Quirky Girl Next Door

Simple joys 89: Keeping the faith

2012-01-25T22:49:00.001+08:00

"Running is the ultimate faith healer, restoring belief not only in oneself but in life's possibilities."

.Bart Yasso.

With that in mind, I've been running like crazy. Tonight, I finally gritted my teeth and did that 10K distance that has been long overdue for me to do. And this is what I get:

Sub-1 on my first attempt. I hope I can do this again in an actual run.
I'm so thankful to have discovered the joys of running, even this late in my life.
Please God, let me be able to run forever.

This is my birthday run for you, Superman.

Simple joys 88: Running my heart out

2012-01-09T22:46:00.000+08:00

Definitely not bad, after not running at all (and eating badly) during the Yuletide break.

Thanks to that nifty Nike+ Ipod thingamajig, I am now able to track my runs better.

More love, more xoxoxo's this 2012

2012-01-01T22:19:00.000+08:00

Neil Gaiman's New Year wishes again. Never fails.

I hope you will have a wonderful year, that you’ll dream dangerously and outrageously, that you’ll make something that didn’t exist before you made it, that you will be loved and that you will be liked, and that you will have people to love and to like in return. And, most importantly (because I think there should be more kindness and more wisdom in the world right now), that you will, when you need to be, be wise, and that you will always be kind.

-Neil Gaiman

***************

I believe I can tick almost all of the above. Again, 2011 was not without hitches, but I always prefer to see the good stuff behind every not-so-good things that happen. I'm learning, and trying to let go of bad feelings and whatever issues I may have. I am happy to be alive. I am happy with I have done and created for myself. It may not be that grand for some, but I have more than most, and for now, I have enough. I am always one to count my blessings.

So, Water Dragon, please be a good to me. This Tiger babe will growl and roar and be fearless.

And most of all, thank you, Lord, again, for everything.

Simple joys 87: Enchanted

2011-11-11T23:11:00.002+08:00

This is me praying that this was the very first page, not where the storyline ends. My thoughts will echo your name until I see you again.

I miss you...

11/11/11

Simple joys 86: My Aya

2011-11-01T23:45:00.000+08:00

Aya

a.k.a.

Daniella of Harriane Rain

6 November 2002 - 31 October 2011

Thank you for the memories.

Thank you for always loving me.
I knew you were meant to be with me

when I learned that we shared the same name.

I already miss you so, baby girl.

Simple joys 85: That 1st day

2011-10-16T00:43:00.000+08:00

And it was two days, and a year ago today.

I had absolutely no idea then how much you'd mean to me.

Simple joys 84: Zugbu Liempo @Maginhawa St.

2011-10-15T19:04:00.005+08:00

It took the most recent (although not too recent since it was over a month ago) long weekend for me to finally pay my favorite cousin, Ate Bambi, a visit in Quezon City. I'll never know why it's difficult for me to drag my tooshie to QC and get pampered by Ate Bambi when she pulls out all the stops to make sure I get taken cared of, and I am WELL FED. Seriously. She knows the best places to eat, whatever cuisine you may have your taste buds set on. So if you're on a diet of sorts, he he, she's gonna wreak havoc on it. And with my healthy living and healthy eating drama, it was quite a challenge to say no to this:

All hail Zugbu Liempo, tastier than Cebu lechon! The meat is tender, juicy, and flavorful. The skin is crispy, as lechon skin is supposed to be. The marbling on the meat is just wonderful---you'd think that the pig had done cardio exercises. Plus, it's roasted---not fried like lechon kawali, so it's a wee-bit healthier. I'm all about healthier food choices, even if the choices before me are not that healthy, he he.

I eat liempo (pork belly) and other sinful pork dishes (e.g. crispy pata, lechon kawali, etc.) in moderation. If I can help it, I'd eat a healthier alternative to those. However, the mere aroma of Zugbu Liempo was enough for me to forget whatever dietary restrictions I've placed myself on. And Ate Bambi dangled the offer to take me to UP Diliman to run (or bike). Well, even without that offer, I'd still eat that liempo, hehehe. It's really delicious, I swear.

Zugbu Liempo-Maginhawa Branch is located at 79 Maginhawa Street, UP Village, Diliman, Quezon City. They also have Litson Manok. A whole liempo costs PhP199, which is really value for your money. Their Face Book page is here.

So if you find yourself anywhere near Diliman, drop by Zugbu Lechon!

Simple joys 83: Apples

2011-10-09T16:01:00.000+08:00

Thank you.

You don't know how much our family had bonded so much over your Apples.

Simple joys 82: A good evening run

2011-10-05T01:02:00.003+08:00

This is just part of where I run.
Photo taken from here.

Beautiful weather---not too humid, not too cold, and not even a slight drizzle.

A body aching for some physical activity.

A mind begging to be cleared.

A heart that's missing somebody.

An upcoming 5k run in three days.

Put them all together, and what happens is a good evening run. I've had better runs than tonight's, but it was one of those times when I felt I could just run forever.

Thank you, Lord that I am able to do this, when I need to do it the most.

Simple joys 81: Surprising myself

2011-10-03T01:24:00.002+08:00


Front and back of my medal. For running. Of all things! I don't believe I've had any medal before this.

Ten months after my very first 5k run, I get myself a medal for running in one! I did not even know I placed. Just imagine my surprise when they called my name as my friends and I were already leaving the place to get breakfast at MickeyD's. I thought I had won the raffle or something. Woo-hoo! I knew and felt that I had a good run that day, and felt confident that I had improved my previous time. It's so nice when I just do something for fun and I get---this! I love running (finally!), and getting this is just a super sweet icing on my cake.

Hey, Superman...

2011-09-25T18:10:00.007+08:00

Go save the world...I'll be around *sigh*

I watched Superman fly away
You've got a busy day today

Go save the world
I'll be around...

And I watched Superman fly away
Come back
I'll be with you someday
I'll be right here on the ground
When you come back down....

And I watched you fly around the world
And I hope you don't save some other girl
Don't forget, don't forget about me
I'm far away but I'll never let you go...

I'm love-struck and looking out the window
Don't forget, don't forget where I'll be...

Cause I've loved you from the very first day...

-Taylor Swift, ♪ Superman

***********

I really much prefer Batman to Superman, but I don't want to mess with Taylor Swift. The girl's a genius, if you ask me. Yes, I like her.

And yes, I miss you, my Superman.

I hope to the highest Heavens that you know that, because I have no idea where you are, or how you are. But I do know you're somewhere out there literally saving the world, or at the very least, our beloved country. And while you're doing that, please be careful and take care of yourself, pretty please. I'll be here, I'll be around, I'll be doing my own stuff (aside from looking out out the window and being lovestruck)---kicking, punching, kneeing, and elbowing pads, running 'til my heart rate hits the roof and my legs give up on me, and murdering my students' writing outputs---just to keep myself from crying over missing you terribly.

But please, come back down. Soon. You know where to find me.

Simple joys 80: Words of wisdom that are just right on target

2011-08-15T03:57:00.000+08:00

Trust your instincts---they've brought you this far.

Keep your wits sharp,

your heart open,

and your gun loaded.

-Henrietta "Hetty" Lange (as played by Linda Hunt), NCIS: Los Angeles

I just love it when lines from movies and TV shows

just go straight through my heart---and on my birthday, too!

I sure miss firing...I so wanna do this again.

And yay! Happy birthday to me!

Simple joys 79: You and my coffee

2011-07-31T20:23:00.000+08:00

You're just like the way I love my coffee---

strong, dark, and sweet.

Coffee should be black as Hell,

strong as death,

and sweet as love.
- Turkish Proverb

Simple joys 78: Patience

2011-06-27T23:57:00.003+08:00

I am doing my best to thrive in the beauty and joy in waiting.

It isn't easy...but as I've told you, I'd move mountains for you.

You're worth all the wait.

And yes, I miss you.

Simple joys 77: Easter!

2011-04-24T18:47:00.001+08:00

There'll always be something to be happy about,

even after the most trying of times.

Expect and believe in miracles.

My life itself is a miracle.

HAPPY EASTER, EVERYONE!

Dahil nangungulila sa iyo...

2011-04-11T23:58:00.004+08:00

Minsan lamang sa buhay ko ang isang katulad mo...

Ikaw ang tanging dalangin ko....

Nais na kitang makita muli.

Parce que le coeur veut ce que le coeur veut.

2011-03-18T17:44:00.003+08:00

Because the heart wants what the heart wants...and mine wants the impossible.

And I am listening.

Be realistic: always wish what is impossible.

-Paulo Coelho

Simple joys 76/365: Thump, thump, thump

2011-02-08T00:09:00.002+08:00

Things that made my heart go thump, thump, thump the past month:

1. Muay Thai. I never expected to love Muay Thai this much. It's so addicting and happifying! Plus, I train with friends and colleagues, so it's also our time to bond while trying our best to be fit and healthy. Our teachers seem to enjoy training us ladies (and one guy!) since we have shown how determined we are to learn. I have a MEGA bruise (I kid you not---I look like I don't scrub my legs in the bath) on each shin, and I've been told to be proud of 'em---they're a badge of honor. *woot*

2. Jillian Michaels' fitness videos. These literally make my heart go thump, thump, thump. I've probably the best body I've ever had---I'm stronger and toned, and not just skinny---and most of it I owe to that tough trainer. While Muay Thai also helps A LOT in making me fit, my headstart with her exercise videos has helped in my Muay training.

3. Talking to you, on your birthday, even for short while, over the phone. The Quirky Girl misses you. Very much. You are the #1 heart-thumper, hands down.

4. Going to a place in the mountains, and running and playing fetch with two big adorable dogs near the lake.

5. Meeting a real-life hero for the second time.

6. Running.

7. Marie Digby. I love "Stupid for You". Hahaha!

8. The Philippine Madrigal Singers' rendition of Minsan Lang Kitang Iibigin. Filipino love songs, when sung beautifully, convey the deepest and most heartfelt emotions.

Simple joys 75/365: Happy Lunar New Year!

2011-02-06T19:34:00.002+08:00


Love and live high again in the year of the Rabbit! Photo by nataliej

I haven't written a decent "happy new year" post---thank goodness for the Lunar New Year, I still have a reason to greet and post new year greetings ;)

Neil Gaiman loves to repeat himself, and I'll repeat him and greetings from 2010.

