Forever Young...

Today we had a surprise birthday party for my father in law's aunt(JT's stepdad's.) She turned 90. My mother in law told us not to say, "Surprise!!!" because she was afraid it might give the aunt a heart-attack or something. So we sang Happy Birthday instead... Oh it was really nice - she was seriously surprised and she dropped everything and her mouth was opened for about two minutes. She couldn't believe it.
She looks pretty good for 90 and is doing really well for being that old. There were 24 people at my mother in law's house and we had such great time...

As many of you already know, one of the things that I fear is aging. It's something we can't avoid and we'll be old no matter what. It's human nature and I am trying to embrace it as hard as I can. But I'm going to be honest, 1/2 of me is really not looking forward to getting old. I think I'm afraid of being crippled or not being able to do the things I was able to do when I was younger. Losing the hearing or not being able to wear cute dresses, or simply the unknown of how I will look in thirty years.

But looking at my aunt tonight and seeing her surrounded by all the people she loves, I know it can't be that bad. Actually it's a wonderful thing... The laughter or love or happiness that I saw today is something I look forward to when I get old and maybe a grandmommy...

BTW, Florida is having a very cold weather - I hear many people complaning, but I'm enjoying it because I get to wear my winter coat or boots which I don't get to use all the much here. No matter where you are, I hope you're staying warm!

xoxo

P.S. Thanks to http://brittanyciara.blogspot.com/Brittany - she gave me an award yesterday! I will accept and post it tomorrow! Thank you sweetheart! xoxoxo

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

I'm thankful for my family...

I'm thankful for my friends...

I'm thankful for my life...

And I'm thankful for all of you!!!!

Thank you so much for your friendship.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and now let's eat!!!!

xoxo

Finding Strength and Moving Forward on This Mother's Day...

I don't know how to start this post since today is such a wonderful day to celebrate for all the moms in the world. I am graterful for today; the great reminder how lucky I am to have my mother. She is my strength when I am weak. She taught me to be graceful and always be kind to others. But most of all, she taught me unconditional love. I remember growing up, all I've wanted was to become a mother and be just like my mother.

Today, the house is quiet and peaceful, listening to our daughters running around, screaming and laughing which have put smiles on my face and JT's face. JT's favorite uncle passed away Friday, leaving his wife, son and young daughter. He would have turned 59 coming Thursday. He didn't get to walk his daughter walk down the aisle or hold his grandchildren. Cancer is something I hate so much that I wish I can kill it myself or wish it would just go away. But the strength of being a mother is tremendous - auntie is trying to be strong for her children. And she says that life goes on and that we hold on to his good memories.


I often think about what life really means. Is it about what you get in this life or what you leave behind? Being a mother has given me new purposes in life. My life became secondary and my kids' become priority. I want them to have best life possible and it's all up to me and my husband. And I gladly take on the challenge to raise two good adults. I know it's not always easy...

Uncle had done an awesome job raising two great kids. His son now has to take over uncle's job of being a man in the house and be the protector to his mom and little sister. I know he can do it. And I hope my husband will help his cousin in any way he can, even from far away.

Heaven welcomes another great soul. I hope uncle is smiling and partying with everybody who's waiting up there...

Happy Mother's Day to all. Be nice to your mother and be thankful that you have her in your life... Because she is truly special!!!!

xoxo
~M

Let's Celebrate!

{My Husband...}

{One of my favorite photo of us..} {I don't know why, but he was licking my face.. LOL.}

I have two things to celebrate today...

First thing first, today is our 7th Anniversary since we got married. 7 years!! Wow..

As many of you know that it's been a rough week for both of us which definitely has reinforced our commitment to each other and our family. Because JT hasn't been feeling 100%, we decided to postopone our anniversary dinner date until he feels better. However, we went to our weekly Sunday dinner at JT's mom's and celebrate with the family. JT had not been at Sunday dinner for over a month because he works Sunday nights. Our daughters were very happy that their daddy got to enjoy Sunday dinner with everyone and it was very heartwarming evening.

