chiNky tInKeRbeLL's rAnDoM rANts ...

I don't belong to those people who were gifted with a golden voice. But I so much love music. Listening to it and sometimes singing while the music is playing.

During my teenage years, I played my fave songs a lot of times, pause it once in a while so I can write the lyrics in a paper. Then, I used to record my voice while singing in a cassette tape recorded. Sounds weird but, I really did!

Now, where high technology exists. MP3 players, high end cellular phones, PC's and Internet Access for the song lyrics prevails. Here I am, a more music freak.

My PC at the office honestly, has thousands of music installed. Varieties of Old and New songs, several genres. My cellular phone contains music I'm hooked at the moment, anyway it was just 50+ songs.

Seriously...

I slept either with a loudspeaker or my ear phones on. My music is my lullaby.

Currently, I'm enjoying the songs:

ღღ Lovestory by Taylor Swift ღღ

ღღ Single Ladies by Beyonce ღღ

ღღ My Life Would Suck Without You by Kelly Clarkson ღღ

ღღ Halo by Beyonce ღღ

ღღ When I Met You by KC Concepcion ღღ

ღღ A Little Too Not Over You by David Archuleta ღღ

ღღ Kaleidoscope World by Francis M ღღ

ღღ After All These Years by Journey ღღ

ღღ Faithfully by Journey ღღ

ღღ Out of This Club by Pussycat Dolls ღღ

ღღ Almost by Tamia ღღ

ღღ You Changed my Life by Sarah Geronimo ღღ

ღღ Fearless by Taylor Swift ღღ

My gratitude—I really need to get back in the habit of doing these daily—sometimes I have to rack my brain to remember what happened a week ago & what I was grateful for. A great exercise in memory!

Wednesday 10/365

Jogging with Hubby & the Kids
Humorous dinner because of gluttony of Leigh & Peach =)
Thrilling episode of Tayong Dalawa
On my wash day but office attire clothes

Thursday 11/365

eXtremely Xpresso treat by Sir Jay & Sir Rhian
Big Ben Pizza & Eskimocha Frappes
Lessening my workloads
Mom In law's birthday
Goldilocks Mocha Cake
Bonding with hubs watching One True Love till midnight

Friday 12/365

Purple Paperdolls clothes
Comfy with my Silver & White Sandals
Rainy cold afternoon though it's summer
Early salary day

Saturday 13/365

Bonding day and cuddling with Leigh
200 pictures memory keepsakes
Finally bought my Scrap booking materials
Grocery time at Royal
New Banana Peel Flip flops
Dad in law's birthday
Goldilocks Cake & Balloons from Sis in law
Foods, foods, foods!
Earth Hour
Began scrap booking before bedtime

Sunday 14/365



Beach Time
My Summer Glamour
Unwinding in the cottage
Reading New Moon (I'm nearly done, finally!)
Photos captured from Leigh's swimming moment
Foods, foods, foods!
Rest time after the beach
Thanks goodness for the A/C - the weather is hot!
Scrap Booking and still stuck on New Moon before bedtime.

Yesterday at work, I received a stub from our Head Office. I was surprised when my boss handled me a piece of paper. Read: as Stepping Stones to "GEM" then below I saw my name. Reason/ Justification: For being the First 10 Raters in 2nd Sem SES. Actually, I was already included in our Newsletter February Issue. But I never thought that this will be a criteria for GEM.

I'll be turning 5 years in service working at UCPB Gen on September 16 to be exact. For the past 5 years, it had taught me a lot of things. Molded me in a better individual. Now, despite the pressure at work, it really pushes me hard to be more dedicated and love my job more.

Beyond words, with deepest emotions and gratitude, I'm proud to belong to UCPB Gen Family. Surely, sooner will be my future's stepping stone. =)

I had this friend for 8 years, whom I met in College. She's a Filipino Chinese, the youngest in the family. Intelligent simple girl. As to this date, NO BOYFRIEND SINCE BIRTH. But according to her she has lots of crushes, and those guys broke her heart.
Hahaha! Inspite of her fickle minded attitude, this childish woman is thoughtful, sweet and had big dreams.

