Joie de Vivre

Realization

2011-01-09T16:07:00.001+08:00

Whoa! I never imagined that blogging would be uber-easy through BlogPress! Expect more blogs from me!

Happy 2011!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Teaspoon Christianity

2010-12-19T10:02:00.001+08:00

I read this from a tumblr site and I think this is something that everybody has to read about.

“For those of us who have been Christians for a while, it becomes easy to think that we’ve pretty much exhausted the possibilities of the Christian life. We can settle into a routine of activities at church and in our small groups and Bible studies, with little expectation of anything new. The familiar becomes the predictable, and everything from here on out will be more of the same. We dip our teaspoon into the vast ocean of the living God. Holding that teaspoon in our hand, we say, ‘This is God.’ we pour it out into our lives, and we say,’This is the Christian experience.’

God calls us to dive into the ocean. He call us into ever new regions of his fullness, his immensity, his all-sufficiency. There is more for us in Christ than we have yet apprehended. Let’s never think that we have him figured out or that we’ve seen all he can do. The Bible is not a guidebook to a theological museum. It is a road map showing us the way into neglected or even forgotten glories of the living God.”

- Ray Ortlund, When God Comes to Church

I hope that makes sense to you.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Dreams

2010-11-12T19:44:00.001+08:00

I want to be in Singapore or in another country where I could experience how to be on my own and be independent. I'd like to find ways on how I could bless my family.But somehow all these dreams remain but a dream. I can't help but wonder at times if my motives are purely selfish. I want to grow more, study more, and yeah... Travel more. If only I'm not racing against time... Oh my! I'd be trying out extreme random things ever. But there's also more to life aside from traveling and studying. I have to start building my future and prepare for my family life. I think of such things too...I love this life. There's so many to hope for... So many things to aim for. Yes it is frustrating that I can't have it all and that most likely I won't achieve all those things but knowing that I could aim for all those gives me the excitement which I need in life.Oh I wish to fulfill and experience so many things before my hair turns white and starts thinning out ;)

YOU + ME

2010-10-27T21:14:00.001+08:00

Long walksHolding handsEndless laughtersCorniest jokesBonding momentsSpecial dinnersDancing togetherMovie datesCar ridesWorking in silenceSharing of sorrowsCelebrating victoriesCrying momentsDriving lessonsSent messagesLate night phone callsBroken promisesSorry'sSweet I love you'sTerms of EndearmentBear hugsGuineeI miss all these thingsI miss the best friend I had in youI miss youMost of all, I miss me and you...Together...TOGETHER.

see-saw

2010-09-19T14:47:00.001+08:00

One moment you see it, the next thing you know it, it's nowhere to be found. So, I woke up with this heavy feeling in my heart. Yeah, I decided to stay in bed longer hoping to push my bad vibes away. But then, I decided to stand up and do something bout it. So, I got my pile of laundry and started working. While I did so, I also ended up speaking with Jorlan. I'm glad he was online. We talked and it was good. A few minutes later, he sent me an email and yes, I have to admit that everything seemed better afterwards.Simple and no so noteworthy, I know. But thank you, Lord, for bringing Jorlan to my life. At least that unexpected email made me smile :)

FAIL

2010-09-15T23:02:00.001+08:00

I got the news I've been waiting for. I didn't get in. It's painful. I don't understand and I honestly feel not good enough. But I prayed to God about this and this was His answer so for tonight I'll cry my heart out and tomorrow I'll wake up, hold my chin up, and move on. I will try again.For now, I just want to cry it out... All of it out.

The Compliment

2010-09-12T21:18:00.001+08:00

Being an educator, I am often in touch with children. Tonight, a kid posted on my wall that he got me a bracelet. So, I told him, "thank you. You're the best! <3" Those were my exact words. His reply touched my heart. He said, "Thank you for telling me I'm the best. I love you." Then, he sent me another message, "I'm bringing some Malaysian treats for you tomorrow." I don't know what's so special with the remarks I gave him but tonight, I realized that I should never stop giving compliments to my children. Nothing beats building someone up. I may not have given him anything tangible but those meaningful remarks definitely encouraged a kid tonight. I think that matters more.

Make a Difference

2010-09-12T12:10:00.001+08:00

Lord, make a difference in me. May You use me to bless my family. I accept this challenge of learning what patience is all about. I am eager and anxious to depend on my abilities but Lord, I will trust in you alone. You know better than I. I will be still and know You're the Lord over my life.

Be Still

2010-09-05T22:05:00.001+08:00

Okay and so my prospect replied and asked me something unexpected. I submitted all what they requested for and now I'm here, waiting... Waiting... And waiting even more.Excitement and anxiety are not good pairs... Add to that facing reality and responsibility... It's stressful.My mind is full of "if only I could's" for I have no great powers to make all things possible. I dream and desire the best things in life but I too can only do so much. Yes, if I could have it my way, I'd be gone by now doing everything to fulfill my responsibilities and make everyone around me worry-free. Unfortunately, I am not in control.Yes, it's another day to learn how to be still and know who my God is.Not my will, but my Lord's will be done in my life. For now, I'll excel in the work that I have and keep believing that God knows what's best for me. He will provide for my everything and will never forsake me.

By the couch and pondering

2010-09-04T17:08:00.001+08:00

The TV is on but my thoughts are somewhere else. I have been thinking. I've been dreaming for nothing but the best so I could experience the best in life as well. However, at the end of the day, I still end feeling not happy knowing that there's more to reach for and dream of and explore out there.Then, it dawned upon me that what I desire for myself is not what God wants for me. What I think is good for me is not good for God. It's tough learning the lesson of contentment. Being human, I can't help but desire the best things... The better thing in life. Then again, after desiring everything, I continue to submit to what God wants for me.God knows better than I and in times of trials, I should remain firm in believing that my Lord knows which is for me and which is not. Doubt and envy must have no room in my heart for my Lord will bless me in ways beyond my comprehension. I gotta open my eyes and allow myself to see how God is moving in my life. That way if I focus more on Him, my heart will be contented and I shall not want no longer.. And my Lord will be more than enough for me. ;)

For Real

2010-08-14T22:16:00.000+08:00

I enjoyed every moment having you around but knowing you're so far always leaves me with a doubt.
Whenever you become silent, I can't help but wonder, "do you still think of me?" or "have I been forgotten?"
I feel things have turned from surreal to real.
The longing and the pain, both these emotions, I could finally feel.
I don't want to hold on for I am scared to be let down.
But whenever I give up, your honest answers pull me back.
But then again, who could ever really tell that you have been so honest?
I miss you.
That's all I could say.
That's all I could do.
That's all I that's in my head - You and I.

Closure

2010-08-11T21:23:00.000+08:00

It has been five years since my parents first allowed to go out of town on my own with my friends. That was a momentous event for me. Being sheltered by my parents, the fact that I was allowed to go to an out-of-town trip with just my friends was a big deal for me. Anyway, my friends and I headed to Puerto Galera to have an overnight of a lifetime.

It became a night of many firsts and realizations for me. Add to that, major lessons learned too. How could I ever forget that night...

Anyway, cliche' as this may sound but there were things which were rather be left and buried in Puerto Galera just like how the famous adage goes, "What happens in Puerto Galera, stays in Puerto Galera." And so I thought that would be applicable for me. However, right after I got back to reality, I just realized that what supposed to be a fun vacation brought me tons of extra baggages to carry back home.

With what happened, I found it tough to move on. Think: emotional rollercoaster kind-of-stuff.

Oh well, it took a while before I moved on. I had to force myself to do so.

BUT... something happened tonight.
I finally got the closure I needed. How? Here it goes:

M: Jamie, is this still ur no.? -7:41pm
J: Yep. Who is this please? - 7:43pm
M: M*** :) still remember me? -7:44pm
J: Oi! Yeah, I remember you. What's up? -7:45pm
M: Just browsing through phone nos. haha. Doin ok. How are you? -7:46pm
J: Nice. Haha.. All is well with me. You? How's life? -7:47pm
M: still workin, still in music. ikaw still teaching? married ka na no? -7:48pm
J: Me? Married? Haha where did that come from? Baka you're the one who's married. Yeah, still teaching. -7:49pm
M: Haha, ako married? Yeah right! Anyways glad to hear frm you. -8:01pm
J: Haha I hope you're still random and crazy, Moses! ;p nice to hear from you
M: man, im a bit wiser and smarter now. still silly sometimes. i do apologize fr that phase when i was silly with you. -8:04pm
J: It's okay. :) -8:11pm
M: awww thanks. for what it's worth, that was one awesome puerto galera trip. Right? -8:18pm
J: It was memorable. ;) -8:19pm
M: Haha. U dont sound happy abt it. -8:24pm
J: And what are you now -- a mindreader? Haha! I enjoyed that trip kaya -8:27pm
M: haha. great! lets have coffee when i visit bf again. -8:55pm
J: Sure - 9:09pm

Okay, I know he did not use "Sorry" but the apology was all I needed to close that chapter of my life. I forgave him years ago but it feels way better to hear an apology from the person who hurt you.

I'm okay.. I'm better. Thank you, Lord, for this one. For all it's worth, I treasure the friendship that I had with M***. Fact remains that he made me smile, laugh, love, forgive, grow and mature...and for all those, I continue to praise the Lord for how his life made an impact on mine. ^_~

•sigh•

2010-08-09T16:06:00.001+08:00

I am exhausted but I can't help but push myself further because my students are working sooooooo hard! I can't just leave them hanging...

Not My Wants...

2010-08-08T21:29:00.000+08:00

Yeah, yeah.. I have no time to deny it. I am not getting any younger. I know. I am aware of that. I need to level up. I gotta do something and do it now. NOW. Lord, help me know what You want me to do....

Top 10 Super Weight Loss Foods | Model Diet Plan

2010-08-07T15:00:00.001+08:00

Top 10 Super Weight Loss Foods | Model Diet Plan

Check out Anna's 3-day diet for some ways to incorporate these foods into your diet.

1. Chickpeas

Also know as garbanzo beans. They are normally found precooked and canned, but you can also buy them in a dried form and cook them yourself.

Chickpeas lower bad cholesterol, as well as being a good source of protein, iron and other vitamins and minerals. They are also a high source of insoluble fiber, great for combating constipation.

Chickpeas make a delicious addition to salads, soups and stir fries. You can turn them into a great homemade hummus – just blend with garlic, lemon juice, chili pepper and a teaspoon of olive oil.

For those trying to cut back on meat, chickpeas make a great protein replacement. Mix them with whole grains such as brown rice or couscous for a complete meat substitute.

2. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a very high source of soluble fiber that digests slowly, curbing your hunger and cravings for hours. It stabilizes blood sugar levels, unclogs arteries, and lowers risk of colon cancer.

It is best to avoid the flavored and sweetened oatmeal as they have added sugar and chemicals. Go for plain oatmeal with low fat milk and blueberries or your favorite fruit for a power breakfast. It's inexpensive and you can buy it in bulk.

3. Kobacha Squash

Also know as a Japanese winter squash or pumpkin. You might have seen it on the supermarket shelf but you probably weren’t sure what it was!

A cup of Japanese squash contains just 40 calories, but it is high in nutrients like antioxidants, vitamins A and C and fiber. The best thing, however, is its delicious taste. It really is a tasty, guilt-free diet food.

I love Kobacha wedges. Just cut them up and pop them in the oven with salt for 20 minutes. They make a filling, super-yummy snack.

4. Sardines

In recent studies it has been shown that an increased intake of Omega 3 fatty acids can help to balance blood sugar levels and control appetite. And (as if that wasn’t enough), they also reduce levels of Cortisol, a stress hormone responsible for storing fat. They are a very low calorie source of protein and calcium, both very important for weight loss.

