coolmom

Trees

2011-10-15T05:04:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite poems about nature. Dedicated to all the illegal loggers out there.

Breaking Dawn Part I

2011-10-10T17:25:00.000-07:00

Twilight Breaking Dawn
I actually can't believe I'm watching the countdown until this film hits the cinemas.

I'm so excited about the upcoming movie Breaking Dawn Part I. Of course, everybody knows (okay, maybe not, maybe just almost everybody), this is the first of the two final films of the Twilight Saga. I've seen the first 3 installments, which I immensely enjoyed; I've read all the 4 books, and now I can't wait for the latest film to be shown on the big screen.

I found a gem in this video, a great compilation of the the important scenes from the first 3, with some parts of the latest one, Breaking Dawn Part I (apparently taken from the trailer). Thanks to QuickAndDirtyGraphix for uploading this. It's worth sharing.

Rolling In The Deep - Adele

2011-06-18T18:01:00.000-07:00

There's a fire starting in my heart,
Reaching a fever pitch and it's bringing me out the dark,

Finally, I can see you crystal clear,
Go ahead and sell me out and a I'll lay your ship bare,
See how I'll leave with every piece of you,
Don't underestimate the things that I will do,

There's a fire starting in my heart,
Reaching a fever pitch and it's bring me out the dark,

The scars of your love remind me of us,
They keep me thinking that we almost had it all,
The scars of your love, they leave me breathless,
I can't help feeling,

We could have had it all,
(You're gonna wish you never had met me),
Rolling in the deep,
(Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep),
You had my heart inside your hand,
(You're gonna wish you never had met me),
And you played it to the beat,
(Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep),

Baby, I have no story to be told,
But I've heard one on you and I'm gonna make your head burn,
Think of me in the depths of your despair,
Make a home down there as mine sure won't be shared,

The scars of your love remind me of us,
(You're gonna wish you never had met me),
They keep me thinking that we almost had it all,
(Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep),
The scars of your love, they leave me breathless,
(You're gonna wish you never had met me),
I can't help feeling,
(Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep),

We could have had it all,
(You're gonna wish you never had met me),
[- From :http://www.elyrics.net/read/a/adele-lyrics/rolling-in-the-deep-lyrics.html -]
Rolling in the deep,
(Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep),
You had my heart inside your hand,
(You're gonna wish you never had met me),
And you played it to the beat,
(Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep),

Could have had it all,
Rolling in the deep,
You had my heart inside your hand,
But you played it with a beating,

Throw your soul through every open door,
Count your blessings to find what you look for,
Turn my sorrow into treasured gold,
You'll pay me back in kind and reap just what you've sown,

(You're gonna wish you never had met me),
We could have had it all,
(Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep),
We could have had it all,
(You're gonna wish you never had met me),
It all, it all, it all,
(Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep),

We could have had it all,
(You're gonna wish you never had met me),
Rolling in the deep,
(Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep),
You had my heart inside your hand,
(You're gonna wish you never had met me),
And you played it to the beat,
(Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep),

Could have had it all,
(You're gonna wish you never had met me),
Rolling in the deep,
(Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep),
You had my heart inside your hand,
(You're gonna wish you never had met me),

But you played it,
You played it,
You played it,
You played it to the beat.

American Idol: The Heat Is On

2011-02-18T16:38:00.000-08:00

I don't really watch TV and I don't follow any particular TV show. Except when the American Idol is on. Yes, I follow American Idol from the auditions to finale. I love watching Idol hopefuls try their luck for the golden ticket to Hollywood, up to the top 24, down to the 2 final contestants. This year's season is specially interesting for me.

Why? Because one, there's a new breed of judges (well, except for Randy Jackson, who's been a fixture there since season 1). I love Jennifer Lopez since her "Selena" days and her hit songs like Let's Get Loud and Love Don't Cost A Thing, among others. As for Steven Tyler, I don't like rock music and except for "I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing"(which is one of my all time favorite songs), I didn't really care if I missed everything about him. Until he joined AI. Seeing him on the judges table utter his uhhs and ahhs and hearing him hum with the contestants when he's pleased, is for me seeing a refreshing side of this rocker. After the first episode of this season, I've become a convert. Yes, I'm a fan now.

