Just My RagBag

Sunday Stealing: Another 14 Question Meme

2010-11-14T17:25:00.000-08:00

Today we ripped this meme off a blogger named Shanachie from the blog Quill, Parchment, & Ink: Writings and Ramblings. He explains that he was tagged to do it and then basically tagged the world to do the meme. But, it was probably stolen there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go.

1. Lots of pillows or just one? Describe your pre-sleeping rituals. Lots. I have to put on TV, I don't watch it, I just feel sleepy when I hear it and see the screen light flickering. I also can't sleep with too much light on. Or if TV is not around I have to read a book, even just a snippet.

2. What kind of books do you read? I like fiction. Psycho thrillers, mysteries, detective themed novels, and I also just recently gotten into chick lit.

3. What are your neighbors like? Nice but can get extremely nosy. Perhaps because having a 'barang' {foreigner} like me staying beside their house is a novelty.

4. What's really creepy to you? Live accidents. Wormy, wiggly things.

5. What's your current fandom/obsession/addiction? Coffee, Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, pasta cooking, Jang Geun Seuk, shopping for kitchen stuff, saving, blogging, waiting for Harry Potter 7, the movie.

6. Do you prefer your junk food sweet, salty or savory? savory.

7. What was the last thing you expensive bought? a Nintendo Wii!!!

8. What is your greatest fear? that something happens to both me and hubby and our Chinkee would be left behind.

9. Do you get cravings? If so, what do you crave? I always do. Usually salty stuff.

10. What do you do to change your mood?OWSS! Online Window Surf Shopping. I blog. I crochet. I watch a really cringe worthy drama. I cook. I shop.

11. What was the last meal you ate that you loved? Yesterday, lunch. Rice, spring rolls, vegetable salad.

12. Do you want to learn another language? If so, why? Yes. I need to learn Cambodian language. It would allow me live in an easier way.

13. What's something that you'd like to say to someone right now? Well, be happy, have fun, enjoy the day. That goes to everyone.

14. What are you looking forward to? Christmas!

Unconscious Mutterings 407

2010-11-14T17:00:00.000-08:00

Freezing :: icicles
Bikers :: motorcyclists
Infrequently :: not often
Mickey :: and Minne
School:: education
Textile :: fabric
Obstinate :: stubborn as mule
Guard :: Buckingham Palace Guards
Release :: Aung San Suu Kyi
Authentic :: cuisine

Sunday Stealing: The 14 Question Meme

2010-11-09T03:13:00.000-08:00

Let me just say, Hurray!!! 14 Questions only..Lol!

Today we ripped this meme off a blogger named Jayne at the blog Journey Through Grace. She states that she was tagged by her friend The Bug at the blog Bug Eye's View. But, it was probably stolen there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go.

1. What do you consider your hometown to be? Bacacay, Albay Philippines.

2. What’s the hardest part of your average day? Waking up. hahaha.

3. The easiest? Why? Falling asleep. I'm usually dead tired.

4. What beverage do you reach for to quench your thirst? Water. Chilled, no ice.

5. What is one not-so-secret goal you have for your life? I’ll let you keep your secret ones to yourself. To lose weight. To lose weight. Really. I have to be healthy so I could achieve the secret ones =)

6. What physical pain do you fear most? For example, I’m trying to decide how bad my jaw pain needs to get before I risk a potential needle from my dentist. So, for me, throbbing is preferable to jabbing. Tooth ache hands down. I hate visiting the dentist.

7. Where do you find solace? Hubby. He's my best friend, I could rant and rave, act like a lunatic but he'd still love me and comfort me. He must be blind.

8. What makes you the saddest when you read/see the news? Kids involved in crimes. It never fails to feel gut wrenching sadness when I see kids killed, abused..

9. What do you eat for a favorite snack? Now? This spicy Thai biscuits. Apples and oranges.

10. What movie could you/would you watch more than two or three times and still enjoy just as much as the first time? I love You've Got Mail, Love Actually, Ever After {I heart Drew Barrymore..} and all Harry Potter films. These one's I've watched countless times already and I never tire of them. I know most of them are light and fluffy and that's exactly why I could watch them again and again..

11. What boy/girl first made you cry? Secret..

12. What brand of coffee/tea do you drink most often? I buy dried unprocessed tea leaves. If not available I like Twinnings Earl Grey. Instant coffee? Taster's Choice or Nescafe Decaf. Brewed, well I'm spoiled for choice here in Phnom Penh, lots of cafe's and the local brew is top notch.

13. Dig in the dirt with or without garden gloves? Any. whatever strikes my fancy.

14. James Taylor or Carly Simon? James Taylor.

Unconscious Mutterings 406

2010-11-09T01:57:00.000-08:00

This entry is late, soo sorry lately, I've been swamped with things to do...

Everything :: no leftovers
China :: Great Wall
Essence :: what makes it tick
Immediate :: urgent
Obstruct :: hinder
Force :: physical power
Constellation :: Pisces
Intuitive :: instinctive
Complain :: whining
Train :: Thomas!

Anne Taintor Vintage Looking Shot Glasses

2010-11-05T21:43:00.000-07:00

I luv the product description: "The perfect gift for hostess, for bridesmaid… for pretty much any occasion that involves alcohol." Lol!

A newly discovered site: Anne Taintor! With lots and lots of vintage looking knick knacks and loads of crackling humor. It's like a vintage stuff wonderland. Just the place to look for quirky and fun gifts.

Here's some shot glasses that I want..

(1) the key word is 'alleged". Set includes:

"I have what one might call 'special needs'"
"I should come with a warning label"
"the key word is 'alleged'"
"just let my conscience be our guide"

(2) Born to Be Wild - set includes:

"I can never remember which is better... safe?...or sorry?"
"looking for trouble? look no further..."
"golly! liquor is quicker!"
"born to be wild"

(3) "high maintenance" doesn't even begin to cover it - I so like this!!! Hihi.. for diva effect

"'high maintenance' doesn't begin to cover it"
"all I want is an umbrella in my drink"
"it's so involved being me"
"I love not camping"

Funny Little Books

2010-10-30T21:37:00.000-07:00

I have to laugh out loud when I saw this books. I love funny, quirky items and this one takes the cake! Just perfect for gifts..I'm pretty sure one of these things would come in handy for everyone..

All items available from Knock Knock.

Clichés and Platitudes for All Occasions

We’re frequently confronted with situations that require us to impart brilliant insights and advice, both solicited and voluntary, but wisdom isn’t always possible on the fly. Clichés and Platitudes for All Occasions provides verbatim adages from near and far, all suitable for guiding your friends and loved ones—or yourself. With the help of this pocket-sized prompter, you’ll soon be spouting time-tested, gloriously clichéd counsel.

Pep Talks & Picker-Uppers for All Occasions

Everyone needs a little encouragement from time to time. Unfortunately, as our near and dear look to us for reassurance and wisdom, we often find ourselves at a loss for words. Pep Talks & Picker-Uppers for All Occasions provides verbatim lines to spread well-timed cheer and reality checks. With this pocket-sized prompter, your feel-good—or at least brilliant—advice is sure to give everyone, including yourself, a whole new outlook.

The Complete Manual of Things That Might Kill You

this revolutionary book is dedicated entirely to the hypochondriac’s unique perspective on health. With over 300 deadly diseases profiled, conveniently organized by symptom (real or imagined), even the mildest hypochondriac’s fantasy life will be ignited. We’re all going to die of something—why not choose an ailment that’s rare and hard to pronounce? - Perfect for friends who complain a lot

Breakups & Rejections for All Occasions

Some people lose sleep before dropping the ax. Others’ fear prevents them from making important life changes. All of us, however, agonize over choosing exactly the right words when worse comes to worst. Breakups & Rejections for All Occasions provides the lines necessary for all manner of firing, quitting, dumping, and disowning. With this pocket-sized prompter, you’ll never again hesitate to pull the plug.

Excuses & Lies for All Occasions

Everybody lies. If they say they don’t, they’re lying. Scientists have proven that excuses and lies have played a role in our evolutionary survival, so the question isn’t whether to lie, it’s how. Excuses & Lies for All Occasions provides the necessary lines for workplace, friendships, family, your own inner thoughts, unpaid bills, and more. With this pocket-sized prompter, you’ll never contemplate the honest route again!

Insults & Comebacks for All Occasions

There’s a time and a place for saying what’s really on your mind, and Insults & Comebacks for All Occasions provides the lines necessary for dishing it out. Armed with barbs targeting everything from looks to age to intelligence, you’ll always be prepared with an appropriate—or completely inappropriate—putdown or comeback. With the help of this pocket-sized prompter, your reputation will soon precede you.

Pickups & Come-Ons for All Occasions

Approaching that hottie over there requires more than courage—it takes the right words. Sometimes, however, exercising the organ between your ears is too much work; instead, use Pickups & Come-Ons for All Occasions to sweet-talk with class or crass. With this pocket-sized prompter, you’ll impress chicks and hunks alike with your persuasive wit—and increase your sex appeal by 42.9 percent.

Holiday Remarks & Replies for All Occasions

The holidays are the best and the worst of times, a collective frenzy of correspondence, shopping, and socializing. To navigate the season’s potential minefields requires preparation and a deft tongue. Holiday Remarks & Replies for All Occasions provides verbatim lines for every holiday scenario in tones ranging from diplomatic to downright Scrooge-like. With this pocket-sized prompter, you’ll make it to January with your sanity intact.

Sunday Stealing: The Meme About Me, Myself and I

2010-10-30T21:05:00.000-07:00

Today we ripped this meme off a blogger named Lucy at the blog The Smallest Smallholding. She states that she was tagged by her friend Amy at the blog Turn to the Music. But, it was probably stolen there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time.

1. What inspires you to blog? A lot of things. People who read, the feeling of being able to share what I'm going through is nice, earning through blogging is another inspiration...

2. What’s the best thing about blogging, for you? Learning and discovering a lot of new things, meeting and making new friends.

3. What is your favourite book of all time? Harry Potter series, Anne of Green Gables series

4. It’s 9pm and for some reason you’ve been hungry all day, despite the three square meals. What do you rustle up? Fried eggs and toast

5. Who are three of your style icons? Hmm, Drew Barrymore - quirky and funky; Carla Bruni-Sarkozy - France' first lady..confident and oh so stylish; Emma Watson - I love her ! She's one very fashionable young lady. To watch out for..

6. What’s your current favourite song/piece of music? See this post - On My Own, Les Miserables.

7. What is the last book you read? Fatal Voyage by Kathy Reichs

8. What is your current favourite recipe? Fettucine Carbonara with lotsa bacon =)

9. Who or what first inspired you to set up your own blog? Another mom blogger. I was envious and didn't think I could write anything readable..

10. What object could you not live without? a computer...

11. Where do you see yourself in ten years? same, albeit more successful and with a couple more wrinkles

12. Who or what made you into the person you are today? Experiences and circumstances...

13. What have your learned from blogging? To just be myself. Blogging allows me to do that. I own the blog so I could do and say as I please provided I don't hurt/step into anyone

14. Knowing what you know now, what knowledge would you pass on to your past self? Not to be too impatient. Things happen for a reason..

15. Sunday roasts - lunchtime or evening meal? Evening meal..

16. What has been your best blogging-related experience so far? Meeting my Peluka Sisters =)

Unconscious Mutterings 404

2010-10-30T20:29:00.000-07:00

Sarcasm :: subtle digs
Coke :: I prefer Pepsi.
Frank :: Anne Frank
Party :: Get together
Witches :: Charmed
Intentional :: Premeditated
Crisp :: and Fresh
Lockers :: Dumping nook
Walking :: Leisure
Fundraiser :: Money raising

Sunday Stealing: Another 50 Questions Meme, Part Two

2010-10-17T21:36:00.000-07:00

I was not able to join this meme's first part hehe.. My excuse is: none.. I was kinda out of my blogging touch last week and now that I think about it 50 questions is quite a lot so at least I was saved from answering the first 25 lol!

Today we ripped this meme of a blogger known as Nigel Vanstone at Away for a Bit. Nigel explains that he was tagged to do the meme, but does not credit the blogger.

26. Do you like someone? Yes. I like most people =) I think it would be too tiring to start disliking a lot of people.

27. The last song you listened to? Lady Gaga's song.. forgot the name. It was blaring on our neighbor's stereo

28. What time of day were you born? 4 am

29. What’s your favorite number? 4 and 8

30. Where did you live in 1987? Bicol, Philippines.

31. Are you jealous of anyone? No. I'm ridiculously content.

32. Is anyone jealous of you? I have no idea.

33. Where were you when 9/11 happened? Office in Manila.

34. What do you do when vending machines steal your money? Kick it real hard.

35. Do you consider yourself kind? Yes. Most of the time.

36. If you had to get a tattoo, where would it be? my back near the end of my spine or near my shoulder blades.

37. If you could be fluent in any other language, what would it be? Japanese or Korean. I like the way they sound.

38. Would you move for the person you loved? I already did.

39. Are you touchy feely? Depends. On. My. Mood.

40. What’s your life motto? To be the best version of myself.

41. Name three things that you have on you at all times? Mobile phone, wallet, lip balm.

42. What’s your favourite town/city? Kep Cambodia, Albay Philippines

43. What was the last thing you paid for with cash? A $5 prepaid load card for my mobile phone

44. When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper and mailed it? A loooong time ago. I can't even remember exactly when.

45. Can you change the oil on a car? No.

46. Your first love: what is the last thing you heard about him/her? That him and his wife going to have a baby daughter. It was good to hear that =)

47. How far back do you know about your ancestry? On my dad's side, I know a lot even up to my great 6x grandparents. But on my mom's side, I only know up to my great grandparents. Mostly because, on mom's side, her father is not of pure Filipino descent.

48. The last time you dressed fancy, what did you wear and why did you dress fancy? A turquoise cocktail dress with a shockingly high heels. I went to a wedding.

49. Does anything hurt on your body right now? Arms. I've been doing some weights since Saturday.

50. Have you been burned by love? Oh yes!

Unconscious Mutterings 403

2010-10-17T21:10:00.000-07:00

Freak ::Strange strange
Homework ::bane of my student life
Favor ::courtesy
Encounter ::chance meeting
Shake it ::your booty
Felony :: lawbreaking
Loops ::holes
Groove ::rhythm
Funding :: what I constantly need =)
Plot :: story line

On My Own - Les Miserables

2010-10-12T06:09:00.000-07:00

I'm currently obsessing on this song. Two days ago, a friend shared a video link in Facebook about Les Miserables 25th Anniversary Concert featuring an all star cast including Alfie Boe, Lea Salonga, Nick Jonas (huh?), Katie Hall, Samantha Barks. This was a real throwback. I love Les Miserables, its just so gut wrenching and emotional. There's a lot of songs in the musical that I just can't get over with, and has become like some of my all time favorites..I Dream a Dream, Do You Hear the People Sing, Who Am I?, In My Life, A Heart Full of Love, One Day More, On My Own, Master of the House, A Little Fall of Rain, Castle on A Cloud..

