Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Catching Up.

Today I received an email from an old friend. It was really nice being able to catch up on each others' lives.

I realize it's been a really long time since I last posted anything here. I don't really know if there's one thing that kept me from writing. It's more like a combination of things... work, the summer, laziness, lack of creativity...lol ewan ko ba, it seems like whenever I attempt to post, my mind goes somewhere else or I get caught up doing other things and I just never get back to it. So ayun, lack of posting for months is what resulted. So here it goes..

Sad to say, I've totally slacked off on reading as well. My parents lent me two books which they said they enjoyed reading and thought that I might enjoy them too. The books are currently lying on top of my dresser, untouched. Everyday, while I am getting dressed, I look at them and I tell myself, "Today I will start reading..." and then I go to work and come home and forget about it. Instead, I sit in front of my laptop and play games or watch TV. Really sad, isn't it? I've become one of those people consumed by their love of games.. not that anything's wrong with it. I just feel like I should probably be more balanced about my activities.. with no particular activity dominating all others to a point where I'm always doing just one thing. Sayang naman kasi ang brain cells ko. I think it's better for me to expose myself to other, more fruitful hobbies.

The summer is almost over. Meh! I always feel somewhat forlorn going into the fall and winter seasons. It just seems like a really long time until it's summer again. This summer, though, was extremely hot. We've been having temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius and with the humidity, it feels even warmer. There were days when I just felt like sitting in the car all day where there's air conditioning. We don't have AC at home so it's been really uncomfortable with the extreme heat. Perhaps you're wondering why we don't have AC... we tried to buy a few units... but they didn't fit our windows so we had to return them. And so here we are.. stuck with our fans for now. We have AC at work but our CEO likes to keep it cooler than what's comfortable. It always feels like we're in the freezer. I've had to bring a scarf or a sweater with me at times just so I don't freeze at my desk. It makes it difficult deciding what to wear to work because it's very hot outside but it's extremely cold in the office.

This summer has also been a busy one for us - socially. We went jet boating at Niagara Falls, water rafting at the Ottawa River and went to Long Point Beach a few times. We also went to some picnics, BBQs, festivals and played tennis and beach volleyball. I'm not particularly good at sports but thankfully, my friends are patient enough to just let me play and enjoy myself. Steve always says, "it's not about winning, it's about having fun".

Work has been hectic, to my surprise. I usually find the summer months quiet with the exception of this year. It seemed like I had a mountain of work in front of me and I was climbing it slowly while pushing a wheel barrel. Not only was I training a lot, but an important member of our team had decided to leave the company and I had no choice but to take over her responsibilities. I'm just glad that most of the big work load's done and I can move on to other tasks. I've been so tired that there were days when I felt like no matter how much sleep I got, I was just as exhausted the next day. I literally felt like I needed to just do nothing but sleep for a week.

Steve and I were invited to two baby showers this past weekend..both on the same day. I gotta tell you, of all the days to have a baby shower, I don't know why they both had to be on the same day. As usual we found ourselves running around like maniacs, getting ready for both showers, picking up presents and preparing dishes and driving to and from places. We were already exhausted before we even arrived to the first shower. I don't know how we survived both on such little sleep. Although we were both beat, I have to say that we did enjoy them. Coincidentally, aside from the fact that they were on the same day, they were also both co-ed showers and were designed more to be BBQs. So Steve got to go with me to both. I don't know if he was necessarily thrilled about it but he went anyway. It was kinda funny how he discreetly excused himself from the room when it was time to open the presents. He casually sneaks out and heads over to the backyard to hang out with all the other husbands. I, on the other hand, look forward to this part of the shower. I love watching new mothers and mothers-to-be open each beautifully wrapped present to find out what cute little thing is waiting inside.

Let's hope the temperature's ease up soon... as I sit here typing, I'm practically melting.

Wednesday, March 03, 2010

Tough

It's the little things I accomplish that sometimes makes me the happiest. Yesterday, one of our technicians was off sick and so I had to "man the post" so to speak. I was a bit worried that I would either get an email or phone call with an issue that required something beyond what I could do or what I knew how to do. Buti nalang I only received 2 support calls and I was able to resolve both issues.

We have 3 new employees - a tech, a salesman and a receptionist. Sometimes I can't help but feel a bit stressed because I worry that they're not going to work out and I always feel terrible when someone's being let go. It really bothers me especially if I know the person is the bread winner of the family or if it's someone's who's older. There have a been a few instances where we've had to let go of people for various reasons and I felt really sorry for them (well, most of them.. there were a couple I was glad to see go). I'm just glad I'm not involved in any of these activities. I would hate to have to do the "firing"... I would hate to just be in the room when they do it especially when I've heard stories of some begging to be given another chance. I don't think I can handle it.