I have no doubt in my mind that they will bring new flavor to the show, and yes they did! I thought I'd miss Simon (Cowell), but these three judges delivered! and I've totally forgotten about him (sorry Simon, I thought I was loyal to you, guess I'm more loyal to AI).

Two, the talents this season are really amazing. I already have my favorites this early, but it broke my heart to see one really great talent go in the Hollywood week. I'm speaking of Travis Orlando from the New Jersey auditions. I was hoping to see him until the final 12, and I was disappointed his journey came to an end abruptly.

Moving on, I am so excited because there are two Filipino hopefuls in the Idol who apparently are very strong contenders - Thia Megia and Clint Jun Gamboa. The girl Thia is amazing. She already had her shot at America's Got Talent and has appeared in David Foster's shows. Why, as early as now fellow Filipinos see her as the next Charice, and with good reason. I hope she'll make it up to the finals.

When Clint Jun Gamboa first auditioned, I immediately thought he is a Filipino, and to be sure I asked my ever-reliable friend Google and presto, I found out he's half-Filipino. I liked him until he ditched 15 year old Jaycee Badeaux in the Hollywood group performance. I felt it was so mean of him to do that to young, adorable Jaycee. But then again, the fact remains that he's a really good singer, so I'm forgiving him and would root for him in the days to come.

Speaking of Jaycee Badeaux, this boy is a darling who never fails to charm the judges. But I don't think he'll make it far enough, he's just not ready yet. Maybe in a few more years he'll be able to hone his talent and come back to AI with a vengeance.

Aside from the two Filipinos, I would also like to see cutie Lauren Alaina whose rendition of "I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing" made her an instant celebrity. I won't be surprised if she makes it to the top 12 and beyond.

And yes, Carson Higgins. He's good, he's hilarious, and he's a stand-out. I wanna see more of him and look forward to seeing more of his "funny" antics. As for Chris Medina? Well, I'm not a fan.

And the biggest mess? Who else but Ashley Sullivan. She forgot the lyrics and was nervous all the time. While there's no doubt she can sing, those nerves are not doing any good on her bid for the AI title. I wonder why she was able to make it through to the next round.

So what's next? As most AI fans out there, I can't wait to see the Vegas episode.

Charice sings Jingle Bell Rock in Manhattan

2010-12-02T06:10:00.000-08:00

Our very own Charice sings Jingle Bell Rock at Rockefeller Center in Manhattan.

Weird, Funny, Surprising Facts

2010-11-26T23:23:00.000-08:00

You may know some of them, or all of them already. I found them all over the internet, things that I find amusing, some made me smile, some are annoying, some even left me dumbfounded. I thought it's fun having them here. Here goes:

1. The Guinness Book of Records holds the record for being the book
most often stolen from public libraries.

2. Q. If you were to spell out numbers, how far would you have to go until you would find the letter "A"? A. One thousand

3. 111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321. - (source: Useless Facts Weird Information Humor)

4. Cats have over one hundred vocal sounds, while dogs only have about 10.

5. In ancient China, doctors could receive fees only if their patient was cured. If it deteriorated, they would have to pay the patient. (I would be happy if this is implemented in my country)

6. Somnambulism, also known as sleepwalking, is thought to affect between 1% and 15% of the American population. The causes are cited to be anything from restless leg syndrome to mental illness, and the manifestations are even wider spread. There are some cases where people have been said to cook, eat, engage in sexual activity, and even murder…all in their sleep. - source: Bizarre Medical

7. In Los Angeles, CA, it is an offense to lick a toad. Apparently, people were getting high off them! (This explains a lot about the princess and the frog. The frog never turned into a prince, the princess merely thought the frog turned into a prince because she was high from kissing it!) - source: Weird Laws, Turtle Zen

8. Men are 6 times more likely to be struck by lightning than women! - source: StrangeFacts.com

9. Unnecessary body part: The Appendix: Yep, your appendix is basically useless. While it does produce some white blood cells, most people are fine with an appendectomy. - source: The Nurse Nut

10.Your hearing decreases when you overeat: When you eat too much food, it actually reduces your ability to hear. So consider eating healthy — and only until you are full. - source: The Nurse Nut

Only Friends

2010-11-21T03:48:00.000-08:00

I was checking my facebook wall and had read my FB friends talk about this song. Memories came rushing back... First heard this song from my eldest sister (Ate Vi) , learned how to play the guitar chords from my other sister (Ate Emie), and eternally loved singing it since.