It amazes me how two people can work differences and stay together for so long. Of course I don't pretend that everything is great between JT and I, but we love each other and we'll keep continue to love each other. Marriage is not all rosey and dreamy, but walking the life together hand in hand, side by side and not giving up. And I believe JT and I will be together and grow old together...

I love this song - it's so perfect for our anniversary althought Paul Davis looks scary. LOL


Happy Anniversary Sweetie!!!

Another thing to celebrate today is that today is my 200th post! Actually I totally forgot about my 100th post and when I realized it was like 110th, so I couldn't wait to celebrate my 200th! I want to thank you all my sweeties who have been reading my blog - I haven't been doing a good job of posting it daily for the past few months, but I'm hoping to get that groove back on soon.

Again, thanks SOOOOOOOO much for all your support and I love you!!

I hope you had a wonderful weekend!

xoxo

Sincere Gratitude...

As you know, I'd been kind of lazy for posting my daily blog. It has to do a lot with me working (well, it's only a part time, but everyday), raising kids (yep, every moms do it) and trying to begin my new career all at the same time. Oh! And don't forget about JT not having a job!!! Sometimes, it totally overwhelms me. And I have been really scared to tell you the truth. As we all are in this bad economy (I don't think using the words "bad economy" do any justice. It's far more worth!), I just am not sure what could happen tomorrow...

But, I just wanted to tell you something: JT got a new job yesterday!!!! He received a phone call yesterday afternoon right before I went to work that he got the job and he's starting today!!!

I first jumped on him, then hugged him and started to cry. It has been the longest two months of my life... We never know what's going to happen again, but right now I'm grateful that in this bad economy and after my husband's going to so many job interviews with unseccessful results, he was able to work again. It's a blessing!!! I am a little more hopeful than yesterday. Although I know it's not going to be easy and quick, but I hope things will get better...

So, I want to thank all of you who have been cheering me from the day one when JT lost the job and telling me that things will be okay. Thank you so, very much for being there for me. And thank you so much for being a good friend.

Love you guys and I hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day with the people you love!!!!

xoxo

What Would You Do?

Do you ever get so nervous that you almost want to puke??? Well, yesterday was one of those days for me.

I went to work as usual and everything was honky dori. Everyone at work was happy and it was Friday, of course we were happy..

We have this turn sheet that shows the next nail tech's turn when a customer walks in without appointment. It is fairly easy to use once you learn and get used to how to write it down, but if you miswrite someone's turn, it's like a domino effect; everything and everyone's turn gets messed up. It took me two months until my boss was comfortable for me to handle this turn sheet.

Anyway, I took over my co-worker who went home and I was doing the sheet. I was thinking to myself, "Man, Maki is so smart. I'm getting it and doing it." WRONG! The thing I didn't realize was that my co-worker C, forgot to write down two techs before she left who just started working on clients, but I kept on going. It's my fault, too, that I totally assumed she wrote down before she went home, but it was not really my mistake. Soon enough, one of my bosses realize that the turn sheet was all messed up.

I could totally tell my boss was annoyed (well, she's been really in a pissy mood for the past week or so), that's when Maki's downfall (emotional) began.

It definitely comes from my old childhood experience that I get really REALLY nervous once I make a mistake, so I start to freeze. Once I freeze, then my performance starts to detoriate. It was just a small mistake, but I can't stand myself of making mistakes, especially when this is such an easy job.

My heart was pounding and started to sweat a lot. It was not a big deal really, my other boss was smiling and fixed the problem without saying anything. But I have to tell you, my anxiety level was so high that I started to feel like throwing up. I didn't have to be so nervous, but I had to leave the salon to the outside for a minute or two... I took a couple of deep breath and went back in. Things were back to normal after awhile, but I was totally losing my mind!!

After I came home, I told my husband about what happened today.

