What Lies Ahead

Until now, just when my fingers started to type, I still have no idea what to write. My blog is idle for a few weeks now and that makes me a little disapppointed with myself. But my mind is still blank or maybe I have loads of ideas and putting it in writing is so much of a work.

Since today is the last day of 2010, maybe I'll start of with how the year had been for me. I was actually backtracking but I guess I don't have that much drama in life and I can't afford to have that kind of life either. I don't like too much complications. I hate to confront anyone, to say things that I would regret later. Maybe "this too shall pass" applies to me so much. It fits my personality. But of course, I have friends who I trust with my secrets. I let it all out to them until I pacify and once I did, I'll always be glad that I didn't let my emotions took over me.

2010 is not so lucky when it comes to family matters. We had problems, big ones at that. Those that you wouldn't have imagine happening and just want to forget. But we were  able to handle with head still  up high. Those that had wish us bad luck, may have been laughing for giving us headaches in the past but our good breeding is still stuck within us and wouldn't leave us fighting back in same dirty way.

In the later part of the year, our supposedly main man just made a grand exit in our lives. But I am not bitter about it. It somehow made us more at peace, me in particular. You may think bad of me, but I am not ashamed admitting it. He had done a whole lot of things in the past that somehow made me thankful he's gone but not entirely though, he's just around the corner, making our lives miserable every once in a while but that is better than living with him entirely so that is something I am still thankful of.

I had become part of 2 companies this year. One, giving me positive and negative experiences. Good people and bad ones. Company that I wouldn't wish coming back to. Haha! The other one is still existing, better than the last one mind you but I am still on love-hate relationship with it. Hopefully, I will be able to decide should I'll be staying or hit the road.

My life revolves around work and my daughter this year. I am proud to note a few successful decisions I made when it comes to Bella. I am proud to say that my girl is breastfed from birth up to 1 year and 4 months of age. She is not dependent on pacifier, feeding bottles and powdered milk. She drinks fresh milk and water on straw and glass respectively. She is not a picky eater. Except for some cough and colds, she never had a serious illness. She is growing up to be a happy baby. The things that we are still on the process of teaching Bella is encourage her more to talk and potty training.

The only sad part right now is I am away from my little girl, its breaking my heart that I am missing her milestones from October 2010 up to now and until around March and April of next year. She just doesnt recognize me anymore and I can't help but be sad about it. My only consolate is seeing her waving at me and throwing flying kisses and watching her sleep during Saturdays and if I am lucky Fridays as well. I can't wait to see her soon.

My Far-ouT and yours truly were separated for more than 1 year. I had to leave Dubai to give birth to Bella and stayed with our little girl for a while and during those times we still made sure to keep our relationship going. Then work came and we were reunited again. I am still having the time of my life with my husband. Though Bella is away from us, we are working together so she will be with us soon. My life will be complete by then. I still thank God that he gave me someone like him. A "Better Half" in every sense of the word.

And now as the year end is coming I hope to have a better and more happiness in life. I will forget the negative effect of this year and look forward to a more positive 2011. Face the new year with head still up high and face the new challenges gracefully. I am not wishing for too much. I only wish for good health and safety for year 2011.

What would I want for 2011?

I am listing a few wishlist at the moment

1. Be with Bella in April 2011
2. Get a place for us
3. Start to save for our house and lot
4. Visit 1 country in 2011

UNDERCONSTRUCTION.

2011 Awesome Calendar of the Philippines

I've been trying to get a calendar of the Philippines for the longest time and now here it is. Thank you Anton, You are Awesome! I hope you won't mind me posting your link. But let me know.

The Costa Coffee Experience

I've always been a loyal Starbucks coffee drinker. I never really appreciated other coffee shop until recently, when circumtances prevents me from drinking my favorite "1 tall mocha frappe decap with coffee jelly." For one, coffee jelly is not available in the UAE. I don't know how that happened. There should be uniformity in all there stores, right? Two, it did not measure up to my mocha frappuccino taste standard. And last but definitely not the least, THEY DO NOT HAVE DECAF FOR FRAPPUCCINO HERE! I love coffee in the morning but caffeine late at night will keep me wide awake in the evening. This is the sad part of it all. So I search for alternative.

A colleague of mine and yours truly went walking one evening to just chat away, but since we have office the following day, I told her I definitely need a decaf. We asked nearby Starbucks but sad to say, no decaf. Tried coffee bean and tea leaf, the same thing. Then the last coffee shop that we came across has finally gave some hope to my growing frustrations.

