punk my day

I have come across this article about how to date a punk, and it's really interesting as the punk rock culture is different from the mainstream culture. I guess it's just a matter of preference when it comes to relationships. I think punk dating can be quite a shock to those accustomed to the usual dating, but if someone you like is into the punk music, it would help if you will know the philosophy behind punk rock.

One option is to access a free punk dating site that emphasizes on the punk rock lifestyle because it is here where you can probably meet new friends and eventually enter into the punk dating scene. But if you want to be a true punk, you must first learn how to be one with the right attitude and personality that would reflect this mindset.

This makes me wonder what kind of music Joaqui will be listening to in the future. He likes to listen to different kinds of music and is learning to appreciate them. I wouldn't mind if he want to be a rock star someday. ; )

Recipe: Grilled Cheese Sandwich

This is one of my favorite snacks and now Joaqui too. It's very easy and simple to prepare. You can also do this on a skillet, but I prefer the stove top grill because I like the grill marks it makes on the bread.

Ingredients:

4 slices square bread

4 tbsp butter

2 slices precut cheese (should be the same size as the bread) or enough cheese slices cut to fit the bread

Directions:

1. With serrated knife, trim crusts from the bread. If you wish, you may leave the crust on.
   
2. Spread butter on one side of each of the bread slices. Top each with another slice of bread, buttered side facing outward.
   
3. Heat skillet over medium heat for one minute. Put a sandwich on skillet, buttered side down. With a heatproof spatula or pancake turner, press the sandwich down so it flattens a little. This also helps melt the cheese. Let sandwich heat one to two minutes or until bottom side becomes a golden brown.
   
4. Turn bread over so that the top side becomes the bottom. Heat another one to two minutes. Remove from the skillet and transfer to a clean plate. Slice into two triangles. Repeat with the remaining sandwiches. 
   

finding a replacement nanny

As I have said before, Joaqui's nanny of nine months had to go to the province for a family emergency and for four days now, I have been taking care of Joaqui and working at the same time. I must admit that it really gets tiring, especially chasing this little boy around the house. It's enjoyable at the same time as we both love to play silly games and laugh our hearts out.

I asked some of our friends if they could refer to me another nanny and thanks to a local chat where I got to chat with an old friend who is also now a mother like me. We shared stories and experiences from weddings to the joys of motherhood. It was then that she told me about her aunt who lives here in our area who can refer me to a new nanny. I was so relieved and I immediately contacted her aunt and interviewed the possible nanny. I liked her as she seems hardworking, kind and experienced in taking of children.

The new nanny will start tomorrow and I hope Joaqui will like her. It's hard to find a good and trustworthy nanny these days. I thought I had hit two birds with one stone with the local chat room, as I had rekindled an old friendship and I found a replacement nanny. ; )  

 

Thursday Thirteen - 13 things I like to do when it rains

Banner courtesy of My Kids are My World

1. Cuddle up in bed.

  2. Read a good book.

  3. Drink hot chocolate.

  4. Eat warm chocolate porridge.

  5. Play with Joaqui without having to sweat so much.

  6. Watch raindrops form puddles.

  7. Day dream.

  8. Gardening.

  9. Watch movies.

 10. Cook my favorite comfort foods.

 11. Play my guitar.

 12. Sing on the videoke.

 13. Scrapbooking.  

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retail management

At the present state of economy, I can't help but sometimes get worried that I might lose my job or get concerned that I may not have enough savings to get us through the difficult times ahead. So even though I'm a work-at-home medical transcriptionist, I'm still in search for other source of income which I can do at home. Of course, I don't have that big of a capital and so my mom's friend told me about starting a retailing business selling frozen and processed meat products.

I like the idea of a retail business since I'm staying in the house and it is something where I really don't need to go out often to replenish my supplies since it can be delivered to me. I am new to this kind of business and I would like to learn so much more about it, so I've searched the internet for any information that could be helpful. One thing that struck me the most is inventory management, by which inventory means a list for goods and materials held available in stock by a business.

If I will dwell into this kind of business, I have to be very careful about excess inventory since it can chew up a lot of cash and excess inventory can end up in markdowns and lower profits. I think I need to know more about the fundamentals of business, and how I wish that I could consult reliable retail consultants and business advisors for free. They would be a big help to those who would want to become entrepreneurs wherein they can help retailers grow their sales, profit and cash flow.

