Year that was - 2008

I can't believe I haven't updated this blog for 2 weeks!!! Wow. I must be really busy. When Hubby arrived on the 17th I didn't have time to relax. We had our weekend alone time, Siquijor Trip plus the Jabines Reunion.

I cannot, rather will not complain because I'm having the time of my life. Nothing beats good food and good company. This is my much needed holiday for the very busy year that was 2008. Well, still is 2008 but in less that 2 days, the year would have come to a close.

I can actually say it was a busy, prosperous but challenging year full of changes. You know what they say, change is constant so I embrace change. Speaking of change, got to change the bathroom lighting before Ozzy wakes up.

Advance Happy New Year Everyone!

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Sepia Scenes #9

Took this picture last Sunday after we heard Mass. Ever since I was young we would always hear mass at the Redemptorist Church in Cebu even though we live quite far from it now. Took a picture of its clock which dates back 1940's if I'm not mistaken.

More Sepia Scenes here.

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Up for Air

Forgive me for bombarding this day with lots of posts all over my blogs; I just gotta work it 'till hubby arrives.

Who knows when I can come up for air when he comes home.

*evil grin*

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Simpson's T'Shirts

I am done with my Christmas shopping. How about you?

Amidst the craziness that we call Christmas season, we must never-ever forget the real meaning of this season - which is gifts! Ehem - kidding. Gifts are only secondary to the real essence which is receiving gifts. (Agree!?)

Anyway....................I am for "giving" during this holiday season because I have been blessed so much this year. The easiest (for me) was buying all kinds of simple shirt's and giving them to my relatives who were mostly teenagers or young adolescents. If, unlike me, you are still looking for the perfect gift obnoxiously crazy brother, sister, cousin, niece, nephew or even uncle you can try giving them fun Simpsons t-shirts or even Family Guy t-shirts.

I know for a fact my brother and cousins love watching Simpsons, even its reruns. They still laugh at the silly jokes even though they have seen the episode a million times over. Who doesn't love to hate Homer Simpson?

The site, Wear Your Beer specializes in Beer Merchandise (mugs, ice trays, bottle opener and even cooler) and T Shirts. They have cool tees for both men and women. If your a big music fan they have stuff for you too like those Bob Marley t-shirts. If not, there are also comic related and movie related shirts.

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What's HOT in Showbiz

Just wanted to share a few juicy tidbit & gossip in the local and international entertainment scene.

LOCAL Entertainment Scene:

Marian Rivera on the issue of being pregnant (PEP)
Karylle just smiled when asked if Marian was pregnant. (PEP)
Marky Cielo finally laid to rest. (PEP)

INTERNATIONAL Entertainment Scene:

Jessica Alba, hot or not!? (Hollywood Tuna)
Leighton Meester engaged to BF Sebastien Stan (LG)
Pres.Bush dodges a shoe!!! (DLISTED)
Chris Klein, Katies ex, used to be so HOT. (PerezHilton)

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Blog Burnout?

When I started to blog one year ago, it was such pure joy. Lately, because of grabbing too much (much more that I could handle) it has become a chore that I rarely enjoy it as much. Call it blog burnout if you may.

I've also noticed my friends feeling the same way.

We get sooo busy with the tasks that blog hopping, checking on each others' blogs and updates are left neglected. I used to love going to different blogs and leaving comments and my thoughts, now I rarely have the chance to do that anymore because of time constraints. Take for example, now instead of going around to check on my friends blogs, I am researching for the best diet pills out there. Well, at least for this one, I can make use of the information. Lol.

Anyway - hopefully, with the new year comes a new and refreshed love for blogging again. Although tasks brought me so much joy and ble$$ings *wink wink* - I think after the 19th I'll take a break from blogging and resume on the 16th of January 2009 for my much needed R&R with the hubby and family.

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What's up, 3G?

Let me just rant today okay!?

If you are one of those happy peeps, then stop reading right now because I might ruin your day with all the ranting.

