toys for the big boys

Hubby is still undecided as to what kind of game console is really going to purchase this Christmas. I have suggested the newest xbox 360 to him because I read in one of the reviews for that particular game console that aside from being the ultimate entertainment system for games, movies and music, they have slashed off their prices and is offering free shipping! Also, it's not just a gadget that he will solely use but it is actually family friendly. You can also hook up different USB devices and access them instantly on your TV. How cool is that? I guess I am more excited than him. Just need to improve on my convincing powers so I can make him purchase this instead.

christmas rush

Christmas is right around the corner. A few days ago, I went with my in laws christmas shopping and boy, did I enjoy it! Nevermind if I am about to pop in a few months time and nevermind also if there were a lot of people doing their christmas shopping as well. What mattered was I had a great time and I was able to buy a lot of stuff that I need for the holidays. I was also able to score in christmas cards to be sent to friends residing abroad. I still have a long list but that trip at least shortened the list into half and for that, I am thankful. Happy Holidays!

it's a boy!

Since the whole world knows that we are having a boy soon, my husband has been too preoccupied in finding the perfect cigar to light when our secondborn is born. They always say that as soon as you learn that you will be having a baby boy, dads need to light a cigar. We honestly don't know which one to purchase yet but we read somewhere about Acid cigars. ACID cigars are all-handcrafted using the world's finest tobaccos with over 140 botanicals, herbs and essential oils to produce their unique flavor and aroma. The only way to understand ACID cigars is to experience them. Hubby is considering this seriously and has the rest of the week to decide on which one to purchase.

Saturday 9

I am actually busy searching on affordable yet effective best weight loss pills for a friend I have promised to help in her weight loss program. I just thought I’d drop by here and answer this questions! Let’s see..For now, here are my answers!

1. When’s the last time you ran?
+ Before I got pregnant, so that was about 6 months ago.

2. Do your jeans have rips, tears, and holes in them?
+ None. I always go for the classics.

3. What are you dreading right now?
+ The rain! We have another typhoon coming :(

4. Do you like Mexican food?
+ Yup. I love specially taco’s and their mexican spicy rice!

5. Favorite ice cream?
+ Basken and Robbins, Royce and Hagen Daaz

6. When was your last doctor’s visit?
+ Less than a month ago, OB check up.

7. Do you get the full 8 hours of sleep a night?
+ I try to. Especially now that I am pregnant.

8. How many pets do you have?
+ None/ All our pets are with my in laws.

9. “First Loves Are Never Over;” is this true for you?
+ Nope. I have long buried the memories of my first love...

horseplay

Some would want their daughters to be a ballerina, others would want their sons to be basketball players. I've got so many dreams for our daughter, one of which is being an equestrienne. So this early, we are already exposing her to horses and its accessories. Just recently, I was teaching her what saddles and breeches are by showing her photos and bringing her to horse shops so she could have a feel of them. Starting age two, his dad and I would collect anything about horses and keep them on Lizzie's toy box. Books on horses have been purchased too. And the visits to horseback riding parks became more frequent. So far, so good. Her enthusiasm on horses is consistent and I am hoping that she will never outgrow her love for them.

folks!

This is my daughter with my folks when they visited a couple of months ago. See how she has grown so much over the years? Although they weren't able to spend as much time with each other during this vacation, I know that they had a blast during the days that my folks were with me here in Manila. =)

heavent sent!

The saga of cleaning a very muddy house has not ended. Good thing that my dad who lives in cali sent us a sturdy and efficient central vacuum that helps us in actually cleaning the filth in our home. From the time that we got this, our lives have been a lot lighter and easier and making our cleaning time worthwhile and fun! I have read in their site that their goal is to supply the most innovative and complete line of central vacuum cleaning systems and accessories available on the market today. It sounded good to me, I have experienced it in real life. For those who would be needing this, try it! You will see!

rare coins

A cousin who is so fond of collecting rare coins talked me into getting into that habit because not only is it very fulfilling, but that value of the items is actually appreciating thus you are making money out of a hobby! As a collector, my cousin strives to have every advantage available to her in order to be successful. Good thing that she is dealing with Monaco rare coins because not only are they reliable but they are also part of the Monex family of companies that has been a trusted leader in precious metals investment for nearly 40 years. They offer a unique, vast, and impressive array of resources for collectors and investors. I am actually already convinced to start investing on these coins but I will have to discuss this further with my cousin first before I actually jump in. And you?

aftermath of ondoy

Not everyone knows that we are one of the families greatly affected by the Typhoon Ondoy that hit our country a few weeks ago. Our entire ground floor was submerged in the muddy waters for a few days leaving most of our material possessions either destroyed, wet or beyond repair. After the typhoon left, we busied ourselves prioritising as to what needs to be fixed first. The car is in the mechanic's shop because the computer box exploded so we decided to have the garage floor fixed while there's nothing parked yet. We started buying replacement appliances already and had our walls repainted. That was one nightmare I wouldn't want to experience again... Hope everyone is safe!

health is wealth

There's an old adage that says "Health is Wealth". When I was a lot younger, I didn't take this seriously. I did not take care of myself and lived as if I were indispensible. I only started thinking about my health and that of my loved ones now that I am married and starting my own family. Apart from drinking vitamins, veering away from unhealthy lifestyles and regular appointments to the doctor, I also started to put aside money for insurance. I was able to get an affordable health insurance so that keeps me hopeful that whatever happens, there is something to back me up. Health is wealth indeed and it's never too early to start thinking about it.

Saturday 6: I Ran

1. When's the last time you ran? a few months ago, before I got pregnant...

2. Do your jeans have rips, tears, and holes in them? Nope. I want them neat.

3. What are you dreading right now? Monday coz it's back to work again.

4. Do you like Mexican food? Not much.

5. Favorite ice cream? Strawberry.

6. When was your last doctor's visit? Almost a month ago. Regular pre-natal check up.

7. Do you get the full 8 hours of sleep a night? I try to. But 7 hours is fine.

8. How many pets do you have? None.

9. "First Loves Are Never Over;" is this true for you? Nope.

paintball marker package

Birthdays are special especially if the person celebrating is the most important in your life. My husband is celebrating his birthday in a month and since his new passion is paintball, I plan to give him a paintball marker package which was actually suggested by one of our close friends. I checked online and saw that there are packages that already include paintball guns, paintball goggles, hoppers and what's even nicer is that shipping is free. I can just imagine him beaming with joy and jumping up and down the moment he sees the gift next month. I can't believe there are sites as educational and informative as ZephyrPaintball.com that ordering online will never be a problem.

my sunshine

This is my daughter now. She has grown too fast the last few months. Good thing that she kind of stopped gaining much weight already otherwise I will be forced to consider getting her fat burners when she grows up. Does she look like me? Well, I would like to think that way although a lot pf people are saying that I look like my husband so it's hard to tell who looks like who?

Ain't she charming?

Sunday Stealing: The Heretic Meme

1. Who was the last person of the opposite sex you lay in a bed with?
My husband.

2. Where was the last place you went out to eat?
King of Persia.

3. What was the last alcoholic beverage you consumed?
I forgot already. It has been years.

4. Which do you prefer – eyes or lips?
Eyes

5. Medicine, fine arts, or law?
Law

6. Best kind of pizza?
Pasto

7. What is in store for your future?
Something really bright.

8. Who was the last band you saw live?
Side A, eons ago.

9. Do you take care of your friends while they are sick?
Yes, if I have to. I would go out of my way and buy them Naot sandals just so they will get well.

10. How many songs are on your iPod?
I think around more than 1000 but less than 1500 – I am not really sure. My hubby updates it for me.

