Mikaela's Moon

My Ten Random Things (Tagged by Nicole)

2008-09-13T07:49:00.000+08:00

THE RULES

-Each blogger starts with ten random facts/habits about themselves.

-Bloggers that are tagged need to write on their own blog about their ten things and post these rules.

-At the end of your blog, you need to choose ten people to get tagged and list their names.

-Don't forget to leave them a comment telling them they're tagged, and to read your blog.

1. I am emotional and sensitive. I get pikon easily, but over the years I have tried so hard to be a sport and lighten up. Things are getting worse nowadays when I take hormones (for my hormonal imbalance). I get irritated easily. I am guilty of being sensitive to things that I know are just jokes. When this happens, I become more polite with that person so that I am careful not to blurt out anything offensive that I might regret when I am back to "normal". I am such a crybaby too...with everything. Books I already read millions of times, movies I already watched, commercials with babies, watching concerts etc. It is frustrating sometimes.

2. I want to have a baby. I don't think this is a secret to my close friends, but I hate it when people ask me why I don't have a baby yet and why I don't want to. This is so absurd! Sometimes I wish people would be more sensitive about baby talk. For those who are not aware, I had a miscarriage last year, and it took me almost a year to get over the depression. For the record, I am taking medication and I am planning a vacation with my husband hoping to have another baby. Yes, I do want one and I do want to start a family. No, I will not quit my job for that unless my OB strictly demands that I do. I happen to like my job, thank you very much.

3. I am Ms. Congeniality but bitchy at heart. Don't mess with the biyatch. I love my friends dearly, and I cannot imagine what would have happened to me if i didn't have the friends I have now. They have helped me in so many aspects in my life. But, the bad side about being too friendly is being taken advantage of. I hate it when people assume that it is ok to do things just because we are friends. I believe that you should treat other people in the same way you want to be treated. The Golden Rule is the best. I am the worst enemy ever. I still remember those people who have ill treated me in elementary, high school, college, etc. I do not forgive and forget easily.

4. I love my parents but do not say it out loud. I did not grow up in a family who verbally say "I love you" to each other, and now that I am married, I sometimes wish that was not the case. I say it in cards, letters, etc but never out loud in front of them. My parents have made so many sacrifices for me, and I am sorry I hurt them. I now understand why they did the things they did, why they said those hurtful things...I hope one day I can say to my parents that I love them and thank them for teaching all the things I know now and for making me the person I am.

5. I wish I could paint. I have always loved art. When I took up a course in college called "Art Appreciation", I was immediately hooked. I loved the paintings and the stories behind them. I used to draw everyday. I only had one goal in mind: to be able to draw/paint the most realistic female face. A woman's face has so many stories. It shows her passion, her struggles, her pain, her experiences...I have yet to achieve this. I keep thinking year by year that I'll go to an art class but haven't done anything yet.

6. I miss dancing. I have been dancing ever since I can remember. In school, I was always in dance stuff when there are events. I took up classical ballet when I was around 8 or 9. I did that for around 3 years. Ballet was difficult, but I enjoyed it because it made me look graceful and I felt beautiful when I dance. Just like painting, I plan of joining dance workshops but never seem to find the time or get the courage to do so.

7. I do not know how to swim, ride a bike or drive. Those are the reasons why nobody would want me to be their partner in Amazing Race. I think I know how to swim, but it's just that I panic when I'm in the water. I am terrified of water, which is really weird since I am a Cancer. I don't know how to ride a bike because when I was young, my mom did not want me to have scratches on my legs and fall into a deep hole in the ground near our house. Driving...well, I plan to take up driving lessons coz my mom always gets sick, and I'll need to drive her around soon.

8. I am kuripot. I'm terrified of not having enough money in case there's an emergency. I do spend more now that I am working, but I don't always go shopping. I don't mind buying cheap clothes. I grew up in a middle class family but was not taught to be brand conscious when it comes to clothes, shoes, etc. My parents are both from humble backgrounds and I am proud of that. I try to find the cheap ones which is bad sometimes because I sacrifice the quality of the product. I am addicted to bags and shoes. Books make me weak too.

9. I dream of traveling around the world, starting off with a European tour. I so envy my dad who went to London , Amsterdam and Scotland for work. He even texted me saying he spent 2 hours in the Edinburgh castle and I am SO jealous. I would love to see the castles, the museums (Louvre here I come!), the works! I want to go to Greece , Italy , France , UK , Hungary , Spain ...Sigh. I'd also like to go to Egypt , Brazil , the Bahamas , the Middle East, Australia , and even to the North and South Pole!

10. I don't care about what others think of me as long as I am right, not hurting anyone and I am honest. I am brutally frank at times. I share my experiences. I give advices to people even when they don't ask for it. i genuinely care for people. I have always wanted to do charity work but haven't gotten around to doing that yet. I try to do my share of helping by donating as much as I can when my company asks for donations for people who were left homeless by calamities. I remember I donated three bags of food and stuff to Sykes Cares for the victims of the landslides (I forgot where that was).

Now, the ten people I am spreading the homework with:

Joyce, Faye, Kate, Jane, Eva, Milmar, Sugar, Rachelle, Josie, Angelica

Happy birthday

2008-08-14T14:14:00.002+08:00

to my sister-in-law, Ate Joy! God bless!

Help him

2008-08-14T14:12:00.000+08:00

-- Saw this from BBB's site. Please help. I can't donate blood so I hope one of you guys can. --

PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) received information earlier today, August 13, that rapper-songwriter Francis Magalona has been diagnosed with leukemia and is currently in need of blood donors.

Pupil band manager and Francis's good friend Day Cabuhat told PEP in a phone interview that any blood type and platelets will be accepted.

"Donations may be made at the lower ground level of The Medical City in the name of Francis Magalona," relayed Day.

The Medical City is located along Ortigas Avenue in Pasig City.

Friends and relatives organized a blood donation drive to help the popular singer's cause. They're also asking friends from the media to spread the word regarding Francis's condition to encourage people to turn up and donate blood.

MASTER RAPPER. The son of local matinee idol Pancho Magalona and actress Tita Duran, Francis created his own mark in the entertainment industry as a rapper-performer when he released his debut album, Yo! back in 1990. The said record spawned the massive nationalistic rap hit song "Mga Kababayan," which in effect introduced Pinoy style rap music in the mainstream.

The ‘90s band explosion failed to deter Francis's popularity and significance in the music scene as proven by the number of hit albums and good singles he churned out since Yo! He even collaborated with other artists and most of the time experimented with various sounds and genres so as not to remain stale before the listening public.

Some of his memorable songs include "Mga Praning," "Meron Akong Ano," "Man From Manila," "Cold Summer Nights," "Bahay Yugyugan," "Ito ang Gusto Ko," "Girl Be Mine," and "Kaleidoscope World."

Aside from singing and writing songs, Francis also plunged into hosting. He served first as a VJ for both MTV Philippines and Channel V before joining the country's longest running noontime show Eat Bulaga! as one of the regulars.

Francis was also tapped as one of the judges, along with music maestro Ryan Cayabyab and Pilita Corrales, of Philippine Idol's maiden season in 2006 aired on ABC-5.

He also ventured into photography and music video directing, megging videos for artists such as Sponge Cola, Join the Club, Gloc 9, Shamrock, Join The Club, Pikaso, Death Threat, and Pupil.

Francis is married to Pia Arroyo and their union is blessed with eight children: Unna, Nicolo, Francis Jr., Isabella, Elmo, Arkin, Clara and young actress Maxene Magalona.

Disconnection Notice

2008-07-18T23:37:00.001+08:00

My current favorite "paulit ulit" song in my head, my current message tone for my cellphone, the song I listen to on the way home from work...Love the band...Forever fan of Ely Buendia!

There is no escaping
There is no replacing
All that you hold
All that you hold

I could not believe
The things you said to me
But I can’t let you go
No I can’t let you go

[chorus]
So…
Turn off the lights now (8x)
Disconnection notice (2x)

Dressed so swell
They’re dancing
At the gates of hell
‘Cause there’s nowhere to go
There’s nowhere to go

Free the press from moldy
Hypocrites and crackheads
Haven’t you heard
There’s more truth in turd

(Repeat Chorus)

Disconnection notice (2x)

(Ad lib)

Disconnection notice (2x)

Turn off the lights now (8x)

Turn off the lights now (4x)

Turn-Off-The-lights

Happy birthday!

2008-06-25T03:02:00.000+08:00

To me!

Yes, it is my 27th birthday and I am here at work. So unfair.

But the good news is that I won't be going to work later tonight (Wed. night shift). My husband and I are going out to eat dinner. Yey.

For now, I have to stay here at work and try not to resent the fact that I am working on my day.

Sigh.

Waaaaaaaa

2008-06-21T02:34:00.001+08:00

Off to Subic for the Sykes Global Outing in a few hours...ugh so lazy to do any work!

Killing babies in the Philippines...so disturbing

2008-06-19T21:47:00.001+08:00

"Teenage mother throws out baby from taxicab window
By Tina Santos
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:56:00 06/19/2008

MANILA, Philippines – Barely five hours after a newborn baby girl was allegedly thrown out of the window of a condominium unit in Binondo, Manila, Tuesday morning, another newborn baby girl was seriously injured after she was allegedly dropped from a taxi cab by her teenage mother in Paco."
****

Responsible parenthood seems to escape a lot of people. During the old days people would sire as many children and abandon them, now! a few of them seems intent on killing their babies as well.

Shrinks have a term on these condition. Brook Shields once admitted on National Television that she entertained thoughts of drowning her new born baby in a bathtub.

I'm not sure if its called "Postpartum depression", but its a real mental disorder that affects new mothers. That's why responsible parenthood does not only start with the mother, the responsibility should also spread to the Father, the relatives and close friends of the mother.

Now, I don't know personally the two mothers involved in this senseless baby throwing incident. But as much as they have blood on their hands, these are shared as well by their husbands/boyfriends or whomever who got them pregnant in the first place and their family members as well.

All of a sudden as our society gets fragmented on all sides in pursuit of individual goals, the family unit is being washed away into a solitary membership. Sometimes even in your own family, its "each man for himself"

And as these trend continues, more and more tragic incidents like this will continue in years to come and the most innocent newborn and even unborn babies will pay for what our society have become.

And yes, there should be a death penalty impose on Mothers who kills their own child.
And castration to irresponsible Fathers. (who oftens impregnate a woman just to brag something to their friends)

Happy anniversary

2008-06-04T06:19:00.000+08:00

Happy 3rd wedding anniversary baby...Love you everyday!

My new baby

2008-06-03T05:01:00.004+08:00

When: June 2, 2008, Monday at 1:30pm-3:00pm
Where: Delson's studio in Pasig
What: Japanese Koi in Yin Yang formation

Finally! It was less painful than my first tattoo three years ago. This is my first colored tattoo. This is very special to me and I really love it.

I'll be going back next week for additional retouching.

David Cook's Music of the Night

2008-05-31T07:08:00.001+08:00

Night-time sharpens,
heightens each sensation
Darkness stirs and wakes imagination
Silently the senses abandon their defences ...

Slowly, gently night unfurls its splendour
Grasp it, sense it - tremulous and tender
Turn your face away
from the garish light of day,
turn your thoughts away
from cold, unfeeling light -
and listen to the music of the night ...

Close your eyes and surrender to your
darkest dreams!
Purge your thoughts of the life
you knew before!
Close your eyes,
let your spirit start to soar!
And you'll live
as you've never lived before ...

Softly, deftly,
music shall surround you ...
Feel it, hear it,
closing in around you ...
Open up your mind,
let your fantasies unwind,
in this darkness which
you know you cannot fight -
the darkness of the music of the night ...

Let your mind start a journey
through a strange new world!
Leave all thoughts
of the world you knew before!
Let your soul take you where you
long to be !
Only then can you belong to me ...

Floating, falling, sweet intoxication!
Touch me, trust me savour each sensation!
Let the dream begin,
let your darker side give in
to the power of the music that I write -
the power of the music of the night ...

You alone can make my song take flight -
help me make the music of the night

I really like his version. His voice shows so much emotion...

Bye!

2008-05-24T05:43:00.000+08:00

Off to Galera for the team building!

10 call center workers found HIV-positive

2008-05-23T02:35:00.001+08:00

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Ten people “with a history of working in call centers” tested positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) since January this year, an official from the Philippine National Aids Council (PNAC) said yesterday.

But in a telephone interview, PNAC advocacy and education officer Dr. Susan Gregorio noted that call center agents should not be generalized as having risky sexual behaviour because of the findings.

“It just so happened that they were tested for HIV because they were applying for work abroad. There are countries that require HIV testing. They should not be discriminated. Maybe if we test the rest of the population, people from other sectors will also test positive for HIV,” she said.

Since 1984, the Department of Health’s National Epidemiology Center ((DOH-NEC) had recorded a total of 3,153 HIV and full-blown acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) cases.

A significant number of them involved overseas Filipino workers, particularly seafarers, who also have to undergo HIV testing as a requirement for overseas employment.

The DOH learned about the 10 new HIV cases after the clinics where they were tested reported to NEC’s HIV/AIDS Registry.

