Car Fix

My dad recently got into a minor car accident last time and I am so thankful that he wasn't hurt. He was on his way to pick me up at the bank when the glass window at the passenger seat collapsed and broke into pieces. I feel lucky too because I wasn't there when it happened. Everything was taken care of by our car insurance , and it really saved us from a big amount of money than not having an insurance at all. With what happened, i really know that it pays to have one. I already listed at my planner the date our car insurance will expire and it is on the next 2 months. I will be paying for it so I am already looking for some car insurance quotes online to check if my budget can carry the amount. I would prefer to use online forms when inquiring quotations because it really saves me a lot of time. There is a Cost u less car insurance office near our place and once I am good with the car insurance quote that they will offer me, I will personally go to their office for their services. I know that they have one of the most competitive rates in the market nowadays plus excellent customer service for their clients.

give me some booze!!

Yay! I haven't been blogging for quite sometime now. im just too busy with work and my vacation plans for May. I will be back with good stories soon :)

Life Insurance

I have been spending alot on shopping before, but that was before I started to realize money's worth. Now that I am not getting youner, and im setting priorities in life, I said to myself that now is the best time to invest. I am sharing on a few bills at home , and im also planning to get myself a term life insurance . Though I dont have my own family yet, I have decided to get one so I know that my money is not put on waste. I am saving for my future. I already received some quotations and i will have my decision byu the weekend.

Not in a Blogging Mode

A lot has been going through my mind right now that I wanted to blog about. I wanted to blog about how I already got my flight reserved for May; how my college friend posted pictures taken almost four years ago that surely bring back memories; that this nasty weather has kept me locked up at home for the weekend; there's this new site I discovered called crunchyroll kinda like youtube but in here I was able to watch pinoy movies like: A Love Story and One More Chance; my fave Kmovies: My Girl And I and The Perfect Couple starring Lee Dong Wook (this one's funny!); and the one where I've been searching places to watch: Magic Kitchen starring Jerry Yan!!! Woohoo.. At long last, I've seen it. Crunchyroll has more Asian videos and movies and some that were already pulled out in youtube or not in there, you'll see in crunchyroll.

In a windy, rainy, boring weekend I still have stuff to blog about. But then I'm just not in a blogging mode.. So yeah maybe next time or in a few minutes.. I just have to get into the mood..

Don't get my player Evicted!! please..

I hate it and I'm really nervous right now since my Big Brother player is up for eviction tonight! Too bad he was paired with somebody who's so cocky and people just don't like his partner. I just surely do hope that they don't get eliminated tonight.. Come on, Parker!! Align your team with the right people and tell your partner Jen to shut up!!!! Live Eviction in just 14 minutes... I am just so nervous!!!!!!!

My Three-Day (SHOPPING) Weekend

Since I don't have work tomorrow, and got paid last Friday, I figured I can't just lock up myself for three full days at my room especially with great weather this weekend. So yeah, I went ahead and shop.. Yesterday and today!!! Woohoo!! But here's the catch that's why I am so happy. I only took out $ 100 last Friday to spend for the whole weekend. Then I went out to lunch that day, placed $ 5 for our lottery ticket (as if were gonna win the $168M jackpot!), so basically I was left with around $85 to shop. And my cards are still at the safe deposit box. (Although I did have my dad's just in case!) But I cannot believe how far my $85 got me..

I got these on TJ Maxx last Saturday, I was basically thinking of my vacation in May, so most were really for summer already. The striped cover up top was only $ 7, I think my sis would love that. Although I have to say I don't think I can give away the one at the middle since its my best grab that day. Its a DKNY dress for only $19 and the Roxy dress also for the same price!!!

And these are the ones I got today:

I cannot believe how I was able to buy that 2 tops at Macy's for only $ 19.63!! For the both! It turns out the black sequined top which I thought is already a grab for $10 turns out to be only just around $8 and the dress which already is on sale for only $ 12 turned out to be $10!! I am so ecstatic when I found out since I only got only around $ 40 today. Then I was able to grab the brown-strap sandals at Old Navy for only $15! At the end of the day, I was left with $3 and some change.. And was still able to buy my cinnamon pretzel sticks!!