11. Where is the last place you drove to?
Work.

12. Where did your last kiss take place?
In the car

13. What were you doing at 11:59 PM on Monday night?
Probably sleeping already.

14. Are you a quitter?
No. I’m a born fighter.

15. Who was the last person you had in your house?
We don't get that much visitors.

15. What do you think about people who party a lot?
Whatever rocks their boat.

16. Does talking about sex make you uncomfortable?
No, I am way past that.

17. What was the last CD you purchased?
GnR, Incubus, Metallica - all for hubby!

18. What are two bands or singers that you will always love?
U2 and Incubus

19. Which of the seven deadly sins are you guilty of?
Pride

20. How is your last ex doing?
Doing good perhaps? Not really sure. I have no contact with him anymore...

destination weddings

Do you have any idea how much destination weddings cost? A dear friend is tying the knot next year and she wants it to be as unique as possible. I strongly suggested to her to consider this type of wedding but she asked me to help her research more on it. I have read that there's a lot of heavenly white-sand beaches in Riviera Maya and their rates are competitive so I might look into that. I plan to create a file so that when I present it to my friend, she wouldn't hae a hard time deciding on what she would really want her wedding to be. I just hope that I will be successful in my project.

Saturday 6: Taste

1. You have a craving for something sweet: what food is most likely to come to mind?
+ Mango Bravo from Conti's!

2. You’re craving something salty: what food is most likely to come to mind?
+ Mango with salt.

3. Which kind of taste do you prefer: sour or bitter?
+ Sour.

4. Of these flavor types: sweet, salty, bitter or sour, which do you have the most of in your home right now?
+ Sweets! We all love munching on sweets at home. After getting the insurance quote from our agent, we passed by the grocery to get some more sweets for the house.

5. Considering your answers to the first two questions, which one have you most recently eaten?
+ Mangos!

6. Take the quiz: What Taste Are You?
+ You Are Sweet
You are easy going and pleasant. You are always happy and upbeat.
No wonder you’re so popular. There’s nothing to dislike about you.

You are both likable and lovable. In fact, some people feel very passionately about you.
You are simply bliss inducing. You remind people to take time and enjoy life.

worker's aid

An uncle who owns an industrial firm is on the lookout for effective yet affordable pressure washers that he can use in his business. We have directed him to a site where he can find helpful and useful facts to aid him in deciding which will be the best for him. It's a bit pricey I would guess but it will save his workers time and effort so work is done fast and effectively. He gave himself a deadline until the end of the month so I might as well help him out in scouting for one now.

one great ride

Paul Anthony A. Anas

March, 1979 - August, 2009

It has been a great ride with you, Anton... Although this is going to be hard and painful, I will strive to move on. I will rest in the thought that you're just there watching and smiling and always wishing me well.

Sleep now, my friend. The sun is up...

stop snoring

A lot of people are saying that snoring is bad especially if it becomes a habit at night. I would always remind my husband to stop snoring because even if I have not seen the facts, I would still want to be cautious and safe than sorry. Being vigilant is just one of the many ways on how to prevent people from snoring. Another would be medical interventions like the one that Allegro Medical is offering. This is one of the largest and most technologically advanced independently owned online retailers of life enhancing products in the United States.

Allegro’s flagship website, AllegroMedical.com offers 55,000 products, under 50 categories and hundreds of sub-categories. Shop by Category. Shop by Brand. Shop by Condition.

health is wealth

I love cotton candy! Eversince I was a kid, I remember my dad would bring me to the cotton candy cart outside the church to let me choose which color I would love for that particular sunday. I had such a sweet tooth!

Now, that I am older. I am still fond of sweets but feel that cotton candy is too much for my body. Imagine all the sugar that you take everytime you eat a pop? Delicious but really health-threatening hahaha! I still want to leave and buy the gorgeous camcorders that I have seen in the mall!

something about me

What time do you usually wake up? 5:30am .
What’s the first thing you do?During weekdays: Take a 30 minute bath. I have yet to try our new Capresso coffee maker after I give birth. On weekends: Sleep in!
Breakfast? Now that I am heavy with my second baby, I need to.
Do you go to work/school? Work, unfortunately =).
Do you like it? I like the perks that come with it
If you stay at home, what do you do all day?Sleep. Eat. Surf. Play with Lizzie. Supervise the house. Watch TV.
When’s lunch and what you eatin’? 12 noon. Anything I feel like eating. For lunch today, I had chicken inasal. Yum!
What time do you get home from work/school? 6pm.
What do you do?Let’s be a bit specific, shall we? at work - boss around; at home - boss around hehehe =)
Dinner: When and what? 8pm. Anything that I want to eat.
What do you do to unwind? Read a good book.
What’s your favorite part of the day? Mornings.
Who’s your favorite person to interact with? Arthuz.
When’s bedtime?on the average, 10PM.
Who’s bedtime with? Arthuz. Lizzie has her own place to sleep in.

Words Women Use

FINE - This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.
15 MINUTES - If she’s getting dressed, this means half an hour.
NOTHING - This is the calm before the storm. This means something and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in FINE.
A “LOUD SIGH” - This means she thinks you’re an idiot and wonders why she’s wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing.
THAT’S OK - This means that she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistakes

Got this from Kelly and can't help but say -- so true!!!

cravings

The photo above was what I was craving a few days ago so off we all went to TGIF to have a feast. My husband, though not in the mood as he was finishing up his research on extended service plan had to be very supportive so he had to drive me and the little girl to the mall to eat. We also got a few stuff for me, the big sister and the baby inside. And some shirts for dad. It was an impromptu shopping day all because of my craving to eat chicken strips and fries. We had a blast and we went home with uber full stomachs and happy dispositions!

Happy weekend loves!

stock options

I was watching some TV a few days ago and I chanced upon this channel where 2 opinionated individuals were talking about stock options and what their investments did to them and their livelihood in just a couple of weeks.

Although I am not really adept in how it works, I know a little about stock options because of my readings and researches in college. I am aware that one should know what market to invest his money so he will be sure of a high return on investment. Power Options is the software that does entire job – it gathers data and makes comparisons and reports on the best stock options trading to invest to. That way, one will be sure that he will be investing his money on a good market that will give him a good return on investment.

Very interesting right?

perfect give aways

I just want to share this beautiful site that offers rubber stamps for all occassions. I know some of us are really into collecting rubber stamps even if there are no use to them, but some find it useful and effective. My brother, for one, keeps a few stamps in his collection. So, whenever you need rubber stamps to give away or for your own personal consumption, worry no more because all you have to do is go visit the site http://www.rubberstampchamp.com/ for a wide array of rubber stamps. They also do have offers and promotions so what are you waiting for? Log on and check them out!

up on the wall

I have been on house arrest for a few days now and I tell you it is driving me nuts. My condition right now won't let me go to the mall and check out what's on sale at this time. Such wrong timing since I have to get myself a couple of tops and sweats for work.

I hope my doctor gives me a clean bill of health soon so I can go back to work (which I miss really much!) and resume my normal lifestyle.

saturday 9 - i want you back

1. Where were you when you heard that Michael Jackson died?
*I was at the office and I just got an SMS from my husband. You see, we are both fans of MJ.

