tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61685803430186999212024-03-12T21:33:12.566-07:00Heart and Mind Whispers.......see, listen, speak through your heart and your mind..anything and everything about thoughts of life...carmiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01113905887197870913noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6168580343018699921.post-42721606420954996332009-04-05T20:18:00.000-07:002009-04-05T20:44:42.210-07:00Graduations in March<div style="text-align: justify;">Graduation ceremonies have gone by this March 2009. And for me I had two graduates. My daughter who is 16 graduated from high school and is to take BS Psychology at the University of Sto. Tomas. My son who is 12 graduated in elementary and is to continue in the same boy's school. It was a hectic March. Now things are lighter. Activities had gone by. Now that kids are home for their summer vacation, kitchen will be busy as I have to cater 3 meals and some snacks per day. But vacation means more time for me to sleep in the morning, rather than the usual 4: 30 am morning call for a mom like me. Will save lots of sleep for the next school year to come.<br /></div>carmiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01113905887197870913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6168580343018699921.post-19280057110273838322009-02-28T23:23:00.000-08:002009-03-01T02:33:37.428-08:00A well loved man remembered...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYBXYeS27ANL90055Nx5TqPrvocBvkD1j_zmDD5CoO0g3MjRfl8bJbrS3U08H74hOb4ny8uKKQjtF_DFAMNNAWaYbjpVSeeyXNtAmCFYTuyWDnQs1LUhNWQ1MmiN4YIuGySIPRUnByrRDo/s1600-h/114_2478.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYBXYeS27ANL90055Nx5TqPrvocBvkD1j_zmDD5CoO0g3MjRfl8bJbrS3U08H74hOb4ny8uKKQjtF_DFAMNNAWaYbjpVSeeyXNtAmCFYTuyWDnQs1LUhNWQ1MmiN4YIuGySIPRUnByrRDo/s320/114_2478.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308129902134113586" border="0" /></a><br />It was 25 years ago when a well loved husband, father, brother, friend and collegue joined his Creator to a fatal accident. He would turn 70 years old if he is still here. He left when he was barely<br />45, when I was only about 18 and two younger brothers who were 14 and 10. It was tough for us kids, but it was worst for our mother who was in total shock to be left alone by the home's bread winner. But God is good. My mother was able to raise our family. She was almost giving up but fought over the loneliness and depression she had during those times of grief.<br /><br />Time healed the wound we all had and recently on his supposedly 70th birthday we visited his tomb and offered him prayers for eternal repose. We love you Papa!carmiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01113905887197870913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6168580343018699921.post-64544688873587459262009-02-16T04:04:00.000-08:002009-02-16T06:40:52.949-08:00Shabu Shabu<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3aPrkJMCZ3nW9JB29Qs7wvVM9dorYLgITDfbOVSNLIyvh-KgwWYM2o2o_scd7X8cX_mkr7Y25zOjcJr6ZXjAnAiZ49WbSAoI51RzEF9Civvc72xKAhV3T7dWc_v1j5dgPKwCB3mjNWaeF/s1600-h/114_2340.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3aPrkJMCZ3nW9JB29Qs7wvVM9dorYLgITDfbOVSNLIyvh-KgwWYM2o2o_scd7X8cX_mkr7Y25zOjcJr6ZXjAnAiZ49WbSAoI51RzEF9Civvc72xKAhV3T7dWc_v1j5dgPKwCB3mjNWaeF/s320/114_2340.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303367769448482594" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO5QGQaLGHUvC169FymsLZKJ-4NthRQJtg5XvRyj5-MceVmbBb5zMM1HZPQIf03t-vMM8ul-kW4BkuEl7qtH5SnYXCVPusDx2v42kRLu53hOELlmBVjCCJrYbFXiJBgWwQUKoWPj2WL-qA/s1600-h/114_2339.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO5QGQaLGHUvC169FymsLZKJ-4NthRQJtg5XvRyj5-MceVmbBb5zMM1HZPQIf03t-vMM8ul-kW4BkuEl7qtH5SnYXCVPusDx2v42kRLu53hOELlmBVjCCJrYbFXiJBgWwQUKoWPj2WL-qA/s320/114_2339.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303367755804434738" border="0" /></a><br />It was a long time since i had shabu shabu. Dining out will take so much of my money, that is why<br />i went to the China town in Manila and picked up ingredients for shabu shabu. Ingredients were never cheap though, but its better than dining out. The whole family feasted and we were all greatly satisfied. Lovely dinner. Here, have a peep, to what we had for dindin. Notice those little bear, those are fish cakes. Yummy...carmiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01113905887197870913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6168580343018699921.post-663351919418852732009-02-10T18:30:00.000-08:002009-02-10T23:00:04.463-08:00Happy Heart's Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSdYbsiH7HLTow4V59xv4qgLW4UMaq5CsNmsBU5m5Wu_6xzbsc0qbtzBp24OqVS0WWcgJk4mv2a8bg007ZVxHy6QlnSOHe4mwbDItrT2TP1d7Y_2Z0kKhMdFEWHiV8mjTxFWv836PCeYea/s1600-h/hearts.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSdYbsiH7HLTow4V59xv4qgLW4UMaq5CsNmsBU5m5Wu_6xzbsc0qbtzBp24OqVS0WWcgJk4mv2a8bg007ZVxHy6QlnSOHe4mwbDItrT2TP1d7Y_2Z0kKhMdFEWHiV8mjTxFWv836PCeYea/s320/hearts.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301430839304691138" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Yesterday I was in my son's school and in one corner a Valentines gift shop stands as a fund raiser for the school, led by the hardworking Mom's Organization. And at 3pm when most classes are done,</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">I was so shocked to see when boys flocked the booth, and bought items from heart shaped candies, heart shaped balloons, message in a bottle and stuffed toys. But guess which age these kids are? Wow boys age 8 to 12 flocked the booth. These boys could be eying on some girls? My boy was near me but didn't buy any. Maybe because he felt awkward getting one for his crush (if any?)