Okay, this is supposed to be my year end post.

Before we finally say goodbye to 2010, I decided to look back and walk down memory lane. I would like to reminisce and recount all the good and “not so good” experiences I had this year.

2010 may not be a great year for me but, undoubtedly it brought so many changes that lead me to discover a lot of things. It has opened new exciting doors and allowed me to explore different things in different perspective. It was this year that I became active to blogging. I started this blog in 2009 and after writing a couple of posts, I took a hiatus. At the onset of 2010 I felt a new sense of passion to writing. I felt a need to speak up my mind every so often. I started joining forums, became visible to social networks until I came across with 20sb. 20sb inspired me to bring my blog back to life. I strived to publicize this blog and I was never wrong with the decision. I knew a lot of fantastic, awesome bloggers whom I considered friends even though I haven’t met them personally. These blog friends whom I was never ashamed or afraid of telling what I feel, what I’m thinking, and what I’m going through. This blog and my readers are the silent witness to my outrageous, somewhat borderline lunatic, yet ecstatic joyride to life.

This year was also full of travel opportunities. Thank God for the long weekends and holidays that I was able to spend some time on vacation. I’ve been to two beautiful places – places that I have always dreamed. Spending some time to those dream destinations was such a wonderful experience and a milestone for someone like me who adores nature and beautiful sights.

As they say, life isn’t always sunshine and blue skies. Halfway through the year was quite stormy for me. I was in the lowest point of my life. I found myself tangled in a confusing, compromising situation that eventually ended up in a heartache. It was on those times that I knew the real people who cared for me. The friends who listened, gave advice and pulled me into the right direction. I am just so glad I was over that situation.

I also had a lot of fun at work and enjoyed most of the company activities. Probably the unforgettable one was the fashion week where I get to represent our team for the 90s fashion show. Alright, I’m not gonna talk about it. I have written the details, so just re-read it.

There was much to tell about 2010. It was indeed a blast! Those wonderful memories I would surely take with me as I begin my journey to 2011.

To all my blog friends, cheers for the awesome year we had! Hoping to read more funny and inspiring post from you guys.

As for my wish, I pray for a better year ahead. More blessings, more travels, more blog posts, more blog friends, more fun, more enjoyable activities at work, less stress and no more heartaches hahaha!

Seriously, I hope I'd finally get to have what my heart truly desires....

Happy New Year to all!

Hello 2011!!!!

"It's the most wonderful time of the year!"

Merry Christmas!!!!

I know, I know I'm 2 days late for that but I still want to greet you all a merry christmas just so you know that I am still, in fact, very much alive. I've been away from the blogosphere for the looongest time (3 weeks is long enough for me). I was busy. Yah it's a lame excuse but it's true. December has always been craaaazy for me, with lots of stuff to do and parties to attend to. So far, I've been to 5 christmas parties - and you know what that means : FORGET THE DIET. Anyway, it's alright. Christmas comes once in a year. And I've got plenty of time to get back in shape (if I'm not lazy enough to do it).

So. What are you guys up to this holiday season? Me, not much! I was more on tapping my spiritual side this year. I did mention on my previous post about the 9 dawn masses which we celebrate in anticipation of Christ's nativity and guess what???! I was able to complete it!!! 9 mornings of getting up early and going to church. Unbelievable!!!! For someone like me who hates waking up early, it was such an accomplishment. And I did make a wish. But I can't tell you yet. Not.Just.Now. Maybe one day when it happens you guys will be the first know.

Anyhoo, I went home to spend christmas with family. We spent christmas eve eating, eating and lots of eating. See, I'm serious about "getting back in shape". And I've got 2 weeks off work. Yay!!! That's what I look forward every december -our holiday break. 2 weeks of vacation is simply what I needed.

Since I don't get to spend much of my time at home, I lost contact with old friends. Some of them have settled to another place. So everytime I get home, I'm just stuck in our house doing nothing but watching TV, surfing the net, eating and sleeping. Whoaahh!! What a way to catch up with life. Well, I'm not complaining. This is the only time where I get to have a full rest without feeling guilty about it.

Anyway, I wish I could write interesting stories about my holiday vacation in my hometown but... there's not much to tell about. I'm stuck you know! Actually, my friend and I were planning an out of town trip to enchanted river but we canceled. I hope on my next trip back home I can visit some of the must-see places here and share it to you.

When they FIND WAYS to piss me off!

Dear BDO,

I hate to start my week ranting but you're absolutely trying my patience! 

First, I don't understand why you require all your internet banking users to change their passwords every 3 months. I know that is part of your security measures. Thanks! I get it. If you do the math, I get to change my password 4 times in a year, right? I was OK with that at first. But when I start running out of familiar password to use, IT WAS NO LONGER COOL. You see, I have 2 email accounts, 2 facebook, friendster, twitter, youtube, pinoyexchange, blogger, paypal etcetera.... I log on to 7 software applications in our company plus 6 administrative tools, and guess what? I'm using the same password for all of these. Coz you know why? Because it's hard to manage and memorize 25 different passwords at the same time.

