I seldom get the chance to talk to my friends and keep them up-to-date with what's going on with my life...
well, this is it. My online journal. Yah, another personal blog,just exactly what the world needs now. Let's be realistic, it's cheaper than overseas calls. Less tiring than novel-like emails.
About Me
Name: celgee Home: Philippines About Me: just read through my entries and you'll get to know me :) See my complete profile
I have never watched Transformers before, even when I was still a kid. I would usually just catch sight of it because I would be waiting for Carebears or Rainbow Brite in Channel 9 during my childhood days. When I first heard about the Transformers movie, I wasn't really anxious to see it. Jp even initially planned on watching it alone since he knew that I am not into it. So when I told Jp that I will watch it with him, he was very ecstatic.
Jp has been anticipating this day... and he has even been doing a countdown since last Tuesday. The movie Transformers was shown in cinemas here in Manila yesterday, June 28. I have QT21 calls in the evenings (8:30-10pm), and luckily, we don't have a call scheduled for tonight, so Jp and I have set Friday as his Transformers movie night. Before I went to Trinoma, I met up with Giff to leave my binder. He even gave a spoiler about Bumblebee… I didn't get angry as I usually would had it been a different movie. How could I? I don't even know who or what Bumblebee is? :P
8:20pm. Jp and I were already in Trinoma, Cinema 3. I could really see the excitement in his eyes. He looked just like the other kids waiting in line to get inside the movie theater. I didn't want to pop his balloon or ruin the night by sharing the spoiler, as I know he really really likes the transformers a lot.
I don't think I have been a good seatmate, as I would keep on asking who the characters/robots were -- if they were good or bad or if it was the same in the cartoons. Good thing Jp was patient enough to explain them to me. The movie turned out to be good – actually, better than I have expected. I initially thought that I might get too bored or would not get to like it since I have never seen the cartoons before... or maybe I was too young to appreciate it then. I was really skeptical, only to find out that the 148 minutes I have spent watching it would turn out to be a really fun experience. I never really expected that I would like it. (It was like a quantum moment - infinite possibilities, listening to not knowing... it was a pleasant surprise.) Haha.
After the movie, Jp and I kept on imitating the sounds whenever the autobots would transform from cars to robots. On our way home, we continued our movie review and the crazy Q&A portion like: - If you could have one autobot to guard you, who would you choose? (Mine is Bumblebee) - Who would you think win if the autobots had a war with the carebears? - Would you watch CareBears if they were to show it as a live-action flick? Like a Grizzly bear as Tender heart, a real lion for Brave heart. Haha. ;)
To summarize what I have learned from last night's QT training, I need to master seeing from the perspective of ALL perspectives.
Hmmm... what? master what?
They said we should have a state of equanimity and equal vision, mastering non-attachment.
Our assignment -- to be conscious about the things we are attached to and bring our story for the next call.
We had the 7th QT call today. I am really hesitant to speak up and just share a personal story or my feelings with a bunch of people I don't really know. To cut the story short, I did find the guts to jump in. (Well, it's the 3rd time) :)
My motivation? 1) The Dare I had with Jeff Cruz. :) During the call last night, we were chatting and dared each other to share on the next call. Unfortunately, he missed the opportunity to share... well, he wasn't really dying to speak about his "attachments". 2) I can listen to my voice in the recording tomorrow 3) Alan and/or Dianne would not have to call my name and "force" me to share
And about my "attachments"? It's on the Day 7 recording. hahaha... :)
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I should have shared that I am already attached to watching Heroes. Notice that I haven't blogged for the past days, it's because I have been busy watching it. I was able to finish all 23 episodes in 6 days.
I am also getting attached to Milo Ventimiglia. Isn't he cute? :) At least I have my own Peter Petrelli. (Ok, ok.. I know Yas would object that Peter looks way better that Jp, but at least he's a nurse like Peter... haha.. my weird analogy)
I have been attending the QuantumThink21 training for the past days, and yesterday we have been asked to list out our recreation list - a list of the things that I consider incomplete or plan on doing. While writing down my list during the coaching call, I have realized that the balance that I am looking for in my personal life and work is something that I need to really put my heart on. I think the problem is about how I view or prioritize things. I always keep a checklist and plan for when I need to do or complete my tasks at work, but I don’t even have one for myself. I mean, a checklist for the tasks I need to do for my personal life. One's attitude towards work and personal life dictates the balance that we are looking for. Balance is a matter of choice, and like the other people in the training, I guess I have 70/30 (Work/Personal), and I would need to target on fixing that soon.
