my complicated life

my hubby's karate club had their christmas gathering today at the corniche ground. i was invited by my hubby to tag along, in order for me to meet his karate friends and at the same time be their "photographer/videographer" as well. kaya pala ako isinama!!! =)

their stint started around 10 AM with individual demonstration of skills and then followed by group demo. they also had a fight match amongst each other. watching my hubby fight was kinda funny. hehe. he looked like a school kid challenged to a fight by a bully. =)

after all the karate show-offs we had lunch together with these karate guys. ang daming food!! we had different meat dishes, pancit, cassava cake, etc. with all these delicacies, me and "baby" in my tummy are happy eventhough we are just guests. hihi.

All,

I would like to thank everyone for their participation in the Open Day yesterday. I think it went very well. We’ll see how many students decide to major in Geoscience. I particularly want to thank Myleen (Great job!), Silvia (Students really seemed to be interested in fossils!), James and his earthquakes, Jovy, Sree, Vicky, Pilar, and the faculty who spent the entire day interacting the students (classes permitting). I can’t overstress how important this kind of activity is in making
Geosciences attractive and interesting.

Thanks again,
Dr. Robert D.
Winn
Director
Petroleum Geosciences

• picnic with friends
• make the long overdue HK video
• buy goodies and send package to the philippines
• buy textile to be made into new clothes and beddings
  
  

gosh, i hope i can accomplish all these at nde na naman umiral ang katamaran ko... hehe.

by Yeng Constantino


Minsan madarama mo kay bigat ng problema

Minsan mahihirapan ka at masasabing "di ko na kaya"

Tumingin ka lang sa langit

Baka sakaling may masumpungan

O di kaya ako'y tawagin

Malalaman mong kahit kailan


Chorus:

Hawak-kamay

Di kita iiwan sa paglakbay

Dito sa mundong walang katiyakan

Hawak-kamay

Di kita bibitawan sa paglalakbay

Sa mundo ng kawalan


Minsan madarama mo

Ang mundo'y gumuho sa ilalim ng iyong mga paa

At ang agos ng problema'y tinatangay ka

Tumingin ka lang sa langit

Baka sakaling may masumpungan

Di kaya ako'y tawagin

Malalaman mong kahit kailan


(Repeat Chorus)


Bridge:

Wag mong sabihin nag-iisa ka

Laging isiping may makakasama

Narito ako oh, Narito ako...


(Repeat Chorus)


Sa mundo ng kawalan

Hawak-kamay, Hawak-kamay

Sa mundo ng kawalan...

i have always love animation with good stories like Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Madagascar, Finding Nemo...etc. Ice Age included!! however, i missed watching the second Ice Age movie. =(

my hubby and me went out today to Hamed Center because he promised me that he's gonna buy Ice Age 2 playstation cd for me and a new controller. naah, he didn't bought the said game version of the movie because i missed the film. he bought it because :

1. i am his avid "uzi" when he was infront of the PS2 console (naawa siguro, hehe),
2. due to lack of coordination between my hands, i just couldn't progress through the PS games that we have. i usually get stuck somewhere (and that somewhere is in Stage 1, hehe),
3. he wants to improve my body (hands specifically) coordination and solve #2,
4. i always sees his "enemies" first when he's playing a game (balak akong gawing kakampi na may saysay), and also
5. he wants our baby to grow-up and be a sniper. mala-anti-terrorist ba. hehe. so, it would be best to train him as early as when he's still at the womb. perhaps he might develop his reflexes na. hihi.

he said that once i got to finish this game, i could start with the Tomb Raider game. Go, go! Lara! =)

