Learn, Then Share the Wealth of Web Knowledge

After learning the essentials of web hosting for my website, I immediately shared the information with my friends. It feels good to share your knowledge with people knowing that you’ve helped them even in a simple way. I was once naïve of the things about the internet since I really am not computer savvy, but it was a friend of mine who enlightened me about tech stuff which includes web hosting, and that’s because she was nice enough to share what she’d learned from other people. Come to think of it, it’s like passing down information, wisdom, and knowledge from person to person such as it has been done throughout history from generation to generation.

Perhaps you also have come across articles about web hosting online but didn’t really care to read the whole entry. If you own a website, personal or business and you want people to know about it, you should consider the service of a web hosting company. Your files are protected and your website will be visible on the World Wide Web. But make sure to get a reliable web hosting company since not all offer excellent service as claimed. I suggest you go check UK Web Hosting and learn more about this wonderful high-tech tool, especially if you blog for pay; the more you learn, the more you can earn.

Lunch Break

This is, if i'm not mistaken, my last lunch with BA, with only the two of us. And it was on a Monday, because he left Tuesday. Anyway, we have tried almost all the dishes in every resto here in the city so that day, we just thought of having our lunch at the hotel lounge. We have eaten at the lounge several times too but we can't just resist the food because it's really delish.

BA likes their Calamares a lot so that's what he ordered again that day.

And I like their Lechon Kawali so it's what I ordered for the second or third time already. Very tasty! Yum!

Web Hosting: Help for a Friend in Need

It took me a while to finally understand the ways of the blogosphere. I’ve learned so much, yet there is so much more to be learned. And being the newbie I am, I’m open minded and eager to acquire new knowledge since it would be for my own benefit. I make it a point to visit websites everyday, though sometimes it isn’t as many as I’d like since I also have other things to attend to. But what’s important is making the constant effort of bettering myself.

Web Hosting was the topic of many of sites that I came across which taught me its benefits and importance. And visiting these sites has paid off. I own a website myself, and though it’s personal, I’ve learned that having a credible web hosting service is essential. But despite what I’ve learned, I’m still having difficulty on how and where to start. Thankfully, my friend who introduced me into the world of blogging came to my rescue, as she always does.

She recommended the web hosting company that she entrusts her sites to, and since then I’ve been enjoying the benefits and services of excellent professional web hosting. My site is now visible to the world and reaching almost every household without me fearing for the safety of my files. That’s such a great feeling, and I continue my journey of learning each day.

Birthday Wishes for My Bessie!

[Caption.iT - Face in Hole]

There's no denying that you're not getting any younger, Bes. Hehe. But what's important is your you're enjoying life as it is. Stay as nice as you are and I wish you'll have a happy birthday even though you're away from your family. All the best! Mwahugs!

I'll see you soon with your treat, okay? (",)

Where Has the Time Gone?

My sister and her family attended a debut party the other night and I was in awe when I saw my niece Mawee, my sister’s 13-year-old daughter, looking every inch a lady in her party dress. I can still remember the time when I used to babysit her. Basically, she grew up with us since my sister is a working mom. And seeing Mawee all grown up made me feel old. Oh well, that’s life. LOL.

Mawee just turned thirteen last month and like every normal teenage girl, she’s going through that normal adolescent stage where pimples and acne are starting to pop out. There was actually a time that her forehead was full of acne but my sister got the best acne treatment for her and in short time, it was gone. But despite those embarrassing pimples, it never bothered her nor her suitors; they actually added up everyday. She’s one stunning girl, a beautiful young lady and there's no question why guys woo her.

I’ve included a photo of her here taken the other night before they left for the party so you can see how pretty my niece is. So, what do you think? Oh yeah, she's definitely a heartbreaker to be. (“,)

Look Deluxe in a Tux

Just two more nights to go and my brother and his fiancé will soon tie the proverbial knot. It’s not going to be a big, elaborate event. It will just be a simple civil ceremony, a family-only affair. The grandiose wedding will be next year when her family can all be here for the main event. We're all looking forward to that big event since my brother is the last in my family to get hitched, and his fiancée Karen is the first in hers. Needless to say, it is a special occasion that is much-awaited for by all.

My brother may not wear his tuxedo this Wednesday, but for sure he will do it for their church wedding next year seeing that it will be a truly formal event. And since this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, why not look regal and dashing. I can’t wait for that day to happen, as well as to see my son Yogi and my BA wear their tuxedo too. They will look dashing for sure. But knowing my BA like I do, I'm sure he'd just as soon wear his blue jeans and tee shirt. But, no honey, that's not an option; not this time. I intend to see you all decked out and looking like a Hollywood star. (“,)

Anyway, congratulations to my brother Erwin and to my sister-in-law to be, Karen! Best wishes! Cheers!

