.sick.

...dahil sa katakawan sa ice cream. That's the only culprit I know.

Remember this post? We were too excited with our Electrolux no-frost ref that we bought lots & lots of ice cream in S&R - Starbucks' Mocha Frappuccino ice cream + Blue Bunny's Chunky Chocolate Chips ice cream + Bake N Churn's Ube ice cream cake. The ice cream cake we bought in SM North Annex for only Php199. And I think I had too many cups and slices over the weekend kaya yesterday, I lost my voice and by mid-afternoon, I have body aches & chills na. By evening, I was too dizzy at the office, I threw up. That's it, I went home early but I needed to pass by the restroom of Trinoma as I needed to throw up again (TMI!). When I got home, I threw up again... I was sooo sick that hubby took in charge of feeding and burping Rafa last night. I went on SL today. I needed to rest or else my body will give up.

But... but... there's another Bake N Churn's Black Forest Ice Cream Cake (Php250.00) for Rafa's 5th Month Birthday celebration tonight hayz ;(

Early Shift Tuesday: a not-so-Happy Lemon (31 January 2012)

I had an online training for a tool that we are going to eventually make use in the office yesterday morning so I was in the office as early as 8AM and very sleepy at that.

I was able to leave the office by 5PM and meet hubby in his office in Ortigas. We went together to Trinoma to buy the 11 cubic Electrolux no-frost refrigerator we wanted. After ref hunting for the past few days from Megamall - S&R - Western Appliances (Trinoma) - Anson's (Trinoma) - SM North Edsa, we finally ended up buying at Anson's because they gave us 1K++ discount and a free Electrolux rice cooker to boot. Saka baka kung saan pa mapunta ang budget namin for this one hahaha! It's going to be delivered this Saturday yipeey!

Before going home, I told hubby I wanted to try this blockbuster hit - "Happy Lemon." The line at their Trinoma branch is really long since they opened. At least yesterday, the line was manageable enough. I ordered the Milk Tea with Black Pearl Sago (left cup on the pic) for hubby and Cocoa with Rock Salt & Cheese for me (the cup on the right).

Myverdict: ay! Bakit ganun lang... ;( I guess I was expecting too much since many have been raving about them. But for me, Serenitea's Wintermelon Milk Tea pa rin ang winner!

Not Giving Up!

...because I was sad today (though I have somehow accepted... and learned to be contented for what was given), I decided to walk a little after my dinner to Burgos Circle and give Milk Tea another try. This time, I'm trying this much raved about - Serenitea's Wintermelon Milk Tea. I ordered the medium size with 100% sugar and black pearls.

My verdict: I actually liked it!

I should have gotten the large size. I didn't know it will be that good. I was disappointed kasi when I first tried a milk tea in Bubble Tea.

Now, I'm happy again! And maybe I should give "Happy Lemon" a chance too... what do you think?

.disappointed.

Today, I just felt...

...disappointed
...unappreciated
...unfair!

I just had to let that out... I'm okay and still thankful though...

Fish Feeding @ Nuvali

With less than a month, I will be turning 32. My age is out of any months in the calendar. Hubby says, “it’s okay, you’re still in Lotto!” grrr… But I don’t really mind my age now unlike when I was younger and single. I think it is my family that makes me feel complete. Financially, we are better off now than when we were just getting started. Our combined salaries then would have been lower than what hubby is earning now. But we survived then… with the weddings costs then I got pregnant at once and delivered via CS plus Christening and 1^st birthday party. Whoa! That’s a lot and we survived. Sometimes, I think that even if I quit my job now and rely only on hubby’s income, we should be okay. It’s just a matter of spending within your means. Except we might not be able to afford to send Enzo to Ateneo harharhar!

-oOo-

On another note, hubby gained the confidence in driving (or is it really me who gained the confidence to let him drive?!) so we are able to use now my parents’ car to bring us to nearby malls. Maybe next time, I will be brave enough to let him drive in EDSA (maybe on a holiday!). Enzo named “his” car – Astroboy. Technically, it is my parents’ car which my brother used until he was able to get their own car. It is really an old but reliable car which even survived the wrath of Ondoy.

Our only problem is the parking in our area. So we still park the car in my parents’ house which is some blocks away from our condo. We still end up hailing a cab on our way home.

