This term, I enrolled in 3 MBA classes, one of which falls on a Saturday morning at 8am (Hence, I'm awake at this time and getting ready to leave) all the way in DLSU Taft. Hay.. One of the sacrifices one must make in the name of education and graduating on time. I had the option of cutting back by one class, but I figured the earlier I finish my pending classes, the earlier I can graduate.Plus, I'm getting "set-back" by 1 term this year, which is the term that coincides with my wedding and honeymoon. So, it's only right to take more than the usual load this term, even if it means waking up at an ungodly hour of 6:30 on a Saturday morning. I'm glad though that Dennis is very supportive; in fact, he'll pick me up later at 11am (which is also still early, for a Saturday). But, hey, we gotta put in the work to reap in benefits later...
I just wish it can start at 9 instead of 8.
Hahaha!
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Saturday, January 09, 2010
No Bridezilla :)
These are the days I'm so thankful I have 1 year to prepare for the wedding. There was an incident today that would've made me stressed out and masungit, but since I have time to spare, I didn't. Just spoke very nicely yet firmly, then went on with my daily business. :)
Just a random thought.
So no need for bridezilla.
For now. Let's not jinx it. Knock on wood.
:p
Just a random thought.
So no need for bridezilla.
For now. Let's not jinx it. Knock on wood.
:p
Monday, January 04, 2010
Decade Review
OK, I'm 27 now which means I was 17 when the decade-that-just-was had just begun. Given that the decade before that, I had just reached the age of reason and hence, school mostly occupied my time, this past decade is the only decade I've lived through worth looking back on and reviewing :p So, with details supplanted by my blog, here goes the Decade Review -
2000 - Halfway through my first year of college. First time to be in a non-Chinese-dominant environment, but happy to have my lifelong friends with me (Lianne and Monica). Met new friends Eks, Gen, Roks, Felix and Gopal. My Chinese friends and I founded the first Fil-Chi org in UA&P, to attempt to put some semblance of control over being in an unfamiliar place where our culture was "cute and interesting" to most of our classmates. How strange. Met Father Soria, my first-ever priest-teacher, who found me just as fascinating as I found him. Faced my first-ever "Who is Jesus Christ, Ms. Co?" question. Fumbled with my answer. Haha! Had to explain to him after class where my ignorance stems from, for fear of being misjudged.
2001 - Mid-way through sophomore year and trying to decide what to major on. Was initially attracted to Economics (eew!) but also intrigued by IMC. A tall, lean, pale dude whom people refer to as Dr K asked me to visit his office because he wanted to "discuss my options in IMC." I first thought, "wow, yabang", but turned out to be convinced when he met with me. EDSA Dos happened and the nation was able to get rid of Erap (for now, hehe). Hung out mostly with Knox, Neil and Elber.
2002 - Started in IMC, and found marketing to be my professional calling. Loved my classes, except some really boring ones taught by professors who were better off retired :p Short relationship with Neil also marked this year.
2003 - Fourth year in IMC- the intensity-filled year. Spent the year mostly sleep-deprived, caffeine-guzzling and in front of a computer, or a printer, or a Prom-B table. Also spent most of my awake time away from my own home and in someone else's, i.e. Gopal's, Elber's, Guia's or Noel's (where the only edible thing for guests was water :p ) Also had a realization that in tight situations where printers conk out, I can take the "flight" (or rather "cry") option instead of fight. Someone takes the fight (i.e. profanity) route though. :p Thought I was going to end up in Unilever for my 5th year, and actually kinda really hoped that I would. Went through Unilever Business Week only to get disappointed in the end due to a technicality.
2004 - Almost done with IMC 5th year, halfway through residency in Citibank. Suffered through 7,000-per-month takehome pay, early Saturday morning classes and awkward stare-downs by my first boss, whom we will hide in the alias "LG". Highlight of the year is spending my residency with FILC, who will turn out to be my three bestest girlfriends in the whole wide world. Also graduated at the top of my class, and visited my best friend in Vancouver for the first time and realized how little there was to do in that city :p
2005 - Began working officially in Citi as program manager of Cards Marketing. Met some of the coolest people ever, who are still my very good friends 'til this day (Van, Ranza, Dang, Karen, Jane, Dane, Eps). Met the love of my life in March 2005, and we got together officially on the 28th of April that year. Life has been extra beautiful from that point on. Dennis finished law school, graduated and took the bar, where he claims 'til this day that he placed #11. (they only publish rankings until #10, hehehe). Made my first appearance in a print ad as a hand model. (Short-lived career though. Hahaha!) FILC went on its first trip- to Boracay! Oh, and I changed jobs. Smart first interviewed me in February, but hired me by December. Long story why. Long wait too. :p Learned yet again that long waits are usually well worth it. First proof was Dennis. Second proof was this job.
