Holy week vacation

April 6, actually a holiday but our boss gave out directives to move the holiday to Wednesday so instead of a sandwiched workdays, we're having it today and tomorrow :).

Any plans...as much as we want to go out of town, we decided not to. Why? Almost everyone from Manila are spending the holidays out-of-town! It's the time of the year that we can freely drive within Metro Manila without the hassle of traffic and too much people around.

We'll be going Visita Iglesia on Holy Thursday, with my mom and my mom-in-law. Where to? no clear plans yet, my husband wants to go east while I want to explore more churches in Metro Manila. We've been to the most common but more relevant churches in Manila and I know there are more to go to.

On Friday, maybe we'll just stay at home, spend time with our son and do some reflections about the message of the holy week. I'm still quite old fashioned regarding beliefs esp on Holy Week...don't want to break them...better safe than sorry.

Saturday...I really don't know yet if my sis-in-law's plan for an overnight out-of-town will push through as almost all resorts and beaches are fully booked.

Easter Sunday - we can try Easter Egg Hunt, since our son is bigger and thougher this year...He'll be able to go through the search with much bigger kids - it'll be his first if ever.

just a reminder, though this may be a long week off from work, I hope everyone finds time reflecting on the real meaning of Christ's death. Have a Happy Easter as well!

Twin Awards

Checked on my blog today, got a tag from Dee, (thanks Dee!) I was given these awards: :)

The Brigadeiro Award













and, The Neno's Award












This award aims:

* as a dedication for those who love blogging and love to encourage friendships through blogging;
* to seek the reasons why we all love blogging;
* put the award in one post as soon as you receive it;
* don't forget to mention the person who gives you the award;
* answer the award’s question by writing the reason why you love blogging;
* tag and distribute the award to as many people as you like;
* don't forget to notify the award receivers and put their links in your post.

" I love blogging because I get the chance to share whatever that it is in my thoughts and heart. I get to meet new people and eventually become friends with them. I also get the chance to learn through their blogs, be it factual or experiential."

I'm giving these awards to Lem, Jeff and Jen who inspired me to go blogging and to Earthlingorgeous and Wenny who I hope will be my blogging friends soon :)

flip flops

As mentioned in my previous blog (25 things about me), I'm fond of footwear (...and bags). Footwear ranging from flip flops, casual to sexy to formal footwear.

I'm more for open pair of shoes... it's more relaxing on my foot. I'm also on the practical side in buying shoes or any footwear for that matter. Of course I go for the more reasonably priced pair. Over-priced footwear especially flip flops can't be found in my list of 'things to buy'. Although, I have to admit, I really want to own a pair of a famous brand of flip flops, I just can't get over it's price!

Until two weeks ago, I got a gift certificate for free from Ipanema! (another brand of footwear mostly sandals and slippers). I was fortunate enough to attend the launch of their new line of footwear the Ipanema GB seed collection. The launch was for its support to Haribon Foundation's ROAD to 2020 project. In which part of the sale of each pair of the GB seed collection will be for the benefit of the said project.

The gift certificate allowed me to get a pair of Ipanema flip flop of my choice. Yahoo!

Incidentally, ELRO Corporation, the distributor of Ipanema had an event last Saturday entitled "Walk the Green Mile", a walkathon event that would kick off their support to Haribon's reforestation (rainforestation) project. To make the event more fun and exciting, the organizers gave 50 free pairs of the GB seed collection. Since we came in early and was one of the first to register, me and my 2 nieces were able to get a free pair and since I already got one, I gave my stub to my mom who was with us during the event.

We are really thankful to Ipanema and ELRO for giving us the chance to experience the comfort of a quite expensive pair of slippers!

Likewise, cheers to Ipanema and ELRO for the support they give to different beneficiaries, for this year Haribon Foundation and its advocacy of conservation and protection of the remaining natural Philippine forest!

