Hopeful Saturday

Having such a great day today. Accomplished my first two days of work last Thursday. I welcome today with hope. Tomorrow is our 1 year wedding anniversary but since the Moroccan Restaurant is closed on Sundays, we decided to have the lunch today. I was hoping for dinner so I can watch belly dancers but Braxton can't eat spicy foods at night due to his congenital condition.  

On this bright Saturday morning, we jogged at the park, had a great oatmeal breakfast with coffee (him with juice). We're sorting laundry for wash, and would probably get ready by noon. My gosh I haven't even thought of what I'm going to wear yet. Then at night, after cleaning up around the house, we will relax for a great movie on the couch with my husband's infamous creation of Kettle cooked popcorn. 

God giving me a job I deserve for now, from a reputable company with flexible hours, fortune smiles on us. Appreciating simple moments like these really shows that life is good. :) 11:30 AM

4:31 PM Just an update.... We cleaned our apartment, took us 5 hours from 11 AM. We thought we could still make it for lunch but at 4:16 when I checked our Groupon, I found out it was actually valid ONLY for dinner from 5:00 pm onwards. I am so friggin' hungry, that I might collapse. I'm having a migraine already. However, the day is not yet done. We still have the movie to look forward to, and at least, our apartment is cozy clean by that time we retire.

Let the jobhunt begin....

I just got my employment authorization from the immigration. I can't help but feel anxious...

My career is starting all over, but at what specialty this time? Medical? Paralegal? Government? Administrative? Sales Support?

What would be the most ideal workplace for me that may entail at least once a year of traveling (aside from paid vacations) without neglecting my wifely duties? Something that would be financially lucrative but would not be too constricting? Something challenging but not too stressful?

I've experienced the best and the worst in employment. From the Bitch boss to the A-hole Boss, then there's the Best Boss, the corporate take-overs, layoffs, handling mundane tasks (customer service for an IT company I know nothing about) and fulfilling ones (sales analysis, presentation, writing for the newsletter, hitting sales team goals, participating in team-building activities).

In anticipation of the culture shock, I have to re-educate myself the following pointers learned from all my experiences:

Knowledge 11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7 5 = 96%
hardwork  8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%
Attitude - 1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100% Having a pleasant disposition  - no grunting, sighing, should always be halfsmiling....

Knowledge and hardwork is important but coupled with the right attitude, work becomes easy peasy.

Get to know the corporate culture and office politics (do they wear scrubs? go light on makeup, comfy in jeans, too corporatey? wear branded clothing? go party on paydays? are they tech savvy? junk foodies?).

and most importantly....

follow instructions to a "T" Ha!

My New Routine

Since getting my license to work in the land of the immigrants, I suddenly have to shift my la la schedule to a more rigorous one.

I have to find work, and in order to do so, I need to polish my cover letter writing skills, revamp my resume, create a website to be more bankable, be on the lookout for job fairs in Sacramento, and would you believe the need to have a unique calling card to stand out among the gray swarm of applicants? Thanks to my ever so OC hubby who sees details I normally don't.

Not just that, but holy of holies I'm studying for an exam again. The civil service one. At times I'd think (particularly when I'm memorizing what seem to be gazillions of word meanings) of why I'm torturing myself with this. What for? To sound smart? To not let my brain die of complacency? To review and remember the basics?

I keep telling myself it will not be in vain. Worse case, at least I helped my brain cells live a little while longer.

After my daily chores, I would go to the local library (McKinley) from noon to 4 pm to study so I can stay away from (internet) distractions. Thank goodness for the working vendo outside the library. I believe I deserve a sugar fix at the end of a grueling day of racking my brains out.

Less FB Games (my Cafe World is on pause for now), less Tvnets, giving me more to  proofread cover letters and browse through hundreds of online job descriptions . Lucky my favorite shows are on hiatus. 

Soon, I will have to ask my hubby how to commute or worse, learn how to drive. ack!

Mga Gawaing Bahay (Habang Tambay)

Sort of my "Typical Weekend (Circa 2005) Part II", but it's not just a weekend for me now, it's my (new) reality. Sa bagong yugto ng aking buhay bilang maybahay at nakatira sa lugar na hindi ko kinagisnan, ano nga aba ang mga pinagkaka abalahan ko sa araw -araw? Nakaktorya pa minsan ang paulit ulit na tanong ng mga tao (from both sides) pero di ko sila masisi kasi nga naman, ano nga ba ang pinag gagagawa ko dito habang wala pakong trabaho... 

