Thursday, January 31, 2008

Thanks!

The competition at the Mapiles Blog Cup is really tough. We're 16 blogs at the beginning and now we're down to four. I've surpassed the two rounds and the 3rd round just started today. I've known the people who supported me in the 1st and the 2nd round and I'd like to take his chance to thank them namely


Without your support I wouldn't be a semifinalist.
If you voted but your name wasn't mentioned please inform me.

I'd like to ask for your continuous support on the 3rd round. Vote for my blog THINKING OUT LOUD at http://blogcup.mapiles.com Pwede rin po dito sa sidebar ko.

Maraming Salamat po sa inyo!

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

My LO Share


I haven't posted my LO for almost a month and I wanna make it up by posting this.

I'm fond of making scrapbook for Josh, my nephew because of his amazing smile and innocence. These pictures were taken at Pic-a-boo during his first studio pictorial. Actually these were not the actual photos, I was the one who took them using my cellphone hehehe. We didn't expect him to be cooperative at the time but when the photographer started taking shots, he gave his sweetest smile and cutest pose. He definitely enjoyed it and never complained in changing his costume for 3x. He is our little precious baby!

Credits for this LO will be given tomorrow. Promise!

Entrecard...

Yesterday while browsing the Internet, I've discovered a way of increasing my web traffic in my blog. Have you heard of Entrecard? I have noticed that not all of my blog links here has it and maybe because nobody has told them about it. Entrecard is a free exchange network wherein you can advertise your own 125x125 ads on any blog in the network using Entrecard credits for a number of days. In other words, sites can be promoted for free. You just have to earn credits by
1. Networking like dropping your card for other bloggers
2. or if Someone dropped a card to your entrecard widget on your site
3. or Someone advertises on your widget.

These credits will be used as a payment for the advertisement of your Entrecard on other people's widgets. Isn't this a great way of increasing web traffic?

If you want more details visit Entrecard and pls don't forget to drop a card on my widget after you have signed up!

Monday, January 28, 2008

Bumoto ka na!

***Because of your support I've been qualified for the 2nd round at the Mapiles Blog Cup.

To all my
Kabl@gs, visitors and readers I am asking for your support again. Please vote for this blog THINKING OUT LOUD at http://blogcup.mapiles.com/

Wag ka ng magpahuli, Bumoto ka na!

Maraming Salamat po sa inyong suporta!

Ellaine, thanks for voting me everyday!!!

What is this?



2 weeks ago, we went to Caleruega in Batangas for a picnic and I have noticed this flower because of its color and uniqueness. I then grabbed my Camera and took a shot. I don't know what kind of plant this is and until now I'm curious. Can anyone tell me?

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Ang Prinsipyo ng 90/10

Have you ever encountered someone who has an attitude of "ang kapintasan sa'yo, ang papuri sa 'kin"? Someone who's tactless and doesn't even care if he's offending you already? Someone who's RUDE?... It's so hard to deal with a person like this. Bakit ba may ganitong tao? Feeling perfect pero hindi naman. Sometimes you just want to slap his face or hit him hard para magising and say "hey!!! Does it hurt? Kailangan mo yan para magising ka!!!". O kaya naman patulan mo na lang at barahin mo para makaganti ka at kung minsan kapag sya ang ginanun mo pikon din pala.

By the way, why am I saying this?
Kasi I know one person na ganyan. She's so mean... rude... and feeling perfect. I don't really like her but despite my hatred towards her I'm still trying to be nice. Sometimes i'm thinking what if I confront her pero wag na lang kasi kawawa sya kapag ginawa ko yun eh. I'm sure mapapahiya sya. How would I deal with someone like her? Hindi mo naman maiiwasan kasi magkikita't magkikita rin kayo eh...

Do you know the 90/10 principle?

10% of your life is made up of what happens to you
90% of your life is how you react

So first, bago ko sya patulan Inisip ko muna kung ano ba ang pagkatao nya. Una, wala syang pinag-aralan ako meron (buti na lang!!!)... pangalawa, wala syang breeding ako meron (buti na lang talaga!!!)... pangatlo, hindi sya marunong mag-isip so bakit mo papatulan? BUT will you just tolarate her to insult you? Of course not...

Applying the 90/10 principle...

They said we really have no control of what happens to us. Example, We can't stop the car from breaking down, we can't stop the rain, we can't stop people from making mistake, we can't stop people from making judgement. We have no control over this 10%. The 90% is different because you can determine it.

How?
By your reaction and you have contol over this.

