Start your day with a Smile

Today, give a stranger one of your smiles. It might be the only sunshine he sees all day. ~Quoted in P.S. I Love You, compiled by H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Peace begins with a smile. ~Mother Teresa

Have a nice day!

Remember to infect everyone with your smile!

Perks of a Shopaholic

As we all know, most for the major cities here in Manila already have SM Malls of different variety including Hypermarts. They did sprang up like mushrooms.

For a shopaholic like me, SM malls are really a one-stop-shop. Department store, Supermarket, Toy Store, Hardware, Pharmacy, Payment centers and a Bank until 7pm. It is so convenient that earning points is like an automatic thing for me. I always carry my SM Advantage card in my wallet like a credit card. And another nice thing here is that you can also earn points when you gas up at any Petron Station and purchase at any Ace Hardware even outside of SM Malls.

I've been an SM Advantage shopper since October 2004. And just this August 2009 I was promoted as an SM Advantage-Prestige member. [Yehey!]

Some of the "advantages" of being a Prestige member are the exclusive lounges, members-only gift wrapping counter, Prestige lanes at the supermarket and reserved parking space [I haven't tried this one yet but I will have to try that this weekend i guess].

I've been to the SM Prestige Lounge at Megamall and Makati. As they say "It is a haven within SM Department Store for the exclusive use of SM Prestige members. It has spacious reception & waiting areas, elegant but cozy furniture, wall-to-wall carpeting, built in shelves & cabinets and a fully-functional pantry. Prestige members who want to relax and take time off from their shopping can enjoy the convenience of separate powder-cum-fitting rooms for men and women, package counter, diaper changing area, massage chairs, Nokia Charging Stations and Wi-Fi connection. A team of friendly and courteous staff is always ready to attend to the needs of members and their guests."

 

The ambiance is so relaxing. It's a place to be if you want a time off after hours of shopping. A cardholder can only bring up to two persons. They also serve iced tea and coffee [I believe its for free and part of the service. Haven't ask one yet. hihihi]

Well, I guess we'll just have to enjoy these perks once in a while.

You can also check your points online when you visit and register to their site.

Giving Credit to Where Credit is Due

It has been a year since i set my feet on this company. My evaluation did not actually impress me much. I was working hard for a year and i believe i did my best to meet my client's expectations. I was surprise i was given a lower rating due to petty company policies. I had two memos because of having late for more than 3 times in a month for the past year. [Most of those lates are just minutes past the allowed grace period. Well i did not anticipates most of the traffics along the way.]

For me, being on the Perfect Attendance list every month doesn't mean you're a good employee. [Who wouldn't want to be on that list and recieve some perks anyway?] But nevertheless, my being late doesn't affect the quality of my work [and my attitude?].

Another thing here is that i was not informed about the evaluation before it was approved due to some system failure at some point. And they cannot retrovert my appraisal because it has already been to the auditors and the upper management!

Now, to compensate all of these is for me to achieve a goal for six months again? Meaning, i will have to work [again!] on the merits I've been working for a year? does it sounds fair? Well i guess not.

Driving Lesson 101

It's been a year since I had my driver's license which i got when i enrolled to a reputed driving school. My primary purpose then was really just to get a license. [I think] It's a lot easier when you're assisted by these driving schools.

It has also been a year since i had a grip on a steering wheel and set my feet on the brake, clutch and gas pedals. It was a relief though that i will be driving an autimatic car. [geez!]

We have her blessed after the morning mass at St. Micheal and named her after Alexandria, Lexah!

After a little bickering and niggling, i finally got Lexah off the road. At first I was a little tensed that i have benumbed my left feet and almost got a stiffed neck. Hahaha! The weather also bullied me into backing out! It rain hard that i almost can't see the road ahead! But when he realized i was really determined to learn, he stopped!

We drove around The Fort [though practice driving was not allowed] They wouldn't know naman unless i will have any violations. So super careful! But i had my excuses ready when a security approach us why i was driving so slow. mmm...i'll say "Where do we find a Metrobank ATM here?" hahaha!

We also drive her around Ayala, Makati. :D

I had a chance to apply what i learned [a year ago] about parking. We tried it at Market Market! Just a little more practice!

I never knew driving was this easy! Hah!

Our new baby...

... Lexah! :D

I want nobody but You!

Just sharing this cool vid! :D this song is circulating around... hahaha

One Flaw In Women

Women have strengths that amaze men.
They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
but they hold happiness, love and joy.

They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy
and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up to injustice.

They don't take "no" for an answer
when they believe there is a better solution.

They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel
and cheer when their friends get awards.

They are happy when they hear about
a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member,
yet they are strong when they
think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss
can heal a broken heart.

Women come in all shapes, sizes and colours.

They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you
to show how much they care about you.

The heart of a woman is what
makes the world keep turning.

They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideas.
They give moral support to their
family and friends.

Women have vital things to say
and everything to give.

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,
IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

Pasta Cravings - Baked Macaroni Recipe

I've been craving for pasta in the past few days. I had Yellow cab's Charlie chan [yummy!] and Mcdo's spaghetti. I was looking for a place where I could have a yummy pasta treat for a "sulit" price. I remember Greenwich Baked Macaroni. It looks great and tummy-filling in the ads, but when you have it you'll only get almost three spoonful of it. Not really enough for appetencies like me.

