A BUSY DAY AHEAD

I haven't been posting for quite sometime now. My last post was February 2010. After which, I was already busy with work.

But I will try to update my blog as often as I can. I leave early to go to work and I come back late at night already. Surfing the net has been my therapy, I cannot sleep without checking my facebook and playing Plants vs. Zombies. That is what I do at present. I seldom play Farmville or monitor my Cafe World. Of course, I cannot even write for my blog anymore because my brain is already tired.

Inspite of it all, I am still thankful for all the blessings I have received for the past months. My life as an employee is very fruitful although very busy. On the 3rd week of September, I have been given a weeks rest. I will be travelling, and I'm looking forward to it...

THE DAY THAT WAS

I just had my check-up a while ago at St. Luke's. I undergone magnification view of my left breast because two weeks ago I had mammography and based on the findings, it was recommended for further evaluation. And so I went. I waited for almost an hour for them to perform the procedure. I also got the CT Scan results and it will be interpreted by my doctor this coming Wednesday.

When I was finished with the procedure, I saw an R & E Taxi waiting at the other side of the building. The passenger had left the cab to go to the Medical Arts building. It was my turn to ride the taxi. I told the driver that I am bound to Sauyo. He told me that I should add P50.00 from the metered fare.

I was contemplating about it. Should I go straight home or should I just go to TriNoma and take an FX on my way home. We were already about to go to the back exit of the hospital when I decided that he drop me to TriNoma. He even repeated the question. And I told him to drop me there. We passed by shortcuts and the meter is only P60.00 when I told him to drop me at LandMark. He even dropped me far from the entrance. But it doesn't matter because I only paid him P70.00. He cannot even argue with me anymore and ask for the additional P50.00 because it was not even traffic and he has to leave at once.

Those drivers like that should be reported to the taxi operator so that they should know also that they cannot fool all passengers...

BLOGGING THRU MOBILE

Just testing the mobile phone. I just would want to find out if I can write a blog the mobile. It seems I can and I'm doing it now. So I can blog anytime & anywhere...SOON...Because I just borrowed this from my brother &  I will return it  to him now. 

ON MY WAY HOME

I am a professional commuter. I shuttle from house to office by means of public utility vehicles like FX and jeepney. Normally, I hitch with an officemate after office and he will drop me to Tandang Sora Avenue in Quezon City. From there, I will ride a jeepney to Sangandaan-Quirino Hi-way and another ride bound home. It is a routine after office, except when my ever reliable FX fetch me from the office or I decided to go enroute to Cubao.

This night is no different. From Sangandaan-Quirino Hi-way, I took the jeep bound to Novaliches on my way home. A woman in her early 40s or 50s rode the jeep at Talipapa and sat beside me. I was already asleep that I did not notice her paying the jeepney driver. Since I am not aware of the situation, I cannot truly say if she paid P5.00 or P10.00. What woke me from my mini-slumber was the argument between the woman and the jeepney driver. The driver claimed that she only paid him P5.00. He even dropped the coin in front of the woman. But the woman insisted that she paid P10.00 and she demanded a change.

The driver, upon reaching Mindanao Avenue stopped and demanded that the woman should go and transfer to another jeep. But she did not do it. She kept on talking that the driver will do anything to earn money. Then, she even brought out an incident where she was able to return a cellphone to its owner. And she proudly said that the cellphone costs more than P10,000.00

But before I went down, I began to be turned off with the driver. An old woman paid for the transpo fare applying the Senior Citizen discount for her and the husband. Both are already in their middle-aged years, maybe 60-70. Suddenly, the driver told them that the fare is P13.00 per head not P12.00. The old woman argued with the jeepney driver, again. But the driver insisted that discount for senior citizen is only P2.00. The woman beside made a snide remark against the driver.

The argument did not last because the old woman and her husband already went down. And it was also my destination so I hurriedly went out of the jeep. It's so funny how one can find ways to earn instant money. But definitely, I won't ride the jeepney if the driver cheats...

CATCHING UP WITH MY BFFs

After a series of reschedules and communication thru Facebook and texts, finally, I was able to see my two highschool BFFs a while ago. Our meeting point was @ Starbucks, 2nd level, TriNoMa. Since Sheila has not eaten her lunch yet, we decided to have a heavy merienda-con-dinner. We decided to go to Italianni's @ the 5th level, TriNoMa, overlooking the garden.

We decided to order large lasagna good for the 3 of us...for the main course. It is really creamy and meaty inside. As my bestfriend, Marianne commented, "masarap siya..."

For the appetizer, we had the artichoke formigianno. I don't know why it's called that way, but it's yummy and we spread it over the buttered toast with sprinkle of grated parmessan cheese.

We forgot to take the picture of the Sicilian Salad. But we were able to take the picture of the leftovers...The lettuce and bread croutons are crunchy to the bite. The fruits like grapes and ripe mangoes and contributes to the sweetness while the chicken honey dijon sauce to the creaminess of the salad.