My friend, Missy, died after a long bout against ensephalitis. :(
2006 - First full year spent in Smart and another happy year spent with Dennis. Got upgraded to APM level after 6 months in Smart. Went to Cebu with my good friend, Giselle, whose one of the blessings of working in Smart. Also met Loraine, another good friend, in Smart. My best friend's brother got into an accident that left him paralyzed :( Went to Hawaii for the first time, free of charge courtesy of my employer. Took my first business-class JAL flight, which I loved loved loved. Japanese are the best! Got my first-ever salary bonus. I can get used to this :)
2007 - Second full year in Smart, and got promoted to managerial level. Got a car put in my name for the first time. This was also the year of travel for me-- I went all around the Middle East, to London and Asia for work. On the personal trips front, went to Canada again for my cousin's wedding and to Singapore for Ranza. Toured Boston for the first time too and found out I really like college towns. Went to NYC and fell face-first in love with the most vibrant, energy-filled city on the face of the earth. Experienced firsthand the travel nightmares that can befall you when traveling domestically in the US, with the story ending with me sprinting at the Chicago and LA airports and with my luggage arriving one month after I had come home.
2008 - Another year in Smart, another year with Dennis. After some months of pondering in 2007, I finally decided to take the plunge and take on an MBA degree. Met some really cool people in DLSU too. Got offered to be a professor and teach an IMC class- Brand Communications Management. Coincidentally, Dennis also got offered to teach for the first time! Hmm.. what else.. made some big money, and made some big purchases too. Got featured in a magazine for the first time. My friend Karen got preggers while my friend Laurice gave birth!
2009 - Got engaged to the most dedicated, most adorable and most loving man alive. Had my tinghun in the house I grew up in. Was welcomed with open arms into the Chan family. Bought my first ever real estate property. Went on the 2nd FILC trip, this time to Singapore! Went to Bangkok for the 2nd time and turned out to like it so much more than my first trip. Anna and Guia got engaged as well, Gopal got married, and Kayers got preggers! In sad news, Mia had a health scare, and Eggy passed away :(
And so that's the decade that was. Pretty full decade, with so many changes, twists and opportunities. Looking back at some of the older blog entries I had, especially towards the early part of this decade, I find it amazing how things that happened tie together so beautifully. Makes you really believe that another force is at play, not just happenstance or luck. Love also marked this past decade, with Dennis being the highlight of it all.
It's been a really good past 10 years. It may not have been picture-perfect, but few things in life really are anyway. The point is, the good parts definitely kick the behinds of the bad ones, and in fact, most of the bad ones were actually lessons-in-life in disguise, which are actually good. I learned so much in these past ten years and I had a really good ride! I can't wait to go through the next decade with my family, Dennis, and my friends. I'm so thankful! :)
2000 - Halfway through my first year of college. First time to be in a non-Chinese-dominant environment, but happy to have my lifelong friends with me (Lianne and Monica). Met new friends Eks, Gen, Roks, Felix and Gopal. My Chinese friends and I founded the first Fil-Chi org in UA&P, to attempt to put some semblance of control over being in an unfamiliar place where our culture was "cute and interesting" to most of our classmates. How strange. Met Father Soria, my first-ever priest-teacher, who found me just as fascinating as I found him. Faced my first-ever "Who is Jesus Christ, Ms. Co?" question. Fumbled with my answer. Haha! Had to explain to him after class where my ignorance stems from, for fear of being misjudged.
2001 - Mid-way through sophomore year and trying to decide what to major on. Was initially attracted to Economics (eew!) but also intrigued by IMC. A tall, lean, pale dude whom people refer to as Dr K asked me to visit his office because he wanted to "discuss my options in IMC." I first thought, "wow, yabang", but turned out to be convinced when he met with me. EDSA Dos happened and the nation was able to get rid of Erap (for now, hehe). Hung out mostly with Knox, Neil and Elber.
2002 - Started in IMC, and found marketing to be my professional calling. Loved my classes, except some really boring ones taught by professors who were better off retired :p Short relationship with Neil also marked this year.
