First attempt at reading scripture without being told. All because I was bored waiting for my family getting ready for Sunday mass! I asked the Holy Spirit to guide me in finding what message is in store for me today. I realized it didn't need to be a long prayer for me to be heard :) I opened a page somewhere in the middle, and with my eyes closed, I unknowingly pointed to the verses:
Thus says the LORD: Do justice and righteousness, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor him who has been robbed. And do no wrong or violence to the resident alien, the fatherless, and the widow, nor shed innocent blood in this place. For if you will indeed obey this word, then there shall enter the gates of this house kings who sit on the throne of David, riding in chariots and on horses, they and their servants and their people. But if you will not obey these words, I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that this house shall become a desolation. For thus says the LORD concerning the house of the king of Judah:
"'You are like Gilead to me,
like the summit of Lebanon,
yet surely I will make you a desert,
an uninhabited city.
I will prepare destroyers against you,
each with his weapons,
and they shall cut down your choicest cedars
and cast them into the fire.
"'And many nations will pass by this city, and every man will say to his neighbor, "Why has the LORD dealt thus with this great city?" And they will answer, "Because they have forsaken the covenant of the LORD their God and worshipped other gods and served them."'"
I have always been told that our God is a loving and forgiving God. His love is without restrictions nor conditions, and even if we choose to disobey Him, He remains at the sidelines, eagerly waiting for us to come back so He can continue to shower us with everything that we'll ever want and need in this life.
However, going back to His fold will require us to think, act and say things in a certain way. It may seem like posing conditions, but isn't it that when you profess your love for someone, you do certain things for them because you want them to be happy? You are never obliged to do so, but you're willing to do them anyway, and it doesn't take much effort from you, because you're happy making other people happy. It should be the same with our relationship with Him, isn't it?
I dunno how often the Bible said that God will do awful things to those who worship other gods than Him, but I'm sure it wasn't just once. Now it may seem this contradicts the concept of a loving and forgiving God. When you think about it, however, it's the life worshipping other gods that will destroy us and reduce us to uselessness. Why? Because only God promises eternal life, only our God promises salvation. In this generation, it's the gods of wealth, power, and anything else that puts ourselves first rather than Jesus or other people. Up front, they're too good to be true, but that's all there is to it. Just like anything else on this earth, it's fleeting and temporary, and we'll no longer have use for it eventually. Who wants to get stuck with that?
There is so much to gain on His side, but even I still struggle not to stray on the path I've recently taken. Really takes a conscious effort to keep straight. I still believe in His promise though, and that's what keeps me going.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Back for good
This blog was initially for money-making purposes but I forgot why I had to sign up for a new one. In any case, I've decided to use this dormant account for more personal and spiritual reflections as I'm creating a habit of reading scripture on a regular basis.
I've always thought I had been given a pretty easy life. No personal issues going on, my family is intact, we get to experience the good things in life, I try to be spiritual, I have great friends, I'm generally surrounded by good people, things and events. Sometimes, I get to ask myself, "Is this all there is to it?" Not that I'm asking for a burden, but everything just seems manageable with prayers, support from loved ones and hard work. There ought to be something that will give more purpose to my existence.
Sometimes, I find myself reminiscing about my old life in the corporate world. I look back in fondness, never with regret nor longing, because I have found my place: in the classroom. I've been told time and again how financially burdened I could become, and how thankless this profession could be. But almost 3 years and counting, I can still manage to treat myself with good things once in a while, and my kids' enjoying school is the only form of appreciation I'll need to keep doing this. Money and making a lot of it has never been a goal of mine, heck, I never had the drive to climb the corporate ladder, honestly. Sure, it would be nice to acquire it, but it has never been a need, immediate or otherwise. Good thing I didn't pursue an MBA or it would have been just a waste of my time.
So what am I arriving at? Because I'm relatively whole (as far as I know and feel and believe), maybe, just maybe, I'm put in this earth to take care of other people. That teaching is the only profession that can enable me to touch other people's lives on a more personal manner. That it's young children I'm meant to take care of because of their innocence, because this is the time that I could create a deep-seated impact.
Maybe, just maybe, I'm with Peejo because I can take care of him, and I'm willing to take care of him in spite of what he has gone through. Maybe I'm stronger and more patient than most. Despite my fears and anxieties, I know He won't give me what I can't handle. And I guess it will be the same for other people I'm meant to take care of in the future. After all, having the Spirit in me should enable me to be more of a woman for others, isn't it?
I've always thought I had been given a pretty easy life. No personal issues going on, my family is intact, we get to experience the good things in life, I try to be spiritual, I have great friends, I'm generally surrounded by good people, things and events. Sometimes, I get to ask myself, "Is this all there is to it?" Not that I'm asking for a burden, but everything just seems manageable with prayers, support from loved ones and hard work. There ought to be something that will give more purpose to my existence.
Sometimes, I find myself reminiscing about my old life in the corporate world. I look back in fondness, never with regret nor longing, because I have found my place: in the classroom. I've been told time and again how financially burdened I could become, and how thankless this profession could be. But almost 3 years and counting, I can still manage to treat myself with good things once in a while, and my kids' enjoying school is the only form of appreciation I'll need to keep doing this. Money and making a lot of it has never been a goal of mine, heck, I never had the drive to climb the corporate ladder, honestly. Sure, it would be nice to acquire it, but it has never been a need, immediate or otherwise. Good thing I didn't pursue an MBA or it would have been just a waste of my time.
So what am I arriving at? Because I'm relatively whole (as far as I know and feel and believe), maybe, just maybe, I'm put in this earth to take care of other people. That teaching is the only profession that can enable me to touch other people's lives on a more personal manner. That it's young children I'm meant to take care of because of their innocence, because this is the time that I could create a deep-seated impact.
