Lolo Duh-ed's

Oh yeah, I almost forgot... maybe because I have been trying so hard to forget... *hehe!*

My friends and I tried the Eat-All-You-Can Sirloin, Wagyu, US Ribeye, Prawns, Risotto, Mashed Potato, Rice at Lolo Dad's Brasserie for only 1200 Php+ 10%.

It was a rather disappointing experience. The beef were not consistent in size. I am talking drastic inconsistencies here. Too bad I did not take pictures because I did not bring with me a decent camera. Some were of decent size, some were really like meat scraps.

I was served rare instead of medium well once. My friend was served grilled instead of baked prawns (twice!). When we told the server it was wrong, the waiter wanted my friend to eat it. When my friend refused, the server just left it on the table for us to still eat it... Talk about force feeding. Our orders got switched. The sirloin was not tender. At all. There were wagyus that were decent but most of it was not tender either. Sauce got spilled on the table cloth so the waiter took my friend's table napkin to cover the mess! It took a really long time before food came out. I was served cold steak. If Gordon Ramsay were there, he would just switch off the kitchen.

I had high expectations because I have heard wonderful things about Lolo Dad's along Quirino Avenue. The 6750 Lolo Dad's sucks. We even saw a cockroach on the window. Yes, it was inside the restaurant. Service sucked big time. The only time there were waiters waiting was the time when Tony Boy Cojuangco was inside. the restaurant.

The waiter volunteered the information that the chefs were at a competition. My theory is that since the chefs were at the competition, the waiters had to cook and random strangers waited on tables. This explains the bad food and the bad service.

To conclude, we are not going to go back.

Here Comes The Sun

I am now, yet again, basking in sunshine. I realized that the reason why I was not feeling warm is because I have been hiding far too long underneath the shed. Silly me thought, I was going to get the sun to come in eventually if I stayed hidden long enough. It is good that it has finally dawned on me that the sun is too cosmic, too hot, too significant for a mere mortal like me to will it to come inside my cold hole.

Being happy is a choice.

Recognizing your blessings is a choice.

For a while, I have forgotten this.

Thank You for sending people to remind me that this is the secret to happiness.

Thank You for the acts of thoughtfulness that abound each day.

Eclipse

Efforts are not in vain. I am sorry I focus on mistakes. They almost eclipsed the most beautiful thing. I am such an ingrate. I have to do more reminiscing to see how fortunate I am.

I muwt put this eclipse behind me. Like the eclipse, this does not happen often. I can certainly overlook a moment of darkness for many years of sunshine.

Thank You Lord for the experience, may we really learn from it.

Sent from my iPod

Victor Hugo

While his works known to me are tragic because he is not one to sugarcoat and pretend happy endings will always happen, there is one page in Les Miserables that made me realize that through all the harsh realities this is what you can revel in:

You are loved in spite and despite of who you are. Loved more tha. you can ever understand and cared for more than you possibly deserve.

I think it is also quie amazing if I can also feel the same towards another:

To love in spite and despite of, more than I can underetand and care for more than the other deserves.

because in the end this is the kind of love that the Lord gives. We were built in His likeness and so we are probably built to love like Him as well.

Sent from my iPod

Progress Report

We are going to have a meeting tomorrow and I am not very pleased with what I have accomplished in the last few days. I could have done more had I not been so glued to the television which conveniently is just a few inches from me! Aargh!

I need to go to a research retreat and really, really think about things. I just need to prepare all my materials, say for example, a completed RRL. I cannot say I have done well because I am still lacking greatly I think in materials. I have now, a memory of a goldfish so I need to keep on reviewing the papers. This might be a good thing, hopefully, by the time (which SHOULD be next term) I defend, I would know them by heart.

I might not do Hidden Markov Model anymore because most readings say I need a representation that is human readable. I still need a probabilistic approach but definitely it has to have first order predicate logic somewhere. Wow, I make it sound like I understand it *haha!*. I have no friggin' idea yet how to do this but hopefully, I will get there.

My papers are more or less organized (leaning more towards LESS), I still have a tall pile to read but I have to attend the meeting by tomorrow already and I haven't got the time to continue reading some more. My output will just have to do.

I have to go and catch some winks, tomorrow is a full day. I do not like defense week. Nobody does. So why do we have it again?

Answered Call, Answered Prayer

I woke up today a bit later than I wanted to. I woke up at ten in the morning but I was a tad bit sleepy still and then the phone rang. That phone call woke me up faster than a pitcher of ice cold water fresh from the refrigerator. It was a call I have been praying for. That call was an answered prayer.

Please let everything just fall into place. I am tired and forlorn. I am not sure for how long I can still withstand this. I have much that I need to attend to and this is consuming me. Please let everything be normal again.

Through You everything is possible. I raise everything up to You, I know You have me in the Palm of Your Hands.

Thank You.

Suspension

I think the government has to rethink the guidelines for class suspension for the different levels. These guidelines have been there since i was young and our environment has changed greatly since then. A signal number 2 can already cause waist deep floods whereas before this might not have been the case.

The guidelines are there to protect the youth. They have to revisit every now and then especially since we are going through climate change. I thought after Ondoy this should be done without them being told.

Sent from my iPod

Pollution

I hope I am not as annoying as this person. I really hope I do not sound as irritating because if I do, I should start hating myself. I would wear earphones but I am waiting for my advisees to call for me...

Aargh...


How much longer do I need to listen to this?

Cons

I do not know how many contact lens wearers will be reading this post but no matter how small the number is, I still want to do my part in raising the awareness for GPC or Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis. I am greatly disappointed in optometrists and optical shops for never informing contact lens wearers or prospective contact lens wearers of the risks that they face if they choose to wear contact lenses.

Last Wednesday, my right eye wept for half a day because it was rejecting my right contact lens. I know I am also at fault here for being irresponsible and not going to see an opthalmologist right away. It is ironic that a friend of mine for the longest time IS an opthalmologist *hehe!*. But her clinic is just too far away ... I digress. I thought it would go away because normally it does but this time around, it just would not quit even if I use my Aquify eye drops from Ciba. I had to go home to remove my lenses.

The following day, after much prodding from a close friend, I went to the hospital. I was told that I have GPC. Chronic contact lens wearers suffer from this. Essentially, wearing contact lens regularly makes one an automatic candidate. This condition has ten levels and I was told that I was in the 2nd level.

GPC causes your eyes to dry because this inflames the inner layer of the eyelid making the surface rough. This leads to dry eyes and discomfort. The cornea, which is the transparent layer of the eye gets its nutrients from the air and from the tears coming form the tear ducts. GPC makes your eyes produce less tears, hence, the cornea will dry up and if GPC gets really bad, it can get brittle and easily get scratched. I am fortunate because my cornea has no signs of abrasions.*whew*

The deal with my doctor is this, I cannot wear contacts for a week. After that, I have to reduce my contact lens wear from seven days to only five days a week. My friend told me not to wear contacts all together. My doctor proposed this as well in order to banish the symptoms. However, my doctor understands that this is impossible for me. I cannot give up wearing lenses. I do not want to wear glasses while I run. I do not want to swim blind. I know, I know I can get prescriptive goggles but... okay fine... maybe I will get a pair... *sigh*. So, while my friend insists that I do not wear contacts anymore, I was able to haggle and convince that I can wear contacts whenever I run or I swim. I will try my utmost best to not wear contacts. *haha*

This morning I accidentally wore them because I have programmed myself to be this way.

Oh and yeah, my doctor got me Genteel it's an eye drop product by Novartis. It has to be refrigerated so I am not sure how to go about using it at least four times a day when I need to keep it cool. I bring it with me nonetheless so I can use it.

I hope my eyes get better. I miss my contacts already. :)

SONga (State of Ngayon)

I was visiting memory lane and saw a list of things I wanted to do for 2006 and I realize that I was able to do most of it.


Still read books for leisure
I still do read for leisure. In fact, I think I am less stringent in terms of the books that I read. I am less discriminating. I sill would not read a Harry Potter to save my life but I still find reading as one of the most entertaining things to do.


Remember that my younger sister is no longer a baby
She is now a professional and has a boyfriend. I still have my big sister syndrome but I am proud to say that yes, I have now accepted that she is no longer a baby. :) *wahahah!!!* She can't push me around anymore. :)

Be more organized, organized, organized!
*hehe!* Relatively, yes. I am now more organized. I do use an electronic and a paper planner now. I have recently, (thnk last night) started a new filing system for the papers that I am referencing for my RRL. I have a special folder in my hard disk for all the papers, grouped in specific topics mind you, so that should say enough about how much I have improved. My desk still looks like a hurricane ransacked it but a slightly forgiving hurricane.


Be more punctual!
I am now more punctual in my classes. I have not been late for my class for a while now and I have not forgotten any of my classes during the beginning of the term. :) *beams*

Stick to my thrice a week 20-lap swimming, once a week 30 min jog and thrice a week crunches
I now just swim 10 laps instead of 20. My schedule will only permit me this much and at least once a week... I rarely get to swim more than once actually. I get to run at most thrice a week and at least once a week. It used to be 9KM but then it went down to 5KM and then now to 2.5KM but I have been doing intervals so that should count for something. I do not do crunches but I now do Barre3. My blood pressure if 90/60 for crying out loud! I think I am doing fine. :)


Earn PhD units
Twice more than the required actually. Talk about overkill.

Publish a paper
Check! :)

ERCIM tie up

I do not even remember this *wahaha* but I was able to have a project with ICT-Asia through a French institution and I had as partners universities from Korea, Thailand, Taiwan and Singapore. I am also in partnership with the Psychology department right now and I have an ongoing DOST-PCASTRD project. I guess I did okay.

Make classes informative but exciting and fun
I do my best. I hope I am doing this. I can't believe I used to have this much passion. Enough at least to put this on my list hehe...

