Unseen Beauty

Run for the Impressions!

2008-10-01T00:21:00.002+08:00

Another Visual Talking message

It's Visual Talking again!

Here's what I have:

If you wanna give it a try, please join this conversation.

Your Eyes, Your Mind ... Primetime TV - Fall 2008

2008-09-22T11:41:00.001+08:00

Your Eyes, Your Mind ... Primetime TV - Fall 2008

Just another WP blog

2008-09-18T23:12:00.005+08:00

Just another WP blog

I have created another weblog in Wordpress and I've been updating it most often. I've been using this Blogger as my main blog account for few years now. But due to several features that are not included in this blogging tool, I made another blog using Wordpress. I can freely customize my site as well as optimize it. I've been trying to familiarize myself in CSS and web design. It's really fun!

I will still keep this account for my dNeero conversations. If you wish to check my main blog for updates, photos and other stuff, please visit Whispers and Stones

It's TV Time 2008!

2008-09-18T23:12:00.001+08:00

It's TV Time 2008!

Visual Talking

2008-08-28T13:34:00.010+08:00

Visual Talking

Ever heard of Visual Talking? This is really cool.

I spent a couple of hours this morning trying to figure out what Visual Talking is all about. After reading through the instructions, I tried to create my own visual message. This is not commonly used so I guess this is the reason why I'm excited to try.

Choosing images though in a public directory as well us grabbing photos from the web would take up much of your time... Of course, out of the millions of photos stored in Image hosting sites, a 7-sec gap when you click "More" is totally predictable.

Let me show you my first visual message:

Hmm.. do you think this can also be embedded in various Instant Messengers? or perhaps another way to send e-Cards? Wow, our world is indeed evolving... and so is our Technology.

Here's my sponsored conversation about Virtual Talking:

More scoops? Check this out, fellas!

2008-08-17T01:59:00.009+08:00

More scoops? Check this out, fellas!

There’s no better way in knowing me more than to start a sponsored conversation!

I’d like to hear from you too! Join this conversation!

Back in my Hometown again

2008-05-27T09:16:00.004+08:00

Back in my Hometown again

Good morning readers!

It's still 9:30 as of this writing and I'm practically spending my last few hours in Manila here in some Internet cafe. Quite obnoxious nga eh kasi beside me is someone who's chatting online with mic and cam... grabe, paingles ingles pa.... pramis! may accent pa ito... Nakakabwisit, he's watching porn pa!!! ...

Well...I just couldn't think of anything else more significant to use my 3 idle hours. Kahit, may bwisit dito sa tabi ko, I'd rather update my blog pa din before leaving today.

Well, I woke up early this morning to fix my stuff and prepare for my trip this afternoon. I also dropped by at my ex-office to complete my clearance so I can claim my last pay. Unfortunately, it took so long than I expected. IT team has to genearate all my outbound calls first before they will sign my clearance. I don't have much choice but to wait... and this time, I will get it after 3 months because of my trip. I have to be in Mindanao again for quite awhile for Momi's health. Dad called me last night to notify me and Jon that Mom's doctor had detected a mass in Momi's LIVER!!!! The doctor suggested Momi not to undergo Breast operation first but instead, undergo directly some Chemotheraphy sessions... He couldn't determine which of the two grew first: Breast mass or Liver mass. Can you believe this? Hay, it's really scary. I'll arrive there approximately 4:15pm and Dadi will fetch me up.

I don't wanna leave today... but I guess I don't have much choice. I'm basically free of duty so it's me that should be there to take care of Momi. I know Jonel will be fine here. My househelp is kind enough to take care of our house. At least, my husband wouldn't be stressed at all of the household chores.

By the way, I have created a new blog.

My Dadi's Homecoming

2007-11-05T16:22:00.000+08:00

My Dadi's Homecoming

This is an entry that I should have posted it on this blog long ago... but our Internet connection then was extremely slow. We only had dial-up connection and I had no patience in uploading all of the pics... heheheh

May 1, 2007 - My Dad arrived from Saudi Arabia after 14 months of working there. It was kinda sudden since his arrival date had been moved a few times. I wasn't even prepared in getting a nice hotel for them or planned my scheduled rest days. It was a blessing in disguise when all of a sudden, my superiors asked someone to man the shift over the weekend. I immediately volunteered just to get Tues and Wed as my restdays for that week. My dad even texted me that he'd be home after few hours so I badly needed to find a place for them

I just missed my parents so much! Every time they're here in Manila, Jonel and I wanted to ensure that everything is all set. We don't often see each other so every single hour with them is too precious.

Here are some of the photos:

I'm looking forward to see my parents again. Hopefully March of next year, my dad could spend a longer vacation here in Manila.

Crazy over Betty

2007-10-15T16:27:00.000+08:00

Crazy over Betty

It was way back 1999 when I first saw a few episodes of "Yo Soy Betty, la fea". I remember there was even a second season of this and was titled "Eco Moda". And yes, I liked it. But, I wasn't that hooked because of my busy schedules at school. I'd rather spend my idle time sleeping --- catching up those hours I badly needed for my rest. I couldn't even remember of its timeslot when it was initially aired in GMA7. Many people were crazy with this "telenovela", and other Spanish TV series back then.

Sometime early August of this year, I happened to watch "Yo Soy Betty, la fea" again. It was aired in Studio 23 and this time, I was really hooked and was crazy over Betty's love affair with Armando. :) I don't wanna sound exaggerating but I admit, I was really into this TV series. The fact that 2 episodes were shown during the weekdays, simply enticed me to know the entire story. The flow of events was fast enough that it made me wish for a whole new day to watch the next episode.

There were quite a few times that I cried over some heartwarming lines by Betty or even laughed on some funny punch lines by Mario Calderon. Quite a few times also when I felt the same rage over Marcela's nasty words. And yes, there were quite a few times as well when I fell in love with Armando!!!

This afternoon, I watched its last episode... After all of the difficulties they've gone through, I'm really glad they still ended up together!

New Place. New Home.

2007-10-15T11:16:00.000+08:00

New Place. New Home

Hi everyone!!! :) It's nice to be back... We just have newly reconnected phone line and DSL. Yey! I can start blogging once again... I know it's been quite sometime since my last post. I was very busy and so many things happened. I'll definitely try to remember the significant events happened to me in the past 6 months and will post them here :).

Well, to start off, we don't live in Paranaque anymore! We're now staying in a duplex at Vista Verde, Cainta.

We stayed 3 good years in Severina, Paranaque. Despite of the fact that Water was a challenge (and still is) in the area, we decided to stay there. My hubby's family and relatives are in BetterLiving so it's just few kms. away from our place. It was easy to visit them at any time. Some of my relatives are also in Taguig.

However, it came to the point that we were no longer happy staying there. I had no patience to any inconvenience there ... and most of all, we couldn't take the nasty stare of our nosy neighbors! hehehe. As years, passed, we felt that it wasn't "Home Sweet Home" anymore :( ... and that pushed us to find another place.

Looking for a new place or even packing all of our belongings was so difficult! Pile of boxes and other containers were almost unbearable. It was really exhausting... but, we had no other choice than to deal with it!

We transferred to Cainta last May 20th and yes, it was a big relief that we finally made it. It's a 3-bedroom duplex in a peaceful subdivision. We really hope we can stay here for 3-5 years more or 'til we can have our own house. =)

can you see me

2007-04-23T12:48:00.000+08:00

can you see me

beyond my own facade?

Well, I know much better now on why I am like this.

All these years, I've been searching for an explanation on why I turned cold and reluctant to make major decisions... why I refused to accept the idea of giving birth at this age... why I just couldn't believe whatever Realty brokers say... or why I couldn't be a submissive wife. I know much better now of who I truly am.

It's been 27 years of my existence that only now I've finally reached the end of my "searching myself" chapter. Thanks to my hubby who shares time for long, healthy conversations. I love you for being you, Babeh! He uttered the exact words that best describe my personality.

"You hate to feel being HELPLESS".

Yes! He's damn right! I hate to feel being helpless.

Any circumstance that could make me feel and think that I'm at the mercy of it.... is what I hate the most.

For instance, I hate blood tests... but I have to do it, despite the discomfort I would get. Or if I get pregnant, there's no other way but to give birth after 9 months. I have to go through all the physical pain during "labor" or surgery. I often comfort myself that it's what we call "natural process" that every woman has to go through... but I'm still scared! :(

But I guess, it's not tantamount to not taking risks. Am I being defensive? hehehehe Well, I took risks in the past and had been calculative in most cases. I just wanted to be sure of whatever I am doing. I know I am such a freak of doing, not just good, but the best for my family. But like everybody says, NOBODY'S PERFECT. Failure is always on the other side of the coin, it's something that no one can avoid.

Now that I know and it's acknowledged.... will I do something about it?

Well, only time can tell.

those were the days

2007-04-20T01:08:00.000+08:00

those were the days

I just finished uploading all of the photos of our house in Iligan City. I took these pictures with our digital camera when Jon and I were there last Christmas.

I just realized it now how much I miss the good old days when I was just under the roof of my parents. Now that I am living with my hubby, I have to put things into place on my own and to beat the challenge in making both ends meet. The pressure is on me... is on us.

Gone were the days when I just stayed up inside my room and listened to pleasant music... Gone were the days when I just spent 3 long hours chatting with a friend on the telephone... Gone were the days when I just ask money only to buy things that I basically could live without....

I miss it so much! I miss the fact that I used to live my days with no pressure and demands on my hands.

I miss my parents!

I miss my hometown...

When everything weighs heavy upon me, I have no choice but to face it. This is now the kind of life I have to deal with. I married young and yes, it was my choice. But how I wish I could turn back time and remain single for few years more. Blah, blah, blah.... I know, I'm getting dramatic again! It was just so sad, realizing it now that I indeed spent lesser time with my parents... lesser time at home... compared to any other young adults at my age.

During my college years, my parents were staying in Bataan. I just visited our house whenever I had the chance to. For me, it would never be called "home" without them around. So my visits would only be as good as twice a month. After college, my sis and I went rightaway to Bataan to live with my parents.

At the age of 22, I got married to a great man. I made up my mind then that I will be staying here in Luzon permanently. I just realized on how far I've gone through to stand beside the man I love. It's true! It's sad when circumstances oblige you to decide which side you need to choose from. In this matter, I chose to start my own life.... and gave up the great comfort I had with my loving parents. This is the path, I know, everyone will take.... "To leave and cleave".

Jon and I made it happen. We made a decision to build our own family and settle problems together. When I came back and visited my hometown last time, I couldn't help myself being emotional when I found out that some of my things, even the lousiest crap I had during my younger years, were thrown away. I am saddened by the fact that I don't live there anymore and my things are just kept in a closet... that my room isn't the same anymore... that my bed has been used by other people somehow... that my creative collections are all gone now. I got teary-eyed with these facts that yes, I don't simply live there anymore...

and that... I miss it very much!

becoming homeless?

2007-04-12T15:56:00.000+08:00

becoming homeless?

So many changes happened in just a few weeks. Whew! I barely find time to update my blog :).

Anyhow, I am pleased to announce that I already completed my Wordpress blog, Sharing Our Thoughts. One of the thorns on my hands has just been pulled out. I know, it's something I need to update timely. Although, people who are working in a Call Center are also welcome to share their own stories. :)

I am still searching for a new place to stay. God, help us! Jon and I are really having a hard time looking for an apartment to stay for more than a year. A week ago, we almost had our good choice but something went wrong. We went to Antipolo and fell in love to a very beautiful house. It was just P10,000 and the place was indeed worth more than that. We thought it was the best deal, despite of the distance from our workplaces. But my heart was broken when I heard the terms. Are we just being thrifty to pay 25% annual increase or is it really outrageous?! Damn, it is too much!!! *sigh*

And so I ended up buying newspapers again to check for updated House/Apartment for Rent Ads. Our remaining days in the current apartment we're staying now are just numbered and we still don't have a place to transfer to. I am so desperate! :(

loving Dreamgirls

2007-03-11T20:07:00.000+08:00

loving Dreamgirls

It was just few weeks ago when I finally watched Dreamgirls at home. I was amazed with the powerful voice of the casts, most especially of Jennifer Hudson. When I first saw the teaser in a movie theater, I thought I wouldn't appreciate it much... yeah, just another musical movie, I thought.

But I was dead wrong for I love this movie so so much. The songs were well-written and performed. If you attentively listen to the lyrics of each song, the message could really hit you straight to the heart. What an amazing, jaw-dropping film!

What I certainly love in this movie was Jennifer Hudson's (Effie White) powerful and devastatingly emotional performance which totally left me speechless. I admit, I had tears in my eyes in this scene when she was continuously begging her man to stay. With her version of "And I Am Telling You, I'm Not Going", I could feel how agonizing it would be of losing everything I love, all at the same time. Even up to now, I still cry whenever that song is played. I'm officially a cry baby! :P

Her breath-taking role in Dreamgirls gained few awards this year:

Best Supporting Actress, Golden Globe Awards 2007
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role, SAG Awards 2007
Best Supporting Actress, Oscar Awards 2007

I knew she would really score to the top, winning the award for Best Supporting Actress. She definitely deserved it!

adventure to Flower Market

2007-03-08T10:40:00.000+08:00

adventure to Flower Market

It's been quite a long time since Jon and I wished to take a slight tour to Manila's Flower market and see how it looks like.

It was just this passed Saturday that we finally paid a visit. Coming from the area where I work going to Dangwa, basically took 30-45 minutes travel time. Going there was some sort of adventure for us since it was really our first time to go in that place. Despite of the fact that Jon was naturally born here in Metro Manila, he obviously had never gone to other areas of Manila.

Well, our mini joyride seemed like part of a known reality tv show, Amazing Race... keeping our eyes focused to the landmarks mentioned by my colleague, when I was given the complete directions on how to get there... (hehehe thanks, Russel).

Fortunately, the driver of the Quiapo jeepney we rode was kind enough to directly drop us off at the terminal of Tayuman jeepneys.... hehehe even if he made two other passengers to transfer on other jeepneys with the same Quiapo route to merely drop us off at the exact spot where Tayuman terminal was. :-)

When we finally arrived at Flower Market, I was totally amazed with so many kinds of flowers and most of all, you could buy these assorted flowers at a very affordable price.

The prices for the flower bouquets are just ranging from P150 - P300.

If Flower Arrangement is one of your hobbies, this is the right place for you. From baskets and ribbons to floral foams and pot designs to numerous kinds of flowers and fillers, you can find them all there!

Things to think about

2007-02-25T14:49:00.000+08:00

Things to think about

Yes... Thank God it IS Saturday today! Finally, it's my restday so I can have plenty of time to relax.

This week was a bit loaded for me because of some things I must give much attention to such as:

1.) Finding a new apartment.

Soon, we will move out and we'll have a new place to stay where it'll be most likely near from our workplaces. I know, we will go through again the inconveniences in moving out but we don't have much choice. There are so many reasons why we need to relocate and I also think, it's time to find a new crib.

2.) Working on a site.

I finally got my subdomain and account on WordPress. Honestly, it's way beyond Blogger and much much difficult in starting a whole new website. Even if there are many FREE WordPress themes available online, customizing it to suit my own theme is still taxing. It could have been much easier if I tried this right after I finished college... hehehe I remember those busy nights I had, simply to meet the requirements of my Website projects.

Regardless of the fact that it's a challenging way to create a website, it still keeps me from aiming to complete it. Well, I hope that it will be launched soon.

3.) Understanding immediate changes.

It has been our ongoing process at work in keeping abreast of the updates given all the time by the CLIENT (For confidentiality purposes, I refuse to indicate its name :-P ). From an Activation/Rights to Service to a Customer Service and Activation/Rights to Service specialist soon would absolutely be a major adjustment to most of the agents. Nevertheless, this change could also mean that we must have done something right which made the CLIENT entrusts their 40% volume of calls for Customer Service to us. ;)

Well, we could just think of the brighter side of it to lessen the burden.

stepping an inch farther

2007-02-19T14:51:00.000+08:00

stepping an inch farther

I just find myself so engrossed in making a framework and enhancing photos that would be needed for my new website. It will not really be MY own blog alone. I am thinking of creating an interactive blog that would be able to gather certain authors who could contribute stories and could post it themselves too. I don't know if that's feasible in Wordpress but the thought of it really fascinates me the most. I'm quite excited and I know I have several things left to learn and understand in web designing. My hubby approves that it's going to be something substantial and worth-reading. There's no fixed date yet of when I can luanch it but it would be very soon...

Maintaining another blog certainly is going to be a bit tough. Primarily because it won't be hosted in Blogger. It would be in a different platform, Wordpress. I wanna try it also. I got inspired by my friend (Honney) who encouraged me to take a shot and start from the scratch in developing a whole new website. Geez, I need to brush up my sleeping knack in MYSQL, PHP, and FTP transfers. :) I surely need a great help from my hubby.

Regardless of the coming changes, I'd still keep my Blogger account. It's just like stepping an inch farther... but absolutely not goodbye... ;-)

p.s.

I know, it's long overdue to mention this but I'd like to extend my thanks to Paul for teaching me how to create animations in Flash. :)

Happy Birthday, Babeh

2007-02-10T15:53:00.000+08:00

Happy Birthday, Babeh!!!

February 12, 2007

Jon handed me over his "Bravo" award that was given to him during their annual kick-off last February 06, 2007 at Robinsons Galleria.

Jon's birthday was February 09. There was no other better gift he could receive on his day than the recognition he got from the company he has been working for.
Out of the many employees of IBM Solutions Delivery, Jon was one of the people who gained special appreciation for exceptional performance in 2006. I've always known how good he is in his technical field. To receive a "Bravo" award and Sodexho Premium pass worth of P10,000 have proven enough and certainly have paid off all his efforts. I'm grateful to have a hardworking, dedicated, and yes... a simple-loving husband. :-)

With such great news, he definitely deserves a vacation. I am so proud of you, Babeh!

It was my initial plan to go to Baguio City with him last Thursday. Perfect time to go there to celebrate his birthday and enjoy the cold weather. Because of his overloaded schedule, he refused to take a mini-vacation. No matter how much I allured him with the activities we could have in Baguio, like Strawberry picking, he still turned me down. =( Well, I just hope he could find time next month for our short vacation.

I had no other choice but to cook something for his birthday. I only prepared Beef Kebabs, Grilled Tuna and bought his favorite Chocolate Marjolaine cake. Jon isn't really into birthday parties so he just wanted a delightful dinner.

On Hearts Day

2007-01-15T18:03:00.000+08:00

On Hearts Day

Massage... anyone?

It's just my other way of allaying stress, you know. :)

I was not a fanatic lover of massage until, I finally tried Foot massage at Piandre' when I had my Foot Spa. Though the price was a bit steep, the service was absolutely relaxing that I almost fell asleep on their cushy couch.

Pampering myself by getting such massage could always give me so much comfort and could put away my worries at bay. With all the stressful actions I make everyday, I think I deserve some relaxing foot or back massage at the end of the day. Hmmm... it doesn't have to be from the salon, I guess... A home massage from my hubby would also be as soothing as a massage from a pro ;) .

Well, aside from flower bouquets and chocolates, having a full "Body Scrub and Body Massage" is going to be a romantic and relaxing treat to all couples out there on Valentine's Day. A special treat for a special day. A time to pause and be with each other alone, a moment to cherish the only reason why out of the millions you chose him.

Hehehe I rarely write cheesy stuff like this. I don't know. I think, I'm just happy... and I know, I will always be! :)

Good Times

2007-01-08T07:57:00.000+08:00

Good Times

The greatest dream that I hoped for last year had become real.

I am indeed thankful for spending my Christmas season in Iligan City. It was certainly memorable!!! Until now, I'm still thinking about my Mom, my sis and her family, my friends in college. I'm still longing to have a job near them, one day soon. I'm extremely happy to have a chance to be with them even in just a few days.

I've always wanted to meet Bea and Lia (my sis' little twins) especially this time, they can show off their talents. I really love watching kids sing. Even if I barely understand the way they utter the lyrics of the song, it can still make me smile. It feels good knowing that kids can appreciate the warmth of music... learning that kids know how to entertain us, adults. It's just so refreshing... making me remember my sis' childhood days and mine.

we had a sumptuous meal for only P199 at Port Seafood. I love crabs and oysters!!!

