May Day

It's been quite a stressful month. I'm glad that today's the last day of April.

I had to contend with a lot of deaths this month. Not only did famous people die (Pope, Prince Rainier, Dr. Punongbayan), but our family was beset by deaths as well.

I went to the wake of Dr. Echiverri the other day. Not only to represent our family, but to meet my aunt (the sister of my mom). It was a bittersweet meeting. I was not able to exchange much pleasanties because the other siblings of my mom arrived to pay their respects. I wanted to stay and chat but it was too emotional for me. I was not comfortable with the way they were looking at me (a look of pity and questions) and I made my excuses to leave early.

Maybe it was just me or I was too emotional. It did not help that I learned that my favorite Idol, Constantine Maroulis was voted off that morning. Leo was teasing me mercilessly the whole day about it (did I mention that it was our 1 year and 2 month anniversary last Thursday as well?).

Yesterday, my paternal aunt sent me a text message saying that the sister of our grandfather died too. My gulay.

Manic Monday

Work has really been challenging and mind numbing.

Ah well. It's such an old feeling and I try not to think about it too much. But when an officemate and I talked about it today, he actually encouraged me to move on. It's going to be difficult but I will indeed try (hint hint hint). He was moreover surprised when he learned that I've been stuck in the same department for five years already! I REALLY need to move. No wonder I feel like I'm stagnating.

I also got my grades today. Good news is I passed Management Accounting although barely. I got a 2.0 whereas I got a 4.0 for Production Management (fyi, passing for MBA is 2.0 compared to undergrad's 1.0). Not bad although there goes my chances for graduating with honors. Kina-career ko pa naman ito eh palpak pa. At least Leo got a 3.0 which still makes him a candidate. I hope he'll make it.

On a morbid note, it has been a weekend of hospital visits and deaths. I was tasked to look for a flower shop yesterday to send out condolence flowers (?) to the Abalos daughter who died last week (we're related to them by marriage. Long chain but it's there). I ventured to Araneta Avenue with my brother and sister-in-law and bought two wreaths, one from our family and the other from my aunt (who's related to them) from the US. My mom emailed me again this morning to send out another wreath to the same family who experienced another death yesterday (brother-in-law of my aunt was shot). It's such a shock for all of us. I pray that God will give their loved ones the strength to get through these trying times.

Last Saturday, I visited my grandmother who's confined at Osmac (Ospital ng Makati) due to Stage 1 Pneumonia. I hope she'll be ok. She's been a pillar of