Credit Card Fraud

I recently fell prey to credit card fraud. A week ago, my bank called me to check if I have been to Mexico because there have been questionable charges to my credit card. What's funny is that those are card present transactions.

First of all, I have NEVER been to Mexico. Second, my teammates can attest that during those dates when the fraudulent transactions occurred, I was at work and my meeting attendance can also prove that. Third, I have NOT lost my card. In fact, I was looking at it while talking to the customer rep from the bank. Fourth, I have NEVER asked for a credit card extension on that account.

Whoever got hold of my credit card number had a field day shopping in Mexico. The transactions amounted up to $600+ in two days! Thank God for vigilant banks like mine. Otherwise, I would never have known until he/she has maximized my credit limit! I was then advised to file a police report, complete and sign an affidavit for fraudulent use of credit/debit card.

It still baffles me to this day how this happened. Friends who have had the same experience told me that someone might have duplicated my card when I went to Manila almost recently. I was told that there are groups who does that for a living, and they target foreign issued credit cards just because those have high credit limits.

I do not really know how my card was duplicated, and I may never find out. Let this be a lesson to everyone to be on guard always. Here are some of the tips I have learned from this experience:

• After travelling from foreign countries (even the Philippines), inform your banks that you have lost the card. That way, if it has been duplicated, nobody will be able to make use of it because the card is cancelled.
• Always check your credit card balance and charges.
• When purchasing items online, make sure it is from reputable cyberstores. During checkout, there should be a lock icon on the website to ensure that it is a secure site.
• Make sure your credit card is never out of your sight. When paying at restaurants, make sure they are reputable enough. If you are unsure or you are a first-timer, pay cash instead.
• Be wary of those old credit card readers where your whole credit card number is captured.
• I have also been advised that some culprits would switch your cards at checkout counters. Make sure your card is returned to you and verify that it is indeed your card and not a dummy or someone else's.
• Be careful about phishing scams which are also rampant these days. I have numerous emails being sent to me to verify my account no., address, phone no., and other pertinent information. I usually delete emails such as these but when it is coming from my bank, I usually go through their website directly. I do not trust the link that is being sent with that email.

Most credit card companies offer zero liability on fraud, but you still have to prove that it wasn't you who made those transactions. In my case, I had to file a police report.

I just hope this doesn't happen to anyone else.

Reflections on Motherhood

I have never understood fully what my mom sacrificed to bring me out into the world until I became pregnant. She had a difficult pregnancy. For the first trimester, she threw out everything she ate, but she kept eating because it was the only way I'd survive. She took care of herself because she wanted me to be healthy. She did everything she was supposed to do, even gave up a thriving career when I was born just so she can take care of me personally. You never really know until you experience all these yourself.

Having a baby is a total lifestyle change. My body has been changing with it too. My heaviest was at 100lbs, and I have had a hard time even attaining that weight. Now I'm up to 103 lbs. My waistline was 26 pre-pregnancy, while it's 32 now - 2 more inches and I'll have the same waistline as hubz.

In Manila, I noticed that I was having a hard time fitting into my pants. I even bought a couple of jeans at size 28. I blamed eating too much as the source of my growing tummy. It was only when I came back that I realized I had a baby growing inside of me. No wonder I'm always hungry, and I eat as if it was my last meal! Hubz would tease me that I have a big tummy - now he takes pride seeing it grow!

I had my very first ultrasound last Friday and it was an amazing experience. I saw our baby's heartbeat. It was like a butterfly fluffing its wings. I also saw the baby move for the first time, as if saying "hey mommy, look what I can do". I couldn't help but cry. The feeling was so overwhelming. I am truly in awe of God's goodness. How can one egg and a sperm create a life? Only through God's infinite power.... Too bad hubz isn't here to share this experience with me.

Sure I feel queasy, but I feel fortunate that I haven't really thrown what I eat out of my system. I used to hate milk because it upsets my stomach but I now drink a couple of glasses a day, plus orange juice with calcium, to make sure I have enough vitamins for our baby's development. I get frequent migraines now but that doesn't bother me. I love being pregnant. Here's this little creature whose very existence depended on me. He trusts me completely - without question.

Now I know that when you're a mom, you'd do anything and everything for your child. In as much as my mom has taken good care of me while I was growing up, I hope to do the same, if not better, for my own child.

Reminiscing the trip home...

