A Life in Bloom

Multi-Tasking

2009-12-12T02:36:00.001+08:00

One of the many interesting things I discovered about my husband is that he is incapable of doing so many things at a time. That is why this reminds me of him, as well as an article at Zen Habits that says life would be less-stressful if we focus on one task and move on to the next once it’s done instead of them them all at once.

I am one multi-tasker and I get things done. However, it seemed that the author of Zen Habits is right. Multi-tasking indeed is stressful. However, it’s a necessity, if you ask me. Especially when time and energy are scarce.

Two days ago, a general assembly of all employees, administrators and faculty members was organized. While listening to the invited insurance marketing personnel, I was also busy contacting student leaders who will be helping us with today’s activity. Aside from that, I was also trying to come up with communication for some faculty advisers while keeping in touch with my husband who brought our daughter to her pediatrician. It is crazy, I know! But I think I am good at it and it gets things done!

{photo source}

A Secret

2009-12-12T02:19:00.001+08:00

One major hurdle. Just one more and I can finally have my much-deserved break (in a nice place like a mexico hotel perhaps? In my dreams maybe. Haha!). Of course, there are few minor hurdles I have to face but this major one is really nerve-wracking! But I am keeping my fingers crossed. I will prepare and do my best and pray for God’s grace. I can’t divulge what it’s all about yet. Let’s see what happens and I will let you know what the big secret is all about. ;)

Busy, Busy Day!

2009-12-12T02:01:00.001+08:00

Good morning! It’s so early and yet I am already up. We had a very hectic and busy day yesterday that I all I wanted to do upon arriving home was to sleep. We prepared for our annual Christmas reach out which will happen today. And today is another busy day because aside from the reach out, I am also going to attend my second Christmas party for the year. (There’s more lined up so no one can convince me to buy diet pills even if they are the best diet pills in town!) It will be a small get-together with my closest friends at work. We are having an exchange of gifts and I still need to find a gift for my *baby*. That I will do this afternoon, just some hours before our party. Yikes. Wish me luck! But I look forward to this gathering and I love the people we are going to hold this party with. Hopefully, we can do it again next year!

Serious First Name

2009-12-12T01:46:00.001+08:00

You Have a Serious First Name

Compared to most people, you are very thoughtful, quiet, and studious. You enjoy your own thoughts and reflections.
You seek peace in your life, and often the greatest calm comes with solitude. There are many activities you enjoy on your own.

You enjoy reading, writing, and teaching. It's possible you even dabble in the arts, but nothing that requires performing.
You find that when you socialize you tend to go overboard, so you need lots of alone time to keep you stable.

What Kind of First Name Do You Have?

Blogthings: Waste Time at Work!

Is my name “serious”? Haha! But I like what the second paragraph stated. I do enjoy reading and writing (teaching is another thing). And I also like arts, performing not included.

Our First Christmas Party for 2009

2009-12-08T10:32:00.001+08:00

We had our first Christmas party of the year – our office’s (and sector’s) party and it was sponsored by my generous and kind-hearted boss. We also invited some colleagues who are good friends of ours and their presence surely made the night complete. There were lots of food and singing! Unfortunately, I did not have enough time to prepare gifts but one of our school nurses and our office secretary were. I received a Personalized Jewelry and a CD of Christmas songs. Yay! Hopefully, we can shop for gifts this weekend and be able to hand them to people before leaving for Manila. We went home happy and full around 9 PM last night. DH forgot to bring our camera so I have to rely on our guests for the photos. I will share them once they post them on Facebook.

On another note, another party is coming up this weekend. Busy, busy weekend indeed! And it will be with my closest friends at work. We still have to finalize the details though. And I will make sure that no one forgets to bring the camera!

MIA

2009-12-08T10:14:00.001+08:00

Hello, hello! It’s been a while since I last posted a serious post here. Sorry for being MIA, my friends, but work has been quite hectic in the past weeks, thus my absence. But a few days more and we’ll be having our much-needed break!

Anyways, today is a local holiday because of the celebration of the Immaculate Conception Feast Day. Happy feast day to those of us who celebrate it! The day should be spent shopping for my godchildren but unfortunately, my shopping partner needs to attend a party so we have to postpone it by Sunday. So here I am, *trying* to blog and come up with decent posts. *Trying* because my bed is calling me and I feel so lazy these days. *sigh* But I am still hoping for a productive day though.

