I was in the mood to play pool with a cold beer for the past couple of days. I am nowhere near good at pool but I still found myself in the mood to play. And I did just that last night, but not as I imagined. Although I did have a good time.
We double dated and were headed for a greasy burger but found ourselves in the Cuban restaurant Cabana @ Forest Hills at 11pm. Past midnight we were full (this is the latest dinner I ever had), feeling the effects of the delicious coconut mojito, & finishing off dessert and the pitcher of sangria. 1am rolls around and we are at PLAY to play some pool. I don't know how 2 games ended up to be 3 games, me playing the worst ever (yet laughing a lot), and getting home a little after 3am.
Needless to say, Joaquin overslept and got to work dumb late, and I woke up at 1pm trying to justify the much needed sleep since I felt a cough coming on. No actually, the cough is there. Boo.
The impromptu plans, nice dinner, pool hall, and staying out late reminds me since I work so hard Mon-Fri and pay bills, I need a weekend to remind me I am still 25.
12.29.2007
12.27.2007
Merry Christmas!
Merry Belated Christmas, People!
This Holiday wish is slightly late, but its because I've been a busy bee in every sense - physically and mentally.
Oh, and my PC is not itself lately so I don't have any motivation to sit there and log on. I have sooo much to share starting w/ pictures from the Philippines. I can't wait to get a laptop or have my PC repaired b/c the pics are long over due.
Christmas this was exciting w/ the family:
- Drive upstate was definitely calming (haven't driven in awhile) and relaxing w/ the music pumping in the CTS
- My family's rendition of Iron Chef was pretty cool (we came out w/ more food than we can deal with! But then again, that's nothing new)
- 15 seconds of fame
- Kuya Charlton's travel/geographic Q&A (of which I got correct, thank you very much)
- games, games, games
- prizes, prizes, prizes
- I actually did kareoke!! In Tagalog! But only won 17 points for that out of 100 =P
- I like this christmas b/c we did the gift giving a little different this year and it worked out great (I'm super ubber happy w/ my detergent, hand soap, lotion.. Lol! (no, seriously)
- Everyone sleeping past 3am (some kids until 5am), then waking up 10am for 'brunch' of rice/beans, ribs, chicken, fish, meatballs, pork...
- Finally got a digital camera after mine broke
- Dressed up for pictorials and wasn't as disappointed as I thought I would be
I did major retail therapy damage, that I think I need a follow-up retail therapy to just cope with the first one =X. I'm returning a pair of boots, and I better read the $70 worth of books I bought soon!
I've also learned that I don't mind eating by myself in certain places. I barely talk when I'm eating anyway (I'm focused, man! lol), and I eat so damn fast, that eating alone actually doesn't feel any different. I mean good company is better, but when I'm at a pizzaria, costco, fast food, then it doesn't matter whether I'm with someone or not.
New Year's Resolution: eat at a slower/normal pace
This Holiday wish is slightly late, but its because I've been a busy bee in every sense - physically and mentally.
Oh, and my PC is not itself lately so I don't have any motivation to sit there and log on. I have sooo much to share starting w/ pictures from the Philippines. I can't wait to get a laptop or have my PC repaired b/c the pics are long over due.
Christmas this was exciting w/ the family:
- Drive upstate was definitely calming (haven't driven in awhile) and relaxing w/ the music pumping in the CTS
- My family's rendition of Iron Chef was pretty cool (we came out w/ more food than we can deal with! But then again, that's nothing new)
- 15 seconds of fame
- Kuya Charlton's travel/geographic Q&A (of which I got correct, thank you very much)
- games, games, games
- prizes, prizes, prizes
- I actually did kareoke!! In Tagalog! But only won 17 points for that out of 100 =P
- I like this christmas b/c we did the gift giving a little different this year and it worked out great (I'm super ubber happy w/ my detergent, hand soap, lotion.. Lol! (no, seriously)
- Everyone sleeping past 3am (some kids until 5am), then waking up 10am for 'brunch' of rice/beans, ribs, chicken, fish, meatballs, pork...
- Finally got a digital camera after mine broke
- Dressed up for pictorials and wasn't as disappointed as I thought I would be
I did major retail therapy damage, that I think I need a follow-up retail therapy to just cope with the first one =X. I'm returning a pair of boots, and I better read the $70 worth of books I bought soon!
I've also learned that I don't mind eating by myself in certain places. I barely talk when I'm eating anyway (I'm focused, man! lol), and I eat so damn fast, that eating alone actually doesn't feel any different. I mean good company is better, but when I'm at a pizzaria, costco, fast food, then it doesn't matter whether I'm with someone or not.
New Year's Resolution: eat at a slower/normal pace
12.10.2007
Immediate Regret
Immediate regret is a Big Mac, 2 medium fries, a coke, and washing it all down with a few gulps of chocolate milk shake.... All this after 3 hours of already having dinner!! I can see an image of a treadmill now...
12.01.2007
rewinding to Alicia obsession for 2 seconds
"Other than that, just sitting here listening to Common and zonin' and making sure that I am taking care of myself, smelling the flowers, and taking those little moments to be GRATEFUL! because life is short and we have to live hard, Work hard, play hard, LOVE hard..."
No More Grinch
I think this Christmas season will feel more like Christmas. Actually, I'm going to make it an effort to lift my head, look around, and appreciate this holiday -- from the garlands and lights on the street lamps to the Christmas lights on trees and buildings to the chilly weather and bundled up people w/ shopping bags. This is the Holidays in New York. And this is what I've been missing out on for some years now b/c I'm too caught up in what I'm getting ppl and with what money. This year my family is doing a spin on our tradition (for a good reason) and doing something different, but still fun. In a 18-20 person household, you can imagine just how expensive Christmas gets for ALL of us. Expensive = Stressful.
So since almost all of us came from vacation, the budgets are tighter. Thanks to my family, we've come up and agreed on only 2 gifts this year: one for our traditional yankee swap, and
another as a prize for games (trust me, these games are fun, and sometimes so funny you might pee on your pants). The babies will of course get their gifts b/c I doubt they will be playing games =)
Merry Christmas everyone! Happy Shopping!
So since almost all of us came from vacation, the budgets are tighter. Thanks to my family, we've come up and agreed on only 2 gifts this year: one for our traditional yankee swap, and
another as a prize for games (trust me, these games are fun, and sometimes so funny you might pee on your pants). The babies will of course get their gifts b/c I doubt they will be playing games =)
Merry Christmas everyone! Happy Shopping!
To worry or not to worry...
That is the question.
http://money.cnn.com/2007/11/23/magazines/fortune/barr_recession.fortune
/index.htm?postversion=2007112615
See.. if I was a kid again, I wouldn't care b/c I wouldn't know what was
going on and worry how it would affect my job, bills, and the ability to pay those bills. boo.
http://money.cnn.com/2007/11
/index.htm?postversion=2007112
See.. if I was a kid again, I wouldn't care b/c I wouldn't know what was
going on and worry how it would affect my job, bills, and the ability to pay those bills. boo.
11.28.2007
Philosophical Mumbo Jumbo vs. Faith
Its getting harder to distinguish between the 2 once exposed to different ppl, books, advice. Sometimes, most people are way better off just not listening to anyone or not seeking advice from anyone or anything.
I mean there is one book saying "Ask and you shall receive...Visualize it and it will be yours", and another saying "Expect nothing and you can only be pleasantly surprised" (which was my motto for a long time and still is). Then my faith plays a role since its something I knew since I was a baby -- God has a plan for us, and if things don't go a certain way, its for a reason. Trust God will do right by you in the long run.
What is a girl to do -- in the cases I mentioned (a) Visualize (b) Don't expect your wish to come true and b/c of that it just might [sounds weird but I swear it works for me way too much to be coincidence] (c) Pray & trust. Off the bat, (a) and (b) contradict each other. I try to do (c) but end up forgetting in the moment of anxiety.
You can look at it in another way:
(A) is more hopeful, almost forceful (you HAVE to believe that you already have what it is you want)
(B) is more pessimistic but slightly realistic (in my world)
(C) needs work on my part
[20 mins later]
SOMETHING is WRONG W/ ME!!
I CANNOT FOCUS!! on anything! Even my own thoughts feel like they are fluttering elsewhere.. like they have A.D.H.D (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).
I try to see if I can find the source of my busy, unrestful thoughts:
1) Is something wrong at home? No
2) Is something wrong at the job? No
3) Is something wrong w/ someone I love? No
... Oh I figured it out...
4) Am I learning new things about myself so much so that they force my own personality/mind to change, adapt, and eventually become slightly unrecognizable? Yes
5) Do I notice new thoughts/ideas/goals that creep up on me and make me feel as if my mind was prepubescent all these years I thought I was a fully-developed adult? Yes
6) Could it be that 25 yrs is changing how I think, see the world, see others, see myself? Possibly
*Ding!* Bingo!
Crap.
I mean there is one book saying "Ask and you shall receive...Visualize it and it will be yours", and another saying "Expect nothing and you can only be pleasantly surprised" (which was my motto for a long time and still is). Then my faith plays a role since its something I knew since I was a baby -- God has a plan for us, and if things don't go a certain way, its for a reason. Trust God will do right by you in the long run.
What is a girl to do -- in the cases I mentioned (a) Visualize (b) Don't expect your wish to come true and b/c of that it just might [sounds weird but I swear it works for me way too much to be coincidence] (c) Pray & trust. Off the bat, (a) and (b) contradict each other. I try to do (c) but end up forgetting in the moment of anxiety.
