12.30.2004

Febbre di Italia / Anno Nuovo

The other day Agatha said she had "Febbre di italia" (Translation: Italy Fever). I think I'm catching that right now. She's been great w/ the research and things-to-pack. Don't worry, I'll give my two cents once I get a moment to myself. We're both excited. A little less than 2 weeks left. This whole week I've been so tired... and stressed.

"Anno Nuovo" (Translation: New Year)
New Year's Eve. Gonna spend time w/ family. I still would like to sleep by 1am. I'm such a tired person. Am I taking my vitamins? Not making any resolutions - never did, don't want to. 2004 has been a great year. Maybe one of my "bestest".

Made it through school, learned a lot about myself and my strengths and weaknesses as a woman, a couple of graduations here, a couple of marriages there, a few pregnancies (must be the year of the babies), crazy situations, not learning my lessons, booked Italy (for the first time in my life I'm going to Europe), one of the greatest Christmases I've had, first time to buy gifts for everyone, became an "adult" in my family's eyes, full time working girl, my own health insurance, Jordan sells his car, got back to reading books, killed my feet w/ those high and sexy shoes (too stubborn to stop buying them), keeping in touch w/ college friends, apt renovation, "the parents" met, took my parents and Jordan's parents to dinner and paid ($$$$!),
took my parents shopping and paid ($$$!), opened a brokerage account (still don't fully understand that), loved ones getting sick or in trouble, relationship reflections (right, ladies?) . All this and I've managed to become closer w/ family and friends, which I thought we were as close as close could get.

Hope 2005 is just as good or better. See ya in the new year!

12.28.2004

Pretty Good Day

Today was a pretty good day...

Work was good. Although it took 7 hours to get good results from the application testing I needed to do today, I still was able to receive and document the results.

Was craving Pastrami for some strange reason, and ended up having it for lunch.

The train ride home was pretty good, too... nose turned red =) ...and my feet didn't get hypothermia like I thought it would.

I couldn't get songs to go to my iPod, but I finally made it work (after 2 days) and 300 songs are now stored in the iPod, ready for use on the train tomorrow - if you call my name, I can't hear youuuu - la la la la la....

Felt lazy to work out, but Dad convinced me otherwise, now I feel better after a good sweat.

Always like to shower w/ music, but don't/can't. But thanks to Jay and Nikki, I brought in the Portable iPod stereo docking thingy majingy into the bathroom, blasted my music, and took an extra long shower b/c I probably kept singing and dancing. =P

My PC is crazy when I load DVDs into it, but got it to work for Sex and the City, Season 1. Got my Do Not Disturb sign up =P Gonna get my dose of SJP right now. peace.

12.27.2004

Christmas Recap

Christmas this year was one of the best. Not only did Santa surprise me w/ things I was hoping for, but most importantly, my parents and family were all together. My parents could've been in the Philippines, but it wouldn't be right. On top of that, it was Jordan's first Christmas with the entire family. I think he got more presents than me =P. He was overwhelmed b/c being that there are 16 of us, there is so much hustle and bustle, and so many presents. He hasn't had that kind of Christmas since he was a little kid. Glad to have brought back a little of his past =) Of course, when I opened up gifts of underwear, the jokes started flying to Jordan and he just turned his head like "I don't know what that is and I'll never see her in those". haha... cute.

At 12am Christmas Eve we did Yankee Swap (our family version of Secret Santa using numbers) and then ate some dessert. After dessert, it was time to distribute the presents. Each person got one or two from each family, so each person got an average of 8-10 gifts. Then starting from the youngest, he/she would sit in the middle and open gifts one-by-one. We finished at 5am. I'm having so much trouble w/ my Internet or something, I cannot update my page, only my blogs. So I can't even post a few pics. So instead, click here for Christmas pictures.

Christmas Day. It was off to go see Jordan's dad in the hospital and give him his gifts. For dinner it was my turn to be w/ Jordan's family. At his brothers house was where we exchanged gifts. I think humor runs in his family b/c everyone was making me laugh. His mother and I almost threw up our food later that night from laughing so much. I love his family.

12.26.2004

Little Rascals

Three of my nephews came over to spend the night (Kurt - 10 yrs old, Chris - 9 yrs old, Ace - 5 yrs old) and oh boy oh boy oh boy...

