Autumn Girl

Moving!

2007-08-27T18:38:00.000+08:00

Hello... I'm moving to my new site... I've found a more robust place I can post my thoughts and everything else... hehehe! http://dianne1212.multiply.com

I'll keep this account when I read blogs though. So. Yun. =)

Sweet Escape

2007-07-15T19:44:00.000+08:00

"If I could escape
And re-create a place as my own world
And I could be your favorite girl
Forever, perfectly together
Tell me boy, now wouldn't that be sweet?

If I could be sweet
I know I've been a real bad girl
I didn't mean for you to get hurt
Forever, we can make it better
Tell me boy, Now wouldn't that be sweet?
Sweet escape"

From "Sweet Escape" by Gwen Stefani -- thanks to Liza. :-)

So Little Time

2007-07-11T21:22:00.000+08:00

So much to do, I'd rather spend my time...

Having "coffee time talks" with my folks. The kind of conversations that never look at the time. Work life has been hectic that spending time at home equates to having 5-minute oatmeal breakfasts and going straight to bed. Tsk, tsk. I have such wonderful parents who are dynamic, modern yet conservative, intelligent, and have great sense of humor. I enjoy talking to them, so why can't I?

Being artistic. I love making accessories! It started out as a small business amongst four career women (naks) almost four years ago. They have all resigned now, except for me. I continued to make them as a hobby and also gave them out as gifts. I go gaga over beads... It's just frustrating how I can only buy reasonably priced beads and materials in far-off Divisoria or Quiapo. So the next best thing is Carolina's in Glorietta. Never a day-in-Glorietta goes by without me entering this store and getting a pack of beads or metal charms. Hehe. I've always been inclined with artsy stuff, may it be through painting or photography, but now I'm into wearable art.=)

Daydreaming. I think I've accomplished a fair amount of goals I've set a few years ago... I'm proud of myself. But until this moment I ask myself, is this really for me? I didn't go to work today - I had the worst headache of the century yesterday and until this morning. I'm not sure what's wrong with me, because I've been sleeping early, as in not later than 9PM the last three nights. Stress maybe? Or the aircon? My bebi and I made a deal that we should arrive at work around 7:45-8am and leave earlier than 6:30PM. So you know, trying to set a healthy work life... but the daydreams never end.

Doing Nothing with Bebi. People may think we spend too much time together. We both live in the South, so we go to and from work together. We work on the same floor and project, so of course we have lunch together. We've been together for more than 7 months now and yes, yes, (oo na, oo na hehe) we're still quite "young" BUT I can truly say, I can see myself in the "always together" situation for more, more years to come... Sitting for an hour on our sofa just kidding and teasing each other is pure bliss.

And the list goes on... but these are the things I have actually done in the last two months, aside from work that is. Don't get me wrong, I love my work. But I don't necessarily enjoy it. I love the opportunities it gives me, but I don't crave for it. Oohh... I just remembered about 5 years ago, I gave a day in the life of an analyst speech for an NJO. I actually compared CBTs to Vegetables. So something like that. What a geek I was. Haha.

Okay, so it's past 10PM, way past my bedtime. Tomorrow is another day... I had enough rest I think. I'd rather spend my time working then. Or maybe not...

Pittsburgh

2007-06-02T19:53:00.000+08:00

Here are some photos I took from my vacation in Pittsburgh - "The City of Bridges". Not the sentimental ones - but the autistic ones haha.=P

P.S. I just have to say this: I miss my bebi!!! He left for the US today... =(

I'm not fond of sunsets...

2007-05-01T12:25:00.000+08:00

... but I know a lot of People who love chasing them. Aside from photographers of course - they chase everything.=) I'm not fond of sunsets, and I'm not fond of this feeling I have right now. Here's a view from my office window. If only I can just chase sunsets away!

Lazy Afternoon

2007-04-06T18:16:00.000+08:00

I've been sick for the past two days, and so with the little energy I had today, I attempted to WORK. So here I am, WORKing on a blog post. Hehehe! I know I do not need to apologize for being lazy - sometimes. And yet I feel anxious because I have not accomplished anything "substantial". Even my creativity got lazy - and I thought that's impossible. I hope I don't get punished for thinking this way on a Good Friday.

II-VIII-MMVII

2007-02-11T22:43:00.000+08:00

Never Been...

2007-01-20T20:24:00.000+08:00

... this happy!

I wanted to put fancy photo animations in this post and even started to edit pictures in photoshop. Or perhaps, I thought, put some music or video - making it something like a "special edition". Hehe! I guess I'm just bursting with ideas because I AM BURSTING WITH HAPPINESS. Then again...

