Gallstones Free.

I'm now back. No more painful attacks and no more abstinence on fatty foods in two weeks. After two nights in the hospital and after undergoing a forty minute procedure called Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy the other day...I'm now gallstones and gall bladder free. They took it out as well to prevent recurrent stones. Anyway, gall bladder is just an "extra" part of our body and digestion can still completely take place without it. Simply put we can survive without it.

I'm recuperating just fine and recovery would be fairly fast as this procedure left me with only four small incisions on my stomach. This is highly favorable procedure, albeit costly, by patients with mild cases as compared to an open surgery. This operation is preferred due to the ease of recovery. According to the surgeon, they were able to extract from me several tiny stones with size that of a marble.

I'll be seen by my surgeon on Monday for a thorough follow up checking and remove the incisions' dressing as well. How I wish my surgeon's office is just near the hospital lobby for me not to walk that far. His office is located down the hallway right after a clinic where it has a large Generic Cialis poster. Probably that one is an obstetrician-gynecologist's clinic.

I'm just so glad that I'm attack free. Finally, I can devour on my fave foods such as ice cream, chocolate, cake, fried meats (minus the fat portion) which I avoided in the last two months.

I Promised....

...myself that I won't be shopping for any digital scrapbooking kits eventhough sales and various promotions from my favorite digishops are springing left and right.

...my paypal account that I won't be doing any purchases for the mean time.

But, my mantra didn't work and I gave in. I was carried along with the irresistible enablers and announcements of my twittering digiscrapping friends.

So here I am currently downloading the goodies (just four) from Scrapartist. Of course, I just limited my browser to their "specials" page where items were sold for only a dollar.


I may not be able to digiscrap in the next few days or so because of my scheduled operation on Monday but hopefully I get to scrap while I recover next week.

I'll try to be back in a while for some freebie alerts after I download the Wilmington real estate brochure that a friend forwarded to me. They'd like to purchase a property but he wants me to check it first.

Cool Drug Guide.

It's actually cool to have practicing licensed doctor friends because you can consult from them for free. An allergy attacked me the other week. I just texted my friend and voila, I was prescribed with a medicine that easily. The husband suddenly had a boil last week. One of Asher's godparents is a doctor so my hubby just showed it to him and again, was prescribed with an antibiotic that easy.

We'll meet with him next week for some bonding time like we used to do before. I might as well mention him about Epocrates. I don't know if he has heard about this already but it is actually a cool free drug reference for blackberry that doctors can use in prescribing medicines. This guide will aid them for potentially harmful interactions between several drugs, drug dosing, side effects and health plan coverage. This is currently compatible with smartphones, PDAs such as blackberry and soon with Apple devices.

This announcement was paid for by Epocrates.

Colds.

I'm nursing a bad case of colds right now. My throat's getting sore and itchy likewise. I could easily take and consider nasal drug treatment but the problem is I'm lactating. I don't want to expose my son to risks caused by such so it's wise if I just follow and observe the natural remedies:

* Rest. Drink lots of water and take hot baths. Run a humidifier.
* Take in extra vitamin C from foods, juices or in supplement form.

As for the colds itself, it won't cause any harm to my baby. It's actually advisable to continue breastfeeding because "babies receive specific antibodies to protect against their mothers' illnesses via the milk, which greatly reduces the likelihood of illness", iVillage says.

Christening Pics.

I'm still not through with the upload of Asher's Christening pictures to my Flickr gallery. I received the DVD of raw files yesterday from the photographer and it's a lot! I finished uploading 156 pics yesterday and there are about a hundred more. I'm quite satisfied and happy about the shots. I think he used Canon 350D. I love how crisp the pictures are..the details are so clear and the colors just stand out well. In fact, a close up picture of mine is seemingly prompting me to undergo an acne treatment with all the impurities and pimples on my face. Yes, that's how clear the shots are even the minute details are well zoomed in.

If you want to see the partially uploaded pictures, check out my Flickr gallery.

Attacked.

It seems that our laptop has been attacked by a virus, a spyware or something. I was doing a layout when suddenly a sexy woman icon in a blue lingerie appeared inviting to visit a pornographic site. I right away called my brother as he was the last one who used the laptop. He said he's unsure that he might have clicked a link a while ago. I told my brother to find a way to fix this. If not, he can't touch this laptop again ever.

Alpha Freebie at Scarletheels.

To my fellow digiscrappers out there, you better head to Scarletheels' blog quick before the download link expires. She has this cool alphas up for grabs..absolutely free.


