Hopeless Optimist Part 2

Wishlist

2011-07-29T00:52:00.000-07:00

I think this is the right time to create a wishlist.

What I want for my birthday or maybe before Christmas:

Touch Screen phone
Wii - Xbox 360 250gb with Kinect na lang! - gift rin!
New wallet (to be given to me as a gift) -Check!
New paint for the living room
Stroller for my baby - Check!

I think these are really realistic items that I can have.

Ok, time to save up for these!

It's Been a Year!

2011-07-14T21:22:00.001-07:00

I know it's been a year since I wrote on this blog. I don't know if anyone reads this blog at all. (If you are reading this, leave a comment please!)

A lot of things can happen in a year, you might find a boyfriend, buy a new car, have a baby, move in with your fiance or resign from your work to find a better job.

In my case, all those things I mentioned happened to me in the last 12 months! It's been quite a ride, I know.

I still keep on wishing for more good things to come to me, my baby and my family.

So far, so good for this phase in my life.

What I want in the future would be a better home where my little one can grow up healthy and happy, a job abroad , a simple wedding in a beautiful gown, an MBA and another kid 5 years from now.

I'm working and hoping for these things to come true for me, maybe now, I'll have more time to do the things I want (blogging included).

In a Relationship

2010-07-11T01:31:00.000-07:00

I'm still not sure of myself when I dove into this new relationship.

I just want to say that I found everything I wanted in a relationship in this one guy.

He makes me feel special, but he also keeps my feet on the ground by his honesty.

On the second day of our relationship, he already introduced me to his family, saying that's how serious he is with me.

Let's see where this one goes. =))

Apollo Syndrome

2010-06-27T00:32:00.000-07:00

I just heard about this "Apollo Syndrome" and it's really interesting. It's described as "a phenomenon discovered by Dr Meredith Belbin where teams of highly capable individuals can, collectively, perform badly."

"What is Letting Go?"

2010-06-06T19:25:00.000-07:00

To "let go" does not mean to stop caring. It means I can't do it for someone else.

To "let go" is not to cut myself off. It's the realization that I can't control another.

To "let go" is to admit powerlessness, which means the outcome is not in my hands.

To "let go" is not to try to change or blame another. It's to make the most of myself.

To "let go" is not to care for, but to care about.

To "let go" is not to fix, but to be supportive.

To "let go" is not to judge, but to allow another to be a human being.

To "let go" is not to be in the middle, arranging all the outcomes, but to allow others to affect their own destinies.

To "let go" is not to deny, but to accept.

To "let go" is not to nag, scold, or argue, but instead to search out my own shortcomings and correct them.

To "let go" is not to adjust everything to my desires, but to take each day as it comes and cherish myself in it.

To "let go" is not to regret the past, but to grow and live for the future.

To "let go" is to fear less and to love more.

http://www.whispy.com/letting_go.htm

Leverage

2009-12-04T16:22:00.001-08:00

I just started this new series called Leverage. These are good guys turned bad guys turned good guys that got together and found a mission.

Their mission is to get revenge, give justice, and give money back to those who need them.

It's actually kind of interesting at first. But, when you really think about it, they live on a crooked principle.

They take law and justice in their own hands, and they break into several systems, because they are very good with that.

They use lies and deception, sometimes violence, to get what they want.

But, it's interesting, really, and very entertaining.

I think what I like about the series is that these people found their passion and they used their talents for what they believe is good and right, without being too selfish.

New Chapter

2009-11-27T15:53:00.000-08:00

I don't know if it's too soon
I don't know if it's just the holiday blues
But I know I don't want to have my heart broken again
I know that I will put myself first

I am afraid to trust again
I am afraid that my family will feel my pain
But I will more brave
I will be stronger

I don't know what the future holds
But I know that I am in control of my present

There's a lot of things I don't know and a lot of things I'm afraid of...
But one thing I am sure of, I want to live my life and I want to be better than before.

What I Want in a Relationship

2009-11-16T05:35:00.000-08:00

1. Christ-centered
2. Love
3. Faithfulness
4. Respect
5. Honesty and Open Communication
6. Affection
7. Laughter
8. Growth with direction
9. Friendship
10. Value each other's family

Some thoughts...

2009-10-01T07:35:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, you reach a point in life when you think about what really matters to you...like is being complacent bad? up to how high is high?
A lot of people believe that if you want something really bad, then the universe will conspire to give it to you. What if you don't want anything at all?
What fun is it wanting something something to happen, only to get tired of it after getting it?
There is also a saying that goes, "be careful what you wish for, you might get it..."

I know someone whose parents were millionaires, but gave up all their wealth, even their children to a religious church bordering on being a "cult".

I somehow understand them. Simplicity in life, means unloading all burdens, responsibility and even happiness.

But, still, when you commit to marriage, you commit to having children. The children are their parents' responsibility.

I know I want to raise my own children in the future. They are a source of responsibility but also a source of happiness. I think that having children will make you selfless and you would be more passionate about life, work, health and money because you want to provide for them.

I was a child, but I have not yet experienced being a mother. I guess when that time comes, it would force me to grow up.

For now, I'll enjoy everything that's happening to my life now. I know there's that biological clock for women, but it's not my time yet.

The -Ber Months

2009-09-05T06:28:00.000-07:00

So, so busy. I'm heading 3 projects in the office, I'm a participant/ organizer in our company sports fest for badminton, I'm gonna be celebrating my birthday, I'll be going home for a long vacation and I have to plan a team building...Talk about a full calendar!

The only "alone time" I have, is before I go to sleep, I would just surf the net.

*sigh*

Life can get better and busier... and during that time, time flies so fast... and before you know it.. it's Christmas!

