Getting There!

Yesterday marked the last day of my work with the company I have been with for the last eight years (almost nine years). Technically, my resignation is effective on March 31 but since I have company leave credits left, I decided to use them on days preceding the day of my resignation to advance my rest period.

Also, I'm turning 35 weeks tomorrow and two or three more weeks from now, it is already safe to pop out our baby boy. So yes, I am almost there! Close to getting the life I want - bear a child before I turn 30, become a work-at-home mama and have more time for my husband while still having time for myself and the things that I love to do.

Now, with more free time and less pressure from an office setting, I can focus on my preparations for the "big day" and beyond. With this, I commit myself to take morning walks at least 30 minutes everyday and maybe join my husband when he go jogging in the afternoon. I also need to get our hospital bag ready before the month ends so I'll have one less thing to worry about.

Additionally, I have been trying to write and schedule as much blog posts as I can for I know I may not have much time to blog when the baby comes.

For now, I am enjoying the "slowness" of my life. I am enjoying the remaining "just us" (me and the husband) days.

And while at it, let me share to you a video of my active baby and some photos I took using the camera of my phone during my walks.

24-Payday Money Challenge

Last year, the 52-week money challenge made waves among people, especially young professionals, who aim to become financially stable. As one of those who want to become financially stable, I aspire to follow their lead, however, I find the 52-week money challenge a bit tedious. I'm afraid I may not be able to keep track of my progress and in turn might make me quit the challenge.

But determined to achieve something for the year 2015 in terms of my finances, I decided to create my own version of the challenge and that is when I came up with my 24-payday money challenge. In this scheme, I base the amount of money I need to save to my net income for that particular pay day. I started with 1% for January, 2% for February and so on…

Here’s the table for sample computation:

24-Payday Money Challenge Sample Computation
Month	% of Savings	Net Income	Amount to be Saved
January 15	1%	Php 10,000	Php 100
January 31	1%	Php 10,000	Php 100
February 15	2%	Php 10,000	Php 200
February 29	2%	Php 10,000	Php 200
March 15	3%	Php 10,000	Php 300
March 31	3%	Php 10,000	Php 300
April 15	4%	Php 10,000	Php 400
April 30	4%	Php 10,000	Php 400
May 15	5%	Php 10,000	Php 500
May 31	5%	Php 10,000	Php 500
June 15	6%	Php 10,000	Php 600
June 30	6%	Php 10,000	Php 600
July 15	7%	Php 12,000	Php 840
July 31	7%	Php 12,000	Php 840
August 15	8%	Php 12,000	Php 960
August 31	8%	Php 12,000	Php 960
September 15	9%	Php 12,000	Php 1080
September 30	9%	Php 12,000	Php 1080
October 1	10%	Php 12,000	Php 1200
October 31	10%	Php 12,000	Php 1200
November 1	11%	Php 12,000	Php 1320
November 30	11%	Php 12,000	Php 1320
December 1	12%	Php 12,000	Php 1440
December 31	12%	Php 12,000	Php 1440
Savings for 2015			Php 17880

New Year, New Look!

As what I mentioned on my previous post, I hoped to change the look of this blog before the year ends and thankfully, I am able to do that. There might be some finishing touches to be done but at least I am done with most of the major stuff.

2016 is definitely an exciting year for me and my little family as we have big things ahead of us, especially for me and my husband. First of course is the birth of our little one! He/she is expected to be in our arms last week of April and we have started to prepare for that day. I have started to buy important stuff for the baby and thankfully, I don’t need to buy much since I have cousins whose children are older than mine so we expect a great volume of hand-me-downs from them. Big savings for a practical mom like me. Besides, I don’t mind letting my child wear second-hand items because I am sure the stuff we will be getting still look new since they are just slightly used.

My routine will definitely change as well. I am preparing myself for many sleepless nights, or at least, a couple of hours “nap” every night. I know becoming responsible parents takes a lot of adjusting but I’m sure we can get through it as we have been waiting for this moment to come.

As for this blog, this could take a back seat for a while but I will never abandon this as this has been a part of my life for years. This may not be as popular or great as other blogs in the same niche but I worked hard to get to this and I just couldn’t throw this away just like that. I aim to publish once or twice a month but I will try to do more when I have time. Actually, I think there will be a lot of things to talk about since I will have additional topics to talk about. I just have to learn to manage my time by then.