2. How do you think that he will be remembered?
*He will be remembered as a pop icon and a music legend.

3. What was your favorite Jackson tune?
*I just can't stop loving you.

4. Did you watch the original Charlie’s Angels?
*No, but my mom did. I only watched the remake.

5. Did someone you know have that poster of Farrah?
*My mom. She was a loyal fan. She got my name from Farrah Fawcett.

6. Did you consider her battle with cancer heroic?
*Yes!

7. Were you a fan of The Tonight Show Starring Johnnie Carson?
* Nope but I have heard of him

8. Did you like Ed McMahon on the show?
*Not much

9. What else will you remember McMahon for?
*I don't really know much about him...

Six at Wednesday

1. How often do you visit a coffee shop? If you do, do you drink coffee there, or just pick it up to go?
+ Everyday because of work

2. What is the latest time of day you can drink regular coffee (or tea) without messing up your sleep?
+ Hmm..It is every time my work starts. I need my caffeine fix

3. What is the highest number of cups of coffee (or tea) you’ve had in a single day?
+ Maybe 3?

4. Take the quiz: What flavor of latte are you?
+ You Are a Hazelnut Latte
You often having the craving for something exotic. You get bored easily.
You are a true adventurer. Nothing makes you happier than traveling.

You’re a very cosmopolitan and worldly person. You have sophisticated tastes.
You have a keen attention to detail. Little things matter to you - you are a bit of a perfectionist.

5. Consider the highest price you’ve ever paid for a cup of coffee and the highest price you’ve paid for a gallon of gas: which of the two items was more expensive?
+ Gas most definitely!

6. What is your favorite holiday-flavored coffee?
+ Peppermint Mocha!

Join, Here.

Diabetes

I never knew that diabetes can be such a complicated and life-long disease! A friend’s mother just got diagnosed with it recently and aside from a very strict diet of controlled carbohydrates and very little sugar, she would need insulin shots three times a day. It seems that complications like heart and kidney problems and blindness result from diabetes too if left uncontrolled. I cannot imagine how expensive that could be, with the medicine and insulin syringes . It is good though that her sister is a nurse overseas and can order bulk supplies at AllegroMedical.com. At least they can save more!

Your Down Time

1. Do you have any hobbies? If so, what are they? If not, what do you do with your down time?
+ Reading, Eating, a Little Cooking and a LOT of sleeping

2. What do you like to do for fun?
+ hang out with my family,. go on trips if we have extra money

3. Do you go out much? Where do you like to go? What kinds of things do you like to do?
+ We love to go to the beach. But since it rains a lot these days, we go to the mall!

I Want Wednesday

This weeks question is:

What do you want to do with a little extra cash?
+ I’d save 10 or 20% of it first, then treat my man and the princess to a nice lunch/dinner and go shopping.

What else do you want this week? Feel free to share it all.
+ I want to be able to rest and relax and be able to get out of the hospital! I have been here since Sunday! Please pray for me!

Happy days!

Learn

Ever want to study some more but are limited on time and ways to go to school? Do it online and enroll at Capella University! . You can get an online degree this way. They are an accredited fully online university! Capella offers graduate degree programs in business, information technology, education, human services, psychology, public health, and public safety, and bachelor’s degree programs in business, information technology, and public safety. Within those areas, Capella currently offers 109 graduate and undergraduate specializations and 15 certificate programs. The online university currently serves more than 23,400 students from all 50 states and 45 other countries. It is committed to providing high-caliber academic excellence and pursuing balanced business growth. Recently, they have launched the Online Education podcast which feature interviews with Capella students, faculty and staff who share the experience of online education from a first-person point of view. They are typically about 15 minutes long and are available at http://www.capellacommons.com. They are also available via subscription from iTunes.

This blog post was based on information provided by Blogitive. For more information, please visit Blogitive.com.

How to Talk with Young Children

Thanks Yen!

1. It’s important to keep language clear and simple. Make sure to avoid words that have dual meanings or are not common usage.

2. It’s helpful to pay attention to children when they speak but avoid trying to focus on several conversations at once.

3. Use words and questions that encourage children to converse. It’s important to engage a child. Remember to avoid ‘yes’ or ‘no’ questions. For example, try “tell me more” or “what else happened?”

4. Stay positive. Use ‘do’ more than ‘don’t’. Phrase requests to communicate the desired behavior. For example, ‘you can use these bean bags for throwing practice’ rather than ‘don’t throw the toys.’

5. When communicating with young children, position yourself at the child’s eye level. Putting yourself at the child’s level communicates respect and helps you to hold the child’s attention.

6. Wait for responses to questions before moving the conversation on. Children need a few minutes to formula responses to questions. Remember, true conversations are two-sided.

7. Make sure to model polite conversation. It’s important to use ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ routinely. Children learn a lot through their observations of your conversation style.

8. Encourage dialogue by talking with children and not to them. While talking with children, ask questions, show interest, and comment on the child’s responses. However, be careful about the amount of time you spend giving directions or engaging in one way, directive communication.

9. When speaking with a child, never use unkind words. Any words or phrases that imply ridicule, shaming, name calling, teasing or belittling are not appropriate.

10. Show enthusiasm and enjoyment in conversations. It’s helpful to show children you enjoy talking with them by laughing, smiling and even joking with children. Always remember, when you have fun, the children will have fun, too.

Quotes v.2

Got these all from Aggie :)

"Finish every day and be done with it. You have done what you could; some blunders and absurdities crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; you shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

"A bad habit never disappears miraculously; it’s an undo-it-yourself project."

Abigail Van Buren

"Smart people spend time alone. They don’t fill their days with appointments from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., as many politicians and executives do. Great science does not emerge from hard logic and grinding hours. It comes from activities like chopping wood and raking leaves, preparing dinner and reading to the kids. These activities soften the rigid pace of the day’s pursuits and allow all our God-given intuition to work its unlogical magic. Only then can we reach our fullest potentials. Only then can we leap from thinking to understanding."

Philip K. Howard

"Never make your home in a place. Make a home for yourself inside your own head. You’ll find what you need to furnish it–memory, friends you can trust, love of learning, and other such things. That way it will go with you wherever you journey."

Tad Williams
Stone of Farewell

Caribbean Dreaming

It seems that the Caribbean just got more attractive! With the launch of the Karisma line of hotels which claims to have an assortment of hotels that cater to people from all walks of life, we might just get a family vacation from a true blue honeymoon destination. I always thought the Caribbean would be better for couples and honeymooners but I have heard such great things about the Azul Blue Resort. It is the ultimate family getaway destination!With just 98 rooms, a gourmet-inclusive dining philosophy and many family-friendly amenities, Azul Beach Hotel offers families a new way to vacation. Parents are pampered with adult-sized indulgences as well as extras like strollers, cribs, baby milk heaters, beach games, coloring books, refrigerators for milk and medicines, and even kid-sized bathrobes.

Sounds divine doesnt it?

Quotes

"Don’t over-analyze your marriage; it’s like yanking up a fragile indoor plant every 20 minutes to see how the roots are growing. "

The Bill Ballance Hip Handbook

“The reason people find it so hard to be happy is that they always see the past better than it was, the present worse than it is, and the future finer than it will be.”

Marcel Pagnol

“I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read, and all the friends I want to see.”

John Burroughs

“We need not be rich to be generous, nor have all wisdom to be understanding.

Our influence may not be great, but it can be good.

Our speech may not be eloquent, but it can be truthful and sincere. We cannot all have good looks, but we can have good conscience, and having that, we shall have peace of mind and need fear no man.”

Meddigo Message

How to instill the spirit of giving to kids

Thanks Yen!

1. Lead by example. Serve as a role model by volunteering at your child’s school or engaging them in frequent conversation about community service. Explain the benefits of community service to your child and help them understand social responsibility and diversity in their communities.

2. Involve your child in selecting a project or cause in which to participate. There are a variety of resources to help you and your child become involved in your community. Check with your child’s school for any community service activities.

3. Consider a developmentally appropriate cause based on your child’s interest and skill level. There are a variety of ways your child can donate his or her time. For instance, several Arts & Crafts charities give your child an opportunity to paint, create cuddly dolls and bags for sick children.

