Merry (belated) Christmas

I know Christmas was yesterday, but Merry Christmas people!

I don't know why, but Christmas just flies by as I get older. This Christmas was too fast, and a few people too empty. Even though it wasn't quite the same without the other family members, I still cherished time with the family who I spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with. Santa was truly good to me this year. I'm not talking about presents (although Santa did throw in awesome surprises), but I'm talking about the company I was with. This Christmas was more with my brothers and sisters. I like what we all have with each other (including their kids who I'd also like to think see me as a big sister at times). It's truly a gift. And then there are those people who are not blood-related siblings, but they are just as playful and comforting as any of my siblings. That's comforting - especially when your immediate family is far.

This is my first Christmas without my parents. I miss them.

Christmas definitely went by too fast.

Long update

Its been awhile since my last update. Let's see what happened.

Funny story:
Someone (not mentioning names in case I get yelled at later lol) clogged the toilet in my apt. Later that day I flushed, completely forgetting it was clogged. Lo-and-behold I come screaming at Joaquin "BABE!!! Water is coming out of the toilet!". He runs to the bathroom and freaks out (or was that me? LOL I can't remember) and tells me to get a cup. A cup??? I run to the kitchen (solutions are still trying to form in my head on how to fix this) and got him a mixing bowl (a LOT bigger than a cup! LOL). He starts fishing the water out of the toilet and saying "ew", "gross", "OMG" now and then (I'm laughing as I type this). Water goes to the floor and is actually rising on the floor.. as I'm staring at it rise. Then Joaquin snaps me out of it: "get towels to soak up the water on the floor". Oh DUH!! so I run to the linen closet. Stare at the towels b/c I realized I don't want to use any nice towels and I barely have old rags. Mind you the water is still rising and Joaquin is still scooping out the non-stop water from the toilet while I'm thinking about my towels. I grab a bunch of little ones (oh sure, that'll help) and throw them on the bathroom floor. Then I see the load of laundry on the floor so I throw the dirty clothes on the bathroom floor also, in hopes that would help. Of course I waste a minute or two picking out the "old" clothes so I don't get the nice clothes wet. I'm crazy. Then I take those tiny swifer cloths and throw some of them on the floor (those really don't help, they don't even soak up the water). So I'm standing there watching Joaquin or the water, or both. Then I get another wake-up call from Joaquin "wring out the water from the towels/clothes so you can soak up more water". Oh DUH!! I step into the bathroom (finally) to wring out the stuf on the floor. I'm thinking: EW! I'm stepping on toilet water LOL! To cut this story short (if its not too late): I am very disappointed at myself for acting like a true blonde at that moment. I rarely have those moments. Honestly.

Current craze: Chocolate! I can't stop from shoving more in my mouth these days.

Christmas gifts update: Wrapped 95% of the gifts. Need to shop for only 2 more ppl and thats it! I bought myself my xmas gift - Emeril's 10 pc. Stainless steal pots and pans set w/ a free iron grill - Macy's had this awesome sale. I can't wait to use them. Good stainless steal is an investment like good china sets. Tonight, I'm updating my wishlist. :)

New policy in my apt: Do not touch the closet mirrors! My arms want to fall off after I clean them all. And I suck at leaving it streak-free.

This weekend was a girl-filled weekend:
Saturday = went shopping w/ Joaquin's mom (mom #2) and Neenar at Herald Square then at Union Square. There were ridiculous crowds, but I didn't once get cranky like I normally do b/c I had that much fun with them. By the end of the day, we were shopped-out and pooped. P.S. I like what we talk about when its just the girls ;P
Sunday = My girls still had to do Secret Santa. So it was decided it would be at my house. My first even to host. I cooked Rachel Ray's pasta Carbonara and they all liked it! Bought some sodas (which I don't have in my house, so I really felt like I was hosting), and had an overall relaxed and good time. Also, kitchen-cooking clean up was super easy b/c I was smart about it throughout the day ;)

I've been feeling TOO restless these days. Its probably me being anxious about the holidays, long weekend, and watching ppl open gifts (hoping they'll like it).

I know I'm probably forgetting an update, so til next time...

Happy Birthday, Mr. D'Silva! (Dec.11)
Happy Birthday, Neenar! (Dec.14)
Happy Birthday, Kuya Charlton! (Dec.18)

I'm back... and broke [edited].

[edited]

Back from Las Vegas and it was great!! Joaquin got to experience the other coast of the U.S. and the lights, smoke-filled casinos, slot machines (No, we did not win the jackpot. Boo.), free-drinks-while-you-gamble-or-just-walk-the-strip, the hotels on the strip, In-N-Out burgers, Cirque du Soleil "Zumanity", Cirque du Soleil "O" (second time for me, but still felt like the first), Belagio buffet and fountain show (how Joaquin somehow made those experiences romantic), Big 6, walking away w/ Joaquin's 2 green chips ("where did she go with my money?!"), then Joaquin losing his 2 green chips (damn! should've cashed out!), Godiva Dark Chocolate Decadence Chocolixer overload, cold nights, friendly and drunk people, advice of a stranger ("You two should get married tonight"), Oxygen bars, and going home broke ("oh shit, I need gas money"). And I got to experience it all again, except this time with him :)

Vegas pics here

Kuya, how's India treating you???

Started Christmas shopping when I got back and my credit card is crying SO HARD!! However, I'm almost done. whew!

I like when some stations play christmas songs 24/7 .. it's the only childhood memory that makes me feel that holiday spirit as if I was 5 again.

Happy Birthday, Pris! (Nov. 23)
Happy Birthday, Babe! (Nov. 24)
Happy Birthday, Ana! (Dec. 6)

Go shorty, it's my birthday..

Well, it was my bday - this is a belated update.

My Birthday was what I wanted it to be this year (except the gray, wet weather): quiet and intimate.

