No..I have no plans of walking around in my birthday suit in my search for clothes to wear in my side of the kingdom.  But today, I was amused with myself because I have become a semi-smart shopper.  I bought two cardigans (same style, different colors) a week ago but it seemed I got a size smaller than what I usually wear.  I have this aversion of trying on clothes at the store unless I really have to which explains the getting the wrong size part.  Usually, I would go back to exchange these to the right size and if I see something else, I will buy it along with what I exchanged.  But today, I let go of the cardigans and got two items that I know I will wear more often and more worthy of my money.  For the two cardigans, I was able to get a really cool jacket and a dress that my mind couldn't stop from coming up with creative ways to wear it.  I only added a small amount to the one I previously paid for the two cardigans.  I still got two items but instead of having two of the same thing, I have two different kinds that could actually go together and also be more versatile with other stuff in my closet.   I don't know if it really makes such a big difference but in my own warp mind, it does. 

With two debuts to go to that is one week apart (May 31 and June 7) and still no dress for either one and its already May, I am starting to get anxious.  Its hard to find clothes that fit me off the bat.  I usually need to have things altered.  Good if its only the length but if its more than that, clock is ticking fast to have it ready by that time.  An aunt told me to wear one to both.  I would if they are not a week apart and if I would be able to go to the dry cleaner right away.  But that's not possible and besides I have to think about pictures. LOL 

I am on the fence if I am going to wear long or short for my cousin's which is on May 31.  I feel like going short this year but its a formal affair.  Is there any rule that I cannot go short if its a formal affair?  I know not a lot of people follow dress codes anyway.  I will ask my other cousins what they are wearing.  Besides, if I go short for Kat's its not like its going to be casual or something.  I still plan on getting something formal.  I know for my boss' daughter (June 7) I have to go long because that's the request of the mom of the debutant and the debutant herself.  With me helping coordinate it, I can't be the first one to violate the rule.  Buying two formal clothes is going to break my bank or so I thought.  Today, I wasn't just a smart shopper but a lucky one as well.  I was just browsing around and I saw this long navy blue gown.  I checked the tag and woah so cheap.  I am not going to say the price but its really a steal.  Super, super steal.  I tried it on and double woah it fits me so well.  Sure the length has to be shortened a bit because it goes way past my feet as expected but other than that, it fits me so well.   The rhinestone details need to be changed because its missing some and there's some very minor and barely noticeable imperfections.  Well for its price, I really shouldn't expect a really perfect dress.  Besides, its not like I will go to church on Sundays wearing it.  I am most likely just going to wear it for that night anyway.  I think I will pay more for the alteration than the dress itself.    Good thing I know someone who can alter it for me for almost free and the changing of the rhinestone details I can actually do myself.  Just has to buy those.  A little creative will bring me a long way.  I am just happy to be down  to one dress to look for.  Now I can splurge on the dress I am going to wear to my cousin's debut.  I am more convinced to go short now because the probability of me wearing it again is higher than buying a long one.  I will have more for my money.  But who knows I might be lucky again and find a dress for almost a steal.  If that happens then I am splurging on Kat's birthday gift.  I am after all her confirmation sponsor.  We will see.  One down, one to go with less than 30 days left!

I heard that there is a California bill to impose a 25 cent fee for using plastic bags.  I welcome this because ever since I bought my reusable bag from Target I didn't really feel that I was making a mark because there wasn't much difference between using the reusable bags and their plastic bags other than personal choice.   I actually liked using the reusable bags because the baggers tend to fix the items more so it will fit in the bag rather than just stashing whatever into bags and bags and bags.  This way, I tend to carry just one bag rather than lugging so many bags with me.  Its very convenient.  But I thought when I first brought it that there should be some incentive to those who actually use these bags.  But there is none.  We still pay the same amount so I think its not at all motivating people to use these instead of plastic bags.  Sure, plastic bags are reusable too in some sense since we use them to line our garbage cans but it also come to a point that we just end up with way too many plastic bags and just throw them away.  Where do they end up? At landfills and it gets stuck there.  If this bill will pass, I am all for it.  I think this way people will be more motivated to use reusable bags rather than plastic bags.

BUT, some of my relatives think otherwise.  They think its just the politicians way of getting more money.  They think its political.  Well, everything they don't agree on is political and because of a certain party anyway.  I think they are looking at it from a different perspective.  They look at it as a money-generating scheme rather than a way to help the environment.  They think its a scheme rather than looking at the ramifications brought about by the constant use of plastic bags  I didn't bother to argue with them last night because they wont listen to me anyway.  I am just going to continue with what I do.  My aunt has seen me use my Target reusable bag so she knows I am doing my share.  But I think imposing the 25 cent fee will be so much better.  It will really force people to think twice before they pick plastic when asked at the supermarket or everywhere else.

