Service Anniversary (Year one)

It was on this day when I work my  first day of  my now job. Been a year already! Because of my successful one year of service working with my employer they gave me a Service Award worth 250 points that can be redeemed anytime for a variety of merchandise, travel and gift cards. In our world 250 is a lot.  I  also have earned plenty of points from other sources I joined in this company. Like, I completed the quizzes with perfect score they gave me after we had our meeting or conference. Also my colleagues nominated me as  an employee of the month though I didn't win still I get the points. That's where I get all the points I earned right now. Don't know what to get for myself from this yet. I'll save it for now. Anyways, I wish to work with them in many more years to come, in 25 years perhaps? I hope so... :)

No More Peking Ducks

Like any other who loves pet I can't  stomach the animals that are so special to me. Chicken and fish are my favorite form of food to eat that's why I won't get to be close with them, or else I would be very get emotional. I'm not ready to be a vegan as yet. Like ducks I used to eat them before but ever since I moved here In Florida (where I think this place is a duck paradise), and met a very special duck "ducky" which I call her, who always begs food on me. Of all in her family she's the only one who trusted us (husband, stormy and I), who never afraid to come in our house (related post here) just to be feed. From then on I become attached to her.  She runs after me whenever she sees me outside. She also knows when Stormy's time for a walk especially in the morning. She waited us in front of our backdoor outside hoping for food. And the rest are history. So that was that. I never eat duck foods again. Peking duck, hoisin duck no more. 

Canon PowerShot G11

I was asked by many people about the camera am using right now.

Well I use Canon PowerShot G11 camera (a Point-and-Shoot or should I say a compact camera). After reading many reviews from random camera sites online I decided (with the help of my husband) and took consideration to get a Canon G11. After all it got tons of positive reviews. At first I thought its was overrated but my husband thought it wasn't because of the 95% good reviews. So I settled with this Point-and-Shoot instead of DSLR.

Thank goodness I made the right decision on this because this camera has everything I need. The output quality is might not be the greatest compare to DSLR but it is very sharp compare to other P&S. In other words this camera is in between the two. Canon made this camera mode settings like DSLR that's why I didn't use automatic mode when shooting all the time rather I use raw, and adjust the ISOs depends on the light settings. Very good macro mode also, and oh the panaromic feature is also the best. It has an HD videocorder but I didn't use it cause we have Flip. I can use lenses on this if I want to but right now I'm okay with what's on it.

The best thing also about this camera is compact. I can carry this with me around wherever I go without worrying about the bulkiness in my pocketbook and heavy on my back. And it is easy to use when I snap stolen shots in the restaurant without being obvious. I still like P&S over DSLR unless if I'll be a professional photographer as my job cause that is a different story. Other than that I stick with P&S.  If I want to splurge on a camera I'd like to have a Leica . Very classic and compact. But I don't think I can afford it anytime soon.

My Sister Got DSL Service in Canada

It has been a while since I talked my sister in Canada on webcam . Our means of communication are  through email and webcam cause its free. We rarely call each other on the phone cause you know how pricey the long distance call fees are. We both love using the social network sites email to exchange messages.

Since they just moved to their new apartment we hardly caught each other online besides their desktop computer was too slow and they also have problem of their dial up internet connection.  It's about time to upgrade my dear sister! So I told her to buy a new computer and get a dsl instead of dial up so that the kids can enjoy their games, and so we can chat faster without having any problem. I hate when their video freezes every now and then, and when suddenly off their Internet connection. 

Last week, I finally got a good news from her. She bought a new desktop computer plus she change their internet service into a faster connection. They're using dsl now. Thank goodness. She told me about copper company that she signup with as their internet provider. She got a great deal with them.

After they hookups the computer through their dsl line they finally have internet connection! We videochat right after with the kids and our mom. So happy to communicate them back for three weeks of being hiatus online. Now that they have  new computer and better internet connection we're no longer annoyed of being cut off while videocaming.

Selling Jewelries

Aren't we looks alike? Many people gets confused they thought I am adopted. At store or everywhere we at grandma always tell and proud that I am her granddaughter. They always raised their eyebrow. But of course grandma explains that I married to her grandson. Hehehe But grandma and MIL always feels me like their own child, that's how lucky I am.

