Long overdue V-day and winter break vacation

Well, well. School week winter vacation in Massachusetts was on the same week of Vday. The whole week, I had to plan activities for the kids, otherwise they would be so bored to death, they'll end up giving me high blood pressure. First day was President's Day and Lightning Thief day, I have to ask a switch for holiday schedule. You see, I have to work 2 major holidays and few more minor ones. I know, I know, my schedule sucks, but it's okay. My co workers and I have mastered the art of schedule switching.

I have to say the movie sucks... big time. Major stinker is what KC calls it. We were very disappointed. It's not only because it is from a book to a movie but the blatant inaccuracies from the book. Hopefully, when they make the  next books into movies ( will they even try?), they will get it right. Before we headed to the movies we had late lunch at a local Italian restaurant called Alfredo's. They make their own pasta right in our city! Yahoo! It helps that I have gift certificates for this place.

Nothing fancy about the place, but the food is delicioso! The staff is efficient and smelling good. I add dining points to a restaurant when I see their staff clean and smelling delicious. Isn't it unappetizing ( is this a word?) when they smell like the kitchen or they just got back from their cigarette break? Eeewww. They gave me and KC a white rose after the meal. Lovely thought, isn't it. Extra point for Alfredo's. We then proceeded to Foxwoods Casino where Hubby is going to meet his sister and brother-in-law. Me? I was going for the snow crabs and mussels in their international buffet spread. Meanwhile, the kids are counting on the swimming pool. I let them swim for a good 30-40 minutes and we rested, in the car. We can not get hotel reservations. We went straight to Quincy Marriott for a breakfast buffet. it is good to wake up to this.

We go here everytime we are lazy to cook. Nothing exemplary or nothing to rave about. In fact, it is quite expensive. But the place is perfect! On top of a hill, clean facilities. You should see their first floor bathroom- 5 star! We were so tired, we slept all day. Then the night comes. We picked up Ice and off we go swimming again! My kids are fishes, they belong to Aparri- my hometown. They had so much fun!

I found that "holiday" decal dirt cheap. So we made it as background on what we call "Hollywood pics". And this my friends, is the highlight of my week. A vnote form KC which says: "Mom, when I grow up, I want to be a good Mom just like you" perfect!

I promise to be more updated. Mmmm, sure! Go ahead and say " i love you". Ciao!

Nice weather outside

That's right. Boston is 45-49F! You can actually see people in light sweaters- in good mood! You see, Bostonians are perceived to be grumpy compared to the rest of the USA. We attribute that to the crazy New England weather. But this is not what this post is about.

The point is, sunny and nice outside and Bernadette ( she does not refer to herself in the third person all the time, by the way) is INSIDE WORKING! Yeah, that's right, working! Duh!

My World To Yours: My personal pet peeves

My World To Yours: My personal pet peeves

And yet again

I technically promised myself I would be avoiding double shifts. Aaaargh! It is very draining, physically and mentally.  Overtime pay is good but man, these night shifts are a major pain. Please make me rich soon. I should start betting on the Mass lottery! Or maybe, I should change profession? That's all folks. It's 6am and I have been here at work since 3PM... yes, 3Pm yesterday.

Because I do not like roses

Because I am not fond of roses, this is what I got this morning from Hubby and the Kids.

As white as can be! Boy, am I glad I have my little angels to perk me up after working an overnight shift. All worth it. So,  to make you more jealous  on Vday, here are more pics...

Lovely day! Enjoy the rest of your Vday!

Repost: In honor of Vday: Heartwarming

It has been said, time and again that there is nothing more heartwarming than a child's embrace, the soft touch of their tiny little hands and the glow of their faces even with simple things. Yet, they also say the sweetest of things, in a manner so innocent they do not understand why you are crying and laughing at the same time. Ah, the miracle of an innocent child...

On Valentine's day 2007, I did not make any particular plans going out. Aside from the announced snowstorm ( ahhh New England), my husband and I have been in job transitions in a way too complicated that it is taking a toll on me. Last year, I took pictures of the kids, all in newly purchased red tops, with I LOVE YOU inscribed in a home- made billboard, in chronological order by age. As such, I had the pictures framed, beautifully wrapped and the kids were excited to go out dating with Daddy. We had a sumptous dinner at a favorite family restaurant. That was last year. So this year, I bought a shadow box, filled it up with hubby's pictures with the kids, made some artwork and love notes from the kids... whoooaaala! A Valantine's gift. Included with that simple gift is of course my Valentine card. I left the shadow box and an 8x10 picture of him and me on the dining table so that he could see it once he gets home. It turned out he planned for a night out dinner, being a school day, what with the traffic and the snowstorm, we ordered pizza instead. Here, my friends start the real story.

