In two months...

... our new house will be ready. I asked the developer if we can renovate even before we can take out the house but they said no. So we have to wait until the house was taken out from HDMF before we can do anything we want inside. I’m planning to remove one of the windows in the living room so we can construct or mounted a cabinet. I’m thinking of buying a tv furniture but my sister suggested we just have one constructed. That way we can decide on the size and design we want. So that’s one of the things that we need to think about. The TV cabinet, the cabinets inside the rooms, and the gate of the house.

She Loves Barbie

This is one of the gifts she received this Christmas and she love her so much. It was her first time to actually hugged a Barbie doll. I never wanted her sana a Barbie doll. She had barbie shoes, dresses, utensils, but not a doll. Feeling ko kasi magiging kikay masyado :D. But my officemate who was so fond of her bought this, so no choice :D. She was so excited as she opened the box and even got even more giddy when she saw Barbie. :D

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Do you know what's a coilovers is?

"Good Morning!"

I had a wonderful morning yesterday. It’s very rare that my Jaden wakes up with a good mood and this was one of those days. I saw here curled under my arms then she hugged me and when she saw that I’m looking at her, she said, “Good morning mommy!” I responded with good morning then she stood up and pulled my arms and said, “wake up mommy”. So though I still want to lie down, I had no choice but to get up. When we get out of the room, she also greeted her yaya good morning.

I told you it’s very rare that she wake up like this..or maybe she do but I do not see it because I usually leave the house while she’s still asleep. But maybe it really helps that we had a good laugh before we slept the night before. I just hope the she will wake up this way every morning. :)

Today I’m planning to take her out since we didn’t go out last Dec. 25. I got scared to see that the malls are jam-packed. After that I’ll have to concentrate for some tasks that I need to finish which includes about spring plungers.

My Chicken Relleno

This is the Chicken Relleno that I cooked during Christmas. And it was a hit. I cooked this at home and just brought it to my mom’s house for dinner. My sisters super loved the chicken and wondered how I did this. They even requested that I cook this again for the media noche.

The only delicate part of the procedure was to bone the chicken. I searched the net on how to bone a whole chicken but I didn’t find any video so I just figure out my self how to do it. It was a challenge and I prevailed, hehehe!

Here’s how I did this:

I slit the chicken on the back from the neck to the tail bone, then I released the skin and meat from there going to the breast, being careful not to tear the skin. When I reached the wing part, I cut the first joint of the wing that was closed to the breast and removed the meat and bone. I left the last joint intact to retain the shape of the wing. I did the same on the thigh part.

While doing this I imagine I was undressing a chicken. After all the bones were removed, I sew up the hole and marinate the chicken with salt and pepper for about 3 hours.

Chicken Stuffing:
Mix the following ingredients together.

½ kg. Ground pork
½ cup chopped celery
½ cup chopped spring onions
¼ cup sweet pickle relish
3 pcs hard boiled eggs
4 pcs raw eggs beaten
1 tsp pepper
¼ c chopped onions
1 tsp garlic powder
1 sm box seedless raisins
1 tsp salt
1 pcs chorizo de bilbao
1 can vienna sausage, chopped fine
1 tsp Maggi Magic Sarap

Stuff the chicken with the stuffing. When half of the stuffing is in placed, put the three hard boiled eggs inside the chicken in a row. Sew up the opening as close as possible in order for the stuffing not to come out.

I do not have an oven so I roasted the chicken in a turbo broiler at 170°C for 1 and ½ hours.

Sauce: take all the chicken dripping and place in a saucepan. Add 1 cup milk, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 table spoon cornstarch, pepper. Stir occasionally to remove the lumps. Simmer until thick.

Let the chicken cool for about 15 minutes before slicing.