His Iced Tea

The only drink that he orders, aside from coffee, that is. I'm referring to my BA. He only drinks coffee in the morning and beyond that, this is his chosen beverage, Iced Tea!

He was actually amused with our Iced Tea here because as per him, it tastes like lemonade. But he has no choice but to accept the fact. LOL. He prepares his own Iced Tea at home which he calls, the real Iced Tea and he says it tastes a lot different than what he'd tasted here. I still have to taste his home-made Iced Tea though and we'll see.

He did try preparing one here at home. We bought tea bags at the supermarket but he wasn't successful. It's not the Iced Tea that he was looking for. But he's home now and was glad to have tasted his Iced Tea again. He terribly missed it, you know. Hee hee.

Let the Games Begin!

Christmas carols playing on the radio and television, and malls adorned with Christmas decor and ornaments mean only one thing: Christmas is just around the corner. And would you believe that at this point in time, I am already thinking of what to give my loved ones on that special occasion, which is definitely my favorite time of the year. It’s giving me quite a lot pressure to be honest, knowing that they already have it all, material wise. But I do believe that there is still that special something out there somewhere that would tickle their fancy, and that’s my goal for this Christmas, to find that one special gift for each of my loved ones.

.

But I’m not pressured at all in regard to my son Yogi’s present. Being the computer game fan that he is, I know playstation 3 would be the best gift to give him this holiday season. He will surely love it and I guess he would choose playing rather than taking his nap, which he oftentimes does. That’s how addicted he is to computer games. Imagine that. Oh well, boys will be boys, and I can’t blame him for I’m guilty of such addiction myself. And most likely, he’ll have me as his opponent when he starts playing his playstation. LOL.

Away With Ye Olde Wrinkles

I woke up feeling sluggish today though I did have a good night's sleep. And when I looked at myself in the mirror, it seemed like my fine lines had multiplied overnight. I even did a double take because I thought I was still asleep and only dreaming. But much to my dismay, I was wide awake and, oh well, it was reality staring back at me from the mirror. That made me want to check for the best treatment for wrinkles right away.

But, nah, I think I am just exaggerating things. I know I will be needing treatment for wrinkles soon, but not now; not yet. Yes, fine lines are starting to show but not enough for a wrinkle treatment at this point. Soon, I know it will be necessary since I’m not getting any younger. I believe I've just been so tied up with work, chores and my son’s school activities lately that all I need is rest and relaxation to not look so tired and wrinkled. Yepper!

Ya Can't Top Copper

One thing that I admire about my mom is her being meticulous. She always sees to it that everything is neat and nice inside the house. So when we had the house renovated last month, she was attentive to the details, especially around the kitchen and the bathroom areas.

But though I trust her taste when it comes to just about everything, I was reluctant when she thought of changing the bathroom and kitchen sinks to copper sinks. Like me, she’s always been a fan of stainless sinks because of their elegance and flexibility in care. But as always, mothers do know best. The copper sinks look perfect with the maroon tiles in the bathroom and the marble counter top in the kitchen. I should have figured that since copper sinks possess elegance and flexibility too.

You’re the best, Mom!

CAD is "BAD"

If you would ever drop by here at my home and step into the office area, you would see Dad’s work station and all the assorted equipment he uses to do his job. If you didn't know any better, you'd think you were back in school taking geometry or advanced math when you saw the tools of his trade, such as rulers and squares, compasses and slide rules, and pencils and pens galore.

Being in the construction business, these tools are a must have because not only does Dad own and operate the business, he takes a hands-on role in the work as the draftsman, drawing all the blueprints. And despite the numerous number of tools that he has, sometimes they still aren't enough to get the job done quickly, especially if we have a line up of projects that need to be done pronto.

Just a couple of days ago I saw him browsing online checking into the newest state of the art way to do draftman's work: cad drawings; computer animated drawings. I was really fascinated; such an amazing technology; they truly are state of the art. I had so many questions but he looked so serious and was concentrating and I felt it was best that I just keep mum and observe. I was being his good girl.

Birthday, Birthday...Oh What Fun!

[Caption.iT - Face in Hole]

Uh oh, you're really not getting any younger, friend. Hee hee. But nonetheless, I know this would be one of your best birthdays ever since you're going to celebrate it with a special someone. Yes, you're miles apart but the thought that he is there, loving you and is doing things to make your dreams come true are more than enough reasons for you to enjoy your big day to the fullest. Am I not right?

Happy Birthday, Aimz! All the best for you. Mwahugs!

The Magic Kingdom Awaits

If there’s one birthday treat that I dream of giving my 6-year-old son Yogi, it would be none other than taking him to Disneyland in Orlando, Florida so he could experience the fun and excitement that only Disneyland brings. I know he’d be giddy with happiness and would probably consider it his best present ever.

