Thank You...

Thank You Lord, for giving our family yet another blessing.
It was a difficult and exhausting road, especially for Enrique.
I have always prayed for this moment,
As I know that our success in life can only happen under Your Grace.


Thank You Lord, for giving my husband a chance,
One step closer to fulfill his dream.
May You continue to bless us and guide us in all that we do.
Fill our hearts with love and kindness.
Thank you, Lord.

Amen.

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Somebody Won!

And two of them pa! I'm talking about the PhP 300M++ Super Lotto prize.

Goodness, how would anyone spend that huge amount of money?

What I'd do if ever it's me?

1. Give a huge amount to charities and other social, humanitarian, and environment campaigns
2. Probably set up my own charity or social institution too
3. Donate to the Church and sponsor kids to go to school
4. Buy a nice house somewhere in the south (beach, farm), and upgrade our condo here in the city
5. Buy a place for in-laws and my own family
6. Travel every year
7. Ahem... buy my dream watch? And probably a pair of earrings (not really fond of jewelry, so one pair of studs is enough)
8. SAVE - for my kid's future
9. Set up our own business
10. Study interior design, culinary arts, and other artsy stuff

Relatively modest living pa rin, though.

What else? Oh well... I probably have more time to think about this list as it may also take a long time before I win. Hahaha!

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Need a Watch

After a couple of years of good service, my Longines Dolce Vita watch has conked out on me. I planned to have it fixed, but I also decided to get another watch that still looks nice but not as pricey as my dream watches (hello Vacheron, hello Bulgari, Hello A. Lange & Sohn!). I came across this website called Kenmar Watches and I was really happy to see the selection of their middle-end watches. The website itself is easy to navigate… the homepage itself shows the full list of brands: Gucci, Fendi, BCBG, Anne Kleinm, etc. I checked out their selection of Fendi watches and I must say, I am loving the Orologi Rose Ladies Watch.




The information provided is just enough for me to have an overview of the watch. More information is also available: customer’s reviews, customer’s photos, and even videos of their watches. Payment can be in the form of credit card or thru Paypal. Easy right? You can also choose the mode of shipping. Whats also good? They also ship internationally! They also have a return policy that assures customers in terms of satisfaction.

For those watch lovers, check out this website too, and go find the watch that suits you!

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Household-help Concerns... Solved!

Well, at least I hope!

It started when looked for a helper and my sister-in-law found one in Cebu. However, at the last minute, said candidate backed out and so an alternative was given to us... 61 years old. She would have been ok, because she is masipag and all, but probably due to age, her abilities are already limited. She refused to go down our condo - scraed of heights and elevator. because of this,w e cannot ask her to buy emergency stuff (potatoes, milk, medicine, etc...). She doesn't want to take phone calls, even intercom from the guards. She doesn't want to cook also. And I don't think she'd be able to handle Eanna if ever the yaya takes a day of or if she really has to buy something outside of the compound.

Hubby and I have decided to replace her... but she still would have employment in hubby's brother - to help out in the carenderia as well as house stuff.

That's ok right?

Up until Feb 13... Eanna's Yaya told us she has decided to go home to take care of her ailing mother, who's 86 years old. Her father, aged the same, could not take care of her well. And her siblings cannot takle care of the parents.

I contacted all my friends and relatives to help me out, and good thing I got one Yaya already. She's 19 years old from our province, and my Tita told me that she's really ok (4th year high school graduate, had experience taking care of kids, and even taught as Assistant teacher in a pre-school in the province).

Then today, my friend B told me to call up his Mom as she might be able to give me one more... as all-aound helper. The talk went really well, and so Tita has kindly offered that she will bring the helper to our place. She's also 19 years old (3rd year highschool graduate) from Bicol, and is highly recommended. Thanks Tita, Thanks B!

My only concerns though for these two are:
1. use of cellphones... ladies their age are prone to excessive texting and calling, thanks to thsoe unlimited offers by telecoms (especially Sun's unlimited text and call!)
2. lots of maintenance staff in our compound... baka magka-bf pa! hahahaha

I should however make it clear to them about these.

Oh well, I will talk to them again about general house rules and all. Yaya Nilos agreed for a week of turnover of duties for both enw ones. Hopefully arrangements will be agreed upon and everything will turn out ok. Not necessarily perfect, but at least more than manageable.

*Cross fingers here and pray*

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Travel vs. Bags

Friends J & O and I have been chatting earlier (it was 60 years since we last chatted, goodness! hahahaha what an exaggeration) and have talked about retention and option to be stay a stay at home Mom. My answer was... if I'ms till itnerested in bags, then work, if not, then stay at home. It was a funny comment (half meant? haha) and O found it interesting how the bag issue fit in. Hahaha. But seriously, I corrected myself by saying that I'm more into travel - visiting other places, museums, rv parks, grand cities, than in purchasing bags, shoes, clothes, and the like. I'm now also more into home design (as always, but never had I been so hooked!) and home improvement (hello Martha Stewart Homekeeping handbook!)...

