This is an LO I made out of hubz' Valentine's Day gift to me.
Have a nice weekend everyone!
Friday, February 25, 2005
Thursday, February 24, 2005
How Do You Know You're Doing Too Much Shopping?
...when the sales staff recognizes you as their frequent shopper - that's when!
I went to Joann's last night to buy some scrap stuff. At the counter, the cashier looked at me and said "you always shop here, don't you?" So I'm caught! :) I confess, I always go to craft stores, especially at Joann's and I almost always would find something to buy. Be it a $2 sticker set, or some $50 worth of scrap materials. So I'm an shopaholic - sue me! I'm just one of the millions of women in the world who are addicted to shopping.
I have failed miserably on my New Year's resolution yet again. I told myself I was going to stop scrap shopping. Well, stop I did - at least for a week or so, hahaha! Now I'm back (and as Christine puts it) with a vengence! To be honest, I only go to Joann's if I have a 40% off coupon - I swear! I may have more than one at a time so either I'd pay separately (you can only avail of the discount on a single receipt), or come back the following day. This may have accounted for my frequency at the store. And when I shop, I linger for a while, going around in circles - looking, touching, feeling, trying to imagine where I'd use them. Most often than not, I'd end up buying them, especially if they're $5 or less. My justification? We're women - we're supposed to take our time to shop right? Another justification? I'm working my butt off for that money and so I deserve bits of rewards here and there. If scrap shopping makes me happy, so be it!
Here's the thing - if that sales person knew that aside from going to the store, I also do A LOT of internet shopping as well, I'm sure she'd faint. Just this weekend, I got 5 sizzlits alphabet sets from ebay - bounce, graffitti, funky brush, boxed brush, rat-a-tat. I also got some foam stamps (corners and paisley), MM cityscapes paints, junkitz alphabet buttons - all from scrapper's paradise. Come to think of it, I've been drooling over these things for weeks now because I kept holding on to my hard-earned money. Call me a typical Virgo (something I have in common with Hanagirl) but when I want something, I won't stop 'til I get it. $$$$ is not a problem unless I'm totally broke. Besides, I'd consult hubz before I give in to my whim. He never says NO anyway so we're still married, hahaha!
I used to be very stingy because I save a lot, I invest, I support my family back home. I still do that but I have also learned to allot something for myself. After all, if I don't try to enjoy it now, when will I get that chance? I made sure that if something should happen to me (knock on wood), my family is well taken cared of. But who will do that for me? Tell me, am I being selfish when I splurge a little?
I went to Joann's last night to buy some scrap stuff. At the counter, the cashier looked at me and said "you always shop here, don't you?" So I'm caught! :) I confess, I always go to craft stores, especially at Joann's and I almost always would find something to buy. Be it a $2 sticker set, or some $50 worth of scrap materials. So I'm an shopaholic - sue me! I'm just one of the millions of women in the world who are addicted to shopping.
I have failed miserably on my New Year's resolution yet again. I told myself I was going to stop scrap shopping. Well, stop I did - at least for a week or so, hahaha! Now I'm back (and as Christine puts it) with a vengence! To be honest, I only go to Joann's if I have a 40% off coupon - I swear! I may have more than one at a time so either I'd pay separately (you can only avail of the discount on a single receipt), or come back the following day. This may have accounted for my frequency at the store. And when I shop, I linger for a while, going around in circles - looking, touching, feeling, trying to imagine where I'd use them. Most often than not, I'd end up buying them, especially if they're $5 or less. My justification? We're women - we're supposed to take our time to shop right? Another justification? I'm working my butt off for that money and so I deserve bits of rewards here and there. If scrap shopping makes me happy, so be it!
Here's the thing - if that sales person knew that aside from going to the store, I also do A LOT of internet shopping as well, I'm sure she'd faint. Just this weekend, I got 5 sizzlits alphabet sets from ebay - bounce, graffitti, funky brush, boxed brush, rat-a-tat. I also got some foam stamps (corners and paisley), MM cityscapes paints, junkitz alphabet buttons - all from scrapper's paradise. Come to think of it, I've been drooling over these things for weeks now because I kept holding on to my hard-earned money. Call me a typical Virgo (something I have in common with Hanagirl) but when I want something, I won't stop 'til I get it. $$$$ is not a problem unless I'm totally broke. Besides, I'd consult hubz before I give in to my whim. He never says NO anyway so we're still married, hahaha!
I used to be very stingy because I save a lot, I invest, I support my family back home. I still do that but I have also learned to allot something for myself. After all, if I don't try to enjoy it now, when will I get that chance? I made sure that if something should happen to me (knock on wood), my family is well taken cared of. But who will do that for me? Tell me, am I being selfish when I splurge a little?
Sunday, February 20, 2005
The Long Weekend that's Waaay tooo short!!!
I have been giddy about the prospect of the looming long weekend since the early part of the week. Now that it's here, I'm longing for it not to end so soon!
We went to our accountant yesterday to get our taxes over and done with. On our way home, we got stuck in the heavy traffic at the Bay Bridge. Just great - the rain was pouring and the traffic was sooo bad!!! It took us a couple of hours to get home.
This morning, we went to church to hear mass and in the afternoon, I was in the mood to organize my craft space. You see, I have all my scrap stuff all over the place that I can't seem to keep track of the materials I have. My back ached but I was satisfied of the outcome. Check it out...
Tomorrow's another day and I plan to scrap 'til I drop... :) I figured, I might as well make the most of my day since it'll be back to the gruelling grind on Tuesday for me... :(
53 days to go...
I have been giddy about the prospect of the looming long weekend since the early part of the week. Now that it's here, I'm longing for it not to end so soon!
We went to our accountant yesterday to get our taxes over and done with. On our way home, we got stuck in the heavy traffic at the Bay Bridge. Just great - the rain was pouring and the traffic was sooo bad!!! It took us a couple of hours to get home.
This morning, we went to church to hear mass and in the afternoon, I was in the mood to organize my craft space. You see, I have all my scrap stuff all over the place that I can't seem to keep track of the materials I have. My back ached but I was satisfied of the outcome. Check it out...
Tomorrow's another day and I plan to scrap 'til I drop... :) I figured, I might as well make the most of my day since it'll be back to the gruelling grind on Tuesday for me... :(
53 days to go...
