Snapbomb

Hubby and I have been talking about how the prices of gas and commodities have gone up and how we can augment our current income to keep up with the rising costs. Budgeting is no easy task. And having a toddler and a newborn that have countless needs makes it even harder. So anything that would be of help, no matter how little, is most welcome.

Since several of my friends are into pro-blogging (i.e., earning while blogging), we agreed to give it a try. I searched online for sites that offer paid blogging and came across Snapbomb, a site that offers bloggers opportunities to earn money while doing what they love -- blogging! I figured, how hard can that be? I keep a blog and I enjoy blogging. I just have to make sure to squeeze in some blogging time in my busy work schedule.

So I signed up to give it a try. Let's see how it will turn out. Wish me luck! :)

Update On My Lola

As I have blogged here, my grandma who's in the US had a stroke yesterday.

My aunt called today and told us that my grandma is doing fine and slowly recovering. Thank God!

So I'd like to thank everyone who prayed for my grandma. We really appreciate it.

Can you write your name?

Caitlin can now write her name... and without help! I am one proud Mommy!


On her megasketcher


a closer look

How Did I Get Into IT?

I have been in the Information Technology (IT) industry for over ten years now. But would you believe if I tell you that I do not have an IT degree? Anyone who finds out that I have a degree in Business Administration gets quite surprised and cannot help asking how I got into this career. Let’s just say that it was a matter of miscommunication and/or misunderstanding between my first employer and me.

But don’t get me wrong. I do not regret being in this industry. In fact, I am grateful. I have learned a lot of things and have gained a lot of experiences, which I don’t think I will, had I gone into another career.

I got to travel internationally (for free) for project assignments, trainings, and business meetings. I learned different technologies and skills in this industry. I even got certified in some of those technologies.

But every IT professional knows that the IT industry is constantly changing, and at a fast pace at that. New technologies come up before you have even mastered one.

To keep up with all these changes and to enhance and advance one’s career, it is important to undergo trainings on such technologies and if possible, get certified. It is a well-known fact that certifications, such as a Cisco certification, can open up a lot of high paying job opportunities both locally and overseas.

And I can atest to this. I will not be where I am now (in terms of my career) if I did not have the trainings and certifications required by my job.

Continuous learning is a must for every IT professional to stay in this industry. Otherwise, you will be left behind.

Make Up Essentials

Pretty blogger participants: 1. 100% Kelly 2. A Reality Bite 3. My Views On My So Called Life 4. Cez't La Vie

Che wants to know what my makeup essentials are. Here they are...

1. Bare Escentuals Mineral Powder Foundation

I initially bought the BE starter kit and fell in love with it.

So I also bought...

2. BE Beyond the Basics Kit

3. BE Get Started Eyes kit

4. L'Oreal True Match Mineral Powder. I use this interchangeably with my BE Foundation Powder

For lip color, I use these...

5. L'Oreal Glam Shine Cream Lipstick

6. Revlon ColorStay Lipstick

7. For my mascara, I use Maybelline Volum Express Mascara

I guess that's it.

So my fellow WifeSpeakers, Toni, Apple, Arlene, Jeanny, and Faye... care to share yours?

Fast Cash

Remember my friend who was asking me if I had experience with cash advance loans? Well, she really needed some funds (at least until her pay day arrives) that she decided to apply for one through an online payday loan service. She said it was a breeze. The customer service representative who helped her through the application process was courteous and friendly. She just provided the necessary information and requirements that were asked. Her loan was approved in no time! She is now just waiting for her loan to be credited into her bank account.


I guess this really is a no-hassle, non-stressful way of acquiring emergency funds.

Asking for Prayers

We were told that my Grandma (in the US) had a stroke at 4pm EST (4am Manila time). What's even sadder about this is that it's her birthday today.

The hospital told my aunts/uncles that she's stable. But my aunt who's a nurse said that she's in critical condition.

So now, I am asking friends and readers of my blog to say a prayer for the recovery of my Mama Luz.

Thanks.

Update: January 2008

January was pretty much uneventful -- except for my 4D ultrasound appointment and knowing Baby #2's gender.


