Expensive Therapy

I've been in the weirdest moods these days. Last night I looked up and I saw a full moon -- could that be it? Two days in a row I've given myself the therapy I needed -- $$$HOPPING. This is the time of the season to wait b/c what if I buy something that could possibly be a Christmas gift. Oh well. I did "minor" damage in one store that they gave me a free umbrella. Then I went to the boutiques in Forest Hills, and if you had left me there for another hour, I swear I would've dropped a total of a Grand (I came close though). You know how ppl become alcoholics when they don't feel emotionally well? Well, I become a shopaholic and it gets ugly. *sigh* The one thing giving me serenity is the fact that I've been keeping up w/ my work-outs (almost happy w/ the abs) and that I have been controlling the portions that I eat... for now. I had a cherry pie for the first time in my life today -- interesting. I'm still a cake girl xP

Tonight we're celebrating Priscilla's bday. Gonna get my drink on. Well, not really. 1-2 drinks is enough for me to forget about the full moon.

I'm blaming 70% of my problems on the full moon =P

Happy Turkey Day

Happy Turkey Day, everyone!

There's a lot to be thankful for... I'm thankful for being alive, healthy, loved, and sheltered. I am thankful for my parents, who are far away, yet are safe and enjoying their first few months of retirement together . I am thankful that family, friends, and my significant other fulfill a part of my life that help shaped how I talk, function, act, live. I am thankful I have my grandma and my nephew who whisper my prayers into God's busy ears in Heaven -- I'm thankful I have them to talk to 24/7. I'm thankful for hearing my alarm in the morning, rush hour, and stress b/c it just means I have work. I'm thankful for all the junk my mom leaves behind b/c I know it makes her happy and at least I have a mom who collects everything under the sun. I'm thankful for my annoying ability to be the spotless "Monica Geller" (from Friends) b/c that means I've learned well from my Dad. I'm thankful for complaining about the 2 lbs. I want to lose b/c that just means I eat well everyday. I'm thankful that my knee hurts b/c that means I was able to do all the jogging and activities that wear my body down. I'm thankful for any regrets I have b/c that means I'm able to have the confidence to move on and learn from it. I'm thankful for all my blessings...

Pimpin'

**Edit**

I'm taking three of the most finest, adorable, and cutest males, ever -- my three nephews Christopher, Jordan, and Ace. wooohooo!

**Edit**

On Friday, I have a date with not just one man, but two men. Jordan, get jealous b/c you're not one of them =P

Me and two of the most finest, adorable, and cutest males ever -- my two nephews Christopher and Ace -- are going to watch SpongeBob! So not only am I taking two guys out (my treat, fellas..hehe), but I'm taking them to watch my favorite cartoon character. I'm too excited right now. Then I will take them out to eat since they both can probably eat more than me (they're family, you can't expect any less). A date w/ my nephews, Spongebob, and dinner... Now that's big pimpin' =P

Football??

I never thought I would say this, but I like watching football. Basketball was easy to get into b/c my family watched it, and with baseball, I had to learn to like. With football, all I had to do was learn the talk, terms, plays, and positions, then I was good to go. This is my second week of watching it on my own. And today was also Eli Manning's starting debut as the NY Giants' Quarterback. I'm still a rookie at the sport, but I think he did a pretty good job for his debut even though they lost by 4. They actually could've won, but the Falcons were good with their sacks. If I was Eli, I would have tremendous pressure (which he might've had) b/c not only is it my starting debut, but I would have some big shoes to fill considering brother and dad are/were great players. I was happy for him when he threw the 6-yard touchdown pass to Shockey. I think football is more exciting -- there is constant action. I tend to be more patient with baseball -- innings can be very long and pitchers can take their sweet time. I also noticed I won't watch a sport unless a NY team is playing. I don't think you would catch me watching a football or baseball game on my own if two out-of-state teams were playing. I have to take baby steps getting into all this sports. =P I would hate to be a football player b/c I see how those guys get tackled, and how their bodies crash into each other and fly all over the place. Yikes.

