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Friday, July 31, 2009

The Busyness of the Week


just started my week,
and it's Friday already
where did the week go?!

so much to do, and
hardly anything gets done
work is piling up!

but my desk is clean...
I've managed the clutter out,
moved them to my head


Please don't forget
to visit other
people's wonderful haiku
at
A Mommy Story!




Happy Friday to all of you!

Friday Fill-In After A Fun Crazy Week!


As what I tried to spell out in my haiku above...my week just passed me by. Not sure if it was the busyness of the whole week that made me lost track of time or I just simply lost track of time. (((SIGH)))

Anyway it's Friday and as always...I'm in love! So many things happened this week...some a little crazy...some half crazy...and the rest were completely crazy...all for good reasons I hope. Ha!

So to add to the craziness and fun of my week here is my Friday Fill-Ins!




1. It's time for my shower.

2. Wherever we are; it's not a bad place for living our lives to the fullest.

3. I must be HIGH.

4. LOVE is the best thing I have ever known.

5. My life is simply amazing.

6. The last time I laughed really loudly was at work few hours ago.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to finalizing some business concept with a friend, tomorrow my plans include getting drunk and Sunday, I want to rest!

Wish you all a kickass weekend!

5 Things About Mariposa


I'm joining another fun Friday activity this week and thanks to Jean for hosting 5 Things Friday. This week she wants to know 5 Things About Us...so here are 5 Things About Mariposa!

1. Mariposa is not my real name.

2. Mariposa is the spanish for butterfly and I am crazy with butterflies. That explain why I use Mariposa as my pen name. It's been my pen name for years now...as early as when I started writing for my school paper in high school.

3. Process improvement, quality assurance and operational excellence are things that I do beyond this blog.

4. I love children so very much. (And my greatest dream is to be a Mom!)

5. Life for me begins after coffee...especially at work!

That's it! 5 Things About Mariposa...if you want to join please visit Jean!

MS Word 2007 Workarounds

How many of you have shifted to MS Word 2007? Well I did...or IT Guy did for me...months ago, without even informing me!

Can you imagine the hills and mountains I climbed when I was using it the first time?! And rest assured when I open MS Office at home it is because I am rushing some stuff at work. So there I was finishing some important papers in an unfamiliar WORD. LOL

Anyway...2007 offers some better features, just that getting familiar with its tools and the fact that it shifted to ribbons instead of the classical tools is kind of hard for people like me to adjust.

So...while familiarizing myself with it...I complain to IT Guy...every time I use MS Word at home. (At work I have the option which one to use!)

Today...I woke up and saw IT Guy using my laptop grinning. (He can barge in to my home office anytime you know.) I was like...and what's that look about? And he said...come here! I got you something and you will love it.

He got me Ribbon of Microsoft Word 2007 to Old Classic Menu and Toolbar of 2003. Yes it's a software that makes my life easy! I love it.

The software brings back the classic menus and toolbars of Word 2003 to ribbon of Microsoft Word 2007 letting you work with Word 2007 as if it were Word 2003. How cool is that? Add to that the fact that all new features of Microsoft Word 2007 have been added into the classic menus and toolbars of 2003. So while you are looking at that old familiar classi menus, rest assured 2007 icon ribbons will still be available at all times.

You may want to know more about the software and see if it works for you as it did perfectly for me!

Thursday, July 30, 2009

13 Excuses For Falling Asleep at Your Desk



Header from
Samulli

I'm so happy to be doing Thursday Thirteen again!

This week I'm going fun moments at work...which happens to be the topic for breakfast at home. As most of you know I work in the evening and we were talking about possibilities of "sleeping at work". Then we went on with some crazy ideas...13 crazy excuses for falling asleep at your desk!

(1) "They told me at the blood bank this might happen."

(2) "I wasn't sleeping, I was trying to pick up contact lens without hands."

(3) "I was doing a highly specific Yoga exercise to relieve work-related stress. Are you discriminatory towards people who practice Yoga?”"

(4) "I wasn't sleeping I was doing 'Stress Level Elimination Exercise Plan' (SLEEP), I learned that at the last mandatory seminar I was made to attend.


(5) "I wasn't sleeping! I was meditating on the mission statement and envisioning a new paradigm!"

(6) Raise your head slowly and say, "...Amen."

(7) "This is just a 15 minute power-nap like they raved about in the last time management course you sent me to."

(8) "Whew! Guess I left the top off the liquid paper."

(9) "I was testing the keyboard for drool resistance."

(10) "This is one of the seven habits of highly effective people!"

(11) "Boy, that cold medicine I took last night just won't wear off!"

(12) "Darn! Why did you interrupt me? I had almost figured out a solution to our biggest problem."

(13) "Ah, the unique and unpredictable circadian rhythms of the workaholic!"