Things to do for myself:
1. Register so I can vote for the 2010 election (done! but didn't register)
2. Learn how to drive ( a motorcycle? but maybe before my next bday)
3. Cut my credit card in half (d0ne!)
4. Exercise at the gym regularly (1/8th done, bought excercise videos...heheh)
5. Finish my clearance with my previous company (will never be done, accept it)

I just realized I've long procrastinated all the things I've listed above.

Time to change, and do some action!

My Poetry Attempt

2009-08-21T05:20:00.000-07:00

No Expiration

I hope love doesn't expire, I hope it just grows.
I hope it doesn't come with a disclaimer.
No fineprints or anything between the lines

My faith in you, My love for you.
I would let you be the one to hold my heart.
I won't worry, because I know you'll keep me safe.

what's between us is something greater than us,
Hand in hand we will walk together through life.
I'll let you be the one to guide me through the path.

I'll have no worries, all my fears will be gone
All my dreams, all my wishes will be realities, when I'm with you.
Be with me forever and I'll hold your hand.

It's August!

2009-08-08T02:02:00.000-07:00

Yes...one month before my birthday...I have to start thinking what I want. That is, as a gift to myself. =)

I also have to start thinking about my plans. I read somewhere that now the traditional "5-year Plan" scheme in living life doesn't really have to be followed. I mean why stress yourself if you don't have a plan or you are just living life a day at a time?

And this is the 21st century, where all the traditional and even modern ways are being revolutionized and evolved to a new way of thinking.

No, I don't mean forget about about all your plans. I meant just live life currently and do your best everyday to enrich yourself, mind, body and spirit.

So, for my birthday plans, let's just play it by the ear, ok? =)

Wonder Years

2009-07-27T02:07:00.000-07:00

I've downloaded Wonder Years seasons 1-6 to my laptop. It's 14.7GB of data and it took a week for me to download. But it was all worth it. This was the TV series that I watched during my childhood days. I think I grew up with Kevin (the main character) and it's one of those series that really teaches you about family and life.

I could never forget the intro music...and I thought Winny was the most beautiful girl, and that Kevin was lucky to be her boyfriend. They were the first love team I knew, and I was so "kilig" during those times.

Now watching it again, I saw how cute Kevin was when he was younger. And I found out that this was my bf's super favorite series when he was a kid too! And so we will be watching this together and relive those days when we were innocent and when we thought the world revolved around us... truly those were "wonderful" years... =)

Rise Above Retaliation

2009-06-29T07:49:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, we really can't help ourselves...it's like this bubble inside us that's on the verge of bursting.
Yeah, we sometimes, think about ways to do it and we get satisfaction from imagining those things. But, when it comes to actually doing it, you'll realize, it's not the same...

There's no satisfaction, there's just more hate, and you'll ask yourself, "Is this the person I want to be?"

Oh, what am I talking about, you might ask... it's the human tendency to seek retaliation.

I will remember the Golden Rule, "Do not do unto others what you do not want others to do unto you."

Karmic.

Reviews, Reviews...

2009-05-24T21:49:00.000-07:00

**************
Watched "Angels & Demons" yesterday to know what the hype was all about. I read this Dan Brown's novel before, forgot some of the details though. Even in the Da Vinci code, I really didn't picture Tom Hanks as Robert Langdon. I figured it would be Harrison Ford.
The movie was ok, of course Robert had a lot of dialogues had to explain a lot of things. Maybe that's why also a lot of things were left out from the book, they'd rather keep it simple for the audience. I thought Ewan Mcgregor somehow stole the spotlight there (although his hairstyle reminded me of Moulin Rouge, and I thought he would sing something). =D

**************
On John Maxwell's "Winning with People", I thought it was a great and practical book. Already tried to applied some principles with my team, and it helped a little. Bottomline on the book is that in order to win people, you should be more interested in them than talk about yourself all the time.

**************
I don't know why but I seemed to be hooked with BGT 2009 rather than with AI. Anyways, I know for sure Susan Boyle will make it. Diversity is great, it's just that their performances seemed short and needs to have a longer and more cohesive theme. I have nothing against Natalie Okri, but I think she lacks the confidence, dancing skills and facial expressions when doing her song and dance routine.

************
Short but sweet reviews. I'll try to do this more often. =)

Just Joined Twittermania

2009-04-26T17:26:00.000-07:00

Oh well, what the heck!

That's what I thought when I joined Twitter. =) I don't usually join the bandwagon until all the hype has died down. Probably, it's just me, I don't one to be a part of the majority. But, oh, well, what the heck!

The more, the merrier!

My First Company Award

2009-04-17T04:59:00.000-07:00

I was actually nominated for an award by my company. The awards were given by the big bosses. They recognized my performance for leading my team and consistently being top in Customer Satisfaction for the past 4 months.

I was really flattered. I believe though that great leadership should produce great performance.

I thought I had to make a speech. As it turns out, no speech needed. Whew!

But if I had to make one, here's my Oscar-winning speech:

"Leading a team is really a challenge. There's really no step-by-step manual that comes with it. You have to be creative and imaginative like an artist, at the same time you have to have the discipline of a military leader.
Also, in our field of technical support, customer satisfaction is what fuels this industry. Without customer satisfaction, there would be no business for anyone. With the growing consciousness of consumer rights and competition among businesses, interactions should be smooth and effortless.

With that being said, I would like to thank my team for believing in me. I'm only as good as the least of my agent. I'd like to thank my bosses, too, for teaching me a lot on how to handle people. They are my mentors.

I still have a lot to learn and a lot to prove to myself. I hope though that a lot of people learned from me too, since I'm more than willing to share what I've learned to other people.

