Sometimes, it's just nice to be alone. When you have nothing much to worry about and you actually have the time to realize how you really feel. It's been a while.
I have just been so busy lately, I've forgotten how thankful I am to be where I am. I can't help but be homesick every once in a while but still, at the end of the day, I know that God wants me to be where I am for a reason. We lose track of it sometimes, but that's what makes us human.
Just being alone for a good number of hours got me contemplating. As I was watering the backyard, I realized how far I've gone. My life's plans are actually starting to fall into place. I know that it would not be possible for me to do this all by myself, but I know, I gave it my best effort.
My biggest achievement so far? My house. Well, it's not all mine, but it's mine and Helen's. OURS. And I love it. As I write this, I am actually in the tub taking a long relaxing bath, to get ready for my workweek ahead. Kaya ko 'to!
I just remembered the toughest days of my life. There's just so many things that happened since then, good and bad. But here we are, still standing.
Lately, I am faced again with another challenge. I know I will get over this. But it's going to be a rough road. God has made me a strong person, and I know, I will succeed.
Perhaps, realizing that I am weak, actually made me a stronger person. I matured. After all, I am almost a fourth of a century old in a couple of months time. And I didn't have an easy life. I must admit that I had a lot of bitterness as a child. And until now, there are still things that I have not come to terms with. But I'll get there in time.
It's been 2 months since I moved out. I miss going home to my mom, and messing with my bro everyday. But this too has helped me become more independent. Masaya na malungkot. Especially when you go home at the end of the day, tapos minsan mag-isa ka. You just miss them. Masasanay din ako.
There are still things in life that I want to achieve. I don't know what is ahead of me but I plan to make the best out of what I have. I realized, I do not need to be great to make a difference. I don't want to be remembered for the things that I have done, but for the acts that I have committed that changed people's lives, or at least touched them. I now know, I use my heart more than my mind most of the time, And it has lead me to great lengths. It's gotten me to where I am now. And I am not going to stop. Everything that I have been through made me who I am. Happy na ko.
Being alone has gotten me to count my blessings, to be thankful. And I am. Salamat po.
Sometimes, life faces you in an unfamiliar situation where you won't know which steps to take. All you can do is hang on, be strong, and hope that God will not let you down. Nothing worth fighting for is easy. I will succeed!
It's just one of those days when you feel like writing, but you can't gather your thoughts to make some sense out of them so.. Wala lang..
I know I am not bored. Heck, I have so much stuff that needs to be done. But here I am, slacking away. hehe..
Just a couple of nights ago, a friend and I were talking about future plans. Ako? Hmmm.. I have plans. I even had timelines with what I intend on achieving based on how old I am. But I realized now, life is not just about planning. It's the execution that counts. Di dahil may narating ka eh, yun na yun. You have to reach your goals by doing it yourself, not because of the help of others. Although it doesn't hurt din.
I'm not sure if I'm making sense here. I guess I am just trying to figure out where my life is leading. Hay. Inaantok na ko. I'm just really tired. I take that back, more like brain-drained.
The past month has been hectic. I'm still in training but man, I feel like I am not fully ready to be on my own just yet. But I have no choice at this time. No more mentors on Monday. As one of my cousins quoted me before, "Nothing worth fighting for is easy."
Oh well. Wala lang pa din. It's all I can say when you exhale at the end of the day and you realize, you need a day off.. Haay..
Since I spent the day at home for most of the day, I pretty much watched TV the whole time. First time ko mapanood ang Hataw Na.. hehe.. It's the jologs part of me that is still a big fan of Pinoy movies. It's just relaxing for me to watch. Siguro kasi di na kailangan i-translate ng utak ko yung pinapanood ko. hehe..
Kidding aside, masarap talaga manood ng Tagalog movies, be it old or new. That's probably what I am going to buy when I get the chance to go back sa Pinas. Maraming DVD. Syempre hindi pirated.. Just to collect.. Wala lang..
