Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Monday, January 29, 2007
manic monday
I don't feel well today.
In the morning I found myself in the middle of shit, when I really didn't do anything to ignite a problem. Still there was no one else to blame but a soft-spoken young woman who tried to be the best so no one would blame her.
I held back my tears by chatting with my mother and Elaineplim, which was very comforting.
My back has been hurting and I vomitted twice already, don't know why, but called Sherry to spend the night with me just in case something weird happens to me. These are merely symptoms of an upcoming turbulent period, but just in case they blow out of proportion at least Sherry will be here to witness the mess.
I've been falling asleep everywhere --- at my desk, in the car, in the bath, in the bed for 2 hours non stop, without being bothered by any kind of noise. I'd like to think that staying up late and ignoring the signs of stress have taken their toll on my health. But flatulence doesn't fit anywhere in the picture. It's embarrassing, it'smelly, it's everything I don't want to happen in the middle of some serious journalistic work. And yet today in particular, I am cursed with it.
On top of these I have two large pimples on my chin. Guillaume' stubble will pay for this, maybe with a free crepe on Friday. I can't wait to see him but it's also good for us to have time apart, especially when we're undeniably busy and ill. His back is bad too, and he's been complaining about his cholesterol.
I hope I can rest well and nothing happens to me tonight, because now I realize how hard it is to live alone, without medical benefits and a mom who would immediately know what to do when I'm not feeling well. She knows when to take my temperature, to ask me to sleep it out, to ust hold me, scold me, 'coz when I'm bad I'm so so bad. So let's dance.
When I'm feeling all right again I'm going to do a mean Donna Summer at Hibiki Bar and you wouldn't even know I was actually capable of being sick.
In the morning I found myself in the middle of shit, when I really didn't do anything to ignite a problem. Still there was no one else to blame but a soft-spoken young woman who tried to be the best so no one would blame her.
I held back my tears by chatting with my mother and Elaineplim, which was very comforting.
My back has been hurting and I vomitted twice already, don't know why, but called Sherry to spend the night with me just in case something weird happens to me. These are merely symptoms of an upcoming turbulent period, but just in case they blow out of proportion at least Sherry will be here to witness the mess.
I've been falling asleep everywhere --- at my desk, in the car, in the bath, in the bed for 2 hours non stop, without being bothered by any kind of noise. I'd like to think that staying up late and ignoring the signs of stress have taken their toll on my health. But flatulence doesn't fit anywhere in the picture. It's embarrassing, it'smelly, it's everything I don't want to happen in the middle of some serious journalistic work. And yet today in particular, I am cursed with it.
On top of these I have two large pimples on my chin. Guillaume' stubble will pay for this, maybe with a free crepe on Friday. I can't wait to see him but it's also good for us to have time apart, especially when we're undeniably busy and ill. His back is bad too, and he's been complaining about his cholesterol.
I hope I can rest well and nothing happens to me tonight, because now I realize how hard it is to live alone, without medical benefits and a mom who would immediately know what to do when I'm not feeling well. She knows when to take my temperature, to ask me to sleep it out, to ust hold me, scold me, 'coz when I'm bad I'm so so bad. So let's dance.
When I'm feeling all right again I'm going to do a mean Donna Summer at Hibiki Bar and you wouldn't even know I was actually capable of being sick.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
that time of the month again
One, two, three.
I am in tears and I don’t even know why.
Too much fun perhaps?
I’d like to think this emotional outburst is just an indication that my time of the month is just around the corner.
Hormones. Stress.
Everyday I’ve been busy with work, with friends, with being with other people and I just find it so hard to be alone lately.
And now I feel like crying for no apparent reason.
Actually I already started to cry but held it back.
A tear fell down my cheek and I started to yawn and pretend to just be sleepy.
I was wearing my extra-large pajamas when Guillaume came over.
No, I didn’t bother to put any make up on or spray Coconut Lime Verbana all over the room. I was enthusiastic as usual, but also addressed some issues.
He was very responsive, which was a positive thing.
We were just both tired last night, I guess. We need to not see each other for two, three days.
Or a thousand crepes later.
Also The Devil called me from London today and I greeted him a happy birthday.
I playfully call him The Devil, but in more ways than one he has been an angel and I don’t think I can contest that fact.
It’s nice to know that I have a friend in him.
To assuage my loneliness I tried to finish a carton of pure orange juice and succeeded, then went on to attempt finishing a carton of lowfat milk but felt nauseous after the first glass. Tried to smoke as less as possible and succeeded, but still feel sluggish and irritable. Must really be my time of the month.
I hope that tomorrow something nice happens, something I’ve been waiting for.
If that time comes I’ll take myself out to dinner.
Maybe invite Guillaume. Depends.
I am in tears and I don’t even know why.
Too much fun perhaps?
I’d like to think this emotional outburst is just an indication that my time of the month is just around the corner.
Hormones. Stress.
Everyday I’ve been busy with work, with friends, with being with other people and I just find it so hard to be alone lately.
And now I feel like crying for no apparent reason.
Actually I already started to cry but held it back.
A tear fell down my cheek and I started to yawn and pretend to just be sleepy.
I was wearing my extra-large pajamas when Guillaume came over.
No, I didn’t bother to put any make up on or spray Coconut Lime Verbana all over the room. I was enthusiastic as usual, but also addressed some issues.
He was very responsive, which was a positive thing.
We were just both tired last night, I guess. We need to not see each other for two, three days.
Or a thousand crepes later.
Also The Devil called me from London today and I greeted him a happy birthday.
I playfully call him The Devil, but in more ways than one he has been an angel and I don’t think I can contest that fact.
It’s nice to know that I have a friend in him.
To assuage my loneliness I tried to finish a carton of pure orange juice and succeeded, then went on to attempt finishing a carton of lowfat milk but felt nauseous after the first glass. Tried to smoke as less as possible and succeeded, but still feel sluggish and irritable. Must really be my time of the month.
I hope that tomorrow something nice happens, something I’ve been waiting for.
If that time comes I’ll take myself out to dinner.
Maybe invite Guillaume. Depends.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
The Difference
Things just get better everyday, not because they're more romantic, but because you find out more about you and your partner and you realize that you're not all that different from each other.
He's white and French and a Sharjah resident, and I'm brown and Pinoy and a Dubai girl, but when we're together, we forget distance and stress at work and our skin colors.
We do discuss our differences and false beliefs of each other's cultures. I thought Europeans didn't shower and they went bald in their late twenties. He thought my ignorance was hilarious. He told me Filipinos were hard workers. And I said of course they were, that's why most first-world countries preferred Filipino maids, laborers and secretaries. But I told him that we weren't just about that. I showed him. Although cleaning his bathroom clutter and going as far as hanging a trash bag on the doorknob didn't quite reflect my skills as a media practitioner, he appreciated my efforts by driving me all the way to Media City before they headed off to Global Village, which was, in full fairness to his at-that-time irritable business partner Emanuel, lightyears away from Sharjah.
We had lunch with Sherry and I headed off to my office. I was lucky because I didn't really have to go to work, but I did, and I sort of hit two birds with one stone --- the first bird having spent some quality time with a lovely man in a chef's vest, and the second having shown good old enthusiasm at work.
So back to our discussion of differences. Actually there weren't that many, and they're not too important to strain what we have now. What we have now. Notice that I am careful with the words I choose. Yes, glad to know I'm still practicing self-control, when all I really want to tell the world is how much I want to spend all my time with him.
Like I imagine my desk having a crepe-making machine beside it, where Guillaume can make crepes while I happily do my research. Or on my way to work I picture us in a quaint cafe, me playing the guitar while he goes crazy with the bongos and a little ganja. Or even before I sleep I dream about being the best masseuse in the world so I could give him a good backrub before bedtime, and in return he'd turn out to be really good at doing facials.
Differences. I really don't know what it means right now.
Even if people stare at us when we go out for dirnks.
Even if I myself wonder what had brought us together.
Well he crepe-t is way into my life and that made a HUGE difference.
A wonderful one.
He's white and French and a Sharjah resident, and I'm brown and Pinoy and a Dubai girl, but when we're together, we forget distance and stress at work and our skin colors.
We do discuss our differences and false beliefs of each other's cultures. I thought Europeans didn't shower and they went bald in their late twenties. He thought my ignorance was hilarious. He told me Filipinos were hard workers. And I said of course they were, that's why most first-world countries preferred Filipino maids, laborers and secretaries. But I told him that we weren't just about that. I showed him. Although cleaning his bathroom clutter and going as far as hanging a trash bag on the doorknob didn't quite reflect my skills as a media practitioner, he appreciated my efforts by driving me all the way to Media City before they headed off to Global Village, which was, in full fairness to his at-that-time irritable business partner Emanuel, lightyears away from Sharjah.
We had lunch with Sherry and I headed off to my office. I was lucky because I didn't really have to go to work, but I did, and I sort of hit two birds with one stone --- the first bird having spent some quality time with a lovely man in a chef's vest, and the second having shown good old enthusiasm at work.