Remembering our college days, even though we're classmates in all our subjects we used to exchange LONG letters narrating our love story and expressing our dreams in the future. During those times, we call future as the "real world."

We had a lot in common in terms of our interest, we love magazines, travel, foods, coffee, working abroad & at the top of the list passing the CPA Board Exam. After attaining our Bachelors Degree in Accountancy 5 years ago, by profession, we both remained unlicensed Accountants and excelled in different fields.

8 years of friendship... Hmmmm... almost 9, I really know her well. Besides, she's open with her wants, her frustrations, and her dreams. Once in a while, we spent time with our other friends, going out for lunch, or coffee after work to catch things up about our life.

Just recently, she's confused and acts just like a mixed-up kid deciding to accept a job abroad with a minimal salary but after the contract she's allowed to stay a month in the US. We communicate through YM and chats while being idled at work. Myself, obviously was bemused by her repeated questions. But as I always do, I remain patient with her and gave her my friendly advice.

ME : choose what ur heart desires.

ME : i guess d salary doesn't matter to u most naman.
JOY : Mhe sbi kc, aftr 2yrz b4 g0in h0me, im al0wd to stay in u.S 1m0-yan ngpagulo s kn

ME : if dat matters to u. u have to be sure if totoo yang pag stay mo ng 1 mo. sa U.S. ?

ME : den isa-sacrifice mo ung amount ng salary para makapag stay ka lang sa US ng one month. is dat worth it?

ME : ganto ang twist jan eh. talgang ia-attract ka na pumayag dahil mag stay ka nga ng 1 month sa US pero sa sahod monthly talo ka.

JOY : Yep its true. Ganun tlga

JOY : Yeah,un nga cgro pang atrct

ME : oo kasi mababa ung sahod.

JOY : Naku, d ble, nag aply na ko s rwsentosa.Com

JOY : Mgnda daw fture ko. May bcker kc

ME : kung gusto mo talga accept. u shud have no if's and but's

ME : eh mukhang ikaw may doubts ka din eh.

ME : gusto mo na accept na ayaw mo

JOY : Hnd kc ku indpndnt. Huhu

JOY : den dat's d big problem.

JOY : Fnance manager kc ng cmpny bcker k0

ME : before u decide and dream to go abroad. u first have to fix urself. learn to be independent.

JOY : 0o nga e.

ME : no matter how influential ur backer is, if ur top problem is ur independency. gurl, it's not right for u to accept easily d job.

JOY : Maxado ako na excte.Ate d0yce and jade puro p0stive. Pushes me hard. At magng indpndnt dw aku dun. Pero alam ko, puro iyak lng gagawn ko dam

JOY : Un nga ang mlakng prob. W0rth it sna umiyak dun kung 1k d0larz e

ME : It's a good opportunity , alam ko un. Pero kaw, if talgang wla kang duda sa sarili mo. Hindi mo na ko ia-ask if tatangapin mo or hindi.

ME : Kasi kung buong buo ang loob mo and alam mong ready ka. masasagot mo na kaagad ng yes yan. without asking someone else opinion.

JOY : Yeah u r ryt

ME : Kaya, lesson with dat: U HAVE TO LEARN TO BE INDEPENDENT FIRST BEFORE U DREAM OF GOING ABROAD!

JOY : Mhe=c

ME : truth hurts, but only true friends can be cruely honest. remember that quote. galing sau yan!

ME : u shud not be sad. wat u need to do is overcome mo yang fears mo.

JOY : Sigh

Well, I assumed that I have opened up her puzzled mind.

Shifting a career is really a major decision in one's life, it's somehow a tough "yes" or "no" to be made. Leaving the life we used to have, the daily routine, the people we mingle with. Turning everything in a start, yet in a better opportunity... A better and progressive life... But independency is the state of mind, and having the control of ourselves. I think she has still to learn by it before taking the next stairs.

With her befuddled thought, I want to share this quote for her:

The more you know who you are, & what you want, the less you let things upset you.

And I guess, we just need a cup of coffee or frappe!