This pair I got for my mom :)

our precious Kotse Car

A few days ago, I received a text message from my husband inquiring if it's okay for us to sell "Kotse Car". Kotse car is our first ever car. Me and my husband were still dating when we acquired the car...of course second hand. Both of us loves Kotse car, especially my husband who had numerous experiences with the car, be it good and not-so-good.

When the message got into me, it took me a few minutes to think about it. I really felt sad! We tried our best to restore Kotse car (a Toyota Coron Silver Ed). Little by little, whenever budget is not so tight, we add some improvements to the car. He was really a work in progress and we still have more plans for him.

Last year, we started experiencing the effects of the global financial crisis, we have been thinking of letting go of Kotse car...:(

My husband had posted ads in the internet and lately we have been receiving queries on the price and the condition of the car...It has been sinking into us, the idea of selling Kotse car in now getting into reality.

This is one of the things that I really don't like...letting go of people and things that are special to me. It may appear to be too materialistic but the memories we had with Kotse car...he is really part of our life. It makes me more sad because our son won't even remember Kotse car. Even close friends feel sad about the idea of giving up the car.

How I really wish that things would turn around and life would be more easy for us so we won't let go of Kotse car...

observations of a first-time mom

It's so amazing how a child is able to manifest habits and mannerisms of people around him, particularly parents.

I've noticed my son's habit of playing with his waving both his feet before going to sleep or upon waking up. I really can't attribute this to genetics or I'm just underestimating my son's ability of observing us, thus imitating what we do be it consciously or unconsciously.

The waving of feet is one of my husband's mannerism, particularly upon waking up. I've noticed my son, more than twice already, doing the same thing with his feet whenever he drinks his milk before going to sleep.

...an observation which I find amazing!

Walk the Green Mile

Inviting everyone to Haribon's upcoming activity: Walk the Green Mile. This is in partnership with ELRO Corporation, the exclusive distributor of Ipanema footwear.

ELRO Corporation thru Ipanema particularly the GB (Gisele Bündchen) seed collection is supporting Haribon's movement of bringing back 1Million hectares of rainforest by the year 2020...

Walk the Green Mile will be on March 21, 2009 - Saturday at the parking lot near Le Souffle', Serendra, Bonifacio Global City. Registration opens at 3 pm and the walkathon will start at 5 pm. By the way registration is free :) so hope to see you there!

25 Random Things

got tagged by my husband M...here are 25 random things about me :)

1. My real name is Yasmin, my nickname (since birth) is Girlie but most of my friends call me Hahai :)
2. I'm hooked to Hello Kitty items - from wallet, to t-shirts, to soap case...
3. I'm do cross-stitching, I've been doing this since 1992 and was able to sell quite a number of finished designs
4. Like my husband, I too, love nature! I love to see the greens of the fields and the blue body of water....wonderful colors of nature!
5. I'm into collecting ref magnets - it started with a give away in a wedding I attended some years ago.
6. I have a hand for krafts - aside from cross stitching, I've tried candle making, sewing, crocheting. Latety, I've been thinking of getting into soap making and basket weaving.
7. I'm afraid of snakes
8. I don't know how to swim, though I tried snorkeling a few times - haven't conquered the fear yet
9. I'm a foot fetish!
10. I love eating but not cooking
11. I'm a shoe and bag addict
12. I like reading - though not much lately because lack of time
13. I enjoy re-arranging the house
14. I'm into sports - volleyball, badminton, tried table-tennis, wall climbing, biking
15. I started collecting restaurant tissue - an inexpensive hobby :)
16. a pasta lover - one reason I guess why me and my husband clicked
17. I love spicy dishes - can't do without spicy side dish every meal
18. Don't like milk - lacto intolerant
19. Love dancing
20. Love animals, dogs especially but don't have a pet right now
21. I have high threshold for pain - didn't feel any pain while giving birth
22. a Sta Claus believer! (still...)
23. Love to travel - though not yet in other countries...I wanted to explore my country first
24. Favorite fruit - Durian!
25. Favorite vegetable - bitter gourd :)

Now I'm forwarding this to Jen and Eartlingorgeous...hope we'll get to know each other better through this :)