Dark Thursday but it's a happy one

Have I mentioned I am excited for our upcoming vacation to the Philippines? I probably have said this a thousand times to my friends or to anyone who'd care to listen to me. LOL!

Yeah, I am that excited.

This is our longest time away from Philippines. We usually go home at least twice a year. But so many things happened in between 2010 and 2011 that we just couldn't go home.

Anyway, we are already flying out tomorrow!!!

I still haven't packed yet. Shocking, considering I am very excited. But then again, what do I need to pack? I will just shop in Manila. LOL!

Seriously, there's not much to pack. We'll just bring some clothes. The important thing we have to bring are our laptops, portable dvd for my son and its rechargeable aaa batteries. Just like I said, we can shop in Manila. Especially the husband. He deserves a huge shopping spree after that recent promotion. Yay! Congrats Hon!

~~~

Today, I stepped on my weighing scale and I officially lost 4.1kgs. That's something to be happy. But considering where I started, that weight loss is not that huge. I am still fat! LOL!

And like I mentioned in my previous post, I am going to face temptations when we are in the Philippines. To be honest, one of the things that excite me about this trip is the food trip that's bound to happen.

How do I resist food? Can I?

~~~

It's a gloomy Thursday today. But that will not dampen my mood. I am just so happy I can sing all day.

Wishing you guys a happy Thursday!

Saturday 9: Make you feel my love

Welcome to Saturday: 9. What we've committed to our readers is that we will post 9 questions every Saturday. Sometimes the post will have a theme, and at other times the questions will be totally unrelated. Those weeks we do "random questions," so-to-speak. We encourage you to visit other participants posts and leave a comment. Because we don't have any rules, it is your choice. We hate rules. We love memes, however, and here is today's meme!

Saturday 9: Make You Feel My Love

1. What has someone done unusual to make you feel their love?
++In the name of love, I guess nothing is unusual =)

2. Do you own a smart phone? If yes, is it everything you wanted? If no, how seriously have you considered a purchase of the new smart phone?
++Is iPhone a smart phone? LOL! I honestly don't know. If it is, then yes I own one. And yes, it's everything I want it to be.

3. Have you ever camped out to purchase something?
++Never done that.

4. What is your worst habit?
++ So many to mention LOL!

5. What is your best habit?
++ I like to think I don't procrastinate, but I just did this meme late again.

6. In your opinion, what is life's greatest mystery?
++ How about, what is your purpose in life? That's too deep for me. But I really think there's no mystery. Let us just enjoy our lives.

7. Are you one of those people who is constantly busy with projects, social outings, etc. or do you just like to lay low and stay home?
++ Always busy with projects. I just can't stop.

8. Whether you're busy all the time or like to just chill, have you always been that way?
++ Yes, I think I have always this way.

9. Is there something you'd like to change about how you spend your time? If so, what is it? If not, why not?
++ A little bit more time with my son and husband.

My diet trick

Today I woke up and I felt a little lighter. I hurried to the weighing scale and I am right. I lost some more weight.

To date, I have lost 3.8kgs in exactly a month's time. Not bad. Not bad at all!

Here's a new trick I learned.

I usually get hungry in between meals. In the morning, my stomach starts grumble at about 10am. In the afternoon, I feel hungry at around 4pm and by 5pm I am usually ready to devour any food I see.

Before, I usually succumb to temptation, eating whatever I can get my hands on. But taking this "diet" or "lifestyle change" seriously, I have learned to wait.

What I do when I feel hungry is that I wait out a few minutes. Say, 15 minutes. During this time, I get busy. I usually play on my iPhone, or go to the groceries or bloghop.

After 15 minutes or so, I don't feel hungry anymore. Seriously.

And if it doesn't work sometimes, I eat 10-15 pcs of peanut of pistachio.

And if it still does not satisfy me, I just tell myself "Hey Josiet, you just had a full healthy meal. That should have been enough."

It's not always easy but who said losing weight is easy? If it was, we'd all be thin, right?

It's exactly 10:13am now and I just heard a grumble from my tummy. Well, the stomach can growl as loud as it can but my mind said you just had a full breakfast. Stop complaining!

Hahahaha!!!

And oh, I started a food journal too. It helps me keep track of what I put in my mouth. It's actually exciting =)

My rules for dieting

My life is one big cycle of weight gain and weight loss. I gain weight this month, and then I diet and lose it the next. It's a cycle and I am trying to put a stop to it.

So I am on my nth diet again with exercise.

My rules this time:

1. Eat breakfast all the time.
2. No refined carbs. It means I can eat whole grain meals or carbs.
3. No soda ever.
4. I can have a cheat day. Or a reward day. Just one day though.
5. No sugar of any kind. That means no cake, no chocolate, no donuts.
6. Hunger is good for me. Or hunger is just in the mind.
7. Eat more fresh and greens everyday.
8. Snack means nuts or fruits.
9. Drink more green tea.
10. Exercise 6x a week.

