the challenge

it all started when my good friend nikki / chefgirl had an 'addiction' with salt. it was really weird. i didn't know that there are different kinds of salt. nikki, being the teacher that she is, lectured me and my friends about it. haha. now we know that salts have different tastes and that sea salt is healthier & tastier compared to that iodized salt.

anyway, she challenged me to make sea salt caramel candies so that i can use that 'famous salt from pangasinan' together with chocolate. again, i didn't know it is possible until now. so last week, i was able to accomplish it. i was just happy because i was able to accomplish the challenge. kaya ko pala. besises, nikki is not just a friend of 5 years, but she is also a chef, a teacher, a student from le cordon bleu, owner of one of the famous restaurants in the country, etc. in short, she knows food. period.

i sent her some of the caramel candies i made. i was nervously waiting for her critic for i already know beforehand the flaw of my finished product. hehe. she sent me a text message saying:

"i love the flavor! sarap ng chocolate with salt! the caramel is matigas. maybe because the syrup... possible also that its the honey. either reduce the sugars... or increase the cream. actually, i let the caramel melt in my mouth, parang candy. masarap! i checked the recipe, candy nga ito and not chocolate. you can sell it per box, pantayin lang ang cut. i like it! congrats! napahanga mo ako! ..... it's not painfully sweet... i let my mom patikim and she doesn't eat candy but this one kinakain nya and hindi natamisan... parang sees lollipops!..."

then she blogged about it. click here.

then she posted it in facebook to which many commented.

nahiya tuloy ako. i was put into the limelight. haha.

parang big thing. i was just pressured to do the challenge. haha. joke nikki! i'm happy to learn and be trained by a master ;) besides, it a sweet. i love sweets. its something unique and something i haven't done before.

it really felt great. because not only was i able to finish it, but i realized, kaya ko pala gumawa ng masarap. it felt great receiving positive feedbacks even constructive criticisms. i plan to practice more often and make my husband's officemates, and our friends the taste testers. then i'll make my friend nikki, the master critic ;)

this officially starts the challenge of making it perfect.

a lot of one day

one day, i became so sad about my weight, more so on the size of my belly.

then one day, i came upon websites after websites giving great deals and big discounts. of course, the thing that caught my attention were the "non-surgical liposuction" such as lipo-sculpt cavitation, radio frequency slimming treatments, lipocontour cavitation, and the like.

one day, i shared my interest with my high school barkada and they too like to have it. and so, i was set on availing this. who wouldn't be tempted with just Php400 per session? check this out.

one day, i told this to my friend doctor and of course, she didn't like it. she said that it is not 100% guaranteed. besides, if it does work, and then if i eat just 1 cup of ice cream, the lost inches will be back. and so, my money will go to waste and i'm back to my problem. and there goes my bubble....pffft...   =(

one day, i had a visit to my OB and told her about my concern. she then asked me if i have done everything i can to lose those unwanted fat.

and then i realized, i haven't even done anything! what i did after i breasfed last year, was cave in to my past deprivation -- alcohol (just occassional drinking!), chips, soda, sweets and more sweets! and did nothing aftwards. come to think of it, i haven't done any form of exercise for the past 5 years. i used to be active. i was into tae kwon do in high school, rowing in college and badminton when i was a working.

i knew all along the solution to my problem but wasn't so keen on doing it. its called E.X.E.R.C.I.S.E! maybe i had a lot of excuses. gym was not really an option becuase it cost a lot. i don't know how to jog. i dont want to, its boring. i wanted to engage in sports. but what? i don't know how and where to swim. biking is expensive. badminton? who will i play with? i wanted to do yoga. but the good kind of yoga which is in ortigas and far from me. blah, blah, blah.

one day, despite the many things that keep me busy, i was bored. then my good friend asked me to jog with her and reluctantly said yes. and surprisingly, i liked it. i plan to jog regularly. i even jogged alone when my friend wasn't available. that's a good sign isn't it? i hope this goes on. i want to feel my blood running again. to feel that pulse. to be on my toes. i don't want to be bored and sluggish. i have set goals to keep me going. for this month, i want to lose 5lbs-8lbs. i want to be able to jog 1 round in the akad oval in UP. no walking but 1 round of complete jog. let's take it slow.

wish me luck!

first of three shots

i had my first HPV shot today. i waited for a year, as advised by my pediatrician (was breastfeeding to robin last year), to do it. for some reason, i was/am scared. i don't know why. perhaps i just don't want to accept the possibility that i or anbody else could have a cancer. or the fact that it is not 101% cure but just a prevention. but still, a prevention is a prevention. better take some precautionary measures, right? for more about cervical cancer vaccine or HPV and the like, click here.