Now with these frequent password change I ran out of new passwords that sound closer to my usual password. And the thing is you don't allow me to reuse my previous passwords, damn!

Earlier this year, I was locked out from the system. I tried the "forgot password" utility and when I fill in the 'mother's maiden name' field, the system won't accept my answer. Whaaaat???! So now I do not know what my mother's maiden name is? I'm pretty sure I filled in the correct data when I signed up. What the hell?!

I have to call customer service's hotline for that. And I hate calling customer service coz they keep me long on the line and they ask questions NBI-style. It was so tiring going through my personal info over and over.

I learned my lesson well coz after that 10-minute question and answer portion, I saved my new password on my cellphone. And I tend to do that every 3 months. Everytime you require me to change my password. Then lastweek, my forgetfulness got the best of me. I forgot to save my password and when I logged in - BLANK. I just can't remember. I tried guessing and I ended up being locked out. Again! For the second time.

So I clicked "forgot password" and somehow I was able to get through the gruelling question : mother's maiden name. But this isn't just my lucky day. There is more challenging, mind-boggling, unthinkable, inconceivable, bewildering question that I have yet to answer before I could reset my password.

NOT APPLICABLE?

Really, huh?! And since when did 'NOT APPLICABLE' become a question? Or when did it become a crucial part in changing password, huh?! Enlighten me please!!!!! Coz I don't understand and I don't know what's that suppose to mean or what should I put in there! Genius, BDO. Genius!!!!!!!!

You really stood up to your motto : "WE FIND WAYS" Yeah! You find ways to make our lives miserable! You find ways to piss me off! And I must say that you're actually good at it coz now I'm very much infuriated!

I need to gain access to my account. It's very important to me and convenient coz that is where I do all my payments. And it's been 2 hours since I sent you e-mail regarding that 'NOT APPLICABLE' field which you force me to fill-in which I absolutely have no idea about. But still I haven't gotten any word from you. So you really want me to make that call? Fine!!!! You really want to waste my time talking shit on the phone.

I wish your system will crash down and you will not be able to restore it for a year and you will lose all important transactions and all your clients will go after you and sue you! I.MEAN.IT.

All I want for Christmas... I know it sounds like a cliche but I still want it!

I was suppose to dish out my christmas wishlist here on my blog but I don't wanna sound "worldly" and all so I'll try to keep it to myself. But if you must insist, I'll be forced to write another post for that, with the condition that you will grant one of it. Deal? No, I'm just kidding.

I don't make christmas wishlist at all. When there's something I want, I'd buy it (given that I can afford it. but if not, maybe I can save up for that or wait 'til someone gives it to me which do happen "sometimes". Thank God for Santa Claus). And speaking of Santa Claus, do you know that I really believed in Santa when I was a child? I mean, really! As in I really thought he was real. That he goes out on christmas eve giving gifts. I used to hang a stocking by the window and excitedly wake up in the morning to see if the stocking were filled with gifts from Santa. I know most children believed in this story, but it was more than just a story to me. I believed it with all my heart.

It was not until I was 10 years old when I realized that my parents were Santa Claus. And I was like "yeah right!". My playmates were right all along : Santa does not exist in reality. And I fought for my belief. I fought whenever 'Santa = Parents' argument is raised.

So maybe that's the reason why I don't make christmas wishlist anymore. Reality has taught me something.

But this time, I wanna be a kid again. I wanna re-live those times when I would fervently utter my prayers hoping Santa would hear them and would give me those gifts. Those times when I forced not to close my eyes coz I want a sneak peak of Santa in flesh! Those times when you don't have to work harder just to get the things you wanted.

Here are the things I want for christmas :

First, I've been itching for this small wonder since the start of the year.

                                            x-mini capsule speaker

And I should have the pink one.

Secondly, what better way to pump up an x-mini? i-pod touch. Yes. I want that i-pod touch. No, don't tell me I should get an i-pad coz it's cooler. I don't think carrying a seemingly huge calculator-like is technically aesthetic. I'm just saying.

Next, I want an endless supply of Vitamin C. If colds are hunters, I'm their easy target. I get colds often like a woman does with menstruation. It has been the constant reason of my absences coz when I have colds I'll have fever and cough too. And the problem with me is that I don't take vitamins. That is why I'm making this as my advance new year's resolution : to be cold-free, or if I can't help it, at least it's not going to be every month.

Next, I wish I can get more promo airline tickets for my travel syndrome.

I also wish airfares will go down a bit so that I can still afford even if there are no promos available. See Santa? I'm begging here. Or you could lend me Rudolph.

And last but definitely not the least.... tan tada dan......

