Music Monday #016 : Scissor Sisters

Happy New Year! It's 2013 tomorrow and tonight we're going to have a party! And this is the perfect party song...

Feast of the Holy Family

I don't really post anything on Sundays. Not on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and neither here on Blogger. Well, Sunday is my family day. Usually my schedule is full...full of household work! And attending mass, of course. And this is why I am blogging tonight. My daughter and I attended mass this afternoon at San Isidro Labrador Parish Church. Today is the Feast of the Holy Family. And after the homily I really felt blessed. As the Parish Priest coveys on his sermon, family is the most important foundation of a person. Even Jesus, knowing that He is the Son of God, still listens to His parents. Mary and Joseph. 

And I felt really blessed for my family. We don't have much but we are very happy together. They mean the world to me. And I'm glad I choose them over my fancy of choosing a selfish happiness. I almost made a huge mistake that could break every member of my family's hearts. I prayed God for a divine intervention and I knew that my prayers were answered. Because we are still living together happily. We had our lives back. Slowly, we are making our dreams come true. 

Almost all my prayers today consists of thanking God for everything. The blessing, the guidance, the forgiveness. And my only wish is for my family's good health and safety. Amen.

Friday Letters

Dear Boss, Where's the spirit of Christmas? Where are our bonuses? Dear Christmas, You are really here! I am still not ready. Dear Inaanaks (Godchildren), Patawad. See you next Christmas. Dear Mayans, Ha! You lose!

Friday Fill-Ins

1. Ahhhh boss, you are impossible and you are making me think of changing my career.
2. Everybody's preparing gifts for somebody except me! 
3. Creating a list of people to give gifts to then staring at it for hours because you don't have enough money to go with it. 
4. Good thing Christmas vacation is coming and I will have a week of relaxation.
5. Kick start the year 2013 with a positive 'me'.
6. It isn't the end of the world yet.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to do some light shopping with Paul, tomorrow my plans include some zumba dancing with Leslie and Sunday, I want to go to church with my family!

12/21/12 is End of the World.....Nah!

As the Mayans predicted, today is the end of the world. With all the fuss about the world ending I just want to say....whatever! I am a devoted Catholic and as the scriptures taught us the day will come for the 'rapture' (the second coming of Christ). I don't believe in the Mayan's prediction. I somehow believe in the rapture. But for me as long as you live your life in a way acceptable to Christ there is nothing to fear. My time will come. Everybody's time will come. The important thing is we make the most of the time we have. Spend it with our family. Tell them or show them how much we love them. Always pray and thank God for everything. So when the time comes, you can go with a smile.

I remember my daughter last night laughing out loud when she learned that her aunts spend their night at a park, enjoying their 'final night' in case the prediction is true. I told her at least they had fun. But I was upset because they did not invite us. Oh well, what's important is we wake up today well and happy. And still looking forward in celebrating more years together.

Leslie told me that this is the official theme song for those who believe in the Mayan's prediction:

from 9gag.com: 'The Mayans today'

Friday Quotes: 12 Christmas Prayers

No Christmas Party For Me on 2012

This year, while some friends I know are busy going to Christmas parties here and there, I won't be attending any.  Our company never prepare Christmas party ever since. December is a very busy month for us so nobody bothered arranging parties. Also, I will not attend two Christmas party given by my elementary and high school batch mates. I am simply not in the mood to see them all (hehe). I don't think that my bff's and I are having our party too. Too busy I guess. And finally, we won't be having a Christmas party at home. No exchange gifts or anything. We are simply celebrating my brother's birthday on the 24th. 

But for what it's worth, we will still be celebrating Christmas on our own way. The important thing is that my family is well and all together on that special day. Whatever it is we are doing.

So, Happy Christmas everyone!   

Wednesday Happy Thoughts

happiness is....

1. 10-days holiday vacation
2. gifts, gifts, gifts (I keep on receiving gifts but I haven't given anything to anyone yet, yaikss!)
3. I can smell the BONUS coming (still crossing my fingers though)
4. hubby consistently bringing home take-outs when he goes home coming from work 
5. free food at the office (forget the diet)
6. rediscovering Prison Break series, I really love Scoffield's eyes 
7. shing-aling, my new addiction
8. my very cooperative clients
9. debt-free Christmas
10. my daughter, my niece and my super kulit nephew

to know how this started and for credits on the image, click here.

