Healthi-fied Jassy

Time to Move On

2010-11-10T22:53:00.000+08:00

It's been 6 years. A lot happened--bitter and sweet. It's time for me to move on. In those 6 years and few readers, I'd like to say thank you for the nice people who share their thoughts and comments.

I'm not really saying goodbye. I'm just moving HERE.

Adventure

2010-10-30T22:52:00.000+08:00

God showered me with His love this week. I was able to see and experiences places I never thought possible. But He is kind. And He loves me.

I enjoyed new food and and engaged in my most favorite activity--walking. I guess that was why I kept my weight intact because I had to do lots of walking.

People showed me kindness unexpectedly. Thank you God for giving me such wonderful people. Their kindness mean a lot to me.

Stress Eating

2010-10-08T17:23:00.000+08:00

It took me several months to finally type "stress eating" on Google's search box. I succumbed to overeating just because I am stressed. Food has been my ally when I'm deprived of sleep and when I have a lot to do.

I think I'll be able to handle stress eating now.

Instead

2010-10-05T23:10:00.000+08:00

I chose chicken over fries
Tea over soda
choco bar over ice cream bar

Day 2 is harder than I thought. But I am successful in drinking 8 glasses of water. However, I could not say no to chicken from Wendy's with rice.

I tried taking an oblong multivitamin tablet this morning, but I could not swallow it. It just stayed on my tongue. I could taste the sweet coat of the tablet. I decided to spit it out instead of try to swallow it again. Because of this, I decided to just buy a round tablet vitamins with film coated multivitamins.

I had a banana for dessert this lunch. I had riceand some chicken dish but somehow, I am not yet full. I still looked for some snacks to fill my stomach.

Stress from work and school is here. I hope to defeat stress eating. Any tips on how to do this? Thanks so much. :)

Early

2010-10-05T09:14:00.000+08:00

I finally bought the Yeah journal because I've seen them packed neatly in another branch last night.

Day 2 is here. The day is still early but so far I've drank 2 glasses of water :)

I ate a not so healthy breakfast today. I'm not proud of it but I can still keep up. I'll eat healthy lunch to make up. :)

Good

2010-10-04T23:00:00.000+08:00

8 glasses of water today! Very good Jassy :)

The hardest part, for me, in every habit is the first day. It takes discipline and determination to be successful. Now, the first day is through and I can go on to day 2. According to my officemate it takes 40 days to create a habit. But I also read that it takes 21 days to create a habit. I'm gonna try the 21 days first then 40 days.

Lunch I ate the Century Bangus Spanish Fillet Style. I also had 1 cup of rice and a banana. I also had 2 wafer sandwich from Nissin so I could drink water. Somehow, the sour taste of banana could not encourage me to drink more water.

[Source]
Dinner, I had some white bread, mashed potato from KFC and chicken thigh without skin and 16oz iced tea.

Speaking of KFC, I saw on the telly last night this beach volleyball competition and I saw the logo of KFC, but instead of "F" it's with a "G"--KGC. Does it stand for Kentucky Grilled Chicken? Wow, America is really becoming healthier!

Back to My Routine

2010-10-04T10:17:00.003+08:00

My breakfast has been healthy.

1 boiled egg
1 medium banana
1 Multivitamin
Glass of water so far : 4 glasses

Proportional

2010-10-04T08:19:00.003+08:00

Good morning!

According to Food Inc., the price of healthy foods in America is higher than the not-so-healthy food. But in the Philippines, the price of healthier food is cheaper compared to the "fast food". However, care should be taken because of the rampant typhoid cases in the country.

One should know where to look for this healthy, affordable meals. :)

For the Holidays

2010-10-03T21:30:00.001+08:00

The holidays are here again. Filipinos start decorating homes with Christmas decor as early as September. Holidays mean food and that means weight gain. As early as now, I have to think how I would avoid gaining weight this Christmas season.

My plan is to collect recipes to prepare this Christmas. Do you have any suggestions? I might go to your blogs and look for archives during Christmas.

I'm thinking of healthy pasta, white meats, veggies and fruits. :)

Starting Small

2010-10-03T13:00:00.000+08:00

I read an article from sparkpeople.com and I want to try some of the tips there particularly:

Drink 8 glasses of water
Eat 2 veggies
Eat 2 fruits
Eat 2 complex carbs
Write in a journal
Take a walk
Put up motivating pictures
Gather motivating music

Lifestyle Change

2010-10-03T09:22:00.001+08:00

What's so hard to understand about lifestyle change that I find myself reverting to old ways? I need to trace my step back and go back to the day I decided to be healthy.

My pants are getting tighter again. I don't want to step on the scale to see how much I've gained. I'm just gonna be anxious. It's better not to look at it.

I have to rethink about the food that I've been eating these past few months. Yesterday I ate chocolate chip scones; two of those from French baker. And then some orange juice. Then burger, fries and Hi-C apple from Burger King. And then ciocolato from Caramia--that's an ice cream. Then Spaghetti and fries and iced tea. Then rice, luncheon meat, fried egg, noodles with egg, and a banana for dinner. Been eating a lot.

Today, I still haven't had my breakfast but I'm thinking of bread so that's carbohydrate. I'm still doing the laundry and typing away that's why.

Living a healthy life is fun and good. :)

Gibo

2010-10-02T00:41:00.000+08:00

I seriously need to lose the 10 pounds to finally get my goal weight. But somehow I always convince myself to eat more than the calories I should be getting. I need to go back to the very first day that i decided to be slimmer.

This week, chicken has been part of my daily staple. I also had several iced teas and choco sandwich. This week, there are also several meetings to attend to and meeting means food. And the food they served were too hard to resist. Delicious food, I'm telling you--well delicious for me. The likes of prune bars, pasta and chicken!!!

I want to go back to eating banana, boiled egg, a little iced tea that tastes more like water, mashed potato, chicken, and crackers.

I want my well-toned abs in lets say 3 months?

On to another topic, I looked at food bloggers' posts and most of them have dogs. Their dogs look adorable. These dogs make me want to have my own adorable dog. But we have a dog here in the dorm. Since he isn't barking at me everytime he sees me, I'm thinking of getting him presents :)

x-er-i's and zzzzzs

2010-09-30T22:05:00.000+08:00

I did exercise yesterday but I also ate more than I should. Anyway, today s a new day and I am successful in watching the amount of what I eat..

What I need right now is to sleep so I can be a super lady tomorrow.

Exercise and GNT

2010-09-28T23:09:00.000+08:00

Since my body has recuperated from flu and lbm, I think it's right to go back to exercise. By exercise, I mean a little strength training especially for the abdomen and thighs. I love it! :)

These past few days I've been obsessed with finding a "cool" bible that is easy to understand. Last night I discovered the Today's English Version. And so I went to the Philippine Bible Society store to look for this version. I was about to buy a bible when this bible with the Good News Translation caught my attention. I browsed through it and read my favorite passage. I discovered that TEV and GNT are the same. My heart skipped with excitement because the GNT bible is colored and I like the font! I asked the lady behind the counter and the bible was on sale. I got a 20% discount. Score! I chose the purple color because it's the one nearest pink...yep I'm a pink person. :)

I hope my enthusiasm brush up on them.

My body will be a little toner tomorrow... :)

Past Few Weeks

2010-09-25T22:13:00.000+08:00

I've gone MIA these past few weeks because I had a flu and diarrhea that I just chose to sleep whenever I can instead of going online.

I am still counting calories btw but this week I decided not to and let my body recuperate. I also tried to get to know E's camera and I'm loving macro. :) It's nice to shoot food using a macro lens.

This week I realize that I don't eat that much anymore. Before I could finish off this huge serving but now, I am able to listen more to my body. I stop when I'm full. I don't really overeat. Or maybe because I was just not feeling well.

Anyway, I also attended this seminar on updates on the treatment for HIV. The 2-day seminar is an eye opener for me. It's nice that the support group and the treatment hubs here in the Philippines work well together. Kudos to them! :)

Health. It's not only about the physical health--it's also spiritual. I thank God for speaking to me when I need His Word the most. Thank you God. That is why I have been bent on finding a cool bible. But in the end, I still choose the Contemporary English Version because it is more affordable and easy to understand. I also find great sites for the daily bible studies and devotional--they are bookmarked. :)

It's already nighttime here and my goal for tomorrow is to jog. My body needs the activity. And also church! It's a sunday.

What's your plan for tomorrow?

