Be in the Know of Where They Go

In 1997 I was employed as a telecommunicator at one of the country’s largest telecommunication companies. My work mainly consisted of accepting messages and transmitting them to what was then the very famous and useful pager, which was a must have for businesses in the days before cellphones became the rage. But there came a time when all of us had to multi-task because of the lack of manpower and the growing demand of sales. I can still remember when each of us had to commute to the places we were assigned to all over the city and would meet at the office at the end of the day to submit reports including our reimbursements in regard to our fare expenses for the day. We didn’t have cars and had to rely on public transportation vehicles.

That's unlike today where most employees who are assigned to field work are provided company vehicles to use, or given a Car Allowance for use of their personal vehicle. But managing reimbursements when it comes to travel expenses can be difficult since companies have to rely on what the employee reports. But with the help of a management consulting firm like Corporate Reimbursement Services, Inc. or CRS, managing mobile employees is made easier for employers since they're provided with a customizable vehicle reimbursement program. Managing the costs are easier and liability is reduced. To make money you have to spend money, but you still must be frugal, so if you're in search of a way to control your company's travel expenses this may be the tool to do the job for you.

This is a sponsored post but all contents are original and written by me.

Grab A Crab!

Aren't those crabs mouth watering? I was actually drooling the first time I saw this picture. My sister's friend who arrived from UK took this photo when she gave her friends including my sis a dinner treat at Grab A Crab - a restaurant here in our city famous for their seafood and Chinese cuisine.

BA and I were able to dine in at the resto for a lunch one day when he was here but we weren't able to taste their crabs because BA wasn't into crabs that time. We'll try it the next time he'll be here. I'll make sure of that. What do you think, BA?

A Busy Girl's World

More often than not, I meet my friend Elsie whenever I go to the mall. She works as a supervisor at the mall’s playroom so I know exactly where to find her when I go. I was at the mall last Thursday and, as expected, we had a snack together and chitchatted like we hadn't seen each other for years. She’s always busy with her duties but what I like about her is she always makes time for us to meet and hang out. But oftentimes, she will do multi-tasking – doing paper work and such while we’re together.

Last week was one of those busy weeks for her. They’re planning on opening up another branch of the playroom in a nearby city, about a three hour drive from our city. She talked about concepts and the other requirements that the mall they’ll be putting the playroom in is asking of her. And in the midst of this important busy bee work, she mentioned the idea of becoming a merchant account reseller - as I said, she truly is a multi-tasker. I didn't bother to ask her more about it because I didn’t want to confuse her and disturb her train of thought because she seemed so confused already just thinking about all the things that she needs to accomplish before the week ends. But knowing her, I know she’ll get it all done. Way to go, girl!

Learning Creates Earning

It was three years ago when I first heard about medical coding training courses. I know that it’s been an industry for years but that was the first time that the training schools introduced it here in my city. I didn’t have second thoughts about taking the course because the demand was high for trained individuals.

The course was relatively easy and after six months, I was a fully trained and certified medical transciptionist. And soon afterward, I was able to put my new skills into practice and finally earn from it. It can be difficult and exhausting at some times, but enjoyable too. But what matters to me is the knowledge and wisdom that it has instilled in me of the medical world. I’ve learned a lot and I know I will still learn more, which will help advance me even further in my quest to create a better life for me and my son.

Every Picture Tells A Story

Over the years, aside from the traditional family get-together we have on Christmas and New Year’s Eve, we also have our family picture taken every year on one of those two days. We've done it on Christmas Eve the previous years mostly but had it taken on New Year’s Eve this year. And here’s one of the many family pictures we got that night. Mom’s thinking of getting a digital frame for the pictures or maybe have them framed collage style.

Looking at our family pictures taken over all the years never fails to put a smile on my face. It brings back good memories especially during those times when I was still young and my nieces and nephews were still babies. Also, a new member is added almost every year and this year, my SIL Karen is the newest one in our fold and by our next picture, a new member will be added again because Karen will be giving birth in May. Isn’t that awesome? I can’t wait to have our next family picture taken with the newest member – our newest baby in the family. (“,)

Rewards Await Those Who Wait

There are times that I wonder if my colleagues and I will ever see each other again after months of staying home and waiting for a go signal from our employer. The company we’re connected to had some problems with one of their US based clients, and up to now we still don’t have any idea if the problem has been resolved. Apparently it hasn't been because we were told to wait and we would be informed once everything was settled, and we've yet to hear a word.