Sardines are great because they are cheap, abundant and contain lower levels of mercury and PCBs than most fish. This is because they are lower in the food chain than tuna, for example, and so spend less time ingesting poisonous chemicals. Sardines are an excellent and underrated fish choice.

5. Chili Peppers

Chili Pepper not only adds flavor to your favorite dishes, it actually increases your metabolism for a short period of time after eating them.

Chilies raises your body temperature, increases your circulation and helps you burn fat faster.

As an added bonus, chili peppers contain Capsaicin (the active chemical in red chili peppers). This increases your body's levels of endorphins, the chemicals that make you feel happy!

6. Yogurt

Studies have shown that yogurt aids in burning fat and increasing weight loss. It’s a great low fat source of calcium and protein, both of which are important for maintaining a high metabolism. Calcium reduces fat storage and boosts your metabolism, while protein maintains and protects lean muscle tissue.

Try to choose plain yogurt – the flavored ones contain high amounts of sugar and additives. Alternatively, homemade yogurt is a healthy and economical way to add fresh yogurt to your life every day.

Yogurt can also be used as a substitute for mayonnaise or sour cream in dips and salad dressing recipes. If plain yogurt isn't your thing, mix in fruits and nuts or use it in smoothies.

7. Blueberries

Blueberries contain a powerful antioxidant named Anthocyanin that may promote weight loss by reducing abdominal fat.

It has also been shown that consuming blueberries actually reduces your food cravings.

I like to add fresh or frozen blueberries to low fat muffins, cereal and yogurt. I also blend them into smoothies, and they also make a good snack for evenings watching TV.

8. Eggs

Eggs are nutrient-dense and a great source of protein. A medium sized egg contains just 70 calories. Studies have shown that eating eggs for breakfast tends to reduce the amount of calories that you consume throughout the rest of the day. Eggs promote satiety and curb hunger and cravings.

Eggs contain all of the essential amino acids, but it is the amino acid leucine that provides the link to fat loss. This naturally occurring substance helps to stabilize blood sugar levels and maintain lean muscle tissue.

9. Grapefruit

I'm sure you've heard of the grapefruit diet? Well it turns out there might be something to it. Grapefruit contains fat burning enzymes that are responsible for reducing insulin levels and encouraging weight loss.

Grapefruit is low in calories and high in antioxidant vitamin C and potassium. It also contains bioflavonoids and other plant chemicals that protect against cancer and heart disease. You can eat grapefruit alone or toss it on salads.

10. Almonds

A good source of protein, fiber, and powerful antioxidant Vitamin E. Studies have shown that eating small amounts of almonds aids in weight loss.

Although almonds do contain fat, research suggests the fat in almonds does not get completely absorbed by the body.

Almonds are a satisfying snack that you can carry with you instead of chips and other unhealthy snack foods. You can also toss them in salads and smoothies or mix them with oatmeal.

Taking Chances

2010-08-07T13:17:00.000+08:00

We are limited only when we put limits for ourselves. When you think about it, we can achieve greater altitudes when we challenge ourselves and go out of our comfort zones. However, the idea of conservatism limits us. We often try to make sure that we have buffers just IN CASE an unexpected happens.

Once more, I am challenged to move out of my comfort zone. I am scared. I have to admit, I am terrified. My life here is so comfortable that I am not sure if I am ready to give it up. Whatever I need is within my reach. I may not have so much to buy all that I want in my life but all I need is here.

However, I know that there is so much that I can do. I know that there are a lot of things to explore. And I know for a fact that I can only make these happen if I let go and plunge right in.

I need a GO signal. I need to hear God's audible voice telling me to GO. I need a GREAT PUSH to jump right in and I know that this won't happen. I know that right this very moment, it's all up to me. It's either I plunge right in and see what's in store for me or forever wonder what could have had happened.

My dream is simple... to bless my family and to learn more about life, love, and experience more of God. What should I do know?

I have taken a tiny move... what's next now?
Should I leap and let go and just FALL?

Lord, give me WISDOM!!!!!!!!!!!!

REMINISCING

2010-07-18T20:55:00.002+08:00

A few months back, around this time, it was also a Sunday when Rej and the rest of his Torch friends decided to take a walk outside our house. They were searching for a park where we could all hang out. Rej, Timothy, Thiu, Tsende, Bajji, John and I walked from our place all the way to Bf resort. I remember enjoying every moment of it because it was rare for me to walk outside my home at around this time -- it's past 8:30pm, mind you. We talked about random things along the way. Thiu had his iPod earphones stuck on his ears, Timothy never stopped finding things to laugh at, the couple were singing, John was texting, Rej walked by my side and I was in awe of the stars. We went inside the churches. We walked and walked and walked. It was a bonding of a lifetime. At one point we all got tired. Someone didn't wear the right footwear hence resulted to aching toes, we had to stop somewhere. We all opted to hang out at a sari-sari store. Sitting by the gutter was a bit unhygienic but it seemed the most logical thing to do since the chairs weren't enough for us. We bought a liter of Sprite and grabbed a drink. I will never forget Bajji's cute expression when she saw the Sprite being poured on the plastic. Oh and Timothy's funny face was totally hilarious as he drank from the plastic. Talk about bonding moments. •sigh• it's nice to pause for a while and remember all of it. I cant help but be sentimental. A few hours ago, Timothy buzzed me on YM and was checking on how I was doing. I miss that guy. We chatted for a while. As always, I ended laughing my heart out. The joy was irreplaceable. It revives every low points in my life.For a while, he made me forget the pressures of life that I'm about to face this week. I miss Rej. I miss his crazy friends. I just miss them...

Basyang

2010-07-15T23:41:00.001+08:00

•sigh•Basyang, you totally made your presence felt. Your strong winds and heavy rains really made an impact earlier this morning. You disturbed my sleep. You kept me awake. You busted the power sources. Great! Now, there's nothing much that I can do. Yes, I liked the idea of being home to rest but I don't like the idea of being idle. With no electricity, no wifi, no phone, no water, what else is left to do?Oh, Basyang! Tsk tsk tsk

Companionship

2010-07-15T18:03:00.001+08:00

Sometimes I worry about my single state but most of the time, I find myself enjoying the fact that I'm alone. Some thing is bothering me. Well, I have been single for so long mainly because I had to take care of so many things and I just enjoyed my singlehood so much - no one to take care of, no responsibilities and no accountabilities.However, lately, there are these two guys who occupy my mind. My friend call them as my quasi-boyfriends. You see, thanks to technology, the world seems way smaller now and everything seems so accessible. These two guys are from two different continents. One is from Brazil and the other is from Italy. Both are decent and in terms of presentability, both will definitely pass this criterion with flying colors. Mr. Brazil is a punk rock / reggae singer sporting a long back haircut while Mr. Italy is an IT specialist sporting a clean, crisp corporate look. Both guys have been spending time for me. Mr. Brazil even tries his best to improve his English language skills to keep in touch. He even buys credits just to call me on my mobile. On the other hand, Mr. Italy, who's currently in my country, kept me company when I was sick and is asking for an opportunity to meet up on person.Both guys are charismatic. They are so fun to talk to and I admit that I truly enjoy the attention I'm getting. However, I'm torn. My mind is going against my heart. Should I take a risk and give love a chance? Am I in for serious trouble once I open my heart to this? What are the chances that this is for real? And the best question of it all is, do they share the same belief as I do that God gave Jesus to us to die on the cross and save us from our sins?These are yet to be answered... I am anxious to know. Could this be it or is this just another addition to my long list of male companions?

The Three Magical Words

2010-06-27T11:14:00.001+08:00

"There's only 1 thing 2 say, 3 words, only 4 you -- I love you..."That's a line from Plain White T's 1234 song (I hope I got the title right). Yes, I am inspired. I am wearing this funny smile on my face. I am loved. It's amazing how these 3 words, I Love You, could bring so much love, joy, and encouragement to people. These words are so strong that it lifts the heavy burdens and feelings that one has been keeping inside the heart.If only we would all realize the power of love, then, things would be a little better. God has put love in u for us to edify one another and be the source of joy of the people around us.Be that source today. Spread the love. Share the love that God has for us. Anyway, God really intended us to love one another. ;)

l o v e

2010-06-26T19:42:00.001+08:00

It's good to love and be loved in return.
He said I love you yesterday!
I'm flattered.
The thing is, "do I truly love him back?"

Keep Planting

2010-06-17T06:54:00.001+08:00

Teaching is an ungrateful job. We do not see the end or outcome of what we have planted. Remember that we have to continue to keep planting because God tasked us to do so. It is not the people around us who will crown our efforts, it is God who will reward us. When we feel taken for granted, be thankful always because gratefulness is a gift from God. When we're exhausted and feeling low, remember to keep planting seeds and be consistent in fulfilling our calling... Plus Note to self: be more grateful everyday!

Serious???

2010-06-16T21:03:00.001+08:00

Not. Okay, this would be another quick post. I went out of my room a few seconds ago. The light in our living room was lit so I checked it out. Found my mom in front of the laptop clicking the mouse away. Since I am no longer wearing my contacts, it's difficult for me to decipher the blurry images on the laptop screen. So, I went near her only to find out that she was playing solitaire. Nice one, mom. Staying up late for a game of solitaire.... Hmmmm... :)) tsss so much for working seriously

Once in a Lifetime

2010-06-16T20:57:00.001+08:00

I just had to blog about this boo-boo...

This morning, I accidentally ironed my left pointer finger and middle finger. Talk about SMART! :)) lol. ( I seriously can't get over it)

Bring on the Thunder

2010-06-15T21:13:00.001+08:00

It's raining here and for the past 5 minutes, the thunder has roared for approximately 5 times as well. I was a bit in denial earlier but now I'm sure that I'm scared of thunder. Yeah, I know it's but sound. Fact remains that my heart skip / bungee jump big time from my chest when I hear the thunder!

Been through a lot today. School year 2010- 2011 finally commenced today. I stood up most of the time and I started my day kind of unprepared. Thank God, I survived this day.

Back at home, everyone has a tantrum / thing against each other. Yeah, it's one of those days when you simply opt to shut up and avoid each other so as not to provoke each other. Yeah, talk about a day full of challenges.

Anyway, time check: it's already 9:09pm and I'm tucked in my bed. Off to dreamland I go with the hopes that tomorrow will be way better than today.

Car Conversations

2010-06-12T23:13:00.001+08:00

I enjoy my family's car conversations. We get too random that we end up talking about just anything under the sun. Name it, we probably have discussed it - from family matters to work related stuff to church / faith matters. Then, there's everyday life topics, politics, science and technology. It's just enjoyable and exciting. Our car conversations make me think less of the traffic and the distance we've travelled. Every moment spent increases my knowledge about life and it definitely molds me to the person I am now. I love it. I am proud to have really cool parents -- the best there is! :)

Sleep

2010-06-11T01:35:00.001+08:00

I can't sleep.:( Here I go again, I'm exhausted but I find it so difficult to sleep. It's finally Friday... I'm kind of happy it's almost weekend. I can't wait for this day to end. I think I'm like this because both my best buds are not so well. :( I wanna shake off this feeling! I hate it:(

iTouch

2010-06-07T22:03:00.000+08:00

I know this sounds not so important but I just have a reason to rejoice. Today,I finally got hold of my new baby! My iPod Touch. I am so amazed at how it makes my life so easier. Thank you, Lord, for this wonderful gift and for your provisions. I'm so happy!

Realizations

2010-06-06T18:24:00.000+08:00

There are days when I find myself questioning my existence. I try to find my purpose yet sometimes I feel that it's nowhere to be found. However, in those few moments, God has never failed to embrace me and let me know that He is holding me closely and that there's a purpose why I am living.