Have a nice day!!! :)

Early Wish list

2010-09-25T01:20:00.001+08:00

Christmas is coming up and that means my birthday is also coming up (like 2 weeks after Christmas or something like that). Anyway, if anyone would give me a gift I would want to have a bible.

Source

Not just any bible. But the bible by Joyce Meyer--the Everyday Life Bible. I've seen the inside of this bible and she has notes for every start of the chapter or book inside. She will try to explain to you the passages of the bible and how it is related in everyday life thus the title. It's so nice and I also love the font and the font size. The font and font size is important to me because it makes reading the bible so much easier even without straining my eyes just to read.

Right now I'm looking online for bibles. Hmmm...I love the Bible.

Health

2010-09-10T20:52:00.000+08:00

Last Wednesday I think, one of our interns had a yoga mat on her back as she went to our office. I could not help but ask her if it was indeed a yoga mat and where she was enrolled in. She told me that there is a yoga session every Monday to Thursday at either 10-12nn or 1-3pm. Wow a yoga session for free!!! But my work schedule won't permit it. But according to her, next semester, the session will be after office hours!!! Nice!!!

Here's more--every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday there is aerobics for employees for an affordable fee. Now that is another chance to be fit. :)

You know what makes me happy? Jogging at Baywalk!!!

Have a happy day everyone!!! :)

Parfum

2010-09-05T04:02:00.000+08:00

While I was at the mall with my sister hours ago, I got curious to check out the scent of the perfumes at Acquasuisse Scent Station. They have a unique stall of perfumes but their scents are not unique. I liked this scent Precision and I cannot get enough of it. I so love it. I'm always on the lookout for colognes and perfumes because I just love perfumes.

Anyway, I also watched a movie--Letters to Juliet. Italy is so nice. I want to go there. Who knows--maybe someday I will and not as a worker but as a tourist.

I also had a lychee iced tea and dark chocolate from Meiji :)

E is gaining weight as days go by. It's my fault actually because I gave him my portions of the food. My goal now is to eat pure healthy stuff so he would have to eat healthy, too.

Last Friday there was an event in my favorite mall--World of Heroes organized by this big toy store and we got to take photos of Ironman's and Bumblebee's replica :) I'm gonna post the photos as soon as E gave the SD card to me :)

Have a nice weekend!

Howdy

2010-08-30T13:57:00.000+08:00

It's been a while since I posted somehting here. Agian, I have been busy. I could not even read other blogs and give comments.

For the past few days I've been obsessed with perfumes, and mobile phones. For the perfume, I saw online Singapore perfumes and there is a supplier in the Philippines and I ordered 212 Carolina Herrera and Incanto Shine. The smell does not stay long but the smell is the same with the US Perfumes.

But given the chance, I'd really like to have Estee Lauder's Pleasures Exotic and Morgan Love de Toi. Benetton's Pure Sport for Women is available here already and I can have that because there are several suppliers willing to give it a a much lower price compare to malls. I just love the fruity floral scent! :)

What about you? What's your favorite perfume. :)

Makeover

2010-08-22T23:48:00.000+08:00

Rebond is a chemical hair treatment that makes your hair straight, sleek and shiny.

I've chosen my hair to be rebonded. It took 6 hours for the whole process. I also had my hair cut--it's on the short side but I want to have a short hair I just don't have the guts to go through with it.

Breakfast is the only worthy food I have eaten and dinner but I don't have pics of dinner. Breakfast is composed of omelette, chami (chinese egg and flour noodle), and banana. I was not able to finish the whole banana because it's too sweet.

Lunch was roasted chicken and rice mostly.

Dinner was tilapia and rice with soy sauce with tomatoes and onions.

I was happy because I was able to jog this morning.

I just got to have this pic taken. Meet Precious, my cute niece. She's very active and playful and very talkative at this stage. You have to learn how to interpret what she's trying to tell you. You get used to it. :)

This is my new hairdo...I used to have an unruly, thick, greyed hair. It used to be long also. But the practical me won. I wanted to have my hair rebonded but I have no choice but to tie my hair in a pony tail whenever I get to jog and that would be bad for the rebonded hair. Therefore, i decided to just have my hair cut short and have it rebonded. It's a win-win situation.

I'm a bit exhausted. Gotta take a nap before working. Laters! :)

My Room

2010-08-22T09:14:00.000+08:00

Hello world!!!

I spent the night in my own room. Usually I sleep beside my Mom in her room but last night, since we already have a house help, I was evicted to my own room. I'm not used to sleeping alone. Why? I shared the dorm room with 6 ladies or more. I was able to sleep at 3 am because of music and reflections on certain news that make me think about life, love, and work.

That's my pink room, the work I brought home, and me who just woke up! :)

I plan to jog today. I'll post again later :)

Healthy Friday

2010-08-20T21:29:00.001+08:00

What a day! In my previous post, I was thinking of what to substitute my off-calorie counting friday. I decided on HEALTHY FRIDAY. Today is supposed to be the start of my health friday. But healthy friday my ass...I was so busy, healthy eating was so far fetched because of time constraint.

This is quite a long post. Ready? :) Breakfast was consisted of Nutella, crackers, iced tea, half slice of chiffon cake. I was feeling full after eating the chiffon cake. I felt full but I was not satisfied--guilt of overeating creeping in.

Then I had to work fast because I needed to be some place else in the afternoon.

Lunch, I bought some "biko" because of the "latik" but the taste was disappointing. I decided to just give them away. It would have been my lunch but I went with my officemates to Wendy's and I ordered Spicy Chicken Fillet combo. I was full by the time I finished my meal. Full but not satisfied.. We ate at the van while going to the symposium at a nearby hospital. When we reached the symposium, we discovered that there was Burger King inside that hospital. Cool! That hospital is so different from the hospital I'm working in. Their elevator is also high end. It looks like some fancy hotel. It would be nice to work in a place like that.

Anyway, they served snacks at the symposium. Lasagna, some bread, chicken fillet with fish fillet sauce. That was why we were confused if what we were eating was chicken or fish. Once again, I felt full but not satisfied.

Regarding the symposium, I am glad to know that there on-going positive projects that will uplift our profession in the country. Kudos to UK for helping our country.

The symposium ended earlier than expected. The loneliness I was feeling all day increased. E was absent at work today because he was not feeling well that was why I was feeling lonely. Alone on a friday sometimes suck.

I could not think of any activity that will take my mind off what I was feeling. I didn't want to eat anymore because I was feeling so full that my stomach grew an inch I guess. There was no good movie to watch. I didn't bring any workout clothes. I was lonely. It was a first after a very long time. I was not familiar with it anymore.

Out of loneliness and indecisiveness, I went to meet my mentor. It was embarrassing to go there without anything relevant to say. What was I thinking? It was so frustrating. And also, I was supposed to go out with this group, but I somehow sensed reluctance from one of them--making me feel rejected. That was why I chose to go to my mentor instead. Thus, the stupid idea.

Loneliness. I would have tried to avoid this today. But then again, I realized something. Yes, it's been a while since I was lonely. But loneliness is good every once in a while. Because it forces me to think about what I really want. Of what I should continue doing, of what I should be do something about, of what I really want in life, of what will make me happy--in the future and right this very moment. Loneliness will make me stronger.

Take a deep breath and suck it up. It will be over soon. I will feel better any moment now.

My feet led me to the nearby mall to look for clothes, bags, and other stuff. I saw this charming blouse and some pants on sale. I tried them on. Unfortunately, they didn't look good on me.

This led me to a realization about shopping. I seldom shop by the way. Most of my money are spent on food. When shopping in a department store, always choose the clothes that you love. Check the availability on your size. Try it on, if it looks good on you, then buy it. Price tag is the last thing that you should look for. Feeling good with what you wear is better than choosing clothes that are cheap but do not make you feel good. More often than not, you can always afford the price of those clothes.

With my body type, not all clothes suit me. It's hard to find clothes that make me feel good. And when I find these clothes, then I should just buy it whenever I can because I don't have that many clothes I really love to wear.

My feet also led me to pen (more on pen refill) hunting. I wanted to buy a Parker pen but the bookstore only have refills for Cross pens. I'd just buy at other bookstore branches. But I did bought other pens. I also looked for bond papers. But I have to be sure about the paper quality. I have pen and paper fetish. Seeing all those pens and papers did uplift my mood.

I went to the dorm feeling much better and thinking of other ways to improve my appearnace. Which is better--rebond or perm? What do you think?

