So serene
So blue
so beautiful.
taken only by my no fuss all time handy Olympus digicam :)
happy monday!
I say … and you think … ?
1. Sleepy :: Hubby
2. Thanksgiving :: Feasting
3. Fifteen :: loots
4. Authority :: Cops
5. Bangs :: Hairstyle
6. Curled :: my hair
7. Young man :: Ambitions
8. Surprised :: Parties
9. Mistake :: oops she did it again!
10. Handle it :: Fragile
1. What single food on the Thanksgiving dinner menu did you most look forward to?
>>>A better roasted Turkey dish. Sadly, I was disappointed. I am not really into Turkey dishes.
2. What single food was your least favorite?
>>>The Turkey.
3. How many plates of food did you eat? Did you take the big nap afterwards?
>>>Just one. No nap :).
4. Take the quiz: What holiday food are you?
You Are Eggnog |
 Rich, sweet, and probably a little drunk. Everyone who knows you tends to get a little fatter. |
5. What dessert item did you most enjoy from the big feast? Who made it?
>>>Tapioca!
6. How many meals of leftovers did you bring home?
>>>6 :).
So how was everybody's Thanksgiving and Black Friday sale?
Mine was a quite one. And as we were going through some of the more famous retail stores that give huge discounts, I was surprised that this year, the discounts were not as huge as last year. I could have settled online. Anyhow, if you are still looking for affordable Black Friday sale finds, check out this Nikon Ultimate Hunter's Package Promo from nikonhunting.com. There's an awesome and mind-blowing Black Friday Promotion from Nikon Sport Optics, NikonProGear and NikonHunting.com this year with a special presentation from Lee & Tiffany Lakosky! The Ultimate Hunter's Package contains the following:
-ProStaff 3-9x40 Riflescope with BDC Reticle
-ProStaff
Laser Rangefinder
-Silent Technology Rangefinder Case
-Mastering a
Long-range shot with BDC DVD
-$50 NikonProGear Gift Card
Nikon is known for high-quality hunting products and all of the above items is priced at $144.90. check out the price for more information and Happy Hunting!
2. DESSERTS is/ares what I ate the most of on Thursday.
3. The yard IS EMPTY.
4. AT HOME is where I'd rather be at any given time.
5. The smell of SAMPAGUITA reminds me of RELATIVES WHO PASSED AWAY.
6. A BIG BREAK is what I need right now!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to HAVING ANOTHER ROUND AT BESTBUY, tomorrow my plans include UPDATING MY JOURNAL and Sunday, I want to REST!
I could not believe it's the middle of the week again! How time flies so fast these days. While I need to be checking on some insurance quotes, my blogging tasks are just piled up again, I could not even finish the first batch and now here comes a new set. Like I mentioned in my previous entry, I have been in a nerve-wracking couple of days and though everything is manageable now, it reminded me not to be too complacent of things and that I should keep my focus. I tell you that is hard if you have many things to focus on. But, I know I can. Hope you're week is doing good as planned.
I needed to snag this from Vannie and give this award to myself (pathetic!) as I have been having long days and hours for the past couple of days. So here are few of the many reasons I have to keep smiling:
- My son's laughter this morning, it was so contagious!
- Being able to spend a couple of hours "Me" time because my son finally agreed to be left in his gym class alone.
- My goodlooking and hardworking hubby LOL!
- Thanksgiving Feast tomorrow, don't mind the rest and your flabs just concentrate on the food, at least for tomorrow :).
- Big Black friday sale.
- random music from my and hubby's MP3 players.
- Bag shipment next week, maybe Wednesday or Thursday.
- healthy, loving family
- etc... etc... etc...
The list could go on and on, see there are more reasons to smile and probably 5 reasons (ONLY!) not to. I choose to smile for the rest of my life.
1. What are you thankful for this year?
>>>A lot. But tops my list is good health for me and my family.
2. Since some of our participants are not in the US, what do you think about Thanksgiving?
>>>I am an Asian who is here in the US and this is my 2nd year to celebrate Thanksgiving. I love thanksgiving, because more than the Big Black friday sale, we are reminded that there are a lot of things to be thankful for.
3. What is your favorite part of the holiday/ your least favorite.
>>>LEAST FAVORITE:Crowded gatherings.
>>>MOST FAVORITE:FOOD and FAMILY.
4. Mashed Potatoes or Sweet Potatoes?
>>>Mashed Potatoes no less but they say too much of it can give you acne yay!
5. Do you own eating pants? Describe.
>>>What's that?
6. What is your favorite thing to do with the Thanksgiving leftovers?
>>>re-heat and eat the next day after a tiring Black friday Sale trip.
7. Who are you most looking forward to seeing? Least?
>>>Honestly, NONE lol! You meant on thanksgiving right?
8. Do you go shopping on the day after Thanksgiving?
>>>Yea, I try to. It's once in a lifetime event so I try not to miss it.
I have a lot of things to do lined up today. I was doing some serious thinking last night while writing on my journal (I still write on my personal journal) and realized that if I take 2 subjects per quarter, I'll be done by 3rd quarter of 2009 and just concentrate on my dissertation. I can't wait to be done with my graduate studies.
So I was praying for strength and determination for a whole year of full-focus and less distraction. I hope I could be like that kind of person next year. But for now, I need to check on the life insurance quotes a friend sent me over the email.
1.Does your age make you feel left out?
Nope, I'm fine and feeling fab at 3-0!
2. How do people of the same gender as you but taller than yourself make you feel? >>>Darn! I could be that tall too if I haven't been throwing away my vitamins when I was younger lol!
3.When did you last scream? Why?
>>>Everyday LOL! I am a shrieker by profession haha! I freak out at the slightest details.
4. What do other people do that irritate you that you recognize it as a weakness in yourself?
>>>hmmm, people who pretends a whole damn LOT!
5. Have you ever slipped on a banana peel?
>>>Yes hahah!
6. Have you ever walked around someone else’s home barefoot?
>>>Yea, a lotta times.
7. What do you do when you are left home alone?
>>>Watch videos and chat with my friends.
8. When someone is vague or confusing, how do you process it?
>>>Ask and ask, I'm makulit!