Costa Mocha Frappe came to the rescue. I still "heart" my Mocha Frappe Decaf from starbucks but since Costa can customize coffee for no extra charge, guess I will have to live with it until I come home again.

I am still getting use to its taste but Costa is not so bad after all. Frescato is there version of Frappuccino of Starbucks.  The place has the same homey atmosphere as well.

with a touch of Christmas spirit. It also nice to have tables outside for some relaxing talk and a place for the smokers.

Costa coffee has a lot of menu to choose from

I forgot to mention, I never drink coffee on an empty stomach as it produces an even greater increase in stomach acid that can cause stomach pain almost immediately. So I am always careful even if I am a coffee lover. So we ordered their Turkey Ham and Three Cheese Melt Panini.

On another Costa coffee experience, we recently went to the airport to accompany our flatmate who is going home for a vacation. Its surprising that with so many Starbucks stores around town, they do not have it in the airport. I also notice that in our airport in the Philippine. That's sad.

Anwyay, with Costa being flexible and accessible, Costa coffee is love.

Ski Dubai at Mall of the Emirates

I'm guilty at charge. I'm not in the mood to blog in the past few days. I had so much things to say though. All my photos were compiled in one folder somewhere in my laptop and always tell myself, I'll do it later.  But recent events really caught my attention and I was tuned to Glee all the time. I only started watching it, sometime back and I can't help myself but get hooked on it. I am now on 2nd season, episode 5. The last episode that I had a copy of.

Alright, Rachel may have been the "star" of the show. Her character is annoying and she knows how controlling and conceited she is and her evil deeds are done in an innocent kind of way. I'm not a fan of her voice though. I must say I like the voice of Santana, Britney, Mercedez and Queen more.

I started to hate her even more when Sunshine came out of the picture. She should have gotten the lead role. Or at least be a regular on the show. They have 2 Asians on it anyway.

Enough of Glee. Im thinking of it at lot lately, even on my sleep. Dubai had another holiday and we had 4 days off again. So Far-ouT and yours truly went out again to watch Harry Potter. I am not a fan of this movie. But for the sake of watching, all Harry Potter. We went to Mall of the Emirates.

This mall is one of the biggest malls in Dubai. Its far from where we live though, so I had only visited only a couple of times.

This is famous for Ski Dubai. The indoor snow park. I have tried this only once as well. Just to experience how it felt like to be surrounded by snow. Obviously, its cold.

It would be nice to experience snow one time or another, but it just about it. You wouldn't stand staying in the area for a very long time unless you would want to try skiing as well. I haven't tried it myself, maybe not ever.  When Bella and my mom arrives next year, I'll be able to visit this place again.

After some window shopping, we decided to dine at Mongolian Barbecue to try their cuisines. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy my choice of food plus the fact that the servers were rude as well. I will definitely not come back again.

This is their sizzling beef, dhs 28.00. It looks yummy isn't it? Well, looks can really be deceiving as the beef feels like rubber on my mouth and the taste is plain salty.

The sizzling beef come with a corn soup that is so sweet and rice.

Good thing Far-ouT decided to get Fresh Salad from Mc donald's.

After that not-so-enjoyable meal, we decided to go to the moviehouse and wait for our time.

I had been thinking for almost 30 minutes should I be buying my favorite nachos, I gave in. I really enjoy watching movie munching on this with dips of cheese and salsa Dhs 20.00.

I recently came across Kitsch cupcakes. I was curious on how it taste and am thinking that if I'll like it, I may be serving these on Bella's future birthday celebration in Dubai. So when I had the opportunity to taste it, I didn't hesitate.

I was not wrong, I love it! Superb cupcakes! I swear! You'll love it to the last bite, I am not a fan of icings but the icing on top are surprising yummy. Kisch cupcakes cost Dhs 15 each.

and Oh, yes. I also ordered a huge coke, Dhs 12.

Going out really is expensive. Watching movies cost around Dhs. 30. But I am still thankful for times like these. A sure way to keep you sane on everyday stress.

Mercato Mall

I can't help myself. I am here again starting my blog with a heavy heart. I will be 2 months on November 10 with my new job and I am still coping up with all my work load. I was given only 2 weeks to find my ways and I am still struggling as of time of writing. Its frustrating and my morale are so down low. I feel downgraded and stupid. The expectations were high as I had the experience but I got the feedback that I am not meeting it. What is wrong with me?  I had all sorts of boost of confidence from my fellow colleagues, it helps somehow but not entirely. I couldn't get over this feelings. I know myself, I know its not healthy, though, but it is who I am. Positive thinking is not on my list of good points and I am aware of that. I dont lull on thinking that everything will be fine. My pessimistic me is my survival kit.  I am having all sort of self destructive thoughts, haha! Paranoia is striking like lighting bolts through my veins.