Have a great Tuesday, y’all!

Counting Down

2009-12-06T15:03:00.001+08:00

My daughter has been doing her countdown as soon as December began. She is very excited about seeing her paternal grandparents, uncles, aunt and cousins again. But aside from being with them again and the gifts she will be receiving, she is also ecstatic about staying at the new house (dubbed by her Dad as “the mansion”). My husband was able to see the house three days before my parents in-law moved in and he said that the house is all ready for occupancy. Even the bathroom lights were already installed. We’ll be there very soon and I can’t wait! It’s big enough to accommodate a big family such as ours. I am looking forward to this trip and the chance to rest and be ready for 2010 so don’t be surprised if I am doing my own countdown too!

Sunday Stealing: The Can’t Sleep Meme

2009-12-06T14:14:00.001+08:00

Sunday Stealing: The Can't Sleep Meme

Would it be hard to kiss the last person you kissed? Nope.
When is it hard to kiss someone? When you’re mad at that person.
You're trapped in a room with your most recent ex for three days, what do you do? Talk about trivial things (like the way we were when we met, his friends, my friends, our past. LOL) and important stuff (like bioidentical hormone replacement austin perhaps since he is into health and fitness stuff).
Does it matter to you if your significant other smokes? Big time.
Have you ever regretted letting someone go? Nope.
Where would you go if you were butt naked and locked out of your house? I dunno. Just stay there, I suppose.
Do you want to please everyone? Sometimes. But I always remind myself that no matter what I do, someone will be saying something negative.
Have you ever been called heartless? Many times. LOL!
Someone calls you at 3:00 AM, who do you expect it to be? My boss?
Does it matter if your significant other drinks? No if he does it occasionally.
Could you go the rest of your life without doing drugs? Prescription drugs? Nope. Illegal drugs? Absolutely yes.
Which is better, amazing eyes or an amazing smile? Amazing smile.
Do you want to get married and have children one day? Already married, have one daughter and would love to have 2 more kids.
Are you easy to get along with? It depends on who you’re asking. LOL!
Do you ever want to go to sleep and not wake up? Just sleep the entire day.
Are you shorter than your Mom? Nope.
Describe your life currently in one word: Hectic (for now)
Are you on medication for anything? Nope.
Who would you allow to read your thoughts for one day? God. :p
Are there things in your life that you will never be able to get over? Yeah. Love. (Mushy indeed.)
If you woke up naked next to the last person you kissed, what would your reaction be? Shocked? LOL! He’s my husband so why should I be? ;)

The Dating Profiles Meme: Go Fish

2009-11-30T20:29:00.001+08:00

The Dating Profiles Meme: Go Fish
1. Like to go fishing. Not really interested in hunting anymore.
:: I don’t like hunting too.
2. When describing my best traits, I kind of sound like I'm describing a puppy.
:: Here, puppy, puppy, puppy!
3. I'm not an alcoholic or anything, but I do enjoy high proof beverages.
:: Ummm… OK.
4. I seriously have a radar for freaks so stay clear because I won’t respond.
:: And you are not one? LOL!
5. With the exception of living out my dreams of spending my life on the shoreline, there is absolutely nothing I lack.
:: You are one lucky guy!
6. Sight unseen, trust me when I say this. On a scale of 1-10, I am an absolute 10!
:: Wow!
7. I can be so intense sometimes I even scare myself.
:: That’s scary!
8. I want someone funny but not a spaz.

:: OK.
9. Well, the truth is, I'm a nerd who's looking for another nerd to spend happy hours doing nerd-like things together.
:: Unfortunately, I am not the one you’re looking for. Sorry.
10. I'm looking for a long term sizzle rather than jet-lagged flash.
:: Well good luck with your search!

Updates

2009-11-30T20:19:00.001+08:00

Before I noticed it, my 4-day weekend has just ended. Yikes. But despite the change of plans (of me, not being able to scrap because my EHD died), I enjoyed the much-needed break by visiting the salon, meeting the Husband at the airport after two weeks of being away (he did not expect us to be there), lounging around the house and sleeping! I took the opportunity to rest because the following weeks will be very loaded.

