There was a joke that says if you already look like your passport picture you really need a vacation. I think I really need one as in now na! But my passport will expire by Dec 2010 and I can’t (theoretically) use it 6 months prior to its expiry. So off I go to the Philippine Consulate Office here in Dubai.

I took a day’s leave last Aug 24 but I was just asked to list my name for appointment. Then I returned today Aug 30 again for the actual passport renewal. After 3 hours and 3 long queues I just have to wait for my new passport to be couriered after 30 or more days. I choose it to be couriered because I don’t want to waste another day (to be deducted to my VL) although they have to cancel my passport now and I cannot use it if ever there’s an emergency (I hope there isn’t any).

And for my long deserved vacation, I’m scheduling it come December. Less than 3 more months! I think I can handle the wait.

Custom shoes have become a staple in the world of fashion and the media due to the introduction of the ever-popular Sketchers’ Shape-Ups. Along with this, there is a growing need of people who want personal, custom-made foot ware that treats specific foot ailments and/or gives maximum comfort. Consumers also want stylish shoes that are unique, fun, and eye-catching.

Several major retailers now offer custom shoes that are sure to match your personal needs, and have select styles that are made with special materials, diverse colors, and feature all over funky designs. Converse, Nike, and Vans all offer customized shoes, as do Timberland and Toms shoes.

You also have the option of designing your own shoes, which would be a great group activity or serve as a personal creative outlet. The term ‘fantasy foot ware’ has even been coined to describe this. Consult local shoemakers who may offer tutorials for the serious shoe designer, or you can simply unleash your artistic abilities on a pair of sneakers, flip flops, or boots.

If you desire someone else to make your shoes you can get high-quality, hand made foot ware at retailers like Healthy Handmade Shoes and Thoseshoes, which offer everything from beautifully made hiking boots to airbrushed sandals. If hand made shoes are out of your price range, yet you still have a fervor to a own one-of-a-kind pair, you can check out websites like Shoes USA that carry a selection of exclusive shoes you will not anywhere else. And, if your pair of Converse needs a personal makeover, give the website PunkYourChunks a click, where they will custom paint your Converse pair with whatever suits your shoe fancy.

So, don’t let your shoes bring you down or give you discomfort. Personalize your look with everything from customized kicks to homemade and handmade treasures that will give your feet luxurious appeal, and having you feeling like you’re walking on air.

This is the title of a cute manga but I am not going to write about it here.

This is about my new baby – Momo the iPad!

I didn’t go gaga over Mac Book or iPhone when it was released (though i have an iPod which was a gift). So similarly I was not interested in iPad’s launch. But it all changed when I saw one of my friend’s iPad last Friday and the next day I bought myself one!

I have to give up some things just to buy this one I must say. I was planning to buy a new laptop and cellphone so I have to put it up till first quarter of next year. Besides my current ones are still functioning so what the heck.

Now Momo is with my friend undergoing some techie stuffs like jailbreaking, downloading and others. She’ll be home in a few days.

Can’t wait!

—

Momo means Peaches in Japanese, I was thinking of Sakura (Cherry Blossoms) or Ichigo (Strawberry) but Momo sounds way cuter.

As usual this is a late post, seen this movie with friends two or three weeks ago but still I want to share it with you guys.

I made sure we watch this  since I am a fan of the cartoon Avatar: The Last Airbender back in Nickelodeon days.

The world is divided into four great nations: Air, Water, Earth and Fire. From these nations come gifted persons able to bend or manipulate their particular element. Only one person per lifetime can master the four elements and he is called the Avatar – the one that must unite all the nations.

Aang was the chosen avatar, from the Air Nation but he went missing for 100 years, during those years the Fire Nation took charge and wanted to rule the world so they suppressed the other nations and particularly eliminated the Air Nation. So the story starts upon the retrieval of Aang and his journey to master the four elements and defeat the Fire Nation.

I really enjoy the cartoons/ animated series but the movie? Nope.

Though it follows the story as it is, the execution I guess is not quite to my expectations.

It’s one of those 3D movies where I wonder why does it needed to be such. Aside from a more expensive movie ticket (I paid for those tickets!) it doesn’t seem to do the tricks. Most of the time, it is dark - calling lighting technician/ director! I cannot see the scenes and if I remove the 3D glasses it’s just some blurry things. In the end I just had a huge headache.

Let’s see the next 2 parts. Hopefully it would be better.

This might be a little late, but still I want to greet our Muslims brothers and sisters, Ramadan Kareem! This is their Holy Month so for these 30 days they do fasting from dawn until sunset.

That is tough.

Though it is not mandatory for non-Muslims to fast, but we are guided not to do it in public as not to offend them. I guess that’s a fair share.

So for a non-Muslim working in a Muslim country Ramadan means shorter working hours, say 2 to 4 hours a day. Yipee!

And more SALE! Another Yipee!