I'm nowhere near ready for motherhood, or at least give me a big house w/ a huge basement and they can tear that room apart; they can whack it up all they want. The cutest part of the day, other than their faces and eating habits, was when I was in the shower. The 5 yr old one (who looks like he's 3 b/c he's so cute and petite) barges right in while I'm showering. I'm like "uhh, excuse me..". But of course, he has to go so I cannot deny the boy the toilet. The shower door isn't exactly clear, but I'm not entirely blocked. The toilet is next to the tub, so I'm laughing to myself while he is peeing b/c he acts like the man of the house and comes and goes as he pleases. He's my little man (nephew and God son), so he can do (almost) anything he wants. Then the 10 yr old starts talking to me about football audibles and sacks. I'm looking at him like how did you know this. He learned it from PS2 games. It took me 20+ yrs to learn those terms and he just learns by himself at 10. Smart kid.

I still have a whole bunch of crap to do before sleeping so I'll have to post up myChristmas pictures and stories (if I remember them) tomorrow. For now, I'm out...

12.24.2004

Freeeedom!!

It's 3am and I just finished watching Braveheart, and in the wise words of Aggie...GANGSTA'!!! Bra-freakin-vo! Believe the hype, this movie is all that. I want the DVD, and I don't like buying DVDs. I've never bought one, nor do I want to, up until this movie. Wow. It came out in 1995 and almost 10 years later is when I see it? What's wrong w/ me?!? Thank you for lending it to me! I want to see it again. I'm in complete awe of Mel Gibson's talent and this movie. He has the ability to direct movies that move you -- if you watched The Passion and Braveheart, then you definitely know what I'm talking about.

wow.

In case I won't be able to blog this weekend.... MERRY CHRISTMAS / HAPPY HOLIDAYS PEOPLE!! =)

12.22.2004

Whatever, Man

Is it just me, or do some people sometimes have one of those days they wish they were someone else, or in some other different situation at the moment? I'm having one of those days.

Tonight, nothing bothers me, yet everything bothers me. It's my last day of work on Thurs. I was excited for the Holiday weekend up until tonight - I hate when moods are ruined. I think this is the part where I rather I have a different situation or be someone else... just for the moment.

Maybe some of the apathy or calmness I feel came from my workout, or maybe b/c I didn't eat dinner (but I'm not hungry). I'm just glad my both my parents raised me to be productive and independent -- tonight, these two thoughts are keeping me sane at the moment.

I want to say and analyze so much more b/c I have so much more to say, but I don't think it's appropriate, so I'll keep it to myself. I have lots of private thoughts that I keep to myself. There are thoughts I don't tell my family, my best friends, my boyfriend. I guess that's the Scorpio in me -- secretive, among other things. It's those silent stings that'll hurt if we get fed up enough.

In the words of Method Man and Redman, "Whatever, Man!!"

12.21.2004

Holiday Party

**edit**

I'm watching the 10 o' clock news and they are talking to a U.S. soldier (Drill Sergeant) in Iraq and letting him communicate w/ his family in NY through WB 11 news. The whole time he's smiling ear-to-ear but if you look closely, tears are running down his cheeks all the while he's smiling. His family is like 20 people deep. I feel soooo bad for soldiers serving our country who are away this holiday, away from their family. I started getting emotional and shed a tear or two for him and all the others stuck out there. I have a lot to be thankful for *sniffles*

**end edit**


My first company Holiday Party was so much fun. I never expected it to turn out the way it did. After eating good food, I danced the whole time until I had to go. I found out my dad was so sweet to pick me up w/out me calling, that I didn't want to leave him waiting outside, so I left at 9pm (party ended at 10pm). I drank wine, danced w/ my managers and entire team and just had a grand 'ol time. I will definitely want to go to next year's. I love my team more than ever. Yes, they're smart and good at what they do, but they also have great qualities that I admire -- for example, my boss(es) won't take crap from anyone. They'll stand up for the team and their work. They know what's going on, and just have this realistic attitude and approach w/ everything, and always get the work done. My main boss is also the no-bullshit type -- I like that -- simple, professional, and straight to the point. On top of that, they know how to boogie! I have a newfound respect for them when I saw them tearin' up the dance floor. lol.

