The 50th Central Ohio Home and Garden Show

Our past weekends has been boring. Staying home. JJ playing computer games, while I took care of the little critter at the same time checking e-mails and blogs. This time we decided to do something worthwhile.

The only thing that wasn't accomplished was cleaning the house, bad idea but at least we enjoyed the weekend.

Saturday morning was Star's grooming appointment at Petsmart. Just like the first time, we ended up dropping her off since she won't be done until noon. On our way home we got breakfast at MickeyD. Home, ate while checking e-mails and blogs. Next we went to the Bank and talk to a Broker. It lasted for almost two hours. Went home to get ready for lunch at Potbelly Sandwich Works. It was my first time. The chicken salad on wheat that i ordered wasn't that great but the ambiance was quite interesting. An amateur musician was performing live at a loft overlooking the dining area. Service was quick, food was affordable, quite a few choices of sides and beverage including milkshakes and smoothies.

After lunch, we went to Macy's to buy skin care stuff. JJ spent over hundred bucks for Clinique. I also got a free gift with goodies on it. I love the scent of clinique happy that comes in the free gift.

Finally we picked up the little one. She looked so pretty when presented to us. She was like a cotton ball, with her hair so soft, clean and smells so good. She was very excited when she saw us. Kisses here and there even if she looked tired and stressed out. She actually holds me tight with her paws like she's scared to be left again.

Instead of taking her for a ride. We just went home, so she can do her business and get some food and water. She was asleep on our way home. Sure enough, she went to the right place as soon as we got home. In return, she got lots of treats for doing such a terrific job.

Instead of going to the Home and Garden Show, we watched the movie "Full Metal Jacket". Were all sleepy after the movie so we decided to take a nap. It was around 8:30PM when we woke up. Oh well, I guess we all needed it. Called Max and Erma's for pickup dinner.

We watched Serenity while having a late dinner. I must be so tired that I fall asleep again in the middle of the movie. I just woke up about 15 minutes before it ended and then decided to call it a night.

The following morning I woke up past 7AM to attend to Star's business. Went back to bed, finally woke up after 2 hours. Made some breakfast and spent a little time checking e-mails and blogs.

It was past 1PM when we left the house for the 50th Central Ohio Home and Garden Show at the Ohio Expo Center also known as the State Fairgrounds. Weather was windy and chilly.

Among the hightlights were Garden Showcase, Home Improvement Expo, the Retro Avenue, Whole Foods Market Gourmet and a lot more.


Guess who was the first attraction I saw when we got inside? James Denton, star of ABC's Desperate Housewives. He was signing autographs with mostly ladies falling a long line! Wheew! I was roughly 10 meters away infront of him trying to catch the chance that he would look at the camera. Sure enough! I got him! :-)

A few things we looked into was wood floor ideas, decks/fences which we've been considering for over 2 years now. There were a lot of Garden Decor/Supplies and Accessories available. Kitchen designs and bathroom remodel, patio rooms, sunrooms and a security system for our little critter.

I could not resists buying stuff from Tupperware. They were one of the Exhibitors and they have cute items that are on sale. I love their Heat N' Serve containers where I can store, freeze, microwave, reheat and serve food.

Anyway, moving on to the Retro Avenue. Amazing how things have changed! Waaahh! I still remember these stuff which means I am also a retro. Sad but true!

These cola bottles reminds me when I was a kid. My mom used to have a Sari-sari store. My siblings and I were tasked to collect the cola bottles from customers to have not returned before saturday. We are supposed to "sacada" exchange the empty bottles with its wood carrier in exchange to the ones we bought. I swear I hate it when my Mom would tell us to go and collect the bottle. I am too shy to knock someone else's house just to get the bottle. I don't know, I am just that shy.

As soon as we got home, I made some dinner and then watched a scary movie called The Exorcism of Emily Rose which is a true story. Its our 3rd movie this weekend. Something we haven't done before.

