Another lesson in perspective.

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!

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

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

* 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

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.

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

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

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

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Aboard the ny city bus tours.

Georgia on our mind...

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...

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...

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

Test post

Happy New Year!

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.

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.

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!!!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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...

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.

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!

And off we go!

In 30 minutes, we'll be starting our 8-day roadtrip to Vegas and LA.

Woohoo!

***
It's final.

Will be taking the first clinic's offer.

It feels good to know that I have a job waiting for me when I get back from vacation :0) Thank you, Lord! Love mo talaga ako ;0)

***
To follow.

Been busy packing. Pics and stories of my bday dinner when I get back.

My 28th.

Today, I turn 28.

Celebrating my birthday without most of my family and friends seems strange and a lil lonely at first. But with Mr.A by my side, I know that everything will turn out great :0)

***
Busy birthday girl.

I spent the earlier part of my birthday going from one end of the Bay to the other.

Went to an early interview at a clinic in the Mission District of San Francisco. Got lost and arrived 15 minutes late! Talk about making the wrong first impression :0P It's a good thing that I prefer the other clinic to this, in terms of job description, location and salary.

(On a sidenote, I found out from a friend that the rate the first clinic offered me was way higher than the usual rates for aides. Yey!)

From the Mission, I went on my way to another interview at a far-off East Bay city by BART, missed the once-in-an-hour bus to the city by just 5 minutes then decided to just cancel the interview all-together instead of waiting almost an hour for the next bus.

I'm not actually interested in the position since it was a full-time one, and I was bent on finding a part-time job to give me time to study. I was just going to the interview for the experience but I didn't think the experience was worth going hungry and wasting an additional hour of my birthday.

So I called Mr.A to tell him that I'm not going through with the interview and to meet me at the BART station in an hour.

And now, after a nice lunch of Shrimp Scampi and angel hair pasta, I'm already home. I'll be off in a minute to get ready for my birthday-dinner date with Mr.A.

Ta-tah!

Full time domestic-goddess-in-training...

Part-time Physical Therapy Aide :0)

Yup, I already have a job offer!

The clinic owner told me yesterday that they still have 6 other candidates to interview after me so I should expect to hear from them on Friday, at the earliest. That's why I was really surprised when I got a call from him after lunch today.

He told me: "It's unanimous. We love you!"

Well, I love them too! Hehe :0)

***
Although...

I still have two more interviews scheduled for tomorrow. One in San Francisco and one in Pittsburgh.

You know what they say... collect and collect then select.

"I watch Friends."

"You speak really good English."

I get this remark all the time.

Let me correct that, I get this very surprised remark all the time.

Whether at the dentist, the optometrist, or the dermatologist. Once people learn that I've been here for just 5 short months, this observation is bound to come up. I'm getting tired of explaining that in Manila, English is the medium of instruction in almost all subjects, in all levels. And that I basically grew up writing and speaking the language.

The job interview I went to today was no exception.

"You speak really good English."

Said the clinic owner.

"Yes"

Said Mrs.A, launching into the oft-repeated script of the Why I Speak Good English monologue.

I swear, next time, I get this, I'll just tell them that I watch Friends.

Urban Adventure

After work today, Mr.A and I parked Reg (our beloved SUV) and went off into the strange world (for us at least!) of bay area public transportation.

We didn't know what to expect but we came prepared. We were armed with quarters, a 511.org itinerary, BART schedules, more quarters, bus routes, bus schedules, and still more quarters.

We worked the BART ticket machine like pros, joined the rush of people catching the next train and was soon sitting comfortably in the plush seats* of the bay area transit's pride and joy.

I took note of the stations we were passing by -- Berkeley, Ashby, MacArthur.

And I can't help but think -- Kita mo nga naman, dati ang tinitignan kong mga istasyon ay Edsa, Gil Puyat, Vito Cruz. Talagang kay bilis at kay dami ng mga pagbabago sa buhay ko.

Before long, we reached our stop. We got sidetracked for a while trying to figure out where to get bus transfers (sayang din kasi, 25 cents din ang mababawas sa pamasahe namin). We gave up for fear of missing the bus we're supposed to catch.

As it turned out, we did miss the bus :0P We had to wait 15 minutes for the next bus. We spent the time playing pendong kotseng kuba. Yep, we're juveniles that way :0P Pero talaga, nare-realize naming mag-asawa dahil sa larong ito na ang dami pala talagang kalbo at kotseng kuba dito sa Amerika!

