All about Elizabeth: June 2009

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

What I Want To Do When I Retire Someday

One of my dreams is owning a row of apartment units which will give me continuous income especially when I retire. I love the thought of enjoying the fruits of my labor and almost everyone loves passive income, right? But owning properties like apartments comes with a price. To satisfy the tenants, I know I would have to take care of the property well enough. And to have a peace of mind, I know I should scrutinize the tenants well and know more about their employment and criminal history before I accept them and let them live in my property. I think I will need the help of a Real Property Management company like RPM Midwest which offers leasing, collection and other management services for their clients' properties. I can enjoy the benefits of being the owner without worrying too much about the cost. But for now, one thing is sure: I am only dreaming! But seriously, when that time comes, I would enjoy being a landlady and make sure that my tenants get the best value for their money!

Company President For A Week

Office location-wise, that is.

The company I did freelance designs for asked me to work at their office to finish a project. They can’t find any space for me so they asked me to use what else—the company president’s office!-- who only comes on Wednesdays, past lunch.

It was kind of weird for me since I was used to working in cubicles which Dee has a funny post about. But I must admit I enjoyed it. Who wouldn’t? I felt like a company president for a week!They said that my stay will last for two months. But upon checking the complexity or simplicity of the project, I knew from the start that I can do the project in less than two weeks. And so I did.

Now I’m back to working at home. Back to reality.

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Music and Me

in loving memory of Michael Jackson, my generation's pop icon
Hubby dared me if I can incorporate Michael Jackson's songs in my post about him. I accepted the dare. I just hope I gave justice to his songs here. :) To MJackson, you will surely be missed. :(
------------“Without music, life would be a mistake”, so said Friedrich Nietzsche.

Music became a part of my life at a very young age. Whenever my mother would turn on the radio, I’ll be there first to switch stations just so I can hear my favorite songs. I first heard one of Jackson’s songs when I was I think in elementary years. The first time I knew that you can name a pest, Ben. And the first time I saw the Billie Jean dance moves when my classmates presented on our Christmas party. My memory of that maybe in black or white but I still vividly remember the time when I applauded my classmate Jane for her dancing prowess. She even tried to do some bone-breaking moves which could have been dangerous for her. Beat it? The dance number, I mean. Uh oh, I’d rather be someone in the dark admiring graceful dancers like her. She became a very close friend and became my childhood walking buddy for years but because we moved to another city, she’s out of my life ages ago. But my love for music lingered. Whenever I want to lift my mood, I only have to switch on the radio and listen to lively songs. And sometimes, just hearing sad songs make me sentimental and teary eyed especially on times when I am healing a broken heart.

And life goes on. Many things happen as I traverse through it. Some were good and some were bad. But again, that’s life. It’s either you carry life’s burdens or just let them rock with you. It’s human nature to feel depressed when faced with problems but life is what we make it. It’s either we make the most of it or we destroy it. Do you want to face that woman or man in the mirror and say “I’ve lived a thriller life.”? A life that has an exciting plot or a life lived ordinarily. You are not alone if you choose to be one of the many people who want to heal the world and touch other people’s lives. One day in your life shared with others won’t surely hurt. Isn’t it high time that you wanna be startin’ somethin’ worthy? :)

As for Michael and his songs, they will always be remembered! :)

Friday, June 26, 2009

Frog for my Blog…and a Job!

If you don't see my blog updated on a daily basis, that’s because I accepted a part-time job in a company. The offer was tempting. I should be in at 9am then go home at 2pm. I will still have time to prepare the kids and bring them to school in the morning, pick up my son in the afternoon and help my kids with their homework before preparing dinner.

I started last Monday and I think I’m doing fine. I think the job will last for two weeks only. I will take pics of the office and I will post them here later.