baking class

i was finally able to attend one of the classes, basic cakes and icings for beginners, at heny sison.  i had fun. this kind of class always keep my heart pumping! =) i think thats great. i learned a lot. though, i still prefer if its hands on. i know in some classes the students are required full participation. but not with this one. i wonder why. the teacher, chef heny sison herself, was able to teach us 6 kinds of cakes.



butter cake with butter icing



lemon chiffon cake with boiled icing



chocolate cake with fudge frosting



sponge cake with whipped cream icing



mocha cake with no-melt butter icing



i hope i'll be able to make time to try and bake them especially the chocolate cake and lemon cake. i also like to try the boiled icing since its my favorite. if i get it right, then that's the time i'll attend the next class.

but first, i need to do the challenge my good friend has given me.

london

after a week from his annual incentive trip to london, hubby is back with us. yipee! not to be corny, but we really miss him and its so different when he is not around. now things are back to "normal".

we both like to travel. who doesn't, anway? =) during one of his incentive trips, i was blessed enough to be able to join him in paris, france and london and southampton in united kingdom. God is good!

highlight of the trip:

a visit to some of the Harry Potter scenes

looking for that special bench of julia roberts & hugh grant in the movie notting hill

and the blue door in portobello road also from the movie notting hill, in which both were unsuccessful. just got tired. and to think i was 3 months pregnant then with robin!

so we just visited the queen's residence (windsor castle & bukingham palace)

had a picture with one of her guards =)

went to see stonehenge

rode the london eye

with the trip, we found out that this is not the london bridge

but it is this one



see the caption?



 hehe. still would like to come back and discover more =)



manners i want my kids to have

i just read this through Yahoo! and i thought i'd post this so i can go back and check if my girls have acquired it already ;p

25 Manners Every Kid Should Know by Age 9

Manner #1

When asking for something, say "Please."


Manner #2
When receiving something, say "Thank you."


Manner #3
Do not interrupt grown-ups who are speaking with each other unless there is an emergency. They will notice you and respond when they are finished talking.


Manner #4
If you do need to get somebody's attention right away, the phrase "excuse me" is the most polite way for you to enter the conversation.

Manner #5
When you have any doubt about doing something, ask permission first. It can save you from many hours of grief later.


Manner #6
The world is not interested in what you dislike. Keep negative opinions to yourself, or between you and your friends, and out of earshot of adults.


Manner #7
Do not comment on other people's physical characteristics unless, of course, it's to compliment them, which is always welcome.


Manner #8
When people ask you how you are, tell them and then ask them how they are.


Manner #9
When you have spent time at your friend's house, remember to thank his or her parents for having you over and for the good time you had.


Manner #10
Knock on closed doors -- and wait to see if there's a response -- before entering.


Manner #11
When you make a phone call, introduce yourself first and then ask if you can speak with the person you are calling.


Manner #12
Be appreciative and say "thank you" for any gift you receive. In the age of e-mail, a handwritten thank-you note can have a powerful effect.


Manner #13
Never use foul language in front of adults. Grown-ups already know all those words, and they find them boring and unpleasant.

Manner #14
Don't call people mean names.


Manner #15
Do not make fun of anyone for any reason. Teasing shows others you are weak, and ganging up on someone else is cruel.


Manner #16
Even if a play or an assembly is boring, sit through it quietly and pretend that you are interested. The performers and presenters are doing their best.


Manner #17
If you bump into somebody, immediately say "Excuse me."


Manner #18
Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and don't pick your nose in public.


Manner #19
As you walk through a door, look to see if you can hold it open for someone else.


Manner #20
If you come across a parent, a teacher, or a neighbor working on something, ask if you can help. If they say "yes," do so -- you may learn something new.


Manner #21
When an adult asks you for a favor, do it without grumbling and with a smile.

Manner #22
When someone helps you, say "thank you." That person will likely want to help you again. This is especially true with teachers!


Manner #23
Use eating utensils properly. If you are unsure how to do so, ask your parents to teach you or watch what adults do.


Manner #24
Keep a napkin on your lap; use it to wipe your mouth when necessary.