By the end of, or during, or the beginning of next week, I will be changing/adding some pictures on my website -- mostly the group picture of all my girls (I'm missing Karen there, but there's a new one w/ all 7 of us that you'll see soon), family pictures, and pictures of Jordan and I. Basically the whole "Heart" section will have addition and changes. I found a really nice idea for a new page design (w/ special effects and everything), but I'm lazy at the moment to start a new design, and I haven't gotten tired of "Milestones" yet.

This week is going to be a little busy. Other than work, this week I find myself:
[] having to put together my christmas gift presentation (ribbons, bows, cards, etc)
[] finding time to take my cousin out to dinner before he goes back to Philly for school
[] catching Jackie after her Vegas trip to give her Christmas gift before I go upstate - on Friday she comes at 8pm, I leave for upstate at 9pm
[] working out the whole week just to stuff my face the whole weekend -- I need to fit into my work pants come Monday.
[] making some minor changes to my site, which is a pain in the ass at times, especially if I want to get creative
[] did I pay my bills? hmmm.... =/
[] researching/reading up on Italy -- 22 days (3 weeks) to plan for a trip to a foreign country where I don't know the language.
[] laundry!!! (overdue)
[] dry cleaning!!! (overdue)
[] I need a scrap book!! (overdue)
[] helping Jordan w/ "online stuff"
[] making sure he gets this-and-that done before this-and-that date

...and this is just this week...

12.19.2004

Officially Speaking Pt. 2

More official news in the order they happened (another long entry):

It's official, Italy here comes Aggie and Jam! It's booked -- sign, sealed, and delivered (well, in a few weeks the tickets will be delivered). The package that we orginially wanted was fully booked, but the travel agent was so nice enough to research and find prices for airfare+hotel that came out to only $10 more than the package we were going for. We are staying in Rome Jan. 12-Jan. 19 (6 nights total). We'll be staying in Rome, but visiting 2 (trying for 3) cities. We have in mind Rome, Venice, Florence. I hear Venice is a little far and ppl keep telling me to do Rome and Florence and save Venice w/ Jordan b/c its absolutely romantic. We'll see, if Aggie and I have time, I'll have to just get romantic w/ her.. hehe, j/k! If the weather remains at what the average reporting is (55 degrees) then that should be better for two girls who love the Fall season. I'm crossing my fingers the weather will be perfect, but if it isn't, its ok b/c New Yorkers have been through it all.

It's official, Ray and Karen are a married couple, and Zaida has been baptized into the Catholic Church. Friday night, everything was as perfect as perfect can be -- the gorgeous bride, the handsome groom (w/ a pair of sneakers that I really like =P) the fairytale wedding, the adorable baptism (that's b/c Zaida made it adorable), and the fun reception. Karen's sister gave a
poignant speech -- they have so much love to give, and anybody who knows them sees that. Zaida came into the world to one of the greatest families. Congratulations to 3 of them! I've known Karen since I was 6 years old. 16 years later, I've been blessed w/ an opportunity to gain another family (her husband Ray and their daughter Zaida). I'm just glad that another 16+ years of being in their lives is in store for me. Watching Zaida grow up will give me just as much joy as watching Karen grow up. From singing the "Twelve days of Christmas" to their wedding bells, I'm so lucky to be a part of all of it. I was in charge of taking pictures of the ceremony that by the time the reception came, I had no battery. So now, I'm relying on the other girls so send me their reception pictures. I noticed a pattern b/c even in Wendy's Wedding reception I forgot my camera. One of the biggest and exciting events in a girl's life, my camera somehow doesn't make it to the reception. During the father-daughter dance, I was absolutely bawling! Tears just kept flowing. I mean I get teary eyed when vows are exchanged b/c thats my lil' Karen up there getting married, but the father-daughter dance topped all crying. Not only was I an emotional wreck b/c I saw Karen crying even more w/ her dad, but I thought of my own daddy. I think someone will have to dance right behind me and my dad w/ a box of Kleenex. Anyway, to the beautiful family.... *raising my glass*

Hmmm.. 2 down, 5 more to go... who shall be the next bride? (Jackie? Michelle? Lillian? Priscilla? Me?). Ladies, unfortunately, there are so many pics (240), that you have to wait until I burn them into a CD or get them up another way.

