Merry Christmas!

I have been on leave from work since the 22nd of December so that gives me more time to update this blog, to finish the book that I have started reading many months before and to learn how to crochet. But sadly, I haven't given much time to any of those activities. Instead, I get sleep as much as I can, watch cartoons, laze around and just do... NOTHING! It feels so good to waste time (and still being paid… LOL!).

Well, I just want to wish happy holidays to everyone. May we all realize that Christmas is not about the foods in our table or gifts under the tree... but being grateful for the blessings we received throughout the year. Merry Christmas to all!

Rush, Stress and Christmas

Christmas is my favorite time of the year (I believe I have mentioned that in my previous posts). I enjoy seeing colorful ornaments and sparkling Christmas lights everywhere and most of all, I love the mood Christmas season brings; cold yet you can feel the warmth through love of family and friends, get-together/reunions also known as catching up sessions and of course, the wide array of treats for everyone (minus the cholesterol, sugar and expanding waistline). Oh I just love Christmas!

But if there is one thing I hate... or perhaps I do not like about Christmas, it's the stress caused by rush, delay, road traffic and the long lines on counters, gift wrapping sections and ATMs.

Although I have started my Christmas shopping few days before now, I cannot avoid dropping by the mall to buy this and that. Just like what happened to me today. I dropped by the mall near my office to buy a gift for my friends who will exchange I do's tomorrow. Paying at the counter wasn't a problem so I immediately proceed to free gift wrapping section. Not liking what I see, I proceed to another gift wrapping section in which you have to buy the wrapper, box and all. I really believe that I'll be able to finish immediately because there are only few customers considering the fact that most people want to avail the free service. But boy I was wrong! The guy who is incharge of wrapping the gifts takes forever to finish one item. I want to grab my stuff and finish it myself but then, I am trying to stay in control. And what's worst is I heard them sort of making comments about not buying a ribbon for the gift. Damn! I want to yell at them... I can pay for ten ribbons if I want to. It's just that I am a practical customer and most especially, I am doing my best effort to minimize waste. These ribbons, after serving their purpose as decorations will surely end nowhere but in trashcans. Yes, it made the gift more attractive but is it helping the environment?

After that gift-wrapping experience comes the annoying cashier who referred us to another cashier for some reasons I cannot explain. Next is the woman sitting beside me inside the jeepney. Her long straight hair loves to dance in the air and from time to time slaps my face.

What a day! And because of these events, I suddenly felt like I want to lock myself inside the room... throughout the weekend. But then its Christmas... it's not a good idea to be grumpy. I hope I have the strength to control my temper for tomorrow’s events... the wedding and the company party right after the wedding.

Wish list

Simbang gabi (also called Misa de Gallo, Aguinaldo mass) has started yesterday so we can't deny that it's indeed Christmas time. I am not sure I can make it to one of the nine masses being such a sleepy-head and besides, it's too difficult to wake up in the morning considering the cold Christmas weather. Nevertheless, there is something I am sure of... my Christmas wish list.

1. Ray Ban Cats 5000
   I have been wishing for this for months now (see previous post). I would be very happy if I'll get this dream sunnies. But I don't think that this model is available here in our area and besides, I don't think I would spend much for this thing (it costs around US $100). I'd rather wait for someone to give me this as a gift. I hope waiting will not take until forever...
   
   
2. Running shoes
   I'm not a runner but I am planning to start running as soon as my schedule allows. My Chucks and mary jane type Skechers shoes are not appropriate for running so I definitely need one that is good for running.
   
   
3. Bike
   I have lots of reasons for wanting a bike:
   
   • It can get me to places (within our town) without spending much for transportation fare.
     
   • Biking is a great form of exercise.
     
   • I can bike around with my 4 year old nephew (he has a small bike already).
     
   
   

4. Bloody red long-lasting lipstick
   Although I do not party nor attend formal/red carpet events often, I'd be very happy to have this lipstick shade. Perhaps stars like Madonna and Lady Gaga influenced me with this.
   
