SMALL TREATS

Lately, I have been depriving myself of many things. I can't watch telenovelas on television. I can't go out with friends on spontaneous late night Gimik. I can't eat a decent dinner or maybe eat a light dinner before going home to be ready on my classes. I can't talk to my mom at night or early in the morning about what's going on with me except during weekends. I can't read my books because I don't have enough time. I can't learn a new language because I am busy teaching other people how to learn English. I can't easily talk to friends or chat with them online because I am busy with my students. Don't get me wrong about my teaching. I love teaching. I have always been inclined to teaching. I don't know why teaching is always following me. I remember my late grandfather told my mother to let me take up a degree in education. Good thing my parents supported me in whatever course I am going to take up in college. I promised that I will never teach because I know teachers are deprived financially and sometimes emotionally.

But I am back as a teacher and every now and then I realized how badly I needed this kind of job. I so overwhelm by the kindness my students gave me. They are so adorable and they are very good too in the lesson. Again, as long as they need me..I will be there to teach them. Call me "raketera", "gahutera" or "pamugasay"...I really don't care. It has helped me a lot financially and I am having fun and meet very nice friends. I am contented and happy right now. Arigato Gozaimasu!!

CRAZY LITTLE THING CALLED BLOG

I am a fickle minded person and sometimes my momentum is so high that, it ends up useless. I have made actually more than five blogs already but only maintaining two. The two blogs that I am maintaining are not even earning but have a few traffic every now and then. I am pretty crazy about blogging before to the point that I woke up early in the morning just to catch opportunities online. I am so obsessed with it. I want to feel that obsession again and get my blog up again.

I still have many ideas in mind like earn a few moolah then get a domain for it. I want to also make a like Julia/Julie food blog. I might also make a language blog or maybe a personal blog about teaching online. See? I have crazy ideas but I can't seem to make it work. Am I just burn out or I am just getting old? I hope none of the above. How to make crazy ideas into reality? I better get up and work my %$#! out!!

Ciao!!

POINT IN TIME

There will come a time in our life that we meet someone that will blow our mind away...Like someone who is very bad in English in elementary but because of self study and practice, he can speak English very well now. (that's my boss in my online school!Cool!!) I am just your average English speaker but sometimes when you get to know someone who is so passionate about learning and speaking different languages, you ask yourself...what have I been doing for the past few years? I love learning new things but sometimes I need that extra kick to get going. There are many things to explore and I always tell my student that learning something new needs passion and motivation. I felt guilty every time I say that because one point in my life, I felt that I lack motivation and passion. I love what I am doing but I stopped doing it. I love clothes and I studied how to use the sewing machine last year. By the time I finished the sewing lessons, I know, I have to buy a sewing machine to practice what I learned. Now, I think it's almost a year already but no sewing machine. Huhuhu. Same thing with Korean language. I learned Korean three years ago but again-another epic fail! I never practiced or pursued my Korean language lessons.

You see, I don't easily give up but sometimes the motivation and passion is not cultivated very much. It's the same reason why I don't want to learn driving because I don't have car. I don't want to learn baking because I don't have an oven but I would love to learn how to drive and I love baking as much as eating. I bought baking books but never tried it before.*facepalm*

One day, I was asked by someone if I want to learn a new language-maybe French or German. I said I can't because both languages are difficult to learn. He laughed a little and then said that anything that you don't know is difficult. It will just stop you from learning and he thinks that learning should never stop. He even said that a good motivation in learning a new language is that I should always think that GOD can only understand German/French/Spanish/etc in heaven. I cannot enter heaven if I don't know GOD's language. I was shocked when he said that. It was yes, pretty nice motivation there but I think he uses that words to motivate his students. I began to question my motivation and passion that day.

Now, I feel like I shouldn't stop learning. Right now, using that motivating words and the passion of my boss in learning other language, I think I should start learning other things. This doesn't only apply to learning new language but I think this is the "kick" that I have been waiting to kick me in my butt.

