Christmas is a time for Reunions (30 December 2011)

Yes, Christmas is usually the best time to meet old friends. I would like to share my reunion with my college friends last December 30 at Conti’s Trinoma as it has been ages since I have been with them. Look at how much we have grown as a group (with our kids and partners). Parang class picture lang...It’s been 11 years since I have last seen Fresh (the pretty and ever-sexy one in purple). Yes, that long…college days pa! She came home with her hubby (in red). I have seen Lhiene (the glowing mommy to 2 adorable girls) during my bridal shower in December 2006… imagine! I have seen Cecile (the beautiful and ever-dependable friend to set up our reunion) who is with her hubby (in green stripes) and son and Ringo (the guy at the very back) who is with his wife-to-be (the very lovely fiancee in blue stripes) at Eshaan’s (Cecile’s son) dedication so imagine he’s 2 years old now. Sherryl (pretty in black) who is also a batchmate in IS is there as well. We all look straight from college HA!

It’s nice to be able to meet-up after all those years and have a chat. I wonder when we can do this again?!

Revisiting my 2010 Plans

Back in January, I wrote these:

... have my hair cut. I need a fresher look (I mean short!) - done
Now, I want to have my hair colored... something deep red/burgundy.

... read at least 2 books this year. How about Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows and Twilight? I was only able to watch the movies "Twilight" and "New Moon" over the holidays and I liked it. So the book might be a good read. - in fact, 4 books as of January (the twilight saga)
I still have to read Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows though I've reached my quota already.

... go out with hubby at least once a month. Imagine we were only able to watch 3 movies last year hahaha! Will try to still catch Avatar on the big screen.
- January (Avatar)
- February (no movies for this month, just a dinner at Max's)
- March (hopefully Alice in Wonderland) - We did watch this!
And also watched Toy Story 3, Eclipse... I wonder what else?

... update my wardrobe by adding at least a piece every month.
- bought 2 already!
- got 2 blouses for my birthday so I'll wait 'til May before purchasing again
Haven't bought anything since May huhuhu :( I need a new blouse or dress and slacks.

... save up for Enzo's tuition!
I vow not to touch my Paluwagan for this purpose. I plan to save 20K more for this to cover for 2 school years if we enrolled him in Claret (see previous post).

... lessen my visit to Starbucks to twice a month huhuhu! (a must!)
This can be done!

... go to Manila Ocean Park
and Zoobic Safari too!

... go to Enchanted Kingdom - going on Saturday, March 6

* update as of 05 March 2010 (now updated as of July 28, 2010)

my Blogging Tools

Was going over Anton's blog and read his latest post and was excited about the Flip Ultra 120 HD - one yummy gadget I have been dreaming about since reading about it in Daphne's blog.

Here is my own Top Blogging Tools:
Blog Hosting
For me, that would be Blogger since I am not really a professional blogger and this is free so it would suffice. I have started blogging, I think in late 2005 to document my preparations for the wedding. I was influenced by a yahoo group I belong to. So I really started with blogger and still quite happy about it. Although I am not that techie, Blogger is relatively easy to use. I have not updated my first blog - december16.blogspot.com after the wedding since I got pregnant and lazy. However, when I gave birth to our son, Enzo, my desire to write/blog was ignited by my desire to be able to document my son's milestones and our own family adventures.

I have tried Livejournal recently and in fact, have an existing account with them but this particular blog is the one I update the most.

Digital Camera
Hubby bought the Nikon D40 last January 2008 (about 2 months after I gave birth) and if you see pictures here that is clear and crisp and nice and pretty, then that was taken by the D40. But for those times that we are caught unprepared for photo ops or those times, we don't feel like bringing the camera bag, my iPhone 3G (8G) saves the day.

Video Camera
None :( so that Flip Ultra will be very useful teehee!

Desktop
Yes, I used the desktop in the office to update my blog. ssshh! Trust me, I do it on my spare time.