We also visited a few known spots of Cebu City such as:

Taoist Temple

Marco Polo Hotel

It was formerly known as Cebu Plaza Hotel.

Basilica del Santo Nino Church

Magellan's Cross

And after a long day, Momi, Ate, Jon and I agreed to unwind to one of our favorite places, K1 KTV Family bar . We had so much fun there for almost 3 hours =).

Two days of stay in Cebu was indeed a short short time. But, we all enjoyed every single minute of the day! With all the shared pleasantries, I was glad to spend time and bond with my sis' family, most especially her lovely angels. The last time I saw them was when they were just few months old. I was amused to see how amazing and cuddly they are now. Hayyy it could really make me want to have my own kids too.

When we were finally in Iligan City, we also visited most of the places my family used to go to.

Patio Alejandra

Our old-time favorite restaurant in Iligan City.

Timoga Spring pools

Anyone wants Durian? =) This is my Mom's most favorite fruit.

Its cool flowing water helped me feel rejuvenated even under the heat of the sun. When you're in the pool, you would really forget that it's still El Nino. =)

Just before Christmas, Jon and I also visited Cagayan de Oro to meet some of my college friends. And yes, it was so good to see them again. It was nice to hear their share of stories. It was comforting as well to finally see my inaanak, Deo. He's turning 6 this April. It sounded odd but it was the first time I got the chance to meet him.

We had dinner at Night Cafe... the tables and chairs were placed on streets. It was something new and I loved it! =)

I always wish I could turn back time and just be with my "old" comfort zone.

looking back in a nutshell

2007-01-03T15:53:00.000+08:00

Looking back in a nutshell

It was the first time that Nanay (Jon's Mom) visited Mindanao and Jonel never experienced to ride a boat also so I decided to make a detailed list of the places we visited to as well as those events that made our Christmas vacation a memorable one.

Here is the list of our actual schedules when we had our vacation.

December 15

3am - went to Superferry 18 South Harbor.
7am - delayed departure time for Manila - Cebu trip

December 16

4am - arrived in Pier 6, Cebu City
5.30 am - checked in at Fuente Pension House
12.30 pm - had a big lunch at Port Seafood Restaurant, Waterfront - Lahug
3.00 pm - visited Taoist Temple
3.35 pm - visited Marco Polo Hotel
4.00 pm - went to Basilica del Sto. Nino Church and Magellan's Cross
4.30 pm - went back to Fuente Pension then dropped off the kids at Ate's place.
5.15 pm - strolled around Cebu Ayala Center
6.30 pm - sang our hearts out at K1 Family KTV Bar
9.30 pm - went back to Fuente Pension

December 17

10 am - went to SM Cebu, We needed to book another set of boat tickets for Cebu -
Cagayan de Oro trip.
1.30 pm - had lunch with Ate and Michael at Zao Resto Grill.
3.00 pm - went back to Fuente Pension and took a little nap with the kids.
6.00 pm - went to Pier 4, TransAsia vessel... (I hate this boat but we didn't have any choice. It was the only boat with Daily schedule trip to CDO).
9.00 pm - delayed departure time to CDO.

December 18

10 am - arrived finally in Cagayan de Oro ... (TransAsia vessel- filthy, over-priced tickets, slow.... WORST boat ever sailed!!!! It took 13 long hours to reach CDO's port when it should only be 8 hours.)
10.30 am - on our way to Iligan City.
12.30 pm - Home Sweet Home. After a very tiring travel, we finally got to feel the real comfort.

December 19

5.00 pm - visited my relatives' place at Baraas.
6.30 pm - visited St. Michael's Cathedral. (St. Michael is our City's Patron saint and every 29th of September, we celebrate our City Fiesta. This is why I am named after him because my birthday falls on the 25th of September. =))
7.00 pm - had dinner at Patio Alejandra.
8.30 pm - got back home.

December 20

11.00 am - bought gifts for Mommy, Nanay, and Riza (my childhood friend and Mommy's
inaanak).
12.30 pm - fetched up Mommy and Nanay at the beauty salon.
1.00 pm - had our Christmas grocery.
3.30 pm - got back home.
7.00 pm - attended Riza's Birthday party.
9.30 pm - got back home.

December 21

10.00 am - went to downtown to process the reservation of a Videoke Machine for the 24th =).
11.00 pm - strolled around the city with Jonel.
1.30 pm - got back home.

December 22

10.30 am - headed to CDO to meet my college best friend, Tetel.
12.20 pm - arrived CDO and went straightahead to Gaisano Mall.
12.45 pm - met Tetel and her son, Deo.
1.00 pm - had lunch at Jollibee with Tets and Deo.
1.45 pm - Tets and I had a soothing foot spa and foot relax at Body and Sole
2.45 pm - Donna met us at Body and Sole.
5.30 pm - Joena met us at Robinson.
6.45 pm - Jon and I checked in at Hotel Ramon.
7.10 pm - My friends and I enjoyed the Night Cafe at Divisoria and we had dinner in the middle of the street. =) How I wish the Night Cafe started when I was just studying there.
10.00 pm - Red joined us. I was so pleased to see them all.
10.30 pm - we had a cup of coffee at a certain cafe I happened to forget the exact name... =)
11.45 pm - got back to the hotel.

December 23

9.00 am - visited Xavier University, where I graduated, and took some pictures.
9.30 am - had breakfast at Jollibee.
10.15 am - headed back to Iligan City.
12.25 pm - bought many flowers at our market.
1.30 pm - started my ever first Flower Arrangement. =)
2.30 pm - completed my 4 sets of Flower bouquet.

December 24

10.30 am - started cooking my own recipe of Fettucine in Red sauce. =)
3.30 pm - started cooking "Paching" --> It actually tastes like Chopsuey but it has more ingredients.
7.00 pm - commenced our mini Christmas Party. Few friends of Mommy and our relatives joined us in this special gathering.
12.10 am - ended the party. Merry Christmas!!!!

December 26

8.30 am - Jon, Nay and Momi had their fasting blood sugar checked at Micron Diagnostic Center.
11.00 am - we were on our way to Timoga Spring Pool.
3.30 pm - got the laboratory results.
4.30 pm - got back home.

December 27

1.30 pm - visited Dr. Veloso's clinic to understand more of Momi's, Nay's and Jon's blood chemistry results.
5.30 pm - we went to Iligan City Hall to see the overlooking view.
7.00 pm - got back home.

December 30

11.00 am - headed to Cagayan de Oro to celebrate Mom's 56th birthday. Happy Birthday Momi!!!
1.30 pm - went to Ninang Liza's and Ninong Vic's house.
3.00 pm - we all watched Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo movie at Lim Ket Kai Mall.
7.00 pm - went to Divisoria to witness Night Cafe, we also had dinner there.

December 31

6.00 am - arrived in CDO's airport.
6.50 am - exact time of our flight going to Manila.
9 am - at long last, Jon and I got back in our own little home. :)

a day before my trip

2007-01-03T15:27:00.000+08:00

A day before my trip

Dec 14, 2006
11.30 AM

After several months of waiting, this day has finally arrived. I am currently here at work, doing my last minute tasks before leaving my workstation. I am scheduled to do my APE (Annual Physical Examination) this afternoon so I must stay here till 2 pm. Well, I must ensure that nothing will be left unattended just not to have any inconvenience when I return.

I could even remember the first day I decided to spend our Christmas in Mindanao. It's been 3 years since the last time I visited CDO and Iligan City. I admit, I miss them all... my friends, my family, my relatives, the place where I grew up and finished high school, and the place where I gained treasured friends and completed my college degree!

In simple words, I miss my younger days!

But I am aware that things are no longer the same as it used to be. Most of my friends are working out of the country now so I only have little friends to meet up there. Yet still, I miss the place where I spent most of my growing up years. I wanna check the developments of the city, reminisce the memorable places where I used to hang out, satisfy our food cravings, and of course, visit my all-time favorite Timoga Swimming Resorts.

Tomorrow, we will sail to Cebu. This isn't really part of our initial plan. However, we were informed by my sister that they couldn't spend their Christmas vacation in Iligan City. Going to Cebu isn't really a bad plan after all! My hubby has never been there so meeting the kids in Cebu will indeed be an exciting event to look forward to.

All right, I need to pack my things up now. It's time for me to sign off.

So Cebu.... Here we come!!!

not all kids are adorable

2006-12-11T14:32:00.000+08:00

not all kids are adorable

This is not my friendly topic to write about but something worth mentioning =).

Last Saturday night, I met this woman with a kid, when I was on my way to ASC's annual Christmas party. It so happened that we headed to the same area. It was really difficult to get a cab that night for most of the drivers insisted to stick on their Pasig routes.

So we waited.

Then she suggested that we should share a cab and just equally divide the fare. I didn't mind at all so I agreed on to her plan.

Inside the cab, she started introducing herself and it was then I learned that she's a therapist for "special" children. She also told me the name of her son, Javen. A handsome little kid he was.

When I looked at him and called his name with my big smiles, he suddenly raised his fist and punch my right eye TWICE!!!

My God! What a nasty welcome approach he could ever give to a stranger like me!

The woman didn't notice it at all for she was checking her purse. I was really shocked and so pissed but my only response was to tell him immediately... "THAT'S BAD!".....

Damn it, I so wanted to pinch him really really hard!!! But perhaps, my conscience controlled me from doing so and reminded me NOT TO EVER do gestures that could stoop down my level.

As I looked at the window, hoping that the hit wouldn't cause a mark of abuse... that little boy suddenly bit my arm!!!!

Geez, I was defenseless for a minute!!!!

Of all people on Earth, why ME???? Knowing that I really don't have great patience in dealing with kids, how much more with problematic ones!!!!

I almost hit his head. As evil as it may sound, I really imagined that I could have done it instead. The woman scolded her son but THAT WAS JUST IT!!! She didn't even show sign of little threats in spanking or pinching him.

Well that explains why she is a therapist, you know! She needs to be an expert of her job to resolve her son's issue!

When that incident happened, the only thing that crossed my mind was to inevitably think of what kind of parent is she. Obviously, that boy lacks discipline.

One of the primary reasons why up to now I still don't have kids is the fact that I am really NOT FOND of kids. Yes, I admire having them around but when their tantrums occur, I easily lose my temper.

And here comes this ADHD thing... In my opinion, kids with this condition also need the traditional punishment , which is spanking. A spank that doesn't render any physical wounds but painful enough to make them understand that their bad actions are not acceptable.

I just believe that a certain disorder only develops if something is lacking or something is given too much. I know that such is part of this challenging reality that we need to work on but it should NOT be an excuse of any wrongdoings.

our own oscar awards

2006-12-11T14:02:00.000+08:00

Our own Oscar Awards

"This is it... my first time to join a choir!"

It was that memorable evening that I had waited for and, I must say, my Choir mates had prepared much for too.

A week before this special day, I kinda had a tough time searching for an appropriate attire. We were asked to wear a black dress, which was a bit steep for me. I needed to buy my black tops and skirt... and yes, a pair of nice black shoes. (I love my ornamented stiletto heels, even if that pair hurts my feet much ! :))

I arrived at the Manila Yacht Club around 6pm together with some of my friends. I was amazed of the great ambiance of the place.

The food was delicious and we had enough drinks. I love the "Chicken Lollipop". =)

When the Chorale contest started, we were the first to perform and yes, it was great! Luckily, we were not out of tune. =) We sang our hearts out and cherished the thought that we finally made it!

We got the 2nd place... not bad! :) It was indeed a good way of staying away from stress at work.

I'm looking forward to perform with the group again!

cheesecake challenge

2006-11-27T16:17:00.000+08:00

Cheesecake Challenge

It's been months that I so wanted to try different cheesecakes simply to satisfy my cravings! Perhaps, it's just my way of appreciating how delicious these various cheesecakes are. I learn that the process of making it is intricate and it takes great patience. Well, I doubt if I can personally make one! tsk tsk tsk...

Here are some of the cheesecakes from known restaurants that I tried and got the chance to take a snapshot on how exactly these cheesecakes look like. It pleases me to discover that there are so many different kinds of cheesecakes. All I knew back then was Blueberry cheesecake... and nothing else! But now, I might spend half of my pay if I have to dig and try more of these. =)

So let me recount how I got fascinated when I had my first few bites. Others may think that my views could be inaccurate . But on how I rate every cheesecake is absolutely based on my own call of judgment.

Here are the criteria:

Topping 15% -- taste and the design of anything that is placed on top.

Layer 30 % -- cream cheese content that "I" tasted. The cheesier, the better =)

Crust 10 % -- taste and texture of the crust.

Taste 30 % -- this only includes sweetness, texture, and unique flavor of the cheesecake.

Presentation 15% -- I am initially allured to buy a slice of it based on how desirable it looks like.

Cheesecake Etc - Berry Temptation

One of my favorite fruits is Strawberry. So, I tried this chilled cheesecake with a piece of strawberry on top.

It definitely looks unique with white chocoloate and strawberry cream. I love the combination taste of cream cheese and strawberry. The flavor doesn't overshadow the essence of cream cheese. Its sweetness is fair enough for me. The crust is not sufficiently moist hence, it's not that compressed .

topping - 10
layer - 9
crust - 6
taste - 9
presentation - 10

Cost: P110
rate: 9

T.G.I.F. - Peanut Butter Cheesecake

Looking for a bigger slice? Then this delicious chilled cheesecake is for you! It has whipped cream, sprinkled with chopped nuts, decorated with peanut butter and chocolate syrups, and a piece of chocolate on top. An exquisite, nutty kind cheesecake this is! I like the taste especially the dark chocolate as part of the crust! However, this is too sweet for a cheesecake and the nutty flavor dominates more than the taste of the cream cheese.

topping - 10
layer - 6
crust - 9
taste - 9
presentation - 10

cost: P365
rate: 8.4

Spaghetti Factory - Homemade Cheesecake

This one is also mouth-watering! It has whipped cream, a cherry, wafer stick, and some chocolate syrup.

I love this one, too! It's fairly sweet and it's also smooth that it melts inside my mouth. Although, this is a bit odd from the rest because, it's served warm. =)

topping - 9
layer - 9
crust - 7
taste - 9
presentation - 10

Cost: P 125 not sure
rate: 8.95

Starbucks - Oreo Cheesecake

Crumbled oreo cookies and a small piece of it with whipped cream on top... nothing to expect much though. I love the taste of the layer! It's also creamy and smooth.

topping - 7
layer - 9
crust - 9
taste - 9
presentation - 7

Cost: P 110
rate: 8.4

Coffee Dream - Blueberry Cheesecake

It truly looks yummy! One of the original classic cheesecake flavors, Blueberry! It's also smooth and I can really savor the essence of cream cheese. However, I don't like much the taste of the toppings, a bit sour for me.

topping - 6
layer - 8
crust - 7
taste - 8
presentation - 9

Cost: P 110 not sure
rate: 7.75

Italianni's - New York Cheesecake

Another big slice, delicious cheesecake! If you want a cheesier and creamier cheesecake, then this is really for you! The ultimate one that can surely satisfy your cravings for cheesecake! Although, the topping is just a simple piece of cherry, the syrup around it definitely makes it more appetizing. I do love this!

topping - 7
layer - 10
crust - 9
taste - 10
presentation - 10

Cost: P 395
rate: 9.45

Bizu - Blueberry Cheesecake

For me, this is not the common Blueberry cheesecake in the market. The Blueberry syrup tastes sweet and its crust has the essence of lemon rind. The layer is definitely smooth and fairly sweet. Its small serving makes me want to buy more! (I just can't get enough of this! hehehe )

topping - 10
layer - 9
crust - 10
taste - 9
presentation - 7

Cost: P 151
rate: 8.95

Hmmm... I've finally completed my list.

That's all for now.

get lost

2006-11-17T09:02:00.000+08:00

get lost

I don't know why I am just this bothered every time I hear your sob story about being helpless, terrified or disturbed of a certain situation. It's making me upset to hear such stories when you always have the choice to do things better... when you always have other options to decide on. I've been reading texts from website to website but still, I can't figure out how things could have gotten worst to someone who desires to END one's life, like you!!!

I want to see things your way but it just hurts me clearly. I want to give so much, yet it is still not enough. It's like you have an unfathomable needs and wants that I am afraid my efforts would remain inadequate. It frustrates me when you barely understand my point. The more when you take it against me. I want to comprehend and hear your innermost thoughts and feelings but I always FAIL! It bruises me unexpectedly.

And where the hell did you get the strength to accuse me of doing crazy things?! How the fuck did you get the courage to throw numerous threats at me? The truth that all of your "feeling helpless" antics are not real.... is extremely making me furious!

The nerve to insult me and bombard me with these so called "TESTS" of yours! You want me to believe you when you know very well that my trust in you had already died long time ago.

Don't you dare make me angry for you know how I can be like!!!!!

just my yuletide spirit

2006-11-16T15:13:00.000+08:00

just my yuletide spirit

There are several items we can see anywhere every time the last quarter of the year begins.

Christmas Trees, adorable Poinsettia plants, beautiful Christmas lanterns, various Christmas lights, parties, gifts, and yes.. sale items everywhere!

But can you imagine this special season without Christmas songs???

Nah ah.

I really love listening Christmas songs even if Christmas would still be few months away. It just brightens my mood anyhow... makes me remember my wonderful childhood memories.

Some adults may think that Christmas season is not as memorable as a 5 year old kid could feel. Who normally knock your door for christmas gifts? Kids, right? They're pleased to have more gifts. (How I really wish I could turn back time and be a 5 year- old kid again!)

There are even some godparents ask their "inaanak" to sing or even dance for them before giving their well-wrapped gifts. Hehehe, well I'm guilty of that. I'm so amused when these kids sing any song before me. They're making me proud somehow. Hehehe, I swear, I'm not a cruel ninang! I'm just letting them show off their hidden talents, you know! :)

My husband and I hope to spend Christmas in Iligan. I really miss my hometown! Well, let's just wait and see....

another dwelling search

2006-11-03T14:48:00.000+08:00

another dwelling search

It's time to check and it's time to choose... Well, As early as now, I have to start looking for a comfortable, affordable, and safe place to stay for another 2 or 3 years! :) Jon and I plan to relocate to a much nearer place from where we're working at.

Just last Saturday, Janice and I had a little stroll around Pasig, hoping to find a new place to rent. It was timely that we both have plans in moving out.

One tropical morning indeed it was when we started our "house-apartment-studio type-boarding house" search. Checking from one building to another was really taxing on our part especially that we just came out from work. We found a few studio type rooms that we liked but we both disagreed of the rent fee... kinda expensive for us :(

The more accessible the area is to most of the known shopping malls and other destinations, the higher rent fee one has to pay. Haahh... it somehow describes how I must learn to battle with the true cost of living in Metro. Although we had our few picks, we still hope to have better options soon.

After an hour and a half, we headed to SM Megamall to finally have our lunch. I was craving then for Strawberry Ice Cream until we ended unexpectedly in getting "FREE" tastes of ice cream... hehehe I never realized until then that there are restos now exhibiting free tastes ICE CREAM :) That certainly amused me for a minute!

They made a good way in alluring me to dine in and have a good meal. It was known for its costly square meals yet we still opted to have a mini feast for a moment. And so we entered.

Italianni's, it was!

Hmmm... quite an extravagant treat for ourselves but surely, we had fun while enjoying the meals.

my agony of believing

2006-10-30T15:54:00.000+08:00

My agony of believing

... some false information. Have you ever felt being misled by whom you thought a reputable, reliable person? Well, it wasn't my lucky day indeed?

I happened to experience an unexpected encounter. It was almost noon of October 3 when I decided to take few bucks out from my ATM account thru a METROBANK ATM machine. To my surprise, the machine dispensed cash yet not the exact amount I expected. So I was told by a middle-aged man that I was the 5th "victim" of that incident. The issue was then reported to an officer from that same branch. After 20 minutes or so of waiting, we were assured that someone would contact us to discuss this issue... so we left our respective contact numbers and other details of the case. I honestly was hesitant of the deal so I asked for their contact number instead so I could "always" call them and follow up. Finally, I got a contact person and the number. I felt relieved at once.

