While browsing, I saw some testosterone booster reviews which reminded me so much of Manny Pacquiao who is being suspected of using such by the camp of Mayweather Jr. While others are saying that the camp of Pacquiao had been doing “negotiations” before any testing done, I honestly think this is just their delaying tactics, that they just want Mayweather to have more time for training.

Well, that’s just me.,

Months before our family vacation to Macau, I have researched online on how to go from one place to another. Last night, upon arriving at the Macau airport, we queued for the AP-1 bus supposedly bringing us to the ferry terminal. But we didn’t want to wait (after waiting for only 5 minutes. We were tired and sleepy) so at the last minute we decided to just take a cab.

For those who wants to know how much does it cost to take a cab from Macau airport to Hotel Presidente (across Star World and beside Lisboa — which is across Wynn Hotel), we paid 65 MOP plus 5 MOP for each luggage. Also, HKD can be used instead of MOP.

We booked our hotel online. We chose this hotel as this is the cheapest that we can find in the area. I didn’t expect much for its price. So I actually thought the cab driver was mistaken. Boy was I pleasantly surprised to see a nice hotel. When I got into our room, I was even more pleased to see a spacious room. I even saw they have new humidifier filters in the room.

This is the lobby.

And this is the view from our room.

Note: I seem to be having problems uploading the pics.

We had been packing for the last two nights. More importantly, I had packed the camera and my deep wrinkle cream. Before hubby stepped in, I had 4 bags for us. He said that’s too much so I let him overhaul the luggage. We decided we won’t be bringing the tripod (good luck to us!) and BG’s stroller. We ended up with, well, 4 bags!

When we got to the airport, I saw people bound international, carrying one luggage. It amazed me how they could pack their stuff in one medium sized luggage. Take note that one of our luggage is big. I whispered to the husband that we should learn their trick. Take note too that our shirts are rolled (as opposed to folded) and we bring sachet instead of bottles. So what else?

I was browsing this site www.bestmultivitamin.org for I felt I need to change my food, my vitamins and even my physical activity and routines if I really want to lose weight but still stay healthy. It seems that my no-rice diet is a major failure. I’m thinking I should stop drinking softdrinks as well. Actually I am more of a coffee drinker than colas. Coffee, I could not give up yet as my migraine will be triggered once I miss my morning cup of coffee. So, goodbye cola.

While throwing in the best under eye cream to our luggage for our family trip, it accidentally hit my kits lens. I realized I had been bringing too much of a camera for a vacation. I bring a DSLR with its kit lens and 50mm, and a digicam for wider range. Well, for one, a vacation is supposed to be relaxing. And carrying too much stuff is no relaxing at all.

No wonder most photographers, who are on a vacation, and just want to have fun with family (or friends), just bring their 18-200mm lens. Makes perfect sense.

While one application is being deployed to the operations team, an officemate showed me a video of her friend who bungee jumped at the Macau Tower. I was happy to see a sample video as the husband is planning to jump on Thursday. Yes he will jump, and I’m hoping that he won’t be complaining of any joint pain after the jump.

At least, I now know that my planned video-taking from below is perfect as the video (included in the package) will be taken from above (from one’s right). That way, both perspective will be covered. I just hope I get it right as the husband is only doing it once.

I can’t believe we’re now just 4 days away from our family trip to Macau. It’s just too soon! We haven’t prepared as much as we should, considering the time left. All I know is that the husband want to bungee jump, I want to ride the gondola (although I’m not sure yet if BG will be up to it) and take lots of pictures. We even haven’t decided yet if we really want to cross over to Hong Kong to go to Ocean Park.

Ok, maybe we’re not as unprepared as I think we are. We have booked for our hotel rooms months ago, for one. It’s not a five star hotel, not even sure if there are faux wood blinds that I am fond of. But it is near the Fisherman’s Wharf. I am hoping to take photos of the place in the morning AND in the evening. The hotel is also near the ferry, which is a good thing as most free shuttles’ terminal is near the ferry.

