The Voice

I never thought I'd get hooked on The Voice, I have been loyally following it week after week since Cody Belew auditioned. I really like him. He's not shy and he brings smile on my face every time he performs. He kinda look like Brandon Flowers in my eye and I really like The Killers so i guess that's the connection, methinks. I like what I like.

I did not watch seasons 1 and 2 because I never liked anyone then. This time though I'd be watching as long as Cody's there.

*i also like nicholas david, go team cee lo!*

What is it?

This is a white melon gourd better known as kundol here in Manila. It was given to me this morning by my Chinese neighbor. They harvested a dozen of those, at least, this morning. I couldn't be any happier, it's my first time to hold a kundol in my hand, it has tiny pin like texture all around, it got me by surprise. The house-help didn't seem to mind so I thought it was smooth but when I held it I felt like I was holding hundreds of pins and needles literally!

This might keep me busy the whole day, I will cook this and make dessert out of it. I hope I get this right, I used to eat sweetened kundol when I was a kid. Every January each year a bunch of folks from Bulacan would give me a bowl of sweetened kundol, it was chewy, crunchy and juicy all at the same time. The secret was in the lime they used to say.

*i better start peeling*

The Return of the King

Need I say more?

*apologies to LOTR for borrowing the title*

I'm Home!

Coming Out

I know I have been very shady about my real condition and part of the reason I guess is because I was not ready to accept my situation... I have hopes that certain miracles will happen to me and I will be healed ...miraculously, of course. It didn't happen.

I have endometriosis, if you google it, like I did, it will tell you that it is a gynecological medical condition and has various of symptoms. It varies from person to person. I can only tell you what I've gone through.

For years, wait, that can't be right... as far as I can remember I've always had painful menstruation, I've had cramps, back pain, acid reflux and migraines three to four days a month. It was my normal. But last March of this year the pain was so severe not even my friend Mefenamic Acid was able to help alleviate the pain so I went to the doctor. I was told to get an ultrasound so I did and the result was I have endometriosis scattered in my guts and cysts on both of my ovaries. I was advised to go under the knife immediately because the cyst on my left ovary was quite big... 4.8 cm big. It might rupture.

Should be easy to decide on, right?  But no, I waited until October to get the much needed operation because of one petty reason. The thing is at the time it wasn't so petty. I didn;t want to get the operation because of my work. I was training somebody at the time and I didn't want to leave the person, of course I can always turn him over to one of my co-workers but I didn't want to burden her... I could probably tell you a hundred reasons right now but in hindsight it was all bullocks. Work should never come ahead of health. At the end of the day family will take care of you, not your friends or co-workers. I really get it now.

I prayed to God for a miracle, I prayed hard to keep me from the operation. He let me down, that's what I thought for quite awhile, maybe it wasn't meant to be I told myself. But really I should be thanking Him, sure the operation my painful but also I was able to take a break from the office for 60 days. 60 whole days with my family. A lot of holidays spent together even if we're just sitting around and watching TV.

God is keeping me on track, he wanted me to see what's important but it's hidden at first, I'm glad I found it.

Missed Opportunity

I can't believe I missed The Fray concert last Saturday! I was waiting to feel better but the pain just won't go away... I'm always complaining. I know. It's just that I can't help it. It seems like everything I do now depends on how I feel physically.

*please go away pain*

 

It's Back...

And I thought the pain is over... I was never told by my doctor that I'd feel unbelievable pain on my first period after the surgery. This is even worst before the operation! I can't help but think that the endo might be back...

I was told to take pills for six months to suppress my period since to be taken on the first day so that's what I did. I was told that the endometriosis could re-occur as long as I have menstruation. So the best way to prevent the endos from coming back pills are necessary.

*i don't know what to do... i can't lie down, i can't sit and i can't stand too long... arrgh!*

Breaking from Breaking Bad

I couldn't get myself to watch episode 8 of season 5, I just can't... it's like saying goodbye to friends, I just can't do it. Breaking Bad kept me company this whole time. I started to watch season 1 two weeks ago only stopping if I start to feel pain and had to lie down or something. And now I'm on my last episode of season 5. I probably won't watch it until I get a copy of the the second half's final season.

