Thank You.. Thank you..

Wow my first blog award ever!!! Thank you, thank you Jessie for this one. What, do I hear the audience shouting: Speech, Speech?!! hehe.. Really lots of thanks for at least remembering me and for giving me my first one! Nothing is more rewarding than seeing that you're appreciated and remembered by other people though you haven't got the pleasure of meeting them yet!

I'm passing this on to my super real life buddy: kuzin dorxie and to my sis' close friend Erika!
Have a nice weekend everyone!

November Girl

Thanks Dorxie for the tag!

1. Mention the person who tagged you and create a link back to them.
2. Copy-paste the traits for all the twelve months (see below).
3. Pick your month of birth.
4. Highlight the traits that apply to you.
5. Tag 12 people and let them know by visiting their blogs and leaving a comment for them.
6. Let the person who tagged you know when you've done it!


:: My Birth Month is...

NOVEMBER: Has a lot of ideas. Difficult to fathom. Thinks forward. Unique and brilliant. Extraordinary ideas. Sharp thinking. Fine and strong clairvoyance. Can become good doctors. Dynamic in personality. Secretive. Inquisitive. Knows how to dig secrets. Always thinking. Less talkative but amiable. Brave and generous. Patient. Stubborn and hard-hearted. If there is a will, there is a way. Determined. Never give up. Hardly becomes angry unless provoked. Loves to be alone. Thinks differently from others. Sharp-minded. Motivates oneself. Does not appreciate praises. High-spirited. Well-built and tough. Deep love and emotions. Romantic. Uncertain in relationships. Homely. Hardworking. High abilities. Trustworthy. Honest and keeps secrets. Not able to control emotions. Unpredictable.

SO WHAT CAN I SAY:

Yup that's ME!! I think Unpredictable basically says it all!

:: The Twelve Months

JANUARY: Stubborn and hard-hearted. Ambitious and serious. Loves to teach and be taught. Always looking at people’s flaws and weaknesses. Likes to criticize. Hardworking and productive. Smart, neat and organized. Sensitive and has deep thoughts. Knows how to make others happy. Quiet unless excited or tensed. Rather reserved. Highly attentive. Resistant to illnesses but prone to colds. Romantic but has difficulties expressing love. Loves children. Loyal. Has great social abilities yet easily jealous. Very stubborn and money cautious.

FEBRUARY: Abstract thoughts. Loves reality and abstract. Intelligent and clever. Changing personality. Attractive. Sexy. Temperamental. Quiet, shy and humble. Honest and loyal. Determined to reach goals. Loves freedom. Rebellious when restricted. Loves aggressiveness. Too sensitive and easily hurt. Gets angry really easily but does not show it. Dislikes unnecessary things. Loves making friends but rarely shows it. Daring and stubborn. Ambitious. Realizes dreams and hopes. Sharp. Loves entertainment and leisure. Romantic on the inside not outside. Superstitious and ludicrous. Spendthrift. Tries to learn to show emotions.

MARCH: Attractive personality. Sexy. Affectionate. Shy and reserved. Secretive. Naturally honest, generous and sympathetic. Loves peace and serenity. Sensitive to others. Loves to serve others. Easily angered. Trustworthy. Appreciative and returns kindness. Observant and assesses others. Revengeful. Loves to dream and fantasize. Loves traveling. Loves attention. Hasty decisions in choosing partners. Loves home decors. Musically talented. Loves special things. Moody.

APRIL: Active and dynamic. Decisive and hasty but tends to regret. Attractive and affectionate to oneself. Strong mentality. Loves attention. Diplomatic. Consoling, friendly and solves people’s problems. Brave and fearless. Adventurous. Loving and caring. Suave and generous. Emotional. Aggressive. Hasty. Good memory. Moving. Motivates oneself and others. Sickness usually of the head and chest. Sexy in a way that only their lover can see.

MAY: Stubborn and hard-hearted. Strong-willed and highly motivated. Sharp thoughts. Easily angered. Attracts others and loves attention. Deep feelings. Beautiful physically and mentally. Firm Standpoint. Needs no motivation. Easily consoled. Systematic (left brain). Loves to dream. Strong clairvoyance. Understanding. Sickness usually in the ear and neck. Good imagination. Good physical. Weak breathing. Loves literature and the arts. Loves traveling. Dislike being at home. Restless. Not having many children. Hardworking. High spirited. Spendthrift.

JUNE: Thinks far with vision. Easily influenced by kindness. Polite and soft-spoken. Having ideas. Sensitive. Active mind. Hesitating, tends to delay. Choosy and always wants the best. Temperamental. Funny and humorous. Loves to joke. Good debating skills. Talkative. Daydreamer. Friendly. Knows how to make friends. Able to show character. Easily hurt. Prone to getting colds. Loves to dress up. Easily bored. Fussy. Seldom shows emotions. Takes time to recover when hurt. Brand conscious. Executive. Stubborn.