I cooked my specialty, Bicol Express today. I had to go out to get the Thai Chilli Peppers (in short, siling Labuyo) sa Korean Market kanina, but oh so worth it. Kaya ako lalong tumataba eh. I actually have the time to cook now. I hate the clean up part pero oks na rin. At least I get to eat Filipino food. Namimiss ko lang talaga ang Pinas. Haaay.
Oh, and I bought the movies Caregiver and When Love Begins sa Ebay. It cost me $20 each.. Tag-hirap na naman.. I already saw Caregiver online.. But still, masaya manood ng Tagalog. haha.. Not to mention that the family business is operating carehomes, I can relate to the story.
I just realized, di na related sa title ang entry ko. Nonetheless.. Ok lang.. Wala lang talaga akong magawa! hehe.. Hataw na.. Hataw at galaw.. Hataw na.. wehehehe.. Last song syndrome..
I've been productive today.. haha.. One of the not so many Saturdays where I slave for the house. Sabi nga ni Mama, coz it's mine kaya matiyaga ako kahit sobrang nakakapagod..
I started my day with installing new bathroom fixtures for the guest bathroom. It took me quite a while to take off the old ones and repair the holes in the wall that were left. I'm really becoming an expert in using the drill now. Thank God for power tools. Kundi, mas lalong tumagal yung araw ko.
After that, I had to clean up the backyard. Even though we have a gardener who mowes the lawn every week and trims the plans, I still have to clean it up and do the detail work. I was out in the sun for a good couple of hours I must have just gulped a whole bottle of G2 right after.
Then Directv came. Thank you Mama for sponsoring my TFC. hehe.. It's nice to have access to the news and movies again. Iba pa rin ang kahit man lang konti, may balita ka about your home country..
And since I wanted to clear up the front door area of the house, I ended up buying a hose reel. I didn't think it would take so much energy to get the house reeled up in there. And the heat was killing me even more by that time. My gulay! I think I lost 5 pounds just doing that.
One great thing after all the work though. I got a new Wii game, Order Up. It's close to Cooking Mama but it's so much better! At least you have a long term goal in this game. You open up your new resto, you hire sous chefs, buy spices, wash dishes, eliminate rats, and cook. hehe.. Your goal is to make your resto become a 5-star bistro. I spent a little over 2 hours playing the game even though my hand is now hurting.. Masaya pa rin.. hehe..
Now I'm here, blogging away.. Ala lang magawa. I'm not yet sleepy coz I really slept in yesterday. I had a good 10-hour sleep. I love Saturdays talaga.
I have more stuff to do tomorrow. Besides going to church, I will be at my parents' carehome tomorrow working on the paperwork. Haay. Oh well. Di bale, sulit naman!
Family bonding moments this weekend.. Since Matthew finished Middle School, our parents decided we needed at least an overnight, out of town trip.. And since this is a last moment effort, syempre, we ended up deciding that we're going to San Fo again.. hehe..
At least this time, we're actually going there to see the sights and enjoy.. Plus pag kasama parents, di magastos..
I was lucky to be able to reserve a room at the Doubletree Hotel. I just did it last Tuesday so I was really lucky. The prices were reasonable and we were able to secure 2 rooms. At least di kami mag-aagawan sa banyo.
The house is finally clean and organized. The furnitures are not yet complete. I was going to try and upload some pics but I didn't have time. So next weekend na lang siguro. Since my cousin and friends are not going to be over, it's going to be a weekend dedicated to the house. It's very much needed and I really want to rest. Training's been a little crazy. Pero it's really interesting. I just had to drop everything I knew about the company and re-learn all the new stuff. At least my brain isn't dead. Medyo umaandar pa naman. It just needed a warm-up. =)
Sometimes, life can really wake you up out of the blue. You find out some things that you so were not expecting. I guess life is still full of surprises even though I thought that I had it figured out.
Pics of the trip and the house are coming soon.. Promise na ito.. I need to clear out my camera and phone anyway. hehe..
I've been sooo busy the last couple of weeks that I haven't had time to post anything on my site. Hopefully, this would all change in a few weeks time.