Aside from using the bag when I go to Target, I have also declined bags when I buy things if I can fit it in my personal bag or if I can carry it.  More so, if they put a tiny, little item in a really huge bag. I tell the sales associate that I will just put the item in my bag.  At the same time, I am planning to buy a Baggu soon.


This way, I really wont have to get plastic bags from stores.  I will still get those pretty paper bags.  Well, I do use them over and over till they split in two.  Or maybe in time, I will even refuse those and just use Baggu for everything. 

I know I wont be able to stop other people from using plastic bags or solely stop pollution and global warming but at least I will do my share in not adding to the depletion of it.  Things are not going to get better in a snap but at least do every little bit possible to improve our environment.
 

Well okay not yet.  Not until the end of this week at least.
By the end of this week I will be officially out of the calendar.

What do I feel about it? Nada..Zero..Nothing...Zilch.  It was never an issue with me as it is with some people.  I even say it out loud when people ask how old I am. 

18...21...25...30... these are all the same to me.  No big changes at least the obvious ones.

I am not as conscious this time around compared to last year.  Not to say that I don't plan to celebrate because I am.  Two celebrations in fact and that's what I am looking forward to.

Some people around me are getting worried that I am reaching this age...not married, not even in a relationship. But I am not worried at all.  If its going to come, its going to come.  I am not going to force something that isn't bound to happen just yet.  "Mapait ang hinog sa pilit" hahaha  No need to worry about me.

Yes..I am turning 32 this Friday.

To split or not to split

I don't know about other people but when I eat out with my family and friends, we usually don't split the bill.  Splitting the bill means paying with two or three modes of payment for one bill.  Either we divide up the entire bill on how many we are then put in that money or one pays first then divide it up later.  It doesn't matter if its cash or credit card.  I don't know about when we order our own because frankly its been awhile since we have done that.  We eat "family style" a lot of times.  We order one of each - appetizer, salad and entree then put it in the middle for everyone to share.  This works for us.  Or on very rare occasions that we order individually, we put in the same amount to cover for the entire bill and tips. Or inform the server ahead of time to make it separate bills.  I don't know, its just easier that way both for us and for our server.

This came to mind when I saw this big group and I mean big group like 15 of them when my aunt and I ate out last night.  They gave the server 2 modes of payment but 3 types - cash and 2 credit cards with instructions on how much to get from each.  How did I know this?  Well, they were standing really close to me and they were pretty loud so it wasn't hard to hear.  I saw how the server struggled with the bill to follow the instructions.  I mean, it could have lessened the hassle if they told the server in advance to split it or made internal arrangements among themselves before settling the bill.  Good thing it was almost the end of business day so it wasn't busy anymore.  Imagine if it was.  I know there are restaurants that either tell you to inform the server beforehand or don't allow it all.  I know I ate somewhere and it was specified on the menu that 'no splitting of bill".  I just don't remember where. 

Eating in big groups is not alien to me.  Their group of 15 is not big compared to us.  We have been denied reservation during dinner service because it would mean for the restaurant closing half of their seating capacity.  We either eat before or after the rush hour.  Yes, we are that big and that's only immediate family.  So if you hear "so and so, party of 40"  That's probably us and that's not even half of all us and that's only my mother's side of the family.  But same thing, either its split evenly among us or one pays first. 

I guess different strokes for different folks. 

Good Friday?

Its Good Friday and I am at work.  There is no such thing as Holy Week here unlike in the Philippines where its really felt.  No shows on tv, no newspapers, no radio.  Majority of the stores are closed.  Here, its business as usual so we try to make one of our own.  We will be closing early today though which helps. 

I miss going to Calvary Hill to do the Stations of the Cross with my family.  Calvary Hill has big-sized statues of the Stations of the Cross.  Its almost like our personal reenactment of Christ's passion.  We literally go up the hill as we do the stations ending up at the very top where an even bigger statue of the risen Jesus Christ is.  Its quite a climb.  Its used to be more treacherous when the way was just paved.  Now I believe it has steps.  But there are loads of people and not to mention the weather.  Good Friday for some strange reasons falls on the hottest day of the year, at least in my experience.  The climb is hard, then the crowd then the weather, it can take a toll on anyone which is I guess why its such a relief once one gets to the top.  Not only is it a sense of accomplishment but its a lot breezier at the top.  But then, you just catch your breath there to make the trip going down.

Here, to do my share, I am going to leave work earlier than our closing time and pass by the church.  I will do the Stations of the Cross by myself like I have been doing for the past few years.  This is my reflection time so I prefer going on my own.  For that brief moment, it will feel like Good Friday to me.  Then once I set foot out of the church doors, its back to "normal". 

