Monday, February 26, 2007

a lot of B moments

with Yaya Vangie on her birthday

b sleeping on his daddy

b learning to climb out of the crib


B and Yaya Vangie at Leisure Farm

b opening his gifts last Xmas

this is with Mama Becca and Papa Pino

Sunday, February 25, 2007

munimuni # 20



Well. I'm back now and I did have a blast. It started out a wee bit boring but things quickly picked up. Being Filipino, we all started doing renditions on the videoke (karaoke) and everyone started loosening up. It was a night to remember. Seeing people having a blast and loosenign up was real good.

This week has been full of blessings. I've passed the second stage of training at the BANK. This week will be leadership training and next week, it's live. We're gonna be on our own. I hope I get a really nice schedule and that my people will be cool.

The pictures above give you a view of where we went and the people there are my coworkers who gave consetn to have their pictures posted. Like the place?

Tessa in the walkway towards our room

Mico and Laura in front of the hotel cafe


Saturday, February 24, 2007

SPH #17: SOFT


SOFT


This is called chicken feet. It's a Chinese delicacy and is uber delicious. This is what I had for lunch last week at the office. Yum-O! For those who is adventuruous enough to try it, here's the recipe. It's really soft and even if you have no teeth, you can chew this.

Chicken Feet in Black Bean Sauce Recipe

on another note ...
I will be away for about two days ... I'm going to the office outing where I will have no net access. Sigh sigh ... I know that it will be fun but I agree with Judy ... it's really more of that I want to be with hubby and the tornado ... sleeping in the same bed and the same house ... waking up to screams of "Mommy!"


Friday, February 23, 2007

I should be excited right?

I just found out that we are going to be going out of town on a sponsored trip by the office and it's even going to be an overnight thing. I should be excited right?

I'm not.

H is not gonna be with me since he has an early shift the next day. The tornado won't be with me as well. What's wrong with me? Am I becoming too much of a Mom? Then again, I was never into the whole office outing thing. I've only gone to one outing and it wasn't overnight as well.

You think I should go? H says I should go and bond with my coworkers. Hmmm ...

on another note ... I received another package ... this one from a friend who I am unable to see because we are geogaraphically undesirable with her living in the North and me in the South.

The tornado loved the Sponge Bob lunch bag. It was so cute. I loved it as well. I also loved this bracelte. It's a two toned one and matches my ring and watch perfectly. Loved it!


Isn't it perfect?

Thursday, February 22, 2007

mañana habit and a fugly dog

I have been guilty of this. Due to training and taking care of the tornado, I have forgotten to send out some packages. I am so sorry. Judy, your Feb swap will be sent out next week after my taining and payday. I will make sure that I will be able to make it up to you because I will put out a fab accessory swap.

Len, your gift will be sent out as well. I swear!

Lastly, LovemyStarr ... thank you for the wonderful TN magnets. I love the googly eyes and it was such a nice surprise. I had a pretty long day with people that are just too arrogant for their own good. Grrr ...

Your magnets save the day. Thank you.




I'm watching American Idol Season 6 and Paul Kim is blowing my mind. He has a really good voice. Dang! The falsetto ruined it though.

Who's your favorite so far?



cute or ugly?

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

a different relationship

They say that most daughter in laws and mother in laws are not able to stand each other. They say that the movie Monster in Law starring J. Lo is indeed a realistic take on most in law relationships.


I feel blessed that I am not part of the norm then. I love my MIL dearly and I know that she feels the same way about me as well. Granted we don't agree on everything but we know how to deal with each other when the other is being a wee bit pernisckety.


Earlier today, we went to the mall and I bought her a few stuff since I've come to realize that I've never really invited her out where it's just the two of us. It felt great. We really connected and bonded. We also ate at Chef d' Angelo where the serving was huge! It's good chicken but the pasta had way too much rosemary and the pizza was blah. Service was wonderful and the burger was divine. The soup was also really tasty. It was called cheesy bacon chowder. Yum-O!


All in all, it was a really great date for us.

How is your relationship with your MIL?

B stories
This is where he draws most of the time.