   
5. Facial session
   My blackheads sometimes embarrass me and I know I have to do something about this... quick! But I am too busy or probably too lazy to idle around skin care centers to have my face done. But if it's paid by someone for me, I believe I can endure the long wait. :)
   
   
6. Amazon kindle
   Amazon kindle was released in the Philippines last October and I can't help but wish I have one. A friend is discouraging me buying this product but still... I want to have one.
   
   
7. Get-together and reunion with former schoolmates
   School is important to me so are the people and friends I met in school. Sadly, we became too busy with our own lives that we fail to spend time together as a group and have fun just like before. I hope we can find time to gather, be thankful for the blessings received this year and to prepare ourselves for more challenges next year.
   

Disclaimer: This list is subject to change without prior notice. ;)

Obvious Scam

Though I always check my hotmail account, I rarely use it when setting up accounts in social networking sites, forum sites and other internet niche that require email address. I'd rather use any of my three gmail account or my long-time yahoomail. That is why I was kinda "duh!" when I received a mail with "Congratulation On Your Euros Millions Award!!!" on the subject line.


Who in the hell will send me this email when in fact I haven't even heard about Euro Million Lottery Agency. I think the sender is from Hongkong considering the .hk domain at the email of the person to contact when "claiming the prize."

If I didn't know anything about scams, I would have jumped for joy and send my personal information at once for that is what the email states.

"You are to send us the following details along with your ticket number. Full Name, Occupation,Country,Age,Telephone Number."

Perhaps they don't realize that I'm aware of identity theft too.

I was actually tempted to reply, not to give what they are asking but to pester them to the fullest. But being a tech support to my boss' website, I know I will just waste my time for my mail will definitely be marked as spam or deleted because it is not something of much use to them. And being such a segurista, I checked snopes to know other stories of lottery scam. Unfortunately, I can't find a story similar to mine (same contact person, same details) but the point is apparent that winning a large sum of money in a foreign lottery you don't remember entering is definitely a scam. I even googled the sender's name "Mrs. Linda Jansen". And tada! 61, 000 results appeared... (sigh) People will definitely do everything, even to lie at the expense of others just for money.

* This is in fact the second email I received saying that I won in a foreign lottery. The first one was sent to my yahoomail.

The Only CATS I Love!

I am not a cat-person so this definitely has nothing to do with the four-legged creatures that purr. The CATS I am referring to here is one of the many models of Ray Ban Sunglasses. CATS 5000 is a new version of my all-time favorite, the Aviators. The new version comes in frames with varying colors with thin elongated temples bearing the brand's metal signature. To paraphrase the product description, "Don't be ordinary! Colorize your world and stand out in fun fashion colors... " Seems fun indeed! I am actually drooling seeing these beautiful sunnies... I believe the dark orange/brown gradient or the fuchsia/grey fade or any color makes perfect gift for Christmas... especially for me. :)



Photo credits:
ray-ban.com

She's Proud

I never thought that my post "Dear world" would make my friend proud of me (just saying...). She even made her own letter to Mother Earth. This is the least we can do to help.

Pink Ribbon

I support breast cancer research and awareness. Find out how you can help...

Dear World...

Dear World,

For the past 23 years, you sheltered me with kindness. You provided me with air so that I can breath. You gave me light so that I will be able to do things that I need and want. You bring darkness to remind me that it's time to rest my weary body and prepare for the coming of new light. You even spared me from your threats that my brethren have experienced and are experiencing right now.

Oh my dear world, thank you for showing me how wonderful it is to be under your protection. But despite of what you did for me, sometimes I am taking you for granted. I know, like others, I also played some roles in your deterioration. It is possible that I have used cosmetic products that contain ingredients harmful to you. And though I am not involved in illegal logging or any sort of cutting trees activity, I am fully aware that I benefited from it. I benefit from using wooden furniture, I ate foods cooked using coals and of course, I am no stranger to pencil and paper. I also use plastic bags and sometimes, these plastic bags are burned along with dried leaves, branches of trees and other things that were once useful and valued.

