marklovesjolovesmark

A Work To Remember

2012-08-17T21:25:00.001+09:00

As I sit here typing this, I can't help but miss my first job, our first job together in one company. We were so fortunate. I mean, come on.. We tried applying thrice only and got the jobs quickly as possible. But to this company, I can say this one's different. Or maybe I thought it was because 'twas my first time.

We were eating at Red Ribbon (JESA IT-C branch) after an interview & orientation at a call center, saw a couple of smokers with resumes and brown envelopes, then we asked the security guard on duty what the eff was happening and whether or not there's a job hiring. We passed our resumes and we waited and waited for 6 hours. At first we thought it was hopeless because we were shortlisted but I was confident enough on our way home since this Tagalog guy (our boss) said he really want both of us to get the job.

2 or 3 days later, this particular company called us and said we can start the training in a few hours. Of course we were confused because the first call center we were at said we already have the job! On that very day, we dressed up and started our training at V Customer Cebu Philippines.

Made friends and foes. Made memories.

Sigh.

Happy All The Time

2012-08-17T20:04:00.001+09:00

6 years, 4 months and 27 days ago I gave birth to a healthy baby boy. I thought he would be the only child in the family. My first born son, who is giving the entire family a reason to smile.

But..

2 years passed, JC came along. A very observant little kid. When I was still carrying him inside my womb, I kept praying for a little girl however he's the opposite, but I knew he'd have the same hair as mine.

Time has gone quickly enough for me to realize that the latest addition to our family, is a smart and pretty little girl. Bet you didn't know that I wanted twins this time! Ha ha ha!

Some people say it's a burden to have many kids, and how unfortunate we can be. How could people say such horrible things! I know I'm the luckiest mom on earth because I have these three. Might have some more, TWINS (still on the list! ha ha ha).

My family. Enough reason to be happy all the time.

Lolo and Lola

2012-08-12T20:44:00.002+09:00

Grandparents.

They tell me wonderful stories about life when they were young. How everything is so opposite before and the very different childhood they had. For years I have witnessed their ups and downs so now I would like to share some more information about my Lolo Chato (grandfather) and Lola Narding (grandmother). They're the only grandparents I know. Lolo Chato is stiff, and acts like he doesn't care about what-when-where in our everyday life but I truly know that deep inside he does. While Lola Narding on the other hand, is so humble, forgetful (he he he at times) and a martyr.

My Lola says that Lolo worked all his life to earn money until he had his own business, audio and lighting hire for party and events. This doesn't just make music and lights, they make great sound and as far as I can remember, an awesome mobile set up with the help of his crew (consisted of some members of the family, i.e., cousins and uncle & friends of cousins). I'm not sure but I think the first DJ was Uncle Sergio, now it's my cousin, JP. Lolo also cooks this "ginaling / giniling" we used to buy at a kitchenette (ground pork with chopped carrots and whatever) with an egg and makes it an omelet, oh I can taste and smell it at this very moment!!! And you know what, I passed this simple recipe to my kids, they so love it and i do, too coz they keep adding rice every time I serve this special omelet! Hi hi hi hi...

Palm wine or "tuba / bahalina" in our dialect (Visayan | Leyte, Philippines) was popular when I was a kid. Mixed with Pepsi (now it's mixed with Coke since Pepsi is rare) was a favorite drink of Lola Narding. I do recall the taste of it especially when I hear someone saying that he/she misses this drink. Lolo would tease her (grandmother) in front of me that she's a drunk then Lola would pinch his ear. *sigh* I miss them everyday! Both of them were very supportive especially Lola Narding. She encouraged me to do anything that I was able to do. She was always there in my recognition and graduation days to put on awards and medals (though I didn't get too many, but I still did he he he). Also, she used to come after me from the internet cafe (year 1998 - 2002, we didn't have a personal computer at that time yet VERY LONG TIME) or at my bestfriend's house.

One quick fact for the readers who wasn't able to read my past blog regarding my grandparents, I was raised by them and lived with them.

I know many of you are wondering, where are they now? Well.. They live together at our house in Leyte and hopefully next year the five of us can transfer there to be a very happy family. I never realized how brilliant they are until the time I cried out loud missing them.

Nuisance.

