A Day To Rememebr

30 September 2009.

This day marks the beginning of the "end" of my corporate life. I am finally embracing the call of being a stay-at-home Mom. it has been months of thinking, deciding, planning, everything, and it has been a roller-coaster ride for me.

Honestly, the excitement is not yet very evident, because being jittery, being nervous, and being tense are the main emotions I am feeling right now. Hey, I've been working for a decade now, and I am having a slightly hard time of accepting my new "role." I just hope that being excited about this new chapter in my life will kick in real soon.

And of course, I am praying hard that we have made the right decision here. I know that my "material" goals will not be met in the near future, but it doesn't matter now. What matters to me is that I fulfill being a parent and being a wife. But most importantly, I know this is the time when i will fully discover myself, what I really want, who I really am, and what is life to me.

Ok, now I am getting excited.

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Take Simple Steps to Live Green

From Conservation.Org

Green living is not only about people. It is also about plants, animals, and the places they live. Green living means thinking about climate change and energy use, as well as about biological diversity and the well-being of those who draw their livelihoods from nature.

We know this takes effort. Here is a useful list of simple steps you can take to begin thinking greener, acting greener, and living greener.

1. Be Informed
The first step toward being a responsible green citizen is knowing the issues and taking time to think about them.

2. Travel Sustainably
Next time you go on vacation or need to take a business trip, consider ways you can cut down on carbon emissions.

3. Be a Green Consumer
It is becoming easier and easier to know what effects the things you buy have on the environment.

4. Eat Green
Environmentally friendly eating habits are easy and healthy.

5. Explore Biodiversity
The diversity of nature is everywhere. So why not roll up your sleeves and see what’s been living right outside your door?

6. Enhance Your Local Biodiversity
Contributing to diversity in your own neighborhood can go a long way toward feeling good every day.

7. Minimize Your Carbon Footprint
By reducing the energy and fossil fuels you use, you are saving the environment from further damage.

8. Offset Your Carbon
After you have done everything you can to minimize your carbon footprint then you can think about how to offset what residual impacts remains. 

9. Influence Your Friends, Family, and Community
A green You is a great role model for your friends, family, and colleagues. 

10. Support CI
By supporting CI you are maximizing your efforts by joining larger team. 

11. Be a Conservation Advocate
Do a little or do a lot, but raise your voice today.

 

What You Can Do At Home 

In this section are 10 more things you can do as an individual or along with family members to shrink your ecological footprint while retaining your quality of life, thereby making the future of our planet much brighter.

• Drive less
  Walk, bike, and ride-share more.
• Eat Greener
  Eat lower on the food chain – it's good for the planet.
• Energy Efficiency
  Make your home energy and water efficient.
• Think Beyond Grass
  Let your lawn go natural for wildlife.
• Perfect Paper
  Save trees by reducing your junk mail and using paper with 100% post-consumer waste content.
• Recycle Electronics
  Recycle all computer diskettes, CD discs, videos and batteries, and shift to using less hazardous, rechargeable Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries.
• Reuse Whenever Possible
  Drink more water, and use reusable mugs and dining-ware.
• Recycle Everything Else
  Recycle your aluminum, glass, and plastic products, as well as newspapers and mixed paper.
• Contribute
  Make a contribution to conservation by supporting local, national, and international environmental non-profits.
• Get Involved Locally
  Take conservation actions in your own community.

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Index Cutting Boards

I wish I have this!!!

From TheFindBlog.

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Saturday 9: I Call Your Name

No internet yesterday, so I'm now posting my answers today, Sunday.

1. If you could have named yourself, which name would you have chosen, and why?

• I like my name, but if ever I also like Alessandra (after my Dad's name) or Erin (Ireland).
  

2. If you could relive a year in your life, what age would it be, and why?

• Probably in 2004-2005 when I traveled a lot because of work. I loved my work those times!
  

