travel update

I am currently in our hotel room in the metropolis. I brought my computer so I am able to create a post. It's a relief to know the free wi-fi actually works! I wasn't really going to surf the web but since I had a connection, why not? I was really just going to watch 2 broke girls since the bf has poor taste in television shows. Hahaha!

We decided not sleep over in Pampanga although we had lunch there. I was amazed by the buntings and decorations they had on the streets. It was really a typical provincial fiesta. And by the way, the food was fiesta fare. The usual pork meat cooked several ways. But I must admit the leche flan and cassava pudding tasted great. We just headed back to the city late in the afternoon.

The hotel room is fine-nothing fancy, its too cold for my comfort but the bf loves it. It's not home but it will have to do. We'll be heading home tomorrow afternoon anyway after we finish buying business stuff. Yes, not shopping for me as usual. Even if SM North Edsa was still open when we passed, the bf opted to rest instead of going to the mall. And it's okay because I have no money to spare! Hahaha! Too broke to shop for non-essentials.

I'm going to rest before taking ashower and then sleep. It's bound to be a long day tomorrow.

trip and tired

I'll be away for about three days again since I'll be traveling with the bf tomorrow. I'm happy because that means I won't have to write or work. I was supposed to take today off but my boss gave me two urgents tasks. I was going bond with the baby and take him to the mall this afternoon but he does not want to. It's fine with me though, at least I can rest early.

I had scheduled several tasks this week and I have finally accomplished all of them. I am now looking forward to relaxing in the metropolis-- although I doubt if it will really be a relaxing time. The bf's friend in Pampanga invited him for their annual fiesta and we'll be spending a night there, I think. That will be a first for both of us although I think their fiesta will be similar to ours. We'll just have to see...

I haven't uploaded my pictures yet so I won't be able to make a post on our St. John's beach day as well as my pasta dish. I'm just too tired to think of other things-sorry. I am into 2 Broke Girls right now and have downloaded all the episodes. It's really funny and after I finish watching, I'm going to watch Suburgatory next. I am still deciding whether to download Parenthood Season 2 because I've seen some episodes already.

My sister took our uncle to the doctor this morning. She was scared because he was having difficulty breathing and was requesting for oxygen. However, he does not want to be taken to the hospital so they compromised. He agreed to a checkup as long as he wasn't going to be confined. This uncle is the one we visit every Saturday who is a stubborn and mule headed war veteran.

Ciao!

hard at work

Because I still am not finished with my part time work, I have to divide my time between two jobs. I must admit that I am having a hard time with it. Both jobs are demanding, not to mention there's the bf and the baby to take care of. I set a limit of working no more than 7pm but sometimes it's just not enough. I really have a lot to do and I doubt if I can make the two months extension. But I am really trying to produce results.

I have finished the first part of the job. The second part is tedious although it is really easy. It just takes patience and I am praying to have more of it. The baby is getting too demanding and is no longer sleeping in the afternoons. Thus, I have to take care of him instead of working. I am thinking of letting him go to school in the afternoons just to give him something to do. Hahaha!

Nevertheless, a little hard work never killed anyone so I am fine with it. I just need to load up on multivitamins so I won't be too stressed out. Last night, I got a full body massage to ease my aching body. I so enjoyed it that I failed to set my alarm. I was unable to exercise because I had a really good sleep and woke up late.

For now, slowly but surely will have to do and in time, I'll get the hang of this.

a parent's prayer

mami and mangoes

I always like to eat chicken mami and batchoy. In fact, I sometimes go to our local department store's food court to get my chicken mami fix. Last Friday, I decided to make my own version. But I must admit it's not as good because of the noodles I used. The noodles my mom bought had a distinct smell I couldn't get rid of. I also didn't get to consume that serving. It was just too much!

