Weekend memoirs

Three weekends ago we attended the International convention of Jehovah's witnesses. Participants and guests came from all over the world and interestingly wore their national costumes. Japanese kimono, Mexican sombrero and mariachi, Kenyan dashiki and kitenge, Indian sari, Philippine barong tagalog and baro't saya, Austrian/Bavarian tracht and dirndl, the Netherlands dutch cap and sabot were all present!

(Dawty with 2 Japanese women)

(From the Philippines, Mexico, Nigeria, Romania and the US).

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(Romanian Cioareci and Fotă)


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(Dashiki, kitenge, modern clothes and Serbian Vojvodina)

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(Philippine Terno, Austrian Tracht, Mexican dress  and Peruvian Chullo and Poncho)

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It was a wonderful experience seeing people from all walks of life, of different color, language and race united in worship.Though it was held in a stadium, there were no riots nor trash that you'd usually see after a sports event. I was impressed!

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Up...tears fell down

There aren't so many films that made me cry, I can remember a handful and as examples...Toy Story 2 (Pixar) when Jesse told her story of being abandoned by her 'owner' and  Meet the Robinson's (Walt Disney Animation), I cried much at the end of the story, that when Lewis was finally adopted and the ending song Little Wonders was played. I thought it would be the last film that I would cry to watch until I saw UP, Pixar's latest feature animated film which was also the first to screen in 3D. A few minutes into the film and my tears welled up.

When you meet Carl Fredricksen at first (voiced by Edward Asner), you might think he is not the ideal film protagonist at all. But as I learn more about Carl, a 78-year-old retired balloon salesman  when his story was shown, my views changed. He and his childhood sweetheart Ellie (voiced by Director's daughter elie Docter) were explorer wannabes. As kids, they had dreamed of  one day going to Paradise Falls, deep in the mysterious South American jungles. They grew up, got married and were saving up for that particular trip  but problems arise; home issues, childlessness, car repairs and all that kept them busy and ate up what the two saved up...they never made it to Paradise Falls. Carl almost forgot about their dream. When he finally remembered, Ellie was not too fit to go and eventually died without realizing their explorer adventures. Now, I'll stop before spilling more...mycrying which did not surprise hubby and the kids.

This movie is a must see. There were lots of instances when the grumply-old-Carl's antics would make him look more of an action star than an old balloon seller who is in retirement. The whole cast ensemble namely Russell (voiced by Jordan Nagai), a cute Wilderness Explorer who wanted to earn his “senior assistance” badge; Kevin, the flightless birds who turned out to be female;  even Charles Muntz, who was Carl and Ellie's inspiration; and of course the talking dogs, added much for our "oh's" and guffaws.

Needless to say, the production design is as gorgeous as it should be like its predecessors Wall-E, Finding Nemo and Toy Story. What I like about the film though are the silent passages which shows that indeed, action speaks louder than words...and again what makes each Pixar movies apart from others... that of  the humanity within the characters unfolding as the story is told and the ability to touch the heart of the viewers.

Fashion for moms to be

Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful moment in a woman's life. The "bulge" is something that looks so natural in a woman that wearing pinafore, overalls and dresses during this period makes one look really cute! I remember having one of those maternity jeans (right photo), comfortable pants with an elastic waist that I used from my 4th month until the birth of my son. I also had an overall that could be adjusted from when the bulge was a month and I wore it still on the way to the hospital.

Nowadays, fashion maternity dresses are sold like regular clothes. Designers do not only have comfort in mind, they also think of a stylish look for the preggy mom.

Online shops are a popular stop shop for preggy moms too! There are maternity clothes that can be bought as a set (see left photo) and are available in different cool colors! I think pregnancy becomes more enjoyable when a mom-to-be sees herself as still stylish and fabulous even with a little weight added on. Go and show off that belly with style, pregnancy is not something that should stop you from being fabulous...

Money matters...to us not

Until now, money has not been a problem between hubby and I. I remember even when we were still dating we would go dutch at times or he would pay for our lunch then I would pay for dinner later on (we used to work together, sort of). Nothing much has changed, we  keep a single bank account and also one paypal account for all our earnings even if he gives the bigger share. My monthly government allowance goes to (my) school anyway.

Being contented at the moment as well as moderation would be the key. "Hangga't maigsi ang kumot matutong mamaluktot, kung humaba na at lumapad ay saka mag-unat unat," goes the Filipino cliche on spending.

- While the blanket is short, learn how to bend. When it gets bigger and wider,  it is then that you can stretch.

Lahat ay Payak/Everything Simple

Paumanhin, mamaya ko na lamang dadagdagan ng sulatin, kung hindi naman ay para dito ang sinasabing ang litrato ay may halagang libong salita. :D

Kuha sa Italya noong nakaraang tag-araw. Mas gusto kong maglitrato kesa magtampisaw sa tubig. Hihi, Kj ba? yoko kasi lalong umitim. :D

Happy LP! Bisitahin ang ibang lahok dito.

