in search for swing sets

Do you know where I can get wooden swing sets ? My mother in-law is in search for one, as she plans to renovate and landscape her backyard in preparation for the holiday season. She specifically wanted to install swing sets that are safe for children to play and environment-friendly. She wanted playsets that can stand all season, easy to install, pre-assembled parts and pieces that can be packed away over time. The playset design she wanted should be complete with swings, slides, rope climbing ladder, tire swings and probably with small tree house or picnic tables for her grandchildren to rest and enjoy. Really great, huh? As I browse the web for playset design, I saw a perfect replica of what she wanted. The problem, I just hope with her set budget in mind, the playset she's dreaming to build will fit her budget. Otherwise it will be a big disappointment for all the kids since she promised to have this ready in time for our Christmas festivities. Thus, I hope and pray that the budget to build will not be an issue.

Alay Kay Maria

Last Thursday, the pre-school department celebrated Mama Mary's day dubbed as "Alay Kay Maria". The kids were asked to come in their sunday dress (no sleeveless/spaghtetti straps) to present their short song number for Mama Mary. Parents were invited to watch the concert which was held inside the pre-school chapel. Sam's class (Nursery Rm. 5) presented "Oh Mama Mary, I Love You" in accapela. Really touching seeing the kids obediently and devotedly offer their songs for Mama Mary. So sweet!

photo opps before leaving the house

Looking at my picture above I think I really need to start losing weight. I should start considering alli reviews I saw on the web. Don't you agree? I am getting bigger day by day. Blame it on excesive dining out and late midnight snacks.

inside the car -- trying to catch nice shot while in traffic!

inside the chapel, sam behavely waiting for their song number

nursery class (rm.5) presentation

Pardon the pictures. I was busy holding the video while yaya was in charge of the camera. Hubby not present since he attended Ico's sacrament of confirmation with Bishop Bacani, which also coincides same day and time with Sam's presentation. He acted as Ico's sponsor. Really sweet and nice of Mike!!

hardware problems

645am ... my first call this beautiful weekend was from an irate client. You see, this is his third call this week complaining about his internet connection. We've provided him a fast and dedicated internet connection but unfortunately he's still complaining about slow browsing and latency on his access. We've already checked the physical line conenctivity and found out zero errors and no packet loss experienced. Our IP gateway, not congested nor there were any fiber break experienced within the area. After several testings by our network team, we found out he's experiencing some problems with his equipment hardware. Apparenlty after several probings, we found out he's using unbranded, non-standard router wherein different configurations and settings from our network. He told me he got his router from the web which was really cheap. I offered him to check the web for routers like used cisco routers which is really affordable and dependable equipment. Most of our clients use cisco and we never had problems with his equipment. As a matter of fact most of our network equipment including nodes powered by cisco. We have certified cisco engineers too who can do installations, trouble-shooting and configurations of routers. Really dependable and reliable brand thus we always recommend this to our customers.

LV Insolite Wallet

Real eye-candy, don't you think so?

Louis Vuitton recently launched a new twist in monogram wallet called, Insolite. French term for "unusual wallet". Comes in very attractive, eye-catching colors: red, green, ivory and purple. Really nice and yummy! I saw the actual wallet at LV Greenbelt last week and it is priced at P29K. I think you can get it in the US at $575 (tax ex).

Though I heart the new wallet so much ... especially the purple, but got no plans of buying one for myself. Too soon. Just got my LV wallet replacement last March.

BUT if hubby will give me this as a Christmas gift, hmmmm...why not? lol. Go check this out. Promise you will LVOE the new Insolite wallet.

couch potatoes.

Snagged this from Jane of Mommyhood and Me.

1. what are your favorite TV programs? how long have you been watching them? CSI Series. Started watching the show from CSI:Vegas way back three years ago.

2. what’s your favorite snack while watching tv? Chocolates (M&M) and potato chips (lay's/pringles)

3. who’s your tv crush? Wentworth Miller from Prison Break. Really hot!!

4. where’s your favorite place to watch tv? Bedroom.

5. name a tv show you wish would go off the air. Honestly, Kim Sam Soon of GMA-7. I saw it once and felt bad for Regine. Really bad material for her.

