Our Braveheart

Please watch the story of my very brave nephew, Elijah on MOMents,Net 25 tomorrow at 6.30 pm, reruns at 10 pm.

Read their blog from THE VERY BEGINNING. Such an inspiring and moving story. We are very proud of him. He is a daily reminder of how beautiful life is and He is indeed a manifestation of miracles and God's love.

Can I just say these things please?

And it is my blog so I can write anything I want, if you have a problem with that or with any sort of marital mush, I warn you. Leave now.

I remember seeing my husband rush home from work, from an important meeting, from his OWN presentation, midday when I called him teary-eyed that day, the 24th of June 2009.

I remember seeing him leave at 5 am every morning from Bulacan to work in Ortigas and back in the evening, sleeping on the floor. For three days straight.

I remember him helping out during those grief-stricken days. Like a real "apo". Sleepy-eyed, straight from work. Tired from sleeping on the floor.

I remember looking at my husband at 3.30 in the morning, on our way to drop off MY relatives to the airport on a weekday.

I remember him spending the weekend, his rest days cooking for MY lola.

I remember him painting our room in p8 in the shade that I searched high and low for: Willow Brook Blue--All on his own, with no professional help. Just because IT IS MY shade--and he does it better than anyone else.

I remember seeing him carefully printing and assembling each page of every misalette for MY sisters' weddings.

I remember waking up at 2 am and seeing him piled up in front of his laptop--finishing reports and presentations to help out a very clueless FORMER colleague.

I remember him surprising me with an engagement ring of my dreams (twice!) and encouraging me to buy my designer wedding gown---but opting to wear his old black pants on our wedding just so we can be "practical."

I remember while we were still dating, seeing him in the evening with tired, tired eyes because he drove for his family the whole day on a Sunday.

I remember him cooking in the kitchen, helping out at my little brother's birthday while everyone was outside having fun...
He is always on the sideline, always behind the scenes. Never too pompous with his actions nor words
but always doing what's substantial.

And the best part is, I never for once heard him complain...nor brag about these things. NEVER EVER. Not one word. He does these things not to gain praise. I realized this a long time ago and I must admit with some exasperation---
thats just the way he is.

He is kind and he is quiet in his kindness (So I guess, I'll be the one to make some noise).

But I do notice, Paolo. I do. Even if others don't, I do see them very clearly.

The littlest things make me realize I have chosen well.

Or rather, God has blessed me really well.

Off to a day of Camera Shopping

I will be needing a new camera for the coming days. I've been thinking of purchasing one for quite a few days already but decided I need one since my old camera is conking out. I love my point and shoot and just like my cellphone, I bring it everywhere with me but a more professional camera is always a necessity because of my business. I work with a camera everyday to take photos of my wares to post online.

Here are the top contenders:

Canon EOS line

"The EOS D cameras boast some of the fastest frame- and burst-rates of any dSLR on the market, improved noise reduction at all ISO levels, are equipped with large, vibrant LCD that are thoroughly exploited by the Live View function that many of these cameras have."
I have always been a Canon Fan. I tried out other brands before but Canon for me is the best. Just like a Nokia phone, I keep coming back to Canon because personally, its just so much easier to use (keep in mind this is coming from the least tech-y person). The hubby is leaning towards this line, the only SLR among my choices but since I won't be taking moving photos and long distance shots, I am still contemplating if this one's a good choice for me. Although I'm convinced this one's the most practical.

Lumix FZ line

Lumix FZ is a bridge camera between a DSLR and a compact camera but neither of the two. The reason I considered this is because of the Leica lens. The "superzoom" capabilities is really attractive. I'm forever trying to take photos of my beads' natural veining and this requires macro setting.

Canon G11

This one I really like. Aside from it being smaller and more compact, it has video capabilities as well. Although unlike SLRs, I won't be able to change the lens. Its basically a ps camera that makes you feel almost like a professional. :) Its for those who are looking for a more compact design with SLR functionality. Hmmm...this seems to be calling out more loudly. Although I already have two point and shoot Canon cameras which I am pretty satisfied with. Buying this one would be a bit of an excess.

Off to my mission! I hope I'll be able to get the right one for me.=)

I've fallen off the wagon again.
It's not enough to say I've been busy.The past few days I felt like being pulled out from so many directions. I have a lot of things to catch up on and I'm just praying for a go go go mode tomorrow.

The hubby is home recuperating for a week. The work stress is getting the best of him. Upon my insistence (nagging) we finally visited his doctor to find out what's up and it was the usual work-flu and he was advised to take it easy for the next 5 days. I'm happy I'll have him all for myself for the next days but right now he is in front of his laptop, still working away. *Sigh.

