Best Lip Balms

Saw this in TheFindBlog

I agree! I love Burt's Bees and Kiehl's and Rosebud Salve (good for almost anything hehehe).

According to the blog post, here are 7 ways to treat chapped lips:

1. Apply a lip balm- Coating your lips with a lip balm is a common way to deal with chapped lips. Using a lip balm with a sunblock is even better especially if you’re going to be outside in the sun.
2. Water- Keep your lips hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Water feeds our cells keeping it moisturized and healthy.
3. No Alcohol- Stay away from any lip products that contain alcohol. It will surely worsen the condition making your lips more dry and even painful.
4. Vitamin B-2 Supplements- If you have a thyroid hormone imbalance or Vitamin B deficiency, it can be an indicator for the cracked corners around your mouth. Implementing a healthy diet and taking Vitamin-B supplements can help treat it.
5. Stop Licking Your Lips- I have a tendency to do this a lot and it is a big no no. It’s best to avoid licking because the saliva will eventually evaporate leaving your lips dry.
6. Avoid going outside- For days that are extremely windy, cold, and dry, stay inside. If you must leave the house, then apply a good amount of lip balm to protect your lips.
7. Be patient- Your lips will not completely heal overnight. It can take a week for your lips to be soft again so in the meantime, take care of yourself.

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Eanna Has Feelings too!

My poor daughter. Last Wednesday during her classes, one child tried to grab her blocks. Naturally, she defended her turf and grabbed back. There as so much back and forth grabbing and I heard Eanna shouting a bit already. Her face showed extreme displeasure, so I finally picked her up, took her to a corner and talked to her... "Eanna, it's ok, just share your toy to others." Then she stood up, pouting and went outside the classroom.

I tried to take her back to the room but she refused, and just wanted to be nestled either in my arms or in her Yaya's arms (we took turns comforting her). But her face, I can never forget. It was a long one, a pout-y one.

A face not of being a brat but a face that showed she was emotionally hurt.

My poor daughter. Hope that she will not feel that bad again when another child tries to take away one of her toys.

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Sale Alert! Designer Deluxe

For all you supporters of local designers...

Hope they have really good selections!

Click HERE for more details.

See you there!

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Van's Kitchen: Sole Meuniere

I was meaning to post this recipe after I watched Julie & Julia but got lazy and was unable to do so. Hahahah. Now that I am making this again for dinner, plus I've got the time, here I am posting the recipe!

Sole Meuniere

Ingredients
4 sole fillets, skinned
6 tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup flour
1 lemon juice plus lemon zest
Salt
Fresh black pepper
Finely chopped flat leaf parsley or parsley flakes

• Season fillets with salt and pepper. 
• Spread the flour in a plate. Dredge fillets in flour, shaking off any excess flour.
• In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. 
• Once the butter starts to brown (but not yet, and bubbles form slowly instead of fast), add a sole fillet, two if the skillet is large enough. 
• Cook over medium / high heat for 3-5 minutes. 
• Turn the fish carefully. 
• Add half of your lemon juice and 1/2 tsp. lemon zest to the pan. Cook fish an additional 2 minutes.
• Set aside cooked fillets and keep them warm. Do this for the rest of the fillets. 
• Melt the remaining butter in the skillet. When brown, remove from heat and pour over the sole fillets.

To serve, sprinkle with parsley, salt and pepper. Garnish with lemon slices. Serve immediately.

Sole Meuniere is excellent in combination with potatoes or rice.

Wine Suggestion: Dry white wine or Reisling.

EDIT: Picture!

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More on iPad Jokes...

From Buzzfeed

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The iPad is Here!

Finally, the much-awaited announcement has been, well, announced.

And it ain't called iTablet! So, for all you peeps who laughed at the possibility of it being called iPad... Laugh harder! Hahaha!


Ok, enough with the jokes. I am currently reading about this latest offering from Apple, and' I must say my curiosity is not dampened... yet.

Will not enumerate the specs as it can be found in the Apple Website. I however am pleased with their "Environmental aspect":

iPad embodies Apple’s continuing environmental progress. It is designed with the following features to reduce environmental impact:

• Arsenic-free display glass
• BFR-free
• Mercury-free LCD display
• PVC-free
• Recyclable aluminum and glass enclosure

If I were to get one though, I'd get the "highest end" (Wifi + 3G, 64 GB), priced at US$829. But... where's the built-in camera????

