Holidays 2009

Christmas time...

Check this out, http://heart-2-heart-online.com/2009/11/17/christmas-registry-at-rustans-2009/
It's convenient... but I'm still a little bit torn with the idea...

Let me sleep on it.

Fall...

My favorite season is fall... the weather... the colors... the outfit...

It's also the advent of get-togethers, family activities, school performances...

September kicks off the season... well, of course I wait for September every year as

it is my birthday month... my favorite month of course!

October is my youngest's birthday month so that only means I would've put a month's worth

of planning for her "birthday" as well.

Halloween is an occasion both kids look forward to... months of preparation as to the character

they will be. The day comes and suddenly, they want to be something else (wow!). Oh well, that's

what mommy-hood is about, everyday is a surprise. No matter how much of an OC planner you are...

November is Daddy's birthday so the kids are excited for that too... endless campaigns to eat out to their

favorite (which is Mommy and Daddy's favorite anyway) japanese resto. Thank God for family

it's around this time too that we're able to go on "1 out of 4 times a year" couples date.

Thanksgiving is the preemptor of winter, I love the fact that we get to see family this time of year...

endless eating of course. But most of all, I've made black friday a girls day out tradition for me (be it with my BFF or my cousins)! I usually shop for my most coveted electronic gadget, I wonder what it will be this year?

See why I love fall? I end up falling for everything fun, nice and, a shopping excuse before winter!

Of birthdays...

it's been awhile since i've posted here... been busy with FB! one thing i gained from FB, old friends whom i treasure and love... true enough, they were around again this time in my life to greet me a HBD! it was thrilling to receive birthday wishes from all over the globe! thanks to all who remembered me! recently, my dad and my hubby had their birthdays too. so did my youngest...

Fall...

i like the changing of the seasons...

i like fall colors...

i like the cool breeze of fall...

except that now, it's already november

and it's not quite as cool yet!

Road Trip

Our family embarked on what we thought was impossible...

Took a test and this is the result...

What Your Handbag Says About You
You are concerned with how you appear. Projecting your high status is important to you.You tend to be on high alert. You are very aware of your surroundings.You are a high maintenance person. You feel lost outside of your normal environment.You are an organized and together person. You are competent and successful.Your motto is: "Be prepared." You don't like to be surprised by anything.You are practical and down to earth. You tend to be a rather reserved and quiet person.You are a very unique and special person. There's no one else who is anything like you.

Hmmm... some may actually be true!

Took a test and this is the result...

What Your Handbag Says About You
You are concerned with how you appear. Projecting your high status is important to you.You tend to be on high alert. You are very aware of your surroundings.You are a high maintenance person. You feel lost outside of your normal environment.You are an organized and together person. You are competent and successful.Your motto is: "Be prepared." You don't like to be surprised by anything.You are practical and down to earth. You tend to be a rather reserved and quiet person.You are a very unique and special person. There's no one else who is anything like you.

Hmmm... some may actually be true!

Let's see if you can do better...

64 words

Typing Test

To Jor on our 10th!

I would want to be but really, I don’t need to be super rich with you, but the wealth of love and peace you have gifted me in the last (even more than) 10 years have more than given me multiple rebirths and endless wonderful self-discoveries. You have made it more than possible for me to be happy with myself and to be happy with others and the world around me. I am most blessed by your presence in my life and I would want that not a day would go by without me reminding you of your patient and understanding character.
I have gained so much insight from being the mother of our two, precocious, sweet, funny, intelligent daughters who teach me constantly, every single day, of what truly matters in life. Our children are God's gift to humanity and it is in our best interests to care for their very best interests as well. Bea and Lianne restored me to myself, to which Bea would always remind me, “It’s ok Mom, it’ll be alright, don’t panic, you did it well.” And Lianne will resound, “You’re the best Mommy!” Same to you Jor, “you’re the best husband and Daddy!”

Happy 10th Anniversary!

To my one and only --- Dad!

Dad,

It's father's day today and how best can I pay tribute? Words are not enough to express my love and gratitude to my very first best friend. I remember when I was little, Mommy was the disciplinarian and I would be more afraid of her getting mad at me (or what I've done as a kid). You, you never really got mad at me. I always ran to you crying... your strategy was different, you would hug me and then talk to me, heart-to-heart. You would explain why Mom got upset, what I should've done. Then, we would pray together so I can ask sorry to Jesus for my not-so-good thoughts, my pain, and so I would not get mad at Mommy too. After we talk and pray, everything will feel better, I would learn from it and then, love Mommy even more. That went on and on from the time I was a kid, to high school, college, law school, and even when Benjor and I got together. To me, you were always there to understand.

