Loans And Credit Cards

I really marvel at the fact that, these days, getting a credit card is already a no-fuss affair. Almost anyone can get them, The same is true for loans. And getting them are faster and easier nowadays compared to how it was in the previous years.

Take for example in our office. I have repeatedly received calls from a number of telemarketers who offer pre-approved credit cards. And despite my repeated refusal, they have become more persistent in the next call while offering all sort of enticement - ready-to-use cash, insurance, free grocery and others.

So with all this, I am not surprised that there are companies that will give everyone, even those with less-than-perfect credit rating, a chance to have a loan or a credit card. One of these companies is BadCreditOffers.com which offers Bad Credit credit cards, Bad Credit loans such as home, personal and auto loans, among others.

An Excerpt Of My Pants Story

Last year, I had written a post entitled The Pants (War) Story. It’s about the shift in pants style.

Here's an excerpt of my previous post:

I detected few pairs of Skinnies strutting around town. Just a few of them that you could count them by ticking off your fingers. But although there were just few of them, you couldn't miss noticing their attempt to knock the Flared-sies over their firm perch on the fashion ground. They were throwing off stones, shooting arrows, firing water guns, stomping their feet and stepping on toes firmly rooted to the ground.

Comparatively, if Flared-sies were Goliath, then Skinnies were David, feebly trying to topple a giant.

Skinnies, persistently trying: "You just wait! When our time comes, it will be a riot!"

Animosity was unmistakably high in the air. But of course, it's not the first time that Skinnies showed up their gorgeous heads, err legs. They've been here before, they graced the fashion ramp, walked all the streets of the globe. Until their time came, a time when they eventually lost their appeal to the fashion gurus. A sad time when they would have to be shelved back
to old cabinets and bauls…

This story was inspired after I bought myself a not-yet-trendy pants that fit perfectly like a second skin. It’s one of those Skinnies, actually my first since the resurrection of Skinnies and it has, though not a Dockers, been my favorite friend.

If you have a pants story to tell, you might want to make a video out of it and submit it to the Dockers contest.

Autoposting In Blogger

Isn't it a great news! Autoposting is now possible in Blogger.

Whew, at last! It's here. I truly am so happy with this improvement with Blogger.

Although I had a tough time using WP at the start, I have learned to appreciate WP more because, first and foremost, of the autoposting feature. This is one of my favorite perks with WP and I use it all the time at Makimeji.

But now, it's just great to have it with Blogger too. I have tested it and right now, I am using it to post this entry.

SocialSpark Is Here Now

Just last month, I was invited to try out the beta version of Social Spark. For some reasons, this invitation had slipped out of my mind and so I didn’t respond to it. After awhile I got the same invitation again, only that this time, the offer is already open for everyone.

So far, I have liked it there. I’m still learning the system since I’m still new but I am having fun. I have made some friends there. Unlike other social communities, SocialSpark gives you an opportunity to take on paid posts. Not only that, you could even get connected with the advertisers themselves. It’s really a promising venue for everyone, bloggers and advertisers alike.

The feedback system is just good, too. If you are not sure whether to take up an opportunity, you may read the comment section and find out what other bloggers think about the opps. And you can give a prop or a thumbs up to blogs or bloggers or users, if you like them; a drop or thumbs down, if you don’t. Every profile has a message board, too and your friends –or anyone can easily post their comments for you.

To see what it a SocialSpark profile is like, check my profile with them. You can see some of my friends here, who has recently viewed me and the recent opps I have taken , among other details provided.

*** This post is brought to you by SocialSpark***

Be Prepared for Ken Lee

I really would have forgotten all about this if not for my son who, for unknown reason, constantly reminds me of this by singing Ken Lee everytime the Pinoy Idol ads is flashed on TV. Okay, I am partly to be blamed because Matt was sitting beside me when I viewed it weeks ago. But how was I to know that he'd remember it and associate it with Pinoy Idol?

Sorry my boy for underestimating you.

So Ken Lee be it... And with 5M viewers? Woot! Heheh.

But speaking of viewers, I'm going to leave you the video of the JailDancers dancing to Michael Jackson's hit, Thriller. I am so entertained with this vid. And it does look like they had fun doing it, too -maybe momentarily forgetting their conditions. But don't you agree that everyone - even prisoners- is entitled to have some fun, clean fun, too?

Frontier(S) Uncut And Unrated

VERB Advisory: I advise everyone reading this now to please bear in mind that what you will be seeing is a trailer of a horror movie and some of the images as well. So unless you are ready to watch it, please don’t click any of the links. If you have a child with you, please exercise caution.

