Merry Christmas 2011!

December 1.  The start of the Christmas season (for me that is!).  I can’t help but feel a mixture of excitement and trepidation.  Trepidation for the many uncertain things that awaits me in my current job (project planning and execution), and getting the jitters of my employment status by the end of the year.

Nevertheless, I’m equally – more so rather -excited!  We just planned out our exchange gifts for our upcoming Christmas Party.  As the official in-charge of the party-planning and the Kris Kringle, I’m looking forward to our day-to-day gift-giving.  I’ve prepared a list of “somethings” we are scheduled to give our “Manito/Manita” on a daily basis (except Sundays) and I can’t hardly wait to receive my bag everyday!

Our Secret Santa List of "Somethings...

I’ve already started looking for items that would fit the descriptions as scheduled, and so far, I’ve bought 5 items I’m excited to give to “Elle“.

Day 1, check... and four other days, check!

So far, I have the following:

Christmas Tree stick – something that starts with a “C” and ends with “E”

Angry bird ball – something round and blue (which I just found out it lights up when being bounced)

Rainbow Spring – something twisted and mysterious

Winnie the Pooh mirror – something shocking and cute

Fun-shaped Rubber Bands – something small and hairy

So that’s 5 things.  All the rest, I need to look for.

Can you guys give any suggestions?

My [What A]Day

My day started out pretty gloomy.  No breakfast set on the table, no steady chants of the “Happy Birthday” tune from Mom or Dad, no presents by my bedside.  Waking up early wasn’t too appealing… but I slept early and oversleeping would have caused unwanted headaches.  Not a good thing to carry the whole day.  I wanted to take a leave of absence (even an unpaid one) but there were a number of pending workload at the office.

FINE…

I longed to be serenaded “Mañanita-style” – early morning singing from a group of friends to start my day.  But, so far, I haven’t had the privilege of that activity.  The more traditional greets I get are the midnight texts (and calls!) from a few of my closest friends.  2 people greeted me that time.  Tol and my ex bf.

The day continues…

I didn’t really know what to expect.  But with the numerous birthday greetings I got in Facebook, plus the personal greets (and off-key singing) from my office mates, it was hard not to feel a tinge of warmth inside me and cause a breakout of smiles.

Here are a few simple surprises that made my day:

Flowers taken from a decoration at the office given by 2 of my teammates/officemates

Rocker Girl’s Gift (For my basketball days)

A bouquet of flowers was also delivered in the office from a secret admirer (not really, let’s just pretend to make it more exciting! LOL).  I’ve always wanted to receive a package of that kind.  A truly heartwarming experience.

My day became quite hectic in the afternoon.  My scheduled interviews pretty much took up my time.  I was feeling a bit guilty not being able to provide, at the least, light snacks for the office.  But I had no choice.  Being broke is such a stressor!

I wasn’t too eager to go home and celebrate by myself.  Thankfully, bff Toffee told me her sis wants to meet up with me.

Maybe Ate MM will be giving me the souvenir she promised from her trip! Weee!

Bff Raisa was also coming along to meet up.  A welcome company.

Surprise, surprise!!!

Ate MM, came along with 3 boxes of Cello’s Donuts & Dips (as per instruction of her younger sister/bff Toffee).  Definitely unexpected.

I still miss the numerous personal greetings from people I know but this one sums it up.

      

Thank you BFFs Toffee and Raisa!  Thank you, Ate MM!  Thank you for making this day special for me.  I guess no matter which part of the country we are (or the world for that matter!), going the extra mile, being able to put a smile in our faces and uplift our soul, will never be a problem.  I’m still a bit sad for a couple of things, but It’s not much of a big deal now.

Thank you.

Great Things Come In Small Packages

I couldn’t agree more!

I mean, take a moment and think of the wonders of the iTouch.  A small package, but packs a wallop in giving loads of entertainment for the young and old alike.  My bffs ‘ day probably wouldn’t be complete if they can’t play Tap Tap Revenge, or Cut The Rope. Add to that listening to their favorite tunes and playlists, watching videos, taking pictures/videos (for 4th gen), PLUS being able to browse the internet in some Wifi hotspots!  Talk about multi-tasking!  Never a dull moment for those who have this baby.  (And loads of sleepless nights too!)

