like stepping into Tolkien's world

This photo was taken by Francis; all else were by me

 After church then dinner, Francis and I took a walk in UP to check out if Quezon Hall is already decked in the holiday garb. Though there are not so many Christmas lights yet, nighttime in UP proved to be picturesque. The night's cool weather and the fog that enveloped our Alma Mater even made our evening walk more mesmerizing and photogenic. Unfortunately, I have only my phone with me, so these photos don't really do justice to the actual scenery. 

And since I just finished re-watching the LOTR trilogy (in preparation for The Hobbit movie; yes, I am such a huge Tolkien fan, please don't get me started), I can't help but think that some of these scenes look like they're straight out of Rivendell...or Ithilien or Lothlorien or the woods in the Girdle of Melian (in The Silmarillion). Just add in a few ethereal elves carrying flickering lamps, please! 

 

praise God for 14 years!

Today, Francis and I are celebrating out 14th anniversary (not to be confused with our wedding anniversary, which will happen a few months from now)! Thank You, Lord! 

Since today is a weekday, we decided to celebrate it a day in advance yesterday. And for a change in scenery, we scuffled over to Eastwood (because TriNoma and The Block can be so boring already, haha!)

First stop was late lunch at Zao Vietnamese Bistro. 

From top: Zao's interiors all decked out for the holidays; their shaking beef, chicken satay and stir fry veggies in oyster sauce

My very handsome date!

This is me as a bubble head. Haha!

 The food's just okay, and the ambiance as well. Unfortunately, this overbearing family seated next to our table ruined our otherwise peaceful lunch date. The dad kept on fussing over his teenage daughter, and he was incessantly yapping about mundane things. It's like we're listening to a commentary about his generation's favorite music and how his daughter's food choice is good, etc. Francis and I were wishing he'd just shut up, but he didn't. So as soon as we were done with our fare, we immediately asked for the bill and scrammed out of the restaurant. 

Anyway, moving on: the afternoon was filled with binging. Hahaha! A couple of minutes after lunch, we moved on to dessert at MoMo. 

   

 

 
We stuffed ourselves until we can no longer bear thinking of what to eat for dinner (we ended up in McDonald's, anyway). And, I must commend myself for not buying a single thing, considering the mall was bursting with good buys from an ongoing bazaar. Must save up for that Singapore trip, lah!

The faux winter wonderland setup in Eastwood

Sorry, I could not help but pose for a photo. Haha!

It has been a wonderful celebration. We really praise the Lord for giving us 14 blessed years together, and we're sure there'll be more years to come!!!

exciting months ahead!

I got to go behind the camera again this weekend, after months of hiatus!

A good friend is launching his sugary products in time for the holidays, and I was asked to shoot the goodies! Here's a sample.

Sugar (and) Spice, and everything nice for Christmas!

Will post more details about Sugar Spice soon, but in the meantime, let me rave about another thing: an SG trip next month!

Francis and I will be spending Christmas day in Singapore! I am super stoked! It's my first time to spend Christmas away from home (and I'm being all sentimental about it, but it's not like I'm gonna pass up the opportunity, haha!). I've been busy planning the trip, but I must finish this story I'm assigned to first (it's a cover story for Good Housekeeping Jan/Feb 2013 issue!), so I can have undivided attention to our holiday tryst.

And so with that, I must first write, write, write, so I can then plan, plan, plan!

(Sorry for the very random post. I'm just too excited not to share these blessings. Haha!)

that sneaky little monster

It reared its ugly head once again, just when I thought I'm already free from it. 

I thought I can finally be happy whenever someone I know becomes pregnant. Sure, I still feel a tinge of envy, but at least I know it's already under control. I've already managed to feel happy for others.

Or so I thought. 

