Piece o' Kaje: August 2008

Yen's QOTW #29

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

1. When you see a man and woman walking together, do you automatically see them as ‘a couple’?

:: It depends on their body language :)

2. Is it always okay to walk along minding your own business, not bothering anyone?
:: Sometimes, I need to stop and ask for directions...Other than that, I usually keep to myself specially when I'm alone.

3. Which foods that you believe are bad for you that you stubbornly refuse to stop eating?

:: Junk of course, but now I should just refuse 'em since they're not good for Baby Dot.

4. How would you handle these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights?
:: Stay home on a rainy day (or go malling where parking is covered); demand to know what happened to my lost luggage until they're found; let the electrician take care of the tangled Christmas lights hehhehee.

5. Do you easily adopt habits or phrases from the people around you?
:: Not exactly, it will take years before that happens :)

6. What do you think of this situation?

~ In a checkout line at a store, someone is angrily yelling at the cashier because she’s waiting for minutes already. A long line of people are behind them with no other checkout line available. Does the angry person have a right to be yelling?
:: Oh well, someone is obviously being a brat and was not properly trained to delay gratification as a child hehe. If it were me, I wouldn't yell at the poor cashier but will demand for the store manager to open up the other counters.

7. How often are you greeted by strangers in a friendly manner while walking around in public?

:: When I'm smiling. But here in Manila, no matter how nice you look at others, they ignore you. In the US, everyone seems to greet any stranger, albeit not very warm (yung tipong may masabi lang heheh)

8. What do you think of Crocs?
:: They make my feet sweaty. I don't use my Mickey Crocs anymore (souvenir pa man din from Disney!!)

9. How long does it take you to get ready to go out?
:: 15 to 30 minutes :)

10. What kind of accent do you find attractive?
:: British :)

Join the rest here :)

It's almost September!

Again and again, where did time go?!?!

August is about to end and the -ber months are just around the bend. Smells Christmas to me! LOL! But before Christmas, there's Halloween we are excited about. It's our third year spending Halloween in this compound, and only last year did we realize how fun it is to join the other homeowners :)

The association arranges for an afternoon costume party for the kids and after the sun sets, the kids go trick or treating around the houses. This year since we still don't have kids at home, we invited my cousin's daughter Tori to attend. We are just glad that she has become more sociable (TG for playschools!), and at two years old, we think she will appreciate the party and the househopping :) Now her mom is off to find a nice Halloween costume for her. I'm sure she'll do a good job finding one. She just loves dressing her daughter up (gawd, the little girl has more pairs of shoes than me LOL!)

Happiness and Sadness

Another tag from Buchay, thanks! :)

~Start Copy~

Here are the Rules:

1. List the things that make you Happy and those that make you Sad.
2. Add your Blog to the list. Feel free to add all your other Blogs.
3. Tag other online friends you know.

WHAT MAKES ME HAPPY? In no particular order :)

:: Happy Hubby
:: Happy Brothers
:: Happy Parents
:: Good food
:: Good company
:: Corny Jokes
:: Good Books
:: Happy News
:: Hugs and Kisses
:: Joaquin
:: Having toenails done
:: Baby Dot
:: Ice cream
:: Many Opps! :)
:: Surprise calls and texts from friends

lotsa more!

WHAT MAKES ME SAD? In no particular order :)

:: Getting hungry and not having anything to eat (hehe)
:: Bad news
:: Being lied to
:: When everyone around me is sad
:: Ten bucks in my pocket (mwehehe)
:: Low sales
:: Feeling out of the loop

~ End Copy ~

My EHD is full, argh.

Monday, August 25, 2008

I've been online for about three hours now. I was supposed to do some tasks so it will be included in the cut-off plus there are three tasks that were due months ago (I wonder if they'll allow me to finish it still?). But I got distracted (so what's new eh?), so many freebies that I wanna DL. I decided to download some freebies and in the middle of everything, I realized that my 80gb EHDD is full and cannot take anymore. There are two movies in there for my LBB which Hubby forgot to transfer when we were in QC. So I *tried* to go over my scrap stash and found that about 60% of my drive's content is for digiscrap (that I rarely use now), about 25% are pictures that I can't transfer just yet because I wanna scrap 'em. I deleted some of the freebies that I hardly ever used -- I have so much freebies that I don't like pala. Argh. I'm not even halfway in going over the loot.

Really, I was *this close* in deleting everything in my freebie stash and just work on the kits I've purchased (hoping that I get my mojo back soon!). It will probably take me weeks to organize and ditch. And I'll have to really want the freebie before I download. My solution for now is to buy another EHDD, at least 160gb, but there's no extra moolah LOL!

Now my pc time is up -- I'm hungry, sleepy and tired. But before I go, I have to edit the tarp I made for my brother, the request I just received now.