Maybe, just maybe, I'm with Peejo because I can take care of him, and I'm willing to take care of him in spite of what he has gone through. Maybe I'm stronger and more patient than most. Despite my fears and anxieties, I know He won't give me what I can't handle. And I guess it will be the same for other people I'm meant to take care of in the future. After all, having the Spirit in me should enable me to be more of a woman for others, isn't it?
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Burnt!
Awww men. My arms and back are as red as raw meat and it stings even if I already put on Sheila's cooling gel this morning. I have a reddish strip from between my eyebrows to the tip of my nose. For the remainder of the summer, this will be my testament to another unforgettable trip with my grad school friends. It was our first time to visit Bacolod and was taken in by the most down-to-earth and hospitable family we've ever known! Even if it was just two days, there was enough hearty laughter to qualify for an ab workout, delicious food was so abundant and the country sights were just breathtaking. I can't wait to post the pictures on Multiply soon! I was the only one who didn't bring a camera. Watch out for it! :)
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Praise and worship
There's so much to be said about singing beautiful praise songs with a room full of people who are equally adamant in expressing their faith. Talk about goosebumps in your arms and butterflies in your stomach. I'm not the type to make a hard sell about my faith (although incidentally the SE14 weekend is just around the corner but that's a different story), but cultivating it with things I do with and for the apostolate, everyday just seems to be a big gift just waiting to be opened - that's why it's called the present!
Before writing my thesis proposal and the SE14 Harana script, I prayed that I be given focus to work for hours on end, guidance to act on the proper inspiration and translate the right thoughts into words. Worship songs were played over and over in the background as I worked in front of the computer, ignoring the fast ticking of the clock and all the other distractions around. And true enough, I finished, with enough time left even. And as I skimmed my masterpieces, I can't help but think, "Did I actually write this?" It was I that just typed it, but it all came from Him. And those words of exaltation sung over and over just never seem to be enough for the rest of the wonderful things that He has done for me even without my prodding. How overwhelming is that?
I can firmly attest how things have gotten much easier to accomplish if I lift it up to Him first. What's there to lose anyway if you do?
Before writing my thesis proposal and the SE14 Harana script, I prayed that I be given focus to work for hours on end, guidance to act on the proper inspiration and translate the right thoughts into words. Worship songs were played over and over in the background as I worked in front of the computer, ignoring the fast ticking of the clock and all the other distractions around. And true enough, I finished, with enough time left even. And as I skimmed my masterpieces, I can't help but think, "Did I actually write this?" It was I that just typed it, but it all came from Him. And those words of exaltation sung over and over just never seem to be enough for the rest of the wonderful things that He has done for me even without my prodding. How overwhelming is that?
I can firmly attest how things have gotten much easier to accomplish if I lift it up to Him first. What's there to lose anyway if you do?
Thursday, March 27, 2008
These are a few of my favorite things...
Aaah... once again I can blog to my heart's content. Chichi's reading my proposal and I submitted the script draft a little past midnight. So far it's just my street jazz dance class tonight that I'm waiting for. Other than that, I have this day all to myself. I don't really get to sleep in even if I don't have work, so those moments are much coveted.
It was too hot to go home from La Salle yesterday so I opted to kill some time at MOA. Had a hard time deciding where to eat even if namumutla na ata ako sa gutom nun. It was around 130pm when I finally settled in Stars and Stripes for some breakfast food :) I think it was one of the better decisions I've made this week, because it's a regular craving that I rarely get to satisfy (Fastfood places should offer their breakfast meals the whole day, you know, I just know it's going to sell more).
Oh boy, was it a skillet full of my favorite things! Scrambled eggs with cheese and peppers, hash browns, sausages and large strips of crunchy bacon! Wow. I should have taken a picture of it but thought about it too late. I think it was pretty obvious to the waiters that I fully enjoyed that meal. At Php220 a pop, it wasn't so bad, it'll be another 48 years before I'll have it again (spacing is the key for maximum enjoyment).
I was still feeling good afterwards, so I decided to buy a new swimsuit. Hahaha! I know, after that big meal :)) Nainggit kasi ako, Fara bought a tankini at M&S, so I bought myself one someplace else. I felt I was enjoying too much that I decided to go home before I burn more money but grabbed some Roti Mum buns before heading home.
When the dog barks
When the bee stings
When I'm feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel so bad!
It was too hot to go home from La Salle yesterday so I opted to kill some time at MOA. Had a hard time deciding where to eat even if namumutla na ata ako sa gutom nun. It was around 130pm when I finally settled in Stars and Stripes for some breakfast food :) I think it was one of the better decisions I've made this week, because it's a regular craving that I rarely get to satisfy (Fastfood places should offer their breakfast meals the whole day, you know, I just know it's going to sell more).
Oh boy, was it a skillet full of my favorite things! Scrambled eggs with cheese and peppers, hash browns, sausages and large strips of crunchy bacon! Wow. I should have taken a picture of it but thought about it too late. I think it was pretty obvious to the waiters that I fully enjoyed that meal. At Php220 a pop, it wasn't so bad, it'll be another 48 years before I'll have it again (spacing is the key for maximum enjoyment).
I was still feeling good afterwards, so I decided to buy a new swimsuit. Hahaha! I know, after that big meal :)) Nainggit kasi ako, Fara bought a tankini at M&S, so I bought myself one someplace else. I felt I was enjoying too much that I decided to go home before I burn more money but grabbed some Roti Mum buns before heading home.
When the dog barks
When the bee stings
When I'm feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel so bad!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Hot off the grill!!!
With only less than 5 hours of sleep last night (or rather this morning), I mustered the energy to get up and add the finishing touches to my thesis proposal to be submitted to Chichi today. Was it just divine intervention that Chichi said she'll be free pa 12nn onwards? Surely gave me a bit more time to settle everything. I was worried a few hours ago because my instrumentation looked obviously plucked from nowhere just to have something a bit relevant added for chapter 2. My eyes still feel as heavy as when I woke up but I had enough sense to tweak it a little bit to make it more presentable. After a big mug of coffee, I find that it's not so bad! :) And the 49 pages has just rolled off from the smoking printer (yes, there was a bit of smoke promise!)
