Since coming back from my trip to Japan last year, I've been looking for green tea soft serve ice cream or at least a decent substitute. Since Koots Green Tea, previously located in Bellevue's Lincoln Square, closed, it seemed that my green tea fix would just have to be satiated when I'm back in Japan again. But alas, my search has been fruitful.
Today, I found Maeda-en Green Tea ice cream at my local Uwajimaya. This is what I'm talking about! Creamy, mildly sweet, and green tea-licious!
For those who think green tea should be drank (or just need a sugar kick in the late afternoons), Starbucks is offering half-price green tea (and all other flavors) Frappuccinos from 3-5pm starting tomorrow until May 16.
I'll be in green tea nirvana for awhile. :)
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Monday, May 3, 2010
The Heat is On
Since my two-week introductory session of Bikram yoga is over, I had to make a decision today whether to buy the annual pass. $500 for unlimited sweating for a whole year? Yes, please!
I've always complained that I don't sweat here in Seattle. Maybe once a year when the weather hits 85 degrees during one summer day. Yes, that's one day out of 365. I believe that sweating is healthy and should be a daily occurrence in a human being. Plus, you're more likely to lose weight if you sweat (my weight loss in Manila should be a fine example!).
So, it shouldn't be a surprise why I welcomed Bikram to my life with open arms. I get to sweat as often as I go plus should we ever lose our electricity in the winter, I have a place to get some heat even if it were only for 90 minutes. HeHe!
I've always complained that I don't sweat here in Seattle. Maybe once a year when the weather hits 85 degrees during one summer day. Yes, that's one day out of 365. I believe that sweating is healthy and should be a daily occurrence in a human being. Plus, you're more likely to lose weight if you sweat (my weight loss in Manila should be a fine example!).
So, it shouldn't be a surprise why I welcomed Bikram to my life with open arms. I get to sweat as often as I go plus should we ever lose our electricity in the winter, I have a place to get some heat even if it were only for 90 minutes. HeHe!
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Light the Way
I received my copy of G-Dragon's Shine a Light Concert DVD in the mail today. It's my first time purchasing a DVD a few days after its release and I can't believe I didn't think twice about forking over $43 for this!
The whole concert production is downright awesome. YG definitely went all out for his protege. Compared to Big Bang's first concert, G-Dragon's first concert had all the glitz and glamor and then some: the stage was huge, all the videos and images on the display were professionally done, and all the outfits were fierce. It was nice to see the throwback to his trainee days and seeing his journey to the present. I found it touching to see his friends on stage with him; if I was PMSing, I was sure that I would've cried my eyes out when Big Bang came out in full support of their leader.
The packaging of the DVD was super detailed as I've come to expect from YG-released products. There are so many "pull out"s for the entire thing that I couldn't figure out how to put one back. The black mask on the cover is kind of creepy, but I got over it. From watching the DVD, I also figured out why that darn thing has a tear on its left side.
G-Dragon has always been my fave Big Bang member for his many talents and versatility. His "packaging" is a distraction, but I guess you have to be controversial to get publicity in an industry where new pop stars are manufactured every month. Cheers, my fellow Leo!
The whole concert production is downright awesome. YG definitely went all out for his protege. Compared to Big Bang's first concert, G-Dragon's first concert had all the glitz and glamor and then some: the stage was huge, all the videos and images on the display were professionally done, and all the outfits were fierce. It was nice to see the throwback to his trainee days and seeing his journey to the present. I found it touching to see his friends on stage with him; if I was PMSing, I was sure that I would've cried my eyes out when Big Bang came out in full support of their leader.
The packaging of the DVD was super detailed as I've come to expect from YG-released products. There are so many "pull out"s for the entire thing that I couldn't figure out how to put one back. The black mask on the cover is kind of creepy, but I got over it. From watching the DVD, I also figured out why that darn thing has a tear on its left side.
