Downtime

Funny how God makes sure you get your time off.

To say that I have been stressed for the past three weeks is the understatement of the.. well, the past three weeks. Aside from the frustrations I had with my boss and my job, I suffered a week long cold, followed by stomach problems that lasted another week, and now, dysmenorrhea that forced me to finally take a day off from work. 

Saturdays have been spent quite well, balancing wedding preparations with quality time with Marc. Sundays have been for Church, GLC1 classes, and D-group. Rest has been evasive. 

I now am being reminded of God's fourth commandment:

Exodus 20:8-11 (NASB) Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath of the Lord your God; in it you shall not do any work, you or your son or your daughter, your male or your female servant or your cattle or your sojourner who stays with you. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day and made it holy.

So, yeah, day off it is.

And to try to enjoy the day of rest, and hopefully relieve the backache, I brewed my TWG Moroccan Mint. Simple joy #11.

desperate times call for loose leaves... when teabags are simply not going to cut it.

Mint tea helps soothe cramps; at least it does for me... and the smell is wonderful! Moreover, Google informed me of the additional benefits of  having tea daily, so it's a big fat plus. Now if only I had pastries --lady fingers in particular, to go with these. Mmmmm!

Random Thoughts

For the Nth time, I'm typing a start to this blog entry. Might end up deleting this again and starting anew. Kinda makes me think of typing things on an old school typewriter and crumpling the papers when I don't like what comes out. Currently do not have an congruent train of thought. Not sure why. Just really really lazy right now. No motivation to work.

Marc has been studying his bum off the past week and the sunog kilay thing will go on 'til the end of this week. Sacrifices has been made in the form of less time to spend with each other, but he has been such a dear, making it a point to still have quality time with me, just not as much as we used to have. On my end, on days like yesterday and today, when we don't get to go home together, I feel cheated... as though my end-of-the-day-something-to-look-forward-to was snatched away, and replaced with more pointless work. Sad, really. I miss him terribly. Two more days.

On work naman, I honestly don't feel like it anymore. I'm about to write a whole bunch of stuff about my boss that he won't be liking, but are really really consistent with how I'm feeling right now... but since I know I'll be regretting that later, I'm opting not to go through with it. Let's just leave it as I'm currently hating my work right now. I'm feeling unappreciated. I know this is bad, but I'm just venting, and hope it helps the blah-ness of today. Tiis tiis, until things change.

Fire drill this morning. We avoided the grueling walk down the stairs by escaping to Cafe Bene near our building minutes before the drill started. While there, we had a little meeting so as not to really waste too much time. After that, I filed my liquidations and stuff. Lunch was a bag of Granny Goose Chips. Now I'm just staring into space. Lazy.

So now that's that. Let's hope things will get better from now 'til end of business day. 

The Lancaster Hotel Disappointment

You know how when you work at a hotel or at an establishment where service is the primary thing you're marketing, you're supposed to be nice and courteous, right? ...or at the very least considerate? Well, tonight, my boyfriend has just had an appalling experience from the staff of Lancaster Hotel, Mandaluyong.

He dropped by to place a reservation for my coming birthday. Upon arriving there, a vehicle was parked outside such that it has taken up more than the space allotted for one. He was instructed to park inside instead. After booking the date, on the way out, he was asked to pay for parking. Now, even malls have this rule that if you don't spend more than 15 minutes in the parking area, they'd waive the fee. He asked for a little consideration since he didn't stay more than 10 minutes in there and yet they insisted on making him pay for parking. They refused to validate his ticket, saying that the validations were for guests who have checked in only. Do they mean that he was not a customer just because he hasn't checked in? He booked a reservation, for crying out loud! How inconsiderate.

I don't think this is a petty case, and since this is not our first time with the hotel, I would've expected some courtesy. Of course I don't expect them to remember us, but I do believe they owe everyone the same consideration, regardless of how many times they've stayed, but all the more for those who have actually booked with them.

This is so very disappointing. There won't be any more next times for us... nor for our families... and I'd really tell my friends about this, lest they get taken advantage of. If this scheduled stay wasn't already paid for and non-refundable, we would've chosen some other hotel instead.

