Last week was...

... a busy and productive week. I’ve been going to SM Clark & Robinson Balibago alternately to complete my Christmas gifts for my kids, relatives & god children. At the same time, I have completed the American Accent Training. Wow! congratulations to me!!!

I enjoyed the training immensely. The ice breakers really kept us all awake and attentive during the discussion. I learned so much from it and improved my confidence in speaking the English language. I can say I can help in handling calls if the need arises. I look forward to another training second or third week of January next year.

The only thing I failed to do is to accompany my kids in their respective Christmas party due to the training I just mentioned. I assigned it to Ate Nits (my kids nanny) and she accomplished the task well.

Yesterday & today are my days off and I filed a leave for Monday to Tuesday to be able to spend Christmas with my kids, family & relatives. In fact, later tonight we’ll attend a Christmas party with my in laws. Then Noche Buena and Christmas Day with my in laws again. We’ll welcome the new year with my parents since my sister & her husband are coming after Christmas. The most exciting part is the whole family trip to Baguio on January 5 & 6. It’s my kids first time in the summer capital and everybody is quiet excited about it.

Advance Christmas Gift

My friend Josielyn gave me her recent bought GUESS bag after buying another expensive bag with the same brand. This is an early Christmas gift. She saw me using it when we had dinner with an old friend Edmar last Thursday (Dec. 13). Now I'm thinking what to give my friends when we meet for our reunion after Christmas, something cute & inexpensive like a glossy lipstick for Josielyn or bangles for Marilyn. This clearly means I'm not done with my christmas shopping.

Enchanted

I've been wanting to watch One More Chance which is still showing in SM Clark Cinema. I have decided to bring my daughter with me to watch the said romantic film and leave CJ with his favorite Tito Clark. I texted my brother in law, unfortunately, he won't be available to take care of my son. The three of us headed to SM Clark and CJ chose the movie Enchanted. I'll just watch One More Chance in DVD.

We got the tickets at 2:15pm, showing starts at 2:40pm so we quickly went to SM hypermarket to buy drinks & chips. I thought I won't enjoy the film but I was wrong. We attentively watch it from start to finish.

It's a classic disney animation film that is perfectly done. I was thinking Princess Giselle and Prince Edward will end up together and live happily ever after like the usual fairy tales stories. What actually happened was swapping of partners. Princess Giselle fell in love with flawed divorce lawyer Robert Philip while exploring the city of New York whereas Prince Edward married Nancy, the ex fiance' of Robert.

The movie is full of humor especially when Nathaniel and the chipmunk would clash. All the actors involved were great in their respective roles. Amy Adams' voice is amazing. The setting is fascinating especially when Robert & Princess Giselle were happily strolling in the park. Indeed, a film worthwatching.

My Sis & a Student Driver's license

My sister and her hubby arrived last Thursday. I’m so happy to see her again. They’re staying with us. Right now, they’re in Davao to spend Christmas with their in laws but she promised they will celebrate New Year with us.

She brought the Christmas gifts that John has for me and his kids. A toy laptop for Acey, celfone for CJ (I forgot the unit)and cash gift for me…hehehe, anyway my sister gave me my long time dream Clinique Happy perfume.Though the kids already have a clue on what gift they have from their Dada, still, I wrapped them nicely. Now my Christmas tree has gifts underneath.

Last Saturday, the whole family had dinner in Ikabud, afterwards, we went to Paskuhan Village which is now called Hilaga in San Fernando Pampanga. There was an ongoing talent singing contest hosted by stand up commedians. My mom would laugh so hard with the punchlines of Ara Muna and Jo Mani Yllana. I'm impressed with the voice of the contestant especially the winners. The other stage is being set up for bands but we didn't watch anymore.

On a different note, I accompanied my brother in law in Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Dau to acquire a student driver’s license so he could drive my brother’s box type car while they are vacationing here and guess what?!?!? I also obtained my own student license…yipeeee and I really wish I can drive…hahaha. One of my goals for next year is to learn to drive for so some reasons. My brother recently bought a second hand vehicle and their lancer box type car is just parked in the garage. Going to relatives especially to my in laws commuting is such a hassle especially when you have kids to tag along and when we’re about to go home usually past 8pm, my brother in law is somehow forced to drop us in our house which is completely out of their way. So I realized that I have to learn driving. I know it’s not cheap to enroll in a driving school but come to think of it…I already have my student license and a car I can borrow. I can’t find any reason not to enroll, I’m sure it’s gonna be worth it!

What's Cooking?

I started learning to cook only last year when my sister and her fiance' (who is now her husband) stayed with us for almost a year. My specialty are beef caldereta, chopsuey, pork stir fry, children spaghetti & deviled eggs. I'm good at doing mango graham cake and no bake blueberry cheesecake.

