Life Lessons for Daily Living

Impress Me, Bora.

2009-08-19T20:21:00.000-07:00

Posted in Multiply on Apr 10, '08

I am soooooo excited. As in. Tomorrow, we're going on a "business trip" to Boracay. :D We'll be staying at one of the new resorts there and we're building a tie-up with them for our passengers. So after the presentation and all that work-related stuff, it's time to HAVE FUN!!!

I've never been to Boracay. It's my first time. I'm a Boracay virgin. Hehehe. Yeah, yeah. Dork na kung dork.

Excited na ko coz Richard, Luis and Imelda are gonna be with me! :D It's everyone's first time! We can't wait!!!

Dami ko sana gusto gawin: banana boat ride, para sailing, snorkelling, island hopping and all the "Boracay-related" activities my friends have been telling me about. Kaya lang shempre, hindi naman ako pwede ng mga strenuous activities coz of the baby. Hmph. If I know, the baby would really enjoy the high flying. KJ lang talaga tong si Richard. Hehehe. So sabi ko kay Richard, sila na lang ni Luis at picture-an ko na lang sila. Hehehe! Weeeee!

Can't wait to try the Chorizo Burger, the ribs at Station 1 that James told me about, wanna try the food at Aria, at kung anu-ano pa!!!

So anyway, sana mag-enjoy naman kami. Bohol kasi set such high standards kasi.

Wait, wait, bibili pa pala kami ng baon! Weeee!

Kung may suggestions kayo sa things to do (na pwede sa mga preggy ha!) and good eats, lemme know!!!! I can still view them all tom am kasi afternoon pa naman kami aalis eh!

Alejandro Luis Consing Motas

2009-08-19T20:19:00.000-07:00

Posted in Multiply on Apr 9, '08

My Luis is already a year and a half.

Can you believe it?! A year and a half had passed since he started rocking our world! He has grown to be such an adorable (sometimes tantum-throwing) little boy.

A few of the things he does now that keeps me smiling:

1. Calls me "A-ee" (coz he couldn't say mommy). But he calls Richard Daddy (UNFAIR!!!).

2. He can say "Ma" when he means "mwah", but if you coax him into saying "Mama", he answers dutifully with "Papa". Never fails.

3. If you say, "One...two..." He would gleefully answer, "Tee!!!" because he knows the next is three. And he would be tickled after.

4. If you say, "Alejandro" he'd add "Wis" (for Luis) then if you say "Consing" he'd end it with "Tatas" (Motas). He just officially murdered his last name.

5. He is generally a sweet and nice boy. His yaya tells us so. But when I get home from work, he starts acting up. Kasi he wants to ALWAYS be with me. So even if I need to go to the restroom, he "cries" that he can't join me. Hehehe.

6. If he's the first to wake up, he looks at me and Richard to see if we're also awake. If he sees that we're still sleeping, he tries to go back to sleep. Sometimes though, when he's so ready to play, he sits on Richard or pokes my face to stir us. :D

7. He practically cries when he sees the face of his pediatrician -- even if they haven't seen each other for weeks (or months?). He KNOWS.

8. It used to be so difficult to make him drink medicine. But due to some mysterious thing his yaya did, now if you say medicine. He lies still, opens his mouth and waits for the dropper. GALING!!!

9. His skin color is between mine and Richard. He's not as dark as his daddy (although I have to say, he shares the same skin color as Richard's "hidden parts". Hehehehe!) but not as fair as me. He's in between. My uncle from Canada said, "olive" daw.

Lately though, he's darker than usual coz of the swimming that he did. His color has not gone back to normal. Waaaah. And it looks like it's not going back. Pano yan, magbi-beach pa naman si Luis this weekend. Hehehe. Hinahabol yata talaga color ni Richard.

10. Before he sleeps, he would pull my face towards Richard and Richard's face towards mine because he wants us to kiss. When we do as he wants, he smiles. One time, we extended our kiss and did not let go right away. Siguro feeling niya something's wrong, kasi ang tagal na, he started pulling us apart naman. Hehehe.

Wala lang, gusto ko lang isulat some of the things that Luis does that makes us happy. He is such a blessing. :D

Brian Gorrell and Team Brian vs. Gucci Gang

2009-08-19T20:17:00.000-07:00

Posted in Multiply Apr 3, '08

I had resisted and resisted and tried so very hard...but I can't! Haaaay, ayan, I'm writing na about the Gucci Gang. I didn't want to join the bandwagon sana, but hey, I realized I was on the bandwagon and enjoying the ride. So might as well write about the already infamous Gucci Gang -- well, about Brian Gorrell actually.

Have you guys heard of Brian Gorrell's blog? if you haven't, you are one of the very few who have not. Google it, you'll find it in an instant. Or better yet, let me just post the link here:
http://delfindjmontano.blogspot.com/

I've been following this blog for some time now, ever since I heard about it. It's about an underdog biting at the heels of its oppressors. It mostly has negative energy but I am so in love with it!

This guy, Brian is an epitome of a (wo)man scorned. He is an angry, angsty, hurting, heartbroken, devastated (wo)man. I say (wo)man coz he's a man with a woman's heart. In short, he's gay. So gay that he sounds like a woman. His writing shows just how hurt and angry he is for being duped. And for losing $70,000. to his dweeb of an ex-lover.

I love his blog because he attacks the FAKENESS of his ex-lover and his cohorts who happen to be the "high" society of Manila. Literally high pala -- high on drugs. These are the people who made us believe that they are living the good life. They seem to live, eat, drink, and breathe fashion. Mga fashionista daw sila. I believe a lot of people also follow the blog because they enjoy the fact that Brian exposes the truth behind the lies they call their lives.

There's nothing really wrong with trying to be fashionistas, as there's nothing wrong with wanting to look good. But sometimes, those who hide behind "fashion" as a passion are those who are hiding.Period. They are hiding who they really are, what they really feel, and what the truth is. In short, they are fake. Or as Brian said in his blog, "faux".

Yun naman ang ayoko kasi. Pinagyayabang pa ang mga branded na bags, collection ng shoes, at make up na parang that's what's life is all about. Kunwari happy and fulfilled coz of shopping, pero empty naman pala. In short, "FAUX". Hello, wake up and smell the coffee, there's more to life than that! There are bigger issues than your pinakamimithing Manolo Blahniks. Mas maganda magpakatotoo ka na lang, diba?!

Anyway, those are some side kwento from his blog, dami pa. Like Embassy (aka "the hottest place in town") apparently is where cocaine gets sold and snorted happily by the high society. Ayan, diba yun yung current place to be?! Naku, naku, naku, sorry ah. Inis lang kasi ako coz I've encountered some people na nakatungtong lang ng Embassy kala mo part na ng "high society". Feeling sosyal na. Social nga, social climber. Hehehe.

Ano ba yan, makamasang makamasa ang dating ko. Hehehe.Makibaka! Wag matakot!
A basta, ang point ng entry ko is this: Fight fight lang, Brian. Kasi at least ikaw nagpapakatotoo. (Yes, feeling close, at para namang naiintindihan niya ang tagalog. Hehehe!)

Yun lang po, bow.

Ten Things That Made You Happy

2009-08-19T20:13:00.001-07:00

Posted in Multiply on Apr 2, '08

Thanks for the tag, Gianina! Another way to count and name one's blessings!

These made me happy recently:

1. Something funny happened last night (April2) when Richard and I were about to go to bed. Ngahahaha! And we were laughing about it last night and again this morning.

2. Luis follows me around the house (wherever I go) when I get home from work. ;D

3. I woke up the other day and saw that Richard and Luis had exactly the same sleeping position! It's like seeing Richard and his mini-me in action! Hahaha!

4. Got to visit Costa Allegra (see my blog) last Monday (Mar31).

5. Getting tidbits on what to do, what to see, where to eat in Boracay (here's the 2nd trip we're planning) from James and Maianne.

6. Lyn telling me that I am glowing (during her despedida pizza dinner) when all else say I'm not my usual beautiful self coz of my pregnancy. I love you, Lyn!

7. There's a steady supply of green mango and bagoong (lately I always want something sour to go with my food).

8. I made fruit salad (yes, I've been craving this as well. What's up with that, baby?!)

9. A long weekend is coming up (I so need it!!!).

10. Hotel food.

Do the same guys, list whatever 10 things made you happy recently.

I'm tagging Claire, Ryan Castro, Maianne, Jemmy, Miami, Gigi, Rach L., Macho, Liz, Kookie

To Collect or Not to Collect, That Is The Question

2009-08-19T20:11:00.000-07:00

Posted in Multiply on Apr 2, '08

One time, an acquaintance and I were talking about our lovelives. Currently, I am happy with mine and she isn't with hers. She had relationships in the past but they didn't work out. So she's alone now, preparing and prettying herself up in hopes of snagging the right man soon.

While talking, she said to me, "Alam mo, sayang, sayang, sayang, dapat may collection ako ng pictures ng mga ex ko noh." This totally appalled me. How could anyone say that?! She said kasi so that she could reminisce about time spent with them and she can show me (or whoever friends) their pictures when she talks about them. (Hell, maybe even post them in her Multiply or friendster account?!).

Maybe it's the manang in me, but I really think it's inappropriate to have a "collection" of pictures of your ex's. Diba? Ano yun, parang mga trophies? Let alone, think about displaying them to the world! Why would you even want to have them, diba?! If it's all over, then it's over. Besides, I couldn't imagine keeping a collection of my own coz I know it'll hurt Richard if he ever saw them. I know I'd kill Richard if he had his own collection!

Ewan ko, maybe this girl said that coz nga she's alone right now and doesn't have to think of a partner who might potentially get hurt with her collection. And she probably doesn't have a collection coz right after breaking up with one, the next one came and shempre, she had to think of that 2nd guy's feelings, kaya she destroyed all pictures.

Sabi ko tuloy sa kanya, pasalamat siya at wala nga siyang collection. Kasi if she has, and she posts them anywhere, my goodness, baka pagtawanan lang siya ng mga ex's coz it'll be too obvious that she still cares about their past together at naka-display pa sila sa current life niya!

What do you think, appropriate ba ang mag-keep ng collection?! I wanna know if you are as manang as me.

For The Girl (or Gay?! - Mukhang Bading Eh) Who Can't Keep Her Eyes Off Me

2009-08-19T20:06:00.000-07:00

Posted in Multiply on Apr 1, '08

SNOOP (verb): to look or pry especially in a sneaking or meddlesome manner ; to interest oneself in what is not one's concern; to pry into the private affairs of others, especially by prowling about

RUBBERNECK (verb): to look about, stare, or listen with exaggerated curiosity

SPY (noun): a secret watcher; someone who secretly watches other people

SLEUTH (verb): to track or follow

Silip ng silip, nakikitingin.
"What's new? What's up? What's going on na ba?" Aba, e bakit kailangan mong malaman?! Kasali ka ba dapat sa buhay ko?!

Tsk tsk tsk. Sige, libre naman makitingin. Go for it, girl! Kung ikaliligaya mong tignan ang happenings ng buhay ko.

Ship Familiarization at Costa Allegra March 31, 2008

2009-08-19T19:56:00.000-07:00

Posted in Multiply on Mar 31, '08

Monday morning, I, together with a group of educators, gathered for a vessel tour of Costa Allegra. This was a field trip organized by a very well-connected colleague, Dolly. Costa Allegra was docked in Manila yesterday. This vessel tour was by invitation only (naks!) and we had to make sure we give all the required information before they let us set foot inside the ship.

Funny, after weeks of planning, we (myself, my boss and her bodyguard) almost didn't go on with the scheduled tour. Kasi naman tong boss ko, she refuses to go anywhere without her bodyguard. But they were not able to provide the details required by Costa weeks before when they were being collected. Last minute, we were trying to get them to make an exception and to let Jack, the bodyguard, join in. When they initially refused and said they won't allow the bodyguard to join the tour, my boss gave her visitor's pass back and claimed her ID. She said if Jack isn't going, she's not going either. Of course, my loyalty was with my boss (though my heart was bleeding as I was so looking forward to this field trip), so I handed my visitor's pass as well and got my company ID back.

Dolly, in a panic, said she's gonna see what she can do and asked us to wait in the bus that will take us to Manila Hotel (should they say they really won't allow Jack), where we can be picked up by the driver. She reasoned with them that we (my boss and myself daw) are the reasons she organized the tour and sabit lang lahat ng educators. Naks naman! Although we all know it's not true, it's really for the educators, kami talaga yung sabit. So the vessel people went inside and BROUGHT THE CAPTAIN OUT. Captain was a nice guy and said he doesn't have a problem with the guy, just with the gun (no firearms allowed onboard). The gun and the bullets and all the bodyguard-related paraphernalia were left with the Philippine Coast Guard.

So we were able to get in! YIPEE!

Ayan, si Jack, who almost didn't get to tour the vessel. Salamat na lang sa powers ni Dolly!

Haaaay, saya naman ng tour. Ganda ng vessel. Although they said it was the oldest and smallest vessel they have at Costa Cruises, to me, comparing it to NN vessels, it still looked great! I was taking pictures everywhere.Our tour guide wasn't surprised naman that we were taking pics of eevrything. One educator was even filming everything! And I was trying to hide my giddy feeling, kasi parang exaggerated naman kung super lumabas ang excitement ko diba?!

Our lovely tour guide, Annie.

The giddy tourist

Bakit nga ba ako excited?! Sige na nga, I'll spill the beans na! Kasi, one of the trips Richard and I are planning to make this summer is this cruise onboard Costa Allegra!!! Yes, yes, we are going on a cruise! Pero short lang siya, 5 days 4 nights, from Hong Kong to Sanya China to Cailan Vietnam lang. Pero at least, diba?! Our very frist trip out of the country (except my US in 2003) and we get to visit 3 places agad! Kasama pa si Luis! Hehehe.

So anyway, while touring the vessel, I could already imagine the things that Richard and I will do there, where we'll hang out, where Luis can play, etc. After the tour and presentation, they served us a 4-course lunch. Sarap naman! Even the mineral water came from Tuscany! :D
I can just imagine, super tataba nanaman ako sa cruise na to. Kasi buffet everything! Six meals a day! I don't think I will sleep once the cruise in underway!

Can't wait, can't wait, can't wait! Now, I only just need to wait for our passports to be renewed...
Hay, I really am blessed to be around people who open up avenues and opportunities for me!

Blue Ocean Strategy March 27-28 2008

2009-08-19T19:51:00.000-07:00

Posted in Multiply March 28 08

My bosses and I were slated to attend this training fro two days. I knew very little about it before getting to the InterContinental last Thursday.I just knew that this was a great opportunity to spend some time off from work and to have access to yummy hotel food. Hehehe. true enough, I LOVE THE FOOD. Buffet am and pm snacks, and buffet lunch for 2 days! :D Happiness!

The training of course, was fantastic! I didn't realize who our trainer would be until I got there and saw the name. It was no other than Josiah Go. His name was very familiar to me coz I saw that name in National Bookstore. He wrote several books. I just didn't know his face.

So when I realized he was the guy who was making small talk with me, coz I was the earliest bird, I got starstruck! He was so down to earth and very approachable, considering how brilliant he is. Galing noh, yung mga may karapatang magyabang dahil sobrang galing nila at successful, yun yung mga super humble at down to earth. Pero may mga tao na feeling magaling lang pero kala mo kung sinong superstar. Buti na lang napapasama ako sa mga former.Hehehe.

Anyway, the training taught me a lot. It helped me expand my brain. I got to work with other brilliant minds from different industries and got to pick their brains. Ang hirap pala pag lahat ng nasa training e presidents, CEOs, VPs, Managers, etc. Parang nakaka-pressure na dapat magaling ka din. Basta ako, salamat na lang kay God at na-expose ako sa mga taong yun. Now I know what I want to be when I grow up. Hehehe.

