11 years and counting

So three days from today, I will be actually enjoying the rest of Summer. Not that April was a bore, it was actually memorable. It is just that my days will be less contrived, predictable but rather spent more on personal things. In a nutshell, I am leaving the workforce temporarily.

Before I embark on another journey towards career, I have long decided to take a break and spend more time with Amber. I will probably be unable to spend longer time with her when school starts so the best I can give her now is my quality time. In addition to that, I will be able to do the things I have been wanting to do. I know a month sounds too ambitious to do all these things but I know for sure, it's not impossible.

For the remaining days of Summer and before Amber starts school, I will dedicate my time to:

1) Spending quality time with Amber. It could be malling, watching cartoons with her all day or simply cooking or getting her fed.

2) Painting. Go buy that medium size canvas and create a masterpiece!

3) Finish reading that Neil Gaiman book. I haven't read a book from him but I did hear a lot of good reviews of him.

4) Watch movies.

Without the worry work, I will have the time at my disposal - temporarily.

By the way, I have been blogging for eleven years now. I know this blog is not a superstar (not that I want it to be), it is just nice knowing that Amber will have something to read about me and her and all things trivial surrounding us in the future. Some are cringeworthy but who gets exemption from that phase anyway. 

2017 Goals

- Keep fit. I want a body like Gal Gadot's.

- Paint. I finally bought a 40x50 canvas hoping to begin the so-called 'masterpiece'.  Subject in mind is a lion or a female's face.

- Rewatch the whole Star Wars starting from the originals. I was lucky enough to catch Rogue One in the cinema last weekend and it was wayyyy better than the Star Wars' prequels starred by Hayden and Natalie. The Force Awakens is also something I need to check.

- Read more biographies for inspiration. I used to get easily bored with biographies. The first time I read a biography was in high school, about Princess Diana. This was before her death, just right at the time when her divorce with Prince Charles was all over the news. It was forgettable. The second and last time, happened eight years ago, was Barack Obama's semi-autobiography: The Audacity of Hope. The book was a gift and more like, I was forced to read it. I did try and barely made it to the first quarter of its pages. Currently, I am reading Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson. So far, I enjoyed every page.

- Something big should happen. I feel that I want some change. Be it job or place to live in. I feel that it's about time since I am not getting any younger.

2016

Apparently, I forgot to blog about the highlights of year 2016. As most people do in social media, the need to recall the major events or happenings of a year has become mandatory.

Well, better late than never. Here it goes..in no particular order.

- Amber turned 4 and after a year of living in Cebu, she set foot again in Japan twice this year (in April, just in time for Spring and in late October, before Autumn officially began). At her age, she understood the concept of me away for work but if she were to choose, she wanted me to stay with her. Of course, it breaks my heart every time she randomly says that because I knew she meant it and I knew it was possible. But here I am, 3,220km away from her and an hour ahead of Cebu.

Just a few of Amber's favorites: Shinkansen toy, a Frozen wallet and her handmade necklace.

- Getting older and wiser. Let me be clear that wisdom-comes-with-age does not apply to all people but little did I know that the ability to give a sound advice and opine with conviction are something I thought I would never be able to do. Well, I guess, being a mother and having enough work experience do pay off.

- Less busy with work allowed me to reenter the world of arts for the nth time. I have an on/off relationship with my art but hopefully this year, I will be able to come up with a masterpiece.

- Being alone is not for the faint-hearted. I do admit to have bouts of depression especially right after coming back from Cebu for a short vacation. Twice this year, it lasted for at least two weeks. I was hoping for homesickness to leave after a couple of days but it did stay longer. It was a difficult time for me because it affected my appetite and that no means of entertainment could ever lift my spirit. Surprisingly, it did not affect my work. I was like a robot and hated it. Good thing now I'm feeling well even if I just came back from Cebu three days ago.  Here's hoping I will be stable for the rest of winter knowing that being surrounded with grey and cold are depressing enough.

- Osaka was unforgettable. It was our first trip as a trio to the western part of Japan, and also our first time to stay at an accommodation booked via Airbnb in Japan. The latter proved to be a good experience leading us to use Airbnb in our future travels.