With the economy worsening, I'm not surprised that many are losing sleep because of personal finances and job fears. It's not bad that we become concerned over the economy and jobs, but if all of us channel our energy and worries to think of ways that we can increase our productivity, we wouldn't so much worry about where we are right now and we can definitely have more than enough for the rainy days.

 

the Joaqui way of eating popsicle

Looks like just a simple popsicle, but it's Joaqui's first time to eat a popsicle, which explains the mess. It was licked and devoured by a little boy who loves to eat ice cream. Of course, mommy had fun watching his little boy eat the popsicle the "Joaqui way." 

all the single moms

Online dating or internet dating is a dating system which allows individuals, couples and groups to make contact and communicate with each other over the internet, usually with the objective of developing a personal romantic or sexual relationship. Online dating services generally require a prospective member to provide personal information before they can search the service provider's database for other individuals using criteria they set, such as age range, gender and location. Most sites allow members to upload photos of themselves and browse the photos of others.

Today online dating is an option for dating single mothers and single fathers who are in the dating scene and their current avenues in finding a partner have not been providing them the results they are looking for. It is something different to try for a change or break out of the routine. It may not be for everyone, but it could be a start in continuing to further explore other dating options and the beginning of taking control of one's personal life. 

Lola Aba's 82nd Birthday

Lola Aba is Joaqui's great grandmother on hubby's side and she is a very sweet lady. She just recently celebrated her 82nd birthday and I am so happy that Joaqui got to know her great grandmother, at least, on hubby's side. I feel that parents or grandparents who get to see their grandchildren are very much blessed, what more great grandchildren. As you know, Joaqui doesn't have a grandfather anymore as both (me and hubby) of our fathers died before we got married. I'm also happy when I see that Lola Aba is happy when she sees Joaqui, and I wish that she will have many blissful years added to her life.

overflowing

Last Sunday we were at my mother-in-law's house because Lola Aba (Joaqui's great grandmother) celebrated her 82nd birthday and she had her birthday celebration with the family. Of course, Joaqui was able to entertain all of his lolo's and lola's with his singing, dancing and other tricks. Mamu (this is what Joaqui calls my mother-in-law) was so excited to see Joaqui that she did not cook anything for the party because she wanted to spend time with him. She just asked her brothers and sisters to bring food.

It was also a conincidence that she was not too busy in the kitchen since the pipes from the kitchen sink started leaking. No one knew how to fix it because water would still leak even though they replaced a gasket under the faucet stem. We thought it was time to call in a professional plumber such as Rogers Plumbing as it definitely looks beyond the abilities and knowledge of an average homeowner.

Even Lola Aba had a few suggestions about that kitchen sink, but for everyon'e peace of mind, Mamu called a professional plumber and it surely saved her time and energy, and got to spend quality time with Joaqui while everyone was having fun at the party. I got to sing quite a few songs on the videoke while hubby took some pictures. Joaqui gave Lola Aba a wonderful gift by singing "Happy Bortday (this is how he pronounce birthday)." ; )

Oh, and I really love Conti's Mango Bravo cake brought by my brother-in-law. It was so yummy! Food and blessings were really overflowing that day ; )

 

i want a frappuccino

I'm so tired today because of the manic Monday thing, but I accomplished a lot. I also miss my eat along friends who I haven't seen for quite a while now. I miss our chit chat over coffee and the stories we share about our kids and family. Sigh. I want a frappuccino.

You Are a Caffe Vanilla Frappuccino

Smooth and sweet, you fit in to almost any crowd. No one would suspect you of being a coffee tweaker!

What Flavor Frappuccino Are You?

loan talk

A mortgage is the pledging of a property to a lender as a security for a mortgage loan. While a mortgage in itself is not a debt, it is evidence of a debt. It is a transfer of an interest in land, from the owner to the mortgage lender, on the condition that this interest will be returned to the owner of the real estate when the terms of the mortgage have been satisfied or performed. In other words, the mortgage is a security for the loan that the lender makes to the borrower.

