Little Updates

I have survived my first day back at school today. It felt like my college accounting classes flashed back and appeared right in front of me. Except that right now I am more attentive and I am not reading the latest issue of Cosmo while my teacher is busy educating the class about some managerial accounting stuff. So like I was expecting, since the professor would be able to know my undergrad course then I bet that he would ask me so many questions as the accounting terms were pretty much a little alien to my classmates. Lo and behold, our professor kept on asking me questions. If only I could tell him to not wallow in that fact as I was never really serious in college. Sigh! I tried my best to answer his questions though. Nevertheless, it was a good session. I wasn't disappointed.

I met up with Tor, Weng, Czar and Jenny in Hooters for dinner last night. I had Chicken Caesar Salad and tequila sunrise. The cocktail was nice, the salad was forgettable. Nothing would beat the taste of the honey mustard dressing I bought from Healthy Options. Oh well... So I got some news. I will be travelling down to Cebu on Thursday morning after my shift and then back again in Manila aboard the last available flight. I need to get the website over and done with. Sigh! I will also try to meet up with Vanity and JR an the rest of the PS people which I miss so much. I will have them accompany me to Mandaue where the Philweb Office is. I hope we won't get lost.

Anyway, I am a little sleepy already... Will be back again tomorrow. Ta ta...

Broken Glass (written by a friend)

----I was browsing through some friend's blogs when I saw this one written by Verlaine (college classmate who now works for Deutsche Bank) sometime February 2005.

Broken Glass

when good-byes are tougher than they seem.

kessa. another heart that's been broken. i remember how bubbly she is. she used to pass by my workstation and share her stories until she left for cebu. who could possibly break a heart like that? kessa has put up her own webpage and called it her K E S S A T H E A. i never realize the intensity of her pain until after a few messages we've exchanged in outlook. i've always known her as a tough gurl. she had found herself in that same situation but she managed to work it out. ... but, will she still have energy to do so?

---I've moved on from this heartache she mentioned and I had all the energy to. And still, the end of it all I still love L-O-V-E.

Who Am I Really?

Who Am I Really?

The easiest questions in the world are oftentimes the questions that make me cringe and think in the attempt to come up with sensible answers. I rarely cringe at difficult questions because by then I can always say that I still need to think of the answer. But when faced with a simple and easy question such as “Who Am I?” I feel like I am facing a big giant that would swallow me up if I don’t blurt out an answer right there and then.

So, who am I (really)?

I am a grown woman, shaped by my past and continuously challenged by my future. I have been into many a life’s drama and I resolve to (as much as possible) never be in one ever again. I live far from my parents and my sister. I moved out after I graduated in college. I braved the concrete jungle (stayed in Manila and Makati) and has transitioned so well I rarely miss home and the laidback lifestyle it has offered me. But I won’t lie, I miss my peaceful playground. I am so attached with people that matter so much to me. I always am the nurturing kind, always the one ready to understand. I am strong, I would like to believe I am. I have been exposed to different situations that tested my integrity and my own self-worth and realized that I am better than some of the tampon-buying population. I have learned so many life lessons that I strive to apply in my daily life moving forward. But still, I haven’t separated with my old self. I still am a crybaby. Anything can be a tearjerker for me (be it a little insect or something that only exist in a rocket scientists world). I do not settle for mediocrity and hate being second best sometimes, well maybe all the time.

I know and admit that I am both naughty and nice. But yeah, I am always often nice more than naughty. I always let my conscience and my reason rule over me. And when it comes to matters of the heart, my brain and my heart always works together. I am willing to take risks, to get in peoples' faces, to weather angry responses, to ask and risk rejection, to make bold claims, to take chances because I do not like to spend watching the sunset with what-ifs in my mind. Some people follow their dreams, others hunt them down and beat them mercilessly into submission while I confidently trod in the direction of my dreams because in the long run, I only hit what I aim at. I do not give up easily so much so on the last yard line. If I lose, I embrace such with the same gusto. In matters of principles, I stand like a rock, I am not easily swayed more so influenced.

I hate drama and halfwits with equal passion. Though I might seem to be shielded, I am generally low maintenance except that I would not ride the jeepney alone and I would not be seen dead wearing the so-called granny undies. Give me a break… I’d do my laundry over wash the dishes. I like my sinigang super sour and my pasta sweet and spicy. I’d rather be single than be with a dodo. I hate being late much more being stood up. I love multitasking, keeping myself busy. I love shoes and moisturizers above all money could ever buy. Oh, not to forget my lip gloss. I am a girl’s girl and was never a tomboy. I can only count the number of syringes that invaded my veins. Only 5 bottles of dextrose have entered my system in my entire existence. Only flu can get me down. I collect TY Bears and loves being surrounded by pillows and more pillows (well at least for now – I have 10 in my bed). I cannot function well without taking a bath or a quick shower. If I die anytime, I want my casket painted pink, I want real flowers on my grave and not the plastic and paper ones.

I’m a scaredy cat though I love watching horror and thriller movies/shows. I can scare myself to no end just by imagining things. I love lazy afternoons and the birds chirping when I wake up. I can reach my neck with my tongue while still looking at my horizon. I am picture happy and loves taking pictures of anything and everything. I have a collection of local and foreign wedding magazines and yeah I have planned out my wedding already but I am still open to tweaks and revisions if need be. I plan how my day will go while still managing to inject spontaneity along the way. I happily embrace any change and I avoid conflicts. I don’t have any problems blurting out a hearty laugh at any given time. I love ballet and art films and a staunch believer of the Rights of a Child.

Oh yeah, I could only wish I invented Post-Its and Tongue Scrapers.

In Six Ways I Am Weird... Somewhat

This is a repost from my Multiply site...

Okay I am weird in so many ways more than one and Jeff has tagged me so the whole world may know...

Hush! It's our little secret...

1. SUCKER - Yes, I did and I still sometimes suck my thumb. It started when I was wee little. My mom said that I was such a crybaby that they don't know how to shut me up. So, they let me suck my thumb and that started some peaceful nights for them. My parents didn't like me to continue the bad habit and they went so much as putting chili and other yucky stuff in my thumb just so I could shake it off but to no avail. I've mellowed down and will only do so right now if I feel insecure or when I have a beanie baby beside me... Hahaha!

2. PLANNER - I have already preplanned my wedding day (I guess this one's not so weird, I'm sure other girls have planned their big day at some point but mine's planned even without the groom agreeing). Well, at any rate I am open to any change anyway. So, no biggie.

3. ACTRESS - I can cry anytime you want me to or when I want to. I have a hyperactive lachrymal gland.

4. MOTHER - I have an imaginary daughter named "Brittany Klaryss Paulynne Yssabelle". Scared yet? LOL! Actually, I have coined that name and will name my first daughter that very long name. And oh, I have a doll too and I named her Brit and Tian used to tie her up because the doll looks ugly. I used to bathe the doll and lull her to sleep. Now, im starting to really sound weird so I better stop at that.

5. COLLECTOR - I collect stuff. Magazines, toys, pens, etc, anything that I will like. And oh, if I like one dress, I'd make sure to get another in many different colors.

6. MASOCHIST - I am a masochist (not the extreme type). But I love a lil hurt here and there. I don't know, I just do... Weird!

