Third Stage: Informal Tete-a-Tete with the Big Boss

I almost fell from my chair when the HR Coordinator called before noon to inform me that I have a "casual meeting" with the Big Boss of the department where the vacancy was.

Informal meeting? What is that? I wonder...

I asked the Coordinator if I had to prepare for anything, she said no need as it was just a casual meeting. Of course, this is not a reason to be jumping up and down with glee because I am not sure if the same invitation was extended to the other applicants who made it as far as the interview.

So, I am meeting the big boss on Sunday. I don't know what to think this time. I just want to thank God for taking me this far in the application process.

Meanwhile, let me just enjoy my weekend without any additional stress.

Needle Art Craft

I am quite crafty when it comes to making stuff and pouring creativity to life. I must have gotten it from my mom, aunt and grandmother (all in my mother's side) who are very skillful with their hands. Her sister, my aunt was also a great crafter. She would look at Quilting Patterns or stitched project and the next day, would have her own finished and improved product. My grandmother was a dressmaker and would often make pretty ball dresses for us. My mom is also good in crocheting and cross-stitching. I love cross-stitching too. And now, I am passing the same torch to my daughter who has a flair with arts and crafts. Her favorite medium with the needle work is fabric felt. She makes finger puppets and pouches out of fabric felts. She stitches all her project by hand. And her work is quite impressive given her young age.

I am quite fascinated with needle arts and craft. I have dabbled only in cross-stitching and basic dressmaking as far as needle art is concerned. I am aiming to broaden my skills by learning how to crochet, punch needle art, quilting and embroidery. With these extra craft to learn, I will require stitching equipment, tools, and Punch Needle Supplies to help me complete my projects. I will also need various threads and different types of needles depending on the kind of needle art I will undertake.

I have not started with one particular needle art yet. I am still researching and reading plenty of resources I can find about a certain needle art. I will have to gauge if my passion will linger, long enough for me to complete a project. As far as being crafty and creative is concerned, I am quite good in the paper crafts. I still have to hone my stitching skills which I know is not too late. Everyone can learn a skill or a craft at any age.  So, I can still master a certain needle art as long as I put my heart into it. 

Olives in Martinis

I received this forwarded mail from a colleague and thought of sharing it to those who love Martinis. I am not patronizing drinking alcohol, so don't get me wrong. I just thought it would be nice to know the reason why olives and Martinis go well. Here's why:

"Some say the olive is the best part of a martini. Martini drinkers often claim that garnishing the beverage with olives gives it an extra kick of flavor. Cocktail party-goers insist that the simple olive garnish turns gin and vermouth into a martini.

The Facts
1. The olive has its positive health effects, but it's hardly the reason why it's a necessary ingredient in a great martini. Bar olives used in the drink are preserved in brine and their salty flavor alters the taste of the drink.
Martinis are typically garnished with three olives; any additional are served on the side. Many recipes for the classic cocktail recommend using gourmet olives to embellish the drink.

Eating Martini Olives
2. Dedicated martini drinkers savor the olives at the end of the drink. Olives soak up some of the gin and vermouth, giving them a unique taste.
When the drink comes with more than one olive, martini lovers typically eat one olive with the first sip, using a cocktail pick or just swallowing. The second or last olive is swallowed with the last of the drink.

History
3. There is no definitive story on the creation of the martini, but folklore suggests the drink was first mixed during the California Gold Rush.
"In 1849, a miner struck it rich and was returning to San Francisco. The miner, arriving in Martinez, the first large town he hit, wanted to celebrate. He walked into our leading bar and asked for champagne," according to the City of Martinez website. Champagne was not available. "However, the bartender told him (the miner) that he had something much better than champagne and served a drink which the bartender said was a 'Martinez Special'. The miner liked the drink and ordered for the house. Over a period of years the name Martinez became martini."

Types of Martini Olives
4. No matter what type of olive you use, always use fresh ones. Old olives will ruin a martini.
There are countless types of olives that can be added to a martini. In addition to the typical bar cocktail olive, gourmet olives stuffed with garlic, blue cheese, onion, anchovies or almonds may also be used to give a martini a more distinctive flavor.

