Blog Revival

It's been almost a year since I last wrote something on this blog. A lot has happened since then. I changed jobs, met new friends, experienced new things.

I am into reading now. I mostly read adult contemporary books. Some were sent by my friend who is also addicted to reading and most I found/downloaded from the internet. I have always loved reading. I can read an entire book in less than 24 hours. It's something I wouldn't give up though sometimes it's the reason I couldn't do anything else..

My love of reading becomes handy in what I do for work now....

I am currently working as a QA Specialist at a networking company.  I very much loved what I do, specially now that there is another position attached to my job title. I am also the company's new Product Development Specialist. This is the real challenge. I have to launch a product before the end of my probationary period. So even though it's a Saturday, I need to do some research for the assignments that were given to me. It involves a lot of reading but I don't think I would have any problem with it since I very much love that. The problem is retaining all the information that I read in the little brain that I have. I guess I should suggest a brain enhancing food supplement specifically for my benefit.

Anyway, I think I should go back to my research. I just couldn't help myself. I missed blogging!

Getting sick lately

I've been in and out of sickness lately due to the ever changing weather in Manila. It's hot and sunny in the morning and cold and raining in the afternoon. Not to mention the air pollution I inhale going to and from work. Last week I had two absences already because of fever, sore throat and headache. Now, I still have a sore throat, colds and cough. I couldn't afford to file a sick leave because honestly, I think I have none left.

What measures should be taken to prevent getting sick all the time? Perhaps taking vitamins to strengthen the immune system and protection from viruses that cause these sickness? But I'd much prefer the natural kind, fruits rich in Vitamin C. I'm a fan of sour fruits, I prefer them over the sweet kind.

I don't normally take meds when I have colds, I just take plenty of fluids and plenty of rest. A good 8 hours long sleep should do the trick. But I haven't had any chance of doing this because I am on a deadline with our perfume business. Hopefully this weekend, but I wouldn't raise my hopes up. Still have a lot of things to do at home, including reviewing for the Civil Service Exam.

My Crowning Glory

They say hair is a woman's crowning glory. Well its true. Have you ever noticed that your appearance changes after you went to a salon? After that expensive haircut and hair treatment? You gain confidence and feel extra beautiful. Well, I certainly do. But only for a while. After the first bath, my hair would go back to its original form. Wavy and curly. This state makes it so difficult for me to style my hair. I would always tie it to a ponytail but even that don't work anymore. It made me envious at people who has that long, silky, straight hair. So when I started working, I always had my hair straightened. It was amazing at first but then my hair became weak and brittle. The color also changed from black to brown. Probably from all those chemicals. Then rebonding became the "IN" thing, so I tried it. It was a disaster! After spending 6 hours in the salon and not wetting my hair for 3 days, the result was disappointing. My hair became very dry and damaged. I vowed never to have my hair rebonded again.

Currently, my hair is back on its curly, wavy state. There are days when I love it, but mostly I don't. I have to condition it every now and then to make it manageable. I'm thinking of having it straightened again. :)

Free Birthday Digital Scrapbooking Kit

Today is my sister's birthday and I wanted to create a special birthday digiscrap LO just for her. I searched through the net to find a free kit that I can use. Most of the kits I found already have an expired link or already for purchase. But I didn't lose hope. I searched and searched until I found Designs by Megan Turnidge. Her blog is so cute and not to mention full of great freebies. Of course, I found what I have been looking for at her site.

You can download this kit on her website under freebies. You can also add her on facebook so you'll be updated on freebies her blog has to offer.

This is what I did with this layout.

Free Ride

With the constant increase in fuel price and commodities, who wouldn't take advantage of a free ride. A very generous TV station is giving a free bus ride to commuters. I think this is applicable only in the morning, Mondays to Fridays. The bus arrives around 6:00 - 6:15 AM.

I was very lucky this morning, I got to ride the bus for free. A woman who was getting off offered me her seat (konti na lang kasi ang gentleman ngayon, baka maagawan pa ko ng seat). The bus is new, seats are comfortable and the aircon is cool.

One thing I noticed though, nobody seems to say "Thank you" when they get off the bus. The TV station gave you a free ride, saved you a few bucks, the driver made sure you reached your destination safely, but you couldn;t even utter the words THANK YOU?

