My Weekend Recap

The weekend just came and went. Just like that. And I am not happy about it. Though I was able to *rest* and not go out today because the red flag is up. *sigh* However, the H and I were able to on a *date* - shopped for groceries and went to the market yesterday. Oh, and a lunch date before that. It was a relatively peaceful weekend, with just a little tampuhan with the H. We were able to patch things up quickly naman. No drama queen here for now. Hehe.

On the other hand, the girl enjoyed some privileges this weekend - extended TV-viewing hours and unexpected time online - playing Dora games and the likes. She loved us for that. Haha! I guess that tonight is one of her latest sleeping hour - she and her Dad watched Kung Fu Panda. And before that, they watched the PBA drafting on TV. Yeah, she also shares her Dad's love for basketball. She asked so many questions about the game and the drafting. Hehe.

And I what was I doing while they were bonding? I tried scrapping a page. But I did not like it, so I just closed the window and poof - it's gone! Haha! I am still overwhelmed with so much stuff. Bleh!

So there goes my weekend! A new week and month is ahead of me. I am so anticipating what they are about to bring.

You all have a great new week/ month!

Read more...

Diane's Birthday Contest

Another pretty friend is celebrating her birthday and it's today! (Yeah, all of my friends are pretty. ;)) Happy, happy birthday, D and my birthday wish for you (and Jun of course) is another baby. Hehe.

And this girl, instead of asking for gifts, is actually giving out some neat prizes! Check out her blogs to know more about her.

A Handful of Surprises

My Paper Scraps

I Am a Nikon Girl

Digitally Diane

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

And about her contest? Go and read this. It is so easy, I tell yah. :)

Read more...

Chikai's Birthday Contest

Someone is celebrating her birthday and will be giving a total of $26! Give it up for Chikai! Read about the mechanics here and find out more about the birthday girl in her blogs:

BLOGSILOG
Cherry’s Comfort Zone
Thinking Out Loud
DigiScrapz: Captured Memories
Buzzy Me
Wishing and Hoping
Fab Finds, Etc.

Happy birthday, Chikai! You know that we love you and we pray for a baby for you and hubby. :)

Read more...

Why???

Why can't kids (well technically, they are already adults!) just think about studying, having clean fun and think of their future? Why oh why should they be engaging themselves in gang wars and mauling and brawling? Why???

Two days ago, I was able to go home at around 7.30 PM and to think it's the day when the H arrived home from a week's trip! We spent around an hour at the Police Station and about 1 hour and a half at a local hospital. We accompanied four boys, errr, men, who were victims of mauling by a gang. It was horrible and dealing with such cases is my most hated part of my job. I went home tired and drained. And I thank the good Lord for giving me a caring and loving husband who understood my silence and allowed me to just rest that night. He took care of the little one's needs while I dozed off to la-la land.

This experience made me realize that as academicians, we should also pray for our students. Like their parents, we don't have control over their fate. But we must do everything in our power to make them better persons and to help them bring themselves and their families into a better future.

Read more...

Thank You!

Just a quick post to say THANK YOU to those who came and left comments on this post. It means a lot to me. You all made my day! Please keep on being with us in prayers.

TTFN and you all have a great Wednesday!

Read more...

An Appeal

Photo by WolfcatStock

Early tonight we joined thousand of Mindanaons as we lighted candles and said a special prayer for peace in Mindanao. Fear is the common feeling that most of us feel right now. Just last Friday, a lady OB-Gyn was abducted by some unidentified men. Fortunately, she was rescued and a suspect was killed during the operation. Today, a fighter plane hovered thrice and we all know where it was heading.

We're all the news - TV, broadsheet and even the Internet! It is our hope that the RP government and the MILF will find solution to the crisis being faced by Mindanao. Many lives are being sacrificed. GMA's 24 Oras reported the amount that the government has to shell-out to support a war like this. It is way too expensive and if you ask me, the huge amount can be more beneficial to all of us if it is used for school buildings, books, livelihood programs and others. I believe that if people are living lives which are better than what they have now, they won't be going up the mountains and fight. We would see them tending to their farms instead of training for warm or the young ones will have pencils on their hands instead of guns. An colleague's husband has been a frontliner since the war errupted and he shared that it was more difficult for them to fire and fight back because their *enemies* are so young that their long firearms are taller than them. The war will not end even if the government swipes every single MILF fighter in this war. We must remember that they are also people and that they have families. They have children. And these children will remember what happened to their parents and their parents' parents. And the cycle continues.

Have you seen the evacuees? They number to thousands these days! And they are not concentrated on one area as we all know that several attacks occurred in several places like Aleosan, Pikit, Lanao del Norte, Maguindanao and others. We even passed by some of them upon coming home from Davao City last weekend. One idle warehouse here in Cotabato City now houses relief items and vehicles with Red Cross markings.

Two nights ago, I was awakened by a call from my husband who was on a business trip. He was asking if we heard some explosions. I later learned that an officemate texted my mother and she then asked me (thru SMS) if we heard it. I was horrified at the thought that we might experience what other victims and refugees shared. I was not afraid for myself. I was afraid for my kid. She is just a kid! So I said a prayer and life went on. The following day, I was informed that a school was having a celebration and what *exploded* were actually fire crackers. An former officemate also told me that that same night, she was sending me an SMS with a warning that the rebels will attack the city soon. However, the message did not go through and I thank God because it would have make me more worried than I was.

