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Monday, November 27, 2006
Whew! Me Happy!
5:44pmMusic: I Don't Trust Myself (With Loving You) - John Mayer (This will be my first post after editing my blog settings. I now have a built in title space.) I broke off to my usual self last Friday night. After contemplating what to buy myself as my very own Christmas gift for me, I finally gave in to Lee's X-Line Lo-slim jean. I went fitting at SM. But the style that I wanted was already soldout. The one that the stall have there was in black shade. I was looking for the dark blue one. Think. Think. Mustgetitnow. But it was already out of stock. I asked the saleslady if she has a way of finding out if their boutique at the other mall has it. She said she has none. I went back to that mall and got in the store. The jeans I was looking for is there. I tried it on. It looks okay, I tell you. I was just a little conscious of the fitting since I am not used to wearing such style. Regular cut jeans are the way to go. But this has more attitude. The saleslady from the boutique told me that the one I tried is their best seller. But the black one I tried earlier has the best fitting as observed by their customers. I figured the same. I liked how the black jean fitted than the blue one. But I like blue over black this time. I went ahead and debited my card. But before I had the jean, my first stop was Music 1. There were so many cds that I wanted to buy. But of course, I need to control that urge. I successfully grab just one from chillitees. My card was used also on this for I am entitled for a 10% discount. It is always wise to take advantage of discounts especially if one really intends to buy the item. Also, there are lots of Bossa album done by OPM artists, new and otherwise, in the racks. And most of them share/ revived same songs. But it is as cool to me as what happened to the acoustic craze a couple of years back. Revivals. A sort of an breather. When shopping, I usually spend at least an hour thinking if I should really purchase the item I am holding or thinking to buy. But if I thought about it weeks ago, I surely will buy it. But I also like my ocassional sudden impulse a la panic buying. Sometimes, I see something in an instant and right then and there, I already have it bagged for me to take home. But that is just sometimes. I am still tight when buying stuff for myself. To end my shopping extravaganza, I am thinking of also getting that black jean. Damn me. I was in a hurry for I do not want to be left by the bus going home. And I was lucky that it took me about 10 minutes to get on the last trip. The bus was almost halfway occupied. Other passengers hopped in when we reached a certain mall. And one of those passengers was my high school classmate, Raymond. I already saw him approaching, along with the rest, looking for a seat. I do not have a seatmate at that time. But I had tow plans: 1. Pretend that I did not see him and force myself to be sleeping; and 2. Just greet him and look outside the window. I am not a snob. I just do not know how to start a conversation to a person whom I haven't spoken and seen for nearly 4 years, I think. But when he saw me, he already had that big smile. Yes, with a big smile. What's the use of calling him "guila" back in high school. Hehe. But I did not greet him to make fun of him. He stopped beside my seat and said he will sit next to me. My bag and my paper bag was on the other seat. I just transferred there, right next to the window. He even joked, "Ayaw mo pa ata akong katabi, ah." As the bus went onto our destination, we just talked about work, former classmates, renting an apartment and hold up crimes. It was pretty interesting to get updated by the happening on a former classmates life, so to speak. The next day, I planned to try I recipe that I just copied online before I went on a rest day. But my version of Bicol's Pride didn't taste good. For the first time, I didn't like my cooking. Though Saturday wasn't great for me trying so hard to be a cook, my new cd balanced my disappointment. And I am not talking about my Chillitees cd, which I am still currently enjoying. I am referring to the Close Up Christmas mini CD. I finally have it after searching for it in grocery, drug and convenience stores after its commercial has been shown on tv. I had not taken any rest over the weekend. Usually, I go sleep in the afternoon. But I wasn't able to. The next day, Sunday, I went to the town proper to buy something. Hmp, I've been cashing out a lot. But you, it's the time of the year. Anyway, I was looking for a belt. Those cheap ones that you see on the sidewalk. I was just surprised that those trendy ones that usually sell in malls for roughly 300 bucks are sold here for 50 bucks only. That 250% cheaper. Apart from that, I went to the chapel and lit a candle. I was looking for a sampaguita vendor but there was none. I also went ahead and bought 5 cds. Sorry, by the pirated kind. International