So back to our discussion of differences. Actually there weren't that many, and they're not too important to strain what we have now. What we have now. Notice that I am careful with the words I choose. Yes, glad to know I'm still practicing self-control, when all I really want to tell the world is how much I want to spend all my time with him.
Like I imagine my desk having a crepe-making machine beside it, where Guillaume can make crepes while I happily do my research. Or on my way to work I picture us in a quaint cafe, me playing the guitar while he goes crazy with the bongos and a little ganja. Or even before I sleep I dream about being the best masseuse in the world so I could give him a good backrub before bedtime, and in return he'd turn out to be really good at doing facials.
Differences. I really don't know what it means right now.
Even if people stare at us when we go out for dirnks.
Even if I myself wonder what had brought us together.
Well he crepe-t is way into my life and that made a HUGE difference.
A wonderful one.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
crepe-y day?
I am so tempted to say this is a bad day. But I won’t.
I have been successful in doing things at work and I don’t really mind someone telling me that I’m not “involved enough” with my work. DUH. I love my work more than anything and there was no truth to that. I have been involved in more ways than one, more concerned than ever with what’s been happening on our program.
A-hole.
I am also a little apprehensive.
I have not eaten anything and have a very bad cold, so my temper’s a bit volatile.
I snapped at some PR people and ignored some people’s greetings.
I am on a serious diet.
Why? Because last night I must have eaten 5 whole crepes.
My friends and I went to the Global and of course they had crepe for dinner.
I had to finish al the leftovers because I didn’t want to offend Guillaume or anything.
So I ate and ate and ate and ate.
Chocolate after chocolate after banana after banana.
Lots of cheese. Eggs. Slat. Pepper. Sugar.
I ate whatever he offered and I went all crazy.
I lost it. I just ate without thinking.
Sometimes without chewing even.
And he wasn’t even grateful!
He looked embarrassed that anyone should be that thrilled to have so many crepes in one evening.
I actually didn’t understand why I asked for more.
I was not at all hungry.
I was bloated and constipated.
Maybe there was something else I wanted to ask for?
It was almost midnight when we decided to go home.
As I walked towards the gate with the girls, I watched them clean up.
I kind of hoped he’d visit me last night.
Then I realized he needed to rest (oh yeah, rest, I hardly know how do it lately).
But anyway if he did I couldn’t face him. I had a huge tummy.
Full of crepe. (Get it?)
I have been successful in doing things at work and I don’t really mind someone telling me that I’m not “involved enough” with my work. DUH. I love my work more than anything and there was no truth to that. I have been involved in more ways than one, more concerned than ever with what’s been happening on our program.
A-hole.
I am also a little apprehensive.
I have not eaten anything and have a very bad cold, so my temper’s a bit volatile.
I snapped at some PR people and ignored some people’s greetings.
I am on a serious diet.
Why? Because last night I must have eaten 5 whole crepes.
My friends and I went to the Global and of course they had crepe for dinner.
I had to finish al the leftovers because I didn’t want to offend Guillaume or anything.
So I ate and ate and ate and ate.
Chocolate after chocolate after banana after banana.
Lots of cheese. Eggs. Slat. Pepper. Sugar.
I ate whatever he offered and I went all crazy.
I lost it. I just ate without thinking.
Sometimes without chewing even.
And he wasn’t even grateful!
He looked embarrassed that anyone should be that thrilled to have so many crepes in one evening.
I actually didn’t understand why I asked for more.
I was not at all hungry.
I was bloated and constipated.
Maybe there was something else I wanted to ask for?
It was almost midnight when we decided to go home.
As I walked towards the gate with the girls, I watched them clean up.
I kind of hoped he’d visit me last night.
Then I realized he needed to rest (oh yeah, rest, I hardly know how do it lately).
But anyway if he did I couldn’t face him. I had a huge tummy.
Full of crepe. (Get it?)
Sunday, January 21, 2007
a crepe-making affair
Guillaume and his friend collected me from our villalast night and they showed us their huge flat in Sharjah. It’s got four bedrooms, and three balconies, each one offering a different view of the Corniche. I also helped them make the crepe paste. It’s a huge pail of a mixture of their “secret” ingredients, which I cannot disclose to you. But go ahead and try some of it at the Global Village.
I actually took part in the intimate, top-secret crepe-making ceremony. I cannot believe it. The next thing you know I’ll be invited to rearrange furniture and design his room.
He dropped me off at my office this afternoon. We had lunch with Sherry at the Ducont building. Then they headed straight to Global Village. Not without a kiss from me!
I actually took part in the intimate, top-secret crepe-making ceremony. I cannot believe it. The next thing you know I’ll be invited to rearrange furniture and design his room.
He dropped me off at my office this afternoon. We had lunch with Sherry at the Ducont building. Then they headed straight to Global Village. Not without a kiss from me!
happy and gay weekend
It's been a fabulous weekend!
On Thursday night we had drinks and I got home barely knowing what I was doing. But it was fine because Sherry stayed over. I just remember vomitting all the way to our villa and lugging around 3 1-litre bottles of Masafi water. Oh and we also danced to the tune of La Isla Bonita. That was fun.
The following day Eve, Sherry and I went to Xernes' flat. The nasi goreng was finished but we managed to nick two pieces of KFC chicken and some rice, then head straight for Galo's tiramisu. Afterwards we played pictionary, a board game I played once literally more than a decade ago. I was pretty good at drawing. And guessing. Wow. My brain was still working after that bad hangover. But we didn't win. But it was fun! They all nicknamed Sherry Monica, Courtney Cox's character in Friends, because she was so competitive and really fighting to win. That was quite a laugh. Anton also stole the show by saying "I will not concede!". It was a small something during the game that we didn't agree on. That was the quote of the evening.
Then we went bowling at the Mall of the Emirates. Actually, they did. I went window shopping and bought myself a nice lip gloss. I didn't want to do anything strenuous because of my cough. We had coffee, and we scored men by raising sugar sachets in their faces: brown sugar for super cute and sexy, white sugar for satisfactory, and artificial sweetener for fugly. Then we went back to Xernes' flat and had pork adobo. I watched some Little Britain episodes and had my fortune told by Anton and his tarot cards. In fairness to Anton and the past fortune tellers, my fate according to them has always been consistent. I like it that my life is taking shape, and the cards can even read it.
Went home at 4 AM. I had to say good night to Guillaume instead of wait for him to pick me up because he was exhausted from making crepe and standing all day. He said he couldn't feel his legs anymore. I truly missed him last night when I was reading a book before sleeping. And then he sent me a text saying he missed me, and called me a few seconds after that. How sweet was that?
This afternoon Sherry and I went walking down Sheikh Zayed Road. To Shangrila and back. It was like going around the academic oval in UP Diliman twice, so I think we lost a few calories. We had the usual fun banter. My thighs are huge. No, my thighs are huge. He's a nice guy.Will he call? I don't expect much anymore. . . and other signature lines from us.
We had dinner at their place in Barsha, because Jennyn Gueco cooked. her afritada was delicious! Wonder if I will ever learn to cook, or at least take interest in cooking. Right now I'm sooo focused on eating.
So now I'm home form Barsha, back in front of the computer. But not for long!!!! . . . Guillaume finished early tonight and he will pick me up in a few minutes. He's showing me his new flat. I'm sure it's fab.
Why does he never make me wait that long before I see him? I just love that. He wants to see me. I don't even have to remind him. Maybe because he'd rather see me that drown in crepe paste. He's tired of facing and making crepes 24/7, 7 days a week. I'll make sure NOT to mention crepe later. Or flour, or egg shells, or banana and chocolate.
I'm still amazed by all this. I wish I knew what he saw in me. I'm a little embarrassed to ask. In my Best Friend's Wedding, Julia Roberts says you can either be creme brulee or Jell-O. I'm Ok with Jell-O. Really. At least I'm not crepe.
On Thursday night we had drinks and I got home barely knowing what I was doing. But it was fine because Sherry stayed over. I just remember vomitting all the way to our villa and lugging around 3 1-litre bottles of Masafi water. Oh and we also danced to the tune of La Isla Bonita. That was fun.
The following day Eve, Sherry and I went to Xernes' flat. The nasi goreng was finished but we managed to nick two pieces of KFC chicken and some rice, then head straight for Galo's tiramisu. Afterwards we played pictionary, a board game I played once literally more than a decade ago. I was pretty good at drawing. And guessing. Wow. My brain was still working after that bad hangover. But we didn't win. But it was fun! They all nicknamed Sherry Monica, Courtney Cox's character in Friends, because she was so competitive and really fighting to win. That was quite a laugh. Anton also stole the show by saying "I will not concede!". It was a small something during the game that we didn't agree on. That was the quote of the evening.
