Block 6

Indulge me a bit as I just ramble out several random thoughts for my final post for this year.

*** I'd say 2009 was a good year for D & D!
*** D went on his first ever plane ride in February as the whole family went to HongKong.
*** May 2009, we celebrated our first year as a married couple sans fanfare.
*** Simple yet meaningful are the words which embodies our marital life.
*** We have each other, we are in good health, we get by financially.
*** Psychologically, I tend to be too emotional for my own good.
*** While D the ever alpha male seems rather stoic and indifferent.
*** But I guess to each his own, right?
*** We lost Papa Wel in October.
*** I never met D's father but considered it a major lost, nonetheless.
*** We or rather I decided it was time for medical intervention in our quest to become parents sometime mid October.
*** Each doctor appointment are mostly on a positive note.
*** Although I certainly do not appreciate the tests during every visit.
*** Yet I'm willing to do my part and bear it with loads of meds and smiles.
*** I try not to be discouraged when my doctor says it will take several months to 'fix' me.
*** My faith in God is like a see saw, I'm not ashamed to admit that.
*** Sometimes I'm on a high complete with novenas, rosaries and daily masses.
*** Other times I just succumb to laziness, even rage.
*** Traveling is my only refuge.
*** Even if it means commuting to my former residence for a change of scenery.
*** Of course it doesn't compare to actually sitting on a plane and watching the clouds roll by.
*** There is just too much excitement and anticipation before any trip that requires a passport.
*** Yet I don't really like the part where you prepare, sort out, arrange every single detail to make sure the trip is hassle free.
*** I guess I'm not as young as I thought I was as I get tired easily after just a few minutes of packing.
*** I need distractions to get me going.
*** This in turn makes me panic that I am not focused enough and forget to pack a vital item.
*** It's tough alright.
*** It makes it tougher when I just underwent a horrific testing procedure a couple days before I travel.
*** My mother even berated me for doing so and she worries I might not be fit to travel.
*** She is wrong. I might complain left and right but I'm a tough cookie and stick to my plan once it gets rolling.
*** Time is too short to simply rest on my laurels.
*** So here I am blogging while the luggage is wide open and needs immediate attention.
*** I still feel pretty sore so I distracted myself with online time.
*** D's sked is still pretty hectic until tomorrow.
*** That is if you call attending Christmas parties, hectic!
*** But there is an attendance sheet they must sign to prove they were at the party.
*** Then he has band practice. He plays the drums.
*** And our flight is early morning Saturday.
*** I booked an early morning flight so we don't waste one whole day traveling.
*** I believe I've done most of the things I need to attend to aside from the actual packing.
*** All those chores you tend to take for granted but only realize how important they were when you are under time constraints.
*** I am going to be holed up in a flat somewhere in Block 6 in that cluster of units in the Lion City for roughly 2 weeks.
*** And I do intend to enjoy myself to the tilt.
*** Without feeling the need to blog every detail of my stay.
*** Hmm how do I end this?
*** Probably just wish you all my few yet loyal readers the Merriest of Christmas and all the best for 2010. =)

Early Christmas gift

The saga continues vis a vis the numerous tests I need to undergo to determine my chances of motherhood. Today, I had what is known as HSG or a hysterosalpingogram. It is really an unpleasant procedure to determine any blockage in the fallopian tubes. I won't get into the gory details suffice to say it is painful and there is general discomfort which I would associate with really bad monthly cramps. The thing is I don't get cramps at all during my regular cycle so I feel really sore. Thank God for painkillers!
But hey the good news is that neither of my tubes are blocked! Unfortunately, I still need several more tests before I am 'successful'. And believe me, I'm certainly NOT looking forward to them next year but such is the journey of my life nowadays just to create a new life.

But this horrible day complete with horrendous traffic was capped by an early Christmas gift I got thru the postal office. Remember the blog contest I won c/o of Caryn? Well I got the package today! The bag of goodies includes a lovely black t-shirt, a book cover, a tote bag and zany kitkats!



Thanks Caryn for making my day easier to bear! =)

More Christmas cheers

Just a few more weeks and Christmas will be upon us! Time does fly, doesn't it? Another year is drawing to a close, yet again.