Until a good couple friend announced that they're expecting, after years of waiting for that bundle of joy. Suddenly, when Francis told me the news, those feelings I so detest and hate came rushing back with a vengeance. It was all so sudden, so sneaky, so raw. I was left powerless again, and soon enough, I was sobbing, sobbing, sobbing. Once again, I feel sorry for myself, I feel so selfish; I blame how and ask why my body would betray me like that, why it would deprive me of that kind of joy and suspend that celebration of life, even though I know hope isn't really lost. Once again, I question when; I feel this hatred towards the wait that seems to go on and on and on. It's tiring to wait, really.

It's like I never really healed, and that I was only led to believe that I already got over this.

the halloween that was

As has become the tradition every Halloween ever since my dear mom-in-law passed away three years ago, Francis and I went to visit her grave in Holy Cross Memorial Cemetery, just a stone's throw away from where my in laws reside. And as is usual, we visited late in the afternoon together with my sister in law, Tita Neneng and Tita Pearl, who was accompanied by Francis' cute little cousin, Cid (how he's grown from that chubby tot who was our ring bearer!). 

Since some relatives are also in the area, they dropped by and a mini-reunion took place. I especially found the kids crazily fun to hang out with. They were teasing each other like there's no tomorrow, and us adults had no part but just to supply the laughter to their hilarious antics.  

Francis bullying his sister to giving him a back massage

Caught on camera: in between snacking on cheese-filled sandwich

The riot that was brought to us by these funny kiddos

Even us adults had fun with these colorfully lit toys!

Going to the cemetery has always been what Halloween meant to me. I'm never one to attend Halloween parties. I find dressing up in costumes too frivolous for me. I'd rather visit loved ones who have found rest, as morbid as that may sound. Plus, cemeteries during that time of the year isn't really boring, what with all the food stands scattered about, light-up toys that the kids go gaga for, and people of all ages milling and mingling about, saying hello to their departed loved ones and having a reunion with those still living. It's not so bad, really.  

 

In other news, it looks like the new year has something new and exciting in store for me. I just hope and pray that things go according to plan, and that I finally snag this deal. Heck, I have waited for this for, like, years!

and the bar is raised

So the other night, I was telling Francis that I never got starstruck nor did I go gaga over the male celebs I've interviewed...

Me: Di ko sila type, though yung ibang girls super kilig na. Yung kinilig lang ako, yung kay Luke Landrigan. The rest, wala lang!

Hubby: E syempre, masyado na mataas yung standard na si-net ko!

Oh my. I think I married a demi-god.

no slumber party

If there's one bad thing that this new career path has brought in my life, it's this messed up body clock. 

A few weeks into this freelancing lifestyle, I've been sleeping at two or three in the morning, typing or editing away; lately, I got caught up with watching Outsourced. Then, I'd wake up early morning to prepare hubby his breakfast, then go back to sleep again only to wake up at lunch. Because I still feel too sluggish to cook, I'd end up eating lunch at two or three in the afternoon. Sometimes, I get to lazy that I end up ordering unhealthy burgers and fries. Once I get my fill, that's the only time I feel in the mood to work on my writing/editing stints. 

And then I'd get online, and everything goes downhill from there. 

The 500-word article that usually take two hours to finish would end up getting done and ready for email at, oh, one in the morning. Thank you, distraction in the form of the Internet!

It's crazy, I know! And I better start losing this bad sleeping habit. Must fix this body clock ASAP, or I'll be a walking anemia.

this afternoon

If you were here with me right now, I imagine we'd be out on the balcony looking at the white tufts of clouds slowly moving across the sky. Then we'd notice how the buildings are being washed with warm rays in this golden hour.

Unfortunately, you're there somewhere in Manila, doing whatever it is you best do as an engineer. Then you'd have to go back to your office to process all the data you've gathered in your day's field work.

But I don't have to worry. The next few weeks have holidays in store for us. Then, we can idle away looking at those clouds and taking in the late afternoon sun together. 

I can't wait.

cooking up a storm

Cooking up another book that'll come out before the holidays!

