" ... and the only permanent thing in this world is change ..."
The Coffee House Chronicles is undergoing renovations, please stay tuned. The look of this blog will probably keep changing as I try and test templates until I get a template that works with all the quirks and whistles that I want.
Cheerio!
Talkin' 'bout stuff over steaming cups of coffee. Grab a seat and be part of the chit-chat.
Showing posts with label fashion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fashion. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Monday, February 11, 2008
wednesday warbles: bone-tired, u.p. fair, yahoo, fantasy books, kulambo, robinson's place
I am bone-tired.
But I still have a lot of stuff to work on despite spending more than the required hours at the hours due to a mounting workload. At this point, I have no choice as my annual appraisal is due in a couple of weeks and I really need to step up if I want to pass the "above-average" bar of management and get a substantial increase in pay (which, as is always the case, is always needed).
I've been bone-tired since last week as more and more work piles up in the department. I not only have to delegate and oversee the progress of each and every assignment handed down to us but I also do my share of the dirty work -- writing a piece now and then, liaising with internal clients for their projects, doing mock-ups and drafts especially on rush jobs, and helping out in conceptualization and idealization.
As I mentioned to Paolo aka Projektus last week, I've been sleeping more than 8 hours a night for most of last week and that's mainly because of the mixture of fatigue and some stress. Over the weekend, I still was stuck in bed for most of Saturday sleeping and grabbed several hours of zzz's Sunday.
And I don't think there's any let-up this week. Geesh, I need that vacation.
* * * *
Paolo also reminded me that this week is UP Fair once again. It's been years, as in 10 years or so since I attended a UP Fair. And as has been the case, I will not be able to go to the fair this year. Much as I want to (and I do want to), there are other priorities that need to be taken cared of -- work, for one, which will once again be OTY and a nagging side project that has been a pain in the butt for several months now. Plus, whatever time of the day is left should be devoted to Elvie and Ikai. Fatherhood does wonders to one's thinking.
* * * *
Yahoo rejected Microsoft's $44B offer ... YAHOO!!!
* * * *
I may be getting a new CPU in the next few months. This is a potential reality as my sisters-in-law are bent on opening up a business and will require a computer. Elvie's part in the business venture is doling out stuff in the house that we no longer will need. We're thinking of buying a new CPU and just hand-over the old one to her sisters.
Of course, I'll be getting the newer components from my PC (memories, fans, DVD writer and the HDD) and retool it with its original components (512MB mem, 1 HDD, CD-RW). I already have a quote for a Core Duo with 2GB DDR mem and 160GB HDD ... it looks good!
* * * *
I'm re-reading David Eddings' Sparhawk fantasy series again. I'm now working on the Tamuli set after finishing the Elenium.
Most probably when I finish this one, I'll be pulling out my other Eddings' series -- the Mallorean -- and renew ties with the likes of Belgarion, Belgarath, Barak, Silk and others.
Eddings' fantasy are not high-fantasy like JRR Tolkien's Lord of the Rings or CS Lewis' Narnia books. While clearly fantasy with knights, queens, kings and of course, the deux ex machina -- magic -- Eddings makes his stories more cosmopolitan. He uses conversational language and not literary language and interjects his narrative with jokes and situations that make the stories sound contemporary.
He is criticized for using such a language but then again, it works. His books have sold millions all over the world and are a light read filled with action, magic and creativity.
* * * *
We're now sleeping within the confines of a kulambo (mosquito net). This occurrence was brought about by the sudden influx of night-time mosquitoes who proceeded to feast on us Saturday night. Ikai was the most serious victim, receiving mosquito bites on her face, arms and legs. I got most of my bites on the chest and arms and hands.
This alarming situation (despite the diligent spraying of insecticide nightly) forced us to look for a kulambo to purchase. So, last Sunday after church, we trooped to Robinson's Place Malate and proceeded to buy a cloth-like mosquito net for Php 220 (yes, it would've been more cheaper to buy one at Divisoria but counting the expense a trip to DV with merienda and all will entail, the Php 220 was alright).
* * * *
Speaking of Robinson Place ... their Midtown Wing is now open, for some time, I believe. But last Sunday was the first time I saw it and was delighted with how the expansion looked. Power Books had a rather large branch on the top level of the expansion and there were several new eating places to try in several of the floors. Here are some photos I took with my trusty phone-cam:
The lobby of the Midtown Wing
A view from the 3rd level of the new wing. Power Books is on the top floor
A large Timezone for those seeking electronic amusement
But I still have a lot of stuff to work on despite spending more than the required hours at the hours due to a mounting workload. At this point, I have no choice as my annual appraisal is due in a couple of weeks and I really need to step up if I want to pass the "above-average" bar of management and get a substantial increase in pay (which, as is always the case, is always needed).
I've been bone-tired since last week as more and more work piles up in the department. I not only have to delegate and oversee the progress of each and every assignment handed down to us but I also do my share of the dirty work -- writing a piece now and then, liaising with internal clients for their projects, doing mock-ups and drafts especially on rush jobs, and helping out in conceptualization and idealization.
As I mentioned to Paolo aka Projektus last week, I've been sleeping more than 8 hours a night for most of last week and that's mainly because of the mixture of fatigue and some stress. Over the weekend, I still was stuck in bed for most of Saturday sleeping and grabbed several hours of zzz's Sunday.
And I don't think there's any let-up this week. Geesh, I need that vacation.
* * * *
Paolo also reminded me that this week is UP Fair once again. It's been years, as in 10 years or so since I attended a UP Fair. And as has been the case, I will not be able to go to the fair this year. Much as I want to (and I do want to), there are other priorities that need to be taken cared of -- work, for one, which will once again be OTY and a nagging side project that has been a pain in the butt for several months now. Plus, whatever time of the day is left should be devoted to Elvie and Ikai. Fatherhood does wonders to one's thinking.