My Mom and Dad celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary on the 25th. It was also the day Caitlin learned to use the potty (to make wiwi only) by herself. Hooray!

I also remember that this was when Caitlin started to show interest in spelling. She spells out all the words that she sees. For instance, if I'm wearing a shirt that has some words on it, she'll point at each word and spell them one at a time.

Anyway, we have this paddle at home which I use to threaten Caitlin of some spanking if she insists on having her own way or doesn't obey her elders (But of course, I have never used it on her. That's because she does what she's told as soon as she sees it. lol!). The following words are written on the paddle -- "HOW TO SPANK".

One day, Caitlin got the paddle and started spelling out the words...

"H-O-W-T-O-S-P-A-N-K"

Then she shouted, "PAMALO!" (which is what we call it in Tagalog/Filipino).

All of us in the room burst out laughing! She's really one funny child!

A Strong Cup Of Coffee

Thanks, Mel, for this award.

Flame of Friendship

Thanks Maver and Mel for this :)

The Flame of Friendship.

A symbol of spirit of unity.

The burning icon of love.

Undying picture of hope.

The hot symbol of oneness.

The Flame of Friendship.

And now it’s your turn to flame yourself! Meet new friends. Discover friendship. Make bonds.

Copy this post starting from the PICTURE ABOVE to the end and add your blog on the list below.

Let’s start FLAMING!

Tiklaton: We are the witness, Janeth’s Vicy’s Life Journey, My Precious,Pitstop, Thea is Blogger Happy, Thea is Berry Scrappy Too, Scribbles of My Life, In This Game of Life, Shimumsy’s Republic of A, Princess Vien, Our Journey To Life, Life. Love. Family. Work. Travel., A Reality Bite, Mapped Memories, Cafe Munchkin, Munchkin Mommy, Practical Tips and More, The Working Mom, Joey M.D., Tsinay, Gossip Gehl, Underneath It All, CODPG, Working It, MyParty. Finds. A Home., my untamed world, my uncensored life, meme me, i.mEl.dific, Gossip Gehl, Cez't La Vie

I'm passing on this flame of friendship to Jen, Che, Jeanny, Toni (Girls, don't know if you have this already).

Share the Love

Passing this on from Maver.

Rules in sharing Crytal's Love:

Share this award with all those blogs out there that you love. All the people who make you smile. All those that make you laugh. All those that make your day. All those that leave uplifting comments on your blog. **All I ask, is that you include a link to this post with the award and ask your recipient to do the same**

As you may have recently seen on my side bar, I have finally created a custom blog award!! I have wanted to do this for a long time but never came up with something that “fit”. I didn’t want just anything. It had to be something that meant something to me. And what could mean more than Sharing the Love by giving you pieces of my heart??

So I created this award in Honor Of The Donor That Saved Noah’s Life. I share this award with those of you whose love and friendship have enriched my life and made my world a better place. I hope by passing this award around the blogging world we can all help raise awareness of the need for Organ Donation.

Now, I'm passing this on to anyone who wants to spread some love :)

In Desperate Need

Need your opinion guys!

I have a friend overseas who is in a bit of a crisis right now. She needs immediate funds and so she was asking me if I had experience with online lending firms. They say that these firms offer cash advance loans that anyone can easily apply to. Also, most of the applications can be made online and a loan application, as long as it is qualified and has complete requirements, can be approved overnight. Would this be something that she should consider and try out? If you were in her shoes would you consider applying for one?

Update: December 2007

This is the first of a series of personal updates (which I will be doing by month) about me and my family for the past several months. I do hope you do not get tired of reading :D

=======================


December 1 - We started to put up our Christmas tree. Caitlin helped in decorating it. Actually, we just let her put the decorations on the tree but we redid everything after she went to bed.


Here's Caitlin decorating the tree as she pleases.




Here's Caitlin (with Ninong Noel) decorating the tree after we redecorated it :P






December 9 - We were invited to Aimee's and Jed's birthday party at Oasis. It was a double celebration with Totally Spies and Blue's Clues as the themes.


