i lost the fire..

It's Christmas.. everyone's favorite time of the year.  I am dreading Christmas this year.  I actually just want to sleep through it and hoping that when I wake up, it's already January... or March... or April.  I have this really strong urge to skip Christmas parties.

Am I depressed?  Maybe.  Will I get over this?  Not sure.. but I'm telling you, whatever it is, it's not going to be over soon.


Forgive me friends for being so depressing and sad with my blog posts.  This blog is the only outlet I have for now to vent my feelings.  So, bear with me.

it's not yet time...

I want to cry out all the frustration I am feeling right now.  What could have gone wrong?  We followed orders and did everything we need to do but still... 

How am I going to go through Christmas with you shying away from me and Daddy? I'm all alone.  Daddy is away for 6 mos which makes me super sad right now.

I guess it's STILL not the right time baby.  I'll see you soon, hopefully. 

Fitness Update Part 2

As mentioned before, am gonna make a fitness update to keep my mind on the goal. Previous update here:  Here's the new one...

Starting Weight: 140 lbs
Current Weight: 112 lbs
***Yah, 7 more lbs to go!! =)

Starting BMI: 27.3 (Overweight)
Current BMI: 21.9 (Normal)
*** Lowest in years!!!  =)


My OB still wanted me to go to my ideal weight which is 105lbs!  This is going to be extra hard!  They say the last few pounds you want to lose is going to be a battle!  Oh btw, hubby is coming home.. I hope my weight doesn't go up with all the food we are going to eat by then O_O.

it's just a dream

I woke up crying this morning 'coz of the dream (or nightmare) I had.  I dreamt about hubby hooking up with someone else.  It kept playing over and over again on my dream just like a broken record until I finally woke up crying.  I am glad that reality sank in after a few minutes but it still bothered me.


The other day, I dreamt of a 'Zuma-like' setting with a cat and a snake.  The cat was trying to kill the snake and I pushed the cat on to the cliff to save the snake.  I woke up screaming with my heart beating furiously 'coz in my dream, the cat clung on to my arm!  It was scary!  I really felt the cat scratching my arms, it hurt so bad.


Dreams can sometimes mess up your thinking.  The worst dream I had was when I was pregnant.  I can still remember it vividly.  There was a head of a live dog and it kept on bouncing and bouncing excitedly on the floor.  Again, I woke up crying.  Who would not cry when you are pregnant and kept on dreaming about weird things? Well, found out that this really happens to pregnant women.  The weird dreams stopped when I had the miscarriage.  Blame it on the raging hormones of a pregnant woman!  


Now, I am taking some hormonal meds as part of my fertility work up.  I hope this doesn't bring in weird dreams again even with the 2 dreams I mentioned earlier (a sure sign it's coming back again!).  But if I am given assurance that everything will be OK after taking these meds, then, I wouldn't mind having those weird dreams (or nightmares)... as long as they remain dreams only.

Rescue Run, SM MOA - Oct 2009

I participated in the Rescue Run last Saturday.  I had fun shedding some pounds and meeting new friends, not to mention, helping the typhoon victims too!  Here's more info about the rescue run:  http://run4change.com/rescuerun

For now, let the pictures do the talking! =)

something is wrong with blogger.. hmmm

we're getting serious

I had my OB check up again with Dra. Manalo last Monday.  She got to see my tests results again and finally confirmed that I have elevated androgen (male hormones) in my body.  Am I turning into a guy, eh?  hehehe! Anyway, these androgen hormones are resulting to not-so-good quality eggs from me; hence, the miscarriages.  She told me that the problem is not on me but on our babies that's why the pregnancies are not continuing.    

She gave me an oral steroid to take for 15 days to lower down my androgen hormones plus some fertility pills.  Being the curious-me, I immediately researched on the steriod medicine that I will be taking.  The condition I have is, nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia.  You can know more about it here:  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/congenital-adrenal-hyperplasia/DS00915.

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On another note,  I am sharpening my cooking skills with my extra time =).  I plan to impress hubby when he comes back for a vacation! Haha!  =)  Wish me luck!

back to regular programming...

I'm back!!! After sooo many days of no update, I'm back!   I have been busy with my last few days at Big Blue trying to close some things with a project I was handling.  Plus, to add, typhoons coming into the Philippines kept me, I mean 'us', busy with all the cleaning, etc.

Hopefully, you'll see more updates from me moving forward...  Watch out for it! =)

random things...

The other day,  I found out my brother has scoliosis.  I almost cried!  It looks bad for me since I can see his upper body leaning towards the right.  Yeah, it's that noticeable!  =( .  I remember teasing him about his back pain coz he only started complaining when he was completing his OJT with his 8am-5pm desk job at DHL.  Mom and I will accompany him to the doctor tomorrow.  I hope and pray it'll be classified only as mild scoliosis. 

