Balance

At our graduation yesterday, one of my new bosses talked about how balance is really a matter of choice. It is up to use to set how much time is used up by work and how much is then allocated to the rest of life.

At that point, I recalled why I love my Franklin Covey planner so much. One thing I learned from the What Matters Most course I took when I chose to get my planner was that we decide what we value and plan our time and life around these things. Balance is achieved by taking care of what we value.

Now, this is very individual. For example, I value being effective and productive at work but I also value my family time. That would mean that I must ensure to make time for my family, not just time to be home - dead to the world in sleep usually. I deliberately set time to hang out with my LP and kids to touch base on what's happening in their days (work or school) and find out what their into. We hang out, play games, eat and sometimes just sit beside each other while we all surf the net or read books.

Another thing I value is time for myself is a critical thing to keep myself functioning well. I find I NEED space where what I will do will benefit no one but me. This can be as simple as an hour to read a good book or an afternoon hanging out with old friends. It can be a day off where I sleep in or a trip to the spa.

There are many other things that are important to me and yes, it can be quite a juggling act to make sure that all these needs get met. I know though that in the end, it is important that I do so to make my life a quality one. We must LIVE and not just go through the days in a daze.

Balance...for me to be able to continue to work effectively, a must not an option.

Team Fredo Team building

Somehow we managed to squeeze in the team building in the short time allotted. Due to a java error I can't seem to upload pics so I resorted to putting them up on my flicker then blogging here to drag them in somehow. Will upload the rest when I can get multiply to accept them.

Pardon for the image quality. My poor 3230 is dying already. I need a good digicam and a great phone.

Nails! Nails! Nails!

I love having a manicure! They make the hands look so elegant. I love colors - even the ones that make the boys go, "did you kill the one who ran over your hand?". In short, your nails look dead. I say, to each their own and nail colors are just an accessory, much like a watch or jewelry.

Anyway, one style I was never into is called french tips. I found the idea funny. Imagine, you paint your nails to look like your nail. it seemed like too much work to make your nail look like a polished version of itself.

Then my aunt gave me a DIY french nail kit. So I figured, wth, let's try it. Hmmmm....interesting. It seems to appeal to a number of people. The nice part, most people don't seem to realize I have any polish on - I guess that was the idea then hehehehe. The best part: It's really easy to do as long as you have the nail guides.

Now I'm thinking about nail tattoos. A friend was telling me about this shop in The Block that does them for about 150. You do have to have your nails done in white though before you go to them. I don't know though id 150 for something that will grow out in about two weeks is worth it. There some lovely sticker tattos and fake nails that are great though.

For those interested in how to DIY french manicure, you can take a look at these pages or websites: I like this - it has pictures!

• With illustrations: Free Beaty Tips: French Manicure
  
• Beautyden: French Manicure
• I love this blog because her tips are creative! - My Manicure

Get Plurking With Me

I recently gave in and signed up for Plurk. Join the club. Get plurking with me.

Eureka Episodes

More episodes of Eureka! More to watch. You guys probably already saw these but I still want to share links for those like me who mainly watch online now.

Episode 5 is a mummy episode. Is there really a curse?


Who created comic book stories? Geeks. So naturally, there just had to be a superhero episode (Episode 6). After all, who doesn't dream of becoming a one?

Election fever has hit Eureka. It's Vincent against Zoe's boyfriend against the weatherman. Can you guess who becomes the new Mayor? That's Episode 7.

The latest episode is

High At 5!

The account that I work for celebrated it's 5th anniversary today and I enjoyed the party. The venue was Club Filipino. There was a lot of good food - so much that I'm sure there were left overs. The place was big enough to accommodate more people than there were - sadly many couldn't make it. The atmosphere was very relaxed and everyone there seemed to be set on having a good time.

I guess it is partly because I now know more people in the company than I used to. Though I arrived alone, I was sure I would find someone to sit with and true enough, there were a lot of people willing to let me sit with them. I found myself shifting tables, sitting with various groups, saying hi to those I knew and getting to know a few of those I didn't.

The performances were nice. You can see that effort was put into the numbers for the event. The TL's put heart into their performances. For me, the best number was that performed by TL's Drei, Melai and Paul P with the JIL band. Now that's rocking the house!

I did my best to get videos of the event. The sad part is that multiply doesn't play 3gp . So first I have to convert the videos - if I can. Then upload it. Hopefully someone with a better cam than I had will upload their images and videos and I can just snitch and share .

Some Things I Found Funny Today

Here are some things that ticked my funny bone today.