While eating our " special ordered gourmet PIZZA from Domino's", Karmina ( my second child and only daughter), asked " Do you know what my favorite holiday is?" My husband said, Christmas because you get a lot of gifts! " Naah.", Karmina said. So each one went on to guess, halloween because she gets to be a pretty Princess, Thanksgiving because she gets to go to cousin Lovely's house, or maybe even valentine... because she is allowed to drink soda. With her usual dramatics which includes leaning her head to the left and clasping her hands, putting them to her cheeks, sweet smile and blinking eyes, she goes " Mom, Dad, my favorite holiday is Mother's Day and Father's Day.. wait a minute, that's two holidays, "because I love you both." Aaaaaawww, isn't that sweet! I was so moved by that. Imagine the " pinch" I felt! At that moment, unlike in movies or any written scripts, I just sat there unable to think of a great comeback, a ready sweet retort only imagined by great writers, but what can I say? But unlike in movies , this is real, so there is no unexpected standing, crying and sobbing while talking, but there is a great deal of joy in my heart, a love that no one is able to write, to describe or act out. For the human heart is unable to fathom to the deepest of emotions, specially that of an innocent child. You see, for an innocent child, that was just that. Plain and simple... unplanned, not in need of any acknowledgement or award whatsoever. To KC, that was just any ordinary sweet things she always does.

I may not have a lot of material things, but I have my daughter. I may not have higher degrees or high professional placement but I have someone who loves me. I may not be perfect, but I have a family who supports me. I might have made mistakes... but looking at my daughter, she is more than my redemption. It's as if God is telling me that whatever may come, He is there and He loves me. It is easier to believe that with Karmina around.

P.S.
Karmina Cielo means beautiful sky. She is truly a beauty ... from the sky.

Mom.

A beautiful birth story

This is such a beautiful story. It is beautfully written showing very raw  human emotions. I choked and cried, it was painful to read, but it makes you read over and over, knowing that it is in your heart and no matter what happens, you feel so much love and blessing eminating from this beautiful family.  Read on and be blessed!  here you feel what real love is. If you are interested with the new development of this beautiful family, click here.


Please, let us all love without bias and prejudice.

Because of snow

Since New England is anticipating another snowstorm, the public schools decided to make this a half day, meaning the kids will be off at 11:25. They say Boston will get 8-12inches of snow and the South Shore, more! That's always the case. We always get more. Bummer! It's suppose to start around noon, so I guess my commute to work is screwed! I remember this crazy day in December 2008. So, what to do now? INterestingly, I feel like cooking chicken with brocolli and cheese. Will post pictures of my dish later.

Guessing game

Guess what this is:

Cute skulls

More clue? Here's one more.

The skulls are so kyoot!

No, nothing comes to mind? I grabbed this right away when I saw them. I think it is adorable. Ok, no more guessing! Here is my ......latest purchase for Pherry... i hoped Josh had one too, and me and KC!

It's a shirt!

My clam recipe

Been craving for clams lately. It does not help that I read the marketman on a daily basis. Last week, he posted a clam recipe and I started to cry in pain. I wanted it so bad. The pictures were unbereable. It looked so yummy. I promised myself I would try to cook it, soon! Come Sunday, I went to Kam-Man, an Asian superstore a stone throw away from me and got all the ingredients. I got the short neck clams because I do not know the difference of Akegai and short neck. I figured, they look the same. I had to rush because I have to go to work! I also picked belt fish for deep frying for the kids!  When I sauteed the ginger and white onions, it was very fragrant as marketman describe, it inspired me. LOL. Here are some pictures... they are not the best as they were taken by Pherry on his iPhone, I was busy cooking.

Did you know that rice wine's alcohol content ranges from 12-17%? That's like 3x the alcohol content of most American beers! Funny thing is, they do come in a disclosure, something like this: intended for cooking, not to be sold as alcoholic beverage. How is that? There were so many brands and the alcohol content is mostly 15%. So, I guess, it is so much easier to get drunk eating my clam recipe than your beer!

