We Are Family

After the unfortunate thing that happened yesterday, I felt resolved to fix what has been done. I went to the nearest wireless center to our office to get a SIM replacement. The serial number of my SIM is not available. They have to order so I have to check again on Friday or possibly next week. Boo!

Then I checked if I am qualified to avail of the retention plan. I got a positive answer. I’ll be getting a Nokia 6120c.

It comes free with the plan upgrade that I’ve been postponing to do for the longest time. I think with this new plan I can maximize my usage unlike before. The best thing is that the handset is FREE. Here are the key features:

2MP Camera with flash + VGA
3G / HSDPA / Bluetooth
Polyphonic AAC
MP3

It suits my needs. I discussed this with M0rn1ng and he’s okay with my plan. But we will forgo applying for Globe Broadband. Internet connection will be provided by this phone.

And oh, for those who asked if the phone flushed in the toilet is an old one and needs replacement, the answer is no. It’s a Nokia 6151 given by my mom from her smart retention plan. Sayang di ba?

But what can I do but go on. Thanks for all those who spared their time to comment and cheer me up. You’ve brightened up my gloomy day. Super thanks!

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Whenever I watch TV would get a barrage of commercials about weight loss pills. There’s Fitrum, Slenda, and Xenical to name a few. I’m intrigue on what components these diet supplements have.

Then I’ve read about Generic Acomplia. According to research this works on brain receptors in the brain that block cravings for food and some substances. It works on the part of the brain that regulates appetite and energy. So it makes one desire to eat less.

Other than weight loss this is also effective in cutting down nicotine cravings which is perfect for those who want to quit smoking. So it is like hitting two birds with one stone by losing weight and promoting healthy living.

However as in any diet supplements, it should be coupled with proper diet and exercise so that you get the best out of it.

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First I had this stomach ache that made me go in and out of the rest room after lunch. Then I had not so good vibes with work. I’m not sure what’s up with me but I am very irritated today.

I went to the canteen to have merienda and possibly a break. My tummy ached again after eating so I went to the restroom. When I was done, I flushed the toilet and down came my cell phone on the drain.

I felt so stupid. I know it’s useless to feel this way but this day is one of the worst I had for this year. Now I don’t have a phone thanks for my carelessness.

Somebody cheer me up.

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There is no better gift to a woman than a fine jewelry. Be it earrings, necklace, bracelets, we love them all don’t we? So when M0rn1ng asked me what gift I want for our wedding anniversary, I hinted that I would love to receive a pair of pearl earrings or a nice necklace, something that I can keep for a very long time.

For those with medical conditions,  jewelry such as medical alert bracelets would be nice.  Your primary medical conditions, ID number and the 24-hour emergency response center number will be engraved in these bracelets.  This is one great way to protect your health.

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Stayed home today. I wasn’t feeling very well. B.boy has colds for the past 3 days and he hasn’t been sleeping well in the evening. Last night was no exception. So I had a terrible headache in the morning.

I asked for a leave despite the fact that there are a lot of things going on today. Our CEO is on town and he is holding a series of talks. But if I don’t get rest, I might be sick for the rest of the week again. So I’m pacing myself.

I had a rest but I’m still nursing a terrible headache. I’m also not sure if I’m PMSing. My period hasn’t returned since July 2005 and I feel so lazy, I have food cravings and I feel like throwing up. Am I preggy or is it my period returning?

What do you guys think?

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One of the most unforgettable vacations we had as a family was when Papa brought us to Cyprus. It’s a very interesting country, rich in culture, arts and history.

I can never forget the beautiful Byzantine structures at the Troodos mountains. It features wonderfully and carefully crafted mosaics. The valley showcases the famous vineyards of the island. We also saw how they make their special wines. It is the first time that we saw a lot of wine displayed on wine racks.

Then there’s the idyllic coastline of Limassol. This is where Papa booked our hotel. We really had a wonderful time that summer, truly a vacation that we won’t forget.