Before I got off the bus, I said Thank You. Thank you to the Bus Driver, the Conductor and to God for the FREE RIDE. Sa uulitin! :)

A Bad Monday

I am in no mood right now. I easily get irritated with people's remarks and not to mention their disturbances. I just wanted to concentrate on work right now so when it's time to leave, my replacement won't have a hard time adapting to the job.

I wanted change so badly. Change in work, appearance, lifestyle, surroundings, the faces I see everyday (except for my family). I am so fed up, I couldn't take it anymore.

The change I am asking for will start with me and will start today. I'll change my attitude, habits, and most importantly my outlook in life. Life is good and something this good should not be wasted.

Blogger's New Format

I am totally loving blogger's new format! Whenever I open my dashboard there's always a note that announces blogger's new format. It took a while before I decided to try it out. In case you don't like it you can always go back to the old format. But I don't think you would.


Their new format made blogging so much easier. Before when I upload pictures it automatically uploads on the top of your post so I have to drag it to where I want to position them. This method is very difficult when you are posting a lot of pictures. Now you can just position the cursor to where you want your picture to be added and it will be posted there. Plus when you click the photo, there are options like what size (S, M, L, XL and original) you want your photos to appear and how you want them positioned (left, center, right). There's even a location tab on the right side in case you want to add where you are or where your post happened (Not sure 'coz I haven't tried them).

I am so happy with this! Looks like I'm going to blog more... :)

Sweet Story

My sister commented on my facebook page why they don't have a solo pic on the layout I recently made. I told her I would make her her own layout using the same Sweet Story Telling Kit from Sahlin Studio.

So here it is...

A beautiful ordinary day

I was itching to create a new layout from the freebie kit I snagged from Sahlin Studio's Facebook Page and the template I downloaded from a digiscrap website (I could not remember where exactly *LOL).

So here it is....

Photos taken from Mc Donald's DLSU Taft

What an unlucky day!

I know that my year (year of the dog) is unlucky this year, but I didn't think bad luck will happen the day after Chinese New Year!

What happened?

It's the first day of work after the Chinese New Year. I go about my daily routine in preparation for work. I left home at around 5:55 AM, and was able to ride a jeepney when I got out of the house (there was a lot of unfortunate ones who didn't get on the jeepney). I decided to ride the bus instead of a jeep going to Guadalupe. Since it's a Monday, I expect that there will be an MMDA personnel guarding the No Loading/Unloading Zone where I usually ride the bus going to Ortigas (Pasaway din kasi ako). To my surprise, I was right. So I guess my day didn't start so unlucky at all.

But!

Here are the list of the unfortunate events this morning...

1. I hate suspense, freaky, disgusting movie where they "kill people for dinner" in the morning. Made me lose my appetite.

2. The jeep I was in going to Pasig has one more space to be filled. A big old lady occupied it. The space was limited, and when she was trying to fit in, my hand sanitizer got caught in between her hip and my thigh, and it snapped! My sani is made from plastic unlike the normal rubber.

3. Most of the jeepneys going to Marikina uses a string that you need to pull which would give signal to the driver that you are getting off. I pulled the string but the driver didn't stop. I had to yell at him before he stopped. He dropped me off 15 meters away. Grrrgghhh!!!

4. Since I was already running late, I had to walk at a fast pace. I made a short cut at the front of the parking area where my shoe got caught on a rock. It bore a whole on my shoe and not to mention the pain it caused my foot. I even thought it was bleeding. Thankfully it was just a scratch but it's still painful!

5. Last and hopefully it will really be the last, I was a minute late from our grace period!

Every unfortunate event would have been bearable if only I made it on time. I was kinda scared actually, because all these happened this morning and I still have a long day ahead of me....

Facebook Freebies

Two of the best sites in digital scrapbooking, The Lily Pad and Sahlin Studio, are giving away free full size kits at facebook. You have to like Sahlin Studio's page to get the Storytelling kit and The Lily Pad to show you the link to the freebie (It's their anniversary btw, that's why they are giving it away for free!).

From The Lily Pad

From Sahlin Studio

Don't miss out on these great freebies!

Jobs Online

I am getting desperate....