My 12% alcohol rice wine

I sauteed the ginger and white onions first, the aroma filled the room. It is this sweet and soothing smell. I guess the ginger does that to me.

 As suggested by marketman, wait till brown and put the heat high as possible before adding the clams.

I usually use wok when stir-frying

When all the clams are open, wait just about 3-5 minutes. You do not want to over cook your clams or else, it will be rubbery. Tha's why it is important to crank up the heat so it is quick. At this point, my clams smelled so good. It felt like I was living on the seaside town of Aparri again. You know, that sea salt smell and the breeze! Ok, ok, I am exaggerating.  I added black bean sauce and a little bit of cornstarch to make it a little pasty. Then I added oyster sauce. I used Mama Sita's vegetarian oyster sauce. I always buy Filipino items whenever available. I feel I am helping Philippine economy that way. The Mama Sita brand is available at almost all Asian stores.

See the time? I am supposed to be at work by 3pm

Lastly, I poured just a little bit of rice wine, about 3 tbps. Remove from fire. The heat generated should be enough to absorb the wine flavoring! Whoala... serve with white rice! The family's verdict? Delicious!

Marketman's--- with green chilli

Mine... no peppers and green chilli - kids hate peppers!

All this in under 15 minutes. It is so easy yet delicious... try it! It will save you a trip to Chinatown!

Those interested with marketman's original post... click here. Thanks marketman!

This is why we should not vote for these moviestars!

I cringe. Eeek. I pity. I am embarrased.

Being with kids. Again

On Tuesday, my niece Fridah ( who collects Barbie), had to go to her training. I will be babysitting for a couple of days..  She is a Practical Nurse. I do not know what the difference is from an LPN, CNA or even an RN, but, she's a nurse.  I am so lame.

I took care of her kids, they are sooooo adorable. Precious is 5 and the baby, Joel Michael is about 5 months. We call him Joey although his parents want to call him Jem for short. You know, Precious.... Jem. I know! Funny. Actually, Precious is Precious Gabrielle but I love calling her Ice. They are both adorable. Fridah dropped them off about 9AM, KC and Josh are home around 12PM because Tuesday is half day for city public schools. Can you imagine my day? I had to keep stopping Josh from kissing Jem, kept telling Ice to stop nibbling and tell KC to let Ice watch her TV show. Haayyy! But, eyelavet! The good thing about taking care of kids other than your own is that you enjoy them so much knowing that at the end of the day,  you give them bak to their parents. You know what they say about uncles and aunties, they are the ones who say yes to everything... yes to chocolates, yes to messy and yes we can get that. Who cares if the baby's gonna be hyperactive? Mom will pick them up later. WHo cares if the preschooler wants to color his shirt? Mom will wash it later. See, you enjoy the moments with them, Mom will clean them up. Hahahha!

While Jem was sleeping and Ice was watching Nick Jr.,(like preschool on TV", is their tag line), i tried ( tried is the operative work) to clean my bathroom. I tossed away my old make-up, cleansers, lotions, sunscreen, mouthwash and little things that are just occupying space. Useless and waste of money. As I mentioned 2010 to do listt, I would like to declutter my bathroom essentials. One less thing to cross off my list, yahoo! Ice came over and said,  "why you have lots of make-up?" I said i do not. She snapped back " yes, you do." I guess that's a sign for me. No more make-up, even if they are 95% off. Oh kids, they tell you things like it is.

Here she is, eating spaghetti which surprisingly she loved! "Mamu, i love it!" Really? "yes". It warms my heart. I bet she loved the Filipino style sauce. Filipinos love to make spaghetti sauce with hotdogs and make it a tad sweet. See, her mom cooks really good, so I am really happy she liked my spaghetti, without any bribe from me.

If all kids I babysit is as good as Jem, I could make this as a profession. Jem is incredibly easy. He is 5 months only, which would make taking care of babies this age a little bit on the fragile side. But Jem is so quiet, only cries if he is wet or hungry. But only for a moment. He cries only to get your attention. Once he gets to see you, he starts to smile. 

