Ring Out the Old, Ring in the New

Let me quote Alfred Tennyson when I greet everyone a very peaceful, prosperous and bright New Year.

Ring out the old, ring in the new,

Ring, happy bells, across the snow;

The year is going, let him go;

Ring out the false, ring in the true.

Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky,

The flying cloud, the frosty light:

The year is dying in the night;

Ring out, wild bells, and let him die.

Ring out the grief that saps the mind,

For those that here we see no more;

Ring out the feud of rich and poor,

Ring in redress to all mankind.

Ring out false pride in place and blood,

The civic slander and the spite;

Ring in the love of truth and right,

Ring in the common love of good.

Ring out a slowly dying cause,

And ancient forms of party strife,

Ring in the nobler modes of life,

With sweet manners, purer laws.

Ring out old shapes of foul disease;

Ring out the narrowing lust of gold;

Ring out the thousand wars of old,

Ring in the thousand years of peace.

Ring in the valiant man and free,

The larger heart, the kindlier hand;

Ring out the darkness of the land,

Ring in the Christ that is to be.

HAPPY 2011 EVERYONE!

Happy 2011

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I pray that 2011 brings all of us the promise and "hope" of a better year ahead. God Bless all of us.

Welcome 2011 with Hope

2010 has been a year of "greats" - great disasters, great snow storms, great political threats that could shake a nation's security, great attack to Christianity, great economic depression and recession, great rift among nations (N. Korea and S. Korea), great divorce amongst famous personalities, great environmental harm and great deaths. The list can go on but I don't want to press on the negative events of the year that will become a "has-been." Rather, I want to focus on the good things that happened during 2010. I am sure that 2010 did not bring just the unfortunate events. It also brought brotherhood and humility to everyone.

What are the positive things that happened this year which we all find inspiring and worth taking to 2011? I have a few to list here which I feel and think merits recognition for the positive impact they have on a global scale. (Like I said, these are my personal opinion.)

1. Oct. 13, 2010 - Successful rescue operation of the Chilean Miners

All 33 Chilean miners have been trapped for more than 10 weeks. Although the rescue mission took long because of the sensitivity of the mission, the were rescued nonetheless.

Nations prayed together, had a vigil and camped out to await the day of the precise extraction. It came on October 13.

2. June 11 to 11 July, 2010 - South Africa's FIFA global fever

South Africa graced the successful 2010 FIFA and brought about unity and camaraderie amongst other nations and fellow Afrikaans.

It is good that their country hosted the well-known sport event because throngs of delegates and other nationals flocked their country to watch and support their team. And what does that mean financially - money came in.

3. November 16, 2010 - In-Kyung Kim donates golf winning to charity

Money is scarce and the rich are richer. It is so wonderful to know that a young adult is wise beyond her years by doing the thing most young and rich people will not do - give it all. The winning that is.

22-year-old In-Kyung Kim donated her golf winning from the Lorena Ochoa cup to the Lorena charity. Half of her winning went to another charitable institution in the United States.

4. June 18, 2010 - Final installment of Toy Story (3) is released

With the deluge of senseless movies this year, it is breath of fresh air to watch something we will all remember. I have always been a fan of Toy Story, from the very first to the last installment. This movie moves me and make me see toys in a different light.

I love how the theme revolved on the "toys' desire" to be there for Andy no matter what it takes. It showed , friendship, trust, love for others, perseverance, and respect which I don't see too often in other movies these days.

Toy Story 3 may be the last but for me, it will always be one of the greatest animation ever shown. And I will make sure that when I have grandchildren, they too, will enjoy the movie as I have had.

So, the year is about to end. It will be nice to bury the fear, animosity and negativity in 2010. I know it is easier said than done but let's welcome 2011 with a glimmer of hope - one day at a time. A prayer will do wonders too.

Happy New Year everyone. 2010 has been tough and we have braved the tumultuous year standing. 2011 will be challenging but we already know what to do.

