Motorcade

Since we were young, our family has been very much involved in politics. My dad has been campaign manager for several candidates already, and maintaned close relationship with those he helped elect. I think that given more charm, my dad would have ran for a post as well. Hahahaha.

This year was no exception for us. Our family actively particiapted in the campaign of our family friend ( Jay&I's Ninong) Mayor Er Ejercito. Last Saturday, we had a motorcade wherein thousands of people paraded to show their support and love for their incumbent Mayor.

*The flags we made and distributed to participating cars

* Truckloads of people joined despite the sweltering heat, all out of support to the Mayor.

* Almost a hundred motorcycles lead the parade

* MOre pictures at www.mommydyanne.multiply.com

Something to Write

I wanted to write something yet I am unable to think of something beautiful. My creative juices seem to be drying up from too much thinking. It is not that I have too many problems, but that my imagination is so active it almost never stops. Give me one free moment and surely, my mind will be flying off somewhere.

I guess this is one reasson why the question "Anong iniisip mo?" is so much a part of my everyday communication. I assume that if one is doing nothing, then he will surely be thinking of something. Is that true, are all of us like that? Or is it just me?

Anyway, I still can't come up with something to write. Or, have I?

A Low Day

There are days when I feel good about myself. Days when I am confident and almost delude myself to believing I am worthy to be called beautiful. These are happy days.

There are days though that I get to the opposite end of the feel good pole. Days when I feel conscious and unpretty. Fortunately, I would not call myself ugly during these days, but mediocrity is not enough for me to be pleased with myself. These are, though not sad, what I would describe as low days.

Today I am having a low day. I don't like how I look.

And it's really getting me.

Take Me Home

It is just 15 more minutes til I get home. 15 minutes seem short when you are having a break, or when you are already running late, but it seems like an eternity when you're waiting to get home.

I am doing nothing yet I am very tired. My muscles are sore, my head aching, and as if that is not enough, my stomach's rumbling as well.

I want to go home, and yet I am bothered with the knowledge that I will soon be facing horrendous traffic in an uncomfortable van.

Maybe there is a way to simply shut my eyes and I'm home. Maybe there is magic...

Will a fairy please wave a magic wand over me... Get me home before I become too tired to be a good company to my family...

Or maybe I don't need magic...

Lord, give me patience... that I might not get infuriated with the traffic..
give me strength.. that I might have enough energy to last me through the rest of the day..

Back In Action

My Beloved Camera is back!!!!

Got it from the Service Center yesterday and it is all good!

Yipeee!!!!

My friend Lesley

I miss you friend! Wala lang, minsan naiisip ko lang na sana you are still here... I really love the times kapag kumpleto tayo nina Bang and Pili, sobrang saya... Ngayon kulang na naman kami...

My Thank you List April 23-29

1. Good workweek.No issues, no problems, no unnecessary stress. Good officemates, good workload and good stats.

2. Merienda, Pasyal & Dinner with Family.The Paguio family likes going out, and last Tuesday we were able to do so after a long time of home confinement. Haha. Went to Eastwood then transferred to Market Market for a merienda of Razon's Halo-halo. Went around a bit and then had dinner at one of our favorite restaurants, House of Minis. Arrived home about 12 midnight already and I was really bone tired as I woke up 400 that day for work. It was okay though, check #3 for the reason.

3. Mid-week rest.It was ANZAC Day (a holiday in Australia) last April 25 and because of that, we had no work. I was able to rest and enjoy the company of my family the whole day.

4. SWELDO!!!I think the 25th is the highlight of my every month as this is the day that I get a few thousand bucks richer. Yipee!!!! What made it special is that I was able to give my Mom some money to spend for the house.

5. Opening of an account.It feels so good that Jay and I were able to open a joint account with Banco de Oro. Good because we own something with both our names on it. Better because we have sufficient savings to be able to move out anytime.

6. Delicious Kare-kare and Inihaw na Pusit Dinner.We ate these dishes Friday night and it was satisfying. Sulit ang bayad.

7. Our weekly ritual.We had Cali and San Mig Light plus Sashimi and Cheesesticks. Add a lot of kwento and it makes up a nice night.

8. Worship with Jay.It was a very big step for Jay to accompany me to Sunday worship and I am very thankful for that. Makes worship even more meaningful when I am with my husband, as we should be together in our walk with God. I strongly pray that this would be repeated.

9. Krispy KremeA visit to Megamall would not be complete without buying my favorite donuts!

10. Good night sleep.I was transferred from the 6am-3pm sched to the 9am-6pm. Thus, I was able to have a good sleep last night, and I believe for the rest of the month as well.

Maricris and my cortisol level

Why is it that getting irritated with people on TV beginning to be a habit for me?

It started out with this Hope girl. And now, the next victim: Maricris from PBB.

Well, I can hardly call her a victim. She is irritating and infuriating, and she really stresses me out. I actually dont want to go into the details of the things that makes me irritated with her, as I do not want to get my blood pressure up right now.

Suffice to say that I think watching PBB would definitely be easier to the heart if she would be removed ASAP. No one needs the heightened release of cortisol that watching her elicits. Cortisol they say, is the stress hormone, released in high levels to our body during stressful situations. While this hormone is an important and helpful part of the body’s response to stress, too much of it in prolonged levels have shown to have negative effects.

And to maintain my body's stress level, I'd rather remove her from the show than stop watching. Forgive me for being "masa" but I really like PBB.

*Please note that my irritation with her is not as a person, but as a character on TV. She has done nothing wrong to me personally, so the grudge I hold against her is not personal as well.

Quotes from Sunday Worship

" I know I am not yet what I ought to be, nor I am what I want to be.. but thank God that I am no longer what I used to be."

" The conscious (or modest) water saw his God, and blushed..." ( Referring to the miracle at Canaa)

" What you are thunders so loudly I cannot hear what you're saying to the contrary."

" If you want to tell the people what God can do for them, show them what your God has done to you."

These are some of the quotes that were mentioned last Sunday worship. Just wanted to share because they really had an impact on me. Simple yet very meaningful.

Overused Brain

Is there an effective way to rest the mind? Rest in such a way that I will be free from the hundred-thoughts-a-minute that run through my tired yet still very active brain.

As one OPM goes, "It doesnt matter where I am... Thoughts of you still linger in my mind, no matter what time of day..." I am not gonna continue with the stanza as my thoughts are not really focused on one person I am in love with ( not that I am not in love), but with anything and everything under the sun.

My brain activity is a barrage of thoughts varying from visions of my mansion, to plans for an outing, to fantasizing the new job for Jay, to computing budget for moving out, and though I dont like it, to names of the schedulers I transact with running through my mind as well.

Aaaargh!

I am now reminded of an experiment I learned in Psych, Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy (REST). It is a form of sensory deprivation wherein the volunteer is submerged in an isolation tank with salty water at skin temperature and is lightless and soundproof. Its aim is to deny the mind of any sensory stimuli and in effect cause relaxation.

I wonder if that will work for me. Will my mind be able to rest if I hear, see or feel nothing? I actually have doubts. Besides, even if it will be able to help me, where would I get that isolation tank? TSk Tsk. I am back to not having any solutions to my plight.

As the famous line of The Mask goes, please:

"Somebody stop me!"

I Feel Free / Rythm of The Night

I was greeted early morning today by this video. As I was not prepared to reminisce, nostalgia swept over me like a wave. I cant help but get teary-eyed as I watch scenes from my beloved Psychsoc days.