Goal 1

I’m just wondering...after all the Christmas shopping, do you have any more cash left from the Christmas bonuses and 13th month pays you received? Or because of cash shortage, you have to use your credit cards? I hope you didn’t over limit your cards because it’s hard to be bugged by those irritating debt collection agencies. It’s good to start the year with debts paid off… and that’s what my goal for this year. To totally pay all my credit cards. I pray that I’ll be able to achieve this after 3 or 6 months. This is my goal 1. :)

...

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone! Well, how was your Christmas? Mine was wonderful. I spent it with the whole family, except that my husband is not here with us.

Anyway, I cooked some of the food that we had for dinner. My stuffed chicken (rellenong manok) was a hit (will post about how I did this next time). I also cooked buttered shrimp and spaghetti. My mom cooked the all-time favorite chicken lollipop and beef caldereta.

Before dinner we opened the gifts. Of course all the children have gifts. I am so happy to see their eyes twinkle as they opened each gifts.

Will post some of the pics next time. For now, I want to rest for a while. The preps for the dinner was quite tiring.

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I wish I had a home theater furniture to rest on :D

Manic Monday #147

If you were at a friend’s house for a holiday dinner and you found a dead cockroach in your salad, what would you do?
~ Will tell the friend discreetly about what I've found out.

If you could put anyone you know on Prozac, who would you choose?
~Prozac, meaning the anti-depressant? Hmmm...I don't know. I don't know anyone who would need this. :)

How do you feel about public displays of affection?
~ I hate it.

To join and to read more entries, click here.

Last Minute Shopping

Sale and bargains are everywhere now that most people are into last minute shopping. I know some of us are on the look out for best buys. Those that we can give as gifts, that are good in quality but low in price. I believe I can still find them because according to the news just a while ago there are lots of gift ideas that are as low as P100 in Tutuban and even on malls. I have to still buy some more gifts tomorrow so I hope I will be able to find the best buys out there.

Friday Fill-Ins

1. Said the night wind to the little lamb, do you know what I know?
2. The first Noel, the angel did say, was to certain poor shepherd in fields as they lay.
3. There is joy, Over the hills and everywhere.
4. It came upon the midnight clear, a savior was born.
5. Don't be sad, Let your heart be light.
6. And the thing that will make them ring is the carol that you sing sweetly.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a wonderful time with my daughter, tomorrow my plans include attending the brown raise seminar and Sunday, I want to enjoy our church Christmas party!

More fill ins here.

O Holy Night

I will be leading the worship service on Sunday…and since its Christmas, I prepared Christmas songs for the congregation. I just want to share the lyrics of this song that sometimes is not being sung by the singer. The unfamiliar lyrics of O Holy Night that made me thought about the very reason of the season…..

Truly He taught us to love one another
His law is love and His gospel is peace
Chains He shall break
For the slave is our brother
And in His name, all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy, in grateful chorus raise we
With all our hearts, we praise His Holy name

Christ is the Lord
And we shall ever praise Thee
His po-wer and glo-ry e-vermore proclaim
O night divine, O night when Christ was born

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i remember I need to upgrade my PC s memory. I need a lot of space for my PC since a lot of programs and mp3s are installed there. It's good that I don't have to buy a Mac memory

On the Spot

I was put on the spot by Vannie..

Sorry Van, I am not able to do this tag agad since I have no time to take a picture of my self...

And here it goes..my unedited picture...

Here are the rules:

1. Take a picture of yourself right Now! (The moment you read this tag)
2. Don’t change your clothes, don’t fix your hair, just take a picture.
3. Post that picture without editing.
4. Post these instructions with your picture.
5. Tag 10 people to do this. And don’t forget to leave them a message about the tag.

I'm tagging Lilet, Toni, Mai, Heidi, and Nette.

New look?

I am thinking about getting a new look next year…for a change

I’m thinking of going to the salon to have my hair cut shorter and have it rebonded again. How about have it curled or permed? Hmmmm…Should I get contact lenses instead of eye glasses?

I think I’ll just go to the salon and get a hair cut. I really need that.

