2010

This year, I am grateful for a lot of things.

I think first would be the gift of forgiveness. It is easy feel nothing, but somehow seemingly impossible to forget--for me. This year, I felt a part of me come alive, waking from a paralysis that is bore from years of indifference. I am happy for this second chance. It should not go without saying that while it is a personal decision, I appreciate encouragement I had received from friends and loved ones. I know it took me forever, but there is such as perfect timing.

I also went home to my home country after three years. In fact, I went back twice. I realised that where I'm from, there is (literally) music wherever you go. It doesn't matter if you are in the grocery, mall, gym, in transit between buildings, there is always music. You sort of get used to it, so you never notice, but in the couple of weeks that I was back, there is was. Music. I miss that.

We also move homes. I love how all my things fit in my room. I am also happy that my room is no longer an eyesore in our lovely home :)

Oh, I finally got my mannequin too! Sewing was not as big this year as it was in 2009, but I did a LOT of alterations. I'm not sure if that counts.

I saw my favorite aunt who I have not seen in 15 years! It is funny how she didn't look like she aged at all. In fact, I think she looks younger now.

I went cold turkey and stopped drinking my favorite, Coke Light. It should be good for me in the long run, there is still a struggle in my head whenever I eat anything charred.

I've finally become decent with the way I line my eyes. I knew that at some point, it would stop being such a big effort and will take no time at all to put on. Practice, practice, practice. It had been a constant frustration but with a lot of help from the make up gurus in YouTube, the best (in my book) gel eyeliner and a good brush, I have conquered... eyelining.

Yes, zapping. I will not elaborate.

I did some traveling this year too. That was exciting. I loooooooove the photos. And I can almost hear my mom say "Next time maybe you want to send us pictures from your trip that actually show YOU".

Yoga. My flexibility still remains poor, but at its feeble state, it had been such an improvement. I had discovered a class that I actually look forward to going to!

I also saw a number of good performances. I loved Simply Red! I think that sort of stood out from all the concerts I saw this year. Maybe Green Day kicked off really well in January, so it was one good show after the other.

Wicked was really wicked ;) Loved it!

Movies! My favorite movie this year is L'arnacoeur. Other favorites are Inception, Despicable Me, Never Let Me Go and Lovely Bones. I saw Love in the time of Cholera this year too, but I'm not sure if that counts because it was released in a different year. I hate that Black Swan is not yet showing here! I have to wait till February 2011.

On the telly, Dexter and South Park remain my favorites. I love Lie to Me though! I'm also starting to warm up to Master Chef, I find myself engrossed every time I catch it on.

On books, the Millennium Trilogy as a highlight this year. I also discovered Philip Roth and stumbled back into the arms of Mike Gayle and not to mention my all time favorite writer, Neil Gaiman.

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I honestly want to write some more, but I have lost all will to continue doing so because my stomach is growling, plus I need to get ready for to head out.

Happy New Year! :)

shake weight

After watching (and laughing like crazy) in South Park's Creme Fraiche episode, I was sure there was no real Shake Weight product--until today. It's quite hilarious and no matter how scientifically groundbreaking it is (if it is at all), I'm not sure I could working out with it... and I'm not explaining why.

you say it best...

There was once a time that I could have talked to a certain friend for... days.

Somehow things have happened that I could not get two words out when we are around each other.

I wouldn't say we lost it, because you never really lose what had been built. And there were no destructive events either.

Maybe, our season had passed. Maybe we had both moved on and could no longer relate to each other.

It is sad. I know though that at the right time or situation, things would pick up. And if they don't, then...we'd always have our moments.

Why does this read like goodbye?

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It had not been writing as much sunday entries for a while--I guess my sundays had changed.

never let me go

I admit this much...I saw the first third of the movie thrice, the second third twice and the last third once. I didn't mind. I loved the movie!

I especially liked Carey Mulligan's voice--I remember how I liked how she narrated parts of An Education.

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I watched the movie not knowing what it is about, except that it had pretty good ratings. That was enough. I like being surprised, so I prefer not knowing the plot.

I was surprised by the premise, and was not quite prepared for what was coming. After I finished the movie, my heart was hurting :(

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I highly recommend watching the movie (if you are not in a delicate state).

For me, it is at Atonement caliber.

after 15 years

After 15 years, I still have these shoes.

After 15 years, these are trendy again.

I'm wearing these tomorrow :)

Christmas Song

What is your favorite Christmas song?

I thought long and hard till I realised what mine is. It did not come instinctively, but since it is the only Christmas song that I play regardless of month, and also the only Christmas song in my iPod, it was the clear winner.

All I Want for Christmas is You :)

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On a side note, I suddenly remembered a Christmas Song today. It was never too popular, and I forget how I got around knowing about it, but I recall it from high school. I think someone had a mixed tape.

New Snow by Flim and the BB's.

prince and the pauper

I had finally gotten a darker make up shade.

Only, it's too dark!

There was limited stock where I went, and I was not about to go to another branch. Besides, it looked almost right when I tried the tester on my neck. Yes. My neck. One of the make up gurus in youtube said that the right shade is the one that matches your neck, not face. Interesting, yeah?

More interesting is that a friend told me today, another make up guru in youtube said that it is the color of your cleavage that you should match. Now, even if I knew that while shopping for make up, I doubt (highly doubt, in fact) that I'd swatch there.

I now sport a look that is similar to an actress tanned to look like a needy person--homeless. As opposed to an actress portraying a needy person portraying a non-needy person.

mismatch

I have spent too much time under the sun that my face powder no longer matches my face. While I don't think it is a must to wear make up everywhere I go (READ: yoga class, the beach), I feel that it is a must when going to work. Like shoes. Again, unnecessary for yoga class and the beach.

For this reason, I cringe whenever I look at the my compact mirror. As the powder is a shade lighter that my current skin tone, I look ashy :(

It is just wonderful that I was already in the store on Friday, Saturday and again on Sunday and it slipped my mind all three mall trips!

As much as it bothers me, laziness took over today that I did not make any attempt to go to the store.

We'll see how I feel about going tomorrow.

don't you (forget about me)

A very lovely person got me a dvd box set of John Hughes movies :)

I had to stop myself from pulling an all-nighter to watch the movies back to back to back.

