Living the life

Moving out!

2007-02-20T18:18:00.000-05:00

For a few weeks now, I've been busy preparing and planning my move out. Yes, for almost a year of living alone, I'll be transferring to a new apartment, with my new roommates. Isn't that exciting? Imagine the money that will be saved from sharing an apartment!

In order for me to have a smooth transition, I'm creating my laundry list:

1. Vacating notice to current apartment - check
2. Stop furniture rent service - check (pick-up date: 2/28)
3. Turn off gas utility from Vectren - check
4. Stop TimeWarner cable - check (return boxes, rc, etc date: 2/28)
5. Transfer electricity service under DP&L - due date: 24 hrs before move-in
6. Finalize cable package. Should have high-speed internet and Filipino channels (of course!)
7. Reserve / Buy full size mattress and box at Furniture city - 2/21 or 22
8. Call / Reserve a mini-truck at U-haul - check
9. Pay and pick-up things (microwave, electric fan, vacuum, computer table & chair, bookcase, side tables with lamps: $90) bought from Ayie - 2/23 morning (after doctor's appointment)
10. Pay and pick-up dining table and rug ($80) bought from Ria - 2/27
11. Change address after signing-up lease (para sure na talaga!) at USPS, etc.
12. Itinerary during move-in date
- 9am Uhaul pick-up office to load stuff from Malou's house, then to Furniture city to pick-up the mattress, then to the new apartment
- Sign-up lease at the new apartment, unload the stuff
- After sign-up and unloading, drive Uhaul to load stuff from Hidden Lakes, then Conifers then unload stuff back to the new apartment
- Return Uhaul
- Go back to new apartment and let the fun begin!

Weatherman

2007-02-16T19:36:00.000-05:00

It's freezing! Now that the snowstorm is past, skies are clear but temperatures are dropping, as low as -5. Since a snowstorm was seen to hit our area last Monday, I began monitoring the news and the internet.

It's amazing how storm teams work. Besides the temperature, they also tell how many inches of snow will be expected and the time, like an ETA. They have live animated radars available on their websites. You don't have to wait for the news on tv. They even have a weatherblog for crying out loud! I really like it! They are so detailed and the weathermen answers comments and questions posted.

All information are available under your fingertips. You can't say you're not prepared. I went to the grocery store the night before the storm, and everybody was stocking up, water, food, shovels, flashlights, etc. Salt trucks were ready, waiting for the first snow fall before they can salt the roads. And on local tv channels, you will see schools and offices that will be closed, even public meetings that will be cancelled.

Thanks to our weathermen who are doing a great job!

(I wish the Philippines can further advance its weather technology. May "PAG-ASA" pa ba? )

Snowy Valentine's

2007-02-15T23:40:00.000-05:00

Snow, ice and sleet blanketed the whole region the day before Valentine's day. Even if its too damn cold to go out, we just had to celebrate the day of hearts.

Too much tv? Seriously? Seriously!

2007-02-11T18:14:00.000-05:00

"I never said that I love you"...Jb's hurtful words to Celine. And this too... "It's just a kiss...it doesn't mean anything..."

"I love you so much that it hurts not being with you"...Emotional words of Bokbok to Poknat

House doesn't know how to answer his patient's question: "Has anything bad ever happened to you?" So he asks his colleagues. Chase isn't so sure and since House has given her a sedative, Chase tells him, "Keep her asleep."
"Thanks. You've all been a huge help."
"There's no wrong answer because there's no right answer."
"Wrong. We just don't know what the right answer is."

Meredith tells her mother that she's happy and that she's dating another doctor. Ellis tells her how disappointed she is in her. "Listen to me, Meredith. Anyone can fall in love and be blindly happy. But not everyone can pick up a scalpel and save a life. I've raised you to be an extraordinary human being. So imagine my disappointment when i wake up after 5 yrs and discover that you're no more than ordinary. What happened to you?"

"You know what happened to me? You! You happened to me!" - Meredith's reply to her mother

“The first thing they tell you when you take the job, is to never fall in love with an inmate.” Sara turns to see Michael’s reaction. He slowly moves his hand in and caresses her face. Sara’s eyes light up and she moves in to kiss him.

"You look a little odd. Your dancing is terrible. The singing was horrendous. And you look like one of those creatures that live in the jungle with massive eyes." Simon's hilarious comments to a Seattle contestant in American Idol.

The King and I at Chicago

2007-02-10T00:33:00.000-05:00

I was back in the Windy city for a couple of days. It was so nice to see the city again minus the brutally cold weather of course. We went there to watch the play King and I at Drury Lane near Woodfield mall. I was fortunate that my close friends here in Ohio, Malou and Nani, invited me to watch it for free. They have friends who were casts in the play.

Before the show, we took the courage to see downtown despite the torturing weather and took pictures of the lion with the Chicago Bears helmet. (Even if they lost in the Superbowl, I still think the idea was cute. Go Colts! Haha!) We also had dinner at Maggianos with 2 of the cast, Chrisy (as Guard) and Carol (as Little Eva, she's a Filipina). Fortunately, despite her busy schedule, one of my girlfriends from Manila, Gwen, joined us too. It was so nice to see her again. I wish someday all my girlfriends here in US will have a reunion.

