On Houses and Devastation

Although I am happy that our bathroom's plumbing has been fixed; I would have been happier if the tiles have been replaced as well. There are a few pieces in there that's broken.

Yes, I have again been hit by the redecorating bug. Watching shows in Lifestyle channel does that. Shows like Clean House, Extreme Makeover and the likes are my guilty pleasures. I can watch them all day and not get bored.

Then again, now is not the time for complaining about bathroom tiles and house redecorating. Many people from Metro Manila has just suffered a tragedy from Typhoon "Ondoy" and its my civic duty to help. Good thing I have many used clothing which are in good shape ready to be donated. Times like these you see how Filipinos are resilient. Its a hard road ahead but if we continue to lend a hand then we can make it. The bad news is 2 more storms are reportedly coming in a matter of days. Let's all pray for everyone's safety.

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Madness Monday

We still run a tight ship around the house. We lack 1 house help and with the addition of 1 more child in the house; I can't go back to working full time just yet. However, I am happy to say that I've adjusted well to the baby. Apart from the stiff neck (from sleeping in weird positions) I am fine. Ozzy is a good Ahia all in all except when he gets really gigil and can't stop kissing the baby.

Anywhoo..if you know anyone in the Visayas area who wants to work in a household let me know!

B.t.w; my prayers are with all those victims of Bagyong Ondong.

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Grey's Anatomy is Back

Whew! Grey's Anatomy is back. I watched the first episode yesterday and in many scenes I was really teary eyed. For those who don't know about the twist in the show...spoiler alert! George O'Malleys' (T.R. Knight) character was killed off from the show. Izzie Stevens' (Katherine Heigl) character on the other hand survived cancer despite her brush of death. There are many changes in the show including Seattle Grace's Hospital merger with Mercy West.

...going back to how George died, it was such a tragedy! He was trying to save a woman from getting hit by a bus. His face was badly injured that even his closest friends in the hospital didn't recognize him and kept calling him John Doe. Only when he wrote "007" on Merydith's palm did she realize it was George. He was wheeled into surgery but did not come out alive. All I can say is that you must watch this episode. It's so sad! Which reminds me how important insurance, health benefits, Seattle personal injury attorneys and such are for everyone to prepare for accidents like this.

I kind of feel for the woman whom George saved. She kept on saying sorry, feeling guilty of what had happened to George. I like the scene when Izzie told her to go live her life instead of just sitting around doing nothing. George died and she lived - so she should live her life. Such powerful words which is so true for many who feel defeated and just stop living altogether. As long as we are here on earth we just have to keep on living.

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Saturday 9: I Call Your Name

1. If you could have named yourself, which name would you have chosen, and why?

::: I actually love my current name, but it would cooler if it were Alexa or Samantha or anything that would allow me to have a nickname that is unisex. :::

2. If you could relive a year in your life, what age would it be, and why?

::: I'd relive the year I graduated from college. That was the best year of my life - 2005. :::

3. If you could go back and change one friendship in your past, who would it have been, and why?

::: I would not change the friendship because it was real but I'd change the way some things went down because in the end, losing a friend over a guy is not worth it. :::

4. If you could have dated one person in your past that you did not date, who would it be, and why?

::: No one. Past is past. :::

6. If you had the opportunity to live in another country, which one would it be, and why? If you choose NOT to live in another country, why do you want to stay in your current country?

::: I would pack up and live in Norway because Hubby is there right now. :::

7. If you could choose your dream job, what would it be, and why?

::: So many! A pilot is nice, I can fly myself anywhere around the world. Or be a supermodel like Heidi Klum and have fabulous clothes and shoes. :::

8. If you could wish a wish and it be guaranteed to come true (other than riches) what would it be, and why?

::: Others than riches? I'd wish to have the power to grant wishes for very obvious reasons. :::

9. If you could meet two blogger friends (you may choose more, if you wish) who would they be?

::: I would like to meet Mitch because she's my longest online friend, Milette because I find her very nice. Also, I would like to meet Vanessa because we share so many things in common (one is our name, another our birthday and next our love for fashion and everything pretty) :::

Click here to join, and don't forget to visit the other participants!