Ice and Jem

Oh, did I tell you I have to pack my kids and these 2 adorable bunnies in my car on the way to Boston,  to work, then hand them over to Hubby?  I felt like a schoolbus driver sans the rowdy kids. My kids adore Ice and Jem. I think it comes with their ages. Since Joshua is 7, he still gets a little jealous when Pherry pays more attention to them. At the same time, they fight on who gets to sit with who, and who gets to read a book for Ice and who gets to sleep over. The list goes on and on.  They had a blast being cramped in the car!

I am sure my kids and Ice had a blast spending time together but if someone loved it more than anything, it would be me. Josh is now 7, so he is not quite the baby anymore, so it is refreshing to spend time with younger ones. Babies are pure genuine happiness. Personally, it inspires me to see a baby. It makes me reflect on the simplicity of life and how to get the most of it, you know, going back to what is essential to us. Hearing Ice's giggle, makes me go back when we are carefree, not careless but carefree, when the world was all about the little things in life, when a smile can make you forget why you were upset, or when a soothing hush can make you stop the tears from flowing or when you are contented with just family, when home was your stronghold!

Don't you wish everyone around you  be as simple, honest and happy as babies?

One Saturday

Earlier today, we trooped to KC's dance school. It is the school's "parents' watch" day. We brought along the boys anyway- with much resentment from them. "Do we really have to?" Mom, please... we just want to stay home. I convinced   forced them to come by bribing them with "lunch out." Anyway, it was so much fun. You see,  KC does 3, ballet, jazz and tap. I think she is more into jazz than ballet. I never got to see their hip-hop class because it is on Wednesdays, so I guess Pherry and KC will have to surprise me come recital day- which always happens on Memorial Day weekend. Their costumes are beautiful but  very expensive. I love their school though. See some amazing pics and videos of the students here.  She started going here when she was 4 or 5 , but because we moved to another city, we have tried 2 different  schools both of which I never liked. So back to Gold School. The assistants are awfully nice but the best part is that they have superb shows! Amazing! Even if we have to drive 30-35 minutes 2x in a week, we love it.

tap

ballet

After the 2 hr classes, we were hungry. Hubby was indecisive, should we go to the Boodle Fest a friend invited us, grab some seafood on the way or just drop by mother-in-law and just eat there? I hate it when he is so indecisive! Men! I asked him to get me my daily coffee dose ( extra cream extra sugar, please) at Dunkin' Donuts  and I then decided to just buy lobsters and shrimps at our favorite grocery store for cheap food shopping - Market Basket. It is always crowded here especially on the weekends. Since the plaza had a Payless Shoe Store , I decided to grab Kc's jazz shoes. Believe it or not, this would be her 3rd since September. She grows out of them too quickly. I'd never buy her shoes "with allowance" though, especially her dance shoes. Unluckily, they did not have the tan ones that the school requires. Bleeech! I guess I have to buy from the school or go to some specialty dance stores--- which by the way cost a lot! Plus, KC has this narrow but long feet, that's why it's hard to find her shoes.

But---- big but, I saw that they had Hallmark Store there too, and a huge one compared to my local one. All Christmas decors at 75% off. My heart started racing! See, to me,  Hallmark is love, Christmas decors, my love! I love hanging out at Hallmark, even if I am not buying anything. It does not help that my local Hallmark is inside a mall and right beside Lego. Aaaargh! Yup, you guessed it, I bought tons of it. You see, I buy my Christmas collections after the season so I could actually afford the ones I realy like. Christmas 2010, I plan to have a real tree! I get to display my Christmas collectibles... yahoo! So, my trip to the grocery store ended up beng so exciting and successful! In order for Hubby not to be upset, the "loot" went straight to the trunk! 

Here is my Christmas Collection Series from Hallmark! The details are amazing!

MY Hallmark loots.  I am so lucky.

Sleeping angel. Angels are my thing. In fact, my wedding favors were snow angels, way before they became so popular.

This one actually moves.  The wheels are real!

We will add this one to our already "too- many -a- family- picture -frame"

Adorable

 

Another Santa. You can't have too many Santas you know

The arms and legs are movable, Mr Santa can sit!

Isn't Mr. Pilot Santa adorable?

 

The details of this beautiful gingerbread house is amazing

See, what I mean? Beautiful!

This one actually plays a song. "Grandma Got Run Over by A reindeer"

A heart in his hand. The back actually has a decal that says, I stop for Grandmas. Too kyoot!