There is no question that my grandma looks stunning at age 86. And there is no lie that I admire her in so many ways talking about fashion we're "in"! She loves jewelries more than I do. In fact she handed-me-down many of her old ones they are pretty good and is still in good shape like the earrings and bracelet I got from her. I told her she can make money by Selling Gold Jewelry at the mall there are many gold buyers in there but then again she said that's not her purpose, she wants me to enjoy wearing those vintage jewelries. Isn't she sweet? She is. I love grandma's bling-blings. :)

Friends

Our friendship is like a steel it may bend but it'll not break. 

Whenever I see our photos it made me laugh. These are my friends ex-colleagues back when I was working at SPPC (a Dole subsidiary company) in the Philippines. I hang this people around for over 8 years (Yes I'm not that young anymore Hehehe ) and we still friends. I was able to see them again when I went home this last February. It was a riot. Nothing's change.

when will we ever gets tired of camera? camwhore forever! lol

although we have all differences I will never trade this pack of people cause we are unique and that brings us FUN.

although we have differences but we are unique that brings us so much FUN. these are the pack of people I would love to hang out with. :)

every time i see DOLE products it made me smile.. it brings back so much memories.

Fries and Stormy

random post..

I like anything plain fries that means no flavor. You know how some fries have bacon and cheese on it or whatsoever-- I don't like those. But somehow I manage to try this spicy (just a bit spicy) fries and I like it. :)

Caught!

She's obsess of food and water that's why she watches her bowls all the time... until she slept in it literally! Hahaha. She hardly breath like that, and of course I rescued her by taking her face off from it. Poor thing.

Funeral Wise

It's been more than a month since my beloved father passed away, how time goes by so fast, I didn't even know until my sister told me about the prayers they did for papa the other day. And how they celebrated it along with the rest of our family. Very happy to hear that everything went well ( emotionally we are now healed though we miss him terribly) for all of us since my father deceased. I'll tell you, we're such a close family, and have so much faith on HIM that my father would always remind us not to be scared of death as long as we have God in our life. By that, we are at peace when he's gone. I have been asked by random people around me about the funeral planning we had for my father. We did it very simple. We made it happened (possible) according with what my father's desire though he didn't tell us but we knew what he really just wanted.  A simple man needs a simple wake but descent enough for all of us who are doing it for him.

Airport and Airline Delimma

Coming home

when checked in for my flight at Cathay Pacific in Ninoy International Airport (NIA), Manila I was told by the associate to get my baggage at my final destination which is in Miami. I had a long flight from Manila-Hongkong-Los Angeles-Miami thinking about that now makes me insane but thank goodness my flight was safe. So anyways, arriving at LA was a big sigh of relief after long 18hours flight but then again I love traveling besides I'm coming home so it was all worth it. So anyway, anyways... when I arrived at LA (as my Port-of- Entry) all the passengers entering US borders are requires to be inspected by the U.S. Custom and Border Protection officers- so I picked up my baggage in the assigned carousel in LAX. After inspection I am running to catch my connecting flight to Miami. LAX is such a mess. Why we have to go outside the airport in order to check in for another flight? I just don't like their system! There's no signs where can we locate for a particular airline gate. You have to ask the securities outside standing the curve. I really get lost! But yeah, I have to walk and run (2miles) with my baggage in tow while looking for the airlines I am going to fly in. I only have an hour left to do this. Compare to other International airports we stay inside with all the convenience by using their moving walkway (walkalator), elevators, trams, and escalators to go to the airline gates. Good thing after few minutes (catching my breath) I was finally able to locate the American Airlines gate, and hurriedly checking in my baggage. Phew!!

I did catch the flight just in time for boarding into the aircraft. I so can't wait to be landed at Miami you have no idea how tired I was at that time. So happy when I arrived at MIA seeing my husband and friend makes me smile. But after I learned my baggage where nowhere to be found I was really dismay. Those were one of those days that people saying, there is always the first time for everything.. arghhhhh! I hate it. I worried about the stuff I bought for gifts, my jewelries, and the food could have been stolen. Who knows. I haven't purchase a travel insurance because I don't believe on getting that besides I already have life insurance (life insurance that's guaranteed issue) to cover me just in case. After 2 days since the lost of my baggage they finally delivered it to me. Nothing from my stuff lost. Luckily the food didn't get rotten. Because I was annoyed by the fact about the delayed of my baggage for 2days and 3 nights I in fact sent AA a letter of complaints in all honesty I really did not expected this baggage delays. I have no idea that this happens to anybody. I was just so worried about the jewelries I have in my baggage that are very sentimental for me.

