My Best of 2007.. Part II

Although I only had 10 days spent in Manila last summer, I believe I have more tha 300 pics taken. I cannot believe how I convince myself not to get a haircut!! Here's some more shots:

*** Villa Escudero, with Ivy...***
*** and the rest of us..***
*** Joaquin's 1st Bday @ Hard Rock, with my sister and cousins***

*** last pic with Mia and her baby Bea**
*** Joaquin with my mom***

There's more pictures that I wanted to share.. Be right back to post the third part!!

Online Backgammon

My sister suggested this game to me, and since I have free time during weekends, I gave it a try today. I played online backgammon for an hour after reading some primers of the game. I am enjoying it, and I even explored the site after for a few tricks and tips on playing. Backgammon online is gaining so much popularity too, some of my officemates are also playing it at home. Better try to play backgammon, you will definitely enjoy the game. I might try to join tournaments soon, for the mean time, I need to practice more.

My Best of 2007 .. part I

These are the highlights of my 2007:

*** My April 2007 Manila trip.. part I***

Poker talk

I am still not that good in playing poker, so I am doing my own research with my ever reliable website. I got to check what a poker calculator is, and how it will help me in my games. My poker odds is getting better now, I am really trying to squeeze in a few hours for playing. I must say, I am really enjoying learning tricks and strategies for the game. The features at the website is helping me understand it more. But I still need to check on my holdem calculator. I recently saw this at the site, but I am not that familiar yet.

Looking Back and Moving Forward

This definitely sounds like a cliche' but I really can't believe the year's almost gone. I remember how excited I was last year to welcome 2007 because of my plans to go home April for Joaquin's birthday. And now here I am again.. Can't wait for 2008 since I do have plans again this time to go home on May for my sis' birthday and town fiesta.

LOOKING BACK... I am so thankful because my family and I have been once again blessed with good health and safety. It might not be all laughs and happiness but I sure do know that God is with me every moment of everyday. Being able to go back and spend 10 days in Manila with my family is definitely one of the the highlights of this year. The promotion I got at work was totally unexpected. More responsibilities which means more work.. Which then also means more pay and the ultimate end: More Shopping!! So it really never bothered me that much. I just felt though that after two years in my job, I am starting to get familiar with some might say "office politics" and I have to say that I am really not liking it. I lost my dear friend Mia this year, and while its still hard for us to accept it, I am thankful that I have my college close friend Ivy with me going through it. But when I look back it was a year same as the year before, I do have my shares of laughter and tears..

MOVING FORWARD.. The new year always brings new hope and I guess there's no other step left to take than to move forward. As I have come to realize my shortcomings and mistakes I have this year, the best I can do is to learn from them and use them to help me become a better person. Yes, that's the thing I wanted to become this 2008: Be a Better Person!

Dentist Day

Today I decided to go to the dentist since I haven't really used my coverage yet from this year. What a waste if I'm not gonna be able to use it since I'm paying for it! Mind you I am not really big on going to dentists and doctors plus I find it hard to find a schedule that will be fine with my work. Its just that I don't want to inconvenience other people if I have to go. The last time I was there the dentist (which is a Filipina by the way) said that we need to do some fillings since I already have a couple of cavities. And I don't have anybody to blame, the last time I went to her was April 2006 for a root canal, and then I came back October 2007 for a check up! I believe the proper thing was to visit your dentist every 6 months..

So I had my appointment for today set up at 11 am and I have to be honest, if I hadn't also eaten a lot these last couple of days, I really am planning on not to go. But I can start to feel aches already so I figured its time.. I asked my dentist to go ahead and do whatever they need to do, since this is the only available time for me. And stupid ME, I didn't even ask her at first on what they're going to do, on how many and how long it will take. Not a big fan also of talking and asking questions.. I just always go with the flow..

So it turns out that I have so much that she end up doing 10 yes TEN fillings all at the same time! Fillings or pasta I believe as how its known in the Phils. is something I don't know about. She has to numb, so I had shots, 3 on each four sides! Wow talk about total high!! Hahaha.. I was a bit nervous to be honest and I was there for 2 1/2 hours.

The worst thing is I have to go back to work, eventhough I know it will be fine with my supervisor if I can't go back, the workaholic in me still insist on coming back. Everyone was laughing when I told them what happened. I never even got the chance to eat lunch so I am basically starving!

