Last day at Work

Yesterday, 23rd June 2017, marked my last day with the Company. It had been four and half years of stress..but beautiful stress that contributed to my professional growth.

I was surprised to have not cried during the last day while giving my speech of farewell. Not because I cared less but because I had the whole month prior to grieve over everything. My notification was relayed a month before and the days after that, I found myself teary-eyed over almost anything that I would miss. 

My colleagues were nice enough to give me a card full of sweet messages.

The office.

With the women of Dynamic team

Equipment Purchasing

(Clockwise from left) Nakamura, Moriya, Kiyohara, Yamakawa, Ishitsuka, Yasu, Oomori, Makihara, Hijikata, Yang, Hiramatsu, me, Onozuka and Mizuno.

Outside work, I have taken a few photos of my neighbourhod. My home from December 2012 to 3rd July 2017.

My mama bike. Amber used to ride the backseat. Even without her, I still kept the backseat.
Speaking of the neighbourhood. It is typical quiet suburban, wherein you could barely hear any blasting music from neighbours. The buildings are old but the surroundings are made child-friendly with the presence of pocket parks and playground. 

Keiyo Line is the first train I hop on for trainhopping and the only line that leads me to work. 

Ginza, where I get a little relief from stress!

The iconic Wako building.

My home station, Inagekaigan.

birthday post for 2017

The older I get, the more it feels that everything is moving too fast. I thought it was only me who felt it until a friend told me that she feels the same.

Well, I should be happy having reached this far. As they say, getting old is a privilege denied to some.  Let's see how privilege I am. 

Spring 2017

I am thankful for the blessings, the small family I have, Amber, T and few friends. Life has been nice to me even though most of the time I don't reciprocate. In fact, I really should take into practice about not complaining anymore (although I no longer complain as much), specifically the trivial stuff. Note to self: The life that I enjoy is not something that most people in the world get to experience. 

I may lead a life frowned upon by some but over the years of this practice, it has become a standard partly due to longevity that I no longer give an eff. But of course, I long to be in the place where everything and every person I love are in one place. Someday, someday. 

For myself, I wish for more books to read, more artworks and a better couch in the living room (still looking for that perfect grey couch that will support the comforts of thyself while enjoying movie marathons), and a Swiss made watch. The last one I know can be very personal and shallow but it is my birthday and am free to splurge for having reached this milestone.

On the other hand, I should stop accummulating unnecesaary knick knacks! I hate that I easily fall for cute things, especially if beautitfully and intricately crafted. 

Happy place

For the most part of Winter, I spent most of my free time doing art at this spot of my tiny living room where it has slowly transformed as my happy space. The perfect definition of hermit was achieved by me (again) over winter while I happily pursued my longtime wish of painting. 

As much as I wanted to jumpstart with oil painting, I had to rethink and best decided to just finish my gouache acrylic tubes and be good with details until those tubes go empty and I have mastered my strokes. 

I started with a vision for the first painting on canvas. We all know canvas is expensive and to start random painting with no subject in mind can be frustrating and end up to waste. 

In January, I made up my usual list of goals for the year and it did include a specific subject of the painting I wanted to do. It was a lion or a female face. The former prevailed. 

There (inset photo), at the left, is my first painting on canvas. From then on, I succeeded it with animal profiles. Lion was made in January, wolf in February and the Cat in March. For April, I have not painted any for the lack of time and canvas. In between, I managed to do some sketching, hoping to master drawing faces. 

As an aspiring artist, the search for my signature look - something that will identify my work from the others - is still ongoing. For now, what i really want is to paint hyperealism style. The same goes with my sketching. I know it's a long process in my case considering that I am self-taught. 

For tools, Tokyo has lots of it. The famous Sekaido in Shinjuku holds the most number of discounted art supplies. I could spend the whole afternoon gaping at the many selection of brushes and paint medium of sorts. If I feel too lazy, Amazon Japan proved reliable for small purchases. 

I am happy knowing that I have finally put this into practice. For how long this pursuit been put on hold, glad that boredom and winter depression crept in and allowed me to find a way of dealing with it in productive way. Hope I get to paint more and get better. I have this wishful thinking that even at old age, I am hoping to see myself standing next to my works in an exhibhit. How's that for a dream?

