11/15/2008

Yeah!.I'm blogging again. It took me so long to post as I'm busy with my studies and am also preparing for the certification exam. Good thing everything went well. It was really a big relief to pass after a year of studying and mastering the Cisco networking staff :-) Though, I also felt disappointed to find out that the reviewer alone could help me pass it. I even realize that I should have enrolled in the fast track training (1week) compare to the modular training (almost a year). I can’t believe that 100% of the theories questions were all in the reviewer I downloaded; even the order of multiple choices, and that alone could help me pass the exam. The lab exams were actually very basic. I got a score of 883/1000 versus the passing score of 824/1000. Not bad, but I was too confident to answer the CDP lab that I missed to enter the configuration on one of the routers (hehe). I came across a blog site after my exam and found similar lab that I had during my exam. That is when I realized that the lab has additional configuration where I missed to do (grr…). Lesson learned for students like me who is too much confident with the downloaded reviewer. I tend to overlook additional questions/task. I was even surprised that my score is not perfect haha…

What’s new to me aside from passing the CCNA? I’ll be moving to a different team but still the same department. The decision I made was really mind blogging as I am weighing if I will be in the right track towards the path I wanted to be. Honestly, I still don’t know if the answer is a YES. I’m again taking risk this time. But whatever consequences it may bring, it’s still my decision and I have to live with it. I learned so much from my ITHD team. My mentors in ITHD really helped me gained my confidence, I was able to do exemplary tasks which I never thought I could :-) I can’t thank those people enough :-) I was so blessed to be part of the TEAM and it’s one of the main reasons I had difficult time accepting the offer. I will really missed every second, every minute of the day that we spent time together… having fun telling stories, laughing at each other’s call…especially the bad ones and telling who got the most rude caller of the day and when you encounter that caller you will act rude to make a revenge for your colleague (haha). I’m not moving far but the day-to-day usual encounter I spent with the team will surely be missed :-).

Condolences to Eric Pagdanganan's family.

My mom and I went to grocery last Sunday and while we're at it, we also decided to visit Kuya Eric in the hospital and buy something for him. I would want to buy him fruits but my mother insists to buy a cracker instead since his digestive system is not receptive due to liver cancer. In the hospital, we headed to the 3rd floor. We saw some of his relatives outside and they invited us to go in. Upon entering the room, his wife, daughter and his youngest brother were standing beside his bed crying. I was dumbfounded as I know what is already happening. I saw kuya eric already had difficulty breathing. My mom began to cry also, me still confused, I can't even cry. The first thing I did is pray. I can’t accept it because weeks ago, he’s just there in front of our house to fetch me up when I’m in the morning shift. I also lend him my books. 5 mins of waiting, the nurse came in to get his blood pressure. The nurse was hesitant to give the result so she asked what was the reading before. His wife responded 50/40 so she nodded and said just the same. Kuya eric is still awake but as I see it, he can no longer recognize everyone around him until his father came inside. His father take a glance on him, could hardly believe also what he is seeing. He goes straight ahead to the restroom. I could hear him coughing, once, twice, very loud. And then when he came back to bed, he spoke to kuya eric in very clear voice:

"Eric, Anak, kilala mo pa ba si Tatay" (Eric, son, do you still recognize me your father?)
"Kung kilala mo pa ako, pisilin mo kamay ko" (If you can still recognize me, pressed my hands tight)
kuya eric pressed his hands...
"Kilala mo pa si tatay anak..." (ok son you still recognize me)
... in a tone like he is talking to a 7 year old son.

This time my tears began to fall. This is the scene I will not forget for the rest of my life. This is the scene that even the best actress or actor who won in OSCARS would not be able to portray the emotions. This is the first time I saw a bedridden man catching up from his breathe in order to live. Immediate families are crying and couldn’t choose whether they would prefer him to live more or let him rest for eternity. I’ve been there already but on a different situation when my father died. My father was not sick and not even in my slightest thought it would enter to me that he will die early. The wound cause by the lost of our love ones are really deep but for sure it will heal in time.

Double-time!

I really can't wait to finish my cisco class and take the exam. Not because I already wanted to have the Cisco certification but I really soooo excited to start reading books again. For the life of me, since I enrolled to cisco class i got to read one book only during my two-weeks vacation. grrr...

Last saturday, I met up with my book buddy - Ems. She also enrolled to review center to prepare for the ECE licensensure exam and since then she stopped reading fiction/novel books. We share the same sentiments that everytime we start reading, we felt guilty for the fact that instead of reviewing, we burned our noses on novels/literature. We'd rather read than eat or take a bath hahaha or I can live without music but not books. I consider it one of my essentials:-D I had my first interest in reading books in HS, from Sweet Valley High to Nancy Drew series. Light reading and entertaining. Oh!I already forgot the first Novel I read after those.

