More Plarking!

I continued to play and work today (hence, "plark" as mentioned in previous post).

I keep discovering new word games and they are all fun!

I got to chat with a top executive of an ad agency and told him, one of my frustrations is to be a copywriter. I don't want to waste my writing skills and "corniness"! Ha ha. He advised me to moonlight with ad agencies. I was waiting for him to say that his agency would try me out, but he didn't. Oh well, someday...

So, I decided that I will do creative exercises in the meantime. I just want to expand my horizons, and make full use of my brain (but not to the extent of being drained, of course).

I also got to chat with a female pastor, my nephew (who is also my godson), and a popular director. I just love FB!

Last night, I watched "Knight and Day" and enjoyed it thoroughly. What would you expect from a movie starring Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz? Full of action, some humor, and a bit of romance. My kind of movie.

Mom wanted tartar sauce with her fish fillet but didn't know how. Solution is simple! I searched the net and watched a YouTube video on "how to make tartar sauce". When I visited another site, it was practically the same recipe plus 3 other versions.

Want to know how to make tartar sauce? Ingredients are one cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice (calamansi would do I guess), 1 tablespoon pickle relish, 1 tablespoon finely chopped red onion, then season with salt and pepper. Put in ref for one hour before use.

I think it's high time I really learn how to cook. I will start with simple recipes. But I'm crossing my fingers, hoping this isn't going to be another "ningas kugon" (the closest translation I can think of is "touch and go").

My sister and niece visited. They brought me some tempura. Yehey! I have something for dinner already.

Mom went out this morning till early afternoon so she left me with P100 for lunch. I ordered beef kaldereta, rice and Coke Zero. Great!

My mom's masahista (masseuse) came today and massaged her from head to foot (not necessarily in that order). So, I need not massage my mom's feet today.

I texted my new friend saying "thank you" for the visit, the cake, and for paying the notary fee. I told him to feel free to drop by again when he is in the vicinity. He said, yes, he plans to visit again. Nice!

Embarrassing

Last Friday and today, I am ashamed to say that I poohed on my bed. Poor mom! You see, I could not get up right away, not aware that I already had shit in my underwear. Ewww! I took a bath in the morning of both days.

I finished reading "Deadly Grace". Nice book. I started reading "Teeth of the Tiger" by Tom Clancy. Many characters but looks interesting.

My sister dropped by last Friday to bring food from Goldilocks - fresh lumpia and pancit palabok. Palatable enough.

You see, these days, I find myself feeling like puking. I haven't been eating much rice and fried food.

I watched "Master of Disguise". It's a comedy but I didn't like the humor that much though it had a story worth sticking around till the end.

I have been playing online scrabble and crossword puzzles. Keeps my mind busy.

Yes, the pain is getting less and less each day. Yehey.

Praise God!

Celebrating Easter

I remember when my son was very young, we would go to my ninang's place. She and her family would have an Easter egg hunt and what fun we had searching for eggs in the garden!

These days, my son is too old for egg hunts. In fact, he was not able to attend our family get-together because he had to go to work.

I wore the pants that mom gave me. Funny, she bought it not knowing it was for pregnant women. (That's how big my tummy is.)

Food was inihaw na liempo (a big hit), KFC chicken, lasagna, manggang hilaw with bagoong, ripe mangoes, chicharon, suman, and mais con hielo.

Pictures were taken, as often the case.

All too soon, people had to go places. But next week, we are going to Tagaytay for our summer outing. Yehey.

-----
Here are some nice messages, I received through text:

1) Always make your future greater than your past, always make your contribution greater than your reward, always make your gratitude greater than your success, always see God greater than yourself!

2) As Christians, we take delight in the gift of knowing Jesus shed His blood to save and to set us free. Let's rejoice for this is the day the Lord has made!

3) Put God on top of everything today, and let HIM take charge of all your plans. Then you will see how beautiful His ways are and how unending His love is.

4) Nothing pleases the Lord as much as praise. Thank God for the countless blessings He has bestowed on you. Praise Him even for the trials in your life, which are actually blessings in disguise.

-------
The other day, I watched a movie entitled "Ghosts of Girlfriends Past". I almost did not continue viewing it because the lead role was such a chauvinist p**, obnoxious and all. But then, I endured and turns out it was not a bad movie after all. One of the few guy flicks I've seen.

