My Lavender Fields

Mega cover

2012-02-10T08:05:00.001+08:00

Hehehe

Hubby's Coming Home!

2012-02-09T20:13:00.000+08:00

Wow, time flies really fast! The hubby is coming home this Saturday after 2 months of work. It's an exciting thing for me because this is the first time we are experiencing his 2:2 rotation, and I think both of us will love this new sign on/off scheme. Yay!

What's nice is that in order for him to be here this Christmas, there will be some minor adjustments in their rotation. In short.... he will have 3 months vacation this time. I can't believe it. Finally, after years of being together, this is the first time we are actually celebrating my birthday... together! We got to spend the birthday of Eanna before, then his birthday the other year, then finally mine. Yay again!

What I look forward to is the chance that we will be spending our 7/11 together. Now that would really be a first!

here's to a wonderful time together! :)

Lovely Day

2012-02-07T20:18:00.002+08:00

Oblivion

2012-02-05T19:30:00.000+08:00

Blame it on my new phone (and Merlin!), I spend more time now tinkering with it rather than using my laptop. Thus, the lack of posts (ones with substance) here in my blog. I know, it is rather in a state of coma, barely surviving just like one dependent on a breathing apparatus. I can't promise though that after this post I'd go back to my blogger-heavy days, but I will still try. This after all, is supposedly my virtual place of refuge, where I put all my thoughts, rants and raves. I've seen this blog grow since 2004, changing themes, changing moods, without changing the interests and all (yeah, I am that predictable).

I still blog, but in other venues. Also known as Instagram. Hahaha. So for those who have this app, hope you follow me there too and I will follow you back! My name there is, predictably.... svpineda.

See you there, and of couse, see you here. :)

11 More Months To Go

2012-02-04T17:46:00.003+08:00

Reminiscing: 80's Music

2012-01-25T20:06:00.000+08:00

Yup, I have this thing right now about 80' songs. I've been downloading all my favorite 80's / New Wave songs!

Here's what I have downloaded so far:

Once in a Lifetime
Tenderness
If You Leave
Don't You Forget About Me
Just Can't get Enough
Together in Electric Dreams
Boys Do Fall in Love
Always Something There To Remind Me
Bizarre Love Triangle
Pride
Just Got Lucky
Heaven Give Me Words
Ghost In You
Give A Little Respect

And more!

Yes, super reminiscing about this music "genre" where there are a lot of keyboards, ovation guitars, drums, and well, that 80's touch.

Next up, maybe songs of the 90's?

Two Dresses

2012-01-22T20:14:00.001+08:00

What Matters Most

2012-01-22T10:08:00.000+08:00

Something I always forget but SHOULD ALWAYS keep in mind.

Happy Face by Eanna

2012-01-22T09:56:00.002+08:00

I was playing Temple Run and noticed my little girl getting something from my desk. I asked her what she was doing and she said she was making a happy face. I didn't know what she meant so I just carried on with my iPhone addiction. Couple of minutes passed by and the little girl left the room. I was still busy checking out stuff in my phone. I realized I had to bring out the chicken from the fridge and so I got up and went outside the room. When I came back this was what I saw just at the corner of my bed...

So this was what my daughter was doing. I felt my heart break because i was too caught up with my "me time" that I didn't pay much attention to what she was doing. And she did it for me. A Happy Face.

I feel like such a bad mother right now. Guilt, anger (at myself), pain. I can't believe I was not able to appreciate earlier her creativity.

And I must try harder in paying more attention to her.

My new year's resolution is "Less is More" and that I should focus on what truly matters. Eanna is what truly matters to me.

Marriage

2012-01-21T10:50:00.000+08:00

Why are you being difficult? You're supposed to be mostly sunny skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms. Why are you being the other way around?

How people wake up?

2012-01-15T11:41:00.001+08:00

This is funny hahaha! I don't wake up like this but this post surely cracked me up!

Yabu, House of Katsu

2012-01-09T21:46:00.000+08:00

Let me just say that I am so glad I got to try Yabu, House of Katsu resto in Megamall yesterday.

Check out these pics...

I got the Kurobuta tonkatsu. They said that "Kurobuta" is the kobe beef of pork. I would agree. The meat is just so tender and melts-in-your-mouth type. The set is just too much though. Two people can easily share the meal!

Aside from the set, I got the appetizer combo of edamame and seaweed salad. They taste really good.

