7:42am Started doing yoga this morning. Becky had been talking to me about it, so I decided a Monday would be a great day to start. What a difference! I only did a couple beginner poses, but immediately I feel relaxed, stretched (no more morning back pains) and I'm eager to start a new day.
Getting ready to make a bowl of cereal and tackle homework =P Happy Monday!
8:29am Internet TV is my downfall. I haven't been able to watch a lot of TV lately so I catch up online. Okay, now I'm doing homework. Seriously, I already glanced at the syllabus for today. It'll take 20 minutes tops. I swear.
9:15am So I'm not sure but I think if you take away all my internet browsing and the trips to the kitchen for more food, all in all I only spent 20 minutes on actual homework =P Ray called and asked to eat lunch with me so I'm off to the shower early to get ready, set, go! Will most likely stay out to run a couple errands before work instead of coming back home so last blog-piece for today.
I guess it was a Blogger issue and it is now cleared up. Errr!
Ray and I just got done eating at Mom and Dad's. It was nice having a quiet visit with them for a change without all the hustle and bustle involved when visitors are about. We got to share some funny stories and serious stories and everything in between. Dad is still a dork.
Ray's gone off to meet with his group from school. The group includes Ching so hopefully he remembers to hand her her birthday present. I myself will be off to work here pretty soon. But wanted to share a bit of the weekend.
Ray and I ate dinner at Hana Cafe. We had sushi and something I forgot the name of. It was all fairly good and filling. I had sake too. Yummy! We drank a bit at Oscar's waiting for the movie to start and drank some more during the movie. (I know, sounding like a problem, huh? Nah! It's a once every blue moon thing now-a-days.) Anyway, the movie was hilarious. I love political comedy. After the movie we met Becky and Jacob at the Pumphouse and then migrated to Biggins to finish off the night playing pool. It was all nice and relaxing.
Went back to working yesterday and Ray packed my lunch for me. Complete with a granola bar, and one piece of bubblegum. It was sweet and corny, but I couldn't stop talking about it at work.
Friday night and last night Ray and I have slept in the basement in front of the TV. We basically put the love seat and sofa together and sleep like that. It's nice and cuddly comfy, but it's starting to take a toll on my back. =( Ray likes it because he can watch TV all night. I like it because I can squish into him and he has nowhere else to go. Hahahahahaha!
Alright that's enough private information to embarass Ray for the week. Until next time....
I'm including a screenshot of Ray's site for now. I worked hard on it but couldn't fix the link because Blogger won't let me republish stating there is an error with my java. No time to figure it out, especially since I haven't changed any java scripting on my template and it's now acting up. Ugh! Either way here it is and if you click on the pic, that's supposed to be a link too, let's see if it works.
As well, Daddy is like a freakin' kid with his new airplane. I told him I'd buy him the battery charger and now he's telling me no, because it's too expensive and he'd rather have a lot of little things. =P So he's making a list and we're ordering it when I come over for lunch. Everytime I see him tinkering with his toys I can easily picture him as a 12 year old boy tinkering with old radios. He is forever geeky.
Anyway, going to get ready to eat lunch with Mom and Dad. Later.
This is my first double post with my site and Ray's site. Yep, Ray's site =D
Yesterday I got all the cleaning done, dishes, laundry, bathroom, bedroom, ironing, washed the bathroom rugs and all, with enough time to spare to watch Ugly Betty. Woke up sore, a little feverish but yet again, no time for that. Sat down and tackled getting Ray's site up and running. I was going to just stick him with a premade template but they were all so unfitting and the one I did like he said was too yellow. So this morning I made from scratch with love.
Now all that's left to do is to get his domain name to forward, maybe switch him to GoDaddy, and teach him the basic html codes to get him going on his own.
Not much time for a real post. Need to shower and do more errands before Ray gets home at noon. Planning on going to Philippine Grill for lunch, one of those moments when you wish you lived closer to Mom. Hot tub is due to arrive today so I'll let Ray blog about that later.
Daily extended (by Astrology.com) Try to pace your day so that there are pockets of quiet intermingled with periods of action ... this balance of activity will help you see things more clearly. After a spurt of doing, you will need a spell of thinking in order to fully appreciate the changes you are going through. So after a busy morning, try to take a long leisurely lunch. There is a lot to accomplish and not a lot of time to accomplish it in, but if you keep this balance, you will do fine.
So far today, got out of the house by 8:20am and ran some hush-hush errands. Killed extra outside time by looking for a crescent shower rod for both of the guest bathrooms, and some fabric for curtains. No luck, though I didn't have high expectations with only 40 minutes to kill. Picked Ray and Anthony up and ate lunch at Playa Azul. I actually cleaned my plate this time. Completely random, because I don't really even like Mexican food.
Got home, cleaned the master bedroom including the master bath and the walk in closet. Also cleaned the office room, and the upstairs guest bathroom. Already gone through one load of dishes and 2 loads of laundry, and still not quite done. Taking a bit of a break. After I clean the kitchen, living room, and dining area, I will be tackling the downstairs bedroom, bathroom, and living room. All this before it gets dark hopefully.
Ray and I have talked about getting everything for the house completed. I'll leave the wall paint selection to him, but I did get the okay to start buying the bathroom accents, wall decors and such...very excited.
Anyway, back to work, this is my first "pocket of quiet" for the day. Will let everyone know how it works out.
I have one more day of work before I get some much needed rest. I have a ton of side work errands, what I call my non-essential to-do's, to be done Thursday and Friday. As well, Ray and I are planning on seeing Man of The Year, which I'm really looking forward to. Robin Williams is never a let down.
I also have homework to catch up as usual, and cleaning my car which is always put off it seems. Just a lot of little details that I'm sure once done will add to a much better living vibe.
For now I'm concentrating on not getting sick. I know I've been complaining of it a lot these past few days but only because I feel it taking over me. Everytime I think "Not until the weekend," and every weekend I think, "Not until I'm done with what I have to do." So the bottom line becomes that I just don't have time to get sick right now.