After a couple of days, I made a follow up call. It was the first time I got to talk to the contact person but really, I was unsure if the person on the other line was a HE or a SHE... knowing the name was Jonquil, how would I know? He didn't sound like a man or a woman either... It wasn't my intention to be rude so I didn't mind at all. So let's say, the person was a HE. :p

When I made the call, he asked me to get my other contact number since they were still investigating the case. At that moment, I didn't have an inkling to get upset. I had faith that soon my money would be deposited back to my account.

So I decided to give them 5 days more to come up with the resolution. But still, no one tried to contact me. I called them back October 10 and I was taken aback with what he told me... that I should talk with their E-Banking Account Specialist. What the hell??? Then he transferred the call to the Account Specialist. After waiting 15 minutes on the line, I hunged up and decided to call him again. To my surprised, a different person answered my call. He gave me a different number to reach Jonquil. When I called the number, I was told that Jonquil was transferred to a different department and that man gave me ANOTHER NUMBER to call!

Fuck, I just talked to him earlier?! How could he TRANSFER from another OFFICE that fast????!!!!

So I called that fucking number and obviously I was really agitated with the situation. He finally answered the call! He told me that he was talking to the account specialist when I hunged up the call. I asked for the name of this specialist and the contact number. What a never ending calls I must make just to claim the money I rightfully should have. Then I contacted the E-banking Account Specialist only to find out that I have to contact EQUITABLE PCI Bank where I have my ATM account. It was when I definitely couldn't stand all the false information and I demanded them to call me back once Metrobank communicated with EQUITABLE PCI bank about the transaction. So she promised me that someone would call me back.

After two hours, someone named, Ace from Metrobank called me back to inform that they finally notified Equitable PCI bank about my case and he gave me a number to call Equitable PCI Bank. Though he couldn't give me any reference number, he assured me that the issue had been reported and I shouldn't have to explain myself all over again. I was pleased upon hearing that.

Then I called Equitable PCI contact number and talked to the E-Banking Account Specialist. It seemed she didn't have any idea about what I was calling in for, so I didn't have any choice but to relay the story again. *sigh*.

I was still irritated with everything but she apologized and patiently explained to me the entire process. Since there was NO record at all that I had been calling about the issue, she requested me to call Equitable's Call Center to report the issue. I clearly made my point not to wait another week for them to credit the amount.

After I reported the case and got a reference number, I promised myself never ever to have business again with Metrobank. What a lousy customer service they really have!!!! It was not a RARE case so they should be more knowledgeable on handling this kind of issue, regardless of interbanking or not. I couldn't help but question their entire processes and made me worry about bigger issues like loans and claims, etc. I was really really disappointed. They should have educated me on my first follow up call on WHO I should get in touch with...

It was on the same day that the money was finally deposited back to my account. Whew!

I wonder

2006-10-30T14:43:00.000+08:00

I wonder...

I know that it's been quite a while since the last time I entered a post... :) But come on, before you set your "here-we-go-again" eye-rolling glance, I admit that I still have numerous to write about... What just crossed my mind now is to dwell about the things I seem to wonder recently...

On my way to work, I couldn't help but notice the people around me. Some looked exhausted and too eager to get home soon and some obviously wanted to spend more time having fun with their friends.

Until I noticed a lady who was undeniably attractive, wearing a silky red long-sleeve tops and black (velvet, I think) skirt. It made clear to me then how people would react to gorgeous women. Those head-turning moves with penerating stares, such common responses attractive people get.

Hmmm... I personally would consider these factors that could really catch my attention...

1. Gorgeouse people.

Who wouldn't take notice these people anyway? With all my "wishes" to be like them, I couldn't help but stare!

2. Dangerous-looking guy.

After so many terrifying news I've seen/heard on TV, I always hope that someone could give a safe watch on my back whenever I'm on streets! But hey, a superhero just sadly happens to be a mere fiction. So definitely, a presence of a "dangerous", if not crazy, looking guy makes me more concious and careful walking on dark alleys.

Well that's just me! =) I understand that there could be other factors but I guess, I just have a short list.

By the way, can anyone tell me why "diagonal blue and red strips" are painted outside a Barber shop??? It is somewhat like an internatonal symbol of a Barber shop? How come beauty salons don't have one?

Just a thought. =)

stormy thursday

2006-10-06T18:32:00.000+08:00

stormy thursday

September 28, 2006 - Typhoon Milenyo (pictures were taken after the "Eye of the Storm" happened)

So far, Milenyo was the strongest typhoon I ever encountered. I was in the office when Milenyo wrought havoc in Metro Manila. It was 10:50 AM when I noticed the heavy rains and strong winds. Yet at first, it didn't really surprise me at all. I thought it was just like any other storms that happened months or years ago.

However, few hours after, the wind got even stronger. I thought it was just my imagination but I even felt it... when our office building was swaying! It was a solid evidence on how powerful the storm was.

Soon after, I read the news online on how people sufferred the brunt of the typhoon. Toppled trees, fallen billboards, destroyed shelters, and damaged power lines, which resulted to massive Luzon black out.

Removing fallen, if not uprooted, trees was really challenging for us. Unfortunately, our garden, which we had taken cared of for a couple of years now, was also ruined. :( I might as well limit my plants now... :(

It was just Oct 2, 10:00 PM, when the electricity here in West Service Road, Paranaque got restored. Imagine how difficult it was when thousands of Paranaque residents had no electricity and enough water within 4 days. Most people opted to stay all day in the mall simply to escape the scorching heat of the sun. Some people preferred to have a room in a hotel.... and for the record, most hotels were fully-booked! Well, I must know because, Jon and I had not enough luck in getting a room.... AGAIN, we had no WATER so it was really like hell!

In our hopes to have a good night sleep and have a fine moment of what BATHING would feel like again, we decided to check some known "motels" instead. To my surprise, even most motels were also fully booked! If we had gone there like "night time", I bet, we wouldn't have gotten a room. There were even kids around when we checked the place. Everbody was really suffering from the rage of Milenyo.

I just realized how difficult life would be without electricity and enough water. :(

celebrating my day

2006-09-27T22:04:00.000+08:00

celebrating my day

Despite of all big changes at work, I still look forward to this day. Yeah, another year has passed and I'm getting older every single minute of the day. =)

Nothing much has changed since last year. Hmmm...I still don't have kids and I'm still preoccupied with work. No major plans for this year other than spending Christmas and New Year in my hometown.

This year, I did something wonderful for someone special. I haven't done anything like this before but it felt great! A few days before my special day, I sent 2 dozens of Red and Pink roses to my Mom. =) I love her so so much! A bunch of roses is just a token of my appreciation and love to her... My Mom has always been there for me. Though there were many many times we had our petty fights, I will always love her! Her profound love never fails to make me smile and feel comforted. I know, she'll always be there for me and my sis! I just can't thank her enough. Without her, I wouldn't have experienced the beauty of life.

I opted not to throw a birthday bash. I just couldn't handle all the hardwork of throwing a party. So, I just had a sumptuous dinner with my hubby at BED SCENE. I know, the name itself sounds captivating and it really is! It's certainly different from all other restaurants we tried. They serve awesome food and above all, the prices are very reasonable.

This is just my own way of celebrating my birthday! New ambiance and new set of appetizing meals... I'm contented with that =) I'm glad that my hubby and I share the same interest in almost everything.

After strolling around SM Mall of Asia, we then watched one of our awaited new flicks.

THE BREED. Two brothers, with their friends, went to a deserted island for a vacation. They discovered that the canines are genetically altered for combat. Well, I'm really fond of dogs so this movie could really excite me! But in this movie, these were not like the ordinary dogs... these "too" smart dogs were specially trained for combat and genetically designed to attack/kill.

It was a breath-taking movie!

busy as a bee

2006-09-26T21:56:00.000+08:00

Busy as a Bee

While everybody is terrified of this day to come... I, too, am busy piling up my notes and getting abreast with our new workflows. I am so loaded with information that I barely can take.

It's good to know that I'm in the morning shift again so I still have ample time to prepare and review the details. It feels like we're all going to take a major exam in school... like the old busy college days. Tsk tsk tsk...

As I merely watch some people running around on the floor, I can also feel the same tension they all are feeling now. So many updates to take note and certainly, there's no time to waste!

This day, September 25, we all are on the same footing : NEWBIES of our
new CRM tool.

I know, in just a month, we'll all be fine!

Who says

2006-09-18T17:12:00.000+08:00

Who says

...playing Online, Strategic, or even War games are just for the BOYS???

Recently, I am so hooked with this game which my hubby has always been playing.

Well, at first, I considered the game as complicated and "barbaric", with all those weapons and armors, not to mention the fast attacks to kill the enemies. It was just too hard for me!

I used to play those city building games,like Cleaopatra or Emperor, which only has minimal War instances. I used to play also those online games such as Tumblebugs or Diner Dash. So certainly, DIABLO II is really way too far from those games I used to play.

Sounds unlikely huh?

But I admit, I am so into this game now! And it's really FUN!!! Every completed level simply drives me to continue playing, hoping to acquire more weapons and money, hoping to defeat the most difficult enemy, DIABLO.

All right, that's about it. I still need to explore the Dark Woods. =)

The Restroom

2006-09-14T10:25:00.000+08:00

The Restroom

It is certainly comforting to know that instincts, more often than not, are correct. That explains why we normally follow our instincts.

As awkward as it may sound, I really have this habit, or whatever you call it, that sometimes, whenever I'm in a mall, my stomach gets upset. Ooopss! My secret is now disclosed. It is something that I am not embarassed to admit. We all have our own stories to tell and for sure, we all agree that it is something we CAN HARDLY control.

Yesterday, when me and my hubby went to a mall to check some essentials, I just needed to go to a nearest restroom to attend the call of nature. =) I was really in a hurry to get inside the restroom and yes the door was just open. Surprisingly, no one was around when it used to be so crowded. It was Tuesday... not a busy day, I thought. So indeed, I was pleased to know that I had all the space for myself. And then, I bought 2 packs of mini tissue from the Vendo Machine.

Right after I had my relieving moment, I suddenly heard few people chatting. Geezz.... too soon for them to come in! So I got panic. Yet, after few minutes, I got more and more panic. I heard 2 guys... talking! Not just talking, one of them went inside the cubicle to pee...

Fuck, AM I IN A MEN'S RESTROOM?????!!!!

So it was that damned moment I started remembering the series of events... the time before I got inside. Did I see the Ladies representation on the door? or Did I just miss to look at it? How about the Tissue Vendo, why is there a tissue vendo in the Men's restroom??? Or maybe they also need tissue, anyway. NO! This can't be right.... How the hell did I fail to see this coming? I can't be in a men's CR... no way! Is it really like this, men's and women's rest room looks no different at all??? I don't see any difference in regards to the toilet bowl... (well not in that cubicle I was in).

With all those questions, the first thing I had in mind was : HOW am I going to get out of this huge embarassment? I can't just get out and pretend that I was drunk... Hello, I'm in the mall!!! I can't just easily do that... and you don't normally see drunk people shopping! Whew, this certainly can't be happening to me!

And so I waited for 5 minutes.... I was waiting for the two guys to leave the place. In a corner of the cubicle, I was listening keenly of the people talking.... Hmmm I noticed that more people were coming in. Oh God, I can't get out of this room!

AT that moment, I was really enveloped with shame!

After 5 more minutes, I had to take a little peek. Through the open space just right below the wooden door, I saw women's shoes. Great, I can now get the hell out of this cubicle! And it was then I conculded that I was in the right room indeed!

Those guys mistakenly entered the Ladies' Restroom.... and yes, they perfectly made a good job of making me feel like an idiot!!! Horrible, horrible yet funny experience it would be, if my suspicion was really true.

I absolutely had a long, deep breath right after I stepped out of the room. Whew! =)

All about YOU

2006-08-14T16:21:00.000+08:00

All about YOU

Here we are, lying on these separate beds. I’m looking at you, with that pink headband cloth you’re wearing, with that white face towel on your chest, with that bright light above your head... Yes, we’re in a clinic. Facial clinic, that is. I remember how much you hated this. But you’re here, with me. I remember how much I convinced you to try facial cleaning… and how many times you resisted. Yet you’re here with me… right this very moment. Not to only watch me, but to finally take a chance to evaluate how the process would go… and to finally give in to one of my persistent requests.

Painful, it really is. But I hear no complaints from you.

As we are waiting for minutes to pass, to let the medicine get into our skin… good memories start to come in. There are thousands of reasons why I hold on to continue believing you.

It was you who never failed to comfort me when I had these moods you call “tantrums”.

... who listened attentively when I was at the brink of losing hope.

... who massaged my feet to calm me when I was too exhausted.

... who cleaned the house when I was away with my friends.

... who could understand me even when I couldn’t understand myself.

... who granted all my wishes even when there were times I missed to grant yours too.

... who made me laugh so much even when it was in the middle of the night.

... who wanted to have little ones you call Baby Mikee… when there were days I confessed not to have Baby Jonel.

... who anticipated what I like and don’t like to eat when I was in my gloomy days.

... who posted small notes on any of our things to remind me of your love.

... who appreciated me even when there was nothing to be appreciated at.

... who considered that I needed no help about Anger Management, though you identified my anger as an explosive.

... who could always find reasons to support me in my difficult times, even when you knew that you already warned me to be careful.

It was you.

And it is still you.

Always have been you.

When you had my heart broken in million pieces, not too long ago, you believe, you would need more time to fix it.

My heart is yours. You exactly know how to mend it.

On that bed, every time she pulled out those unwanted blemish on your nose, you couldn’t help those tears to fall.

I cried too. Not because of the pain I am feeling now. But the plenty things I missed to be thankful of.

The fact that I am really grateful to have you.

I love you!

And I love you for giving me so many reasons to love you more!

Summer fun?

2006-08-14T16:02:00.000+08:00

Summer fun ?

July 1-2. Sykes Picnic and was held at 8Waves Water Park.

It was fun all night long, with great music while we were enjoying the waves. I admit, I had a great time there. We arrived around 6.30 PM and I was astonished with the “Ethnic” dance opening presentation on our side when we were registering our names for the raffle. Something different indeed from the previous Sykes Picnic that I attended. Although we didn’t have our own room to rest, it was still okay since there were more security personnel to look over our respective cottages. We had more food and booze. Wow! Certainly, it was not the time to go on diet. I love the waves and of course, the slides. =) I enjoyed most the other services that were given for free. Hehehe I had my 15-minute massage thrice. Wasn’t that amazing? It seemed that I came there for the massage =)

We left Bulacan approximately around 6.30 AM. Tired and sleepy, we all were. But it was great!

July 22-23. Team building at Kabayan Resort.

Absolutely, summer fun wasn’t really over. We were still enjoying the summer heat. It was another beach party event with the team. We had several activities, but we lost unfortunately… in all those games. Not enough vitamins, I think. =) I had my 1 hour body massage there, too. See, I came there for the massage again. =) Got so exhausted so I slept early. But still I enjoyed it.

how romantic am i?

2006-06-05T15:21:00.000+08:00

How Romantic Am I?

It's really amazing on how plenty personality quizzes out there often give seemingly correct results that you can somehow relate it to your life. In the past, there were several means these tests were circulated, through a magazine, newspaper, books, etc. etc. I don't often take such tests for it consumes much of my time. Yet now, here comes the online "help" that provides other way in alluring people to somehow take a pause and have a personality check... you know, just to keep people updated and learn to understand their own behaviour and feelings. It absolutely makes me smile whenever the results simply hit me on the right spot.

How Romantic Are You?

Quiz Result

You are between being a romantic and a realist. You know where to draw the line between emotions and good judgment and you can also be romantic enough when needed.

Your head may be in the clouds at times, but your feet are firmly on the ground.

Don't you think it's amazing? I just so love it.... heheheh

sense of denial

2006-06-05T14:58:00.000+08:00

sense of denial

Few days back, I had a breakfast with a friend in Country Waffles. It was my second time to visit the place yet I'm always fascinated with its architecture. The design of the restaurant looks a typical American County style resto with a fancy Water Well at the front and a Neon pink "OPEN" sign lights. They served mostly American dishes but I love their Bagnet Breakfast. Yum yum! Although the price is a bit costly, good thing is, they serve delectable food =).

Anyway, I'm not going to discuss more about the place... hehehe =)

And so I had my breakfast. My friend and I happened to talk about Jealousy out of nowhere. Not a great topic over a table conversation, I know but I absolutely want to feel and even admit to myself whether I'm a jealous person or not.

What is Jealousy? Is it the same feeling as getting upset to someone when he/she is hanging around with someone else most of the time? Is it when you think and talk too much about a person without knowing why? Arrrrggghhh.... I am such an idiot. I don't have an explicit idea of what the hell Jealousy truly means? I just can't make my own little definition of it when I met several people who responded to such word in different ways. But they only had ONE COMMON response... they get angry and sarcastic, at times! But they never said... "I'm jealous of... " Some are straightforward and state the reasons why they feel such, but others prefer to do the opposite way and remain silent for quite sometime.

Well, it made me consider that there has something to do with being a "Left or Right brain". I made a post about the difference between the two, so you can somehow check my archive. I've always considered myself as a Left brain person, and I guess that explains why I don't wanna jump to a conclusion right away. =)

So I've come up an idea of flipping some pages to give me a better explanation about such emotion. Fortunately, I've come across this definition from Wikipedia,

Jealousy is an emotion by one who perceives that another person is giving something that he/she wants or feels is due to them (often attention, love, respect or affection ) to an alternate. Some even claim a distinction between jealousy and envy insofar as while envy is the carnal desire to possess something that is not yours, jealousy is the righteous feeling that one has towards that which is rightly his (such as a spouse's fidelity). Another common distinction between jealousy and envy is that envy is the desire for something in general (one envies a friend's new bike), whereas jealousy is the desire to have something in particular, and to take it from someone else (one is jealous of a friend's girlfriend).

Hmmm... that, my friend, made me contemplate for a day. I always believe that it is a symptom of insecurity. I must say, I rarely feel such and if I do, I always hold back those fits of jealousy. I hate long emotional discussions, nasty words and confrontations, and ... I hate to be questioned, you know =). I want my friends to enjoy whoever they are with, so I never limit their horizon of making connections with new people.... that goes the same thing with how I treasure my loved ones.

I just finished completing this quiz. What a timely thing that I got about jealousy.... heheh here it is:

Which File Extension Are You?

Just this morning when I arrived, I got so pissed when I couldn't make my damn monitor to work. No sign of a lighted LED indicating that it has power. Fuck! So much sweat just to figure out where the electric plug for the monitor was connected to. No labels! Darn frustrating when there are numerous plugs and I couldn't even identify which among these is for the monitor. Sounds idiot me, I know. Whew, I am indeed so dependent with my hubby with these stuffs. Out of my unpredictable rage, I almost (just almost =)) dropped his laptop. I simply couldn't understand why my great annoyance suddenly flared up.

After an hour or so, I just realized that I just miss him mucho... =( Hmmm, today is Saturday but he's not here. He is currently enjoying his out of town trip with his colleagues. Worst, I'm jealous because he's not with me and that's when nasty thoughts come in.

Wow... all the while, I'm such in denial about jealousy. But the truth is, I am terribly a jealous person... too protective and possessive!

Perhaps, I just rarely show it.

Wishes

2006-06-03T10:52:00.000+08:00

Wishes

Eyelash Wishes.

Falling Star Wishes.

Did you ever wonder if such wishes would someday come true? Did you ever hope that stars can really make your dreams real? that a piece of your eyelash can certainly make great significance to your life?

Well, I did... and I still do!

I used to doubt the meaning of hope. I just planned things out. Nothing could explain better for me but a rational judgment.

I refused to expect something big from something irrelevant, like a fallen eyelash on my cheek. It's like a undeserved piece that has to be forgotten and thrown away.

I refused to believe much from something unreal, like an unforseen falling star. It's like an abandoned meteor burst that has just lost its shine and importance.

But the tides have changed...

until I met you.

until you taught me how to greatly hope from a single wish.

until you showed me how pleasant it was living beyond my ordinary, routinely life.

until I personally touched a lash... your eyelash when you closed your eyes and made a wish.

Such gentle thoughts, you lingered... and I must too!

