Food Notes:
Brunch
Square slice cheesy, meaty lasagna
A glass of water
Square slice of Leche Flan
Late Lunch
Apple Cheese Pie
Merienda
Chips in between
Sweet seedless grapes
Dinner
Grilled Herbed fish with 1 cup of Rice and Corn Muffin (Kenny Rogers)
Tall Non-Fat Caramel Macchiato
Post Dinner
Hopefully None
I hope my food note for tomorrow's better...way better.
Friday, January 1, 2010
2010 Reading Project
One of the top goals I have for 2010 is to read more. My reading track record was seamless when I was still studying, but career and adulthood put reading at the backseat. It shouldn't be the case. A lot of prolific businessmen still read meaningful literature besides the daily newspaper. How come I can't seem to pick up? I might read books, but my pace is so horrifying compared to when I was a kid, reading two to three novels in a week. Now, finishing a good novel in three weeks is considered a challenge.
It's also been a while since I went to a bookstore and actually buy books. Take note of the plural term. My poor financial habits this year affected my purchasing power, believe it or not. I was more focused on buying extra curricular stuff like travel, gadgets and lifestyle membership fees. A part of my goal in 2010 is to be financially stronger and healthier, and hopefully this would also help me boost my reading project.
So for one last credit card swipe on the last day of 2009, Mitch and I went to Boni High Street to spend the last 2009 afternoon together and buy books. He knows how serious I am when times like these occur so he gave me all the time in the world. Luckily, the welcoming Fully Booked has a steady crowd with immaculately stacked and smelling books beckoning me, seducing me, enthralling me.
I took my time and hopped from one aisle to another. My mind automatically processes titles, intuition and mood in choosing books. I would read paragraphs to find a connection until I would naturally single out books. It depends on my budget if I would undergo optional paralysis.
Happily and grinning widely, as soon as I've decided, I went to the counter, took my ailing credit card and swiped one last swipe for 2009. All in all I bought four books and I walked out of the store to meet Mitch, ecstatic like a lightning could strike me and I could go to heaven. The feeling never changes.
The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards is a title I've seen for quite some time. I've reprocessed this book before and I have this repressed desire to buy it. The second book, which is a good 2-in-one-deal book is by Tracy Chevalier, The Girl with a Pearl Earring and The Fallen Angels. I am also familiar with the two books. I've seen Fallen Angels in the Recommended section of Fully Booked a couple of months back. It's a story about the connection of sisters, which is still a mystery to me. And I've always wanted to read The Girl with A Pearl Earring. Unlike some readers, I don't have any problems reading period pieces, in fact I prefer it sometimes. Give me Austen and Tolstoy and I'd gladly read it.
The last book I chose to buy was out of impulse. I grabbed the interestingly looking book in the Fresh Out of Box section. It's an impulse because I have never heard of the book before and it's considered a stronger gamble. But I always have faith in my intuition. This is how I bought Then We Came to the End , Artemis Fowl series and The Pillars of the Earth and the results were positive. Besides, the book that I bought is written by Jhumpa Lahiri and titled Unaccustomed Earth. The book made it the top spot of New York Time's Best Review in 2008, which made me more courageous.
So, here I am hyped and ecstatic. I have the whole year to catch up on my literature backlog, starting with Tracy Chevalier's A Girl with the Pearl Earring. In a few hours, I'll be the girl I once was, a non-stop chugging reading machine.
It's also been a while since I went to a bookstore and actually buy books. Take note of the plural term. My poor financial habits this year affected my purchasing power, believe it or not. I was more focused on buying extra curricular stuff like travel, gadgets and lifestyle membership fees. A part of my goal in 2010 is to be financially stronger and healthier, and hopefully this would also help me boost my reading project.
So for one last credit card swipe on the last day of 2009, Mitch and I went to Boni High Street to spend the last 2009 afternoon together and buy books. He knows how serious I am when times like these occur so he gave me all the time in the world. Luckily, the welcoming Fully Booked has a steady crowd with immaculately stacked and smelling books beckoning me, seducing me, enthralling me.