I got exactly a week before D and I head for Singapore so I've been practically running all over town for last minute errands. It is difficult to maintain two households as I've been shuttling between the condo and our apartment here in Project 8. Making sure every bill has been paid, canceling newspapers/magazine subscriptions, doing laundry, then some packing but I keep changing my mind about what to bring, what not to bring hehehe. I'm tired! It doesn't help that my monthly cramps contributes to my cranky, sleepy state of mind. But still I try to be upbeat about the trip and I'm certainly looking forward to seeing my sister again.

Here's more pictures of the Christmas displays at the malls where I managed to do some Christmas shopping for my immediate family.


Dora the Explorer takes center stage at the Robinson's Galleria branch.






At Trinoma, they have these giant Christmas trees dangling from the ceiling. Actually they look like giant cocoons if you ask me but that's just my cranky, twisted mind talking!





This giant Christmas tree stands prominently at the Landmark entrance of the Trinoma Mall. The one located near the supermarket and food court.

Travel Bug

This morning D and I made hatid my parents to NAIA Terminal 3 for their Singapore trip. They will be staying there for a month. They are pretty excited to see my sister again as well as visit the country we called home for almost 3 years. A few days before their trip, we invaded the malls for some pasalubongs. This gave me the chance to snap those Christmas-y photos. Then at the condo, it was packing time. I tried my darnest best to make sure their luggage doesn't exceed the maximum kgs allowed. It was a bit daunting as my parents wanted to bring most of their personal stuff to make their one month stay as comfy as possible. Even though my sister insisted she could provide most of their needs. It was chaotic to say the least but still quite fun to rebond with my parents and their lovable eccentricities all over again.

This whole paragraph is a prelude to my blog entry to another blog contest which promises fabulous prizes. I discovered the contest thru one of my fave bloggers (Hi Kayni!)

Kumareng Grace is giving away great prizes to her 3 of your favorite places contest.


My three favorite places:
1. Jerusalem, Israel



I consider this pilgrimage as one of my holiest travel destinations. It was in 2000, a few days before the late Pope John Paul II's visit so security was quite tight. But this meant that most if not all of the historical/religious sights were spruced up. The trip was hectic and short but very solemn and a spiritually uplifting experience.

2. Paris, France



Even though I've been to the City of Lights several times now it never ceases to amaze me with its delights. Be it culinary, touristic, historical, architectural and everything else in between. You will never run of things to explore and experience with gusto.

3. Tagaytay, Cavite Philippines



Locally I just can't get enough of this little (now booming city) volcano town. Just a few kms from the hustle and bustle of Metro Manila, I always feel an aura of serenity whenever I stare at the Taal volcano. The weather is sublime, the air quite fresh and there are several establishments to cater to every whimsical fancy.

The three places I dream of going to:
1. Cairo, Egypt - to see the majestic pyramids!
2. New York City, USA - to watch as many Broadway (and off Broadway) plays as my budget can accommodate!
3. Sydney, Australia - to see the Grand Opera house and to be able to say I went to the Land Down Under!

"We got it all for you!" part 2

Yesterday I was at the SM mall closest to my heart. The one at Edsa, Ortigas because it is located near my previous residence. It does have everything you need under one wide roof. I was there for my usual First Friday mass sojourn. A monthly 'ritual' I look forward to where I rendezvous with my parents in a familiar haunt. So I took these pictures of its Christmas decors.


It seems these red snowflakes are the common Christmas design theme for the Sy family owned malls.




Their newest wing, the Atrium has a snow village and a festive canopy on the ground floor.



While the department store itself has these simple yet elegant giant Christmas balls for their ornaments.

"We got it all for you!"

That's the slogan of the SM Malls. I truly believe that you can buy (almost) everything you need at their malls.

At THE BLOCK, SM North, they don't have a giant Christmas tree.


Instead their activity center showcases a Christmas village. You have a winter cafe, a toy factory, an elf house among others. In the center on the mounted stage, there is a sleigh where I suppose Santa Claus can entertain kids. But he wasn't around when I took the picture, he's probably still at the North Pole.