artists. I just had the itch. I just want to review those albums. I also bought some bread for snack at home. When I arrived home, I ate one mongo roll from Julie's, where I got the bread. My mom told me that she hasn't eaten lunch yet. I checked the clock and it was already 4pm. I know she likes to have a softdrink with her lunch. I looked for ice in stores nearby but found none. I went to my nephew's house and asked if they sell one. It's only my 7-yr old nephew and 5-yr old niece in there watching dvd. My nephew asked me where am I going to use ice. I said that it was to make a juice. He said that he will go to our house. I told him that I have Coke back home. I both took them to the other store to look for ice. Later, I brought them in the house to share our snack. Then, we played "dama," a board game almost similar to chess, after. He was insisting that I play chess with him. But poor me doesn't know how. So, we settled for a "dama" match. I didn't even win. It was a draw. It was nice to spend time with kids. Not taking a nap in the afternoon is okay for I had a great time with those "kulit" moments with my brother's kids. Later that day, in the evening, I attended my other niece Gabby. My siblings already left home for Manila. And her mom was preparing her dinner. It was hard to pacify kids when they insist to get what they want. It was also tiring playing with them just to make them laugh. You know kids when they get bored. She was holding a small wallet with 2 25 cents coins in it. I was playing with that. Then, I thought of scaring her using the wallet. I opened its zipper and held it across its opening. Imagine the opening to be a mouth of a puppet or fish. As I move the improvised lips, I was also talking with a husky voice. If you are familiar with Studio 23's PDA and PBB, you will know the funny mascot, Pining, who talks like a bereaved newscaster. My niece is afraid of that mascot for the shows features it biting other people. If you have no clue what I am talking about, better check the show out on Saturdays at 6:30pm. My rest days seemed to be pretty long. Not that I just lounged around nor dozed off. I know I've done something productive. I am still nursing two bruises from last last weeks tree trimming. Now, I have another which I got from cooking. But thinking about the next pair of jeans that me wants takes this pain away. Haay.
posted by Arn  at 6:52 PM
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Friday, November 24, 2006
Peace of the Heart11.23.06 Thursday7:11pmMaawain - With all of my good traits, not that I have loads of 'em, this one I live almost everyday. When I was still a kid, about 6 or 7, my mom used to cling me with her to the wet market. Usually, that was after church on Sundays. As we passed by the vendors scattered along the streets, those vendors who have no stall, I've always caught myself staring at them and thinking how hard life is. Those who usually get my attention are the ones who look like mothers selling fish paste in pails, tilapia and bangus in small, stainless trays, tahong (mollusks) in pails, shrimps in trays, crabs in fishnets and mothballs in bilaos (native tray made of bamboo). They this "nakakaawa" look whenever they ask people to buy their stuff. I guess, it's the convincing power of mothers. They melt ones heart. But of course, I didn't buy any. I was just a kid with no money but admiration on them. What's the connection of this to my present? I've always admired my mom. What she did and continuously does to us, I have no qualms to her being my mom. Of course, there is the usual misunderstanding. But I owe everything that I am to her. I can say no. But sometimes, a 'no' will eventually be a 'yes'. Like when she asks me to buy a bottle of mayonnaise. I say no sometimes especially if it's not part of my budget. But when I'm in the supermarket pushing my cart as I passby each stall, I will grab one for my mom. Babaw ba? Mayonnaise lang? Hehe. No, but in some major things, I can also say no. If my decision should teach us a lesson or make us even stronger individuals, I say it. But you know, as a man, we are trained not to be too attached to the heart. We are raised to be strong. Society pushes a man to be les emotional. I remember when I was in first year college and I attended the second day of my ROTC training. It was recruitment period for all those cadets who aspire to be officers. One officers was shouting, "If you will miss your mom after you join this, this is not for you..." After hearing that, I quietly replied, "Ikaw? Ano ba tingin mo sa nanay mo?" I think parents or any family member should be spared from his mock. Another thing that concerns pagiging "maawain." Tuesday night, as I was waiting for my bus ride home, an old lady approached me asking for some spare coin. I knew she is a beggar. She's rugged. She approached the man standing near me first. I tolerated giving alms before. But not anymore. Not always this time. Money is so hard to earn. I