It's Summer! Where to go?

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!

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

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

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!

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.

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)

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).