Fat and Ugly, But Oh So Worth It!

2009-08-19T19:50:00.000-07:00

Posted in Multiply Mar 24 08

Lately I've been feeling fat and ugly.

I look at our Bohol pictures and our recent Batangas pictures and I wonder how I even fit in my bathing suit! In the office, my colleagues have been quick to point out that my tummy's getting oh-so-big and that I don't look like my normal gorgeous (ahem, hehehe) self. I can't say they're exaggerating coz some of my pants no longer fit (hwhaaaat?!) and I lost all desire to pretty myself up (as soon as I learned that I was indeed pregnant). Kaya tuloy I feel ugly. And fat.

I keep nagging Richard that I'm already fat and ugly. And he keeps telling me I'm not. He said (and of course I know it's true) that it's normal to get bigger and heavier at this time coz I'm pregnant -- but I keep arguing, it's only 2 months! I wasn't like this when I was pregnant with Luis! I was still gorgeous then -- up until the 7tth month when my nose decided to grow out of proportion.

I've been feeling foul about the way I look up lately until yesterday. I went on half day to go see my OB and finally have my first ultrasound. I was nervous coz I didn't want what happened last year to happen again (poor heartbeat of the baby that's why we lost him/her). I waited and waited for hours. By the time the OB was ready to see me, Richard was already there! See, I waited THAT long.

Turned out the baby's safely nestled in his little balloon down there (thank God!). Doc said everything was fine. There were already little stumps growing -- which the doc said are the beginnings of his arms and legs. We saw the little heart thumping and the doc quickly reassured us that he is doing well and everything is normal.

Haaay, all of a sudden, I don't feel as fat and ugly anymore. Medyo chubby na lang. Hehehe.

Life's still good!

Hotta Hotta Summer!

2009-08-19T19:49:00.000-07:00

Posted in Multiply Mar 19 2008

I am sooooo excited!!! Whoopee!!! Richard and I are cooking up 2 additional trips this summer AND I can't wait!!!!

I don't want to spill the details yet as nothing's super duper ultra mega final yet (kinda somewhat almost 99% sure final pa lang). Where's my camera?!

We're planning a lot of firsts this summer! Yipee! Sana sana sana matuloy lahat!!!

Things are looking pretty good! Life's not so bad. There truly is sunshine after the rain! God must be trying to win me back.

Vacation Mode Again!!!

2009-08-19T19:47:00.000-07:00

Posted in Multiply Mar 18 08

It's Holy Wednesday, tomorrow's the start of a long weekend. We're going out of town again! Whoopee! Most probably Batangas lang, since we didn't do any planning. We just need to get some fresh provincial air. Richard's thinking of bringing everyone (including parents and brothers, and nieces -- the whole caboodle) to the Farm at San Benito again for a day tour (kaso naman sobrang mahal ) or Hidden Valley daw (he's been telling me it's super nice there -- but it's even more expensive than visiting The Farm). Anyway, I don't really care, as long as I'm with them. Kahit sa bahay lang ok na.

We're also bringing my mom along. She, of course, wouldn't want to stay at home when we're leaving for Batangas and my sis and her family's leaving for Pampanga. I think it's but right that she goes out and tries to enjoy herself.

Haaaay, summer's here! I can feel the heat! Literally! Haaay, to be pregnant and experience summer. Pwede bang magbitbit ng aircon sa bag?!

Life's still good.

Our Planned Unplanned Bohol-Cebu Trip March 8-12 2008

2009-07-29T16:39:00.000-07:00

Posted in Multiply March 16 2008

It was exactly what I needed: time off from the stresses of my life. It was what the doctor ordered – rest and relaxation.

Richard and I bought tickets to Bohol on a whim sometime late last year. Cebu Pacific had a Piso Fare promo (Cebu Pacific, I love!) and just decided to take advantage of it – thanks to the help of my best friend travel coordinator, Janice (Hi Jans!). We thought of Cebu and Bohol since it would mean we’ll get to visit 2 places in one trip and we haven’t seen these places yet (except Cebu – I’ve been there several times, but it’s still a first for Richard). We selected the dates to cover both our 2nd anniversary (March 10) and Richard’s birthday (March 11).

We originally planned it to be a honeymoon vacation – but the baby came before the trip. Hehehe. So it just became an adventure trip. Adventure meaning we planned nothing and decided to go with whatever happens there.

We’ve researched online on what we can find in Bohol, places to visit, etc, but never really booked anything or made any reservations. The day before the trip, Richard was frantically looking for a place for us to book because he feared we might end up sleeping in the streets of Tagbilaran. The travel agent quoted an exorbitant price and I said I’d rather risk sleeping under the stars than succumb to highway robbery (actually, it was more of they needed the payment by 230pm that day and both Richard and I couldn’t leave our work to pay at the bank).

Night before the trip (Friday) was the only time we packed our things. We are last minute packers – but efficient and effective nevertheless. We didn’t leave anything or forget to bring anything. Hehehe. So we got to sleep late, almost 11pm and had to wake up super early so we don’t miss our super early flight. Lack of sleep ito!

DAY 1 SATURDAY, MARCH 8, 2008

230am Saturday morning, the ever-reliable Chris came to expertly whiz his way to the airport. We were there by 3am and got checked in by about 330, just right for our 545 flight.
\

I knew I had to try to sleep coz it would be a full day, but I was too excited!

We boarded the plane at about 530am (super early!). The kid sitting in front of us was talking to his dad. He said, "Umaga na sa pupuntahan natin?" The dad said, "Umaga na rin naman dito eh, pero madilim pa."

We arrived at Bohol at 7am, as the flight attendant of Cebu Pacific said. It was a tiny airport but with lots of flyers of different hotels and pictures of places to visit in Bohol. Our vacation has officially begun.

We were picked up by the driver of our acquaintance (friend of a friend who volunteered to tour us around Bohol). Hi Espie! We had breakfast at their house and then immediately headed to Alona Beach, Panglao to find a place to stay.

Richard, having done his own research, was bent on staying at Bohol Beach Club. According to the stuff we read online, this was the best place to stay in Bohol. Our “guide”, however, said she won’t recommend it coz it’s too exclusive. Besides, if the beach is what you came for, you can find a place right in front of the beach and have places to go at night too. So, following her expert advice, we went from hotel to hotel along Alona Beach looking at their rooms and their rates. I wasn’t willing to pay a lot coz I read online that you can get a place for as low as P800. a night! After a few hours of walking along the shores of Alona Beach and looking at the different hotels, we finally decided on Lost Horizon.

After hotel hunting, we were now ready to do phase 1 of our trip: Countryside tour. Here are the places we saw:

Blood Compact site.

Loboc River (with Buffet lunch). – This is where Cesar Montano shot Panaghoy sa Suba. The waters, I was told are normally clear, but it had been raining the last few days, so it was brown and murky.

Tarsiers (the tiniest of the monkeys). – They probably are so used to cameras, they don’t really move or do anything even if the camera almost touches their noses! Too bad you can’t touch them anymore. You can only look! Richard said he can fit one in his camcorder case and no one will notice. Hehehe. Pasalubong daw kay Luis.

Ang evil tarsier (look at his eyes!)

The Nice Guy Tarsier
The monkeys and the tarsiers. Hehehe.

Chocolate Hills – They aren’t very chocolatey yet as there had been a lot of rain lately. They’re still very green. Climbing up was worth it. It was breathtaking!

Baclayon Church (although we didn’t get to go down and take pics because it was closed by the time we got there)

Hinagdanan River – I couldn’t see the point, why again is this a tourist spot? You could just see stalactites and a body of water. It was too dark and damp and way too creepy for me.

If there are other places to see, we didn’t get to see them anymore. Hehehe. We ran out of time and energy. But what we did see are enough to fill our cameras and our curiosity about Bohol’s “Country Side”.

After our tour, we went to Island City Mall to buy last minute stuff we need – like water, Peanut Kisses (get the pasalubong out of the way), and additional board shorts for Richard.

We had dinner at “The Buzzz Café”. According to Espie, this is a branch of Bohol Bee Farm’s restaurant. But that the Bee Farm had an entire store where you can buy different spreads, different breads (Camote Bread, anyone?) and eat at a restaurant overlooking the ocean. I fell totally in love with the Buzzz Café and got truly excited when Espie said she’d take us to Bohol Bee Farm in the morning to have breakfast there.
DAY 2 SUNDAY MARCH 9, 2008

Woke up early to catch the sunrise. Never happened. Couldn’t find the sun. It was dark when we left our hotel room, we sat around at the beach, next thing we new, it wasn’t dark anymore! But the sun didn’t rise in front of us. Drat.

Well, good thing about this though, we got to speak with Eking. He offered his bangka for P1500. to do the following: Dolphin watching, island hopping (he promised 2 islands, Balicasag – where we can snorkel – and Virgin island). He said if there are 2 of us, he’d throw in the masks for free, but if we bring our 2 companions (Espie and Tess), then, we’d need to rent our masks.

We told him we couldn’t go on that day, as we had other plans, so maybe we’d go the next day.

We lounged about at the beach and prepared for our breakfast at Bohol Bee Farm. Because I was already hungry, I ordered halo-halo while Richard ordered coffee.

By the time Espie arrived, it was already time for brunch. Hehehe. So off we went to Bohol Bee Farm. It was really beautiful! It kind of reminded me of Sonya’s Garden. But they were different of course. Sonya’s Garden had a more shabby chic feel to it, Bohol Bee Farm had a more country-theme to it. I love their store! I wanted to buy everything. Then again, what will we do with all that pesto spread?! Hehehe.

Harana daw sabi ni Richard:

Camote Bread, anyone?
We had brunch at the resto near overlooking the beach and to my sheer happiness, they serve BEE FARM BUFFET! Of course, that’s what we had. It was “managed buffet”, as not everyone wanted that, so it was done only for our table. The buffet gave us a chance to sample their most popular dishes. Haaaaay, sarap.

In preparation for our anniversary (which was the next day), Richard recounted our love story to our two audience. Pang-pelikula nga daw. Hehehe. Ang Richard, shempre, ever so proud of our story. After that, Espie said, right before she picked us up, she was thinking if she would ever get married. And after hearing our story, that made her think that “nangyayari pa pala ang mga ganon”. Later on Richard said, maybe God wanted him to share our story so that others will still have hope in real love. Awww, ang shwet ng asawa ko, diba?!

Bohol Bee Farm also had a little nook below the resto where you can lounge about and enjoy the view. Richard and I so love it there! That’s actually where we stayed most of the time. We decided to find out if they had rooms available the next night, and if they did, that we would definitely spend our last night in Bohol there. And yes they did!

Steps to get to our nook:

Ah, heaven, is that you?!

More steps to bring you to the waters:

After this, we had to say goodbye to our 2 wonderful guides, as they need to prepare to go back to work the next day. How sweet our hostesses talaga, they said we had their driver at our disposal (wowowee!). But all we really needed (and wanted) to do was to buy our ferry tickets to Cebu the next day and head back to the beach. And so we did, after getting our Weesam ferry tickets, we asked to be dropped off at the hotel.

Once there, we changed into our bathing suits and headed right out to the beach! It was about 4pm so the sun’s not harmful anymore. We didn’t bring our cameras as Richard said he didn’t want to worry about losing them while we were playing in the water.

So we went. We walked a long way to find our perfect spot. There were a lot of people also swimming and “sun”bathing. Haaaaay, ang sarap. Most of the people there are foreigners, very few Filipinos – 2, Richard and myself. Hehehe. Actually, maybe there were 4 of us, or 6. I lost count. But bottomline, konti lang ang Pinoy. Next week pa siguro since holy week na. Hehehe.

We ended the day with dinner by the beach. Shempre, super spicy sisig (yummy!), grilled squid and grilled giant shrimps.

DAY 3 MONDAY MARCH 10, 2008

We woke up really early again to go dolphin watching. There were significantly fewer people on the beach – kasi weekday na. So we left Alona at about 530.

While waiting for Eking to set up his bangka:

Onboard our majestic, "Gladys"

The Captain, Eking

We got to where the dolphins were at about 7am. Funny thing was, I thought we would stop somewhere and wait for the dolphins to come out and play. DUH! Apparently, it doesn’t work that way. The bangka was still moving while the captain, Eking and his Chief Mate (I didn’t catch his name) would point out where they were. So Richard and I had our cameras and video cams ready to try to catch them when the 2 men would point. Hehehe. I most ly got pics of the water. Ngahahaha. Although, I did get to catch some of them! Richard was able to record some of them.

May dolphin ba o water lang? Look closely!

After getting tired of the dolphin watching excitement, we decided to continue on to Balicasag island. Richard was a little hesitant to allow me to snorkel at the Fish Sanctuary (baka daw delikado for me coz I’m pregnant). As if naman I would willingly sit around and do nothing when the action was right under water!!! Besides, I’m sure nervous lang siya for us both coz it’s a new thing. So I had the guide say out loud that it’s safe for pregnant women. So ayun! We went! Hehehe.

Richard and Lolo Guide:

Our guide (lolo na ito) didn’t speak a word of Tagalog, so I just got bits and pieces of what he was saying, but communication was clear when it was time to pass the pieces of bread for the fish. It was obvious that he too, was enjoying himself, he was also looking under the water! Hehehe! Buti na lang his assistant (maybe son?) also helped out by keeping an eye out on us and would lead us away from where the sea urchins were (drat, I wanted to go nearer and check out their spines – yun pala yung dangerous. Hehehe).

Too bad our cameras weren’t waterproof. We didn’t get to take any pictures underwater. IT WAS SO BEAUTIFUL! Beautiful is such a gasgas na word, but I couldn’t think of a more suitable word. Maybe SPECTACULAR? MIND BLOWING? SO OUT OF THIS WORLD? All of that are true! Honestly, all the underwater video clips they show on National Geographic do not give justice to how gorgeous it really is underwater. The colors of the fishes are so vibrant and they are definitely not ordinary. If you have a piece of bread in your hand, they’d ALL go and eat! Ang ganda talaga. After all the awful things that have happened in my life recently (the emotional and psychotic mess left from my dad’s death), snorkeling really made me say, “God, you indeed are majestic.” No exaggeration. It restored my faith in his grand ways.

Haaaaay, drama aside, I couldn’t help but try to keep my head under water for as long as I could coz I wanted to remember all the vivid shapes and colors! I knew we don’t have pics of them. Grabe. Remember “Under the Sea” from Little Mermaid?! So true.

Anyway, after this, we had lunch of grilled maya-maya, sinigang na maya-maya, and scrambled eggs. Haaaaay, a hearty way to end a hearty activity. Ang galing!

Negotiating for lunch:

After which, we went to Virgin Island. There were a few tourists there, also brought there by their captains and bangkas. It was great. The island itself is small, but right “attached” to it was a long stretch of sand that you can walk on. They said if the water is low, the sand is out, but if water is high, you can still walk on the sand, but it’s underwater. When we got there, sand was underwater. Ang galing talaga. Pristine blue (and green) waters. We walked on the sand and got far, but water was only up to our knees.

Welcome to Virgin Island:

halata bang we're having fun?!

After exhausting our cameras (and our feet) and seeing that our bangka was the only one left, we decided it was time to head back to Alona Beach – since we were checking out and moving to our new home for the night, Bohol Bee Farm. However, coming from Virgin Island, our bangka decided to die. The motor wouldn’t start. I wasn’t worried coz I knew that our captain and his Chief Mate knew the waters like the back of their hand and that they would think of something. Well, they didn’t need to think so much right away coz another bangka (a bigger one) came and rescued us. We moved to this other bangka that would take us to Panglao Island (the other side – where we would need to take a tricycle ride to get to Alona). It was A-OK. Additional adventure daw, sabi ni Richard. Medyo scary lang having to transfer from our bangka to the new one. One wrong step and you’d be swimming in the deep sea.

