Choosing Happiness

'ME' time.

2010-05-05T18:37:00.000-07:00

Scheduled a totally spur of the moment pedi this afternoon (and that's after calling four nail salons :0P). The salon had this nice massage chair and the pedi came with a leg and foot massage. Totally what I needed.

I felt so energized after that pampering that I was able to do a lot tonight after the little one's bed time. When I say a lot, I mean A LOT. Wash dishes, checked. Hang laundry, checked. Fold clothes, checked. Scrub kitchen floor, checked. Vacuum living room, kitchen and guest room, checked.

The amazing thing was, I did it all with a clear and focused mind, unlike my usual 'I'm so tired, ready to drop, wanna get this over with" state. And it took me less time too.

I guess I just want to write this down as a reminder to myself, that there are times when I need to take time out for ME, that I need not feel guilty/bad about it. I need to remember that a little ME time goes a long way :0)

Road trips.

2010-04-02T08:53:00.000-07:00

After last year's break from traveling (with Vegas as the lone trip for the whole year), I am just itching to go, just go, anywhere, somewhere -- this year. I've had my heart set on Hawaii since last year then things happened and our plans went poof! I'm still hearing the siren call of the Islands but with zero balance on our PTO banks, I guess we have to make do with road trips over long weekends.

So far, I've come up with 3 workable road trips spread over late Spring and early Fall:

> A 3-day weekend in Santa Cruz in May
> A 3-day weekend in Lake Tahoe in July
> A 4 day weekend in Yosemite in September

All these are about a 2-4hour trip. It'll be interesting to see how Isaac will take to more than 2-hour car rides. We shall see :0)

I'm hoping that these trips will satiate my wanderlust for the year without cutting into our PTO too much :0)

Spring Forward

2010-03-15T19:00:00.000-07:00

It's DST again.

I used to look at DST as one big April Fool's joke, robbing me of an hour of precious sleep. Not this year. After a seemingly endless winter, DST brings with it the promise of light at the end of the (work) tunnel -- enough light for a stroll around the park and maybe feed the ducks; enough light to energize me to cook more and maybe, just maybe, clean more :0P And yes, enough light to fit in a spontaneous visit to...somewhere, with my boys.

The promise of that somewhere is enough to bring a smile to my lips :0)

Last weekend was so gorgeous that staying indoors seems criminal. So the little one and I ventured out front, to the neighbor's 'rock' garden, while Daddy sleeps off the (hopefully) last stage of his flu.

And when Daddy woke up, we headed straight to the park to enjoy the last hour of daylight and sunshine.

So yeah, even though there is still a nip in the air, this Little Miss Sunshine (with a newly washed sash and a newly polished tiara) hereby proclaims that SPRING has sprung, bringing with it all sorts of lovely things.

The anticipation of said lovely things is enough to bring a skip to my step :0)

Toothy grins :0)

Toddling steps on green grass...

Blessed.

2010-03-05T21:45:00.000-08:00

It's been a tough 2 weeks, with the stress of Isaac teething and catching viral bronchiolitis and the disappointment of canceling our Manila trip due to zero PTO left adding to the daily juggling act of keeping a home, taking care of family and oh yeah, making a living. The visit to the emergency room last night seemed a fitting culmination to these crazy, crazy weeks.

Times like these, I can almost hear my Little Miss Sunshine sash start to tear and the tiara slowly slip down to my forehead. I am tempted to rip both off and wallow in the pool of sleepless, worry-filled nights and dazed, so-many-things-to-do-not-enough-time-to-do-them,i-am-ready-to-crash-days. And sometimes, I tell you, I almost give in. It's hard you know. But it seems that I always end up mending the sash, righting the tiara and practicing my smile, ready for another round of sashaying down the runway of FML-kind-of-days.

Why? Because no matter what happens, it's hard to deny the fact that I have been blessed. That I am blessed. This kind of days just gives me the opportunity to realize and appreciate that a lot more.

Both the big blessings:

(It warms my heart to see how one loves the other to bits)

(Isn't he just the cutest?!)

And the small ones:

(My most favorite chocolate in the whole wide world!)

(My mouse at work never fails to make me smile :0))

Rainy Weekend

2010-02-21T22:56:00.000-08:00

It rained the whole weekend. A downer after last weekend's gorgeous weather. But rain or shine, I still love weekends :0)

I'm grateful that Aldwin and I have weekends off. It gives us time to reconnect (while doing our chores hehe!) and recharge. Now that we have Isaac, it gives us more time to get to know the little person he is slowly becoming.

This weekend, we found out that Isaac loves Tandoori chicken.

That he now prefers to walk (with assist) than be carried. (Although crawling still tops his list of ways to get around.)

That he actually listens when I say, "Isaac, no."

That watching Mommy tickle Daddy makes him laugh out loud.

That he likes the Chuck E. Cheese commercial (we don't know why).

That he is now able to get in and out of his toy car on his own.

That he is such a mimic!

That music still has a soothing effect on him (we were able to prevent not just one, but two (two!), major meltdowns just by playing his playlist).

To slowly watch this funny and charming person (not biased, promise! ;0))emerge from the baby is an additional treat that makes weekends all the more special.

Even weekends spent at home.

Some pics:

(Here's how he amuses himself while Mommy cooks.)

(He loves playing {with} the piano!)

(A weekend isn't complete without a trip to Target. Here, tryin' out some rain boots :0))

(After bath fun!)

(Outfit: sweater, gift from Ninong Waichoi; pants, H&M; socks, Target; shoes, striderite)

Have a good week!

Getting back into the groove.

2010-02-18T23:19:00.000-08:00

I missed the little boy today. Much more than usual, I must say.

Five straight days of taking care of the beneboy changed the pacing of my weekdays. Eat, play, nap... rinse and repeat. A whole world away from the hustle and bustle of an 18-patient day, to which I grudgingly returned to today. There's something about spending time with little ones that forces you to focus on the important things. The simple things. With that said, I should not really dwell on the going to work part of my days for they are not as important as the coming home part.

Coming home to messy faces.

And goofy faces.

And gigil faces.

The best one... coming home to sweet boys with even sweeter faces :0)

Prelude to Spring

2010-02-16T22:41:00.000-08:00

We extended our three-day weekend and made it into a five-day one, counting Mom's day-off tomorrow.

Bebe boy was running a fever last night (teething sucks). He had enough of a temperature to keep him from resting comfortably, thus resulting into a restless night for him and Mom. Today, we stayed home to rest. Aside from being a little bit clingier and some whining here and there, he was his usual energetic likot self. He shook the fever and we even managed to go out front and enjoy a bit of the spring-like weather we've been having lately.

Valentine's Day 2010

2010-02-15T23:37:00.000-08:00

The flowers.

The gift.

My dates. :0)

I'm a lucky, lucky girl to have two sweet boys to spend V-day with!

Little Boy Car Seat

2010-02-13T12:52:00.000-08:00

Today we upgraded to a little boy car seat. We were sad to see our infant carrier go but not too sad that we were gonna pass up the 25% discount for the new car seat if we traded the old one in.

Here he is on his brand new Britax Roundabout:

(It started out shaky, but I promise, he is loving his car seat now!)

Another one of those moments where I sigh and whisper, "Don't grow up too fast, my baby."

Month Thirteen

2010-02-12T22:40:00.000-08:00

This picture made me want to blog again. Somewhere along the way, my baby turned into a little boy. I haven't even gotten my fill of his chubby baby cheeks and thighs, and already, he is on his way to being long and lean. Yup, my baby is now a little boy. Which is why I want to record as many moments as I can before I blink and he turns into a man.

Month One

2009-02-13T10:08:00.000-08:00

I won't be showbiz and say that the past month has been wonderful. Honestly, it has been more of a roller coaster ride -- physically, emotionally and, yes, even mentally.

Motherhood surprised me. No, surprise is too tame a word to use to describe how completely taken aback I was. So let's rephrase that -- motherhood sucker-punched me right in the gut.

The first week at home, I found myself swinging from total amazement in having this sweet, sweet boy in my arms, still trying to wrap my mind around the fact that he came from me to being overwhelmed and questioning my ability to care for him.

When I was pregnant, I spent days muddling through our finances, tweaking things left and right to make sure that we can afford the new addition in the family. I read books and websites about what to eat, how to stay healthy etcetera, etcetera. But none of the things I did or read prepared me on how to handle the important things -- like what to do when your alone, your baby is screaming bloody murder every time you put him down and you desperately need to go to the bathroom or even how to handle the pain of (too much info coming up...) cracked and bleeding nipples while trying to give your baby as much time as he needs to nurse his fill.

This first month was all about doubts, dreams, adjustments, learning, laughter, tears, patience and love. That's also one thing that the books forgot to warn me about, that overwhelming, tear-inducing, heavy in the chest feeling every time I look at him, a tidal wave of love that just crashes over me.

So yeah, I guess I'm not one of those women that was born for motherhood -- the ones that say I wouldn't trade the first few weeks for anything else because frankly, I would trade the first few weeks for a nanny to be at my beck and call and a more jaw-resistant pair of nipples :0P But I wouldn't trade this little guy for anything in this world...

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-26T03:08:00.000-08:00

Still waiting for our little one...

In the meantime, our 'panganay' sends our warmest holiday wishes to all!

'Goodbye, Summer' Lunch.

2008-09-21T11:39:00.000-07:00

Since tomorrow officially brings with it the Fall season, we had a sort of last hurrah for summer during lunch today (much like how Tessa welcomed Summer before).

On the menu:

Grilled Pork Liempo

Ensaladang Itlog na Maalat (with tomatoes and some cilantro for crunch and spice)

Of course, paired with steaming, white rice.

I'm proud to say that I whipped it all up from scratch in about an hour, largely due to our spanking new lean, mean, fat reducing, grilling machine. (Although I don't know how much fat you can really reduce when you start with cholesterol-laden liempo in the first place :0P)

While eating, I looked at Mr. A and asked:

L: What's missing that would really complete this meal?

And without missing a beat, he answered correctly:

A: Ice cold Coke!

I love it when he does that hehe :0)

Sad to say, the preggy lady has given up caffeine so we had to make do with ice-cold water :0P Still, it was a very satisfying meal that brought back memories of summers spent at the beach :0)

Living within (or better yet, below) our means.

2008-09-21T11:11:00.000-07:00

The past week was a frenzy of one thing bad thing after another in the financial world. The bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers, the takeover of Merrill Lynch, the federal bailout of AIG all resulted to a big scare for the ordinary investor like us.

There was a time when I was clueless about the goings on in Wall Street and I couldn't care less. A time when Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, subprime or even mortgage didn't make a blip in my everyday life. Gone are those days of sublime, worry free ignorance.

I don't even deign pretend that I understand a whit of what's going on or what has happened. What I do know is that the past week will affect our retirement funds much like how the past year had -- negatively. The only consolation is the fact that we are still a few decades away from retirement and hopefully, have enought time to rally and bounce back. I shudder to think what the people who are just 5 to 10 years away from retirement are thinking and feeling.

Contrary to the doomsday atmosphere that you get from the media, a lot of financial blogs and columns advise the ordinary investor to practice zen in the midst of all these chaos. In other words, instead of pulling out your money and selling stocks like crazy, they say, stay put. Dont' panic. If you do have to do something, then make sure that it's to ensure that your assets are well diversified.

The best advice I've read is from the most recent issue of Time Magazine and I quote:

"Coping in this new world will require adjustments by millions of Americans. We all have to start living within our means -- or preferably, below them. If you don't overborrow or overspend, you're far less vulnerable to whatever problems the financial system may have."

