Monday, October 18, 2010
Starbucks Card!
Our awesome project manager from Canada sent us a wonderful present - starbucks card with $20 CAD initial load. Unfortunately, they won't work here, only works in North America. But, what the heck, a gift is a gift, and it's very much appreciated. This doesn't expire anyway, so I'd still be able to use it some time.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
haircut na naman
I've been thinking of having longer hair, for a change. But I couldn't help myself and decided to get a haircut. But I did not expect my hair to be this short!!! Argh!
Monday, October 11, 2010
A reflection
4 months has passed since my life was drastically turned upside down. I went home from Canada with excitement, but was met with terrible and awful news. I remember those nights when I can't even sleep because all I kept thinking about was what happened? Why did this happen? What did I do? Too many what ifs. Too many thoughts running through my mind. I cried, I wept, I was angry, I was in denial, you name it.
Things change. I made mistakes, he made mistakes. It just wasn't right anymore. Too many reasons why things ended the way it did, but you know, each passing day is a moment of new beginnings. Time is indeed a great healer.
“Love is a perky elf dancing a merry little jig and then suddenly he turns on you with a miniature machine gun.” - Matt Groening
Things change. I made mistakes, he made mistakes. It just wasn't right anymore. Too many reasons why things ended the way it did, but you know, each passing day is a moment of new beginnings. Time is indeed a great healer.
I have to be honest, I was a disaster then. But I'm not the type of person who would let these bad things control my life. After some time, I made a conscious effort and a brave decision - to start my new life. There is no point on dwelling on the past. I cannot live in the past. But, I can learn from it and be a better person. And it has paid off so much.
Since then, I've met new people, became more active, focused more on myself. I've realized that being happy doesn't depend on having a special someone in your life. In fact, I have been taking this time to reflect on myself. I want to make myself a better person. A broken me isn't any good. I remember looking like hell before, but now, I look so much happier compared to then. I feel so much better too! There's this feeling of relief perhaps? That I'm finally ok.
As I was reading one of the articles from Relevant Magazine, here's something that struck me the most:
There are still a lot of things in my to do list that I have to do. I'd still like to look for a more regular shift job, something that'll be a better fit for me. A change of environment is good. I think it's about time I go for it. I'd also like to continue learning more about stock trading. I've been meeting new faces in the trading world, and it's been a great ride so far.
There's just so much that I want, and I want to do. So much more. Maybe I ought to list it down to make it more concrete. Bo Sanchez suggests writing these down to. And then crossing it out one at a time. Next thing you know, you've accomplished them all already.
I'd like to give myself a pat on the back. I think I deserve it. :)
As I was reading one of the articles from Relevant Magazine, here's something that struck me the most:
"My wife and I found that when looking for a future spouse, most people tend to put the focus on the other person, instead of themselves. The issue isn’t about finding the one, it’s about being the one."This reminded me that be happy on your own first. We have our family who supports us, friends who cares for us. Use these love to inspire yourself to be a better person.
There are still a lot of things in my to do list that I have to do. I'd still like to look for a more regular shift job, something that'll be a better fit for me. A change of environment is good. I think it's about time I go for it. I'd also like to continue learning more about stock trading. I've been meeting new faces in the trading world, and it's been a great ride so far.
There's just so much that I want, and I want to do. So much more. Maybe I ought to list it down to make it more concrete. Bo Sanchez suggests writing these down to. And then crossing it out one at a time. Next thing you know, you've accomplished them all already.
I'd like to give myself a pat on the back. I think I deserve it. :)
Dinner with Sheila
My very good friend Sheila came home from China around two weeks ago and last night, we were finally able to meet up! I have not seen her for 1.5 - 2 years and boy was I surprised to see that she lost a ton of weight! Lost around 40+ pounds over a span of a year! Way to go girl! Good for her. Not only does she look great, she feels awesome too! It's good she finally worked on it because she wasn't healthy at all before. Naglabasan na mga iba't ibang sakit. I hope this is the start of a new and healthier lifestyle for Sheila.
Sheila is the one right smack in the middle.
Great dinner at Trinoma. Sa uulitin!
Sheila is the one right smack in the middle.
Great dinner at Trinoma. Sa uulitin!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
an interesting october 5 day
Yesterday, October 5 was quite an eventful day for me.