Yesterday, I had to report to work to submit and post some charts. For some reason, I just knew that I had to do those and that was it. I planned to attend my cousin's daughter's baptism and that was it. When I got home, exhaustion attacked and I got tempted to just lie down and get a nap. What I thought was simply a nap ended up to be a full 3 hour sleep.

My best friend, Erwin, called up and said that he was picking me up. Since I had nothing to do. I agreed to do so. So at around 8pm, he arrived here and fetched me. As usual, all he had were but tentative plans. We found ourselves at MOA, eating at this Thai resto, and bonding.

It got me thinking. What would he do if he didn't have me as his best friend? Succumb to his stress and sleep it away hoping that all of his worries would be gone? Yesterday, I know that I was able to minister to him. I know that I was able to make him feel better and I was able to encourage him.

The whole experience has taught me never to question God of my purpose again. There are things which I often take for granted. What I didn't realize is that God is at work in my life. Though I don't see it. Though I have never realized it, I exist because God's plan will be actualized through me.

I praise God for all that He has done. He has opened my eyes to things and I'm grateful for His ways. Though I may never completely understand what's going to happen to me next or what's in store for me, it really pays to completely trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding.

Random Thoughts

2010-05-30T00:06:00.001+08:00

Still. Waiting. Airport Terminal. NAIA. Miss A. Elle. John Rae. Immigration. Delay. Oh, Manila. Sounds. Royal Brunei.

Counting airplanes

2010-05-30T00:02:00.001+08:00

I'm outside the airport terminal with my brother. Miss A, and Elle. We're waiting for my dad and mom and it's been like more than 30 minutes that we've been waiting. Being parked outside the terminal is not so bad. This is the first time I got to do this. Well, there are lots of things to look at. And new airlines that I came across with - Vietnam Airlines, Air Macau, Asiana, and this Hawaiian something. Interesting because I could check those places out and save up for it. Oh well, gtg. Out of space.

Brunei

2010-05-26T20:35:00.000+08:00

You know what I love about being single and free? I can pretty much do whatever I feel like doing. Right now, I'm saving up to go to Brunei for a vacation. Yep, you got that right, Brunei.

At first, I was just considering 3 countries. Two of which, I've already been to but I haven't exactly explored quite well yet. So I was thinking of traveling to HK, Sg, or Bangkok. But then with what's happening in Bangkok, I decided to forget about it first. Then, there's HK and Sg, but I've been there already so nothing much to get excited with. Then, I got in touch with Ezra. He's from Bandar Seri Begawan and yeah, I just felt like going there.

Right now, I'm fixing my travel documents and saving up as I wait for the "right time" to book my vacation. Brunei, unlike HK and Sg, is not a shopping area. According to Ezra, there are so many hills and jungles to explore in Brunei and that alone excites me. Come on! It's not your usual vacation! And for a city girl like me, the idea of jungles, forests, hills, and trees kinda excite me. Hahaha

I do hope this pushes through. Aside from meeting new Christian friends, I am seriously looking forward to seeing what Brunei has to offer me. I want to find out for myself how their food tastes like. Haha! And for all you know I might even be able to take a side trip to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia! ^_^ (Ezra said it's roughly 15 minutes away from Brunei!)

Oh well, may God bless my plans. :)

B L A N K

2010-05-23T17:36:00.000+08:00

I feel like there is something wrong in my life. I wish I knew what it is. Unfortunately, I don't and I feel so out of control. I hate not being in control of things though I know that through this circumstance I would learn how to be more dependent on the Lord. It's just that... I can't help but feel anxious... :( I hate moments like these. I can't wait for tomorrow to come.

Keeping it Real

2010-05-14T01:23:00.002+08:00

When I was a kid, I kept wondering if it was possible to have a friend until the end. For instance, you've consciously decided with a stranger to become friends when you were 5 years old and you've remained as such until you died. However, growing up taught me that it is unreal. In life, you really lose some friends along the way. Either you lose touch or simply you lose the person.

Today, I met up with a friend at the spa. I just realized that we have been friends for 11 years now. He has seen my ups and downs in college. He joined me in my joys each time I receive my commendations each semester and he was with me when my ex- broke up with me. I was there on his graduation. He was there on mine. We celebrated the first time he got a job, as we celebrated too when I got mine.

In retrospect, I seriously don't know what brought us this far. We have different points of view, came from different backgrounds, with different orientations and principles, yet somehow we were able to see each other through.

I believe that respect is very important. To give attention and deference is important to make the friendship work. Grace is also important. It is true that it is important to give and take. But I think it is also important to be gracious. We simply have to understand the fact that none of us is perfect and that at one point in our lives, one's weaknesses and flaws will surface and we have to be ready to handle it. When that happens, we have to be willing to accept and embrace the reality of it. Grace operates with love. To be able to accept and embrace the shortcomings of one person, one must love the person for who he is.

I am in awe at how we were able to make it through these years. How we managed to make each other feel secure with our friendship, I do not know. How we make ends meet, I don't know. How one chooses to respond to matters as they come is important to make friendships work. I think ours work because we choose to listen and understand each other even when we do not feel like it. We face issues head on when it arises. We confront the negative issues when we go through it. It helps. There are no clear steps how to make friendships work but here's my unsolicited advice: if you want your friendship to work, be loving and gracious.

2010-05-12T22:17:00.001+08:00

“How can you move on if you are still living in the past? And how can you step forward, leaving the past behind, if you can’t even begin to forgive what the past holds? How can you love someone for who they are, yet want to hate them for what they’ve done? I guess that’s what it boils down to is this — there are always those defining moments, times that makes us or breaks us, builds us or tears us apart, help us progress further or stop us dead in our tracks. And for whichever way we may choose, there’s a consequence of equal value. It’s a true test of what we stand for, where we came from, and where we are going. These are moments that we live for, breathe for, and fight for. These are the defining moments that leave imprints forever in our hearts, making our souls forever. These are choices that could bring you one step closer to forever or leaving you hostage to the past. I guess in order to move on from the past, you must learn to forgive it. And forgiving may mean letting go.”

Dance with Me

2010-05-12T22:05:00.000+08:00

Dance with me, Mark....
Hahaha!

*wishful thinking*
Tee-hee!

Okay enough of Mark Salling for tonight.

He's the man...

2010-05-12T21:50:00.000+08:00

A real man is not ashamed to declare his love for God above all things.

A real man conveys on a daily basis how valuable his wife is to him by his actions, his words, and his prayer life.

A real man puts his wife slightly above his children:
1. Because that is and will always be his lifelong partner and best friend
2. Because its sets a noble example for children to aspire to in adulthood.

A real man works hard at his vocation so that his wife does not have to…in that same vain…a real man sacrifices external successes, status, symbols, and position for less things in life so he and his children can have a whole wife and mother.

A real man seeks to serve.

A real man cries in front of his children, readily admits and exposes his weaknesses/mistakes so that his wife and children don’t always feel like they have to be perfect.

A real man isn’t afraid to hug other real men.

A real man trusts in God to provide for him and freely gives back in the form of time, money, and spiritual gifts.

A real man admits when he is wrong and apologizes to the person he has offended.

A real man forgives immediately when someone has the guts to say they are sorry and doesn’t later rub in their faults.

A real man always is alert for teachable moments with his children.

A real man keeps himself in good shape to:
1. Show his wife he still thinks enough of her not to let himself go
2. To show his children the same.

A real man is proactive and takes complete ownership of his actions blaming only himself for his misgivings.

A real man holds his wife’s hand in public, opens her car door, and still brings her flowers twenty years after he met her.

A real man kisses his wife and hugs her first when he walks in the door.

A real man takes the time to ask and not assume.

When a real man has to be critical, he criticizes the behavior, never the person.

A real man avoids situations that might question his integrity or character.

Don’t settle for anything less than a real man

This is what I aspire to be.

A Man of God.

GLEE

2010-05-12T21:07:00.001+08:00

I super la-la-la-love Wednesdays. Not only it signifies the middle of the week and that the weekend is about to come, it is also almost synonymous to GLEE. Yeah, I am typing my blog away as I am watching Glee. Talk about multitasking, eh. ◕ ‿ ◕ I admit, I am a GLEEK. Who wouldn't love the show? Good songs, good young actors and actresses, interesting twists, relevant issues and really good-looking guys. *hahaha*

Today's episode focused on Kurt and Puck. Kurt is doing a great job. I have to admit that I am drawn to watch the episode further because of the emotions he's stirring. Nice one, Kurt.

Now, let's move on to Puck. Puck, who's being played by Mark Salling, has a very interesting role. His bad boy image in the show works well for him. He's definitely capturing a lot of attention. But what's nice about him is that he is no stupid guy. And he is not just an actor. I do admire the fact that he is a musician in real life. Ergo, he has brilliant ideas going on his mind. To actually formulate the lyrics of his songs and come up with musical arrangement take a brilliant mind to complete one piece. So beneath those handsome looks is a guy with a beautiful mind. I like him. Seriously like him. *hahaha*

Then, there's Harry Shum, Jr. Well, I haven't heard him sing so it is not really his voice which has drawn me to him. Set aside the fact that he has chinky eyes too. This guy who plays "The Other Asian" role in Glee is a great dancer. Once he moves on the floor, you simply get glued to it. He is very graceful that you wouldn't want not to watch him at all!

How can I not like Glee when they have guys like Mark and Harry! Hahaha

Oooh and did I mention that Mercedes was soooooo lucky in today's episode?? She got to hold hands with Mark!!!! *gah* Can I hold hands with him too? Tee-hee!

Oh well, Glee is definitely addicting. Perfect de-stresser. I can't wait to watch the next episodes of Glee. ^_^

Relationship Run

2010-05-12T00:44:00.000+08:00

Here's a little something I read online... Thanks, Julie!

For all of you who spend way too much time wondering who “The One” that you’re going to marry is, here are some things I have learned recently:

During Winter Ramp Damon said something kind of as a side comment that really impacted me. (And I’m sure every one who was single in the room picked up on this as well) He said, “If you want to find your spouse just run as hard and as fast as you can after God, and then look over and see who’s running next to you.”That is such a powerful word! Well naturally the single minds start to think, “Hmm…well who is running next to me?…” And as I was pondering this the Holy Spirit interrupted my thoughts and said, “Julie, are you running as hard and as fast as you can?” After I thought about it for a minute my honest response was, “Well…no.” And His response to me was, “Well then don’t look.”

Wow. What a rebuke.

But what a freeing word! In a moment I realized that my only responsibility is to focus on running as hard and as fast as I can after God. To lay aside every weight that hinders. To stop settling for a “normal” walk with God instead of a supernatural one, and to really press into God, growing up into spiritual maturity. Like Mrs. Karen says, “Where you stop is where you stop!”

Being single is a time in your life to treasure. It’s the only time in your life that you have where it’s just you and God - where you don’t have to worry about the responsibilities of a spouse, or kids, etc. It’s a time where you can so easily put all of your attention on Him. And if you’re feeling lonely, just realize that loneliness is nothing more than an invitation to find a deeper security in God. Most people get so busy trying to fill the lonely times with distractions that they miss the Divine “Come up here.”

All of that to say, let’s set ourselves this year to cut out distractions and run as hard and fast as we can - to run in a way as to receive the prize of encountering Him.

Surprise, Surprise

2010-05-11T23:59:00.000+08:00

Life's back to normal for me. I had to report to work since some of my children had to go to school. So, just like how it's supposed to be I woke up early to prep for work. The phone rang and I lazily answered it, only to find out that it was my aunt. The next thing I knew, she was already in front of our house. I honestly failed to understand what's going on. All I know is that when I got home, I found out she's still here and I somehow figured out that she's sleeping over.