Yesterday at work, an internet page popped up on my computer. I could not recall clicking any link that would take me to that site. It was the finance section of Philippine weekly news report (I think...). The page showed a testimonial of a Filipina who is earning $7000+ a month with her online job. Since I wanted to earn extra I clicked on the link and it took me this site. As I read through it, I was immediately convinced and decided I wanted to try it. I had to pay $4.97 dollars to be a member and this is only for a 7 day trial. There was an offer to upgrade which of course would cost you money. I ignored it since I only signed up to try if I could commit to it.

I explored it today and boy was I surpsired of how many more offers popped up. Offers that say it would make it easier for you to earn more if you upgrade or if you pay for this and that, etcetera, etcetera. Sad to say, I got disappointed and immediately requested for my account to be cancelled. Why? I only signed up for a 7 day trial after which a $9.99 will be automatically credited which will be payment for your subscription for another 30 days.

I did however managed to create a website but had a very bad choice of topic. I chose to review best online survey sites which gave me a nosebleed by the way. I should have chosen the love and romance category (I'm not an expert but at least I know something about it).

After my review for the 3 online survey sites I chose, the site only gave a 30 day trial for the domain and I will be charged (I forgot how much) for the succeeding months. WTF! That was the time I realized it was a scam. There goes my $4.97. I'm still waiting for the confirmation from online income solutions regarding my account cancellation.

Aside from this site, I also came upon another online job site (online open jobs) posted by a friend on facebook. This is free for standard member which only allows you to earn through their refer-a-friend program. The Pro member do not benefit from the refer-a-friend program but receives the actual online job. Of course, its gonna cost you.

I know a few friends who have online jobs and earn from them but I don't know how they do it. They are mostly work at home moms who quit their job to take care of their little ones.

Aarrrgghhhh!!!!! I am getting so desperate here... I needed to earn that extra money.

My friend suggested that I check out onlinejobs.ph. I haven't registered yet as I need to enable the cookies on this computer. I am waiting for my brother to help me set it up.

Hopefully I could find a decent online job so I can earn that extra cash I needed.

Mirror image

I just have to blog about this...

I was browsing my facebook page last Saturday when I noticed that both my younger sisters have the same profile pic. Same as in same location, same angle, in short they looked the same. I created this LO and uploaded it on facebook. I just find it funny. Neither one of them wanted to change their profile pic, but the older of the two gave in.

So here's the simple layout I made using Peppermint Creative's Movie Night free kit.

A New Year

It's a new year again. Although I was predicted to be unlucky this year (I was born year of the dog), I refuse to believe that prediction. I still control my fate. I have a lot of goals this year and hopefully some if not all will be accomplished.

1. Find a new job
I have been complaining about my current job for the past two years. Being isolated from my co-workers made it worse but surprisingly still bearable. I wanted to try a different field. As in very far from my education. I wanted to try banking. Aside from the stability and benefits, I wanted to learn about money. I haven't sent my application yet, there is hesitation. I guess being counted as under employed would be the reason. Well, there is no harm trying.

2. Take Exams
I'm talking about Civil Service Exam and Board Exam. I know, I've been planning to venture into the world of banking but I sort of thought that this is an advantage in case I change my mind.

3. Save-up
I am at a age where I should be planning a wedding or having a family of my own but how can I accomplish that when I don't even have anything saved up. Now that all of us (siblings) are already working), expenses are to be divided and will be lessened. And extra money should go directly to savings.

4. A new business
My sister has been following up on our Sewing Machine purchase. I currently have an installment plan on my credit card (c/o my brother) and so I told her to use hers instead. We've always wanted to make our own clothes and maybe sell some on the sides. Hopefully this will push through.

5. Fix our house
Our house is not yet fully finished. Our room has no divisions yet, no paint and no linoleum. We are planning to chip in every payday to pay for the improvements on our house.

6. A special treat on my birthday
This year is going to be my 30th birthday. I wanted a vacation. Boracay, Palawan or Bohol. If I get lucky, Hongkong or Singapore. So I really need to save up!

To be continued.....

A Tag for my baby

I made a tag for my gift to my baby for this year's Kris Kringle. I didn't have a hard time looking for what she requested. It could easily be bought at supermarkets. If you're wondering what it is, It's EQ diaper for new born. She is expecting her first baby this January. I bought her two packs, one for new born and the other size small, as I know babies tend to grow a lot faster these days. Anyway, here is the tag made from kits from SBG's Christmas Blog Train.