Well, I'm definitely back, with a bulging tummy at that! Everything I'm feeling is foreign to me, but I do welcome them if it meant our baby is growing inside of me. Sure, I still miss my husband terribly, though at least I have someone to keep me company.... :)

Before my first appointment with my gynecologist, I checked my charts (I was required to keep track of my basal temperature the moment I wake up in the morning). I just realized that my temperate shot up as high as 100.4 degrees (Fahrenheit) on April 20th. My usual basal temps were only on the 97s. What does this mean? It means that I ovulated the day before or on the 20th itself - while we were in Cebu!

Ok, our trip to Cebu wasn't all that. In fact, among all our other trips, that was our least favorite due to very bad customer service at Shang Mactan. Long story... So, you can just imagine that a trip we'd rather forget brought us the baby we've long hoped for. In short, at least something good came out of it.

Our next stop was Panglao in Bohol. This was one trip we truly enjoyed. We stayed at Panglao Island Nature Resort. There wasn't much water activity to do (truly a honeymooner's paradise), but the resort is just oh-so-romantic. To top it off, Bohol is beautiful. The Boholanons were able to maintain their lush greens and the wonder of the famous Chocolate Hills. We were also treated to a special lunch cruising the Loboc River (we were told this was where the movie "Panaghoy sa Suba" was shot). And those tersiers were just endearing. They're not frightening at all!

Between Cebu and Bohol, we also got to see Avilon Zoo. I must say, I was impressed at how they were able to maintain the place and the animals looked well-fed.

Then there were our constant trips to my grandmother's hometown, Pagsanjan. This was also where my aunt celebrated her birthday. Grandma must've invited the whole town!!!! Funny because they seem to know me all, but I don't remember meeting them - ever!

Our last stop was Tagaytay - where we reminisced when we first became a couple. Yep, it was at Picnic Grove in Tagaytay on Nov. 12, 1994 that I first said "I love you" to my now-husband. We also stopped at a chapel called "W.I.S.H". The inscription said that if you hold Our Lady of Manaoag's hands and make a wish, it will be granted. We did just that - and fervently wished for a baby. Our miracle was granted and we will forever be grateful.

To give you a visual of where we've been, and maybe give you an idea where to go, here are some photos we hope you'd enjoy.

'Til my next trip home (whenever that'll be)....

A very wonderful blessing

I had an appointment with my gynecologist today and she has confirmed what we've known all along - I'm 7 weeks pregnant!!!!! We're just so thrilled!

A week ago, at 5:30 in the morning, and after being delayed for 43 days, we decided to brave it through and take the pregnancy test. Hubz wanted to be a part of the whole ritual so I called him. As I immersed the test stick into the urine cup (sorry if the details are gross), I had my eyes closed the whole time - I was praying and eagerly awaiting the result. When I opened my eyes and the tester said "pregnant" (I had a hi-tech digital pregnancy tester), I gasped for breath. After that, I was just crying - tears of joy. Hubz said he had tears in his eyes too.

We have been praying for our little angel since the year we got married. The thought of having a baby occupied every waking moment of my life. I cry whenever I see, hear, or read baby news from friends. It seemed to be happening to everyone except us. This year, I resolved to take control of my life, and trust God that in His time, He will give us the desires of our heart.

You see, we were happy beyond words because I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). I don't ovulate, and so we have to see a specialist every year (and spend a fortune on workups, medications, treatments) to trigger my ovulation. For two years, I ovulated but there was no baby. We decided to forego treatments this year, except for some medications that we're still taking. We did not see our doctor. We decided to put our complete trust in God. We turned to prayers.

There is truly nothing impossible with God. When I was first diagnosed of PCOS, it was devastating for me. I wasn't like any other women who just thinks of having another baby and poof, she's pregnant. Ours took a while longer, but it was definitely worth the wait.

People would still say it is going to be tough to raise a baby on my own (with hubz still waiting for his visa to be able to join me here), but we have decided to trust the Lord. After all, it was He who granted us our prayers, so He must've known we can handle it.

To our little angel, know that you are loved even before you were conceived. We longed for you even before we knew you. You were our little miracle - truly heaven-sent. You were the greatest blessing that has ever happened to us.

After almost a month-long rendezvous with hubz in Manila, I am now back to reality. I got back to SFO on Saturday night - sad, alone, and jet lagged!

I'm still in the process of organizing my thoughts but I wanted to make my presence known. To all those who remembered our anniversary, thank you! It had been an amazing two years.

I'll be back to blog soon, with photos of our trips to boot.