Till now, I can't decide which one I like most. Maybe if Patrick Dempsey didn't resurrect to be McDreamy, I would have said Some Kind of Wonderful.

mugged :(

I'd like to think of my workplace as a safe place. True, once upon a time there were some theft. Wallets, cash and bags were stolen but, let us not forget that with those valuables, my sweater was taken too.

Since then, (too many) video cameras had been installed and security was reinforced in the office.

No theft had been reported since.

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During the day, my laptop bag as well as my personal belongings are locked inside my bin. When I leave, I don't lock my bin at all since there isn't much there but office supplies and my food stash. I bring all important (and valuable) things to and from the office daily.

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Today, when I got to the office, I took out my laptop, locked the case in the bin then opened the drawer so that I could (again) wash my mug--the one that I had washed the day before and stored. There. In the drawer--its place.

Only...it wasn't there!

I took my drinking bottle instead and headed to the pantry.

As I was reaching for the faucet to wash my drinking bottle, I saw my mug! It was there! Someone had used it, and there was still some coffee in it.

I got upset :(

Who steals a mug from a personal drawer? Granted it is never locked, but who looks through their colleague's stuff to secure a mug. AND OUR OFFICE PROVIDES CUPS AND SAUCERS FOR EVERYONE TO USE!!!

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I need a new mug.

For the first time in years, I actually hope someone gives me a mug for Christmas.

sapphire

I took a recent trip to the beach. For me, each beach trip usually means something. Nothing too dramatic--well, there would be exceptions. But I find, that for every beach trip (or trip for that matter), there never fails to be something that stands out to me, whether I visiting for the first time of 10th time.This time, I just can't stop beaming when I remember the water. WaterS. Some places it is sapphire, some places it is aquamarine, like a pool, at certain spots it is quite green like a pale emerald. I know I am quoting stones here, but those are the exact colours!

Seriously.I somehow feel like prick posting water swatches, and and incomplete set at that too. While there are more photos that feature the other colors, or at least the view that came with the water, I thought I'd post just these for emphasis.

Okay, maybe I'll post one photo to put the water colours in context ;)The change in color is not always this dramatic though. It usually changers per spot rather than this way in a seemingly dip dye pattern even.

I remember saying at one point, and this was before I had drank anything! I said Is it only me, but does the sun's reflection on the water also looks like thousands of diamonds to you?

The answer that I got was Something like that--said the one who had had two beers.

I think I like in sapphire best--in this location at least. Not because it is incidentally the name of my best high school year section, but because it seems most inviting.

When I look at the thumbnail view of my album, I can't help but think, this is so blue!

I love the next photo. I was surprised that it looked as blue as it did in real life. As if it is the place where the blue men lived.I thought this was a perfect end of day (three) photo.

Philip Roth

I had randomly picked one of Roth's when I was combing through the books that a certain library was selling a few months back. It was not until two weeks ago that I had started to reading it.

Wow. His main character, Mickey sure has character!

I am a few pages short of finishing Sabbath's Theater. If I get one word to describe it, that would be...piercing. It has that quality that affects your mood (perhaps even YOU) when you read.

I can't help but view this particular book as a satire.

It is the ordinary that escapes us.

I was surprised when I found out that a moving movie that I once saw Elegy was a translation of his book The Dying Animal.

I'd definitely keep Roth in mind the next time I go book shopping.

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Can I just say that this book is quite dirty and there is that piece towards the end that still makes me cringe. That being said, I don't recommend it to everyone.

I think the thing about Roth's style, based on this one book is that he allows you to get close to such an extreme character that you can taste the filth. It is not easy to take in, but it draws you in. You find yourself curious. I won't go as far as saying guilty, but maybe indulgent, if you like.

not sick but tired

I just got back from a trip, going on a trip tonight and booked another in January.

The past three months had been horribly hectic and I anticipate that after I get back next week from holiday, it would once again be busy till halfway through December.

Luckily it wasn't / isn't always because of work. Sometimes though, whether you are out spending time with friends or having marathon teleconferences during off hours, it really takes toll on your health. Admittedly, my body's ability to recuperate is no longer as good as when I was a teenager.

I feel tired.

While the formula eat healthy and exercise regularly for more energy is THE answer. I thought I'd start by scrutinising my habits.

I did some self assessment to define what my poison is.

It doesn't seem like I have any addiction. While I do have vices, there isn't one that hinders me from doing my daily functions, control my actions, dictates my schedule or activities or could not stand not having for weeks. Or months.

With that out of the way, it seems like there is no major obstacle trying to take better care of my body. And mind.

Here are a few things I'd like to do:

1. Eat breakfast regularly. Properly. No eating a granola bar while walking to the bus stop. Breakfast should be taken sitting down. With a place mat :)

2. Limit soda intake. I had always (as in dating dati pa RN!) loved how Diet Coke tasted, so while there were some adjustment when it was phased out to be replaced by Coke Light, I had somewhat grown to love the new counterpart's taste as much as the first edition. I don't mind Coke Zero too. I somehow justify my unreasonable intake to the fact that these are zero calorie drinks and thus, is okay. I know it is still better to drink water. Or fresh fruit juice.

3. Salt / Seasoning. OMG! This may be my poison! I could hardly eat out or at home without dipping sauce (steak excluded). I also like requesting for "extra" sauce. I'm not sure I can give this up completely. At least not today. I'd start by cutting down :)

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Oh, I once jokingly accused a friend of not putting the entire pack of seasoning into the instant mee goreng because it was for me, tasteless.

eat, pray, love

I imagined the movie to be horrible, only because I don't seem to hear anyone say it was pretty good, considering I have a lot of movie buff (rochness counted) friends.

For me it was just okay. Something you could watch in HBO if shown--and you have nothing else to do. Or to keep as background as you are polishing your shoes or sewing loose buttons.

While I had learned a long time ago not to compare books with movies (plus I didn't read the eat, pray, love book), I don't think a lot of people do the same. In effect, they don't really have a fair take on the movie. In most cases, the books are better than the movies. I can only name a few that don't follow this trend.