</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">And so I broke his silence and told him. Go get something for mommy, grandma and sister. Just so he knows that Valentine's Day is for everyone. Son picked a chocolate and the heart shaped candies for the three of us. But sssssssssssssh grandma and sister doesn't know till the 14th.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> HAPPY VALENTINE'S EVERYONE.............</span></span><br /></div>carmiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01113905887197870913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6168580343018699921.post-83186862884995158582009-02-10T17:37:00.000-08:002009-02-10T18:02:32.522-08:00Missing my angel, Carmie whispers "Pleaseeeeeee come back soon"<div style="text-align: justify;">Its been almost two weeks now that I don't have a helper. She had to go home to her hometown to give her last respects for her departed father. As much as I would love her to be back soon and spare my hand from getting stiff (my hands get stiff maybe because of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carpal_tunnel_syndrome">carpal tunnel syndrome</a>), she is now on indefinite leave to be with her family and comfort her mother. It will be up to her now, to be back anytime she is ready to work again. But yes we all miss her presence, she's been a part of the household for many years now. My son grew up seeing her. She is far from being perfect, but when someone gets to be a part of our system, you just can't help but miss her. I see that she has her loyalty and dedication to my family, truly cares and remembers my kids all the time. Thus, imperfections to her work detail doesn't count match to me. For her to value my kids the way I do satisfies me the most. We miss you dear angel and please come home soon.<br /></div>carmiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01113905887197870913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6168580343018699921.post-41626243527461949992009-01-08T18:32:00.000-08:002009-02-10T18:03:45.676-08:00Eyelash on xmas 2008I've always been fascinated on how eyelash extension are. My daughter and I agreed that we will both have our lashes done before christmas, and so we did. Wow! we felt like our eyes are so refreshed,and nicely done. Nobody noticed it as extensions, looked like natural. It was done in less than an hour,we were comfortably lying on a bed with eyes shut. By the way, the only agony we had was the tingling feeling of the glue when we opened our eyes. It was an awful feeling, we almost wanted to rub our eyes, but rubbing it will ruin the extensions. You wouldn't believe it, but I wasn't able to sleep tight for like three days, worrying about wrecking my eyelash extensions. But I am getting used to it now. Nice experience we had. Go try it yourselves, ladies!carmiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01113905887197870913noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6168580343018699921.post-63728001580775954712009-01-02T07:43:00.000-08:002009-01-03T06:49:20.051-08:005th Christmas party in the village street<div style="text-align: justify;">The past few weeks was really tight. Busy with different activities during the holidays, one of which was the annual street party in our village. I humbly initiated the first Christmas party in our street five years ago. It was a good thing that my neighbors cooperated, and agreed to have the street party every year. Four families are assigned to host the party each year. We can go very simple or we can go a little bit extravagant. This year gifts and prices are plenty enough to make the occasion festive. It was a bit tiring though, doing multiple tasks during the party. I was with other host families, but all are husbands and I am the only woman in the group, seems like the woman took the lead. Hahaha not complaining gentlemen! We know that nice men make a woman realize her worth by giving her tasks. Do some of you agree? Anyhow despite the tiring night of fun and camaraderie, it was all worth it to see all my neighbors mingle all through the night. It was truly a wonderful post Christmas celebration on the 28th of December!<br /></div>carmiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01113905887197870913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6168580343018699921.post-47464828399035076912008-12-14T22:53:00.000-08:002009-02-10T18:05:02.623-08:00Rings, symbolic of wedding bands and engagement.The Greeks and the Romans gave rise to the traditional marriage bands and engagement rings.<br />A ring symbolizes a complete circle, no break or it is a continuous circle. No matter what reason it brings, the purpose of wedding bands and engagement rings is to express ones deep emotions of our ever faithful love and happiness, and eternal commitment.<br /><br />I had my wedding ring in 24 karat gold, looked nice in my fingers, but too soft and fragile to wear all year round. I feel like its melting when I cook, I had to keep it or else the shape of the ring could get worse.