Overall, our weekend was quite productive. We accomplished the most that was in the plan and then some. I am grateful that I spent most of the time with JJ and Star...and not with my square-headed BF!

Top Four

Blogger Mom Jenny tagged me on this.

4 Jobs I've had in my Life
1. Circulation/Reserve/Periodical Librarian
2. Food Service Associate
3. Retail Associate
4. Counter Help Associate

4 Movies I can watch Over and Over
1. What Dreams May Come (Robin Williams and Cuba Gooding)
2. Titanic (Kate Winslet and Leonardo DeCaprio)
3. Autumn in New York (Richard Gere and Wynona Ryder)
4. Must Love Dogs (John Cusack and Diane Lane)

4 Places I have Lived
1. Bansalan and Magsaysay Davao del Sur
2. Digos Davao City
3. Wellspring Davao City
4. COlumbus, Ohio

4 TV Shows I love to Watch
1. 24
2. House
3. American Idol
4. The Buzz

4 Places I have been on Vacation (recently)
1. Tennessee
2. Chicago
3. Florida
4. San Diego, CA

4 Fave Food
1. Pinoy Food
2. Chinese Food
3. Mexican Food
4. Italian Food

4 Places I would rather be right now
...vacation would be good either:
1. Hawaii
2. Hongkong
3. Italy
4. Boracay or Palawan Beach, PI

ha! kalami ba unta!

4 Bloggers I am Tagging
1. Ligaya
2. Arlene
3. Gwen/Malyn
4. Annie

'yan tapos na me! thanks for taggin' me sexy mom!

Our Valentines Day

I ended up with a reservation for JJ and I at Smith & Wollensky for our Valentine Dinner last night. The only reservations available were 5PM and 9:30PM. Since we both are tired from not having enough sleep last night, I reserved the 5PM without a second thought.

I went to Meijer to pickup some stuff between 12-1 and when I got home, I saw a box of flower at the front door. It was from Proflowers. What a surprised! I had no idea he was gonna get me one. What I was anticipating was the UPS delivery from Sabine's Boutique where he got me a gift and I know its not a flower.

The following day...


I had to read his message twice before I understood what he meant! Darn! Made a smile on my face :-)

What I love about Proflowers is that, flowers are shipped direct from the fields along with flower food and care instructions and flower arranging tips. It arrived in a beautiful designer box.

JJ managed to leave the office and picked me up around 4:30. We were woried that we will have a hard time looking for vacant parking lot. We were surprised, the parking lot was almost empty. We were a little late when we got to the restaurant but we were sitted right away. Even if its only 5PM, there were already a lot of people inside.

JJ ordered a glass of Red Wine while I tried the Sex in the Fountain. Hmm...sounds silly! Well, JJ liked the red wine and commented never had a good wine for quite some time. I never liked mine that much because the vodka was too strong, even if I told them light on the vodka. I don't think they followed my instruction.

I opted to get Lobster Bisque instead of the Lobster Friend Rice. JJ got himself Chopped Salad.The order was enormous but I managed to finished my soup. Mind you, the only thing I had since that morning was Doritos! JJ only had a slice of pizza.

JJ's choice was 10 ounce Filet Steak with Baked Potatoe. I decided to get Tuna Steak which is my first choice over Indonesian Shrimp. It was also recommended by the waiter.

Our food came and we were so glad we came to this place. Both taste fantastic! It taste so good that JJ's comment was "He could die, happy!" This was the best steak he ever had in quite awhile. We were enjoying every bite we had on our food. That Teriyake Sesame and Lemon Zest Olive Oil sauces I ordered for my tuna added more taste!

I am not much into steak but when JJ give me a bite to taste it, I can tell I can probably eat it. It was so tender that you can't tell its a beef meat. JJ's comment on my tuna was the same. He said he could probably handle it if he would order it because it doesn't taste/smells like a fish.

Even if we are full we still ordered Creme Brulee Trio for desserts. How can we resists when we were sitted next to the table where they put the desserts! It was the best though! It came with chocolate, raspberry and creme flavors.

