31/365

Day31.

Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

This had always been my favorite love verse. And it is on today's second reading. I was late to church today because there was some activity at the school beside the church that I'm going to and the parking was full so I had to park somewhere far. I was there on my usual time and I normally make it at the start. Today, I barely made it to the responsorial psalm and was so delighted with the second reading.

I get lucky sometimes. This is a lucky shot. I had no idea that it would turn out this great (a.k.a. overexposed), it looked normal in the camera LCD. The weather was nice today so I took my camera out and this was taken before I drove off to church at lunch. Camera was pointed upwards towards the sunlight. The sky today was super blue.

I had a wonderful day today. Sunshine all over!

We had a family day of sorts today. Together with Jojo, Mike, Easley and their families, we had lunch at New Canton in Sacramento. I was planning on taking a picture of the food to blog for today, but it's hard to take a good picture when there are 10 hungry people (including myself) seated at the table. We then went shopping at Ikea after. I got some jars for flour, sugar and stuff, and then I got a baking dish too. Jojo and I then went to Sunrise after. It's Sunday today so it closes at 6. Bummer. We also went to Target to buy that Wash Bag for sensitive laundry. Got myself a table cloth, some table napkins and wine glasses.

I am amazed. I'm feeling a lot better.

30/365

Day30.

I overslept today. Isn't that great? I actually have a headache because I overslept! Well, the headache is a combination of the sleep, the smell of popcorn at the theater and hunger. But then again, the big news is I overslept! Haha. If you've been keeping track, I had been having a hard time sleeping since I got here. It's a long story.

I had to work a little in the morning after getting few wake up calls. Then I called Thet to tell her about my plans for the night. After calling Thet, I slept again, then woke up at 2pm. Technically, my day started at 2pm. I make myself some Lucky Me Pancit Canton lunch afterwards and then lied down in bed again. I'm so seriously sleepy, I could stay in bed all day! That would have been perfect if not for the bad dreams and the palpitations, but those are not lingering anymore. After a while, I vacuumed the carpet, changed the sheets, swept the floors and cleaned the bathroom. The mirrors, glasses and steels were all squeeky clean! I deserved a meryenda so I had my Red Ribbon Mamon.

Adam and I are watching Tooth Fairy tonight so I thought of bringing Iya along since it's a kiddie movie. We got there a few minutes before the 7:30pm showing. Iya got some Icee and Popcorn with Cheese, and we got some soda and Nachos. The movie was good, and Dwayne Johnson is a funny guy with some freakishly white teeth! I'm a sucker for those feel good shallow movies. Iya liked the movie, and she was shouting and squeeking whenever Dwayne's wings would come out. And she said she likes the little boy who plays good guitar. Grabe mga bata ngayon, may crush na!

This picture of my steering wheel was taken using my Samsung TL220. I will take a picture of the car once I have it washed and waxed.

29/365

Day29.

This is the newest of the Big Ass Bags, or as they call it at the office, the BAB. They always tease me at the office because my purses are huge for my size. Hence, the BABs. I bought this bag after going back to the Coach store twice in one day. Talk about di mapakali. I went in the morning with Jojo to buy bags for his girls (i.e. his mom and sisters) and then in the evening with Thet for some baby clothes and purse shopping. This is the first time that Coach released something like this, they call this model the Optic Gallery Tote. I passed by the bag a few times because I did not want to be tempted but I finally tried it on and it looked good with what I was wearing that day. I was wearing some gray sweater, black shirt and distressed jeans. The contrast with the Tiffany Blue bag was awesome. According to the tag though, the color is Turquoise. Sushal the color huh! I should stop going to that Coach store, or else I won't be able to save for that Balenciaga bag that I'd been drooling on. Oh hell, does that mean that I cannot buy that Pink Candy bag in the other shelf?

I had lunch with Easley and Hy today at the cafe. Lunch was pretty late, we had it at around 1pm. I was so hungry that I almost finished my Chicken Alfredo.

After picking up Mike at the airport, I had dinner at Jollibee today with Mike, Jojo and Iya. Everytime we eat at Jollibee, I seem to forget that Iya is with us because she would be very quietly eating her Burger Steak. Iya is not a quiet kid, take note. It takes a lot to make her quiet and Burger Steak does it for her. I had Chicken Joy and Mashed Potatoes. Then we had a slice of Ube Cake for dessert. I was so full.

Lastly, I have to post this. This is just so funny to miss. Quote for the day, "Mas gusto mo yata yung minamaltrato ka eh!" (Talking about my inclination-slash-liking towards bad men. Haha.)

28/365

Day28.

And you thought I'm in the US? I speak Tagalog all day!

Sabi ni Lyra, "Omg, sarap ng Cabalen!" (While talking about our anniversary today. Hehe.)