G-Dragon has always been my fave Big Bang member for his many talents and versatility. His "packaging" is a distraction, but I guess you have to be controversial to get publicity in an industry where new pop stars are manufactured every month. Cheers, my fellow Leo!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Had Enough
I just finished watching "And I Love You So".
Yun na nga ang problema e. Ate at a restaurant alone? Done that. Ate at a restaurant alone on a Sunday in Manila (worst self-inflicted torture)? Done that. Watched a movie alone? Done that. Attended church alone? Done that. Grocery shopped alone? Done that. Traveled alone? Done that.
While many people have never done any of those things alone because they've always had a significant other to spend such activities with, I'm the total opposite. Been there, done that. Sawang-sawa na ako. Kung ano man ang kinailangan kong matutunan about having all this time to myself, siguro naman e may natutunan na ako kahit papaano. Puwede stop na? Afterall, having too much of anything is bad, di ba?
Siguro yun na lang ang wish ko on my upcoming 30th birthday: to be able to love again (again daw o!). Sana dumating na siya...dito sa Seattle. Ayokong long distance. Ayokong pumunta pa ng Maynila. Ayokong ma-meet siya somewhere in the world and would have to part after a period of time. Walang hadlang. Walang kontrabida. Walang variables to make excuses for. Gusto ko for keeps na.
Yun na nga ang problema e. Ate at a restaurant alone? Done that. Ate at a restaurant alone on a Sunday in Manila (worst self-inflicted torture)? Done that. Watched a movie alone? Done that. Attended church alone? Done that. Grocery shopped alone? Done that. Traveled alone? Done that.
While many people have never done any of those things alone because they've always had a significant other to spend such activities with, I'm the total opposite. Been there, done that. Sawang-sawa na ako. Kung ano man ang kinailangan kong matutunan about having all this time to myself, siguro naman e may natutunan na ako kahit papaano. Puwede stop na? Afterall, having too much of anything is bad, di ba?
Siguro yun na lang ang wish ko on my upcoming 30th birthday: to be able to love again (again daw o!). Sana dumating na siya...dito sa Seattle. Ayokong long distance. Ayokong pumunta pa ng Maynila. Ayokong ma-meet siya somewhere in the world and would have to part after a period of time. Walang hadlang. Walang kontrabida. Walang variables to make excuses for. Gusto ko for keeps na.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Soulmate
After watching Soulmate, I've been toying with the idea that maybe The One is just walking down the street as I turned the corner or he's sitting in the bus that just passed by mine.
For the past couple of months, C has been telling me that she has seen this cute Asian guy walking from the gym to my building. I keep asking her to find out which department he works for because finding a guy in 61 floors is like trying to find a needle in a haystack.
On Monday, as I was perusing through other departments' intranet to get inspiration for our own department's intranet overhaul, I spotted a picture of a guy who made me think that there is indeed hope for a single woman in this city. Today, I forwarded the URL to C and she verified that the guy in the picture is the guy that she has been telling me about. After a training across the street, I walked back to my building and as I was walking in an elevator, he was walking out of it. Did God hear my prayers? Is this fate? ;P
Now, I'm sure our soulmates are predetermined, but just this once, can I pick who I want my soulmate to be? I now have a candidate in mind! LoL.
For the past couple of months, C has been telling me that she has seen this cute Asian guy walking from the gym to my building. I keep asking her to find out which department he works for because finding a guy in 61 floors is like trying to find a needle in a haystack.
On Monday, as I was perusing through other departments' intranet to get inspiration for our own department's intranet overhaul, I spotted a picture of a guy who made me think that there is indeed hope for a single woman in this city. Today, I forwarded the URL to C and she verified that the guy in the picture is the guy that she has been telling me about. After a training across the street, I walked back to my building and as I was walking in an elevator, he was walking out of it. Did God hear my prayers? Is this fate? ;P
Now, I'm sure our soulmates are predetermined, but just this once, can I pick who I want my soulmate to be? I now have a candidate in mind! LoL.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Take It Up a Notch
I've been known for my manang, sige na nga, lola ways. So it shouldn't be a big surprise that at 29, I've just discovered the beautiful invention called up-a-cup br@. Seriously, I'm in love with these things. I had no clue how much these enhance one's silhouette; I feel so shmexy all over (I'm still saying no to underwires, though). Makes me wonder what else I've been missing out on during my quite-extended-ugly-duckling-days. Tips, anyone?
