Happy Anniversary, Sweetie

Seven year and counting. Yes, my Sweetie and I celebrated our 7th Year Anniversary. It was a Monday so there was no celebration of sort. I just bought her a couple of bouquets of flowers and she was already happy.

She gave me a card and a box of chocolate and I was happy.

I am just happy that we reach this far. Our marriage is just like any marriage. We do have our fair share of trials and struggles but were able to overcome them.

I am thankful for having her in my life.

I love you my Sweetie. Happy Anniversary.

A new way of gardening

I know, it's been awhile. I've been too busy last winter taking advantage of work since in my line of work... winter is usually a slow season for us carpenters.

I got the green house set up already.

Now, that our yard is cleared of snow and spring is in the air... it's time for my spring hobby - gardening. This year, I am trying my luck in hydroponic gardening.

The DIY pipes that I will use for the hydroponic garden.

I already got the materials and did some DIY to come up with the design that will fit my needs. And what is more exciting is... my Sweetie promised that she will get involved. And that, trust me - is huge! But we'll see. She is scared of dirt, bugs and sun... so I don't know how it will work out for her. LOL

And Sweetie and I already started the nursery.

Meantime, this is just a preview of what I am going to do and will give updates here and there. That is, when I remember to blog about it. Ha!

Mood

My boy having a grand time last summer at the beach house where I was working on. He is in a good mood for fishing but eventually bored him so he spent more time swimming with my Sweetie.

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Protection we all need in this highly techie world

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Bitdefender for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I signed up for Facebook just recently. Yes, I’m a late bloomer. While my Sweetie had been facebooking since it started, I am just starting to learn the rope. It was not easy I tell you for a 50 [plus] year-old man like me. And boy, I whine a lot about it, so Sweetie asked me why I signed up in the first place. “I want to know what you are about to, that’s why.” I replied. She just laughed knowing in her mind that I am trying to spy on her. But then all she has on her account are her blog updates and family and friends’ whereabouts.

The computers are very important pieces of equipment in our household. I, my Sweetie and my boy would probably get nuts without it. While Sweetie needs it for blogging and making contact with her family and friends back home and of course, online shopping… I need it for my business and bank transactions and yes, a little bit of online shopping too for my hobbies [shhhhh, don’t let my Sweetie know]. And for my boy, he needs it for his “you tube” watching and online video game playing.

That is why keeping a secured network is very important us. It is our top priority to block threats and internet virus that may cause damage to sensitive information we have in our computers.

Having an antivirus technology is one way of doing it. But which one really works? There are lots of antivirus technologies in the market that promise to provide network security. I tried quite a few to be honest with you and I am still in search for a new one because our computer is still vulnerable.

The search is over, perhaps for me now that I found BitDefender – the next generation of the No. 1 ranked antivirus technology. It earned the most coveted CNET Editor's Choice and PCMag Editor's Choice award. This new technology software in the market takes security and privacy to a whole new level.

Bitdefender provides state-of-the-art and user-friendly and proactive protection from computer threats such us viruses, spam, phishing attacks, hackers and more advanced safeguard features that I think are very important as well like online backup, social networking protection for my Sweetie, parental controls for my boy – which is my favorite feature. And for me, the most remarkable feature is Bitdefender’s proprietary secured browser that can safeguard my online transactions and home banking applications from all tampering attempts.

But don’t just take my words for it, make your own investigations. Here are some of the cool features of Bitdefender Total Security that may give you a great impression of the new software:

BitDefender Autopilot: BitDefender operates on its own, without a pop up every 5 minutes. Enjoy your computer experience without constant interruptions

Bitdefender Anti-Theft: BitDefender protects you from more than just online threats; it can track lost or stolen devices!

Social Network Protection: Filters the links you receive from your Facebook and Twitter friends and monitors your privacy settings.

Parental Control Options: BitDefender allows you to block inappropriate content, restrict Web access between certain hours, and it helps you remotely monitor your children's online activity – even on Facebook!

Bitdefender’s 2013 solutions are designed to operate on multiple computer environments, including PCs that function mostly off-line or in a secure LAN, to computers with always-on, unfiltered Internet connections.
And this year also comes with an increased focus on useful services such as Safebox, Device Anti-Theft, and Parental Control, but also on the secure and convenient management of your services – with the new MyBitdefender. Its improved dashboard also allows you to view and even control installed applications and mobile devices.