3. If you could go back and change one friendship in your past, who would it have been, and why?

• Friendship with my high school barkada. We're not exactly friends now, and I don't know what happened. But it would've been nice if we remained friends.
  

4. If you could have dated one person in your past that you did not date, who would it be, and why?

• Wow... what a revealing question. There is one, and I won't tell. But most likely it wouldn't have worked out. Glad we're just friends.
  

 5.If you could say one thing/idea/sentiment to someone in your past, what would it be, and why?

• My Mom I guess. But this is gonna be one heck of a post if I say why.
  

6. If you had the opportunity to live in another country, which one would it be, and why? If you choose NOT to live in another country, why do you want to stay in your current country?

• Somewhere in Europe, probably in France (Provence) or Ireland. I've always been curious living in the fields of lavender (ergo my website's name) and rolling hills of the Emerald Isle.
  

7. If you could choose your dream job, what would it be, and why?

• I have always loved fashion, so maybe something in that field. Styling, reviewing, writing, or even designing.
  

8. If you could wish a wish and it be guaranteed to come true (other than riches) what would it be, and why?

• People to finally realize that we should all help each other achieve peace and together help saving Mother Earth.
  

9. If you could meet two blogger friends (you may choose more, if you wish) who would they be?

• Vannie, because like what she said, we have sooo many things in common (Name, birthday, interests)
• Karlalex... always planning to meet, never pushes through though. Hahahah.
• Most I have met but I want to meet them again! Lil, Liv, JenB, all!!!!
  

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Help for Typhoon Ondoy Victims

We also got stranded yetserday, but thank goodness we were able to go home safely.

Now let us join and help the people who have suffered more than us.

• Please donate! Mobile donation for flood victims! Text RED amount to 2899 (Globe) or 4483 (SMART). can send P10, P25, P50 or P100
• Check out THIS SPREADSHEET containing the list of places where to donate.
• Red Cross needs volunteers for sorting, relief packaging, please call Pasay Chapter 8542748 n 4343751; Las Pinas Chapter 8734873 n 4689688; Pasig Chapter 6350922; Alabang Chapter 8093132 n NHQ Manila 5245787 n 5270864, Caritas Mnl 5639298; DSWD 9318101. Pls donate Relief goods like can goods, rice, noodles, bottled waters, diapers, blankets, mats, decent clothes,toiletries, Cooking burners, pots, eating utensils for the evacuation center. Please don't donate gowns, costumes, used underwear n swimwears. All catering owners, evacuation centers, needs big cooking pots, burners n gas. All water stations and portalets suppliers.
• Ondoy Updates and Advisories from ABS CBN 
• Ways to Donate via Red Cross
• Donate Via Paypal
  

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Nestea

There. I finally had the courage to say it.

With the relief I felt, came sadness and the ever-present feeling of uncertainty whenever I think of this big leap.

He said he understands.

He said it was the right and a good decision.

I surely hope so.

In a month, hello to a new beginning.

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Friday Fill-Ins #143

Graphic courtesy of Tonya!

And...here we go!

1. One week ago _____.

• I was in the hospital taking care of my sick baby
  

2. ___________ when I was young.

• I wanted to be a nun
  

3. Mama told me ___________.

• that education is very very important
  

4. ___________ you and me.

• Let us move towards peace, together
  

5. Take your time ___________.

• to pray
  

6. ___________ will pass!

• This too
  

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _____, tomorrow my plans include _____ and Sunday, I want to _____!

• watching the finale of Tayong Dalawa
• medical check-up of little Eanna
• go shopping!!!
  

Join us HERE.