With that, I am very sorry. I know I cannot change others dramatically so I started in my own little way. I promised to become serious in my attempts to minimize using things that can pose danger to you. I started living with the 3R rule in mind; reduce the amount and toxicity of trash I throw away, reuse containers, plastic wrappers and products and recycle as much as possible and buy products with recycled content.

I am hoping that others will give adequate attention and effort to save you - to bring back your luster and health. May the recent tragedies serve as an eye-opener, a wake up call to people around the globe. I will not beg you not to send anymore disaster but I am asking you to please spare those who are innocent, those who are not in any way involved in your destruction, those who have not provoked you to send such calamities. They do not deserve to be punished from other people's mistakes.

If you think that I deserve to be punished as well, so be it. I will gladly pay for what I did to you. I'd rather choose to disappear in the face of this planet than to see you vanish and leave us all homeless. You are irreplaceable.

Thank you.

Love,

Cecille

Someone Needs a Haircut

I will be sporting one of these hairstyles soon...



Photo credits:
http://www.totalhair.net
http://www.hairpedia.com
http://hairstyleschat.com/
http://www.latest-hairstyles.com

Let's Hear from the Politicians

On my previous post, I compiled a list of Filipino celebrities who are using Twitter, a free social networking and micro-blogging service that enables users to post messages for up to 140 characters. This service enables people to check out on their idols, know their recent and upcoming projects and even take a peak at their idol's random rants.

Not only TV personalities are hooked to Twitter. Even politicians are also joining this micro-blogging craze. They tweet to voice out their views on issues concerning public matter, their so-called plans for the country and their desire to "supposedly" help the Philippines.

Since Philippine election is just a few months away, I decided to gather the Twitter accounts of Philippine's most notable politicians to give ordinary people easy access to these accounts.

Chiz Escudero
Gibo Teodoro
Jejomar Binay
Kiko Pangilinan
Mar Roxas
Noynoy Aquino
Pia Cayetano






I only have seven right now. More to come. I'll keep you posted.

Filipinos Take on Twitter

I registered to Twitter a year ago but only became an active user a few months ago when I learned about Magpie (who wouldn't want to earn money by just posting tweets?). While posting my tweets or following others, I am sometimes wondering if Filipinos are also patronizing twitter the same way they are crazy about friendster and facebook.

My question was answered during PGMA's SONA last July 27, 2009. She didn't mentioned that she is using twitter like @SayChiz or @MARoxas neither did she mentioned anything about it. However, Filipinos proved that twitter is not unknown to them after all. The words "SONA", "PGMA" and "GMA" are on top of Twitter's trending topic beating Comic-Con and Harry Potter.

It was then later followed by Ateneo during their game against UP.

The recent death of former President Cory Aquino was also made known in twitterverse. Topics ranging from "Cory", "Cory Aquino", "President Cory Aquino" and "Kris Aquino" are talked about all over the world - people expressing their sympathy to the family while others thanked the former president for bringing democracy without blood shed and bombings.

I don't know why but I always feel overwhelmed every time there is Twitter trending that has something to do with us Filipinos (especially if it is something to be proud of). For me, it is just one way of telling the world that we exist and we should not be discriminated for what we are.

Knowing that many of the Hollywood stars are top Twitter users, I also made a search on Filipino celebrities who are using Twitter. At first there are only a few of them but their number increases as time goes by. Fans, if you want to know the whereabouts of your idols, what are they eating and things like that, simply check their twitter account. You will not be disappointed, I tell you. But don't expect that they will follow you back because they follow only people they know. You are lucky if @annecurtissmith or @kc_concepcion will follow or @ you.

