28th

I just turned 28 years old. Soon, I will be in out of the calendar.  Laughs.  And I wish I can stop the hands of time?!  Well, I don’t feel like a the mature lady yet.  I’m like in my mid twenties.

Seriously, I am very thankful for this year.  I am doing well and was able to bounce back from a bad career.  The same negative thing I was always blogging before.  Now, I can say I am more comfortable to my officemates, my work and myself.  Yes, I am starting to gain friends; like knowing my officemates deeper and engaging more conversation with them.

This year, my 28th, I feel I can do many things.  All the things I wanted.  I will not hold anything back.

28th year, 28 things

1. Graduate school- in process
2. Local travel – done Dumaguete
3. Travel abroad – Sept schedule
4. Promotion, far exceeds rating
5. Invest in something- done i bought a farm animal
6. New hair color
7. Have a boyfriend
8. Budgeted office outfits
9. Create a new twitter account
10. Exercise. Run.
11. Read books
12. Visit the dentist – done January, next in June
13. Consult the doctor if necessary – optha last time
14. Buy a DLSR camera
15. Experience IMAX
16. Join civic society group
17. Have an Easter egg game
18. Make a “white theme” holiday
19. Go to church. Pray
20. Adopt a plant
21. Watch a concert – Vertical Horizon
22. Eat healty
23. Aim for 110 lbs
24. Throw a party
25. Be vain
26. Argue.  Fight back
27. Start business
28. Move on

Christmas menu

Our family, like any other Filipino families celebrated the Christmas eve with special food. Actually, the food were simple and ordinary but since it was enjoyed by all of us, it was then a feast.  There are 30 heads in our family, including my sister abroad and the other kids who couldn’t make it. But this year, I think nine fellas are not in the attendance.  Mostly, freakin growing kids who are like eating machines in the dinner table. Hahaha!

Sardines pasta

Awesome ham to match the sliced bread and queso be bola.

Caldereta. Can’t believe why we had a heavy viand in the table.

Bibingka and cassava cake.

Fresh mini lumpias.

Gelatin. Another mini in the menu.

Leche flan.  I was not able to untie the ribbon so you can see it in the picture.

Chocolate cake. Blockbuster dessert.

Bonus! We had lechon de leche and a bottle of red wine.

time to get the culture back.. (hihi)

Eureka! Eureka!

I had a change of mind last minute.  Yesterday, I tried my luck in looking for the Theo and Philo chocolates I shared in my last entry but unfortunately, there’s none in Makati Shangrila.  Misinformation in their site.  I guess their chocolates was pulled out by the hotel admin.

The photo was taken yesterday at Makati Shangrila.

As for me, I don’t want to wait for lunch time tomorrow to grab the chocolates in Rockwell.  I decided to get something else and elbow my way to the crowded malls of Makati.

No joke.  It was draining.

And surprisingly, I had a better idea.  I went inside the Kultura shop in SM Makati.  There were few cool gift ideas here and there but I found a soya chips worth P79/each.  I find it something unique; actually I’m a bit giddy to give these tomorrow.  You see, I bought local product to give away.  Isn’t that lovely?   Don’t you find it so patriotic?  Will you do the same?

Here’s another part of it that I am so happy about, the gift wrapping is free.  They will put Kultura gift tags.  It’s actually me wanting to influence officemates to give something useful or with purpose.. Not items to display on my office table.  Hahaha!

Going preachy again, but you see I really feel good.  Take a second look at the pictures above.

It’s delicous.  By the way, there are two flavors for now.  They have the original and  the white cheese.  My favorite would be the white cheese.  The sales lady said they will be coming up with pizza and bbq flavors soon.  My suggestion, invent something will chillies (for some kick).

While waiting for my gifts, I ordered bibingka and batirol (hot choco).  This a good combination during this season.

 

 

Yahoo merry christmas everyone.

what are buttons good for?

It is very unlikely that I am extra friendly but last Thursday, I reached my quota.  In the morning, I saw an ex-officemate with her wifey.  We (the wifey and I) spoke things like we know each other so well, and I asked of things that I would normally ask.  Things about her usual way to office, her baby and his hubby.  I brought the topic about his husband not gaining weight but she actually said he has turned into a daddy figure.  That really intrigues why?

Maybe she’s enjoying herself as well since she’s asks same personal questions every now and then.  Like a normal person would do.  I am so guilty that I usually don’t show interest with other people.  And I wonder why I don’t gave social life?

But we were interrupted by my BPI officemate.  We hailed a private car to take us to Makati.  Not so interesting thing to share why we have to rent a private car to take us to work so we might as well leave it.  So we were sharing more stories, coz we have more common friends than the girl I was conversing with earlier.  Yes, it is as if I never left BPI.  If we sat next to each other, we might be super talking aloud forgetting other people inside the car.  Fun!

Actually, I am bit stressed today because, one, my beloved partner is on leave.  I’ll take my leave Tuesday next week, so we are even.  argh!  Next is that one of my staff  has lost an impt piece of our work… The application.  I always have that problem her.  She is quite a headache actually.

