tattoo on your mind

I am currently reading one of the books in Twilight Saga, Eclipse, and came across the part where Jacob and Bella were talking about imprinting. For the werewolves, it meant like looking at another person as their soul mate, like love at first sight but only much, much stronger and deeper.

But I have a rather strange interpretation of that. For me it's like putting on a permanent tattoo on the other person, making your mark that he or she belongs to you. Of course, people today choose to be tattooed for many reasons like cosmetic, sentimental or religious reasons, and to symbolize their belonging to or identification with particular groups. There is even a Tattoo Chat Room especially dedicated for people interested in tattoo. Tattoo enthusiasts can meet and chat here to discuss what they may refer to as art and get to know tattooists as well.

Of course, imprinting cannot be erased once it's done, unlike a tattoo where you can have it removed. It's not also something done by choice because in the book, it happened to the other werewolves suddenly and it was destined to happen to them. I'm glad that it doesn't really happen in real life because I would want to make the choice who I want to spend the rest of my life with - which I already did.

Now, if you're thinking about getting a tattoo, get to know more about it by chatting with others who have had one at the Tattoo Chat Room and with their free webcam video, you might be able to see their tattoos yourself. You can register here for free, so start chatting with other tattoo enthusiasts and find out if having a tattoo is for you.

one word

I got this from Dada through Facebook. Type only ONE word answers.

1. Where is your cell phone? DESK
2. Your significant other? JEFF
3. Your hair? SHORT
4. Your mother? COOL
5. Your father? FORGIVEN
6. Your favorite thing? WORDS
7. Your dream last night? EROTIC
8. Your favorite drink? SODA
9. Your dream/goal? PROGRESSING
10. What room you are in? WORK
11. Your hobby? DREAMLAND
12. Your Job? TRANSCRIPTION
13. Your fear? TRAPPED
14. Where do you want to be in 6 years? CANADA
15. Where were you last night? BED
16. Muffins? BLUEBERRY
17. Wish list item? PLAYHOUSE
18. Where you grew up? SUBURB
19. Last thing you did? DRINK
20. What are you wearing? PAJAMAS
21. Your TV? OFF
22. Your computer? OVERWORKED
23. Your pets? NONE
24. Friends? MANY
25. Your life? BLESSED
26. Your spouse? PATIENT
27. Your mood? NORMAL
28. Missing some one? YES
29. Car? LANCER
30. Something you're not wearing? PERFUME
31. Your favorite store? BOOKSTORE
32. Your favorite color? BLUE
33. When is the last time you laughed? NOW
34. Last time you cried? HAPPINESS
35. Who will resend this? YOU
36. One place that you go to over and over? JOLLIBEE
37. One thing you love? FAMILY
38. One thing you hate? DISHONESTY
39. Where you last vacationed? TAGAYTAY
10. Who you last screamed at? NONE
41. Who you last cried with? MYSELF
42. Who you last laughed with? JOAQUI
43. One person who emails me regularly? SPAMMERS
44. My favorite place to eat? HOME
45. Why you participated in this survey? BOREDOM

Mommy Moments - Bonding Time

This is my first time to join Mommy Moments and I am excited to share on this week's topic which is bonding time. Ever since I became a work-at-home mom a year ago, I am always with Joaqui and everyday is a bonding time for us - from waking up to the time that he goes to bed. We walk around the subdivision every morning, we play games, read books and do a whole lot of activities together.

But there are activities that he really enjoys and I consider that a bonding time for us as a family as well. Since we had set up a backyard inflatable swimming pool last summer, he enjoys swimming a lot. Whenever there is a chance, we would go swimming. I also love to swim, so Joaqui and I really enjoys our time in the water.

First time at the beach, March 2007, Bataan

Swimming at the indoor pool at Linden Suites, October 2008

I would also consider our recent trip to the LaMesa Ecopark as a bonding time, as we all had fun walking around the park, looking at the different trees, plants and flowers, watching the fishes and touching the butterflies. It seems that Joaqui has an affinity with nature even at his young age.