Filipino Celebrities with Twitter

Alessandra de Rossi
Anne Curtis
Bianca Gonzales
Bianca King
Bubbles Paraiso
Camille Prats
Champ Lui Pui
Charice
Drew Arellano
Ehra Madrigal
Ely Buendia
Georgina Wilson
Heart Evangelista
Isabelle Daza
Iya Villania
Jim Paredes
Julius Babao
Juris Fernandez
KC COncepcion
Kris Aquino
Kris Bernal
Lea Salonga
Mariel Rodriguez
Matteo Guidicelli
Maxene Magalona
Mich Dulce
Miriam Quiambao
Mo Twister
Paulo Valenciano
Pia Magalona
Pokwang
Raymond Gutierrez
Regine Velasquez
Ruffa Gutierrez
Saab Magalona
Sunshine Cruz
Tintin Bersola Babao

Wishful Thinking

I am grateful for having been blessed with a stable job but, there are times when my body... and perhaps my soul is yearning for something different, something exciting than just sitting in my chair and staring at my computer screen the whole day. I always wish that I’m a:

• Researcher for travel and living - The word "travel" says it all. I'd be the happiest person alive if I can travel even just one-fourth of the world (Europe tops the list). Having a work that has something to do with travel can give me the opportunity to go places without spending much.
• Archaeologist - Ancient architecture, landscapes, artifacts and history-rich places always fascinate me. I want to get a glimpse of life people live hundreds of years ago. And besides, I can also go to different places if I'm an archaeologist. (Working as archaeologist's assistant or secretary will be fine though.)
  
• Drummer - Think about the stress and tension you can release when beating or hitting something. And besides, body-moving drum beat has that effect on me.
  

• Dog behaviorist - This one is probably the effect of writing dog articles for two years. But isn't it great to be able to communicate with the most loyal friend in the world?
• Gymnast - Doing cartwheels without feeling dizzy is fun!
• Figure skater - Beautiful!
• Hockey Player - Inspired by Mighty Ducks Movies... lol!
  

I wish one day I can be what I’m wishing to be.

Cradlesong

I grew up in a family that consists mostly of boys who love music like the ones from Nirvana, Third Eye Blind, Silverchair, Matchbox Twenty, Green Day, Semisonic, Oasis, Blink 182, Sum 41 and other bands and singers of the same genre. Growing up listening to them made my ears accustomed to their voices, their rhythmn... everything about their music that even until now, I still find myself not getting enough of them.

And now I'm kinda crazy about Rob Thomas' latest album titled Cradlesong. The lead singer of the Matchbox Twenty is also performing as solo artist and Cradlesong is actually his 2nd solo album. The album, released last June 30 has 14 tracks and has six bonus tracks. The album's first single, "Her Diamonds" (my favorite among the 20 tracks in the album) is about his wife and her struggle with the autoimmune disorder similar to lupus erythematosus.

The album with a pop rock feel debuted on the Billboard 200 selling 122,000 copies.

Tracklist
Her Diamonds
Gasoline
Give Me the Meltdown
Someday
Mockingbird
Real World '09
Fire on the Mountain
Hard On You
Still Ain't Over You
Natural
Snowblind
Wonderful
Cradlesong
Getting Late

Bonus tracks
Little Wonders - OST of Disney's animated feature Meet the Robinsons
Sleep Till the War Is Over
Believe
Years From Now
Remembered Well
Overrun

As usual, Rob Thomas did a great job on this album and like his first album and other Matchbox Twenty albums, I'll keep on enjoying every beat, every word they instill on their songs.

(Listening to the album while posting this.)

A Father's Day Prayer

Let us praise those fathers who have striven to balance the demands of work, marriage, and children with an honest awareness of both joy and sacrifice. Let us praise those fathers who, lacking a good model for a father, have worked to become a good father.

Let us praise those fathers who by their own account were not always there for their children, but who continue to offer those children, now grown, their love and support. Let us pray for those fathers who have been wounded by the neglect and hostility of their children.

Let us praise those fathers who, despite divorce, have remained in their children's lives. Let us praise those fathers whose children are adopted, and whose love and support has offered healing.