I've eaten lunch downtown for the past two days. I've been meeting with Ray and Anthony, and it's been a pretty good deal. I usually box my left overs and eat it for dinner at work, which saves me the trip through downtown ghettoville. Monday was Old Chicago, and yesterday was Oscar's. I'm about to call and see if Ray is up for eating at Uptown Bistro, or maybe even Hana Cafe. Yesterday on our way out of Oscar's we saw Eli and Chuck coming out of Hana and Ray had to point out that's he's never been in there. My poor baby =P
In actuality I enjoy eating with Ray because I'm not usually motivated to sit down and eat on my own. (I blame it on being spoon fed by our Yaya's until I was atleast 10 years old.) Of course, considering my current weight I can't afford missing any meals. So I try to eat with Ray as much as I can, which also helps in that he encourages me to eat more and finish every meal. Also, since I'm hypoglycemic, which means my glucose level is abnormally low, I have to eat every three to four hours to keep from having sugar spells. So at work, I'm constantly snacking on whatever falls out of the vending machine. My goal is to eventually get my health a little more under control and as an added bonus maybe gain 15 to 20 pounds in the process.
Gaining weight has always been difficult for me and I'm not quite sure why. Considering how much I eat, and more specifically how much fast food I eat, I should be ballooning already. Everyone blames it on my metabolism, but I have a growing suspicioun that I have tapeworm. Okay, I'm not serious, but it could happen.
For most of my high school career I was trying to break 100 lbs. I've been a steady 86 lbs ever since. I gained 32 or 36 lbs while pregnant with Logan, and dropped it within a week of having birth. No idea how. Sometimes I can get lucky and get up to 95 lbs, but inevitably it goes back down again. At this point I'm starting to accept that this is how I'm supposed to be. I actually like the way I look, that's never been a problem, I just wanted to weigh more. But being 25 years old, if this is my natural weight, then that's it.
I was thinking of beginning to join Ray when he works out downstairs in the gym. Maybe if I can't gain fat weight, I can add muscle weight and maybe that'd be even better. Besides, what good is having a flat screen in the gym if I can't use it =P
BTW, I finally received my medal for bowling in the Wichita Corporate Challenge. We only got third but it's a start. I think I'll be doing this every year and start a collection.
Alright time to hit the shower. Expect a longer, more detailed blog tomorrow when I don't have to work. Adios!
And a woman who held a babe against her bosom said, "Speak to us of Children." And he said:
Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
And though they are with you, yet they belong not to you.
You may give them your love but not your thoughts.
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you.
For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.
You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.
The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite, and He bends you with His might that His arrows may go swift and far.
Let your bending in the archer's hand be for gladness;
For even as he loves the arrow that flies, so He loves also the bow that is stable.
--Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet
Waking up early today to get a little homework done. A lot of things from last night still unsettles me. If I could take a bit of everyone's time to unload a burden that wasn't mine to take home anyway.
Since it's work related I cannot give away the specifics, but the gist is that we have/had a 5 week old boy in the hospital who we are uncertain are gonna make it. He is there because his parents didn't care enough. One shook him and one didn't tell. The only reason we found him (a day after the incident) is because a neighbor was brave enough to get involved and call 911. He, our baby John Doe, will be blind if he makes it, and will need to heal from a 90 degree fracture in his femur. With that said, tell me how you feel today? Knowing that things like this are right under your noses.
I myself am blessed knowing Logan's in able hands. Of course, being in such able hands that makes me completely worthless. I know most times my family will silently agree. But last night when I got that call, I had Logan and his welfare in mind. However worthless I might feel, I could never turn my back on my own son, never disregard his health physically or emotionally, Logan is too important to give up. He is, literally, the answer to my prayer. (Yeah, prayer -singular, everyone knows I'm too scared to pray.) So if I'm too far away to be Mom, and too often missing to be a friend, the most I can do is to impress on him, every chance I get, that I am completely unabashed, without need for solicitation, inexhaustible love. And though he already has everyone at his beck and call, and may have little need of me, I'll hang around despite feeling worthless just to have that slight chance of being there whenever he does call.
The time management stuff might have started working. With last weekend being so busy I was almost certain I'd be cramming again this week. Expecially since I was not feeling my healthiest by last Thursday.
What a surprise! I went to work yesterday and despite a murderous headache made through the entire night without wanting to jump out the 5th floor window. We were actually so busy and so short staffed that neither Judy nor I was able to get a decent lunch break. Luckily for me Kevin, who is back from trying his hand on becoming a sworn employee, was kind enough to pick my dinner up from Taco Bell. I think he felt bad from almost involving me in a vehicular homicide in our very own parking garage =P By 9:30pm my headache was fading away, thanks to my fast food sustenance and 2 tablets of Bayer aspirin.
When I got home from work Ray had done most of the laundry for the week, and all that's left for me to do is iron the batch that was not pulled out of the dryer in time. No biggie, I usually iron everything. Ray's also done the dishes. Yay, Ray!
This morning I got up at 8am and started my homework, and I'm all done. Woohoo! Next I'll be checking the weather and getting ready early so I can run out and do some errands before work.
What a great way to start my Monday. Already feeling accomplished so early in the morning gives the rest of the day so much more potential. Well, let's try to keep this momentum going. I'll check back in after work and let you know what else happens.
As previously blogged, Friday night was dinner at Ray's parents' house. I didn't get my highly anticipated home fries but Michelle did promise that for my birthday we will have my candles in home fries. You bet your bottom dollar I'll be holding her to that. Michelle got take out from On The Border. I think it's because Ray's loves Mexican food. Then we had cake and ice cream. Ray got to blow out 27 candles and everything. It was all so adorable.
During the meal, as always, Heidi stayed under the dining room table waiting for a little bit of attention. Heidi, has got to be one of the smartest pooches ever.
After dinner Ray and I went straight back home and enjoyed the rest of the night by ourselves. Early to bed and cuddling. It was the best ending to the longest day EVAR!