Congratulations Scott and Mari

Scott and Mari and Diego

Since I am back to night shift, I was able to squeeze in some chat with friends who work in the other side of the globe that is US. I've known Scott for almost 3 years already and we've been good friends eversince. He is the funniest guy I know, he cracks me up everytime. I haven't met Mari personally but Scott had all the good stories about her. And as they welcome their bundle of joy in December all I could say is I am extremely happy for them. They are having a baby boy and will be named Dylan Charles.

Congratulations to the both of you. You will be amazing parents to your little one.

This Shift

I am back to night shift. What do you know? I’ve been used to working days that I’ve totally forgotten how it is to sleep when the sun is up and work my ass out during nights. My team had the choice, whether to work days or nights. We had a pretty favorable position in the shift bid but they chose the 8:30PM to 5:30AM shift because well let’s face it, night shifts pay a lot higher that day shifts. I could not blame them besides whatever shift I am in not really affects the pay part. It’s only the body clock that will be skewed not to mention the social life that will go down the drain because of it (would try not to though). Let’s see how this night shift goes and how long I can last without falling asleep in my desk (crossing my fingers that it won’t happen).

This shift has some perks though. I was able to get in touch with a friend from Round Rock and El Salvador. Scott and Mari are having a baby - will be due in December. I had a good laugh while talking to Guillermo. Ahhh, how fast time flies, it's almost three years. We’ve talked for a little bit and I will write a separate article about the conversations in the next few days. Still haven’t figured out how to write an interesting story about it. But I will try…It’s worth writing anyway.

So, it’s not all coffee…

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Update on school:

Looks like I will be applying for a schedule change since the schedule I enrolled conflicts with my current work schedule right now. Sigh! Will wake up early tomorrow and head to school then go straight to work. I will then have to secure my school ID and library card and all that stuff. I have read our course syllabus already and what do you know we already have an assignment prior to our first class. We were tasked to study in advance the difference between financial accounting and managerial accounting. Unlike in college, I guess I am more responsible now. Guess what! I have secured a public financial statement, I am done with my written assignment, I have read the lesson and I have taken down notes. Great start, aint it? I hope I’ll continue the drive, this subject is only for 8 weeks anyway. All for a 4.0 Quality Point Index…

Boracay Vacation Before Typhoon Frank

I realized I haven't written anything about my trip to Boracay to celebrate my 26th birthday. It was the best trip to the island ever. I have been there many times over but this last one tops my list.

As soon as I got out of the plane, I realized that I missed the place so much. Although the island had been so overrated already, it still has a soft spot in my heart. In fact, I think I want to get married here someday (or in Bantayan or Amanpulo) I hope. Anyway, I had reservations at the Boracay Island Mandarin Hotel and a hotel car picked us up in the make shift port as the real port had big waves. I was so happy to be able to not work for four days and stay in the island.



The first day was spent by the shore. It was fun watching the waves reunite with the sand. It was a rather relaxing afternoon and before the sun set we feasted on some delicious Hawaiian Baby Back ribs, Lua Lua Steak and the oh-so-yummy Baked Potato. We headed back to the hotel and before we went up to our room, we decided to swim in the pool. We then went to the bar, had some cocktails and beer before calling it a night. June 17, my birthday, I was awakened by one too many texts and phone calls. All greeting me to have a happy birthday. That day was spent touring the island, visited caves and more sumptuous food. The boatman gave me a blue-green fish and he put it in a makeshift fishbowl but I decided that the fish doesn't belong there so I said thanks and told the boatman that the fish deserves to be in the sea where he is meant to be.



When we got back to our hotel room, I was surprised by the hotel staff with a happy birthday chorus, black forest cake and a bouquet of roses and one nice card. It was so nice of them. (Thank you to the Mandarin staff, you are assured that when I get back to Boracay I will be staying in your hotel again).

The rest of the afternoon was spent shopping and drinking some more cocktails and feasting on some delectable spicy chicken wings. When we were on our way back to the hotel, we met a young couple from UK and we chatted until about midnight. We had one too many drink at the Nigi Nigi Nu Noos bar. They had delicious cocktails but almost half the price compared to the ones in our hotel. A few minutes after midnight, we said our goodbyes and we went to Guillys Island to people watch and drink some more. What a way to celebrate one's birthday? After the rain stopped, we headed home and called it a night.

The third day, we went parasailing and reef walking. I finally conquered my fear of being hoisted up in the air. It felt really nice and calm almost meters up. The wonderful Boracay breeze against my face and the blue seawater down below. I enjoyed my 15-minute fly time for Php2500. After being on air, we then went to the second activity for the day...reefwalking. It was fun feeding fishes and e were actually walking underwater. What I didn't like was the smell of oxygen so it wasn't long until I decided to come up for real air. We had lunch after and then went swimming at the Mandarin pool again. The rest of the afternoon was spent in the tattoo shop. We got a pretty good deal for a rather big tribal tattoo. I got myself some henna as I am not yet ready for the real ones. It was our last night so we had a little party at the hotel with some live band playing.





I dreaded for morning to arrive as that would mean that by afternoon we will be in Manila again. We spent the morning swimming and lounging at the beach, taking some more pictures and building my own little sandcastle. Neither of us didn't want to leave, we wanted to stay longer. It was a very memorable vacation. It will never be forgotten.



The next morning we were already in Manila. And Typhoon Frank was already trying to signal his fury. And then the news was all over the place, a ship has sunk, a thousand families were homeless, roads and towns flooded, too many landslides, livelihoods halted, and Boracay was damaged (news said it was minor but there was no electricity and only a limited supply of water was available). These made me realize that I am such a blessed person. I was so happy for not being stranded in the island. I was doubly happy we didn't extend. I was happy we were home safe. But I was sad for the remnants of the typhoon.

Saturday at TGIF

I woke up feeling a little buzzed with the beer and scrumptous seafood I had yesterday with my team. Oh well, a normal day for me now is: set alarm at 4AM, have it snooze until 5AM, jump in the shower for much needed picker-upper at 5:15AM, make sure to be at work at 6:30AM and then go home at 4PM or maybe around 6PM to watch the daily local news and then head to bed and sleep at 1AM. It might seem a little less out of the ordinary but that's how it is going on now. My only consolation is that my grad school course doesn't require thesis completion so even if this schedule becomes routine, I will still be able to manage. So today, I woke up and headed to work on something and then dozed off for some little catnap and then worked again. I didn't have anything to eat as didn't really have the luxury of time to cook anymore. I was anxious of my 3PM appointment.

Before 3PM, I was in Bonifacio High Street already. I decided to shop around and settled in La Senza. I got myself some nice candy-colored undergarments. I had a few pairs of the lacy ones too. Oh, how I love treating myself into little somethings. I am going back next weekend to buy the matching robe and slippers (pink) and the purple nightie I so love.

I arrived in the agreed-upon place a few minutes earlier. The meeting went well. We have talked about some stuff that need immediate attention and I had some stuff that I needed to accomplish as well. Overall, it was a productive dicussion. I will need to summarize all items discussed and I am crossing my fingers that I would be able to explain everything to Busy Bee. Hehe! I am sure if he reads this, he would know who he is.

Let me finish eating my chicken fingers in the meantime... Will be on in a little while.

Craving: Sushi, Sashimi, School, Etc

SUSHI - I consider it the aristocrat of snack food. SALMON SASHIMI - hands down the best food I usually have the cravings for. I am not saying that I am a connoisseur but when I have the craving, it's almost always specific. What satiates the craving is a platter of sake sashimi (salmon), tako sushi which is made of sushi rice and octopus, ebi sushi (shrimp),and some old school california maki. I am not so keen on wasabi and soy sauce though. I love my sushi fresh and just made.