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Let's Get Physical
Talk about excellent timing. For the past two weeks, I've been buying new exercise clothes/shoes in hopes of getting my fitness act together (those Olympians sure made me feel like I should be doing something more with my body). I'm proud to say that I've been consistently attending my twice-a-week, painful Step & Sculpt fitness class (having a nice and fit instructor is awesome). Yesterday, I bought a digital scale for measuring my sexiness accurately (it ain't reality until you see it in LED). Today, by the power of the fitness gods, there happened to be a wellness fair at work.
At lunchtime, I got my blood pressure, glucose level, cholesterol level, and BMI checked...for free. Surprisingly, my blood pressure is "Normal" (that's one level up from "Optimal" and four levels down from "Severe"), my glucose level is way below the recommended level (112, baby!), and my cholesterol level is "Desirable." I guess those fudge brownies I've been eating have gone undetected! Or maybe not because my body fat percentage is plain horrible (which I knew from my last BMI check some years ago).
As a results-oriented person, losing weight should be achievable because I'm working with numbers and results can easily be measured ("bling bling like LED" according to CL of 2NE1). Instead of wasting my money on things that collect dust, I should invest thy spare change towards fitness-related expenses. Starting this weekend, I'm going to write a target weight goal and shall work towards it. Thy will be done!
At lunchtime, I got my blood pressure, glucose level, cholesterol level, and BMI checked...for free. Surprisingly, my blood pressure is "Normal" (that's one level up from "Optimal" and four levels down from "Severe"), my glucose level is way below the recommended level (112, baby!), and my cholesterol level is "Desirable." I guess those fudge brownies I've been eating have gone undetected! Or maybe not because my body fat percentage is plain horrible (which I knew from my last BMI check some years ago).
As a results-oriented person, losing weight should be achievable because I'm working with numbers and results can easily be measured ("bling bling like LED" according to CL of 2NE1). Instead of wasting my money on things that collect dust, I should invest thy spare change towards fitness-related expenses. Starting this weekend, I'm going to write a target weight goal and shall work towards it. Thy will be done!
Friday, March 5, 2010
Praise You
This is what I found in my inbox when I came in to work today:
I wanted to take a moment to let you know what a fantastic addition Mina has been to [this department]. In the very short time that she has been here, she has helped us to solve some very embarrassing issues that we have needed assistance with since I arrived two years ago.
The technical expertise and consultation is fantastic… but there’s more. I am most impressed with her ability inherit less than optimal work products and to establish a plan to move things forward. Although I know that we may represent her easiest customers because of our shared perspective on “branding” and the importance of the collective [department] image, I am confident that she will ultimately win the entire department over.
She never makes us feel stupid, while providing solid industry standard direction. I am so excited about what adding her to the communication team will bring for all of [the department] and very specifically, to our effort in HR.
“Way to hire UP!” Your very small Communications team is likely one of the strongest in the department. Thanks for raising the bar!
The HR Manager for our department sent this to my supervisor and also to our director yesterday. Thank you, God, for allowing me to finally find a supportive work environment. Surely, I'm forgetting all the trauma I endured a whole year ago from my previous employer.
Sa mga taong may mga buwisit na katrabaho, know that there is indeed a rainbow after the rain (basta marunong kang mabasa para makalipat ka ng bagong sisilungan. Naks!).
I wanted to take a moment to let you know what a fantastic addition Mina has been to [this department]. In the very short time that she has been here, she has helped us to solve some very embarrassing issues that we have needed assistance with since I arrived two years ago.