**********
Serenity and Tranquility?

Sometimes I feel like I am going through life in a rush.  I know that we should live life as if its our last but must it be done in warp speed?   Sometimes in our desire to do so many things, attend to so many things at the same time, we lose sight of what is really important - us.  I believe that what we hold important, defines us.  So now, work takes up most of time and it seems its whats defining me.   I am not really liking it.  Thanks to Kaytee, I have found a site that might actually reel me in to slow down, to take stock of my life, of what is important to me, of where I want to go, on what direction I want to lead, on who I want to be - Zen Habits.

Early this year, instead of making resolutions, I decided to come up with a mantra for my life.  I have the general ideas mapped out, its just the details that I haven't gotten around to doing yet.  I haven't been able to really sit down on it which is sad since the first quarter of the year is almost going to be over.  I hope with the help of Zen Habits, I will be able to get around to doing it especially since a big bulk if not the entire mantra is covered there. 

Simplify my life. be Happy. Act on my passion, Live. Love

**********
Simple joys in life?

With the warm and sunny weather we have been having, I feel like I am not making the most of it.  When I get home, I am so tired that I take power naps when I should be enjoying the sunshine.  I want to..

- bike around the block or around a park
- eat an ice cream cone and try to catch it as it melts into my hands
- buy a dozen balloons, take photographs and release them to the sky
- sit in one corner and watch people go by

Thanks to Isy for informing me about it.  Apparently, the dance craze that started in "Game Ka Na Ba? has now reached US soils.  Good Morning America featured the "Papaya" on today's show.  They referred to it as the new Macarena.  A bit late for them because for sure the entire Philippines and Filipinos all over the world have been dancing to this since last year or the year prior.  Late or not, its so nice to see this being featured on a widely watched show on a big network.  It was so nice seeing the likes of Diane Sawyer, Robin Roberts, Chris Cuomo and Sam Champion trying to learn the dance.

For now, I have this link to the video.  I will look for a video of it later.  YT is blocked at my office.  Actually I gave my access to the OM since only one of us can have access to it.  The rest of the staff do not. 

Watch it here!  

My boss is a big believer of Feng shui.  He actually hired someone to check our office and did what was recommended.  This feng shui expert even asked me about my birthday.  I guess I am not a bad omen since I am still here.   My office is huge - its me and 3 other staff all with desks, computers and the like.  Our layout has been changed quite a few times.  We used to all face the door with the windows behind us.  This was changed since according to the feng shui expert supposedly we shouldn't face the door. Also, that our backs shouldn't be in front of any electronics.  Hence, our computers face each other too.  The photocopying machine and fax machine were also placed in a different room because we cannot have too many office equipment near us.  Bad for our health or something.  Good thing, both are just across the hall so its still accessible.  So now we all face each other, with our backs to the walls and the windows and door on each side.  I like this set-up especially when its spring.  I see the mountains even a bit far, the sun, the skies, people and cars.  It doesn't feel gloomy and dark.  Its actually light.  Plus, I have some light when I come to work early and the timer isn't ready to turn on our lights.  Another reason why I like this set-up is because I have a clear view of my entire staff.  I know when they are working or just pretending to be.  I also don't have to stand up if I need to ask a question. 

I thought this was done but then one of the windows is directly in front of the door, so to counteract that, plants were placed near the windows.  No complain from me.  Its nice to have other living things in the room.  BUT, the past few weeks, there have been bugs flying around.  They are not really harmful or what but they bug, no pun intended.  They are annoying when they hover all over you when you have a deadline to catch (or a blog to finish ) I don't like the smell of insecticide so I guess I just have to contend myself with swatting them away from me.  Bugs, I can deal with, rocking the "yin-yang" of the whole room, nope.  

Having a strong woman role model around me in Mama needless to say I am also drawn to strong female characters as well in movies, tv, music and the like.  "My Blueberry Nights" has "girl power" written all over it and more.   The plot description of the movie says it all - "A young woman takes a soul-searching journey across America to resolve her questions about love while encountering a series of offbeat characters along the way."  It will open in limited release starting April 4.  I hope to catch this in theaters.

Aside from the plot, others to love about this film...

• It is written and directed by Wong Kar Wai of As Tears Go By, Chungking Express, In The Mood for Love, 2046 and others.  This is also his first English-language film
  
• Natalie Portman, Norah Jones and Rachel Weisz (oh okay Jude Law too)
• Nominated for a Golden Palm at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival

Although based on the plot, it seems like my cup of tea, I prefer to not put high expectations on films I want to watch because I prefer to watch it with a clean slate.  No expectations therefore no disappointments if it turns out lesser that what I thought.  Be surprised instead if it exceeds expectations.  We will see.

