Thoughts from the sauna

• Where is God leading me? Should I switch to another bank as suggested by my papa? Here or far away? On crossroads...
  
• I hope I get a good massage later on.
  
• Hm... 10 minutes have passed and I have not broken into a sweat yet. I stood up, reached for the ladle and scooped water onto the hot rocks. It sizzled and after a few minutes, beads of sweat formed on my face and my arms were moist. But, I was getting light-headed so I stepped out eventually.
• I touched my hair. Oh no, is it drying out? Maybe I should have bought hot oil treatment and put it on my hair, then wrap a moist towel around it.
• I really need to lose weight

Massage musings:

• Ouch! Not too hard please!
• If only you could massage away my flabs.
  
• I.must.not.fall.asleep.zzz... I don't know why, but I tend to fall asleep while being massaged, even if it's a bit hard.
  
• And if I fall asleep and the attendant doesn't wake me up, Rix will be waiting for quite a while in the common area, and he'll get impatient.

My hubby and I went to Orchard Spa to get a massage. The place was small, yet cozy. The amenities were satisfactory (although I like Spas to have a steam bath facility) and the attendants were helpful and smiling. The therapist assigned to me was courteous and considerate, now and then she was asking me if the pressure was OK. We even took advantage of the offer 'free meal after every massage'. The food at the Redwood Restaurant was so-so. Not all dishes were available. But then, it was already 10 p.m. when we finished.
My right shoulder and jaw throbbed after that, and the ache in Rix's nape did not go away. Was it effective or not?

On your birthday

Thankful I am to our God
For He had created you
And then He gave you to me
I'm thankful to your parents
For together raising you
Opening your eyes and heart
To the world we both embrace
Thank you for being yourself
The you I fell in love with
Special guy with a kind heart
There's no one else I look for
The gem is right beside me
And my heart is filled with joy
Knowing it's for a lifetime
Age gracefully together
Days ahead filled with much love
Each moment with you's a gift
That I will cherish for life

Fat, but frail

Yesterday afternoon, I went to one of my friend's condo unit for the dress fitting for her upcoming wedding. I was to be one of her bridesmaids.

This was the view from the 15th floor. Philippines is getting quite crowded, isn't it?

I slipped into the dress, and was not really 'in' the dress when the couturier declared that the dress was too small. No one even helped me zip up! How did they know that I wouldn't fit? The bride-to-be chided me for growing myself fat since the measurement a couple of months ago. I would have pulled on her long locks if she wasn't my good friend. I just smiled and nodded while my self-esteem dropped a notch. I am badly in need of proper diet and exercise. And, my health is also suffering.
3 is the number of times I was rushed to the ER.
3 is also the number of nights I was coughing so hard I couldn't breathe.
300 is the value of my triglycerides when the maximum value should be 150.

After that, I went up to the 17th floor with my soon-to-wed friend and another close friend, who is also a bridesmaid-to-be. This is their residence at present. We watched TV, specifically The Witches of Waverly Place and Hannah Montana, while waiting for the invitations. They never came while I was there. We also hanged out at the balcony while sipping instant coffee.

A beautiful dusk sky made me forget for a moment that I was in the city.


But, alas!

Time with them was capped by their visit here at our home, because they wanted to see Elhaym and how she has grown.

The Art of Loving Art

Here is an interesting artwork for your living room or office wall:



I like the way the canvasses were juxtaposed, but the picture was still composed.

And this one also:


The colors make the variety of flowers come alive. It's a feast for the eyes.

What I won't do

There was a daddy who was working on his new, nice and shiny car. His little son came over to look. He picked up one of daddy's tools and without warning, scratched the side of this car. Daddy was sooooo mad he striked his son's hands. He then looked down to see a hammer in his hand.

In the hospital, the little boy looked up at his daddy and asked, "Will my fingers grow back?" Daddy was filled with shame and guilt.

While standing at the garage, daddy stepped back to survey the damage done by his little son. He gasped as he read the words "I love you, daddy".

Heartbreaking... isn't it?

With my own child, I promise not to:

• Do something harsh (or say something demoralizing) in anger, which I will regret for the rest of my life
• Compare her to other people's children, or even to her own sibling as she is unique and wonderful in her own special ways
• Spank her just because her grades are low
• Interrupt when she's speaking, even if her reasoning is a little on the wrong side
• Ignore her material wants, there may be an emotional need behind them
  

How about you? What do you promise NOT to do?

Personalize it!

Christmas time is just peeking around the corner, signalling at me to start the hunt for presents to give to my special ones. Sometimes, ideas just seem to escape me, but I don't want to end up giving something utterly useless that will end up in the trashcan. Neither do I want them to have something that would just collect dust and mold in the confines of the cabinet.
What could be useful for my peers in this age? Almost everyone uses desktop computers or laptops for work or for leisure. They would want to organize personal photos, music, games, documents and files. The answer is a flash drive!



