Random BlogThings

PERSONALITY and BIRTH

Your Personality Is

Idealist (NF) You are a passionate, caring, and unique person. You are good at expressing yourself and sharing your ideals. You are the most compassionate of all types and connect with others easily. Your heart tends to rule you. You can't make decisions without considering feelings. You seek out other empathetic people to befriend. Truth and authenticity matters in your friendships. In love, you give everything you have to relationships. You fall in love easily. At work, you crave personal expression and meaning in your career. With others, you communicate well. You can spend all night talking with someone. As far as your looks go, you've likely taken the time to develop your own personal style. On weekends, you like to be with others. Charity work is also a favorite pastime of yours.

The Three Question Personality Test

Your Birthdate: January 25

You excel at anything difficult or high tech. In other words, you're a total (brilliant) geek. It's difficult for you to find people worth spending time with. Which is probably why you'll take over the world with your evil robots! Your strength: Your unfailing logic Your weakness: Loving machines more than people Your power color: Tan Your power symbol: Pi Your power month: July

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

Your Birth Month is January

You are a natural leader who is able to stand up when no one else can. Strong and powerful, you tend to overshadow those around you. Your soul reflects: deep love, fascination with life, and a distinctive persona Your gemstone: Garnet Your flower: Snowdrop Your colors: Black, dark red, and dark blue

What Does Your Birth Month Mean?

Your Birthdate: January 25

Calm and understated, you struggle to express your love with words. Over time, your partner learns to recognize your passion by the actions you take. You're good at wooing someone slowly, without them even realizing it! Number of True Loves You'll Have: 2 Number of Times You'll Have Your Heart Broken: 2 You are most compatible with people born on the 7th, 16th, and 25th of the month.

What Does Your Birth Date Mean For Your Love Life?

In 1983 (the year you were born)

Ronald Reagan is president of the US Sally Ride becomes the first American woman to travel in space Marines are killed when a TNT laden suicide terrorists blows up Marine headquarters at Beirut International Airport US Marines and Rangers invade the island of Grenada and evacuate hundreds of US citizens The Soviets shoot down Korean Airlines flight 007 The Internet Domain Name System was invented by Paul Mockapetris Ronald Wilson Reagan signs a bill creating Martin Luther King Day Baltimore Orioles win the World Series Washington Redskins win Superbowl XVII New York Islanders win the Stanley Cup Return of the Jedi is the top grossing film "Every Breath You Take" by The Police spends the most time at the top of US charts The A-Team and Webster premiere

What Happened the Year You Were Born?

Your Personality Profile

You are pure, moral, and adaptable. You tend to blend into your surroundings. Shy on the outside, you're outspoken to your friends. You believe that you live a virtuous life... And you tend to judge others with a harsh eye. As a result, people tend to crave your approval.

The World's Shortest Personality Test

You Are 3: The Achiever

You're confident and competent - with a lot of energy. Eager to reach your goals, you are ambitious and competitive. You are good at motivating yourself and motivating others. You're also a charmer, with a great sense of humor.

What Number Are You?

INTELLIGENCES

Your Dominant Intelligence is Musical Intelligence

Every part of your life has a beat, and you're often tapping your fingers or toes. You enjoy sounds of all types, but you also find sound can distract you at the wrong time. You are probably a gifted musician of some sort - even if you haven't realized it. Also a music lover, you tend to appreciate artists of all kinds. You would make a great musician, disc jockey, singer, or composer.

What Kind of Intelligence Do You Have?

You Are a Auditory Learner

You tend to remember what you hear, and you have a knack for speaking well. You excel at debating, foreign languages, and music. You would be an excellent diplomat - or rock star!

What's Your Learning Style?

You Are 60% Left Brained, 40% Right Brained

The left side of your brain controls verbal ability, attention to detail, and reasoning. Left brained people are good at communication and persuading others. If you're left brained, you are likely good at math and logic. Your left brain prefers dogs, reading, and quiet. The right side of your brain is all about creativity and flexibility. Daring and intuitive, right brained people see the world in their unique way. If you're right brained, you likely have a talent for creative writing and art. Your right brain prefers day dreaming, philosophy, and sports.

Are You Right or Left Brained?

FOOD and DRINKS

You Are Mexican Food

Spicy yet dependable. You pull punches, but people still love you.

What Kind of Food Are You?

You Are Beer!

You don't need to get totally wasted when you hit the bars. More of a social drinker, you just like to have fun with your friends. And as long as the beer keeps flowing, you're a happy camper. But don't mix things up: "Beer Before Liquor, Never Been Sicker!"

What Alcoholic Drink Are You?

You Are a Frappucino

At your best, you are: fun loving, sweet, and modern At your worst, you are: childish and over indulgent You drink coffee when: you're craving something sweet Your caffeine addiction level: low

What Kind of Coffee Are You?

You Are an Appletini

Most of the time, you're a typical party girl / guy. But when you get super sauced, you really up your sex appeal.

What Mixed Drink Are You?

FOREIGN TRAVEL

You Belong in the Upper East Side

You're an aspiring blue blood, and you want the best of New York high society. And while some may think you're conservative, you still appreciate good art and culture.

Where Should Your Inner New Yorker Live?

You Should Learn Chinese

Surprised? You shouldn't be - Chinese is perfect for an ambitious person like you. You're a natural entrepreneur, and a billion people are waiting to do business with you!

What Language Should You Learn?