This morning, I have seen the Trailer of the unrated and controversial movie Frontier(S). It’s so gruesome to me. No kidding, I mean it’s maddeningly scary. So over the edge. With all the blood, it IS just gross. But then scary movie is not really my cup of tea. However, most of my friends in the office love to watch horror movies. When they would invite me to watch this kind of films and I decline, I do get a good ribbing sometimes. It’s nothing offensive though and I don’t mind.

It’s not yet shown in my place. But for US residents, you may check if the theater near where you live is one of the selected theaters to show this film on May 9. But if you’d like to bring horror viewing to the next level and watch this film in the comforts of your home, pick up an unrated and uncut copy of the Frontier(s). The DVD copy will be available on May 13^th.

Meme Monday

I saw this Mommy Meme at Pam's and thought to give it a go.

Baby's Name?
Matt

Male/Female?
Male

Birthday?
November 2005

Where was he/she born?
Polymedic Hospital

What time was he/she born?
5:27 PM

Weight/length at birth?
I forgot- and I'm not proud with that. Must have been 5 lb-ish.

Age as you're typing this survey:
31

Are you a paranoid mom...?
All the time

Do you sterilize everything (like boil nipples or wash every toy)?
Yes - until he reached 1 year plus. (See previous answer)

Do you buy "sensitive skin" wipes because they're "better" for baby's skin?
No. I rarely use wipes. I use cotton and water.

Do you worry that your baby will stop breathing in his/her sleep?
Not now. But there was a time when he was just an infant...

Do you freak out if they happen to doze off during tummy time? (SIDS!!)
Not now. But sometimes, sometime ago.

Do you overdress your baby, whether it's warm or cold?
No

Do you wash your baby's clothing in Dreft or other baby detergent?
No. For a couple of years, no one could touch his soiled clothings but my mom and me (and hub - when he's home). Now, we sometimes let the cleaners do some of his soiled clothes.

Do you refuse to dress baby in anything with buttons (choking hazard)?
Not now.

Do you watch (and critique) when someone else changes baby's diaper?
No. Ah, yes. Few times when hubby did the changing.

Did you buy all of their furniture (crib, changing table, stroller) NEW?
Yes. Except the stroller-we didn't buy one.

Do you have to wash a pacifier that fell on the floor before giving to baby?
I didn't gave him any pacifier.

Do you worry about anyone else holding your baby?
Yes especially those who are not members of the family.

When you leave baby with a sitter, is all you do worry about baby?
I'm blessed I have my parents as sitters. I would have worried myself sick if it had been other people.

Do you jump out of bed the second baby starts fussing during the night?
When Matt starts coughing, yes. Because he's got asthma.

Do you worry about making baby bleed when clipping his/her fingernails?
No. I mastered this art :-)

Do you call your pediatrician at least once a week?
No. But there are times I wish I could.

Do you cancel playdates because your baby has a runny nose and coughed once?
No playdates for us. So sad.

Do you refuse to go shopping without a shopping cart cover?
No. I do not have one.

If you have a cat, do you worry about toxoplasmosis?
I used to. Gotten over it, thanks God.

Is your baby allowed anywhere near your pets?
No. Because he is asthmatic. But sometimes he can get as near as a couple of feet (with someone holding him) - but I have a no-touching policy with him. Am I so bad?

Do you only feed your baby organic baby foods out of fear of preservatives?
Yes, most of the times. I want to stick to healthy and organic foods but I learned to make concessions.

Do you think you are or ever have been a paranoid new mom?
Yes! There's no denying about that.


Visit more Meme Monday participants at Melanie's.

A Treat For All Of You 24 Fans

If I’m going to say how impatient I already am from waiting for the next season of Prison Break, I know 24 and Jack Bauer fans will give me “an eyebrow lift.” September may be too long for me but I can only imagine how Jack Bauer’s fans must be feeling with 24’s January 2009 return schedule.
January 2009?!?

But take heart, all of you 24 fans. Before we know it, it will be 2009. Besides, if you can’t wait until next year, there’s The Rookie: Day 3 Extraction, which Degree Men ® has offered for your viewing pleasure.


The Rookie: Day 3 Extraction is a series of digital episodes which chronicle the adventures of American Counter Terrorism agent, Jason Blaine as he tries to rescue his boss who’s unexpectedly kidnapped in Mexico City. Directed by Rodney Charters, ASC, CSC, who also directed episodes of 24, The Rookie: Day 3 Extraction has all the fast-paced, heart-pounding trademark of 24.