I took my time and hopped from one aisle to another. My mind automatically processes titles, intuition and mood in choosing books. I would read paragraphs to find a connection until I would naturally single out books. It depends on my budget if I would undergo optional paralysis.
Happily and grinning widely, as soon as I've decided, I went to the counter, took my ailing credit card and swiped one last swipe for 2009. All in all I bought four books and I walked out of the store to meet Mitch, ecstatic like a lightning could strike me and I could go to heaven. The feeling never changes.
The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards is a title I've seen for quite some time. I've reprocessed this book before and I have this repressed desire to buy it. The second book, which is a good 2-in-one-deal book is by Tracy Chevalier, The Girl with a Pearl Earring and The Fallen Angels. I am also familiar with the two books. I've seen Fallen Angels in the Recommended section of Fully Booked a couple of months back. It's a story about the connection of sisters, which is still a mystery to me. And I've always wanted to read The Girl with A Pearl Earring. Unlike some readers, I don't have any problems reading period pieces, in fact I prefer it sometimes. Give me Austen and Tolstoy and I'd gladly read it.
The last book I chose to buy was out of impulse. I grabbed the interestingly looking book in the Fresh Out of Box section. It's an impulse because I have never heard of the book before and it's considered a stronger gamble. But I always have faith in my intuition. This is how I bought Then We Came to the End , Artemis Fowl series and The Pillars of the Earth and the results were positive. Besides, the book that I bought is written by Jhumpa Lahiri and titled Unaccustomed Earth. The book made it the top spot of New York Time's Best Review in 2008, which made me more courageous.
So, here I am hyped and ecstatic. I have the whole year to catch up on my literature backlog, starting with Tracy Chevalier's A Girl with the Pearl Earring. In a few hours, I'll be the girl I once was, a non-stop chugging reading machine.
Once in a Blue Moon
I use the phrase "once in a blue moon" without knowing what it really means. Shame on me. I just know that once in a blue moon is considered a rare event without proper reference and knowledge to blue moon. Well according to the news today posted in Philippine Daily Inquirer, we will have blue moons, not once, but twice this year.
Blue moon, according to its scientific definition, is the second full moon to occur in a month. Full moons to begin with are rare because it only happens every 29.5 days, technically once a month. Full moons happen when the sun, earth and the moon are formed in one straight line having earth in the middle. The blue term refers to the old saying of "hunters/harvest" moon. It does not have anything to do with color.
According to astronomical experts, blue moons (2 full moons per month) will happen twice for 2010. One blue moon for January (Jan 1 and Jan 30) and one blue moon in March (Mar 1 and Mar 30). The last blue moon the Philippines had was May 2007. But a blue moon that occurs in a new year only happens every 19 years.
COOL!
Check this out!
http://api.ning.com/files/1edgfT45wsn-veMuyde8uTkmoqcQGYAIG8vlI-hSELcqnJTMxjjMvaGA81RER1s-8nMAEIrwt*W-0oZQCq3Z2oy9h2Fp19zW/blue_moon1.jpg
Blue moon, according to its scientific definition, is the second full moon to occur in a month. Full moons to begin with are rare because it only happens every 29.5 days, technically once a month. Full moons happen when the sun, earth and the moon are formed in one straight line having earth in the middle. The blue term refers to the old saying of "hunters/harvest" moon. It does not have anything to do with color.
According to astronomical experts, blue moons (2 full moons per month) will happen twice for 2010. One blue moon for January (Jan 1 and Jan 30) and one blue moon in March (Mar 1 and Mar 30). The last blue moon the Philippines had was May 2007. But a blue moon that occurs in a new year only happens every 19 years.
COOL!