It's official, I got my shopping habits from my Mom. For the past two days, I've gone out w/ my parents and my mom and I seem to find ourselves buying stuff, whether for us or someone in the family. Mostly small stuff, but still. Then I found out she will work two shifts once a week at her the job she just retired from -- Registered Nursing Supervisor. One of my mom's greatest qualities is that she is a hard worker. Most people wouldn't want to think twice about going back to work after they retired, but here she is wanting to make extra money for, get this... shopping. =P But I know that's half true b/c I'm sure they have a lot to pay/settle before they both leave for good in February; there's a lot of things/paperwork to take care of, so the extra pay wouldn't hurt at all. Besides, she's a workaholic, and that's something I admire -- she works to give herself and her family the best. Other than that, shopping runs in the family b/c it goes the same for my sisters and brothers. What can I say, it's in the blood.

I just got to thinking about my dad. I noticed that almost every Daddy's Little Girl will wants to marry someone who resembles her father - at least that's my theory. My dad gets mad over something, which gets me mad b/c I have to lecture him for thinking not-nice thoughts. Then I'm the one who ends up aggrivated, yelling and putting on this face. My dad sees this and says all calmly "My God, Girl, I thought I was the one w/ high blood pressure". I can't help but laugh b/c I really don't want to laugh. I think its a great quality when any man makes a woman smile/laugh in times of aggrivation or anger (especially when she's not in the mood to smile/laugh). It shows me that he knows not to take life so seriously -- b/c even I forget that and need a reminder now and then. If my dad has that quality, then that's what I want my bf to have that quality -- which, thankfully, he has...

It's official, my brother turned FA-BU-LOUS 40 w/ a fabulous bday outfit, limo, and dinner party =) And the entire family (14 of us) got a chance to be a part of it. We went to The Manor in West Orange, NJ in a stretch limo and had an all-you-can-eat lobster buffet. It was such a beautiful and formal atmosphere. My nephew and my dad ate 6 whole lobsters. I'm not sure how much my brother ate. I had 2.5 whole lobsters, among other things. Then it was off to go to his house at 11:30 in another limo, a stretch SUV limo, received party favors, then the bday celebrant opened his gifts. It was a great night and my brother is even more fabulous at 40. He showed Jordan and I the roof of his building, and staring at you was the top of Empire State Building. He lives in Chelsea, and his apt's view on the 11th floor is also the top of the Empire State Building. You could see how beautiful Manhattan is from his roof top. It even made Jordan think about living in the city, and that's rare since he can't stand the congestion. He has a beautiful apt w/ all the newest furniture/electronics/decoration, a really nice building w/ gorgeous roof top facilities and view, a career he is so talented at and most people would die for (Senior Graphic Designer), a chance to literally see the world (visited 120 cities? is that right? .. and counting), a family who loves him unconditionally, friends he can laugh and share memories with, and the list goes on. Congratulations, Kuya, on being able to make a party called Life last for 40 years, and and still counting! Pictures here


12.16.2004

Earth to Dad

I don't know if it's old age, or maybe I just never noticed it, but my dad is something else. We were in the car today and for some strange reason, I asked him "What do you tell people when they ask you what your daughter does for a living?". At first he goes "I don't know". I went bug-eyed b/c he's been driving me to work for 6 months (minus the 2 he's been gone) and he was there when I got my offer-letter. So this was the conversation:

Dad: Oh, you work in financial
Me: I work in "financial"...what?
Dad: [silence]
Dad: Programming!
Me: Nooooo! I told you I don't like programming; I don't enjoy it.
Dad: Then what, girl!?
...More guessing, then finally...
Me: I'm a Business Analyst
Dad: Ohhh, Financial Analyst!
Me: Noooooo! BUSINESS Analyst
Dad: [pauses] what the hell is that?! You analyze businesses??
Me: [Don't remember if I was cracking up or getting annoyed]
Me: I think I will explain some other day when I'm more calm
...a few minutes pass....
Me: So what do I do again?
Dad: [all confident] You're a Marketing Analyst!
Me: [I laughed so hard I literally was smacking the dashboard]
Dad: [cracking the f- up]
Me: BUSINESS ANALYST!!!

