Family's Refreshment

It's not summer yet but it feel like it already, for more than a month now. Blame it to the degrading condition of our Mother Earth, global warming is right here but blame it first to US - the stewards of nature.

And what better refreshment you can have in a hot day? Iced cold cola? Halo-halo? Frosties? Fruit shakes? Ice cream? Nah! Ours is cooled water melon.

We bought our first water melon this season. It has been available in the shops for a month already but we didn't buy yet as it was tad dearer and it wasn't seedless. When we saw that seedless watermelon was less than a dollar a kilo, we gave it a go.

It was sweet... but not very very sweet. Maybe, watermelon in summer will be that.

I remember to eat it sliced like this when I was young. Imagine my face and nose covered with juice. lol. Those were the days.






MCJ taught me to cut it like this as it was easy to do and not messy to eat. Plus you can store the sliced watermelon in a container and keep it in the fridge ready to eat whenever you like. A good idea though.





Our Little Man had his suck of the juice. He liked it as it was cold, soothed his aching gums.

He bit a portion and I had to deep-in my finger to his mouth. Scary as he could choke himself.

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Un-lucky Week

I'm not sure if I'm cursed or I'm just a dag, but this week has been an un-lucky one for me.

Yesterday morning, I hurt myself with the screw at one point of Ian's cot. I know that it has been there, I actually warned MCJ to be careful because that side is where he passed when he goes to his side of the bed. Little did I know that the warning was for myself. My left elbow has a small cut now.

Today, after making the bed I did a little clean-up of the stuff that were not in their proper place. I picked-up a sharp shard of glass (MCJ broke a coffee cup). It wasnt pointed but sharp that it cut my right index finger. Blood was oozing out my finger that it scared me. The cut was not as big as what is in my elbow but it bled more.

It's just the careless me - not aware of something that may cause harm. I should really be alert always and take note of stuff that will hurt anybody especially when our Big Guy starts to go out of his bed un-aided. I know, it's just all common sense but when you're not used to doing things a certain way, your common sense doens't work, or is it just me? lol.

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Get In touch

Having a telephone system that works right for your business plays a big part for smooth operation. The telephone system that we have used to be a big part in running the business especially that, work area were scattered. Intercom was set-up two in the office, one in the front area, two at the back and one at home. We are just in a small business sector and a phone system like this really helps. You don't have to step out the office if you want to call in somebody, just ring the line of the area where that person is and he gets the message. Also, the phone system has a PA feature so when the person that you want to see is not close to any of the telephone, just page him and he'll know that he is wanted. And a big use for us, we used it to monitor our Big Guy when we are not at the house.

out telephone system looks like this

Neobits has a wide range of a telephone system like what we have. The brand that we have is Nec and it offers that too apart from talkswitch, bizfon, panasonic, atlas, and more. Actually, it offers 15 brands for businesses composed of 2 to 250 users.



Apart from telephone system, Neobits also offers dial tone and broadband internet to various type of businesses. I think, its customers were all happy campers as the testimonials were on positive note.

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Unique Award

I just got a very unique award from Eds. Thanks, sis!

This award makes me feel guilty though as I am not really that friendly to our cat, Lucky. :) I guess this will be my constant reminder to treat him nicely?

Anybody who wants this award? You can have it! :)

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Experience Reverse Auction

Heard of reverse-auction? Obviously it is the reverse of the usual auction that we know in terms of the amount of bid. In the usual auction, an item is sold to the person with the highest bid, in reverse-auction, the item is sold to the person with the lowest unique bid. You might say, geezz, that's easy for the part of the bidder. Not at all, because the amount should be unique from the other bidders. You might be the lowest bidder but if there are other bidders that bid with the same amount as you, you're out of the negotiation. So it wasn't easy at all. It sort of like working on luck.

Anyway, bid4prize works like a reverse-auction plus more. It is text based reverse-auction game, where the lowest unique bid will win the prize. There are lots of prizes including cash prize. It caters to the kid in most of us, playing and winning.

There are really lots of ways to earn money from the internet. There is sweepstake... and mostly, the websites offer free gifts upon registration. These ways are apart from pro-blogging. :)

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Love Chain Tag

Another tag to increase your page ranking, I guess. :)

Thanks to Arlene for tagging me with this chain. Thanks to the originator, too.

The rule:When you get tagged, you have to add your name next to the person who tagged you and by doing so you are letting the list grow.

Limadang.com

RamblingMoo.com

blogginginmypyjamas

StylewithPassion

Chinneeq

Dora-zooropazoo

Babyshern

HiPnCooLMoMMa

Rachel’s Soulful Thoughts

When Silence Speaks

Dancing in Midlife Tune

Permanence In Change

Mich, Dangkin, Eds, Idealpinkrose, Irel and Mitch, would you like to join this chain?

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New Trick

The Little Man has a new trick - holding his feet. The old wives tale that I know about it is, it means the baby is wanting a sibling, bwahahaha!

Have you heard about it? :)

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New Leadership

That's the slogan of one of the political parties here and that party won, defeating the party in government.

It was polling day yesterday. The casting of votes was done so swiftly that by 11PM, it was already clear who is the winner.

Australia now have new people in the government.

I've mentioned before that I was not into politics and I am still not. I am just a bystander and learning how election in a federal government is done. But the television has been monopolized by it that I don't have a choice but to watch. I actually told MCJ that we should put a movie on and just switch sometimes to check how is it going but he said, it just happens once in three years, so I conceded just like the ex prime minister. :)

But boy, I was soo affected by the results. Our household is pro-government and with the party holding it losing this election, it was devastating.

The election thoughts was drowned by a late night movie that made me went to sleep at 2am yet it was futile. Election thoughts had been running in my mind that everytime I tossed, there was a voice whispering in my head. I don't know if I have any sleep at all. I am tired and sleepy now but I can't get any sleep either.

When I turned on the telly this morning, I was expecting an MTV show but nah, the channel that used to aired that said program was into politics again. Arggghhhh!

Hay, hopefully.. with me blogging about it will help me not think of anything about it. But I'm sure, it would take days as the telly would be infested by the new government reports. Actually, there a press conference for the new PM (the first) just this lunch and we watched it. :D

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Insurance

Insurance premiums take a huge chunk of the family budget. And living in a sueing society doens't make it less but more. One has to have home insurance, car insurance, life insurance, etc inorder to feel secure in the world of uncertainties.


In our case, home insurance is a tad dearer because of the third party liability insurance - because of the business within the compound.


Then, with the price of prime commodities going up, insurance premium has moved on the same direction as well. Really it pays to shop around before your renewal comes due. compare car insurance and others to save money. What sometimes is wrong with us is we are complacent and sooo trusting that our current insurance provider are the best, when infact there are far more better provider there is. It really pays off sometimes to do our homework.

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My Favorites :P

I love these awards from Mich (you also deserved these) - my favorites from all the awards that I received. Bwahahaha!

Now, I'm passing these to Dangkin, Ann, Gracita, Jean, Leah, Julai, Fionixe, Mitch-teryosa, Arlene, Mitch, Idealpinkrose, Chi, Wena, Jody, Annie, Dauphine and Genny.

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The First Solid

Ian showed signs that he was ready for solid even before he turned 4 months. And the naughty Daddy would let him lick the spoon when we were eating ice cream which Ian loves. One time, I was eating junk food while sending him off to sleep, he was shifting his look from the packet to my mouth and to my hands. After a while, he cried because I wasn't sharing to him. Waaaaa! I have to stop eating. From then on, we are hiding when we eat junk food.

