Overjoyed, over loved, over me

When I was in the van on my way to work earlier the radio played Overjoyed by Stevie Wonder.  Hearing it made me smile and I immediately brought out my phone and sent Simon a text.  In the message I said:

"I'm listening to Overjoyed on the radio and I immediately thought of you.  It was the one of the best gifts you have ever given me.  Thank you."

At which his reply was to send me back a smile.

It was then that I realized that, trite as it may sound, we actually had a song.  Many, many years ago when we were still together I noticed Simon practicing a complicated piece on his 6-string bass and thought, it must be a new piece the band wanted to try out for a gig.  Since they did that occasionally I didn't think much of it.  Back then I used to go to his gigs all the time.  This particular gig, though, he insisted that I attend and asked me to bring my friends.  There was nothing unusual about that request so I said yes.

That gig was at 70s Bistro with Lampano Alley, and it was at around this time of the year (February), on our wedding anniversary.  There is one particular song (I think it was "Gloria") where all the members of the band get some spotlight time so when it was time for Simon's solo I was not surprised.  What did surprise me was when everyone left the stage and then Binky announced on the mic that Simon's solo was dedicated to me for our anniversary.

He then proceeded to play his rendition of Victor Wooten's version of Overjoyed on his 6-string bass.  I was transfixed ... entranced ... speechless ... awestruck.  It was as if the roomful of people disappeared and there was only him and me.  His performance was so good that there was no sound from the audience, not even clinking ice.  He was that good!

Our friend, Claire, was so amazed that she had grabbed my arm at the beginning of the song and watched Simon the entire time and when he finished (to a standing ovation) she turned to me with starry eyes and said, "Manang, gumwapo si Simon sa paningin ko." hahaha

I was so choked up and teary eyed with happiness I wanted to run onstage and give him a smooch but I didn't.  Instead I just mouthed him the words "I love you".  After all, they still had a gig to finish.  From that time on, though, my friends and family (who were with me at the gig) and I cannot hear Overjoyed without thinking of Simon.

Just to give you an idea, here is a clip of Victor Wooten (sorry, not Simon) playing Overjoyed.  This video does not actually have a video (just a picture) so you can just listen to it.  This was the only full acoustic version I could find.



And, here are the lyrics to the song.


Over time, I've been building my castle of love
Just for two, though you never knew you were my reason
I've gone much too far for you now to say
That I've got to throw my castle away

Over dreams, I have picked out a perfect come true
Though you never knew it was of you I've been dreaming
The sandman has come from too far away
For you to say come back some other day

And though you don't believe that they do
They do come true
For did my dreams
Come true when I looked at you
And maybe too, if you would believe
You too might be
Overjoyed, over loved, over me

Over hearts, I have painfully turned every stone
Just to find, I had found what I've searched to discover
I've come much too far for me now to find
The love that I've sought can never be mine

And though you don't believe that they do
They do come true
For did my dreams
Come true when I looked at you
And maybe too, if you would believe
You too might be
Overjoyed, over loved, over me

And though the odds say improbable
What do they know
For in romance
All true love needs is a chance
And maybe with a chance you will find
You too like I
Overjoyed, over loved, over you, over you

How do I love tikoy, let me count the ways

I  tikoy.  I could eat it all day ... which is why I am very happy when we receive a lot of Tikoy from our friends.  Good thing that tikoy is usually only given during Chinese New year or I'd be a blimp!

Before cooking the tikoy I like to put it in the chiller to make cutting it up easier.  Once firm enough I slice it by cutting down (not in a sawing motion) and I store the cut up pieces in plastic containers in the refrigerator.  That way I can just take out a container and cook it without the hassle of slicing ... plus it takes up less space in the ref that way. 

The usual way of preparing tikoy is by beating an egg and then dipping the tikoy in the beaten egg before frying it in hot oil.

Another way is to roll it in cornstarch after letting the sliced tikoy sit out for a while (so that it is sticky again) and then frying.  This method uses no egg.