<br /><br />For those of you who have plans of getting a wedding band or engagement ring, an 18 karat gold is the best gold for rings, strength is good and not too bright to look at.<br /><br />June is a popular time for weddings, but December is the next popular month to say " I do "<br />Christmas is in the air and so does weddings in December.<br /><br />When did you have yours?carmiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01113905887197870913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6168580343018699921.post-37223087940041189162008-12-14T18:57:00.000-08:002008-12-14T19:37:38.541-08:00Dawn Mass starts tonight<div style="text-align: justify;">Days will be numbered starting tonight and oh! days will pass so fast and it will be Christmas<br />day. It is the 15th of December but in the village where I live, dawn mass will start tonight at about 7pm. This is a good time for those who leaves home for work early in the morning , even students can hear the mass and complete the novena till Christmas day. <br /><br />I remember when I was a lot lot younger and my mother brings me to the dawn mass at 4am.<br />wah, getting up in a cold morning was hard, I end up half awake in the church but goes wide awake when I smell the Pinoy delicacies as puto bumbong (purple rice cake steamed in bamboo moulders)<br />and bibingka (another kind of rice cake baked under and over a heat from a clay stove with charcoal) Yum!<br /></div>carmiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01113905887197870913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6168580343018699921.post-10293519181955929902008-12-08T00:26:00.000-08:002008-12-08T00:42:52.337-08:00Anyone in love before they get into college?<div style="text-align: justify;">How strict should parents be on having their daughters and sons get to be romantically committed?<br />Is there a best time parents have to allow them? Some of you have gone through this experience, and some of you have teens who are now into a relationship? Mommy's out there who may read this, didn't you feel troubled to find out that your kids especially your daughters are now into a relationship? Please share what your insights are, your experiences and your advices. I know we can't be hard on them, but nor can we be so complacent. We want our daughters overly protected and we do not want them to plunge into something they will be sorry for later. Please leave your comments here to ease a troubled parent.<br /></div>carmiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01113905887197870913noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6168580343018699921.post-35320624628094610882008-11-14T22:26:00.000-08:002008-11-15T00:04:09.772-08:00Better to be safe than sorry<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFg_qFEcWQBEf12tfKTRF8jwpLSpOaebNTBWqwV_XHrPRPFdzcoKvBDRXpqGz8T_Sc20LLxrL6afbThhlrm4kbJsib6DUGRs7EjIEK3weeXzWuh7KJhSLQITOVHylYPEQeUAQ4MxZyd_S/s1600-h/tires.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 193px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFg_qFEcWQBEf12tfKTRF8jwpLSpOaebNTBWqwV_XHrPRPFdzcoKvBDRXpqGz8T_Sc20LLxrL6afbThhlrm4kbJsib6DUGRs7EjIEK3weeXzWuh7KJhSLQITOVHylYPEQeUAQ4MxZyd_S/s320/tires.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268774587974093858" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />Car tires, <img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/bb/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-7.jpg" alt="" />have you checked them lately? Some of you can have the fanciest car but did you know that car tires like food has expirations? Even when the tires are just stored for years can be defective and can cause accidents on the road? I am so shocked to hear about the terrible accidents caused by old and expired tires. Pls check the link http://<a href="http://videos.komando.com/2008/08/23/check-your-tires/">videos.komando.com/2008/08/23/check-your-tires/</a>to<br />further enlighten you about checking your car tires. Keep safe everyone!<br /></div>carmiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01113905887197870913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6168580343018699921.post-6473950945476378392008-11-13T01:48:00.000-08:002008-11-14T23:02:36.085-08:00Whispering "Guides to Writing"<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />While on the train I was reading a career guide tabloid and let me share with you some tips in composing letters. According to the writer, most common flaw is<span style="text-decoration: underline;"> verbosity(<a href="http://www.yourdictionary.com/verbosity">verbose)</a></span>, kilo metric sentences and <a href="http://www.alphadictionary.com/goodword/word/high-falutin%27">high-falutin</a> words. And the writer suggested to follow these simple tips to spare our readers from eyestrain.<br /><br /> 1. Write shorter sentences.<br /><br /> 2. Think "irreducible minimum" meaning don't overdo with your details. Drop less important details.<br /><br /> 3. Use shorter words such as use for utilize, try for attempt, end for terminate and so on.<br /><br /> 4. Write with your audience in mind.<br /> You know what you wrote but never assume so will your readers. Assume ignorance on the reader. Hence:<br /> Be aware you may be jumping into a conclusion without giving the logic.<br /> Consider adding a brief background to shed more light on your main subject.