Hoping for Normalcy...(now that reality is setting in)

After a long hiatus, it's great to be back blogging...if only I had more time to really do it.
I'm back to scrapping as usual. I have so much in my plate with the wedding prep (based in HK), work, moving back plans, scrapping, flying home and still getting enough rest & sanity to keep going. I still feel like I'm on holidays...moving too slow and "creative juices" ain't what it used to be before the holidays. I still feel like floating...too carefree. Hay...I just hope that "normalcy" come sooner. I need it else it would really affect my work performance. Still need to work for the wedding expenses. :PP

Holiday Summary:
* Visited my nephew almost everyday with mom...even if it's just a few minutes. He's just so cute and funny! It's not a wonder why his mom would rather spend time with him ever waking hours of the day than anything else in the world! :)
His daily regiment was to: wake up, go to gym (wearing his cool Puma runners), take his new Lightning McQueen for a ride around the house, maybe go to the park with dad, eat, sleep and play with grandma/auntie.

* Played a few rounds (golf) with good pals of mine. Didn't expect much but did seem to have gotten stronger. I miss playing the game...don't miss having to wake up for just a round of golf. :P

* Didn't get to head out Xmas Eve or Xmas day because Ed was sick during Xmas Day and Xmas Eve - we were both tired by the time dinner rolled in. Really cool though...since we are both engaged already, Ed's been expected to come in all of my family affairs now!

* Got to check out a good friend's daughter's wedding. Really nice, solemn and simple. It was on the 28th of last month. Both are based in Singapore and they were able to organize their wedding through emails, SMS messages and telephone --> though they did hire a coordinator's full coordination help. In my case, I will be heading back around mid-August so there will be lots of time to get suppliers confirmed and meet with them by then.

* Hardly met with suppliers aside from the printers again.

* Met some old high school friends...nothing big...though supposedly it's our 10 year reunion too. Everyone was too busy to really plan for this so I heard that maybe there would be something that would celebrate our 10th year reunion this 2007 instead. It was really great to see everyone...and at the same time told them all about getting engaged...with something to show. :)

* Got through the meeting of the parents just fine. It's was definitely awkward at first but I guess it will get easier through time and throughout the wedding planning stage. As early as now, I see conflict in ideas. Ed and I have to manage both sides' expectations. That's going to be the tough one. It's never easy to merge two different families. Good and bad in all this.


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Kit Name: My Life's Garden (DigizinesDigitalDen)
Kit Designer: Teri Hanson
Program: PS7.0Font: Algerian


Kit Name: My Life's Garden (DigizinesDigitalDen)
Kit Designer: Teri Hanson
Program: PS7.0
Font: Algerian


Kit Name: A Little Flaky (DigizinesDigitalDen)
Kit Designer: Deborah Vessels
Program: PS7.0
Font: Algerian


Kit Name: A Little Flaky (DigizinesDigitalDen)
Kit Designer: Deborah Vessels
Program: PS7.0
Font: Bell MT
Journaling: "In the eyes of children we find the joy of Christmas. In their hearts we find its meaning.” (Leland Thomas)


Kit Name: 12x12 Tab Templates # Two and City Love (ScrapOutsideOfTheBox)
Kit Designer: Doodleboogs
Program: PS7.0

Happy Holidays! Home for the Holidays

The Week Before and Ahead
Just finished a very stressful week. It's great that my brother was here last weekend (now he's the one who comes in Friday night and leaving Sunday afternoon...deja vous for what I had to go through) and helped me out of some personal problems that was really driving me off-the-wall. My friends here too were worried. It was just too crazy...don't want to go through something like that but I think it's all just the beginning...

agnes b.
--> agnes b (ifc)
I'm proud to say that I'm a big Agnes B fan eversince I could remember...well...maybe the time I got my first Agnes B barret with the lizard logo. I buy a lot of that brand mainly because the pieces are timeless and will never go on sale - my wallet that I started with from Day 1 is still being sold in the stores and is still the same price. It hardly follows fad and if it does, it's turns it into a timeless piece that it worth of one's money. A lot of people here find it overpriced but I have to say that for what I get - simple yet chic - I'm happy. http://www.agnesb.fr/



I got a few more things for myself and some special friends this xmas. I got their promotion gift item of snowglobes too which was super nice and cool for the season! I also got two tin soldiers (xmas decorative) as part of the mall's promotional gift item also for spending a certain amount in their mall. Now, transporting them back home will be the tricky part.

agnes b cafe.
Due to a very stressful week, I just basically unwinded and relaxed my way @ agnes b's newest resto...what a wonderful reason to eat and be merry...especially because of the season.