After the successful transfer to the bigger bangka:

Arriving at Panglao Island:

After settling everything there is to settle at Lost Horizon, we were brought to our new home for the night, Bohol Bee Farm. Our room was great!

One side of the room
The other side of the room:
We slept the entire afternoon and then headed out for dinner at around 6pm. We went straight to the restaurant overlooking the ocean. Not a lot of diners there, just one couple. Richard kept walking straight to our little nook below. I told him, “Sarado na yata. Ang dilim na o.” he said, there must be a light somewhere. I was a little hesitant coz I thought, maybe at this hour, they don’t allow visitors anymore.

Then one of the waitresses went down the steps carrying a plate of their famous salad, put it down on a table for two and said, “Kayo po ba ang magdidinner dito?” I immediately replied, “Ay, hindi. Hindi kami pa nagsabi. Bakit, may nagreserve ba dito?” And she said, “Meron po, in-house guests namin.” I got offended thinking we won’t be able to hang out in our favorite spot coz some guests reserved the area. Had I known, I would have reserved it myself! And to think we would be leaving the next morning, how will we get to enjoy our nook?! And so I curtly told her, “In-house guests din naman kami ah.” And turned around to walk out. Hmph. Richard though, stole the drama, by announcing, “Bunny, ako yung nagpa-reserve! Happy anniversary!” Hehehehe. I was so shocked and surprised, not to mention, embarrassed by my outburst. Sabi na lang ni Richard sa waitress, “Ang sungit ng asawa ko noh?” Hehehe. To which, the bright young lady replied, “Nabigla lang po si Ma’am.” Good answer, good answer.

So we got our nook all to ourselves! And have buffet by the waters too! Life is still good!

The surprisee:
The surpriser:
Buhay tamad: After eating, higa higa lang:

Happy anniversary to us!

DAY 4 TUESDAY MARCH 11, 2008

I slept well only til about 3am, after that it was on and off. Something fell that shook the whole of our room’s floor (Richard said it was to remote control to shush me). I felt a hand tousling my hair. When we woke up the next day, Richard said it wasn’t him. And that he “felt” something last night. Ngiiii. Oh well, medyo I thought the same when I heard the “remote control” fall. Masyado naman yata mabigat ang remote to make that kind of impact.

Anyway, great way to start Richard’s birthday! Hehehe. We went down to the resto to have breakfast – yummy too! I haven’t eaten anything from Bohol Bee Farm which was not good, I swear! Then went to shop for pasalubong at their store. We still had about 30 minutes left before being brought to the pier for our Cebu-bound ferry ride so we hung out at our favorite nook. Haaaay, God is still good.

Breakfast at The Buzzz:

At our favorite nook:

Views from the Nook:

When we got to the Pier, Richard and I were reliving our Bohol vacation and kept saying with mock tears in our eyes, “Bye bye Bohol. We’ll see you again soon.” Bohol was super great!

Once again, we had no reservations whatsoever in Cebu. So we didn’t really know what we would do there except buy dried mangoes and dried fish. Once onboard the ferry, I texted my old colleague and friend, Joy, who was a certified Cebuana. She toured me around the first time I went to Cebu. I asked her where we could stay and what we should visit and she replied in just a few minutes! Galing talaga, my friends! All helping out as quickly as they can!

These are the things she said we ought to do:

*Stay at Mango Park Hotel (reasonable rate considering we won’t stay long there anyway, plus we’ll be leaving early the next day – we didn’t want to stay in a grand hotel).

*Eat at CnT Lechon at Guadalupe, and then buy dried mangoes at R & M Factory Outlet (cheaper than getting them at the malls).

*Buy dried fish at Taboan or Carbon Market.

*Visit Sto. Nino Church

*Visit Magellan’s Cross

*Visit Fort San Pedro

*Visit Malacanang (this we didn’t get to do, Richard said he was too tired. waaaah!).

Cebu was ok, but it’s like Manila na rin eh. Kaya hindi masyado exciting. We enjoyed our few hours-stay there, though. Kahit papano.

We ended the day with dinner at Golden Cowrie with eat-all-you-can rice. Hehehe.

DAY 5 WEDNESDAY MARCH 12, 2008

We left the hotel really early (6am) so we could be at the airport on time. We passed by Jollibee (hehehe, how very authentic Cebuano) to take out food for breakfast. While at the airport, we were coordinating with Imelda (Luis’ yaya) in Manila. They wanted to join Chris, the driver, to pick us up! Shempre, yes yes yes! We soooo missed our Luis! And he sooo missed his daddy (waaaah, when we were away, puro daddy ng daddy lang daw.)

Excited to see our Luis!!!

View from my window:

back in Manila! Waiting for our sundo: Luis!

Ahhh, nakakamiss ang anak namin! Mwaaaaah! Maka-daddy nga lang. hehehe.

Blue Ocean Strategy March 27-28 2008

2009-07-28T20:16:00.000-07:00

Posted in Multiply Mar 28, '08

My bosses and I were slated to attend this training fro two days. I knew very little about it before getting to the InterContinental last Thursday.I just knew that this was a great opportunity to spend some time off from work and to have access to yummy hotel food. Hehehe. true enough, I LOVE THE FOOD. Buffet am and pm snacks, and buffet lunch for 2 days! :D Happiness!

Fat and Ugly, But Oh So Worth It!

2009-07-28T20:15:00.002-07:00

Posted in MultiplyMar 24, '08

Lately I've been feeling fat and ugly.

I look at our Bohol pictures and our recent Batangas pictures and I wonder how I even fit in my bathing suit! In the office, my colleagues have been quick to point out that my tummy's getting oh-so-big and that I don't look like my normal gorgeous (ahem, hehehe) self. I can't say they're exaggerating coz some of my pants no longer fit (hwhaaaat?!) and I lost all desire to pretty myself up (as soon as I learned that I was indeed pregnant). Kaya tuloy I feel ugly. And fat.

I keep nagging Richard that I'm already fat and ugly. And he keeps telling me I'm not. He said (and of course I know it's true) that it's normal to get bigger and heavier at this time coz I'm pregnant -- but I keep arguing, it's only 2 months! I wasn't like this when I was pregnant with Luis! I was still gorgeous then -- up until the 7tth month when my nose decided to grow out of proportion.

I've been feeling foul about the way I look up lately until yesterday. I went on half day to go see my OB and finally have my first ultrasound. I was nervous coz I didn't want what happened last year to happen again (poor heartbeat of the baby that's why we lost him/her). I waited and waited for hours. By the time the OB was ready to see me, Richard was already there! See, I waited THAT long.

Turned out the baby's safely nestled in his little balloon down there (thank God!). Doc said everything was fine. There were already little stumps growing -- which the doc said are the beginnings of his arms and legs. We saw the little heart thumping and the doc quickly reassured us that he is doing well and everything is normal.

Haaay, all of a sudden, I don't feel as fat and ugly anymore. Medyo chubby na lang. Hehehe.

Life's still good!

Hotta Hotta Summer!

2009-07-28T20:15:00.001-07:00

Posted in Multiply Mar 19, '08

I am sooooo excited!!! Whoopee!!! Richard and I are cooking up 2 additional trips this summer AND I can't wait!!!!

I don't want to spill the details yet as nothing's super duper ultra mega final yet (kinda somewhat almost 99% sure final pa lang). Where's my camera?!

We're planning a lot of firsts this summer! Yipee! Sana sana sana matuloy lahat!!!
Things are looking pretty good! Life's not so bad. There truly is sunshine after the rain! God must be trying to win me back.

Vacation Mode Again!

2009-07-28T20:14:00.001-07:00

Posted in Multiply Mar 18, '08

It's Holy Wednesday, tomorrow's the start of a long weekend. We're going out of town again! Whoopee! Most probably Batangas lang, since we didn't do any planning. We just need to get some fresh provincial air. Richard's thinking of bringing everyone (including parents and brothers, and nieces -- the whole caboodle) to the Farm at San Benito again for a day tour (kaso naman sobrang mahal ) or Hidden Valley daw (he's been telling me it's super nice there -- but it's even more expensive than visiting The Farm). Anyway, I don't really care, as long as I'm with them. Kahit sa bahay lang ok na.

We're also bringing my mom along. She, of course, wouldn't want to stay at home when we're leaving for Batangas and my sis and her family's leaving for Pampanga. I think it's but right that she goes out and tries to enjoy herself.

Haaaay, summer's here! I can feel the heat! Literally! Haaay, to be pregnant and experience summer. Pwede bang magbitbit ng aircon sa bag?!
Life's still good.

My Dad Has Passed Away

2009-07-20T17:26:00.001-07:00

Posted in Multiply Mar 4, '08

I lost my dad. February 28 2008, Thursday morning. It was hell. I hate the feeling. He's buried now. Things are beginning to change -- as I know they would, now that he's gone. Things are just so overwhelming. Sometimes I ask Richard kung kaya ko ba.

I miss him so. But nagtatampo ako. I feel like he robbed me of a decent goodbye. He just died. No last words, no final goodbyes. He just left.

I used to be scared of roaming spirits or ghosts. I always say if I see a ghost, I'll join their world immediately because I would die on the spot. I'm such a scaredy cat. But I am making an exception. Now, I am waiting for him to pop in and explain. How can I be scared of his soul? I think I need him to tell me he's in a better place. I need to know God is looking after him.
I miss his antics. He's corny and he knows it, but he tries.

I never liked formula prayers. I don't really pray the rosary. But they say the novena for the dead will help him get to heaven faster. True or not, I will do it. And I will do anything to help Him get to heaven. I need to know he is in a better place.

Wala, random thoughts lang. I haven't even posted the pictures of our "Announcing the New Baby" Dinner last Sunday. He had pictures carrying his 2 grandkids. That was the last time I saw him.

They will surely miss him. Lalo na si Luis. Maka-lolo pa naman yun.

How long does one get over a super loved one's death? I don't think I will ever get over losing him. I don't think my mind can fully accept that the main man in my life for 28 years is gone.

I Have to Work on Monday

2009-07-20T17:24:00.000-07:00

Posted in Multiply Feb 22, '08

I was told I have no choice but to come in and work on Monday. That was a declared holiday.
My heart is bleeding. I was so looking forward to spending an extra day with my Richard and Luis. I was so looking forward to spending some extra time to rest. And now none of that is going to happen because they tell me I need to come in on Monday.

Maybe I'm being exaggeratedly emotional about it, but I am doing my best to keep the tears from falling. NAIIYAK TALAGA AKO! I feel like they are robbing me of my personal time.
I think I need to keep saying the mantra Tina taught me a few weeks back, "Rachelle Consing-Motas, hindi ka kaawa awa." I need to keep saying it and hopefully, I'll start believing it.

Of Love and Madness

2009-07-20T17:17:00.000-07:00

Posted in Multiply Feb 22, '08

From an email sent to me by my friend, Azon - years and years ago.

A long time ago, before the world was created and humans set foot on it for the first time, virtues and values floated around and were bored, not knowing what to do. One day, all the vices and virtues were gathered together and were more bored than ever. Suddenly, Ingenious came up with an idea: "Let's play hide and seek!"

All of them liked the idea and immediately Madness shouted: "I want to count, I want to count!" And since nobody was crazy enough to want to see Madness, all the others agreed. Madness leaned against a tree and started to count: "One, two, three..." As Madness counted, the vices and virtues went hiding. Tenderness, hung itself on the horn of the moon, Treason hid in a pile of garbage. Fondess curled up between the clouds and Passion! went to the center of the earth. Lie said it would hide under a stone, but hid in the bottom of the lake, whilst Avarice entered a sack that he ended up breaking.

And Madness continued to count: "...seventy nine, eighty, eighty one...." Bythis time, all vices and virtues were already hidden except Love. For undecided as Love is, he could not decide where to hide. And this should not surprise us,because we all know how difficult it is to hide love.

Madness: ".... ninety five, ninety six, ninety seven..."

Just when Madness got to one hundred, Love jumped into a rose bush where he hid. And Madness turned around and shouted: "I'm coming, I'm coming!" As Madness turned around, Laziness was the first to be found, because Laziness had no energy to hide.

Then he spotted Tenderness in the horn of the moon, Lie at the bottom of the lake and Passion at the center of the earth. One by one, Madness found them all --- except Love. Madness was getting desperate, unable to find Love. Envious of Love, Envy whispered to Madness: "You only need to find Love, and Love is hiding in the rose bush."Madness grabbed a wooden pitch fork and stabbed wildly at the rose bush.

Madness stabbed and stabbed until a heartbreaking cry made him stop. Love appeared from the rose bush, covering his face with his hands. Between his fingers ran two trickles of blood from his eyes. Madness so anxious to find Love, had stabbed out Love's eyes with a pitch fork. "What have I done?! What have I done?!" Madness shouted. "I have left you blind! How can I repair it?"

And Love answered: "You cannot repair my eyes. but if you want to do something for me, you can be my guide." And so it came about that from that day on, Love is blind and is always accompanied by Madness.

Busy Busy Stork

2009-07-20T17:15:00.000-07:00

Posted in Multiply Feb 18, '08

Baby Boom in the family this year: my cousin Len is pregnant (third baby), my cousin Sheela in Canada is also pregnant (first baby), my second cousin Deeann is also pregnant (first baby). The stork is busy busy busy! Of course the grannies are super excited! Who wouldn't be, right? Actually, it's not just the granny geese, but all of us - the grampies, the aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces, etc. - are. Our clan is growing in leaps and bounds!

Hmmm, I wonder how they would feel if they learn that another mom in the family will be visited by the stork?! Took the test just this morning, and yup, it had 2 lines. 2 SOLID LINES.
I still have mixed feelings about it, I'm a little apprehensive but also happy. Richard is all out happy. We're gonna have another kulit with us sometime October or November!

But of course it's still all unofficial, I haven't gone to my OB yet (as I took the test just this morning), we haven't checked the baby's heart rate (I still remember what happened to Changchang ), and truth be told, this new baby bit hasn't fully sunk in yet. We really planned to have the baby next year pa. God had other plans. So I don't want to jump the gun and announce to the grannies and the families that another baby is joining the 2008 gang. Richard can't wait though and said everyone's gonna be happy. I'm so sure. My mom's been bugging us to produce a girl. HAHAHA. Kung pwede lang icontrol yun noh. Well, sige na nga, I am a little bit excited too.
But the pessimist in me is getting freaked out at the changes that will happen (and the lack of sleep nanaman), I keep thinking I'm robbing my son of the limelight. He'll only be 2 years old (when the baby comes out) and all the attention should still be on him, but he would have to share it with (by then) his baby bro or sis. Haaaay. Richard says Luis will be happy to have a playmate. And that they will grow up to be good friends. Plus of course the added gastos. Looks like we'll have to set aside muna our vacation plans abroad and our official church wedding. There are things we need to set aside first.

Richard says the happiness the new baby will bring will make those sacrifices pale in comparison. Sabi niya, "Hindi nga natin na-imagine na Luis will make us this happy. Lalo na pag dalawa na sila."

So yes, I agree. So Mr. Stork, bring it on! Go ahead, make us happier!

Installing LOVE LOVE LOVE on Valentine's Day

2009-07-20T17:14:00.001-07:00

Posted in Multiply Feb 13, '08

Reposted from John Mateos Ong's own blog.
Happy Valentine's Day, everyone! LOVE LOVE LOVE is the answer.

Tech Support: Yes, ... how can I help you?

Customer: Well, after much consideration, I've decided to install Love. Can you guide me through the process?

Tech Support: Yes. I can help you. Are you ready to proceed?

