My Maine, My Vacationland

I did my routine blog check for comments today and I got so excited when I read a comment from CaraBee. I was told that she wanted to feature my blog on BlogTrotting, [a virtual travel blog dedicated to traveling to new blogs around the world] this week. And for a blogger like me, it is indeed a great privilege and opportunity to be able to be recognized and featured in other bloggers’ blog. So here you go… fellow blog-trotters… welcome to my Maine!

But before I let you in to the most kept-secret of Maine… I have a confession to make. I am not really a Mainer! I am from the Philippines and just moved here in Maine three years ago. I came here in 2007 to marry the “love of my life”. And in the span of three years,  I was acculturated to anything and everything  Maine. So if you are hoping that you will learn about the history and culture of Maine... then you will be disappointed. If you are looking for demographic data and statistics about Maine and it's people... you are in the wrong place. But if you are just wondering what does Maine really like based on the point-of-view of a non-traditional Mainer... then you are in for a treat.

So here are some of the things I learned about Maine and the reasons why I love/hate Maine.

I like Maine and I live like a Mainer. I ice-fish like a Mainer…

Checking if the bait is still there.

Setting up the trap.

I ride snowmobile like a Mainer…

Cruising in my backyard.

I gold-pan like a Mainer…

Sorting rocks in the sluice.

And I camp like a Mainer...

Camping in the Summer.

Camping in the Winter.

And though I hate its extreme and crazy weather [where it changes every 5 minutes, literally from rainy to blizzard-y to sunny to hail-y... all in a matter of 5 minutes interval]... I learned to adapt and love its amazing changing seasons...

Lobster Pond... one Winter morning.

Lobster Pond... one foggy early morning of Spring.

Lobster Pond... early morning of Summer.

Lobster Pond... one fine day of Fall.

Maine lakes are amazing...

A boat in Sabago Lake in Summer.

Snowmobiles in Sabago Lake in Winter.

its ponds are gorgeous...

No. 1 Pond, Sanford, Maine

its rivers are awesome...

East Branch, Swift River.

Saco River, Standish Maine.

its watersheds are breathtaking...

The Androscoggin Watershed, Rangeley, Maine.

One of the many protected watersheds in Maine.

its mountains are magnificent...

The snow-covered Mt. Washington from the distance. Season: Summer.

Mt. Blue, Byron, Maine.

its lighthouses are historical.

Nubble Lighthouse. The very first lighthouse I saw in Maine.

Portland Head Light, one of the oldest lighthouses on the shore of Maine

which was built in 1786 way before George Washington became

the first president of the United States.

and its bridges are phenomenal.

Parsonfield Wood Bridge in Fall.

Checking out the water from Saco River.

I also eat like a Mainer. I love its lobsters...

A staple of Maine.

and prefer maple syrup on my French toast, waffles and pancakes...

Collecting sap for the best Maple Syrup in the US.

with freshly picked fruits...

Strawberry picking in June.

Blueberry picking in August.

Apple picking in October.

And most of all, I love LL Bean!

I love everything Maine... so, I love Maine!

Totally Hardcore

I have another confession to make. Oh well, you better get used to me making confessions because I have lots of them. LOL

We went again to Byron, Maine and went camping and gold panning last weekend. Yes, we found a few tiny and microscopic pieces of the precious metal but not enough to make Hubby happy.

But that is not my confession. My confession is... I went camping for "real"!

You see, during the first year that I went camping... it was more of a hotel camping. I was so still afraid of going out of my comfort zone. I was afraid of using a different kind of bathroom [you know what I mean] and can't imagine myself sleeping on hard bumpy cold ground. So every time we planned to go camping we packed all our camping stuff in the back of the truck but checked-in... in a hotel.

The second year that we went camping... Hubby finally convinced me to go camping... in a campground and sleep in a tent. It was not that easy though but I agreed because the campground has good amenities like a bathroom with hot running water... picnic table... wood fire ring... and improvised grill for cooking. And there were other people camping too so I was sure that raccoons and coyotes are afraid to come near me. We went camping in the campground until last 4th of July of this year.

Last weekend... Hubby suddenly decided to do camping the hardcore way. It was not in the campground but in the woods... by the river... with no amenities like picnic table much less... a "shit house". We need to transport our stuff into the woods by crossing the river in our 4-wheeler about half a mile away from the dirt road where our truck was parked. I had a hard time sleeping because... 1) we were not able to use our air mattress which can only be inflated with a pump powered by the truck's battery. 2) the raccoons were checking us out. 3) the sound of the birds and other animals only-God-knows-what are too loud almost competing with the gushing sound of the water in the river. 4) and the thought that we were the only people in the woods was freaking me out.

But I survived! How? Don't even make me start!

For a Better Future

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Ashworth College. All opinions are 100% mine.

Before coming here in the US, I was well equipped in terms of education and experience. Well, so I thought. Surprise… surprise… my education and experience are not enough so I needed to take another course of study to be able to join the work force.