Another way is to wrap it in a lumpia wrapper with a slice of fruit.  Fruit options I am sure work (because I've tried them, hehehe) are langka (jackfruit), ripe mango, and saba (banana).  I've tried cooking the lumpia two ways and both of them work.  

You could deep fry it (as usual) or you could baste it with oil and stick it in the oven toaster for 8 to 10 minutes.  The second option is healthier so, if you are "trying" to eat healthy, you may opt to do the latter.  I wish I had chocolate or strawberry syrup.  I bet this would taste and look great with a drizzle of syrup.   The fruit in the photo is mango.  I like using mango because the contrast of sweet and slightly sour is interesting.

I read somewhere that I could roll the tikoy in sesame seeds before deep frying it so I want to try that tomorrow.

A friend of mine said he ate some earlier with nuts, so I want to try that, too.

Can anyone else think of other ways to prepare tikoy?  I'd love to try them all so suggestions are more than welcome.

School hell in a hand basket ... for me

I used to love going to school.  I would wake up and be excited 'cause I will be learning something new.  For the first time ever I am so dissatisfied that going to school feels like a chore.

When it comes to work I have this philosophy:  "when I wake up in the morning and all I can think of is I wish the work/school day would end, then it is time to move on".  In other words, when work is no longer fun, then it is time to look for something more challenging or stimulating.

This semester started off wrong for me.  From the time it started in November we either had so many school extra-curricular activities or our classes were in jeopardy because of the student quota required that we are unable to meet.  Consequently, we didn't really learn much ... of anything.

If there is one subject, though, where I feel I learned something it would have to be Statistics.  Luckily, I enjoy math so I am actually enjoying the challenges this subject throws at me.

IMC is a bust.  If not for the fact that the class decided to do a marketing plan as a class project, I don't think our class would have any direction at all.  Since I have the official syllabus from our program chair, Sir Dodi, I know what topics are supposed to be covered but are not.

In Seminar in Communication Management in the Philippines:  Issues and Trends we have had some lectures, but, unfortunately, they were on days when I was not around because of work and then when I DID appear for class, I discovered there was no class on that day.

And then there is the accreditation for MC.  I'm glad the brunt of the work has been moved from my shoulders to that of a full-time faculty member.  As a student (and not an alumna of the university) I found myself at a loss to work on most of the things needed for accreditation.  Thankfully, Sir Dodi assigned the curriculum reformatting and updating to me, which I knew I was capable of accomplishing.  This meant that so long as there was a previous version, I had something to work with.  There are still problems, though.  I still need 6 more syllabi which, I suppose were subjects that were not taught before.  Without assistance from faculty and students who have taken or are taking those subjects, how am I supposed to acquire those syllabi?  Hello, student here, not faculty!  I am hoping, really hoping that the faculty step up and do their parts, too.  Btw, I don't know all the faculty members, either.  Other MC students have also been assigned to different parts of the accreditation requirements.  Hopefully, they are being utilized well as I have opted not to get too involved with it outside of my assignment.  I already have more than enough on my plate!

Let's add to that the MC activities that, apparently, I am supposed to be spearheading.  Color me shocked!  One of the activities I anticipated I will be spearheading since this was something we were discussing as early as September, but other than that ... how did I get to be the person in charge?  Napag-utusan lang ako to relay instructions from Sir Dodi and all of a sudden I am in charge?  I was promised support but not really getting any ... yet.  It is as if everyone is waiting for someone to tell them what to do but besides a handful, no one else is asking what they CAN do or volunteering to do something specific.

Ok, fine.  Someone has to do it, right?  And if no one else will step up then I will do what I can but my abilities are limited, given my current work load/responsibilities.  I don't know if I have mentioned this before, but I have 3 jobs, so you can imagine just how buried I am in work.  As it is, when I enrolled for a full Saturday schedule, I had not anticipated that I would have work on a Saturday that would affect 2 of my 3 subjects.  Thankfully, I was able to speak with my professors and was able to arrange alternatives.  For my Statistics class I will be attending the Sunday classes.  For my Seminar class I will present my report as soon as possible.