I leave you with a couple of pictures from Saturday's Mini-reunion. Grabbed from my aunt's Friendster :)

Me making mano to Lolly, the birthday girl :)

"You can't catch me candid!" :)

Mini Reunion

Saturday, August 23, 2008

We had a mini-reunion (mom's side) at lunch today. Mini since not everyone was there. But we had a blast! We met up at Chinatown Bestfood in Banawe to surprise my Lola (Mom's Aunt) who's turning 70 on Monday. It was nice to see two of my Aunts who I haven't talked to in a while -- I was closest to their family when I was young and before they all moved to Cainta from Bulacan. The food was so-so (hehehe we all thought we'd be going buffet eh) but the conversations between relatives more than made up for that. They're all so happy to see me pregnant. My fave cousin's wife brought two of her books and some of her preggy clothes and lent then all to me, how sweet :) Everybody has a tip to share -- what to eat and not to eat, only to find out that my OB and husband are more old-fashioned than they are (Oh, I have a long list of what not to eat!). I least I won't have to think of what weight loss pills to take after I give birth.

Sigh. I realized I missed all of them. Three hours aren't enough to catch up the lost times. I really wish we could get-together more often.

I have no pictures to share from this event as I left our camera at home since we just took a cab after we left Tisay in The Block.

Generation Gap

My LBB had some friends over the other day to play RockBand. We ordered in some pizza and pasta from PizzaHut. While eating, I noticed that they didn't use the plates anymore (ignored the pasta altogether), and didn't even sit around the table. They were just standing while munching and chatting away. So I blurted out the observation...

Me: Mga cowboy (I even pronounced this ko-boy) pala kayo eh...
LBB: Huh? Ano sabi mo?
Me: Koboy pala kayo kasi you didn't need plates and forks to eat...
LBB: Oh!
Me: Why, don't you guys use that term anymore?
LBB: Uh, No...
Me: *kinda embarassed then one of his friends tried to "save" me from the moment*
Friend: Oh yeah, I hear MY MOM use that term!
Me: *nervous laugh and said to self* Huh? Please don't tell me I heard that!
Ane: Hahahahah matanda ka na daw!!!!!!!

Ugh.

~~~~~~~~~~~

As most of you now know, my LBB and I are 12 years apart...so there's really a generation gap, eh? But sometimes, I get jaded and never realize that right away. We do get along very very well (he thinks maturely, most of the time) but sometimes, it can't be helped to notice the differences :D