JUST DANCE

My love for dancing also shows in my love for movies with dancing theme. I have seen almost all dancing movies like Dirty Dancing( with Patrick Swayze) , Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights, Step Up, Dance with Me, Take the Lead, Happy Feet, Innocents Steps(Korean movie) and many more. I watched Footloose a few days ago and I loved the movie so much. It's not about ballroom but it makes you want to stand up and dance. It's a feel good movie but I can't compare it to the older Footloose movie because I haven't watched it. It's a typical teenage movie but I still like Dance with Me. Okay, I like it more because of Richard Gere and Jennifer Lopez but Kelly Wormald(the lead actor) is very cool and he danced very well. I find guys who can dance very cool. I usually fall for guys who are musically inclined or who can dance and it doesn't hurt too if he is smart and funny. hahaha. Too much movies!!Now, back to reality.

I started my love for dancing when I was in high school and I started dancing dance sports or ballroom as it is commonly called. I can still remember our funny group, why funny? because only few boys in the school wants to join the group. The other boys thinks they will be called "gay" if they joined the group. Hahaha.

So the girls will take turns with the guys in dancing the ballroom and when there is school presentation, we have to do a line dance because we have no partners. Looks funny right but it's true and we have to deal with the "ego" of our guys. I like it so much that if I want to dance again. It doesn't only give me confidence but it also helps in my physical activity. I tend to gain weight if I don't move too much. Dancing keeps my body stable and it also makes you confident. Oh, I miss dancing. I wish I can go back soon.

SUMMER IS HERE!!

A few days from now, it will be summer season. Just in time for that, I decided to cut my hair a little shorter because my long hair annoys me everyday. The frustrations and burdens disappeared the moment I cut my hair short. No, it has nothing to about being brokenhearted. I just felt a need a breather on things and it feels good that you have something new about yourself. I love summer because every time I hear the word it reminds me of blue sky, crystal clear beach, happy friends, laughter and some tan. I must admit I am not very good in keeping friends because I fail in the so called-communication. Whatever my shortcomings I just hope they will forgive for not so visible when the time they needed me.

Tonight, I felt that one of my dear friend treats me like a stranger. I don't know if it is just a simple "online tweet" misunderstanding tonight but I reached out to her. She tweeted she wants a movie buddy and I replied back to her saying "Nood tau!!when ka available?"(In English, let's watch!!!..when are you available"). She didn't replied but tweeted after a few minutes the words-"That's it. I think it's enough na." Hmmm...I wonder what she meant. I am not a psychic but I am not pathetic to feel that she doesn't want to see me. For the record since I cannot tweet my rants in Twitter and shout outs in Facebook, might as well be frank here. I don't know what your up to but it's not me you are angry at in the first place and don't make it look like I am against you and I am for Heloise. I am still trying to understand what happened between the two of you and as long as I don't hear your side-I am not favoring anyone.

You make feel sad again. Just when I thought the frustrations were gone and were left lying on the salon's floor. As of this moment, I still check my Twitter feed for your reply. Hope we can patch things up and I always treasure your friendship.

FRINGE SERIES

FRINGE makes my days a little lighter when I feel I little blah. It's not a funny and feel good series by the way. It is a little crazy series with a little paranormal mixed with science in between. Sometimes it can be gross or morbid as you would call it. I am big fan of X-Files when I was in high school, so that would probably explain why I like this series. This was recommended to me by my co-worker, Eric and since then, I got hooked. I might have missed a lot of local TV shows lately but this series keeps my mind active and sometimes makes you jump off your seat.

The characters are very good. I like Olivia Dunham' s character (the girl agent) because she is fearless and very curious. Walter Bishop (the Harvard professor) is also very eager to know what happened and he is a genius. He makes the series funny and very emotional too sometimes. Lastly, Peter Bishop (IT genius and son of Walter Bishop) is played by Joshua Jackson-who by the way is Spacey in Dawson's Creek. He is my crush in Dawson's Creek way back in high school and I was so thrilled to know that he played Peter Bishop.(Well, enough said.) Okay, he is very observant and also a genius like his dad. He is very cooperative and very helpful to Olivia. I am still in Season 2 but many strange cases have already surfaced and sometimes, it makes you feel like you are also a special agent. I would love to be a special agent in my next life.Hahahaha. I just hoped that the series will continue is consistency on the truth and they will open new issues to make the viewers more curious about the stories behind the characters.

