New Leaf

I expected it delivered today, and I was right. But despite already guessing it, I still couldn't help but jump for joy and pray endless thanks when someone knocked on my door this morning to bring me the good news.

It's done. A chapter of my life has closed. A new leaf begins. ;)

Valentine Sweets

And you'd think, just because you don't have a special someone this Valentine's, it's not going to be as sweet.

But as they say, good things can come out of not-so-good things, such as your coupled colleagues remembering that fact and doing something unexpected, thoughtful and sweet to cheer you up. =)

This was what greeted me when I came to the office today. Homemade and personalized with my name!


And later in the day, other little sweeties joined in!


Thanks Berns, Miles, Amy. =)

Decision Made

Just two words. And yet, they possess enough power to change the course of one's life. Mine, in particular.

It is only a matter of time now before I finally get my hands on that piece of paper that (I hope) will empower me to put into action what I have been looking forward to do since last year. I can't wait to get started.

It is not all rosy. I am scared as hell. But it's time to be FEARLESS, the way Taylor has meant the word to be. Fearless.

Condura Run

Another fun Sunday. :)

My bib

Finisher's medal

Fireworks before the run starts

Starting line

It was the most organized run so far: with official warm-up (I gotta feeling), on time, televised (= , clear instructions, a 'village' of sponsors. And it was a very large crowd, at least 8,000 joined! There was also a full marathon (42k), the late runners of whom we looked kindly on while they were still running with the sun way up and us already having breakfast. Hehe.

Self-Affirmation

You are a strong, smart, capable woman. There is nothing you cannot do that you put your heart and effort into. You answer to no one but yourself, and do so fairly.

I just have to write that down because I often forget.

Book Run

Today's Book Run was the most fun so far. A brush with celebrities can do that to me. =)

I don't really consider myself a fan because I don't follow his work. I don't watch his channel (and consequently his TV programs) and have never seen any of his films. But in local showbiz, I find him the most appealing among his generation. I think he's really gwapo. (Jologs na kung jologs, hehe).

Today, along with an eyeful of Miriam Quiambao (former Miss Universe Runner-up), an Eigenmann (I don't know which one of the brood in the biz, hehe), Drew Arellano (not that familiar with him but I've heard of him), Shalani Soledad (Noynoy's girlfriend) and of course Marian Rivera, I saw Dingdong Dantes.


And, he appears to be a really cool guy, creating the sweetest moment I so far know that can happen in a run: after he crossed the finish line, he want back the trail to run along with Marian, his girlfriend who was running behind. Awwww. Cheezy. But sweet. :) Really sweet.

Toothfairy

It's a typical The Rock movie. Clean fun, good-natured, family-oriented. Big-nice-guy-going-through-some-rough-times-and-finding-himself-in-the-process.

Unlike similar movies in the past, however, this time I am able to relate more to that last part. The getting-through-rough-times-and-finding-yourself-in-the-process part.

That's why, although the movie itself is nothing spectacular (I don't think it claimed to be, so no offense to the moviemakers), I'm glad I went to see it. After all, it makes me able to say this:

Spread those wings and begin to fly. =)

(Am I not making any sense? I so think too. ;)

Chess

It's been so long since I last played board chess. I was so engrossed playing, I forgot to watch PBB!

Gosh, I really missed the game. I hope to play more. :)

This is IT!

Well, almost. But, since Miley says it's the climb that counts the most, this new stage is cause for celebration.

Like before, it came as a surprise. I've actually been waiting for it since the start of the year but just when I wasn't expecting it this one time, voila! Life's such a good surprise sometimes. ;)

PSE Bull Run

Contrary to the December one I joined, I made it on time so I was able to actually run what I paid for. Since it's my second run now, 5k didn't seem so hard, though I still had a good number of walks after halfway through the route. I finished earlier this time though, and that felt good.

The breakfast with runmates (and that includes our official photog) was fun, like before, and such a good time to catch up with friends. I'm starting to love Sundays spent like this. Good health and good friends. What gems. :)

Decision

When you make a decision, make it your own. If it turns out to be a mistake, at least you're going to pay for your own fault, rather than someone else's.

A Jane Postcard from Jane

Yes, you read it right. You read "Jane" twice.

It was a complete surprise to have received this postcard this morning. It's from Bath! Yep, the place itself mentioned in the Jane Austen novels. It was sent by my ex-boss Jane. No kidding. She's really named Jane. She was at Bath last christmas. Oh, I can't believe the thoughtfulness!