Minsan, masarap palang maging tambay, kung milyonarya lang ako, puede kong idagdag ang mga investments here and there, pa travel travel around the globe, shopping, spa, salon appointments at pagdonate sa kung saang saang mga charity against human trafficking and animal rescues, ngunit di pako nanalo sa lotto (soon, I can feel it na talaga lol!). So while waiting for that ultimate win (or the immigration's approval for me to work), here are mostly the things I do to keep my mind from going idle - or crazy. 

Pray the moment I wake up

Exercise after praying - 5 minute yoga / 15 minute crunches (gotta have those sexy six pack by summer)

Swimming or aerobics sa gym pag sinuswerteng nagising ng maaga (Zumba / Bodypump / Turbo Kick or Jam Fitness)

Prepare morning oatmeal with sissy coffee (sissy kasi walang tapang.. hayz, miss Country Style's strong coffee na halos magpalpitate at mabuang ka pag di ka sanay...) 

Gumawa ng blog sa 'My Playpen' ng kung anu-anong bagay, (dvdng napanood, librong nabasa, mga recipeng nagawa o mukhang masarap, mga kuru-kuro or pagpapaka emo, etc..) 

Mag aral sa 'Learn' website (na hindi ko na nagagawa kasi nag expire na)

Learn a new recipe at least once a week

Read Christian magazines for inspiration (InTouch / Enjoying Everyday Life)

The Living Bread Digest daily contribution (based on articles I have read above)

Prepare lunch

Wash dishes - as in wash kiti wash kiti wash - morning, noon and night (sigh)...

Laundry then folding them (the most grueling task is the folding and putting the clothes away... kung puede lang tawagin si Julie)

Iron clothes (B's mostly) once a week. Mine doesn't need much ironing

PLAY CAFE WORLD! (which takes up most of my time unfortunately)

FB Updates (myself and others)

Watch internet TV at Hulu / TV Duck.. But Sidereel is my favorite
     Restaurant Impossible
     Iron Chef
     The Dog Whisperer
     Supernatural
     The Walking Dead
     Once Upon A Time
     Hart of Dixie
     Pan Am
     Game of Thrones
     Charmed Reruns Season 1 -3
     Person of Interest (looking forward to)
    whatever movies are available on Hulu for free (recently watched Amelie, The Drunken Master, the Others, Gangs of New York and the Quiet American, more to come..)

Grocery Shopping twice a month

Dvd nights with popcorn (c/o B's homemade kettle corn - the best)

Go out 1x / month for monthsary

Eat at Mama Jo's place every Saturday

mangolekta ng coupons every Sunday

help out at an ailing 'senior' church by simply being there every Sunday (bilang nagpapaka super hero complex lang kaming mag asawa)

Skype family and friends on their weekends

Magpunta sa Safeway / Rite-Aid / Del Taco / Jamba Juice / A & W / Icing on the Cupcake / Peet's Coffee House (sort of a local Starbucks) McDo or KFC pag di masyadong malamig (at pag batung bato na) at least twice a month, specially if I have a craving for a red velvet cupcake or Del Taco's Spicy Jack Cheese Quesadilla.

Read a book before going to sleep (Done reading the Pulitzer Prize winner - 'Arab & Jew, Wounded Spirits in a Promised Land.' Just wondering how I'm going to blog about this sensitive subject). 

I'll surely miss this when I start working, for sure ang unang mababawas dito ay ang Cafe World - di ko alam kung malulungkot ako pero I welcome that scenario someday.

My Monologue

It's been 4 months since I came here. Had some good times with B's family. Only now that it's sinking in. Married life that is. After all the holidays - Wedding, trip to Yosemite, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Honeymoon, Christmas and New Year, the real life starts. In the Philippines, the weeks go by like nothing - maybe it's because I'm waiting paycheck after paycheck of my life to come. Having to resent paperwork at the office only to miss the chaos afterwards. Come to think of it, I don't miss the deadlines - but just the rush of accomplishment it gives me after I have conquered my sales goal for the month. I love working in an environment conducive not just for making money but also for fostering friendships - of people of same age and lifestyles.

Unfortunately, I have to constantly remind myself that my world is different now. That I have new dreams and aspirations. That instead of thinking that I may be missing out on all the fun, I have to tell myself that this is what I wanted - and wanting still. That at least I no longer have to spend my life wondering how, or why, or who, or when :)... and that is the beauty of where I am right now.