I would only wish one thing for all my eyelashes and the stars above that would fall.... I wish to be with you forever!

me? "movie-holic"?

2006-05-11T18:28:00.000+08:00

me? "movie-holic"?

May 06, 2006

Absolutely YES!

Watching movies.... has always been one of my hobbies. I wouldn't really care watching it alone or with someone else in a cinema, or even just at home. It certainly gives a positive diversion on how I should spend my "lousy" hours. =) When I'm stressed out after a long taxing day at work, I definitely would prefer to watch a movie. Countless times I went to several movie theatres and watched new films alone, even when I was just in College.

Hehehe, I don't really know the exact word but I call it "movie category"... I dig for Horror/Suspense Thrillers, Action, Science Fiction, and Comedy films, including those Animated films. I even could remember when I was just 12 years old and I forced my mom to accompany me and my sister to watch "Beauty and the Beast", when we had really the option to get a VHS tape and watch it at home =)

Well anyway, enough of that reminiscence, I simply want to share my views about some of the new movies I recently have watched.

1. SILENT HILL

A famous video game finally made into a motion picture. One of the horror films that could surely give me nightmares at night. Rose (Radha Mitchell), a mother who unstoppably searched her lost 'adopted' child, Sharon (Jodelle Ferland) when they finally reached an abandoned city named "Silent Hill". She faced different forms of evil, only to discover the truth behind the mystery of an unforgotten hate. At first, I find the scenes as obscene (for a young adult, like me hehehe that's why it's rated R18). But as it gradually reached the turning point of the story, I learned to appreciate her courage of meeting great deals of darkness in search for her lost child.

I just hope that NOT all deep seated HATE could turn into DEMONIC acts or of some sort. =) I watched this movie with a friend, Diane at SM MegaMall.

2. WHEN A STRANGER CALLS.

I admit, I don't consider this a scary flick. Jill Johnson (Camilla Belle), was forced to babysit because she exceeded her alloted cellphone minutes. The thrill started when she received several anonymous phone calls and was soon traced that it was coming from the same house where she was at.

There are few points which I don't seem to like in this movie:

1. Jill didn't even care to know the names of the kids (who were sleeping) when she had the chance to ask the parents,
2. It took several hours from the moment she arrived there, before she checked the kids in their room. Well, for me... she should have checked the kids out from time to time... I must say, that's what Baby Sitting is for...

I don't recommend this movie if you wish to watch scary film. Well, it's rated PG 13 so I guess, it's expected to be that way. *sigh* I watched this movie with my hubby at SM MegaMall.

3. TRISTAN AND ISOLDE

I am not really a fan of romantic movies. But this one, I must say, has captured my full interest for another " Romeo and Juliet" love story. It's purely about Love and Duty. Tristan (James Franco) was the favored, fearless knight of Lord Marke, and was thought dead when he got the chance to fight against Morholt. Tristan and Isolde (Sophia Miles) first met when she found him in the shore and hid him from her father, until he was cured. They fell in love but was separated when she asked Tristan to go back to Britain. They met once again, when Tristan won her for Lord Marke.

That's when the excitement starts.... =) hehehe go figure!

I highly recommend this movie to those people who greatly believe and adore Love beyond anything else. I appreciate the way the script was written. For me, it sounds so sweet and conveys profound meaning. One of the unforgettable romantic movies I've ever seen. It can make me feel "in love" again =). It's unfortunate though that I failed to watch this on the big screen. I just watch this at home.

4. MISSION IMPOSSIBLE 3

I watched this movie with my hubby at SM MegaMall. This is one of his most awaited movies.

Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) indeed made another outstanding stunts in this movie. Such breath-taking movie needs more popcorn at hand. I don't wanna be interrupted in the middle of the movie to buy popcorn, you know! hehehe. Do I have to say another word about this? Well, I guess, everybody has watched this film anyway.

Yet, it still lingered on my mind of what the hell is RABBIT'S FOOT ???

Oh, okay, well I'm looking forward to see MISSION IMPOSSIBLE 4.

a day at home

2006-05-11T15:16:00.000+08:00

a day at home

May 04, 2006

I just arrived from work. I'm tired and I'm not really feeling well. =( I have colds, coupled with this nasty cough. I've been sick for 3 days now. It's unfortunate I couldn't go to the gym because of this. I attended once for this week... awww =( Hopefully, I can make it on Saturday.

Well anyway, I'll be taking my Vacation Leave tonight. Just for a single day of not doing anything productive at home. Yet for sure, I'll be taking my much awaited rest. These past few days, I haven't had enough sleep because of some activities at work and at home that left me consumed. Yesterday, I took a quiz for our new process regarding Activation, I went out to pay the bills, and had groceries for our essentials. Whew, had a long day indeed!

Hmmm... so what are my plans for today? Got few things to consider....

1. Watch a movie. YES! I wanna watch Missiion Impossible 3. But my hubby is now at work =(. I simply don't wanna watch it alone. I know, it's one of his favorite movies. Awww.... I need to wait til Saturday comes, then.

2. Blog. It would be the right time for me to squeeze out these thoughts and finally put them in writing. =) I greatly miss doing this.

3. Watch a movie at home. Hmmm... I need to check out our collection of excellent flicks. I'd probably watch Tristan and Isolde. I heard some positive reviews about this film. Hmmm let me figure out the real story! =)

wacky snapshots

2006-04-26T16:35:00.000+08:00

wacky snapshots

It certainly gives me a good smile whenever I happened to notice these highly chosen photos with my hubby. We both love pictures and just for no reason or special occassion at all, we simply love to pose and capture such moments. =). It's definitely a refreshing feeling when I take time to reminisce the good, fun-loving days....

Take a look at these photos:

I always cherish every moment with you, Babeh! Mwah!

tracking traces

2006-04-26T15:42:00.000+08:00

tracking traces

It's been couple of months since the last time I posted something here... =( Hayy, it only implies how rarely I had time to write. Let me recount some of the events in a nutshell.

March 2 - My Dadi's departure for Saudi Arabia. We'll be missing you Dadi. We're really looking forward to see you again, having vacation at a beach resort somewhere... =)
March 17 - A day of mirth. Raine and I had our first mall hopping together. We went to Metrowalk to have our breakfast. A short stop at Megamall to finally enroll in Slimmers World. I finally decided to shell out some amount for my initial payment of my gym class... Yes, you're absolutely right. Gym. I'd be joining classes within a 3 month program. I'll soon be upgrading that to more months. Isn't that amazing? I'll be losing pounds in months to come. Wow!
Few minutes after, we headed to Shangrila Mall to meet up with someone. First time I met Tita Baby. We went to see her at Starbucks. She's a known 'manghuhula' and I tell you, she's indeed very good! We're so impressed with her card readings... =) but I'd rather not disclose whatever her readings were... hehehe I'm 25 years old but still I'm into some sort of Fortune-Telling... =)
March 21 - My most awaited day! =) First day at Slimmers World! yey! I finally made it. I stayed there for less than an hour... Perhaps, my body wasn't prepared for any strenous exercise... hehehe I just went there to know how to make those damn machines work... =)
April 01 - @ Conspiracy Bar with Aril. We're supposed to meet up some of her co-workers but to our dismay, they were not around... Hmmm maybe they transferred to a different bar without letting us know, oh well... we didn't have any clue at all. =(
April 02 - @ Baywalk with Jonel. Stayed almost 2 years here in Manila but believe me, it was my first visit in such a romantic but common place. A few great restos with several bands around indeed could spell the difference of our night. I was (and still am) on a strict diet so I couldn't try those delectable recipes. I might lose my control, you know... hehehe so I'd rather not taste it!
April 15 - Breakfast with Janice @ Seattles Best. I just find it sooo irresistible to get a cup of hot coffee before going to the gym. It makes me think that it's my sort of 'energy drink' every morning. Wow! I really love their espresso drinks, hmmm but damn... I can't even remember the name of it... was it Mocha Almond??? =( Darn! Well anyway, it's absolutely a good way to start my daily morning routine with a great taste of hot coffee. =)
April 23 - "Get-together" party @ Jane's place. We regularly have such party but the difference of it was, Katt will be staying in Davao for good. =( We won't be seeing her as much as we want to. All the best for you KitKatt! (pix for this event, just check out my Online Photo Album)

Well that's all for now! I just hope I could still find more time to update this blog simply to keep you abreast of my life's notes. To those friends who I rarely have the chance to meet, how I wish we can go out.. chill out, you know, making up for the time lost. =)

Enjoy your summer!

My Dadi's Visit

2006-02-20T06:21:00.000+08:00

my Dadi's visit

My Dadi is here in Manila. :-)

Dadi told us excitedly the good news about his plans of working overseas again. He got the notification of his interview January 14, 2006. He arrived here in Manila 2 days after he got the call.

I am happy for him... for all the well wishes he has for his family. I respect and love my Dadi so much. I really want to make him feel comfortable during his stay at our house. I'm really happy that my hubby is very understanding... I am also blessed for having him in my life. :-)

It's almost after a month that he got the final result of his interviews, physical exam, and others... He finally signed the contract. yey! It's a 12-month contract but renewable and he's hopeful to stay there as long as the company needs his service. :-) I'm so glad he finally got the job that could help them achieve their dreams. He'll be leaving for Saudi Arabia on March 7.

I'll be missing you Daddy! :(

Here are the photos with Daddy at Dad's Restaurant (Glorietta)

morning rendezvous

2006-02-05T23:44:00.000+08:00

morning rendezvous

February 01, 2006

Here I am, hoping to share my first encounter this morning for skin hair removal using Wax. Hmm... whatta neat and pleasant experience! =)

Last night, Raine wished to visit her favorite salon to relax and pamper herself. So she invited me to try the skin hair removal using Wax for my legs and underarms (ooopss...) so I said, "Why not, I'd love to try it".

So we agreed to meet the next day. After she gave me some instructions on how to get to the place, I was quite uncertain though if I really wanted to do it. I admit, any new things can sometimes freak me out... can sometimes drain my energy just by a mere thought of it.... I simply don't have enough ideas on how the process goes or... how it feels like... You know, questions like that can really make me think for hours. =)

Well anyway, I went to Piandre' at around 10 AM (finally, I had the courage to go there). She arrived a bit early so she decided to have Foot Spa first. When I arrived, I headed straight to a room where I could lie down and relax a bit... while doing it. I kept talking with the Waxer (the person who does the Wax service) just to keep me at ease. Perhaps, I was terribly curious of the entire idea about Wax(ing)... I'm totally a neophyte to such beauty tip.... no wonder ;-)

A few minutes after, she started putting some wax on my lower legs. I noticed though that on my underarms, she used Yellow-Orange Wax (Honey) and for my legs, it was Purple. Hmmm, I failed to ask her why . So I assume that there could be different flavors for different body parts, huh? Hehehe I'm amused with the colors. What would be the color if I ask her to remove the hair... down there? hehehe Can I choose a color? amm I like Pink... Kinda weird, huh? Funny too.

It was slightly painful. This is because I used to shave my legs and underarms. TIP 1: Dont' shave your skin hair. It took 40 minutes to complete everything but I was told not to let my skin, where hair was newly removed, get wet just to avoid such undesirable 'Chicken skin'. TIP 2: Avoid the affected area to get wet.

I'm pleased with the results. I'll surely be doing this again. I feel good... really! This is because, I finally managed to end it and I faced one of my fears... =)

I also tried their Foot Spa while I waited for Raine to finish her Wax service too. It was indeed relaxing and interesting. I loved it when he wrapped my feet with towels. I loved the massage! Wow... it could really make me go to sleep especially that I was sitting comfortably on their big cushy sofa.

Hmmm... it totally feels great to give myself a treat like that! What a lovely way to start my month!!! =)

unspoken view

2006-02-05T20:43:00.000+08:00

unspoken view

It's been over a month since the last time I posted something here... I was occupied with numerous events that left me consumed. I miss this blog... mwah mwah! I surely miss recounting my life's journal.

2006.

See how time drifts swifly day after day... I am not a believer though of New Year's resolutions so I have no sets of that. I detest to make promises for myself that I know I can't keep. Well, who cares anyway? Changes happen everyday so I just hope for the better.

I am not certain if I should post something like this but perhaps, the time is right and I just want to put everything in writing.

Unexpected clash occurred as I faced my first few days of this year. Too soon for a fuss caused by unknown profound reason. Perhaps, it wouldn't have started if I hadn't reacted anyway.... if my sudden annoyance hadn't flared up to such level. But this is just ME. I'm sorry if my indifference resulted to further misconception.

I got hurt and felt betrayed like anyone else was.

You might have thought that I wasn't able to weigh things over... to listen on both sides, but you should have known me more... you should have tried to listen MY side too. What I did was to let EVERYONE realize that it is NEVER good to think nasty thoughts against someone especially, when you never had the chance to know that person more. I completely understand if you happen to DISLIKE someone. It's true, you are indeed entitled to your own opinion... But be discreet too for not all your opinions are correct. You don't want this to happen to your life, right?

This rift deeply disappointed me for I know, that there would be no one who can stand on my side and defend me in times like this. I just knew it. My paradigm of love is different and so is my kind of friendship. You feared about so many things that are yet to come. Have you not considered me to go your way when you'll be clouded too?

This is how you see me now, then do it as you please.

I just wanna vent out my unspoken view that I so wanted to express long ago. The friendship we all started with respect must remain that way. What had happened might have caused a scar to everyone's heart.... but it's never impossible to destroy our invisible walls. It's the adjustment in building a bridge again could be a challenge for us.

The storm is over.

Let's just take it from here.

miracles work differently

2005-12-26T16:11:00.000+08:00

miracles work differently

People come and go for a purpose. I hold on to that fact that we see God's answers through our own experiences and through the manifestations of other people.

Today is such a fateful day that I won't ever forget. I was moved spiritually and emotionally. I've come to know my purpose in life.

Dec. 24. Everybody is excited and just a few hours from now, it would be Christmas Eve. I am excited too for this moment but I admit, I don't prepare so much. I am not motivated to cook special recipes for now. My hubby and I agreed that we would be celebrating it as simple as possible. I really wanna feel the true essence of Christmas. I really wanna enjoy not because of the food or gifts that I'd be receiving... but by the thought that I am with the person I render my entire life with... I wanna spend most of the time reminiscing about several conflicts we had this year and how we were able to survive from the dark pit we fell on. By doing such, I believe, could renew our love and could help us embark a loving future ahead.

Despite of all the excitement, I am still bothered.

I've been thinking about my Parents, my sister, and my friends. How are they going to celebrate this day? How are they doing lately? I've been thinking about the people who will be spending Christmas alone... or even those people who will be working instead. For whatever reasons they have, it may be profound.

This morning, I was given an opportunity to see one of my friends I rarely had the chance to meet. She used to work in the same company I am connected with. We used to hang out all the time. Those old golden days we used to share together over a few bottles of beer in a known bar somewhere. She was obviously happy the last time I saw her.

A simple Christmas message I sent via Instant Messaging and I was glad she was able to get online for a few minutes. We both have the same work schedule. She works until 7am and has the same rest days like mine. We used to plan to meet somewhere but she had several personal matters to atted to. But today, she wanted to see me at Starbucks in Shangrila to talk. I was supposed to meet Raine at the MRT station around 9 am but I know, I still have time to see my old friend.

On my way to where we agreed to meet, I brought a few gifts given by my friends at work. I was a few minutes early but it's okay to wait. After 5 minutes, she finally arrived. When I took a glimpse at her, I easily could tell that she lost so much pounds. 7 months had passed since the last time I saw her. She lost her appetite to eat because of her emotional problems. I was so hurt just by listening her side. She had gone through her most painful experience ALONE. I should have been there. She's no longer the same happy person I once knew. Her heart is broken into million pieces. Her mind is filled with resentment, anger, regrets, and guilt.

She managed to end such disturbing affair. However, she hasn't yet overcome the pain. I cried even more when she showed me her cuts... My God, she cut her wrist twice and such wounds caused adverse effects on her hands. (I should have been there to comfort you at least... to be a shoulder to cry on. I'm sorry for not being there for you...)

Right after Raine notified me to see her on Monday instead, I suggested to my friend that we should visit a Church nearby to ask guidance and wisdom. She felt that she's at the end of the rope. She couldn't help questioning God's existence. I care for this peson that it hurts me everytime she fails to see God's love.

With this encounter, it paved me a way to believe God more. To understand the real message that we get hurt because we have given so much.. we have loved so much but still it didn't turn out well. I realized that because we unselfishly shared our life to this person, and he turned his back away from us... we tend to question God's existence. I see that this unexpected turnabout is indeed a blessing in disguise. I believe that God is trying to take out the person who continuosly destroys our lives. It's not an end but it's a dawn for a new start. We tend to commit enormous mistakes just to keep the person we most treasured and loved... but God knows what's best for us. He is never blind to all our miseries... I believe He's been there to give us strength.

I am not a religious person. That's true. But I believe God's existence and I see all hardships in life as blessings. I don't know if it's appropriate that I must write this story but I indeed find this day a memorable one. It enlightens me when my friend said this after we visited a Church, that she felt like a heavy load in her heart was taken out. That made me smile. It comforted me so much knowing that somehow, I conveyed a better direction in her dark path. I lead her to trust God again. Even psychologists/ psychiatrists often recommend patients to undergo spiritual healing to fully recover from an emotional storm.

I've come to realize one of my purposes in life. To be a pillar of my friends who need my comfort. I hate to see them in pain... to see them crying. When we're hurting, it's okay to be sad. But we must not stay there for long. Retaliation doesn't help our anger be subsided. The more we hate the person who is the center of our ire, the more difficult we forget him. Prayers can really move mountains... and so can heal all wounds. To forgive and to forget. I know it's just too easy to say it, but miracles work differently... With you my friend, my Faith in Him is strengthened even more.

Hope to see you smiling again.

known to be our last chance

2005-12-26T15:56:00.000+08:00

known to be our last chance?

I've been sick for almost a week now... =( I had this inevitable weak feeling due to Flu. I had my Vacation Leaves since Dec 12 - 14 but I just spent those days at home. I had no choice but to rest. It was completely useless for I really wanted to be Out of Town. After I attended our ASC X'mas party, I started to feel exhausted and weak and it was certainly not a common case for me. Well, I forced myself to report to work last Thursday, Dec 15 because, I just felt that staying at home more could make me feel weaker. hehehe Perhaps, my body isn't used to stay at home for several days... it craves for sunlight and pollution... It's definitely weird? =) Needless to say, I miss being with my friends. I don't know. I just miss them. I don't care if they don't feel the same way ;). I just miss them all.

Tama na nga yang kapalistkan oh... hehehehe

I failed to attend Sykes Christmas Party. It was known to be my last chance to join with the MM peeps. It's really sad to remember that but I still hope for a brighter future with the same people I've worked with for a year and 6 months. Lets keep our fingers crossed. I don't wanna have bad thoughts about the company I really love working for.

ASC X'mas Party

2005-12-20T14:55:00.000+08:00

ASC X'mas Party

December 10, 2005 --- ASC Christmas Party

After all the waiting, this day had finally come.

We planned out this special ASC Christmas day months before... and as always, it exceeded our expectations. I enjoyed it so much especially our Karaoke session when most of us got the chance to shine and unleash our desire of 'being' a Diva... hehehe =). The main event started at around 11.30 PM after we had the usual Charades. Of course, we had the 'gift giving' for our Kris Kringle and a mini awarding for all of the members.... hmmm I forgot to ask, where's my certificate??? huhuhu =( They forgot to print out my 'one of a kind' certificate... =(.... (Eva, asan na yon?) ... ***blows my nose...***

Anyway, here are some of the photos... Enjoy!

Some of the photos are in my Online Album

tidbits

2005-12-13T11:08:00.000+08:00

tidbits

Another great new day.

Wow! I can say that.... today, I am happy!

My disappointment to a certain friend has just subsided after hmmm... shall I say, 4 days??? . Finally, I had the courage to say Hi again to that person. Our fuss stirred up my temperamental mood but my message was conveyed right. I just couldn't tolerate her nasty words and behaviour to come between us and poison the friendship we both have started with respect. Well, nothing is greater than having things settled in a civil way.