/dream

Merry Christmas Everyone!

2006-12-25T09:14:00.000+08:00

Some photos of my Christmas this year...

CIO Christmas Party (No group pic because I covered this event...Buhawi!!!) 12-12-06

Kids' Party at Gawad Kalinga Site (these are the kids?!?! hehehe) 12-17-06

At WTC... MDC's Christmas Party 12-18-06

CSAD Christmas Party - Aposento 12-21-06

Berkz' Get-together @ JJ's Crib in GA Tower - ANG SAYA (Nana, Tastas, Singkit, Kambyo)! 12-23-06

Conti's Feast With the Nunez's 12-24-06

Noche Buena With Lola & Manang 12-24-06

2006-12-03T16:45:00.000+08:00

Goodnight & Go

2006-11-12T00:08:00.000+08:00

Skipping beats, blushing cheeks I am struggling
Daydreaming, bed scenes in the corner cafe
And then i'm left in bits recovering tectonic tremblings
You get me every time

Why d'ya have to be so cute?
It's impossible to ignore you
Must you make me laugh so much
It's bad enough we get along so well
Say goodnight and go

Follow you home, you've got your headphones on and you're dancing
Got lucky, beautiful shot you taking everything off watch the curtains wide open
Then you fall in the same routine flicking through the TV relaxed and reclining
And you think you're alone...

One of these days, you'll miss your train and come stay with me
We'll have drinks and talk about things, any excuse to stay awake with you
You'll sleep here, i'll sleep there, but then the heating may be down again
At my convenience
We'd be good, we'd be great together.

Say goodnight and go,
why's it always always
goodnight and go
Darling not again
Goodnight and go

I first heard this song in tumultuous early 2005. Then I heard it again two days in a row last week on K-Lite. Very far from tumultuous now... so I focus on the other words that make this song so appealing. And so cute.

Also to my fabulous friend in Singapore. This is for you.

At the back of the back of my head...

2006-11-04T12:30:00.000+08:00

Life brings lots of wonderful surprises, and for me, most of them I didn't know already happened. Or perhaps I knew, but I didn't want to believe it. I've always wanted to be the type of person who can just embrace everything without conquering too much fear or anxiety. I do try, but who am I kidding... I still always think too much. And because of that, when the moment calls for face-to-face revelation, I'm always at a loss for words... Then I regret not saying the perfect words for such perfect moment. And what's worse, I HAD the perfect thoughts, but they just didn't come out right!

But is it wrong? I've been debating this over and over. Of course, past experiences have molded me into the person I am today. So every time I feel like something big is about to come my way, I want to be stronger, and more importantly, wiser in choosing which way to go. Having said that, I keep myself guarded even though it's already served right infront of me, on a shiny, glittering, almost blinding silver platter. It's like the feeling of "the back of the back of your head" - I told my friend about this once, and he said, "so it's the front of your head?" - haha, good point. But I would have to say, the back of another head. I try to act cool, but at the back of my head, I want to give it a shot, and further back, I'm dead-scared.

Now I ask myself, how can I enjoy life's wonderful surprises if I agonize too much? If I protect myself too much...

I have a list of top 10 things that make me happy. I think everyone should create one as it is very therapeutic (heck make it your top 100 or more). That despite life's so many issues, it can still bring you so much happiness. I think one of them happened just recently. Well, I'm not sure really... or am I holding back? I think it's the back of the back of my head. Maybe this time around, I need to switch their places...

A Day with Nanding Sena

2006-10-29T08:42:00.000+08:00

I'll never forget the day when a true, iconic, Filipino artist like Fernando Sena, let me paint over his canvass...

It was last October 21 when I took part in a momentuous mural painting event for our company. We had to paint a large mural depicting the company's core values, and we did it pane by pane. Being the art teacher's pet that I usually am, I sat infront, recited out loud, and raised my hand when asked who would like to get the most difficult pane. After all, Nanding Sena is the Father of Philippine Art Workshop, a remarkable realist painter, and a witty, effective teacher for art enthusiasts like me. I would gladly be his apprentice any day!

There were only 35 participants that day, so some of us had to take more than one pane. I got two panes, and never in a million years would I expect Nanding Sena to actually help me paint one of them. He probably thought I was too slow, or he got bored! Hehehe! But I didn't care - we painted side-by-side - and he said I was MAGALING! He also adapted my shade of green to his shade of green (check out the blending in the middle). No questions asked. He worked silently. And he let me paint over his letters. He trusted me.