Propose an improved Computer Literacy Program as Pagkamulat Coordinator
We were able to improve the materials. Also, before I stepped down I was able to partner with MACE Learning Center and now every year we go there to give gifts to the kids and we also sponsor some kids there so they can go to school. I am still an active member of Pagkamulat and I love it.

Be responsive to calamity victims
We rarely have drives now.

Encourage more faculty involvement in Pagkamulat
This caused me much frustration before. I thnk the new coordinator is doing a much better job. :)

Be a good Practicum coordinator
I am proud to say that I have really improved in this area. I love my job. I love my students. I cannot say more. :)

Complain less :)
This blog is a testament to how much of a miserable failure I am in this department.

Less topaks for my boyfriend to worry about
No comment.

Continue to be an active lector
I stopped for a while but I am now back as a commentator.

Become a better badminton player
I still suck but I think my hand-eye coordination improved. I have learned how to play Ultimate Frisbee, pingpong and I did score one of the highest scores at Laser Extreme when I played with a bunch of my friends. But yeah, I still suck at badminton.

Join a fun run
I joined more than one actually. My last time was 30 minutes for 5K and 1hour for 10K I think. I stopped running because registration fees are just prohibitive. I would rather spend on my gear than on the registration.

Skate again
I did. On the ice and on pavements. I do not skate now, however. I do not know if I will skate again.

Sing more
We still do have our videoke sessions. We have a magic sing which we now rarely use but I still do sing. :)

Read more, learn more
I still read a lot... of papers :) I read and watch educational stuff and I talk to educated and well-read people so yeah, I grab every chance to learn.

I will come up with a new list of things I want to do and keep doing soon. :)

Progress Bar

I got to run again today! I did intervals again which is the most abhorring thing ever invented by runners, I think. It is really draining and it makes me feel like my lungs are going to explode! So why do it at all, you might ask? It gives me the workout I want in less time. Also, I think it will teach me how to sprint. I am more of a stamina runner/swimmer and I want to learn how to sprint to prepare me for an upcoming meet! :) *nervous*

Last night, I was able to see these sites that gave me tips on how to improve my stroke count. This gives a list of things to do and while some of the tips here, contradict with the eleven-time Olympic medalist *whoah!* Natalie Coughlin, I find the tips helpful nonetheless.

Okay enough of that.

I want to be well-rounded. :) I am doing such a good job considering I have been munching on banana chips *soh good!*. I digress. I am working on my dissertation proposal again. I decided to go back to the literature most similar to what I want to do and work my way from there. I know there will be a lot that I need to go through but these are the papers I will start with first.

I won't bore you anymore with details. I just really wanted to report what I am going to finish by tonight. I will not rest until I really finish all these because I have to finish my chapter one by Friday. Fortunately for me, I do not think I have to work tomorrow.

Over and out. :)

Moving Target

I feel like I keep on doing things over in my dissertation but I think
I might have finally, finally found the specific problem I want to
drill in. I will need to do more RRL again. I swear my friend would
pound my head already. We have been working side by side and my friend
has made giant strides while I slept *wahaha*! I have been utterly
lazy because I was lost for a long time. I was trying to solve a load
of problems when I need to just solve one specific problem!!!

Focus!!!

Next term I will defend my proposal and pass.

I will finish this.

Endor-fins

I got to run today yahoo!!!

I was badly in need of endorphins this morning and it was indeed a blessing to have somebody listen to my sob stories. It was a great opprtunity to be able to have time to err... make time to run. It gave me the endorphin boost that I needed.

I guess I will not just workout for physical fitness anymore but mental fitness and emotional fitness as well. Oh and yeah I have to practice swimming...

Sent from my iPod

Drawing

They say women have this special intuition where you just get a feeling that people are betraying you. Then again, where do you draw the line between intuition and paranoia? A close friend of mine mocked me for even discussing this. He said I am supposed to be a scientist and intuition does not fall under science.

Hmm... I guess. So best to gather evidence, conduct experiments and perform observations before drawing conclusions.

Sent from my iPod

Swimming Ariel

My sister showed me this video and I have been wanting this doll since! I have always loved the Little Mermaid. I saw the movie when I was nine and I have kept on watching it over and over. I memorized her songs and up to this very day, I still sing her song Part of Your World every time we go to a karaoke place.

I wanted an Ariel doll before but I was a stingy kid and my parents gave me money to spend. I saw one that really looked like Ariel in Bahrain before but I was too stingy to buy it. I think it was 10 Dinars which was roughly 1000Php then and it was early nineties... So no. I did not get the doll.

Fast forward to today... I want the Swimming Ariel!!! :) Can I please, please swim with Ariel the next time I am at the pool.

Oh and yeah, Santa, if you can read my blog, may I also have my mermaid fins?! :)

*Swimming Ariel... Swimming Ariel song from the TV advertisement*

Cool-pon Shopping!

I have just discovered the joys of buying coupons online in exchange of different deals! If you want to try getting good deals for services like massages or buffets at your fave hotels or even great deals for holidays you can try clicking on this link. Check Deals!

If you are wondering what I have bought already: *hehe!*

I was able to get buffet coupons at 50% off at Sofitel's Spiral and I was able to get 90% off at a local spa and a nice holiday for only 2,700Php! Cool huh?! If you are looking for gifts they provide nice gifts as well! :)

Life's Oxymorons

I find it truly amazing how people far from each other are closer. I guess it's pretty much like how when your voice is softer people hear you louder. Is it the challenge? Or is it the crave to conquer and to overcome? Is it because humans are designed to break down walls, and defeat limitations?

Whatever force it is that makes people this way, I am grateful.

Because of this force, the Berlin wall went down on November 9, 1989, the world became flat and people continue to strive to break down barriers of distance, space and time.

Thank You.

WAW!

I am now an official emcee under Weddings At Work! *woot!*

I hope I get booked soon! I am trying to figure out what to put on my new website. I am collecting all my pictures from all the weddings I have been an emcee for. I will also be collecting pictures from all the corporate events I have also hosted. I am mighty excited and I hope this really pushes through because it will be fun and it will give me additional income!

*yehey!!!*

Sunshine

I woke very disappointed because I woke up vey late and then like the sun that peeked out after a heavy rain, I received a message and all was bright and sunny again!

Thank You, it really, really made my day! :) I am off to finish tasks! :)

Sent from my iPod

The Sweetest Thing

Somebody eating your leftover.

Hahaha!!! Am I weird or what?!

Seriously though, I appreciate acts of kindness and cavalry when they are really needed, when they matter because then you know it is not just for putting on a show.

Oh and yeah, for the record I really find eating off of a plate of someone sweet. Be that person be a sibling, a parent, a close friend (otherwise it is creepy and disturbing) or a partner (loved one sounds wrong coz all the others previously mentioned are loved too). It shows a certain level of intimacy and trust.

PS.

I had a cute sweet kid to play with today and it made my day. She remembered my name and our mini adventures! This kid will go rock climbing and swimming with the sharks with me someday. :)

Sent from my iPod

First Major Quiz

Melancholia hits me.

I am now in a pensive mood after such a nice day.

*sigh*

Days sometimes can feel like weeks and weeks like months and months like years and years like a lifetime and a lifetime like forever and forever like... I think I have established my point.

Waiting has never been my forte but each day I am learning and I feel stronger each day.

Stroke of Bad Stroke

I swam today and had my sister take my video so I know how stroke looks. My camera phone sucks and my stroke too. Aargh!!! Really?! 60?! For a friggin' 50m?! I know it is ridiculous but I have to aim for a 30!!! So hmm... I have my period so no swimming for me next week but I have to do land training. Hopefully period will end by Saturday and that should let me swim. I have to look at videos for swimming. I was unable to maximize my glide because I was moving my arms too fast.

Next week should be better...

I hope my sister can get me on video again. :)

Sent from my iPod

La-Z Girl

I need to jump start myself. I have been lazing around, not for days mind you but for months. I want to kick myself in the butt. I really must get myself to work. Aargh...

I did not even get to run yesterday! Yes, I have gotten that lazy. I am going to run tomorrow. I must run tomorrow. My sister has warned me how my figure now can change ever so abruptly if I start slacking off again. Needless to say, I am soh very happy with how I look right now! Vanity of vanities!!! :) Better to be happy with how you look than to loathe it, at the end of the day, there is really nothing much you can do with the raw materials you were given with. Harness it and love it or hate it and well be miserable wahaha!!!!

So I am making a deliberate choice to lavett!!!

Thank You Lord for the blessings that just come pouring in. Thank You for the opportunities that You present me with every single day to love You more. More importantly, thank You for the love You send me through the people You have sent my way. Please bless them all.

Nosebleed

I got another nosebleed again this morning. I was not speaking in English and yet... Hmm... Odd.

I also want to learn how to cook. Haha! Something is messing with my system. Must be due to watching too close to the screen at Resort World. Transformers might have screwed with my system.

Still contemplating on running in a while. :)

Sent from my iPod

Vendetta

Here is another declamation piece from the past...

Disclaimer: This is really not how I remember Vendetta. I remember it as something more tragic but this is the only thing I was able to come across. I just transcribed this from an actual performance. I am at the mercy of the memory of the kid that performed this. I plan to modify this so it is as I remember it but I am too lazy right now *hehe!*. For now, this will have to do! :)





Vendetta

Let's Doogie!

I was still young when Doogie Howser, M.D. came out snd I had an early bedtime. I was not able to see much of the series before so imagone how thrilled I am now that I am watching a rerun on etc! :)

I am beyond thrilled!!!

Sent from my iPod

JapaNice Food - Part Two

See Part One here.

I failed to mention Nihonbashitei at Pedro Gil. So far, this is the best that I have tried in Manila. They really serve good Japanese food. The ambience is also great because there are rooms that look like restaurants in Japan. The downside is that there are a lot of Japanese people who keep on smoking in the restaurant.