May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness.I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you’re wonderful, and don’t forget to make some art — write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself.

…I hope you will have a wonderful year, that you’ll dream dangerously and outrageously, that you’ll make something that didn’t exist before you made it, that you will be loved and that you will be liked, and that you will have people to love and to like in return. And, most importantly (because I think there should be more kindness and more wisdom in the world right now), that you will, when you need to be, be wise, and that you will always be kind.
-Neil Gaiman

Let's see how I did:

magic and dreams and good madness: check, check, check

read fine books: I don't know how fine the books were, but I read more than I did in 2009, so that's a check

kiss someone who thinks you're wonderful: even better---I was the one who got kissed by someone who thinks I'm wonderful :)

It's another year to dream and live high, and I look forward to doing so.

A happy year of the rabbit, everyone! More blessings!

Love, love, love!

Simple joys 74/365: You........

2011-01-25T23:42:00.002+08:00

You are the reason why I'm smiling here...

........make me smile. You make me happy. Like you have no idea how much.

I'm happy to know you. I'm happy to have met you. I'm happy you're here. I'm happy you were born.

A very happy birthday to you. I wish you every happiness. I wish you love.

And you, I love.

Simple joys 73/365: Brother's birthday

2011-01-24T23:15:00.002+08:00

The birthday boy and I, just before the great zip through Sentosa.

First entry for 2011, and it's my birthday post for my dear brother based in SG. I'm slacking, I know. I'll make up for it, promise. But in the meantime, I am expressing my gratitude for being blessed with a wonderful family. While my family now is made up of my brothers, sisters-in-law, and two adorable nieces, I have no reason to complain. Each and everyone of them is a blessing to me. And the birthday brother is definitely no exception. Thank you, Paulo, for constantly checking up on me, making sure I am doing well, even if you are a three-hour flight away. Thank you for giving in to my whims even with the distance, and with the inanity of most of my whims (kaya nga whims, eh). Most of all, thank you for giving me a very loving sister-in-law. Happy birthday, my preemie brother. I miss you, and I love you. We'll see you in December this year ;)

Simple joys 72/365: Dear 2010,

2010-12-31T22:09:00.002+08:00

Rain or shine, I'm gonna shine, 2011!
Photo taken at MacRitchie Reservoir Park
May 2010

Before you completely end in less than two hours, thank you so much for being a wonderful year to me. You were not without hitches, but still, you made me see how blessed my life is. Those darned hitches just made me tougher and wiser (finally!) Here's wishin', and hopin', and prayin' that your successor be as wonderful as you've been to me and the people I love and care about.

Simple joys 71/365: Boodle fight!

2010-12-12T21:35:00.002+08:00

Before the "fight". I was the only pink among the greens.

Photo courtesy of MCJCalara

The Quirky Girl had her first ever boodle fight in November, at the CMOG in Fort Bonifacio, of all places. I had been told though, that my boodle fight was "too easy", bordering on the cute and sosyal. Well...yeah. I was kinda expecting a "fight"---and was a bit nervous while everything was being prepared---and it turned out to be not-a-fight-at-all boodle fight. Heh heh. The boodle fight was supposed to be a birthday celebration of sorts for one of the female lieutenants---there was a merry mix-up of dates, and it turned out it wasn't her birthday after all! Heh heh. But hey, everyone had fun, especially moi.

Simple joys 70/365: Run, baby, run!

2010-11-30T23:30:00.004+08:00

My computer clock reads 11:19PM, and I have a few minutes left to make sure that I don't go entry-less for my very eventful November.

I ran in PhilRice's Run For Ur Rice on November 28th. My first ever 5k, and I had a blast! What a great feeling to surprise even myself---I didn't stop to rest or walk---I jogged/ran the entire time. I have to thank the Vitamin String Quartet, whose rendition of my favorite song "Yellow" was on constant play on my iPod---it helped me pace and zone out. Another reason I was determined to finish and do well was because I passed up a chance to go on an almost-all-expense-paid trip to Masbate just for this run. I'm not sure of my official time, but I saw the clock hit at around 41 minutes when I crossed the line. Not bad for a beginner, I've been told. All those hard work of working out and eating sensibly has paid off. And to think that I had almost zero exercise almost two months ago! I'm looking forward to more fun runs, and maybe I'll go 10K later. LATER being the operative word.

Thanks also to my brothers for helping me out in their own way, making a whole production number out of this endeavour of mine.

P.S. A guy asked for my cellphone number while on my last kilometer---I just told him nicely to keep running, and that I can't remember my own number anymore. Hahaha! What a trip!

Picture post: The Quirky Girl & the Colonel

2010-10-30T13:28:00.004+08:00

That's me, all giggly and giddy with one of the nicest and sweetest and kindest man I've ever met, military man or not. He took great care of us when we did our field work, and he's not even an official partner of our study, heh heh. Meeting all these military men has really changed my perception about them. Nope, he's not the Colonel in my previous picture post. I had to pixelate his face (unfortunately), just to be safe.

Simple joys 69/365: I'm a self-rescuing princess but...

2010-10-25T00:22:00.001+08:00

"Tumalon kaya ako sa bangin,
Para lang iyong sagipin..."

.Narda, Kamikazee.

(What if I just jump off a cliff,

Just so that you could rescue me...)

I can always change my mind about being a self-rescuing princess.

I played that song this morning (or yesterday morning, since it's already past midnight) on our local radio station, and while it's not exactly new, nor are the lyrics strange to me, those particular lines just made me smile and shake my head.

Prince Charming is elusive, and therefore, drastic measures are needed.

Haha, brave words coming from me.

Picture post: Recon and the Colonel

2010-10-17T14:03:00.000+08:00

That's Recon (as in "Reconnoiter"/"Reconnaissance"),

a Labrador Retriever, and Col. BB.

Recon was taught to respond only to people in uniform. However, he still responds to Lt. Anna C., his handler, even if she's in civilian clothes. Recon is not very sociable for a Labrador Retriever, but Lt. Anna says that when he sees a person long enough with the people he trusts, he eventually warms up to them. He loves to run around the camp, and he just HAS TO bring something, anything, to the person who calls him. In the picture, he brought a piece of dried leaf to Col. BB. Recon, I learned, doesn't have any dog toys, so he just makes do with empty drink bottles. I told Lt. Anna that I'd send/bring some toys for Recon.

Simple joys 68/365: Burn, baby, burn!

2010-10-10T00:32:00.000+08:00

1. Skipping a day of workout is good for my muscles. No need to feel *guilty*.

2. Renegade rows are vicious. And cool to watch. And damn hard.

3. Burpees are fun to do---I even clap and let out a "woo-hoo" at the jump---but after five of 'em, I cry for my Mommy.

4. Challenges---and the possibilities that they may bring.

5. Possibilities---and the challenges that they may bring.

6. Feeling good about myself after quite some time ♥

7. Being inspired after quite some time ♥. This is more than enough for me right now.

Simple joys 67/365: Dear Someone,

2010-10-05T22:26:00.002+08:00

You inspire me.

And you don't even know it.

Simple joys 66/365: There'll always be something to smile about because...

2010-10-03T23:50:00.002+08:00

You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself any direction you choose.

And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and ¾ percent guaranteed.)

-Dr. Seuss, excerpt from Oh! The Places You’ll Go!

*photo taken at Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal, 30 September 2010*

Simple joys 65/365: Field work, tequila sunrises, and strong & big brave men

2010-09-30T23:20:00.009+08:00

1. Out-of-town field works. No matter how much I usually dread not sleeping in my own bed and the preparation for such trips, I almost always end up enjoying the trips anyways.

2. Having a better than expected/dreaded field work.

3. My field of work---what it stands for and how it tries to really help people.

4. The people I work with. We're not perfect, but somehow it works.

5. Learning how to concoct Tequila Sunrise.

6. Seeing how strong and big brave men cave in after their nth Tequila Sunrise.

7. Strong and big brave men who can't, for the life of 'em, remember what they had done the night before after downing their nth Tequila Sunrise.

8. Strong and big brave men who can only stare in awe at my yants.

9. Strong and big brave men who are actually cute, and can only stare in awe at my yants.

Simple joys 64/365: Still shredding

2010-09-25T16:52:00.001+08:00

1. Shredding. Am still at it, so not quitting . Level 2 is seriously whooping my butt, and is making such a big baby out of me. I hate those military presses and flying V's with chair squats---I'm always on the verge of crying when I'm at those parts, but I don't dare give up. I'm scared that Jillian might come out of the screen and whack me with her hand weights. She's no angel, but she's heaven-sent. Seriously though, I can feel the changes, and that's enough to stay motivated. I owe it to myself to be healthier and happier.

2. Eating well. I've not put myself on any diet---I'm just doing my best to eat sensibly. Less meat, less fat, brown/red rice + white rice, and a good breakfast---if I skip breakfast, I'm sure to have a bad day. I try not to deprive myself of what I like, but moderation is really the key. It sounds easy enough, but kinda hard sometimes.

3. Mini cream puffs. See number 2.

4. New pairs of socks.

5. Giggly girl talk with a fab gay friend. Every girl should have at least a fab gay friend.

6. A testament that what goes around comes around.

Picture post: Tools of the Shred

2010-09-19T21:18:00.001+08:00

My best friends in doing The 30 Day Shred.

Yoga mat and 4lb hand weights from Harold,

Swedish ball (not necessary, but sometimes I do the ab works on the ball) from Jersey,

and my new pair of New Balance sneakers.

They're not the prettiest sneakers, but they're the ones

which had my size and served my purpose.

Bring it on, May 2011!

Simple joys 63/365: Shredding me

2010-09-19T20:26:00.004+08:00

I'm shredding. Just like a head of cabbage, or paper. That's how my body feels right now. But I love it.

I'm doing Jillian Michaels's The 30 Day Shred, and it's seriously kicking my butt. I swear, that woman was the Queen of Sparta in her past life. She goes, "If you feel like you're dying, follow Anita, she'll carry you through it". Anita is the girl who does the modified moves for beginners---I'm already following Anita and I still feel like I'm dying. And then in Level 2 (I'm now on Day 2 of Level 2), Jillian goes "I want you to feel like you're dying."

