Oh My....

I have two days left to pack. First for NYC, then for the Philippines trip. Agggghh! Procrastination! I did get somethings done, I shopped for the necessary items: Shampoo, comfortable pj's, a travel neck pillow...okay, maybe they are not so necessary. But it's fun to shop whatever the reason.

I'll be gone for a while so I have to make sure my bills are paid. I will bring my laptop and whenever I'm at my cousin's house, I'll have Internet (yea!) so I'll be able to update my blog and keep you updated with pictures and stories. It's not like the old days where we go away and completely drop off the map. Oh, and I got DVDs for my video camera. Should be fun. A real culture shock!

Good Book, Just Ignore Martha Stewart

Just got this book from Costco: Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook: The Essential Guide to Caring for Everything in Your Home

It has EVERYTHING you need to know about everyday practical things. I especially appreciate the cleaning checklists, the refrigerator life for foods, average make up life (good to know) and answers to those annoying problems like how to fold fitted sheets. It has great organizing tips, tips for upkeep of general appliances, proper cleaning instructions, and even how to do some small fixing jobs around the house. Really good to have whether you own a house or live in an apartment.

Some Quizzes I Took...

You Are Wolverine

Small but fierce, you're a great fighter.Watch out! You are often you're own greatest enemy. Powers: Adamantium claws, keen senses, the ability to heal quickly

Which of the X-Men Are You?

Your Personality Is

Guardian (SJ) You are sensible, down to earth, and goal oriented. Bottom line, you are good at playing by the rules. You tend to be dominant - and you are a natural leader. You are interested in rules and order. Morals are important to you. A hard worker, you give your all at whatever you do. You're very serious, and people often tell you to lighten up. In love, you tend to take things carefully and slowly. At work, you are suited to almost any career - but you excel in leadership positions. With others, you tend to be polite and formal. As far as looks go, you are traditionally attractive. You take good care of yourself. On weekends, you tend to like to do organized activities. In fact, you often organize them!

The Three Question Personality Test

As Promised! (Cheesy-Smile Picture)

Found it! You'd never believe where? After tearing up the house & frantically searching, I decided to make the best of my search by putting things away and organizing. As I was in my underwear drawer, I brushed aside some unmentionables to reveal: Ta da! My Passport!!! I was never an "underwear drawer stasher" so I was puzzled...but only for a moment because I was overcome with giddy delight! What a relief! Now it's time to have a bubble bath with a glass of wine and book that massage I've been needing so badly! It's too late for a nap (I'm exhausted), but tonight's sleep is going to be good! :)

Lost Passport

It's something I always keep in the same place. But while making preparations for my trip, I discovered that it was missing. The last time I had used it was on my cruise back in September, and a lot has happened since then. First of all, I remember taking a long time to unpack...but I checked my luggage and it's not there. Also, we moved everything out of the bedroom while painting so I have NO idea where it could have went. I've checked every obvious place and not so obvious places. Did I drop it after passing customs? UGH.

Like Gata, I'm hoping I find it right after I blog about it. I have already passed my deadline today for filing for an emergency one. I'm going to keep on searching...if I don't find it in the next couple of hours I'm going to go to the Post office and get the forms to file tomorrow morning. I can have it sent to NY worst case scenario. But until I get it, I'm going to feel anxious. @!#$%

Alone Time

I've always been surrounded by people - I'm not saying it's a bad thing...but when I get a chance to be alone for a while, I savor it.

SO Excited

I'm going away to the Philippines for 3 weeks in March. I have never gone, so I'm really looking forward to it. My mom is coming also, and my aunt and grandmother. She's acting blaze about it, and it's kind of annoying since I feel so differently I guess. I can't believe I'm going to be in Asia! I'm going to meet family, see the house my grandfather built, see where my mom and aunts and uncles grew up. I'm going to be filming, taking pictures like crazy and just trying to soak everything in. I hope to see some tourist spots like the Chocolate Hills and the Rice fields. I bet it's going to be so lush, green and tropical. It really stinks that my cousin Saskia can't make it, but I'm going to get to bond with my two cousins who live there. I'll try to blog when I'm over there, I'm sure I'll have lots of cool National Geographic-like pictures to share.

(Chocolate Hills)

It's Been A While...