Check this out!
http://api.ning.com/files/1edgfT45wsn-veMuyde8uTkmoqcQGYAIG8vlI-hSELcqnJTMxjjMvaGA81RER1s-8nMAEIrwt*W-0oZQCq3Z2oy9h2Fp19zW/blue_moon1.jpg
My first 2010 Post
This is my first official post for the year 2010. So how are you doing so far?
I welcomed a loud and festive New Year with my family in our backyard, sipping drinks while watching the upgraded fireworks. An hour after 12, boyfriend came over to fetch me for our annual sun-lounge thing with village friends. It's that time of year that I'm at least encouraged to go to bars, be more sociable and stay long enough to welcome the first sunrise. Everyone was willing except me. I was tired and I really didn't feel like bar hopping. Experiencing it twice in my life is already enough. So, I bid him a new year, grabbed my luscious Salmon Dip, some chips, a slice of apple pie, a cherry-lemon coke and went to an air-conditioned room to drown myself in cable tv by watching Dark Knight and Baby Mama.
Now here I am, waking on time feeling refreshed but bloated as ever. I didn't even have drinks last night yet I feel that my pajamas are suffocating me. I usually have this post-holiday-stuffed feeling. It never fails and it's nobody's fault but mine. At least I get to feel literal prosperity.
So what are my first activities for 2010?
Option 1:
I get consumed with food. That's not a problem. We have luscious leftovers of white pasta casserole, lasanga, pancit lucban, embotido, roasted chicken, leche flan, apple pie, chocolate cake.
Drown in Cable TV and Books. I do have to finish Coraline today and jump to the three new books that I just bought.
Blend in with the bed, melting by big fat ass in the mattress with TV remote control, my phone and blazing wifi.
Then end up cursing myself tomorrow.
Or
Option # 2:
Pack my bags. Pack my books. Take a shower. Check in at Mandarin Hotel. Swim. Write. Read. Go Malling.
Hmm..
Option 2 seems best even though I have to do the packing and transporting things. Since I have work on January 2, my office is walking distance to the hotel, which makes everything convenient. Also, maybe I could get to support the metro manila film festival later and watch I love You Goodbye. My sister has also promised a steady night out with boyfriend, so I don't get to miss out.
This spells Relaxation, activities and endless possibilities in January 1, 2010. Now that's more like it!
I welcomed a loud and festive New Year with my family in our backyard, sipping drinks while watching the upgraded fireworks. An hour after 12, boyfriend came over to fetch me for our annual sun-lounge thing with village friends. It's that time of year that I'm at least encouraged to go to bars, be more sociable and stay long enough to welcome the first sunrise. Everyone was willing except me. I was tired and I really didn't feel like bar hopping. Experiencing it twice in my life is already enough. So, I bid him a new year, grabbed my luscious Salmon Dip, some chips, a slice of apple pie, a cherry-lemon coke and went to an air-conditioned room to drown myself in cable tv by watching Dark Knight and Baby Mama.
Now here I am, waking on time feeling refreshed but bloated as ever. I didn't even have drinks last night yet I feel that my pajamas are suffocating me. I usually have this post-holiday-stuffed feeling. It never fails and it's nobody's fault but mine. At least I get to feel literal prosperity.
So what are my first activities for 2010?
Option 1:
I get consumed with food. That's not a problem. We have luscious leftovers of white pasta casserole, lasanga, pancit lucban, embotido, roasted chicken, leche flan, apple pie, chocolate cake.
Drown in Cable TV and Books. I do have to finish Coraline today and jump to the three new books that I just bought.
Blend in with the bed, melting by big fat ass in the mattress with TV remote control, my phone and blazing wifi.
Then end up cursing myself tomorrow.
Or
Option # 2:
Pack my bags. Pack my books. Take a shower. Check in at Mandarin Hotel. Swim. Write. Read. Go Malling.
Hmm..