So... options open: Macbook Pro, Macbook, or iPad. Hmmm.

Let's wait and see. Seems like 2010 has a lot in store for gadgetry and all. Other new innovations? electronic cigarettes perhaps? Hahahah!

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Insurance / Healthcard Concerns

One of my benefits in my previous company is to be covered by life insurance. I am fortunate enough that when I resigned, my insurance was not canceled, which means I am still covered. However, this package will expire this year, July to be exact. After that, I am no longer covered by it. Don't know though if I can continue because it is part of a corporate package, and if ever this can be done, I have yet to ask for the new life insurance quotes because I'm quite sure it will be more expensive. Good thing though is that I got myself an insurance package a few years back, but I feel that the amount is too small, hehehe.

Same goes for our health card. Our cards weren't canceled, but they are also expiring this end-Feb. Hubby's company will provide us health cards too but I don't know when they will be activated. He has been haggling with his office for quite some time but there's still no final word on this. Argh.

Maybe while waiting i should really really take care of our family and pray hard that no major illnesses will come our way.

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Have You Been Bitten?

I know I should have blogged about this last year, but better late than never.

There's this series called "The Vampire Diaries" that kept me busy last year; hence, the lack of blogging and endless arguments with my hubby (you're always in front of the laptop!!!).

It is kinda similar to the Twilight series, where the setting is in a small town and involved high school kids and "teenage" vampires. The similarities end there though, because not only is it darker in theme, but also because the plot itself is more interesting. Sure there is this great love between the vampire and the teenage girl, but it's not the sickeningly sweet / obsessed kind. And there's more it than the ordinary teenage girl. There's history in her which makes her character even more interesting, you'd be curious what happens. Well I at least am dead curious hahaha. I just hope that as the series goes on it won't devolve into weird twists and all. Hate that when it happens to great TV shows (hello Pinoy series, can you hear me?).

At least there's a show that runs while I wait for the next episodes of...

Glee!

Yup, I'm a bitten Gleek. Hahahaha!

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Manic Monday #198

If you could only have one section of the bookstore to visit, which section would it be?

• Difficult.... food and cooking perhaps? Torn between that and home design. oh fashion too. hmm. probably food. Hahaha!
  

If you could only subscribe to one publication for the rest of your life, what would it be?

• Torn again between home design publications and fashion. Hmmm. Maybe Vogue France if I could read / understand French. Hehehehe.
  

What activity always makes you lose track of time?

• Surfing the Net - either playing FB games or just surfing and tweeting!

Join us HERE.

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My Very Fasyon Daughter

 

Love her style! Hahahaha!

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Le Creuset Cassis Collection

When it comes to cookware, I am more often than not inclined to red or orange-y colors.

However, I am salivating over this...

Image from Surla Table

I WANT!

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2010 Boracay Trip

Our family went to Boracay last week to attend my bffs' wedding and at the same time have some family vacation. It was a blast! I was worried that our little girl will feel uncomfortable during the long trip, and that hubby and I won't be able to "handle" her (no Nannie!), but eanna proved to be quite a very good girl!


Estrella-Ablaza Wedding

It was a simple (but fun and classy) wedding with rust/sunset theme. The wedding rites were held in the Holy Rosary Parish, and the reception followed in Seawind. My Bff Issh and I were very happy to finally witness dear Sarj and Rally's union. We thought this day would never come, but gladly it did!

Food was fantastic, the reception place was nicely decorated. Small group but like what the bride said, each very important to them. There was so much drinking and merry making too! We had fun dancing, and even had limbo rock hahaha! Thanks to the surprising and fun first dance of the couple, it paved the way for guests to just loosen up, dance and enjoy the night away.

Hubby too enjoyed it, though a little too much. Coupled with glasses of John Walker, he let himself super loose and danced like crazy! I told him that he'd regret it the next day, and indeed he was a bit ashamed. Hahaha. I have never seen him dance that way. Well I have never seen him dance that much. At least I know he is comfortable with my group of friends!

To Rally and Sarj, cheers to you and your new life together!


Family Vacation!

We stayed in Boracay Regency after my Mom and my former officemate highly recommended it to us. Their package was a bit pricey, but it included all meals for the whole stay. After our trip, we can say that the package was well worth it: nice rooms, very good amenities, very good food (hello salad bar! hello oysters! hello everything!), and most importantly, very warm and accommodating personnel.