As I blog at this moment, I'm 89% through with the download of the lowercase letters. The uppercase and special characters are lined up next. Hope I find time this afternoon to digiscrap and make use of these alphas. I have several photos to scrap mostly the pics taken during Asher's baptism. Meanwhile, my sister is also requesting me to do a layout for her. Their company had a fun joy ride on their way to Anilao, Batangas for their teambuilding. I have some car themed kits but I'm still on the lookout for car parts embellishments such as tail lights and Chevy grilles. I'll check my favorite digishops later. I received an email alert that there's a 20% sale at Scrapartist this Tueday on new items.

Winning Lottery Number.

If I am to bet in the Super Lotto, my winning lottery numbers would be 2, 12, 14, 17, 19 and 24. I have tried my luck last week when the winning jackpot prize was pegged at Php 140 Million but to no avail, there's not even one number that got in. I might just probably try and bet my winning lottery number at Dreamandwin.com. Playing online lottery is never easy as this. It is so easy to win and the prizes up for grabs are simply amazing. If you're new to this game and isn't familiar with this, you may check out the easy-to-understand tutorial they have in site. Their benefits include the best odds there is on the net and you can win as much as 100% of your deposits. Go ahead and place your winning lottery numbers.

D Day.

Here's another layout I just whipped. Finally, I am putting into use my recent digiscrap goodie purchases. I've been one trigger happy digi shopper these past few weeks and my husband is already raising his eyebrows over my diminishing paypal earnings. I have tons of pictures to scrap but I just lack the drive to create layouts.



After doing my review about this teak patio furniture later I might digiscrap again while my mojos are active.

Credits:
Not Very Serious Kit by Jofia Devoe
Doodledates by Scarletheels
Border Tears by Laura Burger

Love At First Sight.

My creative mind was in active mode yesterday thus, I was able to scrap:



Frosted Kit by Michelle Coleman
Random Blue Words by Tracy Ann Designs
Lilhangups by Laura Deceatis
Doodle Overlays by Jenna Dessai
All Stitched Up by Zoe Pearn

The Wine Collector.

Our household help was doing her routine kitchen cleaning up this morning when I suddenly saw my Dad's mini-wine cellar. It's been a while since I last saw these stashed wines and I suddenly refreshed my memory how long each of these have been aging in the cabinet. My Dad is not actually an alcoholic person but he's just fond of collecting wines for further fermentation or maturing them thereby giving better quality of aroma, flavor, and complexity. I'll be forwarding an email to my dad about wine clubs offerings in a while. He might probably be interested to join so he can expand further his collection monthly.

Scrimping Mode.

I'm trying my best to hold off my fingers from clicking the checkout button at weedsandwildflowerdesign.com. I stuffed some goodies that I was drooling over since last week. However, since I'm on scrimping mode, I really can't and shouldn't splurge on digiscrapping goodies for the mean time. I'm saving my paypal earnings for Asher's Christening so my whims have to be put off and set aside for a while. This goodie has to wait on my cart. Who knows a sale might be held soon at WW.


So there, I have to go and research online the Blanco sinks that my Dad is requesting me to look for. I think he'd like to do a kitchen makeover by next month.

The Invite.

Here's what I did for Asher's Christening Invitation.



Credits: Posh Baby Cakes by Laura Deacetis

Yummylicious.

It's a freaking hot Thursday today. I wanted to go out but the formidable heat of the sun is prompting my feet to back off and just lounge around here at home. Mama and Asher's Great Grandma arrived this morning so he's got plenty of hands taking care of him.

I have not much to do so I'm just chilling online, currently bloghopping and twittering. By the way, just downloaded twitteroo and it's overly cool! Twitters are having a fun but mature discussion over The Men They Want To Sleep With. Aggie even made a tag about it for fun. I will bloghop to those she tagged and see who are the yummy men they're fantasizing about. It's kinda intriguing or should I say drooling looking at their posted pictures...I must agree that they indeed have sexy bodies, probably some are taking in bodybuilding supplements thus, with all the fabs and buns on their bods.

Prepping Up.

I haven't had any gallstones attack since last week..thank God! This could probably be attributed to my daily intake of apples and apple juice which I started recently. As they may only be temporary relief, I'd be focusing to have my surgery scheduled probably next week. I will just have to talk it over with my doctor so I could also prepare myself as well as the finance requirements if in case my health card can not cover all the expenses. I'm just glad that my health insurance can help me in this one as well as with my Daily Living Aids after the operation. Benefits include the professional fees, hospital bills and other surgical supplies.