And sure enough I thought I was dying!
Wahahaha! I'm such a wuss. And Jillian's a sweetheart, even if she's brutal like that.

It'll probably take me more than 30 days to be nicely shredded because I'm doing the "Anita moves", although in Level 1, I could do some of Natalie's moves. Now, Natalie is the one with the "bad ass" moves, and she could pass for Michelle Obama's younger sister, methinks. Anyways, I really need to be healthier and more fit. It's not a simple matter of me just losing weight and looking decent in a bathing suit, but being able to walk and run and hike and jump and simply enjoy life without gasping for breath every now and then. I have to honestly say that I can feel my age creeping up on me, but I want to be healthy for my age, and not just look younger than my age.

I'm on my 13th day (I did Level 1 for 11 days), and so far I haven't quit. I even bought a pair of New Balance sneakers because my old pair of cross trainers does not really provide much support, and my feet and knees are getting much of the brunt. The sneakers are not exactly cheap to begin with (though they were on sale), so I have to put them to good use, especially now that I'm on Level 2. Now, Level 2 is a KILLER and I'll do it for more than 10 days because I keep resting in between circuits---to quote Jillian, I was "gargling my heart", and I am using a pair of 4lb hand weights, which can feel like a ton afterwards. I have yet to preview Level 3 (I don't want so scare myself unnecessarily), but I do want to be ready when I finally do it.

But so far, so good. I could barely do a single girly-push up, but now I could do at least five in a row decently, heh heh.

Baby steps, baby. Baby steps and I'll get stronger and more fit.

Simple joys 62/365: the 100th post--- our Gramma

2010-09-10T19:46:00.003+08:00

With Lola, on my College graduation.

She was born on Christmas Day. I thought she had the coolest birthdate in the world when I was kid. She was proud of her birthdate.

She passed away on her youngest child's birthday (our Aunt, our Ma's sister, and the only surviving member of her family), which was just as well since our Aunt confessed that she does not really remember death anniversaries.

She helped our Father raise us when our Ma passed away back in 1988. We were just kids then. She cooked for us, cleaned our house, and gave us our allowances.

She took a lot of pride in my and my brothers' achievements, no matter how big or small they were.

She made me offer flowers everyday at Mama Mary's grotto near the Municipal Hall when I was struggling with my undergraduate thesis. I did that for a whole semester.

At the end of that semester, I got my BS Economics degree.

She prays to the Mother of Perpetual Help every Wednesday.

I called her my Grandmother of Perpetual Help. She always interceded every time I got in trouble with my Tatay. Heh.

She taught me how to pray the rosary when I was eight----10 Our Fathers, 1 Hail Mary. I prayed the rosary like that until I was 12.

While she laid comatose at the hospital, I was busy rushing my Master's thesis. I didn't think I could graduate.

I defended my Master's thesis three weeks after she passed away. I wore her favorite pair of earrings as I did so. My thesis, I dedicated to her.

I just regret that my nieces, my future nephews and nieces, and my future kids won't be able to experience having her as their great-gramma.

I miss you, Lola. It's been five years.

Simple joys 61/365: Being in a better place

2010-09-06T21:49:00.006+08:00

Today, I revisited a place that used to matter to me.

The tree-lined road that I walked almost everyday for three years. The vast green that I see every time my eyes would wander from the lessons that I was teaching. The big room whose walls could tell a million stories if only they could talk. The smell of markers, the chalkdust that stained the dark-coloured clothes that I favored. The cafeteria, with the food the sated my hunger, and the wonderful woman there who soothed me when I needed to be. Voices, speaking in a language that is strange to me, but whose cadence has become oh-so familiar.

I reminisce, I remember. I am wistful. How lovely and fulfilling it was.

Strange things, reminiscing and remembering. Regrets creep up like cold honey. My period of self-doubt and gloom.

I still have some stuff there, I noticed. I chose not to bring them with me anymore, preferring to leave them behind, things I have no use for in my present life.

Reminiscence. Remembrance. Suddenly, realizations.

My present life.

I have come this far.
I am in a better place now.

Photo credit: My former student Audrey

Picture post: Swan Lake

2010-08-30T00:57:00.000+08:00

Flight of the Swans, at Swan Lake.

Singapore Botanic Gardens

The story of Swan Lake has always fascinated me since I was a little girl. There's magic, the fight between good and evil, a handsome prince and a beautiful princess who fall in love at first sight, and that one true eternal love. It had all the makings of a perfect fairy tale that made little girl Heidi Daniella all starry-eyed and in awe (and planted ridiculous ideals in her now-adult head---but that's another story).

And that story, Swan Lake that is, is usually set to ballet. Most girls dream of being ballerinas someday and the girl that I was was no different. In my young mind, all ballerinas were beautiful, had some magic-like quality about them. I was fortunate enough to be brought to ballet stagings at the University back in the day when it was still feasible to stage such productions from ballet theaters in the country. Each and every time I watched a ballet show, it was always magic.

Especially if it was Swan Lake.

Simple joys 60/365: Furry family members

2010-08-29T16:53:00.006+08:00

I love dogs. Our eldest brother loves dogs, but he and his two daughters have to settle for a guinea pig since it's a lot of trouble for them to care for a dog. Younger brother #1 has a Dogue de Bordeaux and a Siamese cat, but left the cat in my care when he got married. Younger brother #2 is a veterinarian by profession, a certified cat person, and has a big, fat, lazy, antisocial cat for a pet. Youngest brother is another certified cat person, and picks up all the stray kittens he comes across. Almost all of my sisters-in-law are animal lovers as well, so it all works out for this animal lover of a family!

Meet the furry members of the family:

They say a man's best friend is a dog, and a girl's are diamonds. But hey, they can have all the diamonds, my baby girl Aya is more precious. Aya's a yellow Labrador Retriever. It was a wonderful surprise when I saw her documents, and learned that her official name was "Daniella of Harriane Rain". How cool was that? We have the same name! She's really meant for me ;) She loves Yakult, has an otter-tail that can double as a deadly weapon, is super affectionate, will rest her chin on you lap and turn those soulful eyes on you when she begs for food, and always so happy to see me whenever I get back home.

Younger brother #1, and his big baby boy, Maximus. Max is a Dogue de Bordeaux, or also known as French Mastiff. He's big and massive and intimidating, but he's such a sweetheart. He loves running around in their yard, and sometimes destroys his Dad's gardening efforts in the process. I always tell my brother that they already look alike---they're really father and son, heh heh.

Bono, younger brother #2's big, fat, lazy, and anti-social cat in Singapore. He was adopted by my brother from an expatriate-client of his when he was about to leave Singapore. Bono loves to peek out of the open window of their third floor home, and amazingly enough, he has never attempted to jump out! Being an anti-social cat, he doesn't like to be cuddled nor kissed. During my brief stay in Singapore, he bit my toes countless times which resulted to a lot of chases around the small flat in my attempt to get back at him. Sometimes I was successful, sometimes I wasn't. We had a love-hate relationship, this stupid fat cat and I.

Aika, younger brother #2's flirty, flirty Siamese cat. He adopted her from a friend who had to leave for graduate studies in the US. Aika was left in my care when he moved out after he got married. She loves perching herself on top of the television (if and when I get a flat tv she won't like it, haha!), and settling on my lap whenever she could. Needless to say, my Aya sometimes gets jealous, but she's such a gentle dog, so she just lets Aika be.

Yasha, my sis-in-law's super tiny Shih Tzu. As a newborn pup, her Mom stepped on her, which probably explains her stunted growth. She weighs a little more than a kilo, has slightly deformed front paws, hates combs, and is one of the bravest little dogs I've ever met. She's a princessy dog, but can be very affectionate when she wants to be. And obviously, she's very, very cute. She's always the center of attention, and everyone, especially kids, wants to pet her and carry her. More often than not, because of her tininess, people mistake her for a stuffed toy. So cute!

My darling niece Alexandra, and her guinea pig, Chocolate. Both my nieces love animals. They both want to be veterinarians like their Uncle ;) I know she'd love to have a dog (one time she told me, when she was still an only child, that she wanted a baby brother and a puppy!) but it's really not realistic for them to have one.

My hunnybunny Mia and Chance, the Golden Retriver. Chance actually belongs to a family friend, but Mia has taken a special liking to him. My sis-in-law narrated that one time, Chance and his parents slept over their house. The following morning, when they woke up, Mia wasn't on her bed anymore. They found her playing with Chance, right beside his cage! Mia doesn't seem to be intimidated by dogs bigger than she is. When she was here in the country for a visit, she approached Aya confidently and patted her gentle head. She's really an animal lover, and would make a great veterinarian someday, just like her Uncle ;)

And just because. Here's Pink Nose, our eldest brother's first pet. He had her as a puppy, and lived a long life (around 13 years, I think). She was older than I am, and I remember her as a very smart, loyal, and dependable dog. We missed her terribly when she passed away.

We've had more pets throughout the years---we've had dogs (Chaterly, Snowy, Gem, Polgas, et al), cats (Mingming, Garfield, Carrie, Whisky, et al), hamsters (Proxima and her numerous progenies), chickens (Clok-clok and Knorr), a duck (Wiggle), and even a snake (Jake the snake) which our Father had strongly objected to. What can I say, we're a bunch of animal lovers. And I can't even imagine how our life would be without these furry family members.

Simple joys 59/365: Starting the long weekend right.....

2010-08-28T19:27:00.004+08:00

Blueberry pancakes---one of my most favorite comfort foods ever. Our Tatay used to love this so much ;(

...with blueberry pancakes for breakfast. Mmmm. I would've preferred waffles (I love waffles), but I couldn't find our waffle maker. Maybe my brother brought it with him when he moved out after he got married? I just have to get a new one later....But whatever. Homemade blueberry pancakes (or waffles) are so heavenly---I can pour as much maple syrup as I want, I can slather as much whipped cream as I want, and I can go for seconds (and thirds)! There's brewed coffee, of course. Then I'll skip lunch to avert those calories from going to my jelly belly. Heh heh.

Here's to great long weekend ahead!