I've seen it. And oh yeah, I must agree it's very 24-ish. Even the emotions elicited from me was very 24-ish. Just watching Episode 1 with Blaine discovering his boss gone and then seeing vehicles flee feels very 24-ish. I was holding my breath and my heart was pounding a crazy beat that somehow echoed the ticking of that clock.

So will the Rookie prevail? Watch Blaine race against time, in a true 24 fashion in these action packed webisodes available in YouTube.

Lotsa Stuff

A week ago, I received a package that contained these wonderful treasures - which include a tote bag, a journal and a pen. It's a giftpack that I won from Regina's contest few months ago.

I shared these with my mother and she is already reading the In The Secret Place With God now. On the one hand, I have the Book Of Promises in my bag and carry it to work. It's a lovely book and one time I read it while stuck in traffic.

Thanks so much Regina!

Also, I received a copy of the Divine Appointment from Sonya. I haven't read it yet because I'm still reviewing for a proficiency test but once done, I'll tackle it next. Thanks Sonya.

My Feast

Appetizer

What was your favorite cartoon when you were a child?
Mickey Mouse

Soup

Pretend you are about to get a new pet. Which animal would you pick, and what would you name it?
A bunny. And I'll call it Burgh. For some reason I cannot grasp, that's what came to my mind first. Hehe.

Salad

On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how much do you enjoy getting all dressed up for a special occasion?
8. Depends on what occasion and sometimes it depends on my mood.


Main Course

What kind of music do you listen to while you drive?
Any... We have Don Moen in our player but sometimes, it doesn't play because our player is a lunatic of sorts. Lol


Dessert

When was the last time you bought a clock? And in which room did you put it?
Seven years ago. Or it must be 8. I was still in another town and I was living alone. I kept it in my room until it was time to move.

LP: Malungkot

Na post ko na 'to dito pero minarapat kong ulitin ang pagpost nito dahil para sa akin eto ay isang nakakalungkot na realidad sa ating bansa (at wala rin akong ibang litratong nahanap para ngayong Huwebes :-) . Ito ay karaniwang makikita sa mga piers pero ito ay kuha ko sa Cebu port.

Translation: I've already posted this pic in one of my WW posts (titled Reality) but I decided to post this again because I believe this is one of the sad truths in this country. It's a usual sight in majority of the sea ports here but this one, I took (using of my cam phone) while we were docking in Cebu port.

More of the story here.

Brownout

My other WW is here. Also please visit 5minutesformom for more participants.

Meme Monday

Tagged by Maiylah:

THINK BACK TO 4th year high school… Let’s see how much you remember and how much you regret..

What section were you?
My section was... it was... *throat clearing* Okay, I give up, I forgot! But I believe there was no 1st or second section in our batch. There are only 2 sections in each year in my HS during my time.

Who were your seatmates?
For sure, they are my friends - Switenia, Charmi...

Still remember your english teacher?
Sure, let's call her Mrs AA. (I do know her complete name just don't want to put it here.)

What was your first class?
First class? I cannot remember. *I'm really so good at remembering!* Lol

Made friends to the lower years?
Yes, I did.

How was your class schedule?
I guess it's okay because I survived. :-)

Made any enemies?
Yes, but I believe not for long. We eventually became friends.

Who was your favorite teacher(s)???
My English teacher

What sport did you play?
I played soccer passionately for a time (PE...but was it in 3rd year? Hehe) but didn't play in any varsity or something like that.

Were you a party animal?
Then? I think not - it's only after College graduation and I was working away from home that I became that. It's just a phase. But now, I'm back to my old boring self. :-)

Were you well known in your school?
Not sure. Maybe - because I was a PMT (Philippine Military Training) Officer and a writer in the School paper.

SKIP CLASSES?
Yes.

Did you get suspended/expelled?

No. But we nearly get suspended. All of us -except a couple of souls- in my section skipped class to go to a town fiesta! Our Principal was furious. But we couldn't really imagine a class suspension. There never was. We were only penalized to scrub walls.

Can you sing the alma mater?
Maybe. Few lines.

What was your favorite subject?
English and the Math

Did you go to the dances?
Umm, yes. Proms.

Where did you go most often during breaks?
The school cafeteria.

What did you do on the last day of school?
I cannot remember. Maybe we partay-ed!

