this is what 12 years look like...

Grotti's fare

12 years look like mushroom bruschetta, frutti de mare pasta and triple sausage pizza.

And, well, 12 years also look like these two hungry people who rained on their own anniversary celebration because of their terrible headache, and so they just went straight home right after dinner and slept soundly.

On a serious note, being together for 12 years is just..AWESOME!!! We can't thank the Lord enough for keeping this relationship stronger each year!

busy saturdays

Mi mama strangling me, hahaha!

Since our unit in Sofia Belleve was turned over to us last week, our weekends (and sometimes even our non-working holidays) are now pretty packed with plans and arrangements for our unit improvement. Our architect friend, Renan, has also been busy coming up with layout permutations that can best maximize our small space. Just yesterday, we met again with him so we can submit the (almost) final layout of our unit--floor, electrical and plumbing plans. We're giving it a week for approval and then construction of all the necessary partitions and everything else shall commence. Francis and I are really excited because if everything proceeds as planned, we'll be able to move in to our new nest come the New Year.

We invited my mom to tag along with us yesterday because we know she's kind of excited, too. We showed her our bare unit and the model unit as well so she can better appreciate the new home of her panganay. Teehee! We also showed her the lounge fronting the swimming pool, and I think she seemed happy with what she saw.

Because we finished late with our errand in Sofia, my original plan to cook lunch at home got scrapped. We ended up dining at Chocolate Kiss, which I can't really complain about because it was hubby's treat. Haha!

Hainanese chicken for me and mom

Come the time to settle the bill, we were quite annoyed when the attendant told us their credit card is offline. Before ordering, we actually asked them if they're online and we were told they were. So because our cash wasn't enough, Francis had to find an ATM asap, which left me and mom bawling over because we found the situation really funny. We were already imagining washing all the dishes as punishment for not being able to pay. Yes, it's so shallow but that's how we are, haha!

Mom in between guffaws

While we were waiting for the rain to stop,
mommy got busy checking out the ongoing art class

We weren't able to go home right away because of the downpour, so we waited it out for a while before hailing a cab back to our place. Mom was excited because we told her that we already have a Christmas gift for her, and that we'd be giving it to her that afternoon. We're glad she loves the dress we got for her. We had to give it to her in advance because we know she needs a new one for a wedding. We spared her the trouble of buying it herself.

I'm really happy to see that my mom is proud of us and our new place, even if she doesn't say it. And Francis and I are very much thankful to the Lord for giving us a very wonderful blessing in the form of our own home, considering what we've gone through early this year.

welcome to our home (part 1)

That's our building in front of the clubhouse!

The long weekend has been such a fun one mainly because we already got to see our new pad! Well, we've already seen similar units for turnover, but it's different if it's your own unit you're asked to inspect.

Saturday morning was our schedule for our condo's orientation, where we were acquainted with a handful of other unit owners and were given a run-down of rules, privileges and everything else that comes with being a unit owner. Francis and I were very much interested on the part about home improvement, because we definitely have to hire pros that will construct partitions for our now bare pad. We plan to copy the layout of the model unit for our 40-sqm nest, which we plan to decorate in a Baguio-meets-zen style.

We were presented with two options: either we go for the in-house contractor or another contractor referred by our agent. We really didn't like both so we opted to meet with Francis' high school friend who is a licensed architect. We sat down with him yesterday and laid out all our cards--the look we want, our budget, etc. So now we're just waiting for his proposed plan and see what we can do from there.

With the limited budget that we have for now (we're praying that we get enough provisions for more improvements real soon), I'm strapping myself up for sacrifices. I bet I'd have to choose between one thing over another, and just that thought is really keeping me on the edge of my seat. Of course, if we had all the money in the world to spare right at this moment, we'd go all out. But we'll take our architect friend's advice: never rush. It's just that my head is so full of so many plans that it might break my heart a little if we can't have everything in one go. Still, I'll be patient. I know that if we want our house magazine-worthy (and our pockets not left empty), we shouldn't hurry things.

So there. But there's another issue: I think Francis is confident enough with my taste that he actually wants me to play the ID for our place, since, he said, I already know exactly what I want. That, and we're hiring an architect anyway, so he said designing the pad shouldn't be a problem. Now that I'm mulling over the idea, I think I may be able to do it, considering the style we're going for isn't really something complicated. I mean, how complex can zen be? Plus, I am such a Baguio lover that I think (think is the operative word here) I know what Baguio elements should be incorporated. Still, I am nervous about it. Maybe I can ask a friend from RL to help me out? Let's see.