While at the main SM North mall and all the way to The Annex, these red balls and giant red snowflakes added to the festive atmosphere.

Oh Christmas Tree

So after I was done with errands at Rockwell, next stop was Glorietta mall.


These bells and Christmas balls adorn the lamp posts located at the center island of Ayala Avenue. They probably are well lighted up during evenings but traffic is horrendous in that part of town and I don't really go out at nights. :D


I didn't want to roll down the windows of the taxi for fear of getting my digicam snatched so it is a bit blurry. I also couldn't get a snapshot of some of the belens on top of the buildings along Ayala Avenue because there wasn't any traffic. hehe


These orange parols were the main Christmas decors inside Glorietta 4.
They were hanging from every nook and cranny of the mall.



This is the Christmas tree near the Ascott Residence (formerly known as Oakwood Suites) entrance to Glorietta 4.


Across the street is the imposing Glorietta 5 Mall which I haven't set foot in.


I just wanted to take a picture of the giant Christmas tree.

It's the most wonderful time of the year

I hereby declare that from this moment onwards, I shall only post happy, positive entries to lift up my spirits. Let's spread some Yuletide cheers! I was in the Makati area for some errands so I took photos of their Christmas decors. These pictures were taken at the Power Plant Mall (Rockwell):


Their giant Christmas tree is a sparkling vision in red. The mall's ceilings were adorned with dangling red wreaths like decors which weren't too overpowering.


I've never associated panda bears with Christmas. But this display proves me wrong!



By the way, some of the larger pieces do move mechanically. At first I didn't notice it because it is quite slow. Then I almost screamed when a large panda twitched! :D


Of course, reindeers are important fixtures this festive season. How else can Santa Claus deliver our gifts?

Stressful Sungit Situations (SSS)

I've been under a lot of stress lately.

My computer has mood swings.

Sometimes it switches on ... other times it doesn't.

I have no idea what is wrong with it.

Money is a bit tight that I cannot afford to get it fixed.

I'm grateful that D lets me use his PC kasi he's at work naman.

But his PC has very basic programs and I miss using mine.

Speaking of repair, another major source of stress is my effort in ttc (trying to conceive).

A recent check up reveals I need (to put it bluntly) to get myself fixed, as well!

But I still need to wait till the next cycle for more conclusive tests.

My doctor seems upbeat so I guess that is a good sign.

But I can't help myself from worrying!

She also told me to lose some weight and exercise more!

Although I like to emphasize that weight gain isn't the major reason for my
infertility, so there!

So I'm hungry most of the time and super sungit in the process, ha!

As I type this post, I can hear my stomach grumble.

My next check-up is scheduled a few days before we travel.

.

All of us are going to Singapore to visit my sister for the holidays.

D & I will be gone for 2 weeks.

I really wanted to stay longer!

Because I really miss having my sister around.

But D's break begins December 19 and classes start Jan. 4, 2010.

I know, I can always extend my stay but I'm married now.

And married women don't leave their husbands to cope on their own.

Even if I know for sure that D can survive by his lonesome self.

So yes I will return to noisy neighbors, leaking sinks and stress myself all over again.

In the meantime I am not yet in the mood to pack.

Nor in the mood to get it on kasi who knows we might get lucky? (daw!)

I'm simply tired, hungry and masungit.

I thought that bringing out the Christmas decor would lift my spirits.

But it doesn't help at all.

Blah!

Dresses

Ever since I got married, I noticed that I've gained weight! I'm not really blaming my husband for being a good cook and feeding me well. I guess I have no one to blame but myself. But the good thing is that I I don't really give a hoot about my weight nowadays because (1) I'm married now (2) I'm at the age where weight gain will permanently attach itself like a leech and (3) I can always use the "preggie" look to my advantage.

So I've adopted a way to hide my unsightly bulges - wear dresses if possible the loose "maternity" variety. But no I don't buy them at the plus size nor maternity section of stores, no way! Some of these dresses have been in my wardrobe for the longest time. Others were hand me downs from my sister (who lost weight while I ballooned!) and the rests I bought with my 'earnings'.