6. name a tv show that is no longer on the air, but you really wish they would bring back. Sex and the City.

7. have you ever purchased any tv program collectables? NO. But, I might consider especially if it is made of safe and planet-friendly materials. Probably purchase eco friendly gifts for my family and friends this coming holiday season. Ain't that a better way to show how much we love our planet! :)

holiday vacation

With all the airline promos available these days on the broadsheets, hubby and I now are considering going for a short holiday break next month. Since we didn't get to spend summer at Boracay this year ... we are thinking of going to our fave beach together with the kids this November. Though we are not sure if the beach water will be perfect during this off-peak months, but with all the airline and accommodation promos ... truly tempting to check it out.

Of course our short holiday break still incomparable to our dream vacation in Greece. Hubby and I would love to check out the islands of Greece and enjoy Mykonos, dubbed as Jewel of the Aegan Sea. Our dream is to explore the island and stay on one of the beautiful and luxurious villas like the Mykonos villa rentals. If ever we do get to visit Greece (and if budget permits), this will be our priority accommodation for it provides distinct character and charm of the place. Magnificent get-away place especially for romantic honeymooners. Hopefully will get to see this romantic destination place next years to come ... really hoping and wishing to visit Greece.

off to LA ...

Weekend spent today at home, taking care of the the bratinella. We are supposed to attend a despedida party for hubby's cousin who will be leaving for US to work on a drug rehabilitation center but since the little girl still sick ... we opted to stay at home and watched her favorite video with her.

My in-laws told us we missed a lot during the despedida party. Aside from not seeing Mike's cousin for years (again!), we were told that the food prepared were mostly our favorite. That is, buttered shrimps and crabs! Add up the yummy family specialty kaldereta and chicken pastel. Hmmm... we really missed a lot! Hahaha!

But nevertheless, we promised to visit our dear cousin in LA probably next year. I am very much interested to know more about his work at the drug rehab center. I was told he's working at Malibu's one of the best treatment center, fully-equipped with state of the art facilties with highest quality amenities and comfort. It is almost hotel-type place and wherein the patients wouldn't feel he's trapped in a hospital setting. A luxurious setting for patients with alcohol or drug problems. Something worth checking out on our next US trip.

Strawberry Shortcake loots

Finally, the Strawberry Shortcake party items I ordered online from allaboardtoys.com arrived last week. Thanks to our beloved Tita who brought all these items together with Sam's pants from Old Navy and Gap from New York. I placed these orders sometime March as I was hoping of using these themed party items at Sam's school in Poveda.

But due to some twist of fate last June, Sam was officially enrolled to St. Paul --- and no birthday parties allowed here. Thus, I don't know if I can still use these items at her Mc Do party this coming November.

The box consists of Strawberry Shortcake party items such as invites, thank-you cards, paper plates, cups, dessert toppers, loot bags, utensils, party hats, bday streamer and birthday hat. Good for 18 pax students. With these party items on hand, I am still thinking if I'll sell it to interested buyers. Nothing definite yet.

Excitedly opening the box

counting the party items

Sam's old navy pants on the side

school project submission

My son Ico called a few minutes ago to ask for my help with his school project. Since he's about to go home tomorrow, he called to tell me all the paperworks he need to submit on Monday. I think two papers due for submission on Monday for his Science and History subject. Both research materials. He warned me he need to surf the net the entire day tomorrow to get project data and download pictures. So I guess no blogging time for me then. lol.

He also asked me to buy colored folders, linen and bond papers and to check the condition of our Canon printer . It should be in perfect condition with colored and black ink available since a lot of pictures will be printed for his school project. Good thing hubby replaced our printer ink few months back. It can still accommodate more than 200 pages and will defintely suffice for Ico's school project submission on Monday.

a little LV sad, but more of LV happy ...

Remember my previous post about almost buying the LV Alma Epi here. Well, I should have done it! I should have bought it that day ... I should have walked away that night with the bag in my hand. I should have seized that moment, focused my attention on purchasing the LV bag and was not distracted. All should have been now ... it could have saved me P4k more.