Every single day of my life is a gift for me. It really helps me learn myself more and the things I can do to people I care for. I am typically not an impatient and overly reactive person who flares up one's mood for no profound reason at all. After all the hurts I've come across with and numerous people that I've dealt with in the past, I've managed to become adaptable to people's different personalities. I am not born to be an enemy of someone. I may be swayed to be like one though.... (who among us can't???) I share sincere friendship to people who deserve it. I am just like a mirror, I must say. An exact reflection of deeds of the person I am dealing with. I impose fair play, if you may call it.

What moves me to write something about this is the recent fuss that I had with someone I consider "close to my heart".... someone I consider a good friend. I am known to be sweet, caring, affectionate, and tactful. However, some of my friends' find me as a cold hearted, haughty loner who cares nothing but my own world. Well, it's great to know that not all first impressions last, you know =)

When I'm quiet that means I'm either meditating, pondering, or ammm just day dreaming perhaps? hehehe. I respect one's personality and privacy. I am blunt but I maintain to be as tactful as possible. I don't want to spill bad beans over to someone who doesn't deserve to have some. I maintain healthy friendships. I see them through behind their skin, actions, words or simply call it... their own solid facade. I love reading between the lines, hearing unuttered words, or understanding unheard pains.... Perhaps, I am good at that. I am intuitive.

Even so, these qualities never hinder me to get acquainted with people less sensitive to their actions. I am still capable of dealing such personality. But I can't guarantee if I can stand long enough being with them hehehe. It's better to keep my distance to avoid unnecessary fights, you know. It's really a burden to hate someone and add her/him to my hidden 'enemy list'... =) hehehe Do I really have that kind of list??? hmmm nah! it's a bluff! Having it is just a waste of my time.

Well I just wanna share some tidbits of info about myself. For my friends and co-workers who happen to read this post, can you also see me through this time? =)

moments

2005-12-13T10:37:00.000+08:00

moments

Moments like this, I just had no one to turn to.

Over the years, I've learned to accept these points... that regardless

of how sincere I am to people,
of how gracious I can be to chosen friends whom I consider "close to my heart",
of how vivid the fact that I have people who care for me,
of how much I comfort myself about the truth that I am bonded to be with someone forever,

there are and will always be moments like this... when I feel Alone. Consumed. Disappointed.

I have just thought about this now that Love doesn't always guarantee a loving life, Sincerity doesn't guarantee warmth and peace all the time.

There are some truths remain painful. There are some lovable remain distant.

Yet, the quest of my life continues to unravel its beauty. That's why I exist... the main reason why I still hold on to witness the twists and turns of my own journey.

Behind the comfort I can get when I'm in my room, the relief I can feel when I'm in my queen bed, the ease I can gain when I use my Personal Computer... it still feels like it is just an empty room with four corners. It has seen numerous fiery emotional conflicts.... some old restless events I refuse to recount.

Perhaps, if these walls had the power to paint a canvass, it could have painted my lonely days... it could have painted my depressing past.

Despite of that, I can still find solace in this lonely room... even in dreary moments like this when no one cares to comfort... it's a lonely truth. It's just me and my shadow.

that's what you call

2005-11-23T18:04:00.000+08:00

That's what I call...

Fun!

November 19, 2005 --- Macromedia Team building in Bagac, Bataan.

Everybody was excited of this day... and of course I was one of them. Many had prepared this event weeks before just to ensure that everything was all set.

Bataan is no longer new to me. I've stayed there for almost 2 years when my parents were still there. I even had my 'On-The-Job' Training in one of the industrial plants in Mariveles back in 2000. Unfortunately, due to BPC's company shutdown, my parents got no choice but to leave the place and go back to our hometown. I miss the place. I miss Balanga. And of course, I miss Limay, where I got married. Great memories gained in that place and it will always be well remembered.

Visiting Bataan has always been a refreshing experience for me. So when I heard that our team building would be in Bataan, I undoutebly agreed to join the special event. It was kinda depressing though that Jonel couldn't come along with us. But, I'm sure he was excited for me too!

It was a long travel, 4 hours to be exact. We departed around 10.00 AM and had our first stop over at Shell Station in NLEX. I was still full then so I just had my favorite Starbucks coffee "Rhumba Cream"... hmmm yum! Not too long ago, we're off to Pampanga. Hayy, I just couldn't help but remember those good old days. Pampanga. It's where I had my first job. Wonderful memories started to cross my mind. I miss my friends in Clarkfield. I've been thinking about them.... been thinking about my previous company, where I gained wide knowledge about my craft... been thinking about the apartment where I stayed for 2 and a half years. I definitely miss everything in Angeles City. Needless to say, I miss the great breakfast when I was there... hmm Tocino and Hotdogs made in Angeles... Wow! Whatta treat! (My husband loves it also!)

All right... enough of this reminiscence, let me lead you back to my main story. We had our second stop over somewhere in Lubao, Pampanga. It was in Double Happiness. I used to dine there too when I travelled to Bataan, it's a common stop over for most buses. It was just a quick stop though, hmmm perhaps we stayed there for 20 minutes.

On our way to Bagac, Bataan, everybody couldn't resist but notice the known tourist spot, "Mt. Samat". (Hmmm just before I start reminiscing my first visit in Mt. Samat, perhaps I need to stay focus and pretend that I am still in the bus so as not to lose my trail of thoughts.... hehehe I'll make a different post about my stay in Bataan, so fair enough? ) I barely recognize the long travel because I definitely enjoyed the trip. We arrived at NPC guest house (not sure though the exact name, but I am certain that it's a sorf of NPC guest house) at around 3.30 PM. No activities planned for that afternoon so we decided to spend the remaining hours in singing and dancing... I was surprised that many could sing well! Of course, to complete the fun, we had some free booze... Hmmm and I got tipsy after I had 5 shots, whew! I never had plans to get drunk, though.... so I needed to keep my liquor shots in check. (And Krista... don't worry girl, I wouldn't dwell much about your story, it would only be shared to those who were around there! hehehe).

Krista was supposed to be my room mate but she slept in a different villa... so I had no choice but to sleep in our room ALONE! My head ached badly and I was dead beat so I decided to rest early at around 7.30 pm. Aril was kind enough to stay there for 3 hours and took a nap 'till I had my good sleep but when she left, I just knew it... I just knew that she left around 10.30 pm. I just couldn't get a sound sleep anymore despite that I needed so much rest. I woke up around 2.30 AM and took a bath... I couldn't help anymore the smell of liquor and cigarette. 'Twas great that I dozed off again just after I had my cold shower.

Sunday. We left the villas at around 7.30 AM and we headed to Eman Beach resort. To my surprise, the beach resort is near in Bataan Nuclear Power Plant. Can you believe that? I mean, I stayed in Bataan for 2 years but I never had the chance to visit this non-operational plant. Wow!

I belonged to the Purple Team... but we lost in the games (huhuhu). It's okay, the aim was to have FUN and enjoy our team efforts. I decided not to take a swim, sorry couldn't help but think about nuclear waste.... Well, to be honest, I am not really a beach lover so nothing special anyway.

hmmm... Am I making you feel bored in reading this post??? Well don't ya worry, I'm almost done.... We went off to Manila at around 4.30 PM. I had a long, fun and adventurous day at the beach!

How about you? Can you tell me a story?

tsup!

confused

2005-11-23T16:28:00.000+08:00

confused

I wanted to write something but I don't know how to start... Gosh. I lost the magic in putting my thoughts in words... or am I just engulfed with this inevitable feeling of depression again?

I feel alone. Lost. Troubled. I'm distracted with so many issues at hand. I can't help but remember those turbulent emotional storms I had been through. It is such a vicious cycle I am in but I still have the will of ending it. Yet the question still remains... When will this be over?

How this feeling turns out is pretty much up to me. I know that If I decide to make a big deal about it, it will end up being dramatic. I just can feel that I'm losing my options... I'm losing my alternatives.

It's sad. I can't bring back the past... can't bring back the days when I was happy... the times when I was comforted with geniune love. It's sad that despite of my carefree, gleeful behaviour, I can still feel that something is not right... something deep down IS NOT RIGHT!

It seems that everything is superficial... a facade yet unknown.

Maybe I just miss you! Maybe I just miss my hometown. Maybe I just miss my parents... or maybe, I just can't stand far away from you.

Forgive me baby, for all the troubles I've caused. You've seen me through like no one else can. I can't wait long enough to tell you. I can't wait long enough to be heard, understood, and loved by you.

I seem to lose balance without you! hmmm.... Can we have lunch together tomorrow baby? I need to see you. I need to hear your voice. It's only you who can bring me back to reality.

My cure. My husband.

daunting day at the MRT

2005-11-07T00:30:00.000+08:00

daunting day at the MRT

Have you ever felt terrified in getting inside a train? Hmm... well for me, not until today!

Raine and I planned to have breakfast somewhere in Makati. We were sort of excited about the thought of it because we 'rarely', i mean RARELY go out to malls or restaurants to talk and shop perhaps... unlike with my other friends, we normally go out every weekends to get some great coffee or whatever.

So, after we bought tickets for the ride, just out of the blue, Raine seemed to be in a hurry to get inside the train. She ran quite fast, forgetting me behind since I thought that we would be taking the next train. As soon as she got inside it, the beep alarmed notifying that in few seconds, the door will be closed.... I couldn't get it through anymore, I knew I just couldn't fit myself to the crowd... (Hayyyy Raine, we can always wait for the next train sweetie!)

Darn! No choice but to wait for the next train ALONE! Funny it was, I looked stupid feeling terrified about the closing door... And so I waited for 5 minutes.

Not too long ago, I had a ride still pondering the thought of what had just happened. So I assumed, we'd just have our breakfast together next time. She'd probably be on her way home now. I admitted though that I still couldn't help but think that maybe she could have waited for me there at her stop... Buendia station, it was.

At the Buendia Station , I looked around at the waiting area. No sign of Raine. So maybe she already went home. Right after I got the chance to glance at the left door, I saw her. I hurriedly got off the train, still smiling at her! What the hell happened! I almost didn't make it to the door... (Hayyy.... How I wish, those damn doors have sensors, you know!!!!). What a terrifying experience!

The show must go on. Breakfast somewhere... and I started to get hungry. Hmmm, I was a bit stressed out, I guess.

So we went to Paseo Center to check out some accessories... hmmm I love those earrings! Kinda expensive but I love it! I like the style! I wanna go there again when I have my pay =). We had a few food chain choices but we both decided to get some fries at Mc Donalds.

After half an hour or so, we went off to Smart Bldg in Ayala Avenue. Whew!!! 'Twas a long walk but tolerable. I hardly recognized that we walked that far. We went to Smart Bldg because, Raine thought my hubby was working in that bldg.... (I'm sorry sweetie, he's based in PLDT office, near Glorietta). I made her walk that far for nothing... =) I never had an idea that she just wanted to drop me off there thinking that it's really where I was headed to... Well, it was my fault, didn't ask her in the first place why we took a long hike.... hehehe I made her exhausted for sure! (Sorry sweetie, for that unexpected cardio exercise! =) ).

As soon as we bid good bye, I headed to Glorietta to meet my husband. I just have another story to tell him.

a day of escapades

2005-11-06T18:06:00.000+08:00

a day of escapades

Such a long day at work.

I rendered 6 overtime hours for training and other tasks. But it's okay, I enjoyed doing it. I got a chance to talk to my friends who were assigned in the graveyard shift. I finished the task 2 hours early so I still had an opportunity to take a good rest.

So I slepf for 5 hours. My friend woke me up and invited me to have breakfast with them... hmmm I was starving at that time so I hurriedly fixed myself and waited for the others. 6 of us went out to have breakfast at around 9.45 AM... We had a 'big' meal at Something Fishy in Libis.

I took some souvenir photos on our way to the resto as well as on our way to a karoke bar. After we had our glorious meal, we all wanted to go to Corinthian Spa and Karaoke bar to unwind and sing... Unfortunately, it was still closed. Darn!

Take a peek of these photos:

We had no choice but to go on our separate ways... Only a few of us headed to Makati. I just thought of fixing my hair... have my regular hair cellophane and foot spa... (my ultimate bliss!).

As I waited to let my 'salon trip' done, Diane went to Freshaire to meet me up there. (Hehehe just in time for my next escapade....) We'd be seeing Aril at Pioneer Robinsons for a little shopping spree.... (had no intentions though of shopping for I am in a tight budget!).

We arrived there at exactly 3.30 PM. I was amazed! I am really fond of buying nice and fancy accessories. So it was then the right place for me! I was busy trying to make both ends meet but I couldn't help it... haayyyy I bought another eye-catching pair of dangling earrings.

Well, who doesn't have weaknesses? =)

Perhaps, I'm a photo addict... I love taking pictures so here's another set of my photo collections:

at Robinsons Pioneer

at Congo Grill

After a long, taxing day, we decided to dine at Congo Grill, Ortigas. Aril gave us a dinner treat there as our birthday presents...

Wow! What an experience! 'Twas a whole day affair indeed...

Pool Party

2005-10-28T08:48:00.000+08:00

Pool Party

Oct. 22, 2005 === Pool Party(2nd Convention) at Jane's place.

I haven't posted anything in this blog for some time. I was so occupied with a few important and exciting things last week. Jonel and I attended a pool party, together with the other ASC peeps. We held it at Jane's place (San Francisco Gardens, that is!) last Saturday. It was the most awaited affair and we made a lot of preparations to enjoy the event.

There was no official time when it should start but some of the members arrived there earlier. My husband and I got there at around 5.00 PM. We were indeed excited although there were a few who failed to attend for some important personal matters. Nonetheless, we still had fun! Lots of food, booze...(wow! different cocktail flavors, I love it so much!!! Thanks, Jane!), and of course we also had a game. We played "Charade" for an hour I guess... and yes, my team won! (hehehe anyway, does that matter? who cares?!). Unexpectedly, there were a few guests who dropped by and had small talks for a moment.

It was indeed a night for everybody to chat and be themselves... How lovely to see that "significant others" were there also to share a part of their time... Amazing!

But of course, we came there to swim too! hehehe It was nearly 12 midnight yet a few of us still wanted to swim for less than an hour.

Here are some of the photos:

more pictures in my Flickr Online Album =)

Whew!!! whatta long day! Jon and I went home at around 1.30 AM but it's alright... we surely enjoyed the event!

taking time

2005-10-21T10:46:00.000+08:00

taking time

Looking back these past few days, I simply had nothing much to say. I am now assigned in the afternoon shift and it's a relief anyhow for me, giving enough time to surf the net, watch movies, or read books while waiting for a call or email. I am bored with my routinely life sometimes... So I prefer to engage myself in various activities or allot more time doing my unfinished projects. Amazing it really is since I have a handful of new hobbies that I have yet developed. Like learning how to play a guitar (I recently bought a guitar just for this!), reading several books (one book when I'm on my bed and another book when I'm at work), surfing the web, finishing up my sexy cross stitch project (it really is sexy!), enhancing my knowledge of Fireworks and Dreamweaver... and yes, writing... (I still consider putting my thoughts into words as one of my constructive hobbies). With all these, I barely find time to go out and shop! But it's okay, perhaps, it's just my way of saving a few bucks =).

Here's what I made in Fireworks... hehehe I need more practice though =)

against the limits

2005-10-21T10:22:00.000+08:00

against the limits

Blogger website has been blocked in our Intranet! =(

It's been 2 weeks now since the day we were allowed to access and update our own blogs. When I'm at work, I can't view my friends' blogs anymore if it's created in Blogger/Blogspot. I find enjoyment in reading my friends' blogs most especially those who are miles away from me. It gives me a chance to keep abreast of the things going on with their lives.

This conveys another reason for me to get DSL at home.

I just can't deny though that I find this restriction as absurd. Blogging won't use up all our time... we could post something when we're on break or update it after the shift. Can't they find this a way of allaying stress or enhancing our writing skills? It's helpful and productive too, don't you think??? It's indeed outrageous of making this site 'blocked' for whatever hell reason is.

It all started from limiting our personal items in our respective workstations... limiting only to 5 PERSONAL items (and a picture is considered as one regardless of its size). So I had no choice but to pack some of my things up... Yeah sure, I completely understand that we're making our place as tidy and 'looking professional' as possible or perhpas, shall we say, making our life at work dull and boring. And now, we're prohibited in updating our own blogs. So what would the next be, huh?

I am totally disappointed! Just so when I enjoyed doing it, someone has to come along the way and set a barrier. Well, I have no choice but to MAKE another one in other sites supporting Blogs... like MSN Space perhaps. It's indeed user friendly but the design capabilities are limited. It's good than nothing though!

realizations

2005-10-10T12:41:00.000+08:00

realizations...

It is a sad truth that some good things are indeed not meant to last. When you feel so attached with the person you considered a good person, when you feel so hooked with the thought of caring and loving that same person, when you exhausted all ways you can think of to keep the love alive, when you are about to start writing something pleasant about your feelings for that person.... it would be the time that you realize, he's turning cold... he's showing indifference, the same moment that you discover the ambiguity of his emotions... the day that you fear so much to happen... the day when you are at the end of the rope... the day that you can no longer accept the sudden negative changes that are going on.... the day when he finally said, "So Long!".

Here I am... affected with a lot of issues about heartaches... about pain... about dying affection. I am blessed though that I love my husband just as much as he loves me too... (but for how long ? a lifetime, I really hope so). I do wonder, why "OPPOSITES" give chance in falling in love but after a month or a year or so ... such romantic feeling just died like a natural death. How do couple keep the relationship alive? How does one respond to such misunderstandings, fights, and perhaps confusion within a relationship? How important is communication and how "OPEN" is the open commmuncation? Does that not tantamount to intruision? How far can one expects the other to listen?

We are sensitive beings who detest hurting the peopele we deeply love.... but at the end of the day, we still disappoint them anyhow. Just like our parents. They do everything the best they can to provide us the things we need and want. They care for our behalf and fear that we might make wrong choices in life. As younger ones, who are eager to explore the world, would understand this otherwise. They sometimes become our number one enemies when we attempt to make our decisions...

Love is indeed profound. So many ways to express it but only a few of us care to go deeper to the message behind the action... We judge so quickly. We formulate our conclusions based on our little understanding of love... of what is here and now and not the possibilities in the coming days. But what about those people who were raised by inexpressive, too logical, and authoritarian (sometimes abusive) parents? It may be difficult for that person to show his/her emotions.... suppressed feelings, I guess... I really don't know... I believe that on how a person responds to Love within a romantic relationship greatly contributed on how deep his experience of being loved in return within a family.... of how well he was treated as a child and as an individual.

I just thought that on how we are brought up greatly affects our manifestations to relationships. Why there are some who'd rather rest and sleep than have a long discussion over a certain problem.. who remain calm and we thought of them as emotionless... or why there are partners who convey overwhelming feedbacks, who often twist facts to personal judgements... why there is always misunderstanding over some petty things... (But of course, a petty thing for me may not be petty to the other). Why is this so?

I've read a book, "When Opposites Attract" by Rebecca Cutter, that talks about Right Brain/Left Brain relationships. This explains more why our minds don't meet at a certain point. As stated in the book,

Left Brain partners are known to be factual/rational in their approach to problem solving, who avoid emotional conflict but prefer to debate. While Right Brain partners are focus on feelings, and are more romantic lovers who emphasize merging and knowing each other deeply.

With these differences, I could then consider myself as someone dominated more with my Left Hemisphere(Brain). I hate emotional arguments, long discussion over a problem, but I love facts in finding out a resolution. Left Brain partners take one step at a time and hate gray areas because of emotions... that makes me a less romantic person indeed! =( I state my solution as what I think is necessary and right without considering the other person's feelings... that makes me brutally blunt! =( It's complicated but it's true!