2003 - Fourth year in IMC- the intensity-filled year. Spent the year mostly sleep-deprived, caffeine-guzzling and in front of a computer, or a printer, or a Prom-B table. Also spent most of my awake time away from my own home and in someone else's, i.e. Gopal's, Elber's, Guia's or Noel's (where the only edible thing for guests was water :p ) Also had a realization that in tight situations where printers conk out, I can take the "flight" (or rather "cry") option instead of fight. Someone takes the fight (i.e. profanity) route though. :p Thought I was going to end up in Unilever for my 5th year, and actually kinda really hoped that I would. Went through Unilever Business Week only to get disappointed in the end due to a technicality.
2004 - Almost done with IMC 5th year, halfway through residency in Citibank. Suffered through 7,000-per-month takehome pay, early Saturday morning classes and awkward stare-downs by my first boss, whom we will hide in the alias "LG". Highlight of the year is spending my residency with FILC, who will turn out to be my three bestest girlfriends in the whole wide world. Also graduated at the top of my class, and visited my best friend in Vancouver for the first time and realized how little there was to do in that city :p
2005 - Began working officially in Citi as program manager of Cards Marketing. Met some of the coolest people ever, who are still my very good friends 'til this day (Van, Ranza, Dang, Karen, Jane, Dane, Eps). Met the love of my life in March 2005, and we got together officially on the 28th of April that year. Life has been extra beautiful from that point on. Dennis finished law school, graduated and took the bar, where he claims 'til this day that he placed #11. (they only publish rankings until #10, hehehe). Made my first appearance in a print ad as a hand model. (Short-lived career though. Hahaha!) FILC went on its first trip- to Boracay! Oh, and I changed jobs. Smart first interviewed me in February, but hired me by December. Long story why. Long wait too. :p Learned yet again that long waits are usually well worth it. First proof was Dennis. Second proof was this job.
My friend, Missy, died after a long bout against ensephalitis. :(
2006 - First full year spent in Smart and another happy year spent with Dennis. Got upgraded to APM level after 6 months in Smart. Went to Cebu with my good friend, Giselle, whose one of the blessings of working in Smart. Also met Loraine, another good friend, in Smart. My best friend's brother got into an accident that left him paralyzed :( Went to Hawaii for the first time, free of charge courtesy of my employer. Took my first business-class JAL flight, which I loved loved loved. Japanese are the best! Got my first-ever salary bonus. I can get used to this :)
2007 - Second full year in Smart, and got promoted to managerial level. Got a car put in my name for the first time. This was also the year of travel for me-- I went all around the Middle East, to London and Asia for work. On the personal trips front, went to Canada again for my cousin's wedding and to Singapore for Ranza. Toured Boston for the first time too and found out I really like college towns. Went to NYC and fell face-first in love with the most vibrant, energy-filled city on the face of the earth. Experienced firsthand the travel nightmares that can befall you when traveling domestically in the US, with the story ending with me sprinting at the Chicago and LA airports and with my luggage arriving one month after I had come home.
2008 - Another year in Smart, another year with Dennis. After some months of pondering in 2007, I finally decided to take the plunge and take on an MBA degree. Met some really cool people in DLSU too. Got offered to be a professor and teach an IMC class- Brand Communications Management. Coincidentally, Dennis also got offered to teach for the first time! Hmm.. what else.. made some big money, and made some big purchases too. Got featured in a magazine for the first time. My friend Karen got preggers while my friend Laurice gave birth!
2009 - Got engaged to the most dedicated, most adorable and most loving man alive. Had my tinghun in the house I grew up in. Was welcomed with open arms into the Chan family. Bought my first ever real estate property. Went on the 2nd FILC trip, this time to Singapore! Went to Bangkok for the 2nd time and turned out to like it so much more than my first trip. Anna and Guia got engaged as well, Gopal got married, and Kayers got preggers! In sad news, Mia had a health scare, and Eggy passed away :(
And so that's the decade that was. Pretty full decade, with so many changes, twists and opportunities. Looking back at some of the older blog entries I had, especially towards the early part of this decade, I find it amazing how things that happened tie together so beautifully. Makes you really believe that another force is at play, not just happenstance or luck. Love also marked this past decade, with Dennis being the highlight of it all.
