Jenny Talks' Birthday Contest

Before I head home, let me write this quick post to join Jenny's birthday contest. Jen, the author of Jenny Talks blog, celebrated her birthday last November 16th. Belated Happy Birthday to you, JEN! So in celebration of this, she holds this mini birthday blogging contest which runs from November 3 up to November 30, 2008.

Now, before the contest ends, I'm making this really quick post to grab a piece of these exciting prizes:


1st PRIZE

$20 from Jenny Talks
$10 from Nita's Random Thoughts
$5 from When Mom Talks
$5 from Buzzy Me
1,000 EC Credits from A Slice of Life
500 EC Credits from A Life in Bloom
500 EC Credits from Simply Me
500 EC Credits from Nita's Corner
500 EC Credits from Great Finds and Deals
500 EC Credits from Batuananons
125x125 ad spot from Thomas Web Links
125x125 ad spot from Simply Jen

2ND PRIZE

$10 from My Fruitful Voyage
$5 from Moments of my Life
$5 from Blessings in Life and Nierva Dot Com
$5 and 500 EC Credits from Kitchen Deelite
500 EC Credits from Way of Life in OZ
500 EC Credits from Because Life is a Blessing
500 EC Credits from Fab & Chic Finds
500 EC Credits from Filipino Online Community
500 EC Credits from Computer Technology Gadgets
125x125 banner ad display from My Precious Niche
125x125 banner ad display from Food on the Table

3RD PRIZE

$5 from Fab Finds, etc.
$5 from Just Blogging It and PRC Board Exam Results
500 EC Credits from Around HongKong
500 EC Credits from Whats Up!
500 EC Credits from Digiscraptology
700 EC Credits from My Cross Roads
500 EC Credits from Healthy Living and Lifestyle
125x125 ad spot from Thomas Travel Tales

4th PRIZE

$5 and 500 EC credits from A Mother's Horizon
1,000 EC Credits from Nierva Dot Com
500 EC Credits from This and That
500 EC Credits from Scraps & Shots
500 EC Credits from Rumination
125x125 ad spot from Erlinda's Wandering Thoughts
125x125 ad spot from Tech Stuff Plus

Whoa, there's really a lot in store for me! Now, if you also want to win any of these prizes, head on to Jen's site and see the details on how to join.

Again, belated Happy B-day Jen, and good luck to all the bloggers who joined. *wink*

Time to Change

Change what? Eyeglasses - that is! I'm thinking about changing my eyeglasses for the holidays. And where will I choose one? Well, from this huge selection of Holiday Glass Frames from Zenni Optical.

You've already heard about Zenni Optical, right? It's the popular online eyeglasses shop that offers a wide array of $ 8 Complete Rx Eyeglasses. I’m getting one from them because they only sell high quality yet very affordable products. Imagine, at $8, I can already change my old eyeglasses. Here let me show you what I have in mind:

Alone

Ever since my husband left, I've never felt more alone. Now, the reality is sinkin' back on me.

I hate to think that I'm on a struggle right now. As much as possible, I want to be positive about life. But I don't know where or how to start. I'm so overwhelmed with problems - as to what are those, I'd rather keep them to myself.

When my husband was here, he kept telling me that I worry too much, or that I think too much. He wanted me to smile even on a bad day, and loosen up when things seem too hard to handle. I managed to do that when he was here. But now that he's not, it seems as if I've been carrying all these problems myself.

I don't want to blame him; although I know, part of these problems that I'm facing right now are aftermath of his doings. He wanted to satisfy his wants, but at the same time he wanted to please others and for them to be happy. I don't have anything against the actions that he made, after all I tolerated them. But then now, I feel as if the negative results are all coming back to me. All just to me.

He doesn't know about my struggles, I don't want him to know. But I just hope he'd be sensitive enough to notice that something is bothering me. And that instead of adding to it, he'd made it lighter for me.

Now, it's just me here to resolve all these problems. Alone, indeed. But I can manage, I'm sure I will.


Image courtesy of: my.opera.com

It's Time for a Flat Belly Diet!

When my husband was here for a 20-day vacation, he made sure that I eat a lot and that I won't skip any meal. So sweet of him really because sometimes he would even do the cooking. And yeah, I loved the recipes he cooked, especially that "nilagang baka".