One time I'm talking to one of our chapter head in SFC and he told me that we can't control other people but we can control ourselves, our emotions, reactions and judgements... What am I pointing here? If you are dealing with someone who's hard to deal with think of the reasons why he's acting that way and by knowing that, you'll understand him better (according to Bo Sanchez).

Now, regarding my question earlier if you'll just allow/tolerate him to insult/offend you?
I said NO, Do not allow it. Minsan kailangang batukan or sampalin ang mga taong ganyan para magising (not literally mga kapatid!!!). Syempre kung ako ang ginaganun simple lang ang mga salita ko pero i'll make sure na tatamaan sya para magising with matching SMILE... Sarcastic? Maybe sometimes you need to do that kung manhid yung tao and to let her know that she's offending you already... Proviking? I don't think so dahil naka SMILE ka naman diba? hehehehe!!! So kung magalit sya... TALO SYA!!! Pinatulan ko ba? HINDI ginising ko lang to let her know that nobody is perfect, she is not perfect and she can't cover up her flaws by other people's imperfection. Mas lalong nakikita yun kung ganun ang gagawin nya at baka mas lalo syang masaktan kapag nalaman nyang mas better yung taong pinipintasan nya kesa sa kanya. As I try to understand her more, I've found out na Insecure sya kaya sya ganun. Hindi talaga dapat patulan.I'm able to control myself kasi ganun na talaga sya eh. What I have learned from this is that I've learned to appreciate myself more and I'm so lucky I'm not like her.Thanks to her...

B-I-T-C-H means

Babe In Total Control of Herself!!!... ADJA!!!

More Inspirations

Got another awards from Butchay, Ellaine and Justine. You have just brightened up my day.

Thank you so much sisters!

I'd like to give this award to my new Kabl@gs namely

Fyrnz

Chalyza

Rickavieves

Soloflight

Thet

Honey

Emjei

ans also to

Lheeanne

Liza

Summer

Petra

Chikai

LorieM



Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Support my Blog

Last friday The Mapiles Blog Cup opened and I'm one of the nominees. 16 Blogs were chosen to compete, there'll be 4 rounds all in all. The winner of the 1st round will advance to the next round and so on. There will be a head to head match on the 4th/final round. Each round will last for 6 days and today is the last day of the 1st round.

To those who voted me Thank you very much. I'll support you the way you did when you get nominated too.

To those who haven't voted yet, please support me THINKING OUT LOUD at http://blogcup.mapiles.com

Maraming Salamat po!!!

First link loving in 2008

I was tagged by Idealpinkrose for this First link loving in 2008.
Cut and paste the following starting here.

I have randomly selected 7 of you below to be tagged and I hope that you will similarly publish this post in your blog. You will have to tag 7 other bloggers and just keep adding on to the list. (Do not replace, just keep on adding! Yes we hope it will be a long list!)

It's real easy! Tag others and see your Technorati Authority increase exponentially! The benefits of Viral Linking:
- One of the fastest ways to see your technorati authority explode! - Increase your Google PageRank fast- Attract large volume of new traffic to your site- Build your community- Make new friends!

The Strategist Notebook Link Addiction Ardour of the Heart When Life Becomes a Book The Malaysian Life Yogatta.com What goes under the sun Roshidan's Cyber Station Sasha says Arts of Physics And the legend lives My View, My Life! GBex,Reaching out the other side of world Butchay Idealpinkrose Thinking Out Loud

You're next *Ellaine*, *Cheh*, *Sexy Mom*, *Retchel*, *Russ*, *Rhon* and *Thet*

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Another Inspiration

At last I was able to sign in.

I got these 3 awards from Chelle, Ellaine and Joey, my new found friends. Thanks a lot sis!









Thanks also to Eds for this one.

I'm inspired by these awards and It's good to know that fellow bloggers like them appreciates what I'm doing. Blogging is just simply blogging for me before but it changed when I started gaining friends. Thank you so much mga Kabl@gs!

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Buhay Amerika

This is just a forwarded email from a friend of mine. I find it interesting that's why I posted it here. Leave your comments after reading.