Anyway, here are some photos of our place. If everything goes smoothly as planned (we're praying everything will!), the new year will find us in our new nest!

The small playground and the pool. Hello, night swimming!

The unveiling of the windows, haha! Francis and a technical personnel inspecting the kitchen sink. Now the kitchen needs a lot of improvement, and I'm so excited about it!

The hideous pipes that need to be cleverly concealed,
and the bathroom sink that will be made over in the future

It may not be our top priority now, but in the near future,
we'll have to re-tile the bathroom. In the meantime,
we'll repaint the walls to a warmer color to set the mood.

My husband looking excited and
nervous at the same time, hahaha!

Oh my, oh my, oh my! Adult life can really be exciting! Thank You for this big blessing, Lord!

korean madness

As the samgyeopsal sizzles...

When I suggested to my friends that we next eat at Woo Ri Jib, an authentic Korean resto along Kalayaan Avenue, I thought it was just one of those plans that would remain just a, um, plan. So when Archie brought it up again, I was quick to set a date--a payday weekend.

So last Friday, me, Mems, Dit, Archie, Jen and of course, Francis excitedly trotted to Woo Ri Jib. It took us a while to figure out which Korean dishes to actually order, but we ended up with the usual fares Francis and I have whenever we're there--kkanpunggi (spicy chicken wings in special sauce; we made sure to have it mildly spicy) and hae-mul pajeon (Korean pancake made of egg, spring onions and seafood). Plus, we had to try the famous samgyeopsal--pork strips fried in their own fat using a hot plate. We had fun wrapping the cooked strips in either lettuce or shiso (sesame leaves).

Of course, we had to try soju; but being a non-drinker that I am, just a sip of the alcoholic beverage made me crumple my face. Haha!

The soju shot glass

After the filling dinner, we headed to Nice Mart, a Korean convenience store on our street that resembles Mini Stop (hello, yellow-and-blue theme!). Each of us grabbed some ice cream on stick for dessert and took our time with photo ops as if we were in Korea for real, it was crazy!

An-nyung-ha-se-yo!

Then the gang endured climbing up to the 5th floor sans an elevator to briefly hang out at our place. I always love having friends over our small pad. But after an hour or so, they had to go because for one, Archie still had a morning flight to Cebu to catch, and it was getting late already. Oh, but he and Mems didn't go home empty-handed. When they saw the home stuff we were selling (check out Our Yellow Room's website), Arch and Mems immediately bought one each. Now we only have one item left before we re-stock! Haha! (Up to now, we haven't really gone full-blast in this little biz venture of ours since I had the operation. We hope to get back on track come next year, though.)

After another stressful week at work, it had really been an extra fantastic and blessed Friday!

this feels really good!

Take control of your spending habits now!

You know that feeling that you're doing a lot of things but you find joy in doing them (no, I'm not referring to my day job, hahaha!)?

Like I've mentioned in my previous entry, I've been very busy lately with things that I love doing: writing and taking photos. I feel so blessed to have been given a number of opportunities to have my articles and photos published. In fact, the October ish of Cosmo Philippines has my photos and a major article (yes,this is me urging everyone to grab a copy!). Yay for October!

My Baguio and Pangasinan pics; images for the books
Heart of the Matter & The Carrie Diaries, plus Powerhits 2010 and
Recovery CDs are mine! Weee!

Other than this, I have something else being cooked up. I can't divulge it now so as not to preempt things, but I'm really excited about it. I'll spill the beans as soon as it's official.

Thank You, Lord, for all these blessings! To You be the glory!

there is nothing else but gratitude

I am relishing this weekend because after about three weeks of being busy at work and with my moonlighting (as a contributing writer and photog), I finally have a couple of days to rest.

I am not really complaining. I actually feel very grateful to the Lord for throwing me blessings in the form of writing and shooting stints, and there's been a lot these past weeks. It's such a wonderful feeling to be doing what I really love--monetary compensation a plus, of course!

Oh, and as if the past weeks' blessings weren't enough, my long-awaited passport has been delivered yesterday! Well, I really didn't have to wait long. DFA made good with their promise of delivering it 20 days after my appointment at their office. Now I feel like my world has just gotten bigger, and adventures will soon come rushing in! I can't wait to travel outside our beautiful country and explore the rest of this beautiful world!

Also, I think hubby and I will soon be moving in to our new home, perhaps by the end of this year (or by January next year, the latest). Though that means bigger expenses, we're both excited about our own home and how we're to decorate it. We know that the since God gave that to us, He'll also help us with everything we need to make it our lovely nest.

