Of Typhoons, Projects, and a Party

Since my last post, strong typhoons had hit the Philippines. Much devastation in many places. People, including, children have died. No electricity. Makes me sad. I pray for those who have suffered and are still suffering because of storms.

On a happier note, the reason I haven't been able to blog is that I have been busy. With what?

- I applied for WriterBay. I had to take a grammar and citation style test (I got 27 out of 30) questions. I was asked to upload my college diploma (I asked my son to scan it for me) and I proudly uploaded it. And I was tasked to write a sample essay. So, at first, I researched and came up with an essay which was mostly second-hand information. But when I inquired, I was supposed to express my personal views on the topic which is: What are the reasons behind the success of long-running TV series like M.A.S.H. So, I watched a total of 8 episodes online and enjoyed it thoroughly. Soooh funny. I was able to revise my essay and got accepted! So far, I applied for three cases and finished one, which was immediately approved by client. Yey. Now I have another sideline!

- I revised the questionnaire for an online survey that has been approved. Later at 11am, I will meet with Clients in Makati.

- I came up with categories on the answers to open-ended questions for one of my ongoing projects.

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For today and tomorrow, aside from my meeting, I will revise a report, attend to my writing assignment/s, and if I still have time, prepare a discussion guide for an FGD.

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Yesterday, a friend came to visit but he couldn't stay long since he had an appointment with his dietitian. He underestimated traffic. I had to remind him it was Friday and payday. He was sweet enough to bring food from Red Ribbon - spaghetti and ensaymada.

Then in the evening, I attended a party in Makati. A friend based abroad is in town so members of our college gang got together. What fun! There were jokes, "alaskahan" (ridiculing of one another and even of friends who were not around) and light talk. Occasionally, we discussed serious matters like the government and taxes.

Food was great - pasta, salad, longganisa flakes, and roasted chicken. We also had two kinds of cake for dessert. Drinks were plentiful - softdrinks, water, beer and wine.

Of course, there was a lot of picture-taking.

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Hope I would be able to post again soon. See ya!

Back from the Hospital

Missed me? I just came back from a six-day stay in the hospital. I had bilateral pneumonia, meaning both lungs were infected.

I was on IV the whole time so I did not get to take a bath. Eew!

I just ate, watched TV, read books and slept.

I finished reading "Hide and Seek" by James Patterson and "Digital Fortress" by Dan Brown. I enjoyed both books (especially the latter). Very thrilling. The one I'm reading right now, "Black Friday" (by James Patterson again) looks just as suspenseful.

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Among the movies I watched were...

..."Lies and Illusions" starring Christian Slater and Cuba Gooding, Jr. Action-filled movie with enough humor and a little romance.

..."12 Rounds" starring John Cena and Aidan Gillen. Also an action film, through and through.

..."Shanghai", starring John Cusack, Yun Fat Chow, Li Gong and Ken Watanabe. A period film during the war. Interesting. Some gory scenes though.

..."Bringing Down the House" starring Steve Martin and Queen Latifah. Comedy, of course. I've seen it before but didn't mind watching it again.

"The Honeymooners" starring Cedric the Entertainer and Mike Epps. Yes, I was thoroughly entertained by this comedy.

..."I Think I'm In Love" starring Joyce Jimenez and Piolo Pascual. Love story with a bit of comedy and drama. I missed the last part though because mom had to watch the news.

..."You are the One" starring Toni Gonzaga and Sam Milby. A romantic comedy. Enjoyable to watch.

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My sisters in community visited me last Saturday. They prayed over me, gave food and some financial help. Bless them!

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It's great to be back! I immediately checked my inbox which reached over 100 emails. But I quickly went through each item.

No work came in so I still have time to rest.

Now, I shall take a bath, at long last!