JULY: Fun to be with. Secretive. Difficult to fathom and to be understood. Quiet unless excited or tensed. Takes pride in oneself. Has reputation. Easily consoled. Honest. Concerned about people’s feelings. Tactful. Friendly. Approachable. Emotional temperamental and unpredictable. Moody and easily hurt. Witty and sparkly. Not revengeful. Forgiving but never forgets. Dislikes nonsensical and unnecessary things. Guides others physically and mentally. Sensitive and forms impressions carefully. Caring and loving. Treats others equally. Strong sense of sympathy. Wary and sharp. Judges people through observations. Hardworking. No difficulties in studying. Loves to be alone. Always broods about the past and the old friends. Likes to be quiet. Homely person. Waits for friends. Never looks for friends. Not aggressive unless provoked. Prone to having stomach and dieting problems. Loves to be loved. Easily hurt but takes long to recover.

AUGUST: Loves to joke. Attractive. Suave and caring. Brave and fearless. Firm and has leadership qualities. Knows how to console others. Too generous and egoistic. Takes high pride in oneself. Thirsty for praises. Extraordinary spirit. Easily angered. Angry when provoked. Easily jealous. Observant. Careful and cautious. Thinks quickly. Independent thoughts. Loves to lead and to be led. Loves to dream. Talented in the arts, music and defense. Sensitive but not petty. Poor resistance against illnesses. Learns to relax. Hasty and trusty. Romantic. Loving and caring. Loves to make friends.

SEPTEMBER: Suave and compromising. Careful, cautious and organized. Likes to point out people’s mistakes. Likes to criticize. Stubborn. Quiet but able to talk well. Calm and cool. Kind and sympathetic. Concerned and detailed. Loyal but not always honest. Does work well. Very confident. Sensitive. Good memory. Clever and knowledgeable. Loves to look for information. Must control oneself when criticizing. Able to motivate oneself. Understanding. Fun to be around. Secretive. Loves leisure and traveling. Hardly shows emotions. Tends to bottle up feelings. Very choosy, especially in relationships. Systematic.

OCTOBER: Loves to chat. Loves those who loves them. Loves to take things at the center. Inner and physical beauty. Lies but doesn’t pretend. Gets angry often. Treats friends importantly. Always making friends. Easily hurt but recovers easily. Daydreamer. Opinionated. Does not care of what others think. Emotional. Decisive. Strong clairvoyance. Loves to travel, the arts and literature. Touchy and easily jealous. Concerned. Loves outdoors. Just and fair. Spendthrift. Easily influenced. Easily loses confidence. Loves children.

NOVEMBER: Has a lot of ideas. Difficult to fathom. Thinks forward. Unique and brilliant. Extraordinary ideas. Sharp thinking. Fine and strong clairvoyance. Can become good doctors. Dynamic in personality. Secretive. Inquisitive. Knows how to dig secrets. Always thinking. Less talkative but amiable. Brave and generous. Patient. Stubborn and hard-hearted. If there is a will, there is a way. Determined. Never give up. Hardly becomes angry unless provoked. Loves to be alone. Thinks differently from others. Sharp-minded. Motivates oneself. Does not appreciate praises. High-spirited. Well-built and tough. Deep love and emotions. Romantic. Uncertain in relationships. Homely. Hardworking. High abilities. Trustworthy. Honest and keeps secrets. Not able to control emotions. Unpredictable.

DECEMBER: Loyal and generous. Sexy. Patriotic. Active in games and interactions. Impatient and hasty. Ambitious. Influential in organizations. Fun to be with. Loves to socialize. Loves praises. Loves attention. Loves to be loved. Honest and trustworthy. Not pretending. Short tempered. Changing personality. Not egotistic. Take high pride in oneself. Hates restrictions. Loves to joke. Good sense of humor. Logical.


** *this tag is for everyone who wanted to discover their true self! have fun!***

All about Five..

Thanks Jesse for the tag!

FiVe tHiNgs foUnd in My bAg :

- wallet
- "mini" vanity kit
- iPhone
- work keys and house keys
- a bottle of Tylenol! haha

FivE tHinGs foUnd iN my waLLet:

- cash
- credit and debit cards
- business cards
- pictures
- IDs

fiVe ThingS fOunD In My RoOm:

- TV
- laptop
- heater / aircon (depending on the season)
- bed
- my vanity drawer

FivE thIngS I've aLwaYs waNteD to dO:

- take the CPA board exam (i wish!)
- go to law school
- travel to Europe
- at least TRY to go to DMV for a driving license
- watch a meteor shower.. hehe

fIve tHinGs I'm cuRrEntly iNto:

- addicted to watching HEROES
- shopping! (currently?!! hehe)
- finishing Victoria Beckham's book
- planning my party!
- learning how to be "posh" !

I tag:

- ate peachy
- erika
- dorxie
- lisa
- anybody!!!

Black Friday Shopping Update

Woohoo!!! Thanks for my mom for lining up early morning at Victoria's Secret.. I got the tote bag with freebies inside! I was meaning to update you guys regarding what happened last Friday. Too bad, I had one major spoiler: I had my period that day!!! Ugh! The thing is, I was always have bad cramps and it drains me literally so I was so frustrated! But as a devoted shopaholic.. I still went shopping that night! Geared up with a bottle of pain killers and a heating pad, off I go to the mall! Hahaha

I have to say, the deals weren't as many as last year. There are still some great buys but I remember last year that even though I went to the mall around past 6 pm, there are still quite a number of shoppers, last Friday night was not that busy compared last year. Although my mom said that when they got there around 9am the mall was so packed!