Simple yet brilliant.

Time's a-flying...

2008-09-20T18:57:00.000-07:00

Just like that, half the weekend's over. My, my. I really don't know where the days are going lately. Seems like I just celebrated my birthday the other day and then, poof, it's October already.

I was actually dreading September and October since it meant more work for me due to another student intern rotation. Contrary to what I was expecting about the days dragging due to added paperwork, they seem to whiz by as fast as the paperwork piles up on my desk :0P Next week's mid-evals already. Before I know it, it'll be time for the final evals.

With the time flying by, I can't help but think about Bebe's arrival. I'm getting excited, and, truth be told, a little bit apprehensive about giving birth. Technically, I still have 3 more months to go. Time enough to get everything, including myself, ready, right? Sigh. With the way things are going, I won't be surprised if he's here before I can even list down what we need to accomplish :0P

Shopping with my man :0)

2008-09-19T08:28:00.000-07:00

I really enjoy shopping with Mr.A. It wasn't always that way, though.

I remember during our Japan trip (way back nung nagbobolahan pa lang kami hehe), everytime I ask for his opinion about a certain bag, shoe or clothing, his standard reply would be: "I'm not sure, hindi naman ako gumagamit/nagsusuot nyan." :0P Well, thanks :0P

Nowadays, when you ask for his opinion, he actually has something to say. For instance:

(Me, wearing a striped multicolored dress which I tried cinching with a wide red belt)

L: What do you think, Babe?

A: Umm (looks me over). I think you have too much going on.

O di ba?! Natututo. Although not all his comments are as helpful. Or as nice. Consider:

(Me, trying on a shabby chic pea coat in linen at Old Navy)

L: Ok ba?

A: Mukha kang mahirap.

There was also one instance at Zara where I was trying on an off-white trench coat.

L: I like this.

A: Okay lang.

L: You don't like it?

A: Para kasing taga-UST ka na dumaan ng Lawton ng tanghali. Makutim sya. Labang-poso kumbaga.

I don't know what's worse, him dissing the coat I like or him comparing me to a UST student. Haha! I kid, I kid!

But seriously, I think my hubby is learning the fine art of shopping. Let's say he is slowly developing an eye for things as evidenced by his lament to me a couple of weeks ago:

A: I went to Macy's trying to see if I can get you a bag for your birthday.

L: And?

A: The thing is, ever since you started taking me to Bloomingdales and Nordstrom to windowshop, it seems like the things at Macy's just don't measure up. Parang ampapangit na nila coz I've seen better.

Haha! Ang taray!

I think this is actually good for me but bad for his bank account in the long run :0P

Saying goodbye is never an easy thing.

2008-09-18T18:25:00.000-07:00

It's the night for mixed emotions. On one hand, we're happy that everything went smoothly. On the other hand, we're sad to let go of what has been a part of our family for the past several years.

Tonight, we closed on the sale of our CR-V.

I think Mr.A took the loss harder than I did. I can't blame him. The CR-V was his first car here, his baby. The buyers were really lucky because his TLC showed on how the car looks, and how it runs. I hope they show it the same kind of love that we've shown it.

I know, I know. Seems silly getting worked up over a car but this one shared a lot of our firsts :0)

Anyway.

We're actually pretty lucky at how fast the whole process was. We listed it at Craigslist last Friday and closed the sale tonight. The couple who ended up buying it seemed to appreciate how much the car meant to us.

Paring down to being a one-car family seemed to be the most practical thing to do nowadays, what with the cost of gas and the rocky economy. It won't be as convenient but it won't be as much of a hardship for us since I rarely drive even before. It'll be interesting how we'll figure the logistics out once Bebe's here and I'm back to work. We'll see.

The trade-off though is actually nice -- we'll be able to pay off the Civic (2 years in advance) with the money from the sale. Plus, one less car insurance payment will provide us with some more wiggle room in our budget. With no car payments and no credit card debt to think about, and just the utilities and mortgage to budget for, I think we're at a good place to be starting a family :0)

Change

2008-09-18T14:06:00.000-07:00

"She had just realized there were two things that prevent us from achieving our dreams: believing them to be impossible or seeing those dreams made possible by some sudden turn of the wheel of fortune, when you least expected it. For at that moment, all our fears suddenly surface: the fear of setting off along a road heading who knows where, the fear of a life full of new challenges, the fear of losing forever everything that is familiar. People want to change everything and, at the same time, want it all to remain the same."

- from The Devil and Miss Prym by Paulo Coelho

No time to dissect. Just a reminder to myself.

Mom.

2008-07-12T05:22:00.000-07:00

(Bebe at 14 weeks)

This one... this one's going to call me "Mom" :0)

Auntie Leah.

2008-03-11T11:40:00.000-07:00

And here is the gorgeous boy who's gonna be calling me that...

Say hello to my nephew, David Alexander. This little bundle of cuteness is courtesy of my sis Liz and my bro-in-law, Greg :0)

The Answer

2008-02-24T16:11:00.000-08:00

Post Valentine brunch at the Berkeley Marina

This was supposed to be a Valentine post but time got away from me.

Anyway.

I found an old blog of mine and read a post dated February 2001, three months before Mr.A entered my life again.

Reading through it again and looking back, I am amazed at how God and the universe in general works in mysterious yes varied ways to bring us our heart's desire. The key thing is being brave enough to ask for it :0)

Here's the request that probably brought me the greatest love of my life...

WANTED: BOYFRIEND

I've thought about putting a want ad in the daily broadsheets. But instead of looking for a job, or something just as common, I'll be advertising for a boyfriend. Sounds a little desperate? Umm... I guess. But hey, the idea has its merits. For one, I'll surely won't face the dilemma of falling for a friend... and all the anguish that goes with it. For right from the start, he'll know where he stands and just what kind of relationship I want from him. Next. there'll be no surprises or at the very least, it would be lessened a great deal. I mean all the applicants would have to be shortlisted first before they can be considered. So that means, there'll be none of that tripping and falling stuff. The freedom to choose... not suddenly realizing you just have to be with this guy, not because you want to...but because you have to.
Hmmm... doesn't that kind of take the romance out of the whole thing? Not really. I mean, I can always include romantic in the qualifications. Which leads me to... what exactly do I put in the...umm... qualifications? Should I be so specific as to dictate all I want down to the languages spoken? Or do I make it short and sweet? Somethin like:wanted: boyfriend material...
But then, something as vague as that would surely bring in droves of creatures with an unrealistic view of themselves.
Come to think about it... what do I really want? Of course, I want perfection. But in the absence of perfection? I want someone whose imperfections add something to his whole persona and not subtract from it. Someone aware of his limitations yet not afraid to dream and take risks. I want someone who's gonna be an extension of myself but an entirely different individual in his own right. Someone who's gonna be smart enough to see through me yet sensitive enough to keep it to himself.
He's going to be dreamy to look at... with eyes that gets you lost and lips that makes you forget. He'll have the voice of an angel but the charm of the devil. He'll be able to dance with me, laugh with, argue with me,cry with me. He'll get under my skin... driving me to heights I've never dreamed of while needing me as much.
I want all these and more. But truth be told... all I really want is someone who'll want me enough to keep me.

Updates

2008-02-24T12:04:00.000-08:00

*My dad and brothers were able to get multiple-entry tourist visas! Yey! My mom and youngest brother, Sam, will be flying in 3rd week of March; my mom going to Salt Lake to be with my sis before she gives birth and Sam staying with us until my sister's wedding in May. My dad and other brother, Wilf, will be here in the Bay Area by the first week of May and then we're off to a spring roadtrip covering three states -- SoCal-Vegas-Utah. Can't wait!

*More than half-way through the three month internship, I am grateful for this experience that has enriched my professional life and opened possibilities I haven't thought of before. Suddenly, charting my way back to the loving arms of academia does not seem as daunting as before.

*NogNog and I are back in each other's arms :0) Though driving still stresses me out, this time around, I think our relationship will be for keeps :0)

*Though the past week was no basis, I can actually smell the arrival of spring. The days are getting longer, the nights, shorter. This means more time for fun stuff after work -- a 3 mi run, a bike ride around the marina, a walk around the park. Spring will surely cure the discontent that winter never fails to stir in me.

*Leila and her husband, Kevin, spent a week here in the Bay Area. Having Karen here when Leila came to visit was an added bonus! We spent Friday night and the whole of Saturday with them. The Saturday adventure was, as Leila put it, one for the books! I am just thankful that though years separate each meeting with these friends of mine, we never fail to reconnect each time. It is true that adage, old friends are the best kind of friends.

On growing out of a friendship

2008-01-30T06:07:00.000-08:00

From The Wonder Spot by Melissa Banks:

... and these reasons have nothing to do with our friendship and everything to do with how I see Dena now.

***

When she drops me off at the Hot Plate, she says, "Good-bye," and I'm surprised to hear in her voice what I myself have been trying to conceal: Whatever affection we have for each other is from a long time ago.

***

I realize I will never hear from Dena gain, and I will never call her. It gives me a chill. It is a strange thing to end a friendship, even if you know it's what you want. It's like a death; all of a sudden your experience of a person becomes finite.

Whew.

2008-01-13T08:47:00.000-08:00

A colleague asked end of last year if I would be willing to take a student intern while she's on maternity leave. Honestly, the thought of it brought butterflies to my tummy and doubts to my worry-prone head. That's when I knew I had to say yes. Yup, butterflies in my tummy is always a good sign that an experience is outside my comfort zone... I like having a few correctly-sized sharks in my fish tank :0)

The rotation started last Monday (and will end March 28... u-huh, 3 whole months) and I am so relieved and grateful that the intern is smart, confident and open-minded. It could have easily gone the other way, meaning a shunga-shunga intern or an arrogant and close-minded one; imagine how long and tortuous the next 3 months would have been!

So I offer another prayer of gratitude to the One looking out for me. I was sure before that this is going to be an interesting learning experience , and after the first week, I'm glad to know that I get to enjoy it:0)

Iska at heart.

2008-01-13T06:18:00.000-08:00

Thought it would be fun to go down memory lane...

1. Student number?
94-06032

2. College?
UP College of Allied Medical Professions

3. Course?
B.S. Physical Therapy

4. Nag-shift ka ba o na-kickout?
Haha! Nope, granted that I was delayed a year, I didn't give up :0P

5. Saan ka kumuha ng UPCAT?
Hmm. Sa UPIS yata.

6. Favorite GE subject?
Comm 1 and Humanities1 and 2

7. Favorite PE?
Definitely Social Dancing hehe :0D

8. Saan ka nag-aabang ng hot guy sa UP?
Meron ba? Haha!

9. Favorite prof(s)
Definitely Prof. MRuiz :0)

10. Pinaka-ayaw na GE subject.
Let's see, a toss between Math14 with Salamida and Physics lab with Iggy Boy :0P

11. Kumuha ka ba ng Wed or Sat classes?
I honestly can't remember.

12. Nakapag-field trip ka ba?
Yup, for PI100, in Batangas yata.

13. Naging CS ka na ba or US sa UP?
Haha! Twice when I was still in AS then once during postgrad but never when I was in CAMP haha!

14. Ano ang Org/Frat/Soro mo?
APTS in CAMP... none when I was in AS, masyado ako nag-enjoy sa mga blockmates ko hehe :0D

15. Saan ka tumatambay palagi?
Let's see -- sa BatCave when I was in AS (near the DPSM office yata, near the gate that opens to the Court of Appeals) and sa parking lot when I was in CAMP.

