Bitten!

I just got bitten by the Lomo bug. I used up the whole roll of film in my Vivitar UWS and took random photos to later on find out that I should have used a more "lomographic" film in the cam. Anyways, here's my first roll.

I can't wait to get that Fisheye next!

Lobo

I love the logo of ABS-CBN's TV series - Lobo.
I love the theme song, too.
I was able to watch a few episodes and now I'm hooked.

Torture for a Day

Have you ever felt a major pain from wearing a nice shoes to work like it's torture? That's what I experienced the whole day yesterday. I decided to wear my three-inch high pointy stilettos because it has been sleeping in my closet for years and years so I decided to put it on. I never had a problem wearing this kind of shoes before so I guess this is what happens when you become used to wearing flats, sneakers and Havaianas on a daily basis. It was actually tolerable for the most part at work since I was sitting almost the whole time and we have carpeted floors but the minute I stepped out of the building and began crossing the street on my way to Greenbelt, that's when I almost took my shoes off. I swear I would gladly walk barefoot than wear this shoes for a while longer. Good thing the salon is just a few blocks away. I got in to have my brows threaded and forgot about my aching feet. Sigh. If it hadn't, I would have bought a pair of slippers. As soon as I arrived home, I hurried to my room and did this:

A Good Friday

Got this from the mail today:

Because of the rally in Ayala Avenue just outside the office,
we were dismissed early...
but I was so hungry because I only had
monggo for lunch
so
we had merienda cena
at Mr. Rockefeller in GB3.(photo courtesy of clickthecity.com)
I love, love the 5 layer nachos! We also had
oysters rockefeller, Alaskan sole fillet and
this salmon dish I ordered.

After our early dinner,
DD saw that MJ's Thriller 25th Anniversary album
is already released in Music One.
(Believe me, this is the first time
I saw DD's eyes get THAT wide!) :DDD: Conquer your fear. Look now!!! hahahaha
I listened to it the minute I got home.

Dogster.com

Ever since Alfie was confined at the clinic, there was never a day I did not browse his dogster account which I created last January 2005. I have never updated it in a long while and today I am not sure if I should write "in loving memory" in his profile or if I would just keep him alive. I choose the latter. He will forever be alive in my heart.

If you get the chance, checkitout! Also, Louise's.

In Memoriam: Alfie

D' Punisher "Alfie" of NPR

13 July 2004 - 10 February 2008

I woke up at 7am from a two-hour sleep yesterday and prepared to visit Alfie in the clinic. As I was dressing up, I called up the vet to let him know I was coming.

Me: Good morning, Doc. I'll be there in a few minutes. How's Alfie?
Vet: I was just trying to call you. He didn't make it.
Me: ...
Vet: He slept the whole day yesterday. At 11pm, he was having a shortness of breath. He was in comatose at 3am and at 5am, he's gone. I'm sorry.
Me: Okay. So what do I do now?
Vet: Would you like us to bury him or do you want to do it yourself?
Me: Please do it. I can't see him. I don't want to see him. But I'm going there now. I'll bring his puppies and his one year old dog. I'll bring Louise some other time.
Vet: Okay, see you.

As soon as I hang up, I was shaking and crying. I boohooed inside my room. I cried until I can cry no more. I miss Alfie and I will miss him for as long as I live.

Sleepless...

It's four in the morning.

I can't bring myself to sleep.

I am exhausted from crying the whole night.

Alfie is still alive but he looks terrible.

I know he's not gonna make it and there's nothing I can do.

Alfie Update II

There is still no sign of improvement. I took Alfie out of the clinic and transferred him to a recommended veterinarian. And there he was treated and diagnosed properly. The new vet, Dr. Jorge Ferrer told me that Alfie is really in bad, bad shape and he will do what he can but made no guarantee which I perfectly understand. I just want Alfie to have the best treatment possible.

Right now I am hoping for a miracle.

Alfie Update

I woke up early feeling sick and the first thing I did was to call the clinic. I felt so relieved knowing that Alfie is still alive. I decided to call in sick so I could spend time with him and have his lab test. He is still weak.

At around 7pm, I received a phone call from the vet saying that Alfie was dying and that we should go there immediately. I felt so numb. I didn't cry nor panic. I didn't feel a thing. I couldn't even move. I told Deda and our driver to pick him up. I just couldn't make myself see him lifeless. A few minutes after they left, I got another call from the vet telling me that it was just a false alarm. I literally ran to the clinic to see for myself and there he was...looking so weak but still alive. At that moment, the vet was getting to my nerves already. I was mad at her I wanted to ask if she is a veterinarian at all. I wanted to transfer Alfie to a more reputable clinic but it was already late. I'll do it first thing tomorrow.

Alfie

I received a call early in the afternoon from Deda asking if I would allow that my dog Alfie be brought to the vet and have him confined because he is sick. I was initially surprised because I didn't see it coming but later in the day realized that I should have expected it because I have neglected him. I have never for the longest time paid attention to him nor have I ever took a minute to even glance at him because my attention is with Louise and the newly born puppies.