Monday, February 19, 2007

vaccines and what nots

I'm about to go out today to get the tornado his much needed and a month delayed booster shot. We weren't able to get it last month because he got a fever for a day and I thought that if he gets the vaccine, he'd get another fever.

Apparently, it is possible.

Here's my paranoia and I am hoping that I will get to hear some reassuring things from you guys. The tornado is really really energetic. How can I get him to stay still long enough to be pricked by a needle? What if the needle gets stuck in his muscle? What if he gets a raging fever? What if he gets forever traumatized by hospitals? He's only a year and 7 months so most of the monthly shots are over and done with but still ...

Sigh. What to do what to do?

And am I a bad Mom? I'm hoping the tornado will not get sick as well since I'll be meeting a friend tomorrow coz she's about to leave for Spain and stay there for good. How can I meet her if the tornado is sick? Sigh sigh.

On a funny note, my lil sister was showing off her spelling skills yesterday. She was looking a a brown crayon and memorizing it. She then said "Hey sis! I know how to spell brown. It's B-R-W-N!" Lol!

* Why did I only see this now? My lil tornado was a finalist on Tiny Love's Cutest Valentine baby and he got ZERO votes because Mommy did not know about it and did not promote him!!!!! ARGH! I want to bop my head. But thank you so much Tiny Love.

Sunday, February 18, 2007

munimuni # 19



For this week, I am thankful for ...

1) Kiong Hee Huat Chai! It's the Year of the Fire Pig and they say that it brings prosperity. May we all have prosperity in our lives!

2) I will be spending time with my parents again with Hubby and the Tornado later to celebrate it. Dad said he got me lots of food from Chinatown. Whee!

3) Week 2 of product training from the BANK is almost done and so far I have not failed anything. Whee!

4) We had a pretty good Valentines dinner.

5) The earrings is arriving later.

6) We're all alive and in pretty good health.

7) Car is registered. We had more than enough to pay for it. It WAS expensive. Sheesh.

8) I have been able to forge friendships in the BANK and I'm pretty positive that they're keepers. I hope they are.

9) I am meeting with some old friends on Tuesday and having the Tornado vaccinated on Monday. I hope he will not get sick.

That's about it. I am now on my way to work. I hope I won't be late. Mwah and hugs to you all! Have a great weekend!

Saturday, February 17, 2007

SPH # 16: ANTIQUE

ANTIQUE



I saw this book at a thrift shop and it was untouched. I immediately bought it and decided that I will be giving this to my son when he reaches 21 years or maybe 26 years of age. He would be mature enough by then to appreciate reading about my story. By that time, this book which was published in 1992 would be 40 years old. A sure antique. But one filled with lots of memories, stories, and love.

What's your story?

Friday, February 16, 2007

the way to my heart is through my ....


It was funny coz early morning I asked Hubby if we were going out that day and he told me that we weren't. That there was no point since there would be too many people and all that hoopla. So I got depressed coz I'm a romantic at heart. I was really set on going home after work when upon getting into the car, he said "Let's go eat at Don Hen!" My smile would rival that of the Chesire Cat. Lol!

So there. For Valentines, we ate at Don Henrico's. I'm not sure if there is a Don Henrico's in the US or other countries but it's an Italian place here that serves knick knacks of everything, as every restaurant in this country is wont to do.


For me, it has the best tasting Buffalo Wings and Petite Mozzarella Sticks. I love it. My diet went right down the toilet. If you look at the picture, you will surely forgive me. It was so yummy. We also had some creamy seafood pasta and boy was it creamy. I still tasted the pasta even when I was about to go to bed. I don't know yet if that is a good thing or not. The service was also good since they were fast and very efficient.

After that, we took some more buffalo wings home and had dinner with the family. Then I surfed and blogged, hubby fell asleep. He was dead tired since he had to register the car and had to drive 3 hours away due to traffic. All in all, it was a good day for me. Thanks hubs!

How did you spend your Valentines? Were you happy? Were you sad?

