Christmas at the office

Facebook is such a great tool, don't you think? For the past couple of days I've been busy looking at my friends' Christmas party photos at the office. I'm not saying I regret being a stay-at-home mom but their pictures look like they're having so much fun.

I remember when I used to work, it was usually this time that I get a headache thinking of what to give my friends and my staff. Usually people give mugs or paper weights, I get a lot of those sometimes I have no idea what to do with them. I bring most of them home and use them for decoration or I change my mugs for a different feel.

As I was searching the internet for gift items, I had an awesome idea. I could gift them these beautiful badge lanyards or a personalized ID lanyard! Whenever I go out with my family, I'd see these employees with really cute lanyards that sometimes look like funky necklaces. During my time, we didn't have the "funk" yet. We just used a plain old looking string of cloth with the company's name and logo.

I didn't see those anymore in my friends' photos. I guess a lot has really changed since I left, after all, it's been 3 years. I just love looking at how they are and how my friends have grown, especially those that used to work for me. Some of them are even Managers now. Some even send me messages, up to now thanking me of what I've taught them when I was still working and how they're able to use it to their advantage.

It's nice to know I've helped some people. It's even nicer to know that it's appreciated. When we still worked together, when somebody said Thank You for my help, I took it for granted. Now that I see them from afar, it means a whole lot of difference. I see that I've changed lives.

Christmas is not only a time for sharing, it's also a time for thanksgiving. After all, if it wasn't for the birth of Jesus, we wouldn't be celebrating at all. So, Thank You Jesus. Thank You too for all those who said Thank You to me. You don't know how much it means to me now.

I don't need to be in an office, with a large group of people to feel the spirit of Christmas. This works perfectly too, Christmas at home, reading Thank You messages from friends.

How about you, did you have a great Christmas at the office? Or are you like me, enjoying the peace and tranquility of home with your loved ones, offline and online.






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Addiction to a new TV Channel... maybe?

We had 2 straight days of cramped activities. We're out the door as soon as Litty Missy wakes up and we come home late, the first day I think was as late as 12mn.

Yesterday however, as soon as we got home, Little Missy said she was hungry so we fed her dinner, then about an hour after, she said she wanted to start sleeping. It was early, it was unusual for her but maybe the toll of the 2 long days were creeping up on her.

As soon as she was asleep, I felt lost. I usually sleep with her but that time I wasn't sleepy yet. After months or maybe years of me not watching TV, I gave in and opened it last night. I was flipping through channels and was surprised we now had AXN Beyond. When I was pregnant and during my little girl's first year, I looooooove watching shows from AXN. I think this is one channel I just may be addicted to again.

More about AXN Beyond:

Super Tuesdays on the All NEW &
Exciting AXN Beyond

Tonight, get set to be blown away by the latest drama and entertainment shows on an all new, all awesome AXN Beyond channel. More than ever, viewers from the Philippines will enjoy a fresh and unrivalled programming line-up Tuesday nights across a newly-expanded spectrum of genres, as AXN Beyond refreshes to redefine the entertainment experience like no other.

Turning into a ‘super-sized’ channel, AXN Beyond will serve up more monthly premieres from many more genres than before. Taking the definition of ‘entertainment’ to the limit, AXN Beyond will go beyond fun, feisty and fabulous with its variety of shows. These range from mystery and suspense, fantasy and science-fiction, paranormal and supernatural, fashion and design, to lifestyle and romance, across drama, variety, reality, sitcom, comedy, talk shows, movies and even music concerts.

Said Voo Chih Yeong, Head of AXN Beyond, “Viewers need to look no further than AXN Beyond for the latest shows across the variety of genres, as our channel will have something for just about everyone at a single destination. With a far more compelling entertainment experience, AXN Beyond now appeals to an even wider audience than before. Viewers who have come to enjoy the great programs on AXN will definitely love and appreciate the same world-class quality in the fresh content selection on the all new AXN Beyond.”

Indeed, AXN Beyond hails from the same team that brought Asia its top English general entertainment channel, AXN. As a fresh, hip and energetic TV destination, the new AXN Beyond draws audiences across a wide range of demographics seeking new and exciting entertainment choices, and has its sweet spot among male and female viewers aged 18 – 35.

Beyond fun on AXN Beyond’s Super Tuesdays

AXN Beyond viewers are set to enjoy a back-to-back series of the channel’s very latest shows on Super Tuesday evenings not-to-be-missed. The fun begins with reality talk show The Marriage Ref, as celebrities such as Madonna, Demi Moore and Gwyneth Paltrow pass judgement on real-life couples’ marriages.

