REALITY BITES

Another Big Thing

2008-08-18T21:54:00.002+08:00

How could I forget to mention another big thing that I am thankful for in my previous post?!

Jax and I just purchased a lot in South Forbes!

This is definitely a dream come true. (Well, fine not really because I used to dream of Laguna Bel-Air but that was ages ago, and now I think this one's better - for me, at least). We've been eyeing this since last year but we weren't really ready and sure then so we decided to just deal with it as the plans for the wedding and our future becomes more concrete.

Actually, we've tried looking for a condo unit somewhere in Makati. It seemed to be the most logical short-term thing for us because Jax works in Makati while I have my shuttle (with a pickup point within the area) to and from Calamba anyways. However, we decided against it because we just feel that the investment might not be worth the price. Also, though the amenities are tempting, we thought that several years from now it might not be fun anymore to share it with a thousand other unit owners. But of course that's just our opinion.

Why in Sta. Rosa? Living in Manila was never really an option for us since we've always loved the suburbs. Yes, we love the city too, but we imagine ourselves raising our little Jax's and Pearl's in the (more) quiet south. Besides, the real estate forecast says it's going to be the next Makati (only much less congested!)

How about the house? Our contract says we can start building our house by mid-next year. *ehem, Architect Kay Anne!* However, Jax thinks we have to wait a bit until he finds work somewhere in the south so we'll wait and see, probably in 2 years. Well, I really don't mind waiting, because I'm sure it's gonna be our dream house - truly worth the wait! OMG I'm getting all giddy and excited already just thinking about it!!!

Right now, we're in the process of trying to find the "meantime house" - a small condo unit or apartment will do while we're still trying to get the hang of the hubby-wifey set-up. =)

Thank you, Lord, for all these blessings... You really know what we want and need.

To God Be THE Glory!

2008-08-16T23:37:00.004+08:00

I've been meaning to blog about this the past few weeks but I always end up putting it off for "next time", waiting for something even better (or even more) to happen. Now thinking about it, I say to myself, "how selfish and ungrateful could that be?" So I'll stop the waiting now.

First, I'm not stressing about our Christian-Catholic wedding anymore. My parents have finally decided to accept that we are going to have a Christian wedding - and I love them even more for this. Now I am able to openly discuss our wedding preps updates to my mom without making her mad or teary-eyed. They are now supportive of our plans - we've even gone wedding ring shopping all together - their gift to us! *happy!* Truly, God answers prayers and I cannot be any more thankful that He opened my mom's eyes and made her understand that this is exactly where her "baby" is supposed to be according o His plan.

Career-wise, I have just been promoted one level up. That means that I have the same designation but one job grade higher. Actually, this has been long overdue since last February (the same time the performance increase was given) but I'm not complaining. *wink!* Aside from this, I was also awarded 1st runner-up for Model Associate of the Year. Don't ask me how that's possible because I can't believe it either. Hahaha! This is a portion of my email to my ex-boss who made all these possible:

I'd just like to say to thank you for everything you've done for me - for nominating me as model associate and now this [promotion]. Honestly, I never really thought I was meeting any of your expectations amidst all the pressure and sermons, so this totally came as a surprise to me. I learned a lot from you. Thank you very much.

And I meant every word. I used to hate him but now? Can't believe I actually miss the pressure he was giving me before.

Finally, Jax and I could never be better. Early this year, we've had a lot of fights and heartaches here and there. But now, it feels like we're new boyfriend-girlfriend still in the lovey-dovey stage. Maybe it helps that we've been attending marriage counseling sessions with our pastor. Maybe it's knowing that we're only months aways from being together forever. Maybe it's just a change of heart, accepting each other for what we are and what we're not. I'm not really sure. But whatever it is, all I know is that I'm so very happy.

I know I've said "when it rains, it pours" several times before, but this time it's different. Because the raindrops are very much welcome. =)

Weeeeekennnnndsssss

2008-06-17T20:21:00.005+08:00

That's how long (and tiring) my weekends have been for 3 times in a row now.

May 30 - June 1
* Took a "sick" leave on Friday to relax and unwind in Subic
* Accidentally "bumped" into our cute inaanak, Denver, and his parents, Daren and Berto, along NLEX
* Lunch at Coco Lime with Jeff (AJ's racing buddy), window shopping at Royal Subic & Freeport Zone, night karting, and drive thru at Jollibee
* RWYB at the SiR
* Tammy's (as well as Jax & Pearl's) first tow truck ride, bonding with AAP manong's
* Birthday dinner at Silk in Serendra with family and Jax

June 7 - 9
* Measurements taking & post-birthday merienda at home (plus cooking session bonding with mommy!)
* Emily's sleepover a.k.a Starbucks + motormouthing session until the wee hours of the morning (and extended during, & after brunch the next day, and on our way to Alabang)
* Tammy's slalom at SM Southmall
* Trip to Divisoria - bought half the quantity of our souveneirs!!!
* Dashed to Greenhills for Jim's Play Station and my pre-nup dress

June 13 - 16
* Trial make-up at 6am
* Hair benders from Makati to Subic - hello, Medusa! lol
* E-session with Zandro of Smart Shot Studio - SiR, The Lighthouse, SCTEX
* Pre-wedding video viewing at New Life - met new soon-to-be husband & wife friends
* Visit to Charlie, Ghie, and Graice (since we couldn't attend Graice's 1st birthday party the next day)
* Dinner with Jax's family as advanced father's day treat
* Supposed track day at Subic turned getting-to-know-you with SCTEX patrol guys
* Second tow truck ride!!!
* Father's day dinner with mom, dad, and Tita Jo (we missed you, Don!!!)
* Took Tammy to the doctor a.k.a. Mohspeed in far away Fairview!
* Got my new eyeglasses! (hope I won't lose it this time!)

My Idea of Heaven

2008-05-24T21:04:00.006+08:00

... is having blueberry cheesecake underneath the stars on a quiet night.

... is laughing with wonderful friends until my sides hurt.

... is lying on the beach with a good book, with sand between my toes, and never getting sunburn.

... is getting 10 hours of sleep a day for the rest of my life.

... is having a long vacation with my family.

... is someday seeing my baby for the very first time, amazed at how God knew that all I ever wanted in my life was to be a mother.

... is walking on the streets of an unfamiliar city while holding hands with the one I love.

... is waking up next to a man who loves me more than he loves himself, whose idea of heaven is giving me my idea of heaven.

The Line

2008-05-23T22:56:00.002+08:00

From one of my fave movies.. Cried bucketfuls over this.

Brooke: I just don't know how we got here. Our entire relationship, I have gone above and beyond for you, for us. I've cooked, I've picked your shit up off the floor, I've laid your clothes out for you like you're a four year old. I support you, I supported your work. If we ever had dinner or anything I did the plans, I take care of everything. And I just don't feel like you appreciate any of it. I don't feel you appreciate me. All I want is to know, is for you to show me that you care.
Gary: Why didn't you just say that to me"
Brooke: I tried. I've tried.
Gary: Never like that, you might have said some things that meant to imply that, but I'm not a mind reader...
Brooke: It wouldn't matter you are who you are. Just leave me alone ok? Right now, just shut my door.
Gary: Listen...
Brooke: Alright Gary just please, just leave the room. Gary just... I don't want to be near you right now, please just shut the door, please.

From Vitamin Overdose

2008-05-16T21:40:00.002+08:00

NAMES THAT FRIENDS CALL YOU:

► Almay, Alma, Almaymats

THREE MOST IMPORTANT DATES IN YOUR LIFE:

► Oct 16, June 1, Sept 12

THREE THINGS YOU'VE DONE IN THE LAST 33 MINUTES:

► scolded Shakey's delivery hotline, ate my super late delivery dinner (had to wait for 1.5 hours!!!), posted pics in my multiply

THREE WAYS TO BE HAPPY:

► remember good times, be content, be with the one/s you love

THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE SONGS AS OF NOW

► Bubbly, Once In A Lifetime, Catch My Disease

THREE PHYSICAL THINGS YOU FIND IN A > GUY/GIRL:

► smiling eyes (that seem to disappear when he smiles), match that with dimples, and "manly" skin color (I don't like too-fair-skinned men)

THREE PERSONS YOU MISS FROM YOUR PAST:

► Celes, Ching-ching, and Nix (only because I don't see them as often anymore)

THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE HOBBIES:

► talking, watching TV, net surfing

THREE MALLS YOU USUALLY GO TO:

► MOA, Festi, Glorietta

THREE FAVORITE DRINKS:

►water (pretending to be health conscious), mango smoothies, vanilla frapuccino from SB

THREE FAVORITE COLORS:

► pink, gold, white

TOP THREE HANGOUTS:

►Starbucks, my room, my cube?

TOP THREE ATTIRE:

►jeans, golf shirts, sneakers

TOP THREE U LOVED SO MUCH:

► God, Jax, my family

TOP THREE YOU REMEMBER WHEN U ARE ANSWERING THIS SURVEY:

► Jax, Mom and Dad

TOP THREE "THINGS" SPECIAL TO YOU:

►my gadgets - Twinkle (my digicam), Reese (my Zen Vision), and Yo-yo (my laptop)

TOP THREE ATTITUDES YOU LIKE:

► honest, understanding, and reasonable

TOP THREE WHY YOU ARE BUSY AT THIS TIME

► photoshop, wedding preps stuff, eating

55 Months Today!

2008-05-16T21:28:00.003+08:00

Yep, Jax and I have been together for 55 months now. And today marks exactly 5 months to go before our wedding day. Woohooo!

3 Hours of Sleep

2008-05-16T11:51:00.003+08:00

Jimbo's graduation dinner (which lasted until 10:30-ish) didn't stop Jean and I from seeing each other. Oh no no no no!

We met up at Starbucks, took a cab home, and went right at"it" the moment we stepped into my room. Too many stories to tell, a lot of catching up to do... we didn't waste any time. What was funny was, we just kept on talking non-stop that a coupla times we had to repeat our statements and think for a while because for a moment it seemed like it didn't make any sense.. but we figure it out what the other person was trying to say anyway. That's what you call same wavelength, people.

Therefore, I'm sooo SLEEPY now. And unproductive. And wanting to go home so much. This bed weather is really getting to me.

P.S. I miss blogging. Maybe I should update this site more often. =)

Steady Wedding Prep Weekend

2008-04-20T22:23:00.002+08:00

Right this moment, still can't believe the weekend is over just like that *snap*. It was quite productive/relaxing for Jax and I though. We managed to:

Finally check out the gig of this acoustic band we've been eyeing and have decided to get them
Pay 50% downpayment to Casablanca
Scout for churches in the Tagaytay area (to no avail! huhu... nobody seems to agree with the set-up we're proposing!)
Bond with my super kulit but uber cute nieces
Have a long chit chat with my cousin and his wife over al fresco dinner at their home
Update our guest list
Swim (got barely 6 months to get my color back!)
Check out model houses
Drop by my favorite buco tart place (yummmm!)
Meet up with Jorge (unexpectedly)

It was a nice way to spend the weekend, and I really hope we could have more of this in the coming months. Next weekend is bound to be very busy: Karting on Friday, Race Wars in Clark on Saturday, and Slalom at Festi on Sunday.

What A Girl Wants

2008-04-05T17:01:00.002+08:00

It's all coming back to me now - all that I have always been, which I left behind (unknowingly or deliberately) for years, for that one thing I chose to be my life.

At the end of a very long sh*tty day, you just want someone to be there to hold your hand and tell you that everything is gonna be ok. Yes you might not need the sympathy or expect to solve the problem right then and there, but you just like to be listened to while you whine. The thought that someone is there to support you, lift your spirits up, and ready to shut down his world for a while to focus on you is more than enough to make you feel better.

---

Lines (& cliches) from way back during our Ratskee days. It still makes perfect sense! Back to the basics...

Waiting pays off.
Deal with it.
Love is a strong word.
Action speaks louder than words.
Everything happens for the best.

KF...

2008-04-04T21:16:00.003+08:00

...as in kilig factor.

I can't remember the last time I felt that. And more than ever, now I realize how important it is to keep the fire burning. It's like I've been telling myself that it's nothing for so long. But you know what, deep within, at the end of the day, no matter how much she tries to deny it, every girl still wants that, even if just once in a while.

B U B B L Y

I've been awake for a while now
You got me feeling like a child now
'Cause every time I see your bubbly face
I get the tinglies in a silly place

It starts in my toes
And I crinkle my nose
Wherever it goes
I always know
That you make me smile
Please stay for a while now
Just take your time
Wherever you go

The rain is falling on my window pane
But we are hiding in a safer place
Under covers staying dry and warm
You give me feelings that I adore

It starts in my toes
Make me crinkle my nose
Wherever it goes
I always know
That you make me smile
Please stay for a while now
Just take your time
Wherever you go

What am I going to say
When you make me feel this way
I just mmmmm

And it starts in my toes
Makes me crinkle my nose
Wherever it goes
I always know
That you make me smile
Please stay for a while now
Just take your time
Wherever you go

I've been asleep for a while now
You tuck me in just like a child now
'Cause every time you hold me in your arms
I'm comfortable enough to feel your warmth

And it starts in my soul
And I lose all control
When you kiss my nose
The feeling shows
'cause you make me smile baby
Just take your time now
Holdin' me tight

Wherever wherever wherever you go
Wherever wherever wherever you go

Wherever you go
I always know
'Cause you make me smile
Even just for a while

Back From the Dead

2008-04-03T20:44:00.003+08:00

I'm alive! My blog prolly has molds by now. But anyhoo... I kind of missed blogging. Been too busy with WORK, wedding preps, and psycho-analyzing, etc. etc. etc... What I've been up to lately? Spell STRESS.

Big Boohoo!