Drury Lane has a small theater, which I really liked. The play was actually based on a true story. Many of you already know what the story is all about. It's a story of an English governess, Anna, who worked for the King of Siam and taught the children and wives of the king. It's a fun and light story that kids will also enjoy. There were several pinoys in the cast, even the King is one. Go pinoys!

We went to Grand Victoria casino at Elgin afterwards. I was hoping to meet my good friend Layla but she didn't make it. She dozed off waiting for me. Too bad. Well, what's worse is something that I don't want to mention anymore. It pisses me off everytime I recall it. Those arrogant guards!

Before our trip way home, we got a taste of the Superbowl game...watching and spending time with family and friends over lots of food and beer. The family whom we stayed at have been very accommodating and really nice.

And on our way back to home, while everybody in Chicago and Indianapolis were inside their homes watching the football game, we were inside the car tuned in on the radio. You're right! The drive was smooth, with very few cars all the way.

Cool Slideshows

Happy New Year 2007!

2007-01-06T02:01:00.000-05:00

It's late already but still I wanna greet you all a very happy new year! I had a very memorable new year's eve and I want to share it with you.

I thought I'd never make it to Times Square on the 31st because the day before that, my stomach was churning badly and I was throwing up everything I put in my mouth (probably because the night before, I drank beer with an empty stomach). It seemed that I wouldn't get any better. To my amazement, it calmed down after eating a [iece of bread (thanks Jeff for the wonderful suggestion!). And so that Saturday afternoon, me and my friends in NJ went to NY to see a glimpse on what'll be in store on the new year's eve.

It was so nice to see the grand city again. I love the feeling of coming out from the train station the first time and seeing the busy city with all those big signs and buildings in front of me. I think I will never get tired of visiting NY. Though, I could not see myself living there and I could just be a tourist forever. There were a lot of people as expected. Rockefeller was packed, people are gathered around the huge Christmas tree, taking pictures and watching the ice skating rink. People were staring up where the 2007 sign is sitting on Times Square, taking pictures. There was a stage already standing up on the middle of the street. I approached one person who seemed to be an organizer and I asked what time do we have to be there the next day to witness the ball drop. She said the streets will be closed at 30pm. I was already analyzing what time do we have to get up to be there on time. I also thought to myself, my stomach should behave properly or else I will miss it and will be left alone soaking with tears. And so that night, I went to bed early and did not drink!

I was excited more than ever. At 130, we were already at the Penn Station. Ian bought us a dozen of Krispy Kreme for baon and the group dropped by at Starbucks. Let the fun begin! It was really a battle. The street was already jampacked when we got there in Times Square. There were barriers standing on the sides of the street but there were still vehicles passing though almost not moving. We squeezed in through the crowd and tried to settle for what it seemed a best spot. When we thought we can settle already, the policemen threw out the crowd. They said there'll be a bag inspection and we were asked to circle around the block in order to get back in. To make the long story short, we all got exhausted from running and trying to beat the crowd and we lost the spot that we liked. But the spot that we ended up was not so bad at all. We can still see the ball and we're in front of the MTV building. And so, streets were closed and it started to get dark. The TSA's were giving away souvenir items like Chevy hats, Discover card scarfs and balloons. The crowd turned to color red.

We all got excited again when the first confetti fell on the strike of 7pm. Every hour from then on, there were countdowns and confetti. In between those hours, we just entertained ourselves by dancing to the music, taking pictures, watching the big screens, the people inside the MTV building and the crowd. Read this, there were barriers used for entrance / exit on every block, right? And there were cops guarding them. We learned that (in general) once you leave, you cannot go back. Yes people, you cannot pee. But of course, guys can get away with it. Wanna know how? They just go to the phone booth with their bottles, huddle and go one by one. Don't forget to check out for roving cops or else bye Times Square, hello jail. I was laughing upon seeing several bottles of Coke and Snapple filled up with yellow fluid under the phone booths. Oopss, another thing, watch out for chu-chus. One poor tourist guy was caught because of a couple of chu-chus. As in they called the officer and pointed at the man. Poor guy talaga! And the chu-chu's were even laughing at him. As for the group, some of us were not able to hold it and so they left with no other choice than to exit. They cannot go back anymore and ended up in one of the streets that were opened but not in Times Square. Whew! Buti na lang, I didn't drink coffee.

It was getting cold, so we tried to squeeze in to the center. Three hours, 2 hours, 1 hour to go. One minute to go, the ball started to drop...countdown...the crowd was getting wilder and wilder, shouting 10..9..3..2..1...Happy New Year!!! I got teary-eyed watching the fireworks, the lights, the crowd. I whispered to myself, 'Happy New Year, mom, dad, Rayms...'. I always get teary-eyed during new year, I don't know why. And then, a familiar song was played, and we all sang with it.

Start spreading the news
I'm leaving today
I want to be a part of it,
New york, New York

If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere
It's up to you, New York, New Yooork...tan tan tana nan tan...

Cool Slideshows

Missing Manila this Christmas

2006-12-21T12:24:00.000-05:00

It's my first time to spend Christmas (and New Year) away from home. It's a different feeling going through the Christmas-rush shopping for people other than close family, friends and godchildren. I just want to feel that sense of Christmas spirit no matter where I am or whom I'll spend Christmas with.