4. Prepare you child for the experience by asking questions, providing options and listening to their needs and wants.

5. Praise their efforts and talk about your volunteer experience once it is complete. It’s helpful to ask your child what he or she learned from the experience. Ask your child if he or she had fun helping. Communication is key.

6. Start small. Recycling at home is a great way to incorporate community service into your daily or weekly routine. Show your child which items to recycle and teach them about how it helps the community.

the city that never sleeps

You Are City

You prefer big lights and big dreams over the slow paced life of the country. You crave excitement, and the city has many opportunities for you. While you appreciate the peace and quiet of the country, it's a little too quiet. You need lots people, culture, and action to feel truly alive.

Are You City or Country?

discount designer jewelry

A niece's fashion sense is driving me nuts! You see, at a very tender age of 9, she's already asking her dad to shop for discount designer jewelry for her, imagine that? And the dad (who happens to be my brother, by the way) is supporting her daughter's caprices and whims all the way!

It's not as if I don't want her to have these things. I also have a daughter and soon, she will also love to collect jewelries and fashion accessories. What I don't want them to do is to make these material stuff center of their lives. For this is not the important things in life. There's more to that!

Personal Faves

1. What are your favorite colors?
+ Purple and Pink.

2. What is your favorite kind of clothing to wear? Why? What’s your least favorite?
+ Something classic - crisp white tops, khaki pants/shors/minis, flip flops or wedges

3. Do you like to take showers or baths? Why/why not?
+ I love long baths.

glamour!

Your Glamour Icon Is Sultry

Beauty is nothing other than the promise of happiness.

What Glamour Icon Best Represents You?

WOW! I never knew this was the case. Hmm maybe I should take this test again and see what happens next! LOL. I wonder how the husband will react to this. I don't even dress the part. Maybe seductive should be the term? I dont know. Is it obvious I am in denial here?! Hahaha!

gold bullion

I read somewhere that at Monex Deposit Company, you can actually purchase silver, gold and bronze, and other precious metals to your liking and can have them safekeep your pieces in their storage or depository. A friend who is actually very fond of collecting semi precious and precious metals purchased gold bullions and left it to them first for safekeeping.

I wouldn't think twice as well of entrusting these metals to them since they are known to have dedicated staff of hard asset professionals committed to serving your precious metals investment needs and being America’s best dealer with a convenient market and competitive precious metals prices.

class or trash?

I'm sorry... This says everything :) LOL

You Are Classy

You are well mannered at all occasions. You believe in taking the higher road. You treat people with kindness and respect. You think before you speak or act. You know how to charm people and put them at ease. It's all about the right words or gestures. By having class, you make others feel more comfortable around you.

Are You Classy or Trashy?

Six...

1. Do you tend to accomplish more in the morning, the afternoon, or the evening?
I am a morning person so I make sure most of my tasks are done in the morning.

2. When there are bad thunderstorms outside, how much does this affect your ability to get things done?
I do not let these things affect me.

3. If you could set your own work schedule, would you go in earlier in the morning or later in the day?
I would rather go in earlier in the morning.

4. If you had the chance to work four ten-hour days and have a three-day weekend, would you prefer that over a traditional five-day workweek?
Yeah, Ill take that option!

5. Take the quiz: Are You Dusk or Dawn?

You Are Dawn

You are a naturally energetic and optimistic person. You can't wait to start each day. You hate to waste any time, and you jump out of bed in the morning ready to face the world. You enjoy working and have a fulfilling career. For you, nothing feels better than the sweet victory success. You are goal oriented and successful in every aspect of your life. You're universally ambitious.

Are You Dusk or Dawn?

6. Where is the last place you remember taking time to admire a sunset or dusk?
By the shoreline :)

unique personalized wedding favors

Who doesn't want to have a grand and exquisite wedding? I guess all girls are dreaming of that. I did not have the grandest but I can porudly say that mine was beautiful and memorable - with all our friends and family as witness to that grandious event, I could not ask for more.

My husband and I have been hands on with the preparation leading to our wedding. From the gown to the caterers to the flowers and even to the unique personalized wedding favors that we gave away, we did ourselves. From the research to the canvassing to the purchasing. That was what made it more meaningful and special.

We might not have had the most colorful and glamorous wedding, but for me, it was the best...

bag a holic

I am a bag lover, hands down. And my bag collection is so vast and you can trace it from years back. Even up to now, I still collect them but not as much as when I was younger. I am more fond with unique styles now and just recently, I had a custom tote bag made for me and my mom. My mom and I really loved the outcome and we are planning to have some more made for our relatives. You can check out the site if you are interested. This is one good find indeed!

100

100 Truths! After you've filled this out, tag 15 people and have them do the same.

LASTS:
1. Last beverage --> Hot choco
2. Last phone call --> Owen Contemplado
3. Last text message --> Red Villaret
4. Last song you listened to --> Tamia - So into you
5. Last thought before you slept last night -- > It was a nice date with hubby and little girl.
6. Last time you cried --> This morning, in church while praying for the people who has deeply hurt me =(

SIX HAVE YOU EVER:
7. Dated someone twice --> Oh of course!
8. Been cheated on? -- > Yea. Just a few times. ;)
9. Kissed someone & regretted it? -- > Yeah, big time.
10. Lost someone special? -- > Yes
11. Been depressed? -- > Yes
12. Been drunk and threw up? -- > Back in my younger years, once.

LIST FOUR FAVORITE COLORS:
13. Violet
14. Yellow
15. Pink
16. Orange

HAVE YOU:
17. Made new friends? -- > Yep!
18. Laughed until you cried --> You bet!
19. Met someone who changed you --> I sure did.
20. Found out who your true friends were --> Eversince, I already know who my real friends are and I keep them close to my heart. They know who they are! ;)
21. Found out someone was talking about you --> For all I care. That's what I learned from my husband. To not care at all.
22. How many people on your friends list do you know in real life --> All of them. I don't add people I don't personally know.
23. How many kids do you want to have --> Just 2. I have 1 now, and another coming in '10.
24. Do you have any pets --> Bob, my pet pug.
25. Do you want to change your name --> I love my name and the story behind it.
26. What did you do for your 16th birthday --> I was still in highschool and my dad threw a sweet sixteen party for me and my senior friends =)
27. What time did you wake up today --> 9AM. We sleep in on sundays (if I don't have work). I have to wake up at 9 to prepare breakfast and get us all dressed for the 1030 mass.
28. What were you doing at midnight last night? -- > Watching some TV with hubby.
29. Name something you CANNOT wait for --> Our own home.
30. When was the last time you saw your dad --> More than a year ago. Incidentally, today is his 56th birthday so Happy Birthday Dad. I love you to bits!
31. What is one thing you wish you could change about your life --> I wish I was more artsy.
32. What are you listening to right now --> Tori Amos - Sleeps with butterflies
33. Have you ever talked to a person named Tom --> Yeah when I was a little. I had an uncle named Tom.
34. What's getting on your nerves right now? --> I am steady eddie.
35. Most visited webpage --> my site.

ALL ABOUT YOU:
36. What's your name --> Farah Romina
37. Nicknames --> Farah, Farfar, Fars, Be to my parents, Neng to my in laws, Mama to my 2 precious ones
38. Relationship Status --> Happily Married.
39. Zodiac sign --> Aquarius
40. Elementary --> Colegio de Sta Isabel in Naga City
41. Middle School --> Colegio de Sta Isabel in Naga City
42. High school ---> Colegio de Sta Isabel in Naga City
43. Hair color ---> Jet Black (talaga!)
44. Long or short --> Long
45. Height --> 5'4"
46. Do you have a crush on someone? --> John Estrada only because he looks like my husband
47. Piercings --> 2
48. Tattoos --> None
49. Righty or lefty --> ambidextrose

3 THINGS THAT:
50. Scare you -- > Death. Poverty and Rats.
51. You don’t understand -- > Treachery
52. You hate -- > Lies. Loudness. Bad driving.
53. You want to do before you die -- > Travel all over the world. Stop to smell the flowers.
54. One should listen to -- > Reggae music.
55. One should never listen to -- > False preachings.