36

Where to begin? I can't find any desirable looking photo except for my feet wearing patent leather shoes. 

Ok. I have been  in this planet for 36 years. It really feels like it's been a long time but then again, it sometimes feel like I just left school or gave birth not so long ago. 

At 36, I think I'm doing well though I have to admit my being moody never waned. It's part of me, regardless. The best things with growing older, I feel more confident, mature and wiser. No kidding. Though there's still so much room that needs improvement, I just feel that I have in ways become better than years before. 

I have fully accepted myself (with no reservations), the insecurities are gone and I have accepted that my boobs will never get any bigger unless I succumb to cosmetic surgery or get fat. My imperfections, the varicose veins that had been clearly evident since teenage years, the ever many wrinkles and pimple scars that have defined my face grew on me. As much as perfect skin is a never ending quest, well, the thing is..it will come to no end. I have held my head high against critics, naysayers and haters (just kidding).

My love for Amber grows every single day. She inspires me to be strong, seriously. I wish that everyday she'll continue to remember and love me just as the same way I love her. (Reciprocate my Soph-chan!)

Again, I haven't done anything irrational (like, joining a fan club or done extreme sports). I don't think I have time for it either since 'busy' always describes my day ever since I got older or I could be making excuses because I am too coward to even attempt. I will probably miss 'busy' by the time I get oldest. But there's still time to be radical and crazy in acceptable ways. It will find me.

When I was younger, I had this theory that there's a certain standard that people should follow once people reach a certain age. Like when I was in first grade, I see fifth graders no longer playing like first graders do. The fifth graders would just huddle in groups and talk endlessly. As I watched them, I think about giving up playing when I reach their age. Alas! was I so wrong. I never gave up playing paperdolls 'til college. So there's no format in life. Though one has to act at a certain age in work or in specific settings, one does not have to give up being oneself.

On my 36th, I wish good health, prosperity, enjoyment and lots of love from people who matter to me. 

Cheers to getting older!

Five Random (vol.3)

Hey, there.

(1) Well, it's the season to be jolly, fa la la la la, la la la..la.

OK. Worry not. Stress este working days for this year will be over in the next two days. I am, as usual, will spend it with family in Cebu...and at our Home!

(2) Illumination or light shows are popular in Japan especially during Christmas season. Every corner in Tokyo, even in my dear neighbourhood mall, has their own version of Illumination. Inset photo was in Caretta Shiodome taken two Sundays ago.
Well, these illumination shows pale in comparison to my dear Philippines, where every household has their own light shows; some simple, some grand.

(3) IKEA love. Yes, count me as one of the many fans of this Swedish phenom. I love the simplicity and the functionality of all things they offer. IKEA caters to every type and size of home and their prices are fairly reasonable. Currently eyeing on the throw pillow covers (already bought four) and those grey seat cushions.

(4) And for the second time on my second yearend party attended this year, luck eludes me. I don't know why. Bingo game is a game of chance but chance never favors me, LOL. Here's hoping I'll win the first prize on the coming Friday's yearend at the office.

(5) Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee will probably be the last book I have read this year. The predecessor was a masterpiece so don't put your hopes too high on this book to overcome the predecessor's level. However, it has its own lesson worth learning.
Spoiler: Scott in her 20s, working in New York, went back to her hometown in Maycomb, Alabama for a break. We all know how she adores Atticus (her father) since as a child, to the point that he is put on a pedestal, an epitome of perfection. One day, she found that her father is supporting an opinion different from hers. It shocked her so she went to confront him about it. Harsh words were said by Scott to her father while the latter remained calm.  In the end, her Uncle Jack (Atticus' brother) put some sense into her head, reminding her that she is her own person and her father is his own. Her opinions need not be forced to people because that makes her a bigot. People have different opinions on certain things and should be respected. On the contrary, Atticus praised her for sticking to her opinions but reminded her to learn to respect what others have to say.

7 years and 340 posts

Today marks the 7th year of my blog.

This has served as my avenue for raves, rants, selfishness, shallowness and lamentations. For 7 years, I managed to publish 340 posts (excluding deleted posts). This only means, I am not a good blogger or at blogging. My posts are sporadic and subjects are indefinite. I really don't mind. I like it that way anyway.

