2010 Handbook

Quoting from Facebook, I thought this 2010 Handbook pretty much covered all the resolutions I wanted to make.

Health:

1. Drink plenty of water.

2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.

3. Eat more food that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.

4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy.

5. Make time to pray.

6. Play more games.

7. Read more books than you did in 2009 .

8. Sit in silence for at least 10. minutes each day.

9. Sleep for 7 hours.

10. Take a 10-30 minute walk daily. And while you walk, smile.

Personality:

11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the

positive present moment.

13. Don't over do. Keep your limits.

14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.

16. Dream more while you are awake.

17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.

19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.

20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

23. Smile and laugh more.

24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

Society:

25. Call your family often.

26. Each day give something good to others.

27. Forgive everyone for everything.

28. Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.

29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

30. What other people think of you is none of your business.

31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:

32. Do the right thing!

33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

34. GOD heals everything.

35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

37. The best is yet to come.

38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.

39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

Last but not the least:

40. Please forward this to everyone you care about, I just did.

Happy New Year Everyone!

Season's Greetings

Wishing everyone a Wonderful and Blessed Holiday Season!

May your days be merry and filled with joy and love!

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Get-Togethers

I love that Christmas gives me the opportunity to catch up with friends that I haven't seen in a while :)

Catching up with Jay!

And Alex :)

Jap Lunch with Connie :)

And after a yummy Mexican Dinner at Maya with Vhanya, Rhoda, Joyce and Nina.

I'm definitely looking forward to spending more time with friends and family this holiday season :)

Special Edition Floor Length Infinity Evening Gown

This is a sample of the infinity dress I'm thinking of giving my bridesmaids for the wedding.

It's a floor length, evening gown, with special gathers down the front, and extra long straps for more wrapping possibilities. And it uses 5 meters of gorgeous fabric!






I don't mean to toot my own horn but I love it!

First Shots.

Shots from today. Tomorrow is Nanang's (my grandma's) one year death anniversary. In preparation for tomorrow's activities, Dad and I went around doing errands.

I must say, a smaller camera is so much more wonderfully convenient to capture important, everyday moments.

IMG_0001

Flowers from Nanang's "suki"

Father and Daughter

We miss you, Nang.

Zubuchon, Cebu's Newest Lechon

On the menu for the Cebu Aspire Training Team Christmas Dinner:

Paella Negra

Pesto Pasta

Carbonara

Fresh Lumpia

Baked Scallops

and...

Zubuchon Lechon!

Nothing taste like the holidays like yummy yummy Cebu lechon!

I've heard a lot of good things about Zubuchon, the newest lechon (roast pig) station that just opened at the Banilad Town Center. Even before they opened their stall, they would already sell lechon on Sundays as part of the organiz market at BTC.

Photo courtesy of MarketManila.Com

These are the things that I have heard about Zubuchon. First, is that rumor has it, this is the lechon that Anthony Bourdain proclaimed as the "best roast pig in the world" on his show, No Reservations!

The second oomph factor of Zubuchon that I have heard is that their pigs are fed only chicos in the last few weeks before they are roasted. This gives the meat a different texture, it's not as fatty in some areas of the lechon, and it's not as dry in the normally dry areas of the meat either.

A few days ago, when I first chanced upon their stall, I was so excited, I bought a kilo to take home and eat with my sister. My comment on my first taste of Zubuchon lechon? Wow! This stuff is awesome! The skin tasted crispier and more crackly than other lechons and the meat would just melt in my mouth! It was an awesome experience, one that made Gerard really jealous.

So, for our Aspire Christmas dinner, we are having Zubuchon lechon! (Thank you Quennie!)I will post pics after the dinner (especially for Gerard's benefit.)

For now, Zubuchon offers delivery for orders 2 kilos and above. They also have pre-frozen lechon in case you'd like to buy some as pasalubong, or presents when you visit relatives and friends.

For more info on Zubuchon lechon, visit this link.

