4-day work week..

..went by really fast.

picture courtesy of http://www.businessweek.com

I thrive better when Tuesday is the first work day of the week. 

I had accomplished more than I would normally have with Mondays.

Wednesday came dragging but 

the scheduled mid-week service somehow revived this sleepy head.

Thursday was quick when only half of the day was spent with work 

and another half with a training which is more like play.

Voila, it’s Friday! 

So, here I am pretending to be busy 

and hoping the day goes by quick…

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

PTOs filed!

Not mine though.

Labor Day is coming-
which means long weekend.

I’m sure excited about it.

But I simply wish I can spend all my
PTOs with my family.

Ho-hum..

Mondays sure make me sleepy.

And nostalgic!

Home alone

means 

peace and

quiet...

missing my tanin tho'.

Random thoughts!

Friday. 

What else can be a better day in a work week? 

Especially when I can leave 2 hours earlier than usual…

De Moines bound. 

Oh, yes we are! 

The very reason I’m getting off work early is the Family Camp’s last night.

I can’t wait!

Sleepy. 

Yes. 

As always.

Black.

And white. 

I need to get back to my sewing project of zebra prints.

And Red. 

Simply.

To complete my zebra outfit.

Prioritize. 

Organize. 

Smile.

Have a blessed weekend everyone!

Oh WOW!

I can't believe this blog has been idle for five long months. FINE. I do not have any excuses. I was just plain lazy the past months or so. But hey, I'm back!

I see my latest entry was still back in January.  There’s nothing special I can recall about February except that it was just another boring cold winter month.  

Anyways, March came… I took advantage of my PTO and took a day off without worries for the first time. Headed to Des Moines carefree as a bird with my beautiful birdgirlfriends from church and made lots of mall hopping plus shopping in between. Fun! But the great part of it all was my second time to attend the Ladies’ Conference here in Iowa. It was wonderful seeing old faces and getting to know new ones.

April is Nell’s birth month. Bought him a new pair of oxford shoes that I can tell he loves so very much and is now his new favorite I assume. What turned out to be his birthday getaway was the SPARK seminar that we attended with two other couples from church. As the name implies, it’s supposed to ignite our marriages but the good students that we are ended up cutting classes on the second day. Ok, to justify that- it was a long triiip home compared to where most participants in the seminar were from so we really needed to leave early.

May is the best to date. We went to Chicago with the main objective of renewing our Philippine passports. Secondary to that is to celebrate our 10th year dating anniversary. I’ll have to write another blog entry for this trip, otherwise, this will turn longer than I wanted it to be.

Today is the last day of June. As a good start for this month, we went to see Dinesha in Minneapolis. The short period we can spare was not a hindrance for our bonding & catching up. We’ve had good quality time strolling, picture-taking and eating just like the good old times at the university.

Mr. Sun shows up most of the time this month but hides himself unexpectedly as thunderstorms become unpleasant surprises. Sometimes it feels like winter up here seems longer than forever. We still get cold days and nights up to now as opposed to supposedly scorching hot summer days at this time of the year. I am not complaining though. I do not have too much meat on me to combat the cold but I still really prefer it better than the fiery season. I just get scared of tornado warnings…

Ohhhh....k.

I humbly admit that my delinquent behavior on this blog may have been inexcusable especially after introducing the idea of Random7. I promise you, I have been thinking about this blog more often than you know. Then again, a lot has been going on lately that I have to juggle my priorities. Unfortunately, this blog landed the least place.

So, what have I been up to?

Tutorials with my not-so-little sister started with a constant battle between my struggle for patience and her timid personality. Although each session usually ends up with my big disappointment on her performance and her self-pity, I regret yelling over the mic every time. I was afraid the tutorials were degrading her confidence rather than lifting it up. If only I could explain to her in a way that she can comprehend things better, I would. Anxiety emerged until I acknowledged my need for the Lord to give me the wisdom on how to go about it and most importantly the patience that I needed most. I see her progressed in many ways now. Maybe I have improved to be a better tutor as well.

My first major sewing project is what’s keeping me occupied on most of my free time. I am 40% done with it and am hoping to beat my set deadline. I will write about it when it comes out to be at least presentable and hopefully wearable. I am so excited about it and thrilled to start another one soon.

Memorial Day wasn’t eventful for us. We stayed home for the long weekend until boredom became unbearable. We strolled around the Arboretum and played with the camera for a little bit.