-oOo-

Last Sunday, January 9, we went to Tagaytay, Caleruega, Nasugbu and Nuvali, Sta. Rosa. We were supposed to go with hubby’s cousins that Saturday however, Enzo is a bit feverish that Friday night so we begged off. My in-laws offered to bring us that Sunday. My parents also went with us. It is Enzo’s 3^rd time in Tagaytay. The weather that Sunday was cool but rainy.

Here are some of our pictures in Pink Sisters.

Then off we went to Caleruega. This was our 1st time there.

Before we proceeded to Nuvali in Sta. Rosa, we dropped by Rowena’s to buy buko pies/buko tarts. I swear their pies/tarts are way better than Collete’s.

Enzo had the most fun in Nuvali and enjoyed the fish feeding and boat ride a lot. The fish food is Php15.00/plastic while the boat ride is Php30.00/person with a capacity of 12 pax. 2 years old and below are free of charge.

We treated the lolos and lolas for lunch at Pig-Out since hubby was recently promoted. It’s always a plus points for me (and I guess for any moms or dads out there) when restaurants have activity sheets and crayons to keep my son occupied while we enjoy the food. Though their rice platter is small especially when you compare it with those offering unlimited rice these days. I think we ended up ordering 2 additional platters of rice. But the dishes we ordered are all yummy!

Their bestseller Crispy Pata (Php549.11). Though the skin is not that crunchy anymore.

Flavorful Adobong Spareribs (Php433.04 ) which hubby loved!

Yummy Grilled Tuna Belly (Php388.39 ) which I loved!

We were unable to bring Enzo to Ocean Park last year. I am hoping we can bring him this year. When? My birthday is actually coming up but I am decided to only celebrate at home by ordering spaghetti from Amber (which I have been craving for lately!), pitchi-pitchi with cheese, Elar’s Lechon or KFC bucket and Brooklyn Pizza (which I missed the most when I left AIM!).

am still kickin guys...

So sorry for those who still continue to drop by my blog and continue to find no new updates from me...

I have started my new job last October 11 and I cannot anymore access social networking sides... name it - Facebook, Twitter, Multiply, Blogspot, YM, Gmail chat...

So yeah, it does get lonely in my new job... I miss my AIM friends because I have a different shift from most of my other colleagues and I eat my dinner at 6PM alone... but the pay is way way better... so I guess, am still adjusting!

Enzo, by the way, turned 3 last month and here's a few pictures to share on our Jollibee party. It wasn't really planned... but the lil prince had a blast!

Toy Story cake by Goldilocks


loot bags

game prizes in theme...

Enzo & Jollibee

the candle blowing


family picture

on my toes...

I am literally on my toes... just too many things on my plate now. Will blog again when I am settled. For the meantime, here's a preview of how it has been and of what is bound to happen soon enough...

- cancelled our much anticipated Bohol trip due to Enzo's bout with gastroenteritis. Our only consolation was that no hospitalization was required.
- moving to a new workplace in a week's time. Mixed emotions - excited yet nervous!
- preparing for Enzo's 3rd birthday party in Jollibee with only 2-weeks lead time...

Ok, ciao for now!

long and busy weekend...

I'll be on my way home after I post this... with a "little" heavy heart... haaay! If you know my other personal blog, that's where you'll read bits about it.

On to happier things... though it's a looong weekend, it will be another busy one. We are off tomorrow to my parent's house to hear anticipated mass. Come Sunday, there will be a family get-together on hubby's side since it is my in-laws anniversary + I think the death anniversary of hubby's lolo. I'll blog where we dine-in as I was told food is yummy.

Hubby is rendering overtime on Monday so that will just leave me and Enzo on our own.

Okay, gotta go now as I need to pass by the grocery pa... CIAO!

few updates to share while I'm bored at work

... that actually sums up my Tuesday, May 4th!

I had an interview last week. But I don't want to dwell much on it until it's offered, I just get disappointed that way and I lose focus. All the other applications I had in the last four months went nowhere I guess. I was hopeful with a few but it didn't prosper.

Together with my brother (sister-in-law and nephews, Josh and Miguel) and my mom, we went to Batangas for the fiesta last Saturday, May 1. My dad went ahead of us as it was my Lola's birthday last April 28. It was actually last minute planning on our part.

