realizing dreams

When we were younger, we have a vision of what we wanted to be and where we should be.  We have our goals set and dreams we wanted to achieve.  Regardless of the course of action we are to take, we are so eager to get them.  We are persuasive of achieving them.  The path to achieving our goals and dreams are not an easy path but regardless we are so aggressive in pursuing them.  

We are always up to the challenge and never hesitant in chasing our dreams.  As we grow old, the path becomes hazy and topsy-turvy that we stop for a moment in chasing that dream of ours.  That moment sometimes takes us a long time, until we finally become contented and complacent with what we have that we have finally end the chase.  

And after the moment of complacency and contentment surpasses, we feel the emptiness and find ourselves seeking for something.  Seeking for something that we have lost, seeking a part of us that we have forgotten.

That moment of realization, will keep us company days and nights.  Trying to figure out what went wrong.  Until we finally reach the moment and recall when we stopped going for our dreams.  The hazy and topsy-turvy path that we had are necessary and beneficial to us in achieving what we wanted to accomplish.  It paves our pathway towards our dreams.  Shapes our talent and enhance our skills, preparing ourselves for a longer and tougher battle in pursuing our goal.  It is the "how" in how we can achieve them.

Our dreams usually does not leave us.  There are no such things as dreams not meant for us.  Because most of the time we just grow old and grow tired of chasing and pursuing them that we become contented of what is laid in front of us.

Let the inner child in you be the best inspiration in going after your dreams.  Aggressive, persuasive and never hesitant.  

my train ride

On my way to taguig, I took the MRT.  The longest and most meaningful ride of my life.  The train was not crowded, yet I chose to stand and have a full view of EDSA.  Things have been going on with my life lately, issues were running my mind and they just won’t leave me alone.  But that Saturday, I had the most meaningful train ride of my life.  It was not really that long yet it was life I was able to look back to how my life was.  The challenges I have encountered before.  The trials that I thought I would never surpass, yet I survive them all.  It was maybe less than 15 minutes, yet my whole life seems to flash back before my very eyes.  The stumble I had when I was 15 yet I manage to stand straight after that fall.  The upside turn of events when I was 18 yet I survive it.

The ride made me realize who I was and what was I made of.  And that I was strong enough to overcome the trials that I am facing.  That I will find clarity in all the confusions and crossroads I am encountering.  And that above all, I have all the support and trust of all my loved ones.  If at 15 or 18, I manage to overcome them, when I had limited capability what more now??  When I have fully discovered my strength.  When my visions of the path that I am taking are clear enough to be distracted.

I would never forget that train ride on One Rainy Saturday.  Because it made me reconnect with my self. The strength I always had to move on with my life.  The ability to inspire, influence and affect others.

not just anybody

Ever felt lost and in search of something. Most of the time, in search of yourself?
Tried everything and everyone's suggestions of what to be and who to be.  If so, it's time to stop.
Stop listening from them and following them. Take a step backward and take a deep breath.
Think hard.  Imagine yourself and what do you want to become. Feel it. Don't be afraid to run
it in your mind, it's for you alone to know.  And after contemplating, have the guts to stand by that vision of yourself.  Take the risk and plunge yourself.  As long as you are not hurting other people and yourself, follow
what you think you want to be.

We are not just anybody in this world.  We can idolize and be inspired by others.  But never be a copycat or shadow of them.  We all have our identity, we just need to let it shine within us.

Fifty shades liberating

I have heard of this book a couple of months ago from 2 of my friends.  And to my curiosity I have downloaded a pdf ebook copy of the trilogy.  The first part of the 1st book was something, it wasn't the type that I would read, but to my surprise I look forward to reading it everyday until I finished it.  The 1st book was quiet liberating.  The story line itself is filled surprise and spontaneity. (I won't give details so not to spoil the ladies who are reading).

I thought resistance would fade as soon as I finished the 1st book, but no!  I can't resist reading the 2nd book, double the excitement for me.  The twist of the story and the excitement is more that I find myself giggling and smiling at the end of every chapter. Whooo.  It has kept me company every night before I sleep and every meal before I come to work.  How the love story of the characters overcome their differences and how they compromise to each others need.  It made me look forward to something with full of excitement, not a tv series I might say but more to that.

And on the 3rd book, concludes their love story.  How they manage and have coped up with all the trials.  The writer must be really passionate when she was writing this.  I admire how she manage to deliberately let her readers feel the emotions and sensation of this book.  No wonder they will be making a movie out of this book.

Fifty shades trilogy, is an addicting one.  From a woman's perspective, it is liberating thus it gives a sheer hint of being submissive to her partner.  It does not make a woman vulnerable at any point, the female character (Anastasia Steele) has a strong character.  Well defined young lad who knows what she wants yet willingly compromises to her partner (Christian Grey) without hesitation.

