Marley and Me

Yesterday, my husband and I along with my 2 brother-in-laws and girlfriend watched the movie "Marley and me". Watching movies on Christmas day has been somewhat a tradition mainly because it's the only thing people can do besides eating and being with family on Christmas day. Everything is close except the movie theaters and businesses that don't celebrate Christmas. Overall,the movie is not that great but it moved us to tears. Despite the negative reviews this movie got, we still watched it. This movie is for those who have and had dogs. People who will or had watched this movie will surely be moved if they ever had a pet.My hubby and I were into tears and can't help but cried because we can relate to the movie.It's about the owners love for the dog Marley no matter how crazy and house-broken the dog was. Dogs are known to show loyalty to their masters.

My husband had a dog named Pompom. Pompom recently died this month from a kidney failure because of old age. Like from the movie, Marley has to be put to sleep to end his suffering. My husband's family had Pompom for 13 years. that's 81 years of man's age. I had loved the dog since I became a part of my husband's family. Watching this movie has brought back Pompom's memories. We did not expect the outcome of this movie. I think for those who did not enjoyed this movie never had a dog or lost a dog. People would not like this movie if they never experience losing a dog or any pet before.

As for Pompom, where ever you are, you are greatly missed. Thank you for bringing love and joy to us.

Thanksgiving

Ahhh..Thanksgiving! A special holiday where families and friends gather around the dinner table saying thanks for whatever they are most thankful for. A once in a year holiday that gives an excuse for everyone to pig-out and gorge themselves to Roasted Turkey,stuffings,yams,mashed potatoes,ham ,pumpkin pie and etc. I am not like that though. First, I don't eat turkey or any kind of meat. For Thanksgiving,I'm bringing Tofurky. It doesn't taste bad,I promise!

Anyway,there are so many things that I'm thankful for:

1. I'm thankful that I'm still alive and healthy.

2. I'm thankful that my husband is alive and healthy

3. I'm thankful for all my family and loved ones are well.

4. I'm thankful for the roof under my head,food on our table and money in my bank.

5. I'm thankful for all the wonderful blessings God has bestowed upon me.

Really, Thanksgiving shouldn't be the only time we should give thanks . It should be everyday.

Me...a blogger?

I really don't know why I started a blog,journals..however you want to call it. I believe I have about 3 or 4 blog websites out there including this account. Others have been long forgotten. I guess the reason why I started this in the first place is because I want to share and well it looks fun! I have lots of things to share but geez, I really don't know how to start it. Well,honestly..I'm just lazy to blog anything. And for some reason,my creative juices is running out! I do want to blog about the latest updates on my wedding planning, the restaurants I tried, the clothes and shoes I've been buying (my wallet is lighter these days ), the latest events that has been happening with my life or maybe other people's lives . Maybe my New Year's resolution is to start writing everything! But then,I don't want to keep promises I can't keep. Hopefully after blogging this,I would get inspired in blogging more.

The Controversial "Q&A" on my wedsite

First and for most, I really don't want to blog this kind of interesting yet kinda infuriating event in my life. But in a way, it serves it's purpose. It made me stand up more for what I believed in and not let other people dictate me what to do with my life or whatever decision I make.


Okay, we went to this Thai restaurant to celebrate my hubby's birthday. We got there a little early but we saw my hubby's cousin and her husband. Let me say, I wasn't too thrilled that they came early too coz I don't like the wife.And it's a mutual feeling on her part too :) So we sitted ourselves and I find myself facing the husband. Him and I are close in a way coz he's frank,direct,nice and well I like him.Before everyone came, he mentioned that he visited my wedsite and notice the changes I made.He pointed out to me the portion of "Q&A is rather insulting and could be offensive to my guests. Of course I was shocked coz it was never my intention to insult and offend anyone by publishing that on my wedsite. The article is well written and very informative. But he went on and on that it was bad.


So when I got home, I read it over and over again and even showed it to my husband where we both agree we did not find anything wrong with it.Sure it was an honest,direct to the point article but c'mon!Only stupid and ignorant people will find it in a negative way. So despited his "suggestion" that I delete the article,I stand by for what I believed in. The article is still there and whoever find it "insulting and offensive" can take it to the judge and I would advise them to get a life!


That's my wedsite,not theirs!It's my wedding I'm planning,not theirs!