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I Dreamed of Purgatory

Strange, but I dreamed of Purgatory last night. And it was a strange purgatory. Anyway, this was my dream:

We were in this "open" elevator, we meaning my family and my sister. My sister was the last one who left before me, and I felt it weird that all of them dropped off in the same floor, while I went up. So I thought I was in a nice place because when I stepped out of the elevator, everything was nice and all. Then suddenly everything went black and red. I thought I was in hell that time! There were so many people, the scene actually looked more like a bar. Everyone was enjoying themselves, but I felt very out of place. I didn't like staying there, and I was uncomfortable. There was a band playing, not anti-God songs but just very different, I don't recall. People were partying, merry-making and all. I was crying because all I wanted to do was sing praises to God. I was praying out loud, asking for forgiveness, because all I wanted to do was sing for God. I was almost in despair then suddenly everything disappeared and went back to the original scenery when I first stepped out of the "elevator."

That I believe was heaven. I felt comfortable with the atmosphere, the scenery, people singing praises to God. I felt peace and love. if that is how it would feel to be in heaven, then I would try to be a good person in order to be in heaven.

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Lather Up, Laugh It Up, And Have A Colorful Day!

Welcome to the September 24th version of Thursday Thunks!

This week we will answer some crazy questions brought to you by Kimber, the number 1172007 and the color of the walls in an asylum.

1. Does soap or shampoo have to really lather up for you to feel that it cleaned thoroughly?
Yup! For some reason it became a sign for me that everything's cleaned thoroughly.

2. Do you have a long standing joke with someone that you still laugh about every time you talk to that person?

So many that I forgot one, hahahaha! With my sister though, it's more on a particular scene of the movie "The Mummy" where Brendan Fraser throws a chair at Bennie. Hahahahaha!

3. Share something that happened to you this past week that was unusual.

Well, my daughter got sick so we stayed in the hospital for 5 days. Hope this case is an "unuausl" one!

4. If you dropped a purple crayon and a green crayon off a roof, which would melt faster in the sun?

Eh??? What a question hahaha...

5. You are standing in line (grocery store, bank, etc.), and someone gets in line behind you that stinks. The stink is so bad that people in line in front of you turn around and look to see if you are the one causing the stink. Do you cover your nose, hold your breath, breathe through your mouth or just get out of line altogether?

I would probably cover my nose. If someone gives me the eye that it's me who's stinking... I would use my eyes to point towards the "culprit" but not enough for the "culprit" to know. Hahahaha.

6. If you dropped your cell phone in the toilet, would you fish it out? If so, how much soap would you use to wash your hands afterwards?

yeah i'd probably fish it out. Then soak my hands in water and soap for a looooong time, and then splash on alcohol, hand sanitizer, everything. Hahaha.

7. Sydney Australia dust storm (clicky). How long do you think it would take you to clean your house after that sort of dust storm?

Wow that's too much dust. Since we live in a condo and it's just small... maybe 2-3 days?

8. Do you think you can dance?

YES! I really do! Hahaha!
 

9. You are out to eat and someone across the room is staring at you. Do you get paranoid, try to ignore them, or go find out why they are staring at you?

Well, one can be bitchy and ask "Are you semi-blind you have to stare to see me, why don't you just have lasik surgery Mexico" or something like that, BUT... I just ignore. No point doing anything else.

10. Come up with a crazy, wacky Thursday Thunk question.
Hmmm...  For those who work. I know, end of work-week is Friday, and people sometimes take it slow and easy. But... honestly... When do you feel the laziness kicking in?

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"Thin Arms"

I don't know how my sister was able to do it using my conking out phone, but she was able to take a picture of me with... thin arms!!!

Having big arms is one frustration that I have when it comes to my physique, because though I have a slim figure, my arms are probably bigger than my legs. Hahaha.

No amount of fat burners or lifting of weights reduced my arms' circumference (which BFF told me the ideal size is 9 inches!), but I am still not losing hope. If all else fails... hello Belo! (Or Calayan or Mikaela, hahaha)

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Soft Spot in My Heart

I came across a former colleague via Facebook, and it would have been any normal conversation with her, up until she said "I miss you!" It was a simple sentence, all too often tossed to people even without meaning it. But then, it meant something, because I missed her too. And not only the person, but also because of what we had in common... our previous company.

