New Pics of Chloe

I got some new pics of Chloe, my niece, when she was here this weekend.

She was very playful and I observed her while she interacted with the other kids.

She seems to be one smart cookie and I discovered new things about her. Chloe happens to be left-handed, for one. And while she was sorting through the toybox of Kiko, she found the handlebar of Kiko's toy motorcycle. She took the plastic handlebar and tried connecting it to the motorcycle. She also found a toy screwdriver and tried taking apart the toy motorcycle. Hehe. At 2 years old, she can already do simple logic (although I don't know what's simple about trying to take apart a toy motorcycle or  putting the handelbars on the toy).

Chloe also knows her body parts already. She knows her eyes, nose, teeth etc. She can say syllables -- pa (to call her papa), ta (which apparently means "halika"). So far that was what I heard her say.

I finally was able to give her a Barney DVD that's actually working. When she got it, she knew it was DVD and tried turning on the DVD herself so that she can watch Barney in all his violet glory. She immediately planted herself in front of the TV and waited for Barney to start while holding on tight to the DVD case. When Kiko tried to borrow the case (so that he can show off his reading prowess), Chloe refused to let go. She still needs to learn the concept of "sharing". One step at a time.

Check out her new pics at the photo section under chloe pics. :)

Work Engagement

I'm so glad that I haven't been to work for two consecutive Saturdays. Ever since January this year, I go to work every Saturday and the only time I missed work was last February 3 when I got sick and March 10 when I had my measurements with Cecil. But since work has normalized, we've cut down on Saturday overtimes.

However, I still work late during weekdays. Just this week, I missed the shuttle Thursday night as I came down around 10pm already (the Sucat shuttle last trip beside our office is 10pm. But I came down too late). I had no choice but to take a cab going to Landmark (I could have walked or taken the jeepney but I was dead tired already) and caught the shuttle there. Even last night, I left the office around 1030 and got home around past 11 already. My mind was already floating due to the fact that I'm so tired and I haven't eaten dinner. I just took a quick shower, collapsed in bed and fell asleep immediately. Hmmm...it means I worked 15 hours yesterday (I was in the office by 730 am) with less than an hour break for lunch.

My current work is a mix of repetitive, decision making and problem-solving processes. Due to my work background, a lot of people are "engaging" me more than ever before. My phone is always ringing off the hook or I always have unexpected visitors at my workstation. I only get to do my real work after 530pm when people have started going home. I enjoy the problem-solving part as I get to pick at processes and come up with possible and acceptable solutions without sacrificing productivity and cost. In hindsight, even though I was miserable in my previous position, I learned a lot and I mean a LOT. I learned to think out of the box and to poke and probe at processes. I learned to ask the question "Why" instead of just keeping quiet--"Why are you doing this? What's the purpose? Why is this being done first before the other one?". It can get pretty sticky sometimes but I'm working on my diplomatic skills to ensure that I don't come on too strong and offending people in my attempt to improve practices.

Even with the late nights, I'm in a happier place now than I was before. I feel actually more appreciated and with a sense of purpose. We're also taking steps to ensure that the late nights won't be perpetual. Additional persons are coming in by next week which would ease the load and pressure off. I could transwer some of my work so I can concentrate on the pending projects and fixing processes.

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On a more serious note, I sympathize with the people of Virginia Tech for the tragedy that happened in their school on Tuesday. I saw some videos in YouTube that paid tribute to those who were killed and I could not help but cry.

Be at peace.

Another Flower Arrangement

I was surfing through Cecilio Abad's multiply site (my couturier) and I came upon pictures of entourage with the same motiff as mine.

What do you think of the contrast? Buti nalang I haven't signed the conforme of my flower supplier yet. I was initially thinking of white pero I like the contrast of this one. Pink and blue. Pero for the entourage, their gown color kasi is not purely blue. For bridesmaids and female secondary sponsors, their gowns will be powder blue and lilac. Will the pink flowers be okay with that? Yung kay Claudine naman, powder blue and light brown. So bagay pa rin ba?

But then, I'm thinking that since my wedding is morning, okay rin lang naman siguro na white para hindi masyadong dark and puwedeng ternohan lahat. Pero I really like the contrast of blue and pink here.

Kaso this would only be for the entourage. For the principal sponsors and mothers, white pa rin. Would it be confusing if the ninangs and mothers have different coloured bouquets from the entourage? What do you think? Appreciate any opinion please!!! :)

Tumaba ka yata

My officemate's quip and the tell-tale tightening of my pants are enough reasons for me to initially freak out and get my fat-ass back to the gym and lose all the pounds I gained during the recent break.

However, budget reasons have forced me to give up my posh gym membership and lose weight the cheaper way.

Last Saturday morning, instead of my usual weekend wake-up regimen of reading in bed, I hauled myself out of bed, donned on my exercise attire and decided to run a lap around the block. I finished one lap but not without realizing why I wanted to sweat and do my heavy breathings in the sterile air-conditioned surroundings of Fitness First Plus. Around 3/4's around the block near the church, there was a stinking garbage dump. I was already breathing heavily at that time and I did not relish the feeling of breathing in that noxious smell. Rounding the corner, I then breathed in the toxic fumes of cars entering the BF subdivision. I knew I should've just stayed inside the park and did my laps there.