Here's to the first of many yummy Christmas dinners this year!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Just a quick post during my lunch break. I wanted to enumerate all the things I've got to look forward to this holiday season.

1. Aspire Training Team Christmas Dinner on Saturday! It's going to be a fun evening with great food and great friends. Zubuchon, squid ink paella, pesto pasta, and that's just for starters!
2. Going to Dumaguete this weekend and spending quality time with Mom and Dad (even if the reason is sad. We miss you, Nang.)
3. CIS grand reunion on December 17, Thursday, at Formo!
4. Two weeks off from work (even if it is unpaid :p) This gives me the opportunity to spend time with my family, catch up on wedding stuff, work on paper stuff, and maybe even ribbon stuff!)
5. Speaking of which, my ribbon printing machine is working! And I'm looking forward to tinkering around with it over the holidays. Personalized ribbons, here I come!
6. My new baby is arriving! I'm looking forward to capturing more moments and blogging more. Thank you, hun :)
7. Spending time with friends who are home for the holidays.
8. Celebrating my last Christmas a single girl with my family. I'm out to cherish this time and make the most out of it.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Leanne's Christmas Cards

My sister is a champion Christmas gifts wrapper. Every year, she has a special design or theme for her Christmas wrapping. One year it was brown paper with colorful berries and Christmas balls attached. Another year it was color coordinated gold wrappers with red ribbons.

This year, it's colorful straw bags or "bayongs" that she bought from the market.

And every year, I make her matching gift tags as well.

These are this year's designs.

I'll photograph a fully wrapped gift when she's finished wrapping one.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Wedding Ring Inscriptions

Last night, while driving home, I started to think about what Gerard and I would have engraved in our wedding rings. Originally, we wanted to do the fingerprint engraving, that is, engrave each other's fingerprints on the underside of our ring. However, it seems that the technology isn't available yet here in the Philippines. I thought it was a unique idea though!

So instead, we're each deciding on words to engrave in each other's ring.

These are some of our favorites:

"Gotcha!"

"Your love is better than chocolate."

"May the force be with you."

"A deal's a deal." (Taken from Courteny Cox and David Arquette rings)

"I will be here."

However, this is my personal favorite and what I'm leaning towards.

"Today I marry my friend. April 9, 2010"

I feel it to be very fitting, because more than anything, Gerard has always been my friend.

Now I just have to wait for what he'll place in my ring :).

The New Dream

I think it's time to give up my big camera and get something that doesn't feel like it weighs ten pounds. I think one of the major reasons I don't take that many photos anymore is the fact that my Carrie Camera is big and heavy.

I think this is my new dream, the Canon Powershot G11.

Maybe after the wedding :)

Bucket Lists: Travel

My travel bucket list:

1. Batanes
2. Sagada
3. Amanpulo, Palawan
4. Paris
5. London
6. Japan. Get good sushi.
7. Denver
8. Go back to Hong Kong. Eat dim sum there!
9. Italy. Pizza and Pasta!
10. Greece
11. Spain
12. ...
    

Bucket Lists: Things to See and Do

I'm a big fan of lists, especially "bucket lists" even before the movie came out.

So what is a "bucket list" exactly? Well, it's a list of things that one wants to do, accomplish, read, see, whatever before one "kicks the bucket."

I figure I'd have several bucket lists divided into several categories so I'll start with the easist for now, a list of things I would want to see and do, in my lifetime. I'm just going to label them for easy updating in the future.

So here's my Things to See and Do Bucket List.

1. Attend a hot air balloon festival (not necessarily ride in one though. I AM afraid of heights :p)
2. Write a book
3. Learn how to cook more dishes
4. Take more photos
5. Study again. Maybe literature this time.
6. See a Monet
7. Eat crepes in Paris
8. ...

The Infinity Dress

I've been wanting an infinity/convertible dress forever. Imagine a dress that you can wear at least ten different ways! Wear it as a day dress. Dress it up for a date. Add heels and head out for cocktails. The possibilities are endless!