Also, I’m still busy with some freelance projects. I was asked to do a logo design of a veterinary federation. Earlier, I was in front of the computer browsing the net for some inspiration but I just can’t start designing! I can’t conceptualize! So, I just tinkered with the mouse and did some digital doodling to warm up. Here is the result:
I was so happy with my first digital doodle and I think I have to do this more often. It kind of unleashed the child in me and my love for circles and all things colorful. Happy weekend to all!

Thursday, June 25, 2009

I Honestly Need A Good Web Hosting Provider!

One of the projects I’m doing right now is the website design of a medical insurance company. It took me longer than usual to finish this project because the client is just too meticulous and so quality conscious. But that’s fine with me. Anything that would make the client happy, I would do. After all, they pay me well and on time.

But I really have one big problem. Because I don’t have my own domain, I only email the screen shots of the pages that I design. Or I deliver the files saved on CD or USB flash drives. It’s so tasking and very time consuming on both parties! I am thinking of getting my own domain and designate my design site to it. I think I should get the help of a good web hosting site. I'm grateful that Web Hosting Geeks provides reviews and ratings of web hosting providers. It lets you compare which provider offers the best deals. For someone not so tech-savvy, Web Hosting Geeks is a great help! In fact, I just might refer this site to my client who’s deciding between managed hosting and the in-house infrastructure. For the meantime, getting my own domain is a top priority.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Personality Quiz: More About Me

Thanks Enchie for this Personality Quiz. I don't believe all Personality Quizzes but I tried this one for curiousity sake. I enjoyed answering this honestly and I was so amazed at the results! Very true!!!

1. Open this website : Personality Test
2. Take the Personality Quiz (It's very short and easy really! )
3. Copy paste the result to your blog.
4. Tag as many friends you can and link to the friend who tagged you!

Your view on yourself:
You are down-to-earth and people like you because you are so straightforward. You are an efficient problem solver because you will listen to both sides of an argument before making a decision that usually appeals to both parties.

The type of girlfriend/boyfriend you are looking for:
You are a true romantic. When you are in love, you will do anything and everything to keep your love true. (Fred sometimes reads this blog so I think I have to say this is Very True! *wink!)

Your readiness to commit to a relationship:
You are ready to commit as soon as you meet the right person. And you believe you will pretty much know as soon as you meet that person. (Yes to this again!)

The seriousness of your love:
Your have very sensible tactics when approaching the opposite sex. In many ways people find your straightforwardness attractive, so you will find yourself with plenty of dates. (Before, I wasn't straightforward in letting men know if I have a crush on them but I was very honest to men who don't stand any chance. I just tell them in a nice way. I just don't want men to spend so much time and money on me and I can't reciprocate it or love them in return. Plenty of dates? Umm...just guess!)

Your views on education:
Education is very important in life. You want to study hard and learn as much as you can. (Very true!!! I worked my way through college. This, I think, is the best proof of my love for learning.)

The right job for you:
You're a practical person and will choose a secure job with a steady income. Knowing what you like to do is important. Find a regular job doing just that and you'll be set for life.

How do you view success:
You are confident that you will be successful in your chosen career and nothing will stop you from trying. (When all of my relatives and even my parents asked me to take up Architecture because they say there is money in it, I chose Fine Arts. When they saw that I slept late to finish my design plates, they knew I chose the right course for myself.

What are you most afraid of:
You are afraid of things that you cannot control. Sometimes you show your anger to cover up how you feel.

Who is your true self:
You are full of energy and confidence. You are unpredictable, with moods changing as quickly as an ocean. You might occasionally be calm and still, but never for long. (Full of energy may be right, but I am not that confident. I am unpredictable. One of my college classmates once asked me, "How can you change moods as often as you want?" Huh?! Do I? :) I think someone has to love me so much to withstand the mood swings. Afterall, most artists possess this trait.)

I listed some blogging friends who I think should try this, but I erased the list because it's too long. You can just grab this, just like my first reaction when I saw this on Enchie's blog. Good thing she tagged me with this one!