Stranded and Cold

The weather is harsh in the northern hemisphere. I feel so sorry and sad to all those who are stuck in the airport, subway, train stations, bus terminals, in the bus, in their cars, in the airports and anywhere else I can imagine. The snow storm struck in the most busiest of time - the holiday rush. 

This is one of the reason we don't travel to the colder regions on December - January. you just can't tell when the snow storm will hit the hardest. Even if the forecast says something about snow storm, one cannot expect the magnitude a storm can cause.

I pray everyone who are stuck right now in the cold will find some comfort in any means. I hope assistance and the resumption of transportation services go back to normal the soonest possible time.

Smokey Scent

I cannot stand the smell of cigars and cigarettes. It is very pungent for me and I have a hard time breathing. I feel so angry whenever inconsiderate people light up their cigarettes even on places that are designated non-smoking. It is very unfair for non-smokers like me to inhale the toxins coming out from their cigarette butts.


I have the misfortune of bumping to someone in our building who smoke even inside the lift. For crying out loud! The lift is a very confined space and the scent does not go away swiftly. I hope he can take the cotinine test so he will have an idea on the damage his smoking does to him and to the innocent second-hand smokers.

I am so tempted to slap the cigar out of his hand or maybe, just slap the living daylights out of him. How inconsiderate and foolish can he be?

Safety First This New Year

Christmas has come and gone and people are now anticipating the coming of 2011. A lot of you may celebrate New Year with a bang, quite literally. However, here in Dubai, residents are not allowed to hold their own fireworks display at home. Maybe some who have permission but it is done by big hotels only or the government body.

So, New Year is rather safe here. We just watch the fireworks from the distance and it is being set up by the professionals. For those of you who are going to have fireworks display, just bear in mind these simple tips to avoid any accidents or mishaps you may regret.

1. Keep all your fireworks in a safe place, preferably away from the reach of children.

2. Don't put your fireworks near hot areas like stoves, fireplace and kilns. This is rather common sense!

3. Set up your fireworks in a vacant yard or at least few feet away from the residential area or where the public has access. You don't want your fireworks to accidentally "blast" on unwitting passers-by.

4. If you need to light up your fireworks the conventional way, i.e., use of a match, please wear protective gloves like the ones used by construction workers.

5. Tie a candle on a long stick and use it to light your fireworks from a distance.

6. Do not fire "weapons." Period!

7. Tap the pots and pans instead if you want to make some noise or put your stereo on for some nice and non-deafening music. 

We have managed to live without the frivolities of fireworks display for many years now. It is a welcome respite though, to see the magnificent display brought by the professionals as sponsored by the government and hoteliers here in Dubai from a very safe distance. Although the celebration back in the Philippines is really missed, I would rather settle for a simple and safe welcoming of 2011 than find my fingers all over the place. If you know what I mean.

So, let us keep it safe and simple. If we can avoid not setting up fireworks then let us do so. However, if one intends to welcome 2011 with grand display of fireworks, be my guest. Just be cautious and have a first aid kit within reach just in case.

Happy New Year everyone. Where ever you may be. Have a safe and peaceful 2011!

A Blessed Christmas Greeting to All

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Coca-Cola's Snow Globes Christmas Commercial

I love snow globes so this commercial, by far, is the best I have ever seen from Coca-Cola. What's so nice about this commercial is the song of Train's Shake Up Christmas. It brings that certain joy of feeling the Christmas spirit inspite of the harsh and gloomy economic times. People have forgotten how it feels like to experience Christmas and the real meaning of it.

So, watch this commercial and like it. It's just very nice and warm :) Merry Christmas everyone, where ever you may be :)

TSA Choir Brings Christmas Cheer

Stressed travelers are greeted by singing TSA agents in LAX Airport. With all the negative publicity the "pat-downs" brought by the recent tight screening in most major airports in the US, this gesture is certainly a breath of fresh air. This is also a nice way to relieve tension and bring the Christmas spirit in a busy scene.