Garden Wing, where we stayed

Eanna totally loved her first trip to Boracay, and we were very glad that we made the right decision to bring her. We could hardly stop her from swimming in the beach and in the pool! She sashayed and charmed her way into other people's hearts, with her wardrobe, bikinis, and friendly attitude!

 

 

 

We also had a boat trip with my friends Ish and Lloyd, and we enjoyed snorkeling and our lunch (more on that later). Unfortunately, since the waves were a bit big, we only had limited places to go to. We weren't able to go to the Crystal Cove and to Pukka Beach (supposedly where we planned to have our lunch cooked and served).

Check out Manny Pacquiao's place...

Snorkeling...

We bought crabs and prawns for lunch, and though we were unable to have them cooked and served in Pukka Beach, we had fun eating them nonetheless. Well, I had fun. Hahahha!

 

 

After the trip, we went back to the hotel to have some rest. I had a massage because my whole body was soooo sore. I had this by the beachfront; the breeze was just perfect. Unfortunately, I think this was where Eanna was bitten by mosquitoes like crazy! poor poor girl.

The next day, we did the usual beach thing then in the afternoon went strolling. Had Jonah's Shakes too (love love love Strawberry Banana Milkshake).

We stayed in Boracay for four days, and I must say that we have to go back again next year!

Meantime, we're glad we're home sweet home. Till our next family vacation!

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Flip-ped

Just in time for our Boracay trip this Thursday to Sunday....

The hubby wanted to test it by taking a video of me exercising (you know, me sweating while working on the non nordic trac treadmill) but of course I reacted. Hahaha.

Anyway, I would have loved a Flip Mino HD which will come at the end of the month, but I really wanted one already for our vacation (recently I've been doubting the performance of our dvd video recorder).

Maybe next time. And I'd get this one...

For more designs , go to Flip's Website.

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The Kris and James Show

Read from Twitter updates and stories in the Net that Mr. and Mrs. Kris Aquino, err I mean Mr. and Mrs. James Yap have yet another issue. This time, a "confrontation" with the supposed third party. I also read too many comments too (yeah, I am that bored while I am watching over my sleeping daughter), some of them pro-Kris, and some of them taking the political "See, that's why I will not vote for Noynoy" route.

• To some of those who commented: Why be pro-Jinkee then just because it's Kris you "switch sides"?
• Any thoughts on this comment: James is just too much of a cheater (note: no need to use maxoderm to make his thang work) Kris doesn't deserve him.
• Karma is a bitch?
  
• Kris has every right because she can rightfully say "ako legal wife" (with matching Mano Po tone)

Oh well, another day of showbiz. I just wish that they continue to save their marriage. And please, James Yap, be serious, because Kris looks like she really is serious in making it work.

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The Husband Is Green With Envy

My dear husband found out that his colleague, now our neighbor, is going to be a father again. The wife is pregnant, and the husband just came home middle of December.

*Sigh*

Honestly I am still torn about the second baby issue.At the one hand I am eager to have a new kid on the block, but on the other hand, the hardships that entailed it is kind of scaring me again. Sure, it was a good experience shopping for baby stuff while pregnant, talking to my doctor about eating healthy and taking the best prenatal vitamin in town, and of course, the anticipation of a newborn child. BUT I can also clearly remember those days after I gave birth when I just kept crying, feeling confused, very exhausted, and depressed. I had a bad case of post partum disorder, and it was terrible.

Oh well. Maybe next year or even late this year. My Doc is happy to help me too to try to conceive a baby boy.

Marcus Henrik.

Oh di ba? Hahaha!

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The Orchid Test

You Are Passionate and Driven

You have a clear vision of what you want, and nothing is going to stop you from getting it. You are very confident and even a bit brash. You don't allow any self-doubt into your life. You like to push limits. You're very curious to see how far you can get in all aspects of your life. You are never satisfied. Once you achieve a goal, you set another one. You are constantly striving.

The Orchid Test

Blogthings: Learn Something Surprising About Yourself

Ok. So if I am that driven, then maybe this does not apply to my drive towards health and fitness. Short of taking a top diet pill, I tried to find ways in losing some pounds with minimal effort. Obviously, my plan didn't work out well.

But hey, not to worry. I am 90% convinced that I am driven enough to sign up for yoga classes. And that i am halfway into thinking that I can actually get this through. Hehehehe.

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Acne Be-gone!

i was a bit mortified when during the holidays my face was breaking out like crazy. Ok, maybe I am exaggerating a bit, but it was a nightmare because that was the season of reunions, parties, and photo ops (hahaha) and almost all the people kept on noticing my face.