The book gives me a better perspective about Right Brain people.... they expect others to be as interested in relationship as they are. Long discussion makes them feel connected. I realize that one of the main reasons an affection turns dull is the failure to acknowledge and comprehend these differences. Right Brain partner wants to feel connected and so asking questions that might disclose emotional conversations would be treated as an intruision by a Left brain partner. Failure to accept these differences would lead to conflict and unnecessary fuss. Listening undefensively to your partner surely could help make the challenge less taxing but what does it really mean? Listening is indeed a gift because not everybody has this. When we listen undefensively to our partners, we're letting go our own position long enough to be available to consider his/hers. I rarely do this... I love making a point! that makes me not a good listener to my partner =(. I listen to my friends most of the time... but it's a sad realization that I'm a lousy listener to my husband especially when he's overwhelmed with emotions. It is also known that when nonverbal and verbal messages are inconsistent, the nonverbal clues carry the greater weight and thus has more impact.

hmmm... I made a long post about relationships... It's difficult to make a relationship works but it's something that we really can make it if we CHOOSE to keep it forever. I don't wanna dwell more of the things I've read/learned from that wonderful book.... I realized that LB/RB people have a chance to keep the fire burning by learning to negotiate their differences... They can heal their conflicts and can still embark a new loving journey. It's sad that not all of us has the patience to go deeper and understand the relevance of our uniqueness. Thus, many end up realizing that the other person is not good enough for her/him. Perhaps, if everybody has the knowledge in meeting half way, in making compromises to settle on one idea, then there would be no heartbreaks anymore. I guess, the beauty of life lies in countless mysteries...

one great article

2005-10-08T03:08:00.000+08:00

One great article

I really love this article. Obviously.

This writer really has a way with words. I dearly appreciate the words used, the feelings involved, and yes! it shows how beautiful to love is...

Even when problems overwhelm me or resources run low, if I have this kind of person... Wow! I know, things would go better ...

I got this article from Peyups. I am so enthralled on how the writer expressed his/her emotions.... it was clearly well written. While posting this one, I still keep a smile on my face... I am stunned, indeed! I can feel every word and imbibe its wonderful message.

To inspire us all, here's this one great article :

Dear Clara of Santa Fe Contributed by chevy

(Edited by amplifier) Sunday, September 18, 2005 @ 12:00:34 AM

Dear Clara of Santa Fe

I have come from the depths of me to ascertain a pseudo-truth¡¦ that I like you. And I miss the tingling sensation that comes coupled in admitting that I do. For the very membrane in my heart, for the veins that are connected to it, shouts nothing but your existence and craves nothing less but your shiny smile on my downtrodden days. I smile in earnest with sanity leaving me in awe.

Remember the night in Santa Fe? When we foolishly played in the sand, stumbling upon grains of childhood memories enclosed in castles of belief and daydreams? The hand that you held onto is the same hand that wants to hold onto a life with you in marital engagement. Yes, you said I was funny in believing that I want to marry your type. Sinful. Experimental. Adventurous. A soul that has seen more than I and a family of carnival musicians and Mardi gras denizens combined. My traveling days are over only if I have you to stay in a dwelling with. A home with you is what I have formed in my mental world, long before you laughed that high-pitched laugh of yours when I asked you to be a bit more serious with me.

Clara. Your name echoes a soundless yet dominant linger in me. Insanity envelopes the thought that I could make you mine, as fast as lightning and thunder clasps. But I intend to. And you don¡¯t have to agree to nor regret it because I intend to give you the excellence in me. Not my best. Not my worst. But my truth and in that truth, I shall give you an honest solace.

My heart beats for your fingertips to touch the ends of my hair and feel the electricity that goes inside my head for every picture of you. Yes, Clara. I may not admit to be the romantic fool that I am but I guess there is romance in that denial. There is no more beauty in surrender. I enjoy some mystery knowing you can be sometimes unsure of how much I feel for you and how extensive I fell for you. Damages that you have done to me are embraced in nothing but promises of happiness and hopes of brighter days with your warmth. I just wish to make you mine.

My days of loving you are numbered and ending, Clara. But I fear not for that opportunity, because I seek to discover the ability to indulge you from afar. Great lands will take me to great heights but my love for you and my hope for you to see me remains in the highest pedestal.

They say foreign lands create nostalgia of disbelief. And I could not care less because I always find comfort in days of Santa Fe with you. But I get lonely that you regard them only as days with me. I see them as heavens with you. No matter how uncertainly blasphemous it may sound.

I will miss Santa Fe. The beach and the neighborhood that I grew up in and achieved puberty lessons. Juvenile, you would call me from the window in your room but I would prove you worthy by sticking out my tongue in folly. Yes, juvenile because of its freshness and youth. But it¡¯s love altogether, a love for you unparalleled by Santa Fe¡¯s love for its people and sunset.

Take care Clara. I will try to send you feelers from time to time. If only to keep you abreast with notes in my life and new beginnings in my heart, I would call every night. But I do believe I deserve to be missed too and for that I shall make my presence infrequently perceived.

Clara, the pseudo-truth of liking you is just a cover for the biggest truth of all. I love you in days and years and centuries of earth¡¯s revolution. The sun¡¯s magnetic power seems little to my force of affection. But of course, I cannot quantify nor qualify with you, as you will only give me that teasing wink to head off, go on and live.

I live Clara.

For you.

guess who?

2005-10-02T11:12:00.000+08:00

guess who?

Here's this one crazy photo:

At the left side, that's mine!

Can anyone tell me to whom those other feet belong?

Post your answers in the Comments link... hehehe masaya ito.

the party

2005-10-02T10:55:00.000+08:00

the party

October 1, 2005, the most-awaited night of all ASC peeps! It would be our first night out.

Last night at work, I was so excited about it. I spent a few hours anticipating the events that could happen.. Great food, more booze, unstoppable chitchat, groovy music, captivating laughs, and yes... more photo shoots... The waiting is over. Tonight will be the night we all are excited about.

-------------------------------------

My hubby and I arrived at Venue 108 at around 6:40 PM. We were late because of the common reason... 'Traffic'. Geez.. we spent more than an hour on the road. Everybody was there so, we surely had a noticeable entrance. As expected, we had more food and some booze.... We all had so much fun! Although, it was a bit disappointing since I had to limit my tequilla shots... A tequilla shot must be enough for now

'No, I still have to go to work in an hour ', my despairing remark... Diane and I will have our shift at exactly 9PM so alcohol intake must be in check.... or we might end up sleeping all night! =)

Here are the snap shots of our great smiles:

cheers !!! :=)

me and jonel....

It was also the first time that Jon accompanied me to such gathering. It's good to know though that he never had difficulty in getting along with my friends. Even back then, he was comfortable talking to my chums.

We left the place at exactly 8PM. I clearly don't wanna be late so I just suggested to leave there early... Even though the time we spent with the group was definitely insufficient, I could say that I enjoyed their company! It was really a refreshing experience of getting to know each other more. No invisible walls were built that could divide us. It's indeed a wonderful thing to remember that we all gathered together for a sole purpose... to ENJOY, that is!

I sure had a great time! It was not just a party... it was THE party!!!

my birthday eve

2005-09-26T05:02:00.000+08:00

my birthday eve

9:15 PM : At 12 midnight, it will be my special day.

I am excited. I don't know why but I just plan to do something different from the usual celebrations I had before. I wanted it to be as simple as possible... When I arrived here in the office, I asked a few of my friends of what they'd like to order from McDo. I wanted it to be special but I didn't prepare anything tonight... I just brought a CD of Ellen. (hmmm whatta shame...) I craved McDo's fried chicken so I thought of ordering a party pack, choco fudge sundae, large fries, and rice for my 'mini birthday party'.

I celebrated it with Diane, Katt, and Venice. To complete the fun, we watched my favorite Ellen's 'Here and Now' show. I surely enjoyed their company. I was really surprised when Diane bought a small lovely cake (with a candle) for me. She's supposed to show it at exactly 12 Midnight but because we had the party 2 hours earlier, she just decided to give it. Wow! I greatly appreciated it! One big surprise, indeed!

---------------------------------------

01:30 AM

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to take some pictures when Katt and Venice were around. I completely forgot!!! I just remembered to take a picture when I was about to have a slice of the cake. Here are some of the photo shots I took:

----------------------------------------

10:30 AM

I also would like to thank those people who remember my special day... especially to my Macromedia family who happened to greet me 3 days earlier because, they mistakenly thought it was Sept. 22. (hehehehe). Of course, I am totally amazed to my special friends and family who are miles away from me yet they never failed to greet me.

Here are their greetings I received via text messages:

6:05 AM - Julie: Happy bday, sis! lov u! :-)
6:10 AM - Mom n Dad: Nak nag call mi ni Dad, no answer. Happy, happy bday. Mis u n lov u!
6:18 AM - Jonel: Happy Birthday Baby! Love you!
7:54 AM - Ann: Mikee, Hapi bday!
9:05 AM - Jane: Happy, happy bday! Mwaah! hope u hv more 2 come! God bless!
9:40 AM - Tetel: Mike, tetel ni. Happy birthday! More blessings 2 u & Jonel. Enjoy ur day! :-)

I am blessed to have you all guys! Thank you to all my friends who never failed to give me a good laugh, great memories, and countless valuable lessons in life. You certainly made me feel special and well remembered!!!!

Such friendships are worth keeping....

anticipation

2005-09-23T00:45:00.000+08:00

anticipation...

Today, I am happy.

I came here at work just on time. Despite that I had a tough time earlier of getting here... I opted to take the train for a faster ride. Yet when I was about to take my steps to the MRT station in Magallanes, the escalator was nonfunctional. Whatta waste! It was supposed to serve as convenience for everybody. I had no choice but run a bit so I could be back on schedule again... and whew! It definitely was taxing than I thought! When I was at the waiting area, the train for North bound arrived and know what... it was too crowded like there's no tomorrow. More people were added every stop. I could barely get out when we reached Shaw station.

Stressful, it really was... yet, I still am happy. There are so many things to look forward to.

My birthday is fast approaching. I am such a teddy bear! I still love birthday parties! Yet, Jon and I don't have plans for any birthday bash this year. I had one last year with my family and Jon's family. It was indeed memorable! However, this year, we want it more intimate and private *winks*.... hehehe nah, we just want to dine in one of the restos that we've never been to... hmm like 'Dampa' for instance. Have you heard about it? I heard that it's a great place, needless to say their fresh seafood... Wow! I love seafood! I am so excited to be there with my hubby..... It's just my idea of small pleasures, you know.

I'm excited of our upcoming ASC party =)... I am sure that it would be so much fun! It will be on October 1 and I could hardly wait. Even if I won't be staying too long there but I still want to attend and join the group. I'd probably be there early with Diane perhaps 4pm so we could also leave there at around 8.15 PM. Unfortunately, Diane and I are assigned in the weekend shift. But it's okay, FUN is still F-U-N!

just for a song

2005-09-17T10:33:00.000+08:00

just for a song...

Have you ever thought of a song that can somehow relay your story?... Well not necessarily your entire story but somehow, a part of your most memorable experience in life...

I believe that songs are wonderfully and creatively written to tell a story of a certain person's life experiences. I admit, that there are times when I'm so engrossed of the things I am doing while listening to music, I just find myself pleased with the tune and lyrics of the song that I can't help but sing along with it. I don't know but it shares a different light to me especially in times when I'm down. It makes me happy. Yes, I am delighted in some way. For me, singing is one of the ways to allay stress. Certainly, that is not to brag or even imply that I can sing anyhow... but it provides an alternate approach to deal my predicaments in life in a more positive way.

Here's this one instance when my hubby and I went to a record bar to get some copies of our favorite songs. I have this song that has been playing in my mind over and over again and I'm dying to get a karaoke VCD or even a mulltiplex copy of it. But I just can't believe that I don't even know the title of that song. Still, I took my chance of going there, hoping that I might bumped into one of the CDs that has a 'similar' title and then, I might remember somehow. As my efforts (and patience) turned slim, I decided to seek assistance from one of the sales ladies. Since, I had no idea of what the title was so I had no choice but to sing a part of the song or hum at least to make my point across.

Of course, the sales lady tried to search for the CD, acting like she had a clear idea... and yeah, I felt relieved a bit.... thinking that finally, I would know now the (ever-sought) title. Yet after a few minutes of looking over some of the 'duets' CD, she came back simply to say it's not available.

That was not the answer I excpected, though.

I mean, how could she ever say 'it's not available' when she's not even aware of what EXACTLY she was looking for... see?!

Perhaps, she noticed that I was really unsatisfied with her answer so all she could do next was to ask another sales lady to LISTEN, that's right!, to listen while I, again, hummed the tune and sang a part of the lyrics. Hilarious, it really was.... but what else could I do!

Two of them were searching my song... hehehee I felt like I was giving them a little pressure. Until I recalled that Martin Nievera happened to include that song in one of his albums. I undoubtedly checked Martin's songs and I found a title of the song that seemed similar to the one I was looking for.... I was not sure enough so Jon suggested that I must try and check out if it was really the one. When I asked the sales lady, she allowed me to listen to it.. the no. 4 song.... The CD was covered with plastic, so the sales lady just torn it and played the song spotted on no. 4....

Hmm, they really made an effort even by tearing the plastic cover and that's just to DETERMINE if no. 4 song was the same with the song I was looking for. AND YES! it really was the right one! FINALLY... it conveyed great relief to all of us, I thought.

"The Last time I felt like this...", that is !

But I was specifically looking for a karaoke VCD or Multiplex of that song.... hayyy our efforts really turned in vain because, there was no available copy for the VCD. I secretly smiled for I know, I just wasted their time .... But anyway, at least I know much better now that they went out of their way to really assist me....

And the good thing is... I know now the title of it! My next search would then be a lot easier!

Well for me, that song somehow tells my story.... A story when I met the man of my life... the first time I met Jon!

in just a day

2005-09-14T08:23:00.000+08:00

in just a day...

Just another day. There are countless thoughts and experiences that I wanna share and talk about but I simply don't know where to start.... (ahuh? such a common dilemma). Then I thought of writing about the things happened yesterday...

7:00AM - I completed the tasks assigned to me yet, I still went home late yesterday. I stayed few hours more, doing something in my workstation. I checked out some sites just to use most of my leisure time. I found nothing extraordinary though. I then began playing online games instead.... I love "The Waitress and DinerDash!" Perhaps I dream to put up a resto of my own someday... (or be a waitress somewhere, ngekk!)...

I was damn bored, I thought so...

After 30 minutes, I went back to web surfing again. I just felt like there's something I must research on but I don't know what would it be... (it was just a hunch) Hmmm, it must not be about work... I simply wanted to cool off, that a mere thought of anything about work, could make me feel stressed a bit! :-) So I continued to visit from one site to another, read through some posts of my friends' blogs and then I chanced upon Ellen's website. A nice, informative, and entertaining one! As I browsed through the webpages, while keeping the smile on my face, I realized how funny she is... My favorite comediane. Jon and I used to buy some of her standup shows CDs or her movies... we both find it amusing and plainly for the main reason that we both want to have a good laugh... Then I thought that it's really a wonderful way to start my morning by watching one of her daily monologues. Isn't that great... to have a positive mode after a stressful time at work? She definitely has a way with words.... one fine, witty comediane!

I left the office around 11AM... It's kinda late I know because, I need to travel an hour and half before I reach home. I was surely dead-beat and the trip made me doze off. Yet, it's nice to know that I never missed my stop... hmm some sort of a natural response that I have to wake up everytime we pass the Toll gate.... Amazing! a natural response huh?

At home, I went straightahead to my room and started reading a book. Well to be honest, I never was fond of books... it's just recently when Jon and I visited 'Booksale' in SM Megamall to purchase a certain computer reference book. I happened to look at the books piled on the floor and oh..my my, the title simply enticed me to buy it... "When Opposites Attract"... After a few flips and scans of other books, surprisingly, I ended up carrying 4 interesting hard-bound books. For just P55 each, wow... that's really lovely!

I had 3 hours of sleep... certainly not enough but I had to get up. I normally lose track of time when I'm so absorbed in reading a book. Got half an hour to prepare... didn't eat my dinner for an apprehension that I might be late if I'd still take my meal. On my way to work, I suddenly felt something uneasy... but I couldn't really figure out what or where. I knew then that I was not feeling so well yet I still managed to report to work. As soon as I got off the elevator, I felt so weak... dizzy and was about to throw up. It was definitely unnatural. I was thinking if it was due to lack of sleep, not enough meal since I only had a sandwich that morning and had not eaten my lunch and dinner, or was it because of the diet pills that I've been taking for 2 days? It was really difficult ... was too weak that I almost fainted. When I entered the office, I sat on a chair immediately and rested for 3 minutes. I decided not to stand up for a moment or I might vomit in no time. It was the first instance I felt like that... 'twas too bizarre! I slowly headed to my workstation and sat on my chair. I rested for 10 minutes more... and I'm glad I got over it without taking any medicines...

Whew!!! Whatta lousy way to start my work! But seriously, it scared me so much! I must see a doctor and must discontinue taking the medicines...

New pups

2005-09-07T22:20:00.000+08:00

New pups...

September 02 - After 2 months of waiting, my favorite dog, Mocha, gave birth of 2 lovely puppies. We have 2 male puppies but we still have not named them. They're really giving us a hard time in getting the right names for them. Jon and I wanted their names to be unique that also suit to their qualities.

White and gray puppies, any suggestion for their names?

September 05- My other dog, Pearl, also gave birth of 4 cute puppies.... Hey, any Vet stude out there needs a subject for some sort of an experiment?, a puppy will do... hehehe... We have many new born puppies... Hmmm as early as now, I am thinking of WHERE will I throw these new pups.. hehehehe am I a certified mean person?

Well, seriously, having 6 new puppies are just unmanageable. I'm thinking of giving 2 pups to my Aunt in Taguig, and another 2 puppies to the owner of our apartment, and the remaining unfortunate 2 pups... hmmm well, you know what happens next....

:-)

hehehe whatta dagger look you got there, Mocha!

I miss 'em

2005-09-05T18:34:00.000+08:00

I miss 'em...

It's been quite sometime since the last day I was in my hometown, Iligan City. I don't have plans of going there this year. I want to save more bucks before having a "not so long" vacation there. I miss hanging out with my high school and college friends. I just miss Iligan and Cagayan de Oro City!

Well, here are the people I miss so much....

1.) My Parents... This picture was taken May 2003 and it's the "latest" family picture we have... :( awww... I miss my "gwapa" Ate! ) :-)

2.) My ever best and closest friend, Tetel... I also miss my other college friends namely Donna, Marnellie, Jonah and others... These photos were taken when we were in Cebu City for our Career tour. The last photo in the first row, we were in Plantation Bay so I took the chance to have a pose and enjoy the view!

3.) My best friends in Iligan City, Connie and Ann. Connie is currently working in Jeda and Ann is busy taking care of her "Phoenix", Kalani.

That's Connie! Hmm... I'm still diggin' for Ann's photo... I'll just post it next time. :-)

Worn Out

2005-09-05T18:22:00.000+08:00

WORN OUT

Last weeek was a life like hell!

I admit that it drained so much of my energy. Whew!!! An untoward feeling, I must face! I have finally come to my senses. I have finally accepted how tough to hold on a slim chance of rapprochement. It's certainly no damn easy to believe that I am unaffected.... because, I truly am!

I still can't believe that I managed to give so much without knowing the truth... I still can't accept that I was misled for believing countless lies. How the hell would I know that those were just your undisputable antics?! You are like a lion that has been wearing a sheep's clothing... A tricky, evil person in disguise of a defenseless, helpless victim's garments. I should have seen you beyond my eyes could notice... I should have known you beyond my mind could understand. I should have taken in consideration the messages of my intuition.

How could I have been so blinded by my emotions?! How could I have been so weak for not putting everything inside the closet?! It's hard... I got hurt, and still I'm hurting! DAMN IT!!!!!

I am outrageously angry that I really want to throw and break things.... I want to hurl stones AT YOU! We have already started to throw stones and mud at each other so a bunch of retailation larks can make things even. You must realize how discomforting to me your actions are! I am so damn over with your crap.... but I still am crushed!

I hate it when a thought of you crosses my mind... Such dark clouds have poisoned my TRUE me!

I don't know when will this be over...

