Got Burned?

I have not read a book for a long time due to a lot of distractions and other important things that I need to attend to. But I really miss those days when I can just stay in bed, clad in my jammies and reading a hard-to-put-down book. Those kind of days are really rare and if I get a chance to do it… I don’t really care if my laundry or chores will be put aside.

And just recently I discovered this book written by P.C. and Kristin Cast, a New York Times Bestselling mother-daughter team and I was instantly hooked when I read the first chapter  of the latest novel in their book series entitled... Burned. Well, their House of Night book series are actually teen fiction that sold over 3 millions copies with an interactive website that any teenager who is computer savvy [who isn’t anyway] will surely appreciate. I checked out the website and I liked it. You can even download the Burned song free. How cool is that?

House of Night is a thrillingly engaging book series of a teen-aged girl who undergoes changes both physically and emotionally and both figuratively and literally. Well, it’s a fun read and even if you are no longer a teenager like me… I’m sure you will like it.

Who's Lucky?

I was multi-tasking earlier. I was reading emails and snail mails and facebooking this morning when I read the wallpaper shout-out of one of my friends in FB that said… “Diyos Ko, tulungan mo naman akong manalo sa Lotto!” [Translation: God, please help me win the jackpot in Lottery!]. LOL It was funny, I think. And when I started opening the last two envelopes in my hand, I found out that they were all bills… I was tempted to shout the same out. Oh well, would it hurt to wishful think and pray that I get lucky today so I can pay all my bills?

I don’t know about other people, but I don’t get much luck in playing bet. By friend on the other hand has no problem even with sport bet or with scratch cards. Some people are really born lucky, huh.

In my case, I think I just have a serious case of wrong judgment. I cannot even pick the right fortune cookie button that gives high points in Sorority Life game in FB. I don't usually get a nice prediction statement in every fortune cookie that comes free with every Chinese take out that we have every Friday night. And I never had a lucky thingy that I can use or wear to pass an interview or exam. Good thing I don't need one to pass an exam or interview with flying colors. wink*

One Building a Dream House

The economy seems to be picking up a bit now. I could see some building and housing constructions underway in some areas on my way to work. And the hardware stores are now busy with people buying building materials left and right. That is a good sign, isn’t it? Well, it is a good sign indeed that the economy is slowly recovering. It’s about time.

Another good sign is… my friend who lives up north called me the other day to seek some advice. Well, she knows that I am a Carpenter’s wife so I am the best person to ask about home plans. Not that I know anything about building houses… it was just plain BFFs talk. No big deal. She was just asking my Hubby’s honest opinion on certain things and soliciting advice on some important matters regarding modern house plans and craftsman house plans. Apparently, she and her husband finally decided to build their dream house.

Well, my friend was too excited about the whole thing so we planned to meet up one weekend and have a cookout while our hubbies will plan and discuss the dream house that they will build this summer.

You Lose Some... You Gain Some [back in]

WEEK SIX: [For the review of the previous week... CLICK HERE]

Ok here we go again. Another week had passed and my struggle went on without any good result. I gained the weight I lost for the past week. Oh well, I can blame it to anything except me, can't I?

Well, it was the spring break. But I didn't have a break. I worked and played hard. That is why I was wondering why I gained weight. I played hard with the kids at the Kids Out Vacation Camp. I shoot hoops, kicked ball, throw Frisbee, and boy, I was a dead horse at the end of the day.

Maybe it was the food. I cooked a lot during the week because Hubby requested Pinoy food. He said he missed them... especially the Adobo.

And nothing much about the photography thingy... I just appreciated a lot of blooms lately.

And for the weighing scale... I just bought a new battery so I didn't really buy a new one. That is why my weight for this week is...

So that, maybe is the reason why I gained weight... the new battery. LOL

TAKE THE CHALLENGE NOW!

Hubby’s New Buddy

Hubby’s dear old truck finally gave up on him. He was not really very happy because he considered his truck as his buddy. Well, it served him more than 10 years already and got over 300,000 mileage on it so he let it retire and move one. He now got a new truck. It’s almost the same as the old one except for the color.