Customer: Well, I'm not very technical, but I think I'm ready. What do I do first?

Tech Support: The first step is to open your Heart. Have you located your Heart?

Customer: Yes, but there are several other programs running now. Is it okay to install Love while they are running?

Tech Support: What programs are running ?

Customer: Let's see, I have Past Hurt, Low Self-Esteem, Grudge and Resentment running right now.

Tech Support: No problem, Love will gradually erase Past Hurt from your current operating
system. It may remain in your permanent memory but it will no longer disrupt other programs. Love will eventually override Low Self-Esteem with a module of its own called High Self-Esteem. However, you have to completely turn off Grudge and Resentment. Those programs prevent Love from being properly installed. Can you turn those off ?

Customer: I don't know how to turn them off. Can you tell me how?

Tech Support: With pleasure. Go to your start menu and invoke Forgiveness. Do this as many times as necessary until Grudge and Resentment have been completely erased.

Customer: Okay, done! Love has started installing itself. Is that normal?

Tech Support: Yes, but remember that you have only the base program. You need to begin connecting to other Hearts in order to get the upgrades.

Customer: Oops! I have an error message already. It says, "Error - Program not run on external components ." What should I do?

Tech Support: Don't worry. It means that the Love program is set up to run on Internal Hearts, but has not yet been run on your Heart. In non-technical terms, it simply means you have to Love yourself before you can Love others.

Customer: So, what should I do?

Tech Support: Pull down Self-Acceptance; then click on the following: Forgive-Self; Realize Your Worth; and Acknowledge your Limitations.

Customer: Okay, done.

Tech Support: Now, copy them to the "My Heart" directory. The system will overwrite any conflicting files and begin patching faulty programming. Also, you need to delete Verbose Self-Criticism from all directories and empty your Recycle Bin to make sure it is completely gone and never comes back.

Customer: Got it. Hey! My heart is filling up with new files. Smile is playing on my monitor and Peace and Contentment are copying themselves all over My Heart.Is this normal?
Tech Support: Sometimes. For others it takes awhile, but eventually everything gets it at the proper time. So Love is installed and running. One more thing before we hang up. Love is Freeware. Be sure to give it and its various modules to everyone you meet. They will in turn share it with others and return some cool modules back to you.

Customer: Thank you, God.

What Do You Think of Me, Thinking of You?!

2009-07-14T06:58:00.000-07:00

Posted in Multiply

Thanks to Macho, I get to post this fun entry.

Leave a comment and I'll reply by answering the following:

1. I'll respond with something random about you.
2. I'll tell you what song/movie reminds me of you.
3. I'll pick a flavor of jello to wrestle with you in.
4. I'll say something that only makes sense to you and me.
5. I'll tell you my first/clearest memory of you.
6. I'll tell you what animal you remind me of.
7. I'll ask you something that I've always wondered about you.
8. If I do this for you, you must post this on your journal.

Ready, get set, go!

I'm So Back!

2009-07-14T06:53:00.000-07:00

Posted in Multiply Jan 30 08

After 2 1/2 days of no connectivity, I am back! Just got back from a Maritime Convention in Iloilo and got to spend some R & R while there. First time in Iloilo and had a feast. As in literally. hehehe. Eating was the name of the game. It was made clear to the people I was with that I LOVE TO EAT. Sabi ni Mitz, saan ko daw nilalagay ang kinakain ko. Hahahaha.

Anyway, I so missed my baby and my bunny when I was away. I was counting down the hours from the time I stepped into the airport going pa lang to Iloilo til we landed and picked Richard up. Haaaaay, 2 days (parang 3 na nga) seemed really long when you're away from your loved ones. Parang hindi na ako sanay matulog ng hindi katabi si Richard.

Side note, just now I checked my multiply and saw that the watermelon(a) yaya bonnel checked out my pics again! Haaaaay, nakakainis isipin that some people JUST WON'T STOP! Sabi ni Richard, pabayaan ko na lang mamatay sa inggit yung babaeng yun. LOSER!

That's it! When I have more time, I'll write some more. But for now, I gotta get back to work! See yah!

Healing A Broken Heart

2009-07-14T06:51:00.000-07:00

Posted in Multiply Jan 21 08

For my broken-hearted friends, words of wisdom I found in a book, "Life Lessons for My Sisters". Always remember that things will fall into place.

"Love is the food

of your soul

never give up on it

you need it

for your spirit to breathe"

You can get through this. I know it feels painful -- as though your heart's been pulled out of your mouth. But tell yourself, "I can get through this." Repeat it as often as you need to. Say it until you believe it. "I can get through this."

When love ends, we can feel confused and hurt. We can feel as if we'll never love again. We can feel like "the one" just got away. But true love does not get away from you. True love is there when you need it, when you are ready for it. So realize that although you loved someone, you have to let him go so that your true love can enter.

Don't do foolish things when you're in pain. Don't try to make him hurt the way he hurt you. Just let it go. I know it sounds simple. I know your heart is in pain. But if you want to deal with this, you're going to have to think realistically. You're going to have to pay attention to the reasons why the relationship ended. You're going to have to think about the part you played in the breakup. Analyze the relationship. See what lesson you can learn from it.

Even when I felt like my heart was breaking, I stopped and told myself, "I was supposed to learn this. He was supposed to teach me this." No, it didn't make me feel that much better, but it helped me to learn my lesson, and that was the ultimate point.

Everything happens for a reason. If a relationship is ending, let it end. Sometimes, fighting is just delaying the inevitable. Sometimes you will just bring yourself more pain if you don't let go. Know when it's time to take a breath and let go.

What I MIss Most About the Call Center Industry

2009-07-14T06:49:00.000-07:00

Posted in Multiply Jan 17 08

Though bashful and very reserved (my closest friends would disagree, but this is so true!), I have been part of the training world since my professional life began. I do not really know how I got myself entangled in this industry, but I believe God wanted me to overcome my shyness, thus, the nerve wracking, crowd-facing and life-touching profession.

I would like to believe that I am succeeding in this career (sometimes to my own disbelief). I always strive to be one of the best (ahem, kayabangan to the highest degree) trainers in the companies I have joined (although I admit, I don't always enjoy being in center stage -- I always ask myself during the first day of class, "What am I doing here?! Why am I doing this to myself?!). I attribute this to the fact that I was with Guthrie-Jensen then and that I reported to the best trainer alive (and my life-idol), Patty Trinidad. Should Patty ever get to read this, yes Patty, you are my life-idol.

Being a trainer had exposed me to a lot of different industries. But what I had been part longest of is the call center training industry (from 2003 to 2007). I just moved to another industry late last year and it's a whole new world.

Lately, I've been missing the Call Center world. I sooooo soooo wanted to join in the TDS Training Convention. I even haggled my way to a free ticket thanks to Ms O (so long as I bring my "paying" boss - as stated by Bambi. hehehe). Unfortunately, my work schedule won't permit. Haaaaay, somehow, I still feel that there is where I belong.

Anyway, here are some things I miss about the Call Center Industry:

1. Speaking in English. This is the world where speaking in English is the norm. It's where grammar and pronunciation matter. In the call center world, you're expected to be good in the language and to use it. It's not unusual for 2 people who meet on the street to greet and chat in English. In my industry now (Shipping), English is a second language (actually third -- after Tagalog and Ilonggo). Sure we speak in English, but not as often, and not as meticulously. I cringe when I hear P and F defects and mispronounced words thrown everywhere. But hey, it's not like I should correct them and tell them to change the way they speak -- when it's not needed in our industry.

2. Snazzy office facilities and equipment. Call center office spaces are normally designed to be appealing to young people. Thus the artsy-fartsy and ultra modern office designs. I soo miss that. I like beautiful things. It's a far cry from office spaces here. But hey, I have my own corner with a view of the docked vessels, so I can't complain. Hehehe.

3. Fun and Friendly Culture. Most call center companies try to create a friendly atmosphere for its young manpower. Thus they try to lessen the structure and the bureaucracy. Levels are there but people are free to speak with anyone about anything. Here, it's not as simple and easy to deal with new people. Not everyone's ready to be friendly. It's the culture, people are very clannish/clique-ish.

4. Fast Internet Connection. Yes, mababaw as it may seem, I miss this. It's something I took for granted when I was part of the industry. Internet connection is expected. And it should be fast. Everyone has access to the internet (though maybe agents have limited access), still there's internet. Here, not everyone is connected. It's considered a privilege to have access. You have to request to have connection and even an email address. I couldn't believe it at first but it's true. I couldn't imagine how some of my colleagues work without it.

5. Two Rest Days. I have work half-day Saturdays. And it's not so bad. But I still have not adjusted to the fact that Friday night (Richard and my date night) is not the start of the weekend. There's work the next day. When I get home, it's already afternoon of Saturday! Little time left to enjoy the day and the next day's already Sunday! Gaaaah. Then Monday, I go back to work again. It is something I don't think I will ever get used to. But I gotta try. My only consolation is that Richard brings me to work and hangs out with me here in my office on Saturdays. He plays his computer games while I do other stuff. At least once a week, I get to work having him beside me. Kahit hindi kami mag-usap basta andyan lang siya, ok na.

Haaaay, wala, ranting ranting lang on a Saturday morning here at work. Hehehe.

Weekend Na!

2009-07-14T06:43:00.000-07:00

Posted in Multiply Jan 12 08

Weekend na! yipee! wala lang! rejoice, rejoice! the time has come to chill, relax, and be with family! maximize, maximize the time! bawal matulog because before you know it, monday nanaman! hehehe.

Enjoy the weekend, everyone!

Salamat Lang

2009-07-14T06:40:00.000-07:00

Posted in Multiply Jan 8 08

No reason. Gusto ko lang magpasalamat. Gusto ko lang sila i-honor.

Thanks to:

Richard – thank you for making me happy to be alive! . Thank you for making me laugh. You are the best, funniest and corniest comedian I know! You are the reason I can’t sing sad songs with feelings. You are my life. I love you, my bunny.

Luis – you make being a mom the best thing in the world! You make all the sore muscles from carrying you worth it. You make me want to run to you every time you wail and cry your “arte” cry. Although I know nagpapaawa ka lang so we’ll take you out of the pen, nauuto mo pa rin ako. Thank you for making me happy-vulnerable. I can’t wait to see you grow up but at the same time I can’t get enough of you being my baby! You, Daddy and I will be the bestest of friends. Mwaaaah. I love you!

My mom and dad – you’re not perfect, but that’s ok, I love you both anyway. We fight, we argue, for a time we stopped talking to each other, but I know and you know that when one of us hollers for help, the others come running. I love you both.

My sis – always the best sis ever. The one who “gets” me in the family. I’m mighty happy that you’re happy. See, you married your prince! And now have a mini-prince as well!

My TDS masters (Lyn and Maianne) – no amount of words or praises will ever reflect just how indebted I am to you both. You may not know just how much you helped me then and I never can elaborate enough. You were my anchors. Thank you! I swear, I am here for you both for ANYTHING.

Claire – a friend from waaaay back. Went through the same hells. ;) Diba Claire? I’m sure our experiences through the hells will forever keep us friends! Don’t lose hope. God is loyal. He will take you out of that hell soon.

Grace – my college bud. One of my soul sisters. Smart, charming, real! had always been there for me in good times and in bad. I’m celebrating your new “state” ;P I am so excited for you! Things are falling into place, diba? Mwaaaaah.

Janice – my best friend. Best friends since high school. Always here for me, despite the distance. ;) Though having our own families have kept us from seeing each other as much as we’d like, we know in our hearts we’re just here for each other. I miss our talks. Kelan nga ulit ang date natin?

Some of the people I hold dearest. I thank God everyday for them.

Who Am I, You Ask? Let Me Introduce Myself

2009-07-14T06:38:00.000-07:00

Posted in Multiply Jan 7 08

Rach, thanks for tagging me. It took a while for me to get started coz I don't really know what to say. But hey, here goes.

I am my own contradiction. I am one thing and another, all at the same time. Here's the best I came up with to tell the world who I am.

Passionate but Apathetic

Passionate. There are several things I am very passionate about: my husband, my son, my God. I love them with a purple passion and a cherry on top! I choose to devote myself to them. They make me incredibly happy. I make them happy (well, I'm not sure if God's happy with me, hehehe.Working on it, Lord!). If only weekends were longer and work hours shorter!

Apathetic. I'm passionate about important things, couldn't care less about other things. There are just some things that I wouldn't spend time on because I consider it a waste of my life and time. Some of which are opinions of insignificant people, oil price hike, rising cost of living, etc. Sure, I may whine and complain about them, but they don't really affect my overall happiness. I know when to categorize them as life-changing and when to call them petty.

Loyal but Willing to Let Go

Loyal as a dog. I have a lot of acquaintances and I'm nice to everyone but I count only a handful as really close friends. I do not aim to be the most popular or to be the most liked, I always aim to just be myself when I'm with other people. When my acquaintances turn out to be diamonds in the rough, I give myself to the friendship to make it shine. And when I call you a friend, I am one for life. It doesn't matter if I don't see them often, if I don't communicate with them often, if I consider them my friends, I am there for them for whatever reason. WHATEVER reason. I am loyal in that way.

Willing to let go. Although I value my friendships, I can also let go and turn away when needed. There was a time in my life when I turned away from a very close friend. I chose to shut her out of my life and call her a stranger. It was a painful day when I decided we will never be the kind of friends anymore but I was loyal as a friend to her and expected the same from her. She did not rise to the challenge. I give only the best of myself to my friends and demanding as it may sound, if they can't do the same, then I can let them go.

Mature but Childish

Mature. I project myself maturely. I don't sound young, I don't sound like a crazy teeny bopper (thank God!). I'm not so into cutesy-cutesy things. I don't really like pink. I'm more comfortable in blacks, navy blues, and earth colors. I look credible and believable when I speak. I'd like to think it's not only the outer me that shouts maturity. I'd also like to believe I am mature in thinking. Malawak ang pag-uunawa ko. I do not judge quickly. I am open-minded. I am forgiving of people's imperfections (including my own). I listen. I give solid gold advice (or so I was told).

Childish. Sometimes, I forget that I'm in my late 20's. I can be childish. I whine and sulk when I don't get my way. I so understand kids when they throw tantrums - nakakarelate ako. Maybe that's why kids like me, they know I get them. Hehehe. I can be nauseatingly makulit. I can pester and annoy til I get what I want. At times, I don't realize I'm being irritating coz it's so second nature for me to be makulit. Diba, Bunny?!

Serious and Playful

Serious. I am serious with my life. I want to make it mean something. I do not have a specific goal I want to reach, because I believe that each day should have merit. I am serious about my work, I am out to prove my worth. I want to make sure whatever company I am with, they know that I am worth (or even worth more) the money they compensate me with. Excellence is my battle cry. I do not like being told I was good. I want to be told I was excellent. And so I work hard. Same is true with my family. I aim to be the best mom and the best wife, the best daughter and sister. I want my family to feel lucky that I am theirs. ;)

Playful. But sometimes, I don't take myself or my life too seriously. I know how to relax and enjoy. I know when to say, "it doesn't matter" and "so what?!" when things don't turn out the way I want them to. When I get stressed, I play. That's why I LOVE yahoo games. I am a self-confessed addict. I can play for hours. The games take me to another world (boring world according to Richard) :) I try not to stress myself out too much, lest I lose my hair (for those who don't know, I have alopecia -- medical condition when hair just falls off -- for me, when I'm stressed). My colleagues at Guthrie used to get a kick out of my bald spots -- signs of stress. Hehehe.

Random things about me:

1. I like cats and dogs. Some are cat-people, some are dog-people, I am both.

2. I'd rather be in slip ons or sandals than heels. I stopped wearing heels when I was with someone as tall as me. I'd wear flats to keep our heights in check. Now that I'm with Richard, I'm slowly getting used to heels, but still prefer sandals.