I don't even know where to start...

at the ICU

2005-08-27T12:41:00.000+08:00

at the ICU

Jonel and I heard the terrifying news about Nay's health (Jon's mom). She was rushed to the hospital since Thursday late afternoon due to her Mild Stroke. So many things happened so fast that I can barely take everything, all at the same time. Jon went straightahead to the hospital and stayed there until midnight of Thursday. I visited Nay Friday afternoon just right after my shift. I simply don't know the location so my hubby decided to fetch me up. We had our late lunch around 3.15 PM at the Foodcourt of Shangrila Mall. After 30 minutes, we decided to take a bus on our way to the hospital. Nay is confined at Manila Sanitarium in Pasay. She's currently recuperating inside an ICU where only 2 visitors are allowed to get in. She's been there for 2 days now and we're all hoping that she'll be fine sooner. The doctor mainly mentioned that Nay's condition is getting better and stable. She just got physically stressed that's why she had her hypertension attacks.

When we reached her room, of course, Jon and I still were worried even though we were assured that she's well now. We stayed there just 3 hours chatting with Nay. When I saw her, I could really notice that she has lost weight. She lost her appetite and she appeared quite tired. Her eyes could show that she's sleepy though we wanted her not to sleep that early. Her left side of her neck was swollen and she could barely move her left side of her body... which includes her left arm, left fingertips, left leg and left toes. I fear all these. My hubby has this kind of illness too and that's the main reason why I keep on monitoring his food intake. I am fat but I don't have hypertension (it's good to know that!). But not until, I started taking some diet pills that triggered my blood pressure to rise frequently. I stopped taking such pills. It scares me really bad.

Few minutes before we left the hospital, Nay's meal was left untouched. She just finished her warm soup and had eaten a little rice. I hated to think that the nurse would just throw away the unspoiled fresh lumpia and pancit guisado. So I insisted my hubby to eat up all the viands. At first he insisted that he's still full. It was nearly 6.30 PM and I told him that we wouldn't be taking our dinner when we reach home so he must eat now or he'll starve later. He remained firm and answered... "Di nga ako gutom eh!". Hehehe, after roughly 10 minutes, he took the plate and fork... and then he started eating... Di nga daw sya gutom pero naubos nya .... hehehehe. I enjoyed watching him finish the food, so I took some of his pics.

Para kang naki fiesta Babeh ah... =) Hehehe Love Yah!

my turnabout

2005-08-24T15:22:00.000+08:00

my turnabout

I've finally reached to the last page of this chapter.

It's been half a year when I started to read you like a novel... 6 challenging months that I've learned and realized what I was really going through. You were like a book to me... you taught me several things. You made me accept who really I am. You painted the true picture of what I can be. You let me understand my hidden feelings.

You made me laugh ...but you made me cry too. You made me happy... but you made me feel depressed also. You made me feel loved... but you made me feel indifferent as well. It's you... only you who can make me lose my sanity... but only you can also bring me back to reality.

You are indeed a slight detour of my normal life. You're part of my past and.... still are creeping to be my present. It can't be... will never be. It's good to know, though, that we have finally thrown in the towel. You're just my little turnabout.... and so am I in your life.

So long.

nothing much

2005-08-19T09:06:00.000+08:00

nothing much...

It's been days since my last post. I'd been busy with work and some important personal matters. Well, nothing much to talk about. I spent my rest days at home and I took plenty of sleep. These past few days, I could hardly sleep in straight 6 hours.

Last sunday, I went out with my friends to learn about a certain business opportunity. The thing that I am so excited about is my plan to join in a volunteer work. It's supposed to be this coming Sunday but because I'll be in the morning shift next week, I simply can't make this plan possible. I am still waiting for the next scheduled date of our visit. My friend texted me that we will go to Antipolo Orphanage soon. Isn't that nice and exciting? It would really be an experience. We even planned to bring some food and drinks for the kids. She has joined such volunteer work for weeks now. She told me that there's even a 2-month old baby in the orphanage. A defenseless baby who lost his chance to be loved by his real parents. It's sad to know that there are moms who can dare to abandon their kids. Yes, they have plenty of toys and milk but they still greatly need more attention. There are some kids who want to be cuddled all the time and when you put them back to their cribs, they'd become restless. Obviously, they need warm touch or loving embrace from foster parents especially they're on their growing years. It's when healthy emotional and social development start. Unfortunately, they don't have enough opportunity to enhance these important needs.

I still don't have kids of my own but yes, I have plans to have 2... perhaps, it's not yet the right time. It always terrifies me whenever I imagine the pain of labor, or even the operation like the cuts and stitches... Hay, I have low tolerance to pain, you know... Even blood tests, I have to gather so much courage to do it! =( I feel like I'd become defenseless... that I must stay still and allow the nurse to take some of my blood. It just scares me to death! Honestly, I envy my friends who aren't scared of giving birth. Hopefully, I'll soon get over these fears.

especially for you

2005-08-12T00:33:00.000+08:00

especially for you...

Hmm... Just another 'gloomy' day... You could certainly feel in your skin such cool morning breeze... When you're on the road, you could really feel the wind is becoming arctic... This is NOT because Christmas is fast approaching but basically, it's about to rain again. It's been raining for days now and yes.... there's storm coming!

I just had my light breakfast and chitchat with Diane. After that, we decided to go home early. I felt so sleepy and I wanted to reach home as fast as I could. And then, I received a text message from my hubby. He didn't want me to leave the office that early. It was because, he just sent me an important email with an attachment. He told me the brief description about it and it definitely gave me more reasons to go straight home and start reading the 'post' he wrote for me. Thoughts had crossed my mind... what is it all about? why is he insisting that it must be posted in my blog? I could hardly wait to know his big surprise.

When I reached home, I went straightahead to my room and turned on my machine. Hmmm.... there it was in my desktop, a filename "Especially for you". As I read it through, I really couldn't deny that my eyes suddenly burst into tears. I don't really know what made him love me this much. Nevertheless, I am really grateful of such profound, genuine love.... He has always been my pillar of strength. I don't wanna edit this... I wanted to keep his intended meaning of this message. Here goes his first post:

On my way to work one day, in the midst of a cramped 'ordinary' bus, I heard a familiar tune. But it was a different rendition of a classic song. The song that was playing, ”Especially for you", caught my fancy. Then again my heart was leaping along with the beat.

While I was happily listening to the tune, unknowingly, I felt a pinch in my heart. I felt that this song ... is indeed a timely reminder of what I was struggling with, the very essence of what I am still fighting for - My Wife. Her undivided love and attention, which something nowadays I consider a luxury, a price too high that I'm gladly willing to pay at all costs.

Perhaps she may have not noticed this… that it has been a struggle for me, as far as I can recall. From the day I first met her, in some pointless chat room within the corridors of cyberspace, it took time for me to realize that love was taking its shape… carving a niche in my heart

Hurt… it took a lot of hurting, tears shed, and agonizing moments before I totally realized that true love indeed exists. Her reaffirmation of my feelings was a total bliss. At that moment, I felt a breaking through of the bounds of my heart... that was previously enclosed in its own pain. It was a feeling I thought I would have never ever known.

All I ever felt before was pain…. just pain and numbness of emotion. A coldhearted man like me who was lost in the sea of people… I was adrift and hopeless. I stumbled along the daily trudge of life yet I continued to struggle. In the midst of my despair, God sent her to me… She saved me from the anguish I was in.

I often remind her until now that she changed me… saved me from the river of blues ... though she might have not fully understood that...

I always tell her ... I wont let go ... not in this lifetime, nor in the next …

Until then, every single day was such a heavenly feeling, overwhelming gush of inspiration filled my senses. Everything I do, it's all for her… for she is all that matters to me and she is always in my mind and heart. Happiness fills my heart and still I find myself ever yearning to be in her arms. With her, I am lost no more... No reason to weep, no reason to worry… I am home at last!

We both had ups and downs countless times ... During those days when we were disheartened, we both learned to pick up the broken million pieces and rebuild a life anew . Every challenge we encounter absolutely made us even stronger individuals.

Until ... someone came along, who tried to pull us apart … Stormy the seas were, I held on to dear life not letting go. Every moment was an agony… What more painful experience than this can I ever endure? The pain was too hard to bear... My eyes were filled up with tears… which I thought crying wouldn’t ever happen to me again... It felt like a thousand daggers pinning my heart yet ... I could still remember saying this… ...

I won’t let go ... not in this lifetime, nor in the next …

Silently, I prayed hard that He would enlighten me, spare me from this excruciating pain… that He would lend me HIS strength. I prayed hard that He would touch her heart and awaken her from this madness.

Yes! Miracles do happen. He answered my prayer.

Now, I am back in these familiar arms that soothe the scars of my past and will continue to heal the present.

As I gazed through the window of the bus on my way to the office, the tune reminds me what I truly value most in life... My ever dearest Wife…. and at that instance, I wanted to say :

"I Love you ... I truly do love you my dear Wife

Everyday you save me from this insane world

Only in your arms I have found true peace and joy

Every morning I renew my vows to hold and cherish you

I'm a better person only because you have come to accept

the worthless me

I wouldn’t want to share my life with any other

I didn’t wait all this time just to let go …because

I won’t … I would never ever … let go...”

And the song kept playing in my head...

==============================================

Especially for you
I wanna let you know what I was going through
All the time we were apart
I thought of you
You were in my heart
My love never changed
I still feel the same

Especially for you
I wanna tell you I was feeling that way too
And if dreams were wings, you know
I would have flown to you
To be where you are
No matter how far
And now that I'm next to you

No more dreaming about tomorrow
Forget the loneliness and the sorrow
I've got to say
It's all because of you

And now we're back together, together
I wanna show you my heart is oh so true
And all the love I have is
Especially for you

Especially for you
I wanna tell you, you mean all the world to me
How I'm certain that our love was meant to be
You changed my life
Hmm ... You showed me the way
And now that I'm next to you

I've waited long enough to find you
I wanna put all the hurt behind you
Oh, And I wanna bring out all the love inside you, oh

How to fight Mild Depression

2005-08-07T06:25:00.000+08:00

How to fight Mild Depression

Before I start this post, I just want to make things clear why this is just about 'Mild' Depression and not Depression. Let me differentiate first... "Depression is an affliction of the soul and body which confounds the mind and robs the heart of strength." Depression is already a severe case when someone wishes to die or who is plainly unwilling to live. People who suffer of such suicidal tendencies badly need to seek professional help. Unlike 'Mild' Depression, well, all of us experience this at some point of our lives. These are the times when we endure some unexplainable emotions and uncertain thoughts... moments when we feel not eating our meals, can't have sound sleep at all, or those times when we can't help but simply feeling so bored and reluctant to enjoy our day. I've gone through that phase too... Sometimes, I still feel the same way but that doesn't mean, I CHOOSE to be this way for long. Such desire to understand what it really is, I gather some helpful information that can somehow alleviate Mild Depression.

Anyhow, just want to emphasize that I'm no 'Psychologist' or I'm no 'expert' in counseling so I am certainly not imposing my thoughts to be the 'sure' steps on fighting back such ill-feelings. I've collated the details from a number of websites that I've been checking out daily and some of these also are just based from my own experience... Perhaps, these steps could also work for you.

1.) Go outside and socialize.

---- It definitely helps you allay your (unending) worries and improves your mood. Going out more often and being with your friends can make you feel comfortable and 'at home'. Try to talk about your problems with your 'trusted' friend just to ease the burden in your heart. It's really up to you if you wanna spill all the beans on to this friend but a small, sincere talk is already something!

2.) Get involved.

----It is the right time for you to join an organization that interests you. It's time to nurture your special interests that you happened to neglect years back. Involving yourself to some inspiring activities lessens your time to think of the goals you have failed to achieve and reduces the chance of remembering your painful past. In this way, it boosts you to develop healthy self-love.

3.) Know the cause.

---- For me this is essential, you have to know the real cause of your mild depression. If it is because of your painful past during childhood, family, friends or past relationships, then you must learn the importance of letting go. You must understand also the essence of forgiving others and forgiving your own self. You really can't bring back the past but you have to realize that there's still a hopeful future awaits you. If you're currently attached to someone who's causing so much agony in your life... who's conveying so much anxiety in your nights, then it's time to drop him/her off the list. A psycho girlfriend/boyfriend doesn't deserve a little of your thoughts or even a minute of your time. It's time to wake up! It's time to erase his/her image in your heart. This may sound so easy but of course, I deeply understand that this is damn so difficult to take into consideration. Always remember that Loving yourself more can keep your feet on the ground and get you back to reality.

4.) More time to Relax.

---- Have a good vacation. Enjoy the heat of the sun. Spend more time to relax with your loved-ones. It is known that "Sunlight has an important role in many chemical processes taking place in our body. Lack of sunshine triggers the release of melatonin, a hormone that produces a feeling of lethargy and tiredness. This hormone is only created in the dark." Hmm... this sounds true, you know! Some of us just feel a little depressed when rainy season comes.

5.) Balance your diet and keep yourself fit.

---- Start eating healthy food. Eat more vegetables and fruits, especially Banana. Minimize your caffiene and/or alcohol intake. Exercise and enjoy every moment of it. It relaxes your body muscles and definitely it relieves stress. Clearly, it promotes an alternative idea of exhausting your leisure hours in a healthier way.

6.) SMILE.

---- We all know that 'Laughter is the best medicine'. A positive thinker often succeeds in whatever challenge he encounters. Why not be like him? Think of the activities that can make you smile or somehow can make you laugh. Read your favorite comic book, watch a comedy film, listen to your kind of music, or sing a lot even if you're not good at it. The most important thing is that you learn to appreciate your strengths. Adore what you rarely take notice in you. If you have problems, put them aside and accept the truth. I am not advocating someone to become immature or irresponsible of not resolving one's issues. Life would be wonderful if we take one step at a time. No need to rush things and no need to worry the future. Just a simple point of view, "Smile... and the world smiles back at you..." That's my favorite line of a song, "Say Cheese" by Food Court Rockers.

7.) Count your blessings and Pray a lot!

---- And lastly, don't forget to pray a lot! These difficulties we encounter everyday are merely tests of our existence. God has his own purpose why we have to deal these problems. It's not important on how many times we falter, what He cares most is how bravely we stand up from a downfall. It is not important on how well we manage our life, but He cares most on how much we have learned from our mistakes. Always count the blessings that you have and you would realize how grateful you are to be here. Never fail to express gratitude to Him for He is the one who makes your life lovelier and colorful.

Things I must do

2005-08-05T09:10:00.000+08:00

Things I must do :

I really wanted to make a list of 'productive' plans I need to do to keep me busy. Hmm... I easily get bored so I must involve myself in different things without missing the fun. I'll try to manage my time and fulfill all these as soon as possible. I just realize that I spent 9 hours at work, 3-4 hours just chatting with friends, 4 hours travel time, 1 hour of watching TV, and 5-6 hours of sleep... On my rest days, I normally stay at home and SLEEP all day! I don't think I'm consuming my time wisely. Perhaps, that explains why, at times, I find my life as meaningless. I still feel that I'm not living my life to the fullest... I certainly want some CHANGES as early as now... So I've come up with this list to 'probably' establish a balance of my daily life. Here it is :

SHED off some pounds

Therefore, I must get involved to a certain sport... (Playing Badminton will be a great idea!) or just do anything that can help me burn some calories... (Dancing will do..) Hmm... since I'll be focus more on losing some pounds, then I must follow my diet meal plan... Don't you know that this is extremely difficult for me and it really needs great determination to do this ??? Well anyway, I must do it. I must see some REASULTS after a few months from now. As for now, I'm still thinking as to what I must consume more and as to what I must eat less... I haven't talked to a nutritionist ever but maybe a little research and some tips from friends will be sufficient... :-)

SPEND more time

Yeah... I must spend more time for myself.... I wanna enjoy every moment of the day by watching movies, going to the malls, or just giving much attention for my regular pimple treatment. I'd do anything to reduce my undesirable pimples.

One of my plans also is to visit my Obgyne for my Polycystic Ovaries. (Hayy... ang dami ko namang sakit!!! Putcha! )

ATTEND a seminar or retreat about Self-Empowerment

I want to experience this one. I simply need some answers why there are 'countless' times that I seemingly feel unexplainably depressed... I greatly need ways to improve my self-esteem... and increase my self-worth... Do you guys have any idea where I can get some information regarding this ? Please let me know...

if I could change one thing

2005-07-31T06:38:00.000+08:00

If I could change one thing...

... it would definitely be my WEIGHT...

As you may notice, I am 100 ++ pounds, 5 feet in height. Obviously, I need to lose more pounds. However, it is really difficult to shed off even just 5 lbs... Aaarrgghhh!!!! It definitely needs extreme determination and discipline to carry out such goal, you know. It's just so funny that whenever I have the courage to stick to my diet plan, my hubby simply loves to tease me by buying my favorite food and desserts. If I happen to ignore his pasalubong, he would feel less important and forsaken. He would claim that I'm no longer enjoying his idea of thoughtfulness. No matter how good my explanation is, he would take it otherwise. I simply don't get it why he feels that way when all I want is to have my 'original' wieght back. Hayy.. sometimes my hubby's odd reason can tempt me to leave my 'list' behind... Despite of his reactions, I know, I just allowed things to happen.. that's why I have these flabs...

"Goodbye Carlo!..." hehehe sounds familiar ???

my blogname

2005-07-30T06:39:00.000+08:00

Have you ever wondered...

why my blogname is SWEETLAVENDER ???

To make the story short, Lavender is really not my favorite color. Although I have some stuffs I keep with a touch of violet.

It's just that I have a dear friend who happened to have a great fascination of this shade. I could even remember that most of her things before such as her sweater, hair brush, sneakers, and even her car... were all Lavender! I find this person as extraordinarily sweet.

Wish we could meet again ! It's been a decade or so that passed since the last time we talked in person...wow! It's been ages already...

sandcastle

2005-07-29T17:04:00.000+08:00

sandcastle

I've read so many articles about Failed Relationships and I've watched a few films about Lost Love. It's undeniably hurting. I simply can't turn my back and close my eyes to this truth that there's indeed such a kind love, which is meant to wither and die...

What good can LOVE be when two people would just enjoy and cherish it at first but won't make more efforts to keep it alive forever ?

What good can LOVE be when after all the hopes and dreams built, it would just die like a natural death ?

Is it really the nature of LOVE that pain comes along ?

For me, it certainly is. We get hurt because we love. We cry because we expect something from our "significant other" to love us back just as much. It is damn too hard of making a relationship works when the other's affection for you has vanished too soon without you knowing it. It is damn too difficult when you have made ways to sustain the fire and have gone extra mile to keep things in place yet, you would realize that you're just all alone in the battle... lost and defenseless! You just find yourself crawling back home all alone!

It is absolutely tearing you apart when love dies. It's sad when you have built your castle with this person and have laid your foundation of trust, faith and love to this man... but still your efforts just go in vain. It is definitely an affection that has gone pear-shaped in just a blink of an eye. TERRIBLE!

Situations like these can really make me question the reasons why there are still some people who want to fall in love over and over again... Is it because of...

... a need to belong ?
... an assurance that there's someone gets attracted to them ?
... another hope to prove that true love exists ?
... another batch of tears to shed ?
... or just another way to unleash one's lust ?

I've talked to a certain friend who once loved so much unquestionably... who experieced all the reasons and causes of pain... But, she has always been hopeful and optimistic about the real essence of LOVE. I've learned several things from her (and even from my own experience) that we continue :

... to love NOT because we allow others to abuse us. BUT for us to gain new lessons about life.

... to give hope, trust, faith, and love to someone new NOTfor the assurance that we look good and physically attractive. BUT for the assurance that we deserve to be truly loved back.

... to love again because, it's a wonderful feeling that there's someone in this world who can witness the happy and painful scenes of our life.

... to experience love NOT because we're weak and cannot stand alone. BUT because, there's a loving reason for us to do better, for us to accept the truth that we falter a neumber of times yet willing to change and improve.

... to enjoy love for we see GOD through the manifestations of our significant other... we feel God's forgiving love when we know how to give and show LOVE to others.

Like a sandcastle, we often find excitement in creating one especially with someone we love. It needs a little water to add strength and to make it intact.

... so is our life, it needs LOVE to keep us going.

Even if the waves can wash your sandcastle away, we can always build another one... better than the first.

... so is our romantic relationships, we can always start anew, aiming for a better, fulfilling one.

reflection in the mirror

2005-07-27T21:18:00.000+08:00

reflection in the mirror

Here I am again... feeling so alone and bothered. Looking at myself in the mirror now... hmmm, is that really me? I look miserable... well perhaps the depression just shows. When will this be over?

