Waiting

Here at bus stop waiting for my ride.
Good thing I have my phone that I can tinker or else I'll get bored. Don't want to take a cab coz it is expensive .

I'll miss Hunny today. He is at a charity function at work. 29 more days to go before our anniversary. Seven years -- I can't believe it!

Hello Again!

Hello blog, it is nice to see you again. I know I have been very busy these past few months.

Changes happened very fast and as many thoughts I have that I wanted to put in writing, I was  unable to find a time to sit and just type away. For that I apologist. And it is quite ironic that amidst my busy schedule now and an abrupt answer to a phone call offering slimming services, I am starting to write again. Well, I know that you woud be the only one who would not give any indifferent reaction to what I'll say. You'll just listen. And that's what I love and missed about you. Anyway, where would I start? Last entry I have here was about my great Singapore challenge.

Moving into a new place - without anything to hold on to or any assurance of the future was quite scary. As what a few of my colleagues have mentioned, leaving a good position at IBM is like throwing all away. Not to mention very very crucial.

But God is good. And He will always be faithful. Oh, I must change what I said on the last  paragraph, we have something to hold on to, God. And yes, it may sound very spiritual - but we were really tested during our first month here. Accommodation was already provided by the Pua couple. One of the things we would always be grateful of - plus I gained two cousins and one nephew. Since Ate Tina and Kuya Raymond has been living here, I only met them on few occasions when they are in Manila. And we didn't have the time to chat and talk about things - and life as it goes. But when we stayed to their place - I learned a lot of things. All was in a haze actually, and  my idea of fast-paced is way different than what we have experienced.

Let me note a few things:
1. I learned how to cook again. Cooking is easy when you have recipes and videos available on You Tube. Planning the meals everyday is quite difficult. Plus, having a 7 month pregnant woman in the house, the diet must be maintained as well as her craving.
 

2. After-meal conversations is what I love most - about family, friends, finding work and things about Singapore.
 

3. Budget - this one, I am still trying to learn.

Gotta go for now.

Day 2: Frustrated

I guess this is the dominant feeling that I have for almost the first part of my day. One might say that I am such a bitch for having to get this kind of attitude but I cannot help but feel it.

The plan to go here was to look for work. It took months of preparation - and getting used to the idea that I will be away from home for the first time in my life. More than setting the right attitude, I pressure myself because this is going to be now or never.

Leaving work - especially the name of the company where I have worked for the past eighteen months was indeed a difficult decision. And no matter how crap I have always thought my work was, it was still stable. Here, not only do I get to have the title of being unemployed, I only get half the chance of finding work. So it frustrates me to realize that he does not care enough about that fact. Yes, he went here with me. But he still have a job - a fall back just in case this plan is not meant to be. I don't know how to explain it because for me, it is plain enough to understand. Every minute counts - yes, I am on schedule because I don't have the time and the money to spend for this stay. Darn it.

Friends are supposed to be - caring, understanding and mature. I don't know. Yes, I criticize your friend. That doesn't mean that I choose better friends than you do or that I am wiser than you are. But I do not let my friends make me look stupid. Heck, this friend did not even bother to communicate effectively when he has all the time and the means to do so. Now why do we have to just act like his effing beck and call when he needs us? Does that even qualify the meaning of a true friendship?

And what's up with being stubborn? Leaving your passport? No money or MRT card? In a place where it is important that you need to always have an identification? Why walk in the rain even if you have an umbrella? Why insist on walking when you can sit for awhile and think and plan on what is the next best practical thing to do? Why tell me that I don't know how to value your friends when you try to value mine? Even when you can plainly see that your so-called friends does not even bother to say hi or hello even when they don't need anything from you? Are they really worth it? Is that the kind of relationship you'd like to have for people you are supposed to treasure you for a lifetime.

I am so pissed off and frustrated.

Now I am thinking of just going back home on the 31st.

To start again and forget this dream.

One Week Countdown and Previous Happenings

I haven't got the time to blog for quite some time. With all the transition of work load and preparations for the "move" to Singapore, I have been so pre-occupied with lots of things. This is my second day of chilling. Well, I haven't done much today but finish my checklist for my portfolio and do a Secret Garden marathon. 

Oh, forgive me if I have scattered thoughts. I am like this when I am trying and praying not be anxious of things and feelings. I would really need to collect my ideas and almost everything so I can be sane again.

One big leap. And it has already started. 

Yes, I still have alot of moments when I think I am crazy doing this.

But, weird as it may seem - I feel no regrets.

Great Sinagpore Sale 2011

And yes, it is the time of the year for the Great Singapore Sale. And boy, o boy! I am really excited to experience this event this year. We were able to make habol for last year's schedule on its last week and yes, we were able to get some special tourists discounts too!

