No, I'm not referring to the movie (yeah, the one in 3D), hehe. As you can see, I have a new blog image here.
Let me tell you a little story about this. This picture was taken sometime in February 2009. Yes, that old. I was still reviewing for CIA exams (no, not the central intelligence agency..so don't worry) that time and while in the middle of a boring chapter, I asked my husband to take a picture of me while I do my nonsense poses. And here was one of the results. It took a long time before I post this because I've had enough pressure on the exam that time, and I didn't want to put more pressure on me once the people start asking about the details of my review. Since, I'm now done with all of these, here you go. The avatar was finally put to use. :)
Details about the picture: The first 3 books are my own CIA reviewers and the 4 books from the bottom are books I borrowed from the library (and yes, I have returned them all...geeezz!). Don't ask me about the 4th book from the top, it's my husband's and I have no damn idea how it got there! :P
Saturday, January 30, 2010
The new avatar...err, blog image
The comeback...and the updates!
Wow...I miss this. I really miss this. Sitting here in front of my laptop doing nothing. This is quite strange. Before, ideas keep popping as soon as I lay my hands on my keyboard. But this time, I seriously spent a good 15 minutes trying to decide what to write or even how to start this entry. So, here it goes.
So my first post since setting myself free from all the pressures of review (Okay. This requires a separate entry) will be our activities today on a Saturday. This is my first weekend without anything to worry about a chapter to finish reading or a practice set to finish answering. I never thought that it would be hard to think of activities to do on a free day. I actually have tons and tons of catching up to do, but never had the enthusiasm to start them. This includes watching all DVR recordings that I've been keeping for the last 3 months, reading magazine subscriptions that I haven't opened for the last 6 months, organizing our utility bills, receipts & payslips, etc.
Today, we started the morning by running some errands (Meier, Walmart, & Costco). This took us I think 4 or 5 hours to finish. Then we headed to Borders to stock up on some books to read (but only was able to buy 1 book. And don't ask me what book, or else you'd say I'm soooo high school and outdated! haha!). On the side, we were also able to drop some old clothes to a nearby donation box. Actually, these clothes came from a friend who moved to California...since none of them is of our size, we just decided to donate the clothes. They had been sitting in our car for months and we just always forget to drop them. And today, thankfully, there was a donation box close to Walmart. So, there...
Husband dropping off the donation (Photo taken via iPhone)
By the time we left Borders, I was sooo hungry. And since Portillo's was the first restaurant that we would pass by on the way home, we decided to take a turn and head to Chicago's #1 hotdog restaurant. It's been 1 year ago since we last ate here...and nothing has changed. Their chili dog is still delectable...yum!
And the day never ended just yet. We also drove to Trader Joe's for a sweet treat - Tiramisu! I'll post a picture of this once my mojos get back. That's all for now. (I just received a text from Pinas saying that I haven't called for a long while now...ahhh...I told you, too many things to catch up on). So this was how our Saturday went. Have a nice Sunday everyone! 'Til next time! Ciao!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Out and about
I know I've told myself to keep this blog alive...but despite my efforts, work and life stuff still continue to pour in that just left myself with no choice but to set aside blogging. Even my facebook account is just relying on friends' photo tags and grabs. (And don't start me on Multiply because that has been sleeping since time immemorial). Many stuff have been going on that are related to the present and future...naks (wala bang past?)! hahaha! Oh well, time will come that I could share those online. For the time being, I would just want to keep this to myself/family and some really close friends. For now, I'm lifting everything to God... let thy will be done. :) That's it for now. I will have a longer post sometime in a few days. I promise.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Turkey Day!!!
It's again Thanksgiving weekend! woohooo!
When I first came to US, I was never aware of this holiday. I even went to the office one day before the thanksgiving day (which is the Thursday of the week) and just found myself alone in the whole building. It turned out, people in my client usually take vacation leave the whole week of Thanksgiving. From then on, I've promised myself that I will celebrate this holiday just like what other Americans do... what the heck, hindi naman ako nakakapagcelebrate ng Philippine Independence Day so why not join them in their festivity!
So last 2007 we just went shopping @ midnight. 2008 - my husband and I just had a nice dinner and went shopping early morning the next day. For this year, we'll be having dinner/videoke/movie night with friends at home. We were supposed to travel again on this holiday since it's 4 days of vacation...but then plans changed and just decided to stay intact in Chicago and save our travel mojos in December. I didn't go to Boston for this week because of the expected overflow of travellers in the airports. I don't want to get stuck in the middle of the holiday...oh my gas!
For everyone's curiosity, here's the origin of Thanksgiving holiday. Thanks wiki!
Of course, Thanksgiving wouldn't be complete without the Shopping. This is the holiday where people are going gaga with the crazy deals of almost all stores (online and in-store). After the weekend, there's also what they call "Cyber Monday" where online stores also put their stocks on sale (on top of the sale percentages that they gave on Black Friday). I actually started my shopping last weekend because I already found good deals that would only last that whole weekend. But then for today and Friday, I've been seeing more and more deals. So, here are the shops that we plan to visit:
- Frys (not for the sale items...but I just need a new memory card reader)
- Banana Republic Factory Store (everything is 50% off! Last weekend, I was able to save 45% for a coat. All outerwear were 30% off and I got this personal day sale coupon for 15%.)
- Saks 5th (up to 60% off on top of already "on sale" items)
- Ann Taylor (up to 60% - however for this one, there's only one particular branch I plan to visit. All other branches in my opinion don't have enough good stocks.)
- Walmart/Target (haha! Looking for cheap gift finds!)