What the F* is wrong with Globe's 3G service!??? My Treo is set on automatic mode and thus it uses Globe's 3G as its Network Service. Yesterday (and days before that but I didn't mind because I didn't have dinner plans) I could not get all my SMS and I could not get through the phone lines.

Apparently, dinner plans that was scheduled 6PM @ Ayala's Terraces was moved to 730PM, The Walk, IT Park. So....imagine me, at 6:00PM walking around Ayala wondering where the hell my friends were. So, I walked off some of the steam of having to wait.

I tried calling and calling but no one seemed to be answering their phones!!!

By 7PM I was ready to go home. Alas, my friend who invited us to dinner answered. She asked me if I got all here SMS and I said no, she then proceeded to tell me about the change of plans. Wow, thanks a lot. Wasted gasoline and P25.00 parking fee for nothing. Good thing she was a good friend, and she's home from NY for the holidays for a short time that my irritation of the situation was under control (not to mention my tummy was super hungry already).

So, I proceeded to the meeting place, THAT resto where I had food poisoning, reserved a table for 7 - all alone, waiting for 30 mins, went out to try other resto's (but was full) - until they finally came. I was all smiles because I missed Kris, who's working as a nurse in the Upper East Side; and she's the reason why we were having dinner. Ruining the whole evening with my mood was pointless.

Even though it was hell getting there, and finally having dinner @8:30PM it was still a good night. Great friends and lots of pictures. We promised to see each other again before she leaves, hopefully this time, no more glitches (I've already deactivated Globe's f*cking 3G service) and no more late participants!?

Okay girls!?

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Outdoorsman for Him.

I have mentioned before in my other blog how I am 95% done with the Christmas shopping. I have a few stuff to buy but are just easy (for the Nanny and House help) - the one item that I am having difficulty with is an item for my Father-in-Law. I've been on a look out for those old school Outdoors man Ray Bans for him. I've searched the malls and all the optical shops that I know in Cebu to no avail. I've even traced down some of the suppliers but still no stock!!!

I don't know if its not too late to order online instead?

The good thing about shopping online is that I can avoid the swarm of people rushing to finish their shopping in the malls and bazaars! The hassle of even going to the mall, finding a parking space, lining up to the checkout counter and waiting for the ever so slow teller to finish the transaction is a bit stressful on my part. Especially this year when I did all the shopping myself. I had to lug around 5 plastic bags of stuff to the car - I swear all the blood rushed to my fingers.

Anyway, online I saw that there are lots of trendy designer sunglasses to chose from - designer labels like D&G, Anarchy, Ray Ban, Angel and Body Glove, Arnette sunglasses are all available, free shipping at a discounted price! I guess, most Filipino's, including me, don't have the guts to try online shopping because of the fear that once the product arrives and I am not satisfied - I can't return it anymore unlike when you get it in the mall.

I've recently learned that's where I am wrong - most online shops value customer satisfaction very much that they employ a return policy. If by any chance you, the customer is not satisfied with the purchase for any reason, you can return or exchange the product within 30 days of receipt. However, that item or product is ONLY eligible for return if it is still unused, in resalable condition and inside its original packaging.

So there's nothing to fear about shopping online really, as long as the merchant has good feedback with its client, then why not try it myself??

Although there are many knock-offs and cheap sunglasses available in shops, it is wise to invest in good mens sunglasses that is sturdy and can last a whole lifetime. That's why I am debating whether to get this one for him or not.

I will just wait for Hubby's decision on this one.

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Stupid Moments

The worse time to lose an ATM Card is now - and just I did. Just when I finished buying my "baby's" gift for our barkada Kris Kringle I don't know how it happened exactly, all I remember was rushing to withdraw some cash for the weekend. When I got home to clean off my wallet for unwanted receipts and stuff I could not find my card anymore.

I immediately blocked my card and called the bank to verify my last transaction. Just as I had suspected I think I left the card in the ATM slot. TOINK. Major stupid moment right there. My hubby used to tease me about my being absent-minded and clutsy. I get annoyed but he's right, sometimes when there are many different things in my head I cannot focus on the job at hand.