Misconceptions
5. Recipes that call for cocktail onions instead of olives do not make a true martini; they make a Gibson. The olive garnish is what makes the martini cocktail. When other garnishes are used, it becomes an entirely different beverage."

(Credit: Helena Cain, eHow contributor)

Weight Loss on Track Again

I temporarily slowed down in my quest to lose weight when I dropped 4 kilos in a span of a month's time. The doctor advised me to take it easy because it was not good for my body to take in such a drastic loss in a short period of time. So, I went easy and forgot to go back on my quest to lose more weight.

With the onset of the cooler months, losing weight has become more challenging because it is harder to sweat. I have to start my weight loss program again by October whether I like it or not. I cannot fall in a rut.

I am considering to try diet pills that actually work but have to be careful since I have hypertension. The doctor said that I have to consult a physician before I actually buy a diet supplement due to my condition.

On second thought, I will go back to my salad-eating habits again and skip on the bad carbs and sodas. I lost weight by skipping on sodium too. So going back to that clean eating (albeit, bland and sometimes boring) habit will definitely jump-start my metabolism again.

This is it! The weight loss program is on!

A Surprise in the Mail

Gone are the days when people wait for the mailman to deliver something special from the post. I remember when I was a kid; I always waited for the mailman to deliver some letters from relatives and friends from far away land. I would wait with bated breath on the arrival of some great news and goodies through the snail mail. However, times have changed drastically. Most people don't send stuff anymore. They email or chat but never write the old school way.

Well, today is different. Just when I thought that the snail mail is going extinct; I received a very pleasant surprise from the mail and it was from my dear friend in NYC!

DN sent me a hand-stitched picture of a little girl flying a kite with a quotation. It is so beautiful. I showed it to my colleagues when I opened the parcel. They loved it and I loved it more!!! I was gushing like the little girl I used to be waiting for something good in the mail. She also enclosed a card with a very touching caption. 

I am really thankful for the gift of friendship and to know the fact that we have never met in person yet and we both feel the connection. We are like kindred spirits, sisters from different mothers, great pals of long ago and yet, we only met through Facebook.

Thanks DN! I am so happy and very touched by your generosity. I told you before, you didn't have to bother with anything. Your friendship alone is a great gift in itself. You are a wonderful person!

Idol Judges on Season 10 Announced

It came as no surprise anymore as I have been reading a lot about the new judges on American Idol Season 10. Kara, Simon and Ellen is out officially. Only Randy Jackson is left amongst the original AI judges who helped bring out the great talents of America from Kelly Clarkson to David Cook!

Last Wednesday, Ryan Seacrest announced the new Idol judges to grace the Season 10 talent reality show. The judges are Steven Tyler, the famous front man of Aerosmith and the father of Liv Tyler and the diva, Jennifer Lopez or JLo as she is commonly known.

I just lost my will to watch the show now. I have nothing against Randy Jackson as he is a sweet guy but I am not sure of the producers' pick on the other 2 judges' slots. 

I think I'll just wait for the end of Season 10 to announce the winners. It's not fun anymore without the acerbic Simon's comments and the funny Ellen to put humour on the judges stand. 

Out of Sync

I have been staring at this blank blogger composition page for about five minutes until it hit me. I think I am going through another "blogger's block" this time around. It is not very often that I experience this kind of mental block.

My mind seems to be out of sync lately with the enormous stress factors present in my life at the moment. I am stressed at work. The work load is overwhelming. My financial standing is not looking good despite the tight budget. I am thinking of my mom. Some people are asking for monetary help. My vacation leave is coming but I am still wondering where I will get the extra budget for that (if hubby foots the bill then at least one problem is solved...). There are just too many things going on in my head right now that I am having difficulty to focus.

I hope I snap out of this soon. It is unusual for me to get in a rut like this one. I always remind myself of the countless blessings I have in many, many form. I should be thankful, right?

I guess this is just a phase in my life. I probably need a longer vacation or a new working environment. Oh, I hope I get good news soon.

Here Comes Autumn!!!

