Friday's Feast

I'm on with the very last Friday's feast of Nov. '07! Be filled!

{Featured Flickr Feast by sifu_renka}
Appetizer
What is your favorite carnival/amusement park ride?
Ferris Wheel! Simply because it brings back wonderful memories of my childhood when my late father would used to take us to the carnival every town feast in our place. Now, I've got great memories of those times and I got to share them with hubby who is oddly not a Ferris Wheel fan at all! :D

Soup
How do you react in uncomfortable social situations?
Not react at all! Well, If intimidation is the case, i would find a way to make an exit from such situation, but if the people in that very instance are just of the same age as I am, I think I can plainly and honestly express what I feel! :)

Salad
On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how much do you enjoy discussing deep, philosophical topics?
9! What can I do, I love philosophical discussions, eh? Talk about being a frustrated lawyer here! :D

Main Course
Did you get a flu shot this year? If not, do you plan to?
No! And I am not planning either! My daughter did though! It bit! Hehe...

Dessert
Approximately how many hours per week do you spend watching television?
Before I have my child, I think I could spend 10 long hours per week. But now, just 3 or 4 hours! I only watch World News regularly. I could watch children's shows because of Triz but just seconds of glimpse!

Hope you have a great feast! Thanks for the company!!!

quality indeed!

So I have most of my time today spent playing with my active and so energetic toddler. Good enough, huh, and I even was able to do four loads of laundry and Triz enjoyed a lot helping me folded them though her version is quite the opposite. Hehe! I haven't bloghopped that much and I am sorry guys. I plan to do it later though before my sleeping time. Tomorrow's Friday, and TGIF! Lolz. Much things to do though still. Well, I am always on with these neverending mommy-ness stuff! I love it though! **wink!**

spice up!

When cooking, spices are the ingredients that I sure can't handle without. A garlic, onions, and tomatoes are what I use when I am frying. Onion leaves, tomato, lemon grass, ginger root when I am making a broth or soup. And a pepper- whether green, yellow, orange, or red in color is one which I probably find to be the best spice out there! It makes my meal so palatable and tasty. At least, that's what I know of my own taste buds!

Now here's another health take!
Adding spices to your diet is an easy way to make good-for-you fare more palatable. Spice adds loads of flavor and virtually no fat and can also help curb your hunger later in the day. A study in the British Journal of Nutrition found that when women added two teaspoons of dried red pepper on their food, they consume fewer calories and fat in later meals. Put the research to work for your waistline with a little hot sauce on your morning eggs, or add some chopped peppers or red pepper flakes to a salad or broth-based soup.

Now that's deliciously hot!!!

Community Health Mag Central Il, Oct '07 p.20

TLC For Yourself

I don't know why but I am so enthralled to be posting more about health matters in this blog of mine. I have started doing this in my previous posts and I think I am gonna be continuing this. It would make this very domain a healthy one. Don't you think? So here, I will be sharing tips here on how to give a TLC to yourself. Thanks to Health Magazine that I subscribe, it inspires me to share to all of you what I have read!

• Breathe deeply. Combine focused breathing with gentle physical movement to promote even greater healing and longevity.
  
• Take time to play, have fun, and do the things you love. Even 10 minutes a day can have positive health effects.
• Spend time with people you love. Loving relationships can be healing and empowering.
  
• Share your feelings by building healthy relationships; don't let them build up inside.
  
• Enjoy hearty laughter as often as possible. It has many physical and psychological health benefits.
• Get to know your mind and its ability to help you heal.
• Use guided imagery to find your ultimate relaxation point. close your eyes and imagine the smells, sounds and sights of your favorite place.
• Treat yourself with as much love and kindness as you would treat your best friend. You deserve it!

Now, are you filled? I am!

Community Health Mag Central Il, Oct '07 p.20

back to...

...basics! Yes, I am! After having experienced being in a pedestal with a PR 3 google rank, I sure was able to enjoy the easy grabbing of tasks at IZEA. I am not surprised with my being back to zero, and I am not hurting either. Hehe... Now I am feeling the excitement I used to feel before when opps are that elusive on me. Haha! Like most of you, paid blogging has helped me a lot and it even helped me more when my PR went up. But now that google seemed to be cruel on me and some of you (hehe), I'll just hope that I still will be able to end my day unempty. Wish me luck as I do with all of you!
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double awardee!

Thanks to JennyR for these awesome blogging awards she handed me! I never thought I could get my hands full with awards when I joined the blogosphere. Makes me feel I am a student again with this consistent blogging awards! Hehe... Here goes!

I perceived this to mean literally nice. That the blog and the author can get along well with other bloggers and readers out there? Maybe!!! And I want to put it that way! :D

Simply means, be a tough blogger who is true to your self. Magpakatotoo ka, kumbaga! Hehe... Now who should I give these to? Well, to Bless, In-in, Jen of New Zealand, Darlene, Juliana, Rissa, Lovely, MarieJ, Redlan, Ritchelle, Shabem, and Vicky! You're my awardees friends! Enjoy!

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what would be?

Utah mommy Darlene keeps me rolling with tags and I am thankful for that. For this one, she just asked me "what would be the perfect present/s for hubby this Christmas and why?" I don't know if it's her hubby or mine, LOL, but I assume it's my swithart! Hehe... Well, lemme think!

Hubby isn't really the type who would expect a material gift as he's the exact opposite- he's the one who gives almost always. He's not hard to please either so whatever I am gonna give him, it would always make him smile and feel valued. And he would appreciate it a lot. Last year, I haven't even remember of me giving him but it was him who gave me a $100 bill which he put in this huge gift box. It was funny and I liked it. He just said it's for shopping, but I bought stuff for him with that amount, too. Haha! Right now, I haven't thought of what to give him yet, but if it has to be something that he badly need, I would go for a DVD camcorder for his data gathering when he'll do his study next semester. Or a body spa maybe would be perfect, too. For me and him, that is! It'd be a great way to relax and escape from the atmosphere here at home. But we can't do it together though at this time! If only Ma or one of my sisters is here who I could trust with Triz. Hmmfff! I am all but dreaming of that luxury spa for now!
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Should I?

Hmmm... I was told by this blogthings.com test that I should be learning French language! Yaay!!!! I am flattered and surprised! Really! I thought I will be told to learn Japanese as for some reasons, I just adore Japanese language. (Laughs!) But French? Never in my mind did I thought of learning it! I mean, I do have a cousin who's residing in Paris right now but that's just about it! Well, maybe I'm gonna ask him to start teaching me? Hmmm... I'll think about it! French words are not that difficult, though so maybe...

You Should Learn French

C'est super! You appreciate the finer things in life... wine, art, cheese, love affairs. You are definitely a Parisian at heart. You just need your tongue to catch up...

Quite interesting, huh?! What about you? Basing on this test,
What Language Should You Learn?
Bon Jour!

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Laugh. Laugh Some More!

I have been known to my family as a serious person. Yeah, that I grow old too quick and too soon because I tend to weigh matters seriously. Blame it on my being an introvert and melancholic person alright! I am, yes, but I totally believe as well about the role of laughter in one's life to be so huge in improving the quality of life. Along with swithart and Triz, we always make it a habit of expressing at least 15 real ha-ha-ha's in a day. Those real ones, not fake. :) So it would be either we tickle each other or we talk about jokes often, or that Triz's silliness will make us laugh. And laugh some more.