Though that present must still be considered a dream for now since I still have a lot of saving to do, I still have plans running through my mind on how I can possibly make this dream come true. First, I'll be checking for orlando hotel deals to save on the hotel that we would stay at. And while there, I would get to see my friends whom I haven’t seen in years who are already residents there, and also get to know the other enjoyable activities that we could do in Florida aside from visiting Disneyland. Just thinking about these things make me feel so excited and I wish we could do it all on Yogi’s 7th birthday which is on March 28th next year. Well, having it materialize is not impossible, but not next year though. But maybe on his birthday in 2011, because if my biggest dream comes true, I'll certainly be much closer to making his 8th birthday a magical moment. I can hardly wait; for the both of us...(",)

Battle of the Bulge

As I’ve mentioned before, my BA stayed here in my country for sixteen days. But in just a few days of being together, I thought I’d be needing diet pills before his departure. You know why? Because we were constantly eating, checking out all the restaurants we could in my city, as well as going to the ones I wanted to introduce him to. Basically, we indulged ourselves with food as if there was no tomorrow. LOL.

But gladly, I didn’t gain that much weight, at least not enough to have to resort to the use of diet pills; not yet, anyway. I did acquire a little bulge in my tummy, though I think I can lose it by going back to doing sit ups everyday and watching my diet a little better. Well, that is if laziness won’t get in my way since I can be lazy when it comes to exercise. We’ll see.

A Dream Vacation. And, Yes, Dreams Do Come True

I awoke this morning feeling my lower back hurting. I know my sitting slumped in front of the PC most of the time has got a lot to do with this. I should be more attentive to my posture. Well, I will from now on because this is really uncomfortable, but I won’t let it ruin my day. I'm still ready to rumble and go on with today's duties.

But I do really hope to have a vacation somewhere soon. My last vacation was in 2001 and that was a long time ago; much too long. I need to have a breather once again after having lived a very hectic and exhausting time over these past years, and that’s not only physically but emotionally as well; so much has happened. I might as well check on some of those fantastic travel deals and maybe I can get a wondrous vacation somewhere where I can have some much needed R&R, and I hope I can get it at a very affordable price.

I must admit, my finances have something to do with my not having a vacation for awhile. Vacation means spending, but the holidays are now coming up and great deals are being offered. I hope to find a great deal that will suit my finances so I can have my vacation soon. But a vacation won’t be any good at all if I'm alone. Do you want to go with me, BA? Hee hee! But of course, he does. However, the best vacation of all will be the one I take when I travel to be with him forever, which will be the ultimate vacation of a lifetime...(",)

My First and Only...

...breakfast with my BA during his vacation here. It was our last day of being together so I called him early and told him that I'll go there at the hotel instead of him coming over here at home so we can have breaky together. The hotel offers free buffet breakfast to all their occupants. Since I wasn't an occupant, so BA had to pay what I ate. And that plate costs him almost PHP400. Wow! Had I known, I should have eaten my breaky here at home first before seeing him. LOL.

But that was no biggy for BA. Right BA? Hee hee. But oh boy, the food were really delicious. I had bacon, nuggets and sausages. Yum! Yum! And as usual, I paired it with a glass of mango shake. That was too early for a fruit shake, I know but I can't resist having one. (",)

Dusty Roads Happen; Chart Your Own Path

Having a business is not at all as easy as 1-2-3. There are a lot of things that need proper attention, such as dealing with your employees, your clients and even your incorporators. Being in the construction business for years, our family knows how daunting every task can be when it comes to the ways of business. And it’s not at all being on top all the time. Problems do arise every now and then and it’s something normal for every business.

There was a time that dad thought of getting a business plan writer and has been contemplating doing so to help us prepare our business plan and reduce, or better yet, totally eradicate problems that might possibly arise in the future, and have a successful business endeavor. He just has to deal with the little things first, the ones that he thinks he can do by himself before he’ll go that route. We’ll see what happens next, for the future is yet to be written.

Balut or Duck Egg

One of the many delicacies our country is known for. Some consider it disgusting because of the chick inside it but wait 'til you taste it and you would definitely like it. Duck egg or locally known as Balut was also featured in the reality TV show, Survivor before. Some of the participants didn't like it but some did and it was amusing watching them.

Since it's one of our delicacies, I see to it that my BA will definitely have his share. One night, my dad bought some and BA ate two and he liked it. Bravo!

BA's share of Balut

And there you go... BA showing what he's going to gobble. See the cutie little duck chick? LOL.

Wedding Bells Ringing Everywhere!

I feel so giddy today after hearing from my high school friend whom I haven’t heard from in years. We parted ways after high school and studied at different colleges in different cities. I stayed here in my home city and studied at the nearest school while she studied at a big school in one of the larger cities we have in our country. We never lost contact while in college though our communication wasn’t on a day-to-day basis since we were both so busy with our studies, and it gradually deteriorated when we finished college and began pursuing our lives and careers. We did send each other an email every now and then just to keep each other updated.