Finally, our bus came. The bus ride is actually just 20 minutes but it seemed a lot longer because we were anticipating our stop the whole time. And our stop was the last on the route :0P Kita mo naman sa mukha ng asawa ko yung pagkainip hehe :0)

Finally, we managed to reach our destination which turned out to be a very nice and cozy-looking village. Parang maliit na Baguio nga sya e, with hills and all. We poked around for a bit and had dinner at this Mexican place with a great salsa bar.

After dinner, we went to the bus stop to start the return-trip part of our adventure.

Maybe you were wondering where we went and why. Well, this adventure is actually a dry-run of the routes I would take tomorrow afternoon for my interview. O di ba? Girl Scout ang lola nyo!

*(For someone used to the seats of LRT and MRT, believe me, the BART seats are like La-Z-Boys!)

I heart 511.org

Got a call from one of the numerous employers I e-mailed regarding a part-time job. Will be coming in on Tuesday for an 'informal' interview (their words, not mine).

Which led me to the dilemma of going there. I still can't drive by myself, let alone drive the 20 miles it takes to go there. I know Mr.A would be willing to drive me there but I've imposed too much on my husband's work sched. Plus, I've never been the kind who gets ferried by a driver to-and-fro, I sure as hell don't want to start being one now.

Problem is, I don't know how to get around here using public transpo.

Coming from a place where you can hail an fx, a jeepney or a cab from almost every kanto and corner, it's a lil frustrating for me to not even know how to get to the nearest mall without driving :0/


Enter 511.org, the counterpart of Yahoo's Driving directions to those taking public transportation. You just fill-in your place of origin and your destination, specify the time you want to arrive, choose whether you want the fastest or the cheapest itinerary, even the number of miles you're willing to walk and the site will plan out your trip for you. Uhuh, down to bus/train schedules and how much it costs. Cool huh?

Looking forward to...

GETTING A JOB. Please, please all you employers I've e-mailed, show some love and reply to me!

OUR VEGAS - L.A. VACATION. My first ever US road trip! Can't wait to see the fountains of Bellagio, waste quarters playing the one-armed bandits, walk among the stars, frolic in a Southern Cal beach and visit English-speaking Disneyland*. Wohoo!

BEING IN THE ZONE. My studying is still suffering from fits of sleepiness, laziness and mindless Lifetime movies :0P But my fairy-godmother from Georgia sent me a couple of reviewers to give structure to my disorganized ways. Thanks Tessa-girl!

HAVING A LEGAL IDENTITY. Waiting for my SSN. The moment I get it, I'm gonna get me a date with the DMV. It's about time I legalize my affair with Nognog :0P

WATCHING WICKED! We have tickets for the week after our road trip. It's been ages and ages since I last watched a play.

TURNING A FABULOUS 28 :0D Oh yeah. Life's just getting better and better!

***
I'm in the mood for three's(lifted from selle)

Three names you go by:
1. babe (if you're Mr.A)
2. lei (if you're family)
3. leng (if you're a part of my hs barkada)

Three screen names you have had:
1. Mrs.A
2. missleia_ph
3. leia_grl

Three physical things you like about yourself:
1. eyes
2. height
3. being morena (meaning year-round tan, baby!)

Three physical things you don't like about yourself:
1. pango nose :0P
2. big thighs!
3. feet

Three parts of your heritage:
1. filipino (of course!)
2. spanish maybe (my maiden surname is spanish after all hehe)
3. honestly, i don't know what else :0P

Three things that scare you:
1. death of a loved one
2. violence
3. failure

Three of your everyday essentials:
(before, as slave of the system, it was:)
1. cellphone
2. kikay kit
3. wallet
(now that i'm dyosa ng tahanan:)
1. checking my e-mail
2. calling Mr.A at work
3. quality time with Mr.A after his work

Three of your favorite musical artists:
1. Eheads
2. Barry Manilow (hehe)
3. Parokya ni Edgar

Three of your favorite songs:
1. Minsan by the eraserheads
2. Moon River (acoustic version)
3. Wonderful Tonight (Mr.A's version)

Three things you want in a relationship:
1. friendship
2. trust
3. respect

Three lies and truths in no particular order:
(guess which is which)
1. I have a tattoo.
2. I like the color red.
3. I know how to speak Spanish.