But life here is slow... Seconds ticking at an unusual hum. I know its not what I'm used to but it has it's upsides. I finally have time alone with God more, having to learn to wait on Him which in turn teaches me patience. I am able to understand the adjustments I have to go through as a wife with humility. My brattiness is no longer welcome. I have to grow up - forcibly because I have not trained myself to live life the hard way. Back home my diligent mother washes the dishes (because I was stubborn enough to pretend I don't have to). I don't have to cook, I don't have to iron, I don't have to fold clothes, I don't even have to wash my underwear. (We have a helper and well, my mom ruled the kitchen anyways). In a sudden whirl of events, I find myself married and doing these things by myself with little help from my husband except his encouragement (at least he's the one taking out the trash and cleaning the bathroom - a chore I dread to do).

I also learned that I don't always get what I want (for now) - and it's ok.  That I have always tried to know about God's ways to a point that I understood it when it really mattered. And it mattered now. Teaching me to have patience and prayer, and sacrifice and that Joy and contentment is a choice. To deal with personal conflicts and think that I am not the only person going through change and a lot more people experience tougher situations makes everything more bearable... more meaningful.

I have to be grateful for what I have now, a loving husband who is sweet and caring and thoughtful. That though he's not perfect, he's an amazing person. Having a mother -in-law that's not a monster and whose generosity is overwhelming. A father in law who's loving and supportive of his wife's (stern) requests. A family back home wishing me well. And having friends to support and show the grace of God with.  These are the things that I have to focus on not to dwell on negative thoughts that seem banal.

And lastly, it's not all about me and what I want - but about 'US'. And that sacrifice doesn't have to mean suffering but a temporary trade off of better things to come - funny thing was, I learned all these while doing laundry one bitingly cold morning.

0:)

And now, a song very fitting for my current mood...

Christmas Gifts from the LA Sheehy kids

In a few years time, these kids will grow, and presents to each other one forgotten Christmas day may be long gone from our memories. But its not that time just yet. Since I may forget in a couple of years, I would like to share with you the cute but meaningful gifts they (Ryan, Gavin and Finleigh) gave us. Each item has a description which represents and actually 'hits' the mark of me and my husband's personality.


Their gift to me -

Gabby the Gecko

'Always on the run, Gabby gets where she is going in no time quick. Her agility and dazzling beauty catches every eye, but she manages to keep safety first in her priorities! Dodging misfortune is only one of her many talents, she is known to regenerate her losses in the wag of her tail!'


Their gift to my husband -

Fernando the Frog

'From a land far away, this crooning prince is looking forward to a great transformation in his life. Drop by his pad to listen to him sing melodies of pure joy as he dreams of the miracles to come... Yes, Fernando is a definite optimist in a half - empty pond.'

Nearly 20 days before my imminent departure from my homeland... Mixed feelings as to how I should feel. Relieved that I'm finally free? Or of panic and fear facing a new chapter where I would suffocate into the confines of married life?

Not to be overly dramatic nor negative, I still cant quite grasp the tangibility of it all. I have lived my life the way I want, defying authority, devil may care, learning as you go. Being loved, scorned, and everything in between. Now that I have found my dream, I won't be alone. With a wing and a prayer, I will brace through life of not just looking out for myself but of my future family as well... (gag?)

What should I feel? would I miss the mosquitoes biting my legs while I get transfixed for hours on the net? Will I miss my bed, the place where all my tears, prayers, and happiness  transpired? Will I miss my work? Will I miss the commute to work, mindlessly looking on the freeway with the bright blue sky above as  I contemplate on how my life would be outside all this humdrum of routine. Will I miss my office mates whom I have gotten fond of, every face coming and going in a place what I have known to be a  temporary sanctuary for the insane (aka, our office).

Ironically, I can't feel a thing, still numb waiting for the inevitable.. At least now, I feel my life is suddenly unfolding.

The long wait...

is finally over....

o wait.. there are still documents, medical, interviews....

at least my case is moving... :)

2 months and lets see...

LIBERATION!

One of the rewards of not being able to go to Paris :)

In my eight years of stay in the company I work for, 'twas the first time I wore a skirt...

sans stockings

I felt liberated.

So this is how it feels without a care in the world, maybe I should do this more often...

Moving on...

I heard that Friendster is already closing down their blogs. So I am painstakingly writing all the blogs from a book just in case Blogger shuts down too. But I know I will be missing reading my blogs so I decided to move my blogs from Friendster (And I'm glad I did! whew!).