• i eat minimum of five (5) meals a day. pero nde rin. i could be this matakaw because my kuya was here in UAE and he keeps cooking good food. no, make that excellent tasting food. masarap talaga magluto si kuya, even the simplest menu he could turn into sumptuous one. hehe, nde naman ako sipsip. kumbaga, magana lang kumain pag may tagaluto. =)
• i can take naps without my hubby forcing me to do so. i am not a nap-loving-type of person. lately, i just take naps if my hubby forces me to take nap when he takes his nap. however, for the past few days i take nap because i am just sooooo sleepy. i take nap in the morning or in the afternoon. pero nde rin. i could be this sleepy because i am always online and sleep late or i was just used to a longer sleeping time during my month-long vacation.
• frequent urination. pero nde rin. well, i used to have this symptom when i had my UTI (urinary tract infection). am i having one again??? is this the consequence of eating too much Boy Bawang??!!! i hope not (peborit ko pa naman na ito). i'd better drink lots water then.
• cramps on my abdomen and swollen breasts. pero nde rin. i am due to have my period that's why i am experiencing these signs.
• feeling nilalagnat. pero nde rin. my hubby says my temperature is the same as his. however, i feel like i don't have the energy and is too tired. naah, nasobrahan lang siguro sa bakasyon. hahaha.
• spotting. i did experienced this for a day or two. it caused me to worry since it could be another hormonal imbalance again. again, because it has happened before. the only difference from the previous occurrence was that this spotting subsided after a few days. could this be another hormonal imbalance thingy? i hope not.

well, could all these be the signs that i am indeed pregnant? if i am, i am worried nonetheless. worried not because of the bodily changes but more of what i have been doing the past month during the suppossed conception.

• i have used an anti-acne cream (with tretinoin) and liquid soap (with salicylic acid). i have been bombarded with pimples kasi without knowing that that these are signs of hormonal changes.
• i have used antibiotic eyedrops for my eye allergies. my eye's previous allergic reaction has re-occurred and i really have no choice.
• i have been eating a lot of oily and junk foods. this is all my fault. sarap kumain eh!

i dunno, what to pray for now. whether to pray to have a baby on the way or to pray not to have one. i hope the Lord grants us whatever is good for the baby.

Note: I have decided to create a separate blog for my pregnancy experiences. i aim to document the things i am going through as an expectant mom to guide future moms, seek advice from certified moms and merely to share the moments with my friends. please refer to www.preggymai.blogspot.com.

this book composed of story-telling chapters of David about the eccentricities of his family and himself. i think i have to re-read this book since i wasn't able to grasp the author's message and what he was trying to convey. funny instances were captured funnier though.

this wasn't my first e-book reading accomplishment. however, from my new e-book collections i have decided to read this yesterday because bookworms have commented that this was a funny one. in order to encourage myself to actually delve into book reading, i might as well start with a not-so-boring story. and guess what, i finished it after just two days!! excluding the Secret Garden, Daddy-Long-Legs and Shrouded Hearts which i read during spare time a couple of weeks back, this book was officially my first e-book since i started getting seriously back into reading. seriously means reading even if i am on a taxi, at work or while watching tv. =)


the book was written by Sophie Kinsella. it was about an ordinary, charming gal named Emma Corrigan who frantically turned her life upside-down when she confesses her secrets to a stranger she seated beside with on a plane and who later turned out to be her company's living founder -- Jack Harper, the big boss.

she then faced an uncomfortable office days when Jack stayed at their office and recognized her. eventually, revealing her secrets one by one! however, little did Emma realized that she is gradually falling for him to the point of breaking up with her boyfriend Connor. Emma and Jack found themselves together despite the uneasiness Emma felt that the latter seems not willing to share his life story with her.

the story progresses with twists and turns: Emma's confronting her family, Jack's revelation of Emma's secrets on national television, the unwanted help Emma got from her roommate Jemima, etc. however, the story ended with Jack and Emma resolving the differences and doubts between them. finding themselves more fascinated and in love with each other.

verdict: the story was kakilig-kilig at makulet! hihi

my officemates, alfred and jess, thought of teaching me tennis today. kulet nila eh but then, nagpapilit na rin ako because i wanna try out if i can manage this sport or not. and since, i don't have anyone to play badminton with, i might as well shift into another sport that i would have playmates.