I Don't Know How She Does It

So, I just watched 'I Don't Know How She Does It' starring Sarah Jessica Parker and a thought occur to me...."how do I stand as a mother?". Does anybody ever stare or look at me then ask themselves "My, how does she does it?".

Well, unlike Parker's character, my job is not that physically demanding. I don't travel to get a job done. I only work 8 hours a day for 5 days. Plus 5 hours more on Saturdays. Overtimes are not allowed since my work requires mostly of talking on the phone with clients and suppliers during office hours. Night calls are only for emergency such as problems with deliveries or important inquiries that needs urgent answers. But mind you my job is a very stressful one. I'm on sales of construction supplies to various contractors, real estate developers and manufacturers of different products. So from answering quotations, to winning the bill, accepting and arranging the purchase order, up to ensuring the deliveries on time, I have to be on top of all of that. That is why most of the time when I went home I am very exhausted. I also have this bad habit of bringing home some work to help lessen my office load. But most of the time it never gets done BECAUSE I AM SO TIRED ALREADY with all the housework.

me at work

We don't have a househelp. We never had. My daughter had a nanny once for two months only when she was 2. I am not very comfortable leaving my daughter alone with a very young unexperience girl, even if she is my cousin. So I ask for my parents help. We had an arrangement to bring my daughter to their house in the morning, then pick her up when we get home. It's a 10-minute commute so it's not a bother.

I am a hands-on mom. But I got lots of help from my mother and my mother-in-law. I married young, therefore I needed guidance. But I made sure to be always there for my daughter. Well, not exactly. When she started school our schedule gets complicated. I can't miss work to attend the PTA meetings or any other school activities. My hubby or my mom are my proxy. Her teachers never met me. Her classmates never knew me. But I knew them. Leslie loves to talk. She talks about everything. She always tell me how her day was. I knew her teachers, classmates and friends well enough through her stories. That's how we bonded. We never loose communication. She understand (at a very young age) that I have to work. As soon as she learns to speak, every time I say my goodbyes going to work, she retorts "Walang Work, Walang Milk" (No Work, No Milk). And in return I make sure that I have something for her when I get home. And every weekend we make time for her. We go out whenever it's possible or we simply play sillies at home.

Every Sunday morning, upon waking up, my husband and my daughter always do some kind of wrestling stuff. Of course, hubby never let himself win. He takes all the punches and the kicks while laughing very hard. When they get tired then we start breakfast.

daddy and leslie

Leslie is fifteen now. So, the wrestling part is gone. Aside from that my husband new work schedule is very difficult. I couldn't remember the last time we all went out together. And most of the time my daughter has her own 'gimik' with her friends. And because cellphones were invented, it pretty occupies her time. I sometimes wonder how she can talk to different person simultaneously. She talk to someone on our phone while she chat with somebody on the laptop and text another one on her cellphone. Teenagers...

mi unica hija

We still talk a lot, Leslie and I. When there's time. Usually during weekends. And cellphones becomes a necessity to us. And notes!!! Yes, notes. I always find a note on the sofa or pinned at the cork board or on the fridge from her. That usually happen when I went home late and she sleeps early. And I appreciate that greatly. She can easily text me anytime but she prefers to write a note. usually it's about some request or school reminders. but once in a while it's just a note asking me to take it easy and she misses me. And her dad.

the latest note I received from Leslie

So you see, I stand fairly good as a working mom. But sometimes I feel that I am not giving enough time for my family. I still want to do good at my job and at the same time have more time with my family. And I'm thinking of having another baby. My husband has been begging me for years to have another one, but I don't think it's the right time. I want our house fixed first. And I want us to be financially settled. Leslie is entering college next year, we have to prepare for that. I want to do better on my job next year. Hubby needs to be regularized on his current work. And I want to venture into something for additional income. With all these, how can I fit a baby?