So, here she is with us now. She's on the bed with my other aunt, while here I am displaced on the floor. Yeah, I had no option but to sleep on the floor to give way for her.

Anyway, today, I started searching for my next escapade. I might head to Vietnam since Thailand remains quite chaotic. I'm still in the process of understanding the visa application of Vietnam. If everything works out, I hope to check it out and experience what Vietnam has to offer this June. Ooooh! I hope it won't turn out to be so expensive. Hahaha!

Isn't this exciting? ◕ ‿ ◕

Oh, Mother!

2010-05-10T17:10:00.000+08:00

"Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs... since the payment is pure love" - Mildred B Vermont

My mom is one of the best persons in the world. I wouldn't be enjoying the life that I have now if it wasn't for my mom and of course, my dad as well. For today, however, since it was mother's day yesterday, let me just focus on my mom.

Just like any mom-daughter relationships, my mom and I have our ugly moments too. Given that we have tons of differences, you really don't expect us to get along well all the time.

Despite our long list of differences, my mom and I also have a long list of similarities. She has the greatest influence on me. From my penmanship to my OC-ness, it's all because of mom.

It's unusual not having to spend Mother's Day with her. She's out of the country with my dad for a well-deserved vacation. Since she's out, it makes me realize how better it is to have her around. This is not the first time that I had to assume mommy role at home. In 2006, my mom almost died because of aneurysm. She was confined at the Asian Hospital for about 2 - 3 weeks. I am proud to say that I've got one tough mommy. She survived her brain operation. In fact, she was ready to stand up hours after her op! Talk about a fighter! Anyway, that was the first time I assumed mommy role here at home. I seriously how mom does it without freaking out. Trying to balance her responsibilities at work and at home. Whoa! She's a superwoman. I don't know where she finds the time and energy to accomplish all her tasks but she just simply has this way of going through it all and finishing her work excellently.

I have to admit that it rattles me when all the bills start coming in and I have to take care of my little bro's needs and I have to think of work. I do not know where to start and what to do...but my mom...she goes through it all with so much grace and composure. To top it all, she always goes through it with a smile on her face.

Nothing truly beats my mom. How she organizes things at home amazes me. The way she prioritizes our needs definitely leaves me in awe. How she remains understanding and loving despite all the pressures she goes through in her every day life is just just worth commending. How she loves me despite my hardheadedness and how she accepts me for who I am is just unbeatable. Talk about unconditional love indeed.

I don't know how in the world could I ever thank my mom for all the things that she has done but one thing is for sure, I will do everything to make her happy and to make her always proud of me. I praise God for my mom and I definitely pray that I would be like her to my children someday.

Oh, Mother! You are indeed the best in the world. God truly knew me so well. He knew I need you in my life so I'd be who I am now. I love you, Mom! Blessings be upon you. ☺

Elections

2010-05-10T15:47:00.000+08:00

This is it. Today, we exercise our right to vote. Today, we make a stand and make our voices heard by casting our votes.

8:02am, my Tita Ching woke me up because my brother, John, has finally arrived. As agreed last night, we will vote early in the morning so we could go home right away and watch the updates on the elections on cable.

I have to admit that I am quite excited to cast my vote. This is my first time to do so. Given that this is also my country's first time to try out the automated casting of votes makes this whole event more exciting. So, there we were at the precinct at around 8:15am and the line was about 6-7 meters long already. The sun was up. More people kept arriving and yeah, the queue kept getting longer and longer.

I was there alone in the line. My bro and tita were in another precinct. I thought it was going to be such a bore to wait in line. I had no phones because both my mobiles ran out of batteries. I had no iPod to listen to since I left it in the car. I had no PSP with me because I don't know where it was. I had no book to read because I forgot to bring one. I'm just so grateful that the family before me was very congenial. They kept me company. The mom was so friendly, she made sure that I was in line with them all the time. She talks to me every now and then and includes me in their conversation. The dad was a natural comedian. He could just look at something and come up with the corniest jokes ever! I'm glad they were with me because they definitely kept me company.

After 4 long hours of waiting, I finally reached my precinct. I searched for my name on the list and signed the sheets, placed my thumbmarks, and casted my vote. It only took me less than 5minutes!

Honestly, I could rant here and highlight all the negative things that happened today. However, I choose not to do so. If there's one thing that I have learned today, that is the value of patience.

I am sure proud of COMELEC for pushing through with the automation of this year's elections. Talk about taking a bold step to improve our voting system. Of course, it is bound to have some glitches and we have to understand that. No matter how corrupt the people are behind this automation process maybe, I'm sure that they have still the best intentions to improve our processes. We can't expect things to go on smoothly. In everything, there's always a degree of error... a point where one's expectations won't be met. We all have to learn how to be patient and make room for it. Besides, after all these, that involved party will have the idea as to what to improve on next time.

I know that something good will come out of this new automated system. I'm positive of it. What I'm not sure of though is that this would be one honest elections. I am hoping that our next President would be really able to lead the country towards progress.

I'm excited to know what will happen next...

For now, help me pray for a peaceful elections and a peaceful transition.

formspring.me

2010-05-10T15:29:00.001+08:00

Ask me anything http://formspring.me/jamieorila

If you could change your name, what would you change it to?

2010-05-10T15:28:00.001+08:00

I like the name KALILA. It means "my beloved". ◕ ‿ ◕

Ask me anything

♫♫ I'm ready to fly... ♫

2010-05-10T15:15:00.001+08:00

Most of the time, I like being a Filipino. But this morning, as I was surfing the net, I can't help but be irritated. And it was somehow because I am a Filipino.

I want to travel and see the world. It's not impossible because one can always save up for the fares and accommodations. However, what frustrates me is that as a Filipino, I need to get visas to travel to most countries! To get a visa means spending thousands of money just to get that pass. To get a visa means producing all sorts of income statements to prove that you have no intentions to stay in another country illegally. It's sad because I feel restricted. There are so many things that the world has to offer. Yet, it seems like I won't be able to check it out due to these circumstances.

I will never stop trying. I will still do everything to see the world. I just can't help but wish that it was easier to do so. I'm ready to fly and explore what's around me. I just wish that I'd be given the chance to do so...

The Heat is On

2010-05-05T15:36:00.001+08:00

Tsssssssssssss! It's sizzling hot here! It has been quite some time since I've last posted something here. Well, I've been busy. It's not easy being a quasi-mom you know. All of a sudden you're faced with all these responsibilities and you know for a fact that you gotta do well in performing these responsibilities or else the whole household may fail. And of course, you wouldn't want that because that would mean further troubles = more headaches. Modesty aside, I think I'm doing a great job in managing the household. Things seem to be in order. The finances are managed properly. I'd make a good mom after all. *hahaha*

Okay, a lot has happened to me. Let me see what I have learned from life these past few weeks...

Work has been great. It's become very enjoyable. I have been learning from my kids regarding patience and their outlooks in life. It gets tiring every now and then but at the end of the day, they are still very lovable. My exhaustion diminishes when I get to spend time with them. I guess that how it really is when you love what you're doing. You end up not minding how difficult the work is because you love what you're doing. ^_^

Okay, moving on. Aside from work, I really do enjoy the fact that I only work half days these summer. From work, I go straight home where I could attend to my chores and attend to whatever family affairs I need to attend to. I am enjoying my bonding moments with my brother and aunt. Yeah, things seem smooth-sailing here at home. Over the weekend, I watched Iron Man 2 with my brother. We opted to go for the last full show and man, we really enjoyed it! Robert Downey Jr. did a great job in entertaining me. :)) As for my aunt, I have learned how to be more understanding and open-minded. Yeah, I mean it! Imagine eating bitter gourd just so I could appreciate what she cooked!

Every night, my aunt and I bond together until we both get tired and doze off to dreamland. It's actually fun having her around because she's like an older sister to me. She really takes good care of me and my brother. I'm enjoying every moment of it. Laughing over some pathetic Filipino joke, weighing what the politicians are talking about and watching shows in cable. Nothing beats spending quality time with her.

Like what I said, I've got time in my hands and lately, I find myself watching the shows that I've missed these past few months. Grey's Anatomy, House, and Scrubs remind me of how much I love science and how much I love thinking of how they solve these medical mysteries. Discovery Travel and Living makes me want to travel more. I just realized that I do want to see the world! The other day, they showed how beautiful India is and how awesome the sights are near the Bosphorus Strait.

These past few days made me realize that there are so many things that I want to do. I should not forget that. I must pursue my dreams and actualize it. So for this year, I will definitely try to be more daring and impulsive. I will try to run after my dreams and experience it.

There are so many things to look forward to... I'm excited...TRULY excited for what is yet to come! ^_^

Let it Rain

2010-04-29T22:05:00.000+08:00

I am not a big fan of the rain. I don't like my toes getting wet. I hate the idea of getting splashed with water. I don't like getting drenched. I honestly prefer summer over rainy season. Attribute this feelings to the fact that I have been splashed with rain water a couple of times already and it was such a shameful experience. *gah* However, things changed, days turn into night, sun sets and the moon rises...

Anyway, it rained again today. For two days now, I've been loving the fact that it's raining. The cool breeze that it brings makes me want to stay longer in bed. I want to stay snuggled up in bed, sleeping tightly quietly tucked under my comforter.

I posted over my Facebook account a portion of the song Rihanna's "Umbrella". And one of my college friends, Nikolo, replied to it by continuing the song.

It has been ages since I have last heard from him. I have been busy with work and he has been busy reporting on TV. Hearing from him again makes me reminisce our college moments. I miss how things used to be. Niko was there when my Luis broke up with me. And Niko proved that he was such a good friend for he was there for me through my joys and pains.

He cheered me on when I ran for office at the Student Council. He was a shoulder to cry on when my heart was broken. He completed my thoughts. He sang with me when my heart was overjoyed. He accepted me as I am. We have been through countless arguments over different issues in life yet somehow, we still find reasons to agree on most things.

I just realized that I am so blessed to have a friend like him. He is definitely a friend for keeps. Be it sunny or rainy, I know he will be there for me. We may not be together everyday but I know that no matter what happens, I will always have a friend in him and he will always have a friend in me.

When the sun shines we'll shine together.

Told you I'll be here forever.

Said I'll always be a friend.

Took an oath Imma stick it out till the end...

Now that it's raining more than ever
Know that we'll still have each other
You can stand under my umbrella
You can stand under my umbrella ella ella eh eh...

Calvin

2010-04-29T20:53:00.000+08:00

Back in high school, my friends and I loved reading Calvin and Hobbes. Calvin, with his crazy antics, and super lovable stuffed tiger, Hobbes brought so much laughter to my life.

Anyway, browsing through my tumblr, I saw this pic and can't help but be reminded of all those funny memories. Oh, high school life! :)

Oh well, check out this little boy. Isn't he adorable? Hahaha! Makes me want to pinch his cheeks and hug him and squish him. *gigil* Oooh, what a cutie pie!

Under my umbrella ella ella eh eh

2010-04-28T19:30:00.000+08:00

I will NEVER EVER forget this day! The day it first rained..and it's supposed to be SUMMER. Does this mean that I have to say good bye to my dreams of going to the beach, drinking shakes on the shore... good bye white sands, toes buried on sand, colorful nails, and colorful fish??? Noooooooooooooooooooo! I seriously refuse to accept this! I wanna go to the beach and enjoy my vacation! *gah*

Seriously, I have to admit that I enjoyed the rain. Man, it has been so hot in the Philippines lately and it's just so good to get wet a bit from the rain! The cool waters were such a relief! SERIOUSLY ^_~ So sad as I have to "sort of" bid summer good bye and it was earlier than expected, I kinda find myself embracing the new season. Semi-hello to rainy days! :)

Okay, enough of this. This is just one of those random posts.
Just sing with me, will ya?