The technical expertise and consultation is fantastic… but there’s more. I am most impressed with her ability inherit less than optimal work products and to establish a plan to move things forward. Although I know that we may represent her easiest customers because of our shared perspective on “branding” and the importance of the collective [department] image, I am confident that she will ultimately win the entire department over.
She never makes us feel stupid, while providing solid industry standard direction. I am so excited about what adding her to the communication team will bring for all of [the department] and very specifically, to our effort in HR.
“Way to hire UP!” Your very small Communications team is likely one of the strongest in the department. Thanks for raising the bar!
The HR Manager for our department sent this to my supervisor and also to our director yesterday. Thank you, God, for allowing me to finally find a supportive work environment. Surely, I'm forgetting all the trauma I endured a whole year ago from my previous employer.
Sa mga taong may mga buwisit na katrabaho, know that there is indeed a rainbow after the rain (basta marunong kang mabasa para makalipat ka ng bagong sisilungan. Naks!).
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Oh, the very Filipino and very local JR
Today was WA Olympians Day in Seattle with a "rally" at our signature rally place, Westlake Center in Downtown. My monthly $130 cable and high-speed internet bill seems justified now: thank you, Comcast.
Move over youngins, this veteran is coming through. Been there, and definitely done that (2002: Apolo Ohno Day at Westlake). This event was simply a reminder of how quickly time flies by and how I'm getting old (should I be grateful?). While groupies (who should be at school, by the way) screamed and giggled around me, I was just there looking on and glad to witness a day in honor of a Pinoy Winter Olympic medalist. I still can't get over that little fact. And yes, I even wore my Adidas Philippines shirt to this event because my Pinoy Pride was just oozing out of me. LoL.
I spotted Nanay Celski and Tita Virginia in the crowd, but I was holding my front-row spot for when the Olympians came out of the mall (which became a not-so-nice front-row spot within seconds because of a huge security guard who had his own camera out). By the time I was ready to put down my camera and make chika, KING5's Lori beat me to the family members. Eventually, Daddy Celski joined them. I found it amusing that I knew who they were, thanks to those signature parents shots during the Olympics.
While people filed in line to get an autograph, I decided to go into the mall to see if *ahem a certain family member was around. I didn't know that the food court at Westlake is packed during lunchtime (duh, Mina). While walking towards the escalators, I noticed a few people turn around and looked at me. I was like, "Oh hell no, did I not wipe my nose?" Then I quickly realized that I was sporting red, navy blue, and white; people probably thought I was one of the Olympians. Sorry folks, I'm Queen Mina and not an ice princess. LoL.
I eventually went back to the parking garage to make sure that I only had to pay for one hour's worth and drove myself back to work. Again, I'm getting old, because back in 2002, I devoted a whole day for Apolo festivities (rally, Nike store to get the lowdown of his whereabouts, picked up Sonics tickets, attended the Sonics game because Apolo was there). Today, I had work. Blech!
Since I never had a younger brother, I'm claiming this boy as a family member. Ate Mina is proud of you, JR. Hopefully, in four years, the City will be devoting a whole day in honor of your continued success. I just hope that when I attend that rally, I'll be married and toting a kid around. ;P
Monday, February 15, 2010
Going Cold Turkey
I'm participating in The Great American Apparel Diet today: no buying of new clothes for a year. Since goals are supposed to be reachable, let's start with six months and if we can reach a whole year, then so be it.
I had bought this very cheap khaki mini skirt a couple of weeks ago and when I finally decided to put it in my drawer today, I found out that I had a similar skirt that I had totally forgotten about. That's when I knew that it's time to make some changes with my buying habits.
I had bought this very cheap khaki mini skirt a couple of weeks ago and when I finally decided to put it in my drawer today, I found out that I had a similar skirt that I had totally forgotten about. That's when I knew that it's time to make some changes with my buying habits.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Red
I had totally forgotten about today being Valentine's Day! I was too caught up with cheering for JR Celski last night and subsequently celebrating the first Pinoy to have won a Winter Olympics (bronze) medal that I completely forgot that I was supposed to be bitter today. ;P
Thursday, February 11, 2010
The City Hall
I just finished The City Hall. Loved it! Perhaps being a city government employee myself played a part in that. HeHe!