Three things about the opposite sex that appeal to you:
1. smile
2. sense of humor
3. intelligence

Three of your favorite hobbies:
1. reading
2. surfing the net
3. shopping

Three things you want to really do badly now:
1. get a job
2. pass the boards
3. go on a vacation with Mr.A

Three careers you're considering/you've considered:
1. lawyer
2. doctor
3. journalist

Three places you want to go on vacation:
1. hawaii
2. europe
3. amanpulo

Three kids' names you like:
1. Alleia
2. Aleisha
3. can't think of a third one

Three things you want to do before you die:
1. prove to Mr.A that I love him more hehe :0)
2. be the best parent I can be
3. travel around the world

Three ways that you are stereotypically a boy:
1. I enjoy well-delivered green jokes.
2. I like techie stuff.
3. I eat a lot :0P

Three ways that you are stereotypically a girl:
1. I cry easily.
2. I love dressing up.
3. I love shoes and bags.

Three people I would like to see take this quiz:
1. you
2. you
3. and yup, YOU.

:0)

*Tokyo was fun but you lose something when the tale of the Pirates of the Caribbean is told in Japanese :0P

Putting everything in perspective.

I've been getting a lot of responses regarding my resume. But all of them have one universal question, am I licensed to practice here in California?

And of course, even before I get to step one, I'm already out of the game :0(

I'm still about a year away from being fully licensed. Let me tell you about the steps I still need to go through:

> credentialing (which would take 2 to 3 months at least)
> when I get credentialed, board application (another month or two)
> if approved, I get to take and hopefully, pass the boards.
> 9(yup, NINE) months of internship as a physical therapist license applicant (kinda like apprenticeship or mentoring)

And even before I can start the credentialing, I need to have my SSN first.

Where am I now? Day 2 of the two-week wait for my SSN.

I was really feeling so bummed about this. Until I got to talk to Mr.A during lunch. Mr.A pointed out that I was putting all sorts of pressure on myself when everything is really so simple if we take things one at a time.

As usual, my husband has a way of putting everything in perspective. And all was right in my world again :0)

The plan now is to for me to find a part-time job that I'll enjoy. The primary purpose of the job would be to get me out of the house and in the presence of people again. The main priority is studying and passing the board exams. And I still have 4-5 months to do it.

Now, if only I can stop pressuring myself:0P

I've been tagged!

From Selle. Will give my answers in fives.

1. What are the things you enjoy doing even when there's no one around you?
> Reading (whether it's books, mags or even the pamphlets I find on the street :0P)
> Writing (... soothes me and gives perspective to my life)
> Browsing (bookstores and thrift stores are my favorite places!!)
> Daydreaming
> Surfing the net

2. What lowers your stress/blood pressure/anxiety level?
> Crying (uhuh, my form of release :0P)
> Talking to Mr.A about my worries
> Conversing with God
> Writing on my journal
> Sleeping

I tag anyone who wants to answer this :0)

***
On other news...

I went to my first job interview/exam today.

How was it? It went ok... I think.

It was actually a job fair for a nonprofit organization dealing with the developmentally-disabled. I thought it was perfect for me while I'm in the process of securing my professional license. Anyway, I was interested in one of the management positions but it turned out that the job fair was primarily for the recruitment of direct-service positions.

I didn't want the trip to be wasted so I took the exam to be considered for the direct-service positions while making it clear to the interviewer that my priority was the management one.

The exam consisted of three essay questions (one about the skills I have, one involving behavioral modification as applied to a client and the last about least liked trait of former supervisor) and a couple of easy math items. When I say easy, I mean really easy (addition, subtraction and multiplication of decimals).

Thinking about it now, I'm suddenly not so sure about the direct-service positions. I know I have to start somewhere lower than what I'm used to given that I'm still unlicensed but I don't wanna be stuck in a job I don't really like.

Sigh. I hope I'll soon have more alternatives to choose from.

Jobhunter

Today officially marks the start of my jobhunting.

After about a week of editing and rewriting, I have crossed the point of no return and sent my resume into the world wide web. My resume is now at the mercy of employers, recruiters, staffing specialists and bored surfers.

Yep, ladies and gentlemen, starting today, people I do not know will judge me by the way I strung a couple of hundred words to describe how I toiled professionally for the past five years.

Let the emails pour in!

photo credits: neatplates.com

Dance as though no one is watching.