October is proving to be a month full of blessings. I hope it's also the same with everyone!

our future baby boy will become a gigolo

Early this day, while we were strolling at the mall, Francis and I saw a booth selling Halloween costumes. And so...

Me: Pag may anak na tayo and nag-school na sya, ano kaya Halloween costume nya?
Francis: Pag lalaki, gigolo!

(Me: When our future baby's already in school, I wonder what his/her Halloween costume would be?
Francis: If he's a boy, he'll go as a gigolo!)

Um...okay...That scared me.

byline whore...and then some

I have been churning a handful of write-ups lately, most of which, I am happy to say, have my byline. I am already on my third article, and there's one more to go before this week ends.

I admit it's not really an easy task, especially when I get distracted by the Internet. Boo. Actually, the hard part there is getting distracted in the middle of transcribing an hour-long interview. I hate transcribing. Anyone who says it's fun to do can get my share. But the writing part is very much welcome. It's weird, but I feel...happy when I write. There's a certain challenge to it that brings me this awesome fulfilled feeling after I've typed (or edited) away the last few concluding words. And of course, there's a byline. In my job at a semi-ad agency department, nobody cares about credits because, well, there's none. Most of the time, though, that works because at least no one would know you did a mediocre material based not on your own concept but on the one who pays you to execute their concept. So you see.

Anyway, it's good to be able to write a decent piece of article. It keeps my brain alive. (And it's also good to know that someone else is cramming to beat deadlines, i.e., my husband. He's not writing, though; he's trying to map out river basins, whatever that means.)

Before I ramble on some more, let me get back to my deadline.

a sneak peek

I was finally able to bring my Sanuk to Baguio!
This is me waking up at 7am to lounge and read at
PNKY's garden before embarking on a long shoot day.

I have been terribly busy this week--so busy that I am barely blogging. In fact, I was horrified to discover that my last entry in my other blog was two months ago! (Well, I just updated it, so there.) My aim to regularly (as in weekly) blog seems to be failing. Tsk, tsk, tsk. I blame work.

Anyway, I've been busy lately mainly on things I love to do. Just recently, I went up again to Baguio on a writing assignment, and it was fun, fun, fun! Because I am not yet allowed to divulge the details, let me just say that my recent trip is one for the books. Why? Two names: BenCab and Ben-Hur. These photos will prove that I've rubbed elbows with these two art maestros.

Me with the crew and National Artist Ben Cabrera

While Ben-Hur was happily regaling us with his stories
and lessons in life, I just had to have a photo op!

That's all for now! Imma get back to transcribing my BenCab interview (which was on-the-spot, I barely have prepared questions; but more on that when I'm already free to talk about the details of the trip). I'll come back with more stories to tell as soon as I beat my deadlines.

my books will now be happy!

Finally, after almost a week of waiting (yes, that's already a long wait for me), I am now a proud owner of an Aklat Eklat leather book jacket! I am so happy! Now, I no longer have to pressure myself into (plastic) covering my books before I even read them--no more fraying the covers!

The label comes with care instructions at the back.

I used to feel very uncomfortable reading an uncovered book; thanks to Aklat Eklat, I can now immediately devour books (I am sounding like an endorser here, I know!). But of course, I'd still wrap them after reading in case someone else wants to borrow my treasures.

My initials (yay!) and the built-in bookmark.
Isn't that convenient, not to mention cute?

I'd definitely buy another one in a bigger size and a brighter color combination. For now, I shall read in peace and with panache, as Aklat Eklat says!

P.S.
Now where can I buy a leather protectant for my book jacket? Any ideas?

yes, i am all for immediate gratification

So last night was almost a downer if not for Despicable Me. Two things: First, Aklat Eklat made a mistake with my initials so I had to return the item and wait for a few more days for the correct one. It's just weird that I had a feeling something might go wrong with the book jacket I ordered, and something did. Bleh! But Aklat was kind enough to promise me the new jacket will be ready within this week. Good thing they have one more of the color I chose; otherwise, I'd have to wait for three weeks--and that's torture for me! I want my book jacket asap, before I go to Baguio for a writing assignment. I want it with me making my book feel all cozy and snug in that cold, magical place.

Second, I forgot to use my Citibank "coupons" to avail of a movie discount. I totally forgot that I have receipts worth a Php200 discount, all because I was so stoked about my book jacket. So hubby and I ended up paying the full price for the movie. But since we just opted for a regular showing (no 3D for us for this one), we didn't have to shell out a lot.