This video was taken way back 2002, when I was in my 3rd year. I was very active with Psychsoc then, attending almost all activities and participating very actively. There are people who do not understand the value of belonging to an organization in college. I do not blame them, as they were not able to experience the all that I have with Psychsoc.

The Psychsoc tambayan, or nook as we call it, was my home in college. I spent all my vacant hours there with those that I considered more than just friends, but family. These were the people I was with everyday, and made my college life truly memorable.

The dance was also from the same time, and seeing it makes me want to dance once again. I may not be considered a dancing queen, but dancing really is one of my passions. Unfortunately, it now belongs to the passions I am unable to cultivate.I no longer have the opportunities to dance now, and I truly miss it. When I dance, I feel so free and happy. No wonder I joined all dance presentations I could from grade school up to 3rd year college.

As I reflect on what this video was able to give me, I am reminded of a conversation that Jay and I once had regarding pictures. Photos, or in this case videos, are more than just an image of what you look like at a certain time and place in the past. They serve as a reminder not only of how you looked, but all the feelings and significance of the event that was captured. When I look at pictures, I get to remember how it was during that time, I get to feel all the joy, or even sadness once again.

And it makes life even more beautiful.

Things that I was thankful for last week

I know that there are a lot of things that I am wishing for, things that I have long prayed for and yet havent received. Despite this, I don't want to be discouraged and disappointed. I want to remain strong in my faith and to continually be grateful to all the blessings the Lord has given me. Beacuse of this, I would like to examine my life weekly, and check for the things that I am thankful for. Hopefully, as I acknowledge all the good things happening in my life, I would be a happier person...

1. Light workload
The weeks before and after the Holy Week were really very toxic. We were bombarded by tons of emails and faxes that need to be processed immediately. Thankfully, things came back to normal come Monday. We were back to working on a steady pace, and there were lots of time to relax and take a breather before we tackle the next case.

2. Going home to Laguna
Wednesday, Apr 18 was the wedding of my brother-in-law Jef to Malou. I arrived at about 630 pm already so I was not able to attend the ceremonies, but as with any other wedding day I suppose, the celebration extended til late at night so I was still able to share some of the joy that was abundant that day. There were still plenty of food left and I was able to enjoy lechon, sugpo, plus sweet and sour fish. Add to that a dessert of ice cream and my day was made!

3. Not being late Thursday
We left Pagsanjan at 430 and because there was a slight unexpected buildup in SLEX, I arrived just 6 minutes before login.

4. Golidilocks Production Manager
Jay got an interview invitation from Goldilocks for a Production Manager position. This may not end up as the right job for him but now, we welcome and are happy for every opportunity to land "that perfect job".

5. Going out with Jay and eating my favorites
Because of the kids, Jay and I rarely get the chance to have even just a simple date. Last Saturday though, we had the chance when Andre went to Pagsanjan with his Mamita. We went to Megamall as this is where our newest favorites could be bought. Razon's Halo-halo for him and Krispy kreme doughnuts for me. Yum yum.
While we were on the queue to park, we were almost regretting going to Megamall. The line was not moving at all, and we were thinking that it would take us hours before we could find a parking space. Thank God though that immediately after being allowed to enter the parking building, we were able to find a space for our car. Wow.
Another bonus for us that day is the complimentary donut that was given to us, even though we just bought 3 donuts. And being the glutton that I am, after eating my donuts and halo-halo, I still had to buy Spicy Cassava Chips from Matahari. Please forgive me, they're my favorites.

6. Inuman session with Jay
Weird as it may seem, Jay and I often have drinking sessions in our room. We would drink about a can of San Mig Ice each, or sometimes I would just drink Cali, and eat a bag or two of chips. It is just an activity that we enjoy doing. Sometimes we get tipsy, sometimes no effect, and there had been times we really hot drunk. Haha.

7. Sunday worship
After 4 long years, I attended worship again. Luckily, I was able to find a nearby church at home so I was not away for a long time. It was such a refreshing feeling ot be able to praise and worship God again with a congreagation. I felt really blessed and whole after. Truly an experience to be repeated.

8. Turon and Kwek-kwek
Lucky offered to share the expenses with me so we asked Inggo to buy ingredients for Turon and Kwek-kwek. Of course, I was the one who had to cook everything so it was a bity tiring. I did not mind it though because I feel good whenever I cook, as if I am fulfilling my role of being a wife. Haha. But as another reward, I ate plenty of kwek-kwek and turon.

Camera & Faith

Sira ang camera ko ngayon. For reasons I dont know, bigla nlang ayaw niyang magnukas para kumuha ng pictures. Pwede kong tignan ang mga pictures na nakuha ko na dati, pero tuwing bubuksan ko ang lens, tutunog siya ng kakaiba at biglang magsasara. Weird dahil nung Friday ay nagamit ko pa siya para kumuha ng litrato ng baby ni Pili. Hindi ko siya naibagsak, hindi siya nabasa, at walang kahit anong nangyaring kakaiba sa kanya. Pero nung Sabado, hindi ko na nga siya magamit.

Hindi ko masyado maintindihan ang nararamdaman ko. Nung una ay naupset ako. Sumama ang loob ko dahil nasira ang camera ko. Nagtaka rin ako dahil wala naman ngang nangyaring kakaiba sa kanya. Pero hindi ako nakaramdam ng kaba. Hanggang ngayon, panatag naman ang aking loob. Tinanong nga sa akin ng asawa ko kung natatakot o kinakabahan ba ako sa maaring maging gastos o hindi na pagkakagawa ng camera ko. Ang sabi ko, oo ngat hinihiling ko na sana walang gastos, pero hindi naman ako kinakabahan. Ang sinabi kong dahilan:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" Philippians 4:6

Hindi masyadong naniniwala si Jay dito. Ngayon, ang aking hiling ay sana, maimpluwensyahan siya ng aking faith. Sana, pareho kaming maniwala. Naniniwala kasi akong ang aming pananamapalataya ang mgadadala sa amin sa aming mga pangarap. Kung wala nun, baka wala kaming marating....

Renewed Faith

For a long time, I have been living in darkness. I moved and went through my life without the guiding light and hand of the Lord. I faced my problems, pursued my dreams, and simply lived my life by myself (technically with Jay, but in essence...), neglecting the relationship I once had with God. I had my excuses, valid ones none.

Recently, I am faced with some hardships that I find hard to overcome. I try to do all that is humanly possible, and yet nothing. I was almost losing hope, getting discouraged and depressed by the day. And then I heard Him knocking again.

I cant tell you how it happened, or what actually happened. All I can tell you is that in an instant, I was reading the bible and praying. I was crying when I finished. I realized then what was missing in my life, and that was the Lord.

Now, I could say I have a renewed relationship with Him. My faith was restored and my life is finally on the right track. I have yet to reach my dreams, but now that I have surrendered my life to Him, I know I would be there soon.

" 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.' " Jeremiah 29:11

Lord, I Offer My Life To You

All that I am, all that I have
I lay them down before you O Lord
All my regrets, all my acclaim
The joy and the pain, I'm making them yours

Chorus:
Lord I offer my life to You
Everything I've been through
Use it for your glory
Lord I offer my days to You
Lifting my praise to You
As a pleasing sacrifice
Lord I offer You my life


Things in the past, things yet unseen
Wishes and dreams that are yet to come true
All of my hopes, all of my plans
My heart and my hands are lifted to You.