Yep, you gotta love my dad. I think he smoked or got high on contact or something in the Philippines b/c this conversation was unreal. I was cracking up just typing it.

Today feels good. I ate my dad's cooking (spare ribs w/ veggies) for the first time in two months and boy did I miss it. I'm sitting in front of my PC not worrying about the garbage, dishes, mess (its their mess this time). I could just chill and watch tv. And I don't have to work tomorrow either -- even better. I am going to Karen's wedding/Zaida's Baptism =)

12.15.2004

Officially Speaking

It's offical, my parents are back!! .... and they are now both sleeping ... hehe. I walk in all excited like a little kid walking into a candy store for the first time, but I find my mom asleep on the couch and my dad asleep on the bed. I get a kiss and a hug from mom, and smile and a kiss from my dad then he flops back asleep. They brought lots of sweets/snacks from the Philippines and clothes and gifts from Thailand. Shirt, perfume, underwear, candy, etc. for me =) The house is going to go back to being a little crazy w/ so much stuff around. Plus she went Christmas shopping in the Philippines/Thailand, so now the living room is covered w/ gifts for the family. So far, I have 14 gifts wrapped, and still counting. Yes, I'm also officially BROKE. =) Now that they're back, I have to sleep in my smaller room, in my smaller bed - booo xP

It's official, Jordan sucks balls at surprises, and he knows it too!! He tells me that he's gotten me 3 gifts for Christmas. Then he looks at my Puma bag and says "Nice bag". I look at him all confused b/c he's seen it before and said he liked it before. So once I figure out his non-welcomed hint, I playfully scream and hit him on the arm b/c he just gave away the fact that he got me Puma sneakers to match my bag.. GRrrRrr.. (I say this w/ a smile). He officially sucks w/ surprises. When he got me a tennis bracelet, he gave another un-welcomed hint and said the gift goes nicely w/ my watch. Duh, I would figure it out. Then he made my Christmas surprise worse by actually confirming it a few hours later w/ a phone call that went something like "Somebody's getting Pumas". Sheeesh. I told him we gotta work on his "surprise me" skills. I'm happy he's getting me sneakers b/c I wanted a pair of kicks and I couldn't decide from all the choices out there. So at least he decided that for me. If I had to guess on his 3 gifts for me, I'd say: the Sex and the City collection of 5 or 6 seasons, Pumas, and this Estee Lauder cream I wanted. Santa's been gooooood to me.. hahaha -- that's b/c I've been nice (...or naughty? hehe, j/k!)

It's offical, I'm an emotional & nostalgic nut. I need a time machine to go back in time >> 1980's. My mom brought back pictures of me when I was 1 years old up until 8 years old. I wanted to cry b/c (1) I don't remember a few of those moments in the pictures and (2) I want to go back to that age where I didn't know better than to play w/ my toys, get my clothes picked out for me, and just enjoy life the way I thought it was -- fun and simple. I could look at those pictures over and over again for hours. Hopefully, someone else will appreciate looking at them other than me and my parents. I had a bangin' childhood and I always would want to return to that age (5 yrs. old) forever if I had a choice. I saw all the toys/dolls/clothes/hairstyles I used to have. There were several pictures where I straight up looked like a boy b/c for some reason my parents chopped my hair exactly like a boys. They didn't understand why they did that either. I remember crying for days. You can't take away long hair from a young girl -- you don't see princesses w/ a "ceasar" or "fade" hehe. Ok, I'm babbling about the past that I can't go back to. Shut up, Jam.

Stayed tuned for an update to this entry b/c I'm crossing my fingers for another offical news coming my way before the week ends.