I've just recently been eating this kind of food. There was this one time before that I never liked to eat raw food but I don't know it just happened, I bravely tried to eat a slice of fresh salmon and it converted me to like these pretty little stuff made with utmost preparation and painstaking artistry.

I was converted and I am happy I did.

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I honestly did crave for something over the past few days and sadly unlike sushi it was never satiated. Sad! But I can get by...with a little help from my friend.

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Some little update on the grad school application and enrollment:

I was able to enroll already and classes will start next week. I convinced myself to be conservative enough and just enrol one subject this semester. I don't think I could juggle work and work and school all at the same time. I am not some sort of Super Woman after all. Each subject is equivalent to 3 units and 4 hours a week of class. I am student # R080099 of the Ateneo De Manila University-Regis University MBA Program. As per the handbook, the Ateneo-Regis MBA Executive Degree Program seeks to arm the executives and business leaders of today with the theories, skills and values that are necessary for today's dynamic environment.

Since I will be taking one subject per term, I expect to finish this within two years and a half. I so hope I could finish.

As of this point, I am full of positive energy and adding some more tasks and challenges in my plate just seem to keep me going and going and going and going. I may not be Super Woman but I can be an Energizer Bunny I guess.

Dell in the Olympics

I watched the gymnastics competition over the weekend and saw that a judge used a Dell XPS laptop. I found a picture in the internet and thought that it might be interesting to post it as Dell is not the official technology sponsor for the event. Who is the official sponsor? It's LENOVO. Probably not all received a memo and maybe at this point somebody was fired already or better yet getting some much needed reprimand.

Here are some pictures from the One Dell Way Blogs:

There are more sightings. Dell is on a high demand. Click HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE.

Michael Phelps: The Baltimore Bullet

Yes, Michael Phelps made Olympic History. Eight golds in 8 different events. His last event officially ended Mark Spitz's record. Phelps has rewritten Olympic History.

Presenting MP in his Speedo-glory: (Five physical attributes particularly suit Phelps to swimming: his long, thin torso (low drag in the water), arms which span 6 feet 7 inches (201 cm) (long, powerful, propulsive "paddles") disproportionate to his height of 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm), relatively short legs (lower drag, and perhaps the speed enhancement of a hydrofoil), coupled to size 14 feet (providing the effect of flippers) by double-jointed ankles he can extend beyond the pointe of a ballet dancer, enabling him to whip his feet (as if they were fins, for maximum thrust through (if not over) the water).

Is It Hard To Be Happy For Someone Else?

"Sometimes, there's nothing harder than being happy for someone else."

Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) uttered those words of truth in one of my favorite episodes of Sex and The City, "The Baby Shower." As a woman in my mid-20s, I am slowly gaining more events on my yearly calendar dedicated to the pairing-up and popping-out of friends and family. Especially in the months between June and December, we young, single women seem to get inundated with hand-engraved invitations or save-the-date cards requesting our presence at the event which is centered around a goal we have not yet attained: a lifelong commitment to a good man, a sparkly ring, champagne flutes with strawberries afloat, and maybe even a starter home or one of my goals since I started plotting one out, own a house encased by a white picket fence.

And all the while, we sit, kneel, stand, pray, bow our heads, smile, bring extravagant gifts, get dressed to the nines, and profusely congratulate the happy couple and their parents. We couldn't be happier for them.

But there is something about attending pre-wedding events that makes me ask myself a few questions. Although I can bet my future-engagement ring, I have well prepared myself to the answers of the followign questions. Will others be so kind to me when my time comes? Is the gift lacking in thought because it came from the registry? Will I become a tyrannical bride, enforcing the dreaded French mani/pedi and throwing pastel taffeta on "my girls?" Will I be a bridezilla?

There's nothing like a peer getting married to force you to reassess your life. For those of us who aren't yet walking down the aisle, and are in no hurry, there's nothing like a bridal shower and bachelorette party to make you at once both happy and frustrated about being single.

But one's things for sure, this blog will not let me throw a pity party for me, myself and I.

***To Nonie and Omar - have a blessed union and looking forward to the time when our kids become friends as well. To Tia and Jose - you have been together for so long already and I hope that you stay inlove with each other longer. To JS and Chadney - keep your family intact and keep the love stronger each day. To Darice and Christian - I can feel the time is near and we have talked about you wanting a simple and memorable ceremony. I will lend you my wedding magazines before the big day. To Me and My Future Husband - hey, you two get your act together and find each other soon, the bio clock is ticking and you don't know what your losing.

Note: Thanks to Hayley O. for the inspiration for me to post this article.

5 days To Go...iPhone in the Philippines!

I am not born a iWhore but the too-much publicized iPhone launching in the Philippines has tickled my fancy already. I think I am not going to buy because I have so much phones in my possession already and another addition to it will be a sure sign of material fascination. I am not verging on that yet. I still am sensitive enough. I will probably just probably add it to my retirement account. Hmmmm, is this me talking? Well, anyway, iPhone will launch on Agust 22. I received an SMS message from Globe about the party but I erased it and did not remember the details so I won't be able to share the info. Maybe they sent me one because they already consider me a loyal customer. Hahaha!

Here's the plan details (postpaid):


And for those who don't want to be tied-up with the 24-month lock-in period, here's the information that you might want to know:

If anyone is interested, RESERVE one now!

P.S. Globe did not in any way pay me for this article. Just a little something for the iFans out there. Wink!

Dashing Diva

I showed up for my spoiled diva manicure and pedicure appointment 30 minutes earlier. But they have one free nail attendant so they started early on me. I have red tamale polish on my nails now. A little stronger and bolder than the tame french tips I previously have on for the last two weeks. So, why spoiled? Okay, I have my own nail file and nail scrubber and orange stick. They put on some soothing almond oil on the nails, they used their own polish and, I had microdermabrasion, scrub and massage. Spoiled! Well, I don't do this often, I mean being spoiled like this so don't you all think that I am a little material girl. I just love to pamper my self sometimes, a little picker upper. I don't think I would still be able to go to Bonifacio High Street and pick up a bottle of honey mustard dressing since I'm iffy about walking on wet grounds since I am wearing flat sandals. I was able to drop my dirty clothes at the laundry shoppe though. No shopping for kitchen implements as I don't want my nails smudged. I will prolly do it tomorrow.

I ought to scold myself. I have 6 to-do's today and only accomplished 2. Such a pity! Will compensate by reading on the novel that I have started to read. It is a story compiled by a former US Army Major who was stationed in Iraq. It is a collection of frontline dispatches from soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. Title is Blog of War and I am reading in through Adobe Acrobat Reader. It is password protected so anyone that might be interested would have to send me an email request so I can send the 1.42MB PDF file.

That's all I have for now. I will try to update again when I get home. Ta ta!

It's 1:50AM! (It's A Not-So Creative Title)

Alert! Some brain cells are already asleep but a few are stubborn enough to stay awake but graceous enough to lend me some much-needed words for this blog in almost wee hours of the morning.