9. Typically, when someone says to you: “I’ll be five minutes”, how long do they actually take?
>>>Forever hahah! I do that trick so I know.
10. For you, what is the best word in the English language?
>>>BEST? hahha!
What are these?
These are Bird Bottles.
I was amused, really.
But what amused me more was when hubby explained the purpose of these bottles and mimicked the birds while drinking from here. LOL!
Have a Happy Hump Day!
Most of us are caught up with our busy lives and while some would handle stress lightly, I must admit I am not so good at this aspect. Thanks to hubby who teaches me stress management solutions. He is just so good at handling problems in life and everyday stress. I chanced upon The Stress Institute® while leisurely checking on some shopping sites. It is a lifestyle company that provides solutions and practices in the fields of stress management, work/life balance, sustainability and mindful living to corporations, non-profits and individuals. The company (The Stress Institute) was founded in 1997 by the award-winning author, Dr. Kathleen Hall, a world renowned expert in stress and work-life balance. If you want to better yourselves, it does not hurt to get help from the experts.
1. You have the summer and plenty of money to travel abroad. Where all would you go?
+Europe and Pinas.
2. What foods would you be sure you got to eat?
+All the exotic dishes in Europ and Pinas that would be Lechon and all food in Dampa!!!
3. What landmarks would you be sure you got to see?
+Eiffel Tower and Manila, all the malls! LOL!
4. What airline would you use?
+Not picky with airlines, but since I have all the money this time, I'd love a business class please.
5. Would your knowledge of other languages influence where you went? (i.e. would you be more likely to go to France if you spoke French)
+Nope.
SOURCE.
Just a random shot over the weekend and a random question on my mind.
I wonder if they ever turn off that fountain during the freezing winter.
Or they let them be until they turn into ice.
What do you think???
Have a good Week ahead. Spread love, peace and harmony :)
I terribly miss going to the beach, lazing around in the sand and freeing myself under the water by scuba diving. That is why this all inclusive resort at the Mexican Riviera Maya lure my eyes. Other than that, they are know for Gold products. Anyhow, Karisma Hotels is a collection of divinely favored properties on secluded white-sand beaches on the Mexican Riviera Maya. The Resort collection offers Karisma’s new Gourmet-Inclusive concept, designed especially for foodies. They say that dining here gives you a special feel of their culture as well. I wonder when we will ever get to visit this exotic hiding place.
From Yen.
One Word To Start A Sentence Or Statement
1. Buying ________. + Buying a house is really something Hubby and I are saving for.
2. Cooking ________. + Cooking is something I love doing but I get tired thinking of what to cook.
3. Dinner ________. + Dinner tonight is Pizza delivery. The kitchen is closed on Sundays.
4. Invited ________. + Invited my folks to come visit us on Spring.
1. Are you a frequent mover, or do you prefer to stay put?
~I honestly love the feeling of being in a new place, it is so liberating if only moving is not as taxing and stressful especially if you've got loads of toys to pack!
2. If given the choice, which would you prefer: big house and long commute, or small house and short commute?
~Small house and short commute, I love convenience!
3. Do you prefer to do your own repairs and decorating, or hire a professional?
~I do not need to hire one. Hubby is an interior decorator in his own right hee :)
4. Do you prefer a big open living area, or a cozy space?
~BIG. My son loves to run :).
5. What is your favorite place in your house?
~KITCHEN and DINING AREA.
For me, an outfit is not complete if you do not put on your Designer Jewelry or any accessories for that matter. While I was leisurely shopping yesterday, I chanced upon www. Holstedjewelers.com. Holsted Jewelers has provided exclusively designed jewelry, gifts and accessories to millions of satisfied customers. You would be assured that this company adhere to strict quality-assurance guidelines assures every item is created to the highest standards, then inspected twice before it arrives at your door. Check out their site as every item I saw is a true fashion find! If only I am not on a shopping budget, I’d get one for myself.
Give unconditional love. A child's self-esteem flourishes with the kind of no-strings-attached devotion that says, "I love you, no matter who you are or what you do." Your child benefits the most when you accept him for who he is regardless of his strengths, difficulties, temperament, or abilities. So lavish him with love. Give him plenty of cuddles, kisses, and pats on the shoulder. And don't forget to tell him how much you love him. When you do have to correct your child, make it clear that it's his behavior — not him — that's unacceptable. For instance, instead of saying, "You're a naughty boy! Why can't you be good?" say, "Pushing Gabriel isn't nice. It can hurt. Please don't push."
Pay attention. Carve out time to give your preschooler your undivided attention. That does wonders for your child's self-worth because it sends the message that you think he's important and valuable. It doesn't have to take a lot of time; it just means taking a moment to stop flicking through the mail if he's trying to talk with you or turning off the TV long enough to answer a question. Make eye contact so it's clear that you're really listening to what he's saying. When you're strapped for time, let your child know it without ignoring his needs. Say, "Tell me all about the picture you drew, and then when you're finished, I'll need to make our dinner."
Teach limits. Establish a few reasonable rules for your preschooler. For instance, if you tell your child he has to eat his snack in the kitchen, don't let him wander around the family room with his crackers and fruit the next day. Or if you tell him to put his dirty clothes in the laundry basket, don't say it's okay to pile them on the floor. Knowing that certain family rules are set in stone will help him feel more secure. It may take constant repetition on your part, but he'll start to live by your expectations soon enough. Just be clear and consistent and show him that you trust him to do the right thing.
Support healthy risks. Encourage your child to explore something new, such as trying a different food, finding a best pal, or riding a bike. Though there's always the possibility of failure, without risk there's little opportunity for success. So let your child safely experiment, and resist the urge to intervene. For instance, try not to "rescue" him if he's showing mild frustration at figuring out a new toy. Even jumping in to say, "I'll do it" can foster dependence and diminish your child's confidence. You'll build his self-esteem by balancing your need to protect him with his need to tackle new tasks.