I paired it with mango, banana and avocado fruit mix. The bf liked the mangoes being sold roadside and he actually bought mangoes there for two consecutive days. My mom had leftover avocado so I bought banana and combined all three with evaporated milk and a bit of sugar. I left it in the freezer for about and hour and this is the result. It's safe to say I had a healthy Friday night dinner.

hormones and emotions

As a human being, I am not always optimistic, happy or content. There are moments when I feel so low, so pathetic and sad. I accept those moments as part of being human and alive. For the times that I'm down, I allow myself to shed a few tears and be miserable. But I don't wallow in depression or think of suicide. Instead, I take a moment to think of what is going on in my life, what I can do to change it or if I should and even sometimes dwell in the past. Then I shrug it off and pray. (I attribute this feeling sometimes to hormones and PMS. There are also times when my feelings are triggered by a particular instance or event) And then I return to my rational state and think that everything happens for a reason. Even if I might not be able to comprehend why these things are happening right now, in time I will be able to do so. Thus, I pray and I feel a lot better.

Praying really helps and although I don't always hear mass, I still pray every day. For me, praying has helped me get through so many things in life. There are times when I don't get to pray the rosary but I talk to God and it makes me feel lighter and happier. I also bear in mind that what I am going through is much easier compared to others. For that alone, I am very thankful.

If ever you feel sad or alone or depressed, say a prayer and believe that in time, things will work out.

grown up talk

I know kids do not talk right and proper yet so I don't really expect my three year old to do so. But in fairness to him, he can speak well enough to be understood. Still, he has funny expressions that make me laugh out loud.

"That's a tenny bear" (teddy bear)
"I'm a menja" (ninja)
"Turn on the aircon, I'm very spiring." (perspiring)
"Okay find." (meaning fine)
"I'm going to tack you (attack you)
"Don't stroyed my shed." (destroy)
"I shout very louder."

********

We play a game called "Open your ___", usually we open body parts like eyes, nose, mouth etc. One time the baby said "open your soldiers" meaning shoulders. I laughed very loudly that the baby was actually embarassed.

******

He likes Thomas the Tank Engine and has a lot of toy trains. He has small trains that he plays with at night in our bed. Last night, this was our conversation.

Baby: Look at Emily, Mommy. Look at him. (Emily is a train also)
Me: Look at her babe, not him. Emily is a girl.
Baby: Emily is not a girl, Mommy. She's a train.

ooops! hahaha!

scare!

I am not ready to become pregnant yet again. For me, one is actually enough although I'd be happy to have a little girl to dress up. The bf is also not ready for me to be pregnant, too although there are times when he asks if I am willing.

Last week, I was afraid I was on the family way. It really bothered me because I am not prepared. My son was really expected and not an accident as I let my friends believe (Sorry!) I told the bf my fears and he was teasing that me that just when I was working hard for a slimmer body, I'll gain weight yet again. I said I'll know next week when my period is scheduled to arrive. But deep down, I was scared because in the previous weeks, I was always hungry and hankering for Chocolate Float from Jollibee. Fortunately by Monday evening, the much anticipated menstruation came and I was able to heave a huge sigh of relief. It was just a pregnancy scare, after all!

lawyer-not!

I talked about going to law school and yesterday, I almost enrolled. I was convinced by my friends to give it a shot and I decided on whim to do so. However, my heart wasn't really in it.

I went to the school to make inquiries and was told I had to take a written examination and then get an interview with the dean. I did both yesterday and passed on both accounts. I was told my the dean's secretary to join the second class from 7pm to 9pm and enroll officially today. I am a late enrollee as classes already began last June 11.

So I joined the class and found it not up to par. I didn't like my classmates, for one. They were good for nothing, trying hard, wannabe lawyers who do not have intelligent things to say. Hahaha! I mean, I don't open my mouth in class if I am not sure of the answers. But they just kept on shooting off at the mouth even if it was sheer nonsense. Ugh! Then the teacher was a sarcastic and judgmental piece of you-know-what who felt she was a class above the rest. Just because you're a lawyer does not automatically mean you're superior from the rest of us! Plus, did I mention she had a lousy teaching technique?