Modelling for hubby’s experimental manual SLR shots

My most favorite of all

So far…we are doing a good job on keeping ourselves grounded until our trip to Iowa for my graduation. I’m not sure what happens after that but life’s good and God’s always great! ALL THE TIME.

No to Alzheimer’s...

I thought I’d only see it on movies.

Grandma seemed to have forgotten everything. She can’t remember her name, wonders why she’s there and treats everybody around her as strangers. There’s grandpa, patiently escorting her, doing everything he could to make her remember including who he is to her and some other memories that he thought would help. She smiles, considers the eerie details for a little bit and behaves better. Grandpa stands by her until it’s time to kiss her forehead goodnight hoping she’ll remember tomorrow. The morning comes and she gives everyone a blank stare… Alzheimer’s as diagnosed by her doctors.

My mom informed me of her aunt who has been showing the same symptoms for more than a year already. She doesn’t know her children and every night she waits for her husband to come home, who, according to her is at work but has actually died some years ago. What’s more sad is they live in some rural area in a tiny island province in the Philippines, where no proper treatment can be given to such. I felt sorry for her children especially because they can do nothing about it but only to take care of her as much as they can.

My only idea of the disease is that it comes with aging and absence of memory workout. I know it’s sad news so before our conversation turns out sentimental. I jokingly told my mom that she and dad can’t keep their brain idle. I think they need to do crossword puzzles or anything that would make them think. I really think they should. I suggested that they go online and try funbrain games. It’s educational and entertaining so I think it’s a great and fun way for them to at least exercise their brains once in a while. I, too, am considering to keep my mind operational- to keep it effective even when I grow old. Ha!

Seriously, I hope and pray my parents won’t have to go through that ordeal. I pray for my mom’s aunt’s healing and that her family may find peace and comfort in the Lord.

It’s getting hot!

I guess summer is coming sooner than expected. While outdoors can be fun during this time of the year, I still prefer the cold of winter. I really rather freeze in the ice than sweat a ton under the scourging heat of the sun.

Sure, I can turn air conditioning on. But honestly… I want some fresh air with the sweet scent of garden flowers. I wish I live in the beautiful country side of town where I can leave my windows open with gorgeous vinyl shutters on. Maybe it will be pretty relaxing to glance at the some awesome landscape in the comfort of your own yard. I bet the day gets better as soon as you get home from a stressful day at work. Beautiful, beautiful dream…

In reality, we live in an apartment near downtown Lexington. Our little habitat has nothing fancy- not even vinyl shutters on as most houses in the area have. For the time being however, it’s all we need- a shelter.

I dream of bungalows and mansions with a wide lawn, a pool and maybe a gazebo. A garden of flowers and another for vegetables, some fruit trees, puppies and kitties will complete the family. A twin or two will most likely make it home. What a beautiful life that would be…

It is past 5PM...

.. but I am still here in the office. This is definitely NOT me. What to do? I came in late today since dear wagon baby broke down this morning. Hubby thinks it’s the battery but all 4 different neighbors suggested that it needs a new starter. Needless to say, the sudden need to replace whatever needs to be replaced will mean unexpected expenses. Oh well… rather than worrying and stressing myself out on this, I’d better be grateful that we still have something to spare for emergency costs like this. Thank you Lord.

And because our bills soared quite high for this month, I was hoping to look for ways to earn online. While surfing, I found thisarticle directory very helpful. I learned a lot of stuff from informative and interesting articles alike. What’s even cooler about it is the opportunity to share your own ideas by submitting your own write-up for free. Ain’t that a good chance to develop anybody’s writing skills and share a talent?

Anyway, I think I need to get back to work so I can get out of here. I’ll wrap up my tasks for the day, pack my stuff and leave. Hopefully, dear wagon will be fixed tonight. Good evening everyone!

Fooling around...

at downtown Lexington...

Quiet Friday

People usually come and leave the office early on Fridays. The knob from work mode is lowered down to relax mode on the last work day of the week. People in the laboratory come and go from every cube transmitting the lazy-to-work-but-excited-over-the-weekend  virus to and from each other.

That’s the normal but today is odd. Nobody’s roaming around the lab. I can hear no giggling or boisterous wildcats’ stories. No, I don’t think everybody is exerting too much focus on work. I really think everybody’s gone to get started with the weekend.

And because it’s just 2:00PM, I’m still here sitting in my desk, pounding my keyboard while enjoying the tranquility of my work place.

Happy Friday everyone!

  

Because it’s Friday…

And it’s already April… and I only have one entry for March… and because somebody I know have been missing my updates… here’s a brief but ample info of what I’ve been up to lately.