2012-08-09T22:35:00.001+09:00

Now I caught your attention. Ain't nuthin' but a word to me, I was just saving some files (particularly photos) from Multiply to our computer.

On the joined pic above is when Mark and I had our first Holy Communion. Remembering the time you felt so holy inside the church, sang church songs gracefully, and for the first time, taking the hostia (which I honestly confess to you readers how I imagined taking it every time I went to church with my Aunt or Grandma, well I also thought every kid did).

Question.

Why did I choose these two photos? Hmm.. Because we haven't been praying much lately. I haven't. My kids as well. I know I don't need a motivation for a prayer, some of you might be wondering why. Okay, me too.

Heart-breaking News from Multiply

2012-08-09T20:37:00.002+09:00

It is indeed disruptive.

This afternoon, while I was transferring photos from our digital camera to the PC, I opened my multiply account to store them there. However, before directing to the media locker this message caught my attention. This is totally heart breaking, I mean.. For how many years?! 6 or 7 I think? I've always trusted this site with all my photos, videos, recipes, some blogs.

Now I am in the process of copying my pictures to my hard disk. Hope they won't be gone before I wipe out everything. Or else I'm doomed!

COMPASSION

2012-08-04T17:48:00.001+09:00

..is a weakness your enemies will not share.

I think I have finally got the right quote this time. That's why I never believed in "peace". Hope you got my point here. By the way I got this line from Henri Ducard from the movie Batman Begins (2005 movie).

NEW ON THE MENU

2012-08-03T17:10:00.000+09:00

Today I realized I should add a much more affordable sandwich on the menu. It's just the same size of a clubhouse sandwich and I even call it a clubhouse sandwich to avoid confusion from the customers (coz I already have regular sandwiches for sale HAM/EGG).

Normally, clubhouse sandwiches looks like these.. With fries or chips around it. However what I'm adding to my menu is without the real ham nor the egg. Bought sandwich spreads with different flavors in the grocery, the regular flavors I give my children as baon for school.

Tuna spread, ham spread and lastly, chicken spread. I know some of you might say 5.00 pesos is too much and/or is too cheap, but please do remember I'm not selling food for a living, this is to earn extra income. And these are our food found at home. We're all very glad the piso players help us finish our stocks (just think about the expiration dates when you groceried too much).

Makes sense?

Sunday Tagay

2012-08-02T09:27:00.002+09:00

Hi! You must be wondering what "tagay" means. Since I'm not good at translating Visayan to English things, I have http://www.binisaya.com to help me out.

Tagay [tá.gay.] : jag (n.) [inom]; pour a drink (v.); share a drink (v.)

I know all of you can see that what our helper gave our baby girl wasn't juice at all because the bottles found there are obviously beer bottles! Okay, Marie didn't get to drink beer 'coz she's still a baby (once her lip tasted the bitterness, she quickly gave it back to Jina). No harm, no foul done.

(Mark, Brian, Let & Normand)

To start with what really happened here.

These men are related somehow. From my husband's father's side of the family. It just so happened one night, guys were drinking beer & even talking about beer (that's not the worse part, trust me! ha ha ha ha).

Our kids willingly finished all the junk food that were supposed to be our "pulutan". Now don't ask me, go to the website I told you about. LOL

Here's one best photo from that night:

Oh, one fact or fiction maybe..?? Drinking beer increases a breastfeeding mom's milk supply. The internet says it's true but it ain't because of the alcohol. I'm no scientist or doctor to explain, you can ask professionals about it.

I also questioned my ob gynecologist and our baby's pediatrician, they say it's OK to drink beer when the baby is old enough. Well.. I didn't quite catch that. What do you know! When you ask 'em questions, you never get a clear answer. He he he.

Getting Ideas

2012-08-01T13:10:00.002+09:00

Normally I get ideas from almost anything! I know I tend to be clumsy and sometimes my ideas don't work.

Just my luck.

DIY Cupcake Frosting

2012-07-31T18:15:00.001+09:00

My children had been requesting chocolate cupcakes for their sister's birthday on September and I wanted to make it by myself. Unfortunately, we do not have an oven here so I came up with a bright idea.

