gift for the husband

The husband will celebrate his birthday next week. I haven't given much thought yet what to give him for his birthday. It all happened so fast. After all the holiday celebrations, the love month already here. I've been very busy with all our travel arrangements for our upcoming wedding anniversary in Bangkok, and I have forgotten to get the husband his birthday present. Very bad wifey.

Anyway, I know he has plans to upgrade his existing mobile phone. For more than three years, he's been using his old Nokia communicator. He's most trusted, heavy-duty mobile phone amongst all the three units he's using now. But lately he's complaining with the blurred LCD screen. He can no longer view the text display. Poor husband.

Thus, I am thinking of getting him the new Nokia E90 communicator or an Apple iphone. Both sleek, stylish and ideal for corporate use. Among the two options, I guess the Apple iphone would be a suitable gift given that it comes with the package plan from our present mobile provider. Unfortunately, we will be stuck with the 24 months lock-in period at the premium plan. More costly for us to retain. Or I can look for a store that offers unlocked phone which the husband can switch from one GSM provider to another. Think this will be more useful and practical since he travels a lot. Anyhow, time is ticking and I need to find gift for the husband soon.

LVOE the Husband.

True to his word. He went home with all the LV bilin- bags. Nothing missed. From the huge LV boxes, paper bags, receipts, parchment papers and cloth bags ... he brought everything. Neatly packed inside his luggage. I wasn't expecting that he'll bring all the boxes, but he knew the importance of these packaging. You see the husband truly understands the value (and re-sale value) of my LV bags. Yes, I am one lucky gal to have a husband who somehow understands my addiction and obsession to luxury bags. Oh let me re-phrase that... a husband who recognizes and accepts the phrase "whatever makes me happy! "

Anyway after being away for five days, he arrived early this morning from Hawaii. When I fetched him from the airport I was surprised to see him holding one huge plastic bag. Yes, aside from his big luggage and a laptop bag, he's holding a big white plastic bag on his left hand. The husband told me that his check-in luggage weight exceeded by 23 lbs. He was forced to re-pack his things at the airport twice so as not to pay for the excess weight. Hence the white plastic bag ended up as a hand-carry which contains all 20 pieces of white Hanes shirt and 8 macadamia chocolate boxes as pasalubong for families and colleagues. He jokingly told me that he had a hard time packing his things because of the LV boxes. The boxes filled his entire luggage space! You see, the LV Neverfull boxes not your usual LV collapsible-type of box. It's so huge! Thus, when you open his travel bag, the LV boxes will greet you instead of clothes. Hahaha! And to ensure that the form of the box isn't destroyed, he filled each box with his clean clothes. Ka-kaaliw! Truly impressed with the husband's packing skills. Don't you just LVOE him?

So after packing three LV bags (yes, he was not questioned by customs for not declaring these luxury goods), the bags arrived safely in Manila.

LV paper bags in different sizes

the perfectly-shaped and unharmed boxes of LV bags

and finally ... my Louis Vuitton Neverfull Damier MM

You will be surprised that the husband brought home three (3) Louis Vuitton bags. Nope, these bags are not all mine. How I wish! lol. He carefully and lovingly carried these bags for my friends too. Bait noh? Never heard any qualms from him. He perfectly understands women's desire for LV bags.

side kwento: Upon hubby's arrival in Hawaii and right after checking-in at his hotel, he immediately went to LV Hilton to purchase these bags. This was his first stop before eating lunch. Poor baby! Baka daw maubusan daw ako LV stocks eh! Then after paying, he asked the store clerk to keep the bags for three more days for safe-keeping. Aawwww...very smart hubby. One of the thousand reasons why I LVOE him so much. :)

Now I am giddy happy...not just because of my new bag. But, hubby arrived safely and we are together again.

one more day ...

... and I won't be eating dinner alone.
... and I don't need to wake up at 6am.
... and I don't need to drive Samantha to school.
... and I don't need to check all the window and door locks every night.
... and I no longer own the tv remote.

one more day ...
... and I'll be free from worries.
... and I'll feel safe and secured.
... and I can sleep peacefully.
... and the husband will be home.

Gawd...I miss the husband so much. I can't wait to see him especially now, the little girl is sick due to throat infection. We need him badly.

Fabulous Tag

My blog is Simply Fabulous .. according to Jesse. Thanks girl! You equally deserve the fab blog award.

Rules:

List 5 addictions that I have and to pass the award/tag to 5 more fabulous blogs.