Chorus

What can we give that you have not given
And what do we have that is not already yours
All that we possess is the life we are living
and that is what we offer you lord

Chorus

I love this praise and worship song. This song really moves me, and makes me cry a lot of times.

I miss Praise and Worship...

Ang Birthday Ng Mahal Ko

Last April 8, my beloved husband celebrated his birthday. I wanted to give him something special, but he did not want me to buy anything for him. I had wanted to write him letters, but I do that everyday anyway, so scratch. I then thought of just preparing a simple feast for him. Simple, yes. A feast, not really. Hehe.

I am not really good in cooking, the only times I cooked was when we were living in San Pedro, so cooking for him on his birthday is really something I am happy about. I prepared spaghetti and mango cream cake for him. It was a simple merienda, but one that was prepared with much love. He said he liked what I cooked. Good. But I could not claim all credit as he also helped me in cooking the spaghetti. We shared the food with his family and mine, I did not hear any negative feedback so I guess I passed as a cook for a day. Haha.

I have to mention that we actually went to church and pray. We havent really done that much, and it may be one reason why our prayers are not yet being answered. So we went and we prayed. we asked for forgiveness, and we sought His help. We know we need His guidance in our lives, and we acknowledged that to Him. We went to the nearby mall afterwards and just let the babies enjoy their new bike.

Come dinnertime, we went to Yellowbell, the local bar and restaurant in Pagsanjan. I like it there because it has a nice ambience, and you have privacy because you have your own hut. We just had Japanese dinner and a bottle of beer each. We love drinking together. Hehe.

The day ended without me giving anything special to my love. I hope though that even with my simple actions, I was able to show him how much I love him, and how blessed I am that he was born into this world, and into my life...

Black Saturday Outing

Good Friday

As the custom is in Pagsanjan, there was a prusisyon last Good friday. Wanting to ask forgiveness for all sins committed, Jay and I joined and walked in penance.

**this picture is scary. this was taken from the back, so the hair is shown and because it was dark, the statue seems headless!**

Holy Thursday

As I was working for and with Australian and not Filipino clients, I still had to work while all of my family was already in Pagsanjan. Worse is that since it will be a long weekend, there was tons of work to do. We were paid double plus a 200 allowance though, Thank God.

I finished my work at 3pm and headed home to Laguna. I was not looking forward to this trip, as I was fearing the worst for the traffic. Fortunately, none of my fears materialized. I was able to ride without a problem and was able to reach Pagsanjan in 2 hours.

Because of the hard work and the long trip, I was already very tired when I got to Pagsanjan. But as they are beginning to be our favorite games now, we still played Pictionary and Charades. This time however, we shifted teams and played with Tobby and Jalec. ( Jay and I still played with Lucky and Jen the first time and we STILL remain undefeated. HAHA) Went to the newly opened 711 in town after, and it was around 230 when we finally went to sleep. I was already bone tired by then.

Independence

Last night Jay and I had the house to ourselves and it gave me a feel again of how it is like to live on our own.

Of course, I loved it. There was peace in the air, as we were hearing no shouting or senseless chatter from people we are not really comfortable being with.

There was a feeling of independence, as we were (or Jay did) the one who cooked and cleaned.

There was freedom, as we were able to do anything we wanted.

And of course there was romance, as we know we were alone with each other. Haha.

The only thing missing I guess was the sight of our children playing, or the sound of them chattering. Andre babbling, displaying his speaking abilities more advanced for his age; and James mumbling, still unable to develop the skill for speaking.

I guess that is okay though. Occassionally being away from the kids, and spending quality time with each other is good for any couple. It makes you focus on just each other.

Sadly, the night was a bit tainted for me as I got a little disappointed. I was really not looking forward to going home to Pagsanjan from work alone, and Jay just confirmed with me last night that He is indeed going home early. It was a sacrifice I knew I had to make, but as all sacrifices are, it is something not to be thrilled about. Anyway, this belongs to another post.

All in all, last night's experience fuelled me even more to move out.

Unfortunately, there is not much for me to do now.

Pray, I guess...

Difficult Customer

haaaaaay.. just handled a very difficult customer awhile ago. and who is to blame him nga nman, when d pa niya narereceive fuel niya he ordered a week ago when he supposedly lives just houses away lang from the depot. syempre, i did my job naman, tried to explain the situation to him, but symepre, galit talaga siya. kesyo i dont know a damn thing daw at naging stupid pa ako. haaay. I dont think I am, nor do I think I know nothing, pero it really affects me. nakakapagpapangit ng pakiramdam, naging low tuloy sprits ko.. To think na i started the day pa nman having a good mood. ngayon, sira na.

Pictionary and Charades

Kagabi, naglaro kami ng Pictionary and Charades. Magkakampi si Lucky and Jen laban sa dynamite duo namin ni Jay. Hehe. At dahil dynamite nga kami, tatalunin ba naman kami?! Hehehe. Ang saya maglaro! Very exciting ang manghula, at nakakatuwa ring magpahula. Syempre kelangan mo galingan at maging creative sa pagpapahula dahil hindi naman ganun kadali ang mga titles. Halimbawa ay Raising Helen.. o kaya Sidhi. Hehe. Meron din naman madali na hindi namin mahulaan. Gaya ng 300 (sa pictionary). Nakuha na ni Jay ang 3 (tree) at hund (hand)... hindi lang niya makuha ang "red". Haha. Sobrang tili kami ng tili!

Nakakatuwa rin nung nagchaharades kami kasi syempre, masaya magarte at nakakatuwa rin panoorin yung mga umaarte. At syempre masya din dahil nahulaan namin ni Jay lahat ng pinahulaan nina Lucky. Hehe.
Nilibre nila tuloy kami ng Mcdo, kaya gusto ko na ulit maglaro.

SUCCESS

“Success means having the courage, the determination, and the will to become the person you believe you were meant to be”

by George Sheehan

Bunini

Siya si Bunini. Anak siya ng dati kong yaya, si Ate Thers. 20 taon kaming inalagaan ni Ate Thers. Naaalala ko pa na siya ang gumigising samin tuwing umaga para pumamsok sa iskwela, siya ang nagpapaligo, siya ang nagbibihis ( syempre nung mas bata pa kami), siya ang naghahanda ng aming almusal, ang nagluluto ng aming mga pagkain. May pagkataray si Ate Thers, pero mahal ko yun. Nung ako ay 20, umalis na siya sa amin at umuwi sa probinsya. Gusto na kasi niyang magkaanak. At di nga nagtagal, ipinanganak niya si Maria Trisha. Dindin ang kaniyang ipinalayaw sa kanya, at dahil iyon sa akin. Syempre diba, nakakatuwa naman na ipinagalan niya ang kanyang anak sa akin. ( Ngunit dahil ang hirap na 2 kaming Dindin sa bahay, Bunini nlang ang tawag sa kanya ngayon.) Nung ako ay ikakasal na nung ako ay 21, pinakiusapan siya ng aking mga magulang na bumalik sa amin. Pinagbigyan naman niya kami, at kasama niyang dumating si Bunini. Grabe, ang payat payat na ni Ate Thers nun, hindi kami halos makapaniwala. Yun pala ay dahil may sakit na siya. Dumating siya sa amin ng November, at nung Feb 25 (bday niya) ay pumanaw na siya. Di katagalan, nagpakamatay naman ang kaniyang asawa at naiwang ulila si Bunini.