Option 2 seems best even though I have to do the packing and transporting things. Since I have work on January 2, my office is walking distance to the hotel, which makes everything convenient. Also, maybe I could get to support the metro manila film festival later and watch I love You Goodbye. My sister has also promised a steady night out with boyfriend, so I don't get to miss out.
This spells Relaxation, activities and endless possibilities in January 1, 2010. Now that's more like it!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
My 2010 Goals
In less than 5 hours we'll say goodbye to 2009 and welcome 2010, the last year of the first 2K decade. I can't wait. Everyone seems to be excited moving forward. Facebook status messages say it all. Some friends can't even help but be mushy, crying over the last 2009 sunset, enjoying the last walk of 2009. Well, we all have our quirks.
Starting a New Year is always exciting because we get to start fresh. Last year's muddles would be forgotten or redeemed. It's the perfect time to be motivated and correct whatever we need to correct. This is where the so-called New Year's resolutions come in. To be frank, I have been a master of making resolutions, grand ones to simple ones. But I must admit that I'm not good at accomplishing them. In the middle of the year I just seem to forget or loose focus. When I feel it's too hard, I try to negotiate with some elemental force and in the end, cheat myself.
So for the past couple of years I do what I do best, I create goals, reasonable ones that I could possibly achieve. I find myself working better with goals, which I see differently and more seriously. With goals, there's a constant mental note for me to achieve something rather than change something for the sake of traditional resolutions. I've tried making goals since 2008 and so far, I've been a little bit successful though I still fall short. It's always a constant practice of disciplined execution. But I won't be discouraged. As long as I'm alive and as long as I'm facing New Years, I will still make goals to make me a better and more fulfilled person. If I become successful in one of my goals, consider me a happy girl. If I fail, I hope to see another year to achieve it.
Life isn't supposed to be complicated. We have another year to live right.
1. Read more
I've been a voracious reader. Voracious. My happy moments as a kid was being left alone for five hours in Powerbooks or National Bookstore. Consider me ecstatic whenever my mom bought me an 80 Pesos worth of R.L. Stine book every weekend, with Archie Comics if they're feeling more generous. When sick, instead of medicine, I get revived by new books. A trip to a bookstore is like a trip to the candy shop. But as an adult, certain things occupy my time. I don't get to read that often or finish the book in my normal pace. I am ashamed. For 2010 I will read more, buy books more, allot a chunk of my pay to books instead of unnecessary things. I will read various genres. For 2010, I will read again...voraciously.
2. Eat out less
One of my goals is a healthier lifestyle and I can't do that by eating too much and eating out more. I have to save; and fixing this certain aspect of my life would make me healthier, physically and financially. I have to control my cravings and be a more sensible eater.
3. Write my personal masterpiece.
Write. Writing is not a chore for me, but finishing one solid material is. I get lost and unfocused. I get easily discouraged. If I really want to create something out of writing, I have to burn my eyebrows and get to it. I have to be courageous, more creative and open-minded.
4. Be financially healthy
I mean this in the truest sense. My 2009 was a bit out of focus. My 2009 was one big credit card muddle that I always rush and dry up my resources just to pay for unnecessary things. I have to cut down on trips, on eating out and basically spending out of whim. I used to be good with money, now I'm merely fighting for survival. I know I can make it work, that's why I have to save more because God only knows when the rainy days would come.
5. Invest wisely
I'm done with my personal insurance this year. That was a major accomplishment on my part. Now I have to direct my financial attention to another possible venture. It's about time to invest on something for my future. I don't want to discuss this in full details lest I might jinx it (again). I have this full year to work some deals out and hopefully have another good and solid investment for 2010.
6. Train Harvey and Make him a Champion Dog
Yes, this is one of my goals for next year. I've checked out possible schools and narrowed down the expected expenses. Once I fix my financial mess, I'll pursue this. I can already feel eyebrows raised, but you have to understand that I see a great potential in him. He's really smart and agile. I don't want him ending up just a house dog. I don't think that is his end-all purpose. I want him to gain a name for himself, give him exposure and some stature. I'm not aiming a celebrity or a champion dog, but I want him to be more educated. Consider this my best gift to him.
