I realized I am not sad anymore. I am just lonely.

Dear 2014

Happy New Year!

Hello 2014, I hope we can be good friends.  It was sad to see 2013 go because 2013 was extra nice to me & my family personally.  Although 2013 was harsh to my country, 2013 opened our eyes to the truth – that we cannot win when nature is angry but made us realize that we are not alone.

I am so excited to having wonderful moments with you, 2014.  You don’t know me well so I hope you’ll take time to know me, not to judge quickly because you’ll find out that I, along with the rest of the world, only want to be good friends with you.  We do not mean any harm and our apologies if we didn't satisfy your expectation of us.  I hope & pray that your kindness will prevail.

Love,

Anne and the rest of this big world

Late Post: One Republic Live in Manila

It was their first time in Manila.  It was amazing.  Warren and I will never forget how great Ryan Tedder was on stage.  We even agreed that it was a natural high, for a few hours there, we were like floating and high on music.  We do not fully understand why people would resort to substance abuse when there are a lot of natural highs.

I wanted to post the videos my husband painstakingly took while I was dancing like crazy but Youtube has other plans.  File was too large he said and I am not as techie as I pretended to be.  Oh well the videos will just stay in my laptop memory until the laptop crashed (oh not in the near future).

I'm here...

In life, you just have to live the way you believe will make you happy.

Hello my dear blog friend. You must think that I just miss you when I'm lonely but I don't. I just want you to remember that I think about you and I will always let you know how I feel.

I may not have updates but remember that you will always know what's new sooner than you think.

Food for the hair: Vegetarian

Since I am now semi-based in Bicol I savor every minute I have to do errands and visit my family in Manila.  Not that I miss Manila so bad (okay, a little I must admit) but there are things that can only be done in Manila.  Take for example, I only trust my foot pampering to be done by my suking taga kutkot which is located in Manila.  As for my hands I do not have any problems taking care of it, massage it with hand lotion (lots & lots) and that’s it.  Since my hands are too delicate, a mani doesn’t make it look good.  It gives the reverse effect, my cuticles are too thin and soft that pushing or removing it causes more damage to my nails so I stay away from manicures.  Aside from foot spa, pedis and massages, my hair activities (and hubby’s too) are done in Manila, only in Manila.

I do not post any kikay reviews but I am dying to share a new discovery.  I went to a hair salon in ATC hoping that they could help my hair problems.  I am just being very dramatic hehehe because my hair is soft, smooth and shiny but it is lifeless.  It’s so flat and I am not a fan of the hair dryer.  I went to the salon asking how they could help me add volume and bounce to my crowning glory.  Their solution – a perm to make it wavy.  A what?  No way Jose!  I am not ready to make a drastic and dramatic effect to my hair.  I find it hard to maintain curly locks because I am a sort of a wash & wear girl.  So what’s the plan B, I asked.  They said any treatment like keratin (Brazilian/permanent blow dry which I tried before but after 3 days my hair is back to its usual self, will tackle about this more later) or hot oil will make it more limp.  However they asked me to try a vegetable hair treatment and see the results because regular application of this treatment will improve my hair strand quality.  It’ll be firmer, thicker, will avoid hair breakage and hair fall.  I agreed to give it a try since I went to the salon to solve my hair mystery.

They shampooed my hair, applied the hair cream treatment, massaged my head/hair from the roots to the tips, placed some cling wrap had it stayed in my hair for 30 minutes while the attendant massaged my shoulders and back.  I love it that the whole time my hair was wrapped the attendant kept on massaging me while making small talks.  When the plastic wrap was removed my hair was massaged some more before it was rinsed.  I can smell the vegetable cream they applied, it smells like celery (in a sweet smelling scent and not the kitchen-y type aroma) and aloe vera.  I was advised to have the treatment again after 2 weeks (I know it’s a marketing strategy and I didn't fall for it but I kinda believe that repeating the treatment will make wonders to my hair) instead I asked if they sell the conditioning cream and they do.  I am due back in Bicol that week so it’s not an option to go back to the salon 2-3 weeks after that day.  They gave me some instructions on how to use it.  They even said that I can go back to the salon anytime just bring my purchased product and they will apply it for free on the 1st visit, the next ones would incur a very minimal fee to cover the attendant’s time & effort plus the use of the salon’s equipment and other stuff.  I am pretty much sold with the benefits of the organic vegetable treatment, I even googled it using the salon’s free wifi (hehehe).  The results even made me happier, when my hair was blow dried I immediately felt that my hair strands were happy and full of life.  I was advised not to wet and shampoo my hair for 24 more hours so that the conditioning effect will penetrate my hair strands more.

