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Friday, July 30, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Book Review: Jemima J
Jemima J
Author: Jane Green
343 Pages
My Rating: 4 Stars
It is a story of an overweight journalist who does not get the best treatment from her social-climbing roommates and always feels inferior to her less talented but better-paid co-worker Geraldine. At the Kilburn Herald in London where she works, it seems she is stuck at the bottom. Her only ally is food although she knows she needs serious change in order to be noticed by her charming colleague, Ben. When she meets Brad, a blond Californian hunk, over the Internet, she sees it as an opportunity to reinvent herself as JJ. JJ, like the women in magazines she collects, is charming, glamorous, and gym-obsessed. When Brad decides to meet with her, she decides to conquer her food addiction and just be like the woman in her dreams. After giving up food coupled with serious workouts at the gym and makes exercise as highest priority, she has transformed herself from Jemima J to JJ. She flies to California and meets Brad, who turns out to be a man every woman would kill for.
I will stop there because I do not want to spoil it for those who'd like to read it. I love the story, the journey JJ takes gives the reader eye-watering laughs. However, I just do not like the way that author told the story. It switches from third person to first person all throughout the book so it is like sometimes Jemima is telling us the story, and then it jumps to the author now telling us the story. Reading through it, I understand why the author chose such style of writing but it would have been possible to keep it first-person, just so the reader would feel more connected to the character as if the reader is there - reason why I did not give it 5 stars.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Moving Again?
It might be too early to tell but Tony has applied for a job that would require us to relocate to DFW Texas. Apparently, Tony is a promising candidate for the position never mind that he has no experience relating to the said job. However, Tony has great potential, very bright, and an excellent leader. I see how he handles his staff and he really is a great boss. Needless to say, we have been considering the possibility that he will get the job and we will have to start life anew in a new state and leave California behind. There, we will be able to give Tyler a better future because things are so much more affordable provided that Tony gets a raise and I get a job. We are looking to purchase a brand new house and we have fallen in love with a 4161 sq ft, 5 bedroom, 4 bath 2-story. Here are some pictures. This is probably in the millions in a good part of Southern California but it's only $269K in Texas! Something we can afford.
Of course we might be getting too ahead of ourselves. There is also the possibility that his current employer might counteroffer and the decision gets even harder then. So for now, we'll leave it up in the air and cross the bridge when we get there. He expects to hear from the new potential employer this week so I'll keep you posted.
Everything about it sounds good except when I think about leaving my family behind and Tony's parents. It's a tough call between the pros and the cons but I guess I have to make the decision that best suits my family and that is to move.
Of course we might be getting too ahead of ourselves. There is also the possibility that his current employer might counteroffer and the decision gets even harder then. So for now, we'll leave it up in the air and cross the bridge when we get there. He expects to hear from the new potential employer this week so I'll keep you posted.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
A trip down memory lane
I can't sleep and I had to find a way to entertain myself because the TV just wasn't doing it. I am currently reading Jane Green's "Jemima J" (Jemima J is an overweight chick who meets a guy online. She invents a supermodel to describe herself and has to work hard to attain such status when the guy decides to meet with her). So an idea sparked in my head - why not try the world of chatting again. I did it! I reinvented me - well, not really. I didn't change anything except for my name and my marital status, just to play a little, just for fun. But I remembered right after they asked "asl" how boring it was! I logged off chat immediately. It's so funny I haven't done it in a long time I couldn't keep up with the chatroom - I found myself trying to scroll up to see what I had missed trying to talk to two people. Boy I'm old! That's another trip down memory lane I'll probably never take again - because I know I'd just get lost and I know I don't belong.
In other news, Tyler is turning 1 in a week! Yeeey! I survived! My baby is still alive! Except for the hellish last week, he's super healthy! Last week is quite the opposite. He caught some kind of a viral infection that practically incapacitated the poor thing for 5 days. But I don't want to talk about it, I'm supposed to be celebrating here. So yay!