He is now four months plus and is really ready to eat solids. He can sit and with the help of his bumbo (the chair) feeding is quite easy.

I started to give him baby rice cereal two days ago - one teaspoon first and increased it the next day. He is a garbage guts, slurped down faster a teaspoon of cereal. He loves it and wouldn't let the spoon away from his mouth. If I do, he'll quickly replace it with his thumb or sometimes scream.

On the first day, the very novice Mummy took the spoon out of his hand and there was really a big screaming match. He can't be settled down until he had booby juice. Then, it happened again yesterday during his lunch. His cry sounded like he was really hurt or deprived of something. Gahibubun-ot gid.

I'm also giving him diluted diluted pear juice - pantulak. And I'm very happy as he had learned the art of drinking from the bottle. He drunk more than 100mls from the bottle for the first time.

I'm excited of the prospect of giving him other solids in the coming month.

*will take photos on the next feeding session

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Bird on the Hoist

The cockaburra always visits our yard but I haven't seen it, MCJ just told me. Then I had the opportunity so I took a photo of it. Spot it?


By the way, it is on a hoist - the clothes line. The hoist (Hill's Hoist - the brand) is an "only in oz thing". But it might be imported to other countries. It dries clothes faster because it is rotating. I reckon this is a clever invention - from Mummies point of view. :)

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Saving You Money on your Telecom Needs

I know that now, more than ever, finding quality network hardware can be pricey and difficult at best. Thankfully, First Point has a great selection of the best Tellabs Telecom parts, used MetaSwitch telecommunication equipment and ADC telecommunication equipment available. Whether you're looking to start upgrade your telecommunications equipment or you're starting from scratch, First Point is the best way to get started without going bankrupt. Check them out today and you'll see why I can't stop recommending them to everybody I meet in the telecom field.

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Get a New Car From a Local Dealer

When it comes to finding the right Kansas Car Dealer, it's not always easy to know who has the best deals. Thankfully, Conklin Cars Salina is a leading Salina, Kansas used cars dealer and Salina Toyota Dealership. Their selection of new and used cars is second to none and I'm sure that you'll agree as soon as you check out what they have to offer. Go check them out today and before you know it you'll be behind the wheels of a new or used car that looks good, drives good, and feels good.

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Don't Spend Time Worrying About Your Inventory. Get Help.

With too many order management systems available, it's hard to know which one is right for your company. F. Curtis Barry & Company has been working in warehouse consulting for over 20 years, and they understand your apprehension.I know you want to make sure that your company gets the best products available, which is why I know you'll be happy you let F. Curtis Barry & Company work with you to ensure that you're on the right path to success. Don't spend another day trying to figure out which one is right, get in touch with the experts and let them help you every step of the way. You'll be happy you did.

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Who is MCJ?

Tagged by Mitch. Ta, girl!

First Name? Christopher

How and where did you meet? Through the internet. :P read more here.

Characteristics? Very spiritual and has a strong faith in God, the bestest father and husband in the world (despite our differences :D).

Your plans 20 to 30 years from now? Living simply and happily here or in RP.

I hope to know the husbands of my new friends: Chi, Jody, Mitch and Idealpinkrose.

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1 2 3 Light Off

I woke-up the other night feeling hot only to find out that there was a momentary power black out and the power surge had come off. I touched the touch lamp on my side table and it didn't came on. I wasn't pitched black because the light outside the room was on but the darkness in the room was enough to worry me. Have you experienced being waken up by something that you don't know from your deep sleep? My thoughts were not coherent and I feel disorientated. I was groping. How come my lamp doesn't come on, when the tube, the settop box, and the vcr are on? I have to use the mobile phone to light up the area close to the switch. I found out then that the bulb was stucked. I hate it when they change grid for a second. My side table lamp has not been going for two nights now, going to three. I cant remember if we bought extra bulb. Have to check the cupboard later. Grrrr.. Have to use MCJ's lamp when feeding Bubby.

-----

Talking of lights and lamps, isn't it nice when the room is well-lit? More so if the color of the light accentuate the color of the room. I reckon a well planned light fixtures will make a raggy shak cute. :)

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Plans for Next Year

Our Little Boy is still young but at the rate time flies, it wouldn’t be long until his 1st birthday. MCJ and I have been talking of going back the RP if things happened the way we want and expected – I’m really crossing my fingers on this. And I am planning on my mind to time the vacation on Ian’s 1st birthday. What a better way it is to introduce a new addition to our family to the ‘tribe’ than on his birthday? I think that’s a good idea. Plus celebrating parties back to my parents’ place doesn’t entail lots of preparation. You only need enough budgets to feed everybody within the barangay, the rest will be taken cared of by them even without you asking. They volunteer themselves. The beauty of this is, you can scratch off the cost of kids party invitations from your budget among other things. I’m sure if would be fun.

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The Fall

Mitch said this in her comment in my previous post:

Buti hindi nalaglag!

That day he didn't, the next day.. he did (fell off his bouncy). :)

It was late in the afternoon and I was preparing his bath and his stuff. I had my back to him and I might have spent too much time choosing which clothes he'll wear and some casual glance to the telly (MASH was on) that the next thing I know he was already on the floor on his tummy - sort of like rolled-over from his back. I didn't hear any 'tug' or cry from him though. I picked him up hurriedly, scared that he might have broken his ribs but fortunately not. He actually laughed, seems everything was funny. Iwas relieved. I didn't put him down again.

Lucky though, he was playing with his chuck-up cloth (terry towelling type) that it cushioned his little body from getting smashed to the floor. Oh dear. I haven't learned my lessons well because I still put him on his bouncinette sometimes and left him for a second or two. :)

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Heroes of OZ

Aussies are big in sports, a trait that I've happily embraced when I came here. I watch footballs (there are three types of footies here), cricket, tennis, swimming, netball, basketball, golf, racings (car, motocross, horse) and more. I cried and rejoiced with the players triumph as well as get disappointed and broken-hearted when they lost.

Sports have become a great part of every Aussie's life. Players and athletes are viewed as heroes or role models as they usually are in many parts of the world. I think, they are more idolised here than celebrities. Most commercials are endorsed by players than entertainers.

Recently, there was a footy player who was arrested of drug position and was banned from playing for one year. He had his drug rehabilitation twice in America. News such as this created a damaging scar to the world of sports. But I think, there are still lots of heroes out there.

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My "Style"

I like hard wood furnitures especially those that look vintage. Yet, I am very fussy with styles. Many times I've told MCJ that if we're going to buy some more home furnitures, it would be the style that I want. I don't really fancy intricate designs but I go with practical designs such as those that are easy to dust-off or trouble-free to clean under - provides enough space for the duster, vacuum or broom to get under it. That's one of my frustrations in cleaning as you might think that everything is dust-free and clean but when you peek at the bottom of your furnitures, dust has been lurking in there. I get annoyed to clean them as the smallest duster won't fit some of them. MCJ remarked though that we're not going to buy anymore, rather make them to fit my specifications and standards. That's better. But I reckon, my style would be available in some furniture stores like Bush Furniture and other Australian home stores.