Had a few guests over this past month, first were the D'Amato's...it was fun, we managed to visit the Galarza's for the first time also. The baby's a cutie. Then we met up with Steph & JP who are in town. We went to the Everglades one day and had a great time, despite my camera battery dying after seeing the first alligator. Next time people come over, it's definitely a must-do, seeing wildlife is just the most relaxing thing. We saw over 45 alligators (I know because my mom kept count-ha ha) and we got pretty darn close to them too. We did the trails where you walk on an elevated pier, but next time I'm definitely going to do the boat ride. After that, we hit this winery (Schnebly Winery) that makes wine from tropical fruits - no grapes. Taste testing was fun, and my favorite turned out to be the Mango one (surprise surprise). It's smooth and the taste of alcohol is almost undetectable. (Uh-oh). We didn't have time to do the Orchid farm or the Bonsai farm, but it's definitely a spot to hit next time as I LOVE orchids.

Grey Heron (above)

We got even closer than this, after this shot, my camera died.

Mindless Ramblings...

I bought a book to teach myself crochet. When I was younger, Miledy gave me a blue needle and taught me how to do the chain stitch. So I decided to pick it up again and try to advance to the point where I can actually make something! My goal is to make a baby blanket for Flora, but I'm not going to say anything in case I turn out to be really bad at it. I tend to lose patience. Remember our knitting classes with Karin? Those were really nice, however I don't know if I retained much...I do remember it was nice spending time with the ladies.

I've been having a pretty bad skin week...and I buckled down and bought Proactiv on eBay. I'm going to try to sell my old ipod on eBay but haven't gotten around to posting it.

BTW, I love Gwen Stefani's new song "The Sweet Escape" although I do still miss her ND days. She did sell out big time...although I like a few of her new songs. Way better than LoveBabyLambCrap. I still think she could have done similar stuff with ND (Rock Steady album had a dance-vibe). Whatever. I want to go to her concert in May; she's a great performer. Anyone down?

Cousins

Hair Acceptance

There comes a time in every girl's life where she learns to accept her hair for what it is. When I was younger, actually in first grade to be exact, I remember saying that I wanted "brown wavy hair." Well, when puberty hit, my straight black hair gradually turned wavy. Gave me a whole new meaning on the saying: "Be careful what you wish for!" I said I wanted wavy, not frizzy!

Anyway, during my teen years I discovered getting your hair blown straight. I did it a lot. Also I did it myself occasionally but it was a real chore. Once I even used a mild relaxer. Recently I discovered the Chi ceramic flattening iron. That thing is magic. I could wash my hair at night - air dry my hair and spend 20 minutes in the morning running the Chi through it. It really does wonders. However too much straightening always damages your hair so I don't do it as often as I used to.

I do different hairstyles once in a while, sometime I set it in rollers, sometimes I have it straight and most of the time I have it natural. Like I said earlier, there comes a time (some later than sooner) where you learn to accept, if not like your hair. And after years of fighting it, I have to say I have come to accept my unruly locks. Guess it may be a matter of just finally learning how to deal and what products to use, etc.

Where Do I Begin?

A lot has happened in the past few days. A lot of positive things. For one, my mom's visiting, and I'm just really enjoying having her. She's also made some friends here and its good to know she's having a good time. Also, on a whim, I went back to the furniture store just to see if they had any new arrivals. And they did. I fell in love with a bed that I never thought I would find in this price range. So I ordered it. That brought on a mad rush to prime and paint my room because it was to be delivered in two days. Can you believe it, we primed and painted in two days. We had to do two coats of prime because the beige was really strong. Also, I found this perfect blue called "Blue Mesa" by Ralph Lauren paint. At first I thought it was too light, but after it dried, it was just perfect. I also had molding put up in the room - what a difference it makes! Also, my mom and I have been working out. We do 20 minutes of cardio, and I'm going to be doing strength training every other day. I forgot how good it felt to work out. I haven't worked out regularly in about 2 or 3 years! They say exercising releases those happy endorphins - which I need. I'm not looking to drop a lot of weight, as I have a really hard time giving up certain foods. So slowly loose ends are being tied....finally I have a bed. Time to celebrate. My Japanese Maple is tricked by the weather and is now budding - spring came early.

Bed Bath & Stinking Beyond

I always get a bunch of those coupons for BB&B, but NEVER seem to ever bring the coupon when I go. UGH!!!!!!!!! That's the gimmick! They know how to make money! Feel like kicking myself.