Item #1
Since it was a Tuesday work day, I went in to the office instead of working from home. Since I've had my City, I've always driven to work, parked my car in the basement, and go out mid morning to go home. I usually park in the basement because it's cheaper even though the parking space is way too crowded and small. It's always deserted from people but I always felt secured there. So imagine my surprise when I got to my car the morning after and found a note tucked in the driver's seat window. I opened it and this is what it contains:
This is just the first time it happened to me here, it might be just some stupid prank or stupid person putting that note there. So for me, it was nothing and I got in the car, and went home. Surprise surprise, when I showed it to my parents, they immediately got worried and we ended up going back to Discovery building and reporting it to the security staff there. As they say, it's better to be safe than sorry. Now my parents don't want me parking or even driving to the office! They'll bring me to work and pick me up every week from now on. I appreciate the gesture but for me it's probably too much of a waste of time for them. I think I can manage (very independent!). But, I don't think I can appeal much with that decision. Parents are usually right. They just want to be assured.
Item #2
I got a surprise text earlier from Andrei, one of the stock trader guru I usually follow whose seminar I paid for and joined a couple of months ago with my friend Rhys. As a background, I joined the seminar to gain some additional knowledge of different stock trading strategies. During the seminar, for some reason, he remembers me, calls me during the seminar, and even posts a picture of our group, with a caption that has something to do with me. I guess I made an impression? Haha. Anyway, he was asking me to join this seminar happening this coming Friday. It is a special seminar, where, the one and only JAP is going to be there!! For those of you who don't know JAP, he is otherwise known as Jerry Angping. A hugeeee businessman, owns a lot of the stocks that is high risk-reward (simply because most of the time it is jockeyed!).
Of course, why would I say no to this opportunity? Apparently, pretty Chinese ladies are very much welcome to this seminar. So I told him I was bringing my friend Rhys, who happens to be a Chinese too - but a guy! And he was asking me to invite some more girl friends. I don't know anyone else in my circle of friends who are into stock market trading anyway, so I just told him to just reserve another +1 seat, aside from Rhys and me. I think Rhys is inviting another friend along as well. Andrei's paying for everything so headcount was important.
That was an interesting conversation. What I'm really looking forward to is meeting new people and expanding the network. Remember, this is the business people I might meet. So Rhys and I didn't even hesitate to say no. We're going and we will hopefully even have a picture with Jap!
Item #3
A friend of mine from work, split up with her ex a couple of days ago. She's been talking to me a lot lately, and as her friend, I am just there to support her. During our conversations, what I realized is that what I was telling her, was something I was already slowly doing for myself! Ang daming realization. Those thoughts and realizations deserve another post. But as we all have our happy endings, I just found out they got back together :) Oh love. I hope more and more people around me are getting happier by the minute.
Item #4
I had to cancel a movie date with the girls because of some things I need to prioritize (right Leda?). Unfortunately it didn't push through, however at least I did get the chance to have my second boxing session at Elorde's last night. For some reason, I just can't get the hook and uppercuts. Mali daw porma ko eh. But one thing's for sure, boxing is a great cardio. Tagaktak pawis ko the whole time. I'm still thinking of instead of going to Elorde at Shaw, I might try out the one in Tektite. It's more convenient for me, especially if I schedule it on Wednesdays after work. The only problem with that boxing gym, it's way more expensive than the one in Shaw. Pero sabi nila madaming artista dun and celebrity. Plus points sa akin yun, I'm a sucker for celebrities. Haha
Item #1
Since it was a Tuesday work day, I went in to the office instead of working from home. Since I've had my City, I've always driven to work, parked my car in the basement, and go out mid morning to go home. I usually park in the basement because it's cheaper even though the parking space is way too crowded and small. It's always deserted from people but I always felt secured there. So imagine my surprise when I got to my car the morning after and found a note tucked in the driver's seat window. I opened it and this is what it contains:
This is just the first time it happened to me here, it might be just some stupid prank or stupid person putting that note there. So for me, it was nothing and I got in the car, and went home. Surprise surprise, when I showed it to my parents, they immediately got worried and we ended up going back to Discovery building and reporting it to the security staff there. As they say, it's better to be safe than sorry. Now my parents don't want me parking or even driving to the office! They'll bring me to work and pick me up every week from now on. I appreciate the gesture but for me it's probably too much of a waste of time for them. I think I can manage (very independent!). But, I don't think I can appeal much with that decision. Parents are usually right. They just want to be assured.