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div>carmiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01113905887197870913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6168580343018699921.post-75841405578187325562008-11-09T19:58:00.000-08:002008-11-09T20:38:44.006-08:00Your 1st Name Tells a lot 'Bout Who You Are"<p style="text-align: left;">I was tagged by Liza at <a href="http://www.blogger.com/mlizcochico.blogspot.com/">Mom's check nyo </a>and below comes the meaning of my full name.<br />Looks like I'm born to be a good kisser...check yours.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Rules:<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Link the person who tags you; Repost the tag with the title "Your 1st Name Tells a lot 'Bout Who You Are", Tag as many as you can.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Have a good time knowing the meaning of your name!<br />Here is mine:<br /></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">C: People cant help but check u out</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">A: Best Gf/Bf any one could have</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">R: You love to kiss</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">M: Handsome/Beautiful</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">E: You Are Great Kisser</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">L: AWESOME KISSER</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">I: People love you</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">T: You are loyal to the ones you love</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">A: Best Gf/Bf any one could have</span><br />____________________________<br /></div><br />A: Best Gf/Bf any one could have<br />B: You love a certain someone<br />C: People cant help but check u out<br />D: You are really lovable<br />E: You Are Great Kisser<br />F: Easy to fall in love with<br />G: You never let people tell you what to do<br />H: You have a very good personality and good looks<br />I: People love you<br />J: People Adore you<br />K: You're wild and crazy<br />L: AWESOME KISSER<br />M: Handsome/Beautiful<br />N: Easy to fall in love with<br />O: Best kisser ever<br />P: You are popular with all types of people<br />Q: You are a hypocrite<br />R: You love to kiss<br />S: You are Freaking CRAZY!<br />T: You are loyal to the ones you love<br />U: You really like to chill<br />V :your not judgmental<br />W: You are popular<br />X: You never let people tell you<br />Y: Sexiest bitch alive<br />Z: Never good enough...<br /><br />Tagging: <a href="http://www.bestlovingfilipina.com/">Everything under the Sun</a>,<a href="http://uslearningathome.blogspot.com/"> Learning at Home sometimes</a><br /></div><h2 class="username"><br /></h2>carmiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01113905887197870913noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6168580343018699921.post-78246915034652050212008-11-09T16:59:00.000-08:002008-11-09T18:23:22.825-08:00Dried Seaweed and Electrical Tape<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQN2m3R7xgQRGWkhT9aRfbUaSrT8wylyl1eEvJ2O2CAMaZe4jNfZtXdfpH3yTOTk5UniiKThwz4A3Nz2ETJGLY3IRgkdYHMv8x3YR0nv5TorspHps0qI_3KQh3ew6ciqwTE1DlVUFrej2/s1600-h/onigi.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQN2m3R7xgQRGWkhT9aRfbUaSrT8wylyl1eEvJ2O2CAMaZe4jNfZtXdfpH3yTOTk5UniiKThwz4A3Nz2ETJGLY3IRgkdYHMv8x3YR0nv5TorspHps0qI_3KQh3ew6ciqwTE1DlVUFrej2/s320/onigi.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266841847080206994" border="0" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />rice roll shaped in triangles or nigiri<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> dried seaweed <br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiJvFioO0bGLMfZW1kEdKyJTy1GDnH3kvnCgaUrXFTV294bE0REyic9cT-b4518zwWLAeIn8_AMSHxNpgZFriqXjlfw-I79cM7hSzlHw9bpO7BjvD7t5pWvBeZm5q96Ope8nYTyzFo0m8S/s1600-h/nori.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 151px; height: 125px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiJvFioO0bGLMfZW1kEdKyJTy1GDnH3kvnCgaUrXFTV294bE0REyic9cT-b4518zwWLAeIn8_AMSHxNpgZFriqXjlfw-I79cM7hSzlHw9bpO7BjvD7t5pWvBeZm5q96Ope8nYTyzFo0m8S/s320/nori.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266841842323810994" border="0" /></a>My daughter and her two male friends were having a discussion about food this weekend over our dinner table. My daughter serve them wafer rolls, cheese biscuits and chocolate. One guy was lactose intolerant so he had to read the ingredients really hard at the packets. He can't have any of those food, but he can't help it and still ate a minimal portion and He said that it was so good. Food discussions led to a Japanese cooking show that my daughter's boyfriends saw on tv. My daughter is familiar with Japanese food. I serve some at home and they like it But her friends are not so particular about Japanese food stuff and I heard one guy said something like, he likes a rice shaped into triangle with some fish filling inside and then wrap with a thing which looked like an electrical tape. Heard my daughter say, "Hahahaha you call it nori or Japanese dried seaweed!"<br /><br />Funny how he compared nori to an electrical tape. I wonder how he would compare Japanese curry rice topping with?</div>carmiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01113905887197870913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6168580343018699921.post-54587739680686000202008-11-07T23:00:00.000-08:002008-11-09T18:25:20.564-08:00GIFTS FOR CHRISTMAS<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Oh my! Many people could be panicking now on what gifts to buy for Christmas, for their families, friends, co workers and maybe a handful of Godchildren.