A Life in Bloom: June 2009

Friday 5 for June 26 - NEWS

>> Saturday, June 27, 2009

Here’s my Friday 5 entry for this week:

Where do you get most of your information about current local events?
- The radio, local papers and news channel.
Where do you get most of your information about current national and international events?
- The Internet, broadsheets, TV.
Who in your family always is most likely to know what’s up with everyone else in your family?
- Me, me!
Who at work (or school) always seems to know what’s going on?
- My former boss. Haha!
What other kinds of news do you try to keep up-to-date on and where do you get it?
- My friends’ lives. LOL!

Join HERE.

Seeing Silver

>> Sunday, June 21, 2009

What do you usually do when you feel down? Eat? Sleep? Shop? SHOP! It usually makes the load lighter, right? If you’re a woman like me, you know what I mean. It could be a new gadget. Or bag. Shoes. Or kits! Whatever. It makes us happy. Or relieved. Or somewhat forget those worries. At least for some time. :)

Right now, I am quite distressed. Don’t ask why. And it’s not about my family and work. They’re all perfectly OK. Anyways, I have been wanting a silver watch. However, I have no time to surf the net or go around the stores to see if something will catch my fancy. And fits my budget. Haha!

Anyways, speaking of silver, did you know that investing on silver is a wise move? If you plan on doing just that, try Monaco Rare Coin. It is actively involved in all aspects of the rare coin trade the wholesale market, the collector market, the international market and auctions. Moreover, it is a part of the Monex family of companies, a trusted leader in precious metals investments for nearly 40 years. Their four decades of reliable and trusted service ensures you that your investment will be taken cared of by the experts. So don’t trust your hard-earned wealth to anyone else. Contact Monaco Rare Coin today.

All Good!

Hey there! It’s been a while I know. The week that was was pretty tough and blogging had to take the back seat. So I welcomed the weekend with wide open arms! Saturday is a local holiday so no work for me. Moreover, our laundry girl arrived and you know what empty hampers do to me. And most importantly, DH arrived after a week-long trip! Woot! I finally had time to enjoy some serious resting time.

However, I can’t say that I am all ready for another hectic week. Tomorrow is especially nerve-wracking so wish me luck. Tuesday morning will be our formal academic opening and Mass of the Holy Spirit. And hear this out: My dream of holding a voters’ education at the university is finally coming true! Sure we were given with a limited time to prepare and our target audience (around 4,000 students) can’t be accommodated but hey, we are having a voters’ education in the university! I hope that the outcome of tomorrow’s event will not hinder me from attending that big and important event.

Anyways, I wish you all a great week! :)

Independence Day

>> Friday, June 12, 2009

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So to all our fellow kababayans out there, Maligayang Araw ng Kasarinlan at Mabuhay!

Survived!

>> Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Today is different. I had morning sickness alright. But I felt better from lunch time onwards. I had beef steak for lunch, plus mais con hielo and popcorn from Goldilocks. Yum-o! For snacks, I had cheesy ensaymada, again, from Goldilocks! Indeed, those diet pill reviews that I have been receiving in my inbox do not serve their purpose as of now. I even asked a friend to accompany me at the Goldilocks shop after office and hoard ensaymadas. Haha! This evening, my ever loving father prepared paksiw for supper to take home. (He’s spending the day with DD during weekdays when she has no classes.) I peeked into the container and actually liked what I smelled and saw. So that’s what I had for dinner. Yay! Ironically, I used to hate paksiw. Hahaha!

Even the people around me understand when I do not *share* my food. But they do benefit when I splurge on food that I really, really like. And also when I finally get tired of eating that food. Oh well. I hope that this will be very over soon. It’s a chore to think and wait for what I will be feeling by the time meal time comes.

iPhone Drops Price at $99

Did you know that the very popular 8-gigabyte iPhone 3G by Apple now only costs $99? You’ve read it right! From $199 last year (when it debuted two years ago, it costed $499 for a 4-gigabyte version and $599 for 8 gigs).