The past week has been slightly breezy in the morning except on some occasions.  I woke up at 5:30 a.m. today and went to church. It was humid and foggy at the same time making it difficult to drive. 

I know that with the weather changes happening soon, autumn is just around the corner giving all of us here in the Mid-East region a preview of what to come. Hopefully, not regular fogs because people drive crazy here.

With all my heart, welcome Autumn. Cool weather... I LIKE!

Second Stage: Interview!

I was short-listed again for the interview and went through it this morning. There were just four of us but I am not sure if there were other batches rostered on a different day.

I am so glad the interview is over. I had fun and I enjoyed a lot because the interviewers are very warm and they put me at ease the moment I entered the room.

Although I partially let out a sigh of relief, I still have to wait for the news if I have been considered or not. The competition is so stiff. I did my best! That's all I can say.

Mommy Post in my other Blog

Hi everyone,

I have posted something about parenting style and would like to hear you out. Please feel free to visit my other blog and let me know what you think. You may share your personal experience too on child-rearing so I can learn more and probably adapt them on my own life.

Here is the post link: I'm a Drill-Sergeant Mom!

Thanks!

Assessment Today

I applied for a higher position in a different department sometime back. I have forgotten about it already until last Tuesday when I received an email stating that I was shortlisted. I was so ecstatic!

Today was the assessment day. There were only 9 (including myself) shortlisted candidates for the one position we were all applying for. Five of them are from the same department. The rest are using the product being marketed by the department already. I was the only one who has no background on teaching nor have a lengthy use of the system required. I am familiar but not a very intensive user.

We were asked to present something to gauge our ability to be spontaneous and creative. I showed them what I am good at - arts and crafts. The feedback was really good and I was tickled pink.

Much as I want to be positive in this endeavor, I feel that half of me says to be realistic... 5 people from the same department where the opening is needed are vying for one position they are already familiar with. You do the math.

I am thankful though that I was considered for the post. That, in itself, is a great consolation. I have reached that far as compared to the numerous who have applied for the position and was not called. The next step will be an interview if I pass the assessment. Let us see where the Lord will take me from here.

What Shoes to Wear?

I have been contemplating on buying some pairs of shoes to complement my existing business suits and office wear. Most of the shoes I have bought are 5-7 years old already. I mean, given that time frame, they should have given up on me. I only buy branded shoes because they really last long and quite durable too.

I went to the mall last week to check out some nice high-heeled shoes which will look good on my trousers. Some of them looked like the high-end Prada shoes, Jimmy Choos and the lovely Louboutins. My budget is rather tight so I can only go for the not-so-high-end brands like Aldo, Rockport and Nine West.

It does not hurt to dream to have any of the luxury brands because I am sure that the price you pay for is worth it given the quality and craftmanship of each designer shoes.

Great Recipe for High Blood Pressure

I chanced upon this great recipe for high blood pressure. I will definitely benefit from this because I have HBP. Check it out and try it for yourself. I will probably head to the nearest market after I post this. ;)

Mixed Lettuce, Fennel and Orange Salad 

with Black Olive Vinaigrette

• 1 tablespoon(s) red-wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon(s) lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon(s) Dijon mustard
• 2 clove(s) garlic, minced
• 1/8 teaspoon(s) salt, or to taste
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup(s) extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup(s) Kalamata olives, pitted and coarsely chopped
• 1 tablespoon(s) chopped fresh parsley
• 3 medium navel or Valencia oranges
• 10 cup(s) mixed lettuces, such as chicory, radicchio, and lettuce
• 2 head(s) Belgian endive, sliced
• 2 bulb(s) fennel, trimmed and sliced

Procedure:

1. To prepare vinaigrette: Whisk vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Slowly whisk in oil. Stir in olives and parsley.
2. To prepare salad: Using a sharp knife, remove peel and white pith from oranges. Quarter the oranges; slice pieces crosswise.
3. Just before serving, combine lettuces, endive, fennel, and the orange slices in a large bowl. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss to coat well.

(Source: Realage.com/Eatingwell.com)

Pimple Be Gone...Please!

