Hunt for the Pumpkin

Went to Shang yesterday to get Ippo a Halloween costume. I would have loved to get him the Lightning McQueen costume he wants but I think the shipping will just be too costly. Sony keeps telling me they are only kids once. I know that but I also remind myself that I need to be aware of my limits. I don’t earn as much as my cousins in the U.S., and I shouldn’t be spending like them.

Its so much easier to dress girls up. Even for costumes, there are a lot more choices for girls. We were kinda busy dragging Ippo away from the powered cars and bikes so I couldn’t manage to take pictures inside Rustan’s.

I wish I had taken pictures of the cute little costumes from Bumblebee and Company. My favourites: bunny girl costume for toddlers (imagine Playboy bunny), little cowgirl and little chef. The little chef costume was the most inexpensive at P1,399. But still expensive, noh?

Here are some pictures I got from Bumblebee and Company’s website.

I was looking for something bright and puffy so we got a Pumpkin costume for Ippo. I think he has less chances of looking exactly like the other boys in school as a pumpkin. Last year, most of the boys were Superman, Spiderman, Batman or Robin. While Ippo can't really decide for himself yet, he’s going to be bright and puffy on Halloween just like how mommy wants it. Hehe.

By the way, his pumpkin costume is not from Bumblebee and Company. I got it from Rustan’s for only P449.75. It wasn’t on display, but the very kind man (I think he’s a supervisor) asked one of the staff to look for their smallest pumpkin costume. Good thing it fit Ippo, otherwise we would have had to settle for Ninja or Dracula.

Here are pictures at the Shang after our pumpkin hunt.

Vision Board

I finally got a copy of The Secret last week. I know its not uso anymore and all, but I have been meaning to get it since I heard of its "magic."

I was really in NBS for Marisa de los Santos' books, but with NBS closing in ten minutes, the staff were not to be bugged. I couldn't find either Belong to Me or Loved Walked In and The Secret was the next most interesting book (and nearest my line of sight). I took it home and didn't read it until a few days ago. Since then, I have been excited and filling my head with positivity.

During Chat Training, I was inspired to create a vision board. And here it is.

The book is now in the hands of Diane and I hope that it changes her outlook too. If it does, maybe we should start a club or something. Haha.

Tribute

Like I said, my two years with the last of Team Afterburn has been the best. With my movement to Chat queue, and every old member deployed to their own new teams (except Diane), its only right that I let go of the team name as a tribute to each member who touched my heart.

Afterburn 3, May 2006-September 2008

Vince Mike Rommel JT Jover Mapi Paula Jason Edwin JP Lyn Nash Joseph Tintin Pongki Perry Don Nikka Ayee Diane Jack Terence Rusty Chrissie Jho Ran Jaime Renz Third AJ Ross Salt Jen Tiny Emar Bim Joey

This is a tribute to them because I don’t think any other team can top my experience with Afterburn.

Now its time to think of a new team name.

Surprise! Surprise!

Birthday pictures courtesy of VJ Third

Such a happy day today! My team gave me a surprise! This is my third birthday surprise in the pantry so you would think hindi na ko masu-surprise di ba? But its true I wasn't expecting one because my original AfterBurners have been deployed to their new teams. They're so sweet noh? How could I not be lonely without them? The poster is so cute.

The one thing that really touched me was to see all of them in one place. Kahit pantry lang.

THANK YOU team.

Monday Night Cakeout

Monday night in XPS is usually lonely for me because its AJ's day off. So I was definitely in for another cakeout. Hee.

I went to The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. I thought of going there for some cheesecake but ended up getting a slice of Pistachio Sansrival.

Tough decision...



While waiting for my cake, I noticed this for the first time...



Isn't this lovely? Its so nice to be able to sit in your favorite coffee place to enjoy a good book. Parang I like their style better than Starbucks.

Kitty Addict

Got this bag for Sony's bestfriend, Flo. I was personal shopper for my cousin on Sunday.

This bag reminds me of my childhood. I was Hello Kitty queen until high school. In my room you'd find Hello Kitty everywhere - wallets, bags, pencil case, stapler, alarm clock, towel, shower cap, hair brush, nail cutter, sheets, throw pillows, etc! I accumulated so much of it because it was the only thing I asked my parents to buy for me. And I only went to department stores and malls with Gift Gate or Sanrio stores.