Now, I just learned that they have opened an Agnes B Cafe (Le Pain Grille (agnes b. cafe)) in Hong Kong...the very first in the world! I was super excited and upon my first visit with my good pal, Susanna, and was already won over with just their tea selection! Booking was next to impossible since it just opened around a few weeks ago so our strategy was to just go after 9pm and try our luck through a walk-in. Since then, I couldn't resist a trip there as much as possible for me! (My mom would call to check up on where I am if I'm not online to talk and

Price is reasonable for the quality of food that you get. They have set meal courses for two courses at HKD130 or three course meal for HKD170. They also have a high tea offer that is a good deal too! Pastries start from HKD50, I think but I could be wrong.
I love their teas...that all came from France. I enjoy the quiet ambiance...very different to what HK is and it's a nice getaway from the normal.

I've been there basically once a week now...trying on every single dessert that I can find...from chocolate souffle, apple pie, apple tart, chestnut cake, mille fleure (Napoleon cake), and last night - got to try their blue mussels...that were impeccable! If you are there, check to see if I'm there. You never know! :P

If you want to book a place, their contact information is below:
Cuisine: French
Tel number: 852.2577-2718.
Neighborhood: Causeway Bay
Address: Shop 1, G/F, 111 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
Reservation: Highly Recommended
Special dishes: French Buchot Mussels in white wine & cream saurce, Black Angus Rib Eye, Grilled Duck Magret, Fish Soup, Escargots, Crepes, Strawberry Tart, Mille Fille
Review: Very nice environment, cozy and comfy, good food, unique in Hong Kong, friendly service!!
Must try: Blue mussels from Mt St Michel with white wine sauce. (500g is more than enough. 250g would be fine for 2 persons. It's a must!!!!), Chocolate Souffle, all the TEAS (~ liked L'Opera!)

**I will post more must tries since I could never go there for dinner...it's always fully booked up! I love the staff...very nice and friendly.
***Oh, one awesome note - they do not automatically include the service charge compared to other places that impose that policy. I ended up ended up paying more than the usual 10% service charge for two girls which I thought was really a bargain for all the joy and stuffs my friends and I got after each and every visit to the resto.

Going Home...
Too excited...will be going home...not only going home but going home for the holidays. Been going home often due to the geographical convenience of where I am but Xmas takes the cake home. The reason is extra special because of : (1) special family gatherings (2) friends
This year also is the last time I would be single by Xmas. :)
There will be so many family and friends gatherings that it would really be interesting. My parents and Ed's parents are going to be meeting formally for the first time too...my whole family and Ed's whole family (immediate family members, of course)...this will be something. I don't believe it was any different for my brother's experience but I'm sure that he felt the same way as what I am feeling now.

Lazy Daisy...
I'm too lazy these days...been out and about. Didn't want to stay at home during this season...busy buying things left and right...super bad for my credit card bill!

My Tag
I got tagged by good pal, Michelle so here it is...
A - Available or single: single but engaged to someone really special
B - Best friend: too many to mention
C - Cake or pie: cake though hardly any sweet tooth
D - Drink of choice: Hot Tea
E - Essential item you use every day: Computer - home and at work
F - Favorite color: green
G - Gummy bears or worms: gummy worms
H - Hometown: Manila, Philippines
I - Indulgence: scrapbooking and "loungin"
J - January or February: February
K - Kids & Names: none as of date
L - Live is incomplete without: family and friends
M - Marriage Date: Dec 2007 (amazed that I can finally answer this)
N - Number of siblings: 1 big brother
O - Oranges or Apples: no preference
P - Phobias or Fears: uncertainty
Q - Fave Quote: Patience is golden
R - Reason to smile: a fulfilling life with no regrets
S - Season: spring or autumn
T - Tag 3 or 4 people: Malou, Dana (Thompson), Dawn (Crafty Girl)
U - Unknown fact about me: I took equestrian lesson when I was a little girl...got all the helmet, whip, boots and pants/attire
V - Vegetable you don't like: Chinese Snowpeas (unchopped...too much weird noises when chewed)
W - Worst habit: Worrying too much about everything...even when things just need time to work out on their own...I have a tendency to "jump the gun"..need to chillout more...
X - X-rays: is something I try to avoid...too much radiation is not good for a person...unless terribly necessary
Y - Your fave food: Italian, Thai or Japanese
Z - Zodiac sign: Cancer


Happy Holidays you all!
I'll see you all when I get back!
Mwuah!