Thank you, I'm truly humbled. "

Hehehehe.. seriously!

Past is Past

2009-03-28T06:18:00.000-07:00

A man of many experiences told me to "avoid reopening the past and just concentrate on what you have now, because you will just destroy lives, yours, your current relationship and those involved in the past. "

I remember the movie "Mr. Woodcock" about Farly (played by Seann Willam Scott) who wrote the book "Letting Go". It's a light comedy that also makes you think if letting go is really easy.

I'm a pacifist, who wants harmonious relationships, values peace of mind and always thinks about the past, since they bring back happy memories. So, to let go of ALL the past is really impossible for me. I still keep memorabilia, pictures, notes, cards even from people whom I haven't seen or spoken to in years.

But, I see the point of the man of many experiences. It's opening the can of worms, Pandora's box from the past that could open a lot of emotions too.

In the end, the man of many experiences told me..."it's really up to you."

The 80/20 Rule

2009-03-26T03:20:00.000-07:00

I read about this 80/20 rule in a relationship...

"In most cases, especially in relationships, you will only get 80% of what you NEED and you will hardly get the other 20% that you WANT in your relationship. There is always another person (man or woman) that you will meet and that will offer you the other 20% which is lacking in your relationship that you WANT. And believe me, 20% looks really good when you are not getting it at all in your current relationship."

This got me thinking...Can we ever get the 100%?
Why does it have to be 80 and 20? Can't it be 90 and 10?
But I guess they're just using the Pareto principle.

I guess it's really hard to give up that 80% for just 20%. You will end up losing a lot.
For now, I guess it's true, just make most of what you have in the relationship to make it work.
Sometimes, happiness can be found in the smallest of things.

And I intend to keep it that way. =)

I'm Evolving

2009-02-11T17:20:00.001-08:00

Check out my previous blog back in 2005:
http://hopeless-optimist.blogspot.com/2005_09_25_archive.html.

I think my blog was more interesting back then, it was so full of enthusiasm, youthful dreams, and hopeful.

I guess now, my new blog is stripped down to its bare essentials. It's more minimalist, straight to the point, yet still not revealing everything.

It's me who's evolving also, and it's for the better. I still have that enthusiasm, youthful dreams and I'm still hopeful despite everything that happened to my life.

However, when reality happens to you (that kind you thought only happens in a dramatic movie), you will look at life in a clearer pair of eyes. No more rose-colored glasses.

4 years fly by, and a lot of things happened.

It's time to evolve more, become the best that I can be. =)

Nothing Compares to You

2009-02-08T23:08:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, you just have to stop comparing notes. It leads you nowhere. You just have to appreciate each person, situation, or thing with its own uniqueness and beauty...

As they say, “If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself”.

Back in Manila!

2009-01-29T03:38:00.000-08:00

Dinagyang was fun! It was my first time to really walk the streets of Iloilo on this feast of Sto. Nino. It's really different when you are beside the tribes and you really feel the sound of the drums (as compared to watching the whole thing on TV).
During my 5-day vacation I was able to:
1. Eat lots and lots of fresh "kasag" (crabs) from Banate (brought by my tita)
2. Eat lechon manok.. can't get enough of it
3. Satisfied my craving for oysters (although my stomach really went bad after...had to throw up all I ate, but I'll still eat oysters)
4. Had a La Paz Batchoy snack at Ted's
5. Had an eat-all-you-can Japanese food at Maki's (although I ate shrimp tempura mostly, yum!)

So, that's how I gained 5 lbs in 5 days.. hehehe..

It was fun being with my cousins, had a night out, drank at MO2, had videoke at Annex, swam at Centennial resort (which we consider our backyard..hehehe).

****
When we got back to Manila, had to send off my sister to the airport. She's going to be working in Canada. I'm so happy and glad for her, at the same time sad that she left. My parents dream of migrating there.

****
On a lighter note, my agent texted me that I won a Canon digital camera! I wasn't surprised though, I was expecting to win the raffle in the office. The law of attraction worked! Heheheh.

Also, I know I will be lucky this 2009, I don't know why, but I know this is my year..Law of Positive Thinking...hehehe!

***

Back to serious work again..

Going home!

2009-01-18T21:29:00.000-08:00

Yes, I'm going home for Dinagyang! Well, what seems to be a week of merriment and fiestas for others is actually a week of relaxation for me.
It's time to take my mind off work and just relax and eat lots of fresh and healthy food. Looking forward to crabs, prawns, danggit, oysters, La Paz batchoy, pancit molo, Kong Kee siopao, Roberto's pancit guisado... ok, ok, not all might be healthy. =)
What I really miss though is my family... and my sister's going to Canada to work.. so, I guess this would be the last time we would be complete and it would probably be a year or two until we get together again.

However, I'm so happy for all of us. I feel so blessed that my parents and sisters are all enjoying life and I hope we will continue to be blessed with good health and good fortune this 2009.

Kung hei fat choy! =))

Unexpected Love

2009-01-07T23:00:00.000-08:00

One topic in blogging that I really try to avoid is love and relationships. Because I don't want to turn it into a "Lovingly yours..." segment. Hehehe.
Anyways, can't help it. Sometimes you just have to go with the flow and see where it leads you..(maybe to a vast sea and nice beaches??) =)
I just want to say that my belief for "everything happens for a reason" is stronger than ever and that He is in control of my life.

That's the blog...short and sweet.

=)

Lazing Around

2008-11-10T18:56:00.000-08:00

Two days of vacation leave plus two rest days.. equals four days of hibernation. So what did I accomplish during those time? Hmm..