Gregorio noted that it was not known how the 10 people contracted HIV.

A source claimed that the “erratic schedule” and the good salary given to call center agents give them the opportunity to engage in “unhealthy sexual practices.”

“Most of them are young and they are in the aggressive stage of their life. Maybe some of them are under stress and they consider sex as a relaxing activity. The findings indicate that the pattern (of HIV infection) is changing. It’s now in the general population,” the source added.

The country’s anti-HIV/AIDS campaign used to be directed at commercial sex workers, men who are having sex with men and intravenous drug users. But a few years ago, the focus shifted to the “general population” amid reports that many OFWs were contracting the AIDS virus.

The government had intensified its awareness campaign about HIV/AIDS to control its spread in the general population.

According to Dr. Yolanda Oliveros, director of the DOH’s National Center for Disease Prevention and Control, the NEC is now conducting a survey on the lifestyle of call center agents because of concerns over their health.

Oliveros said the initial results of the survey showed that call center agents are prone to develop hypertension and diabetes primarily because of smoking, a sedentary lifestyle and an unhealthy diet.

Oliveros admitted the survey also revealed that some call center agents have “sexually transmitted infections (STI)” prompting the NEC is looking into their sexual practices.

HIV/AIDS is a type of STI although it can also be acquired through transfusion of contaminated blood, injecting drug use or passed on from an infected mother to the child in the womb. – Sheila Crisostomo

Belated happy birthday my angel

2008-05-17T07:55:00.002+08:00

Angelo, this cake is for you. Happy birthday my sweetie. We miss you.

Love,
Mommy and Daddy

*It has been a year since my miscarriage last May 15, 2007. I know it sounds silly, but I'm thinking that this is Angelo's birthday. He may have passed away, but I know that he will always be my angel.*

Belated

2008-05-12T23:19:00.002+08:00

Happy birthday to my hubby! I love you!

I try

2008-05-08T05:13:00.000+08:00

I try to say goodbye and I choke
Try to walk away and I stumble
Though I try to hide it, it's clear
My world crumbles when you are not near
Goodbye and I choke
I try to walk away and I stumble
Though I try to hide it, it's clear
My world crumbles when you are not near

I may appear to be free
But I'm just a prisoner of your love
And I may seem all right and smile when you leave
But my smiles are just a front
Just a front, hey

I play it off, but I'm dreaming of you
I'll keep my cool, but I'm feigning

I try to say goodbye and I choke
Try to walk away and I stumble
Though I try to hide it, it's clear
My world crumbles when you are not near
Goodbye and I choke
I try to walk away and I stumble
Though I try to hide it, it's clear
My world crumbles when you are not near
Here is my confession
May I be your possession
Boy, I need your touch
Your love kisses and such
With all my might I try
But this I can't deny
Deny

~ You captured my thoughts exactly, Miss Macy Gray. I love listening to this song as I take the bus in the morning to go home from work. ~

I found her!

2008-05-08T05:12:00.000+08:00

...in Multiply!

I used to read her blog EVERY DAY. But when I moved to a different job, I became so busy that I didn't get the chance to catch up on her blog. I decided to check out her blog today while waiting for my agents to receive calls (I was manually recording their calls coz the recording system got messed up). I found out she has a Multiply account! I got so excited. Such a fan of hers. I LOVE her drawings and paintings.

I hope she accepts my invitation.

She is so pretty, isn't she?

ARGH!

2008-05-07T05:56:00.001+08:00

Why do you keep changing your mind? Why do you keep saying one thing and then saying the opposite thing after a minute?

Is it hard to understand that I just want everything to be nice? Is that wrong? Is it wrong to be concerned? Why are you so goddamn STUBBORN??!!!

Why don't you listen to me? Why don't you talk to me? Why do you make me feel like everybody else is important than me? Why can't you understand me?

Do you ever stop to think about how I feel? Do you even care how I feel? Do you know that you're always hurting me? THINK! Just think! Grow up! Stop being so selfish!

Taking a breather

2008-05-03T01:54:00.000+08:00

PAGOD NA KO!!!! @#$%!!!!!!

un lang

back to work

Silence of the Bees

2008-04-26T07:15:00.000+08:00

Since April 22 was Earth Day, National Geographic had a great line up of programs that tackle the environmental issues on our planet. One of the programs is Silence of the Bees.

This program really taught me a lot. It has also helped me realize that honeybees are very important to the ecosystem. They are the reason why some plants grow fruit. Without them, the flowers will just wither and die and will not blossom into fruits/vegetables that we eat.

To learn more, please watch this program:

http://ngcasia.com/watch/program_details.aspx?id_program=6230

"Scientists say we may be facing a global catastrophe. In the last six months up to 80% of honeybees in the US have disappeared. Now the nightmare has spread to Europe. Are bees the "canary in the coal mine"," the first signs of a massive ecological collapse? Eye-popping, macroscopic photography will get up close and personal on the crucial role bees play in our ecosystem."

My not-so secret dreams

2008-04-25T22:28:00.001+08:00

I became a bookworm when I was in Grade 6. I remember buying my first ever Sweet Valley Twins book ("Stretching the Truth"). After reading that, I became a fan and regularly read the other Sweet Valley Twins books. Soon, I was raiding through our school library for other books and I discovered I liked Enid Blyton, Fear Street and Christopher Pike books.

I started doing my own writing when I was in high school. Reading opened me up to a world of fantasy and freedom. Writing has no rules. I can write whatever I want. I started my own diary and I always pretended that my diary was a biography. In my 2nd year high school, my friends and I shared short stories about our own lives and we called ourselves the Sacred Mountain group. I remembered my character's name was Alisha Sharie Stanfield and I was the group leader and a very rich girl. I missed those stories.

I wanted to be a writer. However, my parents told me I won't be able to make a career our of it. I wanted to take up Journalism in Univ. of the Phils., but I ended up taking a computer course in a different college instead. Until now, I've always thought about writing again. Maybe I can start with short stories and have them published somehow.

I've also been a big fan of paintings. I used to love to draw and paint. I had only one goal in mind: to draw and paint the perfect female face. I had tons of drawings of faces. Sometimes I would get teased about them because they never had bodies. The human face is so beautiful. So many contours and angles and emotions. My dad probably threw them away when we went back to the Philippines, along with my paint brushes and paint and stuff.

Art was my favorite subject in high school when I was in Malaysia. I was taught about brushes and watercolor and pastel and shading. In college, I aced my Art Appreciation subject on my first year. We learned how to distinguish paintings and I found another love: classical music. Our professor was a solo pianist, and he introduced us to classical music. Our tests would include listening to several minutes of a piece and we need to write down the title and the composer. I loved those. I loved listening to our recorded test "questions" over and over again in my Walkman so that I could memorize them.

Until now, I'm thinking about taking painting lessons and buying classical music Cd's (if I find one). For now, I'm trying to come up with a good topic for a short story. Painting will cost me so maybe I'll skip that for now. I have not painted anything in 10 years now. I don't know if my hands will still know what to do.

For now, it is back to work for me and time to wake up to reality. Back to QA reports.

April 22 is Earth Day!

2008-04-22T02:43:00.000+08:00

April 22 is Earth Day!

Global warming is our most urgent environmental problem: it's now or never to take action. Politicians are not doing enough to curb climate change and we the moment has come to say “enough”. (http://network.earthday.net/)

Global warming occurs because carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other gasses released by the combustion of fossil fuels are building up in the atmosphere and preventing the sun's heat from escaping back into space. Many scientists, as well as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, are concerned that global warming could lead to serious changes in our climate, causing more dangerous storms and hurricanes, rising sea levels, and the spread of tropical diseases.

Here's how we can contribute in the fight against global warming:

1. Drive a fuel-efficient car. If your new car gets 10 mpg more than your old one, you can reduce CO2 emissions by 2,500 pounds a year.

2. Walk, bike, carpool or use mass transit. If you leave your car at home two days a week, you'll reduce CO2 emissions by 1,590 pounds a year.

3. Weatherize your home. Insulate walls and ceilings, caulk and weatherstrip around doors and windows, and wrap your water heater in an insulating jacket to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 4,000 pounds a year.

4. Use energy-efficient appliances. If you replaced your existing refrigerator with a high-efficiency model, you'd reduce your CO2 emissions by 220 pounds a year. Energy-efficient appliances are now available for microwave ovens, stoves, dishwashers and computers, as well.

5. Reduce, reuse and... Recycle? You guessed it. Buying food and other products in reusable or recyclable packaging can reduce CO2 emissions by 230 pounds a year, while recycling all of your home's waste newsprint, cardboard, glass and metal can reduce emissions an additional 850 pounds a year.

At the office, consider these additional ideas:

6. Turn off the power. Flick off lights and turn off computers and other equipment when you leave your office for long periods of time.

7. Use e-mail. Use electronic mail and electronic faxes rather than paper and the postal system whenever possible.

8. Use a reusable mug. Choose reusable over throwaways as much as possible.

9. Support company programs to save energy. Participate in company carpools, waste paper recycling programs and environmentally friendly landscape strategies. Tele-commute if possible.

Reminiscing my past

2008-04-22T01:52:00.000+08:00

I want to go back to Malaysia soon. For those who do not know, I lived in Malaysia from 1991 to 1995 with my family. My dad works there, and my mom and I left Batangas City to a new life in a town called Miri in the Sarawak state.

I remember I was almost 10 years old back then. I was about the start Grade 4 when we left. It was indeed a memorable experience for my mom and I. We left the airport early and arrived in Miri at lunch time. Everything seemed new and strange and scary. The next morning, my parents dropped me off to school, and I was scared shit. It was a Shell school, which means the kids who study there have parents working for Shell or Petronas. The headmaster (or principal) was British. There were two "streams": Dutch and English. So I was sent to the English Year 5 class. Inside, I wanted to cry because I didn't wanna be with those foreigners. I had zero confidence in my English, and I kept thinking how the heck am I gonna talk to these people. My classmates were like United Colors of Benetton: British teacher and a whole lot of mixed classmates ( Australian, American-Filipino, American-Singaporean, British, African-English, Spanish, French). Everyone was really nice to me on my first day, but I didn't feel comfortable. I barely spoke to anyone. All the books, notebooks, dictionaries, paper, etc were there in the classroom. I just had to bring myself and my snack.

I managed to survive the first day. On my second year, Year 6, I was more outspoken. Things got nasty when my Spanish classmate got jealous over the new boy in class. His name was Craig Bennett, and he is English-South African. He was designated to sit next to me, and for some reason, little Miss Popular Spaniard got jealous and decided to spread rumors about me. Yeah, I learned the hard way. At first, I didn't mind, but I later learned that Craig didn't invite me to his birthday party because of HER. That bitch. The good thing about it was that I finally realized who my real friends were. I can never forget my friend Zayna Jaafar. She's from the Middle East, and she is very intelligent. She can speak French fluently! She invited me to have lunch in an exclusive club with her mom and siblings. Her family is really nice, and she was my first Muslim friend. I hate it sometimes when people stereotype Muslims as terrorists, because they are not. It is like stereotyping Filipinos as domestic helpers.

Nadine Green was my classmate from Year 5, and we became pretty close. She is American-Singaporean. Her dad is from Texas, and her mom is Singaporean-Chinese. She is a very cheeky girl. The boys love her because she was one of the first to have her period in school at that time. Yeah, stupid I know, but back then my schoolmates thought it was cool that she was already having her period and wearing bras. But she was great to me, and it was fun having her around.

Unfortunately, I've lost contact with them after they left school when we were in Year 6. Only 3 of us made it until the end of the year. Most of my classmates went back their respective countries because their daddies' contract with Shell ended already or they need to go back because the school didn't offer high school. It was sad, but I was excited about it because I would be staying in Miri.

I had to learn how to speak in Bahasa Malaysia because I was going to a private Malaysian school. Why? Because I had nowhere else to go. There were no other schools left for me to choose from. The Malaysian public schools would not accept me because I was not a Malaysian citizen.

When I transferred, I was back in Primary 6 because I was only 11 and cannot go to high school yet. Majority of my classmates (and schoolmates) were Malaysian-Chinese. A small majority were Malay. There were a few Filipinos in that school, one of them named Danette who also hails from Batangas. We had a blast speaking in Tagalog LOUDLY in school because nobody would understand, not even the teachers, so nobody could scold us. Haha. We could swear and curse all we wanted. She was a great athlete and very smart. I was proud of her when she became a prefect when she was in Primary 6. Remember in Harry Potter where they had prefects? Sort of like school officers. Anyways, after Primary 6, I went to high school (secondary school they called it) in the same school. There were like 7 or 8 of us in class. I was the only one who was not Chinese in the class.

I stayed in that school until I was in 2nd year high school. I was known as the loud don't-mess-with-me girl. Discrimination was fierce, and I was called many names. I will never forget a girl named Ting Kaka, who was a year younger than I was. I heard her comment to her friend that I was a "Bosnian girl" because I was so skinny during those days. Unfortunately for her, I heard it and I really let her have it. I left the Philippines as a timid shy girl, and when I studied in Malaysia, I had to learn how to stand up for myself. I've had students telling me to "go back where you came from". I retorted that THEY need to go back to China and that their ancestors arrived in Malaysia as slaves. Ah well, history is very helpful.