The food price is below 300Php. You must try their Udon, Takoyaki and Gyoza. ;) Their Yakiniku is also very good! *yum!*

Bor-okay

I have been to Boracay at least seven times. I know, I just cannot get enough of that island. :)

So from the seven times that I have been there, here are the tips that I think would let you get the most fun out of your moolah:

1. If you want a really great time with your friends try FlyFish because it is 100 times better than banana boat and not as painful. :) This has got to be the most fun water sport in Boracay that I have ever tried. Try to get as much discount as possible by haggling with the agents. The lowest I got this FlyFish activity for is 470Php.

2. Helmet diving is not that fun in my opinion because it is not so eventful but you ought to do this at least once even if for the cute pictures and video. The lowest I got this for is 450Php but if you are with more people, maybe you can get this as low as 350Php. I have not really tried to get it that low. :) Remember to equalize so you will not hurt yourself.

3. I got a lot of bruises last time I tried to learn how to skim board. I still cannot do it for the love of me but I think if I try it a second time I will be able to do this. I suggest you save this for last so if you get injured at least you are homebound already *hehe!*! My brother hurt his wrist before because of this so... be careful.

4. Wall climbing is relatively cheap at 50Php per climb. There are three walls at D'Mall with different levels of difficulty. I have climbed the easy and intermediate wall. I do not know if I will ever attempt to climb the difficult wall. :)

5. You can also try the basketball challenge at D'Mall. It is only 35Php for 40seconds. This is extremely addictive so bring lots of cash *hehe!*!

6. There are people who tried Zorb but I never really want to try this because I keep on wondering how many people sneezed, puked, coughed and breathed in that Zorb so... *hehe!*!

7. Swimming is really fun too and it is free! Water is cold even in the summer so it is very refreshing. When the wind is strong and there is rain, the water is warm so it's really great! The talcum sand is never hot so no need to wear flipflops while walking on the sand even under the glaring heat of the sun.

8. Building sand castles is very easy if you use Boracay's sand so if you have never made sand castle before, now is the time! : ) My friend decided to build a giant toilet bowl with poop in it. Another friend of mine made a naked woman. : ) It was really fun!

9. Bring your own frisbee so you need not buy at Boracay and play for free all you want! :) This is fun but can also get a bit challenging if the wind is strong.

10. One of the things that I enjoy doing at Boracay is running along the beach! This is free too! I do this very early in the morning so it is not too hot yet.

11. After doing all these activities, you'd want to eat too! I highly recommend Boracay's choriburger! :) This should be just 35php for Chorizzo on a stick and 40Php for Choriburger (in a bun). I like putting spicy sauce and vinegar on my chori! :)

12. A good drink to wash this down is the creamy shake at Jonah's. Try their mango milk shake at 95Php.

13. If you want to splurge you can try the Steakhouse along the beach. Damage is less than 500Php for a nice steak.

14. If you are craving for gourmet food, you can also try Lemon Cafe. Try their Mango (forgot the exact name) cake because this is also divine. Just try not to think about how much butter is in there... ;)

15. Bite Club offers an assortment of burgers and they have good burger too. Club Burger is less than 200Php and is a juicy 1/3 pound burger with one free topping of choice. You can also try the giant Bombarella which is half a pound stuffed with mozzarella cheese! :) Triple X burger is a one pounder! :)

16. There is a BBQ place near Bite Club that offers a good rib eye steak too at less than 300 Php so you can also try that. :)

17. If you are craving for Mexican food, Ole has interesting Mexican and Spanish food. *yummy*

18. If you are under a tight budget you must try the Lucban longganisa of Andok's. Really good!!! :)

For accommodations, if you want a nice play at a cheap price, I advise you book via Agoda.com. I always get good deals from this site. Last Saturday, we had to transfer to another hotel and hotels were so expensive so I booked via Agoda and got a big room for two people for only 58USD. An extra bed was only 800Php and this came with breakfast. I am talking about a Boracay Regency managed hotel so it was not shabby at all. :)

If you are on a tighter budget, you can get a hotel room for as low as 500Php and I am talking about a hotel room near the beach front. All you have to do is to ask around.

Of course when night falls, you can parteh at Station 1's Club Paraw or Gilly's or hang out at bars there or Station 2's Epic. I never liked hanging around Station 3. That place scares me at night. I do not like hanging around places with foreigners. Call me judgmental but I would rather stay out of the way.

If you want to visit the other beaches of the island, all you have to do is to take a tricycle and tell the driver. A ride costs 10Php per person.

If you have other questions at Boracay just leave a message and I will try to answer as best as I can. :)

Em-Sea

Boracay was guhreat! I was the master of ceremonies for the conference and it was a nightmare the night before because the program was not finalized until the morning of the conference I think. Everything was just coming to me on the fly and I had to think on my toes the entire day. I was really stressed but things turned out really well. Added to the pressure were the two big enchiladas of Cisco who attended and gave their talks! *whew*

I do not mind being an emcee in fact I enjoy most parts of it but I just hope people would realize that it is not as easy as it looks. It is my face that gets humiliated if I do not get details right. Fortunately, things went well but maybe I will say no next year. Maybe. *haha!!!*

I intended to write more about my trip to Bora but I have a meeting in a while and I have not even taken a bath yet. *aargh!!!* I have been awake for hours but I was reading a bunch of papers so there... Plus, there was this really interesting episode about rings of planets on the History channel's The Universe.

Gravity. I think it's sexy. Okay... I must get moving because I am talking crazy already *haha!!!*.

Smiling

It is true what they say. All you got to do is ask.

I am going to bed with a big smile on my face.

Good night world!

Thank You. :)

Sent from my iPod

Chicken All You Can

Am I being oversensitive these days or is there really something wrong? I cannot quite pinpoint what it is. I find myself reluctant to confront because I am not sure what is really there but there is something troubling me. I wonder if I should rock the boat or if I should sit still and wait until everything passes. Will it go away? Is it even there in the first place or is my mind playing tricks again?
<br>
Not quite decided yet.
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Oh and yeah, I did the chicken all you can at Max's and was able to eat an entire chicken *burp*. I do not want to eat chicken for now. I have had more than my fill.

Sent from my iPod

Grateful

It is now eleven in the morning and I am still in bed. I will run in a while because I ate a Krispy Kreme donut yesterday and then I ate a Santa Fe burger. Aaargh!!!

Boracay is only a few days away so I must really run!

Today we celebrate the 100 years of DLSU. Yesterday i was contemplating if I should go and see the relic. A friend of mine mademme realize that I shouldngo even if it is just to realize that St. John Baptist de la Salle was human once.

I constantly ask him to pray for me. I was just uneasy gping to see the relic because that is onlh his dead body. Rhe bible did warn about idolatry so I was hesitant to go.

I am glad that I went to see him. It was a very good experience.

Now I must prepare for my run. I think I am well enough to run today.

Thank You Lord.

Sent from my iPod

iColor

I have been sporting colored contact lenses for the past few days and I have been getting compliments. I like how it looks from afar but I do not like how it looks up close hehe! I am stuck with them because I dropped several cpear lenses by accident and now I am out. I am still on the lookout for their promo because they used to have a promo Buy 2 boxes and get 1 free.

In the meantime, I am making do with this new eye color. I hope I am not freaking out my students. :)

Sent from my iPod

Surprises

I like it how some people are not after recognition. I am inspired by those who do things in anonymity. The shadows just make people more attractive to me haha! I wonder why I have never been attracted to Batman.

Gestures that are not done for others to marvel at, are simply sweeter, more personal. It does not feel like a production number but rather a sign of affection so genuine it yearns not the approval of others. In the long run, these are the acts that will leave a mark.

Sent from my iPod

Hey Big Spender

This is just the coolest thing ever! Posting has never been this
easy!!! *woohoo!* Now I am seriously lusting after that new iTouch but
I will wait. Maybe they will release something better... or I will
wait for prices to go down. Haven't really actively looked yet... I
can give my old one to my mom... Haha!!!

I spent a fortune while I was in New York! I cannot, cannot, I repeat
to myself and perhaps must do so in the next ten million years that I
cannot make a purchase again! *thwaps shopaholic self*

Don't think I walked the city streets with tons of bags... Okay
perhaps on some occasions I did but hmm... I also bought a really
small, paper bag that was Tiffany blue. To make matters worse... or
better depending on how you want to look at it, I think I am over my
silver craze. I wanted something gold. Something that really
appreciates in value over time. And then I figured, what could be
better than gold? Yup, diamonds! So to make this rather long
confession short... I got myself a diamond necklace! It still makes me
smile whenever it smiles at me as I open its really nice velvet box
encased inside the Tiffany blue carton box that is encased in its
paper bag *haha*! I have only worn the necklace three times. I am not
sure when my next Tiffany is going to come but I hope not very soon...

While in the US, I also came across a pair of Miu Miu's. Miu Miu is
Miuccia's nickname. Miuccia is the first name of Prada the designer.
The Miu Miu's were on sale like 90% off so I got them! : ) There was
just one pair and I thought to myself, if it will fit then we are
meant for each other. *sigh* And then... there was a pair of Cole Haan
Nike Air... and they were priced as much as Hush Puppies so I just had
to get them too...

Of course I got my share of H&M stuff, Aeropostale and Gap. I smuggled
fresh cherries! Lots and lots and only paid 7 USD for them. I am
charming like that. :) I did not even bring lots of chocolates
anymore... Hmm... I got gifts for people and more souvenirs from
different places so yeah, I am kinda broke *wahaha*! Broke but a
really, really happy gurl!

