Long Weekend

and quite an exhausting one at that! But it's all good. At least i could say that my weekend had been quite productive.

Dad was sick since Friday so i had to take charge of feeding the family for the weekend. As if that's not enough, sister got sick yesterday and had a bout with an on-again-off-again fever, so i had to do her part of the household chore and take care of her and papa. Whew! Ganyan talaga pag panganay ka. Then i had to take care of everything else in between--even fetch pail after pail of water because flowing water from household faucets has become a thing of the past here in our area, unless you have an electric waterpump which we don't have because installing such would lead to sky-rocketing electricity bills.

No, this is not a rant post even if it seems to be. I'm trying to see what's good in all of this. For the most part, it was a time for physical activity. Yeah, i was tired by the end of the day but it's all good. Better than slacking my ass off!

So how was your weekend?

2nd attempts, surprises and fans

Remember last time's peanut butter cookies? That one was huge and a bit burnt actually. But since it was my first time baking those cookies, i had to accept it and vowed to make it better in other future attempts.

After making some adjustments, i had my best batch of peanut butter cookies on my 2nd attempt. Sorry i don't have a picture to prove my claim because i was so excited to bring the cookies at work to be sampled by my "fans."

Fans. I call them such because they were amazed that this cooking school dropout who doesn't have any background in baking can make a batch of cookies that, according to another fan, can keep up with commercial cookies.

Nakakataba ng puso.
Nakaka-palakpak ng tenga.

I'm just so happy that people appreciate what i do.

And it's so amazing that i can surprise myself pala. As the saying goes: "you'll never know what you're capable of doing until you've tried it."

I'm glad that i tried. And i've no regrets now about the remark i made to a colleague because she's now one of the fans.

;)

Independence

Maligayang Araw ng Kalayaan, Pilipinas!

malaya ka nga ba talaga?
Maaaring nakalaya na tayo sa gapos ng mga mananakop
ngunit panibagong pakikibaka ang kinakaharap natin sa ngayon.
Sana, makalaya ka na sa pagkalugmok sa kahirapan.

I'm back!

I startled a couple of people at the office last Friday when i said "happy weekend and see ya next month!"

Go figure.
;p

+ + +

It's a new month!
Another workweek is approaching.

I feel like starting over. See if my early streak lasts longer than last year.

+ + +

As always, I'm keeping my fingers crossed, preparing for the worst but always hoping (and working it out) for the best.

;)

Duet

two of my office friends singing Points of View

Points Of View
By Joey Albert

Look, It's Happened Once Again
it Happens Every Now And Then
feeling The Hurt And Hating All The Men
ready To Stop It All

that's When I Need A Friendly Face
to See Me Through These Lonely Days
just To Put Some Sunshine In My Place
don't Take Too Long I Need You

refrain:
here I Am
i Haven't Gone That Far Away
and Since I Am
that Kind Of Friend You Know
would Stay With You Through All The Pain
never To Leave You In The Rain
ready To Listen To What You've Been Through
your Woes And Blues And Share Each Other's

chorus:
points Of View
we've Been There Once Before
and Kept Our Points Of View
it Doesn't Really Matter If They're Never Quite The Same
we Have Our Rules In Different Ways
we Play The Games Of Different Folks With Different Strokes
and Keep Our Points Of View

see The World Seems Bright Again
it Only Darkens Now And Then
most Of The Time There's Just No Telling When
look Up And See You've Got Me

refrain:
here We Are
we May Have Gone Our Different Ways
but Since We Are
the Kind Of Friends Who'll Always Stay
no Matter What The Pain
learning To Love That Cap O Rain
ready To Say We're Here To Stay In Every Way
although We'e Got Our Different...

chorus:
points Of View
we've Been There Once Before
and Kept Our Points Of View
it Doesn't Really Matter If They're Never Quite The Same
we Have Our Rules In Different Ways
we Play The Games Of Different Folks With Different Strokes
and Keep Our Points Of View

points Of View
we've Been There Once Before
and Kept Our Points Of View
it Doesn't Really Matter If They're Never Quite The Same
we Have Our Rules In Different Ways
we Play The Games Of Different Folks With Different Strokes
and Keep Our Points Of View

You can listen to the song here.
It's got to be a nice BFF anthem ;)

Reminder

Been a long time since last time i heard this song. I don't know what is it about the vid, but the song lyrics are good.

Don't ever let life pass you by!

of birthdays, getting older, and weddings

(just another random rambling)


- - -

It's Dheys' birthday today. Haven't seen her for years but we keep in touch through YM and SMS.

Today i caught her online and sent her a greeting:

Oi, happy birthday!! Painom ka naman!