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To Rent or Not to Rent

Last night, my Sweetie was busy browsing on Calgary Apartments online. I wondered why and suspected that she might be cooking up something again this time. Well, apparently, she has a friend who is now based in Calgary, Alberta and she is planning to spend her entire summer vacation there. Well, I am not really worried for now since it's way too far ahead. I was thinking it might really be a nice idea to go for a vacation for a change. I just need to google if Alberta has some gold for panning. wink***

But then, renting an apartment for our vacation is a great idea since it will be more convenient for us aside from the fact that the rate is practical and affordable too. We really don't know how long we would be there since she was only browsing for now but knowing my Sweetie, I don't think she only wanted to go for a visit for a week so renting an apartment is the best thing to do. Well, most visitors to RentCalgary.com are people looking to rent a home in Calgary, Alberta. And my Sweetie would surely love to spend her vacation on a homey environment.

Oh well, time flies quickly and as soon as the New Year starts months will be passing by quickly too. So, I better be prepared for anything because my Sweetie can change her mind anytime soon too.

It's Gold Panning Season Again

It's summertime again and I am hoping that I will be able to do gold panning with my Sweetie and my son this year. You see, they bailed out on me last year.

Sweetie took a weekend job. I was guessing she took that job to have an excuse not to go with me.

But this year, I was able to convince her to go with me without any argument. She was awesome. Now, I need to convince my son to go with us. And that will take some bribing. lol

Season Change Cleaning

I don't know about other people but with my Sweetie, cleaning is a must every season change. She has spring cleaning, summer cleaning, fall cleaning and of course, winter cleaning schedules. So before each season ends she needs to clean the house from top to bottom. She is a little OCD in that case. She has different totes or boxes for different items for different season and just the task of putting away items each season is really taxing. It would be ok if she would do it herself, but the thing is she needs a hand or two. hahaha And you can't say NO or else... go figure what will happen.

So winter season is about to end and I am expecting that we will be needing to clean the carpet and upholstery again just like last season change. It's a pain-in-the-you-know-what especially if we have to do it manually since we are on a tight budget right now. But good thing that commercial carpet cleaners austin is just around and reliable and more importantly - affordable.

They provide a lot of cleaning services such as dog odor removal austin, dry steam cleaner austin and upholstery steam cleaner austin, just to name a few of their services. So, I am not really worried right now because I know I have something to fall my back on and keep my Sweetie happy. And that is the most important of all. wink***

VD Pressures

VD is just around the corner. Time flies so quickly. I haven't even recovered yet. I haven't even recovered from the expenses from last December [I went to Jared!] and here come Valentine's Day.

Well, expenses are something that will surely stick around no matter what. Last December, I got some huge spending. I had to buy 4 new tires for my truck... replaced its windshield... and bought a couple of parts needed for repair. Then, comes Christmas season where I need to buy presents for my Sweetie. Whew.

Now, it's Valentine's Day... then March... which will be my Sweetie's birthday. Hayyyy!

Cleaning Time

It’s not officially Winter yet but it feels like it. The crazy weather, the allergies, the sickness and the whole 9-yards that go with the changing season is all around me. And I have very little time in my hand now do play around so I need to really get ready with my fall cleaning before winter sacked me up.

So this weekend I planned to try the “air duct cleaning do it yourself” because I need to make sure that the air ducts are clear of debris so air can circulate properly for ventilation. I check out The Steam Team online and they offer an impressive house cleaning systems that can guarantee a total top of the line headache-proof cleaning system. I checked out some furniture cleaning tips too like their fabric upholstery cleaning Austin and I am just so happy that I am motivated enough to really take the next level in cleaning my house.

Well, I woke up to a wintery morning this day after Thanksgiving. Winter is almost here and there is no way I can take things easy. I need to prepare my home now and I do need help from The Steam Team. Wink*

Back to Siding

Finally, I get the chance to work again on our house renovation. My Sweetie is very impressed so far.

I have been doing our house's side for quite awhile. Well, I have been working on it... on and off... for awhile for varied reasons.