To conclude, this is one great book that I would still read in the future.  And I would surely love to watch the movie inspired by this book.  Well, I do hope that the movie meets all the expectations of the readers of this trilogy.

3 venues 1 occasion

Today, I can assume that celebrating father's day is "mission accomplish" for us.   We were able to visit and celebrate today's occasion with almost all the "dads" in the family.  Almost because my brother was not there, he have their company outing so he missed the celebration. too bad. :(

For a change, we were up early because we know that we will be out the whole day.  My hubby and I got our long awaited cargo from dubai (which is not the main point).  Our itinerary for the day is a really tiring one.  We have to go to 3 places today to fulfill our plan.  The 3 venues we had to celebrate Father's day are quiet distant from each other.

To start, our first stop is to go to Himlayang Pilipino in Tandang Sora (I think), to visit Lolo Pedro (maternal grandfather) and Tito Henry (maternal uncle) at Himlayang Pilipino.  Yes, they were with our Lord already.  We paid them a visit because it's father's day and said our prayers.  I know both of them are in a safer and peaceful place and that we should be really happy for them, but on occasions like this I can't help but really feel sad and miss them terribly.  

After the visit, we headed to our 2nd stop, Tempura Restaurant in Banawe and had our celebration of father's day.  Good thing we were there early for lunch, so we didn't had to wait long.  It's a Japanese food, father's day for us. =)  We had our favorites (favorite food in General not really from this restaurant) sukiyaki, tempura, katsudon, gyu asupara maki. The sukiyaki and tempura was good.  The katsudon was ok.  (T.Boy's version was better).  Gyu asupara maki was great, the asparagus were crunchy.  We tried also their chicken roulade which was realllly good. Haven't tried their version of chicken roulade before, and it was surprisingly delicious. The best part of this is that we get to share and spend it with our loved ones.

And for our last stop, to visit Lolo Ben (Paternal Grandfather).  It was suppose to be a surprise visit, but we wanted to make sure that Tita and my cousin were there also so we had no choice but to give her a call.  Despite the supposed surprise visit and father's day celebration with Lolo, I know that He is still surprise with the idea of us coming over. And seeing the happy look on his face, was just priceless. :)  I really think we should do this often.  And of course, coming over means a loooot of chikahan with my 2 Tita's and kulitan with my cousin, Gerard.  And a bonus call from my Ninang also. :)

After the tiring chikahan, we had merienda.  I just love occasions like this because I get to eat my Tita's pasta which is reaaaallly goood.  Really something I look forward to having during any occasion. =)  She prepared penne today and my-oh-my it was really perfect. :)  Maybe if she didn't run out of penne, I can eat a loooot more than expected. whooo..

This is just one amazing celebration. =) Hope that every father had a great celebration.

Credits to my hubby for the pictures.

the excitement of waiting

Why do we tend to be more anxious when we wait for something?
We realize how much time passed by, when we are sooo excited to achieve and do something.
Why can’t be waiting, be just like any normal activity?
Why can’t we rationalize?  Or is it because we take many things into consideration that makes waiting all the more exciting?
What is in it that makes the feeling intense?  Is it the outcome? The action to be taken? Or is it more of fear of the execution of your action?

An extraordinary sunday

Why do weekends end so quick? Hays, in so little time I have accomplished many things.  And tomorrow is manic monday once again. Whooa!  Today, Sunday, seems to be such a long day. Woke up to watch pacman's fight, and boy he lost nevertheless, he fought well.  The judges must be daydreaming when they scored rounds 9 onwards. Oh well, let's not sour grape and besides there's nothing else we can do anymore with the decision, being it the final.  But we should wait for the rematch and boy that would be exciting. :)






After the much talked defeat of paquiao, we head to SM San Lazaro to proceed with our plan to apply for a line. Yep, finally.  But unfortunately we have to wait for 3 days for the approval.  The policy have become tight due to the scumbags who just applied and walk away with the line.  And because of their delinquency, new subs have to suffer.  What makes me more excited on our postpaid line is that we will have the chance to watch Nicki Minaj in SM MOA, because of their promo.  So, how cool can it get?





After our line application, we had dinner at our all time favorite, Kenny Rogers and I had their baby back ribs. sweet! missed this, because the Kenny Rogers at SM Centerpoint was closed for whatever reason, i dunno!

