Sonya's Garden 16Feb08

Leo and I had lunch at Sonya's Garden yesterday with my parents-in-law, grandparents-in-law and the sister of my mother-in-law.

Sonya's Garden was bigger and better than it was when we went there a couple of years ago. Their food is still delicious and the flowers still beautiful. They now have a bed and breakfast for those who would want to stay overnight.

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

My new favourite show.

I saw an episode before and I was amazed by the show's generousity and how they could build a house (exterior, interior with design) in just 7 days. I just caught the ending of an episode in the Velvet channel today.

It's not only the new houses that I love but the stories behind the houseowners. I find myself teary-eyed after each episode.

The Amazing Race Asia 2

I was looking forward to this season as our company was one of the major sponsors. I would go home early every Thursday just to watch an episode and I would root for Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez and would rejoice when they would reach the pit spot first--which they did 8 times.

Today, February 14, was the season ender for Amazing Race Season 2. With Marc and Rovilson leading the race, I expected and wanted them to win. After all, they're representing the Philippines (even if Marc does not have a Filipino blood in him. Nevertheless, he's SOOOO gorgeous. As my gay officemate would say, "Walang effort!"). However, it was not meant to be. The first place and $100,000 went to Singaporean gym buddies Adrian and Collin. It was a major victory as Adrian was the first hearing-impaired contestant in the Amazing Race franchise. Malaysian sisters Vanessa and Pam took 2nd place. Sadly, Marc and Rovilson got 3rd place after being held up in the last roadblock.

Nevertheless, it was definitely an amazing race for all--especially for my favourite team. Good work Marc and Rovilson! Hoping you will also join the original Amazing Race--probably in Season 13 or 14. You would give those other contestants a run for their money.

Happy Valentine's Day

It's our first year as a married couple to celebrate this day of hearts.

I never really thought about it until I got to work and saw all the flowers being delivered. Of course, a part of me was hoping that I'd get my bouquet but when Leo did not call, I knew I wouldn't be receiving any flowers this year (in the past, he would call me in the office whenever he would have flowers delivered. Though he tries to hide it, I would "know" that he's onto something).

To make up for it, I asked if we could eat dinner out instead. He refused saying that he's not in the mood for traffic and jostling around for tables. We learned our lesson when we went out on Valentine's a couple of years ago and it was a disaster. We decided never to go out on Feb. 14. So we just ate at home.

Leo finished dinner first and I stayed behind at the dinner table to finish off my butong pakwan. He then called me upstairs and presented me with my bouquet of peach/orange roses. Aww.

We're going to "celebrate" this weekend We're having lunch at Tagaytay with the family (Tita Mike's in town) and we're still thinking whether we'll be spending the night there as we want to go to Sonya's Garden probably on Sunday.

Happy Hearts Day everyone!

The 2008 Grammys

My friend, Joelle, uploaded the 2008 Grammy Awards tribute to the Beatles in her Multiply Site. It's sort of an interpretative dance of Cirque du Soleil. It's definitely something to watch AND hear (that kid can sure sing).

Check out her Video portion. She has other Grammy performances uploaded there.

Watch Tina Turner and Beyonce's performance. Amy Winehouse is something to watch too. Oh, and Andre Bocelli and Josh Groban!

Tension Headache

I was so stressed at work yesterday and unfortunately, it manifested itself through a tension headache.

It started right after lunch and lasted throughout the day. Since it's too early to do an HPT, I could not take any pain medication. I had to be content with Biogesic.

By the end of the day, the headache got worse. When I got home, I immediately showered and dropped into bed.

I woke up at 2am with the most horrendous headache. I nudged Leo awake and I started crying. He fortunately woke up and he gave me water. He also rubbed Katinko on my temples to help soothe the pain. He also gave me another tablet of Paracetamol. Fortunately, I was able to fall asleep in a few minutes.

I was so touched by my husband's patience and love. Even if he just fell asleep, he woke up to take care of me.

Strengths Finder

I took the Strengths Finder test online. I've wanted to take this test for the longest time so I went ahead and brought the book for the online key.

I do agree with the results, although the 4th one is something that I had to read on to find out what it's all about. Anyway, here are my Top 5 Strengths:

1. Learner - People who are especially talented in the Learner theme have a great desire to learn and want to continuously improve. In particular, the process of learning, rather than the outcome, excites them.
2. Harmony - People who are especially talented in the Harmony theme look for consensus. They don't enjoy conflict; rather, they seek areas of agreement.
3. Responsibility - People who are especially talented in the Responsibility theme take psychological ownership of what they say will do. They are committed to stable values such as honesty and loyalty.
4. Input - People who are especially talented in the Input theme have a craving to know more. Often they like to collect and archive all kinds of information.
5. Consistency - People who are especially talented in the Consistency theme are keenly aware of the need to treat people the same. They try to treat everyone in the world with consistency by setting up clear rules and adhering to them.

Now that I know what I'm good at, I'm looking forward to improving them and focusing on them to help me with my work and with my family.

I laughed though when I read about Input as I truly agree with it. I have this tendency to absorb useless information but it suddenly pops up in my head when I need it. Case in point, recent Christmas party where I joined a charades game. I read early in the week about the entries of the upcoming Manila Filmfest and it was one of the charades topics. My officemates were surprised that I know the movies when I don't intend or did not even watch them. They just popped out of my head.