I am not really addicted to this series but I have already downloaded the complete Season 2 and I think I will download Season 3 in the next few days. Not so much of an addict eh?? Ciao pips!! Got to solve some fringe case first.

RUNNING AROUND

I am deeply bothered by the thoughts running around my mind and I feel that sooner or later, it will affect me in a negative way. I am trying to keep my sanity and keep my head as steady as possible. It's running around my head for many days and sometimes I feel that my brain is empty and I lack concentration. What to do? I really don't know. I am pretty messed up and I don't want going around showing people how messy I am. Good thing, good friends keep me grounded. Please don't go away guys!!I will probably become a terrible person if I don't have you in this situation. My emo mode has finally kick and I just want to say how grateful I am for meeting many new friends and people in my life. ^_^

Madonna ~ Halftime Super Bowl XLVI (dolby surround)

I have to say..noone can replace Madonna. She's still stunning and ageless. She rocks!! This Super Bowl Halftime is one of the highlights of the game. Many people have been waiting for her to perform in a big event and just as she release her new single, she is making people all over the world dance to her music again. She very energetic and My!! her costumes are stunning. When I saw the Greek/Roman soldier inspired dancers...it brings back to mind the movie, Immortals. Whewwww!!!This is awesome...Need I say more?

I VOW

I vow this month to take care of my skin and get enough sleep. I lack sleep because I have a late class every night. I enjoy it so much but it's taking its toll on my skin. My eyes look deep and dark, and if I put a little eyeliner and it gets smudge-I would look like a raccoon. Hahaha..A sleepy raccoon.

Anyway, I think my Pond'd morning cream doesn't work well anymore and my Maybelline loose powder makes my skin looks dry. I will try the Human Nature night collagen cream to see if my skin will be better and I bought a Human Nature toner for oily skin to see if it will eliminate oil in my oily skin. (I have some breakouts lately and St. Ive's can't even stop it!haist) I just hope my skin will be back to it's normal self. How can I look presentable if my skin looks so dull? I've tried many products and I hope this new cream and toner will give me remarkable result so that my search will be over. Waaahhh...Now, I have to sleep or else I will yawn the whole morning in the office. Ciao!!!

TOTORO

I am not really sure about this but this cartoon character lights up my mood every time I see it. My boss introduced me to Totoro. He said that all the kids in Japan knows Totoro, so I should also be familiar with him. He's cute and only kids can see him. I wonder what powers does he have? I just wish I could be a child again..No problems and no worries. You can play all day and just sleep when you are tired. =)

YOU HAD ME

I have known you for like more than three months now. Your family's been good to me and I can't even believe that it is easy to deal with people like you. I have been very timid before and admittedly, I have some negative thoughts about your kind. I just to let you know(in case you read this blog!) that I have been so happy for the past months that I have talked to you and your family. Your sister and mother are very kind. I feel so happy every time I finish talking to them and they say nice things to me. This is the most wonderful part of being a teacher and I will always treasure this all my life. My greatest dream now is to go to your country and meet your sister and your mother. I just hope it will come true.

You told me the other night that I might ran away. I want to tell you that very minute that I will not because it just very hard to let go now. Sometimes if you become very comfortable, it becomes part of your system. I want to say to you that after three months of talking, I still get jitters every time you booked my class and every time we talk. hahahaha..Crazy right? Okay, call me crazy but it's just probably me. I guess you don't feel that way. I just liked what you said today-You ran from the station to your house just to get to my class...awwww!!You had me at that situation. Just tell me to stay and I will stay but if you get tired of me, just tell it to me gently. For now, I'll do my best to teach you and your family and hope you'll keep me in your heart forever!!Ayasuminasai KM san....