It's been a really good past 10 years. It may not have been picture-perfect, but few things in life really are anyway. The point is, the good parts definitely kick the behinds of the bad ones, and in fact, most of the bad ones were actually lessons-in-life in disguise, which are actually good. I learned so much in these past ten years and I had a really good ride! I can't wait to go through the next decade with my family, Dennis, and my friends. I'm so thankful! :)
Sunday, December 27, 2009
family
I got extra sentimental today about family. My family. How much they mean to me. How much I'll miss them when I get married. How thankful I am to have been born into this family. How much of a role they play into forming my character and my values. How important it is to me to stay as close to them as possible even after I move out. I love my family. If only I can just "add" Dennis into the present family equation and not have to change anything else. I love my family.
Friday, December 25, 2009
holidays merry days! :)
It's been a full week past! Some highlights:
1. Had my tinghun last Saturday! Blissful experience with minor booboos and lots and lots of pictures (that hopefully I get to see very soon!). I didn't think I'd have so much fun following tradition, but given that I'm the only girl in this household, I think it also meant a lot to my family, esp my lola and parents, to have thrown a tinghun for me. I also loved that it was held in the house I grew up in, sort of as a tribute to the place that housed most of my growing-up memories. I also loved getting ready in my room, then moving on to my lola's room since she had more floor space, and eating downstairs on our dining room table. The gifts were also awesome, but more than that, the experience itself is the most precious thing, and the memories it created :)
2. Work is over, at least for the year! We also got a hefty, generous Christmas bonus, for which I am very grateful. Indeed, we had a lot of bad slumps this year, so it was very generous of management to still grant us a generous sum. It would be very helpful next year! :P
3. Christmas! I don't know if it's because I'm engaged, but majority of the gifts I received this year were honeymoon or newlywed related. Hehe. I love every one of them! :) This Christmas is a bit different from years past, because we spent it at the hospital. My lola's still there, but her condition is improving day by day, and hopefully she'll be able to get out before the new year rolls in :)
4. Heard some good news about friends expecting and friends getting engaged. 'Tis the season of blessings, truly! :)
Hopefully the last few days of 2009 keep up the stream of blessings, hope and love, all the way until the new year!
1. Had my tinghun last Saturday! Blissful experience with minor booboos and lots and lots of pictures (that hopefully I get to see very soon!). I didn't think I'd have so much fun following tradition, but given that I'm the only girl in this household, I think it also meant a lot to my family, esp my lola and parents, to have thrown a tinghun for me. I also loved that it was held in the house I grew up in, sort of as a tribute to the place that housed most of my growing-up memories. I also loved getting ready in my room, then moving on to my lola's room since she had more floor space, and eating downstairs on our dining room table. The gifts were also awesome, but more than that, the experience itself is the most precious thing, and the memories it created :)
2. Work is over, at least for the year! We also got a hefty, generous Christmas bonus, for which I am very grateful. Indeed, we had a lot of bad slumps this year, so it was very generous of management to still grant us a generous sum. It would be very helpful next year! :P
3. Christmas! I don't know if it's because I'm engaged, but majority of the gifts I received this year were honeymoon or newlywed related. Hehe. I love every one of them! :) This Christmas is a bit different from years past, because we spent it at the hospital. My lola's still there, but her condition is improving day by day, and hopefully she'll be able to get out before the new year rolls in :)
4. Heard some good news about friends expecting and friends getting engaged. 'Tis the season of blessings, truly! :)
Hopefully the last few days of 2009 keep up the stream of blessings, hope and love, all the way until the new year!
Friday, December 11, 2009
exciting times are coming... :p
One week to go 'til tinghun!
Two work weeks left to go 'til official holiday break!
Two weddings and a baby await us in 2010. (Will it be three weddings? Hmm.. Abangan!)
Two work weeks left to go 'til official holiday break!
Two weddings and a baby await us in 2010. (Will it be three weddings? Hmm.. Abangan!)
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
thank you
Obviously, my family and I are as far from being American as siomai is, but just because we don't celebrate the actual holiday doesn't mean we can't give thanks :p So, in honor of American Thanksgiving, I loudly proclaim to the universe my ever-flowing gratitude for the following:
~ Attorney Dennis Chan and the blessing he represents in my life, for all of my life
~ My dad, my mom, my lolas and my brothers
~ My lovely friends, all of them, near and far, from all stages and parts of my life
~ My mentors at work
~ My teachers and my students
~ The opportunities that come my way, big or small
~ The sense of safety and security that allow me to sleep well at night and look forward to every morning
~ and most importantly, the "Big Man" up there, known by many names by many people, who's my true benefactor for all the things I'm grateful for.
Thank you.
