because she couldn't walk anymore. DH was running around like crazy tending to his mom and doing the chores for her and at the same time going to work. It made me teary-eyed; I was so touched and so proud of him knowing how much he takes good care of his mom. He got down on his knees cleaning his mom’s bedroom, bathroom and living room due to the mess caused by the food poisoning.  He washed, dried, folded and hung her laundry and made the bed for her; he sanitized the house and go back and forth to the hospital even at 2:30 in the morning to attend to his mom’s needs. On top of this, he had to get up at 5:00M to get ready to go work the next morning. Poor thing.
 
On the weekend DH & I were supposed to go down to Orlando to meet up with Lani and attend the get-together party at Gazel’s house, my mother-in-law was still in the hospital sick as dog, so DH decided to stay put because he felt guilty leaving his mom behind (Btw, did I tell you before DH is some sort of a mama’s boy? I am actually glad I married a mama’s boy. That only goes to show how good of a mother she is by raising her son and how this man turned out to be a compassionate individual)
 
Anyhow, I was ok with it knowing I can drive down to Orlando with a friend but when she backed out the last minute, I had to sweet-talk DH to come with me just because I feel obliged and guilty for not going as I basically set the date up with Gazel and she’s so generous to host the party at her own expense. Get this, she ordered one big lechon (whole roasted pig) for the party and had some of the food catered as well! Aside from that, I was also looking forward to meet up with Lani and her kids again more so my “best friend”,  Jonathan ;-)
 
DH didn’t make up his mind whether to come with me or not until after we got to see his mom at the hospital that morning. I felt a big sigh of relief upon hearing my mother-in-law’s doting words giving DH a go signal to drive me down to Orlando (I just love my mother-in-law).  DH & I made a deal that we were just going to only spend few hours in the party and head back come home before 7 pm so we'll get home in time to check on mom.  So then we left Jacksonville at 11:30am; 3 hours later I was hugging Lani and her three beautiful kiddos in their time share condo at the Celebrity Resorts in Orlando. 

Then John drove us to Gazel's house for the party.  I was only there for a short period of time but I so enjoyed every minute it.  Sorry no pics, I forgot to bring my camera.

To: Gazel, my dear friend, I can’t thank you enough gyud for your benevolence and friendship. You are one of the most bighearted Pinays I have ever met in the cyberspace. Hope someday I can do something for you to at least make me feel worthy of your friendship.

3.   We bought our Christmas tree on the first day of December but didn't have time to work on it until last weekend because we've been so preoccupied with a lot of things lately.  Sometime in the middle of the week and last weekend DH & I finally decked out our home and our Christmas tree and didn't stop until we got everything in place.  

Now, our home is beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Yaay! Thank you, Darling.  You are heaven sent to me and I can't thank you enough for all the love and everything you have done for me.  I Love You So very Much, You and Only You Always and Forever.

Well folks, I have yet to mail out our Christmas cards to family and friends and maybe take advantage of some last minute shopping deals this weekend if ever I get a chance to go mall hopping.

My part-time job is on its last legs!

I probably would have to look for new part-time job again  after January as CompUSA is definitely closing down... in short the company is going out of business!!!  It's hard to believe the company is shutting down after all these years.  I do feel bad for all my co-workers who are about to lose their full-time job especially the ones with children and mortgage payment.  Some of them I know way back when I first started working full-time in this company in 1999.

 

    9 December 2007 -  Jacksonville, Florida USA                                        

 

Volunteering for  AARP Tax-Aide Program

Last year, my affiliation to the AARP Tax-Aide Program became official after I responded to the call from AARP Foundation through the City Government about their Real Sense Prosperity campaign to become one of IRS volunteer tax preparers: Make a difference in someone’s life by helping our community’s most vulnerable citizen's lift themselves out of poverty.

The only thing I didn't realize was, I have to retake a week long tax training classes and get re-certified every year.   Since I plan on saving my leave time at work for our impending trips to the West Coast next year, I decided to forgo the training and volunteering this year.

From: Gene
Sent: Wednesday, November 14, 2007 9:02 PM
To: Bettie; Imma; Daisy; Rebecca; Mary
Subject: Please Select Your AARP Tax-Aide Class (T)

People have called to say they have not received the class schedule yet. They were sent, but some didn't get delivered evidently. Here's another attempt. Please let me know your class choice. FYI, the Jan. 7 - 11 daytime class is almost full.

Please select one of these three classes to attend.

1. Night Class
Seven days: Jan. 2 – 4 from 6 – 9 p.m. plus Jan. 9 – 11 from 6 – 9 p.m. plus Jan. 12 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday is for practice returns and taking the open book test. You can leave when finished. If possible, arrive at 5:30 the first day if bringing your personal laptop.

