Sick

There's nothing worse than waking up in the morning and feeling a lump in your throat. To me, this always signals the start of a sore throat and then a bad cold. It's always been like this for me, especially during the BER months. But this year it came a bit early, probably because Sabine was sick with a bad cough for about 2 weeks. It was only a matter of time before I caught it. As usual, I'm the last to get it (Neal and Anissa had short bouts, thankfully). But what's even worse is waking up in the morning and knowing you have no choice but to go to work despite feeling under the weather.

I coughed and sniffed no end during the Excomm meeting this morning. I couldn't even go through my TWO slides without letting out a cough. And the fact that the airconditioning in the office makes one feel like an eskimo did not help at all! I've learned to keep a pashmina shawl handy, in one of my office drawers. But today, even with my shawl I was insufficient. My colleague, Colin offered to make me some Pei Pa Koa hot tea after the meeting, but I got immersed in a lunch discussion with my boss that I totally forgot to go back to Colin with my coffee mug.

I don't know how I survived the rest of the day. I'm just so glad to be home and waiting for the masahista to arrive any minute now. I'm hoping tomorrow won't be so bad because yes, I still have to go to work.

Virus go away!!!

How do you cap a stressful week?

In my case, I had first planned on going to the URBAN BAZAAR at the Rockwell Tent on Saturday afternoon, before heading home from work. But in the car, after only less than 15 minutes of travel, I began to feel so sleepy and tired from working til midnight the night before. I decided to forego my original plan and instead called up NAILS AT HOME (with fingers crossed), hoping I could still get an appointment for the same day. MIRACLES DO HAPPEN hahaha!!! I was able to get one at 5:30 and told them to please note that aside from my usual mani-pedi, I badly needed a 30-minute Tension Release massage on my legs and feet, which had been complaining from the previous day.

Yesterday though, I thought of dropping by the bazaar anyway since Sabine was to take her afternoon nap and I had nothing else to do. So while she slept, I "escaped" and drove off to Rockwell (wow, it's been a while since I was last behind the wheel...it felt so good especially on a Sunday when there's zero traffic). The bazaar was packed so I only made one round and promised myself I'd get the first thing I liked. So...I ended up with these!

From a stall called SUMMERSAULT. The shoes are supposedly Korea-made and they were dirt cheap at P900! I scrutinized the leather, stitching and espadrille detailing and almost immediately after they found my size, I shouted SOLD! I left right after and proceeded to Rustan's Supermarket (where I ended up with more bags).
It felt really, really good to have gone around by myself. No pressure whatsoever. I plopped in bed as soon as I got home, woke up at 8pm just in time for dinner and slept again at 11pm hehehe!

Today's even better because I didn't have to wake up at 5:30am! Hope you're all enjoying the long weekend!!!

I hate being flat footed!

I don't normally dwell on this...except when I'm reminded of it. Throughout my 40 years, I've had some accidents that can be blamed on this inborn "defect", if I can call it that. I won't go into detail because while it may sound funny to a lot of people (how I've fallen in the most public of places), I hate to sometimes recall how these things happened because of the embarassment these past experiences have caused (more painful on the pride than on the body, is what I mean). To put it bluntly, I am probably the most LAMPA person on the planet!

My latest "escapade" involving my flat feet happened last Friday at work. I had never been to the property site, the one which my office is developing right across our corporate building. It was a Friday and I was dressed casually (note : flat thong sandals) so I figured it was the best time to go and check things out. The place is still dusty, with lots of things scattered on the floor and construction materials just about everywhere. I managed to grab a face mask, couldn't find a hard hat (apparently, the law is not very strict about that here unlike in the States) but proceeded anyway. I hadn't been there for 10 minutes when it all happened. It was so quick! Before I knew it, I was sprawled on the floor with a bloody left arm. Apparently, I tripped over a steel bar. My right foot got caught while walking so I literally flew a few inches above floor-level and landed on uneven cement. In fact, the floor was still very rough, which is why my arm took quite a beating. It felt more like sliding into homebase. Everyone moved quickly, helped me up and took me to the nurses on the ground floor. I had to sit there for about 10 minutes because there was ringing in my ears and my vision became blurry --- surely I knew I was going to faint. Fortunately, because I chose to stay still, it didn't happen.