~ Attorney Dennis Chan and the blessing he represents in my life, for all of my life
~ My dad, my mom, my lolas and my brothers
~ My lovely friends, all of them, near and far, from all stages and parts of my life
~ My mentors at work
~ My teachers and my students
~ The opportunities that come my way, big or small
~ The sense of safety and security that allow me to sleep well at night and look forward to every morning
~ and most importantly, the "Big Man" up there, known by many names by many people, who's my true benefactor for all the things I'm grateful for.
Thank you.
Monday, November 23, 2009
i want to sit on the floor and whine...
"Hello? MBA graduation? Are you still out there????"
Days like this make me want to sit down on the floor, pump my fists in the air and kick and scream and whine. MBA is dragging out with seemingly no end in sight. I feel like indulging my inner brat and whine 'til kingdom come. Why again am I doing this??!?
This may just be a manifestation of me trying to do it all and juggle so many things in my life. But giving up on this is just not an option.
Hay.
For now, whining is all there is to do.
Hay.
Days like this make me want to sit down on the floor, pump my fists in the air and kick and scream and whine. MBA is dragging out with seemingly no end in sight. I feel like indulging my inner brat and whine 'til kingdom come. Why again am I doing this??!?
This may just be a manifestation of me trying to do it all and juggle so many things in my life. But giving up on this is just not an option.
Hay.
For now, whining is all there is to do.
Hay.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
forward thinking: the math
Ok, the OC in me likes to plan things ahead of time and gets kinda stressed whenever I'm told to "go with the flow". I know some people like it and live by it, but I'm just not wired that way... Also, the Math geek in me likes to see things on black-and-white and formulas put in place so that things compute properly and everything is accounted for. I do not like cracks or have things fall into them (you know what I mean)... Anyway...
This OC-ness led to me draft up a household budget for me and Attorney, for our life-together to be launched in mid-Sept 2010. The excel sheet accounts for all expected income flows as well as expenses, and computes for yields in terms of gains or losses as a function of income minus expense. It also creates another scenario where a baby is involved. I estimated costs incurred by pregnancy and the baby entering this world, annualized it, and made a safety padding to include inflation and to absorb the cost of cutesy baby things that are pricey but simply cannot be passed up (see, I'm also very realistic!). I wanted to know if we're financially prepared for this occurence. I know we planned not to have a baby until my MBA is done, but sometimes, these things cannot be helped nor 100% planned for, so I wanted to know if we'll be on shaky ground if I pee into a stick and find out we're with-child. I'm sure we'll be happy but I want to know if our wallets will be just as happy.
Bottom-line, nearly break-even if with child with a little bit stashed away for savings. Not a bad scenario all-in-all.
I'm happy now. :)
And can breathe better.
Math calms me down this way. Numbers don't lie. :p
Oh, and I just realized, imagine if we didn't have to pay 32% income tax. That would mean a 32% immediate increase in our takehome and more moolah for our little kid. Tsk tsk tsk. Instead it goes to the fat pockets of you-know-who.
Oh, and I also just realized, I didn't plan for the occurence of us having twins.
I don't think we have twins in our genes. So it's an improbable matter. :p
Ok, too much OC. Gotta get back to work.
This OC-ness led to me draft up a household budget for me and Attorney, for our life-together to be launched in mid-Sept 2010. The excel sheet accounts for all expected income flows as well as expenses, and computes for yields in terms of gains or losses as a function of income minus expense. It also creates another scenario where a baby is involved. I estimated costs incurred by pregnancy and the baby entering this world, annualized it, and made a safety padding to include inflation and to absorb the cost of cutesy baby things that are pricey but simply cannot be passed up (see, I'm also very realistic!). I wanted to know if we're financially prepared for this occurence. I know we planned not to have a baby until my MBA is done, but sometimes, these things cannot be helped nor 100% planned for, so I wanted to know if we'll be on shaky ground if I pee into a stick and find out we're with-child. I'm sure we'll be happy but I want to know if our wallets will be just as happy.
Bottom-line, nearly break-even if with child with a little bit stashed away for savings. Not a bad scenario all-in-all.
I'm happy now. :)
And can breathe better.
Math calms me down this way. Numbers don't lie. :p
Oh, and I just realized, imagine if we didn't have to pay 32% income tax. That would mean a 32% immediate increase in our takehome and more moolah for our little kid. Tsk tsk tsk. Instead it goes to the fat pockets of you-know-who.