So going back to Ems, since we already missed reading, we stopped by at national bookstore. There are bunch of books on sale but we're not familiar with the authors so we end up taking the buy-one-take-one August issue of Reader's digest. For me, I don't risk on buying books if I'm not familiar with the author or if that is the case I might consider checking the reviews first before buying.

Here are some of my recommended fiction books:

For Novels -

*Sophie Kinsella
(Shopaholic series, Can you keep a secret? - this is so funny)
*Paolo Coehlo
(Alchemist, By the river of Piedra, Veronika decides to die)
*Nicholas Sparks
(Message in a bottle - well-written messages inside the bottle)
*John Grishan
(I only read Street Lawyer, will also try other books)
*Mitch Albom
(Tuesdays with Morrie, 5 people you meet in heaven)
*Neil Gaiman
(I read Coraline only, looking forward to read Stardust)

Self Help - favorite author -

- John Maxwell
- Eric and Leslie Ludy
- Elisabeth Eliot
- Stephen Covey
- Joshua Harris

I also saw Haruki Murakami's book, sounds new to me. I read the reviews and they're ok, his writings focus more on communism. Am also looking forward reading his books one of these days.

:-)

hehe... yes this is not a hate site. I'd like to clarify that! sorry for my recent most, I don't want to make an impression that my site is all about remorse, anger so no need to panic :-D Though, this is something that I'm not sure I might regret in the future hehe.. but no, I have no plans of deleting my recent posts.

Lately, I've been through with some personal issues but I'm okay now. Good thing that I'm surrounded with plenty of good-kind-hearted people (not to mention that they are literally good-looking) that will always brighten up my day. One of these days, I will try to write a good topic again. I'm just having a hard time composing it now.

:-\

Sometimes, I feel like I was born to always understand people and I have no right to be understood. When people don't act rightly, I have to understand that maybe s/he has a problem or not in the mood and it's just so happen that it was me to whom s/he has to bend his/her anger to. But, when there came a point that I have to bend emotionally, it's a totally different reaction I will receive. When I burst out, people will judge me just like that and when I kept silent, that's a different story again but I still choose to be the latter most of the time :-\

I'm getting tired to always be put on blame for every circumstances. And the worst, the people I expect to understand me has made a 180 degree turn :-\

and the week that was...

I'm one-minute late today and the thing is, it's monday! tlaga naman. I can accept if I will be late at any day of the week but not monday. It looks like my whole week will be ruined. hmm...anyway it's all about mindset. I will not let this day ruined my whole week though.

I have not posted from my blog in the past weeks. Aside from I have no time, I'm not also in the mood to compose my thoughts. Last Tuesday, I received a news from my agent that my Housing loan application with Pag-ibig was already approved and the developer already started the layout. Wow! this is really a big accomplishment I had so far. I can't believe that I'm buying a house and lot. It's just a 100 sqm lot and 36 sqm floor plan, a small house but it has enough space for me and my mom. I went there last friday and I was very excited so I brought my camera to take some pictures. I also visited the model house and it was very nice. The furniture, the color of the tiles and the lightnings compliment together. I would want my house to have a little resemblance on that of the model house but of course I will change some color coordination to match our furniture. I like the big mirror on the wall as well. The engineer said they could finish the constructions within two months. Wow!

Until now, I still can't believe it. It's like a dream come true for me. I'll be paying it for 30 years but perhaps in 10 years time the amount I'm paying now will have lower value by then due to economic inflation. hmm... I'm talking about economics now (haha). I really am so blessed also by how things are going to me financially. Of course, there are struggles but I know and believe that God will provide. He's been with us ever since so I'll just put my 100% trust in him. As the bible verses says.... “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me…", "My God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus”, "He who began a good work in me, shall be faithful to complete it." I'm really holding on to these and I'm giving back all the glory to HIM only.

Amen.

The repeat: Things I'd like to say when I'm not in a mood but I just can't

1. Okay, so what's your point? (after that person tells a story and still not able to single out his/her points haha..)
2. You're from what school again? (to a person who doesn't have or even know what Good Manners and Right Conduct means)
3. Does your parents raised you like that?
4. Don't you have any plan to exercise your brain? Oh sorry, I forgot you don't have one (hehe sama)
5. How about common sense? Don't you want to know that it does exist... (sama ko na tlaga)
6. Ok..so you're a visual person (pikon na ko dito)
7. huh...bilis ng karma
8. You don't know what you're doing, somebody must stop you. Guard..guard...
9. Antipatiko (to a boy)
10. Antipatika (to a girl)

Okay, I guess I need to end it here coz I might write something worst. Forgive me though but it's just my way of releasing stress, grudges and things I really want to say... but I just cant....waaahhh.....