Wednesday Activities

2010-08-18T23:12:00.000+08:00

Workdays mean "diet" days. I find it easy to control the food I eat on a work day because I'm generally like a robot at work--with all the stuff I have to accomplish. I used to jog and dance whenever I would opt not to count calories for the day but since I'm really busy even on my off duties, these past few days, I don't get to do that. Since today is a work day, I had my usual breakfast--iced tea and crackers. Iced tea is my coffee. A lot of my officemates find it weird. They are into hot drinks (hot coffee/hot choco) in the morning while I'm into iced tea (the more ice the better).

Lunch, I was craving for the chicken dish I had yesterday at Rodic's stall. I was hoping they had the same dish this lunch or that they had any chicken dish prepared but they disappointed my stomach...:( I just decided to hit the nearby mall and looked for lunch there. Unfortunately, the chicken dish craving was still on my mind and so upon seeing cracked pan de sal at French Baker I bought 2 rolls and an iced tea and agreed to call that my lunch. As long as there's iced tea then I'm okay.

(Source)
By the time I was to have dinner, my stomach was already growling. But I knew that I could take the hunger pang because I know that I can eat anytime. I still have some calories left to consume. After a while, E and I were at the nearby mall and was already eating at Jollibee. I had chicken barbecue and spaghetti and an iced tea (again...) and E had fried chicken with rice and soda.

I know we're not the healthiest eaters but change does not happen overnight especially when it comes to my eating habits. But there are some improvements with my habits I'm telling you...:)

I realized that I automatically remove chicken skin and just eat the meat. Better right? :) I also did my grocery shopping a while ago and I bought apples! I was craving for granola bars but HFCS was included in the ingredient of my preferred brand that was why I decided not to purchase those addicting granola bars.

Anyway, I'm having pain in my gut right now maybe because I don't drink as much water these past few days. I better listen to my body.

Friday Gimmick

2010-08-16T17:23:00.000+08:00

I just want to share this pic from last Friday's gimmick. I went out with my housemates. My body was already screaming SLEEP that time but I still decided to go because I made a commitment. By 2 am on Saturday, we were still out and my eyeballs wanted to pop out of the socket--that was how it felt. I nearly threw up. As soon as we reached the dorm, I changed clothes immediately and slept. Diet + lack of sleep + lack of water + stress = sick Jassy. But I feel better now. Still with lots of work to be done this week but at least I know that I'll be able to do it all this week. :)

Going back to the picture, I just discovered panorama function on my camera phone just last Friday. I was happy and excited to try it on other subjects like me and E.

Today, I have crackers and iced tea for breakfast. 2 medium bananas for lunch. My stomach is grumbling as I type this, but I think I can still handle it. A few more hours and E will be here and we can have dinner then.

Funny thing happened today. I was home in Lipa City this morning. I woke up early so I could catch the early bus to Manila. I arrived in Manila an hour earlier than my official work hour. I did my usual routine before going to work. When I arrived at the office, I did my usual morning routine before doing my work. Good thing I decided to look at our schedule to see who were on duty today. I was surprised to see that I was supposed to be off-duty today. I was relieved and felt kinda silly for not checking the schedule last Friday. It was a blessing in disguise though because I still had a lot of school work to finish. I decided to just take the day off and do my assignments.

Oh Wow

2010-08-15T22:41:00.000+08:00

The busy-ness doesn't stop yet. I thought I would be able to do all the reports for this week but I am not able to. Wow!

I'm feeling much better now--colds-wise. But I still has a lot to do. I want to post about last Friday's night out. I took some pictures on my phone. One of these days. after the "toxicities", I'll share it with you.

Human Body

2010-08-12T21:52:00.000+08:00

Last Tuesday I realized that I am just human. I thought the antioxidants I'm taking were so effective that I never got sick--but last Tuesday, my body gave in to colds. My body is sore and my throat is dry and itchy. I shivered and could not read or write about anything. I really needed to sleep to rest for 8 hours but with the work I must finish, I was lucky to get 5 or 6 hours.

I've been a bad eater, too. I should be loading up on fruits--vitamin C overload but instead and since I can't really think of anything to eat that would not stress me out, I opted for iced tea and crackers.

Anyway, I was able to eat a banana and egg last Tuesday, yesterday, I was introduced to beef gyro from Volare. My sandwich was composed of lettuce, tomato, onion, and roasted beef, with olive oil. I was surprised to learn that it was around 300 to 500 Calories a sandwich!!! I thought that it was just around 140 but that was okay because I enjoyed my sandwich!!!

On to better news, I was feeling better now as compared last night. With a little more rest and I'll be well.

My dinner tonight was Chicken Gone Wild from Naked Juice Bar--what do you expect? Hehe...

E and I realized a while ago after dinner that days go by so quickly. It's gonna be Friday tomorrow. I was able to conquer four days of my personal eating program. I have to give myself a pat on the back. I can do this. One day at a time or even one meal at a time during those tempting moments.

Hopefully next week I can go back to jogging. I love jogging even if it's just jogging in place. :)

How do you prefer to spend your Fridays? Others have cookie friday, chocolate friday, as for me, I used to have it as off calorie-counting friday but I want to change this and i'm still thinking what to replace it with. Your suggestions are appreciated. :)

Tuesday Love

2010-08-10T20:26:00.000+08:00

I'm a carbohydrate lover and so it shouldn't be a surprise for me to be enticed by the "biko" (sticky rice cake) with "latik" that the local food stall was selling this morning. I checked the web for the calories of this goodie and I was surprised that one slice is equivalent to 500+ Calories. How could it be when 1 slice of biko without latik is just around 100 Calories?

Anyway, the latik added to the Calories. But it is what makes a "biko" so good. A "latik" is made up of coconut milk mixed with sugar. If you know how to make syrup, then creating a more liquid "latik" should be easy. For the recipe of "biko", check out this site.

For lunch, J and I went to the nearby mall and split a chicken sandwich in focacia bread with pesto mayo. I also ordered my ever favorite iced tea. Chicken Gone Wild by Naked Juice Bar is my favorite sandwich. In fact, I eat this almost every dinner.

But today, I eat my Chicken Gone Wild Sandwich during lunch. After work, I attended my graduate class and tried my very best to be awake. I just had 4 hours of sleep because I really tried to finish the paper I was supposed to submit this afternoon. I guess there are some things that we can't really cram. That's a very good lesson learned.

Dinner, I could not resist chicken barbecue (sorry chicken's my favorite), rice, and a glass of iced tea. I headed back to dorm satisfied.

Tomorrow, my goal is to eat one hard boiled egg, banana, and an apple. :)

***2nd image from here

Monday Travels

2010-08-10T00:10:00.000+08:00

I usually go back to the metro on a sunday. But yesterday I was lost in my own busy-ness that I decided I would just go back early this morning. I was hoping I'd be able to finish my report last night but guess what, until now, I am still not able to finish it. I'm keeping myself optimistic that I will finish it earlier...:)

Breakfast is the usual large iced tea--my version of coffee and crackers. I know I'm not the healthiest girl in the world but they were available then and the grocery store was still closed to buy something like an apple or any fruit.

Lunch is also the same. Two medium-sized pan de sal and a medium iced tea. Maybe I have too much iced tea on my blood--my tongue is not enjoying it anymore.

Dinner is half of the pesto mayo chicken sandwich from Naked Juice Bar. This sandwich is so delicious.

I am planning to eat MORE FRUITS tomorrow. Hopefully, there are pictures, too! :)

Convert

2010-08-09T17:04:00.001+08:00

I have decided to convert Jassy's World to Healthi-fied Jogger. This will mostly be a food/fitness blog. Jassy's World used to be anything under the sun, but now I would like to focus on health and wellness. I used Wordpress before and HJ is still there but from now on I will be posting here. I could not delete it because of the comments of nice people.

I like blogger because it can be customized. It also has the PAGE section. Plus, I love this template I've downloaded from bloggerstyle.com :)

Eating

2010-08-08T18:00:00.000+08:00

I don't post much on this blog, but I do update this regularly.

Oh My

2010-07-26T14:39:00.000+08:00

There's a new burger stall in town--the Angel's Hamburger. For 30 pesos you get two real meat burger! :) Instead of buying from the popular fastfood chains in town, Angel's Hamburger is a better choice I guess. Where's the nearest stall? It's just around the bus stop... I'm not sure if it's available in NCR.

Being Erica

2010-07-11T18:39:00.002+08:00

I've been watching BEING ERICA and I really love it. I can relate to it in so many ways. I hope Ethan and Erica really end up together.

It's set in Toronto. I hope to live there one day.

Wedding

2010-06-27T11:03:00.000+08:00

I attended my friend's wedding last night.

