friends of friends

Just a thought.

How come there are times that you don't like the friends of your friends? Or you don't understand why your friends would get along well with those people.

I guess it's just like you not agreeing to your friend's choice in boy/girlfriend. You just have to accept. (Of course unless there's a major reason why your friend shouldn't be with him/ her.)

I just don't like having to spend time with the third party for the sake of your friends. Social obligations, I guess.

I'd rather avoid those situations.

privacy

It is weird that now that I have my own room I am more sensitive with privacy matters. I spent 20+ years sharing a room with my sisters, and even times that all of us in the family slept in one room.

But now, things have changed. I guess it comes with sharing a place with people I never really spoke to before June last year. Which maybe, duh, of course. But they have been good friends nevertheless.

But still I never fail to close my bedroom door whenever I come in and out. Same goes for my bathroom. And I silently freak out when one of their guests suddenly use my bathroom. The bad side of having the common bathroom as your own. No lock from outside. I've been tempted a few times to place a sign on the door, as the rebellious kids do in Western movies.

And it also goes with my refrigerator and pantry space!

I stopped in my tracks when I saw my flatmate's mom going through my cupboard space whil she was here for a visit.

But who could blame her, most probably my housemates didn't orient her on the divided spaces in the kitchen.

If I could really afford it I would love to have my own place. I wish, I wish. It would be lonely though. But it would be nice to have friends come over if you're boredom is at its limit.

Whattalife that would be!

home on a saturday night

This morning I felt like going out. As in out, out. Enjoy a bit of night life. But somehow I couldn't think of anyone to pull.

1. I didn't want anyone related to work. So that crosses out my housemates and my other colleagues.
2. I didn't want to ask my guy friend who used to be my crush but is taken since I don't want to revive any infatutations
3. I could have asked people from the alumni association but I'll be seeing them next week anyways

So now I'm stuck in my room on this Saturday evening. To think my friend advised me yesterday that I should go out once in a while to show the world that I'm alive. I do that. But somehow when I suddenly feel like going out, no one's there to go out with me.

I've considered looking for a weekend activity to meet new friends and to have some extra exercise. So far I've thought of the following:

1. Volleyball. It would be hard to find people to play with me though. Also it's been more than five years since I last played! Also we would have to go all the way to Sentosa or East Coast which is quite a hassle.
2. Frisbee. Same reason. Hard to gather people.
3. Jogging. Which I can do alone. And it's free. But what's the diff if I already do my taebo exercise in my apartment? Unless I can find a good venue witrh nice sights though.

My friend suggested going to the gym. But I don't want anything that would involve my weeknights. I'd rather go straight to my apartment and do my stuff. Too tiring to go somewhere else after work.

Am I being such a bore?

on being asked out by a stalker

Okay, there's a slight exaggeration there. He isn't exactly a stalker that lurks behind me or something like that. I just wondered how he found out what nationality I was and what profession I was in.

I was creeped out when he first spoke to me when we rode the same bus back to the condo (Yep, that's what we had in common. He lives on the floor above mine.)

But with the craziness that comes out of me once in a while since I started living in this foreign city, I was crazy enough to accept his offer for me to design a small-scale commercial building he wanted to put up in his province. So fine. I didn't think anything of it. I enjoy designing so I grabbed the opportunity.

So after a few months of coordination, the drawings have been completed.

I texted him yesterday to inform him the drawings were ready. He said he could drop by the next day (today) at 1pm. I said "Okay, not later than that please. I have an errand in the afternoon.

So he came to my condo unit (my housemate was around, but asleep while he was there.) so I could turnover the drawings, and for him to pay the balance he owed me. But beforehand I already dressed up and did my make up so I could leave once he leaves.

So I was busy explaining to him the drawings when he suddenly cut me short.

"I like your makeup. Did you do it yourself?"

Eh?!?

Of course, he said that in Filipino. FYI, he's quite jologs. (jologs. adj. lack of breeding. someone who may have come from a second-rate school. which may mean I'm a social snob.)

So how am I supposed to reply to that? Is he gay or was that just the lousiest pick-up line in the world?

So I just said "Thanks," with a tight smile then proceeded explaining the drawings. I am a professional anyways.

But he didn't stop there. He continued, "Seems like you learned how Singaporeans do their makeup."

What the...?!?

So I just waved my hand to silently plead for him to drop the subject. So finally, I was done explaining. He paid the balance, signed the contract then left.