Let mistakes happen. The flip side, of course, of having choices and taking risks is that sometimes your child is bound to make mistakes. These are valuable lessons for your child's confidence. So if your child puts his plate too close to the edge of the table and it tips, encourage him to think about what he might do differently next time. That way his self-esteem won't sag and he'll understand that it's okay to make mistakes sometimes. When you goof up yourself, admit it, says Daniel Meier, assistant professor of elementary education at San Francisco State University. Acknowledging and recovering from your mistakes sends a powerful message to your child — it makes it easier for your child to accept his own shortcomings.
Celebrate the positive. Everyone responds well to encouragement, so make an effort to acknowledge the good things your child does every day within his earshot. For instance, tell his dad, "Joshua washed all the vegetables for dinner." He'll get to bask in the glow of your praise and his dad's heartening response. And be specific. Instead of saying "Good job," say, "Thank you for waiting so patiently in line." This will enhance his sense of accomplishment and self-worth and let him know exactly what he did right.
Listen well. If your child needs to talk, stop and listen to what he has to say. He needs to know that his thoughts, feelings, desires, and opinions matter. Help him get comfortable with his emotions by labeling them. Say, "I understand you're sad because you have to say bye to your school pals." By accepting his emotions without judgment, you validate his feelings and show that you value what he has to say. If you share your own feelings ("I'm excited about going to the zoo"), he'll gain confidence expressing his own.
Resist comparisons. Comments such as "Why can't you be more like your sister?" or "Why can't you be nice like Peter?" will just remind your child of where he struggles in a way that fosters shame, envy, and competition. Even positive comparisons, such as "You're the best player" are potentially damaging because a child can find it hard to live up to this image. If you let your child know you appreciate him for the unique individual he is, he'll be more likely to value himself too.
Offer empathy. If your child compares himself unfavorably to his siblings or peers ("Why can't I catch a ball like Sophia?"), show him empathy and then emphasize one of his strengths. For instance, say, "You're right. Sophia is good at catching. And you're good at painting pictures." This can help your child learn that we all have strengths and weaknesses, and that he doesn't have to be perfect to feel good about himself.
Provide encouragement. Every child needs the kind of support from loved ones that signals, "I believe in you. I see your effort. Keep going!" Encouragement means acknowledging progress — not just rewarding achievement. So if your preschooler is struggling to fasten his snaps, say, "You're trying very hard and you almost have it!" instead of "Not like that. Let me do it."
There's a difference between praise and encouragement. One rewards the task while the other rewards the person ("You did it!" rather than "I'm proud of you!"). Praise can make a child feel that he's only "good" if he does something perfectly. Encouragement, on the other hand, acknowledges the effort. "Tell me about your drawing. I see that you like purple" is more helpful than saying, "That's the most beautiful picture I've ever seen." Too much praise can sap self-esteem because it can create pressure to perform and set up a continual need for approval from others. So dole out the praise judiciously and offer encouragement liberally; it will your child grow up to feel good about himself.
...by Sarah Henry
SOURCE.
I say ... and you think ... ?
Spit it out :: immediately.
Shadow :: replica.
Database :: my life!
Expression :: OMG!
Boss :: my lil boy.
Baby :: hubby.
Mystic :: light.
Kate :: SPADE, my bag.
Boobies :: asset.
Raid :: her closet!
Happy Sunday!
Travelling is fun but trying out all the different specialties of travelled places is doubly fun. They say when in Colorado, you should not missed Denver Restaurants as they offer one of a kind dishes. Denver Magazine will keep life in the city covered, and readers in the know. They say Dining in Denver is a pleasure for the palate. The city features some of the finest fare and libations in the Rocky Mountain region, and Colorado breweries and vineyards produce some of the boldest beers and distinctive wines. They also house many world-class chefs. We definitely have to put Denver in our must visit cities.
Make Thankfulness Happen
As different as husbands and wives are, we need this foundational point of connection
Annette LaPlaca | posted 9/30/2008 03:59PM
When David promised me "with all my worldly goods I thee endow," an honest-to-goodness titter passed through the crowd at our wedding. People had seen his car—an ancient, rust-encrusted Buick he bought for $50—and most of our friends knew he was a grad student with the usual burden of student loans to repay.
It's no wonder then that our first apartment was in a neighborhood apparently designed to panic our mothers. Wrought-iron bars on the windows, doors with double deadbolts. We got used to the nightly thump-wump-thump of the police helicopter patrolling over our building after dark. When my sister came to visit, she saw a woman lose her purse to a young hoodlum just down the street. Another friend told me someone regularly sold drugs just a few doors from our concrete front steps.
It was that kind of neighborhood.
But the rent was cheap and the apartment was, well, furnished: a battered red couch, greasy kitchen cabinets, rotting curtains, wobbly dining room chairs and a bed that swayed and mattress that bumped in odd places (I layered it with old linens and a good mattress cover, not wanting any indirect contact with the numerous sleepers of the past).
Judging by our contentment and thankfulness, it could have been a palace. And it was during those first couple of years of marriage that I discovered one of the things I like most about David—and one of the things that binds us most tightly together—a spirit of thankfulness.
No Whiners
While together in our first home, we started paying down school loans. We covered David's current school costs without taking on further debt; he worked various odd jobs between classes and I had the dubious honor of being in charge of the sock wall at Dillards. Not only did we survive; we were happy as clams. David cheerfully stuck pieces of cardboard into his shoes to protect his socks (the soles had worn through in places); we gave up pop and juice and drank only water; and we never set foot in a restaurant—not even a McDonald's—until our first anniversary.
David painted the greasy kitchen cabinets and built new shelves from wood he scrounged out of a dumpster. For entertainment, we'd sit on our bed in our tiny bedroom (the only room we could afford to cool in the Oklahoma heat), playing cards and watching the $10 TV we'd purchased (you had to change channels with a pliers). We made pizza for friends and invented elaborate rules for "Killer Uno."
I felt so thankful to God for giving us a life together, and it became a point of connection for me to realize that David was really thankful too. I'd hear him in the kitchen or bathroom, breathing a quiet "Alleluia!" or "Thank you, Lord" and realize that part of what he was so thankful for—beyond his salvation in Christ and the daily guidance of God's Spirit and other "spiritual" things—was our home, and me.