Saturday night has passed without any Saturday night-out for me. I don't know I am just not in party-mode lately. Maybe I've went past the cocktail-in-one-hand-cute-little-handbag-in-the-other-whilst-dancing-in-a-laserlit-room-with-a-masterful-DJ-spinning-some-tracks kind of lifestyle. I have finally succumbed to the idea of being a simple homebuddy. I am officially no fun. Except for the better-than-normal online life I lead, yeah I am officially no fun. I am without someone I could call my own, someone I could tag along when I wanted some much needed caffeine fix and good conversation alongside. But I tell you, I am not one bit lonely. It's just that I miss the comforts of having a warm body next to you. I think about this all the time especially when I only have me, myself and I. So bottomline, I am happy being single but I am starting to get bored. Too much for being picky to say the least.

Okay, enough of the melancholic thoughts.

To be coherent with the title of this blog entry, yes, it is already almost 2AM and I lie awake and couldn't get myself to sleep. I am waiting for this someone so we can talk again. But guess luck is not on my side. So what better way to spend this sleepless night than to read some of the goldmine blogs I bumped into these past few days. I am not yet ready to reveal the links but I tell you they are equally entertaining and interesting and yeah utterly motivating. It is not porn for the record. Anyway, let me know if you want some links and I would willingly oblige to your wishes. I will share to you some links, maybe 1, 2 or 3 depending on how much alphabet diarrhea you can handle. Uh, excuse the term.

Some updates about me and my quest to finish my MBA: I am enrolling this August (first trimester) and not in November. First day of classes will be on August 26 as per the Registrar's Office employee I talked to. I will have to spend 4 hours in school once a week for every subject. The school's fee is a bit pricey but I hope it would all be worth it. I'll probably be a common face in Rockwell because of this. Cheers to tanks of white chocolate mocha that I am probably going to consume whilst finishing grad school and while burrowing my nose in thick books. Expect that after about a couple of years, my name will be a little bit longer already. Hmmmm, not getting married yet but of course having MBA after my last name separated with a comma. Right now, I can only thank heavens for being a DCSE (Dell Certified Systems Expert) and ARE (Advanced Resolutions Expert). I bet my folks are proud, I am an expert (no pun intended).

All these thinking brought me to one thing I did today. Am I too cruel for crushing someone's ego today that led him to confess that he has been in denial and that he freakin' loves me? Problem is that I don't love him and I guess he has to accept that and move on and find the one made for him. Meanwhile, I am still waiting to build a perfect (or not-so-perfect-but-extra-wonderful) relationship with someone I'd grow old waking up next to and yeah build a dreamhouse with a white picket fence too. Sigh! (I therefore conclude I'm in a horrible state of melodrama as I am all awake thinking about this when in fact I should have been sleeping already.)


P.S.

I am anxious for my next waxing trip. Last week, me and a coworker decided to go back to Heaven on the 5th (Rustans Makati) for a much needed wax session. I have totally forgotten the pain and I am yet to feel it again. Honestly, it's painful as hell but we both loved the results. And I guess we really liked it such that we are going back. Will have to call for an appointment so we get the prime schedule, as soon as the mall opens.

Tomorrow, I hope, will not be the same as today. I will have to go get my nails done again and deliver my dirty laundry to the laundry shop. I am yet to sort them as I don't want some extra sensitive fabric damaged. I've pretty much scolded myself many times over for committing the same mistake over and over again...getting some silk and lace laundered and dried like they are some cheap cotton you buy at little more than half the price. Ahhh, I need someone to do my laundry by hand.

So far here's my to-do list tomorrow:
-go to Dashing Diva and have my nails done. I'll prolly get some red polish. Hmmmm!
-buy some kitchen tools (a nonstick pan, a wooden ladle and a good quality peeler and oh some dishwashing liquid)
-go to La Senza and see if they have the nice maroon teddies I so want to buy
-go to Healthy Options and buy another bottle of Honey Mustard Dressing. I tell you they have the most delicious all-natural, organic honey mustard dressing in town.
-bring my dirty clothes to the laundry shop
-watch Keeping Up With The Kardashians and The Apprentice aired over Velvet TV

At last, I am feeling a little sleepy already...Maybe I need to keep this monitor shut and my eyes shut too. Will surely be back a little later today.

Have a good one!

What's For Dinner?

I may have spent a few hours this afternoon thinking about what to make myself for dinner. I thought of having grilled asparagus and lemon spinach couscous or grilled asparagus and bologna and many other combinations. So, while chanelling my inner Rachael Ray, I went to the kitchen raided the fridge and voila decided to have pasta.

I have penne, spaghetti and fusilli pasta tucked in the pantry. I chose fusilli (fuso is Italian for spindle by the way) because of its rather fancy shape. It is also oftentimes called rotini because of its rotating shape. I often use it for when I make some fruit salad and I want a little carbo in it. I decided to have pesto sauce. Hey, I cheated a little tonight as I didn't have too much time to slice some basil leaves finely or make a mess out of the food processor. I decided to use the ever-convenient McCormick Powder Pesto (just dilute it with olive oil and a quarter cup of water). And since I didn't have white onions, I used some shallots instead. And for the vegetable part of the dish, I have some thin asparagus and whole kernel corn. No meat.

Here's the sliced ingredients. Pasta has been cooked already. Tip: Sprinkle some salt and add a little olive oil so your pasta don't stick with each other. Cook per package instructions and you won't go wrong. If you forgot to time it because you are busy watching TV, like I did, it would usually take 2 commercial sets and 2 regular programming, and it should be al dente around that time. Wink!

Here's the pesto sauce, asparagus and corn simmering in the pan over medium-low heat.

And here's the finished product...Presenting in its yummy glory sans the fancy presentation. After all, I am only cooking for myself. But hey, it doesn't look bad, yeah?



For reading this article, here's a little something on how to make your own pesto like an Italian grandmother: (The technique here is: chop a bit, add some ingredients, chop some more. I think part of the reason its done this way (instead of chopping everything all at once) is because some things get chopped into oblivion, while some not as much - it encourages spectrum of cut sizes throughout the pesto contributing to the overall texture.)

1 large bunch of basil, leaves only, washed and dried
3 medium cloves of garlic
one small handful of raw pine nuts
roughly 3/4 cup Parmesan, loosely packed and freshly grated
A few tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil

This makes about a cup of pesto like it's made from a family kitchen in Italia.

Can You Guess Where This Is?

It's the time of the week again and guessing time it is again. There's no winner last week as nobody won. Nobody was able to guess where the picture is. For this week, guess where this picture was taken and you stand a chance to snag a little stuff from me.




Here's another view:

ANSWER LAST WEEK: North Wing, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City

Back To School

I am busy processing for my MBA enrolment and hopefully I would finish all paperworks this week so Icould join the class the week after next week. Am I excited? I guess... It's been long since I last went to school. It has been 5 long years. I will be enrolling probably Quantitative Methods for Managers and Management Dynamics at the Ateneo GSB - Rockwell Campus. I just hope I could snag a weekend class so I won't be pressured with work and I still have energy to concentrate in class. Will keep everyone posted with the status of my back to school drama.

Speaking of back to school, on the 20th the winning Culture committee at work decided to have all managers come to work dressed in back to school outfit. Should I come in a Gossip Girl outfit like Serena van der Woodsen or Blair Waldorf? Hmmmm, I have to get me some short plaid skirts and a little black eeeer pink tie and raid my closet for my black tights. Sure, this will be fun. This is the perfect excuse for playing dress up at work. The last time I went to work in a not-so-common ensemble was during the Halloween Party. Pretty long ago aint it?