Then we went bowling at the Mall of the Emirates. Actually, they did. I went window shopping and bought myself a nice lip gloss. I didn't want to do anything strenuous because of my cough. We had coffee, and we scored men by raising sugar sachets in their faces: brown sugar for super cute and sexy, white sugar for satisfactory, and artificial sweetener for fugly. Then we went back to Xernes' flat and had pork adobo. I watched some Little Britain episodes and had my fortune told by Anton and his tarot cards. In fairness to Anton and the past fortune tellers, my fate according to them has always been consistent. I like it that my life is taking shape, and the cards can even read it.
Went home at 4 AM. I had to say good night to Guillaume instead of wait for him to pick me up because he was exhausted from making crepe and standing all day. He said he couldn't feel his legs anymore. I truly missed him last night when I was reading a book before sleeping. And then he sent me a text saying he missed me, and called me a few seconds after that. How sweet was that?
This afternoon Sherry and I went walking down Sheikh Zayed Road. To Shangrila and back. It was like going around the academic oval in UP Diliman twice, so I think we lost a few calories. We had the usual fun banter. My thighs are huge. No, my thighs are huge. He's a nice guy.Will he call? I don't expect much anymore. . . and other signature lines from us.
We had dinner at their place in Barsha, because Jennyn Gueco cooked. her afritada was delicious! Wonder if I will ever learn to cook, or at least take interest in cooking. Right now I'm sooo focused on eating.
So now I'm home form Barsha, back in front of the computer. But not for long!!!! . . . Guillaume finished early tonight and he will pick me up in a few minutes. He's showing me his new flat. I'm sure it's fab.
Why does he never make me wait that long before I see him? I just love that. He wants to see me. I don't even have to remind him. Maybe because he'd rather see me that drown in crepe paste. He's tired of facing and making crepes 24/7, 7 days a week. I'll make sure NOT to mention crepe later. Or flour, or egg shells, or banana and chocolate.
I'm still amazed by all this. I wish I knew what he saw in me. I'm a little embarrassed to ask. In my Best Friend's Wedding, Julia Roberts says you can either be creme brulee or Jell-O. I'm Ok with Jell-O. Really. At least I'm not crepe.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
theme song trauma
I’ve been in a few relationships and I truly treasured them.
One of the things I always remember about being in a relationship with someone is our theme song.
I’ve had the craziest (translation – tacky, funky, disgusting) theme songs with a few guys and looking back, I don’t even know why I agreed to them
They always decided on this matter. And I always ended up accepting the imposed tune, then bobbing my head to it, and eventually singing and loving it.
My first theme song was True by Spandau Ballet. It seemed okay then, because my first boyfriend was an 80’s baby. Now I feel reluctant to sing it in karaoke bars, however tempted I am. I opt for Gold. I I don’t know, I just feel that it belongs in the past and I am not supposed to sing it.
Now get this: my second theme song was…chanchararan! Ever After by Bonnie Bailey. Hahaha I know, everyone used to dance to this --- whores, shy girls, yuppies, druggies. I know I know! But my second boyfriend was a junkie (I think). And he’s a little younger than my first.
And there were in-between-relationship crushes, and I associated them with certain songs that I would rather not mention here. OK just to give you an idea- Cater To You, Penny and Me, Agent Orange (because I had a HUGE crush on Slapshock's drummer), Luha by Aegis etc etc.
This time I don’t really want a theme song. Maybe I do. Maybe I don’t. I don’t know. Maybe theme songs are just a Pinoy thing? Maybe Guillaume doesn’t really care for things like this. Maybe he wants to have a crepe with me and hum any tune that suits the evening. He did sing the Grease theme song once, but as a joke.
Anyway if by some chance the Dubai police forced me to choose a theme song for me and Guillaume it would be any of these two:
CLOSER by Dido
The closer you get, the better I feel
The closer you are, the more I see
Why everyone says that I look happy
When you’re around
The closer you get, the better I feel
THE ONE by Shakira
So I find a reason to shave my legs each single morning
So I count on someone Friday nights to take me dancing againTo church on sundays
To plant more trees and someday think of kids
Or maybe just to save a little money
Somehow this entry ends up mushy.
I tried my best, believe me.
One of the things I always remember about being in a relationship with someone is our theme song.
I’ve had the craziest (translation – tacky, funky, disgusting) theme songs with a few guys and looking back, I don’t even know why I agreed to them
They always decided on this matter. And I always ended up accepting the imposed tune, then bobbing my head to it, and eventually singing and loving it.
My first theme song was True by Spandau Ballet. It seemed okay then, because my first boyfriend was an 80’s baby. Now I feel reluctant to sing it in karaoke bars, however tempted I am. I opt for Gold. I I don’t know, I just feel that it belongs in the past and I am not supposed to sing it.
Now get this: my second theme song was…chanchararan! Ever After by Bonnie Bailey. Hahaha I know, everyone used to dance to this --- whores, shy girls, yuppies, druggies. I know I know! But my second boyfriend was a junkie (I think). And he’s a little younger than my first.
And there were in-between-relationship crushes, and I associated them with certain songs that I would rather not mention here. OK just to give you an idea- Cater To You, Penny and Me, Agent Orange (because I had a HUGE crush on Slapshock's drummer), Luha by Aegis etc etc.
This time I don’t really want a theme song. Maybe I do. Maybe I don’t. I don’t know. Maybe theme songs are just a Pinoy thing? Maybe Guillaume doesn’t really care for things like this. Maybe he wants to have a crepe with me and hum any tune that suits the evening. He did sing the Grease theme song once, but as a joke.
Anyway if by some chance the Dubai police forced me to choose a theme song for me and Guillaume it would be any of these two:
CLOSER by Dido
The closer you get, the better I feel
The closer you are, the more I see
Why everyone says that I look happy
When you’re around
The closer you get, the better I feel
THE ONE by Shakira
So I find a reason to shave my legs each single morning
So I count on someone Friday nights to take me dancing againTo church on sundays
To plant more trees and someday think of kids
Or maybe just to save a little money
Somehow this entry ends up mushy.
I tried my best, believe me.
Quote of the Day
"Become so wrapped up in something that you forget to be afraid."– Lady Bird Johnson
what everyone SERIOUSLY needs
This is an article from www.findarticles.com.
I particularly loved this.
It's not just one of those articles that tell me how to unwind, and instead of actually feeling more relaxed I end up feeling more stressed out.
Most of them give me really ridiculous tips, like fill your tub with rose petals and bathe sensually. Or climb a mountain and stay there for a whole weekend.
This article offers DOABLE things, things that I can do whenever, wherever, in the comfort of my room, and without having to fuss about anything else. Nothing to buy, nothing to spend on.
And I've done most of the stuff here and it really works.
Enjoy!
20 ways to unwind - stress reduction
Ebony, July, 1994 by Karima A. Haynes
To battle the negative effects of stress that we experience, here are 20 stressbusters that are sure to relieve the tension in our lives.
1. STOP, STRETCH AND RELAX. Exercise where you are. Roll your head and shoulders, stretch your arms over your head or squeeze a tennis ball. Consider starting a regular exercise program to help you keep stress at bay over the long haul.
2. MEDITATE AND CONTEMPLATE. Recite a mantra, speak positive affirmations or say a prayer to help you take your mind off the stressful situation.
3. TALK IT OUT. Get anger, fear and worry off your chest by confiding in a person you trust.
4. TAKE LEISURELY A DIP IN THE BATHTUB. A hot soak can do wonders to reduce stress, increase blood circulation to the extremities and relax tense muscles.
5. PAMPER YOURSELF Get a new hairstyle, a manicure or a pedicure. A little pampering can go a long way to reduce stress.
6. SHOP AWAY THE STRESS. A new purchase will give your spirit a boost as long as you don't overspend.
7. MASSAGE THOSE ACHING MUSCLES. Whether at the hands of a professional masseuse or those of a close friend, a good rub down can relax knotted muscles.
"During a massage, one of the things that happens is that the toxic substances are worked out through the lymph nodes," says Dr. Juanita Doss, a clinical psychologist from suburban Detroit. "When your body is under a tremendous amount of stress you accumulate a lot of hormones that weaken the body's resistance to disease. A massage is both relaxing and therapeutic."
8. RUB YOUR TEMPLES. Massaging the nerves in your temples relaxes tension in your neck muscles.
9. APPLY A WARM COMPRESS TO YOUR EYES. The radiant warmth from the compress will relax the tired muscles around your eyes.
10. READ TO RELAX. What better way to get away from the pressures of the day than by retreating into the world of your imagination?
11. TAKE A BRISK WALK. Get up and go for a quick jaunt. Schedule a routine workout that includes power walking or stair climbing.
12. TAKE A SOOTHING SIESTA. Chronic lack of sleep can lower your productivity and decrease your ability to handle stress.
13. JUST SAY NO TO STRESSFUL PEOPLE. Stay away from people who never seem to have anything good to say about anything.
14. SEEK SUPPORTIVE PEOPLE. Call that special friend or family member. Make a date to get together and keep it.
"Support is one of the key things in helping people to handle their stress," Dr. Doss points out. "As a supportive friend ... you don't have to give any comments or suggestions, but quietly listen to the person who is under stress as he or she talks it out."
