Conversion of a nerve impulse to a muscle impulse occurs through a complicated process.

At last. I finally got to jumpstart my studying.

I spent 4 hours today at the nearest Barnes and Noble, sipping my tall coffee frapp, and digesting two chapters of Brunnstrom's Clinical Kinesiology.

It was touch and go for a moment as I almost gave in to the overwhelming impulse of taking a break and thumbing through some magazines after just half an hour of muscle physiology.

But I held on.

And before I knew it, Mr.A was by my side to pick me up and I've not only read, but comprehended, a total of 38 pages full of kinetics and neuromuscular physiology.

And the only lingering evidence of that highly taxing mental activity of mine is this headache and my newly acquired appreciation of the anaerobic and aerobic activities.

So I say, bring it on!

Today, the future looks promising.

Yep. I've had a change of heart. After a long and soothing talk with my hubby, I am not so afraid anymore.

Oh, I still have the jitters about embarking on to the wonderful world of the employed here in California. I just managed to put everything in perspective.

Maybe it's having a lil confidence on my abilities, easing the pressure I was putting on myself and taking things one at a time that made all the difference.

Or maybe it was because we spent the afternoon at Six Flags Waterworld. After all it's difficult staying down while playing in an H2O wonderland :0)

***

Yesterday was V2, today the Tornado.



*Pics from the Six Flags Waterworld site

Suddenly, the future looks frightening.

Ever get those days when everything appears so uncertain? When instead of looking forward to so many new things, you just see the strangeness of it all? When starting over again seemed such an impossible feat? And instead of embracing change, you just want to shut and lock the door on its face?

Today has been that kind of day.

I guess receiving my employment authorization card in the mail triggered it.

Suddenly, I'm on the verge of a whole new world again. And I'm afraid of not making it.

I survived Vertical Velocity.

Imagine riding a roller coaster. Now, take away the floor of the coaster, make the turns tighter and launch it backwards at a speed of 70mph in 4 seconds.

That's V2.

And the only way I was able to survive it gracefully was due to the fact that I kept my eyes closed for most of the ride (most because Mr.A managed to trick me into opening my eyes for a few seconds while we were hanging upside down:0P). Killjoy? Maybe. But it's better than puking my guts out while alighting :0P

*Picture from the Six Flags Marine World Site.

***
We took home new friends.

There's Shouka, the killer whale. We got her because the lady at the I-Will-Guess-Your-Age booth thinks I'm 34. Freaking 34! WTF.

She said she exaggerated because my seemingly youthful appearance was very misleading. But still, 34? :0P

Then Bart came to us after Mr.A was able to shoot the ball inside the barrel. Easy sounding game but it was hard.

And finally, there's hydrocephalic Tweety (big, big head!). I won her in the shooting contest. Emerging victorious among three 5-year olds and two teens.

***
Spoiled Princess alert.

Oh, and if you see a somewhat erratic driver on I-180 driving a dusty black Civic, with a menagerie of sea creatures at the back and a spoiled princess alert, honk to say hello.

That's gonna be me and Nognog :0)

Meet Nognog.

My 2005 black Honda Civic VP sedan.

He's just a few weeks old and we're still on the getting-to-know-you stage. You know, more than acquaintances yet still not bosom buddies.

We've had a few spins around the city. And so far, we've been liking the time we spent with each other. So much that we've finally decided to take our relationship to the next level last Sunday.

The freeway level.

Although I was nervous about it, holding Nognog with clammy hands, he didn't fail me. Actually, he amazed me (and helped me amazed myself in the process). He was understanding and patient all throughout. Not minding the death-grip I had on him, he was very good company, listening and following my minutest request until we reached our destination and back.

Proving that he and I can be the best of friends.

Oh, yes. I can feel it under my new-driver nerves. This friendship is destined to go places :0)

***
Of course, more than my and Nognog's friendship, the real credit goes to my husband, driving-instructor extraordinaire!

Bibi, thank you for trusting me enough with your life and limb (not to mention with the spanking-new car :0P). Maybe you saw a me at >60mph that I haven't imagined before. Whatever your reason, I thank and love you for it.

Back to the grind.

I can't believe that after almost 5 years, I'm back to this again :0P

Sigh. But I don't really have a choice. I need to take the boards here so I can practice my profession.

It would have been easier if I don't love my profession. Or if even if I do love it, monetary concerns would prevent me from pursuing it. But that's not the case.

Lucky, lucky me to love a profession that is really lucrative.

And all that's keeping me from practicing the profession I love and earning from it is the NPTE.

I know, I know. I should just stop whining and get on with the studying.

Undulate.

Undulate v. & adj. *v. have or cause to have a wavy motion or look. *adj. wavy; going alternately up and down or in and out.

This was the goal at the end of my first (75-minute) belly-dancing class last night.

That and making your butt beat like a heart (no kidding!).

Looking at my weak attempts at the end of the class and comparing them with the instructor's sinuous undulations and rhythmically beating behind, I'm sure that I'm as far away from that goal as San Francisco is to Malate :0P But I did come to a few conclusions.

One, that I am pathetically tight (can't even reach my toes while long-sitting!). Two, that I am embarassingly out-of-shape (my feeble attempt at lower ab crunches? 4 reps :0P). And three, that I want to undulate like that even if it kills me or I tear my abdominals, whichever comes first!

I left the class feeling like my whole lower half went through a wringer. But there was also hope in my heart. Hope that with the help of my newly purchased 10-class dance card, my butt could then start beating.

*photo from Suhaila.com

I hate the Half-Blood Prince.

(Serious spoiler alert.)

I hate him for his unfair treatment of Harry all through the years.

I hate him for his treachery to the Order of the Phoenix.

I hate him for using his superior wizarding skills for the Dark Arts.

I hate him because, through the years, I was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.

But most of all, I truly hate him for killing Dumbledore.

I hope Voldermort kills Snape soon.

***

Book VI broke my heart.

How can a book with so much love in the air at the start, end in such a desolate way.

I couldn't believe that after doing in Sirius, Rowling would also kill Dumbledore. But then, I guess it was the only way that Harry would ever find the strength to face Voldermort.

Until then, I mourn for Harry and his greatest loss yet.

My kind of Saturday.

Shopping and dinner with my hubby :0)


Went around Macy's, Union Square and found sexy, sexy shoes at less than $50. Quite a steal judging from the average prices of most of their stock.

As you can see, it's the quintessential strappy heel. I am such a sucker for high and sexy heels! Can't seem to get enough of them. Plus this one is ultra-comfy (well, as comfy as any high heels can get :0P).

I can almost see myself wearing it during my first visit to Vegas. Hmm. The fountains at the Bellagio and satin shoe candy. What more can a girl want? :0)

Oh, but the night's high didn't stop there. It continued on with our scrumptious dinner at the Metreon.


The Firewood Cafe surprised us with its low prices, adequate servings and oh-so-delish dishes.

Mr. A and I had their Mushroom Pizza, crispy, thin crust with a delectable topping of sauteed shiitake, oyster and crimini mushrooms with caramelized onions in tomato sauce, for starters. Then we shared a half-order of Honey-Dijon Glazed Chicken with the Capellini Pasta. The pasta, tossed in the seemingly simple sauce of garlic, Roma tomatoes, basil and olive oil was a refreshing partner to the meltingly succulent meat of the chicken.

And as a big mustard fan, I proclaim their Honey-Dijon Glaze to be smooth perfection.

All that for just under $30! No wonder I'm singing Firewood Cafe's praises! It's hard to get a decent and satisfying Italian meal for that kind of price, and in San Francisco, no less!