16. Dorm, Boarding house, o Bahay?
Bahay :0P Except for a month during internship.

17. Kung walang UPCAT test at malaya kang nakapili ng kurso mo sa UP, ano yun(Given ang mentality mo nung HS ka)? The thing is, Physical Therapy was my first choice. Maybe that's why I stuck it out hehe

18. Sino ang pinaka-una mong nakilala sa UP?
This pharmacy freshman, Jaerus.

19. First play na napanood mo sa UP?
I can't remember, but I know it was in Diliman.

20. Name the 5 most conyo orgs in UP
Huh?

21. Name 5 of the coolest orgs/frats/soro in UP.
Another huh?

22. May frat/soro bang nag-recruit sa yo?
None. Haha! I guess that means I'm not 'Sis' material :0P

23. Saan ka madalas mag-lunch?
Let's see, Wendy's probably and if we're broke, Pinay's hehe :0D

24. Masaya ba sa UP?
Not always, 'coz CAMP then can be really, really toxic! haha! But I consider my years in UP (including my years in servitude hehe!) part of the best years of my life :0)

25. Nakasama ka na ba sa rally?
Once. I remember it was for LFS regarding UniLever workers or something.

26. Ilang beses ka bumoto sa Student Council
I'm not sure... but I vaguely remember doing it once.

27. Name at least 5 leftist groups in UP
Huh?

28. Pinangarap mo rin bang mag-laude nung freshman ka?
Haha! Oo naman... until CAMP opened my eyes to how wishful thinking that was :0P

29. Kanino ka pinaka-patay sa UP?
Depende. Anong year ba ang pinag-uusapan natin? :0D

30. Kung di ka UP, anong school ka?
Malamang UST. Coz those are the only schools I applied to :0P

MALIGAYANG IKA-100 TAON, MGA ISKOLAR NG BAYAN!

(Survey swiped from here.)

Resolution ba kamo?

2008-01-09T16:34:00.000-08:00

Did some New Year online shopping to increase the odds of following up on resolution #1. Fortunately for my holiday-beleaguered wallet, B arnes and N oble dot com was having a clearance sale!

Here's my loot, all for about $120, inclusive of shipping.

So far, I've finished Stardust and Notes on a Scandal and starting on Sideways. I also have 2 books loaned by colleagues on my nightstand, waiting for their turn.

I'm so happy to be back to reading for pleasure (as opposed to reading for test taking :0P) again!

This stash will definitely see me through winter and the start of spring. Meanwhile, I'm open to suggestions to add to our library once I get through this stash :0)

We Believe.

2008-01-07T18:30:00.000-08:00

game tickets : $$$

game gear: $$

game fuel: $

chance to watch the War riors beat the S purs in a game that went into overtime (yep, you guessed it): priceless!

***

Gol den Sta te War riors vs San Ant onio Sp urs, 130-121

Notes from an untrained eye...

There's a reason why the S purs are the defending N BA champions. Those guys are smooth!
The War riors are still a little rough on the edges but they have some good raw talent to work with.
Medyo may pagka-bakaw si Bar on Da vis.
Crush ko si To ny Par ker!
I think M onta E llis and To ny Par ker are well-matched in speed, E llis just needs to be a little more... uhh, suave .
I may not be a basketball fan but watching a game live, especially when it's a home game, can be a very exhilirating experience (uh, given that your team wins in the end hehe!!)

Quality time.

2008-01-06T09:33:00.000-08:00

Last night, the power went off. We couldn't go out (can't open the garage door :0P), couldn't surf the net (even wiith the laptop charged, there was no wifi), couldn't watch TV; even reading was out of the question since we didn't have emergency lights.

So I lighted some candles, Mr.A cranked up the emergency radio for some mood music then we cuddled and... talked.

We talked about 2007, what our favorite parts were. We talked about past trips. We talked about the future, what we were looking forward to. We talked about friends and co-workers (yep, chismis!). We talked about work and taxes. We even had kwentong barbero that left us laughing our a**es off!

It reminded me of the time when the only thing that sustained our relationship was our long talks on the phone.

I am grateful that, stripped of all the things that often consume our time and demand our attention, we still very much enjoy each other's company :0)

resolutions, baby, they come and go

2008-01-05T07:04:00.000-08:00

I totally respect statistics and evidence-based practice but what the heck, here goes...

read more books
exercise more regularly
get my driver's license

I'll stop here.

Happy New Year!

2008-01-01T08:33:00.000-08:00

May 2008 bring all of us...

- the daring to meet our hearts' longing

- the courage, despite the odds, to be true to ourselves

- the certainty that, yes, we deserve the happiness we are getting

- the audacity to let the world break our hearts over and over again

- the temerity to get to know our loneliness, fears and pains

- the humility to accept that there is something/someone far greater than us

- the power to choose our own thoughts

- the ability to be alert in our prayers

- the wisdom to know that now is the only reality, to trust in each moment's fullness and emptiness

- the awareness that we already have everything we need to be the best that we can be

Instead of wishing everyone a blessed 2008, I wish everyone the realization that we are already blessed :0)

text.

2007-12-29T09:23:00.000-08:00

From my Dad.

"Lei and Aldwin, happy anniversary. kahit wala pang apo hehe"

Ayos! He used to campaign on the phone whenever we call them... then, in his e-mails... seems like he found a new medium hehe :0)

525,600 Minutes (of 2007)

2007-12-29T06:38:00.000-08:00

How do you measure a year?

In daylights.

In sunsets.

In midnights.

In cups of coffee.

In inches.

In miles.

In laughter.

In strife.

How about love?

Measure in love.

How can you measure the life of a woman or man?

Let's celebrate.

Remember a year in the life of friends.

Remember the love.

Measure in love.

Seasons of love.

Happiness

2007-12-29T05:39:00.000-08:00

"I keep remembering one of my guru's teachings about happiness. She says that people universally tend to think that happiness is a stroke of luck, something that will maybe descend upon you like fine weather if you're fortunate enough. But that's not how happiness works. Happiness is the consequence of personal effort. You fight for it, strive for it, insist upon it, and sometimes even travel around the world looking for it. You have to participate relentlessly in the manifestations of your own blessings. And once you have achieved a state of happiness, you must never become lax about maintaining it, you must make a mighty effort to keep swimming upward into that happiness forever, to stay afloat on top of it. If you don't you will leak away your innate contentment. It's easy enough to pray when you're in distress but continuing to pray even when your crisis has passed is like a sealing process, helping your soul hold tight to its good attainments."

- Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert (italics and emphasis, mine)

Awww.

2007-12-11T07:28:00.000-08:00

Honestly, na-touch ako sa limbic system :0D

The Lovely Bones Movie

2007-12-01T06:10:00.000-08:00

I read in Vanity Fair that Dreamworks was able to buy the movie rights for Alice Sebold's The Lovely Bones. And if that was not enough to get me excited, Peter Jackson is going to direct the movie!

I love, love, love this book! I remember first reading The Lovely Bones during a flight going to Fukuoka (Japan) . I finished the book even before we landed but would reread it again and again throughout the whole trip and even after that.

I love this book so much that I bought all of Alice Sebold's other books. Even though I like the others too, The Lovely Bones is still my favorite.

I am usually wary of movies based on books I like. Somehow, the big screen doesn't always capture the magic that the book weaves around you. With this one, I think I will reserve judgement. The Spielberg-Jackson team-up desrves it :0)

According to IMDb, the movie will be released Spring of 2009. Sigh, still more than a year of waiting. Never mind, I have NPH to look forward to next year hehe :0) (I also love Harold and Kumar 1. I'm weird like that.)

Black Friday Midnight Madness!

2007-11-23T14:10:00.000-08:00

A background: This Midnight Madness sale wasn't the same thing as the ones I was used to in Manila --- those which start at normal mall hours and end at midnight. This one started at midnight and ends at 10pm (22 hours of retail therapy!!!).

So yeah, we were up and out of the house at 12:15AM this morning, making good time to the nearest outlet stores. I thought we were among a few crazy ones... NOT! Think Big Bang sa Alabang / Payanig sa Pasig crowds!!! At 1AM!!! It was surreal!!!

Mr.A and I parked a loong way from the crowd and just walked to the stores we wanted to check out. For a moment, the ambiance was like simbang gabi (uhh, was that blasphemous?!)... until you see all the shopping bags:0P

I got a COACH satchel at a really good price but these 2 pairs of Cole Haans (at almost half-price each) made the puyat worth it!

What can I say? I'm a shoe kind of girl :0)

Hello, lover.

2007-09-03T11:11:00.000-07:00

It has been a long time since I felt this way about a pair of shoes.

33894

2007-08-19T12:33:00.000-07:00

I bring to you a feat that was two years in the making.

Aside from character development, I also got this out of it:

A bling to celebrate my official entry to RPTness!

Courtesy of my wonderful hubby, of course :0)

Flashback

2007-08-19T11:40:00.000-07:00

This is it.

2007-07-28T18:25:00.000-07:00

Ok folks, wherever you are in the world, make sure you send good wishes/vibes my way tomorrow, July 29, 2007 at 6AM Pacific Standard Time.

For tomorrow, I will set out on a 13.1 mi adventure :0D

I am going to try my best to share this adventure with you. I will moblog (mobile blogging) as best as I can during the half marathon. (I am hoping that I still have the texting skills I used to have in college... we shall see :0P)

I still am crazy enough to hope that I finish it in under three hours... if not, I still intend to enjoy the experience as much as I can :0D

Crush ko si Optimus Prime.

2007-07-07T15:12:00.000-07:00

Honestly, when I saw that Bumblebee became a Camaro in the movie, I was disappointed. I felt that the VW bug captured the essence of Bumblebee's charm. I was kinda dreading other changes they might have made to the other characters.

But after seeing the movie, I gotta admit, the movie rocks! Muntik na ako maiyak nung nag-mala-Gotham City-calling-Batman si Bumblebee... and when I first saw Prime.

"I am Optimus Prime, and I send this message to any surviving Autobots taking refuge among the stars: we are here, we are waiting."

Sigh.

I'm not sure who was more excited about the movie, ako o si Mr. A. What I'm sure of was ako ang mas nag-react during the movie (there was even a time when he looked at me and said "shh..." coz I kept saying f*ck, f*ck, f*ck nung natutunaw na si Megatron :0P).

On second thought, I think he was a teeny bit more excited than I was hehe :0)

Support us at the Napa Tour de Cure!

2007-04-12T16:06:00.000-07:00

Whenever someone learns that I will be running this year's San Francisco Half-Marathon, the usual reply is: "Really?! Good for you!" usually followed by, "For what cause?" to which I (sometimes, shamefully) answer, "Uhh, myself?".

There are a thousand other causes I can run for and yeah, I feel selfish (at times), for not doing this for those causes but I promised myself that this first one is gonna be for me, to mark my 30th birthday.

Then came the chance to join the Napa Tour de Cure.

Tour de Cure is a series of cycling events held in more than 80 cities nationwide to benefit the American Diabetes Association. In California alone, there are 6 Tour de Cure this spring, including the Napa one, which will be on May 6, 2007. The Tour is a ride, not a race, with routes designed for everyone from the occasional rider to the experienced cyclist. This is why Aldwin and I jumped at the chance to join in the fun.

Aldwin and I will be riding under Team Bio-rad (the company where Aldwin works) and will be doing the 25 mile ride. Aside from the promise of food and wine (it's Napa, after all!), we're doing this to support a cause we both believe in: to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.