Watch them sing by clicking on the link below! Maybe they can make an album too :) They actually sing good. Good job TSA!

Singing TSA agents

Merry Christmas everyone, where ever you are right now :) Keep safe, keep warm and keep the spirit of Christmas alive. God Bless!

Busy Cleaning

I posted few days back that I will be conducting end-of-the-year cleaning. Today is day 1 and so far, I am progressing well. I love to clean up especially when there is no one to distract nor stop me from throwing the unnecessary clutter we have collected over the years. The only sad part is that, we have all fond memories of some of the stuff but I believe we should separate or distance ourselves from the earthly ties we have on material things. So, I am moving on...

Clean, clean, clean. That's what I want to obtain by the end of the year. I am even de-cluttering the negativity in my live right now. I want to welcome 2011 with a positive outlook and determination to beat the odds, no matter what them may be.

I'll say good bye soon to 2010 with a clean house (and mind, heart and soul) and will  welcome 2011 all bright and beaming with joy.

Spaced-Out

My body has adapted very well to the fact that I can do a work of 2 people. However, my body did not expect to do those load in a very, very tight time frame.

I have been staying back since Sunday in the office until 7:00 pm. I have clocked 12 hours of work to meet deadlines! I am so sure I won't be commended for that like always. 

I did it to complete the task given. Then I realized, I shouldn't have done that. I am paid only until a certain period of time. After that is "thank you." I just allowed the company to short-change me. That's so bad but I let it happen.

I am so spaced-out. My brain and the whole of me are literally begging for a break. Like any well-oiled machine, it has to rest or else it will break-down.

I will not allow these things to happen again next time. I should have known. The company can replace me easily but the time I lost is gone forever. Note to self..."No one is indispensable."

Gift-Giving this Christmas

We have actually completed the gift-hunting and shopping last weekend in time for the coming of Christmas.

Most of the gifts we bought were for kids. Our families are loaded with children so I can imagine the merriment come Christmas morning.

I didn't do the Christmas shopping this year and have left the task to my husband. I did tell him what would be nice for the people in our list. We thought of buying personalized stuff too. I know there are great deals in the internet. I found some deals at 20% off at PersonalCreations. I think that is a good deal considering the tight budget and the number of people we have in the list.

There are still other occasions in the coming months - birthdays and anniversaries of people we love. So, I hope I can still find great offers for personalized gifts.

Darling

That's not what I call my husband. I just noticed that lately, I have been calling everyone "darling." From our messenger to my same-level colleagues. I can't recall when exactly it started. My colleagues and those that I call "darling" seem to not mind. Not that anyone said anything "yet."

I better stop this before it becomes a habit. There'a actually nothing wrong if I call anyone my "darling." It sounds sweet but a big no-no in the corporate world. 

So, come tomorrow, I will monitor myself and have to really cease the darling name-calling. Other people might give malice on the sweetness and I'll find myself in hot water.

Things Gone MIA

Either I am blind, cross-eyed or simply not searching hard enough, but I cannot locate where my tweezer is! I normally leave my beauty paraphernalia in the bath room but this tiny (but a favorite of mine!) has decided to go MIA.

I have told my husband many times to buy a small cabinet which is similar to the common medicine cabinets but has drawers. He keeps delaying the purchase of one so even he has a problem locating his razor and aftershaves! If we had one, then at least we can keep our things in a common area. I will scout for a cheap and small cabinet to buy and install by year end. I cannot keep wasting my time looking for things I normally leave in plain view.

Christmas is Around the Corner

5 days `til Christmas and the gifts are ready. I tasked my husband to buy the gifts this year and he gladly obliged without resistance. I thought he would rebuke the suggestion but he went along. Thank goodness for  a great husband like mine!