In the election of officers for the MC Society last August I was very surprised that I was elected (in any position) given that I was not present.  The constitution specifically stated that a person cannot be nominated nor elected in absentia.  In any case, I got elected Secretary and I have been doing everything I could to fulfill my role as Secretary.  The tasks set for me are specific.  Documentation, announcements, minutes, writing letters.  Other than that, duties expand given our roles in the various committees.  I feel at times, though, that I am (by accident or by design) doing things above and beyond my responsibilities and I fear that I am usurping the roles of other officers.  I keep trying to avoid them but they keep coming back to me.  So maybe in a way it is a good thing I can't be in school all day anymore.  Maybe it is a good thing I am not so available because of work.

I will continue to do what I can virtually and be present at MC or required school events whenever possible but that's it for me.

I don't like feeling so negative and right now all the negatives are pointing to school.  Thankfully the semester is halfway through and in a little over a month new officers will be elected and I will be released from my feelings of obligation.

I need to get back into the positive frame of mind. I WILL get back to being positive.  It's the only way to get through life without having a nervous breakdown again.  At the moment, I feel really close to having another one. 

Buried under a pile

Ok, ok.  I've been saying for some time to whoever asks me what I am up to that I am buried in work.  I feel the load but I haven't really listed down everything I need to do.  So, I figured listing them down might make it look more manageable.  Let me see ...

With TK I need to complete the following:

1. 17 lab exercises
2. 17 complete websites (with original content, design, and full functionality)  
3. 5 text quizzes  
4. 5 interactive quizzes  
5. 45 concept papers

Then with CSB I need to prepare lectures for the following:

1. information architecture  
2. web typography  
3. web page elements and layouts  
4. working with dreamweaver  
5. working with colors for the web  
6. optimizing images for the web  
7. preparing photographs for use on the web 
8. slicing and rollovers  
9. designing the site template  
10. inserting media  
11. wire-framing  
12. using tables to layout a website  
13. CSS  
14. spry  
15. working with forms and applying JS behaviors  
16. web publishing  
17. portfolio production and timeline  
18. production timeline  
19. online layout and production  
20. asset assembly and selection  
21. specialization stages  
22. asset collection  
23. integrating assets to mediums  
24. asset selection  
25. physical setups  
26. layout for physical designs

For the MC accreditation I need to retype and update the course syllabi of the following:

1. COM 631 Statistics in Communication  
2. COM 632 Information and Communication Technology  
3. COM 634 Integrated Marketing Communication Strategies  
4. COM 635 Seminar in Communication Management in the Philippines: Issues and Problems  
5. COM 636 Corporate Communication  
6. COM 637 Managing Public Information Programs and Campaigns  
7. COM 638 Organizational Culture and Communication Policy Planning  
8. COM 639 Research and Theory Construction in Communication 
9. COM 640 Communication Research Utilization, Planning, Policy and Management  
10. COM 641 Qualitative Approaches in Communication Research  
11. COM 642 Ethical and Philosophical Issues in Communication Research  
12. COM 643 Cross-Cultural Research  
13. COM 644 Emerging and Indigenous Communication Research Methods  
14. COM 646 Advanced RTV Production and Direction  
15. COM 647 Legal and Ethical Issues in Mass Media  
16. COM 648 Investigative Journalism and Development Communication  
17. COM 649 Seminar in Global Communication  
18. COM 652 Advanced Multimedia/RTV Broadcast Journalism  
19. COM 656 Electronic PR and Advertising Strategies and Communication Campaigns  
20. COM 530 Introduction to Communication Theories and Models  
21. COM 531 Introduction to Communication Research Methods  
22. COM 532 Social Dynamics of Multi-Media Communication

I've already completed a few and partway through a couple but until I do, that's the pending list.
For my schoolwork I need to submit:

1. goals and objectives of the MC marketing plan  
2. analysis of an existing communication campaign of a local government agency  

Also working on my thesis.
And then, as icing on the cake everything (except schoolwork) are priority work! Ok ... so maybe I have a good reason to be anti-social and keep my nose to the grindstone. I just wish I don't get more work dumped on me in the meantime. It's not like I have the extra time.
I'm not even counting other MC tasks because I am able to do manage to insert most of my tasks as secretary somewhere between all the writing and typing and conceptualizing but that's it. I can't take the helm on anything anymore. If I do that then I will have to give up something, which I can't do. I already gave up my social life, decent sleep, regular meals, and family time. What else am I expected to give up?