Someday, I'm going to explore the places in the postcard.

The Mailbox

It's just one small rectangular wooden box. It's not even distinguishable from the series of similar boxes stacked in the area if not for the number identifying it. I also don't like its paint color nor paintwork. In any other situation, it won't matter much to me except on a few occasions when I had to check the mail. And even those times were just routine, nothing to fuss about.

But this past week - and probably the next few - is not just "any other situation". It is everything the rest of someone's life could be. The Mailbox. It holds the key.

Happy New Year!

It's been a tough 2009. For everyone in the country, as well as for me personally. But am I glad to be here with you welcoming the new year! =) It's going to be a winner year. ;)

Cheers!

Sweeney Todd

I meant to write about this last Sunday but like these past few days, I couldn't bring myself to. There have been some stuff going on that kept me off posting and luckily, my memory of the play had finally broken the spell.

Three hours. That's how long it took for Repertory Philippines to sing the story of Sweeney Todd at Greenbelt 1 last Sunday. Not that I'm complaining.

I admit that as one who was not familiar with the story or the repertoire, I had a hard time warming up to the play because I couldn't understand the songs. Eventually though, I got the drift and ultimately found the play a show of outstanding theatrical talents. Also thought that whoever created the play had a touch of genius. I loved the twists.


One particular actress stood out - the villainess Mrs. Lovett. Her voice, whether she sings or talks was able to convey distinct emotions. Her singing was of course impeccable and her acting nothing but effective. There was only one other theater antagonist who really impressed me, and this was years back when she played the Witch in a Narnia production. It was only after a google search that I learned that Mrs. Lovett and the Witch were portrayed by the same actress: Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo. Ah, consistent.

It was a jampacked performance, made more special by live music from the Philharmonic Orchestra commanded by the revered Gerard Salonga.

I had another fun night with my friends and this was what made the experience most special.

Yes, We Ran!

I once said that I would have nothing to do with marathons, runs, fun runs or however they call it these days. I'm not fond of jogging and see no point in running (why not just dance, or walk?).

But today, I ate my words. They tasted good.


After a series of refusals (and excuses), I finally gave in to a friend's persistent invites, and found myself in a 5k run today. I did not really know what I was thinking accepting it, especially in the middle of the run when I felt like I had to drag my legs to keep going and protect my self-esteem. But think, I did, all through the run.

Was I going to finish it? Would I be condemned if I quit halfway through? How far away was I from the last runner? (I kept looking back, hehe; never thought of acing it but didn't want to be last). Which other runner should be my benchmark?

Fortunately, I saw the final mark and crossed the finish line in a performance that my friends call "not bad" for a first-timer. ;)

Beyond saving face, though, there was more to the run than just finishing it. There was fun, laughter, talk, ideas, learning, and above all, friendship.

In the Bag

Seconds. It took just one look, one touch, and I was taken. Is it possible to fall that fast?

I was not even looking for one. But perhaps, it's really true that sometimes, you find the one when you least expect it. The attraction was just too strong, I couldn't let go. I weighed the consequences and the acceptable logic behind what I was about to do. There were odds, definitely. But in the end, I had to follow my heart.

And so, I bought myself this lovely, lovely bag:


I still can't get enough of it. It is such a beauty. It even has 6 major compartments! Gorgeous and usable. Perfect buy! ;)

Locked Out

I have always loved living on my own. The independence is empowering. Except of course in certain times like being locked out of your door with your keys inside.

I was just going to throw trash away last night when I absentmindedly locked my front door. The moment I heard the defeaning click, I knew I was in big trouble. There was no way I could go 'round my back door, unless I possessed spiderman skills, which I sadly didn't. It was locked as well, so no point in trying to bother the neighbors.

Spare keys? Yep, I got them. Just not anywhere near my place. I handed them to my aunt, in case something like this happens but I didn't think then that it could happen while I was in my sleeping clothes and had no phone or money to get me a taxi to my aunt's who lives a city away. I also did not memorize any cellphone number except my own, so, even if I could borrow a phone, I wouldn't know who to call. I've never felt as helpless in a long time.

Unless I wanted to sleep in the lobby, or break the door open with desperate kicks (which I could not guarantee would be strong enough to do the breaking), I had to find a way to get in.