Lord of the Rings Trilogy <--- movie wins
Red Dragon <--- tie!
The Notebook <--- movie wins (but I'm biased because I don't really like romance novels)

Going back to eat, pray, love, I think what seems to be missing from the movie was inspiration. Somehow when the lights turned on, I felt exactly the same what I did before I watched. Maybe slightly more sleepy. I feel neutral about it, which is about the worst thing anyone can say about a movie. Well, it got a blog entry out of me--though a bland one, so maybe it doesn't really count.

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On a side note, I can't wait to watch The Song of Fire and Ice's first book The Game of Thrones Series (10 episodes) produced by HBO.

sinking feeling

I hate to admit that somehow I had let myself go...plump. I guess, I was resigned given the fact that there are no skinny women in my family.

I'd say to myself I'd compensate with a pretty smile--floss daily, brush regularly. Those are much easier than eating right and exercising.

Maybe, I am secretly hoping for a miracle formula. Nope, no pills please. I was maybe hoping that the South Beach, Atkins or Grapefruit diet will work and then I don't have to think of my hips anymore. While these diets work, they are for me, unsustainable.

I love carbs! What can I do? Although I am not a big rice eater, I love bread and pasta :)

I also don't enjoy talking about dieting--because it makes me feel like an idiot. Only because I know what should be done, but somehow look the other way for other options.

I'd always say, it is only complicated if you don't want to do what you have to, usually in a romantic relationship context though. Never this way.

I wish I could end this blog entry with a TODAY IS THE DAY EVERYTHING CHANGES....

But I can't. Because I'm not sure.

miss my sister

My seemingly kontrabida but actually the most-supportive-sister-one-could-have ate came to visit this weekend. I miss her already :(

hero

I think whoever asks you to swap soup bowls when you accidentally put (a lot of) soy sauce into your hot and sour soup instead of balsamic vinegar is God sent.

what's up?

I admit that just maybe this is too reminiscent of the nineties, however it is something that had some back (come people may ask "did it ever go?") that I could not shake off no matter how much I tried.

I honestly think it had been a year ago when I told my friend whilst shopping that I wanted one but felt that it is too young for me and that I'd probably end up wearing it twice then forget about it.

It was not until last week that it became unbearable--even my subconscious was screaming DOCS. And thanks to a friend's encouragement (read: rochness), vivid dreams and a few items from my closet, I took the plunge. I can't help but smile whenever I remember what shoes I'm wearing. It's like I've outwit everyone wearing heels under their maxis :)

nothing's gonna stop us now

I had always, ALWAYS wanted one of these since I got my sewing machine a few years ago. There were a lot of factors to consider before getting one though. Really.

(Come to think of it, I had once upon a time made a bet to secure one. Needless to say, I lost.)

It was not merely the model availability, the size and the price but also my size, my room's size and layout, among other things.

Yesterday though, all the stars had aligned and allowed me to get one!

cory and ninoy

I bought two iamcory items. Iamcory is a line that features the late ex-president Cory Aquino's paintings printed on merchandise such as clothes and bags. The proceeds go to the Cory Aquino / Ninoy Aquino Foundation.

I got a shirt and a dress--both of which I love so much! Admittedly, I got them for the design rather than the social relevance--I know that sounds shallow. But, it means that these items are really nice! Seriously nice!

With my limited closet space, I am quite picky when buying clothes, I somewhat need to feel that one item is special before I purchase. And that is exactly how I feel about these items.

I would probably post a photo of the dress and post that too. I honestly can't help but be excited about these new additions to my wardrobe :)

weigh in

During a recent trip, I somewhat ending buying a lot of stuff to bring back home and I needed to weigh my stuff as airlines ask for ridiculously high rates for excess baggage. While I usually just use the normal scale weighing my luggage (I would weigh myself first then weigh myself carrying the luggage--obviously, the difference is what I am after.

My dad sometimes gets obsessive about things . Such as this and thus, insisted that this time I use something more accurate.

I was given this to weigh my stuff with! It felt really funny weighing stuff here. I felt like a kid playing tinda tindahan or shop pretend. My sister was laughing when I told her about it, she said it would be something people did when they sell second hand stuff to the salvation army equivalent, ukay.

back to work

I came back to work after a ten day vacation and was faced with more than 500 unread emails. Great.

That is not the clincher.

Today was the day they told me that I was chosen to be at the company video and print ad--materials to be used in a giant activity that is to happen next week. We shot today too! Whatever happened to briefing or email.

Did I mention that I have had some treatments done while on vacation, so I have markings on my back and face? Chances are, in the published print/video, I would look like a giraffe with freckles.

Happy Halloween!

canonigo

When I was a kid, we used to go to this restaurant called Ciudad Fernandina and every time we go there I would have fried ice cream for dessert.

Except on one occasion wherein they did not have fried ice cream, so I was forced to get a canonigo.

Until now, I can still remember how much I loved it. I never took it again because even as a kid I had been a creature of habit. Maybe.

Once upon a time, I tasted a bit at L'Opera, but it wasn't quite the same.

A couple of days ago, while having coffee with a good friend, I noticed that the cafe offered canonigo (you won't believe how so very few places offer it!) and so I thought it was time to give it another shot. It didn't even come close.

Canonigo at Ciudad--the one that got away.

spotted

I had been so curious about this cupping method since I first read about it.

The therapist would spend 45 minutes to an hour alternating massage and pulling your muscles with suction cups all over your back and you can literally feel the tension on your back melting away with every rub, press and pull.

After the session, I felt young again. As in no back pain!

Of course the hassle is that your back looks ridiculous afterwards, but that is a very small price to pay for the relief and wellness that you get out of it. I promise that it is well worth the trouble--even if you spend a day at the beach where obviously, your back is exposed for the world to see.

I would have booked another session with the therapist if only you can do this as often as you like. Apparently, the body can only take one session every four weeks.

last stretch

It had been a few years since I last came home, obviously I have not seen a lot of good friends for a long time. Too long.

The past few days had been a blast. Admittedly, I am quite tired from endless activities sun up to sun down, sometimes sun up to sun up even. I may need a vacation to rest from this vacation!

I however feel overwhelmed. Happy. It's true what they say about good friends. Even if you don't see each other for a long time, when you do, you just fall into the same place where you left off--close.

I have three more days, let's hope my multivitamins is as good as it promises. I need the energy.

knees and thighs

The evils' birthday bash was...wicked!

It is now Tuesday--three days after but I am still recovering, the thought of that night however, makes me smile. That was a fun night.

