Job Opportunity

My brother thinks he is not lucky to have any permanent job here in Dubai. On his five years of tenure here, he only got employed twice and both ended up disappointingly by retrenchment. Both of his previous work experiences were sales jobs in nature. So, when my brother went home for good, he felt a little adamant to accept another sales job. He accepted anyway because it was better than no job at all.

I told him that everything happens for a reason and that his "luck" is not luck at all but blessing from above. He might have not been successful here in Dubai but other opportunities were made available to him in the Philippines. His being there made him closer to his family and that alone is a treasure and an opportunity not to be missed.

Managing Credit and Finance during Recession

People are smarter now when it comes to managing finances and credit. Ever since the global economy took a nose dive last year, people have learned to appreciate the value of money. Many who fell into a big credit sink hole are now seeking personal finance help to put them back on track. A lot of people are now watching what they buy with their hard-earned money. Many credit card users are also taking into consideration the finance charges they will incur if they do not pay their credit on time.

People are not wary of all these before the advent of recession. A household will generate expenses relentlessly because of the assurance of getting monthly salaries to compensate the flow of cash. Many are not mindful of their credit score range because the market was not strict in lending money to borrowers. Money just flowed easily. That was what everyone believed until the great market plunge. Due to the economic downturn, people learned to save and live within their means. Budgeting has become the by-word of every household in the world. Cutting back on the usage of credit cards is one of the top means to save money. People have learned to be smart with their existing mortgage by either selling their properties or applying for a new re-mortgage scheme being offered by banks to lower the interest rate and keep them afloat.

All of these economic uncertainties have taught every one a lesson on handling one's finance and credit. People are now informed and will be better prepared in case of another major recession.

Benefits of Having At Least Eight Hours of Sleep

Getting enough zzzzzz's is very important to one's well-being. There is a reason why the doctor asked us to have at least 8 hours of sleep because of it's health benefits such as:

1. Keeps our hearts healthy
2. Helps reduce stress
3. Makes you more alert
4. Boosts memory
5. Gives the skin an opportunity to recover and renew
6. Recharges the body and mind
7. Helps in weight loss
8. Makes you smarter
9. Reduces depression
10. Helps in cleansing the body
11. Makes you more productive because of renewed energy
12. Perks you mood

So, sleep right and sleep tight! Give your body a chance to rest and heal because our body system needs some downtime too.

Glee's Loser Like Me

The first time I heard the original Glee song - Loser Like Me, it struck a chord in my heart. I remember being branded as a loser by the mean girls in school. I was in kindergarten then. I vividly recall these two girls who wouldn't talk nor come near me because I was not pretty nor rich enough to get in their clique! Mind you, we were in kindergarten and "mean girls" already existed then.

They would poke fun of me all the time. I dreaded recess time because they would make nasty comments like "let's not talk to her because she's poor," "she has shabby clothes," "she's too small," etc., etc. That's the reason why I can relate so well with Glee. I was an outcast then.

Imagine how those remarks made me feel as a young five-year old girl. I would often come home crying and begged my mom not to take me to that school. I never told why but now I am telling because a loser like me can rise to the challenge. I may have not been the CEO of a company nor have my own firm. I may not hold a post in politics nor become somebody famous but I know who I am - I am a happy mom, wife, daughter, sister, cousin and a friend all rolled in one. I have a family who loves me. I have seen places other people have not even been to. I have bought a property out of my own hard-earned money. I help my family. I have graduated with honors. I have true friends who love me for who I am and accept me just the same. I have it all. I don't care where those two girls are now. They may be filthy rich by now, who cares! I don't. So, this song is for all those who bullied me before. Look at me now and drool!