15. STOP PROCRASTINATING! Make a list of things to do, arrange them by priority and then do them!
16. TUNE IN SOFT MUSIC. Mellow music can soothe you after a tough day at the office.
17. LISTEN TO NATURE'S SOUNDS. A pre-recorded tape of natural sounds can help you to unwind.
18. CRY IT OUT. A good sob can provide a release from the negative emotions that may be the source of your stress.
19. ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE. Think about the good things that are going on in your life and avoid obsessing about the things that aren't going so well.
20. VACATION IN YOUR MIND. Close your eyes and imagine that you are relaxing on a tropical beach.
"As your mind goes, so goes your body," Dr. Evans says. "You can change your physiological state simply by changing your mental state."
I particularly loved this.
It's not just one of those articles that tell me how to unwind, and instead of actually feeling more relaxed I end up feeling more stressed out.
Most of them give me really ridiculous tips, like fill your tub with rose petals and bathe sensually. Or climb a mountain and stay there for a whole weekend.
This article offers DOABLE things, things that I can do whenever, wherever, in the comfort of my room, and without having to fuss about anything else. Nothing to buy, nothing to spend on.
And I've done most of the stuff here and it really works.
Enjoy!
20 ways to unwind - stress reduction
Ebony, July, 1994 by Karima A. Haynes
To battle the negative effects of stress that we experience, here are 20 stressbusters that are sure to relieve the tension in our lives.
1. STOP, STRETCH AND RELAX. Exercise where you are. Roll your head and shoulders, stretch your arms over your head or squeeze a tennis ball. Consider starting a regular exercise program to help you keep stress at bay over the long haul.
2. MEDITATE AND CONTEMPLATE. Recite a mantra, speak positive affirmations or say a prayer to help you take your mind off the stressful situation.
3. TALK IT OUT. Get anger, fear and worry off your chest by confiding in a person you trust.
4. TAKE LEISURELY A DIP IN THE BATHTUB. A hot soak can do wonders to reduce stress, increase blood circulation to the extremities and relax tense muscles.
5. PAMPER YOURSELF Get a new hairstyle, a manicure or a pedicure. A little pampering can go a long way to reduce stress.
6. SHOP AWAY THE STRESS. A new purchase will give your spirit a boost as long as you don't overspend.
7. MASSAGE THOSE ACHING MUSCLES. Whether at the hands of a professional masseuse or those of a close friend, a good rub down can relax knotted muscles.
"During a massage, one of the things that happens is that the toxic substances are worked out through the lymph nodes," says Dr. Juanita Doss, a clinical psychologist from suburban Detroit. "When your body is under a tremendous amount of stress you accumulate a lot of hormones that weaken the body's resistance to disease. A massage is both relaxing and therapeutic."
8. RUB YOUR TEMPLES. Massaging the nerves in your temples relaxes tension in your neck muscles.
9. APPLY A WARM COMPRESS TO YOUR EYES. The radiant warmth from the compress will relax the tired muscles around your eyes.
10. READ TO RELAX. What better way to get away from the pressures of the day than by retreating into the world of your imagination?
11. TAKE A BRISK WALK. Get up and go for a quick jaunt. Schedule a routine workout that includes power walking or stair climbing.
12. TAKE A SOOTHING SIESTA. Chronic lack of sleep can lower your productivity and decrease your ability to handle stress.
13. JUST SAY NO TO STRESSFUL PEOPLE. Stay away from people who never seem to have anything good to say about anything.
14. SEEK SUPPORTIVE PEOPLE. Call that special friend or family member. Make a date to get together and keep it.
"Support is one of the key things in helping people to handle their stress," Dr. Doss points out. "As a supportive friend ... you don't have to give any comments or suggestions, but quietly listen to the person who is under stress as he or she talks it out."
15. STOP PROCRASTINATING! Make a list of things to do, arrange them by priority and then do them!
16. TUNE IN SOFT MUSIC. Mellow music can soothe you after a tough day at the office.
17. LISTEN TO NATURE'S SOUNDS. A pre-recorded tape of natural sounds can help you to unwind.
18. CRY IT OUT. A good sob can provide a release from the negative emotions that may be the source of your stress.
19. ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE. Think about the good things that are going on in your life and avoid obsessing about the things that aren't going so well.
20. VACATION IN YOUR MIND. Close your eyes and imagine that you are relaxing on a tropical beach.
"As your mind goes, so goes your body," Dr. Evans says. "You can change your physiological state simply by changing your mental state."
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
work ethics and romance
Last night Sherry, Jen and I knew we were tired and penniless.
We knew. Of course we knew.
But we still managed to spend an hour or two together at Barzar, for some awesome tunes and even more awesome drinks at AED 70 for every FIVE drinks.
I had red wine as usual, and didn’t even finish it.
It’s nice to have drinks with girlfriends after work.
It really does make me feel less lonely and more motivated to work the next day.
I went home at 1130PM, took a hot shower and curled up in bed with a book.
Guilluame was pretty busy yesterday, so I didn’t really want to bother him.
One of their machines broke down because of faulty wiring (or something like that), their new flat still didn’t have electricity, and they were so tired from going around Dubai buying furniture and emptying their old flat and moving furniture from the old flat to the new one.
I put on my most comfortable clothes (a huge sweater, ratty panties, dirty socks and my balloon tapered pants), curled up in bed with a good book (something by Jodi Picoult), and soon I was snoring like a madman.
And then he called and said he wanted to drop by. In literally 10 minutes I fixed myself up --- got rid of my ugly sleepwear and put on a nice Mexican top and hoop earrings, and painted a permanent smile on my face.
I waited in the front yard until I saw his headlights flashing at 2:15 AM, eager to park in front of our villa.
I had a glass of Bailey’s ready for him, and he was so happy about that (what a drunkard, a lovely one). We had a long chat about work and he gave me some advice about work. And it’s not just some discussion of two jaded people telling each other why they hated working. It was him telling me to improve my work ethics and assert myself with a smile on my face, to always resolve conflicts without having to ruin good relations.
This morning I did just that. I apologized to my boss for failing to accomplish something. And he actually thanked me for it. And I made sure I got everything right today.
And I did, plus a few bonuses.
Of course I knew what good work ethics were before he even came along. But having him around to remind me of these things is such a big plus. IT pushes me and makes me do better and better and go forward, always forward.
My day was almost ruined when someone told me to stay out of something I was obviously needed for. He said it was none of my business. Which of course wasn’t true, as I was the one liaising the whole thing. I just said goodbye to him on the phone and didn’t bother to argue.
I think I owe this all to Guillaume. Knowing that he truly cares for me, not just in a shallow way -- like on a crepe-eating level --- really made me feel so much better and less tired…and HAPPIER.
I had 3 hours of sleep but in the morning the driver said I looked fresh.
Guess why?
My boyfriend’s an angel.
A drunken beautiful angel.
An angel with a funny accent.
An angel who adores cheeses.
An angel who makes crepes.
An angel. Sigh.
We knew. Of course we knew.
But we still managed to spend an hour or two together at Barzar, for some awesome tunes and even more awesome drinks at AED 70 for every FIVE drinks.
I had red wine as usual, and didn’t even finish it.
It’s nice to have drinks with girlfriends after work.
It really does make me feel less lonely and more motivated to work the next day.
I went home at 1130PM, took a hot shower and curled up in bed with a book.
Guilluame was pretty busy yesterday, so I didn’t really want to bother him.
One of their machines broke down because of faulty wiring (or something like that), their new flat still didn’t have electricity, and they were so tired from going around Dubai buying furniture and emptying their old flat and moving furniture from the old flat to the new one.
I put on my most comfortable clothes (a huge sweater, ratty panties, dirty socks and my balloon tapered pants), curled up in bed with a good book (something by Jodi Picoult), and soon I was snoring like a madman.
And then he called and said he wanted to drop by. In literally 10 minutes I fixed myself up --- got rid of my ugly sleepwear and put on a nice Mexican top and hoop earrings, and painted a permanent smile on my face.
I waited in the front yard until I saw his headlights flashing at 2:15 AM, eager to park in front of our villa.
I had a glass of Bailey’s ready for him, and he was so happy about that (what a drunkard, a lovely one). We had a long chat about work and he gave me some advice about work. And it’s not just some discussion of two jaded people telling each other why they hated working. It was him telling me to improve my work ethics and assert myself with a smile on my face, to always resolve conflicts without having to ruin good relations.
This morning I did just that. I apologized to my boss for failing to accomplish something. And he actually thanked me for it. And I made sure I got everything right today.
And I did, plus a few bonuses.
Of course I knew what good work ethics were before he even came along. But having him around to remind me of these things is such a big plus. IT pushes me and makes me do better and better and go forward, always forward.