I don't think I made justice describing how the food taste like and how we enjoyed that night but overall we are so glad we came to this place for our Valentines Dinner. It didn't hurt me much when I saw the bill which is $134.51. In the first place, I was the one who initiated the idea. Second, our contentment and joy that night was priceless. The thought that he loved the place and he was enjoying his food made me proud that I made the right choice. He even commented that nobody took him out for dinner on Valentines Day, yet!

You might be curious why our bill are that high? Everything is itemized!

Sex in the Fountain: 10.50
Glass of Red Wine: 17.00
Water-Still: 6.50
Chopped Salad: 8.50
Lobster Bisque: 8.00
Filet-10 ounce: 33.50
Tuna Steak: 28.00
Baked Potatoe: 5.50
Creme Brulee Trio: 8.50
Sales Tax: 8.51
Amount Due: 134.51

JJ offered to give the $22.00 tip. We were already planning to treat Dad here for Father's Day. I'm sure he too will fall inlove with the place and the food. No wonder this place is very famous.

After the sumptuous dinner, we went for a walk at the stores. I got me stuff from The Body Shop, then we continued to wander at the Apple Store and Brookestone. About 9:30PM we decided to go home.

I handed JJ a Valentine certificate that I ordered online. He thanked me and then we hugged each other and exchanged kisses! Aiiiyahh! :x Glad we both enjoyed the night.

....and then we watched our favorite "House" on tv with our little Star.

Aside from upgrading my Powershot G2 into Powershot SD550 2 weeks ago, he also bought me this Christian Dior Logo Saddle Pouch. Yay! It's pretty cute but most of all its authentic. Thanks Babe, for adding this to my purse's collection! Until the next valentine!

Home or Restaurant?

SO, what's the plan for tonight?

...the orginal plan was to stay home, make some dinner, maybe lit a candle, exchange sweet-nothings, exchange kissessss, exchange gifts if there is! and then watch a movie or two, drink some wine and be silly. infact, I've also bought my card fitted for this plan.

...here it goes.

To the One I Love
On Valentines Day

Popcorn and a movie,
In our jammies dressed for the bed...
Rub my shoulders, rub your feet,
Rest our weary heads.

"Warm enough?" "Cool Enough?"
"Can you see the screen all right?"
The only people in the world,
Or so it seems tonight.

Cuddled on the sofa.
We're as snug as happy bugs,
Wrapped up in a comforter
And in each other's hugs.

On quiet nights at home like this,
I know one thing is true-

I'm lucky just to have the chance
To live in love with you!


...he prefer's a card with humor, and so i thought he'd like this.
...but then, I realized we've been working too hard these past few days. I didn't have a weekend off this week, while he's working late nights last week and last night he ended up working from work until 2:30AM. He's been to a lot of meetings and conferences lately.

...then, I started contemplating about Upscale Dining. I think we both deserve a cozy place, with excellent food and great service. I am still too sleepy to get some groceries, so why not have someone make our Valentine Dinner special?

...i am pretty sure restaurants are packed today but hopefully he could sneak out from meetings. he is tied up until 2:30PM, so maybe we will be at the restaurant's front door in time for dinner and then, we still have time for movies, popcorn and wine when we get home.

where to?

Its hard to decide among the three:
Bon Vie Bistro & Wine Bar. Its a casual French-American restaurant, with bistro setting.
The Cheesecake Factory, an upscale restautant that serves more than just cheesecake.
Brio Tuscan Grille, also an upscale Italian restaurant. I love their breads!

I've never been to Smith & Wollensky before. I think this is something we have to discover tonight. Their place is always packed! Its a steakhouse but they also have seafood and lobster menu's.

Hopefuly we'll have a great night tonight celebrating our 3rd Valentines Day as a couple.

8 Qualities of the Perfect Lover

I have been tagged by cuz'ns Jenny and Arlene. 8 Different points of the Perfect Lover.