The annual Great Singapore Sale returns from 27 May to 24 July 2011.

For eight glorious weeks, enjoy up to 70% discount on just about everything, everywhere. From the central shopping belt of Orchard Road and Marina Bay to the Southern Waterfront and suburbs, you’ll find fantastic value on fashion, watches, jewelery, electronics and more, all over Singapore! Exclusive tourist privileges, priceless MasterCard rewards, exciting events and promotions, and late night shopping, dining and entertainment also await you.

It will be a wonderful opportunity to enjoy great savings and a great time in Singapore, so be sure to check out the Great Singapore Sale!
 

This Great Singapore Sale, enjoy great value deals on hotel stays at 30 hotels in Singapore.

For bookings and room rates, please visit stayinsingapore.com.

• Capella Singapore - 1 The Knolls, Sentosa
• Concorde Hotel Singapore - 100 Orchard Road
• Copthorne King’s Hotel Singapore - 403 Havelock Road
• Fairmont Singapore - 80 Bras Basah Road
• Four Seasons Hotel Singapore - 190 Orchard Boulevard
• Furama City Centre - 60 Eu Tong Sen Street
• Furama RiverFront - 405 Havelock Road
• Gallery Hotel - 1 Nanson Road
• Goodwood Park Hotel - 22 Scotts Road
• Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore - 392 Havelock Road
• Grand Park City Hall - 10 Coleman Street
• Grand Park Orchard - 270 Orchard Road
• Hotel Michael - 8 Sentosa Gateway, Resorts World Sentosa
• Hotel Royal - 36 Newton Road
• Link Hotel Singapore - 50 Tiong Bahru Road
• M Hotel Singapore - 81 Anson Road
• Mandarin Oriental, Singapore - 5 Raffles Avenue
• Marina Mandarin Singapore - 6 Raffles Boulevard
• Orchard Hotel Singapore - 442 Orchard Road
• Park Hotel Clarke Quay - 1 Unity Street
• Peninsula.Excelsior Hotel - 5 Coleman Street
• River View Hotel Singapore - 382 Havelock Road
• Singapore Marriott Hotel - 320 Orchard Road
• Studio M Hotel Singapore - 3 Nanson Road
• Swissôtel The Stamford - 2 Stamford Road
• The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore - 80 Collyer Quay
• The Fullerton Hotel Singapore - 1 Fullerton Square
• The Regent Singapore – A Four Seasons Hotes : 1 Cuscaden Road
• Traders Hotel Singapore - 1A Cuscaden Road
• York Hotel Singapore - 21 Mount Elizabeth

24 Things To Always Remember

 

Your presence is a present to the world.
You are unique and one of a kind.
Your life can be what you want it to be.
Take the days just one at a time.

Count your blessings, not your troubles.
You will make it through whatever comes along.
Within you are so many answers.
Understand, have courage, be strong.

Do not put limits on yourself.
So many dreams are waiting to be realized.
Decisions are too important to leave to chance.
Reach for your peak, your goal and you prize.

Nothing wastes more energy than worrying.
The longer one carries a problem the heavier it gets.
Do not take things too seriously.
Live a life of serenity, not a life of regrets.

Remember that a little love goes a long way.
Remember that a lot … goes forever.
Remember that friendship is a wise investment.
Life’s treasure are people together.

Realize that it is never too late.
Do ordinary things in an extraordinary way.
Have hearth and hope and happiness.
Take the time to wish upon a start.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Hollyhock

What greater gift than the love of a cat?
~Charles Dickens

Several springs ago I planted a hollyhock flower underneath our family room window. Every spring without fail the hollyhock would push forth a strong green stem from its earthy winter resting place. Its dark red flowers would open up to claim its rightful place in the sun. My husband would sit in his favorite chair watching TV with a perfect view of the hollyhock as it gently swayed in the summer breeze.

"That is my favorite of all the flowers you planted," he said.

I tended to it faithfully in hopes it would live forever and provide him with one of life's simple pleasures. That following May, without warning, he passed away, forcing me to live in a world full of fear, pain, and loneliness. My life and my children's lives were shaken to the core as the pillar of our small family was suddenly stripped from us. My world was shattered and I wondered if I could ever pick up the pieces and continue my own existence. Even though I had four children, they had their own lives, with children, jobs, and their own homes to tend to, leaving me with the feeling that I had no one left to care for.

With nothing but time I went outside to brush away the dead leaves and other debris left by the winter from around his favorite flower. I was anticipating its reliable bloom to sway once again in the summer breeze as if it would bring his spirit to life again.