All the gifts have been wrapped and will be sent home. The gifts are mostly for the nephews and nieces and younger cousins. The older generation can enjoy the thought instead ;)

I hope we didn't forget anyone. It's so hard to keep tab of the number of children we each have in our respective families. Not to mention the godchildren. So, it's one long list for both of us. We are expecting  addition to the list when my husband's nephew, who recently got married, will add to the brood. It may be soon!

So, the Christmas tub is filled but not my Christmas tree. I don't mind as long as everyone's happy. 

Merry Christmas in Advance! 

Not Another Zit!

What is wrong with my skin these days? I think I am too old to have pimples. Then again, maybe not.

After my pimple outbreak few days ago, another one developed on my right cheek. Almost near the chin area and it is very red. My daughter saw and teased me about it. She thought, only she would get pimples and I was the invincible one. Wrong!

I am fussy about what I put on my face. I wonder how to get rid of acne fast? I have a party to attend to. I don't want my big, red zit to get all the attention. Sigh...

Put the Bling on the Tree

UAE has done it again! Although it is still not official but it may become soon once the title is given to the most expensive Christmas tree in Abu Dhabi.

The Christmas Tree worth US$ 11 million is on display at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi. The tree is decked not with ordinary ornaments made of baubles but of precious and very expensive necklaces, earrings, bracelets, watches and precious stones.

They just put the "bling" on the tree and quite literally.

(Photo credits: Yahoo.com/AFP)

End of the Year Cleaning

We are saying good bye to 2010 in few days. I cannot believe how time flies! I remember making plans for 2010 last December 2009. Here I am, waiting for 2011 with bated breath and praying for a good year ahead.

It is already a habit of mine to clear unwanted stuff by the end of the year. I donate or give them away to people who needs them more. My plan this year is to clear the cupboards and closets of clothes, toys, shoes and household stuff which we no longer use.

I have been contemplating on whether to scrap the red couch my husband bought last year. It is showing signs of over-use because my husband loves to bring friends home regularly. So you can say that the couch is well seated. I really like to replace it with a contemporary furniture but the budget is really, really tight at this time. I want a modular type of sofa and not the classic and big ones. I hope my husband reconsiders my suggestion.

My eyes are also set on the old book cases in the living room. One of them was bought 3 years ago and the other one was older than that which was donated to us last year. My husband's friend was kind enough to give it to us because he noticed how much my daughter and I hoard books. I want to sell them because they are still in good condition. I just want to remodel and refurbish the house while I am doing my end-of-the-year cleaning. Maybe I'll get a big book case instead of having 2 narrow and smaller ones.

The appliances can stay because I cannot replace them yet. They are still working fine (except for the washing machine which I bought almost 8 years ago).

I hope to minimize all the clutter at home when I go on leave by the end of the year. I want to welcome 2011 with a clean and organized house.

Why, oh, why do we get gray hair?!?

Unbelievable! I guess I am just in denial but in few years time, I will be joining the "over-the-hill"-ers. My crowning glory does show signs of ageing ;) I remember counting very few gray or silver hair early this year. As the year progresses, I did not realize that the few strands or gray hair decided to recruit the nice, hazel brown ones and made them into their "gray minions!" I have so many gray hair now! 

Why do we get gray hair anyway? Some are pretty lucky to retain their natural hair color while others like myself have to see their crowning glory turn into a spectacle of whiteness.

To quash that big question, why do we develop gray hair growth anyway?

1. Genetics - other people are just lucky to get away with the counting of white hair due to their blessed genes!

2. Little or too much of melanin - Melanin is a chemical released by the pigment cells found on our hair root. It is responsible in making our hair dark or light or make our skin tan fast or not. 

While people claim that stress and sometimes fright can cause one's hair to turn gray. These theories have been discounted.

Well, I may eventually accept the fact that I will never grow my natural hair color back in lieu of the gray ones. I don't want to chemically alter my natural hair color by dyeing it. I can only hope that my rebellious gray hair stop recruiting the natural ones so I don't get conscious. Like it or not, I will have to accept the fact that I will have more gray hair on the days and years to come.