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Yesterday,  I was able to attend a free seminar hosted by citiseconline.  It's about investing in the stock market.  You know what?   It was really very good!  =)  I really appreciated the seminar.  My only knowledge about stock trading was based on my experiences from the BIG BLUE so attending that seminar was a welcome treat for my malnourished brain =P . 

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After the citiseconline seminar, one of my friends from the BIG BLUE treated us all out for dinner at Dad's!  I was so full! =)  But it was really fun catching up with all of my BIG BLUE friends.  I actually miss them =( .  I hope we do this more often.

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Book fair.  Started 2 days ago.  Excited!!!!  =)

Happy Anniversary =) !

running in the rain for the Crocs prepair fun run...

Sunday.  

I woke up at around 3:30am, one hour earlier than my alarm clock, to the heavy sound of rain.   I desperately tried to go back to sleep but to no avail, my mind was wandering to my upcoming race, my first ever race, =).  After several toss and turns on my bed, my alarm clock suddenly went off... it's TIME TO RUN!!! =)

My brother and I arrived at SM MOA 30 mins late from the 5 AM assy time but it's still ok!  The 3KM runners were scheduled to run by 6AM anyway.  I basked in at the sight I am looking at... runners everywhere doing stretching exercises and warm-up jogging!  Oooohh!! It made me mightily excited!

Gun start for both 5KM and 10KM went off at the same time.  Ten mins after, the 3KM runners took off and by that time, heavy rain was pouring down.  Rain or shine,  here we gooo!!!  Running, in my case, jogging in the rain was a very, very different experience.  I actually loved it =) !  There's nothing like having your body cool down by the rain.  However, the head wind was really strong around 1KM away from the finish line.  Nevertheless, I didn't feel the same exhaustion I had when me and my buddy, Marge, ran the same route weeks ago.  It must be the...  rain!  =)  Oh btw, lesson I learned, always, ALWAYS check that your shoelaces are tightly fastened prior a race.  Don't ask me why I reminded you that! =P

I finished my first 3KM race with a respectable (I hope) time of around 20-25 mins.  I also got a cool finisher's shirt =) !  Do consider that I didn't perform any training at all, well, except during my 2x/week workout days in the gym.  I really didn't get a chance to train outside 'coz of the heavy rains these past few days.

And, before I forget, how do you guys dry a verrry soaked rubber shoes???!

yeeehaawww!!

ready or not.. here I go!

Tomorrow IS....... GOING....... TO..... BE...... A..... BIG DAY!  It's the day of my first ever marathon!!  =) .  The weather though is gonna be a challenge.  It has been a stormy week all week and if this kind of weather continuous till tomorrow, then, I'm in for a big CHALLENGE!  They say they only cancel marathons when there is a public storm signal no. 2.  So, marathon will continue, rain or rain =) .  

Wish me luck guys!

on puppy love

Yesterday, as I was driving on our way to the mall, mom and I saw 2 dogs (1 white and 1 brown) on the street.  The white one was lying down while the brown dog was just standing nearby.  When I saw the dogs, I immediately exclaimed "Oh no, anong nangyare? (Oh no, what happened?)".  I don't know whether the white dog was run over by a vehicle or have some sort of illness but you know, he was just there, lying down on the street while the brown dog has no plans in leaving.  It looks like he was even watching over the white one.  So, I went ahead, got some money out of the ATM machine a few meters away, all the while thinking about what I saw.  When I got in the car, I glanced at the rear view mirror and I still saw them!  You might be asking why I didn't stop by to help??  I can't coz as much as I love dogs, I don't usually get close to potential stray dogs for my own safety.  It's better to have professionals handling that.  Though, I still feel realllyyy bad leaving them like that =(.


I remember an email that was forwarded before about a similar situation wherein a dog took guard by never leaving the side of the dog that was run over by a vehicle.  I think the photos where from China.  Going back, I am soooo amazed and sooo touched with the dedication that I saw from the brown dog.   You can never, EVER underestimate what LOVE can do.  LOVE works wonders and it makes the world go round =) !

 

Photo courtesy of:  http:.//www.best-dog-photos.com/images/Puppy-Love.jpg

On another note, I wonder who the owners of those dogs.  I believe in responsible ownership and getting one means you have SOLE responsibility to take care of them, feed them, play with them and love them.  If you can't do any of those, then, give your pet up for adoption. And in the first place, you should never consider getting a pet if you know you can't do any of those.  Also, we have PAWS here in the Philippines to help us.  At the end of it all, we should remember that our pets consider us as their humans.  They give UNCONDITIONAL LOVE to us, we are, after all, their ONLY human.

on packages, scrapbooks and dogs =)

Just the other day, I asked my brother to pick up 2 packages for me from the local post office.  Look what I have here!  =)

I just got my long-awaited package from Artscow and National Geographic!  So excited to have these items after waiting for 3 long months!    The keychain, I already attached to my car keys while the NG fleece jacket needs to wait for the owner arriving in ~2 mos =) (yes, dear hubby, it's for you!).