As usual, the team I'm working with is such a doll. It's the same bunch of lovely people that I worked with in the other book that I managed. I love how it's so easy to work with them, despite the fact that the deadline we're working with right now is insanely tight.

I really wish I can spill more details, but I can't. Suffice it to say that it's another reading material that will come in handy when it comes to nesting. 

I'll announce what exactly it is as soon as it's almost done. This is exciting!

a love affair with order and chaos

A couple of years ago, I could not see myself working as a freelancer. Back then, the idea of not being a part of a company did not appeal to me. I could not imagine myself working at home because that was too boring. I tried that for a month or two, when I was in between jobs, but I felt like I was growing roots telecommuting. I wanted Christmas parties and company outings. How trivial, right?

Fast forward to a few years: I was imagining, no visualizing, myself sitting at a cozy corner in a coffee shop, furiously typing on my laptop as I try to beat article deadlines; or I'm at home, waking up early in the morning to prepare breakfast for my husband, then napping again and waking up late in the morning to attend to domestic duties in between freelance stints. There's not much stress--only a degree of that that I can manage. In place of uncontrolled chaos is some kind of order that gives me the career satisfaction that I need. 

That vision came true. I am living it now. I am no longer a slave to emotional, physical and mental stress that used to box me in. I no longer wake up each morning dreading deadlines and cranky clients and Murphy's Law. My phone is no longer ringing off the hook. I am free from inhumane multi-tasking. I am free from sudden bursts of rage because of projects (and people) who drive me crazy. There's less crankiness in me now. 

Now, there's more balance. My freelancing stints interspersed with my copy editing part-time job give me just the right kind of busy-ness. In fact, I am enjoying this new experience of managing my schedule. So far, so good, never mind if I get constantly derailed by the Internet whenever I sit down to write or edit an article. My part-time work injects that kind of routinary rhythm that balances off the unpredictability of my freelance career. I don't get overwhelmed too often nor do I get bored too much. In other words, what I do now is something sane, something I should have done two years ago.

But there are really no regrets. I know it's never too late for me to be trying this. I also know that I may eventually find myself signing up for another day job, sooner or later (when that happens, I pray that I do it voluntarily and not because I don't have any other choice). 

Right now, I am basking in this new-found career freedom, and I shall enjoy every single drop of this. This is a blessing that should never be taken for granted, a kind of peace that I will always thank God for.

when the going gets tough, the tough goes dating

The Prism Plaza gets illuminated with these changing light

Francis has been so stressed lately, we've been frequenting our favorite massage place once every two weeks. His current project assignment has been much of a challenge for him. Actually, I've never seen my husband this tired and...whiny. Hahaha! It's usually me who's complaining!

But I guess me being a freelancer now is of good timing. I can't imagine both of us coming home from work, grumpy and all stressed out and ready to lash at each other because we're already at the end of our respective rope. At least now that I have a relatively relaxed work pace, I can readily attend to his rants and needs. I try my best. Whenever I can (and I'm glad I can do it often), I prepare dinner so that by the time Francis gets home, all he needs to do is plop down on the dining chair and attack his grub. I volunteer to do the dishes even on those days when it's his turn, because I know such a simple task can add up to his physical stress.

Honestly, it's pretty alarming to see him looking all harassed. Like I said, it's usually me who's in that state. Sometimes, I feel helpless, but I remind myself that I'm in a better position to do something about his situation and help him cope with things at his work. And so in another attempt to ease up things for him, I took dear hubby out to dinner last Sunday at the Prism Plaza in Two E-com Center, MOA Complex. There's this good Thai restaurant there called Just Thai, and I thought he'd appreciate good food amid a nice place like Prism Plaza. (Good thing I discovered the area when I had a meeting for a project a couple of months back.)