And today’s phone call from her was such a sweet surprise. I could not even remember when the last time we talked on the phone was. She’s still working in the city where she finished college but she’s planning on giving me a visit soon. That news really got me excited, but the thing that made it the more exciting was to learn that she’s finally getting married. I was like, “Wow, two weddings in a year!”, since my brother is also getting married soon. She will get hitched in December, a few days before Christmas and she’s already busy preparing her wedding invitations. We do know that preparing a wedding can be a daunting task with a lot of things to be considered and given the proper attention because no one wants their wedding to be a disaster since it’s a once in a lifetime event.

There’s only two months to go for her preparations and being a bride on a budget, she’s still searching for more things where she can cut costs and save. They are being practical and frugal which is the best thing to do nowadays. They can still have that special, memorable and momentous event without spending in a lavish way. She already got cheap wedding invitations, and next on her list are cheap wedding giveaways. I told her that I’ll help her with it since I know where to find the best for less seeing that I too have plans of my own, though that's a surprise I've yet to share with her. Sneaky, ain't I... Hee-hee-hee.

Anyway, I’m so happy for you, friend. I’ll see you soon and we'll get to catch up on some real serious girl talk.

Our Chosen Beverage

During my BA's sixteen day vacation here in our city, these were our chosen beverages almost everyday whenever we eat out for lunch. He is a coffee drinker, black coffee to be exact and he would have two to three cups a day or maybe more. I could have had mango shake every single day too, whenever they ran out of avocado shake, that is, since it always is my first choice. And would you believe that I haven't had shake since he left? LOL. Yeah, and i'm missing it badly. I could get one if I really wanted to but I haven't been out lately too, so, soon perhaps.

Gold Glimmers, But Silver Sparkles and Shines and Shimmers!

One of the many shows that I find interesting to watch on television is a show that tackles all the ins-and-outs of investing. I do have a job and the pay does sustain my day-to-day expenses as well as the bills that I have to pay monthly, but I do know that emergencies can happen anytime and I need to save and be prepared for that. That’s why I’ve always been searching for ways and means to invest my hard-earned money.

I’ve been given advice about good investment possibilities and have seen and heard of potential investments on TV, as well as researching some online. Among all, I find the idea of investing in silver really interesting. Investing in such has been the choice of many for years. Knowing that it’s been there for years means one thing: it’s done well and is still doing so as a wise investment. And one known establishment who deals with it is Monex.com, the leader in not just silver investment but other precious metals as well. Check it out yourself if you‘re of a mind to brighten your future.

More Chocolates

From my Big Angel no less, not to mention another sweet surprise from him. We were both craving for sweets that afternoon and so BA went to check the convenience store at the hotel's arcade downstairs. And these all here was what he got. Never thought he'd get a bunch. I was hoping he'll only get us a bar or two. Well, it doesn't happen all the time and so we indulged in chocolates that day. Yum!

Chocolates... Lover's Delight

Who can’t resist chocolates? Being a chocolate person, I really can’t resist a bite and it is always my choice when it comes to desserts and drinks. I know I am not the only person going gaga over chocolates. My fiancé loves chocolate too, especially dark chocolate. That’s just one of the many things that we have in common - one of the many reasons too why we get along so well. But I don't dare tell you the other reasons... (",)

Before, chocolates were only available in malls and supermarkets, being sold in bars or in packs. Now chocolates are peddled in many different fashions and are used for almost any special occasion. They are used as giveaways in weddings, baptisms, birthdays; created in different styles, designs, shapes and even colors. Chocolate has greatly evolved, so to speak.

But it’s not only eating chocolate or receiving chocolate giveaways that interest me. Articles about chocolate are something that I find interesting to read, too. ArticleAlley.com has all of this and more! They have a wide array of articles about chocolate that you can peruse at your leisure. I actually don’t know where to start for there are so many articles to choose from. Article Alley is a free article directory website wherein you can use their articles on your website or blog; or better yet, you too can submit your article there to share with everyone. Sound interesting? Why don’t you take a look at it yourself and see what I am talking about.

Bars of Chocolates for Yogi

Two bars of chocolates given by my Godmother to Yogi a couple of months ago. Yogi was so delighted to see the chocolates. Well, it's already expected since he is also a sweets lover like his mom. Hehe.