I've never watched anything like it... it's so addicting (pun intended)! I never thought cooking meth involved that much knowledge in chemistry but then again I never paid much attention to illegal drugs before, heck, I've never smoked weed or tasted drug of any kind up until now. But this meth business is really intriguing... Bryan Cranston must be that good, I'm so scared of him now! I watched Larry Crowne yesterday and he played Julia Robert's asshole of a husband... he's messing with my head... I just realized this now... after watching every episode I had to think of Bryan as Hal from Malcolm in the Middle to make everything right again in my head again.

Then there's Aaron Paul, I didn't know him before, he didn't look familiar, I don't remember him from any other show... but boy, oh boy! he's good. I tend to "look after" him after every time. So glad Jesse's quitting the meth business... stay away from Mr White, Jesse! Listen to Mike... he's dead but you don't know it yet... shhh... Mr White killed him. Oddly enough, I like Skinny Pete and Badger... they're loyal to Jesse. That's enough reason to love them.

Next year seems so far away. Sigh.

*i think breaking from breaking bad will do me good... i better be watching 'the regular show' and 'adventure time' instead*

Road to Recovery Part III

It's driving me nuts! Staying home, that is. I'm feeling much, much better now so I'm itching to work again. I even dream of my workplace every night. Even my other dreams are scarily vivid, I dream of my father every night and  I also dream of my grandmother. I miss them both very much, I appreciate the dreams but... every night? It's creepy!

Road to Recovery Part II

Nobody told me how long the road is, I'm recovering alright but I'm getting a little impatient. I don't know what else to do...

Anyway, I'm reading another book that I bought five years ago... A Hundred Years of Solitude, I hope I finish it this time.

Sandy

Photo from AC360

A hurricane and a blizzard joined together to form the superstorm, I don't think anyone anyone has ever seen anything like it and as of the moment this superstorm is battering the east coast! Look at them waves, ferocious!

My thoughts and prayers are with you!

Road to Recovery (I think)

I experienced aches and pain on parts on my body I never thought I had. The pain is all on different levels; the first week I complained about the stitches, coughing and sneezing frightened me a whole lot, I thought the stitches will burst open. And then on the second week my guts felt weird. I felt  sharp, throbbing pain starting from my stomach down to my feet, Arcoxia became my best friend, I didn’t want to but it was unbearable really.

Things are better now; the only thing that’s killing me is boredom. I can’t move around and help out with some household chores not that I really like to but the thought of not being able to actually do anything is quite fearful.

I think I’ll gain weight because all I ever do is watch T.V., eat and read. Oh, I’ve finally finished reading “The Sun Also Rises” by Ernest Hemingway, I bought that book 4 years ago and I never had the time to read it so it’s quite an achievement. There was always something better to read. I’ve also done rereading “The Perks of Being A Wallflower” and “Catcher in the Rye.” I really should stop rereading books when I still got a pile of books waiting. 

I guess it’s bye for now I really need to lie down as in right this second.

*stay healthy folks, very important*

One Day

Recuperating from exploratory laparotomy and watching One Day is not a good combination... made me cry from start to finish... why does she have to die?! Why?! My husband asked me what what was wrong so I told the stitches hurt so bad, my back was killing me, it hurt when I cough... it was all true by the way, I just didn't tell him that a certain movie made me cry. He'll probably laugh at me.

I got home last night from the hospital, got bored, so I watched One Day, again. What a sad, sad movie it was, I'm not sure now if I like it anymore. The only thing that I appreciated from the movie version was the fact they didn't include the time in Emma's life when she got involved with her headmaster. Poor Emma.

However, the book is lovely, it was funny and moving. It was about friendship, it's about finding love and losing it, it's about making bad and good choices, it's about finding happiness and losing it. It's about life and death. What a sad book...

*stay healthy everyone, stop eating processed foods, i mean it!*

Life Lesson

I learned something today that I will remember for the rest of my life.

Not even the most soothing music or your most favourite song will ever take your mind off the pain from the stitches caused by an operation... true! I tried listening to What If This Storm Ends by Snow Patrol, didn't work, I even listened to Rains in L.A., come on, who did not bob their heads or tap their feet to this song? It has an instant feel good groove rhythm quality although the lyrics says otherwise, anyway, it did work either.

So there.