right after office work, we went to our newly-constructed gym with sasi, a fellow technician. the building has four separate gyms that can be set-up depending on the sport that you want to play. it is also fully air-conditioned, with sound system, pull down/up benches for audience, very clean changing rooms with lockers, retractable hoop&ring for basketball... in short, high-tech amenities.

the lesson started with proper holding of the racket, then the correct arm position and later on with the techniques on how to make topspin. i had no problem with making topspin, however, i don't do well with control and also receiving. sobrang lakas ng tira pero mabagal (weird noh) at hindi ko masambot yung tira nung kalaban. hehe. aahh. kelan kaya ako magiging athletic??!!!! i was just a second-rate, trying hard, copy cat version of friends who are into sports. =(

after 2 hours, i was exhausted and naliligo sa pawis. but then, enjoy huh. ewan ko lang bukas, kasi for sure masakit kasu-kasuan ko nito. hihi.

just before the graduation tomorrow, our director thought of giving lunch to the first graduates of our department today at Al Raha Beach Hotel. it was about 20-minutes drive from PI. the hotel lobby itself was far better than Gulf Hotel or Crowne Plaza. the food, which was a buffet lunch, was sumptous as well. i really love the shrimp! hehe. kaya lang, medyo pa shy-effect pa ako kaya konti lang nakain. =)

the whole staff was invited but some chose not to join. ewan ko ba sa department namin, walang unity. well, i don't blame them. i also don't wanna go in the first place. kaya lang, RW really wants me to change from the shy myleen to a bolder one. if it's not for the promotion i was nominated for, nde ako sasama eh. but then, kailangan eh... and so, i went.

yesterday's dress rehearsal has been a laughing stock for the audience. and i kinda feel humiliated as well for i also made mistakes. after a late night practice, i suggested to my partner that we do some extra practice before the actual event so as to have fresh minds and not to forget the steps.

so, my partner dropped by the flat around 4PM and we had an extra run-through of the steps. it took us about 10 rounds before we finally had everything perfect. we called off the practice after 3 perfect performances and he went ahead to prepare for the choir call time at 5 PM infront of Al Salama Hospital.

i reached the assembly area around 5:15PM already as i cried pa before leaving home. i was really expecting my hubby to accompany me to the National Threatre. but then, he declined and said he'd rather stop by the theatre before the show starts. kainis sobra! so, i had to rush and catch the bus at the meeting place! buti na lang, i was not the last person to arrive.

the troop was able to reach the theatre around 5:45PM. we had a short practice outside the hall. it was around 7pm when the shows started. we sang the Lupang Hinirang right after the UAE National Anthem. after around 5 more presentations from other groups, we performed Ang Aming Dasal. i performed well naman, no mistakes. however, my partner seemed to be a lost sheep back there. hay naku, our practice had been all for nothing. deep inside, nakakainis. but then, what can i do? the damage has been done, ika nga. afterall, i know he also did not wish to forgot the steps.

right after the Ang Aming Dasal, we shifted places for the Gandang Sinauna song. this, i was not so proud of myself. i have forgotten some lyrics din kasi. hay, iba talaga pag performance time na. it's either you make or break. well, i hope our performance didn't turn out to be so ugly or funny. as per my hubby's observation, it's not bad after all...

1. make the HK video that's long overdue. =)
2. get etisalat install the Al Shamil unlimited internet connection.
3. make my blog projects.
4. general cleaning of the house.
5. bake?? =) or learn sewing? ok, ok. at least, learn how to turn the sewing machine ON. ;p
6. enroll in French class. haha. i wish!
7. take driving lessons (hmm... the last of the list though, since i have not convinced myself into doing (most appropriate word: financing?) this. well, not unless somebody will sponsor the fees for the lessons then i will be fully convinced. hehe).

well, as to how many of the items included in the list will get to be done is another question. =) let's see....

