Camsdcute’s Lair

Archive for the ‘Random Ramblings’ Category

It’s summer time, and it’s expected that temperature will rise as we approach April and May. If you would go out in the middle of the day, chances are, your wrinkle eye creams or any cream you use for that matter could be wiped out by your perspiration. Yes, we are experiencing the hottest period of the year now.

Due to the climate pattern known as El Nino, a lot of countries are experiencing extreme drought that are causing damages. Crops are getting dried up. Fish kills are happening on fish ponds. Dams that are supposed to be the main source of water for irrigation and household are way below their normal levels. Brownouts are also experienced by different areas.

Truly, all the blame cannot be pointed at the government because this is a natural phenomenon. Obviously, man may have contributed something for this dry spell. But, everyone is asked to help in any way by conserving water and energy.

Recently, I tried purchasing the custom M&M online. I’m glad that it was delivered to my aunt in Chicago as per the receipt that I got. The next step is for my aunt to deliver it to me.

Thanks to online shopping, I can literally purchase a lot of merchandise with just a few clicks. Shopping has really evolved from the traditional practice. Nowadays, you can purchase different items online such as books, music, garments, breeches, food, and a lot more. All of which were not even considered to be happening decades ago. But were now in the information age, to which many people are grateful as technology provides lots of convenience and satisfaction.

Problems at work and sleepless night
Overdue bills for water and light
All of these things I try to fight
Seems that I can’t do anything right

Adult acne slowly surface
Pimples grow all over my face
I just hate it when these things show up
Yes I’m stressed but still I’m coping up

There are some days when I lose passion
I look for anything to ease life’s tension
See, my body and mind are beaten up
Yes I’m stressed but still I’m coping up

This poem’s by grade one, so says my loved one
She was smiling and laughing, but then, I kept writing
Yes I’m stressed but still I’m coping up
And I do not have plans to quit and give up

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With the exception of Hawaii, all states of the US were dusted with snow. Even the cities that usually warm weather also experienced some snow. There are areas that are heavily covered with that caused some damages. This is happening despite the El Nino weather pattern.

Earlier this month, some events such as NBA games and concerts were even canceled due to snow-related storm. This time though, the damages caused by snowstorms and blizzards are lesser recently compared to the ones experienced days ago. At some point, those who sought for insurance quotes and had their homes or assets insured are lucky if the damaged items are covered.

Meanwhile, in the place where snow is needed, they still lack it. The recently opened Winter Olympics in Vancouver needed snow delivered to some venues to make it ready for the sports events.

Size is not always an advantage. Obese folks look for quick weight loss diets to solve their weight issues. The biggest boxer in each weight class is seldom the champion that division. The biggest car or plane may not be the fastest and most cost-efficient.

Such concerns apply to large companies too.

For the past weeks, Toyota has been recalling cars worldwide. This is primarily due to safety concerns raised by a lot of customers. Recently, Toyota’s President Akio Toyoda acknowledge that the company is facing crisis, and he apologized for the massive recalls related to defective car parts. This even affected one of their most acclaimed models – the Toyota Prius.

Regardless of what solution Toyota can make, I think that the recent problem will make a big impact on their overall image. It may be the forerunner in the car industry during the recent years, but problem such as this could cause a downfall in the coming years.

Recently, there were changes in the compensation and benefits package offered by the company that we work for. The major difference is the decreased amount of cashable rice allowance and the increase in rates of our company’s partners for insurance and medical / healthcare.

What most of us complain about is that these benefits are part of the so-called Flex-Ben – a system wherein employees will have the option to allocate ‘points’ on the desired benefit, such as insurance and healthcare (like the one offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield NC), rice allowance, medical benefit for dependents, and others. Only the rice allowance is given in cash. This is the reason why most employees prefer to allot their points on that allowance.

Since the maximum cashable rice allowance was decreased by a thousand, it basically means that the take-home pay of an employee is reduced (assuming the points were allotted to this benefit), as reflected in our recent pay slips.

We are yet to feel the full impact of this change as we enroll in the Flex-Ben in the coming days. We don’t even know if our total point were increased. However, we are still hopeful that this is just a hiccup as our company continues to survive the financial turmoil. We look forward to a better compensation next year.

For those planning to have a wedding, a checklist is a must. Whether the wedding is extravagant or simple, a checklist will guide you throughout your preparation. Here are some items that could be found on your checklist. Note that there could be disparity depending on the preferences of the couple, but nonetheless, it should give a hint on the things that you’ll need.

Ceremony
Church
Strings
Cord
Doves
Wedding Ring

Reception
Food / Catering
Venue
Accommodations
Amenities
Cake
Mobile
Coaster Service
Emcee

Beauty
Hair & Make-up

Attire
Bridal Gown
Female Entourage
Groom’s Suit
Male Entourage

Floral Décor
Flowers

Photography
Photo & Video

Stationery
Wedding Invitations
Missalette
Save the Date
Tags
Gifts
Token Sponsors (10 pairs)
Token Guests (230 pax)

Others Items
Wedding Coordinator
Bridal Car
Suppliers Meals (350/pax) 45
Shopping Trip
Effects/Surprises
Grand Entrance & First Dance
Kids Goodie Bags
Venue Set up
Offertory Basket
Kids Centerpiece
Token for Suppliers
Effects/Surprises
Tips

Things to Consider
Budget
Guest List
Sponsors
Wedding Date

We just came back from a holiday vacation. What greeted us upon arrival at home is the mess that we left before we took the long trip. That means that to start the New Year right, we need to clean the house. We don’t have any Ladybug steam cleaner or some high powered cleaning tool. Only a typical vacuum cleaner and the old fashioned broom, dustpan and rugs are available. With this, everything is set for the clean-up agenda this coming weekend.

While looking for engagement rings, chances are, you will find a store that offers some alternatives to a diamond engagement ring. These shops sell a diamond look alike that’s made up of “synthetic moissanite” or other materials. Most of these perfectly resembles loose diamonds. In fact, there are those that look better than an authentic but low class diamond. These however are not ideal engagement rings, but they could still be if the buyer persists. A more suitable material is though is a gemstone, despite it having a color. Of course, there’s always greater value when you offer a diamond as engagement ring. Remember – Diamonds are girls’ best friends.

Another year is over. By this time, you’ll hear mixed reactions from people.

Most would say the complete opposite, stating that the year has been too harsh on them. There are some that filed for bankruptcy, declaring that they no longer have the capacity to pay their home, car or rv financing. Some would point fingers at the government, the companies that they work for or other people, while others will just blame luck, or the lack of it.

There are some though that would claim that this is the best year for them financially despite the economic turmoil that the world had experienced. These could be those that found opportunities from the setback that they faced, or again, simply lucky to be at the right time and place.

Regardless of what was experienced the past year, many would believe that people have learned a lot of things, and that this knowledge could be used for their benefit in the future. Hopefully for everyone, the year 2010 will be a lot better.