Season Reminder

The year is about to end. Most of us are rushing to finish up our business. Projects to complete. Orders to fulfill. Deals to close. Cross country movers to bug for delays. With all these things that can fill up our lives this season, we must not forget the reason for the season. Its really about the hope of eternal life and freedom that comes from the Cross of Jesus Christ. Its also about extending this hope to those who need it this time of year: the poor, the hungry and the lonely. The more we look beyond ourselves, the more God removes our own troubles. As we consider the selfless mindset of the crucified Christ, only then do we experience the resurrection life. The more we let go our what is ours, the more God gives to us. Happy holidays!

Red Carpet Night At the Judges' Table

We came home late last night from a Christmas party we attended. The husband together with a dear friend of mine were invited by our doctor friend to judge the dance presentations of the different hospital departments. We arrived late according to the call time but a little too early as far as the party itself was concerned. It was held at the top floor of the hospital... not quite finished yet and probably still undergoing construction but wide enough to hold at least 12 ping pong tables. The theme of the party was Red Carpet Night Glitz and Glamour, the brainchild of our doctor friend, so the employees came dressed to the nines. It was fun watching the dance presentations but I think I OD'd on the Korean pop song "Nobody, nobody but you". That was obviously the choice dance music of the night and almost all the groups danced to it. Even my kids have been singing it non-stop I think I'm having a nose bleed from it! Overall, it was fun although a bit tiring for the kids. I wonder what they'll think of next year?

Revisiting Manila Ocean Park

Its our daughter's birthday today! In response to her request, we went to Manila Ocean Park. In our last visit (Sept. 2008), she was quite scared of the big fish. She just wanted to go there and prove that she wasn't scared anymore.

If you really desire to watch exciting marine life but don't have the budget to go to Boracay, Palawan or stay at Cabo San Lucas Resorts, Manila Ocean Park is the place for you. Right behind Manila's historic Quirino Grandstand, this Park boasts of a diverse collection of species from different parts of the world. They have giant Arapaimas from Brazil as well as local species of sharks and sting rays. An interesting part of their collection of marine fauna is a giant Japanese spider crab which a deep sea creature.

For a P400 ticket, you get a tour of this amazing collection of aquatic species and a chance to watch the Mermaid show. Other attractions such as a fish spa and a glass bottom boat ride are also available with additional fees. All worth it for a special educational experience for you and your family.

Google Chrome for Mac!

I am loving it so far! I haven't had any sleep because I just couldn't. I've been sniffling the whole night and it's not because of the ceiling fans. It's just colder these days especially here in our place and I've even resorted to wearing socks. Since I couldn't sleep I decided to check my mail and I got this notice from Google about Chrome for Mac was now available. So I downloaded it and it's sooo cool. Of course it's still in beta but who cares! I'm already lovin' this beta.  LOL I'll be exploring it a bit more so... catch ya later peeps!

Do Not Despise the Day of Small Beginnings

We have mirrors! Now how can that be so exciting, you say. Well, the husband is slowly building our litle ballet school here in Sta. Rosa - one plié at a time. We started teaching ballet classes with nothing but an empty space for the kids to dance in. No barres, no mirrors, no proper dance floor since summer of this year. Finally, after about 9 months, we put in 2 movable ballet barres 3 weeks ago. Woohoo! What's more, this week, the mirrors are in too! The next hurdle we are going to tackle is the floor. Ceramic tiles or concrete floors are no-nos in a dance studio so we are trying to figure out a way to address that bearing in mind that they have to be portable anytime since the space we use is just rented. Permanent floors are not an option. I'm sure we'll figure out something that will work out. This journey we've started is a journey of faith and faithfulness. A humbling and yet, oh so, heart-fulfilling radical sabbatical from the life that was. Yes, it is true. Do not despise the days of small beginnings because these are the days that mark the start of dreams coming true.

Busted Samsung TV... tsk...tsk

Yup, our fairly new Samsung TV has suffered a dreadful blank screen syndrome. I consider it new because it's just a few years old compared to our other tv's that are between 10-15 years. It makes me wonder if these new LCD tvs are any better. I feel upset because it belonged to my dad and he told me to give it to my dd when he goes. It did make me realize though that gadgets and appliances aren't exactly the stuff that you leave behind for your loved ones because they eventually get busted or obsolete. Unless they are really iconic and will eventually turn into collectibles. Nevertheless, it's still precious to me because of its sentimental value. I need to find a fix-it shop soon.

House hunting

A friend of ours is moving out of her house within the next few months and it was nice of her to offer it to us. The location is actually quite convenient if we think about it. Unfortunately, there are other factors we have to consider as well. Looking into a few gulf shores condos would be a dream but right now, our activities revolve around the kids. Hopefully, we'll find the perfect place for us that will meet all our specs within the next year. Meanwhile, the hunt goes on...

Jewel in the Palace Rewind

The hubby and I have recently discovered Jewel in the Palace. Yeah, I know we are late bloomers in the Koreanovela phenom. Anyway, thanks to the gushing comments of my friend whom I never thought would get hooked on such a thing, she made me so curious that I just had to find out why. So now, the husband and I are now hooked on the show! The problem is since we are sharing bandwith on our router ( I'm not quite sure if it's D-link or a Linksys router, should I care?), it's slowed both of our computers down. Solution, we just watch it at the same time and pretend it's like a night at the movies.

Seriously, I like it because of it's historical content. It's almost like a mini epic in scale. The cinematography is great and the lighting is well thought of. It has changed my opinion of Koreanovelas for good. So now, the husband and I can't wait to see what happens next to Jang-Geum.

Busy... busy

I haven't been online much lately because I have tons of unfinished stuff I need to do. I already wrote my to-do list on my little whiteboard so that it keeps staring me at the face till I cross them out. Hopefully, I do before the week ends. It's so stressful! I just want to chill and put the world on pause so much so that I'm already thinking... what if I just go plain nerdy and start looking at online term life insurance quotes just to detox. Imagine that! LOL I think I'll just go baduy and watch a Koreanovela online instead. hahaha

Swimsuit ready

Speaking of swimming, I was quite happy because I finally fit into my swimwear minus a few bulges here and there. woohooo No, I didn't buy weight loss pills. I think it was a combination of choosing the food I ate and with a lot of help from fasting. Ü I prefer to eat fruits whenever I have the chance to plus I have a lot of prayer concerns so the fasting took care of my unwanted lbs. as well. hahaha I still want to lose a few more... maybe 5 to 7 lbs. more so I'm striking while the iron is still hot. yeah!