I was able to chat with my friends, installled mIRC (don't know how to use it though), watched Madagascar 2 Escape to Africa (which I really found hilarious !I was just embarrassed to laugh out loud in the theater heheh), went to church with my sis and did grocery, played online, and slept a lot!

What I did not accomplish was .... to do the laundry, to finish my clearance, to fix my room...hays..

By the way, it was the first time I used mIRC, someone PMd me, he's from Singapore, turns out his friends are my friends. Small world! Well, Singapore is smaller.

I'm really not a chatter, not much of a blogger. I missed badminton, I missed trekking, climbing the mountains, going to the beach...expensive hobbies though and time-consuming.

So it was just another lazy four days...back to work again. =)

Almost #1

2008-11-07T17:09:00.000-08:00

My team was ranked 2nd out of 50 teams in our department. It was such joy and disappointment at the same time. From rank 48 last time, we managed to climbed up the ladder. However, we were so close in grabbing the number 1 spot, I even had my ears clapping already. But, this kind of exhilaration really can give you that disappointing feeling. It also reminds you to be humble in victory and humbler in loss.

Oh well, there's always the next time. =)

Love Beaches!

2008-10-23T19:49:00.000-07:00

Wish I could go here one day...Aruba!

A Text Message...

2008-10-14T15:39:00.000-07:00

I know I don't text much, it takes days for me to reply, if I remember to reply at all..
Anyways, someone texted me this. He said it was for a lyrics of a song he was trying to make:

I think you're beautiful, but is it impossible to let you understand..
That if you don't take my hand I'll lose my mind completely...

Made me smile.. kinda mushy though. Hehehe..

Uh-oh...

2008-10-07T23:08:00.000-07:00

How could I forget? I must be in a time warp or something..Tans, Mark, sorry I forgot the date of your wedding. But I saw the pics.. and the video (which I hope you liked, coz I was in it..heheh). I really thought Oct. 20 was your wedding date.. sorry Tans and Mark..
I'm making a blog out of it because I saw the video by Mayad Studios and it was absolutely wonderful!
It really moved me on the brink of tears, too! Now, I wanna get married too! Hehehe.. I think Tessa will be next.
I loved the flowers that you used, your wedding dress was super nice, your hair was perfect! Chin and your mom were beautiful in their dresses, too!
The venue was postcard perfect too!
Awww... please post more pics soon!

Cheers to the newlyweds! May your love grow stronger through the years!

Happy...joyful!

2008-09-24T07:58:00.001-07:00

I had fun before, during and after my birthday! =D
Lots of stuff happened. But, I really owe it to Him....
I think happy or fun is not the term to define what I feel...it's actually joy. No, I'm not turning into a religious freak or something. I've always believed though that everything always happens for a purpose, and the greatest gift He gave me, was the gift I never knew I wanted badly...to have my joyful self back =D Somehow, somewhere I lost that spark, and I think I got it back, and I am not getting older inside, but I feel younger now ;D

Thank you, I will never be perfect, I will keep on making mistakes, but I know I'll be alright.

Paintball Challenge

2008-09-15T01:25:00.000-07:00

We came straight from shift...some of us even had beer before going to Global Gutz at the Fort. I had so much fun, really made my adrenaline pumped. It was tiring, yes, it was difficult to just squat and wait. =(
I got shot in the butt unfortunately. However, I was able to shoot two persons. hehehe... Revenge is sweet.

This is really a therapeutic activity for those who just wants to let it all out. It can be addictive, actually. I was kind of trigger happy whenever I see a target. Hehehe..

But, overall, it was a fun group activity. Thanks, team!

I know it was "bitin", but nevertheless, it was all worth the sweat and the pain.

My Birthday Wishlist

2008-09-06T14:22:00.000-07:00

I really don't like receiving gifts, because when someone gives you one, you should really act surprised and happy. What if you don't like the "surprise"? Hehehe, kaya nga gift di ba, dapat surprise? But hopefully, for this birthday or maybe the next birthdays to come, I would be able to have my wishes come true. So, here's my gift registry (just like Sex and the City's Carrie, where she had a "single girl" gift registry). Hehehe.

1. an iPhone (hehehe)
2. Canon Cybershot SD800 or higher series
3. an LCD TV
4. really comfortable shoes I can wear everyday (like hush puppies, naturalizer, bass)
5. a very compact complete makeup kit (hopefully MAC has one, i like the vibrant colors of their makeup)

6. a really gooood foundation
7. a relaxing whole body massage in a nearby spa
8. nice gimik dresses

9. a gift certificate for Facial Care Centre

I realized all my wishes are too selfish and it's for vanity's sake, so i added number 10 to the list...

10. a donation to CRIBs under my name =D

I also wish and pray for non-tangible things like peace of mind, good health for me and my family, stress-free life and lots of laughing moments with friends. =D

Advance Happy Birthday to me!

My First Badminton Win

2008-08-24T19:21:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, Aug. 23, 2008, I won my first badminton game! No..not at the Olympics! But rather in our company sportsfest (a.k.a. The Red Games). It was fun...eventhough the venue at Planet Badminton was NOT at all that nice.
Anyways, who cares, I won with my wonderful partner, Poi. Who I know, will be part of the National Team someday (kaya pala we won mixed doubles!). It was a concerted effort, and I was in sync with his moves. (I think! hehehe)

There will be more games to go, five more I think.

Anyways, that day deserves to be blogged. Hehehe.

Will let you know what happens next time!

