S.W.E.E.T.E.Z.I.L

Forever in my Heart...

2011-11-01T16:43:00.001-07:00

KT (King Tabby)
Oct. 18, 2005 - Nov. 1, 2011

I am in deep pain and grieving... the hardest and most painful part is waking up and realizing you are not there anymore.

It pains me to open the door, knowing I will never see you again sleeping on my slippers.

It pains me to go downstairs, knowing you will never walk beside me again.

It pains me to see your bowls, realizing I will never see your face again, that intent look you always give me when you ask for food.

Not everybody would understand how much I love you, KT.

I had always fought for you - when you were a kitten and I was diagnosed with PLEVA, some people wanted you out of my life, saying you might be the cause of my sickness- but I kept you and in time my PLEVA just went away.

As we went along our family grew bigger…

we had Sofie,

we adopted Mypee and Bantee,

but never did I feel any jealousy from you, you welcomed them and loved them.

And as we go along, problems came, may it be financial or housework that piled up, the difficulty of juggling full time employment and domestic management without any outside help—these same people continuously tell me to give you up.. they are so heartless…

You were never a burden to me, and I kept you until your last breath.

You were my companion, most especially during the time we were not working homebased and Spence and I have different working schedules.

You gave me company, comfort and warmth. Whenever I feel alone, sad and stressed out.

You were my baby; I never treated you like a ‘cat’. I treated you and loved you like our first baby.

You are a part of our journey, as Spence and I were just starting as a family. You witnessed the joy, laughter, struggles and challenges…

You are a part of our lives. You are a part of my life, a part of me--- and now you are gone… I just feel so much pain, so much pain in my heart.

Project 31: Day 9: Go Organics!

2011-03-31T01:59:00.000-07:00

Go Organics!

I sell them, we use them. My part in green living.

Project 31: Day 8: 2011 Planners

2011-03-31T01:23:00.000-07:00

2011 Planners

Time to revisit our goals. And yes, I have 3 planners... one for biz, one for personal and one for events.

Project 31: Day 7: Travel in Pink

2011-03-31T01:08:00.000-07:00

Travel in Pink

Coz Pink makes me happy.

Project 31: Day 6: Li'l Creations

2011-03-25T01:54:00.000-07:00

Li'l Creations

Was about to get mad when I saw this, then Sofie said, "Mommy, look dog", pointing at the left doodles. Oh, I just smiled and said, it's beautiful baby!

Project 31: Day 5: Save the World

2011-03-25T01:34:00.001-07:00

Save the World

A very timely reminder to all of us.

Project 31: Day 4: Duo (Giant Baby Foot & Piece of Cake

2011-03-13T01:18:00.000-08:00

Two pictures for this day simply because I was having a hard time choosing just one..

Giant Baby Foot

A real funny moment, I was aiming for the stray cat when suddenly Sofie run and posed.

Piece of Cake

From the walls of Red Ribbon.

Project 31: Day 3: Colorful

2011-03-13T01:11:00.000-08:00

Colorful

Let's make our lives colorful.

Project 31: Day 2: Hydroculture Plants

2011-03-08T02:05:00.000-08:00

Hydroculture Plants.

My new collection.

Project 31: Day 1: Getting Ready For Summer

2011-03-08T01:51:00.000-08:00

In less than a month, I will be hitting 31! So I decided to commit myself to a simple project.. Project 31.

31 Days. 31 Photos.

Getting ready for Summer.

Sofie with her new sunglasses.

My 2010 Reflections

2010-12-30T20:58:00.000-08:00

Year 2010 had been quite a challenging year for our family.

We had lost a loved one…

We had to relocate unexpectedly…

Both situations caught us unprepared. There were moments that it had been difficult emotionally and financially.

It tested our strength, courage and faith –

.. as individuals

.. as partners

.. as a family

Even more we are grateful for these trying times because it had made us stronger and more resilient in life.

Thank you, Lord…

For giving us Mypee and Bantee, our guard dogs.

For mending broken relationships and reconnecting with family ties.

For new friends we have gained.

For my home based job (3 years and counting) that had given me the opportunity to take care of Sofie at the same time putting money on the table.

For giving me perseverance and determination to start my online business.

For family, friends, loved ones whom we may not be physically be with always due to distance or our working life style but had been helpful and supportive to us.

For Sofie, who can be a handful at times but my source of happiness and fulfillment. She is my ‘constant reminder’ to always move forward and go on.

For Spence, for being the understanding husband, who looks beyond our messy house that seems to be an organized chaos to us.

For life.. (I turned 30 this year.) Thank you!

Happy 5th Bday KT, My Furr-ever Love!

2010-10-17T08:15:00.000-07:00

After 1 year and 1 month, I am reviving this blog. And it is such a purr-fect timing for KT's 5th birthday! Five years ago, I have declared Oct. 18, 2005 to be KT's birthday. KT was my husband's Xmas gift to me at that same year. And he had been with us ever since.

KT, my King Tabby, happy 5 "cat" years! That is equivalent to 37 human years (Baby, you are older than me now :P ). I know so much has changed now, our family has grown bigger. You now have Sofie too, who calls all cats "KT". I hope you are not jealous of Mypee and Bantee, having them does not mean I love you less. I do feel guilty at times that I cannot spend as much time and give you as much attention as I used to. But I hope that you feel that in my heart, my concern and love for you has never changed.

Maybe some people will find me weird for having such affection to a cat. I know only fellow pet lovers can understand such love....

A younger KT and a thinner Me, hehe!

Sharing KT's catster account: http://www.catster.com/cats/409319

Reminiscing Mode

2009-09-12T21:15:00.000-07:00

My mom and bro visited us yesterday and they brought some of my old stuff (HS to College Years) that I have left ever since I moved out from LP.

Some interesting finds:

My elementary and high school yearbooks. Sayang naiwan pa rin yung sa DLSU.

An unfinished cross stitch project.

A VHS tape of City of Angels. I wonder if I borrowed this from someone?

A manual of Spencer's gift to me from his first paycheck.

College course cards.

Photo negatives of High School memories.

Cassette tapes. Yeah, I love Shaggy!

NBS plastic, their old design.

This one tugged my heart. Photo album.

And the whole time I was tinkering and cleaning these things, KT was with me! So sweet!

Another MAID BEWARE...Leyden Haberia Reyes

2009-07-09T21:17:00.000-07:00

I thought she was the angel I have prayed for... until things started missing... and then yesterday I accidentally saw her diary, and to my surprise she had been stealing from us and she actually has a list (not all are shown). And some are really, really odd things, like tissue rolls, my old notebook, alarm clock, my tweezer, a copy of birth cerificate of Sofie!

I don't care if she is klepto.. I don't think I can sleep peacefully knowing I have someone in our house who is a thief!

This morning, after thoroughly checking (and discovering more things she has hidden) I paid the days she had worked for us and sent her away! I also gave her the things she stole (HELLO, TWEEZER??? COULD NOT BELIEVE SUCH PERSONAL THINGS PINAGKAKAINTERESAN PA!!!!)

Goodness, I'm the one who cooks na nga and all she has to do are the minor things, our washing machine is even automatic .. AS IN IHUHULOG NA LANG PAGKATAPOS ISASAMPAY NA LANG! She does not even take care of Sofie. And then she is like this! I don't need to pay 3k monthly plus free toiletries to someone who is just a pain in the ass!

And by the way she admitted that she has falsified her age, (only 17) even in her NBI clearance. She is connected with Leah Gonzales, whom she said was her aunt, and had encouraged her to invent stories just so they can both apply in the agency.

Again, she is the replacement of a replacement from Lerixx Manpower. I did not ask for a replacement anymore despite our contract because this had been costing us already (money-wise, and for God's sake MY SANITY!)

I am calling out to all agencies, future employers, please think twice if you see this person knocking at your door!

And then some more!

2009-06-25T05:21:00.001-07:00

I initially wanted the 'immersion' style but then we realized likot na si Sofie talaga.

I love this shot! The guests were afraid of the icing I guess coz we had about 15 left after the party! LOL!

Prizes for the games.

Kids lootbags.

For the Godparents, though some were not able to come (Your tumblers are still in our home, you're welcome to drop by hehehe...)

My beautiful daughter, I think we look alike here when I was a toddler too.

Some more pics (Random Order) !

2009-06-25T04:50:00.000-07:00

Picking up candies that fell from the Pinata!

Mommy and Baby Sofie!

Another shot of the cake.

Food! Where's the soup?

Sofie's Christening and First Birthday!

2009-06-25T02:36:00.000-07:00

To my Sofie,

This is mommy's birthday wish for you, not only today but for the rest of your birthdays... that you will grow up as a good person, strong and independent yet has faith that there is someone out there who is bigger and more powerful.

Mommy will always wish what is best for you and will give anything as long as I can. I will always be your biggest fan, in every milestone, in every achievement. I will always support you in any dreams you have. Mommy will always be here for you, ready to comfort you in times of trials.

Parents will always want what is best for their children. Mommy too, but more than that… . Beyond success in life, I will always wish you fulfilment and happiness!

I love you , anak!

-Mommy

Yay! Got the pictures from Focal Point. Thanks Chris, we love the shots! So let me share with you some pics taken during my daughter’s Christening and 1^st birthday celebration last June 14, 2009. (I know it's like a teaser only teeheee! For sure my guests will want to see their pictures! More pics in FB or Picasa!)

Cupcake Tower by Iko's Bakeshop (Supplier of Shakey's Galleria)

DIY photocubes (Inspired by GT forum)

Edsa Shrine, San Lorenzo Chapel

Likot ni Sofie during the ceremony!

Our Little Princess... Forever!

BEWARE OF THIS MAID/YAYA

2009-05-28T10:46:00.000-07:00

Up to now it still gives me goosebumps. I just could not believe it happened and could not erase scary thoughts of what else could have happened.

About 2 months ago, I had been doing maid/yaya hunting. I asked for referrals from relatives, friends and officemates; had begged to ask their own household help but got no results. Out of desperation I resorted to inquire from agencies, despite the fact that it was more expensive and I will be dealing with strangers. I short listed those that are legit (as they claim they have license) and talked to 5 of them (most are from sulit.com.ph)

They have almost the same standards: an office fee of 3k (minimum), 20-25% maid's salary (lowest salary is 3k), delivery charge (P300), and will provide Police and NBI clearance of maid. Medical tests are optional and their fees (ranges from P250 - 600) varies on the type of tests you want. Their replacement polices differs, the average is within 6 months should something happen (like what happened to us) they will provide a maid replacement. Most agencies also claim that they had thoroughly interviewed and trained (???) the applicants they provide, which I highly doubt.

We have decided to get from Lerixx Manpower since here is where my former manager' good friend got their maids. For now, I will not make any comment on this agency. I am still giving them the benefit of the doubt, BUT they better take actions and answer my calls. I had been trying to contact them after I went to the police but all their contact numbers (landline and cellphone) were either just ringing or busy.

Back to this runaway maid, it really did not occur to me that she would do such. Though I find her work as mediocre ('pwede ng pagtyagaan kesa sa wala'). I have observed that she does not really interact with my daughter. Though I primarily hired her as maid and not yaya, there will be times of course that I had to do something else or there will be nights that Sofie will be awake while I am working and I would ask her to look after my baby. And she would just literally LOOK at my baby, just sitting beside her crib! It was fine, I guess, because Sofie could have picked up incorrect words. Whenever I ask her to list what we need to buy for a week's food menu, I often find mispelled basic words. And she seems to be color blinded because she interchanges the colors blue and green, black and gray. Please don't get me wrong, I am not expecting her to be an intelligent person but she, her bio data and the agency told me that she was at least a High School graduate!

She has a bad habit of answering "Hindi ko po alam (I don't know)" whenever you ask her and I find it absolutely irritating!

She had broken a few things as well: our stove knob, handle of pot (which was new) cover, did some silly things like using the liquid toilet bowl cleanser to the tiles of our CR, put our pitcher under the sink along with the cleaning materials. But all these are trivial, and I could let it pass.

What she did today has compelled me to go to the baranggay and police station (they are not that helpful, but that is another story) for police blotter.

So here is the story (Sorry for the long prelude, I just could not contain it within me.). After getting her first month's pay (May 17, 2009) she asked if she can have in advance her next month's pay and that she will just work it off. Her drama was that her mother was in the hospital and she was the only one who can give money. I did not buy it and instead told her that we can give her half of her salary on the 30th. (It was her preference before to have her pay once a month.) She agreed and even suggested that she will just move her day off on the same date.