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I got two things that made me happy yesterday.

(1) Passport - At long last our passports are here. It’s the first one for M0rn1ng and our little boy and my third. It looks way way better than the previous ones. We’re so excited because we can already feel that we’re going to Singapore soon. Which reminds me that I have to research for our trip. Does anybody know if it is cheaper to stay at the hotel airport than in a regular one? We will arrive at midnight and we don’t want to bother our friend to pick us up. We might just go to their house in the morning.

And oh, we will be saving a lot for this trip because our friend invited us to stay with them in their home.

(2) Mineral make-up. The package arrived yesterday. My blogger friend Andrea told me that I can order free samples from their site. The kit consists of 3 colors of foundation, a blush, and a concealer. I’m so excited to try it on. I wanted to see if there is really a difference between chemical based and mineral make-up.

I was really pleased because it only took a week to arrive, it’s free and I only have to pay $5 for the shipping.

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We never thought managing your own business could be very complicated. You have to properly train and develop your staff, target your market so that you get a bigger share, and handle the finances well. It is especially harder at the moment as the cost of the commodities is on the rise.

The best way to ensure income is to have a tight reign on the finances. So were thinking of buying a budget software to help M0rn1ng in his business. We want to stay afloat despite all the economic pressure that challenges most business owners right now.

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My youngest sister Noreen is a very good cook. She does most of the cooking in our house and I am super duper grateful to her for doing that. She would whip out a very special dish once a week and I personally think that each of these occasions is truly a gastronomical experience. It’s like eating out at a fancy restaurant for a parcel of the cost. Here is what she prepared for us last weekend.

It looks good and it tastes even better. Below is her own recipe. Please feel free to try it out.

Aubergine Penne Pasta

Ingredients:
For the breaded aubergine/eggplant
1 pc Egg
Pinch of Pepper
Pinch of Salt
3 pcs big eggplants (sliced diagonally with about 2 cm thinness)
20 g kasugai (Japanese breadcrumbs)
2 cups vegetable oil
For the sauce
2 cups water
1 big can diced tomatoes
¼ cup olive oil
½ cup minced garlic
¾ cup minced onion
1 big can sliced button mushrooms
Sugar to taste
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
100 g finely chopped parsley
For the pasta
250 g penne rigate
100 g shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:
Breaded aubergine/eggplant
Beat egg
Add pinch of pepper and salt
Coat sliced aubergine/eggplant with egg
Dredge it with breadcrumbs
Heat a pan and put oil
Deep fry the breaded aubergine/eggplant
Set aside

Red sauce
In a casserole, boil water and tomatoes
Heat pan
Add olive oil
Sautee garlic, onion, and mushrooms
Add the sautéed ingredients to the boiling mixture of water and tomatoes
Lower the fire and wait until the red sauce thickens
Add sugar, pepper and salt to taste
Add parsley

Pasta
Cook the pasta according to the its packaging directions

Mix together the pasta, sauce and breaded eggplant
Put it in a 9×5x2 baking pan
Top it with mozzarella cheese and parsley
Bake it in a preheated oven at 185 degrees Celsius for 10 minutes or until the cheese melts
Serve

Serves 3

Note: For crispier eggplants, put the breaded eggplant in the freezer for at least an hour before frying.
For a richer red sauce, real tomatoes are better than tomato sauce or paste.
Cheddar cheese can be used as a substitute for mozzarella cheese.
If you love herby pasta, add oregano for a refreshing mint flavor.

Chicken-Basil Roulade

Ingredients:
1 kg chicken thigh fillet
Salt
Pepper
¼ bar butter (sliced thinly)
1 beaten egg
80 g kasugai (Japanese breadcrumbs)
3 cups vegetable oil

Directions
Sprinkle chicken fillet with salt and pepper
Put sliced butter on the middle of the chicken fillet
Stuff the chicken with basil by putting the chopped basil in the middle of the chicken fillet and then rolling it
Coat it with the beaten egg
Dredge it with breadcrumbs
Deep fry

Serves 5

Note: For crispier chicken, put the breaded chicken in the freezer for at least an hour before frying.
It is better to use chicken thigh fillet (though chicken breast fillet is an alternative) because it is juicier and tastier.
For an aromatic meal, serve it with fried whole basil leaves.