Holidays are coming! Malls' have extended their hours for last-minute shoppers (like me!), further down discounts (cooool!), people at work have gone off for vacation, less cars in office parking and filled-up parking at the malls, Christmas lights and music everywhere (I put some lights on my balcony and christmas cd in my car hahaha!), Christmas cards, gifts, parties...

But I still can't help but miss Manila's Christmas...simbang gabi then puto bumbong and bibingka, parols, saving coins for those makulit kids singing carols with their improvised instruments, kris kringle, Divisoria, bazaars, decorating the christmas tree, wondering how old your mga inaanak (at sino sino nga ba sila) so you can buy more suitable gifts, queso de bola, goldilocks or red ribbon's christmas cakes, Purefoods ham, mom's or dad's arroz caldo, and the list goes on.

To mom, dad and Rayms, Merry Christmas! (I have to end this kasi baka maiyak na ako hehehe! )

Cool Slideshows

White River State Park

2006-12-21T12:21:00.000-05:00

Last Thursday, I had my first (grown-up) picture-taking with Santa. Move over kids, Santa said I can sit on his lap. It was Hidden Lake's Christmas party. There were snacks and treats and horse-drawn carriage rides for all the residents. Feeling Christmas-y!

We went to watch an IMAX 3d movie at Indianapolis State Museum. I can't remember if it was my first time to watch a full-length 3D movie but I really enjoyed it. We watched the Polar Express which I haven't seen yet. I like the story, it's cute. At first I was having difficulty with my eyes adjusting but after a few minutes, I was getting the hang of it. I felt like I was in the movie and not just watching it. Kewl!

We also went to the Indianapolis Zoo. I was thrilled seeing a polar bear, a huge walrus and cute meerkats though I also pity them. I remember those cartoon films like Happy feet, Nemo, Madagascar, etc where the animals are being confined in the zoo while people are delighted watching them. Anyways, the zoo has this dome and a dolphin show. The show wasn't as great as I expected and the dome was solely for dolphins. Singapore's Underwater world and the dolphin show at Sentosa are way much better.

The White River Gardens, part of the zoo, has this beautiful conservatory filled with christmas flowers, plants and a featured showcase of mini-trains and parks. The ensemble was so pleasing and relaxing.

Cool Slideshows

Music and me

2006-12-04T23:03:00.000-05:00

Do you have a particular song that whenever you hear it, whatever mood you are in, it just makes you smile, pump up the volume and begin singing?

"Thank you for the music, the songs I'm singing
Thanks for all the joy they're bringing
Who can live without it,
I ask in all honesty
What would life be?
Without a song or a dance what are we?
So I say thank you for the music
For giving it to me"

Speaking of music, I'm proud to say that I come from a family of musicians. My dad, who is now retired, started playing trumpet and later on he had his own orchestra. I remember when I was much younger, I would see him listening to his old tape recorder and writing music notes. At that time, I didn't understand why he had to rewind the tape everytime and copy the tone in his piano and then write the notes on this white-colored lined paper (I think they call it white staff paper). Yun pala, he was writing notes for every instrument of his band, for every song that they will play. Imagine! Sobrang hard work non! But of course, that was long time ago, hindi pa uso ang technology sa music.

It's not hard to imagine my mom would've been wooed by my dad's talents. I remember listening to stories that he and his siblings were invited to go to different barrios to play their music. Well, it is still happening now, except that the siblings are playing with their own bands or families in different countries. To name a few, the first on my list is Uncle Roy, a keyboardist, who is a member of Society of Seven. They're playing regularly in Las Vegas (with Lani M.) and based in Hawaii. Too bad I missed the show when I went there last 2004. They also had several shows in Manila and I remembered they have this Broadway-like production numbers, hilarious antics and celebrity impersonations. Uncle Roy imitated Tina Turner and Michael Jackson. He was really funny and very good!

It's all about jazz for my cousin Rachel. She is a famous jazz artist in Malaysia. She sometimes performs with her dad, Uncle Ador, plaxing the sax. I haven't seen them perform but I will someday when I go there.

And of course, my favorite, my brother, who is a very good vocalist, not to mention he plays guitar too. I was practically stunned when I first saw his college-band video were he was singing this hard metal music. My brother, who looks like an angel (ehem ehem!) singing a loud, full of rage music?! Is this why your friends baptized you with the name Rage? Just kidding, Rayms! I appreciate your music no matter how irritating they are. Hahaha! I still have your video in Gweilo's singing and playing Jeepney :) I miss you so much, happy happy birthday!!!

Basically, all my relatives from my dad's side are musicians.

As for me, ayun, wala akong natutunan na instrument! Actually, I tried to learn playing a piano and guitar but I stopped. Then singing but out of tune. Oh yes, I remembered we had this all-female band from my previous company and I was the trying-hard vocalist. Oh, that was fun! And it was just really for fun! And so, naging audience na lang ako. I just enjoy watching and listening to my family, friends and my favorite celebrity singers. I know... you would say, si Regine. Yeah, I influenced by her music since high school when I watched her first major concert on tv. From then on, I tried not to miss any of her major concerts and shows.

Well, I guess I can't really get tired of music...and can't live...and couldn't have lived without it (...in all honesty, what would life be?...)