Still a metal mouth

Because I am such a deliquent about going to my dentist to have my braces tightened (my last visit before yesterday was August 31) I have to keep these on for another 6 months.  I was hoping to be able to eat properly these holidays but I can't blame anyone but myself for the delay.  I am really looking forward to the day when I can brush my teeth and the brush glides across pearly whites.  Sigh.  Perhaps when I hit my 41st birthday? 

Boracay Vacation

This is my first time to ever visit Boracay.  I know it is weird.  Most of my friends have been coming here for years!  I'm glad that the first time I visit is with my family.

The last couple of days have been pretty hectic for me --- had to find a sub for my classes in CSB, had to update him of the lessons for today and update Moodle, too, then there are all the preparations for the trip, and entertaining relatives who just arrived from the U.S.  I've barely had time to breathe.

I've also been pretty stressed out the last couple of months and I've been looking forward to this vacation as a chance to refresh and "reboot".  So far, it seems to be working. 

---

We were in the Cebu Pacific bus (which was not usual for us) and were driven to our plane.  I could not help but laugh out loud at Erika's reaction when she saw our plane.  She has never ridden a small plane before.  The few times we have traveled together the planes have always been big.  This was her first time to WALK into a plane.  Usually its a tall ladder or a tube before the plane.
Since it was raining in Caticlan while we were in the air, we had to circle the airport several times to allow the runway some time to dry up.  this gave us the opportunity to be touristy and take some aerial shots of Boracay.

Annoyingly, our first few shots failed because the camera we brought would not cooperate.  It took several attempts and a lot of fiddling to finally get it to work.  I really should bring this camera to Canon to have it services.  It's the kit lens that's the problem.  If I have the cash, maybe I'll buy a new lens for myself for Christmas.

If there was any part we found tedious it would have to be all the transfers --- cab from the house, plane, trike, boat, trike, then a long hike down the beach to our resort.  It wasn't so bad, though, 'cause we knew the trip ended in paradise.
And what, pray tell, is a vacation without taking pictures of beautiful cloud formations, eh? I can't think of a single trip I went to when I did not take pictures of clouds. They're just so pretty! I'd say that to me looking at clouds is a spiritual experience 'cause it is like a visible sign from God that my vacation will be wonderful.

This is our bed (mine and my daughter's) in our room.  Isn't it pretty?  It's pretty comfortable, too!  The room is quite beautiful.  We love the bathroom, the aircon is working properly, the beds are comfy, the ref is cold, the cable TV works, and ... it's just wonderful!  I think it is a good place to stay for a vacation, for sure. Oh! I forgot to mention that while our room does not exit directly to the beach, it is just a short walk (no more than 25 paces) and you are already on the beach itself.

After an hour of rest our tummies reminded us that our last meal was at noon so we walked down the beach and headed for this resort (Two Season) my uncle recommended that served really good oyster sisig.  Great recommendation!  the oyster sisig too spicy for my mom and sis but Erika and I enjoyed the bite.  The beef rendang was perfect and so was the thai fish fillet.  We would take a bit and go, "I can taste coconut milk ... ginger ... and a little cumin." And then for the fish fillet ... our first spoonful of the rice was a happy shock.  OMG!  A cornucopia of flavor just partied in my mouth!  There was definitely some pineapple in there.  I wonder if the chef will share the recipe. 

So far, our first few hours in bora has been wonderful.  I wonder what the next couple of days will bring?

How do I love Bo's? Let me count the ways ...