He said that artists are not born, but made. You just need to have the interest and the time. I never thought I'd agree with this, but now I do.

I've always been inclined with drawing and painting since I stepped into 2nd grade. I was sent to on-the-spot drawing contests, I joined art clubs, and even received the "most outstanding art club member" award through high school. In UP, I had my own comics column in our college paper and led the publications committee of my organization. I was exploding ARTS and CRAFTS all over! Time flew and my twenty-something life had more demands than I could ever imagine. Creative juices never stopped flowing, but I now have less time to "make art". So how can an artist truly be an artist if nobody sees his work? One time I was asked to teach art lessons to kids (by my friend who knew I had artistic skills - hehe). I told my officemate about it and guess what... he laughed at me! He thought I had no credibility to do such, and after that I felt really stripped off my "artist" pride. Oh and about a month ago, somebody asked me, "are you a frustrated painter like me"? UGH.

I do not want to be that person who just sits and smiles at herself, taking pride at what she (and only she) knows what she can do.

Thanks Nanding.:-)

"S"

2006-10-13T20:51:00.000+08:00

It's Friday night and Love and I should be having dinner at Cafe Bola by now, but alas, the constant S has already taken its toll on me. At exactly 4PM, just right after our ho-hum training, I had the biggest headache! I even resisted the spaghetti-pichi-pichi-pizza (wow, ok sa combination) pakain we had for my constant MSN morning cheerer.:-) And yes, you and I better believe it -- I left the office at 5PM. Everybody at home was surprised that I came home at 6PM, a good whole hour before dinner time! Aching, nauseous, and a bit hungry, I tucked myself in, still wearing my Friday casuals, in my parents' bed, like a baby. Right then and there I told myself, I'm no superwoman. I need to learn how to give myself some credit once in a while... But it's true: this world I live in is full of S, in every shape and form. Okay, that didn't sound right. Gross. But that's not what I meant. Hehe. So! Going back, I think I need to remind myself at least three times a day, that everything's fine! I don't need to put a smile on everyone's faces when my own barely surfaces in a day. Hmm, and just because someone would unintentionally make me smile. Now isn't this the S I need?! Oh, and one more thing, I need to sleep, but I'm having a hard time to do so. Like right now.

Nobody warned me about your smile

2006-10-03T22:58:00.000+08:00

Why can't I breathe
Whenever I think about you?
Why can't I speak
Whenever I talk about you?

It's been a while since I last blogged. So many things I have embraced, conquered, and lived through. Such a cliche, but life is indeed full of surprises. Sigh. It's been a while since I felt this way. :o) If only I can do something about this... I just can't!!! UGH.

Autumn followed me...

2006-09-08T19:00:00.000+08:00

Or did I? ;o)

Park going to Avenue Des Champs Elysees, 09-04-06

I thank God for all His blessings. I've been lucky. I'll share the rest of my adventure soon.

Autumn Girl

2006-08-13T22:21:00.000+08:00

In my attempt to show why I love Autumn, but hopefully not looking vain in the process (ugh)... Fall is fast approaching, and all I wish right now is to experience it once again. I miss everything about it - the pink, orange, gold, yellow, purple, and red leaves painted a wonderful memory...

Tagaytay

2006-08-06T18:31:00.000+08:00

Temporarily gone are the days when the whole family would take spur-of-the-moment trips to Tagaytay. Today, it's just Dad and me. Nonetheless, it's always a pleasure.:o) Anyhow, just when we were about to pass by Country Suites and head to our usual breakfast place, I convinced Dad to try something new... (Wow, Dad approved to break from routine?!?!? hehehe) Well, if not for the remaining parking slot, we would have passed on the opportunity to have such lovely, lovely country breakfast at Verbena Restaurant. Thank God! Two cups of coffee later, we both agreed - it wasn't just the beautiful spanish egg casserole or the fresh fruit/juice buffet... The place boasts of authentic country atmosphere - from the fireplace, to the warm staff, to the doily-lined plates... Mom would love it, and so would Ate Jo... Sigh. I miss my Ate Jo, Apple, and even my brother-in-law, Patrick (hehe). At least Mom's coming home four hours from now...

Tagaytay trips are staple to the Nunez family - at least once a month, usually on a Sunday, we would have breakfast at either Josephine's, Bag of Beans, or Taal Vista Lodge. Then, we're off to the Mahogany Market for meat, fruits, and vegetables. Sometimes we would check out the different real estate/land for sale and drool over the Taal Lake view. Haha! And of course, throughout the trip, we just couldn't have enough kulitan, sound-tripping, and bonding moments in the car. Sigh. Life is so much different now. Sure, and like I said, it's always a pleasure being with Dad and Mom. I just miss my sisters so much...