You can look at it in another way:
(A) is more hopeful, almost forceful (you HAVE to believe that you already have what it is you want)
(B) is more pessimistic but slightly realistic (in my world)
(C) needs work on my part
[20 mins later]
SOMETHING is WRONG W/ ME!!
I CANNOT FOCUS!! on anything! Even my own thoughts feel like they are fluttering elsewhere.. like they have A.D.H.D (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).
I try to see if I can find the source of my busy, unrestful thoughts:
1) Is something wrong at home? No
2) Is something wrong at the job? No
3) Is something wrong w/ someone I love? No
... Oh I figured it out...
4) Am I learning new things about myself so much so that they force my own personality/mind to change, adapt, and eventually become slightly unrecognizable? Yes
5) Do I notice new thoughts/ideas/goals that creep up on me and make me feel as if my mind was prepubescent all these years I thought I was a fully-developed adult? Yes
6) Could it be that 25 yrs is changing how I think, see the world, see others, see myself? Possibly
*Ding!* Bingo!
Crap.
11.26.2007
Thoughts so random
I realized I really like football out of all the other sports. It's exciting. I just regret not really knowing anything about the teams and players where I can really get into it. I find myself watching football when forced to (i.e. in a bar with a huge tv in front of me), understanding the basics, and cheering for whichever team gets a touchdown/down/interception/sack. I guess I like the sport, but don't love it (yet?).
I want to get back into piano. I know I've said this a gazillion times, but I am thinking about once-a-week piano lessons. I did it before for like 5 years and for $20 per lesson from this student-teacher who was a good teacher. I see it as a hobby, something different that would take up my time, and a form of release from any aggression I feel. I used to think the gym would help me deal w/ stress and aggression, but nope! So I'm hoping some angry piano playing will help.
It's amazing how my moods can vary where sometimes I don't recognize it too much. For instance, yesterday and a little bit of today, I sat in Starbucks w/ my coffee listening to classical music blasting on my iPod. I don't want to listen to any other type of music at this moment, just classical.
Goal for today: Get my butt to the gym after 3 weeks of slacking off.
11.25.2007
Joaquin's Highlights of the Philippines
I'm probably still in vacation mode - lazy and thinking I also have to be doing something. For example, I woke up on this beautiful sunny Sunday morning like "oh no what am I going to do today?". In the Philippines, we always had plans for each day to make the best and most of our stay. But I just thought about it and I don't have to do anything today. I can relax!! I just loaded up the washing machine, put on some soothing Alicia Keys (btw her As I Am album is pretty good), curl up w/ PJs on the couch, and update you on some stuff.
I know I promised you pics of the Philippines, but my brother made a DVD slide show and I have no clue how to save the images as pics. So I'll get back to you on that.
In the meantime, let me list Joaquin's highlights of a first-timer in the Philippines:
-the long ass flight (you made it all 16 hours of it babe! hehe)
-6 hour road trip to Baguio
-Balut!! "It's like fear factor but without getting paid" LOL (Damn I have to show you those pics!)
-Living & feeling like a movie star, & the attention received
-3 manicures in less than 2 weeks (1 manicure in the park)
-Hair spa & Massages.. Mmmm...
-Jeepneys & Tricycle rides
-Boracay's gorgeous clear waters and school of fishes swimming around your ankles
-The beach wedding, everyone in white, beautiful
-Water sports: Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Banana boat
-Romantic getaway (walks on the beach holding hands, seeing the stars)
-Dinners/Lunches on the beach (while you're eating, you can dig your toes into the powdery soft sand)
-"Can't keep up with Filipino eating habits... you guys eat 10 times a day!! What's going on!?" -Joaquin
-Family time (getting closer and feeling comfy)
-Bargaining
-Mom's laugh & Dad's high blood
Some of the small things I thought were big:
-My brothers and sister greeting Joaquin "Welcome to the Philippines!!" while we were still in the Philippine airport.
-Dad & Joaquin going to the driving range
-Joaquin pinching my brother's nipples and gas wars w/ my other brother
-Conversation in the car (going home from the mall) that made me miss how cooky my dad is
Going home went something like this:
Din: Grandpa! No U-Turn!
Dad (aka Din's grandpa): I'm U-Turning!!
Me: Daddy, make the left A/C vent point away from Din
Dad: [fixes right vent]
Me: LEFT vent, LEFT vent!
Dad: [fixes right vent]
Me: You're other left!
Dad: Turning LEFT!
Joaquin: [cracks up once he realizes what's going on] The left vent.
Din: [laughing] Don't turn left, we're going to go back to the mall!
So there are the highlights from what Joaquin said.
So if you made it this far, thanks for reading!
I know I promised you pics of the Philippines, but my brother made a DVD slide show and I have no clue how to save the images as pics. So I'll get back to you on that.
In the meantime, let me list Joaquin's highlights of a first-timer in the Philippines:
-the long ass flight (you made it all 16 hours of it babe! hehe)
-6 hour road trip to Baguio
-Balut!! "It's like fear factor but without getting paid" LOL (Damn I have to show you those pics!)
-Living & feeling like a movie star, & the attention received
-3 manicures in less than 2 weeks (1 manicure in the park)
-Hair spa & Massages.. Mmmm...
-Jeepneys & Tricycle rides
-Boracay's gorgeous clear waters and school of fishes swimming around your ankles
-The beach wedding, everyone in white, beautiful
-Water sports: Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Banana boat
-Romantic getaway (walks on the beach holding hands, seeing the stars)
-Dinners/Lunches on the beach (while you're eating, you can dig your toes into the powdery soft sand)
-"Can't keep up with Filipino eating habits... you guys eat 10 times a day!! What's going on!?" -Joaquin
-Family time (getting closer and feeling comfy)
-Bargaining
-Mom's laugh & Dad's high blood
Some of the small things I thought were big:
-My brothers and sister greeting Joaquin "Welcome to the Philippines!!" while we were still in the Philippine airport.
-Dad & Joaquin going to the driving range
-Joaquin pinching my brother's nipples and gas wars w/ my other brother
-Conversation in the car (going home from the mall) that made me miss how cooky my dad is
Going home went something like this:
Din: Grandpa! No U-Turn!
Dad (aka Din's grandpa): I'm U-Turning!!
Me: Daddy, make the left A/C vent point away from Din
Dad: [fixes right vent]
Me: LEFT vent, LEFT vent!
Dad: [fixes right vent]
Me: You're other left!
Dad: Turning LEFT!
Joaquin: [cracks up once he realizes what's going on] The left vent.
Din: [laughing] Don't turn left, we're going to go back to the mall!
So there are the highlights from what Joaquin said.
So if you made it this far, thanks for reading!
11.23.2007
Birthday Reflections - Blessings
So I turned 25 in another country! Actually, no, let me brag about this a little -- I turned 25 in the beautiful Philippine Resort of Boracay. The beaches are breathless, the people are crazy nice, the experiences/entire 2-week vacation was undescribably awesome, food took me (and my diet) away, and the family surrounding me was a blessing.
I'm 25 -- yikes. Damn. .. Wow.
I'm kinda re-directing my thoughts on my future at this point (more than I'd like to admit. Almost/Borderline worrisome). It's a blessing to be where I am at professionally, but I might have some ideas...
Anway, I'm seeing pictures of other bdays celebrated in NY and all the other friends that participated and it feels bittersweet: I'm so happy they had a ball with everyone out here, but at the same time, I'm kinda sad I missed out on the festivities. I cannot be too sad, b/c like I said, I was in a paradise of my own on Nov. 13 with almost all my loved ones. Oh well, we can't have everything, right? ;-) The important thing is to count my blessings and I will never have enough fingers (real and imaginary) to count ALL the blessings I have in my life.
Happy belated Turkey Day! Another day celebrating what we each have in our lives to be grateful for.. I was too busy stuffing my face and cleaning up my apt to greet ya'll on actual Thanksgiving.
I have sooo much to update you on re: Philippines and pictures. Those will come next. Stay tuned!!!
Happy Birthday, Alena! (Nov. 12)
Happy Birthday, Din! (Nov. 12)
Happy Birhday, Shell! (Nov. 15)
Happy Birthday, Pris! (Nov. 23)
Happy Birthday, baby! (Nov. 24)
Happy Birthday, Titus! (Nov. 24)
... Whew! I can breathe now ... lol
I'm 25 -- yikes. Damn. .. Wow.
I'm kinda re-directing my thoughts on my future at this point (more than I'd like to admit. Almost/Borderline worrisome). It's a blessing to be where I am at professionally, but I might have some ideas...
Anway, I'm seeing pictures of other bdays celebrated in NY and all the other friends that participated and it feels bittersweet: I'm so happy they had a ball with everyone out here, but at the same time, I'm kinda sad I missed out on the festivities. I cannot be too sad, b/c like I said, I was in a paradise of my own on Nov. 13 with almost all my loved ones. Oh well, we can't have everything, right? ;-) The important thing is to count my blessings and I will never have enough fingers (real and imaginary) to count ALL the blessings I have in my life.
Happy belated Turkey Day! Another day celebrating what we each have in our lives to be grateful for.. I was too busy stuffing my face and cleaning up my apt to greet ya'll on actual Thanksgiving.
I have sooo much to update you on re: Philippines and pictures. Those will come next. Stay tuned!!!