Wordless Wednesday

This is one of the entry for the Marikina Christmas Festival Water Fantasy water exhibit. Each barangay in our city has an entry and they are the ones who chose what body of water and nation they will work on.

Christmas Raffle

I already got my prize from our Christmas party raffle. And guess what I got? Another gas stove! I already have two gas stoves in the house plus this one equals 3. What will I do with 3 stoves?? Anyway, our major raffle prizes are 21 inches color TV, Washing Machine and DVD player to name a few, which I got no interest in winning since I already have them. But if its an HDTV it could have been better…:D

Company Christmas Party 2008

Sharing some pics during our company Christmas Party last Thursday...

The hosts of the night

Dancing the 70s hits

Receiving our cash gift - We were 2nd Place

The Benpres Group

The Christmas Party Committee

Out theme was Disco. We covered the dance moves and hits from 70s up to the year 2000. We were assigned to dance the hits of 70's. So, a month before the event, our group had several practices. Buti na lang cooperative naman and members ng aming group. Those whomI thought won't dance was able to pull it off last Thursday. :D It was a close competition between us and Toni's group, hehehe. They won the 1st prize, we were 2nd. Okay naman din. We enjoyed it.

Honestly, this was the most tiring party since I've been part of the committee for four years now, to the point na nagkasakit ako the day after. Na over fatigue yata ako... But I'll say that this is also the most fun and enjoyable Christmas party I've ever had. But I promise my self, ayoko na maging part ng committee next year. For a change I want to just sit down and wait and see what the committee will prepare for the company next year :D (sana lang pwede).

Critical Decision

I have been thinking about this for quite some time now. I want my husband to just stay when he returns next year but honestly, we haven’t saved enough yet for our daughter’s education and insurance plans as well. Hubby needs to decide whether he’ll renew his contract or file an exit visa and re apply for another job. I don’t want him to renew though he really wants to. He gave me options. He said he can apply for another job that will allow him to go home after every 6 months. That’s much better but truth is, he will still be away from us. Another option is for me to work there with him and he will petition our daughter as his beneficiary so we can live there together….But I don’t want to. I’m still praying that God will lead us to the right direction and decision.

___________________
I am reminded about the term life insurance quotes from our family friend. Need to still study the quotes and see if it can fit in our budget.

Rested.

Jaden and I are still sick. The little lady also got fever since last night. Yesterday her temperature was at 38.5. But she's still playful and happy though sick. I on the other hand is still suffering from clogged nose and sore throat. I just hope I'll feel better tomorrow. The little lady's fever naman subsided so no need to visit the doctor.

I got tasks which expired yesterday because I can't concentrate on blogging so I wasn't able to do the post. Sayang... I needed opps pa naman. Anyway, I feel rested na so I think I can do some assignments due for today.

Now I can breathe.

Our company Christmas party is over so now I can concentrate on my Christmas list. Until now I haven’t completed my gifts yet. The preparation for the party really consumed my time so I set aside my shopping for a while. But now that it’s over, I can work on my list. Anyway, I still have a few more days. I have to visit some bazaars and Christmas sale and will do that tomorrow. I have to wrap them all as well. I hope I’ll be able to finish everything next week.

Walang update???

Sorry... sobrang busy the whole week. Now nga, I'm nursing colds, sore throat and fever pa. Kakatapos lang kasi ng Christmas Party namin last night. All the pagod paid off naman..

Will post pictures and kwento later. Pahinga muna ko.

Manic Monday #145

What is the most expensive meal you've ever eaten?
~So far, the most expensive is a steak meal at pancake house worth P400+.

What is the fastest speed you've ever traveled in a car?
~I don't remember :D

What is the highest building you've ever been to the top floor of?
~As far as I can recall, the Discovery suites here in Ortigas.

Join and read more entries here.

Declutter.