Anyway, I broke my ipod today and I chose not to stress about it.

I cherish and I move on.

Life's too short.:o)

At Bag Of Beans, Tagaytay, October 17, 2004

Stars

2006-08-02T21:56:00.000+08:00

Maybe I’ve been the problem
Maybe I’m the one to blame
But even when I turn it off and blame myself
The outcome feels the same

I’ve been thinking maybe I’ve been partly cloudy
Maybe I’m the chance of rain
And maybe I’m overcast
And maybe all my luck’s washed down the drain

I’ve been thinking about everyone, everyone
You look so lonely

But when I look at the stars, when I look at the stars
When I look at the stars, I see someone else
When I look at the stars, the stars
I feel like myself

Stars looking at a planet, watching entropy and pain
And maybe start to wonder
How the chaos in our lives could pass as sane
I've been thinking about the meaning of resistance
Of a hope beyond my own
And suddenly the infinite and penitent begin to look like home
I've been thinking about everyone, everyone you look so empty

But when I look at the stars, when I look at the stars
When I look at the stars, I see someone else
When I look at the stars, the stars
I feel like myself

Everyone, everyone feels so lonely
Everyone yeah everyone feels so empty

When I look at the stars,
When I look at the stars,
When I look at the stars,
I feel like myself
When I look at the stars
The stars
I see someone...

Dear Pauline

2006-07-23T07:46:00.000+08:00

Dad and I just had breakfast - one of your favorites (guess). You and Mom are probably already waiting at gate 23 (tama ba?:-)). It is raining out here and it gets gloomier by the minute. Ginger is her usual self - paawa and papansin - she's not missing you yet. But soon she will realize it (hehe)! Hayyy... It's probably one of the toughest goodbyes of my life (if not, the toughest). I may have appeared to be busy and preoccupied with work these past weeks, but I thought about you a lot. And still I will, in the next coming days (or years?). I don't know what these tears are for, when I should know better that you are on your way to finding yourself and realizing your dreams. Perhaps, a part of me regrets not having known my little sister as much as I could have or should have... You have always been reserved, secretive even, that I usually found myself guessing what's going on in your pretty little head. Yes Apple, you are pretty - I think you have the prettiest face in the world (Ate Jo will agree). But there were also surprising times that you would knock on my door, sharing your long, pent up emotions, and hearing out what your big sister had to say. I thank you for that. You see, I attempted countless times finding out how to make you come out of your shell - well, at least to me. But then again, I noticed that you are different around your friends (there's absolutely nothing wrong with that)... you certainly can express yourself freely, laughing your heart out and relating life's painful realities... What a ride it has been the last twenty-three years huh? Well, I am proud of you, my dear sis. You have come out stronger and more determined than ever to discover what this world has to offer. It is probably the biggest understatement, but this world really does have a lot to offer, as long as we stop making excuses and start LIVING. Okay, I don't want to sound like Dr. Phil, but I know you understand what I'm trying to say here. I am also learning here... hmmm. Anyway, here's a list of BE's that I want you to be mindful of on your journey:
1. Be brave. It's okay to look like an idiot sometimes (I got that from Ate Jo).
2. Be humble. You are in a foreign land. Don't expect people to treat you like you're equal at all times. Ok lang yun. And that's why you have to...
3. Be tough. You will only be hurt when you allow people to hurt you.
4. Be happy. Give yourself a break. Have a Hershey's bar.=)
5. Be aware of your surroundings. Watch the news or read a newspaper. It's not always about you. Immerse yourself.
6. Be pleasant. You're probably tired of hearing this, but kailangan mong makisama.
7. Be confident. People are very competitive there, so as much as you can, showcase your talents. Mas magaling ka pa sa mga yan!;o)
8. Be here... on my wedding day. Haha! Seriously, I know it will somehow be difficult to keep in touch, but please do. Never hesitate to call when you don't feel comfortable about a-n-y-t-h-i-n-g. Keep in mind that we are here for you. Always.
Dad just came in and told me Ginger's sleeping in your room (aww).
I hope you had a good flight. Please control mom's wild shopping sprees. Hehe.
I love you. See you next year.;o) You take care now...

Spicy DIANA!

2006-07-16T19:40:00.000+08:00

An interesting note to self: there exists a "Diana" fish. I just had one last Saturday at South Seafood Grille in Metrowalk. It tasted like chicken... joke!:-P Seriously, it's just like Tuna - flaky, gummy, and fishy (in a good way). And here are my berkz (hihi) who shared the experience of eating "Spicy Diana". You can gauge from the look on their faces how much they enjoyed it.