During the class, I had no interest at all. It was not something I wanted and I knew I couldn't give my 100% to the classes. I do not like doing things half-baked or with half a heart because I know I will ultimately fail if I force myself. There was no proper motivation, no burning desire within me and for that, I decided not to pursue it. I asked the bf for his opinion and like me, he was also hesitant. He was also having second thoughts about telling me to enroll. And so I told him with your 50% and my 50%, we already have 100%.

I guess this means I will not be a lawyer in 2015. But who knows, I could become one in 2016!

fool me once, twice and thrice!

Remember my girlfriend whose husband left her for an older woman? Well, her husband came home after four months and she took him back.

I don't why I am so pi**ed at that fact but I am. Now is not the time and age of martyrdom and even if he is her husband, he is still a douche and a half. When we first talked, she asked if it was worth broadcasting that he's home? I didn't say anything because it is none of my business but I would have at leasted wanted to be told, wouldn't you?

Now, they're thick as thieves and act as if nothing happened. I cannot take it but I still held my tongue. After all, it's not my life. I guess it proves just how much she still loves him even if she was taken for a fool three times over. Whatever!

baby's gift

Me: You want to come with me?

Baby: Where?

Me: I'm going to the store to get a gift for the baby.

Baby: Me? You'll buy me a gift?

Me: Nope, not you. The other baby, the little girl of Tita D.

Baby: Oh. No, I'm not coming.

Hahaha!

home

I got in early last night, at around 7pm. That gave me time to bond with the baby, tell him a story and sleep early. I was terribly exhausted from the trip and I'm just glad there was no storm or typhoon to contend with. Due to my exhaustion, I slept ahead of the baby. I just set the television to sleep and he slept on his own after that. Sorry babe!

I need to finish the job I took on this week but I am just so tired. I'll do it tomorrow instead. I am thinking of getting a massage but I am also too lazy to go. I don't think my masseuse is available so I will have to go out. Ugh! Besides, I just came from the Christening I had mentioned. I was actually late in getting to church but at least I made it. Three of the godmothers arrived when it was over! The lunch that followed was good. I had yummy lechon skin and ate a lot. Hahaha! It's Sunday a.k.a. Cheat Day after all!

It's Father's Day so we're going out to dinner tonight. I'm glad to have a wonderful father and I'm happy he's still with us and that he's healthy as a horse. The bf is also a great father to my son. It's nice to know there are still men worthy to be called fathers. Honestly, I'd prefer to stay in and not have to go out. Sometimes, obligations suck!

Anyway... hope you have a nice day!

girlfriends

I finally got to catch up with my girlfriends this week. I don't often spend time with them because most of them no longer work here. We have to wait for special occasions before we can get together.

One of my girlfriends came home so we decided to meet up on Monday. We were planning a karaoke night but didn't push through. Instead, we went off to a Mexican restaurant and spent four hours just talking and gossiping. It was fun even if it meant a long night for me. If it wasn't so late, we'd have stayed up forever just talking.

We had dinner in a girlfriend's house last night but we had to stop early because it was the start of classes the next day and a work day at that. One of my girlfriends is actually celebrating her birthday today but because everyone is busy, we didn't make any plans anymore.

I'm not too keen on going out as well because I'll be traveling tomorrow with the bf. We are actually worried about the supposed typhoon because we'll be in the metropolis by then. It could mean we'll be stranded and I might miss the christening this Sunday- yes I'll be a godmother for the nth time. Both of my girlfriends already gave birth, just one day apart. There will be another christening next Saturday.

I'm happy to have met up and reconnected with my friends and I'm looking forward to the next time.

not today

I'm sorry but I am a typical Filipino and I am a fan of Manny Pacquiao. So please don't ask for my opinion about the fight today.

We were supposed to have it on Pay-per-View at home but my mom said her sister was having it in their house. We decided to just watch there instead and save money in the process. It was my first time to watch Pacquiao's fight live and I was excited. To be perfectly honest, I was confident that he would win.