FIRSTS:
56. First surgery -->My C-section almost 4 years ago.
57. First piercing --> Ears
58. First best friends --> Erlene Bonita
59. First sport you joined --> Gymnastics in first grade. My mom wanted to be the next Mary Lou Retton hahaha!
60. First pet --> A dog
61. First vacation --> Baguio City
62. First live concert --> UP Sunken Garden - Side A
63. First crush --> Papoy Saltarin (wherever he is, God bless him)

CURRENTLY:
64. Eating --> Lizzie's softbatch cookies
65. Drinking --> Mango Juice
66. I'm about to --> prepare our things because we are going to my in laws' place for lunch then attend a party in Makati after.
67. Listening to --> Tori Amos - Sleeps with Butterflies
68. Waiting for --> Lizzie to come up. She's playing with her yaya in the sala.

YOUR FUTURE:
69. Want a family? -- > I have one. And I am one of the lucky few. Thank God.
70. Where do you see yourself settling? -- > Somewhere in the East.
71. Careers in mind? -- > I want to be successful as a mom and a wife. To me, that's what matters. My husband can take care of the financial side =)

WHICH IS BETTER WITH THE OPPOSITE SEX?
72. Lips or eyes --> eyes. He has the best pair.
73. Hugs or kisses --> hugs. and wet kisses weet weet! :)
74. Shorter or taller --> Taller of course.
75. Older or Younger --> Doesn’t matter.
76. Romantic or spontaneous --> Spontaneous and romantic!
77. Sensitive or loud --> Sensitive
78. Hook-up or relationship --> Relationship
79. Trouble maker or hesitant --> Neither

HAVE YOU EVER:
80. Kissed a stranger --> I haven't.
81. Drank hard liquor --> I prefer hard liquor than beer.
82. Lost glasses/contacts --> All the time!
83. Sex on first date --> NO.
84. Broken someone's heart --> Yeah. A few times I guess.
85. Had your own heart broken --> A few times also.
86. Been arrested --> Nope
87. Cried when someone died --> Yes.
88. Liked a friend that is a girl? --> Yeah, in high school. It was the IN thing. So that explains why I never had a BF then. I met my first ever BF in college. We were both freshmen. Hahaha!

DO YOU BELIEVE IN:
89. Yourself --> Of course.
90. Miracles --> I've seen a lot of it, yes.
91. Love at first sight --> Yes too.
92. Heaven --> Yes
93. Hell --> Yes
94. Santa Claus --> No. And Lizzie will grow up not believing in one.
95. Evolution --> Not entirely
96. God --> Absolutely.
97. Angels --> They’re everywhere. You feel them.

ANSWER TRUTHFULLY:
98. Had more than one boyfriend/girlfriend at one time? -- > Nope. I am so into my special someone so thinking of fooling around is so not me.
99. Do you miss anyone? -- > My dad..
100. Are you glad this survey is over?-- > Finally! Hehe =)

sad cousin

My cousin is really having a hard time getting rid of all her zits! I swear, she has tried all sorts of treatments and have been to all kinds of dermatologists from north to south but to no avail. She was told by one of the better dermatologists that here is some kind of an adult acne that really need continuous treatment and regular visits to the doctors. She has attempted to fast and starve just because of this ongoing dilemma that she is having. I just told her that life is not all about acne. There is more to life than that, right?!

female survey

Had a little time to spare so I snagged this from Babs.

DON’T CHICKEN OUT GIRLS!
Does your password have to do with a boy? Not anymore. It has something to do with a girl this time ;)
What’s one thing a guy can do to make you like them? Wits and Humor.
Are you a girly girl? I am somewhere in between but often leaning on the guy side, blame it on my UP influence.
Small or big purses? Big!!
Do you stay friends with your ex’s? I don't think I am friends with anyone of them. Haven't seen them in a while...
Did you dress up on Halloween? Yes.
Do you call anybody by their last name? Yeah. When I curse and Im mad. I call my husband Dela Rosa!
Do you wear makeup? A little at work, absolutely none on weekends.
Can you put on mascara without opening your mouth? Of course.
Have you ever cooked food for a guy? All the time!
Have you ever been called a bad influence? Fortunately not.
Have you ever broken a guy’s heart? Yeah.

American Eagle or Hollister? Hollister
Flats or Heels? Flats, lately.
Skirts or jeans? Jeans.
Socks or leggings? Leggings.
Heels or sneakers? Sneakers
Straight or curly hair? Straight of course. Love you own!
Hoops or dangling earrings? hooplah
Have you ever had your heart broken? Yes.
Do you prefer light or dark haired guys? Dark-haired guys.
Do you have a best friend? Of course, who doesnt?
What do you think about the person you like? Marvelous!
Have you ever thought of having plastic surgery? Nah.
Do you like your life? Asofreakinlutely!
Ever walked into the guy’s bathroom? Nope.
Have you ever jumped in the pool with your clothes on? Yes.
Have you ever slapped a boy in the face? Yeah.
Have you ever cried yourself to sleep? Yes.
Have you ever not been able to get someone off of your mind? Yes.
Do you ever wish you were famous? Fame will never equate to happiness =)

IN A BOY:
Cowboy or gangsta? Cowboy
Preppy or Punk/Goth? Preppy.
Well educated or Dropout? Well educated.
Contacts or Glasses? Contacts.
Funny or Serious? Funny.
Romantic or Daredevil? A mix of both.
Cute or Hot? Cute during the day, hot during the night lol! -LOLOL!
Long or short hair? Short.
Smoker or nonsmoker? Nonsmoker.

jack of all trades

My dad was sharing some good reviews on some industrial products that he got for my grandmother's carehome business. This has been an ongoing dilemma for him since he didn't have any clue on which company can give him the most effective products that he needed until he searched online and stumbles upon Reid Supply Company. He was just so satisfied that all the equipments that he had in mind were being offered by them - from clamps, to bolts and knobs and levers. This way, he doesn't need to waste time to go around the mall and look for this products individually. I can say the my dad is one happy, satisfied man after his discovery on Reid Supply Company.

happiness is...

having some girlfriends to share your coffee with...

rock and roll!

I should be sleeping by now. The launch date of my new LOB will be tomorrow and I need to be in the office very early to set up and make sure that everything's all set. I am quite excited and super happy that I can't seem to bring myself to lalaland. Especially now that I want to dream about the sleep number bed that my brother is telling me about. I just wish things will really turn out the way I want it tomorrow. It's going to be one fun, rock and roll time in the office!!

my pretty girl

This is how she looks like now. At almost 4, she thinks as if she's 10. Her questioning skills tests my patience and ability sometimes I am starting to doubt if I am really smart hehehe. Her eyes are the most expressive ones that I have seen in my life. She looks so much like her dad but acts and thinks like me. Every night, I pray that she grows up to be the person she deserves to be, without compromising the values that we have instilled in her. She is our gem. And we love her so much...

Now, back to my research on Rimadyl.

gold investing

My cousin who is single and doesn't have plans of getting hitched in the near future is finding so much joy and fulfillment in gold investing. She started doing that about a year ago and just now, she shared with me the news that she is all the more eager to continue on now that there's a company that purchases silver, gold or other precious metals and coins for immediate personal delivery or arrange for convenient and safe storage at an independent bank or depository. For over 30 years, the Monex companies have been America’s gold, silver and precious metals investment leader. You can see the confidence in her eyes to MDC that her plans are rock solid nothing can ever break it apart.

myself

Yourself: I'm trying to finish all of my pending blogging tasks. Funny because I am so awake with the boxing match we watched awhile ago. I think I'd be up until tomorrow morning. Well, it is morning now.