So… there! I think this is it for now. Wishing you all a prosperous 2016!

Minus One, Plus One

God really has a way of helping me lessen the sadness after the death of a loved one. In 2010 after the sudden death of my only sibling, He blessed us with an adorable nephew (my cousin’s son whom I’m fond of even until now) the month after. Less than half a year after my nephew’s birth, I started a relationship with a guy who eventually became my husband. Having them in my life made me feel less sad for I have other things to focus my thoughts and energy on.

Just this year, my beloved mother lost her battle against cancer and like any other mama’s girl who considers her mom as her bestfriend, it affected me so much that I sometimes wake up in the middle of the night crying. Despite the presence of my family who has always been there since day one, the void she left in my heart is so big I am sure nothing can ever fill it in. But then again, God intervened. Three months after her death, we found out that I am carrying my husband and mine’s  one-month old little bundle of joy. Yes, our little one is growing inside my womb and getting complete and stronger each day. I have surpassed the first trimester without so much drama and I pray that this pregnancy will be uneventful until I give birth second quarter next year.

So you see, God is so great! He knows what and when to give. He knows the desires of our hearts and what we really need to get through the day. We just have to trust Him and let Him lead us to where He want us to be. Our hearts, mine especially, are overflowing with joy and gratitude for the blessing and opportunity to carry a human being into this world, although it (the world) can be harsh sometimes.

Naturally, this blog will be more varied for you will soon see posts about a new topic - motherhood. However, I’m kinda doubtful if I can post regularly like before because I’m pretty sure I will be very busy in the coming months especially when the little one comes. But then as usual, I will never stop trying to come up with something worthy to share, albeit scarce. :D

No HBD Please!

I have many reasons to be grateful for today! One, another year has been added into my life. Two, I am blessed with loving family and friends and a job that pays well (or at least more than the minimum wage. LOL).

Today is also the best time that I talk about one social media issue that has been bothering me for a long time - people are becoming lazy to spell out words and prefer to use text lingo. One perfect example is posting "HBD" on someone’s wall instead of "Happy Birthday". That greeting alone pisses me off big time that I decided to disable posting on my Facebook wall a few days before my birthday. Is it too hard to type "happy birthday"? Are wall posts limited to three characters only? I don’t think so! Whether it is on other people’s wall or mine, I just can’t stand seeing that three-letter greeting.

Another reason for such move is the flooding of my wall. :D Don’t get me wrong here. I love getting greetings and wall posts from others but with so many facebook friends, those generic wall posts can get overwhelming. I want to know who will actually exert an effort to send me a text message, email or call me to greet me on my special day. Additionally, I also want to know who remembers without the need for reminders (have been keeping my birthday private for security purposes).

Enough of my rant anyway. Let’s proceed to the good stuff!

11/1/11

Before the clock strikes 12, I am publishing a post on 11/1/11. Nothing significant on this date. I am just glad that one month more and it'll be December - my most favorite month. :>

I am excited for Christmas parties, get togethers and of course, for 13th month pay <:-P, holidays and our upcoming trip to Cagayan de Oro (although I'm not sure yet if I can go). :D

Oh Christmas!

When Shit Happens...

This is what I want to do...

photo credit: ^^Deborah^^

photo credit: Rachel Garrett

Run fast...

Run far...

Run away...

A Photo A Week - Personalized Shirt

This week is quite stressful for me due to paranoia but I think it has helped me become a bit mature in handling myself and the situation I'm in. I would love to make a post about the time I deep into the flooded water in front of my office building but I don't have any picture to accompany the post so I'm posting something different. Something about this shirt...

This personalized shirt belongs to my guy. He got this at Boracay during our trip (with his friends) last December. Though he loves this shirt because he is the one who chose the design, he rarely wears it because it is already too small for him.

Last Friday, he wore it to work though. It was when we’re having dinner when he starts complaining about it... that he is no longer comfortable wearing that shirt. While grinning, I asked him to give me that shirt. I thought he is going to say no since it has his name on it. Good thing he agreed to give it to me... not during that very instant of course. :D

This would be his last picture with this shirt on so it is just right to post it on my "a photo a week" series. :D

A Photo A Week - Reward

There is no subject as fitting as this -     my agent of the month award for the months of January and February. Although this award is not as great as awards such as being the best employee of all time, I have all the reasons to brag about it. In our company, if you are recognized as agent of the month, it simply means that you do not have lates, absents or under times in your daily time record. Considering my daily time record during the previous months and years, one can say that it is impossible for me to be given such award.