It was an adult drama with adult characters played by adult actors; at my age, I definitely appreciated it. You can really feel the love between the two main characters, but it was neither melodramatic nor cheesy. Now the question is: am I insane enough to buy the director's cut DVD set for $150 plus shipping? I thought the whopping $70 for the Coffee Prince set was absurdly priced; who knew that there was something more expensive?!
It was an adult drama with adult characters played by adult actors; at my age, I definitely appreciated it. You can really feel the love between the two main characters, but it was neither melodramatic nor cheesy. Now the question is: am I insane enough to buy the director's cut DVD set for $150 plus shipping? I thought the whopping $70 for the Coffee Prince set was absurdly priced; who knew that there was something more expensive?!
Saturday, February 6, 2010
It's All Drama
I just finished watching Hong Gil Dong. This brings my count to 38 finished Korean dramas since 2004:
3 Dads, One Mom
Air City
All About Eve
All In
A Prince's First Love
Attic Cat
Beethoven Virus
Boys Over Flowers
Coffee Prince
Dalja's Spring
Damo
Delightful Girl Chunyang
Fantasy Couple
Full House
Goong
Hong Gil Dong
Hotelier
Hwang Jin Yi
Jumong
Love Letter
Love Story in Harvard
Lovers in Paris
My Girl
My Love Patzzi
My Lovely Sam-Soon
Only You
Over the Rainbow
Romance
Stairway to Heaven
Super Rookie
Sweet 18
The Grand Chef
The Snow Queen
What Happened in Bali
What Planet Are You From?
Winter Sonata
Wonderful Life
You're Beautiful
And there's no one to blame, but Pen who got me started in all this. Damn you, Twin, damn you. ;P
All-time Fave: My Lovely Sam-Soon (I watch it at least three times a year. HaHa!)
Most Hated: What Happened in Bali (What a waste of a great location!)
Next to Watch: City Hall
3 Dads, One Mom
Air City
All About Eve
All In
A Prince's First Love
Attic Cat
Beethoven Virus
Boys Over Flowers
Coffee Prince
Dalja's Spring
Damo
Delightful Girl Chunyang
Fantasy Couple
Full House
Goong
Hong Gil Dong
Hotelier
Hwang Jin Yi
Jumong
Love Letter
Love Story in Harvard
Lovers in Paris
My Girl
My Love Patzzi
My Lovely Sam-Soon
Only You
Over the Rainbow
Romance
Stairway to Heaven
Super Rookie
Sweet 18
The Grand Chef
The Snow Queen
What Happened in Bali
What Planet Are You From?
Winter Sonata
Wonderful Life
You're Beautiful
And there's no one to blame, but Pen who got me started in all this. Damn you, Twin, damn you. ;P
All-time Fave: My Lovely Sam-Soon (I watch it at least three times a year. HaHa!)
Most Hated: What Happened in Bali (What a waste of a great location!)
Next to Watch: City Hall
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
See No Evil, Hear No Evil
During an impromptu meeting today between my direct supervisor and I about another topic:
"Hey, thanks for not lashing out at (insert biatch's name here) whenever she sends out her snippety e-mails."
My reply: "Yes, I know that I'm better than that."
Naks! A week or two ago, The Biatch tried to be a smart ass about something, but was totally wrong so I sent her a polite e-mail and CCed my direct supervisor and another one of my colleagues. The reply from The Biatch was anything, but polite so much so that my direct supervisor forwarded the whole e-mail trail to our higher up supervisor who wanted to make sure that I'm being supported, blah blah blah.
Apparently, everyone is aware of The Biatch from previous incidents. Who knew! I'm just glad that I'm not alone and that my ability to bite my tongue before sending an e-mail to The Biatch is noted. I'm also quite thankful that I don't have to deal with her everyday nor do I have to see her. It would really be a biatch to see The Biatch on a daily basis.