Because I will be in hiatus for a full month, I am leaving with a hodge podge of things on my blog:

Happy Birthday to the wonderful man I married - someone who loved and accepted me for who and what I am. I can truly say that you're one of the best that has ever happened to me. I am grateful because God has heard my prayers and He gave me more than what I asked for. I love you - always and forever!

Happy second anniversary hubz! Time just flew by, and I couldn't believe that two years have passed since our blissful wedding day. Had I known that being married to you is going to be the best feeling there is, I would've married you earlier... :) And though we're still far apart, know that in my heart, there is only you.... Here's to forever...

Happy birthday dad! I wish you good health, happiness, peace of mind, enlightenment, strength, hope. Though we've had our differences, no one can change the fact that without you, I will not be here today. I love you and I hope that time will heal all wounds and rekindle our relationship. God bless you!

Happy birthday ninang! Through the years, you have helped me and my family through hard times. Without your help, I do not know where we'll be today. For all those times you unselfishly gave and loved unconditionally, thank you. You will always have a special place in my heart. God bless you and your family always. May the happiness and generosity you shared be returned to you a hundredfold.

Happy Mother's Day to my grandmas (Nanay, Lola, and Mama), to my moms (Mommy and Mommy A.), to my Ninang. I pray that when I become a mother myself, I will be half as good, if not equally good, as you've been to your children and husbands. I love you all!

'Til my next post - a month later probably... :)

7 Days to Go...

I have been told that my smile, these days, spans from ear to ear. What better reason is there than the fact that I'm home-bound a week from today? For someone whose husband is away, I look forward to our yearly rendezvous year after year after year.

When I called hubz the other night, he was talking about how stressed he is these past few days. Of course I was worried that they're trying to squeeze in a full month's worth of work in a week's time (like they do to me over here). Fortunately, that wasn't the case. He's stressed because he's trying to find a condo unit for us (which luckily, he found one). Next, he was scouting for reasonable rates for our trip to Panglao for our second anniversary. Then, he was planning our hectic itinerary - leaving just enough time for us to spend time together - just the two of us. Also, he brought his car in for maintenance so it's ready for long trips to wherever.

As for me, it's been busy as usual - even more, I think. I'm trying to finish off all my post-implementation documents then get a head start on October 2005 Release (for which I was told I will be responsible for). But hey, I'm not complaining. In a week's time, I'm outta here... :)

Lastly, I think even nature's cooperating (if you know what I mean... wink, wink!).

This is how I want to remember His Holiness - lively, charming, gentle, loving, caring.

It was hubz who first broke the news to me via a text message confirming that the Pope has passed away. I was sleeping then because I was on graveyard shift the previous night. Being a light sleeper, the mere beep on my cellphone woke me up. When I read the message, I couldn’t help but cry. I haven’t seen him in person but I felt a deep connection with him. After all, he was the only Pope I knew. Everything about the Pope is the one news I crave for these days. Usually, I get tired at seeing the same news over and over again.

Here is this great man who served the Lord up until his very last breath. Here is someone who obeyed God's will until the very end. Here is one Angel that the world was blessed with.

Goodbye Papa. I will miss you terribly.

An Angel Among Us

All over the world, people have been praying for one of the world's most powerful leaders - Pope John Paul II. I am personally saddened by the fact that he is near death as I write this blog. All throughout his papacy, I have heard amazing stories about him. It had been one of my dreams to one day be able to visit the Vatican and get a glimpse of the Pope.

I recall that he went to the Philippines twice - the last one was in the 1994 (or was it 1995?), hubz had chickenpox then. I wanted to be one of those who lined up the streets of Metro Manila to get a glimpse of His Holiness. Friends who went told me how his mere passing brought tears to their eyes. They felt a sense of peace and overwhelming joy. I guess you can call it a taste of Heaven.

It had been written that because of his steadfast faith, he is able to see Christ like Mother Theresa. It is no surprise that he is well-loved, respected, and well-regarded. These photos will prove just how he much he has touched people's lives.

On Good Friday, the church distributed crosses from the Vatican, blessed by His Holiness himself. I kept that in my wallet to remind me of my dream to visit to the Vatican someday. I do pray that the Pope will pass on peacefully and that the new Pope will have the same effect on the world as his predecessor's.

One great man will soon be coming home to his Creator. I know in my heart that the Heavens eagerly await his arrival. He will be welcomed with open arms and all the angels in Heaven will rejoice in his homecoming.