Here is some of the photos of the work in progress that I am doing so far.

I know this "on-going project" of ours will be put to hold again once I get another project. Oh well, my commitment with my client will always come first before my own needs... and I hope my Sweetie will always understand. wink*

In Building a Dream House

Building a dream is easy. Building a house is easier. And building a dream house is the easiest... if you have a specific plan in mind. As a carpenter, we always dream to build a dream house. And to build a dream house we need to put our hearts on every project that we make. That is why it is imperative to know what the homeowner wants and what the homeowner needs to be able to build the house of their dream.

In planning to build one’s dream house… we take into consideration a lot of things. Be it modern house plans or craftsman house plans, we make it a point that we have a workable and attainable project that will suit not only the homeowner’s wants and needs but their lifestyle and yes, budget.

So, in every construction project that we do, we don’t only plan ahead. We need to plan meticulously to be able to address the needs of the homeowner. And we need to plan ahead so that we will be able meet that need. That is why, it is very important that we get the right home plans to make the homeowner’s dream house a reality.

Busy

Ok So I have not written any post for the last few days here. I am a little busy with every little things here and there.

Well, "busy" is the most abused word in the dictionary according to my Sweetie. Oh well, she also called it my alibi... and I couldn't complain less. She must be right because I'm always busy with friends. Well, I just don't go with my friends just to hang out. I hang out because I usually find jobs by hanging out with friends. If you know what I mean. And of course, Sweetie thought it's another alibi. Hayyyy [sigh]!

My "busy days" however is over for awhile because I did find job. Yes, Sweetie knew about it and of course she wouldn't admit that I was right, somehow. So I am doing some projects now and I am just glad that I do. Hope it will take a long while this time.

It's Maine Maple Sunday

It's Maine Maple Sunday today. Celebrated every 4th Sunday of March, Maple Sunday is the sweetest day in Maine's calendar of events, quite literally and figuratively. Why not, we produce the best maple syrup in the planet [though a lot of places claim that title too]. Anyway, I'm not really too crazy about maple syrup except that I cannot eat my pancakes, waffles and french toast without it. Well, not really too crazy huh. But for my Sweetie... she can cook dishes with a dash of maple syrup... like her recycled left-over ham on pineapple and maple syrup. OMG... it is something to-die-for [not quite literally though]. LOL.

[my recycled sap bucket]

And just so you know... while waiting for the economy to take a different route up... I made myself productive by tapping some of our maple trees outback. And since I am not really into Maple Syrup production... I don't have any of those standard equipments used for tapping sap. I used recycled juice and milk bottles or gallons to collect the sap from the tree. And that I think... makes my sap organic. wink*

[standard sap buckets used by Maine farmers]

And since I really don't know how to make maple syrup I have a friend who produce maple syrup for business... so I brought all the sap I collected to him for cooking.

He has a big syrup boiler where he cooks the sap. And it takes 50 gallons of sap to make 1 gallon of maple syrup. That is why he doesn't use recycled bottles to collect sap... but meters upon meters of plastic pipes attached to the tree and to a motor to suck the sap up faster that goes straight to the boiler.

And there is your sweet Sunday.

Old Person... New School

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Learn dot com. All opinions are 100% mine.

In this present economic condition, no one wants to be left behind because the world will not stop revolving just because some people stop learning. More people are now taking advantage of the new trend in educational system regardless of age. And more people are accepting the fact that education has gone a long way from “old school” to new kind of educational system. And I am one of those people I mentioned earlier. At my age… with my skill… and with the present economic situation, I know there is no way I could cope with the trend if I will not be open to new ideas. And with new ideas, I'm so glad that I learned about Elearning.

I learned to use the computer and the internet through my personal effort and persistence. And I am proud to say that it is paying off. But to be able to learn new skill and knowledge that I can use to improve my way of life or financial status or simply make my dream come true is something more exciting if not rewarding.

Through surfing I discovered this website called Learn.com and learned about Skill Score where it provides job seeker a unique tool to use to become “job ready” and for the potential employers an avenue to find this “job ready” individual that matches their job requirement. This concept is entirely new to me and out of curiosity I registered for free and tried one of their Free Courses to check on my Skill Score. I took the JSS: Program 1 - Massive Action and How to get Face-to-Face Interviews. I had fun taking the course.