After a tiring trip to Batangas arriving already past 11pm (and we we left Quezon City at 5:30am), we attended the blessing of Eshaan, my college friend's son the following day. It was a Muslim ceremony as his husband is a Muslim. The officiant said a prayer and cut the hair of Eshaan (who's only 8-months old). Ceremony and reception was held at Henry's Grille in Teacher's Village. The place is small and can accommodate maybe 60 pax. Good enough for an intimate gathering. Worthy mention is the food as it was surprisingly yummy. I specially like the "Russian Salad" and "Chicken Cordon Blue." And I got to see my college friends, Ceejay, Ringo and his girlfriend Pipoy, Joanne and his hubby and baby Diwa (2-months old) and even our department head, Ms. Vene who I've heard is now with Ateneo. I'll try to post some pictures when I get a copy of the photos in Facebook (waiting to be tagged as hubby didn't bring his camera).

While Monday was declared holiday, hubby had to render an overtime so Enzo and I just stayed at home and played and slept.

20 minutes to go before 5PM and I'll log-out. I hope I will be more productive tomorrow.

Long weekends: coming up!

It's true! It's true! (jumping in joy)

Two long weekends to look forward to. If Enzo is a lot, lot better by Saturday, we are attending the blessing of Eshaan (my college friend's son) on Sunday. I will finally meet her son whom she gave birth to August of last year and I can have a chat with my college buddies whom I haven't seen for such a looong time. Then we will proceed to my folks' house after lunch to be able to hear mass. We have skipped mass for 2 weeks now. Then I still have a Monday to rest and sleep and sleep and sleep... yup, I lacked sleep. Blame it on PBB hahaha! And oh... I don't like that Shey really (my opinion!). Since we have only 1 tv in our condo and it is in our bedroom, I let the yaya watch it with us. I am only able to get 6 hours of sleep at the most. I need more...

Another long weekend will be due to the presidential elections here in the country. I will exercise my right (to vote) come May 10th. If hubby's dad or brother can bring us home that Monday then I can vote first in the morning and we'll go straight to Makati afterwards since hubby is registered there. Or hubby will have to go alone as it might be difficult to commute that day. Whom am I voting, you wonder?

looong breaks

Honestly, time (these days) really flies... and flies fast! Imagine, it's Holy Week already and the first quarter of the year is almost part of our history. drama!

Aside from the Christmas break I look forward to, next would be the Holy Week since it's the next looong break from work. The Institute usually declares it a half-day on Holy Wednesday and most of the staff (like me!) will file for a leave already. I was actually on leave yesterday. If I hadn't been then I would be on leave today til Sunday... wow!

Hubby is on leave starting today. *inggit* I was literally forcing myself to get out of the bed this morning while my boys are snoring away. They are now at my in-laws here in Makati. He will bring Enzo to SM Mall of Asia later today for his haircut. He needs it already as his hair is so looong now and thick.

Tomorrow - Holy Wednesday - is rest day. I'm planning to cook Buttered Shrimps ala Dampa. It's been a while since we usually end up with "Sinigang na Hipon." It's cheaper that way so I don't have to prepare another dish for Enzo.

I'm not sure if I'll be able to blog while on break so have a meaningful Holy Week to all... It's time to reflect and repent...

Welcome to Enchanted Kingdom (06 March 2010)

The Institute's family day finally pushed through last Saturday, March 6. It was supposed to be last year but then Ondoy and Pepeng struck the country and the rest we all know already. This is the first out-of-town activity of the institute that I joined since I was employed in 2000 hahaha! It was Enzo's first visit at the Enchanted Kingdom (and definitely not his last!). He enjoyed it a lot and really really like the Boulderville Express as he associates it with "Thomas the Train." We rode in it twice!

First Stop: Rialto at Brooklyn Place

The Boulderville Express he loves... The lolas who are holding the Carousel Special ticket only were also able to ride this with us. The carousel special ticket is only Php150 (Php120 for senior citizens) which includes free admission to the park grounds and unlimited access to the Grand Carousel, Bumbling Boulders and this Boulderville Express.

The Stone Eggs (at Boulderville) this time with Daddy. I believe the only shot of Daddy hahaha! This ride he didn't like at first but settled down when the ride was almost done.
















