in the ice caverns..

Bookworm

2010-07-27T02:57:00.000-07:00

A few days ago my daughter and I were in Books For Less (where we usually stop by just because Sophie LOVES looking at new books) - then I thought maybe I can start reading something myself. I've been craning my neck and killing my wrist trying to get a good read from my mobile phone, which is not bad for the first 15 minutes, after that all I can think about is to find something else to do that's less painful..

Since I couldn't find the time to snuggle on a chair and waste my hours away on a good book, I've been satisfying my hunger for literature via free eBook downloads and have been stuck reading Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's masterpieces (mainly just the novels on Sherlock Holmes.) Not that I'm complaining, really! I absolutely adore that quirky detective but I've found some of the once intriguing cases easy to solve. I still love reading them anyway.

So back to that day at that book thrift store, I found myself looking around the fictional section and usually when I look for books I am drawn to bestsellers and well-know authors - and in this particular instance was no different. My eyes caught Stephen King... Bag of Bones.

I love him and how he writes his novels. I know most of his work are dark and into the macabre - but I've always been fascinated with his kind of stories. It's creepy but you just can't help but keep turning the pages. I remember reading one story from Four Past Midnight in the middle of the night, alone in my room.. creep-tastic!

I recall seeing Bag of Bones on the bookstore shelves over a decade ago and wished I could buy it. Of course back in college, I didn't have the money to just head on over to the bookstore and buy whichever I wished... so that was that...

When we got home from shopping I was so anxious to read the book, but alas, I needed to sleep early for work tomorrow. I finally got to read it while in the loo - don't ask! But within the first chapters I was ready to ball my eyes out! (Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating a bit but for real I was touched!)

Stephen King is just good with words and visuals.. it's like actually being in that very moment. Unlike some writers (Stephenie Meyer, take a hint!) who writes like a 14-year old girl.

I don't get the utter madness over these Twilight books.. Sure, Robert Pattinson made it all look "attractive" on screen but if they hadn't turned those into movies... Gee, I don't think I would've remembered reading any of it at all! Those so-called vampires are nothing compared to Ann Rice's Lestat. Now THAT was a super sexy vampire... and I didn't even have to imagine Tom Cruise to see that.

Gleek!

2010-06-02T22:42:00.000-07:00

Eversince I heard Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" sung by the Glee cast, I have been hooked! I just can't get enough of that show. I wouldn't say the story as ground breaking... but the music definitely is engaging. They have a really talented cast and a quirky storyline.

I love everything about it. And I just find myself constantly laughing or singing along.

It's truly a breath of fresh air. I've gotten sick of all the crime, drama and whatnot that they constantly dish out on TV. I've almost skipped television altogether if not for this little gem.

Glad I was able to catch up with this season as it is about to come to it's end next week! I wonder what season 2 has in store for us GLEEKS!? I'm really excited about it!

Use Somebody!

2010-05-05T20:25:00.000-07:00

'Use Somebody' by Kings Of Leon

I love this song!

Fresh Home-made salsa..

2010-04-29T21:58:00.000-07:00

Just enjoyed our lunch with this yummy fresh salsa.. arguably way better than the bottled version.

And is best enjoyed with tacos and nachos..

which reminds me..

I'll be eating some later as I watch a nice romcom! ;P

Bitter icing on an already rotting cake...

2010-04-19T20:51:00.000-07:00

Notice: From the looks of the title alone.. you shouldn't expect daisies and sunshine on this post.

It's been too long, and I didn't even want any of it.

I'm a very weird person (you haven't noticed?) and there are certain peculiarities that I would like to maintain... I'm not entirely a selfish person, I'm occasionally known to be quite generous. But, dealing with lazy (freeloaders) on a daily basis can wear me out.

People with no clear idea on how to be grateful. Nutters, absolutely nutters!

Alex Lambert - Everybody Knows (American Idol)

2010-03-12T04:19:00.001-08:00

He could've done so much more.. too soon... too soon!
I wish AI will bring him back as a wild card! Such a waste! boo!

Lilly Scott Lullaby of Birdland (American Idol)

2010-03-12T04:02:00.001-08:00

Bring her back!

Reindeer Baby

2010-03-12T02:02:00.001-08:00

This was taken last Christmas (2009) while we were at the local mall. My daughter Sophie, decided that it was time to take a break from all the walking...

Life's a Beach!

2010-01-15T20:01:00.000-08:00

The weather is supposed to be hot... they say it's the dry season... but why does the bleeping weather forecast show otherwise?!

The sea is calling to me...

I need to get into that swimsuit before it stops fitting me right. :-p

I wish this weather would make up it's mind already!

Beach here I come... :-)

It's a Very Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T18:39:00.000-08:00

This Christmas is way better than last year's.

We have a happy little girl who makes us smile and laugh.
We have a great job and an equally great boss.
Our family is happy and healthy.

Things are looking up for us.

Thank you Jesus, you made it all happen...