Oh, and I also just realized, I didn't plan for the occurence of us having twins.
I don't think we have twins in our genes. So it's an improbable matter. :p
Ok, too much OC. Gotta get back to work.
Sunday, November 08, 2009
taking stock: SG trip
OK, tangible loot from SG trip with FILC (aka our first abroad trip together):
- Two Cotton On cardigans
- 1 Rubi (pronounced as roo-bi) flats
- Ikea loot: 1 candle holder, 4 rolls of gift-wrapping ribbon and a cool salt/sugar canister (yes, I know it's not much, but I haven't really gone to Ikea to shop, in all the 4 times I've been there, but really more to look around and have fun with the place. Hopefully my next visit will be more productive retail-wise)
- Burberry perfume and NYC guide for Dennis
- Jerky and chocolate pasalubongs
- Sephora loot (Makeup Forever and Benefit cosmetics)
That's it! Probably one of my leanest trips abroad ever, in terms of shopping hauls. However, this trip majorly kicks ass coz of:
- Super cool Unilever-sponsored apartment aka Trinidad Bed & Breakfast, with Julette as the assistant tour guide
- as usual, Singapore food that I love love love love, including Din Tai Fung which wasn't in the original list in my head of places to hit
- The "night-in" that we had on our 2nd night there
- Lychee martinis
- Pictures ("broken arm"!)
- New malls on Orchard road
- New terms such as "BV" and "GV" widely used throughout the trip
- Fun as usual with the girls
:D
Sa uulitin!
- Two Cotton On cardigans
- 1 Rubi (pronounced as roo-bi) flats
- Ikea loot: 1 candle holder, 4 rolls of gift-wrapping ribbon and a cool salt/sugar canister (yes, I know it's not much, but I haven't really gone to Ikea to shop, in all the 4 times I've been there, but really more to look around and have fun with the place. Hopefully my next visit will be more productive retail-wise)
- Burberry perfume and NYC guide for Dennis
- Jerky and chocolate pasalubongs
- Sephora loot (Makeup Forever and Benefit cosmetics)
That's it! Probably one of my leanest trips abroad ever, in terms of shopping hauls. However, this trip majorly kicks ass coz of:
- Super cool Unilever-sponsored apartment aka Trinidad Bed & Breakfast, with Julette as the assistant tour guide
- as usual, Singapore food that I love love love love, including Din Tai Fung which wasn't in the original list in my head of places to hit
- The "night-in" that we had on our 2nd night there
- Lychee martinis
- Pictures ("broken arm"!)
- New malls on Orchard road
- New terms such as "BV" and "GV" widely used throughout the trip
- Fun as usual with the girls
:D
Sa uulitin!
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
SINGAPORE!!!
The first FILC trip was to Boracay 4 years ago. We had a lot of fun and we always said we should take more trips together, ideally once per year, but obviously, since we're only about to take our second one, that "ideal plan" didn't really pan out. Hehe. But nonetheless, I'm so excited!!! FILC's 2nd trip will be this Friday, to the land of the merlion, the hawker stalls, Orchard Road and the EZLink card, aka Singapore!
This trip is especially special to me, because it's most likely the last trip I'll go on with friends, as a single woman. True, Dennis has never stopped me from taking trips with friends, and I don't foresee him doing so when he's already my husband, but I feel strangely nostalgic, as I have been these past few days, for this time in my life. It's the last time I'll go on a trip with no other responsibility but myself. And that's something to acknowledge, I think.
Which is why I'm especially happy that this trip will be to Singapore, my most favorite and most loved city in the whole wide planet. I love love love love Singapura (its original name) ever since my parents sent me there to study when I was 10 years old. I love how the city is actually a country but feels totally like a city, like a home. You can walk around and get to everywhere you need to, without depending on cars or enduring through traffic jams. You have no fear of criminals, snatchers, rapists, etc, as it is one of the safest place in the world. You can find cheap, CLEAN and fantabulously delicious food in the humblest of places (aka my lovely hawker stalls). You can go there 4 times a year and it'll still look different somehow.
It's where my naive 10-year-old self learned what it meant to be independent, to be responsible, to know how it is to stand on my two feet and take care of myself. I believe it's where my 10-year-old self discovered her strengths. I remember having my first ever growth spurt there, but more than the physical, bodily growth, I really grew up, in the real sense of the phrase, and I credit so much of who I am now to that chapter of my life.