I figured that if I had one, I'd always have the perfect solution to those last minute clothing crisis we women are prone to.

I remember I was on the phone with Gerard when I first came across the convertible dress at the Victoria's Secret website. It was called the 7 in 1 Curvy Jersey Dress and I totally loved it. But not the price! It was selling for seventy something dollars.

Then I came across Two Birds Bridesmaids, where the convertible dress is marketed as a bridesmaids dress. You get your bridesmaids all the same dress but they decide how they want to wear it. But the prices ranged from 270-300 dollars and you could only get it in the USA.

Donna Karan makes a gorgeous black infinity dress BUT for an equally gorgeous price of 895 dollars.

But being all the way in Philippines, where was I going to get one, and would I be willing to pay that much? Definitely not!

So, I decided, to make 'em myself.

I started with making different samples to see if they would turn out as nice bridesmaids dresses. I fell in love with the dress even more. Then I though to myself, if I love this dress THAT much, maybe other people would too!

So now, I make infinity dresses on an order basis and I have a multiply website, marilenncreations.multiply.com. I don't have a lot of photos up yet as I've been very busy but I have had quite a good number of orders and I'm very happy about that!

And, most of the infinity dresses out there are a bit revealing at the back which makes them a bit challenging to wear with a bra. Just in case you don't want to go through the trouble of finding a convertible bra as well, I've got a perfect solution. Each of my dresses comes with a matching tube top which is meant to be worn underneath the dress. It provides extra coverage at the back so you don't have to worry about your bra straps peeking out or exposing too much skin, if you'r not comfortable.

I super love this dress. I'm trying to make a more formal infinity dress for my bridesmaids and I'm excited to see how that will turn out. At the rate I'm going, I'm going to have ten infinity dresses hanging in my closet by the end of the year!

Percy Jackson and The Olympians

It's all Dennis's fault. Why I haven't slept this whole week.

Because I got hooked on the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan!


I'm a sucker for Greek mythology, I've loved it since childhood.

So imagine a series that weaves ancient Greek mythology and modern time. Zeus wears a pin-striped suit. Posiedon is a laid-back beach-guy wearing khaki shorts and sandals. The labyrinth exists under the surface of the earth and Mount Olympus is on the 600th floor of the Empire State Building.

Throw in the hero, Perseus "Percy" Jackson, son of Poseidon with a mortal woman, and Camp-Half Blood, where all "demigods" are sent, and you have an action-packed, fun-filled series that will make you laugh and keep you up until 4 AM.

This ain't no Harry Potter. It's not The Alchemyst either. But it's definitely F-U-N.

And these days, that's what really matters to me when I read. That what I'm reading, is fun. (I know many people would feel that is a crime for someone who studied literature in college but I've got way too many things on my plate and not enough energy to be reading super-serious books.) For now, let me enjoy feeling like a kid again.

Who says there's anything wrong with that.

Try it.

You might just enjoy the crazy adventures of the modern-day Greek hero, Percy Jackson.

(Photo stolen from Dennis's blog. Not enough time or energy to take my own photos.)

Wonderful News

Yesterday, I heard the most wonderful news.

One of my dearest friends in the whole world has met someone who makes her indescribably happy. He is someone that she feels, fits all the pieces of the puzzle. It may have been the last thing on earth on that she expected. But it has come. And she is indescribably happy.

We got to talk on the phone after two years of not speaking and you could almost feel the giddiness crossing the oceans between us. I often caught myself getting teary-eyed at her happiness. Happiness like that is contagious. It’s amazing.

Yet, she couldn’t quite bring herself to mention the titles that come with relationships. Boyfriend, Girlfriend, Fiance, Husband. Funny thing is, I’m exactly the same way! It’s not that I don’t acknowledge it or I can’t acknowledge it. Perhaps it’s just that I’ve never been one to have titles comfortably roll off my tongue.

Gerard is who he is to me. He can’t be encompassed in one word. Which is why it feels weird pegging a title to him. But for the sake of simplifying things, I just often say boyfriend. But he is so much more than that. I believe it was the same for her.