Both of us have family and friends living with diabetes and we will be riding for them, and for the millions of other people who are hoping for a cure.

If you would like to help and support us in this worthy cause, you can make your donation online at my or Aldwin's personal Tour de Cure website. You can also mail in your contribution (please make all checks payable to American Diabetes Association) to our home address (e-mail me at lgsaldua@gmail.com if you don't have it). Any amount (as in kahit $5 lang) will be greatly appreciated.

Oh, and Aldwin's company will match the amount that the team can raise so your (tax-deductible, for people here in the US) contribution will go a long way in helping the fight against diabetes.

Again, click on these links to donate online:

Leah

Aldwin

Our thanks in advance for your help and support! :0)

3.1.71

2007-04-07T12:32:00.000-07:00

Today, she had a thought... what if she'd never met him?

What's in my kikay kit?

2007-03-17T20:18:00.000-07:00

I don't really know that much about make-up, what I do know though is what looks good on me and on others. I am actually a little scared about experimenting with make-up and looking weird, that's why I stick to a couple of basics that have been tried and tested.

Here are my present kikay kit favorites which I always bring with me:

For the face:

MAC Studio Fix in NC43
This seamlessly blends into my skin without the heavily, made-up feeling while providing enough coverage for minor blemishes. The key is finding the right color for your skin tone and applying it with a fluffy brush.

The Body Shop Pearl Bronzer in Bronze
I read somewhere that bronzers are so last year already but I don't care. This particular one comes in little pearls, in different shades of bronze. It never fails to give me a sunkissed glow. Plus the pearls ensure that just enough product gets into the brush to avoid 'clown cheeks'.

For the lips:
(I usually focus more on my lips when I do my 'everyday' make-up -- I use a balm, a liner, then lipstick and finishes with gloss.)

Chapstick in Cherry
My husband and I actually buy this in bulk at Costco because we keep it everywhere -- our cars, our dresser, our bathroom vanity, my kikay kit, my gym bag, even my desk at work! The medicated one is best for winter days but the one shown here is enough color for me on days when I'm too lazy to put on my 'face'.

Sonia Kashuk Lip Definer in Maple
MAC Cremestick Liner in Plum Soft
I always make sure to keep two lipliners in my kikay kit, one 'day' color and one fancy enough for a night out just in case I don't get the chance to go home and change.
The Sonia Kashuk one is 'nude' enough to use for work but not sickly pale. The MAC one is in a berry shade, perfect for night-outs yet laid back enough to use for day too.

MAC Lustre Lipstick in Russe
I was really surprised to find out how versatile this color is. It changes from prim and proper to sexy and alluring, depending on what color liner and gloss you use with it. On its own, it's very sheer with enough moisturizers to keep lips supple.

MAC Lipglass in Corps-de-ballet
Nivea Lip Care Caregloss and Shine Tinted
Like lipliners, I also tend to have two kinds of gloss. The Lipglass one is a little heavy for me for day use but it provides a sexy shine to complete my evening attire. The Nivea one I love, alone or layered with other lip products.

For eyes:

Neutrogena Skin Soothing Eye Tints in Honey Shimmer
MAC Eye Shadow Veluxe Pearl in Jete
The Neutrogena Eye Tint is usually enough for my daily use. It glides on very sheer but does a lot in brightening eyes. The cooling sensation is a plus for tired eyes.
My eyeshadows usually depend on my outfit, but in instances when I can't get to my stash at home, the MAC one is presently my default 'night' color. It's just a brighter sheer, a perfect backdrop to berry lips.
(In my experience so far, MAC shadows seem to stay on a lot longer than others I've tried.)

MAC Fibre Rich Lash in All Black
Again, I usually keep it simple when it comes to my everyday eye make-up so I rarely wear mascara and eyeliner; however, during those times when I feel like I need an additional pick-me-up, MAC mascara does a great job. I like how the brush separates each lash making the over-all effect a lot thicker.

Sonia Kashuk Travel Brush Set
Of course, it goes without saying that all these products are nothing without the proper tools to put them on. There are a lot of very nice and very expensive brush sets available today. I use Sonia Kashuk brushes because they are very affordable without sacrificing quality. I keep a travel brush set in my kikay kit (I have a bigger set at home) which includes small and medium eyeshadow brushes, a mini blusher for my bronzer and powder and an eyebrow comb/brush to tame my brows and lashes.

Wow?

2007-03-10T23:33:00.000-08:00

I'm enjoying using Windows Vista but the wow factor, I still have to see.

A word from our sponsors...

2007-03-10T22:43:00.000-08:00

This post brought to you by our new customized HP Pavilion dv6000t with:

- Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo T5200(1.60GHz/2MB L2Cache)
- 15.4" WXGA Widescreen (1280x800)
- Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator 950 - Core
- HP Imprint Finish + Microphone + Webcam
- 2048MB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
- 80GB 5400RPM
- 8X DVD+/-R/RW w/Double Layer Support
- Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network w/Bluetooth
- 12 Cell Lithium Ion Battery

;0)

Love's in the air.

2007-02-14T22:28:00.000-08:00

So yeah, there I was, feeling smug, in a very ang-haba-ng-hair-ko-lolah way, thinking that I just had the best Valentines ever when my sister called and totally trumped me up... SHE'S GETTING MARRIED!!!

But that's not to say that I didn't have the best Valentines ever :0)

The dozen red roses I was kinda expecting and that, I got.

I was also expecting sushi-to-go and probably a quiet night of American Idol and Criminal Minds. Instead, I got this:

Balloons, confetti, streamers, love songs. The whole shebang.

And this:

A candlelit dinner.

And this, too.

Just in case you missed that, yeah, I got another dozen roses, but really, I was talking about this:

My very own Ipod shuffle. In a very fashionable copper tone.

Sigh. My husband just keeps on raising the bar (sorry, cingular).

No wonder I love my husband more than I love shoes (wonderful, wonderful shoes!).

:0D

Project Shoe Design

2007-02-01T22:19:00.000-08:00

Mr. A has been bugging me to retire my trusty red LA Gears for a couple of months now. I told him I would once I see something worth trading it for. So I've looked and looked and looked but nothing was calling out to me. I'd rather have old, ratty shoes that I love than spanking new ones that are totally not me. (Yup, I take shoe shopping seriously hehe :0D).

In desperation (I think), Mr. A showed me this website. He was playing around with it, trying to come up with a pair that will speak to me. He showed me his design, I fiddled around with it and came up with something nice. Then I totally forgot about it.

Fast forward to 3 weeks later -- Mr. A surprised me with my very own Nike Leahs. (I didn't even know you can have your name on them hehe :0P). My husband is the best :0)

Needless to say, my LA Gears are now out of the picture while my Nikes and I are getting to know each other really well training for the half marathon.

2 years.

2006-12-28T22:50:00.000-08:00

My mother said: find someone who loves you more than you love him

I thought that was kind of unfair.

Then I found him.

It's not that I love him less... oh, no... I love him more than I could ever love someone and each day shows me how much more I can still love him.

But somehow, he always manage to show me that he loves me more than I can ever love him.

And that humbles me.

And makes me want to strive more to be worthy of such love.

I love you, babe. Thanks for 2 years of wedded bliss.

The dawn of realization.

2006-12-16T15:11:00.000-08:00

I've been having a bad case of holiday blues lately. Which, when I think about it, is weird, given the fact that it's my second Christmas here. Last Christmas was a little lonesome, yeah, but I don't recall feeling this homesick.

I guess part of it is the fact that it was still all so new to me. I was so engrossed in all these things I needed to do to establish myself here that I never got to fully comprehend how big a step it was that I took. I didn't have time to think about what I was losing, what with all the immigration appointments I had to go to, all the requirements I needed to meet to get licensed, all the big and little things I had to get used to to settle down.

I figured this was bound to happen sooner or later. The realization of how much I needed to give up in order to get to where I am right now. No regrets, just an overwhelming sadness at times.

I remember a song on the Wicked, The Musical OST that totally captured it all...

That's why I couldn't be happier
No, I couldn't be happier
Though it is, I admit
The tiniest bit
Unlike I anticipated
But I couldn't be happier
Simply couldn't be happier
(spoken) Well - not "simply":
(sung) 'Cause getting your dreams
It's strange, but it seems
A little - well - complicated
There's a kind of a sort of : cost
There's a couple of things get: lost
There are bridges you cross
You didn't know you crossed
Until you've crossed
And if that joy, that thrill
Doesn't thrill you like you think it will
Still -
With this perfect finale
The cheers and ballyhoo
Who
Wouldn't be happier?
So I couldn't be happier
Because happy is what happens
When all your dreams come true
Well, isn't it?
Happy is what happens
When your dreams come true!

Well, this must be the kind of sort of cost...

Decking the halls.

2006-12-14T22:02:00.000-08:00

These are the results of one very busy weekend:

Running on caffeine.

2006-10-11T13:03:00.000-07:00

And sugar, on what turned out to be a very interesting morning.

One tall, coffee frappuccino.

One cinnamon twist.

One slice of banana-nut bread.

Four and a half hours.

12 patients.

And surely, a ton of paperwork to follow.

But it's all good.

Kasi dey op ako bukas :0D

I'm planning on crashing from my sugar high as soon as I get home and will resurface at around lunch tom. Hopefully, I'll have enough time to finish all my paperwork, fold the laundry, do the dishes, vacuum the house before my eye appointment at four.

Hmm. Wishing. Will probably end up on the couch, vegetating while watching a gazillion Law and Order reruns :0P

My Shoe Collection (Part 2)

2006-10-07T00:42:00.000-07:00

These are the pairs I've acquired within the last year and a half that I've been living here in the Bay Area.

Flats

Flats are #1 in my list. They are comfortable and practical enough for work without sacrificing style. Obviously, I'm more partial to girly, flirty styles although the simple black Bruno Magli ones are my favorites.

Wedges

I'm so glad that wedges are back!! They let me add height without sacrificing comfort. Believe it or not, I only paid $27.00 for both the black and white pair and the ankle-tied brown pair, so far the best deal I've ever got!!

Heels

I don't wear heels that often any more, unlike when I was in Manila. The black strappy ones and the round-toed, ankle-tied ones I bought for specific occasions while the two Naturalizer pairs were the very first shoes I bought when I got here in California.

Boots

The high-heeled boots I bought at a flea-market for around $20 to complete my pirate costume last Halloween while the wedge ones were bought specifically for our NY trip last winter.

Others

The Indian-inspired slip-ons were given as a gift and the black, wooden ones I bought at a county fair.

These are my casual shoes. I got the funky split-toed Nike from the Outlet store and I got the red Keens for free through a coupon given by a patient.

And of course, my tsinelas. The Nike ones I bought pala in Manila while the brown Roxy pair was an unplanned purchase when I found myself walking along Huntington Beach in sneakers.

Grabe! Not counting the thong ones and the slippers, I've managed to add 17 pairs of shoes in as many months... meaning I'm averaging a pair a month. Tsk. Tsk. I might have a problem after all ;0P

They say I have a shoe problem.

2006-10-06T23:26:00.000-07:00

I say it's more like a 'heightened appreciation' for shoes.

For me, shoes can make or break an outfit. With the right pair of shoes, jeans and a white shirt can either look casual, sporty or glam. Purses and accessories are just icing on the cake.

The cake itself? Shoes.