My documentation of life's snippets started in a rainy afternoon of May 2007 in Japan. Today, it rained earlier. Very typical of Spring. 

In 2011, Amber had her first share of this free space. I first posted about her while still 5 weeks in my belly. The gender was unknown then so I started calling it Krang. For those not a fan of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, you sure don't know it. Click on Krang and it will lead you to its Wikipedia page. I fondly called her Krang because like Krang, it is super powerful and lives inside a robot at its disposal. 

It never occurred to me to cling on blogging this long. In some ways, it has served as my journal. I'd still love to go back keeping journals but my handwriting has gone so poor ever since computers took over. 

It never occurred to me to shut down this blog. I did abandon at times but eventually come back posting away whatever. Besides, I enjoy reading my old and immature posts; and going back to those years of solitary wanders, book shopping and train-hopping.

I have given up Facebook early this year because being way too updated by others' lives and looking at nonsense feeds is getting annoying. Twitter, also. Others, as mentioned in this blog's sidebar, still exist. DeviantArt will still be dormant until I find time to create art in the future. Flickr, too. I just need to renew my Pro account. This and Instagram are the only virtual properties I update constantly. The latter, almost weekly.

I can't post every day because my lifestyle won't allow me or post a specific niche because I don't have any, thus, I rely on general topics and myself. Besides, I'm sporadic and unpredictable. Let it be that way otherwise it defeats this blog's name. 

thirty-four

Yes, I am more confident to tell my real age now. I remember last year and years prior, I would always tell my age as thirtysomething or better yet, ‘in my early thirties’. Though the latter still applies, saying my true age with pride is what mature people do when asked. The old famous adage has put emphasis on wisdom relating to age (though not applicable to all), and I’d like to think that I have gained at least some ounce of that.

I don’t have a specific wish but what I’d like to do is to continue what I am currently doing with the rest of my life. That is living life fully, to travel and explore more, read at least half of the ‘Time 100 best books of all time’ before I go blind, support Amber with all my might, and not to take work seriously because most probably it will not miss me but the life outside work will miss me more. Especially the last one, I am not saying that I have achieved expertise on the field I’m doing. It’s just that I have come to conclude that the experience I have gained has likewise increased my level of confidence.

TO DO:

One thing that I haven’t done since birth is to be daring or reckless ala Carrie Mathison. I could not remember to have done any extreme sports, been in a rollercoaster ride, became a president of a tacky fans club or founded a cult. Must try at least one for record (not necessarily among mentioned or what Carrie did) provided not illegal and a threat to national security. Just something out of my comfort zone.

TO AVOID (NOT ENTIRELY):

One I’d like to minimize is wearing stripes. My conviction as a zebra incarnate has led me to accumulate a collection of long sleeve stripes’ shirts since 2004. Some are no longer with me as I have moved from XXS to S/M size. Stripes are always cool, a wardrobe staple and the style will never fade to oblivion but I think I have to control this stripes craziness of mine.

stripes, caffeine and ponytails at Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay
This was taken on my birthday! The best photo that perfectly described that day.

TO AVOID (ENTIRELY):

I should cease trying out beauty products because in most cases, it has done nothing beneficial to my face. I am stubborn (in most ways) that even though the adverse effects have shown, I still kept on using them. This should stop, seriously. Stick to what has been tried and though the effects are barely visible, at least it’s not the opposite of what it (the product) promises.

ANOTHER NOTE TO SELF:

I love HIMYM and though I have not fully followed the series from Season 7 onwards. It was sad and a relief that it finally ended. One of my favorite episodes was the last episode of Season 4.

HIMYM (S04EP24), excerpts from Wikipedia:

Finally, back in the apartment, Ted laments his situation, and Lily tells him to stop chasing something that is not working, and let the universe take over for a bit. When Lily tells him that maybe he should just take 'the leap' and do what the world seems to want him to do, Ted accepts the professor job at the University.

Sometimes, let the universe take control.

THE BIRTHDAY:

I spent this year’s birthday with my family at the happiest place on earth (read: Disneyland). Argue all you want but I can’t find any place that simply brings out the child in me by the mere sound and sight of that place.

happy birthday to us!

I officially turned 3#>#?! two days ago while Amber here is four days shy of her first birthday. 

It's been a month since I wrote a post

Yes, I'm still alive people. My last post was a bit sad but everything's fine now though Amber is presently nursing a cold.