But waiting can be tiring and sometimes I have this itch to search for a new job so I've been checking for jobs online. But it bothers me since my loyalty is still with my employer. They have been supportive with us and I think they deserve our support too. So, I will wait until the time comes when I will be able to do transcription work again. I miss doing it but I know I will be rewarded for my patience and loyalty. Of that I have faith.

Butter Cookies

Delicious butter cookies from my SIL Karen. Her mom who is now based in New Jersey sent her several cans of the cookies and she shared some with us. She is such a sweet and generous SIL. Thanks again, Sis!

I like the container a lot because they are not only nice but very useful too.

Delicioso!

Mom's Getting the Job Done!

Updating business permits and other documents including home and auto insurance are what's been keeping mom busy these past few days. It’s the first month of the year – the time when those documents have to be updated and/or renewed. She just needs to finish one more document for the business permits and all will be good to go.

In regard to the insurance, she's already seen a home insurance quote that fits her budget but she still has to go through auto insurance quotes. That can be difficult and confusing at times, but I know mom can handle it pretty well. She’s been doing it for years so it will be a piece of cake for her. Right, mom?

Seafood and More

My night with good friends was also a night of good food. We feasted on seafood plus grilled chicken and pork. The food were yummy but the problem was, their serving is too small. We ordered a set that is good for two to three persons but as you can see, it's only good for one person. They probably thought we were on a diet. LOL.

Prawns

Tuna Belly

Kinilaw or Raw Fish Salad

Pork Barbeque

Grilled Eggplant with Bagoong (Shrimp paste)

Want To Be A Fox? Then Maybe the Answer is Botox

As times goes by, aside from beauty products circulating in the marketplace that are getting more advanced, beautifying with the use of high end and state of the art equipment and techniques is becoming a big industry in this beauty conscious age we live in. The latter being the choice of many now makes it the most popular among all and that is why the demand for it is growing since more and more people are happy and satisfied with its instant results as compared to any other products or procedures.

Perhaps you already have an idea of what I’m talking about. I’m referring to botox, the non-invasive way of getting rid of fine lines and wrinkles caused by aging, and that’s what London botox clinic is known for. Their treatment is available anytime of the day, and even at night – whatever suits your schedule best. And their prices start as low as £200 making it so affordable.

In addition, other beauty treatments are also available at the clinic for both men and women. You may check their clinic yourself or better yet, visit their website CourtHouseClinics.com to know what else is available and in store for you and maybe book an appointment and acquire some of that youthful beauty.

I Want To Be A Bubbling Bathing Beauty!

Distance may be separating us but it’s not a hindrance for my fiancé and I to talk every single day, and the topics range from anything to everything. Today our topic went to bathroom - not literally, mind you...(",) - after he mentioned that he found our bathroom to be so small that a tub won’t even fit in it, unlike his which is complete with bathroom accessories, including a large garden tub. Well, a tub wasn’t on the list when the bathroom was constructed. But mom has plans of having it renovated soon and a tub is definitely in the plans this time around.

If I were to be asked, one of those Whirlpool Baths from BetterBathrooms.com would surely be a nice choice. They’re known for providing quality baths not to mention affordability too. Their Whirlpool baths range from small to large, and they also have freestanding baths, shower baths and many more choices. Needless to say, they are your shop when it comes to the bath of your choice. And to top it all, their January Sale is now on which is something that should not be missed if you're in the fix-it-up market!

I wonder when the renovation will start. I can hardly wait to have a bubble bath in our new tub, you know.

Working To Get Back To Work

Establishments closing and people losing their jobs is the dire news in the headlines almost every day. I feel sorry for those people who lost their source of income after years of loyalty to their company. I know it greatly affects not just them but their family as well. But life has to go on and there is no use crying over spilt milk. Yes, they need to start all over again: find a new job and get themselves settled into it. And with perseverance and hard work, it can be done.