2 weeks old tomorrow…

Dear Sammmy HD is. I received my phone Saturday before last and have been messing with it since. We’ve been getting along pretty well. I don’t have any complaints or regrets so far… I simply love it so much for now!

Refurbished to brand new…

To test Sammy’s wi-fi capability, I ordered a refurbished router from Ebay. It turned out to be defective but the 90-day manufacturer warranty was a blessing. We called Linksys and after an hour of customer service chat, the item was processed for a replacement of a brand new one. Instant bargain, we paid a refurbished price for a brand new one.

Online purchases…

This long skirt deserves to be fought for. It perfectly fits me- from the waist, to the hips and to the length. My workplace is cold so I need a long skirt to keep me warm for 8 hours in the office.

Crocs… I left my rugged shoes in Iowa when we went there for Thanksgiving last November. That’s just the careless me, nothing unusual. Now, since I take a 15-minute roundtrip walk to my desk everyday, I think I at least need decent walking shoes. If that still isn’t reason enough, well…it's on sale and I got it for free shipping.

I know I’ve mentioned unnecessary spending for the nth time in this blog…What to do?! I am a mere human, too weak to resist temptation… Teheee…

Ebay Madness

This is an overdue tale of my folly over Ebay. My objective to simply hunt for an affordable unlocked handset resulted to frequent bids. The novice bidder in me yearned to win for every item I lusted for. I tendered for unnecessary items that gratified my carnal self without really being able to hit my supposed target.  It left me mixed emotions - guilty over unnecessary spending but somewhat happy.

My so-called acquisitions...

I obviously did not achieve my goal. No cellphone was purchased...

Unproductive

My laziness stood obstinate over the weekend which did not change a bit up to now. Scrap booking and sewing were both suspended as I kept myself busy over Ebay.

It all started with my precious phone going dead for almost a month. I postponed my mourning after failing on my countless attempts to charge it. Thinking it was just the battery, I placed an order for another one on Amazon. A little hope wailed from within me as I installed the new battery in and turned the phone on. Lights on the keypad flashed a bit and then it went dead again. One more time, I turned it on and another time, the same thing happened. I grabbed the charger hoping it would somehow help. It started charging but stopped in a blink of an eye. Still hoping it was just some loose connection, I positioned the phone quite fixed firmly. It worked, but only for a second. I sat down upset but still not wanting to give up. Hubby tried his own techniques and when he gave up, I too, finally lost hope. 

I swore this would be my last cell phone as soon as I got hold of it. It’s a fairly good phone for me and it has served me well for the last 2 years. And even if I had wished for it to have a FM radio, I love my phone just the same. Unfortunately, time has come for it to bid goodbye. I have to accept the fact that this phone is indeed dead and there’s no way to revive it. 

And so I started dealing with my loss. Google became my best buddy as I searched and researched for a cell phone that would fill in the void left by my beloved motorazr. At first I was torn between going postpaid and sticking to prepaid. But since I can’t consume a $15 card a month, I picked the latter. With the list of features I want in a phone, I finally found what I wanted. But just when I decided to purchase my dream phone, something else came up. And because I tend to try everything and anything to save some bucks, I am willing to delay my purchase for a couple more days and maybe weeks. What’s ironic though is I have already ordered a leather case for it, which hopefully will be delivered just in time when my dream becomes a reality.

I am continuously lurking on Ebay with high hopes that my dream phone won’t be gone too soon. Not only has this caused my productivity at stake but it led me to temptation after temptation to bid for. Talk about unnecessary expenses now but I am all excited for my items to be delivered soon.

Random Updates

Well

Yes, I am after finally allowing myself to plunge into a much needed rest on Saturday before last weekend. I seriously wanted to get well very soon so I religiously took my medicines and refrained from going out into the cold except when I need to. I munched orange slices and gulp down apple juice as much as I can, not only to soothe my congested throat but also trusting my acquired Vitamin C from them would be beneficial. My initiative was surely helpful but I believe prayers were most effective. I missed church for two weeks but was told that I was remembered in prayers for which I am very much appreciative of.

Walk

Ah… yes. I am also back to my normal routine. I come to the office between 8-8:30 AM this week and park the car at the back of the building. This way I can do a 10-minute walk to my office desk which totals to 20 minutes a day. I think I am gaining weight although my clothes are not getting tight. Whether this is just paranoia in me or not, I really don’t think one has to gain weight to exercise. Besides, I love walking. I can think, dream, imagine, contemplate or even pray while doing it.