Popot: "Uy grabe, ang sarap nito!"
Anna: "Agree ako dyan!" (while nodding head vigorously)
Ella: "Ma-text nga 'to sa mga tao..."
Danjae: Sige pakasaya lang kayo, uubusin ko to!
Mitch: :-)

Spicy Diana and my good ol' berkz on a Saturday night.

Notice anything in this picture? Hehe.

I've been TAGGED!

2006-07-09T14:00:00.000+08:00

Okay, SO (hehe) Liza tagged me... here's a list of my eight weird habits as of July 9, 2006:

1. I prefer giving alms to poor, old, grandfatherly men rather than poor, old, grandmotherly women. Actually I'm not inclined to giving alms to anyone, especially the makukulit street children who knocks on your car window or deliberately grabs your precious McDonald's cheeseburger just when you're about to take a bite (sama ko ba?)! But there's something about "lolo-types" that really melts my heart.=(

2. I get OC when things are not color-coordinated. From the furniture, to the powerpoint slides, to the fashion accessories. It doesn't have to be matching, but it has to complement you know? It's really eye sore for me when I see someone wearing an all-black ensemble with brown shoes! I don't want to be mean, but come on... (blush).

3. I'm no dog-lover, but I feel sorry for them. I have a family of dog-lovers. There was never a time when we had no dogs - I remember their names quite well: Brownie, Panty (yez), Tootsie, Dino, Whoopi, Jodie, Ginger... Among us siblings, I do not hold (much), play with, or take care of our dogs. I don't hate them, but I just don't feel like being attached to one. But I feel guilty when I ignore their playful greeting... Sometimes I cry. Ugh.

4. I don't mind drinking from a "dirty" glass. Okay, dirty means it has been used for ice cream! For instance, I used a glass to contain rocky road ice cream, and after I finished it, I would pour water and drink from it (despite it's non-transparent color). Gross? Why? It's clean and you won't taste anything weird! You've just had the overwhelming sweetness of ice cream, so all you'd taste is water.=)

5. Salty, sweet, salty, sweet... salty? I think this habit makes me gain a lot of weight. I have to have something sweet after eating something salty, then something sweet again... You'll notice when I start my dessert without finishing the main course so I'll still have something savory to eat after. I'm not so sure what I eat last though - sweet or salty. Hmmm.

6. I like watching the cheesy reality tv shows on ETC 2nd Avenue. That includes Blow Out, Cold Turkey, Starting Over, Big Loser, Showbiz Moms and Dads, etc. They're my "comfort shows", for lack of a better term.;o)

7. I wear socks with my pajamas in late December, January, and February. Our blood (Ponce side) has been cursed to being appetizing to mosquitos. As in. I easily get mosquito bites especially in the evening during these months. I hate it with passion.

8. I mix my vinegar with toyo or patis, or ketchup with toyo. I don't know why some people find this weird! Don't they know that vinegar with toyo/patis is the base for adobo and ketchup with toyo is actually barbeque marinade? Sarap no! =P

So there they are... I have a lot more, but let me settle with eight, before people think of me as a full-fledged WEIRDO. Haha! Anyway, I tag whoever wants to create a post with their eight weird habits (or more). It's actually fun! If you look back a few years from now, you might actually think, "I'm so weird"! But then again you might also say, "Hey, I didn't change a bit"!

This song made me smile today...

2006-07-06T21:26:00.000+08:00

... and you'll know why when you listen to Masters of the Hemisphere's "200 Heads" - courtesy of a rocker friend.;o) Aside from the obvious, there's something about Indie Music that really lifts my spirits. It brings a nostalgic "nakakasakit-ng-tiyan" but comforting feeling and paints a picture of old bicycles, swings, and corn fields in my head. Probably not the most exciting picture, but it somehow feels like home. Note: I don't know how to ride a bicycle and have never lived in a farm... hehe.

I had my first taste of indie music one lazy Saturday afternoon at Tower Records' listening booth where they featured a compilation CD, appropriately called (at least for me) "I'd Spend My Day With You". The sound was so refreshing, uplifting, and yet a little bit melancholy... just like my weekend afternoons. Another indie song I really love is the "You and Me Song" by the Wannadies. Hmm, come to think of it, I first heard this song from the Romeo & Juliet remake movie, but I never could classify its genre at that time. I didn't know what "indie" was then, but I remembered that nostalgic feeling... It's a mixture of deja vu, childhood, and the need to escape... I don't know if anyone would ever relate to this same feeling or state of mind that until now I could not get people to understand. But then again, except maybe for my sisters, though they're not indie fans.:o)

Anyhow, I may not be as indie aficionado as some other people, but this is just a simple ode to the music that truly makes me smile... :o)

54th...