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In the past few days, I rekindled my love affair with traditional scrapbooking.  It all started when i horded a couple of scrapbooking items from National Bookstore due to the SALE!  Here are all the items I bought.  Take note, these are just what I bought for the past 2 days.   I haven't really photographed all of my scrapbooking items yet =).

 ahem!  some of my works! =)

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 During Mom's birthday, I had a field day taking pictures of our dogs.  Erm, rather, my mom forced me to. hehehe!  She told me she wanted to make a picture album of our dogs =).  Well, that's what you expect from a frustrated-waiting-to-be-one-grandma! =)

Photohunt: Orange

Taken outside our house.  Please excuse me for the electric lines showing up in the photo.  I can't do anything about it.

King, our very sweet and loyal dog =).

Happy Birthday Mom!

To the best mother in the whole world.. Happy, happy birthday!!!

Thursday Thunks #1

1.  Your thoughts on truck drivers?  -->  kings of the road

2. Did you hear Michelle Duggar is pregnant for the 15th time?  --> Lucky her... so fertile, huh?! =)

3. Have you ever done something to hurt someone intentionally... just for the sole purpose of hurting them because you thought they deserved it?  --> Yes, not good.

4. Is there anyone in your life that when you go to their place of residence, you just walk in without bother knocking? Does anyone just walk into your house without knocking?  --> Yes, at my parents' place.

5. Whats in the trunk of your car? Do you even have a clue?  ---> featherduster, extra slippers

6. When you go to a family holiday get together (such as Christmas or Thanksgiving), about how many people are there?  -->  not less than 20 people

7. What is in your kitchen sink right at this very moment?  --> coffee mugs from this morning's breakfast =)

8. You go to a store to buy an expensive item... say $150. You pick up that item and a couple other this n' thats. You get to the register and the expensive item rings up at $40. The cashier doesn't seem to notice and tells you your total. Do you go with what they say and pay it or do you question the price difference? --> Definitely, since you picked it up at $150, it means, you have the money to pay for it.  My conscience wouldn't be able to stand it if I shut up.

9. Do you fold your underwear or do you just toss it in a drawer?  --> Fold it.

10. There is a Harley-Davidson giveaway. Chances are $100 and they are only selling 250 tickets. Do you buy one?  --> No.

11. Who is your favorite Disney character?  --> Marvin the Martian and Bugs Bunny

12. It's September - most of the weekly sitcoms/dramas are starting new seasons again. Which one are you most looking forward to?  --> American or Filipino tv series?  =)

13. You are at a grocery store and are on your way out to your car with your cart full of grocery bags. On your way to your car you see a black kitten in an empty cart. What do you do?  --> Call out to the kitten, then, after awhile, ignore it =(.  I'm bad!!  =(  I prefer puppies.  However, I do feed stray cats around our backyard... Ok, ok, enuf with the explanation =(.

14. Is there anything that you do for a hobby that you are asked to do for friends/family that most people would hire a professional to do? (example: cake decorating, fixing cars....)  --> Yes, cross stitching and movie editing.

15. Are we there yet?  --> Not yet. =)

Finally!!!

my first race.. =)  I finally had the guts to register to one last night.  Since this is going to be my first, I grabbed the slot for 3K.  My goal is to simply finish this race =).

Now, on to training; erm..... hmm, how's that done??  nyahahaha!  =)

before and after

I intended to post this to literally keep my eyes on the goal and hopefully, to inspire others..  hehehehe!   M-U-S-T  N-O-T  keep my eyes off the goal =).  10 more lbs to go to reach my ideal weight.  Btw, is the difference noticeable?

PhotoHunt: Surprise

I decided to join photohunt.  Here's my entry for the week =).

 

Here's our dog, Max, an American showtype pitbull.  Here's the pose that he made after I called out his name =).

could have been..

it really is happening?! haayyyy.. So many could have beens but then again, you can NEVER EVER bring back the time.. I just wish her good luck and congratulations!  I am truly very, very happy for her.

This month has been a depressing month for me. So many nostalgia.. I've been having sleepless nights over it. My heart desperately cries for the loss. I have to keep an open mind and heart. Look towards the future. Trust GOD above all things but please, don't blame me when I have those times that I feel very, very low. I will get over it. Just let this month pass by...

Travel: Costa Rica - August 2008

First of all, before I start, this is not a trip on my expense. This is actually a biz trip to train a colleague for TWO whole weeks! And so with that, let's get it on with the stories =) !


