Mutual Fund

I just opened the latest email from Sunlife of Canada. If I haven't been tracking our Mutual Fund (MF) daily and have just opened the mail now, I would have been too disappointed and worried. You see, we have invested in Sunlife's MF (Equity Fund to be specific) and right now, it is currently down (as is the rest of the world stock market I pressume).

But for the past couple of months, I am glad that it is going up. It is still below the amount that we bought (meaning we're still losing) but I am optimistic, it can only go up. I just have this gut feel. LOLz.

To those who haven't heard about MF, here's Wikipedia's description: "A mutual fund is a professionally managed firm of collective investments that collects money from many investors and puts it in stocks, bonds, short-term money market instruments, and/or other securities. The fund manager, also known as portfolio manager, invests and trades the fund's underlying securities, realizing capital gains or losses and passing any proceeds to the individual investors."

We bought our shares last August 2007. We've invested it for a 5-year term. We can still withdraw the money anytime, but we'd have to pay a lot of fees if we decide to withdraw our investment before the term expires. This is what we have chosen so won't be tempted to take the money anytime we want. We have actually set aside this money for EJ's college fund.

Now that I have somewhat understood how this works, I am not sure anymore if investing it in a 5-year term is such a good idea. Maybe we should have invested it in a year's term only. But then again, we might have been tempted to use the money for something else.

I can only pray and hope that our MF's Net Asset Value goes up through the years. It goes without saying, I'll be praying for a better economy for the Philippines.

Weigh in #1

It's exactly a month ago today when I broadcasted my Weight Loss Project online. It has been a rollercoaster ride. The first ten days, I was very diligent. I went to the gym everyday. I drank a lot of water and green tea. I didn't overeat. But then comes the vacation in the Philippines. We stayed there for nine days only. But it was enough to ruin my eating habits. I was guilty of overeating. I missed the Filipino food so much. I just have to taste everything. I know it was sinful but I justified by telling myself, I won't be eating those for another six months. Fast forward to today. I dreaded the weigh in. Although my clothes don't feel too tight or too snug, I was still hesitant to step on the scale. And the numbers are: Date: August 25, 2008 Weight: 163lbs Previous month's weight: 163lbs Total weight loss: 0 I couldn't believe it! I thought I was going to crush the weighing scale with my weight gain. Apparently, I didn't gain weight since last month. I know I shouldn't be jubilant but I am just thankful no extra pounds came out of my food fest in Manila. I was relieved and disappointed at the same time. I realize that if I keep making excuses about my weight loss project then I am sure I will not achieve my target. I really should make this work. Tomorrow is another new day to begin the process.

Fancy Faucets

If there's one thing I love doing online, it's window shopping for things I could put in our house (aside from checking travel sites too). We've been planning to furnish our condo this year so we can rent it out. It's actually a flourishing business, targeting the OFWs and the Filipino immigrants all over the world. A lot of balikabayans choose to stay in a furnished condo than in hotels. It is way cheaper. We always do.

So anyway, while looking over at the bathrom fixtures, I saw these lovely faucets. I love the bronze-colored faucet. Not too flashy. It goes with the current bathroom theme we have in mind.



Image from: Moen faucets

Hopefully we'll be able to finally furnish our condo next year. We're missing on the opportunity already.

There shall be light

Our apartment here in KL certainly needs more decorative items to make this place come alive. But honestly, I couldn't be bothered. LOLz. The truth is I am really a tightwad. I know we'll be living here for a year (maybe much more depending on hubby's contract) but buying for things we won't have much use in my opinion is money spent unwisely. But if there's one thing I would add though and wouldn't cost us a penny, I'd add some lighting fixtures so it's not too "dark" here. I want a living room which is well-lighted. Warm white and dim lights are suited in the bedroom, in my opinion.

But then again, this is not my house so I'll make do with what's available =)

My bests

This list is my current favorites/bests, discovered here in KL.

