One Day at a Time

Mini Laptops

2011-12-07T22:29:00.000+10:00

I have been so in-love with my dell inspiron duo since I got it 5 months ago. One drawback is it's battery life. I hope to have one with longer battery life; I guess one that will last the whole 8-10 hours. So now, I want to try other brands of mini laptops. I'm currently saving for at least five hp mini laptops that I want to buy and use at work. Actually something I want my centers group to use at work. My hubby is also planning on getting one. We need to wait for great deals before buying.

A Girl's Best Friend

2011-12-07T22:19:00.000+10:00

Is it true that "diamonds are a girl's best friend?" Well, I guess I'm not one of those girls since I'm not so into diamonds or jewelries in general. I appreciate any gift actually, I'm quite easy to please... It's the thought that counts right?

A ring given from the heart is just as valuable as a diamond engagement rings from Reeds. I guess it becomes a girls best friend because one to really needs work hard and save a lot to be able to afford one (unless of course you're rich).

Treasure Hunt Garage

2011-12-07T21:57:00.000+10:00

We've been treasure hunting for the past few months. Well, it's more on garage treasure hunting. As one of the popular idioms say, "One man's trash is another man's treasure." So far we've found some really valuable items in most garage sale during our Saturday hunt. We've found some toys for work at school, useful resources for work like barcode scanners and some lightly used technology.

It would have been perfect if I found two items I'm really looking for - walker and high chair for my little one. After a month of hunting though, we decided to buy him new set. Sooner or later, I need to sort some items we've accumulated and hold my own garage sale.

Unplanned Moments...

2011-10-21T21:28:00.001+10:00

We've been here for quite some time but we haven't tried walking to the beach to see the 'remains' of the WWII. My adventurous brother in law, however went to see one of the historic sight in the island... I on the other hand is taking endless pictures of his journey while thinking if a metal detectors will help us detect buried treasures :p

Another Fruitful Week...

2011-10-20T20:18:00.001+10:00

This was another long, busy but fruitful week. I love this week despite being so busy with work.

Now I'm hoping for a restful weekend... Somehow, I wish we have rv and rv insurance quote so we can go to the top of the mountain for two days, spend time with our two kiddos and watch movie all day before going back to work.

What's New?

2011-10-09T21:05:00.000+10:00

Hmmm, nothing.... I'm busy, busy.... busy....

Again, here's another busy school year for me... It's a great challenge and learning experience... This is the career I choose and I like it very much. I like motivating, inspiring and challenging kids to be the best they can be... I might be in this career for as long as I can... I still don't see myself applying for other jobs, esp. Bartender Jobs. I hope to be active in my online business but I guess I'll wait on that until my little boy is a year or two..

And the Busy-ness has Begun...

2011-09-19T15:55:00.001+10:00

Here's my brother-in-law getting his classroom set up and there is my sweet husband in the background helping out...as always :)

Well…school year has begun and we went from doing “nothing” to going 100 miles an hour…or so it seems like. There have been so many things going on and the day seems to go by so quickly. Anyhow, I wanted to share with you this link I found where you can get canon ink cartridges. It’s so good to not have to go to the store to purchase my things. Especially given the fact that everything on the island seems to be double (sometimes, triple) the actual price of the product.

Dating and such...

2011-09-19T14:48:00.001+10:00

I heard of a girl who met somebody from a free dating online company. They are married now with a newborn baby. They have been married for about 3 years and seem to have a great relationship. It just got me thinking…I wonder how many success stories there are with that way of courtship. My hubby and I met in College and dated for a long while. I suppose I'm just too old fashioned.

Here's a picture of us about 6 years ago...

I can't wait for my sister to get here so lab and I can go out on a real date (without the kiddos) ;)

Nursery?

2011-09-08T12:07:00.006+10:00

· Hubby and I just completed renovating a part of our house. I’m hoping to get some work done in one of our rooms as well. I’ve looked around on the island and things are so expensive here but I was so excited to find this link for keepsake for baby’s nursery. It’s a quick way for me to do my shopping after school in the afternoon.

It's Coming!

2011-09-08T11:27:00.000+10:00

Wow! It’s amazing how quickly 2011 is coming to an end. Fall season is definitely imminent and pretty soon winter will set in. I want to make sure my stateside people get some snow chains ready for the winter snow. I remember the last time I saw snow. It was in back in Virginia. And with the heat of the islands, I have to say sometimes I wish we had a snow break.

Nostalgic Memory

2011-08-31T16:13:00.000+10:00

My brother-in-law will be flying in this evening! We are excited but at the same time I cannot help but wish that we will also be welcoming my sister and niece (he'll go back and fetch them in December).