What's good though about Yabu, more the food, is the kind of service that you get. My daughter was holding her miso and accidentally tipped it over. The soup obviously got spilled. The waiter who attended us was very patient cleaning the mess. Then he said that he will just give us another soup. Now that is good service. It;s very rare that restos here offer to replace food if it's not their fault that something happens. I really hope that they be consistent with this kind of customer service!

I plan to go back and try the other sets they have. The seafood set is intriguing. Can't wait to bring my hubby here!

My 2012 New Year's Resolution

2012-01-04T19:14:00.001+08:00

Parallel universe love and I have something in common: 2012 New year's resolution!

I have spread myself too thin last year (and probably the last few years too) and I think it's about time for me to slow down a bit, focus on things and people that truly matter, and not sweating the small stuff.

Repetto is Coming to Town!

2012-01-03T18:14:00.002+08:00

Saw from Chuvaness.com that Repetto is coming to town late Jan or early feb 2012. In Greenbelt 3!

I hope the prices will be good though!

Funny, earlier during the day I was just browsing through the Repetto website because I wanted to check out any new colors. Currently this is what I have (and I so love, even though they are quite delicate)

I actually wore this in the office today. I wear this in the office when I'm sick and can't afford to wear heels.

Almost got this one too, but I had to stop myself.

They don't come in cheap, ya know!

These lovely pairs come inside really nice boxes too....

(ps: gotta love instagram...has wonderful pics effects, including one that looks as if when printed you used cheap ink cartridges hehehe)

I really really hope the prices are good, else I'd have to get them elsewhere. Hahaha. But I'm looking forward to visiting the shop when it opens!

Hola 2012!

2012-01-01T15:28:00.000+08:00

Let's be BFF's, 2012!

Cheers to you!

What I Got For The Holidays

2011-12-31T15:30:00.000+08:00

Dear hubby asked me a few days ago what I got myself for Christmas. Here are what I got:

1. Parker Sign (Rollerball) Pen - Got my initials engraved as well. Yes, I have a thing for pens. I'm trying Parker this time as I have always been a Cross user. Montblanc, someday when I am really made. Hehehehe.

2. Crane and Co. Folded Notes - I hope the National Bookstore will have more options as I am a fan of really nice folded notes! One day I'd have my own personalized notes!

3. iPhone 4s (this one is actually free hehehe) - I love this phone. I'm so glad I have one!

Hubby couldn't believe my list, so I just added one... a Kindle version (readable in iphone!) of The Little Pink Book of Elegance. :) I hope this ebook is good! (costs around $3.95 in Amazon)

And also, the Kor Delta bottle... One thing that I've always wanted to get but for some reason unable to do so!

That's it actually. Well, considering my spending habits throughout the year, I think this list is a fair one.

No new clothes, no new shoes. It's ok. What's important is that I am happy with all of these! :)

Chat with Siri

2011-12-30T14:02:00.000+08:00

Me: I'm tired.

Siri: Listen to me. Put down this iPhone right now and Take a nap. I'll wait here.

How sweet. :P

Nail colors

2011-12-30T12:28:00.003+08:00

Here's to satisfying my nail color fixation!

Chanel Le Vernis - Tendresse, Quartz, Dragon, and Black Pearl.

Plus Etude House Flower Treatment nail color remover. Softer nails, lovely scent too!

I have a feeling that this fixation will spill over in 2012. I just hope I wouldn't be purchasing any more Chanel nail color stuff hahaha. Hubby already raised his eyebrow when I got 2 at a time, what more if I hoard all year through. Hehehehe. Well, it should be ok right because almost all of the time, my hands (and fingers) are exposed. No fancy nor battery heated gloves will cover my hands, so might as well make fun of my nails right?

Unf

2011-12-30T11:53:00.002+08:00

''nuf said.

2012 Chinese Horoscope for the Horse

2011-12-27T13:53:00.000+08:00

I am born under the year of the Earth horse...

Horse can run very fast. Without a guide on its back, Horse doesn't know where it should go. The Dragon in the heavens can be a good guide for the Horse. Following the advice of Dragon, Horse can take off and become a Dragon-Horse. In general, Horse people should have good luck in career and money area in 2012. In Chinese astrology, Dragon contains mainly Earth. Horse contains mainly Fire. Fire can produce Earth. They can get along and won't fight each other. But Horse will become weak when Dragon is around. 2012 is a year for Dragon to show itself off. Horse people need to act as a supporting character. Horse people will do well in the year of Dragon just by following Dragon's wisdom and guidance.