Of course, as with any other travel stories, not everything went right! From the very first time I booked my plane tickets, I knew instantly it's not gonna be easy. Imagine my shock when I saw how many stopovers I will have to go through =(. It's like this, Manila-->Hongkong-->Los Angeles-->Texas-->Costa Rica. It was a loooooooong way to go before I set my foot for the first time in Central America. That is, not including the delays I encountered all through out the trip. My body was actually giving up with all the exhaustion coz I'm your traveller who doesn't sleep much on airplane rides.


Ok, so after forever in the airport, in the planes and after a LOOONGG line in Costa Rica's immigration desks, I finally went out of Costa Rica's airport. There, my colleague and a good friend, Mauro, was already waiting for me. It was really very refreshing seeing a familiar face amidst the crowd of vacationers around me. It was actually very kind of him to welcome me instead of letting me get a cab to bring me to the hotel. Hahaha! Well, he insisted on fetching me telling me that cab drivers tend to take advantage of tourists and considering it's my first time so.... :P I'm just trying to say that I AM NOT a spoiled brat! =) Anyway,the first words I uttered him were "Next time you want training, please, let's do it in the Phils!". Hahaha!


So, after loading my luggage in his 4x4, we went to McDo's drive thru for food and then proceeded to drop me to the hotel and later on, said our goodbyes. After checking in, I immediately took a shower and slept fitfully for hours.


The following day, a Saturday, he fetched me again and together with his family, we went to visit Volcan Poas National Park. It was really an experience to remember! 'Twas my first time to see an actual crater of a volcano and with smoke coming out of it to boot! We did a little hiking and then afterwards, went to their family-owned restaurant, the ever-famous Chicharronera Cacique Acseri which until now makes my mouth water. I was actually kidding him the other day to send me some over here coz I'm craving for it =).


On a Sunday, we were supposed to go to the beach which is ~3 hours away. I actually begged off considering how long the drive is plus the weather is uncooperative. So, I just spent the rest of the day.. well.. resting inside the hotel room. I didn't feel like going out since not all Ticas and Ticos can speak English so conversation will be really hard. Although admittedly, I can understand some of their language coz it's Spanish =). I have this thing in me that always makes me afraid of places where language is a barrier........................ I know, what a stupid excuse! Hahaha! The real reason is that I am just lazy and besides, my bed is inviting me to sleep! =D


We spent the two weeks there, training, mostly at their house where I am met with open arms by the whole family and at the restaurant (think WI-FI=) ) where I get a free refill of Chicharones!!! =) We did have some time spent souvenir shopping and having dinner with other colleagues. Speaking of souvenirs, I can't get enough of their products. It's mostly wood and to all those who know me, i really LOVE wood products =).

After two weeks were up, it was time for me to go. The following week will now be spent over at my Aunt's place in Fresno. I was SAD considering that it maybe the last time I will be meeting friends from Costa Rica personally due to the pending factory shutdown of the Big Blue here in the Phils, hence, no more biz travels. And most likely, I will not be able to go there on my account since it is really expensive =(. But I did have a very WONDERFUL experience over there, oh ok, enough to compensate the travel nightmares I encountered =P. I guess, it was part of my highlights at my career in the Big Blue. An experience I will never forget =).

Oh btw! I did expect Costa Rica to be a tropical hot country but it did have a Baguio-like weather when I was there. It was actually pretty cold and I was not expecting that. As for the food, except for the Chicharronera Cacique Acseri , which was A-W-E-S-O-M-E, the rest are actually pretty ok. They are fond of using wansuy (cilantro) in many of their dishes which a herb I dislike coz of the after taste. I usually request my food to be wansuy-free =).

Anyway, enough with this novel, let my pictures do the talking =).

kung anu-ano na lang

I was in the midst of writing a management report out for a project when I bailed out =P ! Jeeeezzzz! I'm not saying that I'll not be finishing it; I will get back to it later today. It's one of those days that I feel utterly B-O-R-E-D! :P No amount of reading or writing or watching will kill this boredom.... I just feel....... bored! Haayyy.. =(

Thinking of those things I needed to do makes me lazy. Does that make sense? I have scrapbooks to finish, books and magazines to read, travels to blog (not to brag but to document), movies to watch, and so on and on and on.. =).