Item #2
I got a surprise text earlier from Andrei, one of the stock trader guru I usually follow whose seminar I paid for and joined a couple of months ago with my friend Rhys. As a background, I joined the seminar to gain some additional knowledge of different stock trading strategies. During the seminar, for some reason, he remembers me, calls me during the seminar, and even posts a picture of our group, with a caption that has something to do with me. I guess I made an impression? Haha. Anyway, he was asking me to join this seminar happening this coming Friday. It is a special seminar, where, the one and only JAP is going to be there!! For those of you who don't know JAP, he is otherwise known as Jerry Angping. A hugeeee businessman, owns a lot of the stocks that is high risk-reward (simply because most of the time it is jockeyed!).
Of course, why would I say no to this opportunity? Apparently, pretty Chinese ladies are very much welcome to this seminar. So I told him I was bringing my friend Rhys, who happens to be a Chinese too - but a guy! And he was asking me to invite some more girl friends. I don't know anyone else in my circle of friends who are into stock market trading anyway, so I just told him to just reserve another +1 seat, aside from Rhys and me. I think Rhys is inviting another friend along as well. Andrei's paying for everything so headcount was important.
That was an interesting conversation. What I'm really looking forward to is meeting new people and expanding the network. Remember, this is the business people I might meet. So Rhys and I didn't even hesitate to say no. We're going and we will hopefully even have a picture with Jap!
Item #3
A friend of mine from work, split up with her ex a couple of days ago. She's been talking to me a lot lately, and as her friend, I am just there to support her. During our conversations, what I realized is that what I was telling her, was something I was already slowly doing for myself! Ang daming realization. Those thoughts and realizations deserve another post. But as we all have our happy endings, I just found out they got back together :) Oh love. I hope more and more people around me are getting happier by the minute.
Item #4
I had to cancel a movie date with the girls because of some things I need to prioritize (right Leda?). Unfortunately it didn't push through, however at least I did get the chance to have my second boxing session at Elorde's last night. For some reason, I just can't get the hook and uppercuts. Mali daw porma ko eh. But one thing's for sure, boxing is a great cardio. Tagaktak pawis ko the whole time. I'm still thinking of instead of going to Elorde at Shaw, I might try out the one in Tektite. It's more convenient for me, especially if I schedule it on Wednesdays after work. The only problem with that boxing gym, it's way more expensive than the one in Shaw. Pero sabi nila madaming artista dun and celebrity. Plus points sa akin yun, I'm a sucker for celebrities. Haha
Monday, October 4, 2010
Quote of my day
"To get up each morning with the resolve to be happy . . . is to set our own conditions to the events of each day. To do this is to condition circumstances instead of being conditioned by them." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Friday, October 1, 2010
Active living
I've signed up again for another set of sessions with my personal trainer last Monday. I have to do this. If I don't sign up for a PT, I'm pretty sure I won't be going to the gym anymore. At least this way I'm forced to do my sets! I did four sets of the whole routine Sir Jon showed me. We're supposed to do 8-10 sets of the whole routine, but I only did 4. Puyat eh! Haha couldn't do anymore. The triceps exercise was painful!
Boxing
Rach has been inviting me to join her and her friend Nikki to go boxing on either Wednesday or Thursday night at Elorde gym near Shaw boulevard. So finally, I did try it out earlier. Slept whole afternoon, drove to Shangrila first to buy my own hand wraps (boxers wear this for added padding I think, before you wear the actual gloves). Generic brand hand wraps were supposed to cost around 200 pesos, but in Toby's Shang, they only had the branded one, which will cost me 495 pesos!! Unfortunately, Shangrila only had Toby's. They didn't have any other sports store, and I didn't want to borrow some used hand wraps from the boxing gym, so I ended up buying them.
I tried a one session for beginners. And my arms and shoulders are already aching. I'm pretty sure it'll ache more tomorrow. It was fun though. You have a trainer, who's your sparring mate as well, and you get to punch the hell out of everything you can hit on. Very good stress reliever indeed. And now I know how to do jab, straight, hook. Medyo nalilito pa, pero masasanay din. I'm thinking of going back next week.
And the best thing about boxing, right after boxing, I had one of the best bbqs there is. It's a eatery called Ihawan ni Speed. Reminds me of La Salle days when we used to eat at those small eatery cheapy place. Yummy.
Badminton
I've also been trying to kick start playing badminton again. My parents play every Wednesday and Friday nights so I try joining them at least during Fridays. I play a couple of games only since I need to wake up around 4 am for work (ugh!).
