Survey Time

Different Tomorrow

"Tomorrow will be different". Different place...Different office...Different work station...Different routine...Different way of living...And a lot more...

I'm leaving in a couple of hours, leaving the baby in between behind, hopefully just for a while. I'm going to miss her and long for her cute smile, for her calling me Ma-ma. Beginning tomorrow, I won't see her adorable face as the day ends for me at the office. And when I wake up in the morning, there will be no two super cute eyes looking at me and no little hands tapping me on the face.

I'll sure miss my Baby Gaby. I really hope that I'll find a nice place sooner so I can make her stay with me already. For now, I'll have to sacrifice and patiently wait...

Tomorrow will indeed be different. But I'm hopeful that things will turn out fine and that I will not regret this choice I made.

Just Hope

I'm now counting my last hour here inside the office. The feeling sucks! I couldn't even explain how heavy it is to leave this building which had been a part of my life for almost 4 years, much more this office where I did not only grow as a writer and a leader, but also as a person.

You know, leaving would have been easier if the people whom I have worked with in this office were given the same opportunity to transfer. Only a few were chosen, and that's what hurt me the most. I know there are other people who are also deserving to continue working in this company. I've seen how hardworking, dedicated, and focused they were in doing their tasks, and I've also seen how reliable they were when it comes to completing projects on time.

But one question keeps on repeating in my mind until now, WHY THEM? I don't want to be emotional here, yet I can't help wondering why the Legazpi Content Team? Why our group? I understand why they have to shutdown the facility, but what I don't understand is why most of my subordinates were not given any other choice but to accept that separation pay? You see, not even one from my current groupmates, whether team leader or rank-and-file, was given a chance. Not even ONE, not even ONE. :(

I don't really want to be bitter about the whole thing, yet whenever I remember how reliable the team players under my group to complete rush/priority projects, I can't help but wish that they are travelling with me tomorrow. Now, all I can do is hope! Hope that I get to work with them again. JUST HOPE. :(

I am leaving tomorrow, with a heavy heart and a clueless mind. I'm scared of the unknown...After years of holding on, I can't believe that I am really moving out of my comfort zone...

Dirt Devil to the Rescue!

It's so sad to think that later this evening, I'll have to start packing my things. It's just 3 days more before our scheduled trip, so I have to make the most out of my time since this would be a major relocation on my part. I know, this would not be easy, but I'll try to be as flexible as possible so it won't be hard to adjust living in the big city.

Now, what are my plans? First, of course, I would have to see to it that Baby Gaby will be well-taken care of when I leave her for let's say a month or two. I need to find a nice home first and get our things settled before I actually let her stay with me together with her babysitter. So, since I'll be living alone for quite some time, I'm getting myself ready in doing the house chores all by myself.

You see, I've been living with a helper for almost a year now, so I was a little used to seeing her do the house chores for me like washing the clothes, the dishes, and of course, cleaning the entire house. Now, without her with me, what can I do but to accomplish all these alone before and after work, and during weekends on which my free days fall.

Among the house chores that seem a little difficult for me to do is cleaning the entire house. Without a helper around, I just can imagine how dirty my house would be. Good thing, Dirt Devil is here to the rescue! With their AccuCharge Stick Vac and Hand Vac, cleaning would be way much easier.

The Dirt Devil AccuCharge is one of the newest breakthrough in cleaning technology. This is actually the first cordless cleaning product that allows homeowners to do cleaning in no time, and with practically lesser energy consumption. It even earned the Energy Star approval, so users are assured 70% less energy when cleaning.

I'm so glad that the Dirt Devil AccuCharge is here to do most of the work for me, while saving energy on the side. Even with my helper away, house cleaning won't be much of a worry now for me. Why not check it out yourself!

I'm Back

Hey, I'm back from a not-so-relaxing getaway. I went to hubby's hometown over the weekend to celebrate with his family the Fiesta Celebration of St. John the Baptist. Plus, I was also chosen as one of the godmothers of my nephew John-John during his christening yesterday. The two celebrations in one really left me too exhausted to the extend that I fell slept early, missing the dance for husbands and wives last night, or what they call as "misis-misis". Some of my cousins-in-law even tried to wake me up so I can enjoy on the last night of my stay, but then my snoring made them decide to just let me continue with my sleep.