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Gods Sends Rainbows




Like the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud on the day of rain,
so was the appearance of the brightness all around.
Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord.

- Ezekiel 1:28

This photo was taken by the IT Guy outside Basilica Del Sto. NiƱo de Cebu. His office is just across the church and he took this photo on the way home using his cellphone only. Well for the past days, weeks most of the photos you've seen here which was taken recently were all from cellphones.

Nature always fascinates me! It never failed to amaze me. And every time I see rainbows (even in photos) and other wonderful nature scenes it just humbles me. How great is God's glory...it manifests in so many ways everyday! This is one of the many reasons why I love the outdoors...I love spending time with nature...because it bears witness to God's glory and power and it reminds me that miracles happen every minute of every day.

I school we are taught why rainbows are formed. Surely most of us can explain why...but the why of all whys...I doubt it. Many attempted...and they are still searching for the answer. I am happy I have found my answer...GOD sends me rainbows...to give me hope...and to glorify Him.

How do you look at rainbows?

I wish you all a RAINBOW filled Wednesday!

Celebrate with us
and join us
as we share inspiring Bible verse
at Word Filled Wednesday


Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Remote Access To Computers




This week I'm going to share with you information about remote access. Remote access can have several meanings...it can range from simple remote desktop, remote terminal or any type of remote application including but not limited to remote browser.

In its simplest form it's allowing you to access your computer from another location. Or allowing somebody else from another location to access your computer.

I find this technology really amazing and more than the fact that it let me work and get connected to my computer from home and vice versa (or just anywhere where I have computer and Internet access), what I really appreciate about this is that it let me help friends with their computer issues even when I'm miles away from them. When a step by step instruction is just too much and I feel the need to click it for them! LOL

I have a friend (a very good friend of mine!) from LA and once in a while I remotely access his computer to install applications, download music...etc. What made our lives easy is LogMeIn. This site offers both premium and free account. Just create an account and do the necessary installation and you're all set. You just need your computer name to login. Now if you opt for a free account which I do you may not enjoy all the features such as the capability to transfer files. Well I have solved that problem already as I have discovered DropBox. This site lets you sync and backup your files online for free! So I can upload my files there and then from there download it to my pc (or any computer I'm remotely accessing). Wonderful!

I have only used personally those two and so far they all work fine with me. But then another friend of mine this morning told me that Ultra VNC is also another option for one to remotely access his/her computer. This is another remote control software for free and you may also want to try it yourself and compare which one works best for you!

I'm trying to make this post very short and as easy to understand as I could...and well if I failed, please don't hesitate to drop your queries in the comment box. I'm just too sleepy to think of a creative way to present this to you...

So no more phone calls asking a house member to open your computer for them to send you that important file. Your computer is just a click away!

I'm Itching

...and the culprit is bed bug!

Geezzz...I can't even think where I got them. They are guessing it's from a sofa or chair somewhere as we're just sure we don't have them at home!

Anyway...I couldn't care less where I got them I just hate the itch and the inconvenience it gives me. Did I say it here before that between pain and inconvenience I'd go for the latter? Pfft!

Though I know it can't be that dangerous and that itch is always a common reaction (yes I did search for and found some bed bug information) I on the other hand has some allergies to whatever that chemical they're producing and that is making my skin itch like crazy.

So here I am typing and trying to resist the urge to scratch my legs...and while I'm supposed to be in oblivion with my bed right now, I'm waiting for my ride instead to visit my dermatologist.

Just annoying. I did not notice this awhile ago...and now it's like killing me.

And It Still Shocked Me?!

Remember that recent online discovery IT Guy and I had on nfl sunday ticket?!

Well we did get our friend unlimited nfl sunday ticket schedule, if you get what I mean. He's so happy with it and well I just can't believe it! LOL He is indeed an NFL fan...and a big one at that. He is saying his Sundays couldn't be any better. Wow! Amazing.

Anyway today I got a call from him asking me for nfl sunday ticket price. I was like no way! It's your gift to you and why should we tell you how much we got it. That is kind of odd, right? But then he told me his friends want it too....oookay, but hello, go get it yourself! Don't ask me! LOL

Anyway this friend has just some amazing charm that I went ahead and gave eventually. Now I can imagine several souls locked up inside their houses every Sunday enjoying NFL to no end.

Again...let me say it out loud. WOW!

Vanity Everyone

Male Cosmetic Surgery is just my topic with the IT Guy early this morning. I had a really long day at work and got a message from him that he's up so why not pick me up instead?!

So on the way to work was nothing but a long discussion on vanity...male vanity at that. Apparently an organization has come up with this MYA cosmetic surgery...and not just for females, okay? MYA simply stands for "make yourself amazing".

