Commercialized Christmas

Shopaholics, it's time to use your platinum cards once again. It's the year end sale here in Malaysia. It has actually started yesterday November 29 and it will last until the first week of January next year.

If I had the card to swipe.......thank goodness I don't have one. Hahaha!

But seriously, I saw SALE signs from major retailers yesterday at the mall. I was tempted to go inside a Marc Jacobs store. They have 40% off. I didn't check the prices though, I was just there to see how much discount they're giving away.

But what would make me happy is a sale from a bag store I have been eyeing for sometime now. If they go on sale, I'd probably drag my hubby. Hahaha!

I went to Gap store again yesterday. They're not on SALE. But the filipina staff told me they have a warehouse sale somewhere in Bukit Bintang. Of course, only the old stuff which I am not interested in. Even if they throw in some goodies (ie free audio books) I still won't be interested. Hahahaha!

Who I am kidding? I am actually itching to go and shop. Darn. This holiday season is not good on one's pocket.

Never mind

Last night, I was somewhere between tired and at my wits end. I just broke down. But this morning I woke up with a different mind set. I have nothing to complain. In fact I should be thankful everything is going well for me, for us as a family.

I may not have a job that pays (because being a SAHM is a job for me) but I am thankful that I still get to earn something from my blogging. I have to say thanks to the guys at Payu2blog for always giving me assignments. Some assignments are mind-splitting ie HDMI splitter, but I don't mind at all. It keeps me challanged. Hahaha.

See, I shouldn't really complain at all. Life is good. In fact it is great right now. I was just being a silly girl last night.

Foolish Games

Tonight....

hanging by the end of the rope

almost let go

emotions exploded within

water flowed freely

dark tunnel

shining, glimmering against darkness

cowardice

or was it LOVE?

my life not my own

should not be selfish

must live, love, laugh

Oh no, they didn't

My friend's scheduled business trip to Bangkok has been cancelled. I just received an email from my brother tonight that his business trip to Bangkok today has also been cancelled. Does this mean our trip on Christmas will be cancelled too?

I never bothered to read past the new's headline of Thailand's political drama that is going on. I had a lot in my mind other than the current news.

Or rather I was preoccupied with some stuff.

We're having a Pinoy Christmas party on Dec. 14 and I am thinking what to bring as pot luck. Although we haven't decided on the "theme" for a kris kringle yet, I have already scouted possible items to buy. I've checked every possible themes: household gifts, food gifts, sports gifts, ornament gifts, etc.

As usual I am overwhelmed with the choices. I guess, I'd better wait for the theme's announcement before I get myself all rallied up.

And hopefully, we'll be able to travel to Bangkok on Christmas. Makes me think, do I get a refund if our flight and bookings get cancelled? Guess, I should check the fine print right now.

Choosing a hotel

Last night I was on my laptop until very late comparing hotel prices and location for our Christmas vacation in Bangkok. I had actually booked our hotel already at a certain boutique hotel in the Sukhumvit Area. The hotel reviews are good but I still want to change hotels.

I've read that Siam is the best place for shopping. Although there are malls and shops in the Sukhumvit area too. But if I want to go to a swanky, trendy malls, then Siam is near those kind of malls.

Well, I am not going to Bangkok just to shop. I have plans on visiting the obligatory tourist places like the floating market, temples, museums, etc. But of course, I'd be a hypocrite if I say I am not going to buy something. After all, Bangkok is the place to shop in South East Asia.

I have already decided that we're going to move to Siam area. However I couldn't make up my mind which hotel we should stay. I have three choices: Siam @ Siam Hotel, Courtyard by Marriot and the newly opened Vie Hotel.

All three have the characteristics of a boutique hotel. Have I mentioned that I am into boutique hotels now? I am such a copycat. After reading it from a blogger, I also want to stay in boutique hotels now. Hahaha!

If I choose based on the cheapest rate, it should be Courtyard, followed by Siam @ Siam and then Vie Hotel. But of course, that's not my only consideration.

Choosing a hotel to stay on can sometimes be emotionally based. Hahaha!

Meanwhile, I'll go and research some more..

The winner on the Amazing Race Asia 2

I forgot to blog about this the following day it happened. Maybe because I lost interest already. Or maybe because they did not win.

Last Thursday night, as promised, I was at home ready and excited to watch the finale of Amazing Race Asia. Hubby said that there were hints on the show's site (from fans) that the Philippine team of Geoff and Tisha won.

I didn't really believe it. I wanted to watch it for myself. But of course, I was hoping they would win.

Halfway the show, my son had a tantrum. He wanted to stay in bed while playing. I was glad our TV can be rotated from the living room to the bedroom. If not, I wouldn't have been able to finish watching the show. And this reminds me, I have to look for tv stands which are easy to move and probably can be rotated 180 degrees.