-------
I was in a bikini. On a beach. When suddenly I had to go...as in go to the bathroom! I couldn't resist it anymore so I...how shall we call it..."went" right there on the beach.

Was I embarrassed? Don't think so.

I was only about 3 years old then. Ha ha.
--------

Mid-Life Crisis and More

I was cleaning up my inbox when I saw the following food for thought from a friend regarding mid-life crisis:

"I think it becomes a crisis only when one loses direction. At midlife, one get's slapped with the reality of one's mortality and you become aware of a gnawing ache in the heart that will keep you searching for something you can not explain... the restlessness becomes overpowering.. and then you realize that what you are looking for is the peace that only God can give."

Beautiful and profound, don't you think?

--------
I started doing my FGD report. I'm excited about it because I love coming up with diagrams.

The last two groups were rescheduled for next Friday. Yehey. That means I don't have to hurry from Batangas to Dasmariñas Village tomorrow. I have a ride already to and from the party which is the 50th birthday celebration of Maryknollers in my batch. As of last count, there will be 45 attendees. It would be fun!

--------
I had lunch with my friend-client. It's her birthday treat for me. Almost a month late. We ate at Tong Yang along Quezon Avenue. It was eat and drink all you can, shabu-shabu. I enjoyed the food. But we couldn't finish it all.

--------
I watched "I Love You, Goodbye" starring Angelica Panganiban, Gabby Concepcion and Derek Ramsay. Not bad. Good enough for me to watch till the end, even when mom was calling to dinner already.
--------
Here's a beautiful picture:

Back to Scriptwriting

Last night, I watched a nice romantic comedy entitled "When in Rome", starring Kristen Bell and Josh Duhamel. Not a dull moment. Enjoyed the movie a lot. Wouldn't mind watching it again.

------
Good news. My friend asked me to write scripts for television again. At least one script a month isn't bad. It's additional income. Yehey.

Funny Movie Last Night, Good Deed Today

I had the good fortune of watching a funny movie last night, entitled "Major Movie Star", starring Jessica Simpson. She plays Megan Valentine, a movie star specializing in comedy who nobody takes seriously, not even her boyfriend (who turns out to be gay and sleeping with her manager). Her uncle spends all her money so she's broke.

So, she decides to join the US Army. But being used to being pampered, she brings her group to all sort of extra trouble. Her training officer hates her and so does most of the other recruits. Megan wants out but she has already signed a contract with the government.

As the movie progresses, Megan gets close to a few other girls. Just when things get cozy, Megan's agent comes to the "rescue", upon discovering that Megan was not given a physical and aptitude exam before signing the contract. She leaves, leaving her new friends bitter.

Megan, now grown up, decides to finish what she started. She does return and finishes with amazing flourish.

And oh, there's a romantic angle with a male training officer. He's cute.

I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. Praise God for free good movies on television.
---------
Today, my mom's "masahista" (masseuse) came. She was saying that her children were begging her for macaroni salad and fruit salad. So, mom and I gave her several ingredients for both salads, plus spaghetti. There was mayonnaise, elbow macaroni, cheese, pickles, pineapple chunks/tidbits, raisins, fruit cocktail, all-purpose cream, condensed milk, spaghetti sauce, and spaghetti pasta. I'm sure her family will be very happy!

It feels good doing a good deed.

Romantic Drama

Last night, I watched a romantic drama (for a change), entitled "Love Happens", starring Jennifer Aniston and Aaron Eckhart. There were funny moments. It was good, but not great. End of review.







------
I spent the most part of today doing a questionnaire. I enjoyed working on it. It's nice to have a new project (and source of income).

------
We had spaghetti for lunch today. My verdict? Could be better but I appreciate my mom's culinary efforts.

So for dinner, she improved on the spaghetti. Less sweet. More sour. Result? More delectable!
-------
Humor:

Last Thursday, mom and my son went to the grocery. I asked mom to buy me Rexona deodorant, any variant (kahit ano).

When they returned, she gave me the deodorant, same brand but of a different variant than the one I was using. She said she looked for "kahit ano" but couldn't find it. He he.