I am not sure what it is exactly about those two girls, but somehow when we all hang out, tummies and cheeks hurt from too much laughing, throats hurt from too much talking and well, knees and thighs hurt from...from just too much.

I wonder what will happen next birthday.

pet SHOP boys

When you read about shopaholics, most often they shop like crazy because they try to fill a void... I had been buying stuff lately, for my room, to replace worn out shoes, to revamp my wardrobe and I couldn't help but think AM I TRYING TO FILL A VOID?

Denial is always the first stage. So it would be quite fast for me to say that I don't have a problem.

This leads me to another question though, what qualifies a person as a shopaholic? For all I know, I may be one. Or had turned into one.

They say that like alcoholism, it isn't always obvious.

You don't have to spend beyond your means to be one. People who spend unreasonable time shopping or those who constantly think of things they want to buy (but don't actually purchase) are also guilty as charged. (Which means that having access to internet encourages this disorder!)

As I want to evaluate my state, I would consciously monitor my actions. I would note down how many times I think of something I want to buy (with the exception of essentials like toiletries and food--make up not included!), non-essentials that I buy and time I spend shopping for the next six weeks.

I feel it is not the best time as I am traveling the next week and three different groups of friends and family are coming over to visit during this period, but I quite feel that I have to do this now.

get to know more about me

As part of my extra curricular activities in the workplace, I had joined the global eLife team which aims to encourage the use of technology to ease daily pains of the employees.

In line with the team's kick off, we had to fill out some questions to be posted in the office intranet.

As this is for people in the workplace, I tried to keep it as somewhat-casual-and-personal-but-doesn't-reveal-much as plausible.

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I WAS BORN IN... (I keep coming back to) Manila.

DURING THE NEW YEAR'S EVE OF 1999, I WAS...celebrating my last new year as a teenager.

THE WORSE PROJECT I HAD EVER BEEN INVOLVED IN...was the one that required us to dissect a (live at the beginning) frog for fourth grade science class. Never again!.

IF I COULD CHANGE ANYTHING ABOUT MYSELF IT WOULD BE...to increase my tolerance to noise.

AS FAR AS FUTURE PLANS GO, MINE IS... to be more healthy.

I HAD ALWAYS DREAMED OF...reading fairy tales to my grandkids.

Make 3 statements and make sure that there are 2 truths and one lie about you.

1. All the women in my family have "Maria" (equivalent) in their names

2. My favorite era is the 80's

3. I love colorful clothes

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Can you spot the lie?

a-TRACK-tion

I had always been mindful of where my money goes to. I would have various ways to keeping track of my expenses. Only now, I realise that all of the solutions that I used were wrong--let us say, not ideal.

While each gave a detailed breakdown, none really gave me the view that I needed.

It was only until a friend told me I saved X amount this month that I realised, what I should be watching. Not the trends, rather the figures.

I am not sure if my spending will change with this new tracking method, but I do know what I would be better at answering the question how did you do in a specific period?--Ahhh, that is the question.

Juliet, Naked

I haven't read Nick Hornby in a long time. I'm glad I picked up one of his books two weeks back.

He had never once felt itchy, in the way that two connecting pieces of a jigsaw never felt itchy, as far as one could tell. If one were to imagine, for the sake of argument, that jigsaw pieces had thoughts and feelings, then it was possible to imagine them saying to themselves, I'm going to stay here. Where else would I go?. And if another jigsaw pieces came along, offering its tabs and blanks enticingly in an attempt to lure one of the pieces away, it would be easy to resist temptation. Look, the object of the seducer's admiration would say You're a bit of a telephone box, and I'm the face of Mary, Queen of Scots. We just won't look right together. And that would be that.

one that (swim)suits me

In line with a beach trip that had just been booked, I started to go through my beachwear stash. As I love going to the beach, I have a trolley filled with various beach outfits. As I went through them though, I realised that a good majority of them no longer represented the current me.

My heart broke a little, not because I choose to dress my age, but because there remain to be some pieces that I absolutely love. Still. Always.

I'm not throwing away everything. Instead, I had put aside some pieces that just won't make it, so I could give them away. Everything else would stay with me. I could definitely find different ways to put things together so they'd be wearable today.

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There was one glaring realisation though...

I needed a new "main" swimsuit.

I spent a significant part of the afternoon going around the mall (and complaining that my body ached from the yoga class I attended this morning) looking at swimwear and just when I was ready to give up, I found the next one!

It might not seem like a big deal, but trust me on this one. Holy grail.

It wasn't exactly like the one I pictured in my head (I'm particular that way), but it fit like a dream and is very consistent with what I was looking for.

The price tag pinched a little though :( I didn't realise that grown up swimwear went in a different price range from the already seemingly overpriced popular surfer brands that I usually get.

I am quite happy with the purchase :) I think this would last me a very long time and would stand witness to countless wonderful holidays.

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I think my woman-instead-of-girl swimwear choice had somewhat surprised the young sales person attending to me. When I was paying she asked my how old I was and after I told her, she said Oh, I see... you look young for your age.

Amen.

up the wall

I don't really watch a lot of tv. In fact sometimes weeks would go by without me turning it on. In line with this, I think I have the smallest and oldest tv in the country which was fine for me--until we moved homes and the layout of my new room did not allow me to put the tv in any logical place.

With this, I was forced to get a lcd (LED was out of the question--as if I had to point that out) tv that I could mount on the wall.

I was lucky enough that a friend was selling her almost new (although too big for me, to be honest) tv at a reasonable price, so I did not have to spend more.

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I've had the tv for a month and have only used it twice. Once to watch anywhere but here in HBO and the other after it had been set up, so I can check if it worked.

The thing is that every time I go to my room and see it, I feel guilty that I never use it. It is as if it is screaming for attention. Turn me on.

It's weird that way.

Today I gave in and turned it on and what luck! There was a F1 cover, so I was able to utilise it--for two full hours.

who is the fairest of them all?

A certain trendy make up brand releases limited products every few weeks. While I like this brand, I never really purposely go to the store because I just have to have a certain limited edition item.

Until yesterday.

In this case admittedly, it was more the packaging than the product that drew me. Needless to say, it is not like they produce horrible products--contrary to that in fact.