Thursday, February 15, 2007

Thursday Thirteen # 15

13 ways to show love
  1. hug them
  2. compliment the one you love every single day
  3. write them love notes on post its and stick it anywhere
  4. have your picture turn into a magnet frame and put it on your fridge
  5. have a street artist draw their picture and give it to them
  6. let them have control of the tv remote
  7. buy them that book, dvd, or cd they've been drooling over
  8. forgive them their silly antics that irritate you
  9. buy them thier own creative board and let them pin anything without ridiculing it
  10. let them pick the next movie you watch
  11. create love coupons and give it to them for them to use when they want
  12. get an illustration board, use the black part, and write a love note on it using metallic pens and put a picture of the two of you anywhere on it
  13. get a love box and put small things in there that you know they love (it may be a tweety collection, a purple collection, stamps, hearts, anything)
How do you show your love?

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

400 Words

Got this from 52 Projects ... seemed interesting!

Write the story of your life in 400 words. When you are done, write the story of your life in 400 words again -- but don't repeat a single detail. The first time, write about all the houses you ever lived in. Then write about all the jobs you ever had. All the people you kissed. What you wanted, when. Then write about the people you knew and how they influenced you. Write about the clothes you've worn. The foods you've eaten. The things you believed. The times you changed your mind.

Embarrassments. Triumphs. Write about the forces of history that have shaped you: what was going on in the world when you were born, or the first story on the news that you remember? Write about the way you looked or the way that you thought you looked.

How many different people lurk inside the truth of you?

Happy Valentines Everyone! It's alla bout love and showing love ... tell the people you love that you love them! =)

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Mango Feather Cake



Ingredients:
a bunch of lady fingers or broas
1 cup condensed milk
1/2 cup all purpose cream
1/2 cup butter
2 pieces ripe mangoes (you can replace this with another fruit if you want), diced

for topping:
2 pieces ripe mango, thinly sliced
250g of all purpose cream

How to prepare:
Line a 9"x9" or 8"x8" square pan with a layer of broas.
Using a double boiler, cook the condensed milk with the purpose cream until it thickens. Stir in the butter and diced mangoes. Cool.
Pour half over the broas and cover with another layer of broas and cream.
Decorate with piped whipped cream and slices of mangoes. Chill until set.

B stories
He's turning into a big boy now. When we're outside and I ask for a kiss, he would give me one but he would just turn his cheek towards me and let me kiss him. But if we're in the house, he would give me a big "MWAH" on the lips. My lil boy, 1.6 years old turning 16.

Monday, February 12, 2007

random acts of kindness week

Yep, you read it right. This week is the start of random acts of kindness week. I just read this in a magazine and I decided that it will be my Monday post. What is this about? If you've read Chicken Soup for the Soul or seen the movie Pay it Forward, you would know what I'm talking about. If not, here's the deal.

Random acts of kindness is a series of good deeds you do for someone you don't know. It could be a street kid, a perfect stranger, a fellow blogger you've never met, or just about anyone who needs help that you can help. No need to overextend yourself okay? These are just lil deeds that you do to make someone smile, make someone's day easier, or make someone's life change a lil bit for the good.

Here's what I have so far.

1) Last week, I was buying dessert in a store near our place and there was a street kid inside who was looking at the marble chocolates. He ws counting the lil money that he had inside his pocket and ordered one. I decided to get it for him instead and paid for it. My point was that I could afford to buy an entiore cake for no reason, I could help him with that teenty lil chocolate.

When the kid left, I heard something which disturbed me. Apparently, he was a vendor just outside the store and when he can't sell anything in one day, his Dad beats him up. I felt so mad. I prayed that the Dad would get run over or something being the b@$tard that he is. Argh! So when I got out, eventhough I had nothing that I really wanted to buy, I got something from the kid. If I could spare him from one day of getting beaten up, why not right? The store clerk has decided that they will be reporting the Dad to Bantay Bata 163 which is an agency that protects kids from getting beaten up or abused.

2) I met a fellow blogger who has become a victim of maliscious lies. Rose is one of the most sensible person on the net and like most, she wants to spread some blogging love. There are people out to get her, saying bad things about her. Please head over there and give her some blogging cheer, hugs, and love. She doesn't know that I'm doign this so just tell her that someone thought of her.