With the global price increase of LV bags (both online and shops), the LV Manila recently increased its price effective last Sunday, Sept 7. I was really sad (and almost hated myself!) when I learned yesterday about their recent price increase. I was ready to purchase the bag last Sept 2, but I didn't pursue it! For short, I am totally "blame-able" for this! Kakainis ...

Anyway, since I was so focused to get my bag yesterday ... I still bought the bag despite their price increase. After doing some calls in LV HK (checking price and inventory), and found out only ONE black alma bag left at the entire LV shops at HK (Ocean Terminal to be exact), I've decided to take the plunge. Kahit mahal! Waaahhh!! My HK trip this coming October can't wait. Moreover, I don't want to go and wait for my trip and be disappointed again if no stock available. So talagang buy na and atat ... Hahaha!

Now, I am LV-happy... satisfied and contented that finally got my baby I've been eyeing for weeks. Despite paying more (due to my own folly), I am now at peace. I've got the bag, finally. The contentment. Priceless. Hahaha! Happy that I got my early Christmas present for myself. Very early indeed. I vowed not to buy anything on my upcoming HK trip. Nor any LV bags for the year. This is my last purchase. Really...for the year. lol.

Btw, hubby still not aware with my new purchase. He's still in Cebu and will be back tonight. Did something impulsive and foolish (again) while he's away. lol. I know he won't mind, because I bought it out of my own money. Out of my sales incentive and budget, of course. Kaya, he won't really mind. Hahaha! Now I am LV-happy! Paid more but definitely LV happy....

busy months ahead

Busy months to come ...

The last quarter of the year is the busiest time of the year. Aside from performance review for 2008, we are equally busy with budgeting and planning for 2009. This includes preparing sales forecast, project or expansion plans, marketing programs, capital expenditures (CAPEX) as well as operational expenses (OPEX) review. On top of this, we have series of marketing events to re-cap 2008. Sales incentive trip in HK, foreign partner's brand product launch by October, Executive Golf Event by November and Christmas parties for corporate clients by December. Whooaa! Really busy.

In between these events, I need to prepare for my kiddo's birthday party on November and the family's post christmas party cum post wedding reception for our dear cousin in New Zealand. Hmmm... so I guess I need to prepare my christmas list and shopping must be done now to avoid the holiday rush. Just hope moolah available to start my Christmas shopping. Hahaha!

soap and shampoo tag

Thanks Jody for this tag! :)

Some Rules:

1. You can include in the post a picture of your favorite soap or the soap you are currently using.
2. Please post this in the blog which you will add in the “blogs that joined.” You can add unlimitted number of blogs as long as this tag is posted there.
3. Please link back to the person who tagged you and pass this tag to many of your friends.
4. If you have more than one blog, please post this to all of your blogs so your other blogs can be listed to the master list too.
5. Remember to come back here at DANCING IN MIDLIFE TUNE (pls. don’t change this link) and leave the exact post url so I can add you to the master list as this is one way to help increase our rankings and improve our Technorati Authority
6. Tag as many friends as you can.

BLOGS THAT JOINED: Dancing in Midlife Tune -Aeirins Collections - BiznHoney - Kidd Designs - Shopaholic Ties The Knot - My Random Thoughts – A Reality Bite – My Wonderful Life - The Shopaholic in Me - Coffee Table Conversations

soap and shampoo Q's:

1. favorite soap: Clinique
2. facial soap: Clinique and Celeteque facial wash
3. body soap: Likas Papaya or Ivory
4. intimate soap: Lactacyd
5. laundy soap: Tide, Ariel and Pride
6. undies soap: same Tide and Ariel
7. baby soap: Johnson’s baby soap
8. favorite shampoo: Pantene hairfall control
9. favorite conditoner: Pantene hairfall control
10. baby shampoo: Johnson’s Baby Shampoo

Passing the tag to Tet, Chat and Kelly.

work opportunities

I've been attending a lot of conference and trainings lately and I missed keeping track of these topics and dates. You see, with my busy schedule in the office now, I failed to keep an updated resume. I think the last time I did some updating was two years ago. Very silly of me! Anyway, hubby's been bugging me for days to update my resume since he plans to send our resume copy to his aunt based in San Francisco. We were told a lot of available work at San Fo and it would be easier and better if we submit at San Francisco resumes to check our qualifications and work capacity. I just hope there are work opportunities for hubby and I in the telecommunications field. Otherwise it would be a waste to shift to a new career given our more than ten years work experience at the telcos.