Blogging Frequency Et Al

2008-08-15T23:31:00.000-07:00

I noticed I blog an average of 1.86 times a month. Well, again I'm really not a frequent blogger.
So I'll just give you a bulleted rundown on events that happened today:
- woke up after 5 hours of sleeping, and I never felt so well-rested. I wanted to sleep some more but I already felt energized. :-)
- rained really hard
- brought my badminton gear
- one of my agents told me about her marital problems.. told her that she really should just be patient with her husband and don't strike while the iron is hot (I'm turning to be a good marriage counselor!)
- had 2 meetings
- free food from my boss (thanks, boss!)
- one of my agents got heartbroken (broke up with his gf of 6 years) , we made him laugh though, laughter is the best medicine
- gloomy part... had to tell 3 of my agents (including the one above) that they had to be fired because of non-regularization.
- everyone hugged and cried after.
- however...happy part... we had our last team breakfast at Salcedo Market, al fresco, with fresh seafood, pork barbeque, mango shake, leche flan, lamb stew, hotdogs, grilled tuna... =)
- i had to leave them, had a medical check-up for fit to play for the sportsfest
- played 2 hours of badminton @ The Zone, Zuellig Loop, Makati
- warm shower
- went home
- blogged.

Too many things happened, but I think it's for the better. Every event has it's purpose...and then some events will push other people to be better than before.

I think that's what happened to me.

Fight or Flight

2008-08-11T23:23:00.000-07:00

I guess nature must be right...fight or flight is indeed a sub-conscious reaction to everyday stressful situations.
But there's one more thing that your cerebral cortex would tell you to do... do nothing.
If fight or flight is an immediate reaction without thinking, then doing nothing can be a rational conscious decision.
Doing nothing... is letting things happen to you... probably to the passive person....

Being calm in a fire or earthquake when everyone is pumped up with adrenaline running away from the fire or fighting it like those fireman.

So what could you do? If you can't control the forces around you, then it's better to just control yourself.

Adobo Surprise!

2008-08-03T20:41:00.000-07:00

I really never learned how to cook food, I wasn't taught how...well, aside from the occasional fried meals and instant MSG-laden canned and packed goods.
I researched on how to cook adobo online and I wanted to cook for my team so I tried to experiment. I told my team I'll name it "Adobo Surprise" because even me will be surprised how it would taste after. Hehehe.
It actually turned out to be a hit! I was really quite surprised! :-D

Here's the recipe I tried, and I really didn't measure anything, I tried to be resourceful:

1 kg pre-cut pork, washed (marinated overnight with 1.5 cups vinegar and 5 tbsps soy sauce, add 5 freshly squeezed calamansi, 5 laurel leaves and 6 squashed garlic cloves)
1/4 cup cooking oil
2 garlic cloves (wanted lotsa garlic)
1 cup cane vinegar (since I ran out of the normal one)
1/2 cup soy sauce ( I think I added more along the way)
1/2 cup water
2 laurel leaves (don't overdo)
1 tbsp black peppercorns
1/4 cup oyster sauce (my secret ingredient to all the food I cook) ;-D

All I did was fry the pork a little bit in cooking oil, I think I used just 2/3 kg of the pork (my sister used some for pork chop). Oh, you should fry the garlic cloves first, just to bring out the smell! Then after adding the pork, just add the vinegar, soy sauce, water, oyster sauce, basically everything that's left on the ingredients I listed above. Just bring it to a boil for 3 mins, then, put your electric stove to medium heat to allow to simmer for 30 mins (I think!).

Anyways, that's how I did it...although I think I added the oyster sauce last.. and if it smells too vinegary, just add soy sauce and oyster sauce.

I didn't taste it after cooking (hehehe).. however, I think it's true what they say about adobo, "the longer you keep it, the better it would taste."

That's it for today..I don't want this blog to become a cooking show blog. =D

White Flag

2008-07-20T20:20:00.000-07:00

I like Dido's "White Flag", the lyrics say exactly what I'm feeling now...plus of course, I like singing it in videoke parties because it's easy to sing..hehehe..next to my "Hopelessly Devoted to You" rendition. Tried singing when I was drunk...I actually sounded better...hmmm...heheheh

Taking It Easy

2008-07-09T14:57:00.000-07:00

It's my rest day today...I have done so much work lately...today I'm taking it easy...will try some meditation exercises...will do some household work...will watch Hancock onine...will eat dark chocolate... will have a DVD marathon...will exercise at home (since I cancelled my gym membership already)... not necessarily in that order... yes, I'm going to take it easy...

A Turning Point

2008-07-03T21:46:00.000-07:00

It was one great tragedy that happened in my hometown, Iloilo. It was a flash flood that went from ground to neck-high in 5 minutes. It happened one Saturday night...
I was still at was at work in Manila, when my best friend called and told me that Iloilo is experiencing the worst flood ever. I immediately called my dad, I expected the worst, yet it never occurred to me...My dad said that they are already staying on the ceiling of our house, just below the roof...they said they had no electricity, all our things drowned by the water, and that I had to get off the phone, since they might still need the phone.

It was like a movie, it played on my mind, it was raining hard, they are soaking wet in darkness, on the ceiling of our house, wondering if the rain would stop or the water would subside. My dad, mom, sister, uncle and our helper were all trapped there...I don't think they slept during that night.
So, I didn't text them or call them, because they might need the phones. Although, I really wanted to. I sent them loads for their phones, hoping they really won't need to use it.
I wasn't able to concentrate on my work that night, I called and texted my other cousins in Iloilo, asking for updates, asking if the rain already stopped.
The following Sunday morning, my mom texted that the flood has subsided, however nothing was spared from the flood, all our things gone, my dad's business, cars and appliances.