So far, I am doing good. I have lost a total of 3kgs in three week's time. It's not as fast as doing South Beach diet but I know if I will just make this really a lifestyle change then I will lose weight for good.

Last year just before Christmas, I lost 5kgs for doing phase 1 of South Beach. It was liberating. I just did not follow the phase 2. So I gained the weight back again.

This time, I will try to lose the weight slowly.

I am doing good with exercise. When I feel lazy to move, I just put on my shoes and just start exercising. After doing 15 mins of skipping rope, I get in the zone and feel energized to continue the exercise.

I have a challenge coming up before me. Next week, we will be going to Philippines. I don't know how I could exercise everyday. I also don't know if I could resist the food temptation.

But I am determined to stay on the right track. I know I will find a way.

Saturday 9: You May Be Right

Welcome to Saturday: 9. What we've committed to our readers is that we will post 9 questions every Saturday. Sometimes the post will have a theme, and at other times the questions will be totally unrelated. Those weeks we do "random questions," so-to-speak. We encourage you to visit other participants posts and leave a comment. Because we don't have any rules, it is your choice. We hate rules. We love memes, however, and here is today's meme!

Saturday 9: You May Be Right

1. What is the craziest thing you've done in the last Year?
++ Nothing I can think of.

2. What is something that you've lost recently?
++ Weight.

3. Where does your patience suffer the most?
++ In all aspect of waiting. LOL!

4. Have you ever reread a book?
++ Yes.

5. What is a TV show that you absolutely HATE to miss?
++ I am not much of a TV person.

6. How old do you wish you were?
++ Maybe 18? Nah..I am not obsessed with age. Age does not define me.

7. Do you know your neighbors?
++ Sad to say, no.

8. Do you believe that opposites attract?
++ Sometimes.

9. Who was the last person that made you laugh?
++ My son. Always say the darndest thing.

A little thank you

I just feel blessed. And I am thanking God for all these blessings.

The other day, it was raining hard in the afternoon. I have done my work and I was just lying in bed playing with my phone. My son was with me in the room alternately playing with franklin speaking dictionary and thesaurus while watching his favorite cartoon show on TV.

I know some people are on the street that same moment soaked in the rain, cold and probably hungry. Sad thought I know. I cannot help but say a little prayer of thanks.

God has been good to us. We're blessed and I am always grateful. I am grateful for a husband who loves me and our son and who takes care of our needs. I am grateful for a son who is healthy and well behaved. And I am grateful for the extra things He's sent our way. We have more than enough.

If there's one thing I wouldn't stop asking, it's for our health. I hope we'll be blessed with good health all the time.

A happy and blessed Wednesday all!

I want: 013

I haven't done this I want meme in a long while. I just totally forgot about this.

This week, I come in early with my want. I have been having coffee two times a day now, all instant, because of the condusive to coffee weather we are having. Sometimes, I even have tea in between my coffees.

Here comes my want: Nespresso Cappuccino/Espresso Maker

Nespresso C120 RE Citiz & Milk Cappuccino Maker - Fire Engine Red $348

Nespresso Essenza Coffee/Espresso Maker - Titanium - C101USTINE1 $199

Either of the two is fine. I thought they'd come in expensive prices. Hey, I can afford one if I stop shopping for bags and clothes. LOL!

Seriously, I'd like to buy one coffee maker. It should be an investment because I do drink coffee a lot.

Saturday 9: The Remedy (I Won't Worry)

Welcome to Saturday: 9. What we've committed to our readers is that we will post 9 questions every Saturday. Sometimes the post will have a theme, and at other times the questions will be totally unrelated. Those weeks we do "random questions," so-to-speak. We encourage you to visit other participants posts and leave a comment. Because we don't have any rules, it is your choice. We hate rules. We love memes, however, and here is today's meme!

Saturday 9: The Remedy (I Won't Worry)

1. What's the remedy for you to stop worrying?
++ Become busy with something.

2. What is your favorite summertime beverage?
++ A smoothie (Blueberry or Avocado)

3. Do you use any freeware on your computer? If yes, do tell.
++ I don't know much about this computer, so I don't know.

4. What is one thing about your home that has to be just so or it drives you crazy when it comes to organization?
++ Everything has to be same the way I arranged it. If somebody touches it or moves it just one inch, I get annoyed.

5. Is there a specific subject you're especially curious about? A person? A region of the world? An animal? A field of study?
++ Nothing specific. I am most curious about everything which I don't know.

6. What do you consider your most interesting trait?
++ Too organized.

7. What is something that really frightens you, and can you trace it back to an event in your life?
++ Hmmm...I couldn't think of anything.

8. Who do you want to yell at to “get a grip!”?
++ No one.

9. What do you wear to particularly look great for a party or event?
++ My black dresses. Doesn't have to be little, as long as it's black I feel great.

Shopping heaven

What is it with shopping that gives you a temporary high?

I am not your regular shopaholic. Yes, I do like shopping but if I say I will not shop for a month or even longer, I could do it.