While making some chika with the attendant, she mentioned that nowadays a lot of organic shampoos are available.  She mentioned that organic shampoos are sulfate free.  She mentioned that when you had treatment done to your hair (like rebonding, perming or coloring, etc.) sulfates in commercial shampoos damages the hair and this makes the effect of the treatment not to last that long.  So I went to my good friend google again to research on sulfate.  Sulfate is the key ingredients in hair products to make it bubbly and foamy when lathered onto the hair.  Although the amount in products is approved and is acceptable to FDA standards it is still harmful when used continuously.  I was more convinced when I remembered the permanent blow dry I had in one of the posh salons in Resorts World.  They claimed it will last 3 months when in three days my hair was limping again and unhappy as it can be.  The treatment I had was erased by the harsh chemicals that can be found in the commercial sulfate laden shampoos.  The sulfate-free shampoos are pretty hard to find and are expensive.  Even botanicals and herbal shampoos in our favorite groceries are not free from these ingredients.  Then I remembered one brand that claims to be organic.  I researched the ingredients and found that they are indeed sulfate-free.  Today is my 3^rd day to use the shampoo and conditioner.  I have no complaints yet and it seems to be a great product.  I won’t name it or rave about it yet but will review it once I finished the whole bottle.

Our hair like our skin needs TLC too.  It’s not just about hygiene anymore, we seek for clean and nourishing products to take care of our whole body.  There are women who are not vain (like me) but will always opt to have clean, clear and supple skin.  While I can be the lotion, body and hand cream guru, I am pretty much a newbie when it comes to hair.  I was pretty excited with my discoveries because I know that there are people like me who were just happy with shampooing and conditioning their hair then visits the salons to pamper their tresses once in a blue moon.  And now that I am kinder and gentler to my hair I would love to share facts I have learned to all of you.

It’s the weekend, a long one for us Pinoy boys & girls.  To our Muslim friends, enjoy your festivities and my salute to you all for the culmination of your sacrifices and fasting.  Let’s celebrate and enjoy the days of freedom (from anything!!!).  God bless!  

World, Say Hi to Utoy!

I realized that I wasn’t able to write anything about my first ever grandson (yes I’m a proud Grandmomma hehehe).  I am now presenting him to my blog.  I love you Putotoy!!!

He's 10 months old now, loves to eat, loves to drink fresh juices and he always sleeps in our bed.  He love sleeping in it with Dada Warren.

My Bestfriend's Birthday

I wanted to write something meaningful today, you see it’s my bestfriend Luchie’s birthday and because I love her so dearly I wanted to share how lucky I am because I grew up having a best friend like her.  So here it goes… Luchie and I are second cousins but we only get to know each other when we started High School.  We are cousins yes, but we were not instant friends. We became friends in our sophomore year and we were inseparable ever since. 

There is this saying that we can never choose our families but we can always choose our friends.  I am just glad that I have a (blood) family and friendship combined in Luchie.  I do not want to dramatize that we both been through a lot together and individually but it is true.  We’ve been through a loss of a parent (her Papa), we’ve been through heartaches and pain, rejection and fear.  Between the 2 of us I can say my bestfriend is the stronger and the braver one.  She has the biggest heart and she deserves the blessing she’s been poured in the past years.

She can be bossy, yes.  She can be persistent.  She can be opinionated.  She can be demanding.  But all of these in pure reasonable boundaries.

We do not have a perfect friendship.  We don’t fight but we sometimes get disappointed bordering upset with each other.  I do not agree with her all the time and she’s the same with me.  I tell her everything and I think she tells me pretty much everything too.

There are times when I’m sad that I cry in the ungodly hours of the morning and just wish that she’s awake so that I can hear a voice that would comfort me.  