- Back with Nihonggo class since September 2016. Our classes are held twice a month. Not enough but it will serve as good practice for me. I knew a little Nihonggo but with my lack of usage, it is still poor. So, I decided to sign up because it was free and I was bored.

- The house in Mactan has become our official residence for a year now. It was expected that we will accumulate a lot of things, nonsense and toys in a year. While spending my holidays in Cebu, I made sure to wake up early (while Amber and T were still asleep) so that I could just have the whole small area by myself with a cup of milk tea and thoughts on interior design. I know, I'm getting older.

Next post will be my 2017 goals. 

On a serious note

For want of some little peace of mind, I have decided to delete my FB app in my phone. My account is still active but I just feel the need to take myself away from social media, specifically FB. Other accounts from other social media sites remain unchanged. Without the all too familiar letter F on my screen will, I think, discourage me from browsing the site.

The reason behind is politics. Ever since Philippines elected a new president, people have become a little too involved to the point of fandom. Though being aware on government issues and the like are beneficial to society, it is actually getting annoying up to this time. It is understandable to support a specific candidate but playing political analysts without proper research and spreading wrong information are unacceptable.

Call me not of the majority but it does not mean that I don't respect Democracy. I do agree to some extent of Duterte's war on drugs but I do think there should be proper investigation after. I am not sure how the Police file a report at every encountered killing but knowing how unreliable witnesses can be due to fear cannot be taken as truth. The reason you get often is the suspect was fighting back. Fighting back is a little bit vague considering certain circumstances. But hey, if all witnesses agree to this, it can officially become as truth. Other than that, his brashness may be natural for him but diplomacy and good manners are not difficult to achieve. At his age and experience in public service, those virtues should be inherent.

The whole political circus slash telenovela has so affected me that I used to always start my conversation with T about it. He said that he stopped caring. I, not even there, cared too much. Good thing it does not interfere with my work but at the end of working day, I browse and every time I read about politics in my newsfeed, which are many, instantly upsets me.

I'm getting way out of topic. The benefit I will surely get from forgetting FB is a much better focus on life. In 2013, I deactivated my FB account because I decided to focus on rearing Amber and work. It was effective and after a year, I reactivated because I want to get back with virtual connection.

I'll focus on art, work and Amber. Travel might be included in the future if time and budget permit. Earlier today, as I was walking on my way to the platforms of Inagekaigan station, I saw these local travel brochures promoting Hokkaido. In my mind, it reignited my want of getting there and see its wonders myself.

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.1)

Since I am such a sporadic blogger, and my posts lately seem to focus on not a single subject (with the exception of 'house project' posts), I have decided to posts random of anything. Anything which deserves to be posted for record. Five photos or thoughts, posted previously or not, will be featured and justified.  

For my first ever 'Five Random' series, my daughter takes the lead. Of course.

AMBER'S FIRST SCHOOL UNIFORM
When I first saw her in uniform, I couldn't be more proud. I know, she's cute! She's been attending a 2 hour nursery-play morning class. While in the afternoons, she takes power naps which are prerequisite for kids her age.

BUWAN NG WIKA
'Language Month' in English. As fate would have it for school kids in the Philippines, she had her first ever Buwan ng Wika celebration earlier today. I was not there to witness but the other half was as excited so he skipped work in the morning to witness this milestone!

MOET & CHANDON
Though not a huge fan of alcohol, this by far is something I enjoyed drinking especially when paired with cheese or tortilla chips. Costly if consumed daily but mine has been kept chilled for a while now. I stopped when I suffered cough for two weeks since coming back from Cebu. I might take a sip this weekend while watching movies. Inset photo was while watching 'Gone Girl'. That movie was crazy and one of the best I've seen in my movie-rentals this year.

As for red wines, I am still on the search for the right taste.

CURRENTLY READING: The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason
The book is a must read for those wanting to manage their finances properly and grow them exponentially. Not that I had difficulty managing mine, modesty aside, I am frugal so saving is an inherent character. It started with a coin box. In kindergarten, I graduated with honors so my mother gifted me something. The gift was a coin box. I could still remember its design: Snow White. Every time my parents gave me spare coins, I put most of it inside my coin box. My coin boxes have evolved (can't even remember how I lost Snow White) and so the amount of savings have increased, too. Up to now, I still save and a proud frugal. I do treat myself  with little luxuries once in a while but always, saving comes first. I am by far not 'Rich' by definition but having a job, a little business and funds on the side prepares me and my family for uncertainties. I am actually thinking of gifting my daughter a coin box someday as a start-up lesson for her in saving.

