Wish List 2010

Here's my Wish List for the year:

1. Hermes Lindy (30cm, 32cm, 34cm?) in Pink or Etoupe or Gold or Curry or Soleil.

2. Mulberry Oversized Alexa in Butter (shown in photo), Ink, Fucshia. Ok, maybe Oak.

3. Christian Louboutin Big Kiss Flat in Orange or Yellow.

(Although I will only buy this when it goes on sale. Php 45k for a pair of flats is too much no matter how deadly it is. Pun intended :)).

Well, Hello There! :)

Didn't realize that my last post was December 2009. It feels almost like it was just yesterday, yet almost seven months has gone by already.

Nothing much is happening, Steve and I are still based in Dubai, for more than a year and a half now! Imagine that?! I don't know where all those months went! Well ok, eating, sleeping, shopping, making friends, traveling. But seriously, I've wasted a year and a half of my life doing nothing too!

I think I should have taken a course to study, but what? I think I should have taken the driving lessons, but I can't be bothered with 20 classes! I think I should have seriously applied for work, but I can't travel if that was the case. I guess, you can say that I'm having a "break"...not that my life is stressful. :-p

Summer just started and soon everyone will be gone from city, no one wants to bear the heat for 2 months so everyone flee the country. Also, Ramadan is coming up soon. That means no drinking, eating, chewing, smoking in public from sunrise to sunset.

Steve and I have booked our flights back to Manila for 10 days. Steve's parents will be meeting us in Manila while we're there. Mom will be coming here a few weeks after we leave Manila, and so will Dad. And Ave (friend from college who is now based in NY) is arriving in few days!! So excited!! July is off to a good start!

Oh, my dear friend Tiffy's giving birth on Wednesday! Can't wait to see her and Rafa when I go back, and of course my dear Godson Jacob. :)

Flying back means lots of catching up with family and friends. I always gain weight whenever I go back, who won't when you gobble up everything you miss and everything you can't find in a country you're currently based at.

This is such a long post and with no photos, this will be such a bore to read! :)

Oh, I visited a new country/city! Muscat, Oman. Although I mostly stayed in the resort...still it was an enjoyable trip. :)

One more Oh, my brother will be getting married next year! I wish I'm back home so I can dabble/help in the preparations! I just love weddings! :)

Alrighty, long boring post ends here!

Goodbye (Almost) 2009, Hello (Almost) 2010

The year is not yet over but I think it's time for a little recollection.

Tons (and when I say tons, I mean TONS) have happened this year, both good and bad.

To start the year off, Steve and I have embarked on a new journey, we have moved and made Dubai our home (well, 2nd home, as Manila still is our home).

Image from: http://www.iacsit.org/icfte/img/Dubai.jpg

It's my first time to live outside of Manila, away from my family and friends, so this is a HUGE deal for me. First few months were all about adjusting, settling down and making new friends. Once, we've settled down, adjusting and making friends took place. With this, I realized that:

• I am happy with surrounding myself with just a handful of people that I can call my friends.
• That I can live without going out of the house for three days.
• I can read and follow recipes and produce good food.
• That there's front loading and top loading detergent.
• I more than understand why my Dad loves Chinese food, I appreciate it now more than before.
• I can almost iron clothes, but I refuse to do it.
• I have the best family and friends back home.

From L to R: G, Tek, Anj, Tiffy, Ceej and Shai

• I am stronger than I thought I am.
• I have become more germ-o-phobic.
• I am a shop-a-holic thru and thru.
• I hate doing the laundry, every part of it (sorting, folding, hanging, everything).
• If I clean the house myself, I won't let anyone "contaminate" the house, so better that I have someone else clean for me. :)

I feel lucky to have met good people in Dubai that I can call my friends, friends that I know I will keep in touch with after we all leave Dubai.

From L to R: Emma, Jill, Leslie, Kim, Pooi-San (Should have updated photos with the girls)

I have also appreciated Dubai, with all the frivolousness surrounding Dubai, at the end of the day, it is a beautiful city. And living here can be comfortable too...not as comfortable as my life back home, but no place will be as comfortable as home anyway.