Two little black dresses - the one on the left with the spaghetti strap is a hand me down. While the shiny black velvety type was my standard 'formal' wear for ages.



These 3 dresses are all hand me downs. The aqua dress and the chiffon printed greyish dark pink dress are now getting a bit small for me to squeeze into. *Gasp*



I wore this black dress with embroidery to my 'despedida de soltera' lunch. While the dark blue flowery dress is the very first dress I bought way way back when I was still in university. Yes it is that old but thankfully it still fits!



These two dresses are recent purchases which I bought at Landmark in Trinoma. They have the cutest dresses in the market.



The one on the left is a woolen type dress I inherited from my sister. While the abstract printed purple dress on the right was bought just yesterday! =)

Silver Lining

When it comes to investments, most people prefer to stick to the proven monetary metal - gold. But did you know that buying silver coins is just as lucrative? Silver has become a highly valued industrial commodity due to its unique properties like strength, malleability and ductility.

For years, the Monex companies have been the leader in silver coin investing programs. It has also made buying and selling coins over the phone the preferred transaction method. As America's premier silver coin dealer, Monex prides itself on having the best US silver coin prices and programs in the silver coin industry.

So this precious metal does have a silver lining, after all!

Curry, anyone?

After having a string of fish dishes for our meals, I decided it was time to get some protein into our system. So I cooked beef curry.

It is fairly easy to cook. Boil some water to tenderize the beef (I used beef brisket cut into tiny cubes). I usually do this procedure first since it can take several hours for the beef to be soft. That's why I am amazed when I watch cooking shows and their beef is instantly tender for consumption. It takes me forever to make my beef as tender as possible. I don't like struggling with my fork and knife to cut meat. Heh!

A few hours later, I sauteed onions and garlic in melted Dari Creme (lite) then added the beef along with chopped bell peppers, carrots and potatoes. Pour some water to let the veggies simmer for a few minutes. Once cooked, lower the heat to blend in the curry paste and constantly mix all the ingredients till the sauce thickens. At this point, you can add more water if you want more sauce and season it to taste. Although frankly the mix itself is already flavorful so I do not season it, anymore.

The secret ingredient here is the instant curry sauce mix. I use Japanese curry (mild). It was one of my sister's pasalubongs when she last visited. Basically it is curry paste which is conveniently packed in a box. One box contains 4 medium sized squares. I don't like the curry flavor to overwhelm my dish so I just use about 3 tablespoons of the paste. I can make 2 dishes from one square of the box. It also states that you can use lamb, shrimps, chicken, pork or beef for your dish. Japanese curry tend to be milder in terms of its spicy flavor and it doesn't have that thick, heavy scent from the Indian variety of curry.

Here's a picture of the finished product. Kindly excuse the presentation but that's leftovers from our dinner, last night. =)

Frame me

I usually have my eyes checked every 2 years. I notice that I have a rather conservative taste when it comes to picking eyeglasses. Most of my frames were either black or brown with no extra side trimmings. While browsing the Internet, I came upon the New Arrivals at Zenni Optical website. They offer 1.57 high index lens for as low as $8 Prescription Zenni Glasses. Their frames are pretty trendy and modern just like their Holiday Fun Eyeglasses. I wonder if I will be bold enough to wear something as colorful as this bright red stained glass pattern frame. Who knows?? :D

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Ultimate pet peeve

I knew something was wrong when my PC acted up a few days ago. I was still in the process of saving some of my files when it suddenly went 'blue screen' on me. I was still nursing a terrible cough so I let it slide. Actually I was surprised at how calm and collected I was unlike in previous cases I would succumb to a state of panic, rage and deep depression, all at once. I guess I am getting wiser in my 'old age'. Teehee!

Besides all my back up/recovery CDs were still stacked in some dust filled box at the condo so I was basically powerless to act on the problem. So after I watched "Julie and Julia" at the cinema (for some much needed distraction) I dropped by the condo to get the necessary 'tools' for the gargantuan task - reformat my PC.

Anyone familiar with this tedious task knows that it takes a lot of effort. You set up your OS, upgrade all the drivers, update the programs, upload all the softwares etc! As if that isn't headache inducing enough, try doing all that on a dial up connection and I'm sure you will understand my frustration.