I remember that I always had the major roles in plays and dances and other stuff in school because I looked Malay, compared to my Chinese schoolmates. So whenever the school had to perform a traditional dance or Malay play, guess who got the role? Yeah they didn't really have a choice, did they? It was also an advantage that most of my schoolmates could not dance and I could.

My proud moment was when I was named Best Speaker during an English debate when I was in second year. The second years were debating against the frouth years. We won, and I was Best Speaker, and that shut up those freaking jerks in school. It made me feel food that my two other team mates in the debate were the two best students in the entire school, and I got the award. Shniy shiny moment indeed.

I had a reunion with my Malaysian high school classmates two years ago, and it was nice. We still keep in touch. I'd love to go back to Miri and see how things have changed. I want to see Bulatan Park again, and watch the afternoon joggers go around the park. I want to drink Ribena juice, mi kering from Krokok market, eat mi goreng from that small resto in Pujut 3, and drive by my old school and see what's left of it. I heard they no longer have the high school there, because there were very few students.

I learned a lot from my stay there. The most important thing for me was that I had the chance to grow up with my dad in my life. My dad has been working overseas since I was a baby, and living in Malaysia has made me realize we had a lot of things in common.

After my second year in high school, my mom, brother and I went back to Batangas City where I graduated from high school.

Hopefully, I can visit Miri again someday soon.

Have a good weekend to everyone!

Selamat pagi!

Happy birthday Marx!

2008-04-12T03:57:00.002+08:00

To the cutest little brother ever,

Happy 7th birthday! I cannot believe that you are so big now. I remember I was already in college when you were born. I was already 20 years old and I thought Mama was joking when she said she was having you.

You have always been the quiet one in the family. You can be really sweet and quiet one minute, and then very mad the next. I am so proud of you dear brother. I almost cried when you climbed up the stage on your graduation day. Everyone loves you in school and you are so popular.

I hope that you will grow up healthy and independent. Right now, you are still a baby to everyone, but I know that someday you will to be more outgoing and adventurous.

Thank you for keeping Mama company and for making her smile with your cute antics. Thank you for loving your older brother Marven despite his shortcomings. I know he sometimes hurts you, but I know when you grow up wou will understand that your brother is special and I hope you will stand up for him when someone else steps on him.

I love you very much dear brother! More happy birthdays to come!

Love,
Your big sister

Marven and Marx's Graduation

2008-04-04T21:27:00.002+08:00

Marven graduated from Grade 6 and Marx graduated from Senior Prep. They are both studying in Stonyhurst Southville International School in Batangas City. The ceremonies were held in Cinema 1, SM City Batangas on April 4, 2008 from 10am-1pm.

Congratulations to both of you!

For more pics, please go to my Multiply site.

New look

2008-03-28T19:00:00.001+08:00

I've decided to give this blog a new skin and a more simple look. I've taken away all the links and add-ons and made it simple.

This is my original blog and somehow I feel guilty not using it anymore. I'll try to keep this as updated as my Multiply one.

Moved

2008-03-21T21:14:00.001+08:00

Some people have been asking me why I have not been updating this blog. I have been using my Multiply blog because it is easier to use. I will keep this blog tho. For more updated entries, please go to http://mareejoi.multiply.com.

Cheers!

Nov. 17 stuff

2007-11-17T17:20:00.000+08:00

It's 5pm and I'm still in my pj's. Supposed to meet up with Nell and Eva in The Block, but got a text saying the body scrub thing probably won't push through for me coz the next available slot is for 5:30pm. So I just decided to continue my sleep.

Woke up at around 1:30pm. Jowl is still sleeping. Moon said he went to sleep at around1pm. Have to go to Bonifacio High Street for Eva's birthday dinner thing.

I still don't know what I'm going to wear. I've decided to wake up Jowl at around 6pm. We'll go to The Fort together.

I'm kinda excited about meeting up with friends. It has been soooo stressful at work. So many pending stuff I need to do. I'm glad I finally signed my PMP...I'm FINALLY confirmed as a QA after being in that position for 1 year and 2 months. So overdue.

I still don't have a gift for Eva. I still don't know what to give her. I've decided to buy her gift next paday. My log records were screwed up and thus my salary sucked this payday. Sigh.
I better bathe now...and get ready for a looong night out with the girls. Finally, I'll have some fun.

My poor baby will be home alone. Don't worry B, I'll make up for it when I get home...harhar...

Updates soon...

It has been more than a year...

2007-10-18T02:43:00.000+08:00

...since I was promoted to Quality Assurance Coordinator. I have completely forgotten about it.

So far, it has been one hell of a rollercoaster ride. My eyes were opened to this whole new world of management, leadership, friendship, work politics and professionalism. Big words huh? Not really. It all sums up to me being more mature about dealing with other people around me and being more serious about my job.

It took a lot of effort for me to slow down, especially during those months that I was the only QA in the account. I needed to do so many things, wanted to improve on so many things, but I could only do so much alone. I really wanted to help the agents because I used to be one and I know how challenging it is for them.

The transition of becoming a QA from an agent was hard. I'm the type of person who likes to express feelings and be open about stuff. It was hard for me to shut up and not discuss things to my friends who were agents in the account. I couldn't tell them issues that the management was having.

The biggest effort for me to do was to control my temper. I'm very transparent, and I had to practice being more discreet and calm. There are times when I would really get angry at other officers or the agents, and I had to be calm and professional and discreet. It took me months, and now I just laugh about it.

Politics is something that it is still a mystery to me. I don't know why some issues have to be such a big deals. I hate it when people accuse others of something they don't even understand. Again, I had to make sure I did the right thing, keep a straight face, and be professional about it. I mean, hey, why should I be as immature as they are, right? In the words of Myke Doria, our English Specialist, being mature means making your own choices and not following what everyone is doing.

I have so many things to learn, and I'm glad I have mentors and friends and family who are supportive. I hope that a year from now I will be more mature and more professional in my line of work.

"My grandfather once told me that there are two kinds of people: those who work and those who take the credit. He told me to try to be in the first group; there was less competition there." ~ Indira Ghandi

Happy

2007-10-14T16:23:00.000+08:00

This is how I feel now.

I am happy with my life as a married woman. We have our ups and downs, but we work things out. We are two very different people, but we always try to find a way to compromise our differences. I know that he is "the one". I'm looking forward to starting a family with him. He has helped me become more confident in everything that I do. I started to appreciate myself more since I met him. I have so much to be thankful for.

I love my work. I love the people I work with. I feel that I have learned so much from my mentors (Boss Ed and Aubrey). Thanks for believing in me.

My family is my foundation. I know that we don't get along all the time, but I will always be there if you need me. I understand how hard it is for you now that I am married and I have a life of my own now. But remember I am always grateful for all the things you have done and sacrificed for me.

The friends I have are the best. They are there when I need them. I can't name all of you guys here, but you know who you are. My love goes to you...Nell, Eva, Nicole, Jowl...to name a few.

Thanks for making me feel simply happy.

I dream of you

2007-09-01T08:55:00.000+08:00

My Angelo,

I had a dream about you. Someone was carrying you, and you were laughing and laughing. I was chasing the person holding you, and you were looking at me and laughing as I chase you.
Chubby cheeks. Mohawk hair. Pink lips.

And the pain returns.

I miss you. I hope you are at peace.

Love you,

Mommy

Ups and downs

2007-08-31T06:11:00.000+08:00

My first job was in a call center called Sykes Asia back as a Technical Support Engineer. I was fresh out of college, and I had NO idea what a "call center" was. The industry was still young back in 2002. I remembered I was really nervous during the job offer and I called my mom first to tell her what was in the contract before I signed. *shaking my head* I couldn't decide without my mom saying yes. Haha!

I met great friends from that job offer, one of them is still one of the closest friends I know:Eva. She was friend since that day in San Miguel Properties, Ortigas. Even in training, we were inseparable. I love you Eva!

I stayed in that job for about a year. I had a lot of fun and I felt that I really discovered who I was. Even my romantic relationships changed. I never thought I would meet my future husband there! I had my first taste of alcohol and yosi there. Late night movies and early morning drinking.

After that, I was hired in PeopleSuppport for another call center job,this time taking calls (I was in email support back in Sykes). It was different there and it was not much fun until I met some crazy friends (Kate, Mark, Pacs, Nicole!, Wacks, Pakko, Mic). I met my "long lost sister", Nicole. We just had to look at each other and we can understand each other. It became kinda scary after a while that we were that close.

After almost 3 years there, i'm back in Sykes. I love my job now as a Quality Assurance Coordinator. I love my team, my bosses, my job. 5 years ago, I did not know what I was getting myself into. Now, I'm glad I signed that first ever contract back in 2002. I have learned so much and met so many great people. I can't imagine myself anywhere else.

Addicted to lip gloss

2007-07-28T05:29:00.000+08:00

It all started with Joyce's blog entry about her must-haves which included a lip and cheek tint. I replied asking her where to get her brand, because the one I'm used to is pretty expensive now(VMV Lip and Cheek tint). She gave me an alternative brand, and I promised myself I would buy one coz I have not had a decent gloss in months.

I went to Glorietta on July 21 with my best buds Nell and Eva. I went to Makati early to get my reserved Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows book, shopped for Nicole and Nianne's birthday gifts, and accompanied Eva to get her hair done. I passed by Penshoppe, and I bought a Lip Glaze in Currant and Fruity Pout Lip Jelly, each costing only P89. We then went to Landmark, and I bought Maybeline Clear Smooth face powder...but then I found their Fruity Jelly Lip Gloss and got that too. It costed less than P200.

So now, I have 3 lip glosses to choose from. Addicted to lip gloss, I admit I am. Guilty.

Back to work

2007-07-15T00:33:00.001+08:00

I went back to work last Friday, July 13. I logged in at 8pm and procceded to my station. My workstation was a mess. They moved the stations of the quality and training team, so I had a lot of missing things. My headset was gone, my pillowcase was filthy, my mirror stand was broken and one of my ballpens was missing. My boss, Aubrey, was nowhere to be found, so I just checked my mail and browsed through the new QM forms. He finally arrived at 1:30am, but both he and Boss Ed just asked me to "relax". The three of us just chatted about work and personal stuff like Harry Potter. By 5:30am, I was on my way back home where my husband was waiting with my McDonald's breakfast which he bought himself. On Monday, all hell will break lose at work. Welcome back to the real world, Joi.

Goodbye vacation

2007-07-05T21:08:00.000+08:00

I filed my maternity leave yesterday in the office, and I found out that my 60-day leave ends on July 12. I had my mind set on going back on July 16 and not July 13 (which is Friday the 13th, how about that!). So I guess I should make the most out of this weekend. Back to work next Friday.

I'm excited about going back to work. There are a lot of changes and I know I'll be overwhelmed when I get back....I'm really excited to see everyone again!

For now, I'm looking forward to going home to Batangas City to visit my mom and siblings. Goodbye vacation...hello stress, hello low blood pressure, hello meetings, hello boss, hello work...

Thank you

2007-07-03T00:08:00.000+08:00

I know that you guys are wondering how I am now after my miscarriage. I'm doing alright, and thanks for your concern. It has been almost 2 months since my miscarriage and I've moved on. I still think of Angelo and there are times when I still cry. I guess it's natural for me to feel this way after such a big loss. I'm very positive about life and I know I will get pregnant again soon (hopefully this year!).

For the meantime, I'm genuinely happy for my friends who are expecting and I tell them I want to see the baby as soon they're delivered. I look around the baby stuff in the mall and I mentally check the ones I want to buy for my next baby.

I'm grateful to all my friends, family and most specially to my husband. He is my source of strength. Thanks to everyone for all the love! God bless!

Pinoy Big Brother Season 2: My take on the controversy

2007-07-01T02:40:00.000+08:00

Since I’m on leave from work for 2 months, I now have the luxury of time to sit back and watch TV. I must admit that this season is really filled with controversial characters. Occasionally, I get a glimpse of what is happening inside “the house” through the news (TV Patrol) and there are times when I am still awake for the “PBB UpLate” show. I’d like to share my views on HER. Filipinos, you should know who I am referring to.

Her name is Wendy. From the outside, I can say honestly she is a pretty girl. It helps that she also has a nice bod. She claims to be a beauty queen living in poverty.

She has gotten into lots of fights with her fellow housemates. She defends herself saying she is only being herself and she never acts like someone else just for the show. I applaud her for being true to herself. Unfortunately, the rest of this blog entry is all about negativity on how she presented herself.

I can relate to her in a way that I also hate it when people are being “plastic”. I also speak my mind and I don’t care what people say as long as I am right. The difference is that I have MANNERS.

Wendy, for Pete’s sake, you are on national television. The Filipino community in the country and abroad are watching your every move. I have nothing against “being-myself” thing, but you didn’t do it with finesse. In short, you were rude, disrespectful, selfish, bitchy and WRONG.