I started blogging after being inspired by an officemate's blog. I will now start transferring all my blogs starting June 2005. Wow, a lot has happened since then!

Sydney / Gold Coast trip

Spent 7 days in Sydney / Brisbane this week. Awesome fun!

Unfortunately, really had a lot of mishaps on this trip.

It started out ho hum, because 'I've been there, done that'. The only consolation I had was at least I would be able to see my BFF again and well, get to shoot on the new camera my bf gave me. Unfortunately, the first day, my room mate and I both accidentally dropped it. I bawled my eyes out because it was a gift.

First day was ok. We went to Paddy’s market and saw the harbor but I was still at a loss for my cam, I couldnt relate. Partied at scruffy murphy’s at Goulburn St. the second night, an Irish bar two blocks away from the hotel, Aussie’s are awesome! but everytime i see a couple kissing and dancing, I miss my darling B

Third day was a blast with my bff. She went all the way from Melbourne just to see me, and had to go back the same day, bugger! I know.

She toured me around Bondi, Manly and the harbour, took too many pictures I couldnt keep count. Then I got a little depressed again - MY CAM!!

Then the night came when she had to go, I sent her off, unfortunately, she forgot a box of ‘candy’ I brought for her. I never thought I would feel the loss of letting go of a friend. Her being with me morally but physically unavailable. Then , we both realized we're now living two very separate, very different lives. Change can be good though, as seen on a mall wall, if there is no change, there wouldn’t be any butterflies’. That's the only thought that keeps me from crying.

Third day, was St. Patrick’s day celebration at Hyde Park, sooo many Aussies and Irish in green garb, leprechaun hats and their patriotic flags. Beer is a staple not to be missed - even in stark daylight. The Irish really know how to party.

But the best game of the day was when fake Bono sang up on stage, and this time, me and my crew were up front. I was waiting for Elevation to be sung but, oh well, had a blast jumping with Sunday Bloody Sunday, With or without you.. and many other U2 songs i keep forgetting…

Fourth day was a trip to Brisbane to stay at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel, Surfer’s Paradise. Again, after bringing two swimsuits, their pool was unavailable. How lucky is that??? So we had to cross all the way to the other hotel with a ’smaller’, dingier pool. The day won’t be complete without hitting the beach. Don’t let the waves hit you when you leave :D. From the word, Surfer’s Paradise, it’s for surfers. Me and Banana just had fun taking pictures of ourselves.

We also went to Dreamworld. A theme park to go if you want to die - errr ride the BIG 6 thrill rides. I’m a woos so I was just thrilled to lick snow cones while waiting on my friends who dared, thinking to myself maybe I am too old for this…

If you're dropping by Sydney / Brisbane, here are 10 tips I’d like to share:

1. In Sydney, ask around where Paddy’s market is, that's where you can buy many ’souvenir’ items you can bring back home. A very Filipino thing.

2. When buying for staples, like water, chocolate, cheese and milk, shop at Cole’s or Woolworth. Its their version of our Shopwise and Puregold. Suggested treat to bring home - Cadbury’s cherry ripe yummm..

3. Always ALWAYS PACK LIGHT. For the first time I really got excited and packed four shoes! to which I forgot 1 pair at Courtyard Brisbane.. GEEZ!!!!

4. Be anal about your camera. Or should I say MAKE SURE THE HANDLER KNOWS HOW TO HANDLE YOUR CAM. Or at least just buy a sturdier one.

5. When in Sydney, drop by an Irish pub (might also be advisable when going to Ireland??? hehe). It’s a great place to party at night too - and try on their local beer, or at least something really safe for the night.

6. When in Sydney during St. Patty’s day, please please go to Hyde Park on a Saturday. Don’t miss (fake) Bono’s performance!

7. If you have loads of cash stashed in your suitcase (or at least in your carry ons) I recommend checking their national stone. The Opal. Buy either a ring, earring or a pendant. The rarest ones have more red tones in it. Oh and don’t forget chocolate macademias!

8. Of course its common sense for you to drop by Darling Harbour to see the Sydney Opera house. Have your pictures taken overlooking the city lights, the Opera house and harbour bridge reminiscent of Disney’s Finding Nemo night scene. If you have spare time, drop by at Bondi and Manly and swim there too… Don’t forget your sunblock and make sure its not lower than SPF 50.