Q&A for the wedding guest


by: John & Benz Rana
article originally appeared in print:12/03/05
Q. I got an invite but have no plans of attending; should I still send a gift?
A.First thing's first. If you won't be able to attend for whatever reason, please RSVP. A big chunk of the wedding budget goes to the reception and it will be utterly inconsiderate to just give up a reserved seat without letting the couple know. Give them the chance to assign that seat to another guest in their "waitlist." Having that out of the way, let's get to your question: YES, it is customary to still send a gift.
Q. The envelope bears only my name. May I ask if I can bring a date?
A. Don't bring a date unless your invitation specifically says "and Guest." Bringing unexpected guests is very impolite. Neither should you ask the couple's permission if you may bring one or not. Don't put your friends on the spot. We Filipinos don't really like turning down people. So how would you know if their "Yes" means yes or not? Spare them that trouble.
Q. The invite says "Mr. & Mrs." Could we bring our kids?
A. Never bring the kids unless "& Family" is indicated. Soon-to-weds don't usually invite children for a good reason. Kids get bored or cranky during hour-long masses. Their tantrums might disrupt the solemnity of the ceremony. Weddings are usually formal events typically not appropriate for the little ones. To be blunt about it, inviting a child at the reception means added two mouths to feed - the kid's and the yaya's.
Follow-up Q. But my son/daughter is the bearer/flower girl. I'm sure it's understood that my other child is invited.
A. Which part of the answer above didn't you understand? Seriously, if the couple wanted to invite your other kid, they would have specified that on the envelope.
2nd follow-up Q. But I'm breastfeeding, I'm sure my friends will understand, won't they?
A. Granting that it's an infant and he or she won't eat at the reception - let's even assume that your baby won't wail at the church - the answer is still NO! Not even if you've perfected the art of being a cow in a long gown. Four words: Breast Pump and Babysitter!
Q. I don't have a clue what gift to give them. Any ideas?
A. The average Pinoy soon-to-wed would always prefer monetary gifts more than any other gift. It is the unspoken fact. We're telling you now to make it easier for them to let you know what they REALLY want; unless they indicated that already in their invites which, by the way, is a very tacky thing to do.
If you're not comfortable giving cash, you may ask the couple where they are registered (Gift / Bridal Registry) and choose from what's listed under their names in the store. You can also ask them where they're residing after the wedding and take the cue from there. If you know that they'll be migrating abroad or living with their parents for the time being, a ref or another oven toaster may not be the most practical and logical gift.
Q. I'm convinced. So how much cash should I give them? I don't want to give too little or too much.
A. That's a hard thing to answer. It's really a case-to-case thing. Try to put yourself in the couple's shoes. How much should a guest of your stature give you without being branded a cheapskate? Also consider your relationship with the couple. If you're good friends of the couple's parents, you'll probably shell-out more than if you were simply the bride's Girl Friday.
Q. Could I skip the ceremony and head straight to the reception?
A. You can. BUT you shouldn't! You are invited to THE wedding -- that's the part where they exchange their "I dos." The reception is where the Receiving Line is. You can't be 'received' if you are already seated in the hall, right? "Patay-gutom" is too harsh a word and we assure you that it's by no means what anyone would think if indeed you decide to go straight to the reception. But admit that it struck a nerve just mentioning the word in that context, isn't it?
Q. Speaking of the Receiving Line, what should be the proper greeting?
A. Here's the rule: Say "Congratulations" to the groom and "Best Wishes" to the bride. The reason behind is that "congrats" implies that someone has caught something or won a prize, and it is rather improper to imply that the bride "caught" the man who married her. If this rule gets mixed-up in your head come wedding day, just say the two phrases together and look at both of them. That usually works!
Likewise, saying "Good Luck!" no matter how pure your wishes are will also sound very inappropriate for obvious reasons.
Q. Nice try, but what if the couple makes a Grand Entrance and left the Receiving Line to their parents? What then should I tell them? Note that I don't even know which sets of parents are whose.
A. Didn't we tell you already not to skip the ceremony? The bride and groom usually walk alongside their respective parents at the very start!
Anyway, make your pleasantries short and sweet. Shake their hands and say "Hello! I'm (your name) and I went to school with (name of bride/groom) in (school's name)/an officemate of (name of bride/groom) at (name of company)." They usually respond with "Nice meeting you." Just smile, nod politely, and move on to the next person. If one replies "Hi! I've heard so much about you!", simply smile and nod just the same. No lengthy conversation; just make small talk at most. If you can't find the words to say, just smile again, nod politely, and move.
Q. During the banquet, is there anything I need to know?
A. Nowadays, the Reception Program usually have the guests on each table stand up and have their picture taken with the couple before being led to the buffet. This is done to resolve two issues of past weddings: (a) for the couple's convenience and skip the tiring Table-Hopping ritual just to have their picture taken with all their guests; and (b) for the guests' convenience so they won't have to wait very long for their turn in the buffet line.
Keep in mind that Buffet is NOT synonymous with "Eat-All-You-Can." Do not pile your plate full. Be courteous of those who have yet to be served. Don't worry. You can easily go for seconds.
Q. I'm used to a Buffet setting, but what if it's a formal Sit-Down Dinner? Which fork do I start with again?
A. You're on your own, pal. Watch "Pretty Woman" again and see how Julia Roberts nailed