my only baby

But as the saying goes "Kung gusto may paraan, Kung ayaw may dahilan" (If there's a will there's a way). I think I can do this. I mean all the things on my list, it's doable. It won't take a superwoman to do everything I need to get done. It just need a woman who even though loves hes job still prioritizes her family. who is not afraid to ask help from friends, families and even her husband to get things done. Who feels loved in every way by her husband and daughter. Who has a caring boss that understands that I am a wife and a mother first above anything else. Who feels the good graces of God everyday. And at the end of the day no one has to wonder and ask anything. When they see my smile, all they can say is...that's how she did it!

things would be easy if i'm a superhero :-p

Music Monday #015: Shania Twain

Happy Monday everyone! My entry for today is inspired by my current relationship status with my husband. I don't want to sound cheesy but the song speaks for us. We've been through ups and downs. We shed blood and tears for this relationship. And what do you know...we're still together. Though I said goodbye a couple of times. 

And here we are now...

Looks like we made it

Look how far we've come my baby
We mighta took the long way
We knew we'd get there someday

They said "I bet they'll never make it"
But just look at us holding on
We're still together still going strong

(You're still the one)
You're still the one I run to
The on that I belong to
You're still the one I want for life
(You're still the one)
You're still the one I love
The only one I dream of
You're still the one I kiss good night

Ain't nothin' better
We beat the odds together
I'm glad we didn't listen
Look at what we would be missin'
They said "I bet they'll never make it"
But just look at us holdin' on
We're still together still goin' strong

(You're still the one)
You're still the one I run to
The one that I belong to
You're still the one I want for life
(You're still the one)
You're still the one I love
The only one I dream of
You're still the one I kiss good night

(You're still the one)
You're still the one I run to
The one that I belong to
You're still the one I want for life
(You're still the one)
You're still the one I love
The only one I dream of
You're still the one I kiss good night

I'm so glad we made it
Look how far we've come my baby

Friday Quotes: Move On

This is dedicated to an old friend....

Friday Fill-Ins

I am not feeling well today. My migraine is in full alert. But when you love something, there's not a single thing that can take you away from doing what you love. And that's blogging! Here goes...

1. Oh, my past is back from the dead! And I don't like it.
2. I hope I can find some money sooner, rather than later! There are things that need to be settled before my Christmas vacation.
3. Buy one, get 99% discount. Hope I can find this kind of a deal.
4. Think positively! This too shall pass.
5. Soon, I'm going out of the country. That is one of my New Year's resolution. I want to travel with Leslie.
6. Do wishes really come true when you wish upon a shooting stars?
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to the finals of the Amazing Race Philippines, tomorrow my plans include some zumba dancing and Sunday, I want to have a movie marathon weekend with my family on our new LED tv!  

Wednesday Happy Thoughts

happiness is....

1. finally visited Policarpio St.
2. our new LED tv
3. gifts from suppliers, it's piling up already...yipeee!!!
4. knowing the fact that those people who always irritates me are only insecure of the things that I have...poor you, insecurity is a disease. so get well soon! 
5. sopas and palabok ni Aling Charing
6. solace after attending mass 
7. Glee and Walking Dead marathon last weekend
8. rekindling the romance (har har har)
9. excited for the long Christmas vacation, lot of things planned for the family at home. traveling is cancelled because of some financial reason
10. 13th month pay! and 14th month pay (hopefully)

to know how this started and for credits on the image, click here.

Bentot Tapsilugan, An Antique Experience

Last week, first Friday of the month, I went to Quiapo to attend a mass. It's a tradition among Filipino Christian. Therefore, I expect heavy traffic and difficulty in commuting. I ask my husband if he could take me home. He said yes, of course! It is not in his position to say no. He suggested that we should eat first before heading home. There's this tapsilugan along our way home that we haven't tried yet. It's Bentot Tapsilugan. Located conveniently along Rizal Avenue, you can find it easily because of the big picture of the owner in front of the establishment, advertising the food that the restaurant offer. Well, the food is fairly good. They offer only five types of silog...tapsilog, longsilog, porksilog, tocilog and chiksilog. All for only P45.00 each. They don't sell softdrinks. They offer three types of desserts...mais con yelo, gulaman and saging con yelo. Here is what we ordered:

all these for only P100.00

tapsilog, my order

(inverted) longsilog, for my hubby

saging con yelo priced at P10.00

Well, enough of the food. What really fascinates me about the place is that it looks like an antique shop. All the furniture and the ornaments of the place are old! All hand-me-downs, though I wouldn't know because I never ask. I simply took pictures of everything I see. I don't care if the other patrons are looking at us.