...gosh, this is hard but here it goes:

The 8 Different Points of My Perfect Lover:

1. Smart and Funny. He continues to teach me a lot of things since the day one. He makes me happy and he knows how to cheer me up when I'm blue. He has his own way of silliness, one thing that most people don't ever imagine he can.

2. Generous. Makes me special by remembering special days like anniversaries, birthdays, even the day when we first met online. Never say never to buy stuff that I like and tells me I deserve it even if I'm not.

3. Thankful. Always thanked me for taking care of him, even if I feel I don't. I seldom cook for him but when I do, he doesn't complain about it. Even if its an instant food he still compliments me for preparing it. He tells me the house smells good and give me a back rub after a long day of cleaning.

4. Gives me Importance. He asks my opinion on important matters and patiently explains to me the things I don't understand. He makes it sure that I am well-taken cared off.

5. Supportive. Encourages me in the things that I believe in. Supports my choices and my dreams not just for myself but for my family as well.

6. Appreciative. Makes me feel good about myself. He tells me how beautiful/cute I am anytime or on those days I feel I am ugly. He compliments me when he see's something new I am wearing.

7. Pet Lover. He loves Star!

8. Loving. Gives me a big hug, a goodbye or goodnight kiss and tells me i-love-you every single day and night.

The Sex of the Target? Male, obvious ba?

...wheew! i think i am getting a head-ache! ....good thing the lady boss gave me a break from working tomorrow.

...sorry victims, its your turn!

in alphabetical order:

James, Joanne, Ligaya, Malyn, Maya, Sugar, Tonton,

The Rules:

1. The tagged victim has to come up with 8 different points of their perfect lover.
2. Need to mention the sex of the target.
3. Tag 8 victims to join this game & leave a comment on their tagboard saying they’ve been tagged.
4. If tagged the 2nd time, there’s no need to post again.

K, have fun!

Tagaka Anyone?

I have a yahoo photo album from an old address that hasn't been opened for quite awhile. I opened it and there i saw these photos that brings back fun memories with my officemates.

We work half day on saturdays so we go out and hang out in a place at night or until whenever. We had a blast everytime we go out.

There was Sam, Beth and I from the Main while there was Roy, Jenny, Clarissa, Raynan and Roy from the Annex. Sometimes Elmer will hang out with us and so with Ate Vangie.

...and Alex (Raynan's classmate) joined our fun and Danny, Jenny's hubby.

The gang agreed to go out for overnight stay at one of the Talomo Beache. Even the pictures can tell we had so much fun that night and I am missing it.

This is Beth. Sya pinaka kalog sa group, talagang ma-chikka!

...and here we are laughing out loud while playing cards, truth or dare?
kita ipin naming lahat noh? lingawa jud oi!

...ops, all eyes and ears to me. i don't know what i was trying to say here, basta!

Posing pa kami dito pero look at Jenny...kumakain na!

...roy, the thorn among the roses!

...no matter what, there is always a thorn among the roses - raynan with the girls!

...clarissa's Tagaka! Tanduay-gatas-kape!
iba ang may pinagsamahan....TAGAKA!


I don't even remember where Clarissa got her Tagaka recipe, basta she was very proud of her drinks. I remember pa nga she went too far to get some ice para lang we can drink it.

..hmm..the luvi-duvey couple - jen and danny

...we had a blast! until the dawn gising kami. after the drinking session, eating ang playing cards, we hop into the beach, maski bawal maligo kung high tide, hala cge langoy pa!

Roy, Raynan, Beth and I, Clarissa, Jenny and Danny her better half.

...there used to be ate jo with us..she is very nice, i can talk to her nonstop. she has a lot of things to say, very opionated person. she is well loved by the HS students and teachers. i have spent most of my after work hours with her at the gym and at JS foodcourt, talking about stuff. then one day, her and beth had misunderstandings, and then soon the both of us. although, before i left UIC we already had sort of cold off the miscommunications. we talked but not the same it used to be. maybe one day, i will see her or maybe talk to her...i missed her company. she will always be my Ate Jo.