My daughter's skin problem is still at its peak. We already took her to a dermatologist last time we had a vacation in the Philippines. She was given a hypo-allergenic soap for her face which was mild with balanced ph level. She was told to drink plenty of water, have enough rest and to skip oily and junk food too.

The skin doctor also prescribed an acne cream to use at night on her problematic areas like the forehead and the T-zone. So far, the pimples on her forehead had diminished. However, new pimples are now visible on her nose area.

She is really into the puberty stage now. Much as I try to console her that things like having pimples and blemishes are part of growing up, she is not convinced. I am not sure if we can blame it to the genes since her dad had pimples while passing thru adolescent period. I was not spared too but had barely an outbreak of blemish.

I hope this skin problem does not affect her social life and the way she sees herself. I am just scared that this blemish issue will mar her confidence in meeting people and being who she really is inspite of the external appearance.

Island Getaway

I have been dreaming of an island getaway ever since I got married. I actually wanted an island getaway honeymoon but money was so scarce then and we were just starting out in our careers.

I am not a big beach-goer but I certainly like the idea of resting on a hammock under the canopy of stars with a nearby bonfire and probably sipping a thirst-quenching iced tea. The ocean breeze and the ushering of waves give you that calm sense and a good break from the stressful city life. That will be a treat!

It is great to know that there are web sites offering great island getaway packages with reasonable price. One site to check is Islandgetaway.com. The site offers wonderful Hilton Head Island rentals in South Carolina. It caters to travelers both the young and the young "once" to experience a luxurious vacation in the marvelous Hilton Head Island South Carolina.

The site proudly offers vacationers the best location of Hilton Head Island and the wide variety of activities to do while there. The site also have resources for travelers to use like maps and other location information which are downloadable in Adobe format.

One can choose from the various sections available in the site for specific preference like learning more of the island's history, activities to engage in, beaches, excursions, dining, golf courses and shopping. Accommodations are presented in categories like oceanfront homes, near-ocean homes, oceanfront villas, oceanwalk villas, near-ocean villas, and harbour front villas. These rental properties are fully furnished so travelers do not have to worry on the use of basic appliances. Everything is taken cared of and the vacationer's comfort is given a high regard to ensure that everyone's stay is truly memorable and comfortable.

So, if you are planning to have a break from the hustle and bustle of city life or just want to enjoy nature at its best, visit Islandgetaway.com and check out the wonderful packages they have in store for you. Hilton Head South Carolina awaits your arrival with a smile.

Tiny Cat Village

Nothing makes me go "awwww" when a human being does something good to our furry, four-legged pals. I came across this article in the internet about a man who built cat-sized village for the homeless cats in Jacksonville. 

Craig Grant is not a fan of cats but his son moved out of the house and left a cat to his care. Little did he know that the cat was pregnant and soon had a litter of 5. 

He bought a 30-acre tree farm land near his Jacksonville condo and moved there. He erected the tiny cat village as a shelter for homeless cats and now houses 660 happy and purry pals!

Check out these photos and credit goes to Caboodleranch.com.

What a marvelous cat village!!! Don't you just love happy endings? :)

Binding Service

I had the opportunity to try out numerous office equipment during my tenure in one of the prestigious banking institutions in the Philippines.

I had worked on high-tech photocopier machines which auto-stapled your documents. I had tried copying on colored photocopiers too. I had used facsimile machines which acted as a printer and phone at the same time and considered advanced during that time. I had tried using cross cut shredder to dispose highly confidential documents. Binding documents were easily done with the use of imported binding machines from gbc binding. It is not surprising for me anymore to see numerous advancement on the things that we use today especially on the field of binding and printing.

MyBinding.com is a great site to check out if you want to compare various models and supplies according to your preference. If you are scouting for supplies for your printing and binding service, you can count on MyBinding.com to provide you details of their machines and stocks.

Their web site covers variety of items from binding machines and pertinent supplies to 3-ring binders to laminating pouches and laminating machines to shredders to ID supplies including lanyards, pins, retainers and badge reels. It is haven for companies which are considering to update their equipment and stock with the latest in the market.