3) I'm thinking of giving a small stuff toy to a coworker at the office, Omar. He said one day that since no one will give him stuff toys, he has to buy them for himself. He's such a nice, decent person that I want to bring a smile to his face.

What acts of kindness have you done?

PS: Plese do spread the word about this. In this crazy world we live in, we need more love and kindess. Please leave a comment and link if you do spread the word out.

random acts of kindness week

Yep, you read it right. This week is the start of random acts of kindness week. I just read this in a magazine and I decided that it will be my Monday post. What is this about? If you've read Chicken Soup for the Soul or seen the movie Pay it Forward, you would know what I'm talking about. If not, here's the deal.

Random acts of kindness is a series of good deeds you do for someone you don't know. It could be a street kid, a perfect stranger, a fellow blogger you've never met, or just about anyone who needs help that you can help. No need to overextend yourself okay? These are just lil deeds that you do to make someone smile, make someone's day easier, or make someone's life change a lil bit for the good.

Here's what I have so far.

1) Last week, I was buying dessert in a store near our place and there was a street kid inside who was looking at the marble chocolates. He ws counting the lil money that he had inside his pocket and ordered one. I decided to get it for him instead and paid for it. My point was that I could afford to buy an entiore cake for no reason, I could help him with that teenty lil chocolate.

When the kid left, I heard something which disturbed me. Apparently, he was a vendor just outside the store and when he can't sell anything in one day, his Dad beats him up. I felt so mad. I prayed that the Dad would get run over or something being the b@$tard that he is. Argh! So when I got out, eventhough I had nothing that I really wanted to buy, I got something from the kid. If I could spare him from one day of getting beaten up, why not right? The store clerk has decided that they will be reporting the Dad to Bantay Bata 163 which is an agency that protects kids from getting beaten up or abused.

2) I met a fellow blogger who has become a victim of maliscious lies. Rose is one of the most sensible person on the net and like most, she wants to spread some blogging love. There are people out to get her, saying bad things about her. Please head over there and give her some blogging cheer, hugs, and love. She doesn't know that I'm doign this so just tell her that someone thought of her.

3) I'm thinking of giving a small stuff toy to a coworker at the office, Omar. He said one day that since no one will give him stuff toys, he has to buy them for himself. He's such a nice, decent person that I want to bring a smile to his face.

What acts of kindness have you done?

PS: Plese do spread the word about this. In this crazy world we live in, we need more love and kindess. Please leave a comment and link if you do spread the word out.

Sunday, February 11, 2007

munimuni # 18

This week was a lil bit tiring physically but mentally rewarding. I am learning a lot about credit and the bank. My mind has been resting for over a year and is now bombarded with information. Whoohoo!
I've also rendered overtime at work (not my choice) which explains the tiredness. Still, I feel very blessed since this is a really stable company and I aced all my exams and is doing very well.

YEY ME!

So many things to be thankful for:
1) hubby got me earrings for Valentines ... whee!
2) the tornado is doing well and will be getting his 5in1 vaccine next week
3) i've made friends at work and I really like them since they seem to be all intelligent, quirky, funny, and responsible people.
4) hubby and I have spend quality time together which is good for the relationship
5) I got new clothes (a lot of them!) and some beauty stuff which always makes me happy
6) Chinese New Year is coming up! Kung Hei Fat Choi! May the year of the pig bring you all abundant blessings!
7) I'm getting my Mom and Dad matching jackets from the bank. How cool and cheesy is that? Lol!
8) I have binged to death. I now need help with getting a ticker for my blog to help me with my losing weight. I am currently 168lbs aiming for 125lbs. HELP!
9) Life is still good. We have Jesus, a roof over our heads, food to eat, a job that helps us provide for our baby, family that supports us, and friends.

Why is your life good?

Saturday, February 10, 2007

SPH # 15: Broken

BROKEN

If you look at the picure closely, you will see that this is actually a series of broken pictures compiled to create one huge image of the tornado. See all his five teeth?

Cute right?

Friday, February 9, 2007

clingy baby

Recently, the B has learned the art of clinging to me. When I would pass by his playpen, he would stop whatever it is he is doing and would cling to me. Even when someone else is holding him, he would cling to me. Early morning when he wakes up and sees me, he clings to me.