Oh, we talked about so many things!

We only spoke for about an hour but in that hour, but in that hour, I feel we truly re-connected. I don’t know, maybe she and I just understand each other so well. We can be frank with each other, we can be happy for each other, we just get each other.

Wonderful news like that just can’t help but remind me that God sometimes drops unexpected, wonderful surprises in your lap. Yes, I am extremely happy for her but I do miss her.

But I think the fact that we might someday LIVE within an hour and half of each other just added to the joy that we felt.

Who would have thought, when we said goodbye in front of our apartment building, in Thailand, that we could someday be living near each other again? I know we both didn’t.

What a wonderful gift that was!

Boracay Bliss

Last weekend, my whole family and I went for a quick hop to Boracay for some quality family time under the sun. Considering all the typhoons that have been passing by, we were really blessed with good weather!

We stayed at this wonderful hotel that my sister had gift certificates for, Discovery Shores. After that stay, I can honestly say that I am spoiled for life! The first thing that really impressed me was the staff. They were so hard-working and they were prepared for anything! From magazine for guests to arranging your beach stuff to even having wipes for your sunglasses and camera lenses! They were extremely helpful and polite.

Next thing I totally loved were the rooms. The beds were just so comfortable and they were well-stocked. Complimentary bayongs, complimentary snacks, even personalized cupcakes for little ones, which is what Ela had waiting for her. Their brownies were so good, I can still taste them. (I think they might have been made from Callebaut Chocolate, where Gerard works, since I found a box of it on the grounds haha.)

The grounds itself were beautiful. Discovery Shores is something of a two-level hotel. When you enter the complex, you are met with a splendid view of an infinity pool and the beaches of Boracay in the Horizon. Take an elevator down one floor and you're at the beach level only to find out the infinity pool was actually the top of a cascading waterfall! You have the pool before you, the restaurants, and beyond that, the blue waters of Boracay. The rooms are situated on both levels of the complex.

There was even a playroom for the kids that has daily activities. Ela paired up with her dad and Niki paired up with her Papaton to go on a scavenger hut which they thoroughly enjoyed.

All in all, this is a hotel that I really want to go back to. With most things, it's the little things that count. And Discovery Shores had a LOT of little things that added up to one great hotel.

Aside from our wonderful hotel, I was so glad I had the Boracay Staples of Jonah's Shakes as well as Myrna's Chori Burgers. Yes, we went on a banana boat ride (which Ela claims is actually a pencil, not a banana!) and we went shopping at D'Mall. (I'm so jealous that the swimsuit store, Nothing in Water, has a branch in Boracay but not in Cebu.) What trip to Boracay would be complete without doing these things? Kite-Surfing and Parasailing also looked like a lot of fun but maybe next time :).

Though the trip was short but sweet, I'm really glad I got to spend time quality with my family in the beautiful place that is Boracay. A lot has changed since my last trip there and I'm definitely looking forward to going back for a mini honeymoon.

Project Aral

I know I haven't written in ages. Mostly because I've been so busy, a lot of things happening, and life just hasn't been quite going my way but I'm trying to do the best I can.

Today, in the midst of errands, I came across National Bookstore's Project Aral, which is a project that I've always been a fan of, maybe because as a teacher, it's close to my heart.

Basically, when you reach the counter, you can buy a study pack composed of school supplies worth 20 or 25 Pesos. Write your name on the tag, attach it to the study pack, which will go to a child who lost his or her belongings because of Typhoon Ondoy.

When you think about it, 20 or 25 Pesos isn't that much. But your money will go a long way, to help a child. He or she will have new school supplies and maybe just that little bit can help them recover from the hurt and suffering they went through.

Ondoy and Pepeng were devastating to our country and we are still recovering. Just last week, my boss's boss told us that the price for a kilo of potatoes was 200 Pesos! We're still a long way from being back to 100%.