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Father's Day at Le Soufflé

I've mentioned here that I look forward to dining at Le Soufflé. I really wanted to taste a soufflé dessert because I haven't eaten one before! I also want Gabby and Sunday to experience eating at a fine dining restaurant more frequently than Fred and I did. But with our financial status at the moment, I don't think we can fine dine again in months! :)

Why is it that when we go to a certain place for the first time, it is always empty? This is Le Souffle in Rockwell, Makati.

Being the only customers at the time,
my Creamy Mushroom Spaghetti was served hot and fast.

Sunday poses before eating her Blueberry Cheesecake.

Gabby liked the Bolognaise Spaghetti but
the Mango Shake is his favorite.

The reason for the celebration--the father in the house--enjoys his food.
Though I wasn't able to taste the soufflé desserts because they weren't offered at that time, I still cherish this experience because we really enjoyed dining there. I know we can always come back anytime for the soufflé, when the finances permit again! :)

A Short Letter To My Father

Google and Yahoo Ph once again greets all the fathers Happy Father's Day!
A father in the eyes of his children when they were:
4 years old : My Daddy can do anything!
7 years old : My Dad knows a lot…a whole lot.
8 years old : My father does not know quite everything.
12 years old: Oh well, naturally Father does not know that either.
14 years old: Oh, Father? He is hopelessly old-fashioned.
21 years old: Oh, that man-he is out of date!
25 years old: He knows a little bit about it, but not much.
30 years old: I must find out what Dad thinks about it.
35 years old: Before we decide, we will get Dad's idea first.
50 years old: What would Dad have thought about that?
60 years old: My Dad knew literally everything!
65 years old: I wish I could talk it over with Dad once more
-Anonymous

To my father: Though we haven't seen each other for months or maybe a year already, and though I don't say the words often, let me tell you again that I love you and I just wish you will be able to visit us or we can visit you one of these days. I also wish and pray that I have all the money in the world to buy you your medicines and supplements so you will be back to your old healthy self. I will call you later. I love you and take care.

PS: I owe you my good penmanship. When everyone else thought that Mom was the one who taught me how to write, I still clearly remember that you were the one who patiently held and guided my hand. That's why I'm the class secretary for many years! I don't know if I have to thank you for that because my teachers always asked me to write on the board and I always went home tired! I love you for your patience. :)

Happy Father's Day also to the best father in the whole universe-our Almighty Father. I'm so thankful I didn't forget to greet Him! Whew! :)

Friday, June 19, 2009

Mommy Moments: That's My Dad!

Today’s Mom Moments Theme is That's My Dad!

Meet my senior and junior executives! My husband and his son are so close to each other! They're both funny and very witty. And they look alike. Many people tell us that Gabby is an improvement of his Dad. We believe so, too.

Happy Father's Day to all the daddies out there! :)

More posts about Father's Day here!
Thanks to Shabby Princess for the digiscrap elements.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

One Feeling Ugly and Exhausted Mom

Sleeping late to finish my design projects and waking up early to prepare my kids’ breakfast and things for school has begun taking its toll on me. I feel so tired! I can’t take short naps in the afternoon because I have to pick up my son at 3 pm! I wanted to cry “Help!” and have it in its tangible form but our finances just won’t allow another nanny in the house.

It was when my older sister asked me last Monday why I have dark circles on my eyes that I got so concerned of my health and appearance. Does the fatigue really show?

Oh my, now that the AH1N1 virus is here, I should be taking care of myself now more than ever. I’m taking vitamins though, One a Day multivitamins for women, Vitamin C and Caltrate Plus, but I know those are not enough. I really think I need to get enough rest or sleep. All work and no rest make us ugly, sad and exhausted mommies! That's what I think ha? I've got to go now, I’ll try to rest for a while before doing my chores. :)

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Market Communications For Your Business

One of my clients is someone who once dreamt of having her own medical insurance company. Having been in the industry for over ten years, she thought now is the time to have one. When most entrepreneurs would rather keep their money and wait for a better time, she’d rather take the risks and invest in this business.