*ouch*

Back (in the meantime)

Spent all my afternoon up until early in the evening in the hospital, lab works, x-rays, etc., prepping for my operation next week. I'll be admitted on the 10th of October then operation the next day, might be confined 'til Sunday, God be willing, of course. I'm so stressed, so scared and above all else I'll miss my kids!

Somehow I've forgotten all the things I want to actually write.

*mental note to self: do not write entire blog in my head, write it down on a piece of paper right away! sigh.*

Away

Been away for too long, been busy lately... had a lot talk about, I've written them in my head but somehow it's all forgotten now. All I can remember is that a friend of mine died a couple of weeks ago... so sad indeed. Oh and it seems like there's no escaping from the knife this time... will go to the hospital later to schedule my operation... I'm so scared. Sshhh...

*love, peace and understanding, please!*

As I Go

This was the design on Vale's helmet in Misano. It pretty much tells the story of his struggles with Ducati. Bruised and battered but never giving up. Until the end.

*sad still*

THIS happened while I was away

Vale took the second position at the Misano circuit! Fist place would've been better, for Marco, of course, but second place will do. Grande Vale!

Love and understanding to all. Really. Let us love one another.

*went to a friend's wake today... i'm so sad i can't even describe how i feel. i will write about it when i'm ready.*

True story

I was doing nothing, well actually I was youtubing and googling but no direction at all, just... reading or watching whatever comes my way when I suddenly chanced upon a certain Vanessa Di Staulo being married to Gary Lightbody! My heart stopped and fell on the floor, much to my surprise, not surprised about Gary being married and all (if at all true) but to my reaction... I did not expect that. I guess I heart Gary more than I want to admit.

*fangirl heart be still*

All I Want

What a sad, beautiful song.

US Open Finals 2012

For someone labeled as drama king... I think his win in the US Open lacks drama. He was just as stiff when he won the gold medal in the olympics. Or maybe I was just expecting too much from Andy. I've always imagined uncontrollable tears from him with matching group hug from his box. Did not happen. Oh, well.

Finally, the Brits can stop moaning about their lost glory... etc. It's been a long time coming, congratulations Andy Murray! By the way, lose the hair!

So glad to see Sir Sean Connery cheering Andy Murray! I could almost hear him saying, "He's no English may I remind all of you. Andy is Scotland's son!" 

All four major slams are won by the top 4 players: Australian Open (Novak), French Open (Nadal), Wimbledon (Fed) and US Open (Murray). I wonder how they'll do next year.


*someone from nole's box looked like dog the bounty hunter, who is she?*

Maybe next time

You were great, you certainly did not make it easy for Nole. I thought you should know that.  


*just woke up from my siesta but somehow i feel tired*

Semifinals US Open 2012

I made a bold prediction over twitter the other day that Andy Murray would pulverize Tomas Berdych! It was a (an unwanted) reply to Gary Lightbody actually, he didn't know who to root for between Berdych and Fededer. I know Murrays stands a better chance beating Berdych than Fed so that's what I told him. And I was right! All Andy has to do now is lose the hair! Go bald. Think aerodynamics!

Now, let's wait for someone... I'm looking at you David Ferrer!

*have a good sleep everyone. i'm so tired myself, been a long and busy day*

Daveeed!

What a match! David, the force was indeed with you! Rest now dearie you've got a tough match ahead of you. I'm sure it'll be Nole on the other side of the court. Please don't get intimidated, he's no. 1 now but the contract is just about to expire. Me thinks it should be you and Andy on the finals! I said I'd be rooting for Andy but... David I think I'm falling for you again. Sigh.

*the sun is shining oh so bright. i'm not happy*

Fangirl escapes!

I said I'm missing Vale...


*will take a bath now... goodluck david ferrer may the force be with you!*

The Berd upsets the GOAT?!

Right. THIS happened while I was taking a bath... angry Berdych upsets Fed? I am speechless. Almost impossible. So it's Berdych against Murray then. Anything can happen but my money's on Murray! Yes Andy!

*i'm missing vale all of a sudden, i wonder why? anyway, david ferrer will play janko...tipsa... whatever... better get myself ready. have a good day everyone!*

Vale 2013

I love watching MotoGP but I can't wait for season 2012 to finish. 

I'd love to see Vale riding the M1 again! Forza Vale!