But I'm glad that there are still visible relief efforts. Even one as small as buying a study pack for a child to take to school.

For Gerard, on His Special Day

On your special day, allow me to borrow these words from Abigail Adams, written for her husband, John Adams.

"My Dearest Friend,

...should I draw you the picture of my heart it would be what I hope you would still love though it contained nothing new. The early possession you obtained there, and the absolute power you have obtained over it, leaves not the smallest space unoccupied.

I look back to the early days of our acquaintance and friendship as to the days of love and innocence, and, with an indescribable pleasure, I have seen near a score of years roll over our heads with an affection heightened and improved by time, nor have the dreary years of absence in the smallest degree effaced from my mind the image of the dear untitled man to whom I gave my heart."

I hope you have a wonderful birthday!

Happy Happy Birthday.

Typhoon Ondoy

In the midst of all this tragedy, it is the coming together of Filipinos that brings me to tears.

Over the weekend, Typhoon Ondoy left a wake of flood and destruction over the National Capital Region. Watching the news on TV, one cannot but feel helpless, watching the hundreds, if not thousands of people now left homeless due to the heavy rains and flood.

In this time of need, Cebuanos are coming together to help our fellow country men, The outpouring of of effort has been amazing. (You can read more about Cebuano efforts at Emily Dy's site here.)

Most especially, I am touched by the efforts of my friend Jay, who is helping put together a Live Aid concert as well as coordinating donations. If we could all pitch in together like these wonderful people, there is no telling what amount of assistance we can give to our fellow Filipinos.

Let us help the victims of Typhoon Ondoy.

Danica's Mango Cake

A few days ago, my co-worker Paul, ordered a mango cake from Danica of Talent Services. When I opened the box to check it out, my nostrils were hit by the sweet, citrus-y scent of mangoes. I'd honestly never come across a cake that smelled this good before! I had to try it.

The cake that Paul had ordered was a little too huge for me so April and I split one order instead. When Danica knocked on our window to let us know the cakes were ready, we rushed over to claim our goodies.


The first thing that surprised me was the weight of the box. Man this cake was heavy! And when I opened the box, sure enough, again, I was hit by this unbelievable smell of sweet mangoes. I couldn't wait to get home and taste it. And taste it I did!

Danica's mango cake actually had two layers of chiffon cake which sandwiched many slices of fresh mangoes. There was also another layer of fresh mangoes beneath the icing (peeking through in the photo below.)



Now, I don't normally like mango cake this much but this was very good. The chiffon cake itself was not very sweet, which made complimented the fresh mangoes nicely. The same went for the icing. What I loved most about this cake was that it had that distinct home-made taste and feel to it. It wasn't picture perfect like a store-bought cake, which made it all the more enticing.

The few bites I had, literally melted in my mouth. It was a very refreshing cake, perfect for a hot summer day!


Danica told me her family also makes other cakes including a chocolate cake with marshmallow frosting and that's next on my list.

The mango cake I ordered cost P300.00. Here's the number to the Arrojado residence, 253-4711, just in case you'd like to order too. Danica told me they may deliver depending on the location and their house is located in Lahug.

I'm definitely trying the chocolate cake next time!

A Popsicle Stick Day

I am easily seduced by paper. I admit it.

I love books. I love new packs of paper. I love journals. I love huge bookstores that I can just get lost in.

Today, after dropping off a special birthday present (composed of paper of course!) I had a quick, perfectly-portioned Japanese lunch followed by a good half hour of wandering around Cebu's newest bookstore, Fully Booked.

(I know the photo's not so great. It came from my phone.)

After a few minutes of stepping in, I realized that they were playing Christmas songs sung by Josh Groban! September really is here! And yes, the day was cloudy and a bit chilly. How I love meandering around this big bookstore, just looking at the paper and all the different books they had in display. I think it was really today, that I felt that Christmas is coming way faster and sooner than I expected.

And yes, I couldn't resist. I finally a bought a set of mini journals that I've had my eye for a while now. They're from one of my favorite journal/book companies, Chronicle Books in San Francsico.