I had a hard time looking and finding for jobs because the degree that I have doesn’t fit most of the job offers that are in demand in the job market. It was indeed tough. I waited and waited for the job offer that fits my educational background and experience but to no avail. So the only solution left is to go to school again. But being new in the country and without any means of transportation, I was devastated. Good thing I learned about online study so I took an Online degree, and was able to do take a new course in the convenience of my home.

So, if you are also thinking of an Online degree, and still having some doubts about it… consider these following information:

-Flexible and self-paced so you can study whenever and wherever you like -- ideal for stay at home moms and working adults

-Research shows Ashworth tuition is 50% less than the average accredited online school

-Tuition includes all books and course materials

-Offers zero-interest financing plus a low monthly payment plan. Monthly payments can run as low as a couple of large pizzas

-Unlike other programs, you are guaranteed to graduate without student loan debt

-Transfer up to 75% of credits earned at other schools

-Choose from more than 100+ nationally accredited career diplomas, Associate Degree, Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree and Certificate programs for today's hottest and most popular careers, including: Medical Billing, Web Design, Bridal Consulting, Interior Decorating, Human Resources, Marketing, Early Childhood Education and more.

Well, what are you waiting for? Education is the only treasure that cannot be stolen from you… as what my Dad told me… so why not invest on it? Start improving your life now for a better future ahead.

Yes, Virginia... there is gold in the river!

So I whine about gold panning.

I rant about the bugs in the woods.

And I hum about almost everything about camping.

So why do I go anyway? Why do I go up the mountain almost every other weekends?

Because there is indeed gold in the river!

Road to Independence

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

I reported to work at the Y last week. During my break I met a long time acquaintance and exchanged “HIs” and “HELLOs”. It’s been a long time too since I last talked to this wheelchair-bound young happy and friendly guy whom I met years ago as he was alighting from that special van on his wheelchair.

I admire this guy’s cheerful and carefree spirit. He seems to be always happy and unwary of his physical limitations. And despite his disability he possesses a unique sense of independence that I couldn’t imagine. He would move around the gym in his “wheelchair “from one gym equipment to another doing sets of exercises and would stop to greet people who would come and go to the gym.

Well, after my shift I met him again on his way out and bade goodbye. He was safely and smoothly wheeled by his handler back into that special white van. Next week, I will surely see him again and hope we can have a few minutes chat like we used to.

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Isn't it nice that this kind of specially-made vehicle is available to our friends and loved ones with physical disabilities? Isn't it great that with this kind of vehicle, our physically challenged friends and loved ones are able to go places safely? And isn't it good that these kind of vehicles are available through the help of NMEDA who makes sure that vehicles like these are easily accessible by wheelchairs?

If you are a caregiver of a physically challenged loved one or a Health Care provider who needs this kind of special vehicles for your clients… visit nmeda.org and on the homepage, hit the dealer’s locator and type in your ZIP code and see if there is a qualified dealer near you.

Here are some important information about NMEDA and QAP:

NMEDA is a non-profit trade association; they educate consumers on buying products from a NMEDA qualified dealer.

- NMEDA DOES NOT SELL ANYTHING: NMEDA is the only association that promotes safe driving and equipment for disabled people. They are non-profit and their members are required to adhere to the safety standards of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NMEDA dealers (members) are the ones who sell handicap vans and vehicle modifications for disabled people.

- No two people with a disability are exactly the same. Beware of adapted wheelchair vehicles sold over the Internet or through catalogs. After a personalized “in-person” evaluation, you can be sure you are getting the right driving solution customized to your specific lifestyle and needs. If you need additional training or product refinements, your NMEDA dealer is there to help you.

The Quality Assurance Program (QAP) is the only nationally recognized accreditation program for the Adaptive Mobility Equipment Industry. It is based on the principle that in order to satisfy customers consistently, companies must have a systematic and documented approach to quality.

If you are interested in becoming a NMEDA or QAP dealer… check out nmeda.org and join.

I hate Gold Panning

I have a confession to make. I'm not really too crazy about gold panning and camping. I hate packing and worse, I hate cleaning up after the mess. You know what I mean. So why do I go anyway, you will ask. Because... I want to get hold of the gold if ever Hubby will get one!.

I hate gold panning. It's a lot of work and it's boring. We would spend the whole day in the river almost lasting up to 10 hours. Hubby would be dredging dirt while I would sort out the rocks from the sluice. Hubby would be knee deep scrapping dirt, sand and rocks under a big boulder and I would be either sorting rocks or... going up and down the river a few times to make lunch, strolling along the river, taking photos, snacking on junk food, listening to my iPod and taking a dip in the freezing cold running water [but not necessarily in that order]. It would be our tight schedule for a couple of days or at least during the duration of our trip to the gold panning site.

I hate gold panning. But I have been doing it for 3 years now. And I have a funny feeling that the foundation of our 3 years marriage is based on solid gold. [wink*]

During the first year, Hubby and I just enjoyed going up Byron to take a short vacation. We only have riffle pans and a small shovel and would just be digging dirt along the bank.