I love watching cooking shows when I was younger until now. I remember watching Nora Daza and Sylvia Reynoso Galang plus Heny Sison. I like the cooking techniques that Heny Sison would share to her loyal audience in her now defunct cooking show "A Taste of Life".

Currently, I'm hooked watching Chef On The Go of Rob Pengson from QTV 11 every Sunday. There are probably few episodes that I missed but I make it a point that I'm done with everything before 7pm on Sundays to catch my latest fave cooking show. Rob Pengson is now popular with his commercials such as Tropicana juice drink and KFC. His fans are requesting a website for Chef On The Go to unveil the recipes featured on the show and according to him, it's now on the planning stage.

I realized that cooking is like experimenting. One recipe like adobo can be cooked in different ways. My hubby loves the recycled fish fillet I cooked for him when he was vacationing. A good cook for me is someone who knows how to recycle, someone who can turn left overs into an appetizing and stomach satisfying recipe.

Kids love to eat canned goods such as spam, luncheon meat or corned beef. Leftover spam or luncheon meat can be sliced into pieces, you can then produce fried rice, just sprinkled it with maggi savor. You can cook omellete for unconsumed corned beef.

I am contemplating on taking up basic baking class middle of next year. One of my dream is to have my own bakeshop one day. Being an employee is not forever. I want baking to be my fallback. If I have time, I'll make yemas I could sell to my officemates, this could be the start and why not?!?!?

My sister and her husband will be arriving tomorrow and will be staying with us. I promised my sister that I'll cook caldereta for their lunch. I also listed some recipes I will be preparing during their stay. Whew!!! it's time to show them my improved cooking ability.

By the way, I will add a page element here in my blog to enumerate the cooking websites I frequently visit in the coming days. Free feel to access them once available.

Bon Appettit!

Breakfast

I'm craving for french toast since yesterday. I was supposed to cook one for our merienda but the kids prefer instant pancit canton. I had slice bread with liver spread and tropicana orange juice instead.

This morning, I took one egg, fresh milk and butter from the fridge. Luckily, I still have mc cormick cinnamon powder and gardenia sliced bread. My daughter and I enjoyed the french toast especially when we added a little of pancake maple syrup. I prepared hotdogs and egg for my son CJ because I know for sure he won't eat french toast, he's so picky and likes limited kind of food unlike Acey, she eat everything like fish, veggies, sweet, bitter or sour food or anything edible.

I received a text message from my kids favorite uncle Clark, inviting us for lunch, so we're off to my in-laws house in a little while.

Yemaliciousss

The first time I tried making yemas was unsuccessful. It was sticky and I can’t form it into ball. When I was cooking it, I turned off the stove when it started becoming thick. My friend Michelle told me it wasn’t cook yet which explains why the yema mixture was sticky.

This afternoon I tried making yemas again. Once the yema mixture started to boil, I kept stirring it and didn’t turn off the fire until the mixture would stick on the pan which is a indicator that it’s already cook. After cooling it for more than an hour, I started shaping it into balls and my daughter Acey help me by spreading the colored cellophane on the table which made the task effortless and hasty.

Enjoy the pix below.

Dance With My Father Again

I was chatting with my cousin Riffa the other night. She's the daughter of my Uncle Louie who passed away recently. She misses her dad and felt terribly sad knowin' the fact that her dad will no longer be available to accompany her in the aisle on her wedding day, to hand her over to the man she love. Uncle Louie will never be here towitness the most significant day of her life. But it's not gonna happen yet, my cuz is enjoying her single status. She was thinking that the song "Butterfly Kisses" be played on her wedding march especially dedicated to her dad. I suddenly thought of the song "Dance With My Father Again". Same song was played on the wedding program of my officemate last Saturday to pay tribute to her dad who passed away when she was in college. My cousin hurriedly look for the song in YouTube and listened to it.

The song was composed by Luther Vandross, it was originally "Dance With My Mother Again". It's basically about love and lost. I love the version of Celine Dione, it's simply awesome.

Here's the lyrics:

Verse 1:
Back when I was a child
Before life removed all the innocence
My father would lift me high
And dance with my mother and me and then
Spend me around till I fell asleep
Then up the stairs he would carry me
And I knew for sure I was loved

Chorus:
If I could get another chance
Another walk, another dance with him
I'd play a song that would never ever end
How I'd love love love to dance with my father again

Verse 2:
When I and my mother would disagree
To get my way I would run from her to him
He'd make me laugh just to comfort me(yeah, yeah)
Then finally make me do just what my momma said
Later that night, when I was asleep
He left a dollar under my sheet
Never dreamed that he would be gone from me

