I remember when Mom would prepare my lunchbox and upon reaching our classroom, there goes grade school politics and trading my food in exchange for marshmallows.  he he! Until now, this soft and fluffy junk food is still my favorite. It's best when paired with hot choco, coffee, ice cream and cakes especially on rainy days like these. Craving for those choco twisted ones right now.

Speaking of grade school days, Wave 89.1  is currently playing 80's - 90's songs. Perfect during our not so long ago field demo days! LOL

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Faith Will Bring Me There

Don't aim for success if you want it; just do what you love and believe in, and it will come naturally.

When this year entered, I've been working on my plans of trying my luck abroad. Singapore has been my target country, a place where I can start a good career path again, a place not too far from Manila so I can always go home whenever I missed my family and friends. A destination where I can really see myself. Canada is always right next to it, being a place where most of my relatives are citizens. But, I'm this person who takes myself anywhere I want, on my own. Personal fulfillment is my reason behind it and I'm just not used to asking favors.

DM's and I had a short conversation about this today. It is inevitable that we will soon have our own family, God willing. Future responsibilities are on hand, justifying why we really need to set our goals starting today. Trying to live independently now is my way of putting my plans into practice. Not later than two years, I'm sure our lives will greatly change. Soon, a married couple.

However, my future plans are becoming quite hazy now. Just when everything are vivid and almost settled, I was given a very good offer by our Company Director in my present job. Stepping up in my career ladder. An offer you cannot easily decline and something which will really bring you somewhere. Almost a perfect package, in short. I've been holding on to myself ever since this good news arrived. Humbled. The surreal feeling is still here, still trying to contain it.

Amidst this situation, I cannot help but think and ask myself as I look at the heavens, how can I gain a clear mind of what to pursue? The final decision is in my hands and hoping by that time, these uncertainties will be replaced by a hundred percent undoubting heart.

Thy will be done, Lord..

Jealousy

Jealousy is simply and clearly the fear that you do not have value.  Jealousy scans for evidence to prove the point - that others will be preferred and rewarded more than you.  There is only one alternative - self-value.  If you cannot love yourself, you will not believe that you are loved.  You will always think it's a mistake or luck.  Take your eyes off others and turn the scanner within.  Find the seeds of your jealousy, clear the old voices and experiences.  Put all the energy into building your personal and emotional security.  Then you will be the one others envy, and you can remember the pain and reach out to them.

Jennifer James

NBA Finals 2010

Is it too late to create a post on this? Of course NOT!

Hailed as the 2010 NBA Champions, Los Angeles Lakers played amazing and heart pounding games during the finals. Pau Gasol and Ron Artest have been both brilliant. Kobe Bryant did maintain very good statistics since play offs but surely won't get the MVP title if not for his encouraging team. Credit is indeed due to all the members of the Lakers team.

Game 7 is what Lakers fans really waited for. I'm guilty for screaming too loud at our  office pantry during the last 5 minutes while bullying Boston fans. he he!

Kobe's really admirable for not getting low even if from the beginning, things don't  happen the way he wanted it to be. He clearly defined the true spirit of sportsmanship. Now, may I just share that one KB24 fanatic is not just happy for their victory but because I'll be awarding him the promised Nike shirt. It's supposed to be that bloody red one but I can't find it. Need to expand my search tools.

Mind checking this Yellow KB?

I find these items cute, too. Click here.

I can see SOMEONE smiling now!

The hours I spend with you I look upon as sort of perfumed garden, a dim twilight, and a fountain singing to it. You and you alone make me feel that I am alive. Other men it is said have seen angels, but I have seen thee and thou art enough.

George Edward Moore

Settling for Something We Like

Would you agree that most guys stick to their brands in choosing apparels, gadgets or cars? I've noticed this with my guy friends and you can't simply convert them to choose one over another. DM's, for instance, is one living proof. Nike is always and will always be his number one favorite brand. I've seen him wore other brands but overall, his loyalty to KB and MJ lines deserve an award. Recently, I noticed he's into Columbia and Salomon apparels mainly because of his outdoor activities and it looks like he's becoming attached to it now, going through that same pattern again. I also have this friend who is an avid fan of Adidas and Canon. Another friend is into driving Honda and nothing but Honda cars. Guys, you amaze me!

Girls, on the other hand, are not very particular with signature items from head to toe. There may be some, those who belong to upper or elite class, but mostly, we go for something that suits our mood for that day, color, style and something that really looks good on us. In fact, going to tiangges are one of my favorite past times which give me more options to choose from. Just make sure you grab unique items, otherwise, you'll see your shirt worn by everyone, as in EVERYONE! I also had this feeling once that this pair of sandals really waited for me, it's neither expensive nor branded, but I really love it and it's the last piece. That feeling of belongingness sometimes plays a huge role on how we choose, call it weird!