On the positive side, while I'm waiting for the downloads to finish, I multitask. I pluck my bushy eyebrows, I cook meals, I fold laundry ... you know boring household chores. But I do rush up every now and then to check the downloads because they have a frustrating tendency to be cut off due to the lousy connection.

Another positive note is that I am mighty proud that I was able to format my PC by my lonesome self. It saves us the cost of hiring a technician! So I guess I should just stop complaining and 'enjoy' the task at hand, one slow download at a time.

Good food, freebies and everything else in between!

That basically summarizes how I spent the day I turned 41 years young. :D While waiting for a taxi, P (one of D's kabarkada) passed by in his CRV so we managed to hitch a free ride all the way to Greenbelt. Luckily that was P's destination as well. After hearing the 12:15pm Mass at the chapel we munched on pasta, salad and pannacota (I've been craving for this dessert for the longest time) at Italiannis!







Then we watched "My Life in Ruins" free of charge thanks to the Citibank reel promo. Every time you charge your Citibank credit card for P1,500 and above, you can redeem one free movie ticket. The promo was extended till Jan. 2010. So voila I was able to snag 2 movie tickets for free. The romantic comedy with Nia Vardalos was fun to watch and it made me want to return to Greece and re-explore its historical sights with D by my side!

Then we had snack at Via Mare where we feasted on our usual fare - the bibingka with red egg and palitaw ... yummy!





So despite the nasty cough, I was (and still am) giddy with delight at the number of friends who remembered my special day which I spent with my beloved parents and my loving hubby. I am humbled and truly grateful for the numerous blessings that continue to come my way. Many thanks! =)

It's my Day!

I was going to compose an entry about turning 41 and get all contemplative but a terrible cough has wiped out my brain cells so no can do.
Despite the threat of a super typhoon and a terrible cough I am still determined to enjoy my 41th birthday the best way I can. Let's see how the day unfolds!

Grief

Yesterday a Facebook message from the US brought really sad news. We were told my father-in-law passed away peacefully on October 12, 2009. He was 95 years old.

D was home to hear the sad news. I immediately broke down in tears while reading the message. Totally inconsolable even though I admit I have never met Papa Wel in person. But from the numerous stories that D narrates about his father, I'm certain he was a good human being. I could also tell from the numerous birthday and Christmas cards he mailed D throughout the years that he was a caring person.

Throughout the day, I kept receiving text messages from my mother and my sister who would ask me "how is D taking it?" I told her to my surprise, D seems rather calm to the point of being stoic while I was an emotional wreck. My mother said he might be hiding his emotions to put on an appearance of strength amidst sadness. This made me realize that we all grieve differently.

Please pray for his eternal repose. RIP, Papa Wel.

A double surprise

Last Tuesday night (Sept. 29, 2009) I was watching TV downstairs when my cellphone rang. It was my mother. My heart actually skipped a beat! Why would my mother call at such a late hour?

Well she had happy news.

My sister was coming home for a short visit before she heads to Bangkok for a business trip. I was ecstatic. The best thing is she would be celebrating her birthday here with us. Actually she wanted to surprise us and just show up at the condo but she no longer had the keys to enter the place if no one was home.

The ironic thing is that we had sent a balikbayan box of birthday goodies to my sister via fedex with instructions for it to be delivered to her flat on October 2nd, her birthday! It turns out my sister won't be home to receive it. So she was surprised as well.

Anyways she was here for merely 4 whirlwind days filled with shopping sprees and loads of sister bonding time and before we knew it ... it was time to send her off at the airport with hugs and kisses!


When I got back here at the condo (I'm currently here for this entire week during the duration of the Spanish Film Festival at Greenbelt 3 cinemas) I immediately felt her absence and sadly realized how much I really really really miss having my sister around to hang out with. But I'm reassured with the thought that in two months time we will be spending the Yuletide holidays in Singapore with her!

I wish it was December NOW NA!