____________________________________

Oh yeah, I have finally showed up for my appointment at PLDT for the telephone line installation and DSL applciation. I am hoping that my saga to find me a decent internet connection is over. Globelines have conflicting explanations, it differs from the customer service rep to the supervisors to the managers down to the installers. People, you better keep your act together. Skycable went to my apartment, tried to install the cable connection but turned out they don't have cable internet encryption in the area yet? I could not understand. I am right smack in the middle of Makati City, the Central Business District. And so, PLDT is it. After waiting for more than a month for my application to be processed. And like what they told me yesterday, I only have to wait for 3-5 days more for the landline installation, wait for a dial tone, call their office and the DSL line will then be activated. Good grievance! These all I had to do to get my laptop connected to the internet and be freed from the oh-so slow connection using my mobile phone (Sony Ericcson P1i). Again, fingers crossed.

Growing Gerbera

I have been thinking of growing my gerbera garden again. Maybe some reds and some oranges with some pink ones and yellow ones. I know SM sells some and I might check them out tomorrow. It would be a breath of fresh air to see some real flowers in my apartment.

Last Friday's Can You Guess Where This Is? Contest

Update...Update...Update... There's still no winner for the contest last Friday. I guess the picture is a little hard to guess huh?

A little something something is still up for grabs for the winner.

Keep on guessing...

Dell to Use Twitter for Global Mobility Event

Source: http://www.dell.com/

Round Rock, Texas, August 11, 2008


Dell will answer questions from reporters and customers in real-time online during a global news conference Tuesday (Aug. 12) unveiling the company’s new generation of mobility products.

Users of Twitter, a free social networking and micro-blogging service, will be able to ask questions about Dell’s new products and the company will “tweet” the answers. Tweets are text-based posts up to 140 characters in length.

Reporters and customers on Twitter can direct questions during the news conference to www.twitter.com/Digital_Nomads. Dell will also blog about the Global Mobility Event at Direct2Dell.

Dell is among the first major companies to offer reporters and customers the opportunity to ask questions on Twitter during a live news conference. The company will provide live updates online from the event in San Francisco, and from media events in London and New Delhi, India.
Event details:

What : Live event featuring demonstration of a new generation of fresh and innovative designs, extreme power-efficiency and connectivity that will allow users to work anytime, anywhere.

When : Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2008, 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. PDT

Where : San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (151 3rd St., San Francisco, CA 94103)

How : To register, please visit: http://www.visualwebcaster.com/event.asp?id=50463

Who : Dell executives on hand for interviews include:
Jeff Clarke, senior vice president, Dell Product Group
Margaret Franco, director, Commercial Notebooks
Steve Belt, vice president, Business Client Engineering
Ken Musgrave, director, Commercial Experience Design Group

Also joining live from London via satellite uplink:
Mark Jarvis, Chief Marketing OfficerFor more information about Dell’s use of social media to connect with online communities, visit www.dell.com/conversations.

Dell Inc. (NASDAQ: DELL) listens to customers and delivers innovative technology and services they trust and value. Uniquely enabled by its direct business model, Dell is a leading global systems and services company and No. 34 on the Fortune 500. For more information, visit http://www.dell.com/, or to communicate directly with Dell via a variety of online channels, go to http://www.dell.com/content/topics/global.aspx/corp/en/community?c=us&l=en&s=gen. To get Dell news direct, visit http://www.dell.com/content/topics/global.aspx/corp/pressoffice/en/rss_howto?c=us&l=en&s=gen.

Can You Guess Where This Is?

I missed to post this last night as I got home pretty tired and had a few glasses over dinner. I went out with my teammates and the story will be posted here as well. In the meantime, here's the picture for you to guess where was this taken.

Now all you need to do is send me your guess either through the comment link or send me an email through the email address posted in my profile. The first person to guess will win a little surprise from me.

The winner for the first Friday: Can You Guess Where This Is? picture is May of Davao City. She will receive a goody bag from Jelly Belly and a black pants from HerBench.

Grains of Rice at http://www.freerice.com

I've been hooked to this lately...Why not you go and try too?

Like what the illustration says, for every word you get right, the website owner/sponsors will donate 20 grains of rice through the UN World Food Program to help end hunger.

Total Donations by Date
Date Grains of Rice

OCTOBER 2007 537,163,380
NOVEMBER 2007 4,768,969,790
DECEMBER 2007 6,948,988,060
JANUARY 2008 4,551,581,980
FEBRUARY 2008 3,893,361,180
MARCH 2008 4,109,191,320
APRIL 2008 5,614,647,060
MAY 2008 4,657,641,260
JUNE 2008 3,043,677,360
JULY 2008 2,046,077,880
August 1, 2008 57,614,660
August 2, 2008 45,511,880
August 3, 2008 46,768,640
August 4, 2008 59,957,140
August 5, 2008 60,522,860
____________
Total All Dates 40,441,674,450

Here are some comments:

Press

“What if just knowing what a word meant could help feed hungry people around the world? Well, at FreeRice it does . . . the totals have grown exponentially.”
- Washington Post

“Web game provides rice for hungry . . . FreeRice went online in early October and has now raised 1 billion grains of rice [by November 9].”
- BBC News

“Addictive, yes. But . . . each correct answer results in the donation of rice to help feed the hungry around the globe. Perhaps that qualifies the game as a good addiction . . . one with redeeming qualities, something that’s, oh, didactic and edifying.”
- Kansas City Star

“People from all walks of life and from around the globe have written in to express their appreciation for the game . . . Secretaries admit to playing it during boring business meetings.”
- Christian Science Monitor

“FreeRice.com is one of the most ingenious websites of 2007. In the best spirit of the Internet, it offers education, entertainment and a way to change the world ― all for free.”
- Los Angeles Times

Leave Me Alone!

I do not understand why my statements are always taken in the wrong context. I do not understand why these people (same people) seem to think that I am a deterrent to their dreams of becoming Area Managers one day. Am I such a threat? Is it wrong to comment on a wrong report especially if the mistake points directly to my circle of influence? Is it wrong to push back when you think that the email being circulated is wrong? Do I walk and talk with a subtitle written on my forehead or the clothes that I wear?

Oh c'mon people. Why do you seem so insecure? Why do you always question what I have to do? Can't we just work and work accurately without letting other people suffer from your mistakes? Can't we just work in the light of fair reporting? Can't we work without putting too much ego out in the open? Is it so hard to admit that you sent a wrong information? Do we know that there is a big difference between 6:30AM and 7:00AM?

Hear me out! You know who you are.

I sent you the reply without any undertones. I sent the reply because I wanted you to send an accurate report without jeopardizing what exactly happened. Yes, we went past our meeting schedule but this is the only time that this happened. What's your problem with that? I am not a threat. I am not a deterrent to your dreams. I am not an obstacle that you need to remove out of your way. I do not gossip, I do not support office politics. So what if I am not friends with you? You can't expect me to be friends with people who stab your back. I hate to say this but you just used up the last straw of respect and admiration that I have for you. And definitely, this issue will be escalated to my manager. I will not stay mum and quiet and let you bully me. I am not here to steal the limelight from you. Let me just work. Let me work on my own. And don't dare malign me with your false pretenses. I have never talked against your back. I hate to say this but if it were not for me, would you have known that Dell was opening up a site here in the Philippines? Would you have applied in time to be part of the first batch?