Speaking of, while doing the laundry, I remembered Ashton Kutcher and his movie What Happens in Vegas with Cameron Diaz. It's one of my favorite movie and guess what--it was what on cable a while ago! The power of attraction!!!

Life is so good!!! :)

Yey

2010-06-20T22:58:00.001+08:00

I've found my groove. I'm happy and motivated again to stay on this lifestyle change.

I even bug a friend to try the farmer's market in Canada. Since she's already there and has an easy access to that kind of market--then why not take the opportunity. For someone like me, on the outside looking in, I have yet to wait for the day when I am finally in a place where I can buy all the healthy stuff that I want and eat them. :)

I also jogged this afternoon. It's still easy for me to move. I want to go back to dancing as part of my exercise. Dancing makes me happy. Anyway, exercise makes me happy but I'll be much happier if I also dance.

It's Monday again tomorrow and that means work. I am going to enjoy work.

I am happy and I am thankful.

Remebering Dad

2010-06-20T13:08:00.002+08:00

I've been pursuing a dream for several years now. And recent events have made me think that maybe that dream I've been pursuing has a reason why it isn't for me, at least right now.

Some people told my Mom that the reason why I can't have my dream is because my Dad won't allow me to.

See, my Dad has been gone for 6 years now. He died of hemorrhagic stroke. Hearing that comment made me think of the universe and a much greater power that prevent me from making my dream come true.

For years that is what I've been thinking.

Until recently, I've realized something.

My Dad is not the cause why I can't have my dream. He's even SUPPORTING me even though he's been gone a long time. The pension he left my Mom has been a great help for me to have my dreams come true. My Mom has been using that to finance my dream. Even if he's gone, he still continues to help us. Why wouldn't he want to have my dream come true? He's been there for me all this time. He's still that kind soul who SUPPORTS us all the way.

I'm SO LUCKY and BLESSED to have parents like them. Both of them are exceptional individuals.
And to my Dad, THANK YOU AND I LOVE YOU!!!

Win P10,000 Worth of Training with Aheadpro

2010-06-16T22:12:00.000+08:00

We should always strive to be better...here's an opportunity...click this link to know how:)

A Writer

2010-06-16T21:30:00.001+08:00

I've been writing since the start of this month about work stuff. That's okay. I'm enjoying it.

Anyway, since my Mom's birthday has come and gone, and I haven't really given her anything special, I'm thinking of doing something special for her. She's diabetic and I just want to do something that she will enjoy despite her condition.

Can you suggest anything?

Another topic...my back has been giving me discomfort and I realized that it is because of my bad posture. I never noticed it before because I was always standing and walking then. I seldom sit down. But now that I'm always typing away, I've felt the discomfort.

Good thing, I was able to read some yoga pose for the back. They've been very helpful.

Life is good.

Looking New

2010-06-14T16:22:00.000+08:00

There's a new feature from blogger...maybe it isn't so new but hey...I've been happy with my past layout...anyway...I have a new layout care of blogger and it is quite nice don't you think?:)

Where have the weekends go? I have procastinated again in front of the television and now I am cramming--sleepless night again?

I promise that I will never do this again. I will do my work as early as possible so I won't cram like this. Stress out of the way! I know sometimes stress is needed...but not all the time.

Here I am ranting...anyway...I still feel good because of this layout.

Enjoy the rest of the day!:)

Flavor of the Week

2010-06-07T13:38:00.001+08:00

Last week, I ate chicken barbecue almost every lunch.

This week, I think I will eat canned tuna maybe almost every lunch.

Canned tuna is my lunch today. I don’t have a can opener with me, good thing there is E to save my day!:) It was nice of him to give me a glass of water, too while I read others’ blogs. I truly appreciate that.

They say canned tuna or tuna is rich in omega-3 that is good for the heart. I love my heart.<3

I’ m gonna attend my niece wedding tonight and I have some shopping to do;)

God is good

2010-06-05T23:37:00.003+08:00

I feel the warmth of a miracle embracing my heart. Miracles do happen. I just have to believe. In time everything will fall into place. They say everything happens for a reason. I believe that. I may not know the reason now, but I will know eventually.

God is there to constantly love me because He created me.

I deserve all the good things in this world and to the after life in God's kingdom.

I am happy.

Body's Friend

2010-06-05T21:34:00.002+08:00

One word. Antioxidant.
According to Healthcastle.com

Antioxidants are substances or nutrients in our foods which can prevent or slow the oxidative damage to our body. When our body cells use oxygen, they naturally produce free radicals (by-products) which can cause damage. Antioxidants act as "free radical scavengers" and hence prevent and repair damage done by these free radicals.

If we take in antioxidants then we can protect our cells from the harmful effects of stress.
Fruits such as blueberries, cranberries, and blackberries, vegetables like beans, artichoke hearts, nuts like pecans, walnuts, and hazelnuts are some of the food very rich in antioxidant (according to Dr. Kim) One of the challenges in our everyday diet is how to incorporate a variety of antioxidants, especially here in this tropical country where eating right is a challenge because there is no cranberries, blackberries here for example.
Thank God because of the many different innovations that make these antioxidants available. That is what I'm going to write about next time.
** Image from here
This is also posted on my other blog.

Forgive Thy Self

2010-05-30T14:57:00.004+08:00

If there is one thing I have learned this week, it's to forgive myself. I have to forgive myself for choosing the wrong decision. There is a reason for everything and there is always the good side in everything.

For craving ice cream and Oreo. I just love blizzard and McFlurry. But I have realized something.

For over eating because of the sumptious food at this high-end bar. Who wouldn't want this yummy dessert. (pic above).

I have to forgive and I have to love myself.

Other facet

2010-04-30T15:11:00.004+08:00

I decided to create a new blog that is about health and diet. I want this blog to be about everything under the sun and though I seldom post here because of personal reasons, I'm still keeping this and not convert this to a food or fitness or health blog.

So catch me on Crudely Healthy.

Crudely Healthy

2010-04-07T20:55:00.005+08:00

I've been "munching" on several blogs these past few days. It's really nice to read posts from people who prove that getting fit is possible with a little discipline.

It's hard to be the only one who's going on a diet in my everyday place. People tease me every chance they get. And it's nice to know that a lot of people, like me, want a healthy lifestyle.

I am taking baby steps.

Moreover, it's hard to choose healthier food when you are on a tight budget and living in a third world country, being 28 and still living in a dorm. It's a big challenge but I think I am doing okay. I just hope I can look for ways to finally adapt to this healthy lifestyle.

I also try to look for whole foods here in the Philippines but unfortunately there's not much to find. So I have to be resourceful and efficient.

People around me ask the list of food I often eat but I don't think I should be doing that because I still haven't found the right combination. My diet is not yet balanced. So along with this diet, I take multivitamins.

I know that I have to exercise if I want to maintain the weight I am aiming for. I am still on the process of learning the exercise for me. I prefer dancing but I guess jogging is not that bad. I just have to know how to properly warm up.

Right now, I'm addicted to chocolate chip granola bar, specifically that brand.

***

image via google

First Ever Cheat Day

2010-03-27T23:04:00.001+08:00

How do you prefer to be called?
Call me Jas (Dyas), that’s the english version of my name.

A lot has happened today. Misadventures turned blessings. All the tension drove me to make this day a cheat day when it comes to my diet. How could I resist Mom and Tina’sBakery and Cafe when it was just within my reach. The Chicken spinach lasagna was just so good. I also tried their Pecan choco muffin and I could guess that they used Toblerone for the chocolate.

I also took the opportunity of roaming Glorietta since I was already in Makati. It had lots of sports shop but I was shy to ask how much a pedometer was and if they even had one. I also got curious with Sennheisser’s earphones. According to Nelson, it was a good brand for an earphone.

Sennheisser has quite an affordable product but I’m not sure how superb is the sound coming out of that earphone. I haven’t tried it yet. But maybe I’ll try one...too many earphones, too few players.

CC

2010-03-27T22:48:00.000+08:00

Hellowie!

Still counting calories because I have to. A lot of people can see the change in my body. They all ask me what I do. Then I tell them about cutting on calorie intake. And when there are meetings with food after, they ask me how many calories are there in every food just to tease me but I answer them anyway...I don't mind=)

I have cravings every now and then but I set a day to eat these cravings--I have no cheat day, I just schedule the food I crave for. But I make sure that it's within my calorie limit.

Because of this, I appreciate the food every time I eat. It becomes more delicious. I plan to jog, or do aerobics, or dance or do some yoga. But I still got to learn about these fitness activities.