I was just so glad that everyone was ok. My mom said that in the nearby area where my lola was, my uncles and aunts had difficulty in saving my bedridden lola from the water. Fortunately, they had a 2-storey house.

My mom and dad said it was really a traumatic experience, and I told them not to worry, since I prayed hard to God that they will all be safe.

I never really knew how it was when Hurricane Katrina hit Florida, now I know that it wasn't easy what they had to go through.

My bosses at work heard about the news, I was so touched that they were concerned about me. I even cried when I was telling my boss about it. I was trying to sound nonchalant, but couldn't help it.

They highly encouraged me to take a Vacation Leave, although I know I would have tons of work when I get back. So, I did. I had a ticket booked to Iloilo 2 weeks before the typhoon for my dad's birthday, but I canceled it, since my mom and dad insisted that we don't need to go home yet.

The flood drained everything from us and left the house and our things with mud.

But, I guess this is the turning point of our lives. It's something that would challenge me and my family. Something, that would shake us and remind us what really matters.

Psych

2008-06-14T19:33:00.000-07:00

I was watching this TV series in a DVD marathon, and I was quite amused with the story. It's about Shawn, the head "psychic" of the police department. He's not really a psychic though, just very observant and intuitive, although he wants to make people believe he's for real. It's kinda Nancy Drew-y but with the comic effect.

I'm now addicted to a lot of TV series, I still have a lot of DVDs lined up and I just want to take a looong vacation leave just to finish watching them.

*Sigh* Now, I just wish I have a 42" Sony Bravia HDTv to watch all my DVDs... =D (that would fit perfectly inside my room!).

Random Ramblings

2008-05-24T09:01:00.000-07:00

I guess there's really nothing much to talk about. You see when it comes to blogging, I'm really like a painter, I'll only paint when I feel like it, or when I have an inspiration. Just like, today, I just feel like blogging. I don't want it to be forced or habitual that becomes like an obligation to those who read my blog. I think I have a few hits every now and then, I don't put tags in my blog. Only a few of my friends read this, just for update on what's happening in my life. So, I'm an unpredictable blogger.
************************************
I'm now addicted again to DOTA TFT, a strategy game online or through LAN. "Again" because last time I remembered back in 2005, I spent around 15k just by playing DOTA in online shops. Don't get me wrong, I've always been addicted to PC games, Nintendo, "game and watch", Mario, Twin Bee, etc when I was in grade school. I used to sneak out of the house until around 7pm just to play in shops, squatters' area, with or without my guy cousin. In high school, I was addicted to Tetris, Othello, Pinball, Solitaire (yes even this). In college, I almost got addicted to counterstrike (but I found it to violent), I was a SIMs addict though, I confess.
Now, I'm back to my old habits again. Yes, they die hard. And they resurrect fast.
**************************************
Can you still be friends with your ex?
Again, this is just trail of thought writing...But really, can you?
Check out Gossip Girl S1 when Blair Warldorf and Nathaniel Archibald broke up, tried to go on separate ways, but still wants to be with each other.
At the back of their minds, doubts would always lurk.

I don't think I can, I mean past is past right? Who needs to have those can of worms opened again? Or better yet, just listen to what your heart says...

My Best Friend's Wedding

2008-03-23T07:31:00.000-07:00

It was great to be reunited with your friends. How I'll miss them! Definitely one of the most memorable milestones in our lives.

Check out the pictures at these links:

My Multiply Site
Mitz's Multiply - she has a better camera!

'Til we meet again...

Human Age

2008-03-16T00:34:00.000-07:00

A friend recommended this site. It's like Tomagotchi/SIMs. Your character will undergo the process of evolution if you take care of it. I'm still new at this, so I'm really just trying it out. It's hard living in the uncivilized world!
Here's the site below:

Virtual human development game

www.human-age.com

By posting this, I get to earn 40 kneecaps! Yey! I now have money to spend.

Kokology Kraze

2008-03-04T08:37:00.001-08:00

In our training class, we were supposed to learn about technical stuff, like DNS, TCIP, PING, IPCONFIG, etc...Boring!
But, I'm always looking forward to ice breakers like Brain Benders, charades, Jeopardy, and just recently Kokology!

As per Wikipedia , Kokology is the study of kokoro which in Japanese means "mind" or "spirit". It's a psychological game, that would help you discover yourself.

Here's the first Kokology that we did. Now if you want to answer, remember to write down the first thought that you have and don't think about it too much, this is really a good one:

Deep in the Mountains

The mountains and the sea—nature has a power that draws us to her. After all we are all nature’s children, born into her world and fed on her bounty. No matter what marvels technology may develop, getting back to nature lets us feel truly alive. Medical science may make advances, but the best medicine will always be nature’s own healing power.

Your next journey will take you back to that green world, and what better setting for you to rediscover your natural self?

1. You have set off to climb a mountain, in search of a fabulously rare stone. What is your impression of the mountain as you stand at its foot?

2. After a hard search, you still haven’t found the stone, and now the sun has fallen. What will you do next?

3. You have finally discovered the stone you were seeking. What kind of stone is it? Describe its size, weight, and value.

4. Now it is time to come down from the mountain and return home. What parting words do you have for the mountain, and what is its reply?

Now if you want to know the interpretation of your answer click here.
Let me know what happened and I'll share my answer to you, too! =D

I Can See Clearly Now by Anne Murray

2008-03-03T08:23:00.000-08:00

I can see clearly now, the rain is gone,
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)

Sun-Shiny day.
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day.

I think I can make it now, the pain is gone
All of the bad feelings have disappeared
Here is the rainbow I've been prayin' for
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day.

Look all around, there's nothin' but blue skies
Look straight ahead, nothin' but blue skies

I can see clearly now, the rain is gone,
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day.
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day.
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day.

