'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.

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!

Thank You

In relation to my previous post, my family and I would like to thank everyone who sympathized and gave their love and support when my grandmother passed away last week. I was so deeply touched to receive text messages from people extending their condolences to our family despite the fact that they haven't met my grandmother. Also to those who came to the wake especially to those who came after office hours (I know you're all tired and that LP is a bit far from where most of you live), our heartfelt thank you.

No more teachers...No more books...

The crossing of the fingers and the constant prayers have paid off. A and I have (surprisingly) passed the Final exams AKA Preboards that we had last Sunday and Monday. The results were released today and our classmate, M texted us our scores. It wasn't a high score but it was a passing mark. Honestly, I wasn't really expecting this but I was hoping I'd pass.

We were really worried because we were told that if we fail in the exams, we would have to retake it. Waaaa! That would be really stressful. So I am sooo happy that A and I and also my other friends have passed the exams! Wee! Graduation here we come!!!

Sunday Stealing - "The High School Meme"

I've missed a lot of Sunday Stealing because of school and I know it's Monday already here but in the U.S., I'm only two hours late from posting this. Heehee! So here goes...

This week's Sunday Stealing was from a blogger named Diana Pharaoh Francis from the blog Mad Libs. It's all about High School.

1. Did you date someone from your school? Nope. I was in an exclusive school for girls.

2. Did you marry someone from your high school? That would be a "no" again.

3. Did you car pool to school? Nope. My dad would always drive me to school after dropping off my mom at her office.

4. What kind of car did you have? Let's see, that time, we had a Toyota Corolla and a Honda Civic (that we still have till now).

5. What kind of car do you have now? A Honda Civic too. Heehee!

6. Its Friday night...where are you now? Hmm... It's actually a Monday afternoon here...Lol. But hypothetically, I'd probably be out with my husband while he plays with his band or resting for the next day's review class. Ugh!

7. It is Friday night...where were you then? Probably at home, watching TV or a movie.

8. What kind of job did you have in high school? I didn't have one but I've always wanted to try to work in this clothing store.

9. What kind of job do you do now? I'm not working at the moment as I am finishing my second degree. Weee!!!

10. Were you a party animal? Not really. I was a bit of a late bloomer.

11. Were you considered a flirt? Hahaha! That would be the last thing my schoolmates would think of me.

12. Were you in a band, orchestra, or choir? As much as I wanted to, I'm pretty sure they'd be fine without me.

13. Were you a nerd? Nope!

14. Did you get suspended from school? Almost. One of the teachers thought that two of my classmates and I were cutting class when in fact, we were looking for her. Good thing, we got cleared of that.

15. Can you sing the fight song? Hmmm.... I don't know which one is the fight song. Lol.

16. Who was/were your favorite teacher? That would be our Grammar and English Lit. teacher in our freshmen year. I learned a lot from them about school stuff and most importantly about life. :)

17. Where did you sit during lunch? It varies every year. But in our senior year, we ate lunch outside Troika Hall.

18. What was your school's full name? St. Scholastica's College, Manila

19. Where did you party the most? I already said I wasn't a party animal back then. But we usually hang out and go crazy whenever we're at my friends' house.

20. What was your school mascot? Hmmm... I don't think we have one.

21. Would you do it again? High School? Definitely. Especially our Sophomore year. Plus, I was really skinny then. Lol.

22. Did you have fun at Prom? Uh-huh. My date was my crush and a real gentleman. Plus, a bonus, he was funny and charming too.

23. Do you still talk to the person you went to Prom with? That would be a 'no'. We lost contact after high school.

24. Are you planning on going to your next reunion? If there was one, sure! But we've celebrated our 10th anniversary already and we didn't have a reunion so I'm guessing after the 20th then? Lol.

25. Do you still talk to people from school? You mean the teachers? Well, yes then but not that often.


26. What are/were your school's colors? Navy blue and white.

Better late than never... you can still post your entry and join in the fun. Yahoo Sunday Stealing!

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.

Song of the Week # 1/2009

Christmas has passed (quite fast actually) and so I had to remove the playlist I put up with my favorite Christmas songs. Instead, I have brought back the Song of the Week. Yes, it's back! It was up last Monday I think but didn't really got the chance to blog about it. Unfortunately, I can't put it in auto play mode because the people from entrecard does not allow sites that have entrecards to have auto play music. I want the music to be in auto play mode so that whenever some visits my blog, they would be "forced" to hear it. Hehe! Oh well... I do hope you listen to it.