"Hey, thanks for not lashing out at (insert biatch's name here) whenever she sends out her snippety e-mails."
My reply: "Yes, I know that I'm better than that."
Naks! A week or two ago, The Biatch tried to be a smart ass about something, but was totally wrong so I sent her a polite e-mail and CCed my direct supervisor and another one of my colleagues. The reply from The Biatch was anything, but polite so much so that my direct supervisor forwarded the whole e-mail trail to our higher up supervisor who wanted to make sure that I'm being supported, blah blah blah.
Apparently, everyone is aware of The Biatch from previous incidents. Who knew! I'm just glad that I'm not alone and that my ability to bite my tongue before sending an e-mail to The Biatch is noted. I'm also quite thankful that I don't have to deal with her everyday nor do I have to see her. It would really be a biatch to see The Biatch on a daily basis.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Time Management
I super duper hate people who cannot meet deadlines! Ugh!
It is not okay for you to not turn your deliverable on time. It is not okay for you to be clueless when someone had sent three separate e-mails leading up to the deadline. It is not okay to use "I was busy" as an excuse. All of us are busy; that's why we're getting paid.
Teamwork = everyone's work is all dependent upon someone else's productivity. Ride the same wave, people.
It is not okay for you to not turn your deliverable on time. It is not okay for you to be clueless when someone had sent three separate e-mails leading up to the deadline. It is not okay to use "I was busy" as an excuse. All of us are busy; that's why we're getting paid.
Teamwork = everyone's work is all dependent upon someone else's productivity. Ride the same wave, people.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Loving the Job
Today, after some four weeks of starting my other part-time job, I finally took advantage of the various "amenities" available with working in Downtown Seattle: I shopped after work.
When I was living in Manila, going to Megamall, The Podium, or Shang after work was an every day thing. It was so convenient to grab dinner or to just drop by to buy my favorite hopia because the malls were down the street from my building. Well, it's the same situation for me these days. Shops, restaurants, movie theaters, oh my! And with my ORCA card (bus pass, for you non-Seattle-ites), I don't have to worry about parking at all.
I swear, there are so many pluses that comes with this job. The only thing that would make it the best thing ever is if it becomes full-time, but that would just be icing on the cake.
When I was living in Manila, going to Megamall, The Podium, or Shang after work was an every day thing. It was so convenient to grab dinner or to just drop by to buy my favorite hopia because the malls were down the street from my building. Well, it's the same situation for me these days. Shops, restaurants, movie theaters, oh my! And with my ORCA card (bus pass, for you non-Seattle-ites), I don't have to worry about parking at all.
I swear, there are so many pluses that comes with this job. The only thing that would make it the best thing ever is if it becomes full-time, but that would just be icing on the cake.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Life with Meaning
While shopping this weekend, I also returned three Coach bags that totaled $200 (forgive me, I had a moment of weakness during the after-Christmas sales). Having those bags while I watched footages of Haiti just didn't feel right so back to the store they went.
I want to add "be part of a disaster relief mission" in my imaginary things-to-do-before-I-die list. I know in order to be one of those volunteers, you have to have a certain skills set and I don't really know where my marketing/graphic design/web design skills fit into that. ;P
Eventhough I lived in the Philippines, I don't really know what it means to be poor or to have nothing. I went to a private school and was never really exposed to poverty. Sure, I saw poor people, but I couldn't say that I knew what they went through on a daily basis. Even when I went back in 2002, I lived in an all-expenses-paid house and in 2006, I earned enough to live in a high-rise condo. When friends came over and saw our ancestral house in San Mateo, their eyes would light up and say how it was like a resort. Having grown up and spent time there every Sunday, it was just the norm for me. When we moved to the US, the transition from life there to here was smooth; there wasn't this huge leap that I had to go through and struggle with. And having this background I think is what pulls me to want to experience things that would fill that void of knowledge regarding being poor. Does that make sense? Normal ba ito? ;P
As I get older, I realize that I want to live a life full of compassion, to be able to give even when I know that I won't get anything in return, to be able to make a difference without a spotlight or headline associated with it. Gusto kong maging...politician's wife. HaHa! Kidding! I hope that God will continue to give me opportunities to "broaden my horizons". Sana si future papa ganyan din (at talagang humirit pa).
