'Cause I'm Leaving on a Jetplane

Tomorrow will mark our second week here in the land of snow, polar bears, Tim Hortons and President's Choice. Although we've kept ourselves busy from the time that we arrived, I still get homesick whenever I think of my family and friends that I have left behind in Manila. I will never forget that day in the airport.

Despite the fact that A and I had only 30 minutes of sleep, my body was wide awake as if I've been injected with five Red Bulls as we left our house in LP. I'm also guessing that because a couple of our friends insisted that they have breakfast with us before going to the airport also added to the adrenaline rush.

As we were done with breakfast, we headed to the airport. A and I got separated when we were on our way to the airport as we had a lot of things so there were three cars used. The third was our friend's. So anyway, I rode with my dad going to the airport. The minute we reached the flyover leading to the departure area of the airport, I literally wanted to throw up. There were like fireworks in my belly. A similar feeling when I was about to take the Nursing local board exam but this was worse. My hands were all clammy and my head was spinning. No, this is not connected to the lack of sleep that we had but from the thought of leaving... leaving my home.

We found a spot and as my dad, A and my friends were busy unloading our bags, I was already psyching myself not to cry when the time comes to say our goodbyes. At that instant, my tummy was back to normal and my head was not spinning anymore. I was ok surprisingly like a reset button was turned on inside my head to command it to be normal again. I felt pleased and relaxed. But the next thing that happened, made all the normalcy in me disappear.

I was saying goodbye to friends. One by one they hugged and wished me good luck. I then approached my dad and said "goodbye". He gave me a hug and I hugged him back. I was still ok... no tears. I let go of him but he was still hugging me tighter and tighter. It was at that time that I caved. My eyes suddenly was filled with tears. My dad then let go of me and patted my arm and said "sige na, ingat kayo" (Go now and take care). (I then went to my mom, I probably looked hideous as I was already crying) I gave her a hug and my heart just stopped when I also saw tears in her eyes. Funny how she asked me why I was crying when clearly she was holding back her own tears. I couldn't speak anymore and I just gave in. It was probably because that was the only time that I realized that we are "really leaving" them behind. This isn't just a short trip or a vacation... Stupid as it may sound but it was only then that my very sleep-deprived brain comprehended that it would be a long time before I see my parents and friends again.

As mixed emotions were drowning my mind, I said my final goodbye to my family and friends then left and headed towards the entrance of the departure area.

*Image taken from Google images.

PRC Filing

Last Tuesday was a very stressful day for me. My classmates and I went to PRC for the filing. This was my first time to set foot in PRC. Getting there was already stressful as the traffic was terrible. Jeepneys move like snakes as they slither their way in those side streets. Not to mention the pedicabs that just pop out of nowhere! Haay...

So we got there around 2:30 p.m. and as we successfully parked our car (somewhere safe..hehe!), we proceeded to walk to PRC. As we got there. We still needed to have our forms and other documents notarized as part of the requirements. We had to pay 150 pesos for the notarized school documents and application forms. This I find weird because all the documents that we will be submitting are all certified by the school. Hmm... Anyway, after having all our documents ready, we proceeded inside the building. I have three words to describe what I saw: Divisoria in December. There were a lot of people and this was just outside the building. When we went in to find a shorter queue, there were more upstairs. I was beginning to think if the building could bear the weight of all the people in it. As we searched and searched for the shortest queue to have our papers processed, we found this room at the second floor where they can process everything. This was good news for us because for some, they would have to go to different queues just to get their metered stamp, the blue and white forms and the one for the payment. In that office at the second floor, they accept payment, they have the metered stamp and give out the blue and white forms. In short, combo meal slash package deal. Kulang na lang eh foot spa. Lol! We were even saying that we got the best queue and we might even end up getting the "license" too. Hahaha! How I wish!

So there at around 4:45 p.m., we were done. It was good that there were eight of us because we would each fall in line in a different queues and would switch places once done. Hehe! It was also good that we were told to go there after lunch because there were "less" students that time. Sa lagay nung pumasok kami eh less pa pala yun! Kaloka! What more if we went there in the morning. I heard from some of our classmates, that they were already there at 4:30 a.m. and was able to finish around 2:00 p.m. Yikes! I would've gone crazy if that was me!