To my disappointment, the mirror didn't talk. LOL. Maybe it just didn't want to answer my question.I also got a couple of lipsticks, one called heartless and the other sinister.I hope the brand doesn't come up with more villain endorsed products because then, I'd be in trouble.

sister act

I was looking through the photos from my sister's camera taken during their visit a couple of weeks ago. This one was taken by my niece--without a flash while we were having a Sunday Dinner BBQ.I realise that it's blurred, but for some reason, I love this photo :)

millennium trilogy

I am halfway through book three of the Millennium Trilogy and I am kicking myself for waiting this long to read it. I remember my brother coming home with book two telling me I should pick up book one.

Oh well, all is not lost.

I bought a few books over the weekend. I decided to make time to read again. I got distracted the last two years. With what? Don't ask. But whatever reason, I'm back.

simply red

OMG. I can't believe how good Simply Red sounds in person! Goosebumps. If I wasn't too worked up after the incredible fairground and panting from singing stars, I would have cried listening to you don't know me by now. Okay, I admit as much to being teary eyed.

I was surprised that three fourths through the show, he had eighty percent of the audience standing up--that is ground breaking where I live. By the third to the last song, everyone was up on their feet!

I enjoyed the show so much that at 2:30AM, as I am writing this entry, I am listening to his greatest hits--live version :)

I'm so happy I was able to watch his show knowing that after this world tour, he would be retiring.

and i love the thought

I don't want to expect much, but I have a feeling that tonight may rival the best concert ever. It may not be mere coincidence that I'm watching with the same people. I feel giddy. My hands are sweaty with restless anticipation!

I think I had officially started over acting when I woke up this morning singing you make me feel brand new and humming if you don't know me by now as I was hailing my daily bus.

It was a blessing that I was able to rest yesterday, otherwise with the strain from the past two weeks I may not be able to enjoy the show fully.

Less than ten hours to go!

starfish

I feel that posting things you've purchased is... ummmm... not something I would do out of habit, because that's just not my style. I'm thinking, what's the point?

What is my point in posting this photo?

I without-a-doubt know that of all the shoes I've had in this lifetime (my high cut LA Gear in 3rd grade included), this is my absolute favorite. I have never felt this exuberant over shoes before.

(And that feeling deserves a blog entry.)I love it to the point that I had considered buying flip flops going home today when I saw that it was raining. Luckily, the rain stopped :)

frankenstein soap

I usually keep two soap bars in the bath. One creamy soap and my favorite white anti-bacterial soap. I keep the latter because I just love how it smells--and maybe the advertisement I was exposed to growing up lead me to believe that I would be full of germs by mid afternoon if I used another soap brand. Thank you to the actors wearing lab coats telling me to make sure I am protected, I feel life without it would be...I don't know, dirty perhaps.

Clearly, the germ fighting soap also lasts longer than the creamy one. And every now and then I would find myself in situations. Situations wherein I get stuck with a frankenstein soap.

What is that? I actually made it up. It is what I call two or more soap bars that had gotten too small that you stick in to the fresh-just-out-of-the-box replacement soap.

Day 1 - Creamy Soap 1 (CS1) is as big as Germ Fighting Soap 1 (GFS1)

Day n - CS1 is down to 10%, GFS1 is still 50%

You mash CS1 to GFS1 to form Frankenstein Soap 1 (FS1)
You open another Creamy Soap, CS2

Day N - FS1 is down to 10%, CS2 is down to 10% too

You open another Germ Fighting Soap, GFS2
You mash FS1, CS2 and GFS2 to form Frankenstein Soap 2 (FS2)
You open another Creamy Soap, CS3

And then so it goes.

inspired

After visiting a shop that only sold handmade clothes, I was so inspired to sew. As I found that I wore the maxi jersey black skirt that I sew a few months ago, I decided to make something similar.

This is the finished product. I love how it is very comfortable and cool--perfect for the weather where I live in.

It is amazing how you can manipulate the cloth when you make your own clothes, you can make it so that it fits you wonderfully. I don't think it would be too easy to find a jersey skirt that would fit me the way this does off the rack...at least not it the stores I go to.

KLP

I was so full from yesterday's lunch. I would have happily gone back home to finish my book until we passed by the cake display. While I did not have any space left in me, we did have space in our ref for dessert :)
To maximise the satisfaction, I had it for midnight snack to counter the Monday blues.

Vision Quest

I have no idea as to why my monitor looks this way! My laptop is only 14 months old! Looking at it is a nightmare--not to mention the best way to ruin my thirty-year-old-competent eyesight :-(

telly

I can't believe that for the first time in my life, I am actually hoping that there is a tv in front of me. Because seriously, the last thing I want in front of me at the end of the day is that, the demon box.

It maybe because of that thing I got the other day.

new home, new projects

I had been sewing the last two days...I got so inspired by a store that sold only handmade clothes. When I think about it, the reason I started sewing was because of my love for handmade things. Well, that and the fact that I sometimes can't find clothes that I imagine in the stores.

I haven't got photos of them yet but I (1) embellished a man's shirt, (2) make an ankle length skirt and (3) sewn a obi inspired belt.

It would probably be only when I get my room in order that I'd be able to post photos. I hope that is this weekend.

L'Arnacoeur

I don't know where to begin...nor where to end. I'm trying to recall the scene where I laughed the hardest or stretched by lips to smile the widest. I can't.

I enjoyed this movie so much that I was singing The Time of My Life the whole day. I even youtubed for Patrick Swayze's classic stint.

I highly, highly recommend watching the movie. I think Romain Duris made the movie.

master packer

Ninety nine percent of my stuff are now packed and it is the our last night in our home for four years. It didn't really seem like four years. It is funny that although I love this place, I don't really feel any loneliness in changing addresses. Maybe it has a lot to do with the fact that I will still be with my family.

I remember answering a questions about where I would love to live with an annoyingly corny answer that was somewhere a long the lines of nowhere specific geographically, as long as it is a place of love and refuge. I'm not really the mushy kind, but I meant that. And I hope even when I grow up, I do not lose track of what is important :)

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As it is my first time to pack for anything other than a trip, I realise that with the right tools and the endless supply of plastic wrap, bubble wrap, packing tape and boxes, I am quite the packer!