There's a bit more to fix, but I can live with it until the next submission. For now, it's the harana script that I need to fix, which needs to be emailed tonight. Waah!
There's a bit more to fix, but I can live with it until the next submission. For now, it's the harana script that I need to fix, which needs to be emailed tonight. Waah!
Friday, March 21, 2008
Something different
Tagaytay traffic was pretty terrible at certain times during yesterday and this morning. My parents wanted to do something different (a.k.a. burn some money) so we were whisked off to Tagaytay yesterday morning with overnight bags and no reservations. Would you believe I packed with my things the Handbook to Early Childhood Literacy in the hopes of taking down notes for my proposal? Syempre I didn't even touch it, pinabigat lang yung bag ko...
We were able to do a bit of Bisita Iglesia before reaching Tagaytay past lunchtime. Finally got a big room for the family at Villa Barretto before settling at Piccolo Mondo for some sumptuous Blue Cheese and Walnut Salad, Four Cheese and Arriabata pizza, Osso Buco and the Spinach pasta whose name I forgot. SOOOPER SARAP! A DVD of Il Divo was being played in the background (they look too old for me). Hung out at Starbucks for about an hour before heading off to church. I didn't know there'd be a mass of green leafy-tasting stuff at the bottom of the Green Tea Latte. Not a good idea to scrape it with a stirrer - yuck. Anyway, we attended the Mass of the Last Supper at 5:30 and filled our tummies with several appetizers at Leslie's - we weren't that hungry hahaha! Had a copy of The Secret on my trusty Zen and that's what we watched until we fell asleep. Now that will be a totally different blog post altogether.. watch out for that!
This morning we headed off to Caleruega after an unsatisfying breakfast at Mushroomburger (Good Friday naman, so sacrifice ko na yon). Pics from my DVD handycam and my brother's SE K800 to follow. You'll see who's the better photographer or who has the better camera hehehe. Wasn't able to visit Sonya's (my dad was getting irritable because of the heat and the traffic) and we packed our bags a little over noon to have a meatless lunch at Teriyaki Boy. I had to condition myself that I was full even if I wasn't. Naks seryosohang diet na to! (Pano ba naman, I've been stuffing myself into oblivion since the week started! Sigh.) Can't leave Tagaytay without some tarts from Rowena's! Traffic was a bit bad going to Sta. Rosa but it was all smooth from Paseo all the way home.
Now that I've done my blog ritual, there is no excuse for me not to go back to my thesis proposal again. You'll hear from me again later!
We were able to do a bit of Bisita Iglesia before reaching Tagaytay past lunchtime. Finally got a big room for the family at Villa Barretto before settling at Piccolo Mondo for some sumptuous Blue Cheese and Walnut Salad, Four Cheese and Arriabata pizza, Osso Buco and the Spinach pasta whose name I forgot. SOOOPER SARAP! A DVD of Il Divo was being played in the background (they look too old for me). Hung out at Starbucks for about an hour before heading off to church. I didn't know there'd be a mass of green leafy-tasting stuff at the bottom of the Green Tea Latte. Not a good idea to scrape it with a stirrer - yuck. Anyway, we attended the Mass of the Last Supper at 5:30 and filled our tummies with several appetizers at Leslie's - we weren't that hungry hahaha! Had a copy of The Secret on my trusty Zen and that's what we watched until we fell asleep. Now that will be a totally different blog post altogether.. watch out for that!
This morning we headed off to Caleruega after an unsatisfying breakfast at Mushroomburger (Good Friday naman, so sacrifice ko na yon). Pics from my DVD handycam and my brother's SE K800 to follow. You'll see who's the better photographer or who has the better camera hehehe. Wasn't able to visit Sonya's (my dad was getting irritable because of the heat and the traffic) and we packed our bags a little over noon to have a meatless lunch at Teriyaki Boy. I had to condition myself that I was full even if I wasn't. Naks seryosohang diet na to! (Pano ba naman, I've been stuffing myself into oblivion since the week started! Sigh.) Can't leave Tagaytay without some tarts from Rowena's! Traffic was a bit bad going to Sta. Rosa but it was all smooth from Paseo all the way home.
Now that I've done my blog ritual, there is no excuse for me not to go back to my thesis proposal again. You'll hear from me again later!
Monday, March 17, 2008
Step Up 2: The Streets
Was tired and wanted to watch something that will not be emotionally draining nor will require me to think too much. I wasn't really into dancing until I joined Neil's dance classes so I don't really follow those dance movies that Hollywood comes up with, until this one.
The verdict? Entertaining, only because I enjoy hiphop dancing. If you loathe hiphop like Bianca (and so many others hehehe) you'll feel you're better off with Meet the Spartans (but for me that's a total waste of money). Robert Hoffman (Chase) is hoooot (reminds me of Chris Klein, only blond) and how on earth did Briana Evigan (Andie) get those flat abs?!
There's not much story to deal with (they say Step Up has more depth and a hotter lead) but my jaw dropped with all those dance moves that I can only perform in my dreams hahaha! During the opening beats of "Low" I felt the urge to stand up and dance to it hahaha! Jenny and the rest of our crew (naks feeling hahaha!) says she felt the same :)
The verdict? Entertaining, only because I enjoy hiphop dancing. If you loathe hiphop like Bianca (and so many others hehehe) you'll feel you're better off with Meet the Spartans (but for me that's a total waste of money). Robert Hoffman (Chase) is hoooot (reminds me of Chris Klein, only blond) and how on earth did Briana Evigan (Andie) get those flat abs?!