And yeah, next time we cross paths, don't flash me with that plastic smile of yours. You know that you can't forever be on top. But don't drag me with you. Please? For crying out loud, give me my space and for the record I'm so through with you and your minions. You couldn't make me cry anymore. But don't worry, I won't wage war against you. It's not just me. If you can talk behind my back and think ill of me. Stop politics and work your ass out. Be mature enough and act like your age.

Today, I regret that you were ever considered a friend. I wish you could have reacted better. Stop bullying me!

WHT: What Happened Today

Tuesdays for me are far better than Monday because by now in general I've already came into terms with the new week. I dread Mondays as they break the monotony or sometimes the fun of late waking up hours and lazy cozying up in bed. While I dread Mondays, I love Tuesdays. Well, just because it saved me from Manic Monday. Well, anyway, here's what happened today:

*Got wet by the sudden downpour whilst waiting for a cab to work. Good thing I brought along my pink umbrella and wore my trusted red hoodie.
*Got teased by my techs because I wore a skirt to work.
*Talked to Rose and discussed her competency assessment, career goal and individual development plans.
*Had breakfast with Jonah at the office cafeteria.
*Shopped for new linen and a printed shirt.
*Paid my house rent and utilities.
*Followed up on my cable internet connection installation. Can't wait for Friday. Faster, better, far beyond what dial up gives me.
*Had an open forum with my team and each one agreed that we will all work towards maintaining an open relationship with open communication at all times. I was able to clear out some wrong perceptions and understanding as well.
Had dinner with Dee, Ako, Julie and Julie's husband at Kenny's.
*Talked to KB and it made me happy. Talked to little sister as well. She's convincing me to get our US visa together. I told her she needs her passport first. Hahaha! So, lesson is first things first.
*Asked myself why my passport says "Not Valid For Travel To Iraq". Sigh!
*Watched Pairings with Andrea (wine and food show), Not Your Average Travel Guide, CNN, and The Next Food Network Star.

Still, no gym. Will promise not to forget to bring my gym bag with me tomorrow so I can go after work.

Gotta catch some zzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Until tomorrow...

510-Count

I am so ecstatic shopping for some new bedsheets and pillowcases today. I found the nicest one I could find. Thread count=510. It is my first time to buy such as I wasn't really particular with this linen lingo. It used to be that as long as my pillows are covered and my bed has sheets, I dont really mind. It all changed after vacationing and staying at the Mandarin. I liked how the linen felt against my skin. Now, though pricey, I'm sure I'll have a lot of good sleep while I use it.

Of course, for practical reasons, I asked Mama Queen Bee over the phone if it's okay for me to buy it despite the higher than usual price. She gave me a go signal and who am I to question her call though surprising enough. MQB is always the stingy and thrifty mommy. But this time, she did not question me buying the new bedroom necessity.

I went home excited to change my sheets and finally sleep into oblivion. I'm sure it's all in the mind but don't get me wrong, a 100-count sheet is of no match to a 510-count sheet.

What is thread count?

Thread count in sheets can range from 80 to 700, although most stores sell sheets that range from 180 to 320. In general, the higher the thread count, the softer the fabric feels, but that doesn't necessarily mean the sheets will last longer (and sheets with a higher thread count are usually more expensive). One linens department manager says thread counts above 380 are "kind of a farce." Manufacturers twist two threads in a way that lets them double the sheet's thread count.

Recently, many linens manufacturers have touted thread count as the best way to choose a sheet. But others point out that the quality of the fibers and finish are more important to the sheet's comfort and durability. In fact, sheets made of linen, flannel, or jersey (those trendy "T-shirt" sheets) have low thread counts due to the type of fabric. A high thread count would eliminate part of the appeal of these sheets.

According to Consumer Reports, cotton and cotton-blend sheets with a thread count of 180 to 200 stand up to wear and tear and provide satisfactory comfort.

WHY: What Happened Yesterday

I wasn't able to write about my WHT yesterday as I went to bed earlier than usual.

Overall, Monday had been good other than the piles of paperwork to accomplish considering that we promote a paperless organization. Sigh! I wish everything as in every single thing will be automated already. No more paper works, no more signatures from a bleeding pen. Anyway, here's what happened:

*Went to work a few minutes earlier today.
*Facilitated a meeting with my team.
*Wrapped up all regularization data for the new employees.
*Changed my blog title background. Note the KT sign.
*Had my nails done. French manicure and pedicure. I loved the outcome.



*Had food delivered for dinner and they forgot to bring the drink.
*Watched LA Ink and Feast Greece on Discovery Travel and Living.
*Researched for some nice tattoo designs. Seriously, I think I'm getting a little one on the small of my back. I just haven't saved enough guts to do it. But I guess it would be soon. (For sure Mama Queen Bee would hate me for it.)

--- Hasle's phone got stolen or she might have unknowingly lost it. That's not good news. Don't worry Hasle ICP will be soon so you can replace it with a much nicer phone. Gave her CCO's number and hopefully she was able to call and talk to someone.

That and nothing more happened yesterday. Plain...

You Have Good Genes!

I was a recipient of this compliment today.

Enough said...

Shopgirl

This movie I watched through a cable channel some months back and it still begs for me to write something about it. Did I shed some bucket of tears? Yes, I did. It is a bittersweet look at modern relationships. A relationship that is both in existence and a fiction. It is a movie which will make you ask yourself if you want to hurt now or hurt later.

The movie follows the interconnected lives of three people searching for connection; but it is neither a conventional comedy nor a typical fairy-tale romance. Instead, it is a disarmingly tender exploration of love in the real world, of the confusion and miscommunication between men and women that throw a wrench in the works of so many contemporary love affairs. It is a story that raises provocative, conversation-sparking questions about the different things we want from love --- and about how sometimes we settle for what we need.

The story revolves around the lives of three people. Mirabelle (played by Claire Danes) works at a Saks Fifth Avenue glove department by day and at night she works at honing her unfulfilled artist dreams. While being employed, she finds herself one day struggling to get out from under a growing mountain of debt from student loans and credit cards. All she ever wanted is to be loved like any normal woman would. Then she met Jeremy (Jason Schwartzman) one night while she was doing her laundry, young man with little ambition and zero means, she begins an awkward relationship with him. Then along comes Steve Martin’s Ray Porter --- the older, wealthier, far more worldly charmer who sweeps Mirabelle completely off her feet. Ray shows Mirabelle the affection for which she has so long yearned…then turns her life completely upside down as she realizes that they have completely misunderstood one another. What she saw as a fairy-tale dream, he saw as a temporary pleasure --- and both of them, it seems, were wrong.

“As Ray Porter watches Mirabelle walk away, he feels a loss. How is it possible, he wonders, to miss a woman who he kept at a distance, so that when she was gone, he would not miss her? Only then does he realize how in wanting part of her but not all of her, he had hurt them both, and he cannot justify his actions except that, well, it was life.”

What good is a heart if it can’t take pain for and from the people it beats for?

Well, it will just be an organ that will pump blood all over my/your mortal body.



And if it's stubborn enough like mine, it will not give up on love. No, never! And would proudly hold a banner up with dainty letterings saying "I Love LOVE!"

WHT: What Happened Today?

Today is just one of those days. A day where I spent most of my time looking at the window, fingers crossed that the rain would stop and let me do something productive. It did stop but only for a few minutes. (Sarah Geronimo - thank you for the sun dance. It did not effing work.)