If you want to do this, just copy and fire away.

Visit more Meme Monday participants here.

Friday's Feast

Appetizer

Name something you would categorize as weird.
Being in two places at one time . Yes simulatenously.


Soup

What color was the last piece of food you ate?
Green (bittergourd) and brownish (meat)


Salad

On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how much do you enjoy being alone?

6. There are times I wanted to be alone. Walk. Shop. Eat. Read. Think. All by myself. All alone.
But I really wouldn't want to be all alone in this world -or in my life. That would be so sad.

Main Course

Fill in the blank: I will _________ vote for ___________ in _______.

I will ask you to vote for ME in the Pinoy Idol -Bathroom Edition.



Dessert

Describe your sleeping habits.
I can sleep anytime and anywhere. I am an early sleeper - before motherhood and blogging found me.

LP: Pahaba

Chocolate Hills, Bohol

Kung naka akyat kayo sa observation deck ng Chocolate Hills, tiyak na pamilyar sa inyo ito. Eto ang posteng may mensaheng nakakaiyak ng tamtaks.

Pero sa seryosong usapan, sana naman. Kapayapaan, kaibigan.

Translation: This may look familiar to you. Taken at the observation deck of the Chocolate Hills. Peace!

(Will also be posting this photo for this week's Photohunt in my other blog)

Happy Earth Day!

Pink Heart For A Meme

Got this tag from Maiylah.

~Start Copy~

This is another of those Linky Love games where you only have to tag 10 persons in one post, but still there is no actual limit (you can tag more if you want!). Once tagged, you have to copy paste the link in this post, and make them grow!Do not delete any of the links and be honest to yourself!
BennyLiew, RamblingMoo, Mum & Kids In Wonderland, Judelittle, Our mini blogsphere, Rooms in My Heart, http://janiceng.blogspot.com/, ChinNee, Jo-N, LadyJava’s Lounge, My Life, My Hope, My Future, Mariuca’s Perfume Gallery, Choc Mint Girl, The Callalily Space, Juliana RW, Picturing of Life, Its Not a Weekend;Its a Lifestyle, Napaboaniya APAD, My Wanderings, Picture Clusters, Maiylah’s Snippets, Makiko, Makimeji, VERB, YOUR LINK(S) HERE,

~End Copy~

Am tagging Storyteller, Chuck and Nuttygal. AND anyone who wants to join.

***

Have a great Monday, everyone!

Mariah, Mariah

Just the other day, my sister and I were talking about Mariah Carey. New album, she said. Of course, I'd believe her. I'd believe her because, between the two of us, I would honestly admit that she's more into her. So into her that I suspect her partiality to anything with a butterfly (or butterflies) is Mariah-inspired. But undoubtedly, she’s a fan. Her playlist always includes Mariah’s songs. And she's updated when it comes to the going-ons in Mariah's life i.e. the unexpected outcome of the film Glitter (is that an understatement?), the dark phase of her career, her gigs, and other bits and pieces of her life and career.

But I too like Mariah. It's rather the "generic" liking. Who wouldn't, anyway? Just look at her. Look at how sexy and gorgeous she is. Or just listen to her. Listen to her belt Emotions (shocking, but I try to sing that with the videoke at home) or Hero or Vision of Love or I Thank God I Found You (which is one of my favorite Mariah songs). But the one thing really that appeals to me more about Mariah is that distinct singing style that perfectly suits her powerful voice. Without looking at the screen, or seeing it’s her singing, you can be sure it’s her. That. distinct. voice. of. hers. is. unmistakable.

And I brought home the unmistakable yesterday. I gave my sister this treasure. It's a sneak preview to that new album E=MC2 and her exclusive interview. (Actually, I was making amends because few weeks ago, my son tore the cover of one from her collection of Mariah's DVDs. Had my adorable Matt known that that was sexy Mariah in a flimsy attire, I’m sure he’d have kept the cover (wink!). But he’s just a kid who knows that papers are meant for tearing).

Viva la Soundcheck for saving this Mama's arse!

Fridays Feast

Appetizer
Name a color you find soothing.

Green -and my one of my favorite (this blog's a dead giveaway)

Soup
Using 20 or less words, describe your first driving experience.

It's hellish -should I say that? It was so uncomfortable, so confusing. I don't know how to apply brake- I just stepped on it -HARD! I don't know when to shift the gears and all. But I survived.

Salad
What material is your favorite item of clothing made out of?