BOOK ADDICTION

I know this book addiction of mine should come to an end soon. I mean, not literally end it but my addiction for paper bound, hard bound and whatever physical books I have in hand. E-books are the IN thing now and sooner or later, I will probably have my own tablet(char!) to browse or read e-books online. Arrrgggh, I am just not so good at reading e-books or just my excuse to keep my very dear books with me. I have a copy of the Twilight series e-book and I think it's been more than a year with me already. The funny thing is, I haven't even finish the Twilight part yet.hahahaha. So tamad!! I just can't let go of the feeling of bringing a thick book with you or reading a very cute book in a cafe or whatever place comfortable. I feel so nerdy or probably smart whenever I carry a book in my hand. Feeling!!

So far, I have ten books from Booksale and unfortunately, I have read only three of them. Okay, I am a hoarder but I have to defend myself. I am just a bookworm who fortunately, saw some books that are priced so cheap that you can't resist them. Okay, take for example the book titled Michelle(Michelle Obama). I bought it for Php45 only. Now, who would resist that??

Anyway, to make this book addiction of mine stop. I guess, I should stop my sudden urge to go to Booksale. I have to read the books and finish it before I buy a new one. Arrrrggghhh. Now, that's difficult. I just hope I'll have the willpower..I'll just keep you posted guys on the books I already read. Ciao!!!

MY 2011 LITTLE BLESSINGS

1. Passport-helped in my travel in the following months
2. Hilary’s debut- made new friends and helped me realized my potential as an events organizer
3. Singapore e-mail: made me realize that I can actually work there and explore the city
4. Genetics Computer: helped me in discovering other areas of computer graphics. It made me want to learn more about graphics, web designing and video.
5. Family outing in EDEN: made my family happy and took time out from the stressful work
6. Good health and body in the way of the Cross: I make sure I participate in it every year. Thank GOD for the good health and body during the Way of the Cross.
7. Summer Outing in Maxima: It was so fun and we were so happy. I am happy to participate in this.
8. ABREEZA: Thank GOD for ABREEZA…Now, it’s nearer and very convenient to shop pretty things in DAVAO.
9. NESTLE Film Anthology: I made me ponder on life and the little lessons the movie gave me. I am happy to share it with a good friend, Glecyl who was very supportive in everything.
10. Red Ribbon of documents: I didn’t really use them but I know that it will help me next year.
11. New international friends: They make me closer to where they are. I am happy when I receive some of their messages and I am excited and looking forward to seeing some of them here in Davao.
12. Part time job: It’s probably one of the best blessings I have received this year. I have waiting for this for years? And finally I meet some good friends through this while earning.
13. Blog opportunities: My blog friends multiplied through blogging and I am happy that I have also earned ample amount for this year. I love every moment in blogging.
14. Friends: This year, I had the chance to meet friends from different groups. Attended Lorna’s wedding and chitchat the whole night. I miss you guys!!mwaaahh!! I also attended Loise’s wedding and meet the whole gang. My LCRMD friend also makes me sane and alive every day. I couldn’t thank them enough for the laughs and the not-very-boring day at work. I will treasure my friends and they are every day blessings.
15. Travel solo: I am really proud of what I did. I am really looking forward for my next adventure. I love myself more and I am surprise of what I am capable of. AJA!!
16. Parents: When no one listens, they are there. My best friend and confidante. I’ll treasure them and won’t trade them for anything in the world.

I know there are still lots of things to be thankful for. I just hope that we should look at the brighter side of 2011. I am very happy that I came out of 2011 very blessed though with some tough times but I am still alive!!!I just hope 2012 will turn out well for me. I am so excited for no obvious reason but I am just setting my mind that something very good is coming my way. Thank you Lord for all of the things you have let me experience and all the blessings. I want to thank you in advance for all the blessings that are coming this 2012. Bring it on 2012!!*woot*woot*

MY MIND BLABBING!!