PLASTIC SHOES
Whenever raining, which has become a daily occurrence lately, I wear my ever reliable water-proof pumps by Free Fish (a Japanese shoe brand). This pair is from Urban Research x Free Fish collection which I bought last Summer 2014. 

that moment when i had a lot of time to waste during work

The world may have changed for the worse as most people often say but in spite of this sad truth, I have to say that I am grateful that I was born in the generation where freedom is deemed not a luxury. The basic human right to live was not enjoyed by most until after WWII, the Apartheid, and whatever wars that have happened in other parts of the world; though even at present, some are still fighting for this basic right.

The right to Live.

My knowledge as to WWII were limited to what I have read in books but honestly, as common to my generation, my sources are mostly derived from the internet. Some may doubt its entirety but the fact of the matter is that it did happen.

Though my ancestors are from the south of the Philippines, where the effects of war was less likely severe than Manila. Still, I wonder what they (my ancestors) did at that time. I remember my grandma (father’s side) told me when I was barely ten years old that during the war, they hid and lived in the mountains. I wish I could have asked more from my grandparents about their living conditions. Definitely, it was not easy but I like to know the details, the everyday routine.

When I went to Amsterdam in September 2011, I was fortunate to have visited the Secret Annex, Anne Frank and her family’s hiding place during the Nazi occupation in the Netherlands. I was there, staring at her bedroom wall filled with celebrity photos cut from magazines or newsprint -- very typical of a teenager. I have read her diary prior to the visit so everything felt surreal. They lived in that condition just because of ethnicity.

To suffer from or be defeated by Nature’s wrath is far more acceptable than to suffer from or be defeated by human atrocities.

The right to Live.

I think I have been reading too much history, hence the sudden seriousness of all the mundane posts which I normally write about. I actually miss this kind of posts but I don’t write it down for by the time I want to immortalize the thought to words, the moment is just not right, like I lost it during procrastination. For random thoughts that come out of nowhere, it is sometimes best to write while everything is raw. 

Haru desu ne.

'Haru' means Spring in Nihonggo. Just because I can't think of a better title.

Anyway, April will be a very busy month for me. First, there's the cost evaluation meeting for a proposal this coming Thursday, my birthday on Friday, Amber's 1st birthday celebration the week after, and the home leave before this month ends (which was strategically set to include Japan's Golden week).

In my previous post, I have mentioned how excited I was for the Hanami (being Amber's first). Well, it didn't turn out as planned. We failed to set a picnic under Sakura trees for the weather had been cloudy and the three of us had been with colds. In my case, I have had flu thrice since January this year in spite of religiously drowning myself with Vitiamin C.

In Kasai rinkai koen, Tokyo. We were too early for Sakura trees to bloom. Taken two weeks ago. 

Taken from the office grounds.

Taken two days ago on my way to work. With the strong winds and hard rainfall last Wednesday (I was soaking wet!),   the sidewalks were covered in pink.

In other news, I lost weight. I finally reached my target. When I arrived here, I was around 50kgs. And just last month, having felt my pants no longer fit me snugly, the weighing scale in the office clinic confirmed that I now weigh 46.9kgs. Mission accomplished.

So how did I do it? Walking. The home is around 15 to 20 mins by walk from/to station (depends on one's pace). In terms of food, I avoided chocolates (hence, whatever chocolates I have received in the office are categorized as trash). I tend to prefer fish in meals and minimal rice intake.

This getting old stuff is seriously affecting me. I even changed my whole beauty regimen, LOL! Yes, I've read about the whole 'no tap water' on the face idea and have applied it for three weeks now. So far, it's effective. My face is not flaky and most probably, it has to do with my current change in moisturizer brand as well. This will need a separate post for I am way off topic now.

new beginnings

This year looks promising. Amber will start attending daycare on the 4th while I will begin working full-time effective on the 7th. It will be a whole new daily schedule to tackle but eventually, we'll get used to it.