All in all, this was really my kind of Saturday.

Can't wait!

Tatlong tulog na lang...

***

Three new photo albums are up. You know you want to visit them :0)

• San Francisco Zoo


• Rose Garden


• Ocean Beach & Pt. Funston
  

Seemed like forever.

1st Row(L-R):Arrival at SFO, Yerba Buena Garden, SF Zoo
2nd Row(L-R):Pier 39, Sta. Cruz beach, Ghirardelli Square
3rd Row(L-R):Going to Gilroy, Waiting for the fireworks


Has it been just three months ago?

Three months since I cried brokenly while I waited for baggage inspection at the NAIA. Three months since I first glimpsed the rolling hills and foggy bay of Northern California.

Twelve weeks that started with homesickness and strangeness, slowly developing into familiarity and comfort.

Suddenly, Manila, and all the memories associated with it, seemed so long ago.

Life does go on.

nerdy post ahead

I am so excited about finally getting a library card!!!

I've been planning to get it ever since I got here but I needed some form of ID with our address on it. Anyway, yesterday, I finally got it!!!

Spent almost an hour browsing through the nearest library, looking at what they have to offer. What's so nice about this is I have access not only to the nearest library, but to the entire county's library system! That's 23 libraries! For free!

That's not all, they have an on-line system that lets you browse through the entire collection, reserve the books, magazines, even videos, that you want and have it delivered to the nearest library for pick-up. How cool is that?!

Ok. I know my third-world country roots are showing here but I ask again, how cool is that?! :0)

I wanted to borrow so many things yesterday but I ended up going home with Nabokov (Lolita) and Morrison (Sula) with The Devil Wears Prada as rest in between. :0) Also got GH and O Magazine for some recipes.

I'll probably be back before the 3-weeks due date. Needless to say, my boring days are over. :0)

Start disclaimer: Allow me to say that I get as excited when I get a pair of sexy heels, a yummy shade of lipstick or even the perfect top for my body shape. End disclaimer.

4th of July (my first!)

We spent the 4th of July long weekend at home.

Oh, we had ambitious plans at the start of the week... like driving down to Hearst Castle, going to Big Sur or even just to Point Reyes. But practicalities (and laziness :0P) took over so we ended up staying at home and catching up with chores.

I did a week's worth of laundry and Mr. A vacuumed the whole house, even deep-cleaning the carpets. We also watched TV, hang out at Barnes, window-shopped at Target. He even convinced me to play video games.

We played TETRIS and I sucked. We played BUST A MOVE, I still sucked. We went to BUSTA GROOVE... and you guessed it, I sucked big time :0P No surprise since I can count on one hand the number of times I've played video games in my entire life. :0P

Then Mr. A invited me to play MORTAL KOMBAT II. I was ready to give up but I didn't want to be such a sore loser so I gave in. And ended up beating him. Hah!

Don't ask me how I did it coz I don't know! I just kept pushing buttons with no semblance of strategy or technique whatsoever. He kept saying it was pure luck (tsamba kumbaga) but 6 consecutive losses? I DON'T THINK SO! hehe :0D

The weekend may sound boring but times like these are what I really treasure. I still consider it a privilege to be able to do 'normal' couple stuff with him. Maybe it's because we came from a long distance romance. Whatever, I just hope I won't ever lose this gratefulness over just being with him.

***

We went to the city (in our part of the world, that means San Francisco) on the 4th itself to catch the fireworks show.

We left the house at around 4pm, stopped by Jack in the Box for shakes and curly fries to fuel us for the drive and proceeded to the big city :0) Good thing coz even though going into the city itself was relatively fast and easy, getting to Pier 39 (where the show was) was not. I think it took us almost an hour just to get through Embarcadero! Traffic was at a snail's pace and there were soo many people! Parang Ortigas kapag may midnight sale ang Megamall, Galleria at Shangri la!

Parking was easy when we finally got to PIER 39 coz we opted for the (really expensive, as in taga) $25 parking lot near the bay. To keep my kuripot self somewhat satisfied, Mr. A assured me that it will give us front row seats to the show.

Since we still had time to kill, we went around PIER 39, browsing through gift shops and people watching. I got a porcelain heart charm with my name on it and Mr.A bought us beanies. We saw all sorts of people, some looking very much like the tourists they are and others, very much the locals. There were people dressed as if going to the beach and people dressed as if going to the prom, stilettoes and all.

We also had time to catch the CRYSTAL GEYSER show of Big Al(catraz). It was sooo cheesy that it's funny! hehe :0D

For dinner, we got corndogs and a bread bowl of chowder to share. We ate in the car, listened to music and basically just hang out while watching the number of people in the parking lot grow. (Seemed like my hubby was soo right about parking there!)

Five minutes before the show was scheduled to start, we went out of the car (the scene by then was like Star City or Boom na Boom during Christmas time!) and shared in the atmosphere of anticipation.

Finally it started. There were red ones, green ones, white ones, purple ones, yellow ones and blue ones. Some were showers of light while others were explosions. Some seem so high up that I thought the airplanes passing by would get caught in them while others looked so near that I could reach out and touch them. There were times when only one color would fill the sky and times when you'd think that a rainbow just burst out in the seams.

And every one of them was magical.

I felt like a kid seeing fireworks for the first time. In fact, everyone there was a kid that night, ooohh-ing and aaaahhh-ing and clapping hands in delight.

It was over too soon. But the memory of watching such beauty while wrapped in my husband's loving arms would stay with me for a long time.

Good times really. :0)

Happy 4 years, Babe!

I've waited 23 years to meet the guy of my dreams, another 2 years and 8 months to marry him and a total of 3 years, 9 months to finally be with him.

Ours was a long-distance romance that culminated in marriage, and finally, togetherness.

You're the best thing that ever happened to me, babe. I love you!

Ikaw lang. Lagi.

***

Spent our anniversary weekend at the beach and at the heart of California wine country. Details next time :0)

Oh and our pic was polaroid-o-nized here (got the link from her... thanks, Maya!)

R and R 001

I heart Tootsie

Raving about...

Our afternoon walk in the park. Cruisin' around the neighborhood in a sexy new car. Three new books on my nightstand (The Virgin Suicides, The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants, The Jane Austen Book Club). Buying the HP Book 6 in advance, at 40% off the SRP. Lots of gift cards to see us through our poverty-stricken days (due to sexy new car :0P).

Ranting about the frickin' prickly heat rash that I have.

Leche! Halos dalawang dekada ako sa Pilipinas na hindi tinatablan ng bungang araw! Kung kailan na nandito ako sa Amerika, saka ako nagkaroon. Labo, men.

what matters most...

It doesn't matter that I don't have a Cali license yet. Or that I probably have to wait 48 years before I get one. :0P

It doesn't matter that we'll be doing some tightening of our belts the next few months. Or that it'll be fall already before we can do Vegas.

It doesn't matter that I'll probably be turning my brains inside out to come up with new dishes to cook. Or that it'll be some time before we can eat out again.

Nope. Those things don't really matter. What matters most is the fact that...



I HAVE A NEW CAR.

Overdrive

Last Wednesday, I drove home alone :0D (This may not seem like such a big deal, but for me, it is!)

Here's the story behind that milestone in my life:

We had to take Tita Mommy's car (my MIL) to the service center for an oil change and a smog test. After Mr.A's work, we picked the car up at the Park and Ride where Tita Mommy leaves it every morning (she carpools to the city) and left the CRV in its place..