Mai, asked me what my type of songs are when she was trying to decide for a wedding song.
I thought about it and I really don't have a specific genre in mind. But thinking about it, I like the ones with the words "beach", "sun", "sea", "sand", etc.
So, I think most songs of Bob Marley like that, also the Beach Boys... so I think it might be something like Reggae. Yup, that's it... I like Reggae songs, I like the beat of the drums and the happy rhythm. =D
I guess it fits my hopeless optimistic personality.

Why My New Company is Better

2008-02-24T07:01:00.000-08:00

I've been very busy the past 2 months. A lot of things happened.
One of those things was that I transferred to a new company called 24/7 Customer in Makati. Yes, I'm back to working in Makati again. The name of the company itself sounds like a convenience store, it was founded by an Indian guy, that's why.

Well, I'm still thankful that I transferred though, here are the top ten reasons why:

1. pay is better! of course.
2. it's a technical support account not customer service.
3. for some weird reason, i like working in Makati.
4. i can be scheduled for a morning shift.
5. my badminton buddy also works there (she was the one who referred me, although she's so busy right now).
6. there are a lot of non-smokers. (unlike in my previous company, 90% are smokers).
7. they have a sports fest (although I really don't have a sport).
8. there are dota players there (yes, i'm addicted).
9. the agents are tenured tech agents, no need for a lot of supervision.
10. they encourage people to take their vacation leaves every month and maintain a work-life balance. =D

I hope I'll be able to build my career in my new company. And also have fun at the same time. =D

Happy 2008!

2008-01-04T10:34:00.000-08:00

Coming soon... the video of the countdown and fireworks display in Eastwood.
Here's a low quality video, taken using my Samsung D900i phone of what happened. I guess just search www.youtube.com for a higher quality video...

My first attempt of a video blog :-D

Merry Christmas

2007-12-25T13:53:00.000-08:00

It's not really the gifts nor the food nor the Christmas decors that make us feel the Christmas spirit... It's celebrating Christ's birth and knowing how the world changed when he first came to us. It's also renewing ourselves and changing our life for the better.

****
By the way, I made a "Christmas" chicken adobo for the first time and it tasted great! Thanks to the online recipe of Food Network plus of course I made some modifications (included brown sugar and pineapple chunks). Yummy!

http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,1977,FOOD_9936_21152,00.html

My New Laptop

2007-12-11T19:46:00.000-08:00

Intel Core 2 Duo! 14.1 " WXGA TFT...DVD-R/RW...Wifi...Card Reader...free bag and 1GB flash drive.. and within my budget =)

Some dreams do come true! So, I'll keep on dreaming some more... =D

Lazy Weekend

2007-10-29T12:40:00.000-07:00

After the 2-hour-after-shift-badminton last Saturday, here's what I did Saturday afternoon and whole Sunday,

Ate lunch at Next Door (aka North Park), the usual...spicy squid, sweet and sour pork, yang chow rice, and siomai plus 500ml of Coke Light (I'm on a diet, hehehe).
Went home and had a DVD marathon of CSI: Las Vegas
Slept 8 hours
Woke up
Bought 10 big pan de sal, 2 ube Spanish bread and soya milk from Pan de Manila for breakfast
Watched some more CSI, while eating in bed
Ordered Jollibee, 1 pc Chicken Joy, macaroni soup, palabok and Coke
Watched pirated dvds, License to Wed and Blind Dating, while eating in bed
Went to church to attend mass
Ate ice cream with banana and KBL soup at Chicken Inasal in Metrowalk
Drank milk
Watched One Tree Hill (corny TV series, Dawson's Creek wannabe, even the adults act like teenagers, and everybody is somebody's ex)

Do I really wanna live my life like this? Swine reflex? a couch potato? a life of lethargy?

Sometimes maybe... ;-D

To all the Hopeless Optimists out there...

2007-10-23T15:25:00.001-07:00

I really thought I was the one who coined the phrase "hopeless optimist." I guess I was wrong. I searched Google and found out that there were a lot of bloggers using that phrase, too. Let me be the one to define it though,

hopeless optimist n. a person who has an incurable habit of looking at the bright side of every desperate situation.

I really think I'm an authentic hopeless optimist :-)
****

Tweaking

2007-10-01T15:53:00.000-07:00

Still in the process of tweaking my blog...trying to reinvent it...but I don't seem to have the patience, the passion, the inspiration to do this anymore. Blame it on the gloomy weather.

My Prayer

2007-09-14T12:49:00.000-07:00

God grant me

the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.

Bohol Escapade

2007-05-09T18:50:00.000-07:00

My Manileñan friends, Mae and Theta, came here to Cebu last May 4-May 7. It didn't require a lot of coercion to have them visit me. I think it's because they're always game for something new and adventurous. Before, it was used to be going to Puerto Galera, watching movies, playing badminton, then playing DOTA. Now it's up to another level, going to Cebu, Bohol then maybe Boracay, Pagudpud or Camiguin next time. Right, girls? Ü

I really enjoyed the Bohol Escapade and Cebu tours that we had... hope there's lots more destinations to explore next time.

I uploaded some photos in http://flickr.com/photos/curlyque (photos not public, you need to be my contact in flickr to view the pix). But check out their Multiply sites: http://lemonmae.multiply.com/photos

http://theta27.multiply.com/

Team AltaVista

2007-03-30T20:59:00.000-07:00

'Tis a sad day today...I was asked by my boss to be transferred to another queue in my program. Basically, it means I'm going to be handling a new team composed of new hires (fresh meat! Hehehe).
I've been with my team since I started here in Cebu last year, we're going to be almost a year old. Agents come and go in my team, also some agents got moved to a different position, a few resigned (not because of me though!).
I just hope I made a difference in their lives, or that they learned something from me. I hope they know that all I wanted for them was to succeed in their work and their lives.
We're still going to see each other though...still on the same company, same building, same program, and the same floor! =D I'll make sure they're in good hands.
For my team, thank you so very much for everything!