Pexagontech offers an innovative approach to flash drives. It's customized and personalized! You can have the color that you want. Depending on the occasion, there are themes to choose from like Holidays (Christmas), events (Wedding), mystuff (myphotos). These come in capacities of 512MB, 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, 8GB and 16GB. Also, you could even have a two-liner message laser-engraved on it. Ain't it cool?
My choice for my friends would look like this:

In place of the theme, you could put your company logo if you'd want to have a corporate give-away for the Holiday Season.
Even if it isn't Christmas, this would be a good idea to give to your loved ones on your anniversary, or to your dad on Father's day.
I had fun picking the color and the themes, plus writing the message on the thumb drive. It's brilliant that they could come up with this!

Playing with food

Elhaym likes to eat oranges, she also likes to play.

One time, I gave her an orange to hold, and this is what happened to it.
She held it cautiously in both hands, smelling and smiling at it like it's precious. Suddenly, the orange flew to the air and landed with a solid *thud* on our tiled floor. She made it into a ball!

When you run out of toys to play with, try throwing oranges. A bright idea from my one year old.
Too bad it doesn't quite bounce properly.

I love him (and desserts!)

Do shopping, food and love mix? I think so.

I was looking forward to this day for the longest time. But it was just a week ago when I thought of taking a VL from work to spend it with my hubby. It was, after all, our 2nd wedding anniversary. Out itinerary was mapped out just a day ago, or maybe on the day itself. The only activity that we thought of ages ago was the dinner.

We pulled to a stop outside the gate of the office/warehouse/factory of a popular retail clothing company. We got out and I was glad that the rain that started moments ago stopped. It was a fine day again. A fine day it was for shopping, especially with a husband's consent and at his expense, too! Nope, we didn't shop the usual way which is at the mall or during sale's, the prices here are much more inexpensive because the ones sold here are overruns, the stocks are limited and the designs are a tad backdated compared to ones being sold at mall outlets at present. But the styles are quite nice nonetheless and definitely wearable. We first paid the manager a visit, since she happens to be Rix's older sister. Then we were led to a stockroom with a big working table in the middle. This was where the shirts were laid out. I first looked at clothing (mostly shirts and blouses) for Elhaym. I took each one out of their plastic bags and laid them side by side. There were puff-sleeved, with ruffles, with glitters, with beads, with large prints, sporty design...so many cute styles to choose from. Finally, I got 7 with unique designs that would look great on Elhaym. Next, Rix had his turn at the table. He even got several pants to go with the shirts. Lastly, I selected 6 shirts and 2 fashionable blouses. I hope they all would fit! *cross fingers* After we paid for our choices (the manager was generous and she did not charge us for Elhaym's blouses), we stopped by her office, thanked her and took our leave. Shopping together brought us closer as we get to solicit each other's POV on the styles, there were ones that he chose for me since I want to dress for him. I was excited to try on the shirts and blouses, but time was not enough and we had to prepare for our date as there was reservation and the restaurant only allotted 15 minutes as grace period.

We left kind of early so we arrived just on time despite the traffic jam on the way to Sofitel Philippine Plaza. Our reservation was in the Spiral restaurant inside the hotel. This was my idea since I heard from my office mates that food there is great and they'd like to dine there sometime. I was feeling a bit confident in my white and purple dress with flower prints, purple piping and a purple silk ribbon around the waist and wedge sandals. The skirt was swishing around my legs as I walk. I powdered my face so it wouldn't shine with oil, I glossed my lips, and I had a handsome escort beside me. We were led by a lady in green who looked like an Amazon woman with her hair in a bun and sported large pieces of gold jewelry such as a double spiral-designed bracelet on her upper arm. The buffet table was very long and a person could start just about anywhere as there were plates below every corner. I got what was new to my sight and taste buds and some recommendations from Rix. He loved the cold oysters, which I didn't dare try. Different cuisines from different countries were represented. I haven't reached the Chinese and Filipino sections when the array of desserts caught my eye. I was trapped by the temptation and I was having dessert in no time! There were little cakes and cheesecakes, mousses in 3 flavors, creme brulee in 3 flavors, ice cream, chocolate and white chocolate fountains. The designs of the sweets were tempting and Rix couldn't help but take pictures of them, I was the one who ate them after their turns under the camera. Trying out new food at this new restaurant was fun for us as we got to exchange feedback on the different cuisines, texture and taste of the food; and of course, views about the other diners there. At last! We finished! So we took slow walks around the hotel to help our digestion along. The view of the pool area with greenery weaving around it was grand. Too bad taking photos here is prohibited. *pout*

We went home with protruding, contented tummies and a smile in my heart. 2 years down... So far, love is growing big and strong.