Happy Birthday to You..

Politics... sucks!

2009-11-25T16:12:00.000-08:00

The news about the massacre in Maguindanao is everywhere. It's all you can read or watch about. It's proven too much for me as I've started dreaming of armed men just shooting their guns at everyone and anyone they see.

I am totally aghast about how powerful these families have become. Seeing the poor regular folks living around their huge mansions; their big private armies that they use for God knows what!

And to know that those in power ran in the elections UNOPPOSED! It's ridiculous!

I hate talking about politics... in fact, I hate politics itself!

People who go into politics "may" have good intentions in mind, at first. But power is so destructive that most of them become corrupted by it. They lose their conscience and their respect for other people (especially, those they are supposed to be serving.)

Oh, I am sure that our government will do EVERYTHING in their power to put those criminals to justice. But, with how things are going... I doubt that the real masterminds will ever be caught.

I'm pretty sure that a handful of scapegoats will pop up and be persecuted, while the real murders get to roam free - laughing at how they got out of that without a scratch.

It's disgusting!

Online... working!

2009-11-23T02:47:00.000-08:00

I’ve been working online for almost 4 years now. I love the flexibility and how I can be close with my family whilst still trying to earn for a living. For a mother like me, being away from your child is hard. I can’t imagine myself going to work, spending all my day in an office and wasting valuable time traveling to and fro – with very little time left to offer my kid.

Getting an online job is not difficult at all. You just need to go ahead and search for jobs that are being offered as “work from home” or “telecommute.” There are hundreds of them out there - with a variety of fields to choose from. You can go to Craigslist.org or sign up in Getafreelancer.com to search for one.

Of course, like in any other job, you need to play on your strengths and skills. You’re not going to apply for a programming job if writing is really your strong point, are you? Besides, the current trends now are jobs that deal with data entry, research and writing.

In fact, if you know how to use the Internet, have average computer knowledge and average English skills – you are as good as hired!

Most employers (and I am specifically talking about those outside the Philippines) look for so-called “Virtual Assistants.” These are people that they hire to do the tiresome and miniscule work for them. Tasks like sending out email to prospects, searching for contacts, creating email or social networking accounts – things that they don’t have to bother doing themselves, in other words – easy jobs.

I’m sure most people can do these tasks and some employers wouldn’t even bother if you have previous experience or not. They can test you out for a week or even a month, and if you give them solid results – you’re in!

When it comes to getting paid, there are now several ways to get them. But it is advisable that you already have a bank account that allows fund transfers, especially from Xoom or PayPal. If you don’t have one, you can still get your payment via local money remittance companies like, Cebuana Lhuillier or LBC. I prefer to have it go straight to the bank, though.

The best I’ve tried so far is PayPal, more so now because it has allowed withdrawals to Philippine banks like BPI. Once my client sends in his payment, I can withdraw that and have it sent to my bank automatically. And in less than 3 days it’s deposited in my bank account.

Aside from accepting online payments, it too works great if you need to transfer money or make purchases – as it is the most safest and popular service out there.

All you need to do is sign up to PayPal for either a Personal or Premier account. However, if you’re going to be working from home, Premier is the way to go. It has all the benefits of a Personal account like; sending money, receiving money, purchasing online AND you can get paid by credit/debit card. That last part allows for prospective clients to have more flexibility when paying you.

If you want to keep earning and also have lots of bonding time with your family, like me, you may want to give working from home a shot.

Work toys...

2009-11-16T05:16:00.000-08:00

I'm so glad that FINALLY, we bought new laptops and got our old ones some much needed rest.

We've had them for almost 4 years! They were great and we were glad that we had them. They served their purpose and were really good at it for so long. But times have changed and they just can't catch up with the ever changing world of technology...

Thank you.. good bye.

Well what do you know, I'm still alive! HA!

2009-09-18T09:15:00.000-07:00

My last post here was when we recently just moved to our new rented house. Well, fast forward 6 months and we are itching to move yet again! This time, hopefully, to our very own house! Yes, finally!

We are not 100% sure if this is really happening but we are keeping our fingers crossed. We don't want to jinx any of it and we'll only totally believe that it's real - once we have the keys to the house in our hands!

What has happened in the last 6 months?

Ups and downs... same as everybody else's, I guess.

Since we moved, we obviously had to give up our Internet shop business. We sold all our computers, save for one that we kept for our own use. And because of that, my husband did not have a job for a few weeks right up until my current boss hired him! Thank, God!

Ever since then, things have been working really well. We have been able to save enough to afford a down payment for a new house. The subdivision we found (and fell in love with) is so great! With a community swimming pool, quiet neighborhood and a school nearby! The only downside to it is that it's miles away from anybody. Good thing we don't really have to worry about travelling to go to work, so it still works out.

I can't wait to move already. I've been imagining time and again about the decorating the place. I guess, I still have a few more months to do all that. Life is good to us!

Moved!