It's official.  Bo's Coffee is my favorite coffee place to work from.  For some reason, every time I go there to work I am always at my most productive.  I get a LOT of work done.  And no brain cell is wasted.

Plus!  I just LOVE their coffee!

I love the ambiance, I love the free wifi, I love the fact that there are readily available outlets for us to plug our laptops, if we need to, I love the music they play (it isn't too loud, for one), and, I love the service.  Oh!  And most of all, I love the fact that when I am there, I can work in peace!

I guess those are reasons enough for me to become "mayor" of Bo's in E.Rod on foursquare.   You can be sure I will be back there again tomorrow.

Like a phoenix

After 3 weeks of non-stop work I finally got some breathing space yesterday. For weeks now I have been suffering a pounding headache, my jaw hurt, the back of my neck has felt like someone was stepping on it constantly, and my shoulders were heavy.

The stress of all the things I needed (and still need!) to do just caught up with me.

1. finalizing the grades of my kids (students) for submission to the registrar
2. compiling research on communication theories and models into a handbook for my COM 630 class
3. individual thesis (still working on it)
4. group thesis (for presentation)
5. review of masteral/doctoral paper on cross-culture (to do list)
6. communication plan (to do list)
7. session guide (to do list)
8. 30 lab exercises and quizzes for racket (to do list)

There's still a lot left to do! Waaah!  But at least I got the heaviest and most urgent ones out of the way.

As soon as I got home at around 7:30pm last night I did the following:

1. had dinner
2. called Asian Massage and asked them to send a therapist
3. took a shower
4. went to sleep

Since we normally stay up late I asked my mom if she could wait for the therapist to arrive who was scheduled to arrive at 11:30pm.

I was in so much pain I could not even sleep properly while waiting.

When the therapist arrived I let her (Liezl) do her magic and voila!  I finally got a good night's sleep after 3 weeks!

She asked me what kind of massage I wanted and I said "anything, so long as it will make the pain go away".  The receipt she gave me said Swedish but it felt more like a combination of Swedish and Thai.  A home service massage would cost P300/hour, same as if I had the massage at a spa.

It was totally worth it!  I will definitely call on them again soon.

And now ... nose, meet grindstone again. 

Smile

I was at Farmer's Plaza earlier today and I stopped at one of the kiosks to check out this really cute bag.  I asked the lady how much and since I was only browsing I just noted the price, smiled and thanked her and then continued on my way.  As I stepped away I still had my smile in place and I accidentally smiled at a guy approaching me.  He actually did a double step, stared at me, and said "whoa!"  It sure feels good to know I have what it takes to make guys go "whoa!" with just a smile. Even though I smiled at him by accident. 

No, I didn't do anything about it. I just continued on my way.  The validation was just heartwarming is all.   That memory will bring a smile to my face for many years to come.

She said I am fat!

I know I gained some weight and last time I checked my BMI was still normal, but a nutritionist at Mercury Drug told me earlier than I am now FAT!  Sacre bleu!

I mean, ok.  I look at the mirror and I see the problem areas.  I even admit that I need to lose weight.  Ideally I would like to be 130 to 135 lbs.  But for a complete stranger to tell me I am fat ... maybe I have to be more careful about what I eat now.  After all, I'm at that age where losing weight is very difficult to do.  Exercise alone doesn't do it, that's for sure.

I even know what the culprit is ... Coca-Cola.  I remember a time when I was able to stay away from the soda easily.  But with this summer heat it just seems like coke is so much more refreshing!  So, as soon as I got home I pushed aside the soda drank water ... and water ... and water.

I don't think I can lose 15 lbs that quickly, but I hope I do lose weight ... and undesirable bulges.

Dear Justin ...

Dear Justin,

I heard that you and Jessica Biel just didn't work out. I am sad for you, but, can't help but be happy for me, ha ha ha.   Since you are now single again that means that I can fantasize about you again, guilt-free!

I really wanted to watch your concert when you were here last but I hope you come back someday soon.