You Should Travel to Thailand

You may enjoy getting spiritual at a Buddhist retreat... Or just feasting on a ton of cheap and amazing Thai food.

What Asian Country Should You Visit?

Your Italian Name Is...

Giulietta Conti

What's Your Italian Name?

You Belong in London

You belong in London, but you belong in many cities... Hong Kong, San Francisco, Sidney. You fit in almost anywhere. And London is diverse and international enough to satisfy many of your tastes. From curry to Shakespeare, London (almost) has it all!

What European City Do You Belong In?

You Should Spend Your Summer at the Beach

You're a free spirit who is always thinking of new ways to have fun. And you don't just love summer... you live for it. So, you really should blow off your responsibilities and head to the beach!

Where Should You Spend Your Summer?

LOVE AND RELATIONSHIPS

The Keys to Your Heart

You are attracted to those who are unbridled, untrammeled, and free. In love, you feel the most alive when things are straight-forward, and you're told that you're loved. You'd like to your lover to think you are loyal and faithful... that you'll never change. You would be forced to break up with someone who was emotional, moody, and difficult to please. Your ideal relationship is lasting. You want a relationship that looks to the future... one you can grow with. Your risk of cheating is zero. You care about society and morality. You would never break a commitment. You think of marriage as something precious. You'll treasure marriage and treat it as sacred. In this moment, you think of love as something you don't need. You just feel like flirting around and playing right now.

What Are The Keys To Your Heart?

Your Love Number is 2

Of all the numbers, you are the most caring and empathetic lover. Unselfish and humble, you find it easy to forgive your sweetie's mistakes. At times, your need to please can be come a bit too needy. As long as you remain somewhat independent, your relationships are perfectly balanced.

What Is Your Love Number?

CAREERS

Your Career Type: Enterprising

You are engertic, ambitious, and sociable. Your talents lie in politics, leading people, and selling things or ideas. You would make an excellent: Auctioneer - Bank President - Camp Director City Manager - Judge - Lawyer Recreation Leader - Real Estate Agent - Sales Person School Principal - Travel Agent - TV Newscaster The worst career options for your are investigative careers, like mathematician or architect.

What's Your Ideal Career?

MISCELLANEOUS TYPES

You Are The Emperor

You are an authority figure, and other people look to you for what to do. You are strong and powerful. Crossing you is not a good idea. You have worked hard to get to your position, and you're not about to give it up to anyone. Though you have a warrior heart, you are gentle to those who treat you well. Your fortune: In the near future, you need to be willing and able to defend those you love. This may be the time for you to step up and be the authority figure to those around you. It is time for you to be independent, to become your own person. You may need to look at your relationship with your father, or your relationships as a father.

What Tarot Card Are You?

You are Temperance

Time. Ages. Transformation. Involuntary change

Temperance is another card of aspiration, but also of much change. It often
represents complex situations. Positively, you can harmonize contrary
forces.

Temperance is, on a surface level, about "tempering." The original pouring from cup to cup might have been about cutting wine with water. So this is a card about moderation. There is, however, another angle to the card, that of merging seemingly impossible opposites. Sagittarius, the centaur, merges beast and man into a unique creature. And then there is the bow and arrow, one moving, one stationary, working together to point the way. Temperance may be, at first glance, a warning for you to "temper" your behavior, to cut your wine with water. But it may also be a reminder to that seemingly irreconcilable opposites may not be irreconcilable at all. Belief that fiery red and watery blue cannot be merged may be the only thing standing in the way of blending the two. Change the belief, measure out each with care, and you can create otherworldly violet.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

Your Personality Is Like Ecstasy

You're usually feeling the love for the world around you - you want to hug everyone. And while you're usually content to sit back and view the world with wonder... Sometimes you're world becomes very overwhelming and a little scary.

What Drug Is Your Personality Like?

You Are Iris

You are an interesting blend of fun and wisdom. You definitely make people think about themselves and their place in the world. But they'll have fun doing it. You definitely epitomize laughter therapy. You are a very enriching and entertaining friend!

What Color Purple Are You?

Your Theme Song is Beautiful Day by U2

"Sky falls, you feel like It's a beautiful day Don't let it get away" You see the beauty in life, especially in ordinary everyday moments. And if you're feeling down, even that seems a little beautiful too.

What's Your Theme Song?

You Should Try Skydiving

Don't look before you leap And you'll become a hardcore extreme sports addict

What Extreme Sport Should You Try?

You Are Best Described By...

Impression, Sunrise By Claude Monet

What Famous Work of Art Are You?

You Should Drive a Porsche

Flashy and a bit of a show off, you can't help but love a car that shouts your high status.

What Sports Car Should You Drive?

My Birthday Rectorship

When I was announced as rector last August 05 (at the exact 2-year mark of my anniversary at Days) I was shocked, confused and ecstatic. It was truly a dream come true and a very big honor, but after my ActCom stint I never really expected this blessing to be granted anymore. Kuya Jess really works in perfect timing--I realized I would be able to host it during my birthday weekend! I knew then that there's no other way I'd rather spend my birthday than serve Jess and my new babies..

I started early with preparations.. the next day pa lang ata I was on the phone already with Mommy Rach and drafting already my list of talkers, staffers, and prospective babies. Even though my mind was running with ideas for my batch, my focus then was Mel's Batch 17 and finding a venue for her. After gazillions of tiring oculars, we found a suitable venue finally. I had a great time serving her and my new pamangkins with Ava Toink. It was really tough to be VR, but with Ava and Mel and Mommy Rach and all the staffers, we were able to pull through.