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My Old Files

When I resigned from my job, I took with me all my files - no exception, even what are in my favorites folder. I planned to buy a usb flash drive but because I am stingy, I didn't. My reasons were practical though, my files wont fit in one, well if it is 1GB it will but how much would it cost me? I don't know, as I didn't bother to check. Another reason was, I wont really be using the files again daily. I just took them with me for back-up incase I got the same job with the previous. I used CD and I think, there are at least 5 that I've used up. I planned to transfer the files in MCJ's pc though because we might misplace the CDs (I think Ive already misplaced one). Our computer has more than two drives, some might have Dell memory, I'm sure it can accomodate more file. Hopefully I can do that sometime.

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I am Wanted

For weeks I really haven't got any decent opportunity from payu2blog. I'm not worried though. Then yesterday, unexpectedly I found that I have 5 new opportunities. I was thrilled of course and who wouldn't? It means more moolah. Then I noticed that there is a small star next to the opportunities - that is something new. I was curious what was it. I tried to click on it but there is no response and then when I oppened to opps, this is what it means:

The sheriff is looking out for you. You have been given an extra assignment. Thanks for all of your hard work.

Yayyyyy! Have I really been working hard? Maybe because I haven't declined any opps from them. I read an email months ago that there are bloggers who do - they might be out of their mind. Or maybe, the opps are not related to their blogs.

But I am happy that they noticed me. :D

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Good Walk Ruined

The last time MCJ played golf was ages ago.. lol. It was actually during our honeymoon. We were staying at a resort with 18-hole golf course but only ended up playing 9-hole as we started after 1PM. Imagine how much below the par were we going? Don't try to make figures because I can't remember them anymore. Actually, we didn't plan for it and he didn't have golf shoes but I think the green was too alluring not to have a little dip of the good walk ruined sport. Plus the view... the view was awesome. We ended up renting shoes though. In our week stay there, playing golf was the highlight I think, though we were at a prestine beach. MCJ got sick for two days - yeah you read it right, sick in our honeymoon. Hopefully, the next time we visit the place, playing golf would be on our itenirary plus roaming the island.

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The Big Bed

Baby Ian is growing out of his bed - a rocking cradle (are all cradles can be rocked? MA at PA). I've been dropping hints to MCJ to assemble the big cot and I didn't received any reply when will he do that. Then out of the blue yesterday, he assembled it without me niggling on him or nagging. Yayyyy for our Big Guy.

The cot is really big for Ian, I can actually fit into it. He looked like a small dot on a table. But I like it for him because he can crawl and do his caterpillar on it without hitting the bars. And I'm actually using it as his change table now - we added another huge mattress to bulk it up and make it higher. The only problem is it is too hard for me to put into it when he's asleep. :P

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Adornment

Eversince Ian knows how to grab things and eats anything in his hand and close to his mouth, I stopped using fashion jewelry especially earrings - the kind that I have, with beads and blings. I am not just scared of him licking them (they might contain paint with lead) or actually sucking them but also grabbing and leaving my ear lobes cut in two. I do still wear earrings though but I chose the finest dangling that I've got. I actually do have a pair wich locks that can't be undone even if pulled by a baby (just I thought) but I gave them up to my mother.

Anyway, that's how having a baby leave you, un-adorned at all - for his safety and for your sake.

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One Sleepy Afternoon...

Ian had his nap and I did some house chores.


Despite being sooo sleepy, he still managed to cross his legs - something that he took from MCJ.

I wasn't finished with what I was doing when he woke up so I just let him know that I was nearby - he can also see me. He didn't whinge at all, rather look at what I was doing and sometimes do his exercises - kicking and punching.

Short while later, I was done and checked on him. This is what I found:

His legs dangling and it was just his little bottom stuck at the end of the bouncinette that kept him from falling.

And he thought it was funny. :) Talking of kids who can laugh at themselves.

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Just a Nice Look Will Do!

Our garage flooring or sorts isn't really nice to look at. Oh bugger, not really nice at all. :) I would love to have it looked neat and new. I wish, I wish, I wish. Should it be in the plan to do next, I would have it look like this:

Or somewhat like that. But really, as long as it looks neat and nice, it'll do.

Also, our laundry flooring needs some glue to stick it firmly to the concrete. Every time I sweep it, some dust creeps under the tiles. Grrrrr. I have to redo my work over and over again. It is time wasters especially if you are chasing your time because you won't know when the Big Guy will wake up or when will he get bored. :) We have plans, yeah.... good plans, so hopefully!

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I Wanna Go Home

I know I'm already home but this song brought tears to my eyes when we watched The Wedding Date - one of the tracks.

I just miss 'home'.

Another summer day
Has come and gone away
In Paris and Rome
But I wanna go home
Mmmmmmmm

Maybe surrounded by
A million people I
Still feel all alone
I just wanna go home
Oh, I miss you, you know

And I’ve been keeping all the letters that I wrote to you
Each one a line or two
“I’m fine baby, how are you?”
Well I would send them but I know that it’s just not enough
My words were cold and flat
And you deserve more than that

Another aeroplane
Another sunny place
I’m lucky I know
But I wanna go home
Mmmm, I’ve got to go home

Let me go home
I’m just too far from where you are
I wanna come home

And I feel just like I’m living someone else’s life
It’s like I just stepped outside
When everything was going right
And I know just why you could not
Come along with me
'Cause this was not your dream
But you always believed in me

Another winter day has come
And gone away
In even Paris and Rome
And I wanna go home
Let me go home

And I’m surrounded by
A million people I
Still feel all alone
Oh, let me go home
Oh, I miss you, you know

Let me go home
I’ve had my run
Baby, I’m done
I gotta go home
Let me go home
It will all be all right
I’ll be home tonight
I’m coming back home

I like Michael Buble and his songs but I wasn't convinced to buy any of his album until I heard this song. Now it's on my shopping list.

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Belly belly!

I gave birth 4 months ago and yet I still have a jelly belly. I'm not really sure when a breastfeeding Mum will loose it but they said, it would be faster. Then, what's wrong with me? Hah! I just eat a half more serving of what I used to when I was not pregnant - well, I need it because of Baby Ian feeding from me. Okay, justified. :) But how about my binge eating of sweets? Yeah, I developed a sweet tooth after I gave birth. It's one of the major changes that I feel after having Baby Ian. I'm cutting on it (sometimes) but I still eat other junk food. They're yum! Plus I don't do tummy exercises yet. I do lots of walking everyday, yeah.. pushing the pram, also. In due time, I'm going to have a tight belly and tums and I don't have to use exercise equipment to achieve them. Just a bit of discipline and religious exercise. When? Not today, though. :) It's weekend and it means binge eating (again) of some fast foods.

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I'm Charlie Brown!

I don't know lots of cartoon characters, but I'm excited to do this tag. Thanks, Eds.

Everyone has a personality of a cartoon character. Have you ever asked yourself what cartoon character do you most resemble?

A group of investigators got together and analyzed the personalities of well known and modern cartoon characters. The information that was gathered was made into this test.

Answer all the questions (only 10) with what describes you best, add up all your Points (which are next to the answer that you choose) at the end and look for your results.

Do not cheat by looking at the end of the e-mail before you are done.
Then ask your Friends to answer it. (Make sure to Highlight your answers)

1. Which one of the following describes the perfect date?
.a) Candlelight dinner (4 pts.)
.b) Fun/Theme Park (2 pts.)
.c) Painting in the park (5 pts)
.d) Rock concert (1 pt.)
.e) Going to the movies (3 pts.)