Yes, I will no longer be a SAHM (Stay at Home Mom). I have always wanted to go back in the workforce because I don't see myself being a SAHM for the rest of my life. My choice to have a career will not in any way make me less of a mom to Amber. She is and will always be my priority. 

Speaking of work, I am a little nervous about everything. Though the company and environment are not new to me, I still need to go through the awkward phase of starting over again. I mean, new office mates to deal with (I was assigned to a different department before). 

But seriously, I am more worried about Amber's first day at daycare. I've visited the facility a week ago. The place is located nearby (around 3 minutes walk), the daycare attendants seem nice and from the looks of the kids in there, Amber is probably the youngest. I am expecting cryfest galore on her first day and I fervently hope she'll adjust to her new environment sooner.

As for me, I will strive to be a better person but I'm not promising to change the world for it will remain as it is -- crazy and chaotic; but in spite of that, I can edit out the negativity and focus on the good. I don't give away kindness easily anymore for it has to be earned in order to deserve such. I know one should not wait for a new year to do this but the events that had happened lately make it appear timely.

the last two weeks

The last two weeks were hectic! With flying, packing and unpacking, I barely found time to get a haircut, LOL!

Located in Incheon International Airport. Found this while looking for a cafe where I can feed Amber. Good thing this is just near to our designated boarding gate.

Guess who ordered the Blueberry Latte?

T redeemed his Korean Air miles to upgrade our seats to Business class. Fortunately, we had the whole section to ourselves so we took liberty in choosing our seats. 

Ahh, the food was glorious! And the stewardesses were very accommodating. One even offered to pacify Amber  so that I can eat my meal but I declined her offer =)

Amber surrounded by Christmas lights. (at The Terraces, Ayala Center Cebu)

Celebrated our first week in Nihon at Ikea and Lalaport, LOL!
Inset photo: Dinner at Afternoon Tea (in Lalaport).

At Lalaport. See the Christmas decorations are not as grand as what one would see in Philippine malls.

Amber turned 8 months on Dec 16.

A LOT of things had happened in two weeks! Now that we have unpacked all our stuff, I am keeping myself busy with Christmas preparations. Though celebrating it here will not be as fun compared at home, I am still excited knowing it will be Amber's first.

Back in +81

I'm back in Japan. This time with T and baby Amber.

T officially started working last Monday while I will be starting next year. Right now, we are very busy with unpacking. The boxes we sent from Korea are now all opened but we haven't completely unpacked them =P

That's all I have to say now. I'm posting for the sake of posting on 12.12.12.

Farewell, South Korea

Though I've visited South Korea several times as a tourist, it is in December 2010 that officially established my stay into long-term.

From December 2010 to December 2011, I spent it working for an engineering firm. It was fleeting and stressful yet I enjoyed it. As much as I wanted to continue working while pregnant, I had decided to free myself from work-related stress so on my 5th month, my stay-at-home life came into effect.

In the first half of 2012, I gave birth and got busy with motherhood that barely left any time to explore outside. When Amber turned 3 months in summer, I slowly reacquainted myself with life outside home and it started at the nearby park. Then we progressed to places that were already familiar but worth another visit.

my last week in Korea, in pictures (from top left):
1) I heart Green Tea Latte. It has been my drink of choice ever since my former boss highly recommended it to me.
2) Amber. Again, one of the many random photos I took of her.
3) I posted this in Instagram as a note to One Direction =P
4) Starry Starry night at COEX Mall.
5) Last stroll at Pyeongchon Lotte. Photo taken at Uniqlo (LOL!)
6) Returned to sender: T's perfume collection. Not a single perfume passed through without notice. 

Ten Random Things. 