For a friend, peace for her now is just an ideal and it is not anymore possible. On the other hand, I believe that it is going to take time - just like civilizations. We may not see the result of our efforts now, but let us not stop working towards the achievement of the elusive peace - for our children and the future generation.

So before you sleep tonight, please say a prayer for us, for the government and the MILF, for the soldiers and their families, for the young fighters, for the refugees, for the people who are responding to the needs of the refugees, for all who work and die for peace. You are lucky if you can sleep peacefully tonight, without fear of being trapped in the middle of war. Many families here now have their bags packed, just in case things get worse. So you are lucky if you don't have to worry about leaving the house because your life and family is in danger. But I pray that this will not make you indifferent about what happens in a far away place called Mindanao. I am not asking you something grand like coming and volunteering. All I am asking you now is for you to join us in PRAYING FOR PEACE IN MINDANAO. Please.

Read more...

Can You Please Pray for Us?

So it was not a virus, but an ISP problem! Thank you, Lord, it is over! Prayer indeed works! It seems that the SmartBro guys and gals finally fixed it without me calling them. Hehe. I also learned that it's just an ISP problem from the girls who are also experiencing the same problem. Thanks to their chatter on Twitter. LOL!

Anyway, that concern made me *hide* a little bit. Plus the fact that I am beating a deadline at work. I even brought some paper works (so unlikely of me at my old office) which needs to be signed tomorrow and sent on Saturday so wish me luck!

Peace and order situation here in Mindanao is getting worse and honestly, I don't know where these are all going. Just tonight, I was awaken by a call asking me if I heard some explosions nearby. I would have if there were any. Then I finally could not sleep and was so worried about what will happen if the thing happened to Lanao del Norte happened here. I was terrified at the thought! So please, please, keep us in your prayers. And pray with us for the enlightenment of leaders of both the RP government and the MILF.

Seeing the evacuees and hearing their stories from the national news is heart-wrenching. You can just imagine their fears and frustrations as they leave home without knowing when they will be coming back or if they will be ever coming back or if they will still have their homes to come home too. So please, include them in your prayers too.

P.S.
Tags and links exchange will be attended to *soon*. :D

Read more...

About

Read more...

Back!

Yep, I am sooo back! We safely arrived last Saturday from a 3-day annual spiritual retreat in Davao City and an overnight stay in Paradise Island in Samal. But I was not able to join the group in their overnight stay in the beach resort because I had to accompany our HRM officer and a clinical instructor in attending to a colleague who had to be hospitalized. But I had a grand time just the same because I was able to have dinner with the H! Yey! He was there for a training and I am so glad to just be with him for some hours in Davao. We also visited the People's Park. It was a lovely place but I was tired and hungry when we got there so I was not able to really enjoy the visit. The photos I took were not as decent as I wanted either. But I hope to visit it again with the little girl for I am sure she will love it there.

But let me tell you that I had a grand retreat with my group. It was the same group that I was with last year. Read my old post here. However, we missed our point person, Ma'am Alma, who retired just this year. (Extreme right in the group photo of that old post.) But she was sooo thoughtful that she got our mobile numbers and sent us a loving message.

This year, we had my good friend and newly-ordained OMI priest, Fr. Rodel F. Lopez, OMI, as our retreat master. We knew each other since our college days and he also worked with us for about two years. I am very much grateful for his sharings. They are all enlightening and inspiring. He is one person that I can say who is oozing with holiness. :) And we are so lucky and blessed to have him as our retreat master. He is a techie and brought with him his super small and compact laptop which I envy, along with his drawing tablet and a superior EHD. Hehe.

Anyways, yeah, I am back. And I am dealing with a computer problem. See, Firefox and IE are selective on the websites and links that they open. I am now scanning my system with Nod32 and Spybot and I hope that these will fix whatever the problem is. Last week or so, the H used a USB from his infected laptop. Aargh... The balance of my life is now not balance. Hehe. I am keeping my cool though and when things get worse, I will definitely contact Fr. Rodel. Last year, he was able to clean my laptop from a very stubborn virus. Most of the technicians I talked with told me that the only solution was to reformat my laptop. I was prepared for it, backed-up my files and all. But then, the Reverend Father (who was a Brother back then) was able to eliminate it without reformatting. This time, I am again praying for this laptop. It is an extension of my life! And I know that you know how I feel right now.

I am looking forward to another busy work week. We will be accepting and screening applications for the Ayala Young Leaders Congress 2009. I am hoping and praying that a handful of our applications will make it. Wish them luck!

And you all have a lovely week!

Read more...

Leaving on a Bus. Or a Van...

...in about 6-7 hours and I have not packed my stuff yet! Aaargh!

But I will catch you all on the weekend once I get back. Try not to have so much fun while I am away, OK? :)

Ta-ta for now!

Read more...

Rubber Stamps Rock!