<br /></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Costs of living is really bad now a days and buying gifts could be stressing.<span style=""> </span>It can even be hard to squeeze your budget.<o:p></o:p><br /></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">But should gifts be expensive?<span style=""> </span>In this trying times, we should learn how to be creative and not burden ourselves with too expensive gifts.<o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>Kids will probably opt to get toys for Christmas or we can bake them their favorite cookies.<br /></p><div style="text-align: justify;">But to the older group why not give them something that they can read every now and then. Like a letter telling them how you appreciate them and how they inspire you could mean the most to them. Most of the time we miss to tell people how good they are to us and this is the time to express our thoughts through personalized letter. This is something that they can keep in their drawers and in their hearts for a long time.</div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">I do keep cards and even up to now I do go over them and read them no matter how old the cards/letters are. And it makes me smile, something that I truly love and will keep till I am old and gray. Definitely priceless gifts I have.<o:p></o:p><br /></p><div style="text-align: justify;">And so I whisper to you, go start writing your thoughts about your love ones, because gifts need not be expensive to be priceless.</div>carmiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01113905887197870913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6168580343018699921.post-82226626190487911182008-11-07T22:45:00.000-08:002008-11-09T18:33:49.357-08:00One funny Chinese movie<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvbokr5THFDMJrfUoAloboJQy8Q3BNVngEVVWlmnEyiDCBVCLRECFEBLDa9FGbpTw87SGRvl-DxWUQ9FTVuJL7w6rlKh4aOsvIfzTgLAUTRewY7-9hVosncG48gqc8hNznOPV-o2kRl7vB/s1600-h/kungfu+hustle.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 178px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvbokr5THFDMJrfUoAloboJQy8Q3BNVngEVVWlmnEyiDCBVCLRECFEBLDa9FGbpTw87SGRvl-DxWUQ9FTVuJL7w6rlKh4aOsvIfzTgLAUTRewY7-9hVosncG48gqc8hNznOPV-o2kRl7vB/s320/kungfu+hustle.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266851346625177474" border="0" /></a><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Poor me, internet connection was really bad,<span style=""> </span>I was not online for quite a while,<span style=""> </span>I was home one day and I watched a funny Chinese movie.<span style=""> </span>I never laughed out so loud for some time now, but feels great to burst out laughing, it relieves tensions.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I don't know how old the movie is but it was funny.<span style=""> </span>I don't really like martial arts movies, but this one got me so excited.<span style=""> </span>Martial arts plus comedy kept me entertained.<span style=""> </span>I would not mind picking another movie like it just for laughs. Really funny!<span style=""> </span></p> <div style="border-style: none none solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color -moz-use-text-color windowtext; border-width: medium medium 1.5pt; padding: 0in 0in 1pt;"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="border: medium none ; padding: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p> </div>carmiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01113905887197870913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6168580343018699921.post-7431663237257336942008-10-30T09:39:00.000-07:002009-01-31T02:56:01.216-08:00Yelling at DawnHow can you practice patience if a loud mother( a neighbor) yells at her household at 4am? It is either she is angry with her kids, her house help, or she could be fighting with her husband. It is something that don't really matter to me or my household because she does yell within the four corners of her house, but she is so loud that my kids wake up an hour and a half earlier. Should this loud lady yells at 5:30 am, that is just right on time. I can save money to buy batteries for the clock. She could be our alarm clock. Please suggest something, to help this poor woman keep silence at least before its due for my kids to wake up. Sigh!carmiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01113905887197870913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6168580343018699921.post-90705669218599162222008-10-30T07:30:00.000-07:002008-10-30T07:37:33.034-07:00WonderMom showered me with awards.<p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Thanks so much <a href="http://wondermom.info">wondermom</a> for this 3 lovely awards. Feels great!<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://wondermom.info/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/my-favorite-blog-award.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-63" title="my-favorite-blog-award" src="http://wondermom.info/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/my-favorite-blog-award.jpg" alt="" height="170" width="206" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://wondermom.info/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/butterflyaward1png.