I haven't felt this much pressure at work ever before. For almost 2 months now, I'm reporting to 2 bosses with very different styles. Imagine juggling two functions with a never-ending list of have-to-do's - a big issue blowing up in my my ex-boss' face, a delayed project, a new project, an upcoming audit, turnover with my very late replacement... Waaaaaaaah!

They say when it rains, it pours. Right now it's pouring really hard. Talking about my job doesn't evin begin to describe how low I'm feeling now. I know life has to go on. But right now, I just want to take a minute to breathe it all in.

On a Post-It on my desk for days now (from Grey's Anatomy):

Maybe we like the pain. Maybe we're wired that way. Because without it, I don't know; maybe we just wouldn't feel real. What's that saying? Why do I keep hitting myself with a hammer? Because it feels so good when I stop.

Got My Groove Back! (Not Really?)

2008-01-18T20:05:00.000+08:00

Hi world! Super late HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

After being in the hospital due to bilateral pneumonia for a week (and on bed rest for another) last year and discovering I have mild levoscoliosis just recently, I've been non-productive for about a month, promising myself I'm not going to let myself get stressed just yet. Now, however, I finally feel like "recovering" from my allergy to work. My motivation:

Doc (my boss): Miss Almay, parang nawawalan ka na ng gana sa project natin, palibhasa aalis ka na ha. Ayusin mo naman yung mga pending natin!
Me: Sir, I refuse to accept your statement ha. D ko naman napapabayaan e. If it were only solely up to me, this project should've been finished last year pa!
Doc: Gusto mo testing-in kita?
Me: Sige! (Naks, confident!)
Doc: So kelan matatapos yung sa QA?
Me: End of January, that's 10 days to go. And then the lab's ETC is Feb 23. That is, given there wouldn't be any other issues w/ the contractor.
Doc: You know, ang mga boss may mga nakikita talaga yan. Sa tingin ko sa yo parang tamad na tamad ka na e! (partly true! hehe...)
Me: D naman noh!
Doc: So what do you do when your boss thinks that way of you?
Me: Prove him otherwise!
Doc: O sige. Pakita mo sa kin.
Me: Next week, sir. Watch me move! Check mo accomplishments.
Doc: Talaga lang huh!

Ang yabang kasi e! Hehe... That's why the pressure is on me now to push push PUSH our contractors. I'm supposed to work the whole weekend (again!) but I'm trying to delegate efficiently right now. Assign this to this, call this to do that, remind who to report for work tom... that sort of stuff. This HAS to work cuz if not, it's gonna cause me a lot of trouble. Hay. Please don't tell me I HAVE to go to the plant tomorrow. Noooooo!

Oh and the transfer part.. I'm assuming a new role starting next month. It's actually a promotion (*wink!*), but a lot less stressful (*winks some more!!*)! At least that's what I think, and I'm hoping what I think is what will be. So, wish me luck! =)

Kwishmas time!

2007-12-25T22:53:00.001+08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

My favorite part of the day:

Chatting w/ Ching-ching, Jan, and Ali.
Love love love these kids!

Hope everyone is having fun this year.
And may we not forget the reason for the season.
Cheers! ;)

Sweetest Thing

2007-12-05T13:10:00.000+08:00

Today, I was surprised by Jax with a bag of goodies: 6 choco-honey dipped, 3 choco butternut, and 7 bavarian donut holes. That's a total of 16 perfect meds "taste-neutralizer".

What it actually meant for him (for us, actually, after I figured it out... how slow can I get?)
637 ~ always and forever
16 ~ jax and pearl

A Very Long Post

2007-11-25T11:48:00.000+08:00

Hola! A month after Fort Ilocandia, what's next? A bunch of my closest friends left/are leaving, another one getting married as well, new accomplishments in wedding planning, and a lot of other crazy stuff.

Long Distance Friendships
After a month-long vacation to the US to visit Papa Jed, Nix left for Singapore last week, this time for work. It's really sad knowing that she won't be here to share her OC-ness with me for my wedding preps. No more late-night to early morning telebabads about anything and everything (no matter how stupid the topic is/are). Sad. You better be here a day before you turn 27, girl. I swear. You have to promise me or else.

Before Nix left, I learned that Omar and Jean are planning to be OFW's as well. Jean will be trying her luck in Singapore next year, while Omar is moving to Korea in two weeks! (He called me just last night to tell me he's leaving on December 5 and that he might not make it to my wedding.) Now the only O-C crew left here in PH will just be me, Shirmae, and Cris. Sigh.

As if my college friends leaving the country isn't enough, I talked to Arlene the other night only to find out that after her vacation in the US next month, she might go back there to study next year. She'll be gone for 2-3 years - which means that she might not be here for my wedding either. Boohoo! I won't have a "Dra." title in my secondary sponsors list anymore!

Of course I'm sincerely happy for all of them, and I believe that true friendships do not allow distance barriers. No matter how long we may not see or talk to each other, the bond will always be there - whether we all like it or not. Good luck, my dear friends. We all have our own dreams, and I cannot be any happier knowing that they're all coming true - we may not be there physically to witness each other's successes but I know in heart and spirit, we're still "there". =)

Getting Hitched Too!
Congratulations, Emily and Migs!
12.19.08
Who would've thought we'd be doing the preps at the same time? Good luck to us!

Update on Our Wedding Preps
Since our wedding website isn't up and running yet (because #1, I promised myself we won't go online until we finalize our entourage - which is still on-going "negotiation", and #2 I don't want the typical ready-made website - I want to be able to design our website somehow), I'm posting what we've done/thought of so far here:

Venue - 100% paid by end of this year (I am sooo broke!)
Caterer - 100% paid by end of this year (Need to beg soon! Waaaaah!)
Photo/Video - paid RF, scouting for the best venue for our pre-nup shoot
Gowns - have inquired w/ Cecil Abad though I still have a few others to check out. Jax and I need to work on our swatches (our theme is pink and gold) really soon!
Cake - Perfect cakes, Arlene's cousin, yet to set a meeting for conceptualization. I want a simple but yummy cake; what I'm keen about is the topper as I like it to clearly speak of our personalities.
Music - I initially wanted to get JJS, but I'm having second thoughts now since their rates are a bit high, especially since we're having an out of town wedding. My brother is starting his violin lessons next week and I told him to prioritize studying my wedding march song (hehe) so I'd only have to worry about the reception. My ex-piano teacher also called this morning and is volunteering to play for our wedding! I'm sure she's gonna give us a good deal. Apparently, her son (who's my ex-schoolmate and Don's friend) also plays regularly at a bar in Greenbelt and is part of Nyoy Volante and The Manos. Hmmm.... I hope this means savings for me. *wink!*
Bridal Suite - somewhere in Tagaytay. So far we've checked Casa Blanca and Country Discovery Suites. Our main concern here is that it should look good in the pictures. Hehe... Hopefully we can do another ocular this weekend.
Flowers - already met with our venue's in-house florist. He asked us what design we want for the place and we couldn't give him an answer. Honestly, I was expecting him to first have a concept in mind, and then we'll just approve. Oh well... we'll still check Flowers of May. I hope they're ok.
OTD Coordinator - still contemplating on whether to get one or not. I really want to be a hands-on bride-to-be but with all that I've been reading from the forums, seems like I'm gonna need one if I don't like to look all harassed on my wedding day.
Invitations & Souveneirs - will be DIY. As of now, that is. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I can have the lay-outs and printer sourcing done by May or June.

Whew! I haven't done much, I know. And it's just 11 months away! Jax, I know we can pull this off. Can't wait!

What Else?

While Jo, Don's girlfriend and soon-to-be fiancee (yes they're getting married just months after we do!), is planning to enroll in CCA, I also promised to start being friends with cook books and Martha Stewart-ish self-help materials. Our kitchen is currently undergoing a major makeover and hopefeully I'll be inspired to learn to be a homemaker soon. I really need to take this seriously. Seriously.
I have a decision to make in terms of my career - to stay with Company A and continue to be an architect, civil engineer, equipment/maintenance engineer, project manager, packaging analyst, industrial engineer, human relations officer, and events coordinator all rolled into one, OR move to Company B where I'll be a product technologist, process engineer, and an R&D officer. Both have their own set of pros and cons, especially now that I'm thinking about our (Jax and I) long term plans. Major considerations are: proximity from my (current) or our (future) house and my plan to, eventually, go into teaching. Somehow I know the answer to these questions, but I'm still seeking advice from the One Up There.
Right now, Jax is in Subic again for another RWYB event. This is the first time he's not taking his "+1" because well, I'm stuck here at home waiting for the flu fairy to finally come, go, and get this over with. I've been having this sucky throat that's making it difficult for me to swallow anything (even water) for days now. Aaaaaargh! Anyway, I hope Jax wins his class this time. Go Tammy!
It's difficult to be friends with someone whose actions make you want to puke sometimes, not to mention that you see that person every day at work! Ok I'm gonna shut up now.

---

This is, by far, the longest post I've ever made in all 3 years of my blogging life! I must have missed blogging this much. Til next! ;)

Just Turned 4!

2007-10-16T21:18:00.000+08:00

Exactly one year before THE day! =)
What better way to celebrate four crazy but wonderful years than with a just-us roadtrip?
More of the story and pics found here.

Thank you, Jax.
I love you so much.

Quick Post

2007-10-05T07:31:00.000+08:00

I stayed up late last night because I got too engrossed with this girl's wedding prep blog which I stumbled after searching for feedbacks on JJS musical group (who I might book for our wedding!). The planning freak has stepped it up a notch! *big grin*

Heard my all-time favorite christmas song for the first time this year. Then it hit me: This is the last christmas I'll be spending with my family! Well, of course I'm still spending it with them next year and the next years to come but it's not gonna be the same - I'm gonna be with my hubby babi! =)

It's christmas, people. I can feel it in the air! *hugs*

Laughter

2007-10-03T21:22:00.000+08:00

I know you didn't mean to surprise me (or did you?) but still, thank you. You have no idea how
happy you've made me. :)

Me Not Like Ice Queen

2007-09-25T19:08:00.000+08:00

Once again, "it's been a while".

I spent too much time in the car today going all over the metro that I had the chance to think and realize that I've been living my life no different from the wind on a thunderstorm - fast. Too fast, in fact, that I haven't had the chance to stop, think, ponder, reflect on the things that are happening. It's like I'm always on my toes. Everything has to be done now - people to talk and listen to, places to visit, work to finish... I can't even remember the last time I wasn't dashing out the door, in a hurry to be some place, able to put make up on and took time to dress up and look nice. I was (am) perpetually in a rush.

Just now, it hit me: I'm too stressed out. And what's more scary is that, I was too busy to even understand that I am. It didn't sink in. It didn't register. I have turned NUMB.

Having realized that, I declare this week the take-it-easy week. It actually coincides with my boss being on paternal leave all week, which is a good thing (or a good sign). Enough of dreaming about my CER's and Infra Projects. Enough of emotional rollercoasters. Enough of expectations. Enough of worrywart-ing. This time it's gonna be me-time. This time I'm giving myself the license to be selfishly in love with myself.

***

I should've switched to HBO a half and hour ago. I missed Rumor Has It! I was just in time to catch this line:

"I'm not here to tell you I can't live without you. I can live without you. I just don't want to."

Aaw... *tear*

Beautiful Girls

2007-08-19T11:44:00.000+08:00

Not all beautiful girls are players. *ehem* =)

+++

He Says:

You're way too beautiful girl
That's why it'll never work
You'll have me suicidal, suicidal
When you say it's over
Damn all these beautiful girls
They only wanna do your dirt
They'll have you suicidal, suicidal
When they say it's over

See it started at the park
Used to chill at the dark
Oh when you took my heart
That's when we fell apart
Coz we both thought
That love lasts forever (lasts forever)
They say we're too young
To get ourselves sprung
Oh we didn't care
We made it very clear
And they also said
That we couldn't last together (last together)

See it's very define, girl
One of a kind
But you mush up my mind
You walk to get declined
Oh Lord...
My baby is driving me crazy

It was back in '99
Watchin' movies all the time
Oh when I went away
For doin' my first crime
And I never thought
That we was gonna see each other (see each other)
And then I came out
Mami moved me down South
Oh I'm with my girl
Who I thought was my world
It came out to be
That she wasn't the girl for me (girl for me)

Now we're fussin'
And now we're fightin'
Please tell me why
I'm feelin' slightin'
And I don't know
How to make it better (make it better)
You're datin' other guys
You're tellin' me lies
Oh I can't believe
What I'm seein' with my eyes
I'm losin' my mind
And I don't think it's clever (think it's clever)

You're way too beautiful girl
That's why it'll never work
You'll have me suicidal, suicidal, suicidal...

