Gone Too Soon

The news last week of the passing of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson came quite a shock. I myself couldn't believe the text message I received from a friend of mine early in the morning last Friday. I was scrolling down on the message to see if it was a joke and was looking for the punchline. There was none. So I had to turn on the TV to see if it was true. CNN was big on the news about MJ. I was shocked and goosebumps slowly creeped on my arms.

He was only 50 years old. So young. A great loss in the music industry. I don't think my childhood would ever be the same without the songs, Billie Jean, Beat It and of course the infamous music video of Thriller. No matter what people say about how he looked on the latter part of his life, he is still one of the best performers... ever!

So to all Michael Jackson fans, I too mourn for his passing. Rest in peace and enjoy jamming with the legends in heaven. :)

Here's a playlist of MJ and The Jackson 5 hits. Enjoy!

I'm Here!

Yes, I am still breathing and I guess I'm still alive. Hehe! I've just been super busy for the upcoming board exams. That is why I have been quiet in this blog. It has been over a month since I last posted an entry here. Sheesh! My apologies. I swear once the exams are over, this blog will be updated before you can say 'popsicle'. :)

So anyway, I just want to share what I'm going through right now. I am super duper stressed. My eyebags are so big they're down to the floor. I'm looking more and more of a raccoon because of the dark circles under my eyes. Wait, I think the raccoon has white circles around its eyes..or is it black!? Oh never mind! So, there's the stress evident on my face but also I can't keep my hands from shaking from all the caffeine I've been taking just to stay up late to study. I have spilled coffee in our living room three times already. I had to put away the area rugs we have so as not spill any coffee on them. Haha!

I really wish my husband and I would pass the boards this June. So please pray for us. We still need to study more but there's not enough time. We're hoping for the best and (somewhat) preparing for the worst. Will keep you posted. Hope everyone is doing ok.

The Sacrifices we have to Make

Speaking of holy week, my family followed a no-meat diet during this week. It's one of the sacrifices we have to make. Before, I remember trying to fast for a day. Unfortunately, after not eating breakfast and lunch, I felt faint in the late afternoon and decided to eat something before I collapse. I guess fasting is not for me.

Every year, I try to come up with other sacrifices that I can make. There was this year when I stopped smoking the whole holy week. That was when I was still smoking. There was also a time when I promised not to eat junk food (one of my vices). This year however, I am making the hardest sacrifice that I can think of. I promised I would abstain from shopping for the whole month of April. This is quite difficult especially when there are huge sale signs plastered on store windows. Waaa!

Any suggestions for next year's holy week sacrifice? What's yours for this year?

Holy Week

Holy week brings back a lot of memories when I was a child.

I remember watching The Ten Commandments on television back in the days when cable was non-existent. Yes, you got that right, we would always watch the story of Moses and the Ten Commandments because it was the only show on air during holy week. Also the local TV stations would also show the passion of Christ. I distinctly remember crying whenever the scene of the crucifixion would come up.

Besides watching these programs on local channels, my parents and grandparents would always remind us that at this time of the year, we should not be making any noise and boisterous laughter is a big no-no. They believe that it is inappropriate to be happy at this time when Jesus Christ was suffering. That's why our house would be super quiet. We're not even allowed to play outside. I guess that was our sacrifice during holy week.

But what I really remember during holy week was when my grandmother told me that on Good Friday, we should take a bath before 3:00 p.m. as this was the time when Jesus Christ died on the cross. If in any case we haven't taken a bath before this time, we're not allowed to do so anymore and would have to take a bath the following day. The reason behind this is that if ever we would take a bath past 3:00 p.m., the water that we would be using would turn to blood signifying Jesus Christ's death. Scary right?! So my brother and cousins would always fight our way as to who gets to take a bath first. Lol!

What about you? Care to share your holy week memories?

Baby-G

In the mid 90's, the popular watch brand, Casio gave every teenager another entry in their wish list. And that is the Casio Baby-G series. Most of my friends had those jelly-strapped ones while the boys had mostly the black rubber strap.

I was one of those kids who totally nagged my parents just so they would be those really big jelly-strapped watches. Just as my parents gave in to my constant nagging, we went straight to the mall to look at them. As I was trying to fit one of them on (it was a pink one), I noticed that it didn't really suit me as it was too big for my then skinny wrist. I was so frustrated. I almost had it.

Now if that were to happen to me now, and this time with a Patek Philippe, I wouldn't mind if it was too big or too small for my wrist. Moral of the story, if you want something badly, don't let anything get in the way. Not even a skinny wrist. Lol.

Care to share your Baby-G story? Heehee.