Words cannot suffice........

2010-08-26T00:08:00.002+08:00

photo credit : djokomuljanto

Words are just shadows of emotions---they cannot console, they cannot suffice.

-Beauty and the Beast

Today was declared as a national day of mourning, two days after the bloody hostage-taking of a tourist bus. While death of a loved one is nothing new to me anymore, I can only imagine how the families of those who were killed are feeling. To have someone you love die that way is never right.

A lot has been said/written/blogged about how botched up the rescue efforts were, and what kind of person the hostage-taker was, so I am not going to add to those anymore. I just offer my prayers to those who died and their families. And I'm so sorry this had to happen to them in my country.

Requiescat in pace.

Simple joys 58/365: 5-star livin'

2010-08-19T23:59:00.005+08:00

Our home for a night. Photo courtesy of Expedia.co.uk.

1. staying at a 5-star hotel, even for only a night, for free. It was a boon to a very hectic schedule and workload.

2. buffet breakfasts, especially when there's an endless selection. I shamelessly stuffed my face with the croissants, Danish pastries, and pancakes. Oh so perfect with piping hot brewed coffee.

3. seeing my Professor-crush at the forum. Heh heh.

4. learning new stuff from the so-called experts.

5. falling asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow.

6. not spending a single penny for all of the above ;)

Simple joys 57/365: Birthdays

2010-08-16T00:56:00.001+08:00

Dear God,

Thank you for another birthday, another year. My birthday's officially over a few minutes ago, but it's never too late to be grateful.

Move forward, dream big, and chase those dreams like crazy.

Happy birthday to moi.

1. It's another year for me to be a better person, another year for me to catch and chase whatever dreams I make up for myself along the way. I promise not to waste my blessings, to take better care of myself. Most of all, I promise to be good and happy, and just be Heidi. I know I won't be able to do things correctly all the time the first time, but I'll be just fine, right?

2. My brothers, my sisters-in-law, and my two adorable nieces. We may be geographically apart, but we all remain close. It's really great that we all get along, and do crazy stuff together even with the distance. I always say that our closeness is one of our Tatay's greatest legacies to us. Bless his soul.

3. Internet technology. Without this, this crazy family won't be able to do the crazy stuff with the distance between us.

4. Friends. One of Your best blessings, Lord.

5. Windfalls. Plural. Always welcome. And may there be more of these.

6. Dreams. One is never too old to dream, never too old to make them come true. Dreams are the greatest motivators. Thank you Lord, that I still make dreams for myself in spite of everything.

7. My Aya.

8. Miracles. Thank You for the miracle that is my life.

Picture post: So near, so far

2010-08-01T13:35:00.002+08:00

"Alam mo ba kung gaano kalayo ang pagitan ng dalawang tao pag nagtalikuran na sila?

Kailangan mong libutin ang buong mundo para lang makaharap ulit ang taong tinalikuran mo."

.Bob Ong.

Do you know how much the distance is between two people who have turned their backs on one another? You have to travel the whole world to be able to face again that person whom you've turned your back on.

*That's the best translation I can come up with. Somehow, something always gets lost in the translation. Photo taken in Sagada, in February 2010.

Simple joys 56/365: the past week

2010-07-31T15:36:00.005+08:00

1. Coraline, the movie. Neil Gaiman is a genius. And so is Henry Selick. How many times did I wish I had "other" parents when I was kid? Now, like Coraline, I am thankful I had my parents as my parents.

2. submitting a report that made me feel not-so-bright. I hope it's the last I'll ever work on it.

3. finally finding comfy and good quality foot stockings. Thank you Puma and Burlington. The ones I had were ugleh and got shredded after one wearing.

4. stuff from Human Heart Nature. Love 'em. They work for me, and not too pricey. I call it the frugal girl's Body Shop. But I still love the Body Shop ;)

5. lunch with a brother's ex-gf. Yes, I get along great with all their exes. My brother calls it my weird gift.

6. Silicone bakeware. What a great invention.

7. getting a massage after almost two months of not getting one.

8. payday Friday.

9. catching up with former grad school classmates.

10. weekends. Even if it's a rainy one.

Simple joys 55/365: iWealthy

2010-07-24T01:17:00.000+08:00

Wealth is the ability to fully experience life.

-Henry David Thoreau

Why the Quirky Girl feels kinda wealthy today:

1. turned in the first part of a particularly challenging report. It had been giving me nightmares, where I'd dream of the matrices and the data all being in disarray. I never did like Excel or any other spreadsheets for that matter. Almost everyone involved in the study just wanted to give up, but as our Chair said, we are "all outers" not "drop outers".

2. had a very engaging chat (over FaceBook)with my former boss' wife. I'm so touched that she considers me a good friend, and so does my former boss. She also told me that she brought with them in NZ the toy I gave their daughter for her first birthday.

3. our office's new arrangement. Roomier (even after adding three tables with built-in shelves!), and with lots of privacy.

4. walking home from the office.

5. Coffee Prince on Animax. Haha. I've seen this before, but it's nice to watch the series again. It's one of the few dramas where there are no real villains---nobody connives, back stabs, and all those requisite stuff villains do. And Gong Yoo is kuh-yoot.

6. FRIDAY. YEHEY.

Simple joys 54/365: Quirky epiphanies

2010-07-21T00:26:00.001+08:00

My dreams are my motivator, not money.

I am still and will always be a kid at heart.

Keeping score is never good. Ever.

What other people think of me is no longer my problem.

Each moment in life counts. The days are long, but the years are short.

“What a wonderful life I’ve had! I only wish I’d realized it sooner.”

-Colette

Simple joys 53/365: Temperance

2010-07-20T00:32:00.005+08:00

Temperance tarot card by Brian Williams

tem·per·ance
/ˈtɛmpərəns, ˈtɛmprəns/ [tem-per-uhns, tem-pruhns]

–noun

moderation or self-restraint in action, statement, etc.; self-control.

I have this virtue. And I even think I have a sizable amount of it in me. Thank you Lord for your generosity with this gift, when I need it most. As a dear friend pointed out earlier, after everything that I and my family have been through, she noticed that I don't sweat the small stuff anymore. Well, life is too short for bad moods, and even shorter to dignify people who put you in bad moods. Heh.

Temper, temper.

Picture post: Say what???

2010-07-19T22:20:00.002+08:00

I had to do a double take when I saw that strange sign.

What the heck did that mean?

Turned out that it was all about the angles.

"ISLANDER MEMBERSHIP".

What a difference a little letter makes.

Simple joys 52/365: Weekend joys

2010-07-19T00:01:00.004+08:00

1. Legally Blonde the Musical. Now, Legally Blonde the movie is kinda special to me. It was one of the movies we made our Korean students watch when I was still an English teacher. Needless to say, I've seen the movie so many times that I've lost count, and have practically memorized the lines ("Don't stomp your little last season Prada shoes at me, HOH-Neh"). So to see it get performed on stage, and as musical was quite an experience.

Nikki Gil was a sweetheart as Elle Woods. The role suited her, and did a great job in bringing Woods comma Elle to life. And the songs were so fun, funny, and fantastic! Now, I'd catch myself singing "...is he gay or European, la la la..."

And oh, I got myself a "Bend and Snap" shirt in pink (whatelse???).

And another oh...I want me some sexy abs like Geneva Cruz's. Time to get whipped into shape. Literally.

2. good company in watching plays. Thanks Edmund and Clarisse.

3. shopping at Forever 21. Not too heavy on the pocket, and with a dizzying array of fashion choices.

4. dinner at Shang with these two wonderful people:

5. Italian frozen yogurt from White Hat. So freakin' good I couldn't believe that it was so healthy.

6. The rest of the weekend spent at home.

Simple joys 51/365: Candlelight activities

2010-07-16T00:12:00.004+08:00

Dear Typhoon Basyang (a.k.a. Conson),

Because of the power outage that you caused, we had to find ways to entertain ourselves that did not involve the use of electricity. Thanks for making me appreciate again the simple stuff to keep us amused and happy.

1. reading a book by candlelight, especially if it's this book that I had bought over a month ago, but only began to read yesterday:

Richelle Mead's fifth book in her Vampire Academy series.

2. playing Scrabble by candlelight.

3. reading the newspaper by candlelight.

4. eating meals by candlelight.

5. casting animal shadows.

6. playing with Aya, while trying to keep her tail out of the candle's way. WHEW.

Picture post: Le Chat Botte

2010-07-13T21:34:00.002+08:00

A beautiful and totally quirky and whimsical scarf on display

at Hermés in Takashimaya.

And then later that evening, I got to see

Le Chat Botté in Shrek 4 ;)

********

Puss in Boots is a friend

Marquis de Carabas

Puss in Boots is smart

Puss in Boots is elegant

Puss in Boots enjoys traveling

Puss in Boots runs fast

********

Simple joys 50/365: The beautiful game

2010-07-12T22:33:00.009+08:00

It was La Furia Roja after all, and not Oranje........

The World Cup 2010 finals was a case of "the team who plays the beautiful game beautifully wins the Cup". So the Dutch decided to play like thugs---it was raining yellow cards. Nigel De Jong's dead center flying kick to Xabi Alonso's chest should've really been booked with a red card. Hai-yaaah! It's football, not karate nor taekwondo. And De Jong is a typical Dutchman who's built like an oak tree, forcryingoutloud, while Alonso's so-not-like-an-oak-tree at all!!! Have a lookie here:

Looks like something out of Tekken.

Whrrrr........That kick would've sent me to the ER.

Had the Netherlands won with that kind of play, football would have been the biggest loser. Too bad, I was even rooting for them---just because Spain was the one who beat Germany, hahaha! I'm bitter like that! But I am happy that Spain won---they deserved it more, and they really played beautifully. And I kinda went "Awwwww...." when Saint Iker Casillas bawled like a baby in the field after Iniesta's winning goal in extra time. What a cutie.

Overall, It was a good World Cup, because all the so-called "favorites" were nowhere in sight at the semis, adding a lot of unpredictability to the tournament. Football will always be the beautiful game.

Check out photographer Steve McCurry's tribute to the World Cup and football in this blog entry.

HERE.

It gives a beautiful insight through photographs on why football is more than just a game of people kicking a ball around.