Finding a job takes time but, fortunately, finding one has become easier now with the use of the internet at sites like Chicago job search and the like. Just be resourceful, stick your nose to the grindstone and you will be rewarded. Enthusiasm, perseverance and determination are signs of a good employee, and by using those same attributes, before you know it, a new job will be knocking at your door and you can show your new boss those very qualities on your new job.

So, to all who are searching for jobs, best of luck!

A Winter Wonderland and An Early White Christmas

“It’s so cold in here!” This is the phrase that I often hear from my fiancé whenever we talk. It’s winter in his part of the world and the first gush of heavy and thick snow came on the 18th of December last year-a near blizzard he said- which was actually 3 days before the official first day of Winter. I’ve included photos here that he captured on that day. And since then, that’s the phrase that’s been coming out of my fiancés mouth almost every day.

How I wish I was there with him to give him a warm hug but it is still not possible at the moment so he'll just have to settle for a heated blanket in the meantime and cuddle up with his little kitty cat. That'll just have to suffice for now, right, Honey? (“,)

Look at that! More than 10 inches of snow, I think!

The snow almost had the car burried

Yummy Japanese Topping

It was on a Thursday afternoon, just after noon when my friend Elsie and I decided to go Japanese for our late lunch. We were both busy accomplishing missions so we had our lunch later than usual. We tried the newly opened, Rai Rai Ken Japanese Resto at the mall and we both had the mixed seafood topping. I forgot its Japanese name but it is really delish. I paired it with a glass of four seasons juice and what a hearty lunch it was. Yum! Yum!

Learn Online and Leave the Hassle Behind

Convenience! It is probably the ultimate reason why many people prefer acquiring their college degree through the internet - saving not just time and energy but money as well since you can choose the one that will best fit your budget. But as we know, not all offer the same when it comes to competency, quality of education, credibility and excellence of service. As individuals who would like to embark on a journey of learning and self improvement, those aspects should be taken into consideration.

One online university who possesses those characteristics and has been the choice of many in obtaining their degree is Western Governors University. They offer different MBA programs that are highly accredited and challenging and offer the tools to meet the needs of business minded individuals.

Is earning an online mba degree what you’ve been raring to get? Then just do it, and do it at your own pace and convenience and be a proud online degree holder.

A Well Deserved Lazy Day

It’s almost noon time here and I’m still in a laid-back Sunday mood. I think I have the right to chill out since my week has been very hectic and busy. I've already had my breakfast and I chatted earlier with my friend who was whining about her excess pounds. I hadn’t talked with her for a while and I wasn’t aware that she gained weight during the time that we lost contact. She’s always been petite like me and I wish I could give her the formula for the quick weight loss diet that mom used but I don’t know where she put it. She’s out of town so I’ll have to wait until she returns to give it to my friend. I already told my friend to hang on and not to worry because once she has the info, she'll be on her way back to being neat and petite.

Live and Learn

Reading is one of the many things that I do during my spare time. If the computer is being used by dad, there’s only one other place that you would find me: in my bedroom either reading a book or a magazine. I still have a lot to learn in this world and reading helps expand my horizons. No matter your age, you must always exercise not only your body, but your mind as well because just like your muscles, it needs stimulation to keep it healthy.

And speaking of aging, just yesterday I read about the affect of aging on the human growth hormone. Aging means having to deal with different health problems because as we all know, our body goes through many changes as we age. I read about the human growth hormone side effects and it was very enlightening. But many problems can be prevented as long as you live a healthy lifestyle. As you've surely noticed, there are some people who are still strong even at age 60 while others look so weak and feeble. This can be attributed to and affected by personal life-style choices, such as smoking, drinking and diet. As the famous phrase goes, what you put in your body is what you are so pay attention to that if you want to have a good and long life.

Don't Wait For the Weight to Abate

"Oh no! I gained weight!"..."I'm beginning to look like a blimp!"..."I'm turning into a whale!" Those are just a few of the many phrases that I often hear from my figure-conscious friends. But to look at them, they don’t seem to gain a pound. They are just so conscious of the shape of their body that even eating a slice of cake makes them anxious, more so, during the holidays when parties abound. Some of them did budge and indulged for once but some of them decided to just look at the food and drool. LOL. Some of them have got their little secrets, though, in maintaining their weight. You want to know their secret? Then click here.