Anyway, I started last Tuesday an activity that I plan to do from then on. I want to join this group who will help me have a deeper relationship with God. It's the Bible Study in my workplace. I hope to really be able to join this group. Because I want to know more about God. Yes, I know God and I read the bible but I crave for more. I don't plan to be converted because I have long thought about it and I realized that everywhere I go God is God. And everywhere I am I can serve God and His people. So I can just stay in my religion and serve and love God there.

Today is sunny and hot and I love the brightness of the surroundings. Enjoy your day!=)

Learning about Health

2010-03-16T22:18:00.004+08:00

I've been reading blogs of health enthusiasts and I find them very helpful. I appreciate their posts. I especially like Oh She Glows and Healthy Tipping Point. Also, I've been rereading Russ' posts on health and diet.

I want bread today but I want to level up and so I followed my feet and they took me in front of French Baker. I looked at the bread on the racks and picked a diet wheat loaf. I'm not sure if "diet" is really healthy but as long as there's "wheat" then I will eat it. Then I need protein to go with this carbo and I found myself looking at a hotdog stall. That's my lunch. I know it's not fancy or anything but I want change to happen but not that fast because I want this change to be permanent.

And oh, I want to jog and not just brisk walk. I will do something about my sore foot this Thurday.=)

Tea

2010-03-14T22:01:00.003+08:00

I'm in love with iced tea particularly Nestle Iced Tea that everyday I spend extra just to have my iced tea. But today, Kaye, my friend, treated me at Chaikofi and I tried the Black Ceylon Tea with lemon syrup and it tasted great. Black tea, just like green and white tea, has antioxidant properties. This is another step to becoming a healthy me.

I have no gym membership and no treadmill or anything. But I work in a place with stairs. Several flight of stairs. Before i knew it, my heart is pumping extra fast and my cellulites were shivering...hehe=) When I went back to the office to get my things, my face was all red from exhaustion. But I earned extra calories. Too bad I can't really think of anything to eat--I just drank iced tea.

Counting

2010-03-13T22:24:00.006+08:00

Hello cyberworld!

I've been following the Healthy Tipping Point and I plan on really having a healthy lifestyle. But right now I'm trying to lose weight by counting calories and so as much as I want to eat more veggies, wheat bread, the only thing that I can eat among those healthy food right now is oatmeal. But not the plain oatmeal. The granola bar which is 100 calories per bar. Hey, I really want to stick with eating healthy and becoming fit--but one step at a time. I've been eating a lot for several years now and so I just have to make small steps just to make sure that I will be able to keep this up.

So far I started this since January 30 and I weighed 144lbs then, I was really overweight. But now have lost 16 pounds. According to my BMI--I now have a normal weight. Although I'm near the upper limit and so I just have to continue counting calories. Then I'll be able to eat all the healthy veggies and proteins around.

I am also planning to have a cleansing. I have this supplement in mind but until I'm sure that it's effective, I won't tell you about it.

Anyway, that's about it. Right now I want to hit the beach because it's now summer!!!

Just something...

2010-02-14T20:45:00.002+08:00

To everyone, I hope you all had a nice valentine's day. As for me, I spent it at work. But that's okay--not really that depressing...haha...I also realized that it's been a long time since I felt full after eating. It's good that my stomach doesn't hurt (gastritis) and I don't have anymore difficulty of breathing, except of course when I climb stairs.=)

Pointing Fingers

2010-02-11T17:23:00.002+08:00

It's not cool to point finger. You think you can get away with it but the truth is--you're just showing your incompetencies. Besides, that has long been an issue and you should have resolved it long ago. If you don't have the guts to talk with the person concern then that adds up to your incompetencies. So it's still best to communicate with everyone.

Day 23 Sunset

2010-02-02T13:57:00.002+08:00

I was happy because I caught the sunset. My plan was to go to this fountain but it was still daytime so I could not really emote. I noticed instead the sun which was about to set. I instantly became happy.

I realized, since I really want to witness the midnight sun and the northern lights, that in Norway, people may be dreaming of seeing the perfect sunset, but here in the Philippines, it's free and I can see it everyday.

Bitter man

2010-02-02T13:00:00.003+08:00

...Yeah you're all about God that you ignore those who want to be your friend...

Is that bitter or what? It's always good to participate in spiritual activities but wouldn't God want you to go out and influence others to come to Him by being nice and kind and not self-righteous?

Instead of influencing others to come to God, you chase them away. Who wants to be criticized?

There is always a good way to drive home the point. And if you can do that, then you can do so much.

Day 22 Getting Ready

2010-02-01T21:00:00.001+08:00

I'm supposed to be bringing these to class but my prof sent a message to one of my classmates and informed her that my prof would not be able to attend our class.

Day 21 My Therapy

2010-01-31T19:49:00.002+08:00

I love pens--ballpen, colored ballpens, markers, correction tapes...one of the main (though petty for some...) reason why I like my area of work now is because I use different pens--red, black or blue, and green. Also, correction tape is essential because it involves lots of writing--not just signing my name but writing medications and other stuff.

Love is the Answer

2010-01-30T20:48:00.003+08:00

Some songs remind you of summer time

When things are great and sunny and yellow...

Some songs bring tears to your eyes

Some brings out anger hidden inside your core...

Heal me...

Make me understand...

Make me feel alright...

I want to be free

Day 20 Rose

2010-01-30T20:39:00.004+08:00

Life is beautiful but sometimes thorny just like a rose. Can we not enjoy life without pain? Or maybe if there's no pain then people become numb that they're not aware of their surroundings anymore. Likewise with people who only experience pain. Am I being fortified?

Anyway, I'd keep posting my PAD here because I started it here.=)

Day 19 Bus Rides

2010-01-29T22:22:00.002+08:00

I was on my way back to Manila when I took this. I wish for a car to drive from Manila to Lipa and vice versa...=)

Day 18 Looking at

2010-01-28T22:03:00.000+08:00

My niece was looking this way as she was about to leave. There was no one here and it was a bit scary knowing that kids can saw beyond the naked eye. Hmp=)

Day 17 Table

2010-01-27T22:12:00.004+08:00

I would like to capture some headphones I'm eyeing to have. Philips, urbanz, ear pollution but of course it depends on my budget and quality. Anyway, for now, this is my photo.=)

Day 16 Manila

2010-01-26T17:09:00.000+08:00

I like this picture. It's nice to discover something out of my everyday life. I don't need to spend thousand of bucks to see something beautiful. Of course the picture is not as perfect as those who can really do photography, but still, I like the whole picture and the scene captured and not the image quality.

Day 15 Trustworthy

2010-01-25T17:03:00.000+08:00

Trust is earned. But we should give people a chance right away to prove that they can indeed be trusted. But what if? It's better to be safe than sorry. But what the heck--I want new true friends.

Day 14 Room View

2010-01-24T22:03:00.000+08:00

I've been looking at this view at night for 8 years now...not really but almost.

Day 13 Cool

2010-01-23T16:54:00.000+08:00

It's very useful during summer, but since it's January, I even wake up in the morning and turn this off because it's already cold.

Day 12 My Bed Buddy

2010-01-22T23:37:00.000+08:00

This frog was given by my friend. And ever since it's been lying on my bed. My constant companion when I sleep.

Day 11 My Planner

2010-01-21T23:07:00.000+08:00

As much as possible, I try to do what I plan. But my favorite part is jotting down on my planner the events of my day. I hope to fill this with good memories--successes and happiness.

Day 10 My Niece

2010-01-20T23:50:00.002+08:00

My niece was given a gift from one of her godmother. It was like lego toys but bigger...she shared it with 2 of the kids but being a kid, they have the tendency to fight over a toy. They are still childish. That's normal for kids their age, some would say. But maybe instilling in their young minds to be kind will make them kind--that's according to my observation.

Day 9 My Bag

2010-01-19T17:53:00.003+08:00

If it's not my big black bag, it's this. My companion when I ride the bus going home. I have a picture in my mind while I was buying this and so far, it's far from reality. Anyway, I still have hope, summer is about to come=)

Day 8 Nuggets

2010-01-18T15:52:00.003+08:00

This meal usually drowns my sorrow...my happy food=)

Day 7 Miss Black

2010-01-18T15:41:00.002+08:00

Ongoing translation of Korean character to alphabet...these cookies are tasty--mini but tasty=)

Day 6 The spice

2010-01-16T15:10:00.002+08:00

The first noodle I bought was not delicious, but this one...finally. It was spicy. But it's okay. Now I know what it tasted like=)

Day 5 Mouse Trick

2010-01-15T22:54:00.003+08:00

This afternoon, I decided to encode my assignment for Monday. But the mouse on the computer I was about to use was missing. I put a different mouse but it did not work.