The Phase I park was really beautiful when it was newly built. There is a big gazebo in one end where events can be held, a big fountain in the middle, a big children's playground in the other end, a bike/jogger's lane snaking around the park's walled perimeter and big trees all over. However, it is not well-maintained as I expected it to be. Probably the gazebo is the only thing that's maintained as people pay for it's use; the fountain now is gone as obviously, water is scarce here in BF and I've never seen that fountain working; the children's playground is a mess--the sandpit almost non-existent and garbage almost everywhere; and the jogger's path is okay but I avoid the portion of the path that's near the garbage dump. Fortunately, the trees are still there and were not uprooted during Milenyo.

I also enlisted Leo's help by having him accompany me do some laps in their pool. We did this last Sunday afternoon so I was pretty exhausted that night (I also jogged that morning).

Desperate, I dug out the exercise set that my colleagues gave me a year ago. It contains a jump rope, 2 pcs of 3 lbs weights and that thing that you squeeze using your hands (forgot what it's called). I think the jump rope is the best among the lot. Every night when I get home, I do a 100 jumps (and more if possible). I ensure that my heart rate increases and I break a sweat. Hopefully, I'll lose enough weight in 3 weeks time to make it through my first fitting with Cecil without not much embarassment.

Flowers for the Wedding

At least I got this one out of the way.

I will be having 3 suppliers for the wedding flowers. One supplier for the church (St. James has only one accredited supplier and I have no choice but to get it from them), one supplier for the entourage and another one for the reception.

Last Saturday, we finalized the flowers with Palm's as it is included in our package. Today, we finalized the one for the entourage. We will be getting Holland Tulips to supply the entourage flowers.

Flowers for the entourage will be as follows:

Bride - A bouquet of 18 stems of White Ecuadorian Roses with Misty Blue accented with ribbons and decorative foliage.

Maid of Honor - A bouquet of White Carnations,  White Gerberas,  White Roses and Blue Statice accented with  Ribbons and Decorative Foliage.

Bridesmaids - Bouquets of White Carnations with White Roses and Blue Statice   accented with ribbons and decorative foliage.

Principal Sponsors - Bouquets of Casablanca Liliums and White Roses with Blue Statice accented with Ribbons and Decorative Foliage.

Secondary Sponsors - Bouquets of White Roses with Blue Statice accented with ribbons and decorative foliage.

Mothers - Bouquets of Casablanca Liliums and White Roses with Blue Statice accented with Ribbons and Decorative Foliage.

Flowergirls - Floral Baskets of White Button Mums and Blue Statice; Floral Headdress of White Button Mums and Blue Statice

What do you guys think?

Wedding Updates

Yesterday was a productive day for me with regards to our wedding preparation.

We had an appointment at Palm's at 830 in the morning as requested by my mother-in-law. We had to do it early as they had a lunch appointment at Tagaytay and she's leaving for a cruise next week. She wanted to finalize our package with Palm's for cashflow/budgetting purposes.

Basically we got their flower arrangements package. Our AE will book Vivere for us as well as the 3 pc string that will perform during the reception. The bridal car is also included (Lincoln) in the package.

We finished around 10 am. Leo and I then proceded to Malate Catholic Church to get a copy of my birthday certificate and St. Anthony for my confirmation certificate. By then, I was faint from hunger. I went jogging yesterday morning and I was not able to get some breakfast due to lack of time. The heat did not help.

After St. Anthony, we went to Waltermart and my head was aching big time due to hunger. I knew I had to get something in my stomach fast. I lined up in Jollibee and quickly ate a 2 pc chicken meal. Bad move though and I felt queasy afterwards.

The feeling lasted until late afternoon. It did not help that I had to bring Leo to the ER as he felt he broke his toe. Fortunately the x-rays show that everything's normal.

This morning after jogging, I learned my lesson and made sure I ate something afterwards.

What a Start!

Leo already forewarned me yesterday to get an early start today just in case the traffic is bad. So I did just that. I woke up at quarter 6 and I managed to leave the house at quarter to 7.

When I got in the waiting shuttle, I was the 4th person in and we had quite a wait until the shuttle was full (I was on my 4th decade of the rosary when we took off). I dozed off and I suddenly woke up when I could feel the van stopping. I looked around and saw we were in the middle of the Skyway stopping near the Bicutan ramp. Apparently, the van overheated (good thing I did not sit in the front else my butt must be burning big time).

I settled back. I figured it's either the driver fixes the engine or we wait for another van from their bus stop association to pick us up. It could be a 15-20 minute wait as we're still near Sucat.

Unfortunately, we waited for over an hour before the "rescue" arrived. Heck, the tow truck was faster than them! I left the house at 7 and I got to work at 9! Apparently there was a miscommunication with the "rescue" and another shuttle had to pick us up instead.