It’s been a while since my last movie review. Just in time for the holidays, I have been planning to stimulate my mind through watching meaningful movies and maybe some tragic love story in between. Yes, call me emo or very melodramatic but I guess it goes well with the chilly and no-one-around-to-hug season. Anyway, to make this very lengthy introduction a little lengthy, I decided to download some movies online. I downloaded One Day, P.S. I Love You, Lost in Translation, Great Expectations and Never Let Me Go. Okay, now here is the part where I explain why I downloaded them. I have always been curious about One Day and Never Let Me Go because of their bestselling books, while P.S. I Love You and Lost in Translation came in mind when I stumbled upon them on Youtube and lastly, Great Expectations has great memories. I have always loved the movie ever since high school. I want to watch all over again. Enough said, I am very much into movies now. It makes my brain steady for a few minutes after doing some talking on Skype. Recently, my mind’s going hay wired that I cannot simply shut it out especially if I am in deep thoughts. It speaking in English and it makes me want to blurt it out but of course I can’t or I might look foolish talking to myself. I am so into talking in English lately that even my mind speaks and talks and even answers on its own. Hahahaha. I am not crazy or anything but I probably my mind is so active that I sometimes need to talk it out or write it in my blog-which I am doing right now. hehehehe.

I’d probably blame this situation I am to a person who is equally very entertaining and interesting to talk to. He is a typical guy but he loves to talk about anything and my golly, he has lots of vocabulary words than I am. He is very stimulating and very deep like a massage to an aching body. Hahahaha, bad metaphor!! I like it when he speaks his mind and talks about anything and then making it into something interesting. I can talk to him probably the whole day and all night without getting bored. (Of course, I haven’t tried this one yet!) He is very vocal and very straightforward in his thoughts. I like it but sometimes I get irritated when he talks about how poor our country is. Aarrrggggh! Aside from that, no other issues though. You might be thinking I am smitten. Yes, probably I am but never in my wildest dream that it will become a reality. Admit it gals-there is only two types of person we tend to fall for-the funny guy and the smart guy and the other things just follows. Whatever situation I am in right now, I just hope it will make me happy in the long run. Sometimes, I don’t care if I am broke or sad or ugly as long as I can speak my mind. I hope he will not get tired talking to me or me getting tired of him. I am excited to go home today. Hahahaha…What can I say? I think it is already an addiction.

MISSING SINGAPURA

It's almost a month since I've been to Singapore. I am missing every single moment I am there. I super enjoyed my trip that I even sent a message to a friend that "I want to live here..."hehehe...I know it's just a spur of a moment message but I am missing Singapore now. Hmmm..Now, I am thinking of things that I miss the most. One, I miss riding MRT in Singapore because there is no MRT in Davao...wahahaha..soo simple!! I also miss walking and the very humid weather of Singapore..Nah, it's my other self that is saying this-I'm just kidding. It's super hot in Singapore and that is one thing I hate the most..hehehe. I miss Hookien Mee( Fried Prawn Noodles), Bak Kut Teh( now, I remember I bought some Bak Kut Teh mix but I forgot where I placed it.*sad face*) and Food Republic in Wisma Astria and Vivo City. I am imagining the food right now.hehehe.

I miss the crazy-fast-paced-snob-robot-like-fashionable environment of Singapore. I miss the smell of curry and other spices in different places in Singapore. I definitely going back and please watch out for my future blog post on my quirkyalone trip. I am loving Singapura!!!

BRAVING THE ONLINE

I am recently adjusting my time at night for jobs that entail online focus and not wandering around Facebook. I had problems with my teeny weeny net book in Skype but I managed to get by with a little panic and craziness in between. So much for that introduction. I am teaching online and I guess I need a handful of Asians to complete my Asianovela cast.

I have Chinese students whom I teach IELTS-which by the way, I don't even have experience in. Yes, that's what I call gutsy. It sounds interesting and I am very eager to learn but my experience says otherwise. haist! I actually shows in the manner I speak or talk to them. My first class today gave me chills not because of fear but because of frustration. She commented that she can't adapt to me. What? Adapting is not the right word girl. You probably mean you can't understand me. hahaha. I get it now, but she told my trainer otherwise. She told my trainer that I didn't help her and there is long silence between us. WTH? Anyway, I am not giving up on these Chinese kids. Wait 'till I am better and I'll teach you what IELTS is all about. I guess I need to practice more and be confident next time. Whatever!(good thing my trainer is soo patient and understanding.)