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

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

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

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

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

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

8 What is your favorite holiday?
.a) Halloween (1 pt.)
.b) Christmas (3 pts.)
c) New Year (2 pts.)
.d) Valentine's Day (4 pts.)
.e) Thanksgiving (5 pts.)

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

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

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

Put your character in the subject line and forward to your friends and back to the person that sent this to you.

Very interesting to see 'who' your friends are!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Now, I don't know who's Charlie Brown is. :) Have to ask MCJ about him.

Wanna do this tag also? Go ahead and have fun! I did!

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My Sense of Fashion

I'm really thankful that jeans were created in the 1920's.. and I think that was the birth of women wearing jeans, not just men. I couldn't imagine in these days and age for women to wear heavy and bulky dresses just like in the medieval period. I know that clothing comes with the age and time - with the generation and I think the invention of different types of clothing comes with a purpose. Think of yourself going to work in the office, driving a car wearing petticoats and corsets underneath your lovely gown everyday. Oh, silly me... you wouldn't fit in the driver's seat, Im sure. I remember one episode of M*A*S*H (an old tv series of caucasian military doctors assigned in Korea - I love this) where one Korean lady worked in their farm, plowing and all, wearing long dress. Oh well, you get used to what's available.

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A Tribute to a Friend

I was blog-hopping and landed on her blog more or less two years ago. She wrote from the bottom of her heart and I learned a lot reading from her posts, that I left my footprints in her blog. We exchanged emails for sometime. Learned that she and MCJ shared the same passion - poetry among others. We became friends.

She wrote politically-inclined posts, she was good in art, and a very passionate woman. She found out this year that she has cancer - on its terminal stage. I admire her positivity in life. She lived her life to the fullest.

Our last emails was after I gave birth. We shared stories - she's a very open and kind-hearted soul.

Today, I checked her blog and found out that she passed away last Nov 14 - her son updated her blog.

I lost a friend in her. *sniff*

Our condolences to her family.

Brooks, may your soul rest in peace. I love you, friend!

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Europe By Road

I love travelling by road. Apart from the fact that you can sight-see, you can stop and have a rest anytime you want and then visit the places that may or may not be in your itenirary. MCJ wants to show me the whole Australia by road when we have time and our budget allows us. I am sooo looking forward into it.


I also wanna see Europe. I think I've mentioned that nth times already. And what a better way it is to see places than by road? I gather that you need an EU issued driver's license inorder to drive in the streets of Paris, London, Berlin, etc. If you're travelling with your own car, the insurance policy will automatically cover the minimun CTP required by law. Road safely and speed limits are almost the same here, so I guess adhering to their law is not that hard, eh? Besides, MCJ is really a law abiding citizen, how much more if we're in a foreign land?


When it comes to accomodation, I guess it's not hard to find one as Hotels in Paris, Hotels in London, Hotels in Berlin are lining up in tourist areas. You just have to take your pick.

Just some of the images of hotels:

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I'm Friendly :)

Thanks Mich for this award - you're Ms. Friendship too!


I'm passing this to everybody in my roll. You all deserve it. :)

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Happy 4 Months!

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How about the future?

I only want one kid, Baby Ian is enough for me. I have reasons why I only want one - they're not very compelling though but for now, nobody can change my mind even MCJ. :) But when I think of the future, I'm giving my decision a second thought. Heck, I would want to have four children.. with at least two girls. Why, so I will get lots of visitors in the nursing home when I grow old. I don't look forward to growing old and be stuck in a nursing home but it is the trend at the moment, so I don't discount the fact that it might happen to me also. Oh, the future is still too far.. and I am satisfied for having only Baby Ian for now.

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The Tube!

Our television is very ancient, I think it is more than 10 years old.. and it doesn't have a remote. Jurassic indeed! Somebody who bought it, didn't get a remote because it cost $50.. grrrr! Very scrooge. :) Yet, it is very reliable. We still get a very good picture and color. The only thing that I complain is, it is huge, bulky, call it whatever but it is occupying big space in the cabinet, plus all the wires for other stuff (vcr, set top box, etc) so it we can use remote to operate the tv. If only we have a plasma or lcd type tube, then I would wish to have a tv mount so we can save more space. We might move the cabinet that we're currently using because it is also big. Yeah, home theatre system with plasma tv is on our list of things to buy.

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Save Money on your Gifts

MCJ doesn't really want any gifts on any occasion but I do want to buy him the complete series of Battle Star Galactica for Christmas. I can afford it now with my hard earned money from blogging. :) Actually, I've been surfing and checking shopping sites if I can find a good deal and then with the aid of online coupons in Coupon Chief, I might really get my desired gift at a good price at Target as there is a good deal of target coupons available. But I have yet to check if the complete series is available as most online stores that I've checked-out, there were only a couple of series available. And I've been planning to purchase some manchester so bedbathstore.com coupons will be very handy in the Christmas shopping. It's really nice that couponchief has lots of online coupons for the shoppers who want to save money this holiday season.

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The Big Needles

I dread the day that Ian will have his shots from the many that's lining up. First, I can't look at him getting pricked and yelping after. Then the most, running a temperature and feeling the pain of the shots. As a Mum, you can't help to feel sorry for your child plus the fact that you have limited ways on how to help lessen the pain - it really twists my heart.

Yesterday, Ian had his second dose of four vaccines (can't remember what are they). The experience was a tad better than two months ago. Yesterday, we were able to do some shopping after the visit to the GP. I gave him paracetamol after his feed then he went to sleep. He just started to whine when I was feeding him again after he woke up. But the whinging didn't last long. The family just went for a walk and then I feed him again soon after. Then he was all smiles again. I gave him another dose of paracetamol before going to sleep as he's running a temperature. We cooled him down - tapping wet cloth on his head. He had his usual night sleep but Mummy didn't.

I was sleeping like a chicken, noticing every sound he and MCJ made. I was not worried but I just wanna be awake incase he made any noise of uncomfort. Good heavens, he didn't. Still I didn't get to sleep until the wee hours in the morning.

I took his temperature this morning and it was 39 degree celcius - I know it's too high so we cooled him down again, stripped his pjs.

So far, the whinging is just the usual and his fever had gone down.

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Do your homework!

Some regret for having credit cards because they can't control themselves spending too much and end up buried in debt. Well, that's all true and possible as credit card is a necessary evil. But if you have self control, credit cards can be your friend when you're in need. Imagine if you don't have a credit card and you need to buy a medicine that you really need yet you don't have any cash in your wallet?

As most things have, owning a credit card has its pros and cons. The best thing to do is, before applying for one know if there are charges when you get stuck in paying aside from the interest. Also, choose the one with lowest interest rate. Sometimes those that have rewards have a high interest rate - decide which one is important to you. It pays to do your homework inorder to have the best credit cards available. Also, after doing some research and found out that there are better credit cards available than what you have already, consider balance transfers. Some banks or institution offer an interest free 6months for it. That could be a big savings.

So far, in our family.. credit cards have been a big help.. and the rewards that we've earned had flewn us several times, even business class.

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It's Bingo Night

When I was working I don't look forward to Sunday night as it means, Monday the next day.. in less than 12 hours, I'll be getting dressed for work and sometimes it means, I have to iron my clothes to be used for the next 6 days.

Now, that I don't work and have a baby, I look forward to everyday as I know, Baby Ian will show another trick, something new.