Snagged from Babs.

Your Partner: is half asleep. He wants to finish the basketball game on TV but is so tired to do so. I got very strict instructions not to turn off the TV until the game is over.

Your Hair: is one of my greates assets and I am loving it now that its long.

Your Mother: is the most selfless woman in the world!

Your Father: can't say no to me.

Your Favorite Item: my stila lipstick and smashbox blush.

Your Dream Last Night: secret.

Your Favorite Drink: H2O.

Your Dream Car: a pink bentley

Dream Home: in the works

The Room You Are In: bedroom

Your Fear: poverty and death of loved ones

Where You Want to be in Ten Years: still here but more stable.

Who You Hung Out With Last Night: our friends because it was Pboy's birthday and he threw a party at his place.

You’re Not: the best but I will always be perfect in my daughter's eyes.

One of Your Wish List Items: a macbook. soon.

The Last Thing You Did: watched the match between Pacman and Hitman

You Are Wearing: a pink lingerie.

Your Favorite Weather: rainy?

Your Favorite Book: Gone with the wind.

Last Thing You Ate: chicken inasal and soup.

Your Life: chill.

Your Mood: hopeful.

Your Best Friend: is the extension of my life.

What Are You Thinking About Right Now: i need to sleep.

Your Car: a grey Innova and a white Ford Everest.

What Are You Doing At The Moment: Finishing my blogging tasks.

Relationship Status: Very Much Married! =)

Do You Know your Hubby?

Here's a chance to see how well you really know your husband. Cut, paste and fill in the answers. tag your other married friends and the person who sent this to you.

Snagged from Babs!

1. He's sitting in front of the TV, what is on the tv?
Basketball TV

2. You're out to eat; what kind of dressing does he get on his salad?
Thousand Island.

3. What's one food he doesn't like?
rice cake and any sweet filipino delicacy

4. You go out to eat and have a drink; what does he order?
Jack Daniels and steak

5. Where did he go to high School?
Marist

6. What size shoe does he wear?
Size 11

7. If he was to collect anything, what would it be?
watches, basketball shoes and statement shirts

8. What is his favorite type of sandwich?
anything that has a lot of grease in it!

9. What would he eat every day if he could?
menudo

10. What is his favorite cereal?
he doesnt want that.

11. What would he never wear?
a nike shirt with adidas shoes. he is OC like that.

12. What is his favorite sports team?
The Duke New Devils

13. Who did he vote for?
???

14. Who is his best friend?
JP, Mark and Aldwin.

15. What is something you do that he wishes you wouldn't do?
being such a bitch at times.

16. What is his heritage?
Purong Pinoy!

17. You bake him a cake for his birthday; what kind of cake?
Mango cake :)

18. Did he play sports in high school?
He was the best basketball player in his high school during his time.

19. What could he spend hours doing?
playing NBA live in PS, playing basketball and cuddling with me Woot Woot!

20. What is one unique talent he has?
read an entire book in an hour. he is voracious like that!

a what?!

Your Ideal Hairstyle:

Layered Bob

What Women's Hairstyle Is Right For You?

cervical collars

My friend needs to find some cervical collars asap and good thing, I was browsing through the net that I chanced upon Allegromedical.com, this was founded in 1996 and is home to so many things consumers need like supplements, medicines, fitness equipments and even baby and maternity supplies. Such a huge company that it caters to more than 1 million customers around the world. Some of the products that they carry are Pediasure, Kinesio Tape and Kinesio Tape. And what makes them more interesting is they have eCatalogs that offer good prices on limited supplies to anyone who wants to sign up online. Try them and see for yourself!

ready to go!

I have mentioned in my other blog that Lizzie is registering for pre-school because as early as March, we made sure that she is accepted at the school that we chose for her and because of our excitement, we automatically paid for her tuition and books as well. So right now, we are just waiting for summer to swift by and June to arrive. My sister in law has been patient enough to teach her how to write her name, spell her name and do basic stuff expected from a pre-schooler. So far, so good. The only thing that my sister in law is complaining is how hard headed the little girl is especially if she gets bored and worn out by their activities. She was even asking me in jest (of course!) to go look for an anti wrinkle eye cream for her to preserve her youth and beauty amidst the stress that she's feeling teaching my little girl.

what?

I am thinking of what bag to get for myself this Christmas...

Gucci or LV?

Please help me decide...

prayer for happiness

With beauty before me, may I walk.
With beauty behind me, may I walk.
With beauty above me, may I walk.
With beauty below me, may I walk.
With beauty all around me, may I walk.

(part of a Navajo prayer)

facebooker :)

You Are Facebook

You are social, outgoing, and excited to connect to your friends. You are interested in your friends' lives, and you enjoy adding your opinion to the mix. While you enjoy sharing online, you don't want everyone to know your business. You value your privacy. Your life is an open book to those you know but not to strangers.

Are You Facebook, MySpace, or Twitter?

love thy neighbors

While in the mall yesterday, there was this guy couple who approached me and started discussing about gay vacations. They were explaining about retreats, vacations, journeys and coaching that they offer to gays for spiritual enhancements. I wasnt mistaken as one because I was carrying my daughter but they were asking if I could help them spread the word to friends who might be interested. I got some of their flyers so I can give away to my gay friends at work. They might be interested. How about you? You may know of people who might love to go...

very busy

I can't be disturbed right now. I am busy looking for pool floats lounges. There's this friend who asked for my assistance in doing this almost a month ago. I ahve long forgotten about it until last night when she phoned in to make a follow up. I have a 2pm appointment with my daughter's ballet teacher but I have to move it to a later time because of this. Do you have any suggestions? I am running out of sites to check on it and your help will be much appreciated.

random random!

1. Do you miss the way things used to be?
Sometimes I miss being in school. I miss the care free, responsibility free feel!

2. Have you ever had a pet fish?
Yes, he died.

3. Plans for tomorrow?
Go to mass, work, go to the mall, sleep late.

4. What was the last alcoholic beverage you consumed?
vodka red bull

5. Do you say sorry first?
it really depends.

6. Would you honestly say you’d risk your life for someone else?
For my family, yes.

7. When’s the last time you had a headache?
Today. This is because of my eyes. Huhuhu..

8. Ever made a cake by yourself?
When I was a kid, yes.

9. What was the last type of fruit you ate?
Banana

10. What are you thinking about right now?
What the maid prepared for lunch!

food loving me

I am currently looking for diet pills that really work. I swear, this is one of the few hits and misses that I've had in my life and really searching for one that will best suit my lifestyle and health is a challenge. To say that keeping slim (or stick thin perhaps) is one of my greatest obsession which I have passed on to some close friends. Yet, stopping from eating huge servings can pose as a big challenge for food lovers like me.

randomness!

1. What are you looking forward to in the next month?
My parents' grand vacay!

2. Where’s the last place you went besides home?
Office whereelse?

3. Would you ever change for a boy/girl?
No. Not at all.

4. Is there anyone that you wish was out of your life?
Yeah kinda ;)

5. Were you happy when you woke up today?
Yes. But I am caught up in a dilemma.

6. Happiest moment of 2009 so far?
Hmmmmm. Lizzie being accepted in AA.

7. Have you ever asked a boy for advice?
Yes.

8. Do you have a gay friend?
Yes. A lot!

9. Do you lie about your age?
No. They just don't believe me though.

10. Describe your life for the past month in one word?
Rollercoaster of emotions!

the rain doesn't stop

Rain rain go away
Come again another day
Little Lizzie wants to play
Rain rain go away!

wakeboarding is fun

This is CWC, the premiere wakeboarding site in the whole of Philippines. To say that I am very proud about how our incumbent governor promoted our province in terms of tourism is an understatement. When we visited the place, I could already sense another Boracay in the works. People troop to the place to either try the sport or just witness the beauty that this has to offer. My kid and her cousins enjoyed swimming in the pool while us adults just spent the rest of the day chatting under their cabanas and tiki huts. I am definitely going back there soon!