Our new tech reminds me of my dad. Something about his mannerism and the way he carries himself just makes me think of my dad. I don't work closely with him because the side of the company that I belong to isn't the same one that he belongs to so we really have nothing to do with each other. I also do not know how easy or difficult it is to learn the product that the other side of our company sells and supports. But I do know that he is struggling and I can't help but cringe everytime they give him a hard time. I honestly can't tell if he is the problem or if management and the other people on the team maybe have unreasonable expectations. Pero nakakaawa talaga. The other day his manager gave him such a hard time that I had to leave the room because I couldn't stand it. If he were my dad, I know there's no way I would stand for it. But anyway, I really hope he works out.

I know business is business... and that sometimes you have to make tough decisions for the sake of the success of the company. Pero that doesn't keep from feeling for others.

Out of Shape

Gah! How come some people are just so darn photogenic?! I spend hours and hours pouring over all of their pictures because I can't get over how good they look regardless of where they are and what goofy expression they're wearing on their faces. Some people are just effortlessly good-looking and the fact that it shows on their photos just kills me. I know it's not good to be stinkin' jealous but I can't help it! Ang daya naman kasi! I always look weird in my pictures...make-up or no make-up! Others can have their photo taken as soon as they get out of bed and they'd still look really good.

While having dinner with my family last Sunday, JR said, "wow ate, ang dami atang food sa plate mo ah! mauubos mo ba yan?" I looked at the food on my plate and I was surprised because I thought I was being conservative with the amount I put. Apparently I used to eat so much less than what I eat now. That, I think, proves that I'm consuming so much more than I used to. That would explain the extra meat in my middle area. I really need to start watching what I eat and I really need to start learning to exercise. Kulang lang talaga ako sa discipline. Puro reklamo, wala naman akong ginagawa to reverse it.

I admire those people I see jogging on our street early in the morning even when it's really cold outside. It's like they don't feel the bitter cold at all! If it were me, I'd be frozen like a popsicle stick. In fact, the moment I step out the door and feel the cold air, I'd probably walk right back in. Steve always teases me because I don't own a proper pair of running shoes. He says all my shoes are made for matching my clothes but none are good enough for participating in sport or any form of exercise. He says all you need to do is take one look at the pairs of shoes I own and you can pretty much tell I don't exercise... at all. I told him I don't need shoes to go on the Wii Fit anyway.

But I think this time, I really am going to try getting some exercise. I seriously am considering buying a pair of running shoes and I'm thinking of running around our neighborhood during the spring or the summer when the temperature outside is mild. If that doesn't work, I can always use the running shoes and try playing tennis or maybe enrolling in a gym. It would be a lot easier if we lived in a condo that has a gym... that way I don't have to go out. It would be so convenient. We have a gym at work but it's really small and our CEO likes to use it and he doesn't like to share. Plus, it's tough having to go to work early to work out and then staying late at the office to work out. There's just something about being at the office that makes everything seem like such an ordeal. Even when I'm not working, if I'm in the office, it still feels like work. It seems to suck the fun out of exercising. I think that it would feel a bit different if I were in an actual gym where they offer dance classes as well. I think it would give me a different perspective and I can actually enjoy it. Of course, this is all in my head and the reality maybe different than what I perceive it to be. Who knows, maybe the moment I step into a real gym and try it out, I might hate it. Ewan...

I don't want to be stick thin.. but I want to be fit and healthy.

Tuesday, March 02, 2010

An Oldie But Goodie

Everybody loves somebody sometime
Everybody falls in love somehow
Something in your kiss just told me
My sometime is now

Everybody finds somebody someplace
There's no telling where love may appear
Something in my heart keeps sayin'
My someplace is here

If I had it in my power
I'd arrange for every girl to have your charms
Then every minute, every hour
Every boy would find what I found in your arms

Everybody loves somebody sometime
And although my dream was overdue
Your love made it well worth waiting
For someone like you

If I had it in my power
I would arrange for every girl to have your charms
Then every minute, every hour
Every boy would find what I found in your arms

Everybody loves somebody sometime
And although my dream was overdue
Your love made it well worth waiting
For someone like you