Kaya kinuha siya ng aking mommy. Hindi legal ang pagampon sa kanya, pero inako na ni mommy ang responsibilidad sa pagpapalaki at pagaalaga sa munting bata (1 taon palang siya nun). Nung una, walang problema. Binibilhan si Bunini ng mga kailanganniya, inaalagaan siya, at masasabi ko ring, minamahal.

Pero iba na ata ngayon eh. Nung dunating si Andre sa bahay, nabalewala na si Bunini. Ay, mali pala ang balewala. Dahil ngayon, mas natuunan siya ng pansin, hindi nga lang magandang pansin. Lagi nlang siyang pinapagalitan, binubulyawan, pinapalo. Konting kibot, pagalit. Minsan, oo nga at makulit si Bunini. Pero sa palagay ko, naging ganun lang siya dahil natuto na siyang lumaban sa mga taong lagi siyang inaaway. Sa amin naman kasi ni Jay, hindi siya sumasagot, at lagi lang sumusunod.

Naawa na tuloy ako sa kanya. Wala na siyang magulang. At mukhang wala naring nagmamahal sa kanya. Pinipilit namin ni Jay na ibigay ang dapat na pagmamahal o atensyon na nararapat sa kanya, pero hindi sapat ang kaya naming ibigay. May 2 anak rin kami na dapat mahalin at pagbuhusan ng pansin. Tuwing naiisip ko tuloy ang kalagayan nung bata, naiiyak ako. Paano ang magiging buhay niya? Oo nga at may nakakain siya, may naisusuot na damit.. Pero yun lang ba ang kailangan ng isang bata?

Moving Out

I want to move out.

At the start of the year, or actually, even way before that, I have promised myself that I will save enough to be able to live independently. Now, it's the fourth month of the year, and I am no closer to reaching my plan. Admittedly, my passion for that goal sometimes waned, just pushed aside as I think and move for more plausible plans, such as having a honeymoon.

Today though, as with the past couple of days, the fire has engulfed me once again. I am being moved by a passion so intense, making me think endlessly of possiblities that would enable me to reach my goal.

I have computed and recomputed my budget numerous times, hoping to get the expenses smaller each time. I have recounted my finances, this time hoping that they would increase each count. I have thought and engaged in several sidelines, in the hope that they would be enough to fill in my lacking finances. Unfortunately, none is to suffice.

I have even tried my luck in the lotteries, who knows, that small ticket might hold the keys to my future. Some might see it as hopeless, some as even stupid. I dont care. If 10 pesos is all I have to lose for a chance of fulfilling my dreams, then why not? Anyway, I am not leaving everything up to chance. I am simply doing all that I can. Even stupid things.

Now, I am still planning, hoping and praying. Doing all I can to reach my goal. I have always prided myself as being madiskarte and being able to do what needs to be done to reach my goals. I will not fail myself now.

I will move out.

WORK!!!!

Wow! I am now feeling what it is to work in Orders! Haha. What do I mean? Before, when I was only handling the High Worth Key Accounts, I had a lot of petics time. I am in total control of my time and I feel no pressure at all. Last Tuesday, I was tapped by our TL to backup the escalations team. Now, I also handle delivery status, returs and urgent orders. In effect, I am now cluttered with work! Haha, and I'm loving it!

This is not really something that I want to experience everyday, but right now, I am happy because I feel so useful and every case I resolve makes me feel accomplished. Haha.

Anyway.. I have to go, back to work... :)

Everyday

I kiss you softly before I go
This is how I want to start my day
I hug you tight to let you know
That I'll miss you while I'm away

When from you I am far
You must know that I feel blue
My easy day becomes real hard
Coz all I want is to be with you

So after my long day I rush home
And then everything just melts away
When you make your love known
As what your hugs and kisses say

Everyday I have you to hold
And feel your love that's true
So Everyday I thank the Lord
For blessing me with you

The Mayor's House

Went to the house of Mayor ER Ejercito last Sunday. The reason: Jay being invited to run for counsilor. Naturally, as befitting Jay's personality, he declined. No amount of courting and very hopeful predictions from the mayor and all the other counsilors made him say yes. Anyway, took pictures of some of the items there while waiting for Jay to be convinced...

High Worth Key Accounts

*Momon, Anna, Joey, Jaymee, Migs, Me, Chuty, Paula & TL Yus

...

This is the HWKA peeps. My Team. We handle the biggest and most important clients of Shell Australia, kaya feeling important din kami. Haha. I love my team. Magkakasundo naman kami, walang issues, walang irritations. We are even lucky with our TL. Bait kasi si TL Yus, kwela at generous. Dinadalhan niya kami ng pandesal sa umaga, nilibre sa MCdo nung nagabsent siya, at blowout kame buong team for dinner.

Sobrang hilig magpicture-picture ng team namin. This may be the 30th picture we've taken of our group since March 5. O diba, wala pang 1month yun...

Kaya sigurado... More to come..

Random Thoughts At The Office

Sabi nila, kapag magsulat ka raw sa isang journal, walang kailangang topic, walang kailangang flow.. Nirerecommend nga ng mga psychiatrists, para sa mag taong magulo ang isip, or kahit sa mag ataon lang na gusto ng deeper understanding sa sarili, na kumuha lang ng bolpen at papel, at magsulat ng magsulat ng kahit anu lamang na papasok sa kanilang utak.

Kaya ito ang gawin ko ngayon. Gusto ko kasi magsulat, pero wala naman akong maisip na topic. Kaya pagbigyan niyo na ako ngayon at ako ay dadaldal ng walang katuturan. Ano ba ang mga iniisip ko ngayon? Medyo marami, halo-halo, pero wala namang mabigat na isipin. Mga lakad at plano sa weekend, budget sa parating na sweldo (yehey), mga gusto kong bilhin ( mga dvds ng series ), mga outings na hindi matuloy-tuloy (officemates, family and honey), pasalubong sa anak ko, ang baby kong may sakit, ang baby kong makulit, at syempre ang mahal kong asawa.

Ang sarap kasi ng ganito, wala masyado ginagawa. Sa totoo lang, yung mga kasama ko, reklamo ng reklamo na walang trabaho, at nagagalit sila kapag may ibang gumagawa ng trabaho namin. Pero ako, keber ko ba kung walang trabaho! Masaya nga eh! May oras akong magmuni-muni, magsulat, maginternet, manood ng dvd... Magawa ang kahit anong gusto kong gawin.. Matulog nlang ata ang hindi ko pa nagagawa dito eh. Although sinabi naman ng boss namin na kapag puyat, o masama ang pakiramdam, magsabi lang at papayagan niyang umidlip sandali. O diba?

Yun nga lang, kapag wala akong ginagawa, minsan naiisip ko na sana nasa bahay nlang ako, kasi nandun ang pamilya ko eh... Pero syempre.. sabi ko nga, hindi man ako nagtratrabaho, kumikita pa rin naman ng pera eh. So konting tiis at tyaga nlang.

FOILED PLANS

Excited pa naman ako. Dapat punta kami sa amin this weekend. Wala lang, team bonding sana, just to have fun and enjoy each other's company. Plantsado na ang lahat, ayos na nag budget, ayos na ang logistics... pero bigla.. hindi na tuloy... sayang.. nakakafrustrate, nakaka-sadden... When you plan things, get excited about it, and then hinid lang siya matuloy basta. Nakakawalang gana.