Thanksgiving 2006

2006-11-28T22:57:00.000-05:00

Last Wednesday, my friends and I went to watch a play called Spelling bee in Aranoff theater, Cincinnati. Before watching the show, I learned that they pick 4 participants from the audience as guest spellers. True enough, when we got there, they were asking people to volunteer. Deep inside, I really like the adventure but fear got in the way (sob sob!) It's a musical comedy, about 6 young people, learning that winning isn't everthing and losing doesn't necessarily make you a loser. While watching the show, I was imagining myself there on stage as one of the guest spellers. Pathetic! What a pity!

I spent my Phil-Am thanksgiving dinner with my friend's family. Among many other dishes, my faves were the shrimp lumpia, turkey, ham, ribs, squid sisig (parang kilawin..yum!), potato with bacon and cheese and cake.

After having a hefty meal, the fun begins. 9ish at Compusa. If I'm not mistaken, I think this was my first time to do this. The line outside was really long and by the time you get inside, the line for check-out was even more pathetic. I said to myself, why am I doing this? I really didn't have anything significant to buy. And I saw people buying cameras, ipods and laptops which were selling like hotcakes. And then, 11ish, we drove to Jeffersonville outlet mall, hoping to get there on-time for the 12 midnight opening. But nooo! On the exit's turn, we're stuck. Imagine, like more than a mile of traffic. Unbelievable! By the time we got there, it was already like 1ish and all the shops were packed, check-out would take you 2 hours. I wasn't able to buy anything except for a set of dinnerware (because the store was one of those not packed). Ridiculous! But I'm happy my friends were able to buy some stuff. At least, it was not a waste. Then, we hit the road back and headed to Circuit city near our place which opens at 5am. Ok, you got it, the line was too long again, longer than in CompUsa. I really just wanted to buy accessories for my laptop but they were not on sale :( Boohoo! It didn't end there because Dayton Mall's open at 6am. Despite the hunger and the longing to hit the bed, I still have the urge to shop. Literally, shop till I drop. Alas! I was able to buy something. A pair of jeans at 50% off hahaha!

After long hours of shopping and a few hours of sleep, I have to get up and go downtown for my volunteer work. It's Grande Illumination day where they lit a huge Christmas tree in Downtown Dayton. My friend and I were assigned in the pony ride. Our task was to tell the children when it is their turn to go. It was fun. The children were so cute. Some were scared to ride the pony but most were very excited. The parents told me that the pony rides were very popular that night, including Cupcake, a white pony which parents and kids were excited about. The parents were thrilled once they knew their turn lands with Cupcake. The task lasted for 3 hours, from 6-9p. It was pretty exhausting plus it was a bit cold. But I was really happy I was able to give a part of myself, to volunteer again. By the time it's over, I'm ready to hop again to the next event.

I met new friends in Huber Heights, mostly nurses. They're really nice. It was 2 nights of eating, drinking, laughing and much more. Too bad their contract here in Ohio is ending soon. I think some of them will go to Arizona and Nevada where they pay nurses more. Well, come to think of it, that's a reason for another possible vacation!

Cool Slideshows

Climate Crisis

2006-11-27T10:19:00.000-05:00

Click the 5th button (second to the last 'x') of this site.

I signed up to join the Stop Global Warming Virtual March and I encourage you to add your voice as well. Global warming is the most urgent issue of our time and since we are all contributors to global warming pollution we must all be part of the solution. Joining the Virtual March is a first step to joining the movement to demand solutions now.

You can join by visiting: http://www.stopglobalwarming.org

StopGlobalWarming. org's mission is to use the strength of numbers to urge our government to address global warming, and urge businesses to start a new industrial revolution of clean energy that reduces our dependence on oil and helps stop global warming.

Together we can make a difference.

Tidbits...

2006-11-21T17:57:00.000-05:00

Prison Break's season 2 is almost over! Ang bilis naman! Nevertheless, each episode still never fails to put you in suspense. It's irritatingly addictive...

I can't believe it's not going to snow this Thanksgiving or even any day soon, at least that's what the forecast says. It's not that I like snow, I really don't. But it bothers me that this may be caused by the effects of global warming...

I like the movie Stranger than Fiction. If you haven't seen it, watch it! I didn't have any idea
what the movie was all about before I entered the moviehouse. The movie gets more and
more interesting as the story progresses. It reminds me of the Truman Show but I like this better, still cleverly done. I wonder if there's a book about it...

Speaking of movies, I really didn't like the film Borat. Yes, it has its very funny and fearless antics but it has too much offensive parts that it didn't turn out to be as fun as it should be. Well, that's just my thought.

Bring it on! OSU wins! Pacquaio wins! It was a great Saturday! While watching the games, we had a delectable array of Filipino food - sotanghon soup and pandesal, chicken and pork adobo, and sisig and tokwa't baboy for pulutan over rum and coke, wine and beer. Winner!

My ABS-CBNnow subscription is over. I've been addicted into watching Filipino shows. I'll miss Maging sino ka man, Crazy for you, John enShirley, The Buzz and the news. Though, I can watch them (for free) in youtube or in Malou's big tv screen. They also have Channel 7. But nothing beats the pleasure and the freedom to watch it anytime...anywhere... I'd better renew my subscription soon. Did you know that there's a website where you can also download the latest Filipino movies (and music)? - Inday tracker! It's like downloading in a bit torrent.

I can't believe people are crazy over a piece of game box - PS3. Did you hear the news that a man was shot early on a Friday morning outside a Walmart store in Connecticut while waiting to buy this box? Highly overrated!