Serving Others

This month, I had been accidentally tasked the job of organizing our Christmas party. It started with everyone asking me whether we’ll have one this year or not. I decided to ask the boss who replied something to the effect of “We could, if you want.” I forgot the exact words. Anyway, I sent the compromising e-mail asking them if they want to have one. From there, everyone kinda assumed I’d step up and arrange it for them. 

Being a part of last year’s committee, I knew off bat that this won’t be an easy task. I just thought people would want to volunteer and help. Boy, how wrong I was. Everyone, with the exception of a select few just wanted to pay up and have the party without helping with the arrangements. This stressed me out a few times. I mean, you want a party, you’d better help arrange it. I do have a point, don’t I? Yet, this logic doesn’t seem to apply to them. 

Two weeks after that dooming e-mail, the frustration, irritation, and impatience are taking their toll. It’s like being pregnant, when the contractions are getting closer to each other. There were people who confirmed their participation, but backed out when it was time to pay. Then there were those who can’t decide if they’re going or not. What could be so hard? It’s a yes or no thing. Probably the worst ones are those who wanted to go to the event unwilling to contribute to the funds, telling me things like, “Hahabol lang kami” or “Sige, hindi na lang kami kakain”. I mean, come on, really?! What are we supposed to tell you when you get there? You can’t have any food or drinks because you did not pay your designated fee? Seriously?! 

Anyway, that and a series of petty issues came up, like we need a tent because the old one is too ugly to repair, like the lights used last year are missing so we need to make new ones, yada, yada, yada. You can then imagine steam coming out of my ears, but then somehow God reminded me that as a Christian, I am supposed to serve others. I was created to serve others for the same way I serve them, I am serving Him. 

Matthew 25:40 (NASB) The King will answer and say to them, “Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.” 

I kept thinking that this is so hard, not to mention unfair, but then again the world isn’t fair. It isn’t about being fair. It’s about loving. Each other. As God loved us. Sure, I could just drop everything and justify that it isn’t part of my job description, it isn’t my responsibility, but that isn’t loving, that is not serving in love. 

Galatians 5:13-14 (NASB) For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” 

John 13:34-35 (NASB) A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. 

After all, Jesus Christ came to serve. The Highest of High came, served, and gave His life as an ultimate sacrifice to save us all. Who am I to complain? 

Mark 10:44-45 (NASB) and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. 

So I’ll suck it up and remind myself that aside from doing this for them, I am doing this for the Lord. Let there be joy in my heart while serving, and to God be the glory for all this, especially the enlightenment. 

In the spirit of Christmas, let us serve one another, and let this Christ-like attitude last even after the season.

Health Problems

Spent the day at the hospital yesterday. Still irked at the endo's secretary. You see, we actually scheduled an appointment with her almost a week before. When we got there Saturday morning, our names were #1 and #2 on the list. It had a note however that the endocrinologist with whom we were hoping to have ourselves checked was unavailable and a reliever was there to see us. Strike one. We should've gone to another endo right then and there. Anyway, Marc and I, being rookies and all, decided to stay. After all, we only needed clearance. So we waited... and waited... and waited. After a few hours, we started to wonder what's taking the doctor so long to arrive. Marc decided to ask inside. Apparently, the doctor was already there! The secretary told us that usually the patients go in to ask so she doesn't bother calling out people's names anymore. I was like, what?! We were waiting for hours right outside the clinic. Everywhere else calls out people's names! What the hell is wrong with you? I was really really irritated, but then, what else could we do? Strike two.

We were then accommodated by the replacement doctor who admitted right off the bat that she wasn't licensed to sign as an endo yet, or something to that effect. She then proceeded to rattle off disclaimers on how she wouldn't want to incriminate herself by issuing clearances, etc. Strike three in bold, all caps, flashing red lights! Long story short, it was a wasteful 800 pesos worth of professional fee. I mean, if you really knew what you were doing, then there wouldn't be any need to "protect yourself" as you claim. What. The. Hell.

I'm not sure if it was due to the stress or the frustrations or both, but my period came as well as the dysmenorrhea that always came with it. This time with wave after wave of pain and discomfort.

Fortunately, when I visited my new ob-gyn, the experience was redeeming. The ob-gyn was straight to the point and very professional. There were no disclaimers and no vague statements. Now this was a doctor who knew what she was doing. I had my check up done and an ultrasound.