After our errand, Mr.A was wondering whether to go straight home and pick up Tita Mommy (she took the bus home that day; she doesn't like driving the CRV) so she can drive us back to the Park and Ride to get the CRV or... we could go straight to the Park and Ride and I could drive one of the cars home.

Me to myself: I could. I could? Can I? OMG. I could, couldn't I?!

I'll spare you the rest of the dialogue I had with myself. Suffice to say, I mustered enough guts to do it. Looking back, I'm not sure who was more nervous, me or my husband hehe :0P

It felt soo good and soo... I don't know... liberating?... to have that kind of freedom at your fingertips. I'm still going to wait for my Cali license before I start driving regularly but I'm glad I took that first step :0)

Grief

"I'm ashamed to admit how hard I'd worked over the years to keep from thinking about Satsu, and my father and mother, and our tipsy house on the sea cliffs. I'd been like a child with my head in a bag. All I'd seen day after day was Gion, so much so that I'd come to think Gion was everything, and that the only thing that mattered in the world was Gion. But now that I was outside Kyoto, I could see that for most people life had nothing to do with Gion at all; and of course, I couldn't stop thinking of the other life I'd once led. Grief is a most peculiar thing; we're so helpless in the face of it. It's like a window that will simply open of its own accord. The room grows cold, and we can do nothing but shiver. But it opens a little less each time, and a little less; and one day we wonder what has become of it."

- from Memoirs of a Geisha by A. Golden

Tootsie

Tootsie, our baby for the meantime :0)

Since Mr.A and I don't have any plans of having kids yet for the next 12 months, Tootsie serves as the resident 'baby' of our household. And we went through some parenting pangs this afternoon when we took Tootsie to the pet clinic.

Tootsie's been licking and licking and licking her right front paw that it turned into an angry bright red already. Since she wouldn't let Mr.A nor I touch it to see what's wrong, we deemed it necessary to go to the clinic.

Turned out that our baby had a foxtail stuck in her paw. There was also one in her right hind paw, and one in her neck. It was painful seeing her squirm and whine while she was muzzled and Mr.A was holding her down so the doctor could pull the painful culprits out. I almost cried watching her try to get loose (I'm such a sap! Just imagine when I'm a mom already :0P) while the doctor injected her with antibiotics to stop any infection that might occur.

But it's all good. The doc was thankful that we noticed it early enough. Later would have meant giving the foxtail a chance to get under her skin and she would then need sedation to take it out. We just need to give her oral antibiotics,with a clear lotion and betadine for the affected parts for the next 7 days.

Tootsie's not too happy about it though. She's not allowed to go out the backyard now since our backyard is infested with foxtails :0P This mean's she'll be stuck inside the house with me. Poor baby :0P

Past, Present, Future

10 Years Ago, I...
* was still a naive, impressionable iskolar ng bayan.
* carried a cat bag with a mangled cat inside for most of a semester.
* fell for a friend and ruined a good friendship :0P

5 Years Ago, I...
* gave up a moneyed career as a med rep to pursue my real calling.
* passed the Philippine Physical Therapy Boards.
* travelled from Pque to QC thrice a week for a low paying job that I enjoyed (go figure!)

3 Years Ago, I...
* celebrated my first year with Mr.A.
* was stuck in jockland, pampering mostly spoiled athletes who treated me as a glorified-masahista with a degree and a license :0P
* started blogging.

A Year Ago, I...
* got married in a civil ceremony.
* went to Boracay and Sagada for the first time.
* was still in grad school.

This Year, I...
* went through the nightmare of immigration and lived to tell the tale.
* moved to another country.
* am finally living the good life with the one I love :0)

Yesterday, I...
* watched Episode 1: The Phantom Menace on DVD, just to freshen up my memory for Episode II and finally, Episode III.
* got my chika fix of the month when I called up Ate Jo in Manila.
* started reading Mirror, Mirror by Gregory Maguire.

Today, I...
* woke up at 11am.
* spent most of the day surfing the net at Mr.A's office.
* tried a new dish for dinner (calamari and prawns sauteed with mushrooms, bell peppers, onions and sweet Thai basil) and loved it!

Tomorrow, I will...
* drive up to Sacramento with my husband.
* finally meet up with a former grade-school classmate.
* attend my first Filipino Fiesta here in California.

Still with my hubby at his office (actually, a laboratory). He's catching up on work that piled up this week... quite possibly because he always goes home early to take me to my appointments :0P Thus, I'm returning the favor and keeping him company.

Plus, it's easier staying here, surfing the net and having him within my view rather than staying at home, surfing the net and having to worry about his not being home yet.

Sigh. I am such a wife hehe :0P

Survey Five

Five Things You May Not Know About My Time In School:
* The only time I ever got called to the principal's office during HS was when I spearheaded the school's JS Prom.
* I cut class only twice in my entire school life... both instances in college. (Hay. Patapon na ako nung college :0P)
* I took up ARNIS in PE and got a 2.75 for my efforts :0P
* I was a college scholar during my first semester as a full-time post-grad student.
* During my AS days, I used to come to class wearing a loose shirt, boxers, white socks and sneakers.

Five Things You May Not Know About The Jobs I Had:
* I've had a mother demonstrate to me how strong her breastmilk flow was.
* I saw stars when I was struck, hard, on the chest, by a much taller and much heavier, 14-yr. old boy with behavioral problems.
* I've played the patient, kind listener when that's the last thing I can think of being.
* I've had an 80-year old man hit on me.
* I've been cursed, clawed, pinched and shouted at more than once.

Five Things You May Not Know About My Online Life:
* I have 4 e-mail accounts, one gmail and three hotmails.
* I've had, to count, five blogs, since 2002.
* I used to frequent chatrooms and make up new identities.
* I'm a blog lurker.
* Nowadays, I get my Pinoy chismis fix from abs-cbn.com

Five Things You May Not Know About Where I Live:
* The sun sets here at around 9 in the evening.
* About a 5-min drive east, you'll find rolling hills. A 5-min drive west, you'll find the glistening bay.
* We have a very pretty, warm and cozy yellow kitchen.
* There's an apple tree, a peach tree, a perssimon tree and a grape vine in our backyard.
* We have a mirrored headboard ;0)

Five Things You May Not Know About My Home Life:
* For most of the weekdays, I only have a dog for company.
* I have lunch with my husband every single day.
* I rarely spend time in the living room.
* I try, as much as possible, to always have fresh flowers on the dining room table.
* I still don't know how to use the washer and dryer.

Five Things You May Not Know That I Desperately Want:
* A job that pays well.
* To pass the State Boards.
* To never fail my husband and family.
* A Coach bag and wallet.
* A red Benz.

Five Embarassing Fannish Admissions I Have That You May Not Know:
* For a while, in my young and tender years (hehe!), I was obsessed about Parokya Ni Edgar's bassist, Buwi.
* While in Sanrio Puroland, I (gently) shoved a few Japanese kids off Hello Kitty so that I can have my picture taken with her.
* I try to watch every Aga Muhlach movie that I can.
* I find Nicolas Cage sexy.
* I watch even the reruns of CSI just to get my weekly Grissom fix.

Five Things You May Not know About What I Do In A Typical Day:
* I call my husband at work just to flirt with him ;0)
* Watch HGTV or the Lifetime channel.
* Allot time to fold the plastic grocery bags into small, neat, triangular packages.
* Keep the TV on the whole day (until my hubby gets home) for background noise.
* Spend the an hour or two surfing the web.