I’m itching to have one too but that would not be a reality anytime soon (unless if I win millions).

Moving forward…

Another small package is the mobile phone.  Depending on your preference, mobile phones have come a long way from what I was able to witness in it’s evolution phases.  From big, bulky, manly-type mobile phones to small, hand-held phones that vary for it’s functionality, fashion statement, “social statement”, and uniqueness.  One is ever at a constant quest on the “perfect” phone that would encompass all the most sought after functions.

But what I will never tire of mobile phones is it’s capability in connecting two (or more) people who are worlds apart.  Just this morning I was able to keep in touch in a number of people I rarely see.  There’s also one bff who’s inner desires she expressed through text.  I love being able to receive photos of friends from far away on things that have happened, or something new they’ve seen.  To borrow Smart‘s tagline: SIMPLY AMAZING.

And I’m down to my third item.  The main reason why I’m making this blog.  Well, just before break time, an officemate who i could say I’m not that close to (but get along with just fine) surprised me with his pasalubong for me.  A bag of Krispy Kreme doughnuts!!!  Just two pieces actually.  But I was truly touched since he gave me a separate package from what he gave to one group in the office.

It may have been a small package (not even a box) but it truly made me smile.  It wasn’t just the content or its wrappings, but the thought, the gesture, the effort made that made me feel special.

My Krispy Kreme Surprise

On a sidenote, one contractual worker offered me his small box of raisins which I gladly accepted.  What’s nice about it was that I was just expecting the treat of raisins when I noticed that the box housed a cardboard cut-out for a raisin paper doll.  Sweet!

Raisin and Paperdoll all in one

Another small package – FRIENDS.

They all come in different shapes and sizes.  Each differing from one another.  But each one offering more than what you would expect.

My year 2010 ended with a bittersweet note.  The first Christmas without my daddy, and welcoming a new year without his comforting presence.  But nonetheless, I’m thankful for celebrating the last days of 2010 with my friends, and enjoying the first few days of the New Year (2011) with the comfort of my closest friends.

Cheers to you guys!  And thanks for being my small packages in life that I could always grab on and carry with me – memories and all.

couldn’t find a group picture that was complete. Settling for this instead – A “Big Top”

What’s Up? Smile!

Nothing new really.  I just had a long exercise of my face muscles this afternoon.  My “darling” came for a visit after arriving from abroad.  I never realized how much I missed him until that moment that I had a hard time containing my laughter and smiles in front of many people.  Like I said, my face muscles were aching by the time he left.

Some would say it’s too early to be back to normal after a loved ones passing.  And sometimes I feel I shouldn’t be too happy because I am still grieving.  But life has other plans.  And I find myself, though sad at times, focusing more on things that make me smile and feel better.

So here’s a tribute to the day that passed… SMILEYS FOR EVERYONE!!!

“cheshire grin”

So cute!!!

Here’s another one:

sooo happy…

Oh c’mon!  I know you want to.  Go ahead!  Laugh out loud!

mouth-pulling fr

And I have friends who are like these guys. ↑↑↑

And here’s a little “cutie” thing that’ll make you smile:

awww… so cute!!!

So cute!!! Hope I made you all smile!

Facebook Group Chat

I just wanted to shout out my excitement in being able to have a group chat with my friends at Facebook.  Yeah I know it’s just an ordinary thing.  But for me, it’s a great alternative!  Especially now that my YM isn’t working at it’s optimum level.  I think there’s something wrong with my computer.  Poor baby lappy.  huhuhu

Anyway, for those who want to try out Facebook group chat, you can start with creating a specific group for a couple of your friends.  Once they’ve approved joining the group, you can see their names there.  Then in your group page, you can see under the Members portion (upper right corner and just below the EDIT GROUP and EDIT GROUP SETTINGS option) Chat with Group. Then that’s it!  For members who are currently online, a “chatbox” would pop up on their Facebook page.

Sounds fun right?  Don’t take my word for it.   Try it!

My Cheesecake Surprise

I was surprised when one of my schoolmates sent me a private message through Facebook saying she’d like to meet up with me because a certain close friend of mine asked her to give me something.  I was a bit doubtful at first since I’ve never even talked to the “messenger” when we were in high school.  But after putting two and two together (questions from a friend abroad, and hints from my bff), I decided to give it a go.