Between my parents Mama is the quiet one but she is by no means a pushover.  No one would dare push her around.  I say quiet in terms of when they sit us down for a family meeting or something, its Papa who usually does if not all of the talking.  Mama is by his side, a silent message of saying "I agree with what Papa is saying." So any thoughts of going through Mama to lessen the blow forget about it because its not going to fly.  The only times we go through Mama is when we want something and isn't sure if Papa will be okay with it.  If it it is fine with Mama, you can count on her to be an ally.  My parents have always been a package deal.  What I mean with this is, there is no such thing as a house divided.  If we ask permission from Mama, count on her asking if we already asked from Papa and vice versa.  So if we think we are smart enough to think that we can bypass one of them, we are lying to ourselves.  Sure she nags once in awhile but its usually because we don't do what she tells us to do right away like fixing our closet or cleaning our room or anything she wants us to do.   You better have a really good reason why its not done right away.

Between the two though its Mama who is the harder nut to crack.  Papa has this tough, strict front but when it comes to us, his children, he is such a softie.  But, Mama she is more firm.  She has to see that the action merits you to be back on her good graces.  No she doesn't harbor grudges but she just wants to make sure that it really was a lesson learned on our part.

Mama may be the quieter one but when she speaks, for some strange reasons it stays with you.  It gets ingrained in us like no other.  I know she told me things when I was about to go to college and 10 years later I still remember them, like a constant whisper in my ear.  Its not an annoying whisper that is on constant loop but when just as I am about to do or decide on something, what she has said that fits the situation pops up in my brain.  Before we went to college, she told us "you are going to Manila to study and not to be in a relationship".  True enough we all finished on time and if one of us would be in a relationship it was towards the end of college.  On expenditures, "scrimp on everything but food".  People should see us when we eat out.    On guys, "don't believe a guy who shows up with different cars each time, there's a big possibility those are not his."  It sounds funny but us girls have learned that there is more to a person than the car he drives.  We actually know little to nothing about cars so don't even attempt to use it on us.   She has more and as soon as I am able to remember them all, I will compile them in a journal.  I will ask for contributions from my siblings as well.

Early this year, my brother went through a life changing episode and is still adjusting.  Nicco found himself at the start of the journey again.  Mama was with him pretty much round-the-clock.  Not asking, not pestering, not investigating, just a silent force, waiting until he was ready to speak.  There were days his revelations came in droves, some in trickles but as they come, Mama (and Papa too) listened.   She didn't just hear, she listened and I think and feel that made all the difference.  My brother, I think and I believe is in a better place now.  He is a lot happier and surging on.  We don't know the pain he went through, the extent of it all because he chose to shield us from it.  We do know though that it must have been painful enough that he said and decided that enough was enough.  He had reached the end of his rope and there was no turning back.   Make no mistake, we empathize but like they said, we have to take care of our own first and that's what we did.  We have taken a cue from our parents not to ask so much.  My sisters and I get our updates from our parents.  Then a few days ago, she told me something that she told my brother that struck me so much.  I think it was bar none the best one.  I don't remember the exact thing she said but in essence she was saying "never let anyone make you feel that you are any less.  Never let anyone make you feel inferior because you are not and never will be."  WOW! 

To me that was so powerful.  Our parents never made us feel that we cannot do anything.  They supported us with whatever we wanted to do.  They never made us feel that we didn't deserve whatever good graces we are getting.  They never once told us to settle, to just take whatever there is when we can have more, be more.  Be better, not from everyone else, but be better versions of who and what we are.  I know it pained them to know that someone else made an attempt to make one of us feel that we are not worthy.  I think my brother thought that it came with the territory but after some time he realized and knew that it wasn't.  I am glad that he realized it before it came to an even more dire situation.  As for what Mama said, I know she told that to Nicco but it applies to us, girls as well.  I think it should apply to everyone.  No one should be allowed to tell us that we are unworthy, that we are beneath them. 

Thank you, Papa and Mama!

Literally.

I have lost my voice and its not due to the fight last Saturday.  I may have laryngitis so I was put on antibiotics already.   My voice ranges from audible to almost whisper in the same sentence.  I have to refrain from talking which is tough.  On the positive side though, this means that I wont be able to take phone calls at work.  Yay!  I am really not doing much to do something about it.  I still put ice in my water and I am still eating ice cream.   Its Haagen Dazs Green Tea.  Its only for a limited time.  I know excuses..excuses.  But its really good.  Its not too sweet and its so silky smooth.  I have finished a pint already in a span of a week and I am ready to get another one.