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Lighting That Works

Buying furnitures and fixtures for the house is like dressing up. You have to find quality pieces that work well together. Personally, I go for more classic pieces that can be used for a long time. Of course, if money is not a problem - going for the more expensive but quality product is my number one priority. Investing in a quality product for the home is a good idea since you don't want to keep on changing fixtures every 6 months right? For instance, Murray Feiss Lighting has very good products. I like their chic chandeliers. I am thinking it would be nice to put them in our dining area right on top of the dining table for that intimate feel.

What do you think?

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Don't Be Left In The Dark

Looking for a diet pill that works for you is a daunting task since not everyone is wired the same. What may work for a friend, a sister or a colleague may not necessarily work for you too. That is why in choosing a diet pill, you must do the proper research first. You can never be too careful since most diet pills out in the market have harmful side effects like diarrhea among many other things. Since we can't discount the fact that many rely on diet pills to slim down then precautionary measure should be taking before purchasing one to avoid wasting time and money. The bad news is that not all slimming pills work. The good news is that there's a site wherein consumers rank the best slimming pill out in the market. With this site, you won't get "ripped off..you get slim". What are you waiting for? Don't get left in the dark, read up on what you can to ensure what you take in your body is 100% safe and effective.

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TT: Lather Up and Laugh It Up

I was absent from thunking last week because - I gave birth! now I'm back :)

Welcome to the September 24th version of Thursday Thunks!

(which we always seem to post on Wednesday)

Where we make you think

a little bit before you blog!

This week we will answer some crazy questions brought to you by Kimber, the number 1172007 and the color of the walls in an asylum.

1. Does soap or shampoo have to really lather up for you to feel that it cleaned throughly?

::: For shampoo-yes. I like it when its all foamy and thick. For soap, no. As long as I scrub thoroughly then I would feel clean. :::

2. Do you have a long standing joke with someone that you still laugh about every time you talk to that person?

::: Me and my closest friends from college have a LOT of those. We could talk about how crazy we were back then all day. :::

3. Share something that happened to you this past week that was unusual.

::: We'll lets see..I gave birth, I pushed a 6lb. 12oz. baby out of a 10cm opening. :::

4. If you dropped a purple crayon and a green crayon off a roof, which would melt faster in the sun?

::: What a genius question which involves heavy thinking! lol let's see the purple one since dark would absorb heat faster. See, I used my brain for once. But then again I could be 99.9 % wrong. :::

5. You are standing in line (grocery store, bank, etc.), and someone gets in line behind you that stinks. The stink is so bad that people in line in front of you turn around and look to see if you are the one causing the stink. Do you cover your nose, hold your breath, breathe through your mouth or just get out of line altogether?

::: I would cover my nose, I don't want to offend anyone. :::

6. If you dropped your cell phone in the toilet, would you fish it out? If so, how much soap would you use to wash your hands afterwards?

::: Aaarggg. Yeah I'd fish it out because it will clog the toilet. However I'd wear rubber gloves or plastic to cover my hand. Then I'd wash my hand like I normally would and put alcohol for extra measure. Then, now I'd have an excuse to buy a new cellphone! Yipee :::

7. Sydney Australia dust storm (link). How long do you think it would take you to clean your house after that sort of dust storm?

::: I didn't know about this until now! Wow. That situation is kind of cool except if that happens in the Philippines we'll all be in grey dust and not orange! ewwww. I am guessing it would take a week to clean everything up. :::

8. Do you think you can dance?

::: I think I can but some people (and by some I meant the Husband) would say otherwise. :::

9. You are out to eat and someone across the room is staring at you. Do you get paranoid, try to ignore them, or go find out why they are staring at you?