In November 1990, that first Thanksgiving of our married life, I made a list of the "Top Ten Things to Be Thankful for in 1990." I used to make a list like that every year, as a spiritual exercise. Guess whose name is at the top of that list? David topped the chart in 1989 as well. I still have those lists, stuffed in with all the letters we wrote to each other while we were apart—in Oklahoma and Chicago—the year before we married.
I remember that it was easy to make that list—despite our financial deprivation. It was in those early months of marriage that David and I slipped into what's become a thankfulness norm for us. We enjoy, separately and together, quietly and out loud, what God has given us.
Marital Superglue
You don't hear a lot of premarital counselors instructing young couples, "You know, you need to be thankful because that's really important for your relationship." They ought to, though. For David and me, thankfulness is a kind of Superglue. It gives us a strong sense of hope and confidence about our future—our future together. Because we've grown accustomed to looking for God's goodness, we've come to expect it (you can't force or fake this kind of hopeful joy). Because we've seen God give us strength and patience in our relationship in the past, we're convinced God is going to be with us in future troubles—from within or outside of our marriage. It's not that we glibly assume that because we're Christians we're never going to have illnesses or financial setbacks or rebellious teenagers (someday). It's more that we've become deeply convinced that God will keep on working in us and through us, no matter what comes our way.
In that sense, a thankful spirit is giving our marriage a sense of glad expectation. We expect to be together for decades—and we expect God to be with us too. Thankfulness defeats gloominess or feelings of hopelessness about our marriage. When we're thankful together, we're helping each other put our faith in God.
Thankfulness is binding because it requires some humility. You can't be thankful and boastful at the same time. David is humble enough to know whom to thank for his talents, his health, his family, his job. That humility makes him accessible to me; it puts us in the same place as fortunate-beyond-reason recipients of God's unparalleled giving.
The humble aspects of thankfulness remove the necessity of power struggles between us. Neither one of us has to try to be better or stronger or more "in control" than the other—because by being thankful we're openly acknowledging that we've both had failures and been needy and God has taken care of those problems, even when we didn't deserve it.
Thankful Heart, Happy Heart
My kids have a VeggieTales video called "Madame Blueberry" (Everland). Julia and Robbie know that Mom's favorite song is the one where a young girl and a little asparagus sing that "a thankful heart is a happy heart. I thank God for what I have—that's an easy way to start."
So I'm thanking God for my thankful spouse. As different as David and I are, we need this foundational point of connection. I'm thankful for the way gratitude is having its effects in our family. It plays a role in our contentedness and offsets the cultural pull to materialistic living. Thankfulness colors how we pray and how we teach Robbie and Julia to pray. It creates a backdrop for enjoying the world God's put us in and for showing our kids that we live out of joy as well as out of obedience.
We've come a long way. Instead of living in a crime-ridden, poor neighborhood, we now live two whole blocks from one. We have our own home. We can afford new shoes, and we can eat out on date night. In the summer we air-condition the whole house, and now we play cards with our beautiful kids. We have confidence that God has "carved us into the palm of his hand" for an abundant life here on earth and blessing forever in heaven.
We have everything to be thankful for.
1999 by the author or Christianity Today International/Marriage Partnership magazine. Click here for reprint information on Marriage Partnership.
Onesome: Life Goes Faster– than you want it to sometimes. Is anything moving just a little too fast for you lately.
+ My Days are moving so fast, I can't just keep up with time and things to do :(.
Twosome: (Faster) Than You– can pull a search? …anyone know where the subject and title for this week’s T-3 came from off the top of their head?
+ What? can't quite figure that out hmmm. Search is the answer!
Threesome: Think– ing about Summer? Time at the beach? Vacation plans? …or not: has the fuel price thing put a hold on some plans? …or are you thinking of alternate forms of travel for Summer fun?
+ Will definitely have a west coast trip in Spring or Summer and will hit a few beaches in Cali :).
Thanks YEN!
Since I am such a sucker for all things in Purple, this new Motorola MOTOJEWEL Clamshell caught my eye. It is a 3D crystal cut design for that jeweled look. Speaking of purple, my mom' has decided to give me her newest Sony Ericcson Phone in purple (i forgot what model, but I like it because it's uber slim!). She said it was just too complicated for her to use. I know I blogged it before but could not find it in my archive hee. Now, the biggest question, how do she sends it to me :).
Features: 2 megapixel camera, External touch-sensitive music control and Bluetooth.
source: gadgenista.com
One of the best investments we could make for our family are life insurances. Also, this is one form of security that would shield us from other hardships in life. I remembered when hubby and I were looking for insurance provider, we chanced upon Insuranc.net. They cover all sorts of insurance related issues such as home, car, life, health and other things. You would also learn a thing or two from the testimonials left by clients and readers. It is important we hear what other say right. Right now, we have our own insurance and thanks to Insuranc.net for the wonderful tips. Also, they provide insurance policy listings. How about you have you got any tips on insurance policies? Care to share and our readers can learn a thing or two. I will be glad to post it here and acknowledge all your tips. Have a good weekend everyone!
Another Snagged meme from YEN.
1. What is the first thing you did this morning?
+ Weighed in (that's the very 1st thing I do every friggin morning!), I was surprised with my weight ooohlala! There goes my Whoppers addiction! I might just need some appetite suppressant pill.
2. How many pictures do you have on the wall in the room you are in right now?
+ I am in the Dining Area and there are 2 Paintings here.
3. If you could go to your favorite store and buy 1 item, regardless of cost, what would it be and why? Nothing that is a necessity!!
+ CHANEL. I'm going to get the most expensive item there lol!
How's your friday so far?
When we moved here, hubby had a few art pieces he left back home. They were his collections, some were his own paintings and some were bought randomly. He really is into arts and home decorating. So, when we got our own place here, he was bugging me almost everyday to check on some Art Moving that could ship his art collections with top care. I chanced upon imaginemindseye.com. The company has some reliable testimonials but my mom find another way to send it to us. Now, everything is here. However, the paintings have been removed from their frames to be shipped properly. They are now in one of our closets. We are still asking around where to frame it with affordable rates. Probably we will just choose a couple of paintings to be framed and the rest we are keeping. As you see, we might move houses or even states so as much as possible we are keeping some stuff at a minimum size and number. Nevertheless, hubby is just extremely happy that his art collections are with him now. Just in case, you need an art moving company, visit imaginemindseye.com for more information. We do not want our art collections to be transported carelessly, so go with reliable companies.