~~~~~~~~~~~

He's going to the same university that I attended. Guess what? Some of my professors are still handling him now (Mr. Cutie Garcia in Chem and Mr. Asis in PE next term). But so much has changed. There are buildings I never knew. My Logic teacher, the muy guapo, Atty. Cruz is now the CBE vice-dean. One of the my business teachers have re-married, thus changed her name from maiden to married to maiden to married again--I hope it's for keeps :) Another business teacher is now the Uni Registrar (it used to a Psych Prof). I have little news about CLA but I get so much fun checking out the college in the Uni website :)

~~~~~~~~~~~

My Batch/Block will soon celebrate the tenth year from Graduation. We will soon have our grad pics posted on one of the walls of the Uni as its Alumni. About 15 years ago, we'd look up one of the frames and get awed at my friend R's DAD's picture. It will be my brother's turn to look for my picture soon. Argh.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Two of LBB's friends were here just tonight. While cooking dinner, I heard their conversation:

LBB: Si ate ID 95 eh. Ako 108.
Friend: Talaga?
LBB: Yup ID 95 siya!

Inulit pa talaga eh ano? Hay matanda na ako LOL!

Pimples attack!

Thursday, August 21, 2008

I've never had a problem with pimples since I got rid of the acne in my early twenties. Back then, I tried everything to solve the break-out (I almost tried the Proactiv acne cream). My self-esteem was at on all-time low -- I was at the time looking for love and a job. Until I was introduced to a very nice dermatologist. After a series of sessions here and there and taking a very expensive medication, my face cleared and even the backne was gone. I don't use any product to maintain it, just water and very mild soap.

Now that I'm pregnant (as I said in a previous post), the pimples are getting uncontrollable again. Sigh. My OB just told me to live with it (hehe) and they'll be gone once I give birth. For now she suggests I continue with my routine of water and mild soap. And if I'm not satisfied, I can use any product in the market (which I'm not sensitive with so I still need to test) as long as it does not have retinoin/retinol/retinoid. She said that ingredient is not good for the baby and is not advised by doctors to use by women who still wanna bear children. ;)

Bump?

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Me at 14.5 weeks
Originally uploaded by kaje

Here's a picture of me at Caleruega on August 8, 14.5 weeks on the way. We did a lot of uphill and downhill walking which probably caused the small uterine contraction my OB saw during my check-up on Tuesday. Now I'm on rest mode (which means I cannot join my family on Sunday to a Subic trip) until probably my next OB visit on September 5. I was prescribed some relaxant if I feel some cramping similar to dysmenorrhea. So far there is no need to take the med. Thank God!

We heard Baby Dot's heartbeat (at 144bpm) and I couldn't help but smile :) No I didn't cry but the running-horse like sound was overwhelming. Ane was too shy to record it though, maybe next time. Dot's size now is more or less 5 inches and actively moves...and is within the average size for it's age. I'm glad to hear that since I've been worrying about my weight and not being able to eat. Doc A assured me that Dot is healthy and that I'll just have to wait until my appetite returns (when Ane will have a hard time stopping me from eating LOL!). This means, Dot probably gets all the nutrition I eat that's why I'm not gaining weight and I look thin. I did gain a pound though since my last visit.

Another concern I had were the headaches I get in the afternoons 'til nighttime. I was prescribed additional Vitamin B Complex and was advised to stay away from Chocolates (argh!). I will have to let go of Gerber for Moms (since it only comes in Chocolate) and take Anmum or Enfamama instead. Ugh. I hate milk. But anything for Dot, sigh.

Lastly, I've been breaking out in the face and my back. Pimples! Hormones! And there's nothing I can do but accept that it's normal :(

Six layers of Me

A tag from Buchay :)

::START::

RULES:
1. Add your blog/s to the list. Feel free to add all your other blogs. It’s okey if you only post this questions in one blog as long as you answer them.
2. Get back to Me {YEN} and I’ll add your blogs to the master’s list HERE! Note that you are not ALLOWED to change the link of the here.
3. Copy from Start to End.
4. Tag as many friends online you know. But you don’t need to be tag in order to join.

LAYER ONE:
– Name: Kaje
– Birth date: March 11
– Birthplace: Philippines
– Current Location: Philippines
– Eye Color:Brown
– Hair Color: Black, tint of red and some grey :D
– Righty or Lefty: Righty

LAYER TWO:
– Your heritage: Filipino and Chinese
– The shoes you wore today: None, staying home...
– Your weakness: Too emotional
– Your fears: Heights
– Your perfect pizza: Amici's 4 cheese
– Goal you’d like to achieve in life: To be the perfect wife and mom to Hubby and Kids

LAYER THREE:
– Your most overused phrase on AIM: I don't chat hehe
– Your first waking thoughts: Do I feel cramps?
– Your best physical feature: Eyes
– Your most missed memory: spending time with Joaquin

LAYER FOUR:
– Pepsi or Coke: COKE but I'm told to stay away from now.
– McDonald’s or Burger King: McDo
– Single or group dates: Single
– Adidas or Nike: Nike