But, if there's something I'm really particular with, that would be choosing my bags. I was on my second year in high school when I had my first branded shoulder bag - Esprit. It was so durable that I even used it until my second year in college. Since then, I sticked to my mind that I should settle for bags which are "good buys". Prices are expected to be higher but the comfort of having one is very satisfactory, not to mention that it really lasts longer and the details are very fine. But to sum it all, you don't really spend that much because you get to keep it for years. So far, I had Nine West, Guess, LaCoste, Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, Esprit, Zara, DKNY, Mango and Liz Claiborne (still checking if I missed some) and until now I stick to these names which I am more than willing to spend. I was once convinced by a girl friend to get my own Louis Vuitton, but I said to myself: "People may think I'm using a fake one 'coz I'm not driving my own car. I'm just commuting, hello!" Makes sense, yeah? he he!

Well, the real reason I'm writing this blog is because I'm overly fascinated with this signature item which I just recently knew the name. My shopping skills are getting tarnished, tsk! Girls, you may be familiar with Long Champ or Le Pliage? Gosh, I really wanna own one of those roomy, simple yet elegant hand bags! Let's see if I'll overcome this craze.

Allow me to share the LePliage photos, see if you'll like it too. My pick? That red tote bag. As to when I can get one is still questionable but it's surely worth the wait. 30days!

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Suspicion always haunts the guilty mind.

William Shakespeare

Inspire Yourself

It’s not always easy to know which path to follow, which decision to make, or what to do.Life is a series of new horizons, new hopes, new days, and changes that come to you. And we all need some help with these things from time to time.

Remember these things: Dream it. Do it. And discover how special you are. Be positive, for your attitude will affect the outcome of many things. Ask for help when you need it; seek the wisdom the world holds and hold on to it. Make some progress every single day. Begin. Relieve. And become.

Give yourself all the credit you’re due; don’t short change your qualities, your abilities, or any of the things that are so unique about you. Remember how precious life can be. Imagine. Invest the time it takes to reach out for your dreams; it will bring you happiness that no money on earth can buy. Don’t be afraid; no mountain is too big to climb if you do it at your own pace.

What’s the best thing to do? That’s simple:
Do Your Best. And everything else will fall into place.
This day has given me a lot of surprises. Too much to absorb. Surreal feeling. Happy. Proud. Acknowledged.Thought bubble: Never lose the desire to prove yourself that you can do it. Dream big, work hard, and everything will really fall into place..

There is no short cut to achievement. Life requires thoroughpreparation -- veneer isn't worth anything.

George Washington Carver

Mt. Sembrano, Freedom Climb 2010

 

June 12 - 14, 2010

As I learn and understand the life of a mountaineer, I can't help but ask where is the fun when you climb-get really really tired - sleep in a tent where I find uncomfy - survive without electricity - and then go down after a day or two.

But, from the above mentioned, don't you think that's when fun begins for those who seek thrill and adventure? And to sum all of my experiences, this word has been described to me literally - camaraderie. I would like to stress that word because while you keep your strength in reaching the base camp and the summit - you will never hear anyone saying: "stop, you're getting weak! or "hurry, you're becoming a burden to everyone!" Instead, they will ask you to stop if you needed to rest and get your pace until you are comfortable and driven to reach the peak. Wouldn't life get easier if we are motivated by people surrounding us? Think about it.

The amount of happiness is immeasurable for having the chance to participate in this one of a kind nationwide event. Waking up one morning, after a challenging night trek, embraced and amazed by a clean and green environment is really incomparable.

And you may wanna ask where I really found FUN there? It's when I reached the top overlooking all other mountains, realizing I made it this high. A single word to describe it all. Fulfilling. Enjoy our captured moments below.

Happy Thoughts

Morning rush. If traffic is bad, that means there's too much vehicles on the road, but how come there's no enough public transport? Not even cabs?

34 minutes late for work. Started tasks right away. I even forgot to at least drink some water.

It was only past 8am but I'm really starving. Debate in my head: whether I should have rice for lunch or not.

I can't get my eyes away from my monitor. It's really overloaded when your partner is on leave.

Work, work, work. No time for leisure, went home straight. Dark skies bothered me.

Burger for dinner. I love mustard!

Looking at our Freedom Climb photos. Can't believe I made it.

My legs are still aching, I can't endure without a pain reliever. Dependent?

Watermark for my photos before submitting to GMA News. Too sleepy to complete it.

Goodnight text forgotten. Please consider, this lady is more than wasted.

Doing Those Things We Loved Most (again)

These photos illustrate it all. He promised to devote time so we can do this more often, again, which therefore sounds like rehabilitating what's previously damaged. I, on the other hand, gave my word to take a risk in the hope of a favourable outcome.

That's the practice of compromise.

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Unica's Modified Blog

I decided to do some alterations on my blog posts and have come up with this cute and girlish idea while in the cab on my way home. .

Starting tonight, I will be posting my thought bubbles for the entire day. Doesn't matter how many I can come up with as long as it's something I did not utter.

So, here it goes..

Unica's Daily Thought Bubbles

1. Korean spicy noodles. I almost cried when I got my lips slightly burnt. Good thing, bad words didn't come out easily.

2. Seeing my dusty, untouched books. Wish I could spend more time with you next weekend. sigh!

3. Batteries. Looking forward to colorful pictures and pleasant weather tomorrow.

4. Late afternoon shower. I miss this icy cold water. Summer indeed has ended.

5. Mango juice, fresh from my freezer. Love it!

6. Early pay check. Very good! Just in time for our planned trip.

7. Evening grocery with DM's at Tiendesitas. It's really nice to do it at around 7pm. No rush. Wish we could do this more often.