But when the result came out I was deflated, literally. I wasn't keen on eating lunch anymore because of it. I hated the result because I can't take the bitter taste of defeat. Sorry. Hopefully, tomorrow, I'll be okay. I was fine with Jessica Sanchez not winning because I know it was American Idol and she wasn't American. But Pacman, oh come on!! It reeked of tricky manuevering and cheat engineering! Whatever!

snap, snap

Baby: Mommy, there's hair on your legs.
Me: I know babe, we'll just call on Mommy K so she can shave my legs.
Baby: Not Mommy K, me only.
Me: What?
Baby: I'm going to get the scissors and cut it. Snap, snap, snap. Ate, get the scissors!

Hahahaha!

can't get away

I have just come to the realization that my bf does not want me going off alone. Hahaha! I mean today is a classic example of that.

This afternoon, the bf begged off from visiting because he was supposedly busy with business. He has a lot of visitors/clients coming and had no time to get away. I told him it's okay. But since I was bored, I decided to go out and get a facial and do a little shopping perhaps. So I texted the bf that I was going to the salon. He said go ahead. I changed and left and searched for a spa or something. I went to two places before I finally found a beauty salon with facial services. When it was done, I went to the department store and bought massage slippers for the bf-he was complaining of aching feet and the old ones I got him were old! On the way out, I got a text from him asking where I was. I called him and he said he was coming over. He fetched me and we went to one of his friends because he had to bring something over there, dropped me back to my vehicle and we went home together. I was planning to stop at another department store to get a christening gift for my new godchild before heading for home. I didn't bother telling him that!

This always happens when I go out and tell him about it. He either fetches me or keeps on texting where I am already. In the back of my mind, I am wondering if I am not to be trusted or he is just really insecure. I mean, I go out on errands and shopping but that is all I do. I don't go off looking for men or whatever. It's like I can't get away or something. Part of me wants to not tell him anymore if I am going somewhere next time...but a teeny part is happy he is this way. Oooppsss!

healthy living tips

I've always been talking about healthy living has changed my life for the better so I want to share what's been working for me in the past six months. I will not use numbers because these aren't in order anyway.

• Eat right. Try to avoid too much sweets and softdrinks- and alcohol for that matter. It doesn't necessarily mean staying off food that you love, but eat those in moderation.
• Have protein in every meal. You have a lot of choices for protein such as fish, chicken, beef, pork, lamb, veal etc. You can also make a protein shake if you like.
  
• Don't forget the colors. I mean vegetables such as your green leaves, orange carrots, red and green peppers, yellow squash, purple eggplant, etc. And fruits, of course!
  
• Exercise at least 30 minutes, three times a week. Do it daily if you can.
• Take multivitamins and fish oil every day if you will go on a lose weight diet. These supplements will aid the deficiencies in the food you take in. Plus, fish oil made my skin less dry.
• Water, water, water. Make water your new soda or coffee please. I drink a glass of water upon waking up, another glass thirty minutes before and after each meal. I avoid drinking any liquids-save for soup during meal times.
• Get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night. Resting will revive you from the day's daily grind and keeps you young looking too.
• Be happy! Forget the stress, problems and worries. Say a prayer and leave everything up to the One up there and life will surely be smooth sailing.
  

turkey sausage

My paternal grandmother has a sister who lives in the U.S. (who doesn't???). Anyway, when I was still in elementary and high school, she would come home every two years or so. Before, we had the fanciest house in the family. Fancy meaning it was concrete, clean and had a decent bathroom. This grandmother of mine was a neat freak and so she often stayed in our house. She liked the fact that my mom was neat and kept a clean house. That meant we had first dibs on the stuff she brought such as Chips Ahoy!, Swiss Miss Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows, chocolates and smoked sausage. Back then-meaning the 80s, those things were big deal and you could hardly find that in your local supermarket.

I loved all that she brought but the winner hands down was the smoked sausage. I have no idea of the brand or the name of the particular sausage she would bring. I only recognize it by taste. And I have missed it over the years. She hasn't come home in about five years or so because her husband got sick and so did she.

So I would often buy Hungarian sausage, cervelat or schublig and hope the taste would be the same. Unfortunately, nothing came close. I don't know why but I vaguely remember the sausage having turkey. One Sunday I found this package on the freezer in the supermarket and I just had to try it.