*i feel pain. sigh*

Tennis - Rafa = No fun

Tennis is no fun without Rafa and Uncle Toni. What's even sadder is the announcement that Rafa may even miss the rest of the tournament of 2012 because of his knee injury. Sigh. More sadness. I miss the on-court Rafa. I better find me something to cheer me up. Fast.

Anyway, David seems to be doing well, he's beaten Lleyton Hewitt to advance to the quarterfinals, vamos!

Yikes! Even 'vamos' does not sound right if it isn't Rafa! Nonetheless, I would like to see you on the finals, it's your time! Believe. By the way, shorter shorts please!

*pensive*

No rain Monday

I've been given the perfect excuses not to see my doctor regarding my impending doom (operation), three stormy Mondays and two Monday holidays, that's a total of a five week delay. Today my "luck" has finally run out, so off I went to my doctor. Well, actually, she's not my doctor, I found me a new one, I needed a second opinion. So there.

I was told the same story, I have to go under the knife... as soon as possible!

Lots of things going on in my mind. One, whose gonna take care of my kids while I'm away. Two, I do not want a very long vacation from the office, I might go crazy! Three, there's no one to take of me. Four, I'm scared as hell!

God help me, please! I mean, You know I don't ask that much for anything specially material things. There's nobody that can help me but You. Please...

*sorry for the drama, just feeling anxious lately.*

Rain + Tennis = glorious sleep

Had a wonderful sleep last night--the rain finally came. Everyone I know frowned, I didn't say a word because I was jubilating, I was seeing fireworks! The only thing missing was a hot bowl of sopas.

As I am writing this Andy Murray is on the verge of winning his 2nd round match against Dodig. 

Go Andy! I can't believe I'm cheering Andy. Rafa's fault. Just saying.

David Ferrer also won, I lost a few hours of sleep because of you David. I'd like to see on the finals, that and your nice pair of legs! Shorter shorts please!  *blushing*

*have a very good day everyone and a hot bowl of sopas, on me*

Field Anderson!

Anderson is out of the office again, he's wearing a blue shirt, puts his life in danger just because. 

Be careful, Andy!

*the sun is hiding, so am i. i need rain.*

Rat. Wedding. Bow.

Steven Moffat has just revealed the three significant words for Sherlock series 3... what a tease! My Sherlock fever has gone up again, the wait is killing me!

*can't sleep. waiting for the rain still*

U.S. Open 2012 Round 1

With Rafa out of the picture, he seems to be enjoying his rest, I'll be rooting for you, Andy Murray. 

I do not know why.

Good job, Mr. Robredo!

Back in 2006... I worked for a governor in some province, probably the scariest and most traumatic experience I've had in my career(?). What career?! Anyway, looking back and realizing now what I did not realize then is that they were like the Ampatuans. Right. The reason I'm bringing this up is because I couldn't help but be sad about our DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo's passing. A very good man, he was. Had I known, Mr Robredo I would've paid more attention to you. I'm so sorry.

So here's my piece of  whatever, I have heard of talks (back in 2006 don't forget) about a certain mayor whose principle is the direct opposite of my former boss. This mayor was against gambling and he did everything in his power to keep it away from his territory and he succeeded which in turn made my boss's side of the family hate this mayor, they've become political enemies as a result. By the way, the mayor and my boss are first cousins. Being deaf and blind about politics that I was, I pretended to listen and actually cared about what was being told to me, I didn't even bother to remember the mayor's name, all I cared about that time was to get the hell out that office.

Fast forward to the present, an office mate of mine told me in passing that Robredo was their beloved mayor, blah blah blah! I stopped her in mid sentence because a drawer in my brain suddenly opened and reminded me an episode in my life. I almost screamed when I realized that the nameless mayor I was told back in 2006 was/is Jesse Robredo. Dear me, it felt like I just put together pieces of a jigsaw puzzle.

Mr. Robredo, I salute for standing your ground. A righteous man, you are.

(photo borrowed from Jun Pasa)

"Despite the difficulties, despite the limitations, despite the harassment, good governance is possible. By simply providing that inspiration, sometimes the subordinates are better than their leaders. In the case of Naga, I have done well not because I am smart, not because I am good, but because I have good people who discovered that they are better because they are inspired.

The capacity to govern is not magical. It has to be cultivated over time."