Let us praise those fathers who, as stepfathers, freely choose the obligation of fatherhood and earned their step children's love and respect. Let us praise those fathers who have lost a child to death, and continue to hold the child in their heart.

Let us praise those men who have no children, but cherish the next generation as if they were their own.

Let us praise those men who have "fathered" us in their role as mentors and guides.

Let us praise those men who are about to become fathers; may they openly delight in their children.

And let us praise those fathers who have died, but live on in our memory and whose love continues to nurture us.

- Kirk Loadman

(I came across this while browsing the net for some info I need for my squidoo lens about fathers. I decided to post it here in time for Father’s Day.)

Traffic!

Last week, I was bothered by the sudden drop of traffic on one of the sites I handle. From rank one (google) on a certain keyword to rank 135 and rank 179 later. Darn! I worked long and hard to get to that spot only to lose it overnight.

And then just this evening, traffic ruined my day. I was stuck amidst noise, smoke, vehicles and other passengers for almost one hour. Vehicles are moving so slow that it took me almost one hour to reach the place which can be normally reached within 10 to 15 minutes. Grrrr! The delay made me want to get out of the jeepney and run until I reach my destination but didn't do so because it is quite far for me to run. And besides, my outfit is not appropriate for running so that would certainly embarrass me. Good thing I do have french fries to munch on... I was able to keep my sanity.

End of rant!

Thanks to you...

My last blog post before this was almost a month ago. Haven't had time to blog since the first of May kicks off. Just want to thank my good friend (take note: good friend!) John Ross for editing my blog layout (additional sidebar). It is always a blessing having him around (college projects and exams, great books, foods, movies, books and more books... ).

Hopefully, I'll never get a strike on the nape when he sees this. :P

Sandbar at Nasidman

Last Saturday, we endured the approximately two-hour travel just to reach the wonderful Nasidman, an island located at Ajuy, Province of Iloilo. From Tagbak Terminal Jaro, Iloilo City, we rode a bus to Brgy. Barrido, Ajuy. Bus fare is supposedly Php 95 but we are lucky enough to be mistaken as students thus we paid only Php 75 (HPQ Transit conductors do not ask for student IDs... :D). We reached Nasidman Island through a ten-minute boat ride from Brgy. Barrido. Boat fare is Php 10.

While on our way there, I was expecting typical beach setting - lots of cottages with lots of people. I was wrong! In fact, when we arrived there, we are the only visitors or should I say tourist in the place. Many people have not explored (and abused) the island yet. The crystal-clear water is so tempting that I almost want to submerge into it the moment we arrived there.

Here are some photos of the place...

Approaching the island

The sandbar almost disappeared during high tide

Clear water

Sandbar during low tide
More photos...

Win Manduka eKO Lite Natural Rubber Yoga Mat

Invite a friend to join the United Yogis community, and you could be the next proud owner of a Manduka eKO Lite natural rubber yoga mat.

The person who sends the MOST INVITES will win the GRAND PRIZE of a Manduka eKO Lite natural rubber yoga mat.

As a bonus, each invite will also get you an entry in our RANDOM DRAW. The more invites you send, the higher your chances of winning RANDOM DRAW PRIZES like

Manduka eQua TowelONYA reusable bag
or Klean Kanteen water bottle

See how this contest works

Me and My Dog

Me and My Dog is the name of my newest blog, obviously, about dogs. The content of this blog isn't just about me and my dog alone. It covers anything with regards to dogs - care, training and amazing dog stories.

This is a no-expert's attempt to unravel secrets hidden behind the so-called man's best friend.

Daddy's Rules for Dating

One of my tasks in the office is involved with the tech support center of my client's website. I sort customer emails (called tickets) - remove spam, categorize the tickets and reply to tickets under the technical problem and customer service categories. While doing the task this morning, I saw one email with "Daddy's Rules for Dating" as the subject. I should have deleted it at once knowing that the subject alone is not in any way related to my client's website. But out of curiosity, I opened it and spend a good number of minutes reading the content before hitting the "mark as spam" button. I'm quite amused with the mail and thought of posting it here. So here it is...