We are getting things together for the party. It is a big deal but probably not an all-out party like most Filipinos usually do. But being me, I have to have a theme. So it's blue and brown! I want it to be polka dots too but it's a first birthday party, so I stopped at the colors. I made invitations of the said color combination and we are blowing our own helium balloons, also only in those colors. We have chairs and tables covered in blue and brown, even utensils, plates, and napkins. Tomorrow, we will take care of the cake and other things. I'm excited!
I think I did a good job with Tyler. He's a super smart boy, but don't all mommies say that? He picks up any object and puts it against his ear and says "alo?". First it was really just phones, but lately it's been a hairbrush, a CD, and sometimes even a sock. He breaks free from anyone carrying him, wanting to explore the world around him. He walks up to strangers (like in a restaurant) and flashes them a big smile and waves. When they smile and wave back, he gets all shy, runs back to mommy to hide his face, presses his nose as hard as possible against my leg, and then sneaks another glimpse at them, still with the same smile pasted on his face. He's just the cutest!
Okay, maybe next time I can't sleep, I should start a blog because it's so soporific. *Yawn* -no wonder this had not been updated until now. Bye for now~
In other news, Tyler is turning 1 in a week! Yeeey! I survived! My baby is still alive! Except for the hellish last week, he's super healthy! Last week is quite the opposite. He caught some kind of a viral infection that practically incapacitated the poor thing for 5 days. But I don't want to talk about it, I'm supposed to be celebrating here. So yay!
We are getting things together for the party. It is a big deal but probably not an all-out party like most Filipinos usually do. But being me, I have to have a theme. So it's blue and brown! I want it to be polka dots too but it's a first birthday party, so I stopped at the colors. I made invitations of the said color combination and we are blowing our own helium balloons, also only in those colors. We have chairs and tables covered in blue and brown, even utensils, plates, and napkins. Tomorrow, we will take care of the cake and other things. I'm excited!
I think I did a good job with Tyler. He's a super smart boy, but don't all mommies say that? He picks up any object and puts it against his ear and says "alo?". First it was really just phones, but lately it's been a hairbrush, a CD, and sometimes even a sock. He breaks free from anyone carrying him, wanting to explore the world around him. He walks up to strangers (like in a restaurant) and flashes them a big smile and waves. When they smile and wave back, he gets all shy, runs back to mommy to hide his face, presses his nose as hard as possible against my leg, and then sneaks another glimpse at them, still with the same smile pasted on his face. He's just the cutest!
Okay, maybe next time I can't sleep, I should start a blog because it's so soporific. *Yawn* -no wonder this had not been updated until now. Bye for now~
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Survey from Nancy
Here is a survey I stole from Nancy's blog:
1. What time did you get up this morning? 8 AM
2. How do you like your steak? Medium
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Transformers
4. What is your favorite TV show? Sex and the City, Friends, Jeopardy and of course my soaps
5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? Baguio City
6. What did you have for breakfast? My husband made me a big waffle
7. What is your favorite cuisine? Viet
8. What foods do you dislike? Curry
9. Favorite place to eat? Famous Dave's, Chili's, Musashi
10. Favorite dressing? Dijon Balsamic Vinaigrette
11. What kind of vehicle do you drive? a blue 2008 Honda CR-V
12. What are your favorite clothes? Jeans, dresses, and skirts
13. Where would you visit if you had the chance? Japan
14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full? 1/2 full, most of the time
15. Where would you want to retire? Baguio City
16. Favorite time of day? When Tony gets home from work
17. Where were you born? Pampanga, Philippines
18. What is your favorite sport to watch? NBA
19. Who do you think will not tag you back? It doesn't matter, nobody really knows about my blog unless I post this on facebook...