But we did share on those chocolate bars though. It is my first time to have tasted such chocolates and I like them because they're not so sweet. They aren't that bitter too. Just the right blend of sweetness and bitterness. Perfect for our sweet tooth. (",)

"Master" Your future without "Musting" Up Your Present

There are those of us who have already ventured out into the “real world” of competition in the work place. And that’s what it truly is; real, and a competitive; a dog-eat-dog competition. Sure, one must be amiable and gregarious and get along with work mates, but--to progress further on the path of success, one must put aside that feeling of comradeship and acquire the tools to move onward and beyond the skills of our brethren.

I realize that may sound cold blooded and reek of one-ups-man-ship, but, it is what is; it’s all about the survival of the fittest; Darwin, if you will. And the first step on your way to survival is to acquire your online Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership. And at LewisUniversityOnline.com, you can find that one major, and most important, tool to take you to that level above the par of mediocrity, leading you to being the dog that eats, instead of the one being eaten.

Fruit Hat

Does it look like real fruits to you? A little right? But yes, those are fruits made of plastic. Mom and her friends created it for their dance presentation and they used it as their head dress. I find it creative and beautiful which prompted me to take a photo of it. So how do you find it? (",)

A Bounty of Fun for Baby and Mum

Nothing can be more joyful and fulfilling to every mum than seeing her bundle of joy for the first time. I am a mum myself of a 6-year-old boy and I can still remember the feeling of fulfillment when he was born. Nothing compares to the feeling of happiness after seeing and holding him for the first time. And just like every mum, though there is this feeling of nervousness in holding the baby who is so fragile and delicate, the indescribable happiness that he gives also gives us mums the strength and courage to overcome the nervousness. Such a special feeling only mothers can feel and relate to.

Every birth is a celebration and babies deserve a special gift to celebrate that day, and mothers as well. A gift is something given to let them know that they are special and well loved. Though they are just material gifts, such things never fail to put a smile on one’s face. Like flowers perhaps? As a mum, a bouquet or even just a single flower never fails to brighten my day. Being remembered gives you the feeling of being loved and being special. toys for the little one would be a wonderful gift too. Even a simple toy perks up the day of any child, and seeing their delighted face also gives us the feeling of joy knowing that we’ve made them happy even in a simple way. A pushchair would be a great gift idea too; it is always cute to see a baby feeling comfy and happy in his pushchair.

And one more thing, these joyful moments would be even more memorable if captured by digital cameras. So don’t ever forget to take a shot of every single moment of the celebration ‘cause such joyful moments is something to be treasured for life. And if you want to check online for these gift ideas I’ve mentioned, just click on the links and you’re on your way to choosing the best gift you could ever give to a new mum and her baby. Have fun shopping!

Sampling Euro Kitchen

BA loves steaks a lot. He actually almost ordered one at the restaurant that we went to that specializes in steaks and baby back ribs but the price is just so expensive. As if it's already the price of an entire meal for about six persons. So, we passed on that one. I know of other places who specializes in steaks and that's where I brought him one night. This was our first dinner together since we always have had din din at home.

The name of the restaurant is Euro Kitchen. The owner of the restaurant is actually a family friend of ours - their eldest son being my brother's close friend. They specialize in European and American cuisine. The steak can still be considered pricey but not as much as the other restaurant I've mentioned earlier.

This was BA's order... T-Bone steak. I got a slice to taste it and it's really yummy. The meat is so tender. Hmmm...

And this was mine... Beef Tenderloin. Super yummy too!

We both love taters so we ordered mashed potatoes for each of us. See the gravy on top, that is so delish, you know.

Garden salad which is one of BA's favorite foods. It should have had cucumbers in it but BA only wanted lettuce so as you can see, there's only lettuce there plus tomatoes. BA then sprinkled it with salt and pepper and done!

A Friend in Need

I’ve just talked to my friend earlier and she's having a little difficulty deciding whether or not she will renew her web hosting services from her current web host. She hasn’t had problems with the web host company when it comes to its services but, unfortunately, she can’t cope up with its demand in regard to the payment. Her finances have not been the best as of late and she’s still weighing her options out because she definitely knows how essential web hosting is to one’s web site, be it a personal or business account. Being a website owner, I know the benefits of a good web host for my website, and ironically my friend was the one who enlightened me about that fact.

Web hosting companies provide the visibility of your website to the World Wide Web making your products and services reach their target consumers anywhere in the world, wherever they may be. I'm sure you know that there are many web hosting companies out there; they're sprouting like mushrooms on the internet nowadays. But if you are resourceful enough and do your research, you can find the best without having to worry about your budget. If you are still having difficulty, try checking web hosting reviews or the inmotion review to give you an overview of what web hosts have to offer.

I find it odd that the former student is now enlightening the mentor. But, that's what friends are for.

Weekend Delight

It was my BA's second weekend here and since my son Yogi doesn't have classes, we brought him along with us and we had lunch at the hotel's lounge once again. We didn't really go anywhere that day because it was so hot. We actually just hang out at my BA's hotel room afterward. Yogi and I had fun watching, Tom and Jerry while BA was reading his book.

