Blogosphere Vacation #1

Though there were a few bouts of rain last week, the temperature is getting higher and higher. Summer is making its way for sure! And since my husband and I would be busy this whole summer (goodbye social life!), I wouldn't count on visiting any nearby beach or some cold spots like Baguio or Tagaytay. We're off to our books and review materials. So anyway, since a vacation is out of the question, I might as well "dream" of having one here in the blogosphere. And since I'm the type of person that wants to try something new every time I go on a vacation, I've done some research on a couple of these places.

My pick for this post is to take the Machu Picchu travel. The name itself makes me want to get my walking sandals. Machu Picchu is in Peru and from what I've seen, one of the structures there look like our very own Rice Terraces in Banaue.

Machu Picchu Terraces of Peru



Banaue Rice Terraces of the Philippines



And after visiting Machu Picchu, a little surfing in one of Peru's beaches would be great. I've always wanted to try surfing. This would be hitting two birds with one stone. :)



Till my next vacation!

Absence and Confusion

I'd like to think and I want to convince myself that I am having writer's block (if you would call me a writer) that's why I haven't posted anything here since last week. But actually, it must be the cold weather again that's been keeping me glued on our bed for the past couple of days. Well, that and the 5-day silent movie that I've been starring in last week. Yes, 5 long days of not talking. My throat hurts and no voice is coming out of my mouth. Hence, the silent movie. I had to do my own version of sign language whenever I'm talking to my husband. Answering the phone was a challenge. The most that I can do were short grunts. I sounded like a cave man.



So anyway, as I was keeping tabs on what I was eating for the past week, I still got disappointed because I saw little change on my weight. I then started contemplating. I can picture a big scale in my head. It had exercise on one side and the best weight loss pills on the other. At my age, and since summer is fast approaching, the side with the pills weighs more than exercise. Oh what am I to do? Should I sweat it out or take a shortcut? Hmmm...

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.

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!

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.

Belated Happy Birthday Sundae!

My husband was not the only one that celebrated his birthday this month. My dog, Sundae also celebrated her 1st birthday last December 16.

I can still remember like it was yesterday when my old dog, Butter passed away last Valentine's day. I was so heartbroken. I cried buckets when my mom called to tell me that she's gone to doggie heaven. My dad wanted to get a replacement right away so we went to find the same breed, a Japanese Spitz to take the place of Butter.

After a week or so, we bought Sundae from a breeder. She was just a tiny ball of fur that was so shy and jumpy when we got her. Now that she's a year old, she looks like this....



... from this...


I haven't bought her anything yet for her birthday as I was cramming to buy Christmas presents for my family and friends. I plan on buying her one of those soft pet beds. She could use this whenever she's inside the house. Yeah, I think I'll get her that instead of the ballet outfit which she would only chew on. LOL.

So, to my lovable and super hyper pet, Sundae, belated happy birthday sweetie!

Christmas Shopping

It's Friday... thank God. I am really hoping I could start with my Christmas shopping tomorrow. I know, I know, it's a bit late already but as I've said, things have been pretty crazy around here. So anyway, since everyone is affected with the "financial situation" of the greater nations, I would also have to be more practical when it comes to buying gifts. The sale sign plastered in store windows draws me like a moth to a flame. I don't care what they sell there. As long as the word sale is on their display, then I'm hooked. Haha!

I really wish that I'd be able to get good deals and great finds tomorrow. How about you? Are you done with your Christmas shopping or are you cramming just like me?

I want to watch Charice Live!

I was only able to view an amateur video of Charice Pempengco's duet with Celine Dion in her concert in Las Vegas. The audio was off and I think the person who recorded the performance was seated so far from the stage that the video camera was really focused on the big screen so it was a bit blurry. Anyway, Charice's performance was amazing. I had goosebumps all over my arm the whole time she was singing. I really wish I could watch her live. I'm looking for really good las vegas hotel reservations and I'm hoping and wishing that when I go to Vegas, Charice will have a show there.

Cookie Cravings

I was just mentioning in a previous post of mine how frustrating it is to get little results when in fact I've been dieting for the past months. Then as I was channel surfing, I stopped at the cooking channel.

This girl was making one of the most yummiest looking Christmas cookies I've ever seen. My mouth was literally drooling when I saw it. Despite the cheesy frosting decor on the cookie, that didn't stop me from going out of the house to buy myself a pack of lemon cookies. Ssshh... Don't tell anyone. It'll be our little secret. I promise I won't buy anymore cookies once I finish this one.

Storm

Outdoor weddings is one of the most difficult events to organize. There are certain factors specifically the weather that would greatly affect the venue of the ceremony. I was able to attend a few garden weddings and I could tell that the wedding coordinators were a bit stressed especially when the ceremony was held during the rainy season.

But that's not the only thing to consider. There was this one wedding that I've attended to that had moth traps discreetly placed at the whole perimeter of the ceremony. I think it was a great idea because the couple thought of keeping away their uninvited guests. Now if only the wedding planners could be like Storm of the X-Men where they could do something about the weather too. LOL.

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.

Twilight

I was told by my friend, K to start reading the books by Stephenie Meyer. Well, she was more of nagging me rather than asking me to read it. I decided to look for free audio books online because I think it would be more convenient for me to bring my mp3 player rather than the whole book when I'm out killing time. Plus, no matter how good the book is, I tend to get sleepy after an hour or so reading. I thought may be I was just lying down that's why I was falling asleep so I tried sitting down while reading. That didn't work either! So I guess an audio book is the way to go for me. Now I'm almost done with the first book and I hope I can find an audio book for the next one.

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.

Lost

Life was a bit boring yet manageable before I started blogging. Before, I just used the internet to surf, check my e-mails (most of which are just useless spam!) and read my friend's and other people's blogs.

Then, it happened. I finally gave in and decided to create my own blog. My first blog, which is this one, isn't actually my first blog. I've had a couple more but discontinued it for lack of time and things to write.

Now that I'm blogging and have four blogs at that, I can't seem to catch up on other things. I have errands to do and there is still my studies. Multi-tasking is key. However, there is another thing that added to my busy schedule. It's called Plurk. I asked myself why my friends kept telling me that it's addicting. Now, that I'm plurking, that question has been answered.

But seriously, I have to create some order in my life. I can't keep this up. I feel like I'm lost without a Garmin GPS at hand. Our semestral break is almost over and I haven't even read a single textbook. Plus, I haven't finished reading the two pocketbooks that I'm supposed to read. I'm way off my schedule and I need to act fast. I thought blogging was the only one that would take up my time...until plurk came along.

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.

Shake well before drinking

Ok so I may have been online practically the whole day today. My brain may have been fried already from the radiation or whatever waves that the monitor gives off. Fingers that was once limber and supple this morning now looked stiff as if they've been washing bed sheets the whole day. My eyes are now kind of drooping and feels a bit dry already from all the surfing. In short, I wasn't really looking good after my online session. This could probably be the reason why I intentionally shook the soda bottle that I was about to drink. Imagine my shock when I opened the can. Soda spritz came flying. There was soda remnants on the fridge till the bar faucets.

Laugh all you want but I have a perfectly good explanation for this. Besides the "condition" that I was in, I've been drinking Gatorade for the past three weeks ever since I got sick and almost got dehydrated. And it says on the Gatorade bottle to "shake well before drinking". Today was supposedly week 4 of Gatorade drinking but I ran out. Hence, I drank soda instead.

I rest my case.

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.