From work, I planned to go home first but when I passed by the clinic, my instinct told me to step out of the cab and visit him. When I saw him, I was beyond shocked. I couldn't believe he is THE Alfie I used to play with. He is beyond recognition and he is so so so weak. When I arrived, he was lying down. I called his name and tried to communicate with him and he responded. In fact, he got a little hyper, tried to stand and walk but he was in really bad shape and was falling. After a while, he had seizures. I thought he was gonna die. That moment I lost control. I cried so hard. I cried not only because I felt I'm gonna lose him but also because I knew that I failed him. I did not give the proper care and attention he so rightfully deserves. He gave me 14 beautiful puppies and I gave him NOTHING. I felt so sorry and ashamed. And the thing is, he still recognizes me. He gave me a look that says everything and I understood. It was like he was trying to say: "I forgive you. Please take care of me. I don't want to go...just yet." He was in the worst form but he was trying to survive. I went home crying and feeling soooooo bad. At 3am, I was still crying and praying for him. I want him to survive because I want to give him what he truly deserves and make up for everything I have and have not done. I never thought I would cry over a dog. I never thought a dog would have touched my heart so much the way Alfie did. I don't know if I could forgive myself if I lost him.

Bakers' Festival

St. Therese

I received an email last January 16th about St. Therese's pilgrim relics in the Philippines and I initially planned on visiting my cousins in Villamor Air Base where the shrine of St. Therese is located. But this morning, I was asked by Vel if I wanted to join them in St. Michael's Chapel to visit the relics and who says no to that?

St. Therese's Relics

St. Therese

Got a souvenir novena booklet and chaplet.

And then there were three...

It breaks my heart to even say this but truth be told: two of my shih tzu puppies died in one week interval. Sadness...

Onion Soup, anyone?

Before watching I Am Legend last Friday night, we decided to have dinner first and we chose La Maison in Greenbelt 5. We originally planned to eat at Chateau 1771 but the place was booked for the night. I first asked for their onion soup...

I forgot to take its picture before tasting it so pardon the "presentation". I'm almost halfway through but I thought it's a sin not to share with you. It's that good. I used my camphone to take these pictures so sorry for the low resolution. The best tasting onion soup I've tried is at Prince Albert Rotisserie and this comes close. I love it! To be honest though, I have cheap taste in food meaning I eat all sorts (but when I say it tastes bad, it really is that bad!) so it's best that you try it for yourself.

Complimentary bread (We finished half already. Again, forgot to take photos.)

Baby back ribs. Delish!
Pesto. Sadly, I don't recommend this.

They have this board hung inside.

Being 31

When I was younger, thirty one seemed so far away... I thought that a woman of that age would be so wise and knowledgeable, so settled in her life with a husband, children and a wonderful career. I had none of those things. I don't feel thirty one. I can't believe I.am.thirty.one. If I could stop the clock from ticking, I would. But then again, AGE IS JUST A NUMBER.

Anyway, I want to share with you 31 things I want to do/have/accomplish within the year - my new year's resolution and birthday wishes combined (in no particular order):

1. Lose weight. This has always been a staple in my MUST DO list. I don't always become successful but heck, to lose weight I must because I never want to hear comments from people saying "Tumataba ka." (You're getting FAT.) with a matter-of-fact look on their faces like they have the most gorgeous body this side of the planet. Of course, there are some who say it subtly and joke about it like it's no big deal which is good. The truth is I try, I really do. One basic rule for people: NEVER EVER TELL A GIRL SHE'S FAT no matter how BIG she becomes because every girl already thinks, feels and knows it whether she's fat or not.

2. Go to the gym. Refer to #1.

3. Eat right. Weeeeeeeeeeeh. I hate that I'm always hungry. Always! And when I am, I crave for all sorts of food. So perhaps this time, I'd stock up on healthier options. Geez. I hate to even think about it.

4. Travel more. I'd want to use all the chances of vacation I can get to explore new places and embrace different cultures. Any takers? Heehee.

5. Read more. So many books, so little time...

6. Surround myself with good people. My mom always used to remind me of this ever since I started going to school and by far I think this is the best advice she has given me. She always says that I should choose my friends well and the people I hang out with because this is a decision that will define who I will become. It can either make or break me. Not that I have ever protested against her nor has she been against any of my friends but she told me that someday I will understand why she always tells me that. I knew soon enough. I love and appreciate all my friends because they helped me become a better me.

7. Get closer to God. I am a true blue Catholic as I was born and raised but I have nothing against other religions, too. I believe that religion should be based on faith.