Note to self- I should not leave the important belongings in my check-in baggage cause it can be lost. Put  them in the carry-on bags! Jerk. :)

Thank you anyway AA for honoring my messages and to take precautionary measures to prevent similar situations from happening again. Since you left me no choice for flying with you again I have to take advantage of the $100 voucher you sent me as a goodwill. I just don't know when and where to use it.

Because We are Blessed

The day I learned my father die I was so hurt but also relief that he finally rest in peace cause I don't wanna see him suffer. I thank God for everything (I believed He does gave my husband and I so much blessings in time we needed a financial to support my family or else we could have get cash advance payday loan to cover our expenses) from financial and emotional blessings my family needs the most during the loss of my father. Things worked out just fine with us everything works smoothly with regards to my flight back and forth, and the process of my father's burial.

Excited to be able with my family and see my father for the last time. What makes us easy to accept the loss its because we have so much faith in God and that everything happen has a purpose. It is very important to have faith. My father is a believer. Very solid. That's why my heart is pounding due of excitement when I was waiting for my flight to Philippines.

arrived at the gate area inside Miami airport

waiting for AA aircraft to finish loading some stuff

while waiting I stretch my legs to be ready for a long flight

came around at 7pm the aircraft associates announced for boarding into the plane. I was then excited. Can't wait to see my family.

Back from Being Hiatus

  at the airport waiting for boarding

When I have been asked about my New Year's resolutions for this year my only answer is "I want my life to surprise me" cause I don't like to preempt my future anymore it hurts me when it does not gonna happened according with what I have plan. Well... sure enough life surprises me. Really, nobody would know what will gonna happen for our life tomorrow, and that's what had my family experienced. At least God gave us time to accept the fact of the reality in so many ways. January 15, 2011 my father got stroke and was confined. His brain totally crashed the reason why he became bedridden after few weeks (Feb. 6) he passed away peacefully.

My parents lives in the Philippines and I live here in the USA by that I have to decide whether I'll go home or not. Then my husband and I decided me to go impromptu. After the day I learned my father died I book the tickets and hotel (I only have one day to do that) then catch the flight the next day. Now that I'm back I realize how life is full of surprises though I don't like the idea of losing someone that I care so much instead I look on a brighter way with this I spent time to be with the rest of my family closer to them. And know that my father is in heaven. Now it's time for me to move on.

Guilty Pleasure on Holidays

I've been eating a lot of foods lately (since Thanksgiving) now that holiday is in the air attending party here and there makes me afraid of  gaining extra weight. Gosh...cholesterol is very distracting! Especially the desserts and chicken that I love to eat are really bad. I just couldn't resist them you know.. it is very hard for me.

Like last night's Christmas party I attended they prepared such great food. Haven't noticed how large portion of food I intake that night until I saw this photos. *Guilty!!* ha ha. 5 days to go before Christmas and I have to make food for my visitors, and when I cook... I cook lots of food. Oh dear I shall now take lipofuze reviews on how to burn my extra fats before I'll get sick. he he

Funeral Costs

We are approaching to celebrate a new year. Aren't you excited? Well, as for me, I am so looking forward to move on, and to open the new beginning (hopefully more blessings to come next year) of my life in 2011. I have so many to be thankful of this year despite our economy is not yet doing great. Who knows maybe things will be become a lot better next year. For now, I am in awe to have some personal changes especially of my financial aspect. I would love to save more money for emergency and for my future. Prices now are keep increasing the value of the money is depreciating. Can you imagine how much we paid for the funeral expenses for my late-grandma? I can't believed it. That's why I started saving now (thanks for my IRA) for me and the husband's future. Thank God I have work.

Panoramic Photo

I love to try something new, don't you know? Well.. that's because I like to learn. For me learning is an adventure of life for us to grow as a better person. There is nothing wrong being curious, don't afraid to ask. That's why I do everything I can just to do something I like to do. And I will never stop being curious.

Anyhow, I have now learn on how to make a panoramic photo, thanks to my zoom browser ex software! I can now create photos like below.

Photos credit: 1st photo- is by ringmybelle, 2nd photo- is from google images

Cocktail Rings

When it comes to accessories cocktail rings is my top favorite besides wrist watches, bracelets and earrings. I like the antique style of cocktail rings, bold, oversize, glass, ceramic or unique designs of it (guess who wants to be noticed? haha!). Sure, it can bring look assertive of my outlooks but that is not a problem.  I don't  buy that much, fortunately, I have some gotten from sponsors (friends and family) who knows exactly what to get for me.  I got two real silver with crystal stones- a gift for my wedding, which are not in the photos because those are exquisite. not! hehe Then the rest are shown below. They have stories which I like to be remember when I turn 50ish.