7. Go up and Widen my Horizon
Get promoted. Go up the corporate ladder and hopefully be aware of other opportunities. I sincerely want to explore the world; and working in a foreign land may be able to open up my horizons. I will sit down and plan this thoroughly. By the end of January of this year, I would be able to know what to do. I would just have to wait for that promotion, strike the right opportunity and clear my mind and heart.
8. Lead a healthy lifestyle
Eat the right foods in the right quantity. No more junk. Sleep more and drink more water. Eliminate toxins and be in the right place at the right time. Being sports oriented is also desired.
9. More Meaningful Travels
I want to travel. But this time I would thoroughly plan it. I won't impulsively buy tickets and go to places just because they have cheap airfares. Traveling shouldn't be complicated in the wallet. It should be enjoyed without thinking of why I even booked this plane in the first place. It's time to visit more daring places.
10. Just be a more present daughter, friend, sibling and girflriend
I have to treasure relationships no matter what. These people, believe it or not, are here for me, so I have to be there for them. I have to strive to be more understanding and charitable to their needs. I have to be more sensitive. I have to obey and be a daughter who sacrifices. I have to be less judgmental and apathetic to a friend. I have to be generous and nurturing to siblings and I have to be more loving and understanding as a partner. I'm not perfect, but I'm willing to be someone closer to that. I have to realize that people and relationships are important. Without them, it's a great possibility that my world would crumble.
Less complicated goals. No specifics.
Cheers to 2010! May I follow through!
Starting a New Year is always exciting because we get to start fresh. Last year's muddles would be forgotten or redeemed. It's the perfect time to be motivated and correct whatever we need to correct. This is where the so-called New Year's resolutions come in. To be frank, I have been a master of making resolutions, grand ones to simple ones. But I must admit that I'm not good at accomplishing them. In the middle of the year I just seem to forget or loose focus. When I feel it's too hard, I try to negotiate with some elemental force and in the end, cheat myself.
So for the past couple of years I do what I do best, I create goals, reasonable ones that I could possibly achieve. I find myself working better with goals, which I see differently and more seriously. With goals, there's a constant mental note for me to achieve something rather than change something for the sake of traditional resolutions. I've tried making goals since 2008 and so far, I've been a little bit successful though I still fall short. It's always a constant practice of disciplined execution. But I won't be discouraged. As long as I'm alive and as long as I'm facing New Years, I will still make goals to make me a better and more fulfilled person. If I become successful in one of my goals, consider me a happy girl. If I fail, I hope to see another year to achieve it.
Life isn't supposed to be complicated. We have another year to live right.
My 2010 Goals:
1. Read more
I've been a voracious reader. Voracious. My happy moments as a kid was being left alone for five hours in Powerbooks or National Bookstore. Consider me ecstatic whenever my mom bought me an 80 Pesos worth of R.L. Stine book every weekend, with Archie Comics if they're feeling more generous. When sick, instead of medicine, I get revived by new books. A trip to a bookstore is like a trip to the candy shop. But as an adult, certain things occupy my time. I don't get to read that often or finish the book in my normal pace. I am ashamed. For 2010 I will read more, buy books more, allot a chunk of my pay to books instead of unnecessary things. I will read various genres. For 2010, I will read again...voraciously.
2. Eat out less
One of my goals is a healthier lifestyle and I can't do that by eating too much and eating out more. I have to save; and fixing this certain aspect of my life would make me healthier, physically and financially. I have to control my cravings and be a more sensible eater.
3. Write my personal masterpiece.
Write. Writing is not a chore for me, but finishing one solid material is. I get lost and unfocused. I get easily discouraged. If I really want to create something out of writing, I have to burn my eyebrows and get to it. I have to be courageous, more creative and open-minded.