But if I were to pick only two songs, I'd say its I Dream a Dream and On my Own.. I always get goosebumps whenever I hear these songs..Here's the 25th Anniversary rendition of On My Own by Samantha Barks.. (IMO, she's good, very powerful voice for someone so young...)

This song was also sang by Filipino theater sensation Lea Salonga who has previously played the role of Eponine. Here's a vid of Lea singing On My Own on the 10th anniversary...

And the lyrics, the lyrics... This song is just so heart wrenching!

Eponine
And now I'm all alone again nowhere to turn, no one to go to
without a home, without a friend, without a face to say hello to
And now the night is near
Now I can make believe he's here

Sometimes I walk alone at night
When everybody else is sleeping
I think of him and then I'm happy
With the company I'm keeping
The city goes to bed
And I can live inside my head

On my own
Pretending he's beside me
All alone
I walk with him till morning
Without him
I feel his arms around me
And when I lose my way I close my eyes
And he has found me

In the rain the pavement shines like silver
All the lights are misty in the river
In the darkness, the trees are full of starlight
And all I see is him and me forever and forever

And I know it's only in my mind
That I'm talking to myself and not to him
And although I know that he is blind
Still I say, there's a way for us

I love him
But when the night is over
He is gone
The river's just a river
Without him
The world around me changes
The trees are bare and everywhere
The streets are full of strangers

I love him
But every day I'm learning
All my life
I've only been pretending
Without me
His world would go on turning
A world that's full of happiness
That I have never known

I love him
I love him
I love him
But only on my own

Unconscious Mutterings 401

2010-10-04T03:26:00.000-07:00

Panels ::window
Repetitive :: tediously boring
Pancakes ::with honey and fruits
Quarterly :: one part of four parts
Impulsive ::sudden
Episode ::scene
I am ::beautiful.. lol!
Horrendous :: awful
Inhumane :: cruel
District :: place

Sunday Stealing: The "I've Been Tagged" Meme

2010-09-27T21:07:00.000-07:00

1. Where are you from? Albay, Philippines

2. If you could live any place in the world, where would you live? Switzerland..Haha I fancy being near the Alps and being near ogling distance to those luscious cheeses, chocolates and watches..

3. What's your favorite blog? I'll check them out of course! Francesca in France - witty!, Dooce - inspiring.. power to mom bloggers, Bryan Boy's blog - fashion, fashion fashion! TaxiDiary.Blogspot.com - A Stanford Ph.D. working as a taxi driver in Singapore. Interesting right? Visit and get hooked, the blog has some awesome, heartwarming stories. Just too bad, the writer hasn't updated in awhile..

4. What is your biggest blogging pet peeve? Cleaning out and weeding out spam. Spam filters work but sometimes true, 'non-spam' comments get filtered so I still end up browsing.

5. What's your favorite TV show this season? I need a new show! :) Now? Glee.

6. What's your favorite 'down' time {nothing computer related}? Reading books, snoozing, cooking - sometimes =)

7. Are you a parent? If so, what's your favorite thing to do with your children? Just hanging out. Tickle fest

8. What about your blog, have you considered changing? My blogs are always changing. I do have niche blogs so I stick to those niche topics but I still love personal blogging. It allows a lot of changes, and backreading just gives me the conviction that I'm changing, that I'm improving.

9. What do you do for a living (if you work outside the home or if you work at home)? I'm a stay-at-home-mom. And I work on web projects if I got the inclination and the time.

10. What is your favorite song at the moment? What is your favorite song ever? At this moment, I'm still digging Christian Bautista and Sitti's Captured single. They are both Filipino artists and I melody really catchy. I think its a revival of a Christian Lawrence song. Favorite song ever? I dunno, I'm very fickle minded hehe..

Check out the video of 'Captured' with subtitles and lyrics..

11. What is your favorite niche TV channel to watch? Lifestyle, National Geographic Travel

12. If you could have any career, what would it be and why? A writer. Book or maybe a screenplay writer.

13. What is your favorite outfit? comfy clothes. shorts and shirt.

14. If you could tell your teenage self something, what would you say? Get serious! hehe

15. What is your favorite recipe? Mom's macaroni salad. yum yum.

16. What is the funniest joke you've ever heard? I have a very short attention span so things like this I usually forget.

17. What is your favorite vacation spot and why? Kep, Cambodia. Tranquil, very relaxing. Not crowded and affordable and delicious seafoods.

18. What are you most excited about with fall here? We don't have fall here in Phnom Penh, but I do get excited during the later months of the year..because the weather is really nice! lol!

19. Did you envision yourself to be where you are today ten years ago? If not, what did you envision? Nope. I didn't think I'd be living out the my home country. I didn't think I'd be married. In fact, 10 years, I imagined I would be getting married when I'm about 35.

20. If money were no object, what would your dream house look like? I favor sleek, geometric lines. Contemporary structures and Asian decor.. So if I have truckloads of money I'd want to have these..

via pushahead

via Rob Mills

via Ehrilich Architects

21. What is your all-time favorite Disney movie? Hehe Beauty and the Beast

22. What blog do you think isn't getting enough notice? My blog hahaha..

Unconscious Mutterings 400

2010-09-27T03:42:00.000-07:00

Return ::Batman
Alarms ::Wake up call
State ::of mind
Picture frame ::snapshot displays
Wreath ::Christmas
Arrest :: Lindsay Lohan
Sincere ::as opposed to flattery
Nathan :: a name
Bag ::a shopping obsession
Arched ::brows

Sunday Stealing: The Threesome Meme

2010-09-20T04:24:00.000-07:00

1. At what time of your life were you happiest and why? Now. I'm happy with my own family. I look forward to a lot of things.

2. Where and when did you meet the love of your life? Manila. August 2000.

3. Favourite item of clothing ever or most treasured possession? Favorite clothing? A really much-abused and used t-shirt.

4. Must-have makeup or beauty item? Moisturizer

5. What do you think is your worst vice or fault .. honestly? Procrastination and being inconsistent

6. Would you tell your friend, if you knew her husband/wife was cheating on her/him? I dunno. Maybe yes maybe not. Tough call.

7. What ambitions, wishes or desires, for your life, do you still hold close to your heart? To have another baby. To have another degree and be financially stable.

8. Where do you see yourself five years from now? Hmm, having that other degree I mentioned in #7.

9. If you had the choice of any talent with the penalty that you would lose a talent in exchange, what would you want to gain, and what would you be willing to loose? I wish I would be good with numbers though I dunno what talent I'd exchange for that..

10. Name three things that you do want completed in your life before retiring? Travel to at least 30 countries, have a nice, fat financial nest egg, send my kids to college.

11. Of all of the people out there who would have been your fantasy date? Date, not romance...Haha this is easy. Can I pick three? Rafael Nadal, Jude Law and Colin Farell.

12. Google put another spell on you, you have just changed genders for 48 hours... what are you going to do with your 2 days? No idea. Perhaps I'd do things I haven't tried before but as of the moment they escape me.

13. If you owned your own island, and got to make it your own country, what would you call it? And why? I'd name in after my name of course haha.. I'm that egocentric, Lol!

14. If you rubbed the lamp and got 3 wishes, what would they be? See answers to number 7 or number 10

15. What is your earliest memory of puberty? I was really a late bloomer. I didn't really give a hoot to boys till I was in 3rd year high school.

16. If you got banished to your Island alone and could only bring 5 things, what would they be? Lots of books, sketchpads and pencils, clothes of course, grooming essentials, matches {coz I dunno how to make fire with those sticks..}

Unconscious Mutterings 399

2010-09-18T22:05:00.000-07:00

Mustache ::Tom Selleck
Person ::you, me
Restore ::rebuild
Discretion ::choice
Lamp ::mood lighting
Pillow cover ::beddings and linen
Arousal ::awekening
Seattle :: Best coffee..
ATM ::Cash
Custard ::eggs, milk and sugar. yummy!

Things That Shouldn't Be Shared on Facebook

2010-09-15T18:09:00.000-07:00

I've always been a freak about internet security, more so when my husband's email account has been hacked and a lot of his friends sent weird spam messages and some to other sent scam emails. My passwords are usually complicated things and since the rise of social networking sites, we had been all the more careful with our personal information. A cousin asked me why my facebook profile is so restricted. My answer: Those I don't know need not know anything about me.

Applications in facebook can also be so addicting especially those games where a big aspect of scoring high would be having more 'friends' so you end up adding people you know nothing about. This happened to me at one point. I got so addicted to Sorority Life game and I was adding people here and there. Wrong move. I got out of it when another friend was doing the same and some people she added she didn't know where hackers.

And can you imagine some friends I have who have unrestricted profiles? I even have a cousin who started a verbal fighting match just because of a wall post in her Facebook?

This article on Yahoo! Finance got my attention and I totally agree with what its saying. There are really things you have to be wary of and not to share to the whole wide world. To sum up the article, here's what should not be shared on Facebook.

Your birthdate and place
Vacation plans
Home address
Confessionals
Password Clues
Risky Behavior

Read on more on the article from the link above.

Manic Monday 05

2010-09-13T17:54:00.000-07:00

Imagine you can only keep 5 things that you have (people not included). What 5 things would you keep?

1. My computer {both bdesktop and notebook}
2. My book collection esp. my Harry Potter and Jonathan Kellerman books, and including my ebooks compilation.
3. Handbags
4. My journals and notebooks
5. A tattered house shirt I can't bear to be parted with.

What's the hardest thing you've ever had to learn?

=) That life isn't easy. It not all about luck, its more about hard work.

Today is the first day of the rest of my life and I'm going to...

Be grateful that I've been given the chance to live and appreciate what I have.

Sunday Stealing: The Sunday Stealing Player's Meme

2010-09-13T07:47:00.000-07:00

Today we ripped this meme not from a blogger but from you, our players and friends. We asked for original questions last week. And did you guys deliver! We believe we’ve got everyone in the credits. If we missed you, let us know! The star players who submitted questions were: Hooting Anni, Niko, Wendy, Melanie, Ace, Bambie, Zoan, Dixie Chick, Lynette from A Blog in the Rough, The Gal, Katie, Hazel, Me, Mark from An Erie Tapestry, Mamo Ko, Cat., Noelle, Kwizgiver, Shakaku, Catch Her in the Wry, Brandt, Debster, Zh3en22, Americanising Desi and Kathy.

1. :::sniff, sniff::: Is the dog in the house?

errr, maybe you should stop sniffing yourself. we don't have a dog..

2. What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?

that the only thing that overcomes bad luck is hard work.

3. What's the worst experience you've ever had involving alcohol?

none really. I am really good at holding alcohol. I was taught early :)))

4. What's the worst thing you've ever done to another person?

little white lies. Nothing overly dramatic. I've never deliberately set out to harm anybody.

5. Who do you think started the concept of memes?

well, who knows. whoever he/she is, I'm grateful. Memes sure are fun.

6. Give a song title or line that describes how you are feeling right now.

"When you drew me in I could not resist
You captivate my soul, I'm enraptured"

7. What's your favorite search engine? Yahoo!, Google, Ask, Bing? or something else?

Google

8. If Paul is the Cute One and John is the Smart One and George is the Quiet One and Ringo is the Funny One, which Beatle are you?

hybrid of George and Ringo

9. The democratic government decides that, not only do we have to share our money with people who choose not to work, we also have to share our children with those who do not want to ruin their bodies with being pregnant. Which child do you give up?

Duh?

10. When should you procrastinate - now or later?

I'm procrastinating now so I'll probably answer this question later.

11. What is your favorite fast food?

Burger King, Carl's Jr., Chowking (Phil.)

12. What was your favourite game as a child?

Hide and Seek. Playing with voodoo dolls {kidding!}

13. Why terrible twos have to be terrible?

No idea.

14. Describe your favorite family member.

talks non-stop, munching non-stop, sweet and adorably candid.

15. What does your favorite breakfast consist of?

coffee and crackers or toast

16. What food is better the day after it was made?

Pinoy caldereta and adobo, Cambodian chicken curry, pizza {i love cold pizza!)

17. What was your last big purchase?

Last July. A Netbook

18. When was the last time you kissed someone and really enjoyed it?

uh August. Hubby is not here ;(

19. Why are there memes?

So bloggers like me would stop getting nosebleeds thinking of what to write about. hehe Really its a great way to share and get to know other people.

20. Described yourself using two words that rhyme. (i.e. fuddy-duddy)

neurotic-tactic

21. If you were given the option of a "do-over" in life .. would you take it?

i can't imagine myself being that desperate

22. What movie makes (or has made) you cry? What touched you about it?

Life is Beautiful. It was sad but just so profoundly beautiful.

23. What is one big mistake that you did in your life? And what did you do to make it right?

Eeekkk! Nothing major major. Just going on frequent binges resulting in me having a rapid increase in body mass..

24. When Life Gives You Lemons, What Do You Do With Them?

Squeeze them. Make Lemonade.

25. How different are you in real life as compared to the online identity you have created for yourself?

Same same.

26. Do you know what your parents would have named you if you had been born the opposite sex?

Francis.

Unconscious Mutterings 398

2010-09-12T05:02:00.000-07:00

Singapore :: Merlion Park
blah blah blah :: wayward thoughts; blurbs
Stall :: booth
Bowls ::Super
Entrance :: Come In
Antique :: Vintage
Elizabeth :: Taylor
Hook ::Line and Sinker
Width ::vs length
Photo journalism :: snapshots with stories

Wordless Wednesday 13: Fiery

2010-09-07T18:35:00.000-07:00

Photo taken from Bacoor, Cavite Philippines

Manic Monday 04

2010-09-06T19:53:00.000-07:00

What's the main thing that builds your self-confidence and why?

Knowing that whatever the outcome of what I decide to do would make me a better person. Knowing that somebody is beside me, supporting me, cheering me on. Knowing that even if I'm not sure I would still give my best shot to whatever I'm doing.

What lessons in humility have you learned over the course of your life?

I had a lot of plans that have seen failure. I made a lot of mistakes, well nothing 'major, major' but a lot of them caused me pain. But I guess, it makes good things in life and victory a lot more sweet knowing how it was when I was down.

Another thing that humbles me no end is the unconditional love my child gives us. I keep asking myself, for all my mistakes I still got this and that I guess would be the most humbling yet gratifying gift I ever got.

How do you combat negative thoughts?