During the second year, Hubby bought a sluice and a dredge and a motor online. I was freaking out for he paid $500 for them. In retaliation ... I went shopping online for shoes and bag to match his spending.

During the third year, aside from celebrating our 3rd year Wedding Anniversary gold panning in New Hampshire.. Hubby bought a bigger motor and yards of pipes or tubes [I don't exactly know what it is called] online and spent $700 out of our tax refund. I then spent a little more than that on jewelries, clothes, and make up.

Next year, we will surely be gold panning again because... Hubby bought another gold panning equipment the other day... so I  booked a plane ticket to Los Angeles... then, I will surely be shopping in Rodeo Drive, baby! LOL

Oh, Boy! Should I change my title to... I love gold panning?

A Bright Beginning… Indeed

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of PBM Products. All opinions are 100% mine.

My BFF just gave birth to a beautiful healthy baby girl. She is a delight and she instantly melted everybody’s heart the first time she smiled or cried. Awwwww. Everybody loves a baby. Who doesn’t? They are the sweetest little thing God ever created.

Well, since my BFF gave birth to this precious little princess I spent more time with her during the first couple of weeks since her mother is living half around the world. We are like sisters so I am at her beck and call. And since I am the little princess’ fairy Godmother [wink] I have no problem taking care of her and her mom’s needs.

And as a good fairy godmother I have no problem changing her diapers or ordering her milk-based organic infant formula Bright Beginnings available at diapers.com. Yup, our little princess deserves the best.

Here are some important facts about this infant formula that you might find interesting:

Bright Beginnings DHA Milk Based Organic Infant Formula is the First Organic National Brand Baby Formula made in Vermont and certified organic in accordance with USDA regulations, Bright Beginnings ORGANIC is produced without: Potentially Harmful Pesticides, Added Growth Hormones and Antibiotics.

Bright Beginnings ORGANIC provides the benefits of the lipids DHA and ARA, nutrients naturally found in breast milk essential for babies' mental and visual development. Our baby formula meets the recommendations of the World Health Organization for DHA and ARA .

Benefits of DHA & ARA in Baby Formula

DHA and ARA occur naturally in mother's milk and belong to a class of nutrients called lipids, or fats. Lipids are an essential part of a healthy diet because they are important structural components of vital organs, particularly an infant's brain and eyes. Interest in DHA and ARA has increased following several scientific studies showing that infants fed formula supplemented with DHA and ARA gained intellectual and visual benefits not found in infants who were fed standard formulas without DHA and ARA.

Well, to all mommies who want nothing but the best for their precious little ones, you can purchase Bright Beginnings Infant Formula at Diaper.com or request your child’s fairy Godmother to do that for you. LOL.

It Felt like Forever

Hubby and I just got back from a day trip from Bath, New Hampshire. It was an unplanned trip. A trip that we didn't put so much preparation on. And one of those usual occasions that we decided on impulse.

Today we decided to check out another gold panning site in New Hampshire. Yes, today we did another gold panning adventure out of state. And yes, today we did gold panning on our 3rd year Wedding Anniversary.

Dearest Sweetest,

Happy Anniversary. It's only our third but it felt like forever. It felt like we have been together for a long time.

Three years... are not enough to know how much we do love each other compared to those who are celebrating their silver or golden anniversary. But it's enough to realize that we are growing in our love for each other.

Three years... of being together are full of challenges due to our differences. But challenges that we were able to win because we both tried our best to work our differences out.

Three years... and we are indeed counting.

Happy Anniversary my Sweetest... may our love for each other grow stronger each day. May our differences become our strength. And may we keep the faith for one another.

I love you... for always.

Your Sweetie

A Dream Weekend with my BFFs

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Hampton Hotels. All opinions are 100% mine.

Oh, I love summer. Who doesn’t? With the temperature rising and the weather being favorably unwintery… who would like to spend time inside the house? Forget about the laundry. Forget about the chores. Forget about the garden. With this kind of weather, I’d rather be on a boat sipping margarita… in a spa having a relaxing massage… in a beach watching the sunset or sunrise… or in a far flung local flea market shopping for rare and hard-to-find antiques and souvenirs… with my BFFs.

Well, don’t get me wrong. Me and Hubby are always together almost all weekends camping and gold panning since the snow melted. It’s all about “Me Time” now. I do need to spend time with my girlfriends and recharge. It would be nice if I win in the Hampton Chain of Friends Sweepstakes and get a free weekend stay at any Hampton Hotel. Well, if that happens my BFFs and I will surely have fun basking in the sun in Florida because I will surely book us at Hampton Inn & Suites Boynton Beach.

Oh well, even if I don’t win we will still do it. So if you are dreaming of having a fabulous free getaway with your friends, enter the sweepstakes and take your chance to win. Who knows you might be joining us there.