Manner #25
Don't reach for things at the table; ask to have them passed.


hmmm, maybe i should print this and post it on my desk =)

requirements for a korean visa

i was finally able to apply for a korean visa and i never thought it would be that easy. i just downloaded the form from their website, filled it out, attached my picture and required documents, and passport then submitted it all at their office. after five working days, voila, i got it already!

the requirements for businessmen:

1. application form

2. 1 pc passport size colored picture

3. passport original (6 months valid)

4. copy of first page of the passport

5. original & copy of U.S., new zealand, japan, australia, korea and canada visa (if there is)

6. business registration from SEC or DTI (copy)

7. business permit or mayor's permit (copy)

8. personal bank certificate (original)

9. individual ITR or form 2316 copy

*if personally invited by korean, an invitation letter & copy of invitor's passport are required.

submission of documents is from 9am-11am, mondays-fridays and pick up / releasing of visa is from 2pm-4pm, mondays-fridays. what's great about it is that its FREE!!

remember, if one wishes to stay more than 59 days in korea, there is already a fee. certain fees also apply for US citizens, japanese, australian, etc. when i brought my passport, i wasn't able to bring my old passport which contains my expired US & australian visa. what i had was my latest passport and shengen & uk visas attached to it. i guess it's easier to apply if you have previous visa/s. also, different set of requirements are needed if employed.

now i am totally excited! time to formulate our itinerary!

moms

my good friend cimeon sent this to me and thought i might share it here. its so funny and yet so true. read on.

Answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions:

Why did God make mothers?

1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.

2. Mostly to clean the house.

3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.

How did God make mothers?

1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.

2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.

3. God made my mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.

What ingredients are mothers made of?

1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.

2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.

Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?

1. We're related.

2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's mom like me..

What kind of a little girl was your mom?

1. My mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.

2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.

3. They say she used to be nice.

What did mom need to know about dad before she married him?

1. His last name.

2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?

3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?

Why did your mom marry your dad?

1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my mom eats a lot.

2. She got too old to do anything else with him.

3. My grandma says that mom didn't have her thinking cap on.

Who's the boss at your house?

1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball.

2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.

3. I guess mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.

What's the difference between moms and dads?

1. Moms work at work and work at home and dads just go to work at work.

2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.

3. Dads are taller and stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friends.

4. Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine.

What does your mom do in her spare time?

1. Mothers don't do spare time.

2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.

What would it take to make your mom perfect?

1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.

2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.

If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?

1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.

2. I'd make my mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it not me.

3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.



motherhood first

happy mother's day!
no special plans today. husband is in london for his annual incentive trip. im trying to save. im working on a project with my mom. and mom doesn't really feel like going out. besides, we already had a family dinner and coffee last week. so we just plan on having a massage later :)

anyway, it is mother's day. so let me share about my experieces as a mother.

with my girls

one thing i've learned is that motherhood is hard. it's a tough 24/7 job one shouldn't take lightly.

when i resigned from the company i used to work for 7.4 years, most comments i received were: how envious they are of me, they didn't see me as a stay-at-home-mom, and what a big sacrifice i was making. i was happy to take that leap and knew that it will be a different and hard life ahead of me. like anything else, you don't know what you're in for unless you are in it. the responsibilities for somebody else's life (2 for me) is so great that it is so overwhelming. its not only just the big things like paying for their education and insurance, taking care of their health, and forming their values. small things matter a lot. the words that you say to them, the amount of time you spent with them, how it is spent, the people you leave them with, the different things that you can and can't do with them compared to other kids, and so on. and there is  also the "smaller things" too such as the food they eat every single day, the clothes they wear, the toys they play, the shows that they could and could not watch, activities, books, hygiene, and so much more. i really have to be on  my toes all the time. even on my ME time, i am thinking of them. i have to.

i am honesly scared. how i am as a mother will reflect on who or what they will be as a person. what i try to do is pray more and pray harder. that's the only sure weapon i have that i know wouldn't fail. i think being scared is ok. it makes me a better person by being and doing good. it is true that motherhood brings out the best in a person. i am not a patient person. now i am trying to be one. i am not a good cook. but i cook every meal. if not, they will go hungry and of course i don't want that. i am not a teacher. but i try to teach them. at the same time, i learn too. i became creative as well not only in the arts and crafts field, but in ways to make boring days fun or how to get them to eat or learn. haha.

there is so so so much more.  despite the advice you get from your mommy friends, from the books that you read, articles you read in blogs and newspaper or any media, or even from your own mother, one wouldn't fully know what it is to be a mother. and i didn't completely realize it until i finally became one.

it actually took me so long to realize that the first step to making it a bit easy is to accept and embrace the role that God has given me. for the longest time, i am seeking my role here on earth. and its just right there infront me -- its called motherhood.

thor

                                                                                                                             movie date with husband last night. watched the movie THOR it was so awesome! i likey :) unlike my husband, i didn't really read comics when i was a kid and so i am not familiar with the stories of all the characters of the Avengers. anyway, with this movie i was able to meet thor :) like any other superhero stories, the movie is about the responsibility of having power, accpetance, listening to our mentors especially our parents, and hopefully surpassing them (with his case, it was his father). it is about being good and true to your word. with or without title we could do something worthy.

this is really a must watch. we might watch this again and this time, we are bringing our superhero raya with us to watch it. its a movie with an oomph! :)