Amy Poehler is a "Smart Girl"

I find Amy Poehler a very comical lady with a great sense of humor. I watch her in Saturday Night Live with Tina Fey as they relentlessly make fun of iconic figures. And boy, they do deliver with aplomb and great laughter! To see her do comical takes and funny impersonation of some political and even famous people makes my day.

Well, Amy Poehler is not just a joke-cracker. She is also a good actress in the movies, although most roles she play are funny ones. Here, in Cozmo TV, she is one of the inspirations behind the Smart Girls at the Party. I get to see a more serious Amy Poehler in these web series that she created together with another Amy and Meridith. This web series is a great site for young people and their parents alike as it fosters the raw talents of young minds and establish good interaction for parents and kids as well. It is very wholesome and entertaining. It is like a breath of fresh air after watching programs in the media which only depict negativity and violence. This is something parents and their kids should be watching.

If you want to watch the episodes, you can get your own widget here or visit their site.

Below is a trailer of her web series:

For Sale - Toshiba Netbook NB100

FOR METRO MANILA ONLY.

LIMITED STOCK.

New TOSHIBA NETBOOK NB100

Specifications:
1.6 Atom N270
1 GB Memory RAM
120 GB HD Drive
Wifi
Bluetooth
Windows XP Home Ed.
8.9" WSVGA TFT screen
LAN
W-Lan (802.11 B/G)
Web camera
Color: Black

Price: US$ 490 cash or Paypal.

Conditions:
1. This is limited offer only. If you are 100% a serious buyer, please leave a message here or in my email address.
2. Please confirm your "sure" order by 30 January. No backing out please when you confirm.
3. No shipping cost added since I will personally take the order to Manila. Details of meeting place will be advised thru email. Delivery will be around 14 February.
4. I will not be held responsible for any damage/s, if any since I will be unable to open the box. Delivery on as-is basis.
5. Lastly and the most important :), payment must be either cash in US DOLLARS or Paypal. If you are paying using Paypal, I will advise you when to remit.

A Fabulous Award

Wow, another great award from a great scrapper friend named Sarah of Paper Tree. Thanks Sarah and congratulations on the arrival of your new bundle of joy =)

Now as part of this award I have to list my five addictions:
1. Traveling
2. Blogging
3. Facebook
4. Fridge Magnets of different places
5. Bags and Clothes!!!!

Oh and then I get to award 5 blogs that I think are fabulous:

Cherry - http://pinaysinglemommy.com/

Bingkee - http://www.fliploveusa.typepad.com/

Cely - http://www.mynewhorizon.net/

MsRay- http://www.msray2008.com/

Riaboo - http://www.continentalfairy.com/

Gong Xi Fa Cai

To all my Chinese family and friends...

Myspace Comment Codes

Honest Scrap Award

Oh my, what a nice award from my good pals Niko of Niko's Blog, Baby Samantha of Samantha's Own (Kikamz' cutie-pie baby!), Bill of My Piece of Paradise, Liza or Simple Life and Bingkee of I Love/Hate America. Thanks a lot!

Honest Scrap Award Rules:

When accepting this auspicious award, you must write a post bragging about it, including the name of the misguided soul who thinks you deserve such acclaim, and link back to said person so everyone knows he or she is real.

Choose a minimum of 7 blogs that you find brilliant in content or design. Or improvise by including bloggers who have no idea who you are because you don’t have 7 friends. Show the 7 random victims’ names and links and leave a harassing comment informing them that they were prized with “Honest Weblog.” Well, there’s no prize, but they can keep the nifty icon. List at least ten honest things about yourself. Then, pass it on!

Now, Here is a list of TEN Honest Things about Me! :)

1. I hate any open body of water. The vastness just gives me the creeps so I don't like going to the beach.

2. I love to travel. It's kind of a "disease" because I haven't even gotten home yet from the trip and I am planning already for the next one.

3. I am quite a "loner." I know, people won't believe me when I say this but it's true. I love to keep to myself and takes a little while to warm up to others. I am a bit shy, you know ;)

4. I belonged to the "geeks" while I was still in school. I couldn't figure out why since I suck so bad in Math!

5. I have always been an "Inglisera" or what we will aptly term "English-speaking" so people who don't know me find me quite "unreachable."

6. I am a "principled" lady which always get me in trouble because I am not one who is shy to say what I have in mind as long as I know it's the truth and I am right. At the moment, because I still value my "source of income", I am trying my very, very best to keep my mouth shut... Let's see for how long! LOL!