Why the survey? I'm currently keeping my hubby company at his office as he finishes some work. Yup. On a lovely Saturday afternoon. But I'd rather be here with him than out somewhere with anyone else.

Looking forward

Got an e-mail from my Dad today. It made me a lil sad coz the tone of his e-mail was a lil sad. Seems like my family is missing me badly.

I miss them too. I just try not to dwell on it too much. Thinking about the life I left behind in Manila makes me lonely and afraid. Lonely for the family and all the friends I've left behind. Afraid of literally starting again from scratch. Looking back makes me realize how far I've come before and how much I had.

That's why I resolutely focus forward. I take each day as they come and try not to be too overwhelmed. I really am excited about the future and all it has to offer. And knowing myself, I value the journey to that future more than the actual destination :0) I'm just so thankful I found the perfect partner to travel with.

I guess it's hard for parents to see their kids leave the nest and start a life of their own. What more if that new life is half-way across the world from them.

Life's little pleasures

Went to the Filipino Supermarket in Vallejo last night. And look what I found!!!

Really happy about finding the Century Tuna Hot and Spicy. Sayang nga lang 'coz there was only one left. Would have wanted at least 6 cans:0P

A Very Long Weekend Indeed

Weekend Warriors


the momentous first stroke of color

The last weekend of May is the 3-day Memorial Weekend, the unofficial start to summer here in the States. But as most of America plan their start-of-summer trips, my husband and I geared up for our first-ever DIY home improvement project --- transforming our kitchen (including the ceiling) into a warm, cozy sunny yellow from its present cold white appearance.

We worked from 8am to 12 midnight of Saturday, and from the afternoon of Sunday to the early hours of Monday.

And these are just some of the lessons we’ve learned (some of it, the hard way) along the way.

Lesson #1: Take off the painter’s tape while the paint is still wet!

I can’t stress this enough! This is actually our biggest and most time-consuming mistake. We were so tired after painting the top coat that we came around to removing the painter’s tape the day after. And we were so dismayed to discover that some of the paint strips off with the tape :0P What resulted was a long overtime of retouching the stripped areas.

Lesson #2: The preparation time is longer than the actual painting time.

It took us most of the day to prepare our walls for repainting. We scrubbed, wiped, spackled, sanded and primed before we even got around to applying the first brush-stroke of our yellow paint.

Lesson #3: Take into consideration the colors of the switches and outlets.

As we were basking in the glow of our sunny kitchen, the dingy off white switches and outlets seemed to be shouting their desire to be changed. That meant new switches, sockets and plates plus rewiring everything.

Lesson #4: Make a list of everything, and I mean everything, you could ever need for the project and get it in one visit.

Returning to the Home Depot again and again ate into our actual project time thus extending it.

Lesson #5: Share the work.

Mr. A helped in returning everything to its proper place and I helped in rewiring the outlets and the switches. This way, he learned something about balance and design and I learned a thing or two about power drills and wiring.

Lesson #6: Turn off the power of the whole house while rewiring.

We were properly outfitted for the painting job with safety goggles, gloves and masks. But when we were rewiring the switches and sockets, we first tried turning off just the kitchen zone. Mr. A found out the hard way (by touching a live wire; he's ok, just a lil startled at the experience :0P) that one of the switches was still alive.

Lesson #7: Enjoy yourselves!

It was tiring work, I admit. By the time we finished painting, my hand felt numbed and I had zero grip strength, my husband, on the other hand, had neck and arm strain with a VPS of 7/10 :0P But since we talked, laughed, sang and even danced through it all, it was also bonding time for both of us.

After everything, it was rewarding to finally get rid of the coldness of our kitchen. Plus our much brighter and cozier kitchen is another tangible evidence that we really are good together :0)

Destressing


Our bargain finds

After working so hard for the first two days of the weekend, we decided to destressed on the third day. What better way to destress than to shop our fatigue away!

We traveled the ~100 miles to the Gilroy Premium Outlets.

It's 145 stores of shopping heaven :0) Our best bargains of the day were my Hello Kitty bag and cellphone holder, both for just $9, my funky Nike walking shoes for $31 (with a free pair of Nike socks thrown in), Mr. A's Geoffrey Beene shirt and my Van Heusen blouse for just $14 each.

Even found three $5 dollar coupons lying around at the counter when we stopped for drinks:0) Really helped us in making more of a bargain.

Actually bought more stuff to send to my family in Manila, but will just keep to myself how much of a bargain they are lest my family thinks that I'm such a cheapskate hehe :0D

midweek tryst (warning: mushy post ahead)

Had a lunch date with my husband yesterday that stretched into dinner :0)

To take advantage of the lovely sunny day, we went to the Emeryville Marina and had lunch at the dimsum place there. Since the place had floor to ceiling windows, it afforded us a breathtaking view of the San Francisco Bay while we enjoy the yummy dimsum.

We had stuffed tofu, siu mai, spice duck dumplings, shrimp dimsum (deepfried and steamed) and the fun chow noodles with shrimp. Everything was yummy, except for the spice duck which was too gingery for my taste.

After lunch, we strolled around the marina. It was really nice to have my husband at my side, his hands in mine, with the waves as our music and the sun as our guide. We talked about serious things, laughed about stupid things and just mainly enjoyed each other's company.

The day just underlined the facts I've known all along -- that I love my husband very much and that I'm so lucky to have him in my life. I can't help but thank God again that we're finally together :0)

The extraction went well.

It was actually better than I expected.

After filling out some forms, I was whisked away to the OR, with a dental chair instead of an operating table. I was then strapped with a BP apparatus and other monitors for my vital signs.

The most unpleasant part was the insertion of the IV for the anesthesia. But it was soon over in a second since there wasn't a needle in the IV, just a small tube.

What was weird was the fact that I could hear the surgeon and the nurses talking during the extraction. I was even able to follow instructions. When it was finished, it seemed like just 5 minutes to me when in reality, it took almost half an hour!

I guess that's what sedation does to you :0P

I'm actually feeling better now. No painful episodes, just a lil swelling. I even managed to join my two babies at the park for a walk :0)


Mr.A and Tootsie

Pre-extraction weekend

Will have two of my third molars taken out first thing Monday morning, which drove me to convince Mr. A to make the most of our weekend.

And we did!

Saturday, we went to the San Francisco Zoo...



and to the Japanese Tea Garden...



to the Rose Garden...



even managed a short visit to the beach...



Sunday, we were at the Aquarium of the Bay...



walked down Fisherman's Wharf and stopped for caramel apples...



went to Ghirardelli Square for a taste of their famous hot fudge sundae...



walked back to Fisherman's Wharf, stopped for some chicken wings at Hooter's...


and finally reached Pier 39 where we parked our SUV.



It really was a very nice weekend for us :0)

inside a hallmark movie

Refugio Valley Park, 15-min walk from our house

I was in the park this afternoon, watching old couples walking, mommies and toddlers playing on the swings, men jogging, teens playing frisbee, women walking their dogs... and I felt like I was sucked into a Hallmark channel movie.

You know, those stories about families, that always have these park scenes where the family relationship is usually established (or something like that).

Anyway, it was a little surreal to find myself in a beautiful park at midday, reading a book and people watching.

The career woman in me found this such a waste of time. But I've learned to appreciate the time I have on my hands at present. I know that before I know it, I will be caught up in work and would find times like these a rare luxury.

***
I've accepted it.

'It' being the bitter reality that I have to exert more effort than usual to keep my weight stable :0P

I've become friendly with the stepper here at home, and with the weights. But walking to the park is my favorite form of exercise :0) That's why I'm hoping that the spring weather continues.