The price is also justifiable as they are offering great deals for their binding machines and binding supplies ranging from $1.70 to $9.99. They have 30% off coupon to give for the next purchase and upon linking to their site with a live text link.

Payment method is hassle-free. You may wish to checkout using your credit card or Paypal account. Another great thing this site has is their "guaranteed low price" offer where they will match the item you find from another site which has a lower price than what they offer. And what is best with their low price guarantee is that they will even include the handling and shipping fees on their match.

Apart from the great prices they are offering, they also have items which can be customized according to your companies requirements.

Shipping is free for orders of $75 and above. They also ship to international destinations.

MyBinding.com is the site to check for all your binding needs and other office paraphernalia. If you get lost somehow due to the numerous stocks and machines they carry, you can always get the assistance of their online live chat for a prompt advice.

Lady Gaga's Gone Too Far

I respect PETA so much albeit I am not a staunch follower. I love pets, I love animals and respect their well-being. 

I read recently in the web that Lady Gaga sported "meat" inspired dress. So, I searched the net for pictures and almost gag when I saw her donning the outrageous outfit with matching mini head piece and shoes!

She said she did not mean any disrespect by wearing the meat-dress. What ever her reasons were for donning such a tacky outfit is up to her. However, think of the tormented animals being butchered to have that dress done - if that dress is indeed made of real "raw meat." 

Franc Fernandez, the designer, did not leave a comment. 

Lady Gaga has just gone overboard this time. People have accepted her theatrical performance and outfits but this one is just over the top!

Missed Running

I have not run for the past week because of work demands. My body is just too tired to go through another strenuous activity.

I tried jumping around and stationary walking just to keep the blood pumping. However, running gives me a different kind of high. I feel that when I walk and run, I am actually maximizing my exercise. I lose weight fast like I have taken the best diet pills available in the market.

My body is asking for more serious running and walking. I sort of miss that regimen which actually aided my weight loss goal.

Friday Cleaning Blues

I woke up early today for some serious cleaning. I gave Millie a bath, scrubbed the toilet, mopped the floor, sweep the floor and collected the laundry. 

I took the garbage out and realized how much we throw in a daily basis. How can one small household have so much trash?!? I wonder!

So, the house is spic and span again until the "pack" decides to turn it upside down in few days - oh no, I'll give it few minutes tops...

Not Good for my Stomach

I had a nice Chicken Biryani for lunch today courtesy of a colleague. I skipped breakfast because I was so busy in the morning. Albeit it was not deliberate. I just missed it because I could not spare few minutes to eat or I would get very delayed on my project.

So, come lunch time, I ate like a whale! My stomach is acting funny now. It is like I have taken a colon cleanser that I might go any moment now. I was so scared because I had to drive earlier. Good thing, my stomach cooperated and settled just enough to let me drive home in one piece.

Note to self - do not eat fast especially with a very empty stomach and not oily stuff too!

Too Much Information

Using Facebook and other social network sites is so enjoyable. We get carried away on the status bars and  games and comments. We even posts pictures and videos of special happenings in our lives.

I am guilty on some accounts but not to the extent of divulging so much information for the world to know. I am posting this to share important tips on what "not" to share on Facebook and other social media sites. Reasons out weigh the need to be buddies with the people in the social media sites. For one, your personal safety and protection should be your utmost concern. Second, too much info about yourself and your activities poses high chances of getting hacked or your identity be stolen. Also, many employers now seek social media sites to check on applicants so beware on posting angry status, dissing remarks on colleagues and bosses and uploading pictures and videos of  something you will not like others to see.

Here are information you should not divulge in public:

1. Birth date
2. Birth place
3. School/Universities
4. Location
5. Mobile contact details
6. Pictures and Videos (these you may want to keep to a minimum or something you will not be embarrassed to show the world)
7. Unnecessary comments and remarks (you be the judge...)

Set up your privacy settings according to your preference. I have set mine to just allow "friends" to view my profile and pictures. As of this writing, I have already edited my profile in Facebook to show only the general information. I have also removed "friends" who I really do not know nor have spoken or communicated too.