2. Daytime Class Jan. 7 - 11, 2008
Class time is 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. Once you finish the practice returns and the test on the last day, you can leave. Arrive 8:30 the first day to load software if bringing your personal laptop.

3. Daytime Class Jan. 14 - 18, 2008
Class time is 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. Once you finish the practice returns and the test on the last day, you can leave. Arrive 8:30 the first day to load software if bringing your personal laptop.

Please reply by Nov. 24th to let me know which class you’ll attend. Also tell me whether or not you are bringing your personal laptop.

Minimum Requirements to Run TaxWise
To use TaxWise software, computers require:
• processor speed of 400 MHz,
• memory (RAM) of 128 MB,
• free hard disk space of 1 GB, and
• Microsoft Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4 or Windows XP with Service Pack 2 or Windows Vista.
TaxWise will not run on Apple/Mac computers.
 

Once again, thank you for volunteering. Please contact me with any questions.

Gene
District Coordinator
AARP Tax-Aide

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________

From: Rebecca
To: Gene
Sent: Thursday, November 15, 2007 8:40 AM
Subject: RE: Please Select Your AARP Tax-Aide Class (T)

Mr. Gene,

I am sorry. As much as I would like to volunteer again this year but there is no chance for me to take the training classes because I don’t have enough leave time to take off work for the whole week and I will be out of town Jan 9-14, 2008 hence I won't be able to take the night classes as well.

Sorry,
Rebecca

_______________________________________________________________________________________

From: Gene
Sent: Thursday, November 15, 2007 1:32 PM
To: Rebecca
Subject: Please Select Your AARP Tax-Aide Class (T)

Rebecca,

We'll miss you.

Can I keep you on my contact list and notify you for 2009 tax season?

Gene

_______________________________________________________________________________________

From: Rebecca
To: Gene
Sent: Thursday, November 15, 2007 2:15 PM
Subject: RE: Please Select Your AARP Tax-Aide Class (T)

You sure can! Thanks, Mr. Gene.

Rebecca
 

 

Three weeks later, Mr. Floyd left a voicemail on my answering machine asking me to return his call to see if we can work something out so I can volunteer again this year.  I told him about the reason why I won't be  able to do it this year and here the excerpts that transpired after I hung up the phone with him.

From: Floyd
Sent: Wednesday, December 05, 2007 4:19 PM
To: Barbara; Gene
Cc: Rebecca
Subject: Rebecca

Gene & Barb,

I just got off the phone with Rebecca. She doesn't have enough time to attend the regular training. She asked if she could take the training on line (and maybe the test, too?). I told her I thought so, but I can't find the email with the details about Link and Learn, etc. Could one of you email her the info (address above)? Seems to me she could do the same thing the Law students are doing -- tax law on line, TaxWise and test on weekend.

Rebecca, both Gene and Barbara are in Lake City today at an instructor workshop. They should be back this evening; likely you will not receive a reply before tomorrow (Thursday).

Thanks.
Floyd

__________________________________________________________________

From: Gene
Sent: Thursday, December 06, 2007 6:10 PM
To: Rebecca
Cc: Floyd & Eileen; Bill & Jane
Subject: Tax-Aide Class Selection -Rebecca

Rebecca,

We've never allowed anyone with less than two years Tax-Aide experience to attend an abbreviated class for Florida Coastal School of Law students. Bill and Floyd feel that your work at their site this past tax season was such that an exception should be made for you. If you have not received the IRS training publications, please tell me that when you reply. Will your schedule allow you study on your own and attend the weekend class discussed below?

We have scheduled a special weekend class primarily for Florida Coastal School of Law students. Only administrative issues and the use of TaxWise tax preparation software will be covered in the classroom. You will be responsible for studying tax law before coming to class using either the IRS Link & Learn web site or printed Publication 678, Volunteer Student Guide. If you use Link & Learn, use the “Advanced Module” at http://www.irs.gov/app/vita/advanced.jsp. It may take you less than the 25 hours estimated by IRS, but allow yourself sufficient time. Do not take the online test!

If you elect to study tax law using Pub 678 instead of Link & Learn, read all pages except those page numbers beginning with “M” (Military) and “I” (International).

The first day of the weekend class will be spent teaching TaxWise. On the second and third day you’ll work at your own pace to complete practice tax returns and the IRS certification open book test. Instructors will be available for one-on-one help. After the 2007 tax season law students requested we add a day to training for practicing with TaxWise. We have done that. Remember, you must complete the study of tax law before coming to the weekend class.

Weekend class discussed above: Jan. 19 – 21 (Jan. 21 is M. L. King Holiday)
1/19 from 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., 1/20 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. and 1/21 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. as needed. Work at your own pace day 2 and 3. Please arrive at 8:30 the first day to load TaxWise software if bringing your personal laptop. One-on-one help will be available each day.