Loser Like Me Lyrics

Glee original song

Yeah you may think that I'm a zero
But hey, everyone you wanna be
Probably started off like me
You may say that I'm a freak show (I don't care)
But hey, give it just a little time
I bet you're gonna change your mind

All of the dirt you've been throwing my way
It ain't so hard to take
That's right (that's right)
'Cos I know one day you'll be screaming my name
And I'll just look away
That's right (that's right)

Just go ahead and hate on me and run your mouth
So everyone can hear
Hit me with the worst you got and knock me down
Baby I don't care
Keep it up and soon enough you'll figure out
You wanna be, you wanna be
A loser like me
A loser like me

Push me up against the locker
And hey, all I do is shake it off
Or get you back when I'm your boss
I'm not thinking 'bout you haters
'Cos hey, I could be a superstar
I'll see you when you wash my car

All of the dirt you've been throwing my way
It ain't so hard to take
That's right (that's right)
'Cos I know one day you'll be screaming my name
And I'll just look away
That's right (that's right)

Just go ahead and hate on me or run your mouth
So everyone can hear
Hit me with the worst you got and knock me down
Baby I don't care
Keep it up and soon enough you'll figure out
You wanna be, you wanna be
A loser like me
A loser like me
A loser like me

Hey you over there
Keep the "L" up in the air
Hey you over there
Keep the "L" up 'cos I don't care
You can throw your stick
And you can throw your stones
Like a rocket just watch me go
Yeah
L-O-S-E-R
I can only be who I are

Just go ahead and hate on me and run your mouth
So everyone can hear
Hit me with the worst you got and knock me down
Baby I don't care
Keep it up and soon enough you'll figure out
You wanna be, you wanna be
A loser like me

Just go ahead and hate on me and run your mouth
So everyone can hear
Hit me with the worst you got and knock me down
Baby I don't care
Keep it up and soon enough you'll figure out
You wanna be, you wanna be
A loser like me
A loser like me
A loser like me
A loser like me
A loser like me

(Lyrics from elyrics.net)



(Video from Youtube.com)

Earth Hour 2011 in My Home

Like the previous years, we participate again in Earth Hour 2011. We actually started a little early than usual. We switched the lights off at 8:00 p.m. So our Earth Hour 2011 celebration is 1 and 1/2 hours in total. I hope others did that too. Here are some snaps I've taken to commemorate this worthy cause. We will do it again next year and the years to come. That is for sure!

c. www.riablahgs.com
Tea lights on our dining table which were the only ones illuminating the area. 

c. www. riablahgs.com
This is our fish aquarium. They also participated in this worthy cause. They seem to not mind ;)

Want to answer these?

Got this mail from a good friend few days ago. I thought it would be fun to share this to all and see if anybody out there could actually come up with an answer. Let me know... =)

1. If all the nations in the world are in debt (am not joking. even US has got debts), where did all the money go? (Weird)

2. When dog food is new and improved tasting, who tests it? (To be given a thought)

3. What is the speed of darkness? (Absurd)

4. If the "black box" flight recorder is never damaged during a plane crash, why isn't the whole airplane made out of that stuff? (Very good thinking)

5. Who copyrighted the copyright symbol? (Who Knows?)

6. Can you cry under water? (Let me try)

7. Why do people say, "You’ve been working like a dog" when dogs just sit around all day? (I think they meant something else)

8. Why are the numbers on a calculator and a phone reversed? (God knows)

9. Do fish ever get thirsty? (Let me ask and tell)

10. Can you get cornered in a round room? (By ones eyes)

12. Why do birds not fall out of trees when they sleep? (Tonight I will stay and watch)

13. What came first, the fruit or the color orange? (Seed)

14. If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from vegetables, then what is baby oil made from? (No comments)

15. What should one call a male ladybird? (No comments)

16. If a person suffered from amnesia and then was cured would they remember that they forgot? (Can somebody help?)

17. Can you blow a balloon up under water? (Yes u can)

18. Why is it called a "building" when it is already built? (Strange isn't it)

19. If you were traveling at the speed of sound and you turned on your radio would you be able to hear it? (Got to think scientifically)

20. If you're traveling at the speed of light and you turn your headlights on, what happens?

21. Why is it called a TV set when there’s only one? (Very nice)

22. If a person owns a piece of land do they own it all the way down to the core of the earth? (This is nice)

23. Why do most cars have speedometers that go up to at least 130 when you legally can't go that fast on any road? (Break the law)

24. If drink & drive is not allowed why in the world do they allocated parking outside Bars? Hmmmm...

Filthy Cars

A filthy car needs washing but not just an ordinary car wash. It needs an intensive car wash using hydraulic hose to blast away the dirt and mud and other sticky substances. Ordinary washing with a sponge and a bucket of water does not do the trick anymore because of the smog.