(Not sure if it has to do with pollens in the air. It's Spring, by the way.)

Temperature is rising. I can't wait for Cherry Blossoms to bloom! I must say I am way more excited than ever about the whole Hanami thing even though this year will be my 7th.

Spring is IN and so are strawberries!

Walking after lunch has been serving me well. I lost weight. I think I now weigh below my target.

Work has been less stressful compared to the first two months (it could be that I have gotten used to it now). At the risk of taking back my words, I truly love my job. I've been assigned to a couple of designations in my whole working career but the current job is probably my niche. In spite of the hectic schedule of motherhood and career, I really do enjoy it! It's just the right balance of stress I need =) 

On weekends, I spend it mostly with Amber; yet with all the busy schedule, I managed to squeeze another to-do because I felt that our small home needs some personality. When we moved in last December 2012, the next thing that I want to do (first was to buy Amber's essentials, i.e. bath tub) was adorn the plain dull walls with life.

After having seen some pretty nice inspirations in Apartment Therapy website, I began working on a 'wall project'. The wall at the dining area is already done, and the living room wall is still in progress. I bought a few photo frames in various sizes at Ikea. The frames are ready, the layout in mind, but the photos are yet to be printed. So that's a to-do waiting to be strikethrough-ed.

The moment I saw this hexagon mirror tiles in Ikea, I knew exactly where to place them.

The proposed layout for the living room 'wall project'. (The small ones come in twos).  Other than the lack of time to complete the project, I have not yet finalised which photo should be printed in this or that size. =P

Amber will be turning a year old this April. I am planning on a Minnie Mouse themed party just because she (or I) enjoy watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. It will be a simple party which will most likely end up like a small gathering of adults in the guise of a children's party. As for the food, this is what I'm still trying to figure out. As you may know, my culinary skills is not yet ready for large gatherings.

from the archives

I composed this (while at work) a few days after I tendered my resignation in 2008. This was supposed to be my contribution to Youngblood but I never got to send for reasons I forgot nor published it on my blog. Must be that I was busy with wedding preparations.

(unedited)

----

TRANSITIONS

Approximately after four years and six months of working and (basically) spending the most of the aforementioned period of work in Tokyo, I decided to resign. Not because I’m tired or what but more of something required me to end this so as to begin a new one.

My resignation was not really shocking for most people because ‘the better half’ is working in Singapore. Thus, THEY expected that in due time, I will follow. My immediate superiors’ reaction, however, was the opposite. They did not see it coming in spite of their prior knowledge as to my better-half’s whereabouts. I surmise they thought of the possibility but never really expected me to leave this early.

The whole so-called journey changed the entire course of my life. Never did I think that I will linger this long knowing that I abandoned my true profession for a position with little (or almost no) reference to the principles I was taught to adhere and practice.

My first work was for a VISMIN branch, located in Cebu, of a construction firm as a Junior Accountant. Though just recently passed the board exams, the pay was considerably below average. But knowing the incessantly declining employment rate in our country, I grabbed the opportunity even though I was to be employed under contract basis. Besides, I was after the work experience. The benefits and other incentives of a regular employee were of no concern to me until after more than a year of working, still, under contractual basis. Reality sank in that I do deserve more. With that realization, few benefits and no signs of stability, I left. I sought for something permanent with better rewards.

Two days after my resignation took effect, I reported for work on my new employer. The pay was approximately 75% of the gross pay I normally receive from my previous employer. I know it sounds stupid that I did not even negotiate and all I was after were the employment stability and the benefits that come along with it. Still, I regretted nothing. My new employer was an engineering company engaged in design, procurement and construction of Petrochemical projects. I was assigned to work for the procurement department, contrary to the job description I applied for. Initially, I was shocked. There were five of us who applied for accounting and they accepted three and the remaining two were assigned in procurement. But having gone through the efforts of getting hired, I decided to just stick and see what happens.

Being an accountant working for an engineering company with theories and practices that are beyond my comprehension was, definitely, a huge leap. Nevertheless, I survived. I took it as a challenge especially after knowing that there were only two of us having no engineering educational background furthered the pressure. It was more of my innate force that motivated me to prove myself how capable I was in doing the assigned task. It was not really difficult that would require me to cram engineering books. In fact, all it took was to equip myself with basic knowledge on the materials and the whole procurement procedure of a particular project, which one will eventually learn from constant exposure. I must admit it was easier and not so stressful compared to accounting work.

