AngelBQ

I keep on postponing blogging, that I even blogged in my mind for satsifying myself blogwise temporarily. I wanted to rant and rave about stuff I have been going through. This is such a good therapy for me. A place to vent in a pasttime I like, writing.

:::School, career and such:::

I got my OJT (on the job training or practicum). I got one using the walk in method, and I just did this one day. Seems like this is more effective than by mail. I was so relieved, because we were nearing the end of the course, and otherwise we would have to sit on class applying after the course is finished. It would pressure me.

So I have worked 3 days as I type. This is what I have observed about my working place:

• The people there are very nice and helpful.
• It’s an independednt kind of work.
• I like that there’s a canteen in the building, which will save me some bucks. A very simple one where you have to put the spread on your bread yourself, but that just helps lower the price.
• I love that I got a big desk where i can spread the papers around. I got my own corner and own user in computer and they also created an email for me.
• Even if I just started and just on OJT, I was asked the first day if I wanted to join their annual trip care of the company. All expenses paid, except for shopping of course. A friday to monday affair. I could also bring a aprtner for just a small additional fee. The destination is a surprise, but they were considering Brüssel in Belgium, I heard they usually have seminars and escapades like these in places like Creta, etc.
• They have this vendor type machine, but free. I love me some fast hot chocolate in the morning.
• First day on the job, I was thinking that this might not be for me. I felt trapped, timewise. I also felt, that going from bookekeping one company after the other, you don’t have time to digest things so much. And the numbers and the analysis, just made me a bit dizzy. But that was day one. Maybe I was just overwhelmed. So after that, I enjoyed it more. I am on my second company now on my 3rd day, which is actually too much hours for this type of work. I don’t think the customer would like it. Then again, I am there to learn, so the hours I used will be charged at a lower fee and besides the acctg. company doesn’t have to give me salary. The govt. does. Today, I heard from someone new I met, that he has been hearing good feedbacks about me. Of course that makes me feel good. Recognition and progress is rewarding and motivating, and I need it as a newbie which still has some insecurities.
• Theory and real life is not always compatible. I learned lots of new stuff that school didn’t teach us, or some stuff we learned at school is very different than real life prefers it to be done.
• I already learned from others and myself how to work more effective and efficient. Some things I don’t discover till later, but I note them down so I remember till next time. This is after all, a learning experience.
• I think I would like to work in an acctg, dept. for one company, but working for an accounting firm will really give you good training as it exposes you to various situations. I do like this company though and independence, even though it can get lonesome at times, is liberating.
• I miss my classmates and we will meet up soon to share stories of our OJT and catch up on each other.

:::Budget:::

October is here and I have a new chance to keep records of our expense. We are doing well with our consumption and spending. My latest shopping spree was actually needs. I bought two nice sweaters and a pair of jeans from Mango. I got really tired testing clothes and it was so hot in Mango with the spotlights and poorly ventilated place. My shopping route, left me itchy again to shop, but I held back to needs. And I did need these things. I want to try to shop more basics and classic wardrobe so it will not be thrown out later. I need to be a wise spender.

We are also saving for bigger stuff. Car, house, emergency funds, for future plans if we get kids and furnitures. I gave go signal for car now, even if I have always been against it because of the extra expenses of insurance, registration, gas, maintenance and bompenger/tollgate. I gave in because my hubby finally got to be permanent in his job. Yay! I am so proud. He’ll still work night, bummer, but he’ll get higher pay and extra day a week of work. It woud be difficult for him to commute. He has been hitching a ride with his coworker, but now they got different schedule.

Speaking of which, my hubby fixed the car today. I stopped writing in this entry on the last paragraph, so this is updated. I have pics of the car. I actually wanted a long one. A stationwagon. Passat or Volvo. He went for a Saab. It’s ok actually, it has butt warmer for the winter, hehe. It’s comfy that way.