December came and I realized that though Miyagi was able to get our old venue back, I still would not be able to host it there on my birthday weekend because of a campus ministry event. It sucked big time because all of my dreams and plans were centered on it. And then came another big blow--St. Scho c/o Cheboy was also hosting their batch on the last weekend of January! Can i survive without Lola Isa, Tita Jedi, Cheboy, and the Kulasa dazers? That's about a quarter of days staffers who won't be able to go full-time for my batch! When it finally sank in that I didn't have both a venue and a date, I went on hiatus from the community. I felt so tired trying to fix everything, making sure that everything's perfect but it seems like the whole universe is conspiring against me! I wanted to give up the batch already. I was so emotionally frustrated.

Only thing is, I was never a quitter. It was so tough, but good thing Mommy Rach was always there para kulitin ako on the things I have yet to do. Plus Cheboy suddenly pressured me to invite talkers already because she just finished hers! Adrenaline rush ito! I guess it was also the start of a new year that I realized I had a clean slate, a newer perspective to work with, so with a line-up of 23 participants, I started to catch up with the workload.

I prayed and weighed all the odds and decided that without a venue, I still wanted to celebrate my birthday with a DAYS weekend, so Jan 26-28 was firmed up (besides, I would lose my sponsors, staffers and participants if i moved it on another date anyway!). Thanks to Bong, I found a venue and realized for the first time that I can visibly see things working out. A week before the actual batch however, I was down to 15 participants and the list keeps on trimming down! Plus I found out that we might have no materials because our supplier had no more stocks! I was so devastated! Grabe ang sindakan na inabot ko kay Kuya Jess during the last week, but I held on and prayed and hoped for the best. Thursday night, I had 10 participants which is actually a good number. I was psyching myself that it was a good number, that maybe Jess really wanted me to handle this number and this particular group of girls for a reason. I had Sweet, Romnick, Happy and Pugo, and that was an all-star line-up already. I took a deep breath. Ikaw na Bahala, Kuya Jess. I was good to go.

Sure, every batch has their own stories and unexpected crisis (we can laugh about it now but at that time I was so stressed trying to find replacements!). My participants were Uber pasaway and were not sharing as much as I hoped they would. Even if not everything went according to plan and there were moments that were probably overrated, I realize now that the whole experience went perfectly according to His will. And there's not a moment that I would change.

But there were good surprises as well, some in the form of birthday gifts--streamers from Ditas, banner-ups and thank you cards from Moch, pink roses from Milo, choco mousse cake from Jun, my batch song from Miyagi--and some in the form of surprise visitors. All the aiesecers were there (balik-loob!), even Javi and Drew. Old friends from Yuppies came to lecture and support (hehe).. even old Dazers like Erwin, Tita Jedi, Mara and Van. There were several texts from well-wishers, even from other communities like PSBA and DLSU. Ang dami ring food--thanks to everyone who donated and sponsored! Thanks to my family who shouldered my birthday blow-out as well. Thank you to Father Bogey for that heartfelt Celebration. Thanks to my SFX, ang purple-musical at ang kikay ng lahat! haha! Thanks to Yuppies for a heartfelt P-night, complete with white balloons and flute and violins (just like I imagined it!). Thank you to Marla and Sabs for working so hard and for being patient with my kakulitan.. you girls are my saving grace. Thank you to the sponsors for my magical circle of 10 babies, and to the staffers for all your help and for serving so selflessly during the weekend. I owe so many people my gratitude for an amazing weekend--If not for current rectors like Cheboy, Miyagi and Mike, my CORE mentors Rach, Chewey, Macky and Milo, all the staffers and sponsors and my family who became my source of inspiration and sanity during those last months, I would have certainly crumbled under the stress and pressure!

But I'm most thankful for my babies--they were the best birthday gifts that Jess has blessed me with. I always thought that being rector was a dream come true because everyone would be celebrating and praying for you, with the whole weekend planned according to your every whimsical desire. But in truth, being a rector is an overwhelmingly humbling experience--to be Jess' instrument, to be Him personified for three days so you may bring people closer to Him, to be able to fulfill your life's mission of concretely touching and changing other people's lives, is both a challenging responsibility and a truly unique gift. I was so touched with how my babies and I shared our last disco (albeit short) and how we all kept in contact during our 4th day. Though we all started as strangers, I'm amazed by how much love I have for them, like I've known them since childhood. Being a mommy means that I now share in each and every joy and pain that they have, as long as they let me.. and I welcome all of that. Now, I know in my heart that the rectorship is something I will truly treasure forever--not just the weekend (for that's only the highlight of the experience!), but also the whole preparation months before and the 4th days that lie ahead. The sacrifices, the stress, the joys and the blessings in totality is a gift I wouldn't trade for anything. Weeks after I can still experience the High, because of these participants and staffers and everything that we've learned from the weekend and from each other. I'm looking forward to our Baclaran/Starbucks/Yuppie reunions together!

Basta Kayo mga Anak, Basta Kayong mga Dazers... a thousand times over. Basta Ikaw Lord! :-)

My Perfect Guy

Was thinking randomly about this a few hours ago, and while I resolved myself to be boy-less this year, I think it may be safe to daydream about the idea of a perfect someone right? So if i would be able to meet a guy with..