2006-06-30T23:42:00.000+08:00

Lake House

2006-06-24T06:33:00.000+08:00

I haven't watched a good romantic movie in a long time. Then there was Lake House. But I wouldn't say it's "good", for me, it was ... awww, I can't even find the right words, but I was definitely super kilig all throughout the movie. The story line was different, the circumstances were unrealistic even, but it truly struck all the romantic bones in my body... hehe! My favorite part was when they had their "walk" in downtown Chicago. Apart from me being able to relate and reminisce as I had lived in Chicago a few years ago, the idea of not physically being with that special someone but knowing he's just out there somewhere (and perhaps had entered your life somehow and you didn't know it) is so nostalgic and serendipity-ish! Such mystery is so charming that I end up smiling just by thinking about it. Sigh. Ironically, these days, I get that feeling not for myself, but for people around me... I'm like the priest who feels happy for couples displaying love and affection for each other, and it stops there (of course!). I don't know, but it is refreshing for me - it is unselfish and actually fulfilling, believe it or not. Weird? Okay, so before I turn into a priestess, yez, let me think about this more logically. Perhaps, it's from these people's lovelives (wow, plural, hehe) that I become more inspired. I get excited with the thought that one day, I WILL HAVE THAT too. My own prince charming will come and rescue me... that I will again find love, hold hands, kiss, and the list goes on... which by the way includes the down side too, but that is as long as we learn from each other and grow to be better individuals...

So there, I hope I made myself clear, though I think I'm only convincing myself here. Haha! I think I've laughed a lot more than usual today. Hmmm. With a lot of side comments too (in parenthesis - like this one!). Okay, so seriously, what does Ms. Logical (but Dreaming) say to Lake House's tag line, "how do you hold on to someone you've never met"? Hmm... I think that "unknown" makes life worth living for.

He Answers

2006-06-20T20:49:00.000+08:00

A few years ago, whenever I found myself in dreadful situations, I wished I could fly to the sky ala superman, except that I never look back... Now, I wish I could just dive into the ocean like a hammerhead shark (with my office clothes on). Sometimes I get too skeptical, knowing that even if I asked for at least one GREAT day, deep in my heart I know my wish will not be granted. But there are days that I am so much reminded that He is thinking of me. So many angels around me!;o)

I need help!

2006-06-17T13:04:00.000+08:00

I'm stumped. It has always been my dream to have a condo unit. Finally it was built since January this year! And it's just there, waiting for me...
- I hired an interior designer, check!
- Our design has been approved by the engineering department, check!
- True, it took me a while to get a contractor, but check!
- I have the funds to actually implement it, semi-check! (Bye to Europe for now... sniff!)
- Dad will help me out in the project (supervision wise), check!
I've been agonizing over this back-and-forth "sell or keep" question literally a thousand times. Why sell?
1. Our house in BF has 4 bedrooms. Come July, it will only be Dad, Mom, and I left to live there. Oh, and Ginger. The point is, we have a lot of space.
2. The monthly expenses of having a condo is huge. I have my amortization, monthly dues, electric/water bills, blah, blah, blah. I can afford it, but I will need to sacrifice some luxuries.
3. I want to be close to home so I can look after my parents. Monitor what they eat (as I promised my sister)... and just be with them because I love them to death.
4. I can use the profit to pursue my other dreams - like travel the world!=)
5. Other reasons you can think of?
Why keep?
1. It's MY DREAM.
2. I'd like to give independent-living a shot. Heck, I'm 27 and I still live with my parents. Okay, that last statement did not sound convincing enough. Heck.
3. I've always wanted to have my own "gallery" of artworks... it's the most perfect place!
4. It's near my office. It's near the prime malls of Metro Manila. Location, location!
5. Other reasons you can think of?
I'm stumped. Wish I'm the type of person who can decide with just a snap of a finger. Why is life getting so complicated by the minute? Or am I just complicating it? Hmmm... where's my Magic 8 Ball...

Consuelo?