Akala ng mga tao na nasa Pilipinas kapag nasa America ka akala nila madami ka ng pera. Ang totoo, madami kang utang, dahil credit card lahat ang gamit mo sa pagbili mo ng mga gamit mo. Kailangan mo gumamit ng credit card para magka-credit history ka, kase pag hindi ka umutang o wala kang utang, hindi ka pagkakatiwalaan ng mga kano . Pag wala kang credit card, ibig sabihin wala kang kapasidad magbayad. Akala nila mayaman ka na kase may kotse ka na. Ang totoo, kapag hindi ka bumili ng kotse sa America maglalakad ka ng milya-milya sa ilalim ng init ng araw o kaya sa snow. Walang jeepney, tricycle o padyak sa America .. Akala nila masarap ang buhay dito sa America . Ang totoo, puro ka trabaho kase pag di ka nagtrabaho, wala kang pangbayad ng bills mo sa kotse, credit card, ilaw, tubig, insurance, bahay at iba pa. Hindi ka na pwedeng tumambay sa kapitbahay kase busy din sila maghanap buhay pangbayad ng bills nila. Akala nila masaya ka kase nagpadala ka ng picture mo sa Disneyland, Seaworld, Six Flags, Universal Studios at iba pang attractions. Ang totoo, kailangan mo ngumiti kase nagbayad ka ng $70+ para makarating ka dun, kailangan mo na naman ang 10 hours na sweldo mong pinangbayad sa ticket. Akala nila malaki na ang kinikita mo kase dolyar na sweldo mo. Ang totoo, malaki pagpinalit mo ng peso, pero dolyar din ang gastos mo sa America. Ibig sabihin ang dolyar mong kinita sa presyong dolyar mo din gagastusin. Ang P15.00 na sardinas s a Pilipinas $1.00 sa America , ang isang pakete ng sigarilyo sa pilipinas P40.00, sa America $ 6.50, ang upa mo sa bahay na P10,000 sa Pilipinas, sa America $1,000++. Akala nila buhay milyonaryo ka na kase ang ganda ng bahay at kotse mo. Ang totoo milyon ang utang mo. Ang bago mong kotse 5 taon mong huhulugan. Ang bahay 30 taon mong huhulugan. Ibig sabihin, alipin ka ng bahay at kotse mo. Madaming naghahangad na makarating sa America . Lalo na mga nurses, mahirap maging normal na manggagawa sa Pilipinas. Madalas pagod ka sa trabaho. Pag dating ng sweldo mo, kulang pa sa pagkain mo.

Pero ganun din sa ibang bansa katulad ng America . Hindi ibig sabihin dolyar na ang sweldo mo, yayaman ka na, kailangan mo ding magbanat ng buto para mabuhay ka sa ibang bansa. Isang malaking sakripisyo ang pag alis mo sa bansang sinilangan at malungkot iwanan ang mga mahal mo sa buhay.Hindi pinupulot ang pera dito o pinipitas. Hindi ako naninira ng pangarap, gusto ko lang buksan ang bintana ng katotohanan.



Anong say mo tungkol dito?

Monday, January 14, 2008

Struggling with weight

I started gaining weight since I got married. Sometimes I don't feel like looking at the mirror because it makes me see the reality of me getting fat and bigger. Whew! Most of my clothes and pants doesn't fit anymore and I'm even having a hard time choosing what to wear every time I go out. Losing weight has been a struggle and a challenge. Before, I use to exercise everyday or at least 4 times a week at night before I go to bed. I don't eat dinner and sometimes I go jogging with my sister on weekends but now it has been so hard for me to do it again. I've been very lazy to play the CD which I use to watch and follow whenever I exercise. I eat a lot! Actually, I love eating that's why even if I'm not hungry I still eat whenever someone invites me to hahahaha!!! I have planned to go on a diet for many times but each time I decide to do it that's when I'm craving more. It's true when they say that it's easy to gain weight than to loose.




Last Saturday my sis and I went on a food tripping. We ate mango vanilla cream crepe, bought fries and went to Coffee Bean for a rich Ice Blended Mocha. Isn't it great to satisfy your cravings? But then I've promised myself that it will be the last. They say health is wealth and being fat is not always healthy. This time, I'll be sincere. Doing so is not easy and fast. I know I have to be patient and focused. I've done it before that's why I can do it again.

These quotes have kept me inspired and motivated:



"Nothing can stop the man

with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal;


Nothing on earth can help the man

with the wrong mental attitude"


-Thomas Jefferson




"You just can't beat the person who never gives up"



-George Ruth





I'd like to hear your stories too.

Do you have the same weight problem?

How does it affect you?

Any motivations that you could share?

Saturday, January 12, 2008

What's behind your name?

I've been tagged by Chelle to do this. Thanks sis!

All you have to do is spell your name using the letters and their corresponding meanings... pretty cool huh?

Now here's mine...