The celebrants, Aimee and Jed, with their Mom and Dad


Caitlin sporting her Blue's Clues party hat

December 14 - It was my cousin Bing's (Caitlin's ninang) wedding. The ceremony was held at the Our Lady of Consolacion Parish while the reception was held at the Grand Terrace. It was Caitlin's first flower girl stint. Doesn't she look cute?



She walked down the aisle on her own and didn't need me to walk alongside her. We were very proud parents!


December 16 - KIDS Academy's Christmas Party. It was held at the ISO Bldg in Ateneo. The party was made more meaningful and memorable since it was celebrated with the Servants of Charity.


Caitlin with Daddy before the party


Dancing Caitlin

Here's Caitlin performing with her classmates/schoolmates (to the tune of Jingle Bell Rock).



The special children from Servants of Charity also performed a dance number.



Then the KIDS Academy kids danced the "Papaya" dance with them.



Caitlin dancing the "Papaya" dance

Each child from KIDS Academy was assigned a buddy from the Servants of Charity. A bag of Christmas goodies was given to each buddy.


Caitlin handing over the bag of Christmas goodies to her buddy


Family pic after the party (w/ a very preggy me) :P

December 19 - Oracle's Christmas Party with the kids.



Oracle Kiddie Party with Jollibee



Caitlin and Daddy with Santa


So that was our busy December (aside from the Christmas holiday celebrations we had).


January 2008 updates coming soon...

Sean's First Taste of Banana

Tonight, Sean had his first taste of banana. I think, he liked it.

He even held the spoon :)

Power Of Prayer

Passed on to me by Maver.

Prayer for the MV Princess of the stars fatalities and survivors:

Dear God,

We pray that you comfort each bereaved family everyday as they grieved for their loss, we pray that you will supply all their needs, we pray for the survivors that they may have a good life after the tragedy, that you will bless them and let them know in the deepest part of their heart that in spite of what have happened, you LOVE and CARE for them. This we pray in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

I encourage everyone to keep the prayer going. LET’S P.U.S.H. (PRAY UNTIL SOMETHING HAPPENS).

We Prayed:

1. Through The Rain 2. God’s gift 3. The Adventures of Dong and Jing 4. Me, Myself and I 5. malditang bunso’s journal 6. Underneath It All 7. 100% Kelly 8. Gossip Gehl 9. Cez't La Vie

I am now tagging arlene, che, che-che, haze and jeanny.

Kadamo Award

Arlene awarded me with this. Thanks!

“Dahil ikaw ay isang sertipikadong blogger, itinuturing kitang matalik kong
“KADAMO” Maraming salamat…

MGA KADAMO:
1.) Janeth Vicy’s Life Journey 2.) My Precious Niche 3.) Just Me.. Eds 4.) Eds Mommy Life 5. The Simple Life of a Baghag 6. My Simple Joy 7.Sassy Finds 8. Mommyhood and Me 9. My Charmed Life 10. My Simple but Adorned Life 11. Cez't La Vie 12. Your blog here

I'm passing this on to my fellow WifeSpeaks misis.

Tagged: For Someone Special Online

From Che.

~Start Copy Here~

1. Copy from start to finish
2. This letter should be pass on to your closest friends online.
3. Add your name and url blog HERE.

Please NOTE that you are not allowed to change the “HERE”

1. Wheng 2. Hazel 3. analyn 4.PinayWAHM 5. gles 6. DorothyL 7. hepa 8. nanaybelen 9. Tin 10. jv 11. Cee 12. gigi 13. ivoiremoon 14. Angie 15. Dhanny 16. Sheryll Zeck 17. SHENG 18. Pretty Me 19. Hachi 20. Davao Editorial Cartoons 21. claire 22. annie 23. loudandraw 24. Rumah Islami 25. razifembi 26. Donna 27. siixz 28. rosilie 29. JazLive 30. vicy 31. Rocks 32. enday
33. dez 34. nice 35. Eric 36. jha 37. vadis 38. Lovejoy 39. Things to Think About 40. Ubay 41. lord story 42. Yenzz 43. mari-dee 44. Mitch 45. Michael 46. Vannie 47. JazLive 48. Cez't La Vie 49. You're next!