There was an episode wherein Big Brother asked the boys to decide who will pursue the task of finding the rings for the couple who will be wed inside the house. The boys went to the girls’ room and informed them of the new task. When Bruce, Wendy’s newly found boyfriend in the house, said that he was thinking of volunteering to do it, Wendy sulked and started doing those pouting things that really pissed me off. The boys went to the garden to make the decision, and Wendy suddenly opened the glass sliding door and started demanding why Bruce did not tell her that he wanted to do the task. See, the person who will do the task needs to go out of the house and needs to return with the rings within 24 hours. I mean, that was just RUDE. You know what she could have done?

“Excuse me boys, but I just want to talk to Bruce for a minute”. Now, this sounds like a person who has MANNERS. I mean, girl, you graduated from college acting like that? Shouting at your boyfriend like that, embarrassing him in front of everyone, literally! That behavior is so diva-like. Who are you? You think you’re a damn princess in the house? Bruce, you deserve a trophy for being patient with a girl who has a mouth more filthy than a dog. I bet even people who has never had an education has better manners than you do.

I laughed hysterically when they showed the part where Big Brother was talking to her when she went too far. She was being snotty to everyone in the house. Just because they voted your boyfriend out? Girl, this is a COMPETITION! You’re not in the house for a fashion shoot. It’s all part of the game! Uh, are you sure your college diploma is authentic? I’m ashamed that your college is my sister college. Sigh. Shame on you. I loved the part when she said she just does not like it when the other girls do not tell her off and they act like it is ok. She said she hates that because she is not like that. Big Brother told her gently that she should not expect everyone to act like her. EXACTLY! Thank you Big Brother for saying that! Why does everyone have to adjust for you? Are you God?

The Big Winner has been chosen at last. Congratulations to you Beatriz! I was rooting for Mickey, but hey I’m happy enough that Wendy didn’t win. Wendy dear, you deserve all the boos the crowd gave you. You said you can take it? Get ready then. The rest of us are still waiting in the shadows to attack you. You don’t even deserve the exposure you are getting.

Get back to school and learn some manners bitch!

Wow, this felt good!

A letter for my Angelo

2007-05-20T19:16:00.000+08:00

My angel,

We fought for a long time, but I guess God has other plans for us. I know that you
are peaceful now and you are no longer hurting.

I want to say that I am happy where you are now, but it is so hard to say that. I
miss you so much that it hurts so badly to say goodbye to you. For 3 months, we were
together everyday. I protected you and nourished you. Now that you are gone, I feel
like there is a huge emptiness inside me. I feel that a part of me has been ripped
off.

One day, we will be together again. Angelo, your mommy and daddy loves you so much.
We don't know how to express just how sad we are now that you are in heaven. Every
day, I pray silently to let you know just how much I longed to hold you in my arms
and whisper how much I love you.

My angel, I will always be your mommy. You have made me feel complete. Goodbye my
darling.

Love,

Mommy

In memory of Angelo M. Paras,
son of Maree Joi and Manuel Raymund
12 weeks old
May 15, 2007

Happy birthday baby!

2007-05-10T19:19:00.001+08:00

Happy birthday to my one and only soulmate! Happy birthday to the most good looking husband ever! Little baby and I love you so much!

Our angel

2007-05-10T19:14:00.001+08:00

Raymund and I went to another OB last May 5. This new OB is highly recommended by two of my dear friends, Nicole and Ces.

Raymund and I went there after work. We were informed that his clinic opens at 9am in the Delos Santos Medical Center hospital in Quezon City.

The usual routine when we got there: personal info, weight, blood pressure. The doctor was in the delivery room so we had to wait. The nurse asked me to lie down on the bed in his clinic and that was nice because I had no sleep yet. Us night shifters are sleepy in the morning...

We waited...for 2 hours. I fell asleep on the unconfortable bed. The lights were above my face but still I dozed off. When the doctor arrived at around 11am, his nurse shook me awake. The doctor pulled out his stetoscope, placed it on my tummy and declared after 5 seconds "Oh pumipitik na!"...(friends, that means he heard the heartbeat). I was so shocked. I was still shocked when he tapped my leg and asked me to join him at his desk.

(We both decided not to inform the new OB about the earlier diagnosis of a possible anembryonic pregnancy. We wanted to hear his diagnosis first.)

He proceeded to write down my prescription (vitamins for preggies). His nurse then explained how I should take the medicine and that I should come back next month. Another nurse took my blood and urine. I couldn't speak. I forgot to ask the questions I wanted to ask the OB, like getting a second ultrasound.

But then, he heard the heartbeat...My baby is there. I always felt the baby here...I knew it! I was so glad I did not follow the first OB who wanted me to take a d/c (dilation and curratege). This means that the OB will scrape my uterus to get the sac out. Now when I think about it, it sounds like murder! Oh how close that OB was to murdering my baby!

I have never felt more at peace now. This happiness that I am feeling is so different. How can you love someone so much when you have not met? That is how I feel. This baby growing inside of me is a product of love between two people...How wonderful it is to think of it that way!

I want to say thank you to my friends and family members who have prayed and supported me through this. Our angel will be soon be born sometime in November or early December.

Happy Mother's Day to my mom!

Pray for my baby

2007-05-01T05:47:00.000+08:00

I have missed my period for 2 months, and I decided to take a pregnancy test last April 24. I asked one of the team managers in our team, Rache, to buy me a preg test. I was shocked when it came out positive.

Raymund and I went to the OB last Saturday after shift. The doctor arrived in the clinic in Megamall at 12 noon, and we only talked for a few minutes. Estimated age of the baby was 9 weeks. She recommended that I undergo an ultrasound to confirm my pregnancy. The ultrasound session was scheduled at 3pm, so we shopped for gifts first while waiting.

At 3:40pm, I was called into the lab for my ultrasound. The doctor told us that the sac was there but they could not find the baby inside and they could not hear the heartbeat. I was devastated. We were barely out of the clinic when my tears started gushing out of me uncontrollably.

I cried all the way...and it didn't stop until Sunday morning. The only time I didn't cry was when I was asleep. I felt so depressed.

On Sunday, we attended Raymund's nephew's baptism and I was one of the godmothers. My in laws went to our house. The boys had a drinking session while the girls chatted. My sister in laws all told me to get a second opinion because the baby is too small. Often times, it is undetectable in the first ultrasound. My hopes went up, and I decided to find another OB.

We went back to the OB yesterday at noon. She told me that it was an abnormal pregnancy and that I had to undergo a "raspa", wherein they will scrape my uterus to get the sac out.

When I arrived in the office, I told my friends who already have children and they all told me the same thing: the baby is too small to be seen in the ultrasound. We have decided to go to St. Luke's on Saturday to find another OB and get a second opinion.

Friends, please pray for my baby..

New look for summer

2007-04-20T06:37:00.000+08:00

I recently changed my Multiply blog's theme, and so I decided to change this one too to show how I feel about our summer season here in Manila. I found this one, and I loved it because it's bright and flowery. When I checked my Multiply site for themes, I found the exact same one. Check out http://mareejoi.multiply.com and you'll see the skin. Hehe.

I disabled the comments on Blogger because I'm getting a lot of spam with nonsense links. (Sorry Pacsie! I left a message in your tagboard). I added a chatterbox instead so feel free to post your comments there.

Happy summer to everyone!

The "time"

2007-04-18T05:49:00.000+08:00

Raymund and I went home to my parents' house in Batangas City last Saturday. My mom went on vacation with my brothers and we were in charge of looking after the house.

One of my neighbors, my high school classmate's youngest brother, passed away last April 12. He was involved in a horrible car accident with his friend (who was driving). Both of them were 19 years old. His name is Kristopher and he was a nursing student. Both of them were a little drunk and had collided with a bus on the Diversion highway (the highway leading to the Batangas port).

I dropped by the Cay's house on Sunday afternoon. His dad was outside the house, and I approached him and told him how sorry I was. He asked me to go inside, and I was hesitant because I was scared of what I would see. Not wanting to be disrespectful, I slowly made my way into the house and found his older sister, pale and shaken and still looking very much in shock. We were not close, but when she saw me, I could see how grateful she was that I came to visit, and I did not hesitate to give her a kiss and a hug. She trembled and closed her eyes.

I looked at him, this young man lying in the coffin. His pictures showed a handsome young man, very friendly looking and healthy. It does not show the same young man in the coffin. His face was waxed. My mom told me that his head was almost chopped off from the accident. The car had gone under the bus and was thrown out again due to the impact of the crash. I could see how his face was waxed so that it would appear that he still had a face.

A wave of emotions passed through me. I could feel his presence. He had so much to say to his family, so many last goodbyes...I silently prayed for him, for his peace and his family's grief. I was saddened by the fact his mother was not there to see him. I did not know him very well, but I wanted to cry at the sight of him. How young he was. He had so much ahead of his life...

I didn't stay long. I said goodbye to his sister and father after praying by the coffin. I was trembling with emotions when I went back to the car. I told my husband how he looked, since he refused to look at the coffin.

It made me realize how we never really know when our "time" is. Life is so fragile. Let us be careful when driving. It may sound so cliche, but I'm encouraging everyone to please not drive when you've had something alcoholic to drink. Let us pray for Kristopher.

Christmas 2006

2006-12-22T05:44:00.000+08:00

Christmas is fast approaching, but I'm not feeling it yet. Sure, we've done our Christmas shopping and been to company parties...But I'm not really feeling it yet. The holiday bug has yet to bite me.

If there is one thing I am proud of doing before the year ends, it is the fact that I gave 2 plastic bags of food to donate to the victims of the typhoon Reming in the Bicol region. Our company, Sykes, gave out plastic bags for us to fill up with anything. I took 2 bags and filled them up with noodles, coffee, sugar, sardines, crackers, toothbrushes, soaps and toothpastes. For the first time, I really felt that my money went to something helpful and meaningful. I wanted to give as many as I can afford to those people who lost their houses, lost their loved ones, lost all of their things...and still they can smile and say thank you in TV when they receive donated goods from other people. They make me feel so blessed to have a cozy home, a good career, a loving husband, a wonderful family, and many true friends.

This Christmas, let us look back at the things we should be thankful for. Let us help those in need. Don't be embarassed to say I'm sorry, I was wrong. Kiss your loved ones and always make them feel loved. What a wonderful world! Let us live our lives like there is no tomorrow.

Happy holidays everyone!

Barely breathing

2006-10-14T10:49:00.000+08:00

Wow. My last blog entry was last month.

How have I been doing in my new position? There's only one word to describe it: toxic. I experienced having 3 meetings in a row, finally having lunch at 3:340 am, and rendering OT for 16 hours a week. Yes, the perks of promotion. I'm feelin' it! But I can't complain, because I wouldn't be doing it if I didn't enjoy it. I LOVE what I'm doing. I finally feel that I greatly contribute to the improvement of the the team.

The hard work pays off. The client gave me an award out of the blue, and it came from the district Manager, Betsy, and an Operations Manager, Mike. They gave me a certificate that said "Unsung Hero Award" and they gave me a small medal. LOL. I LOVED IT! Plus I was totally shocked because I didn't know what the award was for. They told me it was because I was doing a great job and they appreciated all the things I've done. That was so heartwarming. Finally, I get recognized for doing great things (ahem ahem to my previous MANAGERS haha!). Things here are great. My Account Manager, Team Managers, Trainer, floor leads and agents are great. I love my team.

When the client handed me my award, our Senior Account Manager was there, and I jokingly told my Acct Manager that they need to give me a raise. They just laughed, but I was half serious! Hehe.

Being Quality Coordinator is a tough job. It's not all about doing monitoring for the agents. I'm also in charge of creating updates, reminders, guidelines, quality reports (tons!), weekly reports, monthly reports, feedback trackers, compliance reports...The clients forward to me issues that need attention and I have to inform the Managers about it. I need to make sure the Team Managers are monitoring their agents. I'm charge of the weekly internal and external calibration. I have to monitor 44 agents: 1 call and 1 email per agent EVERY month. Oh yeah, it's not all about monitoring.

I've learned a lot, and I'm still learning. I am so thankful for all my blessings.

It's a wow day!

2006-09-16T00:20:00.000+08:00

Jowl and I met up in Edsa Shangri La at around 3:30pm today. He asked me to accompany him to do some shopping in Greenhills. We arrived in Greenhills at around 4:30pm. I bought 2 slacks, 2 blouses, 3 pairs of socks, and a shirt for my hubby. After having dinner with Jowl, Nell and Onat, we went back to shopping and I saw this cute brown bag. The intial price was P1,200 but I told the girl I couldn't afford that. I told my friends it was a shame because we didn'y see any other stalls with the same bag, and she asked me what my budget was. I told her I can only afford P500 for a bag, and she gave it to me! WOW!

It was around 10pm when Jowl and I got home. Hubby was watching tv. He liked the shirt I gave him. At around 10:30pm, my account manager texted me asking if I was awake. I said I was and he said he'd call in a few minutes. I hurriedly charged my cellphone. At 11:20 pm, he called me. He said my schedule for next week has changed. My new sked is 9pm-6am with weekends off.I said ok, and he explained I'll be coming in to work tomorrow and on Sunday at 1pm, and then 9pm on Monday. I asked him why...and guess what he said....