In the US, they have this online retailer of life enhancing products such as medical equipment and home health care supplies. AllegroMedical.com has also expanded its offerings by including Exercise & Fitness Equipment, Nutritional Dietary Supplements, Maternity/Baby Supplies and Outdoor Gear. Check out their recently enhanced site and have an ultimate shopping experience. How I wish we also have a local version of their site so I don't need to rush to the drugstore for medical supplies.

Kid's Question.

Thanks Thea for this tag.

Copy here:
1. Answer the Kid’s Question by Gregory Stock, PH.D. Remember: Don’t respond as you think others want you to. Respond the way you actually feel!
2. Add your name (linked to your blog)
3. Tag everybody else!

Kid’s Question #1
If you were the ruler of the world and you could have anything you wanted as well as have people do anything you wanted, do you think you would get greedy and mean or would you be a good and fair ruler?

I'd definitely be a good and fair ruler. I believe in the power of karma so do good to others...respect and value them as you'd want to be respected and valued.

It’s your turn to answer the tag: Ann and Suzanne.

The 20 Questions Tag.

Got tagged by Yen. Thanks, Yen!

Here are the rules: Remove one (1) question from below and add in your personal question,make it a total of 20 questions, then tag eight ( people in your list. List them out at the end of this post.

1. My question: What's your craving at the moment? I am drooling over World Chicken's Tuna Fettuccine but not good for me at the moment. Have to avoid creamy foods as well to prevent gallstones attacks.
2. Have you ever shoplifted? No and never will.
3. Where is the place that you want to go the most? US and Boracay. Love to tour Europe as well.
4. Which part of you that you hate the most? My stretch-marks-filled tummy!
5. When you encounter a sad moment, what would you do? I pray and cry if my hormones are ranging that high.
6. What are you afraid to lose the most? My hubby, my son and my family.
7. If you win $1 million, what would you do? Thank God, deposit in my account then start listing the things to buy and do with it.
8. What do you loved the most last year (2007)? Finding out that we're infanticipating finally.
9. List out 3 good points of the person who tagged you: Yen is one of the best digiscrappers there is, uber friendly and generous!
10. How do you cope with boredom? surf online, blog and digiscrap
11. Till now, what is the moment that you regret the most? No regrets at all even if life seems so tough at times
12. Which type of person do you hate the most? selfish
13. What is your ambition? To have my own business and to travel the world
14. If you had one wish, what would you wish for? To hit the Lotto jackpot
15. How did you celebrate new year? Was 6 months pregnant, eat my heart out and celebrated with hubby and in-laws at Frisco
16. It is already 2008, do you have a new year’s resolution? what the heck...am not into that really
17. What do you look forward to in 2008? The coming of Baby A into our lives and taking care of him
18. If your life is a song, what title best fit it? Swept Away.
19. What is the most important to you, besides your family? my online life..lolz
20. What do you want to be 5 years from now? A businesswoman..no longer a corporate slave

Tagging all my twitter friends out there.

Gold Investment.

It’s a fact that gold has always been one of the most highly sought-after precious metals in the world ever since. With its value, it has been used as money or medium of exchange as payment for goods and services. It is also used as a store of value which people treat it as long term investment. Gold is most commonly used though as jewelry. If you have that extra moolah and would like to preserve your wealth, gold in the form of coins and ingots are one of the best investments there is. At Monex Deposit Company, gold and other precious metals can be purchased for personal delivery or for storage at a depository. Being one of the best dealers of gold in America, their competitive prices are absolutely worth checking and trying out for.

The Souvenir.

I blogged yesterday that my hubby (together with my Mom-in-law) went to Divisoria to buy the souvenir tokens that will be given away in Asher's Baptism. They bought a ceramic baby boy figurine...simple and small yet so cute. I find it costly though at Php 40 a piece. My hubby told me that they almost didn't buy these as they got mad and irritated with the salesman who doesn't know or doesn't have the words "customer service" on his vocabulary. My Mom-in-law actually got furious even more that she wanted to hit him with golf clubs that were on display as the salesman irritatingly answered back when confronted. At any rate, my mom-in-law just ignored him, chilled and left immediately after they were served. He isn't worth the wrinkles, my mom-in-law said. Lolz.

I'll post pictures of the souvenir after we're done with the placing of the tags.

I Gave In.

With reference to this post..

guess what?

I gave in and splurge some paypal funds on these goodies. Lolz.

Bath Time.