12.12.2004

Restlessness

This entire weekend I've been feeling what I call restless. I either keep thinking, or I want to do something, or I want something to happen. This time I cannot blame it on the full moon b/c I doubt there is one. I was at Mass today and my favorite priest was holding the Mass, yet I couldn't even pay full attention. I got mad at myself for that. But honestly, in Church I kept thinking about how I miss my Grandma. I really want her to be here. I was alone all weekend and times like that I would love to drive up to Greenwich, Connecticut to spend the weekend there. I wish she could still be alive. I know she's in a better place, but I'm just being selfish. I miss her cooking, her voice, her smiles, her cooking, her smell, her hands, her cooking, her hugs, her laugh, her gifts, her face, her presence. So before I starting getting emotional (oops.. too late), I will change the subject. Then I was also thinking about my vacation. I think Jordan won't be traveling w/ me b/c he will take care of his dad. I on the other hand will travel and will either bring my parents or bring Agatha (college roomie) w/ me. It would be a good idea to go w/ my parents considering they only have two months left before they move to Philippines for good, and you never know what may happen in life. So spending a vacation in Europe w/ them sounds good. That was Jordan's idea =). Now I just have to speak to the parents this Wednesday (they're coming back!) and then put in my vacation time at work, then finally book the flight. Let's hope it goes that smoothly.

I've been noticing that I'm doing last minute Christmas shopping, and its for Jordan. Surprisingly, he's hard to shop for. He wanted sneakers, but I've been hearing from friends and family not to get your significant other shoes b/c its superstitution he/she will walk out of your life. I've heard that before, but I don't believe that b/c Jordan bought me shoes awhile ago and I'm still here. =) So I jokingly asked him if he was going to walk out of my life if I bought him sneakers. He said no b/c I'm his stinky. =) But change of plans anyway, no sneakers. I'm going to take a look at NBA.com ;) I still have to shop for my parents, but I was waiting til they got back so I could actually ask them what they wanted, since they already have everything.

Saturday, I did an unplanned, spontaneous thing (it's that whole restlessness I was talking about . hehe) and went to visit Agatha in New Jersey. She lives in Palisades, NJ -- if I remember correctly. I actually like the drive down there b/c I pass the East side, get a view of Yankee Stadium, and go through the GWB. I just blasted music and it was pretty relaxing -- just me, the music, and my thoughts. I ended up falling more in love w/ New York City while driving through the QueensBoro Bridge and FDR. We went to Garden City Mall (I think that's the name) in Paramus (I think that's the town -- can you tell I'm not a Jersey girl). I passed by Fort Lee. It's funny how for some time I thought Fort Lee was in Brooklyn b/c it reminded me of Fort Hamilton (Naval base I go to) which is in BK. Turns out Fort Lee is in N.J. -- good job, Jam. So anyway, Aggie and I had our traditional Cheesecake Factory meals, rolled out of the restaurant, and bonded the best way we knew how -- Shopping! hehe. Well, she more damage than me. I was extremely good.

So far, my days have been busy, and my nights have been quiet. I'm not sure if that is something I like, but I am taking advantage of the quiet nights and doing some of the things that need to get done. I'm sorta getting ready for my parents arrival this Wednesday. I heard my mom got my Christmas gift in Thailand, when she went there w/ my brother. Wonder what it is...

I am one more pound away from my goal weight. I'm wearing this silk green dress for Karen's wedding/Brother's bday dinner, and I wanted to make sure I look better it in than when I wore it on my graduation. I was thinking about buying a new dress, but there is nothing out in the stores that I'm crazy about. And since I only wore this green dress once, I'll wear it again, but this time, changing the accessories and shoes. With the price I paid for it, I better wear it more than once!

Current song I'm obsessing over: Ashanti's "Only U"

12.09.2004

Wish List Addition

I think I want it b/c its nice looking and its a form of entertainment for the guests (men.. and the few women) who come over =P


I don't know if I'll buy it, but I'm thinking about it more than I want to admit. Hey, maybe even I can play PS2 as a form of relaxation. I just like car games like "Burn out" ("Burn Out 3" is out so I hear).. that's another $50. I used to be a video game whore, but that was way back when Super NES came out and I had beaten Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Return of Shredder?) more than twice. Maybe I'll whore my way back into getting addicted =P