I was talking to my husband last night and he’s teasing me why I would go home for the Holy week on Monday and not this weekend.  He said I have the weekend off so we should maximize out time together – we being a long distance married couple.  I accused him of competing with my bestfriend who is home for this week.  I told him he doesn’t understand how it is to have a bestfriend in life.  I was pretty feisty and ready for a debate.  My husband conceded.  I know he’s only teasing me because he already told me before that he’s happy for me that I have Luchie to turn to whenever I feel an overflow of emotion, happy or sad.

An on this special day, I am grateful to Him that a new year has been blessed to me.  Yes, you read it right, a new year blessed to me and it is not even my birthday.  A new year to share life with my bestfriend.

Happy Birthday Sweetie! 

Hello 2013!

Drum roll please, welcome to the 550th blog post!

Hello there blog!  Happy New Year!  I know I've been neglecting you these past few months. A lot happened and I wanted to share them all with you, it’s just that there is so little time, so little left of me to write.  But that doesn't mean I forgotten you.  I know you understand like you always do.  All that matters is that I am writing to you now, I know I am forgiven.  I always have this urge to write to you after a day of struggle, a day of joy or a day when I long to have the friend who listens/read.

For my birthday I went to Hong Kong with W and my parents.  It was a birthday worth for the books, something I will always remember.  It was a blessed day/s that thanking God for another year of life is not enough.  That vacation brought me happiness of the heart.  Seeing them all happy was the best birthday gift.  I will truly treasure the blessings God gave during those days, His generosity and faithfulness truly inspired me.  It was the best birthday.

October was truly memorable too. Oct 17… I will never forget it.  During that time we still didn't know but it was the day that would change our lives, the day that would make W & I the happiest married couple on earth.  It was also the day that made us the loneliest.  But it was the day that made us closer, made us thank God for the opportunity and made our love grew deeper.

Nov 23 was the day our beautiful news was confirmed.  Nov 24 started bloody doomsday.  Dec 7 confirmed that we lost our sac.  The next days that followed were the saddest days.  But we didn't blame anyone not even ourselves.  It was the following days that made us stronger and the days that brought us hope.  Try and try until you succeed.  Sounds cliche but it was the truth.

The sadness we felt slowly drifted away.  We had a great Christmas celebration and New Year with our families.  Christmas was with mine, New Year was with the in-laws.  We couldn't be any happier for the love, support and gifts we have received.  I personally felt the grace of God, He truly made my heart swell with love.

As 2013 approach, W & I are filled with hope for the better years to come.

I have the job that keeps me sane, it brought me sorrows, discontentment and a feeling of being mistreated most of the time but I am grateful.  The Lord gave me a strong heart so that I can shield myself from the words that pierced it.

2013 is a year of friends too.  I am thankful for the loves of my life. 

I am glad and have thanked the Lord for my bestsie’s blessings.  I am so happy for sweetie and her family.  Their Daddy would be very proud.  I know this by heart because I am so proud of them 4, how much more if their Daddy is alive?  Massive heart attack because his veins swelled with pride.  They are the living proof that good karma exists.  Goodness and hard work is equals to great success.

And for good ol friend J, he really needs a break.  The Lord made him this successful because He knows he can handle it.  So J, stop the breakdown and just praise Him.  You’re happiness is the next gift God will bless you with.  I know this because you’re a strong fellow.  You are blessed, you are loved.  You are great, keep that in mind.  Don’t sweat the small stuff.  Be open to the possibilities, be patient and remember that looking will just keep you exhausted.  It’s a verb and will just keep you moving without direction.  Stay calm and keep still.  It will come to you.  Forces like that are inevitable.  The Lord is still writing your love story.

I opened my 2013 to 2 movies that are worth my money and time.  Pi reminds me of Job.  They both have superb faith.  The Lord, is what I call my God.  It can be Allah to some, Christ to the others or a lot of other different names.   But the Supreme Being that guides us all is always listening.  We cannot see Him but we feel His presence.  Life of Pi teaches us Faith, Courage and Hope.  Three things that could give us a better 2013, things that could make 2013 our best year so far.

1800s France is no different from Millennium Philippines.  A lot of people are still suffering.  Misfortune still happens to good people.  But because God sees all of us equally, we should be reminded that our fortune may not be in this earth life but in the life beyond it.