+++

She Says:

I'm way too cool for ya boy
That's why it'll never work
I'll have you suicidal, suicidal
When I say it's over
Damn all these beautiful girls
We're only gonna do your dirt
We'll have you suicidal, suicidal
When I say it's over

Yeah yeah

I remember when
I was hanging with my friends
That's when I caught your eye
You thought that I was fly
Right then you wished that I would be your baby (be your baby)
You try to get some game
Asking me girl what ya name
All that ice upon ya chain
So I asked you the same
Something tells me that we have fun together (fun together)

I ain't easy to find
I'm a one of a kind
Oh when I judge your wine
I know your only mine
Tonight is yours
Tomorrow is for another guy (another guy)

I'm way too cool for ya boy
That's why it'll never work
I'll have you suicidal, suicidal
When I say it's over
Damn all these beautiful girls
We're only gonna do your dirt
We'll have you suicidal, suicidal
When I say it's over

You've been calling me
Leaving messages all week
Was your curiousity
Got ya knees weak
I'm not looking for a man
So I don't want no confusion (no confusion)
I took ya to the floor
Got ya begging me for more
But that was my queue to go
So I hit the door
I let you hot
With your mind used to running wild (running wild)

I ain't easy to find
I'm a one of a kind
Oh when I judge your wine
I know your only mine
If you stick around
Be careful not to fall in love (fall in love)

I'm way too cool for ya boy
That's why it'll never work
I'll have you suicidal, suicidal
When I say it's over
Damn all these beautiful girls
We're only gonna do your dirt
We'll have you suicidal, suicidal
When I say it's over

Now a couple months have past
Never thought that this would last
Oh everybody asked
How ya got a girl like that
But you should've known
That nothing lasts forever (lasts forever)
I mashed up ya mind
When I tell you lies
But boy don't be suprised
That I'm seeing other guys
I'm too young to settle
And you should've known better (known better)

Damn all these beautiful girls (you should have known)
We're only gonna do your dirt (cos I'll have)
I'll have you suicidal, suicidal
When I say it's over

What's Up

2007-08-15T19:34:00.000+08:00

I haven't been able to update this blog because everything seems to be happening faster than I could even begin blogging about it that I put it all off for "next time" until I eventually forget about it.

So anyway, now that I'm here in my room, home early (because I was too scared I might get stranded somewhere because of Egay), lying lazily with my laptop on my tummy while Just Like Heaven is on HBO, I'm gonna do what I haven't done in quite a while...

First and foremost, I am now officially engaged to Jax! *blush* I'm gonna be Mrs. Almay Lacambra in 14 months! How the "proposal" happened is a little too casual (believe me, if you know AJ and you've heard me ~~whine~~ talk about the "pre-arrangements", you know what I mean by this) so I won't go into that.. but nevertheless, I'm just happy we're really, really, REALLY almost there! =)
Recently, I've been meeting new people and it feels refreshing - Ford and ex-Ford people (aka Intro-boys and girls) during the Red Box night, MyMitsu people, even co-workers I haven't ever spoken with during the Peyups get together.
The Subic RWYB (Run What You Brung - is it just me or doesn't this seem gramatically incorrect?) was fun but very, very energy-draining. I had to take a leave from work the next day to recover from the fatigue and lack of sleep but I really don't mind. Can't wait til the next vroom vroom event with my driver!
Finally met up with the SCAPE girls for Susan's despedida brunch. We'll miss you, Pega!
Barely three weeks into the engagement and already I'm having "a bit" *rolling eyes with sarcasm* of an issue with the 'rents. Won't go into detail as I only want happy thoughts right now but anyways, please help me pray that everything turns out great. Hay.
Other things I want to do now: have a haircut (agreement with Jax to have this last one before I grow my hair long for THE day), finish GA Season3, update Reese with new songs and videos, go through our guest list, watch the Aga movie (been excited about this for weeks now!), and do (some) shopping.

I miss school, especially now that they just announced there'll be no classes on all levels tomorrow. *sigh*

Confession

2007-08-06T22:49:00.000+08:00

I've been cheating on this blog for quite sometime now.
With this.
Check it out. =)

Officially, Finally!

2007-08-02T22:44:00.000+08:00

We're getting hitched!

10.16.08

Top of Mind

2007-07-09T21:59:00.000+08:00

What I want to do now (but can't):

Put Tammy on Top Gear's front page c/o Photoshop
Install Twinkle's software (Reese and Yoyo's got a new sister!)
Change my multiply layout
Organize Yoyo's files and Reese's songs
Grey's Anatomy Season 3 marathon
Jax and Pearl's "workbook"
Call Celes and confirm SCAPE's get together
Call Johanna C. to catch up!!!
blog about the latest happenings in my life (not that there's a lot, I just realized I haven't posted updates on what I've been up to in a while)

What I have to do now (but don't want to):

Packaging Performance for June + Q2 Analysis Report
Productivity per Associate for MEP
Infrastructure Plan - boiler efficiency, warehouse space utilization, etc.

What an exciting life I have!
*big groan*

Un-clutter

2007-06-21T20:05:00.000+08:00

I've been literally cleaning up my mess - from my mobile phone (1200+ messages down to just 404), my neglected laptop - finally defrag-ed after 48 years, the big shoebox that is my room, even my hair.

I finally did it. And yep, I got glasses too. Next stop? My life.

Lately I find myself trying to get my act together and "redirecting" my life. Not that I've been lost or anything, really. It's just that I feel I have step it up a notch... do what I ~~want~~ love to do and be passionate about it, make concrete plans on how I could make my dream "job" turn into reality, fix family matters, etc. etc...

For the last 2 months, I've been praying for strength to get out of my comfort zone and face that thing I feel is out of my league. Wait let me rephrase that... I think it is where I belong. A handful of people have actually been telling me I can pull it off alright. Guess I'm just to chicken to give it a shot. This time, however, I think I'm ready.

Lord, I know Your plans are far better than what I have planned for myself. Please guide me. Please give me signs. Please take me where You want me to be.

Aguilera

2007-06-18T00:00:00.000+08:00

I soo want to see this:

But because ~~I am such a cheapskate~~ Jax keeps on reminding me about our horrible experience with Mandy Moore in the same venue (read: open air. Hence, jologs per square meter increased uncontrollably - I know, I'm evil) some 3 years ago, part of me decided to pass. Side note: the operative word here is part because once I ask my Globe/Fort/"showbiz" friends if there's any way they could get me *ehem* free *ehem* tickets, I am so gonna be there.

Come on friends, you know that, "When I'm lost in the rain... I turn to you..." Hahaha! ;p

You Complete Me.

2007-06-13T22:12:00.000+08:00

No movie has ever replaced Jerry Maguire in the top notch of my list of don't-care-if-I-watch-this-1-million-times-more movie. (Or at least yet.) Exactly what I'm doing now. I don't know, I just luuuurve it.

I wonder where Rey is now... How old is he? Is he still that cute? Aaaw he's so adorable in this movie!

Secret Garden still sends chills down my spine.

"I love him. I do! I love him! I love him! I love him, and I don't care what you think. I love him for the man he wants to be and I love him for the man he almost is.. I love him. I love him!... Look, all I know is that I loved someone and he was charming and popular and not so nice to me and he died, ok? So why should I let this guy go? Why??! When everything in my body tells me that this one is THE one??!"

Thank You

2007-06-05T21:20:00.001+08:00

...to those who remembered my birthday. =)

exercised their thumb just for me:
Jean (first greet for a change!). Don. Ma'am Weng (still up or already up at 2 in the morning?!). Ate Hazel (all the way from CND). Sir Doy. Ems. Sis Hazel. Mama Beth. Arlene. Joy. Ria. Charles. Celes. Che. Mommy Chelle (who thought she was late). Mike/Tweety. Anne B2. Mutya (may kasama pang trabaho ang pagbati). Jong. Melvin. Dino. Ethel. Ivy. Susan. Tita Jo. Mommy Cel. Sir Den. Anne B1. Hannah. Sir Ed. Cris.

~~wasted~~ used a portion of their air time on me:
Jax (who was actually awake at midnight?? Hehe...). Nix. MJ friends - Mama Beth, Ria, Mother Grace, Mummy Mae, Kenny c/o The Starfish. Omar (thanks to his 15-peso load). Earl. Mommy Beh.

chatted with me:
Ching2 & Jan (whose happy birthday song sent me to tears). Tina-pie (offline though).

sent e-mail:
Pet (via ESC yahoo groups). Karen. Sir Willie.

by the powers of Friendster:
Anna Erns. Kay Anne. Jaimie.

Oh before I forget... Tonton just turned 1! Happy Birthday Baby T!!! =)

Like Ninang

2007-05-30T23:00:00.000+08:00

Can she be any more adorable?!?

See the similarity? No, I didn't teach her that pose. And up until now it amazes me how she's turning into Little Miss Ninang May. Now I miss her more than ever. *tear*

Samson

2007-05-23T20:52:00.000+08:00

You are my sweetest downfall
I loved you first, I loved you first
Beneath the sheets of paper lies my truth
I have to go, I have to go
Your hair was long when we first met

Samson went back to bed
Not much hair left on his head
He ate a slice of wonder bread and went right back to bed
And history books forgot about us and the bible didnt mention us
The bible didnt mention us, not even once

You are my sweetest downfall
I loved you first , i loved you first
Beneath the stars came falling on our heads
But there just soft light
Your hair was long when we first met

Samson came to my bed
Told me that my hair was red
He told me i was beautiful and came into my bed
Oh i cut his hair myself one night
A pair of dull scissors and the yellow light
He told me that i'd done alright
and kissed me till the morning light the morning light
and he kissed me till the morning light

Samson went back to bed
Not much hair left on his head
Ate a slice of wonderbread
and went right back to bed

Oh we couldn't bring the colums down
Ya we couldn't destroy a single one
and the history books forgot about us
and the bible didn't mention us
not even once

You are my sweetest downfall
I loved you first

********

Loving this song by her (cool site by the way!) right now.
Haven't figured out what it means though. ;p
Of course it has to have something to do with the characters from the Bible, Samson and Delilah.
I'm no song analyst but my initial interpretation is that, it's about a man (Samson) still loving his woman (Delilah) despite her being the cause of his fall. Unconditional love.

Venting Out

2007-05-20T12:41:00.001+08:00

Nothing to blog about in particular...

Spent mother's day with dinner at Bed Scene. It's been a long time since the 6 of us (the rents, Don & Jo, me & Jax) went out so it was quite uhm, for lack of a better term, refreshing.
For days, I've been stressing about my job. Let me rephrase that.. My job is stressing me out!!! There's a big difference. Actually, it's more of the people making my job miserable. I don't get how people always blame other people for flaws in the system instead of just helping each other out to solve the root cause of the problem. Aaaargh. Oh well, what can I say, it's really hard to work with the oldies!
Must. Go. Shopping. For real.
Be clear with your instructions when you ask your boyfriend to buy you sanitary napkins. Believe me, he's gonna end up buying you panty liners and when told it's not the right item ask you how he's supposed to know which is which.
My birthday's coming up in a few weeks. My mom said they might not be here that day so we might have to celebrate it (by dinner, what else) on the 30th so that leaves me with nothing to do on my birthday leave. Any suggestions, friends?
I wonder when we (Ratskee girls) can squeeze in the La Luz trip with our busy (always conflicting) scheds. Or when we (CSA people) could go back to PadreBu. Summer is almost over and I haven't been to a single beach trip (well, there's the company outing in Batangas a few weeks back I don't want to count that). Loo-hoo-ser!!!

Racing Weekends

2007-05-14T21:37:00.000+08:00

I think I'm falling in love with a new hobby. If I am to answer the what-are-your-hobbies part of a slam book (as in the ones you pass around way back in gradeschool) right now, it would say slalom racing in big bold letters. Haha!

So far, I've been to three racing events with Jax*** - two at the Shell National Slalom 2007 (one of which I was actually a driver-participant!) and one at the 2007 Autocross Series.

The first time Jax and Tammy joined the race was the day after I slept over at Nix's so we (Nix and I) "watched" together. I say watched with the quotation marks because 85% of the time we were just camwhoring and malling and motormouthing. We'd only go to the race site whenever Jax texts or calls me to say it's almost his turn.

* breakfast at good old McDo ATC * ratskee girls grace the event with their appearance * camwhoring in the dressing room * lunch at kenny rogers (stuffed kung stuffed dba?) * trying on gowns (won't forget mama hanika's scolding for being too loud inside the fitting room, thus the harassed-looking us) * mid-afternoon chikahan (yes we can't get enough!) over coffee and tea at starbucks * post-race pics (me claiming to be Tammy's driver) *

The second time, which was the (early) morning after Che's birthday dinner, was my least fave of all because:

Uhmm..Uh.. I burned my nose. Arrgh. Imagine getting your face burned except for the 2-inch circumference around your eyes because of your sunglasses! Ugly, I tell you. Grrrr... Sabi na I should've brought my sunblock eh, never mind if they laugh at me. Actually, I burned my whole body - my shoulders, my arms, my back - that I actually looked like I just got back from the beach. *rolling eyes*
I didn't get to take as much photos (and a decent one) of Tammy. I did get to record his practice run though. (I look like I'm a bored texter in the pic below but I was really trying my best to get a good grip of my phone).

To say that the last race was my favorite is an understatement. I heart Tammy for being good to me and for being obedient in avoiding those pylons. I heart Jax for being my ~~masungit~~ coach. 180! 180! Yung ganun-ganun! (referring to the sh-caine - however it's spelled) Haha! Classic to, Jax. I heart Tita Bing-Bang. I heart mymitsu.

1st place, Ladies' Class? Come on, you gotta be kidding me! =) Yup I was 1st, but then the other girl was DNF-ed. Hehe... Anyway, watch out for our interview at Studio 23's Stoplight TV. Naks, feeling artistahin ito!

***
Time to be the proud girlfriend...

My Jax placed in:
Racemotorsports' 3rd leg - Newbie and Fuel injected categories, 1st place
Shago Racing's - Novice Stock A, 1st place
Racemotorsports' 4th leg - Newbie category, 1st place

Close.

2007-04-23T22:17:00.000+08:00

I like this feeling that I have now.
Like everything will fall into place.
Or at least about to.
I'm having mixed emotions,
a huge portion of which is happiness.

Almost there.
Not quite.

But still.

One step at a time.

Forty Two

2007-04-16T22:09:00.000+08:00

Three years and six months!
Who would've thought we'd make it this far?
Happy 42nd, Jax!

I love you, you spoiled little brat!

Work From Home

2007-04-08T10:17:00.000+08:00

I'm just about done setting up my "office" here in my room. Just a quick post (hopefully) while I'm downloading my email...

