Friday, February 29, 2008
Here's A Thought
Here's a thought:
What do you say when someone tells you, " Mama passed away this morning. I'll get you your money later."
You extend your condolences, of course, but that is the end of that friendship. Period.
However, he confides his deepest feelings...
" I never got the chance to really talk to her and tell her sorry and how I love her. I wasted years to do that."
What do you do?
What do you say when someone tells you, " Mama passed away this morning. I'll get you your money later."
You extend your condolences, of course, but that is the end of that friendship. Period.
However, he confides his deepest feelings...
" I never got the chance to really talk to her and tell her sorry and how I love her. I wasted years to do that."
What do you do?
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
To Move Forward Is An Act of Courage
From the Warrior of the Light:
"According to the magical practices of the witchdoctors in the North of Mexico, there is always an event in our lives that is responsible for our having stopped making progress. A trauma, a particularly bitter defeat, disappointment in love, even a victory that we fail to quite understand, ends up making us act cowardly and incapable of moving ahead. The witchdoctor, trying to connect with the occult powers, first of all needs to get rid of this “accommodating point”. To do so, he has to review our life and discover where this point lies."
I think mine happened in 2005, when I was perceived this and that, casting a doubt to my competencies. This was such a big blow to me because I have always been wanted, praised and asked to lead in all areas throughout my life. And I have always succeeded, up until that point. To my mind then, "I do not thrive in areas where I am not wanted," and this thinking went on until it eventually affected my work- I was about to quit. It took a severe confrontation from my mentor to wake up and own up to it, that I better change myself in order to reverse the trend. He was the one who threw me into the fire,actually, and he was the one who kept on challenging me. I guess he felt responsible for saving me from killing my self, so to speak. It took me 2 years to un-learn this, to get past the accommodating point, to not think about what others perceive of me, and to focus on my work. I'm almost there- the results speak for itself, but how hard can it be to market oneself? What an irony, but at this point, I have learned to re-assert myself, I have tried looking for ways to find my groove back, and at one point or two, I did not care what others perceive of me, which is a good sign.
I am always changing, evolving, trying to mold myself to become a better person. I realize, finally, that I can not change the way others see me, but I can always strive to improve my relationships, and what I give into it. In the end, my work will tell it exactly as it is, perceptions not included.
But the real secret to my new-found happiness is not about correcting or minding these perceptions, but about investing time in the things that really, truly, matter to us. When I started doing this, all the anxieties started to fade. When I look back to that moment in 2005, that "accommodating point", the point which hurt me and knocked me off my equilibrium, it doesn't hurt so bad. It does not seem to matter that much, because it is the past, and what I do now about the future is more important. I look back with the lessons, hoping I have learned what I should have, in order to move forward.
"According to the magical practices of the witchdoctors in the North of Mexico, there is always an event in our lives that is responsible for our having stopped making progress. A trauma, a particularly bitter defeat, disappointment in love, even a victory that we fail to quite understand, ends up making us act cowardly and incapable of moving ahead. The witchdoctor, trying to connect with the occult powers, first of all needs to get rid of this “accommodating point”. To do so, he has to review our life and discover where this point lies."
I think mine happened in 2005, when I was perceived this and that, casting a doubt to my competencies. This was such a big blow to me because I have always been wanted, praised and asked to lead in all areas throughout my life. And I have always succeeded, up until that point. To my mind then, "I do not thrive in areas where I am not wanted," and this thinking went on until it eventually affected my work- I was about to quit. It took a severe confrontation from my mentor to wake up and own up to it, that I better change myself in order to reverse the trend. He was the one who threw me into the fire,actually, and he was the one who kept on challenging me. I guess he felt responsible for saving me from killing my self, so to speak. It took me 2 years to un-learn this, to get past the accommodating point, to not think about what others perceive of me, and to focus on my work. I'm almost there- the results speak for itself, but how hard can it be to market oneself? What an irony, but at this point, I have learned to re-assert myself, I have tried looking for ways to find my groove back, and at one point or two, I did not care what others perceive of me, which is a good sign.
I am always changing, evolving, trying to mold myself to become a better person. I realize, finally, that I can not change the way others see me, but I can always strive to improve my relationships, and what I give into it. In the end, my work will tell it exactly as it is, perceptions not included.