Saturday morning we got up semi-early. We went and ate our lunch at the mall and shopped some more. I bought the rest of Ray's birthday presents which was a brand new wallet. He picked out almost the exact same Kenneth Cole leather bifold, as I bought him last time. Men are so weird. After we visited all the stores in Towne East we left for New Market Square out west. I got a new coat, and Ray's GMAT book. I think that's the best present by far since he has to take his GMAT test next month. And no, Chingay, he will not take it without studying. Ching took her test without studying and she is trying to get Ray to do the same thing to see if he'll score just as high. It does cost money to take this test and Ching is sira ulo so she thinks it's funny.
Anyway, Ray and I were going to eat dinner at Sumo's. We had 8pm reservations but even their reservations were atleast an hour behind. I called directory assistance for Kobe's and made my reservations in front of the girls that work there and everyone else in line. Yeah, I was not happy at all, Sumo's is boycotted forever. Ray and I arrived at Kobe's and were seated almost immediately. We had a great meal, the leftovers of which we just got done eating for breakfast.
After dinner we tried to hang out with Becky at the Loft. There was a 30 minute line to get in and Ray was making fun of the guy behind us which at the time he didn't know was one of my exes. It was hilarious. Luckily for us the line was in River City Brewery, the restaurant below, so we still got to drink while we waited. We paid our cover and the place was packed. Not to mention we didn't even get to hang out with Becky anyway. After a couple of drinks we left to go to Liquid. That's always where we have the most fun anyway.
Adina took the last picture. I think she was guilt ridden because I had just called her a traitor for participating in Ray's prank. I was drinking White Russian's all night. I asked for another before visiting the ladies' room. Ray decides to tell Adina to just give me a glass of the half and half, without the Kahlua and without the vodka. That's a lot of withouts not to notice, especially since I don't usually drink milk. Long story short I did notice. I waited for Adina to not be busy and asked her if she was joking. She gave me the huh look and I just handed her back the drink. Then, of course, she points at Ray and says "He told me to do it." and Ray is busting out laughing thinking it's the best prank ever. Yeah, I'll get him back.
I love you because there's no one else like you in this world, and there's no one else I'd rather have in my life. -- ♥ Jenni
Today is Ray's birthday and it's started out to be on the best side of relaxing already. My baby has turned 27 years old. He's getting up there isn't he? =P I'm feeling a tad bit sick still but will need to tough it out. Maybe if worse comes to worse I'll just spring for a couple's massage.
Anyway, as of currently he is supervising the heating and cooling guys since our AC seemed to be leaking Freon. Of course winter time we won't really need the AC but better fixing it now than later, right?
To stay out of their way I've tackled the project of creating Ray's website. He wants to be able to have his own blog. Yay! Look forward to a lot of info on stocks, equities, cars, golf, the best vacation places, etc. etc. You know grown up stuff....hahahahahahaha.
Anyway, we both have off today and we have a few little errands to run before the night goes underway. We'll be going to the hot tub place, something something that needs to be tended to, and I tag along. I need to venture to Hobby Lobby or Michaels for fabrics. Maybe/hopefully another trip to the mall *cross fingers*. And dinner at Ray's parents. Woohoo! We're already stocked on alcohol for the night so the party begins when we say. Anyone who's interested in meeting up with us later email or text.
Notable Link:
Something to keep everyone entertained at work this Friday, courtesy of Cora Schoech. Very fun.
One day you'll see her and you'll know what I mean. Take her or name her, she will still be the same. She'll not try to buy you with her time. Nothing's the same as you will see when she's gone.
It's foreign on this side. And I'll not leave my home again. There's no place to hide, And I'm nothin' but scared.
You dream of colours that have never been made. You imagine songs that have never been played. They will try to buy you and your mind. For only the curious have something to find.
It's foreign on this side. And the truth is a better friend. Reasons, few have I, Go back again.
Your first dog blinded you, left you cursing the day. Entrance is crucial and it's not without pain. There's no path to follow unless you're here. Climb up the slide and then you'll slide down the stairs.
It's foreign on this side. But it feels like I'm home again. There's no place to hide, But I don't think I'm scared.
(There's no place to hide.) (There's no place to hide.) But I don't think I'm scared. (There's no place to hide.) But I don't think I'm scared.
This weather is harsh for galavanting around town, but it's perfect for cuddling at home. These last two nights, going to bed has been the highlight of each day. Doesn't hurt that Ray has been the absolute sweetest. Last night we had the fireplace on and it was completely cozy.
Today will be my last day of work this week. Ray and I both have Friday off for his birthday. I do believe it will be semi-relaxing, but there's still some time he has to devote to getting the hot tub set up since it's being delivered this weekend. Friday night we're eating dinner at his parents'. Michelle cooks the best home fries. The best! I hope she makes some for Friday. Everyone cross your fingers.
I am feeling the backlash pain from running around being a superhero all week. I've been sneezing non-stop since I sat down in front of the computer. I'll pretend I don't notice my body shutting down, and we (my body and I) will have no other option but to keep going. Really, what's one more 8 hour shift?
Well, I have laundry, dishes, and a tad bit of vaccuuming to do before work. I want everything to be spotless by tomorrow so we can just relax, without worrying about any chores that need to be done. Bye, everybody!
Just finished my last lab for this week. Tomorrow I have an 8am-12pm Seminar for work and work 2:30pm-11pm. Thursday will be a regular work day and my free time will be spent on catching up the rest of the house chores, and hopefully cleaning my car. Friday is Ray's birthday, I'm sure I'll still have errands to run in the morning, and hopefully get a head start on next week's school work. Friday night is dinner at Ray's parents' house. Saturday is dinner at Sumo's. Sunday begins another work week. Whew! I'm worn out and seriously lacking sleep.
Now, for the important lesson - Time Management
Concentrate on results, not on being busy
Some useful tools:
Activity logs
Activity logs help you to analyze how you actually spend your time. The first time you use an activity log you may be shocked to see the amount of time that you waste! Memory is a very poor guide when it comes to this, as it can be too easy to forget time spent reading junk mail, talking to colleagues, making coffee, eating lunch, etc.