I signed up for belly dancing classes for the exercise. I figured out that doing something new and getting a good workout out of it is already a deal in itself. (Not to mention the fact that my husband gets a break from me outside of work ;0))

So for the past two sessions, that was all I was doing and all I was expecting from it -- exercise and a lil fun.
But tonight was different. Oh, I had my usual work out. In fact, my pectoral muscles are starting to sing a painful aria after all the push-ups we did. And let's not even go to what my abs(upper, lower, side and in between :0P) have been through.

Tonight was different because, tonight, I danced.

You see, the past classes, I was intent on the technicalities, how to move my body in the exact (or nearest to it) way as that of the instructor. I was looking at how the others are doing it and how I compare to them. Counting out the beats and moving with it. I guess that was the difference. For the past sessions, I was just moving, not dancing.

But tonight, after a particularly confusing move (I think it was stepping on one foot while thrusting your pelvis forward and a lil butt sway on the same direction as the foot, all on a half beat, with your arms on the 2nd position), I stopped focusing on the technicalities, on the counting, even stopped watching how others do it.

Tonight, I looked at myself in the mirror, checked if my form was correct, then closed my eyes. I stopped thinking about the directions (you know, right foot, front, right butt etc.), focused on the music and just danced. And you know what? For the first time, I felt like I was really doing something right --I could feel my body moving smoothly and in rhythm.

In that moment, I could understand how this can become a life's passion.

But old habits die hard. Soon, I was back to my old OC self, checkin' others out and letting the technicalities get in the way :0P

Still, I can actually say that for once, I was able to dance as though no one is watching. And it's an experience I tend to repeat.

Weekend with friends.

Aldwin's college buddy, Jeff and his wife, Monique, drove up from OC to spend the weekend with us.

They were actually on a week-long vacation from work, with San Francisco and the Bay area as their last stop. Before coming here, they spent time at Sequioa and Yosemite National Parks. Kinda like a second honeymoon (or was it the fourth? hehe) for them :0).

Although it was the first time that I met Jeff and Monique, we were really hitting it off before Saturday was over! It was nice to be with people that just gets you --your humor, your stories, even your memories (of what seems like a too distant land). It has been a long while since Aldwin and I laughed that much with another couple. It's sad really 'coz they live ~7 hours from us :0P

It's ok though. We're bound to see them again soon -- after three weeks, to be exact. It's our turn to drive down to their part of Cali. I'm sure it'll be so much fun!

Just like how this weekend was :0)

***
The Winchester Mystery House


Construction at the Winchester Mystery House started in 1884 and continued uninterrupted (including weekends) until the death of its owner, Sarah Winchester, in 1922. This is because Mrs. Winchester believed that continuous construction of the house would provide a home for the spirits killed (and at that time, being killed) by the Winchester rifles. She was told by a psychic that it was the only way that the spirits can be appeased and she can reach immortality.

As a result of 38 years of incessant building, the house now have a total of 160 rooms, 40 stairways, 47 firplaces, 10,000 windows, 2,000 doors, 6 kitchens and 13 bathrooms.

Ok, you say. That's big but what's so mysterious about that?

Well, in order to "confuse" the spirits, Mrs. Winchester had staircases built that ends in the ceiling, doors that open to walls and to the outside (with a sheer drop to the ground below), cabinets opening into rooms and windows on floors.

During the one hour tour, we passed a staircase that descends 7 steps and then rises 11, saw a cabinet that's only an inch deep, admired an exquisite Tiffany stained glass window that has never seen the sunshine and posed in front of the beautiful $3,000 (at that time) stained glass front doors that were never used.

Really, I don't know whether to marvel at the oddities or shake my head at the staggering waste of money.

As large as the house is, it never welcomed any visitors during Mrs. Winchester's lifetime. But seeing the dozens of visitors that milled around the house's gift shop at present, I guess Sarah Winchester kinda achieved her campaign for immortality through this house.

***
Pakwan Pakistani

Said a restaurant sign we passed in San Francisco.

"Sa sobrang mahal dito" said Mr.A to us.

"You can only Pakwan Pakistani for a price. Isa lang, di pwede dalawa man lang."

It was hilarious at that time. Oh well, I guess you had to be there :0P

***
Sesame-flavored ice cream


One of the dessert choices at the buffet we went to in Japantown. At first, I was hesistant to try it when I saw its greyish-blue color. But surprisingly, I really liked it! :0)

It's creamy with the toasty taste of sesame seeds. The seeds were ground to itsy-bitsy pieces that they looked like specks of ground black pepper. Made me think of the after-taste of Buchi.

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