Oh and yeah, I also got a Kate Spade tote. It's a tote I have been
wanting for a while now and it was on sale. I tried not to buy it and
argue with my id but my friend just nudged me to buy and I was weak.
In hindsight, I am uber glad that I got it. *happiness* So now in my
collection I have a Coach, Kate Spade, Fendi, Burberry, Gucci and
Louis Vuitton. When oh when will I get a Chanel? :) *thwaps self*

The best splurge I think is the 130 USD ticket for Wicked. It was
worth every penny! *sigh* I really enjoyed watching it. I knew the
songs by heart but I was still moved. *sigh*

I will write a better story about my stay in NY and DC next time...
This is a bit out of whack *haha!*. I am taking a break from my
dissertation. My eyesight is blurring and my head hurts... I am just
resting. :)

Test

This is a test if the email function works. If it does, I will be soh
very happy and might actually get the new iTouch already. Not! :)

Love-oh Labo

They say love is needed for a relationship to last. I find love to be too big a word for to understand. What I do understand is respect. When this is not there am pretty sure there is no love. I know this is still not the definition of love but this is a start. Gimme a break, some people take a long time to learn some things!

Panda-ring

I have a splitting headache argh... I hope it goes away soon. I have not had this much headache for the longest time. So long in fact, I do not know how to remedy it but to take Biogesic. I was watching Samantha Brown and now I want to Szechuan in China so I can hold a panda. I hope I can find a conference there. :) I was in China once but it was in Beijing. I was happy then too because I was able to go to the Nest and Cube from the Olympics. Going there, I had tontake a crazy flight that was turbulent all the way. Still, I want to go to China!!!

Panda-ring

I have a splitting headache argh... I hope it goes away soon. I have not had this much headache for the longest time. So long in fact, I do not know how to remedy it but to take Biogesic. I was watching Samantha Brown and now I want to Szechuan in China so I can hold a panda. I hope I can find a conference there. :) I was in China once but it was in Beijing. I was happy then too because I was able to go to the Nest and Cube from the Olympics. Going there, I had tontake a crazy flight that was turbulent all the way. Still, I want to go to China!!!

Bor-again

I know, I know I have not talked about my US trip yet but I have been busy... okay lazy. These days I like to get to bed early. Save for yesterday because it was hard to sleep when I have slept the entire day. I got sick. I am still sick but more able than yesterday to dance and prance about. I am excited to go to Bora again yahoo!!! Bora twice a year is becoming a habit haha!!! I hope it will be the same next year. We will be extending our stay so after the conference we can still get to have tons of fun!!!

Testing, Testing

I really like that there is a new app that allows me to post via mh iTouch. Yahoo!!! I have not posted anything about my travels and recent adventures but I seriously do not feel like doing it right no haha!!! :) I am now lusting right for the new iTouch but I must stop myself because I have made super purchases in New York. *yikes!!!*

Hopeful and Happy

Hope is knowing that when you leave, you have a place to come home to.

Happiness is being reunited after not seeing each other for a long time.

Today, I am hopeful and happy at the same time and because I can be both, I am grateful.

Thank You.

Pool of Surprises

I am sleeping in a bit as soon as I share my uncanny experience today at the swimming pool.

Oh yeah, have not told you that.

I have gone back. The prodigal swimmer is back. I am not back to my 3.6KM swim. Right now I am just doing 1KM, 500m Freestyle, 500m Breaststroke. I still hate breaststroke but I want to even out my muscles hehe... I clocked the time it takes me to change into my suit, swim 1KM, bathe and dress and step out of the locker room and it takes 1 hour. I guess I can spare that much time to swim given that it does make me feel guhreat! :)

I digress.

I was wearing my goggles and swimming cap and most of the time my head was buried underwater because I was swimming... At the end of the pool I tumble turned to swim back to the other end. In spite this, my student still recognized me. My students from way back 2009!!! The only girl in the group went into the locker room to see if it was me. When she found out that it was me, she called her guy friends and two boys went into the locker room to say hi!!! I had to scold them. Thankfully there was no one changing into their clothes in the locker room.

These kids are nice kids, not perverts mind you. They were the same sweet kids whose class gave me a cake and a harana during our last meeting.

It was just creepy that they recognized me in spite all that I was wearing and they followed me to the locker room! :)

So that's how it feels like to be followed. :)

Chuckles...

I am officially a freak. I just cried over a Chuck episode *haha*!

Chuck is such a charming character. *sigh* And he's soh smart too! I do not know what it is but I really find smart uber sexy. :) I think I would fall for a nerd any day. It would be such a great bonus if he had the body of Thor and the face of hmm... Thor. ;)

Okay... Going back to Chuck! :) *giggles*

Friday Gate-a-Way

I forgot to mention about other things that happened last Friday because I was still being Thor-ribly distracted about the Thor-rific body of Thor.

I was able to try a really nice restaurant called Bellini's near Gateway. It's located at the Marikina Shoe Expo and while the location may mislead you into thinking that the interiors is not nice, it was actually uber nice. There were murals 2D and 3D. If you take pictures they look like they're real actually. It makes you look like you really went Roma, Firenze, Venetia, Pisa, Milan... *sigh*. The food and the live music were also great. I enjoyed my Penne al Arabiata very much! I would like to go back to that place but the commute is a bit prohibitive. I would love to bring my mom and my siblings to that place because they are such big fans of Italian food. It is owned by a Filipino and Italian couple and I do not think they have plans of franchising or opening branches... Oh well... At least I got to bring them to Cosa Nostra which is a lovely, lovely place with lovely food. :)

You know, come to think of it, last Friday was a really great day. :) I even had a hot fudge sundae which was especially sweet.

I have a sweet tooth and it does not stop there.

Thor-iffic

I got to see Thor last Friday at Gateway and I loved what I saw hehe... That Thor is really something *giggles like a school girl*! I have been this way since Friday and I just can't help it! I am drawn to guys who look loke they do not take baths.

I loved Brad Pitt in Legends of the Fall and Troy, Heath Ledger in Ten Things I Hate About You, Tom Cruise in Night and Day, Hugh Jackman in Wolverine and Australia, Gerald Butler in any movie *wahaha* (he looks rugged no matter what) and Chris Hemsworth in Thor.

Even when I was younger I have always been drawn to this type: Rurouni Kenshin, Squall, Kurama... Robin Padilla hehehe...

So yeah... current apple of my eyes is Chris. :)

On a more serious note though I would like to say, the LaZ Boy seats were great but the sound system sucked, Gateway. I hope you fix that because it totally ruins the experience.

Bringing Sexy Back

I find a person who would use his brains to win an argument way sexier than a person who would use his muscles.

I just realized this about myself today.

So that's why Bonifacio never really caught my eye, Rizal has though *hehe*.

Ex-tension

The deadline was moved by one more week!!! *woot!!!* But I will go surfing this weekend so I must finish by Thursday at the latest. Stop rolling your eyes!!! :)

I want to collapse right now actually but I want to have dinner first and then fall asleep while watching Friends. I am watching the series from the very first season. I am now about to finish the second. :)

This will be all for now. I just really wanted to share the guhreat news! :)

Venti Venting

I ought to sleep already as it is almost three in the morning but I need to do this to calm my nerves. I need to exercise! I have not run in ages! Agh! I just find my self lacking in sleep every night so I could not deprive myself of the sleep late in the morning. I have noticed vast improvement on my skin and vast... well vastness around the hips *wahaha!*. So I need to run! But not tomorrow err... today because as you can see, I am going to be sleep-deprived yet again tomorrow.

I had to write a paper tonight and while I think I was able to write the major parts, I will need to review it by tomorrow so that I can improve it. In the meantime, this will have to do. The paper I submitted to a conference in the States was accepted *woot!*! Thank You Lord! :) *happy dance!* At least, I will not just attend a conference but I will get to present as well. Hopefully, I can get comments while I am there. The paper has much to do with my dissertation.

The paper I am writing right now is related to my dissertation but not as relevant as the one I just submitted. The deadline of said paper is tomorrow night *wahahah*! I know, I should be reprimanded. I was thinking if I do not make it to this conference, I will submit to another... So maybe I will submit another paper to another conference, the more papers, the more chances of getting published.

The only exercise I got the last few weeks were, wall climbing, laser tag and arcade basketball! :) I got to climb more challenging walls this time and at 44 feet at that! I want to go back very soon! I also went to play Laser Tag with my friends! I have very poor hand-eye coordination but apparently, I have improved in vast proportions! I placed third out of 24 players! Some of the people I was with were very competitive too! I was soh pleased with myself when I saw the rankings! :) I got the printout to prove it too! :) I hope to be back. I am actually thinking if we can make it into an outreach program for our social action group! :) Another proof that I have that says I have better hand-eye coordination is how much I have improved at playing arcade basketball. I scored 104! Okay, my guy friend scored 128 but he used to be soh much better than me or actually, I used to suck more compared to him! :) I think he may be a good coach that's why!

I will be going surfing this weekend and got myself a brand new rash guard and board shorts! I am soh excited! I really hope I will learn!!! I must! I must! I invested so much already. In my defense, I bought these things because I really plan to go wake boarding very soon! This outfit will be a staple in those wake boarding trips! *woot!*

I think I might go to Barre3 sometime during this week because I need the workout... Or maybe not. I just really need to work out! Agh...

Actually, what I really need right now, now is... SLEEP!!!

Blooming

I have just concluded two of my classes this trimester. Once more, tears welled up in my eyes. Fortunately, my eyes are big enough to swallow the tears again *haha!*. Every trimester, my students just really make me so grateful that I teach. I love their messages to me after the trimester ends. Even after they get their grades ( I compute their grades already during the last meeting).

Thank You Lord for leading me to this place. For planting me where I can bloom in so many ways.

Thank You for this gift.

I want to volunteer at a nearby orphanage. I hope to do this, this Saturday. Maybe I should go there tomorrow to inquire. :)

Exciting!!!

Sand Castle

A week ago, I was able to build my first, very own sand castle! I was not able to immortalize my sand castle because I was too lazy to get the camera from the room but I really think it looks better in my head now. I loved how my Arabian Nights inspired castle looked against the dusk with the tranquil sea in the background.

