....2008

The table is set. The food have all been cooked. The fireworks are ready. I am home from attending the church service the last mass of the year. The neighbors have started getting noisy. A lot of firecrackers can be heard. And there is but a few minutes left before we leave 2008 behind. But before we bid farewell to 2008 I reminisce about the past 12 months and I smile, I frown, I even get teary-eyed about the memories I have. I have been tremendously blessed. And I am very thankful to the Lord. Now as 2009 begins I hope for better things to come. But most of all I pray that we may be blessed with a baby soon.

financially...

With the year about to end and another one about to begin it's high time to think about our financial status.
I have always said that a retirement fund is a must because we don't want to be dependent on others when we are old and gray. But I'm fessing up. I haven't been very good with regards to this. So for the coming year I will strive harder to contribute to our retirement fund.
And we should really have an emergency fund. We'll never know what the future holds. Some say that an emergency fund should be equal to your monthly expenses X 3. But this is a modest amount. Just think how many months is comfortable to settle with and multiply that with your monthly expense. Personally, I'm targeting 6 months. So if your emergency fund is in a bank (or in your cash box) be sure not to touch or spend it. It should also be accessible for it is indeed an emergency fund!
I have been pondering on jumping into the investment bandwagon but I know that it is not wise to invest in something if I don't understand it. So I'm still reading up on that.
Our financial accomplishment for this year is that we are debt free. I don't use credit cards. Hubs has one which he uses for when he's travelling. But as per our agreement, everything that he pays thru swiping must be paid in cash immediately. It is better to pay debts as soon as possible rather than letting the money stay in the savings account.

Noche Buena

Christmas is just a few hours away! And of course being Pinoy food is a big part of the celebration. So here is our menu for Noche Buena:

• Spaghetti
• Zippo Egg
• Ham
• Buffalo Wings
• Shrimp in Tomato Sauce
• Coffee Crunch Cake
• Macaroni Salad ala Leng
• Kalamay from Susie's

paint it!

Hubs is bent on redecorating our room. And awhile ago we went out to Wilcon Builder's Depot and bought the paint and all other paraphernalias. Whew! The place is big. And although there were a lot of sales personnel on the floor they are not like most sales personnel who hounds you until you buy something. These people just looks on and does not make a nuisance of themselves. They let us roam around the place and when we needed a hand they were there for us. There were a lot of shades to choose from. But since we both wanted to use greeen as our primary color we perused the green folder longer. And in the end we decided on having the distant haze paint mixture for our room. The mixing took about 5 minutes and then we were good to go. They said that it is odorless and well, tomorrow we will find out. For tomorrow, our bonding session would be painting our room!

made in China

With all the hoopla going on about China-made goods everyone is scared of buying any edible China-made products. And the Chinese has gotten wiser. They do not mark their products made in China now. So how will you know if you the products are made in China? Check the barcode. China goods have barcode starting with 690, 691, and 692. Before you put anything in your grocery basket please read its label. It pays to be careful.

(thanks to sis emmaruth for this info)

isn't this sweet?

ilang tulog na lang

Ilang tulog na lang! At uuwi na ang asawa ko! Excited na ako! And he is too! As early as a month before his flight and all his baggage is packed already. O di ba naman, major excited!
So now, we're counting the days till he is here again and we're together ulit!
Happy days ahead!

the word is fresh

Wondering how to tell if a fish is fresh? Well, then you first have to define what fresh is, right?

For a professional chef, fresh fish is a fish that will be served within 3 days of its being caught.

The Japanese meaning of fresh fish is it is served within 24 hours after it was caught.

While to others, a fish is fresh if it has not been frozen.