Classic and timeless.
(Credits go the the creator of this video)

Fun Dining

2010-09-26T02:08:00.001-07:00

Okay, let me correct the title, it was actually both fun and fine dining.

It was our "farewell lunch out" for my officemate and friend, Winky, who was leaving for the You.S (US) in a week's time. My boss, another officemate/friend, Ms. Emi, Winky and myself headed towards San Juan to find some place to eat. My boss brought us to a place called Cafe Ysabel.

My first time to dine at Cafe Ysabel, a classy yet affordable restaurant tucked in an old but homey ancestral home along P. Guevarra St., San Juan, Metro Manila. The very first thing the caught my attention was the pond at the front yard, big and beautiful fishes swarmed the shallow, glistening water. Out of excitement (and ignorance I guess), I asked one of the guys in uniform (who I assumed works there) if they get their seafood dishes from the pond, the answer was negative, and thank God, these creatures are too beautiful to be served on the table, they're better off left swimming to their hearts' content. My eyes were transfixed on them for a brief moment. Then, I reminded myself, we're actually there to dine.

Inside was a cozy, welcoming ambiance. It was roomy, the furniture looked ancient and really matched the old house. It felt like going to grandma's house.

My boss who was the one more familiar with the place and the menu, took the liberty to order our food. Here's what we ordered.
(Arroz Valenciana)

(Lengua, some fish-the green one with nuts on top, and chicken-the one that looked like inverted triangle - forgot their names).

The food had very nice, creative presentation. And the taste Two thumbs up!

I vowed to bring another friend there one of these days.

Kelly Clarkson - Because of You

2010-08-30T07:39:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite songs. One of Kelly Clarkson's best! (Credits to the owner of this video)

Awesome Graveyard!

2010-06-17T17:23:00.000-07:00

Hong Kong, China - We were on a bus on the way to Ocean Park in Hong Kong when we passed by this huge cemetery. I don't know what it's called (probably Hong Kong Cemetery? - I'm guessing here), but it is by far the biggest cemetery I've ever seen, alongside commercial areas and towering buildings. Oddly, I find it beautiful.

2010-06-10T20:51:00.000-07:00

Life and Nature
Hong Kong Ocean Park
May 20, 2010

Amateur video clips taken at Ocean Park, Hong Kong, China.

Election Day

2010-05-10T03:01:00.000-07:00

May 10, 2010
Election Day
Philippines

Did you vote? I hope everyone who is qualified, did. Despite the glitches, the long lines of voters waiting for their turn to vote, the defective PCOS machines, the human errors unintentionally committed by untrained COMELEC representatives/teachers - we should still persist and have the patience and perseverance to be able to cast our votes. This could be the one chance we've been waiting for that could change the future of the country. Some didn't want to vote because they believe whoever gets the position won't change anything. With due respect, I believe otherwise. I prefer to never stop hoping that there is HOPE in the country. And if that most coveted CHANGE happens, I can proudly say, I am part of it.

I voted, and I felt good.

COMPANY OUTING - KABAYAN BEACH RESORT

2010-04-28T17:16:00.000-07:00

Kabayan Beach Resort
April 27, 2010 Tuesday
Laiya, San Juan Batangas
Philippines

The employees gathered at the company's Corporate Headquarters as early as 4:00am. Some even stayed overnight at the clinic(office) to avoid coming in late and risk being left behind by the bus. As always, there were those who just can't come on time, so we had to wait for them, I should say, unhappily. Even the bus was late (huh!). We were able to leave the office at a little past 6:00am. We had to prepare ourselves for a long trip, about 3 to 4 hours from where we came from.

The bus was a mess - aside from being late, it was running slow apparently due to some mechanical problem, and the AC wasn't working properly. To top it all, the bus driver wasn't familiar with the place and it took longer for us to reach our destination. Good thing, the long trip was all worth it when we finally reached the resort.

Entrance to the Resort

A Grotto welcomes all visitors, found right after the entrance/gate.

A picture of the beach

Serene...but steaming hot!

This is where they do ceremonies like weddings, birthdays, and other events.

Some employees played beach volleyball...

...while waiting for the food, which was being prepared right in front of our cottages

Swimming time!!!