And a good news: my files from my malfunctioned EHD were recovered! Woot! Thanks to our very competent and kind ICT head. And thanks too to those who were with me in wishing that they’ll be. But because our city is too small (you won’t be needing a gps) there are limited number of shops and they offer a limited variety of items. We visited three computer shops here but none of them are selling EHDs as of this moment. Aargh… I still need to find way to get one soon so I can have my files back. Wish me luck!

On another note, I was supposed to go shopping for my godchildren yesterday but since my partner, Joniel, was not around, I postponed it. I rely on his judgment (and gift-wrapping skills) so I prefer having him around when I do my Christmas shopping.

Anyway, I hope you are having a great week. Have a blessed one!

Sunday Stealing: The Tell Me About Yourself Meme

2009-11-30T19:43:00.001+08:00

Sunday Stealing: The Tell Me About Yourself Meme
1. When is your birthday? Some time next month.
2. Where were you born? Somewhere here.
3. Where do you live now? Here.
4. What is your heritage? All Filipino.
5. Tell us about a weakness. Why should I? LOL! Being on time is one. Example, I am doing this Sunday Stealing Meme on a Monday!
6. What's a goal that you'd like to achieve? Loose weight?
7. What is the most overused internet phrase? LOL? LOL!
8. What was your first thought this morning? Woot! It’s a holiday!
9. When do you usually go to bed? From 7 PM to 1 AM. It depends.
10. Do you smoke? If not, did you ever? Never.
11. Do you like your current relationship status?Super! Could not ask for more.
12. Do you (or did you) get along with your parents? Yeah!
13. How often do you drink alcohol? Once a year. :)
14. Have you ever tried drugs (that weren't prescribed)? Nope. Never.
15. Have you ever gone skinny dipping? If yes, do tell. Nope.
16. If given the choice, how would you like to die? I dunno.
17. What did you want to be when you grew up? A rock star? LOL! Seriously, someone who can greatly influence the lives of many and bring about positive change in my community.
18. Have you ever been dumped? I do the dumping. :p
19. What's on your pizza? Cheese, lots of meat and hot sauce.
20. Have you ever shoplifted? Nope.

Random

2009-11-28T12:00:00.001+08:00

I should be scrapping, thanks to a very loong weekend that I have been enjoying. Unfortunately, my EHD malfunctioned while I was scrapping two nights ago. :( It’s Black Friday too but because of what happened, I am not in the mood to shop despite the huge sale going on in various shops. So here I am tweaking my blogs. I hope you like what you see!

Anyway, yesterday was spent at the salon. I was there for almost five long hours. But the wait is so worth it. I am so loving my new hair! After my my visit to the salon, I went to the mall where DD and Mama were. Mama shopped for DD’s Christmas gifts and party clothes and shoes. An aunt was there too so we all had pizza afterwards.

And someone will be coming home today! Woot! We’ll be meeting him at the airport though he is not aware of it. Sssh…

Have a great weekend!

Not a CPA Yet.

2009-11-15T22:19:00.003+08:00

One of our neighbors graduated this year with a bachelor’s degree in accountancy. She is currently working in a shipping company. However, she has no intention of taking the CPA board exam nor working in as a CPA in big companies like a Las Vegas cpa firm any time soon. She claims that not being a CPA does not make her a lesser human being.

However, I am still encouraging her to try and take the board exam. More opportunities will surely come her way. There is a bigger world out there to conquer and a CPA license can make the conquering a little easier. Aside from being able to support her family, she can also help others who are in need. I honestly hope that she will change her mind soon.

Curls, Curls!

2009-11-15T22:08:00.001+08:00

You Should Have Curly Hair

You are cheerful, outgoing, and downright bouncy. People find you to be very personable and real.
You are confident in your own skin, and you don't feel like you have to fake anything.

You are very independent and unique. You wouldn't like to look like every other person on the street.
People find that you're honest, and it's easy to trust you. Others expect you to be honest in all facets of your life.

Should You Have Straight Hair or Curly Hair?

Blogthings: Discover the Parts of Your Personality that Have Been Hiding

Wow! I have been wanting to have my hair curled for about two years now but my stylist won’t let me because he knows me too well. He says that I will just get bored with it in a month or two. Aside from that, we have been re-bonding my hair and curling it seemed to be a silly idea.