Today was a good day. Most days are ok. Some are bad. Good days like these are like decadent popsicle sticks when you least expect one. You just want to savor the simplicity in it and the good feeling that today, was a nice day filled with simple pleasures.

Snapshots

I haven't posted in a while, mainly because last week was such a busy week.

I finally got around to downloading the few pics I had in my DSLR and I just wanted to share these shots from Dumaguete.

Shot of the banana turon from Azalea restaurant. A popular Filipino snack of banana, langka wrapped in the lumpia/egg roll wrapper, coated with brown sugar and deep fried. Haven't had a turon in a while!



Singer sewing machine turned cashier's table! Thought it was an interesting touch.



Lastly, a shot of a fisherman in the sunrise, taken from South Sea Resort.

Material Loss (Again!)

Yesterday, two cellular phones, a Canon digital Ixus camera, my mom's Omega watch, and some cash was stolen from my purse.

What can I do? Sure, I felt bad. I was stunned, I couldn't believe that it had happened to me AGAIN. I felt like a victim AGAIN. I couldn't believe it, was I just too trusting? Am I just not careful enough? Then again, who would have thought that it could have happened in that situation?

So, I took a few minutes to cry. And pray. And I am reminded that these are only material things.

If anything, that's what I learned the last time (when my credit card was stolen.) That you will lose things, and even if they are precious or expensive, in the end, they are only things. Yes it's money, but it was only money. There are infinitely many more things more precious than money and I am glad that I did not lose any of those precious things.

Again, I made a choice. I let myself feel bad for a day and I cried it out. Then I gathered myself together, attended to things such as replacing my phone and sim card, hugged my purse, and promised myself that I would be EXTREMELY careful in the future.

Things do happen for a reason. What matters is, how you deal with it. Dwell on the past? Or move on and learn? I chose the latter. As I always try to do. After all, what did I lose that cannot be replaced? (Except for my mom's watch maybe. I'm so sorry Mom.)

Week Ahead

Just a quick post because I'm so excited!

Going to Dumaguete for the long weekend with my entire family for Silliman founder's day, Ate Anna arriving on Monday, and I'm only working three days next week!

Also, I bought more paper supplies at National Bookstore as well as awesome fashion finds at the Export Expo at SM, all proudly Philippine-made.

Planning to take a lot of photos over the weekend and were staying at the South Sea beach resort too!

I've got a lot to look forward to!

Aspire Batch 13A

I'd like to introduce you to my first Aspire batch, 13A. They are a group of smart, inspiring, talented invdividuals who give each other unwavering support. And best of all, majority of them are now hard-working contact center agents!

Team, I'd like to think it was a pretty successful class, but I will admit that much was of it was a learning process for me as well. All in all, I'd like to think we had a wonderful time together and that we all came away from it a little better, a little wiser, and a little happier. We had so much fun didn't we?!

I miss you 13A! I'm so proud of all of you and I'm sure you're all enjoying yourselves. Come visit me anytime!

P.S. Devie, wherever you are, I am especially proud of the fact that you never gave up. Hearing your news was amazing. You truly inspire me to never give up as well. Good luck!

Netbook Love

Photo courtesy of Asus EEE PC press release

Gerard and I are geeks. That has been a long established fact. And I think the ultimate sign of this geekiness... is the fact that we have matching netbooks! We both have the Asus EEE PC1000H netbooks with Intel Atom 1.6GHz CPUs, 1GB of DDR2 RAM, Intel UMA graphics, wifi capabilities, three USB slots, built in card read, audio jacks, and VGA out ports. Gerard's is black and mine is white. We've even gone so far as to get skins. I gave him the motherboard skin from GelaSkins and mine is a green flowered striped one from ProudSkin. (See previous post on Skins)

I've yet to take a photo of us with our matching netbooks side by side but believe me, I will eventually!