There's not much story to deal with (they say Step Up has more depth and a hotter lead) but my jaw dropped with all those dance moves that I can only perform in my dreams hahaha! During the opening beats of "Low" I felt the urge to stand up and dance to it hahaha! Jenny and the rest of our crew (naks feeling hahaha!) says she felt the same :)
Across the Universe
I only listen to the Beatles when my dad insists to play their CD in the car. Maybe I really needed to see this musical to appreciate the timeless beauty of their songs. I've been downloading the whole soundtrack since last night and have been playing it over and over. I've been bugging my friends to see it. I can't get over it!
I realized how I'm so into musicals! Moulin Rouge became a favorite for the longest time, and the CD soundtrack found a permanent home in my player then. Anyway, I intend to watch Across the Universe a few times more. Not only did it blow me away with the tasteful arrangement of Beatles classics, the intense visuals also left me in awe. Uncle Sam literally jumping out of a poster? Strawberries bleeding on the canvas? Psychedelic shots underwater that makes you believe you're on LSD (hence the song, Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds)? Wow. The choreography was very entertaining, too - especially the part where Max was being drafted into the army. It would have been a dream to act in a musical such as this.
Sure, some parts of the story may appear to look strained for a particular Beatles song to fit in, but so what? It's one's love for both music and movies that will make you appreciate this. I highly commend the producers for this very bold move to come up with something different as this. I may have high praises for this musical only because I don't know the real deal about the Beatles - but as they always say, ignorance is bliss.
I realized how I'm so into musicals! Moulin Rouge became a favorite for the longest time, and the CD soundtrack found a permanent home in my player then. Anyway, I intend to watch Across the Universe a few times more. Not only did it blow me away with the tasteful arrangement of Beatles classics, the intense visuals also left me in awe. Uncle Sam literally jumping out of a poster? Strawberries bleeding on the canvas? Psychedelic shots underwater that makes you believe you're on LSD (hence the song, Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds)? Wow. The choreography was very entertaining, too - especially the part where Max was being drafted into the army. It would have been a dream to act in a musical such as this.
Sure, some parts of the story may appear to look strained for a particular Beatles song to fit in, but so what? It's one's love for both music and movies that will make you appreciate this. I highly commend the producers for this very bold move to come up with something different as this. I may have high praises for this musical only because I don't know the real deal about the Beatles - but as they always say, ignorance is bliss.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Wala lang
Yeah it has been a while since I last posted an entry. I'm sure you missed me! Hahaha. Things has just been crazy for the past weeks with work stuff, and am I glad Moving Up Day's tomorrow! Getting all sentimental will be a totally different story - I'll just post the Bunnies video and tell you all about it then (with tears in my eyes of course).
I feel a little bit irresponsible that I won't be submitting something to Chichi on Saturday. I now recount the hours I wasted pretending to do something productive when all I got to do was increase my risk of carpal tunnel syndrome from chatting and blogging, but I am too much of a procrastinator to do something about it hehehe. I just promised her I'll submit a much better proposal before March 26. Now I don't have an excuse not to make it good, for there's something like two weeks that's just going to be spent here at home (what a recluse!) except when there's dance class (and oh yeah, my date with Fara on Wednesday).
I remember Bianca gave me copies of Juno and Across the Universe, I haven't finished season 1 of Dexter, and Bes keeps bugging me to watch Heavenly Forest (naiyak daw sya, so kung ako manood, matutuyuan na ko ng luha). Hmmm... why do I feel that the vacation will just whizz past without me realizing it? Waaah! If this was the marshmallow test, bagsak na ko. Delayed gratification is the key!
Finished the choreography to Janet Jackson's "Feedback" today. ANG GANDA! Demo? Next time na lang hehehe. You can really count on Neil to blow you away with his moves. I'll video and post it soon. I think we can now compete hahaha! Hoping to be included in Baila's recital on May 31. Kung hindi pa ko pumayat nito, ewan ko na lang!
Next time na yung profound na blog post. Pagod na ko eh...
I feel a little bit irresponsible that I won't be submitting something to Chichi on Saturday. I now recount the hours I wasted pretending to do something productive when all I got to do was increase my risk of carpal tunnel syndrome from chatting and blogging, but I am too much of a procrastinator to do something about it hehehe. I just promised her I'll submit a much better proposal before March 26. Now I don't have an excuse not to make it good, for there's something like two weeks that's just going to be spent here at home (what a recluse!) except when there's dance class (and oh yeah, my date with Fara on Wednesday).
I remember Bianca gave me copies of Juno and Across the Universe, I haven't finished season 1 of Dexter, and Bes keeps bugging me to watch Heavenly Forest (naiyak daw sya, so kung ako manood, matutuyuan na ko ng luha). Hmmm... why do I feel that the vacation will just whizz past without me realizing it? Waaah! If this was the marshmallow test, bagsak na ko. Delayed gratification is the key!
Finished the choreography to Janet Jackson's "Feedback" today. ANG GANDA! Demo? Next time na lang hehehe. You can really count on Neil to blow you away with his moves. I'll video and post it soon. I think we can now compete hahaha! Hoping to be included in Baila's recital on May 31. Kung hindi pa ko pumayat nito, ewan ko na lang!
Next time na yung profound na blog post. Pagod na ko eh...
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Marathon
I just finished the last three episodes of House MD (season 4, episodes 10-12) and as usual I was blown away by superb scriptwriting, House's deadpan expression, Wilson's exasperation and House's witty banter with Taub and Kutner. The series may be too intellectual for general viewing - I myself could not follow each and every differential - but it's the dripping sarcasm that keeps me coming back for more. House actually reminds me of Bes - and I'm not surprised why he loves the show as well (I'm sure you see the similarity, you narcissist! Hahaha!)
Before that I was able to work on 2 narrative reports and now I'm down to just one. Yay! I don't think I'll be able to stretch it to 3 pages any longer. After all, Ivo just came in last January. And then the following week will be solely devoted to my thesis proposal, so I can hopefully submit something on the 15th. Since there's no family trip for the Holy Week, I might just be able to work on it some more so I can be ready to defend by early term 1 despite the planned beach trips and the SE14 weekend, and yeah the Baila dance recital (eeeep!). Wow, looks like things are going as planned, but I wonder why I'm not exactly thrilled when I've been wishing for this the last few months. Sigh.