I went to a stand that sells stuff on sticks. The girl took my order for squid balls and dropped the items in the boiling oil, stick and all. Then she takes them off the stick and serves it to me. So I had to string them all again so I could eat it. Hay!

We ate in a restaurant where everyone was wearing outrageous hats. One guy had fake butterflys attached all over. Another girl wore a head dress that reminds me of the Bellstar dancers. And jazz hands! hehehehe

While waiting for the mall to open, the guard was keeping careful watch on his assigned doors. Some people inside had to go out. He approached the doors they were standing at, told them they couldn't go out that way, then stuck the key in the lock - but didn't turn it. Then he walks away. Naturally, one of the people turned the key and walked out the door. The guard comes back, shakes his head and locks it again. If you didn't want the door opened, why put the key there? To be able to say that he didn't personally open the door?

That's all for now....

The Heat Is On!

The month may end in ber but it sure doesn't feel like it. It feels more like a summer month. There may be a breeze but it doesn't cool you. In fact, it feels like someone opened an oven. Either that or it's summer vacation, your actually on the beach but there are buildings superimposed on where the sand and surf should be.

Oh well...grin and bear it. The sun will go down soon. Things will get cooler then.

FL! 080824 Pixar, Wall-e and Clone Wars

For this episode we salute Pixar for the work they've done (yes, we love their work!) and We View: Wall-e and Clone Wars. Do watch the show and answer our poll question: who do you like more? Wall-e or R2D2?



Thanks for watching

Eureka Episodes 3 and 4

Eureka has gone dog crazy in episode 3. I love the line where this character says, "so the bitch is back" - and yes, it was meant quite literally.



Episode 4 on the other hand is the awaited nuptials. The episode is titled "I Do Over" and it's a time loop episode for sheriff Carter. This is the how manieth loop in the show? Anyway, do enjoy watching the episodes. Hopefully Waddy keeps updating.

FL! 080811 Fandom Olympics

Olympic fever has taken hold of the world and the Fandom Live crew has gone to enjoy the show and the food. Nick and Nina anchored the show while Tobie and Gigi covered the event from Beijing.

Online TV Shows by Ustream

Of course the Fandom Olympics is also ongoing and we need to hear from our viewers as to who they think will take home the gold in the events we showed. You're the judges. Email us at live@fandomcafe.com or leave a comment to help your chosen champions.

See you next week!

Watching Eureka

Eureka is finally back!

It's the third season and this show about a town of nerds is definitely on my watchlist. Even though it isn't showing (not even on cable yet), there's no need to be deprived. I found a site where I can watch it online .

For those who want to watch the first ep, here it is.

Then here's the second.

I hope this blogger keeps us updated. Thanks, Waddy!

Ne-Yo's Closer

If there is one reason to listen to radio or tune into MTV or MYX, it's to hear and watch great songs performed.A friend said I had to hear it but you know how it is when someone likes the song but the song doesn't like him? They sing it but it sounds too far from the actual piece for you to appreciate it? That's what happened to me.

Another friend, Gelli, is a DJ and she really loves his music so knowing her great taste in music and love of dance, I got hold of the mp3. Love it! It's already uploaded in my music section in my for those moods album.

The video must be watched too. It is so cool! I love the way they used black and white and the precision with which the dancers moved. I liked it so much, here's the video from youtube below.

Enjoy :)

FL! 080727 The Mummy Episode

You want to watch this ep! If you are a Brendan Fraser fan, watch this. If you are a The Mummy fan, watch this. If you want to get startled by Tobie, YOU MUST WATCH THIS!

Update: Kiddie Chef

I posted last week that my son was chosen to compete in the school Kiddie Chef competition. I am pleased to share the news that he won third place! Way to go, honey!

When I got to talk to his teacher I asked why he was chosen to compete. I knew that they weren't selected due to cooking ability since they don't do that in school. His teacher said he was selected because he spoke well. His job was to explain what they were making and why it was a healthy nutritious snack.

The best part, he discovered something new and healthy he'd like to eat. Oh and yes, the recognition was nice too.

The Prydain Series

I recently started re-reading some old favorites in my library. I say old favorites because the last time I read these stories I was in elementary. My joy in the story hasn't diminished though my appreciation of them is different.

Today I started on the works of Lloyd Alexander. Thanks to some wonderful book sales, I now 4 out of the 5 books in the Prydain series. The first book in the series is The Book of Three. It's followed by Black Couldron. Next is The Castle of Llyr then Taran the Wanderer. Last but ot least is the High King.