Gift for Millie

Our loving and diva dog - Millie, is celebrating her 2nd Christmas with us. Last year, we didn't get her anything. I wanted to give something cute and "functional" to our four-legged baby. I scouted on numerous gift ideas for pets and narrowed my choice to personalized frisbees.

Dogs love to run in the park and play "catch" or fetch. A frisbee will be good for her. She will have heaps of fun running around and getting exercised as well. I hope the pet shops here carry some frisbees so there are choices. I'm not sure though if I can find a place to do the personalization of the stuff. If I were back home, this task would be a piece of cake!

My Daughter's Christmas Loads!

My daughter might find being a solo child advantageous especially on seasons like this - Christmas. Why you might ask? Well, she gets all the presents, that is why!

Her line of Christmas gifts came from her wonderful Papa (who happens to be my wonderful husband too...hehehehe) this year. They all came early though because part of them were rewards for being in the top 10 of her class.

For a young girl of her age to have so much is such a blessing. We try our very best to give her the best of life, as long as we can afford it. She also has disappointments but I know it's just a few because she got what she wanted for Christmas 2010.

Here are the rundown of her gifts (and what she requested!):

1. Converse - Her papa bought her during our trip to the US. We went to Jersey Gardens Outlet Mall in New Jersey on a side trip while enjoying a brief break from touring NYC!

2. Watch (any kind of watch) - Got her an inexpensive watch with dazzling gems on the clock face! Color - Purple!!!

3. Leather sneakers - Another shoes! Got it from the Dubai Outlet Mall and it looked like Converse but it's made in Germany ;) Very cheap but it's leather!!! Color - Purple again!!! I asked her if I can borrow it ;)

4. Trip to the US - Okay, this was a collective "like" from the family! My husband organized the trip on last minute although my daughter and I were hinting of having a week-long holiday break in NYC! So, off we went to New York last November 12 - 16.

5. New gadget! Her very own netbook. - Again, courtesy of my husband. We keep bickering who's going to use my laptop so to end the squabble, she got her own netbook. Of course, we only let her use it every weekend.

Well, she can't ask for more! We asked her already what she wanted for next year. I know it's too early but the earlier we know, the sooner we can save for it, right? TOKYO!!! Hmmmmm... Tokyo is a very expensive place to visit. Let's see. If she gives us great marks in school, her papa and I might consider.

Hello? Who's Calling?

I have retired my very old (7 years old!) P900 Sony Ericsson this year because my husband gave me an LG mobile phone for my 38th birthday. He took me to the mall one day, few days after my birthday and asked me out of the blue if I wanted a new mobile phone. Oh, my eyes lit and had a big smile of my face which was enough to mean as "yes." I was thinking of htc desire hd for my birthday gift of choice. However, I know my husband had a budget to stick to so I gladly went along with his whims. He did ask me what I wanted but decided to choose the inexpensive and simple phone. I seldom use my mobile phone anyway. Phones and myself just don't go too well. So, I am happy for the phone he gave me. It's enough to use to communicate to love ones.

Dreaming of a Happy Christmas

It's been 4 years since my dad left us to join our Creator. It's been 3 Christmases without him too and honestly, all those Christmas Days has been different. It was not as merry as how our previous Christmases had been while he was alive.

It's Christmas time again. I am feeling a vacuum inside which I don't understand. I just miss my dad. It's not the same without him.

Canon EF Lens Range for Camera Lovers

My husband is an avid photographer. Our daughter seems to follow his footsteps too when it comes to snapping pictures and taking the beautiful angle of a subject, whether it is nature, an object or a person. I don't seem to have that "eye for beauty" as I just click and click without knowing the value of focusing.

The only camera and lens my husband uses is Canon EOS. He has the extended lens to capture subjects from a great distance. I am amazed! He showed me the effect when he shot a NYC cab from the observatory deck of the Rockefeller. It looked so near!!! And we are 70 floors away from the ground. Talk about powerful lens!

