Happiness often sneaks in through a door you didn't know you left open. -- John Barrymore
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
an idyllic monday
Monday morning, I woke up to the ringing phone at 8:30. I knew it was Francis beating me to be the first one to greet "Happy Anniversary!". I had to give up. He always wins even in our monthsaries. A little chit-chat and we hung up. I dozed off--proof that these days, I'm having a hard time waking up earlier than 9am. Haha! Anyway, I had to remind myself that that was a big day, so I jumped out of bed at 9:30 and went about my morning rituals. Come 12nn, I can hear Francis turning off his car engine in front of our house. Said my see-you-later to my two loving dogs then we were off to catch lunch somewhere on the way to Tagaytay.
Market! Market! was the chosen luncheon place. It was Kenny Rogers, to be more specific. After satisfying ourselves with Solo B, we headed straight to Tagaytay. I was actually worried about the weather because the previous days brought a heavy downpour. Though it wasn't totally sunny, we're thankful that our prayers were answered: the sun peeked every now and then.
We saw the cloudy sky of Tagaytay at around 4pm, and we immediately proceeded to Residence Inn Zoo--a usual destination every time we're in the area. Took a lot of pictures, of course. And when it was finally getting dark, we headed to the famous Sonya's Garden.
Tucked in Buck Estate, it took us about 5 minutes or so to reach the place. Though it was drizzling, Sonya's didn't fail our expectations. I've already read a couple of reviews about it; a former colleague of mine was even highly recommending that we visit it for a date. The moment we entered the dining room, we knew we made the right choice. And what a sweet coincidence that we were the only guests for dinner (perhaps it was a slow day due to the rain; and it was a weekday).
I've also read about the set menu that they serve, and the reviews are good. But as they say, the proof of the pudding is in the tasting. Indeed, the food is superb. The 560 tag (plus 100 service charge) per head is well worth it. For starters, it was a hefty serving of green salad with lots of garnishing. Now I am not a fan of green salad. In fact, I don't eat it at all. But I told myself that I might as well try this for the first time. And with Sonya's Secret Salad dressing, I became a convert. I even had two servings! Then came the freshly baked bread with four choices of homemade dips: anchovies, pesto, white cheese, mushroom paté and tapinade. After that, the main course was up: pasta with two choices of sauce--sun dried tomato and chicken cream with mango. The latter is heaven! I can still savor it in my mouth! There's also black olives, mushroom, capers and salmon belly, which is also gastronomic. By this time, we were already in love with Sonya's. But of course, there's still dessert, and for us, it was a slice each of chocolate cake (yummy because it's not too sweet), caramelized sweet potatoes and sweet banana rolls. And the drink? Bottomless dalandan juice and a cup each of tarragon tea. Man, we were so full and sleepy.
Before hitting the road for coffee, we strolled for a while to check out the garden, and it is indeed enchanting. The scenery would've been better had we visited at an earlier time. Still, there are no regrets, because that only means more reasons to come back (we will, actually!).
Photo ops, photo ops, then we were on our way to Starbucks to cap off the night. After an hour of unhurried conversation, we were hitting the road home.
Nine years of being together is something we'll always be proud of; and we know this is only the beginning...
(More photos here!)
Sunday, November 25, 2007
when i'm at lost for words on our 9th
with the best musician there is on the planet and beyond!
Happy anniversary, Pangga!
I can be an a**hole of the grandest kind
I can withhold like it's going out of style
I can be the moodiest baby and you've never met anyone
Who's as negative as I am sometimes
I am the wisest woman you've ever met
I am the kindest soul with whom you've connected
I have the bravest heart that you've ever seen
And you've never met anyone
Who's as positive as I am sometimes
I blame everyone else, not my own partaking
My passive-aggressiveness can be devastating
I'm terrified and mistrusting
And you've never met anyone
As closed down as I am sometimes
What I resist, persists, and speaks louder than I know
What I resist, you love, no matter how low or high I go
I'm the funniest woman that you've ever known
I'm the dullest woman that you've ever known
I'm the most gorgeous woman that you've ever known
And you've never met anyone
Who is as everything as I am sometimes
You see everything, you see every part
You see all my light and you love my dark
You dig everything of which I'm ashamed
There's not anything to which you can't relate
And you're still here
the eve of our 9th
I'm also a bit worried about tomorrow's weather. For the past few hours now, I've been logged on to PAG-ASA's website monitoring typhoon Mina. But it looks like God's answered our prayers. She's now nearing Isabela. I just pray that it'll be a bright, sunny day tomorrow for the whole part of Luzon.