It's difficult to fight the urge to go back to bed each morning. It is equally difficult to take a bath, get dressed and eat breakfast hastily. But then, success comes to those who are determined to get what they wanted. So here I am, munching on the prize given to me - four bars of snickers.

Though I have monster belly, certificate signed by the award-giving body a.k.a the admin would be appreciated. I can buy snickers and make others believe that it was given to me as a reward however with certificate complete with signatures and seal or logo stuff, you can only get it from them - our admin.

A Photo A Week - Birthday

Due to lack of post on my personal blog and a client's task, I went on blog hopping the other day. I came across lots of nice blogs thus inspired me to make a weekly post about the highlight of my week. I just hope that I'll be able to post consistently. Laziness go away!

My family has been looking forward for this week since one family member's birthday falls on this week. The birthday celebrant is no other than my nephew John Robert. If the kid isn't special to me, this wouldn't be the highlight of my week. I would probably post something about my boyfriend's return from one-week Malaysia-Singapore tour and our 6th monthsary as a couple. :D But then, this kid and this year's birthday is so special so he just deserves to be the subject of my first "a photo a week" post.

So what made this kid really special? Well, by coming into our lives, he changed my views about children. I used to hate kids because most of them are naughty and annoying brats. They never listen and would instead cry if they can't have what they wanted. They vandalize the walls, throw away and destroy whatever their little hands can get and most of all, they are more likely to poop and pee in unacceptable places if they don't have their diapers on. Such a hassle!

This little kid was entrusted to my mother when he was probably only a couple of months old since both his mother and father works abroad that time. With this, I was given the opportunity to discover how amazing life can be when you spend it with children. We spend many sleepless nights when he is sick, I experienced waking up in the middle of the night to prepare his milk and experience what it feels to give him a bath or wash him after using the toilet. It is really hard to do those tasks considering that I am a lazy and sleepy-head. But despite that, I never regretted doing those things because the reward is really worthwhile - the loyalty and unconditional love of a child.

Aside from my mother, he is probably the only person I'm sure devoted to me. When he was younger, he would cry his heart out each time I leave home for work. When I suffered from chickenpox and needs to be isolated from him, he keeps on banging the door to my bedroom so that I will let him in. He would never allow anyone, even my brother, to come near me, hug me or take me away from him. He gives me flowers he picked from his grandmother's flower pots. He leaves drawings and notes for me on my computer table or closet door. His kind gestures always made me really happy despite a stressful day.

Though he is not from me, I always see the need to care and love him just like a mother to her own child. Yay! He triggered the mother instinct in me. I am happy and thrilled to see him doing well in school and I get sick of worry when something is not going well with him.

Last year, he wasn't able to celebrate his birthday the way he wanted because of my brother's death. He agreed that the money intended for his birthday be spent on the expenses for my brother's wake. Such sweet kid! So this year, we decided to give him really special. Last Thursday, he celebrated in school and then yesterday (Saturday), his actual birthday, we celebrated with the family. Hosting a party, even a small one can really be tiresome but when you see his smile and the spark in his eyes, it'll surely warm your heart. The effort is so worthwhile.

 Slicing his cake. Please bear with this unedited pic because I am too lazy (a.k.a not talented enough) to enhance pictures. :D

Missing In Action

Been MIA for like forever. I actually have a few ideas on what to post but I'm just too busy to write something coherent for my readers to understand what my crazy mind wants to convey. With work, family, love life, friends and personal goals to manage, who wouldn't get so busy? (Lame excuse for being lazy... LOL!). I even considered deleting this blog due to frustration but being such a sentimental fool, I just can't part with something that I considered my companion through thick and thin and the outlet of my emotions when I don't feel like talking to anyone. Besides, I spent lots of sleepless nights making this blog's layout pleasing to my eyes so I cannot just throw away my effort that easily.