What only made things bearable was the staff in PRC. They were all very helpful and courteous when approached. The only real thing that I disliked was the lack of organization and signs inside the building. You wouldn't know where to go first. We were even joking around saying that PRC made it that way so that the students would make sure that they pass the board so that they wouldn't have to go through with that again. Hahahaha!

All in all, it was an adventure again. I'm beginning to think that every time I go to any government office, it would be an "adventure". LOL!

Visita Iglesia on Holy Thursday

My husband and I had our Visita Iglesia last Thursday night. This was my first time to do this outside the comforts of our village in LP. Hehe! I was used to doing Visita Iglesia just by going to the three nearby churches in LP. I know, some sacrifice right? But that's what we've been doing for the past... ummm... 10 years I think.

* The above photo was the shoes we wore that night. After reading this, you'll understand why I posted it. *

Last Thursday was different. This was our route:

1st and 2nd Station: UST Church
3rd and 4th Station: San Sebastian Church
5th and 6th Station: Shrine of the Holy Face of Jesus
7th and 8th Station: Quiapo Church
9th and 10th Station: San Beda Chapel
11th and 12th Station: San Miguel Church
and finally, the 13th and 14th Station: St. Jude Archdiocesan Church

It was a very humbling and eye-opening experience for me.

I felt ashamed (of the fact that when we haven't even started with our Visita Iglesia, I already kept asking A if we're going to walk far from the churches that we will be going to) when I saw something for the first time and made me realize how silly I sounded.

What I saw was probably something a lot of you who frequent the churches of Manila during this time have seen before. I am talking about those people who walk barefoot while doing their Visita Iglesia. At first, (when A pointed them out while we were inside Quiapo church)I thought they just remove their shoes while inside the church but they were also walking barefoot on the streets. I was quite shocked and a bit afraid for their sake (the nurse in me was panicking and I was already thinking of all the possible medical emergencies they could be in). There were even girls who were doing the same thing. Imagine walking the dirty streets of Manila without any shoes. The thought made me cringe and shudder at the same time. But it also made me realize that these people couldn't care less if they step on gum, poop or even something sharp. What's important to them is that it was something they "gave up". Something we should all consider doing to live a more content life.

It was so simple yet for me, it was very real. Compared to what I had in mind (a long list of what I plan to give up this holy week), not wearing any shoes beats the likes of "not eating any pork", "not smoking or drinking for the rest of the holy week", etc, etc...

I wish I could do that. But I don't think I can. That is why I admire those people.
I hope I (and the rest of the people) would realize that it doesn't have to be really complicated to make a sacrifice. It's as simple as removing ones shoes.

I hope everyone was safe this holy week. Happy Easter!

Ina

It was always told in Religion class that death is a stage in our life that should not be feared as it is at this time that we come to live with our creator in paradise. This belief is what I have been holding on to since I have learned the concept of death. It is what kept me from being "at peace" and not questioning the reasons why people have to die. However, it is different when a loved one has moved on to paradise.

My grandmother passed away last Sunday.

It wasn't something that happened suddenly. We all knew that her health was slowly deteriorating. We were hoping for the best but was preparing for the worst. As her health slowly deteriorated, I felt helpless. I wished that I could take away the pain that she felt. But there was nothing that I could do but to kiss her on the forehead and asked her to try to eat more. In short, I wanted her to fight to stay with us. The look on her face and the frailty of her body sent a piercing pain on my heart. Unfortunately, our worst fear happened. Ina, my grandmother was gone.

No matter how hard I try to convince myself that she is now in a better place, a big part of me still wishes that she's still here. I know it is selfish but right now this is how I feel. A lot of 'what ifs' have crossed my mind, and I wish that I could resolve them. One of these is to be able to repay the time and effort she has given to care for us when my brother and I were still young and our parents were out working. She has become our second mother. And because of the kind of lifestyle that we have right now, the busy schedules, the deadlines that have to be met and the responsibilities that need to be done, only a minute fraction of her care and love for us were reciprocated.

I'm sorry Ina for not doing more.

