For a few years now, I've been wearing my hair stick straight and long. And it's really boring me. So, now I want it permed. But since it's rebonded, the only perming method possible is digital perming. I want loose curls (maybe more like waves) from roots to tips. My hair is kinda thin and flat, and it gets really ugly at the roots. Think Cachupoy. I hope it's possible to have my hair permed from the roots. I want it to look like this:Photo credits: funadvice.com

I've asked a few salons and the price of having a digital perm ranges from Php 3k to Php5k. I'll have to think about it first. The amount I'm going to spend, if and when I decide to go for it, could actually take me to Dumaguete already. Hmm. Think, think, think.

We're moving!

For the third time since 2003, we are again moving to another apartment. The reason: the current unit we're occupying is kind of crumbling. Actually, literally, it is. I was once awaken by a thud which came from a part of the ceiling that fell off. The ceiling, by the way is made of cement. This is how the ceiling looks minus the fallen piece:

That's in the bedroom. But the living room's ceiling also looks like that. Plus, there are cracks on all the walls. Yes, on ALL of them. Plus plus, the paint inside the house is peeling off. Plus plus plus, the wooden ceiling of the bathroom seems to be hanging by a thread.

The paint peeling off

The bathroom ceiling

After 3 weekends of scouting for the perfect home, I've finally settled for the 2-bedroom, 2-storey apartment that will cost me quite a fortune. Well, fortune is relative. But yes, the new home will be more expensive. Really, really expensive. The rent is almost double, the location is farther from commercial areas, and the water is supplied by the landlord at about five times the rate of Manila Water. But then again, the family's safety shouldn't be compromised, right?

Now, I have to think of and implement ways on how to cut on other costs. I'll probably get a cheaper internet service. No one will use the toilet flush. We grew up on tabo after all. I will probably buy the cheapest milk for myself. That is, if I won't give it up altogether. I'll probably give up on my specialty diet and go back to eating rice and ulam. No more malling on weekends, no more "I love this" purchases. Everytime I want to buy something, I'll ask myself first, "do I really NEED this?" (thank God I saw the movie "The Confessions of a Shopaholic"). Graduate studies will also have to take the backseat for now. I think I also have to go back to working on oDesk.

Oh, the things we sacrifice for family...

Goals for 2009

No more New Year's resolutions for me. After all, they are made to be broken, like all promises are. Instead, I will list down my goals for this year:

1. Save, save, save. I have to beef up the savings by at least P 50,000. Of course I want to save more than that, but I don't want to end up not achieving my target. I have A LOT of other obligations so I have to be realistic.
2. Go back to school. Either for an MBA or for a second degree. But I am more inclined to the MBA. Open university or the real one. I am more into the real one. De La Salle or Ateneo. Maybe De La Salle. I need to figure this out soon. I'll start inquiring as soon as our newsletter is out. I am really serious about getting higher education.
   
3. Get rid of a credit card. I currently have two, so I'll have to give up one. That should be the Metrobank one.
4. Cut back on expenses. Actually, I don't know how else to do this. I believe I am already sobrang tipid to say the least. But there should be a way. Maybe stop going to the dentist for the adjustment of my braces? Or maybe just delay some visits? I should also quit buying on impulse. I just realized I tend to go on a buying spree when I'm depressed so I should also try not to get depressed. So help me God.
5. Invest on clothes. I usually buy from bazaars, and end up spending more because they don't last more than 2 months. I actually started with this goal yesterday. Bought a top each from Zara and Mango. Both stores are on sale anyway hehe. I just hope they last longer.
   
6. Set aside an emergency fund. I don't know how to do this yet, but it has to be one of my goals for this year. By hook or by crook, I have to set something aside, just in case.
   
7. Eat healthy and exercise. I was originally planning on enroling in a gym. But then, thinking about my first two goals, I think I'll have to do this on my own. I won't have a problem with my diet bacause I already found one that works for me.
   
8. Travel. Hopefully to another country, but a local destination wouldn't hurt.
   
9. Prettify. If I wouldn't love myself first, who would? ;-) Got myself a tube of Retin-A two days ago. I read that tretinoin (when used properly) is a very good anti-ageing product. Also got an SPF 30 sunblock.
   

I really hope I can achieve these goals. They might seem very simple to others, but not to me. Wishing myself some luck!