You were my mentor, more so spiritually. You introduced Jesus Christ to me and helped me establish my relationship with Him. As a true best friend, you made sure that we will see each other in God's kingdom! You have indeed taught me a lot, from being a good friend to being a good wife and mother. Today, you continue to be my friend, I am even happier now since my daughters can have that special relationship with you too.

Our busy lives now though often get in the way and maybe, I have not had the chance to tell you how I feel. Dad, I cannot thank God enough for giving me this opportunity to be with you. Benjor and I truly value your "presence" with us and being "present" for your apos (grandchildren). You fill in the gap, the time I'm away at work, I am at peace since I know you are looking after the girls; when I lose it sometimes and unable to control my temper, you are there to help them understand the reasons why; when I get busy with the world, you are there to guide them closer to Jesus Christ.

Thank you Dad, from the bottom of my heart! We love you so so much, I thank Mommy for loving you and teaching us how to do just that. I'm sure Dundee feels very much the same way!

Happy Father's Day!

Your one and only daughter,

Joy

Celebrating Our 10th Year

We're celebrating our 10th year of married bliss this year and we're excited! Aside from being all out on splurging for our new toys, it will also be the first time that we're celebrating out of state. Can't wait... you see, my mantra is, in this day and age, 10 years of married life is indeed an accomplishment. You will have to wait maybe another 10 to celebrate this way again. So, Big Apple, here we come!

Shopaholic?

Let's see:

1. Shopping Allowance...
(a) Hubby gives me on a monthly basis.
(b) I save up for my own.
(c) Non-existent.
(d) Depending on whatever’s left in the budget.

My answer: I work for it! As long as I'm able to work, I'm able to buy!

2.The bulk of my shopping money or “extra cash” goes to...
a) Bags
(b) Shoes
(c) Clothes
(d) Jewelry
(e) Books (and magazines) -- but not lately
(f) Gadgets
(g) Make-Up
(h) All of the Above

My answer: clothes, bags, make-up (not necessarily in that order)

3. The one kikay item that I can never live without, even if it’s worth my last penny is _________.

My answer: LIPSTICK!

4. The most expensive kikay item that I have or had, but I think is worth every centavo is ______.

My answer: Beauty stuff (it's hard not spend at least $100 when you go to the Benefit counter!)

5. The best place to shop for affordable but quality goods is at:

For Clothes/ Bags/ Shoes: Premium Outlets

For Gadgets: Best Buy/Amazon.com

For Books: Borders (with discount)/Amazon.com

For Make-Up: ULTA, Sephora, Macys

For Jewelry: I only have heirloom ones (so no expense for me)

6. If you cannot afford a brand new Louis Vuitton, you will…

(a) Buy pre-owned ones at lower prices

(b) Save up and wait until you can afford it

(c) Swipe the card anyway and think about the bills later

(d) Buy a similar type from the more affordable brand

My answer: If I can't buy the real-deal, I might not as well buy it! This time, I would choose (b).

7. Who is the bigger spender in terms of shopping?(a) Me!(b) The Hubby!(c) Same

My answer: definitely me

8. Have you ever splurged on something that was not really worth it? If yes, what item?
Hmmm....

9. Is there any kikay item or any gadget that you are currently saving up for, care to share?

My answer: Kikay Item - Fresh Violette

Gadget: MAC MAC MAC

10. Are you the type who goes to the mall, and can never leave empty-handed?
My answer: It will be a waste of time to go to the mall for no reason. Reason to go to the mall --- BUY!

Happy Birthday Mommy!

You were our Mom, who nurtured and guided us to maturity;

You were our Sister, who was always there to understand;

You were our Teacher, who, with compassion and grace

taught us what life has to offer;

Most of all, you were our Friend,

who was always there to listen and lend a helping hand.

Thank you Mom for all those years of caring and unconditional love ---

We remember you today and everyday … Happy Birthday!

Magdalena “Nena” Casanova Garrido

April 17, 1943 – January 4, 2007

7 Things I Love

the rule of the game, is to list 7 Things I Love, and then pass it on to friends & Blogs I Love.
so here we go:

1. i love my family, from my dear hubby and kids, my dad & mom, my only brother, and to my extended family, of course. they are a part of who i am today.
2. i love my friends, EC-worldwide, Arirang, 10-7, friends from birth (memories from yesterday give more meaning to my life today).
3. i love california, there's so much to learn, so much to see, so much to experience.
4. i love napa, i can go back over and over and still find something new to try each time.
5. i love my work, knowing that i am serving our military population inspire me to be better in what i do everyday.
6. i love shopping, it's the essence of my being a woman (hah!)
7. i love God and my faith. it's my strength and salvation from this world we live in.