According to an article recently published in the journal Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, laughter has been shown to:

• reduce stress
• increase natural killer cell levels, a type of white blood cell that attacks cancel cells
• lower blood pressure
• improve mood
• connect you to others
• boost the immune system
• provide instant relaxation

"Using mind-body techniques can enhance your quality of life and may extend your longevity", says a medical expert. I think it just affirmed the proverbial thought in the very book of the wise man Solomon that "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.... " So have you had your share of ha-ha-ha's for today yet? Go, laugh. And laugh some more!
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All I Want for X'mas?

Friend Bless threw me this tag which I find to be that easy to answer! Oh well, she just asked me "What are the 5 things I would buy for My self this Christmas, if I have an unlimited income?" Isn't that so easy to answer? You see, even if it's not Christmas time, I always have five things, or even more than that, that I want to buy not only for myself but for everyone around me. I am just a simple shopper and most of what I shop doesn't even demand a million bucks! LoL. I wonder... if I have an unlimited income, would things around me and my family and relatives would make it unlimited still? I doubt!

Well, enough of this nonsense talks of mine! Let me just enumerate 5 things on which I am gonna be spending my 'unlimited income' if ever I have. I truly wish.... Hehe... I don't necessarily have to buy it, do I? And it need not be on Christmas time either, okay? Most will be not for my own self alright as I feel I am fine with what I have right now. Here I go:

• A $1,500 or $2,000 would be great enough to build and serve as capital for my mother's dream of a small store back home, just to be extended in our house building!
• A $3,000 or a little bigger amount for my Kuya (older brother) who is dreaming of owning a jeepney, or taxi, or even just a muliticab for PUJ driving.
• Another the same amount for my other older sisters and their families. Ahh... I've got a lot of them whom I want to share with. If ever I have!
• Some more amounts please for my relatives and neighbors who badly need it!
• Then... after them, I may be at ease now to buy my own house and car and indulge in trips and more trips around the world!
  

Huh, sounds like just some easy things to allocate my money with! They're just nothing if only I have those unlimited amounts of income! Shhh... I am wishing my family won't be able to read this very entry of mine. They'll just gonna get disappointed knowing that all I have mentioned will just remain to be a fantasy! Hehe...
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what's up, superstar?

Ahhh... it's a cold Sunday we have here right now! Plans of going out? Maybe later... But right now, I am busy with chores here at home. Triz's laundry seem to be blocking my way every time I head to the laundry room. I think I will be doing this later today, too. There's just a lot of stuff I need to do in the kitchen. The leftovers we have I am thinking of recooking them, making something good out of scraps, as they say. The coldness makes me even more a slacker, plus this slight headache I am having is kind of messing my day! I am wanting to pack my balikbayan box to send to Pinas and SIL has plan of going home come December break so maybe I won't be needing a rush packing then! Shhhh... this will a surprise to everyone at home so I better not say when will she leave. Hehe!

Anyways, I am gonna be posting this recent award I received from JennyR and Darlene. They thought so that I am a superstar blogger and it's just so flattering! :D Well, thank you so much Jen and Darl!!! I think you both are superstar bloggers, too!

Now it's time for me to be unselfish and acknowledge another bloggers in my friends list as well who I consider superstars! And they are: Ritchelle, Jen of New Zealand, Juliana, Ate Tess, Bless, Emmyrose, In-in, MarieJ, Rissa, Racel, Redlan, Shabem, and Vicky! There you go ladies and gentleman, enjoy!!!

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Friday's Feast

Appetizer
Imagine that you are deaf, dumb and insensitive to touch.What other image of happiness could you have?
I am deaf, dumb, and insensitive to touch, but I still can see right? Ah then, the beauty of the nature as well as seeing my loved ones' happy faces are great reason for me to be happy and be in awe!

Soup
Do you collect anything?
Yes, friends! I've got a lot of them! :)

Salad
When do you start your Christmas?
I don't really believe that Jesus was born Dec 25th as there's no record of it, but I always have the Christmas spirit everyday!

Main Course
What would you do if you were in a corner and a snake was staring you down?
Yaay! How horrible!!! :D I wish I am bringing with me a fried chicken on that very moment. For sure, the snake would prefer the yummy fried chicken than bite me. Hehe!

Dessert
If you were in the library and had gas...
I'd go to the utmost corner then! Solved! :D But I am not really a gassy person, I mean, I could hold it when I am anxious! Hehe...

Thanks feaster Gattina for this one! I enjoyed this!!!

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joyful thanksgiving rants

Thanksgiving Day went well. Well, it's just actually like our usual day here. Only that I especially roasted a yummy turkey, baked a special pumpkin cake, and the three of us gathered in the dinner table for lunch and dinner. What more, we received a lot of calls from friends expressing their words of gratitude and we all exchange of our thanks with each other. It's I think the most important thing on this very holiday- to let everybody around you know how much you appreciate everything about them. Are you with me on that friends? :)

The Twelve Months

This is a tag thrown unto me by blogger friend Witchy Boop. It's quite long but I don't mind doing this so I'm gonna start now! :-)

The rules:
1.Mention the person who tagged you and create a link back to them.
2.Copy-paste the traits for all the twelve months (see below).
3.Pick your month of birth.
4.Highlight the traits that apply to you.
5.Tag 12 people and let them know by visiting their blogs and leaving a comment for them.
6.Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve done it!

I Am a MARCHian:
And I am gonna highlight all of these qualities as I feel that I have and I behave this way! Hehe!
I've got: Attractive personality. Sexy. Affectionate. Shy and reserved. Secretive. Naturally honest, generous and sympathetic. Loves peace and serenity. Sensitive to others. Loves to serve others. Easily angered. Trustworthy. Appreciative and returns kindness. Observant and assesses others. Revengeful. Loves to dream and fantasize. Loves traveling. Loves attention. Hasty decisions in choosing partners. Loves home decors. Musically talented. Loves special things. Moody.

Now, this is for you: MarieJ, Vhilma, Ritchelle, Lira, Irel, and Emma!
The Twelve Months
JANUARY: Stubborn and hard-hearted. Ambitious and serious. Loves to teach and be taught. Always looking at people’s flaws and weaknesses. Likes to criticize. Hardworking and productive. Smart, neat and organized. Sensitive and has deep thoughts. Knows how to make others happy. Quiet unless excited or tensed. Rather reserved. Highly attentive. Resistant to illnesses but prone to colds. Romantic but has difficulties expressing love. Loves children. Loyal. Has great social abilities yet easily jealous. Very stubborn and money cautious.

FEBRUARY: Abstract thoughts. Loves reality and abstract. Intelligent and clever. Changing personality. Attractive. Sexy. Temperamental. Quiet, shy and humble. Honest and loyal. Determined to reach goals. Loves freedom. Rebellious when restricted. Loves aggressiveness. Too sensitive and easily hurt. Gets angry really easily but does not show it. Dislikes unnecessary things. Loves making friends but rarely shows it. Daring and stubborn. Ambitious. Realizes dreams and hopes. Sharp. Loves entertainment and leisure. Romantic on the inside not outside. Superstitious and ludicrous. Spendthrift. Tries to learn to show emotions.