That leads to light-hearted series like Drop Dead Diva Season 2 which continues the life of shallow model Deb (Brooke Elliott) whose soul ends up in the body of a brilliant, plus-size attorney. The night’s fun culminates in AXN Beyond’s headliner of the month – fresh new legal comedic drama The Defenders which stars Jim Belushi (According to Jim) and Jerry O’Connell (Sliders) as colourful Las Vegas defence attorneys.

With all that and more, viewers will surely adore the all-new, all awesome entertainment experience with the latest shows across the greatest variety of genres, unveiling this December on the fresh, hip and super-sized AXN Beyond. Check out some of these shows airing tonight:

The Marriage Ref
Tuesdays, 8:10pm, first and exclusively on AXN Beyond


Click picture to enlarge
Jerry Seinfeld is back and in the producer's chair for a funny and revealing comedy panel series The Marriage Ref, about the unpredictable and hilarious institution commonly known as marriage. In The Marriage Ref, disputes between real-life couples are revealed, examined - and ultimately judged.

For the first time, audiences will be able to look at these fights, analyze them and declare a winner. At the centre of the action and making "the call", is popular comedian Tom Papa (The Informant!) who will have the final say in determining the victor of each spat.

Advising and influencing the Ref's decision will be a rotating panel of ‘experts’ comprising top celebrities, comedians and sports stars who will weigh in and offer their own wit, wisdom and unique opinions. Guest stars featuring through the series include Tina Fey, Eva Longoria Parker, Larry David, Ricky Gervais, Madonna, Martha Stewart, Sheryl Crow, Tracy Morgan, Gloria Estefan, Donald Trump and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Drop Dead Diva Season 2
Tuesdays 9pm on AXN Beyond


Click picture to enlarge
Returning for a second season, comedic drama Drop Dead Diva continues the story of a shallow wannabe model that dies in a sudden accident, only to find her soul resurfacing in the body of a brilliant, plus-size and recently deceased attorney, Jane.

At the close of last season, Deb was ready to let go of her past and embrace her new life as Jane. But the unexpected arrival of Jane’s “secret” husband, Ethan (Devon Gummersall), at her doorstep left her with more questions than ever. To make matters worse, Jane may be disbarred after breaching client-attorney confidentiality when, against the firm’s advisement, she reported her client for fraud. Faced with a new love triangle and the uncertainty of her career, Jane must, once again, chart out a new future for herself…

The 13-episode second season of Drop Dead Diva features breakout star Brooke Elliott (Wicked, Taboo”), Margaret Cho (Ghost Whisperer, Notorious C.H.O.), Jackson Hurst (The Tree of Life), Kate Levering (Cashmere Mafia), April Bowlby (Two and a Half Men), Josh Stamberg (Lie to Me) and Ben Feldman (The Perfect Man).The Season 2 opener of Drop Dead Diva will feature entertainer Paula Abdul (American Idol) reprising her role as Judge Paula Abdul, a figment of Jane’s subconscious. Devon Gummersall (“My So-Called Life”) and David Denman (“The Office”) return as guest stars this season.


The Defenders
Tuesdays 9.50pm first and exclusively on AXN Beyond


Click picture to enlarge
The Defenders is a comedic drama about two colourful Las Vegas defence attorneys who go all-in when it comes to representing their clients. Nick (Jim Belushi, According to Jim) and Pete (Jerry O’Çonnell, Sliders, Crossing Jordan) are the local go-to guys with an eclectic client list who are still looking to hit their own jackpot.
Leading the law firm of Morelli & Kaczmarek are Nick Morelli, an earnest, hard-charging attorney who represents his clients to the best of his ability, no matter how big or small the case; and his partner, Pete Kaczmarek, whose passion for the law is matched only by his love of fast cars, beautiful women and expensive clothes.
Joining them in their growing law practice is new associate Lisa Tyler (Jurnee Smollett, The Great Debaters), an enthusiastic young attorney looking to put her exotic dancing days behind her; and their young assistant, Sophie (Tanya Fischer, Life On Mars), a spunky and sweet ingénue who is eager to please her bosses.

How about you, have you experienced AXN Beyond before? Think you may be addicted to this new TV channel too? Can't wait for next Tuesday to watch these shows.

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Fun day at Fun Ranch!

If you haven't read my previous post, The Bad, The Love and The Fun, this post will detail our super fun day at Fun Ranch.