In most jurisdictions mortgages are strongly associated with loans secured on real estate rather than other property (such as ships) and in some jurisdictions only land may be mortgaged. Arranging a mortgage is seen as the standard method by which individuals and businesses can purchase residential and commercial real estate without the need to pay the full value immediately.

It is worth mentioning in this regard that a loan modification attorney can save home buyers like you several thousands of dollars. Furthermore, a forensic loan audit can be performed by legal experts to examine your loan documents.

If you are located in Arizona, you can adjust your existing loans through the Arizona Loan Modification. Getting the right information can help ensure that you get the best Arizona mortgage rates from mortgage companies and lenders that are available for your property.

manic monday

It's just another manic Monday, I wish it was Sunday...and that is how the song goes. I can't help but sing it because today Joaqui's nanny left to attend to her sick mother in the province. It's just so sad because Joaqui has grown attached to her Ate Jane. She is not a perfect nanny/house help, but she definitely loves Joaqui and we can see it in how she takes care of him. She expressed interest in coming back when her mother is well enough, but I am not expecting it. I'm just thankful that I'm always here in the house, at least I get to take care of Joaqui while we're looking for a replacement.

It's just another manic Monday, I wish it was Sunday 'cause that's my fun day......

  

bedazzled with Las Vegas

A friend of mine is inviting us at Club Mwah, which is an entertainment theater and bar that boasts of extravagant and lavish interiors and shows that feature outstanding artists in various fields of the entertainment industry. I have heard about Club Mwah, but I have never actually been there. It is said that Club Mwah has become a favorite night spot of party goers and socialite clubbers and has been accredited by the Department of Tourism as a Tourist Entertainment Club.

May expats and tourists watch the show as it gives them a taste of Las Vegas with the world class entertainment they experience here. If people here cannot afford to buy tickets to Las Vegas shows, then Club Mwah is the next best thing to Las Vegas. I visited the website and was impressed on what I see, and I couldn't wait for a real experience with the club's interior and show.

This only shows how talented the Filipinos really are and how we can portray a world class entertainment, as seen on the club's performers in elaborate costumes and rich makeup. This also gives a chance to the displaced overseas performing artists to perform here as they take on their terpsichorean talent.   

our funny little boy

Joaqui is developing a really good sense of humor and most of his "hirits" are on his own, without us teaching him. I taught him the song "my toes, my knees, my shoulder, my head" with actions and he learned it easily. When he had his haircut, he sang the song as "my toes, my knees, my shoulder, KALBO!" This really had us laughing. I told him that it is supposed to be my head and so he sung it again. "My toes, my knees, my shoulder, my head, KALBO!"

His imagination is also developing really well. He was the one who asked me to tie this cloth diaper on his neck because he told me he is a superhero. When I looked at this picture, I can't help but notice that our little boy is growing up really fast.

 

wicked caller

I have read that if you have young children and you want to instill in them a love for reading, there are countless types of reading materials that you can introduce to your child based on their age and topics of interest. While books provide children the reading skills they need, educational magazines for children are a good choice for parents interested in educational growth of their kids.

I was on the phone with my cousin and she was telling me about her daughter who likes to read, especially a kid's magazine and so I decided to give her a kids magazine subscription as a birthday gift. She also told me about the same experience I have had with a prank caller, stating that I have won a lifetime insurance package and all I need to do is go to their office and claim it. I told the person that I'm not interested and I already have an insurance, but she still keeps blabbing about it and totally ignoring me. I got really annoyed and how I wish that I can report callers like that so that I can expose them to other people and avoid being a victim.

The caller ID system would help to identify the phone number, but they can use other  phone numbers the next time, so a website with a familiar wiki system that lets you post information on a certain phone number is quite useful. If we only have it here, but it's only available in the U.S. Well I guess the people there need it more. ; ) 

 

what type of car are you?

I'm practicing again how to drive because it's been quite a long time since I have driven a car. I used to drive, even when I was still going to the office, and I could even drive at night. I'm planning to enroll in a refresher course in driving when my schedule permits. In the meantime, I would like to know what type of car am I.