This is a long entry my blog.  I really wanted to make it up to you. 

Today is spaghetti day of the month.  Well you know why.  Happy happy W!  I love you!     

Change

Stressed with 3 letter “s” is an understatement.  If not for the correct spelling that should be followed, my spelling would have at least 10 letter “s” in it.  I was way beyond stressed last month but I am thankful that little by little, with a few and very minute bumps here and there -- my life is pushing towards the right track.

I cannot say pass to the important things, events and situation that comes my way.  Nor could I gladly ask to lose one turn when chaos, challenges and shortcomings strike.  Growing up means facing the music, you have a choice to either follow the usual steps or create your own.  The former may mean playing it safe and the later, taking some risk.  Either way you have nothing to lose, you tried and if you don’t succeed there is still time to do it again.

Next week, another year would add to my existence.  2012 has been so nice to me.  I am blessed, loved and I’m grateful.  I may have some ups and downs with work and family but I couldn’t ask for more and I wouldn’t change a thing.  I always believe that we reap what we sow and that we would always have the best of everything we deserve.

While chatting with friend J over the weekend, maturity and growing up factor in life kept me pondering.  What happened to our childhood?  What happened to all of us in our teens?  Did it affect how we see the world today?  I didn’t find the answers until last night while doing the usual bending & stretching in our Bikram class, my favourite Yogi was the one teaching the class.  While doing the Savasana (corpse pose) he said “Embrace change and if you have a choice, move on”.  Makes sense.  Things are different now that we are older.  Nothing is easy now.  You have to work hard to get something, unlike when we were young where we were given pretty much everything we need.  These things are major changes and we cannot escape them.  What we can only do is to accept it, deal with it, or in Gino’s (the Yogi) terms – embrace it.  Generally, change is good.  It’s an improvement if you’ll see it in a positive way.  If the change is not for the better, we have to find a solution.  We have to deal with it and if all efforts were made (failed or those successful), we have to move on.  Not to forget about it but to learn from it.

In this world full of imperfections, we can always do something to make it better.  Not perfect, just better.

Midweek boys & girls.  Enjoy the rest of the week.  Keep safe & God bless everyone.

And Happy Birthday to my Kuya!

Of Unnamed Heroes and Brave Hearts

I’ve been seeing the video link of the MMDA officer over at FB for a couple of days already.  It is not my habit to open links and watch posted videos on FB unless I am directly tagged.  While here in Bulan, I always check news online because I don’t watch tv often here.  This morning I saw a news bit about the MMDA officer and that a case has already been filled.  I decided to check out the story and googled videos to find out what the news is all about.

I ended up crying.  I am so mad at the Carabuenas and my heart is bleeding for Mang Saturnino.  Often times when stuck in traffic I would see MMDA officers sweating and trying to brave the heat of the sun or coldness of the rain.  I would often wonder, “Magkano kaya sweldo ng mga yan?  I’m sure di pa kasya pampaospital pag nagkasakit.” I always hear stories of how there are abusive traffic enforces trying to get money from the traffic violators but in my years of driving, I have nothing but good experiences with them. 

I admit I’m not a perfect driver, I have committed traffic violations not because I have malicious intentions of committing them but often times because I didn’t know or I was left with no other choice but commit it.  Yes it was my “ignorance” that made me an offender and I’m not making any excuses.

I would often tell the enforcer “Manong gusto ko sanang aregluhin to kaya lang po baka mas magalit kayo sa akin.”  That’s how I always make the segue for the “areglo”.  I don’t want to end up with more violations by bribing an officer.  I would always end up going away without a ticket, without giving any money and at times being escorted by the MMDA while I go on my way from the scene.  Yes, I leave with just a “pabaong lecture” from Mamang MMDA.  I know I’m lucky, must be because I was RESPECTFUL, something that the Carabuena A-hole lacks.

In the recent Habagat floodings, I prayed for the unnamed heroes.  People we see on photos and tv helping others.  Individuals who went out of their ways, endangering their own lives just to help children, the old and the handicapped.  Same with the police force, traffic force, people who try their best to keep us, the masses whom they don’t personally know, safe.  In each day of their lives they put themselves at risk to do their jobs.  Yes it’s a living, they may have no choice but do it but still it means a lot to us.  People need rules or else chaos will follow. 