For the second time around, I spent a great weekend over there at my hubby's place. But it would have been better if my friends Dex, Talie, Lyn, Olops, Chayee, Ryan, and Peach were able to spend overnight to enjoy the beautiful sunset at the pier and at least go swimming in the morning before they leave the place. Anyway, there will always be a next time, and perhaps that could happen when Papa Ghie comes home in January.

Oh how I wish I won't leave home and won't leave this soon. I'm sure, I'm going to miss my friends. And I'm going to miss spending great weekends at my hubby's place. But then again, this was my choice, so I have to deal with it.

Away Over the Weekend...Again...

I'm going to make this post real quick. I'm leaving for my hubby's hometown this morning, and will be staying there for three days. Baby Gaby is already there since Thursday, so I'll just have to go by myself today.

Anyway, this 3-day getaway will sure help me a lot. I mean, with all the things that happened in the office lately, I really need some fresh air away from the city. I need time to contemplate on things as well, and perhaps start writing my blog posts expressing what I really feel towards the "demolition" that happened last Thursday. I don't know if you understand what I mean here, anyway, just wait for my coming post because I'll try to recount the scenes blow by blow.

Gotta go for now! See you on Wednesday guys..Ciao!

More Dneero Surveys

SocialSpark is LIVE!!!

Blogging has always been a worthwhile activity for me. Before, I thought, I’d just be inclined to it because it allows me to express many of my thoughts and feelings to my readers. But then later on, I found out that there’s a lot more in blogging. All you need to do is to take advantage of the many blogging opportunities that the Internet has to offer such as this new social networking site called SocialSpark.

Recently, I joined SocialSpark for two main purposes: one is to take advantage of the opportunities that they offer and two is to meet other bloggers in the blogosphere. I’ve been trying to earn a little through blogging and meet a couple of online friends by blog hopping. So when I’ve learned about SocialSpark I really got excited. And now that it is live, I immediately created a profile. Check it out here.

Now, what’s the difference of SocialSpark to other social network sites and blogging opportunities out there? Okay, here’s the most obvious reason: it allows bloggers to interact with other bloggers online. Unlike in other sites, SocialSpark enables me to see other blogger profiles and get to add them in my friends list. I can even give any blogger a prop just like what I did to Joy. Joy is a mommy blogger like me. Now, why did I prop her? It’s simply because I admire mommies who blog for a living and enjoy sharing family stories.

I really love this new offering from IZEA. So far I’m enjoying SocialSpark, thus, I’m sharing it to you now my fellow bloggers.

*This is a sponsored post.*

The Pursuit of Happyness

Last night, I got the chance to finally see the movie that my friends talked about the past days. It's The Pursuit to Happyness starring the real life father and son Will Smith and Jaden Christopher Smith. The movie really moved me, and I just found myself crying heavily. Good thing, my mother-in-law was already fast asleep, so it wasn't too embarrassing even if I cried my heart out.

Mobile Phones, Anyone?

I so love to have a new mobile phone right now. Though my Sony Ericsson phone is still very useful to me, I couldn't help but want one of those newer models of mobile phones like the Samsung U900 Soul or Nokia N95 8GB. Looking at their features, they are way more exciting to use that is why I'm really thinking of grabbing one.

But since I'm too busy to drop by at the nearest electronics and gadgets center, I thought perhaps it'd be better to go online shopping. And so I checked the net for a reliable online electronics and gadgets retailer. Here I found Tiga Dua Cellular.

Tiga Dua Cellular is a known retailer of brand new and unlocked wireless phones. Whether you are looking for Nokia, O2, Apple, Samsung, Motorola, Or Sony Ericsson, they have lots of new models in stock. And even if you are not from Indonesia, you can order one of their products because they offer worldwide shipping. So with Tiga Dua Cellular, you get to enjoy convenience and safe shopping at the same time.

I'm really looking forward to having my new mobile phone. Now, let me take a look again at what Tiga Dua Cellular has enstored for me.

Just Another Survey

A Father's Day Tribute

No man can possibly know what life means, what the world means, what anything means, until he has a child and loves it. - Lafcadio Hearn

PAPA GHIE...THEN

This is so true, and I can attest to that. The moment the baby in between came into this world, Papa Ghie has never been the same. He may be the worst dad I've known at first, but when Baby Gaby came, he proved that really no man can possibly know what life, the world, or anything means until he has a child and loves it. Even if he is miles away, he sees to it that he spends time with me and his baby through voice chat and never lets a day pass without seeing us in webcam. His work may be difficult abroad, but once he sees us at the end of the day, he feels more than okay.