* * * *
Yahoo rejected Microsoft's $44B offer ... YAHOO!!!
* * * *
I may be getting a new CPU in the next few months. This is a potential reality as my sisters-in-law are bent on opening up a business and will require a computer. Elvie's part in the business venture is doling out stuff in the house that we no longer will need. We're thinking of buying a new CPU and just hand-over the old one to her sisters.
Of course, I'll be getting the newer components from my PC (memories, fans, DVD writer and the HDD) and retool it with its original components (512MB mem, 1 HDD, CD-RW). I already have a quote for a Core Duo with 2GB DDR mem and 160GB HDD ... it looks good!
* * * *
I'm re-reading David Eddings' Sparhawk fantasy series again. I'm now working on the Tamuli set after finishing the Elenium.
Most probably when I finish this one, I'll be pulling out my other Eddings' series -- the Mallorean -- and renew ties with the likes of Belgarion, Belgarath, Barak, Silk and others.
Eddings' fantasy are not high-fantasy like JRR Tolkien's Lord of the Rings or CS Lewis' Narnia books. While clearly fantasy with knights, queens, kings and of course, the deux ex machina -- magic -- Eddings makes his stories more cosmopolitan. He uses conversational language and not literary language and interjects his narrative with jokes and situations that make the stories sound contemporary.
He is criticized for using such a language but then again, it works. His books have sold millions all over the world and are a light read filled with action, magic and creativity.
* * * *
We're now sleeping within the confines of a kulambo (mosquito net). This occurrence was brought about by the sudden influx of night-time mosquitoes who proceeded to feast on us Saturday night. Ikai was the most serious victim, receiving mosquito bites on her face, arms and legs. I got most of my bites on the chest and arms and hands.
This alarming situation (despite the diligent spraying of insecticide nightly) forced us to look for a kulambo to purchase. So, last Sunday after church, we trooped to Robinson's Place Malate and proceeded to buy a cloth-like mosquito net for Php 220 (yes, it would've been more cheaper to buy one at Divisoria but counting the expense a trip to DV with merienda and all will entail, the Php 220 was alright).
* * * *
Speaking of Robinson Place ... their Midtown Wing is now open, for some time, I believe. But last Sunday was the first time I saw it and was delighted with how the expansion looked. Power Books had a rather large branch on the top level of the expansion and there were several new eating places to try in several of the floors. Here are some photos I took with my trusty phone-cam:
The lobby of the Midtown Wing
A view from the 3rd level of the new wing. Power Books is on the top floor
A large Timezone for those seeking electronic amusementI was only able to snap a few photos as security guards roamed the area. I've had a few dealings with security guards in the past who have issues with cameras and I just wasn't in the mood for confrontations that day.
The new wing was clean and smelled clean. I just have no idea if this is Robinson's answer to Trinoma or Greenbelt 5 or Rockwell or Podium or The Block. I wouldn't be surprised, experiencing first hand how Robinson's manages its malls, if in the coming months the new wing will resemble a flea market as every space and nook and cranny of the new wing is filled with stores, booths, kiosks, carts and standees of nearly every size and shape.
The new wing was clean and smelled clean. I just have no idea if this is Robinson's answer to Trinoma or Greenbelt 5 or Rockwell or Podium or The Block. I wouldn't be surprised, experiencing first hand how Robinson's manages its malls, if in the coming months the new wing will resemble a flea market as every space and nook and cranny of the new wing is filled with stores, booths, kiosks, carts and standees of nearly every size and shape.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
one fine saturday
As I write this blog entry today, I am in front of an NTC monitor inside an internet cafe in Walter Mart - Sta. Rosa, Laguna, whiling the hours away as I wait for my wife to finish with her company event in the nearby Enchanted Kingdom.
Rather than going home to my parents in San Pedro and coming back here three hours later to fetch my wife, I just decided to waste the hours away with some time-consuming yet totally unproductive activities. What better way to describe how to waste time by doing it in chronological sequence from the minute I woke this morning:
6:30: Woke up half-heartedly after less than 5 hours of sleep at the sound of my wife's cellphone alarm. Went back to sleep one minute later.
6:50: Finally shook awake by Elvie and grudgingly proceeded to the shower to take a bath.
7:30: Left the house with Enchanted Kingdom as a destination. This after getting careful instructions from my parents on how to get to the blasted place.
8:00: Still cruising on a jeep bound for Balibago Complex where we'll switch rides and take a tricycle to the amusement park. The call time for the even was 8:00am but knowing the Lhuilliers, there's bound to be latecomers for sure.
8:25: Finally arrived at Balibago Complex and after asking directions hopped on a tricycle for a P50-peso ride to EK.
8:35: Arrived at the gates of EK and Elvie had to rush to the entrance as she had no idea if the program had already started. I, on the other hand, started my leisurely walk back to the bungad (the main entryway) where I had espied Walter Mart.
8:55: After a brisk 20-minute walk, I find that Walter Mart is still closed including the McDonald's branch where I had hoped to have breakfast at. Crossed the street to the gas station where a Jollibee branch was located.
9:00 - 9:45: Ordered two breakfast meals to satisfy my hunger -- a longganisa meal and a pancake sausage meal with pineapple juice and hot choco as drinks. Took 45 minutes to finish both meals as I was leisurely eating them in between pages of the David Eddings book I bought as the ultimate time-consumer (NOTE: good thing I am a voracious reader as a book is the best way for me to wait and exercise patience. A comfortable place where I won't be shooed away and a good book will make the hours disappear rapidly).