I miss my siblings. I remember one instance when our dad won sport trophies for his basketball game and my sister and I broke the thing. Ya. We got quite a spanking. Anyway, that was a random nostalgic memory. Sad and happy at the same time.

Digital Organizer

2011-08-13T14:43:00.000+10:00

Do you use any organizer that will help you create text and checklist? I want to share two of my favorite organizers:
1) Notezilla - for my desktop/laptop computer
2) ColorNote - for my nook/htc device.

With the load of work I need to accomplish everyday, these two are my companion in reminding and helping me prioritize my to do list.

Now that school year is about to start, two more weeks to go for teachers and three weeks for students. I sure hope I remain focus and productive even when the circular cutting tools I bought for my laminated decorations and labels are not here yet.

Back to School Checklist

2011-08-13T14:00:00.017+10:00

What is in your back to school checklist?

Does it include buying rop life insurance? My list is getting longer and longer everyday. I seem to add more than cross out finished task. However, I need to get everything done before I start working again. I am extremely grateful for this long vacation though. Time well spent with my family is priceless!

I will look forward to next summer vacation especially when I'm hoping my sister will be here by then. I wish the rest of my siblings will relocate too...

Right now though, I need to complete my back to school checklist.

Sunday Stealing: The Twenty-Fiver Meme

2011-07-24T18:17:00.000+10:00

1. Tell us about something that made you laugh last night.

My daughter.

2. What were you doing at 8 PM last night?

Reading a book while feeding my baby.

3. What were you doing 30 minutes ago?

Searching for recipe.

4. What happened to you in 2006? (Feel free to republish an old post from '06.)

I remember end of 2006, I moved from Richmond Va. to a small island in the pacific and I'm still in that island until now. :p

5. What was the last thing you said out loud?

Don't jump, you'll wake up your baby brother...

6. How many beverages did you have today?

kind? how many glass? 4 kinds, 5 glasses

7. What color is your hairbrush?

black/gray

8. What was the last thing you paid for?

insurance: health, car and social security disability

9. Where were you last night?

home

10. What color is your front door?

gray

11. Where do you keep your change?

quarters go in the 'coin jar' and all other coins go in the piggy bank

12. What’s the weather like today?

in our room, 76F

13. What’s the best ice-cream flavor?

rocky road is our last ice cream

14. What excites you?

witnessing the milestones of my kids :)

15. Do you want to cut your hair?

I want to, but hubby is not agreeing with me

16. Are you over the age of 35?

nope

17. Do you talk a lot?

no, I'm the opposite

18. Do you watch Franklin and Bash?

Who? Don't know that show.

19. Do you know anyone named Steven?

20. Do you make up your own words?

yup, my latest "palo you"
We use both English and Filipino words when talking to our kids, my hubby taught her the word "Palo" which means "Spank." Since I haven't taught her the word "Spank" yet, I told her "I will 'palo' you, you need to obey/honor mommy" when I was disciplining her one day. Hubby was laughing so hard while singing, "I will palo you, palo you whereever you may go" with the tune of the "Sister Act" theme song.. Since then, I taught her the correct word. :p

21. Are you a jealous person?

depends

22. What does the last text message you received say?

We don't text anymore. We stopped using cellphone's text messaging option 4 years ago and we haven't decided on using one again, I don't remember the last text message I got.

23. Where’s the next place you’re going to?

hmmm, kitchen, I need to prepare dinner.

24. Who’s the rudest person in your life?

I don't know.

25. Are you crushing on anyone that you shouldn't be?

Saturday 9: White Wedding

2011-07-24T17:06:00.001+10:00

1. Tell us about the most recent wedding you attended.

In March, a co-worker's wedding.

2. Do you enjoy attending weddings, or do they bore you to tears?

It depends.

3. Does marriage in general make you feel confident and good inside, or skeptical?

Gives me mixed emotion.

4. Do you have a photo blog? (If so, feel free to share the link with us.)

Yes, but haven't updated it in awhile. --- rache photography

5. Do you find yourself driving less due to the high gas prices?

Well, yes and no... Hubby drives more than I do.

6. What's the high temperature today where you are?

76-80F here in our house.

7. "It's not the heat, it's the humidity." Agree, or no?

Agree.

8. What's the hottest you've ever been in your life?

Well, it's always summer here in our area so I think it's always hot... Sticky hot. I find myself always looking for some hip hop clothes especially for indoor use. I sometimes can't take the sticky hot feeling.

9. Non-temperature related last question: In your opinion... who's hot?

hmmmm, no idea. My husband and my 3 month old boy.