I built a moat around my castle (I know Arabian castles do not have moats but leave me be... build your own castle!) and as the tide rose, water started filling in the moats. This was partly assisted much to my dismay. I watched how slowly the sand castle was eaten up by the waves, gracefully melting and rejoining the bigger magnificence of the beautiful creation that is the sea.

Like my sand castle, I wish to be beautiful as well, amidst the dusk and the tranquility of the ocean as I age. I want the waves to slowly lick me and then swallow me as I gracefully melt into oblivion. I would like to fade only because fading will make way for unrivaled art.

Who would have thought that a simple act of scooping dirt and shaping it into something could create so much meaning into something I have feared for so long?

Thank you for allowing me to experience getting my hands dirty so I could build something that I did not know I could. It was such an imperfect castle but it will always be, in my mind, perfect, as the moment when it was crafted.

Until the next sand castle.

Vacay!

My head is already reeling because I need to sleep but I want to write down my thoughts before I finally give in to exhaustion.

I think I can honestly say, that I have had one of the most enjoyable vacations ever.

I finally got to try FlyFish which is soh fun! I want to try that again next time I am in Bora! :) Might go again this June for work. I hope we can squeeze it in.

Thank You for the busy and yet restful vacation that You have given me. You have given my mind, my soul and my heart rest.

Thank You.

The birthday gifts just keep on coming. :)

A Birthday Gift

This year, I got to have two cakes. One cake was from Osaka that was topped with strawberries and the other cake was from the Philippines topped with mangoes. But apart from these cakes topped with strawberries and mangoes, I got my cherry on top. Yes this is on top of all those yummy toppings! :)

I think this year, I got a gift that I did not imagine to get. The giver probably does not understand how it meant a lot to me but it did. It came least expected and it made my heart want to jump out of its cage, but in retrospect, I am just glad that it all happened.

I did not think it would ever be possible and that it would happen as it did but it did! :) Until now, as I recall all that transpired, I feel like everything was surreal. Of course, being the masochist that I am, I imagine myself saying something else or doing something else because I like to torture myself that way but I think all went relatively well. In the end, I just have to let go because none of what has been can ever be changed (and I am not just talking about this particular thing but other parts of my life as well). I have to learn to forgive myself and trust His hand. He has a greater design, a greater plan and all I have to do is to trust His heart.

So, thank you and most importantly, thank You.

On Japan

The day the horrible quake hit Tokyo was the same day I went home from Osaka. It was also my birthday. People were calling me up to check on me. Family members, colleagues and friends were calling me up, asking me if I made it back.

I did and I feel blessed. Thank You Lord for keeping me safe and for helping me make it to my flight (This is another post in itself).

When I heard that there was an earthquake in Japan, I thought to myself, "There is no way Japan will be affected. They are very prepared.". Even after they said a tsunami hit Japan, I was still very confident that Japan was able to warn everybody". My faith in the Japanese people is that great.

Unfortunately, the tsunami and the quake were too horrendous even for the most prepared. Still, as I watch them as a people, I cannot help but be amazed at how dignified they still look in spite the tragedy that hit them. How their government has responded and how they are now picking up all the pieces. Some of my friends from Tokyo were telling me how business, day after the tragedy, was going back to normal.

Even now, that there has been explosions in the nuclear plant, I still think that even that they will be able to contain soon. This is how much I look up to this nation, this group of people, more so because I have seen how they work like clockwork and how much pride they have as they do what is expected of them.

They have, over the years of their existence, triumphed over tragedies. I think this is one of those and one of these days Japan shall rise again to inspire and to awe.

Let us pray for Japan and for the rest of the world.

God bless Japan and the rest of the world.

Peachy and Clammy

Things have been peachy the past few weeks. I cannot say I was productive but all in all things have been going well in other aspects of my life. I hope to be able to make up for my lack of productivity the past few weeks this week. My week started off unproductive but today was an improvement. Vast if I may say so.

My visit to Japan is causing me anxiety. I have to really make a good presentation. *yikes* What troubles me is that I have to be in Naga for a week and then after one day of being back in Manila I will be leaving for Japan. I will practically be not in Manila for two weeks!

We have been anticipating March to be a busy month so I guess this is okay.... *inhale, exhale* Worried about my presentation so I better get crackin'.

Lost at Sea

I should really be sleeping right now but I cannot get something out of my head and out of my chest.

I have recently survived a shipwreck. After finding my way back to land after being lost at sea, I still feel all the pain. Not unscathed mind you. I have scars that remind me everyday of my reckless ways and a few bones still waiting to be set in place and heal fully that makes me feel the pain of stubbornness everyday. There are many days when I wish to run and play and just be as carefree as I used to be but cannot, as my injuries keep me shackled to where I am still day in and day out. What I went through and still going through are things I would not wish on my worst enemy.

I now see myself in somebody whom I feel might suffer the same misfortune and I cannot shout because my warning might fall on deaf ears or worse, it might fall on the wrong ears. Then again, I might just come off as a bitter voyager, envious of the adventure others might enjoy. As I stare at my scars and as I writhe in pain from some still broken bones, it hurts me and my chest is heavy ,knowing that I am helplessly watching somebody sail off to the open sea with the possibility of experiencing the most turbulent journey that will never be completed.

Then again, it could just be my trauma that I am inflicting on my imagination saying all these things. Perhaps these are nothing but delusions of a loon.

Right now, the ship is ready to sail. The champagne bottle is waiting to be smashed on the vessel.

I hope I am wrong.

Bon voyage!

Great

I am going to New York!!! :)

This is hands down my most favorite place in the US! If that is not enough I will get to spend it with a New Yorker friend! This almost feels like Sex and the City except of course there will be no sex *haha!*! She already asked me to bring with me a cute outfit because we are going to parteh! Hmm... what outfit to buhreeng?! :) I am stoked! Can you tell?!

---

The recent episode of HIMYM was pretty intense. :) That is all I want to say about this. :)

---

I was able to run today but I woke up late and had a morning meeting so I had to cut my run short. I got to do the Barre3 push ups still though and I was able to do dumbbells tonight but I have had four, FOUR sylvannas since my friend got back. I want to shoot myself *haha!* but it is just soh yummy! :)

I will try to not eat too much anymore because it will make me fat. That thing is made of buttah that will make my butt beeg! Which is totally uncool especially since I am going to Boracay! I tried on my swimsuit this morning and I think I should definitely run seriously again *haha!*. Still, being the vain person that I am is saying, not bad gurl! *wahaha!!!* Talk about fighting spirit! But you know, when it is all that you have, you just have to have that thing called... self-affirmation, no matter how deceitful you are to yourself. Works evuhreetime! :)

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Last night, I was fortunate enough to hear the healing mass of Fr. Joey Faller. We were blessed because he and two other priests came. He had a healing session after the mass. I was healed. Not by Fr. Faller but by the Lord, by Jesus and by the Holy Spirit. I felt a transformation take place.

I am glad I came because earlier that week I was thinking of going to my Tai Chi class instead. Yesterday, I realized that this does not happen very often and so I decided to take a rain check on my Tai Chi class and heard mass instead. I was blessed more than all the Tai Chi can give me. I was given peace more than what many years of Tai Chi practice can probably give me.

The Lord has plans for me. He will not falter. He makes great things out of imperfect things.

God is good, all the time.

---

Tonight was fun too. I finally tried Punyeta buffalo wings at Charlie's. Two guys and myself tried it because one of us dared the others. No, it was not me. Two pieces each. Both were all sweaty and red. I got through without taking a sip of water, not breaking a sweat and smiling all the way through the pictures. We all had a glimpse of what it is like to be Adam on Man vs Food. His job looks fun but it is not easy. :)

Great company, great food.

Travels So Far

I have been receiving news on my travels for the year and I am thuhreelled!!! This March I will be going to Naga. I am wishfully hoping and thinking if maybe I could get to go to Donsol so that I can swim with the sharks. I am unsure how far Naga is from Donsol and how in the world I can go there. I might actually be happy with Cam Sur but I do not know if that is also feasible. I will just have to wing it. I will be there for a conference of course and getting to have fun is just cherry on top. :)

I will be going to Boracay again this year but I do not know when exactly it will be yet. I am also planning to go to Bora with friends but no date for that one yet either. I would love to go to El Nido even if I have to do it on my own. I just found out that there is a direct flight from Manila to El Nido. Going on my own might be interesting too. Well, there is nothing new to this really because I normally travel alone but going there alone on my own dime will be new.

I will be going to Osaka again this year but this time on business. I will be going to the laboratory we are in partnership with to consult with our Japanese advisers *yikes!*. I am really scared! I get clammy hands whenever I think about it. Last Saturday, my tummy ached like it never has before. I think I am becoming acidic. My friends said it is probably "stress ulcer". Fortunately, it has not recurred so that is good.

I will be going to Washington D.C. as well. I just found out yesterday. I am happy because then I will get to use my visa already and not on my own dime too. More than that, I will be able to attend a conference on my field. Hopefully, I will get to meet people working on my area and also get some insights. I am also hoping against all hopes that I will get to present my work because that can do wonders for my confidence. I would also like to catch Wicked. I hope. I hope. I hope. :)

I have been wanting to see Wicked for a long time now. :)

A Few Good Men

I have the deepest respect for men who know that no material wealth will ever make-up for character and genius. Those who live and buy within their means and aspire for more not so they can buy more but to build a bright future. They understand that there is no need for overcompensation and that a deep-seated respect is more than enough to make a simple shirt, a pair of slacks, worn out but clean shoes are enough to make them shine. They underatand that the honorable way is the only way to make money.

They will never compromise their integrity and values for any price as their desires in life go beyond those that can ever be bought from the store nor do these desires can ever be cheapened by a price tag.

These men are the fathers I hope for the future Filipinos.