Mid-day, I met a Math major.  This guy, a contractual guy, I suddenly feel for him.  He’s got a pretty good educational background, it is such a waste he’ll be in a mechanical work like logging and receiving accounts.  He has better things to offer and so many things other things only few people know.  I mean who pursues math studies as to the number who pursues management studies.  Tell me.

It’s like in the bunch of red vases, you spot a yellow cup.  These red fellas know the same thing and probably can offer the same tricks but the unique yellow cup knew more things.  But seriously, you need the yellow cup.  Why would I want something so common?  hahaha.

 

My thoughts were cut.

 

Same day, I gave my Christmas presents to my officemates.  I took some pictures.

 

 

 

 

 

emo-tastic

*this is suppose to be posted yesterday*

Going side to side with the top ten topic, I was also feeling emo.  Side note: I was looking for a dress to wear in my HS bestfriend’s wedding next week.  I was trying some clothes on but unfortunately (and so depressing), I had a hard time looking.  I am heavy bottom, flabby tummy to the waist until my thighs.  Ahuh I am not an hour glass figures.  Sob!

Of course, I was focused and busy looking around and brushing thru all fancy dresses.  Mind if I share the whole story instead. We’ll get back to my emo story later.  In my head, I make sure of the style, its versatility and the price tag.  It has to be wearable in the office as well.  Not a fan of buying uber formal dress to wear in one occassion.  Realizing how much things cost today, we need to be practical and wise with our buys.

I tried a fitted dress and matched it with a black corset.  Guess what?  I almost died inside the fitting room, I was stuck inside the outfit.  Laughs, I must have forced myself to small size.  Effin body!  Screw these clothes. Hahahaa

My cousin suddenly sent me sms.  The message went “Dyan.”  In an instant, I flared up a bit.  I couldn’t believe it myself, I remember somebody from my past who would text me the same thing.  Holy cow! Here I am getting my mind occupied with girly stuff and out of nowhere, it felt that it was your message I am reading.  I am totally convinced you remembered me after these silly years.

Suddenly, I was reminiscing, mushy and all.  The message threw me out of my concentration in shopping.  I was able to hold back my tears…. Hahaha! Just joking.

For years of endless trying to move on, I am still stuck.  Damn this feeling!

You have stayed too long in my mind.

Let go Dyan.

sweet treat

They say if you give something sweet to someone, you will be remembered as a sweet person.  There maybe some truth to that.   So that’s why guys give girls chocolates or cakes, etc.  It is as if you psyche people that you have a sweet personality.  You give them that perception even if you’re not.   Try it; the magic might work.

So, I have decided to give lollicakes and a brand of locally manufactured chocolate bars.  Honestly, I am a bit excited to give my gifts within this week.  The catch is that, I am getting the lollicakes from an actress turned business woman (other side; she’s into motor cross) and the wife of a PBA player.  I don’t know but I feel elated during our exchange of sms.  She was in Kool Ka Lang, a primetime funny show,  I distinctly remembered staying up late to watch this.  Yes, college years.

The idea of lollicakes blew my mind away.  It was genius, something different (well at least for me) and something sweet of course.  FYI, I placed my order yeterday morning and they will deliver them by Thursday morning.  Could she be the one handling the bag of lollies to me?  Or maybe her hubby?  Oh no, what outfit should I wear then? just a side note..

If you want to try lollicakes, you can find them in facebook and multiply.  Try not to lick the monitor when you their page okay?

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Lollicake-Factory/178289495521727

http://thecakepopfactory.blogspot.com/2010/12/hey-guys-has-been-real-hectic-since-i.html

The theo and philo chocobars is another thing.  Oh by the way, I never tried the lollies nor the chocobars.  But I know I can never go wrong with them.  Everyone needs their sugar fix every all day.  Exaggerated thought.  The chocobars as I was saying is locally made.  Flavors are wild, dark choco with chillies, choco with ginger, choco with kalamansi… Wierd right?  Genius people.

Look them up at the net.

http://theoandphilo.com/about.htm

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Theo-Philo-Artisan-Chocolates/119554834779701

Give it as a gift to family and friends.  Be proud, spread the word.  It is a Filipino product.  Yup I am helping the small enterprises.  Always a pleasure to help them grow their number of customers.  Do the same, give them the favor of promoting best buys like theo and philo choco.

That’s it.  I will take a picture when I have the goodies.

quick press

If metro traffic on a daily basis is already unnerving, what more is the Christmas season traffic?  Absolutely, it is pain in the ass.  As I am writing this down, the other lane is slow moving.  There’s nothing to be jealous about it because in minutes, I will be stuck in the road as well.  Laughs.

 

When I was years younger, I would bring a pocketbook to entertain myself.  Now, everybody’s has their gadgets surfing the net, playing games, sendins sms, calling a buddy or maybe watching movie.  Savvy!