But for the last three Sunday nights, the whole family is looking forward to it as it is Bingo Night. Nah, we don't go to the club to play Bingo. We stayed at home in our pajamas, sometimes crouching on the couch, at times cooking pizza for dinner. We are playing along the tv show, National Bingo. There are studio players for three games but homeviewers can watch and play along. We download our cards online from the channel's website. Homeviewers can win $100 and a chance of $10,000. How cool is that? We really had fun always. What a better way to spend Sunday night especially in a wet weather?! :)

Btw, won't stay online much longer as it will start in less than 30 minutes.

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Need Cash?

Isn't it funny that however good we are at budgeting, sometimes we get short of cash and we can't buy what we wanted? Well, those stuff that I said we "want" were just really wants but we can't let it pass or else, we would feel that we deprive ourselves? These days, this is not a big problem anymore. There are lots of ways to have the money to buy that "wants". There's pawnshop not just for jewellery but also accepts personal stuff, industrial item, etc. And there are institutions that grant payday loans. And some actually doesn't need documentations, no credit check necessary, and you can borrow big sum of money in an instant. Of course, it doesn't sound all good without the consequences. I advise that if you're going to avail a facility like this, you should do your own homework in digging up the credibility of the company and know what's the hold-up in case you get stuck in paying. Some companies offer a too good to be true offer but there are hidden charges and will bogged you down just for a single mishap. You might want to check paydayloanquotes.com and check if they meet your criteria.

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Something you might need?

MCJ's parents want to sell Brual (the boat) but no one in their circle of friends have an interest. They told MCJ to try selling it to ebay but we all know that if you haven't try to sell anything yet, you can't put reserve on your item so anybody can bid as low as a cent and get to sell it at that price if nobody else's put a higher bid. I was thinking of selling other products first, then maybe if they get sold, we can then try selling Brual. But how much effort do we need to put inorder for the boat to find another home? Oh well!

I know there are other ideas. How about setting up your own online store? Yeah, we've consider that since we're growing bonsai plants, we might as well do an online business. Actually, we've contacted a web designer and hosting enterprise to do it, almost a year ago.

Anyway, if you're like us who wants to create an online store (which is wide spread now), you might want to consider to procure a complete ecommerce software that will manage your website and online business such as ashop. Their shopping cart software features and design allow you to build 'top shelf' online stores for only a small monthly investment. You can check it out for yourself.

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My New Chair

I'm a BIG Guy now!Baby Ian loves upside down position. He can also haul himself faster digging on his heels and head. I'm more scared of him to fall off when he's lying on his back than on his tummy. So we bought this chair so he'll know which is up and which is down. Also, he wants to sit up when you're holding him especially when watching telly.

He rewarded Mum and Dad for buying him a new toy by sleeping through last Friday night from 630pm to 5am the next day. How wonderful is that? Mum and Dad enjoyed two movies and had a good sleep. But imagine how hungry he was when he woke up. :)

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Travel with them!

There is a travel show here that I really like to watch every Friday night. Like most travel show, it transport you to the place that they're presenting while seated in your couch but there's really this "it" factor that the show is different, for me. It makes your mind wander and wonder at all the amazing places that they visit and you're mind is working on your trip on that place. Plus this show covers tourist destination all over the world and at the same time somewhere close to home or at home.

Apart from transporting you to the scenic places, it also shows the place where they stayed and the accomodations available in the place like Prague Hotels, Rome Hotels, Barcelona Hotels (noticed the places I've mentioned? I would want to visit there in the future), even giving tips which has the best offer. Sometimes, they also ran a promotion for the viewers to win a holiday package. It's really cool.

Add the fact that I like the presenters. Some has this aura of friendliness, of showing personal touch on anything that they do. The others have carefree attitude (especially the males). Hummm, I've been raving about them already. Gosh!

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The Pregger Me

Seen this in Leah's home and planned to do it then, Mich tagged me. Thanks, Ladies!


1. What food did you crave when you were pregnant?
Nothing in particular but since I don't know how to cook and the availability of Pinoy cuisine is very rare here, I constantly want to eat Pinoy food.

2. Did you gain a lot of weight when you were pregnant?
I gained around 15 - 20 kgs - it was all in my belly.

3. Did you drink milk when you were pregnant?
Yes and up til now.

4. How long did you stay in the labor room before your delivery?
I was already 6cm dilated when we arrived at the hospital, so it only took 3.5 hours for Ian to come out.

5. Did you have epidural during labor?
No but I wanted to (I have a very low pain tolerance) yet, I can't be still that MCJ was scared that the needle might break in the process of getting the drug into my body.

6. How did you give birth?
Normally with 4th degree tears that I have to be stitched in the operating theatre with general anaesthetics.

7. What was your first reaction when you heard your baby’s cry and saw him/her for the first time?
I was excited and feeling surreal. I was misty-eyed then I looked and smiled at MCJ.

8. Prior to that moment when you first held your baby, did you know how to carry a newborn?
Yes - I have 6 nephews to looked after to sometimes.

9. Did you take a bath after your delivery?
Not right away. Gave birth at 1am and was sent to the operating theatre at 4am (there's none available between 1 - 3am or so - after I've been cleaned up). Stitching done at 5am, stayed at the recovery room for 30 minutes then was sent to my room feeling dizzy and numb from waste down. MCJ went home after I was sent to the theatre (as he had nothing to do and it was good for him to catch some sleep so he can visit me early) and Baby Ian stayed at the nursery. He was transferred to my room around 6am but I was too weak to get up and look after him that they had to took him back. Had a shower around 10am when MCJ was around to help me do the job.

10. How was your first night with your baby like?
I was sort of emotional and a sleepless night. My colostrum hadn't came out yet and Bubby was hungry and crying most of the time and I was all alone - visiting hours end at 8pm and visitors are not allowed to stay overnight. Ended up giving Ian a top up formula to settle him.

11. Did you breastfeed your baby?
Yes, exclusively until now - Bubby will turn 4months on the 14th of this month.

12. If you were to pick just one moment from the time you gave birth until the moment you were discharged from the hospital, which do you think is the most special moment for you?
When I heard Ian cry for the first time then when he was placed on my chest - I couldn't stop grinning, then when he latched on to my breast and made his first suck - I can't explain the feeling but it was overwhelming. They were all in one moment. lol.

I love doing this meme. I could recount this experience many more times and I wouldnt get tired of it nor wouldn't I forget any details.

Any Mum who might want to do this meme, is welcome to do so. Give it a go, it's really fun!

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Be Smort-y

I love blogging more since I signed-up for blog advertising in some sites. Well, it couldn't get better than doing the things you love - gas-baging or just yaking - and at the same time earn some moolah. I'm sure you'll agree with me. :)

Among the blog advertising sites that I signed-up for was smorty and I've earned quite a sum of money. At first, I was not able to grab opportunities. I'm not sure why but I reckon it has got to do with the timing of me going online. Recently though, I tried to get online early in the morning and I was able to grab opportunities, sometimes paying higher than usual. There, I now know the trick of the trade. lol.

Most in my circle of friends are in this moonlighting business, and at the rate it is going now, I can say that there are lots of companies that advertise on blogs. Just proves that the number of people who blog these days are insurmountable. Should I be proud that I'm one of them? :)

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What I want for Christmas?