Monday, February 14, 2005
Friday, February 11, 2005
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
V-Day is almost here....
A week before my first Valentine's day here in the US, my then teammates asked me what my plans were. They knew about me having a boyfriend overseas so that question was pointless. It was actually a preempt to invite me over for dinner with a few more couple friends. Of course I declined because I knew that was a pity invite. After all, what am I going to do without a date? Stare at them for hours and serve them dinner?! I didn't think so!
Being in an LD relationship, I get these "so-you-have-a-boyfriend-but-you-don't-have-a-date" look all the time. I call them the pity look. Initially, I hated it, but I have learned to deal with it. So what if I don't have a date? So what if I'll spend V-day all by myself where dating for us meant spending hours on the phone? At least I married the man of my dreams, which is more than I can say for some of these people! Sure, they have dates - but that's all there is to it - a date. Every year, it's a different person. Year after year, a different date.
Hubz and I have taught ourselves that V-day is just like any other day. After all, when you love someone you're with, doesn't it feel like Valentine's every single day? I'm blessed because I get the chance to fall in love with him over and over again everyday. We don't get to be together but we get to talk, and plan, and dream of our future.
One Valentine's Day sometime in the near future, I know that we'll get to spend it together. In the meantime, this special Valentine's greeting goes your way. Happy Heart's Day!
Being in an LD relationship, I get these "so-you-have-a-boyfriend-but-you-don't-have-a-date" look all the time. I call them the pity look. Initially, I hated it, but I have learned to deal with it. So what if I don't have a date? So what if I'll spend V-day all by myself where dating for us meant spending hours on the phone? At least I married the man of my dreams, which is more than I can say for some of these people! Sure, they have dates - but that's all there is to it - a date. Every year, it's a different person. Year after year, a different date.
Hubz and I have taught ourselves that V-day is just like any other day. After all, when you love someone you're with, doesn't it feel like Valentine's every single day? I'm blessed because I get the chance to fall in love with him over and over again everyday. We don't get to be together but we get to talk, and plan, and dream of our future.
One Valentine's Day sometime in the near future, I know that we'll get to spend it together. In the meantime, this special Valentine's greeting goes your way. Happy Heart's Day!
Monday, February 07, 2005
I Hate Goodbyes
Four staffs in our department decided to call it quits. I have had the opportunity of working with three of them in the past so it was quite a shock for me.
JD decided to retire to concentrate on the family business. They started a franchise of a popular sandwich chain a year and a half ago when her husband retired. It was doing very well now. It had been stressful for her because right after work, she'll jump right in at the store and do the bookkeeping. Now she said their business is at a point where they need her presence more than the paycheck she's bringing in. Way to go JD! And thanks for the Wisconsin state quarters, mints, and the business card you left at my desk. I'll keep in touch.
I have long been hearing JC just counting the days so he can finally retire. He's quite well off actually, being a real estate broker and owning a number of properties both in the Philippines and here. It's funny because he's quitting to take care of his grandchildren.... :) He's so smitten by them that when his other son got stationed in Japan with his whole family, he decided he'd follow them to be with his grandson, and taking his other granddaughter along. What a treat!
Lastly, I am closest to AF because we have worked closely together in the past. She's a very nice person, and has resigned to take care of her sick sister - her only family left. Sad because she initially wanted to avail of the family leave but they wouldn't let her since it doesn't cover siblings - only parents and spouse and children. I can see where she's coming from because she'd like to spend as much time as possible to the only family she has left. I truly admire her because she initially took care of her parents when they got sick until the time they passed away. Then came her brother, and now it's her sister. If only there are more caring people like her in the world...
I'm not very good at saying goodbye because I get so affected. When I saw AF before she went off, we were both misty-eyed. Of course we promised to keep in touch. In fact, we're having lunch this Thursday just to catch up. I guess it's the friendship that I'll miss the most because no matter how hard I tried to keep it at a professional level, I can't help but get attached to people.
To all of you, good luck and God bless! 'Til we meet again.
JD decided to retire to concentrate on the family business. They started a franchise of a popular sandwich chain a year and a half ago when her husband retired. It was doing very well now. It had been stressful for her because right after work, she'll jump right in at the store and do the bookkeeping. Now she said their business is at a point where they need her presence more than the paycheck she's bringing in. Way to go JD! And thanks for the Wisconsin state quarters, mints, and the business card you left at my desk. I'll keep in touch.
I have long been hearing JC just counting the days so he can finally retire. He's quite well off actually, being a real estate broker and owning a number of properties both in the Philippines and here. It's funny because he's quitting to take care of his grandchildren.... :) He's so smitten by them that when his other son got stationed in Japan with his whole family, he decided he'd follow them to be with his grandson, and taking his other granddaughter along. What a treat!
Lastly, I am closest to AF because we have worked closely together in the past. She's a very nice person, and has resigned to take care of her sick sister - her only family left. Sad because she initially wanted to avail of the family leave but they wouldn't let her since it doesn't cover siblings - only parents and spouse and children. I can see where she's coming from because she'd like to spend as much time as possible to the only family she has left. I truly admire her because she initially took care of her parents when they got sick until the time they passed away. Then came her brother, and now it's her sister. If only there are more caring people like her in the world...
I'm not very good at saying goodbye because I get so affected. When I saw AF before she went off, we were both misty-eyed. Of course we promised to keep in touch. In fact, we're having lunch this Thursday just to catch up. I guess it's the friendship that I'll miss the most because no matter how hard I tried to keep it at a professional level, I can't help but get attached to people.
To all of you, good luck and God bless! 'Til we meet again.
Friday, February 04, 2005
70 Days to go....
...and counting...
I just purchased my airline ticket today - woohoo!!!! I called two more travel agents and I decided to go for the cheapest PAL airfare (if you consider that cheap!).
I panicked because the other two travel agents I called told me that the return flight is already at a waiting list. Boy I tell ya, those seats went fast, to think that the new rates were just released on the 1st of Feb. - talk about panic-buying! So, to be assured of the seat, I told my agent to book me on those flights pronto!
So, brace up Manila, here I come... yahoo!!!!
I just purchased my airline ticket today - woohoo!!!! I called two more travel agents and I decided to go for the cheapest PAL airfare (if you consider that cheap!).