PAPA GHIE...NOW

Papa Ghie, this is your day! On this special day, Baby Gaby and I want you to know that we love you so much and we'll always be here for you. Thank you for loving us the same way and for being a very responsible and supportive father. HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!

The Baby in Between Signed Up for SocialSpark

No one can stop The Baby in Between now for getting paid to blog. Just recently, this family blog has been approved by SocialSpark and so here I am spreading the word how easy it is to sign up.

But before I go further, let me tell you a few details about SocialSpark. Well, SocialSpark is a social network that provides online advertising service which can help advertisers and bloggers alike. For advertisers, this will be a great avenue for them to interact with bloggers who are willing to get paid to post about their site, product, or service. As for bloggers like me, this is a great way to take blogging into a whole new level - and that is to get paid to blog.

Now, how to sign up? It's very easy. Simply complete the signup form and submit. Other instructions will then be sent to the email you specified and the rest is easy to follow.

It doesn't take too long to get approved in SocialSpark. But once approved, make sure to keep their code of ethics in mind such as:

-100% Audit-able In-Post Disclosure
-100% Transparency
-100% Real Opinions
-100% Search Engine Friendly

Joining SocialSpark is really very easy. Now, I get to monetize my blog while building community and driving traffic at the same time. I’m really glad that I found this site.

But hey, you too can take advantage of the exciting opportunities that SocialSpark can bring you. It’s time to take your blogging experience into a whole new level. Sign up now!

Make Me Understand

I don't understand a lot of things right now. Maybe, I'm in that stage again on which I prefer not to open up to anyone, just live alone, or try to figure out things for myself.

I am so mad, so frustrated of trying to please everyone with my little efforts yet I always end up as a failure. I'm trying so hard, but it seems that my efforts are not yet enough.

Damn, I'm so upset right now! How can I make you appreciate me, how can I make you see the big things from the little things that I do? Why is it so hard for you to appreciate me? Why? Make me understand...

What's $7.50 Worth?

Maybe you're wondering why I asked the worth of $7.50. And perhaps you're thinking what this amount has to do with me. I am not reassessing my budget management skills now, it's just that I feel somewhat depressed to know that other people find this amount too little and do not even consider the effort that I put into making money online.

Anyhow, what's really $7.50 worth? Looking at the exchange rate now, a dollar is equivalent to 44.46Php. So, computing the amount, $7.50 is equal to 333.45Php. Now, what can I buy or pay with this amount?

1. $7.50 can already purchase 3kilos of rice, 1 whole chicken, and 1 tray of egg from my colleague

2. $7.50 can be used to pay my water bill and my balance in the tv cable connection

3. $7.50 can be my transportation allowance for 20 days

4. $7.50 can be my cellphone load for a month

5. $7.50 can buy my baby her diapers and vitamins

6. $7.50 for the baby in between's toys

7. $7.50 for 3 days budget on food

8. $7.50 to be used for buying new things at home like additional monoblock chair

9. $7.50 for a new set of baby clothes for Baby Gaby

and last but definitely not the least

10. $7.50 to be added to my Paypal account for Papa Ghie's Playstation 3

Now, is $7.50 worthless or too little to simply disregard? Why not try to look at the bigger picture to see that $7.50 is worth something, an important thing. It's actually a significant achievement of a mom and wife who, in spite of her full time job, is trying to blog on the side and make money online just to give her family not only their needs but also their wants.

I'm really depressed, feeling somewhat unappreciated for the effort I put in earning even the smallest cent that I could just to complete the fund that I need to buy that PS3. I know, this post seems not to make sense. Sorry, but this is the only way I know to make me feel relieved of the depression I'm feeling now.

A Big Help

I remember my father during those times when he seemed lost for solution to his house loan problem. He was helpless, desperate, so in need of ways on how to save our house from being foreclosed by the bank. If only I have known about this ebook discussing loan modification and foreclosure help before, I could have saved him from worrying too much.

But anyway, what’s done is done. Thankfully, God did not let our house to be taken by the bank just like that. Through our (me and my brother) help, we are able to save it somehow. Now, if I happen to learn that any of my relatives, friends, or colleagues is in need of mortgage relief, I’ll gladly share to them about this ebook. If not, I’ll tell them to check out the handbook about no equity home loan and short refinance. These guides will sure save them from so much worries and trouble.