I recently transferred office and one of the things I did upon having my own workspace was to purchase new office supplies. I love shopping for school and office supplies! A visit to my favorite office and school supplies shops is always a treat even though I don't get to buy everything that I see there. One of the students who recently visited me at the office was amazed at the number, sizes and colors of my sticky note pads. I told you I am a hoarder!

Rubber stamps are just some of my favorite office supplies as they made my life easier. Daters like this one are totally useful to me when I was assigned as an enrollment officer and as I schedule students for their admission tests. My first dater was a small one and it was a gift from Wes, thus I have been keeping it. I bought a bigger one which I eventually left to my successor at the my old office when I transferred. It was also during my time there when we purchased an automatic numbering machine which made numbering test materials and test permits easier.

At my current office, we are still waiting for the custom rubber stamps that we requested for the boss. It is going to be useful as he needs to write his name and affix his signature in many of the official forms being used by our students. Writing your name over and over again is a daunting tasks, thus, using a rubber stamp is a wise idea.

Read more...

Most Maingay

If that is an award, no, I would not take it. No thanks!

But I was branded as one by the smart little girl in the house. Because I always get angry so I always go blah-blah-blah, she says. And I asked her why do I get angry most of the time. She said it's because she is stubborn. And? So is her Dad daw. Haha!

However, I am not the original Most Maingay. It was her maternal grandma, according to the girl. Hahaha!

Read more...

A Word from my Boss

Just this weekend, I was being lazy and asked the H to get me a towel. The first one that he brought me was not mine, it was one belonging to the girl (who was actually lying down beside me at that time). So I refused. He got me another one and again, I refused, saying that it's too rough and I don't like it. I think pickiness pissed off the little girl as she quipped, "Mommy, huwag ka nang mag-inarte. Yan na ang gamitin mo. Huwag ka na maraming pa-effect."

Where did she learn that??! From me, of course. Oh, I hate myself sometimes.

Read more...

Just in Time for the Olympics

You Are Archery

You are a bit of a traditionalist. You like old fashioned things with deep traditions. You also like to see the result of your accomplishments right in front of you. If practice makes perfect, that's fine by you. You like to practice a skill.

What Olympic Sport Are You?

Read more...

Not-So-Thrilling Tuesday

It was a lazy and gloomy day at work. There were no classes and we were supposed to attend a staff development session but it did not happen for some lame reasons. I am feeling a bit disappointed with how some things are being run at the university by some persons (no, it's not my boss as I love him to bits!). But then again, I remember that it's not them that I am serving but the studentry so its worth the sacrifice.

On a lighter note, we will be leaving tomorrow for our annual retreat. Its' not that I am excited to go. I will be missing the little girl, despite her being too stubborn and cute. LOL! I have not packed my things yet and I will be doing it later. This is one of those annoying moments when I need to bring my acne treatment cream because I have an acne right now, on the top of my nose! Aside from that, I should remember to bring my mobile phones' charger (I left them home when I went to Bukidnon last time. Good thing a companion brought his.) and the ice breaker paraphernalias that I will be needing. Imagine, of all people, I was tasked to be in-charged of the animation/ socials during our first day of retreat! But I think it is more fun than being a documentor. LOL! But that's just me!

Read more...

Right to Suffrage

The H actually requested me to post this, even requested to take a photo of him (or a part of him, to be exact). That's a rare occasion if you ask me! Anywho, here's our photo of the day:Like what I mentioned yesterday, I was not too keen on voting but Wes was so eager so I went with him. Just because I like being with him! I was a bit disappointed though when our precinct did not have those computers and machines that COMELEC had been bragging about. Anyways, the H insisted on putting indelible ink on his finger to show-off to his colleagues. He even refused to wash hands, it might fade. Oh silly, silly man! Upon coming home, while resting, he told me that I should be blogging about this. Oh, OK. :D I am very happy with my newly-manicured and pedicured nails and here is my Man, so proud of his tainted finger that signifies democracy being alive in our country.

So there you go. That's how my Monday went. I will be signing off in a bit after I read about Outer Banks, which I initially thought were financial institutions. I was so wrong! It's all about vacation rental homes, which I would gladly avail of if I only have the resources. ;)

Read more...

We're on the News

And unfortunately, its' all bad! See, it's the ARMM election and the COMELEC reported that it was relatively peaceful. However, a war has erupted in North Cotabato and you can just sympathize with the refugees in Midsayap and Pikit, North Cotabato. I also feel for the soldiers and their families as well as for the MILF fighters and their families. They are all victims and nobody wins in this war. One soldier was already reported dead and two were wounded. Thousands of civilians left their homes. And from where we live, you can hear the fighter jets and helicopters hovering. It was reported that the fightings almost reached the highway, thus, the Cotabato - Davao road is closed.

Hay. Pray for us. For all of us here.

Read more...

6 Layers

…Of YOU.

::START::

RULES:
1. Add your blog/s to the list. Feel free to add all your other blogs. It’s okey if you only post this questions in one blog as long as you answer them.
2. Get back to Me {YEN} and I’ll add your blogs to the master’s list HERE! Note that you are not ALLOWED to change the link of the here.
3. Copy from Start to End.
4. Tag as many friends online you know. But you don’t need to be tag in order to join.