I have to say, I didn't spend a lot. I bought a couple of things at Victoria's Secret, but since I had a gift card from my birthday (smart move huh?!) I only paid a little extra. Then I went to shop for some sweaters at Old Navy which I can use for work. I have to say, there wasn't a lot of great deals at Old Navy that night. I went to Macys to check out their Coach wallets since my sis wanted one.. Ooopsss.. Sorry not on sale, but at least they have what she wanted! So I'll buy it for her today!

I can't believe the irony of things.. I am so looking forward for this day then the worst situation has to come up! But still, at least I went with my plans, although I'm not on a full shopping mode. But who says it has to end last Friday?! Most stores still have deals up until today, I already spent like crazy at Forever21 online and my shopping continues today with my mom and dad!

Surprise.. Surprise

I was so surprised that Lily, my friend from work scheduled an appointment for me at a high-end hair salon. I got a haircut and a total make-over! The experience was so amazing! I posted the whole story on my other blog! Best birthday gift ever!

Black Friday Preview

The day after Thanksgiving is Black Friday.. The day I've been waiting and definitely excited about! Woohoo!! But I don't plan on getting up early or even camping out in front of the stores although some people really do that! I guess its because some are really low prices especially on electronics. TV ads are all about the sales and I'm surprise how there are stores that will open at 4 am. To beat that there are outlet stores which will open at midnight tonight and close at 10:00 pm! There are also stores that are having online sales as early as today. Big retail stores like Wal-Mart and Target will definitely have long lines, before the deals that they have are usually kept secret and will only be seen on their ads on newspapers on Thanksgiving Day, but lately you can see a preview of it online. Here's a preview from some retail stores:

Target will open doors at 6:00 AM and the sale will last until Saturday although of course the hottest buys will be gone the first day.

THE GREAT DEAL: Electronic gadgets, Widescreen LCD HDTVs will probably be the best sellers. Toys and apparels for kids will be in the second.

Victoria's Secret really have amazing finds. I remember my shopping frenzy last year with all the body lotions, scents, shower gel and body scrubs. Sleep wears are also on a markdown and of course Bras and undergarments. Free Supermodel Tote Bag for every $ 60.00 purchase, which is probably just while supplies last. This is will definitely be my first stop.

Bath And Body Works is the best place to shop for holiday gifts for friends and families. since most of its stores are inside the mall, check your local area for mall opening hours. Just a tip: if the hair products from the Frederick Fekkai collection are on sale, definitely a great buy!

Other Places to check out:

Forever 21- for cheap fashion finds, outfits you can use for work and parties!
Old Navy - great casual wears for this season
The Disney Store - for kids toys and apparels
TJ Maxx - find brand names in cheap prices, lots of handbags and purses on a discount!
Marshalls - a discount store that has everything, wide variety of choices for brand name shoes
Macys - for fashion tops to high end brands
Dillards - a lot of choices for beauty and cosmetics, shoes, and accessories
Best Buy - for the geek in you!

Ready... Set... Shop!

Its Turkey Day..

HaVe a NiCe ThAnksGiviNg!!!

Guide to Holiday (sale) Shopping.. II

Here's some more shopping guides for the holiday season:

4. Don't Stress Out! Relax! Shopping is supposed to be fun, and not stressful. Take your time in picking out stuff you wanted to buy and carefully check them before going to the register. Stores are not only busy because of sales during this time but also with exchange and returns. You'll be surprised to see a long line just for returns. Also don't forget to keep your receipts and if the product your purchasing is a gift for somebody, ask for a gift receipt.

5. Be Smart! Make sure you're paying the right price for your product. There are times when some items will be mistakenly placed in the wrong shelf. Especially if you're shopping for clothes, where people wouldn't even care putting it back on the right places. In most places like Macys, price scanners are available that way you can check the price yourself or if no price scanners are available ask an associate to verify the price tag. Avoid verifying prices when you're already on the register, as this can be a hassle to you and of course the ones next in line will definitely not be happy about it! Try not to inconvenience other people.

6. Shop Online! Thank god for the internet!! If you don't want to get sweaty or wait in long lines, just one click and you can shop. Cyber Monday, the term used for the Monday after Thanksgiving as this is the busiest day for online retailers. It is because most people will be back to work on Monday, and that they will make purchases online that they were not able to make in stores. So it saves you the hassle! Just right in the comfort of your own home. There are really nice online shopping sites, that offer great prices. This link will lead you to a wide variety of choices. Just always make sure that you go on secured websites to protect your account and identity.

So this is it.. Remember that shopping will always be fun and memorable if you shop for the people you love. The Holiday as well as the Shopping season is here. With credit crunch and high prices on just about anything, always be a smart shopper! Never pay for something you're not gonna use, you're not really crazy about and you're not gonna be able to use!

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Guide to Holiday (sale) Shopping

In a couple of days, my favorite day of the year will arrive.. The Friday after Thanksgiving!! this basically kicks off the holiday festivity, with mall hours longer and a lot of new arrivals, one cannot forget this marks the BIGGEST SALE OF THE YEAR!! Though the shopaholic that I am, I don't go that crazy having to camp out outside the store the night before. I shop a lot but I shop with style! Haha.. This is the start of a lot more sales ahead, after Christmas Sale, After New Year's Sale, Winter Sale.. Woohoo!! Heaven for me.. But you see, I did learn my lesson from the previous years that's why I had come up with this tips for holiday shopping.