I guess lesson learned: Never hurt to listen to the words of a TV commercial: "Visit your dentist twice a year... Twice a Year.. Twice a Year!!" Anung commercial nga ba yun?? Colgate?! =)

The Medical career

I have seen a lot of home care here in our area for the past 4 years, and I can really say that this field is ever growing. Though I am an Accountancy graduate and happily working at a very good bank in our area, sometimes I wonder if I can fit in the medical world. Maybe I can try out the world of medical assistants. I have seen a lot of medical assistant schools in our area, but I never bothered to inquire at all. So I thought of checking the internet and I was lucky enough to see that there is an online course for that. I can't study full time since I am busy with my job at the bank, and getting an online course is really a nice option. Medical Assistant training programs are easily available, and that would depend on your course preference. The programs are the most up-to-date in it's field, and they provide thorough training and detailed information too. I am really thinking a hudred times if I will try my luck in this field. Who knows, I can eventually get a good job too. Medical assistant programs avaialability can be chacked online. You can also see if there are real campuses in your area that offers these programs. I have also read a lot of interesting articles at the site, providing me with more pertinent information for decision-making. I am so happy with my job now at the bank, but I am opening my doors wo new horizons. I am too young, it's never too late to explore.

Season's Greetings

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY JESUS!!

From our Family to Yours... We wish you a very Merry Christmas!

Amidst all the hustles and bustles of the holiday rush, let us not forget the true meaning of Christmas. Have a joyous and peaceful one!

Online Casino

Who wouldn't enjoy playing at casinos? I visited Las Vegas last year and I really had a wonderful time checking out the casinos. However, I only have a limited money then. If only I have that much of money, I would also spend time there. But recently, I am a happy and contented online casino player. I found this site that provides a detailed listing of online casino sites, whether you wanted to play with real money or for pure fun. I am getting hooked with it because the site provides helpful tips for new players. The reviews from other players helped me a lot in choosing a site and game too. I always make it a point to enter secure and reliable sites from their list. I usually play poker, bingo, slot machines and roulette. I haven't tried playing with real money though. I usually play for fun because I am still learning the ins and outs of the games. If you wanted to try online casinos like poker games, try this one out.

Last Minute Shopping

*** this me getting my shopping gear on!***

Yup, I admit I am GUILTY!! After posting that I will try my very best to control my shopping craziness.. I did it again! Yesterday I was planning to post this as a challenge for me, before I hit the mall, what I had in mind is to challenge myself to just spend $100.00 and I have to buy a gift for one of my co-workers, then the rest will be up to me.. But I guess its same old me.. ( I forgot to change the date on my cam, so sorry!).. Lesson learned: Never go with the last minute holiday rush especially if you're a compulsive buyer like me!

*** ready...set... SHOP!! and off I hit the malls***

I cannot believe how much packed the malls are, it was so hard to find a parking slot. My dad just drop me off since he needs to pick up my mom who wanted to go as well. So we just set a meeting time and place which is after an hour. This is the part that I cannot believe myself, first spot I hit was Old Navy and from that store alone I know I already lose my challenge.. Hahaha. Its just that they have sweaters on sale and some tops that I can wear this winter for work. Oh and I bought two pairs of flats for reasons I don't know although I think they're really cute!

*** my Old Navy Ankle-Strap Skimmers***

Next I went to American Eagle to buy some cardigan sweaters for work since they have a nice fit for me. By the time I'm done at AE I got two big shopping bags so I decided to wait around for my dad. Oh and I hit this two stores which is right across each other in just under 30 minutes! Talk about crazy! Then I went ahead and tried to find a gift for my co-worker, and I got him a mug from Hallmark that says: Master of the Messy Desk! I really have to tell you that there are really a lot of items on sale, tops that normally goes for around $30 were only around $19, that's the reason why! Oh and the Disney store have so much toys on sale for 50% off and buy one get one treats! I decided not to buy anything since it was so crazy inside and the line on the register was so long. By the time I met up with my mom and dad after an hour, I was so hungry but the usual place we go to was so packed as well. So we decided to transfer to the other mall. And then of course the shopaholic in me wanted to check out Express and of course I end up buying 2 more turtleneck sweaters.. I just told my sis this morning, I shouldn't have bought those 2 tops instead I should have just buy me an Express jeans which is close to the price of the two sweaters! Ugh! My sis' said: compulsive ka kasi! haha and even though I can return it for exchange, I am just not that type of person.

So how crazy I got? Let's just say that before I left I have around $ 300 on my spending account and by the time I got home and checked my balance online I only have $ 84! haha. I am just so happy because this time I just shop for myself.. EVERYTHING FOR ME!! The first time I think in years! Its nice to think of yourself once in while.. Hey its Christmas!