Back in my office, the nurse accompanied me so she could clean up my wound and that's where I realized how bad it was. Near my left elbow was a gigantic scrape. I surveyed it to see the real extent of the wound and I almost fainted again when I did. The nurse proceeded to clean it and I sat there, quietly wincing in pain. She refused to dress it at first, saying it would heal much faster uncovered. But I insisted because it looked too gross to expose. My knee was also badly hurt. Good thing I was wearing jeans (which were not damaged at all === hurrah for F21!!!), which prevented abrasions BUT my right knee took quite a beating as well. It's swollen as I type and I can't put too much pressure on it when walking up and down the stairs.

I'm really worried that the wound might leave a nasty scar. But I guess I'll worry about that later. Meantime, it's been such hard work just to shower and I really hate it everytime I need to clean and re-dress it. This will be part of my daily get up from now on, until I can manage to be without it...

Bummer, right?

9 years!!!

We originally planned on celebrating in Cafe Juanita, one of our favorite "date" places. We would always have lunch at this cozy, quaint place in Bo. Kapitolyo Pasig when we were just starting out But Sabine had other plans! She was totally insistent and wanted to buy a dollhouse. She simply didn't stop until she got what she wanted. We ended up in Shang Mall so we could get her toy from Rustan's and had to deal with the payday weekend crowd. Settled for another favorite, C2 on the 6th level.

There you go, Sabine! NOW can we have dinner???

My default PINOY drink

Seared Tilapia with Coconut Emulsion

Lumpiang Lucena

My favorite at C2 : Crispy Kare Kare!

9 years and counting!!!
(crappy photos courtesy of my Nokia E71 because I forgot to bring the camera)

How was your week?

Been a while since I blogged about something other than a product or restaurant so here I am beginning what's left of my weekend with this long overdue entry. Yes, I only have a little over 1.5 days left before the work week begins again. I went back to fulltime corporate work just last week, after an almost 2-year stint as a consultant. I miss my 3-day work week, my flexible schedule and the work-from-home scenario.

I miss Plurking and Facebook-ing during the day and being able to run personal errands whenever I want. I miss being at home with Sabine the whole day and being home when Anissa gets off the bus from school. I miss having to stay up late, especially waking up lazily on a Saturday morning because I have half-day work on Saturdays. Now it's back to those all too familiar bouts with evening rush hour traffic (mornings aren't bad at all for me). Thank God for the family driver because I can take cat naps in the car and not be mainit ang ulo when I get home. Now it's back to making endless phonecalls to the house just to check on what's going on and finding it hard to put the phone down all the time because Sabine wants to talk and talk. Now it's back to coffee breaks and praying for 6pm to come so I can leave work and be with my loved ones. Now it's back to having mini fashion shows in the bathroom at night, picking out what to wear to work the next day. I can look at this as a huge setback and say, "Bummer!!!". Yeah I can. But I won't because that's just not how I see it. Sure I miss a lot about my old life, I really do. But I don't dwell on that because I feel extremely blessed to be in the situation I'm in right now. At the ripe age of 40, how many of us can brag about a career opportunity such as the one that came to me, without my even looking? I feel like I'm at the final stretch of my life as a careerwoman. In a few years, the opportunities will just stop coming and I don't want to live out the rest of my years thinking about the ones that I allowed to get away simply because I ignored them. A friend told me, it was a really brave move on my part to go fulltime again. Corporate life can be very draining and she's right. I guess it was really so brave of me to have gone back, after living such a simple and quiet life for the past how many years.