It brought back all the good times I had working with them, working for the company I have always thought that I would end up growing old with. It was the company who had given me an opportunity to shine (imagine presenting in front of the board, in front of the owner!) and move up. I thought this was it.

Alas, it was not to be. As most of the good things, it had to end. Sometimes (like now) I look back and ask what happened, and I no longer want to think of a reason (though I know, but don't want to think about it, because I still believe in the good of people). But in just a snap, I was gone. Maybe some people are just too clouded with thoughts and fears that they fail to see other people's capabilities. Or probably they knew, but of course, fear and another feeling (let's not!) triumphed. Hahahaha.

Maybe even after 4 years of being away, my old company still has a soft spot in my heart. A position wherein I remember it lovingly, but end up thinking about it with hurt and sadness.

Or maybe, what they say is right. Do not love the company you work for, because you may never know when it will no longer love you back.

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That's My Answer: Merchandise

If you could open your own retail store, what type of merchandise would you sell?

Hmm... I've been thinking of various business opportunities, and one of these is to sell merchandise, whether in a real shop or online. Lots of ideas came up when my friend J and I brainstormed, ranging from making and selling candles to useful items (such as Kettlebells) not yet sold in the Philippines. However, we narrowed down to three options... baby products, children's products (both are eco-friendly items), or fashion stuff (hello clothes, shoes, bags, accessories!). We are more inclined to offer selling baby and children's eco-friendly products (lunch boxes!) though. We'll see!


Join us HERE!

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Purple Mania: Getting There

I got two pairs of new plum throw pillows, and I am really bent in achieving this look.



Maybe I should save this picture in my phone to remind me of the important details and accessories to achieve this look...

Anyway, here are my new pillows:



Not as luscious as the plush velvet pillows in the inspiration picture, but at least I'm getting there.

Big gulp here is the re-upholstery of our sofa to a similar light chocolate brown. Save save save. Hahahaha.

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I Dreamed of the US

And it was a lovely dream, indeed! So now I am fixated about saving in order for us three, Enrique, Eanna, and I, to go to the US. I was thinking of Canada then NY, but then, I also want to go to Disneyland. I guess I should save more and follow a really tight budget for us to have a California side-trip as well. And since we have relatives in all three places, we don't have to look for places to stay. As for Disneyland, thank goodness my relatives in California live "near" Disneyland, so no need to check out hotels near Disneyland. Hehehe.

This plan however would not come into fruition in the near future though. We already have a Boracay trip early next year, so I guess hubby will be strict in terms of a second travel next year. We'll see. Hahaha

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Dotted Face

Thanks to sleepless nights at the hospital, some "pimplets" dot my face right now, especially in the forehead area. And thanks too to my sister for pointing it out. "Your skin isn't that great lately." Talk about brutal honesty. Hahahaha. It's ok though, because the dots are minor enough that I can just wait for them to completely go away. No need to get an acne treatment and all.

Belo's Meso Eye however is appealing, to address the dark circles around my eyes. That's another topic though. Hehehehe.

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Manic Monday #182

Would you be willing to have horrible nightmares every night for a year if you would be rewarded with extraordinary wealth?

• No thanks!
  

What was the most recent movie that made you cry?

• I have completely forgotten, lately I have watched comedy films. Yet, in those films, there is always a point where I cry. I cry about the littlest of things. Hahahaha.
  

Would you rather be stranded on an island alone or with someone you hate?

• I'd rather be with someone I "Hate" because over time I guess we'd strike a compromise. Hehehehe.
  

Join us HERE.

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5 Days in The Hospital

Staying in the hospital because Eanna is sick is no joke. But will blog about it later on, since I'm just using my phone right now. Anyway, Eanna is doing well already after being very sick the past few days. Here are pics when she was on sick mode.







And here she is today, hearing Mass with an arm raised while singing The Lord's Prayer.



Other signs she's recovering? Well she's putting on imaginary makeup on her face and lips, and putting on imaginary lotion on her and me. In short, back to her kikay self. Ha ha ha. Gotta love this little lady. Ha ha ha.

