The Agony of Waiting

I could not remember when I last wrote on this blog. It seemed ages ago when I was too ecstatic to keep my posts coming. But with work and family demands, I felt too uninspired to even begin typing. Too many significant events have passed, and yet the creative gush that my brain needed seemed nonexistent.

But after weeks of trying to keep up with my daily schedule, I needed some sort of release. My brain wanted me to write, finally! I guess this is partly due to the fact that I am also stressing out on the outcome of our immigrant application. Our consultant has been telling us that we should expect the response any day now, and boy I am anxious!

But like many great steps, we must embrace the risks that come with change. Although it is not quite clear if we get a positive assessment from Canada, I am still thankful for opportunities like these. Planning to migrate is like pushing yourself to go out of your comfort zone, and I am really glad that we took the first step. I will leave the rest to the Almighty because I believe that He has big plans for everyone of us. For now, I can't do anything but wait......

My Nokia 6600 Confidante

I have always been a fan of Nokia phones. Ever since I owned one more than a decade ago, there was no turning back. Through the years, I am fortunate enough to own a couple of Nokia phones and somehow when a new model would come along, I managed to easily let go. But back in the summer of March 2004, I was hooked on my newly delivered Nokia 6600 phone. Aside from being equipped with the most up to date features back then, the phone grew on me. Somehow, it was no longer sane to just let it go for a newer model.

You see, my trusty Nokia 6600 came into my life as a gift from my mom. Fresh from a very traumatic heartbreak, my phone was my life line to my family and friends who gave me so much love and support. At times when I was tempted to mend the broken lines with my EX, my Nokia 6600 reminded me that there is an appropriate time for everything. When mobile phones are intended for communication purposes, I learned through that experience that silence can sometimes be beneficial. So even if my Nokia 6600 didn’t record any messages and calls from my EX, the message was absolutely clear. I should pick up the pieces and move on.

After a few months, I managed to let go of the pain and it allowed me to focus on my own goals. And just when I was ready to bid love goodbye forever, I met Mr. Right! We started off having a long distance relationship with plenty of phone calls, which eventually led to the altar! Owning this phone means so much than having just a device to make calls because through the years, it never left me despite the rigors of wear and tear, trials, and triumphs. It’s like having a rare friend, someone whose always there and very dependable at that!

I am using a different phone now, but my Nokia 6600 has earned her rightful spot on my desk. At certain times, I switch it on because I just want hear its ever comforting tones. For me, this phone embodies the character we need to possess when faced with adversity. Thank you for being the unique symbol that you are my trusty Nokia 6600!

The Road To Migration

My posts have slowed down to a trickle because I have been very busy with work and preparing my papers for filing. I have recently applied for immigration to Canada through a consultancy firm. I grabbed the chance to apply because their current occupation shortage includes Registered Nurses. I have long wanted to apply in Canada because I believe that it is better for my family as compared to the States. So when I learned about the new processing times, hubby and I made a big decision to apply.

The fees are not really that cheap, but so far the consultancy is guiding me throughout the entire process. I really did not expect that there will be a lot of documents to prepare so I am very thankful that their efficient staff is just an email away. (They don't have an office here yet) I have not been too optimistic with consultancy firms or agencies because I was too afraid of spending a big amount of money on the filing and stuff. But at this point in my life, I need to take big risks so that I can also provide a brighter future for my daughter.

I found this consultancy that has been operating for more than two decades, and as compared to the many others that I have tried inquiring, they got my trust. So I finally signed up! My parternship with the company is sealed, and currently I am still gathering paperworks for our application. I am praying that God will bless our plans because I feel that my family is ready. I hope that this is finally our time to migrate =)

I was prepared to endure the battle of the lines as I was expecting long queues for the renewal of my passport at the DFA. Last Tuesday, I waited for more than an hour just to get my appointment number in a cramped basketball court in Pasay, more popularly known as the DFA here in Manila. People literally zigzagged the court as the lines grew longer by each passing minute. And after we got our number, we were told to go home. Oh brother! It was very inconvenient, and I really thought that our government can actually do better than this. I

After getting my appointment, I was told that the processing will be moved to their new location at the Aseana Business Park at Diosdado Macapagal Avenue. When I headed there today, I was bracing for the worse because it has only been two days since they moved to this location. I was honestly bracing myself for the worse. But at around noon, I was pleasantly surprised to find the new building at Macapagal Avenue, shiny and polished, ready for the world! The building is right across McDonald's so you can easily spot it once you enter the road.