Them: Hey, you're breaking out
Me: Uh, yeah. They're pimplets, nothing compared to your craters...

Hahaha, just kidding. But isn't it annoying that we Filipinos have this tendency to always say "hey you gained weight" or "what did you do to your face" instead of just keeping mum about the issue? I mean, the person already knows about his/her fatness or be-pimpled face so why bother reminding him/her right? No wonder whitening products, slimming pills/medicines, and acne treatment creams are such a hit here. I guess it's right that we are too preoccupied with these.

But anyway, for all you who noticed my pimplets last year, can I just announce that they're gone!

Well, most of them at least. Just in time for our Bora trip for my dear friend S's wedding. Yipee!!!

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Body Not Suitable for Boracay Audience

Hehehehe.

In an effort to shed a few pounds without using any weight loss supplements, I decided to hit the gym and give my fats a little jiggling. I really felt great and felt relaxed after a light work out... well that was during the day. The night was pure pain. Hahahaha.

Anyway, yup I tried in vain, and my husband was right when he said that my efforts were too late already since our trip to Boracay is already next week. And now, I'm not even sure if I am fit to go to the beach. My body is just plain sore, I feel so faaaaat, and, well, that's about it. I don;t want to buy another bathing suit because I already bought two just for this trip. Two two-piece bikinis. The nerve, hahaha.

Oh well, regardless of whether I can pull off the bikini look or not, I am aiming for a good time in Boracay. Beach, here we come!

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Short trip to Bonifacio High Street

Yesterday, our little family took a break from staying at home and went to Bonifacio High Street. Of course, I welcomed the change in environment, hahaha. The little girl was running around the place, and when she got tired, she pointed toward Fully Booked and told us "Books! books!" That was our cue to step inside this wonderful place.

Before having dinner at Conti's we scouted for slippers for Eanna. Unfortunately there was no size for her. After that, while the little girl was playing, hubby and I went to Healthy Options. I just looove this place - selection of organic products for men, women, and children, unique selection of items for the pantry, and best vitamins for men and women, among other things. We ended up buying organic "junk food", since I can't readily give up on chips yet be conscious because whatever I eat, the daughter eats as well.

Anyway, we enjoyed our short trip and hopefully we go back again next week. Not finished with scouting the shops there!

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Thoughts on Homeschooling

There are days when I am hell bent in sending my lovely daughter to a school where I believe would bring out the best in her, the best we can afford. This is the reason why we are stressing over it. Too many schools to choose from. We've narrowed down our options: Julia Gabriel, Explorations, or Poveda. I of course prefer progressive teaching method, because I believe that the child should be the center when it comes to teaching and learning.

However, here are also those days when I have considered taking the homeschooling route. Even before I have stopped working, I had this idea where I should just stop working and teach the kid myself. Not because of the money that will be saved (I would never scrimp on my child's education, even if I have to forget bags and travel), but because of what it has to offer, what the principles are behind homeschooling.

I am quite sure that all children are fit to be home schooled. The main question is, if the parent is fit for it? There are days when I say, hell yeah. There are days (more!) though that I feel that I am not up for it, especially lately when it seems that my daughter is too independent and assertive of herself.

The idea of home schooling still appeals to me but really, can I do this? Am I patient enough? Am I open-minded enough? Am I responsible enough? The thought of me finally losing my temper or just plain neglectful scared me, because I would never want to sacrifice my daughter's education over these. However, the fulfillment, bonding, and activities (these can be a workout and a fat burner regime too hahaha) that entails homeschooling are appealing too.

Anyway, I've come across Bo Sanchez' website called Catholic Filipino Academy, which offers accredited homeschooling for children. It is a good read and i am still exploring the site. Hope it will enlighten me on what to do.

An excerpt: 10 Core Principles of Homeschooling.

• Follow Your Child’s Passions
• Follow Your Child’s Learning Style
• Follow your Child’s Learning Pace Per Subject
• Never Use Fear & Punishments As Motivation
• Use Tests And Grades As Tools For Gauging Mastery, not as Tools to Label and Terrorize your Child
• Nurture A Great Love For Reading
• Make Ordinary Life Events As Your Classroom
• Make Work And Service Essential To Your Child’s Education
• Build Your Family Relationship (The Greatest Reward!)
• Personally Share Your Faith and Values With Your Child

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Canyon Woods Vacation Club

Last night we went to the office of Canyon Woods to claim our prize (3 days 2 nights trip to Boracay, Malaysia, Thailand, or Indonesia) after being picked in one of their raffle draws. The catch was for us to just listen to what they had to offer. And did we listen.