Celebrity Duets

I found this picture with Pastor David Sobrepeña while browsing at my collection today. It was WOH church worker’s day held at Valley Golf, Cainta. LA and I are one of the workers for WHO (Word Of Hope) in behalf of Young Professional Ministry. Ptr. David was eating hamburger that time and LA cornered him asked if it’s okay to take his photo with me. I thought he would just ask him to take his photo alone but LA also pointed to me. I was a bit surprised and that leave me no choice but to go beside him. I never had a chance in my life to take a sneak photo together with a popular celebrity but I would say that it’s great privilege to have a photo taken with this man. He is for sure a celebrity in the kingdom of God.

Ptr. David is a pastor of Word of Hope which I consider my home church in QC. God really uses him in spreading His words in accordance to the bible. Before he start preaching the word of God, we always sing his favorite song “All things are possible” or “We’ve got the power (in the name of Jesus…)” which turned out to be the church favorite song also. It has then become a tradition to sing any of this song even if it’s a different Pastor. Listening to his service every Sunday seamlessly contributes to my Christian growth. I didn’t get a chance to have a small talk with him since he is a very, very busy pastor, and I can only reach him through shake hands at the end of every service. That would mean a lot to me and perhaps, it’s also my way of saying thanks to him… thanks for the picture :-D

Can Christians Be Sexy (from Alwynne of Gtalker)

I like this post.... self realization for Christian women to live a set apart life. Thanks Alwynne :-D

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With the popularity of plunging necklines, spaghetti strapped blouses, belly shirts, navel piercings and other such fashion trends, we have to ask ourselves: Can Christians Be Sexy?

First, we have to consider what 'sexy' is and the implications of being considered 'sexy' in today's world. The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language defines it as follows:

sex·y
adj. sex·i·er, sex·i·est
Arousing or tending to arouse sexual desire or interest.

Arousing or tending to arouse sexual desire? :-o - hmm, is this how we want to present ourselves? Maybe not. (And ladies, I apologize - but I guess this post might touch the 'not so conservative' side of you. I know there is a double standard for men and women, but after we acknowledge that fact, we just have to figure out a way to deal with it.)

Here's the thing - so many sins can be traced back to the sexual - fornication, adultery, some forms of covetousness, lust - not to mention the potential addictive and destructive nature of sex. So do we want to dress or act in a way that appeals solely to the sexual desires of the members of the opposite sex? If only to help out our Christian brothers, I'd have to say - probably not.

I know it's tempting to want to be fashionable - as a recent news report revealed, it's harder to find shirts of normal length sometimes than belly shirts. And, yes, while you might be able to wear it, the question is not can you, but should you.

The Bible admonishes that women "…..adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefastness and sobriety; not with braided hair, and gold or pearls or costly raiment; but (which becometh women professing godliness) through good works. 1 Titus 2:9-10)" Clearly the emphasis here is for a women to be more modest than flashy and to 'display' her value through the good works with which she occupies herself. In other words, that it's not necessarily about what's on the outside, but what's on the inside.

I like to be as fashionable as well as the next person, but I also realize that, as a Christian, I have to be a model for what is appropriate as a follower of Christ. And that is your duty as well - to model being a Christian - particularly for non-Christians. In this respect, you are a leader - however you dress, whatever you say and whatever you do will be interpreted in light of your professed Christianity. Fair? No. Realistic? Yes.

So - think about it the next time you pull out that color-coordinated, skimpy outfit that you plan to wear on that next outing with your girlfriends. Get dressed and take a good long look in the mirror. And think to yourself - what are my clothes saying about me? What will people think when they see me? Is this how I see myself? Is this how I present myself as God's "princess?"

The choice is up to you, but I humbly suggest that you seriously consider the above questions and make the best decision possible about what you are about to wear. And that's all any of us can do….

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Conclusion: (I got this conclusion from the book)

“Sexual and emotional integrity means that her thoughts, words, emotions, and actions reflect an inner beauty and a sincere love for God, others and herself. This doesn’t mean she is never tempted to think, say, feel, or do something inappropriate, but that she tries diligently to resist these temptations and stands firm in her convictions. She doesn’t use men in an attempt to get her emotional cravings met or entertain sexual or romantic fantasies about men she is not married to.. She doesn’t dress to seek male attention, but she doesn’t limit herself to a wardrobe of ankle-length muumuus, either. She may dress fashionably and look sharp or may even appear sexy, but her motivation isn’t self-seeking or seductive. She presents herself as an attractive woman because she knows she represents God to others.” (Book: Every single woman’s battle by Shannon Ethridge)

Win a date with Tad Hamilton

For all of the romantics out there, I highly recommend this movie. I didn't notice that this was shown in the movie house here in Philippines but thanks to my friend Jake that he lend me a DVD copy of this movie. I really enjoyed it specially the character of Pete hehe. He's a type of guy I always love to watch - laid back, romantic, and the way he stare...Oh my.. I soooooo love his eyes.

What I also like about this movie is the lines of Angelica (the bar girl) when she spoke to Pete about the difference of love, big love and Great Love. This is the line that strike me most.

Love... you get over in two months.

Big love...two years.

And great love...changes your life.

When great love is rejected, something inside a man dies.

So all he can do is run away, where he can meet the girl he'll love second most.

Unless you can get to him before he closes the book on you.

But once it's closed, it's closed.

lt's finished. lt's gone, dead.

lt's crushed. lt's beaten. lt's buried.

It is lost for all of time in a sea...

Isn't true? hehe.. I guess it was. LA and I were already on our 3rd year. Might be a great love? Who knows. :-D

Cheap yet effective Health and Beauty tips

...Im back,
After a few months, I think it's time for me to post again (si Jon kasi eh). Well, anu ba?

Health and Beauty tips I discovered lately -

Oh well, lately, I realize that regular exercise really helps me functions well, mentally and physically. hehe ngayon ko lng na-realize? Tamad kasi ako mag exercise.

I was also able to search the beauty and health benefits I could get from Honey. Yes, Pulot in tagalog. Mosturizer, regular intake atleast 1 teaspoon can help strengthen the immunue system, medicine for coughs. Can also drink it like a tea which can cure athritis (for my mom) - two teaspoon for every cup of hot water - it was stressed to drink this with empty stomach para effective.

Diet... I also found out that apple cider (raw, organic) is one of the most effective home made recipe for a diet. According to one of the Gtalker - combine 1 tablespoon of apple cider to 1 cup of warm water- drink before or after breakfast. Many prove its effectiveness. Regular intake may also add glow on skin (Wow). Bad feedback: Aside from its really sour taste, excessive intake will make your sweat smell stinky( hehe... eeuww..) Oh well, according to one of the girltalker di naman daw masyadong mabaho para lang amoy ng bata na nabilad sa araw ( euww again... hehe) kaya recommended to take 3 mos lng. Stop then take again. I found this in the supermarket and it only costs around 120 pesos for a 1 litre bottle. Not bad, I tried it and the taste is really sour. My Mom warned me not to take it with empty stomach, although it's recommended in the site, it might damage my intestines.

Okay.. will posts again once I discovered new health and beauty tips that is cheap yet effective.

You are a B.A.B.E (got it from Gtalker)

Ever feel insecure, unworthy or unappreciated? If your are a believer in Christ, then know that you are a "babe!" Wink

Here’s a scriptural definition of what it means to be a real B.A.B.E.: beautiful, accepted, blessed, and eternally significant. Check it out.

B is for BEAUTIFUL!

You are a divine diva! You are fearfully and wonderfully made — created by God Himself! You are a work-of-art and were not haphazardly thrown together! You were in God’s care before you were even born! You were His idea! God thinks you are outrageously gorgeous! God sends His Spirit to live within you to make you beautiful on the inside. You have God-Beauty!

A is for ACCEPTED!

You are unconditionally loved and accepted by God! You have already won His approval! He is your audience of One! He stands to applaud you because He is proud of you! You belong to God! You are forgiven. You do not need to seek acceptance of others — you are number one with God. He thinks you rock! Ultimately, what God thinks is all that matters!

B is for BLESSED!

You are the privileged recipient of so many blessings straight from the heart of God! You have blessings that no one can take away from you. You have special abilities — tons of talents! As a child of God you are showered with spiritual blessings like salvation, forgiveness, eternal life, the Holy Spirit, and grace! You have freely been given spiritual gifts like leadership or encouragement or service! You are so blessed!

E is for ETERNALLY SIGNIFICANT!

You are here on purpose and for a purpose! God has a plan for your life! A plan that will bring you true meaning, fulfillment, and satisfaction! A plan that will use your special abilities and your spiritual gifts. A plan that will make a difference in the lives of others and in the Kingdom of God. It’s an eternally significant plan! You matter! Girlfriend, you are a B.A.B.E.!™

and he gave me flowers....

not on valentines day.....Feb 15'08 after valentines :-)

L-Ey and I don't usually celebrate valentines day since we became bf and gf. It's not also a time of giving gifts for us. I don't know what comes to my mind that on that day I want to have something special... maybe because of my stress in work, not to mention that I don't feel good that day due to some health problems - Canker sore! He greeted me thru IM and the excerpt was:

LA: hello bebe.. amishu :)
LA: bebe?
LA: iloveyou my lady :)
LA: happy hearts days!
Mia: i don't feel it...