Under my umbrella ella-ella-eh-eh .... ;)
it's raining raining
ooooh
it's raining....

2010-04-26T20:20:00.002+08:00

Dancing to Forever

2010-04-21T20:01:00.000+08:00

And so there was this couple who danced their wedding entrance to Forever. The JK Wedding Dance has captured the attention of many given that they made a statement by doing the unique wedding entrance. Even the TODAY Show featured the couple on TV! :) What is wonderful about the couple is that with the popularity that came along with that instant-hit Youtube video was the responsibility to reach out to others and lend a helping hand. The couple decided to put up a site where people could make donations to support their advocacy to end domestic violence. Isn't that wonderful? A wonderful wedding entrance with a good cause. Hmm.. makes me think of my own wedding (in the NEAR future ;p ahihihihihi)...

2010-04-17T22:54:00.002+08:00

“People are unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered. Love them anyway. If you do good, people may accuse you of selfish motives. Do good anyway. If you are successful, you may win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway. The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. Honesty and transparency make you vulnerable. Be honest and transparent anyway. What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway. People who really want help may attack you if you help them. Help them anyway. Give the world the best you have and you may get hurt. Give the world your best anyway. ” — Mother Teresa

Slow Saturday

2010-04-17T10:46:00.000+08:00

I don't normally go to work on Saturdays. However, this Saturday, I have been requested to go to work, stay in school, and WAIT for people to inquire or settle their accounts. I felt a bit lazy to get up this morning. Seriously. However, as part of obedience, I decided to get up and get going. I'm really counting the hours now. I'm trying to be productive by doing some of my churchwork now while waiting for some sort of work to pop out from nowhere.

Anyway, I'm just ranting here. I'm excited for lunch. I'm going out on a food trip with my brother and his friend at the country club. Afterwhich, we're going to burn some more calories...

Oh well, enough of this ranting. I'm excited for what's in store for me today.
For now, let me say...

toodles! :D

Straightforward

2010-04-15T20:48:00.001+08:00

Andrew Garcia's out. Just like that, Ryan Seacrest said it straightforward, right into Andrew's face, "it's the end of the road." The courage to say those words! I bet it was also hard on Ryan's part to be the deliverer of bad news. On the other hand, I truly admire the way he handled the situation. He did it with so much grace and composure. He remained positive despite the negative and sad news he received.

In life, we don't go through goody-goody, happy-happy, joy-joy moments all the time. In fact, most of the time, we go through what others refer to as "hell" but what can we do? For as long as we are in this damned world, expect people to say nasty things about you. Expect that people will judge you and criticize you. Life will never be smooth sailing. Your outlook in life will be the determining factor whether you'll have a good enjoyable life or not.

If you choose to sulk and highlight the negative side of life, I pity you. What a pathetic thing to do. I'm not saying that you have to deny yourself of the reality of pain. My point is face the pain. Face that there's always room for you to become better and to improve then afterwards, look at the brighter side of life. Learn from the experience, pick up where you left off, and move on with life. With that, you'll become stronger and wiser.

Thanks to Andrew Garcia, he reminded me once again how to face the harsh reality. :)

iTouch

2010-04-14T21:13:00.000+08:00

I love the iPod Touch! I haven't been going online lately since I have been caught up with a lot of responsibilities at home, work, and church. Lucky me, my students, in their hopes that they could make use of their gadgets while in class, brought all their stuff. With that, I came to use the iPod Touch. iPhone is definitely out of the pic since it's very expensive and I still have functional trustworthy phones. I have no intentions of changing phones until it gives up on me. Yes, I'll wait for it to self-destruct before I start thinking of purchasing a new mobile.

Going back to iPod Touch...

I will seriously include this on my 2010 list of "must-haves". This perfectly suits me since I'm always on the go and I love going online. I am seriously saving up for this one!!!!! ^_^ I am so loving the iPod Touch! :D

Encounter with Christ

2010-04-12T01:19:00.000+08:00

Have you ever been into a situation where you felt hopeless and you just felt like pressing the reset button so you could have a fresh start and move on with your life?

No matter how petty it may seem to others, let's admit it. We have experienced feeling trapped in a messy situation and all we could do is wish it'll come to a quick end.

If this is how you feel, think of Zacchaeus. Yep, he was that little man who climb that sycamore tree to see Jesus. (Luke 19:1-10) Zacchaeus was the tax collector whom people despised. Nobody wanted to listen to him because of who he was, his past, and his negative disposition. On the other hand, he was also that man who was so desperate to have a companion because he wanted someone to listen to him.

Have you ever found yourself in the same situation? Think: Misunderstood. Alone. Hopeless.

Be encouraged! Realize that JESUS MEETS YOU EXACTLY WHERE YOU ARE. (v. 5) Jesus knows the exact spot where to meet you, just like what happened with Zacchaeus. He clearly knows His purpose. At that moment, His purpose was to reach out to Zacchaeus. He knows what you need. In that situation, Jesus knew that Zacchaeus needed a friend. Knowing these, we got to be keen and very discerning because Jesus meets us in different ways. He meets us through His Word. He may use the verses in the Bible to enlighten us. He meets us through the people around us. He uses our parents, friends, disciplers, etc., to meet us. He meets us through the circumstances we face. We go through situations not because it is simply a part of our course in life. There is a reason why we go through it and one of those reasons is for us to encounter our Lord.

When discouraged, realize that you are not alone. If you feel condemned and down the dumps, think: JESUS IS A FRIEND TO SINNERS. (v.7) Jesus never chose those righteous men. He wasn't surrounded by perfect people, instead He reached out to the unclean, those who were branded negatively... those who were troubled, those who were set apart from the rest for negative reasons. You and I have a friend in Jesus.

It is funny how the world can be cruel to men. One mistake and that's it. You're knocked out. It's like you're damned forever with no hopes for change. It's different with our Lord. JESUS BRINGS HOPE FOR CHANGE...AN OPPORTUNITY TO CHANGE.(v.8) There's an open door so one can turn around and have a new start. Isn't that great?

And so you feel you're into deep trouble and that nothing can reverse the situation, don't be hopeless. JESUS BRINGS THE POWER OF SALVATION. (vv.9-10) He can save you spiritually for He offers eternal life, just as long as you accept Him as Your Lord and Savior. He can save you financially, mend broken relationships, heal you when you're sick, and complete you when you're lonely. He can save you from all these worries.

No matter how bad life treats you, no matter how pathetic you may be, and no matter how negatively people view you, know that God provides a room for change. The challenge is, will you grab the opportunity to change? Remember: CHANGE HAPPENS WHEN CHRIST MEETS YOU. Grab that opportunity for that is the reset button that you are waiting for.

Think About It

2010-04-11T09:17:00.000+08:00

one day, tomorrow would not come, even if you and the world beg for just one more day. life is just so fragile. so freakishly fragile. tubes and numbers would monitor your decay. and then you say goodbye cruel world. and move beyond. just like that.

This was posted by Thiu on Facebook and it's worth pondering on... Think about it...

G'morning!!!!

2010-04-10T11:26:00.000+08:00

Get up early and stretch those lazy bones... that's what they all say.

The past two weeks of March and the first week of April have been too hectic for me. With Nanay passing away, the school's thanksgiving banquet and graduation, mum's flight to the US and my Singapore trip, I just felt like I was running after time to which I could never ever keep up to. (yeah...DUH! I know..)

Anyway, it has been weeks since I have been planning to jumpstart my life again. I've been planning and planning to start waking up early again and exercising (again...have you ever been into the same situation? You kept planning good plans but you end up finding yourself stuck in that "planning stage"??? )

This morn was different. My youngest brother, John Rae, woke me up at 5:30am (that's pretty late actually) by turning off the air conditioner and grabbing my feet (Yep! That's one VERY EFFECTIVE way of waking me up. Grab my feet! Lol. I kinda hate it, FYI.) When I saw that I was the only one in lying on the bed, I was compelled to really get up and get moving. I have to admit, I felt to lazy to get up this morn.

I went to my cabinet, grabbed the Boracay shirt (thanks, Mav & Pau!) and started feeling a bit excited about this escapade. Everything fell into place... the next thing I saw was John Rae's new Billabong cap (which I literally got without permission and I just used it.hahaha), then my Dad's cool daddy Rayban shades. hahaha! I was all set to exercise.

John Rae drove us all the way to the nearest "safe" park and we began walking. It felt so good! Walking around a park surrounded by trees definitely was a great way to expend energy! I almost forgot how enjoyable exercising is. Walking with my brother, cousin, and tita was a good way to bond. I have missed out on a lot of things after all. I'm sure glad I got the chance to spend time with them again.

After an hour and a half, we passed by Karl's place where I've met Mama Belle and Sab. I spent a few minutes bonding with them and I just realized how much I missed them! It was like 15 minutes of quality time with my 2nd family. Ooh! Nothing beats it. So much has happened with our separate lives but I'm grateful that nothing much has changed when it comes to our relationship. They remain as part of my family. We've never lost connection.

Now, I'm getting ready to meet up some friends for lunch. Movie time afterwards... then, golf tonight!

Exciting, isn't it?

I've got tons of things to share...from Nanay's passing away, lessons learned, my Singapore adventure, then this one. I will definitely blog soon about all these! For now, I'm off to my next event. Lol.

I wonder what else is in store for me today.... :D

PRICELESS Moments

2010-03-31T01:23:00.002+08:00

2010-03-30T23:51:00.004+08:00

Happy

23rd

Birthday,

TIMOTHY!!!!

[DISCLAIMER: This post was made ahead of time since Seoul, South Korea is ahead by an hour from the Philippines. Note the time discrepancy. ^_^]

Livin' La Vida Loca at 10am

2010-03-30T21:46:00.000+08:00

It's the time of the year when I've got TONS to do. And I literally mean it. Here I am in the kitchen, multi-tasking, as I compute the grades of my students, take little bites of my Red Ribbon chocolate mousse Junior cake, drink my Starbucks' Tazo Brambleberry herbal infused iced tea and sip my London Fruit and Herb Orange Spicer hot tea. After this, I gotta polish my lines since I am hosting tomorrow night's Thanksgiving Banquet.

Yeah, I am doing A LOT! And in the midst of my somewhat chaotic state, here I am... taking a BREATHER. *whew* It feels good to relax a bit. This is actually a long overdue post. Last Sunday, mom and dad were invited to an Evangelistic Dinner / Thanksgiving by our super loving and caring family doctors. In absence of dad, who's still far from us since he's on a Sabbatical leave, I took his place. Talk about proxy. :)

Mom and I were to act as table hosts that night. Our task was to make sure that Drs. Jodd & Susan's non-C guests would feel comfy and we'd somehow entertain them by leading them to conversations which would glorify our Lord. Anyway, I knew it was going to be easy given that I was partnered with my mom. However, things changed since one of mom's friend, Tita Aileen, kidnapped her by switching partners. Tita Aileen assigned her partner, Ptr. D [let's keep his name a secret], to me.

Ptr.D is single. He was decent. He looked good. He was prim and proper. Most of all, he was "MUTE". His words were few and he barely could strike a conversation! We were supposed to entertain the guests but there he was comfortably seated on his chair munching on the roasted legumes served on our table.

Dinner began. It was buffet so I had no option but to stand get myself some food. He helped me get up and was gentlemanly enough to usher me to the buffet table. I was trying to feel the waters so I desperately tried to strike a conversation with him:
J: Ptr. D, what are you ministries?
D: Worship? Growth groups?
J: I see. You know, I know some people from your church. Been there quite a lot of times.
D: I heard you're holding your school's banquet in our church this Wednesday.
J: Yes. [silence] You know, I often support Ryan, Mike, and your youth when they have seminars. There were days when I'd go with Elder Pol and his family to attend your church.
D: Ah. It's probable that I've met you before.
J: Yeah, maybe.
D: [almost a whisper] I find this thing challenging because since I became a pastor I've rid myself of non-C friends.