9. If you weren't able to save enough moolah, I wouldn't recommend visiting Gold Coast, Brisbane (don’t even think about it). But I promise you’ll have a blast if you do.

10. Your trip won’t be complete without a picture with a koala. $20 is so worth your money to have your pic taken holding a soft, cute, cuddly, minty scented koala bear. The real deal. Watch out for their pointy claws though.

Looking forward to going back there on St. Patty's sometime soon but this time, I want to be with my sweetie pooh ;p Hope we could swing by Melbourne to visit Dhewie too. A girl can dream.

Happy Wandering!

My Random Interests ... For now

Had the itch to pose these. (finally)

I thought i heard it all, went to concerts of who I thought were the greatest of the great Pinoy artists - Gary, Lani, and Sarah. so when i heard about a certain charice making waves in the US, I thought, nah… havent they heard that one before? pity…

I was painfully wrong

From her stint with that funny Koreans, her guestings at that Paul O Grady show, wowing a wide eyed crowd at Ellen, the memorable performances from Oprah Winfrey in which she appeared twice, the most emotional heart moving performance she made was her duet with Celine Dion at Madison Square Garden.




waaaahhh!!! buckets of tears i tell you! Even my boyfriend cried. I've been checking out her performances in youtube for almost a year now and sometimes find myself going back to take a peek to see whats up with her from time to time.

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I hardly watch any soaps coz I hate all the drama. I only got glued to Kampanerang Kuba. I told myself nothing can even come close to entertaining me like that.


Until this came to being..



I dont know if its something about a half-Caucasian kid or the Caucasian dad that’s got me glued. Kudos to the writers. I mean, this is the only soap where you love to hate the heroes and wish that they give the villains a break! For the first time, I wanted the villains to win hahahaha!


Love ko si Gerald pero sa pagkakataong ito, sorry…

Go Jake Go! Team Ingrid Go!


(at kelangan may picture ni daddy with matching Star Spangled Banner sa tabi.)
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A magazine I really like has come to its demise

Rare have I seen a magazine thats culturally diverse, not laden with whitening products or sexual positions. A magazine for every kind of woman, be it student, single, married, or separated. Sadly most Filipinas aren't ready yet for this kind of material. It's sad to say goodbye to a magazine with style and substance.

I hate goodbyes so here’s hoping I see you back out on newstands again pretty soon!
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As you know I loove watching the creepy unknown.
The sexy bad boys with a bad ass car & classic rock tunes are just icings on the cake.
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and yes, i still owe you a blog about my trip from Japan. Coming soon…

To be or not to be...

Tomorrow is the semi soso informal 'pamamanhikan' of my beloved. 

I hope he passes my father's hawk eye scrutiny. And I hope on my end, that he truly is the one for me. Not too good to be true, not too much, and hopefully not less of the man I need either.

Here's hoping that I would write about my wedding jitters next time

From my Family to Yours...

Have a Prosperous 2009!

Overwhelmed

I have been delaying my posts since Christmas for lack of better things to say. This year -and 2007 has rendered me speechless. A love that keeps getting stronger in each passing day, New friends, robust health, another overseas adventure, gifts (;p) and your thoughts thru text messages this holiday season has made me pause and think of how much I am blessed and deeply loved.

Onward 2009! To renewed hope and strength!
Thank you for another year of memories!
Godspeed

Aboard Starship Aquarius...

Blogging and personal webpage today takes the place of those bulky scrapbooks. But if you ask me, I'd take up scrapbooking over blogging, if only I have the resources (aside from time) I'm such a nostalgic schmut!

Funny that two weeks ago, we were all cramming for last minute purchases to bring to Singapore. I was so excited for the trip - only to be surprised by my failing camera. In short, I wasnt able to take good pictures and just relied on my friends’ cams YESSS! CAN YOU IMAGINE?? ME OF ALL PEOPLE! WHY?? WHY?? HUWAIIIII????

I typed part of this blog on a big boat Starship Aquarius bound for Malaysia and Thailand. our incentive this year was a trip to Singapore, and cruise our way to the other two countries. In Singapore we stayed at the very prestigious Meritus Mandarin hotel in Orchard Road - right across the shopping malls (Lucky Plaza, Takeshemaya and Cathay Mall!!) yaiks!. I was able to get a taste of their Singaporean dimsum - CHANG KEE!! and also had the experience of eating mint chocolate ice cream sandwich the Singaporean way - though i wasnt able to finish it due to my diet.