**********
Anthony Bourdain is one of my favorite chefs/food show host.  He has this quirky way of describing the food he tries and best of all he is really open to trying new things and immersing himself into the culture that he is featuring.  I have been hoping that he would feature the Philippines soon and show the world that there is more to our food than balut or dinuguan.  So I was so excited to know that his show on The Travel Channel called No Reservation is having a fan casting-call.  Its a chance for a fan to be his travel companion in one of his upcoming episodes.  Marvin of Burnt Lumpia sent in a video.  Marvin is really passionate about Filipino food and its so heartwarming to read his posts as he discovers Filipino cuisine on his own.  I agree with Marvin that Filipino cuisine is so much more than balut.  Sad to say when people think of Filipino cuisine all they think about are the weird and bizarre foods we eat.  We have more to offer than that.  This could be a chance for people to be enlightened.  I wish Marvin all the best.  You can watch his audition video from his blog or here.

**********
Reading Gail's post about Leyte Dance Theater made me homesick.  Its been awhile since I watched their performance.  I think it was probably 3 or 4 years ago.  They had a US tour sometime last year I believe but there was a conflict in schedule so I wasn't able to watch it.  I hope they have a tour again.  I count myself lucky that I was sort of part of it for a short time.  Some of the original members were my teachers when I started ballet lessons when I was 5 until I was 10.  That was for 5 summers.  I fondly call the founder Tito Jess and he was my last instructor before I quit.  I still get that yearning from time to time especially after watching their performances.  If you want to see videos of some of their performances, someone was nice enough to upload it on Youtube.   But this has to be my favorite.  Here is part 1 of the dance.  It still makes me cry and gives me goosebumps when I watch it. 

That's what I feel today. 

I feel like there's a ton of bricks on top of my head.  Its so heavy.  Its so heavy that I feel the strain at the back of my neck.  My neck is trying its darndest to keep me afloat today.  My BP was low yesterday.  Not that low but lower than what is considered normal.  I took 100mg of Tylenol which helped.

  I know I should have listened to my boss' advice, who also happens to be a doctor that I should rest.  But nope, I am here at work, trying to be productive when I really don't feel good.  I don't think I will be rest anyway at home.  Either I will be online or watching tv.  That's still not resting.

My head is so heavy.  My throat is dry and itchy.  My neck hurts.  My cough is back.  I am just waiting for the colds to come back and this is already an encore presentation. Geez!   I think that's why my head hurts because my cold is still trapped somewhere.  This is what they call head cold.  I'd rather have runny nose than this heavy feeling.  Argh!

I was watching the Onsite video of the wedding of RJ Ledesma and Vanessa Pastor from Jason Magbanua's site.  He (Jason) posted the video of RJ's famous Royal Tru-Orange commercial in the late 80's and boy did it bring back memories.  If I know the exact year this was shown, I would know how many years it has been.  Vanessa, on the other hand was a model for Penshoppe and I think the very first batch.  I remember liking her before after seeing her photos from the print and tv ads of Penshoppe.  I may have even cut out her photos from newspapers and magazines.    Yes, I was that into tv that I remember commercials and they were part of my viewing pleasure.  She was the girl with a hat on a boat with someone in one of the commercials.  I saw that particular clip again when I watched the photo montage that Jason Magbanua made for their wedding.  Wow!  It was nice seeing it again.  The RTO and the Penshoppe commercials are already classics and I would be so glad to see them again. Well, the RTO is on YouTube.  The Penshoppe one isn't.   

My lips are dry and chapped and a bit painful.  I hope it just badly needs some lip balm and not an indication of something hmmm like a fever.

People at home are coughing and sneezing again.  Oh my!  Some people call it the "winter virus" because it never seems to go away.  Its like the waves in the ocean..it comes and goes..comes and goes..never really leaving.

My throats is itchy again.  I really hope that I am not getting anything or coming down with anything again.  I know I need to rest and for some strange reason I only get to do that when I am about to get sick.  But I promise this time I will really take better care of myself.  Its my birthday month, I don't want to be sick on my birthday. 

My head hurts  and it feels heavy too!

**********
I think I may have unconsciously (and partially) given up tv watching for Lent.  Almost everyone I know has given up something for Lent except for my sister and myself.  We didn't give up anything or so I thought.  For the past few days I haven't really been watching tv much.  If you know me and know how I can get glued to the tv for long periods of time, the time I have spent watching tv lately isn't much.  Its usually for just shows that are having finales like Project Runway that I watch.  Other than that, I have been retreating to my room and sleeping or reading.  I don't even watch the news.