1. COKE ZERO -- can't live without my daily dose of caffeine.

2. SHOPPING -- my ultimate therapy, to keep me sane.

3. BAGS -- can't simply say NO. They even haunt me in my sleep. lol!

4. MIDNIGHT SNACKS -- reason why I am overweight (yeah, yeah..excuses!)

5. MY FAMILY --- my source of strength, my reason for living.

Passing this fabulous award to my fellow fab bloggers: Peachy, Abie, Mich, Joy and Thea. I heart your blog girls!

that "tut" sound

Ever wondered how a barcode scanner works? I haven’t given much thought about these scanners until the little girl asked me the other day during our usual weekend grocery shopping. Curious as always, she was looking at the cashier while each item being checked and scanned for prices. She immediately blurted out how nice with the “red light” emitting from the stick. I explained to her that the light can read the small bars in every package. This is how they determine the price of each item. Though I don’t think she understood my explanation but she was amazed with the light and that “tut” sound. As a matter of fact, she even mimicked the sound of the scanned item by doing the funny sound “tut”. It was really funny watching her. One of life's simple pleasures having a pre-schooler with you around.

no time to relax

The husband is leaving for a five-day conference at Hawaii tomorrow. He will be attending the annual Pacific Telecom Conference. As always, I am not joining this trip. As much as I want to join him and see Hawaii, it will be very impractical for the family to spend a vacation trip just for five days. And as the husband would always say, there will be a lot more travel opportunities for us. We just have to wait for the right timing. And I believed him ... very obedient wife.

Anyway, this upcoming trip will be the shortest business trip ever for the husband. Usually, he spends a few days at their Japan office for series of meetings. Luckily, his clients will also be attending the PTC event thus it will be convenient for all of them to meet up in Hawaii instead. The husband showed me his meetings skeds and for five-days, he'll be meeting with different telecom carriers both Asia Pacific and US providers. I can't believe that he's booked back-to-back for five days. As in with almost no lull moment to breathe and relax. As of yesterday, he has 32 scheduled meetings. Yes, 32 meetings and still counting. Really crazy I tell you. I don't know how he handles it. All work, no play! Despite being surrounded with an awesome view of Waikiki beach, I don't think he'll get to enjoy a little swim. The husband didn't even bother packing his beach gears as well as his Leptorexin pills. He's sure that he'll be on a diet for four-days ... actually, forced-diet due to work. Hahaha! Poor husband.

Amazing view of Hilton Hawaiian Beach Resort and Spa

So with all work, there'll be no time to relax nor shop in Hawaii for the husband. And as for my "bilins"... not so much this time. I promised the husband just one-stop-shop for him. And all my bilins can be found just right inside his hotel. Actually, the DFS Galleria and LV shop strategically located inside the Hilton Hotel. Hehehe! No need for him to go out. Very considerate wife eh? lol.

booking confirmed

Finally, already booked and confirmed our honeymoon travel for February. It's going to be Bangkok this year. Though we wanted to spend our summer vacation treat at Boracay, the new scare incident at Caticlan airport left the husband no choice but to go to Bangkok this year. Too soon to try our luck at Boracay. Hehehe! The plans of bringing the kids at Boracay was put on-hold until next summer. Too bad.

Thus, with the approval and go signal of the husband, I've already arranged our bookings at Bangkok. As much as I want to check out Pattaya beach resort and other vacation rentals options, the husband requested no beach resort for the trip. You see, the husband is not much of a beach lover person. He prefers city tour, temple visits and food trips over the cool, relaxing water of the beach. Besides he loves Boracay more compared to Pattaya. Hence, I gave in. Anyway, I found so many exciting things to do in Bangkok. I guess the 4D/3N stay will not be enough to cover all the nice (and fun) places to explore the city. Really excited about this trip. Can't wait to start my travel itinerary! :)

B is for vacation ...

Yup, you've read it right. B is for vacation.

And to celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary this coming February, we are considering three vacation spots ... and all starts with the letter "B". Hahaha! I've made tentative airline and hotel accommodations; I am just waiting for the final "say" of the husband regarding the dates. You see, it's always difficult to schedule our vacation/trips because of hubby's work. But nevertheless, I already booked our travel conciding our anniversary date. So I guess that leaves the husband no choice. I've also included the kids in our travel package. Though unsure yet if we will bring the kids this time since it'll be our honeymoon trip too! Let us see ... nothing definite yet.