These are wonderful bonding times for us and if you also have mommy moments to share, click here.

want to be a punk?

Punk rock is a rock music genre that developed between 1974 and 1976 in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Rooted in garage rock and other forms of what is now known as protopunk music, punk rock bands eschewed the perceived excesses of mainstream 1970s rock. They created fast, hard-edged music, political, anti-establishment lyrics. Punk embraces a do-it-yourself ethic, with many bands self-producing their recordings and distributing them through informal channels.

I have a certain kind of respect for those people who still invigorate the attitude and personality that makes a punk even though many wants to be hip hop. It doesn't necessarily have all to do with how you dress or what you listen; it's a way of mind, often accompanied by expressive music and clothing. Punk can be a state of mind and it can be what you want it to be.

If you are new to all of this, get to know other people who have the same beliefs or styles. You can to go some concerts or find a local club where all punks meet. Chat with other punkers at the Punk Chat Room where you can talk and meet with other punks worldwide. You can familiarize yourself with the different types of punk music as not every punk listens to every band here. Joining the Punk Chat Room can give you access to this every growing, evolving community. Lastly, be an individual and don't be afraid to express yoursels as long as you remain respectful and let others be themselves too.

 

What would you win an Oscar for?

It's everything about the Oscar these days - from the dress to the Oscar night itself. For me, the winners were quite unexpected, but it was a successful Oscar Awards indeed. Have you wondered what you would win an Oscar for. I did so I took this test and here it goes.

You Would Win Best Documentary Feature

You are very curious about and engaged with the world. Everyone is interesting to you. You have a variety of interests, and you delve into them quite deeply. People are impressed by the sheer quantity of stuff you know, and you're learning more every day. However, you're not just informed. You also are very informative. You share what you know in an engaging and interesting way.

What Would You Win an Oscar For?

senior chatting

My mom asked me to help her create a friendster account - which is not really weird if she isn't 66 years old and a senior citizen. Apparently her other friends have a friendster account and she wanted to see their profile and they also wanted to share pictures. I hesitated for a while because teaching her the basics would take a lot of time, but I was happy that at her age, she still wants to learn something about the computer and the internet. I already taught her how to use the e-mail, so teaching her about friendster wasn't quite as hard as I had anticipated.

I did let her browse the internet and she was curious about the Free Senior Chat, which is an online chat room dedicated to seniors who would like to mingle and chat with other seniors. I did not know about that, but she went on to tell me that it also comes with a free webcam chat. Wow, the internet nowadays is really amazing. Not only teenagers and young adults can enjoy the chatrooms, and it's a great idea to come up with a category of chat room for seniors.

I told my mom that I hope they don't just share their common problems with aches and pains usual for their age. I wonder if the seniors here would reminisce about their times or if they would compare today's generation with their generation. The possibilities here are endless because it's free and I told my mom that she can get to chat with people, share thoughts and who knows meet another single senior, but I wouldn't dwell too much on that last one. ; ) It's a pretty safe place to have fun online and I can see on her smile that she is about to join in.

  

a proud mommy moment

We attended another birthday party and as some of you might know, Joaqui has a little issue with attending birthday parties. It's not that he doesn't like birthday parties, but it takes a while for him to warm up to the crowd, the noise, the sometimes-popping-of-the-ballon moments, and the high-pitched voices of party hosts, so he doesn't really come around easily.

So there we were, infront of the clubhouse and he doesn't want to go inside yet when we came. We walked a little and I did a little prep talk. We saw a booth giving out french fries and that really helped because he readily went inside the venue. What was different was that he readily danced to the music, greeted a lot of people with hi and hello and there were no crying episodes.

What made me really proud of Joaqui was when we won a prize for the treasure hunt and the party host asked him some questions that went like this:

Host: What's your name?

Joaqui: Joaqui

Host: How old are you?

Joaqui: Two!

Host: Where do you live?

Joaqui: Cainta!

Host: You're very good!

And when it was time to give out lootbags, I accompanied him to fall in line and I told him to say happy birthday Jacob. So when it was his turn, he said "happy bortday Jacob" through the microphone. I'm so proud of my baby!

