Despite being a rainy Wednesday, I still need to go to market later this day. This is one thing I learned from my yahoogroups, as an effective way of saving and reducing expenses. I have proven that buying vegetables and meat from the market is cheaper compared when buying it from the supermarket. In addition, I can even choose the items that I really like. No more rotten vegetables packed with fresh ones, no more bad-smelling meat since I can smell it up front. But before I go, I still have to finish my list of to buy things. I need this so that I will only buy the items that I need and are complementary with each other. I have made up my menu for the entire week already so I already know which ingredients I need to to buy and replenish...

Being a housewife is really fun. I have learned a lot of things already and I am still learning each day... have to finish my list now. I will just have to continue my search on Outer Banks later when I arrive from the market.

        

This is the other half of the tag I received from Leah... thanks sis

Bookmark Tag

Rules:

1. Pick up the nearest book of 123 pages or more. No cheating!
2. Find page 123.
3. Find the first five sentences.
4. Post the next three sentences.
5. Tag as many people as you want.

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topic: On Losing Your Figure

Follow the Best-Odds Diet, and observe the recommendations about weight gain on page 147 and exercise on page 189.

With attention to diet and exercise now, you can look better than ever after pregnancy, because you will have learned how to take optimum care of your body. Your husband joins you in your healthier lifestyle, he can look better after your pregnancy too.

I am tagging Arlene, Carla and Rocks for this meme

        

It is a baby boom for this year for our HS barkada. Out of 10, 3 of us now are pregnant and 1 just gave birth last June. Compared with our other friends, our group is a late bloomer in terms of having our own families. Since I am one of the newest mom, I had to ask questions from them. I ask their opinions from their lists of must-haves, nice to own and mommy wants for their babies. I also ask them for tips on which things I should put in my bag when it is time to go to the hospital. It may sound too naive, but I also had to ask if it is better for me to use adult diapers rather than maternity pads after giving birth. At times like this, it is still best to consult with friends that you really trust and rely on. For sure, they will never laugh at your questions no matter how simple the answer is. I love my barkada... I hope we last longer together... we have been friends more than half of our lives and I hope it lasts forever... *hay*

        

It's been a while since I last posted an update on baby gwenks on this blog. My weekly updates on him is posted on his blog (I'll just use male pronoun for now so that I won't have to type him/her or he/she to minimize space).

I am now on my 18 week, which is about 4 months and a have. So far, I am still waiting to feel for the fetal movements. I've read from 'What to Expect' that there is a tendency that I am already feeling it but I cannot associate it yet (this is for first time moms) since I still don't know that IT is IT already. I am  continually praying that baby Gwenks is fine and healthy inside my tummy.

Speaking of which, I am growing more and more each day. I feel more conscious now after talking with my preggy HS friend that she is only about 114 lbs at present despite the fact that she is already on her 6th month. To think that we are just about the same size during our pre-pregnancy days. Whereas, I am already 120 lbs and I am still on my 4th month. I think I will really have to resort to diet pills several months after I give birth. I hope to find one that will not cause any side effects on my breastfeeding.

According to babycenter.com, baby G looks like this for this week:

How your baby's growing:

Head to rump, your baby is about 5 1/2 inches long (about the length of a bell pepper) and he weighs almost 7 ounces. He's busy flexing his arms and legs — movements that you'll start noticing more and more in the weeks ahead. His blood vessels are visible through his thin skin, and his ears are now in their final position, although they're still standing out from his head a bit. A protective covering of myelin is beginning to form around his nerves, a process that will continue for a year after he's born. If you're having a girl, her uterus and fallopian tubes are formed and in place. If you're having a boy, his genitals are noticeable now, but he may hide them from you during an ultrasound.

        

The answer... nothing! I have been staring at my computer for several hours already and I still have nothing to write about. Yesterday, I was making a mental list of the things that I need to blog but now that I am here in front of the pc, nothing seems to enter my mind. I have tried bloghopping at some of my friends' sites, I also approved some friends at Friendster but still, my mind is empty.