Ten minutes later my phone rang.

Lo and behold, of course it was him.

"Hi," he said, "if I have any questions about the drawings can I call you?"

"Okay," I said. (But it was written on the contract anyway that any work beyond today would be charged accordingly)

Then he suddenly asked, "Can I invite you for dinner on Friday?"

Aaaaahhhhh!

Quick response from me: "But I have a boyfriend in Manila." (which is not true at all)

"But he's not here," he reasoned.

JERK!

"No thanks," I said.

But he persisted. "But you did me a favor. I just want to repay."

I told him, "You don't owe me anything anymore," since he has paid his balance.

I kept on telling him "No, thanks," until finally -- I hope -- he gave up.

Geez, what kind of appeal do I have?

sliding doors

(I just realized that most of my post -- let's say 90% -- are written while at work during office hours, hahahah)

If you've watched Sliding Doors with Gwyneth Paltrow (a must watch!) you'd know it's in the "what if" theme. It talks about fate and all that.

When I turned down the dating service thingie, I think the lady got a bit pissed at me. I used the alibi that "I met someone over the weekend and I think I want to pursue that first". She reasoned, "How about the handsome doctor I'm pairing you off with?" Ye, right. So I rode along. "That's tempting, but I believe in fate. If I decide later on to sign up and that doctor is still available then it's meant to be." She reasoned some more but finally gave up.

I guess the topic of fate seems like shit for some people but deep inside of me I know that I'm destined for something, someone, etc.

Anyways, I'd like to play with that thought. I'd like to think where I want to be if I weren't sitting right here on my desk, pretending to work.

1. I'd like to work somewhere hip like in a Singaporean publication or in MTV!
2. I'd like to put up my own restaurant in a place like Holland Village.
3. I'd like to play tourist everyday (but I would have to marry an expat to enjoy everyday shopping, eating and travelling!)

Okay then, let's say my PR application is successful. Less than a year down the road I'd be free (hopefully) from my company contract. I think I'm going to widen my horizons and see what else is there for me. I can check out other firms, other professions, hunt down expats (hahahaha) or what not. I won't limit myself to what is currently being offered to me.

Sounds like a plan, eh?

another month has gone by...

I can't believe that by next week it would already be August. It seemed so long ago that I called my mom on her birthday (end of August) and that she cried because it was her first birthday without all her kids.

So what has come of me after another month in this city? I'm still the same lazy homebody that I was last year. It's funny though that one of my friends said that I'm the only lazy person he knows na masipag pa rin, hahaha. I can't really imagine but I guess it's true in a sense. Cuz even if I'm lazy I still do what I'm supposed to do. Maybe I won't be enthusiastic about it, but I still do it.

Anyways at this point in time I also realized that living here isn't so bad at all. I doubt that if I were in Manila I would have led a very exciting life. I would have been constrained by inability to drive (or rather, no car to drive), not enough money for shopping or to go out with friends, or lack of creativity in meeting new friends.

Anyways, enough about that. I can't wait until September. I could bring back my Christmas MP3s in my office PC and laptop and I could sing along with the Carpenters again! Woohoo!

Anyways, just a list of the things I can still look forward to before my Christmas break:

1. Bonding with UPAAS members (I've recently discovered that they're a good bunch. Despite our varying ages we could talk about things from showbusiness to real estate to politics). I'm on the works of coming up with a fund-raising event. I first came up with an Internet Garage Sale but now I'm venturing into the speed dating business if they're up for it hehe.

2. Our office Dinner and Dance. This is the highlight actually of the coming months. I'm included in the committee, acting as Treasurer and one of my roles is to go shopping with a couple other girls for the prizes for our lucky draw. (50 prices with a budget of almost SGD10,000!) I love shopping with someone else's money!

3. Sideline jobs which include a design of a house in Sta Rosa/ Silang, Cavite and interior design works for a condo here in SG. I don't know why I have more fun doing these sideline jobs than my actual work. I guess more fulfillment since the design is usually my own.

Well, that's it actually. I don't know (yet?) of anyone I know coming to visit me here. (Maybe someone would come surprise me? Hehehe) But of course it would be very nice to see familiar faces amongst the crowd of English-challenged incredibly-thin people. :P

horoscope

Just wanted to sahre my "romantic saily horoscope for singles" for today. Hehe.