MARCH: Attractive personality. Sexy. Affectionate. Shy and reserved. Secretive. Naturally honest, generous and sympathetic. Loves peace and serenity. Sensitive to others. Loves to serve others. Easily angered. Trustworthy. Appreciative and returns kindness. Observant and assesses others. Revengeful. Loves to dream and fantasize. Loves traveling. Loves attention. Hasty decisions in choosing partners. Loves home decors. Musically talented. Loves special things. Moody.

APRIL: Active and dynamic. Decisive and hasty but tends to regret. Attractive and affectionate to oneself. Strong mentality. Loves attention. Diplomatic. Consoling, friendly and solves people’s problems. Brave and fearless. Adventurous. Loving and caring. Suave and generous. Emotional. Aggressive. Hasty. Good memory. Moving. Motivates oneself and others. Sickness usually of the head and chest. Sexy in a way that only their lover can see.

MAY: Stubborn and hard-hearted. Strong-willed and highly motivated. Sharp thoughts. Easily angered. Attracts others and loves attention. Deep feelings. Beautiful physically and mentally. Firm Standpoint. Needs no motivation. Easily consoled. Systematic (left brain). Loves to dream. Strong clairvoyance. Understanding. Sickness usually in the ear and neck. Good imagination. Good physical. Weak breathing. Loves literature and the arts. Loves traveling. Dislike being at home. Restless. Not having many children. Hardworking. High spirited. Spendthrift.

JUNE: Thinks far with vision. Easily influenced by kindness. Polite and soft-spoken. Having ideas. Sensitive. Active mind. Hesitating, tends to delay. Choosy and always wants the best. Temperamental. Funny and humorous. Loves to joke. Good debating skills. Talkative. Daydreamer. Friendly. Knows how to make friends. Able to show character. Easily hurt. Prone to getting colds. Loves to dress up. Easily bored. Fussy. Seldom shows emotions. Takes time to recover when hurt. Brand conscious. Executive. Stubborn.

JULY: Fun to be with. Secretive. Difficult to fathom and to be understood. Quiet unless excited or tensed. Takes pride in oneself. Has reputation. Easily consoled. Honest. Concerned about people’s feelings. Tactful. Friendly. Approachable. Emotional temperamental and unpredictable. Moody and easily hurt. Witty and sparkly. Not revengeful. Forgiving but never forgets. Dislikes nonsensical and unnecessary things. Guides others physically and mentally. Sensitive and forms impressions carefully. Caring and loving. Treats others equally. Strong sense of sympathy. Wary and sharp. Judges people through observations. Hardworking. No difficulties in studying. Loves to be alone. Always broods about the past and the old friends. Likes to be quiet. Homely person. Waits for friends. Never looks for friends. Not aggressive unless provoked. Prone to having stomach and dieting problems. Loves to be loved. Easily hurt but takes long to recover.

AUGUST: Loves to joke. Attractive. Suave and caring. Brave and fearless. Firm and has leadership qualities. Knows how to console others. Too generous and egoistic. Takes high pride in oneself. Thirsty for praises. Extraordinary spirit. Easily angered. Angry when provoked. Easily jealous. Observant. Careful and cautious. Thinks quickly. Independent thoughts. Loves to lead and to be led. Loves to dream. Talented in the arts, music and defense. Sensitive but not petty. Poor resistance against illnesses. Learns to relax. Hasty and trusty. Romantic. Loving and caring. Loves to make friends.

SEPTEMBER: Suave and compromising. Careful, cautious and organized. Likes to point out people’s mistakes. Likes to criticize. Stubborn. Quiet but able to talk well. Calm and cool. Kind and sympathetic. Concerned and detailed. Loyal but not always honest. Does work well. Very confident. Sensitive. Good memory. Clever and knowledgeable. Loves to look for information. Must control oneself when criticizing. Able to motivate oneself. Understanding. Fun to be around. Secretive. Loves leisure and traveling. Hardly shows emotions. Tends to bottle up feelings. Very choosy, especially in relationships. Systematic.

OCTOBER: Loves to chat. Loves those who loves them. Loves to take things at the center. Inner and physical beauty. Lies but doesn’t pretend. Gets angry often. Treats friends importantly. Always making friends. Easily hurt but recovers easily. Daydreamer. Opinionated. Does not care of what others think. Emotional. Decisive. Strong clairvoyance. Loves to travel, the arts and literature. Touchy and easily jealous. Concerned. Loves outdoors. Just and fair. Spendthrift. Easily influenced. Easily loses confidence. Loves children.

NOVEMBER: Has a lot of ideas. Difficult to fathom. Thinks forward. Unique and brilliant. Extraordinary ideas. Sharp thinking. Fine and strong clairvoyance. Can become good doctors. Dynamic in personality. Secretive. Inquisitive. Knows how to dig secrets. Always thinking. Less talkative but amiable. Brave and generous. Patient. Stubborn and hard-hearted. If there is a will, there is a way. Determined. Never give up. Hardly becomes angry unless provoked. Loves to be alone. Thinks differently from others. Sharp-minded. Motivates oneself. Does not appreciate praises. High-spirited. Well-built and tough. Deep love and emotions. Romantic. Uncertain in relationships. Homely. Hardworking. High abilities. Trustworthy. Honest and keeps secrets. Not able to control emotions. Unpredictable.

DECEMBER: Loyal and generous. Sexy. Patriotic. Active in games and interactions. Impatient and hasty. Ambitious. Influential in organizations. Fun to be with. Loves to socialize. Loves praises. Loves attention. Loves to be loved. Honest and trustworthy. Not pretending. Short tempered. Changing personality. Not egotistic. Take high pride in oneself. Hates restrictions. Loves to joke. Good sense of humor. Logical.

bird watching

Just as Triz is able to distinguished most of the common animals around through it's distinct characteristics and sound, she also likes to see them personally. Be it a dog or a cat, or a squirrel that often passed through our window pane here, she is always fascinated by animals. And the birds, when we asked her how do they sound, she then will try to pat together her thumb and index fingers, both of her hands, and will try hard to say "twit twit twit twit". Oh... you don't have any idea how big a deal it is to see her act that way. It's just a little thing I know, but if your a parent, you ow what I am talking about.

Last Saturday, right when we came out from the nursing home where we spent our Sabbath afternoon doing a short program, just right outside, were birds noisily flying up above and on trees and it sure caught our toddler Triz's attention. Hearing those birds singing, I haven't helped myself capturing my favorite persons through my cam and this sure looked how delighted Triz was with those birds!

Just one precious pose of them two!

Defining the Healthy Me!

Darlene again, was kind enough to give me some more task to do, and that is, to answer this Q and A tag that is all about health. It's pretty interesting so I will give it my effort to share what I feel! Here we go!

1. What is your definition of ‘healthy eating’?

~ Healthy eating is eating the right amount of food at the right time! Meaning, I don't have to eat too much or too little. I don't diet at all but I try very hard to eat just enough and in the right time!

2. Do you exercise on a regular basis? What is your favorite form of exercise? Least favorite?

~ Nah mao na ni karon! Haha! I am the laziest when it comes to heavy and regular exercise. I used to do hiking/walking, jogging or biking with swithart but that was when it was still warm. We also had a routine of playing tennis, badminton, or basketball in the court every Sunday, but then again, that was last summer season! Now, my exercise is all about lifting my heavy toddler, sitting a little longer attending this blogging thing, typing so hard and fast to be able to post more than one entry and typing erroneously as well while chatting with In-in to throw each other funny bits and pieces we've discovered and learned here in the blogosphere! Right In? And then, laughter is the most terrific exercise that we do here. We always make it a habit to laugh at least 15 ha-ha-has here at home!