The Grand Carousel (at Victoria Park) is his 3rd ride (of the 4 rides he had). He liked sitting on the horse but wants to get off it as soon as the horse moved.









Here are the lolas enjoying the Grand Carousel as well...












The lolos at Up, Up and Away! (at Midway Boardwalk) We were supposed to ride this with them but Enzo was saying "Ayaw!" So we had to wait for them to finish before hubby and I tried it. This is my 2nd time really to try this ride but I felt a bit dizzy afterwards... and so was hubby. One tip though it's better that you're facing it than your back on it, ask hubby...





It was indeed fun (in spite of the scorching sun) so I was glad I joined this year. Hubby, Enzo and I were also able to ride the Swan Lake (at Jungle Outpost) after lunch under the scorching sun with 35.8 degrees (the hottest day recorded!). Understandably, there were no pictures as hubby is busy with our "stubborn" swan while I hold on to Enzo as he doesn't want the life jacket on. But Enzo loves this ride as well and calls it "duck."

Hubby and lolo Boy rode the smaller Space Shuttle. Lolo Jun and lolo Boy rode the Wheel of Fate (at Midway Boardwalk). Lolo Boy even tried the bump car. Maybe next time we'll go there by late afternoon to avoid the sun. But since this is "almost" free with am/pm snacks and lunch buffet to boot, would I dare complain? Happy happy mommy here...

randomness

This is my month. I'll be 31 in a few days. Though we are not planning anything this year unlike the last 3 years (after I got married! and since that's only how far my memory goes - yeah blame it on the epidural hihihi!) where in 2007 we went out for lunch at Spiral to celebrate not only my birthday but also my pregnancy and hubby's regularization at Oracle (he has moved since then); in 2008 when we treated my family for lunch at Superbowl & Five Cows for dessert; and in 2009 when we treated our family for lunch at Dencio's. We don't even have plans for a Valentine's date except for a Jollibee birthday party we're attending on the 14th. Maybe because I'm so determined to save "more" this year as we anticipate for Enzo's tuition fee next year. Or maybe I've set my mind that the company's family day on March 6 is a way of belated celebration - cheapskate I know.

On the other hand, we have to indulge a bit and buy hubby a new fone even if he insists that he doesn't need one. Since I bought the iPhone late last year and handed him my O2, he has been playing with it and then suddenly, he isn't able to receive incoming calls. We wonder why?! So he is now using the O2 my boss gave me since he already has a Blackberry. Same thing happened... sooo weird! We are left to wonder why?! It must be one of those he downloaded that got it corrupted somehow but he wouldn't admit harharhar! So I insisted that we get him a brand new one. I offered him the Blackberry Curve 8520 or the Nokia E71 and he is leaning on the latter...

I am burned out! That would sum it up. Though I don't negflect my work but I don't have the motivation anymore. Maybe it's been too long being here... almost 10 years now! I badly needed a change but I'll take it one day at a time and no rush applications. I get frustarted that way just like last year when I decided exploring... from one interview to another yet remaining unsuccesful until I lost the desire again (given that the one I'm hoping to replace me when I leave has transferred to another department). Though I still worry especially when we plan to get pregnant again, do I dare leave my comfort zone? Will it be worth it? I sincerely hope so...

I have started with the process (of accomplishing my end goal). I'll be more direct when it's time but for now, let me be as vague as possible harharhar! I have done 3, one is a phone call which is for a UK-based company while the other one was last night. I'd like to assume it went well although I believe there are questions I could have given a better answer. But just what hubby tells me, at least you'll get the hang of it. Here are the things running on my mind:

PROS:
- new environment
- new taks involved (which will eventually widen my options in the future!)
- Head is male (yes, I prefer male bosses!) and young (for a President/Country Manager position I think?!) and "seemed" nice (but of course I cannot guarantee!)
- staff I have encountered "seemed" approachable and accommodating
- accessible and nearer
- away from the temptations of malls and shopping
- "should" be financially rewarding (of course, even before I consider it in the first place!)