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. It's another long weekend but one thing I should've done was booked a vacation. Arggh! Next time! :) What might be also interesting is shopping on Black Friday. Holiday shopping is becoming like a sport - preparing yourself first like researching for tips on the net, list your shop items, wearing comfy shoes, eat, bring baon. If you're really serious in getting a much better deal, be an early bird. Well, after all, who wouldn't feel victorious on getting the best deal in town? Happy shopping!

Happy birthday, Daddy!

2006-10-05T21:48:00.000-05:00

I called my dad today and greeted him. It was a nice feeling hearing from him again. I usually talk with my mom and never really had a chance to talk with him (kasi naman ang daldal ng mommy ko hehehe!). He said for me to toast a champagne to whomever I spend my birthday with. Cheers!!! Wine na lang, ha? :-)

(My brother was taking pictures of our house and nakisali ang dad ko. He's really funny! I love you too, daddy!)

Lovin' NY

2006-10-02T19:50:00.000-05:00

What a nicer way to travel than to do it with old and new friends. My flight to NJ was scheduled on a Friday. However, it was cancelled! So they booked me to an early flight the next day. It wasn't really that bad after all. My new found friend was so nice enough to pick me up at the airport and then we had some booze. Well, they say you lose some, you gain some.

We, Marce, Kat and Ian went to meet our friends at their apartments at Fort Lee. Our friends are here for a 2-month onshore stint. Badong and Alida are assigned in Maryland. Kaytee, Darlene, Voltz and Tina are assigned in NJ. I had that old feeling of being an onshore again. But then again, Darcy, Marce, Ian and Kat are "assigned" here indefinitely, like me.

We went to NY riding a bus and toured Manhattan using the subway and our feet. It was a nice weekend, not cold nor warm. We walked, took pictures and experienced what NY has to offer. I forgot already how to get to places, good thing the guys have this good sense of direction haha! It was really exhausting but super fun! Thanks guys!!! Hope to see you again!

Cool Slideshows

It's a college weekend in Columbus

2006-09-11T17:52:00.000-05:00

It was my first time to go to Columbus which is just like a little over an hour drive from where I stay. My friend, Mark has been inviting me to come over at his place for quite sometime now. And now was a good time.

Columbus downtown was really much better than here in Dayton. My first night was a blast, we hopped from one bar to another. I met Mark's friends and they were really nice. We also went to Easton mall which is just a stone throw away from Mark's place. (envy!!!)

I was there at the right place and at the right time. I learned that the Ohio State Univ football team is playing against Texas on Saturday. I'm not really a football fan, but if you can't beat them, join them (hmmm..maybe just for this time hehe). Especially when the state's team is really doing good. We watched the game in Yen's place which is just near the university campus. So you could imagine the students going loud and jubilant after the win. I remember being in college and my alma mater winning in UAAP games...then I stopped...thinking...ang tanda ko na! hahaha!

House, Mcdreamy, Michael

2006-09-05T23:09:00.000-05:00

My weeknights are focused on these tv's most wanted men. Who can resist these characters?

Matching game:

a. Complicated and stubborn

b. Charming and vulnerable

c. Unfaltering and dangerous

(Obvious naman ung answers!) One thing in common - tons of sex appeal!

House - Now on its 3rd season - Tuesdays at 8pm ET
Grey's Anatomy - 3rd season premieres on 9/21 at 9pm ET (too bad, it coincides with CSI boohoo!)
Prison Break - Now on its 2nd season - Mondays at 8pm ET

Labor day weekend 2006

2006-09-04T18:03:00.000-05:00

It was a long 4 hour drive to Mammoth Cave, Kentucky. (Hehe! Malayo na yon para sa kin kase nag-inuman pa kami before that). We left at 7am because we have to be there at our call time for the Historic tour. I was really planning on taking the Violet City Lantern tour but tickets were already sold out (syempre last minute booking again). It was really a nice experience although I was expecting for cave formations (stalactites and stalacmites). Unfortunately, not on this tour. I remembered when I went to Luray Caverns in Virginia. It really have a lot!!! In any case, it was really exciting and fun. Thanks to our Jason Priestly look-a-like tour guide who told many stories about the caves and entertained our questions. It was called the Mammoth cave because of its gigantic size. There are a number of other tours that cater to other caves, meaning it would really take more than 2 or 3 days visit all of them.

After that, we went to a Hammerjax in downtown Dayton. It was my first time actually to go dancing here with new friends.

The next day, we went to a birthday party in Eaton, Ohio. The house was packed with Filipinas with their families and husbands na onaks. I will not forget how Filipinos hovered the kitchen to grab baons or leftovers. It was really a chaos! So fun-ny! At syempre, ang mga may asawang pinay, ayaw paawat! Nag-bar pa kami ulit sa another bar in downtown Dayton! Sige, sayaw pa! :)

"Love like you've never been hurt and dance like no one is watching. "

Be a Volunteer

2006-08-30T19:27:00.000-05:00

I was looking at volunteer opportunites at Volunteer Match and was excited to find a volunteer org in Dayton. I hurriedly searched for a type of task that I had in mind.