The house is coming together nicely. We have our home phone, DSL, and just yesterday, DirecTV. At least I am connected to the world again.
I will post the pics soon, I promise. hehe.. We just have the basics for now. But the house is functioning as it should be. There's still a lot of work ahead of us but it's worth every bit of effort. Now, I've realized what my mom told me before, "Pag bahay mo na, mas may malasakit, and mas may tiyaga.."
I used to always have a form of a mess in my room before. But now, since I am paying for everything, mas OC na ko. Wahaha!
The past 3 weeks of living in my house has been fun. It's worth every penny. Special thanks to my mom for her continued support. hehe. At least I don't have to worry about the yard since she's paying a gardener for me. Whew! Ang init pa naman dito.. I swear I've gotten like 2 shades darker with my skin complexion because of being out in the sun a lot. Lalo na pag kailangan diligan yung mga halaman. But it's ok. It's kinda therapeutic din. After a fast-paced day, as soon as I get the car parked in the garage, I water the plants. And it's very relaxing. I never thought I'd find solace in the garden. Ever! haha!
As for work, I'm off to a new team. New training starts tomorrow. And I can't wait. At least di na mabuburo yung utak ko. I get to learn something new again. Now I know I made the right choice.
Health-wise, not really doing very well lately. My left leg was swollen for over two weeks. I went to the doctor and got an ultrasound but they found nothing. They were thinking that it could be a blood clot but nothing showed up. I have to go back to the Doctor this Tuesday though.. Another ultrasound. I hope it's nothing serious. Haay. Stress!
I've got tons of pics in my camera. I promise to update my site soon. Just taking a short time out.
I went to my parents' house last night to bring the late Father's Day presents for my dad. We got him a new Magellan GPS with a case and a Sansa mp3 player. He also got a gift card for Macy's from Matthew and Kuya and a Best Buy GC from Helen.
It was nice to be back. Even though it was just for an hour. It was getting late and I had to go to work today so we really weren't able to stay for long. It was nice to be able to mess with Matthew again.
My mom has already transformed my ex-room. It looks so much different. hehe. Galing talaga ng mommy ko! =)
When it was time to leave, I can't help but feel sad. As I saw my family walking us out to the car, I saw sadness in my mom's eyes. Nakakalungkot talaga. But then again, I knew she was happy for me. I'm learning to become more and more independent. Although, I admit that I still need her help for the most part.. hehe.. Especially with the yardwork..
My mom's been at the house a lot lately. We gave her a set of keys so she can watch the gardener trim that plants and mow the lawn. I love how the house looks so far. I promise, pics will come soon. hehe.. Been a little busy with organizing the inside, I really haven't had much time to do anything else.
I was also able to set up our phone line and our internet last night. Sa wakas. At least kahit ala pang cable, I have my internet. In time.. =)
Finally, we're moved in to the house. It took a lot of gas and energy to bring our stuff over. The house is still a mess but we're slowly getting there. Since the painting is done. I was able to put up all the vents and new blinds. Expensive but the house is looking more like a home bit by bit.
We also bought a brand new set of washer and dryer. Expensive but it was worth it. But they're new so we get the warranty as well.
I finally got the loft/office organized. We still need to get a book shelf so we can unpack all our books. But we've just been too tired this weekend.
Helen was able to clean up the kitchen. The fridge needed it. Hopefully, we get to organize the kitchen tonight so we can finally clear up the family room. A lot of work still ahead of us for now. But it's all worth it. =)
Man.. I haven't had a professional massage in a while. Last one was back in September when I was in the Philippines. It's a good thing we can take a few moments off from work and have a short massage. My shoulders and my neck were killing me. I have knots all over my back. And I am just so glad I was able to get a massage a few minutes ago before my big move tonight.
Painting went really well. The house looks sooo much better with the new colors. Pictures are coming up soon. We still need to get new blinds and more of the accent furnitures. More work to come..
I passed! I am sooo glad it's over! Now I can focus on moving.