I really love your Love Sex Magic video with Ciara.  Talk about HOT!  And to think for most of the video you were just sitting, standing, lying there enjoying all that sexy.  Ciara was just smokin' in it!  She certainly looked like she was into you.  I know I am. 

Hmmm ... I think I want to see that video one more time ...

Sizzlin' hot!  I only wish that you had danced in the video.  I love watching you dance.

Getting over a writing hump

I enjoy writing, I really do.  But sometimes I look at the stuff I need to work on and my mind just refuses to work properly.  Words appear in my mental screen but none that I would want to use for whatever project I am working on.  Sometimes a week passes before I get my Eureka! moment.

That's seems to be the case now.  I received this "invitation to bid" on a writing project and I was asked to send a sample by writing copy for at least one section of the site to be revamped and for days I've been struggling with what to put down.  I must have revised what I wrote almost ten times and it wasn't until last night that I felt I was making some headway. I am now waiting for a response to some questions so that I could adjust my writing accordingly, if necessary.

And then there is my summer class work.  I've done the preliminary research but I have yet to type it up and start the actual public information campaign document.  I will get into that immediately after writing this blog.

I suppose the fact that I have been under the weather for a week now hasn't helped.  Now that I am on the mend, though, it seems my brain is starting to work again, too.  I hope my muse stays with me so that I can do a good job in fulfilling my writing obligations.

Dear John

Some friends and I were just discussing the movie Dear John that stars Channing Tatum (one of my uber-crushes!), star of Step Up and Amanda Seyfried, best known for her role in Mamma Mia!  We started discussing when was the last time we wrote a Dear John letter and I realized that in my life I have only ever written one, and this was when I was around 15 or 16 years old.  I found out that my boyfriend at the time who was supposedly in another province was actually in town and seeing someone else.  I cannot say that I was devastated about it (I think at that age I wasn't really too emotionally attached to him yet) but I was certainly angered by the news.  I recall that in the letter I said something like, "if you have the time and energy to see other girls besides me then I will release you so that you could have even more time and energy for them ..." or words to that effect.

Despite that "break up" he and I are good friends to this day.  It wasn't until many years later, actually, that he and I were able to fully discuss what happened in our relationship those many years ago.  In between, though, we had kept in touch and were friends.

Now, I'd like to write another Dear John letter, but this time it isn't a letter saying goodbye.  This Dear John letter is a declaration of love and affection.    Yeah, there is a romantic in me, hehehe.  Why am I writing it?  The truth?  I'm supposed to be working on a project bid and a paper for school and I have writer's block so I thought I'd write some fluff to get my creative juices flowing.  Tee hee

Itago na lang natin siya sa pangalang John. (Only 'cause that's how I started this piece ...)

---

Dear John,

What is it about you that has changed me so?  I think of you and I can't help but smile.  In a world of black, white, and gray, with you I see colors!  When I am with you everything seems to be brighter and sparkles.  You are never far from my thoughts.  I close my eyes and you are there.  My dreams are often filled with thoughts of you.  Memories of dinners together, walks, chats ... all the happy memories.
When I'm with you I can't help but smile all the time. Just the thought of you makes me smile.

When I'm with you I feel like no problem is too tough to solve.  You always tell me that you believe I can do anything I set my mind to.

When I'm with you I feel beautiful and sexy.  It is as if you are blind to my physical flaws.

When I'm with you I feel wanted and desired.  You look at me like I am the most beautiful woman in the world.

When I'm with you I feel loved.

Whenever I feel neglected (which, as you know, happens every now and then.  I'm needy that way, hehe.) I try to remember the reasons why we cannot be together in one form or another and sometimes, that works.  When it doesn't ... I just try to put it at the back of my mind and concentrate on work.  After all, the world won't stop spinning just because I'm feeling needy, fat, and ugly.

I wish we could be together but I've learned to accept the situation for what it is.  Who knows, maybe someday soon we will have our chance at happiness.  For now, we have this, and I will make the most of it and make sure you never forget that you are loved, too.