I remember how my dad would just get a soapy water and an ordinary sponge to wash our car. Back then, the environmental factors on making a vehicle dirty was not as bad as now. Pollution has made it difficult to clean our cars.

Go-Green Shopping

When visiting other countries, try your very best to check out the local markets, small stores and the off-the-beaten-path stores and see their produce, goods and handicrafts as well rather than going to the city malls and department stores. By going to these local markets, you are helping to support the local business.

Reminder for Earth Hour 2011 - TOMORROW!

Please remember to participate in tomorrow's Earth Hour 2011 event. Just switch your lights off and possibly, other electrical appliances too for an hour at 8:30 p.m. your local time - March 26. 

If we all do this thing together, we can create a magnitude of savings in terms of electrical consumption and the way it will effect out ailing Mother Earth. Let's take part of this worthy cause, shall we?!? Tomorrow it is!!!

Pregnant at 38

Not me! That is for sure. One of my close friends is about to give birth any day now. The whole gang was surprised to hear of the very good news last year when she told us she was "anticipating." Some of my close pals have tried desperately to have another baby added in their brood but none has been successful but her. And we are all happy for her! Imagine, her eldest is already 16 and now she is to give birth 16 years later. We all cross our fingers that the baby will be a girl this time so she has the complete package.

I am thinking of giving her something special because I don't think she has baby stuff left. Aside from that, she also lives in France and I don't think she has taken her belongings there. An ergo baby carrier is on the top of my list and few baby clothes too. I haven't really decided yet because there are so many options. All these baby products in the market are just so adorable.

Quick Eat-Right Rule

"If your food can go bad then it's good for you. If it can't go bad, it's bad for you."

~David Zinczenko, author of Eat This, Not That

Smoke Free Zone

I remember the time when I was still in the Philippines in one of the smaller companies I have worked for. My manager would smoke like a chimney. I would probably adjust if he had used the small cigarettes but he used to light his Dutch Master cigars. The office was small so even if he was in another room, the smoke wafted in our area and I would leave the office for fresh air or had to open the window. What really irritated me was the fact the I had been exposed to the smoke and I have asthma.

I feel relieved now that the company I am working for is a smoke-free zone. There are designated areas for smoking and those areas are very far from my work station. Also, I don't smell like I had smoked too because I am not exposed to the awful scent of smoke.

RIP - Elizabeth Taylor

The real Hollywood glamour actress died on Wednesday, 23 March 2011 at the age of 79. Elizabeth Taylor whose marriages and personal life and fame were followed by the public has succumbed to heart failure at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

May perpetual light shine upon her. You will be missed Ms. Taylor.

(Photo credt: yahoo.com/AP)

Beauty Supplies for Me and My Daughter

It didn't strike me right away that one day, my daughter and I would share our beauty supplies with each other. I have enjoyed the freedom of buying beauty products for my personal consumption. Lately, she has been bugging me on the whereabouts of my lip glosses, hair clips, blemish concealer, blackhead removal astringent and even my hair styling products!

My daughter has recently turned 13 so I think the inevitable of sharing my beauty supplies will be sooner than I thought. I guess I have to spare extra budget for her beauty needs too in our next trip to the supermarket.

A Lovely Blog Award from Mommy Kero

First of all, thank you so much for this wonderful award. I feel so honored when other bloggers grace me with awards. That means I (of my blog or even both *blush*) am special

Thanks Mommy Kero of  Kero's Celebration blog for giving me the LOVELY BLOG AWARD. It means so much to me.

Health Nut - Healthy Snacks

I love eating snack. Sometimes, I even eat the wrong ones like chips and cakes. However, most of the time, I try my best to stick with healthy and filling snacks.

If you are like me who loves to snack but would like to stick with the healthy variety, try to choose snacks that will work wonders for your health. Examples of healthy snacks are:

baby carrots or carrot sticks
cucumber slices
Digestive crackers/biscuits
almonds, sunflower seeds, cashew (unsalted)
cut apples with skin, banana, pineapple cubes, melon
steamed veggies like broccoli and cauliflower
pita crackers
unsalted popcorn and pretzels

Super Moon

A super moon is a phenomenon which makes the full moon appear larger than usual when viewed from the Earth. We have witnessed the super moon or perigee last March 19, 2011. Although I actually took a picture of the beautiful scene only on the 20th because I actually forgot it was super moon last Saturday. 