Now, back to my research on the best appetite suppressants. Any suggestions?

on packing and road trips

I should actually be sleeping by now. My husband said we will be hitting the road at exactly 4 in the morning. Just finished packing our stuff and I tell you, my body is wreaking in pain. I would love to have a warm shower first before retiring to bed. I hate myself when I am photofinish in accomplishing tasks such as packing and preparing my family's stuff for the trip. It hinders the other things that I needed to do like purchasing my friend's diet pill online. I've got to do this now or else I might forget again tomorrow especially since I will be on the road most of the day. I'll catch up with you again tomorrow!

Yen's QOTW

1. How’s the week going on so far?
>>>Great. Though I am still waiting for that important phone call. Hay, it is killing me...

2. Would you rather love or be loved?
>>>Loving should always be both ways.

3. How do you feel when you hear a friend completely butchering a story?
>>>Toink. I immediately change the topic.

4. If you could have a recorder which would make a DVD or video tape of your dreams, would you use it?
>>>That would be awesome!

5. Have you ever had a dream about being a place you’ve never been, and days or years later, you end up there?
>>>That's Deja Vu for you!

6. Do you sit at your computer and eat snacks and have refreshments to drink?
>>>I don't.

7. Which is more true: everything matters or nothing matters?
>>>The former.

8. What was the last thing you gave up on?
>>>Nothing yet but I am about to. I am giving myself til the end of March.

9. Can the love of a person really make you change?
>>>Yes. I trully believe in that.

10. Any plans for the weekend yet?
>>>I have work so none. Oh perhaps, dinner at Crowne Plaza with my family.

Yen's QOTW

1. Is it fun being you?
Sometimes. But I am more of the serious type.
2. What have you changed your mind about in the past few weeks?
My feelings toward some people at work. I have realized that life is too short to hold a lot of grudges in my heart. For now, I take it one day at a time. Whatever God provides will be appreciated.
3. Do you find yourself in a better mood on a sunny day?
I dunno but I have this better feeling after the rain. I love the smell of after rain.
4. When meeting someone new, what makes you feel more comfortable?
If we have the same taste in things.
5. If you could be any god or goddess from mythology, who would you be? & why?
Venus, and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to find out why LOL
6. How do you spend the night before a “big” day?
I stay up late.
7. Describe the person that would be the exact opposite of what you find attractive.
Can't think of anyone right now. I am too preoccupied with the barcode scanner that I am being asked to scout for our store.
8. I would be a happier person if…
I get that very important phone call soon...
9. Have you ever regretted?
Yes, a few times but I try not to think about it too much.
10. I seldom _______ without a _______ in my _______.
I seldom leave without a prayer in my pocket.

phone call

I am waiting for a phone call and it is killing me, literally. I hope I get that call now so I can take it from there.

http://vi.sualize.us

wedding flowers

For most brides, wedding flowers would be one of the last priorities when planning for a wedding. Why so? It is simply because most of them would want to invest more on their photos, while others their gown, while the rest would want to get the best caterers because as they say, you can only gauge the success of a wedding if the guests loved the food that the couple served. I was not very particular with the flowers on my wedding day but I guess, I was one of the few lucky ones to get a professional, artistic and creative florist to help me out. These days, once can opt not to get one. There are a number of really nice sites online where a bride to be can get ideas from. Whether or not you put flowers as a top priority in your wedding is beside the point. What is important is the marriage after the grand celebration. No amount of flowers can compensate the satisfaction brought about by a happy home.

What a woman should have

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...
enough money within her control to move out,
rent a place of her own,
even if she never wants to or needs to...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
something perfect to wear whether the employer,
or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to
re-telling it in her old age....

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
one friend who always makes her laugh...and one who lets her cry...
(I'm lucky to have a lot )

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems,
and a recipe for a meal,
that will make her guests feel honored...

A WOMEN SHOULD HAVE...
a feeling of control over her destiny....
...and

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to fall in love without losing herself...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to quit a job,
break up with a lover,
and confront a friend without;
ruining the friendship...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
when to try harder...and WHEN TO WALK AWAY...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that she can't change the length of her calves,
the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that her childhood may not have been perfect...but its over...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
what she would and wouldn't do for love or more...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to live alone...even if she doesn't like it...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW..
whom she can trust, whom she can't,
and why she shouldn't take it personally...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
where to go..
be it to her best friend's kitchen table...
or a charming inn in the woods...
when her soul needs soothing...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW.. .
what she can and can't accomplish in a day...
a month...and a year...

Mr. Kaleidoscope World

Amidst a very busy Friday (with the weekend reports and all), my husband shared to me this sad news.

It’s been cold summer nights since we drifted apart
Cold summer nights since you walked out that door
Cold summer nights… oh, here on my own
Coz I miss you baby, I need you here

Rest in Peace, Man from Manila.

bridesmaid gifts

I wonder what bridesmaid gifts I can give for a cousin who is tying the knot in May. She is actually based in the US so I am pretty sure she is familiar with The Knot Wedding Shop. I mean, who isn't? This is probably your one stop shop slash wedding guru. So I am busy spending time online looking for items from their site. I am seriously considering in getting her cake toppers which I plan to have their names embossed on it. Cute, right? I just wish she will like it as much as I do and keep it so they have something to remind them of their wedding day years after.

10 Hows

How did you get one of your scars? Dog bite. Really bad scar on my left arm.
How did you celebrate your last birthday? I just had dinner with my in laws and husband at a hotel in Ortigas.
How are you feeling at this moment? Sleepy and tired. I have to be in bed by 9pm.
How did your night go last night? Quiet. Cold but my husband kept me warm.
How did you do in high school? Better than average
How did you get the shirt you're wearing? Hand-me-down from my mom.
How often do you see your best friend? Once in a blue moon. Which reminds me, I have to set up another lunch or dinner date with her so we can talk about our plans of putting up a wholesale clothing business. Exciting, isn't it?
How much money did you spend last month? Not much. I was in a "stop spending" mode last month.
How old do you want to be when you get married? I got married at 27:)