I love you.

I cannot stress how this message has made an impact on me. I hope you would all take the time to watch this.

Song of the Week 5/2009

This week's Song of the Week was performed by Josh Groban and Charlotte Church entitled The Prayer. A lot of artists have done renditions of this song but this is what I like best.

I chose this song because it is what got me through last weekend.

Passport Renewal

This afternoon, A and I went to DFA to have our passports renewed. Well, actually I went ahead since A still has to work till 1:30 pm.

So I got there around 12:30 pm. I was early for our 1:00 pm appointment because I wanted to be first on the queue. Well, that's what I thought.

I was lucky that at the last minute, A told me to just take a cab going there because I might have a hard time finding a parking space. But honestly, the parking space would be the least of my problems after what happened this afternoon.

Okay, back to DFA. So I got off the cab and went straight to the guard standing at the entrance. Before I could reach him, there were three or four men wearing big IDs hanging on their necks and asking me the purpose of my visit. So I obliged by saying that I had an appointment at 1:00 pm for our passport renewal. They were asking if I had the application forms and pictures. I'm thinking (and if I'm just a nasty person would say this aloud), 'of course I have them with me. Who on earth would go there without any kind of document with them', right? But then they checked my pictures. They said those wouldn't be accepted because I had "bangs". Sheesh! What do they want, I'd cut them just so I can renew my passport? And to think I wasn't really pleased with the pictures that I have because they said I shouldn't smile. Well, I'm not used to that. Now, I have to get another set of pictures, this time with a worn out black blazer which thankfully I didn't have to wear. The 'photographer' just draped the stinky thing on my shoulders and proceeded to take my picture. My gosh! I looked horrible!! My face looked swollen and I looked paler than a ghost. Talk about overexposure! Then I had to pay Php 120.00 for that ghastly photo of me. 120 pesos for 6 passport-sized photographs! That's not all, since they removed the old picture that was glued on my application form, they charged me 12 pesos for the glue, the ink I used to put my thumb marks and a copy of the application form which they insisted that would be collected once I apply. Pero syempre hindi kinuha diba?

At that point, I was really irritated. Had I known that I need to affix already my thumb marks without the DFA personnel witnessing it, then I would've done it at home. And I should've brought glue so I won't get charged for it. You might say that's it's only 12 pesos and for sure I wouldn't miss it in my wallet. That may be true, but the amount of money that I need to shell out is not the issue. The issue is that these people would ask for money for everything! I mean, the 120 pesos is enough already to cover the pictures, the piece of paper used to photocopy my application form and the 3 dabs of glue used to stick my photo on the form!

But that's just half the story. The moment I got out of that kiosk and ready to go in. Another group of big ID'd men came rushing again and this time pointing me to the farther side of the street for the next procedure. Luckily, I was walking with this guy who is also there for his passport renewal and that he mentioned that he needs to get an appointment. I stopped and told him that I already have one so he told me that I should have already entered and proceeded to Gate 2 for my application. Grrrrrrr!! I was really pissed. I was already a few blocks away already and walking under the scorching heat of the sun without an umbrella. I was so annoyed when I got back at the entrance where the same men who instructed me to go to the oppossite direction of the building asked me if I had completed the forms. I wanted to scream and slap them silly but instead I totally ignored them (even the guards) and went in.

You're thinking, finally I got in and everything would be ok now, right? Wrong! As I found Gate 2, I immediately approached one of the four guards standing near the gate. (Do they really need four guards for that?) I asked him if I could go in since I have an appointment at 1:00 pm and it's already 1:15 pm. He said that I should wait and that they'll make an announcement if we could go in. So I was waiting at the gate still under heat of the sun for almost 10 minutes when one of the other four guards was speaking into a bullhorn and said that if there's anyone else left outside that has an appointment should go in now. So I approached him and asked if he was referring to those who were in the 1:00 pm slot. He then said that the 1:00 pm batch were already in and that I should go. Grrrr again! At that time, I couldn't help it and told on one of the guards.