The holidays are just days away and most of us moms are into de-cluttering, decorating, or general cleaning. I admit, I haven’t done this yet. My busy schedule always leaves me exhausted to even pick up the broom. But I promise that this week end, I’ll get my self busy with cleaning and rearranging the house.

I don’t own any vacuum for now. So I’ll just make do with my ever reliable broom, rags, and Lysol. I' planning to buy but it can wait until next year. Our house is not that hard to clean since it’s small. I just want it to be spic and span before Christmas.

Do you how to declutter? Well, here’s what I got from research:

How to Declutter

1. When to Declutter: Decide how often you are going to declutter a zone. Do a little every day - use a timer. But be warned - this can become compulsive! Once you get started you will want to clean like a banshee! Don't burn yourself out! Only do small amount at a time. The house did not get dirty overnight and it will not get clean overnight. When you set the timer you can only do two sessions at a time. This goal may seem unattainable right now, but you can do it in little pieces. In a couple of months, the whole house will be decluttered.
   
   
   
2. Decluttering Equipment: You will need garbage bags, boxes, magic markers, and a dust rag. Label the boxes "Give Away", "Throw Away", and "Put Away". Line the "Throw Away" box with a plastic garbage bag.
   
   
3. Set your timer: for 1 hour (or 30, 15, or 10 minutes - it does't matter how long). Just do the job as fast as you can and do not pull out more stuff than you can put away in that length of time. This means just one drawer, one closet (or even one shelf in one closet), one magazine rack, or digging under just the furniture in the zone. Not all of them at once!
   
   
   
4. Start at the entrance to the room: Then, work your way around the room clockwise. Do not skip a spot. Whatever happens to be next, just do it.
   
   
   
5. Declutter Away! With boxes at your feet and dust rag in your waistband, start off by cleaning out and getting rid of the things that do not belong in this room. Put garbage in the "Throw Away" box, donations in the "Give Away" box, and stuff that goes somewhere else in the "Put Away" box. Don't worry that you do not have a place for everything right now. By the time you finish you will. That's a promise from FlyLady!
   
   
   
6. What to declutter? Things to ask yourself as you get rid of your clutter:
   • Do I love this item?
   • Have I used it in the past year?
   • Is it really garbage?
   • Do I have another one that is better?
   • Should I really keep two?
   • Does it have sentimental value that causes me to love it?
   • Or does it give me guilt and make me sad when I see the item?
   
   Cleanse this room of everything that does not make you SMILE.
   
   
7. Sing this song: "Please release me, let me go" as sung from the stuff's point of view. It needs to be loved by someone and if you don't love it - GET RID OF IT!
   
   
8. Get rid of the garbage! When the "Throw Away" box gets full, pull out the garbage bag, close it, and put it in the trash can, the pickup truck, or wherever you keep your garbage. Put a new garbage bag in the "Throw Away" box and keep on Flying until the timer goes off.
   
   
9. Donations: When the "Give Away" box gets full, seal it off, and put it in your car. The next time you are out, you can donate to the area thrift shop. Do not save your clutter for a yard or garage sale, you will be blessed by giving it away. The value can be deducted on your income tax. Remember you are trying to get rid of clutter - not relocate it somewhere else in your home. Now, grab another box, label it "Give Away", and get back to work.
   
   
   
10. "Put Away" Stuff: When the "Put Away" box gets full, take the box in your arms and run around the house (good thing you have shoes on - right?) and put the items in the room where they belong. If they have a place, put them there, if not put them in the room where they logically belong. By the time you have finished you will have a place for everything and everything will be in it's place.
    
    
    
11. Timer Goes Off: When the timer goes off, you have to put away all the boxes, but first you have to empty them all. Go as fast as you can.

Got this from flylady.net. Good advices right? We’ll start decluttering now.

Done.

One down, one to go..I'm talking about our corporate Christmas activities. We're done with the last general assembly a while ago. It was fun though there have been minor glitches, the committee were able to manage the program.