hope you understand since I earn for my family. And I know how it feels to value every single centavo I earn. The beggar didn't just ask for money. She gave that sad look and grabbed the arm of the person near me. When she came near me, I shook my head. But she didn't stop. She kept following me when I moved to another place. She also attempted to touch me. All I was able to say was, "Tsk!" to my annoyance. Then, she walked away. The beggar is familiar to me. I see her every night there. She does the same thing everyday. If I was still a kid, maybe I have given something to her. But I already did myself a favor. I do not burden myself too much with the problems that the government, moreso, their relatives should resolve. As my friend advised me, "Hindi mo kayang solusyunan ang lahat bagay... [[[ post was interrupted by a customer service call that lasted for about an hour and a half. I went more than an hour beyond my log off time. And what was depressing was that I felt so helpless for our system sucked bigtime... and the process that I was doing for the customer did not go through. In short, the call went a little useless. But I've rendered service as much service I can. And to give last night much more of a spoil, the bus I rode was hit at its back by another bus. ]]] post continued today 11.24.06 Friday6:48pm... na problema ng Pilipinas..." That is right. But my conscience usually knocks on my "kind/unkind" heart to think that I am, hmm, my favorite superhero, Spider-man. Yup. Whatever. I mean, before I give any help, I should know how to help myself first. Likewise, others should know how to help themselves as well. I hope the beggars that roam everywhere will stay at NGOs or be found by their families. I think I already forgot what else to say. I was still affected by my last call last night when I arrived at the office today. Also, I am suffering from bad stats due to some circumstances. Not bad as in b a d, though. But I do not like what I see in my weekly feedback report. More than that, I am excited to see my annual appraisal. There. ****************** I didn't really like the Bible passage I picked this morning. Those that are from Proverbs and Ecclesiastes usually work for me. But the newspaper, Libre, has an interesting morning prayer in it. Read below. Lord, Wala na ba talaga akong nakalimutan sa sking Christmas list? Maaga akong nagplano at bumili ng panregalo pero parang may kulang pa rin. Marahil kailangan ko namang bumili ng regalo para sa aking sarili. Maraming salamat po at binigyan N'yo ako ng kakayahang makabili ng mga bagay na ito. Marami po akong mapaliligaya dahil dito. Just in time for my search for a jean. I think I will fit it in the department store. But the pair that I am going to buy will come from its boutique. Paper bags and plastics bags have their own appeal, you know. Also, the Chillitees CD. Hmm...
posted by Arn at 7:02 PM
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Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Yesterday (All My Trouble Seems So Far Away)post ended at 7:34pmOut of nowhere yesterday, while I was waiting for my shift to end, recollections of my first road trip to Quezon popped in. I wasn't able to blog that yesterday so I am doing it now. "Access" is too lousy. I mean, it's the pc. Sloooooowwww. Anyway, I hope that the idea's still there. It was a cancelled school day when me and my college friends went there. I remember that there was a nationwide transportation strike so classes were suspended. Since most of us will not be allowed by our parents to go to the province, lies went here and there. But not me. I know I will be allowed but I still lied. I think I said that I am doing some school project. I just didn't tell the truth because my mom will nag me until I leave the house for that trip. The rest of my friends told their parents that it will be a recollection, a field collection, a major subject field trip. But I do not suggest that you lie, dear reader. Though we've beaten Pinnochio on this league, everything still went fine and nothing traumatizing happened. Thank goodness. I know I've posted some pictures of that trip somewhere here. Check my archives if you're tolerant with pop ups (Oh! I hate those pop ups in my page. How can I get rid of those?). What lingered in my thought yesterday was the night that we drank lambanog at the terrace of my friend's aunt. After finishing gin-po (gin-pomelo, which I hate but I had no choice.), my friend who has relatives there brought in some lambanog, a native wine, placed inside a plastic bag used in making ice. Only three of us, two girls - Alex and Prezy and a boy - me, shared that local drink. The rest either dozed off already or thrown up after the first liquor. I also felt guilty because one of my best buds, Joms, puked because he cannot say not to me as I insisted to take as much gin-po as he can. But I am not a B.I. (bad influence). It's just for fun and good times. Again, nothing bad happened during