20. Person you expect to tag you back first? It doesn't matter
21. Who are you most curious about their responses to this? It doesn't matter
22. Bird watcher? Not really
23. Are you a morning person or a night person? I am definitely not a morning person, but I don't think I am a night person anymore either.
24. Do you have any pets? No
25. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share? Tyler just recently started sitting up unsupported!
26. What did you want to be when you were little? Teacher
27. What is your best childhood memory? My mom bringing home siopao
28. Are you a cat or dog person? I'm really neither but I'd rather have a dog
29. Are you married? Yes
30. Always wear your seat belt? Yes
31. Been in a car accident? No
32. Any pet peeves? Tailgaters
33. Favorite Pizza Toppings? Pineapple and Pepperoni
34. Favorite Flower? Calla lily and vendela roses
35. Favorite ice cream? Rocky road and pistachio
36. Favorite fast food restaurant? In-n-Out
37. How many times did you fail your driver's test? I didn't
38. From whom did you get your last email? Not sure, I don't want to check my email, but if I remember correctly, it was a bill notification from Time Warner Stupid Cable
39. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Babies R Us! Haha!!! and Macy's and Target
40. Do anything spontaneous lately? uhhh, can't remember the last time I did.
41. Like your job? It's super tiring but I can't complain
42. Broccoli? Love it
43. What was your favorite vacation? Hawaii
44. Last person you went out to dinner with? My family
45. What are you listening to right now? TV (Who wants to be a millionaire)
46. What is your favorite color? Green and pastels
47. How many tattoos do you have? None
48. How many are you tagging for this quiz? zero
49. What time did you finish this quiz? 7:17pm
50. Coffee drinker? Oh yes! Can't wait 'til I can drink regular brew again.
1. What time did you get up this morning? 8 AM
2. How do you like your steak? Medium
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Transformers
4. What is your favorite TV show? Sex and the City, Friends, Jeopardy and of course my soaps
5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? Baguio City
6. What did you have for breakfast? My husband made me a big waffle
7. What is your favorite cuisine? Viet
8. What foods do you dislike? Curry
9. Favorite place to eat? Famous Dave's, Chili's, Musashi
10. Favorite dressing? Dijon Balsamic Vinaigrette
11. What kind of vehicle do you drive? a blue 2008 Honda CR-V
12. What are your favorite clothes? Jeans, dresses, and skirts
13. Where would you visit if you had the chance? Japan
14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full? 1/2 full, most of the time
15. Where would you want to retire? Baguio City
16. Favorite time of day? When Tony gets home from work
17. Where were you born? Pampanga, Philippines
18. What is your favorite sport to watch? NBA
19. Who do you think will not tag you back? It doesn't matter, nobody really knows about my blog unless I post this on facebook...
20. Person you expect to tag you back first? It doesn't matter
21. Who are you most curious about their responses to this? It doesn't matter
22. Bird watcher? Not really
23. Are you a morning person or a night person? I am definitely not a morning person, but I don't think I am a night person anymore either.
24. Do you have any pets? No
25. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share? Tyler just recently started sitting up unsupported!
26. What did you want to be when you were little? Teacher
27. What is your best childhood memory? My mom bringing home siopao
28. Are you a cat or dog person? I'm really neither but I'd rather have a dog
29. Are you married? Yes
30. Always wear your seat belt? Yes
31. Been in a car accident? No
32. Any pet peeves? Tailgaters
33. Favorite Pizza Toppings? Pineapple and Pepperoni
34. Favorite Flower? Calla lily and vendela roses
35. Favorite ice cream? Rocky road and pistachio
36. Favorite fast food restaurant? In-n-Out
37. How many times did you fail your driver's test? I didn't
38. From whom did you get your last email? Not sure, I don't want to check my email, but if I remember correctly, it was a bill notification from Time Warner Stupid Cable
39. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Babies R Us! Haha!!! and Macy's and Target