A little patience did help a lot and I hope that this is the start of a fun relationship betweenJoaqui and birthday parties...or any other party for that matter. ; )

  

married community chat

Ever since I got married and had Joaqui, it's sometimes embarassing for me when I start talking and blabbing about married life and taking care of Joaqui to my friends who are single. And it's funny when I notice how my married friends and I seem to have our own private world when we're talking about family life. So when I am both with my married and single friends, I have to really balance out the topics on which I discuss with them.

For a work-at-home mom like me, I sometimes find solace in joining online forums for married women or moms like me where we can talk about our everyday experiences from choosing a good diaper to handling toddler trantrums. When we talk about our married life, there are no awkward moments because everybody seems to understand where everyone is coming from. Sometimes a chat room for married people like Married Chat City is the right venue to ask for ideas and learn from other people's experiences. It is here where married people can meet and chat about stuff that they cannot really talk about with some of their single friends. You can access married users for free at their Married Chat Room. Aside from having fun chatting, you can also use their webcam at no cost at all. Registration is absolutely free, so it's a breeze to join in and start having fun. 

 

saying goodbye

Sometimes I can't help but be really sad when a good friend leaves and decides to settle in another country across the globe. The Barbaros will have to say goodbye to one member again, and from the original seven since third year high school, there will be three of us who will be left here in the Philippines. I am happy too because they are taking on another path and pursuing their goals and dreams in life.

I think that I should be content with the fact that no matter what the distance, our frienship will last, through good and bad times, and I will be forever grateful for the wonderful memories I have had with these friends of mine because they have always been a part of who I am right now. 

eye for an eye

As a medical transcriptionist working more than 8 hours a day infront of the computer, my eyes are always subject to strain and fatigue. Sometimes it's very easy to take for granted that our eyes also need their rest throughout the day aside from getting a good night sleep. It is not even helpful to know for a fact that an eye exam, even you're young and healthy, is a must at least every 5 to 10 years, but with the high cost of commodities, many are delaying eye exams until they already have symptoms of vision problems.

For those who are already on prescription glasses or contact lenses, added cost can be accumulated with frequent eye visits and buying frames and extra eyeglasses. This should not be the case if you know where to find cheap but quality frames and glasses. If you have been reading the New York Times, there was an article that mentioned Zenni Optical where one can buy frames including lenses with antiscratch coating for as little as $8, and that is a good bargain if you're already keeping an eye on the cost of prescription glasses.

At Zenni Optical, there are so many eyeglasses to choose from, and this one if my favorite so far. This only costs $8, and that already comes with a lens. I like its medium narrow size full-rim frame with a relief pattern on the temple. The incised pattern on the temple makes it look sophisticated and very feminine.

Expensive is not necessarily always better and since we all can't afford to waste money these days, it is still good to know that we have cheaper but reliable options when it comes to our eye care.

Joaqui's I love you

Today is Joaqui's "I love you day" because he actually said I love you. We have been saying I love you to Joaqui since he was born, but even when he learned to talk, he doesn't say the words "I love you" though. We never knew why, but he just doesn't say it. I've read somewhere that children of Joaqui's age doesn't really understand what this means. He can say, "Mommy, love Pong" (his Twilight Turtle) or "Love Troy" (our dog), but he cannot really say I love you mommy or I love you daddy.

But today while playing alone, he just said "Love you Chelsea." I laughed and was surprised because Chelsea is his playmate and walkmate. I said say I love you mommy. He just looked at me. I might just have to wait for my turn. ; ) 

  

a day in the park

It was Sunday and we had to leave early from my mother-in-law's house, so instead of going to the mall again, we decided to go to La Mesa Ecopark instead. The weather was cool enough to go walking and we haven't been to La Mesa Ecopark before. The park had many facilities like picnic grounds, boating lagoon, fitness and mountain bike trail and flower terraces. It even has a swimming pool and one can also go for a horseback ride. Joaqui enjoyed the walk along the park. He likes seeing the trees, fishes, and butterflies. Even at an early age, I think he has an affinity with nature.