Praying. Steeling myself to think positively. Read success stories and motivational quotes. Eating ice cream. Talking to friends and loved ones. Eating ice cream again..

Another Bag..

2010-09-05T20:15:00.000-07:00

I just figured out, I like bags. Lol! See, the title of this blog is Just My Ragbag. Now, I've been playing around with another new blog and for some reason I named it my Bag of Thoughts. Haha now it sounds like I'm running out of ideas, but I think I just love bags.

Here's what I've been working on since last week. I registered the domain a few months ago and it has been on the backburner for sometime already. So a few days ago, I took the plunge and asked procrastination to take a vacation for a while, so now its live and online - Bag of Thoughts, a mom's ragbag of thoughts and whatnots. Shhh, there goes the word 'bag' again..

This will be about mommy things. Mom musings, kiddo quips, meme's, mommy finds, family, health, marriage and more whatnots and doodles from me and my daughter. This will be like our first collaborative mini-blog since Chinks have said yes and would allow me to post some drawings and stuff she makes. Whatchathink? Do visit and be kind enough to link up.. (Please....)

Unconscious Mutterings 397

2010-09-05T04:40:00.000-07:00

Gangs :: here comes trouble
Contact :: in touch
Surprisingly :: out of the blue
Penciled :: marked
Ignore :: snub
Let’s go! :: Baby, let's go, baby come on!
Cornerstone :: foundation
Influential :: power
Holistic :: natural
Lovesick :: soppy

Sunday Stealing: The Majorly Personal Meme, Part The Last

2010-09-05T04:16:00.000-07:00

Today we ripped this meme off a blog that is written by a group of high school students. The blog is called Eternal Fireworks. The writers are: Michael, Kynan, Alex, Kenny, Chris, Leo, Shelley, Athy, Bam, Tina, and Bnita. There is no statement as to where it came from. But, it was probably stolen there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go.

41. What are your plans for this weekend?

Clean the house, ran some errands, prepare menu for next week, do shopping, lunch with MIL, call Hi-ace. Get some rest.

42. Do you think someone might be thinking poorly about you? Why might that be?

Perhaps. Who knows? But I'm at the stage where I realize that I can't please everybody and I'd rather be myself than be everybody's friend but miserable inside.

42. What features don't you have that you would like on your cell?

It already has what I need. Well come to think of it, maybe I'd want it to be able to morph into a massager.

43. How many people can comfortably sleep in your bed?

Three.

44. What are you hoping happens by the end of 2010?

That I'd get rich? Nada.. I just want to be in good health and my family to be all right. And of course, to be able to reap the fruits of what I've working on.

45. What was the last video you watched on YouTube?

a makeup tutorial by Michelle Phan.

46. Would you ever agree to an open relationship with someone?

No. I'm really not into open relationships. It's either you're with that person or not.

47. Is there something that you could never give up?

My family. If your asking in terms of material things, then no. Everything else is replaceable.

48. Would you, (or did you) prefer a small, intimate wedding reception, or a big-scale, over-the-top reception?

I would have preferred an intimate breakfast with family only kind of reception, but my parents have a huge lot of relatives and friends, and since I left most of the planning and organizing to them when I got married (i was busy with work and living far far away..) so they got the say. To say that it was tiring as well as expensive would be an understatement.

49. What’s bothering you right now?

That my other half is not with me. That the house construction beside our house is not yet done and I'm already having a full scale bout of asthma.

50. Do you hate anyone?

No I don't. I think its too tiring and would I want to make an effort to hate anyone? I'd much rather do something else.

51. What were you doing at 12 am last night?

Reading a book.

52. Was this summer a good one? How warm was it where you live?

It was ok. It was scorching hot!!!

52. Is the last person you kissed before your current situation mad at you?

Of course not! She asked me to kiss her.. My daughter hehe

53. Can a man and woman be friends without having feelings for each other?

Without feelings? As in like a robot. No. Haha but I think a man and a woman could be friends and I think a feeling of affection should be present in all friendships.

54. Do you think long distance relationships work? If you’ve had one, tell us about it.

Yes. If you work hard on it and still see each other from time to time. It worked for us for a year or so. And besides technology now allows us to communicate much better than before so there's more chance of a LDR surviving the distance.

55. Do you know why it’s called “Random Boredom“?

huh? coz you're bored in a random way?

56. Do you thing that it’s always the man’s responsibility to initiate sex?

I used to think that, but now no. Anyone can take initiative. It makes things a lot more interesting.. tee hee.

57. Have you ever made love while you were in the same room with another couple?

Not yet and I'm not sure I wanna experience that.

58. Tell us the best thing about your current or most recent S/O.

He never fails to make me laugh. With him, I'm almost always bursting with joy.

59. Tell us the worst thing about your current or most recent S/O.

He snores. Part of package. So now, I have to/must sleep earlier than him always.

60. Would you write one question in today’s comments so that we could have our followers allow us to steal their questions? We’ll need at least 15.

You caught me at a bad time. It's gloomy, my plate is rather full and my brain just went catatonic. So its no..

Just Pissed..

2010-09-02T20:38:00.000-07:00

It's not funny. Really its not when every time I open all my blogs theres a long list of spam comments I have to delete. Thankfully Blogger now has spam moderation coz one of my blogger blogs just gets too much spam comments. It's not really a big problem with my Wordpress blogs since I have Akismet and Bad Behavior plugins installed and these two does most of the work for me. I just need to delete what they marked as spam.

Anyway, here's what I got pissed about. A few days ago, this 'person' (though I'm willing to bet this is some automated commenting software) just kept posting spam comment on two of my blogs and they were promoting some traffic avalanche scam. I just ignored it and it went directly to my comments trash.

But these morning its back again and with a nerve to berate me for daring to delete his/her comments!! Wow!

Why have you deleted my post? It was very useful information and i assure atleast one person found it helpful unlike the rest of the comments on this site. I’ll post it again. Sick of obtaining low numbers of useless traffic for your site? Well i wish to tell you about a new underground tactic that makes myself $900 every day on 100% AUTOPILOT. I could truthfully be here all day and going into detail but why dont you just check their website out? There is really a great video that explains everything. So if your seriously interested in producing easy hard cash this is the site for you. Auto Traffic Avalanche

Duncan Uxa

google.com

Levere4224@yahoo.co.uk

173.242.112.74

Well, I'm sorry to be the one to disillusion you Mr. Duncan Uxa that I own the blog and I've got every right to do as I please. Now take your BS somewhere else and get out of my hair.

Ex-Lover Enraged with Ex's Facebook Status

2010-09-01T20:57:00.000-07:00

Okay, this is not totally weird and maybe makes me realize to be a bit careful too with posting updates on social networking sites. I came across this news feature in NYDaily, about a 63 year old woman was shot to death by an ex-boyfriend, after posting her 'engaged' status to another man in Facebook.

After he shot her, he turned the gun on himself. It has been reported that both of them has been in a relationship for 16 years and they just broke up early this year. The woman has become recently engaged and had changed her FB status to indicate that she's engaged.

A spurned lover, can do crazy things.. Life is.. I dunno how to say it, more like it has unexpected twists and turns. I do feel sad for the fiancee.. Visit the link above to read more about this..

Unconscious Mutterings 396

2010-08-31T04:30:00.000-07:00

Bangs :: bob
Diaper :: heaven sent aid for Moms
Coffee table :: book
Cops :: macho
Matches :: guitar
250 :: not my weight yet
Hurricane :: Katrina
Bad :: influence
Confirmation :: yes!
Fiber :: optic

Sunday Stealing: The Majorly Personal Meme, Part Two

2010-08-28T20:42:00.000-07:00

21. If you were to live your life without your best friend, what would change?

I dunno. I would probably have another best friend. I would have spent my college days in a totally boring way. I would have failed some courses.. Sshhh, just a secret between us, I used to copy answers to our homeworks and seat works from my bff's..

22. Tell us about a era of your life that you really miss.

College days. Need I say more?

23. Have you ever been betrayed by someone that came as a complete surprise? Without revealing the person, if yes, tell us about it.

Not really. Not in a really hurtful way anyway. Mostly just acquaintances backstabbing me. You see, I have a few friends but those friends are really ones I've been with a long long time already. Mostly from kindergarten, or high school days. And I wish no one would betray me like that.

24. Do you ever think that is a good idea to hide your feelings?

Sometimes. Like when someone gives you a present and you don't like it but you know they took a lot of effort with it or like when you're dead tired and all you want to do is hit the sack but you come home with your loved ones throwing you a surprise party.. Things like that make me wanna just hide my feelings and think of others first..

25. Tell us about your favorite year when you were a student.

First year college. I was crazy, I didn't take things seriously haha.. I was just out there to enjoy..

25. When was the last time you were in a very good mood? What caused it?

Yesterday, morning I got to talk to hubby for a an hour, then I had some serious pampering at a spa, lunch with good friends, then fun time with my daughter..

26. Have you ever had a romantic relationship with a sibling of a good friend?

No. I was out of luck lol! Most of my friend's siblings were so much more younger than us..

27. Tell us about the last thing that you did that you truly regret.

I baited and annoyed my husband. He was with us for a few days only and geez why did I need to make an issue out of something inconsequential instead of just being with him?

28. When did you laughed today?

When Chinks woke up. She started singing a really old song..

29. Do you trust easily?

I don't.

30. What do you care about that you wish more people would?

Children being abused.

31. Is it easier for you to go without food or go without sleep?

Go without food is much easier for me. Really.

32. What non-alcohol beverage do you enjoy drinking the most?

Coffee.

33. When you walk into a room full of strangers, generally how is your confidence?

I'm ok. As long as I don't stumble head long and fall flat on my face.

34. Does talking about sex with anyone but your lover make you uncomfortable?

Yes.

35. Do you tend to believe members of the opposite sex mostly behave the same way?

No. Each is different, each one is acting on different reasons, different points of view.. I always want to give everyone the benefit of the doubt.

36. Did you drink any alcohol this week? If yes, what?

Nope. Hubby is not here so I don't have a drinking buddy..

37. Would you ever consider being a vegetarian?

Errr, no, not really.

38. Do you believe that there’s always room in your heart for someone?

I always have room in my heart to care for people who deserve it. But if you mean someone else to replace hubby, then no.

39. Do you believe in the concept of soul mates?

Maybe.

Fun Find: Japanese Pirikura

2010-08-27T19:53:00.000-07:00

The Japanese Pirikura (Print Club) is just what you'll need if you're wary about having photos while you're having a pimple breakout period. Check out this photo..

See? The girls have blemishes and they came out with almost translucent skin. LOL! Though I keep thinking the end photo makes them look like anime characters. The photo booths also have added feature of 'eye enlargement' to make one look a bit 'cuter'..

What can I say? The Japanese just have this amazing penchant for inventing funny funny stuff..

Friday Fill-ins #1

2010-08-26T20:29:00.000-07:00

It's official. I'm nuts about blog memes. And here's one I find interesting..My first entry..

1. You do your thing; I do mine and sometimes that gets things done faster.

2. Which blog to update is what's been on my mind on and off all day.

3. Remember when you traveled on several flights, more than 12 hours and you hand-carried a bouquet of purple orchids just to surprise me?

4. Bags, kitchen stuff, notebooks are three of my favorite obsessions :-)

5. During the last year of our stay in the Philippines, its was hectic, frantic, and sad.

6. Whenever Hubby and Chinkee dances always puts a smile on my face.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to finishing all my blog posts on draft, tomorrow my plans include going to a spa and having coffee scrub and massage and Sunday, I want to be lazy, sleep late and order take out food for lunch and dinner!

Wordless Wednesday 12: Elaborate

2010-08-24T21:58:00.000-07:00

Photo from a hotel lobby in Sihanoukville, Cambodia

Manic Monday 03

2010-08-23T19:08:00.001-07:00

Fill in the blank: If I had a nickel for every time I...

play with the strands of my hair..I like feeling the uneven, curly bits and it has become an obsession already

What do you think about while you exercise?

a picture of myself when I was thinner..Lol!

What are 5 things you love about your spouse~~/partner/significant other (or children or pet)~~?

(1) He makes me laugh. Especially when he dances..

(2) He never lets me down and always takes care of me and Chinks.

(3) He’s matured and understands my strange habits and he’s very even tempered. Definitely my match..

(4) The way he wants to go with me, and mostly only with me to the malls to do shopping and people watching coz he says I’m the only one who ‘gets’ the way he picks holes on everything.

(5) The way he farts near me and just look for me so he could do that. He says it just means I’m the only one he trusts to smell his heavenly fart.

Sunday Stealing: The Majorly Personal Meme, Part One

2010-08-22T21:46:00.001-07:00

Today we ripped this meme off a blog that is written by a group of high school students. The blog is called Eternal Fireworks. The writers are: Michael, Kynan, Alex, Kenny, Chris, Leo, Shelley, Athy, Bam, Tina, Bnita, and Athy (yes there are two). There is no statement as to where it came from. But, it was probably stolen there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go.

1. Are you happier now than you were five months ago?
Nope. My partner in ~~crime~~ everything is not here right now so I’ll be a bit morose for the next four months. Expect me to perk up a bit during Christmas.

2. Have you ever slept in the same bed with anyone that you shouldn't have?
No. Unless I could count sleeping with the dog beside me before.

3. Can you sleep in total darkness?
Yes.

4. Your phone is ringing. It’s the person you fell hardest for, the one who got away, what do you say?
Hi, how are you? {I’m not the one to sob and blurb about losing him and be pathetic. I have my pride you know lol!}

5. What do you think about the weather this summer?
It’s hot! Scorching hot almost like sauna which Hi-ace says is good for me. I could lose my wiggly bits..

6. How many people do you trust with everything?
Very few.

7. What was the last thing you drank?
Black coffee. 2 cups to wake me up.

8. Is there anyone you want to come see you?
Yes. The stork

9. Name one thing you love about winter?
I haven’t experienced any winters.

10. Have you ever dated a Goth?
Nope. But it’ll probably be interesting. And I’ll dress up like a little Lolita. Haha.. No chance of that now though

11. What are you looking forward to tomorrow?
Coffee with ZJ and Che.

12. Name something you dislike about the day you’re having?
I’m feeling very lethargic hence the 2 cups of coffee. I had a hard time sleeping last night coz Chinks was thrashing about the bed {she does resemble a mini tornado when she’s asleep} then I had to get up early coz she wants to bring rice and fried hotdogs to school today for snacks.

13. What's the longest that you have committed to one person and one person only?
ten years. which reminds me, hi-ace and I are celebrating our 8th wedding anniv and this time I’m here and he is somewhere out there. so I feel wretched. whatever.

14. What’s the first thing you did when you opened your eyes today?
walked like a zombie to the kitchen to grab my 1st cup of coffee..