I panicked because the other two travel agents I called told me that the return flight is already at a waiting list. Boy I tell ya, those seats went fast, to think that the new rates were just released on the 1st of Feb. - talk about panic-buying! So, to be assured of the seat, I told my agent to book me on those flights pronto!
So, brace up Manila, here I come... yahoo!!!!
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
Let the countdown begin....
With only 72 days to go, I have been seriously scouting for tickets to Manila from different travel agencies since yesterday. Though waiting for a couple more quotes, I think I have a pretty good idea now how much it'll cost me to be with my husband, hehehe!
I was talking to hubz last night and we were discussing how expensive these tickets cost these days! Who would think that April is considered a peak season - all because it's summer vacation in the Philippines?! He was suggesting other airlines to save a few bucks but I am pretty adamant on flying via PAL this time. I am getting tired of stop-overs. Besides, PAL arrives in Manila during the wee hours in the morning, and leaves for the US at night. That'll give us a little more time to be together, hehe! Pathetic isn't it? A few hours of togetherness bring us enormous amount of joy!!!! Oh well, that's the downside of being in an LD relationship!
I hope to make the decision which travel agency to book with by the end of this week so we can get that squared away. Next, we hope to be able to plan our escapades. Abangan....
Sigh, 72 days, and I'm home-bound! Do I hear Gary V. singing "Babalik Ka Rin?"
I was talking to hubz last night and we were discussing how expensive these tickets cost these days! Who would think that April is considered a peak season - all because it's summer vacation in the Philippines?! He was suggesting other airlines to save a few bucks but I am pretty adamant on flying via PAL this time. I am getting tired of stop-overs. Besides, PAL arrives in Manila during the wee hours in the morning, and leaves for the US at night. That'll give us a little more time to be together, hehe! Pathetic isn't it? A few hours of togetherness bring us enormous amount of joy!!!! Oh well, that's the downside of being in an LD relationship!
I hope to make the decision which travel agency to book with by the end of this week so we can get that squared away. Next, we hope to be able to plan our escapades. Abangan....
Sigh, 72 days, and I'm home-bound! Do I hear Gary V. singing "Babalik Ka Rin?"
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
I've been tagged
I got tagged by Xtine so here's my take:
Random 10:
1. How Did You Know rendition by Gary V.
2. Kailangan Kita (again by Gary V.)
3. Sharon Trilogy - Sana'y Wala Nang Wakas, Pangarap na Bituin, Bituing Walang Ningning (such classics!)
4. Promise Me - Beverly Craven
5. Valentine - Martina McBride
6. The Prayer - Charlotte Church and Josh Groban
7. You Raise Me Up - Josh Groban
8. You're Still You - Josh Groban
9. I Will Be Here - Gary V. rendition
10. Because You Loved Me - Celine Dion
I'm a hopeless romantic kaya naman I listen to love songs most of the time (and read lots of love stories)... :)
1. What is the total amount of music files on your computer?
None. I usually listen to CDs.
2. The last CD you bought is....
I don't buy CDs anymore, but my husband sends them to me.... Night of the Champions, Side A Anthology, Sarah Geronimo, and Eric Santos
3. What is the last song you listened to before this message?
The theme song from Gilmore Girls.... don't know the title... :)
4. Write down five songs you listen to a lot or mean a lot to you:
a. I Will Be Here (my bridal walk)
b. Promise Me (and my husband kept that promise too, hehehe!)
c. Pangarap na Bituin (life story ko 'ata ito)
d. Kailangan Kita (obvious ba?)
e. Hero by Mariah Carey
5. Who are you gonna pass this stick to? (3 persons and why)
Ate June (just want to know what this girl's up to, hehehe!)
Josephine and Leirs (want to know what my n@w sisterettes' interests are)
I got tagged by Xtine so here's my take:
Random 10:
1. How Did You Know rendition by Gary V.
2. Kailangan Kita (again by Gary V.)
3. Sharon Trilogy - Sana'y Wala Nang Wakas, Pangarap na Bituin, Bituing Walang Ningning (such classics!)
4. Promise Me - Beverly Craven
5. Valentine - Martina McBride
6. The Prayer - Charlotte Church and Josh Groban
7. You Raise Me Up - Josh Groban
8. You're Still You - Josh Groban
9. I Will Be Here - Gary V. rendition
10. Because You Loved Me - Celine Dion
I'm a hopeless romantic kaya naman I listen to love songs most of the time (and read lots of love stories)... :)
1. What is the total amount of music files on your computer?
None. I usually listen to CDs.
2. The last CD you bought is....
I don't buy CDs anymore, but my husband sends them to me.... Night of the Champions, Side A Anthology, Sarah Geronimo, and Eric Santos
3. What is the last song you listened to before this message?
The theme song from Gilmore Girls.... don't know the title... :)
4. Write down five songs you listen to a lot or mean a lot to you:
a. I Will Be Here (my bridal walk)
b. Promise Me (and my husband kept that promise too, hehehe!)
c. Pangarap na Bituin (life story ko 'ata ito)
d. Kailangan Kita (obvious ba?)
e. Hero by Mariah Carey
5. Who are you gonna pass this stick to? (3 persons and why)
Ate June (just want to know what this girl's up to, hehehe!)
Josephine and Leirs (want to know what my n@w sisterettes' interests are)
Monday, January 31, 2005
Thank You...
A couple of weeks ago, my dad called me with news of his health that troubled me. There was blood in his bowel. He went to see the doctor because aside from the blood, it was very uncomfortable for him too. He was diagnosed with colon cancer. I wept when I received the news.
Dad and I had a falling over years ago which would qualify for another post. We seldom talk and when we do, it was short and civil. But, no matter how much wide that gap became, I was still affected. I lost my beloved grandfather to the big C almost 20 years ago, and I don't think I can stand losing someone else dear to me again. I hate that sickness. I hope the world will be rid of it soon.
I prayed hard, and asked for prayers. To those who cared enough to read my blog, they responded with comments saying they would. To all of you, I say thank you. Our prayers were heard, and after tests and a minor surgery on Friday, it was determined that his' was a Stage 1. Thank God it was caught early on, and merely by accident. The blood on his bowel was unrelated to the Big C. God is good, because he orchestrated that nerve to burst, thereby leading him to the doctor, and thus, discovering a Stage 1 cancer.