a very old drawers

can you see the fear in my eyes? i'm afraid of old closets with big mirrors

old statues

pictures of Philippine actresses during their younger years

these are the restaurant's furniture

an old dresser with an old radio and a picture of young Vina Morales

an old case of pop cola on the corner

ceiling decor thingy

this divider serves as the door to the ladies room...going to the c.r. is not advisable :-)

the only 'not-old' thing i saw -- shiny floor tiles

See how we spend our time at Bentot's? We took a lot of pictures and then we ate. :-)

Music Monday #014- OPM Xmas Songs

I miss Music Monday! My last post was a month ago. See, I don't have any theme for the song I would like to feature here. Whatever is appropriate or applicable for my feelings at the moment I associate it with a song. I guess I am 'songless' for a few weeks now. I don't even remember the last time I listen to my mp3. (sigh)...

But in the light of the coming holiday season I want to feature two OPM (Original Pilipino Music) Christmas songs. I am not a fan of any Christmas song, honestly speaking. Actually I hate hearing Christmas carols as early as September. (Here in the Philippines, the Christmas season starts when the "ber-months" enter). It's pretty premature for me. But of all the Christmas noises...err, carols I heard these two songs really touch my insides. Do listen..

Christmas in Our Hearts by Jose Mari Chan

Very heartwarming song, right? The next song is from a Christmas station ID of one of the local tv network here. It centers on the thought that Jesus Christ is the heart of Christmas. 

Star ng Pasko, ABS-CBN Christmas Station ID, 2009

Kung kailan pinakamadilim
Ang mga tala ay mas nagniningning
Gaano man kakapal ang ulap
Sa likod nito ay may liwanag

Ang liwanag na ito
Nasa 'ting lahat
May sinag ang bawat pusong bukas
Sa init ng mga yakap
Maghihilom ang lahat ng sugat

Ang nagsindi nitong ilaw
Walang iba kundi ikaw
Salamat sa liwanag mo
Muling magkakakulay ang pasko
Salamat sa liwanag mo
Muling magkakakulay ang pasko

Tayo ang ilaw sa madilim na daan
Pagkakapit bisig lalong higpitan
Dumaan man sa malakas na alon
Lahat tayo'y makakaahon

Ang liwanag na ito
Nasa 'ting lahat
May sinag ang bawat pusong bukas
Sa init ng mga yakap
Maghihilom ang lahat ng sugat
[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsty.com/kapamilya-stars-star-ng-pasko-lyrics.html ]
Ang nagsindi nitong ilaw
Walang iba kundi ikaw
Salamat sa liwanag mo
Muling magkakakulay ang pasko
Salamat sa liwanag mo
Muling magkakakulay ang pasko

Kikislap ang pag-asa
Kahit kanino man

Dahil ikaw Bro, dahil ikaw Bro
Dahil ikaw Bro
Ang star ng pasko

Salamat sa liwanag mo
Muling magkakakulay ang pasko
Salamat sa liwanag mo
Muling magkakakulay ang pasko

Ang nagsindi nitong ilaw
Walang iba kundi ikaw
Salamat sa liwanag mo
Muling magkakakulay ang pasko

Ang nagsindi nitong ilaw
Walang iba kundi ikaw
Salamat sa liwanag mo
Muling magkakakulay ang pasko

Ang nagsindi nitong ilaw
Walang iba kundi ikaw
Salamat sa liwanag mo
Muling magkakakulay ang pasko

Dahil ikaw Bro, dahil ikaw Bro
Dahil ikaw Bro
Ang star ng pasko! 

Happy MM everyone! and Merry Christmas!