Snagged from YEN.
1. Do you like the colder weather, or are you into the hotter weather?
+ I love chilly weather but not too much. I would rather bundle up than bare skin and swea to death!
2. What is your favorite thing about winter?
+ White Chrismas :).
3. Do you have a favorite comfy, cozy lounging around outfit?
+ Yes, this pair of thermal pjs from Target. It has snowflakes prints on it :) PRETTY!
4. What’s your favorite warm drink when it is just too cold out there?
+ Coffee and warm Apple Cider.
2. What I look forward to most on Thanksgiving is RESTING, FEASTING & SHOPPING.
3. My Christmas/holiday shopping is ABOUT TO START.
4. Thoughts of SCHOOL (yay!) fill my head.
5. I wish I could wear HIGH-WAISTED PENCIL-CUT SLACKS, the ones that is currently in the fashion trend.
6. Bagpipes ARE COOL.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to GOING TO BARNES&NOBLES, tomorrow my plans include SCHOOL HOMEWORKS and Sunday, I want to BLOGHOP!
1. Are you right- or left-handed?
Right-handed. But would love to be left-handed, they said these are the creative ones hee :).
2. Any nicknames you have (or have had) and the story behind them?
>>>Apple, Tokne. Kaloka di ba? and of course my 1st name which sometimes ended to M only
3. Do you need to do laundry right now?
>>>I don't do the laundry, hubby does this chore.
4. What CD is in your CD player/music on your iPod right now?
>>>Random.
5. How/when did you learn to ride a bicycle?
>>>As early as 5 I think. I was a tomboy back then and I play rough hee.
6. What is your favorite weird food combination?
>>>None except if you find chips and ice cream weird.
7. What is something you have that is of sentimental value?
>>>Jewelry pieces because most of them were gifts.
I am taking my break in between reading this very informative electronics blog when I chanced upon this from AGGIE. Truly a must read :). Have a good Thursday everyone. Chill, weekend is almost there.
1. Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.
2. Don’t worry about what people think, they don’t do it very often.
3. Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian anymore than standing in a garage makes you a car.
4. Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity.
5. If you must choose between two evils, pick the one you’ve never tried before.
6. My idea of housework is to sweep the room with a glance.
7. Not one shred of evidence supports the notion that life is serious.
8. A person who is nice to you but rude to the waiter, is not a nice person.
9. For every action, there is an equal and opposite government program.
10. If you look like your passport picture, you probably need the trip.
11. Bills travel through the mail at twice the speed of checks.
12. A conscience is what hurts when all of your other parts feel so good.
13. Eat well, stay fit, die anyway.
14. Men are from earth. Women are from earth. Deal with it.
15. No man has ever been shot while doing the dishes.
16. A balanced diet is a muffin in each hand.
17. Middle age is when broadness of the mind and narrowness of the waist change places.
18. Opportunities always look bigger going than coming.
19. Junk is something you’ve kept for years and throw away three weeks before you need it.
20. There is always one more imbecile than you counted on.
21. Experience is a wonderful thing. It enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.
22. By the time you can make ends meet, they move the ends.
23. Thou shalt not weigh more than thy refrigerator.
24. Someone who thinks logically provides nice contrast to the real world.
25. It ain’t the jeans that make your butt look fat.
26. If you had to identify in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved its full potential, that word would be ‘meetings.’
27. There is a very fine line between ‘hobby’ and ‘mental illness.’
28. People who want to share their religious views with you almost never want you to share yours with them.
29. You should not confuse your career with your life.
30. Nobody cares if you can’t dance well. Just get up and dance.
31. Never lick a steak knife.
32. The most destructive force in the universe is gossip.
33. You will never find anybody who can give you a clear and compelling reason why we observe daylightsavings time.
34. You should never say anything to a woman that even remotely suggests that you think she’s pregnant unless you can see an actual baby emerging from her at that moment
35. The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status or ethnic background, is that deep down inside we ALL believe we are good drivers.
36. Your friends love you anyway.
I have been making a lot of thinking lately on top of the digital signage design hubby's Aunt wants me to make, with all my new journalS and notebookS, I need to plan my 2009. I know there would be huge changes in my lifestyle and schedule and as early of now I should plan ahead so I won't be totally flabergasted when these changes arise. I need to prepare myself. Admittedly, I am excited but very nervous with the changes that would happen to me in 2009. Though, I certainly know all the changes are for our betterment, you can't help but feel butterfly in your stomach. Goodluck to me!
1.) Have you ever taken your clothes off for money?
>>>NEVER and WON'T!
2.) Are you a morning person or a night owl?
>>>I could be both but I prefer to be a morning person and is trying diligently to wake up early. So why am I up again this late?
3.) Do you take any kind of medication daily or regularly? If so, what?
>>>Not anymore. I fail to take my vits daily :(.
4.) Do you ever have naughty thoughts about any of your friends significant others? >>>NOPE. Honestly truly :)
5.) What are your favorite comfort foods?
>>>Now, it's changing. I guess I overfed myself with too much chips, soda, ice cream and chocolate so I am more leaning towards rice meals yay!
6.) Would you rather direct a porn or star in one?
>>>whatta choice! Direct!
7.) Have you ever seen a "donkey show"? Would you ever be interested in seeing one?>>>NOPE. no intention of watching.
there is something about AUTUMN that mesmerizes me.
is it the change of colors, is it the trees that are so rich in color
or is it because I could dress up without not being totally bundled up.
However, the past days, the weather is getting chillier and chillier
must be a sign that winter is saying hello and it's time to say buhbye fall.
PHOTO taken at Williamsburg and that tree just certainly amazes me everytime we made a visit to this 300 yrs old place.
Happy WW everyone!
Now that the US has chosen a president, what do you think is going to happen in the next four years?
Here are my 10 on Tuesday:
- There will be CHANGE, obviously.
- The economy will recover slowly by slowly.
- People who lost their houses will again gain a new one.
- Real Estate will boom.
- The value of dollars will rise up again.