... Mike's brains ...
... Milo's sweetness ...
... Drew's friendliness and listening ear ...
... Paul's charm and sense of humor ...
... Marc's values and discipline ...
... Karlo's fashion sense and ambition ...
... Jason's loyalty ...
... Javi's spirituality ...
... Jeff's wisdom ...
... Jerome's love for kids ...
... RC's wacky sense of humor ...
... Chris's patience ...
... John's impeccable manners ...
... Miyagi's voice and love for music ...
... Allan's simplicity ...
... Raeden's family-orientedness ...
... and ER's, um, "special talents" ...

...I'd marry him in a heartbeat!

But if he stays as a figment of my imagination, I'm still lucky to have friends who have shared me all these with me :-)

A Look at 06 and Resolutions for 07

2006 was my year.. the Year of the Dog. It was an eventful year...my life changed dramatically this year... both good and bad things, extreme polar opposites:

• I resigned from Naturale, and got a new job I loved at Unilab. Never thought I could start over. It was so difficult giving up something that has become a part of me for almost two years. My babies Felina and Beach Hut have changed hands, but I was glad to have been given the opportunity to start them. Now I have Aspilets, and I'm blessed to be learning a lot and to be able to help around the house through UL's amazingly comprehensive benefits. Plus, I get a new phone, laptop and car!
• That Month in Bohol. We're still not over it yet though.
• Got my Drivers' License. Finally! Long overdue, but definitely worth the wait. Need to practice soon!
• Was diagnosed with UTI. Two weeks' diet of no salt.. all fish! Giving up all the food I loved was tough, but at least I lost 10 lbs! True test of discipline and will power, and Mom's iron hand! hehe.
• Got Announced as WWJD Girls' Batch 18 Rector - during my 2nd year anniversary in Days, and hosting it on my birthday no less! Jess is really good, I never thought I'd be granted this blessing. And though preparations are seemingly impossible and difficult, I promise to give my all for this batch. Can't wait for my January weekend! I pray I'll have a meaningful batch, for my participants and for myself as well...
• Met my Dream Guy. Who happens to be in a relationship, but at least I know he exists! Had an interesting courtship and fling as well... quite colorful year!
• Traveled to Davao and Iloilo. My second homes. I'll always miss the people and the sights and the food. Can't wait to go back soon!
• Got New Movie Dates. Drew, Care, Oryx and Rory. You guys made my year. Thanks for the crazy movie bonding, and everything in between.
• Check-in at Edsa Shang and Crowne Plaza. I've always loved the Hotel Life. Buffets, Long Soaks at the Tub, White Terry Robes, Massages, Breakfast Room Service, Late Night Bar Parties. Looking forward to Hyatt adventures in January!
• Happy Reunions with Friends. Finally, I get to enjoy my Christmas reunions without Batas! Feels so good to bond without panicking over sunduan time... Hehe!
  

Here's a look at how many of my NY's Resolutions I was able to keep this year (dug this up from my Archives Last Year):

Things I Want to Happen for 2006:
1. Get a Drivers' License!!! - one of my biggest achievements for the year. It took enrollment in A1 and hours of lining up to get the paperwork done, but all these paid off. I look weird in my picture but what the hell... all I have to do now is pray for my car to arrive soon!
2. Learn Ilocano and Spanish – Enrolled myself in Basic Spanish 1Q06, but still need practice. Got myself a new Ilocano dictionary to help. I’m planning to get a notebook too to jot down notes from Dad.
3. Learn to play guitar – Still have to learn. Got a guitar chordbook and 1001 songs from Julius though as a Christmas present.
4. Learn how to cook – Can now whip up tinola, nilaga and sinigang, but sill need practice. 5. Develop a new sport (still deciding between Chess and Swimming) – Will prioritize in 2008 instead. It’s aerobics this year!
6. Travel to an Asian Country (Bangkok or HK... depends on the fare and rates! Sayang ang miles...) – no money! Will try to save up by 2H of the year. Hopefully I’ll be enrolled in Prefplus so I can travel to the States this year.
7. Learn Photoshop – haven’t learned much! :(
8. Watch a concert, game and play – Jason Mraz, WWE and Zsa zsa Zaturnnah.. all within the first few months!
9. Keep all doctor appointments with Dr. Sese – almost done. Will continue treatments this year
10. Invest money wisely (probably in time deposit) – still struggling financially :-(
11. Get a new cellphone! – Decided to invest on silver necklace instead

On a more personal note, I resolve to: All of these I’m still trying to do…
1. Never say anything bad about others (or at least minimize them...)
2. Fulfill all promises (that includes being on time!)
3. Pray and reflect more.
4. Procrastinate less.
5. Personal makeover! Fix self, room, workspace more...

7 out of 11. Not bad, but still need a lot of improvement.
Let's see how many I can pull off again for next year...

Projects for 2007: As forecasts told, if you worked hard in 2006, 2007 will be your year of harvest. This year therefore will be all about ME—all the plans that I had for myself I’ll finally do this year. That goes hand-in-hand with focus.. no boys, lessen dating for the meantime, so I can finally achieve all I want for myself for the meantime...

