Sink or Swim

Our neighbor’s bikes are always blocking not just their driveway but ours too. I’m planning on discreetly leaving a flyer for yakima bike racks, which I received from the mall. But it turns out it’s being used for bringing your bikes with you when you travel. I’m just worried that the kids will hurt themselves when they run outside because of the bikes. Also, my husband finds it hard to enter our garage when their bikes and their friends’ bikes are blocking the roads.But I am not complaining too much knowing it could be worse. At least, they are not war-freak couples or drug addicts. Believe me, I’ve heard so many horror stories about neighbors that I’ve learned to look the other way if the thing that’s bothering me is not that big.

I’m currently shopping online for breeches. I need it for a costume party next month which will be held in a country club. The theme is all about horses, which is perfect for the celebrant who is a budding equestrian. Seeing her invitation made me remember how I wanted to have my own pony when I was 7 years old. Not that it’s even possible, what with our small backyard and my parents’ “just enough” income. Good thing I got interested with the arts instead! But still, I’ve always wanted to learn how to gallop and run fast, not cruise slowly in one of those horses for rent. I heard they will have 3 ponies in the party that kids can ride so I’m so excited for my little girl. Hope she will not get scared!

My search for waterproof binoculars was a success! Now I know that our gift for our friend, who’s about to celebrate his 32nd birthday next week will be the winner. We have this game of outdoing each other when it comes to giving gifts. The winner always gets a special treat like a spa gift certificate or any one of those that you will not buy unless someone gives it to you. But in order to make them affordable, we grouped ourselves into several teams. I am teaming up with my husband and two other single friends who were more than willing to share for the binoculars. I can’t wait to see his face when he opens his present! It will be perfect for his latest hobby which is bird watching.

Every time I win a project bid, I can’t help but envision our future dream house. Not only that, I see the exterior design, number of bedrooms even stuff like best laminate flooring, high-end bath fixtures and kitchen appliances parade in my mind. I feel like I’m getting close to my goal the more side projects I get. The earnings from them usually gets transferred directly to my untouchable savings account, if I don’t get sidetracked with other big-ticket purchases. This year, however, most of my side project earnings will go to my new machine (yeah!) and to the first birthday party budget for my youngest. I am about done meeting my quota for that so whatever projects that will come after will be put into our future home budget again. I am not rushing this time. I know God will provide when it’s the right moment.

I always knew that my cousin’s two teaching degrees will not go to waste. Back when we were younger, he has always been the one that was more patient and more eager to share what he knows – on just about all kinds of things. So it wasn’t a surprise that he now holds a teaching degree in Science and Math. I like how he formulates a question and how he encourages his students to learn more. If he was my teacher when I was in grade school, I would’ve probably paid more attention to my studies than spent my afternoons doodling or chatting with my classmates. I’m not saying this just because he’s my cousin. In fact, I’d be more than happy if my kids can study under him. I just know he’ll do a great job sharpening young minds.

*grabbed from sharondrewmorgen.com

Seeing a lot of tech jobs online is making me wonder if I should go back to the corporate world. I do love working from home, having my own time with an occasional face-time with colleagues in the US. However, it’s just not the same as climbing up the corporate ladder, dealing with office politics, dressing up to impress coworkers and clients and simply brainstorming with a team personally. I know I will always change my mind but right now, I wouldn’t mind having a conference meeting in an actual conference room or a quick coffee fix just to catch up with project updates.

Ordering gourmet gift online is a tried and tested way to say thanks to my clients. It’s very convenient since they can deliver it straight to their offices or houses. You can never go wrong with gourmet food. A carefully selected cheese and chocolates can do wonders, even to non-foodies. If they don’t like it, they can always give it to their kids, friends or host a party and have someone else enjoy it. Overall, you can never go wrong with these:

Still not sure what to give this Valentine’s Day? Try one of the items above!

It’s really great how sexy lingerie come in all kinds of sizes. Not all women are stick figures no matter how many runway models display their thin and bony bodies wearing too small clothes that we’re supposed to buy. One of my favorites are the plus size corsets that are perfect for my bride-to-be friends. It does not only shrink the extra bulges but it makes a woman feel sexy even if she’s the only one who knows that she’s wearing it. Just imagine the face of their future husbands when they see those corsets under their lovely gowns. It will be like going back in time when Mr. Darcy would help Liz Bennet get dressed. (yeah, I was reading a totally different version of pride and prejudice)