Since I left the office early last Wednesday (because I was too dizzy and useless) and I don't want to go to work tomorrow (wish me luck), I have to work from here. Bummer. This isn't a good 5-day break after all. Grrrr.

My plan to be with Ali and relax for real didn't materialize because, well, my mom won't let me go cause it's holy week and she says you can't go out wherever or have fun. I'm like a 12 year old girl who couldn't go out on a school night. Still feeling bad because hel-lo?! it's not every week that you get to have a long weekend! I am such a loser.

Aside from the 3 1/2-hour mass and the prusisyon last night (which I was forced by my mom to join), I did nothing but watch TV, eat, sleep, and surf. I enjoyed watching Love Affair (which I decided is a must-watch with Jax, being one of my all-time faves) and Heart and Souls (I really heart Robert Downey Jr.) on HBO. Brings back good times, as in grade-seven-good-times.

I have a bazillion things I'd like to get for myself - a new wallet, another pair of shades, the Bare Naked Lady Dusting Powder from Lush, pair of black boots, leather case for Reese (now that it looks like I'm gonna use her more heavily in the office), light blue bag to match my rift sneaks, etc. etc. etc. There's so much to shop for but with very little resources!... so help me God.

Craving for ice cream (I'd like to try Cold Rock NOW). I miss Jax. If only he was here in Manila (err San Pedro... and then he'd drive all the way to Makati for me), I could have sweet-talked him into going to The Fort Strip by now. Oh well.

Back to work. *groan*

Stuck at Home

2007-04-06T17:21:00.000+08:00

I've been looking forward to this long weekend mainly because it's ~~good~~ great to be away from work for a while. There's nothing to look forward to, really, but the break is definitely well-deserved.

What's happened so far:

1. Missed dinner with Ems and Nix at Alabang the other night because I was effing throwing up all afternoon . Major BOOHOO!!! Girls, I'm really really sorry. I promise to make it up to you guys.

2. Left my phone at Jax's overnight. I was too groggy, go figure.

3. Visita Iglesia with the family, which ended with lunch at Italianni's.

4. Hoarded paper towels from KC c/o Nix. I always loved convoys with Tammy, especially with good danceable music blasting from Reese.

5. Finally talked to (1) Che about the recent drama series and (2) Omar about the rehabilitation of our DI water system and other career plans.

6. Wondered how PBB could've aired "live" with the housemates telling stories of their life struggles and all.. I mean how could they have known which stories would be watch-worthy enough not to cut for a commercial break?

7. Lunch at Superbowl Blue Wave with Jax today before he left for Pangasinan.

8. Seventh Heaven marathon. A classic - never fail to do this every year.

I'm sensing a lazy lazy weekend.. and already loving it!!! =)

I wish I could go to Ali's for the weekend though.

Hot and Smart

2007-04-02T21:12:00.000+08:00

So this is why I loved her in GA... it's just like loving me! Hehe...

How bout you?

Back to Borawan (Overdue)

2007-03-21T21:02:00.000+08:00

It's been a month since our Borawan trip and already I miss it like I miss lazy-ing in my bed. :( I would love to give a blow by blow account but that would make me crave to go back even more (and could therefore lead to possible frustration given my lack of time and moolah - yep, poor me!), I'm just gonna let pictures speak of how much of a great time we had.

Meet Beethoven The ~~Cow~~ Dog who's prolly taller than me with his arms and legs outstretched.

We were in the island for a good half day and we basically just ate and slept like lazy pigs. (You have to excuse the fresh-from-a-night-shift driver though.)

and of course cam-whored like mad!

Your screens are fine, people, it's just the print on my tankini.

I still think The Hole was purposely there to serve as a measure of how sexy you are if you fit in it.

The Tanning Oil Girls

Did I mention camwhore already? Our (obviously choreographed) sandy feet which took, like, 10 takes to get us content.

The photographer, pleased with his work of art, wanted his own taste of a photo shoot.

...and because we thought it was a good backdrop, we had to get one too!

Must be one of the best mornings I've ever woken up to so far this year - Jax and the beach!

The Koreans were saying, "This is so the life!"

Sexy girls on kayaks...

... and hot ~~gay couple~~ men - what more could you ask for? =)

It's a bit bitin but I know we will be back again and again and again. Right, Che? *wink!* Friends, now that summer is here again... No, let me rephrase that because according to Dra. Arlene, summer was never gone... where to beachbum?

I Knew It

2007-03-10T20:59:00.000+08:00

It all comes down to...

LOVE IS A STRONG WORD.

music and lyrics

2007-02-22T21:21:00.000+08:00

This goes out to Hazel, who claims that we have the same "destiny" (which I refuse to believe) and who shares my girl-crush for Cora. Lol. Video also found here.

Way back into love

I've been living with a shadow overhead
I've been sleeping with a cloud above my bed
I've been lonely for so long
Trapped in the past, I just can't seem to move on

I've been hiding all my hopes and dreams away
Just in case I ever need em again someday
I've been setting aside time
To clear a little space in the corners of my mind
All I want to do is find a way back into love
I can't make it through without a way back into love
Oh oh oh

I've been watching but the stars refuse to shine
I've been searching but I just don't see the signs
I know that it's out there
There's got to be something for my soul somewhere
I've been looking for someone to shed some light
Not just somebody just to get me through the night
I could use some direction
And I'm open to your suggestions

All I want to do is find a way back into love
I can't make it through without a way back into love
And if I open my heart again
I guess I'm hoping you'll be there for me in the end
There are moments when I don't know if it's real
Or if anybody feels the way I feel
I need inspiration, not just another negotiation

All I want to do is find a way back into love
I can't make it through without a way back into love
And if I open my heart to you
I'm hoping you'll show me what to do
And if you help me to start again
You know that I'll be there for you in the end

blahs

2007-02-19T21:28:00.000+08:00

* Watching Lisa Loeb on Number One Single reminded me of how I heart her, her songs, how she made wearing glasses look cool.

* You know how when you watch movies and you hear the women characters say "I don't want to be like my mom someday." and wonder why they would say such? I can totally relate to that, only I don't wonder because I know why.

* Haven't blogged about my trip to PadreBu/Borawan last weekend yet. Ohmigosh, summer is here!!! I'll reserve that for next post (and for when Arlene sends me the pics). Can't wait to go b-e-a-c-h-bumming again!

* Want to reformat my laptop and convert it into a Mac but Don said Reese (my zen) is built for a Windows OS. Sad. =(

* Craving for ice cream now. Almond pecan praline.

Me Thinking...

2007-02-18T22:35:00.000+08:00

How are we supposed to get to the future when we can't deal with now?
Time really changes a lot of things, and you just have to cope. And hope.

Recall

2007-02-03T02:49:00.000+08:00

It's been a long while. I've been wanting to post something new for weeks but I just couldn't find the time.

So now.. what do you do when you're killing time here at Dell (~~your new office~~) at 2:49am ??? You blog, that's what.

Everything's happening in a blur, actually. Let's see.. uhm, in the past month, I have...

gotten used to Jax having a different time zone than I am (we get to see each other more often though, sometimes everyday even)
launched my first project/assignment at work thanks to my kums angels
had dinner at Heaven and Eggs with (whoelse) Nix and Ems, followed by a sleepover at my house
finished two light novels, Drama Queen and Almost Married
cried, complained, hated and (now trying to) suck up to my boss
turned ANTM-ish during my shopping sesh for shoes and kikay clothes with Jax the fashion consultant
finally claimed my starbucks planner
had trouble sleeping because I was coughing and puffing all night (still am, a bit)
celebrated my mom's birthday at Gilligan's with Tito Ben, Tita D, and Ali
gone halfway through Prisonbreak Season 1 (could've finished it if not for the uncooperative disk)
met my brother's girlfriend's parents over dinner at Pantalan (mind you, with my parents suddenly all ma-chika)
planned a Borawan getaway with my highschool friends set this Feb - Super Yay! =)
gone as far as Episode 7 in GA Season3
performed several psycho-analyses of myself
experienced being a child again, playing badminton in the street, riding bikes... or was it for the first time since I never really got to play outside when I was a kid? lol.

Enough of that. Now it's Feb and here's to the coming weeks... Woohoo!!!

Cheesy... NOT!

2007-01-08T22:08:00.000+08:00

Over Sukiyakidon and Gyudon at Tempura Grill tonight:

Pearl: You love me?
Jax: Yup.
Pearl: How much?
Jax: Piso.
Pearl: Ganun?
Jax: E alam mo naman ang piso ngayon... wala nang value.
Pearl: So wala lang ako? Ipamimigay mo lang ako?
Jax: Hindi... wala ngang value e, e d priceless!

LOL.

this year 2007...

2007-01-01T17:18:00.000+08:00

you will be turning

what age?
* 26

in what month?
* june

how do you feel about turning that age?
* i'm getting old!

>>resolutions<<

do you want to...

lose weight?
* a bit.

exercise more?
* yep, but i would prefer dance classes. =)

get a better job?
* haha! let's see. i'm still trying to stay positive about my current job.

go to school/college?
* psych-educ hopefully by second sem, but it still depends on... *wink!*

quit smoking?
* don't have to. i don't smoke.

quit drinking?
* i don't do this either. (wholesome ako!)

have any other resolutions? or no resolution?
* hmmm.. i have a few popping on my mind right now but i haven't really gathered my thoughts...

are you going to get married?
* wish i could say yes already but uhm.. no.

buy a house?
* someone else is taking care of this for me :)

move out on your own?
* i want to! seriously.

graduate from school?
* nope

see your child graduate
* yup, but that's still a long way to go!

any other major things going on?
* i don't know if the changes happening now could be considered major. i'd like to think i'm just over-analyzing.

and lastly...

do you have any hopes for 2007?
* yep. a lot, actually.

what are they?
* i hope it turns out to be a better one for me - financially, physically, emotionally, spritually...

anything you want to declare about 2007?
* it's not gonna end so-so this time! :)

New Beginnings

2006-12-31T17:17:00.000+08:00

Now that we're just 7 hours away from ending 2006, I can't help but look back at what this year has been for me.

For one, I would say this is definitely not my year. I've practically come close to a depression in my career (I actually considered moving to an entirely different job!) which sent me to tears every other day. Most of the supposedly special occasions turned out to be all plain (if not disastrous) that it was barely felt. My love life was, at one point or another, a tough series of roller coaster rides. I was perpetually broke, having to pay my never-ending credit card bills. The list goes on, and now as I try to recall I'm wondering how I got through the whole year with this feeling of not-happy happiness, if there is such a term.

However, there are also other things I would want to keep memories of. Like when Jax got Tammy, the new love of his life, with whom I am very much jealous of. Or when my cousin and her family came home from the US and we had big-girl conversations (unlike the ones we had years ago when our main concerns were just clothes and stuff) to our hearts' content. Or that much-awaited PadreBu trip (which must MUST have a part 2 this January) with my bestest HS girl friends. Or this good break at my new company (let's see what I'll have to say by the end of 2007 - haha). Good times.

Right now, I'm going through a lot of changes - those kind that need the 3 A's: absorption, acceptance, and adjustment. I know, too, that there's more to come and I may have to deal with more than what I can handle. Life's like that, I guess. It never runs out of tests to see if you can come out alive. That's with God's help, of course. I was reading my Daily Bread last night and I was enlightened with this:

There are three things a person needs to be happy:
1. Something to do - meaningful work or helping others
2. Someone to love - someone to whom we can give of ourselves, such as a spouse, a child, or a friend
3. Something to look forward to - a vacation, a visit from a loved one, improved health, the realization of a dream

Like what I said earlier, I'm not very happy with the year that's passed. But I'm not unhappy either. It's just not my year to shine, but I am thankful because I do and will always have that something to do, love, and look forward to... Bring it on, 2007!

Happy New Year, people!
Oink away! ;)

christmas blahs

2006-12-26T21:20:00.000+08:00

Happy Holidays, everyone!!! :)

Of all my 25 christmases, this must have been the least felt, the reasons of which are the following:
1. Not a single simbang gabi for me. Well, aside from my "new faith", my 7 am to (indefinite) pm office sched made it impossible. Even the traditional christmas eve mass was gone because we were at my cousins' for the noche buena.
2. I was totally unprepared for everything. Seriously. I was out doing last-minute shopping until the 24th (hence first thing I did when I woke up on christmas day was wrap gifts). I wanted to make goodie bags for my non-ninang kids but I didn't have time. Even the old clothes I wanted to pack for street children was left undone. Talk about holiday time management. Ugh.
3. Stress from work. 'Nuf said.
4. Bitin holiday break!!!

Ok so I don't want to play the grinch anymore. It's just that well, christmas used to be my favorite time of the year. Now it's just an ordinary day passing me by. Hay. I am getting old.

All I Want

2006-12-07T21:54:00.000+08:00

for christmas...

1. funky case for my zen
2. pink or white ultra-soft soles sandals from Brazil - forgot the brand, saw this in SM a month ago
3. duffel bag or any semi-sporty bag which can house my office uniform everyday
4. the 2007 Starbucks planner!!! (they're actually selling this on e-bay?!?? OA!!)
5. memory upgrade for my laptop
6. a pair of baby dolls - good to go when changing from street clothes to the kundoktor outfit (hehe)
7. black leather wallet, preferably from Fino =)
8. Body Shop's Cranberry Brilliance Powder (limited edition)
9. facial, hair and nails treatment, foot spa, and full body massage (ay ayokong magpa-pamper!)
10. stuff for my cube - pens & clips organizer, cellphone holder, and small picture frame
11. a whole bag full of Toffifee!!!
12. more Dupe's!

A little too late to make this wish list come true eh? No worries... Of course cash will always be accepted. *wink!*

Hating the B

2006-12-02T00:26:00.000+08:00

Is this a sign??!??