Book List - 2011

2011-07-22T00:11:00.008+10:00

In fear of adding more clutter in our house ~~(especially during school year when I'm grading papers)~~, I haven't really bought any book for the past five years, well except for books for my little girl and for my class, mostly workbooks. I'm glad that I'm back to doing one of my old time hobbies and I'm building a good library. I find myself reading more and more especially before going to sleep and the moment I wake up. :)

I know it's already July, 5 more months before the end of this year, but I would love to finish reading as many books listed below as I can. I already finished reading some in this list. Some free books I read are not included :p Thanks also to my sister for lending and recommending some great books. Since I'm so happy with the highlight and notes capability in Amazon Kindle and Nook, I will also re-read some books I've read long long ago.

1. The Wedding
2. Shopping for Time: How to Do It All and NOT Be Overwhelmed
3. Potty Training with Love
4. The Rescue
5. Mommy Teach Me: Preparing Your Preschool Child for a Lifetime of Learning
6. Mommy, Teach Me to Read: A Complete and Easy-to-Use Home Reading Program
7. Don’t Make Me Count to Three
8. Organized Simplicity
9. 31 Days to Clean: Having a Martha House the Mary Way
10. The Daily Five
11. Love & Respect: The Love She Most Desires; The Respect He Desperately Needs
12. Shepherding a Child's Heart
13. The Bible - following one year daily read plan

If you have any book suggestions, leave a comment. Some books about parenting, teaching, organizing home are the ones I like to add in my list for next year :).

Balcony Project Almost Done

2011-07-16T02:57:00.000+10:00

Whew, I'm thankful! With our toddler and new born, I thought we won't be able to finish this home renovation plan but we're almost finished with one part of the project. After two days of going to every steel building, furniture and hardware stores we'll almost finish the main project - the estimate finish date is Friday of next week including the adding of the furniture and supplies. Here's a sneak peak of what makes us busy. So happy to have our toddler help as well. :)

Tablet with Educational Games

2011-07-14T01:37:00.000+10:00

Did you pre-order the new LeapFrog LeapPad, they are no longer accepting any pre-orders until late August, we really wanted that for our toddler because of its awesome features or educational gifts. We hope that it will be the one of the best graduation gift for our toddler who finished her first pre-school year (K-2), she just turned three and she's really eager to learn.

She's always using her daddy's HTC Incredible and my Nook Color/mini Tablet in running educational games. I'm sure she'll be happy to have her own tablet. It's really memorable when we let her use the laptop or desktop computer again and she's touching their screens. I guess she got too used to using those android touch screen device.

Sunday Stealing: The Plaid Hat Meme

2011-07-11T07:30:00.001+10:00

1. When showering, do you start the water and then get in, or get in then start the water?

----- i do both

2. Have you ever showered with someone of the opposite sex?

----- cute question

3. Were you ever been forced to shower with one of your siblings?

----- no

4. Have you ever dropped your soap on your foot?

----- yup, what a question :p

5. How old do people say you look?

----- 20

6. How old do you act?

----- depends who i'm with, sometimes when i play with my kids i feel like a kid again :) but there are occasions when i act like a 30+ yrs old

7. What’s the last song you sang?

----- twinkle twinkle little star with my toddler

8. Have you recently become a member of anything?

----- choir, math coordinator, newsletter club

9. What are your plans for next weekend?

----- get some important documents done, get our home and e-projects done, finish one of the books i'm reading

10. Do you kiss with your eyes open or closed?

----- hubby (closed), kids (open)

11. Whats the sexiest thing about Sarah Palin?

----- who?

12. Who’s the sexiest famous woman alive?

----- no idea

13. Who’s the sexiest famous man alive?

----- no idea

14. Does your family have a crazy uncle?

----- don't know

15. Have you ever smuggled something into another country?

----- no

16. Do you live in a city with a good sports team?

----- yup, football/basketball/badminton

17. What is the most unusual?

----- it's so easy to eat and gain weight but so hard to loose those excess weight

18. How do feel about the Goth people?

----- don't know

19. Can you fix or your significant other your own car?

----- my spouse can fix, i can watch or take a picture of him fixing it :p

20. Would you want to kill Casey Anthony yourself if you were guaranteed to get away with it?

----- nope

Saturday 9: Against All Odds

2011-07-10T17:44:00.000+10:00

Saturday 9: Against All Odds

1. Have you ever tried to rekindle a past relationship against the odds?

nope

2. Do you like your job, or daily routine?

yes

3. Do you find time to 'smell the flowers' so to speak?

yes, afternoon or weekend walk with family; time at the beach or park... soothing... relaxing...