You Are a Convertible

You're playful and carefree. You are lighthearted in all aspects of your life. Life is short and you act accordingly. You don't worry, and you try to bring fun into other people's lives. You love feeling free, and you don't do well with rules or restrictions. You need to be able to do your own thing. You feel more alive than most people. You can really savor the little things in life, like feeling the wind in your hair.

What Type of Car Are You?

time for a cool change

The heat is really unbearable and although there has been rain for the past few days, it is still humid and hot. With the heat and all, Joaqui perspires a lot plus the fact that he is always running around the house. Our aircon has been overworked for the past two months and it finally gave up on us yesterday. We tried contacting a nearby technician, but he is incapable of doing the repair.

We had to look for a reliable contractor that can provide quality work and reliable service like what the Moreno Valley HVAC contractor offers. But after a thorough look of our current air conditioning unit, the contractor advised us to purchase a new unit since it will be more energy efficient and more cost effective.

This is an unexpected expense for us at this time and we are looking into a lot of good deals on air conditioner right now, and hopefully find something that will fit our budget. The installation process will take about three days and for the meantime, we are sleeping in my mom's bedroom. It's a good thing that Jeff is on night shift this week or else he will have to sleep with my brother in his room! 

Mommy Moments - Daddy Moment

Thank You Daddy

For bringing us happiness

as though it were a gift we could open everyday.

Thank you Daddy.

For caring and listening to the words

we want to say.

Thank you Daddy.

For being the wonderful, kind, giving,

and loving father and husband you are.

Thank you Daddy.

For being everything you are to us,

and for doing it so unselfishly.

With all our hearts,

Thank you Daddy.

For more of mommy moments, click here.

on the safe side with home security

It was in the news tonight that there is a new mode of operation of house robbery wherein the thief would disguise as a messenger delivering something. There was one unfortunate incident when two children ages 10 and 7 were the ones left in their house when this type of modus operandi happened to them.

It is essential that we practice home security measures because it provides peace of mind when you know that your home is protected, especially when you are away. I don't think that we should have all these expensive gadgets installed in our house to be protected. Preventative measures can be taken to help each family member become aware of the potential danger that might ensue, and this forethought can go a long way in protecting your family and your belongings.

It was a good thing that our house help was watching the news with us, now she is also aware of this modus operandi. At this time that there is a deluge of skilled thieves, we should do everything possible to make our house secure, and more importantly our family safe.

  

Recipe: Chicken Mushroom Pasta

This is a simple pasta dish with two of my favorite ingredients - chicken and mushroom. I got this from "From the Best of Good Housekeeping Volume 6" and even though it was just the first time that I cooked it, my family really liked it. It only takes about 20 minutes to prepare and this recipe is good for six servings.

Ingredients:

500 grams fusilli noodles

3 tbsp olive oil

1 large onion, cubed

4 chicken breast fillet, cubed

1 tps dried oregano

1/2 tsp salt

pepper to taste

1 can mushroom soup

1-1/2 cups milk

1 cup quickmelt cheese, grated

1. Cook fusilli noodles in a pot of boiling water with 3 tbsp of rock salt. Toss in olive oil. Set aside.

2. In a large, deep frying pain, saute onions in olive oil for 3 minutes. Add cubed chicken breasts, oregano, salt and pepper.

3. When chicken is cooked, add mushroom soup and milk; simmer for 5 minutes. Mix in cheese and noodles.

room with a view

I kept on seeing ads about Thunderbird Resorts, particularly the one here in Rizal and I never thought of checking its website until today. I think it's beautiful and I would want to spend at least one night there because it kinda looks expensive. The room with the Laguna Lake view reminded me of the lakefront home I saw from the Wilmington NC Real Estate website, which I noticed also supports the Columbus Humane Society. When I used to watch the show Dawson's Creek, I wanted a house with a large bay window overlooking great water views. It just gives me this surreal feeling of sitting on the front porch, drinking iced lemon tea and enjoying a view of the lake. 

And because of this feeling that I made a reservation at Thunderbird Resort on my birthday. At least even for a day I can relinquish that moment as if I was living in North Carolina. ; )

 

love and honesty from mommy diaries

I received these from CheChe of Mommy Diaries, thank you so much ; )

First is this "I love your blog" award. Thanks for always visiting my blog.