LA: oh bakit po? ako din eh.. hehe.. mag isa lang kami ni rocky..
Mia: alang nagbigay sakin flowers and chocolate...
LA: nauna nman un chocolates ko eh..
LA: sorry bebe, im really bz here.
LA: :( hope you understand.
Mia: :(
LA: cheer up po bebe..
LA: im here nman :)
LA: bebe sorry po talaga :(
LA: iloveyou
LA: bebe dont be sad na.. okies?
LA: iloveyou :)
Mia: :(
Mia: you can give without loving... but you cannot love without giving...
LA: :( im really sorry how you feel.
LA: bawi na lang po ako..
Mia: 3rd valentines na to
Mia: huhuhu...
Mia: the last time.. nung nanliligaw ka pa sakin.. after that ala na
LA: sorry po tlaga bebe..
LA: please understand me po..
LA: i'll see you soon :)
LA: i'll make it up to you bebe.. i know my bebe is understanding :)
LA: muwaaaaaaah!
Mia: one is enough,,,,
Mia: two is too much...
Mia: three... i don't know...
LA: sorry tlaga bebe,
LA: hope you understand me. ang dami ko tlaga ginagawa dito.
LA: for the 3rd time...
LA: sorry po bebe if you did not feel hearts day today.
LA: hope you understand me. I love you so much.
LA: i'll make bawi po
Mia: yep next year na yun... sana ako pa din labs mo nun
Mia: hmpf!
LA: labs tlaga kita bebe, with the Love of the Lord :)
LA: I'll never ever have another one in my entire life!
LA: syempre una si papa Jesus :)
LA: im happy i have you :)
LA: see ya tom ;)

... hehe and then I got this bunch of flowers and I also ended up taking pics before the petals becomes saggy.

Thanks L-ey my love :-)

Quotes from Paolo Coelho....

I'm posting some of my favorites quotes from my favorite author... :-) got it from a certain website.

• "you can only truly fall in love with one person. and the others? well, they just make your heart beat. you'll get to meet a lot of people but there's only one to whom you'll fully give your heart. sure, you'll get attracted to many. but what you'll have are just feelings. whether you play around or not, there will only be one person for you in the end. it can be hard finding that person and even harder to feel that emotion. but i've been told, it can happen.."
• “Be brave. Take risks. Nothing can substitute experience.”
• “When we least expect it, life sets us a challenge to test our courage and willingness to change; at such a moment, there is no point in pretending that nothing has happened or in saying that we are not ready. The challenge will not wait. Life does not look back. A week is more than enough time for us to decide whether or not to accept our destiny".
• “I think that perhaps we always fall in love the very first time we see the man of our dreams, even though, at the time, reason may be telling otherwise, and we may fight against that instinct, hoping against hope that we won't win, until there comes a point when we allow ourselves to be vanquished by our feelings...”
• “We can never judge the lives of others, because each person knows only their own pain and renunciation. It's one thing to feel that you are on the right path, but it's another to think that yours is the only path.”
• “Waiting is painful. Forgetting is painful. But not knowing which to do is the worse kind of suffering.”
• “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
• “Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dream.”
• “You have to take risks. We will only understand the miracle of life fully when we allow the unexpected to happen.”
• “Everything that happens once can never happen again. But everything that happens twice will surely happen a third time.”
• “The moment of that kiss contained every happy moment I had ever lived.”
• “The wise are wise only because they love. The fool are fools only because they think they can understand love.”
• “one is loved because one is loved. No reason is needed for loving.”
• “Pitiful is the person who is afraid of taking risks. Perhaps this person will never be disappointed or disillusioned; perhaps she won't suffer the way people do when they have a dream to follow. But when the person looks back-she will hear her heart”
• “Love is a trap. When it appears, we see only its light, not its shadows.”
  
• “Love can consign us to hell or to paradise, but it always takes us somewhere.”
• “You drown not by falling into a river, but by staying submerged in it.”
• “You can become blind by seeing each day as a similar one. Each day is a different one, each day brings a miracle of its own. It's just a matter of paying attention to this miracle.”
• “But there is suffering in life, and there are defeats. No one can avoid them. But it's better to lose some of the battles in the struggles for your dreams than to be defeated without ever knowing what you're fighting for.”
• “We have to stop and be humble enough to understand that there is something called mystery.”
• “I think that when we look for love courageously, it reveals itself, and we wind up attracting even more love. If one person really wants us, everyone does. But if we're alone, we become even more alone. Life is strange.”
• “Every blessing ignored becomes a curse”
• “The two worst strategic mistakes to make are acting prematurely and letting an opportunity slip; to avoid this, the warrior treats each situation as if it were unique and never resorts to formulae, recipes or other people's opinions.”
• "You start living for the obsession alone ... You want to arrive somewhere regardless of whether you're enjoying the road or not.”
• “Life was always a matter of waiting for the right moment to act.”
• “If you start by promising what you don't even have yet, you'll lose your desire to work towards, getting it.”
• “No one can lie, no one can hide anything, when he looks directly into someone's eyes.”
  