You may also be unaware that your energy levels may vary through the day. In fact, most people function at different levels of effectiveness at different times. Your effectiveness may vary depending on the amount of sugar in your blood, the length of time since you last took a break, routine distractions, stress, discomfort, or a range of other factors. There is also some good evidence that you have daily rhythms of alertness and energy.
Action Plan
Wherever you want to achieve something, draw up an action plan. This allows you to concentrate on the stages of that achievement, and monitor your progress towards it.
To-Do Lists
To-Do Lists are essential when you need to carry out a number of different tasks or different sorts of task, or when you have made a number of commitments. If you find that you are often caught out because you have forgotten to do something, then you need to keep a To-Do List.
You will then have a precise plan that you can use to eliminate the problems you face. You will be able to tackle these in order of importance. This allows you to separate important jobs from the many time-consuming trivial ones.
Scheduling
Scheduling is the process by which you look at the time available to you, and plan how you will use it to achieve the goals you have identified. By using a schedule properly, you can:
Understand what you can realisticaly achieve with your time. Plan to make the best use of the time available. Leave enough time for things you absolutely must do. Preserve contingency time to handle 'the unexpected'. And minimize stress by avoiding over-commitment to yourself and others.
Goal Setting
The process of setting goals helps you choose where you want to go in life. By knowing precisely what you want to achieve, you know where you have to concentrate your efforts. You'll also quickly spot the distractions that would otherwise lure you from your course.
More than this, properly-set goals can be incredibly motivating, and as you get into the habit of setting and achieving goals, you'll find that your self-confidence builds fast.
I know, I know, practice what you preach. As a matter of fact I put this all here more for personal reference. Usually when I get hit with all my to-do's all at once I get overwhelmed with stress and shut down. Unfortunately shutting down is not an option because it only creates more catch up work later, and ultimately more stress. So, hopefully with all the tools listed in hand I can manage my time better and have more time for relaxing and celebrating my accomplishments.
Speaking of to-do's, I have to borrow Mom's sewing machine some time soon to start on the curtains I promised Ray I'd custom make for the room in the house. I need someone to remind me to do that, or to atleast remind me to write that down. Hmmmm...maybe I should just invest in an assistant with Time Management Skills.
I'm doing laundry, blogging, and curling my hair - beat that! I was doing more schoolwork for awhile. As in I got up at 8am this morning and am just now done. Whew! Times are tough.
Anyway, I'm thinking if I have time to stop by Borders at the New Market Square. It's been awhile since I had a good read. I read Crime and Punishment last but I think for right now I need something light that won't mess with my psyche. Last light reading I had was many moons ago. Can You Keep A Secret? by Sophie Kinsella. It was a great book, very funny. I bought it while waiting for Ray in the airport. He enjoyed the book too, actually. I remember I'd read aloud to him in bed, and I thought he's not interested he's just wanting something to sleep to. Then I read a couple chapters on my own and he got upset, I had to recap to him and it was cute.
Well, back to the book, it was awesome and I'd watch it if it was made into a movie. Actually I wish they would make it into a movie. Here's the synopsis from Border's website...
With the same wicked humor, buoyant charm, and optimism that have made her Shopaholic novels beloved international bestsellers, Sophie Kinsella delivers a hilarious new novel and an unforgettable new character. Meet Emma Corrigan, a young woman with a huge heart, an irrepressible spirit, and a few little secrets:
Secrets from her mother: I lost my virginity in the spare bedroom with Danny Nussbaum while Mum and Dad were downstairs watching Ben-Hur. Sammy the goldfish in my parents' kitchen is not the same goldfish that Mum gave me to look after when she and Dad were in Egypt.
Secrets from her boyfriend: I weigh one hundred and twenty-eight pounds. Not one eighteen, like Connor thinks. I've always thought Connor looks a bit like Ken. As in Barbie and Ken.
From her colleagues: When Artemis really annoys me, I feed her plant orange juice. (Which is pretty much every day.) It was me who jammed the copier that time. In fact, all the times.
Secrets she wouldn't share with anyone in the world: My G-string is hurting me. I have no idea what NATO stands for. Or even what it is.
Until she spills them all to a handsome stranger on a plane. At least, she thought he was a stranger.
But come Monday morning, Emma's office is abuzz about the arrival of Jack Harper, the company's elusive CEO. Suddenly Emma is face-to-face with the stranger from the plane, a man who knows every single humiliating detail about her. Things couldn't possibly get worse--Until they do.
I'm done for the night. I'm tired. I'm going downstairs to join Ray in couch potato fun. Who knows maybe I'll catch my second wind after making and enjoying a batch of sweet tea.
A new addition to the site is the visitor map. It's unfortunate that it won't count the past visits but I wanted to track the international guests coming to the site. So far I've had visitors from.....
Cataluna, Barcelona, Spain
New Zealand
Porto, Maia, Portugal
Iraklion (crete), Irakleion, Greece
Mato Grosso Do Sul, Campo Grande, Brazil
T'ai-pei, Taipei, Taiwan
Atleast those are the countries I've gotten feedback from. It's amazing to me, it's a better version of that 5th grade school program when you pay to be set up with a pen pal. I had two of those. One from Spain and another from Australia. This time I didn't have to pay anybody and I can write them all simultaneously. Thank you so much for the ones that do write back. Anyway, bed time. Ciao!
I spent the entire day running around like a chicken with its head cut off. And that's not a good sight. I remember in the Philippines, every time a new house was built up we would have house blessings, and they would cut a chicken's head off and have it run around the house. The blood was left on the floor then they would either put wood or carpet on top of it. It's a gross tradition. Another gross tradition is schoolwork. Yeah. Not anybody's fault, though. I've been very bad about managing my time. I'm lucky that my job is very understanding about it. So, I jumped straight into the computer this morning, dropped a load of laundry and started my reading assignments online. Realized after lunch, however, that my book I needed for my online test was in Derby. So, I called work and told my sup, thank God she's a student herself, but I'm sure she still wasn't happy about it. Anyway, went to Derby and did my online exam, and got to hang out with Logan a little bit. Now I'm trying to do my homework that would be due tomorrow trying to get a head start. I'm sure I'll get them all done tonight if Ray let's me stay up late.