There's nothing wrong with taking your cue from fairy tales. After all, why settle for anything less than happily ever after? You're just as charming as any prince or princess.

Don't worry I don't believe in them, they're just a fun read. :P

Flight Matters

Booking your flight for Christmas is stressful. Cuz you have to plan months ahead so that you get the flight you want (Filipinos book more than one flight -- segurista!) so somehow there's a mad dash for the flights. I don't think I have much problem booking my flight coming home since I'll be leaving earlier than usual, December 9 -- in time for my cousin's wedding. BUT we just had our office dinner and dance (D&D) committee meeting this afternoon and it turned out the date I was supposed to fly home is one of the options for the company's annual! So think, think.

Case scenario 1: If the D&D turns out to be on December 2 or November 25, so no more issue. I get to fly home as planned.

Case scenario 2: The D&D turns out to be on the 9th I move my flight by one day and end up flying home on the day of my cousin's wedding! Aaaaahhhh! Hassle! (So please do pray that our bosses choose the other dates) Cuz if that happens I can't expect my family to pick me up. I would have to take the cab straight to the parlor. Pull whatever dress I have at home then go to the wedding. Panic, panic.

Now the thing is I have to wait for our bosses' choice on the date for me to actually book my flight. Since I planned all along to fly back here on the 2nd of January I'm quite sure a lot of people plan on flying back on that day. So if it takes a friggin' long time for the bosses to decide and Jan 2 gets fulyl booked I'll end up flying back on Jan 1 itself. Which I guess shoudln't be so bad since the only reason my family got together on that day was because of my grandfather's birthday (but he passed away this year so I don't knwo what would happen next year) and the flight on Jan 1 is 70 dollars cheaper than the jan 2 flight.

And that would be one less leave.

Sigh. Stress.

Darn my colleague for suggesting December 9. The choices were supposedly just November 25 and December 2! Argh.

Keep your fingers crossed for me okay?

mission: possible!

Okay, I'm on a mission. I'll try to be more disciplined in dieting. And nope, it won't be a crash diet or what have you. I'm going to try to live healthy. I won't completely say no to sweets and junk food. But I'll little by little reduce on intake until hopefully I won't be disgusted anymore on the way I look. In time for my cousin's wedding on December. In time for whatever. It's for me basically. I think that if you feel good, people would think you look good too. Right?

So to be inspired by Bridget Jones' diary, I'll try to take note of what I eat. Cuz writing down my spendings helped me save money. So the same principle should be able to work for my hoped "eating lifestyle" right?

Good luck to me!

a few hours later...

Okay, after almost six hours of sleep I guess my mind is a bit clearer. But I still wasn't able to pay attention to Sunday mass this morning. But I welcomed the walk to and fro the church and the grocery though, to think things over. But I guess analyzing it all isn't really healthy.

It's actually quite funny how things turn out. Of course my frame of mind right now would have been way different if I chose to leave the UP event when the two people I came with left.

But that would have been boring eh?

And I guess it was an effect of two people telling me yesterday that when they were my age they used to go out more. They told me that I should enjoy it while I was young and single.

I guess I took their advice too wholeheartedly last night. Or maybe what I experienced last night was something usual. Who knows?

But geez, I keep on remembering that guy. To think that I was in the barbecue for just an hour and never met him before. Then I saw this kid at church this morning and thought he must have looked that way when he was a kid.

I realized that I really am into those clean-living guys. Hands down. He doesn't smoke. Doesn't drink much. Responsible. Gentleman.

Can I please have permission to track him down? :P

Blogging Early in the Morning

It's past 2am in the morning. And I'm not sleepy yet.

Things truly happen without you expecting them. It's like in your monotonous life there are these crazy instances that stand out.

Today was one of those.

And to think all I had planned originally today was to go to a UP Alumni event for the afternoon then spend the evening here in my room, staring again at my laptop.

But boy, did things turn out unexpectedly.

First, in relation to what I wrote in my previous post, I met with one of the lady's of the dating service. For a second really I thought of signing up. I was thinking that I could earn back the money I'd be spending. That I could actually meet the ONE in one of the dates during the year. The lady said that she wouldn't have a problem finding me someone. Of course they wouldn't marry me off but they just aim to open possibilities for me. (But of course I knew it was all sales talk) But during our conversation, I was kind of thinking of bringing the concept to the Philippines. Whajjatink? I think many Filipinos and Filipinas are modern enough to embark on this. But as the friendly lady said, they ahd to go through training, psychology courses in the US, etc. (If you're interested check out www.itsjustlunchsingapore.com; it has branches in the US and all. It's a franchise. Will expand to Malaysia and Japan soon. I asked them if they were interested in opening in the Philippines, they said not in the near, near future.)