Sabi ni Roel, "Pain is Pain." (On the issue of which is more painful, the breakup with the long term relationship vs the short term relationship)
Sabi ni Jojo, "Enjoy mo lang yan." (On getting it on. LOL)
Sabi ni Roy, "Isurprise mo na lang kami tol!" (On Express graphic tees na bagay raw kay woy)
Sabi ni Annie, "Haha ang tigas talaga ng ulo mo Odetters." (Dahil di na ko natuto, iniiwasan ko na naman ang issue. Gusto ko rin yung advice nya na "find yourself first.")
Sabi ni Thet, "Naooverwhelm ka lang kasi anjan na." (On my current lovelife - kung meron man. Hehe)
Sabi ni Gaylord, "Take it from Dr Joe D Mango."(On our catching up chat, gusto ko rin yung sabi nya na miss na nya yung bagal kong uminom)
Sabi ni Mike, "Detski..." (Tumawag kasi sya sakin kanina. Sya na lang ata tumatawag sakin ng Detski ngayon)
Sabi ni Easley, "Mariella nasan banda ang North Carolina?" (Di namin pareho alam kung asan ang North Carolina)
Sabi ni Mariella, "Nasa may bandang Florida ang North Carolina." (Mas marunong pa sila kesa sakin sa US geography)
Sabi ni Emelyn, "Ang mahal magpaframe sa Michaels! 266$!" (On getting her nice cross stitches framed)
Sabi ni Iya, "What's barat Tita Odette?" (Kasi sabi ko sa kanya wala akong birthday kasi barat ako)
Sabi ni Mang Rector, "Reboot mo na yan!" (On my tester being down the whole afternoon)
Sabi ni Kuya Randy, "Hoy payatot!" (Wala lang, parati lang nya ko tinatawag nun)
Sabi ni Jon, "Miss na kita! Inaaway kasi nila ko sa office!" (I called him this morning to make kwento)
Sabi ni Mama, "Sinigang na baboy ulam namin!" (Pasaway talaga nanay ko.)

Sayang wala si Kokey ngayon, marami quotable quotes yun. May date kasi ngayon yun eh! Hehe.

Photo taken at Babies R Us, while Maia, seated at her stroller, was yelling. :) I love the soft dreamy colors at that store, I could have taken more pictures but they probably would send me out if they caught me.

27/365

Day27.

I did not know that if you are that up close with your iphone, it gets pixelized. Bad photo. But I lack ideas today. It's been a long day. I'm drained.

26/365

Day26.

I think I'm sick. Literally. I am cold today and my whole body is just aching. I don't have headaches or coughs or colds, but I do have a slight temperature. I lit my aroma candles today to help me feel a little better.

The 9am daily meeting is still making me sick, being in that stuffy room and all. You get the drift. I was supposed to have another meeting at 10am, but I ditched it. I'm not really in the mood to pretend and be Ms Congeniality today when all I know is that some selfish guy is just out there to make papogi. Sheesh. So I asked Jorel to back me up and take ARs for me. I went to coffee instead with Jojo who was like a kid eating a Pear on one hand and alternately a Banana on the other.

I was really feeling iffy so I went home at 12nn, and then took a nap until 1pm. I went to pick up Thet at 1, dropped off Maia at Emelyn's and took Thet to her OB. While in the car, she was saying that she is already feeling pains when the baby kicks or moves. The OB told her that she was already 1cm dilated and she could give birth in about 3 weeks time. She was worried! I would be if I were in her shoes! I haven't had lunch yet and she treated me to some quesadillas at Taco Bell. My steak quesadillas were yummy, and I was so hungry! We were so animated talking that we forgot the time! We were supposed to pick up Iya at school at 2:30pm and it was already 2:44pm when I checked my phone. So off we went to pick up Iya, together with Belle and Mariella. I then went home at about 3pm, and went straight to bed because I am really feeling sick. And just when I was falling asleep already, Jason and Hy from worked called to ask something work related. Geez. Adam also called to check how I'm feeling. I had some sleep, and then got up to bring Thet home. She gave me some instant Chow Mien that I could eat for dinner. While eating dinner, I was chatting with Roel about some nasty feet and other yucky stuff. Hehe. We were also talking about him giving me and Roy and Duds 1M Pesos if he wins the lotto with jackpot less than 100M and 5M if it's more than 100M. And we were reminiscing college, how we used to drink at KNL and how we wouldn't trade college days for anything else. That is when I found my TNMs. Cheesy.

I'm supposed to make my self assessment but I haven't started it yet. It's due tomorrow, so shoot me.

25/365

Day25.

I haven't worn my Creed Spring Flowers for some time now because I save it for special occassions. It is my favorite perfume. It is my fancy go-to scent when I need to feel special. There's nothing special today though. I just wanted to wear it. The scent is like how the photo looks like, dreamy, feminine and soft. I think I'd wear it more often. And as they say, don't save your fancy night gown for special occasions. Wear it when you feel like it. But what if you don't have a night gown? Hehe.

It is Emelyn's birthday today. We had a wonderful dinner at their house, she made some Filipino style Spaghetti, Fruit Salad and had some Fried Chicken. It was awesome, and with some super ice cold Coke, I was so full. Thanks so much for the food and Happy Birthday Emelyn!