7. I used to be very insecured about my height! Yes, I am a midget, a dwarf, an elf or puny. I am really tiny and I am always surrounded by giants. I used to go shopping wearing high-heels just so I could stand out from the crowd or I'd be trampled on. Now, I don't give a rat's bum whether I am "vertically-challenged" because I know I have been given this gift by God for some reason. I have yet to find that out though. The only advantage I can think of at the moment is that when I trip or fall down, the blow won't be as hard because I am already near the ground...harharhar!

8. I can write funny stuff but I don't know how to deliver a good punch line verbally. I am just a good listener of jokes but never a joker.

9. I have a serious weakness with bags and clothes. I just don't know when to stop buying. Even if I don't buy, my hubby buys me my favorite brands so how can I resist?

10. Lastly, I am a very transparent person. I find it rather difficult to lie or pretend. It's just not me. People can easily guess I am already upset just by looking at me. How I wish my face won't give it all!

And now, I am "victimizing" these folks to tell more about themselves and be awarded as such:

Yub, Kate C, Ria S, Cely, MsRay, Posh, Jade

Mini-HTML Class

I'm on my 2nd week of my mini-HTML Web Design class under the auspice of the Filipino Computer Club here in Dubai. I called it mini because it's just the basic to get me started.

I am having fun with the class and I am beginning to understand those tags and coding used behind a web page. Perhaps in the future, when I am adept and all, I can design templates and offer them here in the blog world. That's a good thought!

Honchos

Honchos - (plural, noun) slang for in charge, manager, boss.

I have spent 18 years working as a corporate slave to various kinds of honchos. I have dealt with honchos from hell and have met honchos from heaven. There were some who really make my heart palpitate not out of fear but out of anger. There were those who believed in me too. The ratio was not promising. It was more of 98% weird and terrible honchos compared to the few who left an indellible mark in my view on work (and life). I thank those who did go out of their way to mentor me and instill commendable work ethics which I practice up to this day. They are the kind of honchos who should be leading the work force - unbiased, considerate, "respectful," can motivate people, gentle and most important of all, God-fearing . They are one-of-a-kind breed of honchos which are becoming extinct.

I still long to see one of those endangered honchos in the present. I am tired dealing with honchos who see "color" and are rude and mean. They need some training on dealing with people. Pronto!!! Or companies will lose valuable employees not because of work but because of these honchos.

My Blog's Upcoming 1st Birthday

My blog's turning 1 this February. I previously wrote here that I would hold a contest but given the situation right now, I don't know if it's the best thing to do. I don't have Entrecard to give as prizes, neither do I have enough money to pass around. I know I could ask for sponsorship but I have not made any plans yet. So, if in case my blog turns 1 without the frills of a great contest, I'd still continue writing stuff I love to talk about, continue visiting bloggers out there and pass good cheers.

Let's see...

Inauguration of President Obama

I am neither an American nor a resident of USA but I honestly felt that President Obama may be the answer (apart from the nation's fervent prayers) to US' current crisis. I suddenly felt elated and weepy (ok, I am mushy!) because a lot of people supported President Obama. I also pray that he be guided by the grace of our Lord to rule a nation which can bring positive change to the world.

"Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again
the work of remaking America." - Barack Obama

Congratulations President Obama! Spread your goodwill!

On Finding the Right One

I am feeling romantic these days. Hmmmm... Could it be due to our recent wedding anniversary? Or, I am just a hopeless romantic? Whatever the reasons are, I just feel like sharing this wonderful quote on finding love. However, I cannot recall where I read it and who said it so sorry if I couldn't give credit. The quote is so lovely though.

"THE KEY TO SUCCEED IN MARRIAGE IS NOT FINDING THE RIGHT PERSON; IT'S LEARNING TO LOVE THE PERSON YOU FOUND."

Nice right? That's the reason why I try my level best to overlook the imperfections of my very own marriage. I know my hubby's not perfect nor close to the ideal man I had in mind then but he makes me whole. I remember when we were still dating and I discovered how different we were in many, many things. I almost backed out but those differences made us connect. We learned to accept each other as two individuals with unique tastes. Those differences made our marriage colorful. So, I'm glad I didn't marry the guy I thought was "right" for me, instead, I married the man who made my life complete.

Working my Way Up

I owe my current company big time in terms of fulfilling my dreams of seeing the world, experiencing other culture, meeting a lot of people of various nationalities and recognizing my efforts. Back in the Philippines, much as I excel in the kind of work that I do, I was never noticed. I did notice that they focus more on people who barely know what they were doing. They gave away positions which were meant to people who really deserved to their favorites. Let's just say, I was never a favorite.