The season of gift giving is very near. I'm sure most people are now playing Santa - making a list and checking it twice, gonna find out who's naughty or nice. Some would be flat out shopping at the last minute - I don't like to cram but sometimes, I do like shopping like a mad crow because it's really fun. The organized some might have started buying gifts for loved ones at the first day of "ber" month. Some would just opt to shop online - I might be one of them - been browsing on the net lately for retail therapy. But as I've mentioned, I don't want any gift for Christmas, except of course if somebody would give me a diamond fruit cake. :) Yup, not just diamond rings - have them already, but diamond fruit cake (see my previous post). Ain't I have an expensive taste? Nah, I just see to it that whoever might want to give me a gift, he can't afford it. lol.

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Meme The Me

Snagged this from Mich. Thanks, girl!

1.Are you good at hiding your feelings?
I don't know.. I guess I've never tried to so I'm not sure. :)

2. How can we tell that you’re already irritated?
When I'm with MCJ, I pout and grizzle sometimes. When with others, I am too quite - unusual in me.

3. How do you treat the person that obviously doesn’t like you?
Ignore him/her. If she doesn't like me, the feeling is mutual (the bitch in me talking).

4. What usually ruins your mood?
The party spoiler.

5. Who do you see everyday that you wish you just wouldn’t at all?
None!

6. When was the last time that you had a good cry?
When I was too upset with MCJ - can't remember when. :)

7. How often do you shop for clothes?
When the need arises or when I see something nice.

8. Who’s your long-time crush?
Did I have any? It's been too long ago that I can't remember who were my crushes.

9. Someone you just had a crush on?
Madami - I can't remember most of them but I can truely remember most of them were married. Hehehe!

10 . Do you have something that you wish you just don’t?
My jelly belly.

11. Do you sometimes crave for something that isn’t there?
Yup! Pinoy food - green indian mango, bagoong, dinuguan at madami pa!

12 . Do you wish to live in a faraway land where nobody knows you?
Hell no! I wish I live in a compound with my parents so they can see how Ian grow up.

13. Have you kissed a total stranger?
Nope.

14. What do you want to do at this moment?
Retail therapy. lol

15. The worst feeling?
Being upset

16. How about the best?
Feel the intensity of the love to my family and being loved in return.

17. Ever given your number to someone you dislike?
Yep.

18. What will you say to the one reading this right now?
Hope you had fun reading this.

19. What/Who do you need right now?
Body massage

20 . Happy with your life?
Absolutely!

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Our Internet Connection

One habit that I have that MCJ doesn't like is leaving the internet browser open without care what was in it. He said banner ads eat up chunks of our traffic data limit. I know that but sometimes, I have leave everything as it as I still have plan to go back to what I was doing and more imperative reason is, Baby Ian had been crying his lungs out. I have a carefree attitude about it because I know also that we have an unlimited traffic data. With that, I sometimes feel privileged.

Our initial contract with the broadband provider was for two years with unlimited traffic data. It expired recently and MCJ upgraded the contract with the same fee, same unlimited traffic data but with a faster broadband connection. This consideration is really more for my blogging activities. lol. He uses the good computer these days for his bookwork and I get to use the crappy one, so with a faster internet connection, I can still grab more opps. Talking of a supportive husband. Despite this favor for me, I still have more wishes when it comes to computers and connection. Now, that's the hard to please me talking. :)

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Vacuum It!

When I came back here last year, I've noticed that we got a new vacuum cleaner. MIL bought it for us, soo good of her. We got a vacuum cleaner but it is stuck in the office and I don't really like using it because it is heavier especially if the bag is full. The vacuum that MIL was bagless, makes it very convenient to clean and use. No more mess and clutter when you try to empty the rubbish container, it is only like emptying a rubbish bin, just tip it over. I stopped using the vacuum cleaner when I was pregnant and up til now that we have Baby Ian. When I was pregnant, I was scared that the noise created when I use the vacuum will affect the hearing of my baby inside me especially during the state where his hearing sense is developing. Now that he's out of my belly, I don't want to disturb his sleep - that's the only time (most of the time) that I can do some cleaning.

Recently, MIL told me that her vacuum cleaner stuffed up. I wanted to give the vacuum that she gave to us back to her but apparently, she had found the vacuum cleaner parts in the shop that will make hers back to operation. So now, our vacuum cleaner is on hiatus - until Baby Ian can tolerate the noise maybe.

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For the loved ones

Do you know how important it is to have Term Life insurance? I know you will not be the one who will benefit from it because, you'll already be 6 feet below the ground but it will be your loved ones. Yes, I think it is synonymous to "loved ones insurance". :) It will help those that you will leave behind, especially if you have kids who are still in school, mortgage to pay and other household expenses not to mention the expenses that the family will incur during the death. But be sure to leave a will so the money that you've sweat out for the insurance will not go to somebody.

Talking of will, MCJ made his when I was still his fiance and I was part of it already, but then the wife automatically became the beneficiary. Hummmm... I'm always joking about it.

If you haven't got term life insurance and you've got a family, you might want to consider a family insurance.. that way you're saving money on Life Family Plan Premium. It's not too late you know. We all know that death is certain, so preparing for tomorrow is not really praying for the un-wanted.

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Amazing Era :)

Wowoow! My deepest thanks, Mich for this award. It makes my day.. though it is gloomy outside. :)

I want to share this award to everybody in my roll. We are all amazing for sharing our lives, aren't we? And to anyone who will stumble in my home.. I reckon, all bloggers deserve this award. :P

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Better Parent?

I'm a first time Mum and they said, you just have to trust your instinct on anything that you don't really know when it concerns your baby. Yeah, I very much agree but it pays to have a little knowledge or to have somebody or something that you can turn to. My MIL is very helpful - she was a nurse. I can't really rely on my mother because she's back in the Philippines but I know I can count on her anytime. MCJ said, it would be nice for me to learn from my experience but hey.. I can't take experiment on my child.

There are just times that books, magazines and the internet come in very handy. I learn from my experience as well as from other Mums too. I may not be able to face all the challenges that other Mums did, but with their tips... I know what to do when it is my time. Plus, medical experts' opinion and studies' results are very beneficial. I can surf the net the whole day when it comes to my baby's health and development - a care home style. And thanks for the those sites that cater especially for such topics.

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Diamond Fruit Cake

I don't want any gift for Christmas, but when I saw this diamond fruit cake, I want to have one. :)

The most gorgeous and the most expensive cake that I have ever seen in my life is the Diamond fruit Cake, costing $1.65 million. Yes, I am excited enough to write about this...you could have guessed it from my tone.

This cake, which is scheduled to be displayed on Friday, is created by a Tokyo pastry chef. Six months of incredible thinking for that incredible design and one month to materialise it, this cake is studded with 223 small diamonds and the rest of the cake is edible. This cake is up for sale on Christmas.

It is not only the most expensive cake in the world, I bet it is also the most expensive food in the world. Apart from the 223 diamonds, I guess what the ingredients might be, whatever it is it must be as rich and luscious as the diamonds.

This is a masterpiece in Food Art and it will be exhibited in the seventeen diamond-related designs in an exhibit called “Diamonds: Nature’s Miracle.” The chef is wise enough, not to disclose the ingredients, but I am still wondering about a lot many things. A couple of them are, the implementation of the design, the procurement of diamonds and the ingredients of the cake. The biggest question mark is over the Mr.or Miss so and so, whose single Christmas purchase, cannot match the expenses of a one month lavish Christmas Shopping.

credit

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Worry No More!