My personal opinion on this type of short course is that… it is very helpful and user-friendly. For people like me who did not get the chance to go to college this is “huge”. It is not intimidating and not too complicated. It provides clear instructions on what to do and how to go about the course. It presents a step by step instruction with matching pictures and easy to navigate buttons to guide the person taking the test. It emphasizes or outlines 6 basic points [such as; taking action, condition yourself, assessing personality style, attitude, goals and intentions, and a daily plan] that a person needs to focus on to be able to achieve his dream job. And I think that this is indeed a helpful tool for anyone who is seeking for a more rewarding job to be able to prepare them to be job ready and confident to do the job he is dreaming of.

Well, if you are like me who is not afraid to pursue a dream and who is willing to take a second chance in achieving a long time goal, this is the first step that you should take so you can evaluate yourself. It will help you not only discover your weaknesses and strengths but assist you in your crucial decision-making process or direct you to the one that will help you succeed.

Just wishing

Few more hours and it's Valentine's Day. I am indeed doomed!

Wish I am more creative... so I can make a card for my Sweetie.

Wish I am a poet... so I can write her a poem.

Wish I can sing... so I can put rhythm on the poem and sing it to her.

Wish I can draw... so I can sketch her lovely face.

Wish I can paint... so I can express in canvas how colorful my life with her.

Wish I have the money... so I can just buy everything and make her happy.

But then... I wish she is not PMS-ing so that she will not be mad at me and give me a hard time when she found out that I didn't have the money, the time, and the creativity to get something for her on moment like this.

SO HELP ME GOD!

I'm in love again!

Starting a new project is like... falling in love for the first time.

I don't know about other people... but for me, starting a new project gives me mixed emotions like that of a young pubescent boy looking an a hot matured lady in equally hot and skimpy outfit. It gives me an indescribable adrenalin kick at my gut that makes me jump for joy.

Okay, I know this is too over-dramatic. "Very-Wifey" if I may put a tag on this. Or maybe I was too carried away. As what we all know, you only learn to appreciate something when it's gone. That is why when I had a long extended vacation from work... I really appreciate it because I have nothing to complain about.

Well, "falling in love" may not be the right words or phrase to describe my appreciation for the project I am doing right now... but since it is the month of the "hearts"... I might as well go with the theme. LOL

Thanks for the Job

Work continues this week. Whew!

Our last project was done and we are starting on a new one. Thanks God! This is such a wonderful blessing. May work keep coming not only for me but for a lot of people who are also struggling like me. May work continue because we all have bills that are piling up. And may work become stable because we all need to survive.

Well, I cannot afford to whine about the economy since there is not much I can do. It's somebody else's job. It is not my job to solve that problem. It is my job to be grateful to whatever I have right now. And I am so grateful for my Sweetie for being patient, supportive and understanding of me and my shortcomings.

I just hope that the economy will improve and everybody remains positive instead of pointing fingers.

To Work or Not to Work

It's nice out. Well, sort of.

It's sunny and the clear blue sky post no treat of any storm on the horizon. But the bitter cold temperature of below 4 degrees and the brutally freezing wind chill of negative 10 degrees make this nice weekend not a favorable day for ice fishing.

Well, ice-fishing is not really in my "to-do list" today. Wifey was actually looking forward to it than to go shopping with her friends today [Wow, I can't believe it! hahaha just kidding] but, I have to go to work. Yes, I am working on a project right now and... [maybe] for now.

It's been awhile and I am just glad that despite the present economic crisis, I still get the chance to work even on some rare occasions compared to not working at all. And considering the present economic situation, where people are getting laid off left and right, I am grateful enough that I still have the opportunity to make myself productive.

Lucky, I don't work for a company because one good thing about being self-employed is that... you don't get laid off. hahaha It's either you work or you don't because there is no project. But once you get one, you work your b*tt off again and work your a*s to the fullest until the next project... if you get lucky again.

Like ice-fishing, working now is a matter of luck. Some people wait all day long but no fish will bite. Others get lucky that once they lower their bait, the first fish will raise that flag. And for a few others, they just enjoy moment drinking beer and will go home happy... with or without a catch.