We went to the Singapore ferry after a day. We were aboard Starship Aquarius and had a gala night or the Captain’s ball that evening, me wearing a lush green dress with my hair and face made up. Too bad for that blasted camera.

Next morning we went to Penang, Malaysia. usual temple tours with snakes… I remember we werent able to buy my ever so cheap mementos - ref magnets of countries I go to.

Malaysia is predominantly a Muslim country. What fascinated me was its city - Penang. We rode on a bus to go tour a Malaysian temple and British colonial houses. The city was peaceful and serene, their people not as smiley as the Filipinos though, but its a country I'd like to visit again just to relax if I win the lotto. Funny, the beaches there are beautiful as well, however the local women go to beach in black burqa because of their Islam customs- just like in Jeddah.

Our tour guide in Malaysia was very funny, he is a Chinese gay guy, loves to connect the historic sites with a song, and likes to tease our boss(Sir Mike and Ms. Ces). This is also where I first ate a Malaysian version of Corneto - Orange ice cream covered in dark chocolate. Yum indeed..

Again, no camera. I'd just rely on my friends’ pics.

Phuket was a good place. It's similar to Palawan, Patong beach is like Subic bay. We went to Fisherman’s place where there is authentic Thai food, I really really looooove their soup in lemongrass and chili - yummmmmm. But overall, I think their main course is a little bland. Tasted like Filipino - but bland. The Thais also have a custom to finish the water - not necesarilly the food. If you dont drink the glass down to the last drop, they’d be offended. so drink up!

We then rode a little boat going to James Bond island. We passed by what looked like a 45 minute boatride through a lot of mangroves. James Bond island looked like Palawan, with bigger mountains. I remembered it rained really hard that day. we looked more like refugees being rescued from a disaster area than tourists. because of that heavy rain, we were mostly wet on our way back to the bus. Most of my comrades got sick. Good thing I always eat vegetables and fruits in all the cruise’s 3 day course meals. Overall it was a beautiful day.

I bought a tubular worth of lemon honey tamarinds. Boy the Thais do really love their tamarinds as much as we love our mango.

I now realize why Thailand is such a foreign magnet - not just because of the so called cheap Asian sex for the dirty old men, but also because they are part of a ship tour. since Philippines is isolated from the three countries (plus indonesia), Philippines has to hard sell and do some heavy PR work when it comes to tourism. Not that tourism is bad in our country, we need more heave-ho I think. Maybe the Dept. of Tourism must work together with Superferry or a Norwegian cruiseliner to have a cruise in Bali / Cebu / Boracay / Palawan. But because of the Muslim extremists, we must also be compelled to tighten our security.

Speaking of Cruises... The cruise - is what I would call, 'living the life'. We watched a theatrical show, then ate buffet at all the good restaurants aboard the ship, got our pictures taken, joined in the games and after that rainy spectacle in Thailand, had ourselves a gooooood bubbly jacuzzi - across the Oceana Deck with the guests eating dinner. how weird was that? But still.. I wouldnt even have experienced all these if I'm not presently working where I am right now. ahhh tis the lifee… I wouldnt go back there in my own money, unless I have some millions to spare..

The last 3 days in Singapore were a little touring and shop till you drop. I 'dropped-no shop' hahhaha.. (darn this blasted tooth I had to repair.) We went to the Singapore flyer and Sentosa Park to watch a spectacular laser light show. It's nothing you've ever seen believe me. Someday, I hope to go back to Singapore in time for their May - July sale. I love their country as it's a melting pot of India, Arab and Chinese cuisine with British influence. Clean, hardly any crime, people are friendlier than in Hongkong AND there are a lot of Filipinos working there too, in the hotels and cruises doing us special favors. 

While my colleagues were buying branded stuff like Burberry, Charles and Keith, Coach bags, I was stuck with the usual going home presents - Giordano shirts, chocolates and ref magnets. Even with my bag’s zipper which just gave out, I had to control the urge to spend because i needed the dollars for something big I'm planning for.

Its good to tour places without me having to pay for everything. This is part of the reason why I'm staying at my current job. Aside from the wacky bonding I have with my team, there's the trip and a (little) monetary incentive that they ‘reward’ their ever so faithful hardworking jack of all trades sales team. I should have done this blogging a long time ago - four years back when we all first went to Hongkong.

Looking forward to another trip next year - JAPAN perhaps? 

2008 and counting

2007 - another year just breezed by. And with it, comes a new year full of lessons to be learned. 30 years passed, I realized a lot of things about myself and my life around me.