SHOPPING

~best mall: Pavilion Mall (not too crowded)
~best shop: GAP (I can fit into their sizes)
~best bookstore: Borders (my baby and I can hang out there)

FOOD

~best bread: Auntie Ann's parmesan cheese (my weight loss bane)
~best seafood carbonara: Dome Cafe
~best pasta bolognese: Pizza Hut
~best casual dining: Chicken Rice Shop

BEAUTY

~best facial moisturiser: Olay
~best acne treatment: Just make sure the face is clean all the time
~best lip gloss: Nivea's lip gloss (strawberry flavor)

Rainy birthday

I turned 30 years old yesterday.

As previously mentioned in my posts, I felt nothing extraordinary. I felt it was just a usual day. I didn't have any big plans. I would have wanted a long massage but I knew that it would all depend on my baby's schedule. As it turned out, I didn't have my massage.

I had a birthday lunch at Dome cafe with hubby and EJ. It was just a usual lunch. I didn't feel like it was a birthday lunch. LOLz. Just kidding of course.

In the afternoon, Grace came over and gave me a marble chocolate cake. I was so touched. Thank you so much, girl. You brightened my day. I just feel bad you had to brave the rain going home with your little princess. I should have offered for you to stay and wait until the rain subsided. I think I lost my manners...tsk...Thank you again for the company, for the cake and for drinking wine with me. Let's do that again on your birthday? Hehehe.

We almost didn't go out for dinner because it rained. But hubby wanted to eat at Pizza Hut! I asked him "I should decide, who's birthday is it anyway?" Hehe. But I was just kidding of course. I was craving for their pasta bolognese so I gave in. We went to Pavilion while it was still drizzling.

Secretly, I wished hubby had something for me that's why he insisted on going to Pavilion. But it turned out, he was just craving for Pizza Hut's spicy wings. Hahaha!

In fairness, hubby asked me if I wanted to shop for myself as a gift. But I declined. I didn't want anything in particular. I have everything I want and more. It's true.

My only wish is good health for my family and loved ones.

PS. Actually I need a flash drive. Anybody want to give me one, as a present? =)

Hari Raya coming up

There is another public holiday (Hari Raya) coming up this end of September. I heard from my friend that it's going to be a week long holiday. Yay!

If that's true (Hubby needs to check it first with their HR) then I need to plan another holiday. It's either we go to Manila again (we have unfinished business there) or we go to Bangkok. We've been meaning to go there. But somehow, we're either out of budget or out of time.

I am sure I would love it there, what with the cheap SPA's and food (according to friends who have been there). I am not sure though, if it is a good idea to go there with a toddler. If my baby can talk, I'm sure he'd object. LOLz.

But we're going to make it up to him. We're planning to go to Hongkong Disneyland next year with some family and friends. If we have more money, I'd probably book the Orlando vacations, which include visits to Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando. EJ would have a fabulous time, I'd bet.

So yeah, we're probably going to travel again next month if indeed there's a weeklong public holiday.

Best is yet to come

I am officially 30 years young today!!! How come it doesn't feel any differently? :)

I wanted to start my day by going to the gym, you know starting it right? I woke up before the alarm alright. But before I can change into my gym outfit, I curled up in the sofa and slept again. I woke up when hubby put a blanket on my body. It was 8:30AM already. There goes my early morning.

A cousin suggested that I do something special for my birthday. But I am lost what to do. Being a tightwad that I am, I don't wanna splurge just for the sake of splurging. So I am thinking, I can probably just have a Spa treat for myself later this evening (after the customary birthday dinner, of course). Intending to google the best Spa here in KL, I logged in. But guess what I am browsing just now? I am looking at this office furniture. I am so funny :)

So yeah, a Spa treatment later. But I am not really in the mood.

I am so happy and touched that a new friend here in KL is coming over this afternoon with a self-baked cake.She's such a sweetie. I've prepared my wine, just in case we'd love to sip. Only a sip because she's coming over with her baby in tow. Baka malasing pa kami pareho, hahaha!

Aside from that, I really have no more plans. I would have liked to welcome my thirty-hood with style, but I am so lazy and unimaginative. I will probably go to sleep, just like the normal days.

What am I doing here? I am just blabbing. I should just stop and make myself some coffee. I am still sleepy I guess.

Happy 20th birthday to me!!! (err...30. But they say 30 is the new 20, so...) I know that best is yet to come. Cheers!

Best physical feature

I saw this meme around the blogosphere. I wanted to do it but without the hassle of tagging anybody. So I copied it and answered it myself.

LAYER ONE:
– Name: Josiet
– Birth date: August 22
– Birthplace: Surigao City
– Current Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
– Eye Color: Brown
– Hair Color: Black
– Righty or Lefty: Righty

LAYER TWO:
– Your heritage: Filipino
– The shoes you wore today: I seldom wear shoes now, mostly it's flipflops
– Your weakness: Auntie Ann's parmesan cheese!
– Your fears: Height, and losing my loved ones
– Your perfect pizza: Nothing really, I'm not a pizza girl
– Goal you’d like to achieve in life: Financially independent and happy family life

LAYER THREE:
– Your most overused phrase on YM: Oist
– Your first waking thoughts: It depends..
– Your best physical feature: My teeth (my killer smile, nyehehehe)
– Your most missed memory: Life in the province

LAYER FOUR:
– Pepsi or Coke: Coke
– McDonald’s or Burger King: McDonald’s
– Single or group dates: Single Dates
– Adidas or Nike: Nike
– Lipton Ice Tea or Nestea: Nestea
– Chocolate or vanilla: Chocolate
– Cappuccino or coffee: Cappuccino

LAYER FIVE
– A famous person, dead or alive, would you interview: Oprah
– Movie can you watch and say the lines along with the actors: Jerry Maguire
– Name two of your passions in life : My family and my family
– Least favorite time of day: Early evening, while waiting for hubby to come home

LAYER SIX
– Use hairspray or gel: No
– Your favorite meal: Sinigang na Bangus
– Color of the inside of your head when you close your eyes: White
– Listen to classical music: No
– Ever said LOL in real life without thinking about it: No

Is it time to say goodbye?

I am contemplating of replacing my 5-month old Gateway notebook. It's not that I don't like it. In fact I do. The problem is when the processor heats up, I can feel it in my palm when I am writing. And it's making me uncomfortable. I've tried using the cooler but it doesn't work.

My brother has a Macbook for sale. He got it second-hand and he's selling it to me for Php35K. He said he even got an extra Mac memory, and he's giving it for free. Quite a catch. But what will I do with my laptop? Sell it?

Hmm..I don't know. I would love to own a Macbook but I don't think it is wise to buy another laptop for now even if it is cheap. We've spent considerable amount when we were on vacation in Manila last week. I think we'll have to tame our expenses for now.

I'll think I'll just wear gloves when I am typing? LOLz

We will be Billionaires!

Since we were on vacation the past nine days, I was also on hiatus from my daily bloghopping. Among my daily stop is Inquirer's Money Smarts. The blog talks about personal finance, business and financial independence, among others. I got hooked because just like the rest of us, I wanted our little family to be financially independent. I get a lot of tips on how to save and minimize expenses. I must say I have learned a lot.

While browsing today, a new post caught my eye - Are you a Millionaire in the making? According to the author, these questions below will help you begin to find out if you're a millionaire in the making:

1) Do you live way below your means?
2) Are you a tightwad?
3) Do you own your home or actively planning to own one?
4) Are you smart in managing your credit card debt?
5) Are you an aggressive but informed investor?
6) If you are a professional, do you love your work?
7) If you are an entrepreneur, do you love your business?
8) Can you forego buying something that will give you status for something that will enhance your investment or business portfolio?
9) Do you spend heavily on education?
10) Are you bothered if your friends or relatives look like they have a better lifestyle than you do?

A “yes” answer to the first nine questions is a good key to being a millionaire – or billionaire – in the making.

Even if I am a SAHM, I think I still qualify to answer. Whatever my husband is earning is mine too, right? hehehehe. Seriously, I do the budgeting in the household. Out of the first nine questions, I only answered "no" on number 9. Since our baby is still a toddler we still haven't spent anything yet on education. What we have done is set aside some money for his education. But I feel it is not enough yet.

Since I answered 8 "yes" to the first nine questions and we are working on the question number 9, I guess we are still on our way to becoming a billionaire? Maybe!:)

Check it our if you are interested to know how you will fare.

It's my birthday and I want to party....not

I was looking at the calendar when I suddenly remembered, it's my birthday on friday (22nd)! I almost forgot, lol.

Not that I don't want to celebrate my birthday. I am actually looking forward to turning thirty. I heard that thirty is the new twenty but with more money. Who doesn't want that, right?

But with all the packing and unpacking these past weeks, I lost count of the days and even my whereabouts. Funny! I am glad, I checked the calendar. I can now plan what I want for my birthday :)

I think I'd have a long massage, followed by dinner and a coffee afterwards. That's it. It would be a bonus if my baby will behave so we all have a relaxing time.

Still cheaper here

I can't help but compare Manila and KL. Well, because family and friends keep asking me how is KL compared to Manila.

My usual answer is "KL is almost the same as Manila". And it is. I feel like I am just in Makati or Ortigas. The Malays look like Filipinos too (we are often mistaken as Malays). But of course there are differences too.

They do have a nice transportation system making it easy to commute. And I feel like the traffic here in Manila is horrendous compared to KL. Having said that, I still love Manila,lol.

It is still cheaper to live here. Supermarkets are bigger. I can find everything I want in one supermarket. What I absolutely miss when I am in KL are the promotional products available in supermarkets. I am a sucker for that, lol. In SM alone, you'd get a lot of that.

We're going back to KL on Sunday. And I am missing Manila already. Sigh. I hope more budget airlines will sprout so that airfares go down and we can go home every week, hahaha!

Gap on Shangrila Mall

I was pleasantly surprised to find a Gap store inside Shangrila Mall in Ortigas. It is on the first floor occupying what was once Rustan's beauty products store.

Yay! I don’t need to go to Makati or Trinoma Mall to check out the Gap stores. The sales clerk told me they just opened last May.

Anyway, I went inside immediately. I was so happy to see their 20% off sign sale. I went to the Gap kids first. I checked the price. Again I was surprised to see that it’s cheaper compared to Malaysia. It was only P550+ for a baby shirt and it was not even on sale (I didn’t notice I was on the new arrival area..hehehe).

I bought a pair of pants and a jeans for me. When I tried on the size 10, it was a little snug. Goodness, I’ve only been here for a few days and I’ve gained weight already? Grrr…So anyway, I bought the size 12.