Then, there was silence. Fast forward to going home time...
Tita A: How's your "first date"? [wink, wink. nudge, nudge.]
J; *gah* Nooooooo. [laugh, laugh]

In retrospect, I can't help but stress out one thing. RIDDING of non-C friends. I honestly feel sad and frustrated about this lost opportunity to reach out to others. Christ had tons of non-C friends. In fact, he was friends with all sorts of sinners, from prostitutes to tax collectors! Who are we, mere Christians, to exclude others? We are called to reach out to them so we could share to them who the Lord Jesus Christ is! I do pray Ptr. D. would realize that he's missing on a lot of things. I do hope his eyes would be opened to the reality that these non-C's must hear of Christ and the only way to turn that into reality is when Christians like us reach out to them and make them our friends.

Oh well... that's it.
I feel better now.
I gotta go and work on my script tomorrow.

Moving on...

If you could go on vacation for the next month with an unlimited budget, where would you go?

2010-03-30T18:51:00.002+08:00

Does it have to be just one place?
If so, I'd choose Seoul, Korea where my brother is. Oh man! I could finally ask Timothy to make me some really good milk tea! :D

And then Bong Doo can finally bring me to Lotte World! :) Whoopee!

Ask me anything

Classic Cheezy Lines

2010-03-29T00:49:00.000+08:00

It's so easy to make me laugh. I practically laugh just about anything! Anyway, when I got home tonight, I fixed my bookshelf when I came across this piece of paper. Warning: This sounds so high school-ish. If you're up for a corny joke and you wanna laugh, please proceed. If otherwise, go and view another website! [Note: I warned you.... ^_~]

I hope you know CPR because you take my breath away.

Do you have a Bandaid? Because I just scraped my knee falling for you.

A thousand painters working for a thousand arts but could not create a beauty that equals you.

Come live in my heart and pay no rent

"Pinch me." "Why?" "You're so fine I must be dreaming."

Were you arrested earlier? It's got to be illegal to look that good.

I'm sick . My medicine is to talk to you.

Do you believe in love at first at sight or should I walk by again?

It's not my fault I fell in love, you are the one who tripped me.

HELP! Something's wrong with my eyes! I just can't take them off you..

Do you have a map? Because I just keep getting lost in your eyes

If I could arrange the letters of the alphabet, I'd put U and I together...

Can I take your picture? I want to show Santa exactly what I want for Christmas

Do you have a name? Can I call you mine?

You must be tired because you've been running through my mind the whole day!

All About "MEH"

2010-03-24T18:42:00.000+08:00

The Simpsons is one of John Rae's favorite toons. I even bought him DVD's of this series from 1 - 19, I think. Anyway, out of boredom, I was browsing through Yahoo! when I came across this article. Have fun!

'Meh': Apathetic expression enters dictionary
By JILL LAWLESS, Associated Press Writer Jill Lawless, Associated Press Writer – Sun Nov 16, 7:23 pm ET

LONDON – At least someone is excited about "meh."

The expression of indifference or boredom has gained a place in the Collins English Dictionary after generating a surprising amount of enthusiasm among lexicographers.
Publisher HarperCollins announced Monday the word had been chosen from terms suggested by the public for inclusion in the dictionary's 30th anniversary edition, to be published next year.
The origins of "meh" are murky, but the term grew in popularity after being used in a 2001 episode of "The Simpsons" in which Homer suggests a day trip to his children Bart and Lisa.

They both just reply 'meh' and keep watching TV," said Cormac McKeown, head of content at Collins Dictionaries.

The dictionary defines "meh" as an expression of indifference or boredom, or an adjective meaning mediocre or boring. Examples given by the dictionary include "the Canadian election was so meh."

The dictionary's compilers said the word originated in North America, spread through the Internet and was now entering British spoken English.

"This is a new interjection from the U.S. that seems to have inveigled its way into common speech over here," McKeown said. "Internet forums and e-mail are playing a big part in formalizing the spellings of vocal interjections like these. A couple of other examples would be 'hmm' and 'heh.'

"Meh" was selected by Collins after it asked people to submit words they use in conversation that are not in the dictionary. Other suggestions included jargonaut, a fan of jargon; frenemy, an enemy disguised as a friend; and huggles, a hybrid of hugs and snuggles.

Closing Cycles

2010-03-24T18:34:00.000+08:00

by: Paulo Coelho

One always has to know when a stage comes to an end. If we insist on staying longer than the necessary time, we lose the happiness and the meaning of the other stages we have to go through.

Closing cycles, shutting doors, ending chapters whatever name we give it, what matters is to leave in the past the moments of life that have finished. Did you lose your job? Has a loving relationship come to an end? Did you leave your parents’ house? Gone to live abroad? Has a long-lasting friendship ended all of a sudden?

You can spend a long time wondering why this has happened. You can tell yourself you won’t take another step until you find out why certain things that were so important and so solid in your life have turned into dust, just like that.

But such an attitude will be awfully stressing for everyone involved: your parents, your husband or wife, your friends, your children, your sister, everyone will be finishing chapters, turning over new leaves, getting on with life, and they will all feel bad seeing you at a standstill.

None of us can be in the present and the past at the same time, not even when we try to understand the things that happen to us. What has passed will not return: we cannot for ever be children, late adolescents, sons that feel guilt or rancor towards our parents, lovers who day and night relive an affair with someone who has gone away and has not the least intention of coming back.

Things pass, and the best we can do is to let them really go away. That is why it is so important (however painful it maybe!) to destroy souvenirs, move, give lots of things away to orphanages, sell or donate the books you have at home. Everything in this visible world is a manifestation of the invisible world, of what is going on in our hearts and getting rid of certain memories also means making some room for other memories to take their place.

Let things go. Release them. Detach yourself from them. Nobody plays this life with marked cards, so sometimes we win and sometimes we lose. Do not expect anything in return, do not expect your efforts to be appreciated, your genius to be discovered, your love to be understood. Stop turning on your emotional television to watch the same program over and over again, the one that shows how much you suffered from a certain loss: that is only poisoning you, nothing else.

Nothing is more dangerous than not accepting love relationships that are broken off, work that is promised but there is no starting date, decisions that are always put off waiting for the ideal moment. Before a new chapter is begun, the old one has to be finished: tell yourself that what has passed will never come back. Remember that there was a time when you could live without that thing or that person. Nothing is irreplaceable. A habit is not a need. This may sound so obvious, it may even be difficult, but it is very important.

Closing cycles. Not because of pride, incapacity or arrogance, but simply because that no longer fits your life. Shut the door, change the record, clean the house, shake off the dust. Stop being who you were, and change into who you are.One always has to know when a stage comes to an end. If we insist on staying longer than the necessary time, we lose the happiness and the meaning of the other stages we have to go through.

Let things go.

Release them.

Detach yourself from them.

Nobody plays this life with marked cards, so sometimes we win and sometimes we lose. Do not expect anything in return, do not expect your efforts to be appreciated, your genius to be discovered, your love to be understood. Stop turning on your emotional television to watch the same program over and over again, the one that shows how much you suffered from a certain loss: that is only poisoning you, nothing else.

2010-03-24T16:14:00.001+08:00

What A Day!

2010-03-20T00:56:00.000+08:00

Random things that happened today.
[Note: I feel like blogging but my braincells are quite drained already.]

1. Ooh! I have experienced sleeping on super hard benches. Define sleep. Sleep = closed eyes while breathing. My head, butt, and back hurt so badly but yeah, it's alright. I still got to "sleep."

2. Tito Ardee, Tita Gemma, and Mommy Pearl came over this morn. It was nice to see them. Talked about the most random things in life. :)

3. Ate Marissa and Mother Sumi came over! I love them. Super. Talk about support and encouragement.

4. Oooh! My sisters came over. Delia, Jong, Mona, and Mira were here.

5. Denmarc preached. It was his first time to do a necrological sermon. :) I truly praise God for him. And he didn't talk about Lazarus, which was an added bonus since he didn't speak of the "USUAL" thing.

6. Mav, Joni, and Paulo came over! Good friends are hard to find.

7. Mene sent flowers.

8. Magoo and Marge were here.

9. Jabba and Joses came too.

10. Tita Arlene, Franz, and Nesa came to show their support.

11. Tito Cesar, Tita Butching, Jek, Jia and Jyl came.

12. Ptr. Larry and tita Nida showed their love.

13. Dra. Susan came with Aaron.

I had a really LONG DAY. But I enjoyed knowing that I've got friends who loves me and cares for me so much.

This Is It

2010-03-18T21:23:00.000+08:00

Yes, at around 3:37pm today, March 18, Nanay breathed her last breath...

On Death

2010-03-18T07:15:00.001+08:00

I have seen nanay's eyes constrict. I have seen her gasp for air. I know it's anytime soon. I'm not scared... I'm sad. I'm not lamenting though. I'm sad because I know I'm letting go real soon. I have witnessed how she tried to hold on to her life. I have seen her how to fight so hard for her life. I know she wants to stay. I know she wants to stay true to her promise that she'll walk with me on my wedding day.

I am ready to let go. I am ready to let go... I think. May God give me the strength to let go of her. May God make me selfless enough so I could stop holding on to my grandmother.
~*~*~*~
One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. - Psalm 27: 4-5

Stay

2010-03-15T00:03:00.000+08:00

"We're getting closer,

but we're still so far away.

You've got me running in circles again..."

~ Maddie Kthx~

Stay

Staying Up

2010-03-14T23:58:00.000+08:00

Time check -- it's officially 11:42 pm. I'm in the middle of studying my Bible when I felt compelled to take a break from reading. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I think that God's Word is boring. I just needed a break from reading all the words. Breather...

So, I instinctively went to my Facebook account to check a few updates and then I came across his name. I guess my subliminal's making me check my account to find out if he went online or not. Luckily, he did. And guess what I'm doing now. I'm taking chances. Here I am, hoping that he'd at least say something to me! I'd be more than happy to hear a simple hello from him.

Anyway, it's 3 minutes before 12mn. I'm only giving myself until then to sort of wait for him to make his presence be known to me.

Will he or will he not?

Oh well, life goes on...

I feel pathetic doing this. It's a bit high school-ish... but then again,it's not bad to entertain the child in you every now and then, right?? :))

Of Perception and Visualization

2010-03-14T18:25:00.000+08:00

Someone said that most people are visual. So it'll be good to see in pictures the things that you would want to achieve. It somehow gives you a clearer view of your intangible hopes, dreams and yeah, wishes are included too.

Anyway, since I'm taking a break from my chores, I decided to work on this one. :) That's it for now. Toodles! :D

An Excerpt from Rob Bell's Sex God

2010-03-13T22:43:00.000+08:00

“

You don’t need a man by your side to validate you as a woman. You already are loved and valued. You’re good enough exactly as you are. Do you believe this? Because it’s true. You have limitless worth and value. If you embrace this truth, it will affect every area of life, expecially your relationship with men. You are worthy dying for. Your worth does not come from your body, your mind, your work, what you produce, what you put out, how much money you make. your worth does not come from whether or not you have a man. Your worth does not come from whether or not men notice you. You have inestimable worth that comes from your creator.

You will continue to be tempted in a thousand different ways not to believe this. The temptation will be to go searching for your worth and validity from places other than your creator. Especially from men. But you don’t have to give yourself away to earn a man’s love. You’re better than that. You’re already loved.