To control my blood sugar, I need to take Metformin twice a day after breakfast and dinner for around 45 days. I also need to take pills for my Polycystic Ovary Syndrome for 3 months. They said that the PCOS could have caused the elevated sugar in my blood. I am scheduled to go back to the endo by first week of December with a full set of blood test. Hopefully the real doctor would be there to check my progress. Then back for check up with my ob on January for the PCOS.

Onboard

Day 1 with the new company was the 1st of October. So far, we haven't felt any significant change. Most of us, if not all, are still going through the transitions. Unfortunately, it isn't going as efficiently as people thought it would, but that's a story for another day.

What I wanted to post about was the thing that greeted me on my first week. My pre-employment medical requirements have been based on the past annual physical exam we had with the old company. The results say I have Impaired Fasting Glucose. Now, if you're like me, your initial reaction would have been a mixture of confusion and shock. Stay with me, I'll educate you a bit.

I'm 28. There isn't supposed to be anything wrong with me yet. Apparently, I was wrong. Impaired Fasting Glucose is a fancy way of saying the medical term for pre-diabetic. It means that my blood sugar is above the normal range and is about to reach the diabetic mark. Since I am not exactly a fan of too much sweets, I'm blaming this on the love of rice, the occasional coke addiction, and chocolates.

According to Wikipedia:

Impaired fasting glucose (IFG), more commonly known as pre-diabetes refers to a condition in which the fasting blood glucose level is consistently elevated above what is considered normal levels; however, it is not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes mellitus. This pre-diabetic state is associated with insulin resistance and increased risk of cardiovascular pathology, although of lesser risk than impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). IFG can progress to type 2 diabetes mellitus if lifestyle changes are not made. There is a 50% risk over 10 years of progressing to overt diabetes. A recent study cited the average time for progression as less than three years.

I would have to have this cleared within 6 months or else I'm going to have problems with my health benefits. To address this, I have already vowed to stop soda and artificial juice intake. Also, I'm trying to lose weight by lessening rice during meals. Maybe next time I could try them totally without. Umm, what else? Uh, yeah, I need to get back to running... and/or start swimming when I do get the fats off, just so I don't embarrass myself wearing bikinis with bulges hanging out.

Initial lab tests done last Saturday, October 5, 2013 confirmed the elevated glucose in my blood. Although based on my HbA1c test, (find out about the test here) I am still within normal levels. Have a consultation with an endocrinologist scheduled for this coming Saturday. Kinda nervous about it, but I gotta do what I gotta do, right?

I'll keep a mini-journal here of what happens to my health problems.

Memory Lane

After seven, yes, seven years in Sun Cellular, I am now being retired and rehired under Smart. With the abruptness of everything --clearance and pre-employment requirements in under a month, simultaneous with our everyday work duties, I can't help but feel nostalgic. Sigh.

Here are some unfinished pages from my scrapbook for reminiscing:

And the epic comparison of ID picture from Sun from seven years ago, to the current picture I have submitted for my Smart ID...

Truly, the experience I have acquired, the family I have come to love with Core will not be matched by any other team I will work with in the future. They will always have a place in my heart, come what may.

Backlog and Anxiety

This was something I was supposed to post a few weeks back, but didn't get to finish:

August 7, 2013

I know it used to take me longer than this to realize I had a blog to return to and to post something again, but recently I've been motivated more and more to keep memories --tons and tons of them, thus the earlier than usual realization. I guess it also helps that my boyfriend is ever so supportive and is actually trying to learn to do smiling shots, haha. (Honey, I do love you so much for it. ^_^) 

Anyway, since my last post, I've been busy busy busy with work. I am not yet "at peace" with the new job description I am immediately being transitioned immersed into, but I guess I'm coping... which reminds me right at this moment that I need to file OB/OT for the weekend and late night work I recently had to do. Time out, be back in a jiff.

Ok, after mandatory interruptions (this is a workplace after all, and I really am supposed to work), I would like to continue expressing my "doubts" on the new team that I have been a part of the past month. The tasks are piled on top of the existing ones so stress levels are maxing sky high.