So, when I left that company, I told myself that I'd one day go back there and prove all of them (my bosses and colleagues who thought I was nothing...) that they made a huge mistake for letting me go. Soon, when I landed my first stint abroad, I was already given assignments and projects which I had no knowledge of but because my boss knew and believed in me. I had several promotions since then in less the time compared to the whole tenure I had back in my old company. I was given a company-wide recognition - Twice! What does that prove then? I was and still is a worthy employee. Sadly though, my former bosses in the Philippines never gave me a chance to prove my worth. Anyway, I don't feel bitter about it. I am happy that I had moved on and is working my way up again. I am learning new skills and taking on projects despite my current work load. I'm actually blowing my trumpet this time. I am done sitting back and being a martyr and other people get noticed. I had been passive while I was in the Philippines and being in a multi-cultural work environment, you learn to fend for yourself. It's a jungle out here ;)

I am ready to move another step higher. I hope I get promoted soon... Wish me luck!

Let Your Inner Winner Shine

Here are few steps to make us reach our dreams a step closer by having the right mind-set and attitude.

1. Be passionate
This is one of the moving factor to make us achieve our goals. When we set our self to what is comfortable then we become reticent and accepting to what is available and that can be limiting. It is not a bad thing to be reticent but have passion to accept change and rise to the challenge.

2. Believe in yourself
I find this sometimes difficult to achieve. I also feel that my morale is affected when things go wrong and when there is not much to affirm my positive points. However, I learned that we can never truly achieve things when we doubt our capabilities. Doubting is debilitating to our confidence and will get us nowhere. Believe.

3. Positive thinking
Try not to focus on the mistakes or imperfections or the problems. Think outside the box. Envision. Don't waste your precious time thinking and wishing you are someone else because that is never going to happen.

4. Have a makeover
It pays to have a good posture and style. Throw the drab work-clothes and get new ones if you have to. Be a little daring. If you have worn your hair in a bun for - like forever! - it's time to ditch the do and make a new hairstyle. Change your wardrobe colors. If you're into the basic gray, black, white and browns, now's the right time to add a little pizazz. Put color in your life. Wear make-up. Have a nail-polish. And if you're a guy, get a new haircut or try new hairstyles too. There's nothing to lose, maybe just few bucks...

5. Be courageous
The best way to have courage is face our own fears. We'll just waste so much time waiting for the right moment when we muster our confidence. By then, all our dreams will be gone and opportunities gone out of the window.

6. Motivate, motivate, motivate
I have problem with this one though I try my best to overcome being demoralized. What I do is I achieve a goal at a time, never all together or a lot in a single moment because I will lose my focus and drive and will leave with cold pants. It pays to also share your dreams with someone or to your close friends and families because then you become committed. Who wants to fail when all eyes are on you?

7. Be smart
One thing we should learn is that our goals should be S.M.A.R.T, that is: specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and have a timeline. Be smart. So when you are trying to achieve a certain goal, do it step by step. Our bodies don't adapt to changes overnight. It takes time before we can get ourselves accustomed to something. So, be kind to yourself. Take it slowly but surely.

8. Expand your horizon
Networking is important whether you are looking for a new job or adjusting to a new environment. Statistics from the Federal Bureau of Labor in the US indicate that 70% of jobs are found through networking. Start mingling. Go out and spread your wings.

9. Keep at it
Try and try until your succeed! That's it.

10. Blow your own trumpet
I find it rather awkward to blow my own trumpet or carry my own chair. They both mean the same thing - talking about yourself. However, I noticed that those who got ahead of me were really "smooth talkers." Most of them are just empty talkers but they managed to get the promotion. So I think, it's okay to let the world know about your achievements. Talk to your managers. Give them your quarterly report of achievements. Suggest how to streamline a process. What I do is, I email my suggestions to my boss and copy the top honchos, for their info. So, if my suggestions are considered and put in place then they know who initiated it and I get the credit. Get noticed. Speak up and don't let others steal your thunder.



(From Aquarius - Ulrike Lemmin-Woolfrey added with my own take on the subject based on experience)

Happy Anniversary Honey!