Anyway, I only had one day off last weekend and that was Saturday. Mom's luncheon which I already blogged about was awesome. Her new friend Doris, is very funny, and she has a lot of stories. I wouldn't mind seeing more of her around the house. Anyway, after that whole day of chit chat, food and shopping, Ray and I went to try Fritz. The ambiance is excellent but the food was ordinary and the service was slow. We didn't have a bad time, but we didn't have a great time either. After dinner we met Becky at Tanners. We actually had a blast. We spent an estimated $20 on the MegaTouch machine. I think we ended up being New Champions of atleast 10 games.
Ray and his Dad are at it again in the backyard. I'm going to go back to reading and programming. Can't be missing work and not getting everything I can possible get done done. Right? Work and school is very important right now. I've got a mental list of things I need to get done by March of 2008 and I'm trying not to get sidetracked.
As well, I might start an online store pretty soon. I have a friend at work that sells fine jewelry. I've bought a couple pieces already and I really enjoyed them so it sparked my interest in selling jewelry myself. I've already done some research and it's just a matter of purchasing a couple pieces to start out a collection. If I can sell a couple and use my profits on those to buy more that could get me a good start. Anyway, there's a company that I've already signed up with to become a wholesale buyer for, and I need to find the time to have Ray look it over. Between the two of us he's better educated when it comes to entrepreneurship and investments.
Okay, that's it for now. I want to thank everyone that's been supporting the blogs and sending emails. I like being able to track my visitors and get feedback. I'm seeing a lot of international traffic which is awesome. Atleast I know that search engines can recognize my site. I wish I could get more Philippine traffic though, try to reach some people back home. Or maybe I have, maybe us Filipinos are just not as good at sending emails =P
We bought it! Well, I bought it but Ray was ubber patient with me stopping at every store in the mall on the way to getting his watch. Actually Zales only had the Kinetic Chronograph and that ended up looking real bulky against Ray's wrist, and then the sales lady started trying to sell us a Wittnauer which was a crappy looking $800 watch. Her biggest sales pitch was to tell us that it comes in a "really cook black box." So my irritation led to hunger and after a quick snack we went to Helzberg Diamonds. Helzberg had the Alarm Chronograph and it looked perfect on my baby. On the way back to the car we went through Von Maur and Ray remembered he needed a tie clip so we bought him one of those too, and got one that matched his new watch. So all together we ended up with this....
I dropped Ray off back at home since he and his dad are working in the backyard again. I think the hot tub is due to arrive next week. Just in time for Ray's birthday. I went to Derby to have lunch with Mom and a couple of her friends. Becky was also came. Dad entertained Logan in the backyard, while Becky and I played with little Eli and tried to make him squeek. A short video...
Logan left with Jennifer and her friend Meri and Daddy put Eli down for a nap so Becky and I left to go shopping. We hit a lot of stores and walked out of all of them empty handed. I really want a new coat but I haven't found one the fits and feels right. I'll just keep searching, I guess.
That's all for now. I'm going to take a quick nap while Ray is still working with his dad. Tonight we're supposed to go out for dinner and maybe I can convince him to go play pool downtown or something. Cross your fingers.
I started going through my Flickr photos going back to 2004. I found the evolution of my hair in a 2 year period. Check it out.
Hahahahahaha! I guess I've never been the one to second guess what I feel like doing to my hair or to anything in my life. Some people fear change because of hesitation to adjust, whilst I go head on knowing the world will adjust for me just because I'm me. I sound cocky saying that because I am. I can offer no apologies here.
Everyone reacts to me differently. Some people take me for what I am and enjoy the ride. Others feel compelled to compete against me (rolling eyes) until they get distracted and find something else better to do =P
I don't take much of anything seriously when it comes to those things. More recently it's been a source of comic relief. Everytime someone points it out to me that so and so was being catty because I was there, or so and so it trying to copy me, I burst out laughing. My usual response is "What'd I do?" "Why copy me?" or "We need to hang out with her again so I can mess with her some more!" Participating in the drama is like running in the Special Olympics. I already won before I started so there's no point, but sometimes for the heck of it I'll play along just to have the chance to point and laugh.
On a more serious note, it's something I've gotten quite accustomed to. As a wise friend puts it, "Art imitates Life. Life imitates high school." So I shrug it off and understand that everyone has a reason for having the crappy outlook they have and I just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. My only plea - You can hate me for having things you don't have. You can hate me for doing things you can't do. You can hate me for saying things you wish you could say. But don't hate me just because you're ugly. (Pointing and laughing.)
Maybe I've mentioned this already and maybe I haven't - really would rather not have to go check - Ray and I are going to go shopping tomorrow for his birthday present. If you can give me credit for the thought, I decided to get him a watch for his birthday since he never wears one and he deserves a really nice flashy one. I'm very big on being flashy if you haven't noticed. Anyway he bought me a Bulova for our second year anniversary and I thought this time I'll return the favor. Of course it's not a Bulova, I picked a manlier brand. So far, we're considering the Seikos, and we're down to two options...so far.
Tomorrow he'll see them face to face for the first time. I myself have been all over all the jewelry stores trying to find The One. Even went to Powell Jewelry in Derby. We liked the Le Grand Sport Alarm Chronograph first, then after a short visit to Zales I found the Coutura Kinetic Chronograph and it was just the coolest thing since sliced bread. So tomorrow we either buy one of those watches or we decide on a different watch altogether.
For other news - school is slow but steady, work is busy and hectic but the money is good, sleep has been rare, my closet I just noticed is overflowing, and I have accumulated tons of jewelry and no jewelry box to put them in. The weather is getting colder, people around me are getting crazier/creepier, and I'm feeling closer to normal more and more each day. Oh, happy days!
Here's an email I got Cora. The message was to forward it, but I decided to one up and post.
For all those men who say, Why buy a cow when you can get milk for free. Here's an update for you: Now days, 80% of women are against marriage, WHY? Because women realize it's not worth buying an entire pig just to get a little sausage.