I also have a Japanese student with his mom who regularly talks to me online. Of course they paid me. I won't go talking about blah blah blah without earning something. One thing I like about the class is that it is conversational in nature. We can talk anything we want and for as long as 1 hour. The Chinese class pays very well but I am loving the Japanese set up. No pressure, just plain talk and with sense. I don't know how long this will last but I am pretty sure that I'm in as long as it wants my professional skills.(ehem!) Until now, I can't still get over the Chinese kid I taught a while ago. I pity her because she didn't like me but I felt sorry for myself too for not making the mark. 'Till next online adventure sonsaengnim(korean for teacher)!!!Aja fighting!Ciao!!!

BOOKS AND MAGAZINES

I discovered Booksale, the perfect store in the city that sold books that are cheaper than the ones in the malls. I bought Retail Hell for only P40( retailed at P600 in Fully Booked) and Chasing Harry Winston for only P60 (retailed at P400 in National Bookstore). Nice deal isn't it?

Not only am I addicted to books but any reading materials like magazines and even newspapers. When I have time, I like to read them from the beginning to end. I also like grabbing magazines in that store. I particularly like InStyle, Lucky, Budget Travel and Conde Nast Travel. Super deal on international books and magazines. I am looking forward to my next visit to Booksale.

The straight library knocks the analogue.

COFFEE UPDATE

Just in case you might be wondering what happened to my fascination with coffee, well....it turned out good. Not really excellent or superb but just good. I would like to reason out on that and I blame it on my early morning walk and early wake up call. I hate mornings but I love coffee..hehehe..So, to make it work I tried to wake up and I did have my fill of the much coveted McDo coffee.

Though it sounds crazy but I like their coffee but with two creamer and three small packets of sugar, in short like a Nescafe 3 in 1. I know you may think that I should have bought Nescafe instead-but it taste different...maybe because of the Arabica blend that they boast of. Hmmm..I can still imagine it's aroma and creamy taste. Anyway, it costs P25(but mine's free) for an 8oz cup and very good to wake up your sleepy nerves. hehehe. Well, it's nothing to boast of but I usually try food to see if they taste good and this made me realize that it's not bad like the Dunkin Donuts coffee(OOpppss!!!). So far, I can now change my usual hot choco into coffee every time I eat breakfast at McDonalds.(just don't ran out of creamer and sugar or else end up restless). Ciao Pips!!!

COFFEE FREAK

A certified coffee freak-one word that would describe me when it comes to my relationship with coffee. I have this certain attachment with coffee. One reason it keeps me awake during sleepy hours. I don't really care if it is just Nescafe 3 in 1 or gourmet coffee as long as it keeps me awake. Another is that it really satisfies my sweet tooth especially with coffee blended drinks. I love the different tastes it brings to my mouth.

I recently heard that Mcdonald's will offer free coffee from August 8 to 12. My eyes beamed with excitement but the bad news is it's only available at 4am-10am...Haist, what am I gonna do? I only have tomorrow to avail the promo. I have to get that coffee or else...hmmmm...I will pay for the coffee next time I go to Mcdo and maybe...end up frustrated?(well so much for excuses). I guess I'll just blame myself for not trying the coffee tomorrow and I should associate it with laziness. It's difficult to wake up on a rainy cold morning and just the word of that makes me want to cuddle back in bed. huhuhu. By the way, I only have two coupons in bag right now. I already gave the rest of the coupons away and hoping that person I gave it to will also wake up early tomorrow.Hope my alarm clock works tomorrow or should I say I hope I will wake up to the alarm clock tomorrow...hehehe..Ciao pips and 'till next coffee adventure.

NEW(EXPERIMENTED) MORNING DRINK

I didn't ate breakfast this morning but made myself my usual morning drink, Energen. I saw the Nescafe brown n' creamy and decided to mix it with Energen. Boy, it was really YUMMY...hehehe. It looks like my morning drink will be a little bit expensive than before. I suggest though that if you try it, put half of the Energen and Nescafe then mix...set aside the remaining half for tomorrow's use...hehehe..Try it guys, it will wake you up because of the coffee and make you full because of the cereal...YUMMY...