I was in college when my love affair with shoes started. Before then, I only had the requisite pairs -- black mid-heels for dressy occasions, black flats for school and sneakers for everything else. But in college, I slowly evolved. Suddenly, three pairs weren't enough to meet all my needs. And my needs grew along with my shoe collection when I started earning my own money.

So you can just imagine how difficult it was for me to choose what shoes to pack when I moved here last year. It took me two days to go through all my shoes and to decide which ones were joining me in my new life.

And here were the lucky ones...

My favorite flats. See how cool the black ones are? Each shoe has a different embroidered image :0) That's why it breaks my heart that I have to retire this pair (along with the printed white ones) coz of damages :0(

My kitten-heeled mules and colorful sandals. When I left Manila, kitten-heels were still very much in vogue. Although I still like these pairs, I don't wear them as often since I always end up with a killer backache coz of the kitten-heels:0P

My metallic heels. I love how these can dress up any outfit! The beribboned ones I wore to my wedding reception. The strappy ones I bought at People Are People (Robinson's Place) for just Php200 (around US$4)-- nice deal huh?!

My high-heeled mules. Although I don't wear them as much nowadays, these were pretty much my uniform whenever I had a lecture to give back in Manila. High heels and pointy-toes somehow gave me an aura of respectability (enough para magmarunong hehe).

My only sling-backs. I remember buying this on impulse at Cardam's (Rob Place, Mla.) coz they looked so good with the pants I was wearing then. I'm glad they turned out to be an investment piece after all.

My only pair of white shoes. (Pardon the yucky stains).

My only pair of sneakers.

I haven't worn this pair yet when I was about to leave Manila last year. They were from my Mom. I don't really wear them much since they're really not my style but they do come in handy as slippers come winter time.

That's it. Next time, I'll post pics of the shoes I bought when I got here :0)

30 Things A Woman Should Have & Should Know By The Time She's 30 (Part 2)

2006-08-08T15:43:00.000-07:00

Here's the next part of the list.

By 30, you should know:

1. How to fall in love without losing yourself.
I'm still learning this one along with the one that says how to not give a damn about what people will say.
2. How you feel about having kids.
I know that I want kids. It's the timing I'm still thinking about.
3. How to quit a job, break up with a man and confront a friend without ruining the friendship.
Hmm. The first and last I'm quite adept with. About the middle one, the only time I did it, I didn't do so well and I sure as hell have no plans of doing it again :0P
4. When to try harder and when to walk away.
I'm well on my way on this one. Knowing what battles are worth fighting gets you a lot closer to winning the war.
5. How to kiss in a way that communicates perfectly what you would and wouldn't like to happen next.
Oh, yeah baby! Though kissing just one man kinda makes this a lot easier to master.
6. The names of the secretary of state, your great-grandmother and the best tailor in town.
I know the first one but I'm lost on the next two. But I do know the names of the stores where you can get fabulous shoes for fabulous prices :0)
7. How to live alone, even if you don't like to.
Hmm. This hasn't been empirically proven yet but theoretically, I think I've got the know-how to do this.
8. How to take control of your own birthday.
Huh? Does this mean feeling comfortable with my years? If it does, then my answer is a resounding YES.
9. That you can't change the length of your calves, the width of your hips or the nature of your parents.
I learned the first 2 early in life and moved on to greater things -- like obsessing about changing my grades:0P The third one, I'm slowly learning. Slowly is the keyword here :0P
10. That your childhood may not have been perfect, but it's over.
I know, I know. But there's no harm in having a second one di ba? hehe ;0)
11. What you would and wouldn't do for money or love.
Yes, I know the stuff that falls under these. But I wish I could say that all of them are set in stone. One thing I do know, everything changes.
12. That nobody gets away with smoking, drinking, doing drugs or not flossing for very long.
Hah. Check, check, check and uhh... check!
13. Who you can trust, who you can't and why you shouldn't take it personally.
Everyday's a learning experience for me on this one.
14. Not to apologize for something that isn't your fault.
This I gotta learn... and soon!
15. Why they say life begins at 30.
Oh yeah, I know this for sure. Like I know for sure that life begins at 40 when I turn 40 hehe ;0)

30 Things A Woman Should Have & Should Know By The Time She's 30 (Part 1)

2006-08-06T12:41:00.000-07:00

I turn 29 this month.

Yup, just a year from the big three-oh.

And that reminded me of this list that Glamour magazine published (not sure when).

So, just for fun, I'm going to run through it now to see how I rate.

According to the list, by 30 you should have:

1. One old boyfriend you can imagine going back to and one who reminds you of how far you've come.
Hmm. Since I'm happily married, I'd imagine this would be unsafe territory hehe :0) Instead of boyfriends, let's generalize it into friends -- those you can imagine growing old with and those who remind you of how far you've come. And yes, I have those. It took me the last few years to fully realize and accept which is which.
2. A decent piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in your family.
Since I moved to an entirely different continent, this technically does not apply to me :0P But I'm hoping to buy a couple of pieces to makeover our home.
3. Something perfect to wear if the employer or man of your dreams wants to see you in an hour.
Yes to both, although I'm sure the man-of-my-dreams- would rather see me wearing nothing (right, babe?!).
4. A purse, a suitcase and an umbrella you're not ashamed to be seen carrying.
Check, check, check. A quilted Coach bag, a small, simple purple umbrella and a red suitcase.
5. A youth you're content to move beyond.
Yup. You can't pay me enough to go back to my 21 year-old self.
6. A past juicy enough that you're looking forward to retelling it in your old age.
I guess, depends on how you define juicy though :0P
7. The realization that you are actually going to have an old age - and some money set aside to help fund it.
Check again. My husband and I are drawing up our battleplan to establish financial freedom :0)
8. An e-mail address, a voice mailbox and a bank account - all of which nobody has access to but you.
I don't need the first two but I'm thinking about the third one.
9. A resume that is not even the slightest bit padded.
Oh, yeah. And soon, I'll have one more entry to add to it: Physical Therapist, licensed in the State of California.
10. One friend who always makes you laugh and one who lets you cry.
Yes and yes. Almost all my friends can make me laugh but only a few lets me cry, no questions asked, no unsolicited advices given.
11. A set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill and a black lace bra.
Yes to the screwdrivers and the cordless drill plus I even know how to use them. No to the black lace bra since I find lace itchy. But I have found a bra brand that fits me perfectly, and that, as every woman knows, is worth a million :0)
12. Something ridiculously expensive that you bought for yourself, just because you deserve it.
The thing is, I maybe a shop-a-holic but deep-inside, I'm still very much kuripot :0P So, no, I haven't yet bought anything ridiculously expensive in one go but I'm sure if you add up the cost of all the shoes I bought in just the last year, it'll amount to ridiculously expensive. And I'm also pretty sure that if ever I can set aside my conscience for a moment or two and do get to buy a ridiculously expensive thing, it'll be a pair of Manolos.
13. The belief that you deserve it.
I didn't get to my 20th pair of shoe (that brings the total to 35 pairs) in 17 months without believing, quite heartfully, I must say, that I deserve it :0D
14. A skin-care regimen, an exercise routine and a plan for dealing with those few other facets of life that don't get better after 30.
I'm proud to say that I have the sunscreen and moisturizer thing down pat. The exercise routine, I'm still struggling with :0P
15. A solid start on a satisfying career, a satisfying relationship and all those other facets of life that do get better.
Oh, yeah baby! My career is well on it's way however long and winding the road was and still is. My relationship? I couldn't ask for more though I'm always striving hard to be more.

Hmm. How do I rate? Not bad huh? ;0)

Now, I need to do a few chores so the 'should know' part of the list is coming on my next post:0)

Looks like I spoke too soon.

2006-07-15T15:31:00.000-07:00

I just finished downloading the study guide for the California Law Exam (CLE) -- all 98 pages of it :0P I still think it's going to be easier than the boards but I guess it's not going to be the walk in the park that I thought it would be. But I'm not complaining, no siree. I'd rather plod through 98 pages of legal jargon than repeat studying for the State Boards. After all, 98 pages is nothing compared to cramming 2 years of study into 3 weeks :0P

Anyway, I think I'm gonna have enough time to study for it because contrary to what I thought, that all I need to do is schedule the CLE, I still need to go through a couple of steps before I get to sit for it. Steps like registering for it and waiting for my authorization-to-test letter before I can actually schedule. Anyway, it's all good. No rush.

On to other stuff -- next month's gonna be my birthday month and I'm looking forward to it, more than usual. My 28th year has been good so far and I know that with the way things are going, my 29th will be a lot better :0)

For not so good news, we finally had someone look over the damage to our front lawn. The landscaper said that it will cost us $400 to get everything cleaned up. That does not include replacement of the Junipers that was burned. Sigh. The painful thing is it's gonna come from our own pockets. The insurance can cover it but we've decided that it's not worth getting our premiums jacked up. Oh-well.

We're off to watch Pirates of the Caribbean. This movie holds a special place in my heart since it's based on the Disney ride -- and that's where my husband proposed to me :0)

Thank you, Lord!

2006-07-12T20:59:00.000-07:00

I passed!!!

Thank God!!!

I passed the National Physical Therapist Examination! All that's left to do is pass the California Law Exam for Physical Therapists :0)

(I'm not worried about that one since it's just like the DMV exam -- you know, where all the stuff you need to learn to pass is in one booklet.)

Love talaga ako ni Lord :0) Thanks for all the prayers and the positive thoughts you guys sent my way!

Back to regular programming.

2006-07-08T22:37:00.000-07:00

I finally got around to balancing my checkbook after 2 months :0P (yep, my last entry was sometime April). I'm just so glad I have an online transaction record.

Which led me to thinking that I'm really bad when it comes to pressure. When something of importance comes up, I get this tendency to overrate the event to the point that it eclipses everything else.

Really. I'm soo graceless under pressure.

Like with the exam. I was so focused on it that I didn't bother balancing my checkbook :0P Or cooking regularly. There was even a time when even doing the laundry was way down my list of priorities.

(Who am I kidding? Laundry is always low on my list :0P).

Buti na lang talaga my husband is so understanding. and kind. and handsome. and sexy.

(Hi, babe!).

Hay. But, in fairness to me, I'm learning. Pramis.

Anticlimactic.

2006-07-07T22:00:00.000-07:00

That's how the exam was. Not because it was easy (it wasn't for me!!) but because after all the worrying, the loong days, the fatigue -- it was finally over, just like that.

I still don't know how I feel about it. It was tiring, yes. Five hours of looking at a computer monitor answering questions that actually requires thinking (a lot of it) with only a 15-minute respite will obviously take its toll. But aside from that, I'm... I don't know... not really dedma but not that caught up too.

That in itself is already surprising. I've been thinking about it and as hard for me to admit it, I have to say it, I do not take failure lightly. I guess it's because I grew up believing that I have nothing more to offer than my intelligence. I remember thinking in HS that it was ok if I wasn't pretty, I was pretty damn smart anyway. Thus, I set a pretty high bar for myself when it comes to success.

I've come a long way since then. I've realized that I've got far more to offer than just my IQ score (which is superior, not to brag, but since we're on the topic anyway, I thought you should know hehe). But I guess, old habits really die hard and I'm still learning about accepting failure (in all forms) more graciously.

Maybe the worries will come later. But as of now, I'm feeling pretty cool about it, whatever the results maybe. And I know that the card that Mr.A gave me after the exam and what he wrote in it has a lot to do with my frame of mind.

Like what he said, whatever happens, I'll get there (being a licensed PT) and he'll always be right beside me.