The second one is this:

There are only two rules: Choose a minimum of 7 blogs that you find brilliant in content or design and pass this award. List at least 10 honest things about yourself.

1. Although I did not practice physical therapy, I am very grateful for medical transcription because now that I'm married and a mom, I can work in the comforts of our home.

2. I would like to travel more.

3. I'm not good in budgeting :(

4. I like the smell of paint, paper fresh from the copier and gas. 

5. I had worked in Dunkin Donuts as a crew during one one semester in college.

6. The reason for the above was because I failed one subject on the 2nd semester of my fourth year in college.

7. I used to have terrible teeth which were crowded and crooked. My parents could not afford giving me braces, so when I was already working and I had enough money, one of the first things I did was have my teeth fixed.

8. I really wanted to have a baby girl but when we had Joaqui, I was glad we had a boy.

9. I like anything sweet - cakes, cookies, ice cream...yum, yum!

10. I used to play the piano and the guitar, and I even write good poems back then. I don't know what happened but I have a seemingly lack of creativity for quite a while now. 

Again I'm not tagging anyone in particular because I did this too late already. So if you want to do it, consider yourself tagged. ; )

Penmanship Tag

Joanne gave me this tag. Thank you and I did enjoy it ; )

1. Write down who tagged you.

2. Answer these: your name/username/pseudo -right handed or left handed? your favorite letters to write? your least favorite letters to write?

3. Write "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog."

I used to have a nice penmanship, but since I am used to typing in the computer, I don't like my handwriting anymore. Hahaha. Since this is such a fun tag, I'm not tagging anyone in particular. If you want to join in the fun, feel free to tag yourself with your own penmanship. ; )

a spark of chemistry

For some busy people, finding someone to talk to or building a relationship, an online chat is a safe and convenient option. Especially for those who are single, finding other singles using a singles finder service is as easy as going online and clicking on a few buttons. But if you are a Christian and you want to be specific in whom you want to correspond with, then a christian chat might be the right one for you. It is a website that acts as an interface between and among users who are Christians. Becoming a member is as easy as signing up and providing some basic information. It's free service plan also gives you the option of having a webcam chat, and while you can surf for other members and check their profiles, you can contact them or get in touch with them through the chat room.

Of course, corresponding online is just the first step. You have to take it up a notch higher if you are serious about building a relationship. However, if you do find someone who you really like, you have to find time to be with the person. Personal interaction is the best way to really know someone. It is easy to make anyone interesting online, but the best gauge is in person. This is the only way to confirm if the attraction is real and whether there is chemistry between the two of you.

an early birthday gift

My birthday is still in July, but I already received a birthday gift from hubby. Actually I was supposed to use his DSLR camera when we watched ASAP, but he said that the DSLR would be too bulky to carry around and he would buy me this digital camera instead. ; ) I was contemplating before on buying a not so expensive point and shoot camera so I am really happy that I now got one. Yipee!

here comes the rain again

I don't know in other areas, but here in our suburb it has been raining quite frequently and it's raining quite hard almost always. I was wondering if the rainy season would come early this year, but according to the weather reports it is due to the intertropical convergence zone. I find it really odd that there is downpour in the middle of summer, but I also like it because it was really, really hot these days.

In preparation for what is inevitably coming, we had to call in early our reliable roofer to check on our roof. Every end of the summer, we have our roof cleaned and checked for holes or for minor repairs to avoid leak. According to the Houston Roofing, neglecting a roof for too long can cause serious damage to one's home and leaving it unrepaired can create a big hole in your pocket with regard to cost of repair. Contacting a qualified roofer could actually save you money in preventing further damage as the level of experience of the roofer can actually determine if they have the ability to do the job.

It may sound so simple, but when it comes to your home and your roofing project, make certain that you hire the best one for the job. With the number of typhoons that we had to endure every rainy season, a steady roof under our heads is much needed. Here comes the rain again and it is never too early to be prepared.

pool party

Last week, Joaqui hosted a mini pool party in celebration of his new inflatable swimming pool. We had a much bigger inflatable pool, but it was difficult to inflate and also to clean, so we bought a smaller one. He invited his friends Chelsea and Kyle to swim with him and boy did they have so much fun! The pool party was a success ; )