If I Believe

If I believed in paradise
I'd swear I must be there
I'd swear I must be there right now with you
If I believed in miracles
I'd know that one was happening to me
But if I don't believe in paradise
Then miracles aren't real
Then someone tell me what is this I feel
I wanna believe it's love this time
I wanna believe my heart's not telling me a lie
But with you I can't deny
if I believed in paradise
I'd swear I'm there
If I believed in magic spells
It all would be so clear
'Cause magic spells must have brought you here
If I could see the future
I'd see if you and I were meant to be
But I dont know any magic
And tomorrow's just a dream
But something in this fantasy is real
I wanna believe it's love this time
I wanna believe my heart's not telling me a lie
I wanna believe it's love this time
I wanna believe my heart's not telling me a lie
But with you I cant deny
If I believed in paradise
I'd swear I'm there
I'm there
I'm there
If I believed.

I love this song.The song itself is not what is important, but the memories that it actually triggers. For one thing comes to mind when I hear this song from Patti Austin. The day I knew who I want to spend forever with.

I knew I love him even before, but on that fateful day, I learned what people mean when they say "you'll just know when he is the right one for you." There were no more doubts, questions, or fears. He is the guy for me. The guy I've been waiting for. The guy I would fulfill my dream of having a happy family with.

In retrospect, the time this song is bringing me back to is truly one of the most memorable experiences I've had. The place was not really beautiful, the food not great. But it made me see how I dont need to be in a beautiful place to be in paradise....

The Wedding

Wow. Over a handful of tissues, I've finished the novel The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks. Again, wow. The book is finished, the story has ended, and yet I still find myself crying. Not because the story was tragic, but because the story really tugged at my romantic heart.

The story is about a couple, who after 29 years of marriage are slowly drifting apart. It started with the realization of Wilson that despite his tremendous love for his wife, their marriage seems to be going downhill. He then decides that he would not let his marriage fall apart, as he knows that he is really blessed to have Jane as his wife and that he does not want to live without her. The story spans for one year, from the night Wilson forgot their 29th anniversary to the night he finally made up for all the things he was not able to give his wife. They change from a couple who is on the brink of breaking up, to a couple madly in love with each other once again.

I have always been a fan of romantic stories, and surely, an older couple who remains in love with each other after many many years would pass my standards. My heart melts whenever I see grandmas and grandpas (not necessarily real old) still holding hands, still connecting with each other through looks, words or touches. It makes me ponder how we will be in the future. Will we still be holding hands years from now? Will we be as blessed as they are? Is our love as enduring as theirs is?

With these questions in mind, I think about what we have now. Do we constantly strive to show how much we love each other?Do we constantly seek to connect through looks, words and touches? When people see us, do they see a young couple deeply in love? The answer I'm afraid is not as rosy as I would want it to be. I have to admit that there are days that we are unable to express our love, times when we fail to connect, and moments when we are just a married couple.

I still have high hopes though. For despite instances when I see that our relationship is not perfect, I am still convinced that our love would endure. I know that I am truly blessed to have you, and I know that as the years pass by, yours is still the hand I want to hold.

So maybe I should stop worrying about the future. I should just work on today, on what we have now. Instead of thinking if we will still be holding hands in the future, I will hold your hand now. I will never let a day pass without letting you feel how much I love you. I will constantly connect with you, so that even in difficulties you would know I am still with you. I will do this day after day, month after month and year after year. And most probably, before we even know it, we would already be old.. and still holding hands.

Our Tomorrow

I wonder what's in store for us tomorrow... What does the future have for us? I have to admit that sometimes I get scared... Can we reach our dreams? Are we trying our best to reach them? Is our best good enough? But of course, my faith in the Lord vanquishes my fears. I know that in the right time, He will give us what will be best for us. And that is why depite my occasional fears, I am excited about the future. I can hardly wait for the day that our dreams will start coming true. I do not know exactly what would happen, but I do know that with you, the future would definitely be beautiful...

Almost Perfect

"The bottom line is that (a) people are never perfect, but love can be, (b) that is the one and only way that the mediocre and vile can be transformed, and (c) doing that makes it that. We waste time looking for the perfect lover, instead of creating the perfect love. " - Tom Robbins (1936 - ), Still Life With Woodpecker

I know I am not perfect. In fact, I know I'm far from it. Most of the times I think of myself as mediocre, in more depressing moments I slide down to being below average. I have to admit I didnt think of myself that way before. I used to see myself as a prize catch, worthy of admiration from anyone. I may have lacked humility and wisdom to know better. Continually falling short from expectations and ideals that are either implicitly or otherwise imposed on me made me see how flawed I am. Gone is my bloated feeling of self-worth. Sometimes, I cannot even see the shadow of the "Great Me" I thought I was.

I know now that I have made a lot of mistakes. I have a lot of what parents ( and of course, husbands as well) wish none for their child ( and wife). Bad experiences, incorrect choices, and even a tainted character. Moreover, I lack what they would have wished for me instead. Qualities that make a perfect daughter, wife and a mother.

Is it too late for me then? Because of what I have been in the past, did I already lose my chance to be an ideal woman? I would think sometimes that I deserve a 2nd, and even a 3rd chance. I would think that my past should not define me, and that I could totally transform to something beautiful even if I started out ugly. Look how ordinary sand could lose all its graininess and develop into a smooth and beautiful glass. But other times it seems that it is just an unreachable dream. My past does not seem to leave me, it continues to haunt and penalise me for the things I have done. There seems to be no escape from the pit I have dug myself into.

I guess this is where love interferes. When everything about me is shouting of mediocrity and even ugliness, maybe, just maybe, love could change me. When alone I cannot remove the bad in me, maybe someone with love would be able to do so. Maybe love could free me, and finally make me beautiful. I still won't be perfect, but through love's eyes, maybe I could be Almost Perfect...

Backyard

*A SHOT OF OUR NATURE-INSPIRED BACKYARD SWIMMING POOL

Gustong-gusto ko sa bahay namin sa Pagsanjan, Laguna. Masarap kasi tumambay dun dahil maganda ang tanawin, maginhawa ang ihip ng hangin, at tunay na nakakapayapa ng damdamin. Gusto ko kasi talaga ang tanawing may tubig. Para bang napaka peaceful ng buhay sa may tubig. May problema ka man, pwede mo itong ipadala sa agos ng tubig. Kung gugustuhin mo, pwede ka ring tumubug sa tubig, at lunurin ang problema o linisin ang iyong sarili. Maginhawa pa. Hehe.

I DONT KNOW

Dont ask me, I dont know. What TO think nor what TO feel. But I know what I DO think, what I DO feel... But still, don't ask me... I think I know what TO say... Nothing. I'll just let it be.

I Have A New Phone!!!!!

I am so happy with my new phone!!! Actually, it is not because it is a state-of-the-art phone, its just that I got it for free! Hehe. It is Moto C261, colored (65K), with camera and has a slim and elegant design. I got it when I subscribed to Sun's P350/mo line. Sulit! Now I get to text to Sun Subscribers unlimitedly (my whole family is using Sun Ü), I get to have 250 free texts to other networks, and I still have P200 consummable for voice calls. Sulit talaga!

Movie Poster

Pwede na bang movie poster ng isang horror movie ito? Hehe.. Hindi ko sinasabing mukhang mumu yung picture ha... Ü The mumu is somewhere out there.... Ü

This Is It!

* MY 2ND HOME; MY QUEENDOM*


After 3 months of training, eto na kami... Officially part of the Shell Australia Orders Team!!!!

My station is set, I've arranged my picture frames, posted additional photos, brought office supplies that I do not really need, and even decorated my station with stuff toys from home.

I am thrilled... training almost bored me to death and I am now ready for more exciting and productive undertakings..