*If you want to publish the recipes in your blog, please give credit to where it is due.

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Great news to doctors and clinicians out there! Do you know that they could now get a free medical pocket pc software? This is a great help as more and more doctors are owners of PDA or smartphone.

Epocrates medical reference software helps doctors to have access to pertinent information needed to make prescribing decisions such as drug dosing, side effects, and health plan coverage.

When I gave birth, I had a severe case of pre-eclampsia. But even though my baby was delivered, my blood pressure is still high so they have to give medications that will regulate the blood pressure and compatible with breastfeeding as well. The cardiologist was so kind enough to explain his prescription and he even let me read in his PDA the specifics of the drug and that it is safe for breastfeeding moms. No need for us to check with my son’s pedia. So unlike my experience with other doctors that they couldn’t make a decision to prescribe certain medicines because they are not sure if it has an effect on breastfeeding.

So this is a great to have for any doctors. Information that will help them makes informed decisions, all the time, anywhere.

This announcement was paid for by Epocrates.

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1. Have you tried running far away from home alone? How does it feel?
Yes, when i was around 9 years old. I never got far away from home because i got scared and went back.

2. Who or what is most beautiful to you?
My son B.boy. I guess it comes natural for a mom to find her children beautiful. (walang kokontra)

3. You are still sleeping and suddenly someone wakes you up. What would be your first reaction?
When i was still single, i would be angry. But it change when I become a mother. I attend to my son happily even if it spoils my precious sleep.

4. What’s your significant other/partner/husband/wife calls you? And what do you call him/her?
We call each other “Mahal ko”. But most of the times it’s just plain Mommy and Daddy. We’ve been calling each other that even before we were married. hahahaha! Assuming!

5. Someone is knocking at your car window, and you see a little girl selling fruits for $1. Are you going to buy one or just ignore her? Please be honest.
I don’t. Sometimes modus operandi lang nila yun or part sila ng sindikato. We can help less fortunate in other ways.

6. What time did you wake up today? Happy or Sad?
8 am….still a bit tired but happy.

7. Do you go to work everyday? Where?
Yes. Ayala, Makati.

8. What did you do this past weekend?
Groceries, Held some bible studies, went to Robinson’s place, cook something special.

9. A random photo off the web…anything at all that you think is worth posting. Post it here.

10. Why did you chose that picture/image?
Reminds us to do what we can to save our environment.

Come and join the fun here.

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I’m mighty proud with the recent home improvements that we did. We bought a nice looking china cabinet that saves a lot of space and keeps the small kitchen are organized. We also fixed the broken wardrobe cabinet.

The clogged kitchen sink was treated and it now works like a dream. Also the broken bathroom faucets have been replaced.

Now, the most important thing that needs fixing is our air-con. We desperately need this especially now that it’s sizzling hot. How about you? What are the recent home improvements that you’ve done?

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Lookey Lookey!

Starbucks Coffee is supporting Earth Day 2008!

On APRIL 22, 2008, Earth Day,
STARBUCKS will be treating you to a Php 40 discount if you USE YOUR OWN TUMBLER/MUG
in purchasing any of your favorite beverage at any Starbucks store in the Philippines.

* We recommend customers participating in this campaign to bring tumblers that have the proper insulation for either warm or cold drinks.

* Bottled water and pre-packed juices are not included in this campaign.

* Transactions with Senior Citizen, VAT Exempt and Handicapped discounts are qualified for this promotion. However other marketing promotions (ex. coffee passport), complimentary vouchers and other discounts (ex. Rustan’s discounts and partner discounts) are disqualified to join this promotion.

April 22 is TODAY…so go grab your coffee now.

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