Hectic

Last week has been. I was given an individual task for the first time in my almost 2 years here. Although a bit nervous, I was able to deliver their request and survived the said week with grace. And I again I say, thank you Jesus!

Projects

I have been hoping forever to get some stuff done. Well… at last, I got started with my scrapbook. I did a page of it and realized that it’s an expensive hobby. Although that didn’t change my mind, I have resolved to stick to my penny-pinching techniques to minimize cost for this project. As for sewing, I have already enjoyed my resized sweaters and blouses. I must confess though, I was not very happy with the 1st batch. I blame the material being stretchy and thick to which I am giving myself an NI (needs improvement). Nevertheless, I was pleased looking at myself in the mirror wearing some of those in 2nd batch. I guess I learned from my mistakes with the previous or maybe because the material is simpler to work with. Anyhow, I am planning to start working with the skirts as soon as I can so wish me luck.

That should be all for now 'til my next boring entry.

Random busy-ness

All in all, our Iowa trip for thanksgiving was fun and heartwarming. I was glad to get to see my church family once again and for hubby to have finally met them. Hopefully, we’ll be back on June 2010 for my graduation.

Needless to say, the days following our arrival home were busy. Besides our normal routine of eat-sleep-work-church-home cycle, our to-do list required priority. I’m enumerating (not necessarily in order) them here to help me regulate my time management (ahem!).

1. Unpacking- almost done. White teddies from Nay Linda are happily sitting in our living room couch. Plants are settled to give life to our little abode. One of the two boxes is now empty. The other one is still sitting in the living room with some stuff that I still need to sort out.

2. Laundry- done! Many thanks to my great hubby who patiently did them all and organized clothes accordingly. Hugs to my wonderful tanin>:D<…

3. General house cleaning- not even started. This needs time and a much serious work. Looking to get this done over the weekend.

4. General car cleaning- seems impossible. Neither hubby nor I would risk our lives, freezing in the cold of winter just to clean the car. This may have to be postponed until Spring. We’ll see…

5. Front car rotors fix- scheduled to be worked on this weekend. I really appreciate Bro. Boulware for being very helpful with any car issues we have. Hopefully, this gets done this weekend.

6. Course assignments and lessons- in the process. I am working on this, I promise!

7. Biko for office potluck- done! I bake sweet rice for our department party. Only about a one-third of it vanished after the party. I am not sure if office people did not like it or because there was just too much food. Anyway, I brought the left over to Brandenburg, to which Ate Doll said it tasted really good.

8. Visit Ate Doll and Kuya James- done! We drove to Brandenburg after work last Friday. It was one busy weekend. We made a slideshow for Kuya Buboy and Ate Millette’s wedding in Texas. I regret not being able to take a picture of the final output though. My energy was all consumed, I totally forgot!

9. Christmas cards and gifts- needs to get started with this tonight… I want to make sure we have enough for everybody.

10. Scrapbook- pending. I want to get started with this before the year ends because when 2010 is here, there will be a lot more memories waiting to be documented.

11. Sewing projects- was started and needs to be continued. I have many more sweaters and skirts to resize. I’ll get back to this after my final exam.

By the way, I noticed how boring my blog have been especially without pictures. But hey, I am busy. I can’t put off my thoughts and take pictures first before blogging. I promise to post pictures though as soon as I find time…

December…

I can’t believe it already is!

I can’t help feeling sad as I drove to work this morning.

I miss home.

I wish I could spend Christmas with my family this year.

Random thoughts...

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1).”

In life, we don’t plan for failure, sickness, heartbreaks and loss. In fact, they happen unexpectedly most of time. Sometimes we can handle them, other times they hurt so much, they leave us crippled and helpless. While others are strong and determined to rise and get going, others dwell in darkness and choose stay in the pit they are in. The former is always a better decision rather than being stuck in obscurity and remain miserable. Easier said than done, I agree but then again, everything happens for a reason.

We fail so we can practice some more. It is embarrassing sometimes but giving up will only prove one’s failure. We learn from past mistakes and practice makes perfect. In time, we will master whatever skills we need to be successful in and realize that success is sweetest when it comes from faith in God, hard work and patience.

We get sick so we can take care of ourselves better. We sometimes work too hard even if our bodies are likely to surrender. We prefer junk over the green healthy food just because they taste better. We shrug off the thought of exercise in our schedule, we choose to lazy around like we are always exhausted. Health is wealth but most often than not, it is taken for granted. We do not want for some sickness to make us realize how important health is, do we?