12.07.2004

Fairy Tale Moment

So I'm at work and already having a tiresome, crazy day. My feet hurt and my eyes burn by 6PM. I find out my stinky can't pick me up cuz he's feeling sick (can't blame him, between waking up early to haul my ass to work and back, and then visiting his dad in the hospital in-between, it takes a toll on a man. The weather isn't helping either). Anyway, so I find out I have to haul my own ass to the train in these PAINFUL shoes at the end of my tired day. I'm not too happy about it, but that's life. So I'm getting out on my stop and going up the stairs. By this time, my feet are beyond painful that I have to glance down once in awhile to see if they're there and not bleeding and cut off somewhere else. I'm 20x more hungry too, so I'm basically ready about to kill someone. Oh, and my paranoia for that rapist in the nearby towns was getting to me. By the time I took a few steps, past a few stores, I hear a car horn and notice a car w/ my bf's rims. I'm still stupid at this point, so I'm looking at the rims/car, thinking "Hey, those look like Jordan's rims".. duuuuuuhhhh.. It is Jordan. He pulls up to the curb and tells me to hop in. So that was a surprise already. I'm thinking he wants to go out to eat, but drives less than 100 ft to my building's front door and drops me off there. I'm confused as to why he came out of his house, all sick, to drive me up the block, literally. I mean that was sweet, but I still didn't get it. He tells me to close my eyes cuz he has a surprise for me. A few seconds later I'm smelling something so good and familiar -- LILIES!! He surprised me w/ a bouquet of lilies and said he felt bad he couldn't pick me up, and wanted to make sure I made it home safely. *sigh* I can't lie, I really was NOT in the mood to smile, but even the doorman couldn't deny seeing the corners of my mouth touching my ears. =) I rarely receive flowers, much less my favorite. That is the type of shit that happens in fairy tale movies -- at least that's how I see it when a couple of x amount of time being together become "comfortable". I was smiling in the elevator all the way up to my apt. Stuff like this makes me think -- if I had a man who would buy me flowers everyday, it wouldn't come close to feeling as special as receiving flowers from someone who put that extra effort out there on the days that matter. What got to me the most is that the family is going through tough times, but he still did what he did. Un-freakin-believable.

12.03.2004

Doses of Reality

Reality #1: Health = Wealth. I've known this for quite some time, but it becomes more meaningful when someone you know and love becomes affected w/ a health problem. Its OK, I have all the faith in the world that he's strong enough mentally and physically to pull through and be just fine.

Reality #2: The World Can Be Cruel. Just a warning for the women, the news put out an alert of a rapist in Queens. He's hit Long Island City and Forest Hills -- two towns VERY close to me. =/ He wears a scarf over his mouth, so there's no real accurate description. Just don't walk alone.

Reality #3: Moving On. I spoke to my Mom the other day and they're doing so well w/ their retirement plans. Both houses are getting furnished and its amazing how they are living THE LIFE out there. They're rich because the U.S. dollar is so strong in the Philippines. $1 = 50-something pesos the last time I was there. It's weird. They're retirement life is becoming more of a reality to me. I'm sad that they have to be so far, but I couldn't be happier that MY parents are "ballers" out there living a life only celebrities have here. Life out there is definitely better for them in terms of retirement.

Reality #4: The Ghost of Christmas Past. Christmas is coming up. Actually, the season is already here -- just look at the street/store/house decorations. Its sad how Christmas changed for me over the years. My fondest memories of Christmas was when I was so young. I was living in a house that seemed big to my little-ness back then. My mom went crazy w/ the season and everything was decorated. The memory that stands out the most and that I recall every year is as follows: I remember taking on of my naps in the evening (when I actually had the luxury of taking them just because) and waking up to no lights except the tree lights, which was in front of me, and the window lights, which weren't too far either. At that moment my eyes weren't fully open from my nap, so the tree lights looked so beautiful b/c they seemed to be dancing and twinkling at me. Then in the background there were Christmas ballads from the classic singers only our parents would appreciate. I would even sing out loud to them. My mom would be somewhere upstairs wrapping gifts. I would actually have more gifts back then b/c the younger kids always got the most gifts. Then somewhere later on, I would walk around the corner to Karen's house and we would run around the entire house singing the "Twelve Days of Christmas" until we were out of breath (singing straight from the 12th day to the 1st was definitely a challenge). So there, that is my favorite memory of Christmas, and that is a memory that will never become a reality to me again. The best I can do is give my future kids the memory, or something close to it. As you get older, that's just how life works. You never get back childhood memories b/c that's exactly where they are stuck -- in your childhood, which I no longer am in. I'm now in an apartment, which means limited room. Christmas is now spent at my brother's house, not the house in Gleane St I've lived in for 13 years. Don't get me wrong, celebrating at my brother's upstate is something I look forward to and is still one of the best family celebrations of my life, but getting older takes away an aspect of innocence children have during Christmas. The reality of it all is that changes happen, we want some parts of history to repeat, but the history just stays in our memories. Call it torture, or call it nostalgia. Whatever you call it, I want it back.