 

Sunshine's Dragonlance Collection

http://sunshinesobsession.blogspot.com/
List of Dragonlance books I wish to collect

Dragonlance Series List

The Age of Mortal
Conundrum (December 2001), by Jeff Crook, (ISBN 0-7869-1949-3)
The Lioness (August 2002), by Nancy Varian Berberick, (ISBN 0-7869-2752-6)
Dark Thane (November 2003), by Jeff Crook, (ISBN 0-7869-2941-3)
Prisoner of Haven (June 2004), by Nancy Varian Berberick, (ISBN 0-7869-3327-5)
Wizard's Conclave (July 2004), by Douglas Niles, (ISBN 0-7869-3351-8)
The Lake of Death (October 2004), by Jean Rabe, (ISBN 0-7869-3364-X)

The Barbarians
Children of the Plains (September 2000), by Tonya C. Cook and Paul B. Thompson, (ISBN 0-7869-1391-6)
Brother of the Dragon (August 2001), by Tonya C. Cook and Paul B. Thompson, (ISBN 0-7869-1873-X)
Sister of the Sword (May 2002), by Tonya C. Cook and Paul B. Thompson, (ISBN 0-7869-2789-5)

Bridges of Time Series
Spirit of the Wind (July 1998), by Chris Pierson, (ISBN 0-7869-1174-3)
Legacy of Steel (November 1998), by Mary H. Herbert, (ISBN 0-7869-1187-5)
The Silver Stair (January 1999), by Jean Rabe, (ISBN 0-7869-1315-0)
The Rose and the Skull (March 1999), by Jeff Crook, (ISBN 0-7869-1336-3)
Dezra's Quest (June 1999), by Chris Pierson, (ISBN 0-7869-1368-1)

The Champions Series
Saving Solace (January 2006 ), by Douglas W. Clark, (ISBN 0-7869-3977-X)
The Alien Sea (August 2006 ), by Lucien Soulban, (ISBN 0-7869-4082-4)
The Great White Wrym (March 2007), by Peter Archer, (ISBN 978-0-7869-4260-2)
Protecting Palanthas (Forthcoming October 2007), by Douglas W. Clark, (ISBN 978-0-7869-4808-6)

The Chaos War Series
The Last Thane (June 1998), by Douglas Niles, (ISBN 0-7869-1172-7)
Tears of the Night Sky (October 1998), by Linda P. Baker and Nancy Varian Berberick, (ISBN 0-7869-1185-9)
The Puppet King (February 1999), by Douglas Niles, (ISBN 0-7869-1324-X)
Reavers of the Blood Sea (May 1999), by Richard A. Knaak, (ISBN 0-7869-1345-2)
The Siege of Mt. Nevermind (September 1999), by Fergus Ryan, (ISBN 0-7869-1381-9)

Classics Series
Murder In Tarsis (October 1999), by John Maddox Roberts, (ISBN 0-7869-1587-0)
Dalamar the Dark (January 2000), by Nancy Varian Berberick, (ISBN 0-7869-1565-X)
The Citadel (August 2000), by Richard A. Knaak, (ISBN 0-7869-1683-4)
The Inheritance (May 2001), by Nancy Varian Berberick, (ISBN 0-7869-1861-6)

Crossroads
The Clandestine Circle (July 2000), by Mary H. Herbert, (ISBN 0-7869-1610-9)
The Thieves' Guild (December 2000), by Jeff Crook, (ISBN 0-7869-1681-8)
Dragon's Bluff (July 2001), by Mary H. Herbert, (ISBN 0-7869-1877-2)
The Dragon Isles (December 2002), by Stephen D. Sullivan, (ISBN 0-7869-2827-1)
The Middle of Nowhere (July 2003), by Paul B. Thompson, (ISBN 0-7869-3061-6)

Chronicles Trilogy
Dragons of Autumn Twilight (April 1984), Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, (ISBN 0-88038-173-6)
Dragons of Winter Night (April 1985), Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, (ISBN 0-394-73975-2)
Dragons of Spring Dawning (September 1985), Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, (ISBN 0-88038-175-2)
The Annotated Chronicles (1999), Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, (ISBN 0-7869-1870-5)

The Next Generation
The Second Generation (February 1995), Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, (ISBN 0-7869-2694-5)
Dragons of Summer Flame (November 1996), Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, (ISBN 0-7869-2708-9)

The Lost Chronicles Trilogy
Dragons of the Dwarven Depths (July 2006), by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, (ISBN 0-7869-4099-9)
Dragons of the Highlord Skies (forthcoming July 2007), by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, (ISBN 978-0-7869-4333-3)
Dragons of the Hourglass Mage (forthcoming July 2008), by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman

The Dark Disciple Trilogy
Amber and Ashes (August 2004), by Margaret Weis, (ISBN 0-7869-3257-0)
Amber and Iron (February 2006), by Margaret Weis, (ISBN 0-7869-3796-3)
Amber and Blood (forthcoming in 2008), by Margaret Weis

Defenders of Magic Trilogy
Night of the Eye (April 1994), by Mary Kirchoff, (ISBN 1-56076-840-1)
The Medusa Plague (October 1994), by Mary Kirchoff, (ISBN 1-56076-905-X)
The Seventh Sentinel (August 1995), by Mary Kirchoff, (ISBN 0-7869-0117-9)

The Dhamon Saga
Downfall (March 2001), by Jean Rabe, (ISBN 0-7869-1814-4)
Betrayal (April 2002), by Jean Rabe, (ISBN 0-7869-2718-6)
Redemption (October 2003), by Jean Rabe, (ISBN 0-7869-3006-3)

The Dragon Anthologies
The Dragons of Krynn (March 1994), edited by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, (ISBN 1-56076-830-4)
The Dragons at War (May 1996), edited by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, (ISBN 0-7869-0491-7)
The Dragons of Chaos (January 1998), edited by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, (ISBN 0-7869-0681-2)
The Dragons of Time (April 2007), edited by Margeret Weis and Tracy Hickman, (ISBN 978-0-7869-4295-4)