I wish my bloggy friends will not get tired of giving me blog awards like this one from Gnetch.

Thank you so much Gnetch!!!!!

I swear, Vanity Kills!

Remember a time when you just want to look chic and fab? And you thought that a kick-ass high heel shoes would be the answer? Well, guess what?! Been there!

I met up with a college friend at the mall last week. After having dinner and coffee we both decided it's time to head home. But I don't wanna go home yet. So I killed the time wandering around, window shopping. I passed through a shoe boutique and saw a pair of stiletto.

I must have fallen in love with it's simplicity and the obvious 4-inch heels. Actually, I have a weird fetish for shoes. Whenever I go on movies or watch TV, I always check out celeb's footwear and I would gasps "Oh my.... her shoes!" then the person next to me rolls her eyes.

So. It's been long since the last time I wore stiletto. The only towering footwear I kept on wearing is my much-loved wedge. Given the nature of my job where sometimes we run errands around the building, wearing stilettos and crawling under the table fixing wires doesn't match. But I figured this will become handy on several ocassions and would go easily on any dress, so I shed some cash.

Excited! I wore it Friday morning for work and I thought life would be easy. I was wrong! The design doesn't suit me. I'm having a hard time walking around with it. Either I seemed like a tot trying to have his baby steps OR I look like an amateur model working up on her glide. That I need to concentrate on my walking more than I ever did while writing this blog. And the worst part? I have to walk down half a block just to get a cab. My toes were aching and I was profusely sweating when I arrived at the office. Damn! This is what I get for being so vain.

Later that afternoon, my colleague asked me to hang out and have dinner. We went around looking for some place to eat when my feet began to sore. I went home immediately, or should I say, I hobbled my way home. Needless to say, I did not enjoy the night and I have blisters to prove that it was indeed horrible.

Anyway, the cold cream was a lot of help...

'Til my next shoe disaster story!

Lifestyle Change

I always believe in the adage that "Health is wealth". I'm not a  health conscious myself but I always try my best to eat the right kind and amount of food. When it comes to taking regular exercise, I'm a bummer. So if you're looking for a gym buddy or a marathon partner, look somewhere else!

Last Sunday while I was volunteering for the free clinic, my colleague and I submitted ourselves to a cholesterol test. I really don't intend to at first but since it was for free and convenient for us (we don't need to go to a hospital) so I considered the idea.

The nurse took a few blood samples after pricking and squeezing my middle finger. They were using a digital device, so the result was up in 2 minutes. When she revealed my cholesterol level I was flabbergasted. It's 242. I.CANT.BELIEVE.IT.OH.MY.GOD. The normal level is 200. I reasoned that I did not fast and I had just taken my lunch so maybe that's the reason why the result went nuts. But lo and behold.... they told me the normal level for those who did not fast is 230, which means, mine was still beyond normal.

I'm aware about the implications of having high blood cholesterol in your body. It can increase your chances of having a heart disease and nooooooo I don't want to suffer from heart attack (knock on wood). With that in mind, I need to modify my lifestyle.

First, I enrolled back in gym class last monday. In case you didn't know, I enrolled in aerobics and PRT class last March (more on that here). I was battling with my weight gain issue for more than a year and only last March did I decided to take on my last resort - gym! For 3 months I endured the breath-catching, one-hour daily aerobics session and the gruelling bench press and sit-ups. I worked out so hard and forcibly shut off my lazy alter ego. My goal was to get back to my ideal weight. I started with 121 lbs., and by the time I quit I was 110lbs. I would have wanted to continue it for the rest of my life and eventually claim the figure and waistline I used to have (before everything else in my body started expanding), but I got tired and I was already happy with the changes. And now I have another reason why I need to increase my physical activity. I have to do this for myself. So hello gym! I'm back!

Next, diet. Uhhmm.. what's that again? Alright. I don't diet. Even before when I was gaining and gaining weight. I just love to eat. But when I started going to the gym, I learned the art of "moderation". I'd still eat everything - but in moderation.

Fruits, veggies, fish and going easy on meat is my goal. I also need to increase my fiber intake and to stay away from fatty and processed foods. From now on, goodbye seafoods. Goodbye pastries, desserts, ice cream, pizza and chocolate bars. Goodbye bacon, hotdog, ham, corned beef and egg. No, wait! JUST SHOOT ME!!!!

Why does a delicious meal has a price to pay?

Anyway, I'm planning to run another test on my cholesterol level next week. And this time I'm gonna follow the basic procedure, that is, to fast for 9-12 hours prior to the test. Maybe I'm a bit paranoid but I just wanted to be sure coz I felt that the result from last time wasn't that accurate. Seems this lifestyle change is not going to be easy on me (sigh).

On Volunteerism

I was never into volunteerism. I never signed up for any community service back then. Not because I don't have the time nor the will - I am just plain lazy.