Tonight, I also learned "Run the clock out" (??) means that if a team has no more time outs left, they have to run the clock out; finish up the time remaining. I saw the players kneeling and I thought "aww, how nice, they are all saying a prayer like one big family after the game". Yeah, I was wrong.

Quiet Saturday

It's the year death anniversary of my nephew today. But he's in heaven, so I'm not sad.

It's Noon on this cloudy Saturday. I'm home w/ my Aunt, but she's keeping busy. So basically, it feels like I'm alone. Not seeing Jordan today b/c he works. I already did errands. So what to do next? Maybe someone else out there who is just as bored might give my cell a call and kill a few minutes of the day...

Actually, I need to go to the grocery store and get a manicure today or tomorrow. Haven't decided on that one yet. I have to pick out my primary care physician, dentist, ob-gyn, and orthopedic... Geez, I seem like a sickly child, but since I have my own health insurance, I need to follow up on this stuff now, and not later.

Look what I found! Guess which one is my dad? The picture isn't too clear though. Hint: He's the most handsome one there (seriously) and I look just like him =)



Senior Chief Frondoso is the second one on the right. My mommy married a good-lookin' man, and my daddy married a beautiful woman.

What do you think? Do we look alike?

@#$%!*&

I can't believe I just got violated in the train!! I hope that son of a bitch somehow lands in jail and gets raped for being such a pervert! I'm not gonna even reveal my peverted encounter, but I swear, the ONLY thing stopping me from kicking him in the head was the thought of my parents. Sure I could physically take out my anger and revenge on him, but who knows what he is capable of doing -- I could be the one really getting hurt. This is how you know you truly deeply love someone -- when they pop into your head before you do anything irrational. This is what it must feel like to be a parent, except it's vice versa for me and I thought of my parents first. I don't want to bring them any worries or put myself in a situation where they might have a damn near heart attack. I've never been in a fight, nor do I intend to get into one. I'm a damn grown woman, but I feel like I have the right to hurt someone if they've violated me. A big part of me didn't want to tell Jordan b/c stuff like this upsets him like you can't even believe. But I was just too hurt to be quiet. I nearly cried knowing I couldn't hurt the pervert. So I told Jordan, now he never wants me on public transportation. That is very unrealistic b/c this is New York and life goes on. But I do understand his frustration -- trust me, I feel it, too. See the way I react to something not-so-big?? So imagine how I really feel about my worst fear... (for those who do know it).

NO man should ever disrespect a woman in any way, shape, or form. Your mother, the woman who gave you life, is a woman! That lil' fucker! (excuse my french)

In the meantime, not to end on such negativity (ha), for some reason, tonight this song seems to "hit the spot"; it's on repeat. Where were you in 2001 when it came out?

Bummin' around

I was supposed to clean the house today, but instead I sat on the couch in front of the tv for 2 hours with my over-sized sweater that says "NAVY"(in honor of my Daddy =P), gray sweats, pink socks that say "Cranky Princess", hair tied back, and a half gallon of Haagen-Daz's vanilla frozen yogurt with my big spoon. Of course, I kept pretending the frozen yogurt was instead Haagen-Daz's coffee ice cream (my favorite from that ice cream brand). Mmmm.. I just thought of Baskin Robin's Mint Chocolate Chip... ok, I have to snap out of Fatty Land. That's why I decided to go w/ the bland frozen yogurt - less love handles. I decided I deserved this rest since I went home early from work today b/c I wasn't feeling well. I didn't think there would be a lot of people riding the train at 4pm, but there was a huge crowd. It was also b/c high school kids got out at that time, too. Of course you had your little 15-16 year old kids making stupid comments, but I just gave them this look like "how old are you?!". At that age, they seem to talk to anything that has legs and long hair. Rocking the cradle isn't my thing. Besides, their mentality/maturity has to fast-forward 20 years.