Aussies, here I come!!!


*ON MY FIRST DAY DOING ACTUAL WORK

Sana Nasa Tabi Mo Ako....

Malungkot ako ngayon... Kasi wala ako sa bahay para maalagaan ang mahal ko... Alam ko kailangan niya ako ngayon... Alam ko dapat nasa bahay ako ngayon... Pero andito ako ngayon sa trabaho, walang magawa para sa mahal kong may sakit...
Ang hirap kapag may gusto kang gawin at kumukontra ito sa kailangan mong gawin. Ang hirap kapag napipilitan kang gawin ang isang bagay, kapag meron kang mas gustong gawin. Pero sa tingin ko , pinakamahirap kapag may hinihingi sa yo ang mahal mo at hindi mo maibigay... Ang hirap kapag kailangan ka niya pero wala ka...

Hindi ako nakakapagpost

Ilan araw na ang lumilipas at hindi na ako nakakapagpost.. Medyo busy kasi... INaayos ko kasi ngayon ang aming station. Nagdodownload din ako ng mga kanta na inilalagay ko sa pc ko para naman hindi ako mabore sa aking magiging trabaho. Hehe. Kaya hindi ako masyado nakakasulat. Idagdag pa doon na binabasa ko ngayon ang Along Came A Spider ni James Patterson. Maganda siya at talagang medyo may pagka-suspense. Hindi tuloy ako nakakapagsulat tuwing break dahil nagbabasa nalang ako dahil hindi ko na mahintay kung ano ang magiging katapusan ng libro. Haha. Basta, pasensya na kung hinid ako nakakapagsulat... promise, babawi rin ako....

Kabwisit Ka

Nabwibwisit ako sa babae na ito. Galit ako sa kanya. Kilala niyo ba sya? Kung medyo nagtatago ka sa lungga at hindi nakakanood ng tv, basa ng radyo o d man lang nakikipagusap sa mga tao sa paligid, siya si Hope Centeno, di umanong babae ni James Yap. Hindi ko siya hiuhusgahan sa pagiging babae ni James di umano. Sakali mang totoo nga ang kanyang mga pinagsasasabi, kahit d man maganda, kaya kong unawain ang kanyang pagmamahal kay James. Kasalanan mang ituring ang umibig at makipagrelasyon sa isang may asawa, naiintindihan kong pwedeng mangyari yun kahit kanino. Kaya patawarin na natin siya doon. Totoo man o hindi.

Ang kaso, hindi lang naman yun ang kababuyang ginawa niya. May lakas ng loob pa siya na lumabas sa tv at mga dyaryo, ang magpainterview at isiwalat ang kung anu anong detalye sa siumanong relasyon nila ni James. Anong klaseng babe naman ang kailangan pang ibroadcast sa buong mundo ang mga bagay na dapat nga ay ikinahihiya na niya. Tama na ang nagkasala siya sa pagpatol kay James, pero ang manira pa talaga sa harap ng maraming tao ay sobra na. Sinasabi niyang kaya siya lumabas ay para ipagtanggol ang sarili niya sa paghuhusga. Sana alam lang niya na hindi siya kilala bago siya lumabaas. Walang huhusgahan dahil walang pangalan, walang mukha at walang taong naiuugnay sa nasabing problema ng magasawa. Natapos na san doon. Ngunit kailangan pa niya talagang kuhanin ang atensyon ng lahat at subuking magpasikat. Ayan, oo, sikat na siya. Pero hindi niya nakuha ang kagustuhan niyang malinis ang pangalan niya Dahil sa kanyang ginawa, mas nabwisit sa kanya ang tao, mas hinusgahan na siya. Tsk Tsk.

Nagagalit ako dahil asawa rin ako. Kung may tatangkang manira ng pagsasama namin gaya ng ginagawa nitong babaeng ito, talagang gera ito. Nagagalit ako dahil tao akong may puso. Kung magkasala man ako, hindi ko naman ipangangalandakan pa at ipamumukha sa mga taong sinaktan ko at mga taong walang pakialam. Magsisisi ako at mahihiya. Nagagalit ako dahil kawawa naman si Kris. Pagbigyan na natin siyang lumigaya. Everyone deserves to be happy. At nobody's expense.

Mall of Asia

Nung Sabado, nagpunta kami sa Mall of Asia. Kasama ko si Jay at ang aking mga anak at pati narin si Mommy, Daddy at si Bunini. Maganda pala dun. Syempre alam na nating malaki yun diba? Nagustuhan ko ang pagpunta dahil maganda ang setup ng lugar. Sa labas ay marami ring mga shops at food stalls, tapos kita mo pa ang manila bay. Sa loob naman, maraming stores na pwedeng pamilihan at maraming amusement na pambata. Napakaraming kakainan, feeling ko tataba talaga ako kapag lagi akong mamamasyal dito.

Pagdating ng hapon, marami ng tao ang kumakain sa mga restos sa harap ng Manila Bay. Syempre ang dahilan, the world famous Manila Bay Sunset. Sayang lang hindi ko masyado nakuhanan ng maganda ang sunset, medyo malayo rin kasi sa bay eh. Pero maganda at masarap parin siya panoorin. Syempre lalo na kung kasama mo ang mahal mo sa buhay.

Hindi pa nagtatapos sa magandang sunset ang offer ng MOA. Pagdating ng alas-7, nagkaroon naman ng fireworks display! Ang saya, dahil sa harap talaga kami nakaupo at ramdam na ramdam mo ang putojk at kitang-kita mo ang ganda ng pagsabog ng mga kulay sa ulap. Kahit malayo ng konti, maganda talaga pumunta sa Mall of Asia.

Letters & Blogs

I am reading Sam's Letters to Jennifer by James Patterson right now, and I am just inspired to write many letters as well. There are so many thoughts that I want to express, feelings that I want to share, stories I want to tell. I have always been into letter writing. Since grade school, I would have a friend that I would be writing letters to everyday, even if we see each other daily as well. I guess there is something about writing that makes me feel good. The freedom that I get to express myself without interruption, the hope that your words will be read and understood by the recipient, the feeling that you are sharing yourself to someone. It makes me understand myself better, connect with someone, and to celebrate all the things, wonderful and bad, that is happening in my life. Living life is good. Actually feeling and reveling in it is much better.
So I should blog more often.
I think blogs are letters without specific recepients.
Blogs are my letters to the world.

I'm Not Practising Enough

I havent really taken much pictures these days.. Bad... I really try to take as much pictures as I can, but sometimes there's just nothing for me to capture. Lame excuse. I'm reprimanding myself now. Try harder Dyanne. Work harder. If you want to be good, if you want to learn, you've got to practice... Shame on me. Haha.

Happy Valentine!

WE've been though a lot. A whole lot. Despite of it all, my love for you remains strong. For it grows each and every day, as I find more reasons to love you.
Through the years, you have shown me how it is to be loved deeply. I thank you for that, I thank you for giving meaning to my life.
I love you... Endlessly.

Valentine's Day na Bukas!!!