Taken last 20 March 2011 using an ordinary camera.

This event is not a regular occurrence; however, the last super moon was sighted last year.

Earth Hour 2011

Don't forget to participate please. We only get to do this once in a year. It would be great to do this every day at least and see the difference we can all make.

Earth Hour 2011 is on March 26! Please switch off your lights for an hour (or extend it for another half an hour more!) at 8:30 p.m, your local time.

Let's do this!

Signs or Coincidence?

I received this from a forwarded email from a friend. I was a little adamant to share this but it sparked an interest I thought was best shared.

What ever is happening around is frightening. I am not ashamed to admit my fear and anxiety over the issues involving the only place we humans live in - Earth. It is not a joke to read news about civil unrest, political warfare, natural calamities left and right and the rise of bad over good. Everything is just not right.

I hope this information can bring senses to humanity. There is a greater force beyond mankind.

Read on...

A 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit New Zealand, the death toll stands at 100 and rising.

We're only into month 3 of 2011 but here are some major natural disasters that have taken place so far this year.

1. Earthquake magnitude 6.4 Argentina

2. Earthquake magnitude 5.2 Southern XinJiang, China

3. Earthquake 7.1 magnitude Chile

4. Land slides in Brazil

5. Flooding and Hurricanes in Australia.

There are countless more I can mention.

Is this a coincidence????? Is it just global warming????

Matt 24: "There will be famines and earthquakes in various places"

We've also seen 5 major revoltstake place across the Arabian/ Middle East Nations (Tunisia, Yemen, Egypt, Bahrain, Libya). The Arab nations are undergoing a natural and Spiritual Shifting!!!! What's happening is Bible Prophesy coming to pass? Or is it a coincidence?

I'm saying all of this to say that all of these events have been foretold!!! Christ warned us. He told us the signs to look out for, that we see these things coming to pass, know that He's coming soon. To everyone who is sleeping! I'm here to tell you that the count down is nearing its final phase! Wake up while there is still time. Not necessarily sleeping in literal sense but dulling and dumping the work of the master - which is living a Holy and Exemplary life. Don't forget He will come like a thief in the night. Unexpectedly...

------ oOo ---------- end of message ----------- oOo ---------

Frightening, right? Sometimes, I wonder what the world has become? Was it because of the advancement of technology? Too many options in life to choose? Bad media? Or the unseen enemy?

We have a choice. We can decide which one to follow, the straight path or the crooked one. The choice is yours. All I can say is, God will never forsake us.

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

Domestic {cherry} Fab Giveaway!

My fabulous and good blogger friend, Cherry, will be hosting a monthly giveaway in her Domestic {cherry} blog. So, if you're up for great and fabulous loots, head on to her fabulous blog and you might just bag a wonderful prize.

This month's giveaway is a chic CK bag. Want one? Then visit and join the fun!

Health Nut - Cutting Calories with Ziplock Bags

Who would have thought that a simple Ziplock bag can actually help you cut back on your calorie intake? How? Continue reading...

Those sandwich bags (the normal size though) can help you with portioning your food. You can portion nuts, pretzels, cut veggies for snacks and even bite-size brownies and cake. The concept of this ziplock bag portioning is that, a small sandwich bag can hold up to 100 calories of food serving. As long as you stick with the small size, you'll be able to track your munching habit.

It is normally difficult to say when if a large serving is given. At least with the ziplock bags, you can gauge your intake and watch those calories.

Demolished Pearl Square in Bahrain

Bahrain government demolished the historical Pearl Square where pro-reform protesters gathered  when the uprising started in Manama.

The iconic square in the heart of Manama was demolished today, Friday to avoid replication of another Tahrir. The famous landmark consisted of 6 sails representing the littoral states of the Gulf namely: Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Kuwait and Qatar. On top of the 6 sails was a pearl symbolically representing the common heritage of the 6 Middle East countries.

Below are photos of the famous Pearl Square before and after the demolition. 

