Cutty

... I can finally put my feet up and read a book. ... for providing us with things we need. ... for ocassionally giving us what our hearts desire. ... for being our source of comfort and order in times of chaos. ... for helping me realize that patience pays off. ... for listening to my prayers. ... for being here and there (and everywhere).

It has been a while since I last wore my costume. So, when I got back from Johann's school this morning, I am a bit anxious to try it on. BUT, I have to since I'll be wearing it for tomorrow's singing engagement. In fact, we were telling jokes about it yesterday. I mentioned that I might have to wear two pairs of Spanx just to fit in. At least, they would know just in case I faint of suffocation. Lo and behold, I was able to fit in with a few inches to spare. Yahoo! I don't have to wear Spanx after all. I remember having the costume altered after giving birth to Javi. It seems that my measurements are smaller than a few years ago. Magaling, magaling, magaling!

Why do I feel like I betrayed woman-kind after purchasing this? I actually got two. Just like Dr. Belo, I couldn't resist. They are very affordable and are packaged beautifully. Most importantly, they smelled good. It doesn't have the staying power of most Eau de Toilets, but it is good enough. Wag ko na daw payamanin, sabi ni Vic.

This farewell season of Oprah, she is sparing no cent in sharing her blessings. How I wish I could be there to receive any of these... ... stuff for the kitchen ... a watch to replace the one that got lost when I gave birth to Johann ... to motivate me go to the gym more often ... a copy of this ... and maybe, go on a Caribbean / Mediterranean cruise like we planned for our Honeymoon What would you like to receive from Oprah this year? * images from Oprah.com

For several days now, I've been trying to rename tracks in my iTunes by right-clicking on the track name. But, I can't find the selection to make me do so. There used to be a Rename option when you right-click on it. Finally, I gave up and searched it on the Net. Apparently, renaming may be done through the Get Info selection, Info Tab . You may also use Command I as a short cut. Again, I learn new things everyday.

Fourth of July, Labor Day and Thanksgiving are my favorite US holidays because they always spell great bargains,. I have never taken part in any these because I am always a week late or early. I hope to be there next year, if God permits. Naririnig kaya ni God and ni Vic? Hehehe. ------------- Upon learning that one of my favorite shops is going on sale next week, I hurriedly checked if the bag I just bought is included in that sale. Thankfully, it is not. I wouldn't have to worry about refunds just to make up for the price difference.

Christmas is around the corner and we are scrambling for gift ideas. Check it out here for discount vouchers to major restaurants and service providers. Ang laki ng discount sa Spirals and Le Spa! Check out other previous offers in the Recent Deals page.

Slept at 2:30AM last night. Woke up at 6AM to prep Johann for school. I should be catching up on sleep now, but I am not feeling the urge to do so. I worry about so many things these days. I hope I'm worrying about nothing.

Right across where the gym is located (YES, Vic and I go to the gym now), I saw a newly-opened restaurant. It said Nathaniel's bakeshop, pasalubong, etc. I wondered if it's the restaurant I've been wanting to try out. So, Vic and I made our way to the Nathaniel's after our workout. Nathaniel's is quite known for their buco pandan salad. They served it slightly frozen, which was a disappointment. I, personally, didn't find anything special about their buco pandan. Maybe it is in the cream. Maybe if they served it thawed, I'd find out what people like in this dessert. A small portion, the size of an ice cream cup, costs P50. A pint will cost you P235. I find that expensive. I am amazed by the number of patrons they have. A customer walks in every five minutes. The parking slots in front of the restaurant are never vacant. Vic and I tried their other dishes. My Beef Caldereta was like what my mother makes at home, only a bit spicy. According to Vic

They always wanted the best. So, they bought the best. They could afford it anyway. They couldn't stand being second best or being left behind. Kung mahuli man, be ready to be upstaged. Kung anong uso, meron sila. But really, all this urge to acquire things merely covers up the loneliness and emptiness inside. Kung anu-ano nang meron sila, di pa rin sila masaya. Maybe they'll find joy and contentment in giving and sharing.

Though I didn't really plan an all-out party, last Sunday's celebration was fun. Kids and adults alike, enjoyed the food and entertainment we prepared. Here is a photo of the birthday boy with Lolo Boy. Here are some Javi's cousins with Kuya Johann and Bettina Below are some of Javi's Titas reciting their cheer for the adult game. I didn't really work out as I initially planned (details here) . At 3PM, we arrived at the venue. It looked like everything is in place. The birthday banner, cakes, loot bags and tables were already prepared. Mein, the party coordinator, mentioned that there was an available host. She offered the hosting service for only a thousand pesos. Since I only had the bubble show as the highlight of the party, I had no problem with that. Besides, sobrang mura na. I guess, she was trying to make up for her lack of follow-through in the previous week. My only concern was I didn't prepare any prizes. She offered to use the lootbags as game

Our household woke up early to prepare for our trip to Batangas last Sunday. Apparently, our "loyal" yaya woke up much earlier to make her escape with her boyf, who happens to be our houseboy. The remaining yaya said she didn't notice anything or heard anything. Ang ganda nila! I can deal with the chores and additional load. What gets to me are Johann and Javi's questions of where Ate G is. For several days now, Johann has been bugging me to pick up his Ate from the airport. When I tell him that Ate G may not come back anymore, he'd say, "Sabi niya babalik siya." I asked him if Ate G said goodbye to him the night before she left. Hindi naman daw. Sayang, I offered to bring her HK with us and to send her to school next semester. I thought she was smarter than this. Oh well, you know how it is when you're young. You tend to make wrong decisions. ----------- Fortunately, we got our replacement the following day. I am really hoping this works o