Since the IT Guy is so proud of his nose (let's give him credit, it does look fine! LOL) we did not bother talk about rhinoplasty. His hair or lack of it doesn't seem bother him too...so hair transplant was also left out. What we got into is...drum rolling...ahem...tummy tuck!

I met him about 6 years ago and well he had an amazing body then. I'm so fine with how he is right now okay...but he is not. So...I told him...he just have to work on his diet and go back to the gym the way he used to when I met him. (Honey, stop guarding me anyway! Do you thing...LOL)

Then we get to science and the convenience it brings. You know how easily one can have that flat tummy without ASAP. So there is that thing called body reshaping and one of the many things that it does is the removal of fats through liposuction and the tummy tuck.

A tummy tuck only last for about 3 hours (as opposed to months of gym). It just requires and overnight hospital stay...and while it is considered relatively safe, just like any other surgical procedure it requires thorough understanding and preparation. It also helps to know about the procedure, here are more information about tummy tuck.

It may require an amount of money...and my stand is, if you want it, go for it. Just make sure you get the best doctor and it doesn't matter with me if I have to travel as long as I'm assured I have the best care. If I will be in vain, I will be sure I will live long to enjoy my vanity! ;)

Monday, July 27, 2009

The Clutter In My Room...




Gattina is hosting this week's Fun Monday...and well she wanted to know what I call...messy place! Gosh...Gattina you are forcing me to reveal my not so good side! Ha ha ha!

Okay...modesty set aside...my room is neat and always in place. And that is because I have a very organized Mom! It has nothing to do with me.

I love a neat and well-ordered place...just that I always reserve myself some space for my war room...aside from the clutter in my head of course! ;)

In my bed room I have that special place where I just toss and do my last minute thing. I don't do my make-up here...it's those things which you remember when you're about to go...either you need to do or unload or the things I do in between my sleep. LOL

So here is my working dresser...this is an old dresser of mine, got this since I was 9 I guess.



As you can see I have there my cheating lotion, ummm...I mean natural glow thingy...yah know when I'm to run out the door and remember I wanted some tint in my legs! Then you have my perfume...the heart shaped. Though I have my place for them, that shows it's my recent scent because it's there. I guess I used it last night. Then you have the mint oils and Vicks Vaporub...I use them in between sleep...sometimes. Then are some lip gloss...and my small box where I just toss jewelry I just used...so they stay there before I put them back to the jewelry box, unless I decide to wear them again the next day.



This is the other side of the dresser...you have there my facial astringent and moisturizer. Loose powder of the nephew...another cellphone...and other things which mess it up!

I think that is the only messy part of my bedroom...but let me take you to that special room I had them built for my stuff.

Here it is!



I have so many papers...most of them are my works so I can't just throw them way. I still have to review them and arrange them. They've been there since we move here about 2 years ago!



Other books which I still have to re-arrange, labeled and add to my "library" at home.



And another angle of the mess...

Did I gross you out?! These are just stuff which other people here at home don't dare arrange without me around. I need to be the one doing that as I have my own way of arranging things and labeling them. I just hope I find time to do all these things soon...

That's what I consider a messy place Gattina! Please visit her to see others take on this week's fun theme...

Wish you all a happy Monday!



Saturday, July 25, 2009

A Chandelier Made Of...


PhotoHunt: UTENSILS



We took this photo at restaurant at the airport when I was on my way to Manila. This decor is made of plastic spoons and forks...IT Guy was so amazed that he really went near it and took a photo of it!

Please visit PhotoHunt's HQ to see others' utensils!

Happy weekend everyone...


Friday, July 24, 2009

A Long Short Week

It's Friday already! I did not even notice the week's ending...I was that busy. I feel it's a long week...considering the long list of things I did and short as well as it just seems to pass me by.

Work is very good...and it's been challenging. I am so happy to share with you my success in driving good numbers at work. I am so happy with the team I have...they're responsible and more than anything we are leading the race right now. One program used to be at the bottom when I joined and now it's leading. WOOT!

Anyway...here is my Friday Fill-ins take for this week.



1. To see you go is not the end of the world. (But it can certainly rocks one's world to see a friend go! I miss you Pia!)

2. Sitting here, listening to the sound of rain falling, I remember happy moments and long for them.

3. SUCCESS tastes so good!

4. Sometimes, putting others first is just what we need to feel good.

5. The sunrise today is breathtaking, really. (But then I think same way everyday!)

6. Well, maybe there is LUCK.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to finish whatever I need to finish at work (I work in the evening!), tomorrow my plans include spending time at the kitchen and Sunday, I want to go to the salon!

Happy Friday everyone!

Adding Life To My Office

...yes you read it right!

Since I started with my new job I'm not sure if I've told you this but gosh...my new office ROCKS! I love it. It would pass for space harmony so easily...okay, fine let me quote my friend, it'd pass feng shui so naturally. It's just superb!