I think this is because I've started to work in a day job post with overtime and all the normal stuff that happens in a bank. He no longer sees me as much as he used to. I feel guilty but I do my best to make time for him every single night and during my days off. Of course there are times that I do just wanna go out and have some me time or time with some friends. But when the tornado smiles at me, everything just becomes worth the while.

I guess I'm feeling a bit of the working mom guilt but I know that I am doing what I can to make him realize that he still is the most important creature in the world to me.

So just cling on baby. Cling on.

KMMS January Foodie Swap


I just got my foodie swap from Incog & Nito. It was really wonderful. I turned the donut display into magnets and I love them. They look so good on my fridge.

Thanks Incog & Nito. You made me so happy.

The February Swap is now closed. I have emailed the 5 participants and you guys need to have them sent out by the 15th okay? Mwah! Hugs to all of you.

Thursday, February 8, 2007

Thursday Thirteen # 14

h
13 of my favorite ref magnet as requested by Raggedy




I find this magnet real cute. It strikes me as being Carribean like and I've always been fascinated with the Carribean.








This one I didn't get from Spain. I bought this at a flea market and it looked very Spanish to me so I
got it. El Matador!









This was given to me by my cousin from London. Love it!










This one is reminiscent of Thailand. Nice no?









I like butterflies. Who doesn't?











The magnet on the left side is from an ex suitor. The other 2 are from my friend, Rochelle. I love them all.








This is from a former boss. I was so surprised when he got them for me. I love all the magnets in this set because they are so unique.











This one I got from my hometown and I love it. guitars are one of the bestsellers in my area so I'm very happy with this.











I love this one. I found it in a mall. This is a kitchen magnet and I find it so quaint. Notice anything missing?








This is a lil Jamaican man I saw at a thrift store near our place. I just love the arms and legs. Yeah man!











This is my first attempt at making a magnet. I glued a magnet at the back of said donut and voila! Thanks Incog & Nito for this yummy donut. This is from Australia bdw.






This one I asked from my former boss to get for me from New York. I love this one too since it shows the different sights to see in NY, the Big Apple.







This is my collection of Starbucks magnets. I couldn't choose just one so I gathered them all. Hehe. Cheating I know. You have to forgive me. Hehe.










Which one was your favorite?

Wednesday, February 7, 2007

Doorknob Accessories

I found something on the net and it's really cute ... another thing I can add to my to-do list ... wonder when I will be able to finish even one? So hard to be a working mom ... for those who do have the time ... enjoy ...
Supplies:1. Wooden door hanger or two pieces of chipboard and the template available here.

2. Mod Podge or other decoupage medium

3. Patterned paper

4. Scrapbooking embellishments

5. Acrylic paint

6. Sand paper

7. Corner rounder

8. Diamond Glaze or other strong adhesive

9. Pre-made Wooden Door Hanger : You can purchase a pre-made wooden door hanger at most large craft stores.

Remove all stickers from the door hanger and lightly sand the surfaces. Chipboard Door Hanger: Download and print the template from the link above. Cut the template out, including the center circle. Trace the shape onto two pieces of chipboard and cut out. Glue the two pieces of chipboard together, and allow to dry thoroughly.


Steps
1. Paint a base coat color on the hanger, paying close attention to all edges. Allow to dry.

2. Measure the width and length of your door hanger, and subtract a 1/4 of an inch from each measurement. Using those measurements, cut two of the template from patterned paper, to cover the front and back. Be sure to cut out the hole on each piece, as well.

3. Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge and adhere the paper to the hanger. Allow to dry completely.
4. As each layer dries, add an additional layer of paper, as desired, using a thin coat of Mod Podge, and allow to dry.

5. Once all paper layers are dry, embellish with stickers and rub-ons as desired.

6. Seal the entire project with two thin coats of Mod Podge. Allow the first coat to dry before adding the second. Allow to dry before continuing.

7. Add ribbons, fibers and three-dimensional embellishments with Diamond Glaze.
8. Allow entire project to dry overnight before hanging on your doorknob.