– Lipton Ice Tea or Nestea: Nestea
– Chocolate or vanilla: Chocolate
– Cappuccino or coffee: Coffee

LAYER FIVE

– A famous person, dead or alive, would you interview: Ellen Degeneres
– Movie can you watch and say the lines along with the actors:
– Name two of your passions in life: Traveling and learning new things.
– Least favorite time of day: Mornings

LAYER SIX

– Use hairspray or gel: Neither
– Your favorite meal: Anything with veggies.
– Color is the inside of your head when you close your eyes: Green
– Listen to classical music: Yep, when I need to calm down
– Ever said LOL in real life without thinking about it: Nope

::END::

I'd be guilty if I insist on...

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Getting an IPhone 3G from Globe. Click to go to the press release. I don't plan to get another plan since I'm still locked-in the retention program...so I was thinking of getting a handset only, or a prepaid. I checked the rates and the 8gb goes for P41,899 and 16gb for P49,899. Woah! Even if I have the budget to buy at least the 8gb, would I have the heart to spend that much on a phone? Sure, I've been dying to get hold of an IPhone, but I'd be guilty to actually get one at this point. A lot of people are suffering from hunger and I'd rather spend precious money on things that matter more. This isn't just defense mechanism on my part (since I don't have that much to splurge on a new phone really, but I was bent on finding a way to get one) but come on, I'd wanna be more practical than regret my decision later on. So I'll wait. I'm also eyeing the new Sony Ericsson C-series that will soon hit the market. More of my style, and my kind of phone :)

080808 Wedding

We reached Caleruega at around 1pm and after literally dumping our stuff in our room, we went and had lunch at the mess hall. Des and Mae were already busy coordinating that we were left to fend for ourselves :) We toured Papi and Mami around and I was glad to see that there are already live koi in the pond (which one can feed for p20) and that there is now a hanging bridge leading to the new picnic area. The couple liked the place so much that they already made plans to bring their children there.

After walking tired us a bit, we went back to our room to rest. Ane was asleep in no time, while I tried to read a bit. I also took a nap and set the alarm for 430 (refreshments were to be served at 5pm so we needed to be ready). We were all dressed and ready by 530pm.

The wedding started a bit later, but everything else fell into place. The groom RG was his usual funny self (side: the groosmen weren't able to march because they came in jeans and rubbershoes!!! They thought the groom was kidding when they were asked to come in barong!!). The bride was stunning in her gown, I doubt she needed diet pills just to make sure she'd fit. :) I should know, I was also motivated to lose the excess weight just to make sure I'd fit in my gown during my wedding. I was excited to get to the reception because I was so looking forward to Hizon's food (I imagined their lengua!!). I considered the day to be my cheat day, I can eat anything. I started with salad. I tasted the Cheesy Lasagna, a bite of the Lengua, and then bam! Baby Dot won't cooperate anymore, I just lost my appetite. Sigh. I wanted to cry in frustration. I waited with anticipation for the day to come and I couldn't eat :( I had to force myself to eat bit more from the salad bar just so I won't sleep hungry. The reception ended just before 11pm.

Our friends and I thought we'd still have the energy to chat before sleeping. But after I took a bath, I was already too sleepy. It's good that there are no television sets in any of the rooms (the place is actually for retreats!) that I was not distracted. Papi and Mami transferred to the other room because RG's family already left and the room is already paid for (plus they had the aircon turned on there while Ane and I settled for the fan...it was cold anyway). I had a restful sleep that night :)

We paid P900/pax for the accomodation (less 10% group discount). The fee includes lunch, afternoon snack (which we missed!), dinner (which we also missed because of the wedding), breakfast and AM snack. Not bad huh? The food was nothing fancy but filled us nonetheless :) We plan to return with the E's and respective families for Mae's despedida.

So there. A local trip crossed out of my wish list this year ;)

Yesterday and Today

Buchay tagged me on this, thanks much

Here are the Rules:

1. List 6 things that describe yourself today and yesterday.
2. Add your blog to the list. Feel free to add all your other blogs.
3. Tag other online friends you know.

Yesterday 08-09-08

1. Woke up around 7am (!) in an unfamiliar room, fixed our overnight bag.
2. Ate breakfast with friends at the mess hall, then took some pictures.
3. Left Caleruega just before 10am, had KFC Mashed Potatoes on the way.
4. Slept soundly after eating lunch.
5. Went online for a while, with the TV on the background.
6. Read and finished Breaking Dawn :D

Today 08-10-08

1. Woke up at ten am.
2. Talked to Mom and MIL, on the phone.
3. Lunch delivered from NP Kopi Tiam
4. Will meet up with Mom later this afternoon or evening.
5. Do pending tasks.
6. Bum.

Participants :