We go through heartbreaks to experience love- be it to love or being loved. It may not always be a happy ending but be blessed with the opportunity of being in the relationship and all the laughter and tears that went with it. Continue praying for the right person, leave the doors open and God will surely send someone, who, He intends for you to spend your happily ever after with.

Losing something we value or someone dear to us is a painful experience. When he takes something away, He replaces it with something better. Nonetheless, this is only applicable to something tangible. Losing someone we love is a whole different story. However we grieve and want to hold on, we have to let go and let God. Everything we have is His. We just have to be grateful He gave us the chance to build memories with our loved ones who are already called to be with Him for eternity.

While we dread life’s unfortunate circumstances, we rejoice in every milestone of success, smile in a hint of recuperation, share hugs to show love and celebrate every victory won. But seldom do we realize that life’s catastrophes are purposely designed for our own good. We often get confused why things happen and the view doesn’t always look good at our perspective. Remember though, that He sees the bigger picture. He knows better and His ways are always higher than ours. We just have to trust in what He’s doing.

Not-so-good

I made mention about this on a post after my birthday but I suppressed further details of it.

Anyway, I had an appointment for my road test on that day but unfortunately and unexpectedly, the left brake light isn’t working. Thus, rescheduling is my only option. I wasn’t confident I’d pass but all I wanted was to be DONE with it. Waiting for a few more days only felt like prolonging the agony.

I got my permit and insurance cards from the police officer and was asked if I wanted to set another appointment. Without any clue on how the problem could be fixed, I politely refused. I must make sure that the brake light gets fixed before another appointment needs to be CANCELLED AGAIN. While still in the office later that afternoon, I called hubby and he assured me that the brake light problem is nothing serious. The bulb can be easily replaced and dear Taurus wagon will be good to go.

So I called DMV… I graciously reminded the police officer about our conversation earlier. I knew I was talking to the same one who asked me if I wanted to schedule another appointment. Sadly, I was dismayed to hear an angry irritated tone on the other line. This time, it’s him who wanted to have the brake light fixed before scheduling me for another road test appointment. Okay, okay… I understood his point but he can always say it in a nice way, right?

On the next day… I called DMV again, this time hoping that it will be another officer picking up the phone. After a few question-and-answer from the line, another appointment was finally set for me.

I was schedule to take the road test this morning. My plan was to come to the office early and get out for my appointment and come back to render the remaining hours.

At the DMV office… I was nervous but pretended I was alright as we sat and waited for my turn. When my name was called, I went out and started the car as instructed. I silently prayed for a safe drive, recalled Bible verses and sang songs that have given me comfort in knowing that Jesus will be with me in everything I do.

The examiner finally came out, checked on the signal lights and then rode the car. I drove through the spiral cautiously and perhaps, obviously nervous. He started a conversation to lighten up the atmosphere and assured me that it will be okay. He was very kind, he did not give me hard time though he tends to be too friendly and talkative sometimes, I can hardly focus on the road (Lol). After a few commands, we drove back to DMV’s parking lot and I shyly asked if I passed to which he smilingly replied, “Yes, you did.” (WOHOOO!!!)

My cancelled appointment was supposedly on a gloomy afternoon. It rained as soon as we left DMV that afternoon. While the pissed human in me whined the disappointment away, my spirit settled in the thought that everything happens for a reason. I could have failed the test that day because: 1.) I always don’t mind turning the wipers on even when the raindrops have already blurred the windshield and 2.) I easily get tensed driving in the rain which leads me to commit a lot more driving mistakes. So really, what I have considered to be “not-so-good” could have been for my own benefit.

I have been hoping forever to get my driver’s license and today, in His own time, I finally got it! Thank You Lord, I PASSED!!!

The good thing

Two things happened yesterday- the good and the not so-good. While I want to blog about each of them, I prefer to keep the latter to myself for now and promise to blog about it when the right time comes- that’s when my negative emotions have entirely lost its chances to flare up.

18th is the day after my birthday which is the same day I received my new toy...

- my new sewing machine.

With hubby’s help, I managed to move things around our little apartment to give my dear makina a decent space. He also helped me complete the upper and lower threading to get me started. I ran a straight line stitch on a blouse I picked from a free box in the university for my practice which turned out pretty good (at least for me).

My first project is to resize the sweaters I got from a sweet and kind lady from the church. Then hopefully I can work things around with the pretty skirts too. It already feels like too many of them to work on and too little time. And oh, I need to grab some stuff for my sewing kit!