There maybe some individuals from the force who taints their uniform and the reputation of the entire organization, but let us not forget that there are more who perform their job with pride and honor.  God bless all the unnamed heroes.  God bless Mang Saturnino.  God bless the Carabuena’s as well.  We have a just and mighty Lord God, He knows what we all deserve.

It’s almost the weekend friends, enjoy the rest of the week and enjoy the long weekend.  Coding might be lifted but please be responsible while on the road.

Hello 2012 3rd Quarter!

I know I should revamp this blog or if not at least give a little attention to it.  The calendar on my page were so last, last, last year (yes 2010 or so).  Anyway I have the time today that is why I decided to write something about what I have been up to the past few months.

2 of my good friends decided to go abroad for good.. Gabs went to Abu Dhabi (magkakalat ng lagim ala Sex & the City) while Saree is now in Sweden (not sure whether to study massage Swedish style or look for the guy with the dragon tattoo).  I miss them a lot because they are my bestest college friends and they serve as my caffeine.  I may miss them and I’m sad they left but I am happy for them because they decided to live their future the way they want it to be.  So ladies, good luck.  I miss and love you both.

I’m not sure if I already mentioned that the only good thing I like about travelling is that I get to catch up on my reading.  The airports (according to my foursquare account, airports are the places I frequent lately, sorry naman I need to be in the plane to actually be somewhere noh) are now my modern library.  Because everything is in touch technology now books included, just bring your tablet/e-books and you’re good to go.  I also bring my hard copies when I travel, especially since I still have tons of unread book collecting dusts on my shelf.  I like being in our (my hubby & my) hometown because I get to read in the evenings.  Well I don’t watch a lot of TV in Bulan because a.) not all my channels are available in the local cable b.) we are staying in hubby’s granny’s house when we’re both in Bulan and the house has only 1 TV reserved for hubby (and his arghh channels)  and lastly c.) I don’t want to lounge in the sala (even if it was just me & hubby inside the house), not my thing – I would only lie around looking like I own the place inside a bedroom.  What better way to pass the time (aside from watching downloaded TV series like our fave GoT) but to read?  I was able to finish 2-3 books whenever I’m in Bulan and I so love the feeling of being able to finish a whole book.  

photo from the web

I am currently reading book 2 of EL James’ trilogy.  The book is so controversial and there a lot of discussions about it but it’s just light reading do not delve too much on erotic side if you find it so scandalous.  Thanks to friend Rhei for convincing me to read it because she said “she cried” when she was reading it so I thought it must be good.  It’s okay, not so great but I am only on book 2.  One needs to read all 3 to appreciate it.

I finally found the workout for me, its Bikram Yoga.  I have never been so sweaty in my entire life.  I’ve ran a number of marathons but not Bikram sweaty.  Let’s see how long I will like it (until sawa mode comes).  BYA studio is also kind enough to freeze my membership whenever I am away out of town or in Bicol so it’s a plus for me.  I don’t need to feel sad over not being able to fully utilizing my monthly membership because I am in Manila 3 weeks a month only.

So that's it for now boys and girls.  W arrives this Saturday.  Yehey!

Lifehouse 2.0, M & Today

When I watched Lifehouse in 2008 I was with my bestfriends, this time is more special because W, the number 1 fan of the band would be able to watch them.  My day would be packed tomorrow but I'm excited...for a million different things.

I just love this week that passed, this weekend, everything about it.

My friend M rose from a long FB pause.  Well it's not that FB is a priority but he completely spaced out for a while.  I'm just happy he loves his independence now, loves life in general.  Apir dear!

I should work now, time will be in a haste today I know.  Rhei and I will paint Makati pink (for kikay).

Happy weekend boys & girls!  God bless us all!

Barney's Bride

picture from the web

It’s been a while, I know.  I just want to drop a little note before I see the full episode where we’ll all find out (here in the Phils.) who ends up with who in HIMYM.  I know it was my girl Robin but everyone is still rooting for the Ted-Robin Tandem.  And of course Lily & Marshall’s bet is still on.  Ted will meet the kids’ mother on  Barney’s wedding but it doesn’t necessarily mean that she’ll be the love of Ted’s life because that spot was already filled, am I right?  Oh yes I know I’m right.