Tuesday, February 6, 2007

Chicken and Mushroom in Oyster Sauce

I have decided that every Tuesday, I shall post one or two recipes. It may be something I've tried or something that caught my eye. If you want to find a recipe for something, leave me a comment and I will look for it for you. The point here is, I want things to be well rounded around here so I will post something different everyday.

Sundays would be my weekend reflection, Mondays would be Funny, Tuesdays it would be food, Wednesday I still need to figure out, Thursday Thirteen, Friday could be a feast or something else, and Saturday would be photo hunt time.

See, very well rounded. Of course, in between, there would always be my endless musings, recommendations, sharing, and tornado tales. I'd just be adding some stuff to make things livelier and for you guys to have more reason to drop by. Lol!


Chicken and Mushroom in Oyster Sauce
1/2 kg chicken breast filler, sliced 2 inch thick
1 tbsp oyster sauce
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp sesame oil
2 tbsp cooking oil
1 cup bamboo shoots sliced (optional)
1 cup shitake mushroom (or any mushroom you can find)

for the sauce, combine the following:
1/2 cup water
1 tsp cornstarch
1 tsp sugar
add salt, sugar, pepper, and broth cube to taste

To Cook:
Marinate chicken with the oyster sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. (Kay's note: add some pepper, sugar, and salt to add some oomph.) Marinate for about 2 hours to let taste sink in. Heat oil. Stir fry chicken for 10 minutes or until it's white indicating its cooked. Add in bamboo shoots and mushrooms and stir fry for 2 minutes. Add sauce mixture and let simmer for 5 minutes or until sauce thickens. Stir occasionally. Serve hot.

Monday, February 5, 2007

something to cheer you up

First one is related to the theme (which is 80's) and the other two, they just make me laugh. I hope you will too.
All I can say in this picture is, "what was I thinking?" The gown is what they call bell something I think. And my make up and hair was just plain wrong. I look like a vampire on drugs. Eeekkkk! and I was only 12 in this picture. Grrr....

serious sign of aging ...

Used to be that I could tolerate backpains and neck pains. Nowadays, I find myself looking for the comfort of the Salon Pas. It feels so good when it's stuck on my neck. Too bad hubby thinks it makes me smell like an old woman. Lol! I love the smell though. minty and warm.

How do you relieve your aching muscles?

Sunday, February 4, 2007

munimuni # 17


I have so many things to be thankful for this week. Sure, I had a mini melt down when hubby and I had some sort of disagreement but again, that incident showed me that I have really wonderful friends to back me up and cheer me up. Thanks Vids and Arny.

I posted this last Friday and I wanna give a really big shout out of thanks to everyone who gave support to me on this topic. Thank you so much The Wooden Porch, GrayMama, leira, smileyMamaT, Biker Betty, and Ivy. If there were more women int he world like you, there would be less battered women, there would be less females suffering from anorexia and bulimia, there would be less hatred in this world. Women like you are what's needed in this world. We know our worth and we don't allow others to trample all over our dignity.

So here are my list of thank you's for the week:

1) My MIL and FIL for taking care of my tornado better than I take care of my tornado. Hehe. Bad Mommy.
2) Hubby for helping me get through the very first graveyard shift I had last night

3) Arny and Vids for reminding me that I am fabulous the way that I am

4) my Mom for letting me shop through her catalogues and letting me pay later ... hihihi ... believe it or not, my Mom is an Avon lady ... lol!
5) my Nanny, for letting me sleep late on a Sunday morning
6) YOU GUYS! You rock ... I look forward to posting every single day because I know that you would be sharing your wonderful take on whatever it is I post, no matter how mundane

7) for the 3 people who have already said yes to participating in my Monthly Swap of Accessories ... more participants please ... yes you ... I know you want to join ... drop me an email

8) good health, food on our table, shelter, peace in the house .. .all very important

9) the fact that the tornado still enjoys kissing and hugging me ... I love those moments

10) The Wooden Porch for my very lovely swap button (look at my sidebar!)

11) Rachel for my very lovely avatar which was a cery wonderful surprise (sidebar again please)

How was your week?