But like i said, I would rather have no regrets later on. If (knock on wood!) this doesn't work out, then I can atleast say that I gave it a try. At the moment, I feel like I'm at the top of my game. This past week, my first back at work, was a truly exciting one. I'm being trusted with this huge responsibility! I have a total of 49 people in my team, with a few more scheduled to be hired. I'm part of the company's Executive Committee, which means that once a week I'd find myself inside the board room sitting at a long table with about a dozen other people, some my Dad's age! I can look at this with much intimidation, after all, they're obviously a lot older than me and so much more experienced at what they do. Instead, I consider it an honor that I was handpicked for this position and am now in the company of seasoned executives. How many of us can say that? I go around the building and everyone calls me "Ma'am"...something I need to get used to because I prefer being called by my first name, even by rank and file employees. But the hotel/travel industry is different this way. The courtesy that hotel guests receive from frontliners is something that even top management and people in the back office are trained to give. We are all one another's customers. But I'm getting derailed here...

Saturday's almost over and I didn't even feel it. I fell asleep soon after I got home from work at 2pm and woke up just before I wrote this. Tomorrow will go by just as quickly I'm sure. Then it will be Monday again, but that's okay. I'm in my best element and I'm happy to be feeling this way despite the challenges that loom in the distance. I know there will be lots of stressful days ahead...I can already feel it. But again, that's okay. This blessing just totally outweighs all the odds.

Oh and before I forget...I'd like you to meet my temporary office. They said I should have a bigger one. I'm hoping they give me a couch so I can take catnaps at lunchtime hahaha!

Notice that my in-tray is half full and it was only Wednesday when I took this photo!

My constant companions...Malaysian coffee and cookies to munch on when I'm deep in thought or simply needing a short breather.

On my very first day last Monday
Have a very happy weekend everyone! Hope you're all counting your blessings too!

Save or Splurge? Both!

Yes, I did both today. I splurged on one thing and saved on another.

This is today's "save". ELF Cosmetics' Contour Blush and Bronzer. This is from ELF's Studio Line. Their regular products sell for $1 each. Those in their studio line cost $3 each, this blush/bronzer set included. If you look closely at the blush, you'll see gold flecks, which remind me of NARS' Orgasm blush. This one's just a tiny bit lighter in the pan. The bronzer looks too dark though, so I'm thinking of using it on my eyes instead. I love the packaging because it makes the product look more expensive. See the big mirror? That's a big plus for me as well. For approximately PHP 150, how can anyone complain?

Up next...my splurge!

I've been debating with myself on what NARS blush shade to get because there are so many interesting shades to choose from! I'm tired of the famous Orgasm (but I do like it, don't get me wrong) and wanted to try others. I placed an online order for Deep Throat and that's coming next month. Today though, I couldn't resist dropping by the NARS counter inside Essenses in Glorietta and after trying 3 or 4 different shades, I ended up with this

NARS blush in Madly. It looks mighty scary in the pan but on my medium warm skin with yellow undertones (I use MAC Studio Fix Foundation in NC35 or 40, depending on the time of year), it looked surprisingly natural! I forgot to do a roadtest first before purchasing this out of too much excitement. I'm acidic so I need to spend an hour, sometimes 2, going around with makeup on to see if I still like the way it looks on me once it sets.

Makeup junkies everywhere know that in terms of staying power, NARS has the best blushes in the market. NARS blushes now cost PHP 1,350, just a bit more expensive than MAC's which cost PHP 1,200 each.

Photos of me wearing these to come soon!

Classic!!!

OMG I love this video! Ladies in my generation, didn't you just LOVE the Tigers when they were still a popular group during the Penthouse Days? I have to admit, they really were so good. Here they are practicing with Michael V. and the late Francis M. for a spot number on EB. Come to think of it ... MJ and FM up there dancing a storm? Must be one hell of a party!

Luk Foo Cantonese Cuisine

Our first time here, at the branch in front of the Duty Free store in Paranaque. Tired from shopping, we were all so hungry and this was the nearest place we could grab a bite. There are actually two of them side by side : the other one is the Luk Foo Hot Pot Resto.

Roast Duck on Rice

Lapu Lapu with Tausi on Rice

Sweet n Sour Pork on Rice

Yang Chow Fried Rice --- walang kamatayan

Crispy Noodles with Seafood

Pork Siomai
Har Gao

AND MY ALL TIME FAVORITES...

Hot and Sour Soup and Steamed Spareribs with Tausi!!!