Oh well, weekends are short really for all the good stuff.  But It's pretty worthy.  Weekdays, hello! please be nice to us especially at work. :)

another great dinner

A night of satisfying and wonderful dinner with my husband, mother, youngest brother and sister (who was late but glad she made it).  We had a great dinner at Heat, Edsa Shangri-la.  I loooove their buffet, they had a wide variety of choices from appetizer down to desserts.  And after several attempts to have a taste of all of what they offer, this by far is the closest.  The pesto penne was great two thumbs up.  The pad thai was perfect. The medium rare steak with mushroom sauce was fab.  The dessert was such a haven for me.  Not really for those who are on diet.

The best part of this great dinner is that I had to spend it with my husband, my mom and bro.  We had one of the best conversation ever over such a great dinner.

I Love Birthdays

No matter how old or young we are, we can't deny the fact that birthday celebration's makes us giggle.  Guilty, even if it's not my day anymore.  It's my bro-in-law's bday, and so my hubby and I celebrated his burpday.  It was simple yet fun filled celebration.  Having kids around made it really fun.  There were no parlor games or whatsoever but I can't deny the fact that we enjoyed it.  Family + Good Food = Fun.

He is the big brother of my hubby.  And having a 10 year age gap is not really easy for me to bond with him (we really have nothing in common, except for being the eldest child).  He already had a family of his own when my hubby and I were starting out as boyfriend-girlfriend.  We never really had a chance to jam or bond like his sister.  Despite that, it was not a hindrance.  He has his own ways to know me.  He took every opportunity there is (family lunch, dinner and birthday celebrations) to be there.  Have a small conversation and gave some useful advice.  He is a man of few words and more of a man of action.

He may not be realizing it, but I have really learned a lot from him.  I am thankful to be part of his birthday celebration.

double celebration

Aside from me, it's my sister's birth month too.  Her b-day comes 3 days after mine, we celebrated once again our b-days at Hyatt Hotel.  We had a relaxing weekend and fun family bonding.  I personally wanted to try out the casino, but my mom didn't allow us to do so.  On our first night, we just rested and stayed in the room. Recharging from the tiring week that passed.

We swam the following day and tried their hot chocolate.  The pool area was good and big.  They have a pool for the kids, jacuzzi and a big pool.  It's nice and not crowded since the kids have their own place.  The hot chocolate was also good and creamy.  

 This is the big pool for adult. (The photos were taken by my husband. )

We had lunch after swimming.  The buffet at Market Cafe was less compared to the other hotels but the food was great.  They had steak and ribs, variety of pasta, indian, korean and japanese cuisine.  The dessert area was perfect for me, they serve almost all my favorite. From the variety of fruits which I love, they serve ice cream and halo halo, sweet pastries and they have my all time favorite chocolate fountain . =) I'll upload the photos on my post for the market cafe. 

a year wiser

I turned a year wiser and happier.

The year that passed was a heap of experience of both good and bad.  I am grateful for that, because it made my decision making better.  I am just as grateful and happy to have it celebrated with my family.  A simple and quiet dinner was more than enough.  I am so blessed that what else could I ask for?  There may be things that I lack, but I have learned to wait for the right time.  And trust that He will give it to me, in HIS time.

To start my b-day, my hubby and I had a very late dinner or should I say midnight meal (if there's such) at JT's manukan in Greenhills after work 12 midnigt (just in time for my bday).  The place had bigger space than before, comparing to the last time that we went there.  Anyway, I had paa and batchoy which was really good while my hubby had pitso (pecho).  I got my first gift from my hubby, skittles.. :) It was not much, but it was my favorite.  He loves giving gifts in partial.  So, I was expecting the 2nd gift. hehe.

Paa - leg and thigh

batchoy with egg.. yumyum

I also love chapters, there's another celebration of my bday with my mom and dad and siblings. :) Overall, my day was really great.  I got to spend them with my family and my friends greeted me.

before summer is over

Last weekend, May 19, we finally went to the beach.  A long overdue outing is what we really need and we finally had it.  With my hubby's wavemate's we went to Lobo, Batangas.  We went there by bus, it was a 2.5 hr travel.  From manila to batangas was 1.5 hr and from batangas city to lobo, batangas is another 1 hr.  The road from batangas city to lobo batangas was one hell of a trip, for those who are non traveller's because they call it "bitukang manok" (chicken's intestines) because the zigzag was crazy. We all felt dizzy at one point because of the road, but there's no other way to go there so we were left with no choice.

Reaching the beach made everything worth it.  The place was nice and serene. I personally enjoyed the stay.  I was able to unwind, enjoy the air and the sun while it's still scorching hot, watch the waves of the beach and play with the sand.  

colorful flags, summer is still here

this is the view from the place we are staying

the beach house

my hubby's wavemates.. they were such a good company.. 