Although I am loving condo living. I get to enjoy the whole place instead of just our bedroom, which is how we do it back in Manila.

I miss having people do things for me, I miss having Nonoy drive me around. But here, I can schedule maids to come in a few times a week to do the cleaning and ironing for me. I have hundreds of drivers to drive me to places, I just have to pay them by the meter, hehe.

I have been to cities/countries I never thought I'd ever visit.

Egypt

Petra

Dead Sea

Steve spoils me and loves me dearly. Right, Steve? :) I am lucky that I'm married to this guy. :)

Everything seems so good right? It truly has been a good year, all things considered.

Yet, I still can't wait to start the new year and start fresh.

We have been trying to start a family for a little while now and we are just not as blessed in this aspect, yet. I know God has his reasons for everything, and in His right time, we will have our precious miracle. Like Steve said, our kid will be loved so much...after what we have been thru, after all the disappointments, all love and attention will be showered to our kid/s when he/she finally joins us.

I know that next year will be a good year, has to be right? :)

At the end of the day (year, in this case), I have more to be thankful for. We have received more blessings and happiness than sadness. But, we can have more blessing and happiness too, right? Just saying. :)

I wish everyone a blessed and fruitful 2010. World peace (cliche but we need this). No more calamities. And just a happy happy 2010.

Now, I have to start packing and get ready for our Manila trip!

Siedah Garrett - Man In The Mirror

Siedah Garrett, one of the Co-Writers of Man In The Mirror sang and talked about Michael Jackson.

She did a great job. And I guess it will always be sad whenever I see a tribute to Michael Jackson.

Again, gone too soon...

What's Up

Haven't blogged in a long time, because I really didn't have much to blog about...but I miss blogging, so here goes. :)

I have been active lately, active as in I've been working out and going out and hanging out with my friends here.

I've tried Power Banghra, Latin Dancexercise and Box Fit. I enjoy doing Box Fit most, I guess it's because it's a real work out and I'm also sweating heaps from it. Haven't gone back for more than a couple of weeks now but should resume in September.

Since we moved here, I've been to Cairo, Egypt and Amman, Jordan.

I've seen the Great Pyramids, The Sphinx, REAL mummies, Petra and Dead Sea! Places that we probably would never bother checking out if we didn't move to Dubai.


Dead Sea

I'm also slowly liking Dubai. It's not home, will never be like home but it's getting better.

That's because:
1. I've met people that I know I can be friends with even after we all leave Dubai;
2. We've found restaurants that we like;
3. Shopping here is not bad during Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Summer Surprises; and definitely not the last
4. Steve and I are getting closer and closer each day because we only have each other here.

But I will never get used to:
1. The scalding hot weather here and I'm about to experience hotter weather in the next two months;
2. Hot tap water even if you opt to not use hot water;
3. Doing the laundry - taking it out of the washing machine, hanging it, folding it and putting it away;
4. Doing the dishes - rinsing it, placing them inside the dishwasher, putting it away;
5. Changing the sheets; and, also definitely not the last
6. Sand storms.

But in all honesty, it's not so bad. Actually, I've been quite spoiled here. So I'm thankful for that.

I've also cooked, baked and blended drinks! Although we still eat out most of the time. :)

I miss home, I miss my family, I miss my friends, I miss going to "work". I miss everything and everyone back home.

But as long as we're here, there's nothing I can do but make most out of our stay here, and that's what I'm doing.

Guaranteed to make you laugh out loud!

Click here to watch the video of bading kids dancing to Beyonce's Single Ladies. 

You gotta give it to the kids, they can dance! 

LOL. 

Hope this makes you laugh as much as I did. :)

Source: Chuvaness.com

Francis M.

Sad. 

Wish I'm in Manila so I get to watch everything that's happening. 

Eat Bulaga's moment of silence for Francis M. 

The world is on recession, right? Apparently, not...

I wanted this bag for myself when I saw pictures from the runway, I was so gonna get it and looking forward to its release. 