I hope that there would be more parks like La Mesa Ecopark here in Manila where children can roam around and experience the beauty of nature, and where people can take a stroll and be one with God's wonderful creations.

blog of the day

Would you like your blog to be the blog of the day?  At My Blog Directory, your blog can be chosen based on the number of unique visitors sent by your blog per day. In this blog directory, blogs are listed randomly so that each blog will get the opportunity to be viewed and if your blog is the blog of the day, you will get the whole traffic of My Blog Directory.

It's easy to add your blog. Just enter the url, title and description of your blog. You will then have to copy and paste a code into your webpage, and you're done. This is an easy way to get more traffic to your blog site and you'll also get to read other blogs as well. 

wacky Joaqui

Age two isn't really that terrible at all. Joaqui is already 2 years, 1 month, 1 week and 5 days old to be exact and he is becoming more and more charming each day. Our little prince knows how to make us laugh with his antics or by imitating our actions. He is a very keen observer and his vocabulary is amazingly growing with three- to four-word sentences. Sometimes though his temperament gets into him especially when he wants to get what he wants. He now loves cranes, big trucks, tractors - anything that is big and moving. 

At age two, our daily conversations would be something like this:

Mommy: You want to eat bread with your hotdog?

Joaqui: Ayaw bread, hotdog lang. Wow! Delicious hotdog!

Mommy: Okay. (Gives him hotdog.)

Joaqui: Yum, yum hotdog!

Or this....

Mommy is reading a book to Joaqui...and Joaqui interrupts.

Joaqui: Snake hurts.

Mommy: Yes baby, but we're not in that part yet. 

Joaqui (after Mommy says "the end": More book pa! Read more book! More pa!

searching for Mr. Right

It's Valentine's Day soon and I have a few friends who are still single and unattached, and they feel a little sad during this time since they will see a lot of couples who will be celebrating Valentine's. These female friends of mine are accomplished women and have pleasing personalities as well. They are able to meet a lot of men, but I think they have certain qualities that they look for.

One friend is particular about religion, and it is important for her that Mr. Right is a Catholic. I told her about Catholic Chat City where she can chat and get to know other Catholic singles all over the world. It is absolutely free and all she has to do is register for a free account. There are so many chat sites on the internet, but since this is particularly for Catholics, she can have the best chance of knowing someone who shares the same Catholic belief as she has.

But of course, meeting someone online and progressing from there, it's up to them to build a relationship based on trust and faith. Who knows, maybe with Catholic Chat City, it can be the start of many happy Valentine's Days after all.

    

Ideal Island Vacation

Summer is fast approaching and what an exciting time to go on vacation in one of the beaches here in the Philippines. If only I have the money to splurge in a vacation, hubby, Joaqui and I would go to Palawan or maybe go back to Bohol this time with Joaqui. Another destination that I have always wanted to go to is Batanes. It looks so laid back and surreal out there. I promise myself that when Joaqui is a little older to travel, we would allot money for travel at least once a year. ; )

Your Ideal Island Vacation is Fiji

On an island vacation, you prefer to get the full beach experience. And for you, that means staying somewhere with few people and lots of beach. With over 300 islands, you can find your own private spot in Fiji. Relax by the crystal clear water, or venture off to find a waterfall.

What's Your Ideal Island Vacation?

bus accidents

According to the news, at least 51 workers of the Korean-owned Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction Philippines Inc. were injured when a bus they were riding fell into a ravine in Barangay Cawag, Subic, Zambales early morning Tuesday. It was also reported that the bus, which was driven by Jericho Liego, was racing with two other buses heading to Hanjin when the accident happened along the Hanjin access road.

There have been increasing reports of bus accidents happening lately and the passengers are always the victims here. Even if the victims want to file a case against these reckless drivers, they cannot do so because of financial constraints. If only there is an available lawsuit funding here, then there would be more irresponsible drivers behind bars. Lawsuit funding can provide cash advances for pending lawsuits and also has structured settlements and attorney funding. It is absolutely risk-free because you only pay if you win.