2006-06-08T20:57:00.000+08:00

So... what's with Thursday anyway? And what's with Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday that we should be happy or even care about? My friend always asks me what my high was for a day (translation: consuelo - hehe) despite of IT all. My Monday was sad because my sister and bro-in-law left for the US, but I watched a movie with my younger sis in ATC later in the day. And it was great.=) Zooey Deschanel reminded me a lot of my friend Anna H. Tuesday was hectic as I had a lot of catching-up to do, but I got my sinigang craving at the end of the day.=) Wednesday was boooring... with a capital Z!!! Pracrastination was my best friend. But I got to chat with my dear sister who's having a bad case of jetlag and homesickness. It was so comforting and endearing. Today was interesting. I had a fight with a vegetable. Really good and tasty that taiwan petchay was, but I had to gruntle and grind my teeth to tear one leaf off the stalk! Hehe! Then, Tin, CSAD's in-house fortune teller came. Three significant relationships she told me. The two failed because they loved me more but could not keep up with me or I'm away or preoccupied with other priorities all the time. The third one, I'll keep it to myself. Only God knows anyway.=) In the afternoon, I was hailed CSAD Idol and I felt myself grinning from ear-to-ear. It was a GREAT feeling being looked up to by my team. It is actually my goal to mentor and bring out the best in each of my team members. They're all special and excellent in their own unique ways. So those were my days. My highs and my lows. Consuelo? I've just pet our dog Ginger. And I'm supposedly not a dog lover.;o)

Saturday Food Trip!

2006-06-03T12:03:00.000+08:00

On Saturday morning, my mom, sister, and I went to the Valero Market to food-trip! It has been a long time since I came down there but not much has changed - the smoke from inihaw na hito and lechon baka still filled the air... The place was packed with city folks who appreciate exotic food, rare veggies and meat, healthy alternatives, or deadly home-cooked entrees. The patrons are usually foreigners, call center employees, and people who live around the area. I noticed that the vendors are actually those that come from the coñotic breed. And even though they are clad in Lacoste or Ralph Lauren, amidst a raw market atmosphere, they're still what my sis called "hard-sell". Nonetheless, the goods they sell were exquisite and yummy! Milk products (yogurt, cottage cheese, kesong puti), baked goods (bagels, butter cake, canonigo, chocolate ice box), mediterranean goodies (hummus, rotti, samosa, curry) and so much more! Anyway, other products that caught my eye were "premature" duck eggs, wild eggplant that looked like green aratiles, and dragon fruit that came from Indonesia (It looks like a flamboyant makopa to me!). And so after our second round of scoping, we settled for a mediterranean feast. They have a convenient eating area in the park where there were tents, chairs, and tables set up for hungry folks like us. But our food trip didn't end there...

In the evening, the whole family went to good old Saisaki-Dads-Kamayan buffet! It was our last outing before Ate Jo and Pat leave... and why not do it over buffet huh? That's the Nuñez's for you. Nothing beats family bonding over food... I'll surely miss it when they leave (then again, maybe not - andito pa si Dad, Mom, and Apple! Hehehe!)! Okay, so came Sunday Morning. Just this morning. Here's the clincher. The Food trippers (mom, sis, and I) had diarrhea! Bwahahaha!

My Song For You

2006-06-03T07:37:00.000+08:00

You wanted more
Tonic

Love is tragic
Love is bold
You will always do what you are told

Love is hard
Love is strong
You will never say that you were wrong

I dont know when I got bitter
Love is sure better when it's gone
Because you wanted more
More than I could give
More than I could handle
And a life that I can't live

You wanted more
More than I could bare
More than I could offer
And a love that isn't there

Love is color
Love is loud
Love is never saying you're too proud

Love is trusting
Love is honest
Love is not a hand that holds you down

I dont know when I got bitter
Love is surely better when it's gone
Because you wanted more
More than I could handle
And a life that I can't live

You wanted more
More than I could bare
More than I could offer
And a love that isn't there

I gotta pick me up when I am down
I gotta get my feet back on the ground
I gotta pick me up when I am down

I dont know when I got bitter
Love is surely better when it's gone
Because you wanted more
More than I could handle
And a life that I can't live

You wanted more
More than I could bare
More than I could offer
And love that isn't there

You wanted more
More than I could bare
More than I could offer
A part of you to share

Because you wanted more
More than I could give
More than I could handle
And a life that I can't live

This is your life

2006-05-31T20:46:00.000+08:00

I talked to two kindred spirits today. Anything can happen in a moment. Then I listened to my IPOD on my way home. This is the song that spoke to me.

