Thursday, December 30, 2010
New York Blizzard
This makes me worry and think that I should learn about the natural methods of birthing just like how our ancestors did it - no technology, no nothing. Just midwives at home, hmmmm...
Monday, December 06, 2010
Herbalife Ultimate Program Day 1
I'm back with using Herbalife as my diet plan. It's perfect for me at this time because I'm not doing much.. just sitting around at work and then playing Plants vs. Zombies at home. Talk about a sedentary lifestyle!
This is a feat 'coz I've tried Herbalife before and it's not an easy thing to do and more so, complete. I have to replace 2 meals with the Nutritional Protein Shake and take an assortment of tablets with it. Previously, I had an ultra controlling boyfriend to help me really stick to the program and it worked wonders for me; right now, there's just me and maybe my Dad's snide remarks hehehe. Here's what my typical daily intake looks like:
1 glass of water + Fiberbond (this is the fat blocker)
Breakfast:
2 Tbsp Nutritional Shake (aka Formula 1) + 8oz nonfat milk (plus half a banana is also allowed. You're supposed to blend it but I tried just stirring and it's feasible as well)
2 Fiber and Herb tablets (fiber!)
1 Vitamin and Minerals (multivits)
1 Vitamin Mineral Herbal Complex (anti cellulite, anti water retention)
In Between:
1 tsp Herbal Concentrate Green Tea + 16 oz hot or cold water (1/2 tsp is equivalent to 20 mins exercise!!)
30 mins before lunch:
1 glass of water + Fiberbond
Lunch:
Normal food! wooot!
2 Fiber and Herb tablets + 1 Vitamin and Minerals + 1 Vitamin Mineral Herbal Complex
In Between:
1 tsp Herbal Concentrate Green Tea + 16 oz hot or cold water
30 mins before Dinner:
1 glass of water + Fiberbond
Dinner:
2 Tbsp Nutritional Shake + 8oz nonfat milk
2 Fiber and Herb tablets + 1 Vitamin and Minerals + 1 Vitamin Mineral Herbal Complex
oh there's also a personalized protein powder called Formula 3 which I can add to the shake or to yogurt or cereal to increase the feeling of fullness. So I'll add it depending on my need.
Coincidentally, I also bought a fake FitFlop from Greenhills Tiangge for Php 450! I think I could've gotten it cheaper if I wasn't intimidated by the woman seller with a hijab. Anyhoo, I still feel the micro-wobble technology that the original one, priced at Php3500, boasts of as its competitive advantage: A slipper + workout in one! I'm not used to it yet coz I feel muscle soreness on my leg, which is actually what the slipper tag warned of: Use progressively to prevent muscle soreness
So let's see how much I lose by the end of December! I measured my stats last night and will do so every Sunday night :) I aim to lose 15lbs this month! haha!
Good luck to me!!
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Where to Now?
1) visit the Forever 21 store at Megamall. The store is huge! There's so much clothes but I particularly liked the designs at the Heritage section. I'll go back there when I'm in a shopping mood.
2) Redeem my free shoes from Charles and Keith! Good thing there's a branch at Megamall. I was not able to get a fashionable high heeled one, but instead, I bought a sturdy but shiny silver wedge that's soo comfortable. Proof of this is that I traded my Crocs for that new shoe once I got to Linden Suites for Ann's bridal shower. The soles of my feet were aching from walking in the same flat angle, albeit in Crocs.
While waiting for the uber-fun surprise bridal shower to start, Rom was asking me what I'd do next after MBA...
I actually do not know yet. I don't have a specific direction yet because MBA just broadened my horizon that I can try on different fields. This is obvious in my job search categories. Right now though, I'm considering the Management Trainee positions at top companies. I'll have to look into them more. I'm constrained by my high salary in IT! If I win the lotto, then I wouldn't have to worry about salary and simply do whtat I enjoy doing. That would be the best thing! Unfortunately, none of the numbers I played came out in the draw. Apparently, no one else's number combination won in tonight's draw. And so the hoping continues as millions of Filipinos contribute to the grand lotto 6-55 pot.. LOL
Where to Now?
1) visit the Forever 21 store at Megamall. The store is huge! There's so much clothes but I particularly liked the designs at the Heritage section. I'll go back there when I'm in a shopping mood.
2) Redeem my free shoes from Charles and Keith! Good thing there's a branch at Megamall. I was not able to get a fashionable high heeled one, but instead, I bought a sturdy but shiny silver wedge that's soo comfortable. Proof of this is that I traded my Crocs for that new shoe once I got to Linden Suites for Ann's bridal shower. The soles of my feet were aching from walking in the same flat angle, albeit in Crocs.
While waiting for the uber-fun surprise bridal shower to start, Rom was asking me what I'd do next after MBA...