15. Has anyone ever told you they never want to ever lose you?
yes. i was tickled pink haha

16. Is there anybody that you wish you could fix your relationship with?
yes. my bank account/bank manager. lol!

17. Could you go out in public, looking like you do now?
yes. im not sloppy at home noh!

18. Do you think things will change in the next 3 months? How?
Of course, things are always changing. It’ll be boring if they don’t.

19. Do you believe that you never know what you got until you lose it?
Yes. But then I always try to appreciate what I currently have.

20. Do you have a friend of the opposite sex you can talk to?
I have male friends but really were not that super close. I still prefer my girl friends, but I do occasionally ask male friends for their views.

Unconscious Mutterings 395

2010-08-22T07:18:00.000-07:00

Leads ::forerunner
Concierge ::doorman. I wish I had one in my house haha
Thousand ::ten hundreds
Engines ::locomotive. something I don't even bother understanding
Argument ::something to spice up a relationship
2006 :: six years after 2000
Knot ::marriage
Fuck ::knocked up
Handsome ::pretty face
Ridge ::crest

Manic Monday #218

2010-08-17T19:40:00.001-07:00

I know its not Monday but it has been awhile since I’ve posted this meme and I kinda dig the questions, so humor me if this is a Manic Monday meme and I’m posting it on a Wednesday..

What are 5 things you want to do in your life?

Lots. But 5 main things..

Have another baby.. :)

Have another degree. In computer science and go for a Master’s in Information Technology.

Establish lots of passive income sources.

Maintain a healthy weight. lol!

Grow old with Hi-ace and enjoy our grandchildren (we hope we get to have lots of grandkids hehe)

What are you saying goodbye to?

Bad habits. Procrastination. Obsessive cleaning and too much anxiety.

What are you currently fascinated with?

Crocheting, blogging, HTML and content management systems, cooking, traveling, making money.

Wordless Wednesday 11: Airport in Bloom

2010-08-17T19:14:00.001-07:00

Photos taken from Singapore’s Changi Airport

Technorati Tags: changi airport,singapore airport,singapore changi airport,airport photos,changi airport photos

Sunday Stealing: Crafty Fifty Meme Part 2

2010-08-15T20:01:00.001-07:00

Hmm, I missed out on the part 1 but since I’m itching to blog again, here I am joining again.. Today we ripped this meme off a blogger and blog named Creative Bold.

26. What do you normally smell like? either lavender scent {from my shower gel} or green tea from my cologne spray.
27. Do you like Carrie Underwood? She’s ok, though I’m not into country music.
28. Been to “The Vegas”? Nope.
29. How far away do you live from your parents? Far. 3 Plane rides away.
30. Are you happy with your job? Yes I am. I am mom, a wife and I work online on the side. If you think that’s not a job, lol! you’re welcome to try it out.
31. Where do you work and what do you do there? See above answer. But I did work before for a telcoms handling a team of customer care agents for corporate and sales, then I moved on to an international bank to handle sales processing for their North American accounts.
32. What did you get in the mail today? Spam. Heck! I get it everyday.. But if you mean, regular mail, nada..
33. How do you like your steak cooked? Well done.
34. Britney Spears…is she back?I dunno, and do I care? No.
35. What do you usually order at Taco Bell? I’m in Phnom Penh, we don’t have Taco Bell here.
36. Have you ever sat all the way through Gone With the Wind? Yes, once. The next sessions I end up dozing off.
37. Have you ever been to Mt Rushmore? No.
38. Is it just me, or was The Marine (w/John Cena) a really horrible movie? No, its not just you. I thought it was awful too.
39. Are surveys like the cocaine of myspace? I don’t have a myspace account so I wouldn’t have any idea.
40. Where is your favorite place (that you have actually been to)? Bicol Philippines and Mondulkiri Cambodia.
41. What is your favorite candle scent. None. I don’t like scented candles. I prefer oils.
42. Do you believe places can really be haunted? Maybe.
43. Do you smoke cigarettes? No.
44. Have you ever been to NYC or LA? This is getting repetitive. I haven’t been to the US!
45. How many states have you been to where all you saw was the airport? None
46. Do you think 50 questions is enough? Enough but considering that I’m only answering half so I’m pretty magnanimous about it.
47. Are you currently planning a trip? I’m always planning a trip lol!
48. Is Ryan Seacrest gay? Should anyone care? I don’t give a hoot and I don’t have any idea if he’s a gay or an alien or whatever. It just ain’t my business.
49. Do you take anti-depressants? Sleeping pills? No. If I’m depressed I’d rather binge. I’d take a pint of ice cream over an anti-depressant.
50. What do you think about space travel? I’ll get back to you when I’ve tried it for myself.

Unconscious Mutterings Week 394

2010-08-15T18:50:00.001-07:00

I missed doing this for the past month so now that I’m back on the blogging grind, of course, my first post will be some unconscious mutterings..

Rhythm :: blues
Baby :: tooth-less grins
Sanctimonious :: morality police
I like :: coffee, books and a plump sofa
Constipated :: agony
Sleep late :: dvd marathon
Over easy :: too good to be true
Erratic :: unreliable
Umbrella :: shield
You don’t :: treat me like crap, I won’t take it!

Well Deserved...

2010-07-21T18:03:00.000-07:00

Hiatus! =) I was supposed to post this two weeks ago! My last post here was on June 28 and though I did have plans to still go on blogging while I'm enjoying my Pinas vacation, well the plan sort of flew out of the windows when I realized the internet connection here in my hometown will be sporadic at best. I could get fast internet connection if I go to cities say Legazpi City or Tabaco City which are a few minutes ride away but I don't want to bother, after all I'm supposed to be lazing around..

Well, I won't fret about it anymore since I'm enjoying myself too much. My last visit here was almost two years ago and I'm so pleased to see a lot of new places to explore and most of them very near my parents house. Just two days ago we visited a really huge and nice spring resort located very near our house! It's now easy to just take a morning walk or a short tricycle ride and have a swim on their fabulous pools. The only downside is that since its springwater, its really really cold and all the more so because the place is located on a hill!

I've also been meeting up with friends here and there and I guess I'm lucky, a lot of towns here are celebrating fiestas so I get to eat for free hhaha!

I guess this will be my only post here for July and I'll be back to blogging like mad on August.. Till later..

Sunday Stealing: The Eighty Meme, Part One

2010-06-28T02:26:00.000-07:00

Today we ripped this meme off a blogger named Heart of Shou of the blog named Musings of an Absent Mind. Shou explains that she ripped it from a blogger named Erro. But, it was probably stolen there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. It was originally 80 questions, hence the name.

1. What curse word do you use the most? sh*t! puneta!

2. Do you own an iPod? i used to but it just didn't grow on me so I gave it to Ouwie who gave it out to someone else..

3. What person do you talk to on the phone the most? Hi-ace and my brother.

4. Do you still remember the first person you kissed? hehe.. yes of course..

5. Do you remember where you were on 11/9/01? office in Manila.

6. What was the last movie you watched? Avatar..on dvd. On big screen, i forgot already.. been so long

7. Has anyone ever called you lazy? yes. My mother. It takes me forever to make up my bed every morning.

8. Do you ever take medication to help you fall asleep? never.. though I have a hard time falling asleep but some soothing jazz music and a light book is enough to remedy that..

9. Has anyone told you a secret this week? yes.

10. What is the first thing you notice about the opposite sex? if he's well groomed and has clean nails

11. What are you looking forward to? everyday.

12. Do you own any band t-shirts? no.

13. What will you be doing in one hour? cooking dinner.

14. Is anyone in love with you? I'd like to think so.. Hmm,he'd better be, or else..

15. Last time you cried? yesterday. I was watching Harry Potter 2 for the nth time and I still get teary eyed on the last part where Dumbledore told Harry, it's not our abilities that make up who we are, but our choices..or something along those line . For some reason this strikes a chord with me.

16. Are you on a desktop computer or a laptop? desktop

17. Are you currently wanting any piercings or tattoos? no. sorry im not into piercings or tatoos

18. Would you ever date anyone covered in tattoos? maybe. that is if I was single..

19. What were you doing before this? having a shower

20. When is the last time you slept on the floor? 2008. I loved to take naps on the floor and the floor of the townhouse we lived in Cavite was just so conducive for this. I have this huge area rug there and this is where Chinks and I usually doze every afternoon.

21. How many hours of sleep do you need to function? at least six hours..

22. Do you eat breakfast daily? yes. I'd be cranky all day if I don't. I don't like heavy breakfast though..

Unconscious Mutterings 387

2010-06-27T23:40:00.001-07:00

Collectors :: hoarder
Passion :: fire
Winner :: victor
Uninhibited :: candid
Challenge :: test
Self :: me
Your :: not mine
Viewer :: audience
Random :: whichever
Vice :: flaw

Wordless Wednesday 10: Sprit House

2010-06-22T21:14:00.000-07:00

Khmer Spirit House..

Sunday Stealing: The Oh My! Meme, Part One

2010-06-20T21:33:00.000-07:00

1. The phone rings; who don't you want it to be? Hi-ace or my mom.

2. When shopping at the grocery store, do you return your cart? Yes, I do.

3. In a social setting, are you more of a talker or a listener? Both..

4. What was the last compliment that someone gave you? Hi-ace. He said I cook really good food, and he's a little lost coz I'm going on a month long vacation without him and he wonders who'll cook for him.

5. Do you play the lottery? No.

6. If abandoned alone in the wilderness, who would you want with you? Hi-ace. I need someone funny and always positive with me and that's him.

7. Do you like to ride horses? No. It scares me.

8. Did you ever go to camp as a kid? Always, even as an adult.

9. What is your favorite party game? I dunno..

10. If a sexy person was pursuing you, but you knew he/she was married, would you go for it? No. Because I am married and I'm not the type to fool around {well, except if he is Jude Law, Jet Li or Rafael Nadal hahaha}..

11. When was the last time that you lied? Yesterday. I had to tell a little white lie.. haha

12. Could you date someone with different religious beliefs than you? I am married to someone with different religious belief..

13. If you have a S/O, who pursued who? If not, do you like to pursue or be pursued? Him. I prefer to be pursued, thank you..

14. Use six words to describe yourself. crazy, loyal, true friend, 'maldita' when crossed.

15. Name a song that could make you cry? Hmm, 'Mama by Smokey Mountain', its an old song by a Filipino group and it never fails to make me cry..Check out the lyrics here and you'll know what I mean..

16. Are you pleased with your education? Yes. Pleased but not contented..Planning to go for more..

17. How do you feel about gun control? Should definitely be in place and imposed. I had some very scary childhood experiences just because of some people given the freedom to wield guns..

18. If your house was on fire, what thing would be the first thing you grabbed? My daughter. If she's safe then I'll make a go for cash and our briefcase with all documents..

19. How often do you have a romantic weekend? Often. Romantic for me needn't be anywhere far or expensive. Just a drive around and doing things together is romantic enough for me..

20. Do you think more about the past, present or future? Future..but I definitely live in and appreciate the present..

21. What was the last adult magazine that you have read? err, where can I get some of those?

22. What are you told about your eyes? That its so transparent. Meaning you can easily read my mood with it..

23. How tall is just right? Not more than 6 feet..

24. Where is your dream house located? In a hill or surrounded by a really lush garden..

25. Do you have a secret fetish? No..

26. Have you tried bourbon? If yes, what type? Nope..

27. Have you ever seen a male or female stripper? Yes.. Haha it was a really fun experience..

28. When was the last time you were at TGI Fridays? Two years ago..

29. When was the last time you were at Church? Few months ago.

30. Where was the furthest place you traveled today? Market..

31. What was your favorite job? Being a mom.. Blogging and earning online..

32. What condiments do you like at your BBQ? Chili, lotsa soy sauce, garlic and lemon..

33. Bud is hosting Thursday Thunks this week. Will you play? I'll check it out.

34. Do you look like your mom or dad? Both.

35. Who was the last person that you showered with (it's okay to leave out the name)? Chinks hehe..

Unconscious Mutterings 386

2010-06-20T21:10:00.000-07:00

Executive ::Head
Director ::Implements
Dress ::Fashion
Studio ::Craft
Accountant ::Budgeting
Unit ::Single
Engaged :: Almost tied
Safety ::Precautions
Post ::Blog
Dialogue ::Discourse

Wordless Wednesday 09: Romantic View..

2010-06-16T01:58:00.001-07:00

Technorati Tags: photos,wordless wednesday,cambodia photos,kirirom resort cambodia

Fighting Gravity @ America’s Got Talent

2010-06-13T20:11:00.001-07:00

This is cool. Not really very original but still very cool. Frat boys performing on America’s Got Talent..

Technorati Tags: figting gravity,america's got talent

Sunday Stealing: The Dark Side Meme

2010-06-13T20:04:00.001-07:00

1. You’re building your dream house. What’s the one thing that this house absolutely, positively MUST HAVE? (other than the obvious basics of course) - a crafting room or even just a crafting corner with built in shelves and storage

2. What is your dream car? I’m not a fan of cars. Just anything that would get me from point A to point B without going bonkers along the way.

3. What is your favorite website that isn’t a blog? Shopstyle, Trendhunter,Payu2blog :=)

4. iPhone 4 or Droid, which do you want? Droid.

5. When you’re feeling down or lonely or just generally out of sorts, what do you do to cheer yourself up? Watch a really corny and funny drama series, read chick lit, play with Chinks, have some retail therapy .

6. Tell me about something or someone that you love that most people seem to hate. My bro. his being gay seems to be unacceptable to some people. But should they really matter?

7. What do you want to be when you grow up? Lol! I’m grown up already. But I want to be a computer programmer or a software engineer. Not too late to dream hehe

8. Would you go on a reality show if given the chance? No. I find reality shows weird and I want no part of it.

9. Who was your favorite teacher when you were growing up. (Grade school, Middle School, Jr. High or High School only.) Ms. Zaragosa, my first year high school teacher – Social Studies. She made us sing ‘I’m happy to be with you, hahahaha..” everyday. She was something of an elitist and we always had to be on our best behavior. It was a weird experience but I won’t ever forget her.

10. You get one pass to do something illegal or immoral. What are you gonna do? Immoral hehe..Let your imagination run wild with that..

11. What were you doing 10 years ago? Darn if I could remember.. Hmm I was working as a volunteer for our local government in Bicol. It was a fab experience but left me a big hole in my pocket. {No, I didn’t get any allowance.. I had to pay for my own expenses..}

12. By this time next year, I ... who knows where I’ll be =)

13. Do you think the United States will elect a female President in your lifetime? Do you think this would be a good thing? Maybe. It’s high time that they do that.