1. Never shop the week-end before the big sale! That's why I didn't even came close to a mall this weekend. You'll be surprised and probably frustrated seeing the item you got today will be on a 50 % off this Friday. Yeah, it did happened to me. Most (if not all) of the stores will mark down their prices for the whole day. Some will even have their early bird specials.. But that doesn't mead hat you have to join the stampede, people just often join the rush for no apparent reason at all. So wait till the adrenaline rush and the caffeine kick starts to slow down.

2. Make a List! Its because we tend to be compulsive buyers if we are on a big sale, I know I do! That's why I am already making my list. This will keep you on track on what you need to buy. This will enable you to prioritize items that you really need to buy. I remember buying a lot of lotions and body wash at Bath And Body Works last year, that when I got home I end up thinking: what in the hell do I need these for?! Good thing though I can just always send it to my family. But still its not a smart purchase, when I could have used the money I spent on those on something else. So on my list today I really did prioritize. I have always shop for my sisters first, but then this time around, my ME list is on the top! Haha..

3. Dress for the EVENT! Since its a bummer that our bank is still open this day, and practically its the slowest day for us, I am bringing casual clothes with me. That way I could just go ahead and change after work hours and directly hit the malls. Saves time rather than driving back home to change then go to the mall. One should always be comfortable when shopping. Especially when its POWER SHOPPING as I call it. Still bring a jacket, although it might be warm inside the stores, winter weather is already around the corner as well. Wear you favorite comfy footwear, be it flops, tennis shoes or flats. Whatever can get you run fast just in case you need it! Bring a purse that will not be a hazard for you.. Hazard or inconvenience.. I probably won't bring my big work purse bag, since I don't think I'm gonna need my hair brush, toothbrush or make up for shopping. I always bring my Coach Swingpack when shopping or I think some call them a body bag. The only two things that fit in there: my phone and my wallet. That's all I need.

Ok some more tips coming up.. I just need to take a break since typing this gives me anxiety attacks!! Haha.. Shop on!

Hair Talk.. Part II .. 2.1

I remember how Clairol used to have this classic look on their products and even the commercials (although I think these old products are still on the market). They have those clear plastic bottles with floral prints on it.. Then at long last, they re-invent themselves and this time around gone are the classy look, and here comes something hip and trendy which definitely caught shopper's attention..

I used Clairol's Break's Over Strengthening Shampoo And Conditioner. I love how they also have those catchy product names for specific hair problems and quick fixes.. Even the website looks fun and hip. Wow talk about a make-over!

My Experience: I love the product since with much styling my hair is so dry and damaged. Hair breakage is one of my major dilemma. I will just review them together since there's really not much of a difference. I love how it smells! The thing I didn't want being sometimes in a hurry, is that the packaging is absolutely the same for both the shampoo and conditioner. So there were times that I would grab the wrong one. I could really tell that it was working. I even tried the other collections that they have like the Dangerously Straight.

Price and Availability: If I remember it right i think the price is only $ 3.99 to around $ 4.99 and is available at Target, Walgreens and other drugstores.

My Verdict: For both the shampoo and conditioner together, I would say 7.5 out of 10. I just don't like how all the products of the entire collection have the same packaging.. It didn't work for me..

Hair Talk Part II.. 1.2

I have always used matching shampoo and conditioner, since it claims its best to use with it or as some products will say "for best results" follow with....

That's why for my conditioner, I use the More Moisture Raspberry and Brazil Nut Conditioner.
Well it basically says the same thing like the shampoo the only difference is this is for conditioning. How it works: "Naturally moisturize, condition and repair even the driest, most damaged hair leaving it soft, silky and beautiful. Raspberry, marula and brazil nut oils quickly penetrate hair for deep, lasting conditioning that will fortify hair without product build-up."

My Observations: It worked much better than the shampoo, well yeah of course! The conditioner should really makes the hair fell softer and it really does. It's no difference than the other conditioners I have drowned my hair with although it does have an edge for that amazing scent.

Price & Availability: same as the cost of the shampoo and you can also find it on the same stores mentioned (of course!)

The Verdict: I have to say this one is a 3 out of 5.

In totality the Burt's Bees Shampoo and Conditioner for me is 5.5 out of 10. I am not that happy in trying the product. Although I do have other Burt's Bees products that I use for my face. I guess I just have to say that my hair with all the chemicals in it, didn't go well with my switch to an All-Natural Product. After rinsing, I fell like I have such a huge build-up on my hair instead of feeling really clean, soft and silky.

Up next: Clairol Herbal Essences Break's Over

Hair Talk Part II.. 1.1

At present I am using Burt's Bees Hair Products. For what reason? I really don't know.. The thing is they're known to have all naturals on their products so I thought I might as well just go back to basics, no fuzz and buzz and no chemicals.. Plus the scent when I opened up the shampoo bottle was really good.