Singapore will always be my most favorite place on earth. I know it's been making a lot of changes lately, architectually and even in terms of regulation, but I don't care. Singapore will always hold a special place in my life.
With that said, it'll be made even more special by the fact that I'll visit it again, this time with my bestest friends. Can't wait! :)
This trip is especially special to me, because it's most likely the last trip I'll go on with friends, as a single woman. True, Dennis has never stopped me from taking trips with friends, and I don't foresee him doing so when he's already my husband, but I feel strangely nostalgic, as I have been these past few days, for this time in my life. It's the last time I'll go on a trip with no other responsibility but myself. And that's something to acknowledge, I think.
Which is why I'm especially happy that this trip will be to Singapore, my most favorite and most loved city in the whole wide planet. I love love love love Singapura (its original name) ever since my parents sent me there to study when I was 10 years old. I love how the city is actually a country but feels totally like a city, like a home. You can walk around and get to everywhere you need to, without depending on cars or enduring through traffic jams. You have no fear of criminals, snatchers, rapists, etc, as it is one of the safest place in the world. You can find cheap, CLEAN and fantabulously delicious food in the humblest of places (aka my lovely hawker stalls). You can go there 4 times a year and it'll still look different somehow.
It's where my naive 10-year-old self learned what it meant to be independent, to be responsible, to know how it is to stand on my two feet and take care of myself. I believe it's where my 10-year-old self discovered her strengths. I remember having my first ever growth spurt there, but more than the physical, bodily growth, I really grew up, in the real sense of the phrase, and I credit so much of who I am now to that chapter of my life.
Singapore will always be my most favorite place on earth. I know it's been making a lot of changes lately, architectually and even in terms of regulation, but I don't care. Singapore will always hold a special place in my life.
With that said, it'll be made even more special by the fact that I'll visit it again, this time with my bestest friends. Can't wait! :)
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
overwhelm
These past few days, I've definitely been feeling the strain... that weighty, overwhelming feeling that I've been bracing for ever since I realized the multiple balls I'll be juggle throughout late 2009 to early and mid 2010. I am on the bridal gown stage of wedding preps, which probably is the most attention and thought requiring part of the process, apart from the main items otherwise known as date, time, church and venue. Met with some designers, the experience of which I realize can be both confusing, tiring yet fun, exciting and very giddyness-inducing. It's also finals time for my darling students, so I have to finish grading all the papers and prepare for my final day in class, as well as do the prep work to compute for their grades. I also launched a new product recently, one that requires a lot of attention given the sales/trade work it needs. It was also budget season a while back. The stress it causes needs no explanation. MBA is also still ongoing, with some of my classmates being a bit "difficult" to work with, esp with regards to our often conflicting work schedules.
So many things, so little time. In fact, the only other "ball" I have that I do not need to "juggle" yet right now is house decorating. It's a task for early 2010, when we have to start (and finish) the repair work at the condo, and design ideas and decorating concepts will be angling for space in my brain, versus all the other things I listed above. I am super excited for that stage of my "fiancee"-ness, but I also know I want enough time to enjoy the process.
I remember telling Dennis recently that, for the first time since we got engaged, I am truly, truly, truly grateful to have this much leadtime before our big day. I am not the type to cut corners, or to close my eyes and do eenee-meenee-minee-mo with my choices. I am soooo the type to think it over, consider different angles of the decision, before settling down with my choice. I also dislike the feeling of being rushed. So, with all these other things going on in my life, I definitely love the fact that I have time. Enough time. To breathe. To relax. To take things one at a time. To enjoy and have fun. To be. Just be.
I've been thinking of and doing so many things that time seemed to fly by and before I know it, my 27th birthday is upon me. Tomorrow, I turn a year older. And I realize that my 27th year on this planet is perhaps the most exciting and life-changing year of my existence just yet. It's a year full of firsts- of the start of my official life as the wife of my beloved and the start of my full-fledged independence. By this time next year, I would've been a wife for a little over a month. Hopefully I'll also be doing wifely things such as cooking for my husband, preparing things for him, talking about expenses, trips together, wedding gifts unopened, etc. I'll also be entering the third and final stage of my MBA life. And hopefully something good at work is also in store for me, God-willing..
There's so much growing up to do next year... I can't help but feel nostalgic... The next 12 months are definitely something to savor and to cherish. To enjoy and to remember. This sort of thing only happens once.