2009-03-13T10:45:00.000-07:00

We are now living in our new home, albeit still renting...

We've been here since last Friday and I must say it has grown on me already. I feel like I've been living here for months. Inside the house anyway. The neighborhood has yet to entice.

My daughter looks like she hasn't noticed the change in scenery and has taken to walking around the house several times, whenever we open the doors. She seems to enjoy it here and that is a BIG PLUS!

My husband, on the other hand, just loves it here. Well, if you do compare it with the last place we lived in... you would love it here, too!

On the move... (almost)

2009-02-23T05:04:00.000-08:00

We just can't wait to get our butts out of our current home. I think we've outgrown all the gossiping, unbelievably disrespectful and thick-faced neighbors that unfortunately surrounds us.

We've recently had a few brushes with above-mentioned characters and realized that it's just not worth it. Besides, handling the internet shop alongside having a toddler to take care of (and not to mention all the chores in the house!) is just too burdensome. It's not like we are getting loads of money off it, anyway...

We also can't stand that almost every night groups of teens gather in front of our house and do whatever they will, with no awareness of other people's property. And not only that, it's just not conducive to raise a kid in an environment where parents tolerate their kids to drink, smoke, swear (and God knows what else...) Ugh! Makes me sick!

To sum it all... we've just had it! Two years is enough and we just can't endure much longer.

Unfortunately, we have yet to produce enough funds to get the house that we've found. Which incidentally is exactly what we're looking for. Plus, it's close to both my husband's and my family. We don't have to spend too much on gas or the travel to and fro.

I just wish we can finally make enough money by the end of the month so we can curtail any further bills... Back to work, then!

Worried...

2009-01-14T06:31:00.000-08:00

After a fun morning, filled with dancing and laughing... my daughter suddenly fell ill.

She started vomiting and initially, I thought she must've just had too much milk to drink. But after her early nap at around 11am (forgoing her lunch, I might add) she woke up vomiting again. And now, with a temperature!

She wouldn't eat and anything she drinks she just vomits right out.. Poor baby!

We think it might be food poisoning, but she doesn't have diarrhea. She's just so sleepy and looks very weak/tired. She's been sleeping all day and occasionally wakes up only to fall back to sleep again.

I've searched the web and think that it might be UTI... and hoping that it's NOT meningitis! I'm worried that she hasn't had anything to eat since this afternoon. Only a few sips of juice.

I hope she gets better tomorrow. We'll definitely go to her pediatrician for a check up, first thing...

Daily Routine

2009-01-09T21:34:00.000-08:00

Ever since my aunt left last December, working at home has almost become impossible...

My daughter usually wakes up first at around 7am and so I must, too. She needs to eat early or she'll start crying. So, I get up and fix her some food and our breakfast as well.

By the time we've all fed and bathed, it's already 10am and I need to cook lunch. If I don't it will be a lot harder to do, since there would already be a ton of people at our Internet shop and my husband won't be able to help me with Sophie.

After all the chores, I can then start my work at around 11:30am onwards. Interrupted from time to time by my daughter's pleads to watch her favorite movie or for me to play with her.

And if that isn't frustrating enough, I have to endure Internet down times that lately has become so frequent, I might as well just have it disconnected. But I can't! We need it...

My work is all concentrated on using the Net so if it's constantly down, nothing gets done. And I am just doomed!

It's working well today, though. So, I'm going to take advantage and do LOTS of work today. Or else, I have a sinking feeling that my boss will finally just give up and let me go. He's been so nice so far and I really appreciate that.

Back to work!

It's a sad Christmas

2008-12-23T19:35:00.000-08:00

When I was around 6 years old, I remember getting a hint of Christmas fast approaching just by smelling the chill in the air. It was my sign, that the happiest time of the year is almost upon us and that I would soon receive a ton of gifts from my family and godparents. Naturally, I get excited every time I get a whiff of that cold air.

As I grew older though, the air and my enthusiasm sort of waned. I try to sniff as hard as I could but can't get that feeling back again..

And now this Christmas feels extra heavy...

I wish that somehow the season can work some of its magic on people who are somewhat jaded. How I wish that they will open their hearts a little bit more and learn to forgive.

Life is short. We don't know just how many more Christmas-es are left for us. Why not forget our differences and accept other people in our hearts. We are all the same people.

No more labels. No more criticism. No more hate.

Love, love, love.

Merry Christmas.

Step in to my ice cavern...

2008-12-17T21:45:00.000-08:00

I just deleted my old Gmail account and along with it my old blog which surpisingly was NOT deleted at all. You can still visit the blog, albeit it will be in stasis for i-don't-know-how-long.

I was hoping that I could continue using it but with my new Gmail but couldn't work out how to transfer. Blah.. I'm over it! And now here with this new blog!

Lots of things to get out of my chest... I just hope my hands and internet connection can keep up!

A new blog!

2008-12-17T21:30:00.000-08:00

Hello, blogosphere!