Til the next World Cup in 2014.

In Brazil.

Picture post: The owl & the quirky girl

2010-07-11T23:13:00.002+08:00

Nope, that's not a real owl.

But there are a lot of real owls inside The World of Darkness.

Fascinating creatures.

I just became a bit too excited when I saw a Snowy Owl,
and started calling him/her "Hedwig"
S/he was just so beautiful.

Simple joys 49/365: When being #3 is not so bad...

2010-07-11T17:05:00.002+08:00

It may not be the Cup itself, but it was a great game and a great achievement for Deutschland.

They're back-to-back World Cup third placer. Whrrrr....

There's still 2014 to look forward to in Brazil.

Great job, everyone.

Uruguay gave a great game as well.

Let's hope that the Spain-Netherlands game will be as great.

Looks like I'll go Oranje

2010-07-08T08:27:00.001+08:00

1-0.

I am so heartbroken.

So Spain beat Germany for the honors to face The Netherlands in the finals.

It would've been nice to have a Netherlands-Germany face off.

Just like 1974 World Cup, whicg (West) Germany won.

Netherlands vs. Spain.

I'll go Oranje, please.

It's always nice to cheer for someone in the World Cup finals,

even if your favorite team has lost.

And Germany, I hope you'll get the third place.

Simple joys 48/365: Shoes & stuff

2010-07-07T23:36:00.004+08:00

1. pretty and frivolous shoes from Sonia Rykiel x H&M. I have no idea when and where I'll wear them, but they're too pretty (and they're Sonia Rykiel!) to pass up. I got the pink one. No surprise :P

2. A3-sized stationery (or even bigger) with the cutest design from Korea. My hand will probably be twitching after I finish a letter to my nieces, but I know they'll get a kick out of getting a letter THAT big.

3. Shawarma rice for lunch.

4. Amandine font.

5. brand new hankies.

Picture post: Dreaming of dreaming

2010-07-07T20:53:00.001+08:00

Dreaming of Dreaming by Pakistani artist Khalil Chishtee.

At the Esplanade.

One person's plastic bag is another person's art.

The script "floating" above the clothesline is Urdu, which reads

"After all, what is the remedy for this pain."

I can only stare in awe.

Simple joys 47/365: Sweet Sunday

2010-07-04T15:37:00.003+08:00

1. concluding a week-long training. It was not without any hitches, but somehow, things fell into place. I'm still exhausted over it. But Grace a Dieu, I survived it.

2. apricot jam on toasted whole wheat bread. Great with the coffee we got in Batangas in May.

3. being told by more than one person (I lost count---honest!) that I looked so much younger than my actual age. Thank you. Even when I am royally stressed, I managed not to look too aged. Must be the genes or those Skin Food stuff my former student from Korea sent me.

4. three pairs of über cute flat shoes for less than a thousand pesos (about US$22?). Gotta love shoe shopping in Liliw, Laguna. And Badong Footwear rocks.

5. Germany's pure genius of a game against Argentina. I'm still giddy about it. Spain's next in the hit list (:

6. a sweet and lazy Sunday. How Sundays should be.

Simple joys 46/365: Don't cry for us, Argentina!!!

2010-07-04T00:27:00.004+08:00

WAKA WAKA YEAH YEAH!

Yes, Germans (and non-Germans who are fans of the German Football Team)

have a lot to celebrate!!!

4:0

!!!

And Thomas Müeller, you boy have a bright career ahead of you...

I said those same words about Klose, Podolski, Schweinsteiger, and Ballack when I first saw them play.

Keep it up, Gentlemen!

I'll be dancing the Waka Waka when you hold the Cup aloft :)

Simple joys 45/365: A nearly finished week

2010-07-01T23:40:00.002+08:00

1. a new President. I am hoping and praying for the best.

2. Shakira's hips. Waka waka yeah yeah.

3. free food for five days. And the food is yummeh.

4. Portugal losing to España in the 2010 World Cup. Boo-boo-zelah. Waka waka yeah yeah. Sorry I couldn't resist.

Picture post: Across the river

2010-06-30T23:17:00.004+08:00

I dream of the Fullerton Hotel.
Gorgeous place.
I love its Old World ambience.

Simple joys 44/365: 4:1

2010-06-29T21:10:00.000+08:00

• Germany's win over England, 4:1

Keep it up, gentlemen!!!

Picture post: Larger than life

2010-06-28T20:02:00.000+08:00

Dwarfed by colorful billboards.

Too bad I missed Chicago by a week.

That would've been great.

Simple joys 43/365: To-do's

2010-06-27T17:08:00.002+08:00

1. paint the door of Tatay's bedroom (which I now use) a deep red. The inspiration is the door at Arla, sans the heart cutout.

It's lovely, it's whimsical, and it's (a little) so-me, but it's too much for a bedroom door.

2. take driving lessons---it's been on my to-do list for like a hundred years already. I need around PhP5,500 for this.

3. learn a third language. Another plan languishing in my list for a hundred years.

4. use the yoga mat a friend gave me. The jelly belly has to go, pronto.

5. inquire about Muay Thai lessons, once the entire body has recovered from the bicycle fall.

6. live and love. Without fear. But bearing this in mind:

P.S.
The past week was mostly about going back to work and doing the backlog caused by my forced "vacation". My three upper front teeth on the left side still hurt a bit, my right thumb is still painful (I've once again realized how essential thumbs are!), I've bruises on my thighs and knees, and the left side of the face is a bit green if one looks closely. But other than those, I'm doing just fine. Thanks for all the concern and regards given my way ;)

Picture post: Four-faced Buddha

2010-06-23T23:37:00.003+08:00

A statue of the Four-faced Buddha at the Fo Guang Hang Geomancy Centre. Although commonly referred to and known as the Four Faced Buddha, he is actually Lord Brahma, or Phra Phrom to Thais.

Simple joys 42/365: Fathers' Day

2010-06-20T23:39:00.004+08:00

1. Great Dads. I miss mine. Terribly. Happy fathers' day to all the great Dads. My Kuya included.

My Kuya and Mia, his youngest, just before Icoy's wedding, on 30 December 2008.

2. My face slowly achieving a semblance of symmetry.

3. Receiving a very nice note with a cute trinket and photos from a dear friend in General Santos City. Yes, I'll visit you soon, and we can plan on that backpacking trip.

4. Hearing Michael Bolton's Go the Distance.

5. The "forced" vacation that I had. I may not have really enjoyed it because I was in some pain most of the time, but I spent a lot of time bonding with Aya, my darling Labrador Retriever.

6. Going back to the office. I missed it.

Picture post: Oh Hermes!

2010-06-19T17:31:00.002+08:00

In probably was the first time ever, Orchard Road got flooded. Singapore, with all its efficiency and ultra-modernity, experienced what we Pinoys have to live with every time the rainy season beckons. We don't like it (we hate it, in fact) but with our poor zoning and drainage systems, we almost always expect it.

I for one, could not believe it when I got word that Orchard was flooded. I had to warn my brother to pretty please refrain from using the underground MRT while it was still flooded. But after just a few hours, the ever efficient Singaporeans cleared the place of flood, like it never happened at all---if you can look past the stores that were damaged, Hermés at Liat Towers being one of them.

This was at Hermés in Takashimaya, not the one in Liat Towers.

According to Hermés enthusiasts, no Birkins were damaged.

Actually no goods were damaged, just the store's flooring.

And oh, while I was there, I had four Birkin spottings---on a Caucasian woman, on Paulo's neighbor (he has rich neighbors, yeah?), on a Chinese-looking woman in Vivo City, and on an Indian-looking woman along Orchard.

As for me, I don't really care much for a Birkin---I like the Kelly more, heh heh---just like the one Kate Hudson's character in Le Divorce had---a red 28cm Braise Porosus Croc with gold hardware.

Photo courtesy of Authenticite

Be still, my beating heart.

But, I'll be more than happy with an Hermés scarf ;)

Really.

Dear God,

2010-06-16T23:00:00.001+08:00

I'm scared to look at my face in the mirror. Please give me back my normal face soon. I'm too puffy (and in a little pain). The Jocelyn Wildenstein look just doesn't look that great on me. I promise I'll love my face and looks more. Please let me get and look better soon.

P.S. But you know I'll still ride bicycles in the future. I'll be more careful, though.

Simple joys 41/365: swollen, bruised, but okay...kinda

2010-06-15T22:44:00.004+08:00

I kinda resembled that lady and the crashed bicycle early this evening. But in real life, the bicycle was in a much better shape, and I looked (and still do) worse. Fell off from a bicycle (borrowed from my friend). I thought it'd be nice to bike around the park near the office after a day's work. It was a lovely evening, and the bicycle was cute, complete with a basket and a bell! And I was wearing my favorite Sonia Rykiel black striped knit blouse. I felt like a French girl cycling around the park. It was wonderful, and even laughing out loud at the joy of it all! But suddenly, the handlebars felt so wobbly and I promptly crashed onto the sidewalk, with my left cheekbone getting the brunt of most of the fall. Talk about falling from grace.

One of the professors in our college and her husband saw me crash, and brought me to the university infirmary to get checked---I was given a much welcomed ice pack, a tetanus shot, had the scratches on my hands and foot cleaned, and was told to observe myself for 48 hours for vomiting, headache, sleepiness---signs of possible brain injury. Wasn't x-rayed anymore.

So let's see...I have a REALLY swollen left cheek and lips (the left side at least), a chipped lower tooth (another visit to the dentist), a severely injured pride. I look like I had a really bad collagen cheek and lip implant. I'm sure I'll be okay. My teeth just hurt, my head hurts but not too much, and the doctor doesn't seem to be too worried.

I am happy that I am okay, and alive, and in good spirits. I'm ticking the 48 hours. But be a dear, still. Pray that I'll be really okay, okay? Thanks much (;

Picture post: Monks @ the beach

2010-06-14T15:00:00.003+08:00

We saw these monks walking along Siloso Beach.

It was quite an unusual sight for this girl
who doesn't see Buddhist monks that often,

and at the beach at that!

We didn't know anymore if they stripped down to swim or what,

because we had to rush up to where the Luge is.