Lucky me: I don’t have to worry a bit because I’ve always been skinny and petite, and even if I eat a whole cake, I don’t think I’d even gain an ounce. And that’s something that they are jealous of.

Sorry girls; some of us are just lucky! And now I think I'll go have a piece-or two or three-of some yummy chocolate cake. (“,)

A Good Life Lived, and Beautiful Memories Left Behind

There was a moment in my life that I almost resorted to sleeping pills because of some trying times that were causing sleepless nights over a period of several months. Those were the times that I consider the most difficult in my life. I had to deal with so many different problems in regard to my husband’s illness. I was only 28 then and I felt that I was so young to be dealing with such an ordeal, but eventually I realized that such is life and there were other people experiencing and suffering difficult ordeals the same as I. And, ironically, I finally realized it was my husband who was not complaining and never questioned what he was going through. He accepted the trials given unto him and believed that there was a reason for it.

And when he finally left us, he gave me enough reason to be strong and face life’s challenges. And that’s because of our 7-year-old son, Yogi who was only 3 years old when he passed. He resembles his dad a lot which is such a wonderful remembrance. I consider myself lucky for having lived this long and for having a son with whom not all are blessed, a fine young man who is the legacy of his dad's time on Earth.

Gain Now, Lose Later

My son Yogi received these chocolates as Christmas gift from his godmother Jade who is now based in Norway. Toy cars and a toy astronaut came with the sweets and my son was overjoyed upon seeing them. He’s into sweets like me but he didn’t pay much attention at all to the chocolates because his entire focus was on the toys. So, I helped myself and had it all!

I was told by Jade’s mom that more chocolates are coming soon. If that’s the case, then I need to search for the best way to lose weight this early in the new year because if I don't I’m afraid I will really gain weight. But I don’t really mind; there are lots of ways to lose excess pounds, and what better way to gain those pounds than with yummy European chocolates...(",)

Beauty's Not Measured By the Pound, But By the Heart

I got the chance to meet my friend again the other day. It had been a while since we'd seen each other but she hasn’t changed much at all. She’s still the same bubbly friend that I always knew, and the same friend who has only one complaint in life: her weight. She’s been overweight since she was young, and since she's grown into a fine young woman, she’s been battling to lose weight and has tried many different diet pills including alli weight loss. She did lose weight but she has this attitude that once she loses it, she stops taking diet pills, and before she knows it, she’s beginning to gain weight again.

Oh well, what can I say? That’s her, but if I were to choose, her weight wouldn’t matter at all for I do believe that beauty isn’t found on the outside, but within, and she has a magnificent and unbounded beauty of spirit and soul.

Beauty Truly is Skin Deep, and I Want Beautiful Skin

I woke up still a little tired and weary this morning after a long sleep. Yesterday was a very hectic day for me but the good thing is, I was able to accomplish the things that needed to be done and that made me so glad despite the fact that I was really tired. But when I looked at myself in the mirror this morning, there was no denying that my face really looked haggard. My eyes were droopy and fine lines were showing around them. I know it’s inevitable since I’m not getting any younger. I am in my early 30’s and I know that such small signs of aging are given at this stage of my life, but I’m not the type to fret or complain for I know that there are establishments who can do wonders when it comes to these types of skin problems.

I can go to a Los Angeles Dermatologist anytime I want and I know my skin problems will be solved. I will then have that Celibre fine flawless skin – just what every woman dreams of. We always want to look good all the time, especially in the eyes of our loved ones. And though my fiancé loves me for whom and what I am, still I want to look good for him all the time – flawless and blemish free.

There was actually a time that I thought of getting myself a tattoo. But that was before I met my fiancé. Had it been that I pushed through with that plan, I could have availed myself with the Los Angeles laser tattoo removal with Celibre because it’s one thing that my fiancé doesn’t like. When one is in need, there are always companies that can really be of great help! I'm just glad I didn't need that particular one, but I still may need to consider making my skin look fresh and pure for my honey...(",)

I'm So Dizzy!

I was talking to my fiancé this morning when I felt dizzy all of a sudden. I’m not sure if it had something to do with being in front of the computer for five hours straight or maybe I was just hungry and needed to fill my tummy. But I didn’t feel my tummy grumble.