Don't you hate it when you're trying to recall a joke but cannot remember it?
Well, today (or was it yesterday?), mom cracked a joke. A pun, actually so I enjoyed it. But for some reason, I can't remember it! Oh well, as soon as I recall it, I will post it in this blog. Ha ha.

Work and Play

Work came in late today. So it's a working night for me!

On Friday, I will be meeting with a client on another project.

It's great to be working again!

--------
I have been playing scrabble in FB and my average is now 47%. Yehey. Slowly but surely I want to go beyond 50%.

Yesterday, I watched "Picture Perfect" starring Jennifer Aniston and Kevin Bacon. I like the romantic comedy because it's about honesty.

Tomorrow, I will be having lunch with some friends. It's bonding time.



--------
A little bit of humor:

On the day I gave birth, I went to the Delgado Clinic to choose a room. I just chose a small room to save on money.

I put under general anesthesia because I gave birth by Caesarian section. So, when I woke up, I was already inside my room but a much bigger one than the one I chose.

My first words? Instead of inquiring about my baby, I asked, "Magkano 'to?" (How much is this?)

"Greedy"

Does dreaming about winning the lotto make one greedy? I can only dream because I don't even have money to buy lotto tickets!

Anyway, I just watched a movie by Michael J. Fox and Kirk Douglas entitled "Greedy". About a rich uncle pursued by his greedy nephews and nieces. Nice one. Funny and I like the nice twist of an ending.

-------

Got to work today. I didn't expect the project although it's just a small one. I was able to finish in just a few hours. Every project counts. Thank You, Lord!

-------

I resolve to study the Bible more thoroughly alone and with my son. It could draw the two of us closer together and towards God.

Another Filipino Movie

I had time to watch another Filipino movie today, entitled, "April, May, June". It was written by Jose Javier Reyes and directed by Manny Castañeda. The leading roles were played by Agot Isidro, Chin Chin Guttierez and Alma Concepcion.

It's about three friends (named April, May and June) and their relationships with their husbands/boyfriend. I think I've seen the movie before but I didn't mind seeing it again. Some drama, but not too much. Enough funny moments. And a happy ending. My kind of movie.

-------

I look at pictures in FB and I just love those my friend posts about his trip in the US. It's autumn there so I found the colors of the trees so lovely!

Then, my niece posted pictures of food - cakes of different kinds! Yummy!

-------

October has been a very lean month. Despite that, I turned down a project I am not qualified for. I don't want to over-commit myself and not be able to deliver.

God will provide.

Nicolas, Scrabble, and an Interview

Last Saturday, I watched a movie entitled, "Gone in 60 Seconds". It's an old movie but I have yet to watch a Nicolas Cage film that I didn't like. I'm not fond of action films but one that stars Nicolas gets my attention.

I have been playing scrabble at Facebook and sometimes I win, most times I lose. That's because I play against "veterans" who have played hundreds of games and have won more than 50% of the time! Oh well, as time goes on, I will improve my playing skills. Not to mention grow my vocabulary.

This afternoon, a headhunter interviewed me over the phone. Talk about saving time and energy! It lasted for 45 minutes. I think I did pretty well. I was very honest, especially about illnesses. I am hoping they won't take those against me. The company is a multinational FMCG but the location is far! As far as Faranacue! Haha.

Hope I get the job! The headhunter said I'm their only candidate. But then again, the employer is using other executive search firms. So I need a lot of prayers, folks!

Nice Movie, Long Title

Recently, I watched a nice movie in my favorite genre - romantic comedy. It has a long title which I can barely remember...something like "When He is NOT into You". There are several characters but the stars are Jennifer Aniston, Ben Affleck and Drew Barrymore. Not a dull moment. Interesting stories. Not everyone ended up happy which is okay and just like real life. My kind of movie.

I really enjoy editing and revising reports. Marica was pleased with my output she will try to resend one of her reports which I revised. Hopefully, we can work together in coming up with reports for her clients.

I started working on a project which is due September 10. Mostly, I downloaded stuff from the Internet. It's not my usual kind of thing but I am willing to do any kind of work these days...well, almost any.

Got the chance to chat with a number of friends today - with Jobert, with a Maryknoller, with a data processor, with a former student, with a Client-friend, with a college friend. Good to catch up on the latest.

I'm eating chicken inasal tonight! Can't wait!