Anyway, the finale was really thrilling. At the start they were trailing behind the Malaysian team. Suddenly they got a break and were ahead going back to Phuket. But then, their taxi driver got lost and the Hongkong boys inched their way ahead. It would still have been a close race but they spent a lot of time in their kayaks on the way to the next task. The Hongkongs boys were faster.

I knew then that they'd finish second only. But hey, it was a good race. I never even expected them to be in the top three.

One hundred thousand dollars went to the Hongkong boys for winning the race. Congratulatiosn to them.

Hopefully Philippine team wins next! Looking forward to the next season.

Impulsive purchases

Before I search for the cheapest travel insurance, I thought I'd blog this first. Because I couldn't get it off my mind. It's those rare instances when I succumb to my impulses. And I honestly regret it.

Last night hubby went shopping for some long sleeved-shirts. He needs to update his office wardrobe. Of course, we tagged along.

First order of the night, we went to have dinner. After that, we were off to a GAP store. While hubby was trying on some shirts, I roamed around the store, checking some blouses and shirts and their prices. Take note that I didn't have plans of buying anything from there or from any store for that matter.

When hubby was done, I told him to wait. I just wanted to try some dresses (I am planning to wear one on Christmas!).

Guess what happened? I bought this dress.




Hubby told me it looked good on me and urged me to buy it. Without thinking much I lined up at the counter.

When I got home, I checked GAP online store. I wanted to see what shoes I should wear with it. When I found the dress, I was so devastated (okay, maybe disappointed..hehe) to find out that the dress is on sale from $58 to $24.99. Guess how much I paid for my dress? I paid $71. Grrr...

Now that I know how much it cost from the US, I suddenly don't like my dress. When I tried it on again at home, it looked a little bit big on me. What if I lose more weight (which I am bent on doing) come Christmas? Then the dress would be too big for me. But I won't be able to have it exchanged anymore. Hubby has already thrown the receipt and the tag.

Ugh! The price of being impulsive. That has certainly taught me a lesson.

Obsession

I have become obsessed about how I look. Or more like it, obsessed with my hair. Hahahaha!

I had another hair cut last Monday night because I felt that my earlier shortcut was too funky for me. It was uneven on the sides. Actually I liked it and friends said it looked good on me too. But I felt uncomfortable so I had it chopped again.

Below is the result:


I asked the hair stylist to cut my hair like Katie Holmes. But she said that the hair at my back was already short so she said it's not possible to copy the hair cut anymore.

Well it's okay. I can always go back to the salon if I get tired of this hair style. LOL

Where's the fun in studying?

I do read a lot of blogs. While my taste varies from gossip to fashion, entertainment to hard core opinions, most of the blogs I read though are mommy blogs. It's part of my system. It's who I am. I am a mommy after all.

So anyway I am just aghast to find out that nurseries in the Philippines have a heavy curriculum. Three-year old kids have exams, and go home with homework or assignments. They might even have textbooks already. Wow, isn't that too much for a toddler to handle?

Okay so I am not an educator but I just feel like kids that age should still play instead of racking their brains silly on exams and such. My concept might be sound too old but I think we should let kids enjoy their childhood first instead of subjecting them to serious stuff like studying.

Some kids might find studying fun. But is it good? I think there is a concept like play and learn. Kids learn through play and socialization.

Oh well, maybe I am just outdated or maybe I just want my son to experience the fun of childhood like I did when I was a child.

Musings

I wonder if there comes a time when people don't interact physically with one another anymore? I mean with everything basically at our fingertips, we're bound to just do everything online. With the advent of e-commerce online, some people would rather shop online than go to the malls or travel far in case of international products. We can book airline tickets, hotels, cars and basically every travel related products online. Banking can also be done online. And so is online trading. I remember when we have to purchase our mutual fund, I wanted to meet with the agent personally. I had a lot of questions and I would only be confident purchasing a MF if my questions were answered in person. Little did I know that my questions can be answered online with even more depth. Whoever did invent this internet thing must be really brilliant!

Amazing Race Asia Fever

I regret that I wasn't able to closely follow the first Amazing Race Asia where Marc and Rovilson represented the Philippines. Although they didn't finish first, I think they were the well-liked team.

The second Amazing Race Asia is about to end this Thursday. I have been glued to the box since the start of the race. I must say the Philippines team of Geoff and Tisha (Silang) has added excitement to the race.

Honestly, I didn't like Geoff at first. He was a bit brash and rude. I wondered how did Tisha end up with him? They seem so opposite. But as the race progressed, he became a little nicer. And then they won two consecutive races! Everybody loves a winner, right? Hehehe.