I was taken out to dinner last week by Kay and Aggie to Son Cubano in the Meatpacking district. It was good Sangria (the best I've tried so far) and great company. I miss those girls! Getting tipsy that night made it even better.

My birthday weekend was hectic, but so worth every moment. It was a family-filled weekend: Went upstate to celebrate w/ family my bday, my sis-in-laws (nov. 12) and Joaquin's (nov. 24 - advanced bday celebration). Had to order platters of food b/c filipino tradition is that the bday celebrants host the party. Joaquin's parents and sister met the entire family there for the first time (except parents of course b/c they are still in Philippines and coming next year). They all got along, laughed, and had fun. Everyone spent the night and we didn't get home until Sunday evening.

Nov. 13 - took the day off and it went something like this:
1) no alarm clock woke up almost 9am (yes!) . cloudy, but not raining, so it was ok
2) went to the mall by myself for some retail therapy - something i don't do often - and to use some of the gift cards given to me
3) Joaquin finished his first job at time warner and picked me up for some crate and barrel shopping in SoHo
4) started to rain :(
5) stopped for some drinks and appetizers at gonzalez y gonzalez (dinner reservations was at 10:30pm, and he wouldn't tell me where dinner was)
6) shopped for some black boots that i never found
7) headed up to Columbus Circle for the restaurant
8) Saw the restaurant...Jean Georges!! One of the highest rated restaurants (and so pricey) - we were soooo underdressed.. at least I was.
9) had a 5 course french meal and a great experience. When I hit the lotto, i'll go back. :P
10) we go home full, joaquin goes home full and broke. lol

Quote from my brother:"I heard it takes 6 months in advance to reserve [Jean Georges]. Pricey — expected! And you DESERVE it sis!! (Well done Joaquin)."

oh, i'm hooked on Godiva's Chocolixer's Dark Chocolate Decadence. Sipping it for the first time made me feel like I floated to heaven for a split second.

Kuya, have safe trips (plural)! Come back to my blog for updates on what's been going on while you are working abroad. I love you!

Birthday pictures

Happy Birthday Din! (Nov. 12)
Happy Birthday Ate Alena! (Nov. 12)
Happy Birthday Mimi! (Nov. 15)

Special day

how do you make a day feel special without doing anything extravagant?

you get invited to dinner. get invited to someone else's personal space. get served a home-cooked meal prepared with so much thought ("is there enough food?") and love ("save money and eat here"). laugh and talk around the table with ppl you only knew for a year - and now know stories about them growing up. witness them accept an invitation you thought they were not going to accept. someone cancelled work just to be there. then, you have so much fun you feel like sleeping over (only if it was a Friday. darn). ...

someone telling you all this at the end of the day (even though you knew it) b/c you just needed to hear it and feel better.

(damn estrogen levels!)

Good day

Today was a good day.

I had a doctor's appt today and its always good when the doctor doesn't have bad news. But even before I went, I woke up late since I didn't have to be at work dumb early b/c of the doctor's appt. Then I knocked out paying 398157 bills online (I love online banking!), dusted the computer room, living room, and bedroom, and even called some credit card companies to clear up some stuff. I came into work around 12:30pm, so that means half my day is practically over (yay). The afternoon flies by b/c of two back-to-back meetings and paperwork I had to do. Met up with my baby to satisfy our craving of Chipotle.. soooo freakin good! Our tummies were beyond happy. Sat on a nearly empty train car without transferring - he occupied himself w/ solitaire while I read my book, stopped, kiss, then continued what we were doing (awwww... oh shut it, we're a young couple. LOL!!)

Wait. my good day isn't over. So then we went grocery shopping (I think anyone who loves to eat as much as me looks at grocery shopping as fun) where I got cereal I'm excited to try, soups you can just pop in the microwave, awesome turkey slices for this week (if it lasts that long), Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookie mix Neenar and I can make when we crave the sugar-crack, and pancake mix (for those rainy Sat/Sun mornings when we don't want to go out for breakfast)! Then we rented movies from the Blockbuster next door. A chick flick for me (The Breakup) and some action movie for him (District B-13) <-- whatever. lol. watch me come back like "You gotta watch District B-13." =P I don't know why lately, I've been feeling good about doing the simplest things -- watching rented movies, reading, and just laying in bed early. I think when someone's life gets too crowded with events, gatherings, work, chores, errands, the simple things are sooo inviting. Don't worry, knowing myself, I'll end up looking for crowded-ness again soon. Probably b/c I can't sit still for too long. I have a few projects/wants in my head I wish I can accomplish: re-carpet the bedrooms, or actually save enough money to put wooden floors in the main bedroom, buy a new bedroom set ($$$$-ouch), get a Burberry coat I've been eyeing ($$$-yikes), look for the perfect casual brown knee-high boots, clean up the balcony, wash that huge comforter, finish paying off my credit card bills, shop a little for myself, tile the balcony since we already have the tiles (just need the grout), move the files from my file folder to a real filing cabinet (who knew paying some serious bills expands your home-filing system by a ridiculous amount) My birthday is coming up, and I don't really want to do anything. I'm never in the mood anyway. Secretly, I just want the day to feel special without making an event out of it.

Oh right, Halloween pics! Didn't take that much this year but you'll see some in myspace if you have one. If you don't... too bad! lol

Ok, I've typed waaaay more than I expected to.

Who's Blue?

1 year anniversay celebration was extremely fun.

Brunch @ La Belle Vie
Some boots shopping for myself
Blue Man Group (awesome show) - peep the blue man:


Then off to NJ to this pretty cool bar with his cousin and some of his cousin's friends.
In the end, the night was ours - at one point we were the only ones in the dance floor freakin it (lol), enjoying the music and just the 2 of us.