The only thing is...I am the only breathing object there...thus explains the title of this post.

By now most of you know how I love to garden...and that greenery is always a passion of mine so it is just expected of me to put plants in my office...right?! ;) Well, I've been meaning to do so and I just need to take that very first step - buy a planter! Okay, planters as I'm sure I'd putting several and I love to rotate colors and designs so definitely I'd be shopping for several planters.

I need indoor planters and more so decorative planters. Just to add life to my office...make it decent enough and as lovely as the lady inside...I mean as lovely as I am. LOL

I hope to get scratch this off my list over the weekend and I am so excited to show you my office! When I am done.

Cosmetic Dentistry

...is something I never ever thought I'd be thinking about.

As most of you have seen, I always seem to smile in all of my photos and while I have the sweetest most sincere smile...there are just times I wish they look better. Yes I just happen not to have the most beautiful teeth in the world. Thanks to my Japanese Grandma who never believed in braces. And add to that my stubbornness in believing her and not my low tolerance for discomfort. I can stand pain...never discomfort!

For years I'm fine...as my teeth never caused me any insecurities, thank goodness! Yet, there are times and it's happening lately that I wish my teeth looks better...they're not the ugliest but certainly they can look better. The IT Guy and my friends kept telling me it's never too late to fix it...and so lately I've been doing some research on what options I have.

I saw some interesting online information on cosmetic dentistry. Wow I never considered (or it never occurred to me to even think about it) it as something "cosmetic" before...but since it is focused on the aesthetic part, I guess it is just right to categorize it under cosmetics at some point. So I did learn a lot. I learned about dental veneers and porcelain veneers and what they and what it can do. Veneers can correct misalignment, forms or misshapen teeth, spaced teeth, chipped and crooked teeth and even teeth discoloration! And more than anything, no braces, so no pain and no discomfort (not much I guess!) because there are no shots and no drilling. A quick and easy way to fix your teeth and get that smile if you come to think of it. It even says they’re reversible, so nothing to lose…and a beautiful smile to gain.

So...I think I'm going for this cosmetic dentistry! WooHoo! LOL

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Fun Monday Host for Next Week

...will be Gattina!

Please go visit her...


Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Cellphones As Bar Code Scanner




Yes...you read it right! Cellphones can be used as bar scanners. Though this is nothing new to the industry and that we may all know that a cell phone can read a bar code label, what is fascinating is what that bar code label can do. Anyone can place a bar code in any media allowing customer access to any information related to it just by scanning it.

How does this work?

Well, this new innovation is currently available for Smartphones, or Mobile PC phones that run software and in order to read these bar codes they must have a camera attached to scan the bar code.

In Japan for instance, phone companies have started loading code readers on new phones allowing users to scan bar codes and get product information such nutritional information about what they are having at let us say McDonald's!

This morning IT Guy was so enthusiastic about this recent innovation and well his creativity stretch the line further as he plan to take advantage of this concept. His thinking is that he can use any cameras (web cams for that matter!) to scan bar codes and he will run a test on how reliable and stable it can be by implementing it in their Warehouse System. IT Guy heads the IT Department of the City and I'm sure if this works this will give the City an enormous savings and will hasten computerization of most of their applications. He is very excited and so am I.

There are just endless possibilities offered by bar codes and with current advances in technology, I am positive that will see these bar code labels being used in our market in the months to come. I am sure this will open a new sector for advertising and will certainly create a new curve in information technology!

So that's it for Tech Tuesday...and I hope I have made you excited about this news!

Monday, July 20, 2009

Happy Fun Monday!


I'm hosting FUN Monday...woohoo!

My theme or topic is something that just came out and I apologize in advance if you find it a bit corny...but hey, I'd wish you all would participate as they say, being corny sometimes helps us stay young at heart! ;)

Let's talk about TEARS. What images spring to mind when you hear the word ‘tears’? Have you ever had tears of laughter and tears of joy? When was the last time you had tears of joy? Tears of laughter? Tell us about it!

What's with the topic?! Well I love crying...not that I am a sentimental person...just that CRYING for me is something we human beings are blessed with. Show me a person who do not appreciate the fact that he/she knows how to cry!

So what images spring to mind when I hear the word 'tears'? Well so many wonderful things...even the sad things that made me cry, they're wonderful to me as they all made me stronger. Yet...as weird as this may sound, when you ask me when was the last time I cried there is a greater chance that what I'll remember would be some happy moments!

Tears are words the heart can't express.

When I am too overwhelmed with joy or when I am overpowered with something I can't explain...I CRY. I guess it's my mind and my heart's way of telling me to just enjoy the feeling and stop bothering to know what it is.