I'll clean this weekend b/c I predict a boring weekend since it will be stupid weather. Oh well. I'll use that time to bum around some more. You know what sorta annoys me? When a video or show w/ some girl's amazing body comes on and I'm in front of the tv eating like a pig. That right there makes me feel guilty for eating the way I do. I feel all disgusting all of a sudden. What a way to kill a woman's pig-out session -- put on a Beyonce video! OK, I'm out.. time to put the frozen yogurt back into the freezer, away from my mouth.


So here's what I watched on TV that I had something to say about:

The Apprentice was good today. I love that show. It's one of the best reality shows b/c you actually learn something, as opposed to finding out who is cheating/sleeping with who this week. I also learned that it pays to be on the debate team b/c you can bullshit your way out of situations. I could use that skill at times ;)

I also watched "Happy Birthday Jessica, Love Nick" on MTV. I love Nick and Jessica. I guess b/c it reminds me of my own relationship. But hands down, I think Jessica acts more "blonde" than I do. And neither of us sing or are millionaires. I have my doofy moments (or as Jordan likes to say "you can build computers but you can't figure this [whatever we're talking about] out?!".. I respond w/ laughing and a quick "shut up!"), but thank God I don't have too many of those.

I want to wear my gold shoes again! >=/

Lilies!

Look what Jordan surprised me with when he picked me up =)


LILIES, my favorite! Only one blossomed, so that means I'll be having them around for awhile until they all blossom *aww shucks!*

Nov. 13, 1982

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

Friday (Nov. 12) - Happy Birthday to Ate Alena and Din! Jackie took me out to Park Side for dinner - a really good and classy Italian place (another one of our spots). I had such a great time. Thanks Jackie!

Today (as of 3PM) - Went to the mall and found myself a bday outfit. The gold sexy, 4.5-inch heels were even sexier =P . Had some Tierras Colombianas again w/ Jackie. Jackie got me my own hard cover copy of my favorite book, a DVD of one of my favorite movies, and a DVD of the best season of one of my favorite shows. See, you don't need to buy me expensive things, just the things that show you know me and pay attention to the little details. *awwww*

**Update: Next day**

I had the BEST time in Play. I haven't had this much fun on my birthday in a long time. Mimi and I combined our bday celebration since her bday is the 15th. I had a lot of fun and so did everyone else there. I'm glad =) The pictures will tell all, but as a warning, there are a lot of pics, and I actually have more that I didn't post up b/c it was just too many pictures (116 total). Click here for the pics.

I got the best buzz and I only had 3 drinks. What bugged me out is that I woke up this morning at 8AM feeling sick. Turns out, I threw up twice! I don't get it, 3 drinks don't do it for me like that. I wasn't even a stumbling, babbling drunk. I was just feeling GOOOOD =) Jordan came over and took care of me - gave me some ginger ale and some food to put in my empty tummy. So now I'm resting up at home waiting for the Giants game so that I can feel better for another bday dinner tonight - as you can tell, my bday celebration is a whole weekend! (Just how it should be.. lol)

***Few hours later***

Nobu at Tribeca was unbelievable. The food really has a taste that your taste buds never experienced before. Go look up the menu in the Internet. Jordan and I ordered the Omakase (Chef's special) where it is a 6-7 course dinner (of small portions of course) where you don't know what he will make for you. He will make the menu up to him. But they find out if it is your first time there and if it is, they will give you the signature/popular items on the menu. I tried a lot of things for the first time (i.e. Oysters w/ caviar). The portions were small, but I was so full after. Service was great, food was great, my date was great.

I had an amazing birthday weekend, and I wish it didn't have to end . I would do it all over again. I love everyone for coming out or even calling me on my birthday.

Michelle, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! I'm so glad to share our birthdays!