L ♥ BEST SMILE : )
O ♥ Has one of the best personalities ever
R ♥ Good bf/gf
I ♥ Loves to laugh
E ♥ deeply in love with his/her gf/bf

Name Meaning Here:
A: Gorgeous
B: Loves people
C: Really easy to fall in love with
D: Is great in bed
E: deeply in love with his/her gf/bf
F: People wild and crazy adore you
G: Never let people tell you what to do
H:Freakin’ beautiful eyes
I: Loves to laugh
J: Makes people laugh
K: Really silly
L: BEST SMILE
M: Makes dating fun
N: Sexy
O: Has one of the best personalities ever
P: Popular with all types of people
Q: A hypocrite
R: Good bf/gf
S: Lives life for fun
T: Great kisser
U: Gets blamed for everything
V: Not judgmental
W: Very broad minded
X: Never let people tell you what to do
Y: Loved by everyone
Z: Lives life for fun

Now I'm also tagging Sexy Mom and Petra. You must try this. It's really fun!

Tag from Jhona

Jhona just tag me with this meme! Thank you girl

1. Name one thing you do everyday.
Surf the net

2. Name two things you wish you could learn.
Swim
Paint

3. Name three things that remind you of your childhood.
Parks
Chinese Garter
Piko

4. Name four things you love to eat but rarely do.
Pizza
Ice Cream
Crepe
Lumpiang Ubod

5. Name five things that make you feel good.
Same with eds:
Eating
Travelling
Blogging
Sleeping for atleast 10 hrs
Singing

5 people to tag for this meme
Justine
Petra
Chelle
Summer
Liza

Friday, January 11, 2008

Recovering...

2 days ago I have uploaded a new template for this site. It was my first time and I didn't have any idea that my widgets will be deleted. It's a good thing that I was able to save a copy of my links so I started typing and adding them one by one last night --- I'll just separate the scrappers later. Right now I'm still trying to recover some of my logos and stats. Whew! This is a lesson to me. Next time I'll back up my files.

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Ten Questions

Got this from Jin. Thank you girl!

1. I love to eat: PIZZA, yummy!
2. I hate to eat: very salty foods
3. I love to go: to different places
4. I hate to go: malling when there are lots of people
5. I love it when: my hair is straight
6. I hate it when: my hair gets kinky
7. I love to see: nature
8. I hate to see: dark cloudy sky
9. I love to hear: Music
10. I hate to hear: Noises

Now passing this tag to the following... Idealpinkrose, Juliana, Eds, Jean, and Jhona, Wena and Diane

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

The Big S

I've watched the movie She's Too Young on TV last night. I highly recommend this to many teenagers who are at their stage of exploring and experimenting. She's Too Young is a made-for-TV movie, released in 2004, starring Marcia Gay Harden as the mother of a 14 year old daughter who is involved in sexual acts hidden from her parents. Freshman Hannah Vogul (Alexis Dziena) does everything her loving parents want: excels at music, makes good grades, and always tells the truth. That all changes when Hannah falls for the attentions of campus stud Nick Hartman (Mike Erwin). Supremely confident, the boy successfully pressures her to fellate him on their second date, then unsuccessfully invites her to an orgy for their third. Soon Dawn (Miriam McDonald), one of Nick's countless other conquests, confesses that she's contracted the Big S (Syphilis), which sets off an investigation by horrified public-health officials. When Hannah turns out to be one of dozens of infected students, her mother joins the crusade to bring their parents together and confront the underaged partying and casual sex that have led their children to this predicament. But with Hannah's self-esteem rocked by Nick's rejection and the ostracism of her peers, it may be too late to save her.

The purpose of the film is to show the effects and worries of teen sex in today's society. Teenagers today are really different, they are more independent and aggressive which is very different from yesterday's generation.

STD Facts - Syphilis

What is Syphilis?


Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It has often been called “the great imitator” because so many of the signs and symptoms are indistinguishable from those of other diseases.

How common is Syphilis?

In the United States, health officials reported over 32,000 cases of syphilis in 2002, including 6,862 cases of primary and secondary (P&S) syphilis. In 2002, half of all P&S syphilis cases were reported from 16 counties and 1 city; and most P&S syphilis cases occurred in persons 20 to 39 years of age. The incidence of infectious syphilis was highest in women 20 to 24 years of age and in men 35 to 39 years of age. Reported cases of congenital syphilis in newborns decreased from 2001 to 2002, with 492 new cases reported in 2001 compared to 412 cases in 2002.