Next week will be the final program.."Mas madugo". Need to finish everything before Monday and will look for my costume pa. Kaka-stress!! :D hehe.

Where's the Cold December?

My hubby said that winter is starting already in Riyadh. Last year I bought winter jacket for him since what he owns are jackets unsuitable for cold weather. I also bought him scarf and bonnet (if I bought a UGG boots, it will be a complete winter get up :D). Weather in the middle east are extreme, its either hottest or coldest. I’m thankful that I live in a country where the weather is okay. I miss though the cold December weather that I used to experience when I was young. It’s not cold nowadays during December…I think the song Himig Pasko with the line, “malamig ang simoy ng hangin” is no longer appropriate. Haaay.

"Break A Leg!"

We had our third dance rehearsal last night. Kina-career talaga, hehehe. But I love dancing, nakakawala din pala ng stress. By the way, we're doing this for the dance competition as part of our Christmas Party program. Hindi na nga sana ako sasali because I'm part of the committee but the group needs girls. And since 5 girls lang kami sa office, I joined na. We were assigned to dance the hits of 70s..Ang saya :D. Sabi nila, "break a leg" daw..I think I broke my legs already di pa man nag start ang competition, hahaha! sakit ng legs ko eh...Anyway this is just for fun naman so go go go! Another practice later.

House update

One of my favorite parts of the house is the bathroom next to the kitchen. So when I revisited the village where we bought our house, I checked the units that were being constructed to see how big the kitchen and bathroom are. I need to see what bathroom fixtures I need to buy to make it really a “comfort” room and of course I need to checked the kitchen so I can plan how to construct the cupboard. Next month will be the start of the construction of our house. By March or April, (before hubby returns) it will be ready for occupancy. I’m excited.

How was your long weekend?

Everyone enjoyed the long weekend. I don’t think I did. My Long weekend was packed with activities. I was not able to really have a quality bonding time with my daughter.

Friday night, I was in our worship rehearsal for the Sunday service. I brought my daughter with me because I missed her the other day. We had our dance rehearsal in the office and she’s already sleeping when I got home. To make up to her, I brought her with me although it was hard to have a makulit during a rehearsal.

Saturday morning, I left early not seeing her wake up since I have to attend our church worker’s prayer and fasting service. It ended at noon time. But my sister wanted to revisit Richwell so after the service, off we went to Libis. We went home at 3pm. When I arrived, the little lady was having her afternoon nap. When she woke up we went to the supermarket and had our dinner there as well.

Sunday morning was spent in the church. Saturday afternoon was spent still, in the church as it was our anniversary Sunday. All workers need to attend the 3-6pm service at our Main Church. I also passed by the Asian Museum so was able to go home at 8pm.

Monday morning, was spent to look for a business space for my sister. I also visited the village where we bought our house. Went home at 12 noon. I told the little lady that we’ll go to the mall when I return so she waited for me. She didn’t take her morning nap. She’s still awake when I got home. I just took a quick shower then together with my sister and niece, off we went to SM Marikina to have our lunch and bought some gifts for our office exchange gift. After buying the gifts, we had lunch at Pancake House. We left the mall at 2:30 since I still need to attend our high school alumni meeting. It ended at 7pm. Just bought our dinner at McDonalds and then went home. Tired and sleepy, the little lady dozed off even before we reached home. She woke up the next day na.

Today, I just got home from our dance rehearsal. I feel dog-tired since I had a really busy day. Busy with work load, Christmas party preps and the rehearsal. Whew…I need to breathe!

But I’m thankful for my daughter. She’s really my stress-buster. When I saw her cute little face smiling at me when I arrived, all my exhaustion immediately vanished.

I will be busy for the rest of the week until next week so I think I’ll just peek in here and post sporadically until such time I’m free of work loads. For now, I’ll just finish all assignments, and sleep early to prepare for tomorrow.