To which she replied:

Di na uso yun. Matanda na tayo para sa ganyan.

(insert crickets chirping sound effects here)

I was just kidding her, of course! And besides, I'm kinda leaning away from the alcoholic stuff myself, except for the occasional shot of red wine (a half-finished bottle of which is still in the fridge for almost a month now).

But i do want to get out with her sometime (if our schedules allow it) and just get together with Jhie as well. I know we're not the college "rakistas" anymore but i miss being with my friends and having fun.

Maybe someday...

In the meantime, have a Happy Birthday my friend!


- - - - -


Meanwhile, i had the chance to watch 27 Dresses after work with my new fitness buddy Demet (Manny had been out of shape to go "gymming" since December). Katherine Heigl was stunning and she did justice to the part.

Well i won't ruin it for those who haven't seen it yet (as if i'm not the last one to see it! hehehe!). But i say it's entertaining (all movies should, right?), meaning it's not boring. It's a story that most of us can relate to.


- - - - -


Tomorrow is aerobics day. On my 3rd day and loving it!


- - - - -


We take care of our loved ones and do stuff to make them happy, we take care of business, work, and everything else in between. But at the end of the day we should also remember to take care of ourselves and do the things that make us happy.

:)

So far so good!

I'm NOT a morning person. Really. Although sometimes, i could get up as early as 4:30 if it's really, really needed --like if there's an out of town assignment and we're catching up with the trip schedules.

I would try time and again, month after month to have a "full time service" mark in my MRA (monthly report of attendance) and make it to the office at least by 9am, but there were days when i'd punch in past the 9:30am grace period. It's a bad case of slacking off due to lack of motivation and other stuff.

One by one, i tried to address the issues that revolve around the situation. I challenged myself to come to work not later than 9am. In fact, since the start of this month, i've been punching in around 7:30 - 7:45am, thus giving me the opportunity to attend the aerobics sessions at 8am. The workout perks me up and that results in more work done at the office. Sweet!

By 5:30pm, i'm out of the office wearing more comfortable clothes and my running shoes. My trip home takes two jeepney rides, but lately i've been skipping the second ride to walk the rest of the way home. The walk takes only 7 minutes if done briskly, and 10 minutes if done leisurely. Either way, it's healthy and it saves me money!

I just hope i could maintain this early-bird streak so i could continually reap the health benefits i'm getting now.

'Til next week then!
Have a happy weekend everyone!
;)

Weekend Run

I said i'm gonna do it again, and so i did!

Nevermind that my feet was tortured by the killer boots yesterday. Nothing's gonna stop me from this now. Except maybe the rain but hey, there's such a thing called treadmill at my aunt's place so i have no reason not to pursue this newfound addiction that i have. ;P

Unlike last week, there are no special attractions today. (I wonder if we broke Ireland's record for the most number of dancers gathered in a dance routine? We'll see about that later.) But today we have a new addition to the bunch!

Si Apple! She's my aunt's niece (in her husband's side, so she's not my cousin) and my younger sister's batchmate in gradeschool. So, y'all can say we're not pretty close (with the age gap and the fact that we rarely see each other) and as usual, my introversion gets in the way.

All throughout the drive to Luneta Grandstand, we were silent at the backseat, laughing occasionally when my uncle cracks a joke or tells a funny story about his younger days. All throughout the drive i was thinking of a good opening for a conversation or at least some small talk. I was telling myself go ask anything! It's gonna be almost 2 hours of walking and jogging and it's pretty damn awkward to act as if you don't know each other.

So i started with a simple how do you do?. And that made the ball rolling. It may not be a very engaging conversation filled with profound words, but at least i got her talking! The whole 2-hour session was fun. We did three rounds at the CCP Main Building ramp and even made fun of the group of guys who passed us by.

We stopped by the market before going home, and while my aunt and uncle do their shopping, Apple and i stayed in the car and talked while we wait for them. Aside from a few silent moments, we were alright. We made fun of some campaign posters of candidates for the barangay elections, we talked about places we've been in and places we wish to explore, and shared some commute bloopers. We were laughing until it was time to go home.


= = =


Now i'm thinking. She was another person who saw my extrovert side--my crazy side. Most of my relatives' and neighbors' (people outside work and school) impression about me is i'm a shy, straight A and boring type of person. It's only just recently that i have let them see my extroverted side.

Most people think i'm a weird person because i got accelerated in gradeschool and i took up psychology in college (close to being untouchable). Well, i can be weird sometimes (we all have our quirks) but i can be fun, too!