Luckily, I was able to guess the shortcut keys and I was able to print my assignment. Nice one=)

Day 4 My ship will come

2010-01-14T22:30:00.002+08:00

I saw this while walking/jogging at Baywalk, Manila. I just needed the fresh cold air that is salty and sticky at the same time.

I will make my ship come.

Day 3 Myself

2010-01-13T18:10:00.003+08:00

Do I look serious? This is my everyday appearance at work. Hair in ponytail, eyeglass, earrings and my scrub suit. Without any of these (at work), I feel bare well except for Friday when we are free to wear casual clothes as long as we're not doing the rounds.

Dream killer

2010-01-13T15:07:00.003+08:00

How do you know that God loves you? How do you know that He's not out there to make you suffer? How do you know that He even care about you?

I know He's been good to me. But I just can't understand WHY...I just can't understand right now. I hope to understand WHY...and I hope that something GREAT will come out of this--something GREAT for me.

I'm not only a hero--I'm also a dreamer and I WANT that DREAM to come true because I deserve it.

Day 2 Korean Bug

2010-01-12T09:47:00.004+08:00

I am about to go home. I am excited to share these noodles/ramen to my family. I must admit this is going to be the first time that I'll eat Korean noodles. I am not sure if what I bought before was Korean or Japanese, I was not aware before. Korean and Japanese and Chinese characters were all the same to me back then. But not anymore. In time, I will be able to write and read Korean fluently.=)

Day 1 My Profession

2010-01-11T22:43:00.001+08:00

"O Jas what can you say?", my prof asked me a while ago during our class.

I didn't realize that my mind was wandering again. Too late, I didn't really know what she just asked me. I asked her again the question and I was not sure if I answered her correctly.

I was supposed to report on Procurement Act but due to circumstances, I could not focus today. This is the last time that I will allow that to happen. I love my profession and if I can find ways to make it better then I would do so. This also means that I should be aware of the laws surrounding my profession so I would know how to steer our profession for the better.

***I'm only gonna start my PAD now=)

My day

2010-01-04T22:30:00.002+08:00

1. 2010 has arrived. I am more hopeful and excited.
2. I have a nephew now. His name is Clint Miguel. We nearly had the same birthday but it's good that he decided to go ahead of my birthday.
3. Tomorrow is my birthday. 28. I like the number combination. I was born on 1982. 82. 28. Does it make sense?=)
4. I finally saw E after several days.
5. Peace is in my heart.

Go on

2009-12-19T23:24:00.003+08:00

There are new ways or solutions come to all my worries. God is really good. I just hope that things go well. I've worked hard for my dreams. That is why I deserve to have those dreams come true.

I've realized that I have had my share of difficulties. But my life has never been this easy right now. If he brings pain, then why is my life this easy? Maybe he really is the one for me.

My Gift

2009-12-09T10:16:00.002+08:00

I have received my Christmas gift from God earlier. My Mom got out of the hospital and is now recovering. That's great, right?=)

One new life is on his way here on earth. A nephew. I hope he's healthy and cute.

I am taking this special course and I hope to get a lot from it.

People in my part of the world are happy and excited. Christmas is definitely in the air because of the music, decorations, and climate.

Colds

2009-12-03T18:22:00.002+08:00

I've got colds. After a very long time, my throat is itchy and inflammed and I have runny nose. I guess all the stress I've been through is finally taking its toll on my body.

Can I just rest tomorrow?

R.E.S.T.

2009-12-02T22:28:00.002+08:00

This is the only time after a long time that I indian-sit here in front of the computer and surf the net. I've been busy being a caregiver/watcher. I've mentioned before that my Mom just got discharged from our local hospital a week ago. After being discharged, we could not allow her to work again. And so we have to manage our humble store. I have to wake up early than my usual wake-up time. I have to stay and manage our store. Good thing I'm off duty for several days. I thought that when I went back to work, I could rest after, but no, E, my special someone was admitted due to dengue fever and typhoid fever. He was admitted at the hospital where we both work in. So I would go on duty during the morning and be his watcher at night. It was exhausting. He got discharged this morning. But then again, he could not bring my stuff back here in my boarding house so I have to carry all of these. BUT I have to go to school first. I had to do my assignments while fixing my stuff. I'm telling you, it's really exhausting.

Anyway, I have an interesting day because while waiting for my class, I saw a familiar face at the usual Nursing tambayan/place. I greeted him and sat in front of him. His name is Angelo, I think, but people call him Bayani because he looks like Bayani Agbayani. I met him from work because he's one of the medical representatives in my hiospital. Then we were introduced formally by E. Anyway, I chatted with him a little then I found out that he was studying for an exam this saturday. He was a law student. I took the opportunity to ask him about RA 9502 about the Cheaper Medicines Act. I know I was a bit insensitive because he was supposed to study but there I was aking him about another law. He was nice to explain the law to me. I really appreciated it. I felt great knowing that someone is nice enough to explain the world to me. Not really the world but it feels that way.=)

But I'm now here. Though, I no longer have an electric fan because my land lady broke it, I don't really care because I just want to lie down and have a few hours of rest.

With all of these, I know that something GREAT is about to happen. I'm anticipating all the goodness.=)

Grateful

2009-11-26T10:24:00.002+08:00

My Mom has been discharged after three days of confinement due to hyperglycemic crisis. I should be thankful because we've been given another chance.

I have to be a daughter now.

Then life...

2009-11-18T22:26:00.002+08:00

Waiting for a dream to happen is frustrating. I hate waiting. But I am becoming successful in convincing myself that I can still have a better life despite of...

So what would happen to me if the dream I'm waitng for doesn't come? Life will still happen. It is happening right now. That I can be the best version of me right here right now. So that when the comparing bug bit me and I feel envious of my rich friends, I can just tell myself that despite of...life happens. I will never lose. I will always be a winner.

Sunset is also beautiful from this side of the world. Sea breeze is still calming. God is also very much present. So is the love of people.

Since 2009 is now on the brink of saying goodbye and 2010 is getting ready for the world, I would just like to share that the events of last year have made me a better person. Better than before, but the best of myself right now.

I have learned to acknowledge my shortcomings. I've been humbled so many times. I have taken many baby steps. I know and I plan to work on these two skills which I need to strengthen. God is good because He allows me to strengthen these.=)

Looking forward

2009-11-17T22:23:00.000+08:00

I finally got my BDJ planner for 2010, and although I don't have the budget to avail of the discounts and to check the lists, it makes me realize that there is still something to look forward to. I may be hanging waiting and waiting for my dream to happen, but I realize that I'm not stagnant careerwise. And that I have become better than the year before.

I've been humbled a lot of times, making me aware of my rough edges. And the conscious effort to make them smooth is enough for me to keep on going.

There is more to life and I'm looking forward to it.

Life is to love

2009-11-14T18:00:00.002+08:00

I have to repost this. This is a sad story but one can learn something from this.

MARRIAGE

When I got home that night as my wife served dinner, I held her hand and
said, I've got something to tell you. She sat down and ate quietly. Again
I observed the hurt in her eyes.

Suddenly I didn't know how to open my mouth. But I had to let her know
what I was thinking. I want a divorce. I raised the topic calmly.

She didn't seem to be annoyed by my words, instead she asked me softly,
why?

I avoided her question. This made her angry. She threw away the chopsticks
and shouted at me, you are not a man! That night, we didn't talk to each
other. She was weeping. I knew she wanted to find out what had happened to
our marriage. But I could hardly give her a satisfactory answer; she had
lost my heart to Dew. I didn't love her anymore. I just pitied her!

With a deep sense of guilt, I drafted a divorce agreement which stated
that she could own our house, our car, and 30% stake of my company.

She glanced at it and then tore it into pieces. The woman who had spent
ten years of her life with me had become a stranger. I felt sorry for her
wasted time, resources and energy but I could not take back what I had
said for I loved Dew so dearly. Finally she cried loudly in front of me,
which was what I had expected to see. To me her cry was actually a kind of
release. The idea of divorce which had obsessed me for several weeks
seemed to be firmer and clearer now.

The next day, I came back home very late and found her writing something
at the table. I didn't have supper but went straight to sleep and fell
asleep very fast because I was tired after an eventful day with Dew.

When I woke up, she was still there at the table writing. I just did not
care so I turned over and was asleep again.