So where else we go out on weekends?

*Jack's Ridge is one place we used to hang out. That place is very romantic especially at night, you can see the scenery overlooking Davao and its city lights! **just ignor the davao memorial next to it :-D

*how about the few times, we gimik at The Venue, Matina Town Square, The Summit Bar of Royal Mandaya Hotel (ops, i remember one time Beth go into this Beer drinking contest and she got second price, wheew! toma girl!), we also went to several Karaoke Bars, there used to be The Zirkle at Victoria Plaza, OMG! that was long, long time ago.

* as for movies, the one in Victoria Plaza, Gaisano Mall and JSGaisano (now Gaisano Citimall), and SM Theatre.

*eating time! how about our favorite Davao Dencias Restaurant, Merco Davao, Mercorner, the Shakey's Pizza, Pizza Hut, Cecil's Snack Inn, and those turo-turo restaurant at Ecoland (gosh, i missed kinilaw, sinugbang panga, pina asim na pasayan), Goldies,

Many things have changed. Roy got married with Cel and is now working for SPC. I got married and relocated to be with my hubby. Clarissa also got married and moved to Tagum to be with her hubby and for a new job. Elmer also is now in Tagum.

Ate Vangie still with UIC but working for grade school campus. She also got married to a nice guy named Chris. Sam is currently Raynan's "bestfriend". I am so glad Sam and Beth got their own house at Elenita Heights.

Those were the days as we usually say but the memories still linger in my mind. As I looked at the photos, I can't help but smile. These people are great, they are nice. They are friends worth keeping for. I may have made new friends but I am keeping the old ones, for some are silver and the other is gold.

The Good Ol' Days

Last night, out of the blue I happened to open my yahoo photo album from an old e-mail address of mine. There I saw photos with some of my good friends/co-workers at UIC in one of our Retreats. I worked there for about 6 years and made good friends and collegues.

The UIC Staff had to do Annual Retreat every summer. It is a way to step aside from everyday concerns - work and toxins we encountered for the whole year, a total relaxation for ourselves and soul. Spiritual upleftment was too good to pass especially the chance to be on a place we've never been before. Its like a retreat and vacation combo.

Each and every retreat we had was memorable, it is a chance to mingle with other non-teaching personnel, discover ourselves by reflecting, and most of all the meals are nourishing. Parang manok na isasabong for the next year kumbaga. At the end of the retreat we get to wander and discover the place.

The first year I was with UIC, we went to Bitannia Retreat House in Lahug, Cebu. We had a blast on that one. There was over 100 NTP personnel and most of us boarded PAL, it was a lot of fun sa airplane pa lang. Although we had a good retreat, the most exciting part was discovering Cebu City.

We went to Forth San Pedro, Magellan Shrine, Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, Osmeña Park and wandered around Colon and Magallanes and went to Mactan Island. One time we went to Cebu Plaza which is just a walk distance from the Retreat House and the Waterfront Hotel. Then we shopped at SM Cebu and Ayala Center.

The second year I went with the AB-LA Teachers to Camiguin. We stayed in a resort this time. Jenny and I , did not hesitate to joined the LA teachers. Not because we like them, but because we wanted to discover Camiguin. That place was awesome! As usual the most exciting part was discovering the place.

We went to Ardent Hot Springs and Santo Niño Cold Spring:

The Via Cruzes - Old Volcano Slope and Sunken Cemetery:

The Katibawasan Falls, and the most part the White Island.

(Thanks for the website where I got the pics)

The 3rd year we went to Retreat house very close to Ateneo Grade School here in Davao, I forgot the name. This one wasn't too exciting since it's in Davao but the food was good so, there u go!

On the 4th year, we went to Jusuit Retreat House in Malaybalay, Bukidnon. This time, the Retreat itself was great. We were just like having fun while we are there. Going to Bukidnon was already like a tour. It is mostly a grassland with average elevation of 915 meters.
The scenery of mountains, caves, forest, lakes, rivers, waterfalls and streams is awesome!