Now my night would've ended in such tragedy if not for Despicable Me. It is such an adooooorable movie! The overflowing cuteness made up for the so-so plot. It made me forget how upset I am. And to be honest, I think the Minions upstaged Agnes when it comes to cuteness overload.

If you don't find the Minions cute, then poor you!

tonight, i have a plan

In a few minutes, I shall zoom past the office lobby door and rush to SM The Block to:

1) watch Despicable Me with the hubby

"Does this count as annoyin'?"
(Image from michleong.blogspot.com)

and 2) get my super awesome leather book jacket from Aklat Eklat!

Image from aklateklat.multiply.com

I am so stoked!

Then maybe tonight or tomorrow, I shall blog about my Aklat Eklat purchase. Then I will read and read and read and read. Yay!

i am so sorry to be this selfish

After my ectopic pregnancy, I do not deny that there are things that changed. These changes, no matter how subtle they are, creep up on me when I least expect them. Like when a friend announced she's pregnant. Or when a former colleague posted pictures of her newborn baby. Or when another friend tweeted about a home pregnancy test that came out positive.

I cannot bring myself to be sincerely happy for them. I cannot bring myself to even pretend I am and post a comment on their Facebook pages.

I feel guilty for being selfish this way. But my reservations to rejoice about the happy news of bringing forth a bundle of joy can only be explained by my body's betrayal. My body betrayed me. Me. My own body. No matter how I force myself to see it otherwise, to remember that my failed pregnancy is not the end of everything--that I can still conceive--I still feel the pain. I still feel betrayed. I still feel that tiny pang of frustration and hurt. I still feel envious of other people's happiness in the form of a tiny baby. There's this little voice in my head that says "You should have been experiencing her joy, too. You should have been going through that crappy morning sickness now. You should have been shopping for cute baby clothes now. BUT YOU ARE NOT. You are here wallowing in self-pity. You are here trying to deny the pain. You are here trying to push these thoughts away, but you know very well that these thoughts will always haunt you, nag at you, until that day you become pregnant again--and normal."

So forgive me if I can't rejoice with you. Maybe soon I will have enough courage to be sincerely happy for you, dear friends. For now, allow me this.

because i am hot

Honest. Open. Trusting. Those were three of the many ideas we learned during our seminar on coaching for effectiveness last Thursday-Friday. Despite the 8am call time (I made it earlier than that, hah!), the two-day seminar proved to be a really great learning experience on how to be an effective coach (not boss!) to one's partners (not just mere subordinates!). And so during the whole of the seminar, we were asked to be H.O.T., and be hot was what 15 of us became.

After that, I did feel hot...and out of breath. It was the weekend when me and hubby were to sleepover our house in Taytay as "guardians" while mom and sis were away having fun in Cebu-Bohol. Hubby thought of just staying home, but I cannot just leave our house in Taytay (and of course, our dogs there) to abandonment and neglect. Besides, I miss our dogs.

The two-night-three-day stay found me in bed most of the time. I'm glad the fever did not persist, and I was able to borrow my aunt's nebulizer to shoo away asthma. Unfortunately, I had to take a sick leave from work since yesterday just to make sure my ill health does not worsen (and also to rule out dengue). We left Taytay last night, and it made me sad to leave our dogs again. Good thing mom left food with my aunt (neighboring relatives FTW!) so Ginger and Clapton won't go hungry today.

As of this writing, I'm still not in tip-top shape. I hope to feel better real soon so I can go back to work tomorrow and drop by the mall to pay my credit card bill before the due date. And of course, I pray for sis and mom's safe trip back home.

no rest for the wicked

Crepe, crepe, hooray!

Last night was a fun night with good friends Archie, Mems and Dit. A failed salon date for me, Dit and Archie (blame our hairstylist who went MIA yesterday) turned into a fun dinner date at Orchard Road in Megamall. Of course, with a bunch of crazy, cool friends, dinner was peppered with lots of laughter, after which it was off to dessert courtesy of sweet Archie.

The crepes we had at Crepes and Cream were huge, it was a hearty dessert indeed! Thanks again, Archiekins! *hugs*

I'm thankful for the great company, as it preceded a busy weekend for me. How busy is busy? This busy:

I have to finish a 2,000-word article due early next week (heck, I had to ask for a little extension so I can get more necessary data) and come up with enough hair accessories to sell at my sister's office tiangge. The latter started from a newfound hobby, and I'm still not sure where it will take me. So far, I find making these dainty pins fun and therapeutic (I found my hubby disagreeing to this when I asked him to help, haha!).