I am using the Burt's Bees More Moisture Raspberry & Brazil Nut Shampoo. And according to the label its 98.12 % natural. Here's what the back of the bottle says, and I quote :

"This wonderfully natural formula starts with Coconut and Sunflower oils to create a cleansing complex that is one of the effective, gentle, and richly foaming available. Raspberry extract, rich in fatty acids such as Omega-3 combine with Hone, a natural humectant, to intensely moisturize. Brazil Nut oil and Wheat Protein nourish and hydrate, leaving even the most dry, damaged hair naturally soft, silky and beautiful.."

My Experience: I guess the last phrase was what convinced me to try it! But honestly I find it weird using the shampoo. As I massage it to my hair and scalp, it doesn't give you that soft, silky feeling. I guess it was trying to let me feel my real hair. It felt so stiff, I could feel the dryness and its hard to massage because its not foamy enough. It doesn't create that much foam when I massaged it to my hair and even after I rinse it, my hair is all tangled up just like how it feels after rinsing hair from a hair dye. But I really does smell raspberry while using it, smells so good! and it really stays the whole day.

Price & Availability: the 12 fl. oz (354ml) is $ 8.00, you can buy it at Target, Walgreens and other drugstores.

The Verdict: I give it a 2.5 out of 5 since the "lathering effect" is lacking.

Hair Talk Part I

After the finishing my post last night, I realized that on one of the questions, about what is my brand of shampoos I honestly have quite a few. Oh our bathroom closet's cluttered of just mostly my products for my face, for the body and a lot for the hair. Right now I have three different kinds of shampoos and conditioners all of them I'm using.. How can that be?! I am not blessed with soft, silky, straight hair (that I always wanted), so I have to put in extra effort to make it look good. And practically I have to do it every single day, Monday-Friday since I don't want my dry frizzy hair to show up with me at work! Hehe. For me a bad hair day can perfectly ruin a perfectly nice event and I am really trying not to be caught off guard!

I am still in search for the best hair products just for everyday use. Something cheap and available in just about any stores. So for those also in search, I'll let you take a peek on the products I've used and still using. And I also hope you can help me out with this quest!

tHe BRAND tAg

I think I'll have fun on this..Thanks sis!

1) What’s the brand of your wristwatch? DKNY and TechnoMarine

2) What’s the brand of your bracelet? charms and crystals made by my sis

3) What’s the brand of your cell phone? Apple iPhone and Samsung

4) What’s the brand of your computer? Toshiba

5) What’s the brand of your bags? as in bagS with S ha!! mostly Ralph Lauren.. a few Kenneth Cole and some Coach also

6) What’s the brand of your undies? Victoria's Secret

7) What’s the brand of your flip-flops? Havaianas

8) What’s the brand of your shoes? Nine West, Ralph Lauren and some on sale at Target

9) What’s the brand of your wallet? Guess

10) What’s the brand of your shirts? Hollister, Roxy, Billabong, Ralph Lauren, Bebe

11) What’s the brand of your TV? hmm.. Panasonic yata

12) What’s the brand of your cars? car lang.. Volkswagen Jetta

13) What’s the brand of your mp3 player? iPod nano

14) What’s the brand of your make up? Bare Minerals forever for life!!!!!

15) What’s the brand of your shampoo and conditioner? Frederick Fekkai, Burt's Bees and Matrix.. all for dry and damaged hair!! haha

16) What’s the brand of your jeans? i only have four jeans: Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Express and Seven

17) What’s the brand of your laundry soap? sorry don't know.. (my mom does the laundry!)

18) What’s the brand of your lotion? Bath and Body Works

19) What’s the brand of your toothpaste? Colgate and Aquafresh

20) What’s the brand of your ballpen? I have like 6 Hello Kitty pens at work

See I really did have fun. It's a nice way to unwind after a whole week's work.

Great weekend everyone!

Another Day..Another Morning

Sunday.. Another gloomy day, good thing the rain already stop since its been pouring all night. So, I'm thinking what can I do today.. Maybe today I can finally hit the malls and do a little shopping, if its not gonna rain anymore. Oh boy, I really did have a bad Saturday, that it did put me in a bad mood the whole day.

But I did woke up a nice morning, mom was able to left something for breakfast (and for lunch too!) before she left for work. The weather is not that bad, though there is still a bit of fog but no news of rain for today. I surely hope this day will turn out better than yesterday. But hey, I think that part is all up to me! Have a wonderful day!

My Quote For the Day:

"Let the refining and improving of your own life keep you so busy that you have little time to criticize others." - H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

I have a new blog

hey guys! i have another blog that I just started today! Hope you find the time to link it! It's my usual stuff and I didn't even now what I was thinking putting up one again! But its more about me being here, away from the life I used to have! so hope you come by and visit my new blog!

talk about (poor) customer service..

I am so pumped up to get up and leave today just according to what I have originally planned. But nah, not gonna happen! Yesterday, we were expecting somebody from LBC to pick up our balikbayan box, since we called them up to say that its ready for pick up. and guess what?! Nobody showed up! My mom called the office several times to verify what time the courier will be here and to my dismay, I cannot believe that they told my mom that she can call the courier personally on his cellphone to ask! WTF!! We waited and waited cancelling our Friday night plans all for just nothing!