You learn something everyday

1) You really have those friends who'll be in your life forever.
2) There's ppl out there who disappoint you, but you're stronger than letting it bother you.
3) You can put things into perspective by just talking to someone.
4) Hooters really has some good wings
5) I learned what goes on in "car meets" (or at least a Cadillac CTS one)
6) Bobby Flay is probably better on TV ;P
7) Found a good bar around boog's way that I can come back to (now only if they served Red Stripe it would be perfect)
8) Pinky swearing means just as much as a verbal promise

Oct. 14 - Happy Birthday Zaida!!
Oct. 15 - Happy Birthday Wendy !!
Oct. 18 - Happy Anniversary babe! Let's make the next year (and the next, and the next, and the next, etc. ...)just as awesome ;)

slate.com says

Six percent of Americans suffer from "compulsive buying," according to a survey.

The authors define the alleged disorder as "uncontrolled urges to buy, with resulting significant adverse consequences." You get labeled with it if you do things such as buy to improve your mood, buy for buying's sake, or get into financial trouble.

Authors' conclusion: We should consider declaring this an official disease, since it can lead to bankruptcy, divorce, or suicide.

Skeptics' views: 1) There you shrinks go again, excusing bad behavior as illness. 2) Two of the authors have financial ties to drug companies, which could make big bucks from "treating" the newly minted disease.

I'm guilty of: "buy to improve your mood" ::lowers head in shame::

November 13

Being born on Nov. 13
You're dominant and powerful. You always need to be in charge. (that's weird, I thought I shy away from leadership roles)
While others respect your competence, you can be a bit of a dictator. (hm, must be that demanding characteristic in me, 'no babe? lol)
Hard working and serious, you never let yourself down. (yes, most ppl say I'm too damn hard on myself)
You are exact and accurate - and you expect others to be the same way. (I blame this on my dad's militant ways - 30 yrs in the military don't just go away when raising your daughter)

Your strength: You always get the job done (yes, especially if entrusted in me)

Your weakness: You're a perfectionist to a fault (hahahahaha!!! babe! don't comment!)

Your power symbol: Checkmark (LOVE it! especially when I see a whole bunch of them on my lists - you have to see my task list at work)

geez. I sound more scary than sweet.

In the mood...

.. to write about some updates that happened in the past but just remembered them now

Agatha and I had a "date" at a well-known Korean restaurant in Korea-town (at least that's what I call it b/c there are Korean restaurants/stores down that whole block or two). Food was delicious! I get a little too excited about trying new ethnic dishes. Then went to a Korean cafe afterwards and Chocolate Chai is delicioso.. now only if I can find it in a store.

Kim and I were talking about strippers, and it reminded me I forgot to blog about my experience at a strip club.. female strippers.. with my boyfriend! lol. It was actually with a group of his coworkers and at first I was a little skeptical about it, but was also curious. To make a long story short, we had fun, both of us got a lap dance from a stripper I picked out (pretty brazilian girl) and she actually gave me a better lap dance.. oh and yes, he BEHAVED. (Good boy.) =P

There's something comforting about lounging in flannel pajamas in your empty home...

Remedies for a cold

..by my nephew Faisal (on AIM):

Him: rent movies drink tea and chill
Me: i don't wanna leave the house.. so i can't rent movies. tea sounds good.
Him: drink lil by lil so u dont get sick of so much freagin tea. jus drink it for ur throat
Me: nothing is wrong with my throat.. just feeling congested
Him: oo ic
Him: eat some jamaican beef pattys
Me: hahahhaha
Him: good for sinus
Me: hahhahaahhaha
Him: hehe serious now
Me: what other remedies do you have oh cool nephew of mine?
Him: lol sleep... cant work or do chores if ur sleeping
Me: hahaha.. but here's the sick part: i WANT to do chores

My nephews are cool (all 6 of them + 1 on his way). They make me laugh. And they're adorable as hell!!

Cookie Monster

My tummy hurts.
I miss my boog.
=/

It's been awhile since I've updated, but so much has actually happened. Some I choose to keep to myself (and of course w/ the ppl that know), and some I just shouldn't post (cookies anyone? "Me want cookies!" LOL.. nooOOOo!)

Thanks for putting up with my evil twin this week, babe. She hasn't left just yet ;)
::adjusts my halo::

girl.

such a quiet little girl, with a loud mind. Has so much on her mind she writes it so well, and as if I'm reading a book. A very admirable thing. She's family, and she's a scorpio (her bday is the day before mine), so there's a level of understanding. We're introverts with such an extrovert mind that at times, the way we are perceived compared to the thoughts & emotions that go through our head make us seem like 2 totally different ppl. Pretty cool.

She's become teenager #2 that's given me some inspiration.

^^^^^^^^^^^

I hate rainy days. But today I really don't mind.

My creativity is starting to flow again - sorta. Let's see if I actually follow through with it.

hangovers.

makes you feel dry, sick, in pain, and telling God you won't drink like that again in hopes the nausea will go away...



P.S. Forget about Jones Beach, Sea Side Heights, NJ is by far one of the cleanest & nicest beaches I've been to in the Northern East Coast.

Mimi's BBQ Pool Party

Lots of swimming and lots of eating.. felt like a kid again. I had a blast Mimi - let's do it again!!

see pictures

Summer.. blah!

I officially don't like summer. *gasp!* <-- for all those summer lovers.
For those paying electric bills ON TOP of normal bills, they might sympathize with me. The bill gets crazy high b/c of so much air condition going on. Then its so humid. yuck! and sooo hot! makes me uncomfortable and greasy (hence the A/C usage) . Don't get me wrong, I think sweating during a workout or while in sports feel kinda good, but not when you are trying to look cute (sorry, girl moment). and I hate hate hate the mosquito bites! I'm allergic so mine blow up to the size of a small country. Jowak had to bandage one up recently b/c it grew to half the size of my arm (gross, but no joke). I got attacked here more than in the Philippines, and the Philippines is also notorious for the mosquitos since its tropical. Anyone who knows me knows that I'm not a big fan of crowds. Summer is all about crowds b/c school is out and adults take vacations in the summer. I'll be taking mine during the fall. As for the beaches during the summer, I don't care about them b/c there's always Florida, Carribean, or my homeland of the Philippines for beaches. Pool? indoor heated pool will do me just right. Street fairs and park events are just as fun in the Fall... mmm Fall.. my favorite season. I can go on with 4298534 reasons why Fall kicks so much more ass than any of the other seasons, but I won't b/c I'm too busy being pissy. I guess things at work have gotten a little hectic and frustrating and it affects everything else since I have less time and energy for the things that really matter -- like family, friends, cooking, having FUN...