Everybody Loves Somebody
- Dean Martin

The 2010 Winter Olympics

The Winter Olympics held in Vancouver is finally over. Now we can go back to watching our normal TV shows. The only thing is, in some small way, I kinda miss watching the different events. I've never followed the Winter Olympics before so most of the events I've seen were new to me. I used to belittle the Winter Olympics saying that it's not like the Summer Olympics - the real Olympics. But now I realize that the Winter Olympics is no small feat. I am very impressed with the skill that these athletes showed and I'm even more amazed at the type of sports involved like the ski jump and the mogul. I mean, who thinks to themselves to go down a hill at a speed of about 140 kilometers per hour and then fly through the air and then land on their feet?! How do you even learn to do that?! How many falls and bad crashes must one undergo to get to that level? Who invented these extreme sports?!

Although I really shouldn't be very nationalistic, I couldn't help but feel proud for Canada to have won the most amount of Gold medals compared to any country in the world during the Winter Olympics. I think that the Canadian peopel cheering on their athletes really helped push them to do their best and encouraged them to go for gold. I really think that teams that play in their hometown and end up winning is proof that positive encouragement does wonders for people.

The hockey game finals for gold between Canada and the US last Sunday was very intense. Steve and I went over to my parents place to watch it with my family. To say that we were on the edge of our seats is an understatement. With 24 seconds to go, team USA scored their second goal which tied the game. The last thing any Canadian wanted was for the game to go on overtime. We just wanted to win period. Believe it or not, somewhere along the game, I had begun to doze off. I hadn't had enough sleep and my parents' couch is just so darn comfy that I couldn't help closing my eyes despite the loud yelling and cheering. When Sidney Crosby scored the goal that landed us the gold, my entire family yelled at the top of their lungs (which woke me up) and when I opened my eyes, all I could see is my mom, my two brothers and Steve in a group hug jumping up and down in our living room while yelling at the same time. It was super funny! It really was a sight to behold.

I heard that Quebec is bidding to host the Winter Olympics in 2022. I would be close to my 40s by then! But if they do, it would be cool because it's only a 5-hour drive from Toronto so we have a shot at going and seeing the games.

Monday, February 15, 2010

Tidbits

While taking an afternoon nap today, I dreamt I had gone home to the Philippines and was in the car, driving through the neighborhood I grew up in. Although brief, it was such a nice dream. It made me miss home all the more so.

-----------------


Steve and I have been following the winter olympics on TV all weekend and I never thought I'd enjoy watching the diffirent events but I found myself cheering on the Canadian athletes. I have to say I'm quite impressed with their skill and I can't help but marvel at the speed these athletes go with their snowboards, skis and skates. Nakakatakot talaga!

-----------------


I`ve been so lazy all weekend. I planned on doing some house cleaning but I didn`t accomplish any of my chores. All I wanted to do was chill and sleep. It was nice being able to see my family as well. My mum made tacos for dinner which was absolutely delicious. Tacos and me - we`re good together.

-----------------


I find myself tearing up so quickly these days. I cried when I saw the new Tim Horton`s commercial, cried when I was hearing the stories of some of the olympic athletes, and cried while watching a dvd. Goodness, I`m so emotional! Nakakahiya but I can`t help it!

-----------------


Steve and I went to the mall on Friday and Saturday evening. I got him a new suit, a dress shirt and a tie as gifts. It was so tempting to just go out and spend money since there were a lot of really good sales. But I held back (with Steve`s help of course!) and for the most part, stayed close to my budget.

Why is it so hard not to shop!!

Thursday, February 11, 2010

For My Husband.



This is not our favorite song
But the night's moving right along
May I have your hand, may I have this dance?

I sense that you are amused
But you just bought those brand new shoes
It would such a shame, not to give us the chance

And oh, my love
There is only so many dances
We can take across the night
So while it's just me and you
I thought I might say to you
You put the beautiful in life


I know at times that you feel alone
When I'm here and I'm never home
You said it before, it's the price that you pay

On matters of clarity
It's no secret you carry me

But you disguise thoughts of fall, I will keep you safe

And oh, my love
There's only so many dances
We can take across the night
So while it's just me and you
I thought I might say to you
You put the beautiful in life


And oh, this is not our favorite song
But I wish it go on and on
It's moments like these singers do all they can to stop time

So let me just say to you
Before the DJ changes the tune
You put the beautiful in life
You put the beautiful in life


This Dance
- Five For Fighting

Home-cooked Adobo and Other Things

Steve made chicken adobo for the first time last night and I was really impressed with how good it turned out to be. I've been bugging him to cook some Filipino dishes and so he finally relented. We decided to use a recipe in an Asian cookbook that my cousin had given to us as a wedding gift. I told him I wanted to see if the recipe was any good so that way we know if the cookbook is any good. I told him that if it turned out to be a disaster, we can always use my mom's recipe next time we make it.