Maybe I need to have a physical checkup or ask richard willich about it. Dizziness could be a symptom of some underlying sickness. I don’t want to think of it that way but in reality, I know that's a possibility. I do have my health insurance to cover the checkup so I don’t have a problem in that regard. The only thing that does worry me is the dizziness itself and what could be causing it. I will get the answer soon, once I have my general checkup. Wish me luck!

Media Noche '09 - Part 2

And here's the second part of what we feasted on, on New Year's Eve or our Media Noche. I still drool looking at these photos because the food were really delicious. Drool yourself! LOL.

Breaded Malasugui with Thousand Island Sauce

Beef with Oyster Sauce

Pork Meatballs

And the last but not the least...Lechon or Roasted Pig. Filipino's festivities won't be complete without it. (",)

White Sands and Sun Sound Like So Much Fun!

Summer is just around the corner in my part of the world and I can’t wait to enjoy the beaches once again. I’m a beach person and so is my 6-year-old son. Summer is the only time we can enjoy it to the fullest because more often than not, we do it on a Sunday and if it’s not summer, my son would have difficulty with school the next day because of being exhausted from too much swimming. He just can’t seem to get enough of the water.

But how I wish our summer would be a little different this year. I want to enjoy the waters of the beaches but at a different place like in Mexico perhaps. My son would definitely enjoy their Kid friendly resort in the Riviera Maya. Just one of the many things they’re famous for, aside from the sumptuous food and world class resorts found there. I’m hoping!

Media Noche '09 - Part 1

Wow! Time really flies so fast. It's now the seventh day of the year 2010 and the seventh day of the new decade too. And, it's been seven days ago when we filled our tummy with delicious food on New Year's Eve. I can still recall how yummy they were and how full I am that night. Well, it only happens once in a year so why not indulge, right?

So, how was your Media Noche? Here are the goodies that we've got that night - the first half to be exact. I'll blog about the other dishes next time. Drool on these for now.

We always have fruits on the table...

Candies and Chocolates for the Kids...

Yummy Decadence Cake. I personally chose this because it's one of my favs...


And it won't be complete without pasta so here's the spaghetti...

What You See Is What You Get, So Why Not See and Get More?

At my age of 34, I feel I’ve been very fortunate in regard to my eye sight. I still have 20/20 vision and I don’t need glasses, unlike some of my friends who at my age are already suffering myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness. But I know it’s no longer a biggy in this day and age, or anything to worry about, because with the advancements in high technology medicine and science that we've been blessed with, and the new procedures being introduced, having 20/20 vision can be anyone's goal.

One popular procedure that I'm sure you’re certainly aware of, as well as its benefits, is the iLasik procedure which is performed with the use of laser. And one known establishment that is offering said procedure is Laser Eye Surgery Boston. Many people, including well-known individuals, can attest to the fact of how good this facility is at this procedure. They had made people’s lives better by improving their eye sight, sometimes to even better than 20/20. Details about the procedure and other information can be seen at their website, BostonLaser.com. Feel free to check their website anytime to learn more. I already know that my fiancé is considering looking into this because he hates wearing glasses, and I support him 100%; I'm sure he'll look much more handsome and younger without them, which is not only a benefit to him, but me as well...(",)

This is a sponsored post but all contents are original and written by me.

Time Marches On

The first decade of the 21st century has come to an end and we're not only starting a new year, but another decade. 2000 thru 2009 were tumultuous years giving us bloggers many subjects to write about. With that in mind, I only have one wish for my fellow bloggers – that this will be another fruitful year and decade for all of us in regard to opportunities. I know we all have one goal: to earn more and share more.

But I know as the year starts, most bloggers not only think of opportunities but also about renewing their websites’ web hosts. As we all know, it is something that needs to be done because of the importance to one’s website. I just renewed mine a couple of months ago so it’s off of my to-do list, though it was something that had given me some difficulty because it took me a while to decide whether to renew with my current web host or try another one. But from a friend’s suggestion, I checked a web host review, and from that point, everything fell into place.

I do wonder if other bloggers or website owners are also having difficulty deciding like me. Hopefully, they have an internet savvy friend like mine who always comes to the rescue when it comes to website matters. If not, I just hope they'll read this and get the idea. Happy New Year and New Decade!