Why I Was Not Given A US Tourist Visa

 I am doing an article now for one of the websites that we maintained and it is about US tourist visa. I am feeling a little twinge as I am writing because ironically, I am one of US tourist visa applicants who got denied. My experience in the US embassy more than a year ago came back today and well I want to just laugh about it- but somehow there’s still a bit of bitterness in me (haha).

I was interviewed weeks before my wedding and I think the real reason why I got denied is because I wrote in the form that I intend to stay in the US for six long months. Actually, the original form I did says that I will only stay for a month. But would you believe that a day before the interview, my sister who made me apply for the visa called and said that I should change it to six months. She is probably so excited and confident about my impending trip that she got carried away.

Unfortunately I was denied big time. One question and one look at my form and the consul said – I am sorry I cannot grant you a visa. The consul did not even bother to take a look at any of the documents I have with me. It felt like a slap in the face really. The fact that I have a two year old nephew in the US made the consul suspicious that I will go there to baby-sit, which is a form of work there. I am also so lucky to be interviewed in a window where the strictest and harshest consuls are- I think it was window 8.

I cried bucket of tears over that. I can’t believe how discriminating the US consuls are. I even think they are a bunch of idiots (forgive my word) because they got it all wrong. I mean I am someone who in all honesty has no plans of staying in the US for long and I was denied, while a college friend who applied for a tourist visa with the intention to be a TNT was given a visa!

Well in the end, it is probably fate. Maybe I am not meant to go to US that time. I would like to believe that everything that happens to me is really to my advantage (whether I am aware of it or not). I am not sure if I will be given a chance to be granted a US visa or if I would apply again. I would just let the course of time decide.

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Meet Online Psychics: Anita and Amora

Compared to some people, I guess I can say that I am not really so into Facebook or Friendster or Twitter. I have accounts on almost all social networking sites but just maintain one or two. By maintain, I mean just checking out what’s happening in my network when I have free time and not every chance I got.

I won’t deny the fact that there were days when I also become a little crazy over it. You know, there was a time when I got so excited over a new testimonial and I would use friendster to check out the profile of my crush (lol). And I also used to have a relatively nice farm in FarmTown and a pet named Tinkerbell in Pet Society. I had to give all that up after giving birth though.

I have no regrets that I never had time for Diner Dash or Cafer World and

who knows what have happened to Tinkerbell ( I’m such a lousy pet owner). I just have other more important things to do than stay online. But nowadays, I find myself again being amused by another facebook application- these online psychics that seem to really connect with me somehow.

I just clicked the link from one of the wall posts of my friend and was surprised to see these online psychics with a personal approach – addressing me by name and with a term of endearment.

When I read, -Mela, dear I was waiting for you, they just sound so sweet and I like them (haha). Besides most of the time, when I consult them, the predictions are strangely correct.

I can’t help but be amazed by web developers- their creative juices are really overflowing. So for those with a Facebook account, why not consult your future with Anita and Amora- just for fun though. Let me share my predictions for today:

My prediction from Anita

Mela darling, a relative will offer you the opportunity to join in a business partnership. You are advised to take it, for this may prove to be a very profitable business."

My prediction from Amora

Mela dear, your admirer is enchanted - see how his eyes light up when you smile."

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Dreaming Of A Vacation

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This year is definitely a challenging year for my family. For the first quarter, my husband and I found our hands full with so many tasks and responsibilities that we had no time for anything else. As of this moment, we badly need some rest and relaxation so it is no surprise that lately, we find ourselves thinking of spending a day or two on vacation. What I have in mind is going to one of the country's popular destinations with all-in vacation package. My husband who is yet to experience traveling on a plane or going out of the country welcomes the idea of course.

But (sigh), this idea for a vacation is a just a dream for now as we currently do not have the resources (both time and money) to afford such luxury. That is actually our goal for next year- to save up for a grand vacation. There are many vacation packages one can choose from but I guess it is wise to take advantage of early booking promotions offered by hotels and resorts.

In connection with that, it would be nice to visit Breezes Resorts at Runaway Bay Jamaica or Negril Jamaica as they are offering an “Early Booking Bonus. Early bookers can save up to $770 per couple on seven-night/eight-day getaways until August 31, 2010. Isn’t that great? So if you are looking for a vacation destination but don’t want to spend too much then I invite you to visit Breezes Resorts and get an early reservation so you can enjoy your vacation without burning a hole in your pocket.