Everybody enjoyed the day. Overall it was a fun-filled, memorable company activity.

Family Outing - Morong, Bataan

2010-04-12T08:32:00.000-07:00

After spending the whole morning looking for a beach resort first in Subic, then in Morong, Bataan, we finally settled in a newly opened beach resort, The Bonito Beach Resort, located in Morong, Bataan. According to the receptionist, they opened just a few days ago, and indeed, the rooms were very new, cozy to the point of being elegant, and ours was big enough to fit 11 heads (six adult and 5 children). Well, the sand wasn't as white as Boracay's and other beaches in the South, but it was so fine, and it was surprisingly beautiful.

Day 1

We started swimming at around 4pm, when the sun was not so high and we were spared of sunburn. Just to be sure, I applied a lot of sun block on my kids' body. It was effective.

Day 2

The sky was so clear, the sun was up as early as 6am, still my kids braved the sun and basked in the sea. Oh, how they love the beach!

We went to the other side of the island, about 30 minute travel by a banca (boat). There we were able to visit a small sanctuary for "pawikans" (tortoise).

A "pawikan" (tortoise)

Life cycle of a "pawikan"

Getting ready for home.

It was worth the long search. We had so much fun!

It's Summer! Where to go?

2010-03-21T21:28:00.001-07:00

Summer is officially here! School is out, kids are at home, and everyone is thinking of a place to go. Since the start of the month (March) the sun shines so early and at about 9 a.m., it can almost burn the naked skin. My kids have been prodding me to go swimming. Okay, it's the Holy Week (religious holidays among Christians that commemorates Jesus Christ's crucifixion and resurrection, it is also the week before Easter). This year, Holy Week holidays fall on April 1 and 2, and it's a long weekend. Where should we go?

My son has been bugging me to go to Baguio City, the country's summer capital. The last time he was there was about 3 years ago. It's definitely the place to chill out, and I mean literally chill out, coz it is cold there as compared to Manila. But it's a long drive too, like 6 hours or more, depending on the traffic, and since it's Holy Week and most of those in the city will go somewhere colder, most of them to Baguio, travel time could be longer.

The Beach. We're planning to hit the beach, but I don't want to travel far, so we're looking at Batangas, this is one of the provinces in the South that boasts of nice, clean, white beaches. My niece did some reservations and it turned out almost all the resorts in that area are already fully booked for the Holy Week. But she hasn't given up yet, neither have I.

Another option is to go swimming at waterparks. This (picture) is one of the more famous waterparks in Bulacan (8 Waves), the nearest province up north, and it boasts of a number of wave pools and offers other activities such as volleyball and billiards. My kids will definitely enjoy it here.

So, where to go? I'll see where our feet bring us.

Pacquiao-Clottey: Pacman wins again!

2010-03-14T01:01:00.000-08:00

Today, March 14, 2010 (March 13, Saturday in the US), Manny Pacquiao finished another boxing stunt, this time with Joshua Clottey, a New York-based, Ghana-native boxer. He boasts of several titles himself, and claims he is better than our own Manny P. It didn't take too long for everyone to know how wrong he was. Coz today, in Cowboys Stadium in Dallas, Texas, Manny proved again that he is the best sportsman in his field. Clottey was just no match to this great fighter.

I am not a fan of the sport Boxing, but whenever it's Pound-for-Pound Manny Pacquiao who's on the ring, I definitely cheer for him. He not only fights for his title, he fights for the country. He knows wherever he goes, and whatever happens to him in any of his fights, he brings with him the country's name. And in his last 7 stunts he has never failed his countrymen. It's amazing how he performs inside the ring and though I don't understand how the scoring works, I always revel at how he carries himself while in action, and he is, no doubt one of the best sportsman the country has, and the rest of the world I'm sure will agree. He is the pride of the Filipino people. Congratulations, Manny Pacquiao. Another victory, another reason for us Filipinos to be proud.

Way to go Pacman!

Images of AIDS

2010-02-18T04:10:00.000-08:00

MY SON'S PROJECT

This is my son's project in his computer class. He's in grade 5. The pictures were taken from google images, as instructed by the teacher. Would like to thank the "owners" of the all the images used herein. The objective is to promote AIDS awareness.