It is such a quiet afternoon after my work. I was asked this morning by my superior about my short term goal... I was surprised! I didn't expect her to ask me that. I was lost for words and I hardly knew the answer. At this point in time, I don't know what would be my specific short term goal.

Alright... hmmm let me think harder...

I have these in mind:
1.) Learn new things about Macromedia.
2.) Enjoy my shift everyday.
3.) Understand more about Self-Empowerment.
4.) Have a long vacation with my hubby.
5.) Attend some retreats, seminars about building one's self-esteem.
6.) Move a step higher from where I am now at work.
7.) Know how to eliminate negative feelings.

Whew!!! Can these be considered short term goals ? I'm not sure but I keep these changes and lessons in mind.

As you may notice, I've drawn much energy and enough motivation from other people (things or activities) to improve for the better. I may look tired yet I could still manage to enjoy my day when friends are around. You may view me as someone extremely emotionally dependent (or may call it a LOSER!) but, that describes me most... that's just ME ! I value true friendship as I value my life.

Recently, I am so wrapped up with much guilt, fears, and insecurities. I am sitting right now on my soft, comforting couch with uncertain thoughts. Will I make significant changes in my own existence (and in the lives of others) ? Will I teach good values to my kids when I bring them out to this world ? Will I remain a loving, faithful wife to my husband ? Will he remain faithful to me too ? Will I be a good daughter to God's eyes ?

Pardon me for writing these questions down and for allowing you to know my inmost feelings. I have this deep-rooted hurt and great fears that sometimes, I just find myself on the verge of losing hope... of not believing my worth at all.

Can you see the real reason from afar?
... that behind my sweet smiles I show,
are my extreme insecurities in life.
... that behind my happy stares to people,
are my tired, red-swollen eyes...
... that behind my funny jokes I share to friends,
is my weeping heart.

I know, this too will soon pass... this vicious cycle will soon come to its end. I simply learned things in a hard way. I am not perfect but I will try to move forward and fulfill what I am destined to do. I may feel demotivated a number of times yet I will try to embrace a new beginning.

I'm looking forward to such dawning chance. Prayers, I believe, can make and spell the difference. I strongly want my vibrant life back.

personality quiz

2005-07-27T03:33:00.000+08:00

Personality Quiz
Ever wonder which cartoon character you are most like? Well, a team of researchers got together and analyzed the personalities of cartoon characters. The gathered information has been incorporated into this quiz. Answer each question (10 in all) with the choice that most describes you at this point in your life, then add up the points that correspond with your answers.

1 .)Which of these describes your perfect date? a) Candlelight dinner for two b) Amusement Park c) Rollerblade in the park d) Rock Concert e) Movie	2.) What is your favorite type of music? a) Rock and Roll b) Alternative c) Soft Rock d) Classical e) Popular
3.)What is your favorite type of movie? a) Comedy b) Horror c) Musical d) Romance e) Documentary	4.) Which of the following jobs would you choose if you were given only these choices? a) Waiter/Waitress b) Sports Player c) Teacher d) Policeman e) Bartender
5.)Which would you rather do if you had an hour to spare? a) Work out b) Read c) Watch TV d) Listen to the radio e) Sleep	6.)Of the following colors, which do you like the best? a) Yellow b)White c) Sky blue d) Teal e) Red
7.) Which one of the following would you like to eat right now? a) Ice cream b) Pizza c) Sushi d) Pasta e) Salad	8.) Which is your favorite holiday? a) Halloween b) Christmas c) New Year's d) Valentine's Day e) Thanksgiving
9.) If you could go to any of the following places, which would it be? a) Paris b) Spain c) Las Vegas d) Hawaii e) Hollywood	10.) Of the following, who would you rather spend time with? a) Someone who is smart b) Someone with good looks c) Someone who is a party animal d) Someone who has fun all the time e) Someone who is very emotional

Now total up your points and find your character below: 1. a-4 b-2 c-5 d-1 e-3 2. a-2 b-1 c-4 d-5 e-3 3. a-2 b-1 c-3 d-4 e-5 4. a-4 b-5 c-3 d-2 e-1 5. a-5 b-4 c-2 d-1 e-3 6. a-1 b-5 c-3 d-2 e-4 7. a-3 b-2 c-1 d-4 e-5 8. a-1 b-3 c-2 d-4 e-5 9. a-4 b-5 c-1 d-4 e-3 10. a-5 b-2 c-1 d-3 e-4 ANALYSIS: 10-17 points You are TAZ: You are wild and crazy and you know it. You know how to have fun, but you may take it to extremes. You know what you are doing though, and are much in control of your own life. People don't always see things your way, but that doesn't mean that you should do away with your beliefs. Try to remember that your wild spirit can lead to hurting yourself and others. 18-26 points You are Bugs Bunny: You are fun, friendly, and popular. You are a real crowd pleaser. You have probably been out on the town your share of times, yet you come home with the values that your mother taught you. Marriage and children are important to you, but only after you have fun. Don't let the people you please influence you to stray. 27-34 points You are Tweety: You are cute, and everyone loves you. You are a best friend that no one takes the chance of losing. You never hurt feelings and seldom have your own feelings hurt. Life is a breeze. You are witty, and calm most of the time. Just keep clear of back stabbers, and you are worry-free. 35-42 points You are Pepe Le Pew: (without the smell) You are a lover. Romance, flowers, and wine are all you need to enjoy yourself. You are serious about all commitments. A family person. You call your Mom every Sunday, and never forget a Birthday. Don't let your passion for romance get confused with the real thing. 43-50 points You are Speedy Gonzales: You are smart, a real thinker. Every situation is approached with a plan. You are very healthy in mind and body. You teach strong family values. Keep your feet planted in them, but don't overlook a bad situation when it does happen.

*I am Tweety.... hehehe How about yah? Have fun.*

You are like

2005-07-26T00:07:00.000+08:00

You are like....

I love to feel the warmth of sunshine,
As I take a sip of my favorite flavored coffee...
I love the smell of the fresh morning breeze,
As I catch a glimpse of my garden... such a lovely view!
I just love this feeling,
'cause you are now sitting beside me....

Haven't I told you before that you always make my day right ?
Hmmm.... You are deeply appreciated by many ...
and profoundly loved and will always be loved by ME !

You are like...

the air I breathe everyday,
never miss to keep me cool...

the shadow of my existence,
never miss a picture of my own journey ...

the tune of my preferred type of songs,
never get tired of giving solace to my heart ...
the water of the sea,
never run out of energy to perk up my day...

We have gone through hell and back,
We have fought, cried, apologized for a few times ...
But I must say, we have learned to understand,
the twists and turns of our lives .....

You never fail to give me a good laugh...

You are like...

the toothpaste of my toothbrush,
you refreshen my day...
the flakes of my hair,
can't get rid of you that easy ...
the worms of my garden soil,
you keep me vibrant and healthy... :-)

Hmmm... What more can I say about you ?

Yes! I can still pause for a moment, smile and realize...

You simply complete my life !

my love

2005-07-22T20:34:00.000+08:00

my love

How am I today? I feel tired.. oh no.. I am bored. I got less work and less people to talk to. I came here at work very early, shall I say 2 hours earlier than my usual shift schedule.

I was supposed to meet a friend but as always, we failed to see each other for several reasons... which I hate to recount those. I was sad, disappointed, was hurt bigtime, frustrated.... but still I believe I am blessed.

Yes I am blessed.

Blessed to feel all the pain yet happy to stand up for every fall. I am blessed to feel this kind of affection. I am blessed to have this attitude of getting and taking everything in a more positive way even when I'm in the most hurtful situation.

I am blessed that I am strong all this time. I am blessed to have God's loving arms all the way. I am indeed blessed that inspite of all the difficulties and tears shed, I still can manage to love back.

I am blessed to know what really love is... for I know, I have the greatest gift in this world... I have you...

You are always there for me. You have known me more than I've known myself... You have shown so much consideration and understanding that I barely give it to myself. You are there to kindle some light to my confused and bruised heart.

Where have you gathered such strength and love ?

You are and have always been my pillar of strength when I'm in the midst of faltering. I can never thank you enough for continuously loving me ... for profoundly considering the real me... for conveying so much that sometimes, I could think that I have more than what I really want and hope for in life.

You are my bestfriend, critic, confidant, healer, boyfriend and above all, are and will always be my husband.

I rarely write about you... I'm just so glad that I have chosen a very good man like you to share my life with. Thank you so much for paving my bouldered path.

worries

2005-07-09T21:15:00.000+08:00

Worries...

It's absolutely frustrating when you have exerted so much efforts but still, results remain unfavorable. Hayyy, I am getting paranoid and freaked out with my biggest dilemma of my existence... (hehehe O.A na naman ako!!!) If you dare to give me a photo shot, then you would basically realize what this is all about. For all those who can take a glimpse of me daily, I am definite that you might be thinking untoward about my unpleasant gooseflesh... or shall I say, pimples. Sometimes, I find these heebie-jeebies as funny..... but mind you, it's getting serious.

Damn it, it's totally annoying!!! I suppose you have now an idea of how the hell I look like... Nah, nah I tried different stuffs already and not to mention, those stinging pimple pricking whenever I have my regular pimple treatment. As I commonly heard, konting tiis, iha. ganyan talaga 'pag nagpapaganda. Hayy... such a hell!!!

I greatly desire to remove all my sickening pimples... but I guess, the ever first thing I must do ... Care less and think about it no more!!!! Hehehe what ya think ????

This is the moment

2005-06-11T17:48:00.000+08:00

this is the moment

I had attended our Team's Breakfast at Atchie's Bar and Restaurant this morning. As I entered the place, I could really smell the fun and could notice the happy faces The place was big enough to accommodate us, and there was also a different area where a number of people gathered to dance. I even wondered how we could enjoy our "breakfast meeting" when the music was too loud and could barely hear each other...

I noticed only a few guys were not around. The food was dainty and enticing most especially for those who struggle to stick on their 'meal plan' diet hehehe... I love the taste! What more can I say?

Well anyway, we started the meeting in giving out of the special awards. Most of the newbies received these awards for motivation purposes, you know. But I believe, though, that in this way, it somehow made them feel appreciated. Their persistence of learning and achieving the best is encouraged more. After distributing the special awards, we were given a chance to talk with our World Wide Customer Service Manager, Kathy, and we were able to ask some 'interesting, non-work related' questions. In this way, it somehow made us feel a bit closer to her.

We had another award giving activity but this time, it was for the Top Performers from January to May 2005. Surprisingly, I was the Top Performer of Trish's Team for April. Hmmm.. quite unbelievable though after gathering 2 pings on that same month... Huh? How could that be possible? So basically, it was all about how many calls I answered and how many emails I responded... not totally indicating that I was good enough to be considered on top of the list....

At the end of the meeting, we enjoyed taking some pictures. I had photo shots with the entire team and it's absolutely overwhelming to know that I could now consider myself as part of this circle.

Whew! Whatta day! The meeting lasted at around 11.00AM. As agreed, me and my husband would watch our most awaited film... "Mr. and Mrs. Smith". We at first went to SM Megamall but unfortunately, the place was too crowded. So we just then transferred to another mall nearby, which is Starmalls. Although the place is not quite fascinating but good enough I could say. At least we could have a "sure" seat and would be much comfortable by not experiencing the long wait on the line as you buy the movie tickets, you know.

"Mr. and Mrs. Smith ", it's an action, romantic and thrilling movie that talks about a "bored" married couple, Brad Pitt as Mr. John Smith and Angelina Jolie as Mrs. Jane Smith. They work as highly paid assassins. The excitment starts when both of their separate lives almost collide and when they realize that their next target is their own spouse.

Obviously we enjoyed the movie... and yes, whatta day!!!

Game

2005-06-10T19:13:00.000+08:00

... let's just play

Whew!!! I played badminton today with Ripplets. We started at around 7.30 AM and ended after a couple of hours. Another friend was supposed to be with us but she got some back pains and she needed to go home early to have a good rest. We played with no much knowledge of the game rules. We just enjoyed hitting the 'bird'... hehehe We played well (that's just my opinion, k?) and had so much fun. Not bad for beginners like us. We aimed to master the game and soon be part of any badminton competitions. : ) A nice detour of our normal (boring) life, that is! As for now, we will certainly find time to play every week. I love it so much. It gives a distinctive refreshment. It relaxes my heart, relieves my stressed body, and oozes more energy. I don't normally go into sports but now, I definitely find more meaning of balance whenever I engage myself to this kind of "strenous" exercise yet having so much fun at the same time.

Tomorrow, we will have our Team Breakfast at a certain restaurant in Emerald Avenue. After that, my hubby and I will watch "Mr. and Mrs Smith".... I just can't help myself getting thrilled. Hmmm, something that I'll be looking forward to.

Taking Time

2005-06-08T13:27:00.000+08:00

Taking time...

I just had my Monday and Tuesday rest days with my hubby. We both have different work schedules so we rarely see each other (it's like, we're not staying together in one roof). Even for our daysoff, unfortunately, still don't fall on the same days. Such inevitable arrangement is something we both have learned to accept and get used to it. It's indeed a wonderful feeling to merely spend my leisure time with the man who continuously renders much affection in my life.

I woke up yesterday around 7.30 am and anticipated to watch a movie all alone. I planned to visit my relatives and then pay the bills. As I prepared our breakfast, I just had this strange thoughts of teasing my husband to take a leave. A mere invitation of going out to watch our most awaited film "Mr and Mrs. Smith" . It's crazy, he took it seriously and filed a leave.... hehehe that made me think how serious he was of watching that romantic and thrilling movie. When we finally got in the mall, we went straightahead to the Cinemas. We cancelled our other appointments we had for the day just to have time together... and enjoy the movie.... But only to find out that MR AND MRS SMITH is still not showing... Tsk tsk tsk ... Our zest turned to disgust. So, we then considered to check out and buy some "not-so-old" flicks instead to complete our day.

We had our lunch at a certain food chain. Then I planned to watch a different movie instead. At first, he refused to... he appeared very sleepy and just wanted to go home directly. But I still insisted.. we headed to the cinema and watched "A Lot Like Love". It's a romantic comedy movie about destiny and friendship. I admired the story. It conveyed a different way of showing the meaning of love. It made me realize that if you're certainly meant to be with the person you dearly loved, no matter how far the distance may be, how long the wait can be, such paths would have crossed anew. I also believe in DESTINY. I treasure every episode of my life no matter how rough and painful it may seem.

"There are no mistakes, only Lessons learned"

Back in the night

2005-06-04T17:45:00.000+08:00

Back in the night...

It's time to pick up my notes and refresh my memory with several updates. It's time to get ready for more calls and more escalations. It's time to polish my reasoning skills and enhance my probing skills. It's time to be more patient with the customers again.

Tonight is my 3rd night assigned in the graveyard shift, after almost 2 months in the morning shift.. whew!!! Honestly, with my previous work schedule, it bored me a lot. Yet for certain, I would miss the luxury of time to browse the web, update my blog, chat with friends, or even just to watch VCDs... .Nonetheless, with my new schedule, I am fairly excited to learn the ropes at work and be abreast with the new processes.

What fascinates me more is the chance to be with my coworkers (Is this really true? hehehe), the opportunity to know the newbies and of course, the possibility to have breakfast with my chums. Sometimes, being with them consumes much of my time but isn't that worth it? Isn't that fun and relaxing? If you wanna ask how my hubby reacts to my 'early mornin' escapades... well, there's nothing much I can say because he agrees most of the time. Yes, he misses me but he shows no disgust or ill feelings about my idea of fun. He's that understanding or perhaps shall I say, he openly accepts the truth that he is too absorbed with his work. He finds satisfaction somehow to see myself remaining lively and vibrant despite of our hectic engagements....

Going out with my friends, strolling in the mall, checking out some new flicks, shopping, or even just buying the things in my grocery list... That absolutely completes my day.

another happy day

2005-05-22T01:19:00.000+08:00

another happy day

I still feel a bit boozy but I had so much fun last night! It was the long awaited night out with my very good friend whom I missed so much. We barely see each other since the day she left the company. We merely exchanged messages through text and rarely meet up. Until we decided to have a rendezvous to a place where we both used to hang out and spend all our idle hours.

I waited an hour for her... hmm she's been known to be late most of the time... hehehe that's why she used to be reprimanded due to tardiness. She's been nice to me... even back when she was still connected with the same company I belong to. We were accustomed to call each other 'ga' ... short term for pangga... She really has this habit of calling you by sweet names. She even calls everyone 'sweetie'. I can't really describe her fully in words but one thing for sure... she's a good friend... with no pretensions. Someone who could speak of her inmost feelings, her thoughts, her frustrations, her dreams, and fantasies. She is the person who brings out her true self... It's something that most of my friends are intimidated to unfold. Mainly because, it is a step which requires more courage to simply eliminate one's cold feet...

We had a delectable dinner and had some booze to complete the fun... We shared so many personal news... Unexpectedly,I spilled the beans on her. I supposed that she would just give me a big laugh after hearing my disclosure... but rather she just commented, 'normal lang yan, sweetie'... Geez, all the while, I had underrated her all-embracing personality.

We ended at around 11pm when my husband fetched me up. At that time, her 'gay'friend dropped by as well as her boyfriend. If I didn't have work the next day, I could have come along with them to their next escapade. For certain, it's an experience to have a great time 'til dawn.

It's absolutely pleasant to know that even in the midst of my troubled mind, I still have fair-haired friends who are willing to bestow solace to my bruised heart. I'm more than glad to know that my attention is being diverted inch by inch to the "right people" ...

An opportunity

2005-05-18T18:31:00.000+08:00

An Opportunity

2:30PM -- I needed to rush and go to my Bank to settle some things. I simply texted my friends Ripplets and Liza that we would meet at Starbucks in Shangrila Mall. It was a good thing that the waiting at the bank was not that extreme. After 20 mins, I'm done with the transaction.

I went straight ahead to where we should meet. I got myself a cold 'chocoloate blended' coffee. Hmmm... wanna please myself by tasting a contemporary 'kind' of some good coffee... I waited for 30 minutes and Ripplets arrived. We talked about the investment that I'd be signing up. We waited for another 30 minutes and then Liza showed up... We directly proceeded to the main office of the "new" venture we all are excited about. I paid and I signed up and bought some necessary kits.

We went back to SM Megamall to have dinner at Super Bowl. To my surprise, we're entitled to have a free viand because we're members of this new business. Wow! I can't believe that the discounts and benefits that we'll be getting are INDEED for real. I surely won't find difficulty inviting people to join this business.

We had luscious and dainty dinner while we enjoyed planning things out. We wanted to go out of town to have enough vacation together with our hubbys.. : -)

It rained strongly that night and it even made me worry because I'd be caught for sure in the heavy traffic on my way home. As we ended our meeting, truly, getting a cab or waiting for a bus was extraordinarly difficult. I waited for 20 minutes more and wheww!! the bus that I got in was too crowded... What's with the rain? Why is it always this traffic whenever it rains ? Gee, 'twas definitely a tough ride....

Nevertheless, I am still certain that we made a good choice to take such opportunity given. I am positive that this will lead to more. It's a chance that we scarcely ever take advantage of.

Out of the blue

2005-05-14T14:20:00.000+08:00

Out of the blue

I'm currently updating my Online Photo Album with the pictures I captured in one of my favorite spots in Makati. I simply can't wait to post it. I absolutely love nature and here in Metro Manila, you can rarely find nature spots. It's best to go out of town and enjoy the cool, fresh air... enjoy the difference of living in a tranquil place with no annoying sound of vehicles but rather, just the tweedling of the birds.

It's been a long time that I've so wanted to just go in Greenbelt and appreciate the ambience.

May 14. I finally had time to check out the place. I was so excited to pack my things up and set off to where my heart, my mind, my soul could relax.

It was still 3.30 pm… such a sunny but vibrant afternoon for me. My work shift just ended . I got less work... just answered few emails and taken a number of calls. I explored the Web to check out some interesting ideas like scrapbook tips. I was really overwhelmed with so much interest and could hardly wait to start my first journal with photos created in a special scrapbook materials.

I went to Greenbelt, Makati alone and took some pictures. Serene scenes can certainly help brighten my mood. Here are some of the photos taken: