A Girl’s Notebook :)

Thank you Mama Mary…

I am taking a break from catering calls to greet Jesus a Happy Birthday; to say thank you to Mama Mary for saying YES to God’s call and to greet everybody a Merry Christmas!

I know that everybody is very busy enjoying different family parties, but we should not forget the real reason we are celebrating Christmas. Tomorrow is a holiday, please do not forget to hear mass and offer a prayer of thanksgiving to the star of today’s celebration; Jesus Christ.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Ciao!

Last December 14, our team had our Christmas exchange gifts. Before, my wish list was something that my daughter can use. Well, she has a lot of toys and books already and I thought, that since this would be my first exchange at Dell then I would ask for something for myself (for remembrance?!?). I love to books. Reading is one of my passions, so I decided to wish for a book that I really wanted to have. It is called Kokology; the game of self-discovery. I have learned about this book through one of my Dell trainers, sir Peejay. During training, he never failed to start the day with this game.

I would really want to have that book. I should have bought it then, but it cost Php400. I know I spent even larger amount with my Twilight Saga but, I have more important things to buy that this book. Anyway, it can wait. So, when we were ask to write our wish for the exchange gift, this book is the first thing that came to my mind. My second option was For One More Day by Mitch Albom.

I am glad that my teammate picked this one for me. I am very happy.

When I got home from work, I started reading the book and I really enjoyed it. It makes me laugh every time my answer to a certain situation fits on what I really feel. Let me give you a sample scenario from the book; and you would really find it very interesting.

Whale Watching

You are standing on the deck of a small whale-watching boat. The great blue ocean surrounds you on all sides as far as the eye can see. The salt spray mists your face as you lean the deep. And then there they are – a family of whales has surfaced just a short distance away!

Which of the following best describes the family?

1. A small baby whale swimming behind its gigantic mother.
2. A baby whale snuggling close to its mother’s belly.
3. A father and mother whale swimming with their baby.
4. A baby whale blowing a water spout as it swims off alone.

I chose number 3 and it means: “You have an equal appreciation for the roles of both your mother and father (the father is often is often forgotten about in these types of imaginary scenes). As a child, your home life was most likely happy and secure, and the result is your balanced outlook in life.”

True. What about you? What is your choice?

One more scenario, I am practicing my typing skills that’s why I am in the mood of typing. Hehehe!!!

Under a Clear Blue Sky

Imagine a clear blue sky without a cloud in sight. Just thinking about it should give your spirits a little lift. Now turn your mind’s eye down to survey the landscape. Which of the following scenes feels most calming and relaxing to you?

1. A white snowy plain.
2. A blue seascape.
3. A green mountain.
4. A field of yellow flowers.

On this scenario, I really focused on the different scenes and felt which would really gives me the most calm and peaceful feeling. Then, I chose number 2; A blue seascape.

A blue seascape: “You have a natural talent for interpersonal relations. People respect your ability to communicate with others and the way you help bring diverse groups together. Just by being around, you help others work more smoothly and efficiently, making you an invaluable member of any project or team. When you say, “Nice job. Keep up the good work,” people know you mean it. So it means that much more to them.”

Find it very interesting? If you want to know the meaning of your own choices, then rush now to your favorite bookstore and get one for yourself. Its authors are Tadahiko Nadao and Isamu Saito. They are Japanese famous Psychologist.

Ciao!

In the midst of the happy seasons that we have right now, it’s so sad to think that our fellow Filipino who lives near Mayon Volcano will be spending their Christmas in different evacuation centers. As of this writing, alert level number 4 has been raised with regard to Mayon Volcano. It means that any moment, Mayon Volcano will erupt. It’s good to know that Albay’s local government are working pretty hard to obtain zero casualty. Being an animal lover, I am glad to hear that even the animals, which are within the 10-km danger zone, are moved to a safer place.

Mayon Volcano

Aerial view of Mayon Volcano

I know that that this is a natural calamity that only Bro can stop. But, in case that the eruption push through, let us pray together that it will only cause minimal damage.

I pray for the people who lives in that area to be strong. That in spite of the this life’s challenge, they would remain faithful to God and let His light be their hope, our hope and guide.

Ciao!

I attended the wedding of my old friend Dwight last Sunday (December 20). Since I am with kuya Ritchie, who accompanied me in singing At the Beginning, we decided not to attend the wedding ceremony at the church and headed our way to the reception. The reception was held at the Grand Terrace, along Commonwealth Avenue. We took a cab from Rosario to Commonwealth. It was a Sunday so there was no traffic.

We arrived at the reception hall just in time to rehearse and to test our cd. I really prayed hard that the CD would be read by the reception’s music system. I am glad that it did!

The program started at around 5:30PM. We shared our table with my college friends, Farrah, Mynheer and Bryan. It was a happy feeling to meet my old friends. We chat a while and then came the couple of the day. I was happy seeing my friend, Dwight, settling down and happy.

Kuya and I were able to enjoy the food they have served for the guest. After drinking a glass of water, the host gave the cue for our number. Thank God, I was able to sing well. It has been a while since I sing in a wedding. This was my gift to the newly wed.

I wasn’t able to stay in the reception long, because kuya has other plans to do. I just sent Dwight a text message that I need to leave early.

My best friend Daisy, asked me once if I volunteered then to sing in his wedding. I remember when we were still in college (it was 7 years ago), I used to sing while we were hanging out. Then, Dwight told me then that when he gets married, he would want me to sing there. I said yes and told him that it would be for free. I never thought that he took it seriously. He first informed me about this wedding since January of this year. He also told me that he’s been looking for me in Friendster (Friendster was still the hip then) and was very happy when we’re able to get in touch with each other.

Well, I pray that Dwight and Ria will have a successful marriage and many children. Congratulations and Best Wishes!

Ciao!

Today is the 7th day of what we call “Simbang Gabi” or Advent Novena Masses. Simbang Gabi starts on December 16. In our parish, there are three masses for Simbang Gabi, the evening mass that starts on December 15 at 9:30PM, which will end on the night of December 23; and the early morning mass, which starts on December 16 at 3AM and 5AM, which will end on the dawn of December 24.

My mother and my youngest sister are hearing the said masses. I hope that they would be able to complete this 9-day novena mass. It has been a while since I heard mass from Simbang Gabi. I remember when I was younger; I would always look forward to Simbang Gabi during December. It gives a great feeling especially when you are able to complete the novena mass. It has been said that if you’re able to attend all the 9-day novena mass, then whatever you wish for, will be given. To be honest, I don’t remember anymore my wishes then. But what I know and what I can remember is that, God has always been good to me. Well, God is always good to everybody. It’s just that we often overlooked His goodness.

I tried to recall the last time I heard mass during Simbang gabi, and I believe it has 5 years now. I just enjoy the “bibingka”(rice cake) and “puto bumbong” which my mother brought home after mass.

Bibingka

Puto bumbong

To know the history of Simbang Gabi you may click here.

I hope next year I would be able to hear mass during Simbang Gabi again.

Ciao!

It’s 3 days before Christmas and I know that it has been almost 2 weeks since I have update my online blog. Sorry. I hope you’re done with your Christmas shopping and just enjoying wrapping all the presents you have for the special people in your life. I have new stories to share and hopefully you guys will be able to get some thing from it.

Ciao!

While waiting for my officemate/friend Judy, I decided to check my blog and update it somehow. I received a pretty nice comment from my post That’s why we have Commitment. It’s so nice that I cannot help myself but share it to you. Thank you Jhun for this wonderful comment. I just wanted to clear though, that I am not married yet but I am working on it!

although you’re technically single, you’re still bound by the union with your half, i mean your husband. you’re created as one by the Lord through the sacraments of marriage… “ang pinagsama ng Diyos ay huwag papaghiwalayin ng tao”. Although i don’t know much about your situation, i find you loyal and God- fearing. and the fact that temptations came along the way, you still did not entertained the thought of it. you’ve just turn away and that was the right thing to do because complications would lead to another heartaches and frustrations. and everything will crumble and you will find yourself alone again.

just be brave and have a lot of faith with our God. He can turn things positively through prayers and faith. you just have to do your share..

Have a good days ahead of you….

Ciao!

I will not be reporting to work today. I am on my vacation leave. I needed another day to rest. I have been busy for the last couple of days. I have a lot of things to do and hopefully I would be able to work on those today.

How I wish to have some florida vacations! Since I cannot at this moment, I would just enjoy this day out from work.

My “housemates” are still sleeping. Well, it’s only 5:33 AM of Monday! I will work on my cross stitch project while my daughter is still fast asleep and then prepare breakfast later on. Til then.

Ciao!

While downloading the needed files for my self-assessment, I posted a status update on my facebook. I never thought I would have a facebook account. ? I needed to create one for I am looking for a long lost friend whom I cannot find through Friendster. ?

These past few days, I kinda observe different people and the situation they are in. I ponder on the idea of Commitment. Somehow, I consider being “technically single” a good thing. At least, I still have an option to get out of a “mess”.

Everyday, whether at work or somewhere, people find themselves attracted to someone and would dwell on the idea, “Bakit ngayon ka lang dumating sa buhay ko? Kung kailan hindi ka na pwede. Kung kailan hindi na’ko pwede?”. I know that many people, if not going through, have gone through this situation. ?

That could be reason why we have the word Commitment. I remember my priest friend asked me once, what do I think is the most difficult vow of a priest to follow; vow of poverty, vow of chastity or vow of obedience. I stopped and thought of those vows for a while. Then I told him, I believe it would be the vow of obedience. Because if you will be able to keep that vow, then everything follows.

The same goes for married couple. When they pledge their love (either in the church or through civil marriage), I believe that the most difficult to keep is the vow of Commitment.

Mr. Webster defines “Commitment” as something one is bound to do or forebear. Just like an obligation for someone to fulfill. Maybe that’s the reason why the song “Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang” was written.

There is the word commitment to protect family and the children in that family. There could be a number of exceptions to this word. But generally speaking, we have the word commitment so that we would be obliged to be faithful and honest to our partners and to children; to our work; to our company; and most of all to ourselves.

I know how hard it would be to keep the vow of commitment. I believe that if you feel something that would lead you into the “wrong way”, try to ignore the thought. It would make your heart bleeds, though, but that would save you from bigger problems. And, never forget to pray. God will always be there to keep us strong. I know that we are only human. We are weak and bound to temptation, but we have God to protect us.

I assure you prayers never fail in any condition or situation you may be.

Ciao! )

Hmmm, well, we’re planning to get a new sofa! Actually, it was my mother’s and my sister’s idea to get rid of big sofa we have. It’s mattress are loose and the rubber feet are missing. Actually, it really needs good upholstery! We had checked different upholstery shop and it would be cheaper if we get a new one.

Last night, my mom and my sister, move the old 3-seater sofa out of the house. We still have the 2 single-seater chair that were part of the set. My sister, Patty wanted to get a sofa bed instead. She is such a couch potato! She loves watching movies and TV especially when she is off from work. And you would really find her lying on the sofa watching the TV all day!

I told her that sofa bed will not fit in the house. We live in a small house and I think it would not be appropriate to get a sofa bed. My mom on the other hand wanted something like a divan. I’ve seen one from a furniture shop near our place and that cost around Php 2100 only.

My sister will be the one to provide the money for a new sofa. I will just be the approver! Hehehe! Hopefully, we’ll get a new one when she received her 13th month pay this month.

Ciao!

Last Saturday, we had our team building at Red Box in Trinoma. Our acting team manager, Oneil, took advantage of the 12NN-3PM schedule with unlimited food. I arrived at around 1:25PM for I attended to other personal things. Anyway, they are already singing and eating when I came.

The fun is just starting at around 3PM and so we decided to extend up until 7PM! :). Of course, I took advantage of the videoke. Hehehe!!! I never seen our tm and rs so “kulit”. I was laughing my heart out! I really enjoyed last Saturday’s team building. It was my first team building at Dell and hopefully not the last.

We had 2 bottles of Jose Cuervo and 4 buckets of beer! Oh yeah, I was drunk! Hihihi! Nevertheless, I was able to go home safely. Thank God!

After out time is up at Red Box, we had coffee at the nearby Starbucks. Oh I really needed coffee then. I was leaning to kuya Ron already for I was sleepy, tipsy and tired. Kuya Ron has always been so nice to me. He is the brother I’ve always wanted to have. God bless him and his family.

I am really hoping and praying that this would not be the last team building I will be attending at Dell. I really enjoyed the company of my teammates and was able to get to know them better. That was really a team building!

Ciao!

I haven’t had the time to go to different places except for house and work. I enjoy browsing the net and reading about different interesting topics with regard to technology, science, history, culture, fashion, etc. In short, I read anything that interests me. I also enjoy looking at different pictures.

How I love looking at different huge steel buildings built in different parts of the world. I believe there is also one of those here in the Philippines. It is so amazing how people design and build such marvelous towers.

Should I say, God is so amazing for giving such wonderful talents to us people. ? And that we should always be thankful to Him and always use our talents and gift for His glory. Amen.

Ciao!