I'm still amaze how fast money can get in and out of your hands. One minute you have a grand, just go to the shop.. the next minute, you'll have a few dollars or cents.

But what's ironic is, it is longer for it to land in your pocket but it is faster for it to leave. And it is easier to spend it than to earn it. Oh, I just love spending, especially in shopping.

Yet, how hard it may to earn money, it is easy to get a loan these days especially the so-called payday loans. I may have heard of it when I was still working, that means I didn't use that facility - but it is really very common. I guess it is the fastest way to have some money in crunching times just like Friday night out, parties or chilling outs - that is for yuppies who have a high maintenance lifestyle.

For some institutions, you can avail cash advance in no time at all, no documents needed - a faxless payday loans. You may not like to owe somebody, but I'm sure... if you're in a very tight position this is a heaven sent.

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Dessert Anyone?

The $1,000 "Grand Opulence" sundae sold by New York's Serendipity restaurant:

I've just seen this in the news today, but the article is dated back in 2006.

Made with "5 scoops of the richest Tahitian vanilla bean ice cream infused with Madagascar vanilla and covered in 23K edible gold leaf, the sundae is drizzled with the world's most expensive chocolate, Amedei Porceleana, and covered with chunks of rare Chuao chocolate, which is from cocoa beans harvested by the Caribbean Sea on Venezuela's coast. The masterpiece is suffused with exotic candied fruits from Paris, gold dragets, truffles and Marzipan Cherries. It is topped with a tiny glass bowl of Grand Passion Caviar, an exclusive dessert caviar, made of salt-free American Golden caviar, known for its sparkling golden color. It's sweetened and infused with fresh passion fruit, orange and Armagnac. The sundae is served in a baccarat Harcourt crystal goblet with an 18K gold spoon to partake in the indulgence served with a petite mother of pearl spoon and topped with a gilded sugar flower by Ron Ben-Israel."

credit

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Gambling for Fun

Yesterday was Melbourne Cup. Some claimed, it has stopped the nation. I reckon yes, because even how busy MCJ was, he was following the races online and when the highlight of the day was coming - he was actually counting down - he stopped what he was doing and plumped himself infront of the telly.

He was rooting for Purple Moon. It was leading all along but another horse swept past through it in the last 100m, taking the lead. Purple Moon took the second place, not bad I reckon as the favorites of most flanked 8.

Okay, he bet on it... not big, just for fun. Reminds me to cash the ticket on our next doctor's appoinment for Ian.

-----

Talking of gambling and playing online, MCJ in his spare time play online poker in a pacific poker room. I don't know what's with it but he'd been playing there eversince. I found out in macpokeronline.com though that it Pacific Poker is one of the first online poker rooms and has been operating since 1996.

Mac Poker features a guide to Mac online poker sites on the internet and reviews of where to play online poker for Macintosh OS and Mac compatible poker downloads. I think it is cool as it is specially designed for a certain type of OS. There are also poker rooms that you don't have to download to play. I guess this is compatible for my personal OS. lol. I don't like doing extra work.

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Safe Toys?!

Toys help a lot in the development of children even at a young age. Sometimes they can be the best buddy when Mummy and Daddy are busy. They can also encourage kids to be independent early on in life.

But how sure are we that the toys we bought are safe for our kids, given that we consider the size not to choke our loved ones, the surface not to cut their skin, the weight not to burden them too much, etc?

Just yesterday or so, the Australian 2007 Toy Of The Year, includes "magic beads" containing a chemical that when swallowed converts into fantasy - a date rape drug was banned in some states here. As of today, there were three casualties in children who swallowed them. Common symptom is the victim falling commatose.

A few months ago, Mattel had to recall a Fisher - Price Chinese-made toys because they may contain excessive amounts of lead paint or had small magnets that could easily be swallowed by children.

These incidents really scare me. However you may protect your children, they still are not safe with those stuff that you buy with good intentions.

We haven't bought much toys for Baby Ian yet.... and I am very adamant to do so in the future. You can't be certain what is safe or not. Oh well, Baby Ian will just suffice with Daddy and Mummy playing with him for now. It is more educational than playing with toys. :P

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France in Mind!

If you're looking for a holiday destination where you can do lots of activities, visits nice tourists' places, eat at fine restaurants or just plainly chill-out, I would have France in mind. Lost yourself in the exquisite architecture that the cities have to offer. There's Louvre Museum, Eiffel Tower, Palace of Versailles and lots more. Finding accomodations is not a problem as there are lots of hotels in france.

If you're into fashion or simply just wanna see what are the latest in the markets, you might time your visits on Paris Fashion week. I reckon, during this season you might want to book your accomodation way ahead as hotels in paris could be heavily booked for the season. Just do your homework over the net or in your friendly travel agency and I'm sure you can find nice hotels for your standard.

I'm not really into fashion but I would give in to see runway shows - the highlight of the fashion week of course. Or just fall inlove in Paris, not that I'm in not inlove yet... just fall in love with the place, I mean.

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Ranting

I just finished repacking Lucky's (our cat) food. I used not to do this but not these days. I have to repack a packet of mince meat in six packs to last six days lest, two servings would go off even if inside the fridge. Best way to preserve is to freeze it. Why? Pet foods (that is those that we buy) isn't getting cheaper and we compared the chicken necks to those in the deli, and the latter is cheaper, so we buy the deli chicken necks instead and have to repack them per serving. Grrrrr! Human food is cheaper than pet food. :(

But we love our Lucky! What can we do! Good thing is he only eats fresh food at night. :)

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Healthy Smiles For You!

Our oral health sometimes determine our age. lol... if a person has no teeth he's viewed as old, except babies though. But really, oral health is very vital in a person's overall wellbeing. The healthy your teeth, gum and all.. the better you can eat, the better you can talk, the sweeter and wider is your smile.


Okay, looking for a cosmetic dentist that provides state of the art smile design, teethwhitening and other dental care close to home? Well, I can only suggest to those who are living in Stortford, UK, the smileandwellbeing.com, the Dentist Bishops Stortford. You might like to check them out as they have cool offerings like, personal concierge service, onsite parking, 0% finance options, etc.

This reminds me to check the coverage of our family health insurance. Chris needs oral makeover and we just upgraded our coverage recently that we have to wait for a certain number of months (I think 2) before we can avail some benefits. Hummm, another job for Bob!

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Updates on Baby Ian

It's been a long while that I haven't written something about our Big Guy. It's not that nothing is happening, actually he showed new tricks and stunts everyday, only that I forgot about it. Been busy in pro-blogging, doing tags and memes, I guess. :)

Anyway, these milestones are common for every baby but Baby Ian is special. Hahaha!

***He is now teething.
Three weeks ago, he had been so fussy in the afternoon until his bedtime. Just wanted to eat, to be cuddled or move around. Good thing we bought a teething gel and baby paracetamol before, they were handy in these times. I rubbed some gel to his gums and gave him paracetamol.. only then he settled down and went to sleep. Then he has this new face, biting or chewing his lower lip.. like an old man - makes his Nanna laugh. Lately, he his pushing his tongue to his lower gum and at the same time dribbling. :) I know, this is just the start. There would really be big sleepless nights when the teeth come out.