I think I just have to stop for now. I need to eat (but too lazy to go out and buy some food). My assignment on mesothelioma will have to wait until I read something about it. I need to write relevant posts about it so I really have to gather information regarding it. For now... I'll just have to play anything online. This is better than thinking of an unthinkable :p

        

Monday was a busy day for us. I started early since I had a lot of things to organize. After breakfast, me and my cousin decided to clean the extra room where we usually put our baggages. I wanted to fix our things (in case we move in earlier than expected) and at the same time, I need to sort out the junks that can be sold.

Since I am starting to grow bigger sideways, I decided to keep my smaller clothes in boxes as well. While fixing it, I saw some swimwear that I used to wear. I am still hoping that after I give birth, I'll still be able to wear it again. I also saw the utensils that we once used when we stayed in Makati. Everything is still in good condition even if we didn't use it for several years already. Good thing G is very good with packaging these things.

We finished right before lunch. The room was already organized and everything is in proper order. I am sure that it is easier to carry our things now, once we move out. I can't help but feel more excited each day.

        

Thanks Leah for this tag Another one coming right up

 

(Pls. don’t remove) Credits: Elements/Paper by Dani Mogstad/ Layout by JennyL

Rules:
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2. Please link back to the person who tagged you and pass this tag to many of your friends
3. If you have more than one blog, please post this to all of your blogs so your other blogs can be listed to the master list too.
4. Remember to come back here at A SLICE OF LIFE (pls. don’t change this link and leave the exact post url so I can add you to the master list to help increase our rankings and improve our Technorati Authority.
6. Spread the BLOG LOVE FEVER!!

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I'm passing this to everyone in my blogroll, please grab it anytime

        

Did you know that using pastel colors can help you sleep well?

I read from one newspaper's trivia corner that using pastel colored sheets and linens help in making a person relax easier, which can lead to sleeping faster. Pastel colors are proven that they can make a person more helpful as well. So the next time you feel stressed and tensed, change your linens and comforters to pastel blue or pink...

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I think this is also a better option, rather than using acne cream on pimples caused by sleepless nights.

        

Waking up for me is easy. If I like to wake up early, I can do it without any fuzz... even if I am up all night. But G has a different version. Everyday on weekdays, I have to drag him out of the bed. No matter how many times I call on him, he still requests for a 5-minute extension. I just wished that I can find talking watches that can help me with this. I am looking for something that I can program to talk every 5 minutes so that I do not have to do it personally. There are times when I feel giving up but when I think of his lates, I change my mind.

        

Whenever I see pictures or views of Baguio being featured on TV, I can't help but miss it more. The last time I was there was last April but it seems like I haven't been there for more than a year already. I miss the rain during the rainy days month, I miss the cold weather most times of the day, I miss the people I lived with for more than 5 years and I miss the fun of seeing different people everyday.

On the other hand, I have also been hearing news regarding the rampant Casino Games being operated within the city. If I remember it right, casino was banned from the city after the 1990 earthquake happened. It has something to do with people's faith and beliefs that time. So those who wanted to experience casino games, found ways by just playing Online Casinos. This is better than having a physical casino structured building which serves as an eye candy to protest groups. I think this is also better since Online Gambling offers different strategies and not everyone can avail of it.

I hope issues on gambling will finally stop in Baguio since it serves as a haven for students. If it continues to have the gambling image, parents may not send their children to the schools within the city anymore.

        

When I feel bored doing nothing in the whole afternoon, I entertain thoughts of pursuing my masters in Marine Biology. During college days, I enjoyed doing field works on beaches and other types of water. My fondest memory was when we stayed for one whole day in a beach in La Union, figuring out the different species living within the quadrants of our assigned area. I loved staying in the water and gathering data while my groupmates preferred staying on the land and doing their assignments there.