GailAdi / Momeen / Emmyrose / Dennis / Dette / Jirl / Janny / Nanay Belen / Carol / Something Purple’s cucina / Vanity Kit / Mind Bubbles / Stripe&Yellow / Something Purple / Em’s Detour / Spin180 / Wisdom City / MY Happy Place / IamDzoi / ClikTrik / I Love the Thirties / Ozzy’s Mom / Me,Myself+2 / Kidd Designs / Fun|Fierce|Fabulous / Blogger Happy / Berry Scrappy / Everyday CHI / My Colorful World / Explore Manila / Random Thoughts / When SAHM-one Speaks / Deranged Insanity / Mighty in Spirit / Straight from the Heart / Simple Delights / Motherhood in a Nutshell / Love Is / Wonderful Things in Life / My Life’s Adventur” / Photographic Memories / The Joy Of Life Forever / The Fountain Of Happiness / A Message From My Heart / The Adventurous and Sporty Side of Miah / MeiYah’s Blog / MeiYah’s PhotoBlog / MeiYah’s World / MeiYah’s Sweet Nothings / Sheng’s Simple Thoughts / My Wonderful Life / Me and Mine / Little Peanut / Pea in a Pod / Creative in Me / Notable Bistro / Sugarmagnolias /Around the World / Butchay’s World /Clark & Butchay’s Blog / Piece o' Kaje

Baby Dot and Me at 15weeks

I guess I am not imagining things anymore when people actually tell me that I'm already showing :D Just this Friday, I asked the wedding's waiter for some water since they served canned soda. They looked at me and my bump and understood, yey! :D

Papi Melo calls the baby, Baby Boots now since he says it has already grown, not merely a Dot anymore :D But I insist on Baby Dot because I remember Joaquin when I use that term.

I am having a hard time breathing, especially after eating. Even when I sleep, I now need to be on my side so I can breathe properly. I now suffer from headaches in the afternoons that stretch to the nights and it's annoying me, I am having troubles getting a restful sleep. While my appetite returned a few weeks back, now I find it hard to eat. I get full right away with so little food but after about 30mins, I'm hungry again. These are the issues that I need to discuss with my OB, again on my next visit on Tuesday.

We haven't done any shopping yet and no concrete plans of fixing the house in time for Dot's arrival. Our space is very limited that we'd probably need to move things around (how I wish we can change our tv to an HDLCD and install a TV wall mount, now that will save space, eh *wink*!). Wishful thinking, LOL!

Here's a week 15 update from babycenter:

How your baby's growing:

Your growing baby now measures about 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in at about 2 1/2 ounces (about the size of an apple). She's busy moving amniotic fluid through her nose and upper respiratory tract, which helps the primitive air sacs in her lungs begin to develop. Her legs are growing longer than her arms now, and she can move all of her joints and limbs. Although her eyelids are still fused shut, she can sense light. If you shine a flashlight at your tummy, for instance, she's likely to move away from the beam. There's not much for your baby to taste at this point, but she is forming taste buds. Finally, if you have an ultrasound this week, you may be able to find out whether your baby's a boy or a girl! (Don't be too disappointed if it remains a mystery, though. Nailing down your baby's sex depends on the clarity of the picture and on your baby's position. He or she may be modestly curled up or turned in such a way as to "hide the goods.")

How your life's changing:

You've probably gained about 5 pounds by now (a little more or less is fine, too) and are well into the swing of your pregnancy, but you may still be surprised by an unexpected symptom now and then. If your nose is stuffed up, for instance, you can probably chalk it up to the combined effect of hormonal changes and increased blood flow to your mucous membranes. This condition is so common, there's even a name for it: "rhinitis of pregnancy." Some pregnant women also suffer nosebleeds as a result of increased blood volume and blood vessel expansion in the nose.

If you're having amniocentesis, it'll most likely happen between now and 18 weeks. This test can identify hundreds of genetic and chromosomal disorders. If you're getting very anxious while waiting for the results, it may help to know that most women who undergo amniocentesis get good news about their babies — bringing welcome relief from their worries.

Don't be surprised if you and your partner are feeling a little stressed out these days. Many pregnant couples worry about their baby's health and how they'll handle the changes ahead. But with physical discomforts on the wane and energy on the rise, this is also a wonderful trimester for most women.

Interrogation

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Another one snagged from Mich. Salamat!

1.WHAT DATE IS IT?
:: August 6, 2008

2. WHAT TIME DID U WAKE UP?
:: 10:00am (on or about, hehehe)

3. DID U GO SOMEWHERE YESTERDAY?
:: Nope, just stayed home and read a book (Nanny Diaries courtesy of Lara L.)

4. WHAT DID U DO THERE?

:: Aside from reading, I fixed the laundry and prepared my to-bring-list, among other things.

5. HOW OLD ARE U?
:: 30 years old

6. ARE U MATURE OR IMMATURE?
:: Ask my husband! :)

7. WHAT DOES U CALL UR MOM & DAD?
:: Mom, My, Mommy and Dy, De, Daddy, Papang

8. ARE U AN ONLY CHILD?
:: I have a sister and two brothers.

9. WHERE DO U GO SHOPPING?
:: Depends on the budget hehehe

10. DO U LIKE SCHOOL?
:: Yes, I wanna go back to school actually!

11. DO U LIKE BOOKS?
:: Very!

12. DO U WANT TO GET MARRIED?
