These Days

One of Richard's wishes came true this week.  We finally have a washing machine + dryer. =) He's been convincing me that we should buy a washing machine, arguing for the benefits of: not needing to drive to/from the laundry shop, saves time and money no need to handwash items that we don't send to the laundry shop, saves time and effort opportunity to let go of some clothes because there's less turnaround time between laundry cycles we need it in light of the changes that are happening in the household soon... We also know that it will be an expensive investment and that our electric bill will most likely spike but even so, the advantages seem enough.  We took the plunge and bought the unit last week, April 20.  Then it was delivered/installed Tuesday. Here it is! Buying Tip: One thing that everyone should do before buying appliances, especially the more expensive ones, is to CANVASS.  After this experience, I cannot stress it enough. Richard checked ...

We had dinner at the InterContinental Hotel's Cafe Jeepney Monday night.  I bought 5 vouchers months ago from Ebay.ph Kuponan at 50% off.  Since I already knew Papang and Mommy were visiting, I grabbed the deal.  It would our one big dinner during their trip. Richard and I are also celebrating our wedding anniversary so the plan came together.  The intent was to have the dinner on April 24, but they didn't have buffet on that particular Sunday (Holy Week) so we decided to go April 25 instead.  (It pays to call and reserve!)  We were there before 7PM and stayed just before 9AM.  As a group, we tried a little of almost everything. Food! We didn't try any of the breads at all. Overall, the food was good.  There are enough choices to satisfy (not overwhelm) everyone - grilled food, sushi, salads, pasta, and desserts.  It was relaxing and pretty laid-back dinner experience.  Probably because it was a Monday and only a few tables were ...

I started reading this book in January and just finished it yesterday.  It's non-fiction, academic book on Revenue Management.  It's not required reading so it got overtaken by other, more entertaining reads. I work for the Revenue Management organization for a hotel group.  Before this job, I had zero knowledge about RM.  I got hired on the strength of my Operations Research background but this was a completely new field to me.  I need to know the basics and my manager recommended this book.  He knows the author personally. Robert Cross is considered the guru of Revenue Management.  He helped Marriott and American Airlines develop and implement their RM processes and systems and basically introduced RM applicability to many industries.  He also helped develop IHG's RM system.  I had the opportunity to hear him speak during the Sales and Marketing Meeting in February.  Unfortunately, I forgot to bring the book.  I could have had...

This is the second book of the Hunger Games Trilogy.  The first book, The Hunger Games, ended with Peeta and Katniss winning the games and returning back to District 12.  Catching Fire narrates the changes in their lives after the games (fame and wealth), the victory tour to the different districts, that year's games participated in by previous victors and the eventual uprising of the districts against the ruling Capitol. I don't plan to narrate the story in more detail (search Wiki instead).  This is just my way of keeping track of the books I read and give my general assessment of it -- fast-paced, engaging, lets you imagine a whole other world, cliffhanger ending, highly recommended for its entertainment value. Photo credit: Wikipedia

I will remember March for the major (major!) lessons I learned at and about work...  Unfortunately, not highlights but I believe I will be better for this experience.  I chose to deal with the consequences, accept my shortcomings and show up... On the home front, a lot of busy days!  I think this month just zoomed by, but I am still thankful for many, many blessings this month. 5 - Dentist appointment for Neil at Asian Hospital.  Church service at VCF Alabang. 6 - SM Megamall, after ten thousand years. 12 - Visited Erick, Joy and baby at Makati Med; Gabrielle Elise's christening in the afternoon. 14 - Took headshots of our team at work. 18 - Annual bonus payout. Thank you, God! Ordered food from Amber for team at work. 19 - Visited Greenwoods house and lot in Verdana. 21 - Neil's first day of Summer Camp at Gymboree . 27 - Richard's birthday , watched the play Next to Normal and had dinner at Amici, Ayala Triangle Gardens. 29 - Michelle's graduation.  ...

Last Saturday, I posted a status on FB that it was the first appointment-free Saturday in the last 4 weeks and it was something I really relished because yesterday was another full Saturday.  We were out of the house for 12 hours... Em arrived from Albay in the morning, and we all left for Cavite around 9:30AM.  We had to be in Greenwoods to show the house to a potential renter.  After lunch, we dropped by Mapecon to pay the balance on the termite treatment for the house, then Robinsons Dasmarinas to process my resignation from the IMPC, what used to be Intel's coop.  Afterwards, we went to Manggahan to get the remote control for Carlo's TV/DVD player. Then we drove to Asian Hospital for Neil's dentist's appointment at 4PM.  We were a few minutes late... And he cried the whole time. We attended the 6PM service at Victory Alabang , bought takeout at Red Ribbon then drove back to Makati. Long day, which I guess is really a continuation of the busy week...

A few of the ulam I cooked in March 2011.  Bon appetit! =)

This has been a very tiring week! First of all, Neil had Gymboree 3 mornings this week.  Richard had 3 job interviews.  It was Michelle's (Richard's niece) graduation on Tuesday (Rich was out most of the day).  Then Thursday, Richard had to go to Dasma, Cavite to pay property taxes, get a few stuff in Manggahan, and have the house in Greenwoods treated for anay.  Friday, Rich had a phone interview 8:30AM, so even if I worked until 2AM, we all had to leave the house by 8AM so that Neil can still make it to Gymboree while Rich does his interview. Em left Tuesday for field work so all the time that Richard had to be away, I took care of Neil.  Long hours.  It's hard to entertain a toddler!  I just wish I could match his energy.  While I am struggling to stay awake and already nursing headaches in the afternoons, he's still bouncing around the room... Soo tough.  And I still had to make up time at work. But we made it!  Despite all the...