My sister’s in town.  So you can imagine that our ‘lose one pound a week’ goal is not going well.  This always happens ~ relatives come into town and we eat all those yummy, fatty, oily and everything-bad-for-you-type of foods.  How can you not?  Family and food equal good times.  Little sister’s in town til next Monday.  In fairness to her/us, her and hubby went on a run on Saturday while I pushed Erynne in her stroller.  It was a nice walk ~ the bay shore is just right in back of us and we get this wonderful view of the Bay bridge, as well as this long stretch of a path that takes you to some kind of lighthouse or if you choose to go the other way, there’s a park for kids and this mini-mountain where you can look down and see an even better view of the water, bridge and the people running/walking/biking.  This is what I’m talking about with excuses; all that beauty is practically in my background and I never utilize it.  Instead, I choose to drive 10-15 minutes or so to a gym that I hardly frequent.  Doesn’t that all make sense? 

I don’t want to say much about this, but I’m starting to think about finishing the degree that I left behind (in Alaska).  Only, I’d continue it here.  I’ve found a university nearby and well, I’m looking into it… not that I’d ever use my (English) degree anytime soon.  You know how it is.. unfinished business and all.. especially considering how ridiculous it is that I was almost done back in the days and I do the most craziest thing and pack up and move to Seattle.  Fun, liberating and crazy, yes, but one does mature and realize that while there’s nothing wrong with being crazy and free, having a degree under my belt does not hurt me (plus, how can you promote to your children that they should pursue a college education when mommy didn’t bother to finish hers?).  And you just never know what can happen in the future.. teaching literature might be something I will still want to explore later (when the kids have all gone their separate ways).  Oh, but don’t forget, I also have this dream to be this cool, funky hairstylist someday too — ahh, what a dream, what a dream.

On the subject of school (college, more specifically), I realize now.. no, wait, let me rephrase that.  I never wanted to go (straight) into college after I graduated highschool.  I wanted to travel, explore the world, broaden my horizons and just soar.  Sadly, my parents didn’t/don’t believe in such things.  I don’t blame them ~ when you’re completely old-school pinoy, wouldn’t you be ready for a heart attack if your kid suddenly announces they want to travel instead of go to college?  Even more so when your kid tries to reason with you that college would always be there, what’s the rush?  I tell you, I was some kid back then.  And today… I don’t know what it is… perhaps it was because unconsciously, I knew I’d never use whatever degree I obtained anyways because I’d be the stay-at-home mom my mom never was.  But oh well, what can you do?  I dabbled in college and picked something to study just to pass time (it helped that English was my passion back then).  Call me stupid, call me whatever ~ college teaches you what, really?  So you gain a title after your name when you pass a board/specialize in a field – fine.  You really only use 10% of what you learn in college out in the real world anyways, don’t you?  The other 90% is bullshit.  That said, what is the point?  I know there are bunch of answers to that cuz I think I’ve heard a lot of them from my own mother .  Still though, I am completely unfazed.  But again, finishing my degree will not hurt me.

Oh, and remember this story?  It really WAS Phoemela.  I was surfing around on youtube.com and she did happen to be in SF that time.  Too funny… Old Navy .

Happy Monday everyone.  Mine is.. “The Bachelor” is on tonight.

I used to use this..

until I found this..

But now?  I swear THIS is one of life’s best-kept secrets:

70 or so pesos only.  Imagine the savings!  But only found in Manila.  When relatives ask what pasalubong I want, instead of the regular delicacies people request back home, I ask for Nivea’s lip care.  Hahahahaha. 

I got this from Jean’s blog and like her, I tagged myself .

Four Jobs I’ve Had:

1. Administrative Assistant/Accounts Payable
2. Reservations Accounting Agent
3. RCFE Administrator
4. SAHM
   

Four Movies I’ve Watched Over and Over:

1. Stepmom
2. Barney’s ABC
3. Parent Trap (original)
4. Barney again

Four Places I Have Lived In:

1. Juneau, Alaska
2. Fairbanks, Alaska
3. Seattle, Washington
4. Mandaluyong, Philippines

Four TV Shows I Like to Watch:

1. The Bachelor
2. What Not To Wear
3. A Baby Story
4. Search for the next Pussycat Doll (but it’s over now…)

Four Places I Have Been on Vacation:

1. Eastern Caribbean
2. Southern Caribbean
3. Philippines
4. US

Four of my Favorite Foods:

1. Bokchoi
2. Sushi
3. Noodles
4. Does rice count?

Four Places I Would Rather be Right Now:

1. Half Moon Cay, Bahamas
2. Mystic, Connecticut
3. Cruise ship
4. In the company of my friends I left behind in Alaska and Seattle

Tag yourself if you want, it’s free

Gad.  We were barely married for 2 months here, February 2004.  A year before Erynne came along.  Granted I was still a big kahuna back then but at least I was smaller.

Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyyy. 

This was taken in Camiling last February.  Erynne’s cousin came to visit for a few days (from Antipolo) and like all other days, I was bored so I dressed him up in one of Erynne’s outfits.  Erynne, in turn, was made to look like the tomboy.  We all had such a good laugh.  This is what happens when you’re in the province too long ~ we start tripping on our own kids . 

The hubby and I talked and there are just so many things we want to accomplish before the year ends (heck, we’d be happy if we could accomplish them before summer gets here!).  There’s so much we want yet all we do at times is make excuses as to why we aren’t/can’t do it.  So we’ve devised a tiny game plan and for us, this is already huge cuz we’re one of those carefree couples that “eh, okay, there’s always tomorrow.”  But we’re buckling down for reals this time *fingers crossed* and these are the things we want to accomplish:

1.  Lose a pound a week (rice intake limited to less than 2 cups or none in a day; going back to the gym a few times a week; daily walks outside as a family; no soda intake; avoid frying and instead, go back to grilling or baking our foods; 5-6 small meals; WATER!).

2.  Purchase 2 cool mountain bikes (no more eating out to finance this goal; save little amounts of E’s paycheck every week so as to avoid doing what we do best — charging it to plastic).

3.  Eliminate or lessen credit card debt.  It seems my credit score has improved and lately, I’ve been bombarded with really, really low interest rate credit cards.  I’ll be balance transferring most of our balances so as to save a lot more money and well, start using only money that we have.  Discipline, discipline, discipline. 

Summer is just around the corner and oOooOooO, I just can’t wait to get those mountain bikes.  I’m no health buff freak but I do enjoy riding.  And it’s sooooo good for you.  You burn without really trying.  And the weather in San Mateo is always perfect for this type of activity (but this is bad news for Eric cuz he’s one of those Block&White users and he complains about “getting dark.”  You’re in the wrong state honey!).  When I’m at the gym, I can sit there and bike my ass off but it’s just so different when you’re doing it outdoors.  Plus, Erynne is going to love riding with us too.   

3 goals (million more to go but we’re doing it slow).  The future’s bright!

Monday and Tuesday nights are very important to me.

Mondays, I’m up late in front of the TV, watching “The Bachelor.”  Believe it!  Of all the seasons I’ve been watching this show, the girls this season are, by far, the ugliest.  Well, not really ugly-ugly ~ more like retarded-looking.  SOMETHING.  I’m rooting for Tessa from San Francisco.  She has a messed up jaw line (really huge!) but she’s still kinda cute.  Plus I love her outfits.  She has this REI quality to her but come evening time, she’s all girl (without the caked on make-up).  I love that.  Tina the medical student is a total bore and a half.  Too much of a nerd for my taste.  Not that being a nerd is bad cuz I think that’s a total turn-on when it’s a guy, but sheesh, Tina and her questions (everytime she has alone time with Andy) — I don’t know, she always looks lost or something.

Tuesday nights, Eric and I are glued watching the search for a new Pussycat Doll.  I think I’ve mentioned that here already.  Yep, I think tonight is the season finale.  I’m so excited!  One of the girls is Filipino, I believe.  Go Melissa R! 

God knows I can live without the TV, seeing as I hardly watch any — but I do make it a point that NOBODY bothers me during these two shows.  And when someone does… awwwwwwww damn, there is hell to be paid.  Hahahhahaha!

Yup, we got the free Hawaiian trip alright.  And then some.

Say hello to new members of Golden Exchange Vacation Club’s timeshare program!

We fell for it all.  I’m still reeling from shock.  LOL.

God knows where we’re going to find our pennies to pay for it *cackle*.  Did I tell you they own Cheaptickets and Orbitz?  We get major discounts on our tickets *happy*.  

But don’t think this was a rash decision on our part.  I looked at the numbers, analyzed it myself and we both agreed this was the kind of lifestyle we wanted — travel, travel, travel (we’d even save more this way).  Some people say good things about timeshares, some people don’t (my family, for one).  But ei, different strokes for different folks.  Travelling will be a part of our lives and we believe this program could really work for us (our lifetime membership can be passed down to our children and shared with our families!). 