Coming back

Hello my little blog... sorry I've been away too long. I have not forgotten about you... I was just busy... I took some time off to clear my head space and you know what... I did not like it because I started not to miss you so I've decided to keep the clutter and come back to you my dear blog.

The sun is up... I hate it... I prefer the other guy!

Of Snow and Storm

The rain won't stop. It's been days since I last saw the sun shining through my window. Heck! I even miss the birds chirping  non-stop just below my window pane. Normally, I wouldn't complain because I love the rain but Snow Patrol was coming in a few days. They can't cancel, it's complicated.

Local news says there's no typhoon signal yet because technically there is no typhoon just habagat or  southwest winds, I believe. It's just a storm passing by, no worry but when August 7 came, everything seems odd. The skies are darker and cruel, rains felt more like a stab and the winds were gone. I had no idea thousands of my countrymen were suffering during the hours I was worrying about how to get to the office and feeling anxious about  the concert.

I ended up working double shift until the wee hours of the morning of August 8 because a handful of people came to work, it was impossible to commute and besides even if I wanted to go home I couldn't. I remember wishing my family were safe and sound. And they were, in fact. Thank God! So I went back to worrying about the Snow Patrol concert, I was worried they were going to postpone it. I was on leave from the office on the 9th and there's no way I can move it. So there's the problem. Thousands of my countrymen were not so lucky, they've lost homes, pets and loved ones. My heart and prayers are with them. :(

The morning of August 9, a friend texted that the concert will push through after all, I'm on leave and the rain is finally starting to let up. Thank heavens! All I need now is the ticket! Oh, the ticket... how I got them is another long and arduous feat! It needs a separate blog, I think. I got a patron seat by the way! :)

To cut a long story short, I made it to the concert! It was and felt surreal, I had to pinch me self just to make sure it was not a dream or a trick of the mind. I remember singing along with Gary, I knew all the songs! All those times I spent listening to them since early 2000 has finally paid of! Gary made a few jokes inbetween songs. He even gave a few encouraging words about the country's current situation. He was joking on his Twitter account about doing an underwater concert for the first time. When he got here that's when he saw and felt the real situation. Don't worry, I forgive you!

The concert felt fast and short. I remember complaining about it on the way home but now that I sobered up I realized how amazing the concert was. it felt short and fast because I was having a blast. He giggled while singing Run, Chasing Cars is far better singing with him! I yelled my lungs out when he started to sing Chocolate and Shut Your Eyes. He dedicated This Isn't Everything You Are to us. Too bad he they did not sing The Garden Rules but it's okay they sang New York and Lifening anyway. Gosh! I can do this all day.  That man was genuinely loving every minute of it! He was smiling all the time, he was caught off-guard when the smoke came out from where he was standing, he really looked like he was having fun.

I love how he uses his hands (ala I am Number Four) to emphasize something... when he sang Hands Open, the opening number, I swear, give the man flashlights. Number Four, is that you? I'm not complaining, I love the way he punches the air and pushing imaginary walls.

Here's a shocker... he actually has a fit body, sexy even! I love his biceps! Not at all the tall and lanky man I imagined he'd be!

Snow Patrol ♥  Manila, I'm sure they're (or the person in charge of the AVP) just saying that but they left me with amazing memories, my dream to see them live just came true so I'll believe everything they say!

Still in awe and can't take the smile off my face. xx

Yes, Andy! (ooops! not you Anderson)

I said I'd never watch the Olympics because Rafa's not playing but I couldn't resist last night! I want Andy Murray to win so badly. Enough of the dramas, Andy, it's time you win! I've seen enough grand slam heartbreaks from you to last lifetime already!


It was clear from last night's game that Andy's  a bit relaxed, he even smiled a few times so maybe that's the winning  attitude, loosening a little, don't take it too seriously, after all, it's just a game, no one's gonna die. Andy was aggressive and all over the place, as expected, but why was The Fed playing badly, as if he wasn't trying to win, I've seen him dig himself up from a hole before so why was he not trying last night?

Anyway, congratulations Andy! In a way, me thinks that this win will somehow "make-up" for all the grand slam losses you endured.

Simple act of kindness

My heart dropped when I saw Vale crashed last weekend at the Laguna Seca. Not on my birthday please! Phew! He got up... what a relief.