Happy Birthday, Alena! (Nov. 12)
Happy Birthday, Din! (Nov. 12)
Happy Birhday, Shell! (Nov. 15)
Happy Birthday, Pris! (Nov. 23)
Happy Birthday, baby! (Nov. 24)
Happy Birthday, Titus! (Nov. 24)
... Whew! I can breathe now ... lol
10.31.2007
Birthday pics @ Maru
Courtesy of Aggie's camera, here are the pics from my early bday celebration @ Maru in Ktown: click here for pics
Thank you soooo much, Kay & Aggie! You always make sure I have fun on my birthday (no matter how early/late)!! I'm so grateful for SBU b/c we walked away with an awesome friendship. Can't wait til next time!
Thank you soooo much, Kay & Aggie! You always make sure I have fun on my birthday (no matter how early/late)!! I'm so grateful for SBU b/c we walked away with an awesome friendship. Can't wait til next time!
Not meant for the dark
The comment below (in green) is not meant to be kept in the dark. So I copied it from the comments section of one of my posts and gave it its own post. It's meant for people, especially people like me, to read, absorb, and hopefully reflect on it. It was posted by one of the few people I admire and I turn to in times of joy, frustration, anger, and sometimes (unfortunately) plain 'ol desperation. I share my love and my sorrows with this boy, my family He lets me be me and doesn't try to change me, only improve what's good and acknowledge what is not so good so that I am not blind and learn from it instead of rot from it. I LOVE YOU!
Question to Fais: would you rather go back to our Super NES TMNT years or keep growing?? Those nintendo controllers in that attic room w/ pink carpeting are looking quite good right now =/
I want to change my blog name from "Thoughts" to "Naked". Because sometimes I feel like the only way I know how to write is from my heart. And from my heart I bare a lot with words (and sometimes to total strangers considering this blog in on the internet, so out there!), unconcealed and real.
Happy Halloween you goons!! :-]
With Love, From Love:
"...but ive learned (speakin for myself) that the only way you can be yourself is to accept the negative and the positive. and the best medicine when your feelin down is to share the love you have with someone else..
"We are all a connected whole, interrelated, one organism. Hence it can be said, as a conclusion: Become richer in every dimension.
Be creative, be loving, be meditative, and share. And the more you share, the more existence will shower on you flowers of blissfulness and ecstasy.
The only good is to be in a position of oneness, so that you are not in a constant conflict within yourself -- because that conflict destroys you, leaves no energy to be shared.
When you are one, the energy becomes so much that you become almost like a rain cloud, so full of rain that it wants to shower somewhere or other.
Sharing is the most precious religious experience. sharing is good"
Question to Fais: would you rather go back to our Super NES TMNT years or keep growing?? Those nintendo controllers in that attic room w/ pink carpeting are looking quite good right now =/
I want to change my blog name from "Thoughts" to "Naked". Because sometimes I feel like the only way I know how to write is from my heart. And from my heart I bare a lot with words (and sometimes to total strangers considering this blog in on the internet, so out there!), unconcealed and real.
Happy Halloween you goons!! :-]
With Love, From Love:
"...but ive learned (speakin for myself) that the only way you can be yourself is to accept the negative and the positive. and the best medicine when your feelin down is to share the love you have with someone else..
"We are all a connected whole, interrelated, one organism. Hence it can be said, as a conclusion: Become richer in every dimension.
Be creative, be loving, be meditative, and share. And the more you share, the more existence will shower on you flowers of blissfulness and ecstasy.
The only good is to be in a position of oneness, so that you are not in a constant conflict within yourself -- because that conflict destroys you, leaves no energy to be shared.
When you are one, the energy becomes so much that you become almost like a rain cloud, so full of rain that it wants to shower somewhere or other.
Sharing is the most precious religious experience. sharing is good"
Contender
This self-improvement thing: when I feel like I've taken two steps forward, I find myself taking the same 2 steps back and I'm back to sqaure one. So this is what it feels like for a fighter in the ring -- you get knocked down but as long as you get right back up to fight again it is what separates you from the good fighters and the ones that just stay knocked down. Dad, I hope you are right... And most of all, I hope I didn't lose too much of myself...
This growing up crap doesn't end at 18 or 21. It's the one thing that is constant... I guess.
Conversation piece I had with a coworker: No matter what crazy environment you're thrown into, as long as your morals/values stay intact then you can survive and YOU WILL BE ALRIGHT.
This growing up crap doesn't end at 18 or 21. It's the one thing that is constant... I guess.
Conversation piece I had with a coworker: No matter what crazy environment you're thrown into, as long as your morals/values stay intact then you can survive and YOU WILL BE ALRIGHT.
10.29.2007
office blogs part ?
The email chain is ALL about food...
______________________________
From: Jamlen
Sent: Monday, October 29, 2007 12:54 PM
To: Agatha
Sesame ginger dressing is good for the first few bites, but then after, its just too much… also there’s the fact I put too much dressing.
What r the name of those baked unsalted pita chips u introduced me to?_____________________________
From: Agatha
Sent: Monday, October 29, 2007 12:56 PM
To: Jamlen
Um… Rita's? I think it was someone's name… I can't remember tho… I'll prod see it in the café so I'll let you know. Haha you addict! Omg I love ginger dressing!
_____________________________From: Jamlen
Sent: Monday, October 29, 2007 12:57 PM
To: Agatha
Yeah I should’ve put the dressing on lighter so it wasn’t so overwhelming. This specific kind was too sweet towards the end.
Btw, I see a pattern, everytime I eat salad (or maybe their salad?) I get this unsettling weird empty/hungry feeling in my stomach. The one I mentioned before. I mean I’m full but my stomach feels empty!!
_____________________________
From: Agatha
Sent: Monday, October 29, 2007 2:07 PM
To: Jamlen
It could just be your brain telling you that cause you know you had a salad.
Maybe try getting extra chicken that way your mind thinks that you got extra protein so you'll feel more satisfied
_____________________________
From: Jamlen
Sent: Monday, October 29, 2007 2:12 PM
To: Agatha
Haha I already put so much chicken. I ask for extra chicken all the time b/c its no charge. And some days when they say I have one more ingredient I can add, I still stay chicken haha.. and I add chick peas for MORE protein.
_____________________________
From: Agatha
Sent: Monday, October 29, 2007 2:17 PM
To: Jamlen
Uh… oh… okay woman you're on your own then…. Haha
_____________________________
From: Jamlen
Sent: Monday, October 29, 2007 2:21 PM
To: Agatha
I went to go pick up a print job and next to the printer were the donuts. There was one left and I just looked around, contemplated that its so bad, and I swiped it and inhaled it while walking back to my desk b4 anyone could see me. That makes it 3!!! grrr
_____________________________
From: Agatha
Sent: Monday, October 29, 2007 2:22 PM
To: Jamlen
LOL!!!!!!!!!haha
Hillarious!
10.23.2007
Love to Love
Yo man, what's up w/ me… lately, I've been in the mood to share anything and everything going through my head w/ the world. Right now I almost bit, no chewed, my lip off. I guess that turkey sandwich brought out the savage in me =P
Let's see .. What else…
Remember I told you I wanted to do some self-improvement? Well, it’s a continued effort. Everyday I'm giving myself silent pep talks or prayers in my head that I am capable of feeling this or that (all positive, of course). It's not an overnight change, but if my heart and mind are in the right places and in sync, then I can do it…
Sometimes I feel like I wanna be that person who changes something or makes an impact in the world… I WANNA DO SO MUCH!
I just put on my earphones and tuned into Alicia Key's No One while I'm working. Everyone is in this quiet environment in their cubicles and I'm just vibin and moving my upper body w/ the beat.. Wonder if anyone sees me and notices. You'll get that a lot -- collegues tuning out to their iPod music to concentrate better or take out the redundancy of whatever it is they're doing. What's cool about my job is that it gives you both worlds of interacting with others or just being to yourself and not having to talk to anyone for the whole day, but still be productive in that way (sometimes, I get into those moods since I am an introvert/anti-social beeatch).
NO MATTER WHAT… its an AWESOME feeling to know Love grew out of a (Best) Friendship… even if you experience it just once. See man! It's this song! It has it hynotizing powers in its own way… makes me love the world and shiet. Haha! Hey, ain't nothing wrong that.. Love to love.
10.22.2007
Burst
I don't know why I named this post "burst". It was the first word that came into mind when a flood of thoughts entered my mind at the same time. My birthday is approaching and I'm getting older, hopefully wiser, but there's still so much I have to learn about myself... so much. Random people ask me random questions and it always stirs something in me. There are those people in your life that teach you something about yourself. Sometimes these are people who don't even know you or what you are feeling but a word, a conversation, a phrase will shift something in your conscience. For me, its been a theme of self-improvement. There's so much I need to learn and do FOR MYSELF. Sometimes it gets kinda frustrating b/c the daily routine of life makes you feel like you are standing still. I'm glad I still have my faith to turn to and rely on. It must be my very own angel who only became my angel when I was 12. Most of all, right now, I need to learn that if things don't go as planned or as expected, I need NOT to freak out and somehow find the purpose or lesson/blessing in disguise.
Damn, second post in a row... those damn stars are aligned for me to pour out my soul hehe..
Damn, second post in a row... those damn stars are aligned for me to pour out my soul hehe..