And the highlight of it all, as what the management told me on the very first day of my work, was the overseas assignment. Not bad. The experience was superb even if it meant being away from friends and family.

As years progressed, I stealthily said my farewells to accounting and embraced my new-found profession. With this transformation, came the expected change. Like a caterpillar in a cocoon, slowly crawling its way out to explore the outside world. Then, eventually, wings begin to sprout, turning itself into a butterfly; destined to explore.

Just when I thought that I have reached a notch higher in my career in the company, the time has come to swerve. The time has come for me to let go and embark on a new journey.

Yet letting go was not easy. It even came to a point that I deferred the submission of my resignation letter for another day, to allow me to think in profundity the highly possible consequence of my decision. In spite of the promising career as foretold by my superiors, it has to end.

Deep within, I was resolute. I had it long before that I was not meant to stay. I was meant someplace. I was cynic on my fate ‘there’ from the very beginning. It never occurred to me that I’ll be growing old, still working with the same company. All along, I knew nothing is permanent and that, eventually, something better waits for me.

It must be the extensive exposure I had overseas that made me compare and appreciate more the broader and detailed aspect of my work, thus, giving me the idea on the limitless possibilities. Or must be the planned union so as to, finally, fill the void of separation between ‘the better half’, and live the cliched happily-ever-after story.

Either way looks blurry from this point of view. The lamp posts are not well lit. The road looks dim making it dangerous to tread. The bumps and holes of the pavement might cause me to stumble en route. Nonetheless, I am prepared for I know He is always guiding me. He is leading me to greater heights.

gloomy weather inspires sleep and flashbacks

The gloomiest sky I've seen to date. Earlier, at 2pm, outside looked like dusk and we are a day away to May.

So gloomy that it inspired T to take an afternoon nap, while yours truly decided to update this blog.

I officially turned 31 two weeks ago and realized that it's been ten years since leaving university. And since the gloomy eerie scene outside, my mind drifted to revisiting my twenty-something years.

Just for fun, I'm going through the milestones of the past decade and what mattered at that time.

Note: it is boring compared to Kate Middleton's.

20, I graduated uni.
21, bum and got crazy for 2D games. It was unfortunate that my parents have decided to purchase a computer just after I graduated, and what better way to make use of it aside from drafting my boring and spotless CV.
22, passed the boards. yipee! one of the happiest events of my life, and got my first job as a Junior Accountant for a construction firm.
23, moved to another company, a Japanese engineering company and was dispatched to Japan -- my first overseas experience.
24, spent the whole of 2004 in Japan. I gained weight and had awful pimples.
25, got a boyfriend and invested in real property.
26, went back to Japan for a a 2-year assignment. Had my first ever business trip to Busan, KR. I kinda cringed every time I remember that time because I was more excited over seeing Korea rather than meeting the vendors.
27, started this blog.
28, events in order: left Japan, resigned, got married, went to Singapore for a week, went back to Japan to work for another company, and was introduced to Tsudanuma and everything around it.
29, Hermit. I lived a recluse existence. Often wandered around, not because I'm lost.
30, Left Japan and spent the Summer in Ulsan. Went to Seoul for a job interview and got it. Left Korea in Autumn; spent amazing crazy two months in the Philippines; and when Winter came, left Philippines for Korea.

I spent the most of my twenty-something years overseas, and at some point, thought about that have I done otherwise, would my life be better? Or what could possibly be the highlights of each year? I wonder.

In life, there are only two possible choices in decision making process, that is: go or no. Often my answer to career opportunities has always been 'go'. As for other things, it's either.

In all honesty, having gone past 30 now, I dread aging and everything that comes with it: wrinkles, receding hairline *faints*. But it has to happen because that's how the world works.

I now constantly remind myself to (as read somewhere) 'never regret getting older, it's a privilege denied to many'.  And better focus on the brighter side of being older like wisdom, among others.

In other news, I finally bought a dwelling place for my books. It occurred to me that they aren't that many.