After the deluge ... comes a day of thanksgiving

D normally doesn't have class on Saturdays. But this whole week has been their university's intrams so he was scheduled to play a basketball game being a member of the Department of History team. It was raining the whole night and I was a bit concerned about letting him go to his game. Well we all know how Saturday turned out to be the worst deluge the Philippines has experienced since 1967.

Luckily, D's game was postponed and he was here at home with me when the flood waters rose to alarming levels on our street. The house in front of us had neck deep waters and its residents took refuge in our 'compound'. We weren't spared as the heavy downpour caused some minor flooding inside our 2 storey apartment. By midday, it had risen to ankle level but thankfully it would subside quickly as the rains trickled.

Sunday we spent the morning wiping our lower floor dry as well as cleaning the contents of the fridge. The good thing is that we didn't lose our electricity although the phone lines were jammed. I kept calling my parents from my cellphone to check on their situation since they were enveloped in darkness for almost 24 hours but they were relatively safe in their 12th floor condo unit.

Today as the entire family heard the 12:15 am mass at the Edsa Shrine, we praised God for his loving protection and prayed for the rest of the populace who are still submerged in flood waters. Besides it was D's 40something birthday today so we had a simple lunch at Mr Choi in Galleria to celebrate his natal day. Happy birthday, my love!

16 months

Today marks our 16th month of marital bliss. Naturally it takes two to make a marriage work but I'd like to think that I am indeed very lucky to be married to such an understanding person. Someone who knows that I'm a certified foreign film festival addict so he doesn't mind if I sleep in the condo so I am just 10 minutes away from my favorite cineplex. Someone who knows I am extremely close to my sister so he allowed me to spend all the 10 days she was in town for some fabulous sisterly bonding moments. Someone who is self reliant he won't starve if I don't cook his meals when I'm not around.



And I do relish these moments of alone time with such glee. Well I'm not really alone alone because I have my parents around!

But still.

As opposed to the apartment we rent which to me is just a house, I actually STILL consider the condo, home. I still have tons of personal items scattered about and it makes me feel comfy. Since my sister left behind her old laptop (the one I'm now using to type this post), I can now connect to the Internet and do my online activities. I also like how it is centrally located so I can just go down to reach my fave haunts within a few minutes. The quiet surroundings (no pesky noisy neighbors) is also a big factor in preserving my sanity.

Anyways, yes I'm indeed lucky D is such a caring, adorable and understanding hubby. I love being married to him!

Jack Bauer

One of my fave TV shows is "24". It chronicles a day in the life of federal agent Jack Bauer. So you have 24 episodes in one season. Each week you are shown an hour of fast paced action, intricate side plots that unfold one after the other (sometimes all together) amidst a complex central story line.

Its main elements usually involves some rogue agent/foreign terrorist group threatening to destroy America. Either through a chemical attack like weapons of mass destruction aimed at a city or some bio hazard material that will poison the water system. At the forefront is Jack Bauer who has to battle against time to prevent the disaster from erupting as well as unearth the real mastermind (some disgruntled former agent/the head of a big corporation you name it - they all have their axes to grind against the most powerful nation on earth) behind the attacks.

Almost all episodes are filled with explosive scenes of things blowing up. Countless loss of human lives, severe interrogation tactics, reprehensible torture methods and clandestine going ons that the government does to protect its citizens. Jack is normally aided by his loyal unit who are the best minds in the agency. The latest high tech equipments at their disposal. It is all very advanced with machines which can trace anything from your cellphone to the lamp posts on the street.

Me, I prefer to watch an entire season in one go. It is much more exciting that way. I don't have to wait for one whole week to pass before Jack Bauer prevents some major doomsday catastrophe from wrecking havoc. The series is now on its 7th season. This past week I spent my evenings (after dinner) absorbing 2 episodes (sometimes 3) in a row. For some strange reason, the DVD 'copy' only played in black and white on our TV, downstairs. I texted my father and asked if it was really in black and white. He said 'no' I tried it on my computer and lo and behold, it was colored. Weird stuff. But nevertheless I still persisted and I thoroughly enjoyed every single episode. Even if it meant watching Jack Bauer in black and white.