AKFC
... stands for Alicia Keys Fan Club, and that's the site I'm currently reading. I FREAKIN love her. I mean I always thought she was suuuuper duuper talented and beautiful, but the "No One" video did it for me. Don't ask me how (other than I found her even more beautiful, no.. gorgeous!), but it's on constant repeat in a playlist of its own. And guess what.. she has a blog, too! Ha! I don't know what it is, what force or attraction that moves you when you hear music or obtain this newfound respect/love/obsession with a person who has such a powerful influence such as music or movies or some public act of goodness/weirdness/uniqueness. I think I've gone into semi-obsession mode only less than a handful of times and research biographies of bands, celebrities, musicians, or everyday individuals who have moved me somehow someway. Or maybe its my admiration for those who MAKE IT HAPPEN. They set themselves to do something and THEY'RE DOING IT or in the process of completing that thought, dream.
I got it! I know what contributes to me going into this research mode... it's when someone who's life is so public and out there takes a minute or two and shares something private or intimate about themselves. Its not about me being nosey, its about me realizing that these people are regular ppl who have emotions, feelings, intimacy, and a private life that they only give the public sneak peaks. "Non famous people" do it everyday -- they're called blogs. The world doesn't know me, but those who come across my blog, my thoughts get a taste of my private life, family, friends, ... thoughts. Exactly.
Besides, when you can relate to someone famous who tries more than the average person to keep his/her life private, its kinda cool.. Check it:
She rocks. Oh and her Album "As I am" comes on on my birthday... birthday gift ideas anyone?? lol. on that note, I'll leave you with the link to her youtube video that got me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktUSIJEiOug
I got it! I know what contributes to me going into this research mode... it's when someone who's life is so public and out there takes a minute or two and shares something private or intimate about themselves. Its not about me being nosey, its about me realizing that these people are regular ppl who have emotions, feelings, intimacy, and a private life that they only give the public sneak peaks. "Non famous people" do it everyday -- they're called blogs. The world doesn't know me, but those who come across my blog, my thoughts get a taste of my private life, family, friends, ... thoughts. Exactly.
Besides, when you can relate to someone famous who tries more than the average person to keep his/her life private, its kinda cool.. Check it:
"Well. Well ... You know, I have to say, the person I'm with is really special," Keys said after smiling playfully. "And I'm lucky because when I go out with friends to parties, I say to myself, 'Self, what in the hell would you do if you didn't have somebody who loved you?' I mean, really. I look at these guys and it's like, 'Who are you? What do you even think about and what are you representing? Do you even know me? And do you want to know me or ... ?' It's scary. And I think about how uncomfortable I would feel trying to find love among so much falseness. So I feel very, very, very blessed to have someone so special to me. Someone who I know cares about me. That's what it's about. I'm pretty lucky."
Jane's writer responded, "I'm taking that as a yes."
This doesn't necessarily mean Keys is raring to get married — ... she explained that she doesn't want a husband or a baby before she's 30. "I want to live my life," Keys said. "I want to give myself the opportunity to grow as a woman and as someone creative."... After accomplishing all these and other goals, "I'll be ready to start a family. When I'm 35."
http://www.vh1.com/news
10.17.2007
office blogs
See.. again it happens: One of many super stressful days at the office with so much work to do, and what do I do? OF COURSE, email Aggie mindless ramblings that go something like:
From: Jamlen
Sent: Wednesday, October 17, 2007 10:19 AM
To: Agatha
Subject: RE:
From: Jamlen
Sent: Wednesday, October 17, 2007 11:46 AM
To: Agatha
From: Jamlen
Sent: Wednesday, October 17, 2007 11:56 AM
To: Agatha
Subject: RE:
From: Jamlen
Sent: Tuesday, October 16, 2007 3:16 PM
To: Agatha
OMG! I am CRAVING something sweet. Preferrably cold glass of chocolate
milk or frozen yogurt. I'll even do pinkberry! Or cheesecake w/ fruit on top!! Oh yuuum!! I want cheesecake now. Oh oh oh.. I forgot.. I had cheesecake last night! *gasp!* I completely overlooked that one after the bangers n mash -- see I was in denial with how "bad" I ate last night that I completely blocked part of my memory lol.
From: Jamlen
Sent: Wednesday, October 17, 2007 10:19 AM
To: Agatha
Subject: RE:
I am now getting the feeling of overwhelm.
I am overwhelmed.
An hour later...From: Jamlen
Sent: Wednesday, October 17, 2007 11:46 AM
To: Agatha
Lots to do and not enough brain capacity or motivation.
Its soooo gloomy out and joaquin just said I looked skinny -- I don't want that. I want kinda like what you have -- small waist and a butt!! Lol but with my body type, if I work on the waist, my butt goes bye bye =( I want j.lo's body lol.
So anyway, my point is, since its so gloomy and I'm "skinny", can't I have pasta for lunch?? hehehehe
10 minutes later...From: Jamlen
Sent: Wednesday, October 17, 2007 11:56 AM
To: Agatha
Subject: RE:
So… does this mean I can have pasta? Heheh
Ok ok.. You are my conscience.. So pick one for me:
1) get a new shirt for work in the mall and eat a small turkey sandwich (no cheese)
2) no new shirt/ no mall and eat fettucine alfredo pasta
From: Jamlen
Sent: Tuesday, October 16, 2007 3:16 PM
To: Agatha
OMG! I am CRAVING something sweet. Preferrably cold glass of chocolate
milk or frozen yogurt. I'll even do pinkberry! Or cheesecake w/ fruit on top!! Oh yuuum!! I want cheesecake now. Oh oh oh.. I forgot.. I had cheesecake last night! *gasp!* I completely overlooked that one after the bangers n mash -- see I was in denial with how "bad" I ate last night that I completely blocked part of my memory lol.
10.14.2007
20 days left
1. Pasalubongs (presents) - check
2. Maletas (luggage) - check
... ok now you've picked up some tagalog words ...
3. Tickets - check
4. Passport - check
What's left?
1. Personal items/clothes
2. One more Costco trip for brownies and centrum
3. Locks?
4. Completion of maleta name/address tags
5. Figure out pasalubong payment to Kuya Charlton
6. 20 days left
7. Valium/Benadryl for Joaquin
Lazy Sunday morning in bed - Yummy
Breakfast in bed - Yummier!
Diet update: Been doing awesome! I'm back to buying shirts in a size S! As my sister would say, "S is for Sexy".. lol, let me stop. S is for Small. yay! the portion control + salads + gym = success! Finally, Dagnamit!! Switched the burger/heavy creamy pasta for a grilled salmon sandwich on toasted whole wheat w/ arugula and cucumbers. Cereal w/ skim milk every weekday morning. Coffee w/ skim milk & no sugar. Salad w/ balsamic vinegar (none of that ranch/blue cheese/ceasar stuff). Mixed nuts for snacks. Large orange juice instead of a chocolate croissant (THAT was a hard decision). Half a big bowl of my usual bowl of san cocho. No cheese on sandwiches. Grilled chicken snack wrap w/ honey mustard and low fat chocolate milk from McD's. Muscle Milk after every gym workout. Sorry you had to read my entire menu, but it makes me feel better writing this down so it's a testament to my actual efforts.
All I want to do is read my books. Geek.
Happy (advanced) Birthday to me! I want to buy my bday gift to myself already! I'm just patiently waiting...
Sacrifice - not getting a manicure in order to save $$.
Indulge - getting a dress for my bday once I'm in the Philippine resort of Boracay. Wanna see where I'll be on my bday?? click here!!
Happy Birthday Wendy (Oct 15) & Zaida (Oct 14)!
2. Maletas (luggage) - check
... ok now you've picked up some tagalog words ...
3. Tickets - check
4. Passport - check
What's left?
1. Personal items/clothes
2. One more Costco trip for brownies and centrum
3. Locks?
4. Completion of maleta name/address tags
5. Figure out pasalubong payment to Kuya Charlton
6. 20 days left
7. Valium/Benadryl for Joaquin
Lazy Sunday morning in bed - Yummy
Breakfast in bed - Yummier!
Diet update: Been doing awesome! I'm back to buying shirts in a size S! As my sister would say, "S is for Sexy".. lol, let me stop. S is for Small. yay! the portion control + salads + gym = success! Finally, Dagnamit!! Switched the burger/heavy creamy pasta for a grilled salmon sandwich on toasted whole wheat w/ arugula and cucumbers. Cereal w/ skim milk every weekday morning. Coffee w/ skim milk & no sugar. Salad w/ balsamic vinegar (none of that ranch/blue cheese/ceasar stuff). Mixed nuts for snacks. Large orange juice instead of a chocolate croissant (THAT was a hard decision). Half a big bowl of my usual bowl of san cocho. No cheese on sandwiches. Grilled chicken snack wrap w/ honey mustard and low fat chocolate milk from McD's. Muscle Milk after every gym workout. Sorry you had to read my entire menu, but it makes me feel better writing this down so it's a testament to my actual efforts.
All I want to do is read my books. Geek.
Happy (advanced) Birthday to me! I want to buy my bday gift to myself already! I'm just patiently waiting...
Sacrifice - not getting a manicure in order to save $$.
Indulge - getting a dress for my bday once I'm in the Philippine resort of Boracay. Wanna see where I'll be on my bday?? click here!!
Happy Birthday Wendy (Oct 15) & Zaida (Oct 14)!
10.06.2007
& this is my Master Card entry...