I want to add "be part of a disaster relief mission" in my imaginary things-to-do-before-I-die list. I know in order to be one of those volunteers, you have to have a certain skills set and I don't really know where my marketing/graphic design/web design skills fit into that. ;P
Eventhough I lived in the Philippines, I don't really know what it means to be poor or to have nothing. I went to a private school and was never really exposed to poverty. Sure, I saw poor people, but I couldn't say that I knew what they went through on a daily basis. Even when I went back in 2002, I lived in an all-expenses-paid house and in 2006, I earned enough to live in a high-rise condo. When friends came over and saw our ancestral house in San Mateo, their eyes would light up and say how it was like a resort. Having grown up and spent time there every Sunday, it was just the norm for me. When we moved to the US, the transition from life there to here was smooth; there wasn't this huge leap that I had to go through and struggle with. And having this background I think is what pulls me to want to experience things that would fill that void of knowledge regarding being poor. Does that make sense? Normal ba ito? ;P
As I get older, I realize that I want to live a life full of compassion, to be able to give even when I know that I won't get anything in return, to be able to make a difference without a spotlight or headline associated with it. Gusto kong maging...politician's wife. HaHa! Kidding! I hope that God will continue to give me opportunities to "broaden my horizons". Sana si future papa ganyan din (at talagang humirit pa).
Monday, January 18, 2010
Girls Just Want to Have Fun
I remember once when Pen was telling me that she bought slacks at Gap for $20 and I thought it was too expensive. That's only because I've found them to be $10 or less at Gap Outlet for the same quality. Shorts for $.97? Why, I have them in five different colors, thanks to Old Navy.
I used to agree with people that buying clothes in the Philippines is quite cheap, but I don't think so anymore. Can you find shorts for P100 in the Philippines? Never! Besides, the clothes at tiangges lack the quality for them to be called "great buys."
I didn't do anything, but shop this weekend. Clearance items at Gap Outlet were 30% off, plus I had a coupon for an additional 20% off. Plus I still had a $20 reward coupon that I received awhile back for converting my Gap card to Gap Silver. Basically, half of my stuff were free. I also found this awesome navy blue semi-formal dress at Banana Republic Factory Store for $27 (originally $110) which I can wear at Anton's wedding this spring. You can really replace your wardrobe when sales like these come up during the end of each season. And since madaling mapagsawaan ang mga gamit, I don't want to spend a lot on clothes anymore. Back in college, I wouldn't think twice about buying Abercrombie stuff every month, but these days, no thanks. Mas masakit pa when I took my clothes to Goodwill knowing that I barely wore them and were just giving them away kasi wala na akong space sa closet.
Whoever buys clothes at regular prices are crazy (or genuinely rich). I find it much funner when I find great bargains unexpectedly. I used to hate sorting through racks, but have made peace with it. Actually, it's not so bad if it's Gap Outlet or Banana Republic because at least they sort the madness by color. Old Navy, umm, I just go there kapag bored ako and trying to kill time because you really have to be in a certain frame of mind when you're sifting through their dump (and that's why probably no staff ever arranges their clearance sections!).
I also went to the mall today because I had to buy shampoo and visit the Apple Store and realized that it has been a long time since I've stepped into a mall...and my closet reflects that fact.
I used to agree with people that buying clothes in the Philippines is quite cheap, but I don't think so anymore. Can you find shorts for P100 in the Philippines? Never! Besides, the clothes at tiangges lack the quality for them to be called "great buys."