Would I go back? Yes, I would!

Simply the GREATEST

I can't think of any other word to describe the person and his music. My recognition of Michael Jackson began in 1979 when his album OFF THE WALL was released. I was 10. And I've been a huge fan since then. My copy of OFF THE WALL is kept in tact in my childhood home, my iPod is filled with all of my favorite MJ songs which I listen to almost on a daily basis. People all over the world can't believe he's moved on. I join the rest of his fans in saying that MJ's music will live on, despite his absence.

He will never be misunderstood again.

You're in NEVERLAND now, MJ --- for real.

MAC Love

I think I've finally found it. The perfect MAC lipstick-lipgloss tandem, one that works for me! I've been a loyal MAC fan (especially of their face powders and lip products) and on my recent trip to HK, the SA at the Ocean Terminal counter was really patient with me while I chose the stash I was to take home. My "go to" MAC lipstick shade these days is
Viva Glam V...

But I was having a difficult time finding the right shade of lipgloss to top it off with. One that won't drown the color on my lips. Until the friendly SA suggested these...

MAC's Plushglass in Ample Pink (on top) and Fullfilled (bottom)

The girl really knew her MAC lippies well! On hindsight, I should've given her a commendation for her readiness and eagerness to help. These are my HG lipgloss shades from now on.

Here I am wearing Viva Glam V lipstick and Ample Pink Plushglass. Now if only I remembered to get a lip pencil!

False Advertising?

I'm sure you guys must have heard about this promo which ended yesterday. My SIL is a Citibank credit card holder so she was one of the many who was attracted by this deal. She went to two stores : Bass and Ecco. At Bass, she was told they had run out of items on sale. That's acceptable, I guess. Since the promo didn't state that everything in the partner stores was included. But she was surprised when she went to Ecco. The SA's reply to her was, "Ma'am wala ho kami nyan".

First off, the store is part of the Store Specialists group. Secondly, the details of the promo as seen HERE clearly state that Ecco is a participating store.

So what was up with the SA's reply? Did anyone else encounter the same problem?

7 Days to Go!

The UAAP Season (72) is opening on Saturday, July 11. I can't believe how fast time flies! This year will be hosted by Far Eastern University. PLEASE tell me you'll be responsible about ticket allocation! Last year was a killer!

This year's theme, "One Color, One Goal" is represented by the Sarimanok whose colors are those of the different competing universties. I'm going to miss seeing JV Casio play but I'm sure he'll be present at the games somehow. Are the Archers ready to fight it out this year? I'm hoping Arvie Bringas (our prized rookie) lives up to everyone's high expectations. I hear he was most sought after and is really good.

See you at the Araneta on Saturday!

ANIMO LASALLE!!!

Photo credit : Biag Ken Siak on Wordpress

Shoe Love!

My love affair with shoes seems to just go on and on. I chanced upon this beeeyoootiful pair at the Duty Free store here at ... GUESS WHAT ... half the price! Being a seasoned bargain hunter surely goes well with the shoe hag tendency. Regular price was $95 so at 50% less, wouldn't you be jumping at the opportunity, too?

Those 3 1/2" stiletto heels may look daunting at first glance but the footbed is so soft, I'm almost sure I can last one whole day in these at work.

So proud of myself for snagging another great deal!

The Search is Over

It didn't take long before I decided which one to get. I immediately scrapped the idea of getting the LX3 or the G10 because of the price difference (about HK$ 1,800 over my set budget). The G10 was great, but I'm really basically a point and shoot person. The less I have to do, the better. So it was down to two Canon models as I previously blogged about : the Canon Ixus 100 IS or the Canon Ixus 110 IS. While the latter is newer, I didn't really like the feel of it in my hand. ERGO...

Meet my new baby! This is the Canon Ixus 100 IS. 12 megapixels, 3x zoom lens with optical image stabilizer, 2.5" LCD screen and a viewfinder (rather unusual for a compact digicam). It's tiny, measures only 18.4mm thick. I originally was eyeing the red one but in person it didn't look as attractive (wayyyyy too bloody for my taste). So I went for the gold. It's actually a bit coppery in color and I love it!!!