A-Z

LETTER ‘A’
1. Are you Available? I am already spoken for, thank you.
2. What is your Age? Just turned 31.
LETTER ‘B’
4. Do you live in a Big house? Half of a duplex, 2 rooms. Very cozy.
5. When is your Birthday? January.
THE LETTER ‘C’
6. What’s your favorite Chocolate? Maltesers, Snickers and Mars!
THE LETTER ‘D’
7. Do you Daydream? A lot especially when I really want to achieve something.
8. What’s your favorite kind of Dog? Pugs and Chihuahuas!
9. What Day of the week is it? Thursday!
THE LETTER ‘E’
10. Have you ever been in the Emergency room? Yes, just last January when my daughter suffered from dehydration.
11. Did you have a crush that starts with letter E? None.
THE LETTER ‘F’
12. Favorite Flower? Red roses and Tulips from Holland.
THE LETTER ‘G’
13. Do you chew Gum? Very seldom.
14. Are you a Giver or a taker? Always a giver, sometimes a taker.
THE LETTER ‘H’
15. What’s your Height? 5’4”.
16. What color is your Hair? Jet Black
THE LETTER ‘I
17. What’s your favorite flavor of Ice cream? Strawberry!
18. Have you ever Ice skated? Yeah.
19. Do you play an Instrument? Piano and my dad taught me how to play the guitars when I was about 10.
THE LETTER ‘J’
20. Have you ever heard a really hilarious Joke? I love jokes!
21. Do you wear Jewelry? Yes
THE LETTER ‘K’
22. Do you want Kids? Super.
23. Where did you go for Kindergarten? The same school where I went til my 10th grade.
THE LETTER ‘L’
24. Have you ever Lied to your parents? All the time when I was younger. Not anymore now.
THE LETTER ‘M’
25. Last Movie you watched? Shopaholic.
26. Do you still watch Disney Movies? YES.
27. Do you like Mangoes? with bagoon!
THE LETTER ‘N’
28. Do you have a Nickname? Fars, Farfar, Far, Ma, Be, Neng :)
29. What’s your favorite Number? 4, 11 and 17
30. Do you prefer Night over day? I love crisp mornings.
THE LETTER ‘O’
31. Whats your One wish? Stability
THE LETTER ‘P’
32. What is one fear you are most Paranoid about? Poverty!
THE LETTER ‘Q’
33. Are you Quick (to) judge people? I avoid judging.
THE LETTER ‘R’
34. Do you watch Reality TV? Yes.
THE LETTER ‘S’
35. Do you prefer Sun or rain? Sun.
36. Do you like Snow? I havent seen one.
THE LETTER ‘T’
37. What Time is it? 6.42PM
38. What Time did you wake up? 5AM.
THE LETTER ‘V’
39. What’s the worst Veggie? None, I love veggies.
40. Where do you want to go on Vacation? US.
THE LETTER ‘W’
41. Will you go back to the past? Which part?
THE LETTER ‘X’
42. Have you ever had an X-ray? Yes.
43. Do you own a Xylophone? used to.
THE LETTER ‘Y’
44. Do you like the color Yellow? My bestfriend does.
45. What Year were you born in? 1978
THE LETTER ‘Z’
46. Whats your Zodiac sign? Aquarius
47. Do you believe in ZODIACS? depends.

Now back to my research on stereo cabinet. Good evening everyone!

gym buff

To say that my husband is turning into a gym buff is an understatement. He goes to the gym everyday (except weekends of course), drinks supplements, watches his diet and continues to search for the perfect weight loss supplement for him. He has tried a few good ones but is still actively looking for something that will aid in shedding off the rest of his unwanted fats the soonest time possible.

Dearest Lord

Dearest Lord, teach me to be generous,
teach me to serve you as I should,
to give and not to count the cost,
to fight and not to heed the wounds,
to toil and not to seek for rest,
to labour and ask not for reward,
save that of knowing that I do your most holy will.

jesuit - st. ignatius loyola - 16th century

Yen's QOTW

1. “So…do you want the good news or the bad news?” When someone asks you this, which one do you generally ask for first?
>> Call me a masochist but I always want to know the bad news first =)

2. Do you remember compliments more than rude remarks or vice versa?
>> I do not easily forget rude remarks. Compliments come and go but rude remarks leave a mark on me.

3. The main difference between you and your best friend is …
>> She is still single LOL

4. Have you ever given someone a fake phone number, just to get rid of them?
>> All the time!

5. Do you find that there’s too much choice in your life?
>> On the contrary, I am in that stage wherein I feel as if the choices are becoming fewer. And it makes me feel bad.

6. How would you describe your temper?
>> It's how you react on things/scenarios/situations.

7. Are you more likely to exaggerate or downplay your troubles?
>> I try to downplay as much as possible.

8. List 3 people-real or fictional, living or dead, famous or personal friends-whom you respect and admire, and why.
>> Audrey Hepburn, Mother Teresa, My mom, My mother in law (sorry there's 4 of them!)

9. Can you draw?
>> Sticks, yes.

10. What do you need to work on?
>> This goal that I really want to achieve in the next 12 months. Seriously.

Finally, this survey is done. Now, back to my research on Torgoen watches.

a lovestory

"A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter; he who finds one finds a treasure. A faithful friend is beyond price, no sum can balance his worth. A faithful friend is a life-saving remedy..."
Sirach 6: 14-17
A LOVE STORY
One day, I woke early in the morning to watch the sunrise. Ah the beauty of God's creation is beyond description. As I watched, I praised God for His beautiful work. As I sat there, I felt the Lord's presence with me.
He asked me, "Do you love me?"
I answered, "Of course, God! You are my Lord and Saviour!"
Then He asked, "If you were physically handicapped, would you still love me?"
I was perplexed. I looked down upon my arms, legs and the rest of my body and wondered how many things I wouldn't; be able to do, the things that I took for granted.
And I answered, "It would be tough Lord, but I would still love You."
Then the Lord said, "If you were blind, would you still love my creation?" How could I love something without being able to see it? Then I thought of all the blind people in the world and how many of them still loved God and His creation.
So I answered, "Its hard to think of it, but I would still love you."
The Lord then asked me, "If you were deaf, would you still listen to my word?" How could I listen to anything being deaf?
Then I understood. Listening to God's Word is not merely using our ears, but our hearts.
I answered, "It would be tough, but I would still listen to Your word."
The Lord then asked, "If you were mute, would you still praise My Name?"
How could I praise without a voice? Then it occurred to me: God wants us to sing from our very heart and soul. It never matters what we sound like. And praising God is not always with a song, but when we are persecuted, we give God praise with our words of thanks.
So I answered, "Though I could not physically sing, I would still praise Your Name."
And the Lord asked, "Do you really love Me?"
With courage and a strong conviction, I answered boldly, "Yes Lord! I love You because You are the one and true God!"
I thought I had answered well, but God asked, "THEN WHY DO YOU SIN?"
I answered, "Because I am only human. I am not perfect."
"THEN WHY IN TIMES OF PEACE DO YOU STRAY THE FURTHEST? WHY ONLY IN TIMES OF TROUBLE DO YOU PRAY THE EARNEST?"
No answers. Only tears.
The Lord continued: "Why only sing at fellowships and retreats? Why seek Me only in times of worship? Why ask things so selfishly? Why ask things so unfaithfully?"
The tears continued to roll down my cheeks.
"Why are you ashamed of Me? Why are you not spreading the good news? Why in times of persecution, you cry to others when I offer My shoulder to cry on? Why make excuses when I give you opportunities to serve in My Name?"
I tried to answer, but there was no answer to give.
"You are blessed with life. I made you not to throw this gift away. I have blessed you with talents to serve Me, but you continue to turn away. I have revealed My Word to you, but you do not gain in knowledge. I have spoken to you but your ears were closed. I have shown My blessings to you, but your eyes were turned away. I have sent you servants, but you sat idly by as they were pushed away. I have heard your prayers and I have answered them all."
DO YOU TRULY LOVE ME ?"
I could not answer. How could I? I was embarrassed beyond belief. I had no excuse. What could I say to this? My heart had cried out and the tears had flowed, I said, Please forgive me Lord. I am unworthy to be Your child."
The Lord answered, " That is My Grace, My child."
I asked, " Then why do you continue to forgive me? Why do You love me so?"
The Lord answered, "Because you are My creation. You are my child. I will never abandon you. When you cry, I will have compassion and cry with you. When you shout with joy, I will laugh with you. When you are down, I will encourage you. When you fall, I will raise you up. When you are tired, I will carry you. I will be with you till the end of days, and I will love you forever."
Never had I cried so hard before. How could I have been so cold? How could I have hurt God as I had done?
I asked God, "How much do You love me?"
The Lord stretched out His arms, and I saw His nail-pierced hands. I bowed down at the feet of Christ, my Saviour. And for the first time, I truly prayed.