9/365

Yesterday was Hubby & I's anniversary. The day when we started as bf's and gf's. Yes, we celebrated it for the first time after getting married two years ago. =)

We do bought Leigh's panties and pillows first at Union Square and took dinner at Extremely Xpresso. I'm grateful for eating Spicy Oriental Shrimp Spaghetti, Chips & Dips and Fries. Am I hungry? haha! And Of course, my fave frappe Eskimocha, I love the whipped cream topped with mocha. Hubs craves for his Mango Cremo.

Before going home, we rented 7 DVD's including Twilight. Hubby netflixed it. At last, I had a clear copy of my own. And Oooppss! When Leigh was already sleeping, I watched it for the nth time. Haha! Honestly, I already forgot how many times I have repeated watching the movie in a pirated DVD. But last night, I enjoyed watching in a clear copy because I never saw this in the theater.

For having read the book and watched the movie a lot of times, I almost memorized some of Edward & Bella's dialogue. Is this a sign of being addictive to vampires?!

Ahhhh, Edward!

Karen from Makeup & Beauty Blog wanted to share more about herself with her readers and asked us to do the same. Here are my answers to her questionnaire:

1. Tell me about yourself and why you love makeup.
My name is Abigail and I was born in San Narciso, Zambales 25 years ago. I married at the age of 22. And had a daughter at 23.

My addiction to make-up started when I was in Second Year in College. I used to wear, a light pinkish blush on and Cappuccino colored lipstick. That's it, I'm ready for school. Simple, young looking and demure. Then when I started working, and training in our Makati Office, make up was part of our corporate profile, I have been hooked ever since.

2. What do you do for a living?
I have been in the Insurance Industry since 2004. Being with the UCPB Gen Family for almost five years was something challenging and fun.

But to be honest, I'm becoming impatient with my boss.. SSShhhhh!

3. Tell me about your family.
I belong to a small family circle. I am the oldest of two and my brother is 2 years younger than me. When I was young, I wished I had more siblings. My Mom & Dad, until now spoils me. We may not be blessed with so much material things in life but, my parents' generosity, that's what I'm missing when I get married.

My own family, I was blessed with a husband who pampers me and a super cute and cozy daughter. I could not ask for more.

4. What are a couple things you like to do in your spare time?
I like to watch TV, probably DVD movies, listen to music, go on road trips, read books or magazines, explore the Internet, (of course, blogging), spend time with Leigh and my husband discovering new restaurants.


5. Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I am pretty shy when people first meet me but once you get to know me, I can be pretty funny and outgoing.
I am addicted to my N92 phone and I love my mp3 music.
I dislike the hot weather.
I love eating but now I'm enthusiastic to lose weight. Ewww! how could that be?

Four years ago, Hubs & I started being boyfriends & girlfriends.


Two months before that, we exchange emails through the Internet where we met. He oftentimes calls me. We chat in our daily routine.

Then, that's where everything started. Our life together, our love story.

Before we met, I don't believe in fairy tales and happily ever afters.

(I'm too sarcastic for that.)

(It's hard being a romantic AND a cynic, I'll tell you. I blame all of my emotionality on deep rooted psychological issues, so as not to appear sappy.)

Life is what you make it. I've made mistakes and turned down plenty of wrong roads, and while I feel lucky to get a chance at a life I never thought I'd have, I'm not naive enough to think that things will work out just because I want them to.

Four years ago today I said yes to a man I knew would love me for the rest of his life.

I married a man that would stick by me when things got complicated. I married a man who loves family and can't wait to have one of his own. I married a man who knows what "for better or worse" means. I married a man who looks at me as his equal, and who values my opinion and considers my feelings.

(Seriously.)

He is not perfect. We are not perfect. We love each other, and at the same time we know that love is not enough to build a marriage. It's just the gravy.

When you are young, "forever" is an abstract concept. No one tells you what it takes to make it happen. I still don't know if I'm sure myself. I am learning as I go along.

My marriage works because we work AT IT. It's not all sunshine and rainbows. It's a roller coaster filled with mini-spats and flare ups, cuddly nights on the bed, petty quarrels and arguments, having someone to fall back on, and the almost political dance of two families attempting to meld together.

It's wonderful and wacky and sometimes frustrating but always rewarding.