I want the large, horizontal, black version. 

But geesh, the small version is already $2825 before taxes! Are they crazy? The world is in a financial crisis right now, how can they price something like this with an exorbitant tag?! 

I'm just gonna keep my money and put it on my Birkin piggy bank. 

Steve is Back!!

After spending four nights on my own, he's finally back!! Yey!! 

I'm used to him traveling all the time back in Manila and I didn't mind because I have my family and friends to hang out with. 

But this time, I was on my own here. So I'm just really glad he's back home. 

Anyway, he got me a bunch of magazines! :D He didn't find In Style and Vogue but it's all ok. :) 

My Social Calendar and My Life as a Housewife

I'm a busy bee this week! Isn't that cool? :) 

I have something going on from Monday to Thursday! From lunches to mall trips. Can't complain. And everyday is with different people and new friends I've met. 

I'm happy that I'm finding new friends here, mostly from an expat forum that I go to. 

Despite being stuck at home most of the time, I think I'm becoming more outgoing and friendlier. I say hi to people on the elevator of our building. I smile at people I pass by going to and from our place. I no longer have the I-don't-see-anyone attitude now. Hehe. 

I also cook more often now. I try and get up early to prepare Steve's breakfast. And then I cook dinner at least 2x a week. 

And just last week, I think I cooked a total of 4 meals!! My mama would be proud!! Hahaha! 

I cooked Fish and Chicken Tenders with Sweet Potato Chips. Baked Chicken with Bacon and Cheese. Spaghetti Bolognese. Chinese Spring Rolls. Sauteed Chinese Cabbage. Sauteed Broccoli and Carrots. :D 

I love google, you can search for anything there. 

As I've said, I'm enjoying it because it doesn't feel like an obligation, and as long as it stays that way, Steve should be fine. Bwahaha! 

I've also asked Jennifer (Mom's cook at home) to send over some recipes. I'm taking this housewife business to another level. ;-) 

I will probably start looking for something that will give me money in a few weeks time. 

Ok, this is it for now, maid's here already. Later! 

My Social Calendar and My Life as a Housewife. :-p

I'm a busy bee this week! Isn't that cool? :) 

I have something going on from Monday to Thursday! From lunches to mall trips. Can't complain. And everyday is with different people and new friends I've met. 

I'm happy that I'm finding new friends here, mostly from an expat forum that I go to. 

Despite being stuck at home most of the time, I think I'm becoming more outgoing and friendlier. I say hi to people on the elevator of our building. I smile at people I pass by going to and from our place. I no longer have the I-don't-see-anyone attitude now. Hehe. 

I also cook more often now. I try and get up early to prepare Steve's breakfast. And then I cook dinner at least 2x a week. 

And just last week, I think I cooked a total of 4 meals!! My mama would be proud!! Hahaha! 

I cooked Fish and Chicken Tenders with Sweet Potato Chips. Baked Chicken with Bacon and Cheese. Spaghetti Bolognese. Chinese Spring Rolls. Sauteed Chinese Cabbage. Sauteed Broccoli and Carrots. :D 

I love google, you can search for anything there. 

As I've said, I'm enjoying it because it doesn't feel like an obligation, and as long as it stays that way, Steve should be fine. Bwahaha! 

I've also asked Jennifer (Mom's cook at home) to send over some recipes. I'm taking this housewife business to another level. ;-) 

I will probably start looking for something that will give me money in a few weeks time. 

Ok, this is it for now, maid's here already. Later! 

Britney

I was never a fan, but I find her life and career very colorful.

Anyway, it's finally nice reading good things about her, after her melt down.

And I find her pretty here.

:)

LAST PERSON
1. You hang out with?
- Steve

2. You texted?
- Ceej

3. You were in a car with?
- Steve

4. Went to the movies with?
- Steve

5. Went to the mall with?
- Steve and Kim

6. You talked on the phone to?
- Mom, Dad, Ama, Jenz, Auntie Gina, Freence, Win, and cousins. 

7. Made you laugh?
- Family back home.

WOULD YOU RATHER…
1. Pierce your nose or tongue?
- Tongue.

