Skipping Junk Food

It has been several weeks now since I last had my junk food binge. I actually stopped eating chips and fried stuff for health reasons. I was having a tough time during the first few days but has already gotten the hang of eating bland food.

This move to clean up my eating habit for health reason has also brought some evident results. My weight is "slightly decreasing" even without exercise. My pants are getting a bit loose. My skin is clear and I will not need any adult acne cure. My sleeping pattern is great. I don't feel lethargic and my energy level is soaring without any aid of stimulants.

I think I will keep doing this until I reach my healthy weight goal. Health is wealth!

Blessings in Many Forms

I watched GMA Channel 7 program in our cable few minutes ago. Mel Tiangco was telling the viewers of the account of GMA Kapuso outreach program. They showed how they distributed school bags and supplies to the poor children of a small town in Laguna.

I was so touched on the 13 year old boy who wanted to go to school and finally attend Grade 1 this school year. He missed plenty of classes trying to help his family make a living. Another young boy had hydro encephalitis but still had the passion to go to school despite his condition. And lastly, this young boy who walked several miles to reach school because he could not afford a transport.

I could not help but cry on their accounts and what they had to go through to have a decent life by going to school. I feel a bit ashamed of myself for neglecting my blessings and instead, complain about the little nuisances I face in life. To think, my discomfort is nothing compared to what these children go through everyday.

I am thankful for all the blessing, be it small or big because God never fails. Thank you Lord for giving me this enlightenment so that I can appreciate everything around me and know that all these are your blessings in various forms.

Leaking, Chipping and Broken

It seems like this building is falling apart in terms of bathroom and kitchen fixtures are concerned. We moved here 3 years ago and it was a brand new building. Now, it looks like it has been around for ages! The pipes are leaking, the cabinet doors creaking and almost falling off the hinges and the floor tiles are chipping.

I think a trip to the nearest hardware is in the offing as I need to change some faucets. The building owner used a very generic and cheap faucet. I will switch to something better like Grohe.

Side Effects of Bad Diets

Going through a diet is not really all that bad depending on every individual's case. My approach to a diet may be different from the others.

There are diets which are extreme because it deprives you of getting some nutrients you can only get from other food groups. Even taking dietary supplements have its ups and downs if you do not properly consult a physician. The side effects of diet pills and going through extreme diets without consulting a doctor is having dizziness, yo-yo weight loss effect, dry skin, upset stomach, mood swings and even depression, constipation, edema, skin abnormalities, menstrual irregularities and osteoporosis.

Writing Etiquette

I cannot just write anything I want while I am in this country. It is like living in the Marcos regime where everything is censored. Although, not 100% is the case similar of a dictatorship rule but writers here follow strict rules. We cannot just write something bad or defaming of this place's culture, beliefs and the people in it.

However, the people who live here must also understand that they cannot write anything they feel like it just because this is their country. It has to be a two-way street, right? Write something factual and respectful. Be mindful of what you write. If you have nothing good to say, drop that pen or leave the keyboard alone!

Health Nut - On Diets

I have tried most diets known to mankind. I once did Atkins, South Beach Diet, vegetarian, After 6 and low fat diet. They worked at some point but the maintenance was rigid and difficult to follow.

I stopped following fad diets ever since. The best diets that work are those low in salt, not fatty, balanced between vegetables and fruits and some protein.

It is best to check the food pyramid so you know exactly how much meat and poultry products you can take and same with the vegetables, fruits and dairy.

HGH

What is HGH? Why does some people need it?

I had to research on this one because I bought my mom some medication for her joints which had hgh on the label. I never knew what it was until lately. I thought it was some kind of chemical compound added to medications to alleviate joint pain.

HGH is Human Growth Hormone which is secreted by the pituitary gland. It aids in reversing the effects of ageing, improves mental and physical health, and provides energy. It also aids metabolism and reduction of body fat.

It is Hot!

The long and very hot summer months here in Dubai are finally back! It is difficult to walk outside around 8 a.m. without sweating. The weather is so humid and I feel suffocated going to the car parked in a covered garage. Imagine the temperature rising as the days go by specially in the months of July and August where the peak of the summer heat is felt.