From top: Interesting lighting fixture in Just Thai; and their delicious fare: crispy tilapia and broccoli flowers with carrots

 I'm glad he actually liked the place and the ambiance. Prism Plaza is located at the quiet side of MOA Complex, away from the busy crowd and jam-packed restaurants in the mall. There are a few people loitering around, taking pictures of the nice area overlooking Manila Bay. 

I was actually intending to bring him there just right before sunset, so we can be all cheesy together watching the horizon, haha! Unfortunately, we were both distracted by the Internet, hence, we were late. Oh well.

Anyway, dinner had been great, and the food equally satisfying. We lingered for a couple of minutes, then proceeded to stroll in the mall. (Quick shopping grab: a loose cardigan in mustard yellow from Forever 21, which I got for about 60% off!!! Plus, two back issues of Real Simple and one Travel + Leisure from Booksale!) I was coercing Francis to buy some polo shirts, but I guess his shopping mode was turned off (unlike mine, which seems to turn itself on by its own will, hahaha! But I promise to just buy small stuff, since I'm on a self-imposed shopping sabbatical again.) An hour or so of strolling tired us out, so before going home, we walked to One E-com Center to grab some coffee/dessert (Starbucks there is less crowded).

Seeing Francis looking less worked up and more upbeat a few days after our dinner date means that I succeeded in my attempt to somehow help him de-stress. That's enough to make a wifey like me feel very happy.

an afternoon with National Artist BenCab

It took me two years to post this four-part entry (such an atrocious, lazy blogger that I am, no?), but it's finally up on my other blog! 

Ladies and gentlemen, my impromptu interview with National Artist Benedicto "BenCab" Cabrera!

Please be patient and watch for the other three parts, which will be posted this week. I promise it won't be a long wait. 

Hope you enjoy it!

shopping like crazy

This may sound funny (and even lame to some extent), but ever since I resigned from my day job, I've been so scared of turning into a losyang (haggard) during the few weeks that I'll be mostly staying home. Sure, I still get to go out once or twice a week for meetings and domestic errands, but the thought of actually getting lost in this lounge-at-home lifestyle scares me. 

So what do I do to fend off that lazy tendency? Frequent fashion blogs (a new addition to my list is Camille Co's website), follow stores on Instagram (Pill Footwear and Tonic Bags and Shoes, both of which can be found in The Ramp Crossings store in TriNoma; as well as Sabo Skirt, an Australian clothing brand whose Instagram posts are pretty inspiring, fashion-wise), and check out new shopping haunts that are not part of my usual shopping list (The Ramp is now officially in my list; and yes, that should have been in there a long time ago, but I am such a late bloomer). 

Naturally, because if this weird and funny concern, I went on a sort of shopping spree. Two weeks into this new life (haha!), I have already bought: a roomy Charles and Keith bag, another statement necklace from SM Accessories, a vintage Casio black watch similar to this, and a pair of transparent flats from Pill Footwear that was inspired by this blog entry (scroll down to see her pretty shoes!). But, oh my, the craze does not seem to end here. I am currently pining for one of these purty babies!

 

 Image from The Ramp

 

I particularly like the "ice crystals" neck piece on the far right. If my kaartehan gets the best of me, I may actually go for the kill. 

Yes, yes, I know I have to be a wiser spender especially now that I'm freelancing; but promise, this will be the last (until I actually start on my three-day-a-week part-time job, haha!)!

a new adventure begins!

Two weeks (or was it just one?) after I officially resigned, opportunities came rushing in. Suddenly, I will be working part-time in my former office as an editor, and I have two more projects to work on. And by the looks of it, there are a couple more in store!

Indeed, great things happen when you let go and trust in the Lord!

Now, I must teach myself to be better at time management so that I can accommodate these many stints (and still find time to blog and go back to photography!)

This is exciting!!!

Meanwhile, my dear department surprised me with a despedida merienda last Thursday (Friday was my last day at work, since I've already filed for terminal leave next week). Needless to say, I was really touched. Thank you so much! 