I didn't do anything, but shop this weekend. Clearance items at Gap Outlet were 30% off, plus I had a coupon for an additional 20% off. Plus I still had a $20 reward coupon that I received awhile back for converting my Gap card to Gap Silver. Basically, half of my stuff were free. I also found this awesome navy blue semi-formal dress at Banana Republic Factory Store for $27 (originally $110) which I can wear at Anton's wedding this spring. You can really replace your wardrobe when sales like these come up during the end of each season. And since madaling mapagsawaan ang mga gamit, I don't want to spend a lot on clothes anymore. Back in college, I wouldn't think twice about buying Abercrombie stuff every month, but these days, no thanks. Mas masakit pa when I took my clothes to Goodwill knowing that I barely wore them and were just giving them away kasi wala na akong space sa closet.
Whoever buys clothes at regular prices are crazy (or genuinely rich). I find it much funner when I find great bargains unexpectedly. I used to hate sorting through racks, but have made peace with it. Actually, it's not so bad if it's Gap Outlet or Banana Republic because at least they sort the madness by color. Old Navy, umm, I just go there kapag bored ako and trying to kill time because you really have to be in a certain frame of mind when you're sifting through their dump (and that's why probably no staff ever arranges their clearance sections!).
I also went to the mall today because I had to buy shampoo and visit the Apple Store and realized that it has been a long time since I've stepped into a mall...and my closet reflects that fact.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Unlucky
Supposedly, the unluckiest Chinese sign this year is the monkey. Great, just great. But it has also been said that this year is lucky for career, but unlucky for love. Well, how much worse can a lovelife get if it's currently zero?
I hope this prediction brouhaha is just that; I'd hate for the Year of the Tiger to take away what the western calendar just gave me to start the year off.
I hope this prediction brouhaha is just that; I'd hate for the Year of the Tiger to take away what the western calendar just gave me to start the year off.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Aged to Perfection
I was going through my archives last night after I posted my entry and realized something.
I can't ask God for a "twenty-something guy" anymore! He has to be "thirty-something" now! OMG!
I can't ask God for a "twenty-something guy" anymore! He has to be "thirty-something" now! OMG!
Friday, January 1, 2010
2NE10
It's 2010. Has it really been 10 years since my first year of college?! Time truly flies by.
I can't really say 2009 was bad for me. Sure, I didn't work full-time for most of the year and there were times that I was paralyzed by hopelessness, but I don't think I was extremely saddened by all of it. In fact, I was really grateful about many things that have happened this year:
Perhaps I'm getting old and have begun to appreciate life that I found satisfaction in all of that. And as if I passed my life's lessons in 2009, God granted me gifts before the year closed: two part-time positions that I am truly happy about getting. Imagine that.
I'm looking forward to 2010 and even wrote down resolutions on paper last night which I've never done before. This year brings a new milestone and I want to make some changes in my life to ensure that this coming decade is indeed new and not simply a repeat of what has been (Naks, so serious!).
I can't really say 2009 was bad for me. Sure, I didn't work full-time for most of the year and there were times that I was paralyzed by hopelessness, but I don't think I was extremely saddened by all of it. In fact, I was really grateful about many things that have happened this year:
- God helped me leave my horrible full-time job
- Finished my Graphic Design Certificate and then some...for free
- Fulfilled my childhood dream of going to Japan...and Korea
- Witnessed the power of networking and people's willingness to help me out
- Saw how Elections/ballots processing work in this country
- Being able to pay for my WV child sponsorship dues despite my unemployment
- Reconnecting with people from the past
- Knowing that accumulation of material things isn't what life is about
Perhaps I'm getting old and have begun to appreciate life that I found satisfaction in all of that. And as if I passed my life's lessons in 2009, God granted me gifts before the year closed: two part-time positions that I am truly happy about getting. Imagine that.
I'm looking forward to 2010 and even wrote down resolutions on paper last night which I've never done before. This year brings a new milestone and I want to make some changes in my life to ensure that this coming decade is indeed new and not simply a repeat of what has been (Naks, so serious!).
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