:: Yes, I've always wanted to get married...I am now :)

13. WITH WHOM?
:: The Hunny!

14. ARE U SPOILED?
:: Well, I consider myself spoiled but I'm open to compromises :D

15. WHATS THE MOST FLATTERING COMPLIMENT U EVER GOT?
:: That I don't look my age :)

16. ONLY GIRL/BOY IN THE FAMILY?
:: Nope

17. IF U WERE TO MARRY A CELEBRITY, WHO WOULD IT BE?
:: Locally? DingDong D! :)

18. WOULD U LIKE TO MEET Josh Hartnett?
:: Sure :)

19. Where do u think your best friend is?
:: At home in Antipolo playing with my goddaughter after a long day at work :)

20. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME U TALKED TO UR BESTFRIEND?
:: A few weeks ago

21. U THINKS SHE/HE NEEDS U NOW?
:: Nah, she calls right away when she needs me :) So I think she's doing just fine.

23. WHAT DO U WANT FOR UR BIRTHDAY?

:: My birthday is not until March but I really would like to have an IPhone when it's released locally.

25. IF U WERE TO BUY A CAR , WHICH CAR WOULD IT BE?
:: I've always wanted a RAV4 or an Escape...

26. A DUET WITH HEART EVANGELISTA?
:: She can sing?!?

27. DO U WEAR MAKE-UP?
:: Only during events...

28. WOULD U GET A TATOO?
:: Never considered it...Dad will go nuts!

29. BELLY PIERCE?
:: Nope!

30. HOW MANY KIDS DO U WANT?
:: 4 kids

31. DO U HAVE ANY HOMEWORK?
:: I'm done with my last task in my previous entry :)

32. ANY SONG THAT YOU'RE LISTENING?
:: Nope, since the TV is on.

33. DO U BELIEVE IN SPELLS?
:: No.

34. WHERE DO U WANT TO GO NOW?

:: "Forks" to find out if Edward and Bella actually end up together!! Can't wait for the book to arrive!!!

Webfind: Incubators.

See what happens when I am staying online for a while?

(BTW, I decided to just stay home and Hubby will just bring home KFC Chicken after his games and then start reading Breaking Dawn after eating my second dinner!)...

I find all sorts of stuff in the net! And I thought it's about premature baby incubators. I am currently reading on a lab incubator, the ones I see or similar to the ones in the drugstores for medications that require a certain temperature. So if someone (a scientist?!?!) stumbles upon this entry, maybe you would like to check out the site. Their incubators claim to be energy efficient -- exactly what we need to conserve energy! :)

One and only one.

Snagged from Mich :)

List ONE of each. ONLY one. Nothing else!

Pet Peeve: Liars.
Favorite Candy: Currently Skittles
Biggest Fear: Heights!
Biggest Challenge: Staying awake, mwehehehe...
Favorite Department Store: SM, they've got it all :)
Most Used Word: Shoot!
Favorite Pizza Topping: Four Cheese
Favorite Cartoon Character:
Movie Recently Watched: Memoirs of a Geisha over at HBO
Favorite Fruit: Banana
Favorite Vegetable: Baguio Beans! (I love veggies except carrots and okra, the latter I'm trying to learn to like).

Home tips :)

I am probably not the best person to ask for home tips because really, I consider myself undomesticated. Read: Lazy at home, LOL! But I do read a lot and stumble upon helpful ideas on the net and my reading materials. And I can do research for you, if I am in the mood. Hehe.

For instance, I came across garage organizing resources, that may come in handy in the future. We do not have a garage similar to the ones seen in the States (where they store just abut anything), but who knows what we're getting when we finally build our house, right? :) Reading the article, it's more about organizing stuff, really. So it is something I can bookmark and refer to when I'm ready to actually organize our clutter. :)

Trip details

As I said, we're all set. My dress is ready and everything that we need to bring is already in the bag I prepared before we left Malabon today. We just need to buy some bottled water, my milk and some snacks for Friday afternoon.

To save on gas and toll, Ane and I decided to carpool with Papi and Mami. I said we're bringing Aragon with us but since Tisay didn't make it here in QC because of the flood, we're re-thinking that. If my brothers have some serious tasks to do while we're away, then we just might bring Espee along. It might be less comfy for me (but comfy still) but come to think of it, we might save more on gas with Espee. Aragon is a big laklakero ng krudo! :D

Before yesterday, we planned to leave a bit after lunch. Meet for lunch at ADB since I crave Mongolian BBQ. Brave the 08-08-08 traffic and be at Caleruega around 5pm, just enough time to freshen up before the 6pm wedding. Then after the reception, we will look for a reasonable place to stay at for the night in Tagaytay because Hubby didn't feel right driving at midnight. Have breakfast on Saturday and then head home coz the others have another wedding to attend. Sounds like a good plan, eh?

But yesterday, Des said there is still an available villa in Caleruega and for P900/pax with breakfast & a possible group discount courtesy of the marrying couple, that sounded even more practical. The plan is now more concrete and we're leaving earlier, at 9am, to maximize our villa time. Plus we get to enjoy more our most favorite place South of Manila :)

Yayay! Guess who's excited?!?!?!?!!? :D

I'm hungry!!!

That's why I was distracted in my previous entry, LOL! Just a few more minutes and I *think* I'll be able to grab some KFC Chicken...just waiting for Ane to wake up from his nap :)

Since we're talking food, I decided to do this meme I found in Alpha's and Mami C's blogs :)