It's Valentine's Day tomorrow... Hala! Hehe.. Ano kaya ang meron o mangyayari? Mula pa nung grade school ako, napaka-halaga kasi para sa akin ng araw na ito. Dati, nagbibigay ako ng mga cards sa aking mga friends. At kung may pera ako, miski regalo. Nakuha ko ata yun sa pagbabasa ng libro e, sa States kasi diba, namimigay sila ng "Valentines". Yung mga card nga ba, na ngsasabi sa pinagbigyan mo na mahalaga sila para sayo. Nung 2nd year high school nga ako eh, bingyan ko si Jay ng pillow. Medyo feeling close kasi ako sa kanya nun eh. Hehe. Feeling ko friends kami. Nagpupunta kasi siya sa bahay and naglalaro kami ng crosswords, paunahan ng hula sa kanta at sinong kumanta ( siyempre siya lagi ang panalo), at itinutulay ko kasi siya sa isang friend ko. Nakakatuwa kasi hanggang ngayon ay nasa kanya pa yung pillow. Ngayon, si Andre at si James na ang gumagamit.
Kaya ayun. Mahalaga nga sa akin ang Valentine. Ewan ba, siguro dahil sadyang romantic ako. yung tipong gusto ko sanang pumunta sa Lovapalooza, kaso ayaw ni Jay eh. Hehe. Wala naman akong ineexpect kung tutuusin. Iniisip ko sana na punta kami Baguio or Tagaytay, kaso hindi na tuloy yun, kaya ewan na. Oh well, kahit wala ako ineexpect, sana makapagplan rin kami talaga ng something. Kahit hindi bukas siguro. Basta ang mahalaga, maicelebrate namin, not ang Valentine's Day per se, but ang aming love. Hehe.

New Passions

I am so happy! I am developing a lot of new passions right now, and it has become a source additional color and excitement in my life.Haha. Before, it has only been Jay and the kids, but its not really healthy right?
So this year, I started with photography. Right now, I am still learning, at times I get frustrated, but in general, taking pictures gives me much pleasure. And then, there is this blog. I started out early last year, but after a few posts, lost interest. It is a good thing that this year, I was able to revive it. And look! I could say that I have posted a lot and have paid much attention to writing and expressing myself. I love it when I blog. Sometimes I wish I actually write better, but, who cares?! And now, my most recent addition, BRAIN TEASERS! My Math teacher in high school was actualy the one who introduced my liking to brain teasers. Everyday, she would post a teaser on the board that we all have to answer by the next day. I love it when I get to solve them, or even if I dont get to, I love thinking of the answer. Ever since, I really try hard in answering teasers that are thrown at me, and I love throwing them back to my husband as well.Now, so that I would have a compilation of my favorite brain teasers, and so that I would be able to share it to people, I created another blog that contains brain teasers. Maybe someday I would create an actual site, but for now, I'm blogging it first.If you are interested and wants to try solving some of the brain teasers, you can visit www.geniusatwork.multiply.com

I'm Your Angel

For you... You know why...

No mountains too high for you to climb
All you have to do, is have some climbing faith
No river is too wide for you to make it across
All you have to do, is believe it when you pray

And then you will see the morning will come,
and everyday will be bright as the sun
All of your fears, cast them on me
I just want you to see

(chorus)
I'll be your cloud up in the sky
I'll be your shoulder when you cry
I hear your voices when you call me
I am your Angel,
And when all hope is gone I'm here
No matter how far you are, I'm near
It makes no difference who you are
I am your Angel, I'm your Angel

I saw your tear drops and I heard you cry
All you need is time, seek me and you shall find
You have everything and your still lonely
It don't have to be this way
Let me show you a better day

Then you will see, the morning will come
And all of your days will be bright as the sun
So all of your fears just cast them on me
How can I make you see?

chorus

And when it's time to face the storm
I'll be right by your side
Grace will keep us safe and warm
and I know we will survive

And when it seems as if your end is drawing near
Don't you dare give up the fight
Just put your trust beyond the sky

chorus

YIPEEEEE!!!!

I am so happy!!!!! Finally, my husband's home!!!! I so miss him (miss kasi I actually havent seen him, am in the office kasi)! I came to work feeling very frustrated and lonely, thinking that at the end of the day, he will still not be here. I even left my celfone, because I dont wanna receive a text from him saying he is still in Ilocos. I'd rather be hopeful, that he could already be on the way home. But I really didnt think he woul be home this early! Whopeee! I cant wait to go home!!!!
(If I have a camera, I would post a picture of me smiling from ear to ear. Ü)

Umuwi Ka Na

Malungkot ako ngayon. Paano naman kasi, miss na miss na kita. Pwede ba namang hindi, e halos apat na gabi ka ng wala. Isang gabi nga lang ay hinahanap na kita, yun pa kayang ganito katagal. Nalulungkot ako kasi wala akong makwentuhan kapag gabi, wala akong masabihan ng mga nangyari sa araw ko. Walang yumayakap sa akin at wala akong katabi sa pagtulog.

Gusto ko sanang sabihin sa yo pero hindi naman pwede. Hindi pwede kasi baka makasira pa ako sa bakasyon mo. Baka kahit hindi mo pa gustong umuwi, mapilitan ka dahil nahihiya ka sa akin. Ayoko naman nun, gusto ko, uuwi ka dahil namimiss mo na rin ako, dahil gusto mo na ako makasama. Pero sa totoo lang, minsan natutukso ako. Minsan gusto ko na lang paguiltihin ka, kasi baka kung hindi, tagalan mo pa ang pag-uwi. Minsan, gusto ko ng maging makasarili at pauwiin ka. Magagawa ko e gusto na kita makasama. Haaaay...

Kaya pwede, wag mo mna akong kukumustahin? Wag mong tatanungin kung namimiss na kita. Kung gusto mo, magkwento ka tungkol sa mga ginagawa mo. Ikwento mo sa aking ang saya mo, ang mga narararansan mo. Kaya kong pilitin na hindi sabihin sa yo ang nararamdaman ko, pero kahit anong gawin ko, hindi ko kayang pilitin ang sarili kong maging ok lang sa pagkalayo mo.

Pero hindi kita pauuwiin... Para sa yo, titiisin ko ang nararamdaman kong pagkalungkot. Kung masaya ka eh...

Pero sana... para sa akin... umuwi ka na...

HATS

Here is a brain teaser that was given to us in training. Please let me know how well you did in guesing the correct answer! (Please provide an explanation and time it took). Have fun!

Rules:

1. A, B, C & D are standing on a straight line.

2. A is facing right and could only see the wall.

3. B is facing left and could only see the wall.

4. C is facing left and could only see B and the wall.

5. D is facing left and could only see C, B and the wall.

6. They are all wearing hats.

7. They know there are only 4 hats, 2 black and 2 white.

8. They are to be executed.

9. If one of them would be able to shout out the color of hat he is wearing, they would be freed.

10. If they shout the wrong color, they would all be killed mercilessly.

11. They could not move their heads, nor could they talk with each other.

How do they all get away?

I Know I'll Never Love This Way Again

You look inside my fantasies
And make each one come true
Something no one else had ever found a way to do
I've kept the memories one by one
Since you took me in
I know I'll never love this way again
I know I'll never love this way again
So I keep holding on before the good is gone
I know I'll never love this way again
Hold on, hold on, hold on
A fool will lose tomorrow
Reaching out for yesterday
I won't turn my head in sorrow
If you should go away
I'll stand here and remember
Just how good it's been
And I know I'll never love this way again
I know I'll never love this way again
So I keep holding on before the good is gone
I know I'll never love this way again
Hold on, hold on, hold on

-- Almost everyday there would be a song that I would really love, a song that would really tug at my heart. I would be listening to it and singing it as well. Today it is this song.---

Crybaby

Napaka crybaby ko talaga. I could definitely say na I am one of those people that cry at almost everything and anything. Sa mga movies, novels, tv series, commercials, and even songs. Madali kasi talaga maantig ang damdamin ko. Very passionate kasi talaga ako about life, and I easily relate to the feelings of people.