So, if you're one of those avid photographers who just can't live without the camera and its accessories, check this out. And if you have been very good, you may even get this from Santa ;)

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Stretched

I feel like a rubber band. I am stretched to the max. I am afraid that I may not hold my elasticity much longer and snap.

Snapping is never a positive experience. I keep reminding myself to suck it in and swallow whatever I want to say which I know is not good at the moment. I still need this job so I better be good.

I just wonder how long I can hold on to this. It's not fun anymore. It hasn't been fun at all for the past few years. I don't know where to derive motivation apart from the obvious - getting salary every end of the month for the service rendered.

I just feel the need to change my environment. I am looking for lateral positions within the company now. I think I better act soon because the longer I stay where I am, the more toxic I feel as a person. That can't be good. Besides, I am overworked and underpaid. I think I deserve more than that. A recognition, perhaps or increase in salary if they don't want to promote me?

I hope God gives me more patience (and strength) to go through this misery. I know the right opportunity will come. I just pray it comes soon! And with that, I just pray for more patience... I think I badly need it.

Health Nut - Blast Fat while Walking

Climbing the steepest hill will not burn all your fats. it will certainly help but you do not have to climb the mountains or run a marathon to help boost your fat-burning mechanism while walking.

Here are ways to help you blast those flabs away effectively while walking:

1. Carry weights
The extra "burden" you carry can trigger more calorie burns from the walking workout because more muscles are involved.

2. Moderate your pace
You don't have to walk as fast as a speeding bullet. Just keep your pace to moderate where you can still talk and not pant.

3. Keep smaller steps
Don't think that longer strides can burn all those flabs quick. Although it can give earn your mileage but the smaller steps are the most effective ones.

4. Set goals
Look at markers at the park as your start and end point.

5. Stand straight
The body's alignment can make your back and glutes' muscles to work effectively making your walk burn more calories.

6. Buy a great walking/running shoes
Choose a rubber shoes which is flexible and have minimum cushion on the front part because this will help on your power to push-off as you start your workout.

To have an Online Shop

Like I mentioned in my previous post, I am already contemplating on what to do to keep the income coming once I retire from the corporate bondage. The maximum years I can sacrifice in the corporate bondage is another 5 years just to augment the savings. After that, it is decision time for me if I want to go on or move to a different direction.

Online shops are sprouting nowadays. I have a cousin who is flourishing selling fashionable wears and branded bags and shoes through the internet. I may go towards that direction because I love fashion, I love clothes and bags and I love to travel. I already have my leads on where to get what. My only concern is the setting up of online shop. I know I have to go about the formalities of ecommerce web hosting to be able to set up my own site and accept payments too.

It is still a long shot because I have to gain patrons. I need to start somewhere but if I am still tied at work full time, it will be hard for me to put this in motion. The plan is there. I just need to have the right time to execute it. I hope it will be sooner that I expected it to be.

Long Weekend is almost Over

Why is time short when you're having fun?!? The four days weekend is almost about to wrap. In few hours, I will be hugging my comforter and travel to dreamland only to wake up the next day feeling terrible. All because it is work week again, albeit shorter by a day. I am thankful for that.

I have been contemplating real hard these past few days. I am wondering how I can save more to expedite the build up of our funds. I have been researching over the long weekend on things I can possibly do once out of the work force. I still want to have a regular stream of income. It may not be as lavish as the current income I have but enough to put food on the table and pay the regular bills.

I think I am over-thinking again. This happens most of the time whenever I get upset or frustrated. At this point, it's a tie between the two worse emotions to feel and it has to be at the same time. Must be brought about the fact that I have to work again tomorrow.

I wish work days are shorter - say, 1 day and the rest is for play and relaxation. That will make me a very happy person indeed!