- Healthcaren will improve.
- Threats on Obama's life will still be there.
- Hillary Clinton will be the best secretary of state.
- The President of the Philippines will have a courtesy visit to the U.S. President.
- All these changes will sustain.
Do I sound so optimistic?
A friend of mine who is active with the Couple of Christ organization has been sending me marriage-related emails. I find them both helpful and informative. I have shared a few here and plans to share everything, also so I could have a copy of it online. I hope you find them useful and they will be under the category: Happy Bubble People.5 Things Never to Say to Your Spouse
By Anne Russ
My six-year-old recently got in trouble for mouthing off to her teacher. Great. The teacher's concern wasn't so much about the behavior itself (although she certainly wasn't thrilled about it), but that the conduct was so out of character for my daughter, who generally has a sweet disposition.
When I talked to my little darling about it, her response was, "I just didn't know it would sound so bad until it came out."
Most adults are still learning that difficult lesson—particularly in regards to our spouses. Many of us (who generally have sweet dispositions) often say things that are hurtful to our partners and damaging to the relationship because we let the first thing that comes into our minds exit by way of our mouths.
Though there can be no exhaustive list of what not to say, here are five statements to bite back the next time they threaten to break the boundary of your lips and breach the ears
of your beloved.
What you say: "We can't afford it"
What your spouse hears: I don't care about the things that are important to you
Let's face it. Aside from a house in Barbados or our own Lear Jet, mostly we afford what we want to afford. When your spouse expresses a wish for a vacation, a different job, or even just a new something-or-other for the house, an attempt to kibosh the conversation with a "we can't afford it" can be deflating to your spouse's spirits.
Instead of being dismissive, take the time to discuss. Perhaps you think what your spouse wants to buy would be a poor investment or simply a bad idea. Explore the depth of the desire. Was the remark just idle "someday" dreaminess, as in, "I'd love a bigger kitchen" or "Wouldn't it be
great to sail around the world?" If so, engage together in planning your dream kitchen for whenever someday comes. Get out the globe and map your route. The sky is the limit. Go for the double oven and be sure to stop by Tahiti. A few minutes or an afternoon of dreaming together is a much better marriage builder than an off-the-cuff dismissive remark.
The wish may be about a deeper desire such as, "I've always wanted to see if I could make it in the catering business" or "I'd like to go back to school." Do you want to be a dream-crusher in this partnership with an immediate response of "We can't afford it"? Or do you want to be one who helps your partner become the person he or she feels called to be?
If the issue truly is the lack of funds, take the time to create together a savings plan to work toward the purchase. Is a European vacation worth giving up dinners out for a year? Are you willing to downsize your home for the chance at a new career? Is it feasible to drive the old car
another year in order to give money to a friend's call to be a missionary in Chile?
Marlene, a Michigan mother of four, and her husband recently put all travel plans on hold to increase their savings in case something happens to his job in this uncertain economy.
"When one of us thinks, We can't afford it," says Marlene, "it moves us into plan mode. It feels good to work out something together."
What you say: "You think your day was bad …"
What your spouse hears: Enough about you, let's talk about me
We all have bad days. Even if my day (in my mind) was worse than yours, that doesn't diminish the badness of your day.
Perhaps you're in the healthcare profession, and you've lost a patient that day. That's about as bad as it gets. You go home to a spouse who's taken the day off work to stay home with a sick three-year-old who has written on the bedroom walls with permanent marker, flooded the bathroom by leaving the sink running, thrown up mashed sweet potatoes all over the kitchen table, and been screaming non-stop for the past two hours. You've both had a really bad day, and hearing that each other's day has been worse is not likely to improve your moods.
These are the days when we most need to heed the apostle Paul's charge in Ephesians 4:2: "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."
Be careful not to interrupt. Each person should have the opportunity fully to talk, cry, or even scream.
Listening with humility and gentleness will suppress the urge to try to trump your partner. When both of you have had a bad day, it should never boil down to a competition. When it does, you both lose.
What you say: "You're overreacting"
What your spouse hears: Your feelings aren't important to me
Is there anything more upsetting than being really upset and having someone tell you you shouldn't be so upset? Remember that the next time your spouse flips a lid.
Keep in mind that when your mate has a complete meltdown or an over-the-top rant about something you deem relatively unimportant, such as, let's say, spilled milk, one of two things is probably going on:
(1) You have woefully underestimated your spouse's concern for and/or attachment to the milk. Or …
(2) It's not about the milk.
Couples are, by definition, comprised of two individuals. So while you and your spouse have common interests, experiences, and priorities, you also have different interests, experiences, and priorities. This means that things that are a big deal to one of you may seem trivial to the
other. Spilled milk or the state of the environment or what your daughter wears to school may not be an issue of great concern for you. However, you are married. And while you may not share your spouse's concerns, you do need to share in them.
Often when someone has an unusually strong reaction to a situation, it's not just about the situation. What may seem to be an overreaction is likely an indicator that something else is wrong.
I'm a chronic misplacer—keys, badges, pens, gym card, glasses. On any given day, you can find me searching for something. One day, my husband found me sitting on the kitchen floor sobbing because I couldn't find the identification badge that allows me access to my daughter's school. It didn't take him long to realize that it wasn't about the badge. We had recently relocated to a foreign country, and my struggle with the language, the culture, and even the grocery store had left me without the reserves to cope with one more thing.
What you say: "Why can't you be more like so-and-so's spouse?"
What your spouse hears: My friend's spouse is better than you
Everyone has "spouse envy" from time to time. There's the husband who is the gourmet cook. The wife who loves to go fishing with her husband. The dad who coaches the Little League team every year. The mom who's also president of the local Chamber of Commerce.
We all have things we'd like to change about our mates. Though most days find our prayers filled with long lists of why we're thankful for our better-half, there are those times when every less-than-perfect characteristic of our partner seems to be magnified and multiplied. You took your partner for better or worse, but who wouldn't prefer more of the "better" and less of the "worse"?
When the "worse" seems to take center stage, it's easy to idealize someone else's spouse. After all, you don't have to live with them. Chances are if you did, you'd find out that the gourmet cook never cleans up the kitchen and the president of the Chamber hasn't made it home for dinner in more than a week. So comparing your spouse unfavorably to another is not only hurtful, it's often unfair.