I remember that everytime we had Kris Kringle or activities that required code names, I was always Hello Kitty. Haha. I miss Hello Kitty. If I had a girl I'm sure I'd spoil her with all things Kitty!

These Are Not Shoes

While picking up flip flops for my cousin Sony, I found these.

They remind me of the eighties and kung-fu shoes. I immediately loved these Sanuk sandals because they’re lightweight and very comfy. I couldn’t decide on which design to take home, so I called Denver and told him I’d wait for him in Rustan’s so he could help me pick.


He ended up paying for these!

Happy birthday to me!

Sa House Of Minis

I was with Carla in Greenhills yesterday, and as we were thinking of where to eat, we started talking about steak. She recommended House of Minis for reasonably priced steak.

I decided to try it today with Denver. I had a medium rare t-bone and Denver had pasta and steak. I wasn’t happy with how the server poured the gravy on my t-bone. I specificied gravy on the side. I totally hate it when my food is swimming in gravy, sauce or “sabaw.” I’m not a “sabaw” person.

Lookie...

Denver’s food looks funny. He already mixed his spaghetti before I could take a picture so they look like little worms. Eew.

Steak was okay. Thick but tender. I would have enjoyed it without the gravy though.

Choose To Reuse

I’ve developed the habit of bringing my own eco bags when shopping. Found these reusable bags at Healthy Options for P50.

Na excite naman ako because I just love cheap stuff.

Its so much more convenient to use these canvas tote bags. You get to stuff your swag in the bag, and sling it on your shoulders instead of holding plastic and paper bags on both hands. Such a better alternative especially when commuting. Its cuter pa di ba?

Pre-shift Dates With AJ

Let’s call my current state, the XPS trial phase.

And let me just say that if I continue to be in this state, AJ and I will probably gain five pounds each weekly. Last Wednesday, my “reward” for going to work was a slice of Dementia. On Thursday it was a slice of Blueberry Cheesecake. I chanced upon AJ and kinda dragged him into my “cakeout.”

At home yesterday afternoon, I was already crafting pre-shift “cakeout” plans. I thought I’d invite AJ to The Cofee Bean and Tea Leaf for more cake. But my plans changed as I had skipped dinner and was running late so we ended up at McCafe again. This time I devoured a Cheeseburger Deluxe meal and a Blueberry Cheesecake. Miss piggy, I know, I know.

I wonder if I will still be this way next week. Its throwing me off my budget. But then it gives me something to look forward to every night that I have to be in Eastwood. Now I don’t know if I should feel guilty or smug.

Finding That Old Feeling

On my first week in XPS, my nose bled for five days. Literally and not figuratively. I’ve been “home sick.” I miss CBG, the 29th floor, my co-TLs, my bosses, and most of all, my own team.

AJ and I have been given a team. But were really just substitutes for the team’s TL and L2. JV transferred to Chat support, and so AJ and I are on loan to XPS (supposedly).

I’ve been feeling lonely on the floor ever since. The new team seems alright. They invited me and AJ to their Bulacan outing last Sunday. I thought it would be a nice idea to join so I could get to know them sooner, but I backed out at the last minute.

On Monday and Tuesday I didn’t go to work. My throat hurt, my head ached, my ass wanted to stay put. I was thinking all these silly thoughts like, would I survive if I turn in my resignation? Would I be dismissed if I didn’t show up at work for a week? I was plotting an escape yesterday. I had to leave the house because my mom would scold me if I missed another day at work, but I didn’t want to go to the office. Where should I go? Who could be my accomplice? I felt like an adolescent with this strong urge to cut class. I finally decided to get up. I gave myself a reason to go to work – Dementia.

I was already in Eastwood by seven (and should have been on the floor by then) but couldn’t bear the thought of being lonely at the 28th floor. I promised myself I would get a slice of Dementia if I go to work. And that’s exactly what I did.

I enjoyed this piece of heaven all by myself.

By the time I was done romancing my Dementia, I said to myself, no one from the office has seen me yet, I can still ditch work! How totally immature. But then I remembered my unpaid sofa, my bathroom door project, a new dining set that I want, my 30th birthday coming up, and 0.5 SIL credit. Off to work then. Logged in for 8:00 PM shift.