But the real secret to my new-found happiness is not about correcting or minding these perceptions, but about investing time in the things that really, truly, matter to us. When I started doing this, all the anxieties started to fade. When I look back to that moment in 2005, that "accommodating point", the point which hurt me and knocked me off my equilibrium, it doesn't hurt so bad. It does not seem to matter that much, because it is the past, and what I do now about the future is more important. I look back with the lessons, hoping I have learned what I should have, in order to move forward.
I have nothing to say really, except that my body hurts from attempting to exercise. But yes, badminton is fun, especially playing with friends, and it also gives me a buzz to get invited by strangers to play mixed doubles. More hurt, I think, is my ego, realizing my skills may not improve that much, my speed, in particular. But hey, any excuse to get this butt off the couch is worth it. I'm going to influence the rest of the gang to play with us, at least once a week.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Let Go
Fresh from the long-haul flight from Dallas, she was billeted at Manila Pen and I came to see her. We hug and we kiss. We have known each other for over four years, and our relationship progressed from being respectful to one of familiarity, with deep respect, into mentor ship. I admire her dedication to her career, spanning twenty years and swimming amidst a suit-ful of men. As global director for merchandising and marketing, she has learned to embrace different cultures from Asia to Europe, made wonderful friends, but she especially loved our country and the people here. She is always full of praises for the local team, and with her earnest, deep-seated passion to deliver her goals, she gives more than the usual support. She keeps saying I am "first class!", but really, she is in a class on her own.
As with evolving relationships, ours has transcended work and has touched on the personal. She has been supportive of me when I was heartbroken and since then, has made two trips back here, always giving me presents, from inspirational books to stuff that she picked up from Bangkok or wherever she was last from. Then last year, after a whirlwind of work output from her end, all was quiet. Until yesterday when at the last minute, we learned she was attending our event. In a quiet moment after all the catching up about work, I told her the latest news about the personal forefront. She looked at me, unbelieving, and her deep-set eyes swirled from disbelief, to shock, to confusion, until she found the right words to say:
" Are you sure?"
I explained, though not fully.
Then she asked again
"So what happens next?"
"He goes back there, maybe next month..."
More question on her eyes now, probing my heart.
"What happens to Armi? What about Armi?"
I honestly did not know the right answer to that one, except this.
"Whatever happens, Armi is going to be all right."
She sighed. As if she recognized the signs.
"Well you know what, love is like that; you cannot rationalize it." Then she looks straight into my eyes, piercing and warning, " Just...just know in your heart the risks involved...and although this has taught you many things, and that it's going to be easier whatever happens this time around, that you are stronger and wiser after all that...just take care and have fun." She was at a loss for words, this woman, who has no trouble with presentations, impromptu speeches and any social interaction or situation of any kind. Then she bounces back from this totally unexpected turn of events, and says:
" Where is he? I want to meet him and I want to tell him how lucky he is to have you, and that he should take care of you."
She did not forget and asks me, at the end of the night to introduce me to him.
I did, and she was taken aback when she saw a photographer clad in jeans, bald head and overgrown moustache. (I know, I know. They all think I'm better suited with a tall, lanky guy- like Jojo Alejar, only darker and taller, like my dreamboy, the Atenista).
"Hiiiiiii! I just wanted to tell you that Armi is very talented, and you are very lucky."
He says: " I know"
She wasn't finished..."She is so great that I want to bring her to the States with me. "
Now that is a thought, I thought.
***
On the drive back to the hotel, we talked about her life in the US. She imagined winning the US$243M state lottery, and how she would GIVE IT ALL AWAY! She said, " Because I have everything I need, Armi. I would give it all away to those who need it, maybe just buy myself a new car, then I will quit my job and retire in beautiful Vancouver."
That is the kind of person she is: selfless, giving, caring, exquisite. Her last message to me, turning into a mentor once again, was to remind me of my responsibilities as a senior manager. "You have to learn to let go, Armi. Then you will begin to focus on new things, and these things, you will soon see that they can make an impact on the work of others."