that trip. We were there at the terrace drinking, smoking (I do, ocassionally.) and sharing some thoughts about life as the moon hid behind banana leaves and my friend's uncle's pet monkey made some noise ans spit on us ocassionally. I miss it. With or without a fluid to trigger someone to share what he/she thinks, I want good conversation. The type that makes me feel that I have known someone better, in a deeper level; built rust and had not taken life too seriously. The next day, we all hurriedly took a bath for we need to rush back to our own homes. Two bathrooms were not enough in a good of more than ten. So, we boys went exhibitionists. We basked in water from a hose outside the house, near a pig pen, with pails, basins. We were like kids playing in the rain. But as we scrubbed here and soapped there, some of my friend's aunts and cousins were watching. It wasn't kinky. It was shameful to be watched. I miss that split second craziness. One act that you will do in an instant without hesistations. Apart from my Quezon recollection, I also went sentimental by thinking about the early days when I got hooked in blogging. ALmost everyday, I post something. My shift then is the same as now. Usually, I come up with an idea when the rest of the morning peeps already ended their shifts and went home. No distraction (haha!). I can concentrate more during downtimes and during dusk (this is the the time when the sun is about to bid good night, right?). Nighttime has a big effect on me (But no way am I going to be in graveyard shift.). As I end this post, I will again share a Bible passage which I picked from the box in the Greenbelt Chapel. "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and work with your hands.. so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody." Thess. 4:11-12
posted by Arn at 7:34 PM
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Monday, November 20, 2006
Detox... It's healthy.6:47pmCooking on weekends has been therapeutic to me. Saturday: Chicken Pochero (from nestle.com) for lunch and liempo (marinated in Mama Sita's barbeque powder mix) and assorted frozen veggies (carrots, green peas and corn). The latter just came from my fascination of cooking such frozen delight. While I was browsing through the powdered mixes/ spices section of the supermarket, I decided to try what most of us usually see on restaurants - fried meat and a teaspoon amount of side dish: bean sprouts or mixed veggies. This section of the supermarket is the second on my list where most minutes are spent scrutinizing each and every pack or bottle (to think that most found here are msg-enriched. boo!). My first will be the veggies section itself (Onions are costly. And parsley always invites me to pick 'em up but I haven't its use with my recipe guide yet). I have always wanted to fill our kitchen with all spices and condiments for cooking. But the most that I can afford are bottles of vinegar, soy sauce, ketchup and fish sauce only. But I am not a fan of fish sauce. I hate to have kidney troubles (Okay. I'm lying. I have a bottle of anchovy sauce at home. And I am the only once who enjoys it. Now tell me if I am still safe from kidney stone. I take buko juice on weekends, though.). McCormick goodies are too tempting. But really expensive. I cannot find anything generic or local. Cayenne, ground basil, etc. Anyway, there's time for everything. And I can't wait to get my hands on you. Sunday: Hahaha! I confused myself. I cooked chicken pochero yesterday, Sunday and not on a Saturday. I was so engrossed with the Pacquiao fight when I was cooking it. I started at around 11:30am and finished at around 2pm. I went back and forth from our kitchen to our living room just to catch up with the event. I woke up from sleep at 8:45am and turned the tv on before 9am to watch the boxing match. I forgot an ingredient in the recipe I copied that is the carrot. But I unintentionally replaced it with pechay Baguio, an excess from last week's meal. On the side, I was trimming the talisay tree in our frontyard. SOme of its branches are already touching our house roof. I was suppose to climb the tree but it houses red ants. And I do not want to be bitten even by just of of them. So, I tried to reach one of its soft branches. I asked my nephew to hold it for me so I can cut it with a bolo. But before I grab the bolo, the branch already broke. The tree has soft twigs. I reached the other branches using a rake. Fortunately, it didn't fall on me nor on my nephew. We just pulled off the braches until they break. Now, I have two bruises on my right hand after twisting one branches on it. Anyway, Saturday lunch was halang-halang. Tinola flavor with coconut milk added into it. My siblings already went off to Manila yesterday night. Usually, dinner is not that extraordinary. But I made one in the same effect for me. Chicken luncheon meat, chicken luncheon meat stips wrapped in beaten egg a la omelet. I used calamansi juice and soy sauce as sawsawan.