Here's an LO I did during Easter weekend. I actually started working on it last week and turned the house upside down (my computer mostly) looking for the ring choices before I deemed this LO final.

Hope you all had a meaningful lenten season. Mine was quiet, though busy at work. Unlike the Philippines where Maundy Thursday and Good Friday are considered holy days and holidays, it is but a regular working day here in the US. Still, we tried to make it a point to go to church. First, to thank Jesus for the sacrifice He made to save us from sins. Second, to reflect on where I've been and where I'm going. Third, to rejoice now that the Lord has risen. Fourth, to renew my hope in the Risen Christ. With Him, all things are possible.

Vertigo Tour: U2 in Concert

Everytime I hear a U2 song being played on the radio, I feel a deep sense of regret. I have always been a big fan of this band for as long as I can remember. I love their songs, and I so love Bono!!!! He truly knows how to rock!

When I heard that U2 is going to have a concert in San Francisco on April 9th, I felt giddy with excitement! I will finally be able to hear my favorite band play. I asked some friends if they wanted to watch them in concert but I guess I'm the only rocker around here, tee-hee! My roommate L has friends visiting from Australia on that weekend. Neighbor R said it's her SIL's birthday that day so they're going out to celebrate. I'm torn between watching alone, or not seeing them at all!

As soon as their tickets were released to the general public, they sold like hotcakes. People actually camped out to get some. And so, by the time I'm ready to get a couple (will just beg a friend to see it with me, hehehe!), they're gone - as in SOLD OUT!!!!!! You can just imagine how disappointed I was then, especially hearing Bono at the Grammy's when he apologized to the fans who couldn't get any more tickets - thanks Bono, I'm one of them fans!

I searched ebay hoping for some tickets at a reasonable price, but I couldn't find any in SFO anymore. They have tickets selling in Chicago, LA, and some other states, but not around here. What's outrageous is the prices they're selling it for. Would you believe they're going for $500 a piece, and people are actually buying them?! What irritated me is the fact that there people like me who would like to get tickets because I'd like to actually see the show, but can't get anymore, while there are vultures out there would hoard tons of tickets to auction off to the highest bidder. They're making an easy profit out of someone else's suffering!!!!

Oh well, just venting out I guess. I'm hoping this isn't their last tour because I swear, even if I have to camp out the next time, I will... just so I can see them in concert!

Hmmm, it's St. Patrick's day today, and what do you know, I'm blogging about an Irish band. Is it coincidence or what?! Happy St. Patty's Day anyway!

What My Husband Misses About Me

In exactly a month and 13 hours from the time this blog gets posted, I am leaving for Manila. I can hardly wait!

I asked hubz a while back what he misses about me and here's his response:

* Holding hands while walking. There's no greater feeling than having someone walk with you side by side, holding your hand as if they're afraid of losing you.

* The cook in me. He said he misses having tapsilog, longsilog, baconsilog, or tocilog for breakfast, complete with coffee and a table made up for two... :)

* Snuggling in front of the TV or just plain cuddling. When we were just starting out, he told me he loved me because I'm so "malambing". In fact, when we'd get into an argument (because of my own doing), I won't necessarily say "I'm sorry", but I'll snuggle with him. He said no matter how angry he'd be, I have the ability to soften his heart when I do that.

* Talking face to face. Though we talk on the phone every single day, nothing compares to the magic of being able to talk to each other in person.

* Flirting with each other. He would kiss me at random, fiddle with my hair, hug me tight. It's simple ways of showing off our love for each other.

* Plain ol' foolishness. We'd tease each other endlessly and we'd laugh so hard in the end.

* Dining out. My husband is a penny-pincher. He would seldom eat out, especially not on his own. Ask him about good restaurants and he'll ask someone else. He once told me he loves it when I come home because he gets to try different restaurants.

* Dates. Be it a date to the movies, or a date with friends, he enjoys it immensely just because he's with me.

* Going to church together. There was a time when we got into an argument because he doesn't go to church all that often. He told me he misses me whenever he does that. Now he's back to going to church regularly. In part, I owe it to the fact that he lost his ring and because of dire prayers, he found it. He told me he is so grateful that he was spared of a big expense - I was demanding a diamond wedding band, should he lose his'.

* Making plans. It is when I get home that we get to plan and dream of our future. You know, serious stuff.