1. Men are like ... Laxatives . ..... They irritate the crap out of you. 2. Men are like. Bananas . The older they get, the less firm they are. 3. Men are like ..... Weather . Nothing can be done to change them. 4. Men are like ......Blenders You need One, but you're not quite sure why. 5. Men are like ..... Chocolate Bars . Sweet, smooth, &they usually head right for your hips. 6. Men are like .... Commercials ....... You can't believe a word they say. 7. Men are like Department Stores . Their clothes are always 1/2 off. 8. Men are like . .Government Bonds .... They take soooooooo long to mature. 9. Men are like ..... Mascara . They usually run at the first sign of emotion. 10. Men are like .Popcorn . They satisfy you, but only for a little while. 11. Men are like Snowstorms . You never know when they're coming, how many inches you'll get or how long it will last. 12. Men are like ........Lava Lamps . Fun to look at, but not very bright. 13. Men are like Parking Spots . All the good ones are taken, the rest are handicapped.
Per comment on previous blog re: Tallgrass Film Fest -
First off the girl definitely needs help with how to shamelessly self-promote *wink*wink* but who better to learn from than moi, right? Well, she commented but didn't leave a contact. SHAME! But I found her, and a picture. Doesn't she look sweet? So when was this picture taken. According to my 5 minute research the reunion between her and her mother happened in 2004 and that was 5 years after she left, and if I have this right she left at 19 years of age. Did I get that all right? So she's (thinking...thinking) my age! Hahahahahahahaha! Wonder what kind of film an angel like this could brew. I guess we'll soon see.
Her film Manhattan, Kansas will be shown at 8pm Friday, October 20th at The Murdock Theatre. It's labeled as a Domestic Documentary Feature. After the screening there's a Q&A with the filmmakers and a party. It's only $20 for the whole night, including the party, an open bar, food and entertainment. Sounds like a whole lot of fun, huh?
If anyone else wants to join in just call or contact me and let's see if we can all arrive together in Entourage style.
It's time for the Tallgrass Film Festival once again. Ah, I love it! Ray and I try to see a couple of their showcase independent films every year. We've never walked away from the theatre regretting the experience. Usually near the end of September when their flyers and posters start showing up we start making our plans. It's all so exciting.
Ray and I still have to sit down and pick which film we'll be watching. It just so happens I took Friday and Saturday off for his birthday so this will add to the entire celebratory event.
By the way, sorry if anyone is expecting a party. Ray and I have decided to have our own private bowling party, dinner at Sumo's, and hopefully by that time, a nice dip in the hot tub.
Shopping online like I've been prone to doing every morning now. Seems most everyone I know has their birthday right near the holidays, so all my gift giving gets bundled into one huge spending spree.
Online shopping has become my shopping method of choice for many reasons. The most obvious would be the gas prices. With all the presents I have to buy I can't afford to pay the price for each gallon of gas. I know the price went down for a bit but it's right back up. As well, I'm planning on trading my car in soon, I'm trying to keep the mileage on it as low as possible. Another reason is for convenience. I don't have to leave the house, I don't have to spend time getting ready, and I can hop out of my chair any time to get something to eat or drink. Fun times! And I've found a ton of great online stores. Mostly through my sister who has been an online shopping fanatic since I was in high school. This time around though I found an awesome store all by myself. There's a huge possibility I'm not the first to find them though. With all the cool accessories they sell, I'm sure they've had their share of press time, and by now, my sis has already heard about them.
Ecoist.com sells products that are stylish and eco-friendly and all made from recycled, organic, or earth-friendly materials. Can't afford to buy a hybrid car? You can still do your part by supporting this brand. It's not just fashion, it's consumer awareness. You'd be expressing values as well as style, happy to know that a tree is planted with every purchase. And aside from all the hippie hoopla their handbags rock!
So if anybody wants to buy me anything cool for my upcoming birthday, for christmas or for just because, you know where to go =P
Yesterday I went to my chiropractor's, but right before stopped at Powell Jewelry to browse their Seiko watch collections. (Ray's highly anticipated birthday present.) Unfortunately their selection of chronograph watches, much less kinetic chronograph watches were minimal. And more to my dismay, their ladies jewelries were more than enticing and left me with little strength to crawl my way out the door. There was a necklace and earrings set I was SERIOUSLY about to buy but I held strong to my debit card and survived with all my money intact...this time.
This morning I was meant to have my dentist appointment but eventually cancelled. I drove slow through Douglas, the old shopping district meaning to stop in Barriers but all the stores were still closed. Now I'm home and shopping online. (Sigh!)
I have a lunch date with Ray at Old Chicago downtown I'm really looking forward to. So much so that the rain/slippery blacktop combo barely bothers me. Right now I'm just killing time, and downloading ebooks for the IPAQ.
I really should be doing homework (rolls eyes) but of course I won't =P
Up early out of habit. Blogging, ripping another CD, making sweet tea, and making a plan of attack for school work. I have a doctor's appointment this afternoon with my chiropractor.
I use to feel like an old lady with my back constantly out of sorts. Ray sent me to a massage therapist for an hour and I felt great for two weeks and that was it. I was back to the pain. After my first adjustment at the chiropractor's I felt great. They told me I would feel sore after but I never got there. Last week I was in pain from the recent bowling event but it only last two days. I think my body's rejuvinated. I'm in my 20's again. Anyway, I'm only going this time because I had made the appointment anticipating that I would still be hurting. Probably after this I'll only go on a per need basis.
Tomorrow I have a dentist appointment. I've just decided to get everything taken care of. Why not? Whatever's broken needs fixed. Every aspect of my life deserves my undivided attention. Including school. That said, I'll catch everyone on the bright side of tomorrow. Kisses!
Put Your Records On Corinne Bailey Rae lyrics Artist: Corinne Bailey Rae
Three little birds, sat on my window. And they told me I don't need to worry. Summer came like cinnamon So sweet, Little girls double-dutch on the concrete.