I Don't Mean To Rub It In....

...But I had an awesome weekend!

Went to a party...

...played volleyball in the courts by the beach...

It's going to become a Sunday trend. We've done it two weeks in a row now. I used to play volleyball in high school so I'm kind of rusty, but I'm getting there. I really have no concept of winter this year. I remember how depressed I used to get, when my summer would just fly by. I loved summer growing up. All I wanted to do was ride my bike and stay outdoors.

Great Grandma

My great grandmother died the other day. She was two months short of turning 101. I cried like a day later. I never met her, so my tears were fueled with regret of never visiting her. Sadly we have a Philippines trip planned for March. Too bad she couldn't hang on for a few more months.

Financial Advice

Here are my two cents regarding purchases specifically dealing with women trying to be frugal. I've been guilty of this plenty of times, and hope this helps in your decision making process when making purchases big or small.

Whether its a flat iron, or a sink mat - it sometimes is more economic to go with the top of the line, more expensive choice. Why? Because I always get the cheaper one, thinking it will suffice and end up being disappointed and spend more money on getting the better one anyway. So in the end I spend more.

Sigh!

M - A - T - T - R - E - S

And leave off the last "s" for savings.

I got my mattress switched out for a firmer one. I spent a while going from bed to bed at the Mattress place. Those decisions are like the worst for me. At the end of the day, every bed started to feel the same. It was especially hard after laying on this luxury bed called "Pranasleep" which is latex foam. The sales guy said it was $3700, I was like Ooookay moving on! But I finally chose this firm mattress, and it was obviously right for me because I slept like a rock. I did not wake up for anything in the middle of the night. So I'm happy. Now for the bed frame itself...I need a bedroom set, I'm just too darn picky! And dang, bedroom sets are pretty pricey!

Funny

Marie Feeding Seagulls

Listen for the horrified squeal at the end!

Products Products!

I love trying new products out, and especially love their packaging. I used to think it would be a cool job trying out products and critiquing them. Well, Gata sent me a link to this one girl's blog who tries beauty products and writes about them...she is probably getting money for it too, and she is probably sent free stuff to try and critique. It wasn't the first time I've seen blogs like that. In Allure magazine a few months back, there was a whole section devoted to blogs where people write about products they've tried. I am contemplating starting one too...although it is an investment because some of the blogs feature high end products. And I'm doubting if the returns are that profitable. Nonetheless, it would be fun. We'll see. I don't think I have enough time to invest in that either.

ROAD TRIP!

I recently came back from an exhausting yet FUN road trip to New York. This trip was different from the rest because our car now has a cheap DVD player in it. I was able to play a No Doubt concert and recline my seat all the way. My driving stamina is improving. I was excited to visit "home" again. I have a new line, Anthony says home is where the cats are. Lol.

Anyway, we were able to pull off surprising my Mom & Grandma at 2 in the morning! I called my mom from the vestibule of her building, saying that I couldn't sleep due to a bad dream that this guy was ringing her bell and trying to get in...at that moment of course Anthony started ringing her bell. She heard it and said she was not going to buzz the door since she is not expecting someone. Grandma buzzed the door - I heard her say in the background that it might be my aunt Doris. Anyway, we went up and surprise surprise!

We were supposed to be in town earlier that week - so if you didn't see me, it was because we arrived on Friday 2 am and left Saturday morning at around 6:30. But I had a great day in NY. Felt wonderful to come and visit as a tourist. First thing that surprised me was the road rage. Twice in one day I was honked at, like for a long time. I wasn't even driving slow. I felt my blood pressure raise...this is something I did not miss about New York. Driving is just so stressful. I had a wonderful breakfast, then went to the city with my Mom & Gata. We visited one of my favorite spots in the city: St. Mark's place. We had tea and cake there after shopping at the wholesale district (I went a little nuts). It was just one of the best days....

The trip was short and sweet, it was time to leave. In Virginia, we made a pit stop in Ikea. Having those Swedish meatballs & red potatoes made my day! I bought floor lamps, wall art and some essentials. It felt great to bring home some plants...greenery! We were given a floor rug, which made the living room instantly cozy.

All in all, it was good to be back. I was able to visit and do things I enjoy most about NY, without actually living there. It's like having the best of both worlds. I do miss the action you find at any hour, be it 1 in the afternoon or at night.