3. Do you take vitamin supplements?

~ I only am taking Vit C now because of this colds I got! Ah... I am the laziest as well when it comes to taking tablets, capsules, or even liquid medicines!

4. Can you tell that your body is getting older? If so, how?

~ Yes! I am feeling a lot of symptoms now that I haven't felt before! I am getting old each day, that's not to be denied at all. But I will always stay young at heart! :D

5. Would you call yourself healthy?

~ I think I am! At least, I haven't been to any hospitals for long medications alright. Too bad, I am having colds right now, so stay away from me, or else! LoL.

How Well Do I Know Him?

Hah! Let this blogthings.com test tell you!

What You Know About Your Guy: Practically Everything

You have gotten to know your man really well From his hopes and dreams to favorite things... You definitely have enough info to figure out if he's *the* guy In fact, you may know him a little better than you know yourself

And I know pretty sure that it's the same way with him. Our endless conversations and talks just will never end and every day, we share something new about and within us. We always have that desire to intimately talk and talk some more. In whatever area and part of things, we could click together and talk without hesitation about how we feel. I think we both are blessed with this innate desire to communicate and we want it that way!
What about you?
How Well Do You Know Your Man?

God Amidst Suffering

In my 20 plus years of existence in this world, hundreds have been the times when I hear someone asks somebody or just his own self the question 'Why does God allow pain and suffering'? It's a little amusing sometimes but often, it also made me ask my own self too as to why does God allow suffering in this world if He loves the human race. If you have experienced a moment in your life that such question arose even just for once, then, you are just like one of us- normal human beings who wander in this earth. And, the Alpha Course that's being offered in most of the countries around the world can be beneficial for you. This Alpha Course will help everyone who struggles with his or her belief in God as it will give him a compelling thoughts of the truth of a loving God in a hurtful world. If this course interests you, visit alphacanada.org today!

If You Need a Plastic Surgery...

Has the thought about plastic surgery ever crossed your mind? For me, yes! And I am ashamed to admit that the thought of undergoing a a plastic surgery is a sign of discontentment, because it sure is not! You see, my brother-in-law has undergone a facial plastic surgery himself when his face was damaged due to a gunshot that he received when he was driving their public utility vehicle and he was targeted by an unknown gunman. Terrible isn't it? Well, his ruined face led him to go under the knife. It happened just last year and when I learned about it, I can't helped but wished that he got the reconstructive operation that Andres Bustillo, MD, FACS is known to perform as a specialist. With a trusted and fine surgeon who runs a clinic of plastic surgery in Miami, you can be guaranteed with an excellent result to such under-the-knife stuff that you let yourself get involved with.

It's the before and after shot of one of Dr. Bustillo's patients. Can you spot the difference? How has plastic surgery changed her looks? Come on, tell me! And ask Dr. Bustillo how'd he ever did such amazing performance!

I Got Colds!

Yeah, and I sure don't want to spread my virus! Thus, my absence in your blogs! (Laughs!)
Hehe....My so frequent sneezing has started yesterday morning at Sabbath School, and I know right then and there that I am about to catch this so unwanted colds. Blame it on the change of temperature, on the lack of enough sleep, on the weaker immune system, and maybe... on my Vitamin C deficiency! (Laughs!) If only I could do all those I have mentioned, I will not be having this terrible colds right now. This sure disabled me to get my tasks done today. All I did most of the time was lied in bed but didn't sleep, play with Triz, and just watched swithart raked the leaves outside. We had fun with Triz, though, so overall, it was a worthwhile Sunday. I even didn't cooked a single meal. We just ordered at an Italian restaurant here and we had McDo for dinner. Hah! I hope tomorrow I'll feel any improvements in my condition. I have several OTC medicines here and right now, Sudafed is what I recently took. I hope it'll surely work!

On Potty Training

Before I had my daughter Triz, the thought of potty training a child has already been conceived in my mind. You see, I have had experiences taking care of kids since they were babies because I have quite a number of nieces back home. And I surely know how expensive it is diapering a single child. I am just thankful that my older sisters have potty trained their children at a younger age, enabling me to learn from their experiences now that I already have a toddler myself.

Since Triz was born more than a year ago, I can't tell you how much have been spent on disposable diapers. I know it's already been a lot, and anytime soon, I am about to start potty training her. I reckoned it is not that easy to start training your child to go potty. And I would recommend pottytrainingbasics.com to every mom and dad out there who are in the same track like me. This is amazing! In as little as three days, pottytrainingbasics.com will be able to teach everyone the technique to fully potty train a child. Doesn't that interests you? Well, it does to me, as a toddler's mom! And I am on my way now to get my share of information and knowledge that's available at pottrytrainingbasics.com!

An Intro-Extrovert I am!

I find this test pretty interesting. And so I tried taking it. I know for sure that my personality even then have always been an introvert and a little extrovert combined. And the result I got here didn't changed at all. Ha! I think it's really hard to change the person in you so I won't wonder If I still am an intro-extrovert until now. Hehe.

You Are An Intro-Extrovert!

Sometimes you're social - sometimes you're shy You've got a bit of an Introvert / Extrovert split going on You enjoy all sorts of situations. Parties, small groups, and alone time. Too much of one, and you'll long for the other. You need variety! Chances are, you've got both serious and fun friends - and they don't get along. How about you?

Are You An Extroverted or Introverted Girl?

Why don't you take this test and discover your personality? Well, just in case you don't know yet! Smile!!!

The Beauty of Rhinoplasty

When one decides to undergo a facial makeover, the result or the product of such makeover could give him or her the unique beauty that he has desired before the surgery. Consider rhinoplasty for example. Rhinoplasty is a plastic surgery procedure which can reshape the nose and help to improve nasal function. Whether it be a reduction or an increase in the overall size of the nose, or removal of a hump, or anything else in which the person would like to achieve a more aesthetic facial appearance, the outcome will really show a different uniqueness of beauty. Take a look at these photos:

It's the before and after shots of a nose surgery done by West Palm Beach rhinoplasty. Can you see the difference? I can and it's just amazing! It really changed its appearance and it made the aesthetic looks appear to be good. So if you have thought of undergoing a rhinoplasty, too, let Michael L. Schwartz, MD, FACS at palmbeachface.com help you achieve the looks you want for yourself!

I Am Cartoon Character Who???

Here's my take on Darlene's tag about which cartoon character personality do I liken myself most. This is quite a long tag but it's kind of interesting since it's all about personality, so Darl, thanks for thinking of me on this!

Here's The Rules:
Everyone has a personality of a cartoon character. Have you ever asked yourself what cartoon character do you most resemble?

A group of investigators got together and analyzed the personalities of well known and modern cartoon characters. The information that was gathered was made into this test. Answer all the questions (only 10) with what describes you best, add up all your Points (which are next to the answer that you choose) at the end and look for your results. Do not cheat by looking at the end of the e-mail before you are done. Then ask your Friends to answer it. (Make sure to Highlight your answers)

1. Which one of the following describes the perfect date?

.a) Candlelight dinner (4 pts.)
.b) Fun/Theme Park (2 pts.)
.c) Painting in the park (5 pts)
.d) Rock concert (1 pt.)
.e) Going to the movies (3 pts.)