Simple joys 40/365: Deutschland uber alles!

2010-06-14T13:52:00.002+08:00

World Cup 2010 kicked off on June 11th, and as usual, my loyalty lies with Germany. And France. But it's still Germany forever and ever with me, football-wise. Too bad Germany captain Michael Ballack is not playing due to an injury (and he was not renewed by Chelsea---WHATISWRONGWITHTHEM?)

Because I couldn't resist posting a shirtless Michael Ballack...

right after a shirtless Jake...

it's gettin' hot on my blog.

Boo-hoo. But Germany trashed Australia 4-0 in their opening match, yay! I sure hope and pray that it's a sign of the things to come. I really, really want them to win their 4th World Cup. I miss the great team of Klinsmann, Voeller, Matthäus, et. al. when they were coached by the legendary Franz Beckenbauer, and went on to win the World Cup in 1990. Mehn, that was 20 years ago. High time to win another World Cup, Ballack or no Ballack. They've got Klose, Podolski, Schweinsteiger, etc. They've got the talent, and just need to work together.

And because we're talking about the German team, here's the love of my life, football-wise, Oliver Bierhoff, who is now the team manager of Die Nationalmannschaft.

Looking so Team Manager-ish.

Playing in World Cup 1998 in France.

C'mon, Deutschland! Don't break my heart this year! Let's win it in South Africa!

Deutschland über alles!

Picture post: Penguin

2010-06-12T19:22:00.001+08:00

I have like over 900 pictures taken in Singapore, and my sis-in-law has almost the same number. It's crazy, I know! I thought I'd post some stuff here once in a while. If Jersey and I were having our own Project 365, we'd have photos to last us for about five years! So here's my first post:

This little guy approached us---apparently he was curious about the light coming from the camera's LCD. Another penguin came over, and this little penguin got jealous and the two had a fight! We tapped on the glass ever so gently to break them apart. I kinda felt sad seeing these creatures so far away from their home---but at the same time, if it weren't for zoos like this, the only chance I'd have of seeing a penguin up close is if I go to their natural habitat, which is quite difficult to accomplish unless I work for the Discovery Channel or National Geographic. Paulo just told me that these creatures are like ambassadors for their species, and being away from their home is the trade-off. My brother really knows how to make me feel a little better.

Simple joys 39/365: HRH, Princess of Persia

2010-06-12T18:33:00.005+08:00

1. call me Her Royal Heidiness, the Princess of Persia, and Jake Gyllenhaal is my prince. No objections allowed. I wish they had made the movie in 3D. I had chosen to watch it over Sex and the City 2, which totally shows my priorities. My friend was kinda aghast that I was not too excited to watch SATC 2. Between Carrie Bradshaw and her closet, and Jake in his bare-chested glory, there's really no contest.

Is he hot or is he hot???

2. Spirit Bound, the fourth book in Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy series. I got a copy already, but the book is still shrink-wrapped. Will start on it tonight---to celebrate the long weekend.

3. getting rid of a tooth that was causing me a lot of pain. It was my first ever tooth extraction that I felt zero pain. I had been going to the family dentist and her daughter-dentist since I was little girl, and I've always felt excruciating pain whenever I had to have a tooth extracted. This fact has made me believe that dental anaesthesia never worked on me. But this time, I went to a new dentist out of convenience (she was the nearest I could find), and am totally happy with her---look Ma, NO PAIN! She made me promise to take better care of my teeth and I said I'd come back to have my other fillings replaced. And oh, I'm on an ice cream diet, and I have to wait for my coffee to get cold before I can drink it :P

4. smudge-proof eyeliner. Seeing how good Sir Ben Kingsley looked with eyeliner in Prince of Persia made me run to the beauty shop for a decent eyeliner.

Great villains need great actors who need great eyeliners.

My eyeliners always smudge on me (even the high end ones), but I still kept on wearing them (because they're high end, heh...and they give me the prettiest eyes, never mind if I look like a raccoon at the end of the day). So yay for me when I got Maybelline Impact Express Smooth Felt Liner (what a mouthful for an eyeliner). It hasn't failed me so far.

5. The long weekend ahead.

Simple joys 38/365: Singapore summary

2010-06-05T21:01:00.007+08:00

Clockwise, from top left: At the Singapore Zoo, with Mohan the white tiger in the foreground; receiving my blessings from Ajahn Tong, Grandmaster of Sak Yant; me and Jersey with the adorable Carlos the seal; with the Merlion at the Marina Bay; with Paulo at Siloso Beach in Sentosa.

Vacations can be exhausting, and I realized that again when I had to go back to the office immediately the next day after my arrival. Why is it always so difficult to get back into the swing of things after a holiday, whether it be just a weekend, or more?

I enjoyed Singapore. I really did. My brother and sister-in-law thoughtfully made a schedule for my stay there, like where we’d go and what we’d do. Paulo’s work made him free only during the weekends (that was why I scheduled my stay to include two sets of weekends)---but he did have a day off on my first Monday---so usually it was just Jersey and myself who went to different places. We all settled into a comfy routine---Paulo wakes up early for work (ungodly 530am), and I just let the newly-weds spend their breakfast together while I happily snooze. I’d wake up at around 730am, make coffee, help myself to whatever was around, watch whatever was on TV (usually the news, Doctors, and Ellen), wake Jersey up a little later, and help her with the housework. We’d prepare and have lunch, then set off to wherever in the afternoon. Later, we’d either meet Paulo someplace, dine out, or go home together and make dinner. Or Paulo would get home ahead of us, and he’d make dinner.

Los Baños seemed like a lifetime away while I was there. It’s so easy to get spoiled by all that Singapore has to offer---the efficiency of almost everything, the cleanliness, the feeling of safety and security, the seemingly lack of pollution and traffic jam, the importance they place on arts and culture (it was Arts Festival when I arrived), fantastic architecture and urban planning, great food, etc.

Being me, I did all the usual tourist-y stuff, and at the same time, I was also able to venture far from the usual tourist-y parts of Singapore. I guess I’m one of those people who scream “tourist” every time I go some place, and fall for all the tourist traps. Might-as-well-enjoy-what-a-place-is-famous-for-while-I’m-there is kinda like a battlecry.

In a nutshell, the stuff that made me busy in the Lion City, and some of my thoughts and impressions:

*Went to the Singapore Zoo and the Night Safari. It rained during the safari, and the tram we were riding in stalled right in front of the lions, of all freakin’ places. I kid you not. A few days later, we went to Jurong Bird Park where I got amazed by the Birds of Prey show, and was moved to tears by the Penguin Expedition.

*The adventures in Sentosa drained most of my funds. I never had much to begin with so that’s okay. We did the Parajump (which I’d do again because it was so terrifying and happened so fast that I didn’t have the time to conquer that fear---it was dubbed as “The Leap of Faith”, but in my case, it was “Leap to Save Your Face”), the Sky Ride (slow and scary, but necessary if you’re doing the Luge), the Luge (once is really never enough), and the MegaZipline (which I’d do again in a heartbeat because it’s just way too exciting).

*Who would even think that there are nature trails right smack in Singapore? The MacRitchie Reservoir was a surprise for me. I plan to do the Treetop Walk there when I visit the next time.

*Trains and buses in the Lion City are so efficient. I enjoyed using the EZ Link card----tap in, tap out! Heck, I even enjoyed loading credits into the card, hahaha! I wish we’d be able to implement something like that in my beloved country.

*The Science Discovery Center was pure enjoyment. What a nice way for kids and adults alike to enjoy, understand, and appreciate Science.

*Snow City. It was four degrees below zero. This island girl from the tropics loved it, but was having the sniffles afterwards. We discovered the joyful activity that was tubing. The three of us probably went tubing five or six times in the hour we spent there.

*Loved the River Boat Cruise---maybe because it was nighttime, and the lighted buildings just made the riverside scene more beautiful. We took the boat going to Clarke Quay (another nice place).

*Watched Shrek in 3D. I was so amazed to learn that movie houses are open until 4am!

*Singaporean food servings are HUGE.

*Singaporean women apparently have no trouble putting on false eyelashes everyday. I envied them, until I found out at a beauty shop that there’s a simple contraption to attach falsies the no sweat way. Heh. Nah, I didn’t get one. I’d look weird wearing falsies in my small town.

*I became very sentimental at the Botanic Gardens, and at the National Orchid Garden. Both of our parents were botanists and our Ma just loved orchids. And yeah, Jersey and I got lost for over an hour just trying to get out of the Botanic Gardens. I wanted to detour to National University of Singapore when I saw a path going there.

*Many Singaporeans are inked. Okay, many Singaporean ladies are inked, which made me wanna go YAY YOU GO GIRLS! This comes from an inked girl from a place where inked girls are not too common, and are often stereotyped. But you know me, I love to break stereotypes.

*I realized a dream when I finally received a Yant Ha Taew and a Yant Kru from none other than Ajahn Tong of Thalad Phlu, Grandmaster of Sak Yant. The experience itself was so surreal, beautiful, and moving all at the same time. I’ll write more about it later, as it truly deserves an entry all its own.

I guess that was a pretty big nutshell. I loved every minute that I was there. I was even touched when Paulo said that he wished our family would have more time like this, especially now that it’s just us siblings. What he didn’t know was that I was also wishing for the same thing---and I most wished that my nieces were there because I know they’ll love it. I'll definitely visit again---because Paulo's there, and he made sure that I missed some stuff to make me come back ;)

Thank you Lord, for letting me have the means, and the opportunity to travel after quite some time, and I know this is just the beginning.

Simple joys 37/365: travels that make one wiser (and classier and fabulous-ier)

2010-05-28T00:18:00.003+08:00

“A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.”

.Coco Chanel.

Me at Orchard Road, trying to be classy and fab upon arriving at the Lion City.

Got back from ten fun-filled, wonderful, amazing days in the Lion City! My brother and my sister-in-law took very good care of moi, and I am really grateful. I miss them so. Going to Singapore by myself has inspired me to do more traveling, and to save more, of course---and so far I am so blessed this year to have gone to places that I've never been to. I am so happy to have taken this trip, trusted my gut to just do it in spite of the many little fears that I had. It was really DAMN THE TORPEDOES! FULL SPEED AHEAD! Haha! This was the first time in almost five years that I'd taken a trip out of the country, and my first time to travel alone. My bank account is almost wiped out, but at least I did not put myself in debt just to be able to afford this trip. So I guess I have a lot of reasons to be pretty proud of myself.