3. I have "shopping" moods. I can go for months without buying any new piece of clothing or pair of shoes, but when there are good finds, I BUY. :D

4. My favorite "sale" places are Bayo, Nine West, Bass and Lacoste. Coz when they go on sale, normally, what's left are MY sizes. And sale talaga, as in 40 - 70% off!

5. I am a Sonya's addict. Sometimes, I crave the food. I hate it that they're in Tagaytay and that we need to drive so far to enjoy the place and the salad (and the pasta and the breads and spreads, and Richard's favorite - candied kamote).

6. I LOVE buffets! Any kind! Breakfast buffet, lunch buffet, merienda buffet!! I've tried a lot, cheap, expensive, mid-priced. My favorites are: Sonya's Garden in Tagaytay, Thai Kitchen in Galleria, Dad's in Megamall, Saisaki in Megamall, Josephine's in Tagaytay. Sa hotels, the best breakfast I've tried so far is Manila Peninsula followed by InterContinental Manila. Lunch naman 7 Corners (especially for dessert) in Crowne Plaza. Ay basta, ask me about buffet, I will answer with so much gusto! I just love it! Kaya nagagalit si Richard sa akin, tumataba na daw siya. Hehehe.

7. I am left-handed. Again, as I've mentioned before, I am a shame to my fellow south paws. Left-handed people are SUPPOSEDLY creative. Not me. Hehehe.

8. I am shy. As in mahiyain. Yes, it's true. I don't really know how I became a trainer. It puzzles me to this day. ;)

9. I can't clean the house. I can't. Make me wash the dishes or wash Luis' butt when he poops, but I can't clean the house. I can't be tasked to sweep the floor or dust the furniture. It could be psychosomatic, but I always get the sneezes when I try to clean. Handy dandy excuse, huh? :D

10. I am low-tech. Hahaha. Ask me about computers, I know nothing! Talk to me about techie stuff and I space out. I leave those things to the experts. I just know how to use the PC for the common stuff - Office, games, Multiply, friendster. :D

11. I don't like strawberries and ampalaya. I am not picky when it comes to food, I can eat anything EXCEPT those two. Anything strawberry DOES NOT appeal to me. I think it's because all the medicine I was made to take as a kid was strawberry flavored. Hehehe. Ampalaya naman coz it's bitter (obviously, kaya nga bitter gourd ang pangalan eh. hehehe). I like sweet and spicy stuff, not bitter.

Whew! That's a lot of stuff about me. Maybe more than what you'd like to know. Hehehe. Now that you know a bit more about me, I wanna get to know you better too! So, let's hear it from: Claire, Sharon, Jemmy, Jo, Maianne, Miami!

Lacoste Footwear Is On Sale!

2009-07-14T06:33:00.001-07:00

Posted in Multiply Jan 4 08

LACOSTE FOOTWEAR ON SALE!

I am such a fan of Lacoste footwear, I try to reward myself with a pair whenever the time is right and the wallet is fat (or like now, when they're on sale!).

There's this pair of casual leather sandals that I had been eyeing since late last year but I had so stopped myself from buying coz it was too expensive then (mga 5k++ per pair). BUT God wants me to have it! And he also said I should get for Richard coz now, it's only 3.5k++ per pair! Rejoice, rejoice!

Let me share with you the description of Lacoste Tahiti that I found online:

"Comfortable fashion never looked so good.

Criss cross leather straps with signature croc logo.
Leather footbed.
Leather mid sole with rubber trim
Rubber sole"

I got myself and Richard his and hers leather chinelas (actually, they're for men, but I insisted on getting a pair for myself and the saleslady was of course only too willing to oblige)! I had to call Richard to make sure of his shoe size, told him lang on the phone that I'm getting us slippers. He thought I meant the common Spartan-type rubber chinelas. When I got home, he was pleasantly surprised. He said he loves it!

Aaaaaah, life is good!

P.S. Mango is on sale too! Some of their clothes I find tacky but yesterday must have been my lucky day, I found 2 blouses, a pair of shorts and a dress that were simple yet elegant! How can I not buy?!

Oh no, pano na yung New year's resolution ko to save?! Hehehe.

Goodbye 2007, Welcome 2008

2009-07-14T06:27:00.000-07:00

Posted in Multiply Jan 2 08

Top of mind major things that happened in 2007:

1. My sister's wedding in January

2. Richard's surgery in February (pareho na kaming na-CS!)

3. Our 1st wedding anniversary in March

4. My moving from Training to BD at TDS in April

5. My super fun Tagaytay family weekend birthday in May

6. My D&C in June (bye bye, Changchang )

7. Post-D&C leave and bonding moments with Luis in July

8. Windang and lost moments in August

9. Becoming closer to my TDS Masters and friends in September (kung kelan maggoo-goodbye na)

10.Luis' first birthday in October! Sky's birth in October

11. Family getaways and out of town trips in November

12. Family, friends, fun in December

So many many many blessings in 2007, I can't remember all (blame it all on the anesthesia they injected on me last year and this year). But throughout the blur of 2007, I just know that LOVE was constant.

These are my goals for 2008:

1. Save, save, save. I used to be very good at this but not anymore! I want to go back to saving. Shempre, hindi naman pwedeng good looks or winning personality ang ibayad sa future investments, diba?!

2. Be healthier. Start moving and exercising again. parang masyado na akong nasanay sa sedentary lifestyle. Tipong hop in the car to go to work (sleep while getting to work), sit in front of the PC the whole day, then hop back in the car to go home (again, sleep on the way home). The only exercise I get is when I follow Luis around! Hehehe.

3. Be a good girl. Some malditas have forced me to be one myself this year. I'm really a nice person, really! Kaya lang my fangs and claws come out when needed. This year, I plan to keep my fangs and claws in check. Wish me luck! Hehehe.

4. Love, love, love. I want another baby. Hahaha! Maybe next year. But this year, I will focus on loving my Luis and my Richard.

5. Always be thankful. I want to be consistent in being appreciative of ALL (big and small) blessings that I get. God is always good to me and I want to make sure to thank Him for every little thing.

Happy New Year!

NN Diamond Christmas Party Dec 19 2007

2009-07-14T06:23:00.000-07:00

Posted in Multiply Dec 19 07

It was my first NN Christmas. I arrived alone at the Ilustrado in Intramuros. After registering for the raffle, I immediately felt like fish out of water. I was alone and didn’t know who I’d be hanging out with that night. All of a sudden, I missed my TDS friends more. I sent them a text message and to show support, they called me on the phone to keep me company at least for a few minutes (How sweet is that, huh? Thanks Lyn, Maianne, Beth, and Claire!). The medical team was sweet enough to adopt me for a few hours, so I wouldn’t have to sit alone. Later on, Ron and Chona arrived (also from Oceanlink) and we ended up sitting together later. Colleagues from Sales (Donnie and Rommel) later hung out and said hello. I didn’t have to sit alone naman pala! Thank goodness! And it’s not entirely true that I don’t have friends in NN. Siguro, budding friendships pa lang kaya I don’t really feel it yet.

As the hours passed, I realized that I was enjoying the party. It wasn’t so bad! The performers were great (Fat Babes are actually fat gays who sing like women – but can also sound like men, Jennifer Lee of Viva Hot Babes was really eye-catching and entertaining – especially for the men), the food was yummy (or was I just too hungry?!), and the Chairman announced one month’s bonus for everyone (yahoo!).

It was just so sad that I didn’t win ANYTHING out of the 150 ++ gift items to be raffled off (what’s one tv out of the 7 21” TV’s or so that they gave out? O kaya man lang one of the washing machines – we need to replace ours – or kahit man lang one of the 17 rice cookers? Anything would have been appreciated!). Oh well, unlucky in raffles, lucky in other things, I’d say.

All in all, it was a good night. It was.

Merry Christmas, NN! Thanks for counting me as part of the family!

Post Christmas party: Just learned the bitter fact that NOT ALL employees will get a bonus. I assumed ( I made an ass of u and me) that when the Chairman said ALL EMPLOYEES, he meant all employees of the mother company. Turned out, he just meant employees of the MAIN company (and it’s subsidiary) and not the other sister companies (including us).

So now my team (there are only 4 of us) have long faces for being led to believe that ALL meant ALL. Sana pala hindi na lang nila inannounce sa party, noh?

December 22, "Officially Together"

2009-07-13T23:24:00.000-07:00

Posted in Multiply Dec 19, '07

Weeeeeee! Christmas is just around the corner! Super how time flies! But I'm not writing about Christmas just yet. I am writing about DECEMBER 22.

December 22 is just a few days away! This date, though not yet Christmas, I hold dear. Richard and I became a couple "officially" on this date in 2005. Hehehe. How funny the story. Here it is:
Richard and I had been dating for a couple of months by that time, but I didn't want to say we were "US" because I was still waiting for someone to heal. Kat, a dear friend (Hi, Kat!) texted me a few days before Dec 22 to say that she is sure he saw this someone already "healed" and with someone new. In her text, I remember, she even said, "Ayan, pwede na kayo ni Richard!"

And with the burden of guilt lifted, I got to work right away. Though technically, we were already together, it was still unofficial. So in my record book, we were just "MU" (yuck, how high school!). I wanted our "officially being together" something worth remembering. So on that day, Dec 22, I was in Sahara (a hole in the wall of our office) and started writing on a piece of paper these words: "Yehey, tayo na!"

Kat, being the pakialamera that she is, saw this and immediately demanded that I throw the piece of paper, saying "Rach! Ampanget! Hahahaha!" Well, I had to admit, it was indeed panget. The thing is, I really am NOT creative. As in not a single drop in my blood. So I wailed in despair and said, "Eh ano gagawin ko?!" Kat volunteered Rach Limjokes' technical prowess. Rach, the techie diva that she is, found my piece of paper pathetic (Rach, remember this?! Hihihi). And gave ideas as to what I could do! So we printed a wacky pic of Richard and myself and typed on it my words, "Yehey, tayo na!" and of course added the date. Kat brought me to where she got our IDs laminated and we had the picture card laminated.

By that afternoon, Richard and I were getting our ride home together. We were going to take the shuttle (where we first met- hehehe). And being the cheesy hopelessly romantic that I am, I wanted to make sure that the shuttle would also play a major role in officiating our "togetherness". Being totally uncreative made it difficult for me to think of how to make it special. I originally wanted to lace the area with balloons, but it was too public (not to mention too baduy) and I was sure they would all be gone by the time Richard and i get there. So I went with plan b. It was boring, yes, but safe. I contracted the barker to be my ally. I gave him the tiny envelope (with my laminated picture card) and instructed him to give it to the man I will be showing up with later on. He was totally game.

When Richard and I got there, the man, remembering me and my instructions, handed the envelope to Richard without a word (I forgot to tell him to say something). I was waiting for Richard to take it and look quizzical before opening it. But horror of horrors, he decided to ignore the barker! And not take the envelope! The barker looked at me as if to say, "Huh? What's up with him? Isn't he supposed to accept it?" So I got the envelope and shoved it to Richard saying, "Sa'yo daw yan."

Richard apparently thought it was an envelope for solicitations (you know how the garbage collectors would give envelopes during Christmas asking for aguinaldo). Kaya pala niya dinedma. So when he opened it and saw my, ahem, work of art, he was teary-eyed. Parang shocked pa nga. I had to ask him pa, "Masaya ka ba?" To which he replied, "OO naman, masayang masaya." and hugged me like he intended to break my bones.

Today, the tiny laminated picture card is at home, sticking on our refridgerator door.

Blessed. I Love This Life!

2009-07-13T23:23:00.000-07:00

Posted in Multiply Dec 17, '07

I just feel so blessed that my son will grow up to be happy and complete. He doesn't have to wonder where his daddy (or mommy) is, he doesn't have to ask why his parents live in two different houses (and he gets shuttled from one house to the next -- weekdays in one house, weekends in the other) , he doesn't have to pick which parent to stay with during the holidays, he doesn't have to ask why the love between his parents died.

Because he will grow up in a home where his Mommy and Daddy are there for him, where Mommy and Daddy truly are in love and happy. He will see how much his parents love him and love each other. He will see that his is a happy home.

I am truly truly blessed. We are truly blessed.

In a conversation I had with Richard, we said:

Rachelle: Bunny, thank you for such a beautiful life! Mwaaaah.

Richard: Thank you too, bunny. Naisip mo ba na magiging ganito tayo kasaya?

Rachelle: Basta noon inasahan ko na magiging masaya tayo.

Rachelle: Pero mas masaya pa nga tayo than sa kung ano ang inasahan ko. thank you.

Rachelle: Ikaw ba, naisip mo na magiging ganito tayo kasaya?

Richard: Oo naman. Diba sabi ko naman sayo, magiging masaya tayo? Dahil we love each other
very very much.

This One's For You, Sheh!

2009-07-13T23:21:00.000-07:00

Posted in Multiply Dec 17, '07

Sheh, this is all new to me, as I don't normally answer surveys and questionnaires like this. But since you picked me as one of the 5, I will answer this for you. So, this is for you!

1. How often do you blog? when i feel like it. at least once a week.

2. Online Alias: None, still rachelle or rachellemotas. i'm soooooo non-creative. as in no creativity in my blood whatsoever!

3. Have you ever stood up for someone you hardly knew? hmmmm, in a minor way yes. in a major way, nope.

4. What do you do most often when you are bored? gee, play! i play online games. not the rpg stuff, just the normal yahoo games that require you to download and buy the whole version. you know, geeky games. boring daw sabi ni richard. hehehe. i sooooo love chocolatier and find and seek games!

5. When bathing, which do you wash first? hmmm, i wash my hair first. :D

6. Have you ever been awake for 48 hours straight? ngaaaak! i don't think i have ever! and i don't think i am capable. i think my body's wired to grow sleepy by 930pm sharp! healthy baby, hehehe! but it sure felt like i've been awake longer when Luis was just about a month old! He didn't want his mommy to sleep. Hehehehe!

7. What color looks best on you? i think white looks best on me. it helps me look angelic -- like a good girl. :D if i wear something else, halata agad na maldita ako. but i'm normally in black coz it's the safest corporate color.

8. What’s your favorite alcoholic drink? nada. i used to like tequila until i passed out twice in 1 night coz of it. After that, all alcoholic drinks lost their appeal. Bottomless sago't gulaman na lang please!

9. Do you believe in heaven and hell as a real place that each of us will go to after death? heaven yes, hell, i'm a little iffy. but i do know some people i wish would go straight there when they die (e.g. yaya bonnel, hehehe. ooops, i did promise not to write about her! kaya lang, she's so bagay there! couldn't help but mentioning it).

10. Do you find that you have more online friends than offline friends? my online friends are the offline friends going online. i hardly say hi to strangers. supladita daw.

11. What was your favorite subject in school? geee, hard to pick. but in high school i HATED chemistry. hated it with a purple passion and a cherry on top! even in college. all the other subjects were ok.

12. Are you a perfectionist? Not at all! I am a perfectionist's worst nightmare. :D

13. Do you spend more than you can afford? sometimes. feeling ko kasi i deserve only the best, i tend to forget that i also have to be the one to pay for it. hehehe.

14. Is it better to have loved and lost than never to have loved before? we-ell, I dunno. I would have wanted to be with the same man from beginning to end, para not a lot of heartaches. plus parang ang ganda ng love story -- you found the prince right away. but if that had happened, i would have ended up with an ugly frog and had an ugly kid. so I'd say, ok na rin that i loved and lost. It makes me appreciate more the fact that I found the RIGHT man, na handsome and super bait pa and now have a handsome kid!

