Chronicles of Nika

Flashlights keep the dark out.

Nika Catbagan — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 20:43:25 +0000

I’m going to get myself some led flashlights the next time we go to the hardware store. All our old flashlights are not working anymore so we’re mostly using our cellphones (with built-in flashlights) when we need one. There are times when the power goes out all of a sudden and I’m trying to be cautious because of the perverts who used to pester us by climbing on the banana tree near our backyard. We do have dogs but it would be helpful if we can have good light to use when we need to check the noises at night.

School supplies and children.

Nika Catbagan — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 19:37:42 +0000

I passed by National Bookstore the other day and I noticed the piles of Best Buy products in the school supplies section. I suddenly remembered how my sisters and I loved when the month of May rolled by when we were still in elementary school. May signified the month for “Back to School” deals and promos on bookstores and department stores. I felt in heaven whenever we went to Manila to buy new bags (remember those big strollers? even those portable metal strollers with hooks and ropes for your bags?), school supplies (all new pencils, crayons, erasers and the pads of lengthwise, crosswise, 1/4 and intermediate papers) and most especially new shoes, socks and undergarments.

I miss those days when the 300+ crayola box would be enough to satisfy my childish whims.

We have it easy now.

Nika Catbagan — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 19:28:23 +0000

I remember back when I was in high school, we had to buy rolls of film for our cameras for events and celebrations. We had to make sure we don’t expose the film to sunlight when we take it out of the camera (or when we put it in) or else our pictures would be destroyed. We would spend a lot getting them developed even though we didn’t know how we would look like on the shots. To share these memories with our relatives and friends, we had to get several recopies and send them off in a packet or in an album. These days, its easy to take pictures with our digital cameras, choose the images that shows our best features and use online photo editing tools to make a slide show to post in our blogs and social networking profiles as well as email to our relatives abroad.

TV free for two days.

Nika Catbagan — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 15:16:06 +0000

I’ve been TV free for two days now. It’s not that I don’t have access to it, I just haven’t turned it on. One of the sermons from LifeChurch which was titled, “Toxic”, made me realize and reflect on the things I’ve been watching for the past months. I suddenly lost interest on watching any more tv shows, even the ones I follow daily. I also realized how productive I can be if I am not stuck in bed or in the couch watching tv endlessly.

Time to save up for a new camera.

Nika Catbagan — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 20:37:45 +0000

I’m planning to get myself a new camera a couple of months from now. I wasn’t able to buy the LX3 I wanted before because I had to use the money I saved up for our expenses. I’m currently using our family’s Samsung point and shoot but I would like to get myself a good dlsr if possible.

I’m torn between Nikon and Canon since the price difference between them is relatively close. I’ve been a Canon girl, even back when we still had to use film to take pictures. My first digital camera was a Canon IXUS and I’m used to Canon printers. I haven’t fully decided which to choose so I’m looking over camera reviews to find the best camera that fits my needs and my budget.

I want my boots.

Nika Catbagan — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 14:14:31 +0000

Saw this over at clarks shoes:

I want one! I remember when we were in Hongkong. Au and Vicky wanted to get a pair, I wanted one as well but we weren’t able to find some because we were quite busy jumping from one place to another. I can certainly use these boots next time I come to Hongkong while its still cold. I don’t want to wear my worn out rubber shoes anymore. Plus these look gorgeous to wear.

Baby boom.

Nika Catbagan — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 14:15:16 +0000

I’ve got tons of friends who are getting pregnant. Each month, more news of friends, old friends, old classmates and neighbors getting babies on the way reach my FB inbox, my email and my mobile phone. Sometimes I think I should start investing in the baby business, like starting my own baby shower invitations hobby crafts. At least that’ll help me earn the money I’ll be spending for gifts and such. Plus it’ll be a good way to spend my time creatively. xD I better get a good printer so I can do a test run, I can start out and gift the invitation to my friends.

April Fools!

Nika Catbagan — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 14:21:14 +0000

Happy April fools and happy birthday to me. Seriously. ^_^

Now I just got a year older and I gained *coughs* quite a lot of pounds this past year. I need to start with a proper diet now if I ever plan to lose weight. I’ve been juggling with my weight and I haven’t been able to get below 200 right now. I’m around 220. >.< I have to be serious this time, I wanted to try running but I can;t find a good place to run back here. We have so many stray dogs that its scary to run in our village. I don't want to succumb again to fast diets, for some diets for quick weight loss work but it doesn’t for me. I end up gaining them all back.

Back from my 3 day HK and Macau trip.

Nika Catbagan — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 18:21:28 +0000

I had a blast spending three days running around HK and Macau with my old college buddies. I got home last night, tired and exhausted, but definitely happier. Three days isn’t enough to cover the basics, so I promised myself I’ll be back there. If God permits it, I want to visit around July with our whole family so even the little ones could enjoy Disney. I haven’t started uploading the pictures yet, but I will soon. Next time I travel, I’m definitely getting the Canon dslr I’ve been eyeing to get better pictures. Next goal is Singapore, Vietnam, and Kota Kinabalu. Its like Pringles, once you start, you can’t stop.

Healthy lifestyle.

Nika Catbagan — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 17:57:38 +0000

I still think I can lose weight without actually undergoing weight loss surgery. I mean it would be great if I can lose all the weight I need to lose in one sitting but I’m not too sure I am ready to go under the knife for it yet. I still can try regular exercise and healthy meals and I think I can do it. Right now I’m trying to find a perfect balance between my work and a healthy lifestyle because I work nights and sleep in the morning.

I’m not working in a call center but the work I have right now deals with clients who are mostly in the US. I have to be awake when they are awake, so I usually end up sleeping in the mornings and waking up late afternoon or just before lunch.