40. Do anything spontaneous lately? uhhh, can't remember the last time I did.
41. Like your job? It's super tiring but I can't complain
42. Broccoli? Love it
43. What was your favorite vacation? Hawaii
44. Last person you went out to dinner with? My family
45. What are you listening to right now? TV (Who wants to be a millionaire)
46. What is your favorite color? Green and pastels
47. How many tattoos do you have? None
48. How many are you tagging for this quiz? zero
49. What time did you finish this quiz? 7:17pm
50. Coffee drinker? Oh yes! Can't wait 'til I can drink regular brew again.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
A Sticky Situation
Tyler started eating baby foods just recently. I do not buy those in jars because I like to make my own, not only is it much cheaper and fresher, it is also safer. I also opt for organic produce. It just takes a bit of preparation from cutting, cooking, and puree-ing but it's so much worth it. I am introducing one new food to Tyler just once week so that I can watch for any allergic reactions without guessing. And then I mix-and-match with food I've tried I'm sure he's responded positively to. This week is squash week. I chose butternut squash for its sweet, nutty taste and he loved it! After each meal, I usually give him a sweet treat. This time it's mashed banana and apple juice to wash it all down. Today though, he left a really big surprise for me for all my hardwork! :) Let the pictures tell the story.
7 Months Ago
So everytime I read Nancy's blog, I get inspired to update my own blog but I just can't keep up. My last post was 7 months ago and there has been a plethora of changes I'm not sure I've got the time to list in detail since I'm online on borrowed time. I did not intend to take a 2-hour nap but being a mother is a 24/7 job that requires a lot of rest especially in the daytime. But that much-needed nap is preventing me from getting my much-needed sleep. So instead of tossing and turning in bed, I thought I'd try this thing again while my ears are alert for any sound and indication of Tyler wanting his mommy. So I'll start typing but I doubt I'll finish...
7 months ago, I was 8 months pregnant. Now, my son, born on April 30, 2009 at 7 lbs and 11 oz, is almost 6 months old. I was due May 10th but due to some complications (the baby's movements decreased significantly causing us alarm and my constant visit to the hospital before work), I was scheduled to be induced at 7am on April 30th. But I didn't have to be. 1am that day while sleeping, Tyler decided himself it was time. So we rushed to the hospital at 2 in the morning and I had Tyler that day after 15 hours of labor, 2 hours of pushing included. I can't tell you how much childbirth kicked my ass! But I can tell you right now that I am not planning on having another baby for a while. It's true what they say though, at the end, hearing your pink baby's little cries for the first time make everything so much better.
7 months ago, I made constant trips to the library and read a number of books per week. Now, I'm lucky if I can get a page in in a day. Although I did finish Twilight finally after putting off the reading for a long time and I had a chance to watch the movie today. I am now reading New Moon. I am not crazy about this little story as other people are out there, I think it's overrated, but that's just me. Maybe because I am really not into vampire stuff or maybe I'd really prefer reading stories about people my age, not 10 years my junior. But because I can never find the time to visit the library and I'm too cheap to buy books I'll read one time and never touch again, I read what I have on my shelf (and I have all the Twilight Saga, thanks to my Aunt who is crazy about it). I'll keep reading, maybe I will change my opinion.
7 months ago, I was 26, I turned 27 last month. There's really nothing special about turning another year older. I don't know when I stopped caring about my birthday, and I don't remember the last time I looked forward to it. Although I did get some cool stuff -- my pink Vaio laptop being on top of the list from Tony.
7 months ago, I had a paying job, now I'm a full-time housewife and mommy. Money is very scarce but our options were limited. I asked my boss if I could work at home but I guess I didn't impress them very much with my performance that I was turned down. Not wanting my son in child care or be taken care of by anybody else, I had no choice but to resign. I truly loved THQ, it's the only company I've worked for I have high respects for, my boss included. I love being a mother and Tyler is the apple of my eye, but having a baby really does come with a load of responsibilities. I must say, my current job is a lot more demanding and tiring. I work all shifts, graveyard included and breaks are almost always non-existent. Poor Tony has to provide for all of us, so he takes extra jobs like coaching volleyball and giving golf lessons as much as possible. Which also means I can't pass on my job to him when he gets home. The really only guaranteed time now I've got to myself are during my showers as long as I try not to peek out of the shower curtains to see Tyler in his swing waiting for me to finish.