Cask & Cream Chocolate Temptation... $15
OJ... $3
6 oz. Vodka... $8
Dancing our hearts out in our underwear to Madonna... Priceless
I didn't know something you could do in private can be shared w/ someone who dances as crazy as you (behind closed doors of course, lol). I think we opened up our own club that night xP
OJ... $3
6 oz. Vodka... $8
Dancing our hearts out in our underwear to Madonna... Priceless
I didn't know something you could do in private can be shared w/ someone who dances as crazy as you (behind closed doors of course, lol). I think we opened up our own club that night xP
9.16.2007
Big Girls Don't Cry
Song currently blasting in my living room w/ me singing off-tune to the top of my lungs: "Big Girls Don't Cry" by Fergie
I'm obsessed w/ the chorus. It almost touches an emotional chord.
I miss TITUS!!!
I'm obsessed w/ the chorus. It almost touches an emotional chord.
I miss TITUS!!!
9.11.2007
Just vomitted all this randomness
This blog is so random, I'm going to just separate those random "throw up" of thoughts into different colors so I do lose you, cool?
I'm currently reading Hillary Rodham Clinton's autobiography titled "Living History", and I am enjoying each page. Reading Hillary's book makes me feel like my achievements are so insignificant!! She's done so much and I was only up to her in her law school years! And what have I done? Shopped?!? Ugh! Well, just like the Justin Timberlake song "Like I love you", he says at the end "some people are destined to do what they do"… amen
This is what serious Business Analysts email each other about in the middle of the day, while I have MAJOR deadlines and tasks (read email chain below):
Taken from a website: "but honestly, as a Scorpio, you tend to give a passionate, obsessive, "all or nothing" effort to everything you train your mind upon" ... oh they hit this one on the spot!!
Less than 7 weeks left until Philippines... shiet! Financial Panic has begun.. However, I just went last week to the mall across our office building w/ my manager and we did not come out empty handed. shiet. "But I needed it and it was on sale!"
I'm currently reading Hillary Rodham Clinton's autobiography titled "Living History", and I am enjoying each page. Reading Hillary's book makes me feel like my achievements are so insignificant!! She's done so much and I was only up to her in her law school years! And what have I done? Shopped?!? Ugh! Well, just like the Justin Timberlake song "Like I love you", he says at the end "some people are destined to do what they do"… amen
This is what serious Business Analysts email each other about in the middle of the day, while I have MAJOR deadlines and tasks (read email chain below):
From: Jamlen
Sent: Tuesday, September 11, 2007 3:50 PM
To: Agatha
Subject: RE:
I hate that feeling where its like you need to brush your teeth NOW! I ate dark chocolate and its leaving a bitter taste in my mouth! Tea doesn't help b/c it just leaves a stale taste in my mouth. Gum won't work cuz it just gives me gas cuz I chew like a cow and not like a normal person. After I spit out the gum from having too much gas, then it leaves an "old gum" taste in my mouth.
From: Agatha
Sent: Tuesday, September 11, 2007 4:01 PM
To: Jamlen
Subject: RE:
This is hilarious!!!!
I'm lmao!!!
Taken from a website: "but honestly, as a Scorpio, you tend to give a passionate, obsessive, "all or nothing" effort to everything you train your mind upon" ... oh they hit this one on the spot!!
Less than 7 weeks left until Philippines... shiet! Financial Panic has begun.. However, I just went last week to the mall across our office building w/ my manager and we did not come out empty handed. shiet. "But I needed it and it was on sale!"
9.02.2007
The Greatest City in the World
New York City is amazing. I never cease to be surprised even after 25 years of residency. At any given moments notice, it can provide your unplanned day (or week) with a little spontaneity.
This past week or week and a half has been filled with after work drinks at Disiac's, late dinners, a little dancing at Myst (too bad I had work clothes on), meeting up w/ former college roomies twice, Ulysses and the sea of Wall street suits, shots of Petron (Kay and I got named the "Petron girls"), spur of the moment weekend trip waaay downtown for Financier for outdoor coffee, sweets, & gossip (I'm officially hooked on illy so much that I am contemplating buying a coffee maker), meeting up w/ Joaquin in the city several times, driving his Caddy through the city. The cool part is that we can be sitting in the car and just decide to catch a flick. But if that doesn't work out, heading to Queens' Listo Pollo is open and here we go for another late dinner of Argentinian Grilled Steak, maduros, rice & beans.. yum! Not enough? Hitting up Dunkin Donut's Coffee Coolatta is the same as a coffee milk shake. I'm sure if my stomach lets me, I'd be heading to La Perrada de Chala for some Hawaiian hot dogs and Salchi Papas (heart attack right there once you factor in the "pink sauce"). NYC doesn't end in the city or in Queens, because if I remember correctly, the water taxi beach/bar/club? was one of Joaquin's stops to show me what Brooklyn had to offer.
And it's only Sunday (the day before labor day). I still have Jackie's Bday BBQ tonight. Who knows what will happen tonight.. wherever the night (or the city) takes us...
Tomorrow is Justin Timberlake's Futuresex/Lovesounds HBO concert, and I hope I get to watch it because I love his songs, he's so talented, and very good looking (but not as handsome as my bf, especially if he is reading this... hehehe. I LOVE YOU!)
This past week or week and a half has been filled with after work drinks at Disiac's, late dinners, a little dancing at Myst (too bad I had work clothes on), meeting up w/ former college roomies twice, Ulysses and the sea of Wall street suits, shots of Petron (Kay and I got named the "Petron girls"), spur of the moment weekend trip waaay downtown for Financier for outdoor coffee, sweets, & gossip (I'm officially hooked on illy so much that I am contemplating buying a coffee maker), meeting up w/ Joaquin in the city several times, driving his Caddy through the city. The cool part is that we can be sitting in the car and just decide to catch a flick. But if that doesn't work out, heading to Queens' Listo Pollo is open and here we go for another late dinner of Argentinian Grilled Steak, maduros, rice & beans.. yum! Not enough? Hitting up Dunkin Donut's Coffee Coolatta is the same as a coffee milk shake. I'm sure if my stomach lets me, I'd be heading to La Perrada de Chala for some Hawaiian hot dogs and Salchi Papas (heart attack right there once you factor in the "pink sauce"). NYC doesn't end in the city or in Queens, because if I remember correctly, the water taxi beach/bar/club? was one of Joaquin's stops to show me what Brooklyn had to offer.
And it's only Sunday (the day before labor day). I still have Jackie's Bday BBQ tonight. Who knows what will happen tonight.. wherever the night (or the city) takes us...
Tomorrow is Justin Timberlake's Futuresex/Lovesounds HBO concert, and I hope I get to watch it because I love his songs, he's so talented, and very good looking (but not as handsome as my bf, especially if he is reading this... hehehe. I LOVE YOU!)
8.16.2007
Until then..
This has been one of the worst weeks, on many levels.
Really, all I want to do is go to the gym with my dad, then shower and go shopping with my mom, and finally, go out to dinner with the both of them.
Problem is, they are thousands of miles faaaaaar away...
Until then, there's happy hour, the gym, and my thoughts.
Really, all I want to do is go to the gym with my dad, then shower and go shopping with my mom, and finally, go out to dinner with the both of them.
Problem is, they are thousands of miles faaaaaar away...
Until then, there's happy hour, the gym, and my thoughts.
7.28.2007
Some changes.
Now I drink my tea w/ milk - I couldn't stand milk being in my tea.
This is the 3rd week I've been religiously going to the gym, and not only am I SUPER sore from the free one-time training session w/ a trainer, but I am really happy with my body. I've come to appreciate it more and have become more determined than ever to strengthen, not focus so much on weight loss. Granted I have some work to do in some areas (I won't have Madonna arms), but I would like to get definition. I've lost a few inches in my waist, but I haven't lost any weight. Muscles are replacing the fat. I'm not looking for a "perfect" body, just one that I'm happy & comfortable with.
I'm super excited about November - I'm going to the Philippines!
I think I like coffee... and the cravings have come along with it. This isn't good b/c I found out the coffee I like (espresso) burns a hole in my stomach and in my wallet.
The bookworm in me has been re-born.
Some interesting news I found on cnn.comMost prescribed drug in the U.S.:
According to a government study, antidepressants have become the most commonly prescribed drugs in the United States. They're prescribed more than drugs to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol, asthma, or headaches."
"Doctors are now medicating unhappiness," said Dworkin. "Too many people take drugs when they really need to be making changes in their lives."
For Soda drinkers:
"People who drink one or more soft drinks a day have a more than 50 percent higher risk of developing the heart disease precursor metabolic syndrome... And it didn't matter if it was a regular soda or a diet soda.... Metabolic syndrome is a constellation of health problems -- high waist circumference, high blood pressure, low levels of "good" cholesterol," and other health problems -- that have been strongly linked to developing heart disease, stroke, and diabetes."
That sucks. Good thing I don't like soda.
6.18.2007
Sprain in the ass
I sprained my left ankle playing volleyball, probably thinking I can jump to spike the ball and save my team from losing (didn't work). I landed on my ankle, and I now walk with a cane. Hopefully this will last no more than a week. This is so annoying. It could've been worse, but it's still annoying. I want to get from Point A to Point B in 10 seconds, not 5 minutes. I did get a good laugh from my family carrying me across the yard to the front steps of the house. :)
I'm waiting on the xrays, but it doesn't seem to serious from what ppl tell me.
I want to go back to work tomorrow (yeah, I know, I'm crazy), but I'm supposed to rest my ankle. I can't help it - it's in my blood to work the way I do (even if I complain). We'll see.
I'm waiting on the xrays, but it doesn't seem to serious from what ppl tell me.