The Big Tree

It is that time of the year again. The crisp air smells of holiday spices. The coolness of the season keeps families gathered in their homes by the fireplace, sipping hot cocoa and enjoying each other's company. Amidst the gleeful spirit of the holiday is a tree - either it is from the line of Artificial Christmas Trees or the real deal - that stands on the corner of the house, witnessing the cheery feel of the atmosphere. The Big Tree is up again.

Many people are eager to feel the holiday spirit by buying Christmas Trees as early as November. It does not matter what kind of Christmas Trees people prefer for their home this time. The objective is to have one at home where people can gather around and decorate as a family.

Choices of Christmas Trees vary from White Christmas Trees to the traditional greens. Some company are being very creative with their offers too. Some artificial Christmas trees are even colored pink, red or yellow. The live Christmas Trees are also the favorite of many because of the natural scent of pine and the nature it emits at home. The scent adds extra feel of the Yuletide season.

The Christmas Tree will always be a part of the holiday season. It is one of those things that makes Christmas homey and full of loving memories from families who are celebrating the joyous occasion.

Tiny Laptops

I am really impressed by how technology has evolved as the passing of time. I remember seeing a big laptop during the 1990s. It was big, very heavy and bulky. It was cumbersome to bring along even if the intention of the manufacturers was to make the desktop computer more flexible and portable.

The innovation of technology through the years pave way to smaller, sleeker and really light computers. The laptops now have a junior version called netbooks which are the epitome of "portability."

The first netbook I have seen was 3 years ago from a relative who bought an Asus Eee PC. I thought it was a gift for my daughter who was already 9 years old and wouldn't be playing with a child laptop educational toy. I was so surprised to see that it was a teeny-weeny and functional laptop, more aptly called netbook.

I wonder how much technology can still carry on evolving because I am amazed by what people can do these days to shrink or miniaturize a gadget or electronic we all commonly use. Next thing we know it, we will be using a palm PC. Oh yes, the smart phones and PDAs these days doubles as a mini-computer too with word processor, organizer, push mail and GPS. Imagine what's next...

Three Blogs for Me

I have been blogging for almost three years. I have had my ups and downs in the blog world but summing it all up for the last (almost) three years, I would say it was mostly up.

I may not post as often as I had before on my other blogs but the amber to write great stories and anecdotes of my life and other tips to share are still in my regular priorities.

I am also considering to avail of free directory submission service to some web sites to up the ante of my feeds and reach. I know it will be a big boost for my other 2 blogs to have the same wide reach as this blog has now.

Blogging still serves an enjoyable past time for me but I think 3 blogs is enough to keep the fire burning.

4 Days Off

My weekend starts now! I am so happy to have 4 consecutive days off because of the holiday announced tomorrow and on Sunday. This does not happen very often so we Dubains enjoy the non-working holidays as much as we can by travelling, relaxing, going out of town, malling or simply hibernating at home to recharge.

We are not travelling this time although we considered for a while to have a quick trip to Bangkok. However, my husband has to report for work tomorrow so it's not fun going on my own. So, I decided to just use the days off to recover for the lost time and catch up on my much needed sleep.

So, I will enjoy the 4-days holiday and praying that another kind of public holiday like this happen next year so we can plan a trip else where.

Happy weekend everyone!

Mega Zit on my Face

They said, when one pushes 40 (although it is still 2 years before I am over the hill), the blemish comes far in between. Well, let me tell you this, that does not apply to me. My face has been breaking out lately. I have small pimples below my chin and some at my back. And to my surprise, I saw one mega zit right on my left cheek near the ear lobe. Ouch!

The pimple is so red that my friend even tried to wipe it thinking it was a ketchup splatter on my face. Double ouch!

I am not very keen on concealing the blemish, too afraid that I may aggravate and cause it to create a tiny village of zits on my face. So, I am sticking to my acne treatment clear gel with a mild salicylic acid component so as not to burn my face and cause discoloration.

I hope it clears up soon because I am getting a bit conscious every time people mistake it for a ketchup. That will give you an idea on how red it is right now.