1. Improve Self – new hairstyle, new treatments, new/healthier body regimen
2. Lose Weight. Drop to 120 lbs.
3. Enroll in Aerobics / Hi-Step Classes
4. Keep (at least) 50K in bank account by year-end (to win bet with Eda!)
5. Learn Ilocano
6. Learn to play guitar
7. Travel outside the country (US or Asia)
8. No credit debts by year-end. Limit card usage to appliances/emergencies only.
9. Get UP diploma and Fix Civil Service Papers.
10. Invest on appliance for the house - new component system or oven.
11. Complete the Simbang Gabi. For the first time ever.
    
    Minor Goals: Some fetishes I'd love to indulge in...
    1. Watch a play, game, and concert
    2. Attend a book and CD signing
    3. Get my Ferreti Card :) 4. Get the 07 Starbucks Planner.

Easier said than done right? Well, we'll see... ;)

Happy New Year to Everyone! :-)

My Christmas of Firsts

It seems like a lifetime since I last posted in here. I'll confess--my attention has wavered more to multiply and have been addicted ever since. (See more recent pictures and gimiks I have been of late: http://gladysjudan.multiply.com). But I know that blogspot will always be the home of my most intimate and even weirdest thoughts, ramblings, experiences.. and everything in between.

It's been quite the holidays--welcome surprises and heart-breaking dissapointments all in one. It was a season of firsts--

• First time I fully enjoyed all my reunions with friends, because I wasn't preoccupied with meeting Batas for curfew... too bad our Noche Buena was cut short because Mom wasn't feeling too well.
• First National Conference and Party with LRI and UL, my new family... had that great two nights with Iloilo friend... I smile wistfully now, knowing that those nights will remain but bittersweet memories. At least I have our pictures to daydream by, all I have left of us.
• First time I resisted the urge to Drink and Be Merry.. First time I'm seriously considering quitting alcohol and yosi altogether. Naks, inspired kse... ;-)
• First time I brought home Christmas basket, First Christmas bonus! The best part of it was sharing all these blessings with my family; it feels great to be able to help out--taking them shopping, treating them to fancy dinners, getting them their perfect gifts. And good thing, at least I have something for my days' batch already in January.
• First heartbreak. He still misses me, he says. I told him I missed him too. But I'm not going back there, that's for sure. I guess things are better off this way. New Start for the year eh?

The best First for me was feeling the true spirit of the Yuletide during Mass. I've always loved hearing Mass at Christ the King.. the people, the choir, the entire church community always brings that sincerity and generosity of prayer. And I felt really closer to Jess during the Christmas Eve Mass. It's just like what the priest said--the true spirit of Christmas resides in our willingness to spread peace and reconciliation not just with the people we love but more with the people we have wronged as well. And I realized that Christmas cannot be found in gifts we have requested nor received, nor the parties and reunions--but in how we welcome and give happiness to others. The Spirit starts within us. And how much we love Christmas should not just end with the taking down of the lights and the tree and all the trimmings, but its love should be carried all year round.

The Christmas Spirit starts and continues within us. Have a Blessed Yuletide to Everyone! :-)

It Hurts To Be Smart

Failure has always been my nemesis. But with accepting failure comes the wisdom of not repeating the same mistake twice, of getting up and striving to pick up the pieces, of moving on...

'Tis the hard lesson I learned. I deluded myself thinking that I could change things, that I could change him. I accepted the situation knowing fully well what was expected and what can only be given, nothing more nothing less. But I was a bigger fool to hope that I could be the girl who can change his ways. I should have listened to my instincts and opened my eyes more to the signs that were right in front of me. I couldn't wait for him forever, the truth gnawing in the pit of my stomach that this was all he ever wanted. And that I was just another willing pawn in his game..

I should have ended it way before, to save me from the hurt and to save him from the hassle. It's the right thing to do.. I know, I know. But now that I have, part of me wants it all back. Wants all of him back. Because at this moment, i don't want to be smart. It hurts to be smart. It sucks to be smart. I just want him. He's moved on though, and I'm still left dreaming for both of us. Maybe I'll just keep on dreaming till Christmas, or till I don't have as much emo moments, thinking of the what-ifs and the what-might-have beens like this anymore..

The Truth about the Love Blog

Online friend JP commented on how my blog entries seem to be all about love lately. haha! Thanks for the wake up call dear. Actually it just depends on my mood, which is quite obvious of late. But truth is, it also depends on what time I blog. At night, when I'm more carefree to daydream on cloud nine and the only free time I get to spend with him, that's when I can write as well. Hence, the topics of choice. But during the day, I'm more preoccupied with increasing market shares, the impending year-end quota count, fast-tracking clinical studies to detail aids and reading up on medical journals. I love the pharma industry and all its stress (said with feelings and a little less sarcasm! haha!)

On a lighter note, I just passed my driving exam at motor pool today--86 is not bad, considering the sentra had a bad clutch! That means all I have to do is wait and pray for my car issuance! Yay! I'm really hoping it will be my Christmas gift, I'd love to drive in it for simbang gabi, which I vow to complete for the first time this year. :-)

Pitch not going well though, overbudget and agencies are very demanding! This is something I really want done soon and fast, before the barrage of December conventions (will be cooped up in Crowne Plaza two weeks that month! 7corners galore na ito!)

Since I'm in work mode already, better finish up new forecasts for presentation tomorrow.. and daydream the next day instead. haha!

Things I Love... Lately...