We started with our home improvement project at my parents' place in P8. We started with our room already and I am more than excited to spruce it up for the next few days. Next is the bathroom and the living area and I'm off to my next little projects.

Oh, I need to post about the Ville Sommet weekend as well---that was a nice break. =D I just need to organize some files and will be back here soon.
So much catching up to do.

Random Weekends

Italianni's.
Sofitel.
Tita Lumeng's birthday.

BB cream

I've been hearing so much about the Blemish Balm or more popularly known as BB cream. Koreans were the first ones to use this cream and we all know they have beautiful skin. Its supposedly used by clients after a laser treatment and derma procedures. They were made to promote skin healing by regenerating. BB's are considered to be a skincare breakthrough since they are very versatile, they work as a make-up base, moisturizer, foundation, sunscreen and soothing balm all rolled up into a light-based cream. Hurray for tropical beauties!

For days, I have been on a look-out for a good formula, but everything out in the market right now sells for at least PhP 900. I was over the moon when I found out that Maybelline just came out with its own BB cream at only PhP249!

I have been using Olay tinted moisturizer with SPF 15 prior to my Maybelline BB and I can say its much lighter and has just the right matte consistency I'm looking for. The only drawback is it is only in one light shade so you have to use your regular foundation and mix it up with the cream to match your skin tone. I have only been using it for a week but I can say its working for my skin. I absolutely love it.

Life is a series of waiting

Back when I was in high school, I couldn't wait to go to College. When I got into College, I couldn't wait to graduate and work, then get married...then get to another phase.

Life is a series of waiting, my sister says all the time. And that saddens me. As I grew older, I realize that we should make the most of whatever phase and place in life we are at the moment. There will be some stop-overs and a few twists and turns and sometimes we can get comfortable and never want to leave, but we have to be focused on where we are going. But there are times as well, that we can't wait to leave a certain stop, neglecting to see what it can offer.

I thought about this, this morning while I was waiting for something that has been keeping me up late for quite a few nights already. It doesn't help either that the hubby is away for three days on a business trip.
I found myself planning for so many things in the future. When I can make them right here, right now.

It got me thinking, How do you find the balance? How can you enjoy a phase while at the same time be aware of when it is time to move on?

Back to School

There are days when I can laze around and not do anything and not be bothered about it. But once I start doing or making something, I won't be able to stop until I finish everything even if it takes me up until the wee hours.

That's exactly what happenned yesterday. What I was suppoused to make for a week, I was able to finish in a day. I didn't realize the time until the husband came home, a bit late to finish a few things before his business trip.I still continued with what I was doing and only realized it was another day already after a few hours.

Sometimes I wonder about where will I be had I chosen to stay in the Corporate world. I did all sorts of things back in College so I don't really think I didn't try it out before deciding it wasn't for me. I can say I considered myself a good student, got good grades and was always on time for projects.

I had a short stint for an Event Company even before I graduated, I was already working. Months before my thesis, I was a newscaster and a voice-over trainee for an FM Radio Station (My radio name was Alex ;)). I only stopped to concentrate on graduating.
Two months after graduating, I worked for an I.T. company as a Marketing Solutions Specialist which is a fancier title for account management.
After some time I was assigned as an Online Solutions Manager for an Advertising company, a partner of the company I was working for. My corporate career lasted for about two years.

Then I had a major shift in life, changing lanes that brought me here today. An RN and a Creative Entrepreneur. And no, looking after my parents' business doesn't count. ;)
Do I miss structure, schedule and office politics? Hell, no.
But I do miss the healthy competitive environment, the sort that keeps one continuously improving oneself. I miss learning from other people.

I miss learning from other people.
I'm going to learn more.
I'll be back in school on August. FIP, here I come. ;)

Sunday

We woke up early in the morning to catch the dawn market at the Lung Center. We love going there since we get fresh and much cheaper Salmon. We also like the organic vegetables for salads and the fresh dressings.
And of course, we love checking out and trying all sorts of specialty food being hawked around. Next to try is the Salcedo Market.

It was a bit amusing that Pao does the "marketing" instead of me. I don't see very often full-grown men doing their market shopping with much gusto. One of the many things I love about him. Since he cooks, he knows what to buy and what to choose.



Then we were off to Calumpit with our fresh loot to cook a nice Sunday lunch. We love Calumpit and our Lola's house. It's always a delight going there and being away from the City.


Pao made his famous Sinigang na Salmon. Yum, it was very good...


...which made the nanay very happy. =)


Hope you all had a nice weekend. Have a great week ahead!