14. Which fictional, TV show character you would shag anytime? Detective Flack {Eddie Cahill} of CSI NY. He’s a hottie. Even my 7-year-old daughter says so.

15. What is your greatest pet peeve? Lateness. Backstabbing..

16. Tell me about your most recent trip of more than 100 miles? It was fun. We went to Siem Reap, Cambodia.

17. Which do you use more often, the dictionary or the thesaurus? Dictionary

18. Do you have a nickname? What is it? A lot. Depending on who is calling me. President, Your Highness, Hon-hon {Hi-ace}, Liza {my cousins}, Honey {my parents, bro and sis}, Lo {college buddies}, Looks{ high school buddies}, Lui {friends from work, friends in PP}..

19. What are you dreading at the moment? Losing someone I really love. Getting fatter hehe

20. Do you worry that others will judge you from reading some of your answers? Does anyone really read this? Well, this is me. If they don’t like my answers they could take themselves elsewhere..

21. In two words, explain what ended your last relationship. Family objection.

22. What were you doing this morning at 8am? Counting sacks of cement delivered. Hehe were constructing a fence around our property..

23. Do you have any famous relatives? None.

24. How many different beverages have you drank today? one, coffee. Two if you count water.

25. What is something you are excited about? Going on vacation. Buying a new gadget..

26. When was the last time you spoke in front of a large group? Forgot already..

27. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought? Uggh, I should use that facial mask again..

28. What were you doing at midnight last night? Reading a book.

29. What’s a word that you say a lot? “ok, sige..”

30. Who is your worst enemy? I don’t have enemies. It’s a waste of time and energy making enemies out of anyone.

Technorati Tags: blog meme,meme,blogging,personal blog,personal

Unconscious Mutterings 385

2010-06-13T19:33:00.001-07:00

Offense :: cause harm
Bench :: Ben Chan’s Clothing Line; Richard Gomez
Kissing :: Pucker up
Timely :: Right moment
Yellow :: Sunny
Get up and go :: Don’t be lazy hehe
Beer :: with chips
Calories :: Too much = Fat
Blast :: from the past
Window :: 7

Technorati Tags: meme,blog meme,unconscious mutterings,word association

So What’s In Store For June?

2010-06-12T04:56:00.001-07:00

After a really hectic week, its Saturday and I suddenly ran out of things to do.. Hehe I figured I could blog but I’m a little lazy. This morning we went around Phnom Penh, did a bit of shopping and had lunch somewhere in Tuol Kouk area. Hi-ace found this small restaurant popular with office going crowd serving Khmer food - eat all you can buffet lunch for only $2.5!

After an uber hearty lunch we came home replete and I fell asleep. Hmm, I must have been so tired the past week. I rarely fall asleep in the afternoons. After about an hour of napping, I got up to do some blogging, but I guess I was not in my blogging element. I ended up hopping from one site to another. And my last stop was checking my horoscope. I haven’t checked this since the last time I posted something about it in this blog..

So, what’s in store for June for a Piscean like me? I found this site Cafe Astrology where they actually have detailed monthly horoscope for each sign.. Hehe it’s fun knowing that..

Excitement is likely to revolve around finances and possessions for you this month, dear Pisces. There might be a sudden change in financial position, even a windfall or significant gift, a sudden urge to spend or invest money, a new money-making idea or project that seems to come out of nowhere, or new insights into money, money-making ability, or self-worth. Money might be seen now for its value as a tool used to achieve more freedom in your life. Home and family life is busy, and love relationships especially stimulating.

Now that is something! Hehe, I wonder when that windfall will come?

Somebody To Love

2010-06-06T19:23:00.000-07:00

This is one of my all time favorite songs! Somebody to Love by the British rock band, Queen. The original track has this fabulous vocal layering and it just reminds me of soulful Aretha Franklin. This has also been used as soundtrack for some movies like Ella Enchanted and has been used in some shows like XFactor and American Idol.

My favorite version {of course aside from the one by the Queen} is the one sang by the late Brittany Murphy featured in the movie Happy Feet. She was the voice of Gloria..

Happy Feet: Somebody to Love en Yahoo! Video

And of course, here's the lyrics..

Can anybody find me somebody to love?
Each morning I get up I die a little
Can barely stand on my feet
Take a look in the mirror and cry
Lord what you're doing to me
I have spent all my years in believing you
But I just can't get no relief, Lord!
Somebody, somebody
Can anybody find me somebody to love?

I work hard every day of my life
I work till I ache my bones
At the end I take home my hard earned pay all on my own -
I get down on my knees
And I start to pray
Till the tears run down from my eyes
Lord - somebody - somebody
Can anybody find me - somebody to love?

(He works hard)

Everyday - I try and I try and I try -
But everybody wants to put me down
They say I'm goin' crazy
They say I got a lot of water in my brain
Got no common sense
I got nobody left to believe
Yeah - yeah yeah yeah

Oh Lord
Somebody - somebody
Can anybody find me somebody to love?

Got no feel, I got no rhythm
I just keep losing my beat
I'm ok, I'm alright
Ain't gonna face no defeat
I just gotta get out of this prison cell
Someday I'm gonna be free, Lord!

Find me somebody to love
Can anybody find me somebody to love?

Fabulous melody, touching lyrics. I guess this is the reason this song is a fave..

Sunday Stealing: Another Question Meme

2010-06-06T19:02:00.000-07:00

1. It's 2AM and you are not home. You are more than likely: In a friend's place,having DVD marathon or chit-chatting endlessly.

2. What's the last thing you spent more than $100 on? a wardrobe cabinet for Chinks and computer peripherals

3. What do your bank checks look like? should it look any different from other bank checks?

4. Where did the shirt you are currently wearing come from? Russian Market

5. Name something that will be on your Christmas wish list: supplies for polymer clay crafting hobby I want to start. An oven toaster with temperature controls would be great for starters and some blocks of top quality clay. This things doesn't come by easily here so its on my wishlist.

6. What color is your toothbrush? pink and blue

7. Name something you collect and tell us about it. e-books, vector graphics, luggage bags, handbags

8. Last restaurant you ate at. Who were you with? How was it? KFC, well its comfort food for me hehe. With Ouwie and Chinks.

9. Who was the last person you bought a birthday card for? Hi-ace.

10. What is your worst bad habit? Procrastination. Physical habit, fiddling with my hair and plucking out the really curly ones.

11. Name a magazine you subscribe to? I don't subscribe to any mags. When we were in the Philippines I subscribed to Preview and Newsweek

12. Your favorite pizza toppings? Mushroom,Pepperoni, Black Olives, Cheese, lots of cheese

13. Whose number were you looking up the last time you used a phone book? My brother's number. He keeps changing his number and he has about 4 numbers on my phone book and I can't figure out which one to call.

14. Other than family, who is the person that you love most? My two college bff's. Tins and Yese. They really have been there through the ups and downs.

15. What is the last thing you cooked? Steamed fish, with garlic, tomato and sesame oil sauce..

16. Name something you wouldn't want to buy used? Underwear. Seriously, I could never imagine using second-hand undies..

17. Which shoe do you put on first? Hmm?I don't remember this which translates to 'I'd rather remember important things than inconsequential things.."

18. What is the last thing you remember losing? My mobile phone. But thankfully, I found it again after about 16 hours. {daughter Chinks was playing around and hid it under the bed.}

19. What is the ugliest piece of furniture in your house? a recliner but I can't just remove it.. its so comfy!

20. Last thing you bought and ended up returning? a washing machine.

21. What perfume/cologne do you wear? If none, why? I rarely wear perfume/cologne. But occasionally I dab on Benetton Hot cologne. If the smell is too strong it gets me sneezing all the time..

22. Your favorite board game? Boogles. On a real board and even on my desktop!

23. What was the last board game you played? Snakes and Ladders and Nine Horses game with Chinks

24. Where did your vehicle come from? My bicycle? Hi-ace's cousin gave it to me hehe

25. If a movie was made about your life what would the theme song be? John Mayer's Your Body is a Wonderland. Haha, this song is just so sexy, It suits me, lol! Objections are not acceptable. It'll be my movie after all..

26. You're sad, who can cheer you up easily? Chinks and Hi-ace. Chinks coz just her presence is enough to lighten me up. And Hi-ace is like the goofiest person I know.

27. What was the color of the bridesmaid dresses of the last wedding you went to? Lilac

28. What house cleaning chore do you hate to do the most? sorting out paper clutter.

29. What is your favorite way to eat chicken? grilled and fried with lots of sweet chili sauce and using bare hands

30. It is your birthday. You hope the cake is? chocolate inside and chocolate frosting outside. I don't like butter or white frostings.

And oh, since I'm on the roll here, here's a video of the song that's supposed to be the theme song of the movie of my life.. haha.. Check it out. John Mayer's Your Body is a Wonderland..

Unconscious Mutterings 384

2010-06-06T18:29:00.000-07:00

Group :: team
Pollution :: quality degradation
Getaway :: a break, somewhere quiet
Mail :: snail; email
Believe :: have faith
Chimney :: smoke
Curses :: voodoo
Contrite :: sorry
Eyelash :: flirting tool :-)
Jobs :: employment

Quote Find: About Perseverance

2010-06-01T04:46:00.000-07:00

Some people has been asking me why I insist/persevere with blogging. For them its a small thing. For some people being a stay-at-home-mom versus going out to work is peanuts, nothing really worthy. Haha, how ignorant those people can be. As to why I persevere with this work, its mostly because I enjoy it thoroughly. More often than not, its fun for me. I rarely count the time I blog, because I enjoy myself and I also learn a lot.

Perhaps this is my niche? Or perhaps I'm just a forward thinker? I believe that in the future, blogs will really have the power, the say on a lot of things. And it's slowly happening now. Whereas before, advertising is confined to traditional medium, now its everywhere on the net. Almost everyone I know goes online, so you can never underestimate the influence blogs/websites wield now and more so in the future.

As for those people who think working online, blogging is nothing, well I would say, they should give it a try. The skills you'll be needing as a blogger are multitude. You have to be able to at least throw up some readable content, be able to at least understand the technicalities (if not, there are tutorials out there but this also requires ounces of patience and perseverance) and most of all you'll need the ability to manage your time. That's what I like best, you have total control. I could stop blogging for five days if I want to go on a trip with my family, that I could arrange my time to take care of my family's needs is one of the best things about this kind of work.

And you have to persevere. I still have a long way to go to be a good blogger, though I have a more or less decent income from it, I'm aiming to be better. And this things cannot be achieved overnight. You have to keep doing it, learn from mistakes and do it again. This two quotes mirrors exactly about how I feel about blogging and whatever work that comes my way..

Don't be afraid to give your best to what seemingly are small jobs. Every time you conquer one it makes you that much stronger. If you do the little jobs well, the big ones will tend to take care of themselves. ~Dale Carnegie

Consider the postage stamp: its usefulness consists in the ability to stick to one thing till it gets there. ~Josh Billings

If there is just one thing now I have learned about working from home, its about perseverance. There has been countless times, I wanted to give up, but I never did. I'm pretty sure there'll be more downs but I sure will keep on trying. Not just with blogging, but with everything else life dishes out on me..

Sunday Stealing: The Just Because Meme

2010-05-30T03:38:00.000-07:00

1. Make a list of 5 things you can see without getting up. (1) Clock, (2) Closet (3) TV (4) Chinks (5) Hi-ace

2. How do you style your hair? How often do you cut it? I'm lazy about styling. I just shampoo, dry, comb. Either I leave it straight or tie it in a pony. That's it! I cut it every 6 months.

3. What are you wearing now? tank top and shorts

4. What's your occupation? Do you like it? mom, wife and part-time blogger. I luv it!

5. When was the last time that you took a nap? Was there a special reason? Yesterday. No special reason, I just felt sleepy.

6. Who was the last person you hugged romantically? Hi-ace

8. What was the last full meal that you ate? awhile ago. free lunch from MIL so I ate a lot..

9. What was the last email that you received?spam

10. What one website do you always visit when you go online? Payu2blog..money beckons ya know..

11. What was the last significant thing you bought? 3 bed sheets this morning.

12. What musical artist did you not get at first, but then became a fan? Michael Buble.

13. What do you think about before you go to bed last night? What will I cook for breakfast?

14. What was the last CD you bought? I seriously don't remember..

15. What is your favorite weather, and why? What's the weather like today? Cool and breezy. Today's Hot!!!!

16. If you could have a special artistic talent, what would it be? sketching and working with colors.

17. Did you watch the Idol 9 finale? If yes, what are your thoughts? No.

18. What's something you'd like to say to someone right now? Can you bring me a cold glass of water?

19. Any special plans for this (holiday in the States) weekend? I don't live in the States..

20. Besides your current S/O, who was the last person that you loved romantically? Jude Law or maybe it was Jet Li. I forgot already hahaha..

Unconscious Mutterings 383

2010-05-30T03:00:00.000-07:00

Fresh air ::clean
Bodyguard ::safe
Wedding ::I do
Remind ::post its
Wicked ::cool
Crawling ::slow
Gasoline ::not an energy drink
Anyone ::whoever
Dancing ::groove
Wall ::decals, I don't like empty walls

Miracles Happen (When You Believe)

2010-05-26T03:37:00.000-07:00

I've been hearing this song for a few weeks already since Chinks has been playing it over and over again..its from a soundtrack of a movie, It just struck me today that it has really cool lyrics..

Miracles Happen, (When You Believe) by Myra

Miracles happen, miracles happen

You showed me faith is not blind

I don't need wings to help me fly

Miracles happen, miracles happen

I can't imagine living my life without you now

Not ever having you around

We found our way out

(on you I can depend)

Don't have to look back to realize how far we've come

There are million reasons

I'm looking up

I don't want this to end

Nothing

Nothing should ever bring you down

Knowing what goes around will come around

You showed me faith is not blind

I don't need wings to help me fly

Miracles happen, once in a while

When you believe

(miracles happen)

You showed me dreams come to life

That taking a chance on us was right

All things will come with a little time

When You believe

There is no question we found the missing pieces

Our picture is completed

It's fallen into place

(it's fallen into place)

This is our moment, you and I are looking up

Someone is watching over us

Keeping me close

Closer to you everyday

Nowhere

Nowhere on earth I'd rather be

No one can take this away from you and me

You showed me faith is not blind

I don't need wings to help me fly

Miracles happen, once in a while

When you believe

(miracles happen)

You showed me dreams come to life

That taking a chance on us was right

All things will come with a little time

When You believe

When you believe

The soul is a shining light

When you believe

The heart has the will to fight

You can do anything, don't be afraid

We're gonna find our way

You showed me faith is not blind

I don't need wings to help me fly

Miracles happen, once in a while

When you believe

(miracles happen)

You showed me dreams come to life

That taking a chance on us was right

All things will come with a little time

When You believe

Listen to the really upbeat music..