::: Ignore. Their probably staring because I'm fabulous. :::

10. Come up with a crazy, wacky Thursday Thunk question.

::: Q: How much money do I need to pay you to agree on a Brazilian wax? :::

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Help Wanted

The situation right now here in the household is crazy. We only have one house help. She is actually Ozzy's nanny. The other 2 left. One for good and the other one said she would return the next day and it has been around 24 hours and she's still not here. Having 2 kids to take care of by myself plus having to work on the side is not easy. Good thing my little brother has been very willing to help. My mother could have helped too but she's sick with cough and colds so it's better for all if she just rest rather than spread the germs around. I know its not a good practhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifice but the only thing right now keeping my older son out of trouble is television. I just allow him to watch TV especially when I need to deal with the baby. Ever since my sister relocated; we watch TV in her room when we can. Hers is the only bedroom in the house with a television set. So now, I am thinking of buying a TV for our room as well. Since my bedroom is small and cramp as it is, a nice rackmount lcd tv mounted on the wall sounds like a great idea. We'll see how things will go. I hope we can find extra help soon. If not, I would have difficulty going back to work. I still have a few weeks "off" so I know the boss won't be strict when it comes to me logging in for work for only 2-3 hours a day as long as I get things done on time.

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Welcome Jacob!

Have you heard???

I've popped. We welcome into the world, Jacob Varick born via NSD on September 16 at 9:54AM weighing 6lbs 12 oz. He's such a healthy, cute and oddly light colored baby! His Ahia Ozzy loves him so much that when we arrived from the Hospital you can see so much affection in Ozzy's eyes. At first I was afraid he would get jealous but really he isn't He just gets annoyed with us at times because we would always tell him to be gentle with the baby. He gets super excited that he forgets the baby is small and fragile. He would want to hug, kiss and play with the baby all the the time. He would also say, "That's okay...shhh" when the baby is crying.

I guess he's ready to be a big brother after all.

You want to know what's great? I've lost about 10lbs already. From 123lbs to 113 after giving birth. Heehee. I haven't checked the scales lately but I am pretty sure I am down to 110 or something. The baby asks for milk every 2 hours or less!!! He nurses longer as compared to Ozzy before and his cheeks are chubby for a newborn. So cute. Maybe I won't be needing those diet pills anytime soon. However, I've bookmarked my favorites just the same. I never know when I'll need them.

To all those who sent their well wishes and prayers. Thank you!

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TQM#10: The Tick-Tock Meme

1. Are you a Rolex watch, a Mickey Mouse watch, or a pocket watch?
::: I am a Rolex watch, fabulous & timeless :) :::

2. Can you think of a time when you couldn't see the forest for the trees?
::: I don't get it, are you asking if I don't see the bigger picture?? Anywhoo... literally, there was a time where I could not see my toes when I look down; does that count? - owww wait, that's now! Yes, I am sooo ready to give birth but the baby is not cooperating. Do you know I lie down to put o lotion so I can reach my legs?! :::

3. Can you think of a time when you were on the outside looking in? What did you see?
::: Yes when I left the car key inside the car. Boink. Stupid me. Luckily I was wise enough to keep a spare key inside my wallet :::

4. Go back in time. Maybe a long time ago, maybe today. Pick an hour you'd like to freeze frame forever and tell us why. It doesn't have to be THE most important hour of your life, but make it a good one.
::: There's so many!!! The birth of my son, the moment we said "I Do", college graduation and many more...but if I have to pick 1 hour I'd say the moment Hubby and I shared our first kiss. It was a nice, magical night under the stars. :::

5. If you were a cuckoo clock, what would others say about you?
::: They would say I am too noisy and always late! :::

6. Can you think of a time when time stood still?
::: When I was about to give birth to my first son; the moment I saw him out it felt surreal and that everything was in slow motion. :::

7. Watch this! You are a stopwatch. What would you stop?
::: I'd stop the world and melt with you. (that would be going out to my dear Hubby whose so far away right now. I miss him terribly and my only wish is for us to be together again soon. :::

8. Imagine you were just born and have infinite wisdom. After the doctor smacks your newborn dust ruffle you look around and say to the Universe: "Give me a whole lifetime to do "this" and I will bless the day I was born." What did you choose?
::: Woah, this is a hard one which involves actually thinking...let me see; I would love to be able to do what I love for the rest of my life and that is to travel. :::

Join us HERE.