You see, there are two things I wish we could have without spending much: travel and a place of our own in Tagaytay. God knows how many times we have scouted for a space in that lovely vacation city, which we could call our own.

Turns out Canyon Woods has what you call the Vacation Club which gives us an opportunity to travel and at the same time avail of accommodation and facilities in any exclusive Canyon Woods place (Canyon Woods, Canyon Cove). AT A MUCH CHEAPER COST. No need to worry about accommodation in other countries. Just your travel fare hehehe. What's more, if we tire of taking holidays, we can choose to convert our share into either a house and lot or a unit in any of their place (just pay for the balance - less the prevailing price of the share).

There's so much more but we signed up on the spot. Talk about impulse purchase right?

Hahaha.

But seriously, we consider this an investment, and the terms of payment are not that taxing. A dent in our savings budget, but I'm sure (and I hope so!) that signing up is well worth it.

If you are interested to know more about it, just PM me.

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Must Not Be Tempted

Meet the Mulberry Alexa Bag. Click HERE for details. Thank goodness it is sold out, else I would have broken one of my New Year's resolutions. Hahahaha.

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Remembering 2009

I was meaning to blog about a short summary of what 2009 was all about, but due to the hectic holiday schedule plus practically all of us three (hubby, Eanna, and I) getting sick made me shelve this.

Anyway, here I am finally having the time to reminisce about 2009. first the negative. I could not really recall much about unfortunate things that happened so though it would seem pessimistic (thinking about negative first rather than positive), I would prefer this arrangement.

I could only think of one unfortunate incident and an overall trend in terms of my family, and the rest, about our country and the world (death of celebrities and national figures, typhoons, massacres, etc.). The unfortunate incident: five days hospitalization of Eanna. I could never forget this because not only was it a tiring experience, but because of the whole thing itself. I would never want my baby daughter getting sick this long, let alone getting confined in the hospital with all the medicines and the IV. The overall trend: Eanna and i taking turns in getting sick. This was really a bummer. I mean, who wants to get sick right?

So enough with that, and on with the blessings.

Enrique passing his licensure exams - two months of exhausting reviews proved to be worth it as my dear husband passed hi management level licensure exams. This meant that he is now a licensed management level officer: Chief Officer, and after months of experience, Master/Captain. We attended his oath taking in Manila Hotel, and in that moment I really felt proud of my husband. Indeed this was a major milestone in his career.

From career woman to stay at home mom - 2009 gave our family an opportunity for me to focus on being a home maker. I considered this a blessing because not all women are given an opportunity to stay at home and care for their children and household (not that all women wanted this scenario), and I was blessed to be given this chance.

Bank approved of housing loan - Paying off our condo in cold cash rather than loaning is much better, right? Hahaha. But we are still blessed that BDO has approved our housing loan, which means our monthly amortization is significantly less than if we get stuck with in-house financing.

No major illnesses - though our year was dotted with fever, cough, cold, flu, we are still blessed with generally good health, and that no major illnesses struck our family.

That's about it, really. These are the major ones though, because if I recount the little blessings we received then this would be a very long post.

Overall, 2009 was a very good year for us, and all of these are possible because of God. We look forward to an even better year this 2010. More blessings, good health, and more love and joy in our family. I wish the same for all of us!

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Julie & Julia, and French Cooking

I was very happy when I got a copy of the movie Julie & Julia, and was even happier when I finished watching it. I was meaning to watch it when it was shown in movie houses last year, but was unable to do so. Staying at home gave me an opportunity, and I was really glad I was able to watch it.

As most of my friends and relatives know, I love cooking. all of my office mates were shocked to know this little bit of information about, and were all the more shocked when I told them I was the one cooking for our meals for dinner - right after I come home from work!

Admittedly, it was not Julia Child who inspired me to cook. It was my innate desire for good food (the French in me???) that led me to cook my own meals. Thank goodness for Food Network and the Asian Food Channel shows, my interest all the more grew. So much so that I also yearned for the best cooking utensils and pots/pans I could afford, and I was also glad I did that. My obsession for enameled cast iron was crazy, and my husband couldn't understand my fascination over very heavy pots and pans when there are cheaper and lighter alternatives.