Sunday Stealing: The Voice Post Meme

2010-05-24T07:15:00.000-07:00

1) What's your middle name? B (as in Baboy lol!) - its really Banares.

2) How old are you? I'm in my very early 30's ( and I really highlighted the 'very') haha.

3) Where are you from? Are you living there right now? I'm from Bicol, Philippines. Currently based in Phnom Penh Cambodia

4) Is it cold where you are? Scorching hot, my dear!

5) What's the time? 9:18 pm

6) What are you wearing? why? you might be shocked if I tell the truth..

7) What was the last thing you listened to? Catch a Falling Star song.. Chinks was playing it..

8) What was the last thing you ate? Black Jelly dessert..

9) What was the last thing you watched on TV? News? Yesterday?

10) What's your favorite tv show? Why? Nahh. No particular favorite. I just turn the TV on and channel surf like mad.

11) Quick! Find a book, or something with text on it! Flip to a random page and post the second paragraph's first sentence. No way. I'm already answering this meme so you're not about to let me get up and do that. I'm just too lazy..

12) What was the last movie you saw? How was it? Avatar. Good. Very entertaining.

13) Do YOU think you have an accent? Where do people in your country do people speak with strong accents? Yes I have. Everyone in my home country speaks with an accent. I think it makes people more interesting..

Unconscious Mutterings 382

2010-05-24T06:42:00.000-07:00

Cream :: perfect with strawberries
Be with you :: together
Pancakes :: butter and honey
Believe :: have faith
45 :: degrees
Eat :: nourish
Background :: desktop
Pane ::window
Aim :: high
Collapse :: fall

Wordless Wednesday 07: Puppets

2010-05-19T04:19:00.000-07:00

Photo taken @ Old Market Souvenir Shops, Siem Reap Cambodia

Time To Lose Baby Weight

2010-05-18T07:22:00.000-07:00

I promised myself I won't talk about losing weight for a week. You know, I wanna give myself a break from the pressures of trying to lose weight but while I was browsing Yahoo Shine, I was drawn to the featured article, 10 Signs It's Time to Lose the Baby Weight by Ellen S of Mom Logic.

Except for the permed hair, I think I kinda resemble this..

The list is funny but yeah I must admit it strikes a nerve.. hehe..I'm re-posting the list and of course, I couldn't resist adding up my own commentaries..

1) You complain to friends, "Wow, I've got to lose weight," and they just kind of stare at you. Whoa! Yep this is so true. I often wonder when a friend would just tell me straight up, 'duh? we've been waiting for you to do that since XX years ago!"
2) Your "baby" is now 5 years old. Whaaaa! She's 7 now and that makes it worse..
3) The clothes in the A Pea in the Pod window look appealingly comfy. Ssshh, I love those maxi dresses..
4) People have asked when you're due. Thank God, no one had the nerve to ask me this. I guess they are scared or something..
5) You're still eating for two. On some days, three. I actually eat enough for four..lol!
6) Bending down to shave your legs takes effort. At least I could still bend well enough to reach my legs.. Call it flexibility.
7) Your child asks if you have a baby/puppy/rabbit in your belly. OMG! Chinks just asked me why my tum-tum is huge.. And kids don't lie.
8) Your pants have elastic waistbands ... and you don't mind. Err, this was supposed to be my secret..
9) You can use your stomach as a rest for your laptop. At least not yet. Maybe I should try..
10) You have considered getting pregnant again because at least then you'd have an excuse. Now this is a good plan..

Happiness Comes with Age?

2010-05-18T06:53:00.000-07:00

I was just reading this interesting article in Yahoo and it says that according to a study - Happiness Comes with Age. Interesting right? The article goes on to mention that life looks a little rosier after 50 and that "older people in their mid- to late-50s are generally happier, and experience less stress and worry than young adults in their 20s, the researchers say."

Now that is something to look forward to..Though I'm happy right now. Not ecstatically happy, just contented, happily watching my daughter grow up and looking forward to the next day. I can't actually imagine feeling happier than how I am right now, but if more happiness comes, of course, it's more than welcome. I could use an unlimited supply of happiness if you ask me. I think happiness is really how you feel and think about things. It really depends much on you. Your outlook, your perceptions etc etc.

Some people may feel happy when they have tons of money, others feel happy when they give to others, some being with persons they love means happiness. We all have different ways of being happy, and does age really matter? Perhaps, we have different ways of being happy at different age and I could well understand being more happy when I'm in my 50's.. After all, with older age, comes greater wisdom and experience to appreciate life and its trifles.

From time to time, I actually imagine myself in my 60's and how and what would I be doing. Would I still be blogging. Probably. Would I have grandkids by that time? I'll probably be spoiling them a lot. I would be having regular salon treatments of course. Will vacation regularly. I'll be spending my late afternoons sitting on a breezy veranda on a rocking chair reading a crafting magazine or crocheting..And making calls to my kids and bugging them about something just for fun. One thing I'm pretty sure of, when I'm old I won't perm my hair nor would I wear 'losyang' clothes.

How about you? How do you imagine yourselves to be at old age? Would you be happy? Regretful?

Sunday Stealing: Speed Dating Meme, Part 2

2010-05-16T07:01:00.000-07:00

I still can't figure out why this is called the Speed Dating Meme, and were on to Part 2. Sigh! But what the heck, I'm having fun so...

26. Have you ever been stung by a bee? Yes. I used to climb a lot of trees when I was a kid so bee stings were inevitable.

27. What's the sickest you've ever been? 2007. I really had a bad case of flu and it lasted for 7 days and I also had to travel while sick.

28. What's your favorite form of exercise? Walking.

29. What's your favorite Cyndi Lauper song? True Colors

30. What did you do for your 13th birthday? Party at home? I don't really recall..

31. Are you afraid of heights? Yes. Very.

32. Have you ever taken dance lessons? Yes.

33. What's your favorite newspaper? None.

34. What's your favorite Broadway / West End musical? The Phantom of the Opera, Les Mesirables

35. What's the most memorable class you've ever taken? Rizal (about Jose Rizal, the Philippine hero..), it was memorable mainly because our prof employed the teaching techniques during the Spanish times and also he was a cutie..

36. What's your favorite knock-knock joke? None. I always store this stuff on my short term memory so I tend to forget...

37. What's your least favorite commercial? I love commercials! It always gives me something to laugh about..so I don't have a least favorite..

38. If you could go to Disney World with any celebrity alive today, who would it be? Jude Law (me thinks he's hawt!)

39. Do you prefer baths or showers? Showers

40. What's your favourite newspaper comic strip? I don't read comic strips.

41. What's your favorite breakfast food? Toast and coffee

42. Who's your favarite game show host? I don't like game shows.

43. If you could have a super power, what would it be? Be able to annihilate anyone or anything who crosses me with just a look. haha kidding!

44. Do you like guacamole? Yes. I love dips!

45. Have you ever been in a food fight? Yes. When I was younger. I used to fight my brother over food. And I always lose.

46. Name five songs to which you know all the lyrics. Haha.. Nursery Rhymes. I'm a mom ya 'know.

47. What's your favorite infomercial? No particular favorite.

48. What's the longest you've ever waited in line? Half day?

49. What's on the cover of your address book or day planner? Nothing. Just plain faux leather cover with the year printed on it.

50. Have you ever taken a picture in one of those little booths? Yes, with my college buddies! And I still have the photos to this day hehe..

Unconscious Mutterings 381

2010-05-16T06:22:00.000-07:00

Labor ::sweat
Sweater ::chill protection
Five minutes ::not enough
Treatment ::remedy
Eyebrows ::threading
Awake ::aware
Salmon ::pink
Red ::danger
Hospital ::anesthesia
Midwife ::birth

Wordless Wednesday 06: Loaded

2010-05-12T05:17:00.000-07:00

Photo taken at Serendipity Beach, Sihanoukville Cambodia

Quotes and Thoughts 02: On Generosity

2010-05-11T18:32:00.000-07:00

On Generosity..

You may not have saved a lot of money in your life, but if you have saved a lot of heartaches for other folks, you are a pretty rich man. ~Seth Parker

I had this in my drafts folder for a few days already, but I had been hesitant to write and hit the publish button because for the last few days I've been in a foul mood and I don't feel like being generous.

What is generosity for me? It is being kind and treating others with kindness even if they are rude to you. It is about helping others without waiting for something in return. Being of help to others gives me a great feeling of being. Helping doesn't necessarily need to have a monetary value. In fact, there are more ways you can help without doling out money.

I always think that every person has the capacity to help. Not just those who are swimming in money and who has a gazillion bank accounts. Even just a smile and a pat on the back to someone who is down can be called kindness and generosity. A person can give in a thousand and one ways..

Generous. It's one of the things I try to be each day. I am not rich, nor am I blessed with considerable influence on anything but in small ways I try to help others. There are times that I think I'm doing too much, that other's just really end up taking things for granted, and I want to stop. But in the end, no matter how down I am for some people being ungrateful, I still don't stop from trying to help..Hi-ace asked me once why I keep trying to help so many people, sometimes it becomes a inconvenience already. It's simple really, it makes me happy. I don't need them to give me back something, perhaps just a little appreciation is great, but mostly I like knowing that somehow I made someone's day a lot better.

Sunday Stealing: The Speed Dating Meme

2010-05-10T05:50:00.000-07:00

Ok, before I answer this, I just wondered why its called the speed dating meme? Do you ask your dates with these questions?

1. What's your favorite Dr. Seuss book? The Cat in the Hat

2. If you could live in any home on a television series, what would it be? The Addams Family home. That'll be interesting.

3. What's the longest you've gone without sleep? about 20 hours. with lots of caffeine

4. What's your favorite Barry Manilow song? I don't like Barry Manilow.

5. Who's your favorite Muppet? Oscar the Grouch

6. What's the habit you're proudest of breaking?

7. What's your favorite website? Unique Daily.com, Trendhunter and my friend's blogs

8. What's your favorite school supply? Colored pencils, watercolor

9. Who's your favorite TV attorney? none

10. What was your most recent trip of more than 50 miles? Kep Cambodia.

11. What's the best bargain you've ever found at a garage sale or junk shop? a red Soco bag I bought from Japan Thrift for only $1. Unused, boutique tag price was still there and paper fillers were still inside. Tag price says its 24,000 Yen!!

12. Where were you on September 11, 2001? at work in Manila.

13. What's your favorite tree? Pili tree..We have a huge one in Bicol, Philippines.

14. What's the most interesting biography you've read? I don't remember. I'm not so fond of biographies..

15. What do you order when you eat Chinese food? dumplings and noodles

16. What's the best costume you've ever worn? A vampire costume for a Holloween party in a company I worked for. It was so cool!

17. What's your least favorite word? Bi**h

18. If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be? Vermont, The green mountain state. I like being green.

19. Who's your favorite bear? Gummi Bears. The candies lol!

20. Describe something that's happened to you for which you have no explanation. Weird question. I think everything that happens has an explanation.

21. If you could travel anywhere in Africa, where would it be? Namibia. South Africa

22. What did you have for lunch yesterday? Pumpkin and Crab in Coconut Milk with Rice

23. Where do you go for advice? Hi-ace (I guess I tell him everything... is that weird?), my parents, my sister Ouwie, my college buddies, and for girlie stuff the Peluka sisters.

24. Which do you use more often, the dictionary or the thesaurus? Dictionary I think.

25. Have you ever been snorkeling? Scuba diving? Snorkeling yes. Scuba diving, no.

Unconscious Mutterings 380

2010-05-09T17:52:00.000-07:00

Rock n Roll ::Rolling Stone, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis
Be with you ::Together
Richard ::Nixon
Hair ::Crowning glory, seriously it could make or break your look
Police ::big bellies
Experience :: revel on whats happening
Father figure ::Albus Dumbledore
Nice ::opposite of bad
Switch ::on and off
Appearance ::the look

Wordless Wednesday 05: Dining with Reptiles

2010-05-05T06:15:00.000-07:00

Photo taken in Snake House Restaurant, Sihanoukville Cambodia

Wanna know about this? Visit my Living in Phnom Penh blog.

Sunday Stealing: The Question Meme

2010-05-03T05:31:00.000-07:00

01) Are you currently in a serious relationship? No. I'm just fooling around with my husband.. haha.. Seriously though, I don't think I would have married Hi-ace if I was not being serious.

02) What was your dream growing up? To be a teacher. Then it changed to be a doctor. Then I wanted to be a scientist. In short, I had weird dreams of multi-tasking.

03) What talent do you wish you had? To count with just my head. and to play at least one instrument.

04) If I bought you a drink what would it be? Sorry but I don't go out for drinks if not with friends or hubby so I won't accept drinks from strangers.

05) Favorite vegetable? Broccoli, and leafy veggies.

06) What was the last book you read? Dan Brown's Digital Fortress

07) What zodiac sign are you? Pisces

08) Any Tattoos and/or Piercings? Explain where. none.

09) Worst Habit? Taking on too much. Fiddling with my hair when I'm idle.

10) If you saw me walking down the street would you offer me a ride? No. I don't offer rides to strangers.

11) What is your favorite sport? flicking on the TV remote, changing channels, typing on my computer keyboard. and watching Rafael Nadal play tennis.. Hahaha..

12) Do you have a Pessimistic or Optimistic attitude? Often optimistic.

13) What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator with me? I dunno. Maybe we can play twenty questions..

14) Worst thing to ever happen to you? A close friend blaming me for something that I didn't have anything to do with.

15) Tell me one weird fact about you. Everything about me is weird. I can't stop tinkering with things. I like keeping my hands busy. I'm always doing something like blogging, setting up something, doing something creative.

16) Do you have any pets? Hi-ace hahaha. I hope he doesn't read this..

17) What if I showed up at your house unexpectedly? So? Why should you show up at my house when I don't even know you?

18) What was your first impression of me? See answer to number 17.

19) Do you think clowns are cute or scary? scary. truth is, I rarely find them funny.

20) If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be? I wanna be a teeny weeny bit thinner lol!

21) Would you be my crime partner or my conscience? Huh? I'm already busy enough to be your anything.

22) What color eyes do you have? Black

23) Ever been arrested? Nope.

24) Bottle or can soda? Can.

25) If you won $10,000 today, what would you do with it? Keep it first till I'm calm enough to know what to do about it.

26) What's your favorite place to hang out at? Home, Brown cafe with friends. Luck Cafe, Sovanna Mall Phnom Penh.

27) Do you believe in ghosts? Yes. My 'yaya' used to scare us a lot.

28) Favorite thing to do in your spare time? Blog, surf the net, cook, crochet, learn something new, cut my nails

29) Do you swear a lot? No.