Dragons of a New Age
The Dawning of a New Age (September 1996), by Jean Rabe, (ISBN 0-7869-2842-5)
The Day of the Tempest (August 1997), by Jean Rabe, (ISBN 0-7869-2857-3)
The Eve of the Maelstrom (February 1998), by Jean Rabe, (ISBN 0-7869-2860-3)

Dwarven Nations Trilogy
Covenant of the Forge (February 1993), by Dan Parkinson, (ISBN 1-56076-558-5)
Hammer and Axe (July 1993), by Dan Parkinson, (ISBN 1-56076-627-1)
The Swordsheath Scroll (January 1994), by Dan Parkinson, (ISBN 1-56076-686-7)
Elements
Pillar of Flame (January 2007), by Ree Soesbee, (ISBN 0-7869-4248-7)
Queen of the Sea (forthcoming July 2007), by Ree Soesbee, (ISBN 0-7869-4281-9)
Tempest's Vow (forthcoming January 2008), by Ree Soesbee

Elven Exiles Trilogy
Sanctuary (October 2005), by Paul B. Thompson and Tonya C. Cook, (ISBN 0-7869-3817-X)
Alliances (October 2006), by Paul B. Thompson and Tonya C. Cook, (ISBN 0-7869-4076-X)
Destiny (forthcoming September 2007), by Paul B. Thompson and Tonya C. Cook, (ISBN 978-0-7869-4273-2)

The Elven Nations Trilogy
Firstborn (February 1991), by Paul B. Thompson and Tonya C. Cook, (ISBN 1-56076-051-6)
The Kinslayer Wars (August 1991), by Douglas Niles, (ISBN 1-56076-113-X)
The Qualinesti (November 1991), by Paul B. Thompson and Tonya C. Cook, (ISBN 1-56076-114-8)

The Ergoth Trilogy
A Warrior's Journey (May 2003), by Paul B. Thompson and Tonya C. Cook, (ISBN 0-7869-2965-0)
The Wizard's Fate (February 2004), by Paul B. Thompson and Tonya C. Cook, (ISBN 0-7869-3214-7)
A Hero's Justice (December 2004), by Paul B. Thompson and Tonya C. Cook, (ISBN 0-7869-3397-6)

The Goodlund Trilogy
Warrior's Heart (November 2006), by Stephen D. Sullivan, (ISBN 0-7869-4187-1)
Warrior's Blood (forthcoming May 2007), by Stephen D. Sullivan, (ISBN 0-7869-4300-9)
Warrior's Bones (forthcoming November 2007), by Stephen D. Sullivan, (978-0-7869-4268-8)

Heroes
The Legend of Huma (March 1988), by Richard A. Knaak, (ISBN 0-7869-3137-X)
Stormblade (August 1988), by Nancy Varian Berberick, (ISBN 0-7869-3149-3)
Weasel's Luck (December 1988), by Michael Williams, (ISBN 0-7869-3181-7)

Heroes II
Although some versions refer to these three books as the Heroes II trilogy, others refer them to belonging to the original Heroes trilogy, continuing from volume IV (this is because they were originally published as two trilogies and later renumbered as one six-book series).
Kaz the Minotaur (July 1990), by Richard A. Knaak, (ISBN 0-7869-3231-7)
The Gates of Thorbardin (July 1990), by Dan Parkinson, (ISBN 0-88038-912-5)
Galen Beknighted (December 1990), by Michael Williams, (ISBN 0-88038-921-4)

Icewall Trilogy
The Messenger (February 2001), by Douglas Niles, (ISBN 0-7869-1571-4)
The Golden Orb (February 2002), by Douglas Niles, (ISBN 0-7869-2692-9)
Winterheim (January 2003), by Douglas Niles, (ISBN 0-7869-2911-1)

Kang's Regiment
The Doom Brigade (November 1996), by Margaret Weis and Don Perrin, (ISBN 0-7869-0785-1)
Draconian Measures (November 2000), by Don Perrin with Margaret Weis, (ISBN 0-7869-1678-8)

Kingpriest Trilogy
Chosen of the Gods (November 2001), by Chris Pierson, (ISBN 0-7869-1902-7)
Divine Hammer (October 2002), by Chris Pierson, (ISBN 0-7869-2807-7)
Sacred Fire (December 2003), by Chris Pierson, (ISBN 0-7869-3036-5)

Legends Trilogy
Main article: Dragonlance Legends
Time of the Twins (February 1986), by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, (ISBN 0-7869-1804-7)
War of the Twins (May 1986), by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, (ISBN 0-7869-1805-5)
Test of the Twins (August 1986), by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, (ISBN 0-7869-1806-3)
The Annotated Legends (September 2003), by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, (ISBN 0-7869-2992-8)

The Linsha Trilogy
City of the Lost (August 2003), by Mary H. Herbert, (ISBN 0-7869-2986-3)
Flight of the Fallen (September 2004), by Mary H. Herbert, (ISBN 0-7869-3245-7)
Return of the Exile (February 2005), by Mary H. Herbert, (ISBN 0-7869-3628-2)

Lost Histories
The Kagonesti (January 1995), by Douglas Niles, (ISBN 0-7869-0091-1)
The Irda (June 1995), by Linda P. Baker, (ISBN 0-7869-0138-1)
The Dargonesti (October 1995), by Paul B. Thompson and Tonya C. Cook, (ISBN 0-7869-0182-9)
Land of the Minotaurs (January 1996), by Richard A. Knaak, (ISBN 0-7869-0472-0)
The Gully Dwarves (June 1996), by Dan Parkinson, (ISBN 0-7869-0497-6)
The Dragons (October 1996), by Douglas Niles, (ISBN 0-7869-0513-1)