Just by reviewing my personal to-do list, it seems like I still have a long way to go :)
1) Clean-up my closet. Take out unused clothes and donate them. 2) Have my annual check-up 3) Get my replacement passbook 4) Finish the book that I am reading "The Alchemist" 5) Reformat my personal laptop 6) Have my friend's iPod fixed 7) Buy a gift for Jp's birthday 8) Go to the spa 9) Get my nails done (manicure & pedicure) 10) Take my parents on an out-of-town/out-of-the country vacation 11) Buy new flip-flops 12) Update my blog's design/template 13) Organize an outing/get-together with my classmates from college 14) Finish watching the new DVDs I bought (The Office and Heroes) 15) Sell my old camera 16) Buy a new camera 17) Go to my derma 18) Plan for my mom's birthday party 19) Organize my shoe rack 20) Visit my relatives 21) Bring flowers to my lola at Tita Lita
This is going to be an infinite list of personal tasks, but it feels good to list them out and start scheduling when I will be doing them. Some will get completed soon; while a lot more will surely be added. :)
Let's start with Jon and Abiey. They are one of the long-time couples in our class from college. If my calculation is correct, I think they have been together for 9yrs now. They have both been my classmates for 4 yrs (We were in a block section...) I could still recall the moments in college that everyone in the class would call him as "Papa Jon" since he is the eldest in the class and like our big brother. Odd. We should have just called him Brother Jon. Oh well. It took me a few months to stop adding "Papa" to his name, and there had even been instances that I would see him at work (he is on a different client engagement) or in the MSE building and still call him Papa Jon (Ooops! hehe). Now, it's official. Jon is now really a "papa". Jp and I got to the UST Parish Church at 9:55 am. Unfortunately, we weren't able to wander around UST... because I didn't want to. I don't think I would be able to endure the scorching heat of the sun. We'll just come back for that "sight-seeing" one of these days...maybe one afternoon. Ethel and Renor arrived a few minutes later. I saw Ethel just the other day, in the PS CoE meeting that we attended. She recently had a 2-month vacation in the US after rolling off from her previous project and she has now joined the PS CoE. Ethel is one of my close friends from college. We became friends after becoming groupmates in several school activities, case studies and our thesis. We were 4 in the group -- Ethel, Ledz, Razel and I (plus the adopted members of the group - Jp and Renor). It was like they automatically became part of the thesis group. I think they attended more meetings in our group compared to their original group hehe. It is fun to reminisce some of these moments with Ethel and Renor. Lots of funny stories and incidents.. I did get to know more about Ethel, Ledz and Razel after staying with them in one roof for a couple of weeks for our thesis. ;)
Johnston was able to make it to the church, just in time for the pictorial. Johnston is my bestfriend in college. It's really funny to look back and recall what brought us together. A shoulder to cry on -- literally speaking, the 1st guy I ever cried on. Not because he broke my heart... because someone accidentally stepped on my finger. Sounds petty? Try having someone step on your finger with ice skates on. Ouch! :) I sometimes miss talking to him on the phone, even if we're not really talking...sometimes just listening to the radio. Adrian and Rose arrived at the reception. Adrian is also our classmate from college - 1st and 2nd Yr. He moved to another section for his 3rd & 4th yr since he majored in Actuarial Science. We all still remained friends after that... and even after graduating from college just like the rest of my other friends. Here's a picture with my cute godchild, Andrea Gail --
"Have you ever lost someone you love and wanted one more conversation, one more chance to make up for the time when you thought they would be here forever? If so, then you know you can go your whole life collecting days, and none will outweigh the one wish you had back. What if you got it back?"
- Mitch Albom, For one more day
I got this book as a present from Jp last Saturday. I have been searching for this book for the past weeks, and everytime I tried to ask for it... same answer - "out of stock". Luckily, Jp was able to find it in time for my birthday. :) I started reading this book after my birthday (Yes, after my birthday, say around 12:30am June 10). My eyes got tired around 2am but I could not let go of the book, I am very much eager to figure out what will happen next.