In another month, more tests, and possibly another surgery might be needed. I would ask you to please continue to pray for my dad. He may not be the best father in the world, but he's the one I was blessed with.
Most of all, to our Father in Heaven, thank You.... My heart sings with gladness.
Dad and I had a falling over years ago which would qualify for another post. We seldom talk and when we do, it was short and civil. But, no matter how much wide that gap became, I was still affected. I lost my beloved grandfather to the big C almost 20 years ago, and I don't think I can stand losing someone else dear to me again. I hate that sickness. I hope the world will be rid of it soon.
I prayed hard, and asked for prayers. To those who cared enough to read my blog, they responded with comments saying they would. To all of you, I say thank you. Our prayers were heard, and after tests and a minor surgery on Friday, it was determined that his' was a Stage 1. Thank God it was caught early on, and merely by accident. The blood on his bowel was unrelated to the Big C. God is good, because he orchestrated that nerve to burst, thereby leading him to the doctor, and thus, discovering a Stage 1 cancer.
In another month, more tests, and possibly another surgery might be needed. I would ask you to please continue to pray for my dad. He may not be the best father in the world, but he's the one I was blessed with.
Most of all, to our Father in Heaven, thank You.... My heart sings with gladness.
Sunday, January 30, 2005
Monday, January 24, 2005
Lost... and then Found!
Hubz called me on Friday night and he was panicking. He said he lost his wedding ring, and that he has turned the house upside down looking for it. Of course I was amused because even his mom and his grandma were helping him look for it. At the back of my mind, I was sort of imagining what type of wedding ring I'll request next, hehe! I know, I'm bad... but hey, a girl can dream of a diamond studded platinum wedding band can't she?
Ok, so I did a little research over the weekend, even sent a photo to hubz on the possible design. I also told him about some couples having two sets of wedding bands - one for daily use, and another for special occasions only. He said that was a good idea, until I told him how much platinums cost these days. He almost fell off his chair, tee-hee!
So, come Monday, he called me as soon as he got to work, to let me know he found his ring! He was so excited 'coz it was under his desk - a little hidden from view. So, all my illusions of a new wedding band went kapoot!
But, hey, I'm glad he found his wedding ring. After all, it's blessed, and it was the same ring we used to profess our undying love to each other - you know, the 'til death do us part piece.
Ok, so I did a little research over the weekend, even sent a photo to hubz on the possible design. I also told him about some couples having two sets of wedding bands - one for daily use, and another for special occasions only. He said that was a good idea, until I told him how much platinums cost these days. He almost fell off his chair, tee-hee!
So, come Monday, he called me as soon as he got to work, to let me know he found his ring! He was so excited 'coz it was under his desk - a little hidden from view. So, all my illusions of a new wedding band went kapoot!
But, hey, I'm glad he found his wedding ring. After all, it's blessed, and it was the same ring we used to profess our undying love to each other - you know, the 'til death do us part piece.
Thursday, January 20, 2005
In remembrance of....
Hubz sent me a text message today informing me that grandma's elder sister N passed away. She and grandma had a rift that started out so many years back. I don't even remember what that was about. It's sad because they have never been able to patch things up before she passed on.
I recalled vividly years ago (I was fresh out of college then) when we attended grandma's eldest sister's 80th birthday. Lola N was there in attendance as well. Through our prodding, grandma hugged Lola N, trying to bridge their gap but Lola N pushed her away. Their siblings were shocked of her reaction and of course, tried to appeal to her good heart. They even told her that since they're in their twilight years, they should just forgive and forget. Heck, I don't even know who should do the forgiving between the two of them. My heart went out to grandma because she humbled herself but received rejection and hurtful words.
I do hope that Lola N, wherever she is, has finally learned to let go of all the hatred she has harbored in her heart. It is only by forgiving that she will be able to experience peace. I will say silent prayers for you Lola N. May your soul rest in peace.
Let this be a lesson to everyone that life is short. There is no better feeling in the world than to let go of all the negative feelings we have towards other people. God knows I carry some of those in my heart, and through constant prayer, I am beginning to slowly patch things up with those I have burned bridges with. The Lord has taught me great lessons in life, and one of them, is not to take things for granted. After all, we will never know when He'll call us to join Him.
Sorry for the mushy blog. I am going through some very emotional times these days. Please pray for me and my family.
I recalled vividly years ago (I was fresh out of college then) when we attended grandma's eldest sister's 80th birthday. Lola N was there in attendance as well. Through our prodding, grandma hugged Lola N, trying to bridge their gap but Lola N pushed her away. Their siblings were shocked of her reaction and of course, tried to appeal to her good heart. They even told her that since they're in their twilight years, they should just forgive and forget. Heck, I don't even know who should do the forgiving between the two of them. My heart went out to grandma because she humbled herself but received rejection and hurtful words.
I do hope that Lola N, wherever she is, has finally learned to let go of all the hatred she has harbored in her heart. It is only by forgiving that she will be able to experience peace. I will say silent prayers for you Lola N. May your soul rest in peace.
Let this be a lesson to everyone that life is short. There is no better feeling in the world than to let go of all the negative feelings we have towards other people. God knows I carry some of those in my heart, and through constant prayer, I am beginning to slowly patch things up with those I have burned bridges with. The Lord has taught me great lessons in life, and one of them, is not to take things for granted. After all, we will never know when He'll call us to join Him.
Sorry for the mushy blog. I am going through some very emotional times these days. Please pray for me and my family.
Monday, January 10, 2005
The Year in Review
The past year, though still living on my own and away from hubz, brought me a lot of things and events to be thankful for. Good or bad, big or small, I have learned to be grateful for these things because it could easily be worse. I've been saying this over and over again, even when I had a bought with colds, cough, sore throat, on and off fever, I still feel blessed primarily because I'm alive.