And so, I leave you with three words, eight letters ... I love you!

With all my heart,

Jane

When I get sick ...

I've been feeling poorly since Saturday afternoon but I thought it was just the heat.  I even went home early that day with the intention of sleeping as soon as I see my bed.  But after I took a shower I felt a little better, and went to sleep shortly after.

The following day (Sunday) I had some errands to run and since it was so hot I had a watermelon shake before going home.  When I did reach the house my tummy started spasming every few minutes.  I figured, it must be the watermelon shake on an empty stomach and so I ignored it.  Next thing I knew, had no appetite, I eat but I don't feel like I did and my mouth had a funny taste.  And again, I just ignored it.

Same thing happens the following day (Monday).  Again I ignore it.

Another day passes (Tuesday), still I ignore it.

Wednesday arrives and this time I was hurting enough to tell my mom about it and tell her I was feeling a tad feverish.  By 7pm I was already experiencing chills and I was having difficulty keeping my food down.  By the time I got home at around 11pm I was shaking and hot and dizzy.  I took a vitamin C capsule, a glass of water, and bundled up in a blanket and was immediately knocked out.

Morning comes (Thursday) and I can barely get out of bed.  My mom knocks on my door and gives me a glass of water and a couple of Transfer Factor capsules.  A few minutes later she is back with a cup of coffee and asked me how I felt.  By this time I felt much improved.  The fact that I was able to sit up was a sure indicator.  I was able to go down and join them for breakfast even though all I ate was 1/4 of an apple and even that I just threw up.  I just couldn't keep anything down.  I didn't think I would be well enough to go to work, but by afternoon my fever had already broken and after a quick shower I felt well enough to travel.  Mom says I must have a stomach flu or something.  It certainly feels like a flu.

It's Friday morning now.  My mom and dad have me popping analgesic and vitamin C and some Transfer Factor (morning and night) and so I feel well enough to being my old workaholic self.   After all, sick or not, I still have deadlines to meet.

I'll try not to overdo it.  Tomorrow (or I mean later) and the entire weekend are going to be hectic for me.

Summer school, here I come!

I am such a nerd!   Believe it or not I am really excited about summer school starting on Saturday.  Maybe it is a sign of maturity that I am excited about learning something new.  I can't deny that there is so much I still need to learn and so many things I still want to know.
I enrolled in 1 subject for the summer --- Managing Public Information Programs and Campaigns.  My classmates and I chose this subject because we thought it would be appropriate given the upcoming national elections.  We are hoping that whoever our professor is will bring us "on the field".  Perhaps we could go to the campaign headquarters of a candidate?  Or maybe we could go to a news agency or talk to reporters of news programs.  That would be cool, too.
Class will be from 8am to 5pm ... that is one looooong class!  I am hoping that the teacher can mix it up and make it interesting.  I am also hoping for decent meal breaks, hehehe.  An hour long lunch, perhaps?
Can't hardly wait for summer school to start! 

Weighing in

I weighed myself before all the Christmas feasts and again at the first week of March and I was shocked when I found out that I gained 20 lbs!   Noooooo!  The weight I put on really worried me.  I don't ever want to be overweight again.  Being overweight comes with so many problems.

And then things got hectic in school and I had so many papers to write.  The stress somehow made me eat less, and I made a special effort to limit my soda intake to 1 glass a day, I cut down on my rice and TRIED to cut down on my sweets.  I don't get 2 donuts with my coffee anymore.  I limit myself to one and I go for the healthier cinnamon apple filled instead of the sinful caramel apple pie.

Over the Holy Week I unintentionally dieted, too.  I was eating bread and butter for 2 of my meals on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.  I say unintentional because I wasn't really dieting. The bread just happened to be that good. 

Today mom and I (and my niece, Tasha) went by Mercury Drug and I weighed myself again on the same scale.  Holy cow!  I lost 10 lbs!  Woohoo!  I must be doing something right.  I am going to start running again tomorrow.  Hopefully, I can go back to my ideal weight before the summer is over. I want to look good in a bikini again, even if I won't get a chance to get in one this summer. 