posted by Arn at 7:58 PM
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Friday, November 17, 2006
Ring, ring... let me know when's the time for spendin'6:50pm
Music: Agnes' screams as she goes gaga over the midnight madness sale at the Ayala Malls, hihi, I can just imagine. (Cynthia's, a.k.a. Femme, and my joke on her as we take midnight madness in a literal, funny way.) Well, I, too am tempted to splurge. I have been eyeing this Lo-Slim Lee Jeans X - series. This is a new release. So, being it on sale is wishful thinking. But I have my credit card with me. I still have a balance due of at least a thousand bucks on Christmas Day. And 13th month pay is just around the corner. Oh, sh/t. Stop it. No, no, no. I ain't buying it until I have money on my hands. I am slowly getting inclined to emo/punk/goth fashion and music. Well, not that slow. I already admitted to my #1-My-Chemical-Romance-fan-slash-former-teammate, Candy, that I am beginning to like MCR's music and fashion sense. I told her that back in summer before she left the country. I've been looking for black shirts or those that have at least black and white stripes. I am considering to buy black Chucks and to grow my hair back. But I am thinking more than twice if black nail polish and eyeliner will complete my fascination. I think my mom and my grandma will kill me if I sport that horror-ish, trashy look. (Contrary to my post below that I am not emo.) CDs of the artists I've mentioned previously are ringing in my ears everytime I passby Music 1. I am as tempted to check the CDs waving at me on the racks of the specialty store, Montage. But as I think about the Bible passage I randomly picked from the box yesterday at the Greenbelt chapel, my "itch" is prevented. "Remember hunger in the time of plenty, poverty and want in the day of wealth... before the Lord all the things are fleeting." - Sirach 18:25 Okay. That pinched me. I already treated myself with a pasta combo (spicy anchovies pasta, pizza and garlic bread) yesterday from Green Tomato. As always, that was enough for a "payday" treat. I usually give myself a hearty meal every payday. But music heals me. And I have just started with to get my own choice of wardrobe. Hmmm... Supposedly, this should feel alright. Everyone will feel good after making a good bargain or simply having a good buy. Oh, I remember. I got myself the latest issue of FHM where Karel Marquez (Amanda Griffin was the other.) is on the cover. I haven't read it yet, though. I was too lazy to open my eyes at 12:30am. I usually sleep at 12. Last night, 30 minutes past me while browsing the magazine. Yes, I just looked at the pictures. I am not saying all those that are naughty. The magazine is full of ads. To think that they've increased their retail price by five pesos. Okay, I think I might just fit the jeans. I will not drop by their boutique. I hope it's available inside the department store so it will be less "dyahe" to fit it and not purchase it after. Haha! Bad. Alright, it's a weekend. I hope to go home early. Last week, when I bought the flat iron and a shirt, I reached home at around 12 midnight. I know I didn't spend much time raoming around the malls for I know what to buy. The shirt was just an "adrenaline rush" pick. I didn't even spend 20 minutes in getting that shirt. But the train caused me a lot of trouble as well as waiting for a bus going home. I ended up riding a van. By the way, I do not have any idea what to cook over the weekend.