2. What is your favorite type of music?
.a) Rock and Roll (2 pts.)
.b) Alternative (1 pt)
.c Soft Rock (4 pts.)
.d) Country (5 pts.)
.e) Pop (3 pts.)

3. What type of movies= do you prefer?
.a) Comedy (2 pts)
.b) Horror (1 pt.)
.c) Musical (3 pts.)
.d) Romance (4 pts.)
.e) Documentary (5 pts.)

4.. Which one of these occupations would you choose if you only could choose one of these?
.a) Waiter (4 pts.)
.b) Professional Sports Player (5 pts.)
.c) Teacher (3 pts.)
d) Police (2 pts.)
.e) Cashier (1 pt)

5 . What do you do with your spare time?
.a) Exercise (5 pts.)
.b) Read (4 pts.)
.c) Watch television (2 pts)
.d) Listen to music (1 pt.)
.e) Sleep (3 pts.)

6. Which one of the following colors do you like best?
.a) Yellow (1 pt.)
.b) White (5 pts.)
.c) Sky Blue (3 pts.)
.d) Dark Blue (2 pts.)
.e) Red (4 pts.)

7. What do you prefer to eat?
.a) Snow (3 pts.)
.b) Pizza (2 pts.)
.c) Sushi (1 pt.)
.d) Pasta (4 pts.)
.e) Salad (5 pts.)

8 What is your favorite holiday?
.a) Halloween (1 pt.)
.b) Christmas (2 pts)
c) New Year (2 pts.)
.d) Valentine's Day (4 pts.)
.e) Thanksgiving (5 pts.)

9. If you could go to one of these places which one would it be?
.a) Paris (4 pts)
.b) Spain (5 pts)
.c) Las Vegas (1 pt)
.d) Hawaii (4 pts)
.e) Hollywood (3 pts)

10. With which of the following would you prefer to spend time with?
.a) Someone Smart (5 pts.)
.b) Someone attractive (2 pts.)
.c) Someone who likes to Party (1 pt.)
.d) Someone who always has fun (3 pts.)
.e) Someone very sentimental (4 pts.)

Now add up your points and find out the answer you have been waiting for!

(10-16 points) You are Garfield :
You are very comfortable, easy going, and you definitely know how to have fun but sometimes you take it to an extreme. You always know what you are doing and you are always in control of your life. Others may
not see things as you do, but that doesn't mean that you always have to do what is right. Try to remember, your happy spirit may hurt you or others.

(17-23 points) You are Snoopy:
You are fun, you are very cool and popular. You always know what's in and you are never are out of style You are good at knowing how to satisfy everyone else. You have probably disappeared for a few days
more than once but you always come home with the family values that you learned Being married and having children are important to you, but only after you have had your share of fun times.

(24-28 points) You are Elmo:
You have lots of friends and you are also popular, always willing to give advice and help out a person in need. You are very optimistic and you always see the bright side of things. Some good advice: try not to be too much of a dreamer. Dreaming too big could cause many conflicts in your life.

(29-35 points) You are Sponge Bob Square Pants: You are the classic person that everyone loves. You are the best friend that anyone could ever have and never wants to lose. You never causeharm to anyone and they would never not understand your feelings. Life is a journey, it's funny and calm for the most part. Stay away from traitors and jealous people, and you will be stress free.

(36-43 points) You are Charlie Brown: You are tender, you fall in love quickly but you are also very serious
about all relationships. You are a family person. You call your Mom every Sunday. You have many friends and may occasionally forget a few Birthdays. Don't let your passion confuse you with reality.

(44-50 points) I am 47! (If I summed it right!) Therefore, this is me!!! Yay!!!
You are Dexter: You are smart and definitely a thinker... Every situation is fronted with a plan. You have a brilliant mind. You demonstrate very strong family principles. You maintain a stable routine but never ignore a bad situation when it comes. Try to do less over thinking every once in a while to spice things up a bit with spontaneity!

Columbia U's Research Program

The study of chemistry course is one thing I think I will never get myself involved with. (Laughs!) Those symbols and signs of chemicals, those theories and principles of molecules and atoms, ahh... they just make my thinking mind more complicated! Haha... But it's the opposite with swithart. For him, he gets excited and his mind functions well when talks about such matter would arise. Well, I can't blame him! It's part of his thing being a lover of numbers and of chemical and mechanical ideas! I would thought he and George Lindermann would get along well with! Being Columbia University's faculty and head of the Research Groups, their 'latest experimental research program is aimed at the investigation of molecules adsorbed on surfaces using the Scanning Tunneling Microscope (STM) to study the structure of such species.

Quite interesting, huh?! Well, they also are researching on the study of chemical dynamics these days! Just amazing! It just made me become more in awe with their talents and abilities to excel more in the field of chemistry! Don't you think persons in this field deserves to be acknowledged and supported? Well, I do!

Wednesday Update: Weather Survey-Tag!

I am always thankful to blogger friend Darlene for never failing to include me in her tags. Be it a very long tag or a short one, I am grateful for it! (But I hope to receive the shorter ones though!) LoL! The latest that I am being thrown with is a weather survey tag. Here goes!

1. Where you live, what kind of weather (or weather-related tragedy) do you fear the most?
* Well, I live in Central Illinois, in the middle of the vast cornfields! Four seasons fall here and it's good to experience the different beauty of each. But with each season comes weather-related negative atmosphere and I truly believe it's part of its beauty. On winter, a snowstorm or a blizzard is expected; in early spring, a hail sometimes happens, and it's usually wet because of the heavy rains; on summer, ahhh... talk about humidity!, and when it rains, thunderstorm and tornado are warned most of the times; and during autumn, the strong wind that sometimes can blow me away is pretty common. But then again, each is part of the whole beauty of it!

2. What kind of weather do you MOST enjoy?
* Well, I love the not-so-cold and not-so-hot weather! Like temperature between 65 to 78 F! Late spring and early fall! I'm loving such times of weather!

3. What kind of weather do you LEAST like to drive in?
* Winter definitely! The icy road is a bit scary you know! I prefer being a passenger on stormy weather! Hehe!

4. What is the scariest weather-related experience you've had in your lifetime?
* Well, it was back in Philippines 5 years ago to be exact when I was on vacation to my mother's place in Leyte. I traveled all by myself and it was stormy! But I arrived safe, thank God!

5. Share a "weather picture" with us!
* Okay.. I think I love this part! :D

Taken last year's winter. It was a bad blizzard that a huge tree trunk in front of our house fell!

One spring afternoon at a fave lake here!


Summer sky when the sun's about to set

...and my perfect summer beauty! Just got out from the tennis court.

My perfect capture of an autumn sunset at a lake

Hope you had fun!

Now, I'm interested to know and see lovely glimpses of weather where blogger friends Kero, MarieJ, Rissa, Ritchelle, and JennyR live. No pressure though guys! Only if you can... Thanks in advance!

Has Plastic Surgery Ever Crossed Your Mind?

Well, I am just curious! You see, undergoing a body makeover through a plastic surgery is so common in today's age. I know of friends and acquaintances who underwent such, I've seen several on TV who testify that they have been through those under-the-knife stuff, and I have read in the books and magazines that featured several others as well who were that grateful for such operation. Well, I have nothing against people who consider plastic surgery as a relief to having those looks that they are discontent with. I feel that it's their lives and we can do nothing about it. As long as they're not that extreme, I guess, it's just fine.