Between 2001 and 2002, the number of reported P & S syphilis cases increased 12.4 percent. Rates in women continued to decrease, and overall, the rate in men was 3.5 times that in women. This, in conjunction with reports of syphilis outbreaks in men who have sex with men (MSM), suggests that rates of syphilis in MSM are increasing.

How do people get Syphilis?

Syphilis is passed from person to person through direct contact with a syphilis sore. Sores occur mainly on the external genitals, vagina, anus, or in the rectum. Sores also can occur on the lips and in the mouth. Transmission of the organism occurs during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Pregnant women with the disease can pass it to the babies they are carrying. Syphilis cannot be spread through contact with toilet seats, doorknobs, swimming pools, hot tubs, bathtubs, shared clothing, or eating utensils.

What are the signs and sypmptoms in adults?

Many people infected with syphilis do not have any symptoms for years, yet remain at risk for late complications if they are not treated. Although transmission appears to occur from persons with sores who are in the primary or secondary stage, many of these sores are unrecognized. Thus, most transmission is from persons who are unaware of their infection.

Primary Stage
The primary stage of syphilis is usually marked by the appearance of a single sore (called a chancre), but there may be multiple sores. The time between infection with syphilis and the start of the first symptom can range from 10 to 90 days (average 21 days). The chancre is usually firm, round, small, and painless. It appears at the spot where syphilis entered the body. The chancre lasts 3 to 6 weeks, and it heals without treatment. However, if adequate treatment is not administered, the infection progresses to the secondary stage.

Secondary Stage
Skin rash and mucous membrane lesions characterize the secondary stage. This stage typically starts with the development of a rash on one or more areas of the body. The rash usually does not cause itching. Rashes associated with secondary syphilis can appear as the chancre is healing or several weeks after the chancre has healed. The characteristic rash of secondary syphilis may appear as rough, red, or reddish brown spots both on the palms of the hands and the bottoms of the feet. However, rashes with a different appearance may occur on other parts of the body, sometimes resembling rashes caused by other diseases. Sometimes rashes associated with secondary syphilis are so faint that they are not noticed. In addition to rashes, symptoms of secondary syphilis may include fever, swollen lymph glands, sore throat, patchy hair loss, headaches, weight loss, muscle aches, and fatigue. The signs and symptoms of secondary syphilis will resolve with or without treatment, but without treatment, the infection will progress to the latent and late stages of disease.

Late Stage
The latent (hidden) stage of syphilis begins when secondary symptoms disappear. Without treatment, the infected person will continue to have syphilis even though there are no signs or symptoms; infection remains in the body. In the late stages of syphilis, it may subsequently damage the internal organs, including the brain, nerves, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones, and joints. This internal damage may show up many years later. Signs and symptoms of the late stage of syphilis include difficulty coordinating muscle movements, paralysis, numbness, gradual blindness, and dementia. This damage may be serious enough to cause death.

How does syphilis affect a pregnant woman and her baby?

The syphilis bacterium can infect the baby of a woman during her pregnancy. Depending on how long a pregnant woman has been infected, she may have a high risk of having a stillbirth (a baby born dead) or of giving birth to a baby who dies shortly after birth. An infected baby may be born without signs or symptoms of disease. However, if not treated immediately, the baby may develop serious problems within a few weeks. Untreated babies may become developmentally delayed, have seizures, or die.

How is Syphilis diagnosed?

Some health care providers can diagnose syphilis by examining material from a chancre (infectious sore) using a special microscope called a dark-field microscope. If syphilis bacteria are present in the sore, they will show up when observed through the microscope.

A blood test is another way to determine whether someone has syphilis. Shortly after infection occurs, the body produces syphilis antibodies that can be detected by an accurate, safe, and inexpensive blood test. A low level of antibodies will stay in the blood for months or years even after the disease has been successfully treated. Because untreated syphilis in a pregnant woman can infect and possibly kill her developing baby, every pregnant woman should have a blood test for syphilis.

What is the link between Syphilis and HIV?

Genital sores (chancres) caused by syphilis make it easier to transmit and acquire HIV infection sexually. There is an estimated 2- to 5-fold increased risk of acquiring HIV infection when syphilis is present.

Ulcerative STDs that cause sores, ulcers, or breaks in the skin or mucous membranes, such as syphilis, disrupt barriers that provide protection against infections. The genital ulcers caused by syphilis can bleed easily, and when they come into contact with oral and rectal mucosa during sex, increase the infectiousness of and susceptibility to HIV. Having other STDs is also an important predictor for becoming HIV infected because STDs are a marker for behaviors associated with HIV transmission.