Of course there are other reasons but if I am to keep this blog wholesome, I'd have to stop here. I think you know what I mean (wink, wink).... :)

One good thing about being in an LD marriage is that we always feel like newlyweds everytime we're together. Everyday is a honeymoon. We try not to argue because we'll spoil the short time we spend together.

Ahh, a month to go and still counting... :)

An LD Husband's Request

Part of my frustrations as an LD wife and a good cook (testimony based on my victims' willing participation on my recipe experiments, hehehe!) is not being able to cook for my dear husband. On occasion, I would cook gazillions of food to feed an army, but I couldn't get the chance to sample it on my husband's very choosy palate. Whenever I'd come home, our activities would prevent us from eating in, not to mention that the condo units we end up renting has miniature furnitures that it's tough to fix something to eat.

You see, I am very particular about the kitchen. I want it fully functional and big, with lots of cabinets to store the precious cooking gadgets I've accumulated over the years. This is all because I experiment a lot. I look for new menus to whip up. I especially like baking and so an oven is a must. Most of the time, I'm successful with my so-called cooking experiments.

And so, a few days ago, I was talking to hubz and he told me he missed my garlic fried rice, eggs, and longganisa or tocino or tapa or bacon in the morning. He was asking me if I could cook them for him when I come home. I'm thinking, "ok, I can definitely do that!" My husband's taste is very simple - he's a carnivore who loves sinigang. You can probably serve him that everyday and he wouldn't mind! Next, I told him about baking and decorating a chocolate cake for a friend's baby shower yesterday, and he asked if I could bake him cakes too. I told him I'd be happy to do it except he'd have to hook me up with an oven, hehehe! He requested sans rival and so I'm in now in the lookout for a good recipe to experiment with. Friends and good-hearted neighbors, look out, hahaha!

Note that I used to bake a lot - back when my roommate has no clue she had diabetes. When she was diagnosed, she toned down on sweets. So, if I do find the time to bake, I'd either give most of it away (to happy recipients?) or eat them all on my own (bad idea!). That said, it had been a while since I practiced my baking. But hey, I've got a month and a half to hone my skills.... :)

Don't worry hubz, I have it on my list to fatten you up with good food courtesy of moi! After all, you don't get dubbed the domesticated goddess for nothing - with the kitchen as my kingdom, and the ladle as my scepter, what can possibly go wrong?

Happy birthday Jane! Lots of hugs your way today!

The Never-Ending Saga that started with a Fender Bender

In late 2003, we had a little fender bender in San Francisco, going towards the Bay Bridge. This filipino guy hit us because he was on the phone. Our story began...

Since it was my roommate's car, the guy gave her his contact information sans his address, his insurance policy no. and the name of the insurance company. My roommate immediately contacted the insurance company and this lady that she first talked to was very helpful. She made sure they paid for her car repairs without question. L also informed her about back pains and she advised us to see a chiropractor. When we told her we had an initial consultation with one, she told us this doctor that we went to is know to charge exorbitant fees, but to go ahead and send her our bills later. All's well (or so we thought).

After our treatments, we were given the final bill and though we were shocked of the bottomline, we submitted our claims to the insurance company. The new adjustor called us to ask for an appointment for routinary questions. When we called him for the appointment, he told us that there wasn't any need. Then, we got a notice in the mail that our claim was denied - no further explanations!!!

Our nightmare began - we started the phone brigade with the insurance guy but he wouldn't return our calls. When he finally did, after several attempts, he was very rude and even had the nerve to say he's "protecting his client, and that we might be taking advantage of the situation". Well, helloooo - if we are, we should've hired a lawyer in the first place and not have done it ourselves. Besides, we gave them a copy of the final bill, no more, no less. If we were taking advantage, we should've asked for more money that that!

We have no choice but to file a small claims case. First, it was against the insurance company but the judge told us we can't sue a corporation. We need to sue the guy so he'd go after his insurance company. Fine, we were re-scheduled. Since my roommate wasn't given an address, we decided to do our own investigative search. We came up with several addresses - a few in Sacramento and some more in San Francisco. The phone no. that the guy gave my roommate had Sacramento's area code, we decided to go there first. We went to the sheriff's office so they can serve him the summons. We were told they needed a month to do that. With only days to go before the next hearing date, we were running out of time.

Today was our hearing so we showed up at the court and told the judge what happened. Luckily, my roommate called the San Francisco phone no. prior to our schedule today and she was told that he wasn't home, which meant that he lives in SFO (and not Sacramento). We asked the judge if we should continue to pursue the case in Napa when he lives in SFO and the accident happened there. The case was dismissed and true enough, we needed to file in SFO.