posted by Arn at 7:24 PM
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Tuesday, November 14, 2006
When Good Becomes Better
4:58pmMusic: Sumayaw - Chillitees I'll update you first on the things that I did these past two weeks. Alright, last, last Saturday I cooked Hinalog, a chicken and tomato sauce-based, which I got from del monte kitchenomics. The only difference I did was to add Pechay Baguio. It looked like pochero. Friday, I bought a flat iron. Also, a shirt from bench which I immediately liked for it's "emo" feel. I'm not emo, though. Just this Saturday, I made chicken hash. From the recipe I copied online, one of the ingredients is a small carrot. But when I looked down the last cooking step, it mentioned to let the potato cook until fork-tender. From that confusion, I put the two veggies in it. I must admit that I suck in sauteing. Later in the afternoon, I made maja maiz. I messed up combining the ingredients. After a cup of conrstarch has been dissolved in water, coconut milk and cream-style corn should be added next before bringing it to heat. But I added sweetened condensed milk instead. The can of milk was already half empty when I realized that I wasn't following the procedure. But that mistake didn't cause any damage. I actually made a good one as per my family members who tried it. Little by little, I am learning. ****************** 6:47pmI stopped thinking about something to write because I was hungry. As I finish my cheeseburger, I now continue. My Spanish sardines and 1 cup of rice lunch wasn't enough. Well, who do you think will ever be contented with those? Plus, I am a little sick. Since Sunday, my back has been hurting. Perhaps, due to stress and restlessness. I already came from my rest days but that doesn't feel like it. I think I have another sore throat and nasal problem. Anyway, I got a text message last Saturday night from an unknown sender. But it seemed that the sender knows me for the he/she addressed me with my nickname. The sender was asking me if I aleady visited Hapon. She was confirming if the person is my friend before revealing to me that he is already dead. I wandered who the sender was referring to. At least two gentlemen in my neighborhood has that name. One is my childhood friend and the other was my friend's brother-in-law. I told myself that this couldn't be my childhood friend because he seemed well when I attended his daughter's christening. I figured that it should be the other Hapon. I know that this person is suffering from diabetis. But it is still too soon for he is young. I asked my sister the next day if there's anybody dead within our area. And I was right. I wasn't able to condole with his family . But I promise that I will pray for the eternal repose of his soul. ****************** I didn't make it to the final cut for the position I applied for. I am fine. I am not expecting a promotion within this year. I just gave it a shot. Final interviews had been conducted. The new supervisor might take over within this week. My support to whoever he/she will be. But I feel he will be a he. Still, I prefer he to be a she. I currently have two persons in my mind. And both I know. Yet, I am not losing hope on my teammate/friend who is also part of the final cut, where the list of promotables will come from. I am genuinely okay. I wanted to check how it feels to be interviewed again and what questions are usually asked so that I am well prepared next time. I have two questions in my mind now: If I was chosen, what will I do next? Now that I am not chosen, what will I do next? Both questions are still unanswerable. I know that I am not as ready as the others, perhaps. My life has been consumed by this call center thing, to think that I am in the morning shift. What more if I will be in graveyard? Also, I have other plans which are not related to this line of business. An indie movie and indie band. Kapal. Hindi, seryoso. But of course, after learning that I was not endorsed for a final interview made me think about how I fair the intial interview. Did I answer non sense or out of this world ones? That's basically it. After laying your cards to the one who interviewed you and learning that you didn't make it makes me tell myself that I should've not told this or that. I've always considered myself as an underdog, a low-profiled one. You know how triumph feels when its the underdog who prevails, right? Not yet for this underdog this time. At least I tried. Failing is more acceptable than not trying at all. Now, another position is knocking on my door again. I am waiting for signs for the nth time. But I am quite hesitant in applying. Not that I was traumatized but because of the responsibilities and pay for that position. Actually, I am more excited for the coming holidays for my account than that promotion. I am gearing up for it. Moreso, I am looking forward to a number of things next year. ****************** Here's a Bible passage that I picked from a bin in the Greenbelt chapel: "Ang kahoy na matatag ang pagkakatayo ay hindi nauuga ng lindol, gayundin naman ang pusong sagana sa magagandang payo ay matatag sa sandali ng pangangamba." Sirach 22:16 ****************** As of 7:37pm, "Your account is currently moving to Blogger in beta. You will get an email when your move is complete." ang message ng blogger sakin. Baka bukas ko na siguro to ma-post. Tsk. Nag-upgrade pa kasi ko, eh. Ano bang benepisyo neto bukod sa halong feature gaya ng sa wordpress? Kung kelan ka nga naman magpo-post, oo. Naku. Anyway, I am itching to get a copy of Joss Stone's Soul Session (pero baka ito o isang poetry book ang hilingin ko sa Pasko pag mag exchange gift kami sa office), Imago's Take 2 and Blush, Chillitees' Extra Rice and Sound's Bossa Manila. Nakatanggap na nga ako ng email sa sound na sa gigs na lang available ito. Kasi nga naman 2003 pa 'to lumabas. Hindi naman ako ma-gigs na tao at isa pa, wala akong kasamang mag-gigs. Pa'no kaya yun? Pero lalabas na yung sophomore album nila by Nov 29th. Baka yun pa ang una kong mabili. Bili din kayo, a. Support Original Pilipino Music. No to piracy. (For Pinoy artists, at least.) Ayan, ayan teka. Pede na ata akong mag-post. wait a minute.