As with evolving relationships, ours has transcended work and has touched on the personal. She has been supportive of me when I was heartbroken and since then, has made two trips back here, always giving me presents, from inspirational books to stuff that she picked up from Bangkok or wherever she was last from. Then last year, after a whirlwind of work output from her end, all was quiet. Until yesterday when at the last minute, we learned she was attending our event. In a quiet moment after all the catching up about work, I told her the latest news about the personal forefront. She looked at me, unbelieving, and her deep-set eyes swirled from disbelief, to shock, to confusion, until she found the right words to say:
" Are you sure?"
I explained, though not fully.
Then she asked again
"So what happens next?"
"He goes back there, maybe next month..."
More question on her eyes now, probing my heart.
"What happens to Armi? What about Armi?"
I honestly did not know the right answer to that one, except this.
"Whatever happens, Armi is going to be all right."
She sighed. As if she recognized the signs.
"Well you know what, love is like that; you cannot rationalize it." Then she looks straight into my eyes, piercing and warning, " Just...just know in your heart the risks involved...and although this has taught you many things, and that it's going to be easier whatever happens this time around, that you are stronger and wiser after all that...just take care and have fun." She was at a loss for words, this woman, who has no trouble with presentations, impromptu speeches and any social interaction or situation of any kind. Then she bounces back from this totally unexpected turn of events, and says:
" Where is he? I want to meet him and I want to tell him how lucky he is to have you, and that he should take care of you."
She did not forget and asks me, at the end of the night to introduce me to him.
I did, and she was taken aback when she saw a photographer clad in jeans, bald head and overgrown moustache. (I know, I know. They all think I'm better suited with a tall, lanky guy- like Jojo Alejar, only darker and taller, like my dreamboy, the Atenista).
"Hiiiiiii! I just wanted to tell you that Armi is very talented, and you are very lucky."
He says: " I know"
She wasn't finished..."She is so great that I want to bring her to the States with me. "
Now that is a thought, I thought.
***
On the drive back to the hotel, we talked about her life in the US. She imagined winning the US$243M state lottery, and how she would GIVE IT ALL AWAY! She said, " Because I have everything I need, Armi. I would give it all away to those who need it, maybe just buy myself a new car, then I will quit my job and retire in beautiful Vancouver."
That is the kind of person she is: selfless, giving, caring, exquisite. Her last message to me, turning into a mentor once again, was to remind me of my responsibilities as a senior manager. "You have to learn to let go, Armi. Then you will begin to focus on new things, and these things, you will soon see that they can make an impact on the work of others."
Photoblog
The looks for the evening- color, color, sparkle, sparkle!
The required entertainment- The Dawn!
With our event head, Xtin, my crazy colleague and friend
Newly-promoted, newly-awarded Paolo P. with the ever charming party pal Winnie
Jojo Alejar is back!
And finally, a farewell to Puto who is moving on to a new job. It has been a pleasure working with you Puto, for you are somebody who knows how to listen, works really really hard, and you know what you want in life. I admire your character, and wish you well in your new endeavor. Thank you for your valuable contribution, you will do well, wherever you are. Keep in touch!
Couldn't resist with this last installment. Thanks, Hon for taking these great photos. Eyeloveit, kahit di na ko mukhang 25. =(
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
C's haircut: SGD $100, which was offset when she won Best Dressed in that same event when she had her hair and make-up done
S's built: P21,000 personal trainer 30 sessions in 4 months
A's top for supplier's night: part of a Barba collection, kaching kaching!
I'm kind of squeamish about the shining, shimmering, splendid top but I love its asymmetrical line that is forgiving with any figure. I don't want to look like a rucksack tomorrow! It looked good in jeans, too, and I figured this is going to get a lot of mileage anyway, so buy lah!
Monday, February 18, 2008
Where Does The Time Go?
My bestest friends and I were walking along Greenbelt 5, admiring the building and landscape architecture when we saw the shadow of another friend. Was it him? We weren't too sure because we passed by Julia Fordham and we didn't recognize her. Yes, indeed, it was Roblao, with his girlfriend.
We missed his birthday celebration this year, and we were demanding for it. Anne was quite shocked about our candidness, but we were real friends, the kind who's seen us when we were still nene. We ended up having coffee/tea/San Mig Light at Chateau 1771's comfy couch seats outside, fronting Greenbelt 3. We wanted to know more about bossing's new beau (?) you see.