My day was almost ruined when someone told me to stay out of something I was obviously needed for. He said it was none of my business. Which of course wasn’t true, as I was the one liaising the whole thing. I just said goodbye to him on the phone and didn’t bother to argue.
I think I owe this all to Guillaume. Knowing that he truly cares for me, not just in a shallow way -- like on a crepe-eating level --- really made me feel so much better and less tired…and HAPPIER.
I had 3 hours of sleep but in the morning the driver said I looked fresh.
Guess why?
My boyfriend’s an angel.
A drunken beautiful angel.
An angel with a funny accent.
An angel who adores cheeses.
An angel who makes crepes.
An angel. Sigh.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Guillaume must have been featured in at least three TV programs in Dubai, just because he and his friend can make crepe. Apparently our morning show and news program are doing features on their crepe-spertise (yes I forced that), and he raved about his nouveau celebrity status on the phone. This is really exciting, because he hasn’t even started the business formally. Global Village is a bazaar. They’ll set up their business in mid-February, and this is really good publicity for them.
I must admit it is a little intimidating, but all he needs to do is visit me and I’ll be instantly reassured.
And by the way I am soooooooooo pissed because I had to skip pilates again. For what? Overtime work. Not that I’m complaining, I love what I do and I’m happy with it, but I wish I had the remaining energy to work out and feel refreshed.
I look like a zombie today, because I haven’t had much sleep. I’ll probably curl up in bed with a book. A book I stole from someone.
Good night!
I must admit it is a little intimidating, but all he needs to do is visit me and I’ll be instantly reassured.
And by the way I am soooooooooo pissed because I had to skip pilates again. For what? Overtime work. Not that I’m complaining, I love what I do and I’m happy with it, but I wish I had the remaining energy to work out and feel refreshed.
I look like a zombie today, because I haven’t had much sleep. I’ll probably curl up in bed with a book. A book I stole from someone.
Good night!
Sunday, January 14, 2007
guten tag!
I had a meeting with a German lady today and she was very nice.
I was trying my best to say something nice because the meeting was over in five minutes. There wasn't much to discuss really.
So I tried to speak to her in German.
Wo wonen sie?
Ich habe das/die kugelschrieber.
Kartofelnsalad.
Whatever the spelling is.
I sounded so silly. I just blurt out some German words and thought they MIGHT make sense to her.
She giggled, because what I really said in one breath was:
"Where are you from? I have a pen. Potato salad."
Not quite a conversation.
Hang on. Hang on.
What if she really wanted to tell me where she lived?
What if she really needed a pen?
And what if she was, incidentally, craving potato salad?
I'm such an optimist.
Anyway it was a fun meeting, and Habtoor Grand's interiors were spectacular.
Classy, not tacky.
A nice place to have coffee.
Not without kartofelnsalad.
I was trying my best to say something nice because the meeting was over in five minutes. There wasn't much to discuss really.
So I tried to speak to her in German.
Wo wonen sie?
Ich habe das/die kugelschrieber.
Kartofelnsalad.
Whatever the spelling is.
I sounded so silly. I just blurt out some German words and thought they MIGHT make sense to her.
She giggled, because what I really said in one breath was:
"Where are you from? I have a pen. Potato salad."
Not quite a conversation.
Hang on. Hang on.
What if she really wanted to tell me where she lived?
What if she really needed a pen?
And what if she was, incidentally, craving potato salad?
I'm such an optimist.
Anyway it was a fun meeting, and Habtoor Grand's interiors were spectacular.
Classy, not tacky.
A nice place to have coffee.
Not without kartofelnsalad.
I really like this artwork by Marco Evaristti.I read in the paper that this shocking artist’s recent work was a meal he cooked, meatballs served with his body fat. He argued that one is not a cannibal when he is eating art.
I researched on his works and found out that he dyed a huge iceberg in Greenland with red paint. A spectacular sight.
Here is one of his works called BROTHERHOOD, an Israeli man and a Palestinian woman together, but stained with blood.
However morbid it looks, it is still a refreshing work that sends a vital message.
one year?
Last night when we were having drinks, Guillaume told me that as he sipped his mojito, he was on the plane to Dubai exactly a month ago.
And then I realized I have been here for almost a year now. In February I will be celebrating my first anniversary in Dubai. Has it been that long? I didn't notice.
During my first six months here time dragged on and I couldn't wait to find a job I really wanted. Since I got this job, time has been going so fast and all I've been doing is enjoying the ride. Especially now that my circle of friends has become larger, and there's so much more to see in this crazy city, it seems a few more months before going back home isn't such a long wait.
Dubai feels like home now. I tried to deny this feeling, insisting that my heart still belonged to Manila, and it still does. But it wouldn't hurt to acknowledge the fact that living in this place has done so much to make me braver, and see things in a way I'd never considered before. And I embrace my Dubai life now. I stopped converting to peso like a madman...well I still do that but only when it matters. I also started getting involved with fellow Pinoys in Dubai, something I really wasn't sure I wanted to do. But now Im enjoying it. And of course, I now have pictures of myself and my friends in different places, on different occasions, and I proudly post them here or on Friendster. These are signs that I am really living the Dubai life.
I know that Manila will always be my number one. My family and friends are there and that is where I really belong. But for now, since I cannot live there, I am making the most out of Dubai.
2006 was such a roller coaster ride. The despedida dinners, the goodbyes, the excitement, the loneliness, the awe, the desperation, the heartaches, the dead ends, the depression, the rise and fall, the happiness and the slow tranformation from missing Manila to fully living Dubai-style. They all sum up the past year for me.
2007, I pray, will be much better. It surely started on a good note, to put it lightly. The UP alumni chapter's many worthwhile activities, my closest friends, my exciting job, and of course my dear Guillaume, I can only be thankful to God for giving me such blessings. A far cry from the early months of last year. This is happiness at its peak. Happiness I cannot even describe, that's why this stuff I'm writing is such a mess.
I love life. And I am not just convincing myself. I truly do. I truly truly truly do.
And then I realized I have been here for almost a year now. In February I will be celebrating my first anniversary in Dubai. Has it been that long? I didn't notice.
During my first six months here time dragged on and I couldn't wait to find a job I really wanted. Since I got this job, time has been going so fast and all I've been doing is enjoying the ride. Especially now that my circle of friends has become larger, and there's so much more to see in this crazy city, it seems a few more months before going back home isn't such a long wait.
Dubai feels like home now. I tried to deny this feeling, insisting that my heart still belonged to Manila, and it still does. But it wouldn't hurt to acknowledge the fact that living in this place has done so much to make me braver, and see things in a way I'd never considered before. And I embrace my Dubai life now. I stopped converting to peso like a madman...well I still do that but only when it matters. I also started getting involved with fellow Pinoys in Dubai, something I really wasn't sure I wanted to do. But now Im enjoying it. And of course, I now have pictures of myself and my friends in different places, on different occasions, and I proudly post them here or on Friendster. These are signs that I am really living the Dubai life.
I know that Manila will always be my number one. My family and friends are there and that is where I really belong. But for now, since I cannot live there, I am making the most out of Dubai.
2006 was such a roller coaster ride. The despedida dinners, the goodbyes, the excitement, the loneliness, the awe, the desperation, the heartaches, the dead ends, the depression, the rise and fall, the happiness and the slow tranformation from missing Manila to fully living Dubai-style. They all sum up the past year for me.
2007, I pray, will be much better. It surely started on a good note, to put it lightly. The UP alumni chapter's many worthwhile activities, my closest friends, my exciting job, and of course my dear Guillaume, I can only be thankful to God for giving me such blessings. A far cry from the early months of last year. This is happiness at its peak. Happiness I cannot even describe, that's why this stuff I'm writing is such a mess.
I love life. And I am not just convincing myself. I truly do. I truly truly truly do.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Went to the gym, after a week of being such a bad girl.
This week I had been drinking and eating non stop.
I needed that workout.
Guillaume called me. I was floating on Sheikh Zayed on the way home.
Poor guy had a stiff neck, and he couldn't move his neck to the left.
He gave me chocolates last night, which I very much appreciated.
In fact am eating them. All of them. Right now.
This week I had been drinking and eating non stop.
I needed that workout.
Guillaume called me. I was floating on Sheikh Zayed on the way home.
Poor guy had a stiff neck, and he couldn't move his neck to the left.
He gave me chocolates last night, which I very much appreciated.
In fact am eating them. All of them. Right now.
Global Village
Obet, Mye, Arvin and I went to Global Village yesterday and I'm happy they liked the place. They went all around the world, and we were there from 430 PM to 1130 PM. But it was a fun trip! 
France didn't have a pavillion, but the crepes were selling quicker than hotcakes. (pa-attempt mag idiom) We didn't bother to take a picture of the French stall. But my friends liked the crepe, especially Guillaume's huge discount for them.
Arvin and me in front of the Thailand stage. I was talking on the phone with Eve, but didn't want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime pose. 
Arvin, Obet and me in front of the Thailand pavillion. That's right in front of the crepe stall! 