this is your life
-switchfoot

yesterday is a wrinkle on your forehead
yesterday is a promise that you've broken
don't close your eyes, don't close your eyes
this is your life and today is all you've got now
yeah, and today is all you'll ever have
don't close your eyes
don't close your eyes

this is your life, are you who you want to be
this is your life, are you who you want to be
this is your life, is it everything you dreamed that it would be
when the world was younger and you had everything to lose

yesterday is a kid in the corner
yesterday is dead and over

this is your life, are you who you want to be
this is your life, are you who you want to be
this is your life, is it everything you dreamed that it would be
when the world was younger and you had everything to lose

don't close your eyes
don't close your eyes
don't close your eyes
don't close your eyes

this is your life are you who you want to be
this is your life are you who you want to be

this is your life, are you who you want to be
this is your life, are you who you want to be
this is your life, is it everything you dreamed it would be
when the world was younger and you had everything to lose

Sweet Sorrow Feast

2006-05-29T08:32:00.000+08:00

We had a feast last Sunday night. Lechon from Cebu, chili crabs, pork barbeque, steamed lapu-lapu, Conti's chicken pastel, white sotanghon, shrimps, Mamang's famous pinakbet, and buko-lychee to fill our bodies with contentment rather than sadness. My sis and bro-in-law are leaving one week from now. Sis is taking her residency at UPMC in Pennsylvania for "training" -- she'll be back in 3 to 7 years. This country is already in trouble for losing its nurses and doctors to the land of milk and honey. Ate Jo for one, is a great doctor - she's compassionate, concerned, and speaks intelligently. I do admire her even though she doesn't know it! I'm sad that she's leaving, but I'm happy because she's fulfilling her dreams (and my parent's).I don't want to go on and on about sadness as it is already glooming my 8 AM. Instead of crying and moping, I'll plan on my US trips! Plus, I'll keep myself busy with non-work activities. My friend Dette texted me last night asking if I could team up with her in giving art lessons to orphans every first Saturday of the month. And so I said yes.=) I've always wanted to share my talent (hehe yabang) for the arts, but had limited opportunity to do so. I found fulfillment (and enjoyment!) in our street kids' art class volunteer work here in Accenture about three years ago, and so I'm getting excited with this new project! I'm also planning on a vacation in Singapore, Boracay, or Spain. I need to expand my horizon even further. This is a great time for me. I'm young, single, and free! Right, Tegs?=)

June 5th

2006-05-26T23:17:00.000+08:00

I just have to say... I have the most loveable sister. This picture was taken last weekend at Coconut Grove in Laiya, Batangas. It was a memorable day - I knew it was one of my sister's happiest moments. I wish I could give her those kind of days every single day. She's my hero. I really have to learn and be my own hero. I think we all ought to do so. June 5th ought to be the day.

PP & MOA

2006-05-26T22:12:00.000+08:00

Super tiring, wonderful day. My sister and I bonded the whole day - well, my brother-in-law tagged along too. Hehe. We went to Powerplant Mall and raved at the Ilaya boleros! The navy blue brocade one didn't have my sis' size, so we moved on... We had a great meal at Long Grain. Sis had Nasi Goreng, I had Beef Rendang, and Pat had another Indian feast - butter chicken with Lentil soup. Superb!!! And we raved again. I can't say enough, but I do love this restaurant - the flavors are so intense (NO msg mind you) and the presentation is so clean. Sarap talaga, I can endorse this resto without a price! At around 3pm, we hopped to Mall of Asia. Ate Jo and Pat were so overwhelmed with this mall. It's huge and it's packed! We had coffee at UCC and saw my aunt who has breast cancer pass by the window. We went out of UCC and ran to greet her and my uncle. The last time I saw her was two years ago, at my sister's wedding in Tagaytay. They didn't know she had cancer then... Anyway, I didn't expect her to be in a mall and looking so spiffy with her short 'do! She looked mighty well. She's a survivor. Just now, by blogging this day, I realize, what I try to survive out of is NOTHING compared to what my aunt had just gone through and is still going through. Yesterday, digitelboy did it for me. Now, my aunt, again knocked on my stubborn li'l head. And now I contain my tears. Thank YOU for this life you gave me.

We walked 'til the sun came down and we bought 60-peso slippers to relieve our swollen feet! What a way to end this entry, huh?:o) Life is short.

Joining the BLOGwagon

2006-05-11T19:43:00.000+08:00

Hey there! I can't believe I'm blogging. This is all the girlfriends' fault... I think I'm sold. Hehehe! Some interesting events this year: taking charge in L&C, coloring my hair short of blondie, disney with the whole family, breaking up with my boyfriend, renovating my condo, and blogging! Life has so much to offer. I'll try not to waste it. This is just the beginning.=)