30) Biggest pet peeve? Backstabbing and inconsiderate people. People with really bad odor. Don't they know what deodorant is?

31) In one word, how would you describe yourself? Friend.

32) Do you believe/appreciate romance? Yes.

33) Favorite and least favorite food? Asian food. least favorite? Prahok. I know its a Khmer classic but really I can't take the smell.

34) Do you believe in God? Yes.

Unconscious Mutterings 379

2010-05-02T18:35:00.000-07:00

Creepy ::goose-bumps inducing
Links ::blogs =)
Sane ::not crazy. not me
Bun ::with sesame seeds
Visual ::to see
Remote ::incommunicado
Freaking ::panic
Curly ::romantic waves
Saga ::twilight
Different ::unusual

Quotes and Thoughts 01: On Introspection and Being Alone

2010-04-29T07:05:00.000-07:00

I love quotes. Specially motivational , inspirational at times just plain silly quotes. Whatever kind of quote it is, it always imparts some wisdom and uplifts me whenever I need some boost. I've been thinking of starting something like a featured quote and sharing my thoughts about it. I've done this with my other blog before but I just sort of forgotten all about it over time. Now I'm thinking (hehe just thinking..) of making a meme out of it..

Anyway, here's my first quote pick..

Inside myself is a place where I live all alone and that's where you renew your springs that never dry up.
- Pearl Buck
US novelist in China (1892 - 1973)

I guess, I had been feeling a little introspective these past few days so I picked this one. I always think that there's something inside us that at times who yearns to be alone. I'm not saying that I want to be alone, but yes there are times, that I want to be quiet and just be by myself.

Why? Because I get to sort out my feelings. Its also a great time for me to renew or rejuvenate. Of course, being with friends and with people who believe in us and encourage us is great but really there are just times you want to stop and be alone, and amazingly, some inner strength fills me up whenever I take the time to do this.

I think what the quote is trying to covey is that, inside all of us there are countless inspirations, ideas, all we just need to do is to look inside. Most of the time I'm guilty of listening to what others are saying, getting affected by this and that, ohh ahhing about others idea, but I it seldom occurs to me to listen to what my heart and my head is saying, to stop listening to others trying to put me down, to have confidence that my ideas are fine too (well they just need a little work hehe..).

Wordless Wednesday 04: Curtained Tree

2010-04-27T20:04:00.000-07:00

Photo taken from Royal University of Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Sunday Stealing: The Fandom Meme

2010-04-25T02:56:00.000-07:00

Rules: We all are fans. Be it Star Trek or Twilight, you are a fan of something. Pick a subject, book, TV or movie series. Now tell us all about it!

1. The first character I fell in love with: Anne Shirley of Anne of Green Gables

2. The character I never expected to love as much as I do now: Dowager Princess Clarisse Renaldo or 'Grandmere' of Princess Diaries (the book version!!!)

3. The character I would shag anytime: hmm none I think.

4. The character I'd slap: I've got two - Horatio Caine (CSI Miami - what's up with the sunglasses???) and Miranda Priestly (Devil Wears Prada - I want to slap her for being so obnoxious but I still love her character..)

5. Who are my 3 favorite characters. Michael Moscovitz of Princess Diaries, Rebecca Bloomwood (Sophie Kinsella's Shopoholic series) and Rubeus Hagrid (Harry Potter)

6. What are my 3 favorite pairings.Sam Baldwin and Annie Reed (Sleepless in Seattle), Bella Swan and Edward Cullen (Twilight), John and Jane Smith (Mr. & Mrs. Smith - totally sizzling chemistry..)

7. Which character I'm most like. Michael Moscovitz of Meg Cabot's Princess Diaries.. lol! I think he's my ideal guy especially towards the end of the series..

8. The coolest thing about the canon: what the heck is a canon?

9. The lamest crappiest thing about the canon: again what's a canon? like the doctrine?

10. My guiltiest pleasure in this fandom: writing fanfiction.. hehe unpublished but I do pen some fan fics every once in a while..

11. What story I wish I could read (or art I wish I could see). just the city of Florence, Italy.. home of Michaelangelo and of course where the Galleria degli Uffizi is..

12. What story I wish I had written/still want to write.. none..

Unconcious Mutterings: Week 378

2010-04-25T02:17:00.000-07:00

Hell :: not a place I want to go
Scott :: neighbor's son
Dominion :: where I rule hehe
Stunt :: too physical
Cougar :: urban term. older and attractive lady
Columbia :: sexy, voluptuous Latinas
Gasp :: expression of surprise
Cancerous :: malign
Bitty :: teeny weeny
Quit :: give up

Wordless Wednesday 03: A Date with Ronald

2010-04-21T19:47:00.000-07:00

Manic Monday 208

2010-04-20T02:26:00.000-07:00

My very first Manic Monday entry..

How has your life been different than you imagined?

A lot changed when I decided to get married. I always thought I'd be a really all-career focused woman even after I got married. But that changed a lot when I had my daughter. I realized that although, having a great career is a great thing, there is nothing greater than being able to be there for my daughter during her childhood years..

What lessons have you learned from your relationships?

That everything is give and take. That relationships require a lot of work and compromise. It isn't just about one person, but rather its about the two of you.. I've learned to be more giving and to focus on the other's needs ahead of my own. I've also learned to be patient and forgiving.

If you had to move to a city besides the one you currently live in, where would you move?

I'd probably want to move to Tokyo or any Japanese city. I'm seriously fascinated with their culture and I think Japanese are just so fashionable and forward thinking. It'll definitely be a great experience to live there. But people keep telling its so expensive to live there, hmm so maybe I'll just visit...someday..

Sunday Stealing: The Meme Time Meme

2010-04-18T17:54:00.000-07:00

Lol! This actually sounds like an slumbook thingie we used to sign in high school but I'm game to answer it. Hehe all in the name of blogging and fun..

01. Real First Name: Luisa

02. Birthday: March 18th

03. Where do you live: Phnom Penh, Cambodia

04: What are you studying/What are you working as: I am always studying hehe.. If I find something interesting you can bet I won't stop till I learn how to do it or make it. I am currently working at home..

05. What makes you happy: Everything. Life. My daughter. Simple things like the rain, birds, even the gentle rustle of leaves every time a breeze passes by. And oh! Rafael Nadal winning.

06. What are you listening to now/have listened to last: Miracles Happen by an artist named Myra. A little too pop for my taste but the lyrics were nice.

07. What is particularly good/bad about your blog: I dunno. I just write what I feel like writing. The good thing is that there one or two people who read it.

08. An interesting fact about you: I love chick lit. It makes for nice, light reading without me racking my brains out. And I am so into watching commercials, in fact when I watch TV I channel surf for nice commercials.

09. Are you in love/have a crush at the moment: Yes I am. Hi-ace reads this you know hahaha. I have a crush, he goes by the initials RN, and yes Hi-ace knows about him and I have his permission to hug RN if I ever get the chance to meet him.

10. Favorite place to be: home. here in Phnom Penh and my parents home in Bicol, Philippines

11. Favorite lyric: No particular favorite. I like a lot of lyrics, the thing is I'm bad at memorizing those..

12. Best time of the year: Everyday.. but if you insist, Christmas..

13. Weirdest food you like: crunchy mango (Cambodian variety) with chocolate chip ice cream.Hi-ace own concoction, it sounds ewww but I actually like it.

RECOMMEND

01. A film: A Beautiful Life and Beautiful Mind

02. A book: now, don't get me started here. I love Jonathan Kellerman books, it gets my heart racing. For chick lit, I go with Lauren Weisberger (of Devil Wears Prada), Marian Keyes, and I'm a big fan of Meg Cabot's hilarious books.

03. A song: I promise by Stacey Orrico.

04: A band: no one in particular.

PLUS

01. One thing you like about a blogger that you have not met: earn gazillions from blogging..

02. Two things you like about yourself: im very tolerant and diplomatic, and I can always think up new ideas easily..

03. Name three things that you need in a lover: he has to be humorous, patient and humorous again...(thankfully, I have that with Hi-ace..)

Unconcious Mutterings: Week 377

2010-04-18T17:34:00.000-07:00

Drug :: good and bad
Questions :: curiosity
Active :: alive
Facts :: what is; reality
Amount :: how much
Supervise :: oversee
Ingredients :: what's in it
Dentist :: pain; not my favorite place
Meal :: sustenance
Packaging :: presentation

What Makes You Different?

2010-04-17T07:43:00.000-07:00

A few months ago I bought Chinks a DVD of Princess Diaries 1 and I was right on in guessing that she'd love the movie. Mostly because she loved the soundtracks. Odd, because me and hubby aren't really into music but Chinks is so into it! One way to tell if she'd like a movie or a cartoon show is if it has a catchy and good soundtrack.

So it was hardly surprising that she has been bugging me to look for the CD of the sound track. So, we did a little research on the songs and found MP3's burned it and now its playing almost 24/7.. And lol! I'm beginning to fall for it too. I kinda like this Backstreet Boys single called What Makes You Different (What Makes You Beautiful).

I love the lyrics and hope Chinks would get to appreciate what it means too. That what matters most and what really makes you beautiful is what's inside you..

Here's the lyrics..

You don't run with the crowd
You go your own way
You don't play after dark
You light up my day

Got your own kind of style
That sets you apart
Baby that's why you've camptured my heart

I know sometimes you feel
Like you don't fit in
And this world doesn't know
What you have within

When I look at you
I see something rare
A rose that can grow anywhere
And there's no one I know that can compare

Chorous:
What makes you different
Makes you beautiful
What's there inside you
Shines through to me
In your eyes I see all the love I'll ever need
What makes you different makes you beautiful to me

You've got something so real
You touched me so deep (touched me so deep)
The material things
Don't matter to me
So come as you are
You've got nothing to prove
You won me with all the you do

And I wanna take this chance to say to you

Chorous

You don't know how you've touched my life
Oh there's so many ways, I just can't describe
You taught me what love is supposed to be
It's all the little things that made you beautiful to me

Chorous

(in background)
Everything in you is beautiful
Love you give shines right through me
Everything in you is beautiful
Beautiful to me (to me)

Here's a video I found in YouTube with cuts from the movie...

What Kind of Friend Am I?

2010-04-17T07:19:00.000-07:00

Just a few days ago, I had a really long chat with one of my best college buddies. It has been awhile since I last saw her and some of my friends too. I must admit that since I moved here in Phnom Penh I had been a little amiss getting constantly in touch with my friends back home in the Philippines.

That didn't mean though that I forgot or that I didn't want to be friends with them anymore. It's just that with adjusting to living here and me taking care of my family, everything seems to be overwhelming at times that I lose track of what I must do. I kinda feel a little ashamed about neglecting friends, specially when my friend asked me why I seemed to be a bit distant. Truth is, I miss them a lot and I'm taking the time out when I go home next time to really spend sometime with them.

Not really my intention to be distant, it just happened I guess.. One reason maybe is that I tend to be very independent. I love going out with friends, chit chatting and all but I'm really the type of person who doesn't smother friends, perhaps because I don't like being smothered by friends too. There are times that I really prefer to be alone, and I know that some might find it a little off putting or snobbish, but that is just really me. It doesn't mean that I don't want to be friends, I just like having a little space. I mean, can you imagine calling or texting your friends every hour? That is so not me..

But that hardly excuses that I've been neglecting some of my long-time friends. Luckily I have very upfront and nice friends (most of them friends I had since grade school..) who are just there, knows me really well and understands that even if I don't keep in touch everyday, I am and will always be there for them when they need me.

Thank God for Facebook and chatting whatchamacallits.. I do promise to communicate more and I'm glad I was able to let them know that their friendships mean the world to me..

Wordless Wednesday 02: A Fruit Within a Fruit?

2010-04-13T21:12:00.000-07:00

Weird huh? I find it cool though. Photo taken at my relative's jackfruit orchard, Cambodia

Sunday Stealing: The Me Me Meme

2010-04-11T21:23:00.000-07:00

I find reading meme's and tags interesting and you get to know a person/blogger in a different way with these memes. One of the sites I usually look out for links to meme's to read is Sunday Stealing.. And since I love reading these memes, I decided I might as well join one.. Here's my first entry..

1. Never in my life have I been: on time for a dentist appointment. I know I should change that now that I'm trying to set a 'good' example to my daughter but really, going to the dentist is one thing I don't look forward to. Always.

2. The one person who can drive me nuts is: My brother. He's weird, flamboyant and constantly gets on my nerve but then he's still my best shopping companion. Did I mention he is gay?

3. High school was: not that memorable for me. All I could remember was studying and remedial lessons in trigonometry. Lol! I went to a science high school where we had to meet a certain grade to pass or else move to another school. Talk about pressure.

4. When I’m nervous I: always have migraine afterwards.

5. The last song I listened to was: Butterfly Kisses, Bob Carlyle. My daughter was playing it..

6. If I were to get married right now my best man/maid of honor: My sister.

7. My hair is: fab now. Layered cut, straight and so easy to manage.

8. When I was 5: I always fall down flat on my face. I always had wounds all around my knees. I was always the winner for klutz of the year award at home.

9. Last Christmas: was a quiet but happy one spent here in Phnom Penh. Though I missed my family back home in the Philippines, I really appreciate the quiet and comfy times we share now here in our new home.

10. I should be..: 30 lbs lighter haha!

11. When I look down I see: my feed badly in need of a foot scrub.

12. The happiest recent event was: yesterday. A little date with hubby.

13. If I were a character on 'Friend' I would be: nobody. lol!

14. By this time next year: I should be busier than ever. Preparing for Khmer New Year again..

15. My current gripe is: that I have a hard time losing weight! Phnom Penh has fabulous selection of restaurants and at really cheap prices too..

16. I have a hard time understanding: math! Simple math is ok but those complicated stuff really bugs me..

17. There’s this girl I know that: loves to shop for shoes. But then every girl I know just loves to shop for shoes, including me!

18. If I won an award, the first person I would tell would be: Hi-ace, my husband.

19. Take my advice: Be kind, be gracious. Even if you don't feel like it.

20. The thing I want to buy: a netbook. soon.

21. If you visited the place I was born: lovely place. Lots of greens, we have a volcano. Laid back..

22. I plan to visit: Laos someday in the next year.

23. If you spent the night at my house: it'll be quiet, we always have red wine.

24. I’d stop my wedding if: my soon to be husband got someone else pregnant..

25. The world could do without: dishonesty, pollution. too much greed.

26. I’d rather lick the belly of a cockroach than: belly of any hairy or slimy insect

27. Most recent thing I’ve bought myself: a pair of shoes, capri pants, a sling bag and 1 whole collection of crochet hook from ebay

28. Most recent thing someone else bought me: another pair of shoe from Hi-ace. He's buying me a nice and comfy day bed too later perfect to use when I'm doing my crochet projects.. hihi I'm lucky!