In the morning she presented her divorce conditions: she didn't want
anything from me, but needed a month's notice before the divorce.

She requested that in that one month we both struggle to live as normal a
life as possible. Her reasons were simple: our son had his exams in a
month's time and she didn't want to disrupt him with our broken marriage.

This was agreeable to me. But she had something more, she asked me to
recall how I had carried her into out bridal room on our wedding day.

She requested that everyday for the month's duration I carry her out of
our bedroom to the front door ever morning. I thought she was going crazy.
Just to make our last days together bearable I accepted her odd request.

I told Dew about my wife's divorce conditions.. . She laughed loudly and
thought it was absurd. No matter what tricks she applies, she has to face
the divorce, she said scornfully.

My wife and I hadn't had any body contact since my divorce intention was
explicitly expressed. So when I carried her out on the first day, we both
appeared clumsy. Our son clapped behind us, daddy is holding mummy in his
arms. His words brought me a sense of pain. From the bedroom to the
sitting room, then to the door, I walked over ten meters with her in my
arms. She closed her eyes and said softly; don't tell our son about the
divorce. I nodded, feeling somewhat upset. I put her down outside the
door. She went to wait for the bus to work. I drove alone to the office.

On the second day, both of us acted much more easily. She leaned on my
chest. I could smell the fragrance of her blouse. I realized that I hadn't
looked at this woman carefully for a long time.. I realized she was not
young any more. There were fine wrinkles on her face, her hair was
graying! Our marriage had taken its toll on her. For a minute I wondered
what I had done to her.

On the fourth day, when I lifted her up, I felt a sense of intimacy
returning. This was the woman who had given ten years of her life to me.

On the fifth and sixth day, I realized that our sense of intimacy was
growing again. I didn't tell Dew about this. It became easier to carry her
as the month slipped by. Perhaps the everyday workout made me stronger.

She was choosing what to wear one morning. She tried on quite a few
dresses but could not find a suitable one. Then she sighed, all my dresses
have grown bigger. I suddenly realized that she had grown so thin, that
was the reason why I could carry her more easily.

Suddenly it hit me... she had buried so much pain and bitterness in her
heart. Subconsciously I reached out and touched her head.

Our son came in at the moment and said, Dad, it's time to carry mum out.
To him, seeing his father carrying his mother out had become an essential
part of his life. My wife gestured to our son to come closer and hugged
him tightly. I turned my face away because I was afraid I might change my
mind at this last minute. I then held her in my arms, walking from the
bedroom, through the sitting room, to the hallway. Her hand surrounded my
neck softly and naturally. I held her body tightly; it was just like our
wedding day.

But her much lighter weight made me sad. On the last day, when I held her
in my arms I could hardly move a step. Our son had gone to school. I held
her tightly and said, I hadn't noticed that our life lacked intimacy.

I drove to office.... jumped out of the car swiftly without locking the
door. I was afraid any delay would make me change my mind... I walked
upstairs. Dew opened the door and I said to her, Sorry, Dew, I do not want
the divorce anymore.

She looked at me, astonished, and then touched my forehead. Do you have a
fever? She said. I moved her hand off my head. Sorry, Dew, I said, I won't
divorce. My marriage life was boring probably because she and I didn't
value the details of our lives, not because we didn't love each other any
more. Now I realize that since I carried her into my home on our wedding
day I am supposed to hold her until death do us apart.

Dew seemed to suddenly wake up. She gave me a loud slap and then slammed
the door and burst into tears. I walked downstairs and drove away.

At the floral shop on the way, I ordered a bouquet of flowers for my wife.
The salesgirl asked me what to write on the card. I smiled and wrote, I'll
carry you out every morning until death do us apart.

That evening I arrived home, flowers in my hands, a smile on my face, I
run up stairs, only to find my wife in the bed - dead.

The small details of your lives are what really matter in a relationship.
It is not the mansion, the car, property, the money in the bank, the jewelries
blah..blah.. blah….

These create an environment conducive for happiness but
cannot give happiness in themselves. So find time to be your spouse's
friend and do those little things for each other that build intimacy.. Do
have a real happy marriage!

If you don't share this, nothing will happen to you.

If you do, you just might save a marriage

LIFE IS TO LOVE ……

2009-11-12T23:43:00.002+08:00

My roommate was asking for my opinion regarding a cellphone and I've thought of browsing SE's site and I found this. G900 is going to be my next phone. Of course I'm on a tight budget so I'll probably buy this next year. It has everything I need in a phone just like K800i but better. Of course it should be better. It has wifi, up to 8gb memory. And it has touchscreen and handwriting recognition. The camera is also great 5MP.

I just have to write about this.

Treats

2009-11-11T23:16:00.002+08:00

Life is a treat. It should be. But how will we appreciate the treat if we don't know the difference. That's why I guess, there's variety. My life is full of many interesting people, events and activities. The price I have to pay is more often exhaustion and frustration. But I know that I will keep going on because I want to do those things. I want to learn and grow, my mind and my soul.

Why this pic? This is pichi-pichi from Amber's. The pichi-pichi here is really good. But I particularly like Amber's pancit palabok and barbecue.
Anyway, today has been hectic not only because of work but also because of continuing education. I want to study more at a lesser cost. I really hope things will work out well. The food during the Journal club, our wednesday continuing education at work, is also delicious. Tuna sandwich is not only healthy but also yummy.

I had a nice time chatting with random people. That's a step.

(-)

2009-11-10T22:41:00.005+08:00

Negative emotions are within me for quite some time now. Nobody wants to feel bad but sometimes, we just have to deal with these so we can be stronger.

Rejection.

I am a true friend. I let them know who I am and I accept them for who they are. But sometimes, people I thought my friends turn out to be fakes. It hurts although I try not to think about them. Rejection will always be painful. But life goes on. And before I know it, in time, I'll gain new true friends.

Respect.

Should be given to anyone and anything. Respect my things as a sign that you respect me. I am not a trash!

Trust.

I trust you. So don't deceive me. Karma exists.

Resolution: Bad feelings will come and go. I just have to know how to talk with someone to come up with a compromise and to open myself up to possibilities--positive possibilities=)

This dream

2009-11-09T10:41:00.001+08:00

I just can't give up. I just can't let go. I will fight for this. I need to. I hope God will help me.

P

2009-11-04T22:11:00.002+08:00

You can buy books to inspire and encourage you, but it helps a lot if you hear words of encouragement from friends.

These past few days I've been struggling with fears and I will share this prayer I saw at the Vigil room of San Sebastian Cathedral. This helps a lot, too.

"In every need, let me come to You with whole trust saying Jesus help me.
In all my doubts, perplexities and temptation, Jesus help me.
In hours of loneliness, weariness and trials, Jesus help me.
In failure of my plans and hopes, in disappointments, troubles, and sorrow, Jesus help me.
When others fail me and your grace aone can assist me, Jesus help me.
When I throw myself on Your tender love as Father and Savior, Jesus help me.
When my heart is cast down by failure at seeing no good come from my efforts, Jesus help me.
When I feel unimportant and my cross irritates me, Jesus help me.
When I'm ill and my head and hand can't work and I'm lonely, Jesus help me.
Always, always, in spite of weakness, falls, and shortcomings of every kind, Jesus help me and never forsake me."

Can't Get Enough of MJ

2009-11-02T17:35:00.005+08:00

I've watched THIS IS IT film and this is one of the songs MJ sang...I've always liked this song but I'm not really familiar with the lyrics. Anyway, here it goes...

I Just Want To Lay Next To You
For Awhile
You Look So Beautiful Tonight
Your Eyes Are So Lovely
Your Mouth Is So Sweet
A Lot Of People
Misunderstand Me
That's Because They Don't
Know Me At All
I Just Want To Touch You
And Hold You
I Need You
God I Need You
I Love You So Much

[Michael]
Each Time The Wind Blows
I Hear Your Voice So
I Call Your Name . . .
Whispers At Morning
Our Love Is Dawning
Heaven's Glad You Came . . .

You Know How I Feel
This Thing Can't Go Wrong
I'm So Proud To Say
I Love You
Your Love's Got Me High
I Long To Get By
This Time Is Forever
Love Is The Answer

[Siedah]
I Hear Your Voice Now
You Are My Choice Now
The Love You Bring
Heaven's In My Heart
At Your Call
I Hear Harps,
And Angels Sing

You Know How I Feel
This Thing Can't Go Wrong
I Can't Live My Life
Without You

[Michael]
I Just Can't Hold On

[Siedah]
I Feel We Belong

[Michael]
My Life Ain't Worth Living
If I Can't Be With You

[Both]
I Just Can't Stop Loving You
I Just Can't Stop Loving You
And If I Stop . . .
Then Tell Me Just What
Will I Do

[Siedah]
'Cause I Just Can't Stop
Loving You

[Michael]
At Night When The
Stars Shine
I Pray In You I'll Find
A Love So True . . .