Obsessions, Frustrations, Inspirations

I was so caught up with my newly-cut, temporarily straight-for-a-day hair that I forgot to mention how wonderful my Sunday went. It started out with a morning run, a nice, simple breakfast followed by a hefty, uber unhealthy lunch topped with yummy dessert, unplanned grocery trip, amazing company and bountiful laughter, raves and rants. I do not think I will tire of these things.

I opened my email today. I did not like what I saw. I have been praying for this but I did not get it. I wanted it to get comments on my work. But the thing is, I got the comments on my work. Nice comments actually, just not in the way that I wanted. I will try again though. There's bound to be another chance. *hopeful* My adviser is very encouraging and very supportive. I get most of my inspiration from her. We are blessed to have her in the laboratory. Really. :) Thank You Lord for her.

I have finally figured out the algorithm I have been trying to understand for days now. I found the dissertation where it came from and the dissertation explained it so well. Other papers were unable to explain properly.

I think I may have an algorithm already. It is not quite perfect yet but at least I am getting there. My RRL is not done yet and I have received a new paper that I have to look into. I hope to finish by next week. :) *crosses fingers*

I also want to try Bikram Yoga. I am obsessing... Really. I want to try yoga in a 38C temperature and sweat buckets! I have tried doing Tai Chi twice already in the past two weeks. I cannot say I thoroughly enjoy it but I think it is helping me be more patient. I will give it a try again next week. As for the Bikram obsession. I am really hoping I can squeeze it into my schedule. I was unable to run all week. Darn. I hope to run tomorrow. I have not been getting the right amount of sleep, perhaps yoga will help me sleep.

I hope to get myself into shape because I am going to be an emcee, a reader and a prayer leader for the wedding of the century! No, not the royal wedding but quite close! *haha!*

Straight or Gay

I am writing this post via iTouch so it is bound to be garnished with typos.

I had a hair cut today. I loved how they straightened my hair. I really looked nice. I was admiring myself all day like the real vain person that I am. *hahahha* Soh many people paid me compliments! Students, staff, faculty members, guards name it!!! I enjoyed the attention and this made me want straight hair even more. I considered this actually but they said I could not swim in the pool or in the beach. Right then and there I knew The decision was a no-brainer. I choose swimmng over vanity any day. Well... After everyone thought I looked purrty in my straight hair I began to question myself haha!!! And then my friend told me about the aquathlon at Ateneo! I am soh joining that!!! :) *prances about* Forget the straight, shiny beautiful hair! And then more people oohed and aahed and I was confused again haha!!!

But. Today I realized there are people who love me just the way I am. :) While I am now questioning their judgement * hehe*, I am extremely honored to have people like them in my life because their love transcends my imperfections. They love me inspite and despite of who I am. In weird cases even FOR my imperfections. Weird I know but I guess this is a miracle that the Lord gives me everyday.

This is on top of the kind of love He gives me, no ifs, no buts, just plain unadulterated love.

Thank You Lord for blessing me with so much even though I am ungrateful for most parts.

Straight or Gay

I am writing this post via iTouch so it is bound to be garnished with typos.

I had a hair cut today. I loved how they straightened my hair. I really looked nice. I was admiring myself all day like the real vain person that I am. *hahahha* Soh many people paid me compliments! Students, staff, faculty members, guards name it!!! I enjoyed the attention and this made me want straight hair even more. I considered this actually but they said I could not swim in the pool or in the beach. Right then and there I knew The decision was a no-brainer. I choose swimmng over vanity any day. Well... After everyone thought I looked purrty in my straight hair I began to question myself haha!!! And then my friend told me about the aquathlon at Ateneo! I am soh joining that!!! :) *prances about* Forget the straight, shiny beautiful hair! And then more people oohed and aahed and I was confused again haha!!!

But. Today I realized there are people who love me just the way I am. :) While I am now questioning their judgement * hehe*, I am extremely honored to have people like them in my life because their love transcends my imperfections. They love me inspite and despite of who I am. In weird cases even FOR my imperfections. Weird I know but I guess this is a miracle that the Lord gives me everyday.

This is on top of the kind of love He gives me, no ifs, no buts, just plain unadulterated love.

Thank You Lord for blessing me with so much even though I am ungrateful for most parts.

Blessed

I know that I am not in the most ideal situation right now and that I have a lot that I am thinking of but I thank You because You still make it possible for me to consider myself as one of the most blessed people in the world.

Thank You for the people You have surrounded me with. I am touched.

Thank You for hugging me from the inside. I know it sounds really weird but I am crazy, giddy, happy. :)

Thank You.

Zooming Out

Today was a slow day but I made progress. Small progress but hopefully tomorrow will be better. It seems that the longer I am doing this, the more I fear for my topic's novelty. *sigh* I hope what I am working on is still a valid topic otherwise, I do not know what I am going to do *hehe!*.

I was unable to hear mass today because I was too lazy to wake up this morning. Tomorrow should really be different. I need to reset my body clock. Pimples are subsiding so I think I might have been able to identify what was causing the pimples. I hope they would all just disappear. I have enough things to think about.

Something has been nagging me for a while now. I want to volunteer at a nearby organization. I have not identified yet which one and when I can actually volunteer. I am thinking, the best time to do this would be on a Sunday morning. So instead of just sleeping in, I might be able to put myself to good use or maybe on a Saturday morning. Hmm... I would love to participate in an organization that involves kids.

I hope I can get enough zeal to do this because it has been nagging me. It has come to my attention that the reason why I am so restless is probably because I am focusing too much on myself instead of focusing on helping others.

Maybe.

I want to teach young kids to read. That is what I want to do. I know, I am in the wrong course and who would want to do that right? Maybe I can teach Sunday school. That would be interesting. I am even willing to tutor Math or English... But I want it to be nearby so I can just walk to the venue. I do not want to have to commute anymore. Museo Pambata is interesting too. Yes, I think that is still walking distance *hahah!!!*

Enough of this.

I will try to get some work done.

Pampers and Huggies

I feel like Doogie Howser M.D. typing in the dark like this. I can almost hear the faint background music except Howser's interface was way cooler because he had this black screen, green blinking prompt (was it green or am I color blind or biased because I like green better than blue?). Still not bad.

I have a confession to make. I have bummed around for the past few days. Really bad I know but I felt I deserved it because I got to submit Chapter One. I know, I might have given myself more pampering than I deserve but I will make up for this by working my ass off this week.

Just today I got to see many movies! :)

I finally got to see The Tourist. While the reviewers were not raving about this movie, I liked it. I liked how Depp was able to play the dorky American teacher so well. I love how refreshing it was for him to play a down to earth person. Jolie was ravishing in every scene. She is just overflowing with sexiness. Just the other day, my friends were talking about man crushes. Jolie is my woman crush. :)

I also got to see Little Fockers, I had little expectation and that is what I got. I was able to laugh because I am not uptight but the movie is definitely not worth going to the theaters for.

Finally, I got to see Love and Other Drugs. Men would watch this for the butt and boobs exposure. I am a woman and I found Hathaway's boobs worth looking at. Wow. :) The ending made my eyes well up a bit. But that is probably because I was a bit emotional.

Maggie: I have so many places to go.
Jamie: You will still get to go but I might have to carry you.
Maggie: I need you more than you need me. That is unfair. I can't ask you to do that.
Jamie: You didn't. Let's say there is an alternate universe and there is a couple who are healthy and whose only problem is spending their money and being guilty about having a cleaning lady. I do not want that. I want this. I want you. I want us.

Awww... I thought that was really, really sweet.

I was especially emotional last Saturday night. I do not know what is up with me but I cried. I was lonely. I should not have been I know but I was. All of a sudden, I felt alone and lonely. I missed being hugged. Do not get me wrong, I used to have these problems in the past but in the past, I was younger and so were my other siblings and it was easy to get hugs out of them and then there was Tickle Me Elmo. :) I do not think Elmo would work anymore now.

I do not know. I guess, I just wanted a reassuring hug and I could not get one and that made me sad to tears. And then I had a dream that cheered me up. Towards the end though I got shot so that woke me up.

I realized that I am a person who needs affection. While I pride myself for being self-sufficient and not clingy, I actually, need affection and warmth. Though I have always known that I am more of a hug person than a kiss person. I now know that hugs are not wants.

It does not feel great too that I am gaining weight, my hips are expanding faster than the universe is and my face is giving birth to new volcanoes everyday. I feel like Big Bang is taking place in my entire body and I want to stop all these. I think I just need a good run. I only got to run once last week. This is probably just withdrawal.

I really need to run tomorrow. No ifs, no buts.

Or maybe Tuesday.

Hmm... Tuesday might be good.

Oh and yeah, thank You Lord for the hugs. You are the only one who can hug me from the inside. :) Thank You for the gift of people who give me hugs that are beyond the physical ones. I know You will help me get through this.

Black Swan

I am restless today and itching to go and watch a movie but nothing nice is on.

Yesterday, I thought there were a lot of good movies showing but after watching the reviews and looking at the trailers, I have decided not to waste my time.

I wanted to watch Little Fockers but after seeing the trailer, I just decided not to. If the trailer is not that funny, it is probably not a funny movie.

I also wanted to see The Tourist because Jolie just looks uber hawt in that movie! I like Depp too. I mean, I love him in his most eccentric roles but Jolie comes first in my heart. The reviews however, dissuaded me to watch this.

Since I was watching trailers anyway (Read: wasting time), I have decided to see the trailer of Black Swan because Portman fell in love with Millepied while training for this film and also (yes this comes second), she won a Golden Globe for her performance. I saw the trailer and immediately wanted, nay, obsessed about watching the movie!!!

I want to see this movie!

Badly...

It is not going to be shown until February 23. *darn!* Even then, I might not be able to catch it at a movie theater (and might not want to even) because the erotic scenes might be cut out and I do not want to see the neutered version.


I am going back to work.