posted by Arn at 7:43 PM
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Friday, November 10, 2006
Here I Come, Christmas
7:37pm
Music: Alert the Armory - Urbandub I have a second batch of gifts for my goddaughters and godsons this coming holiday. Last Wednesday, I got four coloring books and some "write and wipe" mat. Today, I got another set of child learning kit and shape and color and multiplication flash cards from that same bookfair in a certain buidling near ours. I think this is the first time that I am giving out something educational. Back in my elementary years, there was a book fair every year outside our library. As much as I want to buy all the books that catch my fancy, I can't. I have no money. But I got some that are useful - origami book is one of them. I was able to use it in my T.H.E. class in high school when we were asked to make Christmas decors. More than owning as many books as I want, my frustration is to give something useful, enjoyable and special to my nephews, nieces whom some of them are my godchildren. It is just sad that these books I got are from China. Hello. Our country can have its own publishing house for children education. But of course, locally-made books may turnout to be more expensive because of the materials needed to come up with a copy than those that are just imported. Anyway, I may not be as generous and giving as Santa but I want the youngsters within my family to know that I am always thinking of them. Hmm, mushy! I am still on my quest to search for other items for the rest of my family and for me as well.
posted by Arn at 7:55 PM
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She Boom
5:50pm
My space has been missing out on photos. Will you complain about me posting the latest email I got today?
Angelica Panganiban in her sexiest! (I have her Maxim issue.) Amongst all the celebreties in her generation, she and Maja Salvador are adorable. (I've already gotten over Heart. Haha!) It's a weekend, guys! ;) postscript: Actually, four calendar pictures were sent to me. But I am selfish that's why I only shared one.
posted by Arn at 6:01 PM
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Thursday, November 09, 2006
New Beginnings
4:19pmMusic: Glow - Nelly Furtado The stray cat, whose been living in our yard for almost two years, has given birth to her kittens for the nth time. We named her Phoebe. Sweet. Her name actually evolved from a not-so-good-to-the-ear name Fubu, not an apparel brand, but from the words " pusa" (cat) and " buntis" (pregnant). Until we finally baptized her as Phoebe. My family eventually accepted her presence and her addition to our household. She has attacked as many fried fish as we my mom and sister-in-law had cooked. She's ran from one end of our roof to the other during mating season. Hmm, mating season. Oh, with those loud meows and cinematic "I -am-comin-atcha" moves, I can almost imagine Phoebe and her boys in slow mo. Gross. But that explains her being a mother to more than two dozens. She uses our caimito tree as ladder going to our roof. Her delivery room is either the ceiling of my room or dark cabinet where our old water pump is. Perhaps she has strategized so she's given birth outside our house, beside my mom's room. We cannot take away her offsprings that easy anymore. Yes, I must admit. Some little Phoebes had been thrown away so they won't populate our area. Now, we have a total of three cats wandering around our yards morning til night. The other two are Phoebe's constant "playmate". Promiscuous, eh? Well, that's her lovelife. Anyway, what I am thankful for abour her presence is that snakes may think twice should they wish to invade a territory. One of my nephews told us that he saw a snake swimming in our backyard when it was flooded. I told him that it is impossible since Phoebe and her beaus are usually in that area. If there's any, they'll fight. As an acknowledgment of her presence, we feed her with leftovers. ****************** Tuesday was set for my interview. I think I already mentioned it hear that I will be trying my luck in applying for a certain position here in my team. Knowing me, I know I was able to handle myself well. It was just my third. But as I try to expose myself to greater things, I learn how to deliver myself well, sell myself, praise myself and understand myself. You know that a journey of thousand miles begins with a single step. I surely am striding my way there. Wherever it is. I am now waiting for a feedback and if I will be considered for the second interview. ****************** And