Before that I was able to work on 2 narrative reports and now I'm down to just one. Yay! I don't think I'll be able to stretch it to 3 pages any longer. After all, Ivo just came in last January. And then the following week will be solely devoted to my thesis proposal, so I can hopefully submit something on the 15th. Since there's no family trip for the Holy Week, I might just be able to work on it some more so I can be ready to defend by early term 1 despite the planned beach trips and the SE14 weekend, and yeah the Baila dance recital (eeeep!). Wow, looks like things are going as planned, but I wonder why I'm not exactly thrilled when I've been wishing for this the last few months. Sigh.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
The weight of things that remained unspoken...
... Built up so much it crushed us everyday
(I Won't Go Home Without You)
In less than two hours or so, the lucky ones will be seeing Adam Levine in the flesh. Waaah! Sucks that I can't afford tickets, with my birthday gone past and some summer trips in the works. Sigh. Last Sunday, the officiating Italian priest really had this strong resemblance with Adam that I wasn't really paying attention to the homily (hahaha bad! birthday mass pa naman). Being the loser that I am, I just let their new album play in the background. Hmmm Goodnight Goodnight is not bad at all.... :)
Next week's the last working week. I have become immune to Raffi's song from everyday practice but I'm sure Bianca and I will be bawling like babies when the Bunnies sing it for the last time. PTCs have started, yet I'm barely past the first paragraph for Joaquin's. Haven't really thought about what to write about Jaime and Ivo but I'm sure it will dawn on me during the wee hours of the morning they're needed. Sigh. I still haven't touched on my thesis again and Chichi will be expecting an update on the 15th. Kainis. Summer vacation na kasi eh! Sobrang petiks na.
Take me to the beach...
(I Won't Go Home Without You)
In less than two hours or so, the lucky ones will be seeing Adam Levine in the flesh. Waaah! Sucks that I can't afford tickets, with my birthday gone past and some summer trips in the works. Sigh. Last Sunday, the officiating Italian priest really had this strong resemblance with Adam that I wasn't really paying attention to the homily (hahaha bad! birthday mass pa naman). Being the loser that I am, I just let their new album play in the background. Hmmm Goodnight Goodnight is not bad at all.... :)
Next week's the last working week. I have become immune to Raffi's song from everyday practice but I'm sure Bianca and I will be bawling like babies when the Bunnies sing it for the last time. PTCs have started, yet I'm barely past the first paragraph for Joaquin's. Haven't really thought about what to write about Jaime and Ivo but I'm sure it will dawn on me during the wee hours of the morning they're needed. Sigh. I still haven't touched on my thesis again and Chichi will be expecting an update on the 15th. Kainis. Summer vacation na kasi eh! Sobrang petiks na.
Take me to the beach...
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Of proposals and chocolate cake
And so here I am, attacking the chocolate cake that Mike gave me last night (dee-lish!), wondering how I'm going to shed off the pounds I gained since yesterday and the potential pounds I'll be packing in in the near future hahaha. I think there's two to three weeks worth of cake and half a case each of SML and Smirnoff Black Ice left (they were just hidden by the freezer door and nobody noticed!) Shoot. Neil and the gang better help me lose my excess baggage right away!
At the onset of 2008, I've been hearing about proposals left and right, it makes me want to pull my hair out... I'm kidding okay?! Hehehe! Of course I'm extremely happy for them, seeing all their pictures and listening to their stories, but I don't think anybody can help not to think about the state of their own love life especially when you're nearing 30 and no prospect is in sight. Kahit indecent proposal nga wala eh! Not that I'll settle for that, sa taas ng standards ko ba naman. Anyway, it's not that it bothers me - I'm actually excited for things to come this year. Sabi nga ni Shep, love is in the air with the number of people getting hitched. I hope I catch that "disease" :) Looking forward to the many things that will unfold before me in the months to come!
For now, I ought to let go of my fork or I might not get any proposals at all!!!
At the onset of 2008, I've been hearing about proposals left and right, it makes me want to pull my hair out... I'm kidding okay?! Hehehe! Of course I'm extremely happy for them, seeing all their pictures and listening to their stories, but I don't think anybody can help not to think about the state of their own love life especially when you're nearing 30 and no prospect is in sight. Kahit indecent proposal nga wala eh! Not that I'll settle for that, sa taas ng standards ko ba naman. Anyway, it's not that it bothers me - I'm actually excited for things to come this year. Sabi nga ni Shep, love is in the air with the number of people getting hitched. I hope I catch that "disease" :) Looking forward to the many things that will unfold before me in the months to come!
For now, I ought to let go of my fork or I might not get any proposals at all!!!
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Immortality
Blogs are written to immortalize something, unlike a diary whose pages you can simply tear off or you can even dunk the whole thing in the trashcan if you feel it only adds to the clutter of your room. Writing about memories certainly freeze them in their freshest state, which you can relive anytime you wish. Blogs are like time capsules that you can forget about for the time being and seek out decades after, when you want to fondly remember how irrational or immature you've been. I admit I've written some things or mentioned some names I'd rather forget but then again, it's those events and encounters with these people that has shaped me for what I am today. When I'm old and gray, I can read it again on my laptop (on my palmtop, thumbprint or whatever technological breakthrough's big at the time) with my grandkids who will be making fun of their lola's hilarious adventures.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo's "He's Just Not That Into You"
Clearly the most liberating book I've read that totally changed my mind about dating and relationships. For years, my girlfriends and I mulled over the complexities of our relationships, pseudo-relationships and other so-called dealings with the opposite sex over coffee, when clearly, most of them just translate to the guys' lack of interest in the women in their lives. So why are we wasting our time?