Then when my dad came home for lunch, he told me that the courier will come by and pick it up today, but I don't know what time, since lately punctuality and professionalism are not included in the services they offer.. So basically, all my plans of shopping will definitely have to be put aside, guess I have to stay at home and wait for someone that might not even show up!

Am I lashing out on LBC??! Hell yeah!! Considering they're a big corporation known worldwide by Filipinos living abroad, I cannot believe on how things like this can happen. Oh and this is not the first time.. This balikbyan box is the second we have in less than a month, the first one that we shipped out at the end of october wasn't also picked up on the scheduled date. The reason they said was that the van had problems and the driver failed to notify the office and the customers as well. And that one is fine with us, I mean mechanical problems is something way out of our hands but this time around they better come up with a much better excuse! And when my mom called, they have the nerve to tell my mom, that we should understand them this time because they were having problems with the delivery schedule! hello?? Then why did they even set up this pick-up date if they're not gonna be able to accomodate us?! They could have said right then and there, that the date we chose for pick up is not available since they are shorthanded in their staff right now.

The only reason we choose LBC is because we have to admit that they're known for Filipinos around the world when it comes to remittance and delivery. We've been here for four years and just imagine how many times we have used their services. I mean, we will always get reward points just on remittance alone that is why we get a free shipment of a balikbayan box. And I do know that glitches can happen, and that the offices that they have here in Stockton are not really huge ones, they probably just have a staff of five or six. But still if you are in a service type business, I think you have to make sure that you will be able to accommodate people in a manner where your business will not be an inconvenience to your customer. And this months are the busiest months for shipments and packages, so why not get your schedules straighten up and don't list more that what you can pick up!!

Ugh! I am so frustrated! Definitely do not mess with me especially if it's gonna go in between me and my shopping! I will make sure to convince my mom and dad to find another remittance service and another courier too. Something more efficient with their customer service and more punctual I guess?

wHat to Do on a 3-dAy WeEkeNd

Yup.. yup.. yup!! Its a three-day weekend! (it's because of Veteran's Day) With the stress at work lately taking its toll on me, I think I really need this break. Hmmm, but I have to admit, there's really not much to do around here, well except to shop.. And rain is expected today, so bummer! I have to get ready and see what I can do starting today up until Monday. I went online to browse and see if anything might be of help. And by that I mean, if anything is on sale. So I guess I really have to start thinking.. Let's see:

1. BARE MINERALS SPECIAL ON QVC!! -Actually in 45 minutes, it will be aired on qvc. I better hurry to catch up the 2 hr special. There will be three shows for today! Woohoo! Nope, but I;m not gonna buy anything, I just ordered a 10 pc kit thing, that I think they're launching today at the show.. I can talk all day and night about this make-up because it really works for me. Check this out on the qvc website.

2. Newly-opened store here in Stockton- Burlington Coat Factory just opened here last week, and I heard that it was so packed and there were no parking space available. It was on the site of the old Wal-Mart we have here. So imagine, if it was a spot of a Wal-Mart, then it's really big. I am planning to check out this place, wouldn't hurt to buy a coat (or two!) since I have to start gearing up for the winter season.

3. Mall Hopping- every time there's a holiday, there will always be a sale! so I just have to be a smart shopper today. Here's a few that I think definitely needs to be checked out: Old Navy's Outerwear Sale, I saw this one on a TV ad, 40 % off, not bad. I am thinking of buying a new pair of shoes for work so I'll probably check out Marshalls for that. Then of course I have to check out my favorite stores: Victoria's Secret, Bath and Body Works, Disney Store (not for me but for my nephews and nieces!) and Gap.

4. Blog Galore! - I'll just probably blog about anything and everything.. Actually I am thinking about having a new one which will be just all about make-up. Since I figure I like it a lot. But I'm still thinking. Who knows?

5. Fall Cleaning- I need to start packing my spring clothes and its time to take out my winter ones again. It is starting to get cold, and I don't want to get sick, still wearing my usual tops at work, that I got when I was in Manila. So it's definitely not for winter! Maybe I will start cleaning my closet, my make-up brushes need their weekly bath, do a little laundry.. So I guess that will make me busy.

6. Movie/TV Marathon- I love going to Target to shop for movie and tv dvds on sale. Ratatouille is now available and I really wanted to see it. Then I'll catch up on Heroes episode that I miss out and Survivor too..

7. Chat to the max! - definitely more time to web chat with my friends and sisters at home! this will give me more time to plan things out with my sister regarding an "event" for May.

Think I'll be busy for three days! If not there's always the classic options: EAT & SLEEP!

Have a FUN and SAFE Weekend!

words of wisdom

I love reading quotations from books, from cards, and from friends' text messages of course! I guess its because on times when I really nedd to do a lot of thinking or there is something I have in my mind reading quotes enlightens me. So here's some:

(And the last one.. It's my favorite! HeHe!)

Addicted To Heroes..