In Awe, Creeped Out

I am still waiting for comments on my document.

In the meantime, had a mini vacation today because I did not work on my document *thwaps self*. Instead, I had a PhD class as I surfed and learned about Natalie Portman and learned about the Intellitar of VirtualEternity. I also had a meeting regarding an upcoming show which ought to be fun because there are a lot of us partiicpating! :) The thing I enjoyed the most, and well served as choco sprinkles all week are conversations I had on the side. *big grin* Cheapest but one of the most enjoyable vacays ever!

Natalie Portman is pregnant right now and is engaged to Benjamin Millepied, a ballet dancer. I find her one of the most beautiful and smartest in Hollywood. She is a Harvard Psychology graduate for crying out loud! She also took graduate courses in Israel! If that is not enough, she has an Erdos number!!! Kewlness!!! :) Oh and yeah, she has published a research on infant psychology she co-authored with other Harvard researchers. You can look it up if you look for her real name, Natalie Hershlag. I am in awe. :)

I also learned about VirtualEternity. It is a company that will try to immortalize you by creating an avatar that looks and sounds like you. It will ask you for your life story and from that narrative, your relatives may be able to have conversations with you. Voice synthesis still needs work but if they perfect that... wow... it is super creepy! It can become mainstream someday though... Given that it is hard for all of us to let go of loved ones. I am creeped out! :)

Uber

I just printed the latest version of my chapter one and forwarded it to my adviser here in the Philippines and my adviser in Japan. I hope it gets good reviews. I am seriously tired of reading the crap I have written over and over... I really tried to get as many papers related to my work. I am yet to finish writing my chapter two but that is easier to write especially since I have created my table already.

I have to prepare for a presentation in my special class for next week because I will be the one to hold the class. I have two masteral students who needed this subject and while I really did not want serious academic load this term, I think this class would help me as well. I am teaching advanced machine learning this trimester and I need semi-supervised learning as well for my dissertation so this will be hitting two birds with one stone. If only it did not have to eat up my time as well. I have to be creative in managing my time.

Quitting FB is one of the best decisions I have made this month. I really got to do more work. I also got more rest. If there is an addiction in my body still left, that will be watching series. I still like watching How I Met Your Mother, Big Bang Theory, Lie To Me, House and just recently Cougar Town. I know, this is three and a half hours of my week. On February, Glee will be back so that is another half an hour added to this so that's four hours of my week. That is half a day's worth of work. :) Oh well... Small steps. :)

I have to go now and get some sleep. I also told myself I am going to try to get at least seven hours of sleep everyday. Last night was a success. Tonight I am not so sure.

Oh and yeah, I got to run again last Wednesday! After not being able to run for a lohoong time! :) I am back in the same cooped up environment but I do not mind for now.

I would still rather run outside but because I have not much choice, indoors will have to do. At least I get to listen to an audiobook.

Still listening to Nietzsche. I do not agree with him but I want to know what he said and why he said them. I will be able to finish tomorrow morning if I do get to run. After that, I have to find another book that I can listen to as I run in the morning. Otherwise, running would be uberboring.

Lethargeek

Is the word to describe me... err... lethargic rather. I have been living a lazy life for the past two days. I have been sleeping and sleeping getting less work done much to my annoyance and ahem... enjoyment (?). Sleeping is good. They say we should all get a good seven at least.

*sigh*

I will try to get my good seven tonight but I doubt that I will get it tonight because I woke up late today and I am still at the University writing parts of my dissertation proposal. I need to wake up early tomorrow so that finally I can run! I have not run in days and it is very disappointing for me.

I also want to finish my dissertation proposal this month. I plan to finish chapter one this week and chapter two next week. I am doing chapter two in parallel with one. I hope I can pull this off. I am just polishing my chapter one so it should be able to work.

I have to go home now if I am to really get that seven hours. I always wake up at around five-ish so fat chance I will get that. Maybe I should just aim for six and work my way from there. :)

Finger Clickin' Good

Thank You for the gift of technology.

Technology has given me my job and so much more. It connects me to loved ones near and far. It has broken down wall and it has paved roads and built bridges over seas and land. It helps transcend distance and time boundaries. I love it because it has allowed me to give and receive more love than I can.

I know I have let go of FB for now but I have other means thanks to technology.

People I love near or far are always in my heart and mind and are always, I know, just a few finger clicks away. (Now that did not sound right!)

JapaNice Food

I know my posts have been about food since yesterday but I have been eating a whole lot. *sheepish grin*

Tonight we ate at Tanabe at Remedios Circle in Malate. This is my second time there and while I find the ambience Japanese and there were a lot of Japanese people there too, the food was not really as Japanese. I did not find the Oyakudon very impressive. I have had a Tempura Udon in the past, it was a decent Tempura Udon but it was not spectacular. I think what is stellar is their California Maki, which ironically, is not really Japanese as the name suggests. If you go to Japan, you will not be able to order this. I love their service though and I like it that they always give you sweet and salty fried fish and cold noodle soup as appetizer. :)

I still prefer Nemoto, a Japanese restaurant along Buendia corner Taft. It is really very Japanese. While eating you may also browse through manga and ahem... adult magazines. The only downside is that the Japanese smoke in the restaurant and they do not have a special non-smoking place. Their food is really good though and the price is more reasonable than Tanabe's. I always order the same thing... Udon. :) I like my Udon. My friends tend to order bento boxes but I find the bento box a tad bit too big and I still find the Udon very satisfying. I think I have only tried the bento box once.

I have also tried a Yakiniku restaurant at Little Tokyo, I did not get the name but it is way too expensive in that place but the food there is super yummy. One of my colleagues promised me we will visit one of the eat-all-you-can Yakinikus in Manila in the near future. I cannot wait! I like hanging out with my friends... I get to eat from different places!

Speaking of eat-all-you-can, I think Zensho really is the best deal around for eat-all-you-can. I love their tepanyaki! :) Just thinking of it makes my mouth water... *yuhummy*

Ajisen at Robinson's Manila is another Japanese restaurant but I do no think their Udon is any better than Nemoto's. I like their Corn Salad with Fish Roe though. Yum. I love fish roe *fishies please forgive me but I really love it when they pop in my mouth*. I always have Tempura Udon there as well. :)

Recently, I was also able to try Konbini at Connecticut St., Greenhills, San Juan. I was not impressed with their Ramen. Their gyoza was alright but it was not very impressive either. The cute thing about this place is that they have grocery stuff from Japan and the price is pretty much like Japan's. I wish they would also have Shiseido stuff. I like their lip balm and they only have it in Japan. :( They also sell fruits from Japan, except they are just too darn expensive!!! *sigh* I wanted the giant strawberries...

Yoshinoya, while very few people like the food here is actually comparable to the Yoshinoya food from Japan. I ate at Yoshinoya from Osaka twice and the food is almost like the ones they offer here in the Philippines so it's not so bad. If you want to enjoy reasonably priced Jap fast food, I say go for Yoshinoya. No. There is no Tokyo Tokyo in Japan. :)

All this talk about food has made me feel more full than I already am. I really have to run tomorrow!

Not a Pan

Since I got back from my Europe trip in 2010, I have been craving for chocolate croissant. I have been getting my supply from Delifrance and French Baker. Delifrance's chocolate croissant has more chocolate but it is more oily. French Baker has less chocolate but it is not that oily. I am not sure if that means less butter. I am not a connoisseur after all. :) I just love chocolate croissant. I am a pan au chocolat enthusiast. :)

I have been trying to find Alexandre a French guy-owned patisserie at the Fort but I have not been able to find it. It is at the corner of 32nd and 2nd Street if you want to visit it. I finally got to visit the new shop at MegaMall's Atrium. It is a chic place BUT their chocolate croissant is super fail! I was soh disappointed. I could already tell when I first saw it. But, when I tried it... I was even more disappointed. I am not sure how the owner calls it croissant and sleep at night. The croissant is the most bastardized version I have ever tried. Far worse than the one I tried at a cafe in Hong Kong. I cannot blame the HK cafe, they are not supposed to be experts. But a French cafe?! Really...

I got to try the classic cheesecake with raisins and while this cake is better than the chocolate croissant it is not enough to redeem the cafe. We also got the Lemon Tart because it resembled the cheese cake my mom used to make and it tasted nothing like what my mom used to make. Our fault. The lady did say it's not cheese cake but the crust we thought, was made of tea biscuit. We were wrong. The pizza though, ironically was really good. It is the only redeeming thing this cafe has to offer.

The hot chocolate I ordered is supposed to be a specialty of the shop but it's nothing better than the ones Starbucks has.

All in all, Alixandre was a disappointment, I am soh not a pan(sic).

Xiao

Not the Itialian Ciao, the Taiwanese Xiao.

We were finally able to try Shi Lin. My sister calls it poor man's Din Tai Fung but it really does taste and look a bit like the original Din Tae Fung. I was able to try the Xiao Long Pao of the first Din Tai Fung in Taipei courtesy of a Taiwanese partner in 2007. It was my first time to try Xiao Long Pao. It just sent me to 7th heaven when I tried it along with the other dumplings at Din Tae Fung. I have been wanting to let my family share the experience ever since.

When we went to Hong Kong, I researched where in HK Din Tae Fung is and I found out that there is a branch at Silver Cord, a mall very near our hotel so we ate there. Twice. My sister and my mom loved the food there soh much.

Last Sunday, I brought my sister and brother to Suzhou because they also serve Xiao Long Pao there. It's not as intricate as the ones in Din Tae Fung since the wrapper is too thick and the Xiao Long Pao too big but it's really good nonetheless. My sister enjoyed the Taiwan Beef Noodles and the Xiao Long Pao. It is not like the ones of Din Tae Fung but it is still Xiao Long Pao. I also enjoyed the Kuchay Dumpling, no soup inside but still yummy. I also usually order the Hot and Sour Soup. *yummeeh!* I was also able to try their Fried Rice and it's not that bad either.