In between sips of chamomile tea, we find out she's much younger than him, and of course we asked how they met, and how he made ligaw to her. When she went to the restroom, we asked if he had some important announcement to make. We will see, he says. We were just happy to see him have a life, we tell Anne. Sony notices the subtle changes in his looks. Anne then tells us she's responsible for that, changing his shirts, his ties, his shoes. We admit they looked good. And Robert seems happy.
What a fun night. Where does the time go? We keep coming back to our twenties when we first worked and lived together. We keep reminiscing about Japan, about hyaku (100 ) yen shops, our apartments, and comparing notes to our current abodes. He is the first person I know to own a 3-bedroom unit in Serendra. Whistle whistle.
Where does the time go? We kept laughing and reminiscing until we were the only ones left in the restaurant.
Oh where does the time go? We're in our thirties...our friends, peers and colleagues have had one, two, three kids.
Where does the time go?
Could it be true?
At Last
At last, my love has come along,
My lonely days are over,
And life is like a song,
Ohhh at last
The stars above are blue
My heart was wrapped up in clover,
The night I looked at you
I found a dream that I could speak to,
A dream that I, can call my own,
I found a thrill, to press my cheek to,
A thrill that I, have never known,
Ohhh you smile, you smile
And then the spell was cast
And here we are in heaven,
For you are mine, at last!
Friday, February 15, 2008
Badmin Talk
I missed the 7:30 AM call time, and I reach the court at 8 AM. My trainer is there, unlike last time when I almost quit on him because of some miscommunication. There was a huge wall clock that I would turn to every 15 minutes, because I realized the 2 hour session is too daunting, and the exercise becomes easier if I break it down into 15-minute intervals. That's also the time I ask for a water break or walk out the perspiration. The first 15 minutes is the hardest, and I realize how hard it really is to burn off the fats or carbohydrates I kept loading up on. How hard is it to lose 10 lbs? Harder than you think noh. Especially when your work involves a lot of eating.
The next 15 minutes I'm still panting, with my heart rate definitely up, but I don't measure it. The sweat on my face is already trickling down at this time, and the shirt on my back is already wet. The last 30 minutes is the time when my stomach's perspiration pours onto my shirt making almost the entire shirt wet. We spend another 30 minutes improving my kill and drop shots, and my service. We do 2 sets of games, which I almost won, but alas, my trainer wins by 1 point, 21-20. By 9:30 I am content and am looking forward to another game.
I wish I can afford to play daily, or have regular badminton partners. DEP, I will show up one day in your Sunday sessions.
The next 15 minutes I'm still panting, with my heart rate definitely up, but I don't measure it. The sweat on my face is already trickling down at this time, and the shirt on my back is already wet. The last 30 minutes is the time when my stomach's perspiration pours onto my shirt making almost the entire shirt wet. We spend another 30 minutes improving my kill and drop shots, and my service. We do 2 sets of games, which I almost won, but alas, my trainer wins by 1 point, 21-20. By 9:30 I am content and am looking forward to another game.
I wish I can afford to play daily, or have regular badminton partners. DEP, I will show up one day in your Sunday sessions.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
The Coke Zero Launch
Driving to the Fort after an irritating encounter with F who still owes me P44K (long story), the sweep breath of fresh air as I make my turn along Bonifacio Drive's wide streets made me instantly change moods. I thought I would have to take alcohol to remove the stench of ruining a friendship because of money but I was surprised at how a change of scenery made me (almost, not quite)forget the entire episode. A montage of greenery and just like that, I switched my thinking. See? All that talk about the great expanse of the sky, all of those trees and hills-- those are God's creations, and they remind me of how infinitely small I am compared to His love, His omnipotence.
Back to the launch,I met up the Coke guys, who were all clad in black this afternoon, and we were chatting, socializing, business-building. I saw some old faces, people who transferred companies but are now with Coke. It is, after all, a small trade industry. I saw people from our direct competition, and I met the President of Coca Cola Export and the Bottling Group, whom I both found very engaging and customer-centric. We saw an influx of Indian CEOs way back 2004, and now, Unilever, Nestle, and Coke followed Pepsi's move in assigning Indian expats as CEOs. I saw Sam Oh, with that new sidekick of hers, and Issa Litton, who's been our host for our annual event for years. There was a bevy of press people from the Lifestyle sections of the daily papers-Tessie Prieto- Valdez, Phillip Cu- Unijieng, Liza Elarde, as well as the group of Robbie Carmona, Rajo Laurel, who were probably there in support of event organizer Keren Pascual, or some other reason. There were trade partners and employees, and there was also rain, albeit briefly.