DVD and Manna

I watched a DVD today, entitled "You Don't Mess with The Zohan", starring Adam Sandler. Funny but green. No boring moment.
---------
Last year, we were given eight checks of P2,000 each for my Velcade treatment. My mom was able to encash two only when she misplaced the other six. Then, about a month ago, she found the checks. But since they were a year late, the bank didn't honor them. Last night, I called up a friend to ask if the giver the checks would be willing to replace them. My friend said she will call up our common friend.

And today, I was informed that the giver willingly offered to replace all the checks. Praise God!

The other good news is that my brother is donating the money needed for my Thalidomide good for one month.
---------
I chatted with my friend tonight. She was in need of some marketing research agencies she could contact. I gave her a list of five firms and they have hired me as consultant. So, I may end up working on my friend's project in the end.

Cellphone Lost...

My mom went home from mass and grocery shopping, anxious. She couldn't find her cellphone! She must have left it in SM.

So all through lunch, she kept praying, "Lord, St. Anthony, please..."

She was about to dress up again when she thought of looking through her other bag. And lo and behold! Her cellphone!

Turns out she thought she had her phone all along in the bag she brought but it was in her other bag. Thank You, Lord!

-------------
Last night, mom and I watched an old movie. A movie so old we had forgotten, we had watched it already. The title? "Die Hard", starring Bruce Willis. Made in 1988, the year my son was born.

We didn't mind staying up late watching the movie. Very exciting, suspenseful, action-packed.

I wonder what's showing tonight?

A Movie, A Visit from a Friend, and my Beloved Mom

Today, I watched a DVD of "The Other Boleyn Girl" starring Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johannson, and Eric Bana. "The ambitious Anne Boleyn and her sister Mary rival for the bed and heart of King Henry VIII", says the DVD cover. An interesting, moving film altogether.

A friend visited me today. I couldn't offer her anything but a listening ear and some food. She wasn't actually sad. She just wanted to see me. My friend talked about her son, her family, her chatmates/textmates. I'm glad she passed by.

My mom is sooooh sweet! I've been begging her to make me spaghetti and her famous chicken salad. Today, she made both. The spaghetti isn't bad and the chicken salad is great as usual. I feel so blessed to have a mom like her!

Date with My Son/Lunch with a Friend

Finally, for what seemed ages, I went out with my one and only child/son. We just watched a movie, "Inception" (starring Leonardo DiCaprio) at Gateway. We arrived just when the film was starting. It was kinda deep, I must admit, but pretty okay. I had wanted to eat out. After all, we were already in the mall. And I had some money. But my son just wanted to go home. Awww, too bad. Maybe next time.

Today, I had lunch with a friend who owns a marketing research agency. We ate in Zensho, eat-all-you-can Japanese food. There was sashimi, sushi, sukiyaki, kani salad, ebi tempura, hagedashi tofu, fish fillet, oysters, etc. We were not able to finish all the food.

Conversation was about business, family, the Mores Congress, and more.

Two projects came in today. And more are coming. Thank God!

A Movie, A Book, and A Telenovela

Last Sunday, I watched "Angels and Demons", starring Tom Hanks. I've read the book by Dan Brown. I prefer the book but the movie isn't bad. It did justice to the book, I would say.

Finally, last night I finished reading "Last Man Standing" by David Baldacci. It took me months to read the book. I don't know. It's not a page-turner until the last third. I'm glad I completed it. Turned out to be worth reading after all.

From Monday to Friday these days, mom and I look forward to watching "Magkaribal" in Channel 2. I like it because my current crush, Derek Ramsey, is there. Also, the story is interesting and exciting. There are funny moments, too.

As I write this, I have just taken a bath. I am so glad we don't have problem with water here where we live. So many people in the metropolis don't have water. That would be torture for me! Thank God for precious water!

Almost Done

I'm almost through with my report. I just have to embellish it a bit and do the conclusions.

My blood sugar has gone down to a better level. My weight is also lower. Yahoo!

I got to talk over the phone to my cousin who is based in the US. She is here to celebrate her mom's 80th birthday. I am eager to see her! Hope we can see each other soon.

Last night, I watched a movie entitled, "Obsessed". It's about this sexy vamp of a woman who was out to get another woman's (Beyonce's) husband. The movie had such an impact on me it kept playing in my mind as I was about to go to sleep.