I need my sunblock lotion, wide-brimmed hat and good old fan to cool me down. This is going to be one, weird summer of 2010!

Let Me Sleep...Please!

We live in a high-rise building. Our flat happens to be in between, so that is neither low and high floor. The neighbor directly above our flat is making a lot of racket in such an ungodly hour. Imagine hearing a loud thud as if someone is rolling a 16-pound bowling ball at 3:00 a.m. That is the kind of noise or disturbance that we have to deal with on most days. It is no use calling the police for the disturbance because if the neighbor is a local then we do not have any say on that. Argghhh!

I could really use a good sleep right now. I need my best sleep aid which is my iPod playing Zen-like sound to calm my nerves.

I always look forward to the weekends because it seems that everything is quiet upstairs during this time.

Thinking of a Business

I have expressed my desire to leave the corporate bondage in the near future after I have settled all my obligations here. To that effect, I have been planning and researching on what I will do once I am out of the work force for good. I cannot just sit and wait for my pension to come in. I will go crazy if that happens. I have to do something productive too.

Lately, I have been looking at various sites on custom cakes and party favors. I am interested in this area since my daughter loves to bake and I love to make handmade stuff. Together, we can be a good mother-daughter dynamic duo in the home-business scheme. There are so many factors to consider too, for example, business capital to use, location, products, business insurance, reliable employees, costing, business permits and sales pitch. It is going to be a lot of hard work but I hope this plan materialize while I am young and able.

Increasing Unread Emails

Unbelievable! I have 744 unread mails as of this time. 744! That is a hugeeeeeee number and it will take me days before I can actually clear my mails.

I have already set my Yahoo account to filter mails according to categories and senders. Family and friends' mails go to one folder, sponsored post requests for my blogs go to the other, fashion and health have their own folders and other stuff remains in my inbox for further sorting. Yup, I have this crazy habit of going through my mails like a forensic scientist. I just don't want to miss anything. However, lately I have been slacking a bit. I cannot bear to think that I have missed so many mails already. I am so preoccupied with my daughter's studies, husband's and four-legged diva doggie's demands, shattered career dream (see my post on this one), paid posts, Facebook requests, and Glee TV marathon that I missed checking my mails.

I don't know which ones are still valid in my emails. I think I have to dedicate a certain time to accommodate this task or else, I will be inundated with mails.

Where is a Lifesaver when you need one?!?

The Corporate Ladder - Is it Worth the Climb?

I have been working for nearly 2 decades now. I am beginning to feel the wear and tear of working donkey years in the corporate scene. These past few days have been enlightening and thought-provoking for me as I begin to unravel the realities of my career advancement. Why did I say that? Well, no matter what I do now, I can never seem to please the authorities around me. And why did I say that again? Just hear me out...

I just had an unpleasant performance review recently. I honestly thought that I had improved well in the gray areas highlighted to me by my supervisor during the last performance review. I was confident that this review would merit me a better rating. Imagine my shock when I saw my review. It was completely the opposite of my expectation. Talk about having false hopes! I will no longer go through the nitty-gritty details of the review but to cut the chase, it was not what I wanted to see if I plan to apply for a promotion or career advancement. Simply put, my chances for growth has been stumped.

So, let me get back to my question at hand, is it really worthy to climb the corporate ladder? I know many of you will surely say yes if you are driven by ambition, money, power and motivated by your bosses or for any other personal reasons. However, this is my conclusion on my view as a career woman-mom-wife who has been tied in a bondage for the last 18 years of her life in the cut-throat world we call the Office. NO. Let me say that again, NO, it is not worth the climb for me.

I just realized how blessed I am for having a stress-free life after office hours, a family and a house I can come home to, a daughter who keeps me up on my toes and a husband who still has the time to hear my woes and glee. NO, it is not worth climbing when my drive for success compromises the quality time I spend with my family. NO, it is not worth the climb when my relationship with the people who TRULY matters is affected by the demands of the work force. NO, it is not worth every money I will get if I come home to a daughter who I don't have time to nurture and guide, a husband I will be too tired to take care of, a house I can never clean because of weariness, friends I cannot see and call, activities I have to cancel and life I have to turn my back to. NO, if it means I will spend lesser quality time with the people I love and more time in a place where every dealing is superficial. NO. It is not worth it at all. So, I rescind my dream of any promotion, career growth or a shot at a managerial post because what matters to me is the quality of life I will live when I leave the corporate world. Surely, no amount of money nor company accolades can top that.