Maybe sometimes, we got it wrong, but it's alright The more things seem to change, the more they stay the same Oh, don't you hesitate.
Girl, put your records on, tell me your favourite song You go ahead, let your hair down Sapphire and faded jeans, I hope you get your dreams, Just go ahead, let your hair down.
You're gonna find yourself somewhere, somehow.
Blue as the sky, sombre and lonely, Sipping tea in the bar by the road side, (just relax, just relax) Don't you let those other boys fool you, Gotta love that afro hairdo.
Maybe sometimes, we feel afraid, but it's alright The more you stay the same, the more they seem to change. Don't you think it's strange?
Girl, put your records on, tell me your favourite song You go ahead, let your hair down Sapphire and faded jeans, I hope you get your dreams, Just go ahead, let your hair down.
You're gonna find yourself somewhere, somehow.
Just more than I could take, pity for pity's sake Some nights kept me awake, I thought that I was stronger When you gonna realise, that you don't even have to try any longer. Do what you want to.
Girl, put your records on, tell me your favourite song You go ahead, let your hair down Sapphire and faded jeans, I hope you get your dreams, Just go ahead, let your hair down.
Girl, put your records on, tell me your favourite song You go ahead, let your hair down Sapphire and faded jeans, I hope you get your dreams, Just go ahead, let your hair down.
The great thing about being longtime in love: having a relationship you know you can always count on. The no-so-great thing: occasionally forgetting to appreciate what a gift your love really is. Here's how to ensure you'll always cherish each other — and the love you share.
by Lisa Lombardi
I'll admit it: Most nights, I dress for bed in a style that could best be described as "shut-in chic." My husband's pj bottoms (yards too long and minus their drawstrings), stretched-out T-shirts inherited from college boyfriends, and the first two socks I find. Of course, I dress that way because it's comfortable. But I also do it because we're comfortable. No need to break out the cute lingerie like I did in the first months of marriage: I know my guy loves me no matter what.
But in taking our solid bond as a given, am I unintentionally taking our love for granted? Falling into auto-pilot mode is a hazard of the happily hitched, says Yvonne Thomas, Ph.D., a Los-Angeles based relationship therapist. "It's so normal, but that doesn't mean it's healthy," she says. "You start feeling comfortable and safe, and you don't stop to think: Gosh, could we be neglecting each other?" Or, more importantly, could you both be forgetting to cherish your unique, amazing relationship?
The misconception is that when you've found long-term love, you can put your feet up, adds Janice Levine, Ph.D., couples therapist in Lexington, MA, and author of Why Do Fools Fall in Love? "Nothing could be further from the truth," she explains. "This is the person who'll be there for you through thick and thin. Because of that, it's the most precious relationship to nurture and take care of."
While it's easy to slip into taking your love for granted, it's also easy for the two of you to keep your relationship top-of-mind, simply by incorporating some no-fuss appreciation exercises into your love routine. Read on for a few everyday ways to celebrate and savor that good thing you've got.
1. Be grateful for the tiny stuff.
Maybe you always say thanks when he does something huge, like backs up your computer files or cleans out the basement. But most days, we're guessing the ordinary contributions he makes barely register. "Over time, we stop noticing what our partner gives. His nice gestures become like wallpaper," says Levine. "We think, Of course he'll take the trash out. So we don't bother to say, 'Thank you.'" Here's why you should: Those two words not only make your man feel like a rock star, they also bring out his sweetest feelings toward you (making him more inclined to thank you for all you do). And the more you acknowledge the tenderness that's already there, the more conscious of it you'll be, and the more you'll truly appreciate just how downright great your love is.
To show him how grateful you are, "get really specific," urges Betsy Sanby, a licensed marriage therapist in Minnetonka, Minnesota. ("Thanks for picking up the take-out — I was so exhausted and you made my night!") You can even jot down your gratitude, as Jennifer Miller, 38, of Santa Clarita, CA, does. "When my husband has been great to me, I write it down on a slip of paper, date it, then place it where he'll find it later, like on the computer keyboard or in a stack of mail," she says. "They're often very concrete things, like 'Thank you for staying up late last night and making sure the bills got paid.'" It takes all of ten seconds, she says, but "I know it means a lot to him, because he keeps every note."
2. Stop being so darned efficient.
It's easy to drift out of couple mode when you're each racing to divide and conquer every task on your to-do lists. "Often, both of you get so busy managing your household responsibilities, it's like you're a tag team, on parallel tracks," says Sanby. In the blur of jam-packed days, you may not even notice what a great team you make — or have a conversation beyond, 'You pick up Dylan, and I'll get Maddie. Okay, go!'" But even the strongest couples need lazy moments — ideally à deux — to kick back, crack up (in a ha-ha way), and rediscover the joy of being together.
One solution: "Buy some time together — literally," suggests Sanby. "Hire someone to take care of onerous tasks, like mowing the lawn." You don't need to burn through cash, though, to carve out us time. Consider dropping the least-loved activity from your (or your child's) schedule. Also, take advantage of free childcare, from eager grandparents to that neighbor who would gladly swap Saturday afternoon baby-sitting duties with you.
And don't underestimate the power of carting the Chinese-food cartons to the table (instead of noshing in front of the TV or at the counter). Elizabeth Hurchalla, 36, of Venice, CA, has found that simply sitting down together keeps her and her man connected during extra-stressful times. "We've both been working really crazy hours lately. But we try to have dinner together every night, just like our parents made us do with the family when we were growing up," she says. "Even if we're just eating leftovers, we light a candle and sometimes even put on music before we sit and talk about our days."
3. Connect for two good minutes a day.
Sure, weekly date nights are great, but who the heck can consistently pull them off? A more practical intimacy builder: Connect for 120 seconds every day, advises Cheryl McClary, author of The Commitment Chronicles: The Power of Staying Together. "Even the busiest pair can find two minutes to focus on each other," she says. "My husband and I pick 9:30 at night, when our kids are in bed." Spend the time giving your man one good compliment ("Your new haircut makes you look hot") or sharing a moment that made you smile ("It was so sweet when you took Ethan out for a bike ride after dinner"). You can also use it as check in time: Ask him, "Anything you wish I were doing more of?"