I confess. I haven't been reading. The Kazuo Ishiguro book (Never Let Me Go) has been gathering dust since having found out that Megabox theatre will not show the movie adaptation. I doubt the rest will.

the year that was 2010 (..more of what happened on the 2nd half)

Half of 2010 was spent working in Japan.

The other half was spent elsewhere. And this is all about the 2nd half.

After my contract ended in June, I packed my bags and flew to Korea. I decided against going home to Cebu because I feel the need to do something, and be with hubby.

There, it was Summer, I spent the three (3) months getting lost, gaining weight, watching cable TV, and studying Nihongo -- that went nowhere. As promised to myself, I didn't read any fiction to avoid diverting my focus away from Nihongo. Unfortunately, after doing all what was required for the JLPT exams in Seoul, certain circumstance prevented me from taking part.

While in Cebu, I was set to be back as a tourist in Korea before the exams date (ticket ready and all) but my agent called that my working visa has arrived; consequently, required me to fly for Manila for my appearance at KR embassy.

And just my luck, I arrived in Seoul two (2) days after the exams date. I don't know if I should take next year, though T encouraged me to do so.

After my Summer in Ulsan, I went home via Japan. I checked-in at Nikko hotel near Narita airport. I stayed there for a night since I had twelve (12) hours of transit before the next day's 2pm flight for Cebu. Days prior to that, I well planned on hopping a train for Tokyo proper to take pictures and its lively streets, for the last time. It didn't happen in spite of the nice weather because for no apparent reason, I caught myself staring at the ceiling the whole afternoon until I decided to go down at the lobby and bought souvenirs.

I arrived in Cebu in the evening of Oct.03. As a bum, my days were long. I barely had anything to write on my planner of to-dos for each day because there really was none. There were days that I enjoyed it; most days despised it because I was unproductive. I went to malls to kill time and when dusk came, looked forward to watching primetime news on TV. It was not at all boring since after a week, I temporarily assumed the role of 'babysitter' for my three (3) year old nephew, River, because his then-nanny left and no replacement was available.

Eventually, we bonded. He's adorable, talkative, smart, worships Barney; never gets tired of watching 'Ratatouille; and sometimes unbearable (especially in the mornings). He has this vocabulary of words which took me days to familiarize. Like 'dandan' means 'sleep'; 'timtim' means 'jump'; 'weewee' means 'pee', and more. He calls me Mommy-Auntie. It was a role I cannot refuse since I am also his godmother. Funny is that whenever I think of those two (2) months in Cebu, River instantly pops to mind.

After two (2) months in Cebu, other than I lost 2kgs (yehey!), I formally started working again.

I'm 30 and will be a year a older in less than five (5) months .I don't know what lies ahead. One thing I'm sure is that I just want to enjoy life and what it has to offer,

I think at that time I was unprepared to leave work, and so I find ways to go back. During my bum days, I did try to find ways to keep me occupied but nothing came to mind. All i could think was to go back in the field because it is way more fun. It goes without saying that I'm not yet prepared to stay in the sidelines.

the year that was 2009

(1) Got to spend more time with T (compared last year). Being in LDR is never easy and so far, we've handled everything well. This, of course, is according to me but I dunno with him, lol. I did promise myself not to let 2009 pass without being together with him -- for good. But for some reason, we've decided to stick to our respective 'barracks' for a while and let's see what happens on the first quarter.

(2) Work was not very hectic that led me to re-studying Nihonggo. I googled and the rest happened beyond my expectations (I mean, in terms of my teacher and schedule). As to my own assessment, I think I'm doing fine.

(3) The book project. In my previous post, I stand corrected. I claimed being able to read a total of 33 books but judging the present situation, I'm still stuck at number 32. Credits to that Murakami book (The Wind-up Bird Chronicle). It is soo dragging. So detailed that describing the entire look of an austere office filled one whole page, which can be described in just one or two sentences. I don't mind details. I even adore authors doing them. But for a plain office, anyone does have an idea what it looks like. While one chapter leads to another, I always hoped for Kumiko to show up, and end Mr. Wind-up Bird's reflections on reality.

My fault. The hope of reaching the target probably clouded my concentration on the book; Thus, making it impossible for me to enjoy it. I just have to bear the details until the last pages. Besides, it's just one office and who knows, the book might leave a lasting impression on me.