***
Way to go, Uchenna and Joyce!

I'm so happy that they won TAR7!! I didn't want Rob and Amber to win but I (grudgingly) admire their composure and team work. I was sad for Ron and Kelly, for during their live interview at The Early Morning Show this (duh!) morning, they said that they weren't dating anymore.

I guess going through life-changing experiences with someone can either make you grow closer or apart.

dyosa in action!

Was in full-blown domestic-goddess-in-training mode today.

For lunch, I whipped up tuna-pesto spaghetti for the main meal, with ceasar's salad to start it off and a fondue (fresh bananas, cherries and grapes with Ghirardelli milk chocolate)to end it in style. Even managed to turn our left-over pandesal into garlic bread to accompany the pasta.

Dinner, meanwhile, was a simpler affair. Deep-fried tofu for a tokwa-tokwa entree` and just stir-fried bean sprouts with shrimp and carrots. Our leftovers from the weekend completed the meal.

It was very satisfying to see Mr. A and Tita Mommy (my MIL) enjoy the food I prepared :0)

***

Byebye Doggie



Meet Doggie. We found her yesterday outside Mr.A's office building and gave her food, drink and shelter for the night.

She's intelligent and very playful. She's also very affectionate, as demonstrated by the numerous times she tried to climb up Mr. A to lick him in the face :0)

That's why it saddened us to drive her to the animal shelter this morning. As much as we wanted to keep her, we really couldn't for our beloved Tootsie is already a handful to us.

We hope she'll soon have a family and a home to call her own.

***

Bought tickets for Wicked already!

We'll be watching it a week after my birthday :0)

It's only been a week since ticket sales started but it's already so difficult to find nice seats for a weekend play date. So we settled for nice seats on a weekday.

Can't wait to get the tickets!

where the grass is green and the girls are pretty... (and the mangoes smell lovely)

me and mom

I e-mail my family in Manila regularly but I rarely call.

It's because when I do get to hear their voice, I am suddenly homesick. I start missing them so much, it actually hurts a little.

My phone call to my mom for Mother's Day was no exception. The waterworks started with my hello and went on for almost half of the conversation.

My mom told me to stop crying, and grow up... in betweens sobs :0P hehe Like mother, like daughter.

***

Saw some mangoes in the Asian grocery today. I picked up one to smell it, expecting that lovely tangy scent that Phil. mangoes have. I was sad to find out that there was no smell.

I suddenly missed Manila.

Oh, and it was weird to see mangoes that turn red when ripe.

On a better note, I was able to get myself some Piattos! I love Piattos!!! And having a stash here at home is really a pick-me-upper ;0)

looking forward to summer wicked-ness

Wicked will be in town this summer. Just in time for my birthday!!

Got the book last Saturday at Borders (part of my buy 3, get 1 free bargain). I'm still thinking if I want to read it before or after I get to see the play.

But I'm definitely going to see the play!

fantasy square and garage sales

Inside Nordstrom

Saks Fifth Avenue. Tiffany's. Niketown. Williams Sonoma. Shreve and Co. Macy's. Neiman Marcus. FAO Schwartz. Armani. Versace. Victoria's Secret.

Looking at a few of the names that makes up Union Square, the hub of San Francisco's shopping district, you wouldn't wonder why some people call it fantasy square :0P

Mr. A and I spent the afternoon going around the square, trying hard not to gawk at the prices of the goods and maintaining the nonchalant air of the rich hehe :0D

***
Early in the day, we went around our city, scouting for more affordable finds at the citywide garage sales.

My mother-in-law was fortunate enough to find a dresser that suited her (lots of drawers and a big mirror) for just forty bucks! My find was a Miss Marple mystery (by Agatha Christie) for just a quarter!

I gotta say that bargain hunting sure beats fantasy square scouting ;0)

Another installment of my dental saga

In about a week, I will be sedated and will go home 2 molars less than what I had when I came in.

It’s weird because I am looking forward to that extraction in the way that you look forward to things you dread – so that you can have them finally over with.

I was very apprehensive about it since I haven’t had any of my teeth pulled out in the 27 years that I’m alive. But talking to the oral surgeon who’s going to do the extraction made me feel much better.

My dentist actually recommended having all four of my wisdom teeth removed but Dr. M told me that removing the two lower ones would be enough. For that alone, he has earned my respect and eternal gratitude.

Dr. M also explained every little thing to me, managing to assuage most of my fears and my doubts about the whole procedure. He also recommended sedating me (which he described as “not being unconscious but just not caring”) to make the whole process more comfortable.

(That was a lot of load off my mind since back in Manila, extractions are commonly done with local anesthetic only. And the stories you hear are just downright scary.)

As I understand it, I just have to fast 8 hours before and basically float through the whole process.

Cool.

I’m not yet thinking of the post-op scenario lest I lose my nerve :0P

deep cleaning + sausage on a bun afterwards = very bad idea

I went to the dentist today to have the right half of my mouth deep-cleaned. I have to be honest, I do not know a thing about dental deep cleaning when I went in.

After a 45-minute session, I learned the following:

1. Deep cleaning involves topical and local anesthesia. Which means injecting a local anesthetic around the area. Which means, in plain words, SHOTS ON YOUR GUMS.
2. With the injecting part done, it is not a painful process, just an uncomfortable one.
3. It’s hard to rinse while half of your mouth is numb, not to mention a little embarrassing since the rinse keeps dribbling out :0P

Although the process wasn’t painful, it was still unpleasant. So when we went to COSTCO afterwards, I told my husband that I deserve a big Polish sausage on a bun, slathered with lots of mustard as a pick-me-upper.

I had my sausage, with a big sundae on the side. Problem was, half of my mouth was still numb. It was a very messy and totally embarrassing experience trying to eat with half of my mouth essentially not working. I couldn’t chew, I couldn’t even feel if I have mustard or bits of relish on my lips!

My husband found the whole thing amusing. Obviously, I did not :0P

I was in shopping heaven for a day.

I took a break from my domestic-goddess-in-training mode and spent a day at the outlet stores.

The Vacaville Outlet stores was 2 plazas-worth of premium retail spaces!

Liz Clairborne. Liz Clairborne Shoes. Dress Barn. Naturalizer. Banana Rep Factory Store. Eddie Bauer. Gap Outlet. Guess. Bath and Body Works. Nautica. Tommy Hilfiger. Wilson’s Leather Outlet. Calvin Klein. Nike. Levi’s. Ralph Lauren. Coach.

And these are only the brand names that I recognize!

We only managed to browse through the west block but it was still shopping heaven for me :0)

Mr. A kept telling me that I just have to point out the items I wanted and he’ll buy it for me. And I keep reminding myself to remember the difference between want and need :0P

Needless to say, my practical and my kikay side were on an all-out war.

Kikay Leah: That sleeveless, dreamy, yellow biased-cut floral dress from the Dress Barn sure is perfect for spring.
Practical Leah: Have we adapted enough to the climate here that we can already wear a flimsy, sleeveless dress? I don’t think so.
Kikay Leah: But it’ll show up beautifully when we wear it sightseeing and get our picture taken.
Practical Leah: Are you suggesting traipsing around San Francisco in a dress that would probably lead us to Influenza?

Sigh. Practical me won that round.

But that’s not to say Kikay Leah was a loser all throughout the day. My new pair of Mockup Espresso Suede shoes from Naturalizer and a matching suede bag from Wilson’s Leather are victorious evidences.