Dying for a breath of fresh air!

Did you ever wonder what I fart tasted like?  I never did, nor did I ever want to find out but to my dismay I found out today.  Kasuy and I met up at Krispy Kreme Cubao and someone at a nearby table released a "silent killer".  It stank so bad I was choking!  and what was worse was that it lingered for a long, loooong time.  We were already complaining about it and I even tried burying my nose in my cup of coffee but to no avail.  The stink penetrated through the caffeine smell, too!

We even sprayed alcohol in the air, it had no effect.  All we got was stinky air mixed with a whiff of sterile smell.  THAT's HOW BAD IT WAS.  I even sprayed directly in the direction of where the stink was coming from in hopes the person or people will get the message.

Flatulence is natural.  Everyone passes gas, right?  But the least we can do when we do pass such a stinker in an air conditioned room is to make some effort to dissipate it, right?  Or, if possible, hold it, go to the rest room or step outside and let loose there.  Have some consideration for the other people in the room who have to inhale such foul air.

I missed Wholly Trekday

So ... I wasn't able to make it to Wholly Trekday today. �Every year I make it a point to drop by, even for just an hour but yesterday I just couldn't muster up the energy. �The heat was one reason I decided to stay in, but mostly because I wasn't feeling too good. �I spent most of the afternoon asleep and then, come night time, I found out that Back To The Future was showing on the Cartoon Network at 9pm. �Needless to say, I stayed home to watch that instead.

Wholly Trekday is an annual get together of Philippine (Manila) based Star Trek fans and friends where we get together to eat, drink, chat, and watch Star Trek together. �For the last several years this has been held at Fandomcafe in Cubao, Quezon City.

I'm sure all my friends who attended had a blast!

Goodbye SM Megamall Bowling Center

My friends and I played our last bowling game at SM Megamall last night. �We were told that today (31 March 2010) will be their last day of operations and they are only going to stay open up to 9pm. �The current location of the bowling lanes will be the new location of Toy Kingdom. �The current location of Toy Kingdom will be turned into a Hypermart.

So after our games we took some pictures by the lanes instead. �I will repost some pics as soon as Icheb, Nick, and Duday have posted the shots they took.

I guess it's back to AMF Puyat in Cubao for me.

"Wala akong pakialam."

I went to school yesterday to enroll for the summer. �While I was there I bumped into one of the officers of the Society and since I am still a fairly new student I asked him about the enrollment procedures for the summer. �His answer to me was "wala akong pakialam"�(translation: �"I don't care.)

I won't deny it, not only was I shocked at his answer I was, quite frankly, disappointed at him.

I get it. �He had no plans of enrolling for the summer. �I wasn't even asking him if he was. My question was quite simple. �How do we enroll? �It was a legitimate question of a newbie to a veteran, right? �I didn't need nor deserve any lip for that.

Plus, he is an OFFICER. �It is part of his responsibilities to guide and assist members of the society when he is able to. �And giving instructions on enrollment procedures certainly falls into that category. �

If he didn't know the answer then all he had to say was that he didn't know, right? �That would have been acceptable. �But to tell me that he didn't care? �If you were in my shoes how would you have reacted to that?

When he told me that, this is what I said, "I'm not asking you if you are enrolling this summer. �I am asking if you know HOW we are taking summer classes are supposed to do it." �At which he answered, "Wala akong pakialam. �Ewan ko."

I will be charitable and think he was just having a bad day. �But, nonetheless, tthat is no reason to be rude to people. �Our brains still control our bodies. �How we act when we are in an emotional state can still be controlled by our will if we just exert some effort into it. �All it would have taken was a breath, a mind shift, and a pleasant answer. �If he had simply said "ewan ko" I would have accepted that. �After all, I can't blame the guy for being ignorant of the procedures, right? �That's where I was coming from. �But to tell me he didn't care?

Dude, if you don't care, then what the hell are you doing here?!? �If you are not fit for company, then better to just stay home.