Payday Loan

Admittedly, stretching the budget before the next payday is not as easy as it used to be. Sometimes, even if you had the money allotted for all expenses, you will still need to spend more for clothes, food, and other needs. Thank those companies that offer No Fax Pay Day Loans, you can now apply online for cash advance anytime. Unlike personal loans, pay day loans do not require a lot of documents. You just need to prove that you are indeed employed; fulltime or part-time and show a proof of your income, voila! Being approved is easy you can get the money and use it how you deemed necessary.

Eis - Weekend Snapshot

Want some ice cream? Pick your flavor on your favorite cone but not the big one! Spring has suddenly jump up  few degrees higher so ice cream shops (or coffee-ice cream) are finally open. I thought the kids would ask for ice cream when we went out last Saturday. I was surprised that they chose to have a ride over a cone! I bet they just didn't notice the ice cream shop lol.

Little boy can't help dozing off, even at 3 years, it is a routine for him to sleep after eating (talk about piglet activity hehe!)

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In Memory - Photo hunt

For today's post, I am borrowing one that I posted in my other blog.

27 Feb 09, Vienna, Austria

At the corner of Franz Josefs Kai 31 and Morzinplatz 4 is a memorial stone that reads (when translated in English):
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"Here stood the House of Gestapo. To those who believed in Austria it was hell. To many it was the gates of death. It sank into ruins just like the 'Thousand Year Reich'. But Austria was resurrected and with it our dead, the immortal victims.”

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This memorial stone was of no interest to me until now, even though where it stood is a small park with benches where my 3 kids and I feed the pigeons or rest after a long day's walk at the city center. I would take photos of the area but never the stone itself.

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I learned that the spot was were Hotel Metropole (sometimes Metropol) supposedly stood, it served as the headquarters of the Gestapo (Geheimes Polizeiamt,German Secret Police Office) during the Second World War. It was the same hotel where Philippine National hero, Dr. Jose Rizal and Dr. Maximo Viola, the financier of Rizal's masterpiece Noli Me Tangere, stayed for 5 days. A bomb hit and damaged the hotel during the 2nd World war and was subsequently destroyed to eliminate memories of the prisoners' death.

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During its heydays, Hotel Metropole was a very convenient and luxurious place to stay at, they served both Austrian and French cookery and has a scenic view of the Danube Canal to boast. The hotel was located at the far end of the Ringstrasse, a circular road surrounding the inner city and is also the standard route for fiakers (horse-drawn carriages) and trams. The Ring showcases the imperial Habsburg grandeur and the glory of the Austro-Hungarian Empire with the most notable buildings in the city, significant museums, delightful parks and landscapes with remarkable statues. Sigmund Freud reportedly enjoyed taking a daily recreational walk around this Ring, I wouldn't be surprised that in my 6 years stay here, the photographer in me had always enjoyed the classical beauty I often capture when I just idle and wander about there on foot.

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(At the top of the slab: "Niemals Vergessen" = Never Forget)

In Memory - Photo hunt

For today's post, I am borrowing one that I posted in my other blog.

27 Feb 09, Vienna, Austria

At the corner of Franz Josefs Kai 31 and Morzinplatz 4 is a memorial stone that reads (when translated in English):

"Here stood the House of Gestapo. To those who believed in Austria it was hell. To many it was the gates of death. It sank into ruins just like the 'Thousand Year Reich'. But Austria was resurrected and with it our dead, the immortal victims.”

This memorial stone was of no interest to me until now, even though where it stood is a small park with benches where my 3 kids and I feed the pigeons or rest after a long day's walk at the city center. I would take photos of the area but never the stone itself.

I learned that the spot was were Hotel Metropole (sometimes Metropol) supposedly stood, it served as the headquarters of the Gestapo (Geheimes Polizeiamt,German Secret Police Office) during the Second World War. It was the same hotel where Philippine National hero, Dr. Jose Rizal and Dr. Maximo Viola, the financier of Rizal's masterpiece Noli Me Tangere, stayed for 5 days. A bomb hit and damaged the hotel during the 2nd World war and was subsequently destroyed to eliminate memories of the prisoners' death.

During its heydays, Hotel Metropole was a very convenient and luxurious place to stay at, they served both Austrian and French cookery and has a scenic view of the Danube Canal to boast. The hotel was located at the far end of the Ringstrasse, a circular road surrounding the inner city and is also the standard route for fiakers (horse-drawn carriages) and trams. The Ring showcases the imperial Habsburg grandeur and the glory of the Austro-Hungarian Empire with the most notable buildings in the city, significant museums, delightful parks and landscapes with remarkable statues. Sigmund Freud reportedly enjoyed taking a daily recreational walk around this Ring, I wouldn't be surprised that in my 6 years stay here, the photographer in me had always enjoyed the classical beauty I often capture when I just idle and wander about there on foot.