I know two heads are better than one but having five or more is a disaster! The information being provided is already inaccurate. Ang dami-dami nila di naman sila nakakatulong! I hope anyone from DFA would be able to read this. Get a grip on those "fixers" wearing IDs who prey on the clueless and confused. And please, please try to inform your guards to have consistency on the information that they give to your applicants.

The only thing I like about this whole experience was that the whole procedure took only about 15 minutes. Mas matagal pa yung nilakad ko sa kawalan at pagkuha ng picture. Haay.... My gas abelgas!

So if you're planning to have your passports renewed, I suggest you get everything ok and do it soon because from what I've heard, by next year, everyone should have the machine-readable passport already if they want to travel. So good luck people! I hope you wouldn't go through what I've been through this afternoon. Nakakaloka! Kumulot ata hair ko sa kanila! Lol.

Dreaming of the Beach

The sun is really blazing in the afternoon and the temperature has really made itself clear that it's summer already. A lot of people have probably scheduled their summer activities already. *sigh

I so wish that I could go to the beach at least once for this summer. But I know that would be impossible. I'm so busy and my mind is so preoccupied that I can't even day dream of being in one of those Carribean cruises.

I so envy my friends who are on their way to Pangasinan and another group of friends headed to Batangas. Waaa! I want to go but I can't. My social life is on hold right now because of my studies so I guess the beach would have to wait. I'll see you next year pure white sands and sky blue sea.

Finals Week

My head is still recuperating from all the cramming I've done for our Final exams last week. And FYI, that was last Sunday and Monday. Yes, you read that right, the first day of our Final exams was on a Sunday. Given that my mind is on autopilot in the morning (and especially on weekends), it was harder because I was on two opposing planes that day. One was my usual "lethargic" self while the other one was the "high on caffeine overload" self. Let us not forget that my tummy's butterflies had butterflies in them as well. So anyway, that day was a long one. The format of the exams were like the board exam. Three exams with 100 items each for Sunday and the remaining two exams also with 100 items each was for Monday. Imagine the pain I had on my neck from looking down on the test paper for 5 1/2 hours for all three tests. But it didn't stop there, I had to take the final exam that I missed during our Intensive lecture for Psych Nursing. So that's four exams all in all. On the latter exam, my mind wasn't functioning properly anymore (as if it were on the first three tests). The questions in the exam weren't helping either because most of them were very long statements since it's a Psych exam. At the end of Day 1, both my mind and body were drained.

When we got home at around 3:30 pm, I went straight to bed and woke up at 6:00 pm. Now this is the funny part, I got up in one of those irritating ways when I just bolted up from the bed and went to get my towel. You see, I thought it was the next day already and I was going to take a bath. Good thing I saw A sleeping on the couch and mom-in-law preparing dinner. If not, I would've gone straight to the bathroom and would come out feeling really stupid and annoyed. Lol.

Day 2 was a bit different. I was more calm now because after the discussions we've had with my other classmates, we've realized that the previous day's exams were really difficult. Well, let us not blame everything on the exams but partly to blame was myself who didn't really study hard. Who was I kidding thinking of jamming everything in my sluggish brain all that was taught in just a week and a half. Haha! Good luck with that!

Going back, as I have let go of my feelings of denial and accepted the fact that it was partly me to blame, I felt a bit of regret from not watching the second Eraserheads concert. I could have watched it and would still feel this awful after the exams. Hahaha! Oh well, at least I got to watch the first one.

So there, that was how my week was. It's a Friday and yet I can't get to say "TGIF" because I have review classes on weekends. Waaa! Kuracha, ang babaeng walang pahinga!

Francis Magalona has Passed Away

"Mga Kababayan Ko", it is unfortunate that the country's Master Rapper, Francis Magalona passed away today at 12:00 PM. My condolences to his family. We have truly lost one of the best talents of our country.

Fire Scare

I was on my way home from school this afternoon. It's a 10-minute drive from our house. So I was driving when I saw in the sky really big and dark clouds of smoke. It was hard to tell where it was coming from but as soon as the tall houses cleared, panic hit me when I realized that the smoke was somewhat coming from the direction of our house. I was driving fast now and wasn't really minding the humps. Images of me packing our clothes and other things I can salvage in shipping boxes came flashing. Then, a sigh of relief came out of my mouth when I was already a few streets away from ours. Thank goodness it wasn't our house. I mean, I feel bad because it was someone's house or condo or building that was burning but I was very thankful that it wasn't ours.