OK, I don't feel so overwhelmed anymore. I feel so much better :p Which is a good thing. My birthday is in a few hours :) Can't be in a funk on my day. :p
So many things, so little time. In fact, the only other "ball" I have that I do not need to "juggle" yet right now is house decorating. It's a task for early 2010, when we have to start (and finish) the repair work at the condo, and design ideas and decorating concepts will be angling for space in my brain, versus all the other things I listed above. I am super excited for that stage of my "fiancee"-ness, but I also know I want enough time to enjoy the process.
I remember telling Dennis recently that, for the first time since we got engaged, I am truly, truly, truly grateful to have this much leadtime before our big day. I am not the type to cut corners, or to close my eyes and do eenee-meenee-minee-mo with my choices. I am soooo the type to think it over, consider different angles of the decision, before settling down with my choice. I also dislike the feeling of being rushed. So, with all these other things going on in my life, I definitely love the fact that I have time. Enough time. To breathe. To relax. To take things one at a time. To enjoy and have fun. To be. Just be.
I've been thinking of and doing so many things that time seemed to fly by and before I know it, my 27th birthday is upon me. Tomorrow, I turn a year older. And I realize that my 27th year on this planet is perhaps the most exciting and life-changing year of my existence just yet. It's a year full of firsts- of the start of my official life as the wife of my beloved and the start of my full-fledged independence. By this time next year, I would've been a wife for a little over a month. Hopefully I'll also be doing wifely things such as cooking for my husband, preparing things for him, talking about expenses, trips together, wedding gifts unopened, etc. I'll also be entering the third and final stage of my MBA life. And hopefully something good at work is also in store for me, God-willing..
There's so much growing up to do next year... I can't help but feel nostalgic... The next 12 months are definitely something to savor and to cherish. To enjoy and to remember. This sort of thing only happens once.
OK, I don't feel so overwhelmed anymore. I feel so much better :p Which is a good thing. My birthday is in a few hours :) Can't be in a funk on my day. :p
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Handle With Care
I love this book. I love the story, the characters and the twists and turns. Jodi Picoult does it again. She writes about life, about love, in such a poignant, sensitive way. I'd read this book over and over again.
:-)
Thursday, September 10, 2009
2009, what's wrong????
Is it just me or is 2009 probably the toughest year we've had in a long long time? I've personally never seen a year more filled with challenges... so many deaths, mishaps, accidents, disappointments.. a year more riddled by would-have-been-but-never-was... It's just so strange.
Well, that is, except for the fact I got engaged (super high "high"), my overseas trips and the salary adjustment I got mid-year...
Gotta mention those, in case I begin to sound ungrateful. I'm still very thankful for my blessings, universe. It's just that I can't help but think 2009 seems to be a year people would rather forget once it's over.
Strange.
Well, that is, except for the fact I got engaged (super high "high"), my overseas trips and the salary adjustment I got mid-year...
Gotta mention those, in case I begin to sound ungrateful. I'm still very thankful for my blessings, universe. It's just that I can't help but think 2009 seems to be a year people would rather forget once it's over.
Strange.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
one random day...
He was just being himself...
Chattering on about something at work...
Feeding himself in between sentences...
Being all animated, using all the intonations and hand gestures in the world...
And I thought to myself...
I want to be with you forever.
:D
Chattering on about something at work...
Feeding himself in between sentences...
Being all animated, using all the intonations and hand gestures in the world...
And I thought to myself...
I want to be with you forever.
:D
Sunday, August 23, 2009
ok so new date 09/19/2010
OK, so now we have a new date, which the MIL seems to like a lot better, plus it gives way to an evening reception. Everybody happy, perhaps? Well, not just yet. We've already landed a church, but we have yet to get a reception space that fits all the requirements. Gosh, if you want to know what stress feels like, try planning a Chinese wedding.
Abangan....
:-p
Abangan....
:-p
Sunday, August 16, 2009
spoke to soon
Apparently, churches do not allow Sunday morning weddings anymore, to make way for back-to-back masses and encourage parishoners to attend mass. Well, good for them but bad for us. With the rule, we have one of 2 choices: Get married in a garden or anywhere except a church; or, Change the date.
I guess we're changing the date.
I'm kinda tempted with the first option though.
:p
Trying to keep positive and avoid the control freak in me from..... well, freaking out.
Wooooooozaaaaaaaaahhhhh.....
I guess we're changing the date.
I'm kinda tempted with the first option though.
:p
Trying to keep positive and avoid the control freak in me from..... well, freaking out.
Wooooooozaaaaaaaaahhhhh.....
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