9:46: As Jollibee started to get crowded, I made my way back to Walter Mart in slow, measured steps and proceeded to withdraw some money from the ATM. After which, with Walter Mart still closed (opening time was 10am), I ducked into McDonald's (opened at 9:30) and ordered a sundae and a soda. Took up my book again to read more pages.
10:15: With Walter Mart now fully opened, I ventured into the mall and was disappointed that there wasn't much to it. No name shops dotted the mini-mall with just a few familiar names interspersed -- Bench, Japan Home, Abenson, Greenwich, Watson. I was hoping there was a full Electroworld branch (I saw a salesperson wearing an EW shirt before the mall opened) but alas, the EW was no more than a booth inside Abenson. In under 10 minutes I had finished my round of the mall. I made my way to the bargain section of the mall and I found stalls selling DVDs but since I wasn't in the mood for some piracy looting, I just "window-shopped".
10:35: After acquiring a couple of small PC applications from a vendor inside the bargain center, I took a quick trip to the little boys' room for a Mother Nature call. Before going out of Walter Mart, I passed by the small Booksale shop to see if there was anything interesting. None.
10:45: I end up inside this cafe and started this blog entry. At this point, I already wasted 1 hour recounting my story this morning :P One more hour's wait and I'll be going to EK anew to rendezvous with my wife.
Rather than going home to my parents in San Pedro and coming back here three hours later to fetch my wife, I just decided to waste the hours away with some time-consuming yet totally unproductive activities. What better way to describe how to waste time by doing it in chronological sequence from the minute I woke this morning:
6:30: Woke up half-heartedly after less than 5 hours of sleep at the sound of my wife's cellphone alarm. Went back to sleep one minute later.
6:50: Finally shook awake by Elvie and grudgingly proceeded to the shower to take a bath.
7:30: Left the house with Enchanted Kingdom as a destination. This after getting careful instructions from my parents on how to get to the blasted place.
8:00: Still cruising on a jeep bound for Balibago Complex where we'll switch rides and take a tricycle to the amusement park. The call time for the even was 8:00am but knowing the Lhuilliers, there's bound to be latecomers for sure.
8:25: Finally arrived at Balibago Complex and after asking directions hopped on a tricycle for a P50-peso ride to EK.
8:35: Arrived at the gates of EK and Elvie had to rush to the entrance as she had no idea if the program had already started. I, on the other hand, started my leisurely walk back to the bungad (the main entryway) where I had espied Walter Mart.
8:55: After a brisk 20-minute walk, I find that Walter Mart is still closed including the McDonald's branch where I had hoped to have breakfast at. Crossed the street to the gas station where a Jollibee branch was located.
9:00 - 9:45: Ordered two breakfast meals to satisfy my hunger -- a longganisa meal and a pancake sausage meal with pineapple juice and hot choco as drinks. Took 45 minutes to finish both meals as I was leisurely eating them in between pages of the David Eddings book I bought as the ultimate time-consumer (NOTE: good thing I am a voracious reader as a book is the best way for me to wait and exercise patience. A comfortable place where I won't be shooed away and a good book will make the hours disappear rapidly).
9:46: As Jollibee started to get crowded, I made my way back to Walter Mart in slow, measured steps and proceeded to withdraw some money from the ATM. After which, with Walter Mart still closed (opening time was 10am), I ducked into McDonald's (opened at 9:30) and ordered a sundae and a soda. Took up my book again to read more pages.
10:15: With Walter Mart now fully opened, I ventured into the mall and was disappointed that there wasn't much to it. No name shops dotted the mini-mall with just a few familiar names interspersed -- Bench, Japan Home, Abenson, Greenwich, Watson. I was hoping there was a full Electroworld branch (I saw a salesperson wearing an EW shirt before the mall opened) but alas, the EW was no more than a booth inside Abenson. In under 10 minutes I had finished my round of the mall. I made my way to the bargain section of the mall and I found stalls selling DVDs but since I wasn't in the mood for some piracy looting, I just "window-shopped".
10:35: After acquiring a couple of small PC applications from a vendor inside the bargain center, I took a quick trip to the little boys' room for a Mother Nature call. Before going out of Walter Mart, I passed by the small Booksale shop to see if there was anything interesting. None.
10:45: I end up inside this cafe and started this blog entry. At this point, I already wasted 1 hour recounting my story this morning :P One more hour's wait and I'll be going to EK anew to rendezvous with my wife.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
wednesday warbles: chocolate, christmas gifts, baguio
A completely-forgotten chocolate candy ruined a polo shirt today. The culprit was tucked in to my breast pocket earlier today and because of the series of meetings and work-to-take-care-ofs the darned thing was forgotten. All the while, the chocolate performed one of science's greatest feats -- matter phase -- the once solid chocolate turned to a liquified, gooey mess that completely spread havoc on my polo shirt, my undershirt ... even managing to penetrate to touch the skin. I realized what was happening too late and the entire mess was already in its advanced state. Good thing I had an extra shirt on hand for such emergencies.
****
Turning to more techie stuff ...
Hoping to better manage the temp of my PC, I added a third fan to my PC which acts as another exhaust. Due to the rather humid conditions inside the bedroom, my CPU heats up fast and the two fans are unable to allow me to work longer than usual hours with my computer. According to the Intel Active Monitor, the processor zone is the fiery portion and the two fans helping the processors own fan are not enough to cool down conditions. I installed the third fan as a second exhaust and so far, temps in the insides of my rig have been, err, tempered.
****
Three days since returning from a northerly cool trip, I still wish I had more time and resources to spare for an extended stay in the City of Pines -- Baguio.