"I don't know how to live without you," I whispered while brushing away the tears that would not stop falling. My heart was heavy, and my soul lonely and scared.

Just as I reached to grab the dead leaves I heard a hiss coming from behind the stem. Startled, I jerked my hand away. My heart pounded, and my vision was blurry from the tears that filled my eyes. I feared there was a snake under the leaves. I quickly stood up to leave the creature alone in hopes it would eventually move on. Blinking several times to force the tears away, my vision cleared. My fear vanished and compassion rushed into my heart instead. What I thought was a snake turned out to be a tiny black fur ball trying to scare away its intruder. I reached for the kitten and it hissed again. Without hesitation I picked it up and began to stroke its tiny head.

"Poor little thing, what are you doing under there?" I said as I carried it into the house.

"Where did you come from and how did you get all the way here?" I said as I tore up lunchmeat into tiny bite-size pieces. The little cat growled like a large lion as it devoured the food. I laughed at this tiny cat with a fierce heart. "Poor little thing, you must be starving."

Since I had never had an inside cat, I took him back outside after his meal. Unfortunately he found the outside drainpipe, decided to explore and got stuck. After much chaos and dread, he was finally retrieved with some assistance. Realizing how vulnerable he was, I decided he would share my home and gave him what I thought was a fitting name, Piper.

Piper has become a magnificent animal with a shiny, sleek coat and he has filled some of the void in my life. He provides me with company on those lonely nights when the house is quiet except for the sound of the TV and his purring as I stroke his head. On days when my world is dark he lightens my heart and makes me laugh, because to this day, even though he is big and strong and is provided with all the food he needs, he still continues to growl while eating. His strong will and determination inspire me to carry on with my life the best I can.

At the time it seemed strange that a little kitten would appear under the hollyhock that my husband so loved. But what better gift was there to give someone who felt so alone in the world, and who was able to give a tiny creature a loving home? Piper and I needed one another more than either of us knew. The hollyhock never bloomed again. It was as if it was transformed into a tiny kitten. Perhaps the kitten was a gift from my husband to give me something to care for and to give me pleasure, just as the hollyhock did for him.

Source

Laughter Is the Purrfect Medicine

From Chicken Soup for the Soul: My Cat's Life
By Donna Gephart

Laughter is a tranquilizer with no side effects. ~Arnold Glasow

About three weeks ago, I noticed something unusual in our cat's litter box. Yes, more unusual than the heart-shaped urine clump Jasmine lovingly created for us on Valentine's Day. And stranger than the time she swallowed the string from a Christmas ornament and made us a new and improved ornament the next day in her box. It was blood. After a wrestling match, the likes of which World Wrestling Entertainment has yet to witness, I managed to shove Jasmine into her carrier and drive her to our veterinarian's office. The vet told me that Jasmine had an infection. I could handle that. The vet told me that Jasmine needed a change in diet, and that the new food would be much more expensive. My bank account could handle that. The vet told me that I would have to give Jasmine a dropper full of antibiotic liquid twice a day for two weeks.

"Are you nuts?!" I bellowed. "I'd rather hand-feed piranhas."

The vet thought I was overreacting. He grabbed the office cat. "Here, I'll demonstrate," he said condescendingly. The sweet, furry creature lay docile. She willingly opened her mouth when prodded for the demonstration. It seemed to me the vet could have inserted hot pokers into this cat's eyes and she would have purred. Jasmine, on the other hand, turns into Catzilla if we even try to pick her up for a quick cuddle. How would I ever hold her, open her mouth and insert the required dose of antibiotics? On the drive home from the vet, I prepared for the ordeal. "How hard can it be?" I asked myself out loud. "She's small. I'm tall. She weighs about twelve pounds. I weigh, um, slightly more than that." At home, I got hold of Jasmine without losing a limb, but I couldn't grip her and open her mouth at the same time. I needed two more hands or...

"Sweetheart!" I called my husband. When I told Dan what we needed to do, he looked at me as though I had asked him to jump into a pit of slithering snakes. I assured him this was far worse.

"Okay," he said. "She needs the medicine to get better. I'll hold her and you squeeze the antibiotics into her mouth."

The first morning we tried, Dan held her and I worked furiously to get her to open her mouth. When she tried to bite me, I squirted. A surprising fifty percent of the liquid ended up inside her mouth. The rest spilled on her chin, but she quickly licked it off. Success! We felt as though we had won the Olympic event of Feline Medication Administration, and since Dan and I still had our fingers and hands, we high-fived each other.