I want to go back to work tomorrow (yeah, I know, I'm crazy), but I'm supposed to rest my ankle. I can't help it - it's in my blood to work the way I do (even if I complain). We'll see.
6.16.2007
Stop the madness!
-I joined a gym (officially on Monday, as I am on the free trial) - which means monthly charges to my credit card
-I ordered new carpet + installation for BOTH rooms in my apt
-I ordered new bedroom furniture
Madne$$$$!!
Time for the Bread and Water diet to redeem myself from the damage I just did. Well, at least you'll soon be seeing pics of my bedroom. Only pics of my living room, bathroom, and kitchen are somewhere posted in my website. The bedrooms needed a bit of work, and now that I ordered the 'work', I'll be able to enjoy all rooms of my apt.
-I ordered new carpet + installation for BOTH rooms in my apt
-I ordered new bedroom furniture
Madne$$$$!!
Time for the Bread and Water diet to redeem myself from the damage I just did. Well, at least you'll soon be seeing pics of my bedroom. Only pics of my living room, bathroom, and kitchen are somewhere posted in my website. The bedrooms needed a bit of work, and now that I ordered the 'work', I'll be able to enjoy all rooms of my apt.
6.14.2007
All about me -- at least for a few days
So apparently, I can do quite a lot on my own, especially since Joaquin is working over over time. I discovered this while on my "vacation". I finally got out to jogging in the park. Then I took advantage of the gorgeous weather and had a lunch picnic at the park w/ my nephew. Had a snack by myself while sitting on top of a rock in central park. I finally bought a magazine - that never happens. But I figured all this time to myself, why not. I cooked - didn't come out so bad either. I actually made my own glaze, by accident - and it tasted good: Red wine, red onions, butter, and herbes de provence. Then I hung out w/ Joaquin's mom and sister @ Chelsea Market (might score myself some Emeril tickets since I'm crazy like that), Columbus Circle, and walked through Times Square. I had a french macaroon for the first time and it was delicious! I caught up with Aggie on her birthday, and I even got to pick out my new bedroom furniture... I just haven't actually ordered it yet. =/ soon.
Aggie's birthday was a lot more fun than I could imagine. Maybe b/c my definition of fun is a little different than some people: I was invited to her personal family space, saw her cute ass newborn niece, had those long conversations w/ Aggie while on a stool in her kitchen, secretly "borrowed" her mom's recipe of a really good salad dressing, spoke to her sister and bro-in-law, got a compliment from her dad, hugged her mom, and ate sooo much delicious Korean BBQ food outdoors in her backyard w/ that beautiful weather (her mom kept piling on that pork onto my plate - not complaining). Oh and this Pecan Pie I had... Oh.. My...God. THAT is fun to me... especially since you have to be VIP to be invited to an intimate, family affair (she invited only 2 of her friends, of which I was one) =P
Happy Birthday, Aggie! (June 7)
Happy Birthday, Andrew! (June 8)
Aggie's birthday was a lot more fun than I could imagine. Maybe b/c my definition of fun is a little different than some people: I was invited to her personal family space, saw her cute ass newborn niece, had those long conversations w/ Aggie while on a stool in her kitchen, secretly "borrowed" her mom's recipe of a really good salad dressing, spoke to her sister and bro-in-law, got a compliment from her dad, hugged her mom, and ate sooo much delicious Korean BBQ food outdoors in her backyard w/ that beautiful weather (her mom kept piling on that pork onto my plate - not complaining). Oh and this Pecan Pie I had... Oh.. My...God. THAT is fun to me... especially since you have to be VIP to be invited to an intimate, family affair (she invited only 2 of her friends, of which I was one) =P
Happy Birthday, Aggie! (June 7)
Happy Birthday, Andrew! (June 8)
6.04.2007
Vacations
Vacation #1: Sister, bro-in-law, and my niece took a trip to NY these past 3 weeks and stayed with me and my other sister (who also lives across my apt). I had more fun than I expected. It's weird how I say that even though I was at work 90% of the time they were here. But I think it was those weekends, shopping sprees, and city dwellings that made the difference. It's official, the moment I say "I'll go with you for company", I'm the one who ends up buying the most (but that Northface spring jacket/raincoat was 30% off! As a consequence, I returned the infamous impulse purchase JCrew dress. Too bad, I like how that dress looked so innocent yet showed off just the right amount of "appropriate" cleavage). All in all, I'm glad they came to NY. At least I got a chance to take them out to dinner and show my niece a few "spots" in the city. Din - pls send me all the pics you can when you guys were here. I suck - I have a camera and I don't use it b/c IT sucks. Thanks!
Vacation #2: Kuya, are you back from Jordan? What possible souvenirs do you have from there? lol. just kidding! We missed you during some of the final outings with Ate Din & Family.
Vacation #3: Mine. Well, sorta. I took a few days off - no, correction - my mgr said I HAVE to use my carryover vacation days and it so happens the current project I'm on has slowed down (hallelujah!). I'm not planning on going anywhere interesting due to the fact that I'm thinking heavily about fixing up my bedroom, which turned out to be a very, very, very expensive project that I'm not sure where to get the fundings: Re-carpet both rooms, new bedroom furniture of dresser, chest, nightstands, and bed (?). The bed is in question, but a therapeutic mattress is in my "to-get" list, right above my Range Rover =X. Looks like I'll get the mattress first =P Oh, did I mention I want my furniture from Crate & Barrel?? (cha-ching! $$$$) :-(
Well, Monday was raining oh-so-heavily. However, I didn't mind b/c I was busy on this cleaning frenzy in my apt. You gotta see me - its a little psychotic but so therapeutic at the same time. So far, my "vacation plans" are to cook more (boiling Colombian chorizos as I type this), fix up my apt (basically do all the things I've been putting to the side), work out, spend alone-time in the city, doctor visits, and just rest my brain since this break is pretty golden after the few hiatus months at the office & at home. I hope I don't shop anymore since I'll have all this time to myself =/
I heard the weather is going to be perfect this week! Good to know, b/c with my free time, anything can happen... and that's the beauty of it! :)
Next Post: I'll let you know what I ended up doing with all my free time, and hopefully I'll add some more good news to that..
Vacation #2: Kuya, are you back from Jordan? What possible souvenirs do you have from there? lol. just kidding! We missed you during some of the final outings with Ate Din & Family.
Vacation #3: Mine. Well, sorta. I took a few days off - no, correction - my mgr said I HAVE to use my carryover vacation days and it so happens the current project I'm on has slowed down (hallelujah!). I'm not planning on going anywhere interesting due to the fact that I'm thinking heavily about fixing up my bedroom, which turned out to be a very, very, very expensive project that I'm not sure where to get the fundings: Re-carpet both rooms, new bedroom furniture of dresser, chest, nightstands, and bed (?). The bed is in question, but a therapeutic mattress is in my "to-get" list, right above my Range Rover =X. Looks like I'll get the mattress first =P Oh, did I mention I want my furniture from Crate & Barrel?? (cha-ching! $$$$) :-(
Well, Monday was raining oh-so-heavily. However, I didn't mind b/c I was busy on this cleaning frenzy in my apt. You gotta see me - its a little psychotic but so therapeutic at the same time. So far, my "vacation plans" are to cook more (boiling Colombian chorizos as I type this), fix up my apt (basically do all the things I've been putting to the side), work out, spend alone-time in the city, doctor visits, and just rest my brain since this break is pretty golden after the few hiatus months at the office & at home. I hope I don't shop anymore since I'll have all this time to myself =/
I heard the weather is going to be perfect this week! Good to know, b/c with my free time, anything can happen... and that's the beauty of it! :)
Next Post: I'll let you know what I ended up doing with all my free time, and hopefully I'll add some more good news to that..
4.24.2007
Fact or Fiction?
You decide...
"You are the most beautiful woman I've ever known", he whispered as he softly hugged me from behind. I didn't say anything back. No 'thank you'. No smile - I just continued to close my eyes in the dark. He said a lot more before that, but that was one statement that stood out. And that was the last statement he said before sleep took over him. It was 2am, I was trying to go to sleep. The city noises of sirens, car horns, and the occasional unidentifiable noise filled the background. But if I listened closely, I heard our breathing. "You are the most beautiful woman I've ever known", I repeated to myself, in my head. Sure, I've gotten compliments from him before, but it was different this time. I felt he surpassed what he saw on the exterior and dug deep inside and came to appreciate what was within. This made it the best compliment I've ever gotten, I think. It was like all the love, dedication, and work came out to the surface and he saw me for who I am and who I've become because of him. I, in return, felt the appreciation from his heart.
Is the paragraph above a passage from a short story I aspire to complete, a real-life experience, passage from my favorite book, or a scene I came across on tv that just moved me? You decide...
"You are the most beautiful woman I've ever known", he whispered as he softly hugged me from behind. I didn't say anything back. No 'thank you'. No smile - I just continued to close my eyes in the dark. He said a lot more before that, but that was one statement that stood out. And that was the last statement he said before sleep took over him. It was 2am, I was trying to go to sleep. The city noises of sirens, car horns, and the occasional unidentifiable noise filled the background. But if I listened closely, I heard our breathing. "You are the most beautiful woman I've ever known", I repeated to myself, in my head. Sure, I've gotten compliments from him before, but it was different this time. I felt he surpassed what he saw on the exterior and dug deep inside and came to appreciate what was within. This made it the best compliment I've ever gotten, I think. It was like all the love, dedication, and work came out to the surface and he saw me for who I am and who I've become because of him. I, in return, felt the appreciation from his heart.