What is the treatment for Syphilis?

Syphilis is easy to cure in its early stages. A single intramuscular injection of penicillin, an antibiotic, will cure a person who has had syphilis for less than a year. Additional doses are needed to treat someone who has had syphilis for longer than a year. For people who are allergic to penicillin, other antibiotics are available to treat syphilis. There are no home remedies or over-the-counter drugs that will cure syphilis. Treatment will kill the syphilis bacterium and prevent further damage, but it will not repair damage already done.

Because effective treatment is available, it is important that persons be screened for syphilis on an on-going basis if their sexual behaviors put them at risk for STDs.

Persons who receive syphilis treatment must abstain from sexual contact with new partners until the syphilis sores are completely healed. Persons with syphilis must notify their sex partners so that they also can be tested and receive treatment if necessary.

Will syphilis recur?

Having syphilis once does not protect a person from getting it again. Following successful treatment, people can still be susceptible to re-infection. Only laboratory tests can confirm whether someone has syphilis. Because syphilis sores can be hidden in the vagina, rectum, or mouth, it may not be obvious that a sex partner has syphilis. Talking with a health care provider will help to determine the need to be re-tested for syphilis after treatment has been received.

How can syphilis be prevented?

The surest way to avoid transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, including syphilis, is to abstain from sexual contact or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected.

Avoiding alcohol and drug use may also help prevent transmission of syphilis because these activities may lead to risky sexual behavior. It is important that sex partners talk to each other about their HIV status and history of other STDs so that preventive action can be taken.

Genital ulcer diseases, like syphilis, can occur in both male and female genital areas that are covered or protected by a latex condom, as well as in areas that are not covered. Correct and consistent use of latex condoms can reduce the risk of syphilis, as well as genital herpes and chancroid, only when the infected area or site of potential exposure is protected.

Condoms lubricated with spermicides (especially Nonoxynol-9 or N-9) are no more effective than other lubricated condoms in protecting against the transmission of STDs. Based on findings from several research studies, N-9 may itself cause genital lesions, providing a point of entry for HIV and other STDs. In June 2001, the CDC recommended that N-9 not be used as a microbicide or lubricant during anal intercourse. Transmission of a STD, including syphilis cannot be prevented by washing the genitals, urinating, and or douching after sex. Any unusual discharge, sore, or rash, particularly in the groin area, should be a signal to refrain from having sex and to see a doctor immediately.

Monday, January 7, 2008

My Craft

I have not yet posted the finished scrapbook that I've done as a gift for my mom on her bday. So here it is. I bought the Paper cover at Simple Joys and have chosen Gold because it's my mom's favorite color. I have used Black Cartolina which I bought at the National Bookstore for the pages because it complements the Golden color of the cover. I've made a total of 10 pages and printed them out on an 8x8 glossy paper. I've binded them together with thread and beads --- also from Simple Joys.




Another Inspiration


This is really cute Justine! Thank you so much. Another friendship award that serves as an inspiration. It's really possible to make friends even if you don't see each other personally.

I'd like to share this with my kabl@ggers Idealpinkrose, Cheh, Petra and Joey

My Weekend Treat!

I had my first body massage for this year and It really is very relaxing. I've chosen Shiatsu because it's a dry massage. It doesn't uses any oil that makes me feel sticky after.

Most people enjoy shiatsu massage as much as they enjoy deep tissue massage, but expect some differences. Shiatsu will involve deep breathing, rotating and stretching your joints, as well as manipulating pressure points. When these points are pressed, people describe the sensation as feeling tender, tickling, intense, or slightly uncomfortable, unlike anything else. After the massage, you may feel strange, but not sore as in a muscular tissue massage. Many believe Shiatsu is both preventative and healing, so getting it done on a regular basis, along with stretching, exercise, and a healthy diet, may improve your health.

Sunday, January 6, 2008

Mission Accomplished!

This time of last year, I have focused myself to 3 major goals.

1. To graduate from Nursing on April
2. Have a baby
3. Pass the Board Exam on June

I'm proud to achieve numbers 1 and 3. I really wanna get pregnant but maybe it's not yet God's plan for me. HE's got a better plan and I know HE will give us our little angel in HIS perfect time. I believe that if got pregnant last year I might not be able to take the Board exam last June. My husband came for a vacation last summer and if I got preggy I won't be able to concentrate my review. Anyway, I've realized that you can't really have everything. Looking back I can say it's still a mission accomplished because I have achieved 2 goals out of 3!