Before the demolition

After

(Photo credit: presstv.com)

Loyal Canine in Japan's Tsunami

I saw this poignant video of a dog who sat by his dog friend during the tsunami/earthquake in Japan. I cannot help but cry and wonder why humans cannot be like dogs - loyal and true.

Watch this video and feel the love of an animal to a fellow animal. Then you'll see why dogs are man's bestfriend - and a mutt's companion too.

Still attractive and desirable even after giving birth?

Guest post by Jade of Health and Beauty Diva. She is a health buff wannabe and a blog addict. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, watching cooking shows and playing with her baby.

After giving birth, the only thing that makes me unhappy is the very loose and wrinkled skin on and around my abdomen after pregnancy. The sight is totally ugly. Though I expected about it because the skin has stretched out nearly to its maximum during pregnancy but still I wonder, rather desperately when I look at the sagging abdomen, whether I will ever be the same again.

I’m really desperate to know how the fabulous celebrities like Jessica Alba, Jennifer Gardner, Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Lopez were able to get their original physical structure back after giving birth. I’m really curious on how they did it miraculously. Is it possible that they’ve undergone surgeries like tummy tuck, liposuction (especially the liposuction ireland) or took slimming pills to achieve their sexy body back? They claimed that they got their good physical structure back in a healthy way without undergoing surgeries or taking weight loss pills. They just followed a food plan and workout routines that are safe and healthy.

For me, my responsibility as a mother will be my top priority before my physical attributes. A weight loss program of my choice could wait maybe after my little Sean reached 1 year old. At this moment, I’m enjoying parenthood and I would rather spend my day reading stories, give my baby a bath, and watch him roll instead of working out .

Giving birth will definitely leave some physical changes on us, but it’s our choice if we’ll let it leave us less attractive or desirable. I’m sure that our effort to do the correct exercises to get our figure back , eating a healthy, varied diet to boost our metabolism and keeping a positive attitude could leave us looking better than we looked before the pregnancy.

Imminent Danger

Japan is still experiencing after shocks as we speak. The grim reality of facing the catastrophic effect of the recent off-shore quake and tsunami is overwhelming. The threat of a nuclear meltdown is also looming around the Japanese government and the world as a whole.

I am still following the development of the recent natural disasters which hit Japan last week. Bodies are now floating in the coastal areas and the hope of containing the scary nuclear meltdown is becoming dim.

I feel sad and scared. Much as we all want to do our share to help; these events are just beyond our capacity as humans. These things will remind us that there is certainly a higher power greater than mankind.

I pray all these imminent danger come to pass. We need to pray for Japan to have the strength to rebuild its nation. We cannot let the possible meltdown ruin the environment and the rest of the world. I believe that a prayer when said in unison becomes a prayer brigade. Let's do our part in any way we can.

Thankful and Blessed

Ah, the warm feeling of being loved is enveloping me right now. I have tons of phone calls, text messages and greetings posted on my Facebook wall today. I am truly blessed!

I am overwhelmed by the number of people who greeted me and went out of their way to convey their well-wishes for my 39th birthday. I thought it would be a quiet day but my sweet hubby surprised me with a small get-together of friends at home. He already planned it in advance and stopped by the nearest restaurant to collect the order. Isn't he the sweetest or what?

So, my 39th birthday is about to wrap up in few hours. I am still basking in this warm feeling inside because people care and remember.

Thanks everyone! You all know who you are. And to God, thank you so much for another year of bright hope and promises of a better life ahead. I TRUST in YOU.

Another Birthday, Another Year

Photo credit: www.jeremyperson.com

Yup, the age of 39 just rolled in. While I was just getting used to the fact of writing 38 on forms that I fill up, here comes 39. It is back to square one for me.

I am not celebrating my birthday this year with a shindig or anything. Maybe just a snack with my colleagues and a dinner at home with my love ones. You see, I am not the party goer anyway. I even hate my own birthday parties so it's just okay to "not" celebrate it. However, I do celebrate "life" - life that God has given me once again for my birthday. That means, I have another year of promises to make and keep (hopefully not to break), dreams to aspire, time to spend with the people who matter the most to me, activities to engage in, people to help, causes to support and another life to live as God has intended it to be. I am thankful for the added year despite my denial of old age slowly creeping in. It is inevitable and I am happy to be alive.

Happy birthday to me! 