An interesting day at Filene's Basement

March 28,2008, my husband and I (actually only me) woke up early in the morning ( which is highly unusual for me) to get ready for Filene's Basement biggest Bridal sales event.I don't really buy sale stuff because they're usually a year or 2 year old clothes or prolly has defects on it but hey if I could find a Vera Wang bridal gown for $300,I will!!!so anyway,the sales event as described in the link is a lot of pushing,running and fighting for every gown you could find.Am I ready for that?Well,I have been working out so might as well use my muscles to my advantage. We drove to New Jersey where Filene's basement is at. I was hoping and praying that it's not crowded like the other bridal sales event that was held in Boston.And it wasn't!Well,kinda but not that bad. I know I should have brought a girlfriend to help me but can't find any in last minute.We started looking for a gown.And when we did found something,my husband told me we have to "make" our own dressing station. I was like,"What are you trying to say??!" I looked around at every corner and brides are trying on the gowns right there and then!!Can you get the picture?Women,wearing only their bras and changing outside the dressing room!!!Never would I imagine myself taking my top off in front of public!But hey,if you can't beat them,join them!It was fun in a way of being free and liberated.hey,how often can you take your top off inside a department store in front of other people?! tried a total of 6 gowns but went home empty handed.Now I know why they were on sale,they have rips,dirt and damn,can't find my size.

So the search of the perfect bridal gown will continues...It was fun though and I learned a lot from that experience.Ask me what?

Well,never buy anything on sale..shhhh!!!My husband can't find out about that.

Bridezilla in the making?

499 days until my wedding day! Still a lot of time to plan, play and relax right? NOT! Well, not for me of course. I’m should you say an Obsessive Compulsive freak. Did I say freak?? I guess I did! Bless my husband’s soul and good nature! He’s been patient and understanding about my whims, moods and irks. My mom would attest that with me, I tend to get freaked out if things don’t go smoothly as I wanted it to be. My hubby accused me of being a perfectionist. Which I’m not! Right? Am I?? By George! I think I am!!! Well, there’s nothing wrong on being one. I blamed it on being a Virgo. Yeah, that’s right! Virgos are known to be a perfectionist, OC and systematic yet gentle, down to earth and sweet….
Whoever said it’s still early at this time to plan for a wedding is a nitwit!

It’s never too early to plan especially if it’s one of the biggest events in your life (next to giving birth if you’re a woman). It’s like going to Fresh market and pick the freshest produce there is! And that’s what I’m doing! Looking and getting if not the best but suppliers who gives a good deal. Yes, I have to admit where in these early stages of planning I had my moments of freaking out but crazy freakin’ shit out. Excuse moi! But I have my excuses! I don’t want to elaborate it but it’s been solved. My hubby just looked at me one day and asked,” Are you gonna be one of those bridezillas?”

I mean, the way he looked at me is like he already predicts who I am to become. Gasp! Que horror! Of course I’m not! If I’m becoming or a bridezilla, I would prolly have been on a roll of booking suppliers as fast as I could like running to a big sale of Manolo Blahnik shoes! ‘Or freakin’ out on the telephone and demanding to speak to their superiors. Really,John (that’s my hubby’s name), why would you think something like that?? And I gave him my most sweet and charming smiles. I guess that convinced him..for awhile

My Love for Mario Badescu

My first post!!Well,I've been very busy and really don't know where to start.Y'all might think that I'm writing my first post about my undying love for a certain Mario Badescu.That I'm going to get mushy and cheesy.Well,you're right AND wrong!Who is Mario Badescu,you ask?He's a genius and woman's next bff!He's the owner of a skinline products both women AND men!So there I was,sitting in front of this pc,emailing my ever dearest cousin asking for help about my face.I've never had pimples and serious breakouts before.But last year,it's like my face is a constellation of breakouts!I've never been so conscious about my face!!!Anyway,she recommended a Mario Badescu seaweed night cream.And I said,who?She said the product is really good.So I used the search engine and look for this Mario guy.I found his website and boy,lots of products for different skin types and problems.I immediately answered the questionnaires to know what skin products should I use for my skin.They recommended me this facial cleanser,moisturizer,masks,drying lotion,buffering lotion and night cream.Really!It's kinda pricey for a small bottle.But then I was desperate!I went to Nordstorm instead of going to the city to buy some products.I used it that night and prayed that I didn't spend $100 for nothing!I used Glycolic Toner after washing my face.Feels kinda tingy.Then used the seaweed night cream.Following day,oh my!My face and the texture of my skin feels and look different.Hmmm..loving it.But wait!I used the collagen moisturizer which is really nice.But the true test was the buffering lotion and drying lotion.It's supposed to treat pimples,breakouts...there was a lot of good reviews for these 2 products so I tried it the 2nd day.Wow!!My pimples as of this day (6th day) is almost gone!They're fading away!!!And the texture of my skin at the same time looks sooooo good!Even my husband notice the change on my face!But I do have to buy the healing and soothing mask to prevent it from drying.That's the only glitch.You have to buy each of their product coz it's for different uses.But I don't mind.It's not expensive as it seems if it works for you.I used Mary Kay before and i thought I found the one but i never had this results before since using Mario!Oh!i think I'm getting samples just by filling up the consulation questionnaires but I just can't wait!