So there. I didn't sign up. Don't worry. I wouldn't want to part with that much money just to meet people. I realized the dating service is for people with no time but with too much money.

But it was an interesting experience.

I then spent a few hours after that shopping a bit, buying something for my friend, and have lunch on my own (boohoo).

The UP Alumni event was at two so I met some friends at the MRT station. The event was called "Barrio Fiesta" where supposedly all the food were Filipino, teach the kids Filipino games (but no kids came so it was just us adults playing jackstones and pusoy dos) I was able to talk to several people who are quite interesting. People I've met before but never really got to talk to. They're quite a good lot.

So anyways, the event was just supposed to run till seven. But we stayed beyond that. At nine majority left but some of us still stayed back. A few guys were talking real estate but the rest were just playing pusoy dos. Including me. But we were included in the conversation once in a while.

Anyways, there's this guy. His name is Howie (or Howard). If you're into those buffed Mr. Universe type maybe you'd find him cute. I'm not into those guys vain with their bodies so he wasn't my type. So anyways he was drinking some alcohol but he was still talking coherently.

So here's the thing. He's married. Which is nothing to me cuz he's not my type. Seriously. By eleven he offered to drive me back to my place. I guess it was pretty stupid of me not to read anything into it. (even after the instances I thought he was hitting on me. But I thought he as just kidding. Stupid eh?) I was thinking he knew I knew he was married since he was announcing it to us left in the UP event. I was thinking my place is just a five-minute drive from where the UP event was held (it's depressing riding the bus that late) and we're co-members. So no harm right? (If you really think I was stupid to go along you don't have to say it.)

But no. Once I plugged in my seatbelt of his BMW (yep, he's loaded) he said, "Okay, we're meeting some basketball buddies of mine in River Valley."

I was like "uh-oh". (Don't worry. I'll beat you to the ending. He didn't rape me, haha. But just read on.)

So he did drive me to River Valley (which is closer to his place than to mine, which I pointed out to him to tell him that my place was out of the way so he might as well drive me back. But he insisted. Okay, okay, I'll try to be stern next time. And yes, I hope there won't be a next time. But I guess part of me wanted to do something crazy or fun for the evening.)

But his basketball friends were sweet guys. Pretty great to talk to. Most in their late twenties or early thirties. I was the baby in the group but it was interesting talking to them nonetheless. Under a different circumstance I think I would have exchanged contact info with them. But I guess they were wondering what I was doing there with Howie in his tipsy status. They did guess that Howie and I didn't know each other much. But they were gentlemen. There were a couple other girls. Nice too. Bless them that they didn't seem to be criticizing me.

There was one particular guy who I found cute though. He's from UP too, apparently. The other two guys in the group were cousins of his. Nice guys too. But this guy has been here for ten years now (so shows you he's in his ealry thirties, but he looks around late twenties). He's sweet. Howie was still offering to drive me home but Bom (the cute sweet guy) was making it seem like he was the one bringing me home (although I thought we had an understanding somehow that it was just for show for Howie's sake so he would give up on me)

So it did work. Howie drove off first. When it was my turn to get a cab, Bom offered to really take me back. But that was very impractical since my place was out of the way. I was feeling pretty foolish too at that point. I was just "darn it, darn it; wish I met you in a different setting".

So no exchange of numbers.

But he knows where I work. Someone in his condo is from the UP alumni too and that girl can contact me.

So he has his media. I'm just hoping he's interested. But maybe not. I guess the impression I gave out was a bit conflicting. I just tried to talk to them intellectually. Trying to brush away any possible negative impression of me.

So there.

As I type it now while the events are still fresh in my mind. I could look it one way and think, "What the hell was I thinking?" But in another way, I'm thinking, "Wow, I unexpectedly met interesting guys". I didn't exchange digits with them. I guess it was somehow awkward to bring it up. But at least it showed me that I could actually meet guys on my own. Potential guys. I don't need a dating agency. And gys in their early thirties aren't so bad after all. So I've realized that I've expanded my target male population, haha.