Luckily, I found one that sounded fun plus close to my place. The Dayton Asian Cultural Festival featured cultures from China, India, Japan, Korea, Pakistan, Vietnam and of course, Philippines. The event started at 11am until 8pm but volunteers worked on shifts. They had volunteer jobs for information booth / t-shirt sales, raffle tickets, evaluations / interviews, etc. I decided to participate in selling beverages.

It seemed to be a perfect sunny day. The event was held at our town's library park. There were lots of people, mostly families from different races - walking, eating, watching performances, having fun. There were stalls set up around the place by the different featured Asian countries.

It was really fun doing the job (especially meeting new friends), until our hands got hurt from the very cold ice water on the tub. There were lots of times that we have to dig in to get those 'hard-to-find' cans of sodas. Aarrghh! My hands and arms got red and numb. Hahaha!

After our shift, we grabbed some Indian food. I was about to leave when I remembered I have to go to the Philippines stall. Of course, how can I forget! They served lumpia, pancit and adobo. They were also selling other things like accessories and other hand-made stuff.

While walking back to my car, I felt fulfilled again for another check on my To-do list. I've been doing virtual volunteer jobs already but it's really more fun helping in person. Can't wait for the next time.

Money and happiness...

2006-08-18T22:57:00.000-05:00

are they related? For me? Of course they do.

Let's try to be realistic. Are you worried on being able to pay your monthly bills? Paying off your credit cards? Going to your well-deserved vacation? Or even spending gifts to your loved ones? Or giving your child the best education that he/she could possibly have? Or if you're a student, aren't you studying to be able to earn money and fulfill your ambitions or goals?

You will not be happy if you can't afford to pay your bills. Neither be happy if you can't give a gift to your love one without thinking if you can afford it. Neither be happy not giving your child what is best for him/her. Well, maybe happy for a short-time treating your friends with a round of shot or two in a bar. Maybe happy for a short-time having a vacation using your credit card (which btw, should not be treated as an additional income, ok?). But when reality sinks in, or when the party's over, you stop and think, can I afford to pay all these?

We are now working to earn money. Why? To live? To buy what we like, want, need, or probably, to have that feeling of accomplishment? To have that feeling of satisfaction that we bought this car, house or wedding with our hard-owned money?

I've read so many articles of people (even myself) living paycheck to paycheck (and I hope I won't be in that situation again). I remember, graphically, while we were going down the stairs of the LRT's Vito Cruz station to DLSU, during the first enrollment day of my college, my mom was telling me, 'Live within your means'. She knew that I'll be surrounded with wealthy students and there'll be temptations or tendencies for me to get jealous of them having all these material things they own or could afford. These words guided me through these years. What's better than that saying is, Bankrate.com or Rich dad's, 'Live BELOW your means', which means having money for what's important to you and the freedom to do the things you want to do.

There are a lot of very interesting articles on the internet on money matters. One of my favorites is Suze Orman's. She'll tell you practically every advice and tips from how to save and manage money, investing, relationships or love and money, to planning your retirement. Rich dad tells us to 'Pay yourself first', which means, setting up an automatic withdrawal from your account or paycheck and put in your savings.

No matter who's advice we choose to take, we should realize the value of money and we'll definitely go a long way, even farther to pass it to our love ones who'll we be leaving behind. It's definitely ok to spend once in a while to treat yourself to shopping, parties and other luxuries. Yes, we know that when we work hard, we also party harder. And we should live life to it's fullest, every day. Life is too short to worry about money. But we should also learn how to balance our pleasures and sacrifices. Could we honestly say that if we die today, will our loved ones be happy with all the debts we are leaving them behind?

Book Tag

2006-08-18T21:30:00.000-05:00

BOOK MEME
1. Grab the nearest book.
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the text of the next 3 sentences on your blog along with these instructions.
5. Don’t you dare dig for that "cool" or "intellectual" book in your closet! I know you were thinking about it! Just pick up whatever is closest.
6. Tag three people.

"Did we ever...meet? Did you ever come to the pier?" "No," she said.
- p. 123, The five people you meet in heaven by Mitch Albom

>> Thanks for the tag. I've finally started reading the book :)

I'm tagging the rest of the fab girlfriends hehehe!

Life's blessings

2006-08-09T18:47:00.000-05:00

Life's blessings are the people you encounter, who've touched you in more than a million ways. Thank you God for letting me experience how wonderful life is through these people. Thank you for mom, dad and my brother.

Thank you Moyskie and Labsie. My ninong who helped me purchased my wonderful car, who didn't give any second-thoughts in helping me. You're very generous and helpful. You have been amazing companions and friends. Wish you didn't have to leave the project this soon. Thank you for always keeping in touch.

Thank you Dr House for keeping me "sane" during those very difficult times. For all those therapy sessions we had. Thank you for unselfishly spending your time and 'energy' with me.

Thank you Dodie for being the best, for being one-of-a-kind. For helping me with my work, in making my site more "cool", for those sleepless nights, for always being there for me, for always being patient with me.

Thank you Mark for visiting us and for helping us during the times when we're settling down. Thank you Rico for the patience in driving us and helping us get our licenses. Thank you Cecile for always accomodating us to your house, for the wonderful dishes and for letting me watch Piolo on the internet haha!

Thank you Lay for not leaving my side during those times that I was there. For our long conversations. You are one of my inspirations here in US. I haven't told you that yet but I really admire your courage and willpower.