Nevertheless, I bounced back. I am still giving myself a chance to prove to myself that I can do it. I am trying my best to improve. Maybe one more month will be enough to learn the ropes?

Enough of the heavy. On a different note, Far-ouT and yours truly went out again to avail of our free movie tickets that we got when he bought his new touch screen mobile phone. However, we couldn't be choosy on the film as it is on limited options.

From the list of option given to us, we decided to watched the Unstoppable. It is 2010 action thiller starring Denzel Washington and Chris Pine. It is a story of a runaway train, and the 2 characters attempts to stop it. At first I thought the movie deserve a snooze but after a while, I was glued on it. It was becoming a one heart pounding movie till the end of the story. It was ok, but nothing to rave about though.

After the movie, we grabbed a bite at Hardy's. Far-out! ordered Regular Cordon bleu combo, AED 18.00 (approx Php 216)

I wasn't able to taste it though, because I was also busy munching the burger that I ordered. I asked Far-ouT how does it taste, and he said it tasted like the usual cordon blue...obviously.

Mine's, Porto melt combo, AED 19.00 (approx Php 228).

It's surprisingly deli!  I may have to order the same one, once we decided to dine here again.

All these and more at Mercato mall. Mercato mall is location along Jumeirah Beach road. It has a unique blend of Tuscan and Venetian structure with a theme of Renaissance period.

This fountain caught my attention as well. Creepy.

You will be even be surprised at how beautiful the inside of the mall is. It has a charming cobbled web street-like features.

Yes, it is just one of the malls with a very festive atmosphere as Christmas holidays is just around the corner.

Mary Brown fast food

I am having a hard time for blogging lately. I envy bloggers who really have the time to post an entry and maintained a very nice piece regularly, not to mentioned earning money from it. That would be ideal, in time, I'll be able to find my passion. But for now, I'll just make the most out of it.

These past few days were spent working, not only physically but mentally as well. I can't help but unleashed the born-worrier in me. Especially during these times when I am still trying find my ways in work. Its still frustrating, I am still worried that I'd missed something again. I never imagined that my previous work made a difference in me, negatively. I became paranoid, nevertheless, that was the thing of the past, I am making an effort to remove this nagging feeling every now and then. I am just saying to myself, what's the worse thing that could happen anyway. I just think of happy thoughts.

On a different note, my Far-ouT and yours truly dine out and grabbed a bite at Mary Brown, just a walking distance from our flat. Our flat is located in a nice spot. Everything is walking distance. Anyway, My Far-ouT asked me why I'd write something about this. Its just Mary Brown. Well, just a Mary Brown to us but we don't have it in the Philippines, that's why.

And so I continued. It just the usual fastfood. Chicken and all.

If I am not mistaken, their Mascot is a chipmunk. Hahaha! I remembered Alvin and the chipmunks from it. Did you know that most fastfood here doesn't serve rice at all? Only bread. Thank goodness, MB serves it now. But it doesnt come cheap. It cost Dhs 6.00 (Approx Php 72.00).

It is sold separately from the Value meal (Dhs 14.00) that we ordered. But infainess, their chicken tastes good. They serve it spicy and original. I had requested the thigh part to be just the original version as I don't like spicy food, unfortunately, the order taker misunderstood, so I had to exchange my precious thigh part from Far-ouT's wing part.

and ohh, I forgot to mention, even gravy is hard to find, even Mcdonald's doesn't have it. How sad for those who can't live their chickens without it. Ordering gravy is expensive as well, it cost Dhs 2.00 ( Approx Php 24.00). Imagine a cup of gravy for that amount? Philippines can have Gravy-all-you-want!

I wasn't thrilled with our food and I am still craving for something to munch, so I added another carbo loading food for my stomach to grind. Corn on a Cob. This cost Dhs 6.00 (approx. Php 72) Yaiks! I can buy it for Php 20.00 in the Philippines.

It wasn't even sweet corn! Bland taste and excuse me for my photo please.

I must add, the area has a nice park-like place

and a separate place should you wish for a children's party. It wasn't ideal for me, because it was long and narrow. But if it will only be for a few people, well, its would still not be ideal for me...sorry. We attended a birthday party in this place and we end up, crowded.

Anyway, we'll still come back for more when need be.

Goodness, I started this blog with a heavy heart and I ended up with a smile. Blogging can really be a therapy for stress. I should try to blog more to keep my emotions at ease.