Apple will be unveiling a new model, that’s why, the iPhone 3GS. It will be more powerful than their entry iPhone. It boasts the following features:

Camera:

- 3 megapixels

- Autofocus

- Tap to focus

- Video recording

Built-in video camera with editing
Voice Control
Compass

Cut, Copy, and Paste

MMS

Spotlight Search

Landscape Keyboard

Voice Memos

For more information visit iPhone’s official website.

Twit-Twit!

>> Monday, June 8, 2009

One of the many online things that I truly appreciate these days is Twitter. It helps keep in touch with my online friends who live here and abroad. Some of them even post photos and update us about their whereabouts, recent activities and comments thru their cellular phones! Indeed, the world is getting smaller and smaller. And most often, I get updated about national and international affairs and news thru them.

Some of them follow some celebrities and politicians! The second group actually surprised me. They’re on Twitter? Really? But then, the 2010 elections is almost upon us so I should not find it surprising, right?

At this time, if you are cool, you should be on Twitter. Are you cool? :) I surely am!

First Half Day

Like what I have been raving about, my DD entered the big school today. We woke up early and waited for the announcement whether their first day will be postponed or not (like in the college level). The announcement was well, announced. Classes as usual will be conducted. When we got there, around 7:08 AM, a program was taking place. We found her classroom and her teacher, Mrs. Schenette B! She is a sister of a friend who shares the same birthday with DD. One of our doctors explained proper hand-washing to the pupils and a little bit about AH1N1 influenza.

Around 9AM, another announcement was made: classes will resume on Monday, the 15th, since classrooms and chairs were repainted and the smell of paint is still pungent. Hence, the girl was sent home (much to her despair since she wants to hang around the office). If only they would send us, employees, home too! Haha!

So, the girl still has one more week to rest, sleep, play and watch a considerable amount of TV. And one more week for me to get up later than needed. Haha!

Changes

>> Sunday, June 7, 2009

Eating has been a chore lately. It seems that almost every food available makes me feel nauseated. The stomach feels queasy and acidic. No, I am not sick and do not need colon cleansers. It’s caused by hormones and other physical changes since I am expecting. Even my favorite food like pork and favorite restaurants do not appeal to me these days. I’d rather have boiled egg or crackers just to get by. It’s stressful the more I think about it. Especially when I will be going back to work tomorrow with loads of tasks to accomplish and activities to prepare. It’s the beginning of the school year so it’s one of the busiest months ever. Aside from that, I will be taking care of a grade schooler without any help. Good thing DH is very caring and supportive. I just hope that this problem will be over soon.

Wearing of Skinny Jeans is Dangerous to your Health

>> Saturday, June 6, 2009

Why? Because according to doctors, it causes meralgia paresthetica, caused by constant pressure cutting off the lateral femoral cutaneous curve. Symptoms include feeling a numb, pins-and-needles tingling feeling along your thigh, and a weird burning or itching sensation down your upper leg.

Fortunately, this condition is only temporary. Just remove the pressure and the nerve regenerates. Moreover, women are advised to refrain from wearing these jeans with high heels, because doing so can make the situation worse by forcing you to tilt your pelvis forward and adding more pressure on the nerve.

My Natural Appetite Suppressant

>> Friday, June 5, 2009

I sometimes forget but now, there is no way that I can ever miss the fact that I am pregnant. Yesterday was my first bout of morning sickness happened. I was feeling weak the entire day plus I did not find my lunch appetizing, even it was at my favorite cafe. So morning sickness is now my natural appetite suppressant, I might say.

Seriously now, there are plenty of appetite suppressants in the market but if you ask me, I would definitely go for the natural ones. Conduct inquiries, read and browse through sites before buying one to make sure that you are not putting your health at risk. It is important to loose weight I know, but one must make sure that it is safe and healthy.

I am Thick-Skinned

You Are Thick-Skinned

People may not always love you, but that's totally fine.
You're happy with who you are, and you don't really crave outside approval.

You love yourself, and that's the most important thing. You have high self esteem.
And because you don't care what other people think, they tend to like you a lot!

Are You Thin Skinned or Thick Skinned?

Just Believe

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We can’t control everything around us. Even if we have a choice, there are times when we just have to lay everything down and let God do his work. I know it’s tough to give up and just hope. But prayers work and God loves you. Things happen for a reason and it’s for the best. JUST BELIEVE. :)

Next Time!