Their team was not as well-liked as the two boys before them. But like what Geoff and Tisha said, it's all about the game and winning.

This Thursday night expect me to be glued to the box starting from 9PM. Did I tell you that they're one of the three teams remaining? I'll be cheering for the Philippines, of course!

PS. Tisha Silang looks so hot. She's skinny but the healthy kind. I want a body like hers. If there's a diet pill that can make me look like her, I'd gladly take it. Hahaha! But seriously, she wasn't that sexy the last time I saw her in Philippines TV.

Berjaya Hills

We did make it to Berjaya Hills last weekend. It rained on Saturday but we still managed to roam around the property.


Going up the Japanese Tea House and Garden

The entrance to Colmar's Tropicale


Have you noticed something? Yes! I had my hair cut short last Friday evening. But it's still not short enough. I'm going back to the salon for another chop. Hehehe.

I'll be writing the full story of our weekend at Berjaya Hills on my other blog. Maybe tonight.

It starts with just a small bite

Losing weight is always a struggle. I am proud to say I have already lost a considerable amount of weight enough for people to notice it. But I am far from my goal. I know I will be tempted to indulge a little or to "reward myself" once in a while so I am taking it one meal at a time. This week has been a difficult week. I am PMSing so I am craving for fatty and salty food. So I decided to have a little french fries. I thought I deserve a little break from my self imposed diet. When I was at the fastfood counter I surprised mysef by ordering a double cheeseburger with a large fries and large iced tea. Oh no! The crew has punched in my order. I couldn't take it back. I told myself to calm down. On the way to the table with my large order my stomach growled. "So what if I overeat this time? Surely, I won't gain back what I lost with just one meal?" said the other half of my brain. "That is the start. Next thing you know, you'll be gobbling down more and more food. Then you wake up one day and realize you've gained more weight than you have lost right now." countered the other. "So what, I can always take diet pills" insisted the first half of my brain. "Well, if you want to take that chance. Go ahead and stuff yourself now." After a raging war inside my head, I had suddenly lost appetite. Hahaha! Needless to say, I didn't eat the burger and I only eat a few pieces of the french fries. Woohooo! I deserve an award. LOL

The weekend promise

My mind is wandering once again. I think I need a vacation even a quick one.

The scheduled trip to Bangkok on Christmas still seems to far away. I am itching to go out of town even for a day or night only. And true to josiet style, I have actually researched already on possible places for a quick getaway. I have two choices: Malacca or the Berjaya Hills in Pahang. Both are about an hour ride from KL.

Malacca is a place rich in history and culture. While I would love to go there, I don't think my son would enjoy the trip. I think he'd enjoy the trip to Berjaya Hills. There are activities suited for kids like donkey ride, play and touch with a rabbit, etc.

While EJ would ride the donkey with his dad, I can probably go to a Spa or join a Japanese Tea Ceremony with Kimono dress-up. Not bad. Hehehe.

The only thing that disappoints me is that there are no available rooms at the french-themed resort. All the available rooms are in the golf and country clubs. I don't dislike a modern bedroom but if there was a choice between that and a french-themed room, I think I'd go for the latter.

Hahaha. Such a difficult choice. We'll see what happens this weekend.

Skipping my way

Since the gym in this building has been renovated, I have been immobile too. Alright, I am lying. Actually even before the gym has closed for renovation I had already stopped going to the gym. For about a month now. But I have found an alternative form of exercise. And I like it very much. It's been a week now that I have been using the skipping rope. It's fun. I don't want to credit the exercise too much for my weight loss because I have been doing my share of "dieting" too. I skip three times a day. Fifty to eighty counts each. I like this because I can do this anytime I want and I don't need to dress up. I've read that alternating the fast paced exercise and a slow one increases the weight loss. So if you run and walk alternately (5 mins.) for 30 minutes each on the treadmill, you lose more weight compared if you're just running/walking on the treadmill for 30 mins. I haven't checked when the gym is going to open again. I don't think I'll be going there anyway.

Where to next?

Inspired by my friend, Yvonne's post, I am also jotting down my dream destinations. While she's chasing away the wonders of the world, I am more into the cliche's, beaches and touristy places. Here's my list.

International Destination:
1) Paris - Need I say more?
2) Rome
3) New York
4) Cambodia
5) Bangkok - Soon to be crossed off the list. Will be going there on December.
6) Singapore - Done!
7) Phuket
8) Bali
9) Tokyo - I love Japanese food, and almost everything Japanese.
10) Seoul
11) Bahamas
12) Maldives - Lived there.

Philippines Destination:
1) Boracay - Would you believe I haven't been here?
2) Palawan

I guess I was lucky to have worked and lived in the Maldives for three years. I was able to visit some beautiful resorts. I wish I went to more resorts though.