Arvin, me and Mye in front of the Kenya pavillion. Lotsa nice stuff in here. I like the lions. I'm a Leo. Rooooooarrr. Ano ngayon?
We were having coffee when the musical fountain started. And the pictorial followed.
Kenya another. Loads of people.
Nice view in front of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia pavillion and the ferris wheel in the background, which Obet desperately wanted to ride.
At Central Perk. But without "friends". Get it? 
Inside the UAE pavillion, where I bought nice flats. I'm glad I bought them because a few minutes later my thongs fell apart and I was suddenly walking barefoot near the Iraq pavillion.
In front of the China pavillion. It's huge, and they sell really cheap stuff too. Obet wanted a chiong sam so badly. Of course we had to stop him from buying one.
Sino daw to? Tumingin pa si baklit. Imberna!
Fireworks in the background. Winner!
Arvin, Obet and me in front of the Thailand pavillion. That's right in front of the crepe stall! Arvin, me and Mye in front of the Kenya pavillion. Lotsa nice stuff in here. I like the lions. I'm a Leo. Rooooooarrr. Ano ngayon?We were having coffee when the musical fountain started. And the pictorial followed.Kenya another. Loads of people.Nice view in front of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia pavillion and the ferris wheel in the background, which Obet desperately wanted to ride.At Central Perk. But without "friends". Get it? Inside the UAE pavillion, where I bought nice flats. I'm glad I bought them because a few minutes later my thongs fell apart and I was suddenly walking barefoot near the Iraq pavillion.In front of the China pavillion. It's huge, and they sell really cheap stuff too. Obet wanted a chiong sam so badly. Of course we had to stop him from buying one.Sino daw to? Tumingin pa si baklit. Imberna!Fireworks in the background. Winner!On the way home. Traffic. Our trusted friend Omar Ali going his "Chika lang mother". I told him it meant "joke only", which is true. I didn't tell him it was such a gay thing to say though. And this guy is a homophobe.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
un petit idiot?
I can’t quite figure this out.
It was definitely a Hello Stranger meeting.
It was absolutely something out of a movie.
A B-movie that could only afford to use a crepe stand as a set.
And I can’t believe it is still here.
It hasn’t gone away.
It certainly made my days brighter and my nights less cold.
You can start calling me Sunny and I won’t mind!
This is disgusting. I am a giant bundle of joy!
What a delight to feel this.
And it is truly overwhelming.
Don’t put out the fire, it’s keeping me warm!
He’s the pashmina I never had.
Well I have one but it’s not pure pashmina, just a shitty shawl really.
And I don’t regret every single second I’ve spent with him.
And I don’t care if you think, “un petit naif femme”.
Cela m'est égal.
A bientot!
It was definitely a Hello Stranger meeting.
It was absolutely something out of a movie.
A B-movie that could only afford to use a crepe stand as a set.
And I can’t believe it is still here.
It hasn’t gone away.
It certainly made my days brighter and my nights less cold.
You can start calling me Sunny and I won’t mind!
This is disgusting. I am a giant bundle of joy!
What a delight to feel this.
And it is truly overwhelming.
Don’t put out the fire, it’s keeping me warm!
He’s the pashmina I never had.
Well I have one but it’s not pure pashmina, just a shitty shawl really.
And I don’t regret every single second I’ve spent with him.
And I don’t care if you think, “un petit naif femme”.
Cela m'est égal.
A bientot!
let me!
I have been invited to attend a gala dinner on Saturday.
It’s no big deal really.
I am NOT the guest of honor.
BUT BUT BUT!
I will wear my shoes.
Let me put my “sexiness” to the test.
And let me hide under the table if I fail.
It’s no big deal really.
I am NOT the guest of honor.
BUT BUT BUT!
I will wear my shoes.
Let me put my “sexiness” to the test.
And let me hide under the table if I fail.
you....
- bring him lunch at his work place
- search for this rare medicine to lower his cholesterol level
- tell all your friends to support his business
- alter your body clock drastically to accommodate him
- say things that would normally make you throw up...mainly because they're straight from the heart (can't believe i wrote HEART here)
- scrub yourself silly
- let your hair down, even if it irritates your face
- give him a Kenyan toy because he loves Africa
- learn a little French, the language you've tried to avoid all your life because you're just not born "nasally skilled" and... well, it's hard to speak
- go all the way to the other side of the world to visit him
The above are the things I advice you to do if you want to show someone how much you care for him.
Because this might be your one shot at romance, and just like in all the other things you do, you must do your best in this.
And I never even imagined I could have this. Now I have it, I don't know for how long, but NOW matters and I want to do it right this time.
Little sacrifices go a long way. Contrary to my past belief that giving your all might be a waste of time and might ruin you, I now believe that with the kindness and sweetness he has shown me and the time and effort he has devoted to me in a short span of time, he deserves the best. No, this hasn't ruined me.
It didn't complete me either. It just made me happier. Much happier.
I swear.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
can i be sexy now? please?
I bought sexy shoes!
I bought sexy shoes!
I bought sexy shoes!
Sexy by my standards of course.
It's just a simple bronze pair, but I've never had one like it before.
It's nice, it goes well with all my bronze stuff.
But I bet I'll just wear my new shoes on very special occasions.
Hope not my wedding day.
A little earlier than that please.
Thanks to Jen.
She bought a pair of nice pumps to go with her Coach bag.
With lovely heart chains.
I'm not there yet.
Plain bronze ones should do.
Happy feet!
....no, SEXY FEET!
I bought sexy shoes!
I bought sexy shoes!
Sexy by my standards of course.
It's just a simple bronze pair, but I've never had one like it before.
It's nice, it goes well with all my bronze stuff.
But I bet I'll just wear my new shoes on very special occasions.
Hope not my wedding day.
A little earlier than that please.
Thanks to Jen.
She bought a pair of nice pumps to go with her Coach bag.
With lovely heart chains.
I'm not there yet.
Plain bronze ones should do.
Happy feet!
....no, SEXY FEET!
Old Friends by Everything But the Girl
not for the first time I looked back on all those yearsnot for the last time names will ring in my earsWhen there was just a gang of us storming the town by train and busa moment of thought this heart sends to old friends
not for the first time I looked back on all those yearsnot for the last time names will ring in my earsWhen there was just a gang of us storming the town by train and busa moment of thought this heart sends to old friends
standing here with my arm around you, life's moved onand all its borderlines are being redrawnthe winter has come the roads are white everyone's home late tonightmay we stay or will it depend as old friends
in the end , still old friends
not for the first time I looked back on all those yearsnot for the last time names will ring in my earsWhen there was just a gang of us storming the town by train and busa moment of thought this heart sends to old friends
standing here with my arm around you, life's moved onand all its borderlines are being redrawnthe winter has come the roads are white everyone's home late tonightmay we stay or will it depend as old friends
in the end , still old friends
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
unsexy
Jen and I had coffee last night and we went around the mall to go window shopping.
I tried on some pairs of shoes, which in Jen’s opinion were “not sexy”.
Aha! All these years I’ve opted for “unsexy” shoes, which potentially ruined my outfits.
Oh no. Major panic.
Jen told me to choose heels instead of dreadfully plain thongs, because shoes can change your life.
Oh no oh no, 24 years of being unsexy. That’s an important revelation.
The push-up bras, the red lipstick, the witty one-liners!
None of them really counted because I’ve been wearing ugly flats the whole time!
Must do some shoe shopping within the week.
No wonder Jen’s boyfriend Khashif told me on more than one occasion to drop the gypsy act and start dressing like a chick.
But first of all I must start LOOKING like one.
I tried on some pairs of shoes, which in Jen’s opinion were “not sexy”.
Aha! All these years I’ve opted for “unsexy” shoes, which potentially ruined my outfits.
Oh no. Major panic.
Jen told me to choose heels instead of dreadfully plain thongs, because shoes can change your life.
Oh no oh no, 24 years of being unsexy. That’s an important revelation.
The push-up bras, the red lipstick, the witty one-liners!
None of them really counted because I’ve been wearing ugly flats the whole time!
Must do some shoe shopping within the week.
No wonder Jen’s boyfriend Khashif told me on more than one occasion to drop the gypsy act and start dressing like a chick.
But first of all I must start LOOKING like one.
Monday, January 08, 2007
a little overacting
A little overacting, a little over the edge.
A little zest to life, a little sweet surprise.
A little speed won’t hurt, a little overtaking.
A little carefree for my age, a little overacting.
A little zest to life, a little sweet surprise.
A little speed won’t hurt, a little overtaking.
A little carefree for my age, a little overacting.
what work?
I was late for work today.
Late. Like, three hours late.
But it was all right, because I had a lovely time catching up on my sleep.
My boss sternly advised me not to do this again.
I won't.
It's just that I've been extremely tired the past few days, and I needed a short sweet break to catch my breath.
Last night Jen and I went to Global Village to go around and torture our feet.