More responsibilities plus old age equal deterioration. My body has never ached more. Like right now, I just don't know how to arch my back to alleviate this backpain that's been bugging me. I once slept funny on my wrist and it's been hurting since that I can't even dial with my left hand. I've got no time to care for myself that I lost all confidence I was once oozing with. But despite all this, I've got to say I'm very, very lucky. I have a very loving husband who thinks I'm still the most beautiful woman he's ever laid eyes on and a healthy baby whose smile just washes any pain away.
7 months ago, I was 8 months pregnant. Now, my son, born on April 30, 2009 at 7 lbs and 11 oz, is almost 6 months old. I was due May 10th but due to some complications (the baby's movements decreased significantly causing us alarm and my constant visit to the hospital before work), I was scheduled to be induced at 7am on April 30th. But I didn't have to be. 1am that day while sleeping, Tyler decided himself it was time. So we rushed to the hospital at 2 in the morning and I had Tyler that day after 15 hours of labor, 2 hours of pushing included. I can't tell you how much childbirth kicked my ass! But I can tell you right now that I am not planning on having another baby for a while. It's true what they say though, at the end, hearing your pink baby's little cries for the first time make everything so much better.
7 months ago, I made constant trips to the library and read a number of books per week. Now, I'm lucky if I can get a page in in a day. Although I did finish Twilight finally after putting off the reading for a long time and I had a chance to watch the movie today. I am now reading New Moon. I am not crazy about this little story as other people are out there, I think it's overrated, but that's just me. Maybe because I am really not into vampire stuff or maybe I'd really prefer reading stories about people my age, not 10 years my junior. But because I can never find the time to visit the library and I'm too cheap to buy books I'll read one time and never touch again, I read what I have on my shelf (and I have all the Twilight Saga, thanks to my Aunt who is crazy about it). I'll keep reading, maybe I will change my opinion.
7 months ago, I was 26, I turned 27 last month. There's really nothing special about turning another year older. I don't know when I stopped caring about my birthday, and I don't remember the last time I looked forward to it. Although I did get some cool stuff -- my pink Vaio laptop being on top of the list from Tony.
7 months ago, I had a paying job, now I'm a full-time housewife and mommy. Money is very scarce but our options were limited. I asked my boss if I could work at home but I guess I didn't impress them very much with my performance that I was turned down. Not wanting my son in child care or be taken care of by anybody else, I had no choice but to resign. I truly loved THQ, it's the only company I've worked for I have high respects for, my boss included. I love being a mother and Tyler is the apple of my eye, but having a baby really does come with a load of responsibilities. I must say, my current job is a lot more demanding and tiring. I work all shifts, graveyard included and breaks are almost always non-existent. Poor Tony has to provide for all of us, so he takes extra jobs like coaching volleyball and giving golf lessons as much as possible. Which also means I can't pass on my job to him when he gets home. The really only guaranteed time now I've got to myself are during my showers as long as I try not to peek out of the shower curtains to see Tyler in his swing waiting for me to finish.
More responsibilities plus old age equal deterioration. My body has never ached more. Like right now, I just don't know how to arch my back to alleviate this backpain that's been bugging me. I once slept funny on my wrist and it's been hurting since that I can't even dial with my left hand. I've got no time to care for myself that I lost all confidence I was once oozing with. But despite all this, I've got to say I'm very, very lucky. I have a very loving husband who thinks I'm still the most beautiful woman he's ever laid eyes on and a healthy baby whose smile just washes any pain away.
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