Bath time for my son means playing time. He absolutely loves it the moment we lay him on his bath tub cradle and starts pouring water on his body. He would just gaze around and moves his hands and feet..wiggling and enjoying the water. His first few baths were tough as he shrieked and seemed frightened but glad he isn't like that anymore these days. I bet when he grows older, he'd love to go swimming. I might probably suggest to the hubby to check the walk in tubs that are on sale in SM. I'm pretty sure my son would love and enjoy it when he grows bigger.

Baptism Countdown.

It's Asher's baptism one week from now. So far, preparation has been a bliss and I won't be needing the best anti wrinkle cream since I didn't encounter any problems nor stress at all. We attended this morning the Pre-Baptism Seminar that parents and sponsors should go through. It was quite short but it was so boring that hubby and I kept on yawning. We were just catechized and reminded the symbolism and importance of the sacrament of Baptism. As for the details..bookings for the reception, baptismal cake, Asher's outfit, invites, photo and video services..all are a-okay and done. We're just actually finalizing guests' RSVP as well as the souvenirs. I'm pretty excited for everyone to see Asher on this event and of course, happy for Asher to finally become a Catholic.

I'm Bored While..

..the husband is currently braving the streets of Divisoria to hunt and buy for the souvenirs to be given away on Asher's Baptism. I am pretty sure he's drenched with so much sweat that his shirt can be wrinkled already. It's so hot outside and I can't even stand the sweltering heat even if I'm indoors. I told him that I'm not that particular with the design or style..just a small and simple keepsake will actually do. Since he's in the sale haven, he just texted that he also bought some summer t-shirts for him and short pants for me to my delight. It's been a while since I last shopped or was shopped for with new clothes. At least I have something relaxing to wear this summer season.

To Buy or Not To Buy.

I got allured by the recent enabler sent by Scrapartist for today's Fab Friday.

These goodies are for only a buck each:


I love them to bits. So now the question is..should I go ahead and buy them?

Waiting for the Package.

The package hasn't arrived still.

Stepmom called the other day and told us to expect the package they sent via air freight within the day. I got ecstatic because said package contains Baby Asher's stroller which his grandpa is gifting him for his baptism. There are also other baby stuffs sent as well as some electronics goodies for my younger brother. I hope to have it delivered soon. Actually, it's not only Asher who's excited but also the doting parents.

Cool Patio Furniture.

It's every married couple's wish to own and live in their dream mansions. Some may opt for a small and simple abode but some do wish for large and lavish dwellings. Even before our wedding, hubby and I have set our goals that we'll definitely own some day our dream house. One that is built according to our preference and not just one that is already set up. In fact, I have in my mind drawn, how big will it be, how many rooms, how will each rooms be decorated with furniture, etc. Thanks to sites such as spacify.com. It is in such online stores that I get ideas for our dream house.

Labeled as Modern Contemporary Furniture on their site..this shop has a wide variety of Italian and European modern and contemporary furnishings for the bedroom, bathroom, dining room, kids, family, living room, and outdoors. I tried browsing each category and I'm so stoked with all the designs that they've got. I particularly like this one and I'm wishing to incorporate this in our dream bedroom someday. Isn't the style so cool and serene?

And among the patio furniture they have, I fell in love with this one.


It's a relaxing hammock from their patio furniture online. They also have in store wide choices of wood patio chairs, deck chairs, outdoor tables, sidechairs, round tables elegantly designed to adorn your patios. Whether you're in search of the contemporary patio furniture or metallic or aluminum patio furniture, it's all in here.

Check out their catalog for more styles and chic designs. I'm just warning you though as your eyes will feast on each furniture and accessories. If ever you end up filling up your shopping carts with lots of goodies, don't blame me okay?

Get Digi Contest at Bookoto.

For those Pinoy digiscrappers out there who haven't heard about this, check out the contest spearheaded by Bookoto.com. You now only have few hours left so better bring out those thinking caps and extract your creative juices.

Check more info here.

Losing Weight.

I haven't weighed recently but the last time I was seen by my OB a week after I gave birth, my weight was down to 111 pounds from my last trimester pregnancy weight of 129 pounds. It's been a month since I last gave birth so definitely, additional pounds were shred off recently as I nurse my baby.

A friend of mine saw me yesterday and commented that I indeed lost weight that fast. I was actually glad to hear that. At least there's no need for me to undergo slimming or weight loss program with all the pregnancy fats and baggages that I gained over the last nine months. My friend was about to share her Orovo supplements with me but with my impressive weight loss, she didn't bother to do so. I even look slimmer than she is, actually. Lolz.