Here are a few test shots:

We bought it from Fortress which is Neal's preferred store when purchasing small gadgets in HK. I got a generous amount of freebies too : camera case, mini-tripod, 4GB SD card, flashdrive, extra battery (this was a big plus for me).

I know I made the right choice!

I want to ENJOY!

Have you all heard of this privilege card?

Each pack contains a card and a booklet filled with vouchers worth around P150,000. The card alone entitles you to discounts at participating outlets, while the vouchers offer different types of perks. Ergo, you can use one without the other. I think this is worth it, considering you only pay P1,495 and the card and vouchers are valid for a whole year.The card has tons of merchant partners so you'll definitely get a lot of mileage out of it. Dining, nightlife, shopping, health & beauty, live & learn (like Spanish and Nihonggo classes), travel --- these are the categories that the merchants fall under. I looked at the specific perks offered and they're not at all bad! I'm in the same line of work and I have to say, these people did really well. It ain't easy at all, getting establishments to give you discounts and/or freebies but I take my hat off to the group who brought this concept together and made it happen.

I'm definitely getting one for myself soon!

Can't Decide Which One

It's time to retire my present digicam and get a new one! I've actually been waiting to replace my camera. Really wanted the Panasonic Lumix LX3 at first but Neal is such a loyal Canon customer (makes sense because of the good after sales service they provide) so I guess I'll have to follow his lead. Question is...which of these two should I get?

This is what I really want...the Canon Ixus 100 IS (approximately Php22,000)

Here's the actual size. Aylavettttt!
(although I'm really leaning more towards the red one right now)

But Neal insists on this...the Canon Ixus 110 IS, approximately Php24,000. He really has a huge say about the gadgets that we buy because I'll admit, I'm not a techie at all.

Each model has its good and bad points. The one I want is sleeker and more fashionable looking but reviews say there's something awkward about the zoom feature. The 2nd one, on the other hand, is a bit heavier but with 4.0" zoom --- perfect for landscape and group photos.
Features wise, the 110 IS is of course more advanced --- hence, the difference in the price tag. Oh well, I guess it will all boil down to the "touch and feel" experience once I'm in the store. Whooooopeeeeeeee!!!

Turning Japanese!

I finally got to go to SAIZEN, the Japanese store in Robinson's Galleria where everything sells for P85 a piece. I thought I was going to end up with loads of stuff I don't need but I was a good girl (pressed for time was more like it). With aisles and aisles filled with everything imaginable, it's a bit hard to exercise self-control!

The entrance --- really wide and welcoming

This aisle excited me the most --- PENS!!!

Pouches in all colors, shapes and sizes

Reading glasses? Just find your grade and the style that best suits you. If you're just like my DH, you'll want to buy several of these. He keeps forgetting where he puts his so now, he has one in the car, one on his work desk and another one in the patio where we read our morning papers hahaha!

Baskets so cute! You can use these to put small food items or pastries and give them away during the holidays.

Japanese style dinnerware...I'm going back for these next time

Wooden serving utensils, so practical and useful

My little girl will go crazy when she sees these chopsticks!

PET bottles anyone? I don't know about you but I have a constant stock of these at home.

Those are all the photos I could manage to take. Too bad I totally forgot to take photos of my loot but here's what I got : Kitchen sponges, 3 sets of fabric woven coasters, some wooden spoons, cosmetic cleansing pads (130 pcs a box), a gazillion pens and gel rollers, markers, bull clips, pet bottles (of course) and wipe cloths. See? Nothing I don't need!
I

wish I had more time to go around. I would scour the aisles longer if I did. I'm hoping they open another branch soon, preferably in the Makati area. I don't frequent Robinson's Galleria too often, which is why I see myself going to the Japan Home Store (beside most DIY Hardware stores) in Greenhills more often like I'm used to. But in terms of variety, SAIZEN makes the Japan Home Store look so pathetic.

I've never really had a 30-minute shopping trip before. Much too short.
But this one was truly enjoyable despite the limited time.

Arigato Gozaimasu!