Three days ago, she asked if she can just get her salary on Thursday (yesterday) because her cousin will go to their province thus she will just meet up with her in Puregold/Hypermarket which was near us. That was fine with me. She went out 8:30am and came back 10:15am.

I told her then as she arrived to prepare our brunch, She did, though I noticed it took her long to finish it. After our family ate (12:30pm) we went back to our room. And that was the last time I saw her.

It was already around 4pm when we discovered that she was gone, along with some of our things! Based on the look of our kitchen and dining, it seems that she did not eat anymore and hurriedly put away the dishes, did not bother to clean the table and do the dishes. Her CR (Yes, she has her own maid's quarter and CR!) was a mess, all her unwashed maid's uniform were piled up! We found a note saying that she was sorry she had to leave because she is pregnant! This I could not believe! Just the other night I saw blood stains on her white pants indicating that she just had her period.

I could have forgiven her if she had just left, but she took the Nokia cellphone we lend her, a pair of slippers, few bills and coins, Sofie's RL bag (new and worth P2k) ... oh and I was also looking for our alcohol in the sala, she took that too!

I have yet to find what else is missing. I thank God that all our valuables are safe and I thank God that she did not harm my daughter. It just bothers me now, if all along she had planned this or if she had other bad plans for us.

Creepy, scary that we had someone in our home with such motives. God knows what else she could have done.

Her name is Gerelyn Melad Lidong, 18 yo, born on Oct. 15, 1990. She said that her province was in Apayao. And she has a cousin in Fairview, Pasig. She refers this cousin as her only contact here in Manila.

A more readable Font type

2009-05-15T12:51:00.001-07:00

After getting 2 constuctive comments from my loved ones (hubby and my tita), I changed the font style that I have used. I guess it was just me who can decipher the previous one I used :p

Credits can be found below.

Credits: Come on get happy! by Andrea

Save the Date

2009-05-14T21:02:00.000-07:00

Just freshly done! Credits will be on my next post (tired and sleepy already). I might send this out to the guests later or tonight hopefully....

Blogless

2009-05-14T20:34:00.000-07:00

...for more than 3 months!

Oh, yeah! Of course, I have my reasons (errr.. EXCUSES?). Ironic as it may sound but for the past months my mind was filled with scattered thoughts and questions. And yet I opt to be silent. Perhaps amidst the craziness inside me I found comfort in being silent in my internet life (that includes FB, Plurk and GT).

Quarterlife crisis? I don't know because I turned 29 last month and I'm not sure if that is still considered in that age range. LOL!

We also changed our address (literally, we MOVED) and got busy with the fixing and packing, unpacking and ....(okay the fixing is not yet totally done, harhar)!

So, enough of the drama. I am here now and cramming with the preparations for Sofie's baptism and 1st birthday celebration!

Mixed Emotions

2009-02-03T17:41:00.000-08:00

February - the Love Month!

I have mixed emotions as this month started. Happy. Sad. Excited. Melancholic. And excited again. {I am using the sandwich approach here!}

HAPPY. Well, it's Valentine's! And this will be Sofie's first so I told my husband that we will have a family date. And I am also secretly expecting some Ferrero from DH, ok not a secret anymore! It is also Sofie's 8th month birthday. Since her birth, we see to it that we celebrate her monthly birthday until she reaches her first year (a simple one, just a cake and a candle, and picture taking). So this time it will be a 2 in 1 celebration.

SAD. Because I know as the day passes by, it is like I am counting the days I'll be spending with Ms. Dine, my manager in the virtual office I work for. Yes, she is the author of the award winning blog, The D Spot. When I read her post, I already had a hunch of what she was trying to tell. Then she confirmed that she has submitted her resignation letter and it will be effective mid-February. I cried.

I cried for a number of reasons. I don't think I can publish them but one thing is for sure I will definitely miss someone who is genuinely concern with her staff.

EXCITED. Finally, the much awaited balikbayan box will soon arrive! Would you believe that we had been waiting for it since January? I literally stopped myself from buying toys for Sofie during the Christmas season so as not to duplicate the toys my relatives from US had bought for her.

MELANCHOLIC. On February 17, it will be 3 years since my grandfather passed away. There are still times that I cry. There are still moments that I get sad especially when I see old pictures of him and my grandmother. Photographs that most of the time I was the one who took.