Thank you Beenr, who had been the love of my life. Who have done everything and anything that he can for me, through thick and thin. I will always be your friend. I will always cherish your family. They've been so nice to me. Tony was a wonderful dad and friend.

Thank you Mr and Mrs Beutenmuller for the wonderful vacation in Florida. It was too short, I know. Monica, my "eternal" friend (thanks for the ring). You are such an amazing friend. Life is never dull with you around. James is so lucky to have you. Thank you, Tita for your generosity and your sumptuous Pinoy dishes. Sana dyan na lang ako nakatira hehehe! Joan, I remember what you said, something like, "Our home is your home." Thanks again for giving me yet another wonderful blessing...a WEST PALM BEACH VACATION!

More pics...

Tagged on weird things

2006-07-28T23:20:00.000-05:00

Ok, Gwen, I'm tagged (again)! I can't think of any weird things, siguro eto na lang...

1. I cry when I watch Jennifer Aniston cry on her movies. I don't know...she just makes me cry!!!

2. When I start drinking, I want to feel that I'm drunk. I can't have 2 bottles because that will lead to 2 buckets. Exagg yung 2 buckets, pero I want to feel that "high".

3. After a night of drinking, I want to eat and I can't get enough of it. I'm craving for food!!!

4. When I want to eat junk, I crave for salty then sweets or cheesy. If I start with sweets or cheesy, I will look for something salty. It's never ending.

5. I can watch reruns even if I watched them already.

6. I turn on the tv even if I'm not gonna watch. I just want to hear it on while I'm doing chores or on my computer.

7. I buy books but I don't get to read or finish them.

8. I snooze for an hour or so! That's when I'm just going to work otherwise, gising ako agad. Hahaha!

may isa pa ako... I get easily irritated! And I can't hide it! But I can also easily overcome it! Or maybe not! Is that weird? Or insanity! Hahaha! Mag-reply ka, Gwen!!! Hahaha!

One bag Saves 3 lives

2006-07-27T17:52:00.000-05:00

Today, I fulfilled one of my wishes - to be able to donate my blood. It's been a long-time coming. I've been thinking of doing this since time memorial but couldn't have enough courage or was too busy with work. Fortunately, our company is supporting a blood drive this month, allowing employees to donate blood during company hours. It's good because I'm not that busy, I'm still scared or nervous, but I know I could overcome the fear.

I went there 10 mins earlier than my scheduled appointment which was 9:30am. The lady asked me a few questions and she asked if it was my first time. I said yes, and she gave this sticker which says, 'First time blood donor' and she smiled. She gave me this questionnaire which I need to fill-out. I know there will be questions relating to HIV, but I got interested reading a question on man-to-man sexual intercourse (male donors) or for female donors - having sex with a man who has ever had sex with another man. (So these people have high risks of not being able to donate blood or can't be donors at all? hmmm ...interesting).

Anyhoo, when I finished filling out the form, a very nice woman named Wilma led me to a cubicle and reviewed my answers. I thought it's gonna be fast but we took a long time on this particular item on the form - Have you been outside US? She asked me which provinces or places I visited in the Philippines. And she verified if those places are areas of risk for malaria. I was telling myself that I hope this will not prevent me from donating blood. And I felt relieved when Wilma said we're ok. Her knowing that it's my first time, she said for me to relax and not get too nervous and that they will take care of me. She was so nice. First, she placed this temperature strip under my tongue, checked my pulse, blood pressure and then punctured my middle finger to get my blood count. After that, she came back with 3 bags (that I thought I will fill-up all those, but just 1), she smiled and asked, Are you ready? "Yes! Let's do this."

Behind those stalls or cubes, were 8 cots, almost fully-occupied. But good thing there's still a vacant one coz I didn't want to wait and watch people. I sat first on the cot and a woman named Belinda smiled at me looking at my first donor sticker. She asked, How am I, I said and smiled, 'Ok...' She said, 'Don't worry it will just be fast. It won't feel that bad.' I know I can tolerate pain. It's just may be the sight of blood flowing out from my body that makes me nervous. She gave me this squeeze bar (like a stress ball shaped like a bar) and tighten a wrapping on my left arm first. She told me to squeeze it for her to identify the veins. And then repeated the procedure on my right arm. Eventually, my right arm was stronger thus producing larger veins for her to insert the needle. She told me to lie down, she cleaned the area where the needle will be inserted and then she inserted the needle. My blood is now flowing out from my body into one of those bags (and it doesn't really hurt). And then she told me, 'One bag saves 3 lives.'

After the bag has been filled, she took out the needle, put a cotton and asked me to hold my arm up for a short while. She then put a wrapping to cover and put pressure on my arm. Belinda told me to lie down still for a few more minutes. She even gave me an orange juice. After I think 10 mins, I was ready to sit up and she led me to the rest / canteen area. Someone also offered me a juice, I was a bit shy because I want to get it myself but they were too kind to get it for me. She also gave me cookies.

My appointment was 15 mins and it took me an hour and 15. It was a very fulfilling experience. I think I will do it again after 8 weeks.

My 41K mark

2006-07-23T22:40:00.000-05:00

I bought my very first car here in US with an almost 40,800 mileage. I use it everyday to go to work - 1 mile each way and on weekends and such for groceries and church. And now, I reached my 41K mark going to Kentucky.