Chorus:
If I could steal
One final glance
One final step
One final dance with him
I'd play a song that would never ever end
Cause I'd love love love to dance with my father again

Verse 3:
Sometimes I'd listen outside her door
I'd hear how my mother cried for him
(2x) I'd pray for her even more than me

I know I'm praying for much too much
But could you send back the only man she loved
I know you don't do it usually
But dear Lord she' s dying to dance with my father again

Every night I fall asleep
And this is all I ever dream

Friends

Last week, Josielyn informed me that our friend Michelle will be coming over on Saturday. Her main purpose is to head to SM Pampanga to buy stuff for his husband who will be arriving from Qatar first week of December. I decided to join them though I orginally planned to spend my day off with my little girl since I didn't bring her along when her brother and I joined the fieldtrip.

Michelle settled in Abra Province after our college graduation because they have a printing press there and since she is the eldest, she was task to manage the said business. She often go here in Angeles to acquire some printing materials but due to time constraints, she couldn't squeeze in her schedule to pay us a visit. This is why we took advantage of meeting her yesterday, if my memory serves me right, the last time I saw her was during the first birthday party of Josielyn's son in Mc Donald's Dau and that was nearly 5 years ago.

Chelle left Abra at 5 in the morning and arrive in Josielyn's place before 2 pm.We fetch Marilyn in a gasoline station near the expressway. Jo was driving their Delica van. Marilyn and I have misunderstanding for months now but that obliterate swiftly when she immediately approach and kiss me. Friends will always be friends. I can not afford to lose a friendship that I treasured and existed for years already.

We went to SM Pampanga, had our lunch in Pizzahut (oh I love their ceasar salad) and did some shopping. We enjoyed the day big time! We didn't waste our time discussing negative things, all we did was laugh and laugh harder.

We had dinner in TollHouse. It's been years the last time I ate in Tollhouse. This place is famous for it's creamy and delicious baked macaroni which I ordered one for take out and the girls did the same. Their price is affordable which explains why the resto is almost full that night. We ordered steak with gravy that's so mouth watering, appetizing crispy pata and a mongolian barbeque abundant with veggies.

We have scheduled a reunion when our friend Ampy will arrive in December and the bonding that took place yesterday was something unexpected and unplanned.

We look forward to our get together next month which certainly will turn out to be wackier and enjoyable.

Fieldtrip

The field trip yesterday was well organized. Meeting time was at 4am. We were at the meeting place few minutes after the call time 'coz CJ and I had to walk all the way from our house due to unavailability of tricycles. Their school is a few blocks away from where we live. Shortly, we saw 2 buses and a coaster. I immediately approached teacher Maritess to ask which bus we should ride, we were at bus number 2 which was almost filled, first come first serve rule. We have no choice but to occupy the middle row.

We were at expressway around 5:30am and reached Tagaytay Zoo before 9am. CJ was fascinated with different wild animals he saw. It's actually his second time but his gutsy now in approaching animals and have a picture taken with them. The zoo contain limited animals and the foul smell produced by their urine and feces is unbearable. CJ suppressed his breathing when he try get close in their cages.

After nearly 2 hours, we headed to Tagaytag Picnic Grove for our lunch. We then went to the famous Collette store to buy some pasalubong. I bought 2 buko pie for my parents and in laws plus espasol for Ate Nits, my kid's beloved nanny.

Part of the itinerary is a visit to the Nissin Monde Noodle factory, makers of skyflakes biscuits and Lucky Me Pancit Canton. Unfortunately, cameras are not allowed inside the factory. The kids enjoyed the 30 minute plant tour. They witnessed how their favorite lucky me pancit canton is being done. It's the machines deployed doing the job. The factory is huge and tidy, however, there's no enough aircondition especially in the room where preview of the proccess using modern projector was held.

Last destination was Enchanted Kingdom. We were at the famous carnival place at 3pm, good thing it was a gloomy day during the frieldtrip, so there's no heat of the sun to worry while we explore the prominent Enchanted Kingdom. CJ & I rode the roller coaster. When it started, I suppressed myself from screaming so my son won't be scared. After one round, I showed my son 2 thumbs up, congratulating him for overcoming his fear with rides. He continued riding choochoo train, carousel and stone eggs alone.

CJ had a blast with the field trip. He was elated and obviously enjoyed our bonding. His amazement and eagerness is truly my heart's bliss.

Teambuilding & Thanksgiving

We started the day with consistency meeting, afterwards, we had our teambuilding. Our big boss Dennis Salvador talked about the changes we can expect early next year. He also commended some members of the QA team for embracing changes by accepting new roles and job responsibilities within the queue and congratulated the rest of the team for their hard work and dedication, enabling them to meet the target productivity every time.