...but all complaints aside, I've had one of the best summers b/c with the little time I do have, I am surrounded by people who make me experience new things. It's also my first summer with boog, which has been already memorable and its still July. When I thought I figured out the "independent Jam", I end up learning more about myself and what I am capable of without Mom and Dad (I miss them) And all work complaints aside, I've grown and learned so much more than I thought I would. I actually know what my role as a BA is about, and even though I don't paint a perfect picture, I'll get there (or at least close).

btw, the idea of a female drummer is totally sexy. saw one in action last night. BOTH Jowak and I were peepin' shorty.. LOL. Naaaaaah, but I got the "she's-not-sexier-than-you" look and come-back .. lol.. damn right.. =P

M.I.A

.. that is whats going on with me right now - always missing in action. Why? cuz I'm at work anywhere from 11-12 hours a weekday. I need to do A LOT of life-catching-up, starting with reading the huge pile of unopened mail/email.

I've been having some nice weekends, but I don't have the time to blog about them b/c I'm always on the freakin go. How about things that I can remember with the past events.

- raw garlic does NOT go in bruschetta
- toasty is good! even better when a Big Mac is in the picture
- mmm.. a big mac, and ONLY if you haven't had it in years (ain't that a drunk food? lol)
- CTS' first road trip - Maryland
- Not getting lost on the mini road trip
- mushrooms shrink when you cook them. false advertisement! =P
- I actually drank 2 beers by myself (if anyone knows me, I think beer tastes like piss. and I got drunk off of 2 beers =x)
- NJ
- Maryland crab cakes!! Yuuummm
- Olive Garden (Jowak: "I don't want desert", Jam: "ok. [to the waiter] I'll have the chocolate gelato", Jowak: [dessert arrives] Damn, that's all you babe!", Jam: [5 minutes later] "Babe, you ate more than half!"
- BBQ at "Jackie and Kris' house" - took a few pulls from a cigar for the first time, don't really get what the big deal is about, but whatever.

Going to NJ and upstate tomorrow.. gotta celebrate birthdays and catch up on family time

I want to go to Europe!!! :-( can someone sponsor me?

Quick!

1) My favorite kitchen utensil right now is a whisk (it REALLY mixes everything)
2) Filipino-style adobo porkchops came out gooood, a little burnt, but actually enhanced a secret ingredient I have in the made-from-scratch adobo seasoning/mix/sauce (that Goya Adobo powder got nothing on me!) =P
3) I packed lunch for work today like I was going to a picnic... by myself =)
4) Want me to stay late at work? Bribe me w/ food -- works like a charm 99% of the time (the 1% is if I have plans and can't stay)
5) Tomorrow's lunch: hot dogs, lol, cuz I don't feel like cooking tonight
6) When will I back to working out? hmm.. I wonder..

Happy 4th! la la la la..

Get ready for a mild schizophrenic pattern of thoughts and blabber:

My 4th of july was really celebrated last night w/ my boog. Since the balcony now has room, we took some seats out to watch the fireworks show at Shea Stadium, along with the pina coladas he whipped up. bery bery nice.

There's something about watching Nicole from the PCD that makes me not want to eat and workout forever.. then reality beats me over the head and I have to worry about how to cook chorizos. Speaking of, I tried cooking chorizos today that I bought from the carniceria down the block, and it didn't come out so good. I totally forgot to turn it when it was in the broiler. Oh well. I gotta practice. Oh, I spilled some grease on the broiler tray. Do I have to take that thing out and clean it????? nooooo... i don't want to!

Between last night and today, I felt like I washed 384739845 dishes. ack! [random, pointless thought]

So anyway, back to 4th of July. I basically celebrated it last night. So today was all about bummin' it and just doing some chores that won't make me cranky. Oh god, and something so embarrassing happened. gross.

I think we might be going on a roadtrip to Maryland this weekend! Crab cakes! Oh, the Aquarium. Only been there once, with the SWE girls =)
Oh crap... I just thought about something.. what if I have to come into work?? Then I'll work Sunday if anything (boo).

Saturday was boog-day. We had one whole day to ourselves that we didn't even know what to do with our time. So we started off with errands (car state inspection) and then we hit the city. We ended up in the West Village and interestingly, tried 3 new things we never tried: bearded papa's cream puff pastry, bought 1/4 lbs. of "Blue Eyes" herbal tea @ Mc Nully's (Zagat rated tea and coffee store), and bought a bottle of Kelly's Revenge (Shiraz) @ this Zagat rated wine store. The we sat at the bar of this Mexican Restaurant on 6th Ave to catch the last 30 minutes of the Brazil and France game. Drink prices raped us. I thought Brazil would win. Oh well. Just like Michael Jordan can't be the #1 basketball player forever...

The A/C has been going on all day. I'm scared to look at my Con Ed bill when it comes. Eh, I'm in one of those restless & uncertain moods - do I go out tonight to watch fireworks or do I avoid the crowd and stay home? But if I go out, I'll wish I was home once I see too many ppl (I hate crowds), but if I'm home, I'll be bitchy b/c I wished I was out. See why women can drive some men crazy? we can be indecisive and no matter what is decided, we'll bitch.. lol. Noooo, just kidding. I'm easy to please, I'm the perfect gf... I'm telling the truth about the "easy to please part" =P

Karen, Zaida, Ray, and myself went to the Central Park zoo on Sunday. It was steaming hot, but I got to hang out w/ one of my best friends (since we were 9 yrs. old) and my niece who is so f-ing adorable.