Now here are some guidelines on determining a fish' freshness:

1. The fish should smell fresh and mild and not fishy.

2. The flesh should be resilient. It should bounce back when pressed.

3. The eyes should be clear and a little bulgy.

4. The scales should not be dried up.

5. The gills should be bright.

Now you know how to tell if a fish is fresh. But no matter how fresh the fish is if it's not stored properly it will spoil easily.

baby boom

It seems that everywhere I turn someone's getting pregnant. Well, that is except for me... First a co-worker who got married after we did, next another co-worker, then my bestfriend, followed by a girl who's trying so hard to be a part of our family, and now another a colleague. I am getting frustrated but I know that I can't do anything about it since hubs and I aren't together. He is in Europe while I'm here in 'Pinas. I really hope we can be together soon so we can try getting preggers too!

when it rains it pours

That's what the saying says. And sometimes it does happen. Last month hubs got a hefty sum as his bonus and this month he got another! After all the horrors I've been experiencing at work, this is such a welcome surprise! We may be able to afford our own home soon! Courtesy of these back to back bonuses. And so the house hunting continues...

the DSLR gift

Hubs gift is here!
I know that this is a very extravagant gift that is why I consider it an all-in-one-gift. For my birthday ~ october, our seventh year of being together (yes we still celebrate our bf-gf aniversary) ~ november, and our first year as a married couple ~ december.

I am always overwhelmed by hubs generosity. Or shall I say thoughtfulness? Ever since we got married he's been extra caring, loving and giving to me. I really am lucky to have him for a husband. And I am not saying this just because of the gift ha!

I am so looking forward to using my new toy! But first, I've got to read the manual! I have very little knowledge about DSLRs! I need to stock up on information so I can have nice photos to show when hubs arrives next month!

missing him

We talk at least once a day. Sometimes twice. Or even more. We email each other daily. But now 2 days has passed with not a single phone call or an email...

I was warned beforehand that this may happen when they are moored to the platform. But still, I miss him terribly.

I want to talk to him. I want to read his thoughts. I hope that our communication gets better soon. Although as he previously said they are supposed to work on the platform for 6 weeks. How can I survive this long without hearing anything from him?

I miss my husband so much!

fresh eggs?

I always buy eggs from this poultry and as expected I buy in bulk. Well 2 dozen to be exact. And of course we don't get to consume all of it in a flash. So to be safe from any infections or contamination here is a little test that should be done to check if your eggs are fresh or not;

Fill a deep bowl or pan with enough tap water to cover an egg.
Place the egg in the water.
If the egg lies on its side on the bottom, it's very fresh.
If the egg stands up and bobs on the bottom, it isn't quite as fresh but may still be eaten.
If the egg floats on the surface, it it should be discarded.

So there the next time you wonder if your eggs are fesh or not, just do this test!

the biz is progressing!

Thankfully, the Lord has been watching and blessing our business. Almost half of our investments we are already able to recoup. With enough money still left on the cash box for buying of more stocks for the month. God truly helps those wo help themselves.

para sa steam/sauna

lukaret ang bunso kong kapatid!!!
para daw magkaron ako ng sariling steam/sauna sa bathroom magpaprint daw ako ng picture nun at idikit ko sa banyo!
naman!!!
kung mamalasin ka talaga oo! nagbasa na nga ng blog ko naokray pa.

on anniversaries

Monthsary actually (as if a word like that really exists)...
Today is our 9th month as husband and wife!
No going out on a date will happen tonight. Well, obviously hubs is in another continent, so no chance on a date tonight! But what I am really wishing and hoping for is that he be here with me on our first year anniversary. And looks like it will come true. Although just barely. For hubs will be arriving in time for my birthday but is scheduled to return to ship either on the 2nd or 3rd of December. Oh please just not on the 2nd!!! I really want for us to be together on December 2.