Goodbye, F1 Shanghai China.

Yes... it's goodbye to F1 Shanghai, China trip on October 17-19. I simply let go of the opportunity to join the fun of Shanghai trip for 3 days and 2 nights all expense paid including airfare, hotel, F1 tickets and F1 all-access pass race. I know its not everyday you get the chance to watch F1 race, but I decided to say NO this time.

Read more here for the F1 details.

And speaking of travels and trips, our HK sales incentive was moved to a later date. Instead of flying to HK this coming weekend, our trip was moved to Oct 3-8, i think. Just few days later but what the heck, I don't mind. Since I am busy anyway with our upcoming Asian Carrier Meet in Cebu this week. Hehehe! I am more worried with my LV black bag purchase ... I think this can't wait! hahaha!

Travelling in New York

A few years back during my first visit in the US, one of my favorite destination city is New York. I was amazed with the big apple…its fast-paced life, giant skyscrapers, beautiful and fashionable people, fabulous dining places and bright city lights. From the financial district of Manhattan to the shopping haven of Soho…truly an overwhelming experience for a first timer like me.

Of course my trip to New York wouldn’t be a success and well-organized one without the aid of shuttle services I availed from Newark airport. Thanks to Newark Airport Transportation I booked online, I was able to efficiently plan my trips the affordable, reliable and safe mode of transportation from Newark Airport to JFK airport. Booking online was easy. With an online reservations available 24/7 … booking as easy as 1-2-3. With the largest fleet available in NYC airports, they can provide from four to fifty-six passenger coaches. And the best part, no more long walks. GO Airlink Shuttle is authorized to load on the inner curb just outside the baggage claim area. Thus on my next visit to NY, I do plan to avail their services once more. Always reliable and always on time, a hassle and worry-free trip to NY.

ready for change

Decided yesterday to cut my hair short ... very, very short.

After four years of keeping my long black straight boring hair, I've decided its about time to make the change.

Thus, few hours before our corporate event at Greenbelt 4, went to Bench fix to get that cut. Nothing planned nor preferred style, I just told the stylist I am ready for short hair. Very impulsive, I must say. But I love being free and daring... and just seize that moment. Dedma if I have that "siopao" face -- I simply want short hair. And the result ... I love it!

I surprised everyone including hubby with my short hair. They all liked it. They say it made me look fresh and young. Yes, these are my colleagues and friends. Hahaha.

So this is me at National Sports Grill few hours after my haircut. Pardon the blurry pix, used my phone here. Happy, fresh, carefree and and young-looking! Bwahahaha!

And talk about being impulsive, since I was at Greenbelt 4 yesterday particularly at LV store, I almost bought the black EPI ALMA. Hahaha. While checking out the bag and asking for a new stock, my boss called me for some details on the budget report. Hah, almost got that bag. I was distracted by his call. Darn.

Anyway, since our HK trip was moved to October, I've been thinking for the past few days to get my LV bag here instead. Call me atat but I think I can't wait for our HK travel. I want my new bag to match my new look! lol. Let's see how long I can wait.

baguio pictures --- part 2

posting more Baguio pictures ...

Ico at CJH Mile Hi / Commissary

photo opps with manor background

more of sam's pictures at manor's lobby fireplace

another busy week ...

Since I was on leave last Friday, I am now swamped with more work and back log emails that require my immediate attention. I am slowly catching up with my emails and sending correspondences to my colleagues. And as of this morning, I am down to 174 unopened email. That is, excluding from my inbox received today. Darn …

Add up several meetings in my outlook calendar from internal and external customers, pending projects that need to be justified for CAPEX release, monthly quota to meet and a big event tonight for one of our top clients … I don’t know if I can squeeze my derma visit this week. You see after our Baguio trip, I noticed zits coming out on my face. Thus, with all the acne treatments available on the net, I badly need to find the effective (and budget-friendly) treatment for my skin. Hopefully I can find the best acne cure soon. With all the events coming up this month, I need to look good and be presentable to my clients – - that is, acne free!