I presented my number to the guard, and I was told to enter Gate 2 - the gate where customers with appointments are supposed to begin their processing. I was greeted by the gush of cold wind from their new A/C systems and it was the relief that I needed from the burning heat outside. I also noticed that they have lots of information boards and people assisting to the customer's every need. The seats remind of the domestic NAIA airport, and I was thinking, not bad!

Guess And Coach Handbag Giveaway

Since I have been crazy about joining contests lately, I was ecstatic to find this ultra cool blog that is poised to giveaway two fab bags! What a grand way to share a piece of herself to her readers! If you want to join, you can just check the details of the contest by checking out this link.

http://beauty-bow.blogspot.com/2010/02/giveaway-timeyay-so-let-me-tell-you.html

Women can never have enough shoes or bags, right? And I super love the poppy bag! So I am definitely joining this one! Good luck to us ladies!

Thanks Sunsilk

Wheeee! I love freebies!

Yesterday, I finally received my Sunsilk Hair Repair Damage Kit. It arrived four days after I received a call from their representative verifying my address.




The delivery man just asked for a copy of my ID because I had it received by someone else. Another person came a few hours after to verify whether I have already received my shipment. What's really good about this promo is that I never spent anything on shipping! Except for the text that I sent, I got this loot at absolutely no cost!



I hope this will be the answer to my dry locks! This kit just came in time as I have also been looking for a new shampoo and conditioner for my super dry hair. It says that results may show after 10 days of usage. It's DAY 2 today, so far so good! It smells really good!

Must Try Chicken Barbeque

Lately, I noticed that chicken barbeque has invaded the Metro. Every nook and corner now have famous brands like Mang Inasal, or Bacolod Chicken Barbeque. Even Jollibee has its very own version of this famous recipe. As competition mounts, consumers now have a lot of options as to where to eat chicken barbeque. We used to go to Aristocrat for their specialty chicken, but now our main road houses two of the more affordable brands.

I recently stumbled upon Ineng's Chicken Barbeque at SM North Edsa, and although it may not be as famous as the others, I am very satisfied with the taste. Their chicken recipe has just the right combination of sweetness and saltiness to it. They even offer bigger servings as compared to Chicken Bacolod.

Chicken Barbeque with rice - Php 99



Pork Barbeque- Php 125 for 5 pcs



Laing - Php 45



Ensaladang Talong - Php 65



Their restaurant is not that spacious at SM, but I don't really mind the limited space because it's one of those eating spots where you would willingly forego some comforts just so you can satisfy your craving for the ultimate chicken barbeque. I would definitely have Ineng's over Bacolod Chicken Inasal at any given time of day!

A Tribute To My Shoe-A-Holic Mom

One of the things that one must not dare question is a woman's attraction towards shoes. Between a woman and her fancy shoes, there is an unspoken bond that can defy even logic. Tell that to a woman, and she would understand!

I grew up witnessing my mom’s fondness for shoes. Her shoe racks are never enough to contain all the shoes that she owned, and she had to always rearrange things so she can make room for some more. She has everyday shoes for work, and she also has plenty of others that are best suited for other types of activity.

For two-day conventions, I have gotten used to lugging her trolley bag, which is mostly filled up with a number of shoes that will match her carefully planned out outfits. This is in contrast to my reasonably-sized overnight bag that contained all the essential things that I’ll ever need for such a short stay.

But despite the number of pairs that she is so used to bringing, she’d still end up buying some more. For this, my mom is a hands down shoe-a-holic. Believe it or not, she is the only person I know who insists on wearing high heels to the beach! She rationalizes that all her shoes have the same heel height because it is the level where her spine is most comfortable. She said that wearing flats would only give her back pain.