"Flying T"

One of our "couple friends" were telling us that they were planning on buying a playhouse for their one-year old son. For someone who doesn't have a child yet, I have no idea how much these things cost. And I was really shocked that these plastic playhouses are quite expensive. This started our discussion about the "cheap" toys we had when we were growing up.

One of these is what we call the "Flying T". I have completely forgotten the name of this toy and was really happy (more of relieved) when our friend told me of its name. It's like a small helicopter blade made of plastic. You can get it as a free toy inside your favorite chips. All you have to do is just get the top part or the "blade" and insert the plastic that looks like a hard straw in the hole of the blade. Then in order for it to fly, you just need to put the toy in between your palms and in a rubbing motion, the toy will spin and just release it. Voila! The blades come in different colors and I remember asking my mom to buy the chips in stores where they sell wholesale products so that I can have a lot of those Flying T's in different colors.

Does anyone of you know what I'm talking about? I tried searching for a picture of it in google images but I can't find one. Just in case you're a kid in the early to mid 80's then you know what kind of toy I'm talking about.

Domesticated Spice Girl

Sometimes, there are still a lot of things to do but my energy level just can't handle it. Having the capacity to do chores after a long day is really difficult. Just like what happened yesterday when my husband and I just got back from our review class and was so dead tired. I realized that I need to do some folding from all the laundry that I've done last Saturday. Just looking at the pile of clothes made me want to just lie on the bed and sleep. Unfortunately, that was not an option.

So what I did was go to our audio racks to pick a CD to play while doing the folding. I needed something that has a fast beat and something that I would enjoy singing and dancing to. I chose the Spice Girls Greatest Hits album. Heehee!

I love the Spice Girls. I remember back in the late 90's, I was in college then, the Spice Girls was a huge hit. My friends and I would even pretend to be them whenever their song was playing on the radio. I was always Posh Spice. LOL. So anyway, I hit the shuffle button and played the CD. I was surprised to see that after three songs, I was almost done folding the laundry. I especially remember doing the dance steps of "Stop" when it played. That was one of my favorites. Here's a music file just in case you're folding the laundry while reading my blog. Teehee! Enjoy!

Stop - Spice Girls

Thank you Spice Girls! Till my next laundry day.

80's Date Movies

Valentine's day is just a few days away and I'm pretty sure a lot of couples are planning their surprises for each other. A romantic dinner with candle lights, soft music playing on the background -- the works. But for me, I'd rather stay at home and watch a movie or if my husband's up for it, we would have a movie marathon.

So for those in my generation, I'm pretty sure you would be enjoying watching these romantic movies from the 80's:

1. Pretty in Pink - Who wouldn't love Molly Ringwald and the crazy 80's fashion.



2. Some Kind of Wonderful - Bestfriends turned lovers... at that time this concept in movies was still new. :)



3. Sixteen Candles - Another Molly Ringwald favorite.



4. Can't Buy Me Love - Before the McDreaminess...



5. Secret Admirer - I just love this movie. I remember channel 13 would always show this movie.



Happy watching and advance happy heart's day everyone!!!

Fast Food Favorites

I just love the new commercial of McDonald's right now. You know the one where "Ang Huling El Bimbo" is playing on the background. The moment I saw those red and white tiles on the wall and the styrofoam containers for the burger made me really reminisce of the old McDonald's. It brings me back to the time when most or almost every McDonald's serve milkshake. I just can't get enough of them. My parents would always drive-thru at the McD's before going home and they would buy me a chocolate milkshake and large fries to go with it. Yummy! That would be my usual afternoon snack until I was 10 years old. Next to the milkshake and fries, I also love their hot fudge sundae. And just like in the commercial, I too would dip the fries into the sundae. Sweet and salty. Perfect! Now if only I stopped eating these kind of food when I reached college then I wouldn't have to go looking for weight loss pills like Fenphedra. Oh well...

What about you? What do you like ordering in your favorite fast food when you were young?

Cheers to a Great 2009!

I was so caught up with last Christmas' vacation that I was unable to update this blog. My apologies. Things have been crazy late last year. Apart from our very fabulous vacation, I was also busy with school. Yeah, surprise, surprise. So even if it's like the last week of January already, I would still like to greet everyone a happy new year! I hope everyone had the chance to stay in one of those really nice vacation rentals out of town. My husband and I did and it really gave us the break that we needed. This year is going to be more stressful and busy for sure so I am glad we had that vacation.

So, cheers to 2009! I'm welcoming every challenge and will be grateful for all the blessings. Bring it on 2009!

Sesame Street Moment # 6

It has been a while since I've updated this blog and it's been a long time too since I've posted my favorite Sesame Street segments when I was a kid. A real big thanks to youtube and for those people who have posted these classic videos.