2. Be serious or be funny?
- Funny. 

3. Drink whole or skimmed milk?
- Skimmed.

4. Die in a fire or get shot?
- Get shot, definitely. 

5. Spend time with your parents or your enemies?
- Spend time with my parents. No brainer here. 

ANSWER TRUTHFULLY…
1. Sun or moon?
- Moon.

2. Winter or Fall?
- Fall.

3. Left or right?
- Right.

4. Sunny or rainy?
- Sunny.

5. Where do you live?
- Dubai.

6. How many kids do you want?
- At least 2.

7. Do you want to get married?
- Already am, now I want kids. 

8. Do you twirl your spaghetti or cut it?
- Cut then twirl. 

9. Have you ever eaten SPAM?
- Yes. 

10. How many different cereals are in your cabinet?
- Just 2, Lucky Charms and Honey Bunch of Oats.

11. Do you cook?
- Yes :D 

12. Current mood?
- Bored. And hungry. 

THE LAST 72 HOURS HAVE YOU…
1. Kissed someone?
- Yes.

2. Sang?
- Not really.

3. Been hugged?
- Yes.

4. Missed someone?
- Yes.

5. Danced Crazy?
- No. 

6. Cried?
- Yes, over a Korean movie. :D 

7. Suicide?
- LOL!! Still answering this eh?

8. Loved someone you can’t have?
- Not love, liked.

What's Keeping Me Busy Everyday

So far, I'm a housewife here in Dubai, until I find a job. I'm becoming a bit more responsible, a bit is the operative word here. :-p

We have part-time maids so housework for me isn't that difficult. I don't do vacuuming, mopping, scrubbing and ironing. *phew*

Dining Area

But I do the laundry and the dishes. I do the regular wiping of whatever. And now when I cook, I have chop and slice everything. Not fun at all. But I enjoy cooking (swear) and hearing Steve's comments/praises. :) 

Obviously, these tasks don't last me the entire day, so what do I do from 10am to 5pm? 

1. Chat with family and friends back home, which can last for hours. :D 

2. Check my regular blogs and sites.

3. Answer emails both personal and KR. 

4. Watch TV. 

5. Nap. 

6. Go out with friends I met here.

7. Swim, which I've only done once since we moved here. Will do this more often. :D 

8. Go down to the "Community Center" for grocery or nail salon appointment or just to walk. Believe it or not, I've done more walking here than I did back home. 

9. Hang and fold the laundry. 

10. Wipe the dishes. 

11. Tidy up the place. 

There you go, it usually stretches to 7 hours and keeps me from getting bored out of my mind. 

Considering that this is my first time to live away from home (Manila), I'd say I'm adjusting quite well. 

Jumeirah Beach

Mom has learned how to Skype, so we video chat several times a week now. And she's coming this month. :) 

I think I'll start cooking more than 2 meals a week now. Doesn't mean it will happen, but at least I'm considering it. :) 

Ok, will check on the maid now. And will do one or all on my list. 

XOXO. 

Just Ranting

Dubai has so many Filipinos it makes you feel like you're home. 

Usually when they find out I'm a "Kabayan" (they always think I'm Chinese, which I am), they become friendly and all. 

So when I went to LV and saw a Filipina SA, I approached her and asked about the Sprouse's Graffiti Collection. I spoke to her in Tagalog because I just heard her talking to her Filipino friends. I was thinking, this is cool, this SA can help me with my sideline! Hehe.

The damn bitch was snooty and arrogant!! Agh! Even Steve noticed how arrogant the bitch was!

Who does she think she is? That working in LV makes her superior to other Filipinos?! I can buy her for all she's worth! Hahahaha! 

But really, does she think she's above everyone because she's employed by LV? Hmm, I'll go apply at Hermes, and go back to her and be arrogant, I'll tell her, remember me? I'm better than you now, I work for Hermes! LOL. 