Look at the poor motorcycle! Wait... I think the Desmo deserved it! After all, that bike is the cause of all the misery. Bastard!

But what just Nicky did for Vale is priceless, I became a fan of Nicky instantly, I totally like him now, Jorge would never do something like that.  A simple act of kindness really goes a long, long way and it lives deep in the heart!

Birthday Blues

I've never been excited about my birthday, just the people around me... if it was up to me I'd just lie in bed and watch telly. But since I always work on my birthday it is inevitable to avoid people so... I have to smile and wave, well, so to speak.

I'm tired of working on my birthday. Vacation leave is blocked on the 3rd and 4th week of every month in the office. So there. I pray to God everyday to give me another less demanding job where I can spend a little vacation with my family without feeling any guilt!

I'm supposed to have an operation scheduled this month but I can't give a green light yet to my doctor because I feel so guilty leaving work for two months! Oh, God! Please give me strength!

Not a fan

I've never been a fan of Christian Bale, in fact, the only movie I could remember that I watched with him on it is, this is so embarrassing, Empire of the Sun! But what he did to the victims of the Colorado shooting was just so nice and very human.

He could've sent flowers and his prayers but he went there himself. I  have found a new respect for you, Mr Bale. I just might watch your other movies too!

No, Really! How did he die?

Molly is involved, that I am sure of because of this:

Sherlock: “Molly, I think I’m going to die.”
Molly: “What do you need?”
Sherlock: “If I wasn’t everything that you think I am, everything that I think I am, would you still want to help me?”
Molly: “What do you need?”
Sherlock: “You.”

And then Sherlock told Watson to "Stop there!" As if he is directing Watson where he should be standing. Something's going on on the ground and Watson must not see it.

Then Watson tried to move again so Sherlock shouted "Stay exactly where you are!"

 

 Then Sherlock falls, now that's a mystery there, was Molly on the rooftop and managed to switch Sherlock with an already dead person or did Sherlock really jump? By the way, did you notice the truck right where Sherlock fell? Because right after the fall...

as John was about to run to Sherlock he gets knocked down by a bike. That's no accident it's all part of the plan, they need to distract John for a few seconds to execute the switch. Remember the truck? That must be where the other Sherlock is...

Or Watson could even be drugged, remember Baskerville? Maybe what he saw was just fed to him it did not happen at all.

 I'm not going anywhere, am I? Oooh, I think I'm going insane! 

Elementary

This is very disturbing, An American version of Sherlock?! Johnny Lee Miller will play Sherlock and Lucy Liu will play Watson. I have nothing against them two, I actually like them but... the writers better not copy BBCs Sherlock!

The pilot episode is being written by Robert Doherty aka Bob Mayer, he wrote Tru Calling, not a very good series so...

No reason to watch the Olympics

Rafa won't be participating at the 2012 Olympics because he is in no condition to compete. He is supposed to be the flag bearer for his country. Sad new indeed. His knee tendinitis sidelined him again.

Be well for the US Open Rafa!

I have no reason the watch Olympics... but wait... is David Ferrer playing?

The Reichenbach Fall

So how did Sherlock die?

I have a few theories in mind but I guess I'll have to wait a year before knowing if I got it right. All that's clear is that Molly is involved in this.

As always I won't be posting review about the episode for those who still have not watched it, at least here in our country. But I will share these because I am itching to write these down:

• Sherlock trusts Molly completely
• But for the sake of law and order Sherlock suggest to Molly that she should avoid future relationships
• And Molly do count in Sherlock's life
• Sherlock has 3 friends after all, John, Mrs Hudson and Lestrade
• Lestrade did not stand up for Sherlock, I hate him. And to think that I actually liked him in The Hounds of Baskerville! Grrrr...
• Mycoft is a bad brother, he can't even say sorry himself

Mugello Race 2012

It was a nice race Vale, finishing 5th is more than I can ask considering your situation right now. 

I hope you make a good decision for 2013.

Mugello Again (Why am I so scared?)

Here's to wishing you the best and a safe race at Mugello. Please don't crash!!!

Good for you Marc!

Marc Marquez's 2013 racing career is already ironed out it seems. With Casey Stoner retiring (why don't I believe this) HRC will need someone to take his place. So there. He will be racing along side fellow Spaniard Dani Pedrosa.

Marc's really fast, I hope Dani keeps up.