And just as the old one, he uses his truck for work. So he installed a new ladder rack for his work equipment. He got this high quality easy to install pick up truck accessory at RealTruck.com for a real good deal with free shipment. Now, he got a new buddy.

My Sleep Therapist

I have been playing really hard lately at work. Well, it’s part of my job. I need to keep the kids active so they can get their regular exercise. And yes, I do benefit from it too because I get my regular exercise as well. The only downside of the whole active play is that it’s taking its toll on my aging body. LOL

At the end of the day I am so tired. All I wanted to do is to take a warm bubble bath and go to bed with the help of Green Dragon Herbals‘ sleep balm. This aromatic blend sooths my tired body and helps me fall asleep almost instantly after applying it. It is indeed my sleep therapist.

And the Challenge Goes On

WEEK FIVE: [For the review of the previous week... CLICK HERE]

I still have not bought a new weighing scale. I tried to step on the old one and so far I was happy with the result. I am guessing that our Friday Night which is Chinese Night tradition is the culprit for the weight gain... if and only if my stu*id scale is not broken. There is no way I would give up Chinese Night because it is part and parcel of my relationship with Hubby. LOL

And so... here are some of the main events on my week's weight loss challenge.

I just had left-over. I mixed up two different left over dishes [Chinese spare ribs and Chicken Liver and Tofu in Brown Sauce] and came up with a new dish called Chinese-Hawaiian [recycled] Dish. Yummy!

I did run/walk/jog around the playground to watch the kids at play. But I took a lot of break too. LOL.

And here are some of the exciting photos that I took at the work site's front yard.

And my current weight is...

I guess I lost a couple of pounds. But I am still not that happy. I was at Walmart earlier and looking for a weighing scale because... I mentioned in my last week post that I think my scale is broken. But when I stepped on those scale at Walmart to try them... my weight was 140 lbs. OMG! So I just post this one that is more favorable to me. wink*** And by the way, I did not buy a new scale because the old one is better. LOL.

TAKE THE CHALLENGE NOW!

Mother Nature's Not-So-Secret Weapon

Lens-Craft Day No.#8

Finally... they are in full bloom. Mother Nature finally let her guard down and peppered the face of the earth with one of her most cherished possessions.

Finally... they are here to amaze. Mother Nature has her way to lift the weary hearts with explosive array of amazing colors and fascinating scents.

Finally... they are making yet another season of hope and new beginning. Mother Nature has again revealed her not-so-secret weapon for peace... love... and happiness.

On Steroids and Health Issues

So, I am a health buff now, if you consider my drastic condition to lose weight. And I am into everything healthy... from food to exercise… from magazine to online write-up… from famous athletes to biggest loser celebrities. But still the issues on steroids make me think.

Well, I believe that it’s not all bad because I believe everything about it is sensationalized. There are some good reasons and use for it. It can surely save life too. So if you want to get enlightened on the issue… check it out at SteroidSources.com because there is more it.

Destiny

Scrappy Thingy No. #11

She is from the East.

He is from the West.

Together they moved mountains.

Getting a Great Deal is a Choice

Getting auto insurance in this tough economy is tough. But you got to do what you got to. It’s not as if you can go without it. Having a car is a basic need here in the US especially if you live in remote areas where no public utility vehicle is available for commuters. Having a car is important for one to be able to go to work. And having a car is an essential part of surviving here in the US especially for me because I need to drive 3 miles to get to get my milk in the store. It’s tough indeed. But I cannot drive around a car without auto insurance.

The thing is, in this tough economy, you need to know which auto insurance company can provide you the best protection and coverage that you need without shedding too much money. After all, your insurance bill is not the only bills that you need to pay. That is why it is essential to know and find the best auto insurance company that can give you a great deal.

Life is indeed tough but it doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t get a great deal with auto insurance. You only have to look and search on the right place. Get your car quotes from AmericanCarQuotes.com now and let the expert help you get the right insurance for you. Just fill up a form and they will match you with the auto insurance companies that best fit your need. How cool is that? So what are you waiting for? This is your answer to tough economy.