My first volunteering act came just a year ago when our country was rampaged by a strong typhoon. It brought heavy rains and flooded almost the entire capital city like seas. (See post here)

It was heart-wrenching and everything seemed hopeless. Seeing the awful situation on TV, I rummaged through my dresser and pulled out some of my clothes that I don't get to wear often. I placed them in the plastic bag, made a quick stop at the grocery and bought a few canned goods. I went straight to an organization which accepts donation for the typhoon victims. I was overwhelmed to see how much they have gathered for the day. Help was pouring from all parts of the country, as well as overseas. Yet I felt what I had given wasn't enough. The clothes would only accommodate a single household and the groceries would last a day or two. There are countless who needed help and I felt I got to do something about it. I don't have thousands or millions to donate. But I figured I could devote a little of my time.

When a television network announced they were looking for volunteers to segregate and pack the in-kind donations that keep coming, I knew it was my cue. I invited some of my friends to join and soon we found ourselves in the midst of the sacks and sacks of various goods from those who have big hearts. We volunteered for only 3 hours. It was hot and dusty inside the compound. I am allergic to dusts, but for the first time I stopped minding myself. It was my time to make a difference.

Yesterday I signed up for another community service. Our company launched a free clinic and they needed volunteers to assist the doctors and nurses in giving care to the patients. That was my first time to be part of a mini-medical mission (I like to call it that way so spare me!) I was assigned in the medicine dispensing team and boy, I was really having a hard time understanding a doctor's handwriting. Why do they like to chicken scratch it? And not only that, I was "nosebleeding" reading those lengthy, tounge-twistering generic names. The "cin", "fin", "tin" - they were haunting me in my sleep.

Anyway, the whole day activity was successful. We were able to serve hundreds of patients. It was tiring but surprisingly I was having fun! I've been thinking of doing it again. Sometimes you don't need a single penny to have your efforts compensated. It's when you know you have given something and you're not expecting anything in return is what makes it even more fulfilling.

               ~ If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else. ~

                                                                                                - Booker T. Washington

To my EX-FRIEND

I did something MEAN.

I wasn't in speaking terms with one of my closest friends for more than a month now. We were completely ignoring each other and I wouldn't shrug even if she'll sit beside me or we'll brush shoulders on the stairs. I don't like to see her around. I can't stand the sight of her! I know I sound much of a hater but that's what I truly feel for her. This is not the first time we acted like total strangers, but this is the longest we ever did.

I can't say who among us is more hurt. I can't speak for her feelings in the same way that she can't understand how disappointed I am to her. I'm disappointed coz I thought she knew me well and she loved me despite all my flaws and imperfections. I thought she accepted me for all the silly things I've done. I know I'm not that good and I'm not perfect. I'm a "work-in progress". So don't expect me to act perfectly under an imperfect situation where my judgment could easily snap! I was going through an uphill battle that time, it was hard to choose right from wrong, and she, of all people knew that! She, of all people should have felt my emotional outburst. And she, of all people should be the first to understand me - NOT that I'm the one to seek understanding from her.

I  know I have hurt her for things I've said. Maybe if I'll go back in time I would still say those words coz that's what I'm feeling right at the moment. I wouldn't pretend. Yet, I sincerely apologized for making her feel bad. And I would understand if she can't accept my apology when we had a heart to heart talk. But what I don't get is why does she have to pretend she's OK and we're OK when deep within her she was still hurting and she hadn't completely forgiven me. I  would understand. Really.

And then after quite sometime she'll get back at me, accusing me of expelling her? What the heck?! I may not be the best person in the world but I'm the type who would cherish her friends and wouldn't trade them for someone who just came out to ruin my life. If she thinks I can let go of our  friendship that easily,  then it goes to show that she doesn't knew me that much and I'm quite disappointed.

I removed her in my facebook and blocked her. I know it's puerile of me but I'm just being true to myself - I don't want to do anything with her.

22 and counting!

I've mentioned in one of my previous post that I love traveling and discovering new places. One of my dreams is to have at least one travel abroad. I haven't done it YET. I still need to make ends meet in order for me to realize that dream. But, I have a PLAN B in case I'm not able to do my "international invasion". And that is, to cover at least 1% of the Philippine islands! Huh! Just a recap : Philippines has 7,107 islands. Which means I have to explore 71 of it.

To be honest I'm beginning to have doubts if I'll be able to accomplish it. I guess traveling abroad seemed more feasible. But who knows?

For me to keep track of the islands and places I've visited when I started to have this wanderlust, I listed them all. I'm exhilarated to find out that I just had my 22nd mark! Yaaahhhhoooooo!!!!

BORACAY. You are my 22nd!