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-65" title="butterflyaward1png" src="http://wondermom.info/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/butterflyaward1png.jpg" alt="" height="200" width="167" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://wondermom.info/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/iloveyourblog.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-64" title="iloveyourblog" src="http://wondermom.info/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/iloveyourblog.jpg" alt="" height="130" width="130" /></a></p>carmiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01113905887197870913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6168580343018699921.post-89008563241333005862008-10-27T18:49:00.000-07:002008-10-27T21:25:47.532-07:00Whisper from a Stranger<div style="text-align: justify;">My internet connection and land line has been acting up for the last months now and yesterday I had to drop by the server's business office to follow up my complain, and as I was waiting for my priority number in a bench outside the business office (there was no place inside all seats were full with complaining customers) a shy looking gal approached me, she handed me her leaflet of a competing telephone server. She explained the product so well if I had the money then I would like to buy one. She sat beside me in the bench and after I knew it, she was telling me about her life and why she's there working as a sales agent for a telephone company. I felt so much for her, listening how she is working, away from her two year old daughter. Her only child is under the care of her ex boyfriend's mom. She can't say her mother in law, because she was never married to the father of her child. When I asked her about him, she smiled and said she feels and hears that the guy is seeing someone else. She looks young but she's in her late 20's. I felt she is hoping that one day he would marry her and live together as a family. But as I hear her speak and whisper that her supposedly mother in law doesn't want her near her daughter and the guy seeing someone else, I don't see a happy ending. But miracles are made to happen...I Hope.<br /><br />It was an hour of letting her feelings out, she opened her heart and whispered to me. I am total stranger. I handed her my name card, just so she can follow me up if there will be a need for me to buy a phone from her. And lastly she whispered " Can we be friends if not a client?" And happily I said, "Yes" while I walk to the business office to log my complain.<br /></div><br />It was a short one hour of waiting being with a total stranger. But it was all worth it.carmiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01113905887197870913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6168580343018699921.post-67443453271148741872008-10-26T00:50:00.000-07:002008-10-27T18:15:03.713-07:00Halloween Awooooooooohispers!<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">This time of the year many get so excited having parties on costumes, well at least for the upper class or maybe a small village trick or treat celebration for the young and the young at heart.<span style=""> </span>On the 31<sup>st</sup> of this month, it will be a <b style="">spooktacular </b>day for the youth and the kids as they prepare the whole village to its trick or treat for kid’s ages 3 to 12.<span style=""> </span>I’ve had the chance to give treats to kids and it was an awesome sight to see them knock on our door with their very cute costumes.<span style=""> </span>They are suppose to frighten us but the lovely kids couldn’t scare us much, they are all so cute even with their scary make up.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">This year another same event will be held, more fun scary <b style="">spooktacula</b>r games and <b style="">spooktacular</b> party, Great prizes awaits the best Halloween costume.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">In television ghost and ghost stories are the topics. Do you have your own personal story to tell?<span style=""> </span>Or do you believe in ghost?<span style=""> </span>Aha let me share to you my personal experience. My father died when I was 19 and <span style=""> </span>in the Philippines it is<span style=""> </span>a tradition<span style=""> </span>that we offer 9 days of <span style=""> </span>prayer for the soul of our departed, and in one of those nights while we were praying, the butterfly décor hanging by the window kept on moving which me and my mom noticed.<span style=""> </span>Nothing to wonder if it was moving, there is air everywhere of course. But we wondered why the movement was not sideways?<span style=""> </span>It was moving as if someone was pulling it downwards. Goose bumps were all over me.<span style=""> </span>Could it be my dad’s presence?</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Oh well, let your beliefs decide.<span style=""> </span>If it is my younger brother who hears this, he would definitely say that it was not my dad’s presence but it was my strong imagination or it could be the evils spirit trying to deceive humans?</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">There are many more scary stories all over about ghost and the paranormal, but yes I would like to listen and no thanks I don’t want to feel any.<span style=""> </span>No to ghost hunting.