CONGRATULATIONS!

OMIGOD! I got promoted!!!! I'm the new Quality Coordinator starting Monday!!!

When I die...

2006-09-03T21:59:00.000+08:00

Take this quiz at QuizGalaxy.com

Thanks Kate!

Bored at work

2006-08-20T15:29:00.000+08:00

I'm here at work, with nothing to do. Things are slow on weekends. Yesterday, I only had one call 10 mins before I was supposed to log out. The call was from an internal employee, asking for someone who is not in our department. So I just looked for the phone # and gave it to him and that was that.

I loooovvveeeee my shift, 1pm till 10pm. Technically, that's 1am EST so things are slow.
Have I mentioned that I am one of the 5 floor leads in the team? WE have to make reports and submit the ticket logs at the end of our shift to our managers, and it's cool. Added responsibility means one step closer to promotion. Yey!

Raymund, Gabbi and I met up with my mom and brothers in Megamall earlier today. My mom wanted to meet Gabbi and give her a present. We had an early lunch in KFC and then went to the arcades. Too bad I had to leave them there coz I have work today. Sigh. My mom will go to the Mall of Asia later and then Raymund and Gabbi needs to attend Eman's baby's christening in Quezon City. Busy busy day.

Last Friday, Gabbi and I went to Greenhills. We bought gifts for her cousin Nicole and Ate Joy. After that, I bought a shift, sandals, and undies for myself. I bought Gabbi a Hello Kitty wallet. We had pizza from Greenwich and then bought gift wrappers from National Bookstore. We had a lot of fun. I let her choose Nicole's gift as well as the wrappers and the cards. We chatted about anything and everything.

Gabbi will be leaving soon, and that's sad. I know how much my husband hurts just thinking about it. She said she'd rather stay here. Sigh. I will miss her too when she leaves for the US on Sept. 4. Such is life.

Start of a new day

2006-08-13T02:56:00.000+08:00

Guess what? I just got home. Hehe. Our team had a Go Live party for us in Gerry's Grill, Libis. We are finally done with our training and nesting, and we are all excited about going live on Monday. Yey!

After we had a yummy dinner at Gerry's, we headed off to R&B in Metrowalk, Ortigas. We danced the night away with our trainers - Betsy and Ram, our managers - Kyle, Ef-ar, Gene, Bob and our director Emma. There were 2 bands playing so we had the time of our lives. Bob played the guitar and we all went to the dance floor to cheer on him. It's great that our trainers/boss from the US had fun with us, and Betsy even showed us her dance moves!

I love my schedule on Monday, 1pm-10pm Thur Fri off. Nice! I was assigned as one of the 5 floor leads in the team. If our team manager is not around, we would be the ones managing the team for the meantime. Big responsibilites lie ahead of me, but I'm ready! It's time I get promoted! Haha!

I feel good about myself. I'm doing well in my new job. I've been able to wear jeans that I haven't been able to fit myself into for months. Been eating less rice nowadays. I have a stepdaughter who is so smart, independent and funny! She melted my heart when she said thank you after I showed her the birthday cake I got for her party. Aww...

My husband has been very supported towards my work. He said I'd make a great team manager someday...hopefully soon! That's a big deal for me, since he knows what it's like.

I have new friends at work. Most of them are guys, but they're never boring to be with! It was awesome hanging out with them today.

I'm so tired from dancing and shouting and screaming that I think I need to go to bed now. I'll try my best to update this blog more often.

Birthday Suprise

2006-07-01T13:51:00.000+08:00

I turned 25 last June 26, 2006. I didn't have any plans since I have no budget at all.

My friends Nell and Eva woke me up at around 2pm. Since Nell had a key to our house, they went in and I found Red Ribbon mange crunch cake and a bilao of palabok! I was really surprised and touched. These two have been my closest friends for more than 3 years now, and I can always count on them. At my wedding, Nell was my made of honor, and Eva was my secondary sponsor in charge of lighting the candle. They were with me in the bridal car on the way to church.

It was a great birthday. We also woke up my house mate Joel, who celebrated his birthday last June 4. We were forced to blow the candles, one for me and one for Joel. It was fun having my friends there. They stayed until midnight. Chos also came over, around 10pm. Had a couple of rounds of Vodka with Sprite.

I didn't get any sleep that night, and it was my first day of training back in Sykes. Hehe. But it was really great.

Thank you Eva and Nell! Love you both so much.

Homecoming Queen

2006-06-24T01:08:00.000+08:00

Belated happy 1st birthday...

2006-06-21T01:45:00.000+08:00

...to my tattoo...

The offer

2006-06-21T01:34:00.000+08:00

My job offer is scheduled at 4pm tomorrow. Kinda excited about starting a new job. Hopefully the pay is good.

It feels great to just lay back and relax. I stay at home. Sleep. Eat. Cook sometimes. I feel like I just took a really nice vacation.

Occassionally, I think about my old job: how things are going in the office, how my manager reacted to my resignation letter smiling up at him on his desk on Monday night, how my friends are wondering why I haven't been coming to work. I didn't say goodbye to them. It was one of those things I realized I don't need to do. It's hard enough as it is.

Tomorrow my career will be laid on the table. God help me. Make it a good one.

Bored

2006-06-19T01:57:00.000+08:00

Instructions: Name ten of life's simple pleasures that you like the most, then pick ten people to do the same. Try to be original and creative and not to use things that someone else has already used. (from Gwen's blog)

1. Being with my husband, Raymund...whether it's going on a "date", eating together, travelling together, or simply holding hands with watching tv...Being with him has made me ridiculously happy.

2. Reading a great book. I eat books.

3. Going out with my friends. Talking with my friends. Watching movies with my friends. Texting my friends. Calling my friends. My friends are the greatest.

4. Being with my family. Mom. Dad. Marven. Marx. Raymund's family ~ Mommy Menz. Melot. Ate Joy. Larfie. Bebz. Owee. Raymund's nieces and nephews.

5. Shopping. Books. Cds. Clothes. Accessories. Bags. Shoes. Magazines.

6. Eating. Everything. Hehe.

7. Watching. TV. Movies. Plays. whatever.

8. Music. Linkin Park. Aaliyah. Green Day. Boyz II Men. Brian McKnight. Coldplay. U2. Lots more.

9. Internet. Blogs. Surf. Games.

10. "Me" time. Just doing the things I enjoy. Pampering myself. Giving myself some relax time.

It's final

2006-06-18T03:22:00.000+08:00

I submitted my resignation letter today.

The client interview Friday night went well. It was scheduled for 10:30pm but I arrived an hour early. It was a good thing I was early. Before 10pm, I was asked to enter the conference room. The Implementations Manager was there, and I would be speaking to the clients on the phone. After 10 mins, I was dismissed.

I was disappointed that the manager didn't say anything other than he would contact me next week. I asked my friend Chos to accompany me and we talked for a few mins. After the last applicant, Chos asked his manager to come over. The manager extended his hand and said "Congratulations". There it was. Plain as day. He gave me the go signal to resign. The job offer is scheduled next week.

My husband was happy for me. This is what I've been praying for. The opportunity finally arrived.

It's time for me to hit the books and study Unix. More details after my job offer.

This is goodbye...

2006-06-13T23:06:00.000+08:00

I have been with you for 2 years now. I learned a lot from you, and because of you I've made so many great friends. I've grown mature, and I've become more professional. I try to make it appear like it's not hard for me to leave you, but that's just for show. It's breaking my heart to leave you...but we need to grow. An opportunity came and it was just too good to deny. So goodbye to you PeopleSupport...Thanks for everything.

Anniversary surprise

2006-06-07T16:23:00.000+08:00

Raymund and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary last June 4, Sunday. I swapped rest days with Nicole so that I'll have Sunday off for our "date".

I had no idea where the "date" would be, but he asked me to be home by 4am on Sunday morning. Plus, he said he bought aqua shoes for me, so I knew we were going to the beach. In my mind, I was thinking...Puerto Galera?

When I got home, he was already taking a bath. He told me we were going to Pangasinan...I was like, huh? What's in Pangasinan? Hundred Islands!!!

I packed in record time, and we got on the 5:30am Victory Liner bus to Alaminos. We arrived in Alaminos City at 11am. His agents were there: Ray and his wife, Bryan and his girlfriend, Wayne, JC and Anthony.

My sweet hubby bought me a vest and Speedo aqua shoes, and for the first time in my life, I went snorkeling. It was a big deal since I'm terrified of water. I felt like I was on Fear Factor! But it was worth it. I saw Nemo!!! I saw angelish, clownfish, starfish...wow! It was like I was watrching Animal Planet!

We went back to the mainland at around 5pm. All of us bathed, and we slept till midnight. We looked for a place to eat, and we were lucky that there was one sari-sari store that was still open. We had noodles and crackers, which was ok but it didn't satisfy my hunger much. We went back to the hotel and slept until 7am.

The rest of the gang didn't wanna go back to the islands, so only me, Wayne and Raymund went back to Marcos island for more snorkeling. The sky was heavenly blue, the water was sparkling blue green, and the sand soft and fine. We went snorkeling until noon, and I couldn't keep my smile off my face as I watched a school of fish swim past me. It was GREAT! It was the perfect anniversary.

Thank you so much baby! Being with you is pure bliss.

A busy month for me

2006-05-31T14:11:00.000+08:00

Clockwise from left: Alice, Lailing, Kiu, Chou Seng, me and Raymund in Dome. My high school classmates from SM Sri Mawar, Miri, Malaysia.

Drinks after dinner along Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur.

My family at the entrance of the Petronas Philharmonic Hall, Kuala Lumpur.

Raymund and me with the Petronas Twin Towers behind us.

A lot has happened since my last entry. Our house is looking great, more cozy now. We bought curtains and stuff for the kitchen.

Raymund celebrated his 31st birthday last May 10. It was his rest day, but he went to the office and worked for about 4 hours. We met up ion Glorietta and we watched "Poseidon". We went to Robinson's Galleria and bought ice cream, then headed off to his brother's house in Vista Verde, Cainta. His siblings were there. I finally met my new godson, Peewee (real name Jose Angelo Delmendo Jr.), Bebz's youngest child. His mom arrived later that night. It was fun just being around his family. Everyone was teasing me about having my own baby since I was always carrying Peewee. Ate Joy and and Mommy Menchie were giving me all sorts of tips so that I can get pregnant. I felt like I was gonna explode when Raymund told me (as he was lovingly stroking Peewee's foot) that he wanted to have a baby girl soon. ARRGGHH! I felt like crawling under the sofa.

Raymund and I joined my family in Kuala Lumpur last May 19-22. We went to the Petronas Twin Towers, Aquaria and National Zoo. We didn't get to sightsee much because my siblings were food poisoned. I got LBM on our third day there, and it was terrible. I met up with my Malaysian classmates after 11 years. It was great! Most of them changed a lot. I used to be the skinny one, and now I was the fattest one. Damn. It shocked me that ALL of them are single until now. Oh well. They're pretty busy with their careers anyways. I was really touched that they went through so much just to see me. Lailing travelled 6 hours on a bus from Singapore, and Kiu and Chou Seng spent around 2 hours on the plane from Miri to Kuala Lumpur. They arrived in the Dome restaurant straight from the airport. Thanks so much guys!

My dad bought me a new phone for my birthday in June. How sweet! I have a blue Motorola V3x now, and I gave my old Nokia 2100 to Ate Joy (Raymund's older sister). Thanks Papa!

Melot, Raymund's brother, celebrated his 30th birthday at his house in Cainta, complete with catering last May 28. It rained though, so we didn't get to eat dinner till around 7:30pm. Sugar was drunk. Hehe. The guests placed eggs, flour, margarine, and mayonaisse on his head as a sign of good luck (and revenge). Melot was the one who started this yucky birthday tradition. Payback time indeed. Check out the pics in my Multiply site.

Raymund and I watched The Da Vinci Code on its first day, May 18, before our trip to Kuala Lumpur. I enjoyed it. It followed the story from the book, with minor differences.

Yesterday, we watched the X Men III: The Last Stand in SM North Edsa. I loved it! Jean Grey was gorgeous! Too bad so many people died. To those who haven't watched it, don't leave right away. There's something to look for AFTER the credits. It's worth the wait, promise.

He went shopping yesterday. He bought a new Timex watch, a book about leadership by John Maxwell, and two Parker pens (we have identical pens with our names engraved on them). Cool! Finally went grocery shopping. I'm gonna cook his favorite later.

I'm currently reading "Daughters in Sepia" by Isabel Allende, as insisted by my mom. She's a huge fan of the author nowadays. I think she just bought a new book by the same author. I plan to read my dad's book, "The Holy Grail and the Holy Blood" by Michael Baigent, Richard Leigh and Henry Lincoln. It's a really old book. My dad bought it in 1992.

Wow, that was a really long entry, to make up for my laziness to update. That's it for now.

Joi in Yahoo

2006-05-11T11:51:00.000+08:00

Please check out my Yahoo page: http://360.yahoo.com/maree_joi. Ciao!