The trip up the mountain city was a treat by my sister to the whole family. Wheng hasn't been to Baguio her whole life so we obliged her. I, myself, have been up there only twice before -- one, on official business, and second, on my honeymoon. Along with Wheng and my little family (Elvie and Ikai), there was also my parents (who've been to Baguio so many times), and Ate Arlyn (a she-hulking cousin of mine many years older) and Grace, Ikai's yaya, both of whom have never been to Baguio like Wheng.
I will talk more about our Baguio trip on a future blog along with some pictures.
****
2007 was a mixed year, a mix of ups and downs. While we were, at times, financially down on our luck, we were up and about for most of the year thanks to our little daughter who we watched grow month by month until her first birthday last November 18, 2007.
It was a year of good fortune -- I got promoted somewhat, got a slightly significant increase in terms of salary, and now manage my own team. However, our bid for better living conditions and work opportunities suffered yet another setback, and there were several instances when things were looking bleak.
What's more important though is that we've managed to overcome them and looking forward to a more prosperous new year.
****
December was probably the best month for me in a year of ups and downs. It was largely because money matters were not of a concern as it was the season of plenty. With a substantial 13th month, the Christmas season was, not significantly happier than last year, but both my wife and I were breathing easier and with much, much relief.
Here's hoping to an indeed more prosperous 2008.
****
Here's a treasure chest of the "Christmas gifts" I now am in possession:
• The Sims 2 (PC game) - thanks to my sister
• Sims 2 H&M Fashion Stuff (PC game)
• Crocs (flip-flops)
• Dunhill Desire Red (parfum pour homme)
• Matic - Cambio's second album (what I received from the company Kris Kringle)
• Giniling Festival Album - I bought as a gift to myself
• Kami nAPO Ulit Album - The APO Tribute Album Volume 2 (another gift to me-self)
• Bvlgari Aqua for Men (perfume)
• Nike ballcap
• another perfume, a CK One
• a Billabong shirt (part of the pasalubong package from my sis)
• a LiteOn DVD-Writer drive (for all those wonderful DVD PC games especially The Sims 2)
• a Hanes shirt at a bargain of two shirts for one (I got the free shirt, the purchased shirt became a gift for my mother's baby in the Kris Kringle)
• a Light wristwatch, originally for my old man but since it was too "bagets" for him, bequeathed the thingy to moi
• a USB-powered mini-vacuum cleaner from CDR King for cleaning up my rig
• a souvenir Thailand shirt from Wheng's stopover at Bangkok
• new, black, leather shoes direct purchased from Natasha (but it's named Nathaniel) so that I can finally retire the leather shoes I've been wearing out for 2.5 years
This list is not meant to show-off or boast or tell everyone I'm freakin' rich. A lot of the items here were gifts freely given and received and if some of the items here were purchased by me, I guess it's my right. This list is just my way of expressing my happiness (yes, it's so materialistic, forgive me) and to show that little things can make me smile and giddy inside.
Sadly, the guitar is not yet on that list and still on the wish-list.
****
Turning to more techie stuff ...
Hoping to better manage the temp of my PC, I added a third fan to my PC which acts as another exhaust. Due to the rather humid conditions inside the bedroom, my CPU heats up fast and the two fans are unable to allow me to work longer than usual hours with my computer. According to the Intel Active Monitor, the processor zone is the fiery portion and the two fans helping the processors own fan are not enough to cool down conditions. I installed the third fan as a second exhaust and so far, temps in the insides of my rig have been, err, tempered.
****
Three days since returning from a northerly cool trip, I still wish I had more time and resources to spare for an extended stay in the City of Pines -- Baguio.
The trip up the mountain city was a treat by my sister to the whole family. Wheng hasn't been to Baguio her whole life so we obliged her. I, myself, have been up there only twice before -- one, on official business, and second, on my honeymoon. Along with Wheng and my little family (Elvie and Ikai), there was also my parents (who've been to Baguio so many times), and Ate Arlyn (a she-hulking cousin of mine many years older) and Grace, Ikai's yaya, both of whom have never been to Baguio like Wheng.
I will talk more about our Baguio trip on a future blog along with some pictures.
****
2007 was a mixed year, a mix of ups and downs. While we were, at times, financially down on our luck, we were up and about for most of the year thanks to our little daughter who we watched grow month by month until her first birthday last November 18, 2007.
It was a year of good fortune -- I got promoted somewhat, got a slightly significant increase in terms of salary, and now manage my own team. However, our bid for better living conditions and work opportunities suffered yet another setback, and there were several instances when things were looking bleak.
What's more important though is that we've managed to overcome them and looking forward to a more prosperous new year.
****
December was probably the best month for me in a year of ups and downs. It was largely because money matters were not of a concern as it was the season of plenty. With a substantial 13th month, the Christmas season was, not significantly happier than last year, but both my wife and I were breathing easier and with much, much relief.
Here's hoping to an indeed more prosperous 2008.
****
Here's a treasure chest of the "Christmas gifts" I now am in possession:
• The Sims 2 (PC game) - thanks to my sister
• Sims 2 H&M Fashion Stuff (PC game)
• Crocs (flip-flops)
• Dunhill Desire Red (parfum pour homme)
• Matic - Cambio's second album (what I received from the company Kris Kringle)
• Giniling Festival Album - I bought as a gift to myself
• Kami nAPO Ulit Album - The APO Tribute Album Volume 2 (another gift to me-self)
• Bvlgari Aqua for Men (perfume)
• Nike ballcap
• another perfume, a CK One
• a Billabong shirt (part of the pasalubong package from my sis)
• a LiteOn DVD-Writer drive (for all those wonderful DVD PC games especially The Sims 2)
• a Hanes shirt at a bargain of two shirts for one (I got the free shirt, the purchased shirt became a gift for my mother's baby in the Kris Kringle)
• a Light wristwatch, originally for my old man but since it was too "bagets" for him, bequeathed the thingy to moi
• a USB-powered mini-vacuum cleaner from CDR King for cleaning up my rig
• a souvenir Thailand shirt from Wheng's stopover at Bangkok
• new, black, leather shoes direct purchased from Natasha (but it's named Nathaniel) so that I can finally retire the leather shoes I've been wearing out for 2.5 years
This list is not meant to show-off or boast or tell everyone I'm freakin' rich. A lot of the items here were gifts freely given and received and if some of the items here were purchased by me, I guess it's my right. This list is just my way of expressing my happiness (yes, it's so materialistic, forgive me) and to show that little things can make me smile and giddy inside.