I have decided not to continue detailing the "doubts" I mentioned, because after all, every little thing with regard to our current work is in doubt. Well, it's been a crazy 1 1/2 months and things are now getting crazier. I have been handling work for 3 teams due to the transitions happening in the company. Tomorrow is judgment day, on which we, the hardworking employees of the company, are finally going to be sorted to either a "slotter" or a "leaver" (off topic: I swear, someone ought to be sued for those terms). The leavers will be offered the corresponding package then allowed back on September 4&5 only to get their stuff. The slotters will be rehired starting as a regular employee... day 1. It's yet another roller coaster of emotions as we have no idea on what criteria they based the sorting on, nor do we know who "they" are. Off the top of my head, I am particularly nervous to Marc's and my employment status. As if that wasn't enough, I am much concerned especially for friends/colleagues with whom I have been working with for almost 7 years. I haven't started considering the process of actually transitioning on a new role (slotter or leaver).

Scary as hell. Yet another time to put my faith on the Lord.

"...For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart."
- Jeremiah 29:11-13

God Bless us.

Vacation

A few shades darker and a few pounds heavier --that's what I came back with from my recent vacation, but definitely worth it. ^_^ Our family trip consisted of a departure of 2am to arrive on time for our 4am flight. Then a 6-hour drive from Iloilo to Boracay. Summertime peak season meant no more flights left from Manila to Caticlan. 1 and a half day stay at Bora, then a 6-hour drive back to Iloilo. 15 minutes of ferry to Guimaras, 1 hour drive in Guimaras, an overnight stay, an hour drive back to the pier, 15 minutes ferry back to Iloilo, and a few hours short of an overnight stay at Iloilo, and back to Manila via the 6am flight. Sounds stressful? It was. In fact I was kinda expecting the same level of disappointment we had with our Sagada trip. Well, that was the pessimist in me. Surprisingly, it wasn't like that. For every mishap we had, I catch myself actually thinking, "Hey, this is still tons better than the Sagada experience, no biggie." Although tiring, I found myself enjoying the time off from work.

Boracay is Boracay is Boracay. Meaning, Boracay will never disappoint. The long stretch of fine sand and clear water never fails to put a smile on my face. This was despite the algae washing up on the beach and the low tide. I'm still really bummed about the condos being built on the small island. It kinda takes the "vacation" feel away. T_T They're ruining it. Anyway, I got to do some shopping and bonding with my brothers, and the seafood albeit expensive was scrumptious.

Guimaras was an altogether different story. It was a good change of scenery; see for yourself:

Unfortunately, the resort we stayed in exhausted whatever patience we had left from the tiring island transfers. We stayed at Villa Igang. We were originally given a shack (look closely at the walls) which I could not fathom to be a legit room. For people. Actual, real, live people. Not a house of pigeons. Or that furnace box where you roast pigs in.

To give the staff (at least 2 of them, the rest were playing cards the whole time) credit, they were accommodating and really kind, but well their umm policies, for lack of a better term, were weird. This was the only place I ever stayed at that charged for service water and ice and everything else! Anyway, after complaining about the shack, which had one puny light bulb, and a tiny air conditioner (that probably has less than 1 horsepower), we got transferred to a better room, where we didn't have to marinate in our own sweat. This, believe it or not, was a cheaper room.

Moving on, we went island hopping and stopped to take pictures with a hundred year old pawikan, bigger-than-me groupers, and tons of colorful fish I can't name. My brother and the turtle:

For pasalubongs, we stopped to buy mangoes to take home. I have yet to taste one so the verdict on them would have to wait.

Going back to Iloilo, we sent the rest of the trip with my brother's girlfriend's relatives --hands down, the coolest family I have ever met.

That's it so far. If you think I've had enough, you're mistaken. I'm still hoping for at least two more summer outings. I guess It's the heat. :D Ciao!

P.S. I'm not ready to go back to work yet. x_x

Not Used to This

Started out to blog about the past weekend, but kinda changed my mind after receiving a reprimanding e-mail from the VP. Admittedly, it was my fault. Kinda frustrated about it right now because it was a rookie mistake, which I obviously have no business committing. I forgot about one of the attachments I was supposed to include in the work order prior to having him sign.

I'm not used to this. I'd like to think of myself as a thorough and diligent worker, if not a perfectionist. It kills my ego to actually go through this, but every once in a while, when I get full of hot air, the dreaded pin comes and pops the balloon that is my over-sized head. It's a humbling experience that I shouldn't forget.