In need of cash

I have been seriously spending a good amount of money on a weekly basis. Aside from the usual bills here at home, I am also hooked into shopping and even online shopping. Last week, after receiving my paycheck, I did my usual payments and I was schocked to see that I have a few money left in my account. Whoa! I am such a big spender. So, starting now, I will try to save as much as I can.

If worse comes to worse, and I would need a few bucks, I won't be hesitant to have a cash advance. I have seen a good advertisement before and I still have their website and number. We don't know when we will bump into an emergency need for cash, so this is really handy to have. I have an option to apply for payday loans. My application can be approved in a few minutes after answering a few questions. I don't even have to go to a bank to apply for one. It is right at the comfort of my home. Wouldn't that be great? Payday loan has a lot of advantages over any other loan, so for me , this is the easiest to avail. It has a minimal requirement when it comes to documentation, so it's not really a hassle to apply for one.

I should learn to spend my money wisely. Good thing there is a cash advance and payday loan that I can avail if emergency would arise. Bills and shopping really eats most of my budget and I can't help but to resist it. Maybe, I can cutdown a bit on shopping. Goodluck to me.

Smarty ME...

For whatever reason, my sis was locked out of my internet banking. An unusual security question pop up and she don't know the answer, Me too!! So I already had her user reset but when she tried it this morning the same message appeared and I was so frustrated that I tried it myself.. And to my surprise the question was : What was the nickname you gave to you favorite grandparent? and I was thinking, I never set up this security question and I don't know the answer myself! So I told my sister that I'll just view her account using my user name and sadly the same security question appeared!! What a way to start the morning.. I need to view my own balances since I MIGHT do some last minute shopping today!

So here's what I did.. I log off then waited for a few minutes then log back in again to my bank's website. Good thing this time around it didn't gave me the weird security question so I was able to log in on my awn account. And since my sis' "account" (she uses it for her paid blogging!) is really my account I was able to view hers. And so thank God that the Smarty in Me was awake at that moment. I have to tell you, I do work at this bank, but not really at online banking although I do know bits and pieces since I tend to trouble shoot if we have problems or customer service inquiries..

And at last, I did it on my own! And I really hoped it would work. I deleted my sister's old userID and just sign her up on a new one and in which she can only view her account! Hahaha! You won't see mine, Ate! I hope when she tries it, all will be fine. I was telling her that maybe her IP address was traced and of course it is kinda suspicious to access this account when you're on the other site of the world! Our bank invested a lot to prevent identity theft and internet security. Oh and FYI, I didn't even call our customer service access to help me through the whole process, I figure it out myself! When I was done I was laughing at myself because I can't believe I did it!

Oh Smarty Me... I think being smart is more of a curse rather than a gift!!

A Christmas Dinner

**we hit the bar right away.. my big margarita definitely an evidence!!**

Last December 12, Wednesday we had our annual bank Christmas party, which for me personally is just a formal dinner since I believe "party" entails fun, music and dancing! Our party always fall on the second Wednesday of December, open bar starts at around 5:30-6:00 pm, then dinner, then a speech and awards from the President of the bank and by 9:00... Time to go home!! Although we do have a pianist for background holiday music. For me I am always looking forward ti this, since I take a lot of pictures and this is the only time we really get to dress-up and glam up a bit from our usual looks at work.

*** lily, benita and me.. and don't be surprised of benita.. she really goes all out!***

*** my two work mommies.. Benita and Lynette (the QVC/bare minerals addict)***

I decided to just have a nice top and pants for the party, since I'll be coming directly from work and won't have time to really prepare. I do have to thank my co-worker Misty for fixing my hair! I ordered my top online at forever21 and the pants I got for only $15.95, my shoes are from last year.. So basically I didn't really spend a lot..

Online Backgammon

My day was pretty fast and simple, as I just played backgammon most of the time. It is really so entertaining, I didn't even notice dinnertime. Online Backgammon has been getting a lot of popularity lately. I know some friends who are also into it, and they only had nice words to say about the site that offers this game. It is so easy so better try it out. Backgammon online can rea;;y be so addiciting , so you better gear up and have fun during the games. Goodluck and hope you will enjoy it too, just like me.

My Sis' solution to my Problem..

**** Me and Joaquin, stolen shot yan I swear!****

Remember how on my last couple of posts I've been whining so much about how I am losing my money when I am supposed to be saving it for my vacation next year?? And then I've come up with simple solutions which I am hoping will work. Actually tomorrow, I'll be putting the rest of my cards on my safe deposit box, let it locked up in there for the weekend! Hey, I might go crazy again since last minute Christmas shopping tends to be a little exciting..