Is the paragraph above a passage from a short story I aspire to complete, a real-life experience, passage from my favorite book, or a scene I came across on tv that just moved me? You decide...
4.15.2007
EVER!!!!!!
I am LUCKY BLESSED to have the BESTEST PARENTS EVER!!! EVERRRRR!!! :)
"mine!mine!mine!mine!" -Nemo seagulls
"mine!mine!mine!mine!" -Nemo seagulls
4.09.2007
Silk.
This post is about shopping, so if you're not into it, don't bother reading on.
I don't know what sparked this: treating myself to my tax returns, knowing I'm not going on an extravagant vacation yet, or just rebelling against working so much. I've been shopping. Something that I haven't done in a long time. What's even scarier, I'm no longer bargain hunting b/c sometimes, the clothes start falling apart after a few wears. Now, it's become all about good quality. See Dad, look what you did. Now I'm looking at labels to see where the garment was made. Anyway, here are just a few of my damages (looks like this season I'm attracted to silk - even the yellow sandals are silk) -
This floral brown & yellow silk dress that I don't have the pic of. Then this sorta animal print see-through silk (see, there goes that silk again) sleeveless top from Marciano.
Nike Women's Sprint - can't find the colors I got (Grey and white)
Future damages to my wallet :(
Damnit!! This is bad!
I don't know what sparked this: treating myself to my tax returns, knowing I'm not going on an extravagant vacation yet, or just rebelling against working so much. I've been shopping. Something that I haven't done in a long time. What's even scarier, I'm no longer bargain hunting b/c sometimes, the clothes start falling apart after a few wears. Now, it's become all about good quality. See Dad, look what you did. Now I'm looking at labels to see where the garment was made. Anyway, here are just a few of my damages (looks like this season I'm attracted to silk - even the yellow sandals are silk) -
This floral brown & yellow silk dress that I don't have the pic of. Then this sorta animal print see-through silk (see, there goes that silk again) sleeveless top from Marciano.
Nike Women's Sprint - can't find the colors I got (Grey and white)
Future damages to my wallet :(
Damnit!! This is bad!
4.01.2007
The Pursuit of Happyness
Watch IT!!! (its also a true story)
So far, for the year 2007, the movies that I really enjoyed watching was "300" and "The Pursuit of Happyness". (yes, spelled with a 'y')
Currently reading "Naked Economics" by Charles Wheelan. Hm, who knew? I guess I needed a change of scenery from the normal mystery-thriller that I gravitate towards. Too bad its not my book.
Happy Birthday, Karen! (March 30)
Happy Birthday, Lily! (April 3)
So far, for the year 2007, the movies that I really enjoyed watching was "300" and "The Pursuit of Happyness". (yes, spelled with a 'y')
Currently reading "Naked Economics" by Charles Wheelan. Hm, who knew? I guess I needed a change of scenery from the normal mystery-thriller that I gravitate towards. Too bad its not my book.
Happy Birthday, Karen! (March 30)
Happy Birthday, Lily! (April 3)
3.13.2007
Ticking Time Bomb
Are women with crazy hormonal spikes just masochists? Do we thrive on self destruction? I THINK SO!! Everything and everyone around us must suffer. But in reality, we're suffering inside and just want time to be left alone with all that ... "ROAR!!!" in us.
For those who are patient and stick around knowing full well this isn't permanent damage, THANK YOU.
For those who can't hang... peace!! *juuuuust kidding!... sorta*
sometimes. i'm crazy.
For those who are patient and stick around knowing full well this isn't permanent damage, THANK YOU.
For those who can't hang... peace!! *juuuuust kidding!... sorta*
sometimes. i'm crazy.
3.09.2007
I'm bringing sexy back! (hopefully)
I got inspired from looking at a picture of myself. GROSS! I look chubby! especially in the face and arms. Soo.... one day my nephews were asking about how I used to work out and they wanted to try it. I told them I was in the best shape of my life doing Tae Bo kick boxing for about 10 months. While I was watching the 2 boys (and my inflated stomach) work out, I just decided I'm going to jump back into it. Initially I was bored doing the same workout, but when you haven't worked out in more than a year, then you really can't be bored anymore. Now, I'm back to working out with Tae Bo for 30 mins., sweating like a pig (& feeling like I pulled an ass muscle), and trying to do it 3-4 times a week. So far, I started Wednesday, did it Thurs., and plan to do it today.
I've spent too much money just buying a couple of new pants since the ones I had wouldn't fit anymore. Sad. and expensive. I know this was my new year's resolution, but its ok to start it 3 months late. I'm going back to how I looked like 2 years ago, damnit!!! Sorry, babe, I know you love the way I am now (so you say lol), but it looks like I'm going to lose about 5 lbs. if all goes as planned.
Happy Birthday, kuya Elcid! (Feb. 1)
Happy Birthday, Faisal! (Mar. 3)
Happy Birthday, Mommy! (Mar. 4)
I've spent too much money just buying a couple of new pants since the ones I had wouldn't fit anymore. Sad. and expensive. I know this was my new year's resolution, but its ok to start it 3 months late. I'm going back to how I looked like 2 years ago, damnit!!! Sorry, babe, I know you love the way I am now (so you say lol), but it looks like I'm going to lose about 5 lbs. if all goes as planned.
Happy Birthday, kuya Elcid! (Feb. 1)
Happy Birthday, Faisal! (Mar. 3)
Happy Birthday, Mommy! (Mar. 4)
2.25.2007
My 5-year plan is how much?!?
It's been so busy here... busy in the sense of the space (lack-of, while my mom starts finding more things to send to the P.I.) and commotion and activities.
What the... I see the box of yogurt we bought in the balcony. No fridge space? Must be that cold outside. Sorry.. spaced out for a minute.
Anyway, my mom's bday is coming up, sister and her kids are moving across my apt. and I still have to be granted some type of vacation (not just a single day off) to spend time w/ my parents. I've been feeling tired lately and I need to work out. I have the motivation - I recently saw an old pic of my back (yes, my back) a few years ago and it was toned and had all the cuts in the right places. So I thought to myself "I want it back!". I just don't have the energy or time to get it back. Besides, I think I'm getting "soft" in places where I remember muscle being clearly the winner.. so that's a red flag for squats.
Lent sacrifice = feeling like a lost child trying to dedicate myself to a Lenten sacrifice. I think I've changed it every time I stop to think about it - no cursing, no fries, no pessimism, no anger. Now, ask me how I'm doing: I've cursed like a sailor already (Dad also heard me - hey, I get it from him), I've binged on fries, and I've already lashed out. I'm a bad Catholic.
I'm thinking: How do I mentally prepare myself for Monday? Monday is the beginning of the work week.
So my sister is suuuuper smart about home loans. Ayo!! Anyone looking to buy out there and don't have a bank yet to support your home loan.... my sister is your woman! She's goooood at what she does! Trust!
I told her my 5-year plan and apparently she did the calculations, and it involves a $3000 a month payment... what the dipset!?!? What I thought to myself at that moment: "Damn! that means I have to keep working hard". I wanted to get away w/ my 5-year plan without having to work. What am I, special? Apparently not. Boo.
I had a two-day training at my job: "Facilitation Skills for Business Analysts". It was very interesting ("do we lead, or do we follow"..... "write your answers down, without using words" - now that's a challenge for BAs for those who know what we do). It made me value my career a lot more. Besides, the more experience you get, the more you get paid. I read a senior BA in most companies get paid in the 6-digits. Really?! That's definitely an upside. Downside: it requires me to step out of my comfort zone. Shiet. I know what I gotta do, but I don't wanna! (3-yr old moment right there) Maybe that's why I'm so Bleh lately.
Man, I wrote a lot today.. hey, its a lazy Sunday and I just woke up from a nap!
What the... I see the box of yogurt we bought in the balcony. No fridge space? Must be that cold outside. Sorry.. spaced out for a minute.
Anyway, my mom's bday is coming up, sister and her kids are moving across my apt. and I still have to be granted some type of vacation (not just a single day off) to spend time w/ my parents. I've been feeling tired lately and I need to work out. I have the motivation - I recently saw an old pic of my back (yes, my back) a few years ago and it was toned and had all the cuts in the right places. So I thought to myself "I want it back!". I just don't have the energy or time to get it back. Besides, I think I'm getting "soft" in places where I remember muscle being clearly the winner.. so that's a red flag for squats.
Lent sacrifice = feeling like a lost child trying to dedicate myself to a Lenten sacrifice. I think I've changed it every time I stop to think about it - no cursing, no fries, no pessimism, no anger. Now, ask me how I'm doing: I've cursed like a sailor already (Dad also heard me - hey, I get it from him), I've binged on fries, and I've already lashed out. I'm a bad Catholic.
I'm thinking: How do I mentally prepare myself for Monday? Monday is the beginning of the work week.
So my sister is suuuuper smart about home loans. Ayo!! Anyone looking to buy out there and don't have a bank yet to support your home loan.... my sister is your woman! She's goooood at what she does! Trust!
I told her my 5-year plan and apparently she did the calculations, and it involves a $3000 a month payment... what the dipset!?!? What I thought to myself at that moment: "Damn! that means I have to keep working hard". I wanted to get away w/ my 5-year plan without having to work. What am I, special? Apparently not. Boo.