Thank you dear Lord, for another year has passed. As I look forward to 2005, here are some of the milestones of the past year:
January – I attended a Cake Decorating class that filled up my Tuesday nights – baking and decorating a cake to bring to class on Wednesday evenings. The class was fun! Creating a well-decorated cake may be too time-consuming (it takes me about 4 hours to bake and decorate an 8” cake) but seeing the look on people’s eyes when I unveil my “masterpiece” and the praises I receive after they’ve tasted it, made all the effort worthwhile. Also, I have led a team of 10 staff to a successful off-release install. We started the project in November the previous year, and with about 5000+ man-hours, we delivered! The install was an uneventful one, which is a good thing, considering the hurdles that we had to overcome along the way.
February – Hubz and I celebrated Valentine’s Day over the phone. Nothing much to report this month, except my very eager countdown to April.
March – I finally got the camera I have been dreaming of for a long time! I wanted a digital SLR and I initially have my eyes on Nikon’s D100, but our wedding photographer (turned friend) advised me to wait for the D70 instead because it’s supposedly better than the D100. He was so right! The release date was March 2004, and I pre-ordered it way back in January. I have been drooling over digital SLRs for more than a year – justifying why I need to buy myself one. When I finally got my new camera in the mail, I was soooo ecstatic! Immediately after they released it, the website where I ordered it from has it backordered already! No wonder it was 2004’s Camera of the Year!!!!!
April – Thanks to the movie “The Passion of the Christ”, I had a very meaningful Lenten journey in 2004. I also got the promotion I have been hoping for a long time. The week prior to my long-awaited trip to Manila, roommate L’s friends from New Zealand – N & T came over for a visit. We took them to picturesque Yosemite. Then, on mid-April, I was home-bound to be with my husband. The night prior to my trip home, I couldn’t sleep because I was just sooo excited. I consider April and May my happiest months of the year because I get to be with my husband!!! It’s what long distance wives like me live for – year after year after year! We went to Corregidor the first week I was there. Because we were the only ones to stay in the island overnight, it was eerie and exciting at the same time. We were scaring ourselves off because of ghost stories around the island. Still, it felt good sleeping in the arms of my husband – my favorite place in the world…
May – I cooked up a surprise birthday party for hubz. With the help of some very close friends, I almost pulled it off. He got the hint at the last minute though, right when we were on our way to the venue. At the parking lot, he recognized the cars parked and I had to walk ahead so he wouldn’t see me giggling. I still have to pat myself in the back because he didn’t get the hunch until the day itself! We also celebrated our first year anniversary with my family and his’ at Villa Escudero. The only downside was, I wasn’t feeling very well – I was sick to my stomach the whole time – for personal reasons. In fact, I had to return to the US a week later than planned because they rushed me to the hospital on the day I was to fly back! Who knows, I just might be able to usher enough courage to write about this in my coming posts.
June – This is probably my most depressing month. After spending 5 weeks with my husband, I just couldn’t stop crying. I couldn’t even bring myself to look at our photos together, couldn’t even watch the video. Even when I was back in full throttle at work, it just isn’t the same. I come to work with puffy eyes and my attention constantly drifts away. I daydream a lot, I cry myself to sleep every night, I call often and talk with hubz for hours on end. If coming home was paradise, coming back without my husband is pure and absolute torture.
July – I have started to put into action something I read in “Rich Dad, Poor Dad”. I decided it was time I paid myself first. I opened a savings account entirely for that purpose and before long, the formula proved effective because my savings continued to grow, and I constrained my expenses to what is left of my savings and bills allotment.
August – I embarked on a new and somewhat-expensive hobby, thanks to the prodding of a dear friend, Christine. Because I have tons of photos waiting to be organized, I started scrapbooking, then later, cardmaking. I thoroughly enjoyed my new hobbies and tried to scrap almost every weekend. It somehow filled the void of not having my husband around. It also kept me busy scrap shopping, tee-hee!
September – On the day I celebrated my 31st birthday, my roommate and I also closed escrow on a rental property up in Sacramento. After the call from our realtor to greet me a happy birthday and to relay the good news, I just cried and cried – all because I couldn’t believe how much God has blessed me! On the third week of September, roommate L’s sister and her whole family visited from New Zealand. A few days later, they were gone, embarking on a very long and tedious drive to Yosemite, Tahoe, Arizona, Utah, Las Vegas, then back to SFO.
October – I led a semi-successful install into completion – the largest our company has ever seen, thus far. It was semi-successful because there were a few glitches in Production, but none that we could’ve caught. They were caused mainly by other systems outside the applications we’re responsible for – whew! The install was comprised of 25 projects, 18 staffs, and 21,000 man-hours! Because I deserved a much-needed break, I flew in to Las Vegas to meet with roommate L, her sister, and her sister’s family. I immensely enjoyed the trip!
November – Hubz and I celebrated our 10th year anniversary as gf/bf over the phone. It was nice to reminisce those good old years, but equally nostalgic as well! Then, we had another set of guests from Texas. Being the hospitable hosts, we took them to Sausalito, the City, then to Napa Valley.
December – This is one Christmas I didn’t feel like celebrating. I was not in the mood to decorate the house. For the first time in 6 years, we didn’t put up a tree. I was also grumpy that was why our neighbors dubbed me “Scrooge”. However, we spent Christmas Eve at Disneyland and California Adventure, which had been fun. We ended the year with a little get-together at home with very close friends and godchildren.
2004 came to an end abruptly fast, and 2005 is here to stay. May the coming year bring us all good health, happiness, peace, safety. Most of all, may the Lord continue to bless us all and shower us with His graces.
Here's to another fruitful year!
The past year, though still living on my own and away from hubz, brought me a lot of things and events to be thankful for. Good or bad, big or small, I have learned to be grateful for these things because it could easily be worse. I've been saying this over and over again, even when I had a bought with colds, cough, sore throat, on and off fever, I still feel blessed primarily because I'm alive.
Thank you dear Lord, for another year has passed. As I look forward to 2005, here are some of the milestones of the past year:
January – I attended a Cake Decorating class that filled up my Tuesday nights – baking and decorating a cake to bring to class on Wednesday evenings. The class was fun! Creating a well-decorated cake may be too time-consuming (it takes me about 4 hours to bake and decorate an 8” cake) but seeing the look on people’s eyes when I unveil my “masterpiece” and the praises I receive after they’ve tasted it, made all the effort worthwhile. Also, I have led a team of 10 staff to a successful off-release install. We started the project in November the previous year, and with about 5000+ man-hours, we delivered! The install was an uneventful one, which is a good thing, considering the hurdles that we had to overcome along the way.