(Since the shoes were a gift from Tita Mommy (my mom-in-law) and the bag was from Mr. A, the victories were all the more sweeter :0) )

My two sides even managed to agree on one major purchase – a front zip-up white jacket from Geoffrey Beene. Warm and stylish.

My minor purchases include a hairband to keep my hair off my face at home, a set of curlers and a butterfly clip all from Claire’s Accessories. Also stocked up on my favorite scent, White Tea and Ginger from Bath and Body works. Got both the body splash and the body cream.

At first, it was a challenge not to convert everything into Philippine pesos, but after a while, I soon got the hang of taking the dollar price at face value (Or else I wouldn’t be able to buy anything!). I was also a little guilty since I am spending, what is essentially, conjugal money (my husband’s, in short :0P). But all in all, I thoroughly enjoyed myself :0)

nothing irritates like a toothache :0P

My impacted wisdom tooth is acting up again.

I got a topical analgesic to soothe the angry red gums that surrounds it. It worked Wednesday night. But last night, I had to resort to a couple of Advils to keep the hounding pain away.

Looking inside my mouth, I couldn't see the darn tooth anymore. Yup, the swelling was that bad that the gums seem to cover up my half-buried tooth :0P I am even starting to look like a chipmunk with a cheekful of nuts.

I knew then that I needed more than pain relievers to battle the pain and the inflammation. Problem is, unlike in Manila, I couldn't get OTC antibiotics here.

So I went to the dentist today. I had a complete set of dental x-rays taken and I was prescribed with pain relievers and antibiotics. I also had a whole dental treatment plan laid out to me. Last but not the least, I was referred for wisdom tooth extraction.

I am really apprehensive about the surgery but if it means never having to contend with this pain anymore, then I am all for it.

golden weekend

Finally.

Goodbye, Manila. Hello, California.


SFO Airport: Welcomed with love and roses :0)

Seeing Mr. A waiting for me with a bouquet of red roses more than compensates for the physically and emotionally tiring journey from MNL to SFO.


A touching welcome!

The "welcome home" banner and the balloons really touched me. It kept the strangeness and the newness of it all at bay.

There's more to my move than these few sentences but everything's just churning inside me. This is after all the climax of more than 4 years of waiting and planning. The start of more wonderful years of actually living.

There's a mixture of excitement and sadness and adventure to it all.

Happy Birthday Page!

Page1stBday
Originally uploaded by Pinipi.

My inaanak (godchild)Page celebrated her first birthday last Saturday with a luau party :0)

I'm amazed at how fast time flies. I can clearly remember cradling a 2-week old Page... and now, she's practically a teen ager! hehe

I'm a lil sad coz I just realized that when I'm far away already, I won't have the same ringside seat to her growing-up years.

Oh-well.

DAY 2

Can't be heroic for 2 days in arow, that's why I arrived at the clinic at 7.30AM. I was ready to wait the whole day as long as I get a decent sleep :0P

Today involves completing my immunization and waiting for my records to be released.

I was already settling down for a long wait when the Immunization Room opened. And wonders of wonder (but to the dismay of all those who came before me), I was the first one called for immunization! Turned out it wasn't first come, first served this time around, but whoever gets all their records sent up first. Guess I was the lucky one :0)

I dreaded being poked again but I have no choice. Was anticipating getting only one shot, but when I can't point out any lingering sign of my bout with chicken pox, I got another shot as a bonus :0P Now, both my arms are feeling sore.

After that, I just waited for my records. Turned out, I get only the X-ray film and the immunization sheet. All other results will be forwarded to the embassy for my interview.

I was done and out of there by quarter to 10AM.

With the whole medical exam over with and with no unnecessary delays, I feel lighter. Now, at least I only have the interview to worry about :0P

Day 1 down, Day 2 to go...

Finally finished with the first day of my US Immigration Medical Exam. Timeframe: From 4.40am to 11.15am.

I'm crossing my fingers that all results are what they should be (meaning A-OK) so that there will be no more unnecessary delays.

Details to come as I am already cross-eyed with sleep.

***

Got there at 4.40AM (yup, as in before the cock crows :0P). Was feeling proud of myself until I saw the loong line of people already there. Turned out, at that freakin' hour, I'm number 74! Can you believe that?

Spent most of my time sitting down and waiting for my name to be called. Out of almost 6 hours spent in the clinic, probably 5 hours were spent waiting, the remaining hour spent filling out forms, giving out samples of my body fluids and getting interviwed, checked and poked all over.

The most dreaded part, the physical exam, was actually anti-climactic. The MD asked a couple of questions I've been anticipating and spent less than five minutes examining me. Stripping took a lot longer than the physical exam itself :0P

All in all, it was OK. And Im thankful that Im finally done with it.

Constantine and updates

Watched Constantine last night with my siblings and my cousins. The movie awakened the innate Catholic school girl in me. I felt a lil uncomfortable about the plot and all its implications. Kinda like the way I felt while reading the Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons.

Sometimes I really have a hard time reconciling faith and logic.

***

Went in a flurry of updating. I'm that anal that I blog about past events for posterity and organization's sake :0P



You can see from the pictures the range of emotions not to mention the fun I had during my bridal shower last December 17. Click HERE for a full account of that night :0)

While THIS will direct you to a rehash of the first Christmas Eve spent with my babe.

And you can find a (wholesome) collage of memories taken during our Tagaytay honeymoon HERE.

PRC and little blessings

I'm a valid Professional once again.

Finally got around to renewing my PRC ID. It just took me under an hour. And will be able to claim my ID next week.

The only hassle was walking almost 3 blocks in the noontime heat because the FX I rode decided to change its route. And it was really a hassle. According to the Plaza Miranda giant digital thermometer, it was 34 degrees Celsius out, jus 4 degrees shy of a fever :0P

***

Almost a month ago, I had lunch with friends in a Manila mall and misplaced a paperbag containing a newly bought bottle of the perfect tinted moisturizer (for me at least) (costing me P1200) and my favorite pair of sunglasses. I wasn't sure where exactly I left it, at the kiosk where we bought desserts or at the net cafe where I surfed after lunch. Inquiries to both places yielded nothing so I gave it up for lost but not without beating myself up for being so forgetful and careless. I couldn't shell out another P1,200 for the moisturizer so I comforted myself by buying a pair of sunglasses exactly like the ones I lost.

This morning, I went to the same net cafe before going to PRC. And was I surprised when the clerk recognized me and asked if I was the one looking for a paper bag before. I said yes and described the bag and its contents to her. Lo and behold, she took the bag from under the counter and gave it to me! Inside were my still-sealed tinted moisturizer and my old pair of sunglasses. I asked her where they found it but she was quite evasive about it. But it's not important anymore. What's important is the fact that I got it back :0)

Now, I have 2 pairs of my favorite sunglasses and a full bottle of the perfect tinted moisturizer. I'm really thankful for little blessings :0)

meant to be... mine

My closet is full of red tops, skirts and pants in varying shades. From the bright red of a Chinese lantern, to the deep red of fresh blood to the burgundy shade of wine. I also have 6 pairs of red shoes in the same varying shades. Plus the necessary accessories and bags that goes with the shoes and clothes.

I don't remember the exact moment I fell in love with the color red. But I do remember my first purchase of this dramatic color -- a pair of red flat sandals in a very simple design. Wearing it made me feel very special. That time, shoes came in mostly black, brown, blue and the usual pastel colors during summer. It was rare to see anyone sporting such a bright color on their feet.