Some photo op with my BFFs at Italianni's. In between bites we digest our experiences and journey into the world of cosmetics, lovelife and other facets of human experiences...Incidentally, it is also a mini-despedida to Sheila who will be leaving for U.S. at the end of the month.

After a hearty merienda-con-dinner, we continue our stories and catching up @ Seattle's Best in 2nd level TriNoMa over desserts of cheesecake and carrot cake and a sip of mocha java and javakula...

We promised especially Marianne and I, whilst Sheila is in abroad that we will continue our catching up. We have been friends since elementary. Now I realize that we have grown up to be a better person...I also realize that friendship springs from the heart though you are near or far.

MY STARBUCKS ADDICTION

I love Starbucks.

I really do.

caption: this is me @ Starbucks, West Avenue Quezon City in 2006

Before I used to think that Starbucks is another imported coffee store from the U.S.

It was in 1999 when the first branch opened along the Makati area.

My dad used to bring Starbucks brochure made from earth-colored papyrus.

History of Starbucks including their best-selling coffee was printed on the brochure.

caption: me and my boss @ Starbucks, West Avenue. We have nothing to do but take pictures...

It is where friendships were formed.

...Stories were created.

...Solitude was embraced with a frapuccino or hot coffee.

I love Starbucks.

I love Vanilla Frapuccino.

I also tried other flavors.

But most importantly, I was able to claim their Starbucks diary.

And it all begins with ONE.

BLOGGER'S BLOCK

I do apologize, my dear bloggers, for I haven't been in the mood to write lately. Call it a blogger's block.

I have been busy lately, with office work and stuff. But most importantly, I have been busy with facebook. I have been busy farming in FARMVILLE and expanding my cafe in CAFE WORLD. I am also hook with writers from the fanfiction of the Twilight World that I forgot all about ICE CREAM AND CHOCOLATES...

I hope I am forgiven, my dear bloggers. But I don't want to make a promise that I will update my blog as often as I should. I will try my best...

A lot of things has been happening lately...our country was stricken with numerous typhoons. A friend of mine got married recently but I cannot capture the moment in my blog. Well, I should say, call it again a BLOGGER'S BLOCK...I just wish that this type of sickness will go away...

ANOTHER LONG WEEKEND

Looking forward to another long weekend. September 7, 2009 was declared a non-working holiday as tribute to one of the religious leader who will be laid to rest. Then, September 21, 2009 was again declared a holiday because it commences the Ramadan, a Muslim tradition...And I am looking forward for my Cebu and Tagaytay trip...so by then I can update my blog more often.

After another long hour of work, I look forward to this long holidays as a rest day...Because I believe that I deserve to rest and to sleep longer hours so that I can recharge my battery as I look forward to another day of work after that. For me, work is fun and challenging. My job requires me to go from one place to another and meet new set of personalities. It involves a lot of pressure and major responsibilities but at the end of the day, I find it fulfilling. So, I should be thankful that I have work to look forward to...because it is really a blessing.

SO MUCH TO THANK FOR

I have so much to thank for. But sadly I cannot put them into words because I don't know where to start. Last August 13, after 11 months of gruesome training in our company-sponsored Officership program, finally, I made it. I passed the panel interview and effective September 1, I am promoted as one of the company's officer.

What can I say? My eyes were brimming with tears of joy upon hearing the news. But I know that this no bed of roses. This will entail so many responsibilities, coupled with gift of wisdom and discernment. But the most important thing above all is doing my part, relax by having a positive outlook, and most importantly, PRAY. I prayed a lot for God to give me strength. And He never failed me. I am blogging as testimony of God's unwavering love in my life. And I know that all of us should have faith and trust in Him because He will never leave us in times of need.

WHY AM I NOT POSTING LATELY?

A week after the death of our former beloved President, I have been out-of-touch in the internet world lately.

First, there is a problem with computer access. Our DSL provider had encountered some problems for the last few weeks. My connection was greatly affected because we cannot browse the internet. I have been calling them for assistance, but most of the time, only the customer service provider are the one answering our calls. I cannot blame them because they only relay what was written in their computer. If the technical people decided not to write anything, the customer service assistant will be the ones to make excuse so that they can appease their caller.

Next, I have been reviewing for my panel lately. This is the make-or-break part of my career that is why I have to concentrate on it. After 11 months of gruelling training, all my efforts, with the help of Divine Intervention, paid off. I am now 1 step ahead of the corporate ladder and I'm very happy that it turned out for the best. One of the significant learning thru this experience is always to thank the Lord for all the blessings...aside from being calm and relaxed.