           1. My body became a fat magnet.
I used to eat anything and everything without getting fat. My body type used to be pretty skinny at every part. I used to envy little girls with a little meat in their bodies. For me, it was a sign of wealth. I dreamed of having a round, Coca Cola body than my scrawny one.  However, I realized that as years are added to my age, so are layers and layers of fat without any effort - and without any effort it was. Generally, my arms, shoulders, neck and face are ok (Thank God for my genetically high cheek bones which I have inherited from my mom). Oh but food never tasted sooooo much better  when you’re 30! My boyfriend introduced me to a healthy food point system. I am supposed to eat only 22 food points if I work out. I thought it was as simple as a breeze. But when I started counting, I found out that I eat too much! Up to 34 food points without exercise! Now my belly nearly looks like a tire around my waist!. And I also realized that it would take me a month to shed them off as against a week of diet and calisthenics when I was 16! With this, I have made a resolve not just to look great but feel great. To bring back my skinny old self and to a healthier new me this 2008.  This is not just about being vain or depriving myself of being happy by avoiding the foods I enjoy. This is to learn how to eat foods in moderation. I know food lovers may not agree, but if you're thinner, you'll feel lighter and you’re less lethargic.
    
          2. Nobody could put you down but yourself.
Hard to accept but true. If some people are so negative about me or good things happening to me in general, I avoid them like the flu - regardless of how I am related to that person.
 
         3. You only forgive those who seek it.
If a person is too prideful to ask for forgiveness, then its not worth it. Also, people who lash out on you without a good heart to heart talk is only a waste of your time and can not be considered a friend. Life is too precious to be wasted on toxic peeps.
     
        4. Teach a lesson by example.
I don’t believe in killing someone with kindness. Some people just need to be taught by inflicting them with their own poison. That’s the only way they’ll realize what they have done if they felt their own sting.
    
        5. Never be too afraid to try.
If faced with an unforeseen event, I only use two words that are most effective 1) "JUST PRAY"  2) BE POSITIVE 3) HOPE FOR THE BEST.. (ok, those are four words)…

Another year - another life - another challenge - another hope. To all the 300+ whatever days that will be added to our box of memories, I keep in mind that faith is the only grace that could fill whatever void may come.

H A P P Y 2 0 0 8 TO ALL! 

And soon, that month of mush will be rolling in :p    

The Biatch is Baaack

After a loong hiatus from Friendster, I just wanted to check things around… whats new with everyone.

Apparently, my friends have grown (the number, and the people), also some of Friendster features have improved.

But I also noticed other people transferring or having other personal webbies like Facebook or Multiply. What do they have that Friendster doesn’t? and why oh why, am I such a hardcore Myspace aficionado?

Well, its not my business to know other people’s reasons for such. If you ask me, I am happy with my yahoo 360 for my private PRIVATE blogs, Friendster to keep in touch with my friends here and across the globe, and Myspace (my favorite website hangout) for my creative ability (you wont believe the features MYSPACE has!)-limitless cultural possibilities (my international friends’ blogs can really be witty, hilarious, romantic and downright political) and of course, my random blogging. Thanks to Kolokay who got me hooked into reading, and Anna Banana, to this form of expression. 

Actually, i never thought writing can be my passion. I used to believe its my older sister who has this gift. I’m the kind of writer who needs to be conditioned, not by alcohol, but by hormones - I’m talking about when I’m having pms, or when there's a full moon(I don’t know why). I’m usually at my expressive peak during these times. Its not automatic in me. I’ve had days when I wanted to write but - duh.. can’t seem to find the words to start. I had to exert real effort into that subject-verb agreement, not to mention spelling, (at times) and my poems can be quite.. well.. unorthodox. But after reading a lot of people’s public diaries, I became somewhat confident in sharing what I feel (without too much drama, that can be really embarrassing), what I know, and what I want to learn in life. I’m such a private person (yes, I am!)  I have thoughts that may seem scandalous to others, or maybe acts that may seem controversial. That's why I like to keep things as private as I can. I am not shy, I am just privy about stuff that I feel needs to be kept to myself..well, so far so good.

Have you ever felt so good and wanted to share your story to people without hearing any negative reactions that you wanted to really burst??? Or fear that telling everybody happy stories may jinx it??? I feel like a balloon about to pop! But after 20 or so years, I’ve learned to pop only to the people I can trust, people who give encouragement and support, people who will not put down what I think. There is still a lot to tell though, but I’ll leave it to people closest to me who already knows bits and pieces about this.