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Importance of Clean Water

Admittedly, cost of living for us have gone up lately. My dad made a comment about it in passing but I never forgot. For one, since this is our residence and office there are more people to feed thus the grocery cost is higher. Mom and I were deciding where we could cut cost and we have realized that its better to shop for fresh meat and veggies in the wet market rather than in the groceries which obviously has higher mark up.

Also, we spend a lot for bottled water unlike before when we just used tap water. However, we all know how dangerous drinking from tap is if you don't boil it first. Boiling is not an option because LPG prices have gone up too! Here at home, for our water consumption we use portable water filters and we also buy bottled water. I wonder if investing in an under the sink water purifier will be a cheaper option? Although it nice to save; we should not cut back on safe clean drinking water because contaminated water will cause more problems in the end. Clean water is important because our body itself is 72% water. Complications from A-Z can arise if we drink dirty, contaminated water, and why not? At 72%, We basically run on water.

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Manic Monday #181

What's one new thing you tried this summer than you've never done before?

..this summer? No, I am boring.

What is the one thing you miss the most about summer when it is over?

..I'd say beach and the sun and sand but luckily for me, I live in a Tropical country and I can basically go to the beach anytime. However, the weather is so freaking weird lately and its always raining! So I guess.. I'd say (this is the case when I was still young and in school) I'd miss the free days!

If you could eliminate one source of anger in your life right now, what would it be?

Honestly, right now I am not angry with anyone or anything.

Join us HERE.

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Power Tools and More

When dealing with household work and maintenance, it is best to do it yourself as much as possible. Many household maintenance (like changing the light bulb) is pretty much simple and can be done by amateurs like me. My Father is handy around the house. He can fix pretty much anything and he enjoys it. He especially loves it when he can get to use his power drill. Sadly, he doesn't have that much time in his hands to do everything that needs repair that why he is teaching my brother little by little. I would sometimes listen in and absorb whatever I can because household maintenance is an importance skill to have especially for me who is a "single" mom, seeing my Hubby is an OFW. For example, I didn't know the reason why plumbers put that white thing in between ridges of screws and pipes, until Dad told me its to prevent leaks. One of my personal favorite tools to use is the screw gun. Believe me, once you tried it; you won't want anything to do with those manual screw drivers. Dad only has a small one now and he was seriously thinking of investing for yet a bigger one so it can do heavy duty stuff. One thing we need around the house is a saw. There were too many times when people would look for it and we don't have it.

On a different note, if you are into building stuff, like tables and chairs, you should invest in a reliable circular saw to add to your collection. Dad used to make shelves and tables. That sounds fun. I watch a lot of lifestyle television because I enjoy watching renovations and people building stuff from scrap.

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Thursday Thunks: Dying, Buying, Eating & More

Welcome to the September 10th version of Thursday Thunks!

(which we always seem to post on Wednesday)

Where we make you think a little bit before you blog!

This week we will answer some crazy questions brought to you by

Kimber, the number 999 and the color of a butterfly sitting on a red rose.

1. A 90 year old man's dying wish in South Carolina was to be buried in his car. Link If you were told tomorrow you have 3 weeks to live, would you have any dying wishes or something special done before you died?
::: What! That's so morbid. However, if that will happen (heaven forbid!!!) I'd say my wish is for hubby, my family and friends take good care of my boys. I'd spend those remaining days with all my loved one's and just like in the movie, P.S. I Love You, I'd buy a gift for every year for my boys until their both 18 with a letter inside each gift. At least even though I am not physically there, I'd be remembered and they will have fond memories of me growing up. :::

2. Do you pay for more stuff using a credit/debit card or cold hard cash?
::: Cold hard cash, paying with credit gives you this "I have enough money" feeling and therefore makes you spend more. It's when I get the bills with interest where I regret the day I charged. :::

3. What's cuter- a baby lizard or a baby snake?
::: None!! None at all. I hate those things. :::

4. You go out to eat by yourself at a restaurant. While waiting for your food do you people watch & eavesdrop on others conversations, read a book, use a laptop or chat with people around you?
::: I've never tried eating alone, maybe because I would feel weird sitting there with nothing to do so I'd probably bring a laptop to 'look busy' even though I am just really people watching. :::