I'm gonna miss these wonderful people. But I'm not really going to say goodbye because I'm sure I'll still get to work with them, one way or another. Plus, some of them have already grown to be good friends, so I'll definitely be seeing them often still. 


I won't miss the stress and the job orders, but I'll surely miss the laughter and the craziness and the camaraderie.


Here's to greater achievements, Special Pub!

taking the big leap

Image from this Google+ account

I finally did it. I finally handed over my resignation letter last Monday. 

After almost seven years of being an editor for Special Publications Dept. (now known as Creative Solutions), I finally found the courage to get out of my comfort zone. Nope, I have no new day job yet waiting for me. It was a risk I took, a risk that I talked over with my husband. I'm very thankful that I have his full support on this, perhaps because he knows and believes in the very reason why I had to call it quits.

There are a number of reasons, but basically, they all boil down to this: my heart is no longer invested in what I do. Reading my past blog entries related to my day job only affirmed the fact that for the past two years or so, my heart has no longer been in what I've been doing. What pushed me to finally compose that letter was the realization that anytime soon, I'm bound to screw up something because I no longer care, and I do not ever want that to happen. 

It's not just about dreading to go to work; that dread already turned to indifference. Lately, I've been going through the motions just to get them done--no effort, no passion, nada. And for me, when I no longer have any driving force to do something, that means it's time to call it quits. The thing is, I no longer want to have any driving force at all. I've already reached this point when I chose not to lift a finger. That's why I know it's really time to let go.

That's not to say that I'm not grateful for the experience. I am. I have learned a lot. I have learned how to deal with pressure, how to find sanity amid last-minute shoot glitches (the model can't make it and only informed you the night before your scheduled shoot date), how to manage fickle-minded and difficult clients (those scenarios in the Black Swan Rants meme are a handful of examples), how to juggle five tasks that need urgent attention all at the same time, among other lessons that have made me a better manager. And yes, these lessons have even translated to building in me a stronger character (I'd like to believe they did). Plus, the people I have met(a lot of them became my good friends)--I will cherish them, and I hope to still get in touch with them every now and then.

I can never be thankful enough for these. But like I said, I  have to move out of my comfort zone and find new adventures as a freelancer. This "new life" is exciting, and I'm very much looking forward to more lessons I will learn and more people I will meet.

The decision has been tough, yes. I almost chickened out, in fact. But in the few days leading to the Big Day, my decision stood firm. I was able to sleep peacefully. I thank my friends and loved ones for all the encouragement. Most especially, I thank my husband for the staunch support he has shown and is still showing (he treated me to dinner after I resigned!). If not for his prodding, I would not have found enough courage to do what I should have done two years ago. To be honest, his encouragement caught me by surprise. He kept telling me we can go through this, that we only have to pray and do our best and we'll be okay. He's even okay to postpone this big thing we're suppose to treat ourselves to just so I can finally resign from work (don't worry, Francis, I'll work my arse off so we can buy that soon, haha!). All his motivation and pep talk gave me the courage I need.

To everyone I have worked with, especially to my department which has grown dear to me throughout the years, thank you so much. You guys have been a blessing, and I know this isn't the last time we'll see each other again (I'm just here if you guys need a writer! You know my number. Haha!). Special Pub (it'll always be "Special Pub" for me) will always be the hardest working department there is in Summit--that noisy department where people are so darn stressed but can still find the sanity to laugh out loud and still manage to come up with creatively crazy ideas no matter how last-minute the JOs come in. I'm proud to have been a part of it. (Continue to rock on, Special Pub!)

In the meantime, I'll move on to this new path I have chosen, and hope and pray that great new adventures are in store.

#PrayforthePhilippines

Our country has often been savaged by typhoons-- some so strong, they become tragic calamities, like 2009's Ondoy. 

This week, however, monsoon rains (not a full-fledged typhoon) made stronger by tropical storm Haikui, has been ravaging Metro Manila, submerging major roads and leaving countless citizens homeless and cramped in evacuation centers. (More details here.)