Reunion with friends

2006-05-11T11:50:00.000+08:00

I filed for a one day leave on May 4 so that I can rest. I've been to 2 outings last week and I needed to sleep. I went online that day and chatted with my batchmates from PeopleSupport, Kate and Mark. We decided to meet up in Robinsons Galleria at 4pm. It's been 2 years since I last saw them!

I arrived in Galleria at exactly 4pm, and then Mark arrived minutes later. We planned to watch Mission Impossible III. I only agreed because it was Mark's treat. Hehe. We didn't get to watch that movie scheduled for 4:40pm, because Kate arrived at around 5:24pm! Late late late! So we decided to watch Slithers because there was a 5:30pm slot. Mark had to leave at 7pm, so we had to watch a diff movie other than MI3. I fell down the stais inside the cinema. Yes, embarassing as it may seem, it's true. It was dark...and I was wearing my new shoes, and I was just plain clumsy. I have a big bruise on my right knee. Sheesh. The movie was a joke. We kept laughing at that Air Supply song...guys, DON'T watch that movie. It was finished by 7pm. Mark left, and Kate and I had dinner. She had work at 9pm, so we didn't get to chat long. We agreed to meet up again, and it will be in my house. I promised I'd cook lunch. I missed you guys! Great to see you again. Let's have our lunch soon!

Our date

2006-05-11T11:47:00.000+08:00

Raymund and I went on a "date" last Wednesday, May 3. I had work Tuesday night till 7:30am, and got home at around 8:30am. I was surprised to see he was already awake. It was our rest day and we had planned to go out. I thought we were gonna go out AFTER I got some sleep, but unfortunately that was not the case.

We went to Gateway in Cubao at around 10am, and we watched Mission Impossible III. After that, we had lunch and then we went shopping! Yey! I bought new shoes from Mendrez. I didn't plan on buying that, but they were so cute and Raymund liked them so much. I'll take a picture and post it here. Hehe. After that we went to the Converse shop and I found this cute purple top. Sigh. So much for saving up my money! We went to SM Cubao and shopped till we dropped. Literally. We bought curtains, steam iron, utensils and an oven toaster. Whew! But it was worth it. When we hung up the curtains in the living room, the whole house looked really cozy. We got home at around 6:30pm, so I didn't have sleep for 24 hours! I was soooo tired that day.

Raymund finally got our passports, so Kuala Lumpur here we come! I'm so excited to see my Malaysian ex classmates. We plan to meet and have dinner. We haven't seen each other in 10 years!

Proud of myself

2006-05-11T11:42:00.000+08:00

Last May 6, I helped the new batches with their calls, which we call "floorwalking". There were 17 of them, and it was their second day in their "nesting" stage. After logging out at 3am, our team, Masters Inc., had our weekly team meeting. Then we joined the new batch where they discussed their calls for the day and we gave them some tips. Out team manager Mike E. also gave out awards. I'm proud of myself. I was the number agent for the month of April! I was the only one who met the 3 KPIs (Key Performance Indicarators: AHT, CSAT and QA) last month. I was given a certificate of recognition and P500 gift certificate. Wow! I'm gonna treat myself to new shoes!

Taking advantage of summer

2006-05-05T12:35:00.000+08:00

I've been so busy the past week. I went to 2 different outings in 3 days! Lol.

April 28, I joined Raymund's team's outing in Pulilan, Bulacan. We left at around 8:30am from Robinsons Summit in Makati. I was so sleepy coz I had a shift till 3am and I slept in the sleep room for 3 hours. We arrived in Taps Resort at around lunch time. Had a delicious lunch of chicken tinola and tilapia. Went for a dip. The water was so refreshing! Raymund didn't sleep at all. After the swim, we invaded the videoke! Lol...

Anyways, it was fun hanging out with his team. They were all guys, so it was great laughing at their craziness...and drunkeness...Hehe...Hi Wayne! =p

We went back to Manila on Sat morning. It was lunch time when Raymund and I got home in Kamias. Sooo tired. Had work that night. Fell asleep at work.

April 30, Sunday, I went to Laguna with my PeopleSupport friends: Nicole and her family, Wacks and his family, and Mic. Again, I didn't have any sleep since I had work Saturday night. We went to La Vista Pansol in Los Banos. There were a lot of poeple but it was ok. Kudos to Nicole for preparing the food and drinks!

Heavy traffic on our way home. It was 11am when I got home, and Raymund was waiting for me. Finally had a ood night sleep. I was sooo tired and sooo burned! Geez...i can camouflage myself among trees...hehe.

Check out the pics from my Multiply site.

My team at work planned to go to Splash Island last May 3, but it didn't push thru since a lot of out teammates won't be able to join. On May 19, Raymund and I will be flying to Kuala Lumpur to meet up with my family. Wow, my summer calendar is really full!

Dinner events

2006-04-17T07:42:00.000+08:00

I forgot to write about the mini-reunion Raymund's family had last April 6. His dad's brother, Uncle Do, went back to the Philippines after years of staying in the US. He works as a surgeon. He brought his wife, son (Kuya Julius) and daughter-in-law May (Kuya Julius' wife).

Melot picked us up and headed off to Fairview at around 6pm. We were crammed in the car: Melot, Larfi, Ate Joy, a very pregnant Bebz, Raymund and me.

It was a good thing I decided to wear a nice blouse and boots, because when we arrived, we were shocked that Uncle Do hired a caterer. It turned out to be a mini welcome party rather than a family dinner.

I had fun that night. It was great meeting his relatives. I had to laugh when the three "Raymonds" stood together for a picture: Uncle Do (real name is Raymundo), Kuya Julius (full name is Julius Raymond), and my Raymund (full name is Manuel Raymund). It was also funny when Uncle Do, Raymund and Melot stood together, coz they were all tall and skinny. LOL...
It was sad when we had to leave. Everyone else had left, and we were given a tour around the house. Uncle Do is very funny. He asked us about watching teleseryes. He kept talking about this character Luisa and calling her "stupid".

On April 15, I was late for work because Melot (my brother in law) asked us to drop by his house for dinner. Their sister Julie Ann was leaving for Dagupan the following day. It was great to see his nieces and his siblings there. I was late for 2 hours, but it was ok. Didn't take calls anyways. Nicole and I created name plates for the team.

Summer Vacation...sort of

2006-04-17T03:54:00.000+08:00

I was on vacation leave last Monday, April 10. I had work the night before, and Raymund was in the office although it was his rest day. We went home as soon as I logged out. We packed our stuff and we were on the bus going to Batangas City at 5am.

When we arrived at my parent's house, my dad was cooking breakfast. Raymund and I slept after eating. It was lunch time when they woke us up. My dad cooked a yummy lunch (sinigang na hipon). We got ready to go to the beach and we were on our way at 2:30pm.

We arrived in the Matabungkay Beach resort at 4:40pm. The place was relaxing. My dad got a really nice suite for us. It had two rooms, so Raymund and I had our our room. We all shared a big bathroom. We just dropped our bags in the room and headed off to the clean beach.

The water was shallow, so we didn't have any problems with my two brothers going in. The youngest one, Marx, was scared to go very far, and stayed by the shore. Marven was brave enough to wander far, as long as Raymund was with him. Even at the net that the resort placed, the water was only up to our waist. Plus there were a lot of slimy seaweed and starfish. But it was ok. After that, we washed up and headed to the resort's restaurant for dinner. We decided to play billiards after dinner. At first, Raymund and my dad played. After that, my dad taight Marven how to play, and Raymund taught me. It was hard, and I was very sweaty after that game! But I'm proud of myself. I managed to put some of the balls in! Whew.

My dad and hubby had their drinking session on the balcony when we got back. My mom and my two brothers went to bed, and I watched TV. Too bad I was too sleepy, I decided to go to bed early (10pm). I think Raymund went to bed an hour later.

On our second day, Raymund woke me up with a start when he realized it was already 11am! The suite was empty. We hurriedly dressed and went to the beach. My mom said they were there since 5am. We had lunch brought to our place by the beach. We left at 2pm.

We headed off to Red Ribbon in Batangas City. We bought palabok and cake for my youngest brother's 5th birthday. Marx turned 5 last April 11. That was fun. I'll upload the video soon.
When we got home, my dad left to go to Mindoro. Mom and Marx went to bed early. Raymund and I watched TV, had a late dinner, and put Marven to bed at 10pm. We went back to Manila on Wed after lunch in Gerry's Grill (in SM Batangas).

It was great to be with my family. My brothers are getting so big now. I feel happy that my family has accepted Raymund in my life. Everything has fallen into place. I'm happy.

And the winner is!

2006-04-06T00:03:00.000+08:00

FINALLY, blogger pulls up. My damn dial up connection at home SUCKS. Big time. But I have no choice. This is the only way, and the only time, I can update this blog.

So...where do I start? Hmm...Let's start with what my husband and I are busy with nowadays...(and no, it's not about making babies). We bought a TV set (yey!) with a free DVD player and TV rack. Then last week, we bought a new two-seater sofa, which will be delivered this wekend. Raymund had two guys paint our 4 chairs, and had a bookshelf made. They'll be back next pay day to do more wood work in the house.

We have a new house mate, Joel. He moved in last Sunday and he now rents the other bedroom in the house. He gave us an advance payment for the rent, so we were able to buy a new sofa. We also bought mugs and stuff for the kitchen like the knife holder. I went to the grocery earlier today, and I was so tired! There were so many people in the mall today, and it's Wednesday for Pete's sake!

I realized I bought "Real Living" magazine instead of Cosmo today...wow...the Cosmo girl is becoming domestic nowadays. Lol. No complaints, I enjoy my life as a wife...I'm trying to be a good one too..

What else have I been busy with...Oh! Forgot to mention that Raymund and I are now officially addicted to TV series. We started with watching "Lost". Borrowed DVDs from Nicole who borrorwed them from Wacks. We were soooo addicted to it. Sadly, we now finished all the DVDs, and Season 2 is not complete...damn. Now we borrowed DVDs from Lowell, called "Prison Break".

Ok now Prison Break should be discussed in a new paragraph. Why? Because I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it... I need to give a huge thank you to Lowell (who owns the DVDs) and to my friend Nicole (who went on a one week leave and so I told Lowell I'd watch it first). The guy in Prison Break...is my current obsession. His character is Michael Scofield, who created this plan on how to get his brother out of prison. His real name is WENTWORTH MILLER, and he is oh so sexy. I mean it. His appeal struck me so hard that I was looking him up in Google while watching the show. In 10 minutes, I know where he's from, which school he went to, when his birthday is...and he is not married...yet (hope my facts are correct). Anyways, I've got this huge crush on him...but don't worry Baby, he's still not as hot as you. *winks* Love yah baby! hee hee...

So now that's out of the way, let's talk about work...Batch 14 has arrived and there are 21 of them. I was asked to "floorwalk" for them, meaning I won't be taking calls and I'll be the person going around if they have questions or if they need help. It feels great everytime I was able to help, and answer questions. I heard that there is a new batch on the way, Batch 15, which has 20 people. Wow. They are really adding more people in the account. Hope that's a good thing.

I received a text message from Accenture asking me to send my updated resume. Wow. I hope this time I get in. I'm sad about leaving my current work (because I know a lot already), and my friends (waaahhh), but if the offer is good, I'll take it. I've already made my decision. I think it's time for me to leave the call center business. I've been in it since 2003, and I'm not getting anywhere. I should start establishing my "career", and it does not look like it's in these call centers.

I'm going to rest for 3 days this week. My rest days are on Tuesday and Wednesday, plus I'm on vacation leave tomorrow. Raymund's uncle has invited us to dinner at his house in Fairview. He is Raymund's dad's brother who lives in the US. I'm pretty nervous about meeting him and his family, but I'm so excited to meet more of his relatives. I'm also looking forward to meeting his siblings again, since I haven't seen them for quite some time now. Bebz is going to give birth soon. Hope she can still make it tomorrow.

I think I'm gonna watch some more DVDs..

Uh oh

2006-03-20T16:47:00.000+08:00

I don't know what happened to my template. I added a new post, and when I republished it, only the links showed up on the left side and the right side was completely blank. No background at all. I republished it several times, and it was still broken. I was 10 mins late for work yesterday. Damn. I decided to use a Blogger template while I go and find a new one. This is the second time it has happened. Apparently, when I use a template for too long, it gives up on me. Sigh. Please bear with the layout. Still trying to fix this.

Missing Blogger

2006-03-19T16:53:00.000+08:00

I miss Blogger. I wish I could access it in the office, where I spend most of my waking hours. I wish the I.T department would have mercy on us bloggers.

I thought that updating my blog using Mutliply would be enough, but I still find Blogger.com easy to use. Sigh.

For those who do not know yet, Raymund and I are now living alone in our house in Kamias, Quezon City. My in-laws moved out last month. At first, it felt weird. I lived with his family for more than a year, so I felt comfy being with his mom and brother. Now the house feels strangely quiet. I'm used to it now, and I find that I have more confidence doing housework when I'm alone. Call me silly, but I'm scared of being criticized. I cook now, and I know my husband is thankful to all the saints out there. Haha! Even my own mom is doubtful that I can cook. I'm surprised at myself too. Didn't know I had it in me.