PS: Cobie looks so cool in Avengers but my mind can't help but anticipate in what scene will the rest of the HIMYM pop out?  I'm such a fan I know.  Catch the 1 hour special of the HIMYM season finale tonight at 8 on 2nd Ave. (This is not a paid plug).

Happy weekend boys & girls!

***JOEY***

It's not fair leaving us early, we're older than you are.

I wrote this about you in 2005. You will be missed dude, say hi to my Uncle Steph for me.

******
JOEY
******
I call Joey as the Julio ng buhay ko, yep Julio at Julia kambal ng tadhana. I dunno why this fellow seems to know a lot about me. I am so transparent in his eyes that he can see through me. There was this one instance before that he seems to understand me more than my girl friends. And just recently, he told Gabs that he thinks I like this one guy cos my eyes were different when I look at the guy. Grabe, I am so buking in front of Joey, kaya friend here’s to you – you deserve a shout out. Thanks for waiting with me last Friday, you don’t talk much but it was fun hanging out with you & babe watching is cool I guess, hehehe ginawa mo talaga akong lesbo. Natutuwa talaga ako sayo.

Reflection

I was about to just account the details of my Vancouver trip, the usual, it was for business and I was there to do a job. I wasn’t able to even have a decent tour because it rained most afternoons and if it doesn’t I was inside the conference hall doing my work. It was my first “more than 5 hours” trip, a major travel if you know what I mean. It was in North America for crying out loud. I was decided to tell the trip in the same manner that I do all the time until something changed my mind.

On the flight going home I watched We Bought A Zoo, it was on the plane’s entertainment channel. I was crying the whole time mid end of the movie to the tune of Sigur Ros’ Hoppipolla. I was crying to Matt Damon. I don’t know why at first. It could be because I was touched by the story, I miss my family, I miss my husband.

I tried not to be too emotional then it struck me, how often do we have those 20 seconds of embarrassment to have the courage flow? How often do we let ourselves go out there, make a crazy adventure, say something stupid and just act foolish? Honestly the answer, well my answer is zero. I always had it calculated. I always have a plan, not just A but up to Z.

Most of us didn’t have our normal emotional childhood, this is not about our literal childhood but the normal stages we have to go through to have the emotional adulthood. It is not being immature but something to do with emotional preparedness. We often deny ourselves of some random act of rolling with the punches, we always make sure that we thought about things and before we even commit an act we already know what the aftermath is. I often would question the word “aftermath” in these situation since they didn’t happen after but before.

I may not make any point (as always) here but what I want to happen is for me to give in to things that are not heavily thought of. That I should give to a little foolishness once in a while to see what would the real aftermath be.

So what I’m basically telling myself here is to let loose, what’s bound to happen will happen and as Matt Damon said in the movie, when you fall in love, real hard it is once in a life time. When you feel something strong towards something – be it for your career, your plan for the day or even what your heart is telling you to tweet about and write in your blog, GO FOR IT!

I like my job but I don’t see myself retiring to it. I have ups & down here and there with regards to it but I get by. But after crying a lot because of it I have decided to do it as long as I’m okay and the minute I’m not I will walk out. If I was asked yesterday if this is a possibility I’ll say no because I still have a lot of responsibility and I cannot lose this job yet but hell, I will find a new one. It may not be something as high paying but it’ll be something I love and loves me back.

I want to have a massage when I arrive in Manila, I’ll go I will not feel guilty about it anymore (this is a different story reserved for later). And if I want to tweet that you, yes you, are a fool not to talk to me, your one true friend who cares for you and actually loves you then I will (or maybe I already did).

We live in a world of uncertainties, I could be dead in a few days or while aboard this plane (knock on wood), we’ll never know. So it is okay to loosen up, let down some guard, remove the tight hair bun and let the wind blew it. It’s okay to cry, be depressed but at least talk to a friend. It is okay to be a cynic but don’t make it a living. It is okay to cry, it is okay to laugh, it is okay to let go. It is okay to open up, hit the ground but get up. It is okay to be disappointed, but don’t give up. It is okay to rely on someone, it won’t make you less of a independent person that you already are. It is okay to be turned down, you can try the second up to gazillionth time. It is okay to fail, the world won’t end because of it. There’s a time and place for everything.