The team was divided per queue and played Scavenger's Hunt. Our group won!!! Right after the game, we headed to the canteen to relish the food prepared by Coach Honey's team. Each was given a styro with 3 slices of pizza, a couple slice of chicken fillet and spaghetti, plus silvanias dessert from Susie's.


My sweet friend Wheng gave me rellenong bangus which she made especially for me. I decided to bring it home. I shared some of my pizza with her, it was like an exchange gift we did today. I suddenly felt the Christmas spirit.


And the highlight of the day is THANKSGIVING. Every year, our concessionairre will serve us special meal. I super enjoyed our lunch. We had cream of pumpkin soup, mashed potato with gravy, roast turkey with cranberry sauce and grilled prawns with lemon butter sauce. It's not everyday you get to eat turkey and prawns, so I relished every bite and I don't have plans of having another meal tonight.

Thank God for a day full of blessings and graces.

Monthly Period

During the second and third day of my period, expect it to be a heavy flow. I could feel the sudden flush when I stand from my seat. Good thing there are night pads available nowadays. I use modess or sisters brand of sanitary pad. Yes, I use pads for night use during daytime, to prevent stains, it's embarrassing and grossed when you do. My period came in a right time because I will be joining my son in their field trip on Friday, so my period is gone by that time. I can move freely and enjoy some rides. I'll definitely write my posts here about our trip to Enchanted Kingdom. CJ and I are both quite excited about it. I'll be saving my energy for now, it's certainly going to be tiring but fun.

Reunion

I had a great time bonding with my friends Agnes & Elsa yesterday. I finally found a way to get in touch with Agnes through friendster and immediately thought of meeting her & Elsa on my day off which they gladly & excitedly agreed.

I invited them in my little home. I cooked spaghetti and chicken pandan I bought in SM hypermarket. They arrive a little past 2pm. We greeted each other and headed to the dining table afterwards. There was never ending talk, not even a second of dead air. We chatted about many things… husbands, batchmates, highschool & college days.

Agnes is the bubbly type of person. I can not recall a dull moment with this girl. She’ll definitely make you laugh. She has this talent of delivering her punchlines with perfect timing. She narrated to us the times when her husband had an affair and how she dealt with it with audacity. A lot of painful experiences happened to her in the course of time we haven’t communicated. Now, she live her life with happiness and contentment.

Elsa on the otherhand is a simple pretty mom & wife, not much changes physically, still beautiful as ever. We started our friendship in highschool. We belong to different section and Charlie who happen to be my classmate is pursuing Elsa at that time. I became their bridge. When they broke up, Charlie courted me and Agnes was our bridge. I was too young at that time to have a boyfriend so no relationship was formed.

In college, Agnes decided to transfer to another university. Elsa and I were saddened by her choice but we didn’t argue anymore. Elsa had her boyfriend whom I think is her first love. I enjoyed being their friend and chaperone. I would accompany them during valentines day and anniversaries. They surprisingly broke up a year before we finish college. The guy pursued a classmate who happens to be my friend too. That’s when my friendship with Elsa gradually put on halt. We were able to tackle this subject only yesterday after so many years.

I miss the friendship and I am just so glad for the opportunity to reunite with them. Since we have a lot of catching up to do, we decided to go to Didi’s pizza to continue the conversation after my brother fetch my kids. After nearly 2 hours, we decided to call it a night and headed toward our respective homes with smile on our faces.

We promised this won’t be the last. Talking with friends instantly destress me. I love to laugh with them.

So long...Uncle Louie

Today, my uncle Louie’s remains was laid to rest. He died of colon cancer. He’s passing is a bit sudden and has shocked many people close to him especially his siblings.

It all started with a non stop cough and noticeable drop in weight. He is my mother’s younger brother and my mom is his constant companion when going to doctors for consultation and laboratory tests. He was confined in AUF Medical Center in September for several days. A spot in his lungs was discovered, the medicine he was taking isn’t helping him, the unwanted cough continues. His doctor then recommended a bronchoscopy. I remembered accompanying him and my mom in the same hospital when uncle Louie was scheduled to undergo the said procedure. The result didn’t come out on the promised date. They required him urine test for accuracy purposes.

The findings based on the bronchoscopy test was lung cancer. Though my uncle has predicted it, still, it hit him big time. A cancer specialists suggested a chemo therapy to be done ASAP but my father suggested they should consider a second opinion. They immediately went to Lung Center in Manila to see an oncologist. The doctor advised my uncle to undergo series of test before a chemo theraphy to ensure that his cancer cells are not yet scattered in other vital parts of his system.

He had his first chemo last October 22. Two days after, his stomach swelled like a 4 month pregnant woman. He can not urinate & eliminate and his condition detoriorated. He was rushed to Makabali hospital in San Fernando. It was found out that he has cancer in colon not in the lungs and already a terminal stage. The cancer cells spread through in his lungs and liver. He undergone operation and was confined in ICU for a few days and died on Nov. 07.