Hoping next year, I get to travel more.

Too many hotels than I can count

Just saying...

..that if I ever go to Las Vegas, I would have a hard time choosing a hotel to stay in. I happened to see the listings of a las vegas hotels. I didn't dare count them. Suffice it to say that the list was very long. I think every alphabet has a hotel name. I am not even sure if it was a complete list.

And to think that these hotels are huge already. Are there really a lot of casino lovers? Hmm..I know I am not.

Gamble has never really appealed to me even if I grew up with a father who's a gambler. I guess my mother has influenced me more. Thank goodness for that.

Use Cash

It's just a few weeks before Christmas but I haven't started my "holiday shopping" yet. Well, it's not like I have tons of shopping to do anyway.

I remember back in Manila, people get crazy shopping at the last minute. Malls are packed with people shopping for gifts. And I admit I was one of those late shoppers. Even if I hate going to a fully-packed mall, there's always a different level of energy shopping at the last minute.

Anyway, I came across a US online store that promotes using cash instead of credit cards. It's called eBillme. I think this fits the bill (pun intended) for people who have no control when using credit cards.



And for people who doesn't have credit card, but likes to shop online to avoid traffic and those congested malls, then this is a welcome change. I hope other online stores worldwide will soon offer this kind of payment.

If you must know, they're having a contest too. It's called Shopping Confession. Just write or make a video of yourself admitting to any of your shopping crime and be eligible to win the $33,000 worth of prizes they are giving away. Sounds easy! I know someone who would easily win.

If you decide to confess, you can start by registering here. And don't forget you get the information from me. Alright? :)

Kababawan lang

I think I have mentioned in my previous post that I do not go inside any luxury brand store. It is not only because I cannot afford the products but mainly because I feel shy. I feel like it's a world beyond my world. I just don't belong.

So last night while coming out of the Pavilion Mall, I saw a lady carrying a huge louis vuitton paper bag. She must have just purchased something from there. And I have this sudden urge to check out the store.

The store is on another mall, Starhill Gallery, which houses luxury brands. It's just across Pavilion. So I thought why not? So what if the sales staff snob me? So what if I will look lost inside the store? So what if I can't afford their products? There's no rule that says I cannot go inside and look.

So off I went. When I was at the door, I almost made a u-turn. But the doorman (?) opened the door with a huge smile on his face and said politely "good evening ma'am". I couldn't escape. So off I trundled inside.

I went around the store carefully not touching anything. And projected the look that I know the names of all the bags. Hahaha! Hilarious.

After 5 minutes, I walked out. It wasn't bad at all. The staff were busy and I had a good time lusting over the bags.

I think I'll be confident next time I visit any LV store. Hahaha!

Thinspiration

Aside from my friend, I've found another "thinspiration". It's the younger me! I found my old photos when I was still working in the Maldives. I didn't realize I was this thin. To think I used to complain how fat I was. Goodness! It's eally hard to please one's self, isn't it? The second picture was taken during an island hopping tour with the resort's guest. I was the designated tour. I don't think I looked healthy. I actually look like I haven't had any meal for a long time. Although I am on a weight loss project now, I don't think I'd want to be that thin. Hahaha.

Growing up years: Part I

It's raining outside and as usual it's making me feel melancholy and reminisce my childhood. Of course I am not saying that my growing up years were sad. It's far from it actually.

I grew up in the southern part of the Philippines - Surigao del Sur. It's one of those remote areas in Philippines. When I went to college in Manila, nobody has even heard about our province. Classmates would ask me "Are you a Muslim?". It didn't surprise me though. I was already warned by my brothers. They too studied college in Manila.

So anyway my growing up years were filled with fun, laughter and adventure. I was one of those girls who can do anything the boys can. If the boys went to the pond to catch a fish, I wasn't left behind. If the boys played bamboo guns, I had one too.

TV was almost non-existent then. Although we had TV at home, shows weren't as exciting as the outdoor games. Well maybe because the shows were mostly filipino action movies.

I remember being excited going to our farm and playing with the "barrio kids". During summer, I always look forward to the rice planting season. This means, being able to play at the rice fields all day and swim at the "irrigation" later on.

I also had a blast picking up snails and getting paid by my father P20.00 for a days work. It wasn't child labor. It was all play to me. And if I collected a pail of snails, I could sell it to my uncle for P10.00.

Summer times were not only fun. I made a lot of money too. Well, for a young kid having P100.00 was like being a millionaire! Hahaha.

Although it made me darker compared to my classmates, I didn't mind. What counts was I was having a time of my life.

I wonder what do city kids remember from their childhood? Was it as fun as mine?