I cry every Christmas...on my birthdays...when I watch a happy movie...when I get a surprise call from friends....when I see old friends again...when I read my old journals/diary...when I play with my nephew. I cry when I am happy. Even when I go to mass (Sunday service or other occasions) I cry during communion (though not always)...I cry when I see other people's happy...I cry when I hear success stories...

And I always feel good after!

Take note...when I say I cry...they can be just little tears in my eyes...not that I whimper! LOL

Not so long ago I had dinner with the IT Guy and I think he said something like he never thought he can be as happy...it was something so sweet and nice I cried. Well...we both cried. (And this is something TMI, but well...have you ever made love to your partner that it was so good that you cried after?! Because I have those moments!)

I cry every time I go shopping wit Mom...every time we play (yes we still do!). I grew up thinking we've lost her and well we still have her 'til now and it just feels so good having her around. And with Mom around...we (not just me) most of the time LOL 'til we got choked with our own tears because she has so much humor!

I cry every time Dad comes to me and hug me and ask me how I am....because in as much as I know he loves me (us) he rarely do that.

I cry every time I go through my cousins Facebook accounts...because it seems only yesterday when I was helping my Aunt feed them...and how they've grown and how proud I am for them...and I cry more every time they say they want to be like me! (What have I done to deserve that! LOL)

I cried in the plane on the way to Cebu thinking how R and his kids spent time with me...and how I enjoyed the company their company and how I feel loved and important!

I cried last night when the nephew saw the scar in my arm (remember that accident?!) and he almost cried and asked "Yayay?" (anything painful here is referred to as yayay by children) and then he kissed the scar...and hugged me like he was comforting me. Wow...even children can offer comfort!

Okay...maybe I am sentimental! Or maybe not...doesn't matter! LOL

Please sign up below if you are joining so others can visit you. I look forward to hearing from you people...

Wish you all a very happy Monday!

I need a host for next week... ;)



Venue for Online Discussion


Bloggers who are into politics and current events...I've found a nice online political discussion group for you!

Argue With Everyone, is an open, free speech zone where people can discuss different topics ranging from the war in Irag to health care to gun issues, or talk with others about anything.

I'd say reading the news is not just enough if one wants to delve into topics...discussing these issues/ topics with others is also helpful as others may offer some additional information. I always find discussions like this informative and educational so long as people within the group limit the attacks on the topics discussed and not on group members.

I know several bloggers who'll love this! I can't wait to tell them!

My Late Mutterings...


A bit late for my Unconscious Mutterings, but here goes!

  1. Banter :: Twit

  2. Amazing :: Amazing Grace

  3. Towel :: My good morning towel!

  4. Cinema :: I rarely go to...

  5. Newspaper :: I don't usually read.

  6. Not good :: ...but necessarily bad!

  7. My type :: ...can be any type. ;)

  8. Twinkle :: Twinkle, twinkle little stars.

  9. Actress :: I know plenty...

  10. Daft :: ...I can be! LOL
Hope you all had a kickass weekend!

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Global News


Many companies continue to expand their operations in Asia and one of them is Golivemobile.

Golivemobile, a top 10 provider of mobile content services in North America just recently announced that it has opened a new office in Manila Philippines. It serve as one of their regional hubs for their Asian expansion as well as their global technology center.

With that said, it was also stated in the newly released article that their Manila office as well as its counterpart in Bangalore, India will be not open to the public. However clients and vendors are welcome to visit.

GoLiveMobile is global technology company based in Denver, CO. Its very siversified operations cover mobile content, premium sms, and internet technology among others. Currently it has employed around 100 employees and is serving thousands of clients worldwide.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Another Thankful Thursday


It's Thursday already and so many things to be thankful for!

- First of all I thank everyone for sending me well wishes for my trip and my new job. It rocks and I am happy with it!

- I am so thankful that I get to talk to old friends last night.

- I am grateful for the gift of health. I am really feeling God's power in my system...He has constantly upholds my health in times when I need it most.

- I am thankful for the gifts of family and friends.

And most of all I am thankful for the gift of faith...my source of strength!

My list if rather short and brief and well they say when the heart if overjoyed it seldom finds the right words...that is how I am feeling right now.

I wish you all a Happy Thursday!



Please check Thankful Thursday
an
d together let us celebrate
all the
things we should
be grateful for!


Our Car Insurance Guy


Do you carry a good relationship with your car insurance broker?! Well the reason I am asking is because I do. Ha!

If you recall I did a quick post here before on renewing car registrations and well for this month we have another car which registration is due for renewal. If there is anything not so nice about that other than the expense is the fact that we have to allocate time for it. Getting car insurance to having the car inspected can be too much at times. Now that is the part when having a good insurance guy comes handy. ;)

About 5 years ago my friend referred me to his insurance broker. I used to find the guy a bit weird and too organize. He seems to know when all our cars due for renewals and thus pays us a visit weeks before the due date. At times it's nice but other times it gets irritating especially when the renewal is not topping your list of to dos. So one day I got a bit rude and that's it, I lost contact with him. Now we need him...