I'm really excited about our anniv. First, because I get to be with Francis for a whole day. Second, it's an out-of-town daytrip that he promised me (he knows I badly need to unwind away from the city). Third, there'd be lots of photos to upload, which also means that among those photos is a potential profile pic. Fourth, I get to have my haircut the day after tomorrow. I've been procrastinating on having my hair chopped because Francis begged me to skip it until after our anniv.
So, so...I really need to finish writing some stuff so I can have my "beauty rest", as Cindy puts it. Plus, I have yet to prep my garb for tomorrow. I just hope I don't pass out freezing in Tagaytay, what with the dress I plan to wear. Ho-hum.
Advanced happy 9th to us, Pangga! I'm sooooo proud of us! Let's not forget to thank Him!
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann!
Back in college, I was greatly hooked on animé. In fact, I was so hooked I made it a subject for my undergrad thesis, the title of which is: Animé Attack: The Effects of Japanese Action/Adventure Animation on Children's Behavior and Its Relationship with Children's Literature. I zeroed in on three prime time animé in GMA 7: Fushigi Yūgi, The Vision of Escaflowne and Dragon Ball. I remember crying over my thesis because I was so afraid I would not beat the deadline, which meant not graduating on time. But I did. And I was even surprised to have scored a sweet grade for my undergrad dissertation.
Cos is right. The 27-episode series is engaging. The fight scenes are awesome; the characters are lovable; the lessons are valuable. Never mind if there's that ubiquitous hint (just hint?) of perversion prevalent in most action-adventure animé.
I have yet to finish 10 more episodes before I see it over again.
Now I miss those animé days. Guess I better do some catching up.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
counting my blessings
Second, this project I’ve been working on is extending for next year. Let’s just say that it’s this one project (let me call it The Project) that I get worked up and happy with—perhaps this is that one project we’re advised to keep close to our hearts so we can all be sane and not resign. Haha! During our recent seminar, we were blatantly told that yes, there are indeed crappy projects; but we have to find this one, golden assignment that we’d be so proud of it could save us from insanity. And I really think this is the one. In the two years that I’ve spent in this pseudo-ad agency department, I’m surprised to see myself waking up very early in the morning despite only three hours of sleep just to make it on time for an early morning shoot. Last week, when I was told that there’d be a meeting to plan for next year, I got excited—never mind if it’s a four-hour brainstorming session.
There are actually a lot of things about The Project that makes me feel perky about, but suffice it to say that it has given me the chance to do what I really want to do and make me want to, um, stay. I would want to get into more details but I don’t want to preempt things, so let’s just leave it at that for now.
Third, I’m constantly being bombarded with blessings (in the form of the written word) that not only allow me to make regular trips to the bank, but also makes me feel fulfilled. Even though at times the load seems overwhelming, I really can’t complain. I only have to worry about my deadlines because I think I’m already lagging behind. Gah!
Fourth, a sweet “accident” recently happened: last Sunday, 18 November, was Sing!, a mini-concert prepared by our church’s Young Adults/Praise team (photos are on their way). I was only supposed to perform a solo number in that event; but one of the praise team members had an emergency so she couldn’t make it. Her role was passed on to me, and I didn’t really mind. What I did mind was the fact that I didn’t know the songs in the lineup, and I barely had a day to practice. I only got to actually learn the lineup on the night before the event. But thank God I was able to pick up and there I was, gladly leading a congregation on that night of musical worship service together with my co-Young Adults. It’s just a wonderful, wonderful feeling to have actually worshipped our Maker through the talents He’s given us. Indeed, music is one great instrument that can bless other people.