(4) Last take on twenty-something. I'm turning 30 next year. *sigh*

-----
There, the year that was. Not much of a drama, not much of fun(?). There's nothing remarkably special. Not that I'm complaining.

I'm thankful for having lived 2009. I'm in good health and hope it continues 'til the universe knows when; friends and family are fine; and the world's economy is still striving but there's not much I can do about that.

For 2010, all I can say is 'Bring it on!'

8 things

Foreword: MSN was right. Saturday is all rain at 12degC.

I admit not being much a fan of memes but can't pass this "8 Things" tag from Alaine of Got Ice Cream? because the weather is not that inspiring to write about =P

Eight things I look forward to:
Refer to my 4/23 post for the list -- the most recent in mind.

Eight things I did yesterday:
1) Had lunch with Christy at a ramen house near the station.
2) Was asked to proofread a notary document by my officemate.
3) Went to Cloister and end up buying a chic polka-dot coat at 50% off from its original price.
4) Read blogs.
5) Watched ANTM 12 via the net. It's my guilty pleasure even if the show is getting nonsense. (Tyra, why did you kick Natalie out?!?!)
6) Called T a few minutes before midnight only to find out he's having a superb time. (Ugh...Wednesday, why you seem so far?)
7) Checked emails.
8) Slept late because it was Friday.

Eight things I wish I could do:
1) Sing like Mariah (I secretly want to break glass just by singing).
2) Own a fat orange cat.
3) Buy a beach house.
4) EU trip
5) Go venture for a food franchise.
6) Run for a marathon (main resort if I gain gazillion of kilos)
7) 100 crunches everyday.
8) Contribute an article for Youngblood.

Eight shows I watch:
1) American Idol 8 (I'm rooting for Adam or that Jason Mraz-like guy)
2) ANTM
3) Grey's Anatomy
4) Project Runway (waiting for Season 6)

...my list ends there. Don't have time to watch any series that much.

Now, I'm tagging everyone!

twenty-nine

OK, I admit. Part of me is reluctant to accept the reality of me being 29, while the other part feels liberated(?)- from twenty-something woes -- for I'd like to think that I'm over with quarter-life crisis (assuming my lifespan lasts 100years).

Like the rest, I have questioned about my career path, and pondered on the word 'love' many times that most of my earlier posts (deleted and unrecorded) were about those. But having aged, those things rarely come up; maybe because I already found the answers to those questions, or completely at peace to what is at present. What I know, for sure, is that I don't whine much compared before.

I'd love to be worry-free while I age but knowing life, it never runs out of surprises. Either type of surprise can happen anytime.

If only I have the power of premonition, I could just glide my way through 50 and beyond, wrinkle-free, unscathed but ignorant (I suppose). That being said, I’d rather not have THAT power (because it's impossible). Getting old with wrinkles, minor bruises and lastly, possessing wisdom beyond books feels much better.

Updated (some) Facts about me

Over time, people change. Be it from experience, peer pressure or simply the fact, change is inherent. I realized (after reading this post, June 19, 2007) that after a span of less than two years, I did change...A LOT. I could delete the entire post strike-through half of it but decided against it.

Take for instance. (see post link)

4.) It will take me a day to tidy up my room but to raise havoc ---- will only take a few seconds.

[present] I'm quite a neat freak now.

6.) I used to love reading actual books until the circulation of bootlegged movies and e-books from the net came to life. Must revert to REAL books (read: hardcopies) because e-books are aggravating my vision. Besides, I've always dreamed of having this huge shelf full of my fave books...

[present] I'm back with books! E-books can never take place of actual books. Other than aggravating my vision for the former, the latter are just irreplaceable for me.

7.) At work, drowsy or not, I browse the net. Believe me, I'm not the only one.

[present] Sad but more happy to say that i no longer do this. The demands of work prevent me from doing so. If the demands are not that high, there are other work-related things to do. Somebody pat me in the back for such act of restraint, lol.

Daytime = work, Evening = personal time (that includes net-browsing).

9.) Photoshop is LOVE. Whenever I have a so-called PS Project, I'm so obsessed on finishing it in a day.

When i say PS project, I mean vector work. 2007 was the year it all started. I was obssessed! Weekends were mostly spent indoors doing vector and browsing for tricks and tips in the net. Like, completely isolated myself from the social scene (read: group activities).