Here I am on our Bukidnon Adventure with Ate Vangie (dark pants, Beth (white shirt), Sam (pink shirt) and our grade school nurse (white shirt, black pants)

With Sam and Beth in our room



With NTP after a sumptous breakfast

The 5th year we went to Dominican Retreat House in Davao. Everything was great, the sorrounding was quite and comfortable and warm. I felt like I wasn't in Davao. The place was overlooking the City and the Nuns were so nice to us.

The Retreat program was casual and stimulating while the experience was reflective and spiritual. One of those that I missed about working with UIC.

Columbus Blue Jackets

I have always loved watching hockey game. Last year we didn't get to watch because of problems that the NHL had to go through. Luckily this year they were back on the track.

....and so, JJ and I got the chance to watch the Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Detroit Red Wings the 18th of this month, unluckily they were defeated. In a game there is always a winner and a looser. Maybe next time they get lucky :-)

Rick Nash # 61 was my fave player. He was a native from Branton, Ontario. One of the NHL's top players.

(photo from Nationwide Arena)

I kind of fascinated by Jody Shelley #45. He is a native from Nova Scotia and has played with Halifax team in his first few years as a player. He always gets into fight every single time we watch their game...:-) He was dubbed as the tough-guy! Columbus Blue Jackets signed him for a multi-year contract.

(photo from Nationwide Arena)

Columbus Blue Jackets on Power Play at Nationwide Arena, home of the Columbus Blue Jackets

JJ and I enjoying the game


It's Me after the game :-)

Why Women Cry?

This was forwarded to me via e-mail and thought I'd share...

A little boy asked his mother, "Why are you crying?" "Because I'm a woman," she told him.

"I don't understand," he said. His Mom just hugged him and said, "And you never will."

Later the little boy asked his father, "Why does mother seem to cry for no reason?"

"All women cry for no reason," was all his dad could say.

The little boy grew up and became a man, still wondering why women cry.

Finally he put in a call to God. When God got on the phone, he asked, "God, why do women cry so easily?"

God said:

"When I made the woman she had to be special.

I made her shoulders strong enough to carry the weight of the world, yet gentle enough to give comfort.

I gave her an inner strength to endure childbirth and the rejection that many times comes from her children.

I gave her a hardness that allows her to keep going when everyone else gives up, and take care of her family through sickness and fatigue without complaining.

I gave her the sensitivity to love her children under any and all circumstances, even when her child has hurt her very badly.

I gave her strength to carry her husband through his faults and fashioned her from his rib to protect his heart.

I gave her wisdom to know that a good husband never hurts his wife, but sometimes tests her strengths and her resolve to stand beside him unfalteringly.

And finally, I gave her a tear to shed. This is hers exclusively to use whenever it is needed."

"You see my son," said God, "the beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair.

The beauty of a woman must be seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart - the place where love resides."

If you liked the story you can copy-paste it to your blog and share. Something good will happen - You will boost another woman's self-esteem!

*I would like to acknowledge "Shree" for this wonderful stoy

Happy Birthday Nanang

My Mother turned 67 years old today! Still strong and healthy despite of some sickness that comes and goes. Thank's a lot to the wonders of the internet. I was able to order a flower for her online and sent her a gift certificate from SM department store. My sister jovy sent me a message via chikka as soon as my Mom received the flowers. That was the first flower she ever received, i think :)

I felt good having my Mom surprised on her birthday and thanks to the constant nagging of JJ because I was having second thoughts of buying flowers as they are pretty expensive...but he said, it will diffinitely make her happy on her birthday, besides it will come once a year :)

So here you go....Nanang, you deserve this flower, its very simple yet it comes with love from Tatang, your daughters and respective partners and most especially from your Apo's. Hopefully on your next birthday it will come with bears and balloons. I hope you like it, although Jovy said it really smells good and very classic! Happy Birthday once again!