Fifth, it’s almost the end of the month, which means that Francis’ contract in
So this is how it feels to actually count your blessings. Happy sigh.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Kuya Jo, paalam...
Francis and I were talking over the phone when he got a text from our friend, Kuya Dex. It was one of those texts that you wish was just a joke, but it's not.
Our dear friend, co-musician, kakulitan, Kuya Joel Mendoza, already passed away.
I had to stop myself from reeling and falling over. I was hoping so much that it was just a joke. And when Francis finally spoke with Kuya Dex, the news was confirmed. I was on the other line straining to hear the conversation, hoping that I'd hear Francis laugh and curse Kuya Dex for such an evil joke.
All I heard was a tone of disbelief. I froze.
Kuya Joel is really gone...
From what we've gathered, Kuya Jo was found lifeless in their house in Parañaque this evening. Some of his other friends said that it was bangungot, and that he was already missing in action since Saturday.
Details are still sketchy. And up until now, everyone of us who've known him are still in shock. Just early this year, we saw him at a UPMC (we all met each other through this org) event, and we were all thrilled to finally see each other after a number of years.
And just a few days ago, I saw him go online in YM. I didn't even bother to drop him a line...
I really don't know what to say...He's such a sweet, soft-spoken, friendly guy who's always in skin-head (we've never seen him grow his hair) and who also loves the guitar just like Francis and Kuya Dex. And he was such a kuya. Back in college, we've been through really fun times together, even during that time when Francis was just wooing me. Now all those memories are flooding my head...but they're just that--just memories now...
Someone tell me this is just an evil joke. And whoever started it, I can readily forgive. Just please tell me this is some joke...
Sunday, November 11, 2007
when you float like a cannonball
Lately, Francis has been into Damien Rice. To be precise, he's into Lisa Hannigan, Rice's accompanying vocalist. My boyfriend can't help but rave about her. And for a couple of days, he also raved about Rice's Cannonball. We would be talking over the phone during the weekend and all I would hear playing in the background is that song. Or, we'd be chatting and his stat message would read "Damien Rice-Cannonball", or some other song of the dude.
I'm not complaining. Usually, he's the first one to "discover" this artist and his obsession rubs off on me. When he had his Tori Amos phase, I soon followed; and for weeks, my iPod would be churning out Amos songs one after the other, especially when we're on the road driving. Then came Jeff Buckley. Now it's Damien Rice's turn.
So when the opportunity came, he begged me that we cover Cannonball. Because it's been a while since we've had a recording date, I gladly obliged--even if it means I had to memorize the lyrics on the spot.
A video was even recorded, originally intended to be uploaded on YouTube; but realizing that we didn't record it in a nice park with matching falling leaves in the background and the camera panning at dramatic angles, we just opted to put the audio recording up in Imeem.
So folks, hope you enjoy our rendition of pareng Damo's Cannonball.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
lemme have my circadian rhythm back, puhleeeeeeeze!
But before he does that (yes, Pangga, before you do any of those or all of those), let me come to my own defense.
My biological clock would still be ticking normally had it not been for this project my team worked on about three weeks ago. I remember it was a Friday saying hello to Saturday. 2:30am and we were still at work attending to our client who were still in our office. And I distinctly remember feeling nauseated because of staying that late, working still.
The days following that also required me to sleep no earlier than 12mn. And so during the days when I can freely sleep as early as I can, I can't. And it's not as if I want to stay up until 3am without feeling drowsy. I myself can't believe that I'm still alive, alert, awake and enthusiastic at the wee hours of the morning. I want to really cry myself to sleep just so the sting from my tears can force my eyes to shut.