1. My first ever trip in South Korea was in Busan. That was in year 2006 and purely for business.
2. In my two years of stay, I never jumped on the Korean wave bandwagon. Definitely it has nothing to do with age for there are far older people who are just crazy over them. 
3. I have never been to Everland (OK, I passed by it on the way to Caribbean Bay), Lotte World, Nami Island and Jeju. Yes, I had the advantage and regret for not allocating at least a day for each.  
4. South Korea gave me the coldest and longest winter in my winter history. I don't think I'll survive Canada as I've heard and read that temperature there drops at extreme negative degrees. 
5. Fare and Cinema tickets are fairly affordable (compared to Japan). Food as well. 
6. Most of the younger crowd and young professionals can understand and speak English. 
7. North Korea's threats are scary but their attempts so far proved futile. I stopped caring because thinking too much about it can be really wearisome. I remember that it was a day after my birthday when the North satellite launching failed. On that day, people here in the South went on with their daily goings, as if nothing tragic was looming. I have personally observed this as I was processing my insurance documents at the nearby branch. Honestly, it did scare me as much as I tried to be nonchalant the whole time.
8. I will surely miss my favorite Korean foods: Gamjatang, Samgyeopsal and Samgyetang. 
9. Parks, big and small, can be found everywhere. I love them. I wish Cebu I.T. Park will spare a space for a park with a nicely made landscape where anyone can unwind and take shelter under trees.  
10. This is where Amber was born. The first seven months or so of her life were spent here. She will probably not remember a thing but hopefully someday, when she's old enough, we'll get to visit this place again.

Related: I posted a list of random keen observations (Korea Edition) three years ago.

Yes, it's been good two years.

Farewell, Korea. 'Til I see you again. 

2012 Highlights

I know it's too early to sum up a list but I decided to compose ahead just in case the world will end on December 12, 2012. In the hopes of someone or something or Batman survives the Armageddon and gets to read this post (granted the internet still works after doomsday), let it be known that I lived a life and did not merely exist. My 2012 was amazing; Entirely different from my usual highlights of the previous years and Amber's arrival totally changed my outlook and priorities in life.

(from top left)

1. Amber spent the first quarter and first two weeks of April inside me. (Photo taken on my 30th week).
2. Peanut Butter and Chocolate filled Oreos. I know it's an overstatement to include this in the list but let me explain the reason. While pregnant, this had been my daily snack of choice and I could consume 4 packs in one sitting (1 pack = 5 cookies)! Funny is that I lost my craving for them after giving birth.  
3. Brought out my inner chef. Chef Gusteau of Ratatouille (movie) said that 'Anyone can cook!' --  I couldn't agree more. One of my first cooking attempts was Escabeche. The sauce took me long to master it at awesome levels.
4. Asparagus wrapped with Bacon. One of the easiest foods to prepare. So easy I made them only once.
5. Went back to reading until I gave birth. That explains my 2012 book project a failure. As for The Hunger Games book that I've been trying and finding time to finish since April, I'm still stuck to that page wherein Katniss was on her way to the Capitol.
6. This sketch of a pregnant woman was, of course, inspired by me. LOL! Though she kinda looks like a Kardashian.
7. Amber's birth. The MAJOR highlight of my 2012. I could go on write a whole post on how unforgettable April 16, 2012 was but I will save a special lengthy post about it when she turns one. 
8. Words with Friends! I got addicted to this game while waiting for Amber to pop out.
9. The SAHM (Stay-at-home mom) Life. Sometimes boring, oftentimes busy.
10. Amber's first pool experience.
11. Amber's christening. 
12. Best shoe purchase of this year: Dr Martens Polina brogues.
13. Other than sketching, I went back doing some vector artworks while pregnant. I was hoping to earn money out of it =P
14. Amber finally met her cousin, River.
15. Amber at 6 months. Her smile never fails to light up my mood.
16. The last time I set foot on that building was in June 2010. Looks like I'll be seeing it again in 2013. 

In short, my lucky color for 2012 is Amber. Everything in that year is about her, and so is the rest of my life will be for her.

For 2013, I look forward to Amber growing up. I am happy to say that she'll be growing up where I can see and hold her daily. Though we will not be spending time 24/7, the important thing is that at the end of the day, I get to tuck her in bed and in the morning, I am the first person she sees.

Leibster Blog Award

I got nominated by Jason for the Leibster Blog Award. Leibster means 'favorite' in German; and coming from him, who is so good at writing, I am honored. The nomination comes with 11 questions and 'the duty to pass on the award to blogs with a relatively small following'. Thanks Jason!