Cheated

I opened my birthday card from my parents a little more than a day early =P I couldn't wait. They already gave me my bday gift before they left, but I was curious to know what the card read. And this is what it says:

Jamlen,
You mean so much to us. We've always been so proud of you, not only for your personal accomplishments and gifts, but for what you add to the family. You're so giving, always willing to share with those you love, whether it's your time, your care and concern or your delightful sense of humor. You bring something special to our family just by being you, and we love you very much. Have a Happy Birthday

We always love you,
Mommy and Daddy

*sniffles* :)

Kuya, I wish you a safe flight and a great time. Show the Philippines what "Co-op" really looks like =P

Restless Inspiration

Today I had the chance to listen to one of the best speakers I've come across with. Joan Helpern from "Joan and David" women's shoes and apparel. Her story was so captivating and inspirational. I didn't take my eyes off of her. She's a 70-something woman with so much knowledge about life, so much style and class, so much energy, and so much to tell. I could go on and on about her, but if you wanted to know, then just ask me. I'm just glad I went. She did make a point that reminded me of a talk I just had with my manager. My manager cares about me and my development. I've always known this and we have our sporatic "deep and motivating" talks sometimes. Actually she does more of the talking and I do a lot of listening. Today she came up to me and we started talking about something and the conversation veered off and then she started talking about managers should dedicate the time and effort to teach and pass on knowledge. To make a long story short the points that she made and awed me were:
1. She wants to see me move up, help me obtain essential skills, and encourage and push me to be the best
2. Just as I learn from her, she learns from me (now THAT comment blew me away b/c it was sincere and I just got all emotional inside for a little bit)
3. Always help the people around you (that's what Joan was also stressing). A person is successful if he/she makes sure that the people who work for him/her succeeds.

Oh, one of Joan's last words of advice was for us women (it was a Society of Women Engineers seminar) was to marry a man who is supportive of our drive and restlessness; a man who is not scared for a woman to move ahead w/ so much drive and determination. And that's exactly what my future husband will understand b/c women like her and my manager just motivate me to go as high and as far as I can while being able to experience the world. Damnit, I'm going to at least one city in Italy for my vacation in a few months! (hopefully)

I also learned today that I don't have to eat so much to get full, and I don't have to eat until I'm crazy full. I didn't have meat for dinner, which is rare. Maybe this so-called "controlled eating habits" will work for me after all.

I'm craving SWEET hot chocolate!!!

Weekend recap

***
[edit]
Here is me trying to be Alicia Keys - see if you can spot all my mistakes =P: click here
If you remember the 80's guess what 1985 movie this theme song is from: click here
***

It was a very productive weekend. And this is a very long entry. Here I go:

Friday = spoke to parents =) Always happy about that. They found a huge single floor bungalow in Baguio City, Philippines. 1 huge living room, 2.5 master bedrooms, 1 "normal" bedroom, a maids quarters, kitchen, and bath. It's located in a complex. My Mommy is excited to start decorating. Then went to Play (a lounge) to celebrate Charles' birthday. It was a couple thing, but my girls were seated in one side of the couch and the guys were on the other. It reminded me of grammar school days when girls and guys separated their ways. I must admit, I have some sexy ass girlfriends b/c all of them were so pretty dressed up. The pictures I have of them don't do them justice =P

Saturday = This was the SUPER productive day. Went to the bank, picked up and dropped off dry cleaning, cleaned bathroom, cleaned out the fridge, wiped the stove, cleaned room, vacuumed apt, got a car wash (finally), filled up my gas tank, paid November bills, started Christmas shopping, bought and wrapped Rosa's babyshower gift. Geeeez.. Then went Christmas shopping =)

I think my favorite room to clean in my apt is the bathroom. I do it so well that even the toilet bowl smells really nice =P .. Besides, it's the smallest room in the house to clean =) Then I finally did the Christmas shopping I've been meaning to start since 2 weeks ago. I got the majority of the females in my family. I would say I'm 1/2 done w/ the Christmas shopping. I haven't started on the kids yet. I was actually good. I didn't buy too much for myself xP . I want this cashmere multi color scarf! It was $50. For a scarf, that's expensive, but it felt so soft b/c it was cashmere. Every woman should indulge herself w/ at least one cashmere item. Maybe I'll buy it as my bday gift to myself. hmmm...

Then, I had some bangin' Colombian food w/ Jackie. I love eating with her. Especially the Colombian food in our usual spot (Tierras Colombianas). I think my love for Colombian food is where my hips came from ;) I always order the same thing, maybe I'll switch it up a bit next time, or order some sancocho (haven't had that in awhile).