8. Attend a fellowship. VCF or CCF perhaps?

9. Be more optimistic. I am a worrier so I tend to think and take things negatively. It's time for a cool change!

10. Buy "The Secret". I've been hearing raves about this and I can't wait to see what it can do to me.

11. SAVE. SAVE. SAVE.

12. Get myself that Louis Vuitton bag. Or a Goyard maybe? ...which reminds me to:

13. Remind myself of #11.

14. Learn a new language.

15. Cook. Would you believe that I have never cooked a real meal ever?

16. Give more. I'm a living testimony to the fact that when you give more, you'll receive more. I'm not rich but I'm blessed.

17. Pay it forward. When someone becomes a blessing to you, it shouldn't stop there. Be a blessing to others, too.

18. Invest more on classic pieces. I am an impulsive buyer and I intend to buy stuff that are trendy when I want it which is... always! From now on, this will not be the case...all year round. I'm not saying I won't buy trendy stuff ever, I'd just lessen it up a bit. =)

19. Learn how to drive. Got my student's permit already...that's a step...

20. Go back to writing a daily gratitude journal.

21. Have the courage to fight for the people who matter and for what is right.

22. Never lose the child in me. Being the panganay (eldest) in our small family (I have only one sibling) and the eldest granddaughter in my father's side of the family, I took it upon myself to play the role of an elder sister and a second mother to most of my younger cousins. I sometimes forget that just like them, I am a child too. I should loosen up a bit.

23. Visit a social services institution. Elderly people have a soft spot in my heart so hopefully I could visit Hospicio de San Jose in the near future.

24. Stop being a whiner. I will try my best to stop complaining and get things done.

25. Spend more time with my friends. Before the year ends, I will organize a get-together with the friends I lost touch with.

26. Be punctual. Okay, okay, I admit I'm always late. It's about time I do the waiting now...

27. Save P100.00 - P200.00 daily as one way to keep my task #11. I've been doing this for the past three years except last year. The first time I did, I used the money I saved from it to a Hongkong trip.

28. Smoke less. Oh yes!

29. Try not to hold grudges and be more understanding. I don't promise on this one but I will try my very best because I know that the heaviest burden a person can carry is grudge. The problem with me is I forgive easily but I don't forget.

30. Stay happy.

To everyone who remembered me this Christmas, New Year's
and on my birthday,
I can't say thank you enough but still I say,
THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HUMBLE HEART!

Happy New Year!

I wish you Health...
So you may enjoy each day in comfort.

I wish you the Love of friends and family...
And Peace within your heart.

I wish you the Beauty of nature...
That you may enjoy the work of God.

I wish you Wisdom to choose priorities...
For those things that really matter in life.

I wish you Generosity so you may share...
All good things that come to you.

I wish you Happiness and Joy...
And Blessings for the New Year.

I wish you the best of everything...
That you so well deserve.

HAPPY 2008!!!

Welcome the New Year with a Big Bang!

I was awaken by a loud shout from Deda this morning at 9am but I ignored her and went back to sleep only to get up in bed a minute later and realized that what she said was: "Nanganganak na si Louise!" (Louise is giving birth!). We were expecting her to give birth in two weeks' time yet but look:

She has five cutie little shih tzu puppies: 4 girls and 1 boy.

What a way to welcome the new year!!!

My 2007

The year 2007 has been a good year for me. There may be a few hurdles here and there but overall it still was a good year highlighted into:

1. Travels - I've been to two places I've never been to. I had my first ever trip to the USA in April. It was the sweetest! I enjoyed every minute of it tremendously. Who wouldn't when you were denied of a visit four times over? In August I went to Cebu with friends courtesy of the BBE! (You know who you are!!!).

2. My 12 year old cousin's hospitalization - Aj got into an accident in school, suffered a severe fracture and had undergone two major operations in June. It was difficult for the family to face but I know that from that experience, each one of us learned the value of acceptance, gratitude and appreciation to things and people that matter.

3. Social conscience - If there is one trait I am proudest to say I inherited from my dad, it is being selfless -- thinking of other people's welfare before one's own. I really think that no amount of lecture can hone a person's character. The most important factor that will characterize a person is his environment and the people around him. I am grateful that the most important persons in my life in my growing years made a great influence in me to be someone who is altruistic. They did not teach or force me to be one, though. They showed me how to be one so I grew up knowing that that's how it is supposed to be.

4. Food Trips - Looking back, this year has brought me to new food places and old favorite places I keep coming back to which is why I have gained so much weight but I'm not complaining because I've gained new friends, too.

To my family, friends and everyone who has been a part of my 2007, THANK YOU.

Logan, the Sky Angel Cowboy!

This is soooo touching...

Finally!

I've been hearing from friends about how good Excelente Ham is for like forever but it was only last night that I had a chance to satisfy my curiosity and finally tasted it! I had to go to Quiapo myself to buy... It was already past seven when we got there and there were less people in the store but there were lots and lots of ham.

I don't know about you and sorry to burst your bubble but for me Purefoods' Fiesta Cooked Ham tastes better.