15. Do you consider yourself creative? self-confessed non-creative person. as I've mentioned, not an ounce of creativity in my blood. I'm a shame to my co-left handed pals. Sabi south paws are inherently creative. I am the exception to the rule. Hehehe.

16. Do you give yourself the credit you deserve? hahaha, i'd like to think so!

17. Do you donate time or money to charities? not often enough. I used to give consistently to Unicef and Don Bosco, but now, hindi na.

18. Have you recently done something yourself that you’ve criticized others for doing? Yep. It humbled me and made me realize that you really cannot judge a person for doing something that is perceived to be wrong. Kasi it's true, it's not just black and white. There's gray. Even yellow. And red. And green. So many things to consider.

19. What’s on your mind right now? work and how i can prove myself here. pa-bibo stage pa dapat ako eh.

20. Say one nice thing about the person who tagged you and the five people that you are going to
tag:

I have always admired Sheh for being a beauty (inside and out). She carries herself gracefully but she is never full of herself. If I were as beautiful and talented as her, medyo yayabang pa ako ng konti. hehehe. Sheh and I don't get to spend time with each other anymore (first year college pa yata yung times when we'd hang out in her pad), but I know that she's a friend and i hope she knows I'm still her friend.

1. maianne galo: she's my master and i adore her! i hope she enjoys answering this! coz i'm so looking forward to what she has to say.

2. james jamir: kasi he better answer this or else... ;P he and i share a special secret, right james?

3. kookie gagui: to remid her that despite the baby, she also needs to have time for herself. manang, sagutin mo to. saya.

4.claire bailon: to get her going in multiply. ;P

5.air daquioag: i miss my tds buddy! this guy makes a lotta sense and i always look forward to hearing him speak. masarap kausapin tungkol sa buhay-buhay!

Cecil's Wedding

2009-07-13T23:19:00.000-07:00

Posted in Multiply Dec 12, '07

I love weddings. Especially of people I hold dear. Cecil is one of those people. She and Ivan (Dieter according to the misalette) finally tied the knot. It was originally scheduled last December 8, 2006, but later moved to December 8, 2007 (o diba, one year in the making?!).

Since I was one of the readers during the mass, I stood strategically right there next to the altar, seeing all that's happening during the march. I already said hello to Cecil while she was waiting in the bridal car and already told her that she was such a beautiful and radiant bride. But when I saw her marching down the aisle, I had to bite my lip to stop the tears from falling. I was so touched by the joy that I saw in her and in Ivan and the love in Cecil's parents' eyes when they were handing her over to Ivan. Haaaay, such a priceless moment.

The wedding details were super impressive, especially to self-confessed non-creative people like me. The misalette was so nice, the covers (2 kinds) were so nice. They look like they were professionally made (galing talaga ni Cecil!) and she had fans to give out with decorated handles as well. The fans were a great idea, although they weren't necessary, as the church was peppered with electric fans.

The priest was late (well, techinically, priests are never late since masses don't start without them) but he made up for it by delivering such a personal message/sermon to Cecil and Ivan. And although wedding sermons are almost always directed towards the bride and groom, I always feel the priest is talking to me (and Richard) too! I love wedding sermons, because they always remind me of the commitment that Richard and I made to each other. These messages from the priest always remind me that I am so blessed to have Richard in my life. They never cease to make me appreciate our marriage more. Sayang nga that I was a reader and Richard was sitting in one of the pews, it would have been great to listen to the sermon holding his hand and squeezing at appropriate moments (hehehe!). When I got to his side after the mass, I asked him agad if he listened to the sermon. Hehehe.

Anyway, I read the prayers of the faithful. I did so with enthusiasm and gusto, in a way, this is a present to my friend. So with my Call Center Neutral Accent, I read. When it came to prayers for the bride and groom, instead of addressing the crowd, I specifically read the prayers out to them -- Cecil and Ivan. Galing nga, kasi ang attentive talaga ni Ivan, napansin niyang kausap ko sila dun sa prayer for them, so he nudged Cecil so they could both look at me. Hehehe. Nakakaiyak. Ang hirap talaga magbasa pag super touched ka with what you see.

When Cecil and Ivan read their vows to each other, super nakakaiyak. Coz you can hear in the words that they chose that their love is deep and that they truly make each other happy. ;D I am so happy for my friend(s)!

The reception was held in Makati, at the Philippine Heritage Library. The climate was perfect, it wasn't humid nor was it chilly. Tamang tama lang. The food was super yummy, everything was great! As in! And because of love for coffee, the bride and groom arranged to have FREE Starbucks coffee for the guests. O HA! Sosyal! Super sarap. The program was great too! It was fun watching the single guys and girls sweat not to get "picked" (and I am oh so glad to be exempted from the bouquet and garter game). The speeches and messages to the husband and wife I found so "controversial". Made me want to pick a fight. Hehehe. But hey, all in all, it was a great day!

The girl found the right guy and the guy fround the right girl! Congrats again, Cecil and Ivan!

Like I said, you two make a beautiful couple, don't let other people convince you otherwise!

Fully Packed Weekend! December 8 and 9 2007

2009-07-13T23:17:00.000-07:00

Posted in Multiply Dec 12, '07

Last weekend (Dec 8 and 9) was such a hectic (but definitely so so fun) weekend for Richard and me (Sunday for Luis too)!

Dec 8, 9am - 1230pm Huey's Baptism

We went to Christ the King Church for the Huey's christening (son of Richard's colleague). Richard is one of the godfathers. Since it was December 8 (Immaculate Conception), a lot of parents picked this date to have their kids baptized (13 babies in total!). This resulted in a chaotic and very noisy ceremony. It was fun to watch people do their best not to burn the clothes or hair of the person next to them with their lit candles. Heeheehee. ;)

One fun thing about the baptism was, there was an eye candy! Bernadette Sembrano came as a ninang (I assumed) of one of the babies there. She's pretty from afar, but according to Richard, up close, her skin's not as clear as his daw (yes, yes, my hubby is in love with himself. Hehehe).
The reception was at Katips (cool parents, huh, sa bar ang reception ng binyag) and had a blast with the baked something tahong! Super duper yummy! As in I went back several times to get. Super duper yummy talaga (sabi ni Richard, baka daw buntis nanaman ako! Hahaha! My mom's wish!)

By the time we were getting ready to leave, Huey woke up! He is such a cutie boy! He doesn't look like he's 3 months old! He looks like he's 5 months! What's so adorable was, when we were saying goodbye, he kept smiling at me! Chay, his mom, say he only smiles at beautiful people. Hehehe. Nagagandahan daw yata sa akin si Huey. Told them that the kid has taste! O diba, at 3 months, narerecognize na niya ang beauty.

By around 1230, it was too early to head to Cecil's wedding, so we went to Galleria first.

Dec 8, 1230 - 230pm Robinson's Galleria

Richard and I decided to spend some window shopping time at the mall first. We initially intended to just window shop but ended up buying stuff! We went into Chinese Laundry to look at shoes and couldn't stop myself from getting the 3 pairs I liked! I couldn't help it! They were just begging me to take them out of that store! So I answered their call. Hehehe. Richard, seeing that I bought shoes, decided to shoe shop himself. So he bought himself a pair of comfy sandals from Rockport. Ayan, pareho tuloy kaming masaya. Hehehe.

As if on cue, by the time we finished picking out our purchases, it was time to dress up for Cecil's wedding. We initially wanted to use Holiday Inn's restrooms to do this, but got to lazy for the long walk. So we just changed in the nearest restroom.

Dec 8, 230 - 9pm Cecil and Ivan's Wedding

After getting dolled up and dressed, we headed to the church where Cecil will become a missus. Nuestra Senora De Gracia. The reception was in Makati and it was great. I don't want to give more details here as I feel Cecil's wedding deserves it's own blog entry. ;)

Dec 9, whole day Angeles, Pampanga

It was the first time for everyone to visit my bro-in-law's house in Pampanga and we were all excited about it. For one, they promised that we will have Auntie Mel's famous kare-kare and shrimps! Plus of course, we would see Sky again (who had been on vacation there for a week).
There wasn't anything much planned, it was more like a "let's go there, I think that'll be fun" kind of thing. We didn't really know what there is in Angeles, so we let the tour guides (my sis and Joey) decide.

They brought us to Pure Gold in Clark. I know there's Pure Gold in Cubao and wherever in Metro Manila, but I haven't been there, so I didn't know if I would have seen the same or not. Whatever the case, we went around and hoarded chocolates and other munchies (junk food addict)! Most of the chocolates there are still available here in Metro Manila, except that with the exchange rate (at PhP42.), it was cheaper to get there. Plus they had Symphony Blue (my ULTIMATE favorite chocolate) that I couldn't find here (most of the time, it's just Symphony Red that I see.

Then in the afternoon, we went to Paskuhan Village in San Fernando (my fault, I saw on the internet that Pampanga is the Christmas capital of the Philippines and that paskuhan Village was great!). So i dragged everyone there, although Joey did warn me that it was boring. We still went. True to his word, it WAS boring. It was a waste of gas and energy. But at least now we know first hand.

What made up for that was the fact that we were able to get our very own Christmas Capiz lantern on our way back to Angeles. Richard was the one who picked out which one we would get coz Luis was sleeping in my arms in the car. It was great! and since that's really where the Capiz lanterns are made, it was cheaper than if we bought something similar here in metro Manila.

An added bonus to this trip was, we found a dining set!!! A CHEAP set that's made of hard wood and big enough for 6! We had been thinking of changing our set for some time and had been deliberating on where to buy and what to buy. Good thing we were dilly-dallying coz the perfect set was waiting for us there in Angeles!

Now our only problem is HOW to bring it here. Hmmm. Does anyone own a lipat-bahay truck you're willing to lend us for free? :D We'll take care of the gas, toll fees, and the driver's lunch!!!

Haaaaay, sarap ng weekend na yun. Makes me kinda wish weekends were longer!

Goodbye, My Manulife Life

2009-07-13T23:15:00.000-07:00

Posted in Multiply Dec 4, '07

It's a sad day today. I got a call from my Manulife manager telling me he'll make a letter of recommendation to keep me from being terminated but that I have to promise to make a sales (90,000 PC worth -- Manulife jargon) by the end of the year. I was flabbergasted. Although I was very grateful that he wanted to keep me, I asked Cesar not to write a recommendation letter coz I know I won't meet the quota. It was time to call it quits.

I knew it was coming. I hadn't made a sale in the last 3 months. I barely exerted effort in the past year.I knew I only had til December, and in my heart, I knew I'd be booted out. That day is today. I am sad, though, because I love Manulife.

Manulife is one of the best things that ever happened to me. I SOOOOOO LOVE my Manulife work. It's something that I would like to do (minus the sales quota) -- help people realize the importance of getting insurance, making them understand the value of financial preparedness, etc. You see, I love handling money. I love it when I people understand, through me, that insurance isn't an expense but an investment. I love it because I know, that when they get insurance, that later in their lives, they will thank me.

I remember when I first joined Manulife, it was May of 2006. I was pregnant with Luis then. I (with a big baby belly) would go on sales calls, making presentations, etc. to wherever (but mostly in Makati or Ortigas). It didn't really matter that I'd get home late or that I was carrying my laptop a long way coz I was having the time of my Manulife life. I even made sure that I'd be able to make a sale prior to giving birth so I can relax while taking care of Luis the first few months.

When Luis came out, though. It became hard for me to continue doing Manulife work. Not because I no longer enjoy it or that I don't believe in it anymore, but because I'm always so excited to get home to be with Richard and Luis. I just wanted to be home and be with my family. It was also a struggle to continue selling when I was being transitioned to another type of work then. Schedules were erratic and work was new.

Well, whatever the case, I know it was my own fault I didn't meet the quota. Manulife deserves a much better sales agent. Sayang lang coz I really loved repserenting Manulife.

To my Manulife clients, thank you for letting me help you take care of your future.

To Cesar, my ever-patient and super galing na manager, thank you for taking me under your wing and helping me.

To my Richard, thank you for being the wind beneath my wings when I have Manulife concerns.

Today is a sad day. I am sad to let go of Manulife (my new life). But in a way, it also is a relief. At least now, I don't need to feel Manulife-guilty when I choose to spend all my free time with my Luis and Richard.

I know God has grand plans for me, and this is a part of it.

To Be A Mother Goose

2009-07-13T23:13:00.000-07:00

Posted in Multiply Dec 2 07

You know, my mom and I are not the best of friends, and I doubt we ever will be (my dad says, opposites attract and likes repel -- and he said, since we're so alike, we repel -- BIG TIME). But when I became a mom, I learned to apreciate her more. See, moms are all essentially the same, they just want what's best for their kids! And I know, though we still always fight and squabble over the most trivial things, that a new kind of love and respect developed between us when my son Luis came out 14 months ago.

Here is a priceless article I came across on Motherhood while browsing Francis Kong's (I am such a fan! He is such an inspiration!) website, www.businessmaters.org. Everything is sooooo true and I am sure ALL mothers can relate. So for the unsung heroes of the home, this one's for yah!

What Motherhood Is All About

Do you want to know what motherhood is all about? Listen to the words of a mother. From an anonymous source her words surely offers great encouragement. Listen carefully.

We are sitting at lunch when my daughter casually mentions that she and her husband are thinking of "starting a family." "We're taking a survey," she says, half-joking. "Do you think I should have a baby?" "It will change your life," I say, carefully keeping my tone neutral. "I know," she says, "no more sleeping in on weekends, no more spontaneous vacations...."

But that is not what I meant at all. I look at my daughter, trying to decide what to tell her. I want her to know what she will never learn in childbirth classes. I want to tell her that the physical wounds of child bearing will heal, but that becoming a mother will leave her with an emotional wound so raw that she will forever be vulnerable.

I consider warning her that she will never again read a newspaper without asking, "What if that had been MY child?" That every plane crash, every house fire will haunt her. That when she sees pictures of starving children, she will wonder if anything could be worse than watching your child die.

I look at her carefully manicured nails and stylish suit and think that no matter how sophisticated she is, becoming a mother will reduce her to the primitive level of a bear protecting her cub. That an urgent call of "Mom!" will cause her to drop a soufflé or her best crystal without a moment's hesitation.

I feel I should warn her that no matter how many years she has invested in her career, she will be professionally derailed by motherhood. She might arrange for childcare, but one day she will be going into an important business meeting and she will think of her baby's sweet smell. She will have to use every ounce of her discipline to keep from running home, just to make sure her baby is all right.

I want my daughter to know that everyday decisions will no longer be routine. That a five year old boy's desire to go to the men's room rather than the women's at McDonald's will become a major dilemma. That right there, in the midst of clattering trays and screaming children, issues of independence and gender identity will be weighed against the prospect that a child molester may be lurking in that restroom. However decisive she may be at the office, she will second-guess herself constantly as a mother.

Looking at my attractive daughter, I want to assure her that eventually she will shed the pounds of pregnancy, but she will never feel the same about herself. That her life, now so important, will be of less value to her once she has a child. That she would give it up in a moment to save her offspring, but will also begin to hope for more years - not to accomplish her own dreams, but to watch her child accomplish theirs.

I want her to know that a cesarean scar or shiny stretch marks will become badges of honor. My daughter's relationship with her husband will change, but not in the way she thinks. I wish she could understand how much more you can love a man who is careful to powder the baby or who never hesitates to play with his child. I think she should know that she will fall in love with him again for reasons she would now find very unromantic.

I wish my daughter could sense the bond she will feel with women throughout history who have tried to stop war, prejudice and drunk driving. I hope she will understand why I can think rationally about most issues, but become temporarily insane when I discuss the threat of nuclear war to my children's future.