You guys better watch out for the transformation of this regular cupcake we have been buying at the grocery store! I don't even have to think of those costly pastries and cupcakes we order from most bakeshops. As I've mentioned earlier, we do not have an oven so I can't bake and a ready-made is good enough. We have a toaster oven. Can that help? Ha ha ha!

Ever heard of Caro & Marie? They have all the good stuff from cake decors, ingredients, etc.! I discovered this back when I was in high school, they were located just beside the grocery store at the lower ground floor of SM City Cebu. I loved their plain chocolate bars which were sold at 25 pesos! But now it came up to 60 and up. Too bad. Anyway, they moved at APM Mall, the mall beside SM. I bought a couple of stuffs there all ready for Marie's party. The plan to buy some frosting will be next week (maybe), at this very convenient store.

Anybody else want to frost a ready-made cupcake? 'Coz I think I'm the only one. (LOL)

How Low Can You Go?

2012-07-29T19:29:00.000+09:00

The latest idea about having an internet cafe was both mine and my husband's. We have thought of it a long time ago but didn't focus on it because we clearly didn't know what to do next and that's why we just started.

I'm no expert of giving wild speeches, really, but I'll let you know what I know. For me, the best partner in starting a small business is your spouse/wife. Get the picture? It wasn't that difficult to decide.

So much for that.

Tonight I am able to boast with all my heart the menu we made for the computer players at home (yes, we do not rent since we have a lil space available). Most people who want to start their own business don't have a ton of money laying around and so do we. You may have heard it takes money to make money, but it's not necessarily true.

My humble husband wanted to start small, of course beginning with the rent of one computer unit. Like P 1.00 per 6 minutes. Then down to the players' snacks and/or meal, that's not more than P 30.00 (3/4 from a $). I trust my husband with his ideas and vice versa.

Do you also dream of starting your own business?

About Marie's Party

2012-07-23T11:54:00.000+09:00

In 6 weeks and 4 days, Love Marie will be two. Oh how time flies! I wanted her visitors to enjoy the party, mainly the kids.

When people celebrate their children's birthday, all they ever think about is how the older guests would think about the party. Well, not to mention "This party is so fancy, this sure cost a fortune!" or "Why don't they have this and that, blah blahhh" . It's all about having fun and making it memorable since it's a KIDS' PARTY. I didn't mean to be so rude, I just hate the fact that "people" wanted to impress people through material things. I don't care if it stresses me, as long as I'm happy with what I'm doing, and as long as my kids enjoy what I'm doing for them. Don't be hatin'. ;)

Moving on, I'm thinking about cooking for her big day and rent a clown, maybe? I have never tried having a clown in all my kids' birthday parties. I did have Jollibee and other mascots, but not a clown. Not yet. Marie is afraid of clowns! I don't want to scare her but on the other hand, I may be able to reconsider. I just pray that it won't frighten her that much so she can really enjoy her day.

I have prepared everything except for the food and drinks. How about finger foods? I honestly didn't want to include rice on the menu but that always makes every Filipino enjoy the food. I know it's a bit early, however I am doing it by myself, I think I've got a lot of time to prepare (noo you didn't expect my husband to help, did ya'?? ha ha ha!). Okay.. All I have now is: crepe paper, cartolinas, art papers, ribbons, construction papers, glues! And oh, I nearly forgot! Love Marie and I went to the city last week to have the printer cartridge refilled and unfortunately there's something wrong with it. Well I'm not sure if it's the printer or the cartridge. Now we will be heading back to the city to have it checked and fixed (again, not sure if I'll bring the cartridge only or the printer). So you get the idea, I haven't been working on printed art yet.

Candies, chocolates, and everything sweet and nice on the day of the party! And since my baby girl is not familiar with our neighbors, every kid is invited to come and have fun.

See you!

Our Reviews were Paid Off!

2012-07-18T19:28:00.000+09:00

Kisses to my baby boy, got a perfect score 100/100 from his 1st periodical test. Asked him what he wants like : ice cream, cake, fries, scooter.. He replied; "ma i just want 2 pieces of chewing gum." THATS WHAT I GET FROM PREVENTING MY KIDS FROM EATING JUNK FOODS. :)

Marie & Marie with Kittens

2012-07-16T20:59:00.000+09:00

Good evening kittens! Today I found out how creative I can be when I just put my mind to it. I tried every applications I can find online because I thought it would help me with my daughter's invitations for her party this September.