But first, let me share how I chanced upon Jason's blog. I used to read Pam Pastor's old blog and in some of her posts, she has mentioned her friends - one of them was J. I clicked the name/letter and it led me to one of my favorite sources of beauty pageant updates.

Here are his questions:

What did your first ever blog look/read like?

In 2007, I officially made Blogger my blog host. My earlier posts were mostly about over analyzing my choice of career; my opinions about current events, life and love; and shallow stuff such as what I bought in Ueno, hehe. 

Go back to your blog entry at this same period last year. What's it about?

I wrote about finally knowing my baby's gender.

What is your writing gadget/tool of choice?

Anything but pen and paper for technology has made my calligraphy bad. But I do bring a planner just to scribble what-to-dos or whatever.

As a kid, who/what did you hate the most?

I hated that my birthday often falls on a holy week. I so hate it that I even thought of moving it some time December because no month is more festive than that.

What/who made you smile the last?

Amber. Seeing her grow before my eyes never fails to make me smile. 

Let us hear a good news from you :-)

I'm going back to work in 2013! Excited but a little worried for Amber. She has grown clingy on me for we practically spend every single minute since her birth. The plan is to put her in a nursery then get her on my way home from work. Surely it will be difficult for the both of us in the beginning but hopefully, we'll get used to it.

Which actor would play you in a film?

Anne Hathaway. Looks alone, we are on the same level, LOL! I fell in love with her the moment I saw the trailer of the movie, Les Miserables. 

Kindly recommend a sexy movie.

300. Gorgeous half-naked Spartans = feast for the eyes, LOL!

What fashion tip/grooming product do you most swear by?

Cetaphil. I started using it while pregnant because I wanted to keep a simple regimen (just cleanse and moisturize). Since making it my official cleanser, pimples rarely occur except for the teeny-weeny ones before periods.

What should people NOT BUY for you this Christmas?

Mugs, Picture frames and photo albums. 

What are you wishing for this Christmas?

Good health for the family and for the world not to end as the Mayans have predicted =P

Now I am passing the Leibster Blog Award to the following:

• Bisdak Babbles
• Paper Bags and Plastic Hearts
• Pretty/Ugly
• Violets Murmur
• Pooh Shouts I Write
• The Misty Mom

Here are my 11 questions:

1. What was your first blog entry about?
2. Granted the world will end on December 12, 2012, where would you be and what would you do?
3. What was the last movie that made you cry?
4. Describe your perfect day.
5. How do you handle stress?
6. How do you see yourself 5 years from now?
7. What do you remember most of your childhood?
8. As a kid, what was your favorite game/toy?
9. Why blog?
10. Which month is your least favorite?
11. What will you give yourself this Christmas?

Again, Thanks Jason! I enjoyed answering everything though it took me long to post it for mommy duties came between blogging.

circa 2006

Multiply is closing soon. I read they will be serving online sellers exclusively. I remember that there came a time they became way popular than Friendster, that is as per my age bracket crowd then. Maybe because users can personalise their profiles (though Friendster was capable of that as well), set their accounts to private, and hold as many albums as they want.

Other than Friendster, I used to blog there in an express manner. Express because the first two posts I made were mere three-sentence or less paragraph that if by present standards, it equates to a status message in Facebook.

Lest I forget, for the sake of posterity, here they are:

Aug 2, '06 6:39 AM

for everyone 

first post!

8.02.2006. signed-up for Multiply.com
i'm a part-time shutterbug..check out my photo portfolio..i'm light-years away to becoming a Pro.

As if the need to tell the world as to when I signed up for Multiply, I really made a post about it and professed my love for photography (i don't even own a DSLR at that time).

Sep 21, '06 2:07 AM 

for everyone 

KKO trip was a blast!!!

Will post pictures soon.
KKO (Kyoto, Kobe & Osaka) trip was the best summer vacation I ever had!!! Though my feet were aching after the long walk and sightseeing...kevs! I had one of the best times of my life!!! hehe. So what's next???

And yes, I abuse my right to punctuation marks. Love them in threes.

Maybe I should stop sitting by the window

I miss my working life. My old life.