Grrr. I just hate it. I hate that I lost my card because of my own stupidity.

Hopefully, my day will get better. I have dinner plans with some friends tonight so that seems nice. Hopefully, no more stupid moments.

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Play Like A Pro

When you search for the phrase best online casino you may encounter a lot of sites which offers many different kinds of reviews. These reviews are important so that you, as the player, can find the best one suited for your taste, game style and level of expertise. Fortunately there are many online reviews sites that give comprehensive and helpful guide to newbies like me.

The main goal of these sites is to help the player with the casino games so that he can know the ins and outs of the game thus improving his confidence plus with proper game plan even boldly have the chance of winning. I am a newbie so Online-Casino(dot)com tips from visual instructions and trainers to advanced strategies assisted me to play like a pro. Well, it actually just assisted me, I am in no way a pro yet!! But I am getting there. LOL.

Anyway, hopefully when my busy schedule permits me I'd love to just stay at home and go online as much as I can. Sometimes going outside has its perks like fresh air(!) but who needs that right? Haha. Seriously, I can stay home all day and stay in front of the computer, rest and relaxation without shelling too much money. Seems like every time I go out nowadays I always spend money on food, entertainment and transportation. With the increasing gas prices, I'm better off at home anyway.

Enjoy the weekend guys.

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I can't wait.

In 5 short days hubby will be with us again!

He left to work in Norway last July 30 and now barely 5 months later, I am blessed by the fact that he can come home for the holidays. He will be staying here for a month to celebrate Christmas and New Year with his family. He will extend his vacation a little because of his sister's wedding on the 10th of January.

It seems like it was just yesterday when he was still here with us, playing with his son, us going out on dates and trips. I miss seeing his excited expression when telling me about his fantastic win in yet another online casino game. He would always brag about how good he was and I'd smirk at him secretly thinking of how I can totally beat him if I wanted to! I miss our petty fights because this would mean kissing and making up. Also, I miss being the passenger and not the driver! *but don't tell him that!*

Ozzy is excited as well, saying he misses his dad so much over the phone when they talk. Its good that hubby's pictures are all over the place so that the little one will not forget his dad. I don't want my son to grow up to be a mommy's boy.

I can't wait. Exactly 116 hours from now we will be whole again.

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GG S02 Ep13 Commentaries

Blaire finally said the three words to Chuck's face! His response to her!? "Well,that's too bad" It was totally BS if you ask me. Yet still I got teary-eyed when he showed up in Blaire's room all vulnerable after his father's untimely death.

I guess when it comes to love stories, I am a masochist by heart.

Anyway - hopefully their love story will end beautifully unlike Serena's and Dan's! - But the real questions is Lily and Rufus' has a baby???!!! (there's talks that there will be a GG Spin-off, hopefully we'll really know what happened with RL back then)

Also, I just realized something! I love Nate Archibald (Chase Crawford) because he's cute and all; but his character has been linked to almost all or rather ALL the ladies in Gossip Girls' cast. First with Blaire, then he cheated with Serena, then Vanessa, then he ditched V for Little J, then when you thought it could not get more confusing he was back with Vanessa faster than Serena and Dan could realize that they still have feelings for each other.

Hopefully the GG writers would give much more substance to Nate's character.

I would not mind seeing his blue eyes and dimples some more. But don't get me wrong, my heart still belongs to the Blaire and Chuck saga.

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Sepia Scenes #8

This was taken in McArthur Shrine, located in Candahug, Palo in the province of Leyte.

This area in Palo was the first town liberated from the Japanese in World War II with the landing of MacArthur and the American liberation forces on October 20, 1944, at Red Beach.

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Fast Cash

Many people nowadays, especially because its the holidays, find themselves strapped for cash. My friend John had to take payday loans in order to pay off his debts. What he did was he consolidated all his debts (credit card bills etc) into one.