Four years ago today, I sad "yes" to a man who made "forever" look like the best idea I'd ever had.

If this is ACTUALLY the movie poster for New Moon, I might die...





...from HAPPINESS, nyahahaha!

(Seriously.)

Mood: Combination of Exhausted & Sleepy

Today is Saturday and I'm waiting for 5pm. Yeah, I'm at work and tried to finish my pending encoding works but badly, I still have papers on my desk.

Last week, was filled with busy days for me. I'm getting pressured hitting our 16M budget by the end of the year. Honestly, it sucks! I'm feeling the global crisis, it's hard to market nowadays. It seems that my so called "sales talking" which I customarily do for almost 5 years already, is becoming futile. Maybe, it's about money talks.

I got sick a couple of days ago, I suffered from asthma. So unfortunately, I wasn't able to jog on Wednesday. My recurring attacks of labored breathing requires me to just rest. But take note, I got to work 5 days. Thank goodness to my Duavent inhaler and nebulizer which medicates my breathing instantly. So, yesterday (it's Friday), I'm back to my jogging routine.

Buzz!

It's already 5pm. I'm just waiting for my Hubby and Leigh. We'll be heading to McDonalds. Usually, Saturday is our fam day and it's hubby & I's time for our daughter Leigh.

Grateful for:

March 14, 2009, Saturday 7/365

Arriving safe at the Mall of Asia
First time on MOA (yeah!)
Watching the Journey Concert
Finally, having my Hazel Contact Lens
Tokyo Tokyo Dinner
Luxury sleeping in a hotel with an executive room



March 15, 2009 Sunday 8/365

Breakfast at Mc Donalds
Thankful for my McSpag, French Fries & of course, coffee
Shopping Spree
Having a husband who will patiently go with me in a huge mall
Lunch at Rai-rai Ken (it's great)
Hotpot Seafood
Photographs taken by hubby

After watching the Journey Concert Saturday night, I'm still grateful for the next day. Why? It was my therapeutic Sunday shopping spree. Hubby and I planned for our weekend a couple of days ago. Traveling four hours for the concert, staying in the hotel over night and shopping some stuffs the next day. And it all worked, despite spending thousands we enjoyed! (",)

Before watching the concert, I already got my Hazel Contact Lenses at Executive Optical. At last I had it on my eyes, my vision is clear once again. Thank goodness for contacts!!

It's my first time to shop at SM Mall of Asia. And because of that first time, I seized the chance shopping all day though it's really tiring sauntering in the huge mall.

Of course, it is every woman's perks going back a lot of times even in a place where we've already been. ( So to my hubby, don't complain! haha!)

So, myself being one of the thousand woman shopaholics, I self confessed!

These are my confessions:

1) Abercrombie Blue Shirt - I like the "blue shade thing" as well as the cotton made cloth



2) White Printed Shirt - The print is so cute. I love the design.



3) Blue Summer Hat - Again, I love the "blue shade thing." Reasons why I bought this? First, it's getting ready for my summer outfits. Secondly, I guess it's because of my impulsiveness. =)



4) Moose Girl Yellow Blouse - The color suits Leigh and the balloon style it's appropriate for her chubbiness. Besides, this one is on SALE.



5) Polka Dots Summer Dress - This one is backless, and gives comfort to Leigh during playtime. Getting ready for summer! Looking back, this the second time I bought her a polka dots dress.



6) Blue Leggings - Leigh's attire usually for fam day. The hearts design at the bottom makes it girly. Yes, it's blue again. =)



7) Two Jogging Pants - I was attracted in the color. For my jogging time and for Leigh's bedtime wear. Cute!



8) Two Dickies Socks - I bought this one for jogging purposes. "wink"



9) Bobson two in one shirt - A plain white shirt and yellow halter. Soo feminine.



10) Hubby's Green Converse Shirt - An addition on his Converse Shirt Collections. =)



11) Elmo Pajamas - Elmo is the top on the list of Leigh's fave cartoon characters.



12) Two Belts - For my office attire. A black & white.

13) Kidz Sandals - The mirror designs make it elegant.





14) Butterfly headbands - Purple for Leigh & Pink for Peachy.