We can rise through this tragedy, like we always have. But we need help--from each other and from others who care.

To donate to the Philippine Red Cross, please see this link.

Meanwhile, Smart subscribers may send donations to Red Cross via SMS. 

Text RED < amount > to 4143.
For Globe Gcash users, text DONATE < amount > MPIN SLB and send to 2882 (e.g. DONATE 100 1234 SLB) You can donate the following denominations:
 (for Globe) 5, 25, 100, 300, 500 or 1000
; (for Smart) 10, 25, 50, 100, 300, 500 or 1000.

Let's help in any which way we can, and let's keep on praying for strength and resilience.

To those who have put their lives out there to help others, you are our heroes, and you shall be blessed.

this is it

I need to write this here so that whenever moments of doubt creep up, I shall be reminded to not doubt and just press on, and always remember why I have come to this decision.

Words of encouragement from friends and loved ones:

"Kaya natin yan. Pray lang!" - hubby

"Great things happen when you let go." - Sam

"Hindi ka Nya pababayaan." - Joanne

"Malaki ang mundo. Go for gold, Shine!" - Con

"And remember, no matter where you go, there you are.” - Confucius, as quoted by muther Rachel

My mom has also been very supportive, even helping out with back-up plans. And I think God has been dropping signs, too!

I'm still sticking to the decision and plans that were made months back. I just had to tweak the timeline, though.

I've never been this scared and excited at the same time, except when I first snorkeled and surfed. It's the same feeling, but in a different context. That feeling when you're so afraid to let go but in your head, there's a nagging voice that says, "It's okay. Just let go. You'll float. You won't drown." 

It took me a while, but I feel ready to let go now. (And yes, this is another one of my own surprises. This is, by far, the biggest one. I think I must start keeping track of the surprises I throw at myself from now on.)

I am scared witless, but I know He won't let me sink. 

mystery him

This guy is one of the inspirations that made me pursue photography. The older photos in his stream are just amazing and jaw-dropping.

However, I no longer see updated posts from him. Yes, it bothers me. I wonder what happened to him. Did he suddenly lose the passion? Was photography just another hobby that he pursued and then left in order to move on to another one?

It makes me sad.

forgive this stream of thoughts

Hormones have been unforgiving lately. It's a matter of being depressed and happy within a span of an hour. I must be bipolar just like the weather, hahaha!

These days, I can't help but vent things on shopping. If not actual shopping, I frequent Parfois' website for some window shopping (and scouting possible future buys). I am so in love with their stuff--quality but not pricey. If I were to disregard sanity, I will probably buy a Parfois bag every month. Oh, and accessories, too!

Also been checking out two fashion bloggers, The Walking Recessionista and Tricia Will Go Places. (The latter was embroiled in some controversy months ago, but I might digress.) I don't really follow fashion blogs simply because I find it tedious just keeping up with these girls' outfits. I mean, I am into fashion, but I don't believe it has to require much effort. Plus, I don't see the point of actually chronicling what you wear every single day. There are better things to do. But, these two blogs that I have recently been following are quite different because not all entries are about shoes and bags and accessories. More importantly, the things they wear are "achievable"--outfits that I can imagine myself wearing. I don't like fashion bloggers who go to Cambodia and visit the Angkor Wat in heels and lacy dresses, and label that ensemble as "casual". Casual, seriously?!? Heels in Angkor Wat? Is that even practical? Can you even walk in those on uneven grounds? Plus, Angkor Wat is a historical place meant to be experienced, not a catwalk that pulls attention to what you're wearing! I mean, sure, you can still be fashionable but practical and realistically sane, right? 