And as long as they would let those experts out there do the taking and the operation, then they'll be safe. I wonder if you know about Atlanta cosmetic surgery that is ran by top plastic surgeons and cosmetic surgery experts around the United States. Well, knowing full well who those people that would let such makeover be performed you is the next big thing I guess to decide, and mybodypart.com can help you choose the best plastic surgeon to do it for you!

He Really Took Charge!

Well, I mean swithart did! You see, last Friday, a very bad and severe headache hit me, brought by one of those PM symptoms that we women are blessed of. Hehe! And it sure was the first time to see swithart took charge of every thing I basically and normally do here at home! Well, exclude blogging in that though! (Laughs!) His desire to cook is not unusual if I will ask him to. Nor is his giving Triz a bath. But last Friday, he really was amazing! Simply because he did every single thing I am supposed to do but I couldn't because of my veeeery bad headache. I didn't meant to just rest and sleep the wholde day but he encouraged me to, simply because I couldn't bear standing up and do all my tasks.

He was supposed to have an appointment at the university that day as he was invited to sit as an observant and guest to one of the dissertation proposal presentor and I truly believe he would go as it's always been his thing. But I was wrong. Instead, he stayed home, was able to cook three meals, gave Triz a bath, played with her, and woke me up to know how I was doing. Took care of me marvelously! Haha! It's not that he doesn't do that because he does. But last Friday was truly a different one. As in, he really took charge of everything, literally. I didn't expected him too, and I didn't believe he could do it, hence, my surprise. Well, that day made me realize nga okay na, mabiyaan na diay naku sila! Hahaha! I kidded swithart about it and I told him nga mabuhi na man diay mo ug wala ko! Hehe... He didn't liked that statement of course, but I told him how amazing he was that day!

the newest member of our BIG family!

Her name is Leika. She was born last Sunday, Nov. 11th, the 2nd child of my Kuya (big bro), and amazingly, mommy Joy just was able to deliver her at home. Whew!!! What a triumph and a consolation! Simply unbelievable!

Pretty baby, eh? Isn't she a doll?

I am even more longing and missing home now! I am just happy that everybody is doing fine back there. My sister in Japan will be spending her Christmas holiday in Philippines. And My other sister in HK is going home for a vacation as well in March next year. Ako lang ang di pa makauli. Don't ask me when I am going home! If only I can, I surely will!

Have a great weekend guys! Stay safe and happy!!!

...this part of me that no one sees!

This is just true. My older siblings baby me a lot! When I got married, most of them who were present shed tears. I know they were tears of joy but I can tell as well that it was surreal for them that that their "gang" in the family was that ready to leave them at that point in time to be with Jon. Haha! So this blogthings.com test interested me much to take and look what result it gave me!

The Part of You That No One Sees

You are innocent, sweet, and young at heart. You present a purity that many people find appealing. However, you are often tired of people treating you like a child. Underneath it all, you enjoy being babied and pampered. You have been known to feign inexperience to get out of sticky situations. You fear getting old and losing your childlike charms.

But I have to disagree though in the part that says, I am feign inexperience to get out of sticky situations, because I am the opposite. And I don't fear as well to get old. In fact, I want to get old fast! LoL.

How about you?
What's the Part of You That No One Sees?

So Many Things To Do Yet So Little Time I Have!

With regards to my tasks here in the computer, let me tell you, I have so many things to write, so many tasks that needs to be done before sunset tomorrow, but time is just too little for me! Hehe! I know it is the same with, isn't it? Well... just like right now! I am suppose to making a worth reading entry but heck, my sister just logged in at YM and I can't helped but IMed her and then, what do you expect but we chatted and chatted until 1:30 am and left me with nothing done! Laughs. But it's okay, laughters shared with loved ones are priceless as most of you would agree so it was all worth it. The catching ups, the news about almost everybody that I am so longing to hear, and most of all, the most awaited pictures of my just newly-born niece I finally saw so I have here all but smiles! Hehe... Okay, okay! Now I think I need to end this here! Thanks for reading friends!

Got Accepted Now

Hello Blog~~
Heeyah!
This domain of mine has just got accepted by PPP so you know what I am gonna say... I am happy. :D This means, I will be starting to post some opps here from PPP, that means, officially, I am having two blogs registered at PPP. These two will be enough for now, as coping up with more than one blog is really really tough for an energetic toddler's mom. Hehe! Plus, given the bloghopping task that I am ought to do, so time-consuming!

So good luck everyone! I'll be trying my very best to keep this updated as my other page- Unsealing My Mind. Keep on coming here, as I will do the same to you all as possible!

On Guys' Picking Up a Beautiful Woman

I have had male friends of different ages and personality types and I could see a complete different sets of likes and dislikes when it comes to their taste of choosing their women. Swithart and I have this common friend of ours in which attracting a beautiful woman for him is never a problem. How is that, we usually wander. Well, psychologically and physically, there is this aspect in one's personality that is called "sex appeal". I don't know, but I guess he sound to have a strong sex appeal on women. Not to me though, for the thing that I like most on guys- being a good conversationalist and talks smartly, I just couldn't find in him. This guy is a good friend of ours and so I used to kid him about his sort of an arrogance and pride on women. (Laughs!) He doesn't gets mad about it as he sometimes thinks the same about himself, too. The idea of being a womanizer that is!

I totally get annoyed with those types of males. For me, they're the ones that we should avoid getting close with. Lest we may fall upon their traps. (Laughs!) But I am never against what the modern man of today is behaving. Especially if that modern man is a career-oriented, successful, and remains to be humble even it he is already in the latter stage of his blessed singleness in life. It is a common thing to see and get in contact with a man like that in today's age, isn't it? It seems like their world just revolves around their career that they tend to forget to socialize and go on parties and other social events for them to enjoy their being single and eventually find and attract a beautiful woman.

Now, do you know anyone who is just like what I am talking about? Well, I do. And I definitely could consider him a one modern man. A lawyer by profession, in his early 40s but still single up to this very moment. And, we are thinking of giving him a get girl book come gift-giving time! (Laughs). I know he's been dating a certain girl before but I reckon he's just too picky on girls. He does socialize once a while and I further think he needs to do it frequently. He's easy to get along well so I've asked myself what's the hard thing that keeps him that way? Maybe he needs to really know how to pick up a beautiful woman and to attract her to him. A seminar on this one maybe? Hehe... I guess he needs to be in on themodernman.com site now!

Triz's Lappy Trip and Treat

Ever since Triz started to know what a computer is, she quickly learned that the mouse is for her right hand, her fingers for the keyboard, and then her eyes for the monitor! :D So every time either I or Jon uses the desktop computer here, she will always find a way to reach the keyboard and the mouse with her hands, as if she expertly knows what she's doing about. When we had the laptop, and we started using it just in our bedroom- Jon in his paperworks, and myself with this blogging thing :D, we always got in trouble with Triz because she stopped minding her toys but finds a way to disturb us both. :) She's even too quick to take charge every time me or her dad stands up from our place to get for something.

Here she is! Seriously!!!

And so, with how samokan she is, we decided to buy her a laptop that's for her age, right enough for her learning and development. And last week, we gave her the absolute treat!

Looking, enjoying, and have finally chosen!
Tadda!!!