It is also Papa Jon's birthday today. I spoke with him briefly this morning when I was on my way to work.

Dear Jon,
It's your birthday today! It's been a year! I remember like it was only yesterday when you used to pick me up at Vivere to take me out when I cannot sleep and you'd listen to all my sob stories. I remember having to hide from you while crying my heart out at Bora (where's Alden by the way?). I miss our gym days, Teriyaki boy eating galore, Burger King ka-jologan, Starbucks until closing, Baclaran Wednesdays, dramahan forever. Wish you were here. Dami ko kwento sayo. When are you coming to visit? I wish you all the happiness, love and *** (wag excited, tatlong asterisk lang yan). LOL.
Happy birthday bitch!

24/365

Day24.

There's my desktop lying on the floor. Focus is on the fan, since it's been the one making problems. I need to replace it one time and maybe my desktop will stay alive. I made katay my desktop in hopes of making it work again then made kabit everything again. Why am I so arte talking this way? Hehe. It did boot up again and the first thing that I did was to backup all of my documents, pictures and installers from the desktop. It took me a good 45 minutes to backup everything.

I woke up at 8am today because I planned to go to church earlier today. I'm bringing Mike to the airport that's why. I normally go at the 1130am mass, but I am going on the 9am mass today. So I went, then went back to my place since I'm supposed to pick up Mike at 1115am. I got back to my house at 1030, then went to bed to take a nap all dressed up. Hehe. I woke up frantic at around 1120! I got the Mike's place a few minutes afterwards, good thing he's not yet ready. I stayed there for a few minutes with Thet and the kids, and then Mike and I headed to the airport. It was a 30 minute ride from Folsom to SMF. I was stucked at the road where I dropped off Mike with cars in my front and sides. I could have honked at the car by my side but I let them stay there because there's this girl bringing a guy to the airport. Her boyfriend, I assume, because they were kissing and gropping each other by the road! It would be rude to disturb right? Right.

I then headed back to Folsom where I'm supposed to meet Jojo for some Japanese lunch at Mizu again. I missed the exit for 50 East so I had to turn back. I'm so absent minded! I missed a really easy turn! Jojo and I went for buffet again at Mizu, and we saw the Quevadas there. I had a good Salmon Sashimi fix again (good for a week I think). We went at Sunrise for a little shopping, and I got like 6 pieces of clothing for only 30$!

When I got back home, I tried to fix my desktop and got it working again, hence the 2 previous posts today. I'm headed out for a Chow Mien dinner with Thet and Iya.

23/365

Day23.

I woke up late today. Like 12nn late. How's that for a sleep? I slept at 3am though that's why, so it's not like I had a really long sleep. Or didn't I?

I had Pancit Canton for lunch today and then I started working. Yes, I was working today. All of my jobs in the test floor were failing, all 4 testers are down because my test program was failing. Not my fault though, other people's module in my test program were failing and I had to fix it. As I was working, I am also trying to turn on my desktop just in case it fixed itself miraculously. It didn't. It's still busted.

American Beauty was playing on the TV while I was working. I was not actually watching watching it but I haven't seen it before so I was curious. It was a sick movie. Sick good movie. I liked it. And then American Beauty was done, Titanic played next and I was still working! I still love Leo! I still somehow wished that it would end differently, even if I knew for a fact how it ended. Oh well.

I rarely drink Tea, but this is the best photo that I have from Starbucks. I did not like my pics of the mugs and the coffee grounds. I had coffee today, went to Mel's Diner for dinner (Bleu Cheese Burger was awesome!) and then movie night. :) (Jo, this is the part where you are supposed to sing! lol)

22/365

Day22.

My desktop is broken. Just when I thought that I need not buy a new pc anymore, the desktop gets broken. Damn. I hope that I'll be able to fix it. It's just so annoying.

I don't know when I'll be able to post this since I'm writing this from my laptop. My photos are all taken in raw format and I can't convert it to JPEG here in my laptop. Everything's in my desktop and I haven't even backed up all of my pictures from there. I should have done backups before knowing that the desktop is kind of flaky.

I worked late today. It's becoming the usual rather than the exception. Jojo was also working late today because it's their module that's causing my TP problems. We were supposed to go to the Hugo's house for some Pizza and Vodka. It was Mike's birthday yesterday. Belated happy birthday Mike! Jojo and I got there at around 9. Food was already cold but still good for someone so hungry. I had a great time there just talking with friends.

Today's photo is from the cork of the wine that we had tonight. The chilled wine was pretty good. I'll throw the corks all out one of these days, but for now I'm keeping the corks. Photo turned out to be nicely dreamy. I took the shot with natural light by my patio.

21/365

Day21.

Call me superficial. Call me materialistic. Call me whatever, but I love my bags. It's my only indulgence. I live in a modest apartment, I drive a normal car but I love them bags.

This day is one of those SSDD days. I can't think of anything intelligent to write. Probably because I should be sleeping already. I went to sleep at 3am this morning, I was already cursing while talking to Lyra about being unable to sleep! Oh I think that and that my phone bill for last month was 179$. Shit. And then after sleeping at 3am, I woke up at 5:41am. Exactly.