What's crucial is that you sneak in this one-on-one talk almost every day, even if it's when you're lying in bed at the end of the evening. "It doesn't work to wait until the weekend," adds Sanby. "You can drift far during the week." What you're really doing is reminding each other why you fell in love in the first place. "It's so beautiful to hear, that two minutes feel like 24 hours," notes McClary.
4. Wear your sweats — but in moderation.
We all, ahem, relax our beauty standards once we're nestled in a cozy relationship. Maybe we lounge in clothes we'd never be seen in public in. Or we blow off our hairbrush. Often, our guy encourages us, either by letting himself go, or by complimenting us when we look our absolute worst. "Patrick tends to tell me I look beautiful when I'm sweaty after a run, or I'm a mess first in the morning, so it makes me try less," admits Amanda Dundas, 31, of Brooklyn, NY. "I don't spend an hour straightening my curly hair or bother with makeup, because it doesn't seem to matter to him."
Having a guy who accepts you as is can be a wonderful gift — but it's easy to abuse. You don't need to blow out your hair as meticulously as Jennifer Aniston (and please, who has the time?), but you'll do your bond a big favor by making some effort, some days. It's not just for him, points out Levine: By touching up those roots or slathering on a rich body lotion, "you stay connected to your sensual side" — meaning you'll stay connected to your sexual side, too, helping to keep up the intimacy and romance that makes love fun.
5. Have selective vision.
"There's a term in Aikido, 'Look at your opponent with soft eyes,'" says Sanby. "In marriage, the idea is to keep soft eyes on the places where your relationship is not perfect." Viewing your love through a soft-focus lens, rather than one that plays up every last flaw, can have a magical effect on your relationship. "What you focus on, expands," Sanby notes. "If you decide, 'I'm going to look for the good here,' it really has a way of bringing out the good in each other." That doesn't mean that you'll never get pissed at your guy, or feel disappointed with your union. Cherishing your relationship is not about an unrealistic romance-novel view of love. It's knowing that even when you're driving each other crazy, underneath it all, you'll always value what's irreplaceable about each other — and your bond.
6. Don't pull out all the stops.
We all know those superromantic couples that plan amazing, over-the-top surprises for each other. And maybe we even feel guilty that we don't measure up. The good news: Instead of trying to pull off the occasional grand gesture (like arranging a two-day celebration for his 40th birthday), you're better off tucking tiny acts of kindness into every day. "When you do small somethings for each other for the heck of it," says McClary, "it's a way of noticing and appreciating each other." And these little things can often be more meaningful than major public romantic moves, because you're using your insider knowledge to spoil your guy in a way he in particular will understand-and love.
We're talking really easy stuff: Buy his favorite kind of ice cream instead of the compromise flavor you usually drop in the cart. Offer him the extra pillow he always chivalrously gives you (yep, yank it out from under your head). Or, if you want to be even more generous, invite his crazy Aunt Maude over, because you know he loves the old nut.
You don't need to spend a cent. When Dundas' husband has to work so late that she'll be asleep by the time he gets home, she leaves him a "Hi, love you" note: "I write it on my daughter's Etch-A-Sketch," she says.
7. Love each day like it's your last.
There's nothing like a crisis to make us realize just how much our loved ones mean to us. "The death of my parents made me much more aware how you always think you'll have more time, but that's not always the case," says Miller. "Now, every day, my guy and I let each other know what we mean to each other. We never leave each other angry. And we always kiss good-bye and say, 'I love you.'"
"Why wait for something bad to happen to appreciate your relationship?" asks Levine. Take a cue from the "mindfulness" movement and make a daily point of mentally appreciating your equally-great-half and all that your relationship brings to your life. Just having a partner has so many perks — from the profound ones, like having someone to talk to late at night, to the practical ones, like having someone else to kill those water bugs late at night. By valuing those fringe benefits, you can't help but feel good about him. You can even start with this exercise: "Ask yourself: What three things about our relationship do I hold most sacred?" suggests McClary. "Once you realize what they are, it's difficult to take them for granted."
Heck, just the fact that you and he are still side by side is cause to break out the good wine glasses, Thomas points out. "To be in a solid relationship, where more right is happening than wrong, is a wonderful blessing," she says. "Treasure that, and safeguard what you've got."
This is a quick double post to both mine and Logan's blog. Today was Mom's Birthday Luncheon and it was as fun filled as expected. Tons of food, and a lot of goofing around. Wayne and Becky attended so it was extra special. I am definitely tired, but I need to stay up longer and do some homework. Enjoy the pictures!
This is going to be a fairly short recap of last week since I've tons to do. Okay, well, I'll try to make it a short recap, but I type as fast as I talk, and I talk a lot. So here goes.
All week Ray was stressing out about his midterm so he was studying non stop. So for most of the week I'd been hanging out with Becky, Wayne, and Jacob. Here are a couple of pictures. The first one is of me messing around in Becky's apartment. There's a partition between the entryway and the kitchen that I love climbing into. I'm like a little monkey =P
Friday night Ray took me to PF Chang's for dinner. We actually got seated on time this time and dinner was excellent as always. After dinner we met Becky, Wayne, Arin, and Arin's friends at The Pumphouse to celebrate Arin's birthday. It was pretty fun for a bit, then Ray and I decided to head over to Liquid and stayed there for the rest of the night. Anyway, a picture of Wayne and Becky and a picture of my baby...
Saturday Ray and his dad are at it again getting the backyard ready for the hot tub. The electrician's already been by so we have a breaker for it out back now. Everything's coming together. And while they were doing all that bone breaking work I went to Cinnamon's Deli, and then the mall with Becky and Wayne. We even stopped at Smoothie King to get me a Mango-Orange-Pineapple drink. After all the walking we went back to Becky's apartment and watched the Dane Cook dvd Wayne brought. It was HILARIOUS!
This afternoon as previously mentioned is Mom's Birthday Lunch Shindig, and I am going to go early to help prepare. Buh-bye!
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