But you know what, in just that 20-day stay, I gained almost 6lbs. Should I say thanks to Papa Ghie's cooking and pampering? Hmmm, I guess not! Because now that we're back on webcam, he keeps joking that I look like a cow, with this double chin and really bulging belly. Aarrgghh...I so hate him when he jokes like that!

Now, with him back in South Korea, I promise myself that I will go for a Flat Belly Diet. He'll be coming back on January, and I'm sure he'll be surprised when he sees me losing that belly fat.



So, what's a flat belly diet? Based on what I've searched in the net, it's a type of diet which is focused on a new research about targeting belly fat by eating healthy fats or the so-called MUFAs or Monounsaturated Fatty Acids at every meal. There I've learned that belly fat is said to be the most dangerous fat due to its high correlation with heart disease. Really thanks to the editor of Prevention Magazine for sharing this vital information.

But hey, it's not just important health information that I got from Prevention Magazine's editor, but also an invitation to try their flat belly diet for free. That's right, it's for free! All I have to do is to view the basics slideshow in their site, which I already did, and then fill-up the application form.

I can't wait to try this flat belly diet! Losing up to 15 lbs in just 32 days is certainly what I need, just in time for hubby's arrival on January.

I Miss You, Dad!

While waiting for Papa Ghie, whom I call now as Dad or Daddy, to come online, I decided to upload the pictures that we took during his 20-day vacation here in the Philippines. There were lots of them, and while looking at them one by one, I couldn't help but say, "I miss you, Dad!"

It's just 3 days since he left, but it felt as if he's gone for months already. I really miss him terribly. Although I see him and talk to him in voice chat everyday, still it's so different when he's not here at home. Aaarrgghh.. This is what I really hate with long distance relationship. It's as if when we are together, there's this timer. And once his vacation is over, the timer alarms as well.

I really long for that moment when we will be finally be together for good. As in, no more leaving for South Korea. No more sending off to the airport. And no more voice chats.

I know, life here in the Philippines is difficult, that's why we have to sacrifice for now. But as soon as we reach our goals of having our own house, car, and a small business, I wouldn't let him leave the country and work as an OFW ever again.

"Oh, I miss you, Dad! Come home to me and the baby in between soon." :(

Christmas Party Games for our Christmas Family Reunion

One month more to go and we're off to our hometown for another Christmas family reunion. Every year, I look forward to this special day because it's the time when I get to spend the whole day with the family, with gift giving and of course, exciting games. Last year, it was my cousin, Kuya Arnie who thought about what games to play during the event. But this year, it's my turn.

As early as now, I'm thinking about the Christmas party games that I'll let the whole family play on our reunion. Hmmm... What I have in mind is something that will get the whole family involved, and not just the kids. I've researched one a while ago and I guess that will make a perfect game. It's called Christmas Guess Who, or better known as Charades. This game is very simple, and I'm sure the family will love playing it.

So there. One down, a lot more to go. Anyway, I still have a month to search for more exciting games. For now, let me look at some Christmas gift ideas because I have a long list to fill.

Happy 56th Birthday, Papa Lo!

Today marks the 56th birthday of the baby in between's grandpa. We're at his place to celebrate with him this very special occasion. Special indeed because his son, Papa Ghie, is still here in the Philippines.

So, what's our plan? Ghie and I were thinking about preparing a little salu-salo for him, for the whole family, and for some of his friends. I guess, pasta will do and some fresh seafoods at that.

That's it for now. Let me check what's cookin'. But before I end this, let me just say:

Happy Birthday, Papa Lo!

Sterling Silver Jewellery for Me

Two weeks ago, Papa Ghie bought a gold necklace as gift for the baby in between's 1st birthday. It was a little expensive, but the price was nothing compared to the beauty that she exuded while wearing it during her 1st birthday party. A lot were even telling her that she looked gorgeous not just on her fairy princess gown but also on that piece of jewellery she wore.

So, how about Mommy? Well, Papa Ghie gave me a new ring. It was actually a pair, one for him and one for me, with our names engraved inside. I loved it. We both did. He was actually thinking of buying me another piece, a gold bracelet at that. But I told him, I'd rather have a Sterling Silver Jewellery.

For those who didn’t know yet, I was so into silver jewelleries before. I used silver earrings, silver rings, bracelets, bangles, and necklace. But after I lost one, followed by another, and another, I then decided to switch to gold jewelleries.