For the photographs thanks to my hubby! =)

Hubby & I were here!

Last Saturday was special. Very special. I had a date with my hubby and attended the much awaited concert of the rock band Journey here in the Philippines. Dubbed as An Evening with Journey, it was really an unforgettable night.

The concert was held in SM Mall of Asia's Concert Grounds. It was the first time I attended a concert in MOA, (actually it's really my first time in MOA) and having Journey as my first is just great. We had the complimentary Bronze Ticket so we were lucky we have watched the Journey for free expense.

The person who persuaded me in watching the concert was my hubby. Well, I like Journey as well but I won't travel 4 hours just for a concert, but because of my hubby I did. He really likes Journey ever since, he's the one who introduced me to their music.

What made the concert more special is that the main vocalist of the group is a Filipino in the name of Arnel Pineda. He was the lucky guy whom Neil Schon, a member of the group, discovered Arnel on You Tube and immediately was impressed with Arnel's voice which resembles that of Steve Perry, the original vocalist.

I know there are a lot of Filipinos who were just recently introduced to Journey's music because of Arnel Pineda's muchly publicized discovery. Those real fans, curious to hear what Journey sounds live, and those who wants to be added to the hype on attending a famous band's concert made the concert a success. And performance wise, I may say it was really good. I love their songs After All These Years, Faithfully and Open Arms.

Here's Hubby & I's pictures in the concert ground.

Grateful for:

Unwinding with hubby at BBQ Chicken

Spicy chicken and bulgalbi burger with hubs






Completed the 3 days a week jogging

Meeting with our Senior Manager appreciating my works despite our production shortage

Done with my multi-task for a week

Looking forward to watching Journey's concert on Saturday at the Mall of Asia



Two Complimentary Tickets for Hubby & I at the Journey Concert =)



Excited for my shopping spree... Yipee! üüü

Weekend ahead. (^_^)

Catching up on Gratitude:

Attended Reizon & Zenneth's tying the knot

Band & music in the wedding celebration

Curling my hair & having it turn out great

Bookworm (yes, for those slow days at the office!)

Lifelong Friends

Uzzap wherein I get online on my mobile phone babbling with friends =)

Inspired by Tracy Chapman's The Promise

Francis M & Pia Magalona's blog has touched my life for Real

Wanting to own a Three Stars and a Sun clothing by FM

Grateful for:



My super cute and cozy daughter (she already knows how to pose for a snapshot!)
Enthusiasm to lose weight (^_^)
Cropping up interest in photography and still a lot on fashion



Starbucks coffee

A very close friend appreciating a friendly advise from me
Wanting to do Scrap Booking

Watching over Francis M's death, I admire Pia Magalona how she handles the death of her husband. She acknowledges the hugs and handshakes of sympathizers with a smile and with not a hint of tears. During her interviews, she never showed any sign of weakness. That is, no excessive show of grieving, no copious tears (even if may of the sympathizers couldn't help it), no Good Friday faces but perhaps Easter Sunday smiles.

Or maybe, just maybe... She has cried more than enough in the seven months that she stayed beside Francis during his brave battle with leukemia. In a newspaper article "Pia smiled, her eyes showing not the pain and sorrow that mark this kind of tragedy but apparent joy that Francis is now resting in peace in the bosom of The Lord, and said, I'd rather treasure beautiful memories or our life together," that is with their eight children, "and that's what I will miss most about him."

Throughout their joint battle with the Big C, diagnosed in August last year, Pia proved to be a pillar of strength. She kept her widely-admired composure because that was how Francis wanted things to be.

I was inspired with her dialogue, "otherwise, if I showed any sign of weakness, it might adversely affect Francis. I didn't want that to happen. I had to be strong for him. With him gone, I have to continue being strong for our children."

I'm also a Mom, and I admire her courage trying to be the good paradigm to her eight children. She has proven that life is tough but she’s tougher.

Francis Magalona also known as Francis M, Master Rapper, and The Man From Manila, was a Filipino rapper, songwriter, producer, actor, director, and photographer. Often hailed as the "King of Pinoy Rap", he was considered a legend in the Philippine music community. With the success of his earliest albums, he was the first Filipino rapper in the Philippines to cross over to the mainstream. He is also credited for having pioneered the merging of rap with Pinoy rock, becoming a significant influence to artists in that genre as well.