I want to describe to my daughter the exhilaration of seeing your child learn to ride a bike. I want to capture for her the belly laugh of a baby who is touching the soft fur of a dog or a cat for the first time. I want her to taste the joy that is so real, it actually hurts.

My daughter's quizzical look makes me realize that tears have formed in my eyes. "You'll never regret it," I finally say. Then I reach across the table, squeeze my daughter's hand and offer a silent prayer for her, and for me, and for all of the mere mortal women who stumble their way into this most wonderful of callings.

This blessed gift from God . . . that of being a Mother.

9 Hours and 1 Minute To Go!

2009-07-13T23:11:00.000-07:00

Posted in Mutiply Nov 28 07

Itching, itching, itching to go home.

Tomorrow's a holiday and Richard took a day off today to make his long weekend even longer. He actually got the idea from me coz I was planning to go on leave today too. Magde-date sana kami and start our Christmas shopping. Alas! Work foiled my plans. They scheduled a budget presentation to the Board of Directors (on the last hour of the day pa ha, 4pm!) and I cannot NOT be here, or else my boss'll kill me. Kung hindi lang good friend ang boss ko, I would have called in sick, anyway kaya naman niya i-explain yung part ko in the presentation. Hehehe. But she is a very dear friend and I am such a professional, so here I am, updating my blog na lang.
Hehehe.

Haaaay, so ayun, Richard and Luis will play the whole day, possibly visit my inlaws, and just relax. He said they'll wait for me to get home so we can all go to the family dinner together. Haaaaay, it's not even 8am yet and I'm already counting the hours until I can log out and go home!

Dibale, time flies when you're having fun, so bring out the Yahoo Games! Hehehe.

Last Entry on Ex from Hell

2009-07-13T23:04:00.000-07:00

Posted in Multiply Nov 23 07

This is it. I will end it. It was fun laughing at her but last na entry na ito on Yaya Bonnel. This was suggested by a good friend. Let me share with you a conversation between me and this old-souled Octopus:

OCTO: huy are you in the mood for some unsolicited advice?
Rachelle: hmmmm, sige na nga
Rachelle: go
Rachelle: i think i know what this is about
Rachelle: but go ahead
OCTO: tigilan mo na pag bablog mo about the ex from hell
Rachelle: see i knew it
Rachelle: e gumaganti lang naman ako
Rachelle: siya kasi eh
Rachelle: i just don't want her to have the last say
OCTO: Well, ganito na lang: the fish is always caught by the mouth. Sasabit din siya sa kadaldalan nya.
OCTO: And eto pa, to extend my cliche quoting spree: the best way to treat an adversary is to ignore her.
Rachelle: yeah, you're rightRachelle: it's just that i can't help it
Rachelle: she's such a bitch kasiRachelle: a feeling magaling and feeling magandang bitch
Rachelle: so i just want to crack her confidence once in a while
OCTO: Well, pabayaan mo na lang. Tutal, nasayo naman ang trophy.
OCTO: Also, the fact that she's still bitching about her past means that her confidence is already cracked beyond repair. No fun in destroying debris, ennit?
Rachelle: o sige na nga, i will do my best
Rachelle: i can't promise that i won't in the future though
OCTO: There's no fun in breaking a spirit that's broken to begin with. That's why I enjoyed all the offensives I made against Sausage - breaking her pride was the prize. (*Note: Sausage is a common acquaintance who is also mayabang and feeling magaling na wala naman talagang laman -- in short AMPAW)
Rachelle: that's what i'm aiming to do nga eh
Rachelle: to break her pride
Rachelle: she pretends she's still whole and her pretending kills me!
Rachelle: i wanna see her die!!! but as if naman she'll expose that to the world, diba? hahaha.
OCTO: Haay nako. She's winning - that's exactly what she wants you to feel. She wants to mean something, she wants to matter. And you're giving her just that.
OCTO: Eto na lang: do you seriously think that her blogging will affect your reputation, especially when you know that she's whining primarily to her worthless and wimpy pals? Inconsequential, if I may say so.
Rachelle: i like the way you phrased it, thanks
Rachelle: you're right
OCTO: We know that she's an unsophisticated piece of shit. Why stain yourself by trying to kick it around?
OCTO: So yun lang naman.
Rachelle: ok, i get the point
Rachelle: o basta, i will do my best.
OCTO: heehee
OCTO: octo, you really are intelligent beyond your years
Rachelle: you sound older than me
Rachelle: hehehe
Rachelle: oo na, isip bata na ako
OCTO: Haay. That probably confirms what a palm-reader once said to me: old soul daw ako. E sabi ko sa isip ko, "tangina, why do i feel like i was an octopus in my past life?"
Rachelle: that's the term, old soul
Rachelle: maybe an old octopus kaya old soul of the octopus
OCTO: hehehe sabagay octopus pa din
Rachelle: one last thing, can i quote all that you said in this conversation as a last blog to signal that i won't ever write about her again?
OCTO: O sige go.
OCTO: Let this be the punctuation to the blog series
Rachelle: hihihi
OCTO: I censor mo na lang yung Sausage bits
Rachelle: hahaha
OCTO: hehehehe
Rachelle: korek
OCTO: manipulative editing
OCTO: pero oks lang
Rachelle: hihihi, heeeey, it's my blog!
Rachelle: I heard siya nga kung anu ano iniinvent niya sa blog niya about me noh
Rachelle: hehehe
OCTO: heheheh
Rachelle: hey but seriously, thanks ha
Rachelle: i know naman deep in my heart i should stop writing about her
Rachelle: i just can't stop
OCTO: No prob.
Rachelle: kaya tama lang na from a respected friend nanggaling
OCTO: Sows drama mo
OCTO: Pero oks lang yun.

So my dear Yaya Bonnel, I know you've been secretly enjoying the attention my blog entries have given you. Sorry, it will end na, I don't want you to continue feeling important. Don't forget: Ang shit ay shit kahit pinaguusapan, pero minsan ang shit dahil sa attention akala hindi narerecognize ng iba ang pagka-shit niya. Please lang, we know you're really shit and not matter what you do, you are essentially still the same --shit. Hahaha. Pwedeng tongue twister yun ah. Try mo sa participants mo with short i and long e defect. Hahaha.

Bumili ka na lang ng papansin sa sordid and sad life mo.

Yaya Bonnel

2009-07-13T23:03:00.000-07:00

Posted in Multiply Nov 22 07

Uuuuuy, a little birdie told me that someone’s checking out my blo-ogs! Hahaha, apparently, a fiend este friend of this girl (or bading? mukha kasing bading eh) fed her info that I wrote about her several times. (Asus! If I know, she read them all herself!) Tapos pretending pa siya na she doesn’t care but she’s so updated with what I put on my Multiply!!! ;) Sabi pa ni Ma_ky (my spy – the spyest of them all), she copied daw what I did na I put my blog entries on both Multiply AND Friendster! Talk about gaya-gaya puto maya. Hahaha. Ok lang, idol yata ako nun eh.

What’s funny is, she thinks I’m insecure of her. Wahaha, ang feeling naman. Guys, if you see her pic, sasabihin niyo pa, “Yaya, juice pls.” HAHAHA! Ganun yata talaga noh, dinadaan na lang sa porma pag panget ka? Hahaha, sige hala, go porma! Idaan sa accessories at make-up – yun nga lang wag masyado kasi nagmu-mukhang espasol. Hehehe!

Oh well, sabi niya, “Pretty me” siya, sa totoo lang “Pity me” dapat. Wawa naman eh. Pero, let’s give it to her, libre naman mangarap. Besides, yun na lang ang ikinasasaya nung tao, ang sabihin sa sarili niyang maganda siya. Bakit, wala na bang ibang nagsasabi?!

Ma_ky, ano nga ulit ang Multiply account nun? Pagtawanan lang natin si Yaya Bonnel! Hehehe!

Unsolicited Advice

2009-07-13T23:00:00.000-07:00

Posted in Multiply Nov 16 07

I couldn't help it, I thought of someone as soon as I read this:

"Let us stop pretending. Let us give up hiding behind masks. Let us cease trying to impress people. In the end, we will not only deceive others but ourselves as well, as we will no longer know who we really are. By our deception, we will destroy our very selves." - Bo Sanchez, "Embraced"

For the person who fills up her calendar with pointless activities to keep herself from facing her hurts and fears, tigilan na ang pagkukunwaring masaya ka. Dahil alam naman nating lahat na hindi. Face it. Things will someday, hopefully look up. Right now, though, things hurt like hell. So take it, live it, dwell in it, so that you can one day get up, let go, and let God.

Nakakainis kasing makita na nagtatapang-tapangan ka na alam naman nating lahat na durog na durog ka na. Halatang ang mga ngiti mo, fake. Kasi hindi ka masaya. Hoy, ok lang naman na minsan, ikaw naman ang talo. Hindi naman araw araw valedictorian ka. Ganyan talaga ang buhay. Wag ka nang mag-magaling pa. Ok naman ang self-confidence, pero mas ok ang humility.

Yun ang kulang sa'yo.

Unsolicited advice lang, baka sakaling hindi masabi ng mga "kaibigan" mo.

Away for the Weekend

2009-07-13T22:59:00.000-07:00

Posted in Multiply Nov 9 07

It's Friday night, I'm still here in the office. I'm waiting for the announcement that we can already board the vessel. My team and I are all having a training program onboard. It's a chance for all our Shipboard Trainers to get to know each other and to be able to realign the way they teach. It's really required that we do this. It will only do our group good. We will be back Sunday night. I know it in my mind, but my heart screams in yearning.

I wanna go home.

I wanna go home to see my sexy bunny. I wanna go home and see my chungchung boy. I wanna have dinner with my husband tonight.I wanna watch the news snuggling close to my hubby. I wanna play with my son til he falls asleep. I wanna laugh while watching him raise his hand when we say, "Alejandro Luis Consing Motas. PRESENT!" I wanna sleep with my hubby. I wanna fall alseep embracing him while he snores. I wanna wake up and see him stirring when I stir. I wanna go to the mall tomorrow. I wanna do what we originally planned to do on Sunday - bring our parents to Sonya's. I wanna do what we had planned to do this weekend.

Waaaaah! I'll so miss my family.

Back to Work!

2009-07-13T22:57:00.000-07:00

Posted in Multiply Nov 4 07

"Inarguably, travel is one of the greatest luxuries. The idea of flying (or driving) out, taking a cruise or a leisurely ride to visit a diferent city, country or exotic destination promises a variety of possibilities. As with most trips, there lies the promise of a breathtaking view - that of pristine oceans and shores, divine mountain ridges and ranges, thriving and dynamic cosmopolitan landscapes." -- Bianca Salonga, The Philippine Star November 4, 2007

I could not agree more! Add to that the fact that you are travelling with the loves of your life and you've got the best deal ever!

I just came back from another long weekend getaway with my family. We went to Cavite, Tagaytay, and Batangas all in 3 days. We had a blast swimming (si Kulit boy gininaw, as in major nginig ang chin -- hehehe!), eating (yum yum talaga sa Sonya's - Richard says I'm an addict) and relaxing while breathing clean province air!

I am just so blessed that my family and I find pleasure and happiness in little things.
Monday is always a day that's hardest to deal with. Having to tear myself away from my hubby and kulit so early in the morning to go to work is such a pain. BUT, it's pain that I truly am grateful for. I still thank God that he let me wake up that day - alive and well enough to attend to my pressing duties, that He blessed us with work that allows us to pay for the bills and let us afford last minute plans for trips out of town.

So although Monday morning can be a drag, it's still great! It simply means only 5 days away (including half day Satudays) before I can lounge around with my hubby and baby again!
It's great to be alive! I love this life! Mwaaaaaaah!

Thanksgiving Dinner Oct 28 07

2009-07-13T22:51:00.000-07:00

Posted in Multiply Oct 29 07

Last Friday, I went to my old office to say hello to my dearly missed friends, claim my last pay, and go through my exit interview. Upon seeing the check they issued me, my heart leapt. It was more than what I had envisioned it to be. Although our accountant explained the breakdown (and I really did deserve to get everything down to the last cent), it still felt like I got some extra money for no reason. It felt like winning in a raffle I didn't even know I joined.

Now this is now included in our already-long list of received-and-recognized blessings . What do I mean? Well, one Sunday morning, attending Richard's church service, the pastor said, "Why don't you make a list of all the prayers that God had answered in your lives?" So I did.

This year alone, there have been SO many blessings. So many. Let me rattle of some of the obvious ones: a) recoving from gall bladder surgery and getting out of the hospital debt-free (meaning, we paid for the hospital expenses on our own, without needing to borrow from anyone - even our parents); b) recovering (emotionally and physically) from losing our 2nd baby (hey, God said it isn't time yet for me to lose my figure again - hehehe); c) continued good health of Luis; d) celebrating Luis' first birthday; e) moving from TDS to NN; f) Richard's opportunity to move to another job (should he coose to, they're just waiting for him; g) our out-of-town leisure trips -- Tagaytay March 2007, Tagaytay May 2007, Tagaytay September 2007, The Farm at San Benito September 2007, Batangas 2007; h) our planned trips -- Cavite, Batangas November 2007, HK March 2008, etc. i) our new car; j) financial provisions, k) arrival of Baby Sky, l) like I mentioned, the last pay check that was way above my expectation, etc.

Whew, just SOME of the more obvious blessings.

Richard and I have always been a fan of having an attitude of gratitute. Every night when we pray, we thank God for every little thing! Everyday, we thank each other for every little thing we appreciate in each other and in each other's actions. It's not unusual for one of us to say to the other, "Bunny, thank you." And the other asks, "For what? (thought bubble: what good have I done this time?)"

Overflowing with much gratitude last weekend, we had the desire to take thanking to the next level. Instead of just each other, we want to thank our families as well. And show them we appreciate all their help and support. Initially, we thought of getting them individual presents but later on decided against it. We thought it best to gather everyone and have a "thanksgiving dinner".

We sent our families a text message inviting them to a thanksgiving dinner Sunday night. And we received all sorts of funny responses. Some were asking what the occasion was and why we were calling on everyone together. Some were speculating that there would be a big announcement (like me being pregnant again, mwahaha!). When we said it was for the many blessings we have been receiving this year, they simply couldn't believe it would just be that. We said that we were just very happy and wanted to share with them, our families, our appreciation of how much God has blessed us (and continuing to bless us).

There is just so much to be grateful for and just so many people to thank. We wanted to start with our families. We didn't want to wait for the next big occasion to celebrate with them and thank them. There doesn't have to be any occasion to show appreciation and gratitude. And that, to me, is what made our thanksgiving dinner more special. We threw the dinner before all the Christmas festivties set in so our families know that the dinner was really meant for them and not for anyone else.

So last Sunday, they were all there, in our tiny home. Feasting and celebrating. I think I broke my mom's heart when I confirmed that I really wasn't pregnant and we just wanted to thank them. Hehehe.

Cheers to God and his numerous blessings!

Survival of The Clever

2009-07-13T22:45:00.000-07:00

Posted in Multiply Oct 25 07

In life, there are dogs, leopards and monkeys. We just have to decide to which category we belong.

A wealthy man decides to go on a safari in Africa. He takes his faithful pet dog along for company. One day the dog starts chasing butterflies and before long he discovers that he is lost. So, wandering about the dog notices a leopard heading rapidly in his direction with the obvious intention of having lunch.

The dog thinks, "Boy, I'm in deep doo doo now."

Then he notices some bones on the ground close by, and immediately settles down to chew on the bones with his back to the aproaching black-spotted feline. Just as the leopard is about to leap, the dog exclaims loudly, "Man, that was one delicious leopard. I wonder if there are any more around here?"

Hearing this, the leopard halts his attack in mid-stride. Suddenly a look of terror comes over spotty cat, and he slinks away into the trees. "Whew," excliams the leopard. "That was close. That dog nearly had me."