February – Hubz and I celebrated Valentine’s Day over the phone. Nothing much to report this month, except my very eager countdown to April.
March – I finally got the camera I have been dreaming of for a long time! I wanted a digital SLR and I initially have my eyes on Nikon’s D100, but our wedding photographer (turned friend) advised me to wait for the D70 instead because it’s supposedly better than the D100. He was so right! The release date was March 2004, and I pre-ordered it way back in January. I have been drooling over digital SLRs for more than a year – justifying why I need to buy myself one. When I finally got my new camera in the mail, I was soooo ecstatic! Immediately after they released it, the website where I ordered it from has it backordered already! No wonder it was 2004’s Camera of the Year!!!!!
April – Thanks to the movie “The Passion of the Christ”, I had a very meaningful Lenten journey in 2004. I also got the promotion I have been hoping for a long time. The week prior to my long-awaited trip to Manila, roommate L’s friends from New Zealand – N & T came over for a visit. We took them to picturesque Yosemite. Then, on mid-April, I was home-bound to be with my husband. The night prior to my trip home, I couldn’t sleep because I was just sooo excited. I consider April and May my happiest months of the year because I get to be with my husband!!! It’s what long distance wives like me live for – year after year after year! We went to Corregidor the first week I was there. Because we were the only ones to stay in the island overnight, it was eerie and exciting at the same time. We were scaring ourselves off because of ghost stories around the island. Still, it felt good sleeping in the arms of my husband – my favorite place in the world…
May – I cooked up a surprise birthday party for hubz. With the help of some very close friends, I almost pulled it off. He got the hint at the last minute though, right when we were on our way to the venue. At the parking lot, he recognized the cars parked and I had to walk ahead so he wouldn’t see me giggling. I still have to pat myself in the back because he didn’t get the hunch until the day itself! We also celebrated our first year anniversary with my family and his’ at Villa Escudero. The only downside was, I wasn’t feeling very well – I was sick to my stomach the whole time – for personal reasons. In fact, I had to return to the US a week later than planned because they rushed me to the hospital on the day I was to fly back! Who knows, I just might be able to usher enough courage to write about this in my coming posts.
June – This is probably my most depressing month. After spending 5 weeks with my husband, I just couldn’t stop crying. I couldn’t even bring myself to look at our photos together, couldn’t even watch the video. Even when I was back in full throttle at work, it just isn’t the same. I come to work with puffy eyes and my attention constantly drifts away. I daydream a lot, I cry myself to sleep every night, I call often and talk with hubz for hours on end. If coming home was paradise, coming back without my husband is pure and absolute torture.
July – I have started to put into action something I read in “Rich Dad, Poor Dad”. I decided it was time I paid myself first. I opened a savings account entirely for that purpose and before long, the formula proved effective because my savings continued to grow, and I constrained my expenses to what is left of my savings and bills allotment.
August – I embarked on a new and somewhat-expensive hobby, thanks to the prodding of a dear friend, Christine. Because I have tons of photos waiting to be organized, I started scrapbooking, then later, cardmaking. I thoroughly enjoyed my new hobbies and tried to scrap almost every weekend. It somehow filled the void of not having my husband around. It also kept me busy scrap shopping, tee-hee!
September – On the day I celebrated my 31st birthday, my roommate and I also closed escrow on a rental property up in Sacramento. After the call from our realtor to greet me a happy birthday and to relay the good news, I just cried and cried – all because I couldn’t believe how much God has blessed me! On the third week of September, roommate L’s sister and her whole family visited from New Zealand. A few days later, they were gone, embarking on a very long and tedious drive to Yosemite, Tahoe, Arizona, Utah, Las Vegas, then back to SFO.
October – I led a semi-successful install into completion – the largest our company has ever seen, thus far. It was semi-successful because there were a few glitches in Production, but none that we could’ve caught. They were caused mainly by other systems outside the applications we’re responsible for – whew! The install was comprised of 25 projects, 18 staffs, and 21,000 man-hours! Because I deserved a much-needed break, I flew in to Las Vegas to meet with roommate L, her sister, and her sister’s family. I immensely enjoyed the trip!
November – Hubz and I celebrated our 10th year anniversary as gf/bf over the phone. It was nice to reminisce those good old years, but equally nostalgic as well! Then, we had another set of guests from Texas. Being the hospitable hosts, we took them to Sausalito, the City, then to Napa Valley.
December – This is one Christmas I didn’t feel like celebrating. I was not in the mood to decorate the house. For the first time in 6 years, we didn’t put up a tree. I was also grumpy that was why our neighbors dubbed me “Scrooge”. However, we spent Christmas Eve at Disneyland and California Adventure, which had been fun. We ended the year with a little get-together at home with very close friends and godchildren.
2004 came to an end abruptly fast, and 2005 is here to stay. May the coming year bring us all good health, happiness, peace, safety. Most of all, may the Lord continue to bless us all and shower us with His graces.
Here's to another fruitful year!
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
Monday, January 03, 2005
2004 - The Year that was....
Goodbye 2004 - hello year of the Rooster!!!!
How does someone overseas celebrate the coming of the new year? With dear friends of course! We had a post-christmas get-together here at home on New Year's eve. This has been an ongoing tradition since 1998, and over the years, a few people have been added, but the essence remained the same - to keep each other company for the holidays. We had a table-full of sumptuous food - paella, kaldereta, fried chicken, meatballs, lumpiang shanghai, sotanghon, shrimp, cassava bibingka, macaroni salad, ham - which my roommate and I cooked. Our friends brought mac and cheese, jello, buco salad, jack in the box dessert, kutsinta, and taho! Whew, talk about pigging out! The last of our guests left at 9pm - all were in a hurry to get home in time for New Year.
Filipinos have been known to easily adapt to their environment - wherever they may be. Since our families are all back home, we have learned to depend on friends. We have formed this bond since we first came here in 1997. In fact, I am the godmother to at least one of their kids!
I burned the phone lines at around 12:30am on January 1, Manila time. I had to make sure my husband's fingers were still intact even after firing all those firecrackers to welcome the new year! We reminisced the beginning of 2002 when I went home to spend New Year in Manila. We were together then - in fact, it was on January 3 when he actually proposed! I'm feeling homesick again....