I do know that I have far exceeded my Lord's expectation by giving the very best in what I do with the sincerity of my heart. I may not get the promotion I deserve here but in HIS eyes, I am a winner.

Updated Furniture

I took a quick look on our couch in the living room a while ago and thought to myself how plain and old-fashioned it was. I have been looking around home centre in the malls lately to check on any contemporary furniture. I am eager to spruce the house a bit to make it more cozy and updated. I have seen modular types of furniture good for a small space and I hope they go on sale!

Air India Plane Crash

This news is not good at all especially for people who work in the Aviation Industry like myself. Likewise, a news as horrifying as this will never be taken in a good light by the families of the passengers of the Boeing 737-800 Air India aircraft which went down at dawn today.

News have already flashed all over the world about the mishap which happened on a hilltop airport in Bajpe, just outside Mangalore, India. Several accounts of survivors have been taken by CNN-IBN television. Some survivors said that the landing was smooth at first but went awry and overshot the wet runway due to rains.

Air India is the national carrier of India and this will surely dent their already struggling airline.

I am offering my heartfelt prayers and condolences to the families of the victims of this air tragedy. May God shine light upon them.

Annoying Types of People in Facebook... Are You One of Them?

I love playing in Facebook. It is the only stress-buster I know that works. Apart from the games that I enjoy there, I get to chat with my family and friends and reconnect to long-lost childhood friends and relatives from far-flung places I haven't seen in ages. However, I know there should be a decorum set for using Facebook. I think some people just go over-board. Then again, it's their page so let them do their thing, right?

Anyway, I don't mean to hurt anyone by posting this. It is for sheer fun and information. Also, this has been forwarded to me by a friend via email.

9 Annoying Types of People in Facebook

1. The Gamer - The invites and updates will never stop.
2. The Event Coordinator - They invite everyone to everything.
3. The Desperate Marketer - Their idea of marketing on Facebook is to spam all their friends with "become of [whatever]" requests. Usually, [whatever] is either themselves of a paying client.
4. The Horrible Photo Tagger - They will tag ANYTHING regardless whether or not it is something you want your family or co-workers to see.
5. The Rash - This fellow will follow you in Facebook and will comment on everything you do.
6. The Quiz Taker - You'd think everyone has gotten sick of this by now.
7. The Passive Aggressor - They post well-rehearsed retorts without mentioning anyone by name.
8. The Infant Profile - They use their kid as their profile picture. It is supposed to be cute but to some it is a bit disturbing.
9. The Filterless - They post updates about everything, even when it is something you would never, ever want to know.

Okay, there goes the list. My personal opinion on this is that, I think the list is too rigid to accept people as they are. So, if someone wants to post updates on his or her wall that you don't want to know? It is her or his wall anyway. There is always this "hide" option in Facebook. I get tagged on photos of "me" but when I check, those are photos of shirts, bags, shoes and what-have-yous being sold by friends in Facebook. I just try to ignore them if the goods do not actually fill me with interest. There is always the option of turning the other cheek and not be bothered.

I think, these 9 Annoying Types of People in Facebook are the reason why Facebook is more interesting and fun. Don't you think?

Health Nut - Healthy Colon

I had honestly gone through an enema at one point in my life. I needed to detoxify and that was one of the natural ways of cleaning my colon. It sure is not one I will fancy discussing over a cup of coffee but with so many processed food these days and manic activities we all engage in, it is fitting to note that our colon needs TLC too.

Vitamin D will do wonders to our colon. Although it cannot afford the luxury of a good sunbath but a dose of Vitamin D will surely perk it up. This vitamin gets synthesized by our bodies when we soak up on good sun rays. After which, Vitamin D acts in making out-of-control cells go towards apoptosis which is a programmed cell death to eliminate possible problems.

So, soak up some good rays and give your colon a good break.

Cash or Credit?