Sign of maturity? Naks. or probably not.

*Sigh*

I just hope that the world financial and market crisis will not be prolonged, and that my little luxury of travel will be fulfilled this year. Hello again Singapore? Or Macau? Hope so.

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Camera Busted, Phone's Camera Busted Too

Yup, our canon digital camera is "busted"... as in the lens shutter does not fully slose. So when you take a picture, there's this small shadow somewhere on the lower side. As for my phone... well, it fell one time and when I tried to take a picture using it, the picture is "white-washed". As if the film was exposed. You know what I mean right? I guess I have to store the pictures in the sd card of my camera and my phone in the MyPassport portable hard drive that I bought. I hope that doesn't get busted though. or else... bye bye pictrues and videos and files.

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Globe Sucks

I do not want to blog about it anymore because I don't want to relive the situations that caused me to say GLOBE IS THE WORST, but I will forever remember the year-long headache they gave me.

Their system is the worst. Their services are bad.

And when this lock-up period expires... GOOD RIDDANCE.

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Sad News

I just heard the sad news today about one of our officers onboard our vessel. I don't know what his reason was for doing so, and I feel bad and sad that he had to resort to it. Maybe his spirit is not strong enough? May God forgive him for what he has done. I feel bad for his family, especially his kids. What about their future? He was the provider of his family. Sigh. No international travel insurance nor the CBA would cover suicide.

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Tagged By Issh

USING ONLY ONE WORD! It's not as easy as you might think! copy and change the answers to suit you and pass it on even to 10 people.. It's really hard to use only one word answers,

Be sure to tag the person you received it from!

1. Where is your cell phone? Table
2. Your significant other? Enrique
3. Your hair? Medium
4. Your favorite thing? Eanna
5. Your dream last night? Sale
6. Your favorite drink? water
7. Your dream/goal? Peace
8. What room are you in? office
9. Your hobby? Reading
10.Your fear? God-less
11.Where do you want to be in 6 years? France
12.Where were you last night? Home
13.Muffins? Ok
14.wish list item? Travel
15.Where you grew up? Manila
16.last thing you did? Facebook
17.What are you wearing? Uniform
18.Your tv? Samsung
19.Your pets? Enrique
20.Friends? Few
21.Your life? Blessed
22.Your mood? Nervous
23.Missing someone? Yup!
24.Car? Civic
25.Something you're not wearing? Briefs
26.Your favorite store? Rustan's
27.Your favorite color? Green
28.When was the last time you laughed? Today
29.Last time you cried? Dunno
30.who will resend this? Friends
31.One place I will go to over and over? Tagaytay
32.One person who emails me regularly? Multiply
33.Favorite place to eat? Home
34.Why you participated in this survey? Fun
35.what are you doing tonight? sleep


I'm tagging all my friends who read this!

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Out With The Old, In With The New

Out with the old. In with the new.

That is what I want to do for our kitchen. It was last December when I realized that my pots and pans are already worn out, and that a new set is in order. Dear hubby has given me an enamelled cast iron pan for Christmas, and though I would like to have more cast irons in my cooking stash, I may not have the budget to do that... at least not yet. So probably I should check out pots and pans real soon. I would to cook my meals as healthily as possible, you know.

Also, my knives are beginning to lose their sharpness. I recently bought a 6-inch chef’s knife from Gourmet Chef, after chickening out in buying a really nice but expensive porcelain version. I'm also unhappy with my steak knives too, so maybe I should get a set as well.

Lastly, in the two weeks that I stayed at home due to flu, I noticed that our kitchen area is getting to be crowded. I read in a Feng Shui article that this side of our house should be spic and span, and that metal objects should be there too, and that new appliances are called for. I'm not sure about new appliances, but I guess we have something to do with our pantry and cabinet organization. Well, even in our utility/maid’s quarters too I guess.

Well, I'll probably have time doing that this weekend. Good luck to me. Hahaha.

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I Like Duo!

I would have said love, but read on as to why it's only "like"...

Hubby and I celebrated Valentine's Day by having a really special dinner at Duo. This was the resto that we have chosen after checking out a couple of restos offering Valentine's sepcial sets. Why did I choose Duo, because of the main entree offered... USDA Angus Beef Tenderloin AND seabass. I asked if this was Chilean seabass, and the receptionist said yes. So I was really excited for our dinner.