**********

My sister and I semi-stalked this one girl at mall because we liked the jacket that she was wearing.    I don't think asking her about the jacket two times classifies as stalking but when the second trip to ask her was intentionally and planned well, I guess it is.  Boo though we went to the store that she mentioned where she (or her friend) got it and its not there anymore.  Its not even in the store's website.    I hope we see it somewhere.

ETA:  She works in one of the stores so its not like we chased her around the mall.

I am so glad my sister is here.  I thought I wouldn't say that but I am (peace Jehann!).  We just decided to meet up at the mall, have lunch and went around.  Yes, we did some shopping which was fun.  We got matching jackets LOL yellow at that.  No, its not some uniform but since we live in different houses during the week, its not that easy to trade clothes unless they become frisbees of some sort.  So, getting identical ones is the next best option.

********

So Daylight Savings Time has begun.  I don't know its so early but I welcome it.  At least there's still sunlight when I get home which allows me to do more things.  If there is still daylight, I am less compelled to laze around and take naps.  Its just a waste of sunshine to do that.  Sayang ang araw!  I hope that will translate going to the gym more often.

**********

I guess it already reached almost everyone's consciousness about the mockery that was the Bb. Pilipinas pageant over the weekend.  I am not going to post the Youtube clip.  I think she has been viewed way too much already.  I didn't get to watch it because well I had other things to do plus my uncle doesn't have PinoyTV.  But, my aunt let me on the scoop.   When my aunt was telling us about it, I guess my aunt wasn't aware of what the results was because she made no mention of it but that very same girl is now the Philippines representative to the Ms. World pageant.  Goodness!   Hearing stories like these made me miss my cousins back in Manila.  The three of us used to have a ritual when it was beauty pageant season in the Philippines.  On the day of the show, we make sure we have a steady supply of ice cream and cake and we position ourselves in front of the tv and wait for the Q&A portion.  We get a kick at how some of the candidates answer the question.  That is usually the highlight of the show for us.  Mean of us I know!

Why is it that most work-related problems appear on Fridays?  Why is it that I am busiest during Fridays? Grrr!  Today was no exception.  I had to put my "game face" on and its not helping that the OM (the same one) is stressing out.  Hmm hello I already answered pretty much all the questions of the inspector.  All she (OM) needs to do is prep the supporting documents needed.  Shouldn't I be the one stressing out?

But anyway, my whole stressful Friday was overshadowed by this news...

Daniel Henney is Agent Zero in "Wolverine". 

Okay, I am not going to pretend I know who "Agent Zero" is. I know "Wolverine" though from the X-Men cartoons and movies.   But I know nothing about "Agent Zero".  All I know is I like Daniel Henney enough to get to know "Agent Zero"   I have followed his career ever since he started on the Korean Drama "My Name Is Kim Sam Soon".  He has improved and has gotten good breaks.  Him, getting casted for a major Hollywood film is really something.   Yay for Daniel Henney!

I am so excited to read that one of my favorite bloggers, WaiterRant is coming out with a book.  In fact, it is already about to be released - August 2008.  I am really excited to get a copy of this book.  I am sure like his posts, this book will be full of his sarcasm, cynicism and wit.  I have mentioned it before that since reading his blog, I have been more sensitive to the servers at restaurants.  I hope more people find humor and lessons from his stories through this book.  It would be a nice and subtle gift to those I know who are not so nice to waiters.  

I am not going to pretend that I know wines or that I am so fond of it when up until four years ago I have never had a glass of it.  When benefits of red wine to reducing cholesterol came to light, my relatives even my grandma, started drinking red wine.  I wasn't one of those who got all giddy and excited and I would usually just drink it when a glass is shoved at me.  I drink a few sips and pass it on to my uncle or cousin.  That is until I started getting the hang of it.  It is an acquired taste at first.  But now I do know sorta the types of wines and I do prefer white over red.  I like the smoothness of the white.  Some reds can be so tart.  But I guess it depends on who makes it.  I've tasted red that I like and the names escape me now. 

I haven't really gone out to buy for one my own.  I usually depend on my uncle, cousin or friends.  But after reading Marvin's blog about the very first Filipino family owned and operated winery in San Luis Obispo County, I feel like getting some.  Its called Eden Canyon Vineyards.  Its owned and operated by a father and daughter team of Danny and Elaine Villamin.  I like what Elaine said in one news article that appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle that "we're definitely carrying on a tradition, not by our family, but by our people."  That is so impressive and makes me so proud.

Another thing that sets them apart, I guess, is that they are educating people on how to pair their wines with Filipino food.  Imagine that.  Who would have thought of pairing wines with simple and yet complex Filipino dishes.  Another thing was the family's tenacity, well actually the dad's tenacity to rebuild his vineyard after it was gutted down by a fire in 1996.  His entire family thought he was insane but he persevered and he is reaping the fruits (no pun intended) now.  Their wines have won awards and have been given to the nominees and presenters at the Grammys.  I love how they interject their heritage into each and everything they do like the labels. 