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Are there some of you who are into it? You are such tough guys.. Wohooo!</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Happy Halloween!</p>carmiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01113905887197870913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6168580343018699921.post-36839816763449881222008-10-19T18:15:00.000-07:002008-10-26T01:01:40.192-07:00The Air Whispers Christmas<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Christmas is fast approaching and once again the MOMS Organization in my son's school will be selling pre owned goods. From house wares to clothes, shoes, perfumes and toys. Every year starting August we collect different stuff from the students. Things that they don't need at home but can be sold to raise funds to benefit two areas. One, the proceeds of the fund raising will be used for the improvement of my son's school and two, items will be sold at very low prices to the nearby depressed areas. Imagine shopping for items ranging from 50 pesos (that is about a dollar) and below. I personally price tagged the items, so buyers are of advantage to do their early Christmas shopping on October 25 and 26. The flea market venue will be located near the residence of the less fortunate ones so they can benefit buying something good as new for a very low price. Items are slightly used but it is a good way to shop these days, practical to do in these times of world wide economic crisis.<br /><br />Christmas is the time of giving; this is the time when everyone feels joy despite the odds.<br />No matter how little we can give it is our tradition to express love on Christmas by giving.</p><div> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">The capable people even go to orphanages to distribute items such as milk, food, medicines, clothes and toys.<br /><br />But over and above the material things, let us share our Love this Christmas and whisper to our loved ones how grateful we are to have them in our lives.<br /><br />Have you gone Christmas shopping yet? Rushing could mean more expense, might as well plan and do make your shopping list.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Countdown ‘till Christmas starts now….</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>carmiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01113905887197870913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6168580343018699921.post-58968809597739818562008-10-16T19:15:00.000-07:002008-10-17T09:12:17.981-07:00High school 26 years back<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Yes, you read it right, i graduated from high school that long ago and i lost contact of my mates till I get interested clicking my mouse and found my mates one after the other. And so we had our silver jubilee on 2006, we organized a semi formal gathering, at least a big percentage of my class were present. Some were not there, due to the limited time we had searching their whereabouts.But it was a blast. Can you imagine us acting and conversing like we were in high school?I know everyone matured through time, small fine wrinkle traces, and we still think that we still look the same! Added pounds isn't an issue though. We are all happy to see each other back.<br /><br />We are scattered around the globe and good that most of them took effort to be home for the reunion. We still keep in touch through emails and looking forward to another reunion by 2010.<br /><br />High school is something that we all cherish. Even during retirement we would imagine ourselves sitting in a park, hang out in a batch mate's house, or in a resort just taking things slow and enjoying a cup of coffee. We could be whispering closer to our ears because by then when we are a lot older we could have a hearing loss. Lol that is how we tease everyone.</span></p>carmiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01113905887197870913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6168580343018699921.post-11237579686676293092008-10-14T14:47:00.000-07:002008-10-14T23:46:55.229-07:00Business Head celebrates her birthday<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Other than the usual routine, I happen to be an associate for Sanctuarium.It is a company that caters to all memorial care under one roof. The first of its kind in the <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Philippines</st1:place></st1:country-region>, it is a memorial service with first class hotel amenities.<span style=""> </span>To know more about it please email me at chungsanlu@gmail.com </span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Every month our Business Head conducts our monthly meeting to discuss promos and incentives to client and agents.<span style=""> </span>This month our meeting falls on the 14<sup>th</sup> of October.<span style=""> </span>Just like a regular meeting she leads the meeting well, but unknown to our Business Head, in the background a few associates was busy setting up the birthday surprise for her. She was so overwhelmed by our simple gesture of singing her a birthday song and offered her a cake to blow her candles, and a big snack for everyone. We had ice cream too but many can’t take as much, most associates are over 40.(sigh)<span style=""> </span>I think it would be safe not to reveal her age. ( Shhhhhhhh I’m whispering she just turned 53)<span style=""> </span>But seriously, she doesn’t look her age.