This is still with my macro lens. I'm so in love with it, that it would probably take days or weeks before I take another shot without it. You just have to love how everything is magnified. This is the small lock from my LV Speedy Azur. See, the scratch from the lock even showed!

20/365

Day20.

I got flowers today. Red roses, a dozen of them. Is it a sign?

This shot is hand held so have some respect for the blind photographer. This is my first attempt using my macro lens, not very crisp but good enough for a night time photo. I increased the diopter a bit as suggested by Kokey, but it didn't really help much. I still can't see well if I got a crisp portion or not, unless I upload the pics in my pc. I used the +10 lens for this photo. Don't you just love the drops of water on the flowers? I got that idea of water droplets from Andy. He wanted to buy flowers for a macro photo and then sprinkle it with some water. I told him to just steal a piece of flower at the grocery since he won't need the whole bouquet for the photo anyway. Hehe.

I was planning on buying flowers to try out my macro lens but I got some today. Nice timing, eh? I'm so bad.

19/365

Day19.

Maybe there'll be no falling stars this time around

I still believe that

Honesty, is all we'll ever need

You and me again, maybe

I did not write that, it's from a song. I did not even think of that song, it's Roel's song for the day. Not sure if it's for him or for me. Nevertheless, it's a sad song. I remember having had that conversation with Jojo about shooting stars and regular stars. Shooting stars are fiery, bright blasts in the heavens while regular stars take eons to mature. And he made me choose which one would I want to have for love, a fiery glow or a gradual twinkling? You'd know what I had chosen - I had chosen the fiery glow. And why, you ask? Simply because I never had one. All my past loves were of the developing kind. Boy likes girl, girl does not see boy in that light, but eventually falls hard, yada yada.

And then just like wishing on a falling star (without actually wishing for it), I found my fiery glow. It was, Intense, with a capital I. Passionate. Then it fizzled. Fiery blaze does not last forever, it does not even last for very long. It ignites quickly, and dies down easily.

So why am I writing about this? It's because it makes for a good literature. Or a good blog entry. Hehe. And if there is one lesson that I've learned (or I have to learn, still not quite sure, don't yell at me if I make the same mistake), is to take things slow.

I think I'm pretty insightful today. Pretty and insightful. LOL. I always dress up well at work though, even if people around me are all wearing sloppy shirts and white sneakers. I will always remember what Jon told me, to always make it a point to look good everytime you go out of your house, for you'll never know when you'll meet your one. :)

I had dinner at the Hugo's today and I was so happy to see everyone. It's been sometime since I was in their house and it was fun going there and not crying. Haha. I had spam sandwich for dinner and had a little of the Javanilla Shake. Oh that guy at Seattle's is really hot! His name is Cameron. Haha.

The Macro Lens Kit that I ordered last Saturday has already arrived, but I will wait on using it when it is daytime since I can't see very well at night. I have to screw it on the lens and I don't want to mess it up because I'm blind at night. And I'm already spent for the day.

18/365

Day18.

I have wonderful friends. Not that I only realized it today, but I just wanted to say it. I survive days like today because of friends. I had a fairly rough day today. Mondays are always tough. Rainy days and Mondays (like the song eh?). It was raining hard today, it felt like I was back home. They say it's going to rain all week.

Roel and I are talking earlier about love. Yes(!) we do talk about love. I was telling him that love is supposed to be what it is supposed to be - like love. It should not be of convenience, of stability, of practicality. It should be how it should be - love. Think Aqualung's Brighter Than Sunshine. Baduy.

Then another friend told me that I should write a novel - much like Harry Potter. Hehe. You know who you are Kokey. That was so funny. And he told me that my 365 project is perfect for my state right now since depressed people are a lot more creative. LOL.

And yet another friend sings come into my life for you. That was so cheesy. But he's in love, so I let it slip. Yay!

Today's photo is from a package that I got from Fr Rodel, my highschool batchmate, for both Louie and myself. Thanks padi for the package! I love those roasted ground Jamaican coffee. I'm already anticipating my morning coffee.

17/365

Day17.

I was awakened by a vibrating iphone this morning. Jojo is calling me at around 9:35am and I tried to find the culprit iphone hiding under the pillows. I had not slept well the night before having had three cups of coffee. I can't stay asleep, so I was still in bed late in the morning feeling groggy. I missed the call because I can't find the damn phone. Stared at the ceiling for a few minutes and then looked for the phone. It was 9:50am. Jojo texted me last night that he is going to watch Book of Eli at Palladio with Norman (his roommate) and asked if I wanted to come. I can't because I was still out, so I texted him at around 1am for church + Mizu for late lunch. Church starts at 11:30am, and Mizu is around 20mins away (it's in Roseville) so that would be lunch at 1pm. He's cool with it, and Norman is coming too.