What good I am in packing, makes up for my unpacking skills--or drive. I wonder how long it would take me to fix my new room.

di biro

I've taken care of plants before. Twice. Each consisted of a variety of cactus species in a relatively big petri dish-ish pot. As there was clearly variety, maybe I could say few instead just counting to two.

Regardless of my (home) cactus experience. I had never taken care of a plant in the office until recently.

We had an activity to plant a money tree. Yes, it is not a tree, nor does it have potential to be a tree. It is a vine.

I kept it on my desk because I felt bad for the person who came up with the activity--especially since I heard what people were saying about her programme.

I'm glad I did.

I noticed that every week almost, a leaf from either of the vines would dry up and simultaneously a new sprout would sprout.

I actually feel excited watching it change.

Of course I have to keep myself from pulling out the drying one. I need to accept that nature works in nature's time. You can't rush into what you know to be the end. You can predict beginnings, but you can never quite tell when that sprout would sprout.

How would things be on Monday?

moving on

It had been a roller coaster week at work topped with drama, no thank you to my prescription--that I took the last of yesterday (yey!).

I had also been little by little clearing my room and doing some packing as we are moving homes this weekend.

It is only when you are forced to look at your room that you realise marvelous--and horrible things. Over the last two weeks, I had come to a conclusion that...I let my room go.

Admittedly, my room is an eyesore in our lovely home :(

I am blessed to have a sister in law who accepts me, no matter how my room looks. Because I love her and know how much she likes organised and well put together places, I have vowed to make sure I never fall into the trap again.

lucky week

This week had been hectic with one of my major projects going live coupled with the one week prescription I was given making me moody--as much as it an acceptable justification for trivial actions, I hate it :(

I could say it is one of those interesting streaks.

There were however, more good things that came with it.

I was able to hang out more with a good friend, it had been some time since we really got together.

I received five cheques that were refunds for my medical bills overpayment.

I also picked up some cash on the floor. In a public place. With no one else in sight.

Finally, the zit on my forehead had finally cleared :)

Life is good.

the girl with the dragon tattoo

A definite must see! Gripping--I was anxious, overwhelmed, sorrowful, angry, relieved and in horror throughout the movie. Not a lot different from how Boys Don't Cry made me feel when I saw it for the first time.

When I think about Hollywood coming up with their own version with Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara (whom I have only seen for two minutes in Youth in Revolt), I wonder how it would fair. The Swedish version put the bar up there.

Somehow, I keep imagining Keira Knightly playing Lisbeth.

way back to (an old) love

I haven't been reading lately, I am unsure how I stopped going to bookstores.

I picked up a copy of La Vie En Rose--no, not the one about the french singer but a refreshing read about English people aspiring to sell rosé in France.

I'm almost through, but rushing through it seems wrong. Even if it means that I would watch The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo in the cinema before reading the book--not really ideal. I'm a bit of a book dork that way.

The Millennium Trilogy had been sitting in our bookshelf since last year and somehow I feel like kicking myself for not making time to read it before.

again

I saw an episode of How I Met Your Mother wherein Ted went on the same date seven years apart.

If you didn't see that particular episode, my synopsis would not make sense and would have no connection to what I have in mind to write about.

So maybe, I should elaborate.

In 2002, Ted went on a blind date where he looked for typos in the menu, cracked a silly joke while the girl made excuses about being jobless and didn't stop talking about her cats.

It somehow didn't go so well as to bear a second date.

In 2009, Ted goes to another blind date where he looked for typos in the menu, cracked a silly joke and the girl made excuses about being jobless and didn't stop talking about her cats.

Both dates, the same girl.

No, I don't want to write about blind dates. But being the same person each time you get into something, or take a chance with someone.

I'd like to think that I have gone a long way since 2002, but somehow I remain to be that person.

Specific things that made me happy then, still make me light up.

I still go crazy about wrong slogans or silly expressions, laugh at ridiculously corny jokes, make excuses for eating too much sampaloc and talk for hours about Anne Rice or Neil Gaiman. Actually, I can still talk for hours. There. Annoying. I know.

So maybe, I too go into these things as the same person each time. Somehow.

why not?

I was writing to a colleague in Australia.

I wrote...

Hi John,

Then I immediately erased it, and typed instead...

Dear John,

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Working off hours does something to your head!

bride's maid

Recent events had led me to think about why people decide to stop being friends, which paved way to something seemingly more relevant--do we ever stop being friends with someone?

I'd like to think we don't--under the premise of course that there is a certain level of friendship that qualifies the relationship of two people as never ending.

hobbits

I'd like to write about habits.

I had been sharing cab rides with a friend for a while and each time, I wait for as long as I could before giving a specific set of instructions to the cab driver.

And each time we head home, I end up saying it.

Tonight I asked my friend why such is the case.

I was given a question for an answer

You know I would never forget, why do you keep saying it?

I appreciate the point BUT, just how long am I expected to wait for it?

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I have a funny feeling that next time around, just when the cab reaches that specific spot, I would wait (and wait) till I couldn't help it anymore and just say it.

hobbies

I was talking to a friend about hobbies and how, when you think about it specialty stores survive.

It is because hobbyists are a little nuts.

For instance, because I love to sew, I have five different colored tailor's chalks. Who needs five? I don't. But I got them all. I would have gotten more if there were more colors available.

People who love to do something would give in to little things that potentially could improve their craft.

I love how at times I get a little crazy about sewing that I can't think of anything but what I am going to sew. But at the same note, I am quite thankful that I had not gone mad and gotten an industrial button hole maker, serger, embroidering and sewing monster.

Of course it is not without saying that any day now, I will reward myself with an adjustable mannequin. Why not? :)

the verdict

The doctor told me that it was in fact, my lymph node that was swollen and painful. She said that the cause in an infection, specifically in the head area such as ears, nose, scalp--what have you.

As I didn't have any rash, cut, colds or any other potential cause/symptom of the infection, there was no other way but wait it out. She gave me antibiotics and if upon finishing the prescription my lymph node stays center of attention, I would need to get an x-ray.

I no longer have a fever, but my head is throbbing.

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I managed to get a pearl shake after the doctor's appointment.

It reminded me of going home with my nanny when I was a kid, carrying a bottle of honey after visiting my pediatrician for routine check up. I would ask him each time if he could please prescribe honey for me to take a tablespoon every night. And he always did :)

Maybe that is the root of my sweet tooth. He must not like my dentist ;)

do you see what i see?