Anyway, I am still thankful that I get a few visitors despite my lack of post. I wanted to update this more often so here's hoping for more ideas sans laziness. haha! Stay tuned! :D

My Grown Up Christmas List

It's like ages since the last time I made a post here. yikes! With all the parties, reunions and trips in addition to work, family life and love life, making a blog post is definitely not a priority on my to-do list. I even failed to make blog posts every 16th of the month for two months now... Sorry brother! :(

It's already 23rd of December I have not posted anything yet. So for my first (quick) post this month (and hopefully not the last), it'll be about my grown up Christmas list (though I already got my gifts...). :D

Shoes
Shoes will always be a part of my list (Christmas, birthday, etc). But unlike other girls who want sky-high heels, I'd be content with sneakers or anything comfortable for my feet. My current cravings are Converse All Star Light in any color, Toms preferably red (I have this thing for red footwear but I haven't bought one till now) and espadrilles. In the absence of shoes, bedroom slippers will do. :D

Cosmetics
I'm definitely not fond of makeup... but that was before. I'm not quite sure why but I just find myself scouring the cosmetic sections each time I visit the mall. Maybe vanity is hitting me. Lipstick in nude, coral, light pink and plum colors will be highly appreciated.

Overnight or weekend bag
I prefer nature-tripping than going to bars on weekend so I definitely need a sturdy bag that is large enough to fit my entire cabinet... err my stuff that I'll need for a night or two. The one I'm currently using is a bit small for all my things (gotta learn how to pack light).

Skin Care Gift Certificate
I think there is nothing more relaxing than getting a spa or facial for free. Pamper yourself without hurting your pockets! :D

Tour/Trip
All-expense paid trip to one of the islands or cities here in the Philippines will be greatly appreciated.

I am absolutely not expecting that I'll be getting one of these this Christmas unless I get one for myself. But who knows? Someone with a good heart might come across my blog and send me a pair of red Toms on the 25th. Keeping my fingers crossed!

Davao Trip Day 3 - Farewell, Davao

It's Sunday! Our last day in Davao. We weren't able to explore other sights since our flight back to Iloilo is 6:00 am. By 4:00 am, we already left Aveflor Inn.

Two days of exploring is such a short time. We failed to visit the white sand beaches of Samal, other malls, churches, schools, etc. But though our stay there is short, we really enjoyed the trip. With no more than Php 400 round trip air fare, what more can we ask for? Thanks to Cebu Pacific piso sale. It really made our trip possible without requiring us to spend too much on fare alone. For sure I'll be watching for more seat sale in the days to come. :>

I arrived home tired, sleepy and broke but everything is worth it. I learned a lot, experienced a lot and of course, enjoyed a lot!The memories of this trip will surely be added into my happiness vault since traveling with friends is one of the most fulfilling activities for me. Additionally, it helped me become more responsible and mature person being the trip organizer.

Hopefully next time, I'd be given a chance to travel with my boyfriend... and maybe to travel all by myself - it's my ultimate dream. [-o<

Losing and Finding

Many life changing events happened to me since the year started. One and the most heartbreaking is of course the sudden death of my only brother. This tragedy alone taught me a lot of lessons and made me realize many things. Although kind gestures are pouring in, I have proven that not all people whom you thought your friends will gonna be there beside you when you needed them the most. Sometimes, those people whom their sincerity you doubted are the ones who beat the odds just to make you feel better.

I also learned that the death of someone you hold dear is the most painful thing a person may experience. I previously thought that those death/dying or funeral scenes I see on films and televisions are overrated but boy I was wrong! I've been there exactly eight months ago and I realized that nothing can alleviate the pain caused by a person's sudden death. Even those bereaved family's almost hysterical reactions when the coffin is being interred are all true. I've come to the point wherein I want to pull my brother's body out of the coffin, shake him and shout with all my might in the hopes of bringing his life back. Even when I visit his grave, there are times when I want to tear down the concrete tomb, pull him out and bring him home. I never thought that it'll hurt me this much... I never thought that I'd miss him this much. It is indeed true that you'll realize how much a person means to you when he is gone... and it hurts even more if you weren't able to let that person know how much you love him. That is why from that day on; I make it a point to show to those who really matter how much they mean to me. The once rarely mentioned "I love you" often escapes my lips. I am also starting to learn how to manage my time wisely... spending it with what matter to me - faith, family, work, friends and later on love.