My hubby and I would talk about it most of the time, how we’re not in a rush to start a family but it would be a bonus if we get one early on our marriage. How every period feels like a miscarriage but we console ourselves with the fact that the big guy up there still would want us to go to Europe first and have fun. We talked about how I really miss my best friends. He said absence makes the heart grow fonder and because I love them I let them use their wings to fly. We talked about me being a control freak. And it make sense, it took Matt Damon to make me remove my bun and helmet in the form of denial.

Today as I write this on the very flight that would bring me back to reality I made a decision, that upon ground arrival I will be the coolest version of me. I will let loose, I will let go, I will love more and I will live my life because a great man gave up his for me – for all of us. He took my cross from me so there is no reason to feel a heavy load.

Today, I will not feel guilty or be thrifty with the way I live. Today I will be happy no matter what. I will be more accepting, more understanding, more forgiving.

This is the day I am reborn.

Make this holy week holiday a time for reflection. Rest, lift it up to God and free your mind.

Snow Capped

mountain white :)

It was extra chilly today, we walked going to dinner 5 blocks away from the hotel and my face froze.

Books and/vs Movies

It’s been a while since I last made a movie review. I am just in the mood because it made me happy that the best 2012 1^st quarter movie(s, for me) are both based on a book.

I consider myself a reader than a viewer. Yes I do watch a lot of movies, I love movies! But I am more fond of reading. Imagine how delighted I am whenever books turned to movie stories depicted a scene the way I imagined it to be.

The reason why I am very excited to do this shout out today is because I have seen both movies first before I have read the book. So you will understand that I bought the books because I saw the movie. Well it was a little different for The Hunger Games. It was all the hype that made me excited to watch it. I had a dream about it. I saw the trailer, it looks promising and all my nephews & niece talked about it all the time. The book originally was catered to young adults but a reader is a reader, there is no age difference in my opinion because I am still fond of reading children’s literature up to now.

I never intend to read The Hunger Games book but I am looking forward to watching it on screen. Last Saturday night, my nephew’s copy of the book was just lying around the house. They were discussing it because both boys (Josh & Jude) were able to watch it already. My niece Shaine & I are scheduled to watch it the next day. I just got curious (it was around 10-11pm), picked up the book, started browsing and the next thing I know, it was 2 am. I finished the book and I liked it so much (love would be a very strong word and I do not intend to be a book slut by saying “love love” a book, like would be a safe word to use). The movie didn’t disappoint either. Right after the movie, we headed to the bookstore and bought the box set (all 3 books and a couple of hard bound books that I really want to have a copy, yes I splurged again on books GUILTY!). I am now on book 2 (Catching Fire), I am not in a hurry to finish it because I am saving it for my very long non-stop flight to Vancouver this Thursday.

For The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, I have seen the movie first (the Hollywood version) before I decided to read the rest of the Trilogy. I’ve been hearing a lot about the book years ago but because I thought it’d be full of sex and violence I said I’m never gonna like it. W & I watched the movie because he got curious, it was Daniel Craig (he likes him) and Rooney Mara received an Oscar nod for this movie. Off we go and surprisingly I liked it too (not and will never be a Craig fan). Right after the movie I bought all 3 books. I read the first one even though I’ve seen the movie already and was able to finish the next two last month. I downloaded the original Swedish movie versions but was not able to watch them all yet. Maybe I’ll have the time for it this holy week.

So there you go. It’s not really a movie review, it’s just a shout out. I decided not to give my opinions about the movies because I like them both and I think I got my money’s worth. W wants to watch the HG movie too. I just hope it’s still on theatres when he’s in town 2 weeks from now. I will go with him and watch it again for the second time.

If you’re interested in the book vs movie review of The Hunger Games, this site is good to read: http://screenrant.com/hunger-games-movie-book-differences-johnh-160474/

Happy Monday to everyone!