We painted the whole interior of the house this weekend. And I am just exhausted. But it's all worth it. The big move is next week. More work. More fun. hehe.. Love it!
My nerves are getting the best of me. I'm so nervous about the test tomorrow. I studied hard. I know it's not my best, but I did pretty good. Haaay. Stressful!
This season of Hell's Kitchen has just been crazy. Matt so deserved to get kicked off. He had a really bad attitude and he is full of stupid excuses. How dare he say to Chef Ramsey, "You probably don't understand what Migraines are like."
I want Christina or Corey to win. Jen and Bobby are both too arrogant. Petroza is a really good cook but he's such a mess in the kitchen. This is a good season of HK as well. Much better than last season. There's only 5 chefs left. I wonder who will win.
Damn. Everywhere I have asked so far, the Wii Fit is out of stock. Ebay has them but I am not willing to pay twice the regular price. I can wait. I wish they would release the second shipment of the game. I want one bad!
I've been trying to study since I came in this morning. I got through 2 of the open book exams and yet I still feel that I am not fully awake yet. I've drank about a gallon of water and almost a liter of soda and yet, here I am.
I can't wait for all this to be over. Although this is technically free time for me here at work, I can't help but feel bored at times. I try to avoid logging in to Multiply and Friendster but it seems like this is the only time I see myself paying attention. I know, bad ako! Waaah!
My exam is scheduled on the 5th of June. I have a few days over a week to understand everything. I want to pass this, bad!
Today is Matthew's grad from middle school. High school na ang kapatid ko. I can't believe it. When I first came here, he was still short and chubby. Now he's tall and gangly like my Kuya Jay. Pareho na silang matangkad sa kin. hehe.. And the sad part of it too, ako pa yung tabain sa pamilya namin. Why can't the boys have that gene instead?!? hehe..
During the 3-day weekend, I've moved some of my stuff to the house already. My room felt like it's getting smaller everyday because of all the things we're buying for the house. I can't wait for the painting and cleaning to be done para makalipat na ako. My room is messed up. Hay.
I just got a new pair of sunglasses. Another one of my life's frustrations. hehe. Since I was in college, all I wanted was a pair of Oakley sunglasses. Now I have both my prescriptions and sunglasses from this brand. I love them. Bit by bit, I am able to fulfill all my dreams. Next step, a Beamer perhaps?? Dream on, Ria.. hahaha.. Too big a leap from Oakleys.. hehe. But it's worth a shot. I'll never know until I try. *fingers crossed*
A lot of finales have to come to pass this month. David Cook rocks! I wish that his first album will come out soon. I'm sure I'm buying it. hehe.
Helen's in New York right now. She's out on vacation with her mom there. Hay. I wish I can be there too. I am just so bored right now.
More to come. I'll find some things that are more interesting to post next time. Sobrang tinatamad lang talaga akong mag-aral. But I promise to do good. God help me.
I just saw the finale of CSI Las Vegas. Why did they kill Warrick?!?!?! First Sarah.. Now Warrick..
Even Smallville.. Now Lana and Lex's characters are no longer regulars. How the heck will they pull that off? Plus the original producers of the show quit. Waaah! What will happen to my all time fave shows?
I need a jumpstart. Man, I am so bored right now, trying to go through the book I need to understand before I take the test. Waaah! Nakakaantok..
Because I am taking the test, we're not moving in the house for at least a month or so from now. Oh well. But it's ours anyway. We got some great furnitures over the weekend. Although we still need a lot more, majority is already taken cared of.
I officially start studying for the NASD Series 63 tomorrow. Even though I am not yet scheduled for my test, I know it's going to be in a week or two from now. It just feels great to be off the phones for a little while.
We just bought furnitures for the house today. I need to call SMUD, PG&E and the water company so we can switch all the utilities starting on Wednesday. Finally.
We just can't wait to see the end result of all the painting and cleaning that we're going to be doing. It's a lot of work but it's well worth it. I love the couch that we got. Eksayted na ko.. hehe.. Soon enough..