4. Get back to Me [Wheng] and leave a comment once you’ve passed on the letter. Will then visit your site to make sure your links are complete and proper.
Please NOTE that you are not allowed to change the “Wheng”

5. To ensure everyone receives equal link benefit, UPDATE your list regularly!

It's true I have never seen you
and we have never met,
Never shaken Hands or
even truly hugged and yet!
I know for sure you care for
me by the kindness that you give.
And our keyboards keep us
together doesn't matter where we live.
So I give you this gift to

put a smile on your face
and to let you know in my
heart you have a special place.

~End Copy Here~

I'm sending this to all my blogger friends.

Tagged: Domino Tag

Tag from Toni, Arlene and Emz.


Domino Tag comes alive again!


{BEGIN COPY}


Rule: Copy the entire list and add your name at the bottom. And tag at least 5 friends. (But you can tag as many as you like).
Note: Please link the blog where you posted the tag We appreciate you linking all your blogs but make sure you post the tag in the blogs too.

Mommy Talks Aggie Shoots. Aggie Scraps All Kinds of Me Stuff The Salad Caper Winding Creek Circle Anorexic Queen Apple of Yan Ple YanPle Howell and Abie My Planet Purple WomenXplore Princess Bela My Happy Place I am Dzoi Cliktrik Life’s Simple Pleasures Coffee Table Conversations 100% Kelly My Colorful World Ramdom Thoughts Scribbles of My Life In This Game of Life The Shopaholic in Me Mommyhood and Me My Charmed Life My Joys Sassy Finds Celebrating Life Life is Peachy Belly, Baby and Beyond {BloggerHappy} {BerryScrappy} {Our Growing Family} My Simple But Adorned Life Cez't La Vie Your blog here

{END COPY}


I'm tagging everyone in my blogroll :)

I Love You Daddy

Caitlin came home from school yesterday with this...



When her Daddy got home, she was so excited that she literally dragged him to the bedroom to show her artwork (although she didn't write the words; her teacher did. haha!). Hubby was so happy and touched that he said he'll use it as a paper weight at work.

My mom was teasing me that Caitlin had nothing for me. I told her I didn't mind because a couple of weeks ago, she came home with this...



Isn't that sweet? :)

Tagged: World Class Profession

Tagged by Toni. Thanks! May filler na naman ako :)

1. Copy and paste everything to a new post and Add your name next to your profession (or profession-to-be for undergrads) in the list. Make sure your name is linked to your blog/webbie

2. If your profession is not in the list then simply add it to the correct alphabetical place. For example, if you want to add PLUMBER then it should be placed in between ONCOLOGIST and QUEEN

3. Tag as many people as you can and witness how your technorati will explode!

4. Don’t forget to link back. In your case, link back to http://www.mckhoii.com/




THE WORLD CLASS PROFESSIONS

Admin. Officer - Jhona

Blogger - Mary, Vannie

Business - Vanniedosa

Doctor -

IT Professional - Mich, Cez

Nurse - Mckhoii,Aggietha

Quality Management Supervisor - Toni

Teacher -

Stay-At-Home-Mom - Mai, Aggie, Vanessa

Now, who to tag? Hmmm... I'm tagging those who haven't changed professions in the last 3 years.

Some Awards

I also received a couple of blogging awards during the time that I failed (read: was lazy) to update my blog.

So here they are. I just hope I'm not too late to send my appreciation to those who gave me these.

==================================================

From Toni

Thanks, Toni, for this.

==================================================

Angels

This one's from Em. Thanks!

Tags, Tags, and More Tags (4 of 4)

Here's the 4th installment...

===================================================

Tagged: Post a Smile (snagged from Meeya)

Just thought I'd share my 2 angels' smiles with you.

Here's one of Caitlin





And here's Sean's





I just love their smiles! :)


===================================================

Tagged: It's All About You and Me (from Che-Che)


Fifteen Questions again! And it’s all about me from Kathy

RULES:
1. Add your blog/s to the list. Feel free to add all your other blogs. It’s okey if you only post this questions in one blog as long as you answer them.
2. Get back to Kathy and will add your blogs to the master’s list here! Yup, another linking thingy but this one has 15 questions and you get to enjoy answering them too!
3. Tag as many friends online you know. But you don’t need to be tag in order to join.