CONS:
- office is in an old building so workplace is not that high-tech (which is not that different from where I am now really!)
- Head is a foreigner (I wonder what it would be like reporting to one?!)
- leaving my 2nd home, my comfort zone would be difficult, trying times I bet

Now that I have written what I have been contemplating on my mind, it seems there's not much to consider noh? Oh well, we'll wait and see ("baby steps" as I said yesterday!).

baby steps

I'm taking this one at a time...just like Enzo, I'm taking my "baby steps." I'll, in fact, take this one small step to "change" later today. I will see what possibly lies ahead for me at the same time, I also have to prove I am worthy. I'm feeling God will pave the way if this is IT for me. I'd like to think that He was the One behind moving it to 6pm tonight so I don't have to worry about my work. He was also probably the One behind my superior not showing up today and I don't have to make any excuses to leave by 5pm sharp. I have this feeling...

musings

I will welcome "a" change...wherever it may be! I know it's just about time when I'm still young at 30 (harharhar!). But there are fears and apprehensions on my part for I do not want to disappoint. I need the courage to move forward and to make myself believe that there are brighter days ahead.

... so bless me Lord! :)

slow but very much welcome!

Work today has been "slow" compared to the past days and weeks since my superior assumed the position of Interim. He is out of town. "Slow" but very much welcome on my part hihihi!

As I am writing this entry, I am devouring the macarons of Delifrance (just the box of three as I find it a bit expensive for something sooo small). I like the strawberry and choco-mint. Bizu has better-tasting macarons but more expensive than Delifrance for the same size and since I don't want to cross to Greenbelt, I would have to settle for this.

I'll try to find tonight a decent office shoes. We are required to wear closed shoes with at least 1-inch heels. grrr! I'm not used anymore to wearing closed shoes! I prefer buying shoes and sandals in Naturalizer although expensive but you can never question it's durability. Imagine I bought this shoes way back in 2005 and I am still able to use it up to now for office (except that the sides are open so it's not the proper office shoes). But since my budget is limited, I'll have to scout somewhere else. Any recommendations?

Last Friday, we bought Enzo a Collezione polo shirt (bearing the map logo) so I'll also check later if they already have the Collezione dress in my size (of almost the same color as Enzo's aqua blue).

Oh well, I'll limit my purchases to these two items for now.

Company Outing

Today is our company outing at Eagle Point in Batangas and for those who will not join will have to file for a leave. Guess where I am now? at work! I opted to go to work because I still have to take a leave on the 29th to attend to the wedding of hubby's friend plus our trip early this May to Cebu.

I wasn't planning to join the company outing. Safe to say I have not even joined in the past 8 years... KJ! hahaha!

MRT = Inconvenience!

Yes, those two words are synonymous. One and the same. Tantamount!

I bet those who also take the MRT to go to their offices feel the same way. It used to be synonymous to convenience since you are able to escape the hustle and bustle of EDSA. But that was ages ago. What happened? Was there a change in management? Is it because there are just too many commuters these days? Or is it just because they are soo inefficient? I'm leaning on the latter.

Am I wrong to think that if only they increase the frequency of the trains that it would make a difference? Those trains also does not have to stop at the station for more than 2-3 minutes. This would avoid it being jampacked that passengers in the other stations will not be able to squeeze themselves in. This would thus avoid those freaking "skipping trains" that also adds to the delay and the "stop entry" solution they use every single day. Imagine (at the North station), people are spilling over half of EDSA already! Geez... Oh, I should take a picture sometime.

Don't I sound logical?

I also wonder if the guards do know what they are looking for in our bags. I mean I am not opposed to the idea of being searched for my own security but I don't think a small stick (or ballpen sometimes) poking to see a glimpse of the top of your bag will show them if you have any offensive weapon there, right? Such a waste of time!

I'm also irritated with that guy making the announcement in the (North) station. Geez... he's way too talkative. He's not really being helpful, just plain noisy when you want peace & quiet in your mornings. His talking does not really help alleviate the problems of MRT, does it? I tell you it gets worst by the day. Oh, and there are drivers (of the MRT) who's also sooo irritating. Their voice is too loud for comfort especially if you just want to close your eyes and get that power nap. As if their sound system is good, it's screeching-ly annoying!

So, that goes my mornings from Monday to Friday! Now, I was wondering if anyone of you knows a different route in Mindanao Avenue like fx/van that goes to Ayala or maybe a carpool?
Huhuhu! They're giving me stress!

why... oh why?

...it's freezing cold... brrrr...

...makes me sooo lazy to get up in the morning and take a bath!

...makes me sooo lazy to work... all I want is to sleep and sleep and sleep!