The stories focus on Taran, assistant pig keeper of Caer Daelben. He dreams of becoming a hero, of having great adventures yet doubts he will ever have them. Fate has a way of granting one's wish, hence the chinese saying, "Be careful what you wish for. You just might get it."

I found myself journeying along with Taran, assistant pig keeper, as he sets of to find Hen Wen, the oracle pig. He meets up with some interesting companions - Prince Gwydion, Gurgi and Eilonwyn. I found myself agreeing with Eilonwyn that assistant pig keepers (and men in general) can be very stupid. The first book is mainly about their discovery that Arawn is once again out to rule Prydain. His first step, to get rid of Hen Wen. Being one knowledgeable pig, she escapes, with Taran hot on her heels. He loses track of her and eventualy meets up with the others. Anything more I say may spoil the book for anyone else so I better stop here.

The rest of the books pick up the story of Taran as he grows older and realizes he has more dreams, more he wants to know. There is his need to know who his parents are - aren't we all curious? This is his quest in the 4th book.

Naturally, as with most stories, yes, there is a romance that develops in the series. Thankfully though it isn't one that springs up overnight. It realistically grows with the series.

The books remind me much of the works of CS Lewis (Narnia) or a child's version of Tolkein's Lord of the Rings. It carries much the same feel and a similar imagery. It is a good series, excellent for adolescents who themselevs are trying to figure out who they are and what they really want to do.

I'd say more but I hate giving spoilers that may mean that someone won't read the book anymore. Enjoy the stories of Prydain and Taran.

FL! 080720 The Dark Knight

It's the bat signal! Batman is still in Gotham catching criminals but Fandom Live can take time to discuss the various incarnations of the Batman from the 1940's to the present.

Rambling On A Sunday

It's a wonderful lazy Sunday. No WORK, no rush, no particular thing that needs to be done except spend time with my family. WONDERFUL! I love days like these.

We have TV at home again. After a year of no TV at home, cable is back. The kids are ecstatic. I have to admit I like having cable. Of course, I still have to be home awake in order to enjoy it but we'll see, right?

Went to my folks house today. My son seems ready to make the sandwiches for the competition he's joining next week. I am so glad my sister likes cooking and stuff. I just like to bake. He seems excited. Whether he wins or not, as long as he's happy, that's good.

On our way home we passed a shop with a funny name - at least I found it funny. The place was called "Les Appealing Salon and Day Spa". Hmmmm.....I don't think I want to have anything done there. The name might be prophetic and you come out less appealing; you'd definitely have no one to blame but yourself, hey? hehehehe.

Almost time for Fandom Live. Time to start getting ready.

FL! 080713 Movie Heroes

Heroes, heroes and more heroes. They are everywhere. But are they good or are they just another guy in tights with extra powers? Join the Fandom Live crew as they talk about various heroes and what motivates them.

We also have our WeView of Hancock

Legacy Syndrome

When I was growing up, you couldn't get me to do any of the craft stuff. Home economics? Art? The talent for these things went to my sister as far as I was concerned. I felt all thumbs when it came to sewing; and had no patience to improve my stitches. Typical of youth, not much for patience with the things you don't see of value to one's self (at least at that point in time)

In those days, my grandmother would show us all sorts of craft things (knitting, crochet, cross stitch) and we might become slightly interested but in a very short while, not fun anymore means...goodbye. If I had to do any project for school, I would start it, tell my family about it. I would procrastinate and at the end, it would be ate and or mom to the rescue to help me finish. Thank you, ate, for your generosity and love. I know you often lost sleep helping me out while I got a full night's rest.

Lately though I have found myself drawn to this craft shop. I entered on a whim. I was looking for something to interest my daughter since she seems to have inhereted the crafting gift. I ended up with some weaving plates that have been really useful. I actually find it fun. It still isn't my favorite thing in the world to do but I take pleasure in seeing something beautiful come out of my clumsy efforts.

It may never be a masterpiece by the world standard - it is more like craft by number than a piece created purely by talent and imagination - still I enjoy it. There is something soothing in the peace around me while my hands are moving, putting the threads in order. I don't know if I would ever get to the point where I would be weaving cloth (need the right equipment for that) but who knows? I even find myself thinking about other things I can make with my hands, whodathunk?

Could it have been brought on by motherhood? Is it part of growing older? Is it an instinct in us to begin to try to create, to leave a mark on our world? Nor sure but I do know that I am enjoying discovering that I am not as hopeless in these skills as I once was.