10 TIPS TO ENJOY LIFE

2010-02-03T01:10:00.000-08:00

1. Don't interrupt other people's sentences.

2. Make peace with imperfections.

3. When you die, your in-tray won't be empty.

4. Be the first one to act with love. Reach out.

5. Ask yourself the question, "Will this matter a year from now?"

6. Be aware of the snowball effect of your thinking.

7. Let go of the idea that relaxed people can't be super-achievers.

8. Choose being kind over being right. Better if you can be both.

9. Everyday, tell at least one person something you like or appreciate about them.

10. Live this day as if it it were your last...and treat friends as if it's their last day too.

Source: Internet and Email Network

I HAD MUMPS!

2010-01-31T06:05:00.000-08:00

About 2 weeks ago on a Monday morning I felt pain on the lower right side of my cheek, and I thought it was - nothing. I went to work just like any other day, but the pain bothered me. When I complained about it, my officemates told me to see the doctor to find out what causes it. I didn't actually believe it was something alarming, but I went to see the doctor anyway. I work in a healthcare company and I have immediate access to (excellent) doctors. Guess what! I was diagnosed to have mumps! I really found it funny coz I thought mumps are just for kids. But yes, it was my first time to have mumps(as far as I can remember). And what really surprised me was when the doctor said it is in fact contagious! I was ordered to go home right after to avoid spreading the virus in the workplace. The doctor sent me home for a 9-day-quarantine. I also had a strict order to wear face mask at home at all times and avoid any physical contact with my kids without a mask.

Well, I must admit I welcome the sudden and unplanned vacation. This is the first time that I'm going to stay home for 9 straight days, with pay (yes!). But I was also worried about the workload that will be left on my table. I brought home my laptop(at work)so I can still work. So I was on sick leave but was also remotely working. Whew, what a vacation!

I was happy at the thought the I'll be home for a long period, and have more time to bond with the kids. Unfortunately, because of the restriction set by the doctor - I can't go around the house without a mask, I can sleep with my kids, can't kiss nor hug them, oh, the list goes on and on I actually find it OA (Over-Acting). But prudence also tells me I should comply, lest I pass the virus on to my kids (oh, no!) and the other people at home.

I've finished the 9-day quarantine period. Now I'm back to work, back to reality. It was a nice respite, but not so nice because of the "dont's". After a long rest, I'm again behind my desk doing a full time HR job.

2009-12-31T10:21:00.000-08:00

It's now 2:00 am, January 1, we've just celebrated the New Year's Eve, I had Media Noche(midnight dinner during the New Year's Eve) with the kids and the rest of the family. I just finished talking to my husband (who works overseas), we exchanged greetings, talked about the kids, what I food I prepared for the occasion, cried a little (because I and the kids miss him a lot).

Everybody was so excited about the fireworks, it's such a spectacle and had set a festive mood and a different kind of high. The bangs and noises created by everyone to welcome the new year filled the air. For a few seconds I closed my eyes and prayed that this will be a much better year than the one that has just passed. I sealed it by keeping my fingers crossed. I honked my car to join those who were already making all the loud sounds. As a tradition, it's done to welcome the year and drive away negative spirits.

I have high hopes for this coming year, I feel a positive vibe and I just hope I am right.

To everyone, Happy New Year!

PAID-TO-CLICK SITES (Part 2)

2009-09-18T16:37:00.000-07:00

I stopped clicking on the PTCs I posted here some months back. Most have very low pay per per click rate it's gonna take me ages before I reach payout. But I've discovered new ones, been actually paid by some and the others that I haven't received payment yet have been attested to as legit by members. I've joined these mostly after I have read good feedback about them on the forum site of which I'm also a member, myLot (please see banner on the left). Here goes:

I've been paid by neobux and palmbux, and I'm on my way to reaching the minimum payout on Trek Pay, Bux GS and BuxP. They seem to be good sites, they're better than the ones I first joined, so guess I'm sticking it out with them, for now.

(If you wanna try them please click on the banners).

Heavenly Davao

2009-09-10T16:00:00.000-07:00

I was in Davao last week, again, because of work. While on the plane I was so bored and my companion just slept the whole time we were on board. To entertain myself, I took some pictures from my window.

Up above the clouds. It's like heaven!

An aerial view of Davao City, taken from my not-so-high-tech camera.

The sun was so shy, it was hiding. The sea would have been a great view.