On Long Distance Relationship PART I

I have never really given our long distance relationship much thought until I read this post entitled "Long Distance Relationships - Do They Work?" written by a young Christian guy from Ireland. According to him, "long distance relationships suck". And I partly agree.

For those who still don't know, Papa Ghie and I are living in different countries right now. I've just known him through the Internet last May 2006. A friend of mine introduced him to me, but not like in the traditional manner, "Phoebe meet Ghie or Ghie meet Phoebe". He just gave me Ghie's yahoo messenger id and so I added him to my list. At first, we didn't talk often, just a simple hi or hello when he happens to see me online (since it's me who's online most of the time). But later on, I just found myself confiding in him and he confiding in me. After almost a year of chatting, he decided to take a vacation and came home to meet me. And so, the rest is history.

Moving on, for almost 2 years now, we are in a long distance relationship. Although the baby in between is here now, still she's not enough reason for us not to have petty quarrels and sometimes nerve-wracking-which-almost-lead-to-total-breakup arguments. Long distance relationship really sucks, AS IN TO THE HIGHEST LEVEL. Let me share to you some things here to justify why I said so:

1. During petty fights, I can't embrace him or kiss him so he won't get mad anymore. Same with him, whenever I'm mad, he finds it hard to make me calm down compared if he's here on which he can simply crack a funny joke, make that funny face, or tickle me just to make me smile instead.

2. When we achieve something, like for example he got a salary increase or I did, we never get the chance to celebrate it together - a dinner treat for instance or a nice weekend getaway. We're contented on saying congrats through voice chat or putting nice comments on our Friendster account.

3. When discussing problems (re: family, friends, financial, and goals), sometimes it leads to heated argument. It's hard to explain and discuss serious issues by simply chatting or talking on voice chat.

4. Absence during special occasions such as birthday, Christmas, and New Year makes me curse the long distance relationship that we are in. We feel the same way when we see families celebrating together during these times. With us, we're contented seeing each other on webcam as we celebrate with our peers and families near us.

5. In times like transferring to a new home or doing housework which is supposedly done by a man, I can't help but envy other women whose husbands are around to do those chores for them. Same with him, he has no other choice but to wash his clothes and prepare his meals for himself.

The list could actually go on and on. But I decided to just limit it to 5 since I've already made my point why long distance relationship sucks. I'm sure other couples who are also in a long distance relationship experience the very same things that I shared here. But you know what, there are also cons in this type of relationship. As to what they are, I'd just reserve them in my coming posts.

A Picture Can Truly Say A Thousand Words

Yesterday, I saw an edited photo of my officemate and his wife. And when I asked him who did the editing, he said it was Ate Raziel. So, Ate Razh said that if I want one of my photos edited, I might as well send it to her.

I did send one. It was a photo of me and Papa Ghie during our first night together when he came home last February 2007. Here it is:

After Ate Razh edited it, here's how it looked:

Isn't it cute? Really it's true that the love that binds us together, grows stronger everyday. Even with Papa Ghie in Korea and me here in the Philippines, our love will continue to grow and withstand many difficult tests. For the baby in between, we'll conquer every problem that goes along our long distance relationship.

Thanks Ate Raziel! Ghie said the edited picture is awesome and he asked me to have it printed and framed so I can display it in our bedroom. Thanks once again. Here check out Ate Raziel's edited photos.

Time for Some Surveys

The Baby in Between's 25$ Wish

At last, I found the time to make this post and congratulate Pinay Jade for her 100th post..(clapping!!!)

Life and Me by Pinay Jade is one of the most interesting blogs that I constantly visit. I always love reading her stories and enjoy looking at the pictures that she shares. And so when she said in one of her posts that she's giving away 25$ and other fab prizes on her 100th post, I got pretty excited.

Now, I'm thinking, what could I make use of $25? Hmmm for now, since the baby in between just turned 7 months old, what she needs most is a baby walker. So, calling Genie Jade...hehehe. :) My baby will sure treasure it, and how I'd love to share to her when she grows up that her baby walker was sponsored by a genie named Jade. (wink)

Anyway, moving on, Pinay Jade's contest is open to all bloggers. "So, calling my blogging friends out there! Have a break and join now." Here's how:

1.) Subscribe to Pinay Jade's site via email subscription. At the upper left corner of her site, just type your email and click subscribe.