I guess this way its easier for him to keep track of his payable and its charging lesser interest rates than the bank. Anyway, loans or fast cash can be beneficial to all at certain times of their lives. Some may need to for down payment, others for an emergency, or some just to make ends meet. For whatever reason that is as long as you have an active bank account, you are 18 years old and above and you have a steady source of income you are qualified for hast cash.

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Dream Match

Pacman versus de la Hoya?

Who would you bet on? Obviously as a Filipino I would say Pacman. But seriously, I think their match today was no good. Oscar de la Hoya seemed slugging ans weaker compared to the much smaller Pacman.

Anyway - I am not much of a boxing fan so I never really watched the match properly, I didn't even realize their game was on today if not for my dad's demands that we go to church as early as 815.

Of course, none of us got ready on time so we ended up with the 930 mass, which is fine because their match didn't start until past 1pm. Good thing I did not bet against Pacquiao even if I wanted to! I would have lost.

Speaking of betting, there are others I heard of who would bet thousands of money in games/matches like this one. Others even go and get a cash advance just to fuel their need to gamble. Lucky for them (or unlucky?) many online financial institutions offer fast cash.

But in my opinion, always bet on Manny Pacquiao. He's a sure winner, and the Philippines is proud to have someone like him.

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Unconscious Mutterings Week 306

1. Love affair :: Long Distance
   


2. Bubble :: Bath


3. Pimple :: Zit


4. Knocks :: Door
   


5. Persistent ::Consistent


6. Infected :: AIDS


7. Yay! :: Yahoo
   


8. Repaint :: House


9. Daily :: News


10. Quickly! :: Now!!!

Join us here.

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Smiling Skies

We went swimming in a nearby pool while we were in the province. For a very very small farming town, Jaro sure had a nice enough resort, I don't even think people there have such luxuries, no cable tv, washing machines or Sebo vacuum cleaners. Some even still wash in the nearby river. We were the only once there that afternoon though but that's a good thing because we had the pool all by ourselves. Ozzy had a grand time - he even went on the slide with me. Even though he was submerged in the water, he did not cry or get scared like he normally does.

This was last December 01, Monday. We went swimming around 5 and stopped by 630pm and it was already dark. Since the skies are pretty clear in the province I noticed the "smiling moon" instantly. For a trigger happy person, I managed to NOT take a picture of the moment. I actually thought that was a common occurrence that I just didn't notice before. Apparently, it was NOT common.

Image Source: BBC News

Venus, Jupiter and the crescent moon gave us a smile that day, and even though I was not able to take a snapshot of it myself, I am just happy we witnessed it clearly as well.

Did you see it too?

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Rainy Thursday

Thank God for tankless water heater or else I would have never taken a bath.

It's a rainy Thursday here in Cebu and it has been like that for a few days now. But the weird thing is, even though its December and it is suppose to be cold at night, its not. Even when we were in the province where December usually is very cold - it not as cold anymore.

The weather is definitely getting weird.

I just hope the rain stops by the 19th, Hubby and I are scheduled for a getaway for 2! Yup, minus the little boy this time. It would be my first time sleeping without Ozzy by my side, hopefully we can endure it.

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Wednesday Weirdness #32

1.) If you knew one of your close friends was cheating on their significant other, would you get involved? (EX: Tell their SO, try to talk to your friend about it, etc) Why or why not?

+ The most I could do is to talk to my friend, I will not tell the significant other because that's none of my business and I don't want to get involved.+

2.) If your SO was cheating on you and one of your close friends knew, would you want them to tell you? Why or why not?

+ Yes, that happened to me when I was in college, my boyfriend was cheating on me and a friend of mine saw, she immediately told me and I am grateful to be without that guy now +

3.) Have you ever stuffed your bra or underwear to make the size of your breasts or penis seem larger?

+ Never. They are perfect the way they are +


4.) Would you sleep with a friend's significant other behind their back if it were guaranteed you'd never be caught?

+ No.Freakin.Way. +

5.) Do you think you are more intelligent than your significant other?

+ Nope, Hubby is more intelligent.+


More questions but I decided not to answer, join the weirdness here.