• “When a person really desires something, all the universe conspires to help that person to realize his dream.”
• “I still pray but it's something automatic, and I'm not even sure I still believe in it... Because I've suffered, and God didn't listen to my prayers. because many times in my life I have tried to love with all my heart, and my love has wound up being”
• “A warrior of light who trusts too much in his intelligence will end up underestimating the power of his opponent.”
• “We will only understand the miracle of life fully when we allow the unexpected to happen. Every day, G-d gives us the sun-and also one moment in which we have the ability to change everything that makes us unhappy. Every day, we try to pretend that...”
• “Beauty is the greatest seducer of man”
• “There's a lot of me in it. But the character is more egotistical. I'm also egotistical, but not the way the character is. This guy is successful, he has everything, but his wife has left him. The most important value - love - is missing. What is wrong with this institution called 'marriage'? What is wrong with this institution called 'the pursuit of happiness'?”
  
• “We still did not answer the questions that are important to us,”
• “I think it is a problem of our society that we don't enjoy (ourselves.) We have these values, like, you have to be rich, you have to get a diploma, you have to work hard, otherwise you are useless, you are nothing but a pariah. And the book asks, 'Is it true? This is what my mom told me, but is it true?”
  
• “Tonight his eyes were shining-he looked wonderful.”
• “They were seeking out the treasure of their destiny, without actually wanting to live out their destiny.”
  
• “He seemed to be talking about my fears, my insecurity, and my unwillingness to see what was wonderful because tomorrow it might disappear and I might suffer. The gods throw the dice, and they don't ask whether we want to be in the game or not.”
• “The biggest mistake of the man is that he thinks he doesn't deserve the good and the bad things from his life.”
• “The Soul of the World is nourished by people's happiness. And also by unhappiness, envy, and jealousy. To realize one's Personal Legend is a person's only real obligation. All things are one. And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
• "Why do we have to listen to our hearts?" "Because, wherever your heart is, that is where you'll find your treasure."

Miracle or Magic Fruit?

Unbelievable! This fruit is really unbelievable. My officemate brought some of those one day and he said that this fruit will turn our taste bud sweet. Along with this fruit, he also brought some lemon to test. First, he lets us eat the lemon and the taste was absolutely sour. After that, I partake one miracle fruit, he said that we should let its pulp stays around our mouth for at least 30 seconds. Okay, I chew it and its taste was blunt, no sweetness or whatever. After we threw the seed, he lets us eat the lemon again, and there the miracle happens. Sour taste lemon now becomes sweet like a lemonade. I even finished eating the whole lemon alone. Its sweetness property will remain in the mouth up to 2 hours. They said that aside from sour food, it's also best for bitter food. I wonder how bitter lemon taste when eaten along with this miracle fruit. To know more about about this unbelievably miracle fruit, visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miracle_fruit.

Pamper me...

My body does not function well these days. Maybe, it missed long vacation since I had 4 days off last christmas and New year and after that, I always felt dizzy. My foot hurts for 3 days now (don't think about alipunga this time), and I really long to have a foot massage real soon. I missed going to spa even more. The last time I had my massage was on our anniversary last year (April 28). I had a good steam bath then, complete set of facial, foot and body threatment. I recommend "the spa" in Podium. The price is a little bit higher but the service is excellent. I missed being pampered like a princess. If someone will give me free spa gift check now, I will not think twice to grab it!

Am I smarter than a 5th grader?

My answer is a big "NO". I love watching the show and I can't believe I already forgotten most of the things I learned in my primary school. Acute Memory gap and I can't accept that fact of the matter so I bought this book.

Upon reading through, the more I realized that really... I really really don't know anymore about histories, greatest invention. I was even shocked that bubble gum was one of the greatest invention in the history and Vatican City is a country (smallest country indeed). Ask me about computer and I might know the answer. History?? jeez thumbs down. My mother is better off in this field. She's a plain housewife but knows the name of the presidents of each country and their prime minister. I even crossed check in the internet if she really knows the name and their absolutely correct! I teased her that the reason behind is that she just sits all day and watched news :-) Don't dare ask me about the capital of each country or from what continents that country belongs to. Good thing, I had a refresher about the states in the US. I could proudly say that I could draw the map impromtu and point to you where Mississipi is. :p

I enjoy reading this book but most of the things cited are in US since this book was published there. Once I finished this, I will try to see other versions of almanac.

20 things I'd like to say to a person (different individual).

1. Don't be hypocrite! Practice what you preach.

2. You act as if you are someone.

3. You think you are very intelligent huh?!?

4. You made me realize something good about you.. I am wrong when I thought that you are rude :-)

5. I know you know what you are doing to me. Thanks though for letting me see your true color!

6. I'm not sure if you still see me as your friend or just an acquaintance.

7. The more you put me down, the more I will rise up.

8. Not a good combination, beauty and empty brain.

9. Forgive me; I had a bad impression on you.

10. I wish I was your friend so I could have some pieces of advice. I read many things about you and you really inspire me.