This afternoon her IV will be taken out. Hopefully we go home tomorrow. Thank goodness. And thank you to all who prayed for her recovery. Bless you all!

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The Nth This Year

This is my nth time to be sick this year. But it is much worse this time, because poor little bebe is sick too. I can tell she really feels discomfort because she is not her usual lively self. Now I miss her singing, dancing, prancing, calling out for me. Now, she's just mostly sleeping.

Earlier this day I was able to take care of her and carry and comfort her. Now however, my cold is worsening, and now I cannot even soothe my sick baby. I can only look at her lovingly from afar, for fear that she will feel even worse if she catches my "virus" too.

For now, she is still sleeping, and I just keep on praying she'll get well really soon. It's ok if I get sick, but not her. I want her to be alright always.

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TQM 1:Tick-Tock Theme

My first to do The Queen's Meme...


1. Are you a Rolex watch, a Mickey Mouse watch, or a pocket watch?

• Probably a Rolex watch!

2. Can you think of a time when you couldn't see the forest for the trees?

• How deep naman! I don't recall but yeah, there were those moments. At work at least.
  

3. Can you think of a time when you were on the outside looking in? What did you see?

• Yes, sometimes at night, when i reflect on myself, my life, the purpose of living, etc etc.
  

4. Go back in time. Maybe a long time ago, maybe today. Pick an hour you'd like to freeze frame forever and tell us why. It doesn't have to be THE most important hour of your life, but make it a good one.

• Too many to mention! But it's definitely the time(s) when I go home, get out of the elevator, and see my baby girl. She sees me, and she runs towards me, shouting "Mama" then hugs and kisses me.
  

5. If you were a cuckoo clock, what would others say about you?

• I'm "Makulit" hahahaha
  

6. Can you think of a time when time stood still?

• First glimpse of Eanna when I gave birth to her.
  

7. Watch this! You are a stopwatch. What would you stop?

• Always the time when hubby leaves for work.

8. Imagine you were just born and have infinite wisdom. After the doctor smacks your newborn dust ruffle you look around and say to the Universe: "Give me a whole lifetime to do "this" and I will bless the day I was born." What did you choose?

• Super deep questions! TO LOVE and TO TRAVEL.
  

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TMA: Splurging On Food

Today's Meme from That's My Answer!: Splurging On Food

Which foods are you willing to splurge on no matter how bad the economy gets?

• Surf n' turf... Lobsters and S-T-E-A-K!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  

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Start of Manic Mondays Meme

Today I start answering those weekly memes... Here's Manic Monday #181


What's one new thing you tried this summer than you've never done before?

• Hmmm. tough question. More on what I didn't do this summer that I usually do... which is go to the beach!
  

What is the one thing you miss the most about summer when it is over?

• Daring to bare!
  

If you could eliminate one source of anger in your life right now, what would it be?

• Work? Hahahaha!
  

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One Fine Day

I had a really mean cold yesterday, and it carried over today. I had a different way of nursing my cold though...

We went to Bonifacio High Street to stroll and window shop. It was a fine weather, and I was really thankful for that! Eanna enjoyed petting the dogs of people strolling, and she also enjoyed walking around and all.

The breeze helped in putting her to sleep! Though at first I was shocked about her brattiness -- imagine she forced me out of a seat in order for her to sit, noh!, she was very sweet and only wanted me to carry her and put her to sleep...



Earlier, I enjoyed the moment with one sinful dessert (my lunch!)... Krispy Kreme's Chocolate Kreme Cake with Oreo, with a small cup of Cafe Mocha...


I love this day. I just wish the husband was here with us. Oh well. Us leaving the place was perfect timing... as soon as we entered our car, raindrops fell...

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Jeans Is Now Legal!

Yipee!

Wearing jeans is now legal in the office. At least every Friday. I love it! We love it! Thanks Boss!