I am happy, but also wondering and anticipating if we can handle the extra monthly expenses. We’ll see. I am more happy for my huisband because I know how much it means to him. I would freak out more with a Nikon d300 and some prime lenses.

:::House woes and wows:::

We suffered and still to some degree, suffering from the water leackage. There was a period, every problem with the house just poured in at the same time.

• The dishwasher broke down. It is not working anymore (we’re buying a new one tomorrow)
• Problems with washing machine for our laundry. It’s ineffective again. We had it for service before when it was behaving like this. We stopped using the dry program since the clothes didn’t dry that much. It’s actually for the better. The clothes smell fresher and they don’t shrink which is a problem I have had with washing clothes (and color problems). The freshener and softener doesn’t make it as soft anymore too, maybe because it doesn’t go down to the clothes at the right time.
• The tv is yellow a lot of the time.
• My computer screen turns on and off (as of this post it’s replaced).

But thanks to sis buying a lot of stuff to renew her house, we’ve fixed and got these things (some courtesy of insurance) since they basically tore down the place from the damages of water.

• Wallpaper and tiles on the entrance and wardrobe area is already put in place. The print was not anymore the bohemian we initially wanted. This is foliage type with shimmer and neutral, creamy tones.
• New closet in the entrance with frosted glass (I like frosted glass). It replaced the pole thing with branches jacket hanger (I am not sure what it is called). Now, we can see all the jackets in a row, and there’s even added space.
• Sink in the toilet so we don’t need to go to bathroom to wash our hands or fill the “tabo”.
• New interiors of the closet (Pax system from Ikea), and we’re getting rid of the basket setup which makes you lose sight of your clothes. Ikea’s inexpensive series rocks. Have you seen their kitchen organizer for inside kitchen drawers? I want a kitchen like that.
• New kitchen top from Ikea to replace the wooden surface that absorbs the liquid and darkens it sometimes, waiting to be put on.
• New leather l-shaped couch in off white/beige color has arrived. We will get rid of the sleeping bed couch or whatchamacallit (my vocabulary stinks today). It’s already putside with the piles of stuff in the backyard.
• Replaced the old bathroom mirror wall cabinet without the mirrored doors, with one that actually has the doors and mirrors.
• Still to come, they will replace the tiles in the kitchen with these:

(I love that dark wooden flooring, but my fave flooring is the wooden, laquered type that is either white or black. The gloss makes it look so clean and sleek. Picture from an apt. on sale in finn.no.)

• Still to come, a new kitchenfan that got ruined in the water leak. It will still be the same type though, but at least it’s new and function on the top and minus the accumulated grease.
• Being the computer geek, I was most excited with the last improvements, a new screen. It’s a new widescreen computer screen. I think the old one had problem with the driver of the computer, being such an old model. I have had no problem ever since it was replaced. I am most happy with the fact that it just cost 1200 norwegian kroner because of an opening sale in a new computer store. It’s an LG 20 TFT inch widescreen. TFT is a notch better than LCD. One of the pointers being less radiation. It’s 5 ms and 2000:1 in contrast. It might not be the best there is, but definitely a bang for the bucks. The cheapest I ever seen in screens have been 1700 and that’s only 17 inch. Its max resolution is 1680×1050 and I have it that way. The stuff on the screen is a bit small than what I was used to, but it has its perks. Not pixelated, more space to see more things in the acdsee and better space in photoshop among others. There were other good sale too on that place. I was shocked with the Canon Powershot A550 for just 400 kroner. Less than half the price. Catch is, only 30 pieces. With the screen, there was 100. I asked my daddy to go there early. He got there 30 minutes before opening and he was already around the 100th in the queue. Most of them probabaly eyeing for the camera. I really wanted mom and dad to get theirs and I almost wanted to buy one myself.
• We’re getting our new chair too, because of the damaged leg. I think we might need to get rid of the of the red couch.
• New beige covers for the chair to match the rest of the renewed look.

So definitely, more of the good than the bad, although my sis did spend a great deal even with the insurance. And not to mention the frustration and waiting time, and it’s not even all finished.