Cotton and lycra

Main Course

Who is a great singer or musician who, if they were to come to your town for a concert, you would spend the night outside waiting for tickets to see?

Josh Groban. But I'm not sure because spending the night outside waiting for tickets would be something I cannot do now. It would mean choosing between my son or someone. And the answer is obvious.

Dessert

What is the most frequent letter of the alphabet in your whole name (first, middle, maiden, last, etc.)?

A

Apat Na Kanto

Waaaa! Nde ako nakahanda ngayon (palagi naman talaga akong nde handa a!). Pero maykukunan sana ako para sa tema ngayong Huwebes, kaso lang wala ng oras. So ngayon naghanap ako ng naghanap sa photobucket kung may litrato ba dun na angkop sa tema.

Eto lang yong nakita ko na malapit-lapit dun sa apat na kanto, kaya pagpasensyahan nyo na. :-)

In English: I'm not prepared today (but then I'm not always prepared!). I really planned to make shots for this week's theme but didn't have time to spare. So instead, I searched my Photobucket for a fitting photo.

I hope this one suits the theme.

Someone Out Here Is Missing Home

My other WW entry is right here.

Also please visit 5minutesformom for more participants.

For those who asked the "where", this was taken in Marienplatz, Munich. This shot is courtesy of someone dear to me who's currently in the area.

Networking sites

There are a lot of social networking communities existing these days. There’s Friendster, Multiply, Tagged, among others.

In all of these I'm just wondering how safe your informations are with them.

Another of Them 7

I'm not such a good Meme blogger though I have no opposition to tags and Memes. In fact, I do love them because I find them easier to do - the only question is time... So little time, so many memes. I try hard to catch up but...

Or maybe I'm lazy. I bet, you would say that if you knew how many Memes are sleeping in my Draft now- waiting to develop fungus.

Anyway, I'm going to do an old Meme which I should have done a long time ago. If I'm not mistaken, my friend Grace tagged me to do this one - and then maybe Melanie, too.

It's the 7-random-things- about-my-son Meme.

• Any cook would love to have Matt as a guest because he is not a picky eater – except for ice cream. Ha! No kidding. It’s not uncommon to hear him say (verbatim) “Mama, I want more rice and fish.” "More juice." "More crackers." And hear him plead, “Please, some more.” He thinks ampalaya (bitter gourd) is “yummy.”

• He easily gets bored with some toys. He wants the real thing. Real PC. Real tools. And gets his kicks breaking them. His favorite fishing set which my cousin got for his 2nd birthday lasted for few hours only. Maybe two hours.

Real toy? Here he is twisting somebody's arms (or legs) for real.

• He loves to drive his leg-powered car fast – until it crashes on the doors or the walls. Crashing is so fun for him. I'm really inclined to think that he's inlove with the walls because of the times you'd see him "kissing the walls" -albeit unceremoniously. I hope he gets over this fascination soon.

If he is fascinated with cars, he is fascinated with music too. He loves to sing and play his guitar or his piano. Here he is making music out of a box and stick -like a "trumpet."

• He always tells me I love you. Also, “I’m sorry” and “It’s okay Mama.” He really is a sweet child. Sometimes, he tells me “I love you” and “Go away” - all in one breath.

• Really, he is so so sweet that he thinks Mama loves it if he pinches her nose or cheeks, or kicks or walks on Mama while she sleeps.

• He doesn’t like to see me leave the house and is usually in tears everytime I leave for work-without him. Yes, ladies and gentleman, I have a mean bodyguard who cannot be at peace unless he “drives” me to work and drops me by the office door. When I hide and he sees me, he’d always say (verbatim), “I thought Mama working in the office.” Heart-wrenching, I know.

• Matt loves to play the flag game. He can identify more than 15 flags.
  
  
  
  

Mango Float

It's late but I wanted to participate to Pam's Random Recipe Exchange. Okay, I know, trust me, I'm not much of a good cook. I actually don't cook much I love to eat though but I love preparing salads and desserts because there's less heat involved :-) , so here's my favorite dessert - Mango Float. It simple and can be done in minutes. My husband actually loves it maybe because I put extra love in it.

2 tetra packs 250ml All Purpose Cream
250 ml condensed milk
2 packs Graham Crackers (large) - depends on how many layers you want
1 kg ripe mangoes

1. Slice ripe mangoes thinly.
2. Add condensed milk and all-purpose cream to the sliced mangoes.
3. Lay the bottom of a pan with Graham crackers.
4. Distribute mixture of cream and mangoes over the crackers.
5. Repeat 3 and 4 until you've reached your desired layers.
6. Chill until frozen. Serve

I'm A Big Fan!