As soon as we were out of Napa Superior Court, it was a mad dashed to the city to file a small claims case and have them serve him a certified mail.

A simple accident that could've been settled out of court turned into a nightmare and a continuing saga. I still think insurance companies are high-profile crooks. You get asked to pay your insurance premiums, you pay it religiously to the point of sacrificing a few luxuries, and then they screw you just when you need them to pay up! I'm sure the poor guy who caused the accident saw an increase in his insurance premiums because he is now considered a "road hazard", while here we are, scratching our heads and are close to begging them to pay for a $4K chiropractor bill!

Lesson to everyone - if you ever end up in an auto accident, ask for the complete contact information (including address) and take photos. Cellphones now come with cameras which could prove useful should you end up in this situation. Then if you can, file a police report. This way, the "crooks" cannot deny your claim because you have it documented.

What a bitter lesson to learn! I sure hope it doesn't happen to anyone else.

This is an LO I made out of hubz' Valentine's Day gift to me.

Have a nice weekend everyone!

How Do You Know You're Doing Too Much Shopping?

...when the sales staff recognizes you as their frequent shopper - that's when!

I went to Joann's last night to buy some scrap stuff. At the counter, the cashier looked at me and said "you always shop here, don't you?" So I'm caught! :) I confess, I always go to craft stores, especially at Joann's and I almost always would find something to buy. Be it a $2 sticker set, or some $50 worth of scrap materials. So I'm an shopaholic - sue me! I'm just one of the millions of women in the world who are addicted to shopping.

I have failed miserably on my New Year's resolution yet again. I told myself I was going to stop scrap shopping. Well, stop I did - at least for a week or so, hahaha! Now I'm back (and as Christine puts it) with a vengence! To be honest, I only go to Joann's if I have a 40% off coupon - I swear! I may have more than one at a time so either I'd pay separately (you can only avail of the discount on a single receipt), or come back the following day. This may have accounted for my frequency at the store. And when I shop, I linger for a while, going around in circles - looking, touching, feeling, trying to imagine where I'd use them. Most often than not, I'd end up buying them, especially if they're $5 or less. My justification? We're women - we're supposed to take our time to shop right? Another justification? I'm working my butt off for that money and so I deserve bits of rewards here and there. If scrap shopping makes me happy, so be it!

Here's the thing - if that sales person knew that aside from going to the store, I also do A LOT of internet shopping as well, I'm sure she'd faint. Just this weekend, I got 5 sizzlits alphabet sets from ebay - bounce, graffitti, funky brush, boxed brush, rat-a-tat. I also got some foam stamps (corners and paisley), MM cityscapes paints, junkitz alphabet buttons - all from scrapper's paradise. Come to think of it, I've been drooling over these things for weeks now because I kept holding on to my hard-earned money. Call me a typical Virgo (something I have in common with Hanagirl) but when I want something, I won't stop 'til I get it. $$$$ is not a problem unless I'm totally broke. Besides, I'd consult hubz before I give in to my whim. He never says NO anyway so we're still married, hahaha!

I used to be very stingy because I save a lot, I invest, I support my family back home. I still do that but I have also learned to allot something for myself. After all, if I don't try to enjoy it now, when will I get that chance? I made sure that if something should happen to me (knock on wood), my family is well taken cared of. But who will do that for me? Tell me, am I being selfish when I splurge a little?

The Long Weekend that's Waaay tooo short!!!

I have been giddy about the prospect of the looming long weekend since the early part of the week. Now that it's here, I'm longing for it not to end so soon!

We went to our accountant yesterday to get our taxes over and done with. On our way home, we got stuck in the heavy traffic at the Bay Bridge. Just great - the rain was pouring and the traffic was sooo bad!!! It took us a couple of hours to get home.

This morning, we went to church to hear mass and in the afternoon, I was in the mood to organize my craft space. You see, I have all my scrap stuff all over the place that I can't seem to keep track of the materials I have. My back ached but I was satisfied of the outcome. Check it out...





Tomorrow's another day and I plan to scrap 'til I drop... :) I figured, I might as well make the most of my day since it'll be back to the gruelling grind on Tuesday for me... :(

53 days to go...

Ain't She Cute? Her Name is Beatrice


Just when I thought I wasn't getting anything for Valentine's Day, this little fella came along in the mail... :)

Happy V-Day hubz! I'm just amazed at how you can surprise me every single time!