Thank you God for giving me another chance in life.

Blogroll Cleanup

I was adamant at first to clear my blogroll of links from people who asked for a link-exchange but never committed. I am always prompt on linking and most of the time, since I always base these requests from trust, I don't check the other blogger's blog for my link.

When someone asks for a link-exchange, that means a reciprocity, right? Unfortunately, it did not happen to some. So, I did the one thing I feel uncomfortable to do. I cleared my blogroll of bloggers' links who never linked back.

I felt good. Correction, I felt great! If your blog link is still in my VIP Guests' list then that means you've kept your promise to link back. Thank you too for the linky love. As always, I am truly grateful.

Blasphemous Remarks

"Is this the way you repay the LORD, O foolish and unwise people? Is he not your Father, your Creator, who made you and formed you? - Deuteronomy 32:6"

I am really bothered why people who don't believe in a Higher power would leave irreverent comments in some websites about "our God" in the wake of the numerous news about the natural tragedy which struck Japan yesterday.

I will not dignify those people's comments anymore by posting them here but to say bad things about "our God" is totally blasphemous. If you don't believe in God then that's your prerogative. When people say they offer their prayers and pray to God for redemption, let them! BUT don't let us Catholics and Christians keep our faith to ourselves!

House of Fraser: Label Lab

Need new inspiration for men's fashion? Check this out!

Sharing propelled by Wikio

Japan's Quake Aftermath

As of this time, we still don't know the full extent of the off-shore quake that hit Japan today in the afternoon, local time.

We are keeping tab of the events as they unfold on TV and crossing our fingers and praying so hard that family and friends and everyone in Japan right now will be all right.

The tsunami swept through the northern part of Japan which is mostly an agricultural and fishing sector of the country. The quake hit around afternoon on a work day. That meant, farmers were on tending their fields and fishermen were on shore for a catch. The area is densely populated but there will be casualties involved if you have seen the raw footages in CNN and other news agencies.

If I lived there, I would let go of everything material, the house, the car, the things I have worked hard for to live. If I survive a calamity as serious as that, I won't even worry about any motorhome repair, dirty house, ruined vehicles and lost valuables. What is most important now is the right to survive.

My prayers go out to every Japanese people. May this trying times bring all of us together in faith.

8.9 Off-Shore Quake and Tsunami Hit Japan

Japan was struck by a strong off-shore quake today, Friday which hit on the Northern part of the country. The 8.9 earthquake caused tremors as far as Tokyo.

A tsunami followed thereafter and reached nearby areas in Tokyo like the city of Sendai where water swept some farmlands. Small vessels and even cars and trucks were swept to shore due to the power of the big tsunami.

So far, casualties have been reported but the agency is not yet certain.

Last Wednesday, Japan also experienced a 7.3 magnitude earthquake and now again. Tsunami alert has been issued to surrounding countries and as far as South America, Alaska, New Zealand, Philippines, Indonesia, Russia and Chile.

View raw footage here.

Please everyone, let us all offer our prayers to the Japanese people. We don't know how big the damage is but seeing the video footage of the tsunami sweeping across coastal towns will make our hearts break. Let's all offer our sincere prayers to all our Japanese brothers and sisters. May God help us all.

Summer Is Coming

I am really not so happy with the weather the past year and now. We did not feel the winter at all! It was cold very briefly but not very chilly to the point that we had to wear our winter clothing. It was just okay. It was not like that few years ago. Before it used to rain so hard that the streets get flooded. Sometimes there were even hailstorm for a day or two to signify the onset of a very cold season. Not this season.

It was already very hot this morning. I had to turn the air conditioning unit on. The same case is happening at home. Last 2009, we did not switch the a/c unit on until early May because it was still cold.

I told my husband that the climate is taking a different turn this time. We may have to check out humidifiers soon. I think summer will come very soon. We may not even experience spring because we barely felt winter. I hope that is not the case. It can be very, very hot in this country.

A Piece of Humble Pie

(Photo credit: webdonuts.com)

I think everywhere we go, there will be at one point in our lives, a brush with some individuals who think they are God’s greatest gift to humanity. I have been enduring the company of these people for so long now that I know my way around them. I have learned the art of filtering what I hear from these people when they start their “Oh-I’m-so-fabulous” mantra. The moment they open their mouths, I already know the various egotistical remarks to follow. So, I switch to “deaf” mode. Sometimes, I imagine holding a remote control with a mute button and press it so hard so I don’t hear a single word they say. It works!