• destruction made to almal mats are irreversible;
• mangroves live only in saltwater;
• mangrove roots stick themselves out into the sands/soil to get the needed hydration for the tree to survive;
• mangrove leaves perspire salt crystals;
• some parasite plants live around mangroves because they need the desalinized water around and due to the magroves;
• anhydrite forms from salt water and when temperature is above 80 degrees Celsius;
• halite forms from saltwater and when temperature is 50 degrees and below.

The Virgo Woman

The Virgo female usually has a strongly developed maternal instinct and makes for a very devoted wife and mother. Counted among the best housekeepers, she is economical (in short, matipid at kuripot, hehe) and delights in having her home and personal belongings tasteful as well as elegant. This is a woman who will be extremely precise...even to the point of fussiness (medyo korek!). Clean and chaste in thought, most Virgo females display expressions of purity and virtue. There is normally a certain fascinating sweetness lingering in the eyes and about the mouth. Females governed by this Sign love those who are pure in mind and who possess characters which are just and true (i really hate backbiters!). Thus, they tend to dislike the baser instincts associated with the male population and are apt to find marriage something of a disappointment.

Nonetheless, the magnetism of the Virgo woman is very marked and once she has gained an influence over another person, she will rule absolutely (talk about having my way, hehe). Although the heart of this female will not go out to the world in general, she is likely to be very loving and affectionate toward those of whom she is fond. If one single word could describe the Virgo woman, it would probably be discriminating. She demands action rather than words and quickly seeks commitment in any relationship (sobrang true!).

With a love of finery, dress, society and display, women who fall under the jurisdiction of Virgo will resort to any honorable means in order to gratify their desires in these areas. Likely to be a leader of fashion...if circumstances permit...she will always show excellent taste in the selection of wearing apparel. These women harbor much respect for the beautiful coupled with an outstanding perception of color, which often develops into artistic talent and may be displayed in their use of a needle, brush and pencil. Floral arrangements and home decoration are their particular specialities. This female is blessed with a quick and accurate eye which enables her to excel in any profession which utilizes such gifts. This woman is not one to be trifled with and she truly knows what she is all about. It would be a grave mistake to underestimate this female. She will set goals and overcome any odds to achieve them. The most enlightened Virgo woman is one who has developed both her intellectual and spiritual sides. Such a female is extremely powerful, magnetic and charming (ahem, ahem)...one who could possibly sway an entire nation, if not the entire world.

Acccommodating and adjustable, this woman may basically be a shy individual, but such will not deter her from overcoming life's obstacles. If some flaw or imperfection is perceived in a relationship, then she will have no hesitation in breaking the bond (yep, yep!). When annoyed, females who fall under the jurisdiction of this Sign can be shrewd and fussy (kaya, don't mess with me, hehe) and they are certainly nobody's fool. However, this woman can be won over with grace and taste rather than physical charms. The approach to life here is direct. Virgo women can be pessimistic and critical souls but somewhat earthy in their judgments. This is one of the few female types of the Zodiac who can be trusted in every way.

Often possessing the reasoning powers customarily associated with males, the Virgo oman refuses to adopt a veneer of helpless feminine charm...although she is usually feminine in appearance. Severe in her moral judgments, this woman is frequently good at hiding such, presenting a smiling face to the world and always pleasant on the surface. By no means a spoil-sport, being tolerant and wise in many ways, the Virgo female does possess such high standards for herself that she often seethes with inner tension. In addition, this woman will probably have a tendency toward hypochondria. She is so centered on being perfect that she is inclined to imagine ailments and diseases whenever she feels the slightest bit out of sorts. In truth, however, the Virgo female rarely requires medicine at all and usually lives a long and useful life...frequently appearing much younger than she actually is.