Lost Legends
Vinas Solamnus (August 1997), by J. Robert King, (ISBN 0-7869-0787-8)
Fistandantilus Reborn (October 1997), by Douglas Niles, (ISBN 0-7869-0708-8)

Adventures in Krynn
Tales of Uncle Trapspringer (November 1997), by Dixie Lee McKeone, (ISBN 0-7869-0775-4)

The Meetings Sextet
Kindred Spirits (April 1991), by Mark Anthony and Ellen Porath, (ISBN 1-56076-069-9)
Wanderlust (September 1991), by Mary Kirchoff and Steve Winter, (ISBN 1-56076-115-6)
Dark Heart (January 1992), by Tina Daniell, (ISBN 1-56076-116-4)
The Oath and the Measure (May 1992), by Michael Williams, (ISBN 1-56076-336-1)
Steel and Stone (September 1992), by Ellen Porath, (ISBN 1-56076-339-6)
The Companions (January 1993), by Tina Daniell, (ISBN 1-56076-340-X)

The Minotaur Wars
Night of Blood (June 2003), by Richard A. Knaak, (ISBN 0-7869-2938-3)
Tides of Blood (April 2004), by Richard A. Knaak, (ISBN 0-7869-3637-1)
Empire of Blood (May 2005), by Richard A. Knaak, (ISBN 0-7869-3978-8)

New Adventures
Temple of the Dragonslayer (July 2004), by Tim Waggoner, (ISBN 0-7869-3321-6)
The Dying Kingdom (July 2004), by Stephen D. Sullivan, (ISBN 0-7869-3324-0)
The Dragon Well (September 2004), by Dan Willis, (ISBN 0-7869-3354-2)
Return of the Sorceress (November 2004), by Tim Waggoner, (ISBN 0-7869-3385-2)
Dragon Sword (January 2005), by Ree Soesbee, (ISBN 0-7869-3578-2)
Dragon Day (March 2005), by Stan Brown, (ISBN 0-7869-3622-3)
Dragon Knight (May 2005), by Dan Willis], (ISBN 0-7869-3735-1)
Dragon Spell (July 2005), by Jeff Sampson, (ISBN 0-7869-3744-0)

Elidor Trilogy
Crown of Thieves (November 2005), by Ree Soesbee, (ISBN 0-7869-3833-1)
The Crystal Chalice (March 2006), by Ree Soesbee, (ISBN 0-7869-3994-X)
City of Fortune (July 2006), by Ree Soesbee, (ISBN 0-7869-4026-3)

The Suncatcher Trilogy
The Wayward Wizard (September 2006), by Jeff Sampson (ISBN 0-7869-4163-4)
The Ebony Eye (March 2007), by Jeff Sampson (ISBN 0-7869-4255-X)
The Stolen Sun (forthcoming September 2007), by Jeff Sampson (ISBN 978-0-7869-4291-6)

Trinistyr Trilogy
Wizard's Curse (October 2005), by Christina Woods, (ISBN 0-7869-3794-7)
Wizard's Betrayal (January 2006), by Jeff Samspon, (ISBN 0-7869-3993-1)
Wizard's Return (May 2006), by Dan Willis, (ISBN 0-7869-4025-5)

The Ogre Titans
The Black Talon (forthcoming November 2007), by Richard A. Knaak
The Fire Rose (forthcoming in 2008), by Richard A. Knaak

Preludes
Darkness and Light (1989), by Paul B. Thompson and Tonya C. Cook, (ISBN 0-7869-2923-5)
Kendermore (August 1989), by Mary Kirchoff, (ISBN 0-7869-2947-2)
Brothers Majere (December 1989), by Kevin Stein, (ISBN 0-88038-776-9)

Preludes II
Although some versions refer to these three books as the Preludes II trilogy, others refer them to belonging to the original Preludes trilogy, continuing from volume IV (this is because they were originally published as two trilogies and later renumbered as one six-book series).
Riverwind the Plainsman (January 1990), by Paul B. Thompson and Tonya C. Cook, (ISBN 0-7869-3009-8)
Flint the King (May 1990), by Mary Kirchoff and Douglas Niles, (ISBN 0-7869-3021-7)
Tanis, the Shadow Years (November 1990), by Barbara Siegel and Scott Siegel, (ISBN 0-7869-3039-X)

Sourcebooks on Krynn
Bertrem's Guide to the Age of Mortals (October 2000), by Nancy Varian Berberick, Stan Brown, and Paul B. Thompson, (ISBN 0-7869-1437-8)
Bertrem's Guide to the War of Souls Volume One (September 2001), by Jeff Crook, Mary H. Herbert, Nancy Varian Berberick, and John Grubber, (ISBN 0-7869-1882-9)
Bertrem's Guide to the War of Souls Volume Two (November 2002), by Mary H. Herbert, Steven Brown, and Don Perrin, (ISBN 0-7869-2816-6)
Leaves from the Inn of the Last Home (November 1993), edited by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, (ISBN 0-88038-465-4)
More Leaves from the Inn of the Last Home (June 2000), edited by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, (ISBN 0-7869-1516-1)