[Siedah]
When Morning Awakes Me
Will You Come And Take Me
I'll Wait For You

[Michael]
You Know How I Feel
I Won't Stop Until
I Hear Your Voice Saying
"I Do"

[Siedah]
"I Do"
This Thing Can't Go Wrong

[Michael]
This Feeling's So Strong

[Siedah]
Well, My Life Ain't
Worth Living

[Both]
If I Can't Be With You
I Just Can't Stop Loving You
I Just Can't Stop Loving You
And If I Stop . . .
Then Tell Me, Just What
Will I Do

[Michael]
I Just Can't Stop Loving You

[Siedah]
We Can Change All The World
Tomorrow

[Michael]
We Can Sing Songs Of
Yesterday

[Siedah]
I Can Say, Hey . . .Farewell
To Sorrow

[Michael]
This Is My Life And I,

[Both]
Want To See You For Always
I Just Can't Stop Loving You

[Siedah]
No, Baby

[Michael]
Oh!

[Both]
I Just Can't Stop Loving You

[Siedah]
If I Can't Stop!

[Both]
And If I Stop . . .

[Siedah]
No

[Michael]
Oh! Oh! Oh . . .Oh . . .

[Siedah]
What Will I Do? Uh . . .Ooh . . .
(Then Tell Me, Just What
Will I Do)

[Both]
I Just Can't Stop Loving You

[Michael]
Hee! Hee! Hee! Know I Do
Girl!

[Both]
I Just Can't Stop Loving You

[Michael]
You Know I Do
And If I Stop . . .

[Both]
Then Tell Me, Just What
Will I Do

[Both]
I Just Can't Stop Loving You

Messages

2009-10-29T17:48:00.000+08:00

Our lives are books and each day is a page. We can’t erase what has been written, but we can make the next page better. So I put my hands up, they’re playing my song butterflies fly away. I’m nodding my head like yeah. I’m moving my hips like yeah. Because when it rains, all birds fly for shelter. But the EAGLE alone avoids the rain. By FLYING ABOVE THE CLOUDS. Problems are common to all, but ATTITUDE MAKES THE DIFFERENCE. And so WE MUST BE LIKE AN EAGLE, AND BELIEVE WE CAN FLY ABOVE THE STORM OF LIFE.

This can be done because GOD makes us brave when we are afraid, makes us strong when we are weak, but most of all, HE teaches us to hold on to HIM when things keep on falling. God has given us two gifts, one is CHOICE and the other is CHANCE. Choice is to select a good one, and chance is to have the best one. Do you get what this means? You do? Good for you because I don’t.
Most people believe that “I love you” is the best thing you can say to anybody. I have learned that “I love you, too” has a greater impact on the human heart. Anybody can say “I love you” but not everyone gets an “I love you, too”.

According to Joshua Harris (Boy Meets Girl), the right time and age to start pursuing marriage will be different for each of us. But the one thing we should all have in common is waiting until romance can be guided by WISDOM. Then we can experience the season of courtship at the right time and the right pace with a clear purpose and a clear head. This is romance at its best.

We just always have to remember that God only makes happy endings. If it’s not happy, then it’s not yet the end. If you are in a struggle, take courage for it’s not done yet. TRUST AND WAIT.

Familiar? These paragraphs come from the messages friends sent me these past few days.

The soul of being is their scent.

2009-10-28T15:37:00.003+08:00

Last month I think, I watched this movie entitled Perfume, the Story of a Murderer. Since perfume is another obsession of mine, I was totally glued to the tube aside of course because I also love watching weird movies.

According to the murderer’s teacher, a perfume is composed of several notes. The Head creates the first impression. It’s the first scent you smell after spraying the perfume. Then there’s the Heart which is the theme of the perfume. Then there is the Base. This leaves the trail of the perfume lasting seven days. Then there is that Extra note—that one final essence that will bring out and dominate the perfume. According to him, there are 12 discovered essences but there is a legend about the 13th. It is a legend because it could never be determined.

The murderer wanted to know how to capture the smell of all things. The teacher taught him Distillation at the right temperature. I’m a bit familiar with this because we distil every now and then during my college days. But he still couldn’t capture the scent of metals, and others. After a while, he left that place to go to this place, Grass, where perfume is its forte.

There he learned enfleurage. That’s how he captured the scent—of a woman. That was how he became a murderer. But on his way there, he went to this cave; there was something about this place. He was no longer distracted with externals. He was able to bask in his own existence. After a while he has almost forgot his obsessions. He found out that he didn’t have his own scent. He feared his own oblivion. It was as if he did not exist. He must continue his journey to Grass. He wanted to be exceptional....the gods had at last began to smile at him.

After killing several young beautiful women, he finally captured the 13th scent. And it was magical—powerful. And then you have to watch the movie or read the book to know the ending.=) It is written by Patrick Suskind with the title Perfume the Story of a Murderer.

Abroad

2009-10-26T23:36:00.002+08:00

We've spent 3 hours on the whole presentation. Instead of having a final examination, this project proposal presentation serves as our final exam. All seven of us have great ideas. Some are already being implemented, while others need some time.

That class usually ends at 9pm but this time it ended at 10pm which is logical since it started at 7pm. Anyway, one of our classmates is leaving the country and because of separation anxiety/change, I am a bit sad. I am going to miss her.

Most people I know have left the country. Good thing there are still millions of people here. But seriously, it's always sad when someone leaves. Yet I'm hoping to someday be the one to leave instead of being left behind.

No Lunch

2009-10-26T17:45:00.002+08:00

I was nearly late for work this morning. Good thing I walked fast--semi-run to the bundy clock. My stomach feels uneasy as of the moment which is not new especially now that the presentation is about to start in a few minutes. I'm still in this office though, typing away. Should I visit the restroom first or should I wait...

I'm nervous. Please pray for me. Thanks!

Cram

2009-10-26T00:42:00.003+08:00

It's the wee hour of the morning and I'm still up because I had to finish my report later. And then I got obsessed with fonts. Obsessed is the word because I have been looking for the font of Nova Chips package. I want to be my blog font. But I could not find it on the net. Oh well, I need to sleep now if I want to work well later.=)

Stand Up

2009-10-23T23:31:00.002+08:00

Five years of standing while working has taken its toll on my body. My veins are shaking up inside. I think I need to wear compression stockings (if that's the term for that kind of stocking). I'm really exhausted--physically. But I couldn't stop because time is precious and I want to do all the things that i could do right now. Time is gold. That is true.

Don't worry, I'm just exhausted from too much surfing the net and playing my favorite interactive games online. This makes me lack sleep and then at work I have to stand up all day to do the rounds, reordering and other responsibilities. It's good that I'm not sedentary; however, my legs are crying out for attention. And since I've gotten big, my weight is adding up to the tension/stress.

Next Monday is the last day of this semester. Then the next week is maybe the enrollment for next semester. Then next week after is the start of 2nd sem. Life goes on.

Open

2009-10-22T22:49:00.002+08:00

I'm a little talkative these past few days. Most of the topics I tell people are trivial. But at least I'm talking.

My free-spirited ways were cut short last year because of one mistake that broke trusts of those around me. I was truly humbled. I found myself being in gradeschool again bullied by everyone. I wanted to fight back but then what's the point...

It hurts to be in a place where you want to have friends yet people are not welcoming you in their lives. They make me afraid then defensive, then angry then sad. I am feeling sad right now. I hope I will come to accept what I cannot change. And hopefully I'll be able to open my heart to unlikely friends. I realize they could be my friends. I hope so. If my own kind does not accept me, maybe others will.

Just because

2009-10-21T23:11:00.002+08:00

I already have that love--that gentle, understanding and kind love. The love that is worth trying and fighting for. But then, life is not that easy for me. I always have to work hard--just like in career, and love, and friends.

I don't want it to be hard. I want my life to be easy. I don't want to dwell on problems and disappointments. I want to focus on the easy stuff--on the great joys in my life--genuine, unsolicited love. I will always do my best. I deserve the best.

Life should be all smiles--smiles of gratitude and excitement.

I am thankful for friends from around the world because they give me ideas of what goes on that part of the world. I hope I'll have many more friends from around the world.