Last summer, I wanted us to have a family vacation but thanks to DH’s schedule, we were unable to have one. We badly needed one because of stress caused by work plus I promised DD that we’ll take her somewhere nice once she recovers from her sickness. Well, there is always a next time. We are actually saving up for a Hong Kong trip soon but since we are expecting, we have to shelve that plan for the mean time and wait for another three years when the baby is old enough to enjoy the trip.

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Another good destination for families is the Karisma hotels. Their resort, spas and restaurants do not only cater to your distinct preferences but to your family’s special demands and needs as well. Their family-friendly amenities are perfect for relaxing, bonding and just spending time with the people who matter most to you. Take advantage of their family-friendly Kids’ Activity Center, Spanish classes, tequila tastings and non-motorized water sports and go home refreshed and ready to face the world again
.

Random Questions #25

1. How’s your mood today?
:: Hmm… Just OK. I want to sleep more but I have to get some things done.
2. What’s one thing you do when you’re mad?
:: Cry.
3. Any lessons in life that you would like to share?

:: Blessings are abundant. You just have to recognize and be open to them.
4. How do you feel about your hair right now?

:: Not so OK since it was like five months ago since I had it treated and colored.
5. What’s something you really want right now, be honest?
:: To be with DH. And to just stay home.
6. If someone were to spell your name wrong, how would they spell it?
:: With a single N, or with and I.
7. If you were given $100, would you spend it, or save it?
:: Save it then decide how to spend it. LOL!
8. Do you crack your knuckles?

:: Rarely
9. Do you ever write notes on your hand?
:: Rarely
10. Have you ever fallen backwards on a chair?

:: Nope and I hope, never!

Thanks, Chi!

The Love for Reading Begins at Home

Even before she could understand us, we already began reading books to DD. Her first book is the Bible Story book which I bought during a trip to Manila. Over time, her Dad added more and more books to her collection. And just last night, she asked if I wanted her to read me a story before we sleep. Yes, she can definitely read on her own now. I am amazed that she also prefers books without much pictures and drawings. Just like DH and me, she also loves to go to the book section of the malls and browse through their collection. She knows what she likes so we let her choose which books she would love to take home. And most often she prefers books over toys.

Indeed, a parent must set as an example and encourage the young ones to love reading. And I think that DH and I did well in that department. At least! :) Here is one funny snapshot of DD while reading a new book. I love how she looks here, though I do not know what in that book made her make that face. LOL!

It’s Not Just for Women

Father’s Day is just around the corner. Have I told you that my gifts are all ready? I am so proud of myself for *remembering* to get those special men something this year. Yey me!

I was looking around and found an online shop that offers discount jewelry perfect for Fathers at Holsted Jewelers. Take a look at this:

It is a Limited Edition Official NASCAR Watch. It used to be priced at $29.99 but since Holsted Jewelers understands you and your budget, they have lowered it at $21.50. It’s water-resistant design, tough black treaded strap and limited lifetime warranty will keep your dad or husband ahead even after the checkered flag waves. It even comes in a sturdy collector's tin.

Holsted Jewelers believe that everyone, men and women, loves to be fashionable. That is why their talented designers have put together hundreds of jewelry that simplify looking your best without hurting your budget.

Intuitive

You Are Intuitive

You are very sharp and shrewd. You can see the best and worst sides of people.

Right now, you are seeking excitement and a bit of adventure in your life.

You are drawn to people who are passionate and deep.

You feel like there is nothing in your life that needs to be changed.

You are quick to react. You are courageous and bold.

The Jungle Test

Encouraging Good Homework Habits

Good morning world! It’s a fine, sunny morning and I look forward to a great day spent with my little girl. Three more days to go and she will be attending her grade 1 class! I can’t believe that time flies that fast! We are almost prepared for that big day. I say almost because we, or to be accurate, I, still need to cover her books and notebooks, her uniform need still needs to be delivered and her shoes, polished. Her school stuff were already bought two days ago.

And to help me get through the new school year (it’s a big change not only to DD but to me also, you know), I looked for articles that can help me become a better parent for a grade schooler. Here’s one.

How to Encourage Good Homework Habits
1. Talk to the teacher at the beginning of the year.