I have not been using a credit card for my shopping needs. I used to use my credit cards for travel and other leisure purpose purchases. However, the recession has brought a grim realization when it comes to budgeting and keeping our cash flow to the minimum. For one, we had to cut back on our travels and hotel bookings. I had to set a limited budget for a month to maintain. I stopped shopping for no reason. Now, I am a wiser money-holder than I was when money used to flow like a river. I know better now.

Glee Cast - Will Schuester

What's a Glee Club without the main guy? Meet Mr. Will Schuester. He's the main guy who keeps the Glee Club together. His character is played by Matthew Morrison who attended NYU's School of Arts. He played a part in Footloose in Broadway and later joined the cast of the Broadway production of The Rocky Horror Show.

(Photo credit: Gleewiki.fox.com)

Photographs and Memories

I stumbled upon a box full of old photos of my childhood and up to the time I got married and have a kid. I cannot believe my eyes when the yellowish photos of my early years are still kept in good condition.

I want to scan the old photos to showcase my childhood memories. The photos remind me of my happy childhood, loving parents and grandparents, bickering siblings and the colorful life of growing up. I want my daughter to see all those captured and shown in a digital frame.

Clean-Up

The reason why I do not enjoy and like having parties at home is the clean-up after the mess when the very last guest leaves. You see smudges of sauces on the floor, left-over cigars, dirty dishes, stale food, opened soda cans, sticky floor, and a total disarray of stuff.

I must admit, I grew up with helpers at home who would do all the cleaning and washing for my family. However, living in a foreign land does not give me that luxury to afford my own helper. So, I do everything myself even if I did not host the party. Sigh!

Fashion Sense

Fashion plays a role in one's everyday life. It can be a powerful tool too if you are aiming to get what you want, be it in the work place or in your society. A good fashion sense can take you places. It holds a strong standing to one's impression of someone. So, having a good fashion sense is vital in making it big.

Putting clothes together for the heck of just being clothed is not an excuse for not being presentable. Some people go out of their way to peruse fashion magazines, watch fashion trends and get styling tips from the experts. Some people refer to fashion industry news for information on what is hot and in mode. Others simply mimic their idols and voila! You have one 'fashionista.'

It is nice to be dressed up and well presented. One does not require to be decked expensively as long as the clothes are properly coordinated and matched. There are ways to cope with confusions when it comes to mix and matching without overdoing the style. The Internet is a great way to search for styles and get tips to improve one's fashion IQ. A great site to visit is Stylecaster. There are numerous get-ups to choose and play around with by mixing them with other styles and cuts. It is really helpful and informative.

It is wise to invest in a sensible fashion to cater to your lifestyle. Sticking to the basics of whites, browns, blacks and grays is not bad. Just accentuate with accessories to complement the clothes. It is not hard to be fashionable as long as you do not go over board. Next time you know it, you are comfortable, confident and fashionable.

Male Dominated World

It is so tough to be in a place where you are surrounded by the male species. Sometimes, as tough they have taken testosterone booster and forget that they have female colleagues too. Well, I do not mind hearing their light and sometimes, out-right funny banters. However, other female colleagues feel uneasy probably because they are not used to having boys around them. Where they grew up, the male species dominate everything. I think that is rather cruel and biased. The present generation has given a voice to the female species. Now, we can do what men can too, in some degrees that is.

I Love GLEE!

I am a frustrated singer. I love MUSIC but my love is unrequited. I joined Glee Club during my younger years but my range never suited second voice. I tried practicing at home using our karaoke system but I still go out of tune and murder the lyrics badly. So, I conclude that my relationship with Music has been doomed from the start. Sigh!

Well, my lack of talent in the singing world makes up for my skills in other aspect in the Arts field. However, just because I cannot sing properly does not mean I loathe musical or anything involving singing. I just got hooked watching GLEE. My daydreams are now tuned to watching these bunch of so-called misfits sing their hearts out. Of course, I imagine myself being the lead in the musical in that show. It's free to dream anyway. That's the closest I can get to being a singer ;)

The GLEE show is so great in terms of talent and charisma coming from each star of the show. I love the fact that we can watch it as a family show but with parental guidance of course. There are scenes and sexual innuendos here and there which are not ripe for my daughter. I do not condone that aspect but if you look at what the show has to offer in terms of lessons to learn, making tough choices, valuing friendships and relationships, trust, honesty and smidges of moral, then I can say that the show is loaded. We are not even talking about their vocal prowess yet!

