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!!!!

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....