I am so happy to know that my efforts of controlling my shopping are really paying off. I know I have to save money for my trip but I also know that I need to shop or else I'm gonna go crazy around here! Two words: Budget and Compromise!

Get Lifelock

Since I'm working at the bank, we are always informed about different cases of identity theft. And because of this, I am getting into an identity theft protection program. LifeLock Reviews has been a great help to me in deciding which program to get. They currently have a promo code that could really save me much as soon as I sign up. If you are also in the process of searching for a protection program, better read some Lifelock Review. As soon as I tried their services, I won't hesitate doing my very own LifeLockReview.

Meet my Player

I cannot wait for the Big Brother Season 9 premiere tonight. I watch basically any reality shows that can ease my boredom but my top two will be Survivor and Big Brother. I haven't really seen the whole Pinoy Edition of the show, but I like this one because its more natural and the eviction is not influenced by the people watching (except for last season's twist). I became a fan of big brother since I got here almost 4 years ago.

This time around I took my addiction to the next level. I joined the "Big Brother Pool", that's going around our bank. We draw the names of the players, pay $ 20 and see if the one we pick makes it to the end. If you get the one that got evicted first, then you'll get your money back. If you pick the plyer that will win in the finale (which I hope I do!) then you'll have $ 120!! Only 16 people are in since there's only 16 housemates. And here's my player:

Name: Parker
Age: 26
Hometown: Northridge, California
Occupation: Paparazzo

I don't know of him being a paparazzo will work well for his advantage, I hope he can trick people and align himself with the right group. But here's the twist this season: the housemates will be paired with a "soulmate" , they will live together as a couple-sleep in the same bed; hold HOH as a couple, be nominated for eviction as a pair and probably be voted off together as well.. I just cannot wait for this!! Hope my player wins!!!

So Proud of Me..

I am just so happy on how I can see improvements on myself by how I handled my money. Woohoo!! I still do shop, but now I've learned to shop in moderation rather than my usual compulsive buying practice. With the U.S. economy struggling lately, most stores find themselves in such a position where they have to encourage customers to spend more.. Thus came to ultimate SALE!! Every single store I've been to since last November have been slashing down their prices just to attract customers. This is economics at work.. haha. So maybe I chose the wrong time to stop shopping, I mean I really can't. That's when I challenge myself to just spend a $ 100 every weekend for shopping.

It was hard at first but yesterday while at the mall with my mom and dad (who were basically scouring every racks at Old Navy) I realized that I only have four items with me. Old Navy where having a 40 % sale on all kids and babies apparel so I grabbed some for my niece and nephew. But this time around I think first if I need to buy it ASAP or if it can wait since the sale will be up until the Feb 21. I only spent a little over $ 30 and was able to buy 3 shirts, a palid shorts and a pair of jeans!! Is this really me?!? Then I went to one locally owned shop to buy some tops for work and I bought 2 tops for only $ 19.00!! I am not joking.. I got a black "almost" off-shoulder sweater, I really don't know how to describe it, and a red turtleneck sweater on sale for only $ 6.00!! Told you I'm improving. So I'm still on my budget so I decided to buy 2 dvds since I started collecting some classic and foreign films.

And here's where I saw the major improvement: Every week since last December I am waiting for Hollister to open up their store here, I would always check and yesterday it was already open!! Hollister stores are set-up to have that relaxed, "surf" attitude. It was so dark inside, and I mean really dark, they only have small dimmed lights spotlights by their clothes and then loud music and the whole store look like a maze for me. I was wondering if I'm gonna be able to find the exit, since the store was divided into two sides with couches and posts in the middle, it was just so confusing when you get in the first time. I checked the inside just out of curiosity and honestly, the shopaholic in me would probably have gone out of the store with a big paper bag but nope.. I didn't buy anything.. Figured I really can't see anything inside.. Hehe.. Nope I'll just wait for next week for my $ 100 limit.