Rainy Days and Fridays

I woke up feeling fine, kissed the hubby bye bye, drove to the office with breeze & positivity. Arrived in the office, thought of brewing a pot of coffee which I don’t do often. It’ll be instant coffee if I’m in a hurry but since I’m feeling good I decided to brew a pot but then I realized my boss (another coffee drinker) is not coming in. I don’t want to drown in brewed coffee the whole day.

I’m still feeling good. Answered all the emails I received from last night. After 30 minutes and since it’s still early I logged on to the social networking sites. Everyone is happy as well, it’s Friday who would not be – almost the weekend – hooray!

And then it struck me how I hate Fridays lately. I miss going out. It’s not about being married that hinders me from going out, or is it?

To make myself clear (I don’t want to sound whiny so I want to explain this) I can go out as much as I want and my husband wouldn’t stop me if it’s what makes me happy. He would happily obliged to accompany me as I hang out with friends if I want to. Or if he’s not in town, I just informed him that I’m going out and it’s okay. You see I’m blessed with an open minded husband, even when we were still boyfriends-girlfriends he didn’t attempt to stop me from seeing my friends or stay out late once in a while, because he knows what I’m up to, who I’m with and everything else that comes with it.

So what’s my problem? It’s the fact that the friends I usually hang out with are nowhere to be found. Out of the country, busy doing single ladies things, or maybe just don’t want to spend time with me. I understand 1 & 2 but the third I cannot. I am not saying that I am the most fun to be with friend, in fact I’m not. I’m boring and I only do old lady things like read, watch movies or talk over a cup of coffee. I know I am not the person you go to when you want to have fun but I know I can be the person you want to talk to when there’s something bothering you or you have nothing important to do (okay the last one hurts a little, it’s like I’m the last choice friend but I can live with that).

With all these yakety yak and without any point trying to prove, I just want not to hate Fridays, that’s all. I just want it to be normal. It may not be my favorite day because all I want for it to do is to end. I know it all depends on me but it still makes me sad.

Yes Rainy Days & Fridays makes me sad. The End.

Advance Happy Birthday Baby!

Tomorrow is my husband's birthday and I am so glad I was able to take a leave from work (well not actually I'll be on mobile mode) and spend the day with him.

Since we're here in the province we'll celebrate the day with family & friends. It is the first time that they'll have a some sort of celebration because in the words of my hubby "birthdays are just another normal day in our family". I am so looking forward for tomorrow because his birthday, another ordinary day according to him, will be celebrated. Later this afternoon my Mom-in-law, Warren & I will head to town and buy stuff for the celebration. Small preparations were already being made by the yayas as early as today. It's like a mini fiesta! 5 kilos of spaghetti, is it too much or what?

I'll take pictures, I just hope my phone cam won't let me down. I wasn't able to bring the SLR because I decided to travel lite.

I love looking forward to little wonderful things, makes me excited. Lately I realized that small things make me happier than the grandest ones. What they said about great things comes in small packaging is true and are often for free like seeing your family happy. A shared meal with them and the happy exchanges. I am so missing my family too in Manila but I'll be seeing them in a few days.

I cannot say that I am loving the rural life because I still have 2 years to enjoy my urban everyday existence but I won't lie and say that I am not excited. I just pray I won't get bored and won't miss my folks badly.

From birthday to long term married life. Here's an early cheers for my wonderful husband. I love you baby!

We Got Featured!

Yes We Were!

the home page on bridalbook.ph

It was an exciting moment when I received Kristy Texon, BridalBook.ph's Editor in Chief that Warren & my wedding pictures were chosen to be featured on their site (Summit Media's web portal for the wedding industry). I wanted so much to finish answering their questionnaire so that I can submit it, I was really excited. 2 days after I was able to send it back, while browsing through Facebook, tadan! It was so surreal, reading an article about yourself and your story - amazing.

All the great works of our suppliers were there. We were so blessed that our hardwork & labor of love to have a wedding to remeber paid off. My wedding bouquet was even chosen as one of W@W's Best of 2011 Bridal Bouquet series. It's so awesome!!!

Here are some of the photos I print screened hehehe. Thank you BridalBook for the awesome feature.

love story page

preparation details

black & white photo by Nelwin Uy

Do check out the whole feature by clicking here.