And then my other idea is to stop shopping for my nephew Joaquin, my ate Peachy's cute little boy and so now I am thinking: She figured out a solution to my problem or probably just worried that I'll cut back on goodies for Waki!! hehe.. Of course I won't do that, I already told her that instead of buying 3 to 4 items at one time, I'll just buy one thing for Joaquin at a time..

So here's my sis' solution: PAID BLOGGING!!! Of course! For whatever reason she immediately brought up this topic and I just said yeah go ahead.. Since she'll do most of the opps and I'll just the fillers! (like this one? hehe).. So I asked her the other day on how much will be my cut on her money and I don't know if I got it right but I think she said that this is FOR ME!! woohoo! What a way to say: Here's the money to shop more for Joaquin! Hehe..

I guess being smarty runs in the family, way to fool me sis! Hehe!

Online Backgammon

My sister introduced me to the backgammon game. I was actually clueless at first, but after reading and exploring the website she gave me, I had a better understanding on how to play backgammon. I am getting excited and I really wanted to give it a try this weekend during my free time. Who knows, I can also join in some backgammon tournaments, just like my sister's plan. But I think I need to practice more.

It's Official

Yes, I am now with paid blogging!

It means more money for me so I can shop, LOL. I really hope I can save thie time. Wish me luck!

Online Casinos

I just surf the internet during my free time here, and to put myself to sleep. But lately, I am getting curious about online casinos, since most of my friends are hooked with it. I am getting myself familiar with the ins and outs so I am reading some casino news and most especially the casino guide. I find the site so easy to use, because they provide online help to first time users. Will I join the bandwagon? Let's see. There's a lot of games to choose from, I can give it a try.

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Merry Christmas to Me..

So, even though I've been complaining all these time on how crazy my spending has been this couple of weeks, I still can't control my addiction and bought another pair of shoes last weekend! Hey its Christmas!! And if I like something I buy it for myself!! (talk about independence huh?! hahaha) I just felt that I deserve to buy something for myself a gift for the holidays. And that's what I did.

Its a Michael Kors Carina Ballet in black!! And its on sale.. That's why I grabbed it. I was so excited to show it to my sis since this is my first Michael Kors item. I do have to say that its worth it, the quality is really great and the shoes are comfortable. I normally just wear flats even at work, although they do encourage us to wear something with heels. Haha.

Oh and I do have some other gifts that I will give myself this Christmas. I got some new brushes for my Bare Minerals since I've been using my brushes for almost a year now and it really does look so worn out from frequent cleaning. I ordered Bare Minerals Volume III w/ Blush Brush from QVC, then bought two brushes at a beauty spa here in town that sells BE.

So I guess I'm all set for the holidays.. I'll take pictures of my "gifts" as I open them on Christmas Eve.. yeah right, I already tried one of the blush!

Happy Christmas everyone!!!

Play Slots

A few months back, I had a visit at Las Vegas and one thing I truly enjoyed was the slot machines. Out of not doing anything here, I dediced to try online slots, and I enjoyed it bigtime. A slot machine is the only casino game I know well, and I find it really easy to play. So with the website, they provide easy instructions for first time players. Casino slots are getting popular these days, as I know a lot who's getting hookoed with it. Try to play slots too. It is a big load of fun.

Holiday Spirit at Work

*** with Benita, Connie and Lily after a crazy Friday at work***

I cannot forget this Friday, it was such a crazy and busy one that at the end of the day when we decided to take pictures, I felt that we look so stressed out! I do have some more pictures on this link. Christmas is so fun around work since everyone is so much into the Holiday spirit, and I know that its always around this time of the year that I gain a lot of weight since goodies are just everywhere.. From homemade cookies, to cakes and brownies, candy canes and boxes of See's Candies! The bank orders boxes and boxes for each branch and then we get some from our customers too.. See's Candies have become such a tradition like how big Christmas Tree and the old toy train are for the bank. So here's some more pics:



I have a lot more pictures to upload but its Survivor China season finale.. So I'll just post some more later!!! Hahaha

Where's my Money..