Running
Of course, running! I've been into running since last year, when I was in Canada and some friends from Canada persuaded me to try and run a 5km race. And then next thing I know, I was running a 10 km race around Stanley Park, under tremendous heat (hindi na bumalik yung kulay ko pagkatapos ng run na yun)!
After finishing last week's 5km run - roughly around 35 minutes, I have two more runs to look forward to this coming October. The Pink Run on the weekend of October 17, which I'll be running with my hs friends, and which I'm probably not going to take as seriously as I want to. And the Adidas King of the Road run the following weekend, which I will attempt to get to < 30 minutes time for my 5km. Disadvantaged ata ako, ang liit ko, smaller strides! haha
Being Active
Initially this gym thing started out because #1 I didn't feel good about myself and #2 I had to find some distraction. But now, it's more of getting fit now and what I realized was, when I started going to the gym, I'd thought I'd be more tired for the day, but in fact, I actually have more energy now. Compared to before when I needed to sleep for almost 10 hours just to get me through the day (night shift work). Now, I can manage my time and do a lot more, and not feeling tired all day long. Good effects! And I even lost weight and gained some muscle. Not bad at all!
The running, boxing and badminton are really good sports to play every now and then. It's different from the usual routine in gym, which is good! These activities are something to add energy to my life. It makes me happy and energized. You get to interact with different people and have fun at the same time! It beats having to just sleep the rest of the day away or bum and do nothing right?
Hope my friends start living the active lifestyle too! And I hope this isn't just a phase for me. I hope to continue it as much as I can.
Boxing
Rach has been inviting me to join her and her friend Nikki to go boxing on either Wednesday or Thursday night at Elorde gym near Shaw boulevard. So finally, I did try it out earlier. Slept whole afternoon, drove to Shangrila first to buy my own hand wraps (boxers wear this for added padding I think, before you wear the actual gloves). Generic brand hand wraps were supposed to cost around 200 pesos, but in Toby's Shang, they only had the branded one, which will cost me 495 pesos!! Unfortunately, Shangrila only had Toby's. They didn't have any other sports store, and I didn't want to borrow some used hand wraps from the boxing gym, so I ended up buying them.
I tried a one session for beginners. And my arms and shoulders are already aching. I'm pretty sure it'll ache more tomorrow. It was fun though. You have a trainer, who's your sparring mate as well, and you get to punch the hell out of everything you can hit on. Very good stress reliever indeed. And now I know how to do jab, straight, hook. Medyo nalilito pa, pero masasanay din. I'm thinking of going back next week.
And the best thing about boxing, right after boxing, I had one of the best bbqs there is. It's a eatery called Ihawan ni Speed. Reminds me of La Salle days when we used to eat at those small eatery cheapy place. Yummy.
Badminton
I've also been trying to kick start playing badminton again. My parents play every Wednesday and Friday nights so I try joining them at least during Fridays. I play a couple of games only since I need to wake up around 4 am for work (ugh!).
Running
Of course, running! I've been into running since last year, when I was in Canada and some friends from Canada persuaded me to try and run a 5km race. And then next thing I know, I was running a 10 km race around Stanley Park, under tremendous heat (hindi na bumalik yung kulay ko pagkatapos ng run na yun)!
After finishing last week's 5km run - roughly around 35 minutes, I have two more runs to look forward to this coming October. The Pink Run on the weekend of October 17, which I'll be running with my hs friends, and which I'm probably not going to take as seriously as I want to. And the Adidas King of the Road run the following weekend, which I will attempt to get to < 30 minutes time for my 5km. Disadvantaged ata ako, ang liit ko, smaller strides! haha
Being Active
Initially this gym thing started out because #1 I didn't feel good about myself and #2 I had to find some distraction. But now, it's more of getting fit now and what I realized was, when I started going to the gym, I'd thought I'd be more tired for the day, but in fact, I actually have more energy now. Compared to before when I needed to sleep for almost 10 hours just to get me through the day (night shift work). Now, I can manage my time and do a lot more, and not feeling tired all day long. Good effects! And I even lost weight and gained some muscle. Not bad at all!
The running, boxing and badminton are really good sports to play every now and then. It's different from the usual routine in gym, which is good! These activities are something to add energy to my life. It makes me happy and energized. You get to interact with different people and have fun at the same time! It beats having to just sleep the rest of the day away or bum and do nothing right?
Hope my friends start living the active lifestyle too! And I hope this isn't just a phase for me. I hope to continue it as much as I can.
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