Ok, enought bs-ing on the PC. I gotta clean the bathroom. I've been doing the chores in a summer halter dress just b/c I'm too lazy to change. Hope I won't get "kaboom" on the dress.

I have more pics to show you but I haven't uploaded them yet. They're pics of the Bike Tour I completed w/ my family back in May. I'll get to it after I clean the bathroom. (I hope). Oh and I have this "project" that I need to get started b/c I only have 3 months.

I have traded in Paris for Vegas.. only b/c its my best friend's bday and she's celebrating it there. right?? =P Besides, I'll see Paris in Vegas and Jowak will get to see Vegas since he's never been there. Paris will have to wait for next year or who knows... my birthday is still unplanned ;)

I need a vacation.

Trading in sneakers for oven mittens

Update on the cooking: Cooked some lentils (Colombian style) the other day and it came out delicioso! If no one was around, I think I would've licked my tupperware when I packed the leftovers for lunch. This was Joaquin's mom's recipe, so you know you can't mess around w/ mom's recipe.

The next day I tried coconut chicken from this online recipe. I thought it would be just as good as the coconut shrimp I like, but it was gross. That was a huge disappointment and it de-motivated me from cooking that whole week.

I'm back in the groove. Now I'm just going to try to perfect some past recipes before moving onto my next project: arepas y chorizos. In the words of my boog, "you sure you're not colombian?" =P I find their recipes slightly easier than filipino recipes (too much ingredients w/ some dishes), but I'll get there eventually.

One thing I'm barely in the mood for these days is working out. Blah. I need motivation or just a new workout. I think when it's not raining, I'll get off a stop before my stop on the train just so I can walk a few blocks.

Weekend:
Friday = Joaquin's friend from Michigan was in town, so they had a get-together at this bar. Got tipsy-drunk (if you get dizzy, what is that called?), but didn't expect to. Duh. Had an empty stomach. I finished a whole beer by myself (that's rare b/c I happen to think beer tastes like piss, but it's cheap & someone bought it for me and I didn't want to waste their money). That late night White Castle sparked some fast food cravings I've worked so hard to tuck away. Don't worry, this whole "budget" thing makes me think twice about eating out.

Saturday = Kurt's graduation @ Lobster House and then went to NJ to celebrate Dre's bday. I found out what helps when you're drinking.. water. But I hate drinking too much water b/c I'll have to stand by the ladies room the entire night. BTW, my family is going to have a new addition to the already-big family in January =D. There are more than 10 nephews (boys) in the family. Ain't that a football team already? I know we have 2 basketball teams. Maybe my sister-in-law will have a girl to make it 3 nieces (sorry girls, you are out-numbered).

Sunday = bbq at NJ and rested a lot.

I need a vacation.

oh! I got pictures
Andrew's First Birthday
Other random stuff

Rachel Ray wannabe

[Addition to last post:
June 7 we celebrated Agatha's bday at this yummy Korean BBQ resturant in Midtown. I used to think Filipino BBQ was the best I ever tasted (believe me, its still up there), but Korean bbq is Delicious! Despite the downpour, I hope she had a good time (& even though Kay and I were late), especially since she's 21.. again =P. I hope you use the book I gave you, Aggie, b/c I just cooked again today... without an apron! =P ]

Speaking of cooking.. I'm on a semi roll w/ cooking. I think it's just called being on a budget and forced to cook. The other day I cooked Italian Meatloaf and it came out pretty damn good. It was by accident I came across the recipe b/c I had this 1.5 lbs of ground beef in the fridge and I had to cook it. So I googled a ground beef receipe and 5,000 receipes came up, scrolled down and Italian meatloaf caught my eye. I saw that I had the ingredients, so I said why not. It was a torture b/c the meatloaf took 1.5 hours to cook and the whole apt was smelling so delicious, it was a tease for a hungry stomach.

Right now, I'm cooking Southern Oven Fried Chicken. Its smelling soooo good! Let's just hope I cook it thorough b/c I'm a little paranoid about raw chicken and all that bad stuff that comes along w/ it.

[edit: oh.. my.. god. I don't know what to be more surprise about -- the fact that the southern oven fried chicken was delicious or that this is my second try and I knocked this one out of the park. But I have to give thanks to my support group (person) who would eat my cooking w/ a smile whether bad or good]

I'm so stupid though, b/c I pick the summer to start using my oven... therefore, the whole apt is heated!

Italian meatloaf ingredients: Ground beef, ground pork, bread crumbs, eggs, garlic, onion, fresh parsely, parmesean cheese, s&p, tomato sauce, olive oil

Southern Oven Fried chicken ingredients: nope, not telling!

My APR is WHAT?!

GRrrRr...!! I just got cheated by a credit card company. I'm going to pay off the balance and shut down that biatch for good! Tell me why they said I'll have a 7.99% fixed APR, but I look at my statement and its almost double that! I call them up and they give me some bs that I'll have to look into myself - what a waste of time and energy. In a nutshell, some credit cards suck balls.

I'm so tired, my weekends have been and will be so busy. Can't complain b/c I've had fun every single event. But come Monday, I'm a zombie.

Things at work have been soooo insane, in terms of hours, stress, deadlines, pressure, timing. Hopefully I can walk away from this stress losing a few lbs. at least.

I have nothing else to say. So I guess I'll just give a quick update to how my past 2 weekends went (if I remember)

last weekend:
Friday night = relaxed, relieved, released

Saturday = Mall time w/ boog, my best friend. Wendy's parent's 25th Wedding Anniversary reception. Went insane looking for something to wear. Almost went to the reception looking like a babydoll hooker. Dodged that bullet. Open bar.. wooooo! Patiently waiting for ppl's pics since my battery decided to die on the way to the party. nice.

