New Home

It's done!

I'm an official residence of BF Homes, Paranaque since last Thursday. It was such a difficult move. It took me 4 cars and a 4 wheeler truck to bring all my stuff from Mandaluyong to BF. I'm half unpacked and there's still 4 boxes that I need to figure out where to put.

Once I get my laptop installed properly, I'll post a picture of my half-fixed room.

I miss my family. But well, they'll survive. I'll survive.

Anyway, I'll post more once I settle in.

Room Makeover

I'll be moving to BF by the end of the month, or after the baptism of my niece (which would also be my goddaughter. Yep. I'm going to be a "ninang" for the 11th time). We might be moving on the 31st. By August 1, I'll be in a new room. Any ideas again on how to design my new room would be very much welcome.

I'll post photos next week. The room is located at 2nd floor and towards the back of the house (back-corner right if you're facing the house). It's bigger than my current room. There's already a king-sized bed there, four closets and there's still room left to spare. Since it's a corner room, there are windows on two walls. The windows are made of capiz shells.

The room needs all the good vibes that it needs. It's former occupant is my cousin who had a falling-out with his mom (my aunt) and he moved out to live with our grandparents. I'm thinking of lighting scented candles or putting some religious images or something. I dunno. I'm actually clueless when it comes to room designing. *sigh*

It's Really Gonna Happen!

All the while, I had doubts that my plans will be well-received by my family. I was surprised and touched that they were actually very supportive and understanding.

When I talked with my Dad yesterday, he actually agreed with me. When he brought me to the office this morning, he admitted to me that he'll miss me. I wanted to cry when he said that, instead, I choked down the tears and told him I'll still visit him at Makati. I always knew that I was a Daddy's girl but to hear my dad say he'll miss me really broke my heart. To think I'm not yet getting married. No doubt I'll be a walking faucet when/if my wedding date comes.

I called my sister-in-law to my room this evening so we can discuss finances. When I asked if her if she knew my reasons for moving, she said that she was not told, however, she somehow had an idea that I would want to start saving (I actually have NIL savings now). I started crying then because I felt so guilty for leaving them like that. What made me cry harder was when she said they understood why I chose to move out and even supports my decision. I'll be staying with them until they can find a new apartment and then I'll finally be moving to BF. I checked our rental contract and it says that we have until the end of August to do that.

It looks like I underestimated my sister-in-law because she knows how to handle finances. I asked her how they managed to budget their forthcoming household expenses a nd the figures, justifications and solutions that she gave me were downright logical. I gave her an assignment of cataloguing our furniture so we'll know which item will go where. By the time we move, our furniture will be going to three places - Makati (for storage), their new apartment (wherever that maybe) and BF. I've already identified the pieces which I will bringing with me.

I'll miss my siblings. We became closer and forged our ties when our parents separated. Being the eldest child, I became their surrogate mother and advisor. We cried together, got mad together and laughed together. But it's time I live my own life. My siblings are all married--our youngest sibling and our only brother has a wife and child, my youngest sister is pregnant and living with her husband in QC, while my twin sister is just waiting until she graduates and she'll be leaving for the US on May next year. I should be glad that they're all starting to settle down with their respective families. It is indeed time that I should start preparing for my own.

Newly Laid Plans

I left BF today. I was almost in tears before I left the house because I had to say goodbye to my aunt. She was here for 10 days and we spent 7 days out of those 10 days together. I will truly miss her.

On the eve of her departure, the three of us (Auntie Norie, Auntie Rosa and me) talked about my life. (In their words, I'm the "favorite" niece in the father's side of my family. For whatever reason, I have no idea.) When they learned how much I was spending for our household expenses, they were shocked, actually, so was I. When Cheryll moved out, she and her husband still continued to contribute to the household budget, but when Cheryll became pregnant, they begged off from their contribution since they had to save for their baby. Of course, it would not be right of me to pitch a fit, so I absorbed the deficit. When I computed it again last night, I was surprised to know that I was spending 20% more than what was budgetted for me. Moreover, 65% of my income is going to the family expenses. I was even told that what I'm doing is unfair for me since the people that I'm supporting are already married. By all rights, they should be supporting themselves (and their respective families), instead of me. Auntie Rosa even offered her spare room to me in case I would want to move to BF. Basically, I would be by myself while my siblings will be left on their own.

I couldn't sleep last night after we had that talk. I really wanted to move to BF. Transportation is not a problem and my auntie already waived any rentals (I did insist that I'll have DSL installed and pay for it). Moreover, I get to spend more time with my favourite godson and Leo's residence is nearer too! Best of all, I get to save! It's really very advantageous for me to move to the South, but I have to think of the repercussions.