The Raistlin Chronicles
The Soulforge (January 1998), by Margaret Weis, (ISBN 0-7869-1314-2)
Brothers in Arms (August 1999), by Margaret Weis and Don Perrin, (ISBN 0-7869-1429-7)

The Rise of Solamnia Trilogy
Lord of the Rose (March 2005), by Douglas Niles, (ISBN 0-7869-3146-9)
The Crown and the Sword (June 2006), by Douglas Niles, (ISBN 0-7869-3788-2)
The Measure and the Truth (January 2007), by Douglas Niles, (ISBN 978-0-7869-4247-3)

The Stonetellers
The Rebellion (August 2007), by Jean Rabe (ISBN 0-7869-4280-0)

The Taladas Chronicles
Blades of the Tiger (April 2005), by Chris Pierson, (ISBN 0-7869-3569-3)
Trail of the Black Wyrm (April 2006), by Chris Pierson, (ISBN 0-7869-3979-6)
Shadow of the Flame (forthcoming June 2007) by Chris Pierson, (ISBN 978-0-7869-4254-1)

Tales
The Magic of Krynn (March 1987), edited by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, (ISBN 0-88038-454-9)
Kender, Gully Dwarves, and Gnomes (August 1987), edited by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, (ISBN 0-88038-382-8)
Love and War (November 1987), edited by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, (ISBN 0-88038-519-7)

Tales II
Although some versions refer to these three books as the Tales II trilogy, others refer them to belonging to the original Tales trilogy, continuing from volume IV (this is because they were originally published as two trilogies and later renumbered as one six-book series)..
The Reign of Istar (April 1992), edited by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, (ISBN 1-56076-326-4)
The Cataclysm (July 1992), edited by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, (ISBN 1-56076-430-9)
The War of the Lance (November 1992), edited by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, (ISBN 1-56076-431-7)

Tales of the Fifth Age
Relics and Omens (April 1998), edited by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, (ISBN 0-7869-1169-7)
Heroes and Fools (July 1999), edited by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, (ISBN 0-7869-1346-0)
Rebels and Tyrants (April 2000), edited by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, (ISBN 0-7869-1676-1)

Villains Series
Before the Mask (April 1993), by Michael Williams and Teri Williams, (ISBN 1-56076-583-6)
The Black Wing (September 1993), by Mary Kirchoff, (ISBN 1-56076-650-6)
Emperor of Ansalon (December 1993), by Douglas Niles, (ISBN 1-56076-680-8)
Hederick the Theocrat (February 1994), by Ellen Dodg Severson, (ISBN 1-56076-817-7)
Lord Toede (July 1994), by Jeff Grubb, (ISBN 1-56076-870-3)
The Dark Queen (December 1994), by Michael and Teri Williams, (ISBN 1-56076-925-4)

The War of Souls
Dragons of a Fallen Sun (April 2000), by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, (ISBN 0-7869-1807-1)
Dragons of a Lost Star (April 2001), by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, (ISBN 0-7869-2706-2)
Dragons of a Vanished Moon (January 2002), by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, (ISBN 0-7869-2950-2)

The Warriors
Knights of the Crown (March 1995), by Roland Green, (ISBN 0-7869-0108-X)
Maquesta Kar-Thon (July 1995), by Tina Daniell, (ISBN 0-7869-0134-9)
Knights of the Sword (December 1995), by Roland Green, (ISBN 0-7869-0202-7)
Theros Ironfeld (1996), by Don Perrin, (ISBN 0-7869-0481-X)
Knights of the Rose (July 1996), by Roland Green, (ISBN 0-7869-0502-6)
Lord Soth (December 1996), by Edo Van Belkom, (ISBN 0-7869-0519-0)
The Wayward Knights (October 1997), by Roland Green, (ISBN 0-7869-0696-0)

Various Anthologies
The Best of Tales Volume One (February 2000), edited by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, (ISBN 0-7869-1567-6)
The Best of Tales Volume Two (January 2002), edited by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, (ISBN 0-7869-2700-3)
The Search for Magic: Tales From the War of Souls (October 2001), edited by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, (ISBN 0-7869-1899-3)
The Players of Gilean: Tales from the War of Souls (February 2003), edited by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, (ISBN 0-7869-2920-0)
The Search for Power: Dragons From the War of Souls (May 2004), edited by Margaret Weis, (ISBN 0-7869-3193-0)
Dragons in the Archives: The Best of Weis and Hickman Anthology (November 2004), (ISBN 0-7869-3669-X)
The Odyssey of Gilthanas (August 1999), by Douglas Niles, (ISBN 0-7869-1446-7)

Young Adult Chronicles
A Rumor of Dragons (June 2003), by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, (ISBN 0-7869-3087-X)
Night of the Dragons (June 2003), by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, (ISBN 0-7869-3090-X)
The Nightmare Lands (October 2003), by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, (ISBN 0-7869-3093-4)
To The Gates of Palanthas (October 2003), by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, (ISBN 0-7869-3096-9)
Hope's Flame (December 2003), by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, (ISBN 0-7869-3099-3)
A Dawn of Dragons (March 2004), by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, (ISBN 0-7869-3102-7)

A New (probably Old) Obsession

Okay, I know that I'm a late bloomer but I think this takes the cake.

Ever since College, the Dragonlance series is something that my friends have influenced me to read. I managed to read 6 books from the series back then written by the duo of Hickman and Weiss. I managed to rediscover the series a few months back and now that I have the means to acquire these books, I'm hooked.