Sadly, the guitar is not yet on that list and still on the wish-list.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
happy new year, happy new game
HAPPY NEW YEAR!Thanks to the generosity of my beloved sister, Wheng, I am now a bonafide owner of The Sims 2 Deluxe -- a special edition of the game which combines the original The Sims 2 with one of its expansions: Nightlife.
As an added bonus, she even gave me Sims H&M Fashion Stuff, one of the stuff packs for the game which easily ups the available items in the basic installation by 125.
The free PC games was a result of a purchase error on my sister's part. After having enjoyed playing the first The Sims game, she impulsively bought the H&M Fashion Stuff add-on thinking it was a stand-alone game. Of course, she wasn't able to play it as it is a stuff pack that needs the original Sims 2 game. She got in touch with me and I told her her problem and that the only way she can use the stuff pack was if she bought and installed the main game -- The Sims 2. She bought The Sims 2 Deluxe and excitedly tried to install it, and yet, failed again. That's when I learned she was trying to install it onto her laptop, which all Sims fanatics know, is not the proper medium for the game.
When she arrived for her yearly vacation, she decided to just give the games to me as post-Christmas present. She was leaving her laptop to my parents and won't be buying one until the big electronics sale in Dubai later this year. The games would've been rendered useless if she brought them back to Dubai.
I did offer to buy her The Sims Stories which can be played on a mobile PC but she said I didn't need to do it and that it was ok. Cool.
Unfortunately though, before I can begin playing I need to first install my new DVD Writer which, due to family obligations and the lack of a nanny during the holidays, still remains boxed in its original packaging.
It's a good thing I haven't purchased my own The Sims 2 Deluxe as yet as that would've been a whammy. Now, I can instead purchase one of the other expansion packs for the game -- either buy University, which is an intriguing title, or the more entrepreneurial Open for Business. This will be my birthday gift for myself har har har har.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
how the christmas season was spent
The pinch of the Christmas celebration for me this year started nine days before the fateful day. December 15-16 were mostly spent at the malls for some shopping and a frantic search for my wife’s costume for their party slated the following Monday. Last December 16, we met my parents for lunch and some more shopping at SM Makati after attending the morning service at my wife’s church.
Hoping to impress upon my mother and father a good lunch, I took them to the Tsoko Nut at SM’s second floor where we ordered several treats including their Chicken Rolls, Diniguan, Pinoy Pork Steak and for Ikai, Spaghetti Hardinero, with a sampling of their guava juice good enough for four. Unfortunately though, the Tsoko Nut branch failed our expectations as service was grossly late. Our food was served some 40 minutes after being ordered and to top it all the rice was half-cooked, which was a no-no to my rice-loving father.
My baby’s yaya went off to the province for a two-week Christmas break last December 17 and since the 18th, my little family and I were temporary residents of Pateros. Until early next year, we will be living at my sister-in-law’s home near the San Jaoquin-Pasig-Pateros border where Ikai will be babysit by her titas and her lola. I would’ve preferred to stay in Makati but since we can’t find anyone we can trust to stay with our daughter, the most logical and practical solution was to relocate to Pasig/Pateros where at least there’ll be relatives to take care of Ikai.
Thus, it has been a trying two-weeks with my wife and I adjusting to the travel it takes (4 transfers via commute or it’s a Php 150 cab fare … if you manage to catch a cab, that is). Today, thanks to the non-stop rain, we managed to get to the office good enough for a half-day credit.
Then on the afternoon of the 23rd we went home to Laguna. Yes, my wish to spend Christmas at our Makati apartment failed to materialize and my wife and I, along with Ikai, spent Christmas Eve with my parents at good ole SPL.
Christmas Eve dinner on the 24th was a simple fare – sinahog (a kakanin made of malagkit or sticky rice sweetened with melted brown sugar), chicken-macaroni salad, beef asado, mocha cake, and good old PF ham.
My sisters called to wish us their holiday cheers and jeers.
Rochelle called towards midnight of the 24th while on her way to another check-up. Our Tita Zaret was with her and she also wished us her holiday cheer and discussed at length with moi, a proposal that will enable me to save money from the apartment rent.
Wheng called the next day, mid-morning of Christmas Day since she had a hard time getting through the previous night. She said she greeted Christmas Day at work and was looking forward to her one month vacation starting next week.
And speaking of Wheng, an additional Christmas cheer-me-upper was the arrival of two balikbayan boxes from Dubai. My sister said she sent them via cargo ship a month ago and they arrived just a few days before Christmas. I happily opened up the boxes and meticulously inspected each and every item trying to determine for whom this or that was for.
My father was disappointed that the magic videoke microphone was not part of the two boxes sent after seeing the songbook menu and immediately asked us to SMS Wheng to ask where the videoke system was. I obliged and we later learned that Wheng was bringing the videoke system with her, hand-carried, when she arrives on the 30th.