This was acquired a couple of days ago at work. This belongs to a friendly woman name Marie. I treat her like my older sister, and I respect her so much. She was very nice to me, and likewise.  Marie knows how to dress. She dresses always coordinated from head to toe (knows how to match the colors, indeed). And her blings are unique, bold, oversize... my goodness. For that I always compliment her whenever I see her around. Since I am consistent (i think) she rewarded me the ring below. I was shocked. I can't believe it! It is beautiful. Love it. Ahh... she's such a generous human being. Blessed her.

Photos below: left ring (red ones); was my first acquisition. it was on hold at the cash register, I was attractive by it and the woman owns it told me to get it for some reasons she changed her mind.  got lots of compliments with it, only because it is redish? I don't know. :) the middle one (white); was from Macy's, when I was working with them they rewarded me for selling a Macy's star rewards card. Lastly is the one I mention above. So there you have it... my not so fancy bling-blings yet full of memorable stories.

Canvas Shoes

Christmas is approaching that means I have to start buy now for my families gifts abroad. If I send the big box in October it possibly arrive in time for Christmas in December. I use by the sea courier for shipment, it takes two months to arrive the package in the Philippines so that's why I am in a shopping mode lately. 

I'm not a typical bragger in fact I'm shy. But in this blog I don't. I more talkative here, and a braggart I think. hehe After all this is my journal in an online, and that's the thing a bout it. So, I'll show you what I got for my family in all fairness these shoes are all cutify. I bought this all in Ross. Unfortunately I have to return and exchange the first two photos for the right sizes. I'm afraid if they don't have stocks. They are too cute to pass.

Polo canvas shoes for my younger sister.

Tommy Hilfiger canvas shoes for my father

and Keds canvas shoes for my older sister

Quote of the Day

“For three years straight, I’ve been burning the candle at both ends, and as of last December, I just didn’t have anything left. I’ve been so aggressive about living life to the fullest and being plugged into everything, but now I’ve ripped the plug out of the wall and put it on the floor for a while. I’m thinking about the same things as when I was 15, about spirituality and who I am, who I want to be. It’s cocoon, pupa, larva, and fuck, I’m reborn!”

Drew Barrymore

Note to Self

Please go out there and do. Live. Don’t be the same as yesterday. Don’t use language that has no meaning or talk ideas you don’t really live. Don’t hide. Don’t copy others or live their ideas or life. Don’t fear doing your thing. Don’t fear doing. Instead of reading a decorating magazine, paint that room. Instead of thinking of baking, do up a cake. Run, walk, bike. Put that self help book down and pick up yourself.

Go outside. Go outside yourself. Make a difference, make some change. Don’t complain about someone unless you’re talking to that someone. Don’t complain about a situation you’re not willing to make better. They don’t have it better and you don’t have it worse. Don’t make excuses. You’ll never see possibility if you do. And you’re smart and worth more than settling for a life of complaining and limitation.

While I'm browsing the Internet I stumbled upon this site, and was inspired by her thoughts.

Gold Price

Shopping is my ultimate favorite past time, after all, who would not love shopping anyway? And speaking of shop, I found a very interesting vintage store somewhere down the road here in our neighborhood. I become their frequent customer ever since I found this store. The manager knows me already and she in fact always gave me a discount. To me, it's like a price of gold. Sweet, eh?

With this store I save a lot of money. As compulsive I am with it comes of spending the labor of my hard works, I couldn't imagine how this store change my financial accounts. Hehehe. You know, before I could careless if I spend a $100 or more a week on clothes and some other trash (such a waste), but now no more. I now at least spend a maximum of $58 once or twice a month in this store. With that amount I could get a pair of branded jeans, a bag, a vintage top, jewelries and many others. Sometimes, I spot gold earrings, necklace for just $30. I kid not, really.

I'm telling you this because in this tough economy we have right now I learn how to be frugal and wise yet still fashionable without having my wallet's broken or broke. I feel like I won a gold price. Such a good alterations on me.

Lunar

Above photo was taken by me from last night's full moon. I was walking Stormy outside before we're going to sleep when I noticed the moon. It was huge, so beautiful. It looks so near seems reachable. That's why I took the chance to capture the moment it was too beautiful to ignore. I know, the lunar effected my behavior that's why I was kind a insane about anything yesterday just like the werewolf. :)