I do love my netbook though. Despite the fact that the motherboard crashed after seven months and it took two months for it to get repaired, I'm still very happy with it. (Thankfully it was still covered by the warranty.) And the price wasn't bad either! (Especially since we all know most netbooks are a lot cheaper than regular sized laptops.)

I know it may seem a little shallow but my netbook actually inspires me to write more. I love its portability and speed (no offense Macbook, you will always be my first love!) and that I can take it anywhere and write anywhere. It is now my main tool/outlet for creativity.

Sure the size took a little getting used to but the addition of a mouse really makes using it more comfortable because the trackpad IS a bit uncomfy.

I've also maximized the use of its smaller screen with several Firefox add-ons and by moving the task bar to the side. And at the epitome of my geekiness, I have also learned to install applications over our home network because I do not have an external DVD/CD drive for the netbook.

Sometimes I can't help but shake my head in wonder over how far technology has come. In a lot of ways, the world is getting smaller and smaller and technology has enabled us to establish many wonderful connections with family members, old friends, and loved ones. Of course technology may have its down side but I believe the benefits far outweigh the negative effects. As long as we do not lose control of ourselves to the internet and technology, we should be fine.

Then again, you're reading a blog by someone who has multiple back up methods of connecting to the internet SHOULD the main internet connection fail. Hmmm.... *Wink wink.*

First Wedding Post.

I can't help it. Though I know we are only a tiny bit into wedding planning, I can't help but become excited about the little things that we are accomplishing. Designing invitations (I love paper!), looking for a photographer, working with a wedding coordinator. All these little steps that lead to one big day! (I just have to pour this all out into writing.)

Last week, my mom and I went to the "mini" wedding expo at the Cebu International Convention Center and we collected a bunch of fliers of suppliers and photographers. We're currently in the process of contacting them and deciding which ones were most comfortable with.

As always, one of the biggest considerations is our guest list.

I wish with all my heart that we could invite everyone in the world who has touched our hearts and has been part of our lives. But due to our recent loss and the fact that Gerard and I are still starting our careers, we are opting to have a smaller, more intimate wedding. Perhaps in the future, we can have a bigger celebration.

But for now, I'm just trying to enjoy the ride of preparing to be a bride! So much to do! So many decisions to make!

I'll leave you with one of the cutest wedding cakes I have ever seen, by Trina Ang. I got it off her multiply website and here's the link . Isn't it adorable?

The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal, Nicholas Flamel.

I know it may be a little disappointing that I am not currently reading earth-shattering and society changing novels. I will admit it, I now read purely for entertainment and enjoyment. Later on, I will probably go back to reading literature but as of now, I'm just enjoying light novels, or "brain candy" as I like to refer to them.

I've always loved reading and I can go on and on about books. Perhaps my next post will be about my favorite books. But for now, this is what I am reading:



Yep, I'm reading Michael Scott's series, The Secrets of the Immortal, Nicholas Flamel. NO, it is not a Harry Potter spin-off. Yes, it's about magic, and wizardry. But what I really love about it is that Michael Scott weaves mythological characters into his writing. He has vampires, werewolves, Bastet the Cat goddess, Morrigan of the crows, and other characters from ancient folklore.

I believe its my love of mythology that really draws me to these books. Sure, it's the usual tale of good versus evil, we need to defeat them before they change mankind as we know it blah blah blah. But what Scott does so well is describe in vivid detail. There are intricate connections through out his books as well as surprises. He writes of magic and ancient gods living side by side with the humani (that's humans to us.) Of of the original warrior Scatach whose grandmother was the first witch. Of living with nature and having your life bound to the life of a tree, of necromancy, alchemy. All these things woven into the lives of Josh and Sophie, teenage humani twins with amazing powers.

I finished reading the first book the other night and I could not sleep until I had finished it! (Then again that's me, especially when I really like the book.)

If you're looking for serious literature or chick lit, then this book isn't for you. But if you've always loved tales of ancient magic, Greek mythology, gods and goddess, then why not give this series a try.