Last Saturday, December 11th, we were invited to attend the ATD and Mommy Bloggers Event at Fun Ranch. We actually arrived late and missed the program but the event was for the children of The Good Foundation. The hosts were very gracious to provide a scrumptious buffet for the children as well as for the Mommy and DAddy bloggers and their child/ren. Aside from food, we were also given an Unlimited or Ride-all-you-can pass for the day to enjoy with our family and the children of the orphanage. What's best is we were also handed loot bags with assorted goodies, yum yum!

Photos above courtesy of Jen of Jen's Joyful Life
We had so much fun during this event that as early as now, we're considering Fun Ranch to be the venue of my little Girl's birthday party in September, if God-willing. You can read the quote below why we're considering it as a birthday venue then check out our photos to see how much fun we had!

FUN RANCH DELIVERS THE BEST PARTY EXPERIENCE

A barnyard filled with people happily singing the birthday song. A huge inflatable playground filled with children jumping up and down. A birthday celebrant wearing sports jacket racing with his best pals on a mini-go-kart track. Kids playing and riding all they want. These are some of the many things children enjoy in a Fun Ranch party.

Fun Ranch is all about having fun in a kid-friendly environment. It has function rooms that meet the needs of every creative parent looking for a unique and special party for their children from a small group of 20 to a grand celebration with 520 guests. The Big Red Barn is a barnyard in the middle of the complex. The Blue Whale Grill, on the other hand, has an aquatic theme with a working lighthouse, Leaps and Bounds inflatable playground which can be exclusively used for a minimal amount; floating huts, a pond where kids can feed the fishes and Bumper Boats for a more stimulating party experience.

Fathers and sons will surely have a blast partying at Go! Speed Racing complemented with racer amenities such as personalized invitations, Champion banner and exclusive use of the mini-go-kart track for all the guests. The gutterless Duckpin bowling, Mini-Golf and Tea Cup Ride at Family Fun Zone guarantee intimate and exciting get togethers full of bonding time for both kids and kids at heart. Similarly, parties at our indoor playgrounds set a venue for learning through play with its huge signature slides and other cool activities for children.

Big or small, Fun Ranch caters to anything you want to celebrate. Aside from birthdays, corporate parties, graduation and reunions have found their way to Fun Ranch. So, for a hassle free party, come to Fun Ranch because kids rule here!

Fun Ranch is open everyday. For inquiries you may call 396-5290 or 706-3019. Visit our website at www.funranch.com.ph or for more information about this topic, please contact Ana May P. del Rosario by calling 706-3029, or e-mail Ana May del Rosario at arose41506@yahoo.com

Little Missy's first time to see a Ferris Wheel


First time to ride a Ferris Wheel and she wasn't scared of heights!


View of the Carousel from the top of the Ferris Wheel


Queueing


We read about stars while waiting for our turn on the Carousel. The people were amazed she could read on her own :)


Enjoying the ride


We rode the purple airplane (Red Baron)


Weeeee


Little Missy's first Bumper Cars experience. She wanted to drive and was looking for the horn.


My future golfer? Like mommy like baby?


Train ride with Daddy. Chuggachugga Choo Choo!


Lovin' the ride


She wanted to ride this too but I know she can't take it. Maybe next year.


She absolutely loved the hanging bridge. Good sense of balance.

Let me know when you're visiting Fun Ranch... maybe we'll be there too :) Happy weekend!

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The Bad, The Love, and The Fun

This post is actually about our adventures last Saturday. I forgot to share all about it because I've been fighting with an adware virus (tracker) in my computer for days. Anywho, it's gone now so I feel safe opening up my files again.

The Bad -
Let's start with Friday night. Daddy usually comes home late every Friday because he has to participate in a global call. Friday nights in the PH seems to be the perfect time for all the other countries to join in. Aside from coming home late, hubby called to say he felt the car was overheating. He had to stop at all the gas stations along the way to have the radiator cooled down. He knew something else was wrong because he wasn't actually losing water, the engine just kept heating up.

So he got home around 1am and we both decided that he'll take the car to the car shop early next morning. Why early next morning? Because I was invited to attend my a blogger event at Fun Ranch in Tiendesitas.

Next day came and took the car to the shop. We estimated that maybe it'll take around 3 hours to fix, giving us enough time to attend the event, or maybe even a little bit late. Imagine my surprise when hubby said it'll take 2 weeks to fix the car. There wasn't wrong with the radiator or belts, it was the engine itself.

The Love -
Powerless (and carless), I just told hubby that I'd just cancel. I think he could hear from my voice that it was important to me. He said he was really, really sorry but I knew it wasn't his fault. Our car, Queenie, is 18 years old. She had a right to break down once in awhile.