Copy this Participants List: Me and Mine | Creative in Me | For the LOVE of Food | Little Peanut | Pea in a Pod | It’s Where the HEART Is | Around the World | SugarMagnolias | I Am Mommy | All About The Memories | Enchanted Play | Just My Scrap | Whats Up | Simply Me | Kitchen Deelite | A Mothers Horizon | In Depth | A Life in Bloom | Because Life is a Blessing | Digiscraptology | Joys iN life | Life is What we Make it | Photo Blog | Dancing in Midlife Tune | Mommy Talks | Aggie Shoots. Aggie Scraps | All Kinds of Me Stuff | The Salad Caper | Winding Creek Circle | InkBabyStudios | | All Things Me | Feels Like Home | Because Life Is Fun | Blessings and Beyond | Mommy Earns Money Online | Pinay Mommy Online| Clark & Butchay’s Blog | Butchay’s World | Simply Jen | Jenny Said So | My Online World | My Life in this Wonderful World | Biz-N-Honey | Aeirin’s Collections | My Precious Niche |Eds Mommy Life |Just Me.. Eds | My BIG Picture | Merger Guru | Quicker8 | Insights from the Grocery Cart | MindBubbles| LivingtheHealthyLife | VanityKit | Stripe&Yellow | SomethingPurple| Em’s Detour | Joys iN life | Life is What we Make it | Photo Blog | Dancing in Midlife Tune | Ozzy’s Mom | Me,Myself+2 | Kidd Designs | Fun.Fierce.Fabulous | Tints of My Heart | Morphed | when mom speaks | walk on red | kathycot | buhay misis | kathycot cooks | Posh Post Reviews | Flowersbythewayside |The Fab and The Furious | Blog In to Space | Dancing With Butterflies | Twisted Angel | Pieces of Me | Just Let Go | Blessed Chic | Hobbies and Such | My World in My Own Word | Colorful World of Shiela| The Shopaholic Nightingale | Day to Day Miracles | Can of Thoughts | Designs By Vhiel | Anything and Everything in Between | Vhiel’s Corner | Lovin’ Life | BigMoneyList | Crissy’s Library | Crissy’s Zone | Crissy’s Haven | Vis Vires | Amazingly Me | Jenn Was Here | Shutter Happenings | Le Kulitszie Familie | Embracing Myself | BLOGSILOG |Digiscrapz: Captured Memories |Cherry’s Comfort Zone |Thinking Out Loud |Buzzy Me |Wishing and Hoping |My Blog Portfolio |Get Paid to Blog! |PRC Board Exam Results | Teacher’s Corner | Pinay WAHM | Random Thoughts | Explore Manila | My Colorful World | Bermuda or L.A. | celebrating life | my life is peachy | belly, body and beyond |Woman Style | Scribbles of My Life | In This Game of Life | The Shopaholic in Me | The Callalily Space | Juliana’s Site | A Simple life | Mommy’s Little Corner | Life’s Sweets and Spices | Moms… Check Nyo | Simple Delights | Motherhood in a Nutshell | marshimallows | A Great Pleasure | Ramblings of The Phat | when mom speaks | walk on red | kathycot | buhay misis kathycot cooks | My Random Thoughts | My World | Mom Knows Everything | Tailgaternetwork | Zook Light | Melinda Zook | Me, Myself and I | Stranded Life | iHeartREVIEWS | Lady Banana | A Great Pleasure | Mariuca’s Perfume Gallery | BEING WOMAN | See N Read | The Real Deal, The Real Me | My Virtual Closet | My Views On My So Called Life | Her Name is NOY| No Place Like Home | Digital Life Scraps | Tickled Pink Digiscrap | Angelika | Angelika’s Other Blog | In The Life Of…Mne | Everything Has A Reason | In My Kitchen | Confessions Of A Breathing Tote Bag | My Basic Fashion Folder |restnrileks | STUDENTS BLOG | KWENTONG PINAS | KWENTO NI ENDAY | BlogHop | Otwarte | Wilstop | Let’s Travel Philippines | Caffeinated Muse | Faery Dancing | Confessions Of A Breathing Tote Bag | My Basic Fashion Folder | Diane | Anything Goes! | Shae- Shae Blog | It’s a woman’s world! | The Music of My Heart | YOUR BLOGS

LAYER ONE:
– Name: Suzanne
– Birth date: December 20
– Birthplace: Philippines
– Current Location: Philippines
– Eye Color:Brown
– Hair Color: Dark Brown
– Righty or Lefty: Righty

LAYER TWO:
– Your heritage: Filipino, Chinese
– The shoes you wore today: No shoes today. It's a holiday!
– Your weakness: Procrastinates. A lot.
– Your fears: Death of loved ones
– Your perfect pizza: With lots of cheese and meat
– Goal you’d like to achieve in life: To be the bestest wife to my husband and mom to my girl. Working on it day by day by day.

LAYER THREE:
– Your most overused phrase on AIM: Not AIMing.
– Your first waking thoughts: Is it weekend yet?
– Your best physical feature: Height.
– Your most missed memory: Just spending the entire day reading.