I am really so how that now I was able to control my spending. That way I can save money for my trip to Manila.. Where I really plan to shop! Hahaha. I was just wondering on how long will I be able to keep up with this. But they said that if you something for more than seven times consecutively it will become a habit. Then maybe saving can become my habit?!?

Casino Online

I wonder when can I get back to Las Vegas. I am missing my cousin and his family there, and I miss playing at casinos. Out of nothing to do last week, I tried playing at a virtual casino. I never thought that I would have this kind of fun and excitement , just like the real thing, though I dont' use real money there. There's a lot of casino games to choose from, but usually i would just play with roulette or slot machines. Next time, try your luck with internet casino gambling online and experince LAs Vegas at home.

Trying out casinos.

I have been spending my weekend trying to figure out what to do aside from shopping. I am so lucky to stumble upon online casino. I have tried the real casino when I went to Vegas 2 years ago and I really had fun playing the slot machine. But I never thought that online playing would bring me that excitement too. I am a newbie when it comes to online casinos, but with the help of this website, I was able to have a list of the best online casino site where I can maximize my playing potentials. I tried Russian Roulette and slot machines. I might giver poker a try tonight. I only play using online money, as I can't risk playing with the real one yet. I am usually playing at sites where I am getting big bonuses everytime I had a good game. Their online casino reviews is also a big help as it cuts down my time in checking out if the site is worth visiting. I have recommended this to my officemates too who loves to play casino at Vegas . This would really save their time instead of leaving home. So if you also wanted to have fun while you are at home , try playing on online casinos.

What will I give up??

Today's Ash Wednesday, it marks the first day of Lent, what else comes to my mind? Fasting and abstinence! Well, I don't want to get started, I studied all my life in a Catholic school (steppin' it up a bit when I even went to an exclusive all- girls school in college!) But being here surely made a difference. Sounds funny but before I use to dread going to every school sponsored Masses, learn your Religion, every single tradition that we Filipinos believe in with regard to our faith. And now, I do miss it! I never even got a chance to have ashes on my forehead, never saw anyone at work either. Didn't go to church too! In our family we were brought up pretty good, my grandma was pretty much the traditional sagrado-Katoliko and it was passed upon us. Too bad I don't even have half of those traditions here anymore.

I decided that since abstaining from eating meat might be a bit impossible since I really do need to have all my energies on Fridays at work, I am thinking of just making a sacrifice. I think that as time changes we have to conform to the society we are in, but that doesn't mean compromising the faith and traditions that you're brought up with. So I thought of just giving up something for Lent, that will be my sacrifice! I will give up eating chocolates! Might sound simple but you guys haven't seen my work place, you'll just be surprised on how much chocolates we have, almost every teller station and my boss' desk, they do bring it on their own! I'll give up eating it, since I tend to have at least probably 10 in a day, and a lot more if it's a busy day or if I'm really stressed. I am giving up my pretzel snack too! I always buy a large size of cinnamon pretzel bites on weekends, its been my routine for years.. I really wanted to make sacrifices this year, I miss being able to practice this tradition. Its easier back home since almost everyone are on the same page.. But not in here.

So for forty days, I will try my very best to give up things and foods that I know are my favorites, give up any negative behaviors I've been having. At the same I want to give something: more patience and understanding, more faith and love, more perseverance and hope. And I hope that just like Christmas, we won't forget the true meaning and significance of the Lenten Season.

Ready for the Super Bowl ???

One of the most anticipated, if not THE anticipated sport event in American history, SuperBowl XLII is just two and a half hours from happening. So what's the big buzz regarding this? Super Bowl Sunday has always been somewhat like a holiday, the most amount of pizzas, beers, chipsand barbecues are consumed on this day. So its like an unofficial Junkfood Day. This year's event will be held at Arizona, and to my surprise as I turn on the TV this morning, news of course are mainly about it, and sadly right now I am watching a pre-show special with matching a "red carpet" interview hosted by Ryan Seacrest since celebs also come to watch it.