The only downside of being "alone" is that we don't have much stuff, since the stuff we used to have in the house belonged to my mom in law. We don't have any TV and sofa, but Raymund and I are planning to buy at the end of the month. Plus, we will be having a new house mate, Joel, who will stay in the other bedroom.

It feels great being able to do whatever I want. I mean, I can walk around naked and nobody would see me. Haha! I'm twisted, I know.

Sadly, I have to end this post with an au revoir. I need to cook and get ready for work. Tata for now, and don't forget to check out my Multiply account. God bless everyone.

Home Sweet Home

2006-03-19T16:26:00.000+08:00

My husband and I went home last Tuesday and Wednesday to Batangas City. I was glad to be home. I haven't seen my youngest brother since Christmas. Marx is HUGE! He is taller now, but still very chubby. Hehe.

We arrived at around 6pm. We mostly watched tv. I couldn't sleep that night. I was awake until 4:30am. Raymund finally woke me up at 1pm, and had lunch together. Then we went to the mall (SM City Batangas). He bought a leather belt. I bought a small umbrella plus a medicine box. He treated me to halo-halo in Chowking. Yum!

After buying candles, we picked up my mom and then headed off to the Eternal Memorial Gardens. Finally, I was able to visit my neighbor, Francis. I've been thinking about him constantly since he died last Feb 12. It made me feel lighter now that I have visited him. We went to his parent's house, and I hugged his mom. My mom was right; I can also feel their overflowing grief. The only thing that separates our houses is a stone wall, and even with that, I can feel their sadness and grief. I can feel his presence at night. Looking back at his picture 10 years ago, nobody would ever believe that this quiet and shy boy would commit suicide when he turns 19. Tragic indeed.

I pray for you. May you rest in peace.

Time out

2006-02-18T11:21:00.000+08:00

It's my rest day again, and I'm soo glad. I have a new work schedule starting Feb 26: 8pm-5am, Sat-Wed. Sucks, but I have no choice.

Just wanted to post pics of my favorite celebrity couples. (got it from MSN.com)

Gavin Rossdale and Gwen Stefani. I think this couple is so cute. I am so happy that they are expecting their first child. Congrats guys! They look so good together.

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. I've always admired Angie, and Brad has always been THE sexiest man alive. They look happy, so why put them down? Honestly, I think it's great that two people who love kids so much decided to build a family. I'm sure they are great parents and their kids are very lucky to have them.

Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore. Talk about a very good looking couple. They proved that age does NOT matter.

Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon. I LOVE Susan Sarandon. I think I've watched most of her movies. I love her best in Stepmom with Julia Roberts.

Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker. Sex and the City is my favorite show, forever! It shocked me during an interview when Sarah explained how hard the role was for her because she is not like Carrie at all in real life. Good news. Carrie is really bad in the commitment department, and it's good Sarah isn't.

I.T sucks

2006-02-04T19:41:00.000+08:00

I have been unable to update this blog since I can't access it properly in the office. From now on, please go to my updated one: http://mareejoi.multiply.com.

Keep on bloggin'!

Stuck in a moment

2006-01-31T23:47:00.000+08:00

Stuck in a moment
by U2

I'm not afraid

Of anything in this world

There's nothing you can throw at me

That I haven't already heard

I'm just trying to find

A decent melody

A song that I can sing

In my own company

I never thought you were a fool

But darling look at you

You gotta stand up straight

Carry your own weight

These tears are going nowhere baby

You've got to get yourself together

You've got stuck in a moment

And now you can't get out of it

Don't say that later will be better

Now you're stuck in a moment

And you can't get out of it

I will not forsake

The colors that you bring

The nights you filled with fireworks

They left you with nothing

I am still enchanted

By the light you brought to me

I listen through your ears

Through your eyes I can see

And you are such a fool

To worry like you do

I know it's tough

And you can never get enough

Of what you don't really need now

My, oh my

You've got to get yourself together

You've got stuck in a moment

And you can't get out of it

Oh love, look at you now

You've got yourself stuck in a moment

And you can't get out of it

I was unconscious, half asleep

The water is warm 'til you discover how deep

I wasn't jumping, for me it was a fall

It's a long way down to nothing at all

You've got to get yourself together

You've got stuck in a moment

And you can't get out of it

Don't say that later will be better

Now you're stuck in a moment

And you can't get out of it

And if the night runs over

And if the day won't last

And if our way should falter

Along the stony pass

And if the night runs over

And if the day won't last

And if your way should falter

Along this stony passIt's just a moment

This time will pass

On the way home earlier this morning, Raymund and I were listening to this song from his phone. Now I can't get it out of my head. Sigh. Intriguing. I'm starting to like U2 too...This is all his fault...

A post at last

2006-01-08T04:05:00.000+08:00

I have been very lazy to post anything but pictures lately...Been too busy with work...as useless

Thursday, Raymund and I were supposed to go out on a date. But he didn't wake me up early(he woke me up at 5pm) and there weren't any good movies to watch in the cinemas. They were still showing the Pinoy movies, and we just don't feel like watching them. Not saying anything bad about Pinoy movies, but we'd rather wait for Narnia. So we stayed home, watched TV, ate and cuddled up. He had work Fri morning at 6am so I put him to sleep early.

His siblings (ALL of them: Ate Joy, Bebz, Melot with Larfi) arrived a few mins after he fell asleep. Ate Joy gave me a new blouse from the US and chocolate!!!! Lots 'n lots of chocolate! Love you Ate Joy! Hehe.

At around 2am, the gals had cravings for shawarma and kebab. So we put on our jackets (to cover up our bra-less selves) and headed to West Ave for Mister Kebab. Mmmmm Ate Joy's treat! Another kiss for you! Mwuah mwuah!

When we got back, us three gals: Ate Joy, Bebz and me, watched "House of Wax" on DVD. A bit surprised that Paris Hilton can ACT. Hmm...The movie was good. Another surprise.

After that, Bebz fell asleep, Ate Joy continued her Text Twist addiction on Melot's cellphone (she played for around 12 hours), and I watched unknown movies in HBO and Star Movies till 9am Friday morning.

When I woke up at 2:30pm, I hurriedly bathed and went to Makati to meet up with my "boyfriend". hehe. He finished work at 3pm, and we met up in Glorietta at around 4:30pm. He treated me dinner at Chef d'Angelo. Yummy! Then we went SHOPPING!!! My favorite thing to do in the world. He bought new board shorts. I bought the ff: Cosmo, FHM, stress balls (from Toby's), dress (yes, I'm actually a girl now), and pants (they were on sale and it's green!). I don't know why, but I seem to be attracted to green things nowadays...hmm...

When we got home, we watched TV. Then he asked me to edit his Friendster profile, which I did. Then we went to bed. I was soooooooo sleepy that I didn't hear his siblings come home, nor did I feel anything when he left for work on Sat noon. Hehe. Had an asthma attack at 5:30am on Sat morning and was dead asleep again after drinking my medicine.

Feeling like crap that I'm working on a weekend AGAIN. But looking at the pic below makes me feel better. =)

2006-01-08T03:48:00.000+08:00

Raymund and me while watching the fireworks display on Dec 30. See that necklace? That's his Christmas gift to me. =) Love you baby!

Holiday pics

2006-01-02T20:36:00.000+08:00

Marven, me, Raymund and Marx.

Isn't he CUUUTTEEE??????

My family. Dad, Mom, Marx, me and Marven

More pics in my Flickr.com account. Just click on the badge ---> to see more. Enjoy!

2006-01-01T19:38:00.000+08:00

Happy New Year!!!

Correction

2005-12-27T19:43:00.000+08:00

I wanna correct something. The necklace that my husband gave me is NOT silver...it's 14K white gold...waaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you baby!!!!

Christmas

2005-12-26T01:28:00.000+08:00

Happy Holidays everyone!

I had a very happy Christmas this year. On Friday, Nicole, Mic and I went to Starbucks after our shift at 5am. We opened Starbucks Leviste. LOL. Stayed there till 8:30am, took pictures and talked about lovelives. Hahah!

Then Nicole and I went to Let's Face It, had our manicure/pedicure, and then went to the mall. Bought last minute gifts for my family. We finished at around 2pm. Read: no sleep for 24 hours. Met up with Nell for lunch and took a taxi home.

When I arrived, still no sleep, wrapped up the gifts, scribbled on the Christmas cards, packed my bag, and finally dozed off for 2 hours. Woke up at 6pm, took a taxi to SM Megamall where I met Raymund and Mama. Papa arrived at around 9pm.

I was shocked. I didn't recognize my mom. She lost weight and has long hair. Hahaha...She's follwing the Atkin's diet. Sheesh.

Got home at 12midnight. Raymund and I watched Fantastic Four DVD. Slept at 2am.

Woke up at 8am. Macky dropped by to say I'm gonna be the godmother of his son. Baptismal was the next day. Sheesh.

Went to SM Batangas, had my hair trimmed, bought new glasses, new blouse...

Took a nap, and then Raymund and I went to church at 10pm. He gave me my Christmas gift: a beautiful silver necklace with a heart pendant. I was soo touched that I cried! Sigh.

Mass was crowded and started late. We got home at 12:30am, traffic on the way home. Papa, Raymund and I had Jack Daniels with coke and talked...They stayed up will 5am.

Sunday, woke up at 9:20am. Baptismal starts at 10:30am so we were late. Waited in the reception in San Isidro. The baby, Jericho, looked exactly like his dad, my high school classmate (and ex bf) Macky. Sooo cute! Jericho's pics later.

After that, the entire family went to Muntinlupa, to my mom's brothers and my grandpa. Raymund and I took the bus back to Makati. Went to work. Slept for about 2 hours in the sleep room.

Good thing there aren't any calls tonight. I can sleep...zzz

This has been the best Christmas ever. Thanks for the gift baby. I love you so much!

2005-12-22T04:07:00.000+08:00

Which Incredibles Character Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

Party

2005-12-21T22:39:00.000+08:00

Christmas party!!! Please click on the Flickr badge on the right side...to see more more more!

2005-12-19T21:22:00.000+08:00

Me and Nicole in the office, using Mic's new K750i phone...waaah!

2005-12-12T04:59:00.000+08:00

Happy Birthday to Mama!

Dad, me and Mama during my college graduation 4 years ago

Stuff over my rest days

2005-12-12T04:12:00.000+08:00

On Thursday, I was supposed to go to West Ave, but I woke up late, 6:30pm. So I waited for Raymund, and had dinner. Watched "You got Served" DVD.

Couldn't sleep after that. I made my finalized Christmas shopping list.

Called Nell after he left for work Friday morning and we talked for 3 hours straight! Dayem. Then I did the laundry, cleaned the room, and slept from 12 till 2pm. Went to West Ave to pay the pawnshop for his ring and then headed to SM Megamall.

The first thing that I did was buy my toiletries. I must've been shopping half asleep, because it costed me P1000! I decided I needed to wake up, so I stopped by Dunkin Donuts and had a cup of coffee (beats Starbucks, it only costed me P15). I woke myself up that way. I proceeded to buying Raymund's exchange gifts: something kinky and something funny. I saw that HerBench had a sale, and I bought G string panties for P50, right on his budget for the gifts for his office mate. Got one for myself too. Hehe.

I wanted to buy the salt shaker from Play and Display, also P50, but decided to show him first before buying it. After circling the mall twice, I decided to sit down and reserve my enegry. I sat my ass down for almost 2 hours while waiting for him to finish his training. He arrived at almost 7pm. Shopped for a while. He bought a long sleeved polo and his something funny gift (a VCD of "Bruce Almighty", which costed him P100, so he said it counts for something funny AND something nice..hmmm). We checked out the movie skeds, and then had dinner at Super Bowl of China, his treat.

The food was DELICIOUS...we were soooo full that we had to smoke after dinner...hehe. Then we circle the mall a little bit, and finally watched a movie at 9:30pm, the last full show. We watched "The Exorcism of Emily Rose".

I really enjoyed the movie. Yes, it did the scare the hell out of both of us, but that was not really the objective of the movie. The movie was created to send Emily's message to us: that demons do exist. She had the choice to leave her physical body and rejoin Him, but she chose to stay in her body, and suffered till she died so that her message could be heard.

I know some of you may raise your eyebrows, but I do believe in demons. I believe that there are evil forces out there that we cannot see, that we cannot hear...but we sometimes feel. I beliebe in possession of the body, I believe in exorcism. I believe that there is an invisible war between the evil and the good. Emily's message is clear: that we can beat the evil even though we are merely human beings. We need to have FAITH. It is the type of movie I would recommend, especially those who are stil doubtful in their beliefs. But don't watch it if you are weak at heart. I can assure you that the scenes still bring goosebumps. Even retelling the story is eerie. I would definitely buy a copy of the CD once it comes out, to add to my collection. Hehe.

On Sat morning, we went to Tutuban to do some shopping. There were so many people and the traffic was horrible. We managed to buy some gifts for the kids, but we still need to buy some for the others. It rained on the way home. Didn't feel well, and called in sick for the night.

We watched the Pinoy Big Brother Big Night. I'm so glad that Nene won! I was hoping she would win. Bebz and Yanyan were there for the night, and we ordered 2 pizzas from Pizza Hut! Yum! We watched "The Cave" DVD.