When you give too much of yourself away too quickly, when you show too much skin, you’re not being true to yourself. When you dress to show us everything, then in some sense we have all shared in it, or at least been exposed to it. There is a mystery to you, infinite depth and endless complexity. As the woman says in Song of Songs, “My own vineyard is mine to give”. In the ancient Near East, a vineyard was a euphemism for sexuality. She is saying that she doesn’t give herself to just anyone. She is fully in control of herself, and she is not cheap and she is not easy. Your strength is a beautiful thing. And when you live in it, when you carry yourself with the honor and dignity that are yours, it forces the men around you to relate to you on more than just a flesh level.

You are worth dying for.

If you’re dating someone, what kind of man is he? Does he demonstrate that he’s the kind of man who would die for you? What is his posture toward the world? Does he serve, or is he waiting to be served? Does he believe that he’s owed something, that he’s been shortchanged, that he’s gotten the short end of the stick, that life owes him something? Or is he out to see what he can give? Does he see himself as being here to make the world a better place?

These are the big questions that you need to ask yourself.

Take him to a family reunion. Do some sort of service project with him. See how he interacts with people he doesn’t like.

Does he have liquid agape running through his veins?

when a woman is loved well, she opens up like a flower

What does he expect of you? Does he expect you to sleep with him when he hasn’t committed to you forever? Does he want all of you without his having to give all of him?

Can you tell him anything? Is he safe? Can he be trusted?

Can you open up to him, allowing yourself to be vulnerable, knowing that he will protect, not exploit, that vulnerability? Are you opening up like a flower?

”

2010-03-13T18:33:00.002+08:00

"When everything

seems to be going against you,

R E M E M B E R

that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it."

Flicks and Tears

2010-03-13T18:14:00.002+08:00

The night my brother, Rej, was packing his luggage to prepare for his departure back to where he belongs, Timothy and I were messing with him as we both comfortably sat on the couch with Tim checking his mails and searching for stuff while I was doing..nothing. I was seriously bugging the two.

Anyway, for some reason, Timothy and I ended up talking about movies and he made me watch this - A Millionaire's First Love. He was telling me to get ready because this movie will definitely bring me to tears. Given that I have the tendency to oppose whatever Tim says, I instinctively told him that, "no, I'm not going to cry over some cheesy Korean film." Well, well... boy, I was wrong!

The movie is about this typical rich brat, Jae-kyung. He's rich, arrogant, and has no goal in life. He's bound to inherit his grandfather's fortune when he turns 18. However, it came to him as a surprise when he found out the conditions of his grandfather's last will and testament -- to leave everything behind and transfer to a new school in Gangwondo, which was set in the middle of nowhere, and graduate there. Until then, he is stripped of so many privileges such as access to his penthouse and cottage and his credit card has been canceled. Should he fail or drops out, he forfeits the opportunity to enjoy what's supposed to be his. With not much of a choice, he heads out to that small town in the countryside.

Shortly after settling into his new humble abode, he meets Eun-whan who happened to run into him back in Seoul. They didn't really hit it off. He's just too arrogant and "cool" for school while she's the ever-positive person who sees hope for him and sets out to make him realize that it's not too late to change.

Just like any other love story, they became close, and thanks to so many coincidences, school projects and mishaps, they learned more about each other. One time, during a play rehearsal at school, Jae-kyung notices that the plot of the play is like that of his life. His parents died at an early age leaving him in an orphanage. There his grandfather found him and adopted him to what he calls his home now. At the orphanage, he left his childhood friend, Eun-whan who was an orphan herself, a promise. He made a vow to return to her however, Jae-kyung has forgotten this. With this, Jae-kyung approached one of the staff of the play to ask who the author of the play was. It came to him as a shock to find out that it was Eun-whan.

If one thinks that everything goes well from here, sorry but this was just the beginning. Their joy would not last so long since her health condition will eventually challenge the integrity and level of commitment in their relationship.

How far can you go for the one you love?

Will you give up or keep loving him or her no matter what comes your way?

"Nothing is more important than the true love of your heart." -- how true is that?

I guess at the end of it all, it's nice to be reminded that what we have here in life are all but fleeting moments. We always have to make the most out of it. This further reminds me of what my youngest bro keeps playing on my iPod:

You only got 86,400 seconds in a day

To turn it all around or to throw it all away

We gotta tell 'em that we love 'em

while we got the chance to say

- Gotta Live Like We're Dying

Kris Allen

Tell the One you love that you love them before it's too late...

~ oOo ~

Tsk Tsk Tsk

2010-03-13T00:09:00.000+08:00

My impulse has caused me to be foolish. The excitement to do things without giving it much thought is now taking a toll on me. Adventure and thrill -- oh! How I love those! I love being in the midst of unusual circumstances and find my way out of it. The satisfaction I get is incomparable whenever I overcome and emerge victorious after my adventures.

However, this time, the way I am learning my lesson is not as thrilling as I hoped it would be. I have put myself in a situation where learning and figuring my way out is causing me so much troubles and headaches, for me and my parents. Yeah, I know, this is rubbish... foolishness... and reality bites, this is stupidity.

No one said that one must not be "too adventurous" nor one must limit thrill-seeking; but one must realize that being adventurous doesn't give anyone the right to be irrational.

Great and wise our Lord is, He strategically placed our brains on top of our heads for a reason. Primarily we have to think first before we act. Everything we do, we must carefully consider all options and we have to listen to all our parents advices carefully. LISTEN, PROCESS, THINK, and ACT.

There's nothing much that I can do about it now. I gotta face the consequences of my foolish decisions and work hard to iron things out. As soon as I finish going through this character-forming circumstance, I will definitely be wiser in dealing and handling all my endeavors.

Be wise even in seeking adventure and thrill in life....

Places I Wanna See Before I Die

2010-03-11T01:03:00.000+08:00

Here's a partial list of the places which I wanna see before I die. :)

Norway : Aurora Borealis
Dubai
Great Barrier Reef
Singapore
Great Wall of China
Jellyfish Lake, Palau
Le Tour d'Eiffel
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Walt Disney World, Florida
Sea World, Florida
Cape Town, South Africa
Sydney Opera House, Australia
Cambridge, UK
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
The Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt
Venezia, Italy
Macau
Hong Kong
Hawaii
Paris, France
Alaska
Bangkok, Thailand
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Iceland
Seoul, Korea
India
Mongolia
Nepal

Leap

2010-03-11T00:57:00.000+08:00

I have always loved the thrill of jumping into the world of the unknown. I love adventures and surprises. Well, I'm not getting any younger and somehow my parents have learned to trust me more. This year I am challenging myself to go further. So yeah, I'm traveling and pursuing my foreign job applications. I'll definitely go and explore all options if God approves of my desires. :) Part of me is anxious about it and a part of me is excited to find out what's in store for me. Weeeeeeeeeee! Oh, this is going to be a good, good year! :D

00:11

2010-03-08T01:55:00.001+08:00

It has been weeks since I last heard from him. He just chose to go silent on me while I opted not to bother. After all, everyone needs some breathing room, right?

I went home late tonight. Mom, John, and I got home past 9PM. I was exhausted. Somehow, I found myself wishing that he'd go online. I wanted to hear from him. Just when I was about to give up on that idea, he suddenly popped out of nowhere. I took a pause thinking of what to do next. It took me a minute to reply and say one word -- "hi". Our whole conversation was only 16 minutes long. Short, I know... but it was enough to put a smile on my face.

I miss him. But what can I do? I can't exactly "bother" him. That would be so inconsiderate of me especially now that I know that he has issues which he needs to deal with.

Anyway, right now, I just want to share to the world that I feel complete. He completed my week. 16 minutes of hearing / reading his thoughts -- it's enough to put a smile on my face and it's enough to help me get through this toxic day ahead of me.

I hope everything goes well today...

I hope...

Oh, and one more thing, it feels wonderful to be loved. :D

Gossip Girl

2010-03-08T01:42:00.002+08:00

It's a given fact that we are not close. I repeat, we are NOT CLOSE. I greet you because our culture tells us that we must greet the elders as a sign of "respect". I greeted you earlier simply to comply with my social obligations. That's it. Now that it has been established that I've got no founded relationship whatsoever with you, let me proceed to my point.

It's funny how gossip circles around the society. It's so juicy that people, both men and women, find it difficult to avoid. Did it ever occur to them that so much of their time is wasted just by listening to gossip? What more if they spread it around? It's either I'm just too disconnected with the world that I don't care about gossip.

Tonight, I gotta admit that it annoyed me when I heard this old woman tell me of my dad's schedule. So what if dad's out the country? So what if she wants me to know that she knows a lot about my family? Who cares? By the time I end this blog, that thought is something which I've forgotten about. As for her, what purpose will it serve her? Will it make her rich, wiser or spiritually mature?

Talk about wasted time! If only she was wiser, instead of gossiping about my family, she could have enriched her soul by knowing more about the Lord, helping others out, or expending her energy on meaningful recreational activities. I honestly find her pathetic.

She's supposed to be a Christian! How come she acts so foolishly??

At the end of it all, one thing's sure...
she is a CERTIFIED GOSSIP GIRL.

Can someone please give her a trophy???
Tssss....

Finding God's Perfect Choice

2010-03-07T03:43:00.000+08:00

I have almost forgotten what I have been praying for.

It's nice to be reminded of the qualities that I am looking for my future partner. It's not being idealistic. This is more my act of faith. I believe and trust the Lord that He'll lead me to the right man who will complement me in my inadequacies.

Here goes my list:

1. He has to be a REAL MAN.

2. He must be a CHRISTIAN.

3. He must have a SOUND MIND.

4. He must be MUSICALLY INCLINED.

5. He must know how to DANCE.

6. He must be SMART.

7. He must be FUNNY.

8. He must be VERY LOVING TO HIS FAMILY.

9. He must be a GIVER.

10. He must be FULL OF PASSION IN LIFE regardless if what his working on is great or small.

2010-03-07T03:19:00.000+08:00

Deleted...
Erased...
Communication gone...
Forgotten...
Great.
Tsss.
Pathetic me.
SMS sent.
No reply.
Letting go now.
It's not the time for this.

Feeling Artsy

2010-03-06T22:20:00.002+08:00

MULTITASKING

2010-03-06T16:11:00.000+08:00

According to my trustworthy Merriam-Webster, multitasking /mul-ti-ˌtas-kiŋ/ is the performance of multiple jobs at one time.

I woke up this afternoon and felt the urge to do this. Yeah, I know and so the famous adage goes, "so little time so much to do." That's precisely why I'm multitasking right now. How?

As I type my random blog here, I am currently downloading a movie, cleaning and clearing my phone memory by transferring files to this laptop, fixing my room and just removed all my clothes in my closet since it looked like a storm just hit my closet once again. So feeling all obsessive-compulsive at the moment, I am re-organizing my closet once more. After this, I'll attend to my work requirements and other responsibilities here at home. :)

So for now, toodles, guys! I'm going back to my work. ^_^

Crab Mentality

2010-03-04T00:52:00.000+08:00

Thanks to Sebastian of The Little Mermaid, crabs somehow have this cutesy image to children. However, when grown-ups think of crabs, they often associate it with a delicious seafood or the negative attitude known as "THE CRAB MENTALITY".

Just a few minutes ago, while I was almost about to go into deep sleep, someone dear to me called up and woke me up. He shared to me a classic case of crab mentality. For those who have no inkling what crab mentality is all about, this an interesting phenomenon which occurs in buckets of crabs. If one crab attempts to escape from a bucket of live crabs, the other crabs will pull it back down, rather than allowing it to get free. Sometimes, the crabs seem almost malicious, waiting until the crab has almost escaped before yanking it back into the pot. All of the crabs are undoubtedly aware of the fact that their fate is probably not going to be very pleasurable, so people are led to wonder why they pull each other back into the bucket, instead of congratulating the clever escape artist. When someone has a crab mentality, it means that they are unwilling to allow someone to get out of a situation, or to get ahead.