I’ll blog more about this later.. I just wanted to share the news .

Cheers to more journeys around the world!

For 2 airline tickets (and 2 nights accomodation) in Honolulu. 

Sounds too good to be true, right?  I’ll find out tomorrow night.  After a 90 minute presentation, that is.

My cousin (in Pittsburg) got sucked into the same thing and according to her, she did get her free trip but that, of course, they try to get you to buy into some of their timeshares and whatever other offers they might have.  Back in Seattle, when I was still single and working, I’d gotten so many offers such like the one we got tonight and I’d always ignored them.  Something too good to be true like that ~ well, who believes them anyways?  And back then, I don’t think I had the time for some stupid 90 minute presentation; happy hour was more important to me. 

So if (and when) this offer actually materializes, it will have come at the perfect time because you won’t imagine how many cities I looked into for a little mini-vacation the weekend of Memorial Day (yes, I actually did look into Honolulu too).  Seeing as how Eric only started his job not too long ago, vacation days are out of the question.  And seeing as how I will go nuts if we don’t at least take advantage of the 3 day weekend in May, I was online for half of the day, trying to come up with some reasonable vacation packages for a quick getaway.  Heh!  For the prices out there, a weekend is simply not worth it.  Add to the fact that I just HATE planning.  Back in my wild days, the thought of planning a trip was unheard of.  If I felt the urge to go somewhere, I just did it — I didn’t think twice; I’d just jump on a plane and call up a friend and excitedly tell them I was on the way.  Spontaneity was the name of my game, you see.  But now?  Not with Eric.  The last time I pulled a surprise trip on him was going to Vegas last March — he was totally out of his comfort zone and why, you ask?  It’s 7am in the morning and by 8:30am, we were packed and in the car, ready to set out on a drive to Sin City.  He wasn’t happy… but I appreciate that he was willing to “trust me.”  LOL.

So I think I’m going off the subject here.  Back to my point — this Hawaiian trip/joke/whatever you want to call it really comes at a fortunate time because I was extremely discouraged today.  I need a vacation!  And the way I talk, you’d think we didn’t just come back from Manila last February ~ after more than 2 months of vacationing. 

I’ll let you know how all this pans out.  I’m actually excited, really.  $100.  Maybe that horoscope post I wrote the other day had some truth afterall.

My heart goes out to all victims at Virginia Tech who lost their lives, even more so to the families they left behind.  But I won’t deny my heart goes out to the shooter as well.  As I sit and watch the news, I can’t help but wonder, “Where are his parents after all this?”  Why haven’t the parents been interviewed or investigated?  Maybe I just haven’t been watching enough of the news.

One student just this morning was interviewed, claiming that Cho was her classmate in a creative writing class.  She claimed his writings were disturbing, citing that Cho had written a play about a son who’d been raped by his father and how the son was going to get his revenge on his dad, lashing out in language that wasn’t appropriate to be repeated on air.  She also mentioned he’d written another play that displayed disturbing behavior.  From the news clip I read yesterday (that wouldn’t disclose the contents of his writing due to privacy issues but ha, the classmate disclosed it during her interview!), Cho’s creative writing teacher referred him to counseling (the teacher couldn’t decipher whether this was imaginative or clearly just creative writing).  Okay, so someone apparently figured out something wasn’t right.  Now, and again, I repeat this:  why haven’t the parents been poked, probed, investigated, etc. etc.?  Maybe something funky’s going on there, did anyone ever think of that?  Let’s say for one moment that maybe Cho got all messed up because something happened in his past?  In fact, let’s push it even farther and hypothesize that perhaps there might have been truth to the rape play?  I’m no Nancy Drew but anything has to be possible at this point.

Someone failed Cho.  That it was the students of the university, the parents, the teachers, the system, who knows.  Bottomline:  Cho was in pain, he was angry, he was alone.  So what do the parents have to say about this?  The only news I got regarding his parents was that they thought their son was suicidal in 2005.  Give me a break!  Is that all they could muster out of them?  If they don’t speak English, get a damn translator and I want to hear what they have to say about the boy who wreaked havoc at his university. 

I don’t know where I’m quite going with all this… but I can’t shake it (off).  Maybe there’s some truth to the boy’s writing.  Foul play in the home?  Enough to set his soul on fire and pull the trigger oh-so-many-times?  Who knows.

May you all walk in peace.