After my shift, I passed by the 29th floor pantry and saw half of my old team huddled over lunch and some chismis. Sana bukas ulit sabay sabay sila mag lunch, and AJ and I could hang out with them. The best feeling I had all day. It nearly tops the Dementia experience (wink).

lovely desserts at Kooky & Luscious

I Wrote This

I saw this on eCentral today.

No credit given to me, but then this is not an article, its just a profile of our program. I wrote this on my last day with my team. Remember I said I went back to the office and stayed until six in the evening? This was one of the things I worked on.

I hope to find something interesting to contribute to eCentral. It would be nice to see my name in an official eTelecare article.

A Birthday Present for Me

This came yesterday.


This 3 piece sofa set is a birthday gift from me, to me. Hehe.

I’ve been renting for quite some time now, but this is the first piece of furniture I bought for this apartment. This year, I made it my goal to finally start making our apartment look like a home. If I wait until I get my very own house, it may never happen.

It started when our washing machine broke down a few months ago. I bought a replacement right away, and then decided to finally satisfy my frequent popcorn craving by picking up a microwave oven. I've been holding off on getting a microwave for years because I had no rack. Thank goodness Denver got us one, or else it would find its home on an old wooden chair.

I think this project really started after our property hunting phase. I realized that part of wanting our own home was the little comforts that came with it.

Recently, we had our bathroom floor retiled and the toilet replaced. Its smaller than ever and still far from being a nice looking bathroom, but it is way more decent than how it was before we renovated.

My next project is to replace the bathroom door. When I’ve paid off my sofa, I think I'll either replace the dining table and chairs, or work on the floors.

Happy Birthday Carla

It was Carla’s 23rd birthday on October 1. As usual, I was busy with the birthday preparations. I’ve been the “surprise committee” for the last three years. I now wonder why she is still surprised everytime.

This year, mama and I decided to bring some food for Carla and her family. Last year, we had our feast in my apartment. Mama felt that it would be a better idea to have it in their home so that her loved ones would be there.

And so after work, I went to the florist for her bouquet. I’ve been going to the same place for three years. I got something nice for her, but this time, I did not order white Stargazers. In the past, the Stargazer has been the stellar of her bouqet, but this time I decided to ditch it. Its too expensive and I still needed to buy her some chocolates, and lunch for everyone.

Mama bought pancit for long life, I got some Toto's lechon manok, Strawberries and Cream and Cookies and Cream ice cream. This year's food was really simple, unlike last year. But just like every year, nothing makes Carla happier.

Northern Exposure

I am on messenger with Rambi and he tells me he’s transferring to another base. He makes me guess where he’s transferring. Cali? No. Malamig daw where he is transferring. Alaska? Yes.

So now I’m researching about Alaska... and remembering scenes from Northern Exposure.

He’s not moving until March of 2009. He has to get rid of his Celica. I was hoping he would ship it to me. (Kidding). He has no use for a sports car for winter weather driving. I wonder what kind of SUV he’ll get. I have mixed emotions for him. I know he’s in the land of hick but he’s developed good relationships with his co-workers and newly found Pinoy friends in Louisiana. He also just enrolled in school. Because of the transfer, he won’t be enrolling this winter sem anymore. I’m also excited that he will get to see and experience life in a totally different part of the U.S. But its still kind of sad. I just realized how lonely air force life could be. Sabi daw ng boss niya “The air force ain’t about being comfortable. If you’re comfortable you won’t grow.” Wow. Applicable yan sa lahat ha.

I miss my brother. Its so good that we get to talk on the phone, exchange emails and kulit one-liners in messenger. I’m so proud to see him with all his accomplishments at 22.


I hope he finds Pinoy friends who will cook for him there.

Serious Craving

I'm craving for some Pepper Lunch. I've been wanting to go back since my first visit. Can't wait for their Shangri-la branch to open. Ang layo ng Rockwell eh.

Halloween 2008

Last week...
Me: Ippo, do you want to be Kung-Fu Panda for Halloween?
Ippo: No. Lightning McQueen.

This morning...
Me: Ippo, do you want to be a race car driver for Halloween?
Ippo: No. Lightning McQueen.

At noon...
Me: Ippo, do you want to be a pumpkin for Halloween?
Ippo: No. Lightning McQueen.

Now how on earth am I going to turn my son into a car this Halloween?