I took this pic when I and 3 more friends spent our Halloween vacay in this beautiful paradise. The island is approximately 7 km. long. Said it was used to be a secret island until a foreign movie crew accidentally discovered it. From then on, Boracay is widely known to both locals and foreigners alike. It was voted as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It is famous for its powdery white sand and clear torquoise waters. And not only that, it boasts a variety of adventures and forms of relaxation ranging from scuba diving, helmet diving, snorkeling, parasailing, kiteboarding, sunset cruise, island hopping and a lot more. But more often than not, tourists flock to enjoy its pristine beauty.

Getting there was easy. We took a 50-minute flight from Cebu to Caticlan. Then a 10-minute boat ride from Caticlan to Boracay.

It is best to visit Boracay during summer since the trade wind blows out to sea. But the resorts are usually expensive and full on the months of April - June where summer is at its peak.

Though there were casual rains, we were still able to make the most of our 3-day vacation. The island was pretty much lively when we got as everyone was busy setting up booths for the Halloween party. If you love the nightlife, Boracay won't be a disappointment. It is known as the party island where pubs and disco bars boom at night. Of course we couldn't miss it for the world. We hopped to Cocomangas, and tried one of their signature drink Illusion Shaker.

                                                illusion shaker....

It has 5 shots (if i read it right) of vodka, pineapple and.... I forgot the rest. It tastes good and yes, it was served in a jar - not in a glass or jigger. I dunno why it bears the word "illusion" on its name. Maybe you will be into some sorts of illusion after drinking it. In my case, I find the bartender cutie (hahahahahaha!). No, I'm not drunk! He was really cute even before I started drinking it. Perhaps that's the reason why I didn't noticed I was holding my celphone on my left and I accidentally dropped it. Ugh!!! Thank God my celphone was still intact after it bungee jumped from the bar chair I was sitting, except that I couldn't use it for texting now coz some of the keys weren't functioning anymore. Damn! 

Cocomangas is also known for the so called "Still Standing at 15..." drinking challenge. You will be given 15 different shots of booze. Drink it up and if you're still standing after the last shot, your nameplate will be placed on the wall plus you get a t-shirt. Cool. I actually thought of joining but when I saw the menu below, I think I'd do my country a big favor if I'll just step back hahaha! (I don't drink that much anymore)

We also did a lot of swimming. (uhm..technically, I cannot swim. so I'd just stand at the shallow and ocassionally dip my head). I love the feel of the sands on my feet. Sometimes we would walk barefoot along the shore.

                                                

One of the many things I look forward in my visit to Boracay is the sunset. Boracay is quite known for its breathtaking sunset and that is the reason why sunset cruise is a common leisure in the island. Apparently, the weather was in bad mood and so uncooperative. It would rain every afternoon. Fine, goodbye sunset!

                                      sunrise in boracay....

It was quite an experience. I wish I could go back this summer coz I already made a mental note of the things I wanna do. 

Hope to see yah soon Boracay...

A Halloween treat like no other!

This post is 3 days late, I know. I was on vacation and the last thing I wanna do is face the computer. Anyhoo, how was your halloween? Me, I had fun! I was enjoying trick or treat here and there.

Trick or treat is something we Filipinos don't usually do. I never went to any Halloween parties growing up. I was never in fancy, scary costumes walking around begging for treats. Trick or treat was so foreign to me back when halloween was all about mumbling prayers and offering food to our departed loved ones. I remember hopping from cemetery to cemetery visiting our dead relatives bringing flowers and lighting candles for them. Some would build a kiosk near the grave, bring in food and drinks, stay there for the whole day and have a party-like atmosphere. Halloween was always like that. No costume parties. No trick or treats. We just celebrate it in an unconventional way that only us can understand.

Now that we have adopted this foreign tradition, halloween has never been exciting! We always make it a point to feel the halloween spirit by transforming our offices into something creepy. Then we will dress up in scary costumes doing rounds inside the building for the trick or treat. My throat went sore after eating all the candies I gathered hahahaha! Serves me right.

This year probably is the most fabulous halloween I've ever had because I get to spend it in Boracay. It was indeed a treat! Except that the rain was such a kill joy. Damn you rain! Told you not to be a badass but you still did. You poured more than 3 times that night and we were so soaked and wet. Yet, that didn't stop us from enjoying the night. Aside from beautiful beaches, Boracay is known for its feisty nightlife.

Roaming around the island I saw a lot of people dressed in scary costumes. I would stop to take pictures at them if I find them awesome, cool, and of course, scary.

Saw this child while walking around d'mall. She still look adorable despite the make-up.

While looking for some place to dine, we came across with this white lady.

Uhmm... can you help him find his head?

I just think they're gorgeous...! Like a royal family or something...?

WARNING : This place is haunted!

This witch is an adrenaline junkie. She was doing the zipline and we asked her to stop for awhile to have our pics taken.

I happen to pass by a fire dance party.