I was really recharge for the week after this weekend escape.. It's really nice to see waves, really so relaxing..btw, the pictures were courtesy of my husband.. =)

back to reality with flare

2 weeks had passed and haven't written anything since then.  I had to catch up with work since I was out for 3 weeks.  Paperworks and overtime plus tons of email I need to attend to. *duhh*
As I catch up at work, I am catching up with my writing.  Like what I promised myself, I will write to release and relieve myself from the stressful reality.

I was excited to go back to work.  Funny though, because there's no reason to be excited of.  Anyway, I am not a real fan of skirt and dresses.  And as per my doctor's advice, I had to wear skirt or dress to prevent  shingles from recurring since the weather is really freaking hot.  So, I had to follow her.  Here's what I wore to work.

top - folded & hung and skirt from mom's closet

belt from sm accessories

top from exquisite; belt from SM accessories and necklace from SG

I never realize that dressing up for work requires tedious work. Hehehe. As I am more of a slacks/pants type of girl.  I must admit, I enjoyed raiding my closet for a mix and match for the skirt.  I am not a pro when it comes to this but I am really trying to learn. :)

finally

Finally, after 3 weeks of getting sick I could say that I am fit now to go back to work and to do the usual stuff.  I must say I felt half hearted when I got sick.  Half of me enjoyed the time I had to enjoy to rest and stay at home and discover many things like online shopping, yoga, books to read, and places that I plan to visit with my husband.  While the other half, is sad because I can't do the usual stuff I do since I have a hard time moving around with my sickness.

Anyway, today marks the start of my renewed life.  Yup, you heard me right renewed.  Like this blogging, I made a vow to myself not to stressed myself again.  Swear not to sweat the small stuff again instead find something positive in all things that I do (consider the not so good things).

I am quiet excited to go back to work, 3 weeks of rest and recharge makes me feel like I am ready to battle with all the paperworks I have left.  And most of all, my normal and renewed routine.  Included in the renewed routine is the schedule of my husband at work.  The challenge to juggle the time we could spent together makes me more excited.


Wish me luck on this renewed life I swear I'd live with.  Will always write for my own sake.

my 2nd purchase

As I bought the kimonos, I thought also of buying a pair of shoes.  I have been really eyeing on this for sometime but haven't had the time to seriously check. :)  So when I did I bought them.  Actually I bought 2. the other was unplanned, it just really caught my eyes because they look nice.  It's like panic online buying for me.  Having 2 purchases in one day, but so what.  I really want the shoes. 

I received this today.  Just as I was starting to get a little anxious of the time of arrival of the shoes. I heard the courier's motorcycle, and upon checking it's the shoes I ordered to Sheryl Chan in facebook.

After receiving I immediately open the parcel and check if it fits me well.  The oxfords fit perfectly while the mary jane's were a little big but fits fine, the corks will do its thing.  But overall, I love them.  The seller was also nice to send a free fan and coin purse.  Really happy with my purchases.  and is looking forward to buying some shoes in the near future.

liam mary jane; the bentley tan oxford from Sheryl Chan

another first - online purchase

Trying out a few things that I have never done before is starting to give me a heck of enjoyment.  Maybe I'm such a late bloomer on this latest trend but it's fine.  Haven't really got the time to try it out - online shopping. 

I must say, getting sick had introduced me to fun things.  Had my 1st online purchase and received the parcel within the promised time.  And while waiting for the parcel to arrive, believe it or not, I was like a kid waiting for a pasalubong and giggles when it finally reaches me.  Yup, was really excited to see and get hold of my orders.  April 26, the courier came knocking and brought me my 1st online purchase ever.  Here's the picture of my 1st purchase c/o closet chic.

this kimono's are really pretty.. my mom and sister will surely love theirs. :)

I was torn between the dress or the long kimono, but I sure think that the kimono would fit my sister perfectly.

After this purchase, I will surely try it again. It's fun. 

one day everyday

It has been ages since I tried writing.  And I made a vow to myself to write again every day if possible.  This would personally help me keep my life a little less stressful.  This would also serve as a personal journal of the things I would like to try and the first time experiences  I will encounter.

Aside from a hobby and the joys of writing it brings me.  I personally see this as a good outlet.  To unleash the joy and frustrations I have.  Thanks to my number 1 critic and inspiration, my husband, who encouraged and believed in me that I could write again.  To inspire and be inspired.

2 days back, I tried out yoga.  Yup, First timer. All thanks to youtube which is a good companion.  This link is very helpful for first timers, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3vLZqPZxZE&list=FLcdboVLhZq4wJRbi8Y_49rQ&index=5&feature=plpp_video. 

Got to make use of this yoga mat which I got as a Christmas gift.

Sweat out and stretched out my cold muscles.  And makes me want to try it out again tomorrow and the days to come.