Bakit ko ba nasabi yun? Kasi kanina, napaiyak ako sa training. As in iyak talaga. Si Simon (trainer namin) kasi eh. Meron kaming icebreaker wherein you would write a "What if" question and then the person next to you would answer it. Yung isang tanong, "What if you have 1 wish to be granted, what would that be?" Sumagot siya. Ang sabi niya (Of course, tinagalog ko na), meron daw siyang brother na sobrang close siya. Nakakausap niya about everything. Naglalaro daw siya ng cricket, and 1 game away nlang daw siya for internationals. But one day, nainjure siya. And everything came crashing down. Ibang iba na raw siya. Sabi nga niya, he is only a shadow of the guy he used to be. Parang nadepress nga ata ng sobra yung brother niya, and it really affected him. Hindi na raw niya nakakausap ng maayos yung brother niya. Kasi nga, broken na talaga yung brother niya. I was not able to catch exactly what his wish was, kasi umiiyak na ako that time. But it is something like his wish would be for his brother to be okay again. Or for him to be able to talk to his brother again. (Pasensya na, hindi accurate.) Basta, yung effect niya sa akin, ayun...

natouch kasi ako sobra kasi hindi naman serious person si Simon eh. Makulit, mapang-asar at childlike ang dating niya. Kaya nung out of the blue ay mag-open up siya, naiyak ako. Hehe. At siguro rin, talagang I was feeling very low kanina eh. Kahit ano siguro magpapauyak sa akin kanina eh. Grabe noh? That has really happened to me alot. People would make kwento, and I would really cry. But I like it. I like the feeling of crying. I dont like being sad, but I like crying.

What do you do?

What do you do when you are feeling very down? The kind of down that you feel that your spirit is already on the floor, being kicked and stepped on. When you want to shout for someone to pick you up, but you are too tired to even speak up. The kind wherein you cant stop crying, or even if your eyes do, your heart does not. When one thought of what makes you down will bring back all the tears you wish to hide from those around you. The kind that breaks your heart ever so slowly. Little by little piercing you until you could not take it anymore. The kind of down that makes you just want to give up; to just surrender to the pain and let it take you wherever it wants to... To the darkest and deepest abyss, to the most isolated chasm, to emptiness...
Tell me, what do you do?

Pagpunta ni Jay sa Ilocos

Kagabi, umuwi si Jay papunta Ilocos. Dumating kasi ang tita niya from the States at dun nila sa Ilocos iremember ang death anniversary ng lola niya. 4 na araw siya mawawala, kayang talagang malungkot ako. Hindi pa naman kasi kami nagkakahiwalay ng ganung katagal eh. Ayaw ko kasi talaga. As much as possible, gusto ko at the end of the day, kasama ko siya. Gusto ko, when I wake up in the middle of the night, katabi ko siya. But for four nights, mawawala siya. Sigurado, I will miss him terribly. Actually, ngayon palang, I already do. Pag naiisip ko kasi na pagkatapos ng work, paguwi ko sa bahay, wala naman siya. Buti na nga lang hindi niya isinaman yung mga anak namin eh. Buti nlang, may sasalubong parin sa akin paguwi. Pero siyempre, iba parin kapag andun siya.Buti na rin lang, he surprised me with a teddy bear. Dati ko pa kasi gustong magkaron ng teddy bear. And now he gave me one. Para nga naman may yakap ako habang wala siya. Haaaay.Naku, ewan ba, good luck nalang sa akin ngayong linggong ito. Mahal, unuwi ka na dito....

Lesley's Despedida

Nung Sunday, we had a despedida for Les. Alis na kasi siya papunta siyang Singapore. Dun na siya magpapayaman. Haha. Kaming apat na magbabarkada nung highschool at si Borj ang lumabas. Dapat kasama namin si Jay, but for some reason, hindi siya nakasama. So kami nalang napunta. Sa Seaside palutuan kami nagpunta.

Masarap dun! Mamalengke ka, tapos ipapaluto mo. Mura lang lumalabas ang food. Sabi nila, pinakamasarap daw sa GSquared kaya yung family ko dun lagi kumakain kaya dun rin kami kumain. Nagpaluto kame ng buttered crab, sinigang na hipon at sizzling pusit. Sarap! Hhhmmmm!

We wanted more, but dahil 5 lang nman kame, un nlang. Masaya sa Seaside kasi yung environment niya, masarap talaga makipagkwentuhan. It is a great place to meet up with friends, have reunions, or simply to have a feast.

Masaya ako na malungot nung gabing yun. Masaya dahil masaya naman talaga kasama yung mmga friends ko eh. Masarap pa sila kasama kumain kasi ang tatakaw. Hehe. Malungot siyempre because of what we are celebrating. After our sumptious dinner, nagpunta kami sa Metrowalk to have dessert.

Dapat sana Ice Monster, but wala na pala. SO Icebergs nlang. Medyo disappointed ako kasi sobrang asim na nung mango con hielo nila. Hindi ko nga naubos eh. Sayang. Natuwa kami sa Metrowalk kasi may naglalaro nung parang rodeo thingie. You have to stay on a automated bull for 80 seconds on 1 hand. Medyo magalaw yung bull kaya mahirap. Nakakatuwa siyang panoorin kasi mukhang tanga yung ibang sumasakay, at masarap namang icheer yung ibang magaling. Meron nga ding basketball challenge, wherein you have to shoot 8 balls in 25 seconds, free throw distance. Sayang, dahil kung kasama namin si Jay, e di sana nanalo na kame ng stuff toy. I think sobrang dali lang nun for him e.

We went home around 11pm, may pasok pa kasi ako kinabukasan e. Sayang, sana madami pa ang ganoong mga outings. Sigurado ma-mi-miss ko si Les, at dahil wala si Les, malamang hindi na kami ganung magkita ng barkada... So, mamimiss ko rin sila...

Pagpunta sa Avilon Zoo

Nung Sabado, nagpunta kami sa Avilon Zoo. Matagal ko na actually gusto pumunta dun, hindi lang nagkakaopportunity. Nung Sat, dapat talaga ay magbeach kame as a despedida for Lesley but dahil hindi natuloy, nagpunta nlang kame Avilon. Hehe, I know medyo magkaibang activity talaga yun altogether but ang gusto kasi namin magawa ay magpicture picture eh. It took us about an hour from our house, si Les ang nagdrive. Isinama namin si Jay at Andre, iniisip ko kasi na magugustuhan ni Andre ang mga animals. ANd I think I could say he did. May mga animals na takot siya, meron namang natutuwa siya. May mga part na nagpapakalong siya, pero may mga times naman na naglalakd siya ng kusa at tumatakbo. Nasiyahan naman ata kasi siya eh.

Kame rin ni Les tuwang tuwa. Ang sarap kasi magpicture at maganda ang mga animals.

Si Jay, hindi ko alam kung nag-enjoy. But he did say maganda yung place. Maganda naman kasi talaga eh. 7.5 hectares daw siya, pinakamalaking zoo in the Philippines. Malinis yung lugar, at masarap talaga pasyalan. May mga animals nga na pakalat-kalat lang e. .

Basta ako, nagenjoy ako. Happy ako na nagpunta kame dun. I'm sure matutuwa din ang kahit sinong pupunta . Para sa mas maraming pictures, visit www.mommydyanne.multiply.com/photos/album/17