The IT Guy as diligent as he is opted to just do the papers himself as I refuse to help! On the way to the LTO (Land Transportation Office) he met the guy. Then the guy came to him and said, I can't contact Mariposa so I thought of just visiting your office....because you have one car due for renewal! ROFL

He is still the same guy, ha!

Anyway...we are grateful as he is taking care of everything right now. Don't you just love people like him?!

Another Online Discovery


My friend is crazy with NFL. Okay...maybe he is worst than that! LOL

Last week he did something really sweet for me wanting me to return the favor...very badly. While rocking my head on the way home on what to give him, IT Guy suggested that I just get him an nfl sunday ticket. I was like what?!

Forgive me but I know nothing about it.

IT Guy told me that he did not mean the "ticket" literally. He means the friend might love watching NFL games every Sunday...with no hassle. So I did take a look on the nfl sunday ticket price and nfl sunday ticket schedule. Sounds amazing.

It will apparently let the friend can catch up to 200 NFL games per season which is up to 14 NFL games each and every Sunday! I can just imagine how his next Sundays would be.

Online Reads


I can't believe I survive another night at work without coffee. And despite that I'm still up. Ha!

My night went fine...and it was nice being able to talk to friends whom I haven't spoken to for awhile. Yes, they called me while I was taking my break. Other than that I am happy to note that finally I have found some nice action plan for my team and I hope to roll them out soon. Anyway I just had my breakfast and I am trying to find some meaningful things to do as it is not good to go to bed when you are full.

So I'm here trying making some quick online research...specifically on ebooks. I'm looking for some nice materials on quality, customer service and six sigma. For most of you who are into ebooks, you already know that they come in different formats and I personally think pdf is the most convenient format to have. So I am trying narrow my search into format specifics other than the subjects. I am doing a pdf search and I found a good ebook search engine. You may want to try it as they cover a wide variety of ebooks.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

UƱas Azules





Ha! I painted my nails blue. My friends couldn't believe it. I couldn't believe it. One day they'll get over it as I'll get over it. (My diary entry for June 15, 1996)

Though this photo is quite recent looking at it brought me back the times when I was still getting the feel of painting nails. LOL

Happy Wordless Wednesday everyone...

P.S. I am joining What's Cooking Wednesday at my Beyond You site. If you love veggies you may check the recipe out there later.

Source of Strength



Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities,
in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions,
in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
- 2 Corinthians 12:10

If there is something my Grandparents inculcated in my being this is it! My trip last week though it made me skip Word Filled Wednesday and other regular commitments I have here it afforded me more time reading the Bible. It was an immersion at work and a retreat for me at the same time. And for whatever reason I was lead to this verse several times and thus today I'm just making a shout out of what's been pre-occupying me and my source of strength over the past days.

I wish you all a blessed Wednesday!

Celebrate with us
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Tuesday, July 14, 2009

My Manila Trip








My apologies for missing Tuesday's Tales last week. Unlike my past tales which are rather nostalgic, this week's Tuesday Tales is about my very recent trip to Manila.

Though I have said it many times here that my visit was rather business and that it did not afford me time to see Manila I'm so glad I did find time meeting some good friends there.

I met my pilot friend and it was a nice brief meeting with him... ;)

Then I had dinner with Jing at a Chinese restaurant. It was a short dinner as I still have to go to work after but it was a good get together for us.

Then...on Friday evening I went to visit R's house. R is a friend of the IT Guy and well he is also very IT. I met Jing through him. He sent his driver to pick me up after my meeting at around 10pm or so...and I had a late dinner at his place. I did not know he can cook! He made some nice pasta and barbecue. I love the dips he made or not sure now if he has a better name for it...all I know is it went well with the salad and the barbecue. LOL And the drink...hmmm vodka and lychee...yummy!

After dinner we drove around Manila and dragged the kids to join us. I almost felt bad for them as they seem to be sleepy...but well looks like the Dad really did know his kids because it did not take long for them to up! ;)

We visited The Fort and well as I've mentioned in my other post while waiting for my boarding...he saved my day because he found me some Krispy Kreme. We had some quick bites there and I had some coffee.

Here are some photos of me with R's lovely daughters!





They drove me to Makati after as I have another meeting at around 1AM. I was supposed to have my meeting quick so I can still join them but well...my meeting with the boss dragged on til 15 minutes to 7AM.

So with a heavy heart I had to call R to tell him to just go home with the kids. It so happened that I was my second cup of coffee with the boss at Greenbelt so it was a bit convenient for them to bring my Krispy Kreme.