BTW, our theme for this year is Disney characters. :)

Happy Holidays

This is the season to be jolly. Yes, I am really feeling the spirit of Christmas. And I am uber excited to make lots of LOs with all the free christmas digikits I've been hording. There is an SBG blog train where you can download free christmas digi kits from different designers! Just don't forget to thank them when you download. You can find the link here.

And here is my take using one of the free kits on the blog train made by Thatyana of Thaty Borges Designs.



Apologies for the not so sharp picture. I couldn't seem to find a way to resize it without getting pixelated. Will research more on this.

Clever Migs

My love for digital scrapbooking has been revived. Despite losing my previously downloaded free digikits, It didn't stop me from searching and downloading new ones. I was happy to discover a lot of digital scrapbooking blogs that give out so many free full size kits! Aside from Shabby Princess, Peppermint Creative and Rakscraps who are giving away wonderful kits, I found this one which is now one of my favorite blogs. You can download free kits but don't forget to say thank you. That's all these designers wanted to hear from us.

This is the Layout I made using 2 of my downloaded free kits (Hello Foxy and Happiest Season of All) from Everyday Mom Ideas.

Where have all my kits gone?!

I have a lot of free templates to use for digital scrapbooking and I was very excited to use them. I have stored most of my downloaded digital scrapbooking kits in my brother's HD. When I was about to scrap last night, I was surprised to find that all of my kits were gone! even the photos I saved that I'm planning to use for my scrap! I'm praying and hoping that these files were still in our old computer. I am about to find out later when I get home. Grrrrrr!!!!

Ryan Gosling and The Notebook

Over the long weekend I've watched What's your number? and Crazy Stupid Love which stars two of the most handsome and appealing actors today. Chris Evans and Ryan Gosling. But if I were to choose, I'd go with Ryan Gosling. He's not that handsome but his sex appeal is way too high.

I know he's the guy in "The Notebook" but I never noticed him then because I did not enjoy the movie the first time I watched it. I hate movies that make you cry. Anyway, of all the movies that he made, The Notebook was by far the most popular. And because he is now my ultimate crush, I wanted to see more of him. I searched through our DVDs and found a copy of the movie. I watched it twice this week and was surprised that the movie wasn't that sad at all, although it still made my eyes teary. I am planning to buy another DVD for keeps and look for a copy of his other films.

I feel like a teenager again, crushing on movie stars. This really made my week! :)



P.S.
As my sister said, Chris Evans is buddy material while Ryan Gosling is boyfriend material.

Flower Stories Cafe

I am always fond of checking good deals from Groupon, Ensogo and Metrodeal. And lately, I registered sa Cash Cash Pinoy. Last month I purchased an eat-all-you-can deal at Metrodeal. This is to treat my family on my birthday.

The restaurant who offered the deal was Flower Stories Cafe. I searched it on the internet but found no information about them. Apparently they are new to this kind of business. I just found this blog and was surprised with all the negative comments the restaurant had been receiving. I was worried that I might get disappointed too. Fortunately the restaurant acknowledged all the comments and made some changes to satisfy their customers. From then on, the comments were improving. Naging kampante na ko.

The day came when we used the coupons. I was actually amazed with the place (syempre nasa Intramuros kaya parang kakaiba). The street where the building was do not have squatters as opposed to the comment I read. There are squatters in that area but not on the street where the building was. The dining area is a veranda on the 6th floor of the JS contractor building.

We came early but they were already set up so we did not wait too long to eat. They had cream of mushroom soup (I think), plain rice, java rice, pasta bolognese, roast beef with gravy and mixed vegetables, pork teriyaki, breaded fish fillet and onion rings with separate sweet and sour sauce, vegetable sticks with thousand island dressing and chocolate fountain where you can dip the banana, marshmallows and champola sticks! The whole family enjoyed the lunch and I was very happy! Kahit ako super busog! My sister even asked magkano ang regular price nila. Ang cute kasi ng place e.

All in all it was worth the 200 pesos each I spent. I still have 2 remaining coupons and I can't wait to use them! :)

Cream of Mushroon Soup

Pandan Rice

Spaghetti Bolognese

Java Rice

Pork Teriyaki w/ Bean sprouts

Roast beef w/ gravy and mixed vegetables

Breaded Fish fillet and onion rings w/ sweet and sour sauce

Vegetable sticks w/ thousand island dressing

Veranda Dining Area

My Family