Dreams are pretty good motivators.

Simple joys 36/365: I'm all set.......almost

2010-05-15T01:38:00.001+08:00

Travel makes a wise man better, and a fool worse.

.Thomas Fuller.

Let's see later if I'm a wise gal, or a foolish one ;)

Simple joys 35/365: Yellow

2010-05-12T21:18:00.002+08:00

Photo credit: disgruntledbaker1

1. Yellow by Coldplay. One of the most beautiful love songs ever written. I've always thought that it would make a perfect song for a first dance at a wedding.

2. Yellow. The application for foreign travel is written on a yellow sheet of paper, so it is commonly referred to as "the yellow sheet". I was only told yesterday that I had to accomplish one even if the trip that I'll be going to is personally funded. No real problems though in processing the paper so far (Grace a Dieu), but I really wish I had done it sooner.

3. Color my country yellow once more. The Filipinos went out and exercised their right to vote two days ago, 10 May 2010. For the first time, the polls were automated, and results came at a speed that stunned almost everyone. No more waiting for weeks and months to know who the winners are. No more teachers slaving away to count the ballots manually. Like many other voters, I had to wait hours to get my turn to vote, but wait I did. I didn't mind suffering a little---what's a few hours compared to six years of crappy governance? The son of the country's two well-loved leaders is the "President-apparent". I've had enough of the incumbent President's greed, and I do hope the next President will be nothing like her, and inspire and lead the country to be great again.

simple joys 34/365: Bontoc, Bauko, and Baguio edition

2010-05-08T16:59:00.018+08:00

From the evening of April 27th to May 1st, some colleagues, student interns, and I journeyed to the Mountain Province for work and some fun in between ;)

1. going back to the Mountain Province after two months, albeit in a different part. I didn't think I'd go back and see the place that soon.

2. seeing the region's rice terraces once again. If the terraces are an awesome sight, then the people who made them are more so. I am truly amazed at the fortitude of the Cordillera people. They are incomparable, IMHO.

3. playing and running around in the pine forest near Mt. Data Hotel. It kept us warm in the freezing cold.

4. staying at Mt. Data Hotel. The place is nicely warm and cozy, even if it is in dire need of a renovation.

5. facilitating a workshop.

6. being in a place above the clouds.

7. old houses with history and character

8. authentic Pinikpikan. It was my first time to eat it, and I must admit it was good. Thankfully, I didn't see it getting prepared.

9. dogs that are photogenic and know how to hold a pose.

10. Chico River---another beautiful sight, and an important resource for the people in the region.

11. strawberry fields forever

12. hardworking interns

13. lunch at Pizza Volante in Baguio City.

14. Fudge bars. A newly discovered (on my part at least) specialty from Baguio. A cookie bar with chocolate, nut, and raisin filling that's not too cloyingly sweet. YUM. Perfect with coffee or tea.

15. scoring a pair of brand new Majestic Paris cashmere leggings at a Baguio ukay-ukay shop. I should have bought two pairs. *sigh*

16. road trip conversations that get a life of their own.

17. colleagues/travel companions who are no debbie downers.

18. coming home safe and sound.

*Photos without watermarks are from the interns. Thank you very much. I'm sorry I don't know who in particular to acknowledge ;)

Flyin'!

2010-05-06T00:24:00.006+08:00

Fresh from a tiring but fun working trip in the Mountain Province, I found myself getting whisked to Tagaytay by my brother and the rest of the family (i.e., our side of the family and my sis-in-law's family) for this:

2 May 2010, with Tess

Tagaytay Ridge Zipline & Cable Car

photo courtesy of my brother (mastiff.digital)

Awesome-ness.

Yes, I'd do it again.

And again.

You get the idea ;)

Unfinished

2010-05-05T00:13:00.008+08:00

Just came back from a long trip--will write about that later. While I was cleaning and clearing my 'book for some badly-needed space, I found bits and pieces of some stuff I've written and left unfinished, and have completely forgotten about. Such as this one which I wrote on August 29th of last year. (A few days after that, I had to deal with another heartache which really tested my faith, but that's another story.) I don't know anymore what I would have written, but I think this is still worth posting, just because.

********

To say that my life a few months ago was so different would be an understatement. I've avoided blogging because I didn't want this space to turn into a grief blog of sorts, although I know some of you would've understood me if I had done so. Maybe it was also a way to prove to myself that I was being brave by not whining in print. With so many changes that have happened, I am still struggling to reconcile a lot of things in my head, while trying to go on as I should.

The "new" job is keeping me busy, as any job should. I am still learning the ropes, and I've had some missteps, but there are always people around to guide me and help me along the way. After Tatay's demise, I was really contemplating on giving up this job, because I really felt that I couldn't cope with all the changes that were happening. In my grief, I felt that I needed something familiar to go to everyday, and a new workplace wouldn't really help me any. I needed Tita Mary...I needed Tito Eloy...I needed to be surrounded by people who would understand me if ever I'd burst into sudden tears. Never mind if the job had been giving me a lot of heartaches---I was nursing a heartache that was much bigger. The problems that I had encountered in my medical exams, I almost took as signs for me not to go on because it was causing me more stress and grief that I was already lugging around. But my brothers, in their peculiar wisdom that never fails to astound me (maybe because I have an inner-dumb-blonde, to quote Paulo), told me that getting the new job was the last happy news that I had given to Tatay, six days before he passed away. With that kind of reasoning, how could I let go?

It still pains me when the reality that I-don't-have-any-parents-around-anymore suddenly hits me. My friends who are so much older than I am have also confided on how unimaginable it would be for them to be parent-less. It's a strange feeling---it's like I am nobody's child anymore. It's a sad, lonely feeling if anything. My brothers and I have been coping with our grief individually, although we've had some moments when we talk about how much we miss Tatay. Of course, Lean has seen me cry far too often, and both of us never realized how much we'd miss Tatay so much. Sometimes I just open his clothes drawer and just touch his favorite shirts. It's both reassuring and sad at the same time. Or in my moments of ultimate

********

And the blog entry ends there. Dealing with grief isn't easy, but I'm doing my darndest best.

26 April 2009

2010-04-27T00:08:00.004+08:00

It has been a year. That day a year ago, has been played so many times in my head, and along with that, the big question of what I could have done differently. Useless, I know, but it can't be helped. I just have to accept freely that our Tatay had to go. It was his time. The good Lord deemed it was his time, and our Ma had waited 21 long years to be with him again.

It had been a difficult year. A lot of unexpected and heart-breaking things happened after Tatay's passing, which sometimes made me thankful that he was not around anymore to witness them. The year 2009 really beat my soul black and blue, and my heart badly broken and bruised. But my brothers and I, we have so far managed to make it. Some things we cannot do anything about, but we always try to make the most of everything. Each and every day, I try to be thankful for the blessings that keep coming our way.

One year. 365 days. It seems so long, and at the same time, so fast. We are still healing. We have a long way to go, but I know we'll be fine. I'll be fine. If there's anything I've learned in the past year, it's that miracles do happen. And I always thank Him for the miracle that is my life.

photo credit: Marksshot Photography

simple joys 33/365: kids and apples

2010-04-26T02:44:00.005+08:00

My techie babes.

simple joys 32/365: an insanely hot graduation weekend

2010-04-25T01:50:00.001+08:00

1. Graduation Day. Hot, hot weather, but I guess it's so much better than last year's drenched graduation ceremonies. The grads looked spiffy in their togas, but the PhD grads more so in their colorful hoods.

2. Peppermint shampoo. Perfect for the hot weather. I'm getting cross-eyed from the heat.

3. Squidballs. Nothing like street food to quickly stave off the hunger pangs.

4. My semi-industrial strength electric fan. I don't know how I'd survive the heat without you.

Hey, Meralco!

2010-04-21T21:51:00.002+08:00

you're transporting us back to the dark ages

I'm not your slave, and I have no intention of being one. I do not work just so that I can pay you. Stop taking a huge chunk of my paycheck from me. Don't tell me to be prudent in my energy consumption because I already am leading a terribly simple life. With what I earn, I have no choice but to do so.

We do not even have any airconditioner at home. I rarely, rarely iron my clothes, unless I really have to. I've mastered the art of laundering and hanging my clothes properly so they won't be wrinkled, and I don't have to iron them. And I've gotten the habit of buying clothes that are of the wash and wear kind. Yes, I have become that prudent.

Our appliances at home consist of a television (which usually just gets used in the evenings), two laptops (which we bring to the office during the day, or leave at home unplugged when not in use), a small refrigerator, and two electric fans. Before going to sleep and going to work, I unplug all appliances except for the fridge. So don't give me the crap that the increase in your distribution charge is justified, and that it is still the consumers' fault that electricity bills are high. If I live any simpler than I already do, you'll be transporting me back to the dark ages. Why don't you join me in living simpler, and see if you don't complain?

simple joys 31/365: youngest brother's birthday

2010-04-20T22:59:00.000+08:00

1. celebrating my youngest brother's birthday. After everything that has happened in my life, I firmly believe that a birthday is a blessing to be celebrated, even in a quiet way. Our youngest bro is the quintessential "big little boy" who's still very much a kid at heart, and he'll always be our bunso.

And oh, he LOOOOVES cats.

He can't resist picking up stray kittens.

I kid you not.

2. a simple birthday dinner of KFC and cathedral windows (less fattening than the usual chocolate cake).

3. seeing a friend (and seeing him happy!) again after quite some time.

4. being able to write two articles today. Two down, about three more to go. Whew. I wish I were more prolific.

5. playing with my brother's flirty Siamese cat.

Simple joys 30/365: surviving Monday

2010-04-19T22:13:00.001+08:00

I'm as tired as this puppy.

Photo from Pixdaus.com

1. Finding a way to make some stuff less harder for me at the office. It pays to be nice to your colleagues, and showing them how hard you work.

2. Sleeping before midnight. It's now 10:07PM and I plan to turn in right after this blog entry. I've been having sleeping problems since the robbery, but I'm doing my best to be strong.