I WAS SO RIGHT! I AM AWESOME! I can't take my butt off the PC, I'm always busy editing! Although in college I had the opportunity to take Photoshop, I didn't because I thought it was a waste of time. Now I'M SO WRONG ABOUT IT.

Here's one example of my work, added a few kittens on the original picture of Marie, not Marie -- my daughter.. But Marie from The Aristocats movie. Yes fortunately I named my daughter after a cat. Ha ha ha! (fact: my second name is Marie as well).

One thing I can't share for tonight.. My compiled art. Anyway, have a wonderful night!

Main Dish?

2012-07-13T20:01:00.002+09:00

Bonjour!

I'm just dropping by to ask something.. If there are adults to feed, shall I serve a main dish in a kid's party (3-5 pm probably)?I'm so confused about everything. I even made a birthday planner already so I can organize stuffs.

My compiled recipes are found here on my multiply site, click click click!
http://maclovesjo.multiply.com/reviews

F.R.I.E.N.D.S.

2012-07-12T20:45:00.000+09:00

A common social issue people have.. Making friends! Whether you're having a break at a coffee shop, reading books in a library, grocery shopping, working, having a cruise, etc., you are indeed one friendly being.

*Pictures were taken inside the Roble ship, when we were on our way back here in Cebu City after a short vacay. *

Baon For School

2012-07-12T20:23:00.001+09:00

Why are healthy lunches and snacks important at school? This is the main question I have been asking to myself ever since.

I myself give my boys whatever food they can eat as long as it is healthy. I give them junk food and candy, yes, but I know when they've had enough. I let them have rice sometimes because they would tell me to do so, and I very much agree especially when they eat their lunch early (like 10:30 am to 11:00 am early).

They are in different schools, different levels, but the same schedule. 2 - 3 hours a day, 5 times a week.Starts at 1 o'clock in the afternoon until three.

Marie's Accessory Case

2012-07-12T19:57:00.000+09:00

Sharing my new D.I.Y (do-it-yourself) project for my baby girl's accessories to keep them organized! I'm proud to be boasting about it tonight even if the outcome is not that good. But little did I know how it would come together perfectly! BTW She already has one Hello Kitty case however her accessories are increasing that's why I'm making a bigger one.

First off, husband and I spray-painted some sides with neon pink (we ran out of spray paint that's why the drawer below was still in off-white hue). Second, I went out to buy some art stuff and crafts for the decorations and when I got home, I quickly designed every single spot. Lastly, glued some of Marie's pictures.

Here you can find headbands, hair clips, ribbons, earrings, bracelets, jewelry, baby combs, bobby pins and many more. Oh sorry haven't filled the case yet but I will be posting pictures of them in it soon. It's fun to have kids when you're all grown up, you get to do cool stuffs like a kid sometimes and be very creative!

Before I forget, can you guess what this box was before it transformed? Hi hi hi hi.. And spot the "M"!

Call Me Lazy

2012-07-12T13:03:00.001+09:00

Too bad my mood didn't work quite well with our messy room today! We've been back home since July the 1st and up until now, our room looks as if an earthquake dropped by.

"I need a motivation.", I would always say. From the moment I wake up, bathe my kids, feed them, wash our clothes or anything.. My body feels helpless and I just wanted to lie down all day. I'm also thinking that it would only take an hour or two fixing everything at home however, the fact that I know it would be that quick, my mind tells me to do it another day. Pretty lazy, huh?

Any of you have suggestions on how to make me motivated to do something?

Mama's & Babies' Date

2012-07-11T20:51:00.000+09:00

After picking up my 2 boys at school, we went to Gaisano Minglanilla and we brought Love Marie with us. No helpers, no PAPA (was and is always on his computer desk).

I decided to bring them with me for a date. Because in the past, I used to bring them to the park, or some mall, etc. without anyone but us. Everyday, they tell me how much they miss going out with their mama then I would reply "We are always together, at home, at school, even in the shower when I bathe or clean you!".

Yes I truly understand the needs of my kids now. I never would have guessed that it was the thing I was longing for before I bore a child.