The book became my "breakfast". I had to feed my desire to know what the lead character will do since he has been given the second chance. I already have a picture in my head of how the characters looked like, and there are moments that I would feel like picturing my lola or my nanay. It's another sentimental tear jerker from Mitch Albom, and compared to his other book "Tuesdays with Morrie", I liked this new one a bit more, maybe because of the personal experiences or instances in the story that hit me. I don't think it would be a bad idea to write about the "Times My Mother Stood Up For Me" and "Times I Did Not Stand Up For My Mother", just like what the lead character did in the story. I am pretty sure that if I were write something like that, I would end up having a really long list of the times that my mom or dad stood up for me, compared to the times I did for them. I could really relate to the book (not that I tried to kill myself like the lead character… nah, that's not a spoiler.. that's just the beginning of the story), because of the things that Charley's mom did for him, that I sometimes tend to overlook or disregard since it has already been a habit or something that I have always assumed that my parents would do for me (spoiled?!? Yes, I am :( )
The book is about unconditional love, selflessness and forgiveness. I'd recommend For One More Day to those who would like to get in touch with their emotions. Well if you don’t feel like sulking and reminiscing about your relationship with your parents, this book is not for you. Some said the story line is a bit like "the five people you meet in heaven", maybe it's a good thing I haven't read that one yet. :)
Jp and I went to the church today, our way of saying thanks for the blessings we have received for the past years and also to pray for his Nursing board exam tomorrow. When we got to the church, we arrived just in time for the homily of a wedding... An old couple got married again in celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary. Wow! 50 years?! That's really something worth celebrating... ;) I wonder if I would be that lucky.
Jhim went to the Lourdes Church to greet me in person (nice!) and wish Jp luck for his exam tomorrow. We got back home at noon, and waited for the team to arrive.
Back home, my mom and Tita Mameng were busy preparing the lunch for my friends. I didn't plan on throwing a party today, but just yesterday my team convinced me that since I do not have plans to leave home tomorrow afternoon, they will join me at home for my birthday. Sweet. Who could say no to that? So I immediately sent a text message to my mom yesterday to list out what we will be serving for lunch [Lechon, Crispy Pata, Fried Chicken and Menudo] and some afternoon snacks [Cheese Pimiento sandwich, Apple Juice, (and maybe some apple wine) and Ice Cream].
Blue arrived at 1pm (yipee!!!). Followed by An and Rommel :) And then Anna, Grace R. and Jeff The team gave me a cute blouse from Kashieca. :) (Thanks guys!!!) In the afternoon, we had some ice cream, watched TV and became critics of the latest showbiz buzz ;) Jeff, Grace, Anna and I also had some apple wine... ;)
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Acknowledgement Thanks to all those who remembered and greeted me in advance: Ate Kathy Dela Rosa, Tenten Geocaniga, Lyn Despabiladeras, Shirley Malaluan, Furness Patoc, Mervin Dizon, Patrick San Miguel, Redge Nicolas, Don Navarro and Adel Tanyag.
Thanks to all those who remembered and greeted me today in person, via text, friendster, email and phone call. I am deeply touched. :) My honey, Reggie Reyes, Kelvin Lao, Aaron Deang, Steffen Oehme, Ethel De Ramos, Anna Del Mundo, Blue Mungcal, Grace Ramos, Jeff Lazaro, Marie Gamboa-Ignacio, Mike Ignacio, Dane Samson, An Lachica, Rommel Antiga, Anna Rivera, Raymund Lumagui, Adrian Viray, Mary Rose Azcarraga-Viray, Amana Martinez, Davis Grana, Nina Bocalan-Zabella, Tina Canlas, Giff Ricarte, Jhim Santiago, Christian Francisco, Grace Salaver, Gladys, Rio Elloso, Cinta Santillian, Johnston Lao, Mike Baltisoto, Nats To, Kelvin Lao, Rochelle De Jesus, Allan Peña, Lot Jaramilla-Ombao, Roben Savares, Jannet Spengler, Tita Helen Spengler, Tita Del Gamboa, Mary Rose Reyes, Sheng Aquino-Russell, Anne Vicaldo, Allan Ancaja, Jay Aquino, Gee, Xmas Borlongan and Stephan Fuegner.
Of course I have to save the best for last: Thanks to my Nanay, Tatay and Tita Mameng. :)
I have finally completed filling out the questionnaire that needs to be sent out by the Socials Committee of the Siebel Cap as part of like the "Know more about the celebrant" portion. I have fill-out the template, and just like magic - I have created my very own bday greeting card! :) There was one portion there that asks about the "Soundtrack of my life", and I have placed "The Journey". Maybe I can upload the rest of my answers here next time :)
You'll appreciate the song more if you'd turn on your speaker and click the play button below. :) Enjoy!
The Journey Lea Salonga
Half the world is sleeping, half the world's awake half can hear their hearts beat half just hear them break I am but a traveler, in most every way Ask me what you want...to know What a journey it has been And the end is not in sight But the stars are out tonight and they're bound to guide my way When they're shining on my life I can see a better day I won't let the darkness in, what a journey it has been. I have been to sorrow I have been to bliss Where I'll be tomorrow, I can only guess Through the darkest desert Through the deepest snow, Forward always forward, I go.. What a journey it has been and the end is not in sight But the stars are out tonight and they're bound to guide my way When they're shining on my life I can see a better day I won't let the darkness in, what a journey it has been... Forward, always forward... Onward, always up... Catching every drop of hope In my empty cup What a journey it has been And the end is not in sight But the stars are out tonight and they're bound to guide my way When they're shining on my life I can see a better day I won't let the darkness in, what a journey it has been... What a journey it has been...