Photo Editing, Watermarking and Hosting Tool
Hubby takes care of enhancing the pictures. He has this software from Nikon called Picture Project. Watermarking? Hmmm... never thought about that since I'm only doing this to document my son's growing-up years and our family's adventures so I don't think there is a need for it. Hosting Tool? I don't have that much pictures yet. I just really upload the pictures after saving them on my computer. That's it!

condo make-over

Aside from "trying" to save for our upcoming Bohol birthday treat, extra moolah (if any) will have to cover for the following items we needed for our small abode:

1. either a new foam/mattress for yaya or a sofa bed to perk up our living area... and add a few throw pillows.
2. rechargeable light with fan (since it's rainy season and we are prone once again to brownouts!). The little prince perspires easily.
3. new curtains (what we have now are the curtains we've had since moving in to our condo in December 2007). Maybe something in the shade of light green and white/silver-y for our bedroom so it will be soothing to the eyes. Yellow seems okay too but our old curtain is already in the shade of gold. And our bedroom has a shade of light green. Will be needing at least 4 or 5 for the bedroom. And 2 for the sala. I was thinking of getting a yellow and brown shade or peach perhaps. That would be nice.
4. new dining chairs (4) with back rest. The "ghost" chairs are nice but way expensive so maybe in summer-y colors would do. I tell you they are about to give up hahaha!

And add to that our own wishlist whoa!

Aranilla-Interior Nuptial & Bio-Heart Reunion (25 June 2010)

They were my barkada in high school and we remain friends in spite of the distance and lack of communication. Except for Iris who resides in the US and can't come home, the Bio-Heart was reunited once again. Yes! Bio-heart from the TV show Bioman which was a hit during our younger years. Abby (the blushing bride) is my closest, bestest friend in high school. Though we went our separate ways when we went to college, I have always treasured our friendship. And though we don't see or hear each other often enough, I know I have a good friend in her. And same goes to Jan (the pretty and ever sexy bridesmaid), Shar (my pretty kumare) and Iris (the one missing in action teehee!).

(pics from left to right: Yellow 4 (Jan), Pink 5 (Abby),
Green 2 (Shar), Red 1 (me) and Enzo)
...this pic reminds me of our high school group picture!

like the happy old times...

And to the newlyweds...
I wish you a blessed married life. Look back to this day (your wedding) when trials come for you to remember why you married each other in the first place and how happy you have been that day. Congratulations & Best Wishes!

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!

scary!

I first read about it yesterday in Chuvaness' site and thought nothing of it until I saw the news last night... it was for real! It IS scary!

I got the picture and there's more of it here. Come to think of it, if you were unlucky, the world can really swallow you whole and I wonder, will anyone dare to find your remains in this pit? Scary thoughts...

gloomy day

No, am not complaining. I even welcome it... after weeks and months of scorching heat.

I'm just curious... is it officially the rainy season yet? Rains started pouring yesterday, June 1 and it still is as gloomy as yesterday. I hope the rains bring forth new blessings for me and my family.

--ooOoo--

My back has been hurting again ouchy! It happened to me last year and it took about 2 weeks or so for the pain to disappear. Now, I'm in pain again.

--ooOoo--

My hopes are up again but am getting a bit tired, it's been months without success...

quick note

I was teeny bit surprised but happy upon realizing that Filipinos really went out to cast their vote last Monday even if it means waiting in line for minimum of 2 hours and for many, even more... I'm proud of all of us! We rock!

My 1st Automated Election Experience (10 May 2010)

... was exhausting and irritating (at times) but comforting when I was able to cast (141st vote successfully scanned by that PCOS machine) my vote after 3 grueling hours. whew!

I was with my mom (take note: She is a senior citizen.) at the polling place by 7:30ish. And this is my number - 94! And the number that was being called at that time is 25 huhuhu! Plus senior citizens (and pregnant women I think) are given priority. Which is why I said my vote was the 141st.












The one in stripes (orange) was my mom being verified by the teachers huhuhu!

















This, on the other hand, is the view from where I was standing and waiting. Another whew! moment. This is at the Tandang Sora National High School.