LAYER FOUR:
– Pepsi or Coke: Coke
– McDonald’s or Burger King: McDonald's
– Single or group dates: Single.
– Adidas or Nike: Both.
– Lipton Ice Tea or Nestea: Nestea
– Chocolate or vanilla: Chocolate
– Cappuccino or coffee: Coffee.

LAYER FIVE
– A famous person, dead or alive, would you interview: Mother Teresa
– Movie can you watch and say the lines along with the actors: None! Haha!
– Name two of your passions in life : Digital scrapbooking and family/ married life.
– Least favorite time of day: Morning

LAYER SIX
– Use hairspray or gel: Hairspray
– Your favorite meal: Any will do as long as it's yummy
– Color is the inside of your head when you close your eyes: Yellow
– Listen to classical music: Yes
– Ever said LOL in real life without thinking about it: LOL! Nope. :)

::END::

Tagging Kat, Liz, JennyL and Melisse.

Read more...

Olympics 2008

It finally opened, the 2008 Beijing Olympics that is.

Go, team Philippines! Make us proud!

Read more...

They're Going Swimming

The university where I work will be closed this coming Wednesday to Saturday since like what I have mentioned before, the entire workforce of the school will be leaving for Davao City for our annual spiritual retreat. And to make it more memorable and to culminate the event, we will be spending a night at the famous Paradise Island. I was there, along with Wes and Therese and her Ninong Ric (whom he fondly calls Ninong Ic) some 3 years ago as his Ninong's birthday gift to her. It was her first time to go to the beach that time and we all had fun. I am not that eager to go there this time basically because I want to spend more time with my family (and more time online too!)! And don't expect me to post a photo of me wearing a sexy swimwear because 1) I don't have one, and 2) I don't know how to swim! :D

Read more...

Household Chores

Here is a tag from Faye, again, our artistahing friend. :)

~~~START COPY~~~

This meme is pretty simple.

Here are the rules:

1.) List down the household chores you hate and why. Do you think you can survive without helpers and nannies?

2.) Copy the image.

3.) Tag as many girlfriends you want, the daddies and hubbies can also join.

4.) Add your blog’s link in the domesticated divas linky love. You can add all your blogs.

5.) Leave ME a comment and I’ll add you up in the masterlist.

DOMESTICATED DIVAS: Living the Healthy Life / Sripe&Yellow / Vanity Kit / Mind Bubbles /Something Purple / Em’s Detour / Me,Myself+2 / Kidd Designs / FunFierceFabulous / Ozzy’s Mom / Insights from the Grocery Cart / Living A’ La Mode / God’s Best Gift / MommyAllehs Up-Close And Personal / My Precious Niche / Just Me.. Eds / Eds Mommy Life / Aggie Shoots Aggie Scraps / All Kinds of Me Stuff / The Salad Caper / Winding Creek Circle /InkBabyStudios /Joys in Life / Me and Mine / Little Peanut / Creative in Me/ Pea in a Pod / Sugarmagnolias / Notable Bistro / Around the World / Quicker8

~~~END COPY~~~

My Answers:
Dusts and I don't get along that well so cleaning the house is not a well-liked chore. Dusts make me sneezy and trigger asthma, which is a main health problem for me. I also dislike ironing clothes because it seems that I get to finish so little in such plenty of time, especially with big clothes. Though I like ironing hankies and the girl's clothes.
Can I survive without helpers/ nannies? MAYBE, if I am not working full-time. However, staying at/ working from home might not be fit for me since I need to go out, see people, talk to them - to keep my sanity. :)

Tagging YOU if you have not done this!

Read more...

My First Pageant

But not as a contestant!

Last Wednesday, I (of all people!) was invited to be a judge during our College of Education Days' search for Mr. & Ms. CEd Earth. I actually laughed my heart out when I received the letter of invitation. But I took the advice of Wes (he really knows how to make me feel OK) and just enjoyed the event. And I actually enjoyed it!

There were 8 contestants, two from each year level. Along with the dance and singing contest, there were several exposures for the pageant's candidates. They looked dashing and lovely in their traditional, uniform, sports and formal wears. I was impressed with how they prepared for the night's event. One candidate even had this big bow and an arrow for his sport's attire. I wonder where he got it. On the other hand, his partner sported a lady golfer's attire. It was actually impressive if not for her missing golf bags. In the end, the 4th year male candidate bagged the Mr. CEd Earth title and the sophomore female candidate went home as the night's Ms. CEd Earth. Congratulations!

Read more...

Weekend Roundup

How was your weekend? Mine was spent at my parents' place since we had to attend a baptism of a new godson named Tim. Wes and I also had a quiet time together as we attended Mass at our local version of the Lourdes Grotto. Afterwards, he indulged in my desire to go around the place and take photos. It's like a place I've been visiting since I was about 2 feet tall so I was actually taking it for granted. But when I look at it behind my lens, I learn to see that it is indeed a beautiful place and I will be missing it once we move. It's not that we will be moving very soon ha. :) Photos will be posted once I get them from the memory card.