Now, she has hers! Do you think she'll start minding her own business and just ignores us with ours? Hmm... we'll see! :D

Pave the Way for Bloggerwave!

I have never been satisfied with my writing skills until I joined and became one of you in the blogosphere. I have never been more interested to blog either until I have learned that I could actually make money just by doing the thing that I love- writing! And, when I say I blog and I make money, I am talking about bloggerwave, a company that helps bring out the best in you and mine's writing by offering tasks for us to write and then, we have something to wait for during payday! Cool, eh? So, have you joined Bloggerwave yet?

Ink Cartridges For Us All

When I was still using the desktop computer outside in our computer room, I never have any problem with printing when I needed a hard copy of some important information. Ink cartridges have never been a problem since sister-in-law Daisy is always up-to-date in checking if there are still inks available. It's because it wasn't only me who is using the printer often, also swithart who needs to sometimes rush printing his papers when he doesn't have enough time to do it in his office. Our niece Cyndi, too is a frequent assignment doer being a junior high school student, and almost all of her typing jobs needed to be printed. She even requests an HP 56 Black inks because it's what her teachers required of them. And so, Daisy always sees to it that we don't run out of those.

Now that I am using a laptop, I don't get to use the printer that often anymore. It's okay though, since I am mostly into blogging now, not the typing job that I used to do before. The same thing with swithart. But given the fact that he's still doing a lot of paperworks now for his dissertation, he still needs a printer. We were told an HP inkjet cartridges work good, and much even better to get one soon since I've discovered that carrotink.com is offering the best value in inkjet printing to their costumers no other than me and you! Whether you need to print a rough draft or just a grocery list, or even your photos, HP cartridges can give you the results you want.

this one interesting parenthOOd tOpic: cOsLeeping!

Okay, so I know that cosleeping with your child is not a common thing for parents in this country. Most often than not, it is what I've heard from close friends even before I gave birth to Triz. And during that time, I could remember that I was seriously thinking that soon when my daughter would come out, she won't be sleeping beside me but I'm gonna be teaching her to separate from us even then. But it completely turned the other way around when we have her. The bassinet, the crib, and the playpen that we have for her were useless. If I am not mistaken, we were only able to let Triz slept in the bassinet several days. And the crib was never used even until now. Why? Because since then, she has been sleeping with me and swithart in our huge bed that swithart intentionally built to customized it and make it a bigger one for the three of us.

I know that Triz's pediatrician won't recommended it but it's still what we did. And... it's priceless to me and swithart. The joy that comes with our playing time before heading to sleep, the tumblings, the tickles- they all made an impact to Triz's life. The storytelling with actions and dialogs makes the conversations we have for her a real one. I even think it's because of that reason that she's able to say a lot of words now. We sure don't care if people around us would tell us that she won't grow to be an independent girl because of our cosleeping her. For us, it's just not the basis of raising a confident and independent kid. You see, it's what we've been through when we were young. Our parents have been letting us to sleep with them until we grew bigger. And we still became to be the independent persons that we are now.

I've read a lot of cosleeping topic in several parenting columns and it overwhelms me to know that such thing is so much of a burden to those parents out there. I know the toughness, the downsides, and the disadvantages. But we are not considering it as such, so for us, we never have any problem with it. Another reason that we are doing this though is because we only live in my sister-in-law's house and we don't want to make another room of her own for Triz. So she gets to sleep with us as long as we're still here. But soon, when we can move to our new place, (hopefully it'll be so soon!), we will be starting to let her learn how to separate from us during sleeping time. But until then, our cosleeping with her is still cherished.

How about you fellow moms? How's your sleeping pattern with your kids? Care to share a bit?

Car Shopping? Be Wise! Compare the Price!

They say buying for a new car always demands paying its full price! But is that really so? Well, at CarsBlvd.com, you never have to pay full price for a new car! It is what I just told to a friend who lives in Florida, or shall I say, who just is settled in Florida with her husband-to-be and who are going to buy a new car soon. I told her that Honda cars are great, and that Honda car prices are comparable at CarsBlvd.com. That way, their car shopping would be a great experience, and who knows, their satisfaction could result in buying one more as a gift come holidays! (Laugh). Actually, it is a good thing to get Honda car quotes first before really attempting to buy one. It would save much money and the end, it could satisfy you real. At least, that's what we felt when we did it with our car shopping experience!

DrugRehab.net is the Right Place

It is not uncommon to hear or see any youth or adult in today's generation who is known to be addicted to drugs. It is sad, yes. I know how tough it is too because my very older brother has gone through that instance in his life when he was experiencing that so-called adolescent crisis thing. But that was long before. Twelve years ago, to be exact when he was living under my older sister's care in Manila, Philippines. You see, he was supposed to be going to school when he was sent to live there, while us, just in the southern part of the country. We thought such move of residency would help him excel more in his being a bright student, but it turned the other way around. He became rebellious and skipped classes and eventually was often in trouble. It's because of his use of drugs. Well, when my parents and other siblings learned about it, all of us expressed the same sentiment: pity for him, and that, we needed to help and save him. And so, my parents let her return to our place and all of us tried to be by his side. We sort of became his drug addiction treatment center, which eventually helped him get back to a better and more directed life.

Fortunately, my dear brother is in the right direction now. He's been married and soon to have his second child and we can tell he is now a responsible person. He knew he's been through a worsening case and he had disappointed us before and he's trying to live a life of responsibilities now that such past has been put behind. But there are still a lot of other young people and even adults who are still struggling of fighting drug addiction until now. And I strongly believe they need to admit themselves in a drug free rehab center to get help. I know how much pain drug addiction causes and I know of DrugRehab.net- the oldest and most established drug rehab companies in this country, to be the right place for you or your loved one to get help.

the engineer in her!

I am most happy about simple things. I am just a simple mom you know. Ordinary, as I call it. And I expect just those ordinary things as well from my loved ones and my family. But when given the privilege to excel in a specific area in life, I am a risk-taker. Several have been the times when I dared take risk. And it's one character I wish my daughter would do, too, once she gets older. :D Enough drama! Anyway, I'll leave you with this structure Triz created showcasing the engineer in her! :D Just as she keeps growing, she keeps doing new things as well that would make us feel in awe.

Look how she let her wooden puzzle board stood the side way!

We just find it amazing of her! Often, I wish for her to copy her dadi's engineering skills and she never fails me on it. I know she deserves to be patted on the back and it's always great to let them know they are complimented. And yes, we do.

Of Passion and Fashion

Loving is my passion in life. LoL. And writing comes next. But don't expect me to end there. They are not the only two things I consider my passion. There are still a lot of little things- those that make me happy and enable me to smile at the end of the day. Like shopping, not only for myself but for my loved ones as well who I know need some good stuff for themselves, too. And the two most important men in my life that I really want to share the benefits of my passion for shopping is my husband and my older brother who is in Philippines now. Of course I shop for everybody but they're exceptional in terms with how I choose what jeans to look for.

At tobi.com, nudie jeans fit just right for the two of them! I usually look for nudie that are straight leg cut as it's what they most are happy about! LoL. Good thing that TOBI has what I just am looking for!

Gorgeous jeans, eh? Perfect for my men! :)

But hey, you might think that's what I only buy! Of course not!!! I have a lot of women in my life that I shopped for, too! I've got older sisters who are jeans fanatic, and would easily request me in sending some for them every time they hear I am going to send them balikbayan box. And that doesn't happen for once only but for all times! LoL. I just am ecstatic that I can shop for everybody and all at tobi.com, and these seven for all mankind jeans are excellent stuff to fashion my beloved sisters with.