[present] I haven't done vectoring since 2nd quarter of 2008. I got tired or just plain too busy to make some.

12.) I believe that Wentworth Miller is God's gift to women =P

[present] No longer true. Gerard Butler is!

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Next, i'll post my current obsession(s).

*stomach makes grumbling sound*
I have to go out.. NOW! Fridge is empty.

yearend report - 2008

My 2008 was more on work, work, and work. Though i got to have a break -->just to get married, lol!

(1) got married last May.

(2) right after our honeymoon in Maribago Bluewaters, i traveled to S'pore! (the only vacation i had in 2008)

(3) after 4.5 years of employment, i resigned to take another offer.

(4) took the offer, better-paying job in JP *loveeeet*

(5) though married, still in LDR, lol. He in KR (no longer SG), while me in JP.

(6) turned down a site assignment in Thailand bec. of time difference issues w/ my husband. Thank God, the company understood my situation. I really thought my refusal would have affected my reputation.

(7) if 2007 was about me trying to revive my artistic side (and my drama queen days..ugh), well, 2008 turned out more about me the working girl and my love for photography =P.

my hopes for 2009..and beyond.

(1) for DFA to release my passport (it's been long overdue...tsk, tsk)

(2) project Uzbe to begin. if not, Plan B should resurface.

(3) a better Philippines. Enough of the politicking. These people in public service should know better that there are far more important issues (ex. the global financial crisis that is affecting PI...and my passport!), than revising the Constitution, that require more time and attention.

(4) on something personal: to learn more about life. The world is such a huge book for me, so i do hope to explore other places, and experience their culture.

same old tag

Just recently, a Filipino officemate-slash-neighbor told me that I should at least smile to compatriot-officemates because it looks like the message I’m giving is ‘thou-shall-not-talk-to-me’. Yay. I’m always like that: suplada (unfriendly). That adjective has been a common comment to me since college; so it’s nothing new.

Truth is...I talk a lot about work but once outside the office, don’t expect many words coming out from my mouth. Well, we can talk about the unpredictable weather, dirty politics, fashion(?!)..or about “homo superior” Michael Phelps!

the coffee monster

Lately, i've been resorting to iced coffee everytime i feel my eyes falling from focus. it's like the only solution i know, thus far, that can stop my eyelids from dropping. the disadvantage is that every morning coffee equals to 150yen cash outflow =P. as much as i avoid the unwanted cash outflow, it leaves me no choice for i can't think of any other solution. well, i tried others; like, diverting my attention from work to net browsing, (which is not as effective as coffee); and don't get me started on the lack of exercise because my morning involves a sum of 20+ mins. walk!...as well as the 'don't skip breakfast' philosophy; i've been following that rule since mid-May.

seriously though, 150yen coffee is not that bad at all. the iced coffee in our canteen is self-service. one can put as much as ice, cream, and syrup as one fancies. the plastic cup size resembles to Starbucks' tall plastic cup...so, it's worth it. well, what matters to me most is its effectiveness.

Thank God though, i only crave coffee in the mornings!!? i'd be on deficit if i frequent it in one day!? especially now that my atm has not yet arrived, i've been scrimping on my expenditures..lol!

sometimes, i feel that this drowsy state is all in the mind. But honestly, i just can't stop it from happening, though one could have prevented it by sleeping early..(i should do that). this "sleeping early" advice has been around for ages and I don't really grasp the whole idea for too long.

birthday girl

today, i am officially celebrating my twenty-eight years in this planet and that would mean (literally) two years from now, I'll be hitting the big 3-0. while this would be my last birthday as 'single', my sister, who shares birthday with me, is actually celebrating her first as a mother. it looks to me that i'm not acting my age. modesty aside (hehe), i look way too young for 28. though my tastes in music and ideal fun have pretty matured. though i still have some arrested development tendencies; from food to TV channel preferences. 

the whole idea of nearing thirty has not fully grasped me until, i guess, everytime i fill up forms. that's when the harsh reality sinks in. it sucks, hehe. anyways, this is it. instead of me fearing the dreaded wrinkles that unfortunately comes with aging, i am (actually) embracing it because i have no choice. i love growing up. the fun-ride is oh soooo getting better! i wouldn't trade places with baby River.