The Song of the Week is from the movie Honey starring Jessica Alba. I remembered this song because when I was clearing up one of my micro sd cards, I saw this song and totally forgot how I really loved this song especially when it was played in the movie. The song's title is I Believe by Yolanda Adams. It's one of those lift up your spirit songs.

I chose this song because I wanted to start the year by being the most optimistic of the optimists. Hehe! Exaggerated as it may sound but I would like to think that things would be brighter for me and my husband this year. This is a new chapter in our life and it's only fitting that I have a new and better outlook in life.

So there, hope you would enjoy listening to the song as much as I did. Here's the lyrics so you can sing along. Happy weekend everyone!



Yolanda Adams Lyrics
I believe Lyrics

Everything is Online Now

I cannot stress enough how technology particularly the internet has changed the lives of people. From shopping to paying your bills to watching a movie or ordering food online. I'm telling you the world is probably very very grateful for having the internet. Well, it may have some drawbacks, but for me, I think there are more pro's than con's.

Take for example, having online education programs. Sites like elearners.com provide a lot of opportunity for distance learning. Imagine having to go to class without really going. I mean, it's bad enough that you get all the pressures of school work but it's worse when you still have to go through the time and energy of actually going to the campus. With this kind of website, you can go and search for the type of course you want to take and you will be provided of the name of the schools that offer these courses online. There's really no worry if the quality of the education is high because all of these are accredited by organizations that are recognized by the Department of Education.

Online education would be perfect for me because I'm always in front of the computer and surfing on the internet. Research would be a click away. Plus I read a lot faster and I don't fall asleep when I'm reading from my computer rather than from a real book. I have no idea why but that's just how I am.

Now if only schools here offer online schooling.

Our First Christmas

I was looking for some insurance online for me and my husband when I realized something. How forgetful can I be when I've already blogged about my New Year when I haven't even posted the one for Christmas. Haha! So here it is...

Last December, it was our first Christmas as a married couple and so I decided that we should celebrate Noche Buena this year. Normally, my family don't celebrate Noche Buena in our house instead we celebrate Media Noche. I know it's weird and I don't know how it started but we're used to it.

So as our first Noche Buena, A and I cooked one of my favorite pasta -- Shrimps in olive oil and garlic. We also cooked chicken wings with Rosemary. Both dishes tasted great.

It was a quiet and intimate Noche Buena for us and my parents. After we ate and talked for like an hour or so, my parents headed to their room while A and I went to the Christmas tree so we can exchange gifts.



I bought him the Quicksilver backpack that he wanted when we frequented Surf World. He has a thing for backpacks. Anyway,I was really hoping I got the color right because they had one with the white print. Thankfully he did wanted the red one! Whew!



This was me opening my "surprise gift". I've asked A to wrap it again so I have something to open on Christmas eve. Hehehe!



If you've read my post about the wedding proposal that I got, my husband A has already shown me his Christmas gift. Hehe! For those who didn't get the chance to read it, he gave me the mini laptop that I wanted. It was the MSI wind that is in pink. Wee! Now I think my collection of pink gadgets is complete.

I Quit!

I have put off this entry for a very long time (almost a year actually). It's about me quitting smoking. Yes, I was a chimney before and fortunately I was able to kick the very very bad habit. However, after I think eight months, I've fallen off the wagon a couple of times by lighting up a stick once in a while whenever I was in a party. I would joke about it and say that it's called "occasional" smoking. LOL.

I've been smoking for quite a long time already and believe me I've tried a couple of times to quit ... but failed. I was close to giving up and wanted to get a smoker life insurance. Haha! But I know that when the time is right and when I really want to do it, I will be able to quit smoking. Last year was that time. Jan 26 was the last time I lit one.

I've come a long way and despite of the lapses that I had, I am still proud of myself for really doing this. Quitting smoking is physically and psychologically difficult for me. But with the support of friends and my husband, I was able to pull it off.

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!

ABS-CBN denies plans on doing a Pinoy version of Twilight

To all those who have prayed and even sacrificed a few goats and calves, it is my greatest pleasure to inform you that ABS-CBN has already addressed the news that has been plaguing the blogosphere about their network's plan of making a Pinoy version of the hit movie/novel, Twilight.

Ok now, sabay-sabay tayong lahat.... "YES!!!"

I read it in Ricky Lo's article in the Philippine Star and found this posted at the ABS-CBN website.

Just in case ABS-CBN decides to remove this article in their website, I've decided to copy and post it here. Here it is:

On December 24, abs-cbnNEWS.com uploaded a story, "ABS-CBN bags rights for local 'Twilight' remake". The source of the story was a report by entertainment writer Edgar Cruz posted on yehey.com.

The duty editor who uploaded the story failed to check with ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp. whether the story was correct and accurate.