Yes Gen, it's not as if we women don't know these things. It's just that we like to make things complicated, maybe it's because taken as it is, life is just too boring for us members of the better gender. Guys, on the other hand, tend to oversimplify everything else, primarily because their brains will short-circuit from thinking too much! Hahaha. What you see is what you get, and there's really no underlying reason for their behaviors.
Letters from fictitious women oftentimes in ridiculous situations illustrate Greg's simple yet very sensible arguments; the answers that women would not rather hear hehehe. His in-your-face, brotherly approach will just make you say to yourself, "Have I really gone that crazy tolerating that bastard?" Let these nuggets of wisdom (in verbatim) take you on the road to recovery and self-appreciation (well at least the ones that got me hook, line and sinker):
1. Men would rather lose an arm out to a city bus window than tell you simply "you're not the one".
2. The whole "I don't want to ruin the friendship" excuse works so well because it seems so wise. Sex could mess up a friendship. Unfortunately, in the entire history of mankind, that excuse has never ever been used by someone who actually means it.
3. Men, for the most part, like to pursue women. We like not knowing if we can catch you. We feel rewarded when we do. Especially when the chase is a long one.
4. If you can find him, then he can find you. If he wants to find you, he will.
5. Men are never too busy to get what they want, and they don't forget how much they like you.
6. Women should think: "when I'm picking friends, I like the ones who don't make me cry myself to sleep". (Nice one, Greg!)
7. Don't spend your time on and give your heart to any guy who makes you wonder about anything related to his feelings for you. (Gotcha!)
8. Sometimes you have to get closure by yourself.
9. No answer is your answer.
10. Don't give him a chance to reject you again.
11. If you really love someone, you want to do things to make that person happy.
12. There is no reason to yell at anyone ever, unless you are screaming "LOOK OUT FOR THAT BUS!" (I think naiyak ako sa kakatawa with this one.)
13. Why would you allow him to perform conversational masturbation on you? (Mwahahaha! We definitely know this guy, di ba Kirs?!)
14. When two people are connected, they hunger for information about each other, a sliver of what life is like when you're not together, a glimpse into their past, a peek into their mind, all in the hopes of getting under their skin.
15. You already have one asshole. You don't need another. (Smart! Haha!)
16. You are exceptional, but not the exception.
17. Don't let his personal complications confuse you into waiting around for him. (This guy does exist, alright.)
18. I don't need to know you to know that at the very least you ought to think that way about yourself.
19. Believe that life will turn out well, because you have to other choice but to believe that.
20. The only way you can find out that there's something better out there is to first believe there's something better out there.
Reading the book did not make a pessimist out of me, but rather a more hopeful, happy single girl. There were guys who used to be into me, and there wasn't a need to analyze their actions then, because it was clear that they were. I'm now sure of what I'm looking for and I realized that minutes of confusion and worry only translate to lost opportunities to be happy.
Yes Gen, it's not as if we women don't know these things. It's just that we like to make things complicated, maybe it's because taken as it is, life is just too boring for us members of the better gender. Guys, on the other hand, tend to oversimplify everything else, primarily because their brains will short-circuit from thinking too much! Hahaha. What you see is what you get, and there's really no underlying reason for their behaviors.
Letters from fictitious women oftentimes in ridiculous situations illustrate Greg's simple yet very sensible arguments; the answers that women would not rather hear hehehe. His in-your-face, brotherly approach will just make you say to yourself, "Have I really gone that crazy tolerating that bastard?" Let these nuggets of wisdom (in verbatim) take you on the road to recovery and self-appreciation (well at least the ones that got me hook, line and sinker):
1. Men would rather lose an arm out to a city bus window than tell you simply "you're not the one".
2. The whole "I don't want to ruin the friendship" excuse works so well because it seems so wise. Sex could mess up a friendship. Unfortunately, in the entire history of mankind, that excuse has never ever been used by someone who actually means it.
3. Men, for the most part, like to pursue women. We like not knowing if we can catch you. We feel rewarded when we do. Especially when the chase is a long one.
4. If you can find him, then he can find you. If he wants to find you, he will.
5. Men are never too busy to get what they want, and they don't forget how much they like you.
6. Women should think: "when I'm picking friends, I like the ones who don't make me cry myself to sleep". (Nice one, Greg!)
7. Don't spend your time on and give your heart to any guy who makes you wonder about anything related to his feelings for you. (Gotcha!)
8. Sometimes you have to get closure by yourself.
9. No answer is your answer.
10. Don't give him a chance to reject you again.
11. If you really love someone, you want to do things to make that person happy.
12. There is no reason to yell at anyone ever, unless you are screaming "LOOK OUT FOR THAT BUS!" (I think naiyak ako sa kakatawa with this one.)
13. Why would you allow him to perform conversational masturbation on you? (Mwahahaha! We definitely know this guy, di ba Kirs?!)
14. When two people are connected, they hunger for information about each other, a sliver of what life is like when you're not together, a glimpse into their past, a peek into their mind, all in the hopes of getting under their skin.
15. You already have one asshole. You don't need another. (Smart! Haha!)
16. You are exceptional, but not the exception.
17. Don't let his personal complications confuse you into waiting around for him. (This guy does exist, alright.)
18. I don't need to know you to know that at the very least you ought to think that way about yourself.
19. Believe that life will turn out well, because you have to other choice but to believe that.
20. The only way you can find out that there's something better out there is to first believe there's something better out there.
Reading the book did not make a pessimist out of me, but rather a more hopeful, happy single girl. There were guys who used to be into me, and there wasn't a need to analyze their actions then, because it was clear that they were. I'm now sure of what I'm looking for and I realized that minutes of confusion and worry only translate to lost opportunities to be happy.