 

For long drives/travel, the best way not to feel the heavy traffic is to eat junkies.  Filipinos who are province bound love to buy the boiled quail eggs, sweet corn or the adobong mani.  Bottled water is also available.  Corndog, no.

 

Take a rest while you travel.  Sleep.

 

Amazing, no traffic! I’ll be in the house in minutes.  A little later, I will post this entry.

Lucky day.  No traffic!

two words:higher risk

For next year, these will be the mantra for 2012. I shall be taking all chances by my killer instincts. I will not delay any decision… Yes procastinate is the word.

Like when I want to take a break, I will not just stay home, sleep longer, watch tv or check my facebook. Instead, I should take a short trip to the province, enjoy the view, space out and splurge a little. Or if I really want to invest, I shall do it now. For sure, high risks means high returns.If I shall find love, mark my word, I will take it to the next level. If there is oppurtunity to grow somewhere else, I will be there. If it means I have things to sacrifice but it will be worth it…why not. Digressing, if I don’t find love, I am now open to adopting a child. (a thought I had days ago)

My words can hurt a little (or a lot) but I shall say what I have to say. The sarcasm of my thoughts will be heard; there will be no edit button, no holding back, worrying a lot and supressing of feelings. For the love of truth and honesty, I shall be sharp and direct to all that I transact with. No more cover ups and pretentions.People hurt you anyway. Empty the “consideration space” in your heart. If you’re reading this, you know the part/s of my statements went wrong. I leave you the task to correct it with your owns thoughts. Laughs.

In giving, take a step backward. Share more time and not give material things. Invest in quality times. Reward people by not flattering them with money or praises or exagggerated appreciation. Pay it forward. Share what you know; never keep things to yourself. Give your 100% respect to all things you see and just enough of your trust to the people you deal with. Teach the man how to fish not by giving them fish… A bible verse. Don’t fear mistakes, don’t hate yourself if you have 9 mistakes and 1 correct answer. Just get the lesson inside your head. The end. Never be righteous to you anubody. Set a same level of treatment to your bosses, parents, friends, etc. Same treatment.

Hurt. Laugh. Sob. Love. Seek. Win. Loose. Give chance. Gamble till you’re down to your last winning card.

Hacking my thoughts

Every season is sensationalize by the commercialism. Think of Valentine’s day or Grandparent’s day or women’s day or earth hour for that matter. We ought to have a store bought items to join the celebration. A statement shirt, a goodie bag, a cellphone accessory or a fancy bookmark is up for grabs. The truth is, it is one brand to another, one idea to the next; a chance to win the jackpot.

 

This has become the practice. We are conditioned to buy stuff because there is a cutting edge product in the market and no doubt we “need” it. Amen to that! No offense, I know it’s their business!

 

We are fools to believe that it will make us happier, healthier, livelier, wiser and wealthier. I totally disagree! It makes living more and more complicated each day if you think about it, I don’t mean living a boring life.

 

Or maybe I do. Laughs.

 

 

 

Personally, I want to exchange any success for simpler things that really matter. You can have my career in exchange of engaging talks, loving hugs (sexy time included), healing and reflection, mending relationships and forgiveness and of course priceless friendship, healthy family members, college diplomas for my cousins, local and domestic travels and a loving life partner. Hear me? That’s what I would want to have AFTER I AM DONE WITH THE 8-TO-5 LIFE.

 

Duh… Are you sure Dyan?

cancer

Have you seen the movie living out loud? I caught the half of the film. Definitely not a feel good movie, just right drama; a tradegy actually. It was a film about a music instructor who was diagnosed of breast cancer. She happens to be a mother of two kids; he’s husband is a hottie.. Oh rather a engineer who provides the family well. That caught my attention.

I’m such a drama queen. Hahaha!

When she got sick, everything was so different. Her daughter was in charge of the house; her son was bullied by his classmates. Yada yada. What is so damn adorable character in that film is her friend with cancer as well. She kept pushing her to what it is she wanted in her life (whatever is left of it) and constantly giving her nuggets of knowledge.

I wish I had that kind of friend.Frankly, I don’t need to imagine myself as the lead actress with cancer to relate with her words. Another thing, I wished I had her personality.

One of my favorite scenes is when the protagonist asked her friend if she’s dying. Actually, it was her friend who finished her statement for her. (Here’s my favorite line) She said, “We’re all dying.”

I admired her guts for saying that in the death bed. There’s so much truth, acceptance and courage to admit the truth that death is inevitable. Yes my friend, it will and shall happen. Then her friend died days after.

Yes, I was crying during the funeral scene, etc.

BUT

Years ago I read a book with a similar story. You might heard of the The Lightning by Danielle Steel. The chemo part crushed my heart to a thousand pieces. I am not exaggerating; I was in college years back then. What do I know but the realities of the world, its miseries and cruelties.

The effect was 10x magnified. I was so moved by that book. In my teeners, I can’t disengaged myself with some things. (puff: now I am in my lates 20s, disengage button is always on)

Laughs.