At those times when your spouse isn't quite measuring up to your expectations, remember that he or she was created in God's image—not your image. The late Trappist monk Thomas Merton reminds us that "the beginning of love is to let those we love be perfectly themselves, and not to twist them to fit our own image. Otherwise we love only the reflection of ourselves we find in them."
What you say: "I'm sorry, but …"
What your spouse hears: I'm not really sorry
If your actions merit an apology, then apologize. Period. If you're not sorry, don't say so. If you are, don't follow it with excuses or shift the blame. An unqualified apology can be a balm for a wounded relationship. A qualifying follow-up can rub salt into the wound.
"I'm sorry. Please forgive me" can open the door to reconciliation. "But" following an apology may slam that door.
My daughter lost her shot at the Friday "treasure box" because she didn't realize how her words would sound until they were already out of her mouth. For a six-year-old, losing the chance to pick out a 25-cent trinket is enough to make her think more carefully about her words in the weeks to come. I hope and pray it will be a lesson that stays with her. Fortunately, she has an understanding teacher, so her words didn't have lasting consequences.
Unfortunately, it's sometimes more difficult for spouses to forgive and forget. A few thoughtless words can leave scars that are slow to heal. Marriage is infinitely more valuable than anything that comes in a box. It's certainly worth our time to measure our words in order to protect a
treasured relationship.
Anne Russ, a Presbyterian pastor, has been
married 10 years.
Copyright © 2008 by the author or Christianity Today
International/Marriage
I say ... and you think ... ?
1. Please stop :: me from stuffing myself with too much food, I might just need the best diet pill to get rid of my fats!
2. Move over :: ELINA of ANTM cycle 11, you weren't as good as I think you were. Yay!
3. Sweet as :: a bratinella!
4. Bet :: playing cards.
5. Mad about :: chocolates!
6. It’s over :: relationships gone wrong.
7. Intend to :: bloghop!
8. Blame :: noone.
9. Jefferson :: a branch of Hubby's Aunt.
10. Heartless :: little pig.
the feeling is dark
the shadow protects me
it saves me from light
when i feel all alone
with no place to go
the shadow is there
it helps me find my way home
when the world has deserted me
when no one seems to care
i can always count on my shadow
i know it will be there
by Joseph Kling
My bestfriend, T is thinking of taking up another course or a short course that would help her in her promotion. As if she's not yet satisfied with her 4 promotions in a row! She was kidding me that the time I finish my Graduate Studies, I can demand for higher salaries. I wish! Although, I have to agree with her that employment opportunities and promotions can be really competitive these days and having completed further studies will give you a certain edge. If you need to take degree online, check out capella.edu. They offer a long list of courses that you could take on your most convenient time.
Words Ending in ING ~ I Say You Answer~
1. I'm Going...to the Church in an hour.
2. I'm Looking...for fillers, you know why lol!
3. I'm Finding...discounted designer bags.
4. I'm Wearing...my PJs right now.
Have A Blessed Sunday everyone!
First of all, happy birthday jenny!
I am joining her birthday bash contest and if you want to join read on the rules below. Have fun and I hope I win :).
1st PRIZE
$20 from Jenny Talks
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$10 from My Fruitful Voyage
$5 from Moments of my Life
$5 from Blessings in Life and Nierva Dot Com
$5 and 500 EC Credits from Kitchen Deelite
500 EC Credits from Way of Life in OZ
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500 EC Credits from Fab & Chic Finds
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3RD PRIZE
$5 from Fab Finds, etc.
$5 from Just Blogging It and PRC Board Exam Results
500 EC Credits from Around HongKong
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500 EC Credits from Digiscraptology
700 EC Credits from My Cross Roads
500 EC Credits from Healthy Living and Lifestyle
125x125 ad spot from Thomas Travel Tales
4th PRIZE
$5 and 500 EC credits from A Mother's Horizon
1,000 EC Credits from Nierva Dot Com
500 EC Credits from This and That
500 EC Credits from Scraps & Shots
500 EC Credits from Rumination
125x125 ad spot from Erlinda's Wandering Thoughts
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I know I blogged about Allegro Medical before but I was surprised to find out that they also carry catheters now. Allegro Medical has been founded in 1996, and now serving more than 1 million customers. They are one of the largest and most technologically advanced independently owned online retailers of life enhancing products in the United States. Also, other than the basic medical needs, they also supply medical equipment and home health care supplies as well as consumer retail products such as Exercise & Fitness Equipment, Nutritional Dietary Supplements, Maternity/Baby Supplies and Outdoor Gear. Check out the site for more information.
| The Ultimate Color Test |
 When you are at peace, you are: Energized and innovative When you are moved to act, you are: Giving and warm When you are inspired, you are: Spiritual and humble When your life is perfectly balanced, you are: Totally in the moment Your life's purpose is: To live a passionate life |
Yay, finally I am up early and finishing off some tasks :).
I really hope I continue to be a morning person because I tend to be more productive in the morning.
Anyhow, as I was bloghopping on my favorite blogs, I can't help but share is uberly cute matched gadgets from Gadgenista. 
You can check out some more designs at Saitek.
The heat is on...
When will I ever stop???
I say it all over again, online shopping beats mall therapy.
Gosh gosh gosh! I have been watching over 21 items at Ebay and bidded on 6 on them.
Etsy is giving me the frenzy! I have about 20 something favorited items as well...
I just wish the husband won't see my accounts on both hee! Whoever invented Ebay, Amazon and Etsy are just simply online shopping geniuses!
Have a good Saturday everyone!
I read about this Zenni Optical was on FOX news! article. Apparently, this online shop sells Great Eyeglasses For Less and Variable Dimension Frames From Zenni. They are the leading online shop for eyeglasses and pricess are as low as $8 and $15, not bad for prescription eyeglasses. To read more about their Fox news appearance, click this link: Zenni on Fox.
1.) When did you last use the edge of a coin (or a knife blade) as a screwdriver?
>>>I think last week while changing my toddler's toy's batteries.
2.) When did you last use a wire coat-hanger to break into a car?