So we went to church, albeit a little late, said our hellos to the Quevadas after the mass, picked up Norman and headed for lunch. I like Mizu because it's buffet there. I can eat all my Salmon Sashimi fix and not have to crave for it in a while. So I had my Sashimi, Sushi and Roll fix, plus my favorite crab cakes. I saw Kelly at Mizu too. It was a good lunch, and I'm still full until now!

We then went back to Folsom and then went to the Coach Outlet store. Jojo gave me the bag in the pic! It's his gift for me (post Christmas, post depression gift raw) and I was so giddy. We then picked another bag as a gift for his sis-in-law. Happy happy me, super thanks Jo! I am always happy just to be able to drop by the Coach store, even if I don't get to buy anything. And it never fails that I see some Filipinos shopping there. Coach is way too expensive back home!

Norman and I had Starbucks cards, I got mine as a gift from a friend. I had it registered already online and I have 15 bucks on it. As usual, I had my White Mocha Grande fix. I probably won't be able to sleep again tonight. Sheesh. Coffee time is always comforting for me, whatever my mood is. And I'm just happy to have had a bonding session (or as we called it, group therapy) with Jojo and Norman - talking about depression, insomia, Ativan and dieting. We went to Costco afterwards.

It's also my bestfriend, Lyra's, birthday today. Happy birthday sis! Wish you all happiness always! I love today's Word of the Day - murderful. Haha. Love you sis!

16/365

Day16.

I slept in today. I did not get a good sleep last night, that's why. I kept waking up because I had 3 full cups of coffee yesterday so no wonder I was up eating trailmix at 2am. I woke up at 10am today and started cleaning the house immediately. The house is now clean again! Then a friend invited me for an afternoon coffee today and we met at Starbucks at Broadstone. Stayed there for about an hour, then went to DSW to find shoes. Yes, shoes. I need shoes. You know why I need shoes.

Today's picture is taken at the shopping complex parking lot along Iron Point where Best Buy is, with my Samsung TL220. Pretty decent photo for a digicam huh? It was my first time at DSW and there was so much shoes! I bought 2 pairs, a Steve Madden mocha mini boots and a brown suede mid-heeled pump.

Then I went home, finished ironing the rest of my unfolded clothes (took me 3 days to actually finish ironing everything!), and then went out again for a movie and dinner. Hell yeah, I was out on a date. We watched Youth In Revolt and it was pretty funny and konting bastos. Hehe. Had dinner at BJ's again afterwards. The avocado rolls were so yummy!

Tonight's pretty scary. I think I'm letting someone come into my messed up world without meaning to. Watch me crash and burn again. Hehe.

Oh and I barely made it to today's post. A minute more and I would have missed the day!

15/365

Day15.

Men are from Mars, women are from Venus.

This I heard today - at the test floor(!), of all places, from a very married friend, after I told him that I don't want a Pinoy for a husband. It's true that I might be generalizing about Pinoys being senyoritos. Maybe. I am saying this though right now. I don't want to date a Pinoy anymore, but I'm not closing my doors. I never get what I want anyways. Drama. Ewan. Next time na lang ulit natin pag usapan yan.

I went to the Coach Store at the Outlets today with Andy, Sherwin and Jojo. The boys bought a bag each and I was so tempted to get one, today being payday and all. But I resisted temptation! I was already in the queue to pay for a cute handbag but I resisted. If I buy that handbag, it would keep me further away from another one that I want. LOL.

I'm a sucker for perfumes and these are my Bond No. 9 bonbons. I bought a whole lot of bonbons because I wanted to buy a Bond No. 9. I ended up buying Bryant Park. I should have just taken a picture of the pretty Bryant Park bottle, but the bonbons are way too cute. New York hangover.

14/365

Day14.

I had a nice dinner tonight at BJ's with friends. Andy and Sherwin are on a business trip from AZ and they're here for just two days. The rest of the Folsom Tatays, myself and Jojo went to dinner with them. I had some Chicken Parmesan Crusted Chicken. And I had sushi for lunch. I swear I'm gonna get fat. Naw.

Dan L told me today that our business trip to SG was not approved. We're going to Oregon instead. Bummer. Anyway, as I always say, everything happens for a reason.

I took this shot at BJ's from our table. One of those you-just-have-to-take-a-picture photos. I can't really find a nice angle, or a view to take a shot. I think it's still a nice shot nevertheless.

13/365

Day13.

I had my Photobucket account for years already and for all those times, I had never experienced a single downtime or site maintenance. Until now. So while waiting for it to be up again, I am blogging away.

I added a few links on the left hand side of this blog, the smugmug page where I upload the photos if you want to check it out. The photos are nicer to view there, they're huge. And the baking blog link. -->

I found a store at Sunrise that sells all sorts of sporty, skater-ish clothes and I discovered that they sell good stuff inside. It was my first time coming in the store tonight, and I will probably make it a regular stop whenever I go to Sunrise. The clothes that I got were really nice but cheap - I got me some boy tanks and a sweater. The store was pretty colorful too, and the picture that I took turned out pretty good.

Oh I'm back to work today. I wish I didn't come today.

12/365

Day12.