Timeless pieces

This month, D turns a year older. As always, I have a difficult time thinking what to give him for his birthday. I have this tendency to ask recipients what they want so it saves me the time and effort. Naturally when I asked D what he wanted. His never ending reply to all my inquiries for all important occasions (Christmas, birthdays and anniversaries) is 'nothing'.

The standard "I don't need anything as long as we are together, I will be happy" line definitely warms my heart. Yet it doesn't help at all in my eagerness to give him a token of appreciation for being a patient husband. Since he is celebrating a milestone this year, (ah nope he isn't turning 50 just yet!) my plan is to buy him a watch. An elegant timepiece with an expressive engraving at the back would certainly suit him.

I think watches are 'safe' gift items for men. The fine timepieces featured on www.bestoftime.com made me drool. I was surprised to learn there is a wide variety of this luxurious brand of elegant watches available. All of them are definitely 100% genuine and authentic. They come with their unique serial numbers with a 3 year warranty. Now all I need is to win the lottery so I can afford them! Hehe

A good sign

It's the start of the 'ber' months. Obviously.

I'm feeling a lot better now, emotionally, physically and mentally.

It is amazing how a few phone calls can assuage my fears.

I still have my worries but I am just waiting for the correct timing to act.

Then deal with the consequences, if and when it progresses.

I woke up today to the sound of a Christmas song.

It was blasting on the neighbor's radio at freaking 5 in the morning!

It was a Tagalog Christmas carol.

I was still really sleepy so I forgot what it was.

It wasn't a dream.

Basta I'm pretty sure it was real.

Because my hubby heard it, too.

So it's a nice way to greet a new month.

A month filled with renewed hopes and dreams.

Onward, we go!

Another day, another sunset

I suppose there are a number of reasons why I haven't updated this blog. Let's just say my activities lately aren't blog worthy. Who wants to read about a long winding post whether I should get a haircut or not. Or how I wrack my brains over what to cook for our meals. Or how I spend a considerable amount of my online time reading the status updates of my friends on Facebook. Or how I stress myself out over mundane things like irritatingly noisy neighbors, lousy cable TV service and warm balmy weather. Those aren't interesting at all. In fact, they merit a big yawn!

I figure I could write about my deepest fears and tribulations about my (reproductive) health, my marriage and my life in general. But for the sake of maintaining a positive attitude and in my quest to be stress free, I choose not to express them in writing. Worrying 24/7 is bad enough, reading about my insecurities might further vanquish my already fragile spirits.

I am keeping my fingers crossed that hopefully soon enough I will be able to dish out more enthusiastic blog posts. So stay tuned. I shall return!

Fitting Room Woes

I got my credit card bill today. I was shocked. Even though I truly expected it to be a large amount. The bad part is knowing that my next credit card bill amount will be a lot more. Yikes. I guess it helps that half of the charges will be shouldered by my sister. After all, she was the one who went on a shopping spree galore. A mighty tiring expedition of huge proportions. You would think the malls were closing shop, permanently. :D

This brings me to recount my stint as her personal shopper assistant. You know the person who runs (ok so I didn't really run) in and out of the fitting room to get her the correct size of pants, jeans, tops or whatever apparel she was trying on. It is exhausting to say the least. She would assemble a basket full of clothes then try them all on. We made sure we entered a different fitting room each time so we don't earn the wrath of the other customers who waited in line. It helps that we would shop in the afternoons when it wasn't too crowded.

On very few occasions, I would see something I fancy and try them on as well. A rather frustrating feat for me since I've gained weight. Size medium doesn't fit me anymore. The struggle to fit myself into clothes which just a year ago would bring out my curves was pretty pathetic. So after several huffing and puffing sessions of struggling with buttons and zippers, I gave up the nasty task of finding a suitable pair of jeans.

But I did manage to harvest some tops which fortunately hid my bulging waistline. And for someone who hated the color 'green' for the longest time (it reminded me so much of my ugly High School uniform), I find myself veering towards green tops. Strange, ha!

The brown abstract print dress is a welcome addition to my collection of short dresses. While this sleeveless ruffled blue top goes well with my new blue bag which I mentioned in a previous post. =)