ABS-CBN Corp. Communications head Bong Osorio has since denied that the company will do a local remake of the movie, Twilight.

abs-cbnNEWS.com thus decided to remove the article from our website.

Our apologies. -- Eds.

as of 12/30/2008 7:54 PM

Now to all the Twilight fans, we can all have a very happy new year!!! Weee!!!



** Above photo courtesy of Jan Merginio. :)

Holiday Fat

It is inevitable (for me that is) that whenever it's Christmas time, it is impossible for me to stick to my diet. Struggling is an understatement when it comes to resisting those yummy baked goodies given by friends. Christmas parties is another story. It is most certainly difficult to just stick with soup (if they serve it) the whole evening while the rest are munching away with crab cakes, roasted chicken, baby back ribs to name some. Sigh.

That is why I have given in and have stopped myself from depriving myself during this time of the year. I have however devised a plan that could somehow help me curb my appetite whenever I would attend a party. Well, it's really not something that was researched. I just plan on drinking a glass or two of room temperature water a couple of minutes before the meal. That way, I would have the feeling of fullness so I wouldn't go crazy at the buffet table. Haha! Plus, water is healthy.

If this doesn't work then I'm off to the pharmacy to buy some diet pills. Haha! But I do hope I could stick to the plan so as not to take the pills. Crossing my fingers here. Plus, it's the end of December already so I'm guessing there won't be a lot of parties to attend to anymore.

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. :)

The Big Day

There are certain things in my life that I would like to keep mum in the blogosphere and just share it with close friends. However, since this is my personal blog, I could possibly just share this info. Exactly two weeks ago, my status has changed from "in a relationship" to "married". Teehee!

Yes, I got civilly married two weeks ago to my now husband, A. It was a short ceremony that was held in our city hall. The judge was surprisingly comedic despite his serious appearance. The photo op inside the court room was longer than the whole ceremony. I know, cam whores. Haha! It was our first time to be in a court room (that is for most of us) so we grabbed the opportunity to take pictures. (Sorry I can't post any of them yet because I can't seem to rotate some of the pics..grr!).

There's 12 of us, yes I know it's a small group but it was what we wanted. A and I just had one witness each. Mine was my bestfriend since prep and A's was his best bud in college. The rest were our immediate family members.

All 12 of us went to Spiral in Sofitel for the "reception". We had a great lunch. Everyone was so full. Oh and we saw Senator Lacson having lunch there. We wanted to approach him and have our picture taken but I got scared when I saw him staring at me. Parang galit sya. Hehe!

After resting from the big meal that we had, A and I asked our "guests" to proceed to the back of the hotel so we can have another photo op. Unfortunately, A's father had to go so he wasn't included in the photos. Luckily, the tide was still high so it didn't smell like rotten seaweeds when we were outside. My witness and bestfriend, K, wanted to take prenup-like photos. Haha! Baliktad ata..nauna ang wedding sa prenup shoot. LOL. And since we forgot her tripod inside the car and was too full and lazy to get it, we asked the lifeguard to take our pics at the pool area.



Everything went smoothly. Maybe the only trouble that we had on that day was picking food from the buffet. Haha! But I didn't have any problem with the dessert. I went straight to the chocolate truffle cake. Yummy! :)

So that was it. After the photo op, it was time to leave. I had to go back with A to QC because I had a hospital duty the following day. When we got home, we decided to get a massage and watch a movie as it was still early. We went to our favorite place near Banawe QC and then watched Four Christmases at The Block.

To all those who have extended their best wishes and congratulations, thank you very much. Hopefully we get to see you guys when we celebrate our church wedding. When, you might ask? That I cannot answer for now. So many obligations and duties to fulfill. It'll happen soon. :)

A Very Short Engagement

Two and a half weeks ago, Bigeyedgal and her boyfriend slash fiance went out for dinner and a movie (Twilight -- will make another post for this one).

Bigeyedgal: Ano ba kasi gusto mo for Christmas? Asan na wishlist mo? (What do you want for Christmas? Where's your wishlist?)
A: Ako may gift na sayo for Christmas. Di ko alam gusto ko eh. Kahit ano naman kasi ok lang. :) (I got you one already. I don't know what I want. It really doesn't matter.)
Bigeyedgal: Di pwede yun. Daya! May gift ka na?! Ako wala pa! Waa!(No. You have a gift for me already? I don't have one yet. Waa!)
A: Ok nga lang. Gusto mo bigay ko na sayo? (It's ok. You want your gift already?)
Bigeyedgal (knowing that A was only bluffing): Sige nga, asan? (Ok, show me.)