All I Wanna Do. If It Makes You Happy. A Change Would Do You Good.

Do these phrases sound familiar to you?

Now try these. Sweet Child o' Mine. My Favorite Mistake. The First Cut Is The Deepest.

All these ring a bell, right? Pray tell me what comes to your mind.

Got it. The name is Sheryl Crow. Singer. Songwriter. composer. Guitarist. Pianist. Grammy winner. Cancer survivor. Single mom.

I so love her. She is one of my favorite singers – then and now. I still remember how my friends and I sang her All I Wanna Do song back when we were in college. I remember the wanting – my wanting to learn to play the guitar while watching my guitarist friend “tickle” the guitar and playing her songs. Oh how I longed to play the guitar. (Pathetic, I know. But do you know that I’m the only who can’t play the guitar among my brothers and sisters? Such a loser in that area. I’m not bitter with that fact though.)

Ah. Nostalgia. Sweet nostalgia. Writing about it makes me feel real good - it brings back wonderful memories.

I still listen to Sheryl from my iPod. And croon her If It Makes You Happy often (yup, bathroom concerts). I know I’d still listen to her ten years from now.

And the good news is she’s back with the album Detours. Yes, after her album Wildflower which was released in the last quarter of 2005 and her fight against cancer, she’s back with an album! Oh yeah! I have not bought a copy yet but I heard it’s doing good in the Billboard Chart. It‘s now down to the 80s (89 actually) but it reached position 2 as its peak.

Interested? Best-est news is, you can check her perform tracks from her Detours album here. There’s even an interview courtesy of Soundcheck (thanks guys!) I saw it. I love it. And I’ll watch it again tonight.

Tatlo Ang Sulok Ko

Ito po ay ang pinakaunang entry ko para sa Litratong Pinoy. Sa linggong ito ang tema ay tatsulok.

Ang litratong ito ay kuha ko sa Ysalina Bridge, Cagayan de Oro City (malapit sa CDO Cathedral) nung isang taon.

Tatsulok na buntings na sinasabit pagpiyesta. Tatsulok na steel support ng bridge. Tatsulok na shadows :-)

Translation: This is my first photo entry for the Litratong Pinoy. This week's theme is Triangle. This is a shot taken last year of the Ysalina Bridge, Cagayan de Oro City (near the city's Cathedral).

These are triangular buntings, steel support... and added as an afterthought, shadows. :-)

Clothes, clothes...

Few days ago, I saw the need to purchase a new cabinet to house our clothes. And we did purchase one. Matt is growing up and so are his clothes –the size of his clothes at least. Considering the increase of size, his baby clothes took up most of the space of our old cabinet especially the unused ones that he received as presents on his birthday and Christmas.

And yes, I really don’t buy him much clothing because there are always family member who shower him with clothes as if there’s no tomorrow. And then he also receives a lot of hand-me- downs (that don’t look hand-me-down at all) from his cousins. So I rarely buy –except when really needed or really tempted.

Now speaking of temptation, look at these cute baby clothes at Sand Couture. Lovely right? The store is on sale and you can save up to 90%. Also, they offer free shipping for purchases over $75.

Precarious Perch?

Here's my other entry. Also please visit 5minutesformom for more participants.

After The Leaves Fall

I know I should have reviewed this book earlier but...(okay I'm going to spare every one the excuses). My apologies, anyway.

I was deciding which course to take with this book review...but decided to do a different review.

Title : After The Leaves Fall

Author : Nicole Baart

Number of Pages : 358

Characters : Julia DeSmit, GrandMa DeSmit

Part of the story that I didn't like:

It was the last meeting of Parker, her boyfriend of sorts, and Julia. I got so carried away with the book that I was raging. I felt her pain and I was raging. I wanted to just cry with her. It was all so unfair.

I just hated Parker for these lines: "Nobody has to know...." "Don't let it ruin our lives." All referring to the pregnancy, to that innocent bun in the oven.

Considering abortion as an option doesn't sound "mature" to me. Talk about sheer irresponsibility!

Part of the story that I love:

The part where Julia and her grandmother were exchanging Christmas gifts. The part when Julia unveiled her grandmother's gift. She was hesitant. Her grandmother, so understanding and loving, referred to the Bible as the "best road map."

It was a sweet and touching moment and I just love it.