Team Pictures

(L) While on avail (R) Aux "Training"

(L) Waterfront Casino gambling days (R) Posing for Vonage

(L) Team GA at Alavar's (R) Team GA at Cafe Laguna

Summer's Here!

2007-03-24T14:59:00.000-07:00

Yep.. it's too darn hot here in Cebu...especially in the office, the A/C is broken. :-(
Anyways, there's a lot of things going on for me this month and the next one. Hopefully, though I would have my dream vacation come true. Maybe in Bohol again, the beach is really nice there, I wasnt able to savor it though because last time I went there we went island hopping.

I still couldn't find the time and patience to upload the Bohol pictures in flickr.com, maybe this weekend.

I'm also excited to go back to Manila, it might be sooner than I expected. :-)

Flickr Pix Uploaded at Last!

2007-02-07T07:48:00.000-08:00

More photos in www.flickr.com/photos/curlyque2 .

Bohol and Cebu Pics

2007-01-26T20:06:00.000-08:00

Coming soon... in my flickr.com account. I need to upload the pics though, I have 600MB of them.

Manila, Manila

2007-01-26T19:59:00.000-08:00

I'm here in Manila for a 5 day vacation. Be with my honhon. Meet friends I haven't seen since last year. I was invited to a reunion with my college friends and also a reunion with my ex-teammates, I told them I couldn't make it. Jokingly, I told them why not move the reunion when I get there on the last weekend of January? So the reunions didn't push through. No, not that they waited for me, it's just that people are busy and they have no time to attend.
=)

So here I am in Manila, trying to text everybody, hope I'll get to meet them on my short stay here.

Camotes Island Misadventure

2007-01-23T08:29:00.000-08:00

Where: Camotes Island, Cebu

When: Jan 6 and 7, 2007

So, I'm in Cebu for already 6 months going on 7. I came to Cebu, because I thought life's a beach literally. They said people are laid back, less stress in the workplace compared to the Makati branch of our office.

But 6 months passed by.. and the only beaches I went to were Bantayan, EGI (Mactan Area), and Hadsan. All were incomparable to Bora! (of course).

Then, the Camotes incident...

My whole team was supposed to go, but it was quite rainy the whole week, some got discouraged, I ended up with 3 girls. Sunday was sunny and perfect, but the boat leaves at 11am and is a 3 hour trip. We were in the boat 11am and then we found out it's leaving the port at 1pm. So we waited for 2 hours...slept a bit since we came from work. Then, at last it was moving, then there was a ruckus a few minutes later. They found out that the boat was sinking! So we had to dock to the nearest place. Me and my girls decided not to ride that boat anymore.

So we decided to take the Oceanjet scheduled 4PM, but an hour faster. When we were in the middle of the trip, I got seasick!

When we got to Camotes it was already dark, I thought we'd get to the beach in and go night swimming, but the ride going to the resort took almost an hour and we were too tired..

The following day.. it rained.. skies cloudy..

But still we went swimming in the rain. Found out a lot about corals and sea animals though, because of Concon (she took up BS Bio in UP).

Now to continue... we had to catch the 11am boat trip back to the city. So basically we just had like 4 hours to enjoy the beach. The beach shoreline did somehow rival that powdery sands of Bora and it stretched like about 200 meters to the beach. And even when you go further, the water won't reach waist level.

Another downer was there were a lot of corals, some sea urchins, lots of starfishes and algae on the water. But you'd enjoy them if you're snorkling (which we weren't, I forgot my googles).

So we hurried back to catch the last Oceanjet trip to Cebu (at 11am!). We were there a little bit early, rain poured. We were about a few minutes away from the dock when suddenly the "captains" of the boat decided to turn around and get the LATE passengers. They was actually one family riding 3 motorcycles, only 2 arrived, so they said they had to wait for the last one. The passengers (including us) were so impatient because we were already more than an hour behind schedule.

The mother of the wet and trembling kids, cried and wailed, and begged to the "captains" and passengers to wait for her other kid and husband and they really need to take this trip. Ad misercordiam...too much drama. Anyways the kid and husband arrived, wet and trembling also. But so finally, we were off to go.

Again, the boat ride was worse, the girls andn I got seasick.

But, the we were happy to see land again after a 4-hour roller coaster trip.

And we had to work again that night.

Plateau

2007-01-22T09:01:00.000-08:00

Yes, definitely, my life is hitting a plateau.

I thought about it and I thought I need a change. Maybe a change of job?
Something I would really be passionate about.

Is it the 7th month itch on the job?
Also, Gretch is leaving for Singapore. That means no more gimik night outs.

I really thought about it and then suddenly it dawned to me...

It's quarter-life crisis! *sigh*

A Pattern

2007-01-20T12:29:00.000-08:00

Here I am again trying to blog.
My first blog www.blurty.com/users/curlyque was shorlived.
I got locked out of my second blog www.hopeless-optimist.blogspot.com (maybe because I forgot my username and password and never updated it for 2 years).

I easily take these things for granted. Maybe I'm just not a public person, maybe I'm too lazy to write stuff, maybe there's nothing interesting that's happening in my life that I can write about.

Probably it's all of the above.

But why bother again to make another blog?

It could be therapeutic... you'll never know... something interesting might happen. =)