Bear with me friends, it's probably just one of those days. I'll get better tomorrow. Promise! =)

Oh btw, my whole week WFH (Work From Home) has already started this week. My good friend, Judith, have already started her Vacation Leaves until our last day of office on Oct 2. Sniff! =( No point now going to the office ALONE. It'll just make me sad to see empty cubicles around me =( .

my current workout training program

just to document.. =)

DAY 1: 2 reps, 20 counts each
*** 15 mins cardio for warm up

1st part:
- 50 lbs --> Lat pulldown
- 5 lbs ea arm --> Step up with front raises
- 10 lbs --> One arm DB row
- Abs

2nd part:
- 40 lbs --> Chest flyes (expresssway)
- Push ups
- 5 lbs ea arm --> Lunges on step board

Break: 5 mins cardio

3rd part:
- 10 lbs each arm --> Squats with biceps curl
- 60 lbs --> Adductor
- 10 lbs --> Overhead Tricep extension

4th part:
- 1,2 crunches
- side abs (full range)

Warm Down: 10 mins cardio

DAY 2: 2 reps, 20 counts each
*** 15 mins cardio for warm up

1st part:
- 7.5 lbs --> One arm shoulder press
- 35 lbs --> One arm row (cable)
- Step up (high)
- Abs

2nd part:
- 30 lbs --> Triceps pressdown
- Dips
- 5 lbs --> One arm side raise with lunges

Break: 5 mins cardio

3rd part:
- 7.5 lbs ea arm --> Reverse DB flyes
- 15 lbs --> Pullover
- Side reverse crunch

4th part:
- One leg up and down
- Side crunches

Warm Down: 10 mins cardio

i love mother earth!

I was watching last Saturday about how the Abu Sayaff, a local terrorist movement here in the Philippines, was able to kill 22 young soldiers during a clash in Basilan. It really broke my heart seeing the the soldiers' families break down in tears upon seeing the caskets of their loved ones.

Lord, why do we have these senseless killings? =( I have to agree on what an online friend wrote, "Build the Hate" against Abu Sayaff, enough with terrorism!

Another thing that has been on my mind ever since I watched the documentary, "An Inconvenient Truth: Global Warming" by Al Gore, on how our planet, Earth, is getting all the abuse because of Global Warming. I do, in my own little ways, stop contributing to Global Warming. I am afraid on what the future will bring. Is there even going to be a future Earth for our children's children?

You may find me weird because of my posts above, but I DO care about all of these things. I may be an old soul coz it pains me knowing all of these are happening. I am doing what I can to help out. I also spread awareness to people on these social issues. These may be small steps but if you gather all of these steps, it will make a difference!

To end this post, I am including MJ's song here. This is really spot on!



THE EARTH SONG

What about sunrise
What about rain
What about all the things
That you said we were to gain.. .
What about killing fields
Is there a time
What about all the things
That you said was yours and mine...
Did you ever stop to notice
All the blood we've shed before
Did you ever stop to notice
The crying Earth the weeping shores?

Aaaaaaaaaah Aaaaaaaaaah

What have we done to the world
Look what we've done
What about all the peace
That you pledge your only son...
What about flowering fields
Is there a time
What about all the dreams
That you said was yours and mine...
Did you ever stop to notice
All the children dead from war
Did you ever stop to notice
The crying Earth the weeping shores

Aaaaaaaaaaah Aaaaaaaaaaah

I used to dream
I used to glance beyond the stars
Now I don't know where we are
Although I know we've drifted far

Aaaaaaaaaaah Aaaaaaaaaaaah
Aaaaaaaaaaah Aaaaaaaaaaaah

Hey, what about yesterday
(What about us)
What about the seas
(What about us)
The heavens are falling down
(What about us)
I can't even breathe
(What about us)
What about the bleeding Earth
(What about us)
Can't we feel its wounds
(What about us)
What about nature's worth
(ooo,ooo)
It's our planet's womb
(What about us)
What about animals
(What about it)
We've turned kingdoms to dust
(What about us)
What about elephants
(What about us)
Have we lost their trust
(What about us)
What about crying whales
(What about us)
We're ravaging the seas
(What about us)
What about forest trails
(ooo, ooo)
Burnt despite our pleas
(What about us)
What about the holy land
(What about it)
Torn apart by creed
(What about us)
What about the common man
(What about us)
Can't we set him free
(What about us)
What about children dying
(What about us)
Can't you hear them cry
(What about us)
Where did we go wrong
(ooo, ooo)
Someone tell me why
(What about us)
What about babies
(What about it)
What about the days
(What about us)
What about all their joy
(What about us)
What about the man
(What about us)
What about the crying man
(What about us)
What about Abraham
(What was us)
What about death again
(ooo, ooo)
Do we give a damn

seriously....

What is it with people and crab mentality? I just don't get it why most people's favorite past time is to pull people down with all the gossips. In the place where I live, well, previously lived, people can't live WITHOUT gossiping. It's as if other people's lives are their daily dose of telenovelas. I wonder what they get from that?? tsk, tsk. I actually pity them coz they have nothing productive to do. It's useless having an intelligent conversation with them. I just wish they realize how gossips can ruin sensitive people's lives. As for me, as what Michael Jackson said, "I have rhinoceros skin."

mixed emotions

As the countdown for my hubby's arrival begins, i can feel both excitement and anxiety. I miss my hubby soooo much. It has been almost 3 months since we last saw each other. Yes, we do have our daily webcam chats but feeling his physical presence is way, waaaaay different =( .