The mysterious black-clad and masked men escorted us to the coasters that then took us to an open field. Sounds of helicopter hovering came from nowhere, and there it was, up in the air, the Coke Contour bottle in black, Coke's biggest surprise. That was the highlight of the launch. All guests seated at the bleachers waited for a little less than 10 minutes for this event, and then it was time to go to the official party pad where we got the taste of the real thing. Actually, I tasted it over 3 weeks ago, when we were planning how to cook up this launch in our stores. Come and see your nearest 7-eleven shops on Sunday, Feb 17 and you will see what I'm talking about. In the meantime, I asked Keren where were the paratroopers? They were part of the presentation Coke's ad agency showed us, which we weren't really supposed to see as it was supposed to be the the highlight of the PR event, and we were part of the guestlist. Oh well.
All I can say is, I'm glad it's finally here. A Coke with the same taste (almost, but the zing of Coke classic is really different), but with zero sugar. But if you know me, I'm a Coke Light girl. Thanks to you-know-who.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Monday, February 11, 2008
Tama Na, Sobra Na
Remember these lines against Marcos in the early 80s?
I heard this again last week when I paid a visit to the house of our chairman, a former senator. But it was not him who was vehement, angry and almost wanting to rally in the streets. It was his wife.
We were there, me with my boys, who almost finished up the entire cheesecake laid onto the table. Mr. C just recently had a spine operation that had affected his left foot movement. His spine was blocked and was no longer sending signals to the brain, and had to be operated. There was a 4-inch stitch that was slowly healing which he showed us, after which he began to settle in his wheelchair. It was Friday, and my mind was already racing on the weekend that was almost there. Imagine my surprise when I learned that there was again a drama happening within the confines of the senate. All these I gathered from almost an hour of conversation with the missus and the boys. There was a guy(Lozada)who was kidnapped because of Abalos, and there was a link between this ordinary guy and the president/first gentleman.
"Lola, why are you so upset?", Mrs. C shares her conversation with her grandchildren.
"I am upset not for myself, but for you, my grandchildren. You will be paying for the rest of your life, all for the excesses of some fatty people!"
She shares with us that in the midst of all the characters and chaos in the senate who were trying to make Lozada look like a fool, all these grilling made the truth come out of him all the more. The truth can be seen in his eyes, in his words, in his fear.
Later on Mrs. C went to hear mass, and we were again left with the senator, who was quiet, not even pensive, just quiet, while Mrs. C was expressing her indignation at the state of our country's governance. I thought he was not going to say anything because enough was already said. But he looked up and said just one thing.
"Para sa akin, isa lang sa sinabi nya ang hindi ko makalimutan. Nung sya ay tanungin kung bakit nya ginagawa ito, bakit sya nagsisilbi sa gubyerno. Ang sagot nya, " Lahat ito...ay dahil sa turo ng aking ama. Sinabi nya na maraming naitulong ang Pilipinas sa kanya as an immigrant from China..at kung may pagkakataon to pay it back, dapat gawin namin.. Yan ang sabi ng aking ama.."
He got teary-eyed when he shared this with us, and paused for some time before he wiped the tears. From someone who loved this country, this was his main reason, too. He went into politics to really serve. How could anyone miss this noble and main reason for wanting to be a public servant?
****
In the meantime, back in my neck of the woods, 3 resignations since December and another one today from someone who will be immigrating to the US to work for an M- pire, I wonder what happens to Las Islas Filipinas?
Will I give in one day too?
I heard this again last week when I paid a visit to the house of our chairman, a former senator. But it was not him who was vehement, angry and almost wanting to rally in the streets. It was his wife.