JT: So, did you tell them C forgot to write it down?
Me: No...
JT: Why? Why didn't you explain to them it wasn't {fully} your fault?
Me: Because... I felt like if I did that, I was blaming on C and not taking any responsibility? You know the ones always blame others? I didn't want to be that person.
JT: But they would think that you made the mistake. If you don't stand up for yourself, you'll lose your job, you know that?
Me: Oh C'mon, it wasn't that big of a deal!
JT: Maybe, but what if the same thing happens again? Then what? If you don't tell your boss that you didn't make the mistake, they would think that you're the one who keep messing it up over and over again.. Right?
Me: Ahem.... I guess so? But C is working there longer than me. I feel like they assume C wouldn't make any mistake.
JT: Exactly my point! That is why you have to stand up for yourself.

So, everybody, what would you do if you're in my shoes? Would you tell your boss that the initial mistake wasn't yours? Or do you just nod, say "sorry" and let them think whatever they want without mentioning about your co-worker's mistake?

Also, what are your tactics when you make mistakes at work; what do you do to calm your nervous level?

So, you know when you are having a "I almost wanna puke" kinda bad day? Something good will happen! You receive an award! The lovely Tara over @ The Watermelon Treegave me a new award! Yay for me! I've always wanted this award because it is so lovely!!! I don't know why, but receiving award gives me a pure joy! Tara is also throwing a cute giveaway, so you make sure to check her out!

Now I need to explain what this award stands for: "These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind of bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers.Deliver this award to three bloggers who must choose three more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."

I pass this along to:
Whiring Dirvishing & Jone's Blurbs
An Extended Vacation
Real Confession

I hope you're having a lovely weekend!!!

Are You Sure You're Talking About Me?

Many of you know that I have been working at a salon for the past three months. I work as a receptionist and it's been fairly fun experiences. I get to see/meet different clients = different types of people. Most clients are kind and nice. But just sometimes, we get those women who think they rule and own us.

The other day, I picked up the phone as always and there was this client who has been one of the longest client at the salon. I have never seen her yet, but I know her name.

Me: "Good afternoon, {my salong's name} How can I help you?"
Client: "Hi. I want to make an appoint with B either tomorrow or Friday."
Me: "I am so sorry, but B is already booked up through the weekend. Is there any day that you would like to come in next week?"
Client: "No, I want to come in this week."
Me: "Well, B has been all booked since last week, can anybody else do your nail?"
Client: "No, I don't want anybody else to touch my nail."
Me: (Big Sigh in my mind)"I am sorry, then I will need to book you next week..."
Client: Are you telling me to go somewhere else to get my nails done?"
Me: Of course not, it's just that B and K are very popular and sometimes you need to call in a week early to book the appointment."
Client: I've been going there for years and I've never had the problem booking with him.
Me: I am sorry.
Client: Ask B if you could squeeze me in...
Me: {Really really pissed off by this time} Sure.

Now I have to ask my boss.

Boss: "What does the computer(clender) say?"
Me: "Um.. you're booked."
Boss: "Then I'm booked. Tell her that."

I am now in between my boss and his client.

Me: "I've been saying that she's booked, but she is very pursistant about it."
Boss: "Who is it?"
Me: "M.R"
Boss: "{big big sign} give her my lunch spot."
Me: "okay"

So this client got the appointment she wished. You know, this is why certain people think they can call and make a last minute appointment. They think they are special because my boss and another boss try to accomodate their clients doing whatever possible.

On the other hand, me and my other receptionist C look bad because we have to tell them first that our calender is booked.

So, yesterday I go in to work and the next thing I know, my boss tells me he needs to talk to me. I smelled something bad.

Boss: "So you know M.R. came in yesterday right?"
Maki: "Yes."
Boss: "Well, she complained about you that you didn't want her to come in."
Maki: "What!?"
Boss: "I know, I know. Don't worry, we know it wasn't the case. She is a very difficult client and she gets angry when anybody said we can't take her.
Maki: "I told her what I saw on the screen that you're booked. I was nice about it"
Boss: "I just want you to know that you rule the the world in the salon. You book the appointments. Don't let customers tell you what to do. Be firm about it."
Maki: "{I was firm about it} Yes, I understand."
Boss: "Okay, don't worry, we told her that you're the nicest girl on the planet."