Yah right, the picture sucks! But I swear, they're so amazing. I just couldn't get a better angle because of the crowd.

I was hoping to catch some local celebrities but I guess it's not my lucky night. We were having so much fun and by the time we went back to the resort we were dead tired.

Where were you when I needed you?

There was once a time in my life that I wanted to have you. It was when most of the people I know were having your unwanted presence. Though I really don't want you that badly, at least I thought you'll make up a good excuse for not coming to work. Ah, those times when work was so exhausting, demanding, and beating deadlines seems almost like fire fighting. Those times when I wanted to take a short rest, but getting a vacation is like hailing a cab under the pouring rain.

So I conceded the idea.

I'm not meant to have you.

For that time being, maybe.

Halloween's coming over. I'm quite excited! It's gonna be FOUR days off work. Perfect time to have a vacay. Just what I needed, wanted, and been craving for for the past weeks. My friends and I are off to that famous island. Everything has been booked -  resort, tickets. We already made plans of where to go, places to check out, food and drinks to try out and what to do in the next 3 days that we're staying there. We are really excited. Just 5 days more!

But... YOU'RE RUINING IT ALL FOR ME! 

When I woke up this morning, I felt my eyes heavy. My eyelids are getting crusty and I could barely open them. It felt like there are grains of sand inside it and it was slightly painful when I caught the streams of morning light by the window. And that's when it hit me. I know what this is!

I jolt out of bed and faced the mirror. There you are! Why now? Why ONLY now? I don't want you right now. Not this time!

AAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH...........

SORE EYES!!!!!!!

Go away!!!!! I can't get on the plane with you. Grrrrrrr........

My new found addiction

No it's not drugs, alcohol or something health-deteriorating like that...

It's kind of an ART.

Ehem! I don't consider myself as someone who likes to indulge at something that requires superior manual dexterity. I was never good at it, but I learned that I can try and I'm enjoying it so far.

My new addiction? ORIGAMI.

That's it! The Japanese' art of making objects such as flowers, birds out of paper folding. My friend learned it from one of her ESL student. Saw her trying a couple of objects last night and I find it amazing. She's definitely a good teacher and I, on the other hand was a BRILLIANT (hahaha!) student. I learned through her impeccable patience.

So check this out.



It sure took me a lot of effort and "papers" before I've satisfactorily did it. Worth the try isn't it?

Serendipity, is it?

This story isn’t mine.

…………………………………

She has a boyfriend from across the miles. They have kept it together for four years. Her family approves of him. He was the perfect choice for her. And their wedding is set two years from now.

She sees love as practical. She doesn’t believe in butterflies, in shooting stars, in speeding rockets. She knows nothing of magic, of white knight who sweeps you off your feet. No. She’s not a believer.

Then she met someone while traveling home. They talked for hours. Shared their interests and passions in life with each other. Exchanged numbers and e-mail addresses. Soon they found themselves constantly communicating and seeing each other as often as they could. Until their friendship blossomed into something else. Something the two of them cannot deny. Something she couldn’t fight off. Something she knew she had missed all her life.

Now she’s faced with a dilemma. It could have been easier if her family’s expectation doesn’t get in the way. If their years together don’t compel her to disregard her feelings for the one she truly loved. 

But she has to make a decision. A decision that will break someone else’s heart. A decision that will change her forever.

…………………………………………

Funny how life loves to poke at my ego. This is one of those times when the common phrase “Life is unfair” becomes clearer to me. I just came from a “broken heart” and here’s my friend who’s having a difficult time choosing whom she should end up to. Hmmpp!

I was never into that kind of situation or anything closer to that. But if I am lucky (or maybe not) to face with that problem (would you consider that a problem? Seriously? If that’s the case, it’s the only problem that most women would like to have. Come on! Who doesn’t want multiple choice on their questionnaire?), I know what I’m gonna do.

First, I don’t let others dictate me on what to do or who should I be with. Coz if I do, I’m living their idea of what happiness is and not my own. I’m not saying that they don’t have a say in my personal affairs. They can meddle for as long as they want. They can voice their opinions and advices – I’d love that! I like hearing from them coz it shows how much they care for me. But in the end, I still call the shots. I will decide for myself and I will run my life the way I wanted it to be.

I always tell my friends to follow their heart. Cynics call it stupidity, but I call it bravery and being true to your self. There’s no guarantee you won’t cry in the end, but I guess it’s better to shed a tear on something you did happily. The number of years is just relative. I won’t bet my happiness and the relationship’s success on it.

Maybe I’m a fool for saying this. But what’s more foolish is when you deny yourself to something you’ve been waiting for. Whatever is real is worth fighting for. And you know it’s real when it’s hard to walk away from it.

Those Amazing Four Years...