I saw a bus with an ad for a fruit juice. It said...

VISUAL GOODNESS YOU CAN SEE

I thought well, if that is the case, there is NO WAY of missing it. LOL.

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Something funny to help me forget my painful lymph node.

Okay, I know I am not supposed to decide what my physical condition is, but I bothers me so much that I could not help but look it up.

I hope it is Monday already, so I can go to the clinic and get some answers.

turn around...

I can't.

I have a two day old stiff neck and I can hardly wait for the morning I wake up to a pain free neck.

My stiff neck is also accompanied with occasional headaches, light fever and a bump on the neck. They say sometimes, when you have the flu, you get these bumps--hence the doctor feels for it whenever you go for a check up. Did I mention that the bump hurts too? Well, only if you press on it. And as I am not really not bothered by it, I keep feeling for it.

I am going to the doctor first thing tomorrow morning.

In the meantime, I am staying in bed all day long--without a pillow, face up, in savasana position.

dessert

My best friend gave me a Dairy Queen flavoured lip balm.

I tried it today, and WOW. It tasted pretty good--no, incredible! I couldn't stop touching my tongue to my lip. It is a good thing that I worked from home today, otherwise it would have looked wrong.

If you chance by one, get it! It is however, not meant to be used in public ;)

till there was pink

I did all the paint mixing when I was a kid, so I understand unions between primary colors bring about secondary colors and when secondary colors are combined, tertiary colors result.

Blue and Red become Purple--Indigo?

Red and Yellow become Orange.

Blue and Yellow become Green.

This would be too long a blog entry if I explain the color wheel.

Anyway, what is this entry really about?

I had been trying to figure out in my head how a bronze base, layered with blue powder ends up pink on my lids.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I decided to break it down to primary colors.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Bronze = brown + yellow + pink

brown = red + orange

red = primary color

orange = red + yellow

yellow = primary color

pink = red + blue + white

blue = primary color

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

When I add up all the primary colors taking the "quantity" into consideration, it was suddenly crystal clear.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

red

+ red + yellow

+ red + blue (+ A LOT OF white)

+ blue

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pink

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

It all sums up to pink.

pillow talk

I was inspired to do some light sewing yesterday that upon waking up this morning, I immediately revisited my cloth vault--which quite simply, is a large plastic storage where I dunk all the cloth I haul and receive as gifts.

(That is another blog entry I should write--gift fabrics and what they had become, reserved for another day.)

I remember that a friend who had recently moved to Singapore bought navy bedding (thanks to my willingness to go ikea shopping--secret motive: check out cloth on discount), I decided to make a welcome gift.

Luckily, I found a navy and mandarin kimono cloth that featured some dragons and blooms--remains from an obi I sew a while back, that would match the sheets.

Below is a photo I got back--with thanks.I'm quite happy that the pillowcases I made went well with the navy and orange rambutan printed quilt cover. I don't think I could be any more pleased :)

Now that I think about it, I also used some of this fabric to embellish jeans.

(eye roll)

I was watching the Hallmark channel and they are showing re-runs--including advertisements.

During the break there will be tips for women on how to get more tuned to football so that they would be a "hit" with the boys.

(eye roll)

The first tip on understanding the player positions. Okay, fair enough. That would be good to know--general knowledge.

BUT. BUT, the next tip was designed for idiots.

The second tip was to incorporate your interest with his. Find out which team he is rooting for, and incorporate the colors into your clothes, it said! And the best part was THEN YOU COULD BE THE BETTER DRESSED IF YOU ARE NOT THE BIGGER FAN.

(eye roll)

surprise

I seem to be surprising myself a lot lately.

And it isn't about my appetite. But maybe I would write a bit more about that. For the past month I have been eating as though it is the last day to eat. I was telling my friend that maybe we should try not to binge. On the same breath, we made dinner plans for tomorrow.

I read somewhere that if you pig out for everyday for two whole weeks, it is not until the 14th day that you feel the bulge. If that is true, then it had been another two weeks since I have felt the weight yet there seems to be no alarms ringing. I should be worried.

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The game is on this Saturday. I can imagine all my friends frenzied.

It had been years since I last watched a game live. There was a time (that seems to be from another lifetime now!) when I saw all the games.

I was excited to receive an invitation to watch it in someone's living room. The next best thing to watching it in out in a sports bar :)

I don't think I'd be wearing green, but I anticipate doing the spelling (and adding those two letters in the end for laughs).

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I keep looking at all the stuff that I have and trying to figure out what to do with almost everything. In you have been in the same place for four years, you don't realise that you have accumulate so much stuff. And it is only when you are about to move that you are overwhelmed by the volume.

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I know I was supposed to write about why I seem to be surprising myself a lot lately. However, I find that I'd rather nap right now--to forget about my tummy ache.

old list

The first thing I did upon waking today was check if my favorite youtube contributor posted something. And there was.

I feel funny posting a photo because of certain reasons.

One of which is that this is a very poor version of the look from the tutorial. Please excuse the unwashed morning face. I just just too excited and wanted to try out the eyes, right there and then.I had my thoughts about blogging about what a friend blogged about a few days ago--a list of things you feel you are too old for. I commented "juicy couture" on her post for laughs.

This got me thinking about my list. I will type as I think of it, so it is likely that the list will be in a funny order.

I am too old...

1. to deem insurance as unnecessary
2. to smoke a pack and a half of cigarettes when I go out to drink
3. to get wasted every weekend
4. to get wasted every other weekend
5. for the grunge look (another reason why photo is funny)
6. not to make effort to eat more vegetables and less red meat
7. to bother about excuses
8. for unnatural coloured hair dyes, think PINK (not that I was ever tempted)
9. to scrimp on healthcare
10. not to know what and who are most important to me
11. to wear denim cut offs

I think next time, I would write a list of things I would never be too old for.

young love

I would never take photos of strangers using my mobile, but today something caught my eye.It if isn't quite clear what the young man is holding apart from the guitar, I'm happy to tell you that he has a bouquet of white roses and a plastic bag of what appears to be chocolates.

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I remember thinking that when you are young, you tend to scream in other ways than verbally about your feelings.