Enter Valentine's Day. We were there a couple of minutes before our reservation, and the receptionist informed us that we can be seated already. I checked out the Menu on our table, and to the horror of horros, i saw that the menu has changed! I was very disappointed. Too disappointed enough that i called the Manager, explaining my sentiments. He initially told me that I must have been mistaken, but really, I was very sure of what I saw the day when we had our seats reserved. Then he said that it must have changed, to which I said that it's unfair to change the menu without the knowledge of the guests, since I was really looking forward to my steak and fish (What they did was to separate the steak, with the sebass being another option 9combined with tiger prawns). I even told him that even the appetizer changed, since I know that one of the appetizers is something with lobster tail. It probably dawned on him that indeed they menu changed, and that disappointment was all over my face, so in order for me to be happy with my dinner, he offered to give us the original entree (less the lobster tail appetizer hehehe).

So, we were very happy with the arrangement. Thank goodness! Not even the Moet and Chandon champagne included in the set menu would ease my nerves noh! overall, I was really pleased with what I had (hubby liked his too):

Served with a glass of Moet and Chandon champagne
Appetizer: Foie scallop with tuna tobiko salad (love that it had red beets!); Hubby got the duck breast with carmelized Apple Salad
Soup: Fennel lobster Bisque (same with hubby)
Raspberry Sorbet
Entree: USDA Angus beef ternderloin with chantrelle sauce and Chilean seabass with asparagus rissotto (same with hubby)
Dessert: Stawberry Cheesecake with Strawberry and mango sauce.
Coffee or Tea (I got tea).

The done-ness of the steak was excellent (medium rare)... seared well on the outside and juicy (not bloody ha!) on the inside. perfect.

Now... why is it only LIKE then if they gave excellent service and food was superb?

Well, when we reserved our slot, the receptionist said that first 50 guests who reserved will be given a gift certificate worth PhP 1,000. Good deal noh? HOWEVER, that night, we saw the fine print, which was never mentioned to us: To be redeemed only on a particular date (Feb 23 - Monday), and that the gift certificate can only be used if the bill is a minimum of PhP 3,000. NGIK.

Oh well, it's ok. At elast I had really good memories of that lovely dinner with my husband. Thanks love for treating me out!

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Sleeping Angel

Such a funny cute way of sleeping...

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Ready for a new baby?

Well, not that baby. Hahaha. But I almost bought this yesterday.


Photo grabbed from Wikipedia.

Good thing I resisted, else it would have been a major impulse buy. Hahaha. My little darling is really fond of dogs, and when we passed by the pet village in Tiendesitas, she was overjoyed upon seeing this little 2-month old Shi Tzu. I fell in love with it too, you know.

Oh well. Next time perhaps. We'll see. Such a cute thing... If ever, it's going to be my first pet too. I wasn't allowed to have pet puppies because of my allergies and asthma, but maybe this little type of dog is ok.

*Sigh*

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My Star Sign

Got this from Chuvaness' blog:


Sorta kinda correct. Hahahaha.

Check out your star sign!

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Happy 17 Months!

Happy 17 months, my dear sweet cake!







We love you very very much!

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"I Like" Books

I feel the need to buy books... here's my wish list:

Peter Mayle Books: ( I already have the 3 Provence "series)




Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook (To make our little nest truly a home)


Elle Decor So Chic Book... for home designs


Green Living Books:




And of course, a cookbook from Gordon Ramsey...


Sigh... Hope I can find them.. but first, hope I would have a budget for these!

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Handbook 2009

Got this from Me'99 e-group:

Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.
5. Make time to practice meditation, yoga, and prayer.
6. Play more games.
7. Read more books than you did in 2008.
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk every day. And while you walk, smile.

Personality:
11. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake.
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

Society:
25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything.
28. Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:
32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.(Does this include insurance quotes? Hehehehe.)
34. GOD heals everything.
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37. The best is yet to come.
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

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9 Ways to Become a Closer Couple in '09

Got this email from my colleague and would just like to share this to everyone...