He's going to be here in November and will stay for only 3 weeks. After that, he's back to his overseas assignment. Sigh... Not that I'm complaining. His overseas assignment opened up a lot of opportunities for us. For him, a chance to hone his professional skills and for us, well, a chance to save, financially. It got a lot of perks too. Even though he's on overseas assignment for 2 yrs, he has a chance to go home here every 6 months. Come to think of it? I can come with him but we both understand that the place he's at now is not really that "female" friendly.

By October, I'm going to be separated from Big Blue. Hubby and I agreed that I'll rest for awhile after my stint at Big Blue. It's actually a perfect chance for us to focus in 'making' a family. Now! THAT is why I'm feeling anxious and pressured at the same time. November is actually pretty close and I'm NERVOUS. I don't know why but I feel pressured =(. What if our wishes doesn't happen yet? Now what? Wait for another 6 months? Boredom is gonna kill me; well, actually, my wallet will get a bad beating (read previous posts). Kidding aside, I really, really feel the pressure creeping in...

Lights Out at the Big Blue

Things have been happening pretty fast at the Big Blue. We just had our Lights Out Celebration last Friday. Of course, I shed tears seeing the last video showing up in the screen. Well, come to think of it, Friday was the day of the many lasts.. Did i make sense? =) Hmm.. it was the last group celebration I have attended for the company I worked for for 6+ years... last day I went home late from the office.. last night I saw our company logo brightly lit against the darkness of the night.. last time I was in the rec hall... so, many last times! =( I am positive though that it's not going to be the last time I will be seeing my friends from the Big Blue =) .

I admit though that I still feel sadness even though the closure announcement has been done almost 1 and a half years ago. That long?? Yah, we knew before then that we will be separated from Big Blue. It was really a blessing that we lasted this long. Again, we're still lucky =).

Travel: Coron, Palawan - Nov 2008

I KNOW this almost a year overdue!!!!!! But better late than never! =)

We had a fun-filled vacation at Coron, Palawan Nov 23-27!! :) Here’s some sharing for those planning to visit Coron (Northern Palawan).

DAY 1:
- Flew over to Busuanga Island via PAL express. Total flight time is ~30-45 mins and had another ~60mins to get to Darayonan Lodge in Coron town proper.
- Didn’t do much except rest and loiter around Coron town =)
- Climbed Mt Tapyas (700-720 steps) to see this:

- Definitely worth the sore leg muscles after. =)

DAY 2:
- Day 1 of Coron Island Hopping
- Started the day off by climbing this:

to get to see this:

Probably, one of the most photographed spot in Coron

And this:

Photos of Kayangan Lake – one of the world’s cleanest lake; I just noticed the lake has an eerie glow in pictures.

- Afterwards, we visited Twin Lagoon where cold and warm water mixes.

- Only picture we got since we don’t have any waterproof camera. You have to swim under a tunnel/cave-like passage to get to the 2nd lagoon. Good thing it was low-tide when we got there so you don’t have to swim under water. All you have to do is float and try to be careful so as not to bump your head on the cave ceiling.

- Then, had lunch at Sunset Beach

.

- The sand was SOOOO powdery white. I think can be compared to Boracay’s athough, I haven’t been to Boracay so I’m not too sure.

- And then, ended the day of by dipping in Maquinit Hot Springs (40 deg Celcius). The 2 pools above are even hotter.

DAY 3:
- Day 2 of Coron Island Hopping
- Again, another climb to get to the Barracuda Lake:

- This lake is a diving site too. I haven’t seen any barracudas though.

- We spent around 3 hrs in the lake. We had the lake for ourselves only. =)

- After snorkeling in the lake, off we went to have lunch at Banol Beach.

Banol Beach – another place where you can laze around

- After resting at Banol Beach, off we went to do some snorkeling at one of the Japanese WWII shipwrecks, the Skeleton Wreck.

- And snorkeling again at Siete Pecados, Marine Sanctuary Park and Kalachuchi Coral Garden.

DAY 4:

- We had Calumbayan Island all to ourselves again. =)

This island is full of marble stones. We had a fun time collecting some of them.

- Another round of snorkeling at the Gunboat Wreck.

- We were able to get to Coral Garden and Lusong Wreck also but forgot to take pictures =(. However, we weren’t able to do snorkeling coz of the strong underwater current.

DAY 5:
- Went home via PAL express again tanned, relaxed and happy. =)

HOW TO GET THERE:
- VIA AIR: PAL express, SEAIR, ZEST AIR (previously known as Asian Spirit), CEBU pacific
o Travel Time: 30-45 mins
- VIA SEA: Negros Navigation, Super Ferry
o Travel Time: 12 hours

THINGS TO DO:
- Major activities are snorkeling and diving. Coron is famous for its WWII Japanese shipwrecks and coral gardens.
- You can also bum and laze around in their beaches (Banol Beach, Sunset Beach and Banana Island).
- Climb Mt Tapyas
- Rent a motorcycle and explore Coron town and nearby Busuanga Island.
- Go visit Calauit island for an African adventure.