This is so common to Filipinos. Because of pride, they don't want others to go ahead of them. What they do is to drag others down just so they could go ahead.

I honestly pity and hate people like these. What in the world is wrong with them??? Can't they just be happy for the one who is so close to achieving their goals? If they are so envious of that achiever, why don't they just work hard to achieve their own goals rather than exert and waste their energy and efforts on pulling others down?! Man, they are just so PATHETIC!

This guy who messed up with my dear friend was supposed to be someone mature and wise. I have looked up to him with a certain degree of respect and now that he has created so much troubles and intrigues, I can't help but remove whatever is left of my respect for him! I'm sorry but I find it so un-manly of him to do this. If he can't accept the fact that others are better than him or that others deserve better employment benefits than him, then why won't he protest to his boss or work harder so that he'd get whatever benefits that he thinks he deserve to enjoy?

I pity this guy's friends. I bet in time this guy will all bring him down. I hate the idea that he's simply using all his friends to reach his goals - whatever those goals may be. I can't believe that people use others just so they could really reach that certain pedestal that they're aiming to hold.

I am mad. So mad that I want to seriously confront the guy to be man enough to face life and work hard to reach his dreams. If only my dear friend won't be affected with my actions, I would have done that.

May the Lord forgive me for the anger I'm feeling towards this person. Yeah, don't worry..it's not like as if I'd plot a revenge against him. I leave that up to the Lord's. I just had to let this out.

To those who'd be able to read this, know that CRAB MENTALITY may be an easy way to reach your goals but it'll take a toll on you soon. Our God is fair and just. In time, you'll go down for you did not work hard for that goal and you've stepped on so many people just so you could reach that pedestal you've been dreaming for. When God rebukes you, I pray that it will be the kind of rebuke wherein you'll also feel the pain that your friends went through. In that way, you'll never take others for granted and that you'd start thinking twice before you step on your next victim.

I hate crabs for now.

Home Alone

2010-03-03T15:10:00.000+08:00

Fatigue and lack of sleep finally took a toll on me. I woke up with a terrible migraine and fever. :( Horrible!

Anyway, I'm home alone now. Resting. Woke up past 1pm. I feel better now. Not too well but at least I'm better compared to how I felt this morn.

This whole sickness makes me feel so pensive and down. Did I ever mention that I hate the idea of getting sick? Well, being stuck at home and not being productive simply do not appeal to me. My mind is actually telling my body to get well soon because I have so many things to do. However, my body is already complaining because it lacks the energy it needs to operate properly.

I feel dizzy again. Yeah and my heads beginning to feel heavy. Tsss! See, this is why I hate getting sick. Anyway, yeah...so much for ranting. I better head back to sleep again. :( Boring.

Over a Cup of Starbucks Coffee

2010-03-03T14:54:00.000+08:00

Agree or disagree?

Waiting

2010-03-02T00:32:00.000+08:00

It's now 12:30am. Aside from the fact that I just finished packing dad's suitcases and travel bags, I'm actually waiting for someone. It has been days since we last talked and I just miss hearing from him. Yeah, I know I'm acting like a fool, waiting and wishing he'd go online. Oh well, I dunno! But I just wanna hear from him. Oh well... that's it. I just had to let that out.

Non-Lethargic

2010-02-27T03:03:00.000+08:00

It's now 2:50 am to be exact. I'm exhausted, but I'm still awake. I could be up and go on like this until morning and go about my task if I want to. Yeah, for some reason, I could do that.. NOT SLEEP at all for a day! But that usually happens when I've got so many things in mind, or I've got deadlines to meet, or I gotta be up for someone who needs me.

How do I do it? I don't know! It comes naturally. Don't worry! I'm no addict, have never tried it and have no intentions of trying it. :)) It's all a matter of making a decision and acting on it. Once I've made up my mind to stay up late, my mind tells my body to just keep awake and that's it! Along with good music to listen to or good movie to watch or good book to read, I could be awake the whole day!

For today however, I have no plans of staying up awake until the sun rises. So yeah, I'm off to dreamland now. Toodles! :))

2010-02-27T02:47:00.002+08:00

Even the strongest woman feels the need to be taken care of sometimes.

On Furious Love

2010-02-25T23:43:00.000+08:00

The spiritual war has brought us pain, fear, and doubt, but there's One who continues to fight for us... and He is our God, our Lord, our Father.

Tea and Sympathy

2010-02-25T22:41:00.001+08:00

I love the scent of cardamom! <3

I seriously never knew that such spice ever existed until my brother's friend came over and made curry for the family. I thought it was just an ordinary spice but to my amazement, my friend added it to the milk tea which he made! I can't explain how it tastes like. All I know is that it's good! It's really good. :))

I'm drinking hot tea right now. Like whoa, right? Yeah, I've changed! I can now drink HOT tea. :))

I'm trying to apply what Tim taught me. However, to my dismay, my tea tastes horrible. This is the second one that I've made and so far, it tastes so far from what Tim made me drink! :( Totally incomparable. He makes good milk tea while I'm beginning to think that I'm creating poison! lol.

If all else fails, I'm dragging Timothy out of Seoul and I'll bring him back here to the Philippines so I could drink some hot milk tea again. Oh, I'm pathetic!

Give me some of Tim's tea!!!

... and sympathy :(

Hopeless

2010-02-25T09:08:00.001+08:00

There are no hopeless situations, only people who have grown hopeless about them.

~¤~
Random thought while I'm in class.

Definitely, Maybe

2010-02-25T06:02:00.001+08:00

This is why I love penguins.

From the movie, Definitely Maybe:

Maya: I love penguins.
Emily: Me too.

Will: Me three:

Maya: Did you know that a penguin's mate is for life? The husband and wife penguins separate because of their migraine patterns.

Will: Migratory...

Maya: Sometimes they're apart for years but they almost always find each other...

Patience

2010-02-25T05:05:00.001+08:00

I was reading my Bible when my phone rang and as I checked it, I saw that it was "The One", this guy whom I have been infatuated to for about 3 years now. "The One" is the epitome of the character trait, patience, in my life. It took 1 year before he formally introduced himself to me at a convention, where he got my passport, snatched my mobile phone, and saved his his number. The whole thing was definitely hilarious.

And so he called but since I was in the middle of my intense reading, I just turned my phone on silent mode, waited for him to hang up, and I sent him a message, "Doing my devotions now. Good night." Then, the idea of patience came to my mind once more.

Patience is one character trait that I am scared to learn for it means enduring something which entails waiting, waiting, and waiting for a period of time. Patience is not developed with a blink of an eye nor could it be acquired overnight. The whole time element is something that I'm trying to avoid since I feel like there is just so many things to do; and learning this trait would require being passive every now and then.

Patience as defined by the ever-trusty Merriam-Webster as:
1 : the ability to bear pains or trials calmly or without complaint
2 : forbearance under provocation or strain
3 : attitude of not hasty or impetuous
4 : steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity
Note the terms: bear, trials, pains, calmly, forbearance, provocation, strain, hasty, impetuous, steadfast, opposition, difficulty, adversity. These are the elements of patience. Patience would be incomplete without trials, pains, provocations, strains, arguments...oh name it, patience got all the negative stuff out here! These are the exact things why I am scared to learn the character trait, patience. I know for a fact that even though I'd reach the age of 100, I still wouldn't have perfected this trait.

In one of my random bonding sessions with my dad, we were talking about learning patience. I told him that I think I'd rather learn more about love, kindness, and all the other character traits, just not patience. Not yet at the least because it might take forever for me to learn it. Then he goes, "You are not alone. Take Abraham, for instance. Abraham was already 100 years old before he had a son. Moses patiently dealt with the Israelites as they were journeying to Canaan. Note that it took 40 years for the Israelites to reach Canaan with Joshua. Patience takes time." Thinking of all the things that they've gone through as they learned about patience makes me want to sigh out loud.

Going through life, no matter how much I hate to deal with it, patience will be demanded of me. Being a Christian, an ambassador of Christ, it is a must to exemplify patience for others see Christ in you and me. So, today, I choose to put an end to my ranting.

Seriously now, I choose to follow for it is written:

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;
fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way,
over the man who carries out evil devices! - Psalm 37: 7

I waited patiently for the Lord;
he inclined to me and heard my cry. - Psalm 40:1

but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint. - Isaiah 40:31

I will be patient in learning what PATIENCE is all about.

Clouded

2010-02-23T09:18:00.001+08:00

It's cloudy outside. It's neither drizzling nor is there any hint of sunlight. I'm a bit pensive, kind of melancholic, but I'm trying to push the feeling aside. I feel like something's missing but I'm trying not to dwell on it. What's going on with me? I hate the feeling. I must rise above and overcome. All I need is a glimpse of the sun. I need the sun to literally and figuratively brighten my day...

Reality

2010-02-21T04:44:00.000+08:00

It's exactly 4:44am. Here I am in my room, having my laptop as my only source of illumination in this dark room. Everything is so still at the moment. I could hear my seashells chime on top of my head. I could hear John Rae's fan from the other room. Unbelievably, our three dogs are absolutely quiet today.

Today, reality sets in for me, my family, Rej, and most likely Rej's friends as well. I guess they have made so much impact in my life that I feel so affected that they have gone back to where they should really be. I went around the house a while ago. I can't help but imagine how Bajji and Tsende used to slump in the couch watching TV, how Rej used to sit behind them to use his laptop. Then, Tash...Tash comes to the picture asking Rej for permission to use the laptop so she could either upload the pics or message her Ted. Seng San is often in my room either contemplating on something or maybe resting. Thiu, my fishee, on the other hand is either scouting for tea or he could be upstairs watching a movie from his laptop or chatting with someone. Timothy... how could I ever forget that guy who has probably become more hopeless watching me eat sweet foods! *hahaha* Timothy is usually in the kitchen preparing bitter herbs or curry for dinner, if not, he's with the gang in front of the TV, doing some crazy antics and making everybody laugh.

Sadly, beginning today, I will no longer see their shadows in this house. Today, I will face life again. The only difference I guess is that I've gained a different perspective in how I see it and the influence of these people on me will definitely take a toll on me. This day of moving on will really be marked with change, change, and yeah...more changes.

I will forever be grateful to the Lord for this opportunity to meet people of different personalities. Although part of the sad reality was the parting of ways, I could never deny the fact that meeting them was really the best part of it. Life goes on. We meet people, enjoy their company, and eventually let go. But nothing could ever change the fact, that my life turned around that day I met my brother's friends....

It Came To Pass

2010-02-20T14:37:00.003+08:00

Every good thing will have an ending. Yes, so finally, my brother's 2 1/2 week vacation here in the Philippines has finally ended. It was one rollercoaster ride for the family. It was hectic yet well-spent.

I never thought I'd be feeling this way but I seriously can't help but feel sad. I guess I'll be missing having my brother around. On top of that, I'll be missing having his crazy friends around as well.

They have made my 27th birthday a really special one and I will never forget that. I feel like something is missing in my life now. And as much as I try my best not to cry, I can't help it but let the tears fall. I just can't stop it. I guess I'm not really good at letting go. Once I get attached to someone, I cling on to them and somehow wish that we'll always be together. :( I just feel sad that this whole thing has to end so soon.

I am missing Rej already... I am missing him and his friends. As to when we'll see each other again, no one knows. Will we ever have another opportunity like this? No one can tell. I hope someday... we'd be able to spend more times like this together.

For now, I gotta go back to reality and go my own way...

Moving on...