I very well cannot, in my conscience, just desert my siblings like that. Right now, I'm supporting my youngest sibling (and his family), as well as my twin sister. I have no problems with my twin sister since she's leaving for the States by March next year. That leaves my brother and his family. I'm going to talk with my dad tomorrow and propose to him my solution. I'll install my brother and his family at our grandparent's house in Makati where my Dad is also residing. My twin sister can also move to our relatives near her school where she can stay for the time-being. Our current maid can also move with my siblings to Makati where she can serve as nanny for the baby. I think I have it figured out. Hopefully my dad will agree to my proposal. He might balk since moving to BF would mean he won't be seeing much of me. I have to ensure that I'll visit him at least once a week.

I hope I did not forget to factor anything in making my decision. I really do hope that this will push through.

Shop till you Drop

I'm not much of a shopper. Professional shoppers would probably be shocked by my shopping style. I don't have the patience to browse, window-shop or really search for the "best" item of what I want/need. I usually buy the first thing I like.

As a favor and a token of my love for my auntie, I spent a day with her. We spent it at SM Makati (which happens to be a very NICE mall. Hey, it's newly renovated after all), shopping for some stuff for her new house and pasalubongs as well. We arrived at SM at around 10:30 and we proceeded to the foodcourt to get merienda before we tackle the serious stores. After downing an order of Jollibee Palabok each, we went up to the "Kultura" center of SM where she imbibed on Filipino-made stuff. My tita bought windchimes, napkin holders, a shirt, pillow covers and pearls (again). Not content with the set she gave me from England, she got me another set (Necklace and earrings). I'm seriously contemplating on collecting pearls. She also bought another set for herself.

We spent around an hour and a half in that area, afterwhich, we looked for a place where we can have lunch. We settled for Kitaro and called Tita Melanie (her bestfriend since grade school at St. Scho) to join us. It was so embarassing that she bought all that stuff while I only bought a nail clipper. I was so tired but seeing her so happy gave me the courage to forge on.

After a very filling lunch, we went back to the Home area of SM where the two bestfriends searched for a rug and other stuff which they will put in their respective houses. We spent another hour walking around but when they saw me yawning, we went to this cafe where they're selling Filipino coffee and chocolate. I'll definitely recommend it to all my friends. The cafe is called Tsoko.Nut and its located at the 2/f of SM Makati. It's so out of the way, but they serve wickedly delicious tsokolate (baritol) and kapeng barako. I had a Napoleones while Auntie Norrie (I would need to get the hang of calling her "Auntie". My lola insisted that we call our aunts, "Aunties") and Tita Melanie shared an ensaymada. Filipino delicacies with an urban twist. I'll definitely go back with Leo.

We dallied in that place for another house, then we went back to shopping. We met with my tita...errr.. Auntie Rosa at Pink Soda where they again shopped for blouses. We went around Glorietta while I nursed a splitting headache. We settled at Le Cour while I waited for the Mefanamic Acid that I took to work its magic.

At 7 PM, the four of us proceeded to North Park where we met with Leo for dinner. I was so stuffed that my stomach is still aching a bit up to now.

It was a very fun day. I got to my aunts more and I discovered that they're all very wacky. All the while, I thought my Auntie Rosa was the wackiest of them all, but they have their own distinct wacky personalities (Auntie Rosa is STILL the wackiest of them all). Auntie Norrie, being the balikbayan, was the favorite butt of jokes. Moreover, she's a very good audience for all our jokes. Kahit yung Battle of the Brainless, bentang-benta sa kanya.

She's leaving on Sunday. I'll be spending the whole weekend at BF so we'll have more time together. I will definitely miss her.

Movies and TV

I had the chance to watch Fantastic 4 and Desperate Housewives last night. Leo picked me up at exactly 5:30 so we can catch the 6:40 showing of Fantastic 4. We were a week late in watching it since we were so caught up with our papers. Plus, my aunt is also in town.

I really liked the movie. I wasn't able to catch Stan Lee though. Leo had to point it out to me afterwards. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the parts wherein they were discovering their powers. It reminded me of a campaign that we once played in College. It also had a Marvel setting and the concept of the adventure was that we were a bunch of kids who have certain powers. What made the campaign fun was that we were discovering our powers little by little. I remembered my character although I could not remember her name. I think we just finished watching Bette Midler's Hocus Pocus then so my character was a witch! I recall her having a pet cat (who's name again escapes me) and one of her powers is being able to generate this sonic boom type of wave by doing La Salle's "Rektikano" cheer. She can also heal by spitting on her hands and rubbing it on another person's wounds.

When Leo took me home, we chanced on the pilot episode of Desperate Housewives (Starworld). It instantly got me hooked! Teri Hatcher was hilarious and so were the other "housewives". I hope I can catch future episodes.

We also caught the end-part of Rockstar: INXS! It's American Idol for the rock genre. Bo Bice would fit perfectly!