I have known Adel (Tanyag) since April 2, 2001. Yes, that the exact date. The same date I started in the company that I am still working for.
I met her and Pia today. (I have known Pia since 2001 as well, she was the person I was with when I was in St. Charles. The person I kept on bugging all thru out our stay in Chicago)
Ok, going back to Adel -- She just came back a few days ago from UK. She has been sent there for an onshore assignment (3 months in Spain last year and another 6 months++ this year in UK). She will be going back to Spain this coming Saturday. We just met up today and had a short chat in Starbucks. We were interested to hear about her adventures in Spain and UK. :)
And the story? She shared her story about this Spanish guy (who also works in the same company as we do, but in the Madrid office) who once asked her to go out one weekend. She already declined the offer after she realized that the guy wants to take her out on a date. ;) My favorite part of the story is the part about what Adel was doing before the guy asked her out. ;) hehehehe (I'll ask for Adel's permission first if I can put that here) A few days after that, the guy was already a bit distant... but they did get a chance to meet up again in a party. The guy took some photos and the following day sent them to Adel with a really nice message. Quoting Adel, the email she got wrote: "the light was not good, but you shined in all the room" Funny statement but sweet. Pia and I were teasing Adel... saying that she didn't mention that she glows or luminates in the dark.
I'll see Adel again after 2mos.. and maybe by then she'll have more (romantic?)stories about that guy or with her crush. :)
I can't believe that almost half of the year has already gone by. It's June once again, classes have started and it has already been raining frequently. June isn't really one of my favorite months... I always end up getting sentimental over a lot of things. :( Oh well, maybe it's just the time of the year or month...yah, or maybe it's just a girl thing. ;)
I was browsing thru my friends' profile in Friendster, and found a really nice site where I can listen to my favorite songs (with streaming mp3s) and create my very own playlist.
Music. Something I would not want to live without. For every significant moment in my life, I would always try to find a song that would match my current state of mind or how I feel.
The first playlist that I created... my "For Rainydays" playlist. :)
Songs that ...I used to sing. ...someone used to sing for me. ...I can relate to. ...I dedicated to someone. ...I want to be dedicated to me. ...I would want to sing to someone.
I could not stop myself from searching for my favorite love songs... but now I'd have to. It's late already and it's time for me to sleep. I will just create new playlists next time. :)
Today is a super duper busy day. Got up at 4:30am, and had to be in the office at 6:30am. It's really really rare that I'd leave home at 5:30am, and most of the time I would only leave home that early for out-of-town gimiks. :) I arrived in office on time (yes, no traffic in the morning, not too many people in the MRT plus it's yet that hot (since the sun is just about to rise).
There are a lot of people in the lobby - most of them are from ACCS - smoking while the rest are just gathering for the outing scheduled today.
When I got to the 10th Flr, Christian, Rommel and May were already in the office. Grace arrived a couple of minutes later. While waiting, I brought out my camera to take a picture (why did I bring my camera? for two reasons -- memories of the Siebel release and Aaron's farewell party) The rest of the team arrived at 11am.
I left my camera lying on top of my table and people would just take turns in taking candid pictures. We should have done a before and after comparison of how we looked in the morning vs the shots taken late in the evening... Hehehe. Despite the challenges faced, the positive attitude of everyone made the room brighten up, even if most of the people are tired and sleepy. Grace R. was saying that she already lost some weight today, and was showing that her watch strap is a bit loose now... :) Well, It's quite hard to eat if you're busy... Hmmm.. I even forgot about my ice cream in the fridge. (Blue, Grace R. and Jeff bought ice cream for the team as their bday treat) I hope my ice cream is still in the fridge when I get to the office on Monday. ;)
A LOT of things happened in between, making the day a memorable one. Well, each of our releases has it's own story - Let's just say that this recent one brought out the tiger in most of us. ;)
Around 4am, we were all able to start packing up for the day. Everyone joined the farewell breakfast treat from Aaron at Jay-J's. The team gave a desk lamp, huge card and Don created a special flash presentation for Aaron. It's really funny to see how everyone regains their strength once you start taking pictures. They all wanted me to make more pictures, unfortunately, the batteries in my camera already died out :(