I super love this. This picture is bad. The fine details make it so special!

My 2009 Hallmark Christmas series!

I have purchased all that was available in the store. I have multiples of each except the picture frame - I have waaaay too many of them. Beautiful indeed!

I had to go work the night shift, so we had lobsters and shrimp tempura at my mother-in-law's ( because we are close by and because we were starving). After the  night shift,  Hubby and  I with a group of friends went straight to Chinatown for a good old lugaw ( congee) and some siomai. I wanted their milkshake tea pearl but I was way too full. Good company, good stories and good food, make a good Saturday!

How about you, how did you spend your weekend?

Penny Penching Bernadette

I have been trying to cut off some unnecessary bills. Not that I have many. I personally do not subscribe to magazines, go bar hopping, no vices such as smoking or drinking. I have just one expensive taste-BAGS. Other than that, I stick to basics. In fact, I love Wal-mart. I buy anything I could possibly buy at Wal-Mart. If it's not available there, then I go somewhere else.

What could possibly be better than Wal-Mart?

I was inspired by a recent article regarding a stay at home mom who said that she was saving money by just looking at the basics. So, I mentally thought of what  can I live without. Please do not say, BAGS. At this point, I can not do that. They say the rule in changing is knowing in you that you can actually be successful with the change in mind. I know I can not  give up my bags yet. I plan to buy my great purchases only now, though. No more buying just because it is on sale.


Anyway, I cut off our HBO subscription = 11.99, Pinoy TV=15.99, renegotiated our cable services= from $64.00- $55. That's an incredible savings of.... tada....$36.98! You see, I do not have time to watch anyway, I mean not on a daily basis. I like curling up on a book better, or listening to music. So HBO is out. I left the sports package we have for Hubby. The Pinoy TV is lousy! Programming is awful, visual grapic is yucky and I do not have time. Honestly, If I can only have just DateLine Philippines, I am all set with my Philippine vitamin of the day. I sure want the kids to be exposed to Philippine culture, if only for a bit, so TFC should be good enough. Besides, as Pherry says, all they do is cry and shout at each other, or that he finds it crazy that everyone thinks Willie Revillame is God. Please, tell that moron to STOP! I went online to compare the channels available with the different packages they have. The programming from my $64 package is only different because of a few channels that don't even mean much  to me, so click, click click and my monthly subscription is $55.00... oh that sounds more like it! Besides, I found a better way to watch my TV shows. I will let you in on a secret. Now, I watch my TV shows at HULU.com. Free and just 15-30 seconds TV show breaks. Perfect. Try it! You can watch anytime you want, anywhere there is internet connection. It is so amazingly clear and legal! Beats Netflix in my book.

Here's a screen shot of House (Down Low) episode on Hulu.com.

Just an update

I have not been good, blogwise. I have not done any entry for January. So, what have I been up to? Anything planned up already? I am so sorry for lazy bullet entries.

2010 List

Today is the 30th day of December. Tomorrow, the world will say goodbye to 2009. Which brings me the question, is it better to have a seamless transition to a new year, so that the life we run is uninterrupted or you desire it as a brand new start? Fair enough for a discussion, don't you think? I can tell you my preference, but you might have to buy me popcorn to discuss it.

Nevertheless, that is not what this entry is for. For the new year, a lot of people make new year's resolution. I made those too. Never worked. I feel like it was a curse list, bound to make me feel guilty or abandon my newfound strenght to evolve to a better version of me, an updated one, with the new softwares and gadgets. Bleech! It seems like the word resolution gives it a negative connotation. This year, I am making a list. I call it my 2010 list. This list will include all my desires for 2010, and hopefully, able to cross them off this long list as I am able to triumphantly emerge as the winner between the LIST and ME. The difference? Since it is a list of my goals, I can actually visualize it. It has nothing to do with regretting. It is more focused on attaining. So here goes my nemesis... I warn you, I will emerge victorious. Hopefully by December 2010, I can repost this entry and the LIST is totally crossed off!