So my dear readers, I have been upset about it. I got the first complaint yesterday from someone who thinks she can do whatever she wants and telling a lie that I was mean to her. What? Mean? Are you sure you're talking about me? The other girl C was there when all went down and she told me, "Man, we have no idea what her problem was. We kept telling her Maki is a nice girl, but she went on and on how mean you were.. We laughed."

Yes, I say this. Bitch. I don't usually use this word unless someone really, I mean REALLY makes me angry and I don't get angry easily. I talked to a friend of mine who works at one of Starbucks last night about it and she told me there are ton of those that she deals with at her work. Apparently they even have a black list and they have all the right to kick out customers who mistreat their employees. I did not know that! That's kind of cool.

I was feeling down because of this, but do you know what happens when you're feeling blue? Awards! Yes, my blogging friends have given me several awards. Because I was slow on posting the awards, three of my friends have giving me the same award.


Cloie over @ Orchestrated Destiny
BakerGirl @ An Extended Vacation
Kaitlyn @ unturned.barbie
gave me the cute Lemonade Award!!! Thank you so much, my lovely Girlies!!! Sorry it overlapped because I didn't post the first time I got the award from Cloie, but still, I'm graterful that you all thought of me!!! You cheered me up!

Now, my dear friend Carrin over @ Carrin's Comments gave me another award. Thank you my Sweet! I like the phrase "Measures Up!" I will treasure it:)

Now I need to follow the rules and pass these two wonderful awards to well deserved bloggers. I have to get ready to go to work now, so I will post all the recepients I will pass these award to tonight, so make sure to check back later when you can!! I poromise I will follow through this time. Thank again, Cloie, BakerGirl, Kaitlyn and Carrin for making me feel better going in to work today!

xoxo

UPDATE (Jan. 10 @ 3am)

So, I'm done with painting and back to blogging. I am starting from where I left off - I think I need to pass these two awards to my favorite bloggers.

First, for the award "Pink Lemonade" (God, I love that name) - I have to give link love to the person who gave you the award and secondly, nominate ten of your favorite bloggers to receive the Lemonade Award.. I will pass this on to..

1. Rene over @ Not The Rockefellers
2. Colby over @Spittin'(out words) like a Llama
3. Sara over @ Blogging in Bed
4. Needsleepy over @I barely survived yesterday and it is today already!

Second award's rules are:

Rule 1 - Say a nice thing to a man in your life.
Rule 2 - List at least 6 ways you measure success in your life.
Rule 3 - Assign 5 other worthy blogs

So, I told my husband that he is becoming a better father each and everyday. He was afraid to be a father before we had Ju Ju, but I see so much change in him. He tries and helps me more with the girls and do stuff around the house for me. He was very happy to hear it from me.

At the end of the day, if I know that I am a great mother to my daughters, wife to my husband, sister to my younger sisiter and daughter to my parents, then I think I am successful. Teaching my daughters the meaning of "Love" and the importance of "kindness" and "honesty" weighs a lot in my book as well... Success is not about money (although it looks like it some times), but to become a decent human being, at least that's what I believe.

I will pass this award on to...

1. Alev over @ Bad Seed
2. LadyStyx over @ LadyStyx's Blog
3. Hollylyn over @ If I were really skinny

I am sorry, it's 3am - I can't nominate total 15 people all at once.... I tried and I will have to post more deserving friends later on. Wait, I've been saying the same thing to the other awards that I had received also. I'm in trouble! But, sleep is important, too! Goooood nigggghht!

Two Grown Men - No Can Handle Dead Birds

My hubby JT and his youngest brother D are pretty strong and big. They are tall and manly. I can totally count on them if anything bad were about to happen. I am 100% positive that they will protect me and my girls at all cost; EXCEPT they are the total weakest link during this wonderful festivities called Thanksgiving and Christmas.

They can not handle dead bird called Turkey nor Chicken. They are totally afraid of them. They can't look at it nor touch it. Curving the cooked bird is out of question. They are big boys age 43 and 30. So lame.

When they were little, their mother was preparing chicken in the kitchen for Christmas. They had never seen the whole object prior to the curving before; all four brothers were chasing each others and ran into the kitchen. There the oldest JT witnessed the butt naked dead chicken being massaged by Mom's hands with spices. It totally freaked him out and traumatized him. Ever since, he can't touch it. JT always says, "Those butt and legs look so real and raw. So just cut it into pieces and give them to me - I just don't need to picture what it used to be."