Now that the phase of my training period is over and I was able to make it, I think it's about time for me to concentrate not only my blogging but also my driving skills. According to my mentor in driving, I have the tendency to be an offensive driver. My instructor advised me to always be on the defensive side because it will be our responsibility ones we bump into something.

Anyway, I just would like to thank the people who take time in following this blog. I'll try to write as often as I can, it's just that blame it on the DSL provider...

THROUGH THE YEARS

It's raining very hard. Rain makes me senti. I just celebrated my nth birthday last week and I'm thankful for all the blessings and sufferings I've encountered because it only made me a better person.

I was on leave on my actual birthday. I accompanied my mom to the hospital for her check-up because her health card will expiring this month. At any rate, I'm still fortunate that I have work, family and friends who are very supportive.

I had my birthday celebration two days after I came back from work. It was a touching celebration because my share of pancit was complemented with lechong manok from Andok's and a mocha birthday cake from Goldilock's, under the care of my colleagues.

I received a lot of birthday greetings thru text. Then there's facebook. My wall was filled with birthday greetings from classmates, clients and friends from way, way back.

What is my birthday wish? There is a saying that birthday wish should be kept a secret in order for it to become a reality.

credit: http://photobucket.com/images/raining

http://www.mygirlspace.com

IN THE ARMS OF AN ANGEL...

Note: This is one of my favorite all-time songs that I never got tired of listening. I also love anything related to angels-figurines, pictures, movies, graphics...Fascination with angels was influenced by my auntie living in U.S.A. She gave us some angel figurines when she was on vacation. The track is the themesong from the movie "City of Angels" starring Nicolas Cage and Meg Ryan.

IN THE ARMS OF AN ANGEL

by Sarah Maclachlan

Spend all your time waiting for that second chance

For break that will make it okay

There's always some reason to feel not good enough

And it's hard at the end of the day

I need some distraction or a beautiful release

Memories seep from my veins

Let me be empty and weightless and maybe

I'll find some peace tonight

In the arms of the Angel far away from here

From this dark, cold hotel room, and the endlessness that you fear

You are pulled from the wreckage of your silent reverie

You're in the arms of an Angel; may you find some comfort here

So tired of the straight line, and everywhere you turn

There's vultures and thieves at your back

The storm keeps on twisting, keep on building the lies

That you make up for all that you lack

It don't make no difference, escaping one last time

It's easier to believe

In this sweet madness, oh it's glorious sadness

That brings me to my knees

In the arms of an Angel far away from here

From this dark, cold hotel room, and the endlessness that you fear

You are pulled from the wreckage of your silent reverie

In the arms of an Angel, may you find some comfort here

You're in the arms of an Angel, may you find some comfort here

BY MY TEARS-THE ART OF CRYING

While surfing my facebook, Timi, a schoolmate and friend of mine tagged me in one of her notes. I was really moved by the poem that it really made me cry so hard...not that I have no reason to. But sadly, I was in the crying move that night due to some unfortunate discriminating event against a senior citizen who is close to my heart...Not only was I crying, but I was also stressed out.

BY MY TEARS

By: Timi Stoop-Alcala

"This is my program:

Let us all weep.”

--Kenneth Patchen

The world has not wept enough.

Yes, we have cried for reason’s demise

Or reason itself turned cold and cruel

We have wailed for lives cut short,

For hearts that beat without spirit,

We have cursed each season upturned,

The death of leaves, the fall of mountains –

Why do our species define

history and peace as contradictions?

With righteous anger,

We tremble at injustice, and yet

We summon wars as much as we train heroes.

We are relentless, without limits

Like a catastrophe

And we punish ourselves for this terrible,

Implacable destiny.

We torture ourselves for conjuring destinies

That destroy those who seek them.

But we have not wept enough.

The night’s disquiet is more piercing than our mourning.

Suffering is still greater than our sadness.

So, I propose:

Let us weep until we cannot.

Let us weep so hard

that we cannot turn our back to the other

without touching, without sharing,

without being shaken by our capacity for despair.

Let us take pride in our weeping,

And weave these tears into our skin,

That laughter becomes a memory,

And happiness a dream.

Maybe then,

We shall call destiny, hope.

Love, our evolution.

I shall begin with myself.

By my tears, my love shall know me.

I used to cry when I was a kid. My teachers and classmates in school used to call me a baby. When I was growing up, I was oriented that unable to cry is a sign of strength. Crying is a sign of weakness. But as I mature, I learned that crying is part of human nature, synonymous to breathing, walking, or eating...If we control my emotions, I cannot breathe. Sometimes, inability to express oneself thru crying makes a person sick. That's why nowadays, young people, especially professionals are having health problems due to stress and emotional imbalance. Therefore, it is fitting to cry especially when the need arises. It's good for the health.

When I'm hurt...I cry

When my father passed away...I cry

When I'm frustrated...I cry

When I had an illness...I cried

When I pray for strength...I cry to GOD

Because He wash away my tears