I love being called Hon... being someone's Honey.
I love waking up to good mornings and sleeping to good nights and sweet dreams.
I love being taken cared of when I was sick.
I love breakfasts in bed.
I love late nights, endless talks about our lives with red chippys and super drys.
I love stargazing, on the beach, with our full moon, my head on your shoulders.
I love our pamangkins and going to EK and childrens' parties and being kids again.
I love every minute spent with all our sweet nothings
I love being adored. I loved being your Gorgeous.
I love blushing about your hugs and your kisses.
I love Loving and Being Loved.
I loved our little fantasy Hon, even if it were just for a week..
I loved wishing it can all still come true...

Thoughts on ShotDate

Like everything else in my life, I hate being unprepared. It's as if I didn't give my all, and I don't like the feeling that I left one tiny detail not carefully planned nor thought of. What can I say, I'm neurotic that way :P Which is why even for shotdate, I made sure that all our plans were straightened out--where to have dinner first, what to wear, where to have my hair and nails done, etc etc... without looking as if I tried too hard (okay, maybe that didn't work! subtlety is not my field of expertise...haha)

Going to shotdate was terrifying, because I rarely go out on real dates. But I decided to go because 1) drew was my friend 2) i wanted to experience it. one more thing to cross off my things-to-do-before-i-die list. With no expectations and with little practice (yes, we did some rounds of pseudo questions!) we trudged on and went inside Grilla.

I was praning about being overdressed, but what-the-hell, basta I loved my curls and my LBD :-) The guys were ok, but no one really caught my eye... (ok, so maybe there was one. But I'll take that secret to the grave! harhar!) So I checked them all as friends. Seriously, I'd love to be friends with some of them--they seem so much fun to hang out with. But no sparks unfortunately. Even with Javi, who unfortunately did not go to my station (I wonder why.. nagtatago ata! hahaha)

Got an award though: "The Girl Guys Would Like to Be Just Friends With". Ouch. But it was ok in the end. In retrospect, that's really who I am, just a friend. I'm the friend guys turn to for advice about their girlfriends, or a spontaneous movie date, or just someone to pass the time with. I think I'm just a better friend than girlfriend material. Which means that it may take me longer to find that "one perfect guy", no matter if I wear a new dress or try to be more feminine or to be exactly what guys are looking for (which is actually impossible). All I can really be is myself. So, I'll just try to be the best version of that.

As this certain article goes, "That's why we always tell people looking for love to wait for that "I won the lottery" feeling -- wait, wait, wait! Don't read articles about how to trap, seduce or hypnotize a mate. Don't worry about your lipstick or your height, because it is not going to matter. Just live your life well, take care of yourself, and don't mope too much. Love will find you." Amen.

Will I recommend friends to go on a speed date? Yes, if merely for the experience. Because if they may not discover that perfect match in a moment, more importantly, they may discover something surprising about their own selves as well.

Amnesia

I thought I was okay. I thought it was over.
Out of sight, out of mind right? Wrong.

Why is it that little reminders of old ghosts you thought were gone forever just keep on haunting you? Why is it still painful? Why do I still feel empty?

I may move on, but I don't think I will ever completely heal.

I want a clean slate.
I want closure.
I want freedom.
I want to forget...

I'll Be a Mommy

This has been the most incredible week.

August is my 2nd year anniversary with WWJD, and with this momentous occasion comes another one: I'm about to become a "mommy" as well in January (at my birthday no less!). No words can ever prepare you fully for that moment when you find out--amidst the sincere happiness from the people around, I could only feel the overpowering solemnity of the Disco, and remember the almost emotional phone call with my own mommy rach a few hours past (and after). There was no visible omen, no sign. Ok, maybe Milo hinted a few times, but I was honest-to-goodness overwhelmed. Until now. I am so deeply thankful for the support of friends in and outside the community--souls whom I have connected with only through weekends past. God knows up ahead is not an easy path, but I will trudge on willingly... to give all I can for Mel's batch, for Mike's and Rod's, for the others that will come soon, and for my own most especially.

I think that the weekend has inspired more blessings to come my way, especially at work where I have begun to receive due recognition for hard work and sleepless nights, and where surprise gifts have started pouring in. Even love has knocked at my door a few times this week as well. I think what I cherished most was also catching up with old friends and finding out where their own lives have taken them--Rach from the States, Ana from Indonesia and Liv from Paris.

I praise and thank God for all of the wonderful blessings, for me and my loved ones. Even though times are hard, I believe that all of us would have our own chances for happiness, even if it's just for a week, maybe even just for a weekend...if our hearts remain pure and patient, and if we truly have faith...

Homecoming: SSP @ Davao 2006

Went back to my second home last week: Davao City. It was first time to travel alone, and I reveled in the solitude both in the airport and in my hotel room. It was then I realized that amidst the friendsters and multiply connections, and my aspirations to become a "connector" (thanks to tipping point!), I really am an introvert at heart. I guess growing up, I already find small talk exhausting and actually desire for more adult company and more meaningful conversations.

Not that I didn't find the company of old ADDU friends equally fun! I didn't get drunk though, for the first time (haha!) It was really great meeting up with Nate, Dave, JC and Carla, even for just a while. I wish I had more time to spend with them, even my shopping at Aldevinco was rushed! Oh well, there's always next year right? :-)

Work-wise, I learned a lot from the convention. Amazingly, I was able to sit through a whole day's symposium and appreciate every word! I even texted Drew and told him I had a brief inkling to pursue the medical profession! Looking back, I realize that I enjoy the academic aspect of it, learning about new studies and pursuing new molecules to find cures for emerging syndromes. But I don't think I'm ready for the responsibility of having someone's life in your hands--I'm not that brave yet... For now, I'm content to be in the surrounding industry, and to "entertain" them as much as I can. Where's my next dance card, Dr Morales? Hehe :-)

Last Palamandesals at Karl's, Davao Airport

Strat Plan @ Edsa Shang

I finished everything! Yumyum!