D & D

Thanks to Allan for this quiz. It somehow reminded me of my College roots. And somehow, it's actually accurate. Whenever we have our D&D adventures before, I'm either an elf, half-elf, ranger or bard :)

I Am A: Neutral Good Half-Elf Ranger Bard


Alignment:
Neutral Good characters believe in the power of good above all else. They will work to make the world a better place, and will do whatever is necessary to bring that about, whether it goes for or against whatever is considered 'normal'.


Race:
Half-Elves are a cross between a human and an elf. They are smaller, like their elven ancestors, but have a much shorter lifespan. They are sometimes looked down upon as half-breeds, but this is rare. They have both the curious drive of humans and the patience of elves.


Primary Class:
Rangers are the defenders of nature and the elements. They are in tune with the Earth, and work to keep it safe and healthy.


Secondary Class:
Bards are the entertainers. They sing, dance, and play instruments to make other people happy, and, frequently, make money. They also tend to dabble in magic a bit.


Deity:
Mielikki is the Neutral Good goddess of the forest and autumn. She is also known as the Lady of the Forest, and is the Patron of Rangers. Her followers are devoted to nature, and believe in the positive and outreaching elements of it. They use light armor, and a variety of weapons suitable for hunting, which they are quite skilled at. Mielikki's symbol is a unicorn head.


Find out What D&D Character Are You?, courtesy ofNeppyMan (e-mail)





Detailed Results:

Alignment:
Lawful Good ----- XXXXXX (6)
Neutral Good ---- XXXXXXXX (8)
Chaotic Good ---- XXXXXXX (7)
Lawful Neutral -- XXX (3)
True Neutral ---- XXXXX (5)
Chaotic Neutral - XXX (3)
Lawful Evil ----- (-1)
Neutral Evil ---- X (1)
Chaotic Evil ---- (-4)

Race:
Human ---- XXXXX (5)
Half-Elf - XXXXXXXXXXX (11)
Elf ------ XXXXXXXXX (9)
Halfling - (-3)
Dwarf ---- (-1)
Half-Orc - X (1)
Gnome ---- XXXXXX (6)

Class:
Fighter - XX (2)
Ranger -- XXXXXXXXXXX (11)
Paladin - (0)
Cleric -- (-4)
Mage ---- (0)
Druid --- (0)
Thief --- XXXX (4)
Bard ---- XXXXXXXX (8)
Monk ---- XXXXXX (6)

Bonding at Tagaytay

My aunt, Tita Norrie, arrived last Friday. I took half of the day off and picked her up at the airport. It was great seeing her. She looked so lovely (she's already 48 yet she can pass herself off as someone my age. Gosh!) and was so excited seeing her hometown again.

Her bestfriend, Tita Melanie, visited her that night as well as my grandfather and dad. We stayed at my other aunt's house, Tita Rosa, over at BF. I stayed there as well and came home only today.

We could not spend Saturday together since I had to attend to my Finman papers, however, we took her and lola to Tagaytay today.

Leo picked us up at 9:00 am and we were supposed to have lunch at Sonya's Garden. But I wanted them to meet Leo's parents first, so we proceded to their house in Tagaytay. I was a bit embarassed since it was in short notice (we were already near Tagaytay when I called her to tell her we were coming to visit them).

Basically, the first meeting of my family (well, part of it), and Leo's family went really well. My aunt and lola loved them (and vice versa, I hope). We were given refreshments and Leo's Mom showed them the house and her plants. I was further surprised when they offered to take us to Tagaytay Highlands so we could have lunch there. I didn't know whether I should be embarassed or be happy about it.

Tita Norrie got famously along with Leo's dad (he was the one who took us to Highlands). She's quite a talker. They also had another visitor and she chatted comfortably with him as well. Maybe it's her UP education talking. They were discussing religion, spirituality, politics and what have you. Leo and I were just in our quiet corner listening to them. It was really fun.

My tita and my lola really enjoyed the day out. Too bad we could not stay long as Leo and I had to get back and finish our papers (damn studies!). Tita Jojo (that's Leo's Mom) even invited them to stay overnight sometime.

I'm really glad that this day went well. I hope all future meetings with my family and his family will be this relaxed.

War of the Worlds

I'm not a Tom Cruise fan. My SO knows and is very much aware of this fact. That's why if he wants to watch a Tom Cruise starrer, he uses all his charm and persuasion (not! hehe) just to have me watch with him.

However, it did not take much persuasion to have me watch War of the Worlds. My curiousity about the movie superceded my aversion to Tom Cruise. Too bad Miranda Otto only had a couple of scenes in the movie. I wanted to see how she'll fare in a modern day setting.

Over-all, the movie's ok. Special effects are again out of this world (pun intended). Of course, what do you expect from the master film maker, Steven Spielberg? I kept on bugging Leo on questions about the movie. Since I was not familiar with the book, I kept on guessing how the movie will end.

=================================

I have two papers for Finman due tomorrow. Because of this, I missed the annual outing of our department. To think I provided the budget for them to have fun *sigh*. Damn studies.