One time, she was in a haste to do her morning rounds in the hospitals that she readily grabbed what were outside the boxes. On the third hospital that she went to, she began to notice that the nurses and some employees were disturbingly staring at her feet. She dismissed their glances and just went on with her normal routine.

On the way out, one security guard bravely approached her and said, “Doctor, you are wearing the wrong pair of shoes.” When she looked at her feet, she saw pumps with the same heels alright, but they were of different colors! Embarrassed, mom went home and laughingly relayed to us what had happened.

But regardless of the number of shoes my mom has acquired through the years, I refuse to use them as parameters of her success. Because in spite of her love for shoes, she’d readily give some pairs to somebody in need, or for some relief efforts in devastated communities. Her shoes are also instruments of her selflessness because it is with them that she is able to go to places and offer her services for free. This is my tribute to my shoe-a-holic and beautiful mom! I am so proud of you!

Fairyland In The Eyes Of S

S has earned quite a reputation in my family for being so fascinated with books. They could never forget how a then two-year old S would ignore her new toys and go directly to a small pile of books on the other end of the room. So when she recently received another pop-up book as a gift, S was overjoyed. She loves it even more because she could let her imagination flow in Fairyland, which also happens to be her preferred setting in many of her self-made stories.

For a day or two, S always spent time with her new book. She was delighted to open the small doors on the pages because it always had a surprise in store for her. One of the doors led to a stairway where you could only see the leg of an elusive fairy trying to hide from the reader’s eye. For a moment, S thought hard and peeked on the sides of the staircase to check whether there was really an enchanting world hidden from the world she knew. She said:

S: Mommy, I see something more.

Me: What do you see S?

S: I see the fairy’s leg, and there’s more.

Me: So what else do you see then?

S: She has a vagina!

Me: (Trying hard not to laugh) Oh that! You see S, it’s part of a woman’s body that’s why!

I would have doubled in laughter had not darling Grandma reminded me that those things need to be addressed as they should. Without laughter, without jokes, as plain as it can be! Oh S just started the day right. I am also in fairyland!

Only Three Moos For Five Cows

Hubby and I arrived at Five Cows Trinoma at an hour past 12 in the afternoon to find that Five Cows is practically empty. I was surprised to find that the only patrons at that time was the family of Sen. Escudero. This was far from the jampacked place that I used to visit a couple of years back when I needed something sweet to make my day. The barn style interiors was still very much noticeable although a bit worn out now after years of being in the business.

Since we needed a late lunch, I ordered Vongole - with spaghetti, olive oil, pesto, clams, white wine and parmesan cheese as its main ingredients. Although they really have heaping servings, I wasn't too happy with my order. It was just too bland, and I honestly think that I can make better pesto. Paired with toasted bread, I think that the pasta and the bread tasted the same! I was distracted though as I was busy picking portions of my hubby's order.

My hubby really knows how to order in a restaurant and he ended up having a half-pounder cheeseburger supreme - comprised of pure beef burger, cheese, tomatoes, lettuce and tomatoes. Priced at P285, it was not really cheap but it was really humongous. It was so huge and surprisingly juicy! I enjoyed this order so much more than mine, and I was pleasantly surprised that although I came to Five Cows for their ice cream cake, I enjoyed their sandwich way better than what they are known for. If by chance I visit them again, I will definitely skip on their ice cream cakes and just have this sandwich instead!

Five Cows Ice Cream Cake

I have been craving for ice cream cakes lately, and the nearest to my home is Five Cows, Trinoma. It's a restaurant that mainly boasts of their ice cream cakes. I must admit that when I first ate there a couple of years ago, I was quite impressed with their dessert selections. But only after a year of avoiding this sinful dessert, I felt that the quality of their food somewhat declined. Sad! Prices range from P165 per slice! I avoided their flaming Alaska since it has earned bad reviews on the net for being too hard -- being a desset at that!. However this kind was exceptionally hard as well. Hmmm....I really didn't know what went wrong. I wouldn't recommend it to family and friends anymore. So if you feel the need to indulge that sweet tooth, go grab a frozen yogurt instead! It's way more satisfying than this.