So we had to bid farewell...and call it a night.



I wanted to joke that I'm the eldest of these three pretty girls...but then, R is really too young to be my Dad. LOL

See?



Can you believe that his man is the Dad of these three ladies?!

Oh well...

So that's it! Now I have something to look forward to every time I go to Manila...I just love his kids very much. Very pretty...respectful...well discipline and smart! I'm still trying to convince R to let them study college here in Cebu. LOL

Okay...that's it for my Tuesday's Tales. Please sign up below if you have some tales to share this week.



Quest To Be Fit

IT Guy is wanting to have his weight loss program. My stand on the matter is well...it's just discipline and dedication. He says easy for me to say.

When I met the IT Guy many years, oh boy he's the one who can make a jaw dropped. When he got busy with me...he missed gym and his diet was ruined...so he gained weight. Good thing he never blamed me for it. LOL

Anyway...with my new job I believe he will have more time for himself now so he can go back to the gym. I will be very busy with work and well less time for me to bother him. Gym will not solve all of it though...he needs some dietary programs I guess.

So anyone of you heard of ProtiDiet? Well protidiet is a line of weight loss supplements that are marketed toward men and women that emphasize protein and so far we've read good reviews...and I saw some protidiet cookie bars and it looks yummy...just that it's less carb and rich in protein. So perfect for his needs...I guess.

Anyway I told him to check his nutritionist to be sure...and meantime, I'd appreciate feedback from people who are familiar with this product.

SSL and Online Security



It's been quite awhile since I did a Tech Tuesday post so this week I am making sure I get something posted. ;)

I still owe some people on special character tips and I promise to make a quick post on them this week as well. For this week I'd love to talk about online security in the most plain and simple words.

As most of my friends know and also my readers here, I love online shopping. And why not...it is convenient and very easy to do...plus the fact that I get to have access to online sales. Yet I still have some friends who are a bit apprehensive in using there credit/ debit cards online. They are just too scared of fraud! Ha!

Guess what...I've been using my account details over the net for about 10 years now and I have not encountered fraud...not that I wish for it. LOL

So this week I will share with you some computer terms and it's definition...and as I mentioned above it has something to do with online security. The WORD we will get to know this week is--

SSL, which stands for Secure Socket Layers.

The IT Guy for sure can give us a more passionate and intense discussion but well, since I am no expert as he is let me just share to you my understanding of the term and how it works and thus why I feel secure using my credit cards online.

SSL is what makes a site secure. And that is so because...

When you go to a site with a secure server it communicates with your browser (IE or FireFox) for a time, usually just for a few seconds. And while doing that, it sends your browser an encrypted information that only that server and your browser can read.

Once this encryption is set, it acts like the usual web page, except that all information coming or going is encrypted which makes it extremely difficult for any third party who would intercept the transaction to decipher it. (All this extra protection explains secure servers seem to run slower than other unsecured counterparts.)

However, secure connections only protect the information as its coming and going, not when it's just sitting on the server. Thus, the only risk we run into is the probability that somebody having access to information stored in the server will copy our credit information and use them over them. Yet with the onset of so many financial standards this risk has been well managed. One example is banks now usually give us a call every time we enter an online transaction especially if we have not made any transaction with that company yet.

You can tell a secure site by the first part of its web address. If it starts with https:// rather than http:// it's a secure site.

So anyone of you still apprehensive of doing an online transaction?! ;)

Monday, July 13, 2009

Turbochargers As Gifts

Most of you will agree with me when if I say that it is harder to find gifts for males than females, right?!

Well that is how I feel every time I want to get the IT Guy something. Okay...I can just focus on tech gadgets which can be pricey and most likely he already has or get him some car accessory. I can't think of anything beyond those categories.

Anyway before I left for Manila the other week, on our way to the airport he was like playing with the car and was speeding up and he mentioned something about turbochargers. Hmmm...

He explained that the air induction plays a major component in every car...and that oxygen is an important factor in a car's performance. I can't seem to remember so well how he explained it to me but it was something like a turbocharger helps improve horsepower and more.

So I am planning of getting him an audi turbo. I found a good source online and well it is not that pricey as I thought it is. You may want to check it out yourself if you want. ;)

I just want to get him something that most guys can't believe their girlfriend's would get them. I am so so! LOL

Summer in the Philippines




Another beautiful Fun Monday folks. And I'm back here once again...

My Manila trip went fine and it was quite meaningful. I was able to meet some friends and it was fun despite the very busy schedule.

Fun Monday host this week is Janis! Her fun theme for this week is --
Since the Lazy Hazy Days of summer are upon us now, tell us what activities you enjoy doing outside and how do you stay cool. Share some photos of both if you wish.
Hmm...I'm from the tropics and well we have the sun all year round but we do have the our Summer too which was months ago. This month is the start of the rainy season but still I'd love to share what I do during summer...or whenever I feel like basking in the warmth of the sun.