The next night, Jasmine used her back paw to scratch Dan's palm. He bled so much I thought he would need a transfusion. He bandaged his hand and his ego and tried again. He eventually held Jasmine still. This time, I managed to get a surprising eighty percent of the liquid inside her mouth. The other twenty percent fell into the carpet fibers along with crushed Cheerios, a half-eaten raisin and a set of lost Legos. I was feeling confident now. Dan was feeling woozy from lack of blood.

The next morning, Dan donned his business suit. He had an early meeting at the office. "Come on," he said. "Let's get this over with. I'm running late." He grabbed Jasmine with amazing finesse. More sure of my ability, I opened her mouth and squirted the full eye dropper of thick white liquid... all over my husband's slacks.

Over the next two weeks, my husband's slacks were well medicated. We, on the other hand, were sick of wrestling with our feisty feline. We reached under every piece of furniture in the house to retrieve her, but unfortunately, the only things we snagged were impressively large dust bunnies. And they looked too robust to need antibiotics. Once, when we held Jasmine securely, she slugged the eyedropper across the room with her front paw. We signed her with the Phillies. We would have given up, but our cat's health was too important. So we struggled twice each day to get the medicine from the bottle to the inside of Jasmine. We have a few scratches to show for the effort, but mostly a lot of laughs from our attempts. And laughter must be the best medicine because despite our hilarious misses with the medicine dropper, Jasmine got a clean bill of health from the vet. Thank goodness. Because if he had told us that we needed to give Jasmine any more medicine, my husband and I would have ended up in the hospital. The kind with padded walls, barred windows and white jackets.

Summer's Crossing

Iron Fey Announcement

Out of the way, Ash--Juile's releasing Puck's story first! "Summer's Crossing" is out this October, and features your favorite prankster. 

******

I encountered the first book of the Iron Fey Series last year. I was able to get a copy of the audio book. I haven't read alot of Young Adult books aside from Artemis Fowl, Wolves of Mercy Falls and Laurel Series. I instantly fell in love with the series. The story may seem cliche at the beginning. A lost princess with a best friend who was a meant to watch her and she falls in love with the enemy. But during the course of the plot, it unravels different kinds of personalities from the characters which are really unique and endearing. The fave person, err.. animal in the story was Grimalkin. Yes, the cat reminds me of the Cheshire Cat of Tim Burton's movie version of Alice in Wonderland. He just comes and goes whenever he feels like it - without having to answer to anybody. He insists that he stays beside Meghan because he craves for the interesting but I think deep inside, he has developed a soft spot for the Human.

I have read all the four books - well 3.5 since "A Winter's Passage" is just a mini-novel between The Iron King and The Iron Daughter.. then The Iron Queen. Cannot wait for The Iron Knight! 

Well here is the video for the Iron Fey Series: 

For more information about these books, you can visit the site of Julie Kagawa.

Is Running Not My Thing?

I bought my first pair of running shoes last year. I have never shown interest in fun runs before and was not really the sporty type so I never did focus on getting one even if I am fond of shoes in general. Plus I like the girly-type shoes, stilettos and straps was my kind of thing.

Anyway, when I started to run as a morning exercise, I noticed that I feel that my legs are beginning to itch. I thought it had something to do with the air or the environment since there are lots of trees in the mini-park which was just five minutes from my house. So whenever I feel it, I stop cause I can't seem to concentrate and would just love to scratch which is bad since it won't look good after I do so. When I run using the treadmill, I don't feel the itchiness. Does that mean I am choosy? That I can only run in gyms? 

Hunny and I with the rest of his cousins were looking forward to joining the NatGeo Run. But due to hectic schedules, it was again - postponed. But what we did was practice Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Sports Center. Again, I did feel the itchy sensation. So my doubts grew - am I allergic to something? Or is running not meant for me. My mom had a different idea, she was thinking that maybe I am getting dehydrated or something like that and I should drinks lotsa water or Gatorade to replenish the fluids and electrolytes that my body needs. 

Thankful to technology, I did a little bit of research about this. As I discovered in a running forum the explanation as to why I have been feeling this "thing":

The itching is not on the skin, it's inside the actual limbs. There are millions of tiny capillaries and arteries inside our muscles which expand rapidly due to the demand for more blood that is brought on by exercise. When fit, these capillaries remain open allowing maximum blood passage, but when unfit and inactive they tend to collapse, allowing only minimal blood passage (which is sufficient for a sedentary person however). The rapid expansion of these vessels causes adjacent nerves to send impulses back to the brain which are interpreted as an itch. That's why after a few sessions the sensation tends to go away. Just another indication of increasing fitness levels.

My reaction was..."ahhh, so that's what it was!" With renewed hope that I can still join run or do my morning jogs, it seems to me that the key is just REGULAR exercise. Now I am keeping my fingers crossed.. (tee-hee)