Anyway, here's what we had for lunch. As always, yummy food galore!

Fried Rice

Fried Chicken... Yogi's order but he only had one slice because he preferred the French Fries.

Sauteed Prawns

And Yogi's French Fries

Plump is Pleasing, But Petite is Pretty

I’ve always been skinny ever since I was in grade school, but I've gained weight, little by little since early this year. It’s not something to fret about since I don’t look that fat, and I often hear from friends and family that my weight looks good on me. My cheeks are a little chubbier, which I've been told is cute, but what I don’t like is the fat that I have gained in my belly. I used to have a flat belly, which my friends envied, but I have this little bulge there now which isn’t nice looking at all. I think I should start using those ellipticals to get my shape back.

Well, I can be lazy when it comes to exercise, but I’m determined to lose this excess belly fat. No guts, no glory; right? That will be my motto for now to motivate me to go for what I want to achieve. I know I can do it. I just have to think that if I don’t get it done now, the fat will keep adding up and I’d probably look like a blimp in time. So again, no guts, no glory! And too much of a gut hanging over my belt line would be more glory than I could handle!

Medical Mayhem Made Right; Know Your Options.

With the current weather conditions that our country is experiencing, I always see to it that I watch the news every night. I usually only watch the evening news which can be annoying because other than the weather, there's so many dreadful things happening, crimes being the main focus. But surprisingly, news about medical malpractice has been in the headlines on a regular basis, which in itself is a crime. Though I’ve heard of such before, it’s not something that is rampant and commonly happens everyday, and like the other news, I feel sad for those people who are victims of such. I wonder though if they know their rights, or probably have thought of asking for help to redress their grievances, like from a Bronx medical malpractice lawyer, perhaps.

I still remember one case of medical malpractice. It was in the headlines for weeks and was really sad. A woman had a blood transfusion during surgery and was given the wrong blood type, causing her to become comatose and eventually die. That was devastating to the family. They did sue the doctor and the hospital, and though no amount of money can bring their loved one back, if they’ll win the case there will be some small sense of justice to ease their pain, as well as holding those responsible accountable for their actions.

Plump or Petite? I Choose the Latter!

It’s twenty minutes after 3 o’clock in the afternoon and I’m already hungry again after having a sandwich with iced tea just an hour ago. Wow! My appetite has really changed. I've actually gained a few pounds in the past couple of months, especially since my BA was here and treated me to so many delicious meals, and I think I'll gain even more if I don’t watch my diet, which is something that I don’t want to happen. I’m petite and I don’t want to get plump. What I have now is the ideal weight for my height and frame. If I continue to gain weight, then I’ll probably be needing the help of an appetite suppressant.

But before I’ll resort to that, I’ll be watching my diet more carefully. I must admit, I do indulge at times, though I’ll try to be a good girl and be patient when it comes to my cravings. Patience is a virtue after all, isn’t it? And I need to work on my patience, anyway, until me and my BA can make our dreams come true and be together again, forever.

That's when I'll really have to be watching my weight because my BA truly is a chow hound and will constantly be tempting me with the idea of, "Hey, I'm hungry; let's grab a bite!" I'll have to teach him to be patient about eating if he wants what he calls his sweet li'l cutie Anghel (ME!) to remain li'l. (",)

A Sweet Surprise from My Sweetie

A banana split, just one of the many sweet and special surprises my Big Angel gave me during his sixteen day vacation here in our country to visit me. I still remember that day: He was craving something sweet but couldn’t figure out exactly what he wanted. So he left to look for anything that would satisfy his palate.

And when he returned, I was surprised to see the waiter behind him bringing two bowls of banana split. My BA was wearing that mischievous li'l grin of his and said, “Surprise!” It was indeed a nice surprise. Being the sweets and chocolate person that I am which my BA knows pretty well, I was so delighted to see the very nice and yummy looking dessert. I know my diet is in danger once again but I didn’t really care. I only get to indulge once in a while and I do believe a bowl of banana split won’t hurt at all.

And for that day of such a nice surprise, I captured a shot of the delicious banana split and there you go. I know you’re drooling now. Hee Hee.

Adventures in Paradise

Do you still remember when I talked about visiting my Cousin Marc’s beautiful farm? I did mention that going there was really an adventure, and the pictures I’ve included here will give you an idea why. Still, let me tell you the story and you’ll realize how important car insurance is and you’ll be checking insurance quotes ASAP!

The road going to the farm which is situated on top of a hill is rough. And we had to pass vast pineapple fields to get there. It always rain in that part of the province and some of the roads were damaged by heavy rains causing soil erosion which made the road impassable. We were nearing the farm with just about half a kilometer left to travel when we saw the road ahead of us partially destroyed. We all thought we might not be able to pass except for my cousin Marc who was driving his Montero Sport. It’s a 4 x 4 so he thought he could make it; unfortunately, wrong answer; he didn’t. The right rear wheel slid into a culvert as you can see in the picture and delayed us from continuing the journey.