And for me, that's what's really important.

Another lesson in perspective.

2006-07-06T21:08:00.000-07:00

I've always had a problem with keeping things in their proper perspective. I have this drama-queen tendencies to make such a big deal about certain events in my life.

Like my upcoming exam, for instance.

I've been so focused on it that life after it seems improbable.

(Told you I was a drama queen.) :0P

Well, life taught me a lesson today -- one that drove home the fact that there are more important things in life than passing or failing an exam.

Lemme tell you what happened today that made this lesson clear.

Mr.A and I were home today since we both called in sick; he was still nursing a cold and I was feeling feverish and achy. Little did we know that feeling sick today would turn out to be a real blessing.

Around 2.30pm, Mr.A and I heard a loud bang outside. I thought it was just an old car backfiring and he thought it was one of our neighbors finishing off leftover fireworks from yesterday.

We were both wrong. So wrong.

About a minute after the bang, someone rang the doorbell. While Mr.A went to get the door, I looked out the window to see who it could be since we weren't expecting anyone. Imagine my surprise, followed by panic, to see flames and smoke coming from the Juniper hedge that borders our lawn.

The neighbor across the street was the one who rang the bell. When Mr.A opened the door, he was already using the front lawn hose to try and put out the fire.

Everything that followed was a blur.

Mr.A called 911 while I tried looking for a pail -- paksyet, wala kaming balde! -- to help put the fire out. After what seemed like an eternity of thinking what the hell I could do, I finally realized that we had a hose at the backyard long enough to reach the front lawn. When I got out, 2 more neighbors were using their hoses to help put the fire out. It took four of us around 10 minutes to finally put it out. By that time, almost 3/4 of the whole length of our hedge was burnt to a crisp (as in tutong) and the fire also managed to reach the big tree in the front lawn. That's also the time that the firetruck and the police came.

I'm disappointed with the police and the firemen's response. They took their time getting here but from what I heard, there's been a lot of fire incidents the day before (4th of July) involving fireworks that they weren't that worried about this particular incident. Still, I was worried! It wasn't everyday that our front lawn bursts into flames.

Anyway, the first neighbor who saw the fire said that after the loud bang, he looked out of his window and saw a car speeding down the street but he soon was distracted by the fire and smoke coming from our lawn that he didn't pay any more attention to the car. From the looks of it, the police chalked it down to teenage pranksters.

It was only later, while cleaning the mess, that we found what looked like the fuse of a MoLOTov cocktail.

It was only about an hour after the incident that I realized how serious it might have become if we weren't home today or if someone didn't see it. The wind was pretty high and if the tree really caught fire, the fire could have reached the house.

So yeah, I'm not that anxious about the exam anymore. There's more to life than that.

She's alive!

2006-06-29T16:51:00.000-07:00

Yep. I am. Very much so that I feel every sliver of anxiety and stress that a living person, faced with a turning point in his/her life, feels. And every sliver translates to feeling naiihi or naduduwal everytime I think about the boards :0P Ugh. Ayan na naman.

Anyway, I've been on isolation mode for the past 3 weeks, only resurfacing during the weekends to hoard happy and (more important) relaxed times that will see me through another loooong and tedious week of reviewing.

For week 1, I had the breathtaking views of the Pacific seen while driving along Hiway 1 to comfort me through boring Orthotics and Prosthetics. The taste of our Moroccan Shrimp starter and Aldwin's entree of Brazilian Pork at Robin's in Cambria gave me werewithal to plod through Physical Agents and Thera Ex.

Week 2 had me thumbing through my mental scrapbook of my first visit to Paramount's Great America for a memory strong enough to get me through Cardio and Pulmo Rehab with Pediatrics and Geriatrics to boot. What was effective? My memory of riding a 45-mph-roller-coaster with twists and turns plus a 360-degree loop, STANDING UP. Hah. After that feat, life can pretty much throw anything my way. (Just not a score lower than 600 at the NPTE, please. That I'm not yet prepared to take.)

For this week, I needed some strong ammunition for Neuro and Musculoskeletal Rehab with a side-serving of Research and Administration. So last weekend, I was at Napa, gorging on good food and excellent wines.

Lemme digress... I am no wine expert but I can taste the difference between the Php60 red wines and the $110 reserve red. There IS a BIG difference but it doesn't mean that I like one better than the other. I still don't like them both hehe :0D Reds just don't push my buttons like the rose and white wines can.

Back to regular programming... so yeah, Napa was a good choice for this week's review. Especially since I was able to bring home not just memories but concrete stuff -- like the garlic-parmesan dip that was also perfect as a Ceasar salad dressing or the Chocolate Amaretto sauce that made me finish almost a pound of strawberries in one sitting.

I'm keeping one Napa souvenir intact until next Friday, after the boards. Whether it went well or not, Mr.A and I will be at home toasting my survival with a bottle of Moscato.

***

Pictures to follow coz all of a sudden I was hit by this bone-chilling panic induced by my inability to remember wTf ST segment elevation means.

Memorial Day Weekend teaser

2006-05-30T14:03:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day has come and gone, and with it, the crisp breeze of spring. Unofficially, that is. But I can already feel summer in the air and on my skin however unofficial it is.

My 3-day weekend was really uneventful... except for the part where I accidentally razored off a huge chunk of my husband's sideburns :0P

More on that later. Gotta go back to work!

OMG moments of the day

2006-05-24T22:16:00.000-07:00

* Reading about a summer package that includes airfare + 2 nights at The Bellagio for just $199 per person.

* Chris Daughtry performing with Live. 'Nuf said.

* High-brow artist, Prince, actually showing up on American Idol.

* Catching a glimpse of Coke Effervescence. Coke and coffee in one drink? OMG.

* American Idol Season Finale -- not Taylor Hicks' winning of the title but hearing Chris Daughtry sing again... OMG, how can they eliminate him?!

Mushu musings on season finales

2006-05-19T23:49:00.000-07:00

Can't sleep. I think I overdosed on mushu pork :0P

Spent the whole evening watching all the season finales on our DVR -- CSI (both NY and Vegas) and Close to Home. All the shows that Mr.A and I watch are having their summer hiatus. Can't remember which shows we watched last summer or if we lived on reruns alone.

(I can live on Law and Order reruns but don't tell my husband :0P)

Last season's finale episode of CSI Vegas was still the best in my opinion although this season's episode has one hell of a cliff-hanger -- Grissom and Sara?!? Didn't see that one coming.

CSI-NY was so-so... I guess it was the feeling that the whole episode was rushed. The case tackled in Close to Home was interesting although the ending left me with a heavy heart.

That leaves me with just House and American Idol to look forward to next week. Oh, and CSI-Miami's never-ending finale ( c'mon, 3 episodes?!) But I watch Miami for it's comedic value -- Horatio's OA drama and my husband's violent reaction to it equals FUN! hehe :0D

What I still fume over is not having the chance to watch the season finale of Criminal Minds. It's stupid Dish Network's fault :0P

Which brings me to the news that we might be getting TFC soon. Hmm. That would give us something to watch over the summer.

Anyway, enough of this. Will try to sleep already. Hope I don't have mushu dreams :0P

the green card that wasn't green.

2006-05-16T18:32:00.000-07:00

Hindi naman pala green ang green card. Puti sya. Ewan ko ba kung bakit green card ang tawag sa kanya. Sabi ng mister ko, nung nakuha nya yung 'green' card nya, pink naman daw ang kulay. Ang labo :0P

Whatever color it is though, I'm thankful that I've finally received mine. At least I don't have to worry about getting deported back to Manila (however remote that possibility is) when my spousal visa expires next year.

Iniisip ko nga na 2 years valid lang yung card ko. According to the regulations, when an application to adjust to permanent resident status is based on a marriage that hasn't reach 2 years yet, the status that will be granted is conditional. Meaning, 2 years valid lang yung card, tapos kapag natapos yung period na yun, one should apply again to have them lift the conditional status, dun palang ibibigay yung 10-year green card. E nung nag-apply kami, a year and 8 mos palang yata kami kasal.

Anyway, I was really surprised and delighted to find out that instead of giving me conditional residency, they actually gave me the 10-year card already! So that means, I don't have to think about applying again and renewing anything.

Hay. Thank God for lucky breaks like this.

Embarassing Moment #2068493564

2006-05-14T18:54:00.000-07:00

You know how there are lay ministers who give out communion?

There's one lay minister in our church who doesn't look like the typical lay minister one would expect (especially if one comes from the Manila). Since he looked 17 to me, I was thinking he's pretty young to be a lay minister. Add the fact that he was sporting a hairstyle worthy of Dragon Ball-Z, you can't blame me for being a lil distracted.

So distracted that when it was my turn to receive communion, I said 'thank you' instead of the requisite 'amen'! :0P

Ang saya talaga!

Frustrated

2006-04-15T23:24:00.000-07:00

I'm crying silent tears of frustration when all I really want to do is to scream and scream or push/throw something just to let out steam.

All I want is the freedom to be myself -- both my nice and not-so-nice-spoiled-brat self. I'm tired of tiptoeing around and keeping everything bottled in for the sake of an audience. I know I could go the other way and let it all out. I know I could. But I won't. Or I can't. 'Coz I'm just not like that.

The rough patches I can sail through as long as I have the privacy and my own space to regroup and to put everything in perspective.

Take that away and I'm lost. And frustrated.

April Fool

2006-04-03T19:43:00.000-07:00

That's what I am (with the rest of the US and Europe, I think):0P

And Daylight Saving Time (which started yesterday) is the collective joke on us.

It really is quite foolish (not to mention, painful) trying to fool (there's the word again...) my body into thinking that it's already an hour later when in truth, it's not.

It's especially hard coz I usually wake up at 5.15AM on a weekday.

This morning, the alarm clock said 5.15 but my whole being knows that it's just FREAKING 4.15 IN THE MORNING.

***

Fallen.

And because of DST, I've fallen off the wagon.

Before today, I've been very good about keeping my coffee consumption low. It has been limited to a couple of sips in the morning, a tall, light coffee frappuccino twice a week (to help keep me awake during my study sessions), and usually a sip or nothing at all on weekends.

But today, today I reached an all-time high. A full cup in the morning and a tall tumbler filled to the brim, which I sipped throughout the day to keep me sane and awake.

By the time I came home from work, I felt like there was a gaping hole of fire burning in my gut.

Not good.

2 years and counting...

2006-03-29T21:16:00.000-08:00

Today is my and Mr.A's 2nd wedding anniversary :0)

I can't believe that it was just two years ago when I made one of the most important (and so far, the best) decision of my life. It really seems longer than that.

Sometimes, it seems that Mr.A and I have been together forever.

Cliche, I know.

Come to think of it, this year is actually our first year together. As in together together.

Looking back, it was one hell of a ride. There were a lot of changes and a lot more adjustments. A lot of discussions, compromise and explanations.

Laughter, conversation and a great deal of patience made the ride less bumpy.

And of course, the love and friendship made everything worthwhile.

***

'Idol' musings

* This week's performances suck big time! Worst week ever in terms of song choices and audience impact.

* Sad how Lisa Tucker totally bombed her version of Kelly Clarkson's 'Because of You' during performance night then was able to nail it head on during her farewell performance.

* I thought Katharine McPhee was one of the best performances. Turned out America didn't agree with me.

* Next week's gonna be 'Country Song' week. Of all genre to choose from, why the hell did they pick country?! Mr.A and I might boycott it next week. But then, we might get curious enough to see how Chris Daughtry will approach next week's challenge.