Saturday 9: Blue Christmas

1. Do you ever suffer the blues during the holidays? Every (damn) time! Maybe it's due to over excitement. But lately it's because of the scarcity in the budget area. (hehehe). Sometimes, it's because I am missing something or someone. But whenever I look at my family, complete and happy doing anything together, everything is good.
2. More than 18 million visitors have toured Elvis' home, Graceland. Have you ever been there? Nope. I've never been out of my country. But I would love to if given the chance.
3. Elvis dyed his naturally light brown locks black. Do you dye your hair? Yes, I love the reddish brown color of my hair. Actually I am planning on coloring my hair again this holiday with the color below.
4. He also insisted his young girlfriend, Priscilla, dye her hair jet black. If your lover asked you to change your hair, would you? Definitely not! What I do with my hair and my whole body is my decision alone.
5. Elvis served his country at an Army base in Friedberg, Germany. Have you ever been to Germany? Only in my dreams.
6. Elvis famously had an affair with Ann-Margaret during the filming of Viva Las Vegas. Have you ever indulged in a dalliance with a coworker? Sort of.
7. Thinking of his movies...Elvis was, by and large, unhappy with his film career and once said, "The only thing worse than watching a bad movie is being in one". Are you happy with the way your career is going/has gone? Yes, I am happy with my job. It doesn't get in the way of my family life. I get to enjoy my time with my friends out of work. I am compensated accordingly. I have a kind boss. Yes, I'm good.
8. Elvis lost "the battle of the bulge" toward end of his life. Are you happy with your weight? Yes. I'm not really fat but I want to be thinner. So far I already lost 18 lbs without a drastic diet and a few exercise on my account. 
9. As a teenager, Elvis worked as an usher at a movie theater. What was your first job? A Service Crew at Dunkin Donuts. I am a working student during that time. 

Friday Quotes: Today

Friday Letters

Dear December, You're here already! Dear Last Night's Kare-Kare, Why are you so good? I'm craving for more and it's not good for my diet and budget! Dear Zumba, I miss you na. Hope I can fit you in my busy schedule (which consists mostly of sleeping and eating). Okay, I don't just miss you...I need you! Dear Boss, I know that our company is going through tough times. It happens with other companies once in a while. The important thing is the whole Conluck family is helping together to save the company. You need us, and we need you. I just hope you'll find the courage to stand up and be our leader. We can go through this with flying colors. AJA! Dear Husband, I hope you get to read my wish list post. There's a lot of things meant for you to fulfill. Dear Daughter, Thanks for the pasalubong from Baguio. I missed you this past weekend. Don't worry we'll go back there together with the whole family. Dear Christmas, I still can't feel you. 

Dinner at Mexicali

Last night, unexpectedly, me and three of my officemates found ourselves in front of Mexicali Restaurant, SM San Lazaro branch. Coming from work, we are all quite hungry but with limited budget on our pockets. At first we kind of hesitated since it's a mexican restaurant. Baka di abot ng budget. Surpringly, they offer budget-friendly food combo packages. For only P99.00 you get a full rice meal with 12 oz. ice tea. Here our some of our orders:

california wings at P99.00 with ice tea

taco rice, comes with 12oz ice tea for P99.00 only

cheese and garlic quesodillas at P 109.00

See, how affordable. And very delicious too. We are very happy to find a good deal like this. Another great find. 

Mga Kahulugan

Read this from the instagram post of Ms. Gladys Guevarra:

Bakasyon - sandaliang pahinga sa trabahong hingal lang ang pahinga
Bakit ----- tanong na laging mahirap masagot
Bakya ---- tsinelas na may takong
Baga ----- lutuan ng mga hindi makabili ng microwave
Bagoong --- masarap na ulam ng mga walang maiulam
Baldado --- hindi mamamatay-matay na mukhang hindi na mabubuhay
Bale ------ sweldong inutang
Binata ---- lalaking gustong maging ama
Biyenan ---- anay ng tahanan

:-)


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Wednesday Happy Thoughts

happiness is....

1. my blog friends
2. Leslie coming home safe from Baguio after her retreat
3. free wifi
4. pasalubongs from Baguio c/o my officemates and my thoughtful daughter
5. duco lanzones
6. Aily is back home, and I hope it's for good
7. my husband consistently making an effort inspite of me being very stubborn
8. I will be receiving my 13th month pay next week...
9. and I will be paying all my debt soon!
10. jogging at Luneta on Sunday

to know how this started and for credits on the image, click here.

My Christmas Wish List

I want to list down my Christmas wish list. These are 'achievable' items that can be done or given to me with a minimum fuss. I don’t want to be disappointed in case nobody paid attention (hahaha....calling all my friends, especially my husband).