I'm sick. I probably lost a few pounds already after having eaten something iffy which I cannot pinpoint. I am back in Folsom now but I am still on vacation. You always need a vacation after a vacation right? Besides, I have so much stuff to do because I had been a sloppy ass the past few weeks.

I got a haircut today. I had my bangs cropped some more, it's now even shorter than it was the first time I had it cut. I also had the ends trimmed. Then I went to express to exchange the jeans with the broken zipper. They don't have my size at the store (00-Short), so I just exchanged the jeans for a new ultra skinny and a boyfriend pants. Although for the life of me, none of my exes wore distressed pants (maybe I should find one who does!). My goal for the day is actually to find some mid-heeled pumps. Shoes, baby. Shoes. So I then went to Macy's to hunt for those shoes.

I looked around and walked all afternoon. I had a bagful of loot, but no shoes! I want shoes!

11/365

Day11.

This is one of those uncreative(?) days and hence, this is a senseless photo. This is taken at my gate at Newark while waiting for my flight back to SMF. I am currently slumped tired in one of the benches here at the airport. We are leaving New York today, after having lunch at one of the pizzerias we passed by. I am having a banana and a lemon loaf right now.

10/365

Day10.

All I wanted to do today was to be able to go to St Patrick's for a mass. Having been so tired from yesterday and everything aching from the cold, I woke up pretty late today. If I hadn't been hungry, I wouldn't have gotten up of bed. It was already 1pm when I got out of the hotel, and I told Jojo that I wanted to eat at a French place for lunch. We found this nice French place at the Sofitel, and I had my French fix there. After our 2(!) hour lunch, we walked at the 5th avenue for some window shopping. We went to Sephora and I had a quick makeover with some airbrushed makeup. The airbrushed makeup was fabulous. If I knew I will have a good use for the airbrush, I would have bought it in a heartbeat. We then scoured the depressing places - depressing because I can only look but not buy. Chanel, LV, Cartier, all the expensive stuff. I got to try my short term dream bag (birthday bag here I come!) - the Classic Chanel Caviar Jumbo. I can already see it in my car. LOL.

So after the window shopping, we went to St Patrick and managed to hear a Spanish mass. Then to the Rockefeller center, and then the subway. I was going to hunt for Magnolia Bakery for some ickishly sweet cupcakes. We went to the Columbus Ave branch. The line wasn't that bad when we got there and we just had a Vanilla and Chocolate cupcake with some hot chocolates. Having tried their recipe before, I was expecting it to be sweet, but not THAT sweet. It was so sweet that I had to get some water. It was THAT sweet. The hot chocolate was also just your usual. Nothing special. We were there for a good hour, and queue got quite heavy at some point. I guess people like me come there for the novelty, not the food.

Then we hunted Little Korea for some dinner. I haven't had Korean food in a while and I was craving for it so we had it for dinner. It was a good fix too.

9/365

Day9.

It's my third day in New York and today's supposedly the big day. Today's Phantom of the Opera day. If it hadn't for this and meeting Sarah, I wouldn't have just got a refund of my ticket even if it would cost me half the price. I had a long (though most of the time interrupted) sleep, and the first thing I did out of the house was to go to the Majestic Theater in Broadway for the tickets. I got there at around 10, and bought 2 box tickets for 71.50$ each (you'll hear about the seats later). The show starts at 2pm, and Jojo texted me that he just landed at Newark. Plenty of time.

I walked around Times Square but it was too cold to be out walking, plus I haven't eaten anything yet so after taking a couples of Times Square shots, I found a small diner to eat breakfast. Roxy, the restaurant that I found, is smack in the middle of touristy Times. That being said, the prices were exhuberant and well, touristy. I just looove spending money! Blah! I needed a place to stay anyway while waiting for Jojo. He arrived at around 1pm, and then we started walking to the Theater at around 1:30pm. The line outside the theater was super long, but we skipped it having bought the tickets earlier.

I was so ecstatic when I found out that the box seats that I purchased were the best seats in the house! We were on the left side, lowest level. Although the view was a little sideways, it still is the best seat ever! We were very near the stage, I could see the expressions and lines on the actors. It just was the best seat! I could also see the orchestra from where I'm seated. This has got to be the best play that I would ever see given my lucky seats.

I knew the Phantom story from the movie and it was interesting to see it in the theater. I cried some on the That's All I Ask Of You scene, and I had to make it discreet because everyone will see me from my seat! LOL. It was a wonderful experience, and I know now how to buy seats next time. Box #5. :)

After theater, we went to Little Italy but ended up in Chinatown for some dinner and siopao fix. We also went to Greenwich Village for dessert, all in the blistering cold.

It was a wonderful day. It was nice having a friend around. Although this is the picture of you that you get when you're the only one who knows how to use your lens. :P

8/365

Day8.