Once again, thank you for volunteering. Please contact me with any questions.

Gene
District Coordinator
AARP Tax-Aide

__________________________________________________________________

From: Rebecca
Sent: Friday, December 07, 2007 9:40 AM
To: Gene
Cc: Floyd & Eileen; Bill & Jane
Subject: RE: Tax-Aide Class Selection – Rebecca

Yes, Mr Gene! I can study on my own (I already received the IRS training publications) and will attend the three-day weekend class on Jan 19-21, 2008.

I really enjoyed volunteering and working with these two lovely couples: Mr Floyd & Ms. Eileen; Mr Bill & Ms. Jane and of course my beautiful fellow volunteers.

See you all next year. Have a Blessed, Safe and Joyous Christmas and New Year!!

Thanks guys,

Rebecca

__________________________________________________________________

From: Gene
Sent: Friday, December 07, 2007 4:41 PM
To: Rebecca
Cc: Floyd & Eileen; Bill & Jane
Subject: Tax-Aide Class Selection -Rebecca

Rebecca,

How lucky we are that things have worked out and you can volunteer again. Thank you very much.

I've got you on the list for the Jan. 19 - 21 class. See you then.

Merry Christmas.

Gene

Whew! I am not sure if I can keep up with the Law Students but then how will I ever know if I won't try right?

Things are going to be hectic again as I am back working part-time at CompUSA to complete the required number of credits for me to qualify for the social security benefits retirement plus doing volunteer work during tax season.  (No, DH hasn't reached his weight goal yet but we'll get back to living a healthy lifestyle beginning of new year! )

14 days before Christmas yet I am not even half-way through with everything I need to do re decorating and shopping.

    1 December 2007 -  Jacksonville, Florida USA                                        

 

Becoming a Pet Lover

During the first few years of my life here in the States, I didn’t quite understand why Americans treat their pets as an integral family member just like their kids. They are likewise attuned to the medical needs of their pets, which include a visit to the veterinarian for routine care at least once a year and multiple visits over the course of a year, I mean everything from emergency care to preventive procedures such as vaccinations and physical exams. Get this, dogs and cats sleep with them in their own bed!! I also grossed out during the first few episodes of seeing DH allowing the dog to nibble on his nose, ears and tongue-kissed him as the dog drools over his face. Yuck!

However, my affection to pets only grew over the years especially after DH took care of my mother-in-law's 2 cats and 1 dog when she went to visit her sister and niece in California for few weeks. Although I wasn't particularly happy about the cat’s hair in my clothes, and cleaning the litter box is one of the most unbearable tasks I wouldn’t compromise to do if I can get away with it, yet I have come to fully accept them and love them as part of our family.

Dusty (the white cat) has lived with my mother-in-law for 17 years and Tessie for about 13 years. I happen to favor Dusty over Tessie because of his sweet and amiable personality. Every time DH and I come to visit my mother-in-law and have dinner with her, Dusty would always come up to no one but me. Dusty is such a beautiful creature in every sense of the word.

     

       

Tessie on the other hand is more of an anti-social cat.  She'll come to me occasionally but won't stick around that long.  She'll let me pet her for a second or two and the next thing I know she already slapped me and hissed at me.  
 

So when DH broke the news with me about Dusty that night, I had tears streaming down my face without even realizing it. It dawned on me that I am indeed capable of loving a cat that much. Dusty had a cancer surgery almost a year ago plus the arthritis pain is hurting him so bad and making him squeal madly at night. When the pain medication wasn't much of a help anymore, my mother-in-law decided to put him to sleep as she can’t bear the thought of seeing him suffer in excruciating pain. It certainly doesn’t make it any easier when DH and I decided to show up that night to MIL’s house to bid goodbye to Dusty. I petted him, scratched his back as he was lying on the table purring and drifting to sleep like a 90 year old man on drugs. I am telling you getting old is a tough reality that we are all going to face later on in life. But like DH and MIL said, he had 17 years of a good life with lots of love and that he was lucky to have lived a life that long.

Here’s Midget, my mother-in-law's princess, whom I am passionate about.  I've come to realize the fact that yes, she does fill the void in my bed; capable of protecting me and keeping me warm all night when DH was admitted to the hospital for 3 days and I was not allowed to stay with him in the hospital for the night.  That experience alone has encouraged me to get a puppy but since DH and I are both working during the day, my mother-in-law talked me out of it as it’s not fair to the dog to be left alone and cooped up inside the house all day long while we both are not home.  You see up until that time, Midget was never allowed to sleep with us in our bed so DH made an agreement with me that we will only get a dog or cat with one condition:  the dog or cat gets to share a space with us in our bed at night. Anyway, if ever Midget outlive my mother-in-law she'll definitely be mine. Isn't she beautiful?