Sunday = watched SpongeBob for an hour before church. He really makes me smile, especially when I sing along to the intro song. At Mass, I was happy Father Kush was doing the sermon again today. He said a lot of things that made sense about death. A lot of people are scared of death. But they shouldn't worry too much about it, rather, they should think how they have lived life. Life isn't about how successful you are or the things you've achieved. Life is about preparing for the after-life -- the life where it really matters b/c you'll be there for eternity. See what I mean, I don't usually blog about religious topics, but this priest makes me reflect, which is a good thing. It especially applies to me b/c I put a lot of focus on my future and where I want to be and what I want to have (like many people). I want so much and I worry if I'll be able to get the things I want. Don't get me wrong, its good to think about these things, but it's not all about that, there's more to life than getting material things. I know it's harder said that done, but it's something worth thinking about. He said a lot more things that made made me go "hmm", but I can't remember at this moment. All I remember is at the end of the Homily, he said that at judgement day the question will be "how have you loved?" instead of "what have you accomplished?".

Today is Family day. I will be missing the Giants play, but I will be celebrating two birthdays early. Sister-in-law's and mine. Had a lot of food (as always), German chocolate cake, played Gestures and Pictionary. Had some funny moments (as always) and even a sort of X-rated gesture thanks to one of my brothers =P. Received gifts I will definitely use. Click here for pictures and movie clips of the day.

Michelle, hang in there girl. Remember what I told you, you're going to have to be even stronger to continue... We're here for you. *muah*

The weekends always go by too quick.

>=/

I hate arguments. I hate arguing.
I also hate being scared.

>=/

*Ouch*

I burned my tongue eating a large wonton soup. The soup was pretty diesel and I couldn't finish all of it. It was gooood. I am tired of eating junk and I Just thought soup was better than the normal greasy fast stuff. But now my tongue feels like it has blisters!! I keep putting ice chips in my mouth and now I'm using ice cubes, but I think my tongue is SO hot that the ice melts right away. It hurts so much, how do I cure a burned tongue?

Bush won. ouch.


** 2 hours later **

All of a sudden, after a refreshing shower, I got urge to ramble about politics. [Stop reading now if politics bores you] I read something today on CNN.com that spurred this rambling -- click here

[if you actually like what you just read in that link, then you might as well click the 'x' on top right of your screen b/c then you won't want to read what I have to say b/c everyone has a right to their opinion]

I agree w/ what Jenny said. A president is elected to take care of the people, our welfare, and the economy, not meddle into our private, individual lives. This is why back in the days of God-knows-what century, the Church and State were separated for a reason. I don't think people should ban or have any legal say on same-sex marriage b/c that is the choice of the individual(s). Fine, I understand some people bring religion into this debate where the bible says same-sex marriage isn't allowed, but this brings back my point of the Church and State being separated. A person and his/her religion is private and what right or wrong he/she does is between God and that person ONLY. The government needs to BUTT OUT. Any president wants to better the lives of Americans and American children, right? So lets say a child is born into this world without any hope of a future b/c of whatever unfortunate reason is at the moment. Then come along a same-sex couple who adopt this child and give everything and more to him/her. That is one less child growing up on the streets or living in horrible, unloving conditions. Forget the other people's thoughts of "how is the child going to understand or grow up if he/she has 2 mommies/daddies". Again, that's up to the parents and how they choose to raise the child and explain things to him/her. Again, its no ones business, except for that family, about what explanations and what-not they'll give to the kid. I just think those voters who are dying to get these constitutional amendments for banning same-sex marriages should concentrate on their own lives and solve their own problems before reaching in and meddling w/ people's private choices and lives. There are BIGGER problems in our country, people. I may not know all the constitutional amendments or the rules and laws of this country, but my opinion is something I strongly stand by. peace.