Now these two are absolutely gorgeous for my women, too!

Triz's 16 Months Old Milestones

Last Sunday was Triz's 16 months birthday. I totally forgot it (bcoz of this blogging thing!!! hehe) until swithart sang a happy birthday song to our dear loved daughter. Wow! It's just so unbelievable to see her grow so fast. It seems like it's only been yesterday that I've given birth. When I look at my old photos, my being a mother now doesn't sink in yet! LoL. But when I wake up every morning with my daughter beside me, I know I am already a mother for real! :) Look how she grew in the last 16 months!

When she was 1, 2 and 3 days old during our hospital stay!

And look how big she has grown in her recent poses!

Doesn't she looks like a lady now? Sounds exaggerating but yeah, that's how we see her!

And seeing every new thing and development she shows us is such a huge fulfillment. A very sweet success indeed. From the moment she was born, we knew deep in our hearts that we couldn't asked for anything more precious and beautiful. I know we still have a lot to teach her and with HIS help, we will be there for her. Now for the record, I am gonna journal her milestone and growth which I find so cute, amusing, entertaining, fun, loving, and worth telling to the world. LoL!

Verbally:

• she can now say Mama, Dada, Dadi, Papa, Lala, Tita, Ati, Tiz (for her name), me, ellooo (when talking to the phone), yes, no-no, yayay (when it hurts), ba-bye, wa-wa (for water), hah (for hot), hiya (right here sign), zoos (for shoes), book, etay (for guitar), Jeez (for Jesus) dog, babat (for her bath) Boz, Bahney, baby bop, bow, tee yo for thank you), hhmmm (for you're welcome), piz (for please), bag, pen, bey (for bear), sing, Loo (for her grandpa), and some more that I can't remember...
  
• she can make the sound of some animals she know and she can recognize like, awrf awrf for the dog, baaaa for the sheep, moo for the cow, meeee for the horse and goat, quack quack for the duck, oink oink for the pig, tuktugaok for the rooster nga bisaya, twit twit for the bird, meow meow for the cat
• she hums and tries to sing w/ us or with the singers she sees on TV

Academically:

• she loves books and is more fond of browsing them than her plastic toys
• she gathers my magazines and swithart's paperworks
• she writes in the papers, on the walls, in the floor, and in her hands
• she imitates what we do with our computers reason why we bought a laptop toy for her!
• she can recognize the numbers already and goes to the ref when we tell her to count as her magnetic numbers are there. as well as the ABCs.
• she listens intently when we read to her a story or when we just tell her our made-up story

Cognitively:

• Not only can she say those words above; she can also tell and determine which is which.
• She has an excellent memory when it comes to the actions of the songs and the finger play that we teach her
• She counts with her fingers from 1 to 10
• She knows her body parts, from head to toes
• She absolutely can identify her belongings and stuff
• She waves bye-bye while saying it, she points at object she's interested with, she claps and pats when she appreciates something
• she feeds herself but not really the perfect way, we still have to keep an eye or even feed her fully
• she drinks thru a straw
• she takes my shoes off from the rack and tries to put them on on her little feet. so cute.
• she brush her teeth
• she soaps herself when bathing
  
• she stays away from places and things when we tell her "out" or "danger"
• she takes our hymnbooks, lesson, and Bible out when we say "worship time"
• she can follow simple rules we try to command her, like throwing something in the garbage, giving or passing something to somebody, etc.
• she knows tomatoes and flowers- and he's good in picking them up at Lolo's garden
• and this one reflects her expertise: she can tell which house is ours that even if we are taking a walk in the nearby blocks, she can point in the distance the house where we live!
  
• and so many other little things that are sometimes left unnoticed

With all these, it just seems unbelievable. And it is so great and fulfilling to have been blessed by the privilege of parenting. Swithart and I know that we still have so much to learn and appreciate. And so much as well to teach, nurture, and instill in her, including good values for her fellow children, respect for older people, and reverence and faith in God. We're taking one step at a time. With HIS guidance and with fervent prayers.

October Roundups

It's the 3nd day of November now! Wait, did October really ended already? Ahh... how time flies, I have no idea! But I am always thankful for the gift of life, of love, of abilities, of friends, of of another season! As updates in this very domain of mine, I am gonna be posting my October summary as a welcome thought for this month. Here!

What books and/or magazines did I read this month?
Book: Fit Forever Daily Morning Devotional By author Kay Kuzma; Magazines: Parents, ALL You, American Baby, Adventist World, Lake Union Herald, Newsweek

What movies and/or tv shows did I watch this month?
I can't even remember if I have watched any movies at all! Ahh.. this blogging thing took most of my free time with Triz! But my eyes were on Triz's Barney, Boz the Bear, Teletubbies, and some other children's show at PBS Kids. Well, I do update myself every afternoon with BBC News and Nightly News With Brian Williams. And I sometimes join swithart in his being a sports fanatic!

What special days did I celebrate and how?
Nothing really special. Just a friend's birthday, and much preparation w/ Ma and Pa's trip to Philippines last Oct. 16th.

What gifts did I give and/or receive?
*I was given a huge and very good smelling Glade scented candle. *Swithart gave me his dearly loved Dell Notebook (hehe) but purchase a new one for himself though! (haha) *In-in gave Triz a lovely dress and a Barney DVD which Triz enjoys a lot! So kind of her. Thanks In!

What illnesses or health concerns did I have?
Oh.. thank God there's nothing! We did have a little discomfort brought with colds that the change of season has caused but it's nothing!

What fun things did I do with my friends and/or family?
Nothing much when you ask of some trips and tours. My October days went well with just being at home, a stay at home wifey and mommy that I am. Well, of course we go out for shopping and dinners but just that. We did have planned trips but still, swithart's schedule didn't permit. But mind you, days at home are days full of fun with Triz around!

What new foods, recipes or restaurants did I try this month?
With new food, I tried making a Belizian rice with red kidney beans and coconut milk in it, and my friends at church during our potluck loved it! Hehe. With new recipe, I started making a maja blanca and yummy cookie regularly and it became a favorite here at home! With a new restaurant, hmm... I think there's none! It's too boring because our choice of dining out is just the usual chinese restaurant here! LoL. Can you guys relate? Tell me about it, will you! LoL!

What special or unusual purchases did I make?
Was able to buy an Este Lauder purse at a thrift store where we drop our goodies off! Hehe. Addition to my unused purses here! And a new notebook for swithart's usage! I stole his' that's why!

What were this month’s disappointments?
Hmm... I can't think of any.. I know I have in the last couple days and weeks, but since I am not able to remember it, I just won't try to dig about it!

What were my accomplishments this month?
First, it's Triz's 15-month-birthday last Oct. 4th. Another milestone. Another gift. A huge reason to be happy and say, "what an accomplishment!" Don't you think? Second, I was able to send a good $500 for my sister's college tuition in Philippines! A hard earned money I made with this blogging thing! Another huge accomplishment, at least for me! And I think I still have a lot of those little accomplishments that we consider. But those two are the huge ones so I'll just mention about them!

That's all for now folks! Thanks for reading!! Signing off...

It's the three of us, with Triz's unique smile!!!