Anyway, here's what happened last Saturday at Sky Ranch. I think I left my soul on that Viking ride.

Credit Card Confusion

Finally, my BDO credit card arrived yesterday. Although I am undeniably happy at the arrival, I was less than satisfied on the whole process. Before I walk through it, let me clarify though that it was not entirely BDO's fault and I am by no means condemning their services to hell. This is more or less a petty grievance rant vent thing. So those avoiding a teensy bit of bad vibes, go browse someone else's blog. Ok, here we go.

December 2012, (yes, it was that long ago) if I am not mistaken, I decided to apply for a BDO credit card. I have recently terminated my Metrobank credit card due to their unsatisfactory service and their audacity to bill me for the annual fee, which they promised to waive for a lifetime --an altogether different story and I'm not in the mood to get into. Anyway, the lady at the counter said that since I had standing savings accounts with their bank, I could be recommended for the card instead of applying for it from scratch. She assured me that this would entail a shorter processing time. True enough, by January 2013, taking into account the holidays, etc. the recommendation was approved and my card was supposed to be enroute to my billing address.

I usually use my home address since I do not want bills coming for me at the office. I was not aware, however, that BDO has a strict credit card delivery policy, wherein upon unavailability of the card holder to personally receive it, they do not deliver/release the cards without proper authorization and/or endosement. Moreover, even if the receiving party does have a letter of authorization, it is still upon the courier's judgement whether to release the card or not. Since during their delivery hours, nobody's at home to receive it and they won't trust the condo's guards with it, the delivery kept being deferred... for months.

Now this rule speaks volumes of the importance BDO puts into their customers' security and I was really impressed, albeit the hassles I was about to go through to change the delivery address. I had an HSBC credit card before, and as previously mentioned, a Metrobank card as well. Both cards were delivered without needing any authorization note. I can just imagine the horrors of going through endless hours of trying to sort out a fraud.

To change my delivery and/or billing address, I needed to email them a formal letter of request as well as a billing reference to prove I am indeed working at my office. Since all my my bills are being sent home, I did not have anything with my name and office address except for my mobile account statement. The hurdle? Since it's being sent to me online, the billing team did not have the correct floor on the address. I had to have it changed. They told me it would reflect on the next bill... a month from then. After a month, I was finally able to sent the email request to BDO.

In less than a week, I was able to receive a response confirmation that my request has been processed and to expect the adjustments 10 working days after. This would have been more impressive had the card been delivered to the new address. Guess what? I received it at home (original address provided) yesterday.

To add to the confusion, I distinctly remember wanting and ticking the BDO classic mastercard black on the application, simply because the black card looks sleek and elegant. Yeah, I'm shallow that way. So, which one did I get? The white shop more card. I'm guessing this might be because I went through the recommendation path instead of the usual apply from scratch path. Luckily I've been on a fancy-white-feeling-classicly-clean phase for a while now so I did not throw a fit.

I wonder what my first unjustified purchase will be.

Edit: By the way, they also sent me a complementary SM advantage card. I already have one. So I guess I would have to go to SM to sort the cards out. I don't know whether to be happy or sad about it.

Post Break Up Busyness

Yup, that's right, we broke up. I actually mentioned it, but that's about it. No details on what went on between us. I never did share anything about that kind of stuff, and I'm not about to start now. It's called respect... to him and to what we had.

The aftermath of it all is that I'm currently trying to keep myself sane, normal, and really really busy so I do not have to think about it. As opposed to popular demand of bawling anywhere and everywhere, I have opted to go to work with almost no evidence of ever having go through any personal problems. When I feel the need to breakdown and cry, I do take the day or the half day off and hide in the comforts of home. Sure, I do have the unpredictable moments of remembering once upon a times, and the tears overflow, but then I get a hold of myself and tissue everything off. Unfortunately, society apparently dictates that I have to show them how miserable I am else they go judging me with god-knows-what. So to you pathetic losers who have nothing else worthwhile to do other than that: GO TO HELL.

Yes, I'm pissed, and as much as I would want to be the Piolo Pascual of this scenario, I do not have the patience nor the strength left in me to endure these unworthy brats' criticisms.