I had the sausage for dinner. Just cut one long sausage in half and sliced it thinly. Fried it in oil and tasted it. The taste was like the one I often had but saltier. I regret not pairing it with mustard because it would have tasted better. I actually paired it with banana catsup and the taste was not the same.

Yesterday, I remembered I had a package of Bolognese sauce. So I decided to cook it with the remaining half of the sausage, added mushrooms, garlic, onions and bell pepper. It was to die for, I swear. I know I'm not a good cook but I was able to create a pasta dish worth showing off.

.

red ranger is coughing

The baby is an avid television watcher, like most kids. He likes watching Power Rangers and chooses the Red Ranger as his favorite. His cousin is Blue Ranger and I am supposedly Pink Ranger.

Last night, we were talking about Ranger colors.

Baby: What is Daddy's color?
Me: White
Baby: What is Ate's Color?
Me: Yellow
Baby: And Papa?
Me: Brown

Then the baby had to cough but before he did, he brokenly said: Red Ranger is coughing. He then told me afterwards "Mommy, Red Ranger wants water."

Hahaha! = )

boxes

Because I have no social life to speak of, I often have a lot of time on my hands. One Saturday evening, I was at a loss on what to do so I decided to check on the boxes atop my closet. The picture above is just half of what I have there, along with scores of dust-covered paperbacks and hardbound books.

I had forgotten what was inside those boxes and was not surprised to see a lot of junk. Hahaha!

But I did get to see an assortment of Cebu Pacific freebies. The bf often asks me to answer their in-flight games and obviously, I always get it right. Just goes to show how often we fly in a year. Too bad, PAL has no giveaways...


I used to collect these pouches or clutches-not sure of the term. The cream and gold one is from Bath and Body Works, the green is by Juicy Couture, third is part of a Tommy Hilfiger travel bag, not sure with the dark silver one, animal print is an ukay-ukay find and the last is Nine West. I have a feeling I'll be giving some of these away in December.


This box holds letters from friends, a button from World Youth Day given to me by my favorite nun and that magic wallet that she gave to me as well. That brown pencil case was the one I used in high school and is still very much alive. That was about 17 years ago...imagine that!

I got this box from a friend of mine and I really liked it. I used this for various knick knacks but decided to clean it up and use it for my watches.

These are the watches I use daily. My decent watches are kept inside the Guess watch box.

wedding bells

I don't recall if I ever made mention of the wedding we attended in Bohol--most probably, I didn't. Anyway here's some of the photos I was able to take. That's the famous Baclayon Church, apparently, second oldest in the country.


The decoration is not something to be in awe of, save for the lighted half pillar, I guess.

That's my cousin, who is only two month older than the baby. She's a flower girl.


This is the bride walking down the aisle.


This next set of pictures were taken at Panglao Nature Resort where the reception was held.



That's where the newlyweds sat and where we had pictures taken.

This is what they served for cocktails. Laughable, if you ask me! The food for dinner wasn't also spectacular but I did love the grilled fish and lemon butter sauce. It was really delicious. I really wasn't able to enjoy much of the wedding because the baby was sick and he was pretty grumpy and wouldn't even eat. Luckily, it's not my wedding!

back to work!

If yesterday, I was bored because I had no work, today I was swamped. Hahaha! Serves me right for complaining.

Anyway, today I got two tasks to write, had to console the bf because he was sad and went produce shopping with my sister. The bf needed my company today because he had another problem. I spent a good part of the day with him and had to watch over the baby as well. It was okay if I didn't have any work to finish, but this is life. So I had to work till 8pm and finally sent it over email. Luckily, his problem is already solved since both parties made a settlement this afternoon. Whew! 

I took the time off to go produce shopping with my sister at around 5pm because I needed to load up on lettuce, carrots, cucumber, potatoes and kangkong. I love to eat vegetables and there's fresh vegetables every Tuesday afternoon (plus Wednesday and Saturday mornings and Friday afternoons, too) in our place. I also wanted to get bangus or milkfish because I missed eating it grilled and wrapped in foil. Too bad the fish was really expensive so I only got a kilo.