When people meet me the first time, people think i'm a chinita snob. But i'm not. Most times, i'm just quietly assessing the other person and also thinking of a good line to start a conversation. Or maybe there were instances when i didn't notice the other person when i'm walking on the street coz i'm so focused on getting to my destination (or maybe i was deep in my thoughts!).

I'm not perfect. I'm not an all-knowing person. I can be slow sometimes. I'm not a chinita snob.

So next time you see me, go ahead and say hi. Make your presence known when you see me walking down the street. As long as i don't get rubbed the wrong way, i won't bite. And you might just see the sweetest chinita smile you've never seen before that could add some more sunshine to your day.

= = =

Have a great weekend!

Revelation v.2

Sorry to break your heart, cousin Taz. ;)

I got a lot of questions and reactions (violent & otherwise) with this pic:

Some people liked it. Some people didn't. Some were shocked coz they never thought I'd do such a thing.

The prevailing question was: "Is it real?"

First, I may be a big fan of dragon tattoos (and tattoo in general) but I can't see myself getting old and wrinkly with it.

Second, I work in a company with a lot of conservative people and with rules to observe. Although they encourage my artistic inclinations and creativity, I opted not to abuse my so-called freedom of self-expression.

And well, I was just being the proud big sister of my brother who did the inking.

Still, I got y'all there, didn't I?

I liked the attention. I got people talking. Even my cousins who seldom make contact sent me a message on Friendster asking about the tattoo.

So for the record, the tattoo was NOT REAL.

Just don't ask me what my bro used to draw it on my arm.

;)

Friday Madness

Friday is washday.

It's when people at the office wear civilian clothes after four days of being confined in their office uniform.

it's when this usual skirt and blazer type of person becomes an 80's fashionista.

and this mother of three lets loose with her sleeveless blouse.

So aside from being a washday, today had also been Fashion Friday.


In my case, I just didn't have anything else to wear.

I'm not kidding.

= = =

Friday is payday.

Should've been out partying, videoke singing, or having a drinking session with my buds. But most of them have gone home early.

I was at the office til 6:30pm (the guard will kick me out if i stayed any longer) then i went straight home.

No party. No videoke. No drinking session.


On a payday?!


Yeah. I've got bills to pay and stuff to buy. I'm not in the mood to go out anyway as I've been looking forward to chillax at home.


Have a happy weekend!
;)

Have fun while you're in it

Ok. So maybe I needed days and not hours to have my thoughts organized for this post. But there was work to attend to and it needed immediate action and my undivided attention. So bear with me please.

As mentioned in my previous post, I came from a training/workshop last week for three days. I was trying to stuff my head with new things concerning the agency's efforts in addressing the challenges it currently faces. I wasn't really a target participant (was actually a filler coz some participants did not show up) but at least I was able to absorb some information (would be useful someday).

It was an honor being with brilliant minds and people with high level positions in their respective offices/agencies. And as usual, I was the youngest of the lot. I had fun though!

seriously learning

seriously having fun!

But the real fun starts after every session.

we didn't just pose beside that pool ;)

photo op in the elevator

We were billeted at Richmonde Hotel in Ortigas. Yes, it was near the San Miguel Corp building. Most importantly for shoppers (or window shoppers like me), the hotel was just walking distance from SM Megamall, The Podium, Starmall, Shangri-La, Crossings Department Store and St. Francis Square.

Got to roam mostly in St. Francis Square coz it houses stalls that sell stuff at affordable prices. Talk about cheap.

I got this wedge sandal for 230Php

Come to think of it, I was at first reluctant to attend the course as I didn't see the immediate need for it. But sometimes, there are things that happen in our lives which we're uncertain of, but could be enriching and fun once we involve ourselves in it.

So might as well enjoy the time and charge everything to experience. Who knows, it might well be one of the most enjoyable things you've ever experienced.

Being second-best

Monday was judgement day. Finally, after a couple of postponements (due to typhoons and conflicting schedules), the Healthy Lifestyle Aerobics Competition was finally set.

We had a last-minute practice, said our prayer and hoped for the best. I never thought we could go this far. I was kinda expecting that my groupmates would want to back out. But they didn't. They showed up early on Monday and gave their best in the practice.

Before we went to the venue I told them: Let's enjoy the moment na lang and have fun. We did what we could and we did our best inspite of our conflicting schedules and all. I guess we'll have to settle for third place this time, coz there'll only be three groups competing.

We were the last group to perform and we were all nervous during the performance of the first and second groups. I've lead this group for quite a number of times and the gig we did last year (for the cheerleading competition) was a mess. So I told myself to keep my expectations low. After all, there'll always be another competition like this and my group usually bags the top prize with our presentations during Christmas.