I can still vividly remember my first day at work. I woke up so early, put on my uniform which I carefully ironed the other night, stood in front of the mirror trying to compose myself. I was so tensed and excited on my way to work. I caught the company bus, sat with my unfamiliar, new colleagues. They talked about  how their weekend went. Some talked about their pending tasks and other job-related matters which I could hardly make out. I kept roaming my eyes around, scanning their faces, looking for potential best buds.

The anxious ride ended and I found myself inside the building. Then soon introductions were made. My first hours in the morning was spent touring around the plant, familiarized every area, and the traditional meet and greet with colleagues. I saw a strong bond in everyone. Like that of family. Most of them were smiling and welcoming, while others seemed scary and intimidating. But I learned later that that was just a facade.

That was four years ago. Four years had passed and I still wore the same uniform, still rode the same bus every morning, still took the same route to work. The routines were quite the same some four years ago. But I am not the same as I was before.

I have gathered so much in my stay here in more ways than one. They say that no company is ever perfect for anyone. I've been to three different companies before, but this one is the closest to perfection. Well, at least for me. For the last four years, I can wake up in the morning and look forward to going to work. There are times that I whine and feel a little disgruntled. But when I start to count the things I enjoyed because of staying here, I feel more blessed than most of my friends are. I know a lot of people who will kill just to be part of the team. Okay, that sounds exaggerated but I swear there's some truth to it.

The strong team spirit which the founders continually to inculcate in us is one of the many things I admire. Or maybe the annual teambuilding had paid off and brought us closer together. The beauty in working with expats is that it has taught us to respect each of our culture differences. We may have different views about life and many other things, but we simply blended and work as a team to realize our vision.

I never thought I'd become socially and environmentally responsible  by joining this company. I adhere the laws in preserving nature but I'm not an advocate of any cause at present.  Yet, by simply participating in the yearly tree and mangroove planting activities, I feel like I did something imperative. I feel proud of those indulgence. It may seem small but it surely goes a long way.

I also found a lot of friends. Friends that I could keep. Friends that I would still keep in touch if later we decide to part ways. They're not just friends who I hang out and have fun with, they are those friends whom I have shared some of the most intimate details of my life. They helped me grow and helped me discover a lot of things.

                                                                             noteworthy memories...

As life is a journey, I'd be sure to keep travelling on. I know there will come a time that I will move forward and consider other options. Whenever I think of that, I begin to feel a sense of nostalgia. Probably the first thing I'm going to miss are the people I've worked with. I have learned so many things than the graduate school would impart in the span of time. I would miss the daily bus ride, the communal morning prayer and exercise, the chitchats during breaktime, the occasional late night drinks, the pressure from work which we have learnt to shrug off and laugh about as days passed. I'm gonna miss the teambuilding, the sportsfest, the birthday, halloween, christmas and anniversary parties. We're party animals. We party like 4 times a year!

Those four years had left an indelible mark. It has impacted my life more than I could hoped for and more than I've ever imagined. But more than anything else, I have taken in PRIDE like breath itself.

P-eople engagement
R-espect
I-ntegrity
D-iscipline
E-xcellence

These are the core values we live, for which I am sure I will continue to uphold.

Thank you  _ _ _ _ _! (Sorry, I just can't disclose the name of the company this time)

Happy 4 years to me...! :)

thought it was gonna be romantic... i should have stayed home instead

The badass asian, Gnetch, invited all her followers to participate in this meme :

I decided to join the fun. So here I am.

The rules are simple. By the end of this post, I'm gonna ask you guys if you wish to participate. Should you will, I'm gonna send you a question and make a post about your answer. I'm going to recommend a blog, which you haven't followed yet, for you to read. Then invite your readers too.

That simple!

Now, on to the game...

Gnetch recommended Sweta's blog, The Disappearing Caravan, which I absolutely liked.

And the million dollar question ... ???

"What's the worst date you've ever been?"

Ahem!

I've been trying to remember for days of the worst date I've ever been. I don't go on dates quite often so I was having a hard time contemplating if this story is worth sharing, OR ... if it would pass the category.

Let me tell you the story anyway.

It was Valentines day in the year 2006. My then boyfriend and I went on our very first valentines date. We were both excited that we forgot to book on a restaurant. You know how it is on Valentines Day. Couples and even non-couples swarm restaurants, theaters, parks, and malls. It's chaotic all over. But we still decided to dine at my favorite seafood restaurant, in the hope that there are still seats available.

We arrived at almost 7PM. As expected, the place was crowded with diners. NO SEATS AVAILABLE - that we were told. But we can wait. So we added ourselves on the lengthy waitlist.

Thus the long wait officially begun.