Open letter to Santa

Dear Santa,

It's been years since I wrote to you. Growing up, I always wrote to you. I kept it hidden to everyone. It's not like other kids, who are asked to write their Christmas list, so that Santa will deliver the gifts just in time for them to see underneath the Christmas tree. Only, in my little world then, it was bayabas branch ( guava), meticulously chosen and wrapped in colorful crepe paper. I wrote every single year, never had the chance to show it to anyone. I pour my heart out everytime I write, then and now. Sometimes, I ask for a gift, sometimes my letter is just to write my plans, aspirations and changes I would want in my life, but mostly just some scramblings; until I lull myself to sleep. Santa, why do we grow up?  Do we have to?

I remember asking for a pretty dress for 3rd grade Christmas party. Well, my mother did buy me one, only to have every other girl in class have almost an identical design of the dress. One girl said I just copied her. She taunted me until it hurt. I did not cry, you see Santa, that was my defense. I ignored her to show that I did not care. But you see Santa, that was not fair. I did not even have a choice. My mother bought that for me, because it was cheap, we can afford it. Back then, it was painful. Now, I do not even know where that girl is. I hope she remembers me and hope she has a good life. You see, I think because of her, unintentionally, I became more concerned on my dealings with other people.

Santa, when i was young, I used to dream and boy, did I dream. Today, my son said his teacher told them, it's okay to shoot for the moon, for even if you won't hit it, you would still land with the stars. Pretty thought. I guess I did not shoot for the moon. But, I do have stars in my life. I have 3 little shining stars that warm my heart to bits. But Santa, it's difficult, you know, being a parent. Balancing my world for them is what I do, but sometimes the world tilts, unfavorably, I'm afraid. My dreams have not gotten me to the moon, not even close. I just wish that my kids will have a better shot at it, please Santa, please. I promise to guide and protect them. But Santa, that's all I can do, right? Hopefully, they will also write letters, to you and to me. My dreams are there, in a compartment of my life. They may or may not be fulfilled but the important thing is I dream. For what is life without dreams and aspirations?

Santa, I know it in my heart that my secret letters to you are keepers of my immense desires and longings in this world. I may not recall all of them, but I know they must be the same as the ones I desire now. Our dreams and wishes are what shape our future, right Santa? In different stages of our life, we desire the same things, but when you're younger, you desire them in it's simplest form. Life is more complicated now Santa. Sometimes I even think it is chaotic. But when it gets so tough, I retreat back and simplify it. You see Santa, it is not easy to simplify in my world now. Too many factors involved. Friends, work, family and other personal indulgence. Is it too much to ask you to just make all my life's complications disappear? Yes, like boom! Like a fresh slate, clean and squeaky white. But wait, no, not yet Santa. Hold on a bit!

I take that back Santa. I want my life in all it's blazing glory of mistakes, failures and few trickles of success and a whole lot of laughter. So, let me try that again... Santa can you just make the mean people and the bad situations vanish? Oh, I like that better. You can't? Santa, please. It's all or nothing? No selective memory vanishing? This is hard, Santa. I give up, you win again. I want my life. I love my life. I see you smiling Santa. So, ok I move on with my life just the way i did, choosing my battles wisely.

Soon, it will be Christmas. Santa, will you bring me my gifts? You know I like surprises but then, I want nothing anymore. Nothing you can buy at the store, at least. I am grown up now Santa. I want the more profound things in life. I want my family and friends' safety, continued good health and stable life. I can see you smiling Santa. But seriously, I want nothing more than the joy of childhood. You see, I like that, simple joy and genuine laughter. Can I have that? Yes, you say? Oh, thank you Santa!

Before i go, Santa, can I make one wish? No, it's not for me, but it will make me happy just the same. Can you make the kids devastated by the typhoons in the Philippines recently have a merry Christmas? I am sure you can. Thank you Santa.


Love lots,

Bernadette Ambiong
60 Loriga Gallarza St.
Punta Aparri Cagayan Philippines

Dear Fridah

Dear Fridah,

You know I love you and that you collect Barbies but can you please buy me this? Please pretty please?

Ain't she pretty for me?

Adorable Hershey's  sash.

I will forever be grateful to you. You know I do not like Barbie and could care less about chocolates but there is something about Barbie and Hershey's together. My birthday was last October but Christmas is 43 days away.

xoxo... I know you love me too. Kisses!

In Barbie's name,

Bads

My personal pet peeves

In between eating my adobo, checking facebook updates and getting hold of Hubby, I am compelled to share to you my pet peeves. As in... annoying stuff that could easily evaporate my good mood. We all have our own little ways and views, but what in the name of God, is that perfume? Lemme start! By the way, this is in no particular order.