Yes, love! While I was busy getting over my brother's death, God is probably equally busy looking or prepping that one special person who'll make me feel special. Although some relationship experts advise not to fall in love when you are still on the healing process, I still chose to let myself love and be loved. And it felt good to have that someone who helps lighten my load when they seem too much for me to endure... a pat in the back, hugs, other simple gestures of kindness or his mere presence can set the mood right and make me believe that everything will be alright. I know we still have a long way to go and I am amiable to the fact that we still have to go through lots of challenges that could either make us or break us. I may not be good at this thing called love since I haven't had serious relationships before this but I believe that as long as we give time, allow each other to grow together and individually and there is respect, understanding and love, there is really nothing to worry about. So far so good and I am thankful that I am blessed with a person that I want as much as I need.

We sometimes lose what we have but there is always a reason for it. We may not know what it is but if we allow our selves to heal, we’ll eventually accept the demise consequently make us notice more beautiful things life could offer.

Pabaon

It's the 16th of the month once more. This time I'm posting about something of great significance to my departed brother's life... something he loved more than any other beverage in the world - the Mountain Dew. If he'll just give in to temptation I swear he can drink more than five bottles a day. Some people even call him Mr. Mountain Dew when he was still alive.

On the day of his burial, we slipped in one can of the said soda inside his coffin along with his other personal belongings (one is the gray handkerchief I gave him :( ) as our "pabaon".

"You've been away for seven months big bro. If only there is a way for me to visit you, I would have done it right then. But apparently, I can only be with you in my dreams so I hope you'll visit me there more often."

photo credit: bobtheking

Six Months and Counting

It's exactly six months ago today since my brother's death. But for me, it was only like yesterday when I cried out loud in the hospital's emergency room. Even the words of my uncle informing me that he's gone are still ringing in my ears.

Six months ago, I was a very lonely and pained soul. I can't talk without crying... I was wishing that everything is just a dream and when I wake up the next day, I'll see my brother sleeping in his bed. But alas! Even if I close my eyes and try to sleep, all I can see is his face while trying to make myself believe that he is forever gone. Those were the days when I think of just crying for the rest of my life.

Six months after... I'm still the pained soul who cries from time to time when the memories remind me of how painful it is to lose someone. But thankfully, I'm no longer a lonely soul. I've found my way back to my old cheery self... thanks to family and friends who show me so much love. I realized that grieving over someone's death is little less painful when family and friends are around to help.

Now if only there is a way for me to find out that he is happy... :D

One Question and An Answer

Just when I'm all set to start doing my task early this morning, a chat message window pops up on my screen all of a sudden - it's from a guy on the workstation far away from mine. :P Knowing him, I thought what he sent me are links to goofy videos or images. But the videos aren't what I thought them to be. They are actually interesting videos that can make you think of what will be your answer when asked with the same question, "where do you wanna wake up tomorrow?"

Fifty People, One Question: London

Fifty People, One Question: Brooklyn

Before watching the videos, I have nothing in mind as to what I wanna see the moment I opened my eyes after a good night's sleep. But after watching and a few hours of contemplating, there is one thing that keeps coming back on my mind - to wake up in a room with wide windows overlooking the sea. As I open the window to let the sunshine in, fresh air come rushing making me feel free and alive. Breakfast should be waiting for me either on the porch or by the seashore. While I wouldn’t mind eating alone, it would be more fun if I'd be sharing it with people close to my heart. Eating breakfast at the beach and spending time with someone you love to talk to is I think one of the most relaxing moments in the world.

So to sum it all up, combination of beach, food and good company... That's what I want!

Thanks to that guy for sharing... :P

Ever the Same

I admit I am not blessed with singing prowess nor you can let me sing in front of others even my friends. I only sing when I'm at home with my family because I'm kinda used to them picking on me when my voice gets croaky. But even if music doesn't like me that much, the way it changes my mood is so amazing. When I'm down or annoyed, listening to Green Day, Matchbox Twenty, Alanis, The Cranberries and other alternative rock artists in full volume can make me feel a bit better.

I can listen to their songs all day everyday - one of the songs is Ever the Same by Rob Thomas. It saved me from insanity more than three years ago and until now, I always turn to it when I feel so alone, helpless and so down. The lyrics hit me straight to the point plus the fact that Rob Thomas is freaking handsome.