• Rule One
  If you pull into my driveway and honk you'd better be delivering a package, because you're sure not picking anything up.


• Rule Two
  You do not touch my daughter in front of me. You may glance at her so long as you do not peer at anything below her neck. If you cannot keep your eyes or hands off of my daughter's body, I will remove them.


• Rule Three
  I am aware that it is considered fashionable for boys of your age to wear their trousers so loosely that they appear to be falling off their hips. Please don't take this as an insult, but you and all of your friends are complete idiots. Still, I want to be fair and open minded about this issue, so I propose this compromise: You may come to the door with your underwear showing and your pants ten sizes too big, and I will not object. However, in order to ensure that your clothes do not, in fact come off during the course of your date with my daughter, I will take my electric nail gun and fasten your trousers securely in place to your waist.


• Rule Four
  I'm sure you've been told that in today's world sex without utilizing a 'Barrier method' of some kind can kill you. Let me elaborate, when it comes to sex, I am the barrier, and I will kill you.


• Rule Five
  It is usually understood that in order for us to get to know each other, we should talk about sports, politics, and other issues of the day. Please do not do this.. The only information I require from you is an indication of when you expect to have my daughter safely back at my house, and the only word I need from you on this subject is: 'early.'


• Rule Six
  I have no doubt you are a popular fellow, with many opportunities to date other girls. This is fine with me as long as it is okay with my daughter. Otherwise, once you have gone out with my little girl, you will continue to date no one but her until she is finished with you. If you make her cry, I will make you cry.


• Rule Seven
  As you stand in my front hallway, waiting for my daughter to appear, and more than an hour goes by, do not sigh and fidget. If you want to be on time for the movie, you should not be dating. My daughter is putting on her makeup, a process than can take longer than painting the Sydney Harbor Bridge. Instead of just standing there, why don't you do something useful, like changing the oil in my car?


• Rule Eight
  The following places are not appropriate for a date with my daughter: Places where there are beds, sofas, or anything softer than a wooden stool, places where there is darkness, places where there is dancing, holding hands, or happiness. Places where the ambient temperature is warm enough to induce my daughter to wear shorts, tank tops, midriff T-shirts, or anything other than overalls, a sweater, and a goose down parka - zipped up to her throat. Movies with strong romantic or sexual themes are to be avoided; movies that feature chain saws are okay. Cricket games are okay...Old folks homes are better.


• Rule Nine
  Do not lie to me. I may appear to be a potbellied, balding, middle-aged, dim-witted has-been. But on issues relating to my daughter, I am the all-knowing, merciless god of your universe. If I ask you where you are going and with whom, you have one chance to tell me the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.. I have a shotgun, a shovel, and five acres behind the house. Do not trifle with me.


• Rule Ten
  Be afraid. Be very afraid. It takes very little for me to mistake the sound of your car in the driveway for a chopper coming in over a rice paddy near Hanoi. When my Agent Orange starts acting up, the voices in my head frequently tell me to clean the guns as I wait for you to bring my daughter home. As soon as you pull into the driveway you should exit the car with both hands in plain sight. Speak the perimeter password, announce in a clear voice that you have brought my daughter home safely and early then return to your car - there is no need for you to come inside. The camouflaged face at the window is mine.

There you have it guys. If your girl's dad has rules like the ones mentioned above, you shouldn’t be naughty or else you’ll be sorry.

Greenery

I love colors! I love being in a colorful environment. It made me appreciate the beauty of life. But among these colors, my most favorite is the color GREEN. The sight of anything green makes me feel refreshed and relaxed. That explains why I am loving the rice field and the sight of the green lawn after days of heavy rain.

With this, I made a little research about the color green.

In biology...
Green symbolizes life, growth, renewal, health and environment.