A Gift from Sassy Hairsies

Last October 18, 2010, I received a FB message from Tin Malonzo-Torres, the one behind Sassy Hairsies. I was surprised and ecstatic at the same time when I read her message: That she'd like to send some hairsies for my beautiful Bella. I was so excited! I just can't believe that Bella will have her first ever Sassy Hairsies for Free!

It was so nice of her to give something to someone as an appreciation because I added her to my blogroll. Why not? I love looking at her collection. I wanted to be updated on her accessories. Though, I have not tried ordering from her yet...I find it weird, really, I kept staring at her work and visit her site every now and then but still can't decide which stuff to buy. Maybe that was the reason why Tin notice me and made contact.

I will soon buy more stuff from her...Few of my favorites that I kept looking at because Sassy Hairsies will have a holiday treat for all of us...FREE shipping for orders Php 1000 for Metro Manila orders and get 50% for orders over Php 1,000 and get a FREE shipping for orders over Php 2,000 for all provincial addressess. I don't want to miss this one.

This is my Bella's first ever Sassy Hairsies.

If I'm not mistaken, Bella got blue Heidi Headband, Hailey clippies, and the last pink piece is actually very hard to know from Tin's collection, but I am guessing it is Jessica. I hope I got it right.

Heidi headband - Two hydrangea flowers lay side by side each other, both with genuine Swarovski rhinestone at the center. These gorgeous flowers sit on a coordinating soft nylon elastic ribbon that will fit infants up to kids age 4ish - depending on the kid's size of head. This headband is perfect for the beach or a night out during these hot summer days.

Hailey - is a set of 3 very cute, coordinated and Halloween themed clippies. Each is made of imported grosgrain ribbon on a double prong alligator clip. The theme is subtle enough that is can be use even after the ghost season.

Jessica - If I got it correctly, these gorgeous little dainty flower is perfect for this season where gatherings are happening here and there, or a great photography prop for that season's greetings card.

I have yet to get a photo of Bella wearing her pretty hair accessories. I am sure it will look great on her.

So grab your Sassy Hairsies today.

Thanks again, Tin! It was such a lovely gift. I like!- (Some information were taken for Sassy Hairsies website)

BEAT Breast Cancer

This post is a week long overdue and I feel a little guilty about it as this deserve more importance than any other blog that I posted.

We recently participated a walk for a cause. It actually a yearly event but this is the first time that I was able to join in the Burjuman Pink Walkathon '10. Nearly 4000 people of different race and nationalities took time to support to beat breast cancer.

It was such an amazing experience that at least once in your life you do something for other people. The event original schedule was last 29th October, it was move to 5th November. We were lucky that our flat was only a walking distance from the event location (Burjuman area). Registration is Dhs 50 for adults and Dhs 30 for children aged 8-12 years. Children below 8 years of age do not require registration and walk for free. The walk started at 8:00 AM.

I have not experience, how do I put it, such unlucky event in our family yet, at least nothing that I know of, of someone with a breast cancer in our family and I hope and pray that we would not experience that in the future. But who would want that to happen to anyone? No one would wish someone to suffer. If detected early, breast cancer can be treated succesfully. Regular checks are important for every woman. Be aware.

What is breast cancer?  Very simply, when cells in the breast tissue divide and grow out of control they form a lump or mass called a tumour. Not all turmours are cancerous, but a cancerous tumour in the breast is called breast cancer. Breast cancer is currently the most common cancer affecting women across the world.

Men too can get breast cancer but the percentage is much lower than women. Currently it's 1% of all breast cancer related cases worldwide.

Top risk factors for breast cancer

• Being a woman
• Getting older
• Family or previous history of breast cancer
• Being overweight
• Not breast feeding
• No children or first child after 35
• Use of birth control pills
• Consuming more than one drink of alcohol per day
• Having your period before the age of 12
• Dense breast or high bone density

Know what is normal for you. See a doctor immediately if you notice any of these changes:

• Lump, hard knot or thickening (breast or underarm)
• Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening
• Change in size or shape of breast
• Dimpling or puckering
• Itch or rash especially in nipple area
• Pulling in of your nipple or other parts of the breast
• Nipple discharge that is spontaneous and bloody
• A sore on the breast that does not heal

Three steps you can take to beat breast cancer

1. Annual mammography (breast X-ray) from the age of 40 onwards
2. Clinical breast exam by your doctor every three years starting from age 20, and every year from age 40
3. Monthly breast self-examination

Stay alert. Stay well.