Your Job Dissatisfaction Level is 61%

Your job is a total bummer, and probably the worst job you've ever had.
Your co-workers stink. Your boss is a jerk. And your company is probably in trouble.
Think about finding a new job quickly, even if it's just a not-so-great transition job.
You've got to get out of there as quickly as you can!

Should You Quit Your Job?

indecisive

2006-11-30T20:35:00.000+08:00

Should I get this or this???

Can't make up my mind as to what gift I'm gonna get for myself this Christmas.
Anyone willing to make my life easier by getting me any one of these? Or perhaps both?

Breather

2006-11-28T18:21:00.000+08:00

Whew!

The last two weeks have been very stressful. I've had a maximum of 5 hours of sleep a night (thus creating zombie-like eyes) , a pile-load of reports that are impossible to finish in 8 office hours (without break, mind you), and a spamming boss who's so full of himself he just wouldn't stop talking. Needless to say, it was a full 2 weeks gone bad. Well, of course there were the occasional high's care of Jax but even those had its quirks.

Anyhow, I'm glad it's almost over now. I temporarily got another assistant and I'm back on track. I'm slowly creeping back to my original plans and hopefully my projects will come in by end this year. *keeping my fingers crossed*

After lunch today, the manager of a different department came up to me and asked me something about my ex-employer. Apparently, she's been interviewing a bunch of people from that company and was wondering why everybody seems to be wanting to get out. Anyway, what's interesting is that, I learned that before I got hired here, two departments (hers and my current dep) have been arguing who's gonna take me. Now that's something to smile about! If I don't like my current job in, give or take, 5 months, I could always ask her to take me. After all, she just mentioned to me earlier that they still have an open position (for me) in case I change my mind.

Finally, I just can't not mention (knowing me, being the proudest girlfriend that I am) that my Jax is moving soon too. Congratulations and cheers to D's spankin' new manager! Yes baby, I will make you get used to it. Ohmygosh I am just so proud of you. Guess I'll be seeing more of MOA in the next months?!... *wink!*

tags for three

2006-11-22T20:29:00.000+08:00

Sometimes a little is enough.
Sometimes it just is.
Sometimes the going gets tough.
Sometimes nothing could be better.

mcDo. hash brown. hot choco. drizzle.
bag of beans. blueberry cheesecake. butterflies.
entrepreneur. soft white pillows. iced tea.
cypress. gbr. ojo. eagle ridge.
microtel. lounge. tv. pearl-tamiya.
hotdog. barbecue. nagaraya. isaw. c2.
rochelle. doc. charlie. ghie. gov drive.
cliffhouse. buon giorno. sitti. cruising.
microbar. royal serenity spa. massage.
multi-purpose hall.
mini donuts. shawarma. my first wedding.

three. wonderful. years.

1 to 7

2006-11-02T22:25:00.000+08:00

I've been busy. Obviously. So I'll try to make up for lost time. Duh.

So much has happened to me lately, so much that I still remember everything from Day1 I was in hiatus blogging mode. Those and etcetera.

One. Got to see Bec after 48 long years. First time I went to her place for the fiesta a.k.a. the videoke event of the year. What is kumanta until kuya grabs the microphone away from us?!? Haha.

Two. Ate Hazel, Ching ching, and Jan finally left for Sing. I was able to talk to the kids while they were on their way to the airport and my tear ducts didn't behave as I told it to. I miss these babies now. Really, really do. I'm still trying to get used to the idea that I won't be seeing them during family affairs. *sniff*

Three. And getting there (Love you baby!). Jax and I just turned 36 months!!! After a lot of precious company hours wasted, the plans finally pushed through. It was nothing really grand (well relatively, compared to our previous out-of-town anniversary trips) but it was very much anticipated. More on that on my next post.

Get Your Own! | View Slideshow

Four. I've finally moved to the company for women. It's only been a week and I feel like I've been there long enough. Well, for starters, I didn't get to the meet and greet dinner because the Skyway was uncooperative and Friday the 13th wasn't in favor of my plans. In a short span of time, I had the advanced HR orientation for a day, was sent out to explore the people and plant on my own, met my assistant (yup how cool is that?!!) who will be leaving in like two weeks (still haven't figured out how to go about without her), ~~studied~~ tried to understand the ins and outs of MACPAC, went to the MA team building in Antipolo, and met new first-level (not-betting-on-going-to-second-level) friends.

Can't make a rundown of these people because the truth is, I haven't quite memorized all their names. Seriously. I just posed for the heck of it. Evil. Kidding. Anyways... I haven't met my boss yet (I'm currently directly reporting to the group manager/director) and I can't wait to meet him because we have to have a long serious talk about my JD. And yeah in case you're wondering, so far I'm doing fine with the Makati-Calamba-Makati shuttle everyday set-up. Not complaining. Yet.

Five. Two birthday dinners for the same person... belated Happy Birthday, Nixie!!! Jax and I managed to drop by her house on the day of her birthday and then post-celeb dinner + coffee that same week. I swear, talking non-stop overnight will never be enough for the Ratskee girls.

Six. Currently addicted slash keeping myself busy with: Grey's Anatomy and The Incident of the Dog in the Night Time.

Seven. We're now on broadband! Finally. Yey!

I may have missed a lot of other things to blog about but this is it for now. I wonder if I'd still be able to update my blog in the next few months to come. Let's see.

Win Some, Lose Some

2006-10-14T08:14:00.000+08:00

Was supposed to post this long ago (101406):

Yesterday was my last day at MJ. I've been making mental countdowns since Monday and I admit, the nearer October 13th came, the more sad I felt. It's quite ironic really, since I've been ~~desperately~~ looking for a job since middle of this year, and now that I'm finally moving, I get a little heartbroken.

My pseudo-mother and father threw a goodbye lunch (party) for me at Amici. The food was great (highly comparable to Cantinetta but 1/4 less pricey) but I refuse to describe it here as I feel it deserves a separate post.

When we got back to the office, the going away presents started to pour in - the blue-leather Starbucks mug from Will and Grace (love it!), the silver bear necklace from mareng Ria, the warm vanilla sugar lotion from Mama Beth, and the autographed Daily Bread from Kath. I cannot recall of a time I was surrounded by people as warm as these.

The most difficult part in saying goodbye is saying so. As I went on to every cube to say my "last words", Papa Willie's being the first stop, tears unexpectedly started to well up in my eyes. I guess it was because when I looked in his eyes I could almost see tears as well (or was it just my imagination?) when he said, "Good luck. Thanks so much for everything." Mother Grace gave me a hug and her waterworks opened up as well. It was a little weird, really, having to see your boss like that.

Graduating from highschool left an exciting feeling, finishing college was more of big relief, leaving my first job was something I looked forward to, but this one was definitely heavier in my heart. I know I will be moving to a (supposedly) better place. No more late trials on my birthday, but then no more birthday surprises too. No more kums corner meetings but that means I may not have wonderful friendships like the ones I've made in MJ. But well, guess it's true what they say... "You win some, you lose some." Life's like that. DWI.

This will be missed. Same goes with the rest of my MJ friends.

Lohan-ish (Yesterday)

2006-10-11T21:46:00.000+08:00

I'm feeling really lucky today.
Coincidentally, I just watched Just My Luck last weekend... hence, the post title.
I don't know if this is just positive thinking.
Can't remember when this started, as if the turn of events are conspiring against the negative forces and instead are starting to happen in favor of me.
(Well except for The Plant Trial Devil who attacked me last week.)
Suddenly, I'm relaxed and cool and composed again.
I own my time now. Well, somehow...
Thanks to the bad eggs. Tsk tsk...
Three days. No more trials.
This time around it's starting to get a little sad. Just a bit.

***

Ching2: (pointing to John Lloyd in the new Channel2 teleserye) Ninang May, pogi?
Me: Si John Lloyd? Oo.
Ching2: Yan? (putting her finger on the screen)
Me: Yup.
Ching2: Sinong mas gusto mo, si Tito AJ o sya?
Me: Si tito AJ syempre!

Exactly why I am crazy as hell about her.

List

2006-10-09T22:22:00.000+08:00

I have a bazillion things I'm itchin to blog about since that stupid blackout but I never had (and still don't have) the luxury of time so I'll have to settle for yet another numbered list.

1. Things I did during the long (get this: minus 1/4 worth of our electric bill) power failure:
.:. played DoTA and Time Crisis just before Milenyo's peak
.:. watched cars and bikes outside the mall, half-floating through the flood during Milenyo's peak
.:. acted like we were some media people looking for news article-worthy sightings right after Milenyo's peak
.:. re-read FHM, Cosmo, and T3 magazines I've been ignoring on "bright" days, sometimes with a flashlight
.:. showers in the dark (and choosing an outfit has never been that difficult a task)
.:. binged on my mom's famous tacos
.:. helped Jax make his kick-ass resume outside my house using Tammy's open trunk as desk
.:. lots of candle-lit dinners
.:. watched the break-up in the car
.:. watched the break-up in Don's ipod
.:. went from my house to Select in Makati Avenue just for a cold rootbeer in can
.:. several McDo dinners via drive-thru
.:. cooling-body-temp tambays in Don's car

2. I can't remember the last time, or if I've ever, declared a day as the worst I've had in my entire life (although there's a very big possibility I must've way back in college) but if it was to be the most recent one, it was last Thursday. I was so effing tired from the plant trial, feeling all icky with oil and grime, with barely 2 hours of sleep, a tampururot-ing baby, and the thought that I was to repeat the whole process the following week AND going home to a house with no electricity... it cannot get any worse, could it? By the end of the day, I was so freakin fragile that I broke into tears. Scrubs suits and all. At the middle of the laboratory.

3. Oh my nuts, it's just days before christmas! I've actually been waking up to christmas songs, thanks to my dad, for two weeks now and I kinda like the feeling it's giving me. I have a couple more items in my must-have list, the never-ending credit card and phone bills, and the splurge dinners with Jax but nevertheless, I'm definitely starting on my christmas list soon. *wink!*

4. I have four more days to endure. Four friggin days. It's a wild mix of emotions, really. Sad to leave friends behind, anxious of the new culture, hesitant of the yet-to-be-known pressure, happy about finally being "free", quite impressed with the "meet and greet" thingy, excited to explore the greener pastures, wondering how to deal with new bosses, and scared about keeping the most important thing in my life. But I have to push all these thoughts aside for now. I have a feeling God is putting me exactly where I should be. :)

Stagnant

2006-10-03T08:40:00.000+08:00

Sucks big time:

Wasn't able to watch ANTM
Couldn't dry my hair
Melted chocolate mousse
No phone, a/c, and cable
Missing ice-cold water

How inconvenient can this get??? I actually like it dimmer than brighter, but definitely not this Milenyo-induced one. More on my blackout activities (or lack thereof) when I finish charging my laptop... Ugh.

Baby Talk

2006-09-25T21:32:00.000+08:00

"Ninang May, gift ko? Kelan ka punta dito? Ma-mi-miss kita pag nasa Singapore na kami."
Unexpectedly, tears welled up in my eyes when I talked to her (over the phone). My cousin and her family are migrating to Sing. They're leaving in less than a month. When I first heard about it, I knew I'm bound to get all melancholy about it but I have to admit, I never thought it would be as much as I felt when I heard my adorable niece say that. Like her mom who used to share my bedroom with me (also the person who made me cry when she tagged me along on a date when I was like 12 years old because I wanted to go home - yup bratty me), Ching-ching has always been capable of putting a smile on my face whenever I'm feeling down. I'm surely going to miss her and her cutest-boy-in-the-world brother. Aaaaw...

"Minsan ang pogi pogi naman!"
I couldn't help but smile when Ava (Jax's little sis) whispered this to me after calling her kuya, "Panget!" while watching him read her storybook. Cute. Sometimes this naughty girl just says something that makes me go, "Whoa! You really thought of that??!" Basta. Natuwa ako kasi pogi daw si Jax. Same taste pala kami. Hehe...

"We'll make it through."
The best line I heard the whole weekend. Like a baby, he said it half-asleep while never letting go of my hand. And then I melted in his arms.

tiny bits

2006-09-20T20:38:00.000+08:00

I so love Axe's new commercial with Ben Affleck on it. Just adorable! I am so jealous of Jennifer Garner right now.

There is a difference between a Friendster message and a testimonial. Or do you still want me to define it more extensively for you?

Still thinking of a nice place to go 26 days from now. Suggestions are more than welcome.

Just saw our fave motormouthing spot in a commercial. Cool.

One libero bumper coming up! *wink* --> Love you, Tammy!

My friend is all giddy and I'm happy for her. I hope it's the real thing, girl. :)

Mixed emotions as my last day is nearing. Hmmm... my boss isn't replying to my text message. She prolly wants to kill me now. (part of me wants to have that devilish laugh but a ~~bigger~~ part is feeling bit guilty - guess I'm not as mean as I thought?)

Oh please, make the weather make up its mind!

my bday boy

2006-09-12T06:34:00.000+08:00

25 Things You Didn't Know About Jax
(Also the things I heart about him)

1. He loves his family so much, to the point of sacrificing his wants for their wants.

2. The cute little way he says "Pearl, buhok!" when he's sleeping beside me and my hair brushes his face.

3. He always has to have something to read while unloading.

4. His favorite color is pink. Even his bedroom wall is screaming pink!

5. He doesn't mind going around the mall with me, be it in the ladies', textiles, or kitchen appliances section - except when he's hungry or sleepy.