We were there, me with my boys, who almost finished up the entire cheesecake laid onto the table. Mr. C just recently had a spine operation that had affected his left foot movement. His spine was blocked and was no longer sending signals to the brain, and had to be operated. There was a 4-inch stitch that was slowly healing which he showed us, after which he began to settle in his wheelchair. It was Friday, and my mind was already racing on the weekend that was almost there. Imagine my surprise when I learned that there was again a drama happening within the confines of the senate. All these I gathered from almost an hour of conversation with the missus and the boys. There was a guy(Lozada)who was kidnapped because of Abalos, and there was a link between this ordinary guy and the president/first gentleman.
"Lola, why are you so upset?", Mrs. C shares her conversation with her grandchildren.
"I am upset not for myself, but for you, my grandchildren. You will be paying for the rest of your life, all for the excesses of some fatty people!"
She shares with us that in the midst of all the characters and chaos in the senate who were trying to make Lozada look like a fool, all these grilling made the truth come out of him all the more. The truth can be seen in his eyes, in his words, in his fear.
Later on Mrs. C went to hear mass, and we were again left with the senator, who was quiet, not even pensive, just quiet, while Mrs. C was expressing her indignation at the state of our country's governance. I thought he was not going to say anything because enough was already said. But he looked up and said just one thing.
"Para sa akin, isa lang sa sinabi nya ang hindi ko makalimutan. Nung sya ay tanungin kung bakit nya ginagawa ito, bakit sya nagsisilbi sa gubyerno. Ang sagot nya, " Lahat ito...ay dahil sa turo ng aking ama. Sinabi nya na maraming naitulong ang Pilipinas sa kanya as an immigrant from China..at kung may pagkakataon to pay it back, dapat gawin namin.. Yan ang sabi ng aking ama.."
He got teary-eyed when he shared this with us, and paused for some time before he wiped the tears. From someone who loved this country, this was his main reason, too. He went into politics to really serve. How could anyone miss this noble and main reason for wanting to be a public servant?
****
In the meantime, back in my neck of the woods, 3 resignations since December and another one today from someone who will be immigrating to the US to work for an M- pire, I wonder what happens to Las Islas Filipinas?
Will I give in one day too?
Friday, February 08, 2008
I Am Not An Artista
I was at a photo shoot the other day , for one of our events, and I remember how it all was. All the waiting, the takes, the memorizing of lines. Even someone who's glib and articulate can end up making a fool of himself once the klieg lights are all up, the microphone capturing your voice is thrusted near your face, and all production people and uzis watch your shoot. It wasn't so bad, I've been doing this for years (hah!), and my spot was finished after 6 takes, but really, it isn't my cup of tea. My facial expression needed a lot of exercise, I sort of need to do some facial spasm to make it relaxed and make the clip as easy, breezy and natural as possible.
What I like at shoots is my make up, especially this particular make up artist who does our faces and hair at each shoot. Bong's make up looks natural and I always end up going out after. Hah.
What I like at shoots is my make up, especially this particular make up artist who does our faces and hair at each shoot. Bong's make up looks natural and I always end up going out after. Hah.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Same Time Last Year
Same time last year I was in Dallas, Texas, jet lagged but having a wonderful time bonding with my Taiwanese, Malaysian and American colleagues. Mostly it was a business trip but there is a different feel to it- soaking up information in a new environment makes it an adventure. I had my first guacamole, Superbowl, authentic Mexican dish and my first taste of the big, slice of an old oil rich American suburban city. I heard from the Today Show again today about Superbowl and I was transported back to where I was last year. They were recounting the best and worst of Superbowl ads. Coke's Charlie Brown ad was an instant hit.
I looked at my photos and I looked the same. Around this time last year, I was in need of re bonding as my bangs were starting to curl up and I would pin my hair or use my eyeglasses as a headband. I was also at least 10 lbs overweight and could use a fitness regimen, with my arms slightly larger in proportion than the rest of my body and I have no waistline. I notice I have not improved. I looked exactly the same as a year ago. Except a year ago I was hiding something. I was a different person, changed by circumstances.
Now summer beckons. I learned I will be in Boracay on Holy Week, attending the Fit N Right Challenge culmination events. Time to shed off the pounds. Hear me struggle, hear me whine.