Regarding cookbooks, I have always wanted to get myself copies of the two volumes of Julia Child's "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" but the prohibitive prices made me think twice.

I bought other books such as Nigella Lawson's "Nigella Express" and though it was a very good book that I'd recommend to everyone, my desire to get hold of Julia Child's books never got away. Probably because it taught French cooking, perhaps? My interest in French food (and everything Provence) actually came from me reading Peter Mayle's "A Year in Provence" (and the two books that followed), and more importantly, his book "French Lessons: Adventures with Knife, Fork and Corkscrew." 

This book I highly recommend.

Anyway, going back. Now that I have a copy of "Mastering the Art of French Cooking," I am inspired to do what Julie Powell did. Not to blog about it, but to try ALL recipes (hopefully the ingredients are all available here). Hmm... That would be quite a feat, and I should also consider the impact on my weight and figure. Hahaha. Exercise and Carnipure perhaps? Hahahha. Anyway, let the French cooking begin!

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Go Green Lunchbox

I am wanting this for my future pre-schooler...

Non-toxic, promotes eco-living, and ultra cute. Love love love the Go Green Lunch Box!

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Sunday Stealing: The Current Obssession Meme

Late answer, but here goes...

Instructions: Answer the Current Obession category and then explain WHY you chose that response. Easy enough? Thanks as always for playing!

Sunday Stealing: The Current Obsessions Meme

Book: Hmm... None lately though I am wanting to buy those eco-living books and I am curious about the book "How Proust can Change Your Life"

Snack: Chocolates. Super weird for me.

Restaurant: Mr. Jones in Greenbelt 5. Hehehe.

Beverage: Water still...

Decor: Modern Scandinavian - simple, clean, but classy.

Actor: Robert Downey Jr.! Can't wait to watch Sherlock Holmes

Actress: Katie Holmes. I want to have my hair cut like hers. Hehehe.

Movie: Sherlock Holmes. I am itching to watch it.

TV show: Glee and The Vampire Diaries. Need I say more?? Hahaha

Hobby: FB games: Cafe World. cause of marital arguments. Nyahahaha!

Band: Hmmm... No obsession for now.

Song: Paparazzi by Lady Gaga. Don't know, I just like it. Oh, and the Empire State of Mind. Love it!!!!

Meme: None...

Blog: Mine? Hahahaha. actually, a lot, which is why I use bloglines.

Lover: My husband, of course. And Orlando Bloom? Hahahhaa.

Friend: Hmm... Tricky. Though lately my friend C and I have been going out frequently. She has been my friend since we were 5.

Quote: None...

Peeve: None...

Sport: None...

Singer: Mike Shinoda! Hahahaha!

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May 28 2010

Friendship. Fun. Fashion.



Can't wait!

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Aligning Budgets: Insurance

The OC in me strikes me again, so now I am in this process of re-aligning our budget with our projected expenses and savings for the year. Ever since I became a SAHM I have been very mindful of our expenses, and so far, I can say that I succeeded in some cases, and in some I didn't. Hehehe.

The expenses that most likely will increase this year are the insurances both for our condo and for our car. Although I am still praying that these will either maintain their levels like last year or even be lower, I should also anticipate an increase. We have no control over the insurance for our condo but maybe for the car we can scout for discount auto insurance packages. This is if our current insurance provider will change the terms of our previous policy, where "Acts of God" is covered. You see it used to be part of the policy and last year they informed me that they will charge 25% more for it to be covered. Talk about them "taking" advantage of the Ondoy incident! Hahahah.

Oh well. We're still within budget but our savings will be lessened a bit.

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Dressing Like Momma

Saw these pictures while erasing files from our camera (to make room for more!)

 

Taken last October 2009.

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A Very Bad Dream

I was with a group of people, and we were in this place I didn't know. we were just walking, then suddenly there was chasing. We hid in this small place, some sort of big cage made of bamboo. Just when we thought we were safe, a group of people with firearms saw us. They opened fired. I was the one most hit, probably around 50 bullets. Then they left. Some of my companions were able to sit and check each other out. But I was gurgling blood and all. All of a sudden we felt the cage move downwards, as if falling a bit. Then there was soil. We were being buried!!!

I then tried to wake up.

I swear I felt those bullets pierce my body. I swear the gurgling felt real.