Hmmm, the only problem is I’m not sure how near is “near” that they were saying in the forums.

It will be February next week. What month is more romantic to tie the knot than the month of hearts itself. No wonder churches and hotels are fully booked for February weekend weddings not only this year, but for the next 3 years. Those who were able to save and plan ahead (like 2 years in advance), have the advantage of choosing their church and reception venue. They have the option of holding the ceremony in a church, a garden or on a beach.

More and more couples prefer destination weddings bringing together close friends and relatives to witness the union of two people in love. And what could be more romantic than the white sand beaches of Riviera Maya? Check their packages now and find that perfect wedding and honeymoon that you truly deserve.

I use to wonder why jewelry magazine always showcase their pieces of loose diamonds on a black felt-like materials. When I started learning about photography, I realized jewelry is one of the most difficult to photograph.

They say it’s like taking pictures of mirrors. You avoid the light (from the flash) to be reflected and at the same time, avoid a reflection of yourself to be photographed. Thus, jewelry photographers make use of a light box.

Above all, and like any other photography, a good knowledge of lighting is a good start. I found a very good page on this to get one started.

The old practice is to position the camera on eye level for close-ups (shoulder shots). While for whole body shots, on waist level.

I’m no expert but I’m about to share what have been the practice of more “adventurous” type of photographers.

For people who wants to look slim on their photos, the camera man should position himself from above making the subject look up to him. You could place it on high tv stands or use a ladder. This has been the favorite shots of teenagers using their mobile phones.

For celebrities (e.g. politicians), you would always want to position the camera a little below the subject’s eyeline. Some even dare to position the camera below the subject’s waistline. This is to make the one viewing the photo “look up” to the one on the photo.

Moreover, you can experiment different places of your camera to achieve creative shots. Happy shooting!

Someone asked me why I stopped taking pictures. I did not stop. I am just taking a break. I started to feel that I need either a wide lens or a really good digital camera (there are good ones in the market for wide range). Plus, money for travel so I could explore more. That’s my setback. I chose not to give priority to this hobby in our budget. Well, like I said, it is my choice.

I’m being fair to my husband who I know would love to purchase his home entertainment system. For sure, he’s been picturing one LCD plasma on a flat panel mount. He even shared that he’d be motivated to run the treadmill in front of it.

Well, I think there’s time for everything. We’ll just have to wait.

Yesterday, I heard that one of our much loved benefit (my favorite actually) is going to be scrapped. Like any other setbacks I have encountered, I thought of the best possible action that the husband and I could take. For now, we just have to wait.

I’m pretty sure it would affect our family budget a little. It’s possible that it could in a good way. Still, I’m happy with the other benefits that the company is giving such as medical coverage. I’m not sure if we are covered by any life insurance policy from the company.

I suddenly feel that the benefits are being scrapped one by one. I hope they give us some back or give new ones once the business picks up again.

I have successfully resized and uploaded MOST photos taken from Christmas eve, Christmas party, family reunion and other more events. During the Christmas shutdown, I hardly went online. I was too much in my vacation mode to even just download the photos from the camera. I even forgot to buy Dolan lighting that I was supposed to last Christmas.

Anyway, back to reality. I’ve started training on my new role. I’ve also “helped” some friends and uploaded their resumes to the company sharepoint. It’s my simple way of helping them find work. So far, 2010 has been good to me. I know it’s just been like two weeks. I’m quite optimistic. Hope I continue to be so.

I have successfully avoided rice for more than 2 weeks now. I honestly do not see any weight loss, but I’m quite happy that even consuming so much pasta and cake, among others, I do not feel as bloated as I know I should be.

Still, getting into a regimen, putting a fitness equipment to good use, wouldn’t hurt. At this age, I know I need to get into shape. The husband knows too, as he now regularly goes to gym near our place. If only I have the same motivation as he has.

For now, I’ll just stick to this no-rice diet. One step at a time, perhaps.