For some, this confession might sound selfish knowing I have a baby that needs my care and attention but I really do miss work and dressed to the nines. This led me to conclude that I am not really a homemaker type or bold enough to put up a business. In spite of the prevalent working mom practice in this modern world, why do I feel guilty at the mere thought of wanting to go back in the workforce? 

Part of me feels guilty that I might miss Amber's growth and development (she turned 3 months two days ago); while the other part fears for my brain getting all rusty from lack of intellectual stimulation.

Besides, I'm too young to retire.


My life then was easy and carefree and as much as I hate to compare it to my present, sometimes I can't help doing so. But as the song goes, 'some good things never last'. I can only reminisce and hopefully not often as one must go forward. 

I just hope my gazing-from-window-to-nowhere moments will end soon. I just can't wait to go outside. 

Summer Wants

1) A new pair of non-denim, light colored shorts.
2) More striped tees. I love stripes because they never go out of style.
3) A new haircut. The last time I had my hair cut was in September 2011*gasps*
4) Beach escapade!
5) A massage. My whole body badly needs wants it.
6) Running shoes.

My list is short considering that I am currently jobless and 'on welfare' -- as I fondly call it.

Ramblings on a Friday

• I just received a call from my clinic informing me that the result of my Gestational test, taken two weeks ago, is normal. Also, she (the nurse, spoke in broken English) told me that my Hemoglobin level is low thus prescribed me to double my Iron intake. Yes, I'm anemic. 

• Still can't get over the fact that Alan Rickman (Severus Snape in HP movies) did not get an Oscar best supporting actor nomination.

• The Oscars should have given Meryl Streep a lifetime achievement award waaaayyy back since she has been nominated many times. We all know that whoever competes for a best actress award is still nothing compared to the Meryl Streep.

• My recent pregnancy cravings are Oreo (with choco and peanut butter filling) and Minute Maid orange juice (with pulp).

• It's still January and I'm almost done with my to-read-while-waiting-for-Spring books. Must buy new ones or look for alternative hobbies to keep me occupied until Amber's arrival.

• While browsing my shelf, I found a Haruki Murakami book shelved unread (The Elephant Vanishes). This will employ my attention until mid February. 

• Boredom led me to browse files of my seven year old external hard disk. I wasted yesterday and the day before yesterday looking at old photos of me and friends, while listening to mushy oldies song (the likes of: Bread, Earth Wind & Fire, England Dan, and Irene Cara). They are soothing and depressing. In 2004, single and corny, I used to listen to mushy songs overnight on lonely Fridays. Listening to them now with the bleak cold weather outside is mushiness perfection.

I miss JP

It's been a year since I left Japan. The food, people, crazy fashion, my apartment in Tsudanuma, tempura, udon, solitary adventures..I could go on blab how I so miss the place.

Photo was taken while standing a few meters from Hachiko statue to my left. To where I was standing then, with that crossing before me, reminds me of the movie 'Lost in Translation'.

It was my last roam around Tokyo.

Here's proof that it was indeed taken on July 08, 2010. 

いろいろな 思考が 有る。

ともだちの　えご文が　正しいつくって　たのむんですから、Googleでこたえがさがして　いましたから。

ひるじかんに　三人日本人と　いしゅに　ひるごはんたべて　います。　全部　女の大です。　私たちの　かいわがいろいろな　トーピコです。　ときどき、日本語で　話して、私は　ちょっと　わかりません　（かわいすねー）。　でも　友だちは　えごの　やくして　もらいます。　日本語から　えごに　やくが　ふべんとおもいました。　友だちの　しんせつ人ですね。

夏きせつが　はじますよ。　毎日きおんが　だんだん　上げてありまから、あつくなりました。

髪の毛の　ながく　なりますから、びょういんで　きるのが　いります　とおもいます。

子とも時の、お父さんと　NBAしあいを　テレベで　みたです。　Chicago Bullsの　ファンです。　今、私は　見ませんから、きかいがないんです。

フィリピンに　ノイノイ　アキーノ(Noynoy Aquino) が　あたらしい　大とうりょうに　なります。　しきは　たぶん　６月３０日です。　がんばって　フィリピン！