So what's the big hype regarding the Super Bowl? Its probably like how we get crazy during the a PBA championship game. Football is such the most popular sport here in the US. I've joined a couple of football pools we had at work. It's like the "ending" we have on basketballs. You pick a square and when all squares are filled and everybody paid, numbers from 0-9 (i think?) will be picked and assigned. I hope I win! Too bad I forgot my copies of the pool at my desk!

Wonder how I'm gonna spend this day? Since I really don't get the whole premise of football, and probably there's not else good to watch, I am thinking of doing something else.. Hmmm.. What about shopping?! Yehey! Still thinking though since weather has really been so bad these days and looking right now at my window, winds are blowing real hard. The only things I watched during the entire I believe 3-4 hour show will be the commercials, since really big companies paid big bucks for slots for a Super Bowl commercial and most of them are real good and funny. And of course there's the Super Bowl Halftime (where the infamous Janet Jackson wardrobe "malfunction" happened) but after that incident there's really nothing "that" exciting happened on a halftime. I think they've been much more careful about it. You'll be surprised on how Super Bowl affects a lot of aspects be in entertainment, food, business. It's more than just a sports event! It really is an unofficial holiday!

I guess I'll just have to wait and see, maybe I'll watch it. Buy myself some tortilla chips and make some bean dip, then wait for the Super Bowl commercials.

Protection from Identity Theft

Working in the bank made me really exposed with a lot of information I ahven't heard before. The most important thing that I learned would be about security. Thus, even in my everyday life, security is one thing that I am always concerned of. You might have noticed how I do a lot of online shopping, and some might even wonder if I am entering secure sites. Most people I know are afraid of doing transactions online for security and protection, since you provide them with your important details. Actually, that's one of my fears too, but i see to it that I enter sites which are regularly checked for protection. In my part, currently, I am looking for ways to secure my accounts. Lucky me, because I saw the website of Debix. Debix is partnered with Loud Siren, a fraud management alert company that specializes with the prevention of identity theft. I have found that in comparison with other programs, their offer is very competitive. In terms of cost per year, service, and features, they are really a stand out. So i am thinking of getting one for myself. I need to protect all the information that I have, including my credit card details. They offer free credit card reports, prevents pre approved credit card offers, unwanted tele marketing and a lot more. So if you are thinking of providing yourslef with protection, get Loudsiren today.

Groundhog Day

** here he is, Punxsutawney Phil**

Today marks the celebration of groundhog day, which I basically don't have any idea at all! From what I've seen before, the groundhog named Phil will come out of his hole after a long winter sleep, if he sees he's shadow it will mean six more weeks of winter (or bad weather?)..

As he crawled out from Gobbler's Knob.. Here's what Phil has to say:

"As I look around me, a bright sky I see, and a shadow beside me.
Six more weeks of winter it will be!"

So six more weeks huh?!.. To find out more about the history and fun facts about this celebration please visit this site.

Rugby Games

Living here in America would make you familiar in their culture, their daily life, and most especially their hobby. I grew up in a country where basketball has been the number one sport, so I magine my surprise when people here are so hoked with Rugby games. I am hearing it in the news and even with my officemates. So one time, I made myself familiar and decided to watch a rugby news. I catched upon the 6 Nations Rugby that includes England, France, ireland, Scotland , Wales and Italy. I got myself a little familiar after the news, but my knowlege wasn't enough, so I decided to check on www.rbs6nations.com for some more information. And I was so glad to find a lot from that site. From game schedules, player information, memorabilias, an online store, magazine, and even meeting fellow fans! Wow! It's complete! I think I am getting hooked into rugby games. I also asked my dad to watch the games with me on tv, because at most times, it is more fun to watch sports when someone is with you, and with that, daddy can further explain things to me. Here's to more fun with rugby games!