Reality #5: Kid at Heart. ATTENTION: If you will be going to Burger King anytime soon and order a value meal. PLEASE, pretty Please, get me the Spongebob watches. I'll repay you the $2 when you give it to me =P hehe. I already have Squidward. I want ALL of them! I will actually wear mine today, out in public.

12.01.2004

[no title]

I wasn't going to blog today -- not feeling in the mood, but visiting my cousin's Xanga page put me back in the mood. Only because he has a radio blog and I could play whatever song on that list while I read his blogs. He's cool, man. I'm feeling Ciara right now. She can definitely break out in all these dance moves. I was having fun dancing in the lounge on Pris/Chi's bday. I forgot how much I enjoy dancing. In another life, I would like to think I'd become a dancer and move like Ms. Jackson.

For the first time today, I think the job gave me heartburn. I've been stressed. My manager has been away to training and I'm basically "holding her down". Yet, I miss a meeting w/ the big boss!! WTF is wrong w/ me?! Then I have to do revisions, corrections, and such to a couple of things. My group is crazy busy as it is w/ other projects, so that adds to the inconvenience. It's hard when you aim to please. *sigh*

Lately, I've been craving everything under the sun to eat -- fries, pasta, chinese, sandwiches, and the list goes on. Gotta be good, Gotta be good... Oh man, I haven't been on AngelBox inawhile. =/ Sorry, Kim. I will have to do some catching up when I get the chance. I saw the Source Awards last night -- Ghetto! Well, more like Ghetto Fabulous. What a waste of time. At least Sex and the City occupied an hour of my night. I had a fortune cookie the other day and this was my fortune: "Your family is one of nature's masterpieces" ... DAMN SKIPPY!! Family = Everything. Family can also be close friends and other families. Without my family, I wouldn't be happy. That one is going in my wallet along w/ the one I already have: "Nothing in the world is accomplished without passion"

The other day I glanced at the pic of my parents on my desk and my eyes happen to fall on my dad's hands. I got all emotional. I think its because his hands are so familiar to me -- from wiping my lil' tushy as a baby, to fixing things around the house (the Filipino Bob Villa), to driving me to work, to cooking my meals, to serving me my meals xP

I've come to my very own conclusion -- the only reason people (i.e. me) w/ a lot of clothes say "I don't know what to wear" or "I have nothing to wear" is b/c they (I) have so much to choose from. Not only do I take an hour deciding what to wear for the week, but it takes me another 30 mins to decide which coat/jacket I'd like to wear w/ that outfit. See what happens when I like collecting (splurging on) coats/jackets. I'm freakin' crazy. No... I'm a female. =) [Better excuse]

I'll leave you w/ some of my favorite PG-13 (Can't post the R-to-nearly-X rated ones) quotes from one of my favorite shows:

"
Are we simply romantically challenged, or are we sluts?"
"Somebody stop him, he took my strappy sandals!"
"Did you know I read that if you don't have sex for a year, you can actually become re-virginized"
"Nurse: Do you swallow?
Samantha: Only when surprised."
"Men cheat for the same reason dogs lick their balls: because they can."
"Perineum. Latin for "not without an engagement ring."
"I wanted a man who'd commit, not a man who was committed. Apparently we have to be more specific."
"I lost my Choo!"
"Maria: You call this a relationship?
Samantha: Well, it's tedious and the sex is dwindling, so from what I've heard, YES!"
"I'm looking for love. Real love. Ridiculous, inconvenient, consuming, can't-live-without-each-other love."
"Later that day I got to thinking about relationships. There are those that open you up to something new and exotic, those that are old and familiar, those that bring up lots of questions, those that bring you somewhere unexpected, those that bring you far from where you started, and those that bring you back. But the most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you can find someone to love the you you love, well, that's just fabulous"