I just cannot believe this... Payday was last Friday and I'm pretty excited since I felt like I've been running short on cash since my shopping spree last month. So I checked my account balance and started to budget my money. I have been pretty much independent since I got a job. I pay my own bills, my share of the rent, I buy things I wanted from my own money. So from what I have last friday I have to take out a couple of bucks for some expenses.. And I was so surprised!! After writing checks for my phone bill, two credit cards (yeah, I know not a good thing!), and of course I have to send money back home.. All that's left on my account is roughly around $200!!! What!!!!! What in the hell just happened?! Where is my money??! And I am saying that was left on my account, not just from my pay. And I've got to say, I do get paid a pretty substantial amount.. Ugh! I was so furious! I have been thinking of at least buying something for myself as a Christmas gift, something a little bit expensive, but I think that will have to wait. (Although I did get a new pair of Michael Kors shoes on sale!) Does that mean that in a span of 2-3 days my money's already gone?!

So what I did after realizing how I have been spending my money, I dig up a couple of past month;s bank statements and to my amazement.. I was right! Definitely! I have been spending as much as I am earning... My debits match up my credits, sometimes even more! So being an accountancy graduate, I'll say that its just always break-even, which is not good! I have to make so changes or else I'll wind up broke!

Here's the plan I've come up with:

1. For my next pay this month, I will only spend for bills I have to pay.
2. I'll ask my sister that we need to stop browsing at online stores!! Please!
3. I will TRY not to shop and just save money from January to March! Let me just clarify this one, maybe I'll just take cash with me.
4. In connection with number 3, every Friday I will lock up all my plastics ( my debit and credit cards) inside my safe deposit box at the bank! Great idea!! Hahaha
5. I have to tell my sister that if she wanted something for Joaquin, she has to tell mom because I AM NOT BUYING!!! Nah, maybe one shirt at a time!

This has to work, I have to save money since I am planning to go back to Manila next May for my vacation.. And oh no, I am not going back broke! This is a major challenge for me! I probably have to strap myself to the couch on weekends, just so that I won't hit the malls. I guess its time for me to save..

I challenge my Sister..

*** my Bare Minerals Family***

I was blog hopping this weekend and I read a post from my sis' blog about her and her son's shoe fetish! Although I do have a couple of pairs, I really don't feel like showing it, since most of them are just way too dirty! Hahaha.. But then I wanted to challenge her on this one! There's a few things I am obsessed about : RL purses (actually anything Ralph Lauren), hair treatment products, Victoria's Secret lotions and bodywash and of course.... Bare Minerals!!

I got my first starter kit when I was in L.A. and I went crazy shopping at Sephora. From then on, I've become an avid fan of Bare. Then I found out that one of my co-workers also use it and purchase it throughQVC. And the story goes on... Now were gaining popularity at work that the list of bare minerals users is growing! Mind you the one that I had pictures are just the one I have at home! We do have an emergency kit at work for those "just in case" moments, and I already did send a lot to my sis' in Manila!

*** my must-haves , but no I don't use them all everday!***

*** the Buxom Lip Gloss is definitely my fave!***

I believe this is the very latest on my collection. It's a 10-pc gold luxury kit!! I got it on QVC even before it was launched on a special. Actually, last Thursday, Bare Minerals was on again at QVC, and of course I did bought something.. So now, I challenge my sis, how many make-ups do you have??

Still Recovering

So after my attempt to change my blog template and lost all my widgets, links and everything.. I am still in the process of recovering everything and restoring my blog the way it was! It was so frustrating!! I am not really a computer geek so I am just thankful that I have a sharp memory on trying to remember how my blog looks before and not to forget the people on my blog roll.

So please if you think I forgot you this time around, just leave me a message and I'll link you up! Help me recover my blog!!! I can't believe me!

What did I do

Ugh!!! Help!! I was trying to change the layout on my blog, just thinking its time for a change. And for whatever reason I lost everything!!! My blog roll. my widgets, my Cbox! I need help!!!

I hope my sis' gonna fix this!

Wahhh!! What a way to start the day!

Been a While

I know! It feels like forever since my last post. I have so busy at work this week. My supervisor is on vacation, leaving us a little bit shorthanded at work. I had to do a couple of reports for the last month and ugh I hate those! This is really a stressful week and I've been meaning to posts stuff that has been happening lately. I will this weekend! Here's some things that I will be posting:

** Bank's Annual Christmas Tree Lighting- happened last monday!

** Victoria's Secret Fashion Show - it was on last night!! definitely a must-see! especially because of the Spice Girls first performance in years!!! Woohoo!!

** I need help on my Christmas Party outfit! - the dinner's next wednesday.. duh?!

** My Christmas Wishlist - just in case somebody wanted to buy me one!

I just hope I'll be able to survive the rest of the week without going crazy!