After 10 minutes, hubby said we're still going. He'll take care of everything to make sure I get to attend the event, even though we're late. After preparing Little Missy, hubby arrived in a taxi. He showered, got our things and made a phone call. Another 10 minutes and another taxi came. He said no matter what, we're going.

The taxi ride wasn't fun. It was Little Missy's first time in a public transport and sad to say she vomited due to byahilo or motion sickness. Throughout the trip I was looking at her to see how she is so she really didn't make a mess. I was prepared for it. We had to stop when she vomited though because she was very fussy. It was the first time I saw her that helpless. When it was all over, she just leaned on me and slowly fell asleep.

We managed to arrive at Fun Ranch but were super duper late. Mommy Lace and the other mommy bloggers weren't even there anymore but Mommy Lace made sure I had my loots, PR kit and ticket when we got there. I told her not to anymore because I was really embarrassed that we arrived so late but I promised her, and my little Missy that we will go no matter what.

I love Daddy for this, for all his effort to make everything materialize. He knew how it was important for me and he made it possible.

More pics, stories and info on our day at Fun Ranch in my next post or click HERE.

The Fun -

As soon as we got to Fun Ranch, we looked for Tita Anna. When she handed us our passes, nothing can stop Little Missy from doing everything and everything. We rode the rides, had fun at the Fun Family Zone and played around. My little girl especially loved that area in the middle with letters that had animal information on them. She read them again and again.

(For more of our Fun Ranch adventure, click HERE)

After Fun Ranch, we had to attend a birthday cum Christmas Party. It was Ate Yosha's 3rd birthday party and as it was a gathering of moms who used to be members of the Baby Central site, it was also our EB/Christmas Party.

We arrived late too but thankfully, Tita Wheng waited for us before she started raffling off some prizes and the exchange of gifts.

What a day. With the bad, the love, and the fun, I couldn't ask for more.

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Snow? In a tropical island?

I know... it's just wishful thinking.

It's just so intriguing that most of my US friends are now experiencing snow, some even have snow storms. Mild snow seems so fun. Me and my little girl can run around, do snow angels (she does them on the bed) and throw snow balls.

Most of my friends have pictures in snow by now and I've even seen some of their vehicles with tire chains. I actually asked them about it because it seemed weird at first but they said it was for additional traction. The tire chains keep their vehicles from slipping and skidding on the snow. I guess I'll never need to buy tire chains since I live in a tropical country.

I do hope we get to experience snow in this lifetime. I love the thought a family first time experience. We do have some seasonal shows or attractions here in the country where you can get to touch, feel, and play with artificial snow. Maybe we can try them out this year. But hopefully next year, we can travel this season to somewhere here in Asia where there's snow. I'm saying in Asia because it's cheaper and therefore easier to achieve.

I guess having snow in a tropical island is out of the question. But wish me luck next year!

How about you? Have you ever experienced snow? Is it as "good" as I think it is?


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Dreaming of my own house

My friend Glenda was so excited to show me pictures of their unit. She had it renovated and wanted to know what I thought about her new house. She first sent me the old pictures through a private message in Facebook. (Yeah I know, facebook. It's the fastest we could use. Ever tried photo sharing and it would be pixelated forever?) The one by one she showed me the new pictures.

I love how she designed her living room. She put a huge mirror on one of her walls which made the room seem bigger. I also love the effect of using pin lights instead one main light in the center of the room. Somehow the pin lights made a softer, calmer effect. I also loved the colors she used on the room, a play of dark brown/black wooden furniture against yellow walls, highlighted by the yellow-toned pin lights and adobe bricks.

The paleness and earthiness of the living room was startling contrast to the shocking red of her kitchen. It's somewhat how I want my kitchen to be too, lots of cabinets instead of things lying around, well maybe except the color. But what I liked most about her kitchen was her oven. For those who know me, you guys now I still don't have an oven... soon though, soon!

So this got me thinking about my dream home. We've almost paid off our lot (yay!) and we're in the planning stage for the house construction. Since I'm no longer working, I'm sure I'll be hands on with it and anticipate seeing lots of power tools and perhaps an annular cutter or a metal hole saw. I know it'll be rough since I have no knowledge of how things go, but since it's my house, my dream home, I'd rather be there to realize that dream that leave it up to the experts. With this dream turning into a reality, I am the only expert.

Thanks Glen for sharing your home. I love it!

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Day out!

Road trip! Such a busy day. A lot of things went on today.

We actually had to get up about an hour early to accommodate everything we had to do today. First we went over to a Bazaar near our place. I was supposed to meet one of my college friends to try out their food and blog about it (separate blog post). I met them at the food area and spent some time chit chatting. Most of the time though Little Missy just tried to amaze them. She showed off her singing skills to the tune of Frosty the Snowman, and also showed off her reading skills. My friends were quite amazed at what she can do at 2.