Well, I don't have to spell it out... I love you honey more that I can express myself. I am thankful for all these years, for the love, the company, for being the kind of husband and father our family could ever ask, for being there when I need you, for putting up with my crazy antics every now and then without a word, for being patient and kind, for making me laugh, for drying my tears, for listening to my woes no matter how insignificant they are, for loving me despite of my many imperfections, for taking good care of us, for providing us our needs and ensuring we are secured and safe, for taking me and our princess to places I thought I'd only see in pictures, for believing in me, for hanging in there when my world was falling apart, for being my rock, for being my solace, for being my friend... What more can I ask for honey? I already have you.

Happy 12th Wedding Anniversary Pa and may we have more laughter to share, more travels to make, more adventures to experience, more talks to while away our time, more walks in the park so we could hold hand longer, more time to sit back and just stare at the stars and the moon... just being together for many, many years...

Click Here to get more at CommentYou.com

Tag - Hubby List

This tag came in a very impeccable timing. My hubby and I will be celebrating our 12th wedding anniversary this 11th of January. Thanks Kikamz of Just About Anything for sharing this tag to me.

Hubby List

Can you remember the day you first met your hubby?
Yup

When was that? (doesn’t have to be specific)
During my friend's 18th birthday bash.

First impression.
Friendly and very engaging in conversation and to think that was already the wee hours of the morning.

Were you attracted to him?
Not instantly though because I was still quite fresh from a break-up with my ex-bf of 3 years and was still harboring pains. I was practically not paying attention to anyone then.

Were you friends before he became your bf?
Yes. We hang around in groups a lot and had so much fun.

What was the sweetest thing he did for you?
He'd cut classes to pick me up from the university where I studied.

What are the things about him that you are thankful for?

He is a very patient man. The one who always put up with my crazy mood swings without complaints. He will run errands for me and sometimes do the laundry when I am feeling really lazy without giving second thoughts whether or not his "man-ego" is getting affected. He always cracks me up and leave me catching for breath when he delivers his jokes. He bears with me when I drag him to the mall and he had to follow me around while I decide which items to buy. He is my pacifier when I am at my wits-end. We share the love for travel and music. I just love the guy...

Taken during our recent vacation to Rome, Italy last August 2008.
Sorry, I cannot find any electronic copy of our pic while we were still friends.

Am sharing this questions to my married friends: Liza, Shiela, Marly, Chriss, Eden, KCee, Melody

*Now the rules are simple.
1. Foremost, link back to the person who tagged you.
2. Pick your sweetest picture when you were still friends and post it on top of the questions and answers.
3. Another pic now that you are together post it after the questions.
4. Share to how many friends you like. Be sure to link them and send them a comment about the tag.
5. Enjoy doing it c:
6. Let your hubby read it too...

Have fun and may the Lord Bless your love with the abudance of His grace.

Friday Tag - A to Z

Thank you Bingkee of I Love/Hate America blog for remembering me on this fantastic tag.

A -Attached or Single? -Attached--married
B -Best Friend? -I have few. Some in USA, few in Manila and a handful here in Dubai.
C-Cake or pie? -Cake
D -Day of choice? -Friday
E -Essential item? -Toothbrush
F -Favorite Color? -Pink
G -Gummy Bears or Worms? -Gummy Bears
H -Hometown? -Meycauaya, Bulacan
I -Indulgence? -Soaking in the tub with matching aromatic oils and essence
J -June or July? -both, Mom and sis' birth month is June and Dad's July
K -Kids ? -One
L -Life is not complete w/o -Godand my family and friends
M -Marriage date? -January 11, 1997
N- Number of magazine subscriptions?- None
O -Orange or apple?-Apple
P -Phobias? -open body of water and public speaking
Q -Quotes? -Sometimes we have to go through a rainy April to find a flowering May...
R -Reason to smile? -Blessed with a happy and loving family and friends
S -Season of choice? -between Fall and Winter. I love the cold season
T -Tag 5 people - Enid, G-anne, Maicel, Niko, Shiela
U -Unknown fact about me- Arms and legs coordination is so out of whack so I never excel in sports...hahaha. I am quite frail so my legs are only good for walking in the malls. LOL!!!!

V -Vegetable? -A lot of them just not "bitter gourd"
W -Worst habit? -Shopping
X -Xray or ultrasound? -Ultrasound
Y -Your favorite foods? - Chinese and Italian cuisine and of course, my mom's home-cooked meals...
Z -Zodiac sign -Pisces

Have fun!

The Quest

Oh boy, I am in for such a big, big challenge which I am not sure if I can deliver at all! I am going to be one of the secondary sponsors of my sis-in-law's wedding this February and I have few weeks to chop down the weight and the extra flabs and I don't know how. I don't want to go through a crash diet because that will only make my body go into defense and will store more fat. I certainly don't want to eat only proteins because I don't want to hurt my kidneys neither go on vegetarian because I cannot eat plain veggie without some white meat at least.