Uncle Louie is a cooperative and submissive patient. He was willing to spend money and be transferred to better and bigger hospitals but it was too late. I know he’s not ready for his death.

My realization of his untimely death.., even if you have the money to spend for medication, even if you refuse lifelessness, if God wanted you to leave, His will be done. The church consistently reminds us not to fear death. It is both painful to leave your loved ones and let go of someone dear to you but who knows life is better after death.

If I was given the chance to deliver my eulogy for my uncle I would say three words. First, SORRY if at one point, some of his family and relatives we’re not there to comfort him especially during his remaining days. Secondly, THANK YOU for being an inspiration to relatives, friends & family. Truly, he is a father with big dreams for his children, yes, he has done wrong before and maybe hurted his children but nobody is perfect. Lastly, GOODBYE, I pray that God will continue to guide him as he start his journey to eternal life.

Sem Break!

Finally it’s sem break. Now is a time off in doing assignments every night and a temporary pause buying snacks that kids will bring in school, good for my budget. This means less stress and more bonding time with kids.

CJ and Acey will alternately spend time play their PS2 and watch TV during the day and when they get tired doing such, they’ll start teasing each other and it’s always Acey who’ll end up crying and defeated. And when I get home, usually before 6pm, my kids will immediately report to me what has transpired the whole day.

I’m lovin’ the moment when my kids would indirectly tell me how much they miss me through their actions. How excited they are to watch with me their favorite TV programs both from Kapuso and Kapamilya Network.

I believe this is the perfect time that I should devote time with my kids, play and discover many things with them, ‘coz sooner or later, wether I’m ready or not, they’ll have their respective friends to play with and talent to develop on their own.

As a mom, I will not force my son and daughter to excel academically, rather, I will support and guide them discern their God given talents. I will continue to inculcate in them the values that my parents taught me over the years.

STELLAR

I was surfing online and stumbled upon Stellar, a site for accessories. Stellar is owned by actress-entrepreneur Chynna Ortaleza. Her multiply website featuring her designs has landed the top 10 in the Philippine Online Shopping Websites…totally AWESOME. Chynna and her business was featured on different magazines including Entrepreneur Philippines and TV shows such as “The Sweet Life” of my favorite Lucy Torres Gomez.

Christmas is fast approaching and these accessories are ideal gifts especially to female friends.

Enjoy viewing the Stellar website:http://stellar01.multiply.com/

Stressful Week is Over

Oct. 16 Tuesday - I brought Acey to her pedia and purchased the prescribed medicines and I have to shell out some cash since I don't have a ready P.O that I can only get from our clinic in the the office.

Oct. 17 Wednesday - I reviewed CJ & Acey for their exams at same time as soon as I arrived from work.

Oct. 18 Thursday - it's review night again with my angels, CJ & Acey. At 11:30 pm, I unwillingly went to the bathroom due to stomache pain. I almost fainted and felt a drop in my blood pressure. I fell asleep in the sofa 'till 1am

Oct. 19 Friday - I am on leave and accompanied Acey in the school at 10am. While I sit in the waiting shed, I felt hungry and so I bought a piece of banana que. After eating, I felt my stomach ached and so I hurriedly went to the girl's bathroom, after less than 5 minutes, relieved!!! When we got home, another stomach pain attacked me, I then decided to buy medicine and gatorade to prevent dehydration.

In the afternoon, I went to Apo Chapel and brought Acey to her pedia for her follow up check up, we had our dinner in Jollibee.

I reviewed CJ at 7pm for more than an hour.

Oct. 20 Saturday - Today, I woke up at 5:30 am, feeling a discomfort in my soar throat...grrrrrrr.

I hope to have a restful day off tomorrow, Sunday.

Nestle Yogurt

I brought Acey to her pedia, Dr. Ayson today right after work, due to non stop cough. It’s actually her follow up check up last Thursday but since she was okay, we didn’t bother visting the doctor again. However, last Sunday, we went to my in laws to celebrate Feast of Kuliat, CJ and Acey liberally played with their cousins. They perspired and got exhausted especially Acey, so now the unwanted cough is back with vengeance.

While waiting for our turn, I’m craving for Nestle Yogurt. I bought this product five times already and have always choose strawberry flavor. Aside from the fact that it’s healthy, I love it’s creaminess and real fruit flavor...yummy!

As expected, Dr. Ayson prescribed anti biotic and cough suppressant. Acey won’t be attending school tomorrow for a full day rest so she can be physically & mentally prepared during exam on Thursday & Friday.