Impromptu Getaway

Pao had a very busy week while I had the laziest.
We both wanted a change of scenery but the hubby can't get another leave from the office since we will be using all his leaves for the trip. We can't go very far during weekends because all our weekends are booked.
So yesterday, on a whim we decided to check in to one of the hotels near his office.

Best idea yet. I was able to have my change of scenery doing the same lazy things yesterday afternoon while he didn't have to leave the office and just went for "mini-breaks" by visiting me at our room.

We had a goodnight sleep and a scrumptious breakfast ready for a jampacked weekend! =D Yay!

I have the same bestfriend for 13 years!

Yes, that's half of our lives of having our own language, of secrets and code names, of bickering and making up, of dreaming and reminding each other about reality (how brutal it may seem), of cheering and annoying each other, of laughing and crying, of giving the best advise and the most honest opinions...

We are 15 hours apart (timezone), yet I would rather talk to her in YM for hours than somebody else face to face. I realize as I became older, there is no such thing as a perfect friendship nor a perfect friend yet there will always be the ones you will treasure more than everyone else for the rest of your life.

The richest friendships in the world are not of those that are the most complacent. But those that make you grow and know yourself more...and make you realize you love who you are. =)


Habi Burtdey madamusha S! I miss you.

Usually, the first week of the month is the busiest for me but somehow this week, I had it easy peasy. I'm scared though about how it will affect next week.
This morning, I had a lot of things to do but I just couldn't start my day right away because I was doing so many nonsensical things and thinking about stuff that I rather should be doing. But I guess we all have those down moments.

I was at the mall this afternoon and dropped by Powerbooks to browse on some new titles. I was so thrilled to see that Amanda Quick's The Perfect Poison is already available in paperback.


And even more thrilled to learn that she has released a new Arcane Novel just recently.


I used to avoid romance novels like plague. I remember being so embarrassed accompanying my sister Vi at bookstores so she can find her fresh selection of trashy novels.
But Amanda Quick made me a convert...more because of her witty style of writing and smooth plots. She has a great way of developing the characters and story. I love the mystery and the quirky heroines and of course the romance.
I love how she makes romantic novels a bit smarter than usual but still a chunky, juicy brain-junkfood.

So now I'm a proud Romance Novels reader but I still draw the line---only Ms. Amanda Quick And Julia Quinn can cross.

*Sigh, I'm excited!

What a great way to start my week. Thank you.

I feel so blessed upon reading this blog entry written by my client.

Paolo's other Love

Weekend Grilling or Cooking.

It's one of the best liempo I have had in a long time. ;D

June 26. Saturday

We attended the first birthday of Raynold and Marielle's beautiful Kaela.

Being the youngest girl, I'm so used to seeing my sisters have babies and don't get the feeling of urgency of having one myself.
Its a different story altogether when its your friends or peers.

I want to organize a baby birthday party too! =/

This week is a headstart...

of making things happen. =D

I was suppoused to post pictures from the last two weeks but when I tried to turn on the camera...the batt went dead. Just when I was in the mood to make photo entries.

Things to do for this week.
1. I am getting my newest "baby" this week at last. Although I've been worrying so much the past weekend about the custom tax fees. Well, goodluck to me. Our customs dept is notoriously known for their mano-mano custom tax computations. I was advised to wear "dugyot" clothes when I claim my item. How sad. I will never ever use EMS again. Hello again, Fed and Johnny.

2. I have beautiful, beautiful new stones and crystals that I'm so excited to tinker with. Hopefully, I can finish a few pieces before the end of the week.

3.I'll be finishing (hopefully) my two bulk orders for the resellers in Baguio and
Iligan.

4.I need to find good contractors for some home improvement projects. And "good" also means affordable.

5. Finish Ate Kissy and Kuya Andy's misalettes---This one deserves a different post altogether.

6. Pao and I will also be starting our get-healthy program. That, we agreed on last Saturday while munching on grilled fattylicious pork liempo for dinner.

7. Finally claim my I.D. from PRC. =)

Oh, Mondays and fresh starts... I love you.

I'm back! Welcome July!

It has been a busy week and I'm so looking forward to weekend.
We're back in the house after two straight weeks of staying in P8. I missed our room sooo much. It's our cocoon, our love nest. No need for us to go to some fancy hotel for the weekend, we just go to the other house for a change of scenery. =D

I have so many photos from this week but I haven't had the time to sort out through all of the gunk since my bead bar pretty much takes all my photo organizing and editing time. *Sigh.

Over all, June had been a blast!
Hello, July. I hope you are as good. =*