AND EXCITED AGAIN. And I will be certainly jumping like a kid if the SIMS 3 will work with great speed on my lappy. SIMS 3 will be released on the 20th of this month.

Last Stretch

2009-01-26T11:41:00.000-08:00

Last week as I was looking for baby photo contests that Sofie can join, I stumbled upon the website of Baby Central. It is the online portal of Baby magazine. And I find their site cool and it is fun to connect with mommies (and daddies!) and talk about our babies and the joys/pains of parenthood.

I was having second thoughts of submitting an entry for their 'Famous Baby of the month' contest. I was thinking it might be late since we only have 1 week to promote my baby's picture (Yes, it's like a popularity contest, the winner is based on the number of views, comments, and ratings.)! Nevertheless, I submitted a picture of Sofie, which a layout I did prior to my knowledge of this contest. Coincidentally, the title of my LO is the same with the title of the theme for the month, Baby in Red. For a day or two, I was happy to see that there were so many views already.

So here's the future stage mom campaigning for her daughter!

Please vote for Sofie, your comments and rating are very, very much appreciated.

VOTE for Sofie HERE!

Thank you!

Obama -rama and a lappy

2009-01-24T16:09:00.000-08:00

So I figured out that for last week most blogs will talk about the inauguration of President Obama. I am proud to have witnessed this historical event - LIVE (through web, oh how we love technology!) When my husband saw me watching it, he said he never thought I was interested in politics. I answered, "this is history, this is what Sofie will be studying in her history class down the road (memorizing dates, places, etc)." And let's face it, though I am in the Philippines, the country (or any other countries for that matter) is somehow affected with what happens in America.

Here are some links about the Inauguration that I find interesting (maybe you will too):

Filipino artist, Charice Pempengco to sing at the Inauguration
Curious on how many people watched the In auguration on web?
UFO spotted during the Inauguration
Quick Facts about the Inauguration

On a serious note, we are all aware of the global financial crisis - so here's to hoping for solutions and a better future for all of us. YES WE CAN!

You may be wondering what is the lappy all about? Well finally, I have my own lappy and I'm using it now (Wipeee!).

{My Lappy}

For My Daughter

2009-01-09T17:07:00.000-08:00

Inspired by Smart Parenting's (December 2008 Issue) article 'Letters from the Heart', I made my own letter to my daughter, Sofie. I added a twist though, I digiscrapped it. I have 2 versions, a kiddie one that has a fun look and another one that looks formal and a bit sentimental. But they just have one message, that my daughter will always be loved...

{Credits for the first two: Mee Gee Designs. For the last one: Mocha Latte Swirls by Valeri Brumfield}

Starting the Year Right

2009-01-04T12:27:00.000-08:00

Sharing with you good mantras. On the first page of my Belle de Jour (BDJ) planner, these are the words you will see:

Live with intention.
Walk to the edge.
Listen hard.
Practice wellness.
Play with abandon.
Laugh.
Choose with no regret.
Continue to learn.
Appreciate your friends.
Do what you love.
Live as if this is all there is.

- Mary Ann Radmacher

2009. New Year. Better Me. Better Us. Better World.

{Sofie staring at BDJ.}

My Digi Gifts

2008-12-30T12:54:00.000-08:00

Months before Christmas I had been racking my brain on what I can give to my relatives who now reside in US for years. It had been a long time since we were 'physically' together. And so before I get emotional, here are the digiscraps I made for them (with their permission of posting their pics here!) :

Credits: Natures Majesty Mini Kit by Valeri Brumfield

Credits: Whispers Frames Lace, Express Yourself by Ronna Penner, Glitter and Glamour, Wordart by Andrea Sehler

Credits: Golden Haze by Scrap Fiends

Credits: Welcome Kit by DSP Designers, Wordast by Andrea Sehler

Credits: Cranberry, Wordart by Andrea Sehler

Credits: Harvest Spice by Shabbyprincess

And of course, here is the Christmas card I made:

Credits: Designs by Teri - Happy Holiday Frames,
WordArt Fun by Kathy Winters Designs,
Rainbow Gimscrap, Jamie Dell Scraps,
Mega Kit Christmas Fantasy by Scrapapat,
Vintage Central Park by Anne Fisher

Hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas!