This is where I got my number - from the volunteer in pink. You have to verify first that your name is in that list (attached to the window).















The view of the ground floor. I was already at the 2nd floor waiting for my number to be called.
















See the empty chairs here. This was taken early in the morning. What was taking long is the verification. I guess if there are more teacher volunteers per polling place or at least 1 teacher assigned per precinct then it would have been a little faster and easier.

Now, we are simply awaiting for the last vote to be counted. It seems the trend is leaning for a Noynoy-Binay victory but I'm still hoping Mar will pull a miracle and win the VP race *crossed fingers*

My take...

Yes, I'm voting for Noynoy... and Mar... and Herbert as Mayor for Quezon City where I am registered.

My personal views:
- Though his credentials might not be as outstanding as his counterparts, Gibo, Villar but really how far can credentials go... look at PGMA? Gibo? But was Gibo able to deliver when Ondoy struck the country? He could have been "our hero" then but his presence was merely felt (by me at least).
- I have this belief in Noynoy that he is not corrupt (and I pray that he does not succumb to power when he eventually wins and prove me wrong in the end).
- As he said in one of the interviews (or was it a debate?) that he does not promise a miracle and that it would take a long process but at least, it's the reality. I mean you can't change everything overnight. It would be a work in progress. And he knows it. And he seems up for the challenge.

I wonder, will election even push through on Monday given these "talks" lately?

College Friends Reunion (02 May 2010)

It was sort of just a mini-reunion... the others were really not around last Sunday (Ailiene who resides in the US, Fresh and Miles who resides somewhere in the Middle East...). The last time I saw these guys were in December 15, 2007 during Enzo's baptism. Except for Cecile whom I've seen after that. Fast forward to last Sunday, it was the blessing of Al and Cecile's first-born son, Eshaan (the baby on the left). He is now 8-months old.

Though it was short, I enjoyed spending time with them as it has been years plus the yummy food at Henry's Grille.

See a glimpse of my LVoe, it's only the second time I was able to use it and I am loving my Neverfull. You can't really compare it with any other non-designer bags (aside from the obvious fact it's freaking expensive though I got it way way cheaper compared to prices here in Manila = 14K savings imagine!), the texture... the smell... it's addicting hahaha! No hubby, I'm not insinuating anything as I am still enjoying the Neverfull.

Let's Rock!!

Me and Enzo are addicted to Plants vs. Zombies.

I first saw this computer game a few weeks back from my nephew. I didn't bother then as I thought it is just one of those computer games. I was sooo wrong!

When hubby brought home his laptop this weekend, we tried playing it and I got hooked really bad. It's sooo addicting! Even Enzo insists on watching us play "Zombies" (as what he would say). He even knows "sunflower," "sunlight," and "let's rock!"

So, should I finally have my iPhone jailbreak so I can install this game? What do you think?

the prize has arrived...at last!

Remember the contest I posted here and here again? My mom just texted me now that the gift certificates have finally arrived. That's worth 2,000 pesoses. Half of it I guess will be used by hubby as he promised his officemates that he will treat them.

We'll get a whole cake definitely. I wonder if they are now offering the Mango Cream Pie... love that but I believe they only offer it during summer when mangoes are in season.

my shoe story

I'll be frank... I'm no shoe-aholic. I only have 3 "office" shoes (that used to be just 2 so the 3rd one is the story of this post), a sandals, 2 rubber slippers, Crocs and a Chucks high-cut in our shoe cabinet. I share this shoe cabinet with hubby who owns more shoes than me. Well, even my son at age 2 have more shoes than me geez! Since I have a few pairs, I make sure that I buy the quality ones. I was even hooked on Naturalizer at one point until me and Charles & Keith met a year ago hahaha! Naturalizer has been and will always be my trusted brand. I can only have a pair from that brand but it would last me 2-3 years at the least (except for minor repairs it will need from Mr. Quickie). I have decided to try Charles & Keith last year when I learned my officemates are going crazy over its' sale season. It made me wonder. The picture on the right is my first ever Charles & Keith... a lot cheaper than my Naturalizer (half the price really) but as comfortable. This shoes is the one that I've lost...