Now, brother D, he was fine until 4 years ago. We have an aunt named Auntie M - she is a charactor. She came and stayed in Florida during Thanksgiving 4 years ago. We're talking, drinking and eating when Auntie M said, "Oh my god, no one likes this part???" and started poking the Turkey butt on the table. She said, "I love the butt, it's so tastey.."

That's when brother D almost gag and ran to the bathroom. Seriously, he got sick. Now, after four years, we won't stop saying, "Oh we can't wait for the butt, it's so yummy~~"

D always cry and say, "Shut up! Don't ruin my Thanksgiving!!!" Honestly, he loses all his appetite when he thinks about the comment Auntie M made four years ago. He wants nothing to do with it. Therefore, the boys' stepdad has to curv everything, so it wouldn't resemble any type of birds. I swear to God.

To me, looking at the whole chicken or turkey on the dining table is the fun part. Not to be bruital, it just makes me feel like we're celebrating Holidays. But now because of these boys, we have to stare at neatly sliced turkey and chiken instead. Clearly boring.

Another Great Award....

Last week, my dear friend LipSmacker over at Lipstick Diaries presented me the Bookworm Award. It's taken me a while to accept this award, but I'm indeed honored!!! Thanks so much, Girl! I am really, really happy about this. Awesome!!!

I love to read whether it be books or blogs - it's a great way to escape from the daily caos! LOL. Anyway, as I accept this award, I am required to pass it on. So let's get started!!!

Here is the rule:

Pass it on to five other bloggers, and tell them to open the nearest book to page 46. Write out the fifth sentence on that page, and also the next two to five sentences...The CLOSEST BOOK, NOT YOUR FAVORITE, OR MOST INTELLECTUAL!!

Okay, the nearest book to me was sitting on the coffee table in the living room (I blog in the dining room). This book has always been in the same spot for the past six months because I tend to browse through everytime I watch Dr. Phil. Wait, did I just say, Dr. Phil???

Anyway, the book is called:

"Family First" by Dr. Phil McGraw

Page 46.

"You choose the emotions and feelings that will control your behavior in the family. And you choose how you act and how you react to everyone else in the family. Your choices affect your interactions with everyone else in the family."

Yes, I know, I know.. This book is not sexy, sorry, my friends! But there were times I totally turned to his wisdom when my relationship with JT was going through s0me rough stuff (many of you know what I am talking about, yes?)

So, I would like to pass this award to my wonderful blogging friends and they are:

1. Merc at bookbitten. She is a true Bookworm!

2. Sarah at A Blog About Sarah. She has really cool blog!

3. Rachel at LIVING AND LOVIN. She is kind and sweet, a wonderful mom!

4. Lydia at ...DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE. She is gorgeous! I mean.. WOW!

5. Maegan at ...love Maegan. She is simply amazing...

I hope all you girlies will accept this award!

And hope all of you are having a fabulous weekend!!! xoxo, ~M

MJ made my day so lovely and perfect

I had been running around all day and night more so for this week (I wasn't even around to write a new post...)

And then something very special happened this morning. I was checking my blog comment and I found the message from my dear MJ who gave me my very 1st award yesterday which is known as the Superior Scribbler Award. You have no idea how happy I am. This is just UNBELIEVEABLE!!! Whoo Hooo! May I just do a happy dance?

This is what she wrote about me:

"...because she has a big heart, is obviously a great mother, and her broken English is the most endearing thing about her." -- Thank you sooo much MJ, you really made me cry because I am sooo happy and delighted!!! (ps: I am working on my broken English!!! LOL)

Now I have to pass this award to five people and here is my 5 choices.

Franco @ rivermistexpression. He has been my daily supporter ever since he left me the first comment. His blog is fully of candy! Thanks Franco!

Jess@ The Everyday Adventures in the City. Her blog is so charming and lovely. I enjoy reading her blog.

