to scrimp or not to scrimp???

My parents are here in NZ for the holidays and our most awaited out-of-town vacation is causing a stir in the house! Weeeeee! Reservations for accommodation, transportation, etc. are all ready…However, when my ever concerned father (who is brilliant on financial matters) saw the print-out of our expected expenses; he suggested that we forgo some of our plans because of the looming crisis ahead. As much as I would like to give in to my innermost desires, I can’t help but admit that he is utterly sensible (as always)!

With the escalating unemployment rate and all economic woes flooding the news anywhere in the globe, it’s hard not to worry about what is in store next year. Sure enough, the crisis can’t be felt that much right now but economists foresee a global financial meltdown after the holidays. Is there really a great depression in sight?

My fingers (and toes) are crossed that bail-out plans (which are all Greek to me) will work their magic. Somehow, I’m dwelling on a wishful thinking that this will only be some sort of recession; just a part of the economy cycles…but yes, I certainly understand that this is a toss-up situation.

And so to scrimp is out of the question already! From now on, I will be officially Ms. Scrimpy (until further notice).

P.S.
Funny how ironic it is: during the times when people aren’t traveling, it is when there are really good holiday packages…Damn principles of supply and demand! Haaay, we are indeed in a world full of ironies! Tsk tsk

Live "the" life

"All earthly glory is fleeting...” This is what the song reminds me of.

For me, it intensely relates to our world where more and more people are characterized by insatiability; simply because we are awed by, if not obsessed with, riches, fame and power.

I’m not pointing a finger to anyone for I know that NOT only the Kings, presidents and whatnot are guilty of this. Many of us, myself included, have some kind of pride and greed… but whatever and whoever we are, we can either be humble or be humbled in one way or another. Nobody is invincible…

Yes, I’d like to believe that there are greater and better possessions than our material treasures and desires, or even existence. And so this Christmas, let’s give time to reflect on humility, peace and love – all these are imperative for more meaningful Christmas and joyful new year to come

Let’s celebrate life – the kind that He wants us to live. Viva La Vida!

Blessed holidays to everyone!!!

the wonders of GOOGLE =)

Google has been innovating many applications or whatchamacallit that I find soooo valuable. It has been my favorite search engine long before it became popular and I’ve also been using gmail way back in time when you can’t just sign-up unless you’re invited by another gmail user. Downloading email attachments is made very easy there and very few spams go through it and are filtered anyway. I simply love it!


Their picasa photo editor is also fantastic. It enables me to edit my photos in no time. It’s a powerful tool yet so easy to use…and need I say more about youtube? I guess not…Well, these are just among their many free services/products.

Lately, I am sooo fond of using their STREETMAP. I’ve been taking enjoyable virtual walks at New York’s famous streets and many places in the US, Australia and here in NZ (NZ’s streetmap was just launched recently). Searching for an address is fast too! You don’t even need to put the country anymore. Say, when I put our street address and suburb/city, voila! I immediately got this:

this is exactly it!

looking around...

looking farther...

Whew! Felt like I'm walking outside our street. Really. Amazing eh?! My only comment about it is that they should have taken the street images anytime but winter here. You can’t appreciate the beauty of NZ because it’s gloomy But all in all, it’s truly praiseworthy!



I definitely heart google and I am looking forward to what it has to offer in the near future. I just hope all their products/services remain free hehe

Kudos to google!