Foodie Choices:

1. Chicken sa McDo, Jollibee, or KFC?
:: I love Chickenjoy but I'm craving one from KFC at the moment, hehehe.

2. Pepsi, Coke, or rootbeer?
:: Coke lover here (but can't drink at this time!)

3. Greenwich, Pizza Hut, or Yellow Cab?
:: Yellow Cab. and Woodbridge of course!

4. Adobo, sinigang, or nilaga?
:: Sinigang.

5. Beef, pork, or chicken?
:: Chicken :)

6. Starbucks, Coffee bean and tea leaf, or Gloria Jean’s?
:: Starbucks :) if we need something cheaper, there's Kopi Tiam Kopi C and Kopi Roti's! (but again, I'm not allowed coffee/caffeine now)

7. Cornflakes, Honey Stars, or Milo cereal?
:: Neither. I like CocoPuffs.

8. Goldilocks or Red Ribbon?
:: Both.

9. Tokyo Tokyo, Teriyaki Boy or Rai Rai Ken?
:: Teriyaki Boy for the Chicken Don, Tokyo Tokyo for the Tuna and Veggie Misono. Haven't tries Rai Rai Ken.

10. Take Out or Dine In?
:: Dine-in :)

Weekend trip :)

And I thought we're not going on another local trip until next year :) Yay! We're spending Friday and Saturday morning in Caleruega for a friend's wedding. Even though it's safe for me to travel, Hubby insisted that I ask my doctor if she'll allow me the more or less 3hour road trip. And she did say yes! We're all set (except that Hub's Barong is coming out from the drycleaners at 8am on Friday...talk about cramming LOL!).

As the decision to go came just about three weeks ago, we have money matters to think about. How I wish there are easy loans (it's not like Hubby's convinced we should get one at this point), say a Cash advance for heirs (not that my parents have fixed their will or something, neither). It's just that, sometimes, I wish there's an easier way out to ease cash worries, ayt? We still have enough, but with the astronomical gas prices, how much really is enough?

I'm distracted, hehehe. I'll finish a meme first before I continue with our trip details :)

Wednesday, please hurry!!!!

Monday, August 04, 2008

Papitang J agreed to lend me his copy of Breaking Dawn, the fourth and final book in the Twilight series, even if he hasn't read it himself. But the next time we (or He and Ane) will meet again is in two days! I promised to finish it in less than two days. I think I can do it, since I finished all first three books in about a week (including pee breaks, eating breaks and sleeping!!)

Can I sleep tonight and hope that it's already Wednesday when I wake up? Hehe. Excited na ako!!!!!!!!!! I'm keeping myself away from the net from tonight, there might me spoilers in my feeds!!!!

ps. LBB G texted me this afternoon with the news that the book is also sold in paperback for Php400. But since we're saving, Papita's text message was a life-saver!! :D

pps. before I end, is typhoon Julian already in Manila?!?! Dang, it's raining so hard and the winds are kinda scary up here!!! Be safe you all!

Dot Update (14 weeks)

Yay! I'm through my first trimester and it was easy-breezy (and still scary for me!). I'm starting to show and I can't wait for Baby Dot to start kicking so hard...just so I am assured the baby is active inside me. I can still fit in most of my clothes since I am really a baggy-type of dresser, kwim? I have a picture of myself with my barely-there-bump somewhere in one of our SD's but they're all in QC. Maybe I'll share that later. Here's a scan of Dot's latest u/s captured at 11weeks and 5 days:

Of course, I plan to scrap these captures. But knowing me, it will probably take ages, hah! My OB was just too happy to print the first one on the left, too cute to pass! Awwwww :) My baby knows how to pose for the camera, LOL!

One thing I'm struggling with, though is my weight. Pre-pregnancy, I was trying to lose all the excess weight, even contemplated on taking a diet pill. But now that I'm pregnant, I can't seem to gain the necessary weight! I'm still at my pre-pregnancy weight and right now, even just a pound will make me happy. I've been eating more to the point of binge-ing, I tell you. My body is so used to the 1000 calorie-a-day diet that it is having a hard time adjusting to the "required" 2200-2300 calories pregnant women need. My friend Donna (who's due to give birth to a girl in October) says I shouldn't worry at this point. But maybe I should tackle this issue with my OB in my next visit next week.

That's about it :) Here are updates taken from babycenter:

How your baby's growing:

This week's big developments: Your baby can now squint, frown, grimace, pee, and possibly suck his thumb! Thanks to brain impulses, his facial muscles are getting a workout as his tiny features form one expression after another. His kidneys are producing urine, which he releases into the amniotic fluid around him — a process he'll keep up until birth. He can grasp, too, and if you're having an ultrasound now, you may even catch him sucking his thumb.

In other news: Your baby's stretching out. From head to bottom, he measures 3 1/2 inches — about the size of a lemon — and he weighs 1 1/2 ounces. His body's growing faster than his head, which now sits upon a more distinct neck. By the end of this week, his arms will have grown to a length that's in proportion to the rest of his body. (His legs still have some lengthening to do.) He's starting to develop an ultra-fine, downy covering of hair, called lanugo, all over his body. Your baby's liver starts making bile this week — a sign that it's doing its job right — and his spleen starts helping in the production of red blood cells. Though you can't feel his tiny punches and kicks yet, your little pugilist's hands and feet (which now measure about 1/2 inch long) are more flexible and active.