mamaluktot habang maliit ang kumot

Mula nung kinasal kami ng asawa ko di kami magkasundo sa kumot. Maliit kase yung kumot namin. Eh itong lalaking ito nakupo madamot yan sa kumot..Gusto nya balot na balot sya. Matutulog yan minsan ng di nakakumot. Naiinitan daw sya. (ahmmm..alam nyo na siguro kung bakit) Syempre ako naman ang mapagalagang maybahay pag nakatulog na sya kukumutan ko syempre pero mayamaya sinisipa na hanggang mawala na naman. Pero wag ka! Pag ako'y nakatulog na nakupo panigurado lang ang kumot ko unti unting hinihila nyan. Hanggang sa ako naman ang mamaluktot sa ginaw ng ercon. At pag naalimpungatan ako syempre makikisukob ako sa kumot. Aysus! Manigas na ako sa lamig pero makikipagagawan yan. Ang lakas pa naman nya. Gusto nya kanya lang ang kumot. Opo. Ganyan yan. Pero lahat yan nangyayari habang tulog sya ha. Kaya nga napagdesisyunan ko maghiwalay na kami ng kumot. Pero di nasolb ang problema dyan ha. Kase naman kahit na may sarili na syang kumot eh nakikiagaw pa rin ang loko. Dun yata sya masaya.
Konting kwento lang yan. Pasakalye baga para lang masabi ko na bumili ako kanina ng kumporter. Malaki na. At kasabay ng pagbili ko ay ang usal na sana naman pag magkatabi kami wala ng hilaan at agawang kumot na mangyari.

on travelling international

Just recently Cebu Pacific had their zero fare for international destination. I was excited since the travel period coincides with hubs vacation time. I wanted to surprise hubs with an out of the country vacation for the two of us since we are about to celebrate our first year anniversary. This will be my gift for him. I had a hard time choosing which destination we should go to.
Hongkong of course because Disneyland is there. It has been a childhood dream to go to Disneyland. And eventhough I am an adult now the dream is still there. Plus all those shopping plazas!
Ho Chi Minh because Vietnam has been one of our like-to-go-there country. We would like to see the remnants of war. And explore how the country has bounced back from its past.
Kota Kinabalu for the virgin coral reefs, paradise islands and long sandy beaches. And of course, the mighty Mount Kinabalu.
Macau for its old churches and ancient temples. It is also the casino capital of Asia.
Bangkok touted as the Venice of the East. For its rich culture and for being a shopping haven!
But...there is a but here...all the dreaming and the planning did not push through. I had to open my big mouth and ask hubs where he wants to go. And that is when he put his foot down and decided that international travel is not for us at this time.
Paksyet!
So this year, we are going local once again. Destination? Probably Guimaras.

chafing dish

I've always wanted to have a chafing dish for when we host parties. And because SM, the nearest mall to us, has an ongoing sale I went yesterday to have a look see.

There were various chafing dish to choose from. Round or rectangle. Steel or crystal.

But since this is not a priority right now I have to hold my urges and just heave a sigh while touching it.

Oh well, there will always be another mallwide sale anyways.

reading my posts

When hubs and I were talking and I was starting to get pissed and all I can say is ok hubs immediately said: "oh no! I know this! I've read about it in your blog about woman's language. That's number 6! Now I really know something's wrong." And he went on and on.. I could only smile at my end of the phone. Hubs reads my blog. Hubs know what I think, what I feel, what I see. Hubs knows what I'm going through because he reads my blog. Awww..sweet!
And the argument? Forgotten!

the bathroom luxury

When I "grow up" and hubs and I have a home of our own I'd love to have a steam/sauna in our bathroom.

So what is a steam bath and a sauna anyways? Well a steam bath uses moist heat while a sauna uses dry heat. Because I have asthma I find breathing inside a sauna a little bit difficult that is why I prefer using the steam room. But both have therapeutic benefits. It is said to get the blood circulation going and is said to cleanse the skin due to heavy perspiration. And I even watched a TV show saying that this promotes weight loss too!

Having this would be the ultimate in bathing luxury! Wish we can have this in our dream home! *fingers crossed*

i love shopping

i love shopping for wallets, bags, shoes, watch and even bakeware!

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pork asado

Although Hubs is abroad, I still practice my cooking so when he comes home I'll be able to cook for him (and maybe serve him delicious food!haha!)
Anyways, whenever I attend fiestas, I always like eating asado so I thought maybe I should practice cooking one. And so I did.
I know that plating is an important aspect of food serving. And I also know that I still have a lot to learn about it, as I'm still a newbie. I hope that someday soon, I'll be able to cook something yummy and plate it splendidly as well!

contribution

Went to Pag-ibig yesterday to pay for hubs voluntary contribution. Paid for 4 months already as it sometimes gets too tiring to go there every month, get a number and wait for my turn to be served.. You probably share the same sentimes with me that our government system has its palpak side. Although these employees already see that the place is jampacked they still have time for idle chickahan instead of tending to the taxpayers (that's us!) who pay for their salaries! Hmp! So when I went there yesterday I paid in advance already. Yey! Won't be going there for a couple of months!

resort or condo or hotel?