It's snowing in New York! I woke up feeling groggy today (with the compulsary cursing in the morning) because I have only slept for like 3 hours. It was a long night but I think I have enough rest for now. I'm pretty syched, I'm meeting my baking mentor, Sarah Phillips. I'm supposed to meet her at Les Halles at 9:30am and I started preparing really early (like 3 hours ahead of time). I don't want to be late, and I still have to study how to get there. After getting dressed, I'm off to the subways. After getting a feel of how it was riding the subway, it was fairly easily, and convenient. Plus very cheap!

After getting off the sub, I walked (giddily I must say!) towards the restaurant and it was snowing. I loved it. It wasn't that bad really. I got ahead of myself into fearing the cold and the snow in New York. I got at Les Halles at around 9:20am, and Sarah was already there. I can see her from the street. And when I got inside, I got a huge mommy hug from her. She was so warm and accomodating. And she looked prettier and younger in person than in the photos! I'm already in love with her. We talked about almost everything, like I've known her forever. Like a kid talking to her mom about her series of misadventures and bad lucks. :) We talked for hours in the restaurant while I'm having coffee and crepes (which by the way are sooo good!) until we had to go. Her daughter Liz had a doctor's appointment and she had to come with her. So we said our goodbyes and I headed towards the Grand Central. When I got there, I planned on going to Macy's or Bloomingdales for some window shopping. I got sidetracked a bit because I took photos in the station. While I was taking pictures, Sarah texted me saying that they did not have to go to the doctor anymore because the doctor's just gonna call them with the results. She's inviting me back to her house to bake some cakes! Omg! I was so ecstatic! While I was texting her back, she was calling me already. And so I walked back to her apartment.

When I got there, she asked me what do I want to bake, and I wanted a Genoise because that I feel is my worst cake. :) So on we baked with me wearing a cute apron and Sarah wearing her baking clothes. And off to work we went. I finally figured out where my Genoise went wrong, and it's in the folding. I was stirring instead of folding. While baking, I had a wonderful time talking to my "Jewish Mom". Sarah is really a wonderful soul. Very kind and very warm. And I also met Liz her daughter, who looks really beautiful. The smell of the Genoise in the oven filled her aparment and I was so excited to try it out. The Genoise rose really nicely, and the texture was very light. And the taste was so delicious. She made me a tall glass of coffee with the Genoise. Wonderful right? I was in baking heaven. I can't even take good photos because I was so distracted!

It was late in the afternoon already when I left her apartment, and I took half of the Genoise that we made. I walked aimlessly around for about an hour, getting a feel of New York living and then it started snowing again. I went to the nearest subway station and went back to the hotel. I took a nap for a bit, then had a wonderful dinner. Come to think of it, anything with an ice cold coke is wonderful. I bet I won't be sleeping again tonight with 2 cups of coffee and a can of soda.

Jojo's flight is delayed so he's coming in tomorrow. I hope I get to buy tickets for the Opera tomorrow.

7/365

Day7.

I'm in New York, and the cold is not that bad today. I left Folsom at 430am and haven't eaten until it was around 4pm EST (around 1pm PST). I wasn't hungry, but I started feeling nauseous and fainty. I had to go grab something to eat at Friday's in Newark, and by the time I started feeling better, it was already dark. I took the amtrak going to NY Penn Station, then took a subway going to 103rd St to get to the hotel. It was a little difficult since it's been a while since I had last taken metro and public transport. I got through it quite breezily though. I got at the hotel at around 7pm, took a nap, then went to hunt for something to eat. I found a quaint pizzeria nearby and had a slice of pizza for dinner. It was awesome. NY pizzas are really the best. Even if I so wanted to leave the pizza already for some inevitable palpitations (!), I knew I had to finish it. It was really good.

I stayed at the hotel lobby for a bit for internet connection because I'm supposed to get details where to meet Sarah Phillips tomorrow. I'm meeting her for breakfast at Les Halles in Park Avenue. I'm so looking forward to meeting her!

I'm writing this down while talking to Mikhail on the phone, and talking to this other person seated beside me who keeps speaking to me while I'm clearly on the phone. You'd never guess the name of this other guy. Of all the names. If you watched 500 days of Summer, the connection is similar. Like Summer and Autumn. And he wrote on my hand! Geez.

Anyways, that's NY day1. Well technically it's not day1 yet because I haven't been here for 24 hours yet. I love it here. I wish I live here.

Photo is at Park Avenue, just outside the Grand Central Terminal after the bridge.

6/365

Day6.

I'm supposed to be packing! I'm leaving my house at 4:30am tomorrow and here I am, uploading photos and blogging. I laid out my luggage in the middle of the living room but I haven't started packing and it's getting late. I also haven't had dinner yet, although come to think of it, I can skip dinner. I'm not really hungry.

These are New York guide books that I got a few minutes ago and I should be reading these. One should not be reading guide books when it's only a few hours away from the flight! I have a good 5 hour flight tomorrow though so I should have time to read up. I was not really planning on my New York itinerary because Arms should have been the one bringing me to places. Shit happens, eh?