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Count Your Blessings

ü       It’s a Friday and I arrived early for work.

ü       I enjoyed a hot cup of coffee and carrot raisin bread for breakfast.

ü       My husband keeps on saying he loves me even if I keep on complaining on everything he does (I’m bad!).

ü       At 7 months old, my daughter is happy, healthy and lively.

ü       For the first quarter of the year, my team at work were able to meet some of our yearly targets!

ü       My tummy is not as big as before (haha!).

ü       I’ve had a good night’s sleep (that‘s the reward for being so tired at the end of the day).

Well I just need to list that down on this Friday morning because well you see it is so easy to keep on worrying and complaining sometimes (which is so not right). You see, I can be such a worrywart and I need to change that because worrying doesn’t really solve anything. It’s true that there are so many thing that needs my attention or things that I need to prepare, places to go to, things to start- and it is so tempting to just snap back at everyone and yell- I am stressed out so don’t disturb me.

But a little reminder is all I need to take a deep breath, stop for a while and admire the many good things in my life and yes count my blessings. Everything seems so easy and doable after that.

I want to share a nice quote from the song Sunscreen by Baz Luhrmann.

Don’t worry about the future; or worry, but know that worrying is as
effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing
bubblegum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that
never crossed your worried mind; the kind that blindside you at 4pm
on some idle Tuesday.

And a nice song with a wonderful life philosophy: Hakuna Matata- it means no worries for the rest of your days.

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Building Our Dream House

After the wedding, my husband and I stayed at my parent’s house. We made that decision because the house that we purchased in Cavite is still being constructed. It is also more convenient because our house is closer to our workplaces. But since the house in Cavite was finished last November, my husband has been urging me to move into our own home. He wants us to be truly independent and really be on our own. Of course I also want that but I wan to take things slowly because you know, there are many things that needs to be fixed in the 2-storey house that we bought before we can really moved in and it entails a big budget.

But my husband’s eagerness is not waning so I gave in and we had started with constructing the house interiors but we are a little worried that our house floor plans may not be okay. Now, my husband is so busy looking in different websites for house plans and floor plans that we can imitate into our own home. It’s a good thing that I come across this website- HousePlansandMore.com a site that gives proud homeowners like me and my husband great ideas on how we can create our own dream house. I love the house designs in this website especially the cabin plans. I highly recommend this site to architects, architecture students, or simply a lot owner that are searching for fabulous house ideas.

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Heart Wrenching Melodies

You know what, when I was nineteen, my heart was broken. I broke up with my very first boyfriend and even though It’s kinda funny (coz the reason for the breakup is really so childish) when I think about it now, I still remember that that was the first time I really experience a heartache. It is something that opened my eyes to the reality of pain and that life is not about fairytales. I was quite young, very naive and yes really stupid so I was torn and don’t know what to do. I was disillusioned and call me mushy but I really had a hard time trying to get over my first bf. I actually thought I would never be able to do so – but hey today my head would not even turn if I hear his name.

A song from Joey Albert, I Remember the Boy but I don’t remember the feeling anymore is so true! Anyway, aside from friend and family’s love, you know what helped me get over that heartache - songs! Yes heart breaking love songs that used to make me cry buckets of tears. I think I cry until I fell asleep and it helped me heal fast. You can cry all you want but you would soon realize that you simply cannot cry forever. So for anyone who might be broken hearted today, remember that no matter how bad you may feel today, it is alright- because it is not possible for you to stay that way forever. Here are the some of the songs that prick straight to my heart then.

Doors

Noboy Knows It But Me

I Know Him So Well

If You Walk Away

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Have A Meaningful Holy Week

It’s the last day of work this week and some people who filed vacation leaves early are already enjoying their vacation. Well I am also leaving this office in an hour and hope to be able to enjoy the holy week break. My family plans to visit the province of my husband at La Union. Anyway, I just want to say that may we use this time to bond with our families. It is also a great opportunity to reflect on our lives and how much do we practice Christian ways. And even if fun and relaxation is what in most people’s minds now, hope we remember to pray and reflect on the real reason for this season.

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