When the first season of Heroes started, I wasn't really into it, the Connie from my work, told me to try to watch it, but then I have to see it from the start in order to understand the whole storyline. So one boring weekend I did a marathon of Heroes episodes watching it on my laptop. And next thing I knew I was hooked to it. I love on how exciting the story gets, and tuesday mornings, while making coffee, Connie and I will spend minutes talking about what happened and what do we think is going to happen. And I do have my favorite characters from the show. I like Hiro Nakamura played by Masi Oka and of course Peter Petrelli played by the handsome Milo Ventimiglia

I have to be honest, this post is really not about Heroes, but its about Peter though! Haha! It's just that lately I find the episodes a bit boring and on two incidents I kinda fall asleep. Just like night I did fall asleep while waiting for it. But then when I open my eyes.. Wow! Milo Ventimiglia!! He was being hosed down for decontamination! I mean when the second season started they've been showing "more" of Peter than the usual exposures he had.

Gosh! It really woke me up! So I tried looking it up today on the internet and found this pics.. And so more! The website I think have a frame by frame shot of this scene. And what's funny is afterwards I fell asleep again and never got the chance to finish the show. But I am catching up, I'm gonna watch it online tonight. I guess I just didn't realized how handsome he is on the first season but now they're putting more scenes of him and wow what a guy! Hope you guys try to watch Heroes too.. No not just for this reason, but it is really a good show..

Who knew Work is this Hard

Four years ago, I was a happy-go-lucky college girl, living the life in Manila.. Weekend parties and long hours on the phone! Wow I definitely missed that! Then I moved here to California, and the next thing I knew.. THE PARTY IS TOTALLY OVER!! Ugh I hate it! I remember the first thing I had to do was to find a job.. And FYI: I have never worked in my entire life! I did get a part time job though, a week after I got here. Never even got the chance to be a tourist a for a while, I wasn't able to see places since people were very eager for me to work. Although I did learn things on my first job I wouldn't consider it a hard one. Not until a little over two years ago, when I was hired to work as a teller in a bank. I did have my share of mistakes but there were opportunities for improvement and I was blessed that in three months I got the chance to do something different, like wire transfers and foreign exchange and the good part is I'm only a back-up teller! Thank goodness, because sometimes the teller job is not that easy especially if you're dealing with large amounts of cash. Last July I was once again blessed to be offered a new position and this time around I am totally not a teller anymore! And just when I thought the stress was over I am totally wrong..

I still work at the Operations Department, which I think is really stressful, I helped out the tellers and I have my own reports to do. But lately, one of my office mate tends to be so hard on himself, and I have to admit that it is kinda taking a toll on everyone. For whatever reason, I tend to overworked myself (or I guess that's how they see it), I just wanted to get things done, sort of a Filipino thing huh? LoL! But today Oh My! I just wanted to scream, get out and leave! It is hard when you don't know where to put yourself in a situation wherein people are just in a bad mood! It's like walking on eggshells and I just literally don't know what to do and where to go. I wanted to yell at my co-worker to stop the pity party and start working on finding his mistakes because its dragging everyone down. When I'm stressing, rashes will start appearing on my neck, and it will be so red and hot that I have to calm down and relax myself.

So while frustrated on how this guy at work was acting, I was telling myself: Why do I even need to stress myself this much and try to finish everything at the end of the day, when here you have somebody that will just give up if a mistake was made?! When I was in college, I didn't even wanted to work. But here I adapted their culture of being workaholic. I tend to work a lot so that at the end of the day, I will be so tired that when I get home all I wanted to do is sleep..It kinda eases the boredom though!

I just never thought working is this hard, especially for me who works in a totally different environment with a totally crazy work dynamics. I am glad I was able to cope up with it considering I was never exposed to this kind of set-up. And for two years I am still here, working with the same group of people which I consider my second family. I guess I just never imagined that when you're thrown out to the real world, its not all parties and funs.. It's not all fantasy and ideals.. There's differences: cultural, personal, environmental..And other factors that I may not want to like but I am left with no choice but to deal with it! Yeah it does suck! But what eases the stress is knowing that you work with people that will always have your back, and that will help you every step of the way. I just hope that my office mate will get to realize this before we ruin the pleasant work environment we have right now. Believe me, I do love working with this people, we may have one of the most stressful departments since we deal directly with the customers, but what makes the work light is working with the people you like. But on times when I feel like I'm stressing out or working too hard, I probably should stop and re-think: Do I really need to work this hard?

Let it Go..

Special thanks to Sophiagurl!! Well I guess I've just been tagged.. After posting a very emotional one, I probably need to shake it up a bit or else I'll be "tagging" along this feeling the whole day.

I have to name three things that I cannot let go of.. Hmm.. I'm thinking of twisting this up a little bit.. I don't want to be all serious about this.. So I'll have my top three THINGS that I can not literally let go, meaning I my everyday must-haves! ..

Ok here it is... I can't let go of:

1. My iPhone - the question is..Why would I? Right?! This is really one of a kind, being able to chat with my sisters and friends back at home, anytime, anyday! (sometimes even when I'm already at work!) Am I starting to sound like one of those iPhone testimonial ads that they have? LoL

2. My Plastics- I cant' go anywhere without my Debit and Credit cards! Since I'm not really into carrying cash with me.. Visa and Mastercard are my new bestfriends! Being able to buy anything right on the spot without even re-thinking?!! PRICELESS!!

3. My BEs- meaning my entire Bare Minerals collection! I wouldn't let anybody see me without even a buff of it on my face.. I guess I can't be bare without my BARE!!