Yesterday morning, October 25, I met up with Naidz at McDonald’s Bajada.  And I was right!  The surprise was from my friend in Australia – EJ.  The surprise?  A pack of baked cheesecakes.  Aww… I was deeply touched by the surprise and the thought.  What moved me more was EJ’s message.  “Just a little something to brighten your day.”

And it did!

As proof for EJ, Naidz took a picture of me holding the pack.  When I met up with bff afterwards, she too received a pack.

Now, I’m craving for more cheesecakes!!!

An Unexpected “Date”

Monday night. Finally, day 1 for this week was finally over. Wasn’t really planning too much on what to do upon going home when my Monday proxy suggested to eat out for dinner. Hmmm… why not?

Jerry and I ate out at Chicken Tsunami – a food stall “franchise” with a number of branches all over the city with it’s main offerings of fried chicken.  A meal costs about Php 28.00 (which consists of 1 piece of fried chicken and 1 rice).  We ate at their F. Torres branch and was contemplating what to do next.  My thoughts were already in getting home when Jerry suggested to go to Jack’s Ridge.

WHAT?!?!

It was too far from where we were, and I was doubtful he’ll be able to return my “borrowed” helmet from one of our officemates before 10PM.  But since he was so game in going, and needing to have a change of atmosphere myself, I gave it a go  jumping behind him in his motorbike.

Jack’s Ridge Entrance

This was the first time I have gone to Jack’s Ridge riding at the back of a motorcycle.  Upon getting there, the view was as breathtaking as always.  Since it was a weeknight, only a few people were going on and about the whole area.  Just a welcome sight for those who wish to unwind and de-stress.  What caught my eye the most was the slow focus of the moon in the horizon.  It evolved from a lightened horizon into blooming fully in the night sky.  Too bad though that I don’t own a high-powered camera to document the moon.  Instead, I only have unclear photos c/o my point-and-shoot camera.

Wishful Thinking?

I realized that I’ve never gone to Jack’s Ridge with my ex on a date.  Sure we went there for school activities but it was during one early morning – a walk for a cause event.  Hmm… I guess there’s something to be said about that.  But I’m gonna keep silent though.

At around 9PM, we slowly trudged toward the motorcycle parking area to be on our way.  The ride downhill was quite unnerving (since it was dark and my ride was open in all sides), but VERY exhilarating.  The ride back to were we began was uneventful and silent that before we knew it, my ride was turning over the corner to reach my home.

Sometimes the best outings are those that are unexpected.  It’s fun to have moments with different people to bond with and just simply be yourself.  Can’t wait for the next one!

“Cakes” for friends

This isn’t really much to post about.  But I was just browsing over my old pictures when I came across some photos of cakes I made for my friends.  Sappy yes, but it’s the thought that counts.

Donut Cake

Cookie Cake

That’s all for now.

Surprising Referees

Our invited referees were surprised when they caught a glimpse of me. BAF referees were already by the courtside while I was warming up with my 3 point shots (which was SO off during the whole game. grr.)

It was after our fighting for third game (which we won) that I found out about their speculations. First, they thought we had a female league. Second, they thought I was a “butch” – a lesbian.

I hate to burst their bubble. I’m the ONLY female in our all-male league; and yes I’m a girl. A fact which I proved by wearing my short shorts after the game.

I enjoyed talking with one of the referees. He was a fatherly-looking guy and he was very chatty. After finding out where I graduated from (courtesy of the millers), he even shared a few tidbits about himself. He also officiates ballgames in my alma mater. Guess that’s why he looked very familiar.

Upon leaving, he approached me and shook my hand. It was a gesture of respect and admiration after disclosing that I’m getting more experience and gametime than one of the best female players I know of during my school days since I play with guys.

Cool! Ü

Motor Run

After our finals basketball games, my three other proxies (what I collectively call my closest guy officemates) and I were the last few people who left the plant. Feeling a bit bold, I asked Jerry to teach me in riding his motorbike. And he did!

After giving me the basic instructions, he told me to give it a go. I was having doubts in my brain-hand coordination but Hanz hitched behind me to guide me. After that, he left me by myself.

I’m proud to say I didn’t scratch myself and the BIKE! Bert mentioned something about how quick I learned which Jerry seconded.

Yey for me! There’s always something new to learn everyday!Ü