There are potentially good guys out there for me to meet.

Now if only that cute, sweet guy is interested...

miss match

** don't let the previous entry influence your opinions when you read this entry **

My friend introduced me to this dating service based in Singapore. I'm not that desperate, but it honestly sounds fun. The rates of the dating service company is a bit steep though. It's for 14 dates in a span of one year. Okay, now that I think about it, the rates are pretty steep. I could get myself an ipod or a new phone for it.

But the interview is for free though and I wanna check out how it goes. The lady said no obligations anyways. (I'm kinda hoping they'll have pity on me and won't charge me anymore or give me a huge discount. Even if I have to promote it. Hahahaha)

Supposedly it's for the busy professionals. I don't think I fit into that "busy professional" category. I'm more of in the "too-lazy-or-too-killjoy-to-go-out-and-meet-people". Hahaha.

I think living here where everything's very convenient and scheduled (Truman Show) I'm starting to take crazy risks and leaps. Ironic huh? I guess the acquired freedom has brought me to this state. There's the being a commercial/TV show talent. And now this.

But seriously, I'm not pushing through with this dating service. I just wanna see how the interview goes. See if the dating professional thinks I'm a hopeless case haha.

Finding The One

Just last week a friend of mine here got engaged.

It was something I expected but then I realized she was just a year older than I am. Then there's also my housemate who has already found "the one", who is my other housemate. I'm expecting it won't take long for them to get engaged too. She's two years older than me.

I'm in no hurry, I think I've still got five or six years max based on my wishful timetable. But at the rate I'm going sometimes I wonder. Although I know that everyday is a chance for him to find me.

But I guess that's where the excitement lies.

Okay, I feel better now ^_<

Pics from last week!

I know, I know. It's been a while since I last posted pics on my blog. (I think I stopped since I transferred from blurty to blogspot) But I shall try again.

Here are a couple of pics from the week my sis and friends were here.

This is us at Marmalade Pantry. Starting from the guy (front, left) then clockwise around the table: Paolo, Karen (his wife) -- who will be both based here by early next year, Carlo (Pao's bro), Deanna (Carlo's girlfriend), moi, my sis Rosa and Mons (Carlo's friend).

This next pic is of us at Morton's Steakhouse at Oriental Hotel. My most expensive meal for all time!

I swear, if I could just spend every week like this I wouldn't mind staying here for years and years (except I have to watch my weight and my wallet! hahahah)

Just an additional note. Check out Still You by John Doe, featuring Juliana Hatfield (yeah! from Spin the Bottle of Reality Bites). Nice song!

Missing IW...

My gradeschool/ high school had a unique program called "Individual Work" wherein the trimester or quarter of the schoolyear is divided up into sessions of three weeks each. For every three weeks, each subject comes out with a requirement. Like problems to solve for Trigonometry, experiments to do for Chemistry, etc. Geek as I was, I actually enjoyed doing most of these IW work. My classmates and I would sometimes even compete who would finish all the subjects quickest within those three weeks. Of course we cheated and did the work at home when we were supposed to just work on them during IW period. It was also then that I realized I worked much, much better at home with my own pace, with the music playing, and on my own desk.

IW also helped me be creative in my work. Teachers preferred work that have been done creatively, like the late Mrs. Losa who gave extra points for creativity when she was teaching Physics!

IW was also nice time to chat with friends while working (but teachers wouldn't stop scolding us for being too loud! I swear the classrooms turn out to be like markets!) We also found the time to chat with teachers. Bum, when lazy.

IW truly helped me a lot during college. Helped me submit my arki plates on time. Helped me with the discipline. Helped in creativity.

One of the few things I'm truly grateful for from my ol' alma mater.

inefficient day.

This is the second day in a row that I feel very unproductive and slightly inefficient. Blame it on the lack of sleep (I had seven hours last night but I still feel drowsy). Blame it on the terrible weather right now. (It's freezin in the office. I wish I had mittens and earmuffs!) Blame it on the food I overate during the weekend. Blame it on being tired.

I wish it was the weekend again.

My Type of Guy

In a span of one week two friends asked me: "What's your type of guy?" And I just realized that I didn't have a particular type. In terms of looks that is. I used to lean towards the mestizos and the chinitos. Somehow it was important for me that he was clean-looking (not necessarily good-looking) and I guess fair skin made them look cleaner.