After the check up, we immediately proceeded to Manson Drug & Convenience Store to buy Acey’s medicine and Nestle Yogurt. Unfortunately, the yogurt inside the chillers were about to expire in 2 days. I didn’t get any even if I’m dying to have one for tonight. While I write this blog, I’m eating Moo Selecta ice cream that has the creamy & smooth taste of my beloved Nestle yogurt.

Dandruff Problem

Everytime I buy shampoo in my favorite supermarket, I always skip anti dandruff shampoos, for obvious reason. I choose shampoo that would help me eliminate, if not, lessen excessive hair fall. However, in the past two weeks, I noticed itchiness in my scalp and so I thought I have dandruff. While seated in my table in the office, wearing black polo shirt, I kept scratching my head & scalp, small dandruff flakes were falling…yuckkkkkk!!! My eyes couldn’t believe it! It’s confirmed, I have dandruff, something I didn’t expect I will ever have. Am I not washing and rinsing my hair enough?


I made a research in the internet regarding dandruff and here’s what I learned:

Dandruff is a scalp problem that is identified by excessive flaking of dead tissue. Everyone sheds dead skin cells. A person with oily dandruff has overactive oil glands around the roots of the hair. This overactivity causes the natural shedding process to speed up, resulting in a crusty scalp, oily hair, and excessive flaking. For some people this problem even occurs on the eyelashes. In this case, the oil glands become plugged, resulting in dull, dry looking hair and dry flakes of dead skin. This dry type of dandruff can be just as bothersome as oily dandruff.

The true causes of dandruff are unknown. "Every Women's Health" says dandruff is somehow caused by poorly functioning sebaceous glands. Although the causes of dandruff are inconclusive, there are treatments for existing dandruff and methods to help prevent recurrence.

If you try a product and it does not work, you should not get discouraged. After giving a product ample time to provide results, try something different. The same article suggests using a shampoo that contains coal tar or salicylic acid. The website article entitled "Dandruff", published by Betterbodz.com, suggests trying shampoos containing sulfur, selenium sulfide, or pyrithione zinc, as well as products containing coal tar and salicylic acid. It says shampoos containing tar help slow the production of skin cells. Shampoos containing salicylic acid help remove these cells. These shampoos also help control a fungus that promotes problem dandruff. "Neutrogena" advises if dandruff is extreme or unaffected by shampoos, a skin specialist should be consulted.

"Dandruff" recommends shampooing on a daily basis. This should be done by thoroughly massaging the scalp so dead skin cells are removed. Since dandruff shampoos and products tend to be harsh, it is important to carefully follow label directions. Doing so will ensure the safest, most effective use of the product. The same article suggests alternating regular shampoos and dandruff shampoos in order to prevent the hair from becoming dry. It also recommends using shampoo containing tar if the hair starts becoming too dry.

Before going to Robinson Supermarket this morning, I made sure that anti dandruff shampoo is included in my list. CLEAR shampoo is my target. It’s the latest anti dandruff shampoo being advertised on TV. I believe that when a product is new, it is effective and true to its promise, to attract its potential market and be commercially viable. There are different types of CLEAR anti dandruff shampoo to choose from and I am delighted to see CLEAR anti dandruff shampoo & hairfall defense, this suits me best. I hope this one will work for me or else, I’ll end up trying different anti dandruff brands.

Blueberry Cheesecake

One of the favorite topic that my friends and I would discuss in group chat is FOOD. Each has her own specialty of recipe to share. I've given them my NO BAKE BLUEBERRY CHEESECAKE recipe. Below is the list of ingredients needed and how to do it:

Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cup crushed graham honey (Php20.00)
1/2 cup butter (Php12.00)
2 tbspn white sugar

1 pack all purpose cream (Php28.00)
1 bar magnolia creamcheese (Php98.00)
1/2 cup condensed milk (small can) (Php18.00)
2 tabspn non flavored gelatin melted in 2 tbspn white or hot water (Php38.00)
can of blueberries (Php165.00 -you can make 3 9x9 cheesecakes w/ this can of blueberries)


Direction:

Do the CRUST

Mix crushed graham, white sugar & melted butter. Then chill overnight.

Do the CREAM:

Beat all purpose cream until thick & fluffy. Set aside.
On a separate bowl, beat creamcheese, slowly add condensed milk, then add melted non flavored gelatin.
Fold in all purpose cream to the creamcheese mixture.
Pour the mixture to the crust. Then chill.
Top with blueberries.

No Rice Diet

My college friends and I have been chatting online since last week. Ampy who's living in the states with her family will be arriving in December to attend the house warming of her sister. Upon learning this good news, Ezria who's working in Singapore decided to come home in the same month to spend Christmas with her daughters. We want to take this opportunity to have a get together. There's actually 6 of us in the group, Ampy, Ezria, Josielyn, Michelle, Marlyn and your's truly.