Anyhow, we got our food and headed off to eat our late lunch. More on the food on another post but I have to say, it was yummmmmy. I didn't even notice the other food stalls around because I was too busy feeding the little girl and sneaking a bite or two from my food. When I was almost done, it was when I noticed the other stores and what they were selling.

I can almost imagine the future. Even in these small, seasonal bazaars, I'm sure we'd find carbon dioxide cylinders for food preservation. Since they are gaseous substances though, I hope we could be modern enough to install those disposable gas cylinders. I'm actually quite worried when I see gas tanks when we travel or in hospitals, or whichever area, even if people tell me that those aren't the flammable or explosive types. Oh well, that's me.

After eating, I met up with another friend in the bazaar too who's selling cute children apparel. I actually envy her passion and dedication in selling. I've done some transactions for her and actually know how she handles inquiries and sales and I don't think I can handle that, not at this time. I wanted to stay and chat but we had to go because hubby had a business appointment. I hope I can come back the next day and stay longer so I can chat with her.

We went to Boni High after and stayed at Starbucks while hubby had his meeting. Of course, with a 2-year old, you can never stay put. It was a good thing that there was some kind of "run" going on and she was entertained by the participants doing their stretches and exercises. She kept clapping and cheering on the participants as they showed off their "agility" skills.

It was fun watching my little girl. Hopefully soon we get to participate in those kinds of activity and keep a healthy lifestyle, or at least for her. When we got to the car, she drank her milk and fell asleep in less than 10 minutes. That's how tired she was. She didn't stay asleep for long though. When we stopped by McDonald's to get a burger for dinner, she was wide awake, asking for a burger too (her burger = chicken nuggets).

What a fun and tiring day. But I'm thankful for these days out since I get to spend them with my family. Just seeing their smiles melt my heart.


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Paranoia kicks in

So yesterday my friend and I were chatting about our plans if one of us wins the lottery, right? After that discussion, we went back to find great shopping deals and I found some that I might just buy into but I'd need to discuss shipping from another friend.

My cousin's girlfriend will be going to the US later this month and I wanted to ask her if she could bring home some of the things I wanted to buy for Little Missy. I was so excited when she said yes, that I forgot to ask her if she had visitor medical insurance
from the company she works for. I'm actually a bit alarmed that talks about aH1N1 are resurfacing and even though she'd do me a huge favor in bringing back my goodies, I wanted to make sure she'd be safe. Also, I never thought to ask her if she had flight cancellation insurance. For me it wouldn't matter much, but for someone who frequently travels, I'm sure that would be a big help for her. I guess it's just my motherly nature. I really get paranoid at times about things that might happen and this is one of them. When paranoia kicks in, my imagination just goes wild with everything that could go wrong. The only thing that distracted me was this 4-letter word flashing on my screen... it read "SALE".

Anyway, now that she said yes, I wonder what would stop me from buying things for us that are not available locally. Ah, I remember, the weight limit. I can only have her bring home around 7kgs of stuff or she'd go over her limit. I'm hoping though, that my shopping spree won't reach 4kgs. I'm not that addicted to online shopping yet, just usually when there are great bargains around.



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Vacation? Hopefully soon.

A friend and I were chatting earlier and we were discussing about the previous Thanksgiving Sale, Black Friday Sale and Cyber Monday Sale in the US. It's amazing what these 3 days can do. There were actually a lot of good bargains on the internet if you've saved up specifically for those 3 days.

While we were chatting, we kept on frequenting sites we'd love to go shopping to, whether online or physically, when we do get the chance. But the most creative idea we had was if one of us won the lottery. My friend said if she won, she'd fly us over to the US and take us to all the places one could ever hope to visit in a lifetime. Of course the first thing I asked if she would treat us to Disneyland and Disney World. I need to make that dream come true, if not for me, at least for my little Missy. I know that's pretty expensive so I asked my friend if she'd gladly cover that. When she said how much she could win in the lottery, she can let us go on even 10 trips to all the Disney Resorts around the world.

We then started researching about travel insurance. For someone who's never left her own country, this seems important to me. In this day and age where prices everywhere are sky high, it's better to be prepared. Since it would be our first time in the US too, hopefully, we also looked into visitors health insurance. We've got great insurance coverage for my family over here but I'm sure when I'm in a foreign land, I'd be paranoid about the smallest and mildest sickness.

Oh well, we'd love to make this dream vacay come true. We just need to win the lottery first!

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