4. Be financially healthy
I mean this in the truest sense. My 2009 was a bit out of focus. My 2009 was one big credit card muddle that I always rush and dry up my resources just to pay for unnecessary things. I have to cut down on trips, on eating out and basically spending out of whim. I used to be good with money, now I'm merely fighting for survival. I know I can make it work, that's why I have to save more because God only knows when the rainy days would come.
5. Invest wisely
I'm done with my personal insurance this year. That was a major accomplishment on my part. Now I have to direct my financial attention to another possible venture. It's about time to invest on something for my future. I don't want to discuss this in full details lest I might jinx it (again). I have this full year to work some deals out and hopefully have another good and solid investment for 2010.
6. Train Harvey and Make him a Champion Dog
Yes, this is one of my goals for next year. I've checked out possible schools and narrowed down the expected expenses. Once I fix my financial mess, I'll pursue this. I can already feel eyebrows raised, but you have to understand that I see a great potential in him. He's really smart and agile. I don't want him ending up just a house dog. I don't think that is his end-all purpose. I want him to gain a name for himself, give him exposure and some stature. I'm not aiming a celebrity or a champion dog, but I want him to be more educated. Consider this my best gift to him.
7. Go up and Widen my Horizon
Get promoted. Go up the corporate ladder and hopefully be aware of other opportunities. I sincerely want to explore the world; and working in a foreign land may be able to open up my horizons. I will sit down and plan this thoroughly. By the end of January of this year, I would be able to know what to do. I would just have to wait for that promotion, strike the right opportunity and clear my mind and heart.
8. Lead a healthy lifestyle
Eat the right foods in the right quantity. No more junk. Sleep more and drink more water. Eliminate toxins and be in the right place at the right time. Being sports oriented is also desired.
9. More Meaningful Travels
I want to travel. But this time I would thoroughly plan it. I won't impulsively buy tickets and go to places just because they have cheap airfares. Traveling shouldn't be complicated in the wallet. It should be enjoyed without thinking of why I even booked this plane in the first place. It's time to visit more daring places.
10. Just be a more present daughter, friend, sibling and girflriend
I have to treasure relationships no matter what. These people, believe it or not, are here for me, so I have to be there for them. I have to strive to be more understanding and charitable to their needs. I have to be more sensitive. I have to obey and be a daughter who sacrifices. I have to be less judgmental and apathetic to a friend. I have to be generous and nurturing to siblings and I have to be more loving and understanding as a partner. I'm not perfect, but I'm willing to be someone closer to that. I have to realize that people and relationships are important. Without them, it's a great possibility that my world would crumble.
Less complicated goals. No specifics.
Cheers to 2010! May I follow through!
Pictures of 2009
In a few hours, 2009 will be gone. Closed. Drawn to memory. Everyone seems to be excited about this as we all rush to make grand preparations. As I'm eating Apple Pie for brunch, I browsed through my 2009 files. Lo and Behold, organized pictures of 2009 flash before my eyes.
It made me realize that 2009 was a good year. It wasn't grand. It wasn't extraordinary, but it was just right. Good times overwhelm the bad ones.
It made me realize that 2009 was a good year. It wasn't grand. It wasn't extraordinary, but it was just right. Good times overwhelm the bad ones.
New Year 2009
MARCH - MAY (Birthday, Circles, Boracay, Cebu-Bohol Trip, CDO-Camiguin Trip)
MAY - AUGUST (CEBU INVASION, ROXAS-BORACAY, HARVEY'S BDAY)
OCTOBER - NOVEMBER (Harvey's Baptism, CEBU TRIP, DINNERS)
OCTOBER - NOVEMBER (Harvey's Baptism, CEBU TRIP, DINNERS)
December pictures are still to be processed.
Happy New Year Everyone. I hope your 2009 was good or better than mine. Hope 2010 will be better for all of us!
Happy New Year Everyone. I hope your 2009 was good or better than mine. Hope 2010 will be better for all of us!
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