new baby of the family ...

Nope, not the new baby inside me...that will be 5 months from now still.

All about the new baby I got this June. With my busy schedule lately, I almost forgot to post the birthday gift I received 9 days before my birthday. The plan is to get this new baby by 3rd quarter of this year, but surprisingly, with our old black car gone in 90 minutes (read here), this car was purchased months in advance. Just in time for as my birthday gift. Hehehe! Lucky, lucky me.

Honda Civic 2009 1.8S series (with dual airbags), color : bluish-silver



Aside from the new car which I doubt I'll be driving most of the time, (you see ... the husband loves the new civic baby ...guy's porma car daw!) , I am still hoping to get my other birthday wish. The gift I've been eyeing (and saving) for months now.

So much about birthday gifts, need to check construction materials for our small garage to accommodate our new baby. I saw steel buildings materials from the web which I think would be very ideal for our garage requirement.

the birthday girl ...

... and that's me.

As I celebrate my xx birthday today, I offer this special day to the Lord for all the wonderful blessings HE showered me and my family...

For continuously guiding and keeping us safe from harm.
For providing me and my family the best of health.
For giving me wonderful and stable job, which I truly love and enjoy!
For my loving and supportive family, my ultimate source of joy.
For the new baby, another loving addition to our growing family.
For my support circle ... thoughtful friends, helpful and dependable colleagues.
And for all the challenges and hardships that also come my way ...
Making me stronger and be a better person I am now.
I thank thee for all these blessings.

global recession effect

As news of global recession hits the financial, manufacturing and auto industry early this year, many of my friends based in the US of switching careers to fight the impending global recession. Some were thinking of shifting from white-collar jobs such as those geared towards admin careers or office jobs to engaging in specialized labor-intensive work like in construction, production or service operators like electricians or plant operators. These jobs are amongst the ten best paying blue-collar jobs in the US getting an hourly wage or per man hours service compared to those who earned a degree or higher level of education.

Baby Baptism Week

It was a super busy baby weekend last week as I've attended two baby baptisms from my office colleague and one children's party of a highschool friend. I don't know if it was just me being at the preggy state I am in now, but I noticed lately I am surrounded by friends who are pregnant or just gave birth early this year. As a matter of fact I know eight (8) people in my circle who are infanticipating just like me. Could it be baby boom this 2009? LOL. Sure think so, and most of them are expectant mothers of baby boys. Will I be lucky to have a baby boy too? I hope so.

Anyway, check out my latest picture taken at Erinne Ice's baptism party at Saisaki West Avenue. At four (4) months, I think I am quite big for my size. Don't you think so? Very bad. Need to lose those post-pregnancy weight as soon as I give birth. Probably I should seriously consider going back to the gym, or enrol in a bikram yoga class or take diet pills I saw on the web to bring back my pre-preggo weight. Think the latter option much better and effective option to achieve immediate result weight-loss program. Don't you think so?

Errine Ice Jose baptism at Saisaki West Avenue : Ethel, Sheryll, Erinne, moi, Joel, Jovy, Sam and Abie

HK Travel Itinerary

After weeks of deep thinking, debating, reading newspapers, and watching H1N1 updates from the news. The husband finally said yes to our travel plans this week to HongKong. He confirmed the good news last June 2 which prompted me to confirm all my hotel reservations only last week. I've also prepared our HK travel itinerary which suprisingly more favorable for the kids this time than my shopping agenda. LOL.

June 10 (Wed)

10am : depart from Manila via PAL
12nn : arrival at HK International Airport
2pm : check-in at Disney Hollywood Hotel
4pm : catch the Disney parade show/ rides

June 11 (Thu) : Disneyland with the Kids

June 12 (Fri) :

9am : Disneyland breakfast hotel
10am : Tunchung shopping outlet (Jacqui and Ico ; Mike and Sam to sleep)
12nn : Check out
1pm : move to Holiday Inn Tsimshatsui, Kowloon
3pm : Victoria Harbour -The Peak and Wax Museum
5pm : Shop at Ocean Terminal/Lane Crawford (my fave!)
7pm : Dinner / Avenue of the Stars/ Watch the HK City Lights

June 13 (Sat)
9am : city breakfast
10am: last minute shopping at Ocean Terminal
12nn : check out hotel
1pm : lunch and roam around Nathan Road
3pm : off to HK airport
6pm : flight back to Manila

Despite the H1N1 scare, surprisingly no discounts or rebates offered by the HK hotels. As a matter of fact, some hotels I've inquired already booked on our particular travel week. Luckily, our fave Disney Hollywood Hotel available during our trip hence we all look forward staying here. We all love this hotel so much not only because of its fine amenities, but the kids love the LCD TVs with Disney shows on each room. Just like the one I saw on the web offering wholesale tvs.