QUESTIONS:
1. When you buy a greetings card, are the words or the picture more important to you?
~ I consider the words more than the picture

2. What’s your favorite kind of cake?
~ Cheesecake (any kind). Yum!

3. Do you ever make gifts for people, if so what, or do you buy them?
~ I usually buy them


4. What’s your favorite holiday?
~ Christmas and New Year


5. Are you going on holiday this year? If so, where?
~ No plans yet (and it's already the middle of the year!)

6. What was the best party you’ve ever been to?
~ Our wedding :-P

7. If you are married, describe your wedding. If not, what would your ideal wedding be like?
~ Our wedding was what I dreamed it would be. Click here for pictures :)

8. What’s the most romantic thing that’s ever happened to you?
~ Our first kiss (hubby and I, of course!)

9. What’s your favorite girl’s name?
~ my daughter's name - Caitlin Bernadette

10. What’s your favorite boy’s name?
~ my son's name - Sean Patrick

11. Which celebrity would you like a dream date with?
~ Can't think of anyone right now.

12. Which female celebrity do you find beautiful?
~ hmmm... balikan ko na lang 'to :P

13. Which male celebrity do you think is attractive?
~ hmmm... balikan ko na lang din 'to :P

14. What is your best character trait?
~ I'll give and do anything for my loved ones

15. What is your worst habit?
~ hmmm... secret na lang :P


Now your turn!!!


The List:
1. Me and Mine 2.Creative In Me 3.Little Peanut 4. Pea in a Pod 5. Sugar Magnolias 6. kathycot dot com 7. buhaymisis.com 8.My Pride and Joy...MY LIFE 9. Cez't La Vie


=================================================


Whew! I still have a few more but those are just tags/memes that I snagged. There are a few that I would like to do a separate entry on.


So I guess that's it! More than a half year's worth of tags/memes... all done! Yay!

Tags, Tags and More Tags (3 of 4)

More tags...

===================================================

Tagged: A Photo Meme (from Che-Che and Meeya)

Here's how it works:
1. Go to http://www.photobucket.com/
2. Type in your answer to the question in the "search" box
3. Use only the first page
4. Insert the picture into your blog

Here goes...

1. What is your relationship status?



2. What is your current mood?



3. Who is your favorite band/artist?



4. What is your favorite movie?





5. What kind of pet do you have?


6. Where do you live?





7. Where do you work?


8. What do you look like? LOL!!! :D



9. What do you drive?



10. What did you do last night?



11. What is your favorite TV show?




12. Describe yourself







13. What are you doing today?



14. What is your name?



15. What is your favorite candy?

===================================================

Tagged: Worldwide Link Love (from Che-che)

~start copying here ~

Join the Worldwide Link Love!

Benefits of Worldwide Link Love!
1. Make new friends around the world.
2. Feel the Link Love.
3. Gain new readers and subscribers.

Rules:
1. Copy from ~start copying here ~ to ~ end copying here ~ and paste it on your blog.
2. At the end of the list, put your name and the country your in, it doesn’t matter what’s your nationality just put the country where you are publishing your blog.Don’t forget to put links at your name.
3. If u have many blogs, you can link all of it, just make sure you post the same on each blog.
4. Tag eight (8) or more of your blog friends.
5. Tip for blogspot users: make sure you copy and paste the code in Compose mode.

Wanna join, and you can’t find your name on the list?
Just leave a comment here.

Worldwide Link Love! Participants:
1. Julia (Philippines)
2. Catherine (Malaysia)
3. shimumsy(u.s.a)
4. Mitch (Philippines)
5. Hailey (Philippines)
6. Sexymom (USA)
7. Liza (Philippines)
8. Idealpinkrose (Korea)
9. Korean food (Korea)
10. Allinkorea (Korea)
11. Kimchiland (Korea)
12. Confessions of an Army Wife (USA)
13. Bless Sanctuary (USA)
14. VampSquad (Philippines)
15. Manna from Heaven ( Philippines)
16. And Life Goes On (Philippines)
17. Uncomplicated (Philippines)
18. To the Moon and Back (Philippines)
19. IamDzoi (Philippines)
20. My Happy Place (Philippines)
21. Blogger Happy (USA)
22. Berry Scrappy (USA)
23. Mommy Talks. Wife Stories. (Philippines)
24. Aggie Shoots Aggie Scraps. (Philippines)
25. Winding Creek Circle. (Philippines)
26. Vanniedosa (Philippines)
27. Wannabesupermodel (Philippines)
28. Scribbles of My Life (Philippines)
29. In This Game of Life (Philippines)
30. My Pride & Joy...MY LIFE (Philippines)
31. Cez't La Vie (Philippines)