If I pursued this dream, the first thing that I wanted to do in line with this is to take scuba diving lessons. This is one way on how I could study underwater species better. I have a classmate who is now a licensed scuba diver who took her lessons in Batangas . She told me that it was the best thing that she did. Now, she has already dived in different sites and even continues looking for other possible sites...

I read in the internet about scuba diving lessons Arizona. I know that this is very far from the Philippines but the quality and services that they provide for their clients is just great  that I wish I can find one similar to their services here. Professionals guide you in each travel and dive that you avail. They even offer kid-friendly packages which makes it more tempting. The scuba diving lessons Scottsdale is likewise offered with their 5-star luxury cruise.

It is not yet late to start my lessons, my FIL had his lessons a couple of years ago and he only has good praises for it. I can't wait to try it too.

        

I hate unscheduled brownouts, especially at night. Thursday night was a restless night for me because at exactly 11:00pm, the lights went out. This is the second time that this happened but the first one was scheduled. I ended staying up most of the time since it was really hot and humid. I had to fan myself manually. Good thing I had my hair cut really short or I might not be able to sleep at all. Bakit ba naman kasi sa lawak ng maghapon, sa gabi pa nila naisipang gumawa kung anuman ang kanilang kailangang tapusin. Ang laking aberya nito sa mga tao. Hindi sila nakakatuwa... I'm just hoping that this would be the last time that they do this.

        

Whenever I bloghop, I read posts regarding the latest escapades of fellow bloggers. According to my travel calendar, if I could only travel, we should be off to our next travel 3 weeks from now. September is our travel month. During this time of year, we (G and I) try to visit one place that we have not been before. We have been doing this for the past two years already... but since I am pregnant, we are not going anywhere this year.

Back to their travels, one of my HS buddies uploaded their latest travel pictures. This time, they went to visit Universal Studios and other nearby theme parks in Florida. Since they live several hours from the place, the couple together with their friends, decided that it is better for them to just look for vacation rentals within the area. This is a better option since driving for hours is tiring and hotels are more expensive. This is also a better option for them since they wanted to maximize their stay on the theme parks. I heard that they just searched over the internet for vacation rentals by owner. The transaction was fast, easy and safe. I've read about this before already because I once had an assignment about orlando vacation homes and I can say that it is really worth it. Base on their pictures, their vacation was really fun.

I just wish that G change his plans. I know that I am okay to travel and that my OB will agree with me. I haven't experienced any problems with my pregnancy and I hope we can go somewhere soon.

        

I wanted to be up on time for this week's Happy Wednesday Thoughts

1. Siopao from Henlin
2. SM Sta. Rosa
3. A sack of rice from the province
4. Friends who give comments on entries
5. Opps from them...
6. New Hair cut
7. Baby Gwenks growing bigger each day
8. Tins helping me with my projects
9. Eating complete meals each day, with snacks in between
10. Enough budget that lasts until the next payday.

To know how this started and credits of the header, click here.

        

Safety and security is one of our major concerns in our homes. This is why whenever we go to the mall. G tries to look for a security devices that we can install in our future home. One device that he saw was the sensor alarm. Once the sensor 'senses' that there is movement within the area that it covers, it creates a sound. The thing that he dislikes about this is that it is too sensitive that any action, whether it comes from animals or human. We might end up waking wee hours in the morning with false alarm of burglary.

On one of his surfing modes, he found out about the surveillance cameras as better option. This device can help better since he can see what is really going on within the area. Aside from homes, this is also good for establishments so when I heard that he is 'contemplating' on buying one, I told my brother about it. The 4 camera security systems is also ideal for the computer shop since Ading has added an extension area on the second floor. He can easily monitor movements here even without going up.

G found these 4 camera home surveillance system on sunsecurity.com website and base from his researches, this site offers highest quality of products in competitive prices. Most of their systems are best sellers since these are easy to install and set-up.

        

Here is another tag from sis Rocks Thanks Mare

PLAYERS:CHIKAI | Fun.Fierce.Fab | Me,Myself+2 | Kidd Designs | Ozzy's Mom |The Journey Continues | Married and Happy About It |My Precious Niche| Eds Mommy Life| Just Me.. Eds | Peaceful Mind |God's Best gift/ Through the rain/ Life Together Starts|  A Housewife's Journal| YOU


1. Are you pregnant? - Finally! I am already on my 17th week
2. When do you want to get married? - again... on our 10th wedding anniversary
3. Do you curse a lot? - nope, very seldom... that is if I'm really pissed off
4. What are your favorite books? - mostly fictional books
5. Do you wish you were with someone right now? - yup, my mom. I miss her so.
6. Who were the last 3 people that sent you a text message? - G, my mom & my cousin Marj
7. Are you happier single or in a relationship? - I would say that I am more contented with whatever status I am into. Each status have different blessings accompanying it.
8. Do you believe everyone deserves a second chance? - Of course. We are just human who are prone to commit mistakes.
9. Do you wish someone would call you? - If its something that would tell me that I won in a contest, it would be really good to hear from them.
10. What is bugging you right now? - Our moving in...
11. What something you wish you could understand better? - Why is it that there are some people who want to be the cause of pain of other people.
12. If someone doesn't like, it's usually because...? - they are close-minded individuals who doesn't want to know me better
13. Do you have a wild side? - I think so... having none seems abnormal
14. Kissed someone in the last 24 hours? - Yup, my G
15. Have you lost friends in the past years? - yes, it was so sad...
16. What were you doing at midnight last night? - I was already sound asleep

        

I usually look for good schools base on reviews or testimonials made by past students. I prefer to read first hand experiences because this means that I am about to enter a school that has high quality and standards. Among the 'possible' schools that are on my list is Nouveau Riche. I have heard and read several testimonials about the efficiency of this school from their website and other related sites. But what makes me convinced more is that this school was featured at Your Business at Home Magazine, January 2008 issue. When a school or any company is featured in this magazine, it means that it is really good. Nouveau Riche was featured because of its qualities as a whole. It offers short courses such as wholesaling, lease options, foreclosures and tax strategies. It is available online which means that students can choose to enroll on their most convenient time available.

If you are interested to be part of Nouveau Riche, you can visit their website. This will show you how to improve your strategies and be one of the rags to riches stories featured in their site. Being rich is not that difficult, if you only know the right timing and strategies to work with. I hope to enroll soon... just in time when we open our business.

        

How would your friend describe you to someone who has never seen you? - Physically, I can be described as... 'a pregnant woman who is wearing a pair of glasses and sporting a short hair'.

Do you trust anyone to protect you? Who, and why? - Yup, for now this will have to be my husband. Ever since I was married to him, he has been my protector, my shield and my partner.

If you died or went missing, who would miss you? - My husband and my family. For sure they will miss me because I'll leave with my baby as well.

        

Did you know that infertility is related with detoxification? I think this is also the reason why it is usually recommended that TTC couples try to eat healthy and at the same time detoxify. This is recommended since there are toxins that are trapped inside the body which prevents the body from performing better. One effective way to detoxify is by undergoing a process wherein you have your colon cleanse. This procedure is not that expensive since there are already several products in the market which can help with this. I have found several ones over the net and from the testimonials from previous clients, it does work. Thus, after I give birth, I plan to try this product in order to remain healthy.

 

        

My to do list for today:

1. Visit the auto shop and look for a mekaniko. I think the 'tambutso' of the van needs to be replaced, that is why G is bringing it to the nearest auto shop. Sama ako kasi ayoko maiwan lang sa house.

2. Go to market and buy something to be cooked for lunch. I'm thinking of sinigang na baboy for lunch and some veggies for dinner naman.

3. Visit the OB. Today is supposed to be my scheduled monthly visit with OB but we thought of changing OBs already kaya we will still look for one later.

4. Go to the mall for groceries (sana), if we still have time after looking for a new OB.