Three days to go ... and we are off to HK! Just can't wait.

birthday plans

Yes, it's going to be a very, very happy birthday this year. As I celebrate my x birthday exactly one week from now (June 14), my birthday plans and wishes will do come true. LOL. It's going to be an uber busy birthday month for me and as I've previously mentioned in my blogs. My only problem ... moolah to spend! Hehehe! Anyway, I am ecstatic and overwhelmed with joy as I finalized my birthday plans.

1. I've got my birthday gift.

A week advance, actually. Weee! This one deserves a separate post.

2. June 10-13 : Hongkong Travel

The husband as of June 2 agreed to pursue our 4D/3N HongKong travel. Yes, despite all the H1N1 scare, he was convinced to go. I've shared with him emails from my friends who went to HK recently. They've shared comments and stories travelling with kids at this time not at all bad. Risky, yes...very risky in fact. But, we are hoping (and praying) all our possible preventive measures preparation will win over this flu virus.

I am excited to visit HK together with the kids. Will be spending more bonding time at Disneyland than shopping! Yes, believe me...less shoping in HK this time. LOL.

3. June 16-19 : Singapore Trip

Work-related trip in time for the Communicasia Event in SNG. I was told still sale period at SNG, though I don't have plans to shop ... not sure if I can say NO to those gadgets at Sim Lim, shops at Orchard Road and make-up haven Sephora. Hahaha! I am sure I'll have more time to shop here than in HK since I'll be travelling without the kids. It'll be perfect time for me to visit Ikea too, and check out outdoor lighting for our garden I found on the web.

Despite having a back-to-back meetings, I look forward to Singapore's night life. I am sure most of our FA-partners will invite us for dinner and cocktails at Clark Quay. As a matter of fact, I've received cocktail invitations already from them and like I've said it''s going to be a very,very busy networking nights in Singapore. Haaayyyy....

Now I am really excited on my upcoming birthday. Got so many plans on how I'll spend my natal day. This year of course, will be an unforgettable year for me. Aside from turning a year older with a "travel" bang ... I am happy preggy too with Baby No. 3 ... my last, actually. So, will it be really a happy, happy birthday? I sure do hope so.

Birthday Blues : Part 1

Sorry, I am quite sentimental lately. Blame it on my pre-birthday blues. And with just 12-days away of my natal day, I again start to think and evaluate how I spent the past 365-days of my life. What have I accomplished for the year and how to enjoy the next 365-days of my life.

For starters, allow me to share my simple joys. My musts for a great life (in random order) :

1. my clean and nice bathroom : I love my long baths here. This is my personal sanctuary. My private place.

2. I love pampering myself : manicure, pedicure, foot spa, body massage. Super indulgence.

3. date with the husband : whether simple coffee date, dining-out or watching movies. Gives us time to catch up and time to talk about our future.

4. shopping, shopping : Every girl's joy! I love rewarding thy self, for a job well-done, for being "nice" or simply just to perk me up.

5. nap time : I rarely get naps since I am working, thus I sooo love weekend naps. Especially nap time together with the husband and Sam.

6. time before we sleep. Our family bonding activity.

7. feel good movies : makes me appreciate life more and enjoy simple things in life.

8. I love coke light : It refreshes me ... revitalizes me. My usual caffeine-fix if I can't get my coffee.

9. my wifi internet access : I can blog and work while on the go. gives me absolute freedom and be connected with the world.

10. my kitchen : I love cooking for my family. Bliss for me seeing them enjoy the food I prepare.

And of course, top 5 I can't live without...

1.The husband : who loves me so dearly. Who continues to support me in all my decisions and (sometimes) whims in life. Who understands and guides me, and for sharing my dreams and hopes in life.

2. My kids : for making me laugh. my source of happiness and inspiration.

3. My Family : My comfort circle.

4. My Work : Aside from giving me so much financial independence ... I love what I do. I love my work to bits. Really!

5. Above all, GOD : for the good health of my family, and all the wonderful blessings He showered us.

So much for being so cheesy or sentimental for one day. Now I am not sure if these sentiments are brought about by my pre-birthday blues or mostly pregnancy hormonal changes. Now I am confused! LOL. Anyway, back to surfing the net for good-quality and affordable fluorescent light bulbs for our outdoor patio and garage. Need to find energy-efficient lights as our household cost-cutting measures.