Unfortunately, this is going to get quite expensive. A paperback nowadays costs P349. A big jump from P125 when I was in College. The Dragonlance series started in the 1980's and we're talking about more than 150 books and most of them are out of print already. Some of my friends are telling me to just get the ebooks, but I want the printed version dammit. I hate reading onscreen.

I have a very extensive collection of series. From the fantasy genre, I have Harry Potter (well, it's children's actually but I prefer to rate it as fantasy) all 6 hardbound and waiting for the 7th to be released on July, Sword of Truth by Terry Goodkind (but I've stopped at book 6 as I've grown tired of the series), Death Gate Cycle (7 books) by the dynamic duo of Margaret Weiss and Tracy Hickman (the principal authors of Dragonlance), Artemis Fowl (got only the first 3 books), The Chronicles of Narnia (all 7), all paperback books of Neil Gaiman (including collections), The Sandman graphic novels (10 of them), Legend of the 5 Rings Clan Wars (7 books) and I'll probably include here my complete collection of Pugad Baboy Comics (all 19 of them).  

Of course, there's the fiction series. My family have helped me collect the following authors: Jude Deveraux (her new books are not that good as her old ones), Judith McNaught, Linda Lael Miller, Linda Howard, Catherine Coulter, Julie Garwood (her new books rock!). Deveraux, McNaught, Coulter and Garwood are known for their family sagas. Among the four, Garwood is the only one who writes nowadays. She at least has one new book a year and they're good. However, I would like to think that Deveraux (I maybe wrong) pioneered family sagas. She managed to churn out books of the Montgomery family. Heck, I think all her books are based on this very prolific family.

Recently, I discovered Dan Brown (a few years ago actually. Before The Da Vinci Code came out), Mary Janice Davidson (her Undead series are very humorous), Cecilia Ahern (gives you a different perspective of Scotland. I just realized that I haven't read a book with Scotland as a setting) and Arnold Arre (I have his 3 graphic novels--After Eden, the award-winning The Mythology Class and the recently released Andong Agimat. I used to have his Trip to Tagaytay comic but someone borrowed it from me and hasn't returned it. Unfortunately, I forgot who borrowed it from me).

Back to Dragonlance. I'll be setting up a website which will contain the list of all Dragonlance books. I'll be crossing off books from that list from time to time. To those who would want to give me gifts or whatever, you're welcome to check out the list. Hehe.

I think I have more than 500 books now. Last time I did an inventory two years ago, I have 450+. My problem now is what books I will be bringing with me when I move to Leo's house when we get married. I also need to find a way to preserve them. I hate the way they turn brown and get all dusty and musty. Going back to read an old book can be difficult especially if I have to sneeze and cough my way through it.

BJ David's birthday

Start:

Apr 15, '07

Pan's Labyrinth

Rating:	★★★★★
Category:	Movies
Genre:	Science Fiction & Fantasy

Ever since Leo saw the trailer of this movie, he wanted to watch it. Moreover knowing that it was nominated at the Oscar's. It won for best cinematography, make-up and art direction. It should've won the Best Foreign Language Film of the Year. It was really good.

The story is set in Fascist Spain where there was this young girl called Ofelia who travelled to rural Spain with her pregnant mother to be with her stepfather, a ruthless captain. In her new home, she meets a fairy who shows her a different world.

According to the different synopses I read, Ofelia created the world from her imagination to help her deal with the ugliness of the war but I would like to believe that the world that she sees is indeed real. That she indeed came "home" when she died from the mortal plane. Though the writer might not meant it to be, I can still believe it to be real.

Though the story is not common, it's still not something new for me. Filipino folklore is rich with faeries and children disappearing because they ate the food of the faeries. They disappear to live with the "other" folk as they've forgotten the mortal world when they ate the food.

Watch it! Get the DVD!

Tagaytay Pictures

Me with my future mother-in-law

Spent the last couple of days at Tagaytay with Leo's family

Chloe Pictures

Chloe eating rice

Here are pictures of Chloe. Some of them I took during our Easter Sunday lunch and the new batch I took this morning, April 23 when they were here at BF. Nakakaloka na yung ngiti ni Chloe.

The Dragonlance Series

Rating:	★★★★★
Category:	Books
Genre:	Science Fiction & Fantasy
Author:	Margaret Weiss, Tracy Hickman et al

I can't say that I'm a big fan of fantasy series. I credit that to my good friend Allan who has his book club where they discuss fantasy and sci-fi books. I love reading these type of books though--especially tha sagas. The never-ending stories with each book running from 300-500 pages. The recent Dragonlance book I read (Dragons of Summer Flame) ran up to 585 pages and I finished it in 2 days. These books just sucks me in and even if I only read them once, the story remains in my mind for months.

I first read the Chronicles (Dragons of Autumn Flame etc) and Legends (Time of the Twins etc) when I was in College but I only borrowed the books either from Allan, Rico or Mariano at that time. When I saw them being sold at National and Powerbooks, I knew I want my own copies although I can't remember much of the action in the books (hey I said I only remember stories for a month. This was YEARS ever since I last read them).

I first bought the Chronicles and the Dragon of Summer Flame (the latter does not belong to the Dragonlance Chronicles but it makes a nice sequel featuring the children of the Heroes. In fact, the remaining Heroes of the Lance died in this book) about a couple of years ago and I bought the Legends a few weeks ago. As I had nothing better to read, I decided to get started on these books (7 books all in all). And what do you know, I finished them in less than 2 weeks.