Well, these are just measures as precursor to safety and protection to take to avoid any hassles or worse, major problems in the future.

Round and Round I Go

I am not on a merry-go-round or riding a ferris wheel as I write this post. Again, it has something to do with work and how dizzy I am today from going from one place to another and back again to my home-base; only to find out that I have to go to another place again to ensure that everything is in order. I am like a whirlwind. Sometimes I wish I am clairvoyant so I can be in two places at one time.

I must have lost a kilo walking and running around the other adjacent office buildings to finish some work. It is like drinking the Fastest working weight loss pills on earth! If this continues until end of this month, I will surely lose not just 1 kilo!

It may be favorable for me to walk around from one place to another but walking under the heat of the sun is a different story. Arggghhhhh!

Weather is Weird

I felt the hot wind blew on my face today. It was quite weird because the previous days were pleasant and very manageable. I could walk a block without breaking a sweat last week but today was different.

The signs of season change is everywhere; from the dry sandy patches of land, to the hot air blowing, to the early setting of the sun to the cool breeze in the morning.

Fall is coming soon!

Feeling Restless and Tired

The past few weeks have been very exhausting for me. Well, this week is not different from the past as I grope my way through the tons of pending work I have to finish in due time.

I can't seem to find enough time to complete the tasks on hand no matter how hard I try to manipulate my time management skills. 8.5 hours is merely not enough to deliver everything the people around me needs.

I am having bouts with hyper-acidity again because of the pressure and stress. Not to mention that my blood pressure is sky-rocketing because of  the demands of work. I may just find myself going through a depression treatment if this continues until end of this month. I don't like it when I am not my usual bubbly and perky self.

I don't want to be toxic so I hope this ends very soon. I just want to be my usual self again. I don't like this weird feeling...

Back to School!!!

Summer has come and gone and my daughter's going to school tomorrow again. She will be in the 7th Grade this time and very excited and nervous too. She is so eager to see her friends and classmates and hopes to be in the same class as her previous one last school year as they are all buddies. She's a bit nervous because her teacher last school year told all of them that from the 7th grade onwards, it would be a different ball game. So, she has to study harder, participate in extra-curricular activities and recite in class. 

Well, there goes my "me" moments too. I am back to being the mom-caregiver-nanny-maid again. Sigh...

Remembering Vegas

It has been more than a year since we visited Las Vegas and we sort of miss the place. For one, The Strip - as Las Vegas is fondly called is vibrant, full of lights and entertainment. We enjoyed the city scape at night with all the neon lights calling out everyone's attention.

What my husband and I missed to do was watch some fancy entertainment show the time we visited. We could not live our daughter alone in the hotel. We checked out nice shows that time and thought it would be fun to see what other people were raving about. All the glitters, fancy shoes, the ladies with their sexy adult costumes and full make-up and the part of the show with the choreography, lights and sounds to accompany the movements were the stuff we missed to see. Maybe next time...

Enjoying the Long Weekend

Eid Mubarak to all!

We are currently enjoying the long weekend starting today until Monday because of Eid Al Fitr. It is the end of Ramadan season.

We are off to Holiday Inn Express in Safa Park tomorrow for an overnight stay to enjoy our family time together away from the hustle and bustle of the city life.

Tuh-tah for now!

Tap-Tap-Tap on the Floor Above

Living in our flat is like that poem of Edgar Allan Poe - The Raven only it's real. Unlike the raven in Poe's poem that tapped on the door, this tapping I hear most nights is from our neighbor above our floor!

I cannot fully comprehend the reason to walk around your house at midnight, 2 o'clock, 3 o'clock and even wee hours of the morning wearing clacking footwear. I could imagine the person causing all these tapping on the floor wearing a heeled-footwear. I thought the ceiling will be impermeable with sound since we have slightly high ceiling and made of concrete. Oh, I was so wrong!

This person just tap-tap-tap with gusto without realizing that he or she is causing so much disturbance at night. There are moments of peace when I sleep early and deeply but if I climb the bed later than 10:00 p.m. then I will be in trouble. 