Mitch Albom's "For One More Day"
Mitch Albom has done it again with this surefire tearjerker. Divorce, death, and an extra day to feel a mother's unconditional love are more than enough to make your lips quiver and choke back tears. My mom and I are pretty much close, but the chapters that speak of "Times My Mother Stood Up For Me" and "Times I Did Not Stand Up For My Mother" definitely sent me on a big-time guilt trip.
He tells of the story of Charles "Chick" Benetto, a retired baseball player who has the world on his shoulders, and his one-day reunion with his mom who had passed away years before. It runs the way "The Five People You Meet In Heaven" did, and it's just as poignant.
I liked the way the story jumped from one time period to another without confusing me too much, with surprising revelations here and there. One tip though, if you plan to read the book, it would be better to read it in one sweep rather than reading it during breaks, while on transit, etc. as you might get confused with who's who and what's happening... at para na rin mas tagos sa buto! :)
"...there's a story behind everything... but behind your stories is your mother's story, because hers is where yours begin."
He tells of the story of Charles "Chick" Benetto, a retired baseball player who has the world on his shoulders, and his one-day reunion with his mom who had passed away years before. It runs the way "The Five People You Meet In Heaven" did, and it's just as poignant.
I liked the way the story jumped from one time period to another without confusing me too much, with surprising revelations here and there. One tip though, if you plan to read the book, it would be better to read it in one sweep rather than reading it during breaks, while on transit, etc. as you might get confused with who's who and what's happening... at para na rin mas tagos sa buto! :)
"...there's a story behind everything... but behind your stories is your mother's story, because hers is where yours begin."
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Seeing red (and pink)
Chef's Avenue of Festival Mall was lined with so much red and pink balloons that it was almost suffocating. There was even a pink grand piano in the middle. Overkill na pare! The lights of the restos were dimmed and I'm sure the patrons were having a hard time picking on their food on candlelit tables. I myself was stuffed with candy and cake care of Ashley, Aina and Alexi (wow 3 A's!), not so good food from Molokai's (I think the crispy noodles were swimming in a bottle of oyster sauce) and a heavenly big belgian cone of Hazelnut ice cream from Theobroma (super thanks to Gnet). However that didn't stop me from wolfing a piece of chicken wing and rice submerged in sotanghon soup (yummy!) as I turned on the TV for the final leg of The Amazing Race Asia season 2. Dancing to Britney's "Piece of Me" like twenty times over brought about an appetite of a construction worker, I have to say. Just had to restrain myself, sayang naman ang workout kanina hahaha.
Anyhoo I really felt bad lang that Marc and Rovilson ended up in 3rd place. For a while there I hated anything Singaporean but in fairness, they already won so much. What I can't forget was the South African trip! I heard they got free Caltex gas for a year, prize money from Standard Chartered and heaps of Sony products (was a Bravia included?!) from being the first to arrive at the pitstop for how many times.
So how was the supposed dreadful V-Day, you may ask? Well, for one, I was touched that Brennan finally gave in to kissing me on the cheek! Usually he'll just bring his cheek close enough for me to kiss him hahaha. I hope it's not just because it's Valentine's day. I've never received that much hugs and kisses from kids kanina! I almost fell off my chair (I think I really did) when they all wanted to sit on my lap to make lambing. What a riot! Sana they are all mine na lang hahaha!
As for having a date or a boyfriend or whatever... well... if I did have one I wouldn't be telling you about Marc and Rovilson, would I? If I was pathetic enough to prioritize such whims, I could have had someone bring me gifts today. Baka nga 1 month na kami LOL! :) Yun nga lang, I'm not built for that kind, and I don't think I'll ever be. I guess I also feel too old to play any more games. Sadly, those prized catches are engulfed by the volume of those who want to play some more...
Anyhoo I really felt bad lang that Marc and Rovilson ended up in 3rd place. For a while there I hated anything Singaporean but in fairness, they already won so much. What I can't forget was the South African trip! I heard they got free Caltex gas for a year, prize money from Standard Chartered and heaps of Sony products (was a Bravia included?!) from being the first to arrive at the pitstop for how many times.
So how was the supposed dreadful V-Day, you may ask? Well, for one, I was touched that Brennan finally gave in to kissing me on the cheek! Usually he'll just bring his cheek close enough for me to kiss him hahaha. I hope it's not just because it's Valentine's day. I've never received that much hugs and kisses from kids kanina! I almost fell off my chair (I think I really did) when they all wanted to sit on my lap to make lambing. What a riot! Sana they are all mine na lang hahaha!
As for having a date or a boyfriend or whatever... well... if I did have one I wouldn't be telling you about Marc and Rovilson, would I? If I was pathetic enough to prioritize such whims, I could have had someone bring me gifts today. Baka nga 1 month na kami LOL! :) Yun nga lang, I'm not built for that kind, and I don't think I'll ever be. I guess I also feel too old to play any more games. Sadly, those prized catches are engulfed by the volume of those who want to play some more...
Monday, February 11, 2008
Seriously
C'mon be honest... do my blogs sometimes make you cringe with its sappiness bursting at the seams? I do, and I could just imagine how much more for you haha! And I'm sure at one point or another you felt the need to whack me on the head as I dig myself into a deeper hole of humiliation. Sigh. I think a whack from time to time is just what I need to bring myself out of the stupor of a pathetic, boring life.
Pardon my last post, please. It was just a by-product of too much stress from thesis writing, humongous pimples that never seem to go away, and an appetite I can't fully satiate, among others. The kids have become increasingly makulit pa in the last weeks that my patience might not be able to hold it in any longer. Anyway, I can't believe I wrote about that!!! Ewwww gross talaga.
Breathe in, breathe out. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.
Hmmm... actually, some things still can make me smile. How about another list?
1. Fiorgelatto menthe gelato and After Eight mint thins
2. John Mayer and Alicia Keys performing together at the Grammys
3. piping-hot Quarter Pounder or Double Cheeseburger and Sausage McMuffin meal
4. thinking about my birthday party (hahaha labo ang tagal pa eh)
5. extended weekend to give me more time to make petiks for my thesis proposal (Rinding-rindi na kayo siguro sa thesis ko na parang hindi matapos-tapos. Ako na lalo!!!)