I just wonder why shopping for any item makes me feel good, albeit temporarily.

A trip to the grocery stores never fails to brighten my day. Never mind that I am just buying a soap or a shampoo.

A trip to shoe or clothes store makes my heart skip a beat. Okay, that was exaggerated. LOL! But you get my point.

Last Saturday, hubby said I could buy whatever I wanted to buy at Mango store. WOW! That made my day!!!

Mango had new arrivals that day. Lucky day for me.

I carefully chose what I wanted to buy. Even if I was given permission (not that I need permission, really) to buy whatever I wanted doesn't mean I will buy everything I want. I am still reasonable. LOL!

I bought a dress with solid green and blue colors. I noticed this as the "in" colors lately. I also bought a trousers and a cute t-shirt with bottons on the shoulders.

I was in shopping heaven. Hahahahaha!!!

I asked hubby why does shopping makes us happy? Hmm...why?

Hubby answered, "I ask myself the same question whenever I go on a shopping spree too."

LOL! We're both doomed.

The King's Speech

Have you seen The King's Speech?

The story of King George VI of Britain, his impromptu ascension to the throne and the speech therapist who helped the unsure monarch become worthy of it.

Director: Tom Hooper
Writer: David Seidler (screenplay)
Stars:Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush and Helena Bonham Carter

I know it won awards at the Academy but when we saw it in our suki DVD store, I was hesitant to buy it. In my mind, it's just another historical film and I'd probably be bored with it.

As luck would have it, we were entitled to 1 free DVD after buying 5 DVDs. So I took this one, thinking, I will give it a shot and it's free anyway.

When we finished the movies that we bought, we put this DVD in the player. I was prepared to be bored so I had my iPhone with me ready for a game of Tap Ranch. Hahaha!!

But as the movie goes on, I was more and more engrossed with the film.

I finished the whole movie without once touching my iPhone. What a treat! I enjoyed watching this movie. Now, I know why it received several awards.

~~~

It's Tuesday. I have finished doing the "important" thing on my list which was booking our Manila and Cebu hotels. Now I am just updating my blogs and checking FB. Later though, I will exercise for one whole hour.

My point is, I have more free time now. I am thinking I should let go of our driver and drive myself. I could do it. I am also thinking of ways on how to save more money. My son is going to Elephant class (preparatory to grade 1) next school year (August) and the tuition is no joke. I gotta help minimize expenses, really.

So when I go to Manila next month, I will apply my non-pro license. I still have a student's license right now. I will make that a priority, promise.

~~~

What movie have you watched recently that made you go Ahhh, beautiful?

Saturday 9: The Best & the Worst

Welcome to Saturday: 9. What we've committed to our readers is that we will post 9 questions every Saturday. Sometimes the post will have a theme, and at other times the questions will be totally unrelated. Those weeks we do "random questions," so-to-speak. We encourage you to visit other participants posts and leave a comment. Because we don't have any rules, it is your choice. We hate rules. We love memes, however, and here is today's meme!


Saturday 9: The Best & the Worst

1. What was the best thing that happened to you this week?
++ Losing 1.3kgs

The worst?
++ Terrible migraine.

2. What's the best thing someone's done for you (recently or not so recently)?
++ Hubby brought me to a Mango store and said I could buy whatever I wanted.

What's the worst thing someone's done to you (again, recently or not so recently)?
++ Spread lies about me/my family.

3. What's the best thing about your job?
++ That I can stay at home and work on my pajamas.

Worst?
++ I tend to eat non stop.

4. What's the best new website you've found?
++ So many to mention here.

Worst?
++ I don't remember.

5. What's the best book you've read?
++ Recently? I haven't finished the three books in my bedside yet so I can't say.

Worst?
++ None so far.

6. What's the best movie you've seen?
++ Recently, The King's Speech and Chalet Girl.

Worst?
++ Don't remember. It's that bad. Hahaha!

7. What's the best meal you've had?
++ Salmon sashimi and Pork ribs barbeque in one meal.

Worst?
++ My salads. I have salad everyday for lunch for a week now. It tastes like paper already but I have no choice if I have to lose weight.

8. What's the best holiday?
++ Every holiday is the best.

Worst?
++None so far.

9. What's the best thing in your future?
++ Lots of travel...I hope.

Worst?
++ I hope none.

The River

Yeah, I am not done with Scotty just yet.

My husband accused me of being an addict. Well, whatever. As long as I am happy. Wahahahaha!!!

Since iTunes is still not available here in Cambodia, I just downloaded Scotty's performances in AI. This is my favorite. Scotty singing, The River by Garth Brooks.



I love the melody and of course I love the way Scotty is singing it.

I can't wait for his album to come out.

By the way, Scotty and Lauren kissed during the finale. Did you see it? What did you make of it?

I think they're hiding something. Hahaha! I think these kids are dating. They just don't want to admit it now. But they do look cute together.

Anyway, I have listened to this song maybe a thousand times already. Hahaha! I listen to this before I go to bed.