Moving on, I've turned my autopilot mode on, and have been living on routine the past few weeks. I wake up early and go right back to sleep for the lack of motivation to go through another day. When I finally find it possible to drag myself out of bed, I arrive late for work coz I simply don't care anymore; this will probably entail another memo for my excessive tardiness for November. Then I work through the day, a task at a time as though it's the only thing I know how to do. I don't try to feel or think. I laugh when something's funny, I rant when projects get delayed, I work. If this mechanical existence means that (1) I temporarily forget the loneliness and the pain, and (2) the insensitive so-called-friends will think I have gotten over things, then so be it. I'm tired of having to understand them and their opinions, when in fact they should have been doing this for me and Tan. For those people who actually think we owe them any explanations on what happened, you can go curl up and die.

So that's about it. I'm basically trying to keep myself incessantly productive; I'm just not sure yet if I'm succeeding or not.

Lazy Scary Weather

i just want to curl up with a good book and a hot bowl of sopas today, but i'm already at work... and it's ok. ^_^ thank God the rain has stopped.

considering what just happened was not caused by a typhoon and there isn't a storm signal, it's pretty scary. flood everywhere, stranded people, and land slides. even work had to be suspended yesterday --it takes a lot, and i mean A LOT to have work suspended by our company HR. (yes, they're basically heartless, don't get me started)

something like this just leaves us helpless; encouraging full dependence on God alone.

with that, i'm including a pic that has made me smile today:

For the Sake of Posting

i've been wanting to post some updates, but as usual, fighting my lazy bones have been oh so hard.

anyway, since my last post, i have been hospitalized.. first time ever in my life, i think.

stayed there for two days, diagnosed with gastritis and severe dysmenorrhea. crappy girl thing. still currently doing follow up checkups. tsk.

then i got sent to marinduque for work... i don't have any pictures as we were not able to go anywhere apart from the hotel. by the way, marinduque apparently doesn't have jollibee or mcdonalds. still better than the office. haha.

new shoes from so! f.a.b.

after that, dampa dinner at home depot with officemates and ex-officemates. good food, great friends, we should do it again soon.

last friday, we became the unexpected champions of the office bowling event. yey.

last but not least, watched batman with rovi and jean yesterday.

overall, a pretty balanced month of july.

Simple Joys #5 and #6 with Shrimps

i simply feel the need to get pampered today.

after a week of downtime due to the not-so-sure-but-looks-like-it mumps, i thought i was ready to get back to work and slave my ass off again. apparently not. a week of work sent me right back down haggard lane. i sat at my cozy office nook this morning and thought that it has been a while since i had my last pedicure. come lunch break, off i went to have my usual at california nails and day spa. turns out, i've been missing my used-to-be-monthly pedi for more than "a while". california nails and day spa has been boarded up closed. i ended up trying luxe nail lounge still at robinson's galleria. simple joy #5: pedicure.

due to the unexpected turn of events, i was not able to take pictures of the said lounge. as always, the first thing i noticed was the smell. the place smelled nice --a soft scent like fabric conditioner or light baby lotion. the ambiance was relaxing. not homey. not clinical. during the whole process, i kept thinking why haven't i tried their services before. the comparison with california nails inevitably went on and on in my head. while i had little to no complaints with the service i used to get, this was hands down better than what i was used to. i still got the perfect cleaning, but this time without the wince worthy digging on the sides of the nails. the polish was evenly applied and they had the quick dry thingy as well. at 220php plus tips, i am very satisfied.

moving on, my hair has been frizzy due to the stress, so i purchased what i hereby present as simple joy #6: dove's nourishing oil care serum. it actually smells like a lightly scented dove soap so i had no qualms about applying it to my hair. what i especially like about the product is that 1. it doesn't weigh my hair down llike other oil based leave ons and 2. a pump or two is enough even for my long hair.

we'll see if i get to use it all up in the days to come.

next topic: i've been craving shrimp for over three weeks now. here's what i got for lunch last friday...

despite being categorized as "rabbit food" in my mind, this was surprisingly filling and really yummy. now, if only i could get my hands on more shrimps...