Here are some pics that I uploaded from Raymund's phone. Enjoy!

Me and Eva, The Aftershock party in Gweilos, Dec. 3, 2005

Herthy, me, Ana and Milles...my SBC family, Nov. 26, 2005

Raymund and me, happy in bed! haha!

2005-12-11T22:11:00.000+08:00

Bea (Vocalist, Sugar Hiccup), me and Sugar (wife of Czandro from Sugar Hiccup)...on the way to Makati for the band's gig, Dec. 2, 2005

2005-12-07T21:53:00.000+08:00

Because of you

by Kelly Clarkson

I will not make the same mistakes that you did

I will not let myself

Cause my heart so much misery

I will not break the way you did

You fell so hard

I've learned the hard way

To never let it get that far

Because of you

I never stray too far from the sidewalk

Because of you

I learned to play on the safe side so I don't get hurt

Because of you

I find it hard to trust not only me, but everyone around me

Because of you

I am afraid

I lose my way

And it's not too long before you point it out

I cannot cry

Because I know that's weakness in your eyes

I'm forced to fake

A smile, a laugh everyday of my life

My heart can't possibly break

When it wasn't even whole to start with

Because of you

I never stray too far from the sidewalk

Because of you

I learned to play on the safe side so I don't get hurt

Because of you

I find it hard to trust not only me, but everyone around me

Because of you

I am afraid

I watched you die

I heard you cry every night in your sleep

I was so young

You should have known better than to lean on me

You never thought of anyone else

You just saw your pain

And now I cry in the middle of the night

For the same damn thing

Because of you

I never stray too far from the sidewalk

Because of you

I learned to play on the safe side so I don't get hurt

Because of you

I try my hardest just to forget everything

Because of you

I don't know how to let anyone else in

Because of you

I'm ashamed of my life because it's empty

Because of you

I am afraid
Because of you

Because of you

*I love this song...*

Wedding anniversary

2005-12-06T22:07:00.000+08:00

Today is my parents' silver wedding anniversary!

Congrats to my mom and dad!

Congrats dear!

2005-12-05T19:46:00.000+08:00

A huge CONGRATULATIONS to my friend Anaheim!

You're a mommy now!!! *smiles*

Hangover

2005-12-05T04:26:00.000+08:00

On Friday, I woke up at 6:30 pm to the sound of Sugar's laughter. Turns out she was in the next room with Melot and Larfi. When I went downstairs, Czandro was already jamming with Raymund. You guys confused yet?

Sugar is Czandro's wife. CzandroPollack, as in THE Czandro of Sugar Hiccup. After an hour, the entire Sugar Hiccup band was in the living room: Russell, Czandro, and Bea...Oops, not all of them. Drummer Mervin was not in the picture. Anyways, we all left together at around 9 pm.

The gig started at almost 11 pm. I had GREAT fun chatting with Sugar. Our laughter shook the whole 6 Underground. Hehe.

After the gig, we left at around 3:30 am and ate at Chowking. It was really fun bonding the "wives" of Sugar Hiccup: Sugar (wife of Czandro), Bing (wife of Russell), and Dimples (soon-to-be wife of Mervin). It was great because all of them had husband problems that I can relate to. Most of my friends are still single, and they don't have the problems that we married gals have. Listening to them talk about their problems made me feel relieved. I'm not the only one!!! Yey! I'm normal and my hubby is not an alien! Hooray!

Saturday afternoon, I met up with Eva for some serious shopping. We hunted the entire Glorietta mall for her perfect outfit...And what we planned did not come true. She decided that we will have identical outfits: denim miniskirts with cleavage-showing blouses. Geez. 4 hours later, we were finally at the parlor. Manicure, pedicure, hair and make up. BOOM! We were transformed into goddesses...Pictures later...Will post them when Sam sends a copy.

The Aftershock party was held in Gweillos this year. It was a BLAST. It was a reunion of the MSN IA TS Email peeps! BC was there, our former team manager. Peeps who have resigned like me, Neri, Dennis, etc were there too. I had sooo much fun and sooo much to drink. Needless to say, I was drunk 2 nights in a row. Sigh. I started with a bottle of Vodka Ice, then had 2 San Mig Lights, 3 glasses of Vodka Kurant, and finally 2 bottles of San Mig Strong Ice. Thankfully, I was still alive and fell asleep in the taxi on the way home as soon as my Raymund closed the taxi door. Geez.

So I'm at work now, hangover still, but happy anyways. It was another happy, relaxing, drunk rest days...what more could a gal like me want?? Well...I'd love to have my 13th month pay...but still I'm content for now.

December blues

2005-12-01T03:28:00.000+08:00

I CANNOT believe it's December already! WOW! Christmas is so near! Sigh. I need to finalize my Christmas shopping list...

Wacks' birthday/baby shower

2005-12-01T02:30:00.000+08:00

Nianne, me and Joe during Wacks' birthday/baby shower

Ces, Wacks, Nicole, Nianne, Carlo, me and Joe. Nov. 26, '05

Nicole, Wacks, me and Joe

Happy birthday Herthy!

2005-11-28T04:21:00.000+08:00

Happy Birthday Herthy!

*inuman na!!!*

Rest days rule!

2005-11-28T03:53:00.000+08:00

As usual, my rest days were busy. I didn't have work for 3 straight days. I filed for leave on Saturday.

Thursday morning, I stayed in the office for 5 hours to play Neopets. I adopted a pet and I got hooked on feeding and buying stuff for my new pet.

Raymund woke me up after I had 5 hours of sleep. Watched "What a Girl Wants" in HBO. I cried at the part where her dad was apologizing to her and they had the father-daughter dance that happens during weddings. I remembered when my dad and I danced, and he was piss drunk, and he was giving me sermons. Sigh. My dad is truly one of a kind.

After that movie, we watched "Shutter" on VCD. It was a scary Thai movie about spirits appearing in pictures. Even Raymund jumped at the scenes. LOL!

On Friday, I stayed at home. I was asleep during the day and then I did the laundry while watching tv. Waited for Raymund and we had a talk. Felt good to finally settle things.

On Saturday, I met up with Joe in SM Makati. We bought gifts for Wack's baby shower. We left Makati at around 5:30pm. We got lost on the way to Las Pinas, and finally we arrived at 8pm. Just in time! Nicole and her family were already there. It was so much fun. We all missed Wacks terribly.

After that, we rode with Nicole on the way back to Makati. Joe went back to the office, and I went to Herthy's pad in Valero Plaza. The gang was there: Milles, Ana, Neri, Mickey, and Herthy. I had SOO MUCH FUN...I really missed hanging out with my SBC Family. I had some bonding moments with Milles and Herthy and Mickey... I really hope that Ana feels better soon.

We drank rum coke and got drunk. At 4am, Raymund wanted to go home so we left. We were both piss drunk. Wow, that felt so good! I haven't been drunk in a loooong time. Made me feel like all the stress from work left my system. Felt refreshed.

This morning though, I had a really bad headache. I slept from 5am till 5pm. I was still feeling light headed when I arrived at work. But it was worth it. I missed you guys. Hope we can get together at least once a month. I love you guys!

This has been one of the best rest days I've ever had in such a long time.

2005-11-21T04:39:00.000+08:00

I WANT THIS!!!

I wish I wasn't

2005-11-21T03:15:00.000+08:00

I wish I wasn't
by Heather Headley

I'm home alone again
And your out hangin' with your friends
So you say
Somehow i know it's not quite that way

It's getting pretty late
And you haven't checked on me all day
When i called, you didn't answer
Now i feelin' like your ignorin' me

I wish
That you were home
Holdin' me
Tight in your arms
And i wish I could go back
To the day before we met
And skip my regret

I wish i wasn't
In love with you
So you couldn't hurt me
It just ain't fair
The way you treat me
No you don't deserve me
Wasted my time
Thinkin' bout you
And you ain't never gon change
I wish i wasn't
In love with you
So i wouldn't feel this way

When you touch me my heart melts
Anything you did wrong i forgave, yeah
So you play me
And take advantage
Of the love
That i feel for you

Why you wanna hurt me so bad
I believed in you
That's why I'm so mad
Now I'm drownin' in disappointment
And its hard for me to even look at you

I wish
That you were home
Oh yes i do
Holdin' me
Tight in your arms
Ooo baby
And i wishI could go back
To the day before we met
And skip my regret

You said you cared bout me
But from what i see
I ain't feelin' that
So i disagree
Gave you all my love
And understanding
And you treated me
Like your enemy
So leave me alone
and walk out that door
Just go back where you came from
This house is no longer your home
You're not welcome no no no more
No (oo oo oo) more

Hear your knockin' at the door again
I'm wonderin' should i let you in
I open up the door and see
The flowers for me
So beautiful in your hand
You start beggin' me to take you back
I've always been a sucka' for romance
And before you know it i concede
You're all over me
Oh no, here i go again

I wish i wasn't
In love with you
So you couldn't hurt me

this song was written for me

Happy Birthday!

2005-11-21T01:05:00.000+08:00

Happy Birthday!!!

Pakko ~ Nov 4

Eva ~ Nov 18

Sam ~ Nov 20

Gwen ~ Nov 20

Agnes ~ Nov 21

Sam ~ Nov 26

Mic ~ Nov 26

Wacks ~ Nov 26

Herthy ~ Nov 28

2005-11-20T21:34:00.000+08:00

Music Video Codes by Music Video Bash

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire...times 2

2005-11-19T19:51:00.000+08:00

My rest days should no longer be called "rest" days...they should be renamed to "i-don't-have-work-but-i'm-not-resting" days. I didn't get any rest. Busy busy busy.

Thursday morning, I waited for 2 hours in the office. My hubby logs out at 6am, so I waited for him. Then I only got 3 hours of sleep. He woke me up at 10:20am to go to Gateway. We watched the latest Harry Potter movie with Chos, Wayne and Aiza. We got home at around 2:30pm. My hubby went to sleep right away. I, on the other hand, waited for my friend Nell to show up. She said she was coming over and help with my cooking. We cooked nilagang baka for 3 hours!

I woke him up after the beef was cooked, at around 10:30pm. Nell left at 11:3opm and finally I slept.

Friday, I met up with Nell and Nicole in Greenbelt for another Harry Potter movie. Sigh. We bought sandals (mine is silver for my new Coach bag..yipee!) and had dinner in Shakeys. Nell and I sent Nicole to the FX stand (she has work at 8pm) and then we headed off to SM. Bought toiletries. And Vodka Chocolate. Hehehe.

Waited for him to log out at 10pm, and then headed straight home. Soooo tired. Slept at 12 midnight.

I woke up with a start at 2:30am. I had a nightmare. I dreamnt that someone, a male, was chasing me along the shore of a dark beach, and I was trying to wake myself but I couldn't. I finally woke up, shaked my husband awake and asked him to turn on the lamp next to me. He did, and he asked me to drink water. I told him I was having a nightmare, and I was so scared I cried. He told me to keep the lamp on so I can sleep again. Eventually, I fell asleep again, but I prayed first. I turned off the lamp at around 6am. Sigh. Been having really weird and scary dreams.

Now I'm at work, and I have a fever. Should have stayed at home...but I'll try to stay alive, and if this gets worse, I'll go home after my lunch break...

The new Harry Potter movie is the best so far. I really liked that it had comedy, drama, romance, and adventure all rolled into one. I cried on the scene where Cedric Diggory was brought back and his dad was crying with grief. And yes, I cried TWICE. Silly me, I know.

Lazy girl

2005-11-15T22:06:00.000+08:00

I've been so lazy to update my blog. I guess I just haven't been in the mood.

Raymund is still in the graveyard shift this week so things are good. He'll be in the afternoon shift next week until Dec.

Things at work are neither better nor worse. Sometimes, I just feel hopeless.

A friend has been accepted in Dell, and the offer is good. I'm thinking of applying there, and my husband is very supportive.

Planning on watching Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire with my husband, Nell and Nicole on Friday. I can't wait to see Harry again. hehe.

How soon is now

2005-11-13T23:22:00.000+08:00

How soon is now
by The Smiths

I am the son
And the heir
Of a shyness that is criminally vulgar
I am the son and the heir
Of nothing in particular
You shut your mouth
How can you say
I go about things the wrong way?
I am Human and I need to be loved
Just like everybody else does
I am the son
And the heir
Of a shyness that is criminally vulgar
I am the son and the heir
Of nothing in particular
You shut your mouth
How can you sayI go about things the wrong way?
I am Human and I need to be loved
Just like everybody else does
There's a club, if you'd like to go
You could meet somebody who really loves you
So you go, and you stand on your own
And you leave on your own
And you go home, and you cry
And you want to die
When you say it's gonna happen "now"
Well, when exactly do you mean?
See I've already waited too long
And all my hope is gone
You shut your mouth
How can you sayI go about things the wrong way?
I am Human and I need to be loved
Just like everybody else does

Aftershock 2004 pic

2005-11-09T04:52:00.000+08:00

The Aftershock party 2004 (Odd Table, Makati)

Office pals

2005-11-05T20:19:00.000+08:00

Me and Nicole in the office