Career: A lucky star related to career comes to Horse people in 2012. Horse people should take advantage of this opportunity to pursue career advancement or expansion. But you still have to keep your profile low and follow your leader or mentor. Then you will have good chance for a promotion, as long as you can manage your current business well. Since a Lonely Star appears in the Dragon year, therefore, you should increase your social activities, do more communication with upper and lower channels and build a stronger network. This way, your job will be easier when your position faces more responsibility and challenge.

Money: A lucky star related to money arrives to Horse people in 2012. In general, Horse people will have a stable fixed income in the Dragon year. It's fine to make some financial investment, but you don't have windfall luck. Gambling, short-term, or risky investments are not recommended. There is sign of that money comes and goes. Horse people still need money management to watch their financial balance. Otherwise, you will have trouble increasing your wealth or saving extra earnings. It's a year of money opportunity. Horse people need to run faster to gain more. Horse people will have nothing without running.

Love: No Romantic Star appears in the year of Dragon to Horse people. There is no conflict between Dragon and Horse. The people in relationships are fine. However, there is a Lonely Star coming in 2012. When dealing with your love relationship, you cannot push your partner to spend more time with you. If you ask your lover too many requests, that will hurt the relationship. It's time to maintain the relationship, not to seek for a closer one. If you are single, you need to attend more social activities. You will have more chances to find a new relationship if you network and get help from friends or mentors. Remember that a good relationship always takes time to develop.

Health: There is an Unlucky Star showing in health area. That's a sign of injury. Therefore, Horse people need to pay attention the safety at work, to drive carefully on the road and to avoid conflict with strangers. Also, if Horse people have physical fights with others or do dangerous sports (like mountain climbing, car racing, diving, ski or even riskier activities), it might cause a bloody injury. Some fortunetellers suggest that doing a blood donation or teeth cleaning will help people escape accidents or injuries. Also, Horse people shouldn't ignore their health in 2012. Otherwise, a hospital door is opening for you.

Source: Chinese Fortune Calendar

MORE ABOUT THE HORSE

Personality
Occupying the 7th position on the Chinese Zodiac, the Horse symbolizes such character traits as strength, energy, and an outgoing nature. Extremely animated, Horses thrive when they’re the center of attention. Always in search of a good time, Horses keep the crowds happy with their humor and their wit.

Horses are extremely intelligent so they’re able to grasp new subjects with ease. They’re also capable of multi-tasking however they don’t always finish what they start because they’re forever chasing the next opportunity. Horses are honest, friendly and open-minded. They’re perhaps a bit too centered on themselves and have been known to throw tantrums when situations don’t go their way.

Health
Horses are very healthy, most likely because they maintain a positive outlook on life and because they’re athletic. Lead Horses to wide, open spaces and watch them run free! Horses will usually only feel ill when they’re trapped inside.

Career
Horses enjoy positions in which they can interact with others. They aren’t fond of taking orders and they’ll run from jobs they consider routine. They’re able to grasp new subjects with ease making them capable of handling most any job. They’re effective communicators and they enjoy power. Good career choices for Horses include: publicist, sales representative, journalist, language instructor, translator, bartender, performer, tour operator, librarian or pilot.

Relationships
Horses, being spontaneous, have a tendency to fall fast and hard for others. They tend to give themselves fully in each new relationship a quality that ends up chipping away at their inner being. Fortunately, this exhausting trait mellows with age and relationships are stronger and more stable later in life.

Horses and the 5 elements

Metal Horse – Years 1930 and 1990
Free-spirited in every sense of the word, commitment is the easiest way to scare Metal Horses away. They prefer jumping from one relationship or job to the next. Because of this, Metal Horses make better friends than partners.

Water Horses – Years 1942 and 2002
Adaptable yet indecisive, Water Horses have a tendency to flow like the current. They have trouble making up their minds and as a result, they always seem to be confusing others. And although this behavior can be frustrating, Water Horses are fun to be around so most people just get used to it.

Wood Horses – Years 1954 and 2014
Stable and strong, Wood Horses are better able to make decisions. They interact well with others; a trait that enables them to have more successful personal and professional relationships.