I got fascinated by gold jewelerries for a while. Now, I’m actually thinking of going back to silver, especially when I came across this site which offers a great selection of Sterling Silver Bracelets and Silver Bangles. They all look so beautiful, and I’m pretty sure that they will look good on me. They are made only from finest quality materials, and are even stamped with“Sterling” or “925” mark, so I’m confident that the jewelleries they sell indicate only silver purity.

After browsing the site, which wasn’t that hard for me to do since it’s very user-friendly, I told Papa Ghie that I want if not two at least one of those as his gift for me for the holidays. He said ok, and so he looked at the Sterling silver bracelets category. The offerings were all so lovely. He couldn’t decide which one to get for me, so he asked me which one I liked. I particularly loved the Crystal and Star Bracelet. It was simple, yet elegant-looking.

Now, I’m on the waiting part, since Papa Ghie will do the online ordering for me. And oh by the way, yes, they do offer free International delivery through second class airmail post. So, if you’re not from UK like me, you can still get one of their lovely Sterling Silver Jewelleries.

I Love the Feeling

Of what? Of knowing that someone is waiting for me outside the office after office hours. It feels as if I'm back in my high school and college days when a suitor or a boyfriend waits for me at the end of my last subject and then we go strolling at the mall or simply eat out before we go home. Only this time, it's my husband who's waiting for me and not just a mere suitor or boyfriend.

Papa Ghie has been here with us for 13 days now. And during these days, I could really feel that indeed our relationship is far beyond the Internet. He makes up for those times when we are not together. He sees to it that we get to spend most of his vacation days together, instead of him just going out with friends and relatives. Wherever he goes, he wants me to be with him.

But beyond companionship, he wants me to feel that I have not just a friend and husband in him, but also a partner. He cooks for me, massages my feet, goes to the market for me, babysits our little girl, and last but definitely not the least, he fetches me at the office. Yes, I so love the feeling - the feeling of being loved and cared for, of being pampered, and of being treated not just a mere virtual wife.

Oh how I wish this feeling would last! But I know, for sure, this won't, or perhaps would but again back on the Internet days. It'll be 7 days more before his vacation ends. So short, yet so memorable.

Now, we'll just have to make the most out of these 7 days, together, as husband and wife, with our cute 1-year-older baby in between.

Significant Credit Report Info to Share

Three days ago, Papa Ghie and I went to the office of the car dealer, where we will avail our very first car loan. I have filed for this loan weeks back, but since I haven’t heard from them for about two weeks, I thought I was already rejected. But after they gave me a call last week, I then told my husband that perhaps my Credit Report was good, and so my application was approved.

Papa Ghie was wondering what credit report was and so I explained it to him briefly. A credit report lists down my history of credit accounts and payment activities over the years. If I pay my credit bills on time and if I don’t go beyond my credit limit, I’ll get a good credit report. And a good credit report spells creditworthiness, which is inclined towards gaining credit through mortgages and loans. So that basically explained why I got approved. Then he asked, “Is there any way that you can get a free credit report, so when you again file for another loan, you will know whether you are eligible or not?” I immediately answered him a yes.

In my car loan application, it wasn’t me who checked first my credit report, it was the car dealer. But for those who wanted to access their credit reports, they can always visit Free-Credit-Reports.com. This is a site which is linked to free online credit reports by the major credit bureaus. Through this, you will be able to look through the several credit reporting agencies and order a report online. Plus, this site also provides professional advice for those who want to know how to build their credit scores, manage their credit and debt, and what choices of suitable cards are available.

So, if you want to know your credit report, simply visit Free-Credit-Reports.com. As for me, that could wait until I file my next loan application. For now, I’ll enjoy the thought that Papa Ghie and I will be having our new baby, the Toyota Hi-Ace Regius that is, soon.

A Super-Stressful Weekend

Last Sunday, me, hubby, the nanny, and the baby in between went to Carmona, Cavite to check on the house that we bought. As early as 9am, we were already at Starmall to meet with the agent. While on our way to the subdivision, I was feeling so nervous because what if hubby won't like the unit that I got. But all the feeling of anxiety cleared once my hubby saw the unit and said that he liked it especially the big comfort room at the second floor. While we were there, we kept on discussing about the improvements that we wanted to make and the kind of appliances that we would place. We also looked at the other "more expensive" units, and well, just like what I felt before, he also fell in love with the Oakwood type. We decided then that once our finances permit, we're going to upgrade for that bigger yet more expensive unit.