Luca@ LBluca77. She is funny, Okay? She cracks me up and I can't get enough!

Carrin@ Carrin's comments. I've know her only a week or so, but I totally respect her. She is a lovely mom who's raising her 4 children on her own (well she has a nice BF) and we are both 35! I love reading her blog.

merc3069@ BookBitten. She was my first follower - She's been always kind to me. Thank you merc...

Now should you choose to accept the award, please follow these steps:

1.Post the award on your blog.

2. Link me for giving it to you.

3. Link the originating post - here.

4. Pass the award on to five more deserving people.

5. Post these rules for your recipients

Thanks again, MJ for choosing me one of your picks - I am so happy!!

And the winners are!?

One of Ju-Ju's artwork - she is so proud!

My girls before picking the winner



Ju Ju and Soapy holding the winner name

Last week, I held the "Pay it Forward" contest that I was passed on by MJ. My two daughters and I picked three winners late this afternoon.

the winners are... (the sound of drum begins....)
franco, dorkys and merc3069!!!! And another twist is, since franco didn't want the nail polish, we picked another winner and the lucky person is
rachel!!!

The winners, please send me an email with your address, so that I can mail the stuff that I have promised to you guys. Franco, don't worry, you won't be getting the nail poslish, but Ju Ju drew something special for you!! :) Once you recieved the item, you need to forwad the love to three people of your choice. This has been such joy and I hope this will keep going and growing! Let's forward the kindness and feel the love y'all!!!

xoxo,
Maki

SITS Blogathon

Apparently SITS are hosing "Blogathon" today. It is a great supporting system for all the bloggers and I'm delighted to participate!!!


I am going to have to link 5 blogs here that I like which is very hard for me because I really can't just pick 5. But anyway, I want all of you to know that I cherish and enjoy your blogs both mentioned or not-mentioned here.

1. Rubber Slippers In Italy was the very first blog I left a comment for. I found Rowena on Blogs of Note. Coincedentally, she is from Hawaii and I am a devote reader of her blog.

2. A Cup of Jo is one of my favorites because of its simplicity. Joanna's blog is so simple and yet, so charming full of laughter.

3. Alev @ Bad Seed was my very first person to leave me a comment and she's been my loyal reader. Because of her, I kept on writing my blog when it seems nobody was reading. She is a talented poet.

4. franco @ Rivermist Expressions also has been great support for my blog. I love his bloging style with twist - he's going to be famous!

5. When I feel blue I always turn to Spittin' (out words) Like a Lahma. Colby's humor is just what I need to get chuckles and bright my day!!!

I wish I could mention all of the blogs I read everyday because I do love all of them!!!

I hope you're having a wonderful week!!

PS: Don't forget to enter "Pay It Forward" contest!!!!

THANK YOU!!!!

I would like to use this post to thank all of you who have left me all those warm comments about my previous post. Each message from you has meant to me so much and touched me deeply. I feel like I'm not alone anymore fighting this battle, that I have all of you got my back...

THANK YOU SOOOOOO MUCH!!!!

Thanks Turkey/Alev for visiting!

I just want to thank you, Alev for visiting my new blog and being the FIRST person to leave me a comment. I'm graterful and I hope you'll come back again! Ciao, M~

Thanks Chicago for stopping by!

I've mentioned previously that I have add Neo Counter to my blog, so I can see how many people read my blog. Well, not too many people right now (lol), but that's okay... I just want to thank someone from Chicago for reading my blog even it was by accident (probably that was the case).

I think this is great --- the technology is so amazing... I can't believe how far we've come. Of course there is some danger aspect to cyber space, but as long as we use it properly, this is an awesome way for people around the world to connect and share information. World is big, but so big after all. We can be all friends and help each other, so the world becomes a better place.

Thanks Germany for visiting!!

It's so interesting to say the least.. I've put this Neo Counter yesterday. I do not have many visitors as you can see (not just yet!:), but I want to thank Germany for visiting my blog. Thanks so much - I hope you'll keep coming back...

Of course, I am looking forward to my Neo Counter to show me all the other visitors from around the world! This is soooooo exciting - Yay!!!