A then gets in his backpack something and hands me the mini laptop that I wanted to buy for myself this Christmas.

Bigeyedgal (blushing while gawking): Hala! Bakit mo binigay Christmas gift ko? Wala na akong bubuksan sa Christmas. Daya! (Oh no! Why did you give me your present? I won't have any presents to open on Christmas.)
A: Dali buksan mo na. (Go ahead. Open it.)

Bigeyedgal then opened the laptop sleeve and saw the pink MSI Wind. She opened it and saw a post it on the screen... It says: "I hope you won't change your mind." Bigeyedgal then closed the laptop and jokingly said to A..

Bigeyedgal: Ayoko na, itigil ang kasal! (Stop the wedding!)

Apparently, A didn't get the joke and thought that I didn't see the post it note inside. He then said...

A: O, di mo naman pa ata binubuksan eh...tignan mo. (You still haven't opened it.)

So Bigeyedgal did. This time she opened the laptop all the way and read the note aloud. By the time Bigeyedgal had closed the laptop, A was already holding a diamond ring and grinning like a little boy. Bigeyedgal was shocked because she wasn't expecting to receive an engagement ring (plus the fact that she insisted that she didn't need one). He then slid the ring to Bigeyedgal's finger.

Bigeyedgal (almost in tears): Oh my! Hala! Hala ka! Bakit ka pa nagbibigay? Ok lang naman kahit di na promise. (Oh my! Why did you get me one? It's really if you didn't promise.)
A: Ano ka ba, di ka pa nagre-react sa nakalagay sa post it note ko.
Bigeyedgal: Of course not!

A then walked up to Bigeyedgal's side of the table and gave her a kiss. After dinner, they went to see Twilight. The whole time, A kept staring at Bigeyedgal's ring finger.

Five days after... they got married.

Dona Nobis Pacem

Today is the day when bloggers from all over the world unite and blog for a single cause.

Sandra Bullock's character in Miss Congeniality made this line very popular and we often laughed and used this as a joke. "World Peace" as what most of the contestants uttered made us all roaring with laughter. It was funny at that time, I have to admit, but as I became more aware of the thousands or maybe millions of families that have been affected by these warfare, it wasn't funny anymore.

I, Big Eyed Gal, like all the other bloggers who have joined in Mimi's BlogBlast for Peace, have I think one common goal. And that is to be heard. We all want the killings to stop. We have been fighting for centuries now. Haven't you had enough?!?!

I hope this reaches our world leaders and maybe just maybe they would stop and think and then REALIZE that enough is enough.

And for the rest of the bloggers, it is not too late. Go and visit Mimi's blog to get your own peace globe. Do it now! And join the BlogBlast for Peace.

Peace to you all! Kapayapaan sa inyong lahat!

Here's a song from Louis Armstrong. Something we could truly say when there is PEACE -- What a wonderful world.

I am not Paranoid

I saw in the news the other day that there are two females in their late 20's who apply as housemaids in certain houses in Manila. Once hired, they would poison the people in the house. Well, they really didn't kill the families whom they work for but instead they add like laxatives or emetics in the food. So since the family are all sick and needs to be rushed to the hospital, this is when these ladies do their thing. They would steal jewelry, money and other small valuable items. Scary right?!

We've had our share of unpleasant help when I was still young. That's why the moment I turned 12, my dad opted not to hire a maid anymore. I mean, my older brother and I could groom ourselves, food preparation can be done by my mom and we have someone to do our laundry and ironing. These days, employment screening shouldn't only be done by big shot companies but also in our homes. Remember these people would be taking care of your children (if any), they would be preparing your food and looking after your house. In short, you are vulnerable to these people. You should not be complacent even if they were referred by people you know. I am not being paranoid. I am only stating the reality.

Happy

Good Rainy Thursday morning to you all! Pardon my extra cheerfulness but despite the bad weather outside, my four-hour sleep and runny nose, I seem to be in a happy disposition today. Normally under these circumstances, a smile would even be hard to muster. Today is different though. No particular reason really. I just feel happy. Deal with it. LOL!

Obstacle Course

I am at a lost in this new store near our neighborhood. It took me almost an hour just to buy a few things for dinner and a couple of pet supplies for my dog, Sundae. I understand that it's a new store and that they just opened but it would have been better if they didn't open this early when their store was still, in my words, in chaos. Think obstacle course. There were still boxes on the floor and the way they've arranged the place was a bit confusing. I wanted to volunteer so I could arrange their stock in a shopper-friendly way. My OC-ness is kicking in again. Sorry but I just can't help it! I hope they do something about it. If not, they might lose their clients.