We went to the Podium this afternoon and tried Shi Lin. The food price is reasonable. If I remember correctly it's 105Php for the 6-piece Xiao Long Pao. We also tried the Shrimp and Pork Shaomai and it also tasted good. My mom loves the Shrimp and Egg Fried Rice. That also did not disappoint. Service was wonderful and it was not very crowded when we went there this afternoon.

Apart from how far Shi Lin is, I have no complaints.

I love their food and I hope to be back soon. :)

Xiao!

:)

I have finished the third version of my chapter one but I am still going to polish that, I have to add more citations. I have not finished writing my RRL yet but I hope I will get to finish that soon as well. It is pretty hard really for me to build momentum so that I can introduce my problem statement and objectives. It feels like I do not know how to write. I think my third version is better now though. I keep on reading it over and over. I will go over it again tomorrow and see what I can do.

There were so many moments this morning when I found myself smiling for no specific reason. Guess I woke up on the right side of the bed. I was able to get away again today to my quiet place so that I can work. I should make that a habit. I can call it my "creative time" just like what Randy Pausch said.

Shalom

Wow! I have a new follower in this blog! *woot!* *haha!* I am soh pathetic! Anyway, no declamation pieces yet because I am busy with my dissertation. :)

I am happy Cougar Town is such a new series because I was able to finish all episodes in a very short time. More than the fact that it is new, I am happy because the episodes are only twenty minutes each. *whew!*

I was able to find a research similar to mine. This justifies that my area is valid but this means too that I need to work really fast and I have to justify the novelty of my work. I hate this sadomasochistic activity that is review of related literature. I still get crushed every time.

My FB abstinence is still on and no withdrawals yet on my part. I guess this is my good trait. It is easy for me to quit on stuff. The way I just decided to one day quit carbonated drinks and have not taken any intentionally for more than a decade now... fourteen years now to be exact. I can also easily quit people which has worked to my advantage and otherwise.

I was able to find a nice work paradise here at Shalom because my cube is just way too cold for me to be productive there. I will go back there though after class most probably because I think Shalom closes at five. I plan to do these excursion work sessions because I find that I am more able to concentrate at other venues such as but not limited to coffee shops, yogurt shops and library. I really hope to finish and nail this dissertation. I really do. The more I read, the more I am hooked. The more I want this. :)

Oh please give it to me. :) I receive it dear Lord. :)

Thank You for another beautiful morning! It is exactly the type of morning that is meant to be shared. Got to run again, this time following a different route.

Thank You Lord for sending me people who have my back. I really appreciate those who look after me in little way and in grand ways. Thank You. I recognize them as Your gifts. I hope I do the same for them.

I have to run to class now! :)

*happy happy joy joy!!! *

Surprises and Shockers

I had another beautiful morning. Now if only I can do something with excavation of pimples growing on my face my mornings would be nothing short of wonderful.

Once more, breakfast was perfect and well, I had a nice sweet afternoon snack too *yehey!*. I really love it when surprises come your way when you least expect it.

I do not like it too when shockers just come up to you and threatens all the beauty of a happy trimester. I hope I will not be forced to teach something that I am not prepared to teach on the trimester that I have dubbed as a happy term. Please. Please. Please.

Still, tonight I rest with a smile on my face because I have so many friends who are trying their best to keep my term happy. :)

Thank You for all the blessings!

Speaking of shockers, I have decided to deactivate my FB account today so that I may be able to focus more on my dissertation proposal. I really need to propose this term. I must. I must. I must. :) I have to create soft deadlines for mois tomorrow.

Oh and yeah, I got to run again today *yay!*!

Project

While today was a tad bit gloomy, it was a rather productive day. It is actually pretty weird that I am not the only one who thought today was gloomy, another friend thought so too...

I am happy because I got to finish a report I had to finish. I have also started to read another paper, which I was not able to finish yet because I started watching Cougar Town and it is driving me insane.

It is soh funny.

A think I want to put up more declamation pieces on this site. After all, most of my hits are coming from people in need of pieces. I like declamation pieces. Yeah, I can make that a small project. I could include some tips as well. :)

*yey!*

I think I need an outlet aside from my dissertation and occasional runs.

Riding on Faith

After many days of having to run within a cooped environment, I was able to run out into the open again yesterday morning. It felt great to feel the cool wind against my face. I must have looked like an idiot running while smiling. It felt great!

I also had a nice breakfast. Something I no longer do for a long time now. I usually just rest or get to work after running.

Thank You because it was really a beautiful morning for me yesterday.

In the afternoon, I was able to finally finish reading a paper that I needed to finish reading but I have more papers that I still need to read so I should really be working now to finish a report and then I will be back to reading more papers. :)

In the evening, I cried. While I was listening to gospel music I used to sing along to in the car way back in college. I cried because I realized that I have no control over what will happen next. Everything is now up to You. I am at Your mercy and I just have to hold on to Your promise. I cried because I surrender everything to Your Will. I have done all that I can and now everything is up to You. You know the desires of my heart. You are the only One who really knows me.

On a lighter note, I dreamt last night that I was with my college friends and some colleagues. I have decided to ride a really old cheap bike. I was having such a difficult time pedaling but I had fun nonetheless. I do not know what that dream means though... :) I think I dreamt about this because I saw a boy last night who rode his bike so carelessly, I was afraid he would get run over or fall.

I guess at the end of the day, I am also like that little boy who rides his bike so carelessly. I can do so because I know that no harm will come upon me because You are with me always.

Thank You.

Sweet Surprise

*weeeh!*

Thank You for the sweet surprise! I really needed this! :)

Also, thank You because I was able to run today!

Yey!

Enveloped Gifts

Yesterday, I went back to work and I got my evaluation from last trimester. I was very happy because I got comments! :) Some students do not take time to write comments anymore because they really do not have to but I received many pages worth of comments both in the academic and nonacademic courses that I handle.

They were really good late Christmas presents. I am glad that my students appreciate what I do for them. I am truly a fortunate person to have such a great job.

What is even better is that this term, I do not have academic courses to handle! I just need to attend to three sections of nonacademic courses, the content of which I know by heart so that I can focus on my research *yahoo!!!*. I can smell best trimester ever! :)

I hope that I will make this trimester a truly productive one. So far so good. I think my Chapter one has taken shape, I am just adding a few more details and I think it is good to go. I am constantly at work with Chapter two though.

Here's to moving forward!!! :)

Cheers!

My Merry Christmas

Christmas was wonderful Lord.

Thank You for allowing us to carry out our Christmas tradition. I am glad nobody got hurt. Hopefully, next year would be even better and more efficient and effective.

Thank You for the surprise. It really made my day. It made me smile. I slept with a big silly smile across my face. :)

You know my prayer and Christmas wish dear Lord. You know what is in my heart and I know dear Lord that You will take care of everything. I raise it up to You.

Thank You for sending Your Son to us, He has opened so many doors for us. Thank You for loving us first.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Rush

Thank You Lord for sending a sweet and strong nun in my life. I really felt You bless me yesterday. I really do pray that everything will work out and that my life will be on track again. Thank You for Your endless blessings.

I was not able to run all week *baah!!!*! I have been pigging out too! *yikes!!!* And will still be pigging out some more! *oink oink!* I won't be surprised if I start turning pink and make grunting noises soon. I have to be able to run on my mom's treadmill! Must bring home my nice treadmill shoes. I have to use them I have not used them for a year. My newer pairs are more worn out than them.

I am excited. And giddy. I feel this way every time Christmas is nearing.

I love Christmas! The thrill of thinking of what to give to people and when you have finally decided on what to give them, the anticipation for a reaction. I had to run to the mall for last minute shopping *hehe!* I am very proud of myself because I was able to get all that I need in under an hour and I think I got myself very nice and economical gifts as well! *yehey!*

And now for the anticipation... :)

*It's the most wonderful time of the year*

Breaking

Writing about the past is emotionally exhausting. I hate it but i have to do this. *sigh*

I need a break. I hope there is a new episode of House.


Aaargh!!!

Abentyur

I had fun today. Thank You dear Lord for taking care of us. Thank You for my wonderful students, please guard their hearts from the ways of the world. Please heal their wounds and plese continue to shower them with Your presence through other people.

Thank You Lord for my mini adventure today. I had fun! Thank You for soh much that You habe given me.

Smile Therapy

This term, I talked to five students in my nonacademic course. I only talk to students who submitted troubling reflection paper/s. Usually, I only get to talk to just one. This term, I talked to five. I was happy that they trusted me but more than that I am very sad because of the things that they go through at such a very young age.

*sigh*

On the brighter side of things, most of them are coping really well.

Also, I want to say thank You dear Lord for giving me soh much. :)

You have blessed me indeed and my heart smiles with gladness.

Happiness

I have been having a blast since last Saturday. It reminded me of how much fun I had many years ago in a far, far away place. *wahahah!!!* ala Star Wars.

Seriously though, thank You Lord because last night I was able to really rest and sleep a restful sleep. It has been a long time. Thank You for showering me with so many happy thoughts and well, happiness. :)

I was able to finish all that I have aimed to finish today. I hope to be able to finish more tomorrow because I have much to do still. I also need to finish so many things. *sigh*

I am sure I can do these things with Your help.

On an unrelated note, I ate duck rice today and I can really feel something is going on inside of me. Could it be that my heart is not as healthy as before?! *yikes!*

But I exercise and I run. I better stop eating unhealthy things... :)

Receiving More

Today was an extremely fun day at least I can say that for myself. I thought it was really fun buying stuff for kids at MACE. I hope I can do the very same thing again next year for another set of kids. I hope they will like what I got for them.

Thank You Lord for the people that You have surrounded me with. Also, thank You for sending people to look out for me, my welfare and well-being.

I really appreciate it. Today, more than ever. *big, big, big smile*