Sunday (all day) = Andrew's 1st bday backyard party/bbq. Had soo much food. Happy tummy.

last, last weekend:
Friday night = Leukemia and Lymphoma Benefit was a success despite the thunderstorm. Glad to see the turnout was great. Although I missed the open bar, I had a good time seeing some familiar faces from Stony. Grabbed some Uno's pizza before heading home w/ boog.

Saturday = Elena's graduation followed by her graduation lunch. "NEEENAR!!"
Drama for your mama, went to the mall for a few, visited Morgan, B&N

Saturday night = "Chillaxed"

Sunday = Six Flags! Thanks to my boog and his TWC perks.

Thou shall not bitch

[edit] P.S. Elevator didn't work when I got home, so I climbed up 10 flights of stairs while I was wet =/

Today I'm feeling aggravated and bloated (aka chubby).
Not only was it an 11-hour work day, but I had to walk home in a storm (rain is a bitch but I don't mind, what I do mind was the thunder and lightening all around.. GRrRrrrRRr!! Volume on iPod went way up, I think my ears are still ringing)

I'm so aggravated that I don't want to eat. Now THAT's serious, people. .. oh wait, I shouldn't eat b/c my pants still don't fit!

Its one of those moments where I have a whole bitch-list I am waiting to unleash on someone. But I have to inhale & exhale and remember "life is short"; there are worst things in this world.

ROAR!!!

thoughts on steroids

what is it about my niece's blogs that get me in the mood to blog? I don't even know where this "blog" craze in me rose up from some 2 years ago.

That creative itch I usually tuck away is trying to break free again. I'm thinking of changing the milestones layout and what not. There are some links I still need to fix, too. But I'm not sure I'll bother if I'm changing it. Oh, but the million dollar question: WITH WHAT TIME?!?! I don't have time to do that as I did back in college, or when work wasn't 10-hour days Mon-Fri. I also have another "project" in the works. What will normally take a month will now have to span across 4 months considering I don't have time.

I did something spontaneous today. I like that. I never used to experience that. Thanks for the adventure babe.

Oh man, there's so much coming up in the month of June that I don't know what to do first. oh boy. So there's:

1. Elena's Graduation Mass & Dinner (31)
2. Elena's Graduation (3)
3. TWC Six Flags Trip (4)
4. Mr. & Mrs. Montesinos' 25th Anniversary celebration (10)
5. Andrew's Birthday (11, but actually the 8th I think)
6. Kurt's Graduation (24)

Hey, did I mention I might actually need to work on a weekend b/c we'll begin integration testing at work.. umm, how will I pull that off considering all the events I listed are on the weekend??... let the craziness begin!

Agggggieee!! Help me book Paris!!! I'm procrastinating!!! gRrrRrrr.. btw, I need an apron ;)

There's a party being held in a church hall somewhere across the street and up the block. Their music is loud and its annoying.

So I found out I actually like 2 places to buy a house: Malba and Far Rockaway (don't sleep on this town, especially the nice parts)

Today I laughed so hard it hurt my stomach and I had tears. I haven't laughed like that in awhile -
"look at the water stains on my legs!!... that's called sand... NO LOOK!!!"
"blue! go"
"...ok bye!"
random "WTF?!" moments

Ok wait I just busted out laughing and I don't know why. It's the crack in the water!!

My own baked ziti..

is off the hoooooook!!!
I didn't have ricotta.. so i put in monteray jack cheese w/ jalapeno as a replacement. But of course i put in the Mozzerella and Parmasean.

it looks good and i know it will taste good as well.

p.s. the merlot has me haaaaaapppyyy

Edit: It tastes soooooooooo good. I finally did something that came out good the FIRST time. For those lactose intolerant, stay away from my baked ziti. From now on, I'm substituting ricotta for monteray jack w/ jalapeno. It adds that little kick.

I packed so much for my lunch that it looks like it can feed 2 ppl.. but umm, no one is invited b/c I'll be eating all of it by myself =P hee hee

Time to clean up. PEACE!

2-wheel 4-wheel

Update:
2 weekends ago I did the Wallkill Valley 15-mile bike tour in the Catskills. Enjoyed it so much and did surprisingly well that I would do it again. They even served BBQ chicken lunch complete with 3 sides, Pepsi/Water/Beer, which was all you can eat. The rolling hills were a challenge (not going down of course) but it was a personal small goal of mine not to dismount my bike when I thought I could do it no more. But I had the "Little Engine that could" mind-frame and eventually reached the top of every hill still while still on the bike -- panting, heaving, thighs burning.. but its all good ;)
The amazing view of the mountains/farms (and service) does not compare to the 5-borough bike tour held that same day (from what I heard). The best part: it was a family event - 6 and 9 yr old nephew, sister, brother, sister-in-law, and bf all were present. If it wasn't for the severe allergies I'm SURE my other nephews would've gone. But they supported us by being there (congestion and all). Pics coming soon b/c I keep forgetting to take them from my brother.

I also tried a tiny tiny bit of BMX biking on this homemade ramp my brother built for the kids and I fell off in less than 2 seconds on it, from the highest point on that ramp (which is only 2 feet off the ground), fell screaming onto the next ramp a few feet by, landed on my right shoulder, scratch and bruised my upper thigh (I'm a genius for wearing shorts), and then looked around for Joaquin so he can see how funny that was.. and to have someone feel sorry for my broken ass. =D It's all good, I just won't be doing any BMXing until I have a body pad on.

Bring on the next challenge!

Oh and I bought a mountain bike the day before. So I'll be doing some more biking this season. Erf, I left it upstate. darn.

May 11 - Boog purchased his new woman (roar.): 2004 Cadillac CTS luxury package w/ 3.6L V6 engine and 255hp.. VROOM VROOM!!! Congrats on your first car purchase. Makes you feel older, huh? ;)

Damnit. I hate being hooked on the internet doing bs! I get nothing accomplished at home!