Arianna - The Little Beyonce

2008-12-21T14:05:00.000-08:00

I so HEART Beyonce.

In her new album, I Am.. Sasha Fierce, I particularly like the singles 'If I Were a Boy' and 'Single Ladies (Put a Ring on it).

Now, watch this very talented little girl, Arianna, dancing 'Single Ladies' (vs Beyonce).

You can also watch Arianna's solo video here.

Cute, eh!

M.I.A.

2008-12-21T12:52:00.000-08:00

Missing In Action.

Okay, so I had been preoccupied. As expected, after my 1 week leave from work, tasks had piled up (Emails = Refund galore!- pun intended to my co-VAs, LOL!).

Oh, and I had been diagnosed with De Quervain's syndrome (I initially thought it was Carpal Tunnel) so I have been spending some time in Makati Med for rehab. And yes the therapy is indeed effective. The pain in my left wrist had lessened and I can somehow move again my left thumb.

So whilst, I am resting my hand. I have indulged myself in reading Find Real Happiness by William Gracian. It is a good book, very concise and inexpensive. And it has reconnected me to my inner self, reminded me of my personal dreams and long term goals.

Lastly, I enjoyed playing (and still do) Kudos 2. It is like Sims minus the action/movements. In real life I am a virtual assistant and I enjoy games like these - virtual life, haha! But you know what, such games teaches me that I should balance my real life!

I Declare

2008-12-10T11:53:00.000-08:00

... that yesterday (and 1/4 of today) was digiscrapping day! So without further ado, here are my masterpieces!

Credits: Shabby Princess Promise Collection and Sweet Sprinkles

Credits: MJV Warm Autumn Days, Natures Majesty

Credits: Mini Scraps by Melanie Violette and Meow Overlay by Teri Mayo

Credits: Retrodiva, Happy Being Me, Wire Word, and
Pea Gretchie Font

B - R - E - A - K !

2008-12-08T12:43:00.000-08:00

That is my usual YM status when the clock strikes 3am until 4am (Manila Time) during weekdays. And my husband will always kid me on that. On how I would emphasize (all in CAPSLOCK) that I am taking my break. Well, that's just the narcissism in me. I simply do not want to be disturbed when I am resting!

And today, I am officially on BREAK from work until Friday. Woohoo! I took advantage of the extra Vacation Leave credits that I have in my work. Two weeks ago, I have started listing (Yes, I am a list person!) the things that I have to do. Let me share some of them (so that I will be forced to accomplish them, HAHA!):

Declutter, declutter and declutter. The specifics? Nah, it will just be between me and my notebook.
Digiscrap. This is a great time to do all my pending LOs!
Put up the Christmas tree. Okay, no violent reactions please. I know what day it is already. But this is Sofie's first Christmas, and I will put the decors no matter what!
Thank you comments (I haven't forgotten my manners) and more posts in this blog.

There are some more TO DOs but those above are my priorities. Hope laziness and procrastination won't hit me. Oh, and I hope my other boss (Sofie) will let me complete these!

The Hero Dog

2008-12-05T19:52:00.000-08:00

When I saw this in Inside Edition, I told myself, "Such a heartwarming scene, this deserves to be blogged" . A heroic act of a dog, risking its own life to save another's.

Perhaps, in the real world of dogs, it is a dog save dog after all...

RANTING

2008-12-05T09:46:00.000-08:00

This happened yesterday afternoon (NOTE: I work graveyard shift).

3 PM - ZZZZZZZ. I started to sleep.

6 PM - RIIIIIINNNNG! RIIIIIINNNNG! RIIIIIINNNNG!
{My Thoughts: We should burn our phone!}

Sleepy hubby answered the phone. And it was for me and the caller's name was not familiar.
{My Thoughts: Please tell that person to get lost!}

Hubby told him we are sleeping and took the caller's message. And guess what, he will be going to our house in 1 to 2 hours.
{My Thoughts: WE SAID WE ARE SLEEPING!}

I wish I could share more of the details. But no, in respect to the institution that person is representing. Apparently, his purpose was valid. It just irritates me that some people can be very insensitive of other's time. Giving short notice on appointments without realizing that people have other obligations (heck, life!) too.

I value my time. And I treasure my sleep. So for crying out loud, I hope other people will!