Anyway, our three "B"-cation options are as follows:

1. Boracay : Our No.1 fave vacation spot. Just like me, hubby will never get tired of going back to Boracay. Despite the claim of commercialism at this area, who can resist the sand and the sea of Boracay? The calling of the pristine white sand; the enchanting deep blue water, add up the colorful and happy nightlife of Bora, Just perfect for summer get-away with the kids. I've made our reservations at Two Seasons and Boracay Regency. Hopefully we get room confirmation either of the two hotels for the duration of our stay.

2. Bohol : Never been here and I look forward exploring Bohol. I was able to book our airline, and on tentatively booking at PINR. I've been dying to go check out the famous Tarsier farm, enjoy the sights while cruising Loboc River, check out chocolate hills and of course, laze around Bohol white sand. I've heard so much about this place and I want to see for myself the real beauty of Bohol.

3. Bangkok : If ever, this will be my first here in Bangkok. Amongst the three destination place, my vote goes to Bangkok. For one, the package rate I got really affordable. With 4D/3N trip at $345 per pax at Baiyoke Sky, who wouldn't grab the chance? I am excited to tour the city, visit the temples, eat authentic Thai food from the food carts/kiosk on the streets, watch the amazing elephant shows, go to Pattaya river, roam the red light city district and shop at Chatuchak Market. It seems our 4-days stay will not be enough! Hahaha! The downside, since it will be my first visit here and I am not familiar with the place, I am afraid it would be best if I don't bring the kids. Not sure how safe and child-friendly Bangkok would be, but perhaps on my next visit I can bring the kids.

So there you go ... my top B-list. Not sure which place to go. Still thinking. BUT one thing I am sure, will definitely be out to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Wohohoo!! It will be just me and hubby (i think!), and I can't simply wait!

off for another trip ...

Day after new year ... the husband woke up early today and off he goes to work. You see, despite Malacanang declared the long holiday break, the husband was not entitled with this. You see, he's working for a Japanese telcommunications company and acts as a consultant here in the Philippines. Thus he follows Japan's holiday work schedules. One of the not-so-good perks when you work for a foreign company.

The good side of this, he's again preparing for his annual telecom summit in Hawaii on the 3rd week of January. I was informed last night by dear husband that he will be leaving few days earlier than the scheduled summit. He will again be passing Japan for a few days for scheduled meetings. Though I am not sure if he will extend his trip to the US, but as of last night he's finalizing his meeting with a US-based telecoms company in Washington. Of course, he's excited to go. Not because of the meetings, but he wanted to watch the NBA Live in Action. Funny husband! He's also hoping he can watch live baseball game and get his New York Yankees tickets in time for the game. You see, he's an avid fan of the Yankees. And I am sure he wouldn't dare miss this game while he's in the US.

And as for me joining him on the trip, not again this year. It will be impractical for me to join dear husband since he will be tied with mostly meetings on his Hawaii trip. No chance for us to enjoy vacation together. Moreover, he cannot extend his vacation even for a few days since he needs to fly out to Japan for another series of meetings. Really bad. I am no longer pushing him to bring me anymore on his upcoming trip. I am sure it will be purely work. And besides, I look forward to the loots he'll bring me home (*wink, wink*) than me joining his trip. Hahaha! Much better and more practical, don't you think so?

celebrations

Happy 2009! New year, new beginnings and new hope for all of us. I can't believe this is my first post for the year. So how was your new year's eve celebration? Ours still with a bang...very loud bang since hubby spent quite a lot for fireworks this year. Really loud and impressive fireworks from Dragon and Bulacan. Though I begged him not to spend so much on fireworks but hubby insisted. He was happy with all our 2008 blessings, thus he welcomed 2009 with greater and louder bang. He strongly believes with the power of fireworks. Driving the bad spirits (luck) away, that is. No, he's not chinese nor any streak of chinese blood can be found in his system but he strongly believes on this. Ako ata yun intsik noh?! Hahaha!

Anyway on the eve of new year, we heard mass as early as 630pm. This is to avoid the noisy fireworks along the streets. We had the traditional media noche with my usual prepared viands (kaldereta and buttered shrimps), fruit salad, spaghetti, pork barbecue and hotdogs. My family spent new year's eve with us thus making the celebration even special. It was their first time to celebrate with us. And they had a blast! Good food, good wine, good company and with a lot of fireworks ... the best celebration.

I'll try to post some of our New Year's celebration pictures later. I am stil sorting our holiday pictures and I can't believe we had over 400+ photos! Yes, 400 photos that need to be sorted. I need to select photos I want to keep otherwise my laptop will scream for higher storage capacity. Which reminds me, I need to seriously consider upgrading my notebook. It badly needs memory upgrade and I can't put this off for another month.

So again, happy new year! Wishing everyone all the best for 2009! :)