But ever since I got here where I am surrounded by chinitos and caucasian expats, I started finding the moreno-types attractive. So basically I've opened up my range of potentials (haha!).

I've also realized that a guy with a good smile is very, very attractive. A smile that lights up his face.

But going back to my first point. I don't have a particular type when it comes to the physical aspect. But when it comes to the personality that where I'm very, very picky.

I like somone who is very down to earth. Someone who wouldn't mind making a fool of himself but acts right when he has too. I like somone who is mature in his decisions. I like someone who would really listen to me. I like someone who would inspire me. I like someone who goes to mass regularly.Not overly religious. Just someone who does his obligations.

But there are more points that I wouldn't like in a person's personality. I don't like guys with giant egos. I don't like know-it-alls. (but I'm afraid I have tendencies of being one) Hopefully, no vices (smoking and drinking okay in moderation but preferably not; no drugs please). I don't like guys who talk to much. (Please.) I don't like mama's boys. I don't like guys who are too much into their barkadas. Unless he could balance it well. I don't like posers.

So there.

If you have someone in mind, let me know.

Hahahhaa.

circle of friends.

It's nice to know that in just a few days you could make really good friends. I'm thankful to my sister for coming to visit me and having me meet her friends. I know I'm not the main reason for her visit (knowing her, haha) but nevertheless I'm glad to have tagged along. Even if my main purpose was just to be with my sister I gained friends as well.

A shopping and food trip, it definitely was. But I was able to bond with them in just four to five days. Even yesterday when my sister has gone home to Manila I met up with her friends for dinner. That I made sure of because it has happened before that once the common friend wasn't around I would lose touch with the other.

As I was telling them Singapore has become a living friendster for me. Friends of friends become your friends. Acquaintances become your best friends. Nothing like being stuck in a different country to bond.

Maybe I could have also made the same number of friends if I stayed to work in Manila but I'm assuming the range would have been less interesting. That's certainly one of the things I'm very thankful for as a result of my working overseas. And aside from that I've bonded with old friends through technology, which I doubt would have been as strong if I were home.

So... cheers to my friends!

BANGAG.

I spent a taxing yet very memorable weekend:

I made new friends. I felt like being with a barkada again (I miss high school!!!) I felt like a tourist again. I enjoyed nightlife for consecutive nights. (yet won't repeat staying up too late four nights in a row) I ate the most expensive meal of my whole life. I ate the best (and probably the most expensive) dessert of my life (will find a man to treat me there again haha). Found out I attract men with moustaches (hahahahah). Realized that December isn't so far away. Found more things to look forward to. Found new ways to enjoy Singapore.

Life is good.

(Well, in my current state of mine but won't guarantee that it would last too long.)

decisions

I've more or less decided that I would be staying here beyond the two years of my first contract. (FYI, I've been here for almost thirteen months now, but technically I'm just eleven months into my contract. Long story.) And I could be sarcastic and say that yeah, I can stay for an extra month after my two years then resign.

If my application for permanent residency gets approved or not, I think I'm going to taking a go and stay. Until I'm bored to death or end up getting married or what not. It isn't so bad. Really. I could go home every chance I could. I could have a family member visit me in turns. I coudl travel. I could even put up a business here. Even if I have to take more leaves that I'm alotted to... so what? If I didn't go through and renew my countract I wouldn't have had the funds to take those trips anyways.

I just thought that there are still a lot of Asian countries I want to visit. (or even the US, Australia, or Europe) A lot of books in the National Library that I want to read. A lot more years of the Great Singapore Sale to splurge on. A lot of hawker food to try. A lot of friends to meet.

I want my family to have more chances of vsiting me. I want more chances of sharing my experiences.

And I still want to find my chance of meeting VJ Utt. Hahahahhaa.

But seriously. If my permanent residency gets approved and I have to sign for another two years. It's not as if I HAVE to stay for those two extra years. So it isn't such a big deal after all. Or if it doesn't get approved and at 2006 I sign up again for another two years, I DON"T HAVE to stay those two years.

I could resign. I could be retrenched. But I'll play it by ear. See where fate leads me.

And maybe in those two years

childhood dreams

It has been a tradition in my alma mater that during our kindergarten graduation we would each walk up to the microphone and say the famous line, "When I grow up..."