So folks, let's be careful. It's summer already so the risk of a fire is higher in this time of the year. Let's unplug our gadgets and other appliances that are not in use especially when we're leaving the house. Unsupervised lit candles are a big no-no. I know I'm sounding like the spokesperson of Meralco but I just want everyone to be safe and not feel what I felt this afternoon.

New Year

First off, Happy new year everyone!!! I've just finished copying the pictures in my flash drive and I am getting ready to save them in my laptop. I better get started on these or else it would pile up again. So many pictures, so many memories of the past year.

I just love the new year. No matter how many times we've gone through it, it still (and don't deny it) gives us renewed hope about certain things in life. Even if it is just the coming of a new year, somehow, we would like to think (yes, me included) that we can start anew. It's like having a clean slate and we could totally redo or try to makeup for whatever shortcomings we've had from the previous year.

But before I go yapping about the new year, I would like to say that last year was probably one of the most memorable years of my 30 year existence. This is because and from what I have mentioned, yes, the big 3-0 happened last year. I celebrated my 30th birthday though in the beginning it was with much anguish and hesitation, I have come to ACCEPT this kind of "passing". I've realized that turning 30 isn't that bad. I may be checking a different box in the age section when filling out application forms but it's just numbers.

Second, my parents left the country to be immigrants in the US. This was one of those things that have kept me awake and sleepless weeks before they left. There were times when I was crying myself to sleep just by thinking of the idea that my parents won't be here for a very long time. The longest time that I've been separated from them was for a month when they went for a vacation in the US. That was it! This time, I know they'd be staying there for a longer period so I was really really really sad. It did however, taught me to be more INDEPENDENT and self-sufficient. This really made me realize that it's time to grow up and take charge.

Third, a few months after my parents left, my maternal grandmother who was living next door got really sick. She was in remission from colon cancer and is now fighting leukemia. My aunt and I got confused and disoriented at first. Doctors were telling us that my grandmother was really weak and showed signs of having a failing heart. This is the reason why my parents went back to check on my grandmother. I had mixed emotions at that time because I was both happy and sad when my parents went back here. Every so often when my parents left, I've always wished that they'd go back. And when they did, it was under terrible circumstances. I hope and pray that she'd fight the leukemia. I believe in the power of the prayer. And I believe in MIRACLES.

Fourth, I started blogging early last year. With some help from my friends E and A, I started blogging like crazy. There was a time when I got so hooked that I lost sleep because of blogging and doing blog hops. And because of blogging, I've met different kinds of interesting people from around the world. I've learned a lot from them and hope to LEARN more.

Lastly and probably the most reason why 2008 was memorable for me is because I got married late last year. I am now a Mrs., a wife and someday a mother to our future kids. There are so many good words to use on how I felt on that day. But to sum it all up, it is HAPPY (quite an understatement might I add). I could not ask for a more loving, caring, responsible and super drop-dead gorgeous husband. *wink wink*

So for 2009, I hope to not only ACCEPT things as they come or to be more INDEPENDENT or to never stop believing in MIRACLES or to never hesitate to LEARN new things or to be HAPPY with my life no matter how crappy it can be at times but to be able to do all of this and more with my new life with my husband.

Cheers everyone! Here's to a great year ahead of us!

Last Minute Christmas Shopping

Ok enough about the Pinoy version of Twilight. I guess I've already ruined enough of your Christmas holiday. Believe me I have no intentions of doing the same thing to your New Year's celebration.

Let me stick to what this holiday is about. My husband and I have been so busy making our Christmas list and doing our Christmas shopping that I've been late posting this entry.

Talk about last minute shopping. A and I went to Greenhilust a couple of hours there and go to Trinoma afterwards to look for other gift ideas. Unfortunately, we spent the whole day and evening in Greenhills but only managed to buy a couple of gifts. It's not that we're too picky in buying presents that's why it took us the whole day to shop. It was because of the crowd that was also doing there last minute shopping. It was too hard to walk on the narrow aisles of the stores. Well, if you frequent Greenhills during this holiday season then you know what I mean.