And what were the contents of the two boxes? Here goes the list – wool blankets, a BBQ grill, chocolates, kitchen cooking implements, toothpaste, more chocolates, several variants of “tester” parfums for men and women (Wheng worked in the perfume section of Dubai Duty Free for some time so had access to “testers”), purses and handbags, fat-free cookies (for me and my old man), more perfume, two basic baby cubes for Ikai, more chocolates, cooking pans, a plates and sauces organizer tray, more and more chocolates, tshirts, Wheng’s uniforms when she was an usherette at the 2007 Dubai Tennis Masters, the tennis tourneys’ souvenir program, a couple of dresses for Ikai, and more and more and more chocolates.
Among the gifts she sent, I personally am as excited as my Pop with the videoke system but was exceptionally thrilled with the Crocs. Though a bit tight on the entrada, the choco-brown Beach crocs looked good. Wheng even threw in a couple of accessories, one for each pair – an acoustic guitar on one, and an electric guitar on the other. Elvie and Ikai also received Crocs, or, in the case of Ikai, Croclets, from Wheng. Elvie got her Mary Janes, colored seafoam while Ikai’s Croclets are a pair of Kids Cayman, colored fuschia. One of Ikai’s shirts was actually a terno with the fuschia Crocs – a long-sleeved number with fushcia stripes and collar.
Another delight albeit apprehensively received by moi was the Dunhill Desire perfume (which I just learned is completely called Dunhill Desire Red) I saw and immediately assumed was for Men. The fragrance was distinctly male but the name “Desire” had given me second thoughts whether this scent was for women. A quick check on the web some minutes ago confirmed that this Dunhill fragrance at least, was for men and I have it.
Yesterday, the 25th, my family and I had to leave Laguna because today, the 26th, was not declared a holiday.
New Year celebrations will again be at SPL but will be a more joyous occasion since Wheng will be here for her month-long vacation. A few days after New Year, the entire family will be trekking to Baguio for a few days of vacationing.
* * * * * * *
Aside from the Crocs (which immediately saw action today because of the rains and mercifully survived the flooded path to RCBC Plaza), and the Dunhill Desire Red (which will be put to good use immediately), another “gift” I look forward to using but first have to install first, is my new DVD writer. After more than three years since first yearning for a DVD ROM, I finally perked up some cash to finally buy one. I actually have been shopping since the middle of this month but after failing to find an available one ready for purchase at the PC shops at the malls, I got my new DVD writer via my wife’s suppliers.
My current CD writer will now find a new home in my wife’s office PC as it gives way to the new DVD writer.
Now, I can finally start amassing the newer games which only come out in DVD format. Top on my list is The Sims 2 :)
Hoping to impress upon my mother and father a good lunch, I took them to the Tsoko Nut at SM’s second floor where we ordered several treats including their Chicken Rolls, Diniguan, Pinoy Pork Steak and for Ikai, Spaghetti Hardinero, with a sampling of their guava juice good enough for four. Unfortunately though, the Tsoko Nut branch failed our expectations as service was grossly late. Our food was served some 40 minutes after being ordered and to top it all the rice was half-cooked, which was a no-no to my rice-loving father.
My baby’s yaya went off to the province for a two-week Christmas break last December 17 and since the 18th, my little family and I were temporary residents of Pateros. Until early next year, we will be living at my sister-in-law’s home near the San Jaoquin-Pasig-Pateros border where Ikai will be babysit by her titas and her lola. I would’ve preferred to stay in Makati but since we can’t find anyone we can trust to stay with our daughter, the most logical and practical solution was to relocate to Pasig/Pateros where at least there’ll be relatives to take care of Ikai.
Thus, it has been a trying two-weeks with my wife and I adjusting to the travel it takes (4 transfers via commute or it’s a Php 150 cab fare … if you manage to catch a cab, that is). Today, thanks to the non-stop rain, we managed to get to the office good enough for a half-day credit.
Then on the afternoon of the 23rd we went home to Laguna. Yes, my wish to spend Christmas at our Makati apartment failed to materialize and my wife and I, along with Ikai, spent Christmas Eve with my parents at good ole SPL.
Christmas Eve dinner on the 24th was a simple fare – sinahog (a kakanin made of malagkit or sticky rice sweetened with melted brown sugar), chicken-macaroni salad, beef asado, mocha cake, and good old PF ham.
My sisters called to wish us their holiday cheers and jeers.
Rochelle called towards midnight of the 24th while on her way to another check-up. Our Tita Zaret was with her and she also wished us her holiday cheer and discussed at length with moi, a proposal that will enable me to save money from the apartment rent.
Wheng called the next day, mid-morning of Christmas Day since she had a hard time getting through the previous night. She said she greeted Christmas Day at work and was looking forward to her one month vacation starting next week.
And speaking of Wheng, an additional Christmas cheer-me-upper was the arrival of two balikbayan boxes from Dubai. My sister said she sent them via cargo ship a month ago and they arrived just a few days before Christmas. I happily opened up the boxes and meticulously inspected each and every item trying to determine for whom this or that was for.
My father was disappointed that the magic videoke microphone was not part of the two boxes sent after seeing the songbook menu and immediately asked us to SMS Wheng to ask where the videoke system was. I obliged and we later learned that Wheng was bringing the videoke system with her, hand-carried, when she arrives on the 30th.
And what were the contents of the two boxes? Here goes the list – wool blankets, a BBQ grill, chocolates, kitchen cooking implements, toothpaste, more chocolates, several variants of “tester” parfums for men and women (Wheng worked in the perfume section of Dubai Duty Free for some time so had access to “testers”), purses and handbags, fat-free cookies (for me and my old man), more perfume, two basic baby cubes for Ikai, more chocolates, cooking pans, a plates and sauces organizer tray, more and more chocolates, tshirts, Wheng’s uniforms when she was an usherette at the 2007 Dubai Tennis Masters, the tennis tourneys’ souvenir program, a couple of dresses for Ikai, and more and more and more chocolates.