After all the intermissions, it was finally time to announce the winner. We expected our group to be called for the third place. But when the host did not announce our group, we were all jumping wildly.

We bagged the second prize... the group who did not hire an instructor... the group who didn't have enough time to practice... the group who had the least members... the group who enjoyed every minute of performance in the middle of the gymnasium. No props. No fancy costumes. We were all happy.

= =

Later in the day, people were congratulating me and saying I did a great job for leading the group. Most of the people who watched the competition told me that our presentation was better than the group who got the first prize.

After saying a modest "thank you" I told them that the credit must be given to my groupmates. They did a great job. They practiced on their own during my three-day absence. They did not back out when I thought they would. I may have all the ideas and the talent expected of a leader. But without my groupmates, the ideas and talent would be wasted. I am so grateful for my groupmates.

I remember the look on their faces when we were declared second place. If there's a word that has a higher magnitude than happiness, it would be what I saw in their faces. It was as if we bagged the top prize.

And for the first time, being runner-up felt as sweet as being the winner. It erased the bad feeling from having messed up last year's competition.

So what's wrong with being second best?

Nothing. Because the scores were added to the score we got from the games last June. We got the highest score coz we got first place from the games.

So over-all, we're still the winner!

after the games last June

Brr!

It's beginning to feel (and look) a lot like Christmas!

Yup, we have officially entered the 'ber' months yesterday. We have 115 days more before the much-awaited date. I've been hearing Christmas songs being played on the radio as early as August and some establishments are putting up decorations already.

I'm getting excited.

A few more weeks and I'll be seeing more of the Christmas decorations, and my nose will be tickled with the smell of bibingka and puto-bungbong. There'll be bazaars and extended mall hours for Christmas shopping.

Then there's the Misa de Gallo or Simbang Gabi - a novena mass that is celebrated early in the morning (around 4 or 5am) starting December 16 (9 days before Christmas, that's why it's called a novena). I wonder if other Catholic countries have this.

= = =

Anyway, let me be the first to greet y'all a Merry Christmas. From the country where Christmas is celebrated for weeks! Onli in da Philippines!

= = =

And have a happy weekend, too!

Circle

Yesterday had been a long day.

It rained nonstop early in the morning and brought floodwater inside the house, so I had to call up at work to tell them I couldn't make it. But they said the competition must push through and they can't perform without me.

So an hour before the event, I was at the office in a flash (faster than the flash flood that washed our living room floor). Now I usually am a lucky girl but by 1 pm, the President declared work suspension. That automatically meant postponement of the competition.

Talk about being lucky.

Oh well! It meant more time for us to practice.

By 4pm my energy was pretty much spent but the girls were raring to see a movie and tagged me along. The mall was packed with students and working-class people who opted to drop by and pass the time before going home.

ticket line

the movie poster

A Love Story was about, well, a love story! It had its twists and some flashback scenes that tricked the audience on who plays what role. I don't wanna spoil it for those who haven't seen the movie yet. So I will say no more. ;p


= = =


Then I went home and found out my grandfather has just been called back by the BIG BOSS.

Lolo was a war veteran. He rubbed elbows with the late Ferdinand Marcos (former Philippine president) during their guerrilla days. He had been blind since I was a little girl. He's seen so much. Done so much.

He died in his sleep. He was 89 years old.

Pahinga na 'Lo.

= = =

I still went to work today though for the staff meeting. Plus the office people prepared a little something for the August celebrants.

August babies: me + miss E + Manny (now you know why we're pretty close)

Aside from a few close colleagues, they didn't know what lies behind that smile.


= = =

Kinda mixed up right now. In the middle of a whirlwind of emotions - at one point happiness (still from my birthday), then grief (for lolo's death), frustration, relief.

But one thing is for sure: that whatever phase we are in, whatever we are facing right now, the show must go on.

Life goes on.

on death and dying

Tita came home today without the usual funfare

She was particularly silent, not her usual gay self

No high pitched laugh, no American twang

We should be all smiles upon meeting her

but we were all crying.

We missed tita so much and now she's home

But what should be a happy reunion

is now a sad family gathering

Tita came home today

for the Lord has finally called her.

She is home indeed.

(Tita died July last year. We had her babang-luksa yesterday)

= = =

Now why would I be writing about death and dying?

Well, for one, we had just commemorated my aunt's death anniversary yesterday. Here in the Philippines, we have this custom we call babang-luksa. Literally, it means we stop mourning a year after the death of a loved one or family member. Elderly women lead the prayers, then lunch or snacks are served depending on the time of the day the family preferred the ritual done.