So anyway, A and I were so tired by the time we got home. However, despite my sore feet, aching legs and arms, I still feel happy for having been able to buy my friends and family their Christmas presents.

Here's a shot of what we bought plus a couple of mini liquor for our other friends. :)

NO to Takipsilim!

I have read all the comments left on my previous post. Was quite shocked at the number even though most of them are anonymous. I was both laughing, irritated and agreeing to some of these comments.

To those who have shared their disgust and outrage, I would have to agree with you. I know imitation is a form of flattery but will they be able to pull this one off? Can they "flatter" Stephenie Meyer and the rest of the Twilight fans by doing a Pinoy version?

It's not that I am a pessimist but can you blame me for thinking this way? There's this local version of Gossip Girl in another network which I haven't really seen but heard from friends that it's b-a-d.

ABS was probably thinking they could do this because they did it before with Tabing Ilog, the local version of the then hit TV series, Dawson's Creek. But was Tabing Ilog a hit because I really didn't watch the show back then.

You know what would be better, our local and original movies/TV series would have a Hollywood re-make. Now that would be priceless. Take for example the movie Sigaw. They're making a Hollywood version of this entitled The Echo and even Iza Calzado is part of the cast. Galing diba? Here's a movie trailer of it that I found in youtube.



I really really really do hope that ABS would think a million times before they continue with this project. *Crossing my fingers*

And if you want to be heard (and hopes that ABS gets the queue), you might want to sign up in this petition here.

Twilight: Pinoy version AKA Takipsilim

CAUTION! This entry contains information that is not suitable for severely addicted Twilight fans.

I haven't even started my post on the movie Twilight and this is what slapped me on the face this morning.

You see, my husband was checking his e-mail when he was more than disgusted rather than annoyed at one of the mails he received. It was the making of a Pinoy version of the hit novel slash movie Twilight. The said title of the show would be Takipsilim (ack!).

Do you still want me to continue? Ready for your little brown bag? Ok! Don't tell me I didn't warn you...

So ABS-CBN paid a whopping five million big ones for the copyright of this upcoming TV series. It is said that the crew will start filming early next year and will be shooting in cities like Baguio, Tagaytay, Bukidnon and some outside the country (as if it'll make things better).

Have you heard enough??? Can you still hold it in? Ok! If this doesn't do the "trick" then may I congratulate you for having a strong stomach.

Here's the tentative cast of the upcoming TV series. Drum roll please....

Rayver Cruz as Edward Cullen
Shaina Magdayao as Isabella Swan
Valeen Montenegro as Alice Cullen
Gabby Concepcion as Dr. Carlisle Cullen
Luis Manzano as Emmett Cullen
Al Tantay as Charlie Swan
Yayo Aguila as Renee Dwyer
Fred Payawan as Jacob Black
Carlos Agassi as James
Chin Chin Gutierrez as Esme Cullen
Karylle as Rosalie Hale
Joross Gamboa as Jasper Hale
Jessy Mendiola as Jessica Stanley
Empress Schuck as Angela Weber
Brad Murdoch as Laurent
Nikki Bacolod as Victoria
Aaron Villaflor as Mike Newton

I really don't know where to begin with this lineup. "Like gag me with a spoon why don't ya!"

One word: Aaaaaaa!!!!!!

It's bad enough that they're making a Pinoy version of this but I don't think they were really that serious when they did the casting. I have nothing against these actors. I'm sure they're all talented but somehow in this bizarre world of making every Pinoy version that the networks see, I see no connection from the characters of the Twilight to the actors listed above. Maybe the only person that I can "accept" is Chin-chin Gutierrez as Esme. That's about it. I love her eccentric self and it kind of fits Esme's dark and weird vampire mommy character.

As for the rest, I am reserving my harsh opinions to close friends that are Twilight fanatics because it's Christmas time and I don't want to be in the "bad list" of Santa Claus. LOL.

Comments? Suggestions? Violent reactions? Please contact ABS-CBN. I'm hoping it's not too late. Or better, maybe this is just a hoax. Hehe!