PLACES TO STAY:
- from Class A resorts (in a secluded island) to tourists’ inns and lodges in Coron town. Search the internet for details.

fitness update..

after starting with my weight loss program last April (eherm.. with some rest in between... =) ), here's my current stat:

Starting Weight: 140 lbs
Current Weight: 120.6 lbs
***My doctor's target weight for me is 105lbs =( .
***140lbs was my weight for the past 2+ years...

Starting Body Fat %: 36% (Overweight)
Current Body Fat %: 30% (Average)
***Our next target is to decrease to 25% and on to, hopefully (am keeping my fingers crossed), 19% (Lean Category).

Starting BMI: 27.3 (Overweight)
Current BMI: 23.6 (Normal)

I plan to join in fun runs =) now that I have my old buddy, Marge, to join me. Currently, I enjoy doing cardio exercises so much that I can do a 6.8km/hr-jog for 20 straight mins (no walking in-between)!!! =) I know you guys are better than me BUT I consider this as my accomplishment! Before, my only cardio exercise was to walk in the mall while shopping and mind you, i tire easily =( .

I will be giving updates in the next few weeks. I wish we'll see the nos continuously go down by then =) .

random things about me..

1. I love reading... =) to-date, i have 2 magazine subscriptions, Reader's Digest and National Geographic. I have tons of books both at my parent's house and our house. Books ranges from children's books to Oprah's Book Club to NY Times' Bestseller books.

2. I can stay in front of the computer from morning 'till night.

3. I am extremely afraid of the open water. I do get panic attacks if I don't see the sea/ocean bottom.

4. I like collecting perfumes, soaps and body wash.

5. 3 things I collect when I travel: keychain, postcard, t-shirts

6. I love photography. =)

7. I am starting to build up my DVD collection of classic movies.

8. I am a big fan of wooden furniture products.

9. Websites i visit when I come online: time.com, cnn.com, femalenetwork.com, rdasia.com.ph, inquirer.net, nationalgeographic.com

10. I was on the honor (first/star) section from Grade 1 'till 4th year high school.

11. I studied in an all-female exclusive school from Kindergarten to High School. During College, I studied in a male-dominated engineering school.

12. I love dogs! =)

13. I am the only daughter in my family and my husband is the only son in his family. We're both the eldest among siblings. =)

14. I like watching Japanese Anime. I would rather watch it with English subtitles. Somehow, it loses originality when I watch an english-dubbed anime series.

15. I easily get bored. To kill boredom, I shop. =)

#$*&^$#(&*%!!!!!

SOMEONE is stealing from ME!!!! And I AM fuming mad about it!!! Grrr!!!

I checked online my credit card transactions this morning and LO and BEHOLD! A transaction from CEBU PACIFIC PASIG amounting to 1,163.00 pesos has been charged into my account! It happened last July 10. How could that be when I was working in Cavite during that time AND BESIDES, where will i be going?!!! #*$&)!

I already called BPI about it and am gonna file my dispute letter tomorrow! SOMEONE IS REALLY PISSING ME OFF! The amount is not huge BUT STILL, knowing that someone is stealing from your hard earned money is NO JOKE!

I WANT JUSTICEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sniff! Sniff! =(

it's confirmed...

I went to my OB last Saturday; however, she was out of the country but her reliever doctor ( a good one too! ) was able to see me instead. I also got the my TVU results last February.

It's confirmed in paper. I am officially diagnosed with bilateral polycystic ovaries (PCO). I got some of the accompanying symptoms/syndromes too, so, that's why it's called PCOS (PolyCystic Ovarian Syndrome.

For the benefit of those reading this, I have below a general description of what PCOS is. I want you, my dear readers, to understand what I am going through.

Polycystic ovary syndrome: Abbreviated PCOS. Polcystic ovary syndrome is a condition in women characterized by irregular or no menstrual periods, acne, obesity, and excess hair growth. PCOS is a disorder of chronically abnormal ovarian function and hyperandrogenism (abnormally elevated androgen levels). It affects 5-10% of women of reproductive age. PCOS is also called the Stein-Leventhal syndrome.

Women with PCOS do not ovulate -- they do not release an egg every month -- and they are at significantly higher risk for high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer of the uterus (endometrial cancer). Much of this risk can be reversed by exercise and weight loss.

Medication is generally prescribed to induce regular periods, thereby reducing the risk of uterine cancer. For acne and excess hair growth, the diuretic spironolactone (Aldactazide) can help. And for women who desire pregnancy, clomiphene (Clomid) can be used to induce ovulation.