When I was younger, one of my fervent wishes was to stay at Edsa Shang overnight, order room service, indulge in a jacuzzi and sleep in their gigantic white terry robes. I can't explain why, but there's a certain charm to Edsa Shang that makes me feel right at home there. Several years later (after many other hotel travels), I got my wish... and did all of the above when LRI stayed in at Edsa Shang for the annual Strat Plan. I had the best breakfast ever at 12mn (don't ask the price!), right after soaking in a bubble bath and massage... everything was just divine! It was the most poignant treat I could give myself for earning my first paycheck! I guess there really is a right timing to everything... just trust God to give you your heart's desires at His own time, even if it's merely a wish as shallow as enjoying the pampering of a hotel like Edsa Shang :-)

The conference was a tiring three-day stint, and my mind was overloaded with stats and forecasts that each night I retired to bed was a welcome treat. Since my roomie Daye opted to go home instead each night, I had the whole place to myself. But I had "intruders" every so often--my girl friends who would barge in for surprise slumber parties, random chikas and many many photo-ops! We had the most fun when we won the videoke challenge during Fellowship Night, and I'm most grateful for the experience to bond with them... which is actually next Monday at SSP Davao! Oh well, this is the life I chose--one that lives in a suitcase often. At least I have girls to share travel anecdotes with. And don't forget the dancing shoes!

Don't Cha!

View from Tuktukish

Almost didn't make it to the concert...like most days these past few weeks, it was raining cats and dogs, and I had to rush to Araneta amidst Friday rush-hour traffic in EDSA! I'm not a huge fan, but I do love their songs (Buttons is sooo hot! I swear... I converted Eds to a PCD fan after that video!) so I was pretty excited to see them in person. It was a long wait though (good thing Eds and I decided to eat first at Pancake house... or else I wouldn't have been able to ogle Jayson! haha) and after three excruciating front acts, popcorn mania and sudden urges to buy hundred-peso binoculars, our tired butts can finally stand up and shout with the PCDs :-)

I love Nicole! She's the best singer, the best dancer..the group seemed more like Nicole and the Pussycat Dolls. She still has the Filipino accent ("Mga mahal kong kababayan!" hehe), but most memorable was when she choked up after the whole coliseum sang Stick Wit U. It was really touching :-) Kudos to the dance showdown as well, I'm glad that kid with the monkey moves won--he gets an A for effort! The only downside was when the whole crowd was still waiting for a second encore because of the DJ's announcement 'Do you want to see more of the Pussy Cat Dolls!', and realizing after several blank minutes that they really weren't performing another number. Still, it was great to see everyone dressed up to see the PCDs, that even for just a few hours we felt like hot, sexy PCDs as well!

Me Sign Books Pretty One Day

David Sedaris and "my Melvin"

Went to my first book signing yesterday! I'm so starstruck with David, even I'm probably his most recent fan. Unfortunately I only came in around 6ish (thanks to Unilab's compressed workweek sched!) so I got number 57 instead. Lots of cute guys who attended though, surprisingly, but I had to check if they were really cute guys-- my Maximo Radar was ringing off the hook all night!

David was mean and sarcastic as usual... my kinda guy! He even called Makati Cinema Square, "a mall with cancer"! haha! He read the Easter Bunny Chapter in Me Talk Pretty (good thing that was the book I read, I can relate!) before proceeding to sign from his hordes of fans. Good thing the line was not too crazy like Neil Gaiman's so I was able to wait a good two hours before my turn.. not too bad right?

Funny story: while waiting for my turn in line, I could hear the guy in front of me (#56) telling David his name was Melvin, and David saying incredulously "Your name is Melvin?!?! What kind of name is that?!?!" I smiled to keep myself from laughing. True enough, when it was my turn to identify myself, he had the same reaction: "Your name is Gladys?!?! Now that's a name I don't hear much everyday." And then his eyes popped out, and I could almost see the light buulb flash above his head: "You know, that guy ahead of you, he's a doctor and you're in pharma, and I think you'd be perfect for each other. Besides, your names are both weird." I wanted to stalk Melvin right after the event! I think I giggled and laughed the whole time while he asked whether I lived in a village, and I recommended that he see UP and the Ikot Jeepneys and the Fishballs. It was laugh trip all the way :-)

When I opened my book to see what he wrote, I can't help but laugh out loud:

"To Gladys,

I have a good feeling about you and Melvin.

David Sedaris"

Nice one David. I now have a celebrity matchmaker! Hahaha!

Ang Haba ng Hair Ko

This is by far the best and the sweetest compliment (and pick-up line!) I received in my entire life--from a DAYS participant whom I met only twice:

"I saw Jesus in you, because when I woke up to your serenade, I heard the voice of an angel."

Months after, in a long distance email to our common friend:

"Please say Hi to the girl (yep, he forgot my name! haha!) who sang You and I magnificently..."