Kit Name: Imperfect Christmas (ScrapOutsideOfTheBox)
Kit Designer: Doodleboogs
Font: ITC Franklin Gothic
Program: PS7.0
TYFL!

**Last 2LOs before I leave!**


Kit Name: Hugs & Kissmas (Scrapbook-Elements)
Kit Designer: Mikki Livanos
Program: PS7.0
Font: Californian FB
Journaling: Christmas may be a day of feasting, or of prayer, but always it will be a day of remembrance- a day in which we think of everything we have ever loved. (by :Augusta E. Rundel)

Project Runway: Fast Track

I had dinner with a fellow collegemate visiting HK for the holidays. It's wonderful to see her...all married now and just finished her studies...it's now the board exams now. :)

Currently, I'm too hooked to Discovery Travel & Living Channel's Project Runway: Fast Track, so I've been going home on-time, if not early to make sure I'm focused and ready to watch that show by 9am. :) I don't know who to root for but I know I love each one's vision turns into a wonderful reality...well...most of it. :) It's just amazing to have something to look forward to each day (especially on a bad day) to sit at home and in front of the TV and see Reality TV unfold before me. I gotta hand it also...Heidi Klum really does "glow" when pregnant...and also the Best Dressed Pregnant Woman to me!


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Some of my work this week...
Kit: Hardy Dangerous Kit and 8.5x11 Holiday Templates by Doodleboogs (ScrapOutsideOfTheBox)
~this LO really came out fast...amazing on what a template and the right kit used at the moment can do. :) Had a bit of a time for the flower accent but managed somehow.


Kit Name: Believe in Magic Kit (DigizinesDigitalDen)
Kit Designer: Teri Hanson
Font: Broadway


Kit Name: Believe in Magic Kit (DigizinesDigitalDen)
Kit Designer: Teri Hanson


Kit Name: Boyz Will Be Boyz (DigizinesDigitalDen)
Kit Designer: Teri Hanson
Font: Broadway

Kit Name: Boyz Will Be Boyz (DigizinesDigitalDen)
Kit Designer: Teri Hanson
Journaling: When getting to know a friend, we often learn a lot about ourselves.

Font: Britannic Bold & Algerian

Kit Name: Seasonal Templates #2 and Imperfect Holidays (ScrapOutsideOfTheBox)

Kit Designer: Doodleboogs

Kit Name: Hardly Dangerous (ScrapOutsideOfTheBox)

Kit Designer: Doodleboogs

Okay okay due to overwhelming (!!) questions and requests...here's MY RING...this is very embarrassing for me. :) I'm too shy and embarrassed to post the one that had my hand on the ring. I'm still getting used to have a ring on my ring finger, to be honest. Although, it's not a huge one that some of my friends have, it means a lot to me that Ed did all this by himself (aside from letting him know what style I sort of want) and was very attentive to what I wanted ~ a labor of love. :)

To My Blog Friends!

Thank you for all your well-wishes on this - on the web. This is why I enjoy blogging - a lot good pals online...even if we haven't met each other in-person. We all share our own news and feel the same as the other somehow. :)
Getting some wedding details down...but still a lot to go! Thankful that I have the church and reception down. :)

Emily-Kate: let me know if you want to see the ring - I'll email you directly on this. :) Kinda embarassed to post this up.

Got a few kits done this week. ..
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Kit Name: Hugs & Kissmas Kit (Scrapbook-Elements)
Kit Designer: Mikki Livanos


Kit Name: Chocoberries Kit (DizinesDigitalDen)
Kit Designer: Deborah Vessels
Font: Broadway


Kit Name: Chocoberries Kit (DizinesDigitalDen)
Kit Designer: Deborah Vessels

New Adventures...New Beginnings

Trip back home was productive and very interesting. It has its ups and downs.
It may not be Thanksgiving in Manila or HK but I am thankful for the life I have and the people I'm surrounded (physically, emotionally and virtually).

1) Visiting perks

• Ups: Got to go home and sleep on my own bed (!) and just relax for the whole weekend


• Downs: Didn't get to do my pre-reserved massage: Came on time at the said time but the receptionist didn't inform me that we had to shower and sauna before the appointment time (!); we never had this sort of thing with the other places and Ed and I have been to and was trying this new place out; they basically saw that we weren't there before 5pm, our couples room was given away (!)

2) Family and Friends

• Ups: Got to see my parents, hung out with my mom Saturday afternoon running some errands, visited my NR (no reaction) nephew and be with Ed for two days (Ed took the Saturday off so we were able to meet up earlier).


• Downs: I didn't get to meet up with the rest of the Chan clan on Friday night since it would be too tight for met to make it for their dinner celebration of a cousin's upcoming wedding in Jan 2007.