Except I guess for those who stated the professions of their parents and did end up pursuing those paths, I very much doubt any of us at six or seven had any idea what would happen to us in fifteen years.

I very much remember myself saying in my little dress... "When I grow up I want to be an artist", which probably was the automatic choice for someone who drew a lot on the blackboard.

But at least I still stayed on the creative career path.

And so I became an architect. (Technically, not yet. But I'm more or less a practising one.)

If I had been anything else but, my life would have been very much different. But I'm grateful nonetheless.

If I weren't an achitect I would have gone where the rest of my siblings have gone -- business, management, economics. I would have gone to Ateneo definitely instead of UP. (I convinced myself before that if Ateneo had BS Architecture I would have surely gone there.)

But I'm glad that I went to UP. I met a bunch of interesting people. Didn't have to care too much about the way I looked. Didn't have to care that my handphone wasn't the latest model. I learned to ride the jeep. Eating in the carinderia because usual. I learned to become practical. Learned to become humble. Learned to interact with people from different backgrounds. Learned to be more independent.

If I didn't pursue architecture I wouldn't probably have had the opportunity of working overseas. Wouldn't have learned to be much more independent -- socially, financially. I wouldn't have experienced things that I never imagined I would be able to do so soon. I wouldn't have been able to visit three countries in a span of six months. Wouldn't have travelled at all, mainly due to financial constraint. But my priorities would have been all different.

One choice could definitely change your life. Fate. Destiny.

That choice has opened up my future to endless possibilities.

So maybe I'll be changing career paths one day (probably in the not-so-distant future) but I am enjoying architecture while I'm still practising it. I'm trying to absorb all that I could learn.

Maybe I'll end up doing things that other people could do -- like business -- but at least I still benefitted and am still benefitting from my first career choice. I'm building memories. I'm building a foundation -- spiritually, emotionally, financially.

So about childhood dreams... I don't think we'll ever stop dreaming. It's always nice to have something to look forward to right?

So for my never-ending dreams, I'm working on them and I think I'm getting there.

Week Recap

The past week was pretty good. It wasn't those dragging overpaid-bum-what-should-i-do week. I was doing things that interested me. I'm actually finding my role in the office.

Somehow I knew I would be more comfortable in the administrative side of the field. I've more or less realized that I'm no Norman Foster or Kenzo Tange (But mind you, I'm okay is space planning. If only I could learn to think out of the box...)

So the week was pretty much balanced out and was capped by a good dinner with colleagues. I was expecting the dinner to be awkward since the mix of the peopl (five of us) was not the usual. But it turned out to be a good meal with interesting company. I hope that the dinner made them perceive me as an easy-going person. Maybe I've been giving them the wrong signals.

And the shopping! As my colleague said it's tough waiting for someone in the mall since your eyes wander, I succumbed to buying a couple of tops at Mango (the other one was for my sister so I won't feel to guilty, haha) then the next day a couple more in a department store. The Great Singapore Sale tests the discipline of the ladies, I swear. But in all fairness, I bought bags and other items for my mom and sisters. Isn't that what makes pasalubong-shopping so great? Takes out the guilt from spending too much.

Now I hope Thursday will come soon, since I'll be picking up my sister in thae airport for her over-the-weekend trip. It should be fun!

IOC in Singapore

Just in case you weren't aware. IOC stands for International Olympic Committee. They're holding the 117th IOC here in Singapore. Basically they're deciding who will host 2012's Olympic Games. The candidates are Moscow, New York, Madrid, London and Paris. As I write Moscow is making it's presentation.

I didn't know it would be such a huge deal. It was only recently even that I found out Singapore was hosting the IOC. I just found out popular people luck David and Victoria Beckham, Muhammad Ali, Ian Thorpe, Hilary Clinton, Tony Parker, and some others are here! And darn, I'm at work, and all the happening were yesterday and today!

We'll be finding out by this evening around 7:30 on who will be awarded. I think it's surely one of the European countries. But since Paris already has a percentage of it's proposal existing (game venues), I think they have a big chance. Green architecture and all that, eh? Maximize what's already up. And imagine... beach volleyball under the Eifell Tower. Oh wow!

So there. Will wait till around 7ish to find out!

Thought for the Day

When I was a kid I would watch these beauty pageants and game shows and a common prize would be "a years' supply of so-and-so." Innocent as I was (hehe, yep, you better believe I used to be innocent!) I was imagining truckloads of toothpaste, cornflakes, and what not being delivered to your home.