How well do I know him?

Here's a chance to see how well you really know dear hubby.
Cut, paste and fill in the answers, then forward . . . shoot, you know what to do. The real challenge is to send it to your dear hubby to see how right you really are.

1. He's sitting in front of the TV, what is on the screen? Sundance, ICF, some foreign film
2. You're out to eat; what kind of dressing does he get on his salad? Caesar
3. What's one food he doesn't like? Sandwiches
4. You go out to eat and have a drink. What does he order? Beer, nachos, buffalo wings, El Presidente; Japanese, assorted sushi/sashimi, udon; Vietnamese soup; coffee/Americano
5. Where did he go to high school? Philippines
6. What shoe size does he wear? 8 1/2 or 9
7. If he was to collect anything? Pictures from eras past
8. What is his favorite type of sandwich? He doesn't eat sandwiches, really!
9. What kind of food would he eat everyday if he could? Pho
10. What is his favorite breakfast? Garlic rice, omelete
11. What would he never wear? tight shirts
12. What is his favorite sports team? Whichever is the underdog
13. Who did he vote for? Obama
14. Who is his best friend? I am guessing me.
15. What is something you do that he wishes you wouldn't do? Worry and stress over things I have no control over
16. What is his heritage? GI, genuine Ilocano!
17. You bake him a cake for his birthday; what kind of cake? decadent chocolate cake
18. Did he play sports in high school? he was a nerd, don't think he was into sports
19. What could he spend hours doing?hiking, fixing the backyard or the garage
20. What is one unique talent he has? SINGING

I hope I know him well by now, we're on our 10th year, yah know!

Love me 2x

Got this from a friend's blog, thought I'd try it. Hopefully, this will give my friends and family double reason to love me more...

Two names you go by:
1. Joy - for friends and family
2. Jigs - for family who will always think of me as a little girl

Two things you are wearing right now:
1. brown suit top
2. brown wedge Naturalizer shoes (got to be comfy at work)

Two things you want very badly at the moment:
1. massage
2. sleep (I guess this is inevitable after a good massage, right?)

Two people who will most likely send this back:
1. Vina
2. Laura

Two things you did last night:
1. night cap coffee with the hubby
2.put away toys and paper to make sure we all wake up to a brighter Monday

Two things you ate today:
1. oatmeal
2. coffee
(it's 10 am)

Two People you just spoke with today:
1. my dad
2. my hubby

Two things you're doing tomorrow:
1. laundry
2. kids homework!!!

Two longest road trips:
1. 12 hour drive to Las Vegas
2. San Jose (2 hours) it's just that my youngest can't take the "loooong" drive (anything longer than 30 mins is "loooong" for her)

Two favorite beverages:
1. soy latte
2. peppermint mocha

Tag, YOUR TURN! :)

Petite Fit

Joe's Jeans
The Provocateur [n: petite fit] Inspired by all those times when late nights and genuine attraction come together. This silhouette has a shorter inseam and a higher knee break to lengthen the leg. It's no wonder then that a petite girl in a great fitting pair of jeans has all the sex appeal in the world.


Click on the title. To all my petite friends, this pair of jeans is just PERFECTO! Try it and tell me you found your best pair ever!

Dear Santa

I found this note before christmas and it melt my "mother's heart".....

Dear Santa,
If I was good this year Santa, I would like Nintendo DS games. I would like Bolt, Pokemon Ranger, Rubiks Cube and Madagascar Escape2Africa. If you can't get these Nintendo DS games, I would just like a yo-yo. But if you can't get a single thing, I would just want you to make my little sister better so she doesn't hurt, push, hit, and do anything that's bad. I just want her to be nice to me.

Love, Big Sister

If parents can take credit to how their kids turn out to be... I'm one proud mom, cant' you see? She's the most patient big sister I tell you. Well, little sister can be very sweet at times, but she's the "princess" of the family. I guess we all know who we need to work on this year...

Happy New Year Everyone!

Ala-ism's entry "home and love" dated Monday, Jan 5, 2009 hits home! So true...

http://ala-ism.pansitan.net/