Going all those 7 books made me appreciate the Heroes more and though how belated it is, gave me an idea how to make a good role-playing character. There is a difference between good and evil and it's something that I can never seem to get right.

For role-playing enthusiasts, the books can give one a clear example on what it means to be Lawful Good and Lawful Evil. It's difficult to be that Lawful that's why I usually stick to Chaotic Good but it's only in the "Summer Flame" book that I realized what "Chaotic" can be. Our friend Mike plays that alignment perfectly.

Going back to the books, I wanted to read more of the series. I was ecstatic although a bit disappointed to learn that the Dragonlance series have spawned probably more than 150 books in the market. The original series was written by Weiss and Hickman as a supplement to the Dungeons and Dragons role-playing game and the writers of TSR (which became Wizards of the Coast although I don't know if they were bought by Hasbro) took it from there. Allan said I should just get e-books but I can never seem to get the hang of reading from my laptop. I still love reading from paper.

An ordinary person can relate to the stories. It's always good versus evil. It will also remind you of the Filipino faith as there are a lot of "magical" aka "religious" artifacts floating around Ansalon that people hold dear. There's an artifact that turns the undead. Another item that can protect the bearer from death spells. We Filipinos have the same thing although we call it in a different name -- agimat.

I also love the stories despite the fact that it's never-ending. I like if a story mentions a character from another book. It's like visiting old friends and knowing that their still alive and okay. It's always so heartening.

I love the characters. I feel that they're my friends and come to think of it, I see my friends in these characters too (or vice versa). My favourite character is Raistlin. He's an evil character but I like the way his persona was developed and how he changed in the end. He was so focused on his goal and he really knew what he wanted. I wish I could be the same. A person with focus and a goal. I don't want to imitate his evil but I admire his drive.

Tagaytay

We spent the last two days at Tagaytay with Leo's family. I took a few pics, I'll post them tomorrow.

Well, Tagaytay was surprisingly cold. Really cold. Probably in the early 20's. I know that's not cold for much people but it is for me! Even if I closed the windows in my room, I still slept under a blanket and comforter. In fact, the weather was so cool that I slept most of Friday. When we went to Tagaytay Highlands for dinner, I was so cranky and I was groggy from sleeping too much.

Leo and I arrived at Tagaytay Thursday before lunch. The traffic at South Superhighway was surprisingly light. Most of the people must have left early. The house of Leo's parents is located in a gated community called Terra Moy. It's on top of a hill with around less than 20 houses. I settled into my room while Leo played around with his dad's projector. Leo's sister and her family arrived something after lunch.

We had dinner at the house Thursday night after hearing mass at Highlands. Friday morning, we just stayed in the house. As I said, I just ate, read and slept. The children were hogging the dvd player with the games. Leo's dad found a dvd of old atari/family computer games. It was very nostalgic. I finished a couple of rounds of Mario Bros. and Arkanoid. Brings back good memories. Leo's nephews were impressed by my dexterity (regardless of the poor graphic quality. Hey, these are boys who are used to PSP's and Playstation-like graphics). Too bad the controllers keep on getting stuck or I could've gone on.

As today was Leo's birthday, we had lunch at Tagaytay Highlands China Palace with Leo's family. His grandparents came from Magallanes just to attend the lunch. The Orange Shrimp was good. Actually I think it was Prawns. They were so big. They call it Crystal Prawns. Must be why they're so humongous.

I think I gained pounds the last couple of days. Doing nothing but eat and sleep can do that. At least I finished one book and am almost through with another book. Also managed to watch Pan's Labyrinth (will write a review on that). Really great movie.

Leo's Birthday!!!

Start:

Apr 7, '07

Leo turns 31 on this day.

Wedding Countdown

What kind of invites should Sunshine and Leo have?

formal invites (heavy paper, embossed printing)

 

 4

informal invites (pop-ups etc)

 

 0

others

 

 0

Once again, I checked my blog countdown and it's four months, four weeks and one day until our wedding. It's less than five months away! Yargh!!! Malapit na!!!

Well, perusing my checklist, I'm happy to say that the only big items pending are the flowers (yun pa ang nahuli!!!) and invites. I'm very frustrated with the flowers because I do not know what I want. My only exposure to flowers is what Leo gives me and it's usually just roses and tulips. Other than that, very limited knowledge. I'm tired of surfing and looking for the right flower combination and color. I think I'll leave this to my mother-in-law. She knows more about flowers than I do.

As for the invites, I'll have them printed by June so I can send them off to my relatives/friends abroad before month-end. Enough time for them to buy our pasalubongs (harharhar!). This is another item in contention. Leo and I haven't really decided what type of wedding invite we will have. I'm partial to having a pop-up invite but it looks so informal. On the other hand, I'm also leaning on getting the formal invites of The Write Impressions but they're kinda expensive. We'll decide by May. Sige nga, vote for your choice.

Also, I was contacted by Jong, our photographer, for us to hold our pre-nups by end of May. I still don't know my schedule if I can go on leave as he wants to shoot to happen on a weekday. We have shortlisted our locations to Tagaytay (their house) and Tagaytay Highlands. For sure, Tagaytay I just don't know where. I'm thinking we can go to Sonya's Garden but then it's too far. Baka nga Highlands nalang.