So anyway, here's the one where they show how crayons are made. As a kid, I was really excited to see this one because obviously as a kid, we're all curious as to how things are made or where certain things come from. This is one of them. I love to draw ergo I love crayons.

Enjoy this video while I go contemplate on which diet pills to take to get rid of all the holiday fat I gained. Heehee!

Icee

Christmas shopping is really tiring especially when Christmas is just around the corner. The malls and flea markets are packed with busy shoppers getting ready for the biggest gift-giving event of the year. There's really no need to walk on the aisles of flea markets because the crowd is so thick that you just get "carried away" by the walking mob. It's like riding a really slow train without breaks and all you have to do is "jump off" once you reach your station.

So anyway, I was having a break from all the shopping and decided to check my shopping list and what's left of my shopping money (glad that I took one of those payday loans offered by my bank). It was so hot inside despite the roaring a/c so I went and bought myself a frozen drink. It then reminded me of this drink that was popular when I was still a kid. I remember lining up and ordering the strawberry flavored one. My tongue and lips would have a redder shade because of that. LOL. This was before Slurpee came to town. Do you still remember this?

The Happy Saver's Club

I was doing some bank errands yesterday when a nostalgic moment hit me again.

You see, there was this kid who was with her mom inside the bank where I was. The kid kept asking her mom for their bank book. He was a bit confused because he just saw his mom hand the teller some bills and all she got was their bank book. The kid looked adorable actually when he was looking all confused and panicky.

Then, I remembered in the 80's that most of my playmates are members of the Lucky Saver's Club of Banco Filipino. Their parents opened bank accounts for them and the kids would be getting goodies once they open an account and whenever the parents have a transaction. I wasn't a member of that club. My playmates would just show me their bank book and all the free stuff they got. Makes me wonder why though. Maybe they knew that I wouldn't be having trouble with cash advance or other credit related problem. Ha! That's what they think.

I do however commend this scheme. It taught the children the value of money and the concept of saving. I wonder if ever I was a member of this club if I would still be a shopaholic. Hmmm...

Dona Nobis Pacem

Peace to you all!

Shopping for Clothes

I remember when I was in high school and college, these logos would be seen in most of the students when they're not in their uniform. Do you still have your "vintage" clothes from these brands?

Giordano


Bossini


Benetton


Guess


Esprit


Girbaud

These brands would always be seen plastered in most of the student's shirts, jeans and even school bags.

Remember those Giordano Classics t-shirts? I have one in red and blue. Plus there's this Giordano Classics bags that were so popular when I was in high school. Do you know what I'm talking about? It's those backpacks and shoulder bags that come in green and blue colors. I have the big shoulder bag type.

As for Bossini, I was a fan of their shirts and jeans as well.

Now for the third one, United Colors of Benetton, was one of my favorite brands back then. Their use of color in their shirts and accessories have made me a follower. :)

The late Anna Nicole Smith was well know because of this brand. Guess is known for their triangle logo patch sewn at the back pocket of their jeans. Everywhere you look, someone has a triangle patch at their rear. LOL.

Esprit on the other hand is most expensive as compared to these other brands. Up until now, their prices haven't changed and for semi casual clothes, the only thing I bought in their stores are their leather shoes (for school) and their pretty tops.

For those who have thicker wallets, these brands are also included in their wardrobe.

Giorgio Armani



Marlboro Classics


and...

Dolce & Gabbana

Thinking of the environment

Okay, so I haven't really been super lazy. Actually, I've been doing a lot of "online window shopping". I am planning on buying a few things so I can update my wardrobe. The shoes department really needs to be spiced up a bit.

Just last week, I have been looking at a couple of vegan and eco-friendly shoes. Surprisingly, I never knew that these kind of products can be stylish and pleasing to the eye as well. Brands like Dansko and other comfy shoes have vegan products as well. I'm seriously thinking of buying one of these so I could at least, in my own little way, be of help to the environment.

Did I mention they have great looking vegan bags as well?

Do you live in the Past, Present or Future?

This is so true about me. Funny how a couple of questions would read how I am. LOL. Seriously though, I agree with what this says. I rarely dwell on the past but sometimes I do worry about the future (financial-wise).

You Live in the Present

You take things one day at a time. And it turns out, that's a pretty great way to live. You aren't consumed by the past, and you're aren't obsessed with the future. You live in the now, and you enjoy each moment. While most people don't live in the present enough, make sure you don't live in it too much. It would be a mistake to forget your past or neglect to plan for the future.

Do You Live in the Past, Present, or Future?

Random Questions

I really feel lazy these past few days. Probably because of the graveyard shift I got for my duty. Anyway, I saw this in my friend's blog and decided to give it a go since my mind is not working properly this morning. LOL.