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Shades of Plum or Turquoise

Now I am so torn again. Just when I thought I would go for shades of violet and plum (see previous blog entry), here I go again seeing a lovely design idea involving black, white, and turquoise...




Image from House of Turquoise.

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She Picked Her Birthday Gifts

Sweet little Eanna picked her birthday gifts yesterday.





Now Mama is once again broke. Hahahaha. But seeing her happy with her gifts, priceless.


HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY LITTLE BABY GIRL!

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Eanna's Birthday Party (Part 1)

Eanna celebrated her first birthday party yesterday, together with my in-laws. Just a quick party though. Besides, I wasn't feeling that well.

With cousin Aden

Me and my Bebe

Big chocolate cake!

Next party will be her "main" birthday party, which is tomorrow, her birth date. Eanna invited ten of her closest friends here in our condo. Just a simple celebration here inside our condo.

Third party will be next weekend, this time with my family.

Same arrangement as last year, actually.

Dunno if hubby would want a joint party when he's home this October.

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Broke, but Happy

I'm broke, but happy.

I remember a guy told me this a long time ago, describing his state. Now I can say that too.

Ok, promise. No purchases for this year. Nothing above 2k. Hahahah. If I can do that low-carb thing, I can do this too.

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If I Were In LA

I would go to The Glorious Excess Dies Show by Mike Shinoda.

***love the LV sign hahaha***


Thank goodness he posted pictures of his artwork in his website. Check it out!

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Facebook Games

Facebook was my downfall, when it came to my rule that we will not have internet at home.

It's the fault of my officemates, plus my Boss, who introduced me to the world of FB games. Hahahah. Excuses excuses. I used to just play Pet Society, but now I am maintaining "only" four games... Farmville, Pet Society, Restaurant City, and recently YoVille. I pretty much went up the ranks quite quickly (proud ba? hahaha).

Farmville however is my favorite. I can't wait till I purchase the 1M worth villa. Now if only those coins, that land, can be translated into real life? Heheheh. Anyway, thank goodness they now have new truck accessories or shall I say vehicles that help players in their farming. Love love love this game.

And if you happen to play it too, add me as your neighbor! Hahaha!

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Hermione All Grown Up

Vogue Russia

Beautiful!!!!!

More pics in Everything Fabulous. Must look!

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HDTV Anyone?

I'm a bit disappointed with our cable network. I wanted to watch the UAAP games on High Definition, but when I go to the supposed Channel, NADA... There's none. Why am i disappointed? because I think you have to contact them and do something, but I guess I'm too lazy to do so. Oh well.

HD TV is still limited now here but I am so looking forward to it. Gotta make full sue of our TV, right? I wish we had HD services like bell tv in Canada. I haven't experienced watching regular TV shows on HD, but my Dad was able to, and he said the UAAP games on HDTV made it seem like you can just tap the guy on the screen. Hahaha.

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Change in Design?

I am getting over my blog design. But I'm too lazy to look for a new one, let alone fix my sidebars and all.

We'll see.

EDIT:

This is the reason why I dislike changing themes. Now I don't know how to customize the look of the content. Argh. Plus, I lost some valuable codes and all. Oh well.

Guys, please send me your blog addresses so i can add them to my links list.

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It Is Really A Sign

And I am no longer happy.

Whiner, quitter, deserter, call me whatever.

But still.

Whatever.

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Stressful work!

It was a very stressful Tuesday yesterday. Gash, I almost had a heart attack. Plus an asthma attack. Hahaha.

Oh well, just a little bit more and maybe I can relax. I told this to dear hubby, and my usual "maybe I should just stay until October only."

His reply? "That's good, tell your Boss so they can prepare already." Ngik. But I half-expected that. Funny, I also thought that he should say "Well, it's a long day honey and you're just feeling that because you were stressed." Hahaha.

of course he had to assert his stand by having a follow-up email, with subject "We'll always be together now!" Ngik. Hahahahaha.

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