Heads or Tails #4

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September 11: TAILS - Your reflections or memories of the 9-11 terror attack.

I recall...

My husband and I just got home from a night out with friends. Before going to bed, Jules decided to watch TV. I was already upstairs when I heard him calling frantically for me to go down to watch the news. I was half way down the stairs when he said that a plane just hit the World Trade Center (Twin Towers) in New York. I couldn't believe it. It happened so fast as we watched the chaos on TV. Another plane hit the World Trade Center which eventually caused the massive structure to fall down.

I wasn't able to watch the rest of the news as I hurried to the phone to call my family in New York. I couldn't get through and decided to go online instead. My cousin happened to be online and I requested if he could ask my brother to call me because I was worried. My parents and my brother all live in New York and I feared for their safety.

My brother called me and said everybody was fine. I felt my racing heartbeat slowly returning to normal. I was relieved to hear everyone was safe.

It was a sad and tragic day. It was heartbreaking to see so much destruction and lives lost. I kept glued to the TV hoping for more survivors. I prayed for everyone who got hurt and those who perished in that catastrophe. I thanked God for keeping my family safe.

Monday Madness #33

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1. Do you have children in school?
Yes, my son just started attending pre-school (Nursery) at 3 years old.

2. Are YOU currently in school (any level)?
No, I'm not anymore.

3. Did you (or your children) attend a public or private school?
I attended private school from Kindergarden until Graduate School. My son also goes to a private school.

4. As far as formal education, what level have you completed?
I finished a double degree in AB psychology and marketing management. I have yet to finish my MBA.

5. Do you, or did you have loans out for your (or your children's) education?
No, I did not avail of any loan. Instead of a loan, I availed of an Educational Plan (EP) for my son (High School and College). An EP is a savings program that guarantees the availability of funds for the future education of children.

6. What are your thoughts on the cost of tuition for colleges and universities?
I couldn't believe how tuition fees have dramatically increased over the years. It's quite shocking to know that pre-school tuition fees in most international schools in the Philippines are actually higher than some college tuition fees.

I Wish It Was That Simple

“Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.” ~ Anthony J. D'Angelo

I chanced upon this quote today and it made me reflect for a while. This is a lovely quote and I wish I could always choose to be bright and sunny. Yet, I've been quite moody lately. Succumbing to roller coaster rides of erratic moods.

Change.

That's what I need.

What kind of change?

I'm thinking a change of scenery. Another chance. A fresh start. A new place. A new dwelling.

I wish it was that simple...

Yohanism #12

I showed Yohan his new Shrek battery operated toothbrush.

Yohan: Is this mine?
Me: Yes, it's from my friend, Jo.
Yohan gave me an excited look.
Yohan: I want to brush my teeth please.
Me: Ok.

Inside the bathroom ...

Yohan: I'll put the toothpaste by myself.
Me: Ok.
Yohan put some toothpaste and I saw his thrilled expression when he pressed his battery operated toothbrush for the first time.
Me: That's good Yohan. Keep brushing.

After brushing ...

Yohan: Is this just like Daddy's toothbrush?
Me: Yes, Dad has an mechanical electric toothbrush like that.
Yohan: How about you?
Me: I don't have one.
Yohan: It's okay mommy. You can borrow mine. :)


Special thanks to Jo for this nice gift. As you can see, Yohan loves it. :)

Photo Hunt :: Music

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"Music is the art of thinking with sounds." -- Jules Combarieu

Yohan and his cousin playing the piano at a family reunion last Dec. 2005.
I'm late with my Photo Hunt this week because I had an internet problem. I'm happy that things are back to normal.

My son, Yohan loves music.

• He enjoys playing with his grandma's piano whenever we visit.
• He likes singing along with the videoke during family get-togethers (even though he doesn't know all the lyrics).




• Yohan loves playing "Band" games with us ever since his Dad bought him a box of musical instruments (drums, cymbals and maracas).
  
• He also has a wooden guitar given to him by my friend.
• Yohan once told me he wants to be a singer when he grows up.

Sweet as Honey

Once a upon a time, a little bee was born to a bee couple. They were very happy and named him Honey. He was welcomed by the colony with open wings. Cute as a button, Honey was everyone's favorite.

Honey was a late flyer but everyone encouraged him to keep on trying. One day he just flew on his own and everyone was delighted.

He is one high spirited young bee, flying here and there. Older bees found his non-stop buzzing amuzing. Honey is very sweet and loved by many.

Daddy and Mommy bee love him dearly. They give him all the nectar they could possibly give to make sure he is always happy and healthy.

Recently, he started going to bee classes where he met bees of the same age. His bee teachers said Honey is a fast learner and sweet as can be.

Mom and Dad bee want to see him enjoy life and reach his full potential.

Note: Photos taken at Picture Co. Alabang when Yohan was 1 year old.

I Believe in Serendipity

Serendipity is putting a quarter in the gumball machine and having three pieces come rattling out instead of one—all red.
- Peter H. Reynolds

I believe in Serendipity. There are times when something nice and unexpected comes along to brighten my day. Here are a few random moments of unexpected delight ...

1. Failing to secure a slot in the class I wanted only to find out later that the professor for that class flunked 3/4 of the students.

2. Feeling bored when an old friend surprisingly calls to ask if he could come over to my place (with pizza and drinks).

3. Finding a great book that costs half of the original price in a book sale.

4. Going on-line on yahoo messenger almost the same time as my close friend whom I haven't spoken with for a while. Perfect time for a chat.

5. Finding a P500 bill inside my old bag that I thought of using for the day.

6. Feeling a little low and finding a bar of chocolate inside the refrigerator.

7. Getting an unexpected discount on a pair of jeans.

8. A little low on funds and remembering I still have P1,200 e-cash debited to my Rustan's FSP card which I could use in the store.

9. Waiting patiently in a long queue when the cashier at the next freshly opened counter calls my attention to be her first client.

10. Learning about the sale a little late but delighted to find the shoes I wanted still on sale and the last pair was my exact size.

Would you like to share some of your serendipitious moments?

I signed up for PPP!

I've been curious about PayPerPost (PPP) for quite some time now. I've seen fellow bloggers with PPP badges on their sites. I've encountered various posts raving about this wonderful blogging opportunity.

My curiosity turned to a real interest when I had dinner with blog friends, Jo and Liz. We found out from Liz that she is earning extra income through PPP. Jo and I listened intently to the financial opportunities that Liz' have been getting through PPP. She encouraged us to give it a try and discover the rewards of blog reviews.

Inspired, I registered my blog on PayPerPost and I was happy when I received an email notice letting me know that I have been approved to join.

September has just begun and I couldn't think of a better time to embark on a worthwhile opportunity. In the Philippines, September is greeted with excitement in the air because it signals the nearing of Christmas. In fact, I was at the mall a few days ago and heard Christmas Carols playing in the background.

Christmas is just around the corner and I would like to use the money I will earn from PayPerPost for Christmas shopping. Isn't that exciting? Imagine I can go on my usual blogging and be able to earn at the same time. It's wonderful that I can combine my hobby and interest with financial rewards.