And there was Guillaume looking so cute in a chef's vest, and before I knew it I was finishing my chocolate and strawberry crepe and Jen's egg and cheese crepe like a madman.
It was stupid really, trying to show him that I could eat more than one large crepe.
That didn't really prove anything.
But he was so cute!
I just wanted to send a very important message across --- that I would stuff my face with bad fats to prove how much I liked him.
I also bought him a souvenir from Kenya, a nice hand-made figure of a girl and a boy on a bicycle, all made from wood shavings/dried leaves and rubbish soft wire.
He liked it. He said he'd put it in his new room in his new flat.
And can he just forget about the Japanese guy Sherry and I approached.
We just asked the guy for a copy of the Japanese pop song playing at the Japanese pavillion.
We just found it really amusing, like Britney from Japan singing stuff that made us bob our heads. We couldn't even understand the lyrics, but it made us dance with the Sumo wrestler.
And that was it. Nothing more.
Honestly.
He kept on saying "Going to Japan?" until my small Kenyan gift shut him up and made him believe I liked him and only him!
All right.
Back to work.
Late. Like, three hours late.
But it was all right, because I had a lovely time catching up on my sleep.
My boss sternly advised me not to do this again.
I won't.
It's just that I've been extremely tired the past few days, and I needed a short sweet break to catch my breath.
Last night Jen and I went to Global Village to go around and torture our feet.
And there was Guillaume looking so cute in a chef's vest, and before I knew it I was finishing my chocolate and strawberry crepe and Jen's egg and cheese crepe like a madman.
It was stupid really, trying to show him that I could eat more than one large crepe.
That didn't really prove anything.
But he was so cute!
I just wanted to send a very important message across --- that I would stuff my face with bad fats to prove how much I liked him.
I also bought him a souvenir from Kenya, a nice hand-made figure of a girl and a boy on a bicycle, all made from wood shavings/dried leaves and rubbish soft wire.
He liked it. He said he'd put it in his new room in his new flat.
And can he just forget about the Japanese guy Sherry and I approached.
We just asked the guy for a copy of the Japanese pop song playing at the Japanese pavillion.
We just found it really amusing, like Britney from Japan singing stuff that made us bob our heads. We couldn't even understand the lyrics, but it made us dance with the Sumo wrestler.
And that was it. Nothing more.
Honestly.
He kept on saying "Going to Japan?" until my small Kenyan gift shut him up and made him believe I liked him and only him!
All right.
Back to work.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
unreserved prose
Last night Guillaume visited me extra early, like 1 AM (Jeeesus). Global Village was quiet, as everyone planned to have an early night in preparation for work today, and so his small crepery had to close down a little earlier. He looked extra fine last night. We went to Crowne Plaza for mojitos and he told me stuff about his teenage years (which weren’t very long ago), and life in Europe. I realized that I still had a lot to learn about the world, and the information he volunteered, while not really useful, was interesting and welcome to my library of trivias.
I like making him pronounce French words, so I can feel like I’m in Paris and so I can secretly laugh at the nasal sounds of them. Take Elizabeth Arden for example. He pronounced it as Eleezabeth Arghhhhden, like he was about to spit, God forbid in my face. Very entertaining.
It’s certainly wise to be wary. But I don’t really know what I’m trying to be wise for. Some things in one’s life are fleeting, and Guillaume may be one of them in my life, but I really want to make the most of it and just go through the whole thing, and it is much better than thinking, “Ok get this over with. What do you want? Stay or scram.” That was me. That’s how I sounded before. Not very pleasant huh? And the thing about Guillaume, he makes an effort to spend time with me. Be with me. Even in unimaginable times. And he’s such a fun guy. He’s always walking around bumping into things and hugging me. And while we hugged I thanked him for the warmth his hug had given me, and he had to ruin the moment by asking what “hug” meant. But it’s ok. I like ruined moments. (Still dream eyed.)
I hope he’s all right and I know I can only hope and not demand or expect, but as long as he is there I will open my doors to him. It makes so much sense. And I am rationalizing my feelings again! But that’s a good sign, because it means I’ve taken off the sign on my forehead that said “Jaded Hag”.
Happiness is not a crime. And this man has never done anything to hurt me. Hallelujah! I am tempted to write another piece entitled “What if it ends tomorrow?”, but I’ve decided to get on with that one if and when it happens.
OK for the second time this gushing has GOT to stop.
Later maybe.
I like making him pronounce French words, so I can feel like I’m in Paris and so I can secretly laugh at the nasal sounds of them. Take Elizabeth Arden for example. He pronounced it as Eleezabeth Arghhhhden, like he was about to spit, God forbid in my face. Very entertaining.
It’s certainly wise to be wary. But I don’t really know what I’m trying to be wise for. Some things in one’s life are fleeting, and Guillaume may be one of them in my life, but I really want to make the most of it and just go through the whole thing, and it is much better than thinking, “Ok get this over with. What do you want? Stay or scram.” That was me. That’s how I sounded before. Not very pleasant huh? And the thing about Guillaume, he makes an effort to spend time with me. Be with me. Even in unimaginable times. And he’s such a fun guy. He’s always walking around bumping into things and hugging me. And while we hugged I thanked him for the warmth his hug had given me, and he had to ruin the moment by asking what “hug” meant. But it’s ok. I like ruined moments. (Still dream eyed.)
I hope he’s all right and I know I can only hope and not demand or expect, but as long as he is there I will open my doors to him. It makes so much sense. And I am rationalizing my feelings again! But that’s a good sign, because it means I’ve taken off the sign on my forehead that said “Jaded Hag”.
Happiness is not a crime. And this man has never done anything to hurt me. Hallelujah! I am tempted to write another piece entitled “What if it ends tomorrow?”, but I’ve decided to get on with that one if and when it happens.
OK for the second time this gushing has GOT to stop.
Later maybe.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
New Year's Eve photos
Here are two photos (taken with Arvin's camera, obviously) all the way form Dubai... New Year's Eve with Obet, Sherry. Mai, Jen and Arvin.
The first picture was taken at Xurness' Bur Dubai flat, which by the way is very classy and spacious. Masks, torotot, champagne, and lotsa party poppers!
The second one was in front of Crowne Plaza, where we waited for Jen and Sherry for ages before going to the party together in full force. Our background? Of course the famous Emirates Towers, where people wine and dine and buy really nice expensive stuff.
Grabbed these photos from Arvin's Friendster. Hehehe.
all the way from manila
Mama and I had a nice chat today.
She sent me some pictures that I would like all of you to see.
My mother and little cousins are lovely.
I miss having fun with them.
Friday, January 05, 2007
shameless and dreamy-eyed
That's right.
Another night of champagne with Guillaume.
We toasted to the 35-dirham bottle Colin got for us (excellent for such a price) and had a fun night.
I can't quite explain his personality.
He's different from other French men I've met because he's a little rugged and clumsy, two traits that I guess are not very French.
He must be a goof in France, because he laughs like a hyena when he wants to and spills champagne all over the villa (kitchen, living room etc etc).
But under normal circumstances is the sweetest man in the world.
Sometimes he says things that really make me want to burst out laughing, but then I realize that he's not joking.
And he handles emergency situations really well.
Like when we went to Fairmont and he didn't expect the bill to be so huge, and even after my contribution we were still short. After failed attempts at the ATM machine he finally convinced the waiter and front duty officer to accept his Euros. It was supposed to be absolutely embarrassing, but too much alcohol caused us to see this as a trivial incident, something we just don't remember after a few laughs.
And that's really what's charming about him.
I like laughing at him and with him and he's just very steady.
I am just so happy to spend time with him.
And sometimes the traffic is bad and it can be a three-hour drive to my place, he still comes to visit. Right after 10 hours of non-stop crepe making.
That's something that really impressed me.
And I don't feel stupid mispronouncing French words with him.
I can learn. He can teach me.
And this embarrassing gushing has really got to end.
Right about now.
Another night of champagne with Guillaume.
We toasted to the 35-dirham bottle Colin got for us (excellent for such a price) and had a fun night.
I can't quite explain his personality.
He's different from other French men I've met because he's a little rugged and clumsy, two traits that I guess are not very French.
He must be a goof in France, because he laughs like a hyena when he wants to and spills champagne all over the villa (kitchen, living room etc etc).
But under normal circumstances is the sweetest man in the world.
Sometimes he says things that really make me want to burst out laughing, but then I realize that he's not joking.
And he handles emergency situations really well.
Like when we went to Fairmont and he didn't expect the bill to be so huge, and even after my contribution we were still short. After failed attempts at the ATM machine he finally convinced the waiter and front duty officer to accept his Euros. It was supposed to be absolutely embarrassing, but too much alcohol caused us to see this as a trivial incident, something we just don't remember after a few laughs.
And that's really what's charming about him.
I like laughing at him and with him and he's just very steady.
I am just so happy to spend time with him.
And sometimes the traffic is bad and it can be a three-hour drive to my place, he still comes to visit. Right after 10 hours of non-stop crepe making.