But for all it's worth, I really am trying so hard to get my circadian rhythm back on track. And a wise thought dawned upon me just a few minutes ago: a vacation. A 5-day vacation would do. I can even settle for just 3 (nights). 3 or 4 nights that won't give me any reason to stay up late; a couple of days that would take me away from all the stress of a working gal's life. That would definitely help a lot in making me a normal person again, not some little girl with panda-like eyes. Really, I need to be feeling sleepy by 12mn at the latest, so I can be at work by 10am at the latest. Because these past few weeks, I've been coming in late (not that it really puts my head on the chopping board--our department enjoys the benefits of a full-flexi setup; but still...), and that's really not good (for me).
Okay now. I better wrap this up and force myself to sleep.
Good morning, everyone! Have a grand weekend!
Friday, November 09, 2007
got tagged
Because Jonas tagged me and I need to defocus.
A busy week deprives me of time to clean up my desktop. But I'll work on this very soon.
I tag: Iza, Mems, Francis, Abby and Cindy...
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Rules:
1.Upon receiving this tag, immediately perform a screen capture of your desktop. It is best that no icons be deleted before the screen capture so as to add to the element of fun.
2.Post the picture in your blog. You can also give a short explanation on the look of your desktop just below it if you want. You can explain why you preferred such look or why is it full of Icons, things like that.
3.Tag five of your friends and ask them to give you a Free View of their desktop as well.
the IT thing
Again, I have to thank Cos for introducing me to this hilarious British sitcom. Rarely do Brit shows make me laugh because their humor's a bit "unfamiliar". This one's different.
I love Roy and his shirts (and his dainty, dainty hands!!! and I mean this in a very wholesome way). Enjoy the sneak peak of The IT Crowd's pilot episode!
I heard Season 3's ongoing...Can't wait to see it!
P.S.
More info about The IT Crowd here.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
a japanese burst my bubble
In fact, their Japanese client requested that his contract be extended until the end of this month. That means 3 more painstaking weeks.
Okay, maybe I'm overreacting. (Or maybe not.)
Fine. Somehow, he and I made it through two months. Sure, the first few weeks were really an adjustment period (yes, there were irrational, petty fights), but I'm proud we made it. Thank God we made it. So now I'm praying for those additional 3 weeks that are supposed to be spent here and not there in Cavite.
To think we'd be celebrating our 9th year three Mondays from now. (This is my cue to sob.) Gah. But we shall find a way. We shall, we shall.
Oh well. I guess it really is time for a haircut. But because Francis begged me to put it off until after our anniversary, fine, then I'm putting it off (had my locks chopped off a few days before our 7th; it went too short it made me look like a typhoid-stricken porcupine cam-whoring in Tagaytay). I just don't know if I can still hold in the urge to run off to a salon for any longer. Wail, wail, wail.
P.S.
Come to think of it, an extended contract means Francis is doing well in his job. The Japs must have been quite impressed; and Francis got a thumbs up from his boss. Ergo, Francis deserves a reward.
Francis, go and ask for two free roundtrip tickets to Japan so we can parade the streets of Harajuku in our Death Note garb. I'll be Misa-misa, you can be L. Let's not forget to bring a tea cup. Now go, go, go!!!
Friday, November 02, 2007
i get to sing for Him again
Just came from church a couple of minutes ago. I was feeling a bit of under the weather due to colds, but nothing really serious that would make me want to stay in bed.
Anyway, the Young Adults planned a hangout stint at church, which required us to pitch in a100 bucks each. I arrived late, and I already ate dinner before hitting the road, so I just feasted on fluffy marshmallows and half a stick of barbecue. Then after a couple of chitchat, some of us proceeded to practice the song I'm assigned to sing this first Sunday of November.
I admit, it's been a long time since I've actually sang in church. So I got excited when I was asked to do a number together with some of my co-YP: Aerol on keyboards, Kuya Ryan on guitar, my sis on percussion, and Lew doing the second voice.
It was a good practice. Now I'm looking forward to Sunday.
With this, I share the piece we're performing. I do hope and pray that this song, Amazing Love, be a blessing to everyone who's reading this entry.