She's not getting any sales from me. F*** you, bitch! 

Twilight. New Moon. Blogging from New "Home"

We've finally seen Twilight! 

Manila's screening's ahead for almost 2 weeks! We've been spoiled in Manila and that's one of the things we'll definitely miss here, because movie screenings here are pretty late. :( 

I think they did a pretty ok job with their castings. Except for Jacob and Rosalie. Jacob and Rosalie are much better with short hair and dark hair, respectively. Oh well, I still love Edward! :D 

Oh, and there are talks that they will replace Jacob for New Moon and one of the considerations is Ben Barnes.

Isn't he such a cutie? 

And here, he can play Jacob, he looks bad-ass here. :) 

He's cute and probably too cute to play Jacob, I would be torn between Edward and him. And I am Team Edward! Hehe! I can't wait for New Moon!! 

Blogging from Dubai, which will be our new home come January. We're almost done setting up our "flat" (local term for condo) and looking forward to fully settle down in January. But not so looking forward to "leaving" my family and friends. *bawl* *sigh*

Anyway, this is a before shot, hopefully the after shots would really look like after shots. :-p

Living Room

And we have a killer view of a golf course, they just had the Ladies' Masters a few days ago. But we totally missed it. :-p 

The area where we are has a "Rockwell" feel to it, except we don't have a mall, only nail salon (yey!), hair salon, supermarket, restaurants, coffee shops, ice cream shop, laundromat, video shop and optical shop. I actually get to walk more here than back in Manila! haha! 

And I've never seen so much babies!! It's like every other couple here just gave birth! 

The weather right now is so good, it's chilly, not as cold as Baguio but cooler than Tagaytay. Perfect isn't it? And they say this weather lasts until March-April. 

I miss my family, friends and everyone back home. And can't wait to see them all in few days. We'll meet my entire (from Ama to cousins) family in Singapore for a Holiday cruise. Then back to Manila on the 26th until the 4th. 

I miss the maids too. We've scheduled a maid service 2 to 3 times a week, so it kinda lightens the load, but still not the same as it is back home. At least I don't have to sweep and mop the floor, iron our clothes and wash the bathroom. 

And Nonoy! I miss Nonoy! I only have to tell him where to go and watch, read or sleep on the way. Get off and do not have to worry about looking for a parking spot. Here, I have to drive, and I have. On expired license. Hopefully I get to renew it before we come back here, but I doubt it with the loooong holiday schedule we have. 

As for Steve, he's busy with setting up the company. Stressed out too, he still have to hire a handful of people to help him run the company. 

But everything should turn out well. I hope. 

This is a long-ass entry. 

I can't wait to see you all (you guys know who you are).

xoxo. 

 

New Extended Twilight Trailer

Woooohoooo!! Edward and Bella are coming soon! hahaha! 

Mark your calendars! November 21, Friday. 

Wait, so we'll see it on Thursday?? Steve and I will have to watch it on the first day of screening here.

Watch the extended trailer here: Twilight

I have a feeling that I won't like the movie as much as I liked the book. Hope I'm wrong.

Speaking of Twilight/Vampires, I'm watching a vampire series called True Blood. Not great and lots of sexual scenes.

Can't wait for Twilight! :D

Master sa Pangangasiwa ng Negosyo (Master in Business Administration)

Woohoo!! I got my diploma yesterday!! 

I did graduate!! I now officially have a Master's degree! 

I just missed the ceremony, which would have been nice since it's back at PICC, but what matters is this, so I'm good. :) 

Wait, if I actually marched, it would have made it more real noh? I probably could have gotten several graduation gifts!! Oh darn. 

Graduation? When? What?

Apparently, our graduation was held last October 4. I didn't know about it until today. :-p

I didn't get to check my other email until today...so...no graduation rites for me. 

But I won't be attending the ceremony anyway since I won't be around. 

I should get my diploma and everything in the mail. I think. I hope. :-p 

Edward Cullen

Just in case you guys have forgotten how cute he is. :-p 

Twilight's almost here!!!