"Otherside"

Weird how Kashi cereal either looks like dog food or like maggots. I eat it anyhow, it's good for you. uh-huh.

I'm currently obsessed with "Otherside" by Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Went to see the rock/alternative band Through Elysium last night, and they are awesome! I was definitely rockin out. And I only move if I am enjoying the music, which I definitely did. When they blow up soon, I can say I know a really famous band ;)

Went to the NY International Auto Show last weekend. Pretty cool. Finally got a feel how it would feel to hop into the driver's side of my future Range Rover. And my baller car? -- Aston Martin

So I'm bored (inspired by my niece's blog):
Listening to: [see above w/ sentence that starts w/ "I'm currently obsessed with..."]

Thinking about: how to lose 5 lbs, what the song "otherside" is really all about, I can't wait for 9pm (9:20pm), how I have to pay my student loan now, can I hear the phone w/ the music on this loud?

Wearing: my couch throw quilt thingy majingy

Wishing: I was jogging, that the weather didn't have to be hot one day then back to cold the next, it wouldn't rain tomorrow (but it will), my posture wasn't deteriorating the way my vision is, I was back in Italy w/ Aggie (*sniffles* what a crazy good time), I was 5 lbs. lighter

Miss: my grandma, my family, memories

Realized: I need to save again, I'm not ready for the bike tour I'll be in on 5/7, it's 9 (yay!), I had a loose button and a loose seam and mom is not around to fix it :*(

Doing: uploading new songs onto my iTunes, and eventually, iPod. My music-mood is definitely with the whole rock/alternative/metal sounds right now -- Check out Ill Nino and Chevelle, and can't forget the "classics" of Korn and RHCP.

-ah, that's enough, don't want to think anymore-

GOT IT! I always wondered what the hell Mr. Anthony Kiedis was saying -
"With the birds I"ll share this lonely view.."

Tickling the Ivories

I had a bad Monday. One of those REALLY BAD Mondays. The ones where you feel like you're about to kill someone (stranger or not), but you're not sure why you'll be inflicting pain on them. Everyone annoys you the whole day, you give sarcastic answers, become impatient and anti-social, and are just plain tired.

But I came home to the most unexpected surprise. First, I've gone over to Juaco's house for dinner several times and always said how I wanted to go back to piano (his sister owns at playing the piano). So she would help me re-learn my notes, and it sparked my desire to learn to play again. I think I stopped at 13 yrs old after playing for 5 years. So after having this horrible Monday that I described above, I came home tonight to a Yamaha portable keyboard!! It has a stand and a chair, too! And dinner on the stove!! LOL! whoa.. I gave him my keys to pick something up and run an errand, but I never expected the romantic gesture. So you can pretty much imagine the smile I have.

So, alone, I poured myself the last glass of wine, heated me up some pasta, and sat down to play Fur Elise (Beethoven).

Take a Bath

n. mind bath

1. similar to a bath, but w/ no water and not in the tub; to relax your mind and not hurt your brain.
2. light a candle that smells oh-so-good, put on some soothing music (voices of Norah Jones and Michael Bublé seem to be just right), and lie in your bed and do/watch absolutely nothing.
3. stress-free.

Work, Eat, Dance, Play

For the first time since I've started working, I had to go into work today... Saturday. It was bound to happen b/c its just part of the job in my dept. Although I didn't expect to be there for 10 hours =/ It's OK, things got done, but in reality, there's just so much more =/

Anyway.. went to celebrate 1 of my bf's best friend's bday. We started of in BBQ's in Chelsea. I ordered the Texas style frozen watermelon margarita w/ an extra shot -- I was feeling like I deserved that after working my first Saturday (mind you, I stayed late this whole week too). Boy did I get tipsy fast. I forgot I had an empty stomach. Then tried their ribs.. it was better than I expected. I'll order that again if I go back. Finally, we headed out to Latin Quarters, where I fell in love w/ this Asian girl who works there (she does the guest list thing). She was letting people in and when I went through she hooked the velvet rope back and I look back and my poor bf was behind the rope. I was like boo. But she was like "awww.. you're gf and bf?". But then she was like "hell yeah since you're asian I'm not gonna split you guys up". I had a kool-aid smile for my fellow asian after that. Leaving the club I was all shy to say bye, but my boog tapped her shoulder for me so I could say thank you... hmm.. I think he likes her too.. lol.

It's rare to find in the opposite sex who talks with you, laughs with you, eats with you, has adventures with you, tries new things will you, takes walks, and dances.. dances aaalllll night to each song that came on =P

Dinner? What dinner?

Dinner is for losers.

Maybe I need to go grocery shopping and learn how to cook.

Laaazzy

Its a lazy Monday night. I didn't even know how the time just flew right now. I am supposed to start working out today but I found an excuse, and most likely, I might just find one tomorrow. So its either I stop whining about not being able to button my pants (literally, ask my boss, I showed her) or do something about it and kick my butt back into shape.

Oh I had what I call a person-who-lives-by-herself dinner at 10pm: 2 eggs, 4 strips of turkey bacon, and 2 toasts. Why breakfast? Because I have nothing else in the fridge :(
I actually have meat, but it does no good being frozen.

Philippines 2006

Took long enough!

Pictures from my Philippines Vacation
Pics are in several albums based on the city I visited

There were over 1,300 pics, I had to be extra selective..
Enjoy!

B.W.L

Ever been called a "beautiful walking lumpia"?? LOL!!

=D

Thoughts @ Randomness

I get the smallest inspiration from the most random ppl.

I over-analyze and if you really knew, I'm just ridiculous.

I MISS MY GIRLS! <3they're size="2">("What's your addiction? Is it money? Is it girls? Is it weed?...make me smiiiiile...").

The wind was so strong today I almost didn't make it to the revolving doors - had to hold on to the concrete barriers - geezus!

Facial hair should be banned from the face. =P

Fais & Joaco must have been music buddies in another life.