That's something that really impressed me.
And I don't feel stupid mispronouncing French words with him.
I can learn. He can teach me.
And this embarrassing gushing has really got to end.
Right about now.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
hope
My very first blog entry was all about optimism. By being such an eager beaver, would I end up happy, or was I blindly getting ready to get hurt?
Of course I wanted to be happy, I still do.
So I decided to be an optimist instead of a masochist.
Both are just states of mind, really.
And the former is definitely a better one.
I realized that it is not easy to be optimistic.
It's an aqcuired skill, a talent anyone would be so lucky to possess.
The moment I get scared I try very very hard to brush negative thoughts away.
Most of the time, I just try to forget about my fears and deal with them later.
This non-confrontational attitude is also detrimental to my happiness, because at the back of my mind I always have something to worry about while I try my best to have fun and enjoy the moment.
Now that’s awfully hard, and if I keep on doing that I might end up getting a heart attack or in a mental institution. Or unhappy.
Right now the happiness is just overwhelming, and things are going so fast that I’m having a hard time convincing myself that it’s going to be all right.
Pretty soon things might change for the worse and I wouldn’t know what hit me.
But I’ve made a mistake of being cold and practicing emotional self-censorship in the recent past, and I ended up sad and alone. I didn’t even enjoy each moment of something that could have been good for me. I just dismissed everything, until I realized that my anticipation of the worst actually caused the worst to occur.
So God was kind enough to give me something new this year, and it feels good.
I want to keep on doing this NOW, now that the opportunity is here and someone cares for me and is willing to spend time with me.
I’ve been so open with my feelings, saying things that are taboo in my made-up bible of first-stage dating.
But being open makes me feel good, even if I know it is also the key to getting hurt fast and badly.
But like someone said, the clever know enough to become cynical, but the truly wise are those that are clever enough not to become cynical, no matter what.
I’ve always neglected to mention the feeling I’ve always had inside me, a feeling that goes perfectly well with happiness.
HOPE.
I’ve been on Marlboro Lights all my smoking life that I’ve been keeping Hope in the periphery.
Of course I wanted to be happy, I still do.
So I decided to be an optimist instead of a masochist.
Both are just states of mind, really.
And the former is definitely a better one.
I realized that it is not easy to be optimistic.
It's an aqcuired skill, a talent anyone would be so lucky to possess.
The moment I get scared I try very very hard to brush negative thoughts away.
Most of the time, I just try to forget about my fears and deal with them later.
This non-confrontational attitude is also detrimental to my happiness, because at the back of my mind I always have something to worry about while I try my best to have fun and enjoy the moment.
Now that’s awfully hard, and if I keep on doing that I might end up getting a heart attack or in a mental institution. Or unhappy.
Right now the happiness is just overwhelming, and things are going so fast that I’m having a hard time convincing myself that it’s going to be all right.
Pretty soon things might change for the worse and I wouldn’t know what hit me.
But I’ve made a mistake of being cold and practicing emotional self-censorship in the recent past, and I ended up sad and alone. I didn’t even enjoy each moment of something that could have been good for me. I just dismissed everything, until I realized that my anticipation of the worst actually caused the worst to occur.
So God was kind enough to give me something new this year, and it feels good.
I want to keep on doing this NOW, now that the opportunity is here and someone cares for me and is willing to spend time with me.
I’ve been so open with my feelings, saying things that are taboo in my made-up bible of first-stage dating.
But being open makes me feel good, even if I know it is also the key to getting hurt fast and badly.
But like someone said, the clever know enough to become cynical, but the truly wise are those that are clever enough not to become cynical, no matter what.
I’ve always neglected to mention the feeling I’ve always had inside me, a feeling that goes perfectly well with happiness.
HOPE.
I’ve been on Marlboro Lights all my smoking life that I’ve been keeping Hope in the periphery.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
warm
It was a long night for me.
My New Year's Day exceeded 24 hours.And I'm happy.
I actually didn't sleep, if you can believe that.
Now I have a bad cold and possibly dying.
It's so cold. So cold. So freaking cold.
I'm such a frog.
But it's odd. Deep down I haven't felt so warm in months.
Must be Guillaume and his champagne.
Must be Guillaume alone.
Must be my thoughts of Guillaume.
Or must be my hopes of seeing Guillaume again.
Whatever it is, it keeps me warm at 18 degrees, noontime.
I heard tonight it's dropping to 9 degrees.
Which means I need to feel much warmer later.
Guillaume.
Sigh.
My New Year's Day exceeded 24 hours.And I'm happy.
I actually didn't sleep, if you can believe that.
Now I have a bad cold and possibly dying.
It's so cold. So cold. So freaking cold.
I'm such a frog.
But it's odd. Deep down I haven't felt so warm in months.
Must be Guillaume and his champagne.
Must be Guillaume alone.
Must be my thoughts of Guillaume.
Or must be my hopes of seeing Guillaume again.
Whatever it is, it keeps me warm at 18 degrees, noontime.
I heard tonight it's dropping to 9 degrees.
Which means I need to feel much warmer later.
Guillaume.
Sigh.
Monday, January 01, 2007
nice feeling
I feel like galloping through the crowds on the streets today.
While humming a Japanese pop song.
I just feel so good. So good.
Even better than James Brown did (may he rest in peace).
There's just something in the air. In the sweet-smelling air!
Normally when I feel like this I also want to slap myself for being so happy.
Usually when I feel this great something happens to bring me right into a slump.
But not this time. Everyday is a happy day, remember?
Optimism can do miracles.
Makes you feel productive, and hopeful, and fresh, and lets you sleep peacefully at night with eagerness to wake up the next day.
While humming a Japanese pop song.
I just feel so good. So good.
Even better than James Brown did (may he rest in peace).
There's just something in the air. In the sweet-smelling air!
Normally when I feel like this I also want to slap myself for being so happy.
Usually when I feel this great something happens to bring me right into a slump.
But not this time. Everyday is a happy day, remember?
Optimism can do miracles.
Makes you feel productive, and hopeful, and fresh, and lets you sleep peacefully at night with eagerness to wake up the next day.
no strangers
Jen, Obet, Sherry, Mai, Arvin and I were invited to a New Year's party in a Bur Dubai flat. Xurness, a fellow UP alumnus, and his event were fabulous.
There was unlimited booze, champagne most importantly.
And they gave each of us a mask, a torotot and a party popper, so by midnight we were all making noise and having our pictures taken and shouting happy New Year.
Then there was karaoke. The nice part was, we danced with some people we never ever met.
We'd never even sat down and talked to Xurness before this party.
We were so glad we came. Thanks for this, X!
And then Jen, Sherry and I went to the Fairmont to have tea and freaking creme brulee. They're angels. They kept me company until Guillaume and his friend came.
Jen and Sherry left and the guys were a bit disappointed because there was no champagne or wine. It was 4 AM and Cascades only served drinks til 3.
So I invited them to our place, where ever-dependable Breezers were waiting for us, and we had a nice chat.
They're planning to expand their crepe business, and though I must hate crepe because of its evil calorie content, I like the crepe men (especially Guillaume). And therefore I love their crepe. I don't need to eat them all the time do I?
It was an unusual new year's eve and morning for me.
Aside from my dear friends I spent them with what you would call almost complete strangers, but they were warm and friendly and fun like friends I've known for years.
Do we keep the friendship? Are there more parties to attend? Are there more crepes to eat and nice conversations to look forward to? I guess I'll never know.
But I've proven one thing --- there are no strangers in this world if you choose not to be a stranger yourself. So let me be a friend of everyone, and who knows what's in store for me in 2007?
There was unlimited booze, champagne most importantly.
And they gave each of us a mask, a torotot and a party popper, so by midnight we were all making noise and having our pictures taken and shouting happy New Year.
Then there was karaoke. The nice part was, we danced with some people we never ever met.
We'd never even sat down and talked to Xurness before this party.
We were so glad we came. Thanks for this, X!
And then Jen, Sherry and I went to the Fairmont to have tea and freaking creme brulee. They're angels. They kept me company until Guillaume and his friend came.
Jen and Sherry left and the guys were a bit disappointed because there was no champagne or wine. It was 4 AM and Cascades only served drinks til 3.
So I invited them to our place, where ever-dependable Breezers were waiting for us, and we had a nice chat.
They're planning to expand their crepe business, and though I must hate crepe because of its evil calorie content, I like the crepe men (especially Guillaume). And therefore I love their crepe. I don't need to eat them all the time do I?
It was an unusual new year's eve and morning for me.
Aside from my dear friends I spent them with what you would call almost complete strangers, but they were warm and friendly and fun like friends I've known for years.
Do we keep the friendship? Are there more parties to attend? Are there more crepes to eat and nice conversations to look forward to? I guess I'll never know.
But I've proven one thing --- there are no strangers in this world if you choose not to be a stranger yourself. So let me be a friend of everyone, and who knows what's in store for me in 2007?
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