In the past months, i have mastered baking my favorite pasta! I got this from my Ate Cherie though I did some twist for my own preference.

This is in response to Maggie's request of how-to. It's so easy so let's get started! :D


Preparation Time: 00:10
Cooking Time: 00:30 including pasta
Servings: 4-8

Ingredients
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, chopped
1/4 cup butter
1 400g pack elbow macaroni cooked
1 can Corned beef
1 can mushroom, chopped
1 170g can NESTLÉ Cream
2 small pack Del Monte Beef and Mushroom Pasta Sauce
1 1/2 cups Quickmelt cheese, sliced/grated
1 cup water
salt and sugar to taste

Procedure
1. Sauté garlic and onions in butter. Add cornbeef and mushroom and cook for 5 minutes.
2. Add in the add sauce. Saute for 1 minute.
3. Pour in the cup water and simmer until thick.
4. Add cheese until melted. Adjust seasonings to taste.
5. Stir in cooked noodles to meat sauce. Remove from heat and pour in NESTLÉ Cream.
6. Arrange in a dish; top with grated cheese and bake at medium high for 3 minutes or until cheese has melted.


Tada! A yummy, mouth-watery Baked Macaroni!


I guess i will have to bake another one tonight! I'm craviing aggaaiinnnn!!! wew!

Taking the right decision at the right time

just sharing... I got this from PravsTalk.


Question: There are 3 frogs on a leaf. If one of them decided to jump off the leaf into the water, how many frogs are there left on the leaf?

Answer: Three!

Why? The frog only DECIDED to jump! It didn’t!



Dreaming of a personal accomplishment, most people make the mistake of waiting…
- Waiting until they’ve been trained
- Waiting till someone say’s they are ready
- Waiting till they have the proper tools
- Waiting till they’re better
- Waiting till they’re hired
- Waiting till they’ve been given the assignment

Ponder over this, my friends. Are you not unlike the frog; who decides to do this, decides to do that, but ended up not doing any?

In life, we have to make many decisions. Some easy; some hard. Most mistakes are not made by wrong decisions; Most mistakes are made due to our inability to take a right decision at the right time.

We have to live with the consequences of our decisions. And that is RISK.


Realization: This is really true for me. There are lots of opportunities in life I have missed because of my indecisiveness. Maybe because i'm afraid to make mistakes. Afraid to take the risk and have regrets. Life is too short for a shillyshally. Maybe i should act now right? mmm... ok... I will give it a shot! :D

Tying a Yellow Ribbon for Cory Aquino

Salamat, Tita Cory.

As the world mourns for a woman who touches live around the globe, let us tie a Yellow Ribbon for Cory. Let us show our love and respect for her as she joins our Creator. May she continued to pray for all of us. May we not forget to protect the most valuable gift she has given to all Filipinos - our FREEDOM.

As my contribution as a blogger and as a Proud Filipina, I'm tying a yellow ribbon for Corazon Aquino.



I’m also sending this invitation to other bloggers to participate in this project. All you have to do is:

1. Create an entry entitled: “Touch a blogger: Tie a yellow ribbon for Cory Aquino!“. A link to this original entry will be appreciated, but is not required.
2. Post a yellow ribbon in your blog for President Cory Aquino. Whatever form of yellow ribbon that your creative imagination can come up with.
3. Invite other bloggers to tie a yellow ribbon for Cory.

Prayer for a Happy Death by Cory Aquino

Almighty God, most merciful Father
You alone know the time
You alone know the hour
You alone know the moment
When I shall breathe my last.

So, remind me each day,
most loving Father
To be the best that I can be.
To be humble, to be kind,
To be patient, to be true.
To embrace what is good,
To reject what is evil,
To adore only You.

When the final moment does come
Let not my loved ones grieve for long.
Let them comfort each other
And let them know
how much happiness they brought into my life.
Let them pray for me,
As I will continue to pray for them,
Hoping that they will always pray for each other.

Let them know that they made possible
whatever good I offered to our world.
And let them realize that our separation
Is just for a short while
As we prepare for our reunion in eternity.

Our Father in heaven,
You alone are my hope.
You alone are my salvation.
Thank you for your unconditional love, Amen.

~ President Cory Aquino

Laughter is the Medicine

After a month of nerve-wracking workload, i had a chance to escape. I needed a good laugh. It's a stress reliever for me.

Even with last minute backout, Me, sis Ghe, bes Hya and our newly found friend Mel still decided to go. Actually, we are not yet sure where. so scouted around Timog in Quezon City where there are lots of comedy bar. I'm a fan of Vice Ganda, so when we saw his name at Laffline, we settled there.

With 300 pesos entrance fee, we were sitted near the stage. Though we hesitated, we had no choice. The lounge was almost full and super crowded. Maybe it was a Friday payday? Or was it because Vice ganda was the star performer.

One of my fave performance was the Dreamgirls and Single Ladies. They also had some comedy acts and some sort of a beauty contest. It was really fun. Especially when Vice Ganda was already on stage.



Laughter is a tranquilizer with no side effects. ~Arnold Glasow

::: next... bar hopping [:grin:]