The last time I visited her at her office, I saw communications gadgets and equipments for receiving calls and voice recording which I knew later would be for her call center department. And it dawned on me: medical insurance companies should have their in-house call center for efficient and round-the-clock customer service.

I was amazed at how she has planned her communications and call center department so well! She’s really into details and her choice of equipments is exemplary. She once told me that when one has a service-related business, high performance level equipments, high speed data solutions and applications should be thought of. Did she ask the help of a reliable telecommunications provider like Market Communications? I really think so. For if not, she ought to try tapping this company's services. It offers diverse solutions options and a wide variety of voice platforms and networks that caters to different business needs.

Having worked for a communications department of a company before, I know how important having reliable communications equipment and solutions is. It's good to know my client knows that well enough, too.

Addicted No More

I am posting this just so I will remember this and my temporary addiction--watching NBA games, someday:

photo from nba.com
Lakers won its 15th championship, Kobe Bryant was named Finals MVP, and Phil Jackson had his 10th Championship ring.
Was I happy that they won? Of course, I am a solid Lakers fan!
Now that the season is over and my favorite team won:
• No more shutting off the TV than seeing Lakers lose
• No more early evening showers so I can watch the replay
• No more browsing on nba.com for articles and updates
I am so glad this addiction is over…for now.

Congratulations, Lakers team!

Monday, June 15, 2009

Vacation Tips for Travelers Like Me!

I’ve always wanted to travel. There were opportunities to travel abroad like when my sister wanted to tag me along when she went to Singapore years ago, but my lack of preparation hindered me from availing of those once-in-a-lifetime treats.

Choosing not to cry over spilt milk, I am contented for the meantime on exploring the sights and wonders of my own country. Hence, the Department of Tourism’s former slogan: “Don’t be a foreigner in your own country.” is very applicable to me. I love to explore the countryside and the seaside whenever I have the chance and money. But as I’ve learned from experience, my love for travel and getaways should come hand in hand with preparation. To enjoy the vacation well, one must prepare the itinerary or even the budget for the much needed vacation. Though I can go to one province impromptu, there are many things to consider and prepare, especially when I’m on a tight budget.

Take for instance our trip to Boracay Island last year. We went there without even booking for an accommodation! And it was peak season! Good thing we were able to find a good resort hotel with reasonable rates.

The first room we were about to stay at were previously booked by a couple so out of shame, the owner of this resort hotel found a room with two beds for us! It was then that I miss my kids! We should have brought them along! Next time, surely.
Browsing the net for help should have helped us that time. Travelers like us would benefit from rentals and vacation tips and articles which more experienced travel gurus share. Now I know what to expect on peak seasons and how and when to get the best deals on flight tickets. Who knows, I might be able to apply these tips to a vacation abroad next time?

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Paid Postings Now and Then

Aside from the post about scent last night, it’s been a while since I last did paid posting. Since my PR went to N/A or O last April, my opportunities were lessened and often, there were none.

I really enjoy paid blogging. It challenges me to think and write creatively about certain topics and it pays reasonably enough. In fact, it was only last month that I withdrew my earnings. And when I did, I was very happy because I was able to buy some things I really want to---without hurting the family’s budget. Just some of the stuff I bought from my earnings:

Gabby and Sunday's school shoes

My pair of white sandals
I just wish I could have my PR back. I thought of buying my own domain but then again, I saw some blogs with their own domain but their PR is still 0 or went back to 0 after doing paid postings! Google Page Rank really is a mystery to me.

Anyway, a paid blogging site just emailed me an opportunity last night which I accepted and I’m working on it now. I’m making hay while the sun shines. Any wise mom should.