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ETSY Frenzy

If there is one thing I love - its good quality accesories that can spruce up any drab outfit in a jiffy! Brooches, scarves and big chunky rings and bangles hold a special place in my heart.

That's why when I discovered ETSY through Yen, I instantly wanted to buy all. I fell in love with their unique but timeless pieces. You can also order custom made pieces for a personal touch. Also their prices are heaven sent! Imagine getting a nice Camelo Brooch at $10! Such a steal right!?

....also don't you just love wearing boots? I do. When we went to HK last year, I took the that as my chance to finally wear those boots lying in my closet. I've found a website selling beautiful Authentic UGG Boots and I must say I wanted to have one.

Except I don't have a reason to wear one here in the Philippines!

Anyway, I have to work now..so I must stop with my ETSY obsession and BOOTS obsession for now. Besides, I really need to check out prices for those UGG boots, who knows by next year we'll be off to Norway. I would need quality thick boots, right?

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NPH is HOT

Neil Partick Harris is a hot one!

I know most people my age remember him as Doogie Howser M.D., a teenage genius who deals with the usual problems of growing up except that he is a doctor too since fourteen. I clearly remember their show's song and the signature blue sceened computer where Doogie used to write his thoughts.

Who would have thought the young Neil Patrick Harris who looked like this:
Would now look like this!!!

Drool!!!

Source of Picture: PerezHilton

He is one of the reasons I watch the sitcom how I Met Your Mother. His character Barney Stinson is hilarious.

Too bad he's gay in real life!!!! I can't stop wondering why cute guys turn out gay!? Hmmm. Anyway, enough of this, I need to research more on franchise opportunity available in our area.

Toodles.

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WW : Tranquility

Join us, HERE! Thanks for dropping by.

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Jonas Brothers Stuff

Kevin, Joe and Nick..who are they? Only the hottest teen singing group of 2008. They made headlines in September of this year when American Idol's Jordin Sparks defended them from host Russell Brand for making jokes about the Jonas Brothers and their purity rings in the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards. The 18-year old American Idol champion spoke out against host and told the crowd “It’s not bad to wear a promise ring because not everybody – guy or girl – wants to be a slut.”

Oh well, in this case Russel Brand should have known when to make jokes and when to take things seriously. I think that the Jonas Brothers is a good example to the youth nowadays especially in Hollywood when everything seems to be about sex, booze and drugs. They are a welcome change of what we normally hear about teenage stars.

I am not the hugest fan of the group, but I like their music. They are cool, fresh and refreshing to the ears. Its even a good idea to give out Jonas Brothers merchandise this coming Christmas if you have nieces, nephews, sons or daughters who love the band. Its always a good idea to shop online to avoid the holiday shoppers. There are a Large selection of Jonas Brothers Stuff to choose from, from t'shirts to shoulder bags. There are also posters of the boys, buttons and mugs. For Camp Rock Fans - Jonas Brothers, you can choose among the wide selection of camp rock stuff, I personaly like the caps. Those are perfect birthday gifts or Christmas gift.

Anyway, more to see in their site so check it out.

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Truth About Filing Bankruptcy

I've been hearing a lot about houses being left abandoned in the States right now due to recession. Some Americans find it hard to pay off their mortgages and are in a financial crisis. Some file for bankruptcy in the hopes of saving themselves from more trouble.

So, how does bankruptcy work exactly? I am not really sure but I do know that a lot of those in deep financial trouble file for bankruptcy in order to give the debtor a chance to a "fresh start". Freedom from financial burden is easily attainable with debt consolidation especially when there are reputable and non-profit credit counseling agency to help and guide the debtors to make the right choices from now on.

There are also government debt consolidation loans much like the loans we have here in the Philippines from PAGIBIG or SSS which are basically government assisted programs designed to help those in debt pay-off their loans in easy installments. With this government loan the borrower can consolidate many different loans into one single loan, whats more is the interest rate for the government loan is generally low,so the borrower stands to gain immensely.

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