Before the year ended, after the last of our guests left, I lost my voice! To date, I am harboring a little fever, cough, colds. What a way to welcome the new year huh? I guess it's because of the weather, and then of course, I may have gotten it from some of our guests who have just been through flu over the holidays!
Hopefully, 2005 will be a better year! Counting down the days 'til I see hubz again! :)
Lastly, please continue to pray (and help when you can) for all the victims of the deadly tsunami, and the four storms that hit the Philippines before the year ended. May those who passed away rest in peace, and may those who were left behind be able to pick up and go on.
Goodbye 2004 - hello year of the Rooster!!!!
How does someone overseas celebrate the coming of the new year? With dear friends of course! We had a post-christmas get-together here at home on New Year's eve. This has been an ongoing tradition since 1998, and over the years, a few people have been added, but the essence remained the same - to keep each other company for the holidays. We had a table-full of sumptuous food - paella, kaldereta, fried chicken, meatballs, lumpiang shanghai, sotanghon, shrimp, cassava bibingka, macaroni salad, ham - which my roommate and I cooked. Our friends brought mac and cheese, jello, buco salad, jack in the box dessert, kutsinta, and taho! Whew, talk about pigging out! The last of our guests left at 9pm - all were in a hurry to get home in time for New Year.
Filipinos have been known to easily adapt to their environment - wherever they may be. Since our families are all back home, we have learned to depend on friends. We have formed this bond since we first came here in 1997. In fact, I am the godmother to at least one of their kids!
I burned the phone lines at around 12:30am on January 1, Manila time. I had to make sure my husband's fingers were still intact even after firing all those firecrackers to welcome the new year! We reminisced the beginning of 2002 when I went home to spend New Year in Manila. We were together then - in fact, it was on January 3 when he actually proposed! I'm feeling homesick again....
Before the year ended, after the last of our guests left, I lost my voice! To date, I am harboring a little fever, cough, colds. What a way to welcome the new year huh? I guess it's because of the weather, and then of course, I may have gotten it from some of our guests who have just been through flu over the holidays!
Hopefully, 2005 will be a better year! Counting down the days 'til I see hubz again! :)
Lastly, please continue to pray (and help when you can) for all the victims of the deadly tsunami, and the four storms that hit the Philippines before the year ended. May those who passed away rest in peace, and may those who were left behind be able to pick up and go on.
Sunday, December 26, 2004
Back from Fantasy-Land
After 7 years here in the US, I finally was able to realize a childhood dream - I was able to go to Disneyland!!!! What's more, I spent Christmas eve there! It truly is the happiest place on earth - no doubt about that!
It took us 8 hours to get to Lancaster - where my roommate's niece lives. We stayed with them overnight and were off to California Adventure and Disneyland on the 24th. California Adventure is the adult theme park counterpart of Disneyland. We watched Alladin - a musical play - and took delight in the antics of the Genie - what a funny guy! We also watched the Making of Animations - which I know my brother would truly enjoy. His dream is to become a Disney cartoonist.
We also saw One Man's Dream - sort of like Walt Disney's life story. If there's one thing I learned about his life is that he puts his heart and soul in his dream - something he truly believed in. He was willing to risk everything just to be able to make it come true. In the end, he left behind a legacy that everyone from all walks of life would truly enjoy.
Then we were off to Disneyland. There, we saw Disney characters' parade, then Fantasmic - a water and lights show, followed by fireworks display. Finally, there was a shower of snowflakes with the sound of "White Christmas" in the background. What a great experience!
Oh by the way, I cried when I was watching Fantasmic because I remembered how my brother and I share the same dream of being able to go to Disneyland. God finally granted my wish on Christmas Eve nonetheless. It is my hope that I can bring my brother to Disneyland so he'll also enjoy the sights and fulfill his dream.
Thank you Walt, for making children happy. Most of all, thank you for making the child in me experience a christmas I didn't feel like celebrating prior to this trip.
P.S.
By the way, I promised photos didn't I? Well, here they are.... Thank you for looking.
After 7 years here in the US, I finally was able to realize a childhood dream - I was able to go to Disneyland!!!! What's more, I spent Christmas eve there! It truly is the happiest place on earth - no doubt about that!
It took us 8 hours to get to Lancaster - where my roommate's niece lives. We stayed with them overnight and were off to California Adventure and Disneyland on the 24th. California Adventure is the adult theme park counterpart of Disneyland. We watched Alladin - a musical play - and took delight in the antics of the Genie - what a funny guy! We also watched the Making of Animations - which I know my brother would truly enjoy. His dream is to become a Disney cartoonist.
We also saw One Man's Dream - sort of like Walt Disney's life story. If there's one thing I learned about his life is that he puts his heart and soul in his dream - something he truly believed in. He was willing to risk everything just to be able to make it come true. In the end, he left behind a legacy that everyone from all walks of life would truly enjoy.
Then we were off to Disneyland. There, we saw Disney characters' parade, then Fantasmic - a water and lights show, followed by fireworks display. Finally, there was a shower of snowflakes with the sound of "White Christmas" in the background. What a great experience!
Oh by the way, I cried when I was watching Fantasmic because I remembered how my brother and I share the same dream of being able to go to Disneyland. God finally granted my wish on Christmas Eve nonetheless. It is my hope that I can bring my brother to Disneyland so he'll also enjoy the sights and fulfill his dream.
Thank you Walt, for making children happy. Most of all, thank you for making the child in me experience a christmas I didn't feel like celebrating prior to this trip.
P.S.
By the way, I promised photos didn't I? Well, here they are.... Thank you for looking.
Thursday, December 23, 2004
Merry Christmas to you and yours
While Christmas this year isn't as exciting as the previous ones, I am still looking forward to take a few days off. I'm already stretched thin as it is, with work piling faster than I can sigh.
It's half day off for us today and this afternoon, we're going to LA!!!!! I'm going to visit Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Disney princesses.... :) What's more, our tickets are free! Our company gave out about 400 tickets to Disneyland and California Adventure so I'm going to both, yahoo!!!!
After more than 7 years here in the US, I'm ashamed to say that this will be my first time to go to Disneyland. I was able to go to Universal Studios some 5 years ago, but never to Disneyland. I just never had the chance to do it. I even told hubz that I'll just wait for him to come and then we'd go there together, but with a free ticket, who could resist right? harharhar!