I looked at my photos and I looked the same. Around this time last year, I was in need of re bonding as my bangs were starting to curl up and I would pin my hair or use my eyeglasses as a headband. I was also at least 10 lbs overweight and could use a fitness regimen, with my arms slightly larger in proportion than the rest of my body and I have no waistline. I notice I have not improved. I looked exactly the same as a year ago. Except a year ago I was hiding something. I was a different person, changed by circumstances.
Now summer beckons. I learned I will be in Boracay on Holy Week, attending the Fit N Right Challenge culmination events. Time to shed off the pounds. Hear me struggle, hear me whine.
Monday, February 04, 2008
A good weekend.
Thanks to some sun, some inuman, some cards, some walking, some friends, some one.
The walk with Cranberry and L was particularly fun. We were half running, half walking and passed by a famiy of goats, yes, in a QC village. The goats first looked at us, at Cranberry in particular. I was unfamiliar with how goats' temperaments are, and so I observed quietly, and noted their looks as we passed them by. Curious enough, they started making all sorts of noises after we were safely away.
"Meee meee meee"
I thought to myself, "What could they be saying?"
Do they envy the beagle being walked? Being walked by a girl and a guy?
"Meee mee mee"
Or were they asking why she has a collar while they were free to run around?
Or was it because their mother goat was also tied to a post?
Were they asking Cranberry where she was going? If they could go with her?
Cranberry did not mind them at all, she was busy sniffing the ground. When she saw another dog being walked, then she made all sorts of sounds. Interesting, this animal dynamics.
Meanwhile while Cranberry was running, I thought she looked fat, with her rotund belly and when during the walk she was gasping for breath but doing it with the sound of someone choking rather than panting, I told her, "Cranberry you're a dog but you sound like a pig."
I couldn't help but think, though, about reincarnation. What if upon return to life, I would be a dog, a goat or a pig? I wouldn't let the obvious thought sink in, about which life was better. I wanted to fill this human life first, and make it the best I could.
****
A friend almost won the Peel A Million contest of 7-Eleven, with his cards complete except for a diamond. I told him I think I have a diamond. Turns out I have a heart, not a diamond. Pretty much the same in real life, I mused.
****
Have to say goodbye to two people in my life. The other one is bittersweet, she will go a long way and it is time for her to fly.
This other one, well it is regrettable and should be forgettable. The worst decision of my life is having trusted someone who is not worthy of my trust. And that's you.
Goodbye.
Thank God.
****
Enough with so much drama. It's Monday. Back to the grind!
Thanks to some sun, some inuman, some cards, some walking, some friends, some one.
The walk with Cranberry and L was particularly fun. We were half running, half walking and passed by a famiy of goats, yes, in a QC village. The goats first looked at us, at Cranberry in particular. I was unfamiliar with how goats' temperaments are, and so I observed quietly, and noted their looks as we passed them by. Curious enough, they started making all sorts of noises after we were safely away.
"Meee meee meee"
I thought to myself, "What could they be saying?"
Do they envy the beagle being walked? Being walked by a girl and a guy?
"Meee mee mee"
Or were they asking why she has a collar while they were free to run around?
Or was it because their mother goat was also tied to a post?
Were they asking Cranberry where she was going? If they could go with her?
Cranberry did not mind them at all, she was busy sniffing the ground. When she saw another dog being walked, then she made all sorts of sounds. Interesting, this animal dynamics.
Meanwhile while Cranberry was running, I thought she looked fat, with her rotund belly and when during the walk she was gasping for breath but doing it with the sound of someone choking rather than panting, I told her, "Cranberry you're a dog but you sound like a pig."
I couldn't help but think, though, about reincarnation. What if upon return to life, I would be a dog, a goat or a pig? I wouldn't let the obvious thought sink in, about which life was better. I wanted to fill this human life first, and make it the best I could.
****
A friend almost won the Peel A Million contest of 7-Eleven, with his cards complete except for a diamond. I told him I think I have a diamond. Turns out I have a heart, not a diamond. Pretty much the same in real life, I mused.
****
Have to say goodbye to two people in my life. The other one is bittersweet, she will go a long way and it is time for her to fly.
This other one, well it is regrettable and should be forgettable. The worst decision of my life is having trusted someone who is not worthy of my trust. And that's you.
Goodbye.
Thank God.
****
Enough with so much drama. It's Monday. Back to the grind!