But sometimes the problem lies in our authorities. They just take a course of action when something like an accident happens and the media focus is on the issue. After some time, bus companies are able to operate again and the victims still have not received justice at all.

get connected

Have you been Acobaying? I recently discovered a unique networking site that lets me share stuff, interact with people of the same interest and promote my blog. It is so easy to get connected at Acobay-just register a user account, share your blog and add as many stuff as you like while building you network. The more stuff you share, the more people you connect, and the more visits to your blog-what an exciting way to get connected!

tormenting myself

It will be our 3rd wedding anniversary next week and I'm still torn whether we would do something really special, like go out of town and spend a night in a really romantic place, or we will just have a not-so-expensive romantic dinner instead. Our wedding anniversary is two days before Valentine's Day and so we expect that prices of flowers, food, accommodations, etc. will skyrock to take advantage of this commercialism of Valentine's Day. I do not want to spend so much this time because of the financial crisis going on globally and I would rather save the money for "the rainy days."

Argh. But I am already convincing myself to have a simple dinner instead and besides, we have so much to be thankful for besides tormenting myself and worrying about how we would celebrate it.

talk about Britney

I'm not a fan of Britney Spears and never was, but the news on Britney Spears wanting to take along her children on her upcoming tour caught my attention. It was on the news that Britney really wanted to travel with her two boys, Sean Preston and Jayden James. I really hope that she spends quality time with her children even on tour and she is lucky that she could bring them with her given that Kevin Federline has primary custody of the boys. Looking at the photos from her rehearsal, she looks really more fit and happy. Maybe the benefits of the previous drug treatment she has had are kicking in or better yet, maybe she has realized that she is fortunate to still be in the business after all the misbehaviors she did. The "Circus Tour" of Britney Spears starting on March 3 is said to be explosive and full of surprises. Well, Britney Spears fans must have been excited that she will perform again infront of a live audience.

It got me thinking that Joaqui has never been into a circus. I think he will like it when he sees one. ; )

inspiration peak

"Believing in yourself is not just for you; it's for every person who has touched your life in a significant way and for every person your life will touch the same way five minutes from now, or five centuries from now." - Jaye Miller

Sometimes I find it hard to believe in my self, when times in my life are rough or when I am beseeched with problems. During these times I seek not only God's inspiration but also inspiration from other people as well. I try to remember that it is not only me who has problems and if other people have overcome the trials in their lives, so can I.

identity theft crisis

I have been cleaning out my drawer since yesterday to get rid of old statement of accounts and bills. While I was sorting out the envelopes and papers, hubby reminded me to dispose of the bills properly, like burning them or putting them in a shredding machine, so as to avoid identity theft. It never really occurred to me that identity theft could happen to anyone and can occur when someone uses your personally identifying information, like your name, Social Security number, or credit card number, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes.

The crime takes many forms. Identity thieves may rent an apartment, obtain a credit card, or establish a telephone account in your name. You may not find out about the theft until you review your credit report or a credit card statement and notice charges you didn’t make—or until you’re contacted by a debt collector.

Awareness is an effective weapon against many forms of identity theft. Be aware of how information is stolen and what you can do to protect yours, monitor your personal information to uncover any problems quickly, and know what to do when you suspect your identity has been stolen. Considering all the private and personal information that everyone have been putting out, identity theft protection is something that any one should think about buying.

In seeking out the best identity protection service available, take note of the company's background and their success in their marketing campaign. It should als be financially secure in their cash flow and stability with premier investment firms. It is important they the company utilizes a proactive system that prevents identity theft before it happens.

LifeLock is one identity protection company that places itself as a service company. In fact, according to the LifeLock review by identitytheftlabs.com, LifeLock gives a top of the line guarantee. It saves time and aggravation of dealing with credit bureaus and protects you in ways you could not do on your own. The best thing about LifeLock's package is their one million dollar total service guarantee, which means that in the event that you suffered identity theft while enrolled in their identity theft protection service, they will spend one million dollars to restore your credit and to clear your good name. Now, isn't that the protection you really need?