5. If you see someone walking around with toilet paper stuck to their shoe, do you tell them or just laugh?
::: If I can I would tell them. I don't think I would laugh its not that funny anyway. :::

6. You are talking to someone you just met but you can't understand them at all because of their accent. Do you tell them you can't understand them or just smile and nod?
::: Smile and nod, smile and nod and hope they only ask yes or no questions. :::

7. Mudfest! Park filled with pools of mud and an obstacle course of mud. Do you go and play in the mud?
::: Ewww. No. I'd probably look like a pig if I did. Besides I hate mud. :::

8. Have you ever had a headache so bad it effected your vision?
::: Thankfully, No. :::

9. Would you fit in more with the circus, Hollywood, Broadway, or comedy circuit types?
::: Hollywood! woohoo. Think about it, its a circus, broadway and comedy rolled into one. Besides, I'm fab so I'll fit right in (So I'd like to think) :::

Join us HERE.

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UM: Week 345

I say ... and you think ... ?

1. Abusive :: Words


2. Psychotic :: Serial Killer


3. Parents :: Selfless


4. Yell :: Nag


5. Amulet :: Charm


6. Sandstorm :: Desert


7. Amusement :: Park


8. Imitation :: Fake


9. Baby :: Chubby


10. Rainbows :: Ponies

Join us HERE.

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Long Weekend Once More

I just knew about the Holiday and boy was I pleasantly surprised. I am still very much pregnant and since my OB will be out of the country until Wednesday I hope I won't give birth just yet. (Check out my very pregnant belly HERE)

Anywhoo, I am simply enjoying my free day by working for a bit in the morning and then spending the rest of the day with big brother Ozzy. My Braxton Hicks is getting stronger but not at all regular so I am not worried its the real thing. I've been feeling better lately too. The ached and pains have subsided which made me confused on why there are some days I feel like I can't stand up and then there are days when I am completely mobile like today. Is it something that I ate? Or did not eat? I regularly drink my Anmum and drink my vitamins.

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Optimize Your Site's Potential

What are free directories and how can they be of service to people like me who has a blog???

I've asked that question a couple of times already because I have been offered this service far too many times in the past and I've passed them up. Am I really missing a lot by passing up signing with free directories? The answer is a resounding yes. Apparently, by signing up with free directories, I can boost my sites traffic and also increase my search engine rank. Right now, this blog has a PR of 1. I've been blogging for over a year now and I'd like to think my simple blog deserves a wee bit higher PR, lets say 3? It's free to submit your site, then in no time optimize your website and build your sites links faster. Check it out.

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Bejewelled Obsession

Argg.

I need help. I am quite obsessed with FB's application, while everyone else is hooked on Mafia Wars, Restaurant City, Pet Society and Farmville, I am hooked on Bejewelled Blitz! I have managed to gain the top spot for this week but I have this itching obsession to beat my own top score. So now, instead of working (and doing some of my online tasks) I am stuck playing Bejewelled Blitz because I can't seem to have the will to STOP.



It's a good thing I was able to pretty much finish my work for the week, or else my boss would have a fit. I can't wait to play freely on the weekend. I want to reach 200k! Heehee

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15 Pregnancies, 19 kids!

Oh wow, I just read from the news that Michelle Duggar is expecting her 19th child following her youngest, 8-month-old Jordyn-Grace. All I can say is better her than me.

Here I am complaining about aches and pains on my 2nd pregnancy. Now I feel like a whiner. There are mixed feelings about this couple's super large family. In my own opinion, as long as they can afford it, then go for it. A long time ago, it was normal to have more than 10 kids. Heck, I read somewhere someone had 69 kids under her belt! Like I said, babies are a blessing, if you can afford them and make time for them, then its your call if you want 2 or 20.

If you are worried you'll get ginormous after the pregnancy, you can always turn to exercise and read up on diet pill comparison to make it easier for you to lose the weight. After all with 19 kids, you will need all the help you can get!

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TT: Falling Out, Revenge & Unmentionables

Welcome to the September 3rd version of Thursday Thunks!
(which we always seem to post on Wednesday)
Where we make you think a little bit before you blog!
This week we will answer some crazy questions brought to you by Berleen, the number one thousand twenty six and the color of the dirt spot you need to wipe up on your kitchen floor.