Among the gifts she sent, I personally am as excited as my Pop with the videoke system but was exceptionally thrilled with the Crocs. Though a bit tight on the entrada, the choco-brown Beach crocs looked good. Wheng even threw in a couple of accessories, one for each pair – an acoustic guitar on one, and an electric guitar on the other. Elvie and Ikai also received Crocs, or, in the case of Ikai, Croclets, from Wheng. Elvie got her Mary Janes, colored seafoam while Ikai’s Croclets are a pair of Kids Cayman, colored fuschia. One of Ikai’s shirts was actually a terno with the fuschia Crocs – a long-sleeved number with fushcia stripes and collar.
Another delight albeit apprehensively received by moi was the Dunhill Desire perfume (which I just learned is completely called Dunhill Desire Red) I saw and immediately assumed was for Men. The fragrance was distinctly male but the name “Desire” had given me second thoughts whether this scent was for women. A quick check on the web some minutes ago confirmed that this Dunhill fragrance at least, was for men and I have it.
Yesterday, the 25th, my family and I had to leave Laguna because today, the 26th, was not declared a holiday.
New Year celebrations will again be at SPL but will be a more joyous occasion since Wheng will be here for her month-long vacation. A few days after New Year, the entire family will be trekking to Baguio for a few days of vacationing.
* * * * * * *
Aside from the Crocs (which immediately saw action today because of the rains and mercifully survived the flooded path to RCBC Plaza), and the Dunhill Desire Red (which will be put to good use immediately), another “gift” I look forward to using but first have to install first, is my new DVD writer. After more than three years since first yearning for a DVD ROM, I finally perked up some cash to finally buy one. I actually have been shopping since the middle of this month but after failing to find an available one ready for purchase at the PC shops at the malls, I got my new DVD writer via my wife’s suppliers.
My current CD writer will now find a new home in my wife’s office PC as it gives way to the new DVD writer.
Now, I can finally start amassing the newer games which only come out in DVD format. Top on my list is The Sims 2 :)
Monday, June 25, 2007
Monday Mumbles
Book Prowl Success
My most recent book prowl has resulted in an addition to my growing Brian Jacques collection.
In the most unexpected of book hovels – the Books for Less on the third level of the Podium within RCBC Plaza – I managed to purchase Martin the Warrior, one of the most important books of the Redwall Saga. This book tells of the wanderings and adventures of a newly-freed Martin the Warrior Mouse and his quest for his father’s sword which is, as expected in any SF-Fantasy book, being held by a bad, bad stoat named Badrang. The events in the book took place before his visits into Mossflower.
I’m about 25% into the book which I get to read every now and then every time I have a free time at home.
The Big Move
By next month, my family and I will hopefully be moving to a new apartment.
Our current apartment (somehow synonymous with being a firetrap) has become more a burden than an inconvenience and recent events with the landlord’s right-hand man proved once and for all that moving to a new abode is the better option.
Last May, we were the only tenants in the 3-door apartment. When we received our monthly billing, I was aghast as electricity soared to Php 5,000!!! Since we began our tenancy last August 2006, the highest rate that our electric bill has reached was Php 2200. In April, we paid Php 1,600 so something fishy happened in May which skyrocketed our bill to Php 5,000.
Plus, since February this year, water service has been interrupted monthly. Every month, Manila Water comes to our compound to cut off the service presumably because they have received no notice that our beloved landlord paid the water bill. While the water service does get returned right away, the inconvenience the situation brings is wildly bewildering.
Rats, big, big sewer rats are also a problem with the apartment. Come night time, the rats infest the place – destroying plastic containers, trying desperately to forage for food, climbing refrigerators and tables and chairs. But the worse thing the rats did was to destroy wirings. They ate away the telephone cord, they destroyed our components power supply cord, and the rats have been terrorizing the wirings of my computer – AVR wire, LAN cable wires, headphone wires, power cords, extension cords, etc.
Lastly, new tenants moved in early this month and unfortunately, these were young chaps – students – who unfortunately forget that they live with neighbors. Conversations between the two brothers involved shouting and they are developing a nasty habit of waking up before 7:00am and conversing. If they’re not conversing, they play basketball which involves bouncing the ball to produce an all-echoing, dribbling noise enough to wake u your senses.
Hence, the big move is on next month.
The Upgrade
After a punishing yearbook project, my PC is in need of an upgrade.
Since I’ve bought the machine in 2005, the only upgrade (if it qualifies as an upgrade at all) it had was a change of the power supply unit last year. Aside from that, my PC has been virtually slave-driven and its available resources maxed out when I used it.
Last week, it decided to conk out. When I powered it up, it refused to boot. With my inept computer hardware skills, I removed and re-attached the memory modules (in the process losing a memory holder of one of the slots and now I only have three memory slots until I can find that wee bit of plastic needed to hold the module in place), cleaned up the fans a bit, and unplugged and re-plugged the wirings but to no avail. A former officemate serviced it back to working condition (he said that the memory modules needed cleaning and he got half-a-roll of mocha cake as my way of thanks).
To make sure my P4 1.4GHz computer gets to run effectively for the next 2 to 3 years, these couple of upgrades, I think, are most needed:
• boost my current 512MB (2 pcs of 256MB RAMs) of RAM to a higher capacity – probably make it 1GB at least. With only three memory slots functioning, my best bet would either be to buy a 512MB memory module (to make my total RAM 1GB) or buy 1GB to boost my PC’s capacity to 1.5GB.