Again thanks Sophiagurl..I wanted it to be really personal, but I my emotions are still too high form my previous post, that I'm still trying to catch up and breathe before I drown myself into an emotional overdrive.. Many thanks, since I used this to be some kind of a breaker!

For A True Friend that I miss so much..

My last pic with Mia: April 2007 with her baby girl, Bea.

(i guess by far this is the hardest post i have to make.. i already had this on my multiply site, but still nothing can make this easier.. sorry if its a bit late, i started the draft three days ago but never seem to finish it. but i owe you this one Ya, since I can't be there to visit you.)

When I was in Manila, we always celebrate All Saint's and All Soul's Day, remembering the people we love and lost. I remember getting up in the morning every first of November to go to the cemetery. We will spend the whole day, everyone's present and then we say a prayer.

Last May, I've lost a friend whom I loved so dearly and losing here so sudden really caught me by surprise. Nobody said that it will be easier, but we never thought it will be this hard as well. I guess it's just the spirit of Holiday Season kicking in, that we realized that things will never be the same for us. We will never get to spend a day with Mia again. And going back next year for my vacation, our usual dinner will never be the same. It may take longer to finally be over the grief, the sorrow and the pain. But I know that when the time comes that we can finally move on and finally accepted the fact that you're gone, you will not here any cries of sorrow from us anymore.. It will be all laughs and tears of joy.. Reminiscing all the memories we've had in the past seven years of our friendship..

A couple of days after losing her, I always play this song because it basically say everything I wanted to tell her, but never got a chance to..

MISSING YOU

by Brandy w/ Tamia, Gladys Knight, and Chaka Khan

CHORUS

Though I'm missing you(Although I'm missing you)

I'll find a way to get through(I'll find a way to get through)
Living without you'

Cause you were my sister, my strength, and my pride

Only God may know why, still i will get by

Verse:

Who would have known that you had to go

So suddenly, so fast

And how could it be, all the sweet memories

Would be all, all that we'd have left

Now that you're gone, everyday I go on(I go on)

But life's just not the same.(life's just not the same baby)

I'm so empty inside , and my tears I can't hide

But I'll try, I'll try to face the pain

(Chorus)

Verse:

Oh, there were so many things

That we could have shared(uh-huh)

If time was on our side(Time was on our side)

Ooh,yeah

Now that you're gone, I can still feel you near

So I'll smile with every tear I cry

Chorus

Bridge:

How sweet, were the closest of friends.

But I'll wait for the day,

When I'll see you again,

I'll see you again

I'm missing you....

** For those times that I feel how unfair and hard life can be.. for those moments that i don't even want to fight back and get up after every fall. I promise you this Ya, if a day comes (and lately it does) that i feel like i can't keep up on what's life been throwing at me, I'll still get up every morning, give my best shot and live my life to the fullest.. at least if not for me.. I'll be doing it for you.. because i know that given the chance that i still have in life, you wouldn't waste any second of it.. your going to make sure that everything will turn out best for you and your family.. We still miss you terribly Mia, your smiles, your loud laughs, you always shoving me everytime we see something funny while walking, your forever stories about your favorite teleseryes, our out of nowhere road trips because were bored, I miss just about everything..But I know that we'll see each other again.. when that time comes, it's as if you never left... I LOVE YOU GIRL!!

Howdy.. Cowboy

( A special thanks first to my sis for doing this digi-layout for us! I guess she's into digital scrapbooking lately!)

So here it is!! The pictures of our Halloween celebration. Just like what I've said, we decided on a Western- inspired setting. And oh my, we always go all out every halloween.. I guess we're really a bunch of crazy, funny and "great looking" people! I liked this much better than last year, because I get to wear jeans at work! The only condition is that you really have to dress as a cowboy if you wanted to wear jeans (so basically that means no tennis shoes or flats to go with it!) but I guess this is still a fine choice. I posted all my pics on my multiply site, but here's some of it that I think looks funny..

It's the same picture but just on different layouts.. These are my closest friends at work, and here in the US in general. ( L-R : Benita: she's dressed as Dolly Parton: Lily: my first and one and only friend here! LoL; Connie: our Operations Supervisor and Me: I'm dressed as posh cowboy! that's why the scarf was sideways and not just on the front..hehe)

I really don't want to wear a cowboy hat, two reasons: I'm not really into hats and I don't want to mess my hair! So I only wore it on a couple of pics. I'm here with "Dolly" and our School Marm, Lynette (she's the bare minerals addict! totally different story..)

After finishing all my morning reports, I've decided to go back t taking pictures! God I am so vain!! Haha.. Well actually I was really having fun. Every Halloween we have so much goodies, chocolates of course! and the bank will buy us lunch.. and everybody is just pretty relax and a good mood this day! It's like a semi day-off at work! It was just all fun and craziness the whole day. Although I have to be honest my feet hurt so much from wearing that semi-boots. I guess its way too far from my usual flats and mary janes. Here's some more funny pictures:

Aside from the hay bales and the "whisky" bottles we even have ropes! Too bad we didn't have a dummy donkey! Here's Benita trying to Rope It Up! Caught anything?

Sure she did!! And with the Sheriff waiting.. He goes straight to jail!!

Aren't we crazy?!! We work hard, I'll say we are a great team.. We're like a family.. And we take really good pictures!!

Hope your Halloween is fun too!