2. Set up a regular time for homework.
3. Keep track of assignments.
4. Give your child a work space for homework.
5. Provide all the supplies.
6. Turn off the TV. And the radio. And video games.
7. Go over the assignments together.
8. Help when appropriate.
9. Check completed homework to make sure the work is finished.
10. Ask to see corrected homework.
11. Call the teacher as soon as you notice a homework problem.
12. Praise good work.
13. Set a good example.

SOURCE

Learning Should Never Stop

>> Thursday, June 4, 2009

Do you agree? I absolute do! One must not be contented with just what he/ she learned and earned. A bachelor’s degree, for example. To increase one’s value, one must keep on learning and improving his/ her skills and competencies. But how will you do it? How will you earn a higher degree if your home and work life already take the best out of you and you can no longer muster the energy to attend classes at the university? Earning a degree online is the answer to your problem!

Take advantage of the wide graduate degree program offering of Capella University. From business, information technology, education, human services, psychology, public health, and public safety, to bachelor’s degree programs in business, information technology and public safety. You can never go wrong at Capella University because they have been committed to providing quality and excellent online learning for 16 long years.

"This blog post was based on information provided by Blogitive. For more information, please visit Blogitive.com.”

Random Questions #13

1. Get up early or sleep in? Sleep in, of course!
2. What is your favorite cartoon character? It depends on who the favorite of DD is as of press time. LOL!
3. Favorite lunch meat? Pork.
4. What do you get every time you go into Wal-Mart? No Wal-Mart here. Sorry!
5. Do you think marriage is an outdated ritual? Nope it’s not and it will never be!
6. Favorite movie you wouldn't want anyone to find out about? None as of now.
7. What's your drink? Water, water, water and Selecta Fresh Milk.
8. Cowboys or Indians? Cowboys!
9. Cops or Robbers? Cops, of course!
10. Who from high school would you like to run in to? All of them! We’re a wacky bunch and there are no dull moments whenever I am with any of them.

Snagged from Chikai.

I Feel Like Spring

You Feel Like Spring

You have reached a point in your life where new opportunities are coming your way.
The future is exciting and bright. You are excited to start making plans.

It's likely that you have been stuck in bit of a rut, but that's all about to change.
You're ready to explore, learn, challenge yourself, and grow. All of a sudden, the world is much more colorful.

What Season Do You Feel Like?

Yes, I was stuck in bit of a rut and I was very mad. But when I offered it all to God, things began to change and we discovered that we are expecting! What a joy and blessing that is not only to us, but to our family and friends (near and far) as well!

Small Details Count!

I was at a friend’s dress shop today and while talking to her, a customer came in, asking for wedding entourage price packages. It reminded me of our preparations for our big day some years ago. I wanted everything to be nice and perfect and memorable. Thanks to my supportive family and relatives and helpful friends, it was indeed a day to remember for the rest of our lives. They helped me make sure that everything – from the biggest concerns like church and reception, the wedding license down to the tiniest detail like wedding favors, are being taken cared of.

Speaking of wedding favors, take a look at these very unique and personalized wedding favors:

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Very impressive, right? And did I mention that these are edible? Yes they are! These and more are available at The Knot Wedding Shop. Personalize it the way you want it. They have almost every imaginable wedding favor available that will suit your budget. And since The Knot Wedding Shop understands your needs to save, check out the favors that they have on sale. Let The Knot Wedding Shop make your day more special by visiting their online shop now.

Angelina Jolie Tops 100 Most Powerful Celebrities List

angelina-jolie-b1 Move over, Oprah! It’s Angelina Jolie’s time has come to reign as the number 1 in the Forbes’ list of 100 Most Powerful Celebrities. What made her top this prestigious list? Earning as much as $27 million in the past 12 months from her various movies, the publicity she earned after the birth of their twins, being consistently in the headlines for her philanthropic efforts and her relationship with actor Brad Pitt who ranks number 9 on the list.

Filipino boxer, Manny Pacquiao, by the way , ranks 57th.

To see the complete list, take a peek here.

A Bejeweled Blitzer Here!