The casts are really talented. Most of them have theatre experience so they are believable in the show because they do all the songs themselves. Wow!

More about GLEE and the stars of the show in my upcoming posts.

(Photo source: www.downfilms.ru)

Off to the Gym

I have no choice but to really go to the gym today. My clothes are snug. If I must say, they are too snugged for comfort that I probably need to buy clothes one size bigger.

A friend suggested if I can try apidexin too while I do regular exercise and proper eating because it will help in burning fats.

The problem is that, the health stores here in Dubai carry limited weight loss products over the counter. I cannot just order from outside to ship in this country as they are restricted. I wonder who I can ask to buy one for me?

Health Nut - Good Ol' Orange Juice

10I wish I can drink gallons upon gallons of orange juice if it is not for my hyper-acidity. The good ol' orange juice is good for your joints, gives needed Vitamin C and aids in the prevention of our bodies' inflammatory processes when taking very heavy meals. Also, drinking orange juice which is rich in flavonoid gives our aging joints some lovin'.

So folks, drink up on your daily dosage of orange juice and be healthy.

Handmade Card - 40th Birthday Card for Hubby

I didn't buy him commercial cards you just pick from the lot. I made him a special one from the heart and loaded with love. Here's the card I gave my hubby on his 40th birthday last Thursday. He loved it! One comment though from the celebrant, "Ma, it is so 'right in your face'!" Is it?!?

For Donation

Why can we donate blood but not our fats?!? Arghhh! I am getting very upset these days because I have been trying so hard to lose some weight but it just won't happen. I have tried jogging like crazy. I tried cutting back on calories. I tried skipping on processed carbohydrates. I even tried fasting. I am really getting so upset I can buy a truckload of fat burning products really soon. I know some who lost major weight just by running on the treadmill. How come I haven't?

My Tribute to all Moms - A Motherhood Rollercoaster Ride

I have posted this in my friend Jade's blog in honor of all the great moms out there. I am happy to share it to all of you mothers who made a great contribution to our lives. Happy Mother's Day and enjoy the read.

~oOo~

I am very thankful for the opportunity my good blogging friend, Jade gave me. I am so honored to do this post for her and it makes me happy to do so. Anything for a friend…

Well, this post is something very close to my heart. It’s about the rollercoaster ride of motherhood.

It is one of the best experience a woman can ever feel in her lifetime. It is both pleasant and frightening, similar to riding a rollercoaster with its many dips and turns. However, like any rollercoaster ride, it is not always down. Motherhood has so many “ups” to offer and I can vouch for that – because I am a mom.

I have never thought I would feel an immense love to that tiny being fluttering in my stomach when I found out I was pregnant. It is an unconditional love you feel to your unborn child knowing he or she is God’s blessing. I knew the moment I got married that I was ripe for that purpose, to carry a child in my womb and give birth to His likeness and being.

The first rollercoaster dip to a motherhood is the 9-months journey to reach one’s full term in pregnancy. Mine was very difficult. I was always bleeding and at the brink of miscarriage. I had to skip many days from work. I had a long and painful labor before I saw a glimpse of my little one – the source of my joy from there on. I knew then that I have come in full circle as a mother and have fully paid my dues to my mom when I gave birth.

Raising my daughter was another story. I had to endure sleepless nights watching her sleep. My rollercoaster ride to motherhood had taken its twist and turn now. With a limited savings, a husband who left for a better future for us while our daughter was young and being a first time mom in a home away from my family terrified me. I had to be both brave and strong for my daughter because no one else would be there when I had to cry for help. More dips, turns and twists to motherhood ensued right after. Being a mom also means you have to endure your child’s pain. Every child goes through their ritual of getting sick and going in and out of the hospital. I had my share of that and more while I was alone. A mother had to endure all that.