I was hopelessly in love with red that everyday seemed like Valentine's Day for me. It came to the point that people at work started calling me Red and friends/family started associating me with the color.

Now that the local market becomes more and more courageous, I find myself consciously shying away from my beloved color and widening my horizons with other jewel tones (though I still salivate after beautifully crafted things in the red). To the point that I actually can't remember the last red item I bought for myself.

(Oh wait, now I remember. It was that pair of faded red jeans with the big pockets at the back.)

And then, I saw this...


It was love at first sight.

Comfy enough to travel in. Sexy if I feel like it and yet demure (and warm enough) for elegant family dinners. It moves with me and molds my body, highlighting the positive and graciously concealing the negatives. It's trendy enough for today's scene and yet classic enough for the next five years or so.

Plus it's RED!

All that in a two-piece top with a price that has been slashed to almost half of the original one.

But was it really meant to be mine?

So trying to adhere to a promise made to myself not so long ago, I left the top hanging in the store. I told myself to sleep on it to better decide if I really wanted it. If it's really worth buying. And if I find it still there waiting for me the second time around, then it was meant to be.

(Crap, I know. But buying a red top is serious business for me.)

From the picture above, it was obviously meant to be mine:0)

Happy V-day!!

14 (out of a million) reasons why Mr. A is my Dreamboy:

1. He tells me everything.
2. He's my best friend.
3. He makes me laugh.
4. He massages my feet after a long day.
5. He buys me lipstick -- in a color that flatters me :0)
6. He brushes my hair after I shower.
7. He dances for me.
8. He serenades me.
9. He makes me feel like the most beautiful woman on earth.
10. He accepts me for who and what I am.
11. He encourages my interests.
12. He believes in me.
13. He treats me like a princess...
14. And loves me like a queen.

Thanks for the bear, the flowers and the chocolates babe! I love you!

***

Yup. I watched the movie. (Can't you tell? hehe)

And I enjoyed it ;0)

There's just something about Pinoy romantic comedies that comforts me.

***


I spent Valentine's Day in bed... alone and in my jammies.

On second thought, I wasn't alone. I had Missy, the crying bear (pictured above) and Jerry, the skinny pig, in bed with me.

Even had lunch in bed. Called for pizza and split it with my baby bro.

I whiled away time by reading and sleeping. And waiting for the phone call that would make my day.

The 3-hour conversation with my hubby made my Valentine's day near perfect :0)

(Only his presence can make anything perfect.)

***

Palawan... remains a dream :0P

Turned out we need to reserve a week before to get the PALAKBAYAN package of PAL. The thing is, I'm going with a couple and the guy's scheduled to fly back to the UK on Sat. So, the plans just fizzled out.

Oh well.

But I still retain that thrilling sense of freedom and luxury hehe :0)

***

But this scares the hell out of me.

I guess this just hits too close to home. I could have been in that bus. Any of my family could have been in that bus.

I'm thankful that it wasn't us. But really sad and angry and confuse that it has to happen.

I love my life!

I take back everything I said about being all play and no work.

After all, there is a thrilling sense of freedom and luxury to be able to say yes and go to Palawan at a moment's notice :0)

(Ok, ok. It's actually 4 days notice. But believe me, to all corporate slaves out there, that's barely a moment's notice!)

Can't wait for next week!

TAR 6

Such a shame Cris&Jon didn't win. But at least the winners were nice. That Aaron is so sweet!

thinking out loud

Been a while since I've done any introspection. All I've been able to do was jot down the details of my not-so-exciting life :0P But reading her take on friendships that have come and gone made me stop and think.

I'm real proud of the fact that I make friends easily and I've kept a lot of the friendships I've made through the years. Thinking about it, I view lost friendships as a failure on my part.

It's only lately that I've realized the fact that people do change, and unfortunately there are times when these changes make them grow apart from you and you from them. Maybe these people have already played their role in your life. Maybe you have already played your role in their lives. Whatever, it's better to just say thank you and move on.

I've been trying to hold on to some friendships just for old times sake. But with this realization, I think it would be wiser to just let go rather than exert futile effort in keeping up pretenses.

***

I feel so dirty.

I stooped to levels lower than I've ever stooped before.

Today, I became a hypocrite.

Yup, I played the game of bureaucracy that I've always ranted about. I used (monetary) power to get ahead. And left dozens and dozens of people who can't afford to pay, eating my dust.

I used a fixer in renewing my very expired driver's license. I paid double the usual amount to have my ID card in less than 3 hours.

Seriously, I am ashamed of myself.

***

Here's one more thing to be ashamed of:

I succumbed (again) to the call of the shops.

Bought a pair of capri pants that would be perfect for spring and 2 tanktops to pair with it. Also bought a multicolored tanktop that goes well with my rainbow sandals. And 2 yummy chocolate tops :0)

I promise that this is gonna be the last time I'll indulge myself (for this month at least). Though, come to think about it, I really have no choice coz my personal funds are dwindling.

Guess it's goodbye to the Happy Feet I was planning to buy and to the sequined flats that was calling out my name.

So many shops, so little money.

Sigh. This is the tragedy of the unemployed kikay :0P

needin change

Feelin lost again. Im gettin bored w/ the easy life. All play and no work make me dull.

no damage done

I'm ok.

Was lucky enough to find an opthalmologist that night I got my contact lens stuck in my right eye. She got it out without any difficulty. Big relief really. I thought I would be meeting Mr.A on the first week of April (keeping my fingers crossed :0))with a big red eye patch on my right eye hehe :0D

Thank God again for little blessings because I got out of that incident unscathed. No pain, no infection whatsoever. Just a mild headache, probably caused by my paranoia about being blind :0P

a not so ordinary day

Just when I thought that today's not worth blogging about, I went and stuck a part of my contact lens in my right eye.

I have 3/4 of the torn contact lens in my hand and I can feel the missing 1/3 somewhere at the topmost part of my eyeball.

I think I need medical help.

It has been a very long day.

My day started when I gave up trying to sleep at 3.30am this morning. I kept having these weird dreams where I apply and reapply for a marriage certificate just to be denied again and again. Guess it's now obvious what's on my mind :0P

At 7.30am, I called the NSO number given to me and was told to proceed to NSO-EDSA in Quezon City and to bring my personal copy of our marriage certificate.

It was a very good thing that my day started early since I had to get my documents from the travel agency in UN Ave. in Manila before I can proceed to NSO-QC.

Kuya Ed from the travel agency asked me if I really wanted to be the one to do this. He told me that he could do it later this week. I told him that it was ok and I had nothing better to do. What I didn't tell him was that I don't want a repeat of my weird dreams last night:0P He warned me of the long lines that would surely await me. Well, waiting is a small price to pay for my peace of mind.

So off I went to NSO Quezon City. I arrived there at exactly 1pm. Although Kuya Ed already warned me, I was still surprised at the volume of people there. There was also no sense of organization. You just give your documents to the guard, who in turn endorses it to the people inside the office (you can't enter the office). There was no line, no numbers. The guard doesn't even give you anything to hold on to to prove that you gave your documents to him. In essence, you just wait there until you hear your name called.

I had to stand while waiting since the benches in the wait area could only accommodate about 15 people (of my size :0P). Two hours and 2 bottles of 500ml mineral water later (it was freaking hot!), they finally released our marriage certificate in security paper. My 2-hour wait was still a blessing because the lady I talked to told me that she was there since 9am in the morning! Thank you Lord for little blessings :0)

Now, I just want to go home and sleep.

test post

im posting this thru my mobile fone. Cool huh?!