Can I just melt now? :-)

Dr. Love Kuno

Ironic Story: one minute I'm dispensing love advice to seven grown men, whose questions range from the absurd ("Bakit ang paa ng babae hindi nadudumihan? Bakit ang paa ng lalaki laging maallikabok?") to the obvious ("Bakit ang tagal niyong mga babae mag-banyo? Saka bakit lagi kayong sama-sama pag nagpupunta dun? Ano bang meron sa loob ng ladies' room?"). Most of the answers would have seemed common sensical, so even without valid personal experience on the "love" angle I was stereotyped as an expert on the matter.

Barely several minutes later, I found myself face-to-face with an old ghost I haven't seen in what seems like years. I was ecstatic of course, but as the minutes passed we were trapped in this big awkward silence. We ran out of small talk, and even worse, he made a pass at my friend--in my face! Kamusta nman un???

There were some moments when I saw him glimpse in my direction. Or he'd say to his friends, 'Gladys lives in Pasig, right?' and we'd share a smile because I know we both remembered when he used to fetch me from the office and bring me home. The teasing from his barkada was still there: 'Gladys, punta ka nman dito sabi ni --'; 'Pumayat ka daw ah sabi ni --... seksi na sha!' Some things never change--there's never really a dull moment when I'm with them. :-)

We had wonderful memories, and in those silent moments I remembered them all fondly and wished with all my heart that I could bring things back the way they used to be. I think, more than the petty jealousy, what frustrates me more are those little things that makes me still hope we have a chance to make this work the second time around--little details that I get from his friends, not from him. The fact that he himself remains so cold and aloof, and maybe ilang, still holds that maybe he's really not just that into me (yup, Greg's voice rings constantly in my ears!). All along, talagang pinaasa lang niya ako. (yuck, ang drama...ewww... haha!)

And I had all that figured out after crying my eyes out to Milo and Benson, and after a fitful night's sleep. How come we can give advice so easily to others, yet remain so clueless and helpless when we become the subject matter? Oh well, so much for being the love expert no?

3pm Random Rant Break

Having major migraine.

I love IMS--it's the perfect brain torture. I think my brain's going to explode soon from too much info overload. Pages and pages of data, tables, numbers, percentages now looks 3D to me, any second now a mystery figure's just going to pop up.

How do you do forecasting and trending again? I'm getting rusty.... *scratch head, heave sigh*. Can I order a new brain--one that can bend spoons?

Time for my hourly ration of free Nescafe. Yup, I'm now officially caffeine-dependent.

...TheresultsoftheClopidogrelforHighAtherothrombotiRiskandStabilizationManagementandAvoidance(CHARISMA)studyshowedthattheuseofacetylsalicylicacidinmonotherapyismoreeffectiveinprovidingprimary preventionagainstdeath,myocardialinfarctionandcardiovasculardiseases,andthatthedualcombinationtherapyof clopidogrelplusaspirinforsecondarypreventionwasnotsignificantlymoreeffectivethanaspirinalone... (repeat chant one thousand times)

Aww shucks! Who stole my PLDT phone? *scratch head harder*

What's APSA, KOL, ASA, MAT, YTD, PAI, CAGR, PSR, (fill blank with gazillion more acronyms)?

Omg, it's 3 o'clock na pla. Do they still serve lunch/PM merienda/early dinner? *search bag for week-old Sky Flakes*

This is the life. I'm glad I went back to Corporate... *shed a tear, shed a tear*

:-)

Good Omen, Bad Omen

Time to bring out the champagne glasses: I survived my first week at LRI! The people are really nice and warm, and I'm enjoying my first two weeks as adviced by my brand colleagues who told me that after that leeway, I'll be going home with them at around 9pm as well! Haha!

It was a long difficult road to get here. In retrospect, I endured 5 grueling interviews, a tense two-week wait to know if I got in, and a very rigorous (yet slimming!) medical exam. My first day in the office was even met with a heavy downpour! But I'm glad for all these--it makes me appreciate the promise of a fulfilling and challenging career life ahead that Unilab has to offer.

I was never a fan of horror movies, but I'm grateful to Drew for bringing me that fateful day at Galleria to watch the Omen. It turned out indeed to be a good omen, for it was at that moment that I received THE CALL telling me that I was accepted into Unilab. I prayed really hard for God to guide the new direction my career was going to take, wherever that may be. And I thank the higher powers for granting me such a blessing, that even if I was not able to change paths as I originally planned to, maybe this is a sign that I'm indeed destined for the healthcare industry. :-)

Now as I await my trainings and orientations, I currently busy myself visualizing how to decorate my new cubicle and memorizing everyone else's names.. hehe! Cheers!

Money Pakyaw

Round 12 KD

Congrats to Manny Pacquiao for winning the match over Oscar Larios!

I never had so much fun watching a male-dominated sport. It seemed that time stood still during the match--no cars nor tricylces could be heard in the highways as everyone paused from their busy lives to take part in this momentous event. It was fiesta time also at home--coousins came over so we can all tune in to the TV together. And Manny, being the clever businessman he also is (I never knew he owned his own promotions company till now!) exploited this opportunity by promoting all his endorsements and extending the bout till the last round. Sure, we do celebrate and toast to the People's Champion, but one can only take so much of the multitude of commercials all viewers were subjected to during the fight day and the succeeding week as well.

As of present, Manny's camp reported that he's already starting training for his upcoming match with Morales, a stronger opponent no less. We can only hope that he can give his first major concert a second thought to concentrate on his training more, lest he lose to Morales, retire early and become a full-time showbiz entertainer instead.