So, I guess this means a road trip to San Luis Obispo is on the way.  I have been wanting to go back and eat at this quaint Italian restaurant where my aunt, uncle and I ate on our way back from the Bay Area.  That was some 5 years ago I think and I still kept the business card.  Eden Canyon Vineyards is one more reason to plan that trip.  When would that be?     

I found an evening bag that is of the same fabric and color as my purple shoes for this weekend's debut of my niece.  I got it on sale too.   At first, I didn't think it would match but I was hoping that at least be close to the color of shoes.  Its really hard to find a perfect match of accessories unless they come as a set so I was really pleased that they matched.  Its a bit small for me but its okay.  I would just have to make do with what I have.

**********
Sunday will be so hectic.  I was hoping that all I need to do was just show up.  Then, my cousin asked me to take care of the back-up videocam.  Okay as if I know how to work one or ever worked with one.  I am scared that it will look like the movies "The Blairwitch Project" or "Cloverfield" in terms of video quality.  I think the party being in a boat is already worthy of a dose of Bonamine, I dont want them to need another one when they watch the video.  Well, as long as there's a tripod, I should be good.  Then, last weekend, I was informed that we will be going there early to set up the ribbons on the Tiffany chairs.  Great! The ribbons cannot be made in advance because they were not able to borrow one that I can use as a guide.  Making ribbons is not easy.  I got volunteered again to help.  I just hope it will be quick.  Good thing I declined all requests to do people's make-up.  What usually happens is everyone else looks good and I look like it was half-hazardly done which is usually the case.  During Lola's party 2 years ago, I changed at the bathroom at the venue with its poor lighting and all.   This time around I am not going to let it happen. 

**********
I enjoy watching Bravo's "Project Runway" and "Make Me A Supermodel".  I like Thursdays because I am usually by my lonesome at home and its that the day Bravo airs the marathon episodes of these shows.  I have the whole night of uninterrupted viewing.   I am rooting for either Jillian or Rami for PR.  I think Christian is really talented but the attitude turns me off.  As for MMAS, I like Perry, Holly, Shannon and Ronnie.  Perry has a lot of potential and between the two girls I think Shannon has what it takes.  Ronnie is so gay which I dont mind but he can pull off being hetero as well.  At least he has range but I am not sure if his "matinee idol" looks would allow him to stay.  I want him to though, he makes the show really interesting.

**********
Magpapaka-showbiz ako...

I didn't think that they would have chemistry.  I was one of those who was apprehensive with this pairing but they ooze chemistry in their series "Lobo".  I am hooked again to a local series.  Last time this happened was still "Sa Piling Mo" =)  I didnt like Angel at first.  I never understood the fuss about her when she was still with the other network.  She didnt know how to act and her movies with RG made me cry my hearts out.  Not because I was moved by the story but it bored me to death.  But when she jumped over the fence, I felt sorry for her because she was really being destroyed.  But she was firm and opted to just shrug off all the negativity thrown at her.  I thought, she looks happy with ABSCBN so theres a really good reason why she switched.  It was a big risk for her especially since she was the "queen" there and theres already a good and steady supply of not only "queens" but "princesses" at ABS but she was sure with her switch.  I was hoping that she would make use of the workshops and personality development seminars that ABS offered.  It looks like she did, watching her in "Lobo" now.  She has more depth and range and she can actually act.

But then again, I guess it didnt hurt that she was paired with Papa P. LOL

(I am going to do my eye makeup like hers for the debut.)

**********
This day is going by ridiculously slow.  Come on its a Friday!! Geez!

As I mentioned in my post yesterday, as a Christmas present, albeit late, my sister Jehann gave me an mp3 player.  Its not an IPOD.  It's a Zune which is what I really wanted.  Its so pretty and its in red which is my favorite color. 

I don't know why but the ipod just never appealed to me hence my lack of eagerness to go and get one.  But when I saw the Zune, I wanted it.  I held off buying it right away since at some point it wasn't at the top of my priority.  Then, as I was just planning to, Jehann said she will give it to me as a Christmas present.    Since it would be an understatement to say that Christmas was chaotic, we never got around to getting it until last weekend.  She sent me a text asking if a 4gb is fine and what color.  I was at church so I wasn't able to respond right away.  Next thing I know, her reply was she got the red one.  Yay!  Thank you Jehann!!