Anyway, I'm quite disappointed with myself for not following through with my pursuit of photography. I promised to buy a light and soft box for my birthday last April, but it's already July and I still don't have lights. I must prioritize that, I must! Photography is something that I really want to be good at, and I really have to get behind the lens more often. I think I can blame Instagram and camera phones for this complacency, haha! I sometimes find myself settling for my camera phone instead of bringing my DSLR, justifying that it's not the machine that makes for a good photo, but the person operating that machine. While to a certain degree it's true, I know that actually bringing and using a decent camera is key to honing photography skills. Aack, I have to kick myself hard and resume my pursuit!

And then there's the issue of my other blog, which I barely update. I used to have the excuse of not having Internet connection at home, hence the sparse entries. But now that I have a decent connection 24/7, what's my excuse, eh? Pfft!

It's raining again, and I'm stuck at home as of this writing because I'm not feeling well enough to go to work. I decided to just telecommute (and boy, this is a lot less stressful, I can do this for the rest of my life if only it were allowed!). I wonder what I'll preoccupy myself with in between work emails and daydreams. 

I wish it were already Friday again.

it's a streak

First, it was surfing. Then came a change in hair color for the first time in my life, and a purchase that's uncharacteristically me. 

From jet black to medium brown at Azta Salon in Robinsons Pioneer

 Another Parfois buy: my wildest bag so far...

My, my, I really am bent on surprising myself, and I feel good about it. Perhaps these sudden, little changes will bring about big ones that I've been praying for. Hmmm...

straight ahead

That short trip to Baler has indeed done me good. I came back to Manila with a clear head. You see, things at work have been very unforgiving lately, and to be honest, the emotional stress I've been going through isn't something I signed up for. So I have made some decisions, and I thank the Lord that the succeeding events that have happened after that short out-of-town respite has led to clearer insights. 

I am excited to actually witness things unfold. I have asked for discernment and I have come to certain decisions that I know will free me of all the stress I've been wanting to get away from. And I'm so happy to actually have back-up plans that are feasible and logical and  organized. 

But how do I know that I'm on the right track? I feel at peace with the decisions I've made; I've never felt that way in a long time given the context. Things are falling into place. Now all I have to do is wait, trust and be still.
 

surprised and stoked

When I said in my previous entry that I shall surprise myself on the  32nd year of my life here on Earth, I never thought I'd be faced with a situation that will require me to do so: surfing in Baler.

See, I am such a lame swimmer. I can only "swim" if my feet can still touch the bottom of a pool/the sea. Throw me in the middle of the ocean and I'd most likely drown without a fight--that, or I'll lie on my back in an attempt to float until I, uhm, die. So when I joined Francis and his officemates for a trip to Baler for a wedding, I was already prepared to get disappointed at myself because I know I'd chicken out and would not even attempt to learn to surf. Even Francis was hesitant with the idea. He was actually almost discouraging me because if I fall off the board and drown, even he can't rescue me because, well, his swimming skills are also limited. And so during our first day, I was content to just take a dip in Baler's warm but restless waters. 

Our second (and last) day in Baler was different, though. 

It was a Saturday, so tourists and surfers alike flocked the beach to catch some waves. There were actually a lot of student surfers. One of Francis' colleagues, Alyza, braved the waters and was able to stand on the board despite not knowing how to swim as well. Seeing the precious joy in her face the moment she was able to stand on the board gave me much encouragement, to my husband's dismay. Therefore, mustering up all the courage I have, I decided to give it a shot. 

With frazzled nerves and a rented rash guard that's obviously two sizes bigger for me, I went into the water and entrusted my life to a stranger (my assigned instructor) I have known for barely five minutes. And this was how it went...

 

Now ain't that neat for a first-time surfer who barely knows how to swim?!? I felt (I still do!) so proud of myself! Even Francis was happy to see how his stubborn wife was able to actually balance herself on the water! Haha!