While I do believe that there is no age limit when it comes to expressing feelings, I would say that a woman would have felt differently about this incident if it happened at this age (as in women close to me age) versus fifteen years ago.

Well, maybe not me--as I had always hated scenes. So let me write "typically".

i hate you honey

I had my McDonald's fix today and while at it, I got the honey chipotle shaker fries.

I hated it.

Well, it tasted unhealthy, which means it tasted good--but one thing I hate about it is that the powder was too fine!

I ended up taking in a whiff of it, it felt like I was going to be sick.

After I have recovered and finished everything (yes shaker fries and all) and put the empty mcflurry cup away. I looked around to see that most of the people opening the packets end up coughing a bit.

Try it! Instant wheezing guaranteed!

flah fay

Ever since I saw Despicable Me, I couldn't stop saying "it's so fluffy, I'm gonna die" and every now and then, I feel the sudden urge to shout "IT'S SO FLAHFAAAAAAAY!"

crying dragon

As I passed rows and rows of boxes, I found myself pleasantly surprised to see some artwork on one.I wonder who saw the dragon and decided to put a face on it.

It somehow reminds me of what I do sometimes--making out shapes off cloud formations.

i'm not crazy

I casually told my friend that the dress I wore today makes me think that I am dressed as an escaped convict, only because of the pattern.

Think Hamburglar.

I thought that was funny. Until, I got a response.

I think you look more like someone from the asylum.

Dude, what do you mean?

LOL

carver

no ifs, no BATs

Just as i was preparing to go home on Thursday, I noticed something in my peripheral vision--something like a dark spot. As I had been a busy week, I thought my dizzy spells were at it again. Only...it happened again...and again.

It was when someone shouted "OMG! James, do something!" that I realised that it was not a blur in my vision. There was actually a bat inside the office!

I thought that was funny, then I came in today to see this.

letters to juliet

I saw the movie today, I must say that Gael Garcia Bernal was spot on. The grandma and Amanda Seyfried were well into the characters as well.

I wish I could say the same for the actor who played Charlie...somehow, I just found him lacking.

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The movie for me is forgettable. I'm not saying it sucked, it didn't.

And not without moments.

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I thought there were scenes that were just all too familiar--that I wish weren't. That I hope aren't familiar to a lot of people.

Those scenes are not to difficult to recognise.

Those scenes somewhat reminded me to remind myself of an old lesson.

I hope that if for some unfortunate reason, I find myself in a similar situation I should think twice (or thrice) before saying "Oh, that's okay".

costume (fri)day

This is it.

The dress that I thought was costume-y.

Which isn't.

Because it is not too far from the desert-with-queued-camels dress that I was wearing that day.

Interestingly three colleagues asked me today at different times, if I was part Chinese.

You are what you...errr, wear?

japanese (junk) food

I was given an overly wrapped package today. When I got home, I unwrapped it to find a bag of goodies.

I was smiling ear to ear as I took out the cracker snacks from the bag.

As I took them out, I realised it was like playing King Kong. Hmmmmm. If only I had a toy building....I took one cracker snack and inspected it. The head was a cracker nut, while the body was a short rice and seaweed cracker stick. When I put all of them side by side, I realised that not only are there girl and boy cracker snacks, there were also variations in their look or expression. So cute :)

shoot mom

I could almost hear my mom complaining that among all the photos in the album from my trip, I only had a couple of photos.

I bet she will be happy to find out that this time, I have around ten--which is five hundred percent more than I have last time.I was so happy when I saw one of the photos that Lirie took of me. I loved it :) I also like how the photo I was taking in the photo turned out. Go figure.Now the only thing my mom will complain about is that I am not looking directly at the camera and smiling in the photos.

costume-y

While going through clothes selling at a shop in the Water Village, I saw a hand painted robe-dress that I liked.

I held it against me and asked Lirie "Do you think this is just a bit costume--y?".

She looks up from a hand embroidered top, turns to me and says "It isn't very far from what you have on now."

Happy Halloween! :-p

(The dress I am wearing in the photos is NOT the one being sold in Xitang.)

under the bridge

(kiss the girl)

that's my.,,

Why do I like this photo?Well, it really, isn't the photo. It is more what is in the photo. It is the fabric of the bag. It is exactly the same cloth that I used when I sew a dress a while back :)Everything comes from China!

fruit or vegetable?

I was eating quite healthily in China ;)

At night, I munch on fruits--okay... well, fruit flavored potato chips. LOL

cry baby

Fine. I'd admit to it. I did cry--more than a little while watching Toy Story 3.

I'm not going to write any spoilers, but I am going to say however that anyone who is close to me would understand why I could so relate to the storyline. That is assuming of course, they see the movie.

A little side note here, I used to have the FP telephone when I was a kid, I was somewhat surprised to see a very, very familiar, yet a "new toy" from a Toy Story perspective.

Anyways, I have to thank my grandma for getting me that telephone way back when :)

two go

As I was fixing up to get ready for lunch, I discovered that my top two favorite lipsticks had finally reached their ends. Literally.

I am unsure how often this happens in a woman's lifetime, but I would bet it isn't a lot--if at all.

As shallow as it seems, this made my day.

(Note to RN: Dude, we made it!)

bad hair day

There were some curious friends who asked me to take photos of my hair curling stint.

Before I go there, I thought I'd post this photo that I mistakenly took. I like how it turned out. I thought it would make a nice fabric print. Think throw pillows. I bought two packs of bendy curlers and watched a couple of youtube tutorials. After these two activities, I thought I was ready.

I didn't have mousse, gel, hairspray or setting lotion. I did have some sea salt spray from a short haircut around a year and a half ago, but didn't know if it would do the trick. Sooooooooooo, this genius decided not to put anything on her damp hair before putting on the curlers.

After putting some muscle into rolling my hair up, my head looked like this.It wasn't too comfortable wearing these things to bed, but I expected worse. I was able to sleep quite easily. It may be because I got exhausted putting them on though.

I really didn't know what to expect, however was not expecting to be blown away by my hair for the day.Not horrible, I would say. However, I don't think this is a look suitable for me. I pinned my fringe back as it seemed weird combed down like it usually is.

I went to work without the fringe clip, sporting a ponytail.

What do you know, at least four people actually stopped to ask me

What happened to your hair?

...not a good sign.