Food is great and very affordable. Nothing beats the wide variety of fruits the city offers. I finally had the courage to taste durian, after the non-stop prodding of my co-workers. Well, it tastes weird, at first. I decided I like it somehow.

Surprisingly, it seems no one sleeps in Davao, even in the wee hours of the night.

We had a great time.

Visiting Cebu

2009-08-25T01:58:00.001-07:00

I was away from home for 4 days, I had to go to Cebu City, Philippines to conduct a work enhancement training for our company's employees in Cebu branch. Cebu is in the central part of the country, it is the country's oldest city and dubbed as the Queen City of the south. Next to Mega Manila, Cebu is the place to be. So the moment I set foot at the Cebu airport, I was shouting (in my head and to myself), CEBU, here I come!

When I go to a place I always want to visit historical landmarks - they tell a lot about the place. In Cebu I was looking forward to seeing Magellan's Cross - this is where Spain's Ferdinand Magellan planted the Cross, and introduced Christianity to the locals (the country is largely Catholic, thanks to Magellan). I also wanted to see the monument of Lapu-lapu, the first recognized Philippine hero who killed Ferdinand Magellan who tried to colonize the country in the year 1521. The place is so rich in history that all Filipinos can be proud of.

But I was in for a big disappointment. Hey don't get me wrong, I wasn't disappointed at the majesty of the place. I was disappointed because I wasn't able to see the places I wanted to visit. The training schedule ate up all my time, and before I knew it, it was time to go back to Manila! I didn't see the Cathedral, the Magellan's Cross and that oh so famous monument of Lapu-Lapu. So sad...Anyway, these are the place I wanted to see, but didn't.

L I F E

2009-08-02T05:05:00.000-07:00

Life is like a game
a game we have to play
be winner or a loser
we all do have to stay.

Life consists of trials
they come in unexpected times
face them, fight them, fear them not
bear in mind that you have the guts.

Life in this world is not lasting
nothing here is undying
make use of the time you are going to spend
before the Last Judgment.

(written by me in 1982, published in the school organ)

MyLot - what a great site!

2009-07-29T07:52:00.000-07:00

In my search for some information about paid to click sites, I accidentally stumbled upon myLot and my internet life has dramatically changed. MyLot is not a PTC site, it is a social networking earning site (not sure if I got that correct). I have never been so addicted to surfing until myLot came to my life.

I joined the site sometime in May of this year, I actually had no idea about the earning part, I only noticed the number at the top left portion of my dashboard on my third post, about the time when myLot updated the earnings of all members. Reading the discussions alone made me stay in this site, but the money that goes with each post makes it all the more exciting. There's nothing better than learning and earning at the same time.

And oh, did I mentioned the friends I made? I never imagined myself to have so many friends all over the world. Now I get to exchange opinions with everyone who shares my interests and get advices on just about any problem whenever there's a need for one (not that I have such so many problems LOL).

It is indeed a wonderful experience. I have shared this with two of my personal friends and I hope that they too, will enjoy the site as much as I do.

Just in case you're interested, please visit the site:

http://www.myLot.com?ref=doryvien

PAID-TO-CLICK SITES

2009-06-13T23:00:00.000-07:00

I was looking for some work-at-home jobs online when I stumbled upon paid-to-click sites. Paid-to-clicks, or PTCs, are sites that invite members to click on ads and view them for a required number of seconds (around 15-30 seconds), and reward them somewhere between $.005 to $.01. Very minimal, but could be a potential source of "other income" particularly for those who spend long hours in front of their PCs browsing or blogging. Some offer more activities like paid-to-read emails, paid-to-sign up, etc. Payments are made via paypal, alertpay, and some other ways I'm not familiar with. I have signed up in some of them, I just hope they are not scams. Here are some the of the sites that I open to click ads, mainly because of very good reviews from those who have been in the "business" long enough. Though I have doubts, I believe as others do, that some of them are actually legitimate on-line businesses, and this thought keeps me going, and clicking.

(Interested? You can click on each banner to find out more.)

Since I am new (I started joining on the last week of May 2009) I have yet to build up my "first cash outs". Wish me luck!

BACK-TO-SCHOOL

2009-05-28T21:01:00.000-07:00

It's back to school again.