But then, let me try my luck this time around. :D

Be Who You Are

2009-11-15T21:57:00.001+08:00

When I will have my own cubicle, I will print a poster that says that same thing to remind my students that who and what they are is good enough and there’s no need to try to be someone else. Most often, their insecurities make them do stupid things which are detrimental not only to their growth but are also causing disturbances to people around them. If only they would learn to love themselves, our office can focus more on student development programs and less on student discipline.

{photo source}

A 50-Year Old Cosmetology School

2009-11-15T20:51:00.001+08:00

Many people noticed that my hair has grown long. I didn’t intentionally grow my hair this long. It’s just that I am too lazy to visit the salon and have it trimmed. But I am aware that going there is inevitable, especially when my birthday and our annual vacation are just around the corner! So since we are going to have a long weekend towards the end of the month, I will be visiting the salon.

And speaking of salons, do you know that there is one Cosmetology School in Minneapolis that is more than 50 years old? It is named Regency Beauty Institute. Regency has about 30 campuses in about nine states. At Regency, interested students learn about cosmetology and enjoy exceptional education. Their campuses are design like upscale salons and that’s where they prepare their graduates to serve not only in salons but in cruise ships and runways as well. Their unique approach to cosmetology education makes their graduates highly recognized and sought after throughout the US.

Her Process of Elimination

2009-11-15T20:25:00.001+08:00

This reminded me of DD who uses a very effective process of elimination when confronted with many choices.

One of her musts before sleeping is reading her story books. Once, we reminded her that she did not nap that afternoon so she has to sleep early and choose just three books. She already had about eight on her lap. I told her to just choose three. It seemed that doing so is a tough job for a 6-year old kid but she has to obey me, of course.

Do you know what she did? She laid her books on the bed and started reciting “Eeny, meeny, miny, moo." while pointing to her books successively! She is one smart girl, I tell yah!

{photo source}

Did it Fit?

2009-11-15T20:10:00.001+08:00

Last week, Ate Ces and I went to our favorite store and bought ourselves new blouses. This isn’t the first time that we went there together and bought the same styles of blouses but with different colors. Mainly the reason why Joniel calls us Super Twins. (A good example on how corny he can get. Haha!) And in case you don’t know them, read my post below.

Anyway, going back to my story. I spotted a yellow blouse that was similar to another blouse we bought some months back. That one was midnight green. When the blouse was handed to me by the sales lady, one older woman standing behind me commented, “That one is nice.” referring to the blouse I was holding. I thought of being nice to a stranger crossed my mind. Why not let her have the blouse instead, right? But I still went inside the fitting room to see how it will look on me. Haha. To my surprise, I found the lady standing by the door when I got out. I was more surprised when she asked me, “Did it fit you?” I smiled and said “Yes!” Hahaha. So she thought it won’t. So she thought she can have it instead ha.

Well, it fit me mainly because a portion at the back is garterized! :p

Anyway, that experience taught me two things:
1. I am indeed big. Bigger than I used to be. I need to loose weight. Soon.
2. There’s a time to be nice. And that isn’t one of those times. :p

Needless to say, I bought the blouse. Haha! And I began my diet the two days after that. So wish me luck!

My Daily Lunch Dates

2009-11-11T21:52:00.001+08:00

I do not know what came into Joniel that when I visited their office this morning, he was taking photos of himself! And since we rarely have photos together, I ~~requested~~ forced him to let a student take our photo. And since we are inside Ces’ office, we also requested that a photo of us three shall be taken. Here’s the result:

Joniel frequently stars my blog posts, basically because we see each other daily and he usually accompany me when I need to shop during weekdays. He is a batch mate of my cousin and was one of our Peer Counselors. He is one of my most favorite gay friends because he is gay. LOL!

And there’s Ate Ces. DH got my number from her. Haha! I love her to bits and aside from Wes’, her shoulders are my crying shoulders. After Wes, she was the first person I talked to when I learned about the condition of my second baby. She cried with me that day. But aside from sharing my sorrows, she has been sharing my joys too. And I have always been an admirer for her strength and faith. She rarely complains despite of the pains that she has been experiencing.

And this is her office. On her small table, five of us share our lunches five days a week. There’s DD and me, Ate Ces and her DS and Joniel. This is where we talk about trivial and important things alike, share secrets and even funny anecdotes like the one experienced by Ate Ces’ husband abroad while asking lady for the cheapest Outer Banks rentals last month. If only this table could talk!