Long story short, why did i write this blog?

Oh nothing.. i just miss my journal thats all  


Kisses and prayers xoooxoox

Rewind

I suddenly had this nostalgic feeling of being in our farm in Batangas (our farm… ha!) and playing with my cousins one summer.  Feeling the warm breeze with the scent of mango, banana and coconut leaves, and the sound of exotic birds chirping nearby. My parents were young and strong then and have stable jobs. I was fully dependent on them. I worry nothing but my assignments, tests grades and my crushes back in school. I remember vividly, me and my cousins used to really prepare for this big dance held at night during the annual fiesta (May 31) at the local church right under the Mango tree..

Summer days where I look forward to going to the province to be laidback and carefree, enjoying myself to a native swing made of soft rattan tied between two coconut trees.. me and my cousins crossing the ever so famous  "spooky" bridge (this was the first time I realized I hate to cross native wooden bridges.) Not to mention the unforgettable Christmas reunions and "aguinaldos" from our titos, titas, ninongs and ninangs. Even attending birthday parties where we enjoy eating Filipino style spaghetti (sweet style sauce made of banana ketchup with tomato sauce, topped with hotdog and cheddar cheese), munching hotdog kebabs with marshmallows and enjoying a game of "basagang palayok" (Filipino version of the piñata-but wayyy harder). Playing games like patintero, luksong tinik, tumbang preso (way too complicated to explain) pick up sticks, and that chinese jackstones where we get our hands grey and dirty during recess or lunch time at school.

Those were the days. Days in my life I can not rewind. Days in my life where I do not have to worry about anything but my performance in school. Days when I was still afraid of my parents or my teachers scolding (welll im still afraid of them.. bosses included). Days when I don't have anything "expensive" to buy but the latest junk food at the sari-sari store just blocks from our "rest house" (yeah-right). The times when I was always excited for summer because of family excursions at a public beach where I used to not care if the sand was gray and  / or rocky, or that if the swimmers at the public pool were all wearing t-shirts and shorts.

Even watching cartoons like Ghostbusters, Thundercats, Silverhawks, Daimos, Voltes V, Visionaries (my favorite), Hans Christian Andersen cartoons where I encountered the story of the Native American  "Hiawatha" , gospel cartoons such as Superbook and Flying house. I was a Sesame Street aficionado knowing the song " It's a rainy day, it's a rainy day…", "Everybody sleeps…" Even the Filipino version Kalye Sesame (Batibot came in later) with the opening song "Araw ay bumabati. Langit ngumingiti…" (The sun is greeting, the sky is smiling..)

Now that I have grown up, I have my own out of town, even out of the country trips without my family. Definitely my taste in music and tv programs have "matured" to Sex and the City, Grey's Anatomy, etc. – trashy soap series where everybody's screwing everyone else's lives… I know its not an ideal alternative but I learn a lot watching these shows about life, love, fashion (nobody's perfect) and friendships…

I miss being a child… I miss playing like a kid  My parents are not so young and strong anymore. My job may be more stable than my parents and dependency has been reversed. Suddenly, I am compelled to be responsible for my own finances. No more, "dad! I need this, I need that".  I have to fend for myself, find my passions and eventually meet the person  I would be living with for the rest of my life… Treading unchartered territories, testing the waters without my "mami and papi" , to boldly go where no one has gone before...Wahooo!

If only I can be a child forever. But of course, I know I have to face the music sooner…  To finally live the life the way I want, and the way God intended for me (oohhh I do hope they match)….

My Fears

I am in love with a man who is so handsome, so nice, so smart, so funny, so spiritual, so loyal ( I am hoping..) ..its so scary.

I am scared for my heart, and for my life, for my family. Not because I know that he might hurt me someday, but for the fact that maybe, just maybe if I did not fight for him that I'd always be wondering what if?...

Yes, I'd rather find out what happens to me - good or bad, if I slug it out and fought. Than to always be safe, but never finding anything that few people ever hoped for...

I couldn't live without him. He is like the air that I breathe. He inspires me, makes me laugh, makes me smile, makes me cry, makes me feel loved. I am tired of searching.. of running away, of being on the safe side with the wrong guy, and not fighting for the right one.

I may not be the best daughter there is in this world. I even only go to mass when I feel like it, but I pray to God, Father-nothing is impossible with you. For whatever small deed I have done to please you, I implore you, please, make it happen...

I just love him so much...