But when I put it on back at the hotel, size 12 was a little big. Hahahaha! I was confused. Hubby recommended I keep the size 12. He thinks I might gain some more pounds. LOL. I hope not.

~~~

Check out these Festina watches. I want one of them. If only I didn’t shop too much already I might be able to buy one. Oh well, maybe next time :)

Vacation homes

As my favorite past time, I always check places to visit in the future. I came across Outer Banks . They are oh so lovely. I told my brother to check the site because he’s looking for some inspiration. He’s building a vacation rental in the province. Well, he’s starting small with just a two-storey house, two bedrooms upstairs and a master’s bedroom on the ground floor. I see a lot of potential in this project. It is a beach-front house with a beautiful beach. It is also surrounded by small islands. I can just picture snorkeling and fishing as the main activities of the guests. Hopefully it is complete by end of this year.

E-Ticket

I received an email today from Malaysia Airlines advising me to call their Philippine Reservation office. I thought, what for? As I read on, they want us to give our credit card details to reconfirm our booking made online. Huh?

It’s not my first time to book a ticket online but this is the first time I was asked to reconfirm our ticket by also giving our credit card. What’s the credit card for? We paid the e-ticket already. Hmmm…

I’ll definitely give them a call tomorrow. I might as well check if I bought the travel insurance when I made the booking. I cannot find it on our ticket itinerary.

Honesty is not always the best policy

You know how families can be brutally honest, right? Well, my family is not exempted. And I hate it especially if I am the object of their honesty.

The moment my brother saw me he immediately said “you’re as big as an elephant”. Isn’t that infuriating? I mean I know I am fat but I just don’t like people telling me how fat I am. Telling me how fat I am is just tantamount to saying, “hey ugly, go stuff yourself with "weight loss pills”. I know ugly and fat are two different things but reality bites. In a world we live in right now thin equals beautiful.

Though I should really take things lightly and shouldn't take offense too. I don't think my family meant to say I am ugly, right?:)

I was once a pimply-face

My sister complimented me on my pimple free skin now. She wanted to know if I used an acne cream.

There was a time (I was still working in Maldives then) when my face was infested with pimples. I even thought it was acne. My friends in the resort were even worried for me.

When I started to work in Maldives, I only had the occasional pimple but at some point those pimples spread out and never left my face for several months. It was agonizing. Imagine facing the guests with a lot of pimples on my face. I don’t know how I survived those months. The guests must have been embarrassed for me..hehehe.

I tried a lot of things just to get rid of my pimples. I tried putting on some creams but it made the pimple worse. I tried eating a lot of ampalaya (bittergourd) and drinking its juice because I heard it healing powers but it was not effective on me. I even tried rubbing on some alcohol (only 70% isopropyl) because my other sister swears by it but it just inflamed my face.

Funnily the moment I stopped being obsessed about my pimples, it also stopped growing on my face. Eventually, my face cleared. I don’t know what really healed my pimples. But starting then, I just wash my face twice a day.

Now and then, I dab some Olay cream. It makes my skin glow. But other than that, I don’t abuse my face with a lot of chemicals anymore.

Van Business

That’s my brother’s new business in Surigao (our province). Today I overhear him tell my father that somebody wants to hire the van. They're going on a road trip from Surigao all the way to Baguio. Wow, what a long drive - from the southern part to the northern part of the Philippines! I can’t imagine travelling that far by land. It’s got to be uncomfortable at some point. Either they don’t like to fly or they don’t like to fly. Hehehe, just kidding. Well, maybe they’d like to stop by at different parts of the Philippines. I just hope my brother didn’t forget to get an auto insurance.

Of food and magazines

We went to SM Megamall grocery the other day. I was tempted to put everything I want on our pushcarts, hahaha! I miss a lot of my Filipino comfort food. Having been away for six months, it makes me crave for food I don’t have access in KL. I managed to control myself and put only the food that I really missed.

So here’s what I put in our pushcarts:
~chippy
~nova
~dried mango
~macapuno
~corn bits

And of course, I didn’t forget to get a copy of Yes! Magazine. I am not really a fan of Pinoy Showbiz. But everytime I’m in Manila, I just can’t help but get a copy. Somehow, a visit to Manila is not complete without a dose of Pinoy Showbiz.

I was just disappointed that nothing controversial was on this month’s issue. LOL. The issue was all about Daboy’s life as an actor. Well, since I am not a fan of his, I found it boring.

Gelli and Ariel’s newly renovated home was also featured. I think this is the only topic I read from start to finish. I found out Ariel is a golf enthusiast. He even posed with his golf clubs on the pic (I wonder though if it were Callaway golf clubs?).

I am still looking for a copy of Hello magazine with Brad and Angie on the cover. They seem to be out of the racks. I need to ask the attendant next time.

My achy feet

Because we have been busy and basically all over the place, my feet hurts from walking on flip flops. And now I am craving for a solid flat shoes. I am already tired from carrying EJ all the time because he doesn't want to walk on his own, so it would nice to be walking in a comfortable shoes. While I was online last night I checked some online store for some shoe inspiration. And I came across Manolo Blahniks shoes.




This one caught my eye. It's simple and of course flat. Just what I need and want. The only thing is that it is beyond my budget..hehehe.

I'll just head over to Megamall. I am sure there are plenty of ballet shoes I can afford.

Lucky girl

There's a new baby in the house! No, it's not mine. It's my sis' first baby. Her name is Jurice. She was born last 08-08-08 (August 8, 2008). Isn't that lucky? Well, you know how they say that a number 8 is a lucky number. Well, she's triple lucky in the case then..hehehe.

~~~

After the visit in Bacoor Cavite we went to MOA. The mall was jam-packed! We just went there to buy EJ's shirt and jeans for his birthday the following day. We also managed to squeeze in a visit to a Lacoste store and I bought hubby a shirt (from my blog earnings!)

~~~

After that we went to Dampa along Macapagal Avenue and had dinner with my family. It was such a nice feeling being able to pay the bill from my own money. I just wish that there's a way I can transfer my paypal money direct into my Checking Account. It would be easier that way.

~~~

We went home around 9PM and I was so exhausted. I am not used anymore to a hectic schedule. Now if only I can get somebody to look after EJ so I can head to the nearest SPA. That would be really wonderful!

I keep coming back

...to Manila.

I didn't grow up here but Manila is home to me (though of course I still am a probinsyana at heart). I gained my independence when I went to a university. I was 16 and alone and Manila was my oyster. It was such an exhilarating feeling. New friendships and memories were formed. That's why I always feel at home in Manila.

Now that were here on a short vacation, I suddenly miss everything. Even the horrendous traffic, hahahaha! Seriously, I just love being back home.

We'll be busy the whole time were here and I will definitely enjoy every moment of it.


~~~

While having breakfast this morning at the hotel, we saw a guy being interviewed. It brought back funny memories when I was still on job search. I had a lot of silly adventures and misadventures then. But that's for another post. :)

Blessing

The more one worries, the older one gets; the more one laughs, the younger one feels. ~ Chinese Proverb

Is that me?

I miss being skinny. Not that I was REALLY skinny. Okay to be safe, I wasn't fat. But during those times that I wasn't fat, I still felt fat. But looking at my old files now, I have to admit I wasn't fat. I actually love what I see. I was at my "skinniest" when I was still working in Maldives. Maybe because I was too busy enjoying life and work that I forgot to eat? Hehehe. I was a GSO at Fullmoon Maldives. My boss, Vicki was the bestest boss making work a breeze. I also just love my work. I felt like I finally found the job that I would excel and love at the same time. There were times where the hotel was super busy (Christmas Season) and we were crazy running around, but I loved it. I wonder if front office people in vegas hotels get crazy during holidays? What with a throng of people checking in... So anyway, yeah I was not fat then. Taking a break at Makunudo Resort, Maldives At the staff accomodation in Fullmoon Maldives. I am not sure if I'd ever get back to the same body before. But I will surely try to work hard.

LIFE

"Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing" ~ HELEN KELLER

What tomorrow brings

Venice....Athens....Naples....Rome....Florence....Marseille....Monte Carlo....Barcelona....Who wouldn't want to visit these cities?

I was browsing some cruise itineraries (not that we are going on one anytime soon..i can only wish hehehe) particularly Mediterranean cruises and I learned that it goes on the above cities. Wow!

Among other things I've always dreamed of going on a romantic gondola ride on the Grand Canal of Venice. I guess a trip to Europe or Venice for that matter will not be complete without the above itinerary.

Europe's always been for the dreamy and the romantic. Since I am one, I sure hope to visit one day.

For now these dreams are just dreams. But some dreams do come true, right?

The world has seen

I guess everyone in the world has seen Brad and Angelina's twins. Except for me.

I went to my favorite Border's bookstore yesterday to look for the Hello Magazine where Brangelina's twins are featured. I totally forgot that half of Border's is on renovation. But I still went ahead. The second floor might have a stash of magazine. But when I went there, only local magazines were on sale. I asked the staff if they have Hello Magazine or People magazine. He said their subscription is temporarily on hold while they are partly on renovation. Oh, ok.

So now I don't know where to get my mag! I want to see the babies, and the whole family. I've become a fan of all the kids. The girls Shiloh and Zahara are so pretty and the boys are just too cute and funky.

I might check out Sungei Wang later. If not, then I'll just get the copy in Manila. We're flying on Friday na!! Yipee!!! Hopefully it won't run out of stocks.

~~~

Meanwhile if you're in the hunt for some classy and beautiful furnitures, do check out importadvantage.com. They do have a great selection, especially of tv furniture. I would love to have one if only our condo has been furnished already.

Spare Money

So I have spare money to spend once we're in Manila.

The question is, should I buy it for myself only or should I share it?

My first instinct actually was to go and visit an LV store in Manila. But I may need a blood pressure monitor if I go inside the store. Why? Because I might have a heart attack looking at the prices. Hahahaha!!

Seriously, I want to share my very first "blog earnings" with my dearest hubby. It's just right.

I'd like to buy a pair of watches for us. And maybe go to a spa and then buy EJ a train set if there's more.

But I don't think I'd be able to afford all that. Maybe just the watches?

Now I am stressed just thinking about it. Hehehe. So maybe we'll just pamper ourselves at the SPA.

Shopping spree

We have a self-imposed budget every month. Everyday I diligently write every cent we spend. And so far, so good. We've always managed to stay within the budget.

But last month was different.

We were RM1,000 below the budget. Wow! I couldn't believe it. I guess we managed to shy away from buying EJ lots of toys and I have been a very dutiful wife cooking dinner almost every night (well, except weekends of course).

So what do we do with the extra RM1,000? Shopping of course!

We decided to treat ourselves. And last weekend, we went to Pavilion mall with the money we saved.

We started by having lunch at Carl's Jr. Their burgers are so big but I decided to finish it off anyway. Saturday is my off day at dieting. Hehehe.

Then after lunch, we immediately went shopping. Even EJ was excited that day. He usually naps at 2pm. But he wast still hyper even at past 2pm. He even danced inside the store. He didn't mind the people watching him. Hahaha! Unfortunately I didn't see it. Only hubby did because I was busy :)

But after three hours of shopping, EJ finally slept and hubby complained he was tired already. While I was still full of energy! I didn't even notice three hours have passed by. Come to think of it, I've walked for three hours. Meaning I've exercised for three hours without me getting bored. Yay! Now I know why the fashionistas are skinny. It's because of the time they spend shopping. Shopping is even better than diet pills! Hahaha.

What did we buy?

Hubby bought 2 shirts, 1 polo shirt and 3 cargo shorts (he's addicted to cargo shorts lately!). I bought 2 blouses, 1 sleeveless, 1 jacket and 2 bangles. EJ had 1 shorts and some toys.

What a happy weekend it was!

Movies and Popcorn

I have mentioned in my previous post that among other things I am looking forward to watching a movie in a cinema/moviehouse. Watching a movie on DVD is not as exciting as going to the cinema. It's just incomparable.

And speaking of movies, this makes me crave for a popcorn!! Do you notice how cinemas smell of popcorn? Well, I love that smell. Watching a movie is not a complete experience without a popcorn in my hand. But if I am watching a really serious movie, then I don't bring a popcorn inside.

Since I am on a mission right now, I don't think I'd be bringing in a boxful of popcorn when I go inside the moviehouse. Unless there is a diet popcorn available. Hahaha!!!

Seriously though, I'd love to have one of 'em popcorn machines in our house. If only to get a constant whiff of its smell. Seriously. Hahaha, kidding.

I've digressed.

So here is the list of movies I want to watch in Manila:




Mama Mia!






Hancock





Dark Knight

The Mummy (Just because Jet Li is there!)

I hope we have time to watch all of these. I haven't been to a cinema in six months! And for me that feels like a century already. Hahaha!!

Things to look forward to

Exactly one week from today, we're flying to Manila for a short holiday.

As always, I am excited. As if we haven't been home for a while. But there's nothing like being home with family and friends.

For this trip, I am looking forward to the following:

1) EJ's second birthday. He's been practising how to blow a candle. And he's very enthusiastic about it. Last night, hubby got tired lighting the candle because after blowing it off, EJ would demand it be lighted again. Let's see if he can properly blow the candles on his birthday.




2) After six months of chemotherapy, my mother will have her last session on this month. Thanks God.

3) "Budbod" - a local delicacy. Sort of a cassava cake with a sweetened young coconut as filling and wrapped in a banana leaf. I'm drooling now, just thinking about it. My mother said they'll make it the day before they fly for Manila.

4) Seafood trip at Dampa. Whenever we're in Manila, we always go to Dampa Libis or Ortigas. Hopefully, I won't be tempted to over eat. Or else I might just bring with me a generic Phentermine to curb my appetite.

5) A new baby into the family. Our youngest sister is giving birth to their first born child. Hopefully she gives birth while we are still there so we can still see the baby.

6) Watch a movie. I'm sure somebody will be willing to look after EJ so hubby and I can go out. I miss watching a movie in a movie theater!

7) Of course, reunion with family and friends.

I am so excited!!!!