• Visit Policarpio Street in Mandaluyong. I've never been there. My husband never took me there. Though he visited the place a couple of times with his 'friends'. I want to take pictures of the beautiful houses full of Christmas lights and decorations.

• A new LCD or LED television set. Ours is borrowed from my brother since our last flat tv self-destruct. 
• A trip to Tagaytay with my family. Or Baguio. If the budget permits.
• A festive Christmas dinner c/o my brother Bob. I only want him to cook since he is our resident chef. I can take care of the expenses. I just hope he's available by Christmas eve since it's his birthday too. 
• My family is complete on Christmas eve. With the exclusion of two certain someones I would not dare name....Roda and Myla. ooopssss!!!
• An Ipad tablet of some sort for Leslie. Yes, this is not for me I know. This is something I want to give to my daughter.
• Hair Spa, Hot Oil or Cellophane Treatment for my hair. I hope I can find a great deal for this... calling Dinah.
• This hair color. No violent reactions please.

• New Shoes. New Bags. New set of Clothes. Need I say more?
• Dinner with my bff's plus our families. This can be arranged, right girls?

As I look at the list, this does not look like a wish list. More like my Christmas activities. As I said, achievable, for me and by me. Well, as long as my family have a very merry Christmas this year, I don't mind doing all the work.

It's December 1st Already!

With just a wink of an eye, it's almost Christmas. Today is the first day of December, and 24 days from now...it's Christmas!

The spirit of the season hasn't touch me yet. maybe it's the weather. it feels like summer these days. Nothing of the usual cold breeze we felt when the 'Ber-months' enter. Or maybe because Christmas decors are very rare in our place nowadays. Even on our own house we don't have a  single Christmas decor. No trees, no lanterns, no Christmas lights. Just us, anticipating the coming holiday.

Does this post makes you feel like reading a note from the Grinch? My apologies. Please don't get me wrong, I love Christmas. I enjoyed giving gifts to my love ones. I love seeing their eyes shine as tehy open their presents. And I love the foods. I am looking forward with what we are deciding to cook for the Christmas eve. Most importantly, I love accepting gifts on Christmas day. However small or inexpensive the gifts are I appreciate it wholeheartedly. As the saying goes 'It's the thought that counts'. It's an overwhelming feeling when you realize that some people bother to think of something to give to you. It feels like they are giving a part of them to you.

We may not have Christmas decors scattered around our place, but I believe that when the Christmas eve approaches everything will transform. Like magic! However hot we may be feeling because of the weather, we would still feel the cold Christmas breeze coming. And though times are difficult that we don't have enough money  to spend for Christmas, we could make the spirit alive by exchanging smiles and greetings. In the end, what only matters is that we thank the Lord for everything He has given us. And for the friends and families that will always love us and will never leave our side.

So let me greet you a very Merry Christmas. Hope you will be surrounded with love and blessings this holiday season.

Friday Fill-Ins

1. Why is it that every time I tried to do things right, strange things will come up and ruins everything.
2. Will I be ever be rich, that’s what I want to know.
3. Hold on to your dreams everyone, there’s always hope. 
4. If things will work out between me and my husband I think I’ll be having a baby soon. 
5. Do you feel like life is giving you a second chance, because that’s exactly how I feel. And I’m very thankful for that.
6. I live, I laugh, I love.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to watching Breaking Dawn 2 with Apple and Luisa, tomorrow my plans include going back to work and Sunday, I will go to church.

Friday Letters

Dear Friday, Done already? I haven’t enjoy my rest day yet. This is not a long weekend for me. I have work tomorrow. (sigh....) Dear Daughter, I am struggling with my recollection letter for you. I have a lot of things to say but I don’t know how to start. Aside from that, I will miss you so. You will be gone for three days for your school’s retreat. I hope you’ll learn a lot from this. Things that will help you with your daily decisions in life. And I wish you and your group a safe journey. Dear Husband, Thank you. Thank you for taking it slow with me. We still have a long way to go, but I think we are getting there. I just hope that by this time we’ll do things right. I already gave up and this is the last chance I will give to us. If this won’t work, I guess it’s the end.  Dear Someone, Thank you and goodbye.