In Western Culture...
Green symbolizes life, fertility and rebirth. In Ancient Egypt, it symbolizes resurrection and immortality. The color is also known to signify witchcraft, devilry and evil. Green is also associated with decay, toxicity as well as misfortune and death.

In Eastern Culture...
Some Asian cultures use green to symbolize sickness and/or nausea however, in China, green is associated with the east, with sunrise and with life and growth.

In Politics...
Green politics is a political ideology which places a high importance on ecological and environmental goals as well as feminist, peace movements, civil liberties, social justice and nonviolence.

Mental and physical effects of the color green:

• improve reading ability
• helps reduce depression, nervousness and anxiety because of its calming effect
• good health (eating green leafy vegetables)
• stimulates the mind
• good memory
  

So if you're having a bad day and you feel like you need to change your life, your perspective and you need to deal with fear and anxiety, just turn to anything green- wear a green shirt, change your curtains to green or if you like, you can paint your bedroom wall with green.

Now I know why I'm always drawn to the bright side of life, why I can overcome depression and anxiety without much trouble. I have lots of green stuff - bangles, headbands, handkerchiefs, bags and pouches, slippers, shirts, my umbrella and even the curtains inside my room.

Yellow Hibiscus This Time

How can I resist making a post about this lad who is fond of giving me flowers? Last Valentine's Day he gave me orange bougainvilleas. Yesterday he gave me yellow hibiscus he picked from his grandmother's garden. It is just so heart-warming knowing that there is someone out there, showing you simple acts of kindness and love. No matter how simple or ordinary the gift maybe, it will always be appreciated because I know it is wholeheartedly given.

Top 5 Best Dog Breeds

Having been writing articles about dogs for more than a year now, I have come to discover the characteristics and personality traits of various dog breeds. Some dog breeds are frighteningly huge but actually possess gentle personality. Some can be so small yet absolutely fearless and ready to face the world on a moment's notice.

I do not consider myself a dog lover, but that was before I discover the splendor possessed by these furry four-legged creatures. Now, I have my own favorite breeds and considering having one when the right time comes.

Chihuahua
Who can resist the smallest breed of dog in the world? This breed tops my list, especially the short-haired or smooth coat variety. Do not be deceived by this breed because beneath their tiny frame and luminous eyes, chihuahuas are alert dogs with terrier-like personality. They are highly intelligent, graceful, confident and self-reliant. Also known as purse dogs, chihuahuas are good household pets even in families with children. I'll be delighted to spend a decade or more with this breed.

Beagle
Who doesn't know the world's famous beagle? As a kid, I'm a huge fan of snoopy without me knowing anything about beagles or dog breeds. Now, I'm considering Snoopy's kin as potential pet. This breed has excellent hunting skills and gentle and merry disposition. They are great in scenting, eager to please and make good watchdogs.

Labrador
I'm amazed with this breed because of their good work ethic. Apart from their common role as disabled assistants especially as guide dogs for the blind, Labradors are also used in hunting, tracking and detection, carting and therapy work. Growing old with this breed will make life relaxing yet full of excitement and fun.

Weimaraner
I really like this breed primarily because of their appearance. Weimaraners, also called gray ghost have short, sleek coat in distinctive color. I feel like there is some mystery behind this breed's eyes and that is something I want to unravel. Not only they possess aristocratic features but are also trainable, friendly and obedient member of the family.

Poodle
Can you ignore this beautiful and elegant looking ball of fur? Some says that this breed is a perfect example of beauty without brains but Poodles are actually exceptionally smart and active. They are extremely people-oriented and excellent watchdogs. Think about having an elegant, confident and proud dog as a pet! Isn't it amazing? I tell you, you'll feel beautiful too. lol!

For others, my choices may not be the best but it doesn’t matter. This is my blog anyway. You can post your own favorite in your own blog.

Speed Bump

Would you want to be left behind in this fast-paced world? I bet nobody wouldn't want to stay in the dark when everyone else is seeing light, right?