Scents and Sensibilities

Last week, my former superior and officemates called to inform me that they need help in the Art Section of the company’s Sales and Marketing Department. They asked if I am interested to work for the company again. I must admit I got excited. I worked and went to the office for almost more than half of my adult life. The idea of dressing up for work and dealing with different people now comes to mind. And one of the things that I love to do when I was still working is dabbing my favorite perfume, Romance by Ralph Lauren. I first smelled its scent when my hubby gave me a bottle when he came from a Hong Kong trip sponsored by their company. I fell in love with its very feminine Scent!

Anyway, I’m not sure if I’ll go back to working again. But if I have to, sporting that scent will surely be expected. :)

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

My Little Speller and Me

Recently, I was able to watch the replay of Scripps National Spelling Bee on ESPN. The kids were amazing! The words were unheard of but they were able to spell them out masterfully.
Two years ago, Gabby was also chosen to represent his school when he was in his prep year. He won! I was just so proud of him! I just wish that he’ll continue reading books to learn new words.

Watching Gabby's and Scripps’ contests never fails to bring me back to my elementary days. I joined the school’s Spelling Bee and I was the only Grade 5 contestant and all the rest were from Grade 6. To make the story short, I won! The teachers prepared me for the contest where I would have to contend against students from other schools in that city. I thought I prepared well. But I was wrong. I spelled most words correctly but there’s one word that until now I can’t imagine I spelled wrong. I spelled business shamefully! How I spelled it? Just guess! :)

Monday, June 8, 2009

Mothers know best

When I enrolled Gabby to school, the school treasurer told me that the classes start on June 8. So when the CHED or Commission on Higher Education announced the suspension of classes on college levels until June 15, I hesitated on letting Gabby come to school this morning. I searched the internet last night and watched the news on TV but all news told me one thing: classes on primary and secondary levels start today. It’s up to the school administration to cancel their school opening.

Calling the school to inquire this morning was difficult. When Gabby woke up coughing and are having signs of mild asthma attack, my hesitation grew more. But the Daddy wants Gabby to attend classes. I didn’t. My motherly instinct told me that it’s not the right time. I even argue with my husband that if the college students are “protected’ (from AH1N1 virus) for a week by delaying their classes, why not the small and younger ones in the primary and secondary levels?

Anyway, with a heavy heart and Hubby’s prodding, I gave in. I prepared Gabby for school. We reached school and saw students but when we approached the gate, a big sign stared at us: CLASSES START ON JUNE 15.

Mothers know best? Yes, we do. Always.

Photo source here

Sunday, June 7, 2009

On Taking Shots and a Wish

Last Friday morning, I went to a client to do product shots. That was the time when I wished I have a DSLR cam so I can take good pics. But since the client only wanted a digital archive of their products and files which I can use for their brochure, I thought that our digicam with high megapixel is enough for now. (I just hope I’ll have a good DSLR cam soon!)

A candid shot of the products. I cannot post the products with
their name and manufacturer's name exposed, for work ethic reasons.
Speaking of taking pictures, I once had the chance to work with one photographer who came from the known Tapan clan—not *George Tapan though (*How I wish I get to work with or learn from him!) The other Tapan was commissioned to take product shots and interiors of the place I once worked for.

Being the graphic designer of the company who will use his shots on our marketing materials, I was assigned to accompany and help him. It was a two-day shoot. I had a chance to peep through the lens whenever he was busy composing his shot and I suggested this and that to him and his staff. It was minutes after the last clicks of the camera that he told me, “You have a flair for taking good shots, Beth. You know the good angles”, and gave me his calling card. Wow! That was a compliment! I didn’t see that side of me until he said it. I will remember that compliment well and long enough to inspire me whenever I take pictures.

For now, I just have to content myself using our reliable digicam and enjoy taking shots whenever I want to. :)

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Awards: Over and Best

If there is one person and one blog who and which I admire in this blogosphere, it's Meryl and her Places, People, Events, Good food and My Life. Her blog is so new yet it gained popularity at such a short period of time. Maybe because whenever she visits other blogs, she doesn't forget to leave sincere comments and her blog is so informative that you will always wonder what her next posts will be. :)So receiving these awards from her really is appreciated. Thanks Meryl for these! :) I've posted these two on my award sidebar, too. :)

Friday, June 5, 2009

Mommy Moments: Time Out with Friends

Today’s Mom Moments Theme is Time with Friends!