Rob Thomas - New Music - More Music Videos

We were drawn from the weeds
We were brave like soldiers
Falling down under the pale moonlight
You were holding to me
Like someone broken
And I couldn't tell you but I'm telling you now

Just let me hold you while you're falling apart
Just let me hold you and we'll both fall down

Fall on me
Tell me everything you want me to be
Forever with you forever in me
Ever the same

We would stand in the wind
We were free like water
Flowing down
Under the warmth of the sun
Now it's cold and we're scared
And we've both been shaken
Hey, look at us
Man, this doesn't need to be the end

Just let me hold you while you're falling apart
Just let me hold you and we'll both fall down

Fall on me tell me everything you want me to be
Forever with you
Forever in me
Ever the same
Call on me
I'll be there for you and you'll be there for me
Forever it's you
Forever in me
Ever the same

You may need me there
To carry all your weight
But you're no burden I assure
You tide me over
With a warmth I'll not forget
But I can only give you love

Fall on me tell me everything you want me to be
Forever with you
Forever in me
Ever the same
Call on me
I'll be there for you and you'll be there for me
Forever it's you
Forever in me
Ever the same

Forever with you
Forever in me
Ever the same(Ever the same)

Colored Metal Frame Wire Fixation

Summer in the Philippines is so over. In fact, it's already rainy season here. But then, my obsession for colored metal frame wire aviators knows no season. Wherever I go (during the day of course), my red metal frame wire aviator goes with me. But since I'm using it like almost everyday since December of last year, the color of the frame has started to fade and chip. I've been looking for a replacement for quite some time now but unfortunately, I can't find anything that is alike or better than my old one, at a reasonable price.

However, while I was window shopping at eBay, I found these cute aviators that I'd really want to own.





They are the cutest thing ever! They may not be as expensive as Ray-Ban but they're just as cute. And besides, I wouldn't want to buy anything so expensive that I know I'll break or lose due to my recklessness. As of now, I'm contemplating whether to buy or not. I haven't bought anything from eBay and the thought of ordering online, having it shipped, paying for the shipping cost (the shipping cost is almost equal to the cost of the item itself), waiting for the delivery and the possible glitches I might come across stresses me out. If only I can find these types at some malls in our area, I'd not hesitate to get one in ALL COLORS. :(

Off to think about this... :D

photo credits: coolthingsforsalehere

Three Years...

Today is my third year anniversary at my current company. Seems like it was only yesterday when I was struggling to finish university, wondering what my life would be after I graduated from college. But here I am now... have been earning (and spending) for exactly three years now.

I can vividly remember the day when I, together with around five of my college classmates, head to the old and small office to pass our resumes and take the exam. After taking the exam and submitting some work (nearly missed the deadline because I was bit of lost that time), I was informed to come for an interview. A few more days after, the HR texted me to attend the orientation because I will be reporting for work the day after I was given orientation. I remember I nearly jumped for joy after reading the text message.

The first day of work was equally memorable. Since I was assigned to work nigh shift, I came there around an hour early (commuting from my town late at night can be difficult). I can exactly remember the black pants, white top with light brown lace blazer and denim pumps I wore. Nervousness, excitement and apprehension are felt all at the same time. Hey, it's my first day at my first ever job.... I have all the right to feel those.

Good thing three of my college classmates have been working there for a few months so I never really have to feel alone. I was assigned to a work station between two guys (which I later found out the other one is gay... kidding!). I was really too shy to talk and make friends with them because I'm sort of aloof and they all seem like they're doing well with their respective tasks.

But fast forward to three years, I'm no longer the shy girl at WS10 (I was transferred to WS7 almost a year ago.). I gained a lot of friends and learned from them; work-related or not. Though I can sometimes be heard ranting about the company, I admit it opened a lot of opportunity for me. I learned a lot of lessons that I'm sure I can use even if I'm no longer part of the company. I'm not sure if I will stay for another year but whatever path life will lead, this company will always have a place in my heart.

Happy 3rd anniversary to me and to my friend, April! (sorry Cay, I just have to use your first name because it sounds cute.. LOL!) The chocolate ice cream was yummy... :)