8. SM Hypermart food court. I didn't know how organized they were. We tasted Asian cuisine - Fil and Jap. Price is not bad!

9. Sundae for desserts. Amazed with the cup size. It's called "Baby Bear". Others were Mama and Papa bear. The owner's obviously a fan of Full House!

10. Php85 cab fare going home. How I wish it's always like that.

June Holidays

My long weekend officially starts today and to begin with, I welcomed my first day by indulging with a very loooong sleep. I haven't had more bonding time with my bed for months and it really feels good not to hear my mad alarm clock this morning. How many hours of sleep? Twelve! ha ha! I guess this gives reason to why our Mom's would ask us to take a nap in the afternoon when we were still kids. And now we can only wish that we still have those luxury of time.

So, what do we have for this weekend? Me, I look forward to something fun and adventurous. But before that, allow me to thank the holidays Queen's Birthday and Philippine Independence Day for giving us time to spend with our friends and loved ones, away from our usual daily routines.

I also hope that we take part in acknowledging the significance of our fellow countrymen who fought for our land, our freedom. We may not be there when it happened but it wouldn't hurt if we pay our humble tributes to them.

Have a great and meaningful weekend, friends!

Thoughts to Ponder

When we're incomplete, we're always searching for somebody to complete us. When, after a few years or a few months of a relationship, we find that we're still unfulfilled, we blame our partners and take up with somebody more promising. This can go on and on until we admit that while a partner can add sweet dimensions to our lives, we, each of us, are responsible for our own fulfillment. Nobody else can provide it for us, and to believe otherwise is to delude ourselves dangerously and to program for eventual failure every relationship we enter.

Countless Thank You's

I am so blessed for having good friends, those who don't just say "hi and goodbye!"..

I am blessed for having families who value and care for me more than I could think of..

I am blessed for having co-workers who treated me like a sister, their child..

I am blessed that I have something that's enough for me and I am contented not to ask for too much from what I need..

I am blessed for having a good health ever since I was a kid..

I am blessed that despite tears, I have tons and tons of reasons to smile just by looking at the brighter side..

I am blessed that my heart has finally recuperated after series of unfortunate events..

I am blessed that God has given me life to appreciate and see the wonders of living in an imperfect world..

So to everyone who has been a part of me in my 29 years of existence, I thank you for all the good or bad moments we've shared. I am certain that you all made an impact to my life. May God bless us more physically, emotionally, materially and spiritually..

Thank you everyone for your well wishes. Even the simplest form of greeting really meant so much to me..

Love you all.

Renz

I ♥ Eastwood and Fazoli's

Yes, I do and I feel sorry that I kept myself away from this lovely place for some reasons. But moving forward, I'm happy to see how innovated Eastwood has become now that the number of dining places have increased, boutiques, bars and even offices which will give us no reason to hop to another place. Cab and parking lots were never a problem here and to top it all, it is never crowded.

Mind you, I'm always and will always be fascinated with their dancing fountain. Why is that?

So when DM's asked me where I'd like to meet up after work, of course I willingly answered, Eastwood! So here's where my second birthday treat was spent. We had dinner at Fazoli's and enjoyed their sumptuous pasta and pizza meals.

I ordered Fettucine Al Pesto and his was Fettucine Alfredo which also includes pepperoni and cheese pizza.

If there's any common denominator for tonight, that would be the spicy Caramba.

He even put some on his garlic bread.

We ended the night with some few drinks at G8. I was feeling confident that night, thinking I could finish three bottles of Gilbey's Premium Strength but I even had a hard time with my second and last bottle. He he!

BTW, this band below played well. They remind me of The Beatles, but the Pinoy and younger version. Good music! It was taken behind because we were off to Dairy Queen for my chocolate truffles, he he!

Thank you again for this treat. Love the conversation. Happy night.

Red is not always Hot

Welcome, June! Hello first day of the month! You're here again, Deadlines? Nice to meet you again, Reports! How have you been, Excel? Did you miss me, Clients? Haha, I sound so pathetic!

But honestly, that's how it goes for me every start of each month which is acceptable because stress is always bundled with our jobs. You can always quit anyway if you don't like what you're doing so as long as you're getting paid for it then get used to deal with it! Hmmm, enough about corporate dilemma. 

As soon as I step out from my office, I'm back to my happy world and that world is where happy food is within your reach, LOL!

Where to?

I say, to a place where Red is cold and frozen.

Red Mango

 

It's not my turn yet but I already knew what toppings to choose. Excited!
If I heard it right, medium original frozen yogurt is Php115, Php20 for the first topping then Php10 for each succeeding. Great!

Are you ready?

Drum rolls!

Presenting my froyo with raspberry, cocoa pebbles and M&M's toppings..

 

See what's inside..

 

Notice that I really waited 'til it's a bit melted.

 

At this very moment, I would say that whatever stress came up today have all been wiped out and my bowl's been cleaned up, literally! LOL

Try it too guys! *wink*