They’re just two of the many wonderful friends that I have at the university. Aside from my desire to work for and with the youth, another reason that drives me to report to the university everyday is to be with them.

P.S.
It’s a Wednesday, which is our students’ wash day. We (Joniel and I) took advantage of it and declared the day as our jeans day. :p

Saturday 9 on a Sunday

2009-11-08T23:20:00.001+08:00

Saturday 9: Be True to Your School

1. What was your favorite subject in high school? English.
2. Do you watch reality shows? Which ones? Sometimes. Pinoy Big Brother.
3. What's your favorite all time reality show? Pinoy Big Brother, I think.
4. Do you feel "reality" shows are real or are they faked? I don’t really care. Haha!
5. What did you look like when you were a teenager? Slimmer with longer hair.
6. Whose advice do you listen to? My husband’s.
7. How often are you sick? Too often. :(
8. Do you like or dislike change? It depends on the change.
9. How many times in your life have you had a broken heart? What’s that? LOL!

The Sloth Survey

2009-11-08T23:13:00.001+08:00

1. What is one thing you’re supposed to do daily that you haven’t?
:: Sleep early. Yikes.

2. What is the latest you’ve ever woken up?
:: 10 AM.

3. Name a person you’ve been meaning to contact, but still haven’t?
:: A childhood friend, Sarah.

4. What is the last lame excuse that you made?
:: I am still sleepy.

5. Are you a regular latecomer in class or at work?
:: You betcha. Haha!

6. How many times did you hit the snooze button on your alarm clock this morning?
:: No alarm clock here.

7. What’s one thing you’re supposed to do today but feels like postponing on some other time?
:: Help my parents find a good home alarm systems but we prioritized attending Jose Joaquin’s baptism today so it has to wait. :D

Thanks Mai!

Tomorrow…

2009-11-08T23:09:00.001+08:00

… will be the State of the Region Address to be delivered by a high-ranking official in the nearby province. However, since the regional office is based here in the city, obviously, the SORA will be held here! As always, we expect heavy traffic because many VIPs will be arriving to grace the said event. Thus, I need to sleep early (but that is not possible right now) so we can leave early and avoid traffic.

Anyway, it’s a brand new week and I am optimistic! Few days more and it’s December! I can’t wait!

Bob Ong Books

2009-11-08T22:52:00.001+08:00

While our husbands were talking about basketball and cars and Ferrari parts (all alien to me), Marijo and I talked about her collection of Bob Ong books. It was a nice discovery for me because I never knew that she’s into Bob Ong. I asked her who influenced her and no surprise here, it was our friend, Raquel. And because she (Marijo) has two copies of the Macarthur, the unopened copy was given to me! Yay! She willingly lent me her copy of ABNKKBSNPLAko? which I began reading once we arrived home. And boy, it is one hilarious read! Hilarious and true, like what Marijo said.
I can’t wait to finish it very soon and start the Macarthur. And since DH will be leaving for Davao next week, I already asked him to buy me all the Bob Ong books (instead of me using up my GCs from Trin! Haha!)

Jose Joaquin’s Day

2009-11-08T22:22:00.001+08:00

Today is a special day because we welcomed Jose Joaquin to the Christian world! He is the first born of our good family friends, Marijo and Joel. The rites began a little after 10 AM and it was followed by a sumptuous lunch which we all enjoyed. We opted to stay late, even after almost all of the guests went home. It was a great opportunity to take photos of the little boy who was asleep most of the time! Marijo and I hope to schedule a pictorial for Joaquin. Good for me because I can get to practice. Haha!

Anyway, here is a photo of us at the church:

Bingay, your family is the only one missing! :)

Stylish but Cheap

2009-11-03T09:55:00.001+08:00

Now that Halloween is over, I know that many of us are getting ready for the next big celebration and that’s Christmas! Have you made your list? Took out the holiday decors from the storage? What about picking a pair of Holiday Fun Eyeglasses to complete your Christmasy look? I just checked out the New Arrivals at Zenni Optical and here’s one that caught my fancy:

I love the color and it’s unique design! Say goodbye to your boring and plain eyeglasses and say hello to fun and stylish $8 Prescription Zenni Glasses!