<span style=""> </span>To give you a description of her, she is cudly, Chinese looking and with fair skin, and to top it all I can see that she’s got a very kind heart.<span style=""> </span>She is not only a business partner to us but also a good friend.</span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Our Business Leader can do without heading our team but her dedication is excellent. She can motivate her associates to push through, although there are many times that selling is hard. She keeps on keeping us updated, always on call 24/7, even when she gets a break and goes out of the country. She is very dependable. But what strike me most is her quality of standing confidently as a leader without being bossy. It is her trait that wins her associates attention therefore making her associates work for a sale.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Best Wishes to a dear Boss…Cheers!</span></p>carmiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01113905887197870913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6168580343018699921.post-67737503135546973842008-10-14T14:23:00.000-07:002008-10-16T08:18:44.353-07:00From beyond life whispers<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">It was a lazy Sunday afternoon after a stroll at the mall.<span style=""> </span>At home while watching the television, the segment about a father and three kids pierced my heart for the love they have for the wife and the mother. February of this year, they lost her due to a lingering illness, but her passing was not a hindrance for the father and the kids to communicate with their mother by writing their thoughts and lovely messages through internet blogs.<span style=""> </span>Their love for her has no boundaries. They use the internet to document their daily messages to the loving wife and mother.<span style=""> </span>The husband undoubtedly expressed his love for her, the children updates her with their daily activities as if their mom is still living.<o:p></o:p><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Life on earth is very limited.<span style=""> </span>People have to go in God’s time. People who are left behind live the good memories of their dear departed as what the husband and children are doing until now.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">It is never easy to lose a loved one but to see how beautiful this wonderful family copes, life and love still whisper beyond the passing of their loved one.</span><span style=""><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span> </span></p>carmiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01113905887197870913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6168580343018699921.post-72283764053946414532008-10-12T21:20:00.000-07:002008-10-15T00:35:33.455-07:0050th Wedding anniversary, Whispering Sweet Nothings.<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">It was a good Sunday morning and my family attended the 11 am mass.<o:p></o:p>The priest surely caught his congregation’s attention by his homily. He shared to us the story of a grandpa and grandma who celebrated their golden wedding anniversary.<span style=""> </span>It was about the strong bond that kept them together for 50 years. The family of the couple rejoiced and celebrated their 50<sup>th</sup> anniversary by throwing a big gathering. The couple renewed their marriage vows. Everything was done as if it was their first wedding, exactly the same wedding they had 50 golden years ago. I am hats off to this lovely couple for keeping their vows until now that they are old and gray.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p>Nowadays, it is quite difficult to remain married. Many marriages just end in a click. Couples have differences, petty and repeated arguments that lead to nothing but separation. Problems within the marriage become too hard to handle but is leaving the marriage the best solution? Probably we would say yes, but the grandparents didn’t have a perfect married life either, they were just like any other couple who had their ups and downs, the only difference was, they remained to their vows and they accepted each other for who they are without fail for 50 long years.<span style=""> </span>Everyone in the family was happy to see them together, applauded by the their children and their spouses, grandchildren, great grandchildren, their dearest relatives and family<o:p></o:p> friends. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p>Now I am rewinding my thoughts and I remembered what the priest told us 16 years ago, during our wedding, and the priest said “For your marriage to last a lifetime don’t forget to <span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">whisper sweet nothings </span>to your spouse, because if you do neglect that, both will <span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">whisper nothing sweet</span>.” Check it out guys, you and I may be neglecting to whisper sweet nothings to our darling, honey, babe…whatever your terms of endearment are,<o:p></o:p> let us keep it as sweet as it takes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p>That could be the grandparents secret to their marriage bliss.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Who doesn’t want to duplicate them? Do I hear some whispers out there?</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>carmiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01113905887197870913noreply@blogger.com1