And then, like I always say: there's always room for dessert! *wink*

Beauty and (subtle) Madness

Make-up was once my friend, when I was 6 years old. I went to my mama's dresser and painted my eyelids blue and my lips red, then went down to the dining area for my birthday celebration, where a picture of me was taken with my Cinderella themed birthday cake. I used to love Disney's Cinderella before Beauty and the Beast came.
I dare not post THAT picture of me here!
But after that, we've drifted apart. Especially since my pores got as big as manholes, I was afraid pressed powder/foundation/blush-on would clog them right up, then I'll have zits and pimples for a face. Also, I know for a fact that lipsticks make the lips lose their natural blush of red or pink, so I just use lip glosses, once in a while.
For many years, no real communication happened between us, just a few Hi's and hello's when I sang at a musical play, went to the prom and became a bridesmaid twice. Rix even liked me without it. We were re-acquainted on my wedding day, though, but that was it.
Or so I thought.
Age is now catching up on me. After I gave birth, once non-existent freckles popped out and were noticeable that even a male friend commented upon them. *sigh* I am badly in need of a major cover-up, yet I am so clueless with this make-up business. Should I use a whitening cream to "erase" these freckles, if possible? Is concealer enough, or would I still need a gel foundation? Someone once told me that after using concealer, put on face powder so the face would have a uniform color. Yeah, I know, obviously my skin tone and pigmentation seem uneven. Boo!
But, I still do not want to use lipstick. Lip gloss is just fine for me, like for my friend Meg.
Oh, and my hair is drier now. Does it come with age, too? I used to use this great and awesome shampoo from Clairol called the Herbal Essences. It made my hair so soft and fragrant. I simply loved it! I don't know why, but it was pulled off our country's market. Such a shame! Can someone send me a lifetime supply of it? Pretty please?But, that was in high school or college, when I was still young. My hair could be naturally soft at that time... Could be...
Anyhow, I saw it once in S&R (sells imported goodies). I promised myself I will purchase it once my current shampoo is finished. But I couldn't resist! The last time I went to S&R, I prepared to take it off the rack, and then... "Nooooooooo!" IT'S NOT SHAMPOO! IT'S BODY WASH! The floor beneath me swayed and my surroundings became a blur. I was crestfallen beyond belief!
OK, I exaggerate, but still...!
*sigh*
I will include that in my Christmas wish list that I will mail to Santa (or benevolent people in North America/Europe/Australasia/Middle East/China or Japan) sometime this month.

tag from Meg

1. What color is your toothbrush?
white and magenta

2. Name one person that made you smile today?
Elhaym

3. What were you doing 45 minutes ago?
playing with Elhaym then surfing

4. What is your favorite candy bar?
any chocolate bar

5. Have you ever been to a strip club?
nope

6. What is the last thing you said aloud?
Elhaym, no!

7. What is the best ice cream flavor?
I really don't have a preference

9. What was the last thing you had to drink?
water

10. What are you wearing right now?
PJ's

11. What was the last thing you ate?
peanuts

12. Have you bought any new clothing items this week?
nope

13. When was the last time you ran?
two weeks ago

14. What is your favorite flavor of popcorn?
salted

15. Who is the last person you sent a comment/message on friendster?
Cecille

16. Do you take vitamins daily?
before, I haven't replenished my supply yet

17. Do you like Chinese food better than pizza?
yep, more variety

18. Do you drink your soda with a straw?
yep, if I drink from a bottle

19. What did your last text message say?
"Payday na, Mommy Ceemee! blah... blah..." from Pampers promo

20. What are you doing tomorrow?
working

21. Where is your dad?
QC

22. Look to your left, what do you see?
Elhaym's toy cabinet

23. What color is your watch?
I'm not wearing any right now

24. What do you think of when you think of Australia?
blonde guys

25. Do you use chapstick?
nope

26. What is your birthstone color?
transparent? Diamond is my birthstone.

27. Do you go in at a fast food place or just hit the drive through?
both

28. What’s your favorite number?
9

29. Do you have a dog?
nope, I want to have one

30. Last guy you talked on the phone with?
Rix

31. Last girl you talked on the phone with?
my mama

32. Have you met anyone famous?
I don't think so

33. Any plans today?
the remaining plan I'd have is to have dinner, play with Elhaym, then sleep

34. Ever go to college?
yep

35. Do you dye your hair?
nope

36. Last song listened to?
the Boom De Ah Da song from discovery channel

37. Can you say the alphabet backwards?
I could sing it backwards before

38. Do you have a maid service clean your house?
yep

39. Favorite pair of shoes you wear all the time?
I usually wear my Tribu thong slippers

40. Are you jealous of anyone?
sometimes

41. Is anyone jealous of you?
I don't know

42. Do you love anyone?
yep, of course

43. Do any of your friends have children?
yep

44. What do you usually do during the day?
work

45. Do you hate anyone that you know right now?
nope

46. Do you use the word ‘hello’ daily?
when Elhaym pretends to answer the phone

47. Do you like cats?
yep

48. Have you ever been to Six Flags?
I think so, I can't remember if it is Six Flags

49. How did you get your worst scar?
I was running after my boy cousin when I tripped and fell and my plastic bracelet broke under my wrist

50. What is it that you wanted to have in a long time but haven't?
a vacation in Ireland

I'm tagging Hearthur, and whoever wants to be tagged.

Hai wanna be fat

Some people write about health tips and proper diet, a topic that I feel guilty reading about. Oftentimes, I am confused as to which health plan would really work. Here, I wrote a poem on something I do know about: how to be fat.

Cease exercising.
Eat white bread and rice always,
Even at midnights.

Munch on a hotdog
Every time of everyday.
Drink sugared liquids

With burger and fries.
Don't forget oil on pizza!
Then lie down to rest

Your swollen tummy
And your sagging butt. And then,
Do it all again.