9 Way to Become A Closer Couple in '09 (and beyond!)

1. Have more sex. Too simple? Not really. Sex not only creates more intimacy in a relationship, it also reduces stress, burns calories, and boosts self-esteem. What’s not to love?
2. Exercise together. Speaking of getting physical, why not let that energy spill over into the gym? Get your adrenaline pumping with a workout geared toward couples. Look for classes at your local gym or spot each other in the weight room.
3. Institute a date night policy. Can’t remember the last time you went on a date? It’s time to get back out there. Pick a night and stick to it -- talk, laugh, and get hot for each other all over again.
4. Mix it up in the kitchen. With the economy in turmoil, it’s a good idea for everyone to cut back on ordering in and dining out. Grab your favorite cookbooks and start planning meals together. Experiment with new recipes and create your own spicy twists on them.
5. Bite your lip. Nagging about things that need to get done around the house gets you nowhere -- in fact, it creates tension in a relationship. If you stay calm and communicate, you’ll both get more things done with a smile rather than mutual eye-rolling.
6. Show an interest in each other’s hobbies. He likes bowling and you like anything that doesn’t involve wearing communal shoes. We get it. But is it really worth spending the weekend apart? Make a sincere attempt at appreciating one of your spouse’s interests this year. You might develop a mutual appreciation.
7. Create a honey-do list. Tackling home projects is a great way to get things done -- together. As a couple, brainstorm improvements and fixes that you’d like to do, and then break out the toolbox.
8. Eat dinner together. We all have to eat, but are you making the most of it? Turn off the TV and tune into each other. Sit down at the table and linger over a home-cooked meal --you might be surprised by how much you have to talk about.
9. Make new memories. If the last photo album you put together was from your wedding, grab your most recent snapshots and print the digital ones lingering on your computer. These special moments might inspire you to reenact them (think: second honeymoon). Don’t forget the camera!

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How Green Is Your Life

Your Life is 68% Green

You live a very green life, and you're aware of how your actions help the earth. Of course, it's hard to be totally green. But when you make a tradeoff, you know why you're making it.

How Green Is Your Life?

Hmm, I think I should still do more in order to have a "greener" lifestyle. Our little family is really serious on being environmentally-conscious and friendly. I want our kids to grow in a healthy environment... fresh air, clean water, lots of greeneries (I love trees, willow, Mulberry trees, pine trees, and flowers... lots of flowers). I just hope everybody will be serious about saving our planet. Like what i said in our Net25 segment... "It's about time."

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Seaway News

This morning I found a new copy of Seaway magazine (magazine about shipping and manning industry) on my table, and since it was still early in the morning, I browsed thru it. besides, the headline is quite "promising"... "RP Attracts Idle Vessels." At least out of this crisis there is some opportunity for work and income for us here. Anway, what I just observed is that companies are still on "business as usual" mode even if the gloomy crisis cloud is ever present. I wodner if they are affected as much as we are right now? There are still a lot of ads posted by manning agencies and shipowners alike, and continuous giving of custom promotional products they have in order to attract seafarers to join them.

Oh well, I just hope that things will get better in this industry. And I really hope things will turn out even well for our company. Cross fingers...

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New in Our Living Room

We were surprised to hear from the furniture maker that our "home entertainment" cabinet is ready to be installed. They went to our palce over the weekend, and though the finished product was less than perfect, we are quite happy with the result:



Our living area still lacks furniture and accessories, but it's ok. There is so much time to give it "personality" hahaha. Anyway, check out our TV... I love love love the Blue ray thingy of the dvd (Tinkerbelle for Eanna). It truly makes our dvd experience worth it. Love love love. Hahahaha.

PS: Guess what, taking inspiration from various magazines, I "designed" this. Naks! Also, I was hoping I could use the official receipt for office purposes but I guess not since in the receipt it only said "entertainment cabinet" and not office furniture. Tehehehehe.

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Eanna and Her Toy

Eanna has found and claimed her new toy, her very first "techie" gadget.... the portable DVD. She loves watching her videos (home videos, Jollibee videos, Strawberry shortcake, chidlren's songs, etc...) using this DVD, and hubby is afraid he might not be able to bring this when he goes onboard.






Here, Eanna is watching the Jollibee video on body parts. When the "nose" part was shown, she pointed at her nose and said "nus." And when the song on body parts was featured, she was dancing and clapping her hands. Lovely little child.

Of course, the Papa was so proud of his look-alike daughter. The mama? Teary-eyed

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Reunion of Friends

My good old friends from way back had a "reunion" last Friday at our place and wow... it was a blast! I half-expected that things will be a bit awkward between our families, but it turned out that it was as if it's just yesterday since we last met. It's just too bad that we weren't complete, but all the same we had so much fun teasing each other and all. We had a lovely dinner (Korean food, sushi, pizza, chicken, chips, etc...) and stayed until 1 AM the next day, just catching up on things, watching Sex and the City the movie, and chit-chatting like there was tomorrow. We drank every alcoholic drink in our house (tequila, wine, beer, vodka) and finished all bottles.

Of course, taking of pictures had to be in order right? Hahahaha.


Wacky pics at 1 am (lasing na!)



Cheers!




Van, Enrik, She, Jun-jun, Krisel, Cor, Inchun



The two Jun-Jun's. Hahahaha.

We agreed that we will meet up every month. Next gimmick? Out of town... overnight in Bataan!

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