The weird thing about that "walking noise" above our flat is that I only hear one shuffle. Sometimes a bouncing ball but oftentimes, it's the tapping of the heeled-footwear. 

I wonder if that person has another type of footwear aside from the noisy ones he or she wears around? Perhaps, a little introduction to the ever reliable flip-flops will be fine.

Saving Electronic Files

Modern times have changed the way we deal with files, records and other documents. All of the ones I have mentioned were all in paper and archived in folders or stacks of boxes in the vault of filing cabinets. The technology has changed all that.

Now, we can easily archive our important documents electronically with the use of the obsolete floppy disks, hard disks, re-writable cds/dvds and flash drive. Other companies even offer their massive servers to hold our electronic files we upload on the web.

It is amazing what technology can do to our paper-based files. It will not be long until we go paper-less and embrace the advancement of technology.

Thank Goodness for Friends

I am the kind of person who has very little circle of friends. However, I do pride myself for having a small circle of pals because they have been my friends for as long as I can remember.

I am very choosy when it comes to building friendships because I value relationships so much. I take friendship as a serious relationship where everything is built on "trust."

I have had my fair share of friendships gone sour because the trust had been broken or we just grew apart. I have tried reviving a "fallen" friendship too at one point but was rejected. So, I get hurt too in this friendship business. It is just not easy to keep real friends these days.

I am glad though that despite the lack of time, my friends and I still get in touch through various means like emails, chat rooms and phone calls. I am glad they are still around to give me a nudge when everything else seems to go astray in my life. I am really thankful for the few friends I have who are always there no matter what.

Friends are really like wine. The older the friendship gets, the better they become. Thanks to all my friends. You are all heaven sent to me and my family.

Earthquake Hits New Zealand

The city of Christchurch - the second largest city in New Zealand - was hit by a strong earthquake early today, 4 Sept. 2010. The earthquake registered at 7.0 magnitude. The effect caused power cuts and raptured roads and damages to buildings. So far, no casualty has been reported.

New Zealand is located along the Pacific Ring of Fire where active volcanoes and earthquakes occur. New Zealand also had a strong shake felt last year in the South Island's Fiordland.

Arrears on Mortgages

I had my fair share of mortgage problems many, many years ago. It all happened when my husband moved here in Dubai to look for a job. I was temporarily left in the Philippines with my baby daughter, two nannies and a mortgaged townhouse.

I was not earning very well but had good perks in the bank where I previously worked. I had our townhouse under mortgage with my employer - the bank. Unfortunately, my husband took long to land a very stable job in Dubai that we fell in debt and had lapses in our mortgage payments.

I was lucky enough to find a job when I came to Dubai very quickly. By then, the interests were all piling and we had to do something. So, we took a big loan here in Dubai and paid the property in full. At least we have a clean title now and a loan that will mature in the very near future.

What we have been through is not an easy feat. I am so thankful that we paid the property in time before the bank foreclosed it. If we had not done that, we will end up losing all we have worked so hard for on that property. It is similar to what is happening in the US now with all the Outer Banks foreclosures. I could not bear seeing all our hard work go to waste.

We are just lucky that both of us have a good opportunity here in Dubai. We are earning better than our previous senior managers in the Philippines. We have learned a lot from that ordeal. We know how to value money and invest properly now. We are still planning to have another property soon in the Philippines. If ever everything falls into place, my husband and I plan to purchase in cash now. I am so afraid having loans these days. I cannot relive the nightmare I have had with the arrears on mortgages.

Rainy Days and Memories

Philippines is entering the typhoon season. Unlike the hot and very humid weather condition here in the Middle East, Southeast Asian region have only 2 seasons - wet and dry.

I remember my childhood days in the Philippines. My siblings and I used to wait for the rainy season because we would play and take a bath in the rain showers. My mom would take out the stainless steel drums as reservoir for rain water. She used the rain water for our garden and when she cleaned the patio.

I miss the rains back home. Although I do not like the torrential rains, I do love the smell of freshly watered plants. The sunny weather here in Dubai may be inviting to some people but I still like to see the rain once in a while.