Saturday was my first "long-drive" weekend. After registering our cars in DMV, we
drove 50 miles (like an hour) to Newport, Kentucky. And from Kentucky, we drove 76 miles (almost 1.5 hours) to Serpent Mound and then from there we tried to go to 7 caves but when we got there, it was already closed so we headed back home. So maybe another 100 miles from Serpent mound to 7 caves and back home. (Well, having a bottle of beer helped me stay alert. Shhh...)

Away from home

2006-07-20T21:41:00.000-05:00

Tonight, we were invited to a despedida dinner of one of our Pinoy friends who stays just near our neighborhood. She's going back to our home sweet home from a 6-month stint here in Ohio. She's gonna leave her husband, temporarily (and geographically), who has an H1b visa but will come back in November. I couldn't help but think of how long-distance relationships work as well as living away from your family.

Being alone in a foreign land is not an easy thing. But knowing myself and base from experience, I can easily adapt to a new environment and I can also easily think of things that would 'entertain' me. Loneliness or sadness really depends on each individual. Surviving is difficult. As what they say in theme parks, 'Ride at your own risk....not for a weak heart...', is the same as living in a foreign land. If you're not decided - emotionally, heartfully and soulfully, then don't. Make sure to think of all the consequences over and over again. After all, this is your dream so make it happen, be strong! If you can't take or stand living away from your boyfriend, then either break up with him, or get married and go with him or follow as soon as you can (before he/she changes his/her mind).

Why do we leave our homeland? Despite leaving our family, our friends, our career... Those of us who leave our homeland or the "goose that lays golden eggs" to work and pursue our dreams is one of the most difficult occupations. Imagine, leaving everything behind but your values, talents, traditions, memories and hope that everything will work out as you've planned.

All pictures from www.pbase.com...

Stop and Start

2006-07-20T17:35:00.000-05:00

I got this email from an old friend. Well, actually, he regularly sends these Thoughts of the day by Ralph Marston emails. At first, I ignored them, clicked them away to the trash. But one time, I got curious. Later on, I found myself reading them as if they're like my horoscopes for the day. I even created a Thoughts folder, so they go there and not to Trash anymore.

Anyhow, there's one thought of the day which I received just this Monday. It's about Stop and Start. Here it goes...

Stop making life so difficult and complicated by being afraid to fully live it. Start spending more time as the person you truly are.

Stop building elaborate scenarios in your mind about what might or might not happen. Start giving your focus and energy to making the most of the moment you're in.

Stop wishing that things had been different. Start seeing the real, positive value and experience you've gained from where you've been.

Stop being so obsessed by the things you don't have and constantly distracted by your desire for more. Start to fully appreciate your blessings and to enjoy the true abundance of always having enough.

Stop worrying and fretting over what others may think. Start confidently offering your own special values, gifts and perspectives to life.

Stop wasting your time wondering about what could have been. And start to discover for yourself the incredible wonders of what can be.

And so I decide detailing and tailoring Ralph's Stop and Start to suit me.

Stop worrying too much about my immediate future, what my next project will be, where it will be, what my next work task will be, will I still have enough money. Start spending more time in researching and going to new places, exercising, reading books, trying out new recipes, doing household chores, playing outdoors with friends and neighbors, seeking out friends old and new, visit relatives.

Stop looking back and regretting. Start seeing what I have learned and how will I apply them on my present and future.

Stop being obsessed with material things that I don't have. Start counting my blessings, enjoy the true abundance of always having enough AND invest, invest, invest!

This I have to copy...Stop worrying and fretting over what others may think. Start confidently offering your own special values, gifts and perspectives to life. Every person has their own opinion. Every person has their own limitations. I am not a supernatural being who is capable of pleasing everybody. I am what I am. Start having the courage to give myself, for the goodness that I give will come back over and over again.

And this too...Stop wasting your time wondering about what could have been. And start to discover for myself the incredible wonders of what CAN be. Stop thinking of past relationships, life's what if's, "I could've-would've-should've"sss. Now is the time to take the steering wheel and drive my journey!

Would you also like to create your Stop and Start? It's a good exercise.

Life begins at 30

2006-07-19T21:17:00.000-05:00

Yes, at some point, we have to admit that we are not getting any younger no matter how hard we try to stop the clock. Isn't it funny sometimes we think that when we were younger, we want to get older and now we are older, we want to go back to those days when we were younger.

When I was in early 20's, I was too caught up in living conservatively or traditionally. It's like I was living inside my cocoon, being controlled by mother nature. Later on, I was trying hard to control the time because I thought I was losing time and opportunities. I found myself doing things I never did when I was younger, because I hadn't had the courage or self-esteem or was too scared what others will think. I found myself going to a bar, eating in a restaurant or going to movies alone. When before, I would think everyone will be staring at me condescendingly. Then I realize nobody really cares who I am, or why I am alone, or how I'm dressed. And even if they do, it doesn't change anything on who I am. You just realized, there are more important things in the world and wished you had the maturity and experience back then.

Yes, life's more fun if you're thirty something...which is btw, what most women are saying according to a poll in UK. They are happier being a better mom, a better girlfriend or wife, a better friend, or a better career woman.

Rather than the big 3-0 being something that most people dread, over half of UK women (51%) in their twenties revealed that they can't wait to reach 30: and those who have passed the milestone are definitely more satisfied with their lives, the poll discovered.

Let the party begin...