*Stayed home "in bed" most of the day.
*Went to the laundry shoppe and left about 8 kilos of dirty clothes.
*Talked to my sister online and created a little speech for her to say in a debut party she will be attending. And she is a little furious why her gift is not the one she really likes to give. (Little sister, should not complain since she still lives with the parents and the Mama Queen Bee is a little money-wise and that she has to remember that I didn't get anything from her on my birthday).
*Caught up with a friend who is in Sweden now shacking up with her Swedish hubby. Thank God for YM. They are renovating some parts of their house and she just got home after shopping in Ikea. (I was left daydreaming about the time when I myself would be shopping in Ikea or Bed, Bath and Beyond too for some stuff to make my little love nest a prettier place to live. For now, I will subsist on SM Hypermarket and Ace Hardware or maybe even Makro furnitures.)
*Talked to a rather interesting person from a site I dare not mention here (for some personal and confidential reasons). We talked about his plans of putting up his own call center and me sharing about my industry knowledge. Again, through YM.
*Went to Makro to buy some fruits. The kiwis were a couple of days older than just-right consumption stage so I went home empty-handed.
*I missed my manicure and pedicure appointment.
*Got stuck in Starbucks because of the heavier than normal rain. The heaviest I've seen in days.
*Watched my daily dose of Miami Ink. Watched Feast Greece, Food Safari, 12 Sexiest Jobs in Hollywood, Tattoo Wars and Around The World in 80 Homes. Not to forget my dose of local Actinglandia gossip through The Buzz.

And still no gym today. I have been slacking. I will try to get my money's worth of gym membership starting tomorrow (again).

12 Sexiest Jobs In Hollywood

I watched Lifestyle Network when I got home and decided to watch more TV before heading to bed. I've slept far too many hours today already. Haha! Anyway, let me share to you the list:

12. Body Art Model (Naked Catering)
-Kendra, one of Hef's girlfriends, was once a body art model. How does it go? Girls are painted according to the theme of the party and the painted girls serve the guests. According to the show, it is the lady guests that show more interest than men. Hmmmmm!



11. Sexy Stickshifters (The Valet Girls) - wage is at $10 per hour plus the tips.
-This is the job for sexy ladies who has the curves and know how to navigate the curves as well. The flirtier the girls are, the higher the tip they take home.

10. Sexy Female DJ
-DJs are the life of the party. And it gets a little better when its a sexy lady DJ who plays some body-thumbing beats. Need I say more?

9. Human Sushi Plate
-Enough said. Yes, a human plate. Banana leaves cover the necessary parts to be covered and some flowers too. And the sushi spread all over. How much will it set you back? $900/hour and that's without the fish. Oh the best benefit, the dishes wash themselves. (And suddenly I miss salmon sashimi)

8. Window Dancers (Basque Club)
-It's a take on burlesque. The Basque window has two-way mirrors that shows nubile girls freestyling sexy dance moves. The dancers could not see the people who watches them. Such wicked windows.

7. 26 Girls of Deal or No Deal (NBC)
-Yeah, much like the 26K for Kris Aquino in Deal or No Deal Philippines. And oh, the girls wear the same style of dress, same earring, same shoes...every day. The best bit...the girls earn six figures working just 5 months a year.

6. Burlesque Show (Royal Jelly 40 Deuce)
-Sex and rock 'n roll. Kind of an old school strip tease/stripper joint. The girls perform some choreographed moves before presented to the patrons enjoyment. And they take all their clothes off.



5. Rap Video Vixen
-These girls are considered to be music video actresses. They are the girls you see in music videos performing some dance moves while the rap star uhhh well raps. They earn some $3000 a day. Whoooa! It pays to be sexy and have some booty. One girl was able to make-out with 50 Cent and she got paid still. Talking about having your cake and eating it too.

4. Infidelity Detective (Sexy Decoy)
-Hired by Cheaters Detective Agency. I have watched a show aired in MAXXX. One party reports to them, prey identified, hook baited, line has caught something. Tadaaa! Busted! They earn up to $250 an hour.

3. Suicide Girl Model
- It started as a soft-porn site that grew to become a global phenomenon. It's a place where you see girls with piercings and tattoos. It's their haven. You don't have to be self-destructive to join. But I don't have plans to join. LOL! These girls earn $500/photoshoot.



2. Erotic Aerial Artists
-It's the blend of art, erotica and athleticism. Ahhh, fearless flyers.

1. Body Part Model
-They do the things that the main movie actors/actresses don't want to do like shower scenes and bed scenes. And there are hand/butt/hair models too. Yeah, virtually every single body part imaginable (except the innards of course)

There you go, if ever you happen to be in Hollywood and you ran out of jobs you think you can apply, you can consider the 12 jobs enumerated.

I Blame The Rain (Maybe Not)

I woke up today feeling that I need some little pampering. But it's all gloomy outside and it's about to rain cats and dogs again. I decided to nap again and catch up on lost sleep last week. Oh! It was wonderful being hugged by my pillows and comforted by the sheets. I had lunch outside since I wasn't able to do my grocery as it had been a rainy week all week. I then went home and watched some more Miami and LA Ink as well as some travel and food network shows.

At around 5PM, I decided to go and get my nails done. I took my sweet time in the shower and got out after an hour and a half. And lo and behold when I get to where I'm supposed to go, they were already closed. Sigh! I missed it! I guess I have to get some frech manicure tomorrow after work hmmmm after some cardio maybe. I just have to make sure that I won't overwork. And oh, I will set up an appointment again and make sure that I will be there on time.

Too much for sulking. It is my fault. And yes, I won't blame the rain.

I am enjoying a nonfat white chocolate mocha (I had them use skimmed milk and I had them skip the whipped cream) in Starbucks now. Yum! ----What is your favorite Starbucks coffee?

Can You Guess Where This Is?

"Can you guess where this is?" will be a regular feature of this blog. It will be every Friday and winners will be announced accordingly every Friday as well. Here's how it goes:

1. A picture taken from my travels will be posted.
2. Readers will guess where is it and answers should be posted as a comment. (It is suggested that you have a GMAIL account)
3. Answers should be complete. Like in the first entry Answer should have been *SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City, Philippines* so that readers from outside the country who haven't visited the place would know. The first entry will be an exception as rules have never been set yet. Package will be sent th following Monday through the LBC or any other available courier. *Winners from outside the country will get the package if they ever come ovr and visit the country.
4. Upon confirmation that you won, please email me your name and mailing address.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: You can be assured that your email address will not be used for any other purpose. It will not be sold to advertisers or spammers. It will remain confidential.

To my other readers, if you want your travel pictures posted as well, let me know. I am open to this possibility.

Thanks for reading my blog. Enjoy!

WHT: What Happened Today

Today has been a sluggish day. I woke up early around 5AM all set to go and jog when it suddenly rained so hard. Darn. Anyway, here's what happened today...

*Didn't eat breakfast and lunch instead watched TV all day.
*Read some blog updates of my friends and some in my blogroll.
*Watched Ticket to Indulgence (Freedom of the Seas Cruise -Miami Port/Montego Bay/Jamaica/Haiti).
*Slept for maybe 6 hours while the rain is busy wetting the ground. I was probably wishing and hoping and praying in my sleep that it won't flood again.
*Cooked couscous that I wasn't able to eat when I woke up.