It was really, really, really cool! It's already been over a month since that experience, but whenever I go back to it, I still have that stoked feeling. I feel more proud of myself because I was brave enough to get out of my comfort zone and actually try something that daring. I know that I would have regretted it big time had I let the opportunity pass. What are the chances that I'd get to go back to Baler again, right? I'd probably hate myself if I didn't even dare to try. But I did, and I have photos to prove how much fun I had. So now, there's actually a reason to go back to Baler, eh?

I'd like to believe this is the first of the many happy surprises in store for me. I can't wait!

32

Dainty shoes, first-time ferris wheel ride and a 

Japanese dinner made my 32nd birthday.

My 32nd birthday celebration was as simple as I had wanted it to be. Francis and I spent most of the day at a mall, but it was fun nevertheless. And the highlight of the day? My first ferris wheel ride!

I actually insisted on trying it out. But because I have some sort of fear of heights, I almost backed out just when our car was lifting. I could already feel panic rising to my throat that I had to distract myself so that I won't think about how high we were already. It's lame, I know, but I had a great time. I think I have to give it another go some day so that I can finally enjoy the sights from above the ground. Haha!

As I turned another leaf, I promise to surprise myself this year. I want to do something unexpected, be it as mundane as finally giving in to hair color, or perhaps as serious as changing careers. I still don't know yet, but I'll take things as they come. One thing's for sure, though: I will not allow myself to be defeated by things I cannot control. I shall pursue happiness and own it and share it, with the help of the Lord and my loved ones. 

I'm going to make my 32nd year count!

a (temporary?) respite

Finally, work has been forgiving these past few weeks. I guess it's a well-deserved respite after months of back-breaking load. I know it'll pick up again soon, but I guess (actually, I hope) that our team is better-equipped now to handle stress. Still, we can only handle so much. Nevertheless, I am grateful for this manageable work load.

On other, happier news, Francis and I are looking forward to Baler. A friend of ours (who's also his colleague) is getting married there this May. I'm so stoked about the trip that I've been searching the web for things to do and places to see in Baler. Plus, I'm excited about the prospect of learning how to surf, though I most likely will not even try. Hahaha! I'm not even close to being a decent swimmer (I only "know" how to swim if I'm in 5-feet-deep waters; any deeper than that, I'll drown!). It's weird, I know, but the idea of surfing entices me, especially after seeing the movie Soul Surfer. 

The more exciting part about the Baler trip is that it's also a sort of company outing, so everything is practically free! Isn't that cool? I really wish it's already May. Sand and surf, I'll be seeing you soon!!!

musings on a rainy sunday afternoon

Things have been utterly crazy the past few months at work, and in one way or another, it's taking its toll on me. Still, I try my best to look at the brighter side of things. However, that's not to say that I'm taking things sitting down. Life is too short to stay boxed in in a place that stifles you.

Anyway, let's not spend the rest of this entry moping. It's a wonderful Sunday afternoon, made more nostalgic by the rain. I'm very thankful for steady times like this, and it brings me back to two weeks ago when hubby and I celebrated our third wedding anniversary in Baguio. I do hope to post an entry about that by this week.

In the meantime, let's get back to this lazy, lovely Sunday. I hope everyone's enjoying a laidback day as well!

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it's february, and i'm getting by

Yes, I have been missing out on blogging lately (yet again). Well, let me blame work and the fact that we still don't have a phone connection at home (this shall soon be resolved, I hope).

Anyway, it's already February, and things are looking up. The past two months have been harrowing, work-wise, but I'm getting the hang of things. It's probably because I have something to look forward to, which is our 3rd wedding anniversary!

Francis and I are cooking up a short getaway to none other than Baguio (we never get tired, do we?). He's in charge of booking accommodations, and I hope to tick that off by tomorrow. As usual, the excitement has me already planning for what to wear and where to go. Gotta ask a friend who was based in Baguio (and is now studying in Romania) about new places to visit. Food trip galore again!

So I guess the next entry will be about a new Baguio experience. I know there are new things in store for us there (but I do hope to find the trees in the SM area still standing).