11. You can do it, I trust you.

12. I wish I was able to help you and I've been a good influence on you.

13. I know I didn’t always help but at least I’m trying and you must appreciate that!

14. You're a very good speaker, I wish I could be just like you.. one day... speaking to many people and jotting down every word I say.

15. I want you beside me until I’m bed ridden hehe..

16. You are the bestest friend I ever had.

17. I miss you so much, can we hang out again?

18. Thanks for seeing me as someone I never thought I am. I really appreciate that!

19. I wish I could sing the way you sang those songs.

20. Thanks for always spending your most precious time to me.

Looking back in my younger days.....

Everybody starts giving their full name when describing themselves, I might start with giving my full name as well :-) My Name is Mia Torreno Bernardo. I was born in quezon city on the 25th day of May 1980, my father was half bulaceño and half kapampangan. My Mother is pure Ilongga born in Bacolod City. I was raised in Pampanga by my relatives. My father died early when I was 9 years old (the day of my birthday) so my Mom had no choice but to work abroad and leave us with my relatives. During my younger days, I learned so Much... as in much earlier compare to other children in terms of household task, discipline, time management, patience, and goals.

At the age of 9 while some children at my age was playing outside after school, I was thought to wash my clothes instead, cooked rice for our dinner and then of course do my assignments. I also learned early to buy stuff in wet/dry market at the age of 11. Even the vendor was amazed how expert I am to negotiate for bargains at my age.

Living in Pampanga was not easy. During rainy season, it always flood in our town and the toughest time was when mt. pinatubo erupted. I felt like the world is really tumbling down on me every time we were in a hurry to save our valuables before the flood/lava flows inside our house. The effect of the lava is 1st degree burn if you stayed longer in just a few minutes, not to mention all the bacteria I will get from the flood. I actually had foot allergy (alipunga as they call it in tagalog) during my primary and secondary years in school. Aside from I need a good quality of sleepers for sensitive skin, I had to put a lot of medication to ease its itchiness. I remember that rambo sleeper (good one to have for tumbang preso because it has thick sole and very durable) was very popular those days and sad to say I can't have one because of my allergy.

During my HS, I'm a late bloomer I may say but proudly street smart. My teacher and classmates sees my personality as small but terrible (I'm the smallest in terms of height). Having a boyfriend in this stage had never occurs in my mind (euuww..) and no one will ever attempt hehe. I had lots of crushes though and having a glimpse of them was the happiest time of my day. I learned to cheat during exam (who doesn't???). I had many regrets also such as during my JS Prom, i was part of our cotillion but I dropped when I found out that my partner has a crush on me hehe. I really regret afterwards, I hope I still join for the sake of memories and pictures. I'm a really shy type of person and my classmate usually confused me as being suplada. I hate it when my crush found out that I had a crush on him. Now, that i'm 27 years, I realized that it's just okay. Oww.. HS school days are really one of my favorite moments in my life. I also remember when my Teacher said, "Relax, take it easy, savor this stage so that one day when you get older and look back in your memories, you'll just smile and laugh" and I just did.

Posted Article from "A day with my Idol"

Just read this article "A day with my idol". It was written by someone who went out with his IDOL which happens to be Francis Kong. He shared the following pointer he learned from his IDOL. They're short yet inspiring so just thought of posting in on my blog as well.

Reference: http://www.income-tacts.com/

1) For head problems, use your head. For heart problems, use your heart. There are many people who interchange and that causes a lot of problems.
2) You need talent and discipline. Talent alone will not bring you true success. Talent combined with discipline will make you realize everything that you aspire and that success can be sustained.
3) When it comes to our faith, we need not be legalistic about it. HE will know what's inside our hearts, and that's more important.
4) We need to see things in different perspectives. Our perspective may oftentimes be too narrow that we fail to see the big picture.
5) Its best to have an entrepreneurial mindset even if we are not entrepreneurs.
6) Be flexible, even Jesus himself was very flexible in dealing with different people.
7) The Bible is a great source for handling money and productivity.
8) Every so often, one should find the need to reinvent himself.
9) Spend 20 minutes per day reading a book, you can read as much as 20 books in a year if you do this.
10) In our Christian faith, it's not limited about the feelings. The Lord can also touch you through your logical mind. I was dumbfounded why I can't seem to be as emotional as other Christians but Francis was able to finally make me understand that not everyone is the same and the Lord talks to us differently. Best lesson of the day.

The "Last" thing...