Meanwhile, a monkey, who had been watching the whole scene from a nearby tree, figures he can put this knowledge to good use and trade it for protection from the leopard. So, off he goes. But the dog sees the monkey going after the leopard with great speed, and figured that something must be afoot.

The monkey soon catches up with the leopard, spills the beans and strikes a deal for himself with the leopard. The slink cat is furious at being made a fool and says, "Here monkey, hop on my back and see what's going to happen to that conniving canine."
Now the dog sees the leopard coming with the monkey on his back, and thinks, "What am I going to do now?" But instead of running, the dog sits down with his back to his attackers and pretending he has not seen them yet. And just when they get close enough to hear, the dog says,

"Where's that monkey? I just can never trust him! I sent him off half an hour ago to bring me another leopard, and he's still not back!!!"

Now that's what I call being cool, calm and collected.

In life, it would be best to be the wise dog in the story. Be cool. Be calm. Use wisdom to deal with people of different personalities. Respond and do not react. Master your moods and never reveal your emotions to people who would take advantage of you.

Trust in God and let the revenge business be His. Simply do your honest best and pay no attention to the losers and jerks around you. Never forget that the best revenge is a life well lived.

As written by Francis J. Kong in his book, "The Early Bird Catches The Worm, But The Second Mouse Gets The Cheese"

A Love Story

2009-07-13T22:41:00.001-07:00

Posted in Multiply Oct 18 07

A man and his girlfriend were married. It was a large gathering. All of their friends and family came to witness the lovely ceremony and partake of the festivities and celebration. Everyone had a wonderful time.

The bride was gorgeous in her white wedding gown and the groom was very dashing in his black tuxedo. Everyone could tell that the love they had for each other was true.
A few months later, the wife came to the husband with a proposal:

"I read in a magazine, a while ago, about how we can strengthen our marriage," she said. "Each of us will write a list of the things that we find a bit annoying with the other person. Then, we can talk about how we can fix them together." The husband agreed. So they retreated to two separate rooms and started making out their respective lists. And this absorbing task took them the rest of the day to accomplish.

The next morning, at the breakfast table, they decided they would share each other's listed annoyances. "I'll start," offered the wife. She took out her list. It had many items on it, enough to fill three pages. As she started reading her list, she noticed that tears were starting to appear in her husband's eyes.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

"Nothing," the husband replied. "Please keep reading."

The wife continued until she had read all three pages. Then she placed her list neatly on the table and folded her hands on top of it. "Now, you read your list and then we'll talk about the things on both our lists," she said with eager anticipation.

Quietly the husband said, "I don't have anything on my list. I think that you are perfect the way you are. I don't want you to change anything for me. You are lovely and wonderful and I wouldn't want to try changing anything about you."

The wife, touched by his honesty and the depth of his love for her and his acceptance of her, turned her head and wept.

Written by Trevor Klein, as presented by Francis J. Kong in his book, "The Early Bird Catches The Worm, But The Second Mouse Gets The Cheese"

Top Five Things I Should Thank Ex from Hell For

2009-07-13T22:37:00.000-07:00

Posted in Multiply October 5 07

There will always be something good that comes out of bad things. This "Ex from Hell" fiasco brought about a lot of realizations and good things in my life that wouldn't have come out had she not been such a b*tch. Here are some of the things I must remind myself to thank her for:

1. "Tondo" style fighting. I do my best to always defend myself with grace and composure, but Ex from Hell (EFH) started mudslinging and name calling. She was such an expert in this kind of thing, that it made me think that she used to sell fish in the market. Palengkera style kasi siya eh. Hahaha!No offense to the market people, I swear, mas may breeding pa kayo kesa dito. But again, I have to thank her. If not for her, I wouldn't have ever experienced kanto fighting. Of course, I need more practice to reach her black belt status in this field.

2. Knowing the real masters. I am a lowly servant. I bow to the supreme knowledge of the REAL masters. These people have revealed to and shared their "gift" with me when the fighting got tough that required the tough to keep fighting. Kumbaga sa Kill Bill, these are the people who trained Uma on how to KILL BILL. You know who you are, ladies! :*

3. Uniting with Happy Wives Passionate About Extinguishing the "Salots" in Marriage. Special mention shempre si Cyd (*Hi, Cyd!). Among those who agreed and empathized, this girl is the one who showed me how honorable it is to fight against the monsters to defend the happy married life. Sabi nga niya sa testimonial niya for me as a warning to the EFH, "Maghanap ka ng lalaki mo, tigilan mo ang mga may asawa. Nakakadilim ka ng paningin." Well said, Cyd. I totally agree.

4. Identifying wolves in sheepskin. Some people expressed to me that I may have been a little too brutal in my blog entries about EFH. I only feel sorry for them since they couldn't identify wolves in sheepskin. I could. I have identified one. Be warned, not everyone who acts like a prom queen IS a queen. Some are palengkeras pretending to be the sweetest ever. Careful, these are the types who normally scheme behind your back and cut your throat while you are sleeping.

5. Appreciating more the bond between a husband and a wife. I guess I'm still getting used to the idea that when you get married, you're no longer "you and me" but "US". This got reinforced when the word war transpired. Throughout this stupid fiasco, my Richard had always been my staunchest ally. EFH might have thought she was battling with me, when in fact she was battling with US. If only she was still with her hubby, then it would have been "them" versus "us". We had so many laugh trips over this, I wonder who she laughs with about this fiasco.

5. Appreciating what I have. As Richie had expertly put in words(*Hi, Richie!) in her message to me, I do have a terrific marriage and that she believes Richard and I will grow old happy. That I should just celebrate my life and continue to be happy! Don't you worry, dear, I do know what great treasure I have and I am celebrating every single day.

See, despite the many hurtful words thrown at each other and all the lies EFH had to invent, there are still things worth picking out from this stupid fiasco. So thanks, dear! :D

Ateneo Blue Eagles

2009-07-13T22:32:00.000-07:00

Posted in Multiply Sep 29 07

I'm not much of a basketball fan EXCEPT when the Blue Eagles are involved. Let me make that more specific, EXCEPT when it's a game between ADMU and DLSU. These games trigger a sense of school spirit in me. Championship game or not, when it's blue versus green, I chant and cheer like there's no tomorrow. It doesn't really matter if we win, as our alma mater song goes, "Win or lose, it's the school we choose..." It doesn't matter -- but I chant and cheer because this is a team I truly believe in. This is the community that I belong to. And boy am I just so proud.

I just so love our team and what they represent to me. Let me share with you why this is so. In 2003, after a game I saw on TV, I wrote this email to close friends and family:

dear everyone,

i just wanted to share how ecstatic i am at ateneo's victory over la salle in this afternoon's game. i wasn't able to watch it live at the araneta because tickets were gone even before i could stand in line. i just saw it on tv, which worked for me because i saw things that perhaps people in the stands wouldn't have seen.

la salle was superb in the game, especially their star player, joseph yeo. he makes most if not all his shots count and can get fonacier to commit fouls. he is really good. i'm not an expert in the game but i can see that their team's defense and offense were really good. it was obvious that they have prepared for this game. ateneo had so struggled to stay on top until the last seconds in this game.

in fact, i really think that our victory was nothing short of a miracle. ateneo didn't have one of their best players, la tenorio, and had only a few days to strategize for this game.

i do know though that between thursday's game and this afternoon's game, the Ateneo community has done its best to prepare for the game in all ways possible. they had obviously practiced well. but they had also turned to the One who made everything possible for the team. they turned to God in prayer. i personally wasn't able to attend any of the masses nor did i personally hear la's apology to the community and his family. i'm sure that a lot of other ateneans were far from the school when all of this happened, but like me, i know their hearts were also at the Church of theGesu.

i learned through the info sent by the school that this year's team's purpose is to give back to the Lord the glory. that each game they will play will be for the greater glory of God.

however, during the game, i saw the hand of God move amongst us. in the 4th quarter, near the dying seconds, la salle was still fighting and the chance that they still win was strong, the camera went over to the ateneo bench to check out what the players and supporters at the bench were doing. and right there, the players did not stand watching, they weren't shouting or panicking. they were all seated, hands clasped, fervently praying the rosary. the rosary. the rosary. they turned to prayer during the most difficult time of the game. they knew their strength would be coming from Him, and from her, Mama Mary.

and then i realized, these boys were not just after this for the fame, the glory, the admiration. they are here for a higher purpose, to show the world that God is behind every victory, that they turn to Him and her when wings are wounded and games are lost. that the team is Mary's team.

this isn't even the championship yet, but i cried. i'm so proud to be an atenean.

Last Thursday, Mary's boys won again. We won against the Green Archers. This gives us another chance to get closer to the finals. I know without a doubt that it was divine intervention at work again. I know that a lot of prayers from all over were heard.

Tomorrow, Sunday, is the big day. I will again wear an Ateneo shirt, to announce to whoever sees me which team I am supporting, I will once again cheer and clap when the Eagles make a shot or steal the ball, but I know that whatever the outcome of the game will be, that the Blue Eagle team would have served their purpose: to give the glory back to God. And to Mary.

"Mary, for you.For your white and blue, we pray, you keep us, Mary, constantly true. We pray, you keep us, Mary, faithful to you."

Love Life for Every Married Couple

2009-07-13T22:30:00.000-07:00

Posted in Multiply Sept 26 07

I know God has blessed me with a fantastic married (and family) life and he just keeps proving to me that he wants us to always stay happy! I say this because he seems to always lead us to people/things/events that make Richard and I grow stronger as individuals and as one.

Just yesterday, I found myself with some spare time to go to National Bookstore to browse. I picked up a couple of books that I plan to read (I promised myself I will make time for them) but I immediately started reading this one. The title is "Love Life For Every Married Couple". It promises to teach you how to "fall in love, stay in love, and rekindle your love". I wanted to show this book immediately to Richard. I knew he would be pleased that I found another way to make sure our marriage stays exciting, fresh, and always full of love. He and I share the same passion. We want to grow old together. We want to raise our kids together (not apart – obviously J), and we want to always be happy. Richard’s not much of a reader, so I just share with him what the book says. I’m still on page 39, but so far, it looks like we are on the right track!

Thank God!

Why The Ex Acts Like So Theory

2009-07-13T22:28:00.001-07:00

POSTED IN FRIENDSTER SEPTEMBER 24, 2007

Boy falls in love with Girl when they were still in high school. Boy treats Girl well coz he is an innately good man, even when (according to Boy) Girl is a teenage bitch who thinks she's better than everyone else. After 5 years, Girl says to herself, "I deserve so much more than this" and without batting an eyelash leaves Boy to run after another Boy who seemed like "a better catch". Boy feels sad but later realizes that he's indeed better off without the Girl -- he's free to find a better match! And in his heart he felt relieved that he no longer needs to put up with her wily and sly ways.

On the other hand, Girl gets herself pregnant TWICE and gets upset that the New Boy doesn't treat her as well as the First Boy (perhaps New Boy treated her the way she deserved to be treated --badly?). She realizes that she had it all when she was with First Boy. So now she wants him back. Alas! First Boy doesn't want to have anything to do with her anymore! He realized soon after they broke up that he deserved better. He doesn't even care to be friends with the Girl. Now Girl is not used to not getting what she wants. She’s wily and evil and will do anything to get her way. So, Girl thinks to herself, "If only I can stay in speaking terms with First Boy, I will still have a chance to win him back." So she insists on still being friends with First Boy. In her mind, they are “friends”. In his mind, she is “his embarrassing past”.

Boy finally meets Right Girl. Right Girl and Right Boy fall in love. They weathered storms and faced trials like there was no tomorrow. They fought for their love and won. They got married and have a baby. They are extremely happy.

Old Girl is horrified. How can she ever win First Boy back? She misses the love and attention he used to give her. She gets “devoured” by their happy memories. Perhaps that was the only time someone really actually loved her. Perhaps that was the only time she was actually happy. And she thinks to herself, “If First Boy’s marriage doesn’t work, we’ll both be separated from our partners, and we’ll be free to be together!”

So Old Girl uses her evil creativity and invents stories to make it look like First Boy still is crazy about her. She says to herself, “I will destroy their marriage and win First Boy. And this time, I will take care of him and love him because I will never find someone as wonderful.” So on with her plan, Old Girl makes up lies and stories to try to affect Right Girl and Right Boy’s relationship.

Right Girl laughs and turns to First Boy who says, “Nasisiraan na talaga ng ulo yan. Ganyan yata talaga pag patapon ang buhay at nothing to lose ka na. Nagiging ilusyonada. Wag mo na lang pansinin. Inggit lang niya dahil tayo masaya at siya hindi.”

The End.

Pikon, Pikon, si M-- Pikon!

2009-07-13T22:26:00.000-07:00

POSTED IN FRIENDSTER SEPTEMBER 23, 2007

Hahaha, I am sooooo tempted to put her name right here. But her name doesn't deserve to be on my friendster/Multiply account! She's super pissed that I heard about her blog entry and that I put in a comment. My first comment was really sweet coz I knew her heart is broken coz of how depressing her life turned out to be. I didn't want to add to that. But she answered back in such a mean and negative way, that my claws and my fangs just came out. Oh well, I guess I can't expect her to be nice to me, I'm sure she's so jealous that Richard's my husband and not hers (kawawa naman siya). She's also so pikon, imagine, deleting all our comment exchange and leaving just hers?! I understand though, coz lumalabas ang pagka-kawawa niya. Hahaha! Well, silly girl, I'm sure you're reading this, if you can't take in other people's views, best to write on a piece of paper and keep it locked away instead of broadcasting to the world via your multiply account how lonely and sad you are!

Swatting the Mosquito

2009-07-13T22:25:00.000-07:00

POSTED IN FRIENDSTER SEPTEMBER 21, 2007

Richard said: "Why do you even pay attention to that worthless mosquito outside our mosquito net, when we're already peacefully sleeping and enjoying our rest?! Best to stay away from it as it's only objective in buzzing is to ditract you into letting it draw your blood and give you dengue."
Hahaha. I love my husband. Words of wisdom. He's right, why pay attention to the worthless ramblings of a worthless person?! God forbid, she might even think she's important!

Past Resurrected

2009-07-13T22:22:00.001-07:00

Posted in Friendster September 19, 2007

I recently created a Multiply account to add a comment to this blog entry my friends found one lazy afternoon. It was for this girl writing about the sappy memories of the kind of love and attention she used to get from her first love -- who, by the way is now my husband. It was so funny to learn that Richard's ex (after many years of being apart from him, having a husband of her own, and siring 2 kids), would still reminisce about how my husband used to take care of her. How sad can that get? The man she left (based on her entry) had already moved on and is now having the time of his life while she's still thinking about every little detail of their forgotten (except by her) past. Please, the past is dead and should not be resurrected, unless you really want to be ridiculed or pitied.

The Love of My Life

2009-07-13T22:14:00.000-07:00

POSTED IN FRIENDSTER September 17, 2007

September 7, 2005. A little past 5pm. I was standing in line for the shuttle that will bring me to the gym. From behind, I heard a question, "Miss, nag-gy-gym ka ba sa Fitness First?" and out of politeness, I just had to answer this stranger's question. "Oo." I didn't realize I had already met the man destined to be mine. God truly moves in mysterious ways. And everyday, I thank Him for giving him to me.

Welcome to my Brand New Shiny Site!

2009-07-12T22:10:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! This is the first time I will be using this, but I do intend to import some of my entries from another blogsite!

So patience, patience my dear friends! This is gonna take a while! :D

I hope you enjoy whatever you read here, and please when you read, do try to pick something up, even a life lesson from my entries, no matter how small. If I learn that you got something out of what I put, even in a small way, will definietly make my day!