How your life's changing:

Welcome to your second trimester! Your energy is likely returning, your breasts may be feeling less tender, and your queasiness may have completely abated by now. If not, hang on — chances are good it will soon be behind you (although an unlucky few will still feel nauseated months from now).

The top of your uterus is a bit above your pubic bone, which may be enough to push your tummy out a tad. Starting to show can be quite a thrill, giving you and your partner visible evidence of the baby you've been waiting for. Take some time to plan, daydream, and enjoy this amazing time. It's normal to worry a bit now and then, but try to focus on taking care of yourself and your baby, and having faith that you're well equipped for what's ahead.

Household Chores

I was tagged by Yen :D

Who wants to do household chores in this bed-weather, anyway?!?! LOL!

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This meme is pretty simple.

Here are the rules:

1.) List down the household chores you hate and why. Do you think you can survive without helpers and nannies?

2.) Copy the image.

3.) Tag as many girlfriends you want, the daddies and hubbies can also join.

4.) Add your blog’s link in the domesticated divas linky love. You can add all your blogs.

5.) Leave ME a comment and I’ll add you up in the masterlist.

DOMESTICATED DIVAS: Living the Healthy Life / Sripe&Yellow / Vanity Kit / Mind Bubbles / Something Purple / Em’s Detour / Me,Myself+2 / Kidd Designs / FunFierceFabulous / Ozzy’s Mom / Insights from the Grocery Cart / Living A’ La Mode / God’s Best Gift / MommyAllehs Up-Close And Personal / My Precious Niche / Just Me.. Eds / Eds Mommy Life / Aggie Shoots Aggie Scraps / All Kinds of Me Stuff / The Salad Caper / Winding Creek Circle / InkBabyStudios /Joys in Life / Me and Mine / Little Peanut / Creative in Me/ Pea in a Pod / Sugarmagnolias / Notable Bistro / Around the World / Piece o' Kaje

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My answer:

I grew up with a nanny, I consider myself spoiled rotten in that aspect. I am so used to having someone look after me and my mess. But then again, I learned to do household chores early on. I remember cooking (and loving the sound of garlic and onion being sauteed) when I was 11. I know how to wash clothes and iron 'em. I can also clean the house and see the tiniest bit of dust. Dishwashing was a chore I enjoyed doing but will take me hours to finish, so I stay away most of the time. My mom wasn't domesticated herself but she made sure my sister and I know the basics. When the yaya leaves for vacation or for good, I can still survive naman.

When I got married, we can't hire a maid because 1) Our place is a studio-type, and we have no place to let her sleep, 2) we're always out anyway. I don't mind cooking, as long as I have everything I need, supplies and ingredients. Our kitchen here is big enough for me to move around, anyway, and Ane and I made sure our kitchen supplies are sufficient. Hubby helps me clean and do little stuff but nowadays, we have someone come over to clean for us. When I got pregnant, my MIL offered to cook for us. Yay!

At first I insisted on washing our own clothes, let that laundry room be put to use. The first time I did the laundry, it took me almost the whole day to finish a week-load of dirty clothes. By the time I was done lining up the washed clothes, the sampayan gave way I had to re-do the washing! You bet, I was crying and cussing. To prevent future accidents like that, Hubby agreed we hire a laundrywoman to wash and iron. So I'm off the hook from doing my most dreaded household chore! Hehe.

If we have to live abroad, I think we'll survive. As long as I'm an SAHM and we must have a washer and dryer like my sister's. :D

Perfect blend of Friendship

An award from Yen! :) Thanks fro considering me! :)

About shoes

I love shoes (but not as much as my flip-flops, LOL!), I buy 'em but hardly wear any of them. I usually buy for the dresses and since I don't go to social events that much anymore, my pairs are accumulating dust, hehe. My last purchase was actually a pair of matte silver strappy sandals I bought for Dada's wedding in April..and I have no idea where they are at the moment, hehe. What's the point of this entry?

Well, there is a tag that went around about two weeks ago and I just thought of sharing coz it amused me. The tag asked what are the shoe sizes of the girls in the family...here goes:

Mom's = 7 to 7.5
Sister's = 7 to 7.5
Mine = 7 to 7.5

Are we lucky or what?!? Mom's and sister's feet did not grow during their pregnancy (I hope mine won't too), so we still have the same size since I can't remember when...well I just know my feet have always been a 7 since I was in grade6! We don't use each other's shoes (except for the formal ones when one cannot buy anymore) but this fact seems to be helpful when we need each other to turn to. Like when mom is too busy, she'd ask me to buy her a pair. Or I can ask my sister anytime to buy me a pair from the US. Or we could buy each other shoes as gifts and keep it a secret. Hehe.

La lang, naaliw lang ako hehe....