29. My favorite blonde is: Reese Witherspoon! Yeah! She's Legally Blonde..

30. My favorite brunette is: Angelina Jolie. I find her very foxy!

31. My favorite red head is: Seriously, I really have no idea..

32. My middle name is: My father's last name..

33. In the morning I: brush my teeth, shower and have a cup of coffee.

34. The animals I would like to see flying besides birds are: just birds I guess

35. Once, at a bar: I got drunk haha! What else should I be doing in a bar?

36. Last night I was: nursing a big headache. But I still managed to chat on FB and post updates. Talk about addictions..

37. There’s this guy I know who: constantly offers me a job. Haha I already have one you know. I'm a full time mom and wife plus I'm a part-time 'earning' blogger

38. If I was an animal I’d be: a leopard. That's my husband's input, he says I'm scary but sleek hahaha!

39. A better name for me would be: The same. Luisa suits me just fine =)

40. Tomorrow I am: busy with my daughter's birthday.

41. Tonight I am: resting. I'm running a slight fever..So, why am I even answering this meme?

42. My birthday is: March 18th

Unconcious Mutterings: Week 376

2010-04-11T20:01:00.000-07:00

Habit ::coffee, procrastination
Relaunch :: to do. for some of my blogs
Mondays :: manic, busy
Bootstrap ::innovative, survival, creativity
Funk ::colors, bold
Appreciate ::thank you
Yay! ::at times. surprised
Life ::happy, excited
Sheets ::hate washing it!
Date night ::coffee, drive around. talking

Easy Ab Flatteners

2010-04-07T20:37:00.000-07:00

I want flat abs. Really! The thing is I am lazy too and find sit ups too hard. So when I stumbled upon this Instant Ab Flatteners article I was drawn, specially when I saw this, "Spend just five minutes a day on toning your abs and you'll get an amazing middle"

Now, I can do that! Discipline, discipline! The article lists 5 most effective tummy toners..

Pike 90

Lie faceup; raise legs until perpendicular to floor, feet flexed.
Lower right leg so it hovers 1 or 2 inches off floor and place hands lightly behind head.
In this position, do 15 crunches, lifting chest toward ceiling and lowering. Switch legs and repeat.

Crunchy frog

Sit with knees bent, feet flat.
Keeping legs together, raise feet several inches and bring knees toward chest.
Wrap arms around knees without touching legs.
Extend legs and stretch arms to sides, palms forward.
Return to wrapped-arm position; repeat. Do 15 reps.

Tornado

Stand with feet hip-width apart, right leg in front of left, right foot turned out.
Bend elbows and raise arms out to sides at shoulder level (like goalposts).
In one motion, raise right knee to lowered right elbow.
Return to start; switch sides and repeat to complete one rep. Do 15 reps.

Corkscrew

Lie faceup.
Press legs together and raise them toward ceiling until they're at a 90-degree angle, with knees slightly bent and toes pointed.
Raise butt and legs off floor using ab muscles; twist legs slightly to left.
Repeat, twisting to right, for one rep. Do 15 reps.

Side arm balance

Start on floor on knees.
Lean to left and place left hand on floor under shoulder; extend right arm up and to left, palm down.
Straighten right legs out to right with foot on floor, resting on left knee.
Hold for 5 breaths. Return to start; switch sides. Repeat twice per side.

Wordless Wednesday 01: Place of Worship

2010-04-06T18:49:00.000-07:00

Place of Worship..

Photo taken at Top of Twin Hills, Sen Monorom, Mondulkiri Cambodia

I've always been wanting to join WordlessWednesdays Photo Meme so finally after a few months of procrastinating I'm finally posting my very first WW entry.. Not exactly a wordless post but hope you like it!

What's In Store for Me? Ask My Horoscope!

2010-04-05T18:33:00.000-07:00

I find horoscopes fun.. Nah! I don't really take it seriously but if I need some boost and some fun, then checking horoscopes sometimes gets me into the groove..So since its the early days of April, I checked out Pisces' horoscope for the month..

From Horoscope Within..

Other than your friends, it might seem as though everyone you know is worked up and ticked off about something. Luckily, you have a lot of opportunities to play the role of mediator, guide, diplomat, and to be the voice of common sense. While all of this interpersonal drama is going on, you should also keep an eye out for some wonderful business opportunities, bargains, and financial blessings.

Wow! Hmm, I kinda like this, I should really be vigilant in recognizing those opportunities eh? The thing is I always miss out on those bonuses and blessings so maybe its really my lucky year and month..

From April 1st through the 7th, Venus and Pluto are working together on your behalf. These are the two planets in charge of seduction and finances. Venus is in your local community, commercial activities, and interpersonal communications sector. Pluto is in your friends, teams, clubs, committees, professional associations, Internet, connectivity, and networking sector. These two planets are doing their best to bring more love, truth, beauty, and wealth into your social activities. This is a good time for business networking, sales meetings, and contract negotiations involving various groups of people. It is also a great time for socializing, backyard BBQs, and flirting with local friends and acquaintances. You come across as smart, trustworthy, and charming.

Duh!? I am always charming haha! But getting those help from the planet gives me a lot more charm boost for sure.

From April 3rd through the 9th, Mercury also helps Venus and Pluto to bring more seduction and commerce into your local community and social life. Mercury adds intelligence, contract negotiations, and communications skills to the dynamic.

I like the sound of that...And this one really makes my day lol!

April 14th hosts a new moon in your personal wealth, salaries, wages, assets, and self-worth sector. New moons are for launching new projects, fresh starts, conceptions, and new beginnings. This is a great time for opening bank accounts, purchasing assets, launching new revenue streams, creating new budgets, receiving a new pay rate, etc. It is also a good time for gaining a new sense of self-confidence. There is nothing negatively affecting this new moon, so any financial goals you would like to launch at this time should turn out nicely.

There could also be a nice financial benefit to your commercial activities. Since local transportation is part of the communities, commerce, and communications sector, and Jupiter rules good luck and Venus rules beauty, you might find that attractive vehicles play a role in your good fortunes.

Now,wasn't that fun?

Bursting with Ideas and Lovin' It

2010-04-05T18:04:00.000-07:00

Most of my sites have now found their niches, so I have nowhere else to put my whatnots.. haha! I have a lot of thoughts, mutterings, ideas, finds and they sometimes get lost when I get so enamored with my blogs and other projects. So I have created this blog just as a place to dump my thoughts, web finds, mutterings, some photos, interesting memes..

About personal blogging:

I have two blogs that is already a little aged, getting a reasonable amount of traffic daily (meaning it gets more than 2 visitors daily haha), earning enough to keep themselves. So I have registered several other domains a couple of months ago, and since November 2009 I had started to slowly build each one of them. I have already finished setting up, indexing, and posting at least 10 posts for 3 domains and now I am all set to develop the rest of them. My target date for finishing all set-up, indexing of these blogs at least by June 2010.

Each has a specific niche, I picked niches that I find interesting but all of them are not too specific. Simply because I don't want to limit my readership to just a few. For example, I bought a domain specifically for women topics. So, its niche would be women issues and all things girl talk and it would cover areas which I (and I think a lot of women) find interesting. It's going to cover health, diet and fitness, beauty and personal care, kids and parenting, marriage, dating and relationships, fashion and fashion finds, shopping and bargain finds, women's education and career, latest buzz on women's issues and topics. Niches that are narrowed but not too specific to limit the number of potential blog readers..I have domains for trends and fashion, crafts and gift ideas, home styling too.

I am also revamping several blog sites I have which I have really neglected for sometime already. Since we moved here in Phnom Penh last year, I've been entirely focused on my two main blogs plus the new ones I am currently setting up. I intend to update my dessert recipe site, I love making desserts and this one - Desserthaven has been one of my first ever blogs. I have already revamped the templates and still have to place some finishing touches. And to keep to regularly updated.

Another one I have started to blog renovate is my celebrity ads site - CelebrityAdsOnline. This one really does get organic search engine visits, I didn't have to do anything but post and it gets traffic. No promotion, linking or anything so I kinda neglected it. But I realized I'm wasting its potential if I don't keep it updated. For one, its is very unique and celebrity topics are generally very popular..

And one more blog I want to update is my Template Frenzy site. I have stopped posting on this one for sometime already and I was pretty surprised it maintained its page rank without being updated. And it gets regular traffic too.

Hmm, you can safely say I am plenty occupied Lol! There are days I always feel like I am running out of time and 24 hours is really not enough. Believe me, I have dark eye circles whenever I have a new project I'm working on.. But I love it, beats just sitting around and just watching TV. And besides I love earning from blogging!

Unconcious Mutterings: Week 375

2010-04-05T17:22:00.000-07:00

Philanthropy :: Helping hand
Said :: listen
Blanks :: space
Orgasm :: Spanish
Movement :: ideals
Detention :: learn a lesson
Restaurant :: comfort
Weird :: out of this world
Sniffle :: sobbing

A Man and A Pillow Say I Do?

2010-03-15T19:12:00.000-07:00

Yes, Lee Jin-gyu fell in love with a Japanese 'dakimakura', a large pillow with a printed anime character of Fate Testarossa. So much so that the 28-year old Lee married his beloved pillow in a special ceremony, after fitting it out with a wedding dress for the service in front of a local priest..

Lol! This is plain weird for some, but whatever tickles his fancy well he's free to do whatever pleases him. Lee seems to be a devoted husband to his pillow bride that he takes his wife everywhere, check out the video..

Unconcious Mutterings: Week 372

2010-03-15T18:46:00.000-07:00

Children :: Joy
Saddlebags ::I have some. Lol! Working to get rid of it
Restraint ::I have little
Awake ::after a cup of coffee
Blood ::eeewww!
Shutter ::photos
Posted ::blogs
Corn cob ::grilled
Flagrant ::obvious
Fart ::i do it without being too obvious haha

Kate Winslet and Sam Mendes Splits!

2010-03-15T18:40:00.000-07:00

A rather sad yet not so surprising news. Holywood A-lister couple Kate Winslet and Sam Mendes have announced the end of their six-year marriage. Their UK law firm who issued the statement said that the split is, "entirely amicable and is by mutual agreement."

Winslet and Mendes met at a business meeting in 2001, and married in a private, secret ceremony on the island of Anguilla in the Caribbean in May of 2003. Winslet had a daughter, Mia, from her previous marriage to actor/writer/director James Threapleton, and Mendes and Winslet had a son together, Joe, in 2003.

Unconcious Mutterings: Week 371

2010-03-09T03:38:00.000-08:00

Detective :: Conan
Bangs :: stylish but doesn't flatter my face.
Consultant :: lots of moolah
Puzzle :: favorite pastime. bonding activity with Chinks
Learn :: everyday. in and out of school. books, self-help, videos, tutorials
Necklace :: love making them
184 :: no significance
Stimulation :: feathers are lovely
Layered :: my current hairstyle
Police :: dogs, K9

Great Idea Bookshelf

2010-02-28T18:59:00.000-08:00

I doubt if you'll be needing those bookends, if you have this..

Just For Laughs: 12 Step Internet Recovery Program

2010-02-28T18:57:00.000-08:00

This is a little too close.. Too closely describing me at times. Kidding! For those whose lives revolve around the net..

1) I will have a cup of coffee in the morning and read my newspaper like I used to, before the Internet.

2) I will eat breakfast with a knife and fork and not with one hand typing.

3) I will get dressed before noon.

4) I will make an attempt to clean the house, wash clothes, and plan dinner before even thinking of the Internet.

5) I will sit down and write a letter to those unfortunate few friends and family that are Internet-deprived.

6) I will call someone on the phone who I cannot contact via the Internet.

7) I will read a book... if I still remember how.

8) I will listen to those around me and their needs and stop telling them to turn the TV down so I can hear the music on the Internet.

9) I will not be tempted during TV commercials to check for email.

10) I will try and get out of the house at least once a week, if it is necessary or not.

11) I will remember that my bank is not forgiving if I forget to balance my checkbook because I was too busy on the Internet.

12) Last, but not least, I will remember that I must go to bed sometime... coz the Internet will always be there tomorrow!

I am Freaky and Funny

2010-02-28T18:54:00.000-08:00

I just love these short quizzes. When I'm wandering aimlessly online I'd mostly always end up taking those random and funny personality tests. Just this morning I checked out Blogthings.com and The Chair Test got my interest. So here's how they read my personality based on the chair I picked.

You Are Freaky and Funny

You're the type of person who can sit all day without feeling bored or boring others.

You find the world entertaining. There's always something going on that you can riff on.

You give a first impression of being eccentric. Luckily, most people find your weird ways to be highly entertaining.

You are an armchair philosopher. You are constantly developing your unique, quirky take on life.

The Chair Test

The First Rule of Blogthings Is: You Don't Talk About Blogthings

I AM A FREAK!!! Yes, well maybe. I'm not about to deny that I have my own weird ways but I do object to being labeled a freak hahaha. I'm more of quirky, everything can be fun and I think any situation could be turned around and be positive. More often than not I don't take life seriously (and that's the secret why I'm 30 and looks like 16..) haha..

Unconcious Mutterings: Week 370

2010-02-28T18:37:00.000-08:00

Ok. My first Unconscious Mutterings post.

Harm :: Hurting. Sometime unintentional but does it matter? It still hurts.
If ::I had loads on money and time, I'd fly home to the Philippines every week.
On my own ::I tend to accomplish more than when someone is breathing down my neck.
She said ::I didn't listen.
Illegal :: Taboo but still it exists just beneath the surface.
Broke ::Yes. Usually after I take care of my retail therapy needs.
It’s a :: boy! Just my fervent wish - a baby boy..
Chatting ::everyday. Facebook. family.
Cottege ::childhood memories
Podcast ::I remain uninterested.

Welcome to Just My RagBag

2010-02-11T03:50:00.000-08:00

Ragbag (n.) - a collection of miscellaneous things.

So this is it! My collection of random stuff, random blog posts, blog memes, stories, photos, whatever really hits me..

My name is Lui. I'm a mom, a consummate shopper, kitchen amateur, digital gadget junkie, coffee lover, and addicted to blogging! I started blogging 2007 with my first blog - Pinaywife Atbp. It started out as something really experimental, containing mostly random things about my life, blog memes, tags then it eventually evolved into a home styling, home decor blog.

So there was no more room left for random things I find online, blog memes and tags that I really enjoy doing. Then I decided its high time I create a blog simply dedicated to random, miscellaneous things, so Just My RagBag was born..

I do hope you enjoy reading through this blog and do come back for regular updates..