6. Blueskies banana-honey multigrain crackers. It's the best!
7. Limewire and DSL internet and the abundance of really great cover songs as of late (check my Music here on Multiply, more to come!)
8. hilarious blogs like Gelo's phone conversation that left him at a loss for words, and Chesa's deluge of "silly" entries hahaha
9. Brennan's innocent quips. "So Bren, does this bearcat look more like a bear or a cat?" "Uhm.. a seal!" :)) And it indeed looked like a seal! With thick fur!
10. thinking about upcoming beach trips! I can't wait!!!
Pardon my last post, please. It was just a by-product of too much stress from thesis writing, humongous pimples that never seem to go away, and an appetite I can't fully satiate, among others. The kids have become increasingly makulit pa in the last weeks that my patience might not be able to hold it in any longer. Anyway, I can't believe I wrote about that!!! Ewwww gross talaga.
Breathe in, breathe out. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.
Hmmm... actually, some things still can make me smile. How about another list?
1. Fiorgelatto menthe gelato and After Eight mint thins
2. John Mayer and Alicia Keys performing together at the Grammys
3. piping-hot Quarter Pounder or Double Cheeseburger and Sausage McMuffin meal
4. thinking about my birthday party (hahaha labo ang tagal pa eh)
5. extended weekend to give me more time to make petiks for my thesis proposal (Rinding-rindi na kayo siguro sa thesis ko na parang hindi matapos-tapos. Ako na lalo!!!)
6. Blueskies banana-honey multigrain crackers. It's the best!
7. Limewire and DSL internet and the abundance of really great cover songs as of late (check my Music here on Multiply, more to come!)
8. hilarious blogs like Gelo's phone conversation that left him at a loss for words, and Chesa's deluge of "silly" entries hahaha
9. Brennan's innocent quips. "So Bren, does this bearcat look more like a bear or a cat?" "Uhm.. a seal!" :)) And it indeed looked like a seal! With thick fur!
10. thinking about upcoming beach trips! I can't wait!!!
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Throwing it all away
What if I just dump all these papers in the vacant lot across me, pack my bags and hop on the next plane to New Jersey (or San Diego if Jenx permits haha!)? Last day for thesis proposal defense is March 8. I have nothing concrete to speak of as I write this. Sigh. I plan to hole myself up at home for the next 3 weeks just to get this thing going. Double sigh. There's so much to do pa for school!
Share ko lang, natawa ako eh. I was told this afternoon that my ex (the last one) got the boot last week from his job for reasons unknown. Apparently they're not even telling his immediate superior what happened (I think he was out of the country then), basta lang he disappeared daw. But it's actually not surprising that this happened considering there was a sexual harrassment case APPARENTLY against him waaaaay back (months after we broke up) which I think just fizzled out, probably because his dad worked his magic. I wonder how long will it take for him to get another decent job like that? Anyway, funny lang that this guy's getting married in December and it looks like his dad got another mouth to feed by then Now I feel really blessed that things happened the way they did.
Ok back to work na ulit. Time is running out...
Share ko lang, natawa ako eh. I was told this afternoon that my ex (the last one) got the boot last week from his job for reasons unknown. Apparently they're not even telling his immediate superior what happened (I think he was out of the country then), basta lang he disappeared daw. But it's actually not surprising that this happened considering there was a sexual harrassment case APPARENTLY against him waaaaay back (months after we broke up) which I think just fizzled out, probably because his dad worked his magic. I wonder how long will it take for him to get another decent job like that? Anyway, funny lang that this guy's getting married in December and it looks like his dad got another mouth to feed by then Now I feel really blessed that things happened the way they did.
Ok back to work na ulit. Time is running out...
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Griping
I don't know if my best friend and I get a kick out of doing this, but we end up griping about our love lives (or the lack of anything substantial thereof) during certain times of the year. Maybe to keep our non-negotiables in check? I dunno. As I rack my brains for appropriate adjectives for my students' narratives, she calls me and we take turns in updating each other about incidental things that transpired during the last two weeks. If griping was part of an ab workout, we won't be worrying about love handles now. I joked that we should tally the times we do so, just to see if the frequency dwindles or increases as we age.
So what's the verdict? We still arrive at the same conclusion every single time - the fact that happy beginnings and endings exist for some people, why can't it happen to us? What's wrong with wishing for a story worth retelling? We are easily pleased, yet how come we keep feeling shortchanged? I guess patience is running thin, and we know it shouldn't be like that but we can't help it at times. I guess it's just up to a Higher Being to keep us sane.
We ended up reminiscing about our last Boracay trip and how much fun we had. I guess griping just leads you to planning for a beach rendezvous which we are now both excited for! We'll try an early June weekend this time :)
So what's the verdict? We still arrive at the same conclusion every single time - the fact that happy beginnings and endings exist for some people, why can't it happen to us? What's wrong with wishing for a story worth retelling? We are easily pleased, yet how come we keep feeling shortchanged? I guess patience is running thin, and we know it shouldn't be like that but we can't help it at times. I guess it's just up to a Higher Being to keep us sane.
We ended up reminiscing about our last Boracay trip and how much fun we had. I guess griping just leads you to planning for a beach rendezvous which we are now both excited for! We'll try an early June weekend this time :)
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
I'm here!!!
And so I jump into the bandwagon of setting up another blog in the hopes of getting paid :) I heard someone was able to purchase an LV bag just by blogging. I wanna get a Macbook!!! Since I'm online and I post blogs all the time, why not make it a money-making venture? There's still a lot to figure out, and I still have to work on my thesis proposal so it's going to take a while.
I just got out of bed, so let me get my cup of coffee.... see you around!
I just got out of bed, so let me get my cup of coffee.... see you around!
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