The world is changing so fast and I think there is less room for slow-minded and/or slow-moving creatures. No offense meant here but I think that's reality. But that is not exactly the main issue here.

Due to my long legs and the desire to accomplish things at once, I consider my self a fast-moving person and always looking straight to the direction where I am headed. I am always in a hurry and can't bear to walk like a normal person does. I tend to multitask most of the time like loading a page in my browser while organizing my closet or reading a book, watching tv and reading a book during commercial breaks or cleaning the bathroom while taking a bath. The routine works well for me until the moment I heard my mother complain about it.

She is not against my fast-paced world but she wants me to slow down a bit. Why? Apart from the reason that I am forcing myself to accomplish a lot of things at such a short span of time, she doesn't want to see me hurt or bruised when I bumped or stumbled into something because of my pace. She was so terrified when my nose hit the clothesline behind our house. I was running so fast and I forgot that the clothesline have been there for quite a period of time. Purple line settled on my nose seconds after I hit the clothesline. Good thing I didn't faint! I can't also count using my fingers the times I bumped my shin or knee or head.

The other day, she talked about it again. The banging of my door and the sound of my door knob when I go out my room at the middle of the night, the sound of the dish cabinet when I open or close it and even the sound made by the spoon and glass when I am stirring my milk. Those noises are waking her good night's sleep and she is asking me to slow down a bit for the sake of her sanity and mine as well. She said there is really no need to hurry unless of course it's a matter of life and death.

Perhaps she is right. Hurrying doesn't always make me a winner. In fact, doing so can even endanger my life. I do need to slow down at times and notice other things along the way. I need to look back to those who are behind me and if possible, move a few steps backward to be with them and experience what it is to thrive in their pace. What with the bruises and other injuries? They are painful yet effective reminders to take things slooowly.

I am working on it right now. Slowing down will not only make me appreciate the less significant yet beautiful things in life but will also prevent bruises and heel pain (I have been applying pain reliever on my heels for weeks because they're so painful). Perhaps by walking slow, the pain will disappear.lol!

From Him

I chose to spend Valentine's Day with my family. In fact, nothing special or extraordinary happened yesterday. It was just like any other Saturday... I woke up at around 1pm and immerse myself in front of the computer after eating brunch.

But when I went out of my room, I saw my three-year old nephew running towards me carrying a bunch of flowers. The flowers are not expensive of some sort.

The moment he came close to me, he halted, knelt immediately and handed me the flowers - the orange bougainvilleas he picked in our public plaza. I was shocked by what a three-year old kid can do. Maybe that's what he gets for watching too much tv.

Nevertheless, I am happy with what the little boy did. As always, he never fails to make me feel happy and loved.

Frosted Gray Nail Polish

I certainly am not a colored-nail freak but I always find myself wanting to have my nails, especially toenails done every two or three weeks. I really can't stand the sight of my unmanicured nails. I feel like the self confidence I have is going down the drain every time I see my undone toenails. I just can't let the world see it.
I wore closed shoes (sneakers in fact since I have no other shoes that won't show my toenails) to work the whole week last week. I blame my favorite manicurist for not coming in our house as expected, and besides I am too chicken to try other manicurist in town and too lazy to go to beauty parlors around the city.

This weekend however, I made sure that I won't need to wear my sneakers the whole week again. Just got my nails done yesterday. My sandals and of course, my nails are ready to shine tomorrow.

First Post In 2009

It's been months since I made my last post. But what can I do? Apart from being overly busy with a lot of things, my coconut shell is not giving me any idea what to post here. It would be boring if everything in this blog is about me - my daily life. And besides I don't want to make my life open for the whole world to read. Perhaps I can only share a portion of it - the lessons I learned or experiences I gained in the hopes of inspiring and helping others if ever they come across this blog.

Right now, I can't promise to make regular posts but I'll definitely do if I bumped into something worthy to share.