That was quite scary and I actually shouted out in surprise when the wheel slid into the hole. I was scared but everyone else was calm, including my cousin Marc. He and the other guys, using their minds and a handy shovel, got us out of the predicament. Marc's vehicle was damaged but he wasn't even worried because he has insurance that will take care of all the expenses for the repairs. What happened to us can happen to anyone, you included, so you should be prepared for anything, and that includes having car insurance.

Fat Fighting Foe

More often than not, mom’s on the telephone in the morning talking to a friend whenever I come out of the bedroom. And there’s one topic that I overhear them talking about almost everyday: their weights and how to burn fat the easiest way.

Mom has been trying to lose excess pounds, and not just because she wants to look good but also because of her health. She is diabetic and was told to lose weight and watch her diet. She has tried all kinds of weight loss products; some worked; some didn’t; and she even experienced the weight plateau where she couldn’t lose any more weight. But that was only for a few months. She was finally able to lose a little more weight after that and achieved her ideal weight. She’s never been on maintenance medication and she's now maintaining the weight which is best for her for months. Way to go mom!

Life is Fragile; Be Prepared

The damage the two typhoons, Ondoy and Pepeng, did to our country (specifically the island of Luzon) was really devastating, leaving a lot of people homeless and a lot of families grieving for their lost loved ones. The death toll reached almost 300, a stunning number. We are just lucky we were spared from such catastrophe. Our city is considered a typhoon-free city and we only experience strong winds and rain whenever a typhoon hits the northern part of our island because the mountains surrounding the city protect us from the brunt of any storm.

Thinking about what happened to those thousands of people makes me really sad. But I hope those who lost their lives thought of their loved ones ahead of time and acquired whole life insurance. For certain, losing a loved one is really painful, and no amount of money can sooth the grief, but having insurance would at least ease the pain, knowing that they have something to help them move on and rebuild in memory of the one who made sure their loved ones would be protected.

I’ve been praying for all of those affected and hope God will ease their suffering.

Candles Aren't Only Romantic-Sometimes They're Necessary!

Our city and the whole province have been experiencing power outages lately over the last couple of months. As per the news, we may be experiencing more power shortages in the near future which is really alarming. The proper authorities are trying to correct the problem and are doing their best to find a fix and we all hope they will be able to repair the problem in due time.

More often than not, we have the power outages around mid afternoon or early evening so we always see to it that we have enough candles on hand. Mom already put some of the candles in the candle sconces around the house – two in the dining area, two in the kitchen and two in the living room. With our small house, we don’t need many candles; those are enough to light the entire house. The house is well lighted with all those candles, but there’s still one problem: the heat brought on by the weather, and how I wish we had lots of fans to help us get through that; as long as they didn't blow out the candles... Hee-Hee-Hee.

Candles Aren't Only Romantic-Sometimes They're Necessary!

Our city and the whole province have been experiencing power outages lately over the last couple of months. As per the news, we may be experiencing more power shortages in the near future which is really alarming. The proper authorities are trying to correct the problem and are doing their best to find a fix and we all hope they will be able to repair the problem in due time.

More often than not, we have the power outages around mid afternoon or early evening so we always see to it that we have enough candles on hand. Mom already put some of the candles in the candle sconces around the house – two in the dining area, two in the kitchen and two in the living room. With our small house, we don’t need many candles; those are enough to light the entire house. The house is well lighted with all those candles, but there’s still one problem: the heat brought on by the weather, and how I wish we had lots of fans to help us get through that; as long as they didn't blow out the candles... Hee-Hee-Hee.

Durian Fruit, Anyone?

I took this picture at Durian Garden when my son Yogi had their field trip there last week. There are a lot of Durian trees there and these fruits here were just scattered on the ground. Wish I brought them home with me without the owner of the garden knowing. LOL. I really like Durian. It doesn't only smell good but taste so yummy too. My BA wasn't able to taste it when he was here but for sure, he will the next time. He He.

Dreams Do Come True; Mine Did!

My relationship with my BA is still new and what others consider a “baby”, but even though we’ve been a couple for less than a year, we feel like we’ve known each other forever. And we have so many dreams and hopes that are yet to come true that we so look forward to. We're always talking about the future and it’s what keeps us going as we take the initial baby steps on our journey to forever together, and among those dreams is having a vacation somewhere where we will not only enjoy each other’s company but the place as well.

