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...
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
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 =).
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 =).
Monday, August 24, 2009
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 =( .
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 =( .
Saturday, August 22, 2009
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
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
Saturday, August 15, 2009
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
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
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."
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
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 =).
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 =).
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