So, my bags are packed, I'm geared up to go. We're driving down to LA in a few more hours, and call me weird but I quite enjoy driving. Ask me to drive 12 hours straight and I won't complain.... :)
'Til my next post! I promise to take lots of photos.
Merry Christmas everyone! Amidst all the chaos and feast, please don't forget the reason of the season - Christ!
Cyberhugs to you all!
While Christmas this year isn't as exciting as the previous ones, I am still looking forward to take a few days off. I'm already stretched thin as it is, with work piling faster than I can sigh.
It's half day off for us today and this afternoon, we're going to LA!!!!! I'm going to visit Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Disney princesses.... :) What's more, our tickets are free! Our company gave out about 400 tickets to Disneyland and California Adventure so I'm going to both, yahoo!!!!
After more than 7 years here in the US, I'm ashamed to say that this will be my first time to go to Disneyland. I was able to go to Universal Studios some 5 years ago, but never to Disneyland. I just never had the chance to do it. I even told hubz that I'll just wait for him to come and then we'd go there together, but with a free ticket, who could resist right? harharhar!
So, my bags are packed, I'm geared up to go. We're driving down to LA in a few more hours, and call me weird but I quite enjoy driving. Ask me to drive 12 hours straight and I won't complain.... :)
'Til my next post! I promise to take lots of photos.
Merry Christmas everyone! Amidst all the chaos and feast, please don't forget the reason of the season - Christ!
Cyberhugs to you all!
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
How times have changed....
I was already working when I got allowed to stay out 'til late. I remembered my dad used to call my friends when I'm not home by 6 or 7. My mom would even pick me up from school when I was in college just to make sure I'd go straight home. Being able to go to school is already a priviledge not every kid is blessed with, so I took that opportunity to do well in school. Perhaps I led a sheltered life but I was never permitted to go to parties unless my mom was with me. I never complained.
Now curfews at 10pm isn't even enough. Some of my cousins debated that parties don't even start 'til midnight, so how is it possible to come home at 10? I was totally shocked! I am concerned about the kind of parties that do start at 12!
I remembered my mom would tell me "ano'ng klaseng babae ang nasa kalye pa ng ganitong oras?" I once defied her and stayed out 'til about 8pm. Oh don't get me wrong, I sometimes sleep over a classmate's house just because we were busy working on our school projects. I was allowed to do that because I didn't have a computer up until the semester I was due to graduate, and only because I needed to do my thesis. But parties? Forget it and don't even dare ask!
And their cellphones! Explain how can a 7 year old kid be able to afford a cellphone? But they do have one, and mind you, they're not cheap-o! A friend complained that her nieces in Manila emailed her asking for a new cellphone because theirs was last year's model. "Ridiculous!" she said "because these girls' family couldn't even afford to put food on their table!". I advised her to tell her nieces to eat their cellphones first and if they're able to do that, then she'll give her a new one! Am I being too harsh?
My husband's cellphone had elicited quite a number of loud laughs before he took the plunge to change it. He had his cell since 1998 (the year after I left for the US) and it was a brand I've never heard of, as big as a landline phone and even heavier! I had to beg him to replace it! He finally did right after our wedding. That's how practical he is about stuff he believes are serving their purpose.
Here's more - whenever I come home, I get asked to bring "branded" clothes - be it CK, DKNY, Prada, Polo, etc, and imported perfumes or colognes. Last year, I had quite a few friends who told me I don't look like I came from America because I wasn't trendy. At least I'm not inviting unwanted attention! I'm one person who has never been held up, and I'm proud of it.
I can only shiver at the thought of what else could change. What would I do if my kids would tell me they want to get a tattoo or have their body pierced? What would I say if they tell me not to wait up because they're not coming home?
I have asked the same questions to hubz and we both do not have answers.
Sigh! Am I getting too old to notice these things?
I was already working when I got allowed to stay out 'til late. I remembered my dad used to call my friends when I'm not home by 6 or 7. My mom would even pick me up from school when I was in college just to make sure I'd go straight home. Being able to go to school is already a priviledge not every kid is blessed with, so I took that opportunity to do well in school. Perhaps I led a sheltered life but I was never permitted to go to parties unless my mom was with me. I never complained.
Now curfews at 10pm isn't even enough. Some of my cousins debated that parties don't even start 'til midnight, so how is it possible to come home at 10? I was totally shocked! I am concerned about the kind of parties that do start at 12!
I remembered my mom would tell me "ano'ng klaseng babae ang nasa kalye pa ng ganitong oras?" I once defied her and stayed out 'til about 8pm. Oh don't get me wrong, I sometimes sleep over a classmate's house just because we were busy working on our school projects. I was allowed to do that because I didn't have a computer up until the semester I was due to graduate, and only because I needed to do my thesis. But parties? Forget it and don't even dare ask!
And their cellphones! Explain how can a 7 year old kid be able to afford a cellphone? But they do have one, and mind you, they're not cheap-o! A friend complained that her nieces in Manila emailed her asking for a new cellphone because theirs was last year's model. "Ridiculous!" she said "because these girls' family couldn't even afford to put food on their table!". I advised her to tell her nieces to eat their cellphones first and if they're able to do that, then she'll give her a new one! Am I being too harsh?
My husband's cellphone had elicited quite a number of loud laughs before he took the plunge to change it. He had his cell since 1998 (the year after I left for the US) and it was a brand I've never heard of, as big as a landline phone and even heavier! I had to beg him to replace it! He finally did right after our wedding. That's how practical he is about stuff he believes are serving their purpose.
Here's more - whenever I come home, I get asked to bring "branded" clothes - be it CK, DKNY, Prada, Polo, etc, and imported perfumes or colognes. Last year, I had quite a few friends who told me I don't look like I came from America because I wasn't trendy. At least I'm not inviting unwanted attention! I'm one person who has never been held up, and I'm proud of it.
I can only shiver at the thought of what else could change. What would I do if my kids would tell me they want to get a tattoo or have their body pierced? What would I say if they tell me not to wait up because they're not coming home?
I have asked the same questions to hubz and we both do not have answers.
Sigh! Am I getting too old to notice these things?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)