I still want to buy:

• A painting or some form of walldecor in the entrance.
• New black pleated style lamp in the entrance.
• More frames.
• New tv.
• New dishwahing machine.
• Rug for the tiles. It can get cold.
• We need a heater, since one is broke too.

Here are some stuff from Ikea that I want to add to our home (3 first items are from Bohus).

And a few peaks at our new wardrobe interior. We replaced the basket system that came with this house.

The old sliding door is still not on. I actually like it this way. If we could only put a door where the shoerack is to shut the food smell from the kitchen to this area, I’d prefer that. It looks so organized and so walk in closet like. I have always had a thing for walk in closets. usually, I prefer things and clutter hidden behind doors, but with an organized system it looks very nice. Besides, you’ll be able to have a clear overview and immediate access.

Peeking in the picture is also the new wallpaper that replaced the red painted wall in the entrance. We are going from elegant and rich red paired with grey, to warm, beige tones with nature and foliage theme. And with some baroque touch. The wooden floor in the wardrobe and entrance is also replaced with tiles. A bit cold, so we might have to add a rug in both areas.

The shoe system that can be pulled out to reach the shoes in the back. It rooms 16 pairs. We have so many shoes in this household. Beside from this, we have the shoerack filled with Bizzi’s rubber shoes in the picture above, and a similar shoe rack in the porch and inside the closet for jacket in the entrance, there is also around 8 pair of boots and mid high shoes altogether with sandals for home use. Although some of the shoes in the pull out rack is mom and dad’s which they will bring with them back, we still needs some extra space.

I like this system. Looks really neat and you could even use this in a project and for something creative. It’s actually handknitted so you can pierce the earring right through to hold it in place.

I love this addition. I might be able to use my belts a bit more with a better overview. This is both mine and Bizzi’s belt. I think we need one more when our collection grows, hehe-

I like that this pulls out. I might buy 2 more. One for the entrance closet for umbrellas and one more for my area for Bizzi’s nectie and my scarfs.

:::My beloved nephew:::

One of the things I look forward to when coming home, is his happy face greeting us. He gets overly excited by seing someone come home. We are awaiting his procedure this monday. He will get this tube going to his heart, because of his heart condition. It’s not an operation, but still… He can’t have this procedure if he is sick, and he has had a cold the last days and it’s on the way to recovery though. Tomorrow, he’ll get his examination and evaluation. My sis would spend 400000++ pesos if she did this in Philippines, whereas here it’s free. Its a great place to live. She’s a single mom, and for that she got lots of benefits and payments so that she can buy him his stuff (and boy has she been shopping him stuff besides from all these house stuff.) and so that she can feel secured. She even got extended mama leave.

Even in my situation, imagine, I am going to course for free and they pay me allowance and free books. And that course has benefited me a lot, despite my absences. There were some mess with the schedules and stuff, but I did learn while I was there, and that’s the important thing.

Back to my nephew. I have to share this shot of him wearing a tie and suit for the first time. He is sooo handsome like his guwapong/handsome lolo. This is all I got to snap before they left because both the batteries of the camera died on me.

And then he fell asleep shortly after they came, so no more photoshoot for us.

ETA: (08/10/07) since it is now the six day since I started writing this, the procedure is now finished and he is doing fine. I went to visit him and my sister in the hospital. They have been there since last night (sunday). Doctor is optmistic and said that the procedure could have a lifetime effect. He will be observed, and if it will be necessary, there will be future procedures, but for now it’s looking bright. We talked about this 12 year old child who mom and dad knows from the congregation. He was already studying the bible and his grandmother and uncle was already a witness. He died of the same condition Samuel had. If they had the means, they could have had the chance to save him. It’s sad that money can be the hindrance to life. There should be exceptions when the financial situation is in the way of a vital surgery/procedure that can mean life and death. Again, I am just frustrated about the corruption and the constant discovery of corrupt politician (and many of them are left undiscovered or people are to afraid to step out). These funds could go to these poor people instead with dire needs.

ETA: (08/10/07) He’s back at home. When I came home today, he was sound asleep and he didn’t wake up. Usually his real sleep is 9 pm up. He takes naps and should have been awake at least one period since I came home. Either his stay in the hospital made him tired. Both him and sister didn’t sleep much there. Or, even better, it is because his heart is in better condition so that he can sleep more comfortably. Things are definitely looking better for our little boy. He is under good care by Jehovah.

:::Other happenings:::

• Hubby gave me 20 roses for no apparent reason. I just love this guy. He is just getting sweeter and kinder and more loving the longer we grow in our relationship. Like there is still much more to experience and explore in our marriage. Actually, we are sweeter now that we’re married than in the boyfriend/girlfriend stage. I have seen others that is the other way around. Probably ecause in the first stages we were dealing with the forbidden love thing and that may have caused some frustrations on my part which leads to his frustration too. But we stuck it all, and in one instance I sa how he fought for me and that just made me admire him even more.
• Exams went fine. I was a bit frustrated on an unnecessary mistake I made out of not being careful and thorough enough. We had two exams. The last one on the computer system went better than the first. The result will be out just before the holidays in December right after our OJT is finished.
• We went to some visits. I usually don’t go out much and that’s a fact. good thing my family is here and they get invited out to relatives and I want to join them. We went to Kari and Njaals house. They conduct the bible study for me and hubby. They are a really nice couple. They also invited one of their closest friends who happened to be one of the early bible teachers of us when we lived in our second home in Norway. The second visit was at auntie’s place. She made great food and the desert was lovely. I loved the Pavlova. A refreshing fruitsalad-like meringue cake based in Australia.

Mi familia.

Kari and Njaal. One of the nicest people I know.

The Pavlova at auntie Beng’s place.

(Too saturated and I didn’t even adjust the saturation during post processing. I confirmed through several places that d50 usually over saturates the reds and pinks, especially in yellow lighting. I will have to try different setting like the preset image mode in whitebalance).

• Today, 9th of October, I could really feel winter on its way. It was 3 degrees in the morning.
• I am in love with homemade cacao or hot chocolate. I bought the instant one before, and it was so bland in taste. This one is boiled with milk and sugar. It is really rich in taste and creamy. When you taste the powder, it’s bitter and oh so chocolatey. I try not to make so much at a time because I don’t want increased sugar levels in this household thanks to me. Dad remarks it’s even richer and better in taste than batirol. I actually agree and I rember loving that tsokolate I tasted in South supermarket, Alabang with cashewnut paste. I always felt that cold or rainy weather is nice paired up with a cup of hot chocolate. Call me sentimental, hehe.
• Today, 11th of October, me and hubby with siblings in laws went to a taping of this program. Hubby, bros and friend was also included in this clip in this program. It’s a funny show called rikets røst. The program will be shown on tv tomorrow, and it’s the ending segment of the show. The clip is in connection with drillo, Norwegian football coach who went to Iraq to train the soccer team there. I had a headache today. I need some sleep.

:::Mom and dad:::

They are staying here till November 10 and I wish they’d never leave. I am feeling a bit guilty because they do so much around the house, they always buy the groceries, ccok food, wash dishes and even buy the stuff and shouldering the expenses. If they weren’t here while the water leackage was going on, we would probably be struggling big time and most things would take a long time to accomplish. I am planning of buying them something nice before they leave. I have the perfect thing. And I want us to go out as a family and dine in some middle east restaurant before they go. I am doing some research to find the perfect spot.

Funny thing, when I had my outburst, mom really knew me so well. She got her analysis of me in a way that my pride subsided. I didn’t become defensive, but it was very revealing and enlightening to see it from her outside perspective.

:::Family:::

I haven’t been around much when it comes to Bizzi’s family. I should, since a lot has been happening on their camp and I should be there as support. Praying that things will be sorted out. I also miss the twins badly.

:::Spiritual:::

I joined mom and dad to the special assembly. My husband joined me too and I was happy about that, I was very attentive the whole time and benefited greatly. Although my progress may be slow at times, at least it’s progressing. And my husband has said some really nice stuff that makes my heart jump. By the way, after the assembly, I slept early as I haven’t done in ages. A good sign!

:::Digital scrapping:::

I have had some time to organize in acdsee, and shopping for digi stuff has been slow, so the volume is going down. Just like blogging, I did bit by bit, so that I can do a bit of everything in one day, instead of being glued to one thing the whole day.

I haven’t been so productive scrapping, although many times I was itching to open photoshop and just take one of the photos I have acuumulated these past period and scrap. So in a little over a month, I whipped up these. Click for credits.

Btw, a very good friend of mine asked for newbie tips, and I coudn’t think of one then and there with from the scratch instruction. Here’s one link though I bumped into; http://twopeasinabucket.kaboose.com/cg_display.asp?cmd=display&seed_id=20772 and if you want to start scrapping for a baby or children’s album or any album for that matter, there is this instant free snap on album at Shabbyshoppe; http://shabbyprincess.com/InTheGrooveAlbum.asp. You can just pop the pictures right in.

I’ll try to come back with more tips and links sometime soon.

Btw, a toot..I will get published in this issue of vi scrapper, a norwegian scrap mag. I am excited since this is my first publication. I think I’ll have 3 of my LO’s there and the other catscrap ladies are there too.

:::Time management:::

This is my biggest issue. No wonder I always blabber about it. I’ve taken small steps to change my lifestyle. One of them being to cut my blog reads from 500 to 250. It felt good. I am doing some other measurements and it’s paying off slowly and surely. This leads to a better state for me and more peace of mind.

:::Tags:::

Tagged by Wanda. Desktop tag first. I owe the other one. I am super flattered about the write up. Lots of love back at yah!

This was my desktop when I was tagged (ages ago, lol)

(thanks to Chikai for the tip on Objectdock. I removed the Windows quick start now thanks to that. the infrared wallpaper from jeffreyklassen.com)

and this is the current one

(my nephew so peaceful and oh so cute. the arrows to the right are droplets - action equivalent thingy for imageready. i use it for my watermarking. the jpgs on the right are my watermarks)

Note: Copy Starts Here! Desktop Free View Instruction:

A. Upon receiving this tag, immediately perform a screen capture of your desktop. It is best that no icons be deleted before the screen capture so as to add to the element of fun. You can do a screen capture by:

[1] Going to your desktop and pressing the Print Scrn key (located on the right side of the F12 key).
[2] Open a graphics program (like Picture Manager, Paint, or Photoshop) and do a Paste (CTRL + V).
[3] If you wish, you can “edit” the image, before saving it.

B. Post the picture in your blog. You can also give a short explanation on the look of your desktop just below it if you want. You can explain why you preferred such look or why is it full of Icons, things like that.

C. Tag five of your friends and ask them to give you a Free View of their desktop as well. - I’m tagging - Melissa, Faye, Faith, Anna and Ruy/Liv … please post a link so I can see your post

D. Add your name to this list of Free Viewers with a link pointing directly to your Desktop Free View post to promote it to succeeding participants.
i Ronnie - I Set No Corner
Thess - Thesserie
Rebecca - Skippy Heart
Knoizki - A Dialogue With K
Beng - Kauderwelch-domlawrenceOSB -bluepanjeet™ OTWOMD™
Marie @ Vanidosa Marie and Vanidosa at blogspot

Ems

@ Just Let Go and Pieces of Me
Yen @ Me and Mine , Little Peanut
Aggie - Mommy Talks.Wife Stories.Girl Speak
Alpha - my blog
Jane - My Joys
Jody - Scribbles of my Life
Cynch - Marital Bliss
Wanda - daftology

Angie - Angelbq