Resort Condo Hotel. That is what Mondavi is being tagged as. I got excited when I saw the proposed amenities. Aside from the usual, they also proposed a man-made lagoon, an artificial beach with waves and an observation tower with views of Tagytay, Laguna, Batangas and Metro Manila. It is situated about 5minutes drive to Tagaytay. The weather is cool. (A real plus factor what with all the hot temperature we're having lately)
So what is a resort condo hotel? In a nutshell, I would have to say that it is a condo which can be rented out like in a hotel with a resort vibe to it. Clear? Well, I don't know how to fully explain it. But they say that it is totally different from a time-share because here you hold the condo title unlike in a time-share. Although you can choose not to enroll it in their program and make it your home. (I think, it would be better to have it enrolled and rented out, then it becomes a business as well. Your investment is earning for you.)
Wow! Living in a place this nice! Wow! (can you see by now how excited I am?)
This is how a 1 Bedroom loft would look like. Construction is still underway. I can't wait to see it when it is completed already. Although by then the prices may be sky high already and we probably could not afford it. (".)

the name game

A few days ago the importance of names was discussed in an e-group I belonged to. And just now, I read that a very unfortunate girl was named Talula does the hula from Hawaii. What were her parents thinking naming her that? The girl was so embarrassed by her name that she refused to let anyone know what it was. Even close friends do not know her name as she's always say to call her K. Events have fortunately turned to her favor, as a judge allowed her to change her name. Which was not released anymore so as to protect her privacy.
When I was younger I disliked my name. Maria Carla was often mistaken for Maria Clara. And I'd often be the butt of jokes because of it. (fyi, the ladylove of Jose Rizal's famous novel, Noli me Tangere, was named Maria Clara) I also disliked my surname. I don't know why, I just do. But as I grew older I learned to love my name. I like my name's meaning. Pure Strength. Plus my surname is also synanymous to strength. I guess I've lived up to my name because believe that I'm a very strong person.
Although I love my name, I hate it when people call me differently. Earlier today, when I got my postal ID, lo and behold, Maria Clara was written on that little piece of paper. Hmp! Another mistaken identity.

retirement fund

I am reading Bo Sanchez' book 8 secrets of the truly rich. And I'm learning a lot!
Hubs and I have already agreed that we don't want to be a burden to anybody when we grow old so as early as now we are already saving for our retirement. But through this book I have learned that the amount we have agreed upon is too little. We need to increase our retirement fund! Bo's recommendation is 20% of the salary should directly go to the retirement fund. Can we do this? We still have to discuss this, most probably when hubs goes home. But right now, I am sticking to the amount we've agreed upon.
Did you know that among all the senior citizens and retirees only 2% is able to look after themselves without asking support from loved ones? Yup! A measly 2%! Imagine that! 98% are dependent upon others for the food they eat, the medicines they drink, etc... What if there is no one to take care of you? Or what if your loved ones have no means to support you? What will happen? I guess, that's why there are so many elderly out on the streets still working even if they have passed their prime already. I always feel sorry for the lola (grandma) I see on the road selling newspapers. Or the lolo (grandpa) calling out to passengers to ride the jeep. They are weak and frail but they continue working. Why? Because they did not prepare for their retirement.
That's why while we are still able to work and earn hubs and I are saving for our retirement already.

a woman's language

these are some things that women say that has an underlying meaning. guys you are forewarned!