I was curious if it was going to taste differently since we used a different brand of vinegar and soy sauce (I'm used to Datu Puti and Silver Swan - lol). We also decided to use only ground pepper instead peppercorns (I dont' really know if that was going to make a difference - as you can probably tell, I can't cook so everything is foreign to me). But alas, it tasted just as good. Steve liked it a lot and he kept saying it was super tasty. I think we will add it to our weeknight dinner rotation.

I should have taken a picture of it but I forgot! It would have been nice to post the end product.

_____________


While listening to my iPod, Lea Salonga's song, "Two Words" came on and I can't help but reminisce about the time we were planning our wedding. I considered walking down the aisle to it at one point. I just love the lyrics and how well she sings it.

In a while, in a word,
Every moment now returns.
For a while, seen or heard,
How each memory softly burns.
Facing you who brings me new tomorrows,
I thank God for yesterdays,
How they led me to this very hour,
How they led me to this place...

Every touch, every smile,
You have given me in care.
Keep in heart, always I'll,
Now be treasuring everywhere.
And if life should come to just one question,
Do I hold this moment true?
No trace of sadness,
Always with gladness...
'I DO...'

Now a song that speaks of now and ever,
Beckons me to someone new,
Unexpected, unexplored, unseen,
Filled with promise coming through.

In a while, in a word,
You and I forever change,
Love so clear, never blurred,
Has me feeling wondrous, strange,
And if life should come to just one question,
Do I face each moment true?
No trace of sadness, always with gladness,
'I DO...'

Never with sadness...
Always with gladness...
'I...DO....'

I eventually decided to walk down the aisle to Pachelbel's Canon in D because I felt it was more appropriate for our setting.

_____________


I miss watching music videos. Yesterday morning I heard on the radio that MTV will no longer be called Music Television and it will just be known as simply MTV. They said that it probably meant that MTV will no longer be playing music videos and will instead stick to their other programs and reality shows. That SUCKS! I don't know how others feel about this but I, for one, will be sad. When I was still living in the Philippines, I remember watching music videos all the time! Now we'll have to rely mostly on YouTube.

_____________


I love love love watching Modern Family. OMG it's hilarious! I know some people will disagree with me on this but I actually like it more than the Office (please don't hit me! lol). I don't know, maybe I just haven't watched enough episodes of the Office to really like it? It's not to say I hate the Office... Basta, I like Modern Family more.

_____________


I realize that having a shopping budget prevents me from buying impulsively. Now, before I buy something, I really think about it. I consider how much the item is, if I really need/want it or if I can do without it. Knowing that I only have so much money to spend, I hesitate on spending it right away. Ngayon, if I see something I like in a store, I look around other stores first and if at the end of the day I still want it, then I come back for it. That's how I know I really want it. But if after walking around for a bit, I forget about the item, then that means I didn't really want it that bad. I figured, if it wasn't memorable to begin with, then it's probably not worth spending the money on it.

_____________


It's so nice and sunny outside! Although it's still very cold, it's nice to atleast be able to look out the window and get some sunshine. The last thing we need during the winter months is really cloudy weather. It just makes everyone feel gloomy.

_____________


I borrowed the Wii from my family and I am considering using the Wii Fit again. It's been a really long time since I last used it. I bet when I turn it on, it's going to scold me and tell me I've been very lazy. Better late than never, right?

Tuesday, February 09, 2010

Stop and Smell the Roses

You're gonna miss this
You're gonna want this back
You're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast
These Are Some Good Times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you're gonna miss this... (You're Gonna Miss This by Trace Adkins)

I was listening to my iPod while working and this song came on and I couldn't help but feel somewhat nostalgic. It's so true, we often fail to look at the blessings and positive things that surround us despite our difficulties. Our tendency is to always want to move forward, always eager to take the next step and failing to be grateful to just be in the moment. I think this song is just a good reminder to cherish the present as much as we can even though times may be tough.

Thursday, February 04, 2010

Love This

"I think one thing sort of defines it which is, it's not how much you love someone when you love them, but it's how much you love them when you hate them. It's when you're in that moment where you cannot stand what the person you're with is doing, but you still love them. That's when you need to show it -- not just say it, but show it." (Ashton Kutcher)