My 2nd Yr Blogiversary

2012-07-11T20:41:00.000+09:00

Just remembered something! It's my 2nd year here on blogger! I really have learned a lot and shared A LOT to everyone who reads my blog and who are randomly directed here. Hoping to get 2 more years.. And two more.. Then 2 and 2 and forever!!!

HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY TO ME AND MY READERS.

I wish I was that official and/or popular so that I could share giveaways. I really, really wanted to!

I can't believe I've been here this long. My daughter's turning 2 years old this year as well. Thanks to all of you and thanks to me!

My Doll House is Hers Now

2012-07-07T14:05:00.001+09:00

Lookie here.. We've found my old Doll House in our stock room in Ormoc! I had fun, Papa had fun, she had fun!!! Do you know someone who wouldn't?

Love Marie plays my Doll House as if she's one of the dolls in it.

In our third night at our house there, I decided to let my baby girl play with it and watch her enjoy herself. She's not yet capable of doing it right but I'm glad my Aunt and Uncle didn't let me play with it when I was younger. If it wasn't for them, my daughter couldn't have inherited this from me.

The whole Doll House was still complete although many of the pieces weren't already there. But that's A-Okay, it can be bought in department stores.

My husband and I were just amazed when she sat right in the middle of it, combed her hair with the doll's hairbrush, placed the fish on the frying pan, dressed up all the dolls, and even put the tiny pillow on her head. Children really have ideas of their own. And we know there are more to be discovered!

D.R.I.V.I.N.G

2012-07-07T13:43:00.001+09:00

Hello everyone, my husband doesn't have a driver's license yet but he sure is eager to learn how to drive. In our 6-day stay at Ormoc City, my cousin taught him how to handle the wheels. Hey don't get us wrong guys, here in the Philippines, not everyone who knows how to drive has a license. I bet there, too.

It's much safer to practice driving in Ormoc because it's not crowded and has lesser traffics.

I remember the night these photos were taken. My mom and the rest of the family were partying at Bahada while Yonel, Mark, Love Marie and I were out the streets having a rough trip. I mean, road trip. Ha ha ha! I wanted to try but I was so tired that night.

Take note, the driver and the student were half-drunk already. We were at Manina's before we headed to Bahada. But they weren't drunk-drunk. They weren't even tipsy. I guess some of you overreacted. Phew.

Throwing A Party

2012-07-07T13:09:00.001+09:00

Today my baby girl turns 1 year and 9 months old. She's not yet in school, this will be happening on a Friday and also everybody knows that Friday is a school day. I'm getting excited about her 2nd birthday that's why I am currently searching for the best theme and I was wondering if any of you can suggest something unusual?

She may be interacting with other kids on her birthday but I know she wouldn't understand just yet since she's still a toddler. I know most children at her age doesn't care about the party as long as he/she sees other kids playing around but I wanted this to be extra special.

I even thought of cooking by myself and until now, my husband disagrees because he doesn't want me AND OBVIOUSLY HIM to be stressed out at the party.

Here are some ideas I have been thinking for a while. How about celebrating it in her elder brother's school? I mean, just sharing spaghetti, hotdogs, cupcakes and juices.

Or.. Just here at home, an hour and a half party with a clown? Home is usually the easiest place to throw a party. Not renting, I'm not sure yet because I know not everyone will be available!

Or.. Maybe I can just sing a birthday song to her the whole day and get over it! Ha ha! Nah, I know I can just do that however she's my first baby girl, I wouldn't want her to feel bad about it when she becomes a teenager, trust me I know! *wink*

I'll accept comments and suggestions, you can message me on Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/jdjclovejo ) and I'll update you guys.. It's 2 months away, so just holler!

Swim, Swam

2012-07-06T20:26:00.003+09:00

We brought our small pool in Ormoc so that the kids can have fun splashing waters while we were in our vacation. I expected many others to join us however it was a full failure.

Filled the pool with only little water, just enough for a little fun and just enough for safety. I think they were in it for half a day and you know what? The water in the pool was very useful for doing my laundry. Ha ha ha! I DARE YOU NOT WASTE AND CONSERVE WATER PLEASE!

Anyhow, I am sharing only these since I got tired of having my eyes on the computer for several hours now. I figured I have had 6 blogs today already. Hafta get back to my kids, catch you some other time readers!