>> Wednesday, June 3, 2009

There’s a new craze in our group and it’s called Bejeweled Blitz. Thanks to Aggie for introducing it to us and now, almost all of us are hooked! Even my other friends who do not belong to the group are playing too! How did I know? Their updates reveal it! Actually, it’s a classic game of lining up three or more items (in this case, colored gems) in order to eliminate them. Power-ups and bonus gems also come out from time to time.

Want to try it out? I know you do. Yes you do! Click HERE! Of course, you need to log on your Facebook account before you can play. Enjoy!

Go Electric!

Father’s Day is near, that’s for sure. I am proud to tell you that I’ve already prepared my Father’s Day gifts for the three important fathers in my life. What are those gifts? Secret, of course! DH is an avid reader of my blogs, thus, he won’t be surprised if I reveal it here, right?

Of course, it’s not an electric scooter! They do not need one, obviously! But if you are looking for one, Allegro Medical offers several designs in prices you cannot resist. As one of the largest and most technologically advanced independently owned online retailers of life enhancing products in the United States, Allegro has expanded to include mainstream consumer retail products such as Exercise & Fitness Equipment, Nutritional Dietary Supplements, Maternity/Baby Supplies and Outdoor Gear.

I will surely check out their maternity care products and baby supplies one of these days. Its 13 years of service has proven the quality of their products and efficiency of service. Allegro Medical proudly boasts its 55,000 products, under 50 categories and hundreds of sub-categories and you can conveniently shop by category, brand or condition.

Wednesday Happy Thoughts

Happiness is:
1. No sickie in the family.

2. Yummy, yummy santol.

3. Cold nights.

4. A dose of soap operas whenever I feel like it.

5. A family friend named Laurence P.
6. Sudoku puzzles.

7. Arrival of my 3rd photo book and my Father’s Day gifts. ;)
8. Kerygma magazines.

9. LBC.

10. Efficient Post Office employees.

Thanks to Mich for hosting this weekly meme. It makes me happy to know that I am very, very blessed. =)

Create!

Your Birthday's Wisdom is Creation

You have learned that you're happiest in life when you're working with your hands.
Whether you're cooking or writing, being creative is what fools you.

You don't like to be stagnant, and you are always thinking of new projects.
You believe that a wasted day can lead to a wasted life. You make the most of the time you have.

What's Your Birthday's Wisdom?

Boy or Girl?

I know we still have a long way to go but as early as now, I am already thinking of getting an additional bed or buying a larger sleep number bed before the new baby arrives. As a typical Filipino family, we don’t plan on letting our babies sleep on their own beds. They usually sleep with us on a big bed. As a mother, it gives me peace of mind to see and feel my little one beside me.

OK. Enough of serious stuff. When I finally shared the news to most of my family and friends, almost all of them wished that it’s a boy. Now, it got me curios. Will it be a boy or a girl? Or both? LOL! Three days after we informed my in-law and my parents, I dreamed that I gave birth painlessly and that we had twins! Both girls! LOL! Anyways, I remembered that a former colleague introduced me to the Pregnancy and Baby Gender Chart using Chinese Lunar Calendar. Of course, it’s not true for everyone but many attested that it’s accurate based on their experiences. So I tried it this morning (along with another preggy BFF) and we had fun filling out the forms and knowing the results! Of course, I can’t divulge my result yet. Haha!

Want to try it yourself? Go here and check it out!

Before the School Year Begins

As an employee of the school for about 10 years, I have a privilege of a 25-day paid leave but I opted to use those days as the need arises. Like for instance, today. I have been feeling very tired so I want to rest plus I need to prepare DD for the upcoming first day of school.

I planned to use 3 days of that privilege from today up to Friday but the boss will be out today so I have to go and give a talk regarding school policies and other concerns of our office with our new students as my audience. That I did yesterday and thanks to a very heavy microphone, my right arm is still aching right now! Initially, I was very nervous but thanks be to God, I was able to give a sensible presentation. Even the old students who were there to help facilitate the event told me that they also learned new things. Aside from the usual presentation about school policies and thrust of our office, I also introduced the student government officers and school paper editorial board.

I say that I enjoyed what I did. It’s so nice to see new faces all looking hopeful and eager to be there. I just hope that they won’t fail their school and their parents, that they will do their very best to become the best that they can be.

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