If you're a mom like me with school age kids, chances are, you too, are so occupied with back-to-school activities - enrollment (again?! summer vacation came so fast, it's over in snap), going to bookstores for the school supplies, bringing the kids to department stores or "palengke" to try on new sets of uniforms, bags, shoes, undergarments, etc. Spells M-O-N-E-Y, and a considerable amount at that.

Just to make sure that I don't miss anything, I made a list of expenses and ranked them according to priority. Here's a rundown:

1. Tuition fees, miscellaneous, other school fees - If your kids are enrolled in a government-run school, this isn't gonna be much of a worry. But for private schools, this is where a big chunk of your budget for the school expenses goes. As early as April, I asked my sons' school administrator if there's tuition fee increase, I was told there was none, which gave me a big sigh of relief. However, when I checked the miscellaneous fees, well, from last year's about P4500, now it's almost P6000. Prices of books increased by about 20% as well.

2. Uniforms - the school uniform has an "extraordinarily unique" shade of color green, and it can't be found in any store (dept store or palengke). So parents have to buy the pants from the school, priced at around 20% higher than those commonly colored uniforms available in stores. Same with the PE uniform, they are available only at the school. Even the socks have to be bought there, coz my (younger) son won't wear socks without the school's logo on it, according to him he'll be "different". Fortunately for the upper uniform(or tops), they use white polo, so this one I just bought from palengke - it's definitely cheaper than the ones they sell in school.

3. Bags - those with trolleys range from P1500 - 3800, depending on size and quality(most of the times people equate quality with brand names). For my kids, my first grader went for a bag with a superhero character - P1500. For my older son who'll be grade 5 this school year, he got the one with more famous brandname, and probably more heavy-duty, but also more pricey, P3200.00.

4. Shoes - we will buy shoes this coming weekend. But I've already checked the stores and it gave me an idea as to how much I need to prepare for this one - around P800 for my little boy(grade 1) and about P1500 for the big boy(Grade 5). The PE shoes command more price, I need to prepare at least P3000 for each. I hope I can find a bargain.

5. School supplies - I paid about P1200 for the school supplies provided by the school, it's like you don't have a choice but to buy them. But this does not include notebooks, pencil case, formal theme notebook, papers. I spent another P500+ for the latter.

6. Undergarments - sando,the ones kids wear under the polo, and underwear(briefs). I always buy new ones every beginning of the school, which my kids use for the whole school year. I also buy new set of handkerchiefs every year, which disappear one by one until only one or none at all is left by the end of the school year. Also scheduled for purchase this coming weekend, along with the shoes.

These items are MY top priority expenses every back-to-school season. Depending on the budget, I make a schedule which ones will be bought first, and the next, etc. I don't buy them all at once, as it makes a dent on the pocket. I also make sure my kids are part of the decision-making, I allow them to choose. But even before going to the stores I tell them what we're going to buy on that day, so as not to give them false hopes that they will buy everything they set their eyes on, and more importantly, not to overshoot the budget.

When the kids are back in school, I'll try to sit back and relax. I deserve it.

A CONVERT

2009-04-25T00:54:00.000-07:00

I used to think blogging is a thing for those who do not have anything worthwhile to do, probably bored teenagers or unemployed individuals who would rather log and ponder and dissect every event in their lives to announce to the world their wasted time. I'm the type who hits the web for the purpose of something productive - getting the latest news, doing job search, or searching for information that I have immediate need for. Well, ironically, I am doing it just now - blogging! A convert huh!

I actually don't know why I'm doing this, but as I do it now I realized I missed writing. Writing used to be my passion back in high school and college. I remember I had a penchant for writing just about anything - a leaf falling, a friend saying goodbye, schooldays... anything on my mind. After college it was time to face the real world, find a job, fend for myself, and sadly, as I was engulfed in life's complications brought about by adulthood, I lost it. So sad...

I'm happy I'm back. And what makes me even happier about doing this is that I don't need to write down my thoughts using my (left) hand anymore - writing by hand is one of the things I don't enjoy doing - I hope our beloved pre-school and elementary school teachers who painstakingly teach their pupils how to write properly and legibly won't hate me for saying this. Anyways, thanks to that guy who invented computers, jotting down my thoughts is no longer as "physically challenging" as it used to be. Now writing (or maybe, more aptly, typing?) is just an easier task to do - definitely!