I don't want to attract the attention of my friends because of my size so now I'm pressuring myself to lose weight and look good which is why I started a No Rice diet since Oct. 06. So far so good and I think it's working. I eat anything and everything except rice. I eat ham and cheese sandwich or pandesal in the morning with a cup of coffee. I eat viand without rice, of course, or pasta or whatever is available in our canteen during lunch. And for my dinner, I'll have apple or oatmeal. A lot of people said it's difficult to get away with the staple food and I beg to disagree. I've proven it's all in the mind. There are many alternatives, you just have to get used to it, especially if you are like me determined to get slimmer in 2 months.

I knew two people who undergone No Rice diet and lost so much weight. It's not an overnight thing. It took them months or a year to eliminate the unwanted pounds but what matters most is the determination and discipline they inculcated and executed just to succeed in the end. They are my living proof and these people have inspired me without them knowing it.

There are so many diet pills that you can buy over the counter, not to mention, diet teas, some are cheap and most of them are expensive. Admittedly, I tried taking a diet pill which I don't even remember the name, recommended by an officemate, though, there were no harmful changes I've experience, still, I stop taking the pill for fear that it'll cause me side effects later on.

I'll stick on No Rice Diet and hopefully when I update you after 2 months, I already shed some pounds and feeling sexier and looking WOW.

Generic vs Branded Medicines

Yesterday morning, my colleague Bobot and I joined coach Honey, Dencio and Ryan during breakfast. Coach Ryan happens to own a drugstore in their barangay, the topic about generic and branded medicines was opened when I ask about cough and colds medicine that were banned by federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US, this was featured in the news last week. Also, emails pertaining to this issue was circulating in the internet. Included in the list of banned medicine is DIMETAPP which is my daughter's favorite. I find it effective which is why dimetapp is always available in our medicine cabinet. The reason for this action is because of the antihistamine ingredient contained that can cause death.

Generic name is the official medical name for the active ingredient of the medicine whereas brand name is the trade name the manufacturer gives to the medicine. The brand name is chosen by the manufacturer, usually on the basis that it can be recognised, pronounced and remembered by health professionals and members of the public. An example would be Dimetapp which is the brand name and Brompheniramine as the generic name.

I learned from Coach Ryan that Bureau of Food And Drug (BFAD) here in the Philippines is requiring all doctors to write in their prescription both the brand and generic name of the medicines, this way, patients will have options wether to buy the branded or generic medicines whichever they can afford. And the consequence for failing to so do is losing the doctor's medical liscense, at the same time penalty of certain amount. BFAD is proactive in doing surprised and random visits to drugstores to check on the prescriptions if doctors are following the BFAD order. We were thinking doctors prefer to prescribe branded medicines because they are earning extra bucks for promoting them.

I really hope BFAD will continue and consistently doing the check because this is benefecial to majority, especially nowadays when prices of medicines is something to be taken seriously.

By the way, the name inside the box with capital letters in the package of a certain medicine is the generic name and the name underneath is the brand name.

New Headphone

Yesterday I proceeded to SM right after work. First stop, CDR King. I bought a headset worth Php75.00, unbelievebably cheap. This will be useful when voice chatting online with my husband. We can hardly hear each other and I also want my neighbors to avoid unintentional eavesdropping everytime I conversed with John. I also purchased colorful CD cases to where I can keep the cartoon DVDs of my kids, this will serve as a our collection. Last stop was SM Hypermarket for some groceries, then I went home.

On my way home, while inside the tricycle, I noticed power interruption in our street, what the F_CK!!!

Anyways, thanks to my brother, I was finally able to use the rechargeable lamp he bought me 2 weeks ago. The power interruption lasted for two and half hours, it was almost 9 o'clock when I turned on the PC and chat with John. While talking with my hubby for over 30 minutes, Acey fell asleep so I have to end the chitchat.

I'm happy that I was able to try the headset. I placed it back to its cover to make sure the kids won't play with it, so I can use it for a long time.

A Friend's predicament

Yesterday (Monday) was still my off. I woke up 5:30 am and prepared breakfast for my kids, the usual, hotdog and egg. CJ was off to school at 7am while Acey was fetched by the service at exactly 9.30am.

I chatted online with my friend Josielyn. I practiced active listening while she tell me her domestic problem, at the same time, giving her pieces of advise. Her son is picky and hard to feed, this has been an ongoing problem for years. If I am not mistaken the boy is underweight. He experienced dizziness and almost fainting. There are 3 doctors studying his condition and unanimously diagnosed the boy with vertigo.