Last cigarette: I don't smoke!
Last car ride: FX, my usual public transpo going to the office.
Last good cry: Last sunday, after reflecting on myself, sunday service.
Last Library book checked out: hmm... library?!? don't remember anymore the last book I checked.
Last movie seen: knocked Up!
Last book read: Coraline by Neil Gaiman
Last food consumed: Starbucks Tall Hot Capuccino
Last crush: Aside from my bf (LA), my last crush was of course BradPitt.
Last phone call: Jen, one of my officemate. She called to cover someone who was on emergency leave.
Last TV show watched: News, TV Patrol
Last time showered: 6PM before going to work
Last shoes worn: Nike Swoosh
Last CD played: Never Saw Blue Like That sang by Sophie Hawkins
Last item bought: Shoe in Celine, it was on 50% off
Last downloaded: work related but I don't remember what was the name of the file.
Last annoyance: Office to secret....
Last disappointment: last year, being ignored by my friends :-( I moved on :-)
Last soda drank: Sprite
Last thing written: This!!!
Last key used: Room key
Last words spoken: haha...
Last sleep: yesterday, I woke at 3:30 PM
Last IM: with Joyce, my officemate
Last sexual fantasy: secret....
Last weird encounter: ME
Last ice cream eaten: ube and buko salad flavor
Last time amused: by my nephew... I can't believe where he got all the nautiness/act he's doing. He always ask questions which is really amusing such, are we going to die? why do you say/do that?
Last time wanting to die: I don't want to. I'd rather wish to go and wander when Im in trouble.
Last time in love: Now, I still am :-)
Last time hugged: yesterday by my nephew.
Last chair sat in: Office
Last time you went dancing: two weeks ago, i include dancing on my exercise.
Last web page visited: lea salonga's multiple. there is where I got these questions.
Last fruity photo taken: 2008 New Year's day check out http://authenticmia.multiply.com

Courage... Commitment...Character

Just listen to the word of God last night which was spoken by Ptr. Peter Tanchi in CCF. I am not a regular member of CCF but I usually download MP3 from their site and had it installed in my IPOD. I usually listen to it when I travel from our home (bulacan) to the office (Quezon City), before going to sleep as part of my bible study habit. The topic was very nice and it made me reflect so much after listening to it. I may also add this on my new year resolution. He actually pointed 3 things in his topic and that is courage... character....commitment.

To note each... here they are:

Courage the definition of courage is actually not the absent of fear but the willingness to do the right thing not because it's popular but it's the right thing to do. In short, it's doing what you are afraid to do.

Yeah, I agree, it's really difficult to do the right thing to do especially when there are many oppositions. I wonder if there are still people in the goverment who could still stick to their integrity inspite that there are lot of people who opposed to integrity. I believe and I pray that are still some. It's actually sad when I reflect sometimes and just thought the the only solution to fight against graft and corruption is to sweep out all leader in the goverment and elect new ones by people who only deserve to vote. Not all people in the philippines deserves so. People who deserve are those people who only do the right choice!

Ok... there you go! I will start to believe again that change should start in me and then everybody else around me will change. I bet, this don't happen sometimes. For example, in our office, I always remind myself to be punctual in meeting, deadlines etc but no matter what, there are always people who are late and because they are late, meeting will not start on time. That's how people are in the Philippines. They paid so much empathy for the late comer than those who came on time so meeting will start late. Not a surprise, facilitator are usually the late comer.

Commitment, when you begin, finish it.

Very well said. The meaning really speaks for itself. Ptr. Peter also quoted that Jesus commited His life to us so to commit our life to HIM is a great privelege. Only Christians can fathom what this mean.

Character If reputation is what people thinks about you; character is what God sees about you. This is the very clear definition of what character is. I like what Ptr. Peter Tanchi had also quoted from Abraham Lincoln:

"Nearly all men can stand adversity, if you want to test man's character give him power" -- Abraham Lincoln.

So true! If you are not in the position, it is very easy to judge but when you are already in the position and have the power, it's nearly difficult to make decisions. Character is being tested most of the time. Mindset is one of the big contributor in our character. What we think, becomes our actions, our actions become our habits, habits becomes our character, character becomes our destiny.

New Year... New me...

Last year has been a good year for me... Thanks God! This blog wouldn't have enough space if I will count all my blessings from last year. For this year, I'm not expecting so much but praying for good health for me and my family. More of emotional and of course physical. Actually one of my new year's resolution is to be more mature emotionally when it comes to decision making and my attitude towards everything. I must admit that I still have a childish thing specially when it comes to loosing my temper on simple situation. I still have tantrums and thank's God again that I have my bf who is always there to understand me when this things happen.

To mention some, here are the list of what will pops on my mind:

1. Know my priorities.
2. Learn more patience and understanding.
3. SAVE. Save. Save.
4. Attitude - don't think about what other people will say because at the end of the day, it's not what people say will matter but it's Me!
5. Study more.
6. Read more.

I had so much list but these are what only pops on my mind. I will add some on my next blog.