I actually do not know yet. I don't have a specific direction yet because MBA just broadened my horizon that I can try on different fields. This is obvious in my job search categories. Right now though, I'm considering the Management Trainee positions at top companies. I'll have to look into them more. I'm constrained by my high salary in IT! If I win the lotto, then I wouldn't have to worry about salary and simply do whtat I enjoy doing. That would be the best thing! Unfortunately, none of the numbers I played came out in the draw. Apparently, no one else's number combination won in tonight's draw. And so the hoping continues as millions of Filipinos contribute to the grand lotto 6-55 pot.. LOL
Monday, November 22, 2010
i wish i had known about this earlier
It's easy to look back, ask,"What if?" and second guess all the decisions I've made in the past 43 years. I have been fortunate to have no major regrets and a whole lot to be thankful for. However, there are some things I would have paid more attention to and done differently if I could go back and relive my early 20s.
Here's a list for all of you in your 20s, as well as for some parents to consider if you have children graduating from college soon:
1. Don't rack up credit card debt, and pay any debts off quickly. Seems simple and downright obvious, but taking on debt is easy to do. The transition from college to the working world can be expensive--new clothes, shoes, apartment, furniture, and other business-world expenses can make it easy to quickly pile on debt. Budget for these expenses, and if credit must be used to get going, have a plan in advance for paying it down.
2. Contribute to your 401(k). Just do it. Retirement contributions build up fast, often have an employer matching contribution, and are saved before taxes. Look at it as savings with an instant profit.
[See 6 Strategies for Funding Your 401(k)]
3. Start a savings plan early. The best time to start a savings plan is before you are used to having extra money in the first place. A good rule of thumb: Use 50 percent of your after-tax paycheck (excluding 401(k) contributions, of course) to pay for the non-negotiable "needs-based" expenses in your life, like rent and food. Use 35 percent for negotiable "wants-based" expenses--entertainment and other costs can scale back quickly if needed. Save 15 percent. Your goal here should be to save about six months of your pay.
4. Don't try to keep up with the Jones's. There is no need to buy the best brand of everything right out of college. People in their 20s who are driving expensive cars, living in luxury apartments, and buying the most expensive clothes either already have money from something other than their first job or they are piling on debt--which isn't smart.
5. Pay off your highest interest-rate debt first. Hint: It's not always the debt with the highest balance. The debt with the highest interest rate is probably the credit card you ran up on bar tabs and that Spring Break trip in the final year of school. Pay that off first. Your student loans, while they carry a big balance and are possibly the scariest in terms of size, probably have a reasonable interest rate relative to any credit card debt.
6. Save four months of your salary in cash before you start investing after-tax money in an investment plan. This may take a while, but the journey of a thousand miles always begins with one step. This is important because if you lose your job, you'll need to make sure you are not forced to sell your few assets at fire-sale prices or default on debt payments at a young age. It will keep you from a panic and keep you from moving back into mom and dad's place.
[See How to Teach Your Child Money Habits for Life.]
This also gets easier,because once you have the first four months saved, you can apply that savings discipline toward an after-tax investment strategy, and as salary raises come along, you can tune up your savings plan to raise your cash balance over the course of six months to a year.
7. Be patient. It's easy to "want." Be patient; with hard work and good fiscal discipline, you will amass a nice portfolio that allows you to realize all the hopes and dreams you may have for later in life. There are probably a lot more major financial events in your future, and you'll want the flexibility to make proper decisions when the time comes.
Having cash, savings, and an investment portfolio that allow you the flexibility to take advantage of opportunities down the road will really help.
If you remember nothing else, remember this: While it seems like your life is full right now, there is probably a lot coming up--such as a first home, graduate school, and maybe even, gasp, kids!
David B. Armstrong CFA, is a Managing Director and co-founder of Monument Wealth Management in Alexandria VA, a full service Private Wealth Planning and wealth management firm. Monument Wealth Management is backed by LPL Financial, the independent broker-dealer and Registered Investment Advisor. He has been named one of America's Top 100 Financial Advisors for two straight years by Registered Rep magazine (2009 & 2010) based on asset under management. David and Monument Wealth Management can be followed on their blog at "Off The Wall", their Twitter account @MonumentWealth, and on their Facebook page. Member FINRA/SIPC.
*The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendation for individual. To determine which investment is appropriate please consult your financial advisor prior to investing. All performance references is historical and is not guarantee of future results. Securities and financial planning offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC.
--
Grace
"Failure is not defeat unless you stop trying"
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Welcome to Life! (not in the Philippines)
From the time that contact to the miners was established, I was very impressed with the provisions sent down to the miners to ensure top possible physical and mental well-being.
The miners were given planned and paced-nutrition, activities were set to focus on group bonding and unity; (i.e. mp3 players with earphones were not allowed since it would possibly alienate other miners), and video chat was possible with the miners' loved ones. Talk about 100% support from the government!
There were some worries about the long time it took to rescue the miners but everything was well planned. Now all the miners have been rescued, smoothly and even above expectations.
A part of me couldn't believe that such an impressive and well-planned rescue was possible coming from a government. My standards are quite low because of the norm in this country!