Anyways, we had a restful late afternoon as we we got some sleep as soon we we got home. I missed spending time and just lounging around the house with the girl and her Dad. Two weeks ago, the H was on a business trip. Last weekend, I was in Bukidnon for a seminar. And the H left last Tuesday for another trip. And I thank the Lord for this weekend as we got to spend it together.

Here's looking forward to another restful day tomorrow as it is a holiday here due to the ARMM elections. I was not too keen on voting but Wes was excited since we are going to be part of the first computerized election in the country. He is voting so I am voting too! Afterwards, he will be reporting for work. No local holidays for them! I, on the other hand, will be enjoying my much needed time on the laptop as I need to finish some tasks like the one about CAT6. Any ideas on this one? For sure, it's not about my favorite pet!

Read more...

My Yesterday and Today

This tag is from Butchay. Thank you, friend!

Here are the Rules:
1. List 6 things that describe yourself today and yesterday.
2. Add your blog to the list. Feel free to add all your other blogs.
3. Tag other online friends you know.

Yesterday 08-09-08
1. Was so lazy getting up for work.
2. Had pancit and ice cream for (late) breakfast.
3. Facilitated the application of our student leaders to the AYLC 2009.
4. Had a minor tampo with the H.
5. Went gift-buying at the mall with the girl to ease the tampo.
6. Kissed and made-up with the H. :)

Today 08-10-08
1. Attended the baptism of a new godson, Tim. (Welcome to the Christian world, baby!)
2. Attended Mass at the Lourdes Grotto (our local version).
3. Took photos of the scenery at the Grotto.
4. Spent some hours at my parents' house.
5. Ate a sumptuous meal and had a grand time with my some friends from my younger years.
6. Slept from 4PM to 6PM.

Participants :

GailAdi / Momeen / Emmyrose / Dennis / Dette / Jirl / Janny / Nanay Belen / Carol / Something Purple’s cucina / Vanity Kit / Mind Bubbles / Stripe&Yellow / Something Purple / Em’s Detour / Spin180 / Wisdom City / MY Happy Place / IamDzoi / ClikTrik / I Love the Thirties / Ozzy’s Mom / Me,Myself+2 / Kidd Designs / Fun|Fierce|Fabulous / Blogger Happy / Berry Scrappy / Everyday CHI / My Colorful World / Explore Manila / Random Thoughts / When SAHM-one Speaks / Deranged Insanity / Mighty in Spirit / Straight from the Heart / Simple Delights / Motherhood in a Nutshell / Love Is / Wonderful Things in Life / My Life’s Adventur” / Photographic Memories / The Joy Of Life Forever / The Fountain Of Happiness / A Message From My Heart / The Adventurous and Sporty Side of Miah / MeiYah’s Blog / MeiYah’s PhotoBlog / MeiYah’s World / MeiYah’s Sweet Nothings / Sheng’s Simple Thoughts / My Wonderful Life / Me and Mine / Little Peanut / Pea in a Pod / Creative in Me / Notable Bistro / Sugarmagnolias /Around the World / Butchay’s World /Clark & Butchay’s Blog / A Life in Bloom / Because Life is a Blessing / Digiscraptology / YOUR BLOGS

YOU are tagged if you have not done this yet!

Read more...

Godparenting

I will be a godmother for the nth time come August 10. It has always been an honor to be chosen by parents to be second parents to their kids. It is a privilege and I pride myself of being a good godmother.

Just this morning, a childhood friend came over to visit and informed me that his youngest son will be baptized on Sunday and I am one of the godmothers. I was actually surprised by his visit because I know that they have transferred to and have settled in Davao City. They were able to buy a property there with the help of mortgage lenders. He shared that it's tough living there because almost all of their relatives are here but they are coping. He is just thankful to have a supportive mother here who will finance the christening of her first grandson. :) And I need to shop for a gift for the little one on Saturday. Gift ideas, anyone?

Read more...

Mom’s Real Spa Treatments

Having Spa Treatments: Wheng | Yen | A Life in Bloom | Your blog where you posted this.

Eyebrow Threading :: Microdermabrasion

Aromatherapy :: Body Wrap

Blowout

See..that’s the REAL Spa treatment!!!

Feel free to grab this if you like!

Read more...

Questions of the Week 26

I did not noticed that Wednesday just passed me by! And along with it was Yen's QOTW. But anyway, I can still join. Right, Yen? :)

1. How is the weather like outside?
:: Cold and windy. Loving it.

2. If you’re given an hour to raid a closet of a blogger friend who would you choose? And what would you get?
:: Haha! This is easy! Yen's! Her bags and shoes. Kasi we share the same shoe size. And passion for bags and shoes. :D

3. Do any of you know why we sneeze? Where did “God Bless You” originate?
:: I think I know. *They* used to think that when sneezing, your soul escapes your body that is why they say "God bless you" when you sneeze. Am I right?

4. Which is worse? Finding a bug in your sandwich or a very curly hair in your soup?
:: Both are totally gross!

5. What is the color in your room you are in right now?
:: It's a rented place and the room is very pink!

6. If I asked every person that you’ve kissed, they’d say that your kisses are tentative, wild, intense, or sweet?
:: Sweet, of course!