Last Summer as I have mentioned here a number of times I enjoyed a skip trip south of Cebu Island with the IT Guy and friends. We hit the beach and oh boy...was it nice to be in that sandbar!



Here we are enjoying the sun and the sand!



Now...for the easy stuff...here it is!

I love dining out and I always love to stay in the outdoors when I dine out...unless it's fine dining. A favorite pastime is going out for some halo-halo.

This is what we call Halo-Halo, literally means "mix". This is something very Filipino and summer here is never complete without it.



This is a mixture of ice cream, some fresh fruits, beans, crushed ice, cheese, and milk. Very refreshing...and it gives you the coolness that you need after basking in the sun. ;)

So if you visit the Philippines...make sure to try this out...

And now for some other fun post...please visit Janis to see who else are joining!

Mariposa's Wedding Plan

It's Monday and I'm up early! I'm sitting here at the dining area for hours now...well I've been sitting here staring at my screen since 5AM. Can you believe that?

Anyway IT Guy casually asked me this morning on the progress of the wedding preparations. Well...not much progress. I feel so awful for it.

Anyway everything is as planned. It will be a sunrise wedding, preferably in the garden and if we get to book that place we've been wanting (but we have not had the chance to visit yet, Noverie I really need to contact Emily soon!) well it will be a garden/beach wedding at sunrise. Only few people will be invited to the ceremony as we have agreed to make it very private and solemn. After which we plan to have a champagne brunch. In the evening we plan to host dinner for friends...so that will be a large crowd. Initially the dinner will be at the mountain top overlooking the entire city and will end the night with fireworks and all. So that's the plan.

The details are to follow. That is because I have not taken time to work on the details yet. Anyway we still have like a year or so...so I thought.

But somehow I felt bad when he asked me and I have nothing new to tell him. Well just a few weeks ago I saw a nice save the date stuff...and he loved it. But...after that...nothing.

So I did a quick research this morning and saw some very nice wedding favors online. Oh my how I love them!

I saw this lovely bridesmaids' gift, a chic manicure set! Take note the holder can be personalized...so I took the liberty of adding our name on it...to see how it looks. LOL



It's done...this will be my gifts for my entourage...I mean for my bridesmaids! Hopefully they'll love it.

For my wedding favors three cute items stand out...and well I plan to get all of it!



This is my favorite...a bit pricey though. It will cost me almost a thousand pesos I guess...but I think it's so worth it. I plan to use this for seat plan for my sponsors. They are formal, unique and has a garden touch with it. Don't you agree?! LOL

Then I found this cuties! So so pretty. This will be for the young ladies...




Then found this bottle shell bottle opener...which I think male guests would love to have!



Very cool...party favors and seat card holder all in one! I LOVE them all.

I have tried to group and categorize them and well I'm still looking for more options but I'm sold with these items already. LOL

I've been planning weddings for years now and while most people think it is to my advantage I'd say NOT. I just don't run out of so many ideas and well I want to be simple. I'm trying to be a minimalist...and more than anything trying to hold down my budget. Though with these items alone I'm sure to spending some cash. LOL

Okay...let me call the IT Guy so he can check this post. My Fun Monday will be posted later.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Sunday Mutterings

I'm back here in Cebu! I thank every one for all the well wishes specially for my flight back to Cebu.

I got home and had a great lunch. I miss my Mom's cooking and oh boy, did I eat a lot! LOL Then I went out to see friends in the afternoon and I was too tired already when I got home. I did not sleep the entire Friday evening...so I slept like a log last night.

Now I'm trying to rest and I'm watching Harry Potter with the IT Guy...just speding lazy Sunday at home yah know.

Anyway when I was in Manila I did not do any shopping at all. I think I will just opt for online shopping...as I always do. As I have explained to some of my friends I have my regular online shopping schedule. I look for online sales and order stuff and ship them in big boxes here. This seems to be cost effective for me.

IT Guy introduced me to ShopWiki. This site revolutionasizes online shopping as it offers a great list of online shopping sites...and unlike other shopping portals which only list sites with paid placements ShopWiki offers a better directory covering school gadgets, computers for kids, educational toys among many others!

And now for my Unconscious Mutterings...

  1. Sister :: ...what I always wanted!

  2. Talks :: Meaningful and otherwise.

  3. Electric! :: Very important.

  4. Corner :: My favorite spot in every coffee house.

  5. Turnstile :: One at a time.

  6. Swap :: Exchange.

  7. Young :: Enthusiastic.

  8. Horrific :: ...some people!

  9. Block :: Wall

  10. Wind :: ...of change!