And my major goals for this year? I won't say until it's done but surely getting pregnant is one of those hehehe!

Saturday, January 5, 2008

Our Family Picture



The Rodriguez Family

The Party was a Success

Hi Everyone I'm Back! Happy New Year!!!

Anyway, my mom's party last Dec 26, 2007 was a success. I've mentioned from my previous blog that we have scheduled it on Dec 23 but because my mom got some hints we proceeded with our Plan B which is moving it to the 26Th 2 days prior to the event. We informed all our guests that the party was moved to Dec 26, same time and place 1 day prior to Dec 23. It was really a very short notice but everyone agreed to it and promised to attend.

THE PLAN

Since my dad haven't been to the place yet, we went to the venue early morning to show him how to get there. All my mom knows was we're gonna check the car's speedometer for our out of town trip the next day. This time she doesn't have any clue of what is going to happen. The plan was that my dad will invite my mom to watch a movie and after that he will pretend that his friend is inviting them to a wedding anniversary.

THE PREPARATION

As soon as we got home, I've prepared the Scrapbook that I still have to bind (yes, not yet done heheheh) and went to my friend's salon for a Hot Oil and Pedicure. I was in a rush because the party will start at 6 and I still have to finish the scrapbook. I have to go back to our house to dress up, get the prizes for the games and the DVD player to be set up at the place by 4pm.

After the salon, I went home right away and my parents are about to leave already. Everyone at the house except me, my sis and my dad doesn't know anything about the party. I've only informed them when my parents left. Of course they were all surprised and were in a hurry to dress up. That's the only time I was able to prepare all the stuffs for the party.

THE RAIN

It was raining hard that day and we're really worried that some of our guests might not come and true enough that some of them sent us a text message that they cannot make it because of the rain. Good thing though that the venue we have wasn't an outdoor. It's funny that My auntie who is from malinta told me that if the rain will not stop, they might not come. Thank God that at about 3 pm the rain stopped and they were the first one to arrive at the venue, 1 hour prior to the time of the party.

THE PARTY

By 6 pm all the guests started coming in. I'm always updating my dad to let him know if we're all ready. I called him up pretending as his friend, he was talking as if I'm really his friend. Of course I was just listening to him and laughing. At the same time Ate Mai, the party host is giving updates to the guests about where my mom is, and that we have to wait because it was really a surprise and they just finished watching the movie. The scrapbook I've made was passed around so they wouldn't get bored. Finally, after I talked to my dad, he sent me a text message that they are on their way already so I've given him an instruction to give me a missed call once they arrive at the venue and that he should escort my mom to the function room where we are waiting. After about 30 mins, I got a missed call from my dad, we dimmed all the lights and gathered at the center to welcome my mom. But then I got another call and this time it's from my mom, she told me that they are going to a party and we shouldn't wait them for dinner Hahahaha, she doesn't have any clue that I'm not home.

Since the room's light was dimmed we saw them approaching our place and when my dad opened the door we turned on all the lights and sang a Happy Birthday for my mom. We let her blow the candle and give us a message. She was really surprised!!! Everybody was there, all her friends, my aunties and cousins! She was happy and didn't really expect it. We have chosen 6 persons to say something about her in each decades of her life. Some of them even cried while giving their message. We played his favorite songs mostly 60's and 70's. Ate Mai, our party host, rendered bossa nova songs for her. Me, my sis and brother gave her messages and wishes, my dad being the finale. We had games too, including trivia. We played the "Bring Me" game, things that would relate to my mom's personality example: mataray na kilay, ATM card because she's kuripot etc. We asked if anyone from the guests whose birthday is also December and gave her a small cake.

My parents danced at the last part of the party.

We all had a great time and It was really a memorable one for my mom.

SUPPLIERS

The VENUE.
The party was held at the Albergus catered by Pandan Seafood and Grill. The motif was Gold and Red that complimented the room's color. It was a beautiful place and the location is very accessible.

The CATERER.

Pandan Seafood and Grill catered the party. The buffet includes 16 native dishes, 3 International dishes, Mongolian bar, appetizer and dessert station. Bottomless Drinks plus no corkage fee on 3 bottles of wine.

The CAKE.
The Cake was made by Shoppesville Bakeshop. It was a 3 Tiered, double cake with 2 separate small round cakes.

The PARTY HOST.

The Party was hosted by a very good friend, Mrs. Myra Solis-Francisco, an event organizer, a party host and singer. She also owns the NEA Salon that specializes hair and make-up for weddings and debuts. You may contact her at 09062674825.