>>>NEVER. I do not know anything about cars hee.
3.) When did you last use food or drink as medication?
>>>Water, when I had colds.
4.) When did you last use your cellular telephone as a flashlight?
>>>All the time hee. Very handy indeed.
5.) When did you last use a paper clip for any purpose other than to clip paper?
>>>Back during my office days.
Happy Weekend everyone!
A friend has to admit her husband for alcohol rehabilitation. This has been the 2nd time they have to admit him. I hope he recovers soon because of the kids and of course, his very selfless wife. Speaking of rehabilitation, you can visit promises.com, a treatment center for other variety of addiction if you want to admit someone. They all deserve a 2nd chance.
1. Are your parents still alive? If so, do you get along with them?
>>>Very much alive. Yea I love them both to bits :)
2. Do your parents live close? Why/why not?
>>>Close to where I live? is that what you mean? Nope, they're thousand of miles away but I get to talk to them everyday :).
3. Name one thing valuable that your parents taught you. Why did you choose this?
>>>Hardwork and Simplicity. I just can't post one. Hee.
Happy Thursday everyone! I can't believe it's TGIF tomorrow!
1.) When was your last visit to an emergency room? What happened?
>>>I totally forgot about it, it was too long ago. Thanks heavens for good health for all of us!
2.) Who do you look more like: Mom, dad or another relative?
>>>MIX but more of my mom :). I hope lol!
3.) What sounds annoy you?
>>>Picture this: a faucet that is leaking, you hear water droplets during your sleep and your room is so dark. CREEPS!
4.) What are three movies could you(or have you) watch(ed) over and over and still love?
>>>Pretty Woman. Love Affair :).
5.) Do you ever wish you were someone else?
>>>Sometimes. But, not wish that wishing for it to happen in real life. Just one of my fantasies lol!
6.) What do you think of when you think of Paris?
>>>L-O-V-E and honeymoon!
7.) What' s the last sporting event you watched?
>>>No idea.
8.) What do you think about sexual Role Playing?
>>>Strange lol!
This got me really amazed.
Reminds me so much of Spring rolls hee :) Yum lol!
How cute they are right?
Have a good Wednesday Everyone!
I still have a lot of photos sorting out to do tonight and this photo is one of the
I wish I discovered flickr earlier or should I say I wish I signed up when my friends were inviting me. I really suck at organizing my folders tsk tsk.
Flickr and Facebook updates were the major reasons why I had to post a very later Weekend Snapshot entry.
How was your weekend?
1. Do you have a job? If so, what do you do?
>>>I am a stay-at-home mom, taking up a master's degree and doing some pro blogging on the side.
2. If you don't have a job, is it related to this crappy economy? What's next for you?
>>>Nope, it is by choice. But I will start looking for a part-time job early next year.
3. Do you see any upsides to quitting a job or being laid off? If so, what are they? If not, why not?
>>>the best upside of it all is I get to take care of my son 24/7, witnessing every milestones he has every single second of it :).
I found a spare time to call my Aunt in Vegas. She was busy checking on some moving companies as she has been thinking of moving to San diego for the longest time. She said, Vegas is not giving her any client anymore and that she needs to do something about it. I referred her to internationalmovers.com which a friend used when her family moved to Boston. I know moving can be really taxing and it would be an ease to hire professional moving company. If you need a comprehensive list of moving companies, check out their site for more information.
Did you go out and vote? (posted tuesday for wednesday edition)
The whole world is waiting and waiting.
Who will make that big change.
We have a few more hours or days until the proclamation for
the new United States President.
Who ever he would be, I hope he'd make a big change.
A big change for the betterment of the country and the world.
Happy WW everyone!
Happy Tuesday everyone! I know this Tuesday is extraordinary because of the US elections. I believe a lot of people would be staying late catching up on the election counts. While I make our Christmas giftlist. I am thinking of rewarding hubby with something big this Christmas. After all his hardwork for the past couple of years, he deserves to be pampered. Although he has been wishing for a home theater seating, I think he needs to set up his home theatre or entertainment center set before I give him with a home theatre seats. For now, my plans include giving him a watch or a flatscreen TV. Let's see what my savings will reach :).
1. What time do you usually go to bed on weekdays?
>>>Much much earlier compared to weekends were I catch up on my school deadlines.
2. Has anyone ever told you about bad habits you have during sleep? (Snoring, talking, kicking etc?)
>>>NOPE. I am a quiet and good sleeper :).
3. Do you prefer your sleeping environment to be warm and snug, or cool and crisp?
>>>COLD but with warm comforters and snug, also a dream about European cruises would be nice :).
4. What was your favourite bedtime story as a child?
>>>I was so talkative as a kiddo and would end up telling stories to my very sleepy folks and nanny hee.
5. Is there anything unusual that you often do while in bed? (Unusual meaning something other than sleeping, reading, naughty fun etc.)
>>>I need to be sorrounded by pillows and my hands stretched upwards. Strange huh lol!
This photo was taken during our visit in D.C. This is one of the most famous tourist spot there, can you guess what this is? Oh, and can you see the helicopter?
I am officially back online.
However, no matter how I drag myself, I think it would be hard to get back totally on my online world in the next few days or even weeks.
Let say my Halloween BOOcation hang-over has not wear off yet.
How was your weekend?
1. Were you raised around a lot of sports?
>>>Our folks were not really that sporty, but my siblings and I managed to be included in some gradeschool/highschool table tennis and football varsity teams.
2. What is your favorite sport?
>>>Swimming.
3. When did you last play a sport?
>>>a month ago, with my boys.
4. When did you last attend a professional sporting event and what was it?
>>>Oh, years ago hahah!
5. What was the last sport you watch on TV?
>>>Ahm, superbowl hee.
6. If you have children, do they play the same sports that you did? If not, someday if you have kids, would you like them to?
>>>Yea, since their dad is sporty and was a soccer varsity I want them to be really really involved in sports.
7. Do you think other people care too much about sports?
>>>Just enough.
8. Do you have the freedom to be as involved in either playing or watching as much sports as you’d like to?
>>>I think.
9. Who is your favorite sports team?
>>>I am not really that sporty to have favorites.