Clothed in my indecent get-up, I took the elevator down to the lobby guards and begged one to break my door open. No, not through kicking. Just the lock. He must know how to do it.

He thought for a moment then broached a bright idea: call a locksmith he knows. The catch, it was going to cost P450. I didn't argue, despite feeling a bit taken advantage of (I didn't think it should have cost that much). I would pay much more just to save myself from borrowing from someone, getting into a taxi in my attire and get the extra keys from my aunt.

To cut the story short, I was able to get in and felt so relieved that I parted with my P450 without regret.

Ah, the price we have to pay for a moment of stupidity.

Katy Perry Rocks for Relief

Finally! Was able to watch Katy Perry perform live. The postponed concert was staged last night and I am so glad I grabbed a ticket.

The front act(s) took quite some time, so I thought Katy would sing only a few songs. After all, the show isn't simply her concert anymore, but a fundraising drive to help the victims of Typhoon Ondoy (which also caused the postponement). The fact that the previous sole front act was turned into three (an American band, a local balladeer and Journey's Arnel Pineda) made me suspect that Katy might have cut her repertoire.

But I was wrong.

Katy performed a lot of the songs from her album (One of the Boys). Yes, she "performed" and not just sang them. As one of my friends commented, she was OUTRAGEOUS. She meant to entertain, and she did just that.

Top memories:

1. Watched the show with my closest college friends (Yns, Luvs, TinAn and Paul).

2. Yns and Luvs, who were not as crazy about Katy as I was, were converted into fans after the concert.

3. Katy on addressing her audience: "You've been through a lot. But we're still standing, damnit!". I didn't see that last word coming, that's why I howled in laughter. After that, I knew her Filipino fans were up for a different performance.

4. Katy sang most of her songs in the album. Sooo loved it, because I knew each one.

5. Katy (not verbatim): "I'm flying home tomorrow night but I'll skip the flight to visit the islands and purr, purr, purr."

6. Finally met her cat, Kitty Purry.

7. Katy's voice remained quality, despite her various antics and running here and there on - and off - the stage.

PBB Double Up

It's official. This here is a PBB Double Up addict. ;)

Begin Again

Start over. If that isn't the theme of my life these days, I don't know what is.

So fancy my joy when I discovered Colbie Caillat's latest album and unearthed one track that puts music into my current state of mind... as far as the title goes, that is. "Begin Again", the second song in the album, is just so easy to fall in love with. One hear and I started humming the chorus. A couple more, and I became a goner. Apart from Colbie's unique vocal talent and the catchy rhythm/beat, Begin Again disarmed me with its lyrics. Songs that put a new perspective to an old situation and through simple but clever lyrics always get me.

Ellen Pranks Taylor Swift

...and I just so love it!!!

Fully Booked

There is just something special about bookstores. They're the kind of place that call to me when I happen to pass by and I would oftentimes not be able to resist the calling. They must have me under a spell because with them, I am powerless.

That's exactly what happened a while ago when I was on my way to Glorietta for a friend's birthday dinner. I walked past Greenbelt 1, then 2...then, upon crossing to Greenbelt 3, I happened to look sideways and saw Fully Booked at the grounds of the new Greenbelt 5! I was mesmerized. It called to me. I had to find a way to check it out.

The store is amazing - all shelves are so well-filled and the displays are so enticing. And Starbucks within!!! Can there be a more perfect combination?

Lovin' it here. ;)

Lost in Space

You know that song that, despite having been launched many years back, still manages to make you feel that it's on top of the charts now when you hear it: timeless.

You know that song that, you have not heard for a long time but the moment you do, brings you back to that time and place where something special happened and it was that song that was then playing: memorable.

You know that song that, no matter how often, how long, what time, or what place you hear, lifts your spirit up and just brightens your day: all time fave!

That song for me is LightHouse Family's Lost in Space:

Reader Statistics

For blog readers who may not realize it (Eds, are you reading this? hehe), bloggers have a way of knowing who reads their blogs. See that logo above? It's displayed on the left side of this blog. It collects data.

Nope, no need to hyperventilate. ;) The most the stats can tell is which country and city you're from, what your IP address is (which I don't really care about) and what led you to the blog. We still cannot know who you really are.

So, Nonthaburi-Thailand, I kinda know you come around, but wasn't really sure whether you personally knew me or not. Glad to have known. =) Leave a word or two, ok?

P.S. Richmond-Virginia, do we know each other personally? ;)