On Self Reflection

2008-12-04T06:24:00.000-08:00

Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.

- Confucius

This had always been my belief ever since college. You see, I did not take up the course that I wanted. Backdate a decade, Computer Science/IT was the 'in demand' career. It was far from my interest because deep in my heart of hearts, it was Psychology/Psychiatry that I wanted. Talk about North and South, Black and White, Hot and Cold - they were extremely opposites.

But despite this situation, I still studied the Com-Sci Course. Why? Because I was afraid. I was afraid to be blamed. That what they were saying was true - THAT THERE WAS NO MONEY THERE. And not only that, my tuition fee cost a fortune (READ: DLSU/TRIMESTER). So there were also these fear and guilt that if I took the other road, they would not get their money's worth.

Sure I got by, and sure I got 0.0 (and that means FAIL) in Programming subjects. And after 4 years (plus 1 sem), I was able to graduate. But did you think I pursued the career I was supposed to pursue? NO.

My first job was in NAIA, as a ground stewardess. I had nothing to complain - (I was happy there, I would genuinely smile to passengers.) EXCEPT, the pay was low. It was just enough for my make up, hair accesories, perfume and stockings.

It was at that time that call centers started booming. Gave it a shot, got accepted in the telemarketing industry, reached my sales quotas, got awards, got promoted. Spent a good 4 to 5 years of selling/marketing via phone - and it was great! Stressful yes, but I was happy (because somehow there was a sense of fulfillment and of course I had commissions, LOL!).

After some time I realized whatever I was doing in call centers, I can do it at the comfort of our home. We have the means - computer, Broadband Internet, and a quiet place. That would mean NO TRAFFIC, LESS EXPENSES (Still debatable because of consumption of electricity), and SAFETY (It is dangerous to travel in the wee hours of night!)

Forward to present, I now work as a Virtual Assistant, doing administrative work to US clients.

And this thought has been tinkering my mind - and heart, Am I happy?

{Special note to my family: This does not mean that I regret my college life. I will always be grateful for the support and opportunity given to me to study in one of the best/prestigious universities here in Philippines. And to my husband: No regrets because if I had decided otherwise, I will not meet you, there will be no us, there will be no Sofie (and KT). The three of you are my life, my everything.}

My Breed

2008-12-01T19:11:00.000-08:00

Whoa, KT we are not of the same breed!!!!

You Are a Ragdoll Cat

You are extremely cute and cuddly. You are downright adorable.

Your personality matches your exterior. You are very laid back and sweet.

You don't really like the outdoors. You prefer to stay inside where it's cozy.

Luckily, you are the perfect houseguest. You are polite and obedient.

What Breed of Cat Are You?

I Confess

2008-12-01T18:48:00.000-08:00

I am becoming addicted to bloghopping! I used to go to blogs that are familiar to me then checkout their blogrolls and click and click! Now I discovered a really cool way to find blogs that are my fancy, that is through Entrecard. And not only that, every time I use it, it gives me points that I can use for my blog.

If you still don't have it go grab one here now!

The Right Side of My Brain At Work

2008-12-01T08:52:00.000-08:00

Let me share with you my first attempts on Digiscrapping.

My very first LO for my first baby. I did this while listening to Shabbyprincess' tutorial on how to create LO in Adobe.

Credits: Express Yourself Kit by Ronna Penner

I created this for my grandfather, my way of remembering him last Nov. 1, 2008.

Credits: Liv Luvs Scraps, beckyscrap.blogspot.com, and NRJ Art Therapy

Once you become a mother, you will forever be...

Credits: Shabbyprincess, Bon Scrapatit Designs, sweetblossomdesigns.blogspot.com, ASO Mini Tags, and aliciasworldofscraps.blogspot.com

My First Post

2008-11-30T17:36:00.000-08:00

Finally, I now have my own space in the so called Blogosphere! I never thought I would have one because writing is not my forte. But I will give it a try. After all, I have always wanted to write an article. In fact, I dream of writing a book (Okay, okay baby steps at a time!). This will be a venue of my Digiscrap LOs, my thoughts, and moments with my family (Spence, Sofie and KT). And hopefully in each posts my readers will get the value of their time.

Thanks to my friend (and virtual officemate) Mitch who has been very patient in answering my newbie questions.