I had a two-day training at my job: "Facilitation Skills for Business Analysts". It was very interesting ("do we lead, or do we follow"..... "write your answers down, without using words" - now that's a challenge for BAs for those who know what we do). It made me value my career a lot more. Besides, the more experience you get, the more you get paid. I read a senior BA in most companies get paid in the 6-digits. Really?! That's definitely an upside. Downside: it requires me to step out of my comfort zone. Shiet. I know what I gotta do, but I don't wanna! (3-yr old moment right there) Maybe that's why I'm so Bleh lately.
Man, I wrote a lot today.. hey, its a lazy Sunday and I just woke up from a nap!
2.19.2007
Ms. Jamlen
- Family being my neighbors.
- Falling in love all over again.
- Biggest gift purchase.
- Potential real estate investor.
- Using eye make-up (*gasp!)
- New favorite song.
- Updating my resume.
- Knowing ppl out there are willing to pay a lot more for what I do today.
- Re-wardrobe-izing.
- Paying off debt (yesssssss!)
- The idea of Paris, Spain, new bedroom floors/furniture eventually becoming a reality.
- Brand new conversations with my girls.
- Brand new experiences for all of us (brand new status for some).
- Losing weight (ever so slowly).
- Sense of security (that I hope not to lose)
2.11.2007
50-inch
A Samsung 50 inch screen flatscreen plasma HDTV tv w/ a 10000:1 ratio (whatever that means) is sitting in my living room!!
My nephew liking it, too.
I dunno why I was up late last night when I was really tired. I've went through numerous S&TC episodes, Iron Chef, and read some chapters of my current book. I think it was the espresso I had w/ Joaquin when we went out for dessert.
I noticed I have my best phone conversations Saturday morning in bed. Love them! I've also been watching WAY too much Sex & the City episodes on DVD.
Damn. not looking forward to the work week. Geez, what is it that I want to do w/ myself?!
Funny AIM convo about my new TV (Is it the testosterone in men that make them gravitate to a big screen tv??):
My nephew liking it, too.
I dunno why I was up late last night when I was really tired. I've went through numerous S&TC episodes, Iron Chef, and read some chapters of my current book. I think it was the espresso I had w/ Joaquin when we went out for dessert.
I noticed I have my best phone conversations Saturday morning in bed. Love them! I've also been watching WAY too much Sex & the City episodes on DVD.
Damn. not looking forward to the work week. Geez, what is it that I want to do w/ myself?!
Funny AIM convo about my new TV (Is it the testosterone in men that make them gravitate to a big screen tv??):
Me: can't believe it but i did it.... got a Samsung 50 inch screen flatscreen plasma HDTV tv w/ a 10000:1 ratio (whatever that means)
J: wow holy crap
J: ok. next superbowl sunday IS AT JAMLENS PLACE Me: that tv is HUGE!! hahahahaha.. dad and Joaquin LOVE it
J: jamlen. i have newfound respect for you. not that i didn't before.
Me: hahhahahahhahaah
J: random men are going to be gravitating towards your apartment. "is this the house with the 50" samsung?"
J: holy crap dude
Me: i know.. Joaquin was humping the box when we set it down in my living room lol
J: exactly.
J: hump the box. thats EXACTLY what i would do.
J: i want to make sweet love to your television.
Me: oh no! my tv is NO slut! lol
J: sorry..you'll get sloppy seconds
Me: no Mr. you got it the other way around . YOU will get sloppy seconds - Joaquin already got the first piece J: damn damn damn. but still
Me: yeah its huge - and i was like "i like the 42" one dad"... he was like hell no! bigger is better J: so you have HDTV signal? or will be getting it?
Me: umm.... you'll have to speak to Joaquin about the specs. Me? I'm more of "it looks pretty and black"
J: this is insane. how are you even away from it J: i would camp out next to it with a sleeping bag
Me: cuz dad is sleeping in front of it!! LOL. he fell asleep on living room couch
J: there you go!!!! see!!! he's a good man, that one. guarding it
1.26.2007
Manzana
The other day, I experienced an up-side to not having children right now (at least for me). It was 11:30PM (work night) and Joaquin had a craving for a buñuelo, and I had a craving for Manzana (apple soda). So we just picked up and left in search for a Colombian bakery open that late. We figured Jackson Heights was the best spot to look. We were right. Right on Roosevelt Ave. we found a bakery. We SO enjoyed the pan de bono, pan de queso, and buñuelo (if you haven't tried it yet, go out and get one). We even picked up a 2-liter of Manzana in the bodega across the street (lol, only in NYC). Then headed to Blockbuster to rent Crank (I don't recommend it.. or Miami Vice. Stick to Sex & the City. lol) I thought to myself that if I were to have a baby right now, I wouldn't be able to do this kind of stuff or any crazy spontaneous thing. Don't get me wrong, I want a family eventually, but I'm enjoying the freedom (and selfishness) now.
Anyway, other thoughts on my mind:
Bush does not need to send 20,000+ more troops to Iraq. That's enough already! Game Over.
Tobacco industries increased the amount of nicotine in their products. This is their strategy for losing their customers on high cigarette prices and those that are quitting (the better option!). More nicotine = worse addiction. So stop smoking people! Besides, it's bad for you.
Anyway, other thoughts on my mind:
Bush does not need to send 20,000+ more troops to Iraq. That's enough already! Game Over.
Tobacco industries increased the amount of nicotine in their products. This is their strategy for losing their customers on high cigarette prices and those that are quitting (the better option!). More nicotine = worse addiction. So stop smoking people! Besides, it's bad for you.
1.13.2007
THAT mood
oooh man. It's that time again. Where I get lost in my thoughts, yet I'm so productive at home w/ the errands and chores. I got great new earings thanks to a gift card Mimi gave me, so that's the highlight of today. Actually, I am proud of myself: The whole day I did not spend any money on food b/c I had food (& dessert) at home that I cooked. I didn't even do retail therapy or chocolate therapy when the both of them were right in front of my face. When I feel "bleh" retail or chocolate therapy is the best temporary cure.
Since I'm in that mood where I 'get to thinking', I pop in a Sex & the City DVD (in my case, season 5). Watching that while I'm in the thinking mood just adds fuel to the fire.
I'm in this new craze with buying sleepwear - comfy, sexy, trendy, plain, practical, funky - you name it, I want it so I can wear it to bed or just lounge by myself. But I can only buy only a limited amount b/c its courtesy of a gift card ;)
I just got my new haircut yesterday, today I have my hair up. Figures. I have this habit of keeping my hair away from my face. I feel like I get more work done that way.
I like my earings.
Since I'm in that mood where I 'get to thinking', I pop in a Sex & the City DVD (in my case, season 5). Watching that while I'm in the thinking mood just adds fuel to the fire.
I'm in this new craze with buying sleepwear - comfy, sexy, trendy, plain, practical, funky - you name it, I want it so I can wear it to bed or just lounge by myself. But I can only buy only a limited amount b/c its courtesy of a gift card ;)
I just got my new haircut yesterday, today I have my hair up. Figures. I have this habit of keeping my hair away from my face. I feel like I get more work done that way.
I like my earings.
4 A.M.
It's 4am and I'm still up. I haven't done this since college.
Instead of getting the much needed sleep, I am online shopping. I just purchased some Sale items from the Victoria Secret website. I have 2 giftcards and I intended to use them. I would've walked to the mall today afternoon, which is a block away, but I almost always don't find what I like. If I could, I would just use my giftcards via online shopping, but sometimes, it just makes more sense to go to the store, and save on shipping, especially knowing if I'll be around the store a certain day of the week.
I also cut my hair. Nothing drastic, but shorter and a lot more layers b/c the loooong hair was just getting too heavy and as a result, more and more hair was falling off (I don't mind at this point b/c I just have too much hair). Jowak says it looks "sexy":-) I think I just look "more serious", but I like his comment better, hehe.
[30 minutes later]
Oh crap. It's 4:30am. I had a minor case of ADD and went off online shopping/browsing at Target.com. Even made a list. Shoot. Well, I have to spend the giftcard, so I'm not complaining. I was still going to blog about New Year's and resolutions and all that good stuff, but I better just go to bed. Crap. I'm gonna be a zombie tomorrow. good night, er, good morning!
Hey, before I forget, congratulations Din on your full scholarship to Ateneo! (did I spell that right?)
Instead of getting the much needed sleep, I am online shopping. I just purchased some Sale items from the Victoria Secret website. I have 2 giftcards and I intended to use them. I would've walked to the mall today afternoon, which is a block away, but I almost always don't find what I like. If I could, I would just use my giftcards via online shopping, but sometimes, it just makes more sense to go to the store, and save on shipping, especially knowing if I'll be around the store a certain day of the week.
I also cut my hair. Nothing drastic, but shorter and a lot more layers b/c the loooong hair was just getting too heavy and as a result, more and more hair was falling off (I don't mind at this point b/c I just have too much hair). Jowak says it looks "sexy":-) I think I just look "more serious", but I like his comment better, hehe.
[30 minutes later]
Oh crap. It's 4:30am. I had a minor case of ADD and went off online shopping/browsing at Target.com. Even made a list. Shoot. Well, I have to spend the giftcard, so I'm not complaining. I was still going to blog about New Year's and resolutions and all that good stuff, but I better just go to bed. Crap. I'm gonna be a zombie tomorrow. good night, er, good morning!
Hey, before I forget, congratulations Din on your full scholarship to Ateneo! (did I spell that right?)