Intellectual by nature and blessed with a gift of language...or even the powers of a retentative memory which helps her pass examinations...this female is something of an academic type which can be threatening to many ordinary males. Nonetheless, this is a woman who does possess sex-appeal and is often counted among the prettiest females of the Zodiac. She will also be lively and vivacious well into old age. The woman governed by Virgo will have a quick and alert mind but can be something of a snob. Regardless, she respects all the old-fashioned virtues and is one of most subtle and delicately cast women of the entire Zodiac. As a mother, she will be relatively indulgent, taking infinite pains to understand her children. As a wife, she will constantly strive for perfection in every way...backing her partner in each endeavor while making every effort to be self-effacing.

song by Gary Valenciano


Lately I've been winning battles left and right
But even winners can get wounded in the fight
People say that I'm amazing
I'm strong beyond my years
But they don't see inside of me
I'm hiding all the tears


Chorus:
They don't know that I come running home when I fall down
They don't know who picks me up when no one is around
I drop my sword and cry for just a while
(Look up for His smile)
'Coz deep inside this armor
The warrior is a child
(Aahhh)


Unafraid because His arrow is the best
But even soldiers need a quiet place to rest
People say that I'm amazing
I never face retreat, oh no
But they don't see the enemies
That lay me at His feet


Chorus:
They don't know that I come running home when I fall down
They don't know who picks me up when no one is around
I drop my sword and cry for just a while
(Look up for His smile)
'Coz deep inside this armor
The warrior is a child
(Aahhh)


They don't know that I come running home when I fall down
They don't know who picks me up when no one is around
I drop my sword and cry for just a while
(Look up for His smile)
'Coz deep inside this armor
The warrior is a child
(Aahhh)

the girls with the driver...tsansing pa si mokong..hehe

fine sands + coarse travel + me = great time

the sand grains captured in photo

the girls... pose lang ng pose! hehe

henna painting is an art. it combines symmetry and assemetry and still turns up beautiful. the painter is an arabic lady. she's nice and very accommodating although some arabic little girls tends to break into the queue. letting the girls cuts into the line or have a separate line in their culture, has its disadvantages din pala. no wonder, they grow up wanting to always have their way. they don't have patience to wait for their turn.

"the sheikh and sheikha"

the safari goers! craving for more!

we were able to get back to dubai city centre, around 10:30 PM. got to abu dhabi around 12:30 AM the next day... exhausted but fulfilled! we had a grand (arabic) time!

• have an Outreach program for the less-fortunate kids;
• visit Nagcarlan, Laguna to see their church and re-invent Imang by ringing the church bells; =)
• go to Ilocos and Corregidor for my historical tour of the north;
• see my former 1-O classmates and prepare ice cream for them; =)
• see my friends (Jen, Jazz, Elaine, Tuning) and meet their children/hubbies, which ever is applicable;
• see Recana family and have a chat;
• go mountain climbing and feel revived!
• meet former officemates (the QA folks of IPI and Design of VPII);
• scout the metro for possible business venture in the future; and
• forgetting to buy the Levi's jeans that i owe myself!

however, the month long vacation was well-spent anyway and worth it. how come? with those few days, i was ABLE to:

• spent overseas trip with my parents and sister;
• be with my friend Me-an when she needs me most;
• scout for church and venue for the future church wedding;
• learned how to cook kare-kare, the traditional way;
• finally get in touch with some of my 1-O classmates (Agnes, Ariel, Jasper and Maricel);
• got a taste of taho, siopao, siomai, fresh lumpia, etc. my favorite things! =) and
• most importantly, have myself checked by my doctors.

with the long list of regrets vs. my achievements, that made me conclude that a month is not enough. i'd definitely use up all of my vacation privileges next year! hehe.

we went back to Central area via the ferry boat from TST. from the TwoIFC mall (this mall was said to be as tall as the Petronas of Malaysia. nde naman pala kataasan, diba?) , we searched for the Mid-level Escalators which was not difficult to do since directions were posted every step of the way. this escalator was included in the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest covered escalator. galing! the escalators were connected until it brings you up the Soho area.

nanay and tatay... all smiles din!