(At the top of the slab: "Niemals Vergessen" = Never Forget)

One - Unique Exposures

When speaking of loneliness, we think of "being one, of boredom, dullness, repetition, or tediousness," there are also "feelings of weariness and dissatisfaction." It often results from work or activity that does not stimulate or satisfy. But it is also true that boredom is a subjective state. What is boring to one person may be fascinating to another.

A post for Unique Exposures.

Lots to buy

True, there's a dramatic decrease in sales of  real estates following the economic crisis.  And though the prices have come down it sometimes seem selling a house is impossible. We can view it that way or the other, which is acquiring real estate properties for a lesser price. There is one State whose real state markets hasn't been affected much compared to other large cities in the US, that is San Antonio. This is due to San Antonio’s strong, local economy that most in the real estate industry saw as consistent.

So why consider buying a lot in San Antonio?

Warm temperatures, with a safe geographical area that is not too prone to natural disasters and served by a number of major freeways giving it has easy access to motorists makes it a really good place to settle to. San Antonio has a diversified economy with four primary focuses: financial services, government, health care, and tourism reason why job growth is inevitable.

When looking for San Antonio Realtors, buyers need to consider competence as well as legality. A dependable San Antonio realtor will work with you throughout the negotiation process, whether you’re buying or selling you will be sure to get the best possible price.

Smile - Weekend Snapshot

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This isn't necessarily a recent photo of my daughter, I sometimes think I did made a mistake having her hair cut.

Below is her recent look, with short hair and bangs. Her lips were especially red because she ate kiwis to which she is allergic...lol.

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Enjoy the week!

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Loan for you

I am not a believer of getting loans but with today's chaotic economy, where can you get money when you need it badly and immediately? You can borrow of course from friends and relatives, but don't you think they need it to?

Don't worry, nowadays, getting a  personal loan takes less than 10 minutes to complete and is not as rigorous as before. Since the process is done online, no collateral commitment is requred opposed to many credit banks. Getting financial help through personal loans will give you peace of mind. You get cash to pay for daily expenses in the shortest possible time. So try now if you can qualify for a personal loan, it's as easy as a click of a mouse!

Publish your own news

The Wiener Linien (Vienna Lines) is very efficient under circumstances that a bus, train or tram incoveniently has to stop for some reason. They would immediately send or schedule buses to take passengers to their supposed destination or the nearest available line.

This tram slid off the train tracks that the Supermen had to 'manually' lift it to put it back.

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This is how I run my other blog; stuff I see in the streets, something odd, something new or something ugly like accidents or policemen pinning down alleged criminals on the ground. Though seldom, and why? For the reason that I run a city daily photoblog which I want as much as possible to be positive in tone.

In reality these photos are only stocked up in my hard drive...now, there's a good place for these photos to go. Wesay.com is your portal for photos and current events witnessed and captured at the right moment. Simply put, a news gathering website that encourages everyone to be attentive and be a participant than being just an onlooker. You can also join Wesay.com's Photo Contest by uploading your own photos.

It's the new way of sharing happenings around the world to everyone.

A Photo each Day - City Structures

Swarovski Austria

August 12, 07; 1st district Vienna

This is one of the shops of Swarovski at the 1st district of Vienna, the tourist center. This is locaed at Kärnter Strasse #9,the other shop is on the opposite side at #8.

Photo Hunt post - "Old-Fashioned"

Empty Chair

For this week's theme I pulled out an old print photo of mine. The sepia tone make it appear old which is actually true, since this photo is around 7 years old already!

Old fashioned -as for this entry I have used film, my slr camera,the film developed in the darkroom, negative exposed in the dark room, then just now scanned for uploading. Really the old fashioned way!

Happy weekend!

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A Photo Each Day - Night scenes

While waiting for Tram 31

August 12, 07; Wien

After taking photos at the 1st district, hubby and I and the kids decided to take the tram instead of the train. This shot was taken around 9pm but since it was summer the blue sky was still visible.

A Photo Each Day - Candid shots

A Couple by the Lake

April 2, 05; Wien

We were picking up stones from the riverside and I saw this couple as though they're having a serious talk.

A Photo each Day - Street Scenes

Who's Photographing Who?

August 25, 07; Karlsplatz Wien

I wasn't sure what they were taking photos of but the moment I saw them aim their camera, I clicked mine right away, turned around and went home.

A Photo each Day - City Structures

Corner Building

August 25, 2007; Getreidemarkt, Wien

I want to photograph higher buildings...cityscapes, in the morning and at night. However, time and companion (again) won't let me. So, this is it for the meantime...I'd definitely have my chance for cityscapes later!