Yeah, it is pretty sluggish today. Hopefully, tomorrow would be a little eventful.

Ta ta!

Klutz

I got up today and decided to cook for something to eat for dinner. I decided to cook some vegetable curry and roasted garlic mixed with couscous. I cooked the curry first made of whole kernel corn, potato and chayote. It tasted good. I just scoured through what's inside the fridge to create that tummy filler. And then instead of olive oil, I used a tablespoon of butter for the couscous. As I was about to transfer the couscous to the serving plate from the pan, the pan handle twisted and the couscous was transferred to the floor instead of the plate. Arrrrrgh! I had a few transferred to the plate but not even 3 tablespoonfuls. Talking about being a total klutz.

NOTE: I was too disappointed to take a picture. I will buy a new pan for couscous-cooking tomorrow. That's a must do.

WHT: What Happened Today?

I am starting this regular entry in my blog. If I don't be Lazy Sue then expect this to be a regular entry in this space.

This portion of my blog will be the repository of the big and not so big details of my day. It might interest some and it might not interest some, I am just saying. So go ahead read, on your own volition.

WHT:
*Got out of bed after my alarm snoozed every 5 minutes from 4:50AM-5:30AM. All the while I was half-asleep and thinking not to report for work as I have the most available excuse - the house got flooded yesterday. I decided to go work though.
*Smoked a cigarette after so many months of being clean. That's what stress can do to me.
*Didn't eat breakfast but had a semi-heavy lunch at the cafeteria (Wendy's Biggie Lite Iced Tea, half a cup of rice, mixed vegetables and ground pork).
*Filed the action plans for our performance management activity.
*Wrote a blog entry about my lappy.
*Spent 9 hours at work.
*Ate a pack of Jelly Belly Smoothie Blend.



*Received a bar of dark chocolate in a hundred dollar bill packaging.
*"I am loving the scent of Victoria's Secret Pure Seduction body butter".
*Went home immediately after work. Skipped the gym.
*Had fish and half a cup of rice for dinner.
*Talked to a few friends in YM (E,S,R,W,M,T).
*Scanned on some friends' Friendster pages and I saw my profile featured in their pages. Nice! Left a few comments in some profiles (L,R,J,G).
*Watched Memoirs of a Geisha, watched Nely Galan get fired by Donald Trump in the Apprentice, watched Carrie (Sex and the City) get high with marijuana with her meantime squeeze, and watched L.A. Ink on Discovery Travel and Living. (will talk about the thought of getting a tattoo tomorrow)

Aint my day pretty boring? Hope it'll be a little alive and exciting tomorrow. Maybe I'll go jog and buy some fresh produce at the Salcedo Market. Will post pics if I do. In the meantime, I have to go get some snooze and drift in la-la-land and let this little thing where I am typing rest for a bit.

Au Revoir!
__________________________________________________

CAN YOU GUESS WHERE THIS IS? (First to answer will win a special package from me - contents will remain a surprise)

Little Sister

NOTE: Little sister appears to be taller because she is wearing some two inch high heels and I am comfortably wearing my ballet flats in this picture.

Meet my sister...Chiradee May.

She's 21 and working on her nursing licensure examination.

Time really flies so fast. I could still remember our numerous childish fights and countless jealousy on who's more loved by our parents. I could still vividly recall the numerous times I had to bribe her so she will be the one to wash the dishes and do my other chores so I can go ahead watch TV and be couch potato for the entire day. I also recall this one fight we had that we threw things at each other and we received some bigtime scolding and spanking from our Mama Queen Bee because of that. That still cracks me up more often than not. I think it is too darn childish. I remember our neighbor telling me that my sister confided that she feels that I am more loved than her. She's funny. I guess she never realized that I do am jealous of her too, sometimes. I also remember her having a crush on this one guy I've dated. She would feel giddy when she sees that guy. (The dating game is over and that guy is already married - not to me.)



Our last fight happened last year though. But it was over before the next day ended. Living far from my family makes me miss them so much and I miss my sister to say the least. I wish we could have our own girls night out. Just enjoy being sisters. She still would consult my advise on love matters otherwise through the phone, SMS or when we chat.



But we have grown up well. We both finished school. Petty fights is so over and we have grown past that stage.

My New Toy: Dell XPS M1530

I am soooo loving my new toy. I got it on my birthday and so far it is working just as expected and even more. It has never died on me and it is in tip-top shape from the moment I did the first-time set-up. Though I am crossing my fingers that I would not be experiencing any BSOD anytime soon. Here are my specs:

PROCESSOR: Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T7500 (2.2GHz/800Mhz FSB, 4MB Cache)
OPERATING SYSTEM: Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Edition SP1
SYSTEM COLOR: Tuxedo Black
LCD PANEL AND WEBCAM: High Resolution, 15.4 WXGA TL LCD
MEMORY: 3GB, DDR2, 667 MHZ,2 DIMM
HARD DRIVE: 250GB HARD DRIVE,5400rpm SATA Hard Drive
OPTICAL DRIVE: Slot Load DVD+/-RW (DVD/CD read/write)
VIDEO CARD: 256MB NVIDIA GEFORCE 8600
WI-FI WIRELESS CARD: INTEL 4965AGN WIRELESS-N
BLUETOOTH WIRELESS: Dell Wireless 355 Bluetooth Internal (2.0+Enhanced Data Rate)
SOUND OPTION: Integrated Sound Blaster Audigy HD Software Edition
PRIMARY BATTERY: 56 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
WARRANTY & SERVICE: NBD NW,INSP,XPS M1530,QLX , HW WRTY+SVC,INSP XPS M1530 NBD




ALSO INCLUDED WITH THE SYSTEM
SECURITY: Finger Print Reader XPS M1530
Processor Branding: Intel Centrino Core Duo Processor
AP: Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 8.1
ANTIVIRUS: Trend Micro 14.7, PC-Cillin





And I've recently installed the MS Office Ultimate 2007. Thanks to my MSDN account for the product key and to Ken for the installer. :-) Since, the system is bought in the US, I therefore conclude that the HW warranty will not be taken advantage of (expiration: 12/29/2010). But it is alright, I have some friends in the XPS department so I am pretty much in good hands (though I don't expect it to die down on me).

What do you think of my new toy? (MAC OWNERS need not comment. I sure know what you will say. LOL!)

August 1: Total Solar Eclipse

It is eclipsing in the other part of the globe right now. I was envious when I knew about this because the Philippines won't experience the total solar eclipse for this year.

According to National Geographic : The sun will be completely obscured for just under two and a half minutes, "a tad on the short side," according to astrophysicist Fred Espenak, an eclipse expert based at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.

A typical eclipse lasts for three minutes, Espenak said, and the longest possible is seven and a half minutes.

When it starts, this year's full eclipse will be visible from a narrow arc spanning the Northern Hemisphere.

Its path will begin in Canada and continue northeast across Greenland and the Arctic, then southeast through central Russia, Mongolia, and China.

The eclipse will start around 8:30 a.m. Greenwich mean time in the eastern part of the arc, leading to totality in just under an hour.

In a much wider swath of the globe—including northeastern North America along with most of Europe and Asia—people will be able to see a partial eclipse.

TRIVIA: About 25 percent of eclipses are total eclipses, and there are about seven of these a decade, Espenak said. But at any given geographic location, a total eclipse will be visible an average of once in 375 years.