2.) Fave her on technorati. How to do it: follow the link to her contest and click the Add This to My Favorites button in the post.

3.) Write a post linking to her main page Life and Me - http://www.pinayjade.com/ including info on this contest. And encourage your readers to join too.

4.) Follow all the rules of the contest. After you've done no.1 to 4, leave a comment at the contest link so she knows that you've joined, and please leave a link to the blog you are using too. Give her a hint on what you wish to win...you'll never know maybe Genie Jade is listening and might just grant that wish.

It's so easy to join right? It will just take you five minutes or so, and who knows you might get lucky and win the 25$ and other fab prizes which are sponsored by Jade's blogging friends. Check these out:

* Cash Prize of US $25 - 1 winner courtesy of http://www.pinayjade.com/

* BONUS PRIZE: 10X100 EC Credits to the top 10 best post - 10 winners to be chosen by Me http://www.pinayjade.com/

* Indonesian batik cloth to be sent to any address on regular mail 1winner courtesy of http://www.pinayjade.com/

* one 125x125 ad spot for one month - sponsored by evilwoobie.com

* 4x500 EC credit points - sponsored by Dance of Motherhood.com

* 500 ec+ad spot 125x125 for 2 weeks -sponsored by pinaymommyonline.com

* 500 ec+ad spot 125x125 for 2 weeks -sponsored by Lourdes' Mia

* 500 ec+ad spot 125x125 for 2 weeks -sponsored by MOMEMO

* 500 EC credits- sponsored by Barefooted Me

* one 125 x 125 ad spot for one month- sponsored by Buhay sa Korea

Now, when is the deadline? It's on 30th of June, 2008, so you still have time folks. Winners will be announced on the 5th of July 2008 and will be chosen with the help of random.org.

Okay, that's it! Keeping my fingers crossed now that Genie Jade will grant that $25 for a baby walker's wish by the baby in between. Good luck to us all!!!

Just Like You

Sometimes I'd ask myself, "Am I really that bad? Is my attitude really that worse?" Then at the back of my mind, something will say, "No, you're not. You're not bad, Phoebe. You just have those bad days just like the other people around. You just need a little appreciation, that's all."

Correct me if I'm wrong, but is asking for a little appreciation means that you're being too demanding? Or, is it really wrong to say what you truly feel and be regarded as a person with negative attitude just because you opened up or just because you go overboard saying things which are not supposed to be said?

Lots of questions are running through my mind right now. And while seeking for answers, I remember this letter given to us during our Leadership Training program two months ago. When I read it over again, I couldn't help but relate it to the situation I am in right now, so I did a little revision just to make it appropriate for me. Here it goes:


Dear Husband,

You see me everyday...with many faces...
In many tasks...as a mom, a friend, a daughter, and a boss...
But above all, I am your wife.

More than a wife, I am your partner,
Your other half, your bestfriend
And though I play different roles,
I try to be the best in everything I do
Just like you.

But lately, I'm wondering
Why you keep telling me that I never change?
Do you really see only the worse in me?
Why can't you see the nice things that I do?
Just like you, I have a good side too.

If I complain about a petty thing,
Maybe I am saying more than what you can hear
That I am a human being with feelings.
And just like you,
I want attention too.

I'll accept criticism when I've done wrong,
But how I wish you would praise me
When I have done right.
I am just like you,
I like compliments too.

When I emphasize a point that seems unimportant,
Maybe what I am really saying
Is that I consider my opinion important.
And I am just like you,
I want someone to listen to me too.

And when you share to me something,
Whether it's the song you like,
Or the great TV show or movie that you've seen
I go out of my way to listen and watch them too
So you'll feel appreciated
Now, I'm just like you
I want to feel appreciated too.

Some days you smile and some days you frown.
And I understand;
Your life is full of good days and bad days.
Do you understand I have good and bad days too?
I am just like you.

And when I complain about this or that,
Please don't repeat to me that I should change my attitude.
Haven't you ever complained before?
I am just like you,
I need to let off steam too.

And if I don't talk to you after an argument,
Don't think that I don't want you around,
Or that I don't want to humble down.
Please don't start a conversation which will just make things worse
I am just like you
I want to cool down first before I talk to you.

If this letter sounds like I placed all the blame on you,
Then I've failed to say what I mean.
I just wanted to tell you,
From my point of view,
All in all, I am just like you.


Your wife