***He can now roll-over and crawl.
The first rolling over from lying on his back to his tummy by himself happened three days ago. Then while on his tummy, he crawled just a few inches. Two days prior to that, MCJ had been teaching him how to crawl, and Baby Ian found it funny because he was laughing at his Dad. Also, before rolling over, he can shift himself while on his back by arching his chest and digging his head. He can well haul himself off his bouncinette even strapped. He can't be trusted if left alone.

***He grabs and eats anything in his hands and close to his mouth.
He can well grab some things now and put in his mouth. He is still using the cradle for his bed and it he can reach both sides with his two hands at the same time and he hangs onto the bars strongly. One day, I found him sucking the bar while lying on his side. :) The problem in this milestone is, we can't find a teething ring that doesnt have rough edges or any toy that is round and wont hurt him. Most toys that we saw also have fluffy animals attached to them. Hummmm.

***He talks alot.
He cooed a lot when he was two months but these days he is sooo engaging. He talks a lot, as in really conversing with you. When he's eating and wanted to be burped or just having a break, he would look at me and smile and then "talk". He is very appreciative too. He would giggle when you pick him up or just play with him.

Hayyyy, I can talk endlessly about him but he's now awake and playing "feet-up" with his Dad - also a bit whingy. His ears might be burning. :)

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Spacesaver

LCD and plasma televisions are prolifirating the market fast. At first, the price is not really pocket-friendly but as more and more brands are introduced, it eventually went down... it has now become very affordable that the middle-class or lower-class Jane and Joe can have one or two or three. Not us though. We still use the old and reliable tube that MCJ got more than 10 years ago. :)

How about you? What type of telly do you own? If you plasma or lcd, you may consider mounting it to the wall to create more space especially if you're living in a suburban flat or unit that more space is pleasant. There are available plasma wall brackets available now in the market or you can order online. Dekomount.com has a price drop for Christmas for several products and has a flat rate fast next day delivery within their range. But if you're living in London you can pick-up your product the same day you ordered it. And an 18 months warranty is provided.

Sounds good offer and the idea of mounting heavy objects on wall is surprising for me but I know that it is possible. Might consider this in the future when our old friend die of old age. :)

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Be Faithful or Else?!

I've been blogging for moolah and never find an opp as funny as this that I have to write about it. You see, there's an unfaithful husband who bought himself a really good car but put it in the name of his wife. What his reason could be? I'm not sure but to speculate, maybe to show to his wife how much he loves her, that everything he owns is hers? :) Anyway, he was caught cheating and now the wife is selling the car for 50% less than the original cost. Well, it's hers. But before doing that, she poured paint on it. She might really be very furious to him. Who's wife that won't be?



And she registered the car for sale in this site in UK that sells used cars and new cars, and only charge 4.95 pounds until the car is sold.

The car is running alright and has no damage except for the paint, which a Jaguar dealer said can be removed relatively cheaply but at the buyer's cost.

So men, beware of a woman scorned. MCJ would never imagine cheating as I can do worst than that even if the car is not in my name YET! Oh, he just loves me sooo much that's why! :)

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Safe Shopping Online

Been browsing shopping sites though I don't really have anything in my mind to buy but just looking for holiday gift ideas. Visited ebay for rocking chair, then wandered around for clothes that will fit me as my gifts for myself and came across these tips. I think it's very handy so I'm sharing it.

10 Tips for Shopping Online for Clothing

..for a safe and pleasant transaction

by Sarah Testa

As many women would say, shopping for clothes can be lots of fun! We’ve all had our doses of retail therapy in the past… and with the vast selection available online to us ladies, shopping for clothes on the Internet can be even more fun.

Shopping on the Internet however can be a tricky business, especially if we do not take our precautions and make sure everything is in order. One need not fear though! With a little care shopping online can be a breeze! This article will walk you through ten tips, which if followed correctly, should help make your online shopping experience a safe a satisfactory one!

1. Although shopping for clothes online is a fun experience, it might prove to be a little bit tricky at first because you cannot actually go into a changing room and try on the items before buying them! If you find yourself wanting to buy from a new store, one which you have never bought from before, you might be a little unsure about the size to choose.

Most reputable online fashion store do have size guidelines which you should definitely consult to help you choose the right size; however what I suggest doing is the following. When buying items online from a new store take it easy: buy one item first! Once the item arrives you would have an idea whether you have made the right choice, or maybe you need a smaller or larger size.
That one item will give you an idea of the sizing of the particular store, so after having ‘tested’ the sizing go ahead and buy more!

2. I like to describe the feeling I get of a website as the same feeling I get when I meet a new person. There is usually either good chemistry or otherwise. It’s really the same with website and online stores. What kind of feeling do you get of a website?

Does it look professionally done? Does the design and navigation make your online shopping experience easier… or is it terribly difficult to find what you’re looking for? Is there an ‘About Us’, or a ‘Company Info’ page? These elements usually give you a general feel for a website, and give you hints on whether to decide either to trust the website enough to purchase from it, or move on.

3. Whilst browsing around the website, look out for signs and logos which may indicate certificates of security and reliability which the website might hold. Common names to look out for are VeriSign and BBB.org (Better Business Bureau).

4. Before actually making the purchase take a note of the websites customer service email and/or telephone number. Making sure that you have somewhere to refer to queries to should you need to, before actually making the purchase, will help you put your mind at ease.

5. Check the store’s privacy policy and customer service page before making the purchase. It is important that you are aware of the store’s return policies, delivery charges and shipping times.

6. Make sure that you use a credit card when effecting purchases online and not a debit card! This is a vital practice which you must make use of. Debit cards don't have the same protection as credit cards when it comes to limiting your liability for fraudulent use. You can easily dispute a charge made on your credit card, however it can take a very long time for you to recover funds taken fraudulently from your debit card.

7. When you arrive at the check-out page, which is usually the page where you are asked to enter your details and payment information, check your browser’s address bar and look out for the extra ‘s’ after the usual ‘http’. For those of you who feel a little bit lost, your browser’s address bar is usually located towards the top of the screen and contains the address of the website you’re currently visiting. Have the website start off with ‘https://…’ means that the website you are on is secure.

8. Whilst checking out, after making sure ‘https://…’ is present on the address bar, look down towards the bottom right-hand corner of your browser and pack sure the padlock icon is present. This is an essential part of checking whether the website you are on is secure and encrypted! If the padlock icon is missing, stop the transaction right there and move on!

9. As soon as you complete you online transaction print out the page which usually shows up as confirmation of the order you have just placed. Besides being good for your record-keeping, this print out will contain important elements of your transaction (like order number and date) which you would possibly need to refer to in the future. If the page that shows up after your complete your transaction does not contain such information look out for a confirmation email which should arrive in your inbox shortly after you have completed the transaction, as such an email would usually contain the important information and details. Make sure you print a copy of the email and save it… do not hit the delete button!

10. Finally, ensure that the Internet browser you are using is kept up to date; check for and download the most recent version. If you carry out a lot of Internet browsing it is also a good idea to clean your computer with free online software that detects spyware; an efficient program which you can make use of is Spyware Doctor.

So there you have it! Ten short but essential tips which can help you make your online shopping experience a pleasant one.

Credits

Then, saw local sites that are affiliated to the payment site, so I reckon I would check it to see if my intented christmas gifts for MCJ and Baby Ian are available, and they are. Have to check the site thoroughly, though. I also made a bid on one item for Baby Ian.

I always had fun shopping, online or actually going to the shop. :)

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