6. He has a soft, soft spot for street children.

7. His arm is literally made of steel since he broke it during a basketball game in highschool.

8. He's such a perfectionist. Get it right the first time. Period.

9. The glasses + the cute smirk showing his dimples + witty comments = Oh baby you're driving me crazy!

10. He knows what looks good on him without being too metrosexual - the exact length of his polo shirt sleeves, the proper cut of his pants, the right color of his shoes, or the best way to style his hair. Interestingly though, no matter how weird or flashy the look is, he can carry it well. (or am I just loving my own? Hehe.)

11. He's capable of making quick 2-minute showers... Yes you may join me in figuring out how the hell he does that with his 6'1" frame.

12. He can maneuver the steering wheel with his knees while eating inside the car. Talk about multi-tasking.

13. His scent is Victoria's Secret Garden Vanilla Lace.

14. Apparently, he solved the "a/c not cold enough" issue in Ford's J48 models. No re-occurrence for 2006. (Am I getting this info right, Jax?)

15. He's the most strict and conservative kuya (and boyfriend) in the whole wide world.

16. He has naturally silky-smooth hairless legs. No kidding!

17. He drinks with 2 straws, sipping soda using both at the same time.

18. One of his favorite snacks is ice cubes.

19. His get-up isn't complete without a belt.

20. He's probably the only person I know who could say "Wait, sir. I'm not yet done with my presentation." to the president of the company he's working for.

21. Unless the reason he's staring into space is because he's thinking about how something works or the next project he will be working on, you can't keep him in one place doing nothing longer than 10 minutes tops. Hyper-active kid.

22. Once he falls in love with a particular food, he becomes committed to it and wouldn't try anything else. Take, for example, my mouth-watering adobo... *wink!*

23. Spoiled. Spoiled. Spoiled.

24. He's a baby elephant reincarnate... how he always calls me to sit or lie really close to him. It has always been a rule that a part of our body should always touch. Absolutely no spaces in between.

25. He may have a lot of wacky, insane, nerdy ideas and comments about anything under the sun but deep down, he's really just a kind-hearted little boy, whose means of showing love is beyond words. Sometimes it's quite hard to tell, sometimes it requires a lot of trust, sometimes he doesn't come across the way he's been meaning to, sometimes he has a different way of expression (or lack thereof). But then again, isn't it amazing that only I could ever understand?

Love you my JAX.
You will always be special.
HapPy BiRthdAy!
*kisses*

Celeb What?!?

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

I don't think so... I'm way prettier than them. Hahaha!

In that case, my face must have been seen in:

She's All That and Babysitter's Club

Bev Hills 90210 and Mall Rats

Mad Love, 50 First Dates, Ever After, and Wedding Singers

My So-Called Life and Mob Squad

MTV singing I'm Like A Bird and Promiscuous

or any Japanese songs

or acting in some Japanese TV show?

Hmm... I thought I looked more Chinese rather than Japanese,

err... Japanese than Caucasian! Duh?!!!

Mumble Bubble

2006-09-07T08:46:00.000+08:00

Just discovered that the high chair works wonders for me and Jax. *wink* Can't wait to get our pictures next week!

Cliche or not cliche: Good things come to those who wait. The best revenge is success.

I missed watching Deal or No Deal (I am now). Not that I'm a fan, really, but because the past days I've been busy with jobhunting (for the future) and job-slaving (now. ugh.)

A couple of friends' and loved ones' birthdays coming up. My theory: Couples usually have their weddings in December, try to get pregnant in about a month and then 9 months later... Voila! Either that or in December, everybody's just in the mood to procreate.
4 - Alex, Jape, and Ms Ilian
6 - Pia
7 - Tito Meo
8 - Don, Jimbo, and Miko
12 - Jax
29 - Ate Hazel and Kay Anne

There's a wedding fever going on here in the office now. There's Ria, Mae, and uhm.. ok Grace too.

Going to the Asia Food Expo tomorrow. Aside from packaging equipment and materials for my projects, I hope I can pick-up a thing or two from the business opportunuties to be presented as well. *puts on glasses - serious look*

BURRS

2006-09-01T22:43:00.000+08:00

It's the first day of the first ~ber month and I can smell christmas already. Barely 4 months and we're off to 2007! Looking back at the new year's resolutions I made this year, I want to check on how much I've accomplished (if there's any at all):

1. On pampering myself - I still haven't gone back to kikayland like in highschool (my kikay curve must be sloping steeply downwards) and my manager occasionally still teases me about being a tomboy but I think I have improved somehow. Let's just say I'm midway between the glamour/posh/stylish woman and boyish/simple/lipgloss-only girl type and I like it that way. Oh and I am so addicted to layering with B&B!!

2. The chef in me - I am practicing now. Honest! And I have Jax to thank for being supportive of me. Even if "it's the thought or rather, the intention, counts" does not apply to him, he motivates err pressures me to do my best in this department.

3. Saving up - This one I am a failure, hands down. Tsk tsk...

4. EQ-ness - Sometimes it still strikes but I don't let it get the best of me. It really helps to pray. I would say I'm getting there... :)

5. Out of my blanket - Hmmm... On my views about life in general, I believe I've been more positive in a lot of aspects and I have learned to take bold actions towards my goals. Oh well... I've already done my part and I'm really just waiting for that something that, depending on God's ultimate plan for me, could change my life. Well, for the most part of my current status, that is.

So there. Am I doing great? Uhm, I would say so-so. Some days I feel contented but then again other days a bit restless and sad and frustrated. I'm not making sense again, am I? Whatev.

Anyways, other things I'm looking forward to for the rest of the year:
- tomorrow's event (exagg ito)
- September birthdays (practically a good 1/4 of people in my friendster network are celebrating this month)
- Our 36th month
- christmas and the yuletide season
- (hopefully) more vacay's *dream on!*

Why I'm Excited

2006-08-30T13:01:00.000+08:00

Need I say more? :)

Busted!

2006-08-28T20:12:00.000+08:00

A little bird told my bosses that I applied to Company X just this year. Naturally, they were wide-eyed (in disbelief). They probably weren't expecting I actually want to get my a*s out of this glamorous rut *rolling eyes*. Anyways, I've been stressing about it the whole weekend, trying to fugure out how I'm supposed to "explain" (make it sound like it's the last thing I would do) in case they confront me about it... but then I realized I don't and won't give a damn. Err.. I'll try.

Truth is, I'm waiting for something. I've been waiting for this for quite sometime and I could only hope and pray that it brings me to where I'm supposed to be. This time, I'm just gonna let God do the driving.

**On a totally different note, I'm so excited about this weekend's event(s). Can't wait!!!**

Once Again

2006-08-23T22:53:00.000+08:00

the mean girls over at pancake house alabang (by far the best place for motormouthing - the hell we care if the rest of the world could hear our animated stories) for late brunch last sunday. there goes the single-but-unavailable emily, the now-chinky-eyed hanika, and the same old will-always-be drama queen me.

Cooking For Dummies

2006-08-21T22:51:00.000+08:00

1. Self-help cook books are there for a reason. Don't act like a know-it-all (yup no matter how "simple" you think your dish is supposed to be).
2. There is such a thing as proper ratio.
3. Cook slow, don't rush. No abrupt temperature changes. The way Jax explains it to me, there is science in cooking.

In my attempt to keep Jax healthy in his new apartment (he's moved in with his DotA buddies and believe me, they are THAT busy playing that he "forgets" to have dinner), I spent some time in the kitchen tonight so he could bring some ready-to-heat food. Well well... you know what happens when the girl-who-couldn't-even-get-instant-noodles-right do this right? Let's just say Jax ended up barging in the kitchen, refusing NOT to leave so he could do the remedy for the non-tastebud-stimulating adobo himself.

It's a little frustrating, really, especially since I intend to be the domesticated wife and mom someday. Yup, you heard it right, the kikay-maarte-pa-cute girl just wants to be the simple housewife. Therefore, more cooking sesh coming... hopefully not as disastrous anymore. :)

Spinning

2006-08-18T14:24:00.000+08:00

I'm not sure yet how I'm going to spend this long weekend.

The counter in my sidebar reads 58 days. Oh well.

Not in the mood to work.

I wonder if _ _ _ is really getting married soon? Is that what the announcement is all about?

These crampity cramps cramps are killing me. Sh*t.

Craving for pizza.

Close na kami ni Globe, IT is the only one patiently texting me today. Teehee...

How am I supposed to do a validation report if I wasn't present during the actual validation!?!

The Culprit

2006-08-15T22:05:00.000+08:00

I just got off the phone with Arlene. As always, I did 60-70% of the talking (and in that particular case earlier, wailing) and doctora listened.

I told her how I had a hard time sleeping last night and tried to watch Jerry Maguire (for the nth time) on Don's ipod in my attempt to get a shut-eye but found myself unsuccessful and instead ended up throwing up in the kitchen sink. I know, eeeew.

I told her how I woke up with a banging headache but managed to get up and take a bath thinking that it must be just because I need a bath.

I told her how I had corned beef and fried rice for breakfast and went to the office looking like a m e s s.

I told her how ~~guilty~~ I felt after gulping down 3/4 of my Starbucks Java Chip Frapuccino, thus leaving me unable to have a decent chicken-and-oh-lots-of-gravy lunch and then throwing up on the girl's restroom.

I told her how I spent the rest of the afternoon clutching my tummy in pain.

I told her those and a whole lot of other animated expressions that went with it.

After we hung up, she SMS-ed me this:
"Wag ka pala muna kumain ng mga nakakasensitive sa tiyan. yung mga mayonnaise cream tomato whatever."

Gotcha! It was the dip I had with my Tostillas yesterday! That bitch! How could I have been so ignorant?!? Looking at it on a macroscale, I now understand how people die "accidentally" everyday. How dramatic.

Anyhooo... I'm just hoping this sucky tummy condition a.k.a. barfing goes away soon. As in now na.

Sick and Tired

2006-08-14T13:58:00.000+08:00

I'm sick. In more ways than one I must admit to myself I act like a kid, a concrete example of which is when I tell everyone I'm sick even if they're not asking. Like now.

I can't remember the last time I didn't go to work because I was really sick. What I mean is, I always tell my boss I can't report for work because I've gotten a flu, or my migraine's making my head spin like mad, or I'm having a bad bad case of dysmenorrhea, when the truth is, I'm having a worst-case attack of LBM (Looking for Better Management - on an interview with another company). I wish I was going through that today instead of lying in bed on my back (that feels like it's gonna break any minute now) the whole morning, having a horrendous headache, and a sort-of-upset tummy. Aargh... With that, I'm not gonna let this day go to a waste. Must be productive. Must be job-hunting active.

GOOCY, now GOOMJ

2006-08-08T19:58:00.000+08:00

We all have our aspects, fortes, luck. You know that part of your life which you consider perfect? That one thing which you would consider you're so glad you have never mind if you lack everything else? I believe we all have that one thing. My current job is definitely not that. Today, not a single word uttered from my boss did not piss me off. Aaaargh. I know this isn't good. I'm really starting to be a whiner.

I'm seriously thinking of making a career shift, but I'm not yet sure what I want to do, or rather, if I'm brave enough to be willing to take a risk and give a shot at it. My options?
1. be a wedding planner (and steal jLo's body)
2. be a graphic artist, study digital photography, and set-up my own studio
3. be a pre-school teacher (earlier than what Jax and I planned)
4. volunteer to work out our family "treasures" and develop it into something more productive (read: money-maker)
5. apply for the marketing position in our company - I love marketing but except for the maarte accent typical of marketing brats (my friends sometimes hate me for this) and the sunshiney-smiley me, the requirements just do not fit me.

God doesn't give us everything, at least not all at once. Remembering Ems during college, ES days: "Anong gusto mo? Pasado ka nga sa onse exam pero ganun naman ang mukha mo?" Hahaha... We ~~were~~ are so evil! *devilish laugh*

blah blahs

2006-08-07T21:14:00.000+08:00

* In relation to my previous post, I just remembered this card (for a baby boy welcome) Nix and I laughed at ages ago...

Ten little fingers
Ten little toes
Two little ears
One little nose
(open card)
And oh, one of those!

I'm not sure I remember the words right but the word "those" in the last line was the indication that the newborn IS a boy. Cute. Hehe...

* I just finished watching America's Next Top Model Cycle 5. I like Jayla, Nicole, and Kyle. I hate Lisa (too epal-slash-feelingera-ish) and Kim (so boyish). On the other hand, I just saw the spoiler so I'm gonna zip it now.

* Last weekend was a happy, happy one for me. Inexplicable really, considering nothing ultra-special happened. Or siguro it was because it started with an unexpected lunch? I really don't know. *sigh* Dreams do come true.

* Work seems to be boring more and more and more each day. Another year and a half plus-minus a couple of months and I'm back to studying. I actually can't wait. For now, guess I'm gonna settle to being a slave. Whatev.

it's a boy!

2006-08-07T20:23:00.000+08:00

welcome to the world of the insane!

DENVER JAMES

On our first paycheck, your papa was with us when we celebrated with a "double date" at Saisaki.

One Friday night, your daddy, Tito AJ and Tita Almay went to Tagaytay to have dinner and witnessed the birth of the running joke,
"Sige na ako na sa pinakamahal na ulam!"
I regret having said those.

When Jax and I became a "we", your dad was one of the first to know... and he teased us until we finally gave in and treated everyone to free rocky road ice cream.

During your mom and dad's wedding, Pearl and Jax dressed up, walked down the aisle, and lit the candles.

Right now I kind of envy them for having a little angel like you. Be a good boy ok?
We'll probably watch you grow into a smart, silly, cute boy.
I hope you get to play with our little Jax's and Pearl's someday too. :)

quick post

2006-08-04T14:51:00.000+08:00

just got back

from

lunch date

with J A X

happy :)

ford global city

MJN

fave jap

quickly

all

negative vibes

(from this ~~wonderful~~ job)

gone

for a moment there.