I found out as well that mining is Chile's lifeblood, providing 40 percent of state earnings so the rescue was really prioritized and money was not an issue. When that happens, the best can really be accomplished.
I doubt that something similar could be done here in the Philippines. I very much doubt it.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
The Ugly Truth
Well, the title says it all :-p Good thing I didn't watch this in the movie house. It's short and didn't feel move-worthy at all. It's more like a developing drama in a sitcom. Personally, I think BONES does it better wtih Booth and Brennan.
I liked the story development of Princess Diaries 2 better! Sheesh.
I remember wanting to see this very much while it was showing in the theaters (more because of Gerard Butler and the 300 hype).
I hope Zac Efron does not disappoint me the same way in Charlie St. Cloud!
If there's any consolation, the movie soundtrack rocked!
"Hot 'n' Cold" by Katy Perry
"Cafe Metropole" by Rick Krive
"Catz Meow" by Scott Robinson
"Solo Violin 2" by Daniel May
"Everybody Got Their Something" by Nikka Costa
"Pocketful of Sunshine" by Natasha Bedingfield
"Under the Covers" by Josh Kelley
"Soluna" by Los Pinguos
"De Vez en Cuando" by Los Pinguos
"El Gitano del Amor" by Latin Soul Syndicate
"Chainsaw" by Daniel Merriweather
"Right Round" by Flo Rida featuring Ke$ha
The Ugly Truth
Well, the title says it all :-p Good thing I didn't watch this in the movie house. It's short and didn't feel move-worthy at all. It's more like a developing drama in a sitcom. Personally, I think BONES does it better wtih Booth and Brennan.
I liked the story development of Princess Diaries 2 better! Sheesh.
I remember wanting to see this very much while it was showing in the theaters (more because of Gerard Butler and the 300 hype).
I hope Zac Efron does not disappoint me the same way in Charlie St. Cloud!
If there's any consolation, the movie soundtrack rocked!
"Hot 'n' Cold" by Katy Perry
"Cafe Metropole" by Rick Krive
"Catz Meow" by Scott Robinson
"Solo Violin 2" by Daniel May
"Everybody Got Their Something" by Nikka Costa
"Pocketful of Sunshine" by Natasha Bedingfield
"Under the Covers" by Josh Kelley
"Soluna" by Los Pinguos
"De Vez en Cuando" by Los Pinguos
"El Gitano del Amor" by Latin Soul Syndicate
"Chainsaw" by Daniel Merriweather
"Right Round" by Flo Rida featuring Ke$ha
Thursday, September 23, 2010
While Letting My Hair Dry...
I think it's better if i spend the time to relax and think about my future.
I'm still in limbo right now because of this horrible last subject: Strategic Management. When I hopefully get a grade on my paper this coming Saturday, I'd only have a month or so to prepare for the Oral Comprehensive Examination.
When I finish that along with graduation requirements, I think that's the time i can finally breathe and think of my career path and basically what I want to do in my life.
I'm a late bloomer in the life planning department. I only started saving for real last year! Imagine that. Well, better late than never hehehe.
I am still awake coz I took a bath but my hair dryer is not working... thus, I'm air drying my hair while blogging so I can finally sleep afterwards.
Yoga again tomorrow! Yey!
While Letting My Hair Dry...
I think it's better if i spend the time to relax and think about my future.
I'm still in limbo right now because of this horrible last subject: Strategic Management. When I hopefully get a grade on my paper this coming Saturday, I'd only have a month or so to prepare for the Oral Comprehensive Examination.
When I finish that along with graduation requirements, I think that's the time i can finally breathe and think of my career path and basically what I want to do in my life.
I'm a late bloomer in the life planning department. I only started saving for real last year! Imagine that. Well, better late than never hehehe.
I am still awake coz I took a bath but my hair dryer is not working... thus, I'm air drying my hair while blogging so I can finally sleep afterwards.
Yoga again tomorrow! Yey!
Saturday, September 11, 2010
S. T. R. A. M. A.
Is it a test of patience? of endurance? of perseverance.?
Is it a totally twisted and elaborate plan that everyone thinks they can win over but end up being stuck in the same maze as everyone before.
It's a mystery and simply something that I have to deal with.
I keep wishing that it's over. It's been eating up my life too much. I've put so many things on hold, but I can't anymore. It can't lord over everything else anymore. I'm still pushing through with it but putting it in its rightful place -- and definitely not at the top.
Life has to move on. Strama or no Strama.
Life goes on. Grrrar!
What's up? How's it going?
January 2025 became a positive turning point. I was still on edge when we went back to the Philippines for Chinese New Year. I didn't wa...
-
After all these years, I have the standard answer down pat to the question -"Why is your surname like this if your father is Chinese?...
-
Because of a post of the SG Prime Minister on his upcoming "Chap Go Mei" address, I found out that these words of Hokkien origin m...