I'm back...well, technically speaking that is...

I have been out of the cyberworld for quite a long time now. Things have been pretty busy these past few days or rather weeks. There's school, errands to do plus I got sick... twice! I want a refund on my flu shot!

So anyway, I would like to apologize to those who still visited my blog despite my absence in theirs. Sorry and thank you too for always dropping by. I don't want to make any promises to bloghop soon because for sure I'd be busier in the coming months as I need to review for the pre-board exams in school and for the board exam itself. I will be trying my very, very best to update my blogs. I owe this much to my very handful number of readers (LOL). Plus, I have a lot of catching up in terms of blogging tasks. I've lost a few and I really feel guilty about it. Waa!

For now, I leave you with this music video of Beyonce. I am really digging her dance steps. Actually, I'm trying to memorize them. Hahaha! Good luck with that! Enjoy! All the single ladies!!!

Jennifer Hudson's Mom found Dead

I was going through my usual routine of checking my e-mail when one of the headlines in Yahoo! caught my attention. I immediately clicked on the little icon and read the whole story.

Apparently, it wasn't just Jennifer Hudson's mother but also her brother named Jason Hudson was also shot dead in their home in Chicago. To make matters worse, Jennifer's seven-year old nephew was said to be abducted and is now missing.

A certain William Balfour is said to be the lead suspect to the crime and is suspected to have the seven-year old boy. Police are on the lookout for a 1994 white Suburban with the license plate X58485.

I really feel bad for Jennifer. After having her big break in Hollywood and in the music industry, then this? Life truly isn't fair. I just hope they bring justice to the death of her mother and brother and that little boy be found unharmed.

More of the story here and here.

Diet and Exercise

I know at my age, dieting is not the only answer to lose weight. Exercise is also important. It isn't the same five years ago when all I do is limit my carbs intake and I would be able to see the results in a week's time. A couple of pounds would be shed off after this short regimen. Now, I've been dieting for more than a month now and I still see little results. I am so tempted to take diet pills just to hasten my weight loss but I am afraid that the rebound would be bigger. Sigh.

Start of Review

It's now October and I promised myself that I'll start reading slash reviewing for the local board exam next year. I started reading one of our textbooks but can't quite remember the things I've read when I try to make a summary. My gosh, is it really like this when you're getting old? I feel like my hard drive is already full and needs to be upgraded. It's like when I'm reading the book I understand everything but once I put down the book and try to recall the concepts discussed, my mind is a complete blank. I do hope that this will change in time. Otherwise, I'd have to try taking those memory enhancers. Sigh.

Over the Edge

These past few days have been a bit stressful for me. A couple of issues and problems came sprouting and it just made me frustrated and at the brink of a nervous breakdown (LOL). I kept saying to myself, I wish I can just go somewhere alone without any worries. Yes, despite the fact that I am not working and is back in school, I still feel the need to go on a vacation. Yes, even if we have summer and semestral breaks, for me it is not enough. There are times that I just want to go and get a hold of those St. Barts villa rentals or maybe go to Fiji so I can have time for myself to really relax. How I wish I can go to these places . If only time and my budget would allow.

Song of the Week # 28

This week would be different. I'm choosing two songs for the song of the week. It's a bit late to post it because it's already Thursday but I might extend this till next week.

I chose these two songs because they both uplift my spirits and puts me on a good mood when I listen to these songs. The first one is from the movie Honey starring Jessica Alba. The song's title is I Believe by Yolanda Adams. While the second song is from the movie Fighting Temptations starring Beyonce Knowles and Cuba Gooding Jr. The song's title is He Still Loves Me by Beyonce and Walter Williams Sr.

Both are inspirational songs. The kind that I listen to these past few days. Things haven't been going well for my family. A family member is sick and is in need of your prayers. We are all praying hard and hopefully by the end of this week or next week, things would be better. I have no control over these things and so I am feeling frustrated. Saying a prayer is all I can do now and hope for the best.

So for those who may be in this kind of situation (hopefully not), I hope you would listen to these two songs and in a way would make you feel hopeful and better.

Like what I always say: There is always a rainbow after every storm.