I have no idea what to do when I get there. It's freaking cold in the East Coast so I'm all occupied with just how cold I'm gonna be when I get there. I remember when I was in Europe last year in December, my right knee was so painful from the blistering cold that I could barely walk. I still plan to catch Phantom of the Opera, eat at Mario Batali's (toss up between tapas or Italian), eat some really good New York pizzas, go to Magnolia's for some cupcakes and maybe go to Chinatown for some good siopao and siomai. There, that's an itinerary already. Oh, I'm supposed to meet up with Sarah Phillips (author of baking911 and my baking mentor) for lunch on Friday and I really hope it would happen because who knows. With my series of bad luck, even the most planned out things get canceled.

I'll see you guys in New York.

5/365

Day5.

So what the heck are these? This is what I'm snacking on right now, at almost midnight. I'm not supposed to be eating at this time of the day, but I'm a little hungry. This is my favorite trail mix combo - cranberries, almonds, cashews, raisins, peanuts and drops of peanut butter, dark and white chocolates. The white chocolates did it for me. I couldn't care less what the other berries or nuts are, as long as there are white chocolates on it.

I had quite a long day today after having slept only for two hours last night. I had so much to do at work today that I did not get the chance to get coffee the entire day! I also had a late lunch with the Tatays at Taiko Sushi today (yummy Sashimi deluxe!). I also got shrink-ed today, thank you very much. Clinical depression, what the hell?

Having decided that I'm going to New York, I needed to get a coat thick enough for East Coast weather, a pair of leather gloves, and a cocktail ring (just because I wanted one). When I got home, I got the shipment from Express. It would had been perfect if not for the broken zipper on one of the jeans. I still have a whole bunch of things to do - start packing for my much needed escape from Folsom, write an email (work related), check how to get from Newark to Manhattan, fold my laundry from the dryer and a whole bunch of other things. Except that I'm too sleepy. Or I badly need to sleep.

PS. The email is done. One down. Geez.

4/365

Day4.

The mean shoes. Or sandals. Roel and I had been talking about the Jordan shoes this morning and I told him that I also bought some new mean shoes with 3 inch heels. I had always been wearing heels and platform shoes in college with all of my 5'3 glory (I'm shorty!) and then about 5 years ago, I started wearing flats and ballerina shoes. You know why. :) I am back (a little) to wearing heels now. Anyways, I promised to take a pic of the high heels and here it is!

Today's one of those SSDD days. I was supposed to be taking a photo of some greasy chicken joy today and I brought my camera with me for dinner. When I had my chicken, I was immediately digging into it and Jojo had to remind me that I am supposed to take a photo first! So I was already taking a picture and the camera had no compact flash on it. Geez. Good thing the chicken was awesome, and the peach mango pie never ceases to cheer me up.

You probably might not have noticed, but I brought the blog down and rebuilt it again because most of the links were not working. The comments section is now fixed (so comment away guys!) and I think the labels and archives are now working. I still need to fix a few more stuff in the page, but I'm liking the simple Times font.

3/365

Day3.

I don't have any photo of myself holding a camera and while dressing up earlier for dinner, I thought, why not do it right now. Well this is not exactly is what I have in mind, but it turned out pretty well. I had no time anymore to change the lens, it's still lensbaby on it and I wanted to use the 50mm lens.
As had been the trend lately, all my days start out rough, but it eventually gets better as the day goes, or as the sun shines brighter. Today's no exception. My day started with me waking up at 7am, and then after calming myself down, I tried to go to sleep again. Fortunately, I did. I woke up again at around 9am. My day went by very quickly with me doing chores at home. (Yeah at some point one has to do laundry!). I was also able to go to the gym today, went swimming and then hot tub. Then I started getting dressed for dinner and took a pseudo self portrait holding the camera. I love blacks! The photo is so cool! Or so I think. :)

2/365

Day2.

I have always loved soft glow photos and I'm so glad that I can take them myself with my new lens. I love crisp and clear photos too, but I had always loved the dreamy effect of photos like this. I am also still wondering how this lonesome tree still has leaves on it while all the other same ones on the fence are bare already. The weather is also nice outside today, there's some sunshine so I decided to take my camera out.
Somebody asked me yesterday if I have any new year's resolution. I did not think of any and I can't think of any. Maybe, spend less? Bake more? Be less pretty? Kidding. LOL. So what's your new year's resolution for me? I know you guys are dying to give me a good knock in the head. :)

This is probably not one of the most thought of, or technical picture, but hey, it's my 365. I can put in here anything I like. I should probably start reading up on those photography books though. Hehe.

1/365

Day1.

Happy new year everyone! It's the start of the year today! And it's also the start of my 365 days project. I don't know how long I could keep this up though, I hope I'd keep this going for the entire year.
I'm actually feeling kind of iffy today. Even though I had been through a lot the past months, today's the only day that I am actually feeling sick. Probably from eating too much last night. After I got home from church this morning, I stopped by my mail box because I haven't checked it for a week already. I was pleasantly surprised to find my Christmas gift from Annie and George. It's the same necklace that Annie was wearing when I last saw her, and we were actually looking for one for me when I was in Austin. I'm so happy that they got me this! I love it!