That's the power of imagination.

I thought I was relieved of that experience when I left the Philippines. I am so surprised to know that there are more in this place than one can ever imagine. They are multiplying by the hundred. I have to practice the art of “ignoring” once again. There is no certain cure for conceited people. I am not sure whether it is genetic or a mind-set. Whatever it is, there is a way to make your life as pleasing as possible when you are in the presence of these mighty people. Here are some tips I have learned on how to deal with them.

1. Ignore them now and ignore them in the future.

Once you start listening to their “I’m-so-great-you-have-to-pay-attention-to-me” then you’re sucked in. Learn to ignore them from the very start. Excuse yourself from the conversation or fake a dash to the nearest comfort room. That works like a charm!

2. Do not initiate a conversation that will only give them a chance to boast about themselves.

I try not to ask how their day has been or I’ll regret ever opening my mouth. If simple pleasantries are hard to avoid, just nod your head when you pass each other along the corridor. If they start the conversation first, just give a quick answer and do not prolong. Your goal is to get away from the situation as fast as you can before they can get the chance to brag and tell their accomplishments from childhood to present.

3. Turn a deaf ear.

Say to yourself, “I’m not hearing a thing.” Repeat again and again and again…

4. Do not associate yourself with them.

It is easy to spot them, you just have to listen and then you’ll know. When you are in a party or no matter where the location is, pay close attention to the conversation. As soon as you hear the egotistical remarks, run away and never come back. Now, it is easy for you to not associate yourself with them because you know it already. Believe me, I know some who drives me nuts with their stories about themselves that I literally pry myself away from them. Last time I checked, communication was (and still is) a two-way street. Remember that.

5. Burst their bubbles.

Okay, this one is a bit tricky. I will not suggest you do this unless you are the brazen kind. Doing this will only invite more enemies and trouble for you especially if you pull this one-off in the office. However, if you want to put these egotistical maniacs to planet Pluto, then do so. Sometimes it pays to be bold than cringe and suffer in silence.

6. Lastly, bake them a “humble pie.”

In short, pray for them. Their being conceited may just be a defense mechanism to hide their insecurities. So they highlight the insignificant things to cover those up. Yes, pray for them. They may just be troubled deep inside and who is better to understand them but YOU.

If you don’t know how to deal with them, you’ll just find yourself frustrated and even angry. Don’t let them get into your nerves. They’re not worth the time, effort and emotion.

Public Commuter

It's been a very long time since I last took the public transportation. I either drive or carpool. However, it is inevitable for me to use the public transportation today because my budget is tight and my hubby will use the car. I have no choice.

I felt a bit jittery because I don't know how long the ride would take. The wait was half an hour and the ride home was another half an hour. I am not even talking about the sun's heat that I could take in. It's good that the weather is still pleasant. Otherwise, I would have fainted there.

So it took me 1 hour for the entire process as compared to the 15 mins. drive from work to home. It was a long ride. It felt right though because I didn't have to use up petrol. I was just seated in an air-conditioned bus with nice upholstered seats and a state of the art check-in/check-out card metre. I actually had fun.

I think I'll be doing this often. Never mind the little discomforts; I'm aiming to save money, stretch my stamina and do my part to help Mother Earth in my own little ways.

Collecting Air Miles

My air miles in one of my rewards membership had expired sometime back because I forgot to redeem those points. I have this bad habit of filling the cart but never going to the check-out. I made it a point this time to redeem my earned mileage points. I ordered a His and Her watch. I will give the other one to my husband who loves watches.

I just wish that rewards club will not put an expiration on earned mileages. It is hard to keep track especially now that I don't get paper statements. Everything is electronic. I am a member of other rewards club but one of my favorite is the one that does not expire. I hope the others follow suit.

Appliances Galore at Home

My husband loves hoarding on electronic gadgets and home appliances such as computers, home entertainment set and video players. What does that mean to me? Well, we are accumulating so much energy consumption. The appliances are taking so much space in the house. The cables and wires are getting tangled. I had to purchase several wire looms to organize them. Also, I am getting very confused on which one to use. Believe me or not but we have 4 DVD players at home. One of them is connected to the TV which also serves as the main control for the surround system. The other 3 are probably decoys! I don't recall using them at all.