1. Your thoughts on truck drivers?
::: I'd be speaking about truck drivers here in the Philippines - they are heck scary drivers!!! I bet they take drugs or something, otherwise how else do they get that 'no fear' attitude when zooming along in the highways. Do you know, some of them when they hit someone, they would finish them off because its cheaper to pay for funeral fee than hospital fee? :::

2. Did you hear Michelle Duggar is pregnant for the 15th time? (but that will be kid #19 if you lost count....)
::: Is she? Well, if THEY can afford it...its their call. My aunt had 18 children under her belt. They all turned okay. My aunt now in her 70's is still pretty active. Some women find pregnancy easy and some don't. As long as they don't do it to attract attention or fill a certain void (ehem-octomom) then I would say Congrats. A baby is a blessing. As for me, I am going to settle for 2 kids for now...max would be 3 and that's it. :::

3. Have you ever done something to hurt someone intentionally... just for the sole purpose of hurting them because you thought they deserved it? Maybe a paybacks a bitch sort of thing?
::: I guess that would be a yes...I hold a grudge and I never forget; that's one of my shortcomings. Most often than not, I would regret in the end. :::

4. Is there anyone in your life that when you go to their place of residence, you just walk in without bother knocking? Does anyone just walk into your house without knocking?
::: Does relatives count? If yes, then the relatives. :::

5. Whats in the trunk of your car? Do you even have a clue?
::: Uhmmm the last I checked there was a spare tire in there, some tools and random fluids for the car (oil, break fluid etc) :::

6. When you go to a family holiday get together (such as Christmas or Thanksgiving), about how many people are there?
::: Minimum of 13-15 people usually. :::

7. What is in your kitchen sink right at this very moment?
::: I don't know, I am in the office - but when I walked by there earlier, I saw mostly cups from coffee. :::

8. You go to a store to buy an expensive item... say $150. You pick up that item and a couple other this n' thats. You get to the register and the expensive item rings up at $40. The cashier doesn't seem to notice and tells you your total. Do you go with what they say and pay it or do you question the price difference? You know you would question it if your $40 item rang up at $150....
::: I'd be really honest here and say....that I'd shut the f up, pay for what came up in the register and walk away from the store as fast as possible. Hey, maybe it was discounted? Or that was the actual selling price! Besides, they price things up with 100% markup or more so I'm sure they would not be bankrupt or anything after my purchase. :::

9. Do you fold your underwear or do you just toss it in a drawer?
::: They are folded and placed neatly inside my drawer. I wish I could say the same about my brassieres who I just toss in there, they can be hard to fold or what especially the padded kind. :::

10. There is a Harley-Davidson giveaway. Chances are $100 and they are only selling 250 tickets. Do you buy one?
::: Ow so basically you have a 1 of 250 chances of winning? Nope..heehee not really, I am not in favor of big bikes. I find them dangerous. :::

11. Who is your favorite Disney character?
::: Ariel...because I loved her red hair and I love to live in the ocean. :::

12. It's September - most of the weekly sitcoms/dramas are starting new seasons again. Which one are you most looking forward to?
::: Yeah!!! I am excited about Gossip Girl(9/14), How I Met Your Mother(9/21) and Dexter(9/27). :::

13. You are at a grocery store and are on your way out to your car with your cart full of grocery bags. On your way to your car you see a black kitten in an empty cart. What do you do?
::: Ignore it. :::

14. Is there anything that you do for a hobby that you are asked to do for friends/family that most people would hire a professional to do? (example: cake decorating, fixing cars....)
::: No! I am so untalented. I can't cook, design or whatever. I can baby sit for you though does that count? :::

15. Are we there yet?
::: That's something I ask every morning as I wake up, except I would say, "Aren't you coming out yet baby?" Seriously, it takes me about 5-10minutes just to get out of bed because my body aches all over from the heavy tummy. Imagine getting up when a huge watermelon on your belly? The doctor said I may give birth anytime now so really...Am I there yet??? :::

Join us HERE!!!

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