• replace my CD-RW with a DVD Combo – due to cost constraints, I think a DVD combo would be my best bet because my projects require me to be able to write onto CDs. Another option would just be to buy a DVD drive and buy a CD enclosure. But the second option means spending double the amount of a DVD Combo so I think it’ll just be more prudent to buy a DVD combo and sell my CD-RW.
These are the only upgrades I need in the next few weeks given my budget. But if I had a bigger budget to splurge on (short of buying a new PC), I would upgrade my PC with a DVD-RW drive, max out my RAM to 3 GB (4GB if I manage to find that plastic memory holder), an ergonomic keyboard, and a higher capacity PSU.
Getting Caught in the Croc Frenzy
My sister, Wheng, who works at the Dubai Duty Free (of course, in Dubai) has voluntarily promised to buy me, Elvie, our parents, and little Ikai Crocs (www.crocs.com).
My most recent book prowl has resulted in an addition to my growing Brian Jacques collection.
In the most unexpected of book hovels – the Books for Less on the third level of the Podium within RCBC Plaza – I managed to purchase Martin the Warrior, one of the most important books of the Redwall Saga. This book tells of the wanderings and adventures of a newly-freed Martin the Warrior Mouse and his quest for his father’s sword which is, as expected in any SF-Fantasy book, being held by a bad, bad stoat named Badrang. The events in the book took place before his visits into Mossflower.
I’m about 25% into the book which I get to read every now and then every time I have a free time at home.
The Big Move
By next month, my family and I will hopefully be moving to a new apartment.
Our current apartment (somehow synonymous with being a firetrap) has become more a burden than an inconvenience and recent events with the landlord’s right-hand man proved once and for all that moving to a new abode is the better option.
Last May, we were the only tenants in the 3-door apartment. When we received our monthly billing, I was aghast as electricity soared to Php 5,000!!! Since we began our tenancy last August 2006, the highest rate that our electric bill has reached was Php 2200. In April, we paid Php 1,600 so something fishy happened in May which skyrocketed our bill to Php 5,000.
Plus, since February this year, water service has been interrupted monthly. Every month, Manila Water comes to our compound to cut off the service presumably because they have received no notice that our beloved landlord paid the water bill. While the water service does get returned right away, the inconvenience the situation brings is wildly bewildering.
Rats, big, big sewer rats are also a problem with the apartment. Come night time, the rats infest the place – destroying plastic containers, trying desperately to forage for food, climbing refrigerators and tables and chairs. But the worse thing the rats did was to destroy wirings. They ate away the telephone cord, they destroyed our components power supply cord, and the rats have been terrorizing the wirings of my computer – AVR wire, LAN cable wires, headphone wires, power cords, extension cords, etc.
Lastly, new tenants moved in early this month and unfortunately, these were young chaps – students – who unfortunately forget that they live with neighbors. Conversations between the two brothers involved shouting and they are developing a nasty habit of waking up before 7:00am and conversing. If they’re not conversing, they play basketball which involves bouncing the ball to produce an all-echoing, dribbling noise enough to wake u your senses.
Hence, the big move is on next month.
The Upgrade
After a punishing yearbook project, my PC is in need of an upgrade.
Since I’ve bought the machine in 2005, the only upgrade (if it qualifies as an upgrade at all) it had was a change of the power supply unit last year. Aside from that, my PC has been virtually slave-driven and its available resources maxed out when I used it.
Last week, it decided to conk out. When I powered it up, it refused to boot. With my inept computer hardware skills, I removed and re-attached the memory modules (in the process losing a memory holder of one of the slots and now I only have three memory slots until I can find that wee bit of plastic needed to hold the module in place), cleaned up the fans a bit, and unplugged and re-plugged the wirings but to no avail. A former officemate serviced it back to working condition (he said that the memory modules needed cleaning and he got half-a-roll of mocha cake as my way of thanks).
To make sure my P4 1.4GHz computer gets to run effectively for the next 2 to 3 years, these couple of upgrades, I think, are most needed:
• boost my current 512MB (2 pcs of 256MB RAMs) of RAM to a higher capacity – probably make it 1GB at least. With only three memory slots functioning, my best bet would either be to buy a 512MB memory module (to make my total RAM 1GB) or buy 1GB to boost my PC’s capacity to 1.5GB.
• replace my CD-RW with a DVD Combo – due to cost constraints, I think a DVD combo would be my best bet because my projects require me to be able to write onto CDs. Another option would just be to buy a DVD drive and buy a CD enclosure. But the second option means spending double the amount of a DVD Combo so I think it’ll just be more prudent to buy a DVD combo and sell my CD-RW.
These are the only upgrades I need in the next few weeks given my budget. But if I had a bigger budget to splurge on (short of buying a new PC), I would upgrade my PC with a DVD-RW drive, max out my RAM to 3 GB (4GB if I manage to find that plastic memory holder), an ergonomic keyboard, and a higher capacity PSU.
Getting Caught in the Croc Frenzy
My sister, Wheng, who works at the Dubai Duty Free (of course, in Dubai) has voluntarily promised to buy me, Elvie, our parents, and little Ikai Crocs (www.crocs.com).
While my father has refused to wear Crocs sandals and instead opted for shoes, topsider-style; my mother has made mention of her preference for Crocs Mary Janes model in gold hue. My wife has also expressed interest in Mary Janes as 
well but chose the greenish Sea-Foam color. I, on the other hand, will be going for the male version of Beach, in either charcoal gray or choco brown.
well but chose the greenish Sea-Foam color. I, on the other hand, will be going for the male version of Beach, in either charcoal gray or choco brown.And what will little Ikai wear? Wheng has already set her sights on a fuchsia pair of Baby Crocs for our daughter.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