Yeah Baby!

2006-08-02T20:38:00.000+08:00

How could I not love my baby sis-in-law?

One. She loves me more than her kuya. Well, sometimes..
"Ayoko sa yo! Inaaway mo si Ate Almay!"

Two. She misses me more than her kuya does.
"Punta ka dito sa Sunday ha. Nami-miss na kasi kita e."

Three. She looks a lot like her kuya when he was a kid. Looking at them now, I can't help but notice the resemblance. Cute. ;)

Spent half of my Sunday with Ava. We laid in bed while messing with Jax (plotted on tickling him to death but we were unsuccessful), colored her books, doodled our names on her pad, and took lots of goofy pictures. It was kidstuff fun... made me wish I had my own little kid sister, who would NEVER grow up and be my human barbie doll forever. *wink!*

* * *

Now that Jax is staying in an apartment with his office friends, I really can't help but feel a little sad. Ok and paranoid too. But well, babies do go through adolescence right? Haha.. Like 12-year olds playing DotA and Naruto all night long. Now I know how it feels like to have your spoiled little boy grow up and want to be with his "cool group". Whatever.

Miss you, Jax. In two months, ok?

* * *

080106
Happy Birthday
Jean Dominique Mendoza Santos!!!

aka

Jean Dominique Ochoa
Jeanie Girl
Domeng
Potpot
Gagay

Just My Luck

2006-07-27T19:09:00.000+08:00

My stars must be aligned today.. so much it could probably form a solar system of its own. Uhh.. not making any sense! Anyway, here's why:

1. Got out of bed around 7am but managed to get to work at 8:04 am, still late but way earlier than my other time-in's for about 2 weeks now, 8:20 on the average.

2. My 10am meeting got cancelled - just when I was about to call the supplier to move the meeting to 3pm. Eventually, we agreed on her just submitting the samples for proofing today and then have the discussion tomorrow morning instead.

3. My craving for pasta (been wanting to get stuffed with Italian for the longest time!) was satisfied today. I had an (emergency) lunch date with Kay Anne at Java Man in Greenbelt. As usual, there wasn't enough time for never-ending chikahan. It was really nice meeting up with her again, especially since we only get to have quick lunch/dinners once a year. We should do this more often, girl. Minus the teary-eyed moments, I must say. Haha...

4. Dropped by Auntie Anne's just in time for the last piece of cinnamon sugar pretzel. Whew!

5. Found out that the Nike sneakers I've been wanting to buy is on sale! Yay! I was so tempted to get those but I decided on tagging Jax with me at Nike Park this weekend so I could get a second opinion. Hey, every girl gets all clingy when buying shoes!

6. Hailed a cab from Oakwood-Bread Talk side of Glorietta to go back to the office in no less than 10 seconds from the time I walked out of the building. Kind of reminded me of that scene from the trailer of Just My Luck. Hehe...

I love it when the bosses are gone. I wouldn't mind taking their places (and their salaries). Promise.

P.S. What would really really complete my day though is a ticket to the Pussy Cat Dolls concert at Araneta tonight (or is it tomorrow night?). I so want to watch that but being the cheapskate that I am, I'm just waiting for some miracle from heaven in the form of front-row tickets... which is not happening. Guess Don't Cha will just keep playing in my head tonight. Boohoo!

Super

2006-07-27T09:15:00.000+08:00

Texting with my good friend Kay Anne last night and she messaged me this:
...tnx almay...Glad ur super powers workd on me. Gdnyt.

I have psychic powers. Seriously! (another self-declared ability)

I'm really starting to believe that I have this special gift. Well it's not anything like palm reading or third eye (at least not with my definition) but it's more on me finding my weird dreams turning into reality just days after and it's creeping me out! It's like an ESP of some sort. Sometimes, it's not just in my dreams. It's even in my guts, the way I feel (I know it's different from paranaoia) or I suddenly think of somebody or something. Basta.

I've gone totally crazy. I need a shrink.

July Babies

2006-07-26T14:15:00.000+08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

(although most of these are late)

Ivy (July 15) - See you in our next beach trips! (Rain, rain, go away...) Wishing you more boylets to come. =)

Mars (July 17) - Easy on the work, girl. (Look who's talking! Haha!)

Susan (July 18) - What a friend!!! You never told me you're in love and in a relationship now??! Make me kwento!!!

Ching-Ching (July 19) - My beautiful inaanak... never fails to make me smile. When you get to read this like 6 years from now, I'll give you my wish. *lots of hugs*

Omar (July 25) - Nothing but the best in your blooming career and love life! Manlibre ka naman!

Tita Me (July 26) - Missing you already. Can't wait to see you in.. uhm, 2008? *wink!*

fab 5

2006-07-20T19:55:00.000+08:00

I should be at Greenbelt right now watching this. Instead, I'm here at the office waiting for my telecon with US people to start. What a life.

My Pig

2006-07-19T16:52:00.000+08:00

[click the image to enlarge]

My pig said these? I don't think so.

happiness

2006-07-18T21:16:00.000+08:00

You Are 28% Happy

You're not miserable, but you could stand to be a lot happier.
Focus on what's right in the world, and you'll be happier than you ever thought possible.

How Happy Are You?

Well, I still think happiness is a state of mind. Am I happy now? Was talking to my friend Mars about that just this morning. I'm fine. Fine as in could be better, not ecstatic happy, not oh-so-low. Just fine. Just like that. Other moments I'm feeling so good about myself and the next a little crammed up. Oh well...

How We Did 33

2006-07-16T22:29:00.000+08:00

33 months old. If it's a crime to count the length of a relationship, then yes I am guilty as hell.

Well, I don't care and I will keep counting anyway.

And if I feel like it (like now), I will keep yapping about how Jax and I spent it, not that it's uber exciting...

First, we went to church with his family. A few times tita had to make side comments to stress what the pastor was saying. Tsk tsk...

Then Jax said he was craving for Yellow Cab's hot wings. But since we both haven't had breakfast (it was 12 noon by then), my stomach was growling, and Festi was the closest mall (where there's no Yellow Cab), we went to Don Hen instead. Oh I swear I'm gonna learn how to make that sweet-sour cream and onion sauce of the buffalo wings!

Fyi, Jax initiated taking this picture.

Jax: We always end up having a pic like this.
Me: Like what? You mean our heads together?
Jax: Yup.
Me: Yeah, and you always looking bored.
Me: Mukha akong payat.
Jax: Burahin natin!
Me: (pout) Bakit?
Jax: Kasi sinungaling yung picture e!

After stuffing ourselves as in Jax going d ko na talaga kaya pearl, we went around Festi for a while. We ended up in Gameworx. We contemplated on doing billiards but decided not to because apparently, Jax didn't want to irritate himself with my slow-learner, come-on-that's-not-the-way-to-swing-your-taco skills. We went to shoot hoops instead. Jax, Ano na sa tie sa round1? Hahaha...

An hour or so later, after we I got tired with the basketball thingy, we went to my place. I changed into something more comfy (The sun was playing tricks on me. Bakit kung kelan naka-long sleeves, dun biglang umiinit??), and off we went to Glorietta. We paid our Globe bills, had our weekly fix of Ice Monster, bought a gift toy for Ching-ching, and went to the grocery to get some stuff for our kikay kits.

Note: Jax had to change outfit din pala.
Too bad how tiny the tee (imagine him wearing my shirt) wasn't shown in this pic. Teeheee!

We had to get home by 8 sharp because ~~Jax~~ we had to watch the F1 racing.

Jax: Pearl, sa 66 bilis!
Pearl: (switched channel to 66, baseball was on) Wala pa e.
Jax: Huh? Bakit ganun?
Pearl: Baka na-extend lang yung game... Sure ka ba 8?
Jax: Oo. Pareho lang naman tayo sa Hong Kong dba? (checks his phone) O! Sabi sa yo e! Bakit ganun?
[10 minutes later]
Jax: Pearl, 66 ulit!
Pearl: (switched to 66) Wala pa din e.
Jax: Huh? Bakit??? (getting frustrated)
Pearl: Baka naman next Sunday pa yun!
Jax: Hindi. Eliminations na kahapon e. D na yun papatagalin! (looking impatient)
Jax: (realizes something) Baka hindi ESPN, baka Star Sports!!! (flips through the remote and finds F1, Scumacher already in his 20th lap) Star Sports nga!!!!!!

Hahaha.. So much for being on time!

***

One fine-sweet day. 91 days to go. Can't wait. *sheepish smile*

loving the rain

2006-07-13T20:05:00.000+08:00

this so cracked me up:
office from hell
guide to pinoy conversations

x

been wanting to write something my analysis of "the fever" but i can't seem to find time to really sit down and organize my thoughts. maybe this weekend.

x

right now i'm browsing through charles and keith and naturalizer. how come vnc doesn't have a website yet? *frown*

x

i really like the weather. well i don't want the wet muddy streets (eeew.. i hate getting my feet wet. ugh.) but i LOVE the cool wind, the sound of raindrops, and the comfort of being under my sheets. my current wish: to cuddle - would trade anything for a big, long, tight hug with jax, a hot choco with marshmallows (not instant swiss miss please), and to watch a cheesy teenie bopper (no-brainer) flick.

x

can't wait to watch the break-up! "what my baby wants, my baby gets.."

x

i must be bored.

letter to you

2006-07-10T18:50:00.000+08:00

Dear Tammy,

I don't want Jax to be sad and masungit anymore. Please, please, please. When you feel better, I promise to take you to Tagaytay and pamper you and give you your new libero. *wink!* Remember that Jax and I both love you and will do everything to give you a comfortable life. We still have a lot of places to go and see together. Be strong ok?

All my heart,

Pearl

PEACHES

2006-07-04T22:10:00.000+08:00

I'm not gonna spill what happened when Nix, Ems, and I got together the other Friday for 2 reasons: (1) it's predominantly on our love lives, and (2) bitching out when the other bitches could read isn't the coolest thing to do.

Instead, I'm going to reminisce with this:

because we've seen all our little quirks and flaws, and managed to deal with that
because we're almost always of the same wavelength
because we could practically read each other's minds
because we saw each other look and act stupid (not necessarily at the same time)
because we have witnessed countless drama series featuring each other
because we've paid fines (or did we?) for every inarte
because one's monster becomes the common MONSTER of three
because we spent so many nights figuring out how those jerky losers think
because we concocted our own beauty regimens
because we've cursed the college of engineering so many times
because we've sworn to keep a secret from each other but then end up blurting it out hours later
because we've studied and failed the same exams
because we've been bitter, sweet, and sour
because we could go on laughing til our sides hurt - over something only us could understand
because we found entertainment in a lot of pathetic human beings (yes we are evil)
because we're each other's love gurus
because we've been broke all at the same time
because we've danced the night away a night before a 7 am class
because we are mean girls
because we could say "don't hate me cause i'm beautiful" with a straight face
because we've shared so many silly stories
because we've shared shampoos, mcflurry's, and notes
because we've shared these and so so so much more

i heart ems. i heart nix.
love these girls to pieces. =)

FEVER

2006-06-29T22:34:00.000+08:00

Lahat may tolerance level.

get shorty

2006-06-27T08:36:00.000+08:00

Promised myself I won't get a short short haircut until I'm ~~slender~~ sexy enough to sport the boyish look (oh and yes until I get Jax to let me cut my hair - why do men adore women with long hair anyway?) So while I'm still working on my siopao that is my face, guess this will remain a dream from the past...

Last year in college, candid shot taken at the ESC office. Oooooh.. I was thin!!!

Junior year (2000), with Tita Me and Al. Looking like a highschool tomboy! Hahaha.

16 RANDOM THINGS

2006-06-23T16:56:00.000+08:00

ON MY MIND RIGHT NOW

1. If I see another plate of lemon chicken, I think I'm gonna scream.

2. Dairy Queen now isn't even half as good as it used to be. In fact, I think it's gotten bad. When Jax and I had a large blizzard fix last week, we SO wanted to feed it to the crocodile... literally.

3. Been wanting to buy new shoes since 2 weeks ago but I can't seem to find one that I really, really like. I've decided to get something a little more girly this time. I never realized that Jax wants me to wear heels until we went looking for shoes last week and he kept on letting me try 3-in heels (sort of a way of telling me I NEED and should be wearing those, he admitted.)

4. Burgoo caesar salad is the best. To think I'm not a veggie person. Well ok, I'm just starting/trying to be one.

5. Can't wait to perfect my "drift" (ehem.. in Battle gear, I mean). After watching Tokyo Drift, the girly-come-on-pasingitin-mo-na-ko-please driver in me just wants to get my manly side out. Teehee... Like I said (see sidebar on flicks), it would be cool to try real drifting at least once in my life.

6. Jax and I had brunch at our favorite Jap resto again last Saturday. The owner must have recognized already (regular Saturday brunch, go figure) that he gave us a 10% discount. Hmmm... potential caterer? Need to be closer to this one, right Jax? *wink!*

7. Leanteks reunion this weekend! Have to make concrete plans on that this week.

8. If Ems is ok with the sched, Ratskee girls bonding night ~~this Friday~~ tonight.

9. Contemplating whether to have another haircut or not. I just had one last week but I'm thinking of having it shorter (like shoulder-length shorter).

10. B&B sale!!! Yeyyyy!!!

11. Hearing "Bitch" by Meredith Brooks never fails to put a smile on my face. Alma bitch, Alma lover, Alma child, Alma mother... Hahaha...

12. What's up with ex wish-I-was-an-ex people snooping around OUR lives? Hel-lo?! Can't you get over the desperate stage? Puh-lease!! [See number 11 for an appropriate background music *evil laugh*]

13. Wish I was with Jax at the kart track right now. :(

14. Saw the new organigram of our group (which will be effective next year) yesterday.. and I'm not happy. No, make that disappointed. *rolling eyes* Well, let's just see if I can wait that long...