1.) Fine: This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up..
2.) Five Minutes: If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.
3.) Nothing: This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in fine .
4.) Go Ahead: This is a dare, not permission. Don't Do It!
5.) Loud Sigh This is actually not a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to #3 for the meaning of nothing.
6.) That's Okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements a woman can make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.
7.) Thanks: A woman is thanking you, do not question, or Faint. Just say you're welcome.
8.) Whatever: Is a women's way of saying F*** YOU!
9.) Don't worry about it, I got it: Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking 'What's wrong?' For the woman's response refer to #3

craving for

I was wondering when the time comes for me to get pregnant, what will I crave for? There are a lot of food to crave for. Hmmm... Coffee crumble icecream. Chicken curry. Chocolate chip cookies. Bacon. Makes my mouth water already just by thinking about it.
Anyways, here are a few stars and what they craved for.
Madonna was into eating poached eggs when she was still carrying Lourdes.
Jessica Alba craved for ham and chees sandwiches. Classic american choice right?
Bread, salt and pickles an unlikely combination was what Halle Berry ate during most of her pregnancy.
Sweet cupcakes is the food of choice for Katie Holmes.
Gwyneth Paltrow was into snacking on banana toffee pie.
A breakfast treat, frosted mini wheats cereal was what Debra Messing ate for most of the 9 months she was pregnant.
Well, what these stars craved for where ordinary, normal food. But there are those who's craving are really unusual and hard to find. Like maybe a blue banana? Haha! Does one even exist? But hey, give the pregnant lady what she's craving for...

spending on me

Before marriage I was a true blue kuripot. You'd think I'd have a huge savings, right? Wrong. I had no savings. Because although I frown upon spending money on myself I lavishly spend it on the ones I love. I get guilt trips whenever I have to buy something for myself. Even if my shoes is practically begging for a replacement, I'd still wear it. Because buying new shoes meant money spent on me. Which is money not well spent. That was what I thought. But if I see something that a loved one would like I'd buy it on the spot. Ridiculous right?
Now that I am married, hubs is teaching me to spend things for myself guilt-free. (to a certain degree)
I'm so lucky to have a husband like him!

scared

The rain is pouring. The thunder and lightning scares me. This is one of the moments I wish hubs is here to comfort me. I admit, I get scared easily. Shall I list them? Well for starters, spiders. Dogs (except our own). The dark. Injections. Sharks. And yes, lightning. Lightning with all its scary electrical energy moving through the sky ready to hit anything on its path.
So moments like this I want my hubs to be beside me to hold my hand and comfort me.

mini biz

Hubs and I started a homebased business about 3 weeks ago. It's really small and something that we can operate right inside our home. We just had to have someone we trust to handle the collection of payments. And it's really a delight to find out that we are starting to recoup our initial investment in such a short span of time. We maybe putting more money into it before the month ends. Is it too early to expand? I don't think so. What we initially invested was a small amount and being able to invest more means that the biz will generate more sales. Anyways, the additional cash out would go to buying stocks thus being able to have a wider customer range.
We do hope that this continues to be a productive biz for us because we are really trying to save money. We have a lot of plans ahead of us.

cooking for two

One of the first things we argued about was cooking. Yup cooking. Between the two of us, hubs is the better cook. Well, not just better, he does all the cooking before. And now that we are married hubs wants me to learn to cook as well. Oh no!
I have always disliked cooking. Having to chop all the ingredients. Onions making me cry. Oil accidentaly spilling when frying. But most of all smelling meat/chicken while it's raw. I don't know but somehow these smells always make me want to throw up. And now, here is hubs asking me to please learn to cook...
So learn I did. The very first viand i cooked? Vietnamese chicken curry. I had to search the net for a recipe for this. But since I have always loved the taste of curry and hubs does not know how to cook it I knew this was the perfect choice for a first cooking lesson. He couldn't tell me to do this or that because he himself does not know how to. Haha!
It turned out ok. Although there was a little bit of leftover. But since by the next day we still ate it, I would have to say job well done!

afterwards

Been married for a 7 months already. With only 3 of those months spent together. Hubs works abroad while I work here. So here we are, newly married and yet miles apart.
How hard is it keeping a long distance relationship? Very!
But inspite of the distance, we are happy to be married!