Friday, February 01, 2008
Against Gravity, Against All Odds
So there I was having a bad day, and without a dog to walk after office or a steady badminton play partner, I sluggishly sling the laptop bag onto my shoulders, resigned to the fact that I would watch another DivX video,or two before calling it a night.
***
I asked my BGFF what he was up to tonight, he said tonight he's looking forward to going home. Yesterday I asked him the same thing he said he was going to cook macaroni salad. The other day he was the one who asked me what I was up to, he was craving for Hotshots and that's what he was having for dinner. Don't get me wrong he leads a busy life, with gym and trainer 3x a week, and all the other stuff but we've been doing this bored routine for ages that one day I finally turned it into a Q & A. Interesting answers, watch out for that interview. In the meantime, he said tonight that we should jog the spic and span baywalks of Roxas Boulevard, to which I readily agreed.
***
I promised I'd start cooking again because by trying not to fill up the fridge so I won't be tempted to eat, I only end up eating takeout fried foods, but again tonight I forget and say I'd do it tomorrow. It isn't as much fun doing the grocery by myself as having arguments with L while he's ruminating the sinigang mix section trying intently to decide whether we should have the sinigang sa miso or gabi. (We are complete opposites--his tempo is slow and relaxed while I am hyperbeat).
***
The other night I thought of steaming crabs, adding a dash of salt and pepper to taste, and I remember eating the chilli crabs from the hawker's market in singapore. I also remember Anna's salmon rendition in british columbia, so simple yet so divine. Just add some italian herbs and spices, salt and pepper and pop it in the oven. Hmnn.. Ditch the rice and make the fish the main course.
***
All these thinking about food made me think that losing weight is so against human nature, that's why it's so difficult. The older we get, the slower the metabolism, the faster we gain weight. To turn the tide is so against gravity's natural course, which is to free fall, to go down, TO LET GO. Applying Einstein's equation where force is equal to mass x acceleration, all I have to do is to apply great force in acceleration to get my tushy moving. Oh but I know this already. The question is where to get the willpower to do it-- what moves the brain?
Visualize. The secret is to believe, and ask and the universe makes it happen, according to The Secret.
Oh shoot I have to get up at 6 for my badminton workout tom at 8 to 9:30 AM.
I believe!
***
I asked my BGFF what he was up to tonight, he said tonight he's looking forward to going home. Yesterday I asked him the same thing he said he was going to cook macaroni salad. The other day he was the one who asked me what I was up to, he was craving for Hotshots and that's what he was having for dinner. Don't get me wrong he leads a busy life, with gym and trainer 3x a week, and all the other stuff but we've been doing this bored routine for ages that one day I finally turned it into a Q & A. Interesting answers, watch out for that interview. In the meantime, he said tonight that we should jog the spic and span baywalks of Roxas Boulevard, to which I readily agreed.
***
I promised I'd start cooking again because by trying not to fill up the fridge so I won't be tempted to eat, I only end up eating takeout fried foods, but again tonight I forget and say I'd do it tomorrow. It isn't as much fun doing the grocery by myself as having arguments with L while he's ruminating the sinigang mix section trying intently to decide whether we should have the sinigang sa miso or gabi. (We are complete opposites--his tempo is slow and relaxed while I am hyperbeat).
***
The other night I thought of steaming crabs, adding a dash of salt and pepper to taste, and I remember eating the chilli crabs from the hawker's market in singapore. I also remember Anna's salmon rendition in british columbia, so simple yet so divine. Just add some italian herbs and spices, salt and pepper and pop it in the oven. Hmnn.. Ditch the rice and make the fish the main course.
***
All these thinking about food made me think that losing weight is so against human nature, that's why it's so difficult. The older we get, the slower the metabolism, the faster we gain weight. To turn the tide is so against gravity's natural course, which is to free fall, to go down, TO LET GO. Applying Einstein's equation where force is equal to mass x acceleration, all I have to do is to apply great force in acceleration to get my tushy moving. Oh but I know this already. The question is where to get the willpower to do it-- what moves the brain?
Visualize. The secret is to believe, and ask and the universe makes it happen, according to The Secret.
Oh shoot I have to get up at 6 for my badminton workout tom at 8 to 9:30 AM.
I believe!
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