7. Which do you prefer, Not eat for lunch or not eat for supper? Why?
:: Neither. Because I don't eat snacks these days.

8. It’s August already, which month so far was the best month ever? Why?
:: Hmm... Tough one but I would say the months when Wes left his job and was able to spend time with our kid, when he got a new and better job and that again proved that God has greater plans for us, and then the month when I was informed about my transfer.

9. If you could write a book that was guaranteed to be published, what would it be about?
:: My life. Haha! Narcissism at its best!

10. If there was an extra hour in the day, what would you spend it doing?
Sleep and read and scrap and read more about air tools so I can write a decent post about them. Hehe!

Read more...

One More Month...

...just this one, and Christmas begins here in the Philippines! We pride having the longest Christmas in the world. You can actually hear Christmas songs being played as September sets in. Who doesn't love Christmas anyway? It is a much awaited magical season!

Just last week, our little girl requested that we leave for Pampanga not on the 19th of December but on the very first day of the month! And it's because she misses her toys (of all things!) and her cousin, Sea. I myself am looking forward to the sumptuous dishes prepared my mother in-law. Superb, if you ask me! I also would want to spend time with my brothers and sister in-law, relatives and friends. It would be lovely to see Therese's paternal grandparents again. (She actually shares her birthday with her paternal great grand lolo.) By that time, their house would be finished and complete with patio furniture.

Another thing to be excited about December 2008 is my 30th birthday which will be spent in Pampanga. It will be my first time to celebrate it away from my hometown and parents. However, I am not sure how it is going to be celebrated but I already told the H that I wanted it to be different because I am going to turn 30! Let's just wait and see. ;)

Read more...

Fat

That's how I feel! And no, don't give me that "No you aren't!" and "You are crazy." kind of look because that's how I feel. You see, I have not been eating my usual in-between-meal snacks because basically, I don't have time to do so! In fact, it feels like my more than 10 office hours (break time included) are not enough to finish the paper works, consultations and impromptu meetings that I had to attend. Thus, I tend to eat more during my main meals to compensate. More rice please! :) My shirts and blouses are getting tighter. Or maybe smaller? Hehe. I know that it will take time and effort to trim this belly fat. Or I can get help from Hydroxy cut to make life easier. What cha think?

Read more...

I am a Doctor

And this one made me laugh!! PhD degree na sana pero in Men! Hahaha!

You Have Your PhD in Men

You understand men almost better than anyone. You accept that guys are very different, and you read signals well. Work what you know about men, and your relationships will be blissful.

How Well Do You Understand Men?

Read more...

Equestrian Clothing

Are you an equestrian looking for comfortable and fashionable equestrian clothing? Look no more because The Equestrian Corner made your life easier by providing the best equestrian riding apparel and equestrian equipment for horse riding. From leather boots to show shirts, The Equestrian Corner offers a wide variety of products for men, women and children. Best of all, you can safely order from the comforts of your home with their secure 128-bit encryption key over SSL. So gallop over The Equestrian Corner now and have fun shopping!

Read more...

Peace Man!

With my high stress level these days, I needed to know if I am still peaceful so I took this test to find out. 76%? Not bad!

You Are 76% Peaceful

You are a very peaceful person. All is good in your world, no matter what's going on. Occasionally you let your problems get to you, but you generally remain upbeat. Your inner strength is inspirational - much more so than you may realize.

How Peaceful Are You?

Read more...

Uncle Peter

Uncle Peter is the husband of an aunt who is one of my father's sisters. A retired soldier, he was a jolly man who loved and lived life to the fullest. I admire him for being a good father to his daughters. He loved and took care of our grandfather like his father and embraced our family as his. His is one of the loudest laughs I've ever heard. He loves to tell jokes and share stories whenever we go and visit them.

Two days ago, he bid goodbye to all of us. He has been suffering from colon cancer for some years now. He even underwent treatment and colon cleanse, but those were not enough to make him well for long. He will surely be missed by all of us whose lives he touched.

Good bye, Uncle Peter and say hello to Lola for us.

Read more...

6 Years!

The H and I will be celebrating our 6th year wedding anniversary next month. Yay! It seems like it was only yesterday when I met him and he was this lanky and smart Atenista who kept on throwing papers and papers of garbage in the trash bin beside me. Hehe. Yeah, he intentionally did that for me to notice him. He was that desperate! Haha! I know I should be writing our love story. That is actually on my to-do list for some time now. Years, actually. Hmm... That is going to be a great gift, don't you think? Plus a pocket watch perhaps? I still have more than a month to work on it so wish me luck!

Read more...

Annual R & R

Next week is going to be a big week for us - faculty, non-teaching personnel and administrators. Why? Because we are going to have our annual spiritual retreat in Davao City, right in time for the city's Kadayawan Festival! Just this afternoon, we had our orientation and it was nice seeing my old group mates again but sad not to see some who already retired. There were new members and it's fun having them join us. What's more fun is knowing that our retreat master is a good friend of mine - Rev. Fr. Rodel! He is a friend from way, way back and he was also with us about a year ago and helped us with our ICT Office. He is a techie and music genius. Super amazing person. And I know he is going to be a one of a kind retreat master.