The INVITATION. I made the invitation using the Scrapbookflair. Downloadable at www.scrapbookflair.com. I've printed out 30 copies of 4x6 size costing me only P100.

New Years Good Luck Traditions

Whew! It's raining tags today and here's another one from Joey
What are some of your new year's good luck traditions?

Rule:
Copy the person and persons' names that sent it to you and add your own at the bottom of the list. It really helps to build community.
Lets start it here


*My mom used to collect some coins and when the new year comes she put the coins in a bowl and shake it to create sounds. She said its a good luck for a money throughout a year. And also wearing dotted dresses on new year don't know why. CC/ chalyza /keep

*My mom prepares 12 round fruits. One fruit for goodluck in each month of the year. Also, she bought dotted clothes when we were young. She said, dots are like coins. idealpinkrose/ allinkorea/ korean food

*We dress up in "happy" colors, specifically red and preferably something newly bought. Red is a favorite choice for Chinese for happy events, including birthdays and weddings, and New Year's Day is considered a happy event. -- Joey of http://the-working-mom.blogspot.com and http://onlineraket.blogspot.com

*We open all our windows because my mom believes that good luck enters for the new year. At midnight we all make noises to drive away bad karmas and evil spirits. -- Lorie of Thinking Out Loud

Anyone who's interested may snag this tag :)

Choooo Choooo Train

Got this tag from Michelle

Come on, ride with me on the choochoo train!!! chug,chug,chug,chug,chug,chug!

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



Limadang.com
RamblingMoo.com
blogginginmypyjamas
ChinneeqDora-zooropazoo
BabyshernHiPnCooLMoMMaRachel’s Soulful Thoughts
When Silence Speaks
Dancing in Midlife TuneUnderneath it All
I am Dzoi
Hobbies and Such
moms…..check nyo
Choc Mint Girl
Amel’s Realm
My ThoughtsRusin RoundupJuliana’s Site
Max
Rooms of My HeartA Great PleasureMondayMorningPowerLadyJava’s LoungeColin aka Cotojo
NafaSG
Hanna
My Life My World
Mommy’s Gibble Gabbles
Author’s Sweet Life
A Window To Our World
Jenny’s Wandering Thoughts
We are FamilyMomma Stuff
Our Journey to Life
Journal of a Pinay Working Mom
Thinking Out Loud

Anyone who wants to ride may snag this.

Thursday, January 3, 2008

My first Award for 2008

I got this award from Butchay. Thank you so much sis. You just brightened up my day.

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I would like to share this to everyone. You can grab this if you want.

End of the year tag

Got this 1st tag for the year from Butchay.

Here’s the rule: Remove 1 question from below, and add in your personal question, make it a total of 20 questions, then tag 8 people in your list, list them out at the end of this post. Notify them in their chat box that he/she has been tagged. Whoever does the tag will have blessings from all.

1. At what age do you wish to marry ?
Don't have any particular age, I got married at 29.

2. What color do you like most?
Lime green

3. If you have the chance, what would you probably say to your beloved one?
I love you

4. Where is the place that you want to go the most?
Paris

5. Which part of you that you hate the most?
My Kinky hair

6. When you encounter a sad moment, what would you do?
cry

7. What are you afraid to lose the most?
losing someone I love

8. (MY QUESTION) If you bump into your ex, what will you do?
SMILE

9. If you meet someone that you love, would you confess to him/her?
no

10. List out 3 good points of the person who tagged you. ..
friendly, friendly and nice

11. What are the requirements that you wish from your other half?
nothing, as long as we understand each other

12. Till now, what is the moment that you regret the most?
There's a lot of things I haven't fulfilled and one of it is being a singer hehehe

13. Which type of person do you hate the most?
PLASTIC!

14. What is your ambition?
to be rich

15. If you had one wish what would you wish for?
good health

16. How would you celebrate new year?
gather in one place with my loved ones

17. What is the only thing you’ve done in 2007 that you wish won’t happen again on 2008?
Nothing

18. What is the best gift you can give to someone this year?
LOVE

19. Are you afraid of death? YES.


20. What is your favorite gourmet coffee flavor?
Capuccino


I am going to forward this tag to … Cheh, Liza and Jin no rush girls, just post it if you have the time Happy New Year!!


*********************************


I was tagged by Idealpinkrose to do this

You Will Keep Your New Year's Resolution

You planning on making a resolution that's smart, attainable, and perfect for where your life is.


I'm sharing this to Michelle, Butchay, Alpha.