According to Wikipedia, Vertigo, a specific type of dizziness, is a major symptom of a balance disorder. It is the sensation of spinning or swaying while the body is stationary with respect to the earth or surroundings. There are different types of Vertigo which you can find in the internet. I do not want to use this space to discuss everything about vertigo, my apology.

My friend is spending 1400 a day for antibiotic alone and they're not member of any HMO like Medicard or Maxicare.

I remember when my father told me that his priority in life is HEALTH and I agreed. Health is Wealth and I always tell my friends I'd rather NOT have millions as long as members of my family are free from sickness or illness of some sort.

Going back to Josielyn, we also discussed issues with her husband. Funny is, I've had the same issue with my hubby in the past, No, it's not about third party, well Yes, sex is involved but for me the main issue here is COMMUNICATION. The wife is trying so hard to figure out the problem while the husband is evading discussion.

The only advise I gave my friend based on my experience is, NEVER discuss any issue in a confrontational way, find a perfect timing. DON'T ever act like you know everything, men hate it. Most importantly, Love your husband the way he is. Appreciate his qualities and accept his imperfections.

At the end of the day, I realized that couple will always experienced conflicts as they discover their differences but it's how you accept each other imperfections with patience and understanding. Afterall, in a relationship, it takes two to tango.

Simply Amazing

Yesterday, my kids and I went to SM Clark not because of the mall wide sale but to apply for Smart Broadband service. We were at the SMART service center at exactly 12nn, I filled up the application form and paid php999.00 at the cashier and since I don’t enjoy bumping into a lot of people due to mall wide sale while I have kids to look out, I decided that we go to Robinson Mall in Abacan. We had our lunch at Greenwich for a change. The food in KFC and Jollibee is already boring for me and no longer appetizing. I ordered meal number 3 of their Big Time Meal promo for CJ and Acey, which consists of chicken, spaghetti, a rectangle slice of pizza and a regular soda and I ordered peach float for myself, but don’t worry guys, I consumed all the left over of my kids unswervingly and left Greenwich stomach full.



We arrived home around 2 pm and after putting the groceries in order, the installers from SmartBro were knocking at our door ready to set up our broadband connection, SMART is simply AMAZING!!! This is the fastest service I have encountered in my entire life. It only took them less than 30 minutes to complete the installation and I’m already on the internet via broadband, AWESOME!!!

Before, I was only on 32 kbps connection to check my yahoo mails and chat with my husband and can’t even attempt to surf the net, the slow connection is unbearable.

The monthly fee is Php999, a bit pricey but it’s worth it. Last night, we were chatting with my husband, he can see the kids through viewcam and I can see how pleased he was with uninterrupted online connection.



Speaking of webcam, I’ve tried different brands and all are blurry. My brother have done the same until he discovered A4tech viewcam worth Php750 only.

I now have faster connection and a clear webcam, no more reason to complain but to enjoy the internet world.

Lucky Day

Lucky Day

My hubby resigned from his previous company in Dubai Last June 2007 and came home in July of the same year because we planned that he move to Qatar to where my sister Que is currently working and residing. We thought there are better opportunities awaiting him in that country.

Prior to arrival of my husband from Dubai, I did a nine consecutive Fridays of prayers in APO chapel with a wish that John will be able to surpass the medical exam knowing his health condition. He has hypertension and used to take maintenance medicine. And that he may leave for Qatar as tourist without any problem and my wishes were granted.

He left for Qatar last September 25, 2 days after the first year death anniversary of his mom. 5 days later, he was called for an initial interview in the company that my sister is working for. Yesterday, I went to Apo chapel to pray that John maybe able to get a job at least before his tourist visa will expire. Today, John had a final interview with the General Manager of the company and HE GOT HIRED!. He signed the offer letter immediately after the interview which states the starting salary, benefits such as free accommodation and transpo and a promise of salary increase if John would perform his job above expectations.

I bet my husband would consider this day as one of his luckiest.

I thank the Heavenly Father for not failing me, for granting every little wish I ask from Him. For helping me out execute my goals little by little.

Extra Income

This is actually my third blog. I already have one in AOL that I stopped updating and another one in Friendster which is still existing but didn't have recent posts 'coz I got too busy with my OFW hubby. And this one is special because I'm going to earn money out of it. I have always wanted to do something that would improve my financial freedom. I've been seeing my officemates engaged in online business and earn big bucks. In as much as I want to do the same, my time is devoted to my kids, office and household chores. Since I am interested doing diary online, I can commit to this online blogging. I have a lot share to other people, my life experience as a person, a wife and a mom. How I perceive things in a positive way no matter how ugly the situation may be. Gracias to Arlene for introducing me this PayPerPost and Vic for helping me out create this blog today. Yesterday, my close friend here in the office told me that she wanted to know everything that would also make her earn money, so now, it's my turn to share this to my friend.