Yin Yang

Sometimes, getting caught up in our daily routines day in and day out, year after year, make us forget just how lucky we are to share our lives w/ people we love. We spend so much time w/ certain people that we sometimes don't think too much about the good things that were already "carved in" from the start... He has a heart of gold, gives more than he receives, puts family first. He is accepting, kind, generous. He's funny, adorable, laid back, intelligent. He protects, makes jokes, socializes, means well. I know I get in my moods (a lot of the times) where I complain and wished things were done this way in stead of that, but who doesn't get that way. Nobody's perfect, but not everyone has a good heart. I'm lucky to have found someone who means well, and has a good heart. In addition to my family, I am lucky to have someone like Jordan.

I just thought about this today NOT because I was reminded in any way or something happened. Jordan just told me a story which was very stressful. When you listen to the stressful things going on w/ some people, I guess your mind just clicks somewhere along the way to find that silver lining, that good thing that might negate the negative things. To be honest, the stress/negative things are still there, but its not that bad anymore.

On another note, I really like this song -- if you're into lyrics, keep reading.

Restless tonight
Cause I wasted the light
Between both these times
I drew a really thin line
It's nothing I planned
And not that I can
But you should be mine
Across that line

If I traded it all
If I gave it all away for one thing
Just for one thing
If I sorted it out
If I knew all about this one thing
Wouldn't that be something

I promise I might
Not walk on by
Maybe next time
But not this time

Even though I know
I don't want to know
Yeah I guess I know
I just hate how it sounds

[wish i had one of those smiley animations to put here]

In case you are wondering why I named the entry "Yin Yang", it's self explanatory if you know what it means. If not, this is what I pulled off the web: "They are not completely black or white, just as things in life are not completely black or white, and they cannot exist without each other....causing everything to happen: just as things expand and contract, and temperature changes from hot to cold."

Everyone has their own interpretation, the one above is NOT my full interpretation. I just don't want to say/write my explanation of Yin Yang.

Random pics I haven't gotten to organizing yet

There's no place like home

I noticed that there is no place like home. Everytime I come in, I always feel a little better. I hate it when I'm on the train and have to pee, but I can't b/c I'm not close to home. But when I'm finally getting closer to my building, its like I have to pee 20x more - like your bladder knows your getting closer. So then I'm in the elevator doing this weird dance until I realize there is a camera on my elevator, and I'm sure I'm amusing the doorman.

Speaking of home, I found a stash of my mom's mini Purell Hand Sanitizers. She has 50! I noticed people at work have them on their desk, but this size is so cute. Girls could put it in the their tiny clutches, and guys could put it in their pockets w/out the bulk. I don't know why I mentioned that, but anyway, moving on....

My brother emailed me reminding me more about our day together. So let me do a little bit of updating. And his email goes:

"My God, so many places we went to we forgot, we also went to The
Maritime Hotel, Zara, Otto Tootsie Plohound, and the PRADA store...
That was a lot of fun. Let's do it again soon. I know a great brunch
place in the lower East Side. : )

Here's a fashion New York City Guide:
http://www.luxuryfashion.com/goddess_nyc.html "

He's right, I forgot some places. The Maritime Hotel was cool, it looked like a ship because the windows were round. The PRADA store had a circular glass elevator w/ seats and their dressing room was all high tech. If you stepped into the fitting room, the door closes but its clear glass. So everyone can see you change... until you step on this big button and the glass automatically fogs up. Pretty cool. I would feel like I'm in a Men in Black or Matrix movie (some futuristic movie). The funny thing about the shoe store called Otto Tootsie Plohound was that ALL their employees were Filipino. I mean ALL. It was a little weird b/c at first I thought "how cool", but then I thought about discrimination (what if a person of another race wanted a job there). They're my peoples, so I'm not going to complain so much. And this staffing wasn't only in that particular store, I heard all Otto Tootsie Plohound stores only employed Filipinos. So um, if you're looking to hook up w/ a Filipino guy/girl, I guess there's a place to start looking =P

Now that I'm reading up on the stores my brother took me to, I didn't realize that he took me to places where they filmed Sex and the City and where all the celebrities shop. Too bad I didn't spot anyone interesting.