Out of Boredom

i've been stuck at home for the past four days now, and life is getting to be more boring than it already is. i've been diagnosed with... well, i really do not know what i've been diagnosed with. monday morning, i woke up looking like the 9gag kid.

figured i couldn't have gained 10lbs overnight, so i started panicking. that's just me, other people would've considered the obvious alternatives, like say, mumps... anyway, my dad took me to the nearest hospital to go see the ENT doctor. since i had the mumps vaccine when i was a kid, the doctor declared it to be an escalation of my chicken allergies. (hands up: hey, i swear spicy chicken at ersao was that good! i had two orders sunday night) that, and too much spicy things. also, she mentioned that i shouldn't have too much sour food either. this time, i did not mention my recent addiction with tropicana's apple lemon juice. i've been downing a bottle a day. the one liter kind, mind you. she then gave me antibiotics, and antihistamine, and sent me on my way.
tuesday morning, my face felt a little heavy so i went and looked into the nearest mirror. big mistake. lo and behold, i looked like a puffer fish minus the thorn-like thingies. it's as though i gained another 10lbs! 

so i did the first thing i was good at. i panicked again. (grin) went back to the hospital to have it checked again. this time, the doctor told me that it's probably mumps, but she'll have my blood drawn and tested just to be sure. so they got my blood, and gave me additional meds for the pain. they told me they'd call me back within the day for my cbc results.

that afternoon, her secretary called to provide me with yet other medication. a stronger dose, i think. this time it had steroids. i felt like a junkie. still, the response i got was that it looked like mumps. was beginning to think "is there ever any assurance in this world?" dramatic, i know.

wednesday, they called to ask how i was. the pain had gone, but the puffer fish face was still there. ever so puffy. that afternoon though it kinda went down a little.

it's thursday, and i'm trying to be more patient about this and going through a hard time accepting the fact that i would probably be unable to go to the office outing this weekend. sadness. also, i'm having a hard time finding things to do. i cannot drop by the grocery, i can't visit the bookstore, i can't lift heavy stuff (apparently, it worsens things), i can't eat my favorite junk... tv's not really my thing, although i've been downloading like crazy.

i'm currently hoping i'd still have my sanity by the time this ends. oh, and hope nobody catches this, that is, if what i have is really mumps.

Curse of the Other Gender

poor fifi, she's having her period, and i think she's having dysmenorrhea, too.

Hohoho to Huhuhu

where do i get the christmas joy and cheer i hear so much about?

here's how i picture a perfect christmas setting:


minus the fireplace of course. a small but fully decorated tree, perfectly wrapped gifts (and patience not to open any of them 'til christmas eve), cozy couch with pillows and a blanket, and soft instrumental music. very inviting, very relaxing, sweet, and simple.

so, santa, here's what i want for christmas:


if you can't, this will do:

no gift wrapping necessary. ^_^

ok, back to reality. it's the 11th, and i haven't the slightest clue on how this year's christmas will turn out. having a stressful work environment (despite the buy-out) sucks so i'm looking for ways to make this december better. been calling my saturday overtimes "sacrificial saturdays" already. it's a crazy rat race and i can't even see the finish line.

dear bosses: you're scrooges, every last one of you!

somebody, somewhere, has to know the answer to my question. i need a serious boost on this chirstmas spirit thing!!

Simple Joy #1

so i'm always always stressed at work, right? i recently decided to take another step towards self improvement. here's what i decided to do... every now and then, i'm going to try to have simple joys --little things that make me happy or lift my spirits even for a bit. it's just to remind me how blessed i am, and so i can have something of a reference of what to do, get, or have to fix an otherwise hateful day.

today's simple joy is my pregroe shampoo. no, i do not have a strong desire to thicken my hair, nor am i thinning up there. my hair up top is just right.

i chanced upon this while shopping for puppy bottles and vitamin droppers pre-birth of the babies at mercury, trinoma. as i'm tried of the more advertised brands, i try some less popular ones every now and then. my first qualifying factor is almost always the smell. i abhor the tutti-fruity kinds as much as the heavily floral ones. pregroe has a mild scent that somewhat relaxes me.

for the actual usage, it didn't disappoint either. after shampooing, it left my hair smooth and easier to brush. unlike the more commercialized brands, i had no tangles even during the rinse. i haven't noticed if my hair has actually thicken, but hey, if it does, all the better, right?

Literally z_z

the boss gave me more stuff to handle.. and although flattering.. i'm almost always stressed, fatigued, and just plain tired. if only my salary could catch up with the workload, i could pamper myself to make up for it.

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