We’ve thought of a lot of places and talked about them but on top on the list is definitely a romantic cancun vacation through KarismaHotels.com. The place is endowed with an ambiance that is truly romantic for couples plus superb food that would add up to the greatness of the vacation. It would be a magnificent place for a honeymoon, don’t you think? And that's not just an empty hope because I have the ring to prove the reality of that dream coming true.

Just talking about it makes me feel giddy with anticipation. I definitely am looking forward to those wonderful romantic days spent with my BA as we begin our new life.

A Taste of Raw Fish and Not-So-Tender Beef

It was a Sunday, August 30th, my BA and I had our lunch later than usual. We're both not hungry since we both had our breaky at around 10 in the morning already. I think it's almost 3 o'clock in the afternoon when we both decided to feed our tummies their much needed lunch, and it took me a while to finally decide where to bring him...at Mang Gorio's. I haven't tried the place though I've been to the coffee shop beside it a couple of times which is Mcgregor's. The two establishments were owned by the same group of yuppies and as they say, Mang Gorio is the Filipino name for Mcgregor. Kind of neat, huh?

Anyway, for a change, we ordered the simplest food we can think of because we're really not hungry. My BA haven't tried Kinilaw yet so I ordered one and he liked it except the cucumber. He doesn't like eating cucumbers because he always ends up having indigestion. I ordered beef steak too. It's kind of yummy but the beef isn't that tender. My BA had iced tea for his beverage as usual and I had mocca crumble which I'll blog about soon.

Kinilaw or Raw Fish Salad with Cucumber, Radish and Ripe Mangoes

Beef Steak

The "Big Easy" Beckons

I believe all of us have a dream destination for that one special fantasy vacation. Mine would be Paris, France. Being the top tourist destination in the world, I know I’m not the only one who dreams of seeing the beauty of Paris which is also known as the “City of Lights” and the “City of Love.” Yes, that’s my dream, but for now, it’ll remain a dream since going there would be very expensive.

Well, there are other ways that I can feel just like being in Paris without spending as much. In Louisania, the new orleans french quarter hotels have the same ambiance as you would find in Gay Paree, and it too is a city of lights, as well as late nights for lovers and dreamers. The French architecture of the hotels would make me feel like I’m in France, minus the expense. And for all you music lovers, there's so many clubs that feature jazz and blues, the city's signature music.

I’m pretty sure my Big Angel would love the idea. Maybe, just maybe, one of these days that's something we'll share. Hmmm, sound like a great idea for a honeymoon. (",) What do you think?

Chocolate Fondue

Being the chocolate person that I am, I'd never exchange chocolate for anything else. It would always be my choice for dessert. Anything chocolate will do like this chocolate fondue here. It was the dessert that I've chosen when we had our reunion with my former office mates last year. And we all enjoyed dipping the fruits, biscuits, etc. into the yummy, thick chocolate dip. How I wish I can have one like that again soon. I'm drooling now, you know.

"Wack Wack", Said the Fat Duck

Books are one of the many things that really interest me. Be it fiction, non-fiction; science, history; or whatever; it doesn’t matter. For as long as it’s worth reading, I can’t resist a good read. And being the food lover I am, I never miss checking on cookbooks. I must admit, I’m not all that good of a cook, and more often than not, I rely on cookbooks when it comes to preparing dishes that I’m not certain of the correct preparation. My trying to prepare delicious dishes through cookbooks has paid off since my family has loved everything that I’ve prepared for them. And it definitely gave me a boost of satisfaction and confidence and the urge to prepare more delicious dishes for them, especially since they don’t mind being my guinea pigs.

I know there are a lot of newly released cookbooks and I check my favorite Book Shop on a regular basis. And there are a lot of ebooks online that are really interesting and helpful. I came across this book entitled “the big fat duck cookbook” at borders.co.uk and it’s really neat. In this enormous, beautiful book, we hear the full story of the meteoric rise of Heston Blumenthal and The Fat Duck, birthplace of snail porridge and bacon-and-egg ice cream, and encounter the passion, perfection and weird science behind the man and the restaurant. Talking about these foods has made me hungry all of a sudden and ready to start experimenting on my family again.

If you’re on the look out for any kind of books and other user-friendly materials, find great deals at Borders.co.uk on an extensive selection of Books, CDs, DVDs, Magazine subscriptions and more, all with FREE delivery to stores. Great, isn’t it? Grab you some copies now and wait no more to start experimenting on your own family of unsuspecting guinea pigs!

Shake It!

My choice of beverage whenever I eat out. But mango shake is only the second choice most of the time since I've always preferred avocado. But unfortunately, they always ran out of avocado. I think I'm the culprit behind it, huh? Hee hee.

So, when there's no avocado, then I'd go with mango. And if there's no mango, then I'd go when melon. If the three are not available, then just get me an iced tea please. I'm not a softdrink person, not at all, even my son Yogi. So if they don't still have iced tea, then water will do for me.