On March 6, 2009, Francis succumbed to multiple organ failure after having been rushed to the hospital and intubated the night before. He had undergone several chemotherapy sessions since he was diagnosed the previous year, and had been expected to undergo a bone marrow transplant supposedly this March. "Kiko" died seven months after being diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia.

I'm not really an avid fan of Francis M. but I do love his song "Mga Kababayan Ko" when I was in grade School. At this moment, it's still fresh in my memory dancing it with the steps of running man. XD

I frequently watched the noon time show Eat Bulaga, and it's where I usually seen Francis before he was diagnosed of his disease. Yeah, he's a "playful little boy" as what Joey de Leon calls him. He smiles a lot, and I admire his face because he doesn't look like his age. Francis M is such a baby face.



As I read his personal multiply blogs and his "happy battle" it somehow touches me and pity him for suffering so much misery in his illness. But his bravery inspires me a lot. Knowing "Leukemia" literally, it's not as easy in the deepest sense itself.

I admire Francis in his words "I'm going down fighting." His stories in the blogs, his pictures in his treatment, he really tried to be strong while fighting leukemia. For all the newspaper articles, blog entries, Internet write ups that I've read - I agreed that he is such a Philippine Icon, a Legacy.

This is the second time that I really kept an eye in the death of a famous icon. I read the newspapers, check out the internet, and look over TV news. (Honestly, I really did!) The first time I had this enthusiasm, was in the sudden death of Rico Yan during my first year in college. As I look back, it was Good Friday when news came out that he was found dead at Dos Palmas Resort in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. He died of cardiac arrest due to acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis at the age of 27. And when I watched his funeral rites televised live on TV, I'm really in tears.

Unlike Francis M., I idolized Rico Yan since I was in High School. What makes me of keen interest with Francis is how he lived his life despite of his condition. He had lived one day at a time. Continued his life when he feels better after every chemotheraphy he has undergone, he did excelled in photography, recorded music, composed songs, designed and supervised his clothing line FMCC. He certainly believed that life is so short, but it can be well lived. Positive in any way he could.



Francis M's last blog posting was dated Jan. 14, 2009 as he was preparing for his fourth chemo. It's poignant as he showed his readiness for whatever God has willed for himself. “I look forward to the pain as I know my journey is on full speed ahead. I will not be bold to say that without asking a favor from you all. PLEASE PRAY for me as I undergo treatment. Your prayers, as always, have sustained me. And am sure the Lord will listen to all our prayers. To His will I submit myself.”

When someone dies of cancer, we always say he lost the fight. I disagree.

The fight against cancer is about making life more meaningful. By providing inspiration to many, Francis M was a winner.

Inspite of dying young, fighting the big "C"... Truly, Francis M. have lived well in his "Happy Battle."

Surely, he'll be missed by buffs like me.

Francis M. you'll always be a part of the music industry, in show business and in the heart of every Filipino people you touched. May you rest in the hands of our Creator.

Grateful for:

Finally, finally, finally seeing “You Changed My Lfe” and finding out that it is just as good as I hoped for— Sarah Geronimo was wonderful and her clothes were really fashionable. Her acting? She's really good for drama and comedy roles. Bebe ko! Bebe ko! Bebe ko! Hahaha! And of course I will always love Miggy Montenegro ( John Lloyd Cruz), he's forever a heart throb. My overall assessment - Sarah and Lloydy are such a blockbuster tandem.



Lunch out with Joy at Chowking

N92 Cellular Phone



Another weekend arrives

Unending gratitude for coffee

Grateful For:

MWF Jogging with Hubby
Fashionable Sundance Gray Blouse
Done with Twilight book last Friday
Flipping the pages of New Moon
Having spent time with my family at San Narciso
Leigh's intellectual act for telling me "Stop that Mommy" (such a brainy kid!)
Bonding with Hubs at Teriyaki boy last friday after a week of work
Keni Yaki
California Roll
Chicken Ramen Noodle



Hubs with Chopsticks on the Go! (",)