Our office was organizing an annual conference on CSR last November 19-20, 2009 and since I am part of the Secretariat, we have to be at the venue days before the event. So, of course, I've brought my one trusted pair of shoes (which I have been using in the office). On my way home from work, I placed my shoes in a paper bag and put it down at the MRT. I was tired and sleepy so I dozed off to la-la-land. It was already at the North Station when I woke up so we hurriedly went out of the couch and off to Trinoma. We haven't really gotten that far when I realized that I forgot my paper bag with my shoes (and my boss' calendar but that's another thing). Oh oh! What will I wear at the conference? And like I've said earlier, I don't really own too many pairs at the same time and I don't want to spend on one that wasn't even planned in the first place. We went back to the MRT office but it could not be located anymore geez! Would anyone really be interested in my paper bag which just my stuff in the office and that used shoes? I was even crying to hubby because I was sooo frustrated but since I have no other choice, off we went to Charles & Keith. I saw "my shoes" there and it was even on sale but I have my "what if" dilemma that my shoes will be found so I got another pair.

The next day when hubby came home from work while I was staying at the conference venue, he checked with the MRT office if by any chance, someone returned the reported paper bag we lost... and guess what? It was there (together with all my other stuff intact) and I was thankful. Now, I have my 3 pairs. The other one is the Naturalizer which I have had for a few years already but I haven't had fixed yet. And nope, I'm still no shoe-aholic but I "heart" my shoes.

Oh, would you even guess that hubby is shoe-aholic? Yes, he is! But he wouldn't admit it.

darn...

I didn't win the Flip Mini HD contest huhuhu! I wasn't really hoping to win (I don't have a history of winning anything by chance or luck!) but of course, I was crossing my fingers that I will somehow be lucky... think again. I wonder now if our numbers were drawn last night or if there is finally one lucky person in this island who won the Lotto pot?

livejournal account

I "heart" the Flip video when I first heard of it so when Daphne Osena-Paez hosts a contest in her blog, I cannot help it but try my luck that maybe because my birthday is coming up so soon, I will be that one lucky girl to win the Flip Mino HD. I can wish, right?

In order to win, one must be the lucky 40th to leave a comment on her blog. But it seems one must be registered with livejournal to be able to do so. So I created this and now I'm at lost on what to do with it. It's hard enough for me to maintain this family bag and now, I have another blog to work on geez! I have posted my first entry. I was thinking of making it like a personal diary, something just about me. While this blog will be kept as "our family blog" which was really my intention when I first created this in 2008.

Maybe you can suggest a title for my little space in this world WIDE web... I would love to hear your ideas. mwah!

Hubby's loot

Last Friday, hubby went home happily with his loot. It's been a while since he owned a brand new one since he usually settles for my phone.














So even if he kept insisting that he doesn't want nor need a new phone, he cannot keep himself from tinkering with it hahaha! Sorry for the blurry photo as we were still at the moving MRT when I took it using my iPhone.










We ended the night with our current addiction (more of his craving done mine really!), Charlie Chan pasta with 4-Cheese and New York's Finest pizza (half each) from Yellow Cab... burp!

another shot

Since I am back to regular programming when it comes to blogging, I might as well try again earning from it. I've tried in the past but the opportunities were far in between that I lost interest in time. So now, I started opening my accounts again and bidding once more. We'll see... I might earn extra moolah to buy myself this HP Mini 110 netbook I saw last night (in pink chic). Yummy!

You might also notice that I have updated my links list. I have deleted the links that have not been updated for so long now and added new links in my "morning reads" list namely:

- Topaz Horizon - the latest blog I've been reading. She's Frances, the Editor-in-Chief of OK! Philippines.
- Daphne's Diary - well, we all know her!
- Chuvaness.com - a popular blog as well!

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...