Studies have indicated that diabetic medications that are designed to improve the action of the hormone insulin may benefit women with PCOS. Long-term trials of these insulin-sensitizing drugs -- such as Avandia (rosiglitazone), Actos (pioglitazone), and Glucophage (metformin) -- for PCOS are underway. The results appear promising. A type of surgery called a "wedge resection" in which a piece of the ovary is removed also helps some women with PCOS.

The cause of PCOS is unknown. However, the ovaries of women with the disease characteristically contain a large number of small cysts. Hence, the name polycystic ovary.

Other common names are polycystic ovary disease, polycystic ovarian disease, and POD.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), also known by the name Stein–Leventhal syndrome, is a hormonal problem that causes women to have a variety of symptoms including irregular or no menstrual periods, acne, obesity, and excess hair growth. Women with PCOS are at a higher risk of developing high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and uterine cancer. Treatment of PCOS depends partially on the woman's stage of life and the symptoms of PCOS.

Source: http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=4981

I am now under metformin, the medicine I detested from the start due to the side effects it inflicted on my body (dizzying spells and vomiting) but now, I NEED to take it for me to be able to manage my PCO and also to avoid the long term effects too (diabetes, heart dieasese, etc.). I switched drug manufacturers; hopefully, I'll not experience the dizzying spells and vomiting now. I can still remember how harrowing the experience was before =( .

Again, lifestyle change. This has been pointed out to me again and again. I hear you. My life took a 360 degree turn last February. That's why, I enrolled in a gym (you read it right, I am now a local gym-rat =) ), which reminds me, I have an appointment with my trainer this afternoon =) .

I also modified my eating habits. I'm not eating anything white, no white rice, white bread, white sugar. I also try to avoid eating processed food. I make sure I complete my 3 meals a-day, having breakfast as my heaviest meal. Any deviation from this will wreck havoc in my hormones and metabolism.

Ahhhhh!!! the things I will do to make things alright.. I know, and, am POSITIVE, that things will turn out for the better. Don't lose the faith, as they say =) .

just checking in...

hello guys!!! it's been almost a month since i posted.. i've got a lot of updates sana pero things began picking up with our project last month kaya here I am.. I AM busy.. as in B-U-S-Y!!!

i'll check back again later on. Our 3x/wk work from home was allowed kaya I'll hopefully have more personal time now.

Take care you guys! God bless! :)

sunday photo find

Candle (top view) - taken for a photography class - June 2009

Take this candle to light your path,
As you transverse the road paths of life.

In light there is darkness,
With despair comes hope.

Radioimmunoassay Report

For the benefit of those reading this blog to get updates on my journey to conquer PCOS and/or in a similar situation as mine, I am posting my hormonal test results below. I've highlighted the abnormal test result I got for DHEAS RIA. As mentioned before, I am just waiting for hubby's karyotyping results before I go back for consultation. Definitely, I'll be posting here updates after that.

blood tests are in!!!

Ok, after working on it for the past 2 mos, I'm almost finished. Almost? Yah, i need to wait for hubby's karyotyping results plus I still need to take my glucose tolerance tests.

As for the results, thank GOD almost everything looks good. One of my hormonal tests, particularly DHEAS RIA, skyrocketed and surpassed the maximum normal value. I've done a little bit of research but it's hard understanding it with all the medical terms. I'll be visiting my OB as soon as I'm all done. Wish me luck! =)

sunday photo find

A look into the Aeta village, Zoobic Safari Tour, Subic, Zambales - Dec 2008


It's impressive to know that the Aetas still live a very simple life despite the advances in modern technology today. I enjoyed the tour actually as I got to learn basic survival techniques also =).

What happened last May?

Ok, I know this is an overdue post, however, as the saying goes, it's better late than never! =)

Again, as mentioned in my previous posts, hubby went on a 3-week vacation here last month. This is his 2nd time to go on a vacation and as per our new custom =), we need to go somewhere to spend quality time together. So, for this round, hubby wanted to go to the famous beach of Boracay. Yes, I know what's on your mind, we haven't been there. It was actually our first time last May =). As part of our side trip, we also included Cebu mainly to try the Sky Walk Adventure at the Crown Regency Plaza. And now! the best part, FOOD TRIP!!!! =) Oh! And I have to go on a 3-week hiatus from the gym. =P

Pictures below are all food trip photos.. =) O di ba takaw ko? Nyahahahaha! =)

Pink Pepper, Mother's Day, MOA - May 2009

Thai Resto at MOA, Pasay - May 2009

Boracay Regency, Aklan - May 2009

Tony Romas, ATC, Alabang - May 2009

Boracay Food Stalls, Aklan - May 2009

Marriot Cebu - May 2009

Halo-Halo, SM City Cebu - May 2009

Fish & Co, ATC, Alabang - May 2009

Outback Steakhouse, ATC, Alabang - May 2009