I'm saving The Magician for the weekend when I can read it at a nice slow pace. Read the series, feel like a kid, and AGAIN, it's nothing like Harry Potter.

Happy reading!

Make Your Own Havaianas 2009

It's that time of the year again!

No, I'm not talking about Christmas! I'm talking about Make Your Own Havaianas 2009!

For all you MYOH virgins out there, this is the Havaianas event where you can create your own personalized pair of flip flops. From the sole to the strap to the pins and crystals, create a pair of Havaianas that is uniquely your own!

Last year, MYOH offere letter pins so you could spell out whatever you wanted on your straps. From names to initials to places, the possibilities were endless!

This year, MYOH is brings out the Pinoy Pride. Put some local soul into your step with jeepney, Noypi, sorbetero cart, and vinta pins, (yes, as in the beautiful boats from Zamboanga, mentioned in the Tara Na, Biyahe Tayo song.) Add sparkly crystals, a lomo pin, a TV pin, a flower pin, and you've got a pair of flip flops that no one else has.

I got Gerard and myself matching pairs, brown with gold straps. (I know, cheesy, but hey! At least we're not a super matching couple!) Will post a photo when I have time.

See you at MYOH 2009 at the SM Atrium!

Dinner: Grilled Dory with a Garlic and Soy Sauce Sauce

I'm on a roll!

My mom used to tell me that once I liked doing something, I'd do it a lot. Which is true! I have my phases. When I get it into my head that I want to do something, I'll keep doing it and doing it until I get tired of going it. Then I'll stop. And then I'll pick it up again a few months later. Sometimes its a hobby. Sometimes it's eating a certain type of food (especially Japanese food!) Sometimes it's exercising (*wink wink).

This time, it's tinkering around in the kitchen.

So, dinner tonight: Grilled Dory with a garlic and soy sauce sauce

It's a pretty easy recipe.

Basically, we sprinkle a little pepper, salt, and calamansi juice on the dory before putting it on the grill.


For the sauce, we saute onion and garlic together in oil and add soy sauce after the garlic has browned.


Lastly, we put the dory on the serving plate and pour the sauce all over it.


There you go, a really easy and simple BUT tasty way to cook dory. Much healthier than frying it too, as we usually use canola oil or olive oil.

I'm stuffed from dinner!

I wonder what the next thing I make will be... Probably my special chocolate chip cookies on Friday!

My Special Squash Soup

Squash soup is one of my specialties. I usually make it at the request of a family member, such as when one of them is sick or for a special dinner. I got a recipe from Gerard years ago but over the years I've just sort of tweaked it here and there.

This is my "recipe" for squash soup now (hun, I know that you wouldn't approve of it, being trained in French cuisine and all, but it works!)

Ingredients:

One Big Squash (Peeled and cut up into cubes. Make sure you remove the seeds!)
2 Knorr Chicken Cubes
Half an Onion (Chopped)
A Leek (just the white part, sliced into pieces)
1 Quart All Purpose Cream
Half a Stick of Butter
Cinnamon
Salt
Pepper
and... Bacon! (Fried and sliced into pieces, to garnish)

And here's what I do:

First I fill a big pot halfway with water and dissolve the chicken cubes in it to make chicken stock. Then I throw the squash, leeks, and onions into the pot and I let it all simmer together until the squash is cooked.

After turning off the heat, I take our awesome hand blender (this is one of my all time favorite appliances ever) and I blend all the ingredients in the pot until it becomes nice and thick. See! I don't even have to transfer the mix to a blender!

Then I turn the heat back on, add the butter and all purpose cream and mix it all together. Lastly, I add the salt, pepper, and cinnamon to taste.

Voila! Homemade squash soup!

And right before serving, I add the bacon pieces to add a yummy crunch to my squash soup. Yum! I'm really looking forward to dinner tonight. My squash soup, a salad, and mom's grilled lamb! I love Sunday dinners!

It's been a fun day in the kitchen! First toasted marshmallow shake and then squash soup. Good thing I'm going back to the gym tomorrow!