3. Hazelnut ice cream courtesy of our Dean.

4. My pet Labrador recovering from her bout of diarrhea, perhaps brought about the stress from being locked in my room by the robbers. Hopefully, she wasn't fed anything bad by them.

5. Feeling the (somewhat painful) effects of the Thai massage I had yesterday. I really needed that.

6. Actually being able to list some simple joys here today.

Dearest Ma,

2010-04-18T23:56:00.001+08:00

You would have been 69 today. There isn't a day that I never think of you, nor is there a day that I do not miss you. This is your first birthday in 22 years that you'll be spending with Tatay. You must be very happy now. And just thinking about that lessens my sadness, even a little. I'll always be your daughter who'll always need her Mother and Father.

I love you, I miss you, and happy birthday.

Simple joys 29/365: writing like Pushkin

2010-04-17T23:12:00.011+08:00

I love fonts, especially the cursive and handwritten ones. And I've just changed my blog signature. My previous blog signature was based on Franz Kafka's penmanship, which I downloaded for free. There's another Franz Kafka font (FF Mister K) which is really beautiful and streamlined but it ain't free. Too bad. Anyways, my new blog signature is based on another great writer's penmanship---Aleksandr Pushkin's. And it's FREE. There's a non-free version, but this free one is more than good enough for me. Yeah, I get to write/sign like Pushkin!

The poem "Angel" by Aleksander Pushkin, typed by moi in the Pushkin font. Click on it to enlarge:

Isn't it so nice? It's like the writer himself wrote it in my bloggie ;)

I also got fonts based on the penmanships of Jane Austen, Byron, and Cézanne. I hope to find more nice ones. I wish I had their graceful and flowing penmanships. So Old World and elegant. Here's my new siggie---I'll just have to re-learn how to write beautifully like this:

simple joys 28/365: life over property

2010-04-15T21:44:00.006+08:00

I am seething mad, and a little bit scared over the fact that our house was broken into. They sawed off the steel bars in our kitchen/dining area to gain entry. They locked my dog inside a room downstairs (where I sleep---which used to be our Father's room), then ransacked the bedrooms upstairs. To see your home and stuff all in disarray like that can shake whatever sense of security you may have. So far, the only thing of value that is missing is our Father's Omega watch. If they had taken anything else that I haven't noticed, then it's not very important.

This is hard. It's so hard for me right now to find something joyful over something bad, but I'll give it a shot. After espousing and doing my best to have a positive attitude and outlook, I might as well give it whirl now when it matters most.

What are the simple joys here?

1. We were not around. There was no opportunity for us to get hurt. Psychologically, we are a bit scared, but we'll get over this. GRACE A DIEU.

2. I bring my PowerBook to the office with me everyday. They didn't take my brother's iBook, which he leaves at home. GRACE A DIEU.

3. I have this habit of NOT keeping money at home. Thankfully, I've already bought and paid for my plane tickets for Singapore yesterday (yes, I'm going there next month, and this incident just burst my happy bubble. I need to re-inflate the happy bubble quickly!). Ayayayayayay! GRACE A DIEU.

4. My dog is safe and sound. They could've hurt her, but they didn't. GRACE A DIEU.

5. This teaches us to be more careful and vigilant. Always better safe than sorry. GRACE A DIEU.

Swedish wisdom

2010-04-15T00:15:00.003+08:00

Very simple. Very basic. And yet, not really that easy. But then again, not impossible. More than meatballs and Ikea, the Swedes have this wisdom to share:

Photo source: The Notebook Doodles

I'll do my best to whine less and eat less.

from can'ts to cans to plans

2010-04-12T00:23:00.002+08:00

That should be my mantra for this week, if I want to fly within my schedule. I need something definite, and hopefully, I'll get it soon.

Photo source: Notebookdoodles

C'mon dreams, let's start happenin'!

Simple joys 27/365: a Western-sorta weekend

2010-04-11T21:29:00.002+08:00

1. another long weekend. April 9th is Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) in my country.

2. Sukiyaki Western Django. Such a crazy movie, but I love tall, dark, mysterious, handsome, and unnamed gunslingers.

Hideaki Ito, you are the heir apparent to Takeshi Kaneshiro

in Heidi Daniella's Japanese guy crush department.

3. Strong, beautiful, and and cunning female gunslingers. You are so my idol, Bloody Benten. And you're a doting a grandma to boot.

Heidi Daniella wants to be as cool as you, Oba-san Benten,
when she becomes a grandma herself.

4. Finding forgotten pictures, taken by my eldest brother in my 'book. Will post some later.

5. OPI's Barefoot in Barcelona, from OPI's Colección de España, Fall 2009. Sexy name. The name is probably a homage to the movie The Barefoot Contessa. Makes me want to dance like Ava Gardner in the movie :P Anyway, this is now my favorite nude beige shade.

Photo from Willa's Shiny Tips

Simple joys 26/365: Belated Easter joys

2010-04-10T17:28:00.003+08:00

1. Easter dinner=family dinner. Had a Korean dinner with Icoy, Sheila, and Sheila's family at 88 Spa and Resort restaurant. I love Korean food, and I've really missed it since leaving my old job, where I used to eat Korean food almost every single day.

Samgyeopsal. Yum.

Bibimbap. My favorite. I can eat this everyday. Seriously.

2. Baking something after a long hiatus from such activity. Lemon cream cheese cake. It turned out great, if I may say so myself. So easy to make, and the ingredients are easily available.

I got the recipe from this wonderful blog.

And she has such beautiful bundt pans!

Great with coffee or tea :)

3. Family. We're crazy. But we love each other.

My brothers have all married well.
They have all gifted me with wonderful sisters.

4. The Reason for the Easter Season.

It's still Easter Season. May you all have a blessed one.

simple joys 25/365: Maundy Thursday

2010-04-02T00:38:00.003+08:00

1. The Guns of Navarone. It was one of my Mom's favorite movies, and I've seen it many times. It was shown on cable TV this afternoon, and every time I watch it, I feel like I'm paying homage to my Mom. She really loved it. And the movie is really one of the best ever, and Gregory Peck---Hollywood doesn't "make" actors like it used to. Loved him in Roman Holiday with Audrey Hepburn. He was also one of those actors who aged gracefully, and who seemed to be a gentleman in the truest sense of the word.

2. My sister-in-law meeting one of her favorite authors, Mitch Albom in Singapore.

3. Ricky Martin coming out of the closet. It kinda breaks my heart, but I'm not exactly surprised. I still love him, though :) He still bangs in my book, heh heh.

4. getting reimbursed---let the (travel) plans begin!

5. a quiet and uneventful Maundy Thursday.

simple joys 24/365: a cup of Paulo Coelho wisdom

2010-04-01T00:55:00.001+08:00

photo courtesy of art.hilal

2. a friend finally earning her PhD degree

3. starting on my travel plans for this summer. Things are falling in place, grace a Dieu.

4. an unexpected free lunch

5. an editing job that will earn me a few extra bucks

6. the Holy Week holiday ahead---a time to refresh and reflect.

simple joys 23/365: Paulo Coelho-isms

2010-03-31T01:17:00.000+08:00

• Sometimes the sea sends you the grandest wave you have ever experienced.

Don't ask where it is taking you.

• Sometimes the "wrong" train can take us to the right place.

• Intense life is not complete without a touch of madness.

• When you find your way you cannot be scared. You need to be brave enough to take wrong steps. The deceptions, failures, lack of enthusiasm, are tools that God places in our way to reveal the path.

• Never stop dreaming. Follow the omens.

• It's the simple things in life that are the most extraordinary.

• Love is not to be found in someone else, but in ourselves; we simply awaken it. But in order to do that, we need the other person. The universe only makes sense when we have someone to share our feelings with.

simple joys 22/365: the Makati getaway

2010-03-30T00:24:00.005+08:00

1. authentic Breton crepes and galettes made by a Frenchman at the Legazpi Sunday Market.

2. bonding time with my friends slash colleagues. Not all people are so blessed to have friends at work and beyond.

3. staying at my dear cousin's Makati condo. Amazing place.

4. my dear cousin.

5. lunch at Pepper Lunch.

6. Sukhothai from Oodles.

7. Heaven on earth. From Starbucks. That's the name of the dessert, and it totally deserves the name.

8. Mediterranean strawberry cheesecake from Figaro Café

9. Employees of Kultura breaking into a dance to the tune of Celeste Legaspi's famous Mamang Sorbetero (Mr. Ice Cream Man). What a beautiful surprise for the shoppers. The song itself brings back a lot of wonderful childhood memories.

10. pocket gardens in the heart of the city

simple joys 21/365: The Avenue Q edition

2010-03-29T23:45:00.006+08:00

1. I guess if someone doesn't love you back it isn't such a crime,
But there's a fine, fine line between love
And a waste of your time.

2. S-C-H-A-D-E-N-F-R-E-U-D-E!

3. It sucks to be me. It sucks to be you.

4. Crabby old bitches are the bedrock of this nation!

5. I'm gonna find my Purpose.

6. Grab your dick and double click!

7. He likes me.

I think he likes me.

Does does he 'like me' like me,

Like I like him?

Will we be friends,

Or something more?

I think he's interested,

But I'm not sure.

8. I'm not wearing underwear today!

9. You can be as loud as the hell you want!

10. Fantasies come true.

11. I wish I could go back to college.

12. Everything in life is only for now....

simple joys 20/365: falling and finding our places

2010-03-27T01:36:00.002+08:00

1. a friend who's clearly on the right track to his dreams

2. words of wisdom from the Fight Club, of all places

AMEN, TYLER DURDEN.

3. a relatively relaxing day at work, after three days of rushing reports

4. an upcoming project that may entail local travel

5. faith that things will always fall into place

iRobot, iWant _

2010-03-27T01:08:00.002+08:00

I do hope that I won't have to resort to robots just to have a lovelife. But then again, the robot in the photographs is kinda good-lookin' in a robotic kind of way. Hey, I think Optimus Prime's good-lookin'. But I digress. The photographs are beautiful, even if they're a bit creepy.

Photographs by 3D artist Franz Steiner, as part of his Personal Robot series of works.