(All of the above are clothing stores, you might be wondering. It's because I'm still looking for my "pamasko". This is one thing that I will never ever outgrow. I don't want to forget the feeling of excitement whenever I wear new clothes (kahit galing lang sa palengke ng Binan) on Christmas day.)
Here are some shopping online links that you might want to consider, too:
http://www.blackfriday.info
http://bfads.net
So, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, here are the things I'm very much thankful to God for:
- Keeping me and my husband together despite the trials that came our way this year
- Keeping our families and loved ones back in Pinas safe and healthy, despite the catastrophes that Philippines have suffered
- For all my friends who are there for us
- For all the blessings, the food, the travels, and all our necessities despite the economic downturn and all its effects
- For my job which has become stable all the years (This year, I'm everyday thankful for this.)
- and lastly, for the trials that tested my faith and made me stronger
HAPPY THANKSGIVING, everyone!!!
(I woke up late, I wasn't able to witness the start of the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade...this has been a tradition for me and Randy. Haayyy)
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Back on track
And so.... I'm back to blogging!
I hibernated for quite a long time. I've been busy with keeping up with the requirements of my assignment at work (which started early January of this year). Also, I was busy with my recently accomplished certification and I was too lazy to even compose a blog entry. And now, as the year slowly ends, I want to end this year with little blog entries here and there (para naman may mailagay sa 2009 roll, hehe).
So, what has been keeping me busy? And the list goes...
(1) I'm reviewing for another certification. Actually, I'm losing the determination to finish this one. If not because my company paid for this, I would probably just cancel this exam. I'm now on the 2nd to the last chapter of the reviewer. But I still have 1 book to cover and a CD. OMG.
(2) Halloween is fast approaching! I still can't decide what costume to wear or even if I should wear one. Last year, I was "Kat Von D" of L.A. Ink (or Miami Ink, formerly).
(3) I still have lots of backlogs in terms of organizing/posting my pictures. Haay... I have lots in my list: Glencoe beach, Boston trip, Niagara Falls trip, Washington DC/Virginia trip, South Dakota trip. Hmmm...what else?
(4) Christmas is also near! And so, I need to spend time shopping for gifts for family and friends. Maybe I can start this on Saturday.
So, that's it for catching up! See you around, friends! :)
Sunday, October 25, 2009
A Fall Engagement & Wedding (Aim & Acy)
As the leaves start to fall and so is the temperature…
I was asked last week by Acy (a former co-worker from PwC) to help her with their STD* by taking some good pictures of her and Aim – “Kailangan lang namin ng matinong pictures…” – that’s how she worded it, hehe. To take advantage of the remaining days of Fall season and before the snow starts pouring, we scheduled it in the weekend after.
We were so glad that we were able to pull this off despite the changing forecast of that day’s (October 24, 2009) weather. It was raining in the morning and then it stopped late afternoon (thankfully!). It was a bit cold but sunny…so overall, the temp was manageable (which by the way, is something you should really be thankful for if you are in Chicago).
So, here are some of the pictures we were able to produce that day. Just like any other couple, Aim (the Groom) was a bit apprehensive about his smile (“Is my smile corny?” – this made us laugh!) and was reserved in the early part of the shoot, but later on was able to show his amusing behavior. Acy (the Bride) on the other hand was very willing to strike a pose whenever, wherever. By the way, we were also thankful of Aim’s ability to understand a little bit of Tagalog and sign language… hahaha!
*For those unfamiliar with the wedding preparation terms, STD stands for “Save the Date” cards that are distributed to the prospective guests months before the actual wedding.
Aim & Acy
October 15, 2010
Caleruega
Friday, October 16, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Union Oyster House
The Union Oyster House is the oldest restaurant in Boston and the oldest restaurant in continuous service in the U.S. — the doors have always been open to diners since 1826.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Ellis Island Immigration Museum
Ellis Island Immigration Museum
New York
May 10, 2009
Opened on January 1, 1892, Ellis Island became the nation's premier federal immigration station. In operation until 1954, the station processed over 12 million immigrant steamship passengers. The main building was restored after 30 years of abandonment and opened as a museum on September 10, 1990.
Today, over 40 percent of America's population can trace their ancestry through Ellis Island.
Times Square
Times Square, the most bustling square of New York is known for its many Broadway theatres, cinemas and supersigns. It is one of those places that make New York a city that never sleeps.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Saturday, July 11, 2009
The Cove Atlantis, Paradise Island - Bahamas
This was taken during a windy weather with scattered rainshowers in Bahamas - The Cove Atlantis, Paradise Island. While I was hiding in one of the sunbathing beds to prevent the raindrops from touching down my body (while my friends were playing beach volleyball), I spotted the trees swaying in the direction of the wind. And geared with just my underwater camera, there I was, moving inch by inch to where I was sitting just to capture this shot. Not bad. Not bad. :)
Bahamas Old House
This is an old house that we spotted when we visited The Islands of the Bahamas. It's old and .... very calming in my eyes.
"Marilla says that a large family was raised in that old house long ago, and that it was a real pretty place, with a lovely garden and roses climbing all over it. It was full of little children and laughter and songs; and now it is empty, and nothing ever wanders through it but the wind. How lonely and sorrowful it must feel! Perhaps they all come back on moonlit nights. . .the ghosts of the little children of long ago and the roses and the songs. . .and for a little while the old house can dream it is young and joyous again." Excerpt from "Anne of Avonlea" by Lucy Maud Montgomery
View from Empire State
New York City
View from Empire State
May 9, 2009
When we first went to Empire State, there was a huge mass of fog above the tower so we decided to just come back later that day to let the fog subside. Good thing we decided doing that...here's the proof! :p