1. Did I say I hate STRONG perfume?  The reason perfumes have spray ( or roll ons ) honey, is because you apply SPARINGLY! If it was meant to be poured, believe me, they would put screw caps. Are we clear on this?

2. I hate people who do not RSVP. Be it invites, phone calls, messages, voicemail and the likes. All you gotta do is respond! Be it... " So sweet of you to invite me,  I will definitely be there.", or "No way I am coming to see you , Bitch!", or if you are really avoiding the person, revenge is the way to go... call back when you know you can leave a voicemail yourself and say whatever!

3. I do not like annoying people who thinks they can broadcast their lives through the wonderful innovation called  phone. "Hi, are you sure? Are you at the mall yet? No, I am still here at  Stop and Shop. I need to buy sanitary napkins and buy Tinactin for my husband." Do I really need to know you are having your menstrual visit and that your husband have alipunga? ( for my non Filipino readers, athlete foot). Goodness gracious. I will let you in on another  great innovation... text messaging. Try it sometimes when you feel like telling whoever, your most recent  rhinoplasty has gone bad. Seriously, do you really need to talk so loud like I need to know?

4. I hate it when someone always look over on my computer screen or what's on my iPhone ( or blackberry to some) . Guess what, you can ask me, do not hurt yourself by twisting and bending too much just to see what I am typing. I call these people, "Leanovers". If you need to lean over to see the screen, don't! Gosh, your eyeballs are falling off from its peripheral socket!

5. Bad breath. Bad breath. Bad breath.

6. Kids wearing adult clothes? Please! Do not adulterate your children. Believe me, you would not want them adulterate themselves later, why would you now? It is not cute. It is not cute. It is not cute. The mall is not the place for role playing, neither is the church or the local grocery shop! Mother daughter matching is good, but daughter wearing mother's, big NO. Worse is, mother wearing what her daughter should wear. Micro mini is not good at 50, even if you have Tina Turner legs. You understand me? Are we good here?

7. I hate it when waitstaffs refer to everyone as "you guys". Whatever happened to " Are you ready to order?" I would take that anytime than, " you guys ready?" I know it may sound cool and new but if want to be youguys for the night, i would stay home and youguys my kids, know what I  mean, you guys?

8. I hate it when someone presumes ( or assumes) THAT i AM STUPID BECAUSE I have an accent! Yes, I have an accent but I am not stupid. Recently, Kevin Freedman ( yes, man, I will blog about it every chance I get), thought I was stupid, I asked him to spell his name for my job and he said K (8 seconds) E, another 8 seconds V, V as in Victory,  I, yet another 8 seconds N. Ke-Vin! Ke-vin! After that he murmured, "stupid" and hanged up the phone. I called him back and I gave him the lecture of his life. All my life, being Promdi ( from the province), Manilenos think my Tagalog is so "matigas". Yeah, it must be! I am Ilocano, why, can you speak Ilocano the way it should be? I thought so! Lesson... it is okay to think it sounds funny, even cute when someone has  an accent  but never assume that because of it,  he/she is stupid. That may very well be the case but more often than not, it isn't.

9. I hate it when people brag too much because of their titles. Atty. Soman Do, Engr. Mali Kaman, Dr. Taran Tado and the likes. The same thing goes with Legal Officer 3, Management Trainee4 (whatever level that is, trainee ka pa rin!). I understand, use these official designation with business and official communications. When writing to your friends, please use your personal email unless necessary! I respect and admire achievement but to brag it to me, get lost. It takes more accomplishments if that is the case. Better yet, let me discover it myself, isn't it grander when I say," I didn't know you were a rocket scientist, wow!" I think I should delete number 9. Should I? Delete, delete not.

10. I do not like fake people. Fake friends. Fake smiles. Fake, fake fake! You may not like me but at least I am real. WYSIWYG! Pretentious! I laugh loud, that is another person's pet peeve, I'm sure but do not say otherwise. Say it. In my face. Straight. It is better.

I can add more to this list but for now, this is it! Now, boys and girls I need to submit some paper works so I can claim back my Bernadette A. Llaga, MT(H) ASCP designation that expired September 2009.