What color is your toothbrush? white and pink
Name one person that made you smile today? My boyfriend, A.
What were you doing 45 minutes ago? I was preparing my breakfast, egg white garlic omelette... yummy! Hehe! Garlic breath in the morning. Woohoo! :)
Have you ever been to a strip club? Not yet.
What is the last thing you said aloud? "Ano? Di kita marinig!" (What? I can't hear you!)
What is the best ice cream flavor? Hands down to: Rocky Road and French Silk!
What are you wearing right now? My khaki shorts and a shirt
What was the last thing you ate? egg white garlic omelette
What is your favorite flavor of popcorn? caramel and butter
Who is the last person you sent a comment/message on friendster? Don, it was his birthday last week.

Do you take vitamins daily? Unfortunately, No. I always forget.
Do you go to church every Sunday? Sad but no. :(
Do you like sweets? Yes!
Do you like Chinese food better than pizza? Hmm... tough question. I really can't decide. LOL.
Do you drink your soda with a straw? Yup!
What did your last text message say? "Ok lang. Thanks kamo sa mommy mo." (Ok! Tell your mom thanks.)
Are you someone’s best friend? I'd like to think -Yes.
What are you doing tomorrow? Hmm.. probably reviewing.
Where is your dad? he's probably driving right now so I don't know exactly where he is. LOL.
Look to your left, what do you see? My bed and window.

What color is your watch? Black leather, silver and silver and gold.
What do you think of when you think of Switzerland? My aunt and cousins.
Do you use chapsticks? Yup!
What is your birthstone color? Umm... white. My birthstone is pearl.
Do you go in at a fast food place or just hit the drive through? Both.
What’s your favorite number? 8
Do you have a dog? Yes.
Have you met anyone famous? Yup!
Any plans today? Hmm... update my blogs, review, give my dog a bath and finish listening to my audio book of Twilight!
Ever gone to college? Yup! And I'm doing it all over again. Hehe!

Do you dye your hair? Before, yes. At the moment, I can't because it's not allowed in school (#$%&*!!!).
Last song listened to? Jingle bell rock
Can you say the alphabet backwards? Yup! In a turtle-pace. LOL.
Do you have a maid service clean your house? No!!! :(
Favorite pair of shoes you wear all the time? My chuck taylor sneaks.

Are you jealous of anyone? Nope!
Is anyone jealous of you? I'd like to think, yes. LOL.
Do you love someone? Y-E-S!
Do any of your friends have children? Yup! A lot of them!
What do you usually do during the day? Oh just the normal stuff.

Do you hate anyone that you know right now? Hmm... none at the moment. ;-)
Do you use the word ‘hello’ daily? Yup! Especially to my dog.
Do you like cats? N-O!

Whew! That was a long one! Happy Monday everyone!

Eat all I can

Growing up with both my parents working, my mom would always leave me and my brother to my grandmother when they go to work. We didn't mind really because that meant free access to all the goodies my grandmom has in her sari-sari store.

Ever since I could remember, my grandparents has this home based business of having this store plus they sell all-natural vinegar. So anyway, my brother really didn't care much that time with the vinegar but we did love "hanging around" inside the store so we could help ourselves to all the candies and chips that my grandmom sells.

Are you still familiar with Orange Swits (I think it's still available up to now), Choco Nut, chocolate football and soccer ball, Goya chocolates (plain and with rice crispies), Stay Fresh mint candies, Cheezels (the cheese flavored chips that had free toys in it) and even Horlicks?

I miss those days. I miss hanging around with my grandmother and she'd tell me that I can have all the candies that I want as long as I practice writing my complete name on two sheets of pad paper. Hehe!

Dial-Up Servers

Not so long ago, a familiar ringing sound would be heard whenever we would go online. It was even popularized by the movie of Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks, You've Got Mail. You get connected by buying pre-paid internet cards or if you're one of those people who's not afraid to get their accounts hacked and pay 10,000 pesos for using the internet 24/7 when clearly you didn't (this happened to us when we were still in postpaid connection). Sometimes it would take a hundred years before you can get through because you'd always get a busy line when you're trying to use the dial-up server. This sucks big time! I even remember trying to go online when I was unaware that my brother was using the phone. I heard him through the modem talking to his girlfriend and then the modem starts dialing the number for the dial-up server. LOL.

So anyway, those days are clearly gone with the emergence of cable, broadband internet with their CAT6 cables with their speedy, unlimited use of the internet. It is sometimes annoying when the connection tends to be so turtle-paced or worse, there's no connection at all. Still, I prefer the internet connection today because I get to multi-task while I'm online. Talking to a friend on the phone and chatting with others online.