Fire Horses – Years 1906 and 1966
The fire is always burning inside Fire Horses. They love living on the edge and are always ready for change as change always is more interesting. They are incredibly opinionated and one place you’ll never find Fire Horses is standing on the fence.

Earth Horses – Years 1918 and 1978
Earth Horses will work to meet their goals, no matter how long it takes. They’ve got the ability to view situations from all perspectives and this ability is especially useful when it comes to making decisions. They’re very adaptable and they’re funny too.

Compatibility
Horses are compatible with a Dog or Tiger and incompatible with a Rat or Monkey.

Source: Chinese Zodiac

2011

2011-12-27T13:41:00.001+08:00

2011 was a year full of surprises and challenges - both personal, family, and career-wise. The rise and fall of things, the strengthening and weakening of others.

But, I would like to focus more on the blessings I received this year, as well as the things my family has been blessed with.

To start off, the beginning of the year saw the start of my career in Maersk. Sure I started in Dec 2010, but technically the meat of my work was in 2011. It was a good opportunity for me to go back to being a career woman after 1 year of staying at home. This is a blessing for obvious reasons - financial and personal fulfillment. I have met new people, garnered new friends, and exercised my social skills again. Hahaha.

It is this year too that my other (shall I say better?) half got his promotion. Years of hard work have finally paid off and now he is in a senior role, a step closer to being a Master Mariner. I'm so proud of my dear husband. Again, blessing for obvious reasons - personal and financial fulfillment for my husband.

Eanna, my sweet little darling had her little blessings as well - she learned a lot in school, gained new friends, got a lot of material things (hello toysies, womens boots, clothes, and more toysies! hahahaha), and more importantly, bloomed into a very beautiful and social little lady. She's soooo talkative and friendly and sociable that everybody adores her!

This year was a year of travel too - we saved just enough to bring our little girl to Hong Kong and experience Disney and Ocean Park. Yeah, it was a tiring trip (and lots of grumbling too hahahha) but this is a big blessing for us - our first family trip abroad. Hope there is more to come.

Health wise, our family was generally ok. I got very sickly, but at least it's just me, and not my husband nor my daughter. Like what I always say, better me than them. What's good though is that my annual examination turned out to be ok. No findings. So I guess all my illnesses just stemmed from stress at work. Hahahah.

As to my side of the family - my youngest brother went off to college (sob sob I'm getting old), second to the youngest brother's health was ok (though he gained pounds hahaha) and that his small business is thriving. Sister is happy in Singapore considering that she has got herself a really nice BF. Hahaha. Seriously, I adore "Uncle" Kelvin. Mother seemed happier and is looking forward to her retirement in 2 years. Dad, finally he got the right business again so I see that he is much happier too. Aden, my nephew is still sickly but at least I now he is doing well in school (he is too young for Grade 1 but I thin he has the right brains hahaha).

There are so many other blessings I could think of, both materially and spiritually, and all I can say is that no matter how many challenges I face in life right now (yes, work, I am talking to you), I know that this life I have is the one for me. It may not be as charmed as the others, but surely what I have is what makes me happy. I have all that I need to live a meaningful life. I have all that I need for 2012 onwards.

So 2011, cheers to you!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T23:54:00.001+08:00

I Wish I Looked Good Wrapping Gifts!

2011-12-25T23:00:00.000+08:00

SVP

2011-12-25T14:04:00.000+08:00

Tired

2011-12-20T21:21:00.000+08:00

Just got home afte a really tiring, disappointing, depressing, and mostly stressful day. My nerves are sooooo wound up real tight right now and I am this close (imagine me doing that "this close" hand/finger gesture!) to giving up.

I know work is hectic and there is a different kind of pressure compared to my previous work, but I'm not so sure if this is really what I signed up for. Well, I thought it was, but with the current conditions, situations, and challenges, now I am not so sure.

All I can think about is how much of a failure I have been at work... :(

Yeah, it's depression talking. But I can't help but feel that way.

I'm a failure at home, and now I'm a failure at work, the one place or the one part of my life where I thought I excel at.

Yes, depression talking. I have so many hang ups.

I need a break, seriously. But I couldn't. I have so many things in mind. How I wish I could just go to a really luxurious spa and hang out in one of their clawfoot tubs. But I couldn't.

Maybe that's the reason why my cycle was sooooo delayed I thought I was pregnant. But I wasn't.

Work is taking its toll on me.

Yup, this really is me in a depressed state of mind.