~ end copying here ~

Feel free to snag this if you don't have it yet.

===================================================

Tagged: Another Link Tag (from Che-Che)

The rules:

Cut and paste the following starting here.

I have randomly selected 5 of you below to be tagged and I hope that you will similarly publish this post in your blog. You will have to tag 5 other bloggers and just keep adding on to the list. (Do not replace, just keep on adding! Yes we hope it will be a long list!) It’s real easy! Tag others and see your Technorati Authority increase exponentially!

The benefits of Viral Linking:
- One of the fastest ways to see your technorati authority explode!
- Increase your Google PageRank fast
- Attract large volume of new traffic to your site
- Build your community
- Make new friends!

For the links: The Strategist Notebook, Link Addiction, Ardour of the Heart, When Life Becomes a Book,The Malaysian Life, Yogatta.com, What goes under the sun Roshidan’s Cyber Station,Sasha says,Arts of Physics,And the legend lives,My View, My Life,A Simple Life,Juliana RW,The Callalily Space,Petra,Summer in Blue,Confessions of an Army Wife,Bless’ Sanctuary,Happy Life,http://bless519.bravejournal.com/,La Place de Cherie,Chez Francine,Le bric a brac de Cherie Little Peanut, Pea in a Pod, The Creative In Me,Me and Mine,Pinay Mommy,Expressions from the Heart,TeacherJulie, Sweetbites by Bang, Paul, Toni and Lance - Bridging the Distance, Our Growing Family, The Uncensored life of me, My Untamed World, Yan-Ple’s Party Shop,Childstar Band, My Scrappy Side, BLOGGERHAPPY.COM, Fun.Fierce.Fabulous, Nap Time Rocks!, Juls Random Thoughts, Working It, CODPG, MyParty.Finds.A.Home, Random Thoughts, My Colorful World, Thefogramp, Princess Sophia, My Happy Place, To the moon and back, Iam Dzoi, Scribbles of My Life, In This Game of Life , My Pride & Joy...MY LIFE, Cez't La Vie


Tagging anyone who hasn't done this.


===================================================


Tagged: My Japanese Name (snagged this from Em)


For the instructions, add your name on the list and simply spell out your name using the given Japanese letter- translations below. Tag six of your friends and inform them of the tag.


Have fun!


TRANSLATION:

A - ka -----G - ji -----M - rin -----S - ari----- Y - fu
B - tu -----H - ri -----N - to ------T - chi -----Z - zi
C - mi----- I - ki -----O - mo -----U - do
D - te----- J - zu -----P - no ------V - ru
E - ku-----K - me ----Q - ke ------W - mei
F - lu-----L - ta ------R - shi ------X - na


1. OSWALD - moarimeikatate (sounds like american and states har....har...har...)
2. JUNELLE - zudotokutataku (Thank God I’m a Filipino! sounds like sadako. nyay! hehehe)
3. JACQUELINE - zukamikedokutakitoku (Ayay!! Unsaman ni perti mang taasa..wa ko kasabot nyahahaha)
4. LIRA LUZ - takishika taduzi ( sounds like a title of an anime show) it's cute!
5. Gracey - Katakamikuari (oh my, i'm glad i'm not japanese. Nothing sounds like it!
6. Vannie - Rukatotokiku (huh? ruka sounds cute!) hehehe
7. Farah - Lukashikari (hahaha! it's cute!)
8. Emillie- Kurinkitatakiku (ang sagwa!)
9. Celeste - Mikutakuarichiku (ano daw?! hahaha!)


===================================================


Hopefully, last installment na yung kasunod. Hehehe...