One of the harsh realities of being a wife and a mom is losing some old friends, especially the ones who have their own family too. Keeping the friendships alive became difficult as I started prioritizing my family. And making new ones were less likely as my time is spent on errands, to-dos, to-buys and to-visits. My social life was the first and hopefully the last casualty in my plunge to married life.

Back in college and soltera days, I would spend at least a day every week with my friends malling, eating and just having a good time. But since I got married, gone were the days when only a phone call or text would bring me and a friend or some of them, together.

Anyway, I’m sharing with you some pics with my friend Nest, one of my remaining friends.

This was taken about a couple of years after college.

Nest was one of the bridesmaids on my wedding.

We still get in touch with each other, though she's also busy with her family.
Taken in Cape Bolinao, Pangasinan
Having time-outs with friends is really important. And I'm planning to have one as soon as I have the time. I just don't know when that would be! :)

More posts about it here!

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Awards: Lovely, Favorite and a Plaque

I would like to thank Enchie, Khaye and Kero for this One Lovely Blog award. Enchie gave this to me a long time ago and it's only now that I accepted it. Thanks, Enchie! You also have one lovely blog there which I always love to visit! Also to Kero, my newfound blogging friend here. I love your blogs, too. Very informative! I always find something lovely and beautiful whenever I get to visit your blog. Thanks also to Jeng for this! I appreciate it really! Thanks also to this award Khaye! You might've thought I've forgotten about it already but I didn't. I sincerely appreciate your remembrance. :)

My sincere gratitude to Kikamz, Chris and Toni and Clarisse for this award too! This is my favorite award, literally. Being a favorite of another good blogger is really a compliment. I sincerely appreciate this, ladies! Thanks so much! :)
Though I don't get to accept awards on time, just please remember, even Oscars' Best Actress awardees miss out on award nights, too. But they still have the man displayed in their homes. :) I'm also just like them, proud and thankful. :)

Happy Thursday! :)

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

It's good to be back! :)

Someone dared me if I can last more than a week without blogging. That someone was just so concerned of my health and the time I spent with the kids and husband because she knows I also do freelance designing which takes up a long span of my time. And so I accepted the dare. Not because I was challenged. I did it because it also coincided with many things:

1. I suffered from insomnia for the past three weeks. I was still up at past 3 am and just three hours after I dozed off, I was already awake. Slowly, I refrained from drinking coffee in the afternoon and turned off the computer when I felt that I was tired from doing the designs. I didn’t dare visit my blog. As much as I missed it, I had to help myself.

2. I had a very important project to do and I had to focus my energy and time into it so I can finish at least three-fourth of it before the school opens. So far, I think I’ve accomplished this. :)

3. The preparation for the school opening. No explanation needed here, I think.

4. I had to meet a client referred by another client and as we all do in our new business meetings or clients, I had to put my best foot forward. I am doing their brochure now. :)

5. My mother came from the province and I had to accompany her to the salon (Piandre, at that!) for her hair coloring and I had to help her buy a semi-formal blouse which she will wear on a wedding. She was so excited on this because her co-sponsors are politicians and known personalities from that province.

I have so many things to be grateful to God for. I can now sleep easily and get to read books to my kids on bedtime, I have new clients who believe in my design skills and I was able to spend some time with my mother.

Also, I am also grateful for that someone who dared me to give myself some quality time and pushed me to do the things I needed and would love to do. That someone deeply knows my limitations, my whims and my happiness.

And that someone is me. :)

PS: Thanks for all the visits, I'll try to visit back when the kids are already in school! :)

Photo source here.

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