I am so looking forward for another memorable time with my colleagues. After the retreat, all of us will be spending an overnight at the Paradise Island. I have been there already and it's a good place to take pictures! :) And of course, there will be lots of sale and happenings in the city because of the Kadayawan, shopping is part of the itinerary. I already asked a friend to accompany me in buying an EHD. He suggested that it will be a good time to buy because of the Kadayawan sale. He himself will be hunting for a good deal on Mac memory. I know that many of us have been saving up for this chance to shop at great prices. Thank you, Father Ed! :D

Read more...

Tadpole Tuesday's Fab Find

Being out for 5 days means having no access to the Internet that long. The training center was wi-fi zone but I did not bring my laptop because I did not want to worry about losing it neither carrying a huge bag around. But having no Internet did not mean sleeping early! For two nights we had cultural shows and variety show presentation. We were amused and yup, slept late! So, upon coming home, I did two things: sleep and go online, of course! And I was overjoyed upon seeing this at $1 at The Lilypad!

Quite a steal, right? I will be going around the blogs and digiscrapping websites for freebies later but first, I need to check on the HDMI switch being talked about by my techie friends at work. They said it works great with their PS3. However, I doubt if we are referring to the same PS3. :D

Read more...

Musuan's Pride

Welcome home to me! Yup, I am home after being away for 5 days. Together with two student leaders. It was worth the long travel -Musuan, Bukidnon is such a lovely place! And the people there, especially the students and faculty of the Central Mindanao University are equally lovely. Definitely, all the delegates who attended the convention had the grandest time there. I would love to share more photos and stories but for now, allow me to share these to you:

Here is the entrance to the Mt. Musuan Zoological and Botanical Garden. Thanks to our two tour guides - Kirk and Ralph who happen to be some of the student leaders of CMU, we were able to visit and see the place. It was the venue for the 4th Symposium on Asian Pteridology and Garden Show last November 2007. And if you are wondering like me, Pteridology is the study of ferns. They have lots of fern plants there in all sizes. Beautiful if you ask me!

That peak, on the other hand is the Mt. Musuan Peak. I asked the boys how long it would take to reach the peak and it was just aroung 1.5 to 2 hours! Would love to put my Merrell shoes into good use and reach that mountain top! Maybe next time. ;)

Anyways, I am still trying to get more sleep so I will leave you in peace. But before that, here's me!

Read more...

Baby For Sale?

The little girl has been bugging me lately. Two days ago, while I was getting ready for work, she was asking me for a baby sister. I told her that I will buy her one later. "Baby sister? Where?" I replied, "In the market." To which, she replied back, "No. I want a human baby sister." Hehe. This time, she is already asking me for a baby sister AND a baby brother. Haha! Kids. She must be getting bored talking with her dolls and bears and other animal toys that do not respond back. :D Poor girl...

Anyway, surfing the WWW, looking for baby essentials like strollers , furniture and things to help a friend prepare , this caught my fancy: A pink and brown stroller! That friend is infanticipating with her third kid and we are so excited for her. She already got two boys and this time, we are hoping that it's a girl so we are keeping our fingers crossed. Having one is fun. I should know! And that pink and brown stroller is just perfect for that little one!

Read more...

Laters!

Like what I mentioned earlier, I will be out for about 5 days for a business trip. Will I ever survive without going online that long? :D I will be attending a seminar in Bukidnon along with a campus journalist and a student leader. I will be leaving tons of work but I am grateful to have reliable student leaders who are capable of working on their own with minimum supervision. I also hope that my work area is finally done upon my return. I now have a decent work table there actually. Yay!

Another good news is that I finally found my *sleepiness* back and it feels sooo good to be sleeping the way I used too. I only have two more days to take two pills so there, sleep life is going back to normal. Thank you, Lord! It might be a simple thing but I miss being sleepy and realized how essential it is. Funny. :)

Anyways, I hope you all a lovely weekend! I need to go and pack my things but first, I need to check-out this no exam life insurance first. Having one is a must these days!

TTFN and take care! Try not have too much fun while I'm out, OK? :)

Read more...

50 Moments

I have been thinking and thinking and I finally decided to get this:

Thanks to Bookoto for a fast and efficient service! You girls, really rock!! And of course, thanks to those who made this purchase possible. ;) I can't wait to browse through the lovely pages!

Hey Tracy! This is my secret and it's finally out! :)

Read more...

Linky Love Perfect Blend of Friendship

A hugs THANK YOU to one of the prettiest and coolest moms I know, Yen! It is sooo nice to see more of you again. ;)

Awarded: Mai | Yen | Suzanne | Clark & Butchay's Blog | Your blog where you posted this.

I feel so loved these days! And it's because of a blessing called friendship that I shared with many cherished people both online and otherwise (:D). I am so lucky to have persons who are so supportive and loving!

It is my pleasure once more to share this award with Liz, Shaui, Ate JenL, Diane, Kat, Chikai, Tracy, Ate V, Alpha, Litzie and Buge.

Read more...