The ppl you thought you couldn't even respect or stand end up giving you unexpected insight that you actually find yourself thinking about after.

My hair is suuuper long.

(blank) shouldn't be your whole life. (blank) shouldn't consume your life. there's more to life than (blank)

Life. and then some.

Tax return! Yeah Boi!! lol. silly me.

Some of your Values and Morals change as you get older. Damn.

Steelers - & only b/c of their logo.

Not everything is a sign or means something! sheeesh!

P.S. Don't read too much into the psycho babble above. Take the statement for what it is. Complex Simplicity (like someone's sc name). Know what I mean jelly bean?

I got a pimple on my forehead

Drained from work today.
Didn't feel like doing anything productive @ home today since I paid the bills yesterday.
So I wasted a whole hour and a half on myspace and other crap online.
The server was slow so I wasted 15-20 more minutes waiting.
Have a pimple on my forehead.
Still in my work clothes.
Need to workout again.
Recovering pretty well from fever/food poisoning-virus crap.
Gonna watch yet another episode of S&TC.
Eventually will slither into the shower and try to rinse of the 'tired' from today.
Need to do something about my hair.
Finished paying off my floors yesterday.
Stress stinks.
Bleh.

City Dwellers

There were ups and downs of my weekend, but let's just stick to the ups shall we?

Took the train to the East Village to explore St. Mark's Place. Ended up sitting down for a few drinks at Continental - happy hour is really good to your wallet ;) Caught a little of the "delayed reaction" (yes!), then headed to Ray's pizza to inhale REALLY good pizza. Walked to the West Village and picked up some of that oh-so-good banana pudding and a few cupcakes at Magnolia Bakery (that night the line was halfway down the block and it took us 20 minutes just to get inside - the warmer weather invites people to stand online). Walked to a random building's stoop, sat down, and ate our banana pudding like no one else in the world mattered at that moment. Got lost looking for tattoo parlors. We randomly find ourselves walking where our feet take us, like I always wanted... thanks boog!

So Who's Got It All?

Today I think I got one of the best compliments I've received (this is considering the person who said it and what that person means to me in my life): Someone actually looks up to me - "I use you as an example to get me motivated. I see how determined you are and I want to be like that."
I'm someone who is still trying to "figure me out", let alone know what I'm doing or where I'm headed. But yet, this individual sees me as an example and appreciates the small things that I have figured out - w/ my issues, quirks, and all. I'm beyond flattered... (lol, this person is probably cursing me out silently for copying and pasting the compliment then posting it for the world to see) 0:)

I was talking w/ a collegue today about a woman's work-life balance, and if there even is such a thing as "Balance". I say "NO". There is no such thing, b/c I see it as how you deal, prioritize, perceive, and approach things to make it seem like you got it all "balanced" out. Of course I'm strictly talking about females b/c this is a HUGE topic for women everywhere: Can a woman really be a good mother, good wife, and good worker?

I think she'll be as good as she wants to be. This means if she's not happy at home/marriage/relationship/family, then she could choose to focus her time/passion/energy somewhere else, like in the office or in a hobby. Then there are some women who make it a point not to take work so seriously so their family lives can be as fulfilling as it can possibly be. BOTH rewards are great: the healthy and happy family vs. the distinguished and successfully accomplished woman (w/ the corner office of course) at work. There are women who can have 1, neither, or both.. now, which one thinks she "has it all"?

whoa, I've either been watching too much Sex & the City or I'm really taking advantage of a mental break from work (yes, I'm typing this all up from my desk @ work) =P

Song in my head: I ain't neva had nobody show me all the things that you done showed me, And the special way I feel when you hold me, We gone always be together baby that's what you told me...

Surprise blah.

It's amazing how you are updated on a person's life through blogs, those community websites (i.e. friendsters and myspaces of the world), or the small details you catch on member profiles. It surprises you or you just find it very unexpected. And not all news is good news. This just goes to further prove that once people go their separate ways, the only thing constant is the change that happens.

It's crazy how a few years ago I was at a different place than I am now. I don't have any complaints where I'm at, but I am very nervous of what other things will surprise me later. Some people find exciting the element of surprise or not-knowing . Not me - It's only exciting once you realize whatever happened is GOOD. =P

Carrie Fever

I had a low-key weekend:
I decided to stay home on a Friday night to be in my PJs and watch the rest of Season 3 of Sex & the City. Then Saturday rolled around and did nothing but play around w/ my iTunes. My goal is to have at least 1,000 songs on that beetch soon. Got treated to a buffet dinner by my sister and sister-in-law. THANK YOU for expanding my tummy and making my jeans unbreatheable ;-) Saturday night, I watched 3 hours of Season 4 of Sex & the City until 3:30AM. It's therapy I tell ya.

Today is Sunday.. Went to church (finally), stopped by the Filipino grocery store (had a bag of chicharon/pork rinds w/meat..mMm), now waiting for my boog to scoop me up and head out to SoHo to buy our iPod cases and possibly pass by the the Magnolia bakery on Bleeker St. (their Banana pudding is to die for and don't be suprised if there is a line outside just to get in).

I'm craving Wendy's #4 (Big Bacon Classic) .. ohh and their fries.. yuumm.. damn, my jeans are definitely feeling tighter.

It's late.. but FINALLY!

Here is what you call a family-packed 2 months:
[click on the title to see the entire album]

Dec. 17 - Kuya Charlton's birthday
[album coming soon once he sends me his pics]


Dec. 18 - Andrew's Christening
ALL the Godparents


Dec. 24 - Christmas Eve Family Celebration
Those are only SOME of the gifts distributed that night.


Dec. 31 - New Year's Eve Family Celebration
You gotta be like him: Ring in the new year w/ some stylish funky pink glasses


Month of Janury - Hanging out in the city
South Street Seaport


Saw a pretty rainbow


Little Italy


Playing around in the MoMa store in SoHo