4. Do you have any problems thinking of things to write about in my blog?

sometimes

5. Do others consider you well organized?

sometimes/depends

6. Do you always have a “Plan B” just in case?

sometimes

7. How do you find yourself adjusting to new situations?

i'm not that good with change, i've to have a plan

8. Are you happy with where you are in this point of your life?

yes

9. Do you find the aging process we all go through easy or difficult?

yes

Breastfeeding Supplements

2011-07-07T03:04:00.000+10:00

I previously wrote about my concern with breastfeeding. I had a tough 1st month with my newborn due to my seemingly low milk production. There are some things I did that helped with the lactation. I did get more than enough supply for my now 2 month old baby boy, however I encountered some problems when I started to go back to work and 2 weeks after my summer vacation started.

Here are the things that helped me with getting more than enough milk supply for my breastfeeding baby:
1) Nurse or pump frequently. (30min - 2 hrs) If I'm not at work, I'm always nursing. When I'm at work, I pump whenever possible. I nurse on each side until he falls asleep or pull off himself. I used to nurse for 30min-1hr. per side. Yah, no kidding... That long! So thankful my nookie lately joined me while I my little boy and I patiently worked hard on this.

2) Eat, snack often on foods rich in protein and calcium I did more than this, I became a voracious eater. I ate and ate that I gained and gained until none of my decent clothing feeds me. I feel like a sumo wrestling contestant but hey, I am glad that I no longer have my initial problem....

3) Drink enough fluids I'm still not good at drinking 8 glasses of water a day, but I'm trying and I drink juice and smoothie as well.

4) Rest

5) Fenugreek herb supplement 2 capsule 3x a day.

Well, there's a consequence with nursing frequently, at least for me. Now, when hungry, my baby cries and cries until mommy comes to the rescue and nurse him. He doesn't stop at all even when held or rocked by any other relatives/friends.

Tablet for my Toddler

2011-06-23T14:05:00.001+10:00

My little girl is using my android cellphone and nook color in both reading and playing some educational games. I'm really thinking about getting her own 'ereader/educational game tablet' so I'm thinking of v.reader but then that's only ereader then I found out leap frog's leappad, she will soon have her own playbook tablet, her exclusive learning tablet... We still need to wait 6 more days before we can pre-order one. I'm sure she'll enjoy using it and she'll learn at the same time. In the meantime, she's learning through lexia reading.

On Reading Books

2011-06-23T13:49:00.001+10:00

Well, I'm using both in my nook color. I started using Amazon Kindle application in the HTC Android phone my sister gave me. I like the cheaper price of some of their books, the built in dictionary, highlighting and note taking availability. Since I want a permanent or long-term e-reader, nook color arrived. I like the bonus of checking my facebook, email, googletalk or yahoo messanger. So now, my nook color which I call "my book" is always with me everywhere I go. Now, I have a total of 7 purchase of books: The Wedding of Nicholas Sparks, 25 Favorite Children's Book, ESV Study Bible: Crossway, 25 Favorite Novels, 81 Classic Literature, The Daily Five and Love & Respect". I want to collect all Nicholas Sparks novel, re-read "The Notebook" and "A Walk to Remember". I like nook's pdf page counter. I don't know if Amazon Kindle has that option as well. Well, I'm happy with my nook and I'm also glad that my sister and I can share books through the "Lend Me" application nook has. Perhaps, beginning of next month I'll be able to give my youngest sister her own nook color so the three of us can lend books. :) I guess, I just have to stop reading once in awhile so I can update my blogs. :o

Vacation Time!

2011-06-23T11:07:00.000+10:00

We are officially on our summer vacation! Hooray!!!! We're still planning on what to do on our vacation, so far I've decided on teaching my toddler while I'm on vacation. Yesterday, we were out shopping for materials I will use in teaching her some of the basic standards and benchmarks for kindergarten students. We're hoping we can go to managaha island in two weeks. Well, that's about it for now. We need to stay active this summer; I also need to loose some weight. Well, I know its achievable, its not as hard as getting benzodiazepines detox addiction treatment. p90x and/or insanity workout here I come!!

Blogging...

2011-06-12T17:29:00.008+10:00

I'm so glad to know that my two sisters now added blogging in their list of hobbies... They've found a great use of their slr and web cameras. I think my mom is also contemplating on having her own blog. It'll be fun to read their blogs and see their artographies. Well, as for me it will be nice if I can start documenting some important events and milestones in my kids lives but somehow, I find it hard to accomplish my role lately. Hopefully, I'll have enough time.