3) Food Adventures

• Ups: Ed and I were in an adventurous mood that weekend and thus got to try some great foods and newly opened restos.


• Downs: Wished we went to our favorites or tested places instead...Got to try some not so great foods...got a stomach flu after coming back...I think it's the baby clams pasta that I had...really came down badly; I wasn't able to sleep the whole night!

4) Airport Experience

• Ups: Good thing that I got home already before I realized that I got a stomach flu from the food I had for lunch before I flew back to HK.


• Downs: Flight was delayed for 45 minutes and I didn't call to check if there was a delay...so I was basically in the airport (already cleared by customs and immigration) for 2 full hours...I almost died from boredom and dozed on and off at the table in the lounge (thank goodness for lounges).

5) Saving the best for last...

• Ups: Ed and I are getting married!!!
  Ed proposed last Friday when we met up for after-dinner coffee - which he for some odd reason, insisted that we SHOULD go out no matter what(!!!) ; was just happy to see "my beautiful ring" (up to my specifications in style) that now I'm not sure if I really said yes to his question...I believe I did but the question didn't garner a yes or a no...more in the lines of I agree or disagree (Hahahaha!). Ed told me that he doesn't believe that I said yes...but since he proposed in a non-conventional manner, him putting the ring on my finger is a sign that I meant "yes". My funny fiance...I can finally get all this anticipation of the moment off of my chest and focus on the impending holidays & the upcoming wedding! These are the new adventures and beginnings for Ed and me...together forever. :D


• Downs: Planning for a wedding this year is a tough feat since a lot of the places in Manila are pretty much booked up already till 2008 (!) but we are progressing slowly...getting it somewhat done through baby steps.

Last One...for the week

Had to get one done and posted just before I leave...since next week is monthend and there are interviewees coming in for their exams. I feel like a teacher...preparing the test questions (deciphered boss' handwritings for the questions), photocopying the final copies and will be administering the exam by next week. :P Good thing I only check one section of this exam. The rest will be marked by a fellow coworker of mine. :P


Last LO before I head off for a weekend back home. Only there for the weekend...hay...oh well...Xmas and Chinese New Year will be longer. :) I can't wait to see Ed and my little nephew. I made my appointment for the latter meeting...never know since he might be sleeping then it wouldn't sort of count anymore. :)



Thank you, Rhea --> Check out my (*big*) nephew and his new Puma rubber shoes! I was told that he wears it each time he plays in his new gym. Oh so sweet...these days, kids are so overly fashionable. I remember when I was a kid where a no name CareBear t-shirt and nightgown was the coolest thing...now...fashion brands branched out to baby cloths and gear...Puma! My first Puma rubber shoes was bought about alittle over a year ago! It looks so similar to my nephew's! This guys going to be a big fashionista! :)






About the kits used for the LO below, I super duper love Mikki's stuff. Super thankful that she's still designing and that I'm part of her team. These crochet kit is so much fun!

Title: Love: Ed & Che
Kit: Mikki Livanos' Falling For You Kit and Crochet Flowers (Scrapbook-Elements)
Font: Curlz MT
Program: PS7.0

Odd Interviews

Work was the same...had to attend to one of the candidates since he requested for an early interview. Candidate came on-time I basically administered an exam for him as per my boss' instruction. While he was working on the exam question, I was on my desk at other room calling other candidates left and right while I multi-task on some other things. My coworker who attended to the candidate told me that he looked funny and was snickering when she told me that the candidate has arrived. :P Such a riot...though he looked just fine to me...seen other more odd people who applied with our company.

Hay...some were really nice and polite...some were just so dense. It makes me wonder if I was like that when I was looking for a job. It's wonderful to be at the other side of that...to be the interviewer than the interviewee.

I'm so on a roll...these templates are just purely addicting!
Check out Doodleboogs' Holiday Templates 4x6's and 8.5x11. So rocking!

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Title: Cutie
Template: 8.5x11 Holiday Templates by Doodleboogs (ScrapOutsideOfTheBox)
Kit: Tomboy by Angie Briggs(ScrapArtist)
Font: Curlz MT


Title: Baptism
Kit Name: Falling Leaves by Deborah Vessels (DigizinesDigitalDen)
Font: Monotype Corsiva


**A quickie before I head to bed**
Title: US
Template: 8.5x11 Holiday Templates by Doodleboogs (ScrapOutsideOfTheBox)
Kit: Cosmo Kit by Mikki Livanos (Scrapbook-Elements)
Font: Galathea