Why do I like thee?  Well, for one thing I liked the big screen.  It would be great watching a video while on the road.  I liked how I don't have to convert a lot of my files because it supports a lot of formats - .wma, .mp4, .m4a, .m4b and .mp3 for audio; .wmv, and .m4v for video; and .jpg for photos.  Syncing is easy.  All I have to do is connect the device to the computer and drag and drop the files that I want.  Best of all, the battery charges each time its connected to the computer.  I have less cords to bring along.   Its slim and thin and light.  It looks like the nanos before they became wide but with bigger screen.  I always had a problem with the pad of ipods.  For some reasons it didn't cooperate with me so I am glad that the pad of the Zune is a lot less complicated and I tried it, its nice to me.   I still have to try if the earphones will be as friendly.  But at least that's easier to replace.  It has an FM tuner too.  It can also be wireless.

I came home late last night so I was planning of holding off putting files into the zune because I knew once I start I wont be able to stop and I had to sleep early.  But did that happen?  Not a chance.  I sort of compromised okay I will just do the initial set-up, but did I follow that? Yeah right!  I ended up putting some files into it that are already in my laptop and I ended up sleeping at 1 AM.  Great!  But I am so happy with it.  I came to work and added more files.  So far I have 130 songs which hardly caused a dent in the memory.  I have only used 1/4 of its capacity but its a wait and see game.  I still have a ton of cds at home to add.  I try not to download songs online unless I really need to.  I am going to go get something later to protect it.

4gb = approximately 1000 songs, 25000 pictures and up to 12 hours of video

I do feel though that my zune will be unpopular among my cousins because of what is in it.  It doesn't have much of the mainstream music.  It has a lot of Asian songs - OPM, Korean, Japanese, Taiwanese, and Chinese.  So I am asking my friends who are into the same type of music to send those files my way.    Those that actually have lyrics they will understand are either ballads, opera and electronica - not their type of music at all which works just fine with me.   I cannot wait to test it - road trip..flight..gym.

And oh yeah while setting it up, the software asked me to name my Zune.    I couldn't come up with a name so I skipped it...well for the meantime.

ETA:  Another reason to like it is that the album art is shown when a song is played.  If there is no image, I can always add the album art to go along with it.

My sister has just renamed her dslr from "tsong" to "nigo".  I don't know where she got that name.  I envy people who give names to stuff that they have and hold dear.  At first, I thought it was a bit weird naming them, as if I am giving them a personality when they are things..objects.  But then, I realized naming them makes them my own..separate from every other things found at the store.  But I have difficulty with it.  I don't know why.  I mean, some people, by just one look or as soon as they hold it, they can think of a name.  Me?  I grapple with it.  It just doesn't come easy for me.

my laptop which is more than a year old...nameless
my dslr which is almost a year old...nameless
the digicam I had before the dslr which is almost 3 years old...still nameless
the blanket I've had since I was young, faded and torn...nameless
the mp3 player I am getting later (Thanks! Jehann ), I bet will be nameless

come to think of it..all my poems and short stories don't have titles themselves.   I remember when we were told to write an essay and there was a ready title, I had difficulty with it.  It felt stifling.

Imagine me, when the time comes, with a baby in my arms and someone asks me "what are you naming your child?"  I will be "hmmm..." and staring at that person. Or worse if I would have to say "can I get back to you on that."  Yikes!

It is such a bittersweet feeling to know that the musical Rent is closing down in Broadway after 12 years.  When it first opened in Broadway, I knew that it was one of those musicals that I just have to go see but for some reasons wasn't able to until last year when my sister and I and some friends went to NYC for a trip.  Before, we left L.A., we were already set on watching a Broadway show.  For me it was either "Rent" or none at all.    I mean we will already be in New York, why are we not going to include that in our itinerary.  We were not sure we would be able to get tickets but we persisted and it paid off.  My sister's friend, Yvan was able to score us tickets and we knew we had to fix our plans for the day around it.  It was also a good thing that our hotel was only a good 2 blocks away from the theater.  By the day that we were going to watch it, I have lost count of how many times we have passed the theater. 

I may have memorized a lot of the songs by now.  Who doesn't know "Seasons of Love"?  It was. however, my first time watching it.  I refused to watch the film version until I have seen the theater one.  Never mind if the cast of the film version was almost the entire original theater cast.  I just didn't feel right about doing that. My companions and I were so lucky because the cast when we watched it included Tamyra Gray of AI fame and more than that, the narrator, Mark Cohen was being played by Anthony Rapp, the original actor who played it when it first opened.  How cool was that.

"Rent" was how I expected it to be and more.  It was both heartwarming and heartbreaking.  A lesson in loving and also of letting go...of acceptance and hope.  I cried, I am not going to deny that.  With it closing soon, I have never felt so blessed to have been given an opportunity to experience it before it ended.