And so I hope to finish everything on time. I do hope everyone's having a great weekend!

P.S.
I stumbled upon this really adorable and amazingly creative blog, thanks to Kat. Who can resist to follow? Not me.

why i will not drink coffee for a week or so

The liberica coffee tree, where Batangas harvests
their famous kapeng barako

Last Friday, I had the caffeine overload of my life.

I went on a photoshoot assignment for (let's call it) M magazine, the pet project whom I have a love-hate relationship with (love trumps the hate in most cases). My crew, consisted of art director Con, contributing writer Zy and our driver for the day, plus me of course as photog/managing editor, drove to Lipa, Batangas to feature the city's OTOP (One Town, One Product) as well as other industries thriving in the area. Lipa's OTOP is kapeng barako (liberica coffee). We had a shoot with two of the forerunners in the business, and yes, we did sample cupfuls of kapeng barako in all its strong, unadulterated flavor. The first entrepreneur on our list came up with the idea of instant coffee in a tea bag (that's Xandro's coffee); while the second one, Cafe de Lipa, can give Starbucks a run for its money.

Art director Con saying hello while styling
the Pinoy-inspired brownies of Cafe de Lipa

We had free brewed coffee, frappuccino, Pinoy-inpsired pastries (like pili nut and tablea brownies) and even a bag of Cafe de Lipa ground coffee!

For only Php200, you get a bag of Cafe de Lipa coffee
with this very pretty gift box!

On the way home, us three girls were all hyper and palpitating, we had to stop over at a gas station to buy bottled water so we can flush away all the day's caffeine from our system.

So now for fear of extreme palpitation, I shall do my best to avoid brewing coffee every morning for a week.

P.S.
I blame some of my colleagues for giving us a coffee maker as a wedding gift. I seldom drank coffee before, but because of that coffee maker, I've become a frequent coffee drinker. Now, I find brewing coffee therapeutic. Haha!

frustration is eating me

I am a person who is usually in high spirits. But there are days when things get to me, and the past weeks have been really stressful, and it's not even physical stress. Lately, I feel like every time I go to work, I should always be strapped up for some battle.

I've been in this job for almost five years now, and this is the only time I've felt this frustrated. Sure, I've had a fair share of frustrations for the past years that I've been working, but it's different when you're frustrated and let down by people who you rely on to come up with fair and sound decisions. It's like a slap in the face.

It makes me feel guilty for feeling this negative towards others, and I hate myself for feeling that way. I was told that I have the right to how I feel, and I know I do; it's just that as much as possible, I don't like harboring ill feelings. Still, I remind myself that hey, I am entitled to feel this way especially because I know I'm right (and that I'm not the only one crying foul) and because I am seriously affected by all the crappy things happening.

But I'm already tired--of feeling frustrated, of trying to get the point across. I'm tired of barking at the wrong tree. It's all futile. What is the point of raising my voice if it falls on deaf ears? Worse, if those same ears only hear the voice they want to hear?

I feel bad for those who feel the same way as I do. But as for myself, I guess the only thing left to do is to embrace indifference. That, or ride the wave. I guess I'm more inclined to go for the former. So from now on, I'll do my very best to leave these behind and just surround myself with happy, fuzzy things. I can only rant so much. Now it's time to find serenity in oblivion.

days like this are meant to be cherished

Weekends are like an oasis in an immense, scorching desert, offering some respite for the weary.

I particularly love lazy weekends, when my husband and I only wake up to prepare and have lunch, wash the dishes, watch a movie, then sleep again. The rain even makes it a lovely prospect to just stay in and lounge around.

I do not take weekends for granted, especially after a stressful week from work. But to make weekends special, I make sure to leave all the stress behind the moment I step out of the office.

So tonight, with a mug of hot tea, I shall relish this cool, quiet Saturday evening and offer a prayer of gratitude. I do hope everyone's also having a wonderful weekend.

and so it seems i can't stop

If this continues over the weekend, I shall then declare that I'm officially hooked on making these pretties.

as good as new

I have a dandy, new blog look!

At first, I was afraid to upgrade my template; but then I told myself, "What the heck, let's do this!"And then I found myself mixing and matching background and font colors, up until now (it's 1:58 am already). So far, I am liking what I'm seeing. It's like I bought new clothes and wore them right away for everyone to see. Haha!

Maybe tomorrow I'll polish my other blog, too. Yay!