When the burying scenario started I realized this was a dream and forced myself to wake up. And so I did. Hubby confirmed I was gurgling. I couldn't move my body; I was in the position I was in in my dream.


A case of bangungot??? I was thinking, maybe if I didn't wake up by the time we were thoroughly buried, maybe I would have really died. I used to have those dreams of me being knifed or shot in the head but I was always alive there. This dream was different, as I felt the life slowly drain out of me.

Or is this another case of me "seeing" another bad incident in the future? I dreamed about my youngest sister (twin of my youngest brother) dead (she was in a match box). I dreamed about me spending the day at the beach then suddenly a really big tsunami hit us (a month before the big Tsunami hit Asia).

Hmm. I don't like having these kinds of dreams, especially now when I regularly and suddenly wake up at 3 am in the morning, and couldn't sleep afterward.

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My Two E's are in School

Today my little girl went to her first day in school in Julia Gabriel. Actually, it's her first school day of the year. She was very very excited that at 9 am she was pulling me and was telling me "school, school!!!"Her classes start at 11. Hahaha. The whole two hours went well, and I was very happy that Eanna was more "composed" and stayed put. She used to dance around and all. Her voice was still soft though, when she was asked something.

My other E, the husband, also went to "school". He's attending trainings to get his management level certificate of competency. His training will last for 10 days. After that, another week of training for Medical Care, then another two weeks for additional company trainings.  He's ok so far with his trainings, and told me that his instructor used to work for my previous company (managed IT services). I couldn't recall though who he was, hehehe.

I'm left alone of course, or rather Eanna and I will be left alone in those days. More time to FB and bond perhaps? hahaha.

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Swatch-ed

when we got married, hubby and I promised that we would have matching Omega Seamaster watches someday soon.

Fast forward to today, recession hit, I quit my job, and we are trying to live more simply. So we got these for us instead...

Hubby: retrograde chronograph

 

Me: Full Blooded Unisex (aka Donna)

We are so happy with our watches! Hehehe. As for the Omega Seamaster, someday soon...

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Pursuing Further Studies

My interest in taking up an Interior Design waned a bit upon learning about the tuition fees per year (for two years), but I still want to pursue further studies, be it in the arts or in management (in case I decide to work again). For management, I have considered taking an online mba. Unfortunately this is limited here in the Philippines, and I have yet to come across an online university here.

While browsing the net, however, I came across an interesting university that offers MBA online - Western Governors University (WGU). They offer online MBA programs for Business Management, Information Technology Management, and Health Care Management. WGU is regionally and nationally accredited too. The only programs are also competency-based, not credit hour based, which means that the student can complete as much as they can, thus having the opportunity to complete the degree much faster. This further means that tuition fees are generally lower - flat rate of 6 months rather rates per credit. Being a non-profit organization is a factor in keeping tuition rates low, without sacrificing the quality of education received by the students. A mentor is assigned to each student to support him along the way - a process that is flexible because of the university's competency-based model. 

For more information, you can click here: WGU Website or visit their Fact Sheet too.

Now how I wish there are online universities here in the Philippines!

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Can I Have This Please?

Samsonite luggage - Cosmolite Spinner

I miss traveling so much. Now that I do not have a job, traveling might even be more limited, but hubby and I have promised that we will save so that we can go abroad at least once a year in Asian countries, or once every two years if in Europe or US. We have some lead time though in saving, because we want that Eanna will be with us when traveling, and we believe Eanna is too young to travel abroad. Maybe in two years' time? HK Disney, NY-Washingtone DC, Greece, France... these are among my wish list destinations. I'm still convincing the husband that we save for a cruise too. Hahahaha.

Anyway, I do not have my own luggage and hubby says he has big luggage so there's no need for me to get myself one. But, but, but... I want one for myself! Hahaha.

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The Samsung Family

Yup, that's what our family is! We've been fans of Samsung, from mobile phones to LCD TVs to home appliances. And I guess we have "influenced" a bit other relatives because they bought their very own Samsung phones (the famous and affordable Samsung Star Wifi) during the holidays. Hahahaha!

Anyway, I am salivating over the LED TV, which has a sleeker design than what we have now, plus I think it is more energy-efficient. The cost however is too much, so I guess this "gadget" is just part of my wish list.

However, I'm still a Panasonic girl when it comes to refrigerators. Yeah, I previously blogged about it. if however there will be an opportunity for us to have the side by side door (in other words, bigger home hahaha), then a Samsung ref we shall have. Hahahah!

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