Notice my “Christmas” header? That’s how long I’ve been gone I think. I miss ‘da blog’ and I’m starting to feel like a guest around here … IN MY OWN BLOG (LOL) but the hubby has been so nice enough to pitch in for me while I finished all the deadlines that were swamping me. I just finished two projects last night, one of them I’m so excited about. Actually, both and more. Woohoo! (Warning: long post -> because I missed blogging so much )

First off, The TDS 2008 Catalog!!! The Daily Scrapper is the brainchild of designer Alice Koh and it’s the first online scrapbooking newspaper ever. I love working with this publication because I’ve always wanted to be a journalist/writer at heart so this satisfies that inner ‘artsy craving’ in me. So one of the TDS projects this year is the first year-end ‘The Daily Scrapper (TDS) 2008 Catalog Ezine’ to be released anytime now depending on which time zone you are in. I’m so happy to be part of the making of this catalog. It’s really a unique way to showcase some of the wonderful talent of digiscrappers out there. AS IN! Special mention goes to all those wonderful ladies who worked hard behind the scenes on this project like Karen Maggie (our project coordinator), Joanne Hubbard (awesome layout artist!), Amysout, Melrio & Ruth Melody (all template geniuses), JJstar (one Hybrid Hot Mama) and of course awesome editor-in-chief Alice Koh (who works 25 hours and more each day). I hope I didn’t miss out on anyone.

And guess what? there are two ‘bebots’ featured there! (Of course, I’m so proud of them and because all these bebots have some really serious talent. Go bebots!)  I think I have to keep track of how many exclamation points I have in this post hahaha.  Congrats to Buge and Len Escobar for being featured in it. You girls rock!  Here’s a teaser of the catalog and what’s in store for you.

If you enjoy reading the TDS newspaper, you’ll love going through this one of a kind E-zine. And there’s more -> lots of freebies are included in it like kits contributed by designers Amy Sumrall, Irene Alexeeva, and Jenn Balding and templates by the TDS Layout Artist Team.

Soon to hit the stands! Check it out at the TDS Store.

So what else have I been doing? Well, I just completed a four-week basic photography course sponsored by Isuzu Philippines at the Alabang branch taught by photojournalist Antonni Cuesta. I am so happy with what I’ve learned through this course because now I have a little technique to back up the artsy side of my “shots”. Thanks, teacher Toni! I learned a lot. Maybe I’ll have time to be active in Litratong Pinoy again and use all this technical know how. Although the classes have ended, they have a contest ongoing for those who attended the course. All our entries will be on display bet Dec. 8 onwards in the following Isuzu showrooms – Alabang, Pasig and Cavite and will be subject to voting by the public. So in case you drop by one of these showrooms or you are window shopping for a new car this holiday season – Check out my entries and vote for me (pretty please? -> betty boop eyes)

What else did I do? I attended my first local make and take ‘paper’ scrapping event. Yes, Virginia … this girl still plays with paper, glue and scissors. I got to go to Merry Jane Lim’s store – Rekindled Moments near PCU Taft and went ‘paper scrapping’ shopping. I got to pick up a few inking techniques too from a demo done by Cookie Aguilar. Thanks Jane and Cookie! Now to find the time to do all that as well.

In the middle of all that, the hubby and I attended the Kumon Parent Conference held at the Intercontinental Hotel a few Saturdays ago. I was quite pleasantly surprised that the guys at the registration table were smiling not at me or the hubby but at our son. Guess what? It turns out that my son was their featured poster boy so he was kinda like a celebrity on his own with all these Kumon teachers so happy to see him in person. Even Kumon Philippines President Nakamura was quite amused.

Here are some pics:

Guest Speaker Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan

The Intercon Ballroom

Up close and personal

Really up close and personal ( FYI, he’s homeschooled)

Of course, not to mention, the annual Kumon National Advanced Students Honor Roll (ASHR) where for the first time in his whole Kumon awards life I didn’t get to attend because dd was sick and we both had to stay home, plus the ASHR Christmas Party at our Kumon Center in LBA where both my kids brought home their medals.

(shaking hands with Kumon Phils. President Nakamura at the SMX Convention Center)

with Teacher JB G. and Laurence L. at the LBA ASHR Christmas Party

this time dd got to attend and with medals to boot, yipee!

Is there more you say?  That’s what happens when you don’t get to blog hahaha. Well, the hubby and I have a couple of projects up our sleeves but they are still incubating so when it’s ready to hatch, you’ll find out about it right here.

Okay, that’s quite an update. I’ve said a whole mouthful. Check back once in a while, I think I have a freebie up in the air as a Christmas present for y’all. Now back to you, ‘ga!

Ciao for now!