NSO, you're breaking my heart.

I was in such a euphoric mood but the National Statistics Office had to go and dampen my mood.

The travel agency taking care of my passport amendment updated me that our marriage certificate has not been released yet. I've been waiting for that certificate to be released since December! What the hell is happening?!

Finding out that our marriage of 8 months (then)was not yet in NSO's registry was a disappointment. But since we couldn't do anything about it, my husband and I followed what they required us to do and secured a copy of the transmittal slip from the local civil registrar where our marriage was registered. We (the travel agency, in essence) were told to wait two weeks after submission of the transmittal slip. When the two weeks passed, we were told to wait another week. After yet another week, all they have to give us was a number to call for another follow-up.

I don't know the problem. I can't understand why the government agency boasting of their SERBILIS service is being very inefficient. My passport amendment is being delayed because of them. Our immigrant petition was delayed 2 months (and counting) because of them.

I am gonna be calling that number the moment office hours start. I can't take this waiting anymore.

answered prayer

Thank you Lord for this blessing!

I received my K3 packet in the mail, informing me that my visa interview will be on March 31 2005! At long last, the end of our waiting is in sight :0)

It has done wonders to my emotional and physical well-being to finally have a concrete schedule. The hardest part about waiting is not knowing how long the wait will be and being as anal as I am, it has been doubly frustrating for me. But now, I can finally plan my life again ;0)

I know that the next two months will pass by in a blur. And I'm looking forward to doing everything I hope to do before I finally say farewell to the land of my birth.

I'm keeping a positive view on all this but keeping me in your prayers will be a big help:0)

testing audioblogger

making memories of manila -- a partial list

As I was ranting to a friend about my frustrations regarding staying here until summer, she reminded me to enjoy Manila while I'm still here.

And to get me going, she sent me a partial list. I have edited her list to suit me and will make a complete list soon...

1. Visit Fort Santiago
2. Visit Corregidor
3. Visit the Black Nazarene at Quiapo (and my old haunts selling beads and crystals)
4. Eat BBQ at Beach House, UP Diliman
5. Eat seafood at Dampa
6. Go through the shopping district of Divisoria
7. Have mass at Baclaran (Visiting Baclaran will be an ode to my college self -- she of the well-worn sneakers and jeans, who can elbow her way with the best of them through the rush-hour crowd of LRT.)
8. Have dessert at Chocolate Kiss, UP Diliman
9. Visit Manila Zoo
10. Window shop at Harrison Plaza (my tambayan during my short stint as a medrep)
11. Browse through Solidaridad bookstore (and maybe buy for myself the whole Rosales saga of F. Sionil Jose... and have it autographed if I'm lucky!)
12. Have dessert at Hizon's, J. Bocobo
13. Visit Malacanang

(Will try to do as much as I can of the things on your list Tessa-girl... Thanks for reminding me of my chance to do this before I leave. I really appreciate it :0) )

Happy Birthday Zoe!

DCP_1518
Originally uploaded by Pinipi.

This is Zoe, my nephew. He turned 1 last January 26 but we celebrated his birthday today.

And what a celebration we had! There was all-you can eat, pink, fluffy cotton candy. Lots of dirty ice cream in cups and sugar cones, and even a face painter to draw temporary tatoos of your favorite cartoon character. There's the usual magic tricks and a very entertaining puppet show with a talented ventriloquist.

There were two buffet tables, one for adults and one for kids. My cousins and I gravitated towards the kids' buffet -- sweet spaghetti, crispy fried chicken, cocktail hotdogs-and-mallow kebabs and mini burgers without the veggies:0) It was comfort food for every kid (and kid-at-heart).

Games were also abundant with showers of prizes. Adults and kids alike enjoyed the 2 pabitin and the pinata.

And for a very cheery goodbye and thank you, lots and lots of goodie bags containing candies and little toys were given out together with a souvenir CD of a Barney episode.

I passed over the Barney CD but got 2 loot bags for myself. After all, no one is too old for candy :0)

sibling bonding

Spent the day with my siblings.

The afternoon was spent with my sister in our friendly neighborhood salon. We both got hair spas and I went the extra kikay mile and got a mani and a pedi :0) And since a girls' day out is not complete without shopping, we stopped by our friendly neighborhood mall (read: SM Sucat).

Our primary goal was to gift-shop for our nephew, Zoe. And to window-shop for a jacket for my sister. But as most impromptu shopping expeditions go, we ended up buying not just gifts for Zoe but also gifts for ourselves -- sis got a pink bat-sleeved top at Gozum and I got two embroidered tops at Plains and Prints for half price. Sigh. What can I say? I'm such a sucker for discounts!

After dinner, sis had a craving for fondue so we invited my brother and his GF for ice cream at ATC. We went around Rustan's and Powerbooks (where I got a SF guidebook for 20% off -- such a sucker!) before finally having dessert.

The fondue at Haagen-Daz was not what we remembered. The warm, creamy, thick melted chocolate sauce that hardens on whatever you dip in it became a thin, chocolate sauce that drips after every dipping. The brownies were hard not chewy. At least the ice cream balls did not disappoint.

Although dessert was a lil anticlimactic, I really enjoyed the time spent hanging out with my sister and brother and talking about whatever came to mind.

Yes, I'm smiling :0)

Picture095
Originally uploaded by Mrs. A.

And I have a right to be, coz you see, I was being my old paranoid self regarding my NBI clearance :0P

It took me all of 10 mins (including the time I spent browsing in the tiangge below the NBI) to get my clearance. No namesake with a criminal record. No hassle.

Just my certificate stating that GUERRERO de SALDUA, LEAH of so-and-so address, has NO DEROGATORY RECORD. Yey!

Now I just have to wait for the NSO to release the SECPA of my marriage certificate. Was supposed to be released yday, but maybe the NSO thought that I've had it easy for so long that they have to torment me a lil more, so they're releasing it on Monday :0P

Then Im off to amend my passport. Talk about the road to true love never running smooth. Or something like that.

One more reason to smile about, our K3 visa application is running neck on neck with our immigrant application. Meaning, I have one more option to choose from!

Maybe I can make it to CA before May :0)

(Yep, I had a haircut. Just waited to get the wedding over with before I got back to my wash and wear style. )

Missing Destiny

I miss having cable internet at home and surfing to my heart's content :0(
As I speak, I am currently blowing Php200 of my precious money to while away the time here at an internet cafe. I need something to occupy my mind so I won't be fixating on my paranoia regarding my NBI clearance.

And what do I have to show for my 200 bucks? My new profile pic and 2 new flickr daily zeitgeist -- sneak previews of our prenuptial pics and wedding pics -- (the other one's here). Not to mention visiting my favorite blogs and catching up :0)

Though Destiny cable internet sucks big time most of the time, I miss the rare times that it actually works and I can surf at the comfort of home.

NBI Paranoia

I changed status on my NBI clearance yeserday. But unlike with my maiden name, where I got the clearance 5 minutes after, I did not immediately receive my clearance. Have to go back for it on Friday, Jan 28.

From what I can tell, there was a HIT. I'm not really sure what this means but a friend had a similar experience when she did her clearance for the first time, turned out, she has a namesake with a criminal record, so she had to go to the regional court where the case of her namesake was filed, dig up the court records just to have the personnel there compare her face to that of her namesake, and then she had to get court clearance as proof that it was a different person.

Sigh. I really hope I don't have to go through all that. Just imagining the delay and hassle it will cause to our immigration petition is enough to bring tears to my eyes :0(