I thought it was just going to be 30-minutes or so. I stood, sat on the chair, paced back and forth, watched the diners silently as they slowly chewed their food, played with my phone for as long as my growling stomach could take. I was hungry and tired from work. The waiting area wasn't comfortable enough to distract me. HUNGRY and at the same time PISSED over the situation. The crew were starting to bring in tables and chairs placing them on any decent floor space they could make out. We could have settled in earlier but I refused when I saw that we'll be sitting near the alley and adjacent to the restrooms. Who wants to eat near the restrooms? Would you? I wasn't thinking about the "romantic" word anymore, I just want a "conducive" space and that means far, far away from the restroom.

We waited some more. We considered looking for another restaurant but the rain was starting to downpour outside. The walk to the parking lot and hopping from one restaurant to another would not compensate the fact that we have already wasted our time long enough just waiting for others to finish off.

Finally, for what seemed like eternity, dinner was served at almost 9PM. The food looked delish yet my appetite had long gone since we waited patiently on the line for 2 hours.

And I thought getting myself starve on a date is already worse! That's what I thought... Wait 'til you hear this :

Now it's pay time.

My boyfriend, errrr.... EX, left his wallet on the car. What the...???! So I ended up paying the bills. Ha! Shame on you!!!

End of story.

So guys, just tell me if you like to participate and I'll email you a question.

And.... just in case you're wondering what happened next, we broke up 2 months after.

Life is really so short

I was working late last night when the sad news came to me. I didn't believe my eyes when the words in that e-mail slowly formed to make sense. As though it was some kind of a hoax playing tricks on me, but no, it was all so true and it left me with the surreal feeling that our life is full of twist and turns.

The wife of our dear CEO died yesterday after suffering a stroke during her pilates session. The news came as a shock. It was earlier this year when I first saw her during their visit at the plant. I don't know her personally but I've been hearing a lot of good things about her. And I can say that for the most part, all of those were true.

She's beautiful, tall and slender. She used to be a model and gave up her career when she got married. She's the type of woman that leaves everyone in the room gawking when she passes by. Not because she's beautiful... It's her personality that amazes everyone around. She exudes the kind of confidence that doesn't assert to flaunt. She's genuinely nice, compassionate, generous and warm. She doesn't make anyone feel a little less about themselves. She puts down their status symbol and reaches out to everyone in need. 

It's so hard to believe that she joined our Creator sooner than we've expected (if I'm not mistaken, she's still at her forties). But like everyone else in this temporary world, we all depart in our own time when our very purpose has ended. And as for Ma'am Ann-Kathrin, I believe she lived a full life, a life well spent, a remarkable one.

No amount of words could ever comfort the pain, the pain of losing someone we love. To Sir Bobby, I offer my prayers and sincerest sympathy to you and your family. May you find the strength to accept God's will and courage to hold on. The whole team is saddened by the loss of the person we've come to love and respect.

To Ma'am Ann-Kathrin, may you rest in eternal peace...

The 7 Things Part II

I wanted to make another post just before September tears its page off  the calendar. As I was contemplating on what to write, I remembered Rachel over at The Diary of a Dreamer tagged me for the LOVELY BLOG AWARD. Thanks Rachel! This is actually my second time. Unlike the first one when you just have to mumble your THANK YOUs, this one comes with 7 Facts about you. In this case, ME! I hope I'm not making my way to becoming a self-absorbed creature.

Am I? Oh no...

S**t!

Anyway, I did rounds on my previous posts just to see what are those things I haven't shared with you yet. I realized I'm almost there to expose my deepest, darkest secrets. Kidding! So here are some of the things which I think are pretty interesting facts about me, which you might want to know (I hope so).

**** The 7 Facts *****

#1. When I was in second grade, I got hit by a vehicle.

Call it stupidity or lack of common sense but I crossed the street when a vehicle was approaching. Sure my parents taught me to look at both sides first before crossing. And I don't know what caused my judgment to twitch, that I decided to cross when THERE'S a vehicle. Luckily, the driver noticed me at once but he's short on brakes so I landed at the hospital with bruises. 

#2. I listen to Taylor Swift.

Eyebrows down please... Alright. Not everybody loves Taylor and I don't adore her either. But I like some of her songs.

#3.  I'm afraid of snakes, worms and anything that crawls.

They're just ewwww!

#4. There are two things I'm addicted to right now : Facebook & Vampire Diaries.

Facebook is like part of my system, and if vampires are for real, I would like to become one! Ssshhh.....

#5. I wanted to become a lawyer when I was a child.

But I realized that reading law books are BORING. I'd rather debate with my friends over who's hotter - Damon or Stefan, than defending my guilty or not client.

#6. I've always been mistaken to have a foreign blood because of my surname.

Yeah. And they change their minds when they start to size me up. I think that's just R-U-D-E.

#7. I'm a weakling.

Wait. I'm too harsh on my self... I have a poor sense of balance. Okay, that sounds better. I almost had my right arm broken when I slipped at a friend's house. Another incident had my right arm (again) bruised when I slipped at the workplace. I have countless humiliating experiences in tripping and slipping (note that those two words rhyme).

That's it!