Anyhow, after going to Carmona, we then proceed to Sta. Rosa, Laguna. It is where one of his aunts stays. It took us around an hour to reach the place from Carmona, and well it was a little exhausting since we transferred from one transportation to another. But all the exhaustion faded once we saw the delicious lunch that his aunt prepared for us. And what happened next was an enjoyable conversation with her in between our lunch.

After the hearty meal that Tita prepared, we sat for a while and waited for hubby's cousin to arrive. He did came at around 2pm, together with his wife and kid, and a complete "stranger" chaperon. I even wondered who that girl was and why they let her came. But anyways, whether that chaperon was there or not, the main purpose of letting them came is for us to talk about the "business" that his wife and my hubby engaged in and so we're off to discuss that one.

First, I looked at the list that they gave us. OMG - I told myself, what kind of list was that? In a "business", everything - expense, profit, bad debts, and all should all be clearly listed. But on that list, I could hardly tell which is which. I don't know if my hubby's cousin-in-law is dumb or something, all I know is that she doesn't even know what basic accounting is. I felt so outraged while looking at the list and at the same time listening to her explanation. D*amn, how could Papa Ghie trusted this "d*umb"ss? I guess, she doesn't even know that 5% interest for a "risky business" at that is such a big bonus for those who are in dire need of money. Aarrrgghhh...

Anyway, to cut the story short, we just all ended the conversation by making a compromise. All the money that Papa Ghie invested will be paid back to us by his cousin, whether the debtors pay him or not. We didn't give him a timeframe as to when he should completely pay back the money, principal+interest wise. Thus, from that day on, all we are holding on are his words so as not to completely lose our trust.

Papa Ghie learned a very big lesson from that transaction with his cousin's wife - and that is not to be too trusting. We both felt pity though for his cousin because he was the one who suffered the consequences, while in fact it was his wife who did not regulate the transactions well. Instead of gaining profit from the big amount that Ghie invested, we ended up losing a lot. So much for trusting a "cousin-in-law" who doesn't know how hard money is earned from working overseas.

Whew, 'twas a really super-stressful weekend! If I didn't control myself, perhaps me and his cousin's wife will end up in a heated argument, like that in a scene of Iisa Pa Lamang between Scarlet and Catherine. But I'm not like Catherine nor Scarlet; I may have been silent the whole time but I was able to show them that I, as a wife, will never bring my husband down just like what his cousin-in-law did to her husband.

On Saving Money

I haven't learned the importance of saving money until I've had a family of my own. When I was still dependent on my dad, I just spent money here and there, buying things which later on I realized that they were more of wants than needs. But now that I have my kids and my husband, I already started saving, and even opened a bank account. I also invested some for our baby's future, so we won't be tempted to spend it once we get short of cash.

But aside from having a bank account and investing, there is another effective way for me to save money - and that is by cutting spending. Yes, it's very effective. You see, I go to the grocery twice a month for our foods and other necessities. And to make sure that I don't end up buying those which are unnecessary, I make a list ahead and stick to it once I started shopping. I'd admit, sometimes I get tempted to place inside the cart some things which are not on the list. And once when I was with hubby, he was telling me to include this and that but I explained that those are not really important. He understood and just let me buy those on the list.

Saving money and cutting on spending would seem difficult for those who don't have a goal. But for me who thinks more of the future of the family, all the more that I need to stick to my goal. And so I'm glad that Zenni Optical is one with me in achieving this because they offer only stylish prescription eyeglasses for as low as $8. They are really a big help not only to me but also to a lot of people who are in need of quality eyeglasses at cheaper prices.

Back

I'm back! And I know for sure, you're all very eager to read my updates here about Papa Ghie's arrival and the baby in between's 1st birthday party. Indeed, I have lots of stories to tell and pictures to upload, but my workload doesn't allow me to. After being away from the office for two days, now I'm catching up on the tasks I've left. Plus, I'm also making the most out of my time with Papa Ghie since he'll be leaving again in just a week time. So, I'm sorry if I can't update you guys just yet.

But hey, promise, once I found the time, I'll let you guys know how the party and Papa Ghie's short vacation went. So keep posted.