I have started exercising after Christmas and will engage in cardio-exercises this week. I want to lose weight but I want to do it the healthy way. Any success stories there you would like to share???

Shaun the Sheep

My daughter and I are big fans of clay arts as evident in my arts and craft posts in the past. That goes without saying that we are also a huge fan of clay art animations like Wallace and Gromit and the not-so-new Shaun the Sheep. Unfortunately, this short clay animation is not shown in this country but I do get to watch their video clips and those are enough to leave me in stitches. He is simply the cutest little sheep rascal I have ever seen. Don't be fooled with his beady eyes and serene appearance because he has a lot of mischief up his sleeves!

I do encourage you to see this short animation if it is available in your country. This could be a good source of inspiration for my next clay art project...hmmmm. I'll be needing tons of polymer clay then!

What a Dismay!

Uh-oh! I knew I have been very bad with my eating habits the past few weeks because of the holidays. How can someone resist mom's home-cooked meals since the nearest decent meal I can prepare is popping an instant meal in the microwave and that's it! I know, I am bad. Like I earlier conveyed, I never liked cooking so if someone cooks the kind of meals I love very well, who am I to resist???

With all the gorging happened during the holidays, I was so dismayed to see how my measurements shoot up like a NASA rocket ship going to space exploration. I am not kidding but I can call myself "Little Miss Piggy" now...hahahaha. I cannot believe the figures right before my eyes as my daughter laughs her bum off on how big the numbers are on my body measurements. As in B-I-G! Coming from an ex-super-skinny person like me, yup, the numbers are way too big for me to fathom. Wow! How can I ever, and not just ever, successfully at that, lose weight for good? I have lost and regained and lost again and when I lose it, I just want it to stay that way. Any tips??? I am desperate now and this calls for serious measures. Not gastric-bypass. I think I am still skinny for that but I need healthy habits to kick-in again. I need proper food to eat at proper times. I know that when you speed-eat, you tend to gorge more. I think I have to stop that.

Oh my, and I have a wedding to attend to and I need to look fab in a long, formal gown. Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Seriously, like the Beatles sang, "Help!!!!!"

I Love Rome - Part 3

More pics on our wonderful trip to the eternal city of Rome.

A bucketful of Awards

I promised to post this as soon as I have caught up with the flurry of the holiday events. I am sorry to post this quite late but like the adage goes, "better late than never." Thanks to all my blogger pals who gave me these awards. I am thankful and appreciative of the thought and the gesture. Hugs to all!

From Jason - Blogging It My Way

From MsRay - Woman on a JouRney





From Mommy Liza - Moms....Check Nyo

From Cherry - a {GIRL} for all status

And lovely are the blossoms

That are tended with great care,

By those who work unselfishly

To make the place more fair.

And, like the garden blossoms,

Friendship’s flower grows more sweet

When watched and tended carefully

By those we know and meet.

And, if the seed of friendship

Is planted deep and true

And watched with understanding,

Friendship’s flower will bloom for you.

From Eden - In the Life of "Mne"






The Award above is presented to bloggers who display consistency in any one or a combination of these conditions:


1. The Blogger manifests exemplary attitude, respecting the nuances that pervades amongst different cultures and beliefs.
2. The Blog contents inspire; strives to encourage and offers solutions.
3. There is a clear purpose at the Blog; one that fosters a better understanding on Social, Political, Economic, the Arts, Culture and Sciences and Beliefs.
4. The Blog is refreshing and creative.
5. The Blogger promotes friendship and positive thinking.


I am counting everyone in my VIP list who have made my blogging time fun and enjoyable. I thank everyone for the friendship and camaraderie we all share in the blogosphere. So, I am giving all these awards to the ones in my VIP list. Please feel free to grab some or all of them. Don't forget to link back...have fun!

Welcome Year 2009

2008 came and went and here we are, facing the uncertainties of 2009 with perturbed anticipation of how it is going to be like.

I too am worried with what the future brings but if I pray, why should I worry, right? I will just leave everything to the hands of our Almighty because He will not forsake us. These are just wake-up calls because we have been too comfortable with everything. We do not exert efforts anymore to do something worthwhile. Everything is just convenient. Maybe this time it's time to exert more effort.

So, welcome 2009... I hope this year will be a good year for all of us despite of...