I am okay with the weight gain now because my sister said it's normal that i gain weight since I have been exercising. Apparently, I have developed muscles and that's the reason for the additional two pounds. Hahaha! Thank God there's a nurse who can explain all these things, else I'd be crazy right now. 

today's my sunday

Yesterday, I had to work in order to finish part one of my task. I wasn't able to relax yesterday because of it. I finished by 3pm already and by 5.30 we had to go grocery shopping. Today is my Sunday because work is done and my other boss didn't send me any articles to write. I am at a loss on what to do today and so I have decided to create a post.

The baby has learned how to play Plants versus Zombies and can actually spend two hours just playing if left alone. He also knows how to play Angry Birds as well. That means competition for me since he only plays in my computer. Although he does not really know how to play to win, he does know how to manipulate the mouse and click as he goes. He enjoys watering plants in the Zen garden and moving plants around. He only calls on me for help sometimes. I limit his playing to only one hour and he is fine with it.

Our neighbor's son died last Saturday due to complications. He was just 20 months old. The funny things is that I don't really remember seeing the child when he was still alive. He was always in and out of the hospital for lots of illnesses from hernia to tumor to asthma, among others. Last night we went to the wake and we played Bingo. It was fun but I was already sleepy so I just went home early.

I am still not over the fact that I gained two pounds. No matter how much I eat less, I feel that I am gaining weight everyday. Hahaha! Sometimes, I laugh at my obsession over weight loss. It's bordering on overacting already. = )

After this, I intend to lie down, relax and take a nap. After all, it's Sunday.

outtakes

I was amazed by this car in Banawe. A man was actually driving this car with such aplomb. I cannot imagine myself owning a car completely covered in Louis Vuitton.

We stopped at a lighting store to get LED lights. I saw this solar lamps and fell in love with it. I think this is ideal for lawn. But I'd need to get about ten of these and it costs P1,200 each!

I like this one for the kitchen or dining table. Too bad I don't have a house yet.

This one is another great piece, in my opinion.

Such a bright idea, right?

cheap meals

Living in a small city has its perks. You can easily get a full meal for less than Php100 that's definitely delicious.

Yesterday, I was finally able to get my errands done. I went to the bank, had the vehicle's wheels aligned and changed and paid my bills. During one of those stops, I spied a local resto that served cheap meals. When I was still working, my officemates and I often got pansit canton, fresh lumpia and pintsik prito for our snacks. Since it was almost noon, I decided to get a serving of spaghetti and 6 pieces of the pintsik. I only paid Php 59 for it. I know the sauce looks a bit scary but I really tastes good with the pork wrapped in wanton plus the spaghetti has the Filipino touch- a bit sweet.

I didn't eat there because I still had to finish one last thing and I didn't want to hurry when eating. I only ate when I got home and I really enjoyed my food. It was too much food for one person I think- I couldn't polish off the pasta. Still, it was one good and cheap meal!

gained!!!

I've said that I've been living quite healthily. I've been doing daily exercise and eating less. Of course I only follow that routine when I'm home. If the bf and I travel, exercise and diet is thrown to the winds. 

I don't believe in always checking my weight so I do it sporadically. Today, I weighed myself after a month or so and found out I gained about 1.8 pounds!!! Imagine that!! I was so p***sed because of what I learned. Ugh!!! I know I didn't gain much but it was a struggle losing 6 pounds and I needed to lose 10 more. That means I need to lose 12 instead. 

In my frustration, I bought Magnum in Chocolate Truffle this morning and ate it! I was really discouraged but then I realized that I had to double my efforts at this time. With new resolve, I only had a garden salad for dinner. I made it myself and added leftover chicken to the mix.

I read in the newspaper that you had to have protein in all your meals, take fish oil supplements and multivitamins and drink lots of water. I already drink lots of water although I am not good with the vitamins and supplements. As for the protein, I take less pork and beef now and go for fish or chicken instead.

I really am going to do my best and hopefully next month, I'll have lost 5 pounds!!! That's my goal!! Please pray for me! = )