I told my husband to dispose the other appliances because we don't need another set of DVDs, most certainly not 4 in a household. We also have several laptops and 1 desktop which we use for downloading stuff. It's the downloading center of the house as we call that pc. Again, it's a redundant thing. I thought I have already done end-of-the-year cleaning last year only to realize we have forgotten to get rid of the unused appliances at home. These appliances are almost brand new because we never used them. Such a waste of money!

39 Soon!

I cannot believe how time flies! Few days from now will be my 39th birthday. Again, every year that I celebrate another birthday, I always tell myself that age is just a number and what matters is how I feel inside. Honestly, I just feel 18. Young at heart. Only my birth certificate will give the tell-tale signs of going over-the-hill but inside I'm as young as I can be.

Don't Waste Water

It really irritates me when someone in the bathroom or restroom leaves the bathroom faucets open. I wonder what is so hard in trying to close the faucets when not in use to avoid spillage of precious water resource.

There was an incident in the office where I saw a lady left the water running while she applied mascara on her face. I really gave her a piece of my mind and sternly asked her if she was not using the water faucet to close it. She gave me a look but I gave her more than she could handle. I mean, it is common sense, right?

Mother Earth is not as she used to be, clean and pristine. The advent of industrialization sucked her dry and the resources around us will not be available to the future generation if we don't start conserving now.

Health Nut - Safflower Oil

It is very beneficial to eat salad because of the loaded fiber and vitamins and nutrients. Salad is packed with good nutrients as long as we do not use dressings which are high in sodium, fat and sugar.

Safflower oil mixed with vinegar is a great combination to aid your weight loss. In a study, a small amount of safflower oil everyday had a stomach fat trimming effect on a population of women with diabetes.

Safflower oil is rich in essential omega-6 fatty acid called linoleic acid.

Wobbly Cabinet and Loose Casters

We have a small cabinet which can be used for storing books and other small knick-knacks at home. The only problem I have with this cabinet is that the two casters with wheels loosened so it is a bit wobbly. I am scared to put heavy books because it might topple. Although it is not a high cabinet, it can still injure someone like our little Millie.

Disposing the cabinet is not an option because it is very usable and in good condition. The only problem is the base where the wheels are. I am sure it can be fixed.

It's a good thing that we live near Dubai Festival City where the Ace Hardware Depot is located. We can drive there after lunch and replace the busted caster wheels of the cabinet. I have seen some there the last time my hubby and I went to check some other materials for home improvement. I just hope they are not expensive.

Pink Fabulous Giveaway from Pink Mama

Pink Mama is hosting a beautiful giveaway in her Pink Thoughts blog - home of the Pink Fridays meme. All the prizes are in pink and are all fab (as you can see in the picture)! So, if you're craving pink stuff, head on to Pink Thoughts and join the fabulous Pink Giveaways.

Of course, special thanks to the fabulous sponsors for these pinky goodies!

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Volkswagen Minibus Makeover

Our first mini van was the hippie-looking Volkswagen Minibus. It was pale blue with white roof and the big VW insignia on front. I was glad my mom, who had a knack for making things a bit interesting, did not deck the minibus with flower decals and peace signs. Imagine Scooby Doo's mini bus? Got the picture?

I suddenly had a nostalgia when I read from Yahoo that the spacious and hippie favorite mini bus is going to be re-launched. Here is the twist though, it will be resurrected with a make-over!

Volkswagen AG unveiled on 1 March in Geneva a modern concept version of the micro bus. It will be powered by electricity and decked with iPad to control the entertainment system. The concept mini bus is a bit shorter and wider than the original Volkswagen. The boxy contour has been replaced with a more roundish shape. The concept mini bus is also presented in two-tones which the original VW mini bus is known for.

VW has not confirmed if the concept version will be  sent to production. Here are pictures of the old and new for comparison.

New concept Volkswagen mini bus

Original Volkswagen mini bus

(Photo credits: new - AP Photo/Volkswagen, old - fiveprime.org)