then another angel was born in the family... Late last night when my sister-in-law had gave birth to a healthy baby girl. It was totally unexpected since she and my brother was advised by the doctor that the baby will come out on the second week of December. They even went to our neighborhood health center to have her checked. She was also advised that the doctor can already feel the baby's head and that it is in its normal position in the womb. But my sister-n-law prepared for this baby. She washed old pillows and comforter should the baby arrive soon. My brother kept on reminding his wife not to tire herself. Until now, I do not know if the baby is premature or not. But she's healthy. They were also thinking that my sister-in-law may have not counted the exact weeks/months when to expect the baby or she really got tired doing chores at home that forced her for an early delivery. But God is good because the baby is safe and healthy. Contrary to the doctor's prediction, the baby was " suhe" (feet came out first before the head). When she was about to come out, she got stock halfway. When the baby came out, she didn't cry. Everyone inside their house was already worried and sad. My brother said that he already shook his head as sign of helplessness and acceptance. They were prepared to have the delivery in the hospital. Unfortunately, my brother panicked, to think that this his their fifth. Delivery was headed by a midwife who is our relative. Anyway, my brother sucked the baby's nose and mouth. On his third attempt, the baby finally choked then cried. Then, everyone in their house shouted in merriment. I wasn't able to see the baby last night since it was already late and there are some people inside the house. I got to see her this morning. I even took pictures of her with my phone. I will have those pictures printed tomorrow. ****************** To end this post, it was my first time to pick a "quote for the day" note from a box inside Sto. Nino de Paz Chapel in Greenbelt. The quote goes, "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Mt. 5:16 Christ's fight must shine through our lives, and the deeper the darkness, the brighter that light must be. Hmm, my blog has this same message which I haven't replaced yet in months. Look somewhere at the bottom of my sidebar. Cheers for the coming weekend!
posted by Arn at 6:30 PM
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Thursday, November 02, 2006
Gastronomic
5:48PMMusic: If I Ain't Got You - Alicia Keys (Music from MRT radio) I think I have eaten much. But I feel like eating some more. It is weird. I never eat much in the office. I ordered value meal#7 from McDo. As much as I want to boycott them for their issues on styrophore usage, I cannot. Well, I do not buy anything in styro from them. what I always buy in fast foods are burger, fries and soft drinks. Anyway, after I stepped out of their store, I hopped in the nearby 7-11 store. I suddenly had a craving for cheese curls. After browsing through the racks, these cup noodles never left my eyes. I purchased one la paz batchoy instead. When I was done with fast food goodies, I immediately prepared my cup noodles. And after consuming all these, I fell asleep. Actually, I just woke up and wanting to have a taste of something sour. Mayonnaise is sour, right? I think I still have one pan de sal with mayo in my bag. This should be enough. I do not have money anymore. My first taste of the ff: 10.31 (Tues) - coffee jelly frap from Starbucks 11.01 (Wed) - belgian chocolate sundae with hot fudge from ministop 11.02 (today, Thurs) - lucky me supreme la paz batchoy After knowing that this planet actually offers these variety of goods, I asked my self, "From what galaxy am I from?" There should be countless taste bud ticklers out there. So, where will I start? Aside from food, I finally confirmed my interview for my application. I asked for it to be done next week, Tuesday. Nov 7th should somehow bring luck. This interview is different from the other that I mentioned here. Alright, my last break is finally over. But I wasn't able to go down the building to pick some food. My last 15-minute break was spent in our pantry waiting for my turn to wash my spoon (Yes, the one I used for my batchoy.) But that is ok. I am looking forward for a hearty dinner tonight. I do not know what my mom prepared but I have a feeling that I will enjoy it. Moreover, it is almost a weekend. I already have something in mind on what to cook.
posted by Arn at 7:05 PM
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