On the verge.

2006-03-27T21:42:00.000-08:00

At long last, everything seems to be falling into place.

After the success of my adjustment of status interview, the next good news was the positive result of my credentialing evaluation.

Yup, the credentialing agency granted me equivalency. Which means I don't need to take additional classes. Really a lot of load off my mind.

Next step is applying to sit for the CA state boards. Which would take, give or take, another month. Still, I'm half-way there!

I'm already excited and a lil anxious about the boards. Already told my boss that I'll be taking a 3-wk leave to do some intensive studying once I get the go-ahead to take the exam.

He's ok about it, though he did tell me that after all of this, I'll look back and realize that I really don't need to take that leave to get my license. I told him that this means a lot to me that I'd rather not risk it by being too sure of myself :0P

Sigh. Almost there. Pray for me.

Turning over a new leaf.

2006-03-24T21:35:00.000-08:00

Time and again, I've promised myself that I'll make more effort to keep this blog updated.

Time and again, I fail to keep my promise.

Maybe it's because I am so conscious about writing 'properly', when all I should care about is writing for myself.

From now on, I promise to write for myself and not for any audience.

What better time to turn over a new leaf than the first week of spring?

(Though you'll never know it with the amount of rain we've been having :0P)

I woke up late today.

2006-03-21T21:33:00.000-08:00

Why?

Because I was dreaming that I was a contestant in a beauty pageant.

I didn't want to wake up because I wanted to know who won :0P

Talk about weird dreams.

It's a slow day at work.

2006-02-07T12:06:00.000-08:00

And I find myself counting the hours until 3.30 pm.

I hate these slow days. Days like these, I'm stuck doing desk stuff like answering the phones and doing files when I'd much rather treat patients.

3 more hours and 20 minutes.

Nothing shouts adulthood like filing your taxes and balancing your checkbook.

2006-02-05T19:23:00.000-08:00

I was actually surprised that filing our taxes was relatively painless. Balancing the checkbook every other week takes (a lot) more effort.

And in anticipation of our tax refund (hehe), we went to Cache Creek and stuffed ourselves with, among others, roasted lamb, baby back ribs, prime rib, grilled salmon, cocktail shrimp, ice cream, cheesecake and my favorite -- fresh, juicy strawberries.

Then we donated $60 to the slot machines :0P

***

Superbowl Sunday

The Pittsburgh Steelers won, a 21-10 victory over the Seattle Seahawks.

I don't know a thing about football, but I have $2 (or was it $5?) riding on the game.

(When I put down my money, I thought it was for a community raffle. As it turns out, I was adding to the pool for the Superbowl :0P)

At wala akong napala sa pagtaya ko sa ending hehe :0P

For a moment there, I forgot about the complicated process of immigration.

2006-02-01T16:16:00.000-08:00

After sending in my adjustment of status application (to change from a spousal visa to that of a permanent resident) and finally getting my employment authorization, I sorta put everything that's immigration-related to the back of my mind.

I've had other things to think about.

Like work. And my never-ending quest to get licensed here in Cali. Our NY trip (which was a blast, by the way). And the small everyday things that makes a life --- like what to cook for dinner, when to do laundry, where to go on the next three-day weekend (Tahoe, maybe?).

But with the arrival of my appointment letter for the adjustment of status and the appointment itself looming on the horizon, it has been uppermost in my mind again.

Uppermost as in I think of it every single day. Trying to anticipate the unexpected.

It should really be a piece of cake. After all, our marriage is as real as the diamond on my finger. (And I've got the certificate to prove it -- both for the diamond and the marriage.)

But, alas, it doesn't depend on me :0P
Still, there's the uneasiness that comes with being in a situation where you don't know what to expect and where you're not totally in control.

All dressed up.

2006-01-08T07:27:00.000-08:00

Waiting for our train to long island where my friend is getting married. Goin to be late for the ceremony coz i was so slow gettin ready:0p will miss nyc but we're def comin' back!

We heart new york.

2006-01-07T17:59:00.000-08:00

Aboard the ny city bus tours.

Georgia on our mind...

2006-01-06T03:46:00.000-08:00

It's 6am here in atlanta, but we're still in pst, which is 3am, thus the bangag look. Will have coffee first with tessa before going on to ny.

Off we go...

2006-01-05T21:58:00.000-08:00

Waiting for our flight out at the oakland airport. Next stop, atlanta, to meet with a dear friend for breakfast. (Uy,jetsetter ang dating!

Start spreading the news...

2006-01-05T12:37:00.000-08:00

We're leaving today! :0)

Got the mobile blogging up and running so that I can send 'postcards' here while I'm in NY.

(Would have wanted the mobile blog to be a sideblog thingy but I don't have time to figure that one out. Maybe later.)

Anyway, we'll be off at 10.30 tonight, and after a sidetrip to Atlanta to have breakfast with Tessa (yippee!), we'll be in NY by lunch tom.

So yeah... start spreading the news...

Mobile blogging

2006-01-02T02:44:00.000-08:00

Test post

Happy New Year!

2006-01-01T14:12:00.000-08:00

Let me start 2006 with my 100th post and a walk (more like a hop, skip and a jump) down 2005's memory lane...

I was a new wife who had to see her husband off at the airport after just a week of married bliss. I braved the uncertainty, frustration and long lines of the US visa application process. I managed to pack 27 years worth of memories not to mention books, shoes, and clothes into 3 boxes and a suitcase. I travelled thousands of miles, leaving my family, friends and everything familiar and comfortable, to be with the man I chose to spend the rest of my life with. I battled homesickness and the strangeness of a new home, a new country and a new culture, while discovering the intricacies of doing the laundry, washing dishes, vacuuming the carpet and cooking. I spent my weekdays with HGTV, Lifetime and Friendster; my weekends discovering everything that the Bay area and Northern California has to offer. I was blown away by Wicked, awed by Zumanity, enthralled by the fountains of the Bellagio, disappointed by LA, calmed by Laguna Beach and discovered that, for the time being, San Francisco owns my heart. I was annoyed, irritated, frustrated, and angered by my husband but each and every day strengthens the fact that marrying him was and still is, the best decision I've ever made. I started a new job while hoping to be given the go signal to start my career. I've made new friends, weeded out old friends and kept in touch with those I intend to keep. I've come to grips with my homesickness and have settled in. My husband gave me a car and I'm trying my best to learn how to drive it.

And that brings me full circle.

Whew.

I will always remember 2005 as the first year of the rest of my life :0)

Strike three... and I'm out.

2005-12-29T18:18:00.000-08:00

Yup. I am ashamed to say that I screwed up again.

I won't go into specifics 'coz, looking back, it's such a stupid mistake. :0P

Hay. The only good thing about today's experience is my acceptance of the fact that driving is such an effort for me. Forget the cool, femme driver of my illusions. Or my naive belief that since I have a superior IQ, driving should be a piece of cake.

Some people just have a knack for driving. I've accepted that I am not one of them.

Thus, even though I am years removed from being a minor, I told myself that I still need the requisite 50 hours of driving practice before I attempt to sit for another exam again. I need to face the fact that even though I have a license from Manila, it doesn't change the reality that I have less than 10 hours of driving experience.

This time around, I promised myself that I'm going to drive everyday, everywhere until it becomes second nature to me. To try to overcome the urge to give in to the temptation of leaving all the driving to my hubby; to practice driving until the mere thought of driving doesn't make me go into fits of nervous coughing. Practice until I can drive without murmuring to myself: signal, look at the mirrors, look back, change lane. And until I can drive and think about something else other than the fact that I am driving.

Looks like Mr.A got himself a driver for the next month or so :0)

Oh, and there's another silver lining in today's dark cloud.

I don't need to take the written exam again. Yey! :0)

For some reason or another, my DMV examiner waived the written exam when I went back to apply for another permit (remember, 3 strikes and I need to reapply again, which means passing the written test again). I must have looked so sad and pathetic that he took pity on me :0P

(I told my hubby that it's either that or he found me cute. He said it's probably the first one hehe :0P)

So yeah, I still can't help but feel a lil stupid for striking out but instead of wallowing in it, I'll try my best to rise above it and hopefully, overcome it in time.

*Syet, after reading what I wrote, di ako makapaniwala na ako
ito... does this mean I've matured?! Di ko kinaya!

A year ago today, I walked down the aisle.

2005-12-28T19:31:00.000-08:00

As much as I want to reminisce about that day, I can't.

Not until I get my behind-the-wheel exam over with.

Tomorrow afternoon, I will take that friggin' exam for the third freakin' time. And yes, I am frustrated as hell.

Strike one was when I got so rattled when the DMV examiner asked me to parallel park (uhh, what park?) that I forgot to look back (but I looked at the mirrors!) while pulling out of the curb... number two was when I (gently :0P) hit the curb while backing up. Add number three and I'm out.

My husband comforts me with the thought that if I don't make it, I can always try again. No biggie.

Thing is, if I still don't make it this time, I need to retake the written test (which I aced in the first try, thankyouverymuch). And thinking about poring through the DMV handbook again and paying the sitting fee again and going through the stress again of anticipating the behind-the-wheel exam... hay.

Ewan ko ba, I do well when I'm practicing with Mr.A. But as soon as it's just the DMV examiner and I, I turn into a mechanically inept person, seemingly incapable of controlling a compact car:0P

I have never failed this miserably before :0(

I hope that the driving deities will look favorably on me tomorrow. I really, really hope so.

Happy Holidays!!!

2005-12-26T18:49:00.000-08:00

The 3-day Christmas weekend ends today. Will be back to work tomorrow.

So let me tell you about my Christmas this year.

This is my first Christmas here in California and it's kinda bittersweet -- to finally be with my hubby yet far away from most of my family and friends.

I must admit I miss the frenzy of Christmas in Manila -- all the lights, the glitter, the crowds, the hype, the Christmas parties, the family get-togethers, the nights out with friends, the food (especially the food!!). But there is also something to be said about Christmas spent quietly with the person you love the most.

I cried after my Christmas eve phone call to my Dad and brothers in Manila. For a moment, there was this overwhelming sense of sadness that enveloped me. I guess it was a mixture of missing the Christmases past that we shared and the knowledge that all the future Christmases will never be the same again.

Yet different doesn't necessarily mean bad.

I look forward to more Christmas eves spent preparing a simple dinner (baby back ribs this year:0)) and enjoying it with Mr.A; singing Christmas carols and exchanging gifts.

This Christmas, I really missed my family and friends but there was this sense of contentment and peace of mind that I never had before. With Mr.A, I know that, for the first time, I am actually home this Christmas.

***

My husband is a funny guy.

When we were exchanging gifts, he gave me a small bottle of Bath&Body Works body lotion in my favorite scent -- White Tea and Ginger.

Then I gave him his gifts -- 2 shirts, a remote-controlled SUV, a Superman figurine and a bottle of cologne.

After opening his gifts, he said he felt so bad about giving me such a small gift that he'll play me a song on his guitar to somehow make-up for it. I said it was ok but I'll welcome a song :0)

So he went out to the garage to get his guitar, came back to the living room, and started playing a song. And that's when I saw THE bag hanging from his arm!

Yup, THE bag is the gallery tote COACH 2005 holiday patch collection.

I saw it sometime before Thanksgiving and just fell in love with it! I've been dreaming about it but wasn't really serious about buying it 'coz it's sooo expensive! It didn't even make my wishlist 'coz I was thinking that it was too much to ask from my husband.