After I had my snack, I went to St. Lazarus Shrine for the anticipated mass. Afterwhich the choirmaster told us that we'll be singing for a funeral mass nearby which will be officiated by our parish priest.

On my first year of being a church choir member, I was usually making up excuses not to come with the choir to sing on funeral mass. The thing is, even if I am not related to the departed, seeing the family members left behind mourning makes me cry so easily. It took some time before I could go with the choir and be able to concentrate on singing rather that absorbing the mourners' loss and having a sob fit. Well that's how weird I am.

The homily went on like: we should not view death as an enemy and we should not be afraid of death.

I once read from a book by Leo Buscaglia that those who scream loudest from their deathbeds are those who have not lived fully. Perhaps they need to reconcile with other people--to forgive or ask forgiveness themselves. Perhaps they are worried about those people they'd be leaving behind. Or perhaps they can't let go yet. The priest said we have to accept that we all die. Una-una nga lang.

It is often said that life is short so we should enjoy every moment of it. Savor every minute, every breath we take. After seeing quite a number of deaths (family members and those I know of) I am now consciously taking steps in enjoying this life God has given me. I may slack off once in a while, getting contented with living in the sidelines. But I constantly push myself to go out there, dive in the middle and play an active part in this big stage we are in. I may not land the lead role, but at least I tried. Better than nothing, isn't it?

No matter what role we play in life, may we always give it our best shot. I constantly remind myself those things whenever I see myself backsliding. I can say I am a work in progress.

Here's a nice thing to ponder on:
"When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life in such a way that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice." -- Author unknown

Have a good day everyone and may we all live a full life.

Weekend Reflection

I've been blabbing about moving on and stuff in my other blog, so.... what now? What's next? Any progress so far? Well.... if moving on is like re-arranging my stuff in my jungle of a cubicle... or waking up earlier than usual to go to work... or finally having the energy to sort my closet... or taking steps to clean up the vacant room in our house so i could have it for myself already (yey! my own space at last! or is it? hmmm...), then i guess I've quite moved on.

But is "moving on" the right term to use? Perhaps it's "starting over". Maybe because, contrary to what i said that we have to lose something (or in my case, someone) for new and better things, what i really needed was a change in perspective. Perhaps instead of always looking at the other side of the fence where it was believed that the grass is greener, I should've just appreciated the simple (yet meaningful) things I already had.

After struggling to understand the things that transpired the past couple of months (yup, it's been that long but i don't wanna stuff this blog with depressing posts) there was a lesson to learn. Maybe lessons to learn and to keep in mind.

And so here I am at the office at 5 o'clock in the afternoon. Everyone else has gone home or somewhere else. The rain is pouring so hard and it might flood outside. But I'm cool. I may not be a big fan of rain, but I think I can bear with it. I say bring it on. Someone's coming to fetch me anyway.

Uninvited

What do you do when you’ve been missing a friend who’s overseas and your only means of communication is through IM? If he’s not online, you get updates on him through his blog. But it’s been quite a long time now that I haven’t gone online for instant messaging. And the blog? Every time I try to visit the page something like this appears on my monitor:

This blog is open to invited readers only. It doesn’t look like you have been invited to read this blog. If you think this is a mistake, you might want to contact the blog author and request an invitation.

Invited readers only?! Do I think this is a mistake?! Hmm…

Well I tried contacting the blog author and requested (read: asked nicely) for an invitation. But I still get the same message that I am not an invited reader.

Dude, I know you’ve been visiting this blog. Don’t shut yourself out, okay?

Whatever it is you’re going through, I pray that you get through it. I know I’m not someone who can dispense sound advice. Just holler if you need someone to listen, okay?

Bless you!

Thank You, Gracias, Salamat

I just happened to learn that aside from my mother who frequently visits this blog, other people have viewed this,too! It makes me happy that people take notice of what i do, specially being the Leo person that I am, I admit I thrive on other people's attention and appreciation.

And speaking of appreciation, thank you to those people who took notice or fancied to take a look at this blog. Salamat sa paramdam! (thanks for making your presence felt). Feel free to express your comments here, and i hope to spark up some friendships with y'all.

Cheers everyone!

Starting Anew

Woke up with a smile. Took a quick bath and dressed up. It's another Monday. I hope it doesn't turn out to be a manic day.

Beat the buzzer. Punched in at 7:59am. Whew!

It's the first working day of the month. I just want to start it nice and smooth. So the rest of the month would be a breeze, if not that easy. I just hope I could manage to survive the month.

"Firsts" never fail to excite me.

Am I still making sense?

Anyway, have a nice day everyone!