The many ups of motherhood is one to make your heart soar in great heights. For me, seeing her smile, getting chocolate-smudged kisses and hugs, holding her small hands, being with her are joys of a mother. These are valuable moments that cannot be measured and bought. Now I am aware of the depth of a mother’s love because I can feel it too. It’s very profound, very intense and very powerful. That’s a mother’s love.

And that rollercoaster ride does not end there. You will have to go through the process over and over again because that’s what a mother does. So, if you’re just planning or is already a mother or currently conceiving, this is all I have to say – enjoy the ride. It is all worth it.

Happy Mother's Day to all Great MOMS!

To my mom who means so much to me and to all great mothers out there who sacrificed so much to ensure their children's well-being is met with unconditional love and affection...

Grab a Funny Picture from pYzam.com

Happy Mother's Day with love!

A Girl's Chevy Camaro Love

I have seen myriad of flashy cars running the streets of modern Dubai. I have seen Lamborghinis, Ferraris, Bentleys, Porches and even the distinguished Rolls Royce cars plying the main thoroughfares of cosmopolitan Dubai. However, I prefer to drive simple but performance-enriched cars like the Chevy Camaro decked with the chevy camaro accessories I can find. I do not have a Camaro but I do not mind having one at all! Why not make it two? One for me and one for my husband? That will be sweet!

People raise their eyebrows whenever I tell them I want to drive a Chevy Camaro. They always tell me that it is a boy's car. So what if it is? I do not recall any law stating that a Chevy Camaro can only be driven by the testosterone laden species we call men.

It is like a love at first sight for me. I just love the fluid-like design of this car. It looks so intimidating and means serious business. I like the black colored Chevy Camaro. It reminds me of Michael Knight's Knight Rider car. Beautiful!

I want my Chevy Camaro to have a different edge so I want it without the 2 strips of line like the other previous release. I want it plain black, not just black but glossy black. I want it decked with custom grilles either in black or ash grey color. I will loose the side skirts but will love to see my rims in black alloy and low profile tires. Sporty and classy too.

I may be a girl but I have my preference when it comes to driving a car. I will either drive a big SUV or a car like Chevy Camaro.

I cannot say it is a girl's dream come true to drive a Chevy Camaro but if I can have one, it will definitely be a dream come true for me.

Business Insurance Coverage

Starting a small or medium sized business is a great idea when you are in your retirement. Some start to establish a decent business even as early as their twenties for the rainy days.

Having a business is not complete when you do not have proper coverage or getting business insurance quote at least. It is a risky issue to run a business without being wise on insurance coverage due to unforeseen events. It is also relevant to ensure that your company is insured with all the aspect of a business insurance coverage can encompass like employees benefits, loss of property coverage due to fire, theft or natural disasters, and protection of the owner's well-valued investment.

Due to the recession, one's money can just go down the drain in an instant. More and more companies in the USA are getting their business covered properly especially at this harsh time.

There are numerous of insurance companies which cater to these business type of insurance coverage. Location does not matter whether you are from the East or West coast. Insurance companies are strategically situated and are also available online for quotes.

So, if you are running a business in Hawaii or Alaska, you can be assured that you can get Alaska business insurance or Hawaii business insurance which is right for your company's needs.

Be wise. Do not let your hard-earned money go to waste by not getting your company insured. Now is the right time to get your business insured so get your insurance quotes the earliest.

Happy 40th Birthday!

Hi Pa!

Happy 40th Birthday! I know you dread to see the numbers but remember that you have been blessed with another healthy, happy and fruitful year to serve God and everyone you love.

Enjoy your birthday and have heaps of fun!

New MySpace Layouts

Love always,

Girls Talk - Childhood Friends

I have plenty of childhood friends. In fact, I recently reconnected with them thru the help of Facebook. See, I told my husband that Facebook has its good points ;)

There are too many to name and I don't want to name names for the sake of not hurting other's feelings if in case I forget to mention someone.

So, most of my childhood friends are in my Facebook. Even one of my friends way back kindergarten is now my renewed friend in Facebook. Thank goodness for Facebook!!!

Cinco De Mayo today!!!

Happy Cinco de Mayo to all my friends in the southern region of America who are celebrating this festive occasion. Enjoy!

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