I guess Mr.A really knows the desires of my heart hehe! :0D

***

Christmas day was spent half in bed (we woke up after 12pm!) and half in front of the TV, with our movie marathon -- LOTR:Return of the King, Madagascar and The Gladiator.

Sweet times!

I've forgotten how physical physical therapy can be.

2005-12-09T12:26:00.000-08:00

And working 8-hours a day refreshed my memory :0P

The last time I felt this tired was when I was an intern. And since we have 30-minute slots for patients here as opposed to the one-hour slots in Manila, I guess that makes me doubly tired.

This week just drained me. As soon as I finish with my hot shower, I fall into bed. And that's at nine in the evening! I must be getting old :0P

Like last Monday, we went out for dinner and a movie then got home at the fairly decent hour of eleven. I was in bed and asleep in half an hour but I still found it so difficult to wake up the next day, you'd think I stayed out the whole night!

Hay. I miss my early twenties :0P

Been a couch potato all weekend long.

2005-12-04T19:54:00.000-08:00

And I am not complaining :0)

Staying in allowed me to blog (obviously!) and to reacquaint myself with an old friend:

Meet Kitty, my iPAQ.

She and I used to be best buddies, but moving here and leaving my laptop behind in Manila kinda made us drift apart.

Now, all the reasons why we became best buds then are slowly becoming clear again.

And saying goodbye to scrawled reminder and to-do lists on random scraps of paper is just one of them.

***

And since we're on friendships anyhow...

I miss my friends. Especially my college barkada.

I miss the counselling sessions over coffee. I miss the regular get-together at Alda's and the conversations that seem to flow endlessly -- from jologs showbiz chismis to everyday life anecdotes to intellectually stimulating topics like sex (hehe!) and umm... health policies :0) I miss the wit, the jibes, the understanding, the laughter, the acceptance.

Most of all, I miss the comfort of knowing that yes, you are among friends.

***

Don't wanna end on such a senti note.

So, just wanna say that I'm looking forward to our NY trip in January. Yey!

Trust my husband to make everything fun.

2005-12-04T00:38:00.000-08:00

Or in the case of folding the laundry, bearable.

He laid out the sleeping bag in front of the big TV in the family room, turned on the heater to make the room cozy, chose a chick flick in the DVR, dumped the freshly washed clothes in the sleeping bag and proceeded to fold the clothes with me.

And before I knew it, we had quite a pile of neatly folded clothes waiting to be put away :0)

Let me say it again: I am so lucky to have you, babe.

***

Speaking of Lucky.

I'm digging Lucky magazine more and more. In Style's ok but Lucky's turning out to be more helpful fashion-wise.

Found a lot of layering inspiration on their November and December issues. Perfect for the wintry months ahead. Can't wait to go through my closet to put inspiration to action.

I need a holiday after the holidays.

2005-12-01T07:31:00.000-08:00

Had a four-day weekend last week and I'm dog-tired :0P My mom, my sis and my sis' friend came over for Thanksgiving and we spent the whole weekend walking, shopping, eating, walking, shopping, eating, walking... shopping... eating...

It was definitely fun but utterly exhausting.

Can't wait for the weekend.

I love you, Sabado.

2005-10-27T18:06:00.000-07:00

Pati na rin Linggo.

And also Thursdays. I love Thursdays.

Thursdays bring with them the promise of weekend. Thursdays usually usher in payday. Thursdays are CSI Vegas days.

I'm so glad it's Thursday already :0)

***

Speaking of Jollibee.

(Are we? Well, now we are :0P)

We gave in to our cravings Tuesday night and braved the rush-hour traffic of Carquinez bridge to go to Vallejo and have dinner at Jollibee.

We all had Palabok and a 2-piece Chickenjoy meal. Mr.A and Tita Mommy each got Halo-halo while I sampled their version of Melon Pearl Shake.

Tasting a Chickenjoy again : Priceless. Cost of the whole foodtrip: $45. Paksyet! Ang mahal!

Hay. Mukhang pang-special occasions na lang ang Jollibee dito :0P

Bed weather.

2005-10-26T17:35:00.000-07:00

Today's cold. Frickin' cold.

A preview of what winter's gonna be like, I guess... and I don't like it :0P

Getting up this morning was torture! It took all of my willpower (and then some) to leave the warmth of the covers. Even had to bring the portable heater into the bathroom to take the edge off the morning cold. Good thing I had my hot shower and coffee to look forward to! Kundi, ewan ko na!

Been also forced to layer up lately. Unlike before when I all I needed was a jacket or a coat to go on top of whatever I was wearing, nowadays, I need a cardigan/sweater beneath the jacket/coat to feel warm. Plus gloves, a scarf and a hood.

I've also been thinking about buying a pair of nice boots. I'm always stuck with wearing my sneakers on cold days since that's about the only pair I have that I can wear with socks. Maybe I can get thigh-high ones. Oohh, shoe shopping!

Anyway, back to the cold.

Aside from the cold, the late sun rise is also a sure sign that winter's almost here. Seven AM here nowadays is like frickin' 4AM in Manila! I kid you not! As in sobrang dilim pa! Parang ang aga-aga ko tuloy pumapasok :0P Hay talaga.

Oh, and that's not the worst of it. It also rained this morning :0P

It would have been a perfect day to stay in bed.

Kung pwede nga lang talaga :0P

It's been a long and tiring week so far.

2005-10-19T16:16:00.000-07:00

Monday, I worked for 2 more hours than usual.

I guess I'm not used to working a straight 8-hour day anymore. I arrived home feeling so, so tired. Fell asleep at 8 in the evening!!

Today, we were short-staffed. Seemed like I was on my feet the whole 6-hours that I was working!

But what I've noticed about busy days, they pass by so quickly! I really don't notice I'm tired until the day's over, by then, low-batt na talaga ako. I spend my commute back dozing on and off for fear of missing my stop.

Didn't even have the chance to practice driving this week. I used to take the wheel from Mr.A, driving from the BART station to wherever we want to have lunch then driving home after. But this week, I just didn't have the energy to drive. Hay.

***

Today, my 10-week dance card ends.

I feel guilty 'coz I wasted 4 meetings :0P

At first, I was so good at showing up for class every week. Then there was that week that I got sick and missed a class. Then our week-long roadtrip happened and I missed one more class. Then work started and it seemed like I was tired everyday after work so I missed a few more classes.

Before I knew it, I still had 5 classes on my card and only two weeks left.

Hay. It seemed like life got in the way of my pursuit of fitness and belly-dancing greatness.

I know. Excuses, excuses.

***

Might try Pilates next.

Or yoga.

Or something that would give me a lean-mean-fighting-machine figure.

Belly dancing class was fun. But it seemed to be giving me more hips! Admittedly, they were muscular hips, but still!

I'm having a hard time as it is finding pants that fit both at the waist and at the hips.

And just like that, the weekend is over.

2005-10-16T16:07:00.000-07:00

This weekend passed by in a blur of shows (CSI NY, CSI Miami) and movies (Stand By Me, Ray, Merlin) and cups of vanilla and rocky road ice cream.

That's not to say that we just stayed home the whole time being anti-social. Na-ah. We actually ended the weekend with champagne and a very nice Italian dinner at my boss' engagement party.

The good thing about moving to another country

2005-10-15T23:58:00.000-07:00

is that you can go out looking dukha without worrying about bumping into a former flame, rival or crush. Hehe :0D

I'm so vain :0P

TGIF!

2005-10-14T16:14:00.000-07:00

The good thing about working (aside from getting paid, of course) is getting to really appreciate weekends :0)

Ever since I started working, I've come to look forward to weekends and the treasures that they bring -- sleeping in, late nights, lazy afternoons, long drives, new places, long conversations, and spending hours and hours with my husband. Whether we spend it at home or out gallivanting, weekends never fail to recharge me.

For me, weekends come at a perfect time -- I start to lose steam by Wednesday, and by the time Friday rolls around, I'm running on just caffeine and anticipation of another weekend!

I wonder what this particular weekend would bring? :0)

***

My random 20.

1. I love shoes as much as I love books.
2. Comfort food for me nowadays is a serving of Thai fresh rolls.
3. I much rather drive a car than an SUV.
4. I like washing dishes by hand, it gives me time to think about things.
5. I wore gold shoes during my wedding day.
6. I spend a total of 2 hours commuting daily.
7. I eat fresh pineapples but I don't drink pineapple juice.
8. I abhor snakes.
9. I suck at Math.
10. My least liked chore is folding the laundry.
11. I love, love Chevy's strawberry margaritas.
12. I can't take power naps, they just make my head ache.
13. I'm not a big fan of chocolates. A bite is usually enough for me.
14. I don't drink beer.
15. I learned, just recently, that having breakfast really makes a difference.
16. I get cold easily which makes me wonder how I'll survive NY in January :0P
17. My husband was my classmate in fifth and sixth grade.
18. A hot shower never fails to relax me.
19. I like San Francisco better than LA.
20. I love the beach -- I don't really like swimming, but gazing at the ocean, listening to it and feeling sand between my toes bring me peace.

Ooops, forgot to time myself :0P I guess this means it's free for all!

Talk about drastic lifestyle changes.

2005-10-13T15:52:00.000-07:00

Today, I stopped my usual half-cup of coffee in the morning and went through withdrawal.

And it ain't pretty!

I was bleary-eyed and groggy, dozing on and off during the length of my commute. By the time I got to work, my head felt like it was stuffed with cotton. I was yawning all over the place, with no energy to work up even a semblance of a smile :0P

I knew that I had a good reason for this lifestyle change (to wave a final goodbye to heartburn) but before the morning was over, I have totally forgotten my good intention. I was well on my way to cursing myself.

When my boss offered to go on a coffee run mid-morning, I gave in and almost wept for joy as I took my first sip.

Lesson learned -- never again will I try to face the early morning rush without even a drop of coffee in my body. Adik na kung adik :0P

waiting mode.

2005-10-12T16:24:00.000-07:00

Been working for a month already but I still can't settle down and focus. It's because I know that this job is still temporary. My end goal is still to practice PT.

I'm still in the credentialling process. Still waiting for a couple of course decriptions for a few of my post-grad subjects. I feel so helpless about it since I can't do anything to speed things up.

Dang it! I want my PT license already... pwede ba NOW NA?! :0P

***

hmm.

Someone described me as well-stacked. I'm still deciding whether I should be offended or flattered.

***

happy shopper

Window shopping last Sunday led to two awesome bargains!

Topping the list is the round-toed Bruno Magli black flats that I got for $39 :0) A close second is the black linen bebe drawstring pants on sale for 26.25!

There's no comparing the high I get from finding such bargains :0)

So many things to blog about...

2005-09-26T21:35:00.000-07:00

too little time. :0P

***

My domestic goddess status is being put to the test. I'm learning how to juggle a husband, a job, a household and a life. So far, so good.

***

Just got diagnosed with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disorder). That means bye-bye to softdrinks, fatty and spicy food, and even chocolates... in short, all the good things in life :0( Sigh.

Looking on the bright side, maybe I can finally get rid of the 5 pounds I gained ever since I moved here :0)

***

Got my temporary license when I passed the DMV written test. All I need now is to pass the actual driving test to make my and Nognog's affair legal :0)

Sleepy.

2005-09-08T18:25:00.000-07:00

Been like a zombie ever since I started work Tuesday. I'm so not used to waking up early anymore!!!

My brain can't seem to string together enough sentences for a travelogue. Will try to do it this weekend.

Oh, and Wicked rocks!