15. Got to try that banoffee pie at Starbucks. Must do.

16. Ivy and I were talking the other night about The Lakehouse and how she was surprised to know that I didn't cryduring the movie. Anyways, I suddenly got to thinking that maybe I should watch Il Mare too, the movie (or book - anoba talaga?) from which it was taken.

K done ~~using~~ wasting company time. Here goes my weekend... Ciao! =)

My groovy dad

2006-06-19T13:55:00.000+08:00

Proof that he is:

1. He has his own 20-GB ipod

2. He has 2 flicker accounts - he claimed that the first one was full already so he had to make another account (I won't be surprised to know he has a friendster and/or myspace account as well.)

3. He knows how to use Limewire and Napster and downloads his oldies songs

4. Among us, he's always the first to discover new cool sites like google earth, etc.

5. He's always excited to go to his highschool reunion with the boys of Don Bosco Makati

6. He's so fond of (silly) gadgets which I don't think is of any use (whattawaste of money!)

7. He likes going out to try new places (read: bars, restos, malls, etc.) - even the ones meant for younger genres

8. He can spend A WHOLE DAY on the internet and get really really close with YM (he knows the latest version!)

These are the same reasons why I hate him sometimes. He's like a kid that it feels like competition already. Hehe... He's not the perfect father (oh some days I swear he is so NOT!!) but he's nice and super patient and forgiving and compassionate. Well, especially to me cause 'm his favorite. Hahaha! But seriously, though I wish he did much much more than what he did (or did not do), I love my dad, flaws and all.

Happy Father's Day, Daddy!!!

And to all the would-be fathers I know. :)

dedicated to arlen-ey

2006-06-14T23:37:00.000+08:00

DRA. ARLENE VILLANUEVA VELUZ

(formerly known as "the rock")

So happy for my good friend Arlene for passing the dent boards. Wohooo!!! No effort! Haha.. And for that, friend.. I made this especially for you. The worst is over, girl. Told you it's all gonna pay off when you see your name in the paper. Well, I still understand why you won't give credit to "that other school". Mwehehehe... Basta papasakayin mo sa new car mo ha. =) AND if ever you will need help with the party planning, I'm just right here. *wink!*

colorful

2006-06-12T01:40:00.000+08:00

Barely a month and I'm changing my layout again. Guess monochromatic doesn't quite work for me. What's up with the new look? Hmm... a little explanation on the theme (sorta):

[[edited]]

ONE TRUE THING is one of the movies that's always been special to me. "Love what you have" cut through me. We all have that one truth - one true love, one true happiness, one true passion... These are the things that really matter to us. This is to remind me that though in some aspects life could be cruel, I could always go back to my one true thing. :)

The PICTURES in the header are things that describe me, somehow sums up my personality - my favorite memories, my addictions, all-time comfort food, etc. At the bottom, I tried to squeeze in family, all sets of friends, and/or groups of people that's ever been a part of my life. (Sorry to the others who were not included.. it just means I don't have our pic that's big enough to see here. Wehehe) .. Anyway, let me know if you see my "subdued" pic there ok? *wink!*

The bright, wonderful COLORS were inspired by this Hed Kandi photo. I just want the page to be "full of life". Also couldn't decide on a specific color scheme so might as well just throw everything in.

Hmm.. I've got a bunch going on in my sidebar too, still about me. Yeah, I could be self-absorbed.

So there. I'm not sure how long I'm gonna use this but I think I'm gonna stick with this layout for a (longer) while. I'm actually ~~liking~~ loving it now. =)

Have To...

2006-06-08T09:26:00.000+08:00

1. get a haircut and hair spa
2. and probably a foot spa with Jax too
3. buy new shoes (still can't decide if I'm going to buy a sporty one or one for the working girl or both)
4. watch Cars (and binge on NYFD and ice monster as usual)
5. go swimming (provided this cold and cough gets tired of me)
6. finish my new layout (again) - getting bored with pink and purple already
7. tidy up all the clutter in my room
8. renew my driver's license - aaargh. d ba talaga pwedeng proxy? magse-send na lang ako ng pic!
9. do some serious hunting for jeans - why is it so hard to fine the pair that fits you perfectly these days?

Soo looking forward to this long weekend because after this, I think it's gonna take a while before I could actually have a good break from work. My semi-boss and I just had a discussion yesterday about the new business role she, or rather WE, will be assuming in the next two months. She's turning over some of her projects to me (yes sing "I'm a slaaaaaaaave for you" with me), which means my workload will again compete with the height of Mt. Everest. Ok exagg. Pero seriously.. ano na sa 125% FTE? 1 and 1/4 of a person? Whattalife!

On a totally different mode... Still smiling from last night's surprise and this morning's text. Love you Jax! *googly eyes*

Birthday Blab (06/01/06)

2006-06-04T21:00:00.000+08:00

I got my lazy ass out of bed at around 11am today. If it hadn't been because of Jax's text to call him up, I probably would still be in the sack, snoozing and sneezing. Right now, I'm comfy with Tonton, blogging while It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (as suggested by Dra. Arlene) is on screen. I just had lunch and I'm finishing my bar of Hershey's milk chocolate as I make this entry.

***

Ok I'm officially 25. Ever since I was a kid, I always get excited with the thought of my birthday coming up. This year wasn't an exception, but this time it was different. No parties or fancy dinners whatsoever, but nevertheless made me happy. =)

I knew my officemates were preparing a little something for me. I mean hel-lo?! We always "surprise" every birthday celebrant in the dept, usually with a cake and happy birthday song, so I figured I shouldn't be an exception. I just didn't know WHAT and HOW the "surprise" will be.

What?!? You actually prepared something for me??? Aaaaawww...

It turned out that the highlight of their gimmick for me was the live phone patch with Jax. I felt like a talent of Star Circle celebrating her birthday or anniversary in showbiz that tears welled up in my eyes. Ok that's too ASAP-ish... no there weren't any tears, just a lot of teasing from the bosses and officemates. Hehe... They also prepared a short presentation about me (actually, it's more of making me the moment's laughingstock). Anyway, it was fun. Like I always say, this is one of the major reasons why I'm staying with MJ. I love these people. =)

Jax picked me up after work. He gave me my new sleep buddy, Tonton. Check out the jewelry. ;)

We were supposed to have dinner with my family but since my rents were still in Cavite when we got home, we decided to have a pre-dinner meal at our favorite Japanese place. It was ordinarily special or especially ordinary. Whatever. Basta it was nice.

So anyhoo... the next day, Jax and I went out again, this time with his highschool friends - Tet, Tin, Karen, and Marvin. The initial plan was Tagaytay but most of them had work the next day so we ended up in Marvin's place. We just hung out and chatted over chips, Andok's and (they got tipsy) with mojo (not sure how it's spelled). I probably had (a maximum of) 1/4 of the glass, which, mind you, was super diluted with soda. My favorite part of the night was when they (the buzzed people) made me this lovely cake.

Chicken salad on wheat bread. Fresh out of PGH. Hehehe...

Been in this world for uhm, 25 years and 3 days already. I have hurt, been hurt, laughed, been laughed at, cried, complained, been spoiled, doubted, scared, laughed hysterically, fallen and stood up. I know I still have a whole lot to experience and learn. For now, my birthday wish is to have more strength - spritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically, to be able to embrace all the spice and excitement of life.

mush

2006-05-31T13:30:00.000+08:00

Just got this one from Bec:

"The secret of love is seeking variety in your life together, and never letting routine chords dull the melody of your romance."

Love was never meant to be routine and boring. Love is meant to exaggerate affections between two people and know that there is nothing more important.

never

2006-05-30T22:26:00.000+08:00

I've just gone through a difficult week, a roller coaster ride of emotions.

This much I tell you: I'm not giving up. Ever.

For whatever it's worth...

1/4

2006-05-22T00:23:00.000+08:00

We make choices everyday, from the simple things down to the most critical, life-changing ones. Every choice we make leads us to a different path - no turning back. That's how life is, it's a series of process flow charts full of diamond boxes (signifying a decision has to be made), arrows (taking you to the next step), boxes (things that are inevitable), and of course, there's a start and end.

Recently, I discovered the magic of the word SIMPLIFY. (Believe me, now it's more than just a dictionary word to me.) I think it now influences how I make my choices. My new realization is this: Life is simple. Sometimes, there's no need for confusion. No gray areas. When you're not happy anymore, just do what you want, what your heart tells you to, and what your guts allow you. You can't say you're stuck at something because you ALWAYS have a choice - you could always get out. That way, you won't blame anybody (or anything, if applicable) for your misery. No bitterness.

I'm turning 25 in 10 days. That's a quarter of a century, a silver jubilee. But for me, it's a deadline... and right now just thinking about it sends shivers to every inch of my body. Everything happens for the best, I know. And acceptance is everything.

circle

2006-05-20T06:57:00.000+08:00

6:17am. I dragged myself out bed this early today. Reason? I'm working from home!!! Grrr... Since I'll be on leave for 2 days next week, I have to take home some reports. I know this is against my "work principles" but I don't really have any choice. Pathetic.

I got home around 12:30 last night. Jax and I watched Da Vinci Code. Actually, I watched Da Vinci Code, while HE slept through it (THE ENTIRE TIME!!). Since the movie house was so packed for the last full show and it wasn't on a reserved seating basis, we had to settle for 1st row seats (I know, irritating). Anyway, I don't know if it's because of the "way" I watched the movie (front row seat, at least 130 degrees orientation to the screen, go figure) but the movie kind of disappointed me. To think I've been waiting for this for months! It didn't do justice to the book. I think if I watched it without reading, I'd find it a little hard to understand and appreciate. It's really different the way every symolism was explained in the book, much much more amazing.

The other reason I woke up early is because Jax is picking me up at 8:30 to go to this Ford summer thingy in Splash Island. After that, we're going to visit my cousin who I haven't seen since she got here last Monday. I have a feeling my long weekend is gonna be uhm, full - both of work *rolling eyes* and gimmicks with my cuz.

New Layout, New Post

2006-05-17T23:22:00.000+08:00

My new layout is so girly and screaming pink and purple. I'm not sure it says a lot about me.. uhm... but hell the fact that I hand-picked these colors and edited it in Photoshop myself means this is me, right?

I'm looking forward to The Da Vinci Code movie. It's gonna be in theaters tomorrow but I'll have to wait until weekend to watch it. Haven't finished reading the book (I tried to save the e-book in my cellphone while I was in Davao but it was hard to squint and I got irritated with the left and right scrollbar so I gave up) and I don't know if I'll be able to do so before Friday. Maybe tomorrow.

I'm craving for Starbucks' Banana Creme Frappuccino Blended Cream again. Yummmm.. It's my current favorite. Just right - no caffeine and not too sweet. Must get one tomorrow.

Rain rain go way... I can't believe summer is over (or is it?) this early. Because of that, my cousins (who're just visiting from the US) decided to cancel our Baguio trip supposedly for this weekend. We're going to Puerto Azul instead. I've never been there but I'm kinda feeling oubtful about the place. Cavite isn't really known for beaches. Bitches, probably.. but not bEAches as in sun and sand? So there. I just hope I'm wrong.

Two more workdays!!! I have one pending report, another one for review, a machinability trial, stacking test loading, and labeling preps lined up for the rest of the week. Work never fails to ruin my mood. Fast forward to Q3 please...

Was supposed to post this last Sunday after we had dinner for momma's day...

My beautiful mom.
Belated Happy Mothers' Day to all moms, especialy the moms of all the moms-to-be reading this!

Long Overdue - 042206

2006-05-14T23:21:00.000+08:00

At 4:23 am, I woke up to the sound of Ever After, my wake up call from Che. I took a quick shower, decided on what to wear, tossed last-minute stuff in my bag, and waited for my (1st) ride care of Peewee and Che. We then went to pick up Arlene and Maja, met up with Jax at Petron (I transferred to Tammy of course), and the next thing we know, we were speeding through SLEX and Star Toll.

Two hours, a pack of Oreo Double Stuff, a bag of potato chips, and 240kph-speed (with me screaming hysterically) later, we were at Peewee's lovely home by the beach.

This is the view from the veranda. No efforts to see and feel summer.

Meet the three couples of our Botete Island (yep, we named the beach after Che) getaway:

Pair # 1. Papa Bear Peewee and Mama Bear Che.

Pair # 2. Dentista Eletistas Arlene and Maja.

Pair # 3. Silly kids AJ and Almay.

The white sand and clear waters were just beautiful, plus it was not so crowded (there was a time when there were practically just us along the shore!), which made it a perfectly relaxing place. Summer bliss. 'Nuf said.

The next day, we visited the fish pen slash educational tour. I have to say this - Peewee is an architect, marine biologist, history major, and a bartender all rolled into one. Pretty versatile huh? So anyway, we went kayaking after. At first Jax was getting irritated with me because I wasn't paddling the right way (sorry kulang ang motor skills) but after a while I got used to it na rin and was able to contribute to making the kayak move forward. Teehee...Super sarap, feeling ko ang powerful ko. Hehe... So yun, we did that for like an hour or so (explains my ulikba-ish skin til now). We even kayaked going to this small island where I stepped on sea urchins (I know, stupid me).

We took a rest in this raft (err.. floating pallet block? couldn't think of a better term) and fell asleep before we went back to the house for lunch and packed up.

Friends, we should've left Friday night. Tsk tsk... Mejo bitin sya but nevertheless so much FUN!!! Che, couldn't thank you and Peewee enough... Sa uulitin ha! *wink!* Arlene, hurry up and get over with your boards! We HAVE to go back to PadreBu!