But geez, I realized that it takes around three months for one person to finish the biggest tube of toothpaste. So that makes a year's supply -- uh -- four tubes?

And as for cornflakes. Okay, how to they gauge a year's worth? (Okay, I don't know where I got the cornflakes idea... prolly from some Nikelodeon show). I can personally finish a box in less than a week. But then, of course I would be sick of it after a few months right? So they could have considered this and just quanitified it for only to the period of time a person isn't sick of it yet.

Hmm.... food for thought huh? ;)

Bad Day

*Daniel Powter singing in the background*

Actually he ISN'T singing in the background, I'm just imagining it because the friggin audio fo my PC ain't working. I couldn't listen to my MP3s, listen to any radio station online, or anything close to it.

This just isn't a good day.

First of, it's a bad hair day. I've given up long ago blow-drying my hair. The two main reasons is that I don't like wasting my effort and time and somehow when I blow dry my hair my hair comes out more frizzy and all-over during the day. So what I usually do is that when I take my shower in the morning I just guide the drying of my hair until hopefully it dries decently. Now the thing is, I had my haircut while I was hope a couple of weeks ago. Unfortunately the gay hairdresser decided to give me one of those non-wash-and-wear types of hairdos. But I've managed these past few days to tame it and have it look decent enough. But today... sigh... it just had a mind of its own. So I ended up sporting a half ponytail. (Dinaan sa ganda ng clip... hahahaha)

Second, my PC is testing my temper (okay, exaggeration, I didn't lose my temper. I guess I also welcomed the chance of not having to work). So anyway, my office email wasn't working... I couldn't send any emails! So the whole morning one of our IT guys was doing the works. So this after my email is finally working but I guess he wasn't able to fix the other problems of my PC since I still had to restart, be patient with how slow it's going and spend a day again without my MP3s. (Calling any stalker who wants to buy me an MP3 player? Hehe. But maybe in the future -- near, that is -- I'll get myself a reliable player)

Third, my laptop caught some virus (one of those irritating worms) and I just found out I could have fixed it during the weekend if I read the instructions right. But no fatal harm yet. Will still attempt to delete the infected file tonight. And my bringing of my laptop to work was useless. Ugh. Carrying the extra kilos back and forth all useless.

Fourth, I made another booboo at work, sending an email to some consultants forgetting to attach the file. Ugh. Innocent mistake, but one of the smart-ass consultants gave me a "friendly reminder" of attaching the said file and giving my email the proper subject title. But mind you, I've sent a second email with the attachment and proper title BEFORE he replied. I was aware enough.

So hopefully, that's all the bad stuff for today. Nowhere to go but up, I hope. It isn't great ti spend a Monday like this one.

P.S. But going back to Daniel Powter, I do like his song and I love the MTV... very cute!

5 random facts about me

Just five things I ovbserved about myself during the past week.

1. I live for bargains. Yep, that's one of the things that make me blend well with Singaporeans. I wait for the coupons McDonalds and KFC hand out for me to eat there (since eating in these fastfood joints cost you around 1.5x a regular meal in a foodcourt or 2x that in a hawker center and I usually cook my own meals anyways). Coupons make it more or less equal or definitely worth it. And of course, I am a constant visitor of bragain racks in boutiques. So what? At least there's someone to appreciate their sales right?

2. I love cheap indulgences. That's why lately I've been eating Tofiluk chocolates (a great alternative for Twix or even Snickers!), polvoron and ChocNut. Cheap thrills!

3. I hate talkative men. Yep, I get turned off by guys who talk more than I do. There was my former persistent suitor. Then there's this guy who lives in my condo who just keeps on talking! Aaaaahhhh! I see him occasionally at our bus stop. I was just too unlucky take the same bus as him some times. And I silently become glee when my bus arrives when I see him arriving in the corner of my eye. Thank God he doesn't take one of the my buses.

4. I wouldn't want to date a guy thinner than me. Okay, this is my insecurities talking. But still, I want a tall guy who has meat (without being fat -- bulges are okay. lean is better. no muscular/vain ones please)

5. I am a loner/ hermit. I've discovered than after over a year of living on my own I prefer staying in most times. Unless there are occasions that I wouldn't miss, people to meet up with who interest me. But believe me, staying in for majority of your weekend makes your weekend seem longer.