Chinese-Hawaiian [Recycled] Dish

I consider myself as the Left-Over Diva because I love to recreate dish out of left-over food. I am frugal in the aspect. I hate wasting food and I hate eating left-over at the same time. So recycling left-over food is the best way to come up with new dish out of the old [but not necessarily spoiled dish].

I had 2 different left-over dishes that I recycled... ooppps... "recycle food" may not sound too appealing or appetizing but trust me... I couldn't come up with a better term so bear with me. The two dishes that I am talking about are... Chinese spare ribs left-over from our "Friday Nigh is Chinese Night" tradition and the Chicken liver and Tofu in brown sauce left-over that I made the other day.

So here goes. You will need the following:

Left-over dishes [Chinese spare ribs and chicken liver and tofu in brown sauce], minced garlic, chopped onion...

... pineapple chunk...

... olive oil [for sautéing], oyster sauce, onion salt and dried thyme leaves for seasoning.

Procedure: 1. Heat pan and drizzle it with olive oil.

2. Sauté garlic...

3. and onion until transparent in color.

4. Add the left-over Chinese spare ribs.

5. Then add the pineapple chunk.

6. Season with onion salt.

7. Add the left-over chicken liver and tofu in brown sauce.

8. Pour pineapple chuck juice.

9. Add oyster sauce.

10. Season with dried thyme leaves.

11. Simmer until half of the liquid evaporates and sauce thickens.

12. Serve hot [with steamed jasmine rice]. 

And there is your new dish out of the old ones. Enjoy a healthy meal.

--------------------------Food and Drink-------------------------

This is another entry for Food and Drink.

For more interesting Recipe... Click HERE!

My Running/Walking/Jogging Buddy

My Biggest Loser Weekend Challenge that I started myself and currently into is a lot harder than I thought. Well, I know it is really hard considering how they do it on TV… but I somehow I thought that it would be different for me because my weight is not more than 200 pounds. I may be a little overweight for my age and height… but I know I can manage my weight with a little perseverance. So armed with a lot of self-confidence and self-realization I am really into it not because I wanted to lose weight but for health reason. My parents both died of heart-related diseases and so are most of my relatives so I need to be careful and take precautionary measures.

So I challenged myself to lose about 30 pounds till summer and I am doing a-okay [I guess]. I eat healthier food now and yes, I do exercise. I run… and walk…. and jog… [not necessarily in that order] everyday. I usually do it at work with the kids under my care during weekdays and on weekends I do it in my neighborhood.

As a site leader for the Kids Out Enrichment program, I make sure that my kids get a lot of active physical activities everyday because they too need to be healthy. And to make sure that I get the most out of my physical activities, I need a great pair of shoes that can endure the worse case scenario. Well, my shoes are my running buddy now because I rely on them most of the time. That is why I get myself a nice pair of Nike shoes. Why not? All the best athletes in the world use Nike shoes so why can’t I? I may not be the best runner or jogger in the world and my kids always tagged me or beat me in the games… but still I need a comfortable pair of running shoes to do my activities because the last thing I want is to have blisters on my feet or cramps on my legs because of my shoes. I need a comfortable, high quality, and dependable Nike shoes to help me get my goal.

Play Challenge

WEEK FOUR: [For the review of the previous week... CLICK HERE]

We had a fairly nice weather this week so the kids were basically out in the playground so was I of course. The older ones were busy playing active games with my staff... while the little ones volunteered to be my jogging buddies.

So I basically just walked and jogged around the playground the whole week as I monitored the kids activities. This is to make sure that the accident last week won't happen again.

For this week, I still binge on tofu and made myself a Tofu Wrap. [For recipe click here.]

And here are the interesting things in the playground that my camera was focused on... the tires.

And for my weight this week... it's... I don't know... apparently, my scale is going crazy. So I need to buy a new one to make sure that I get the correct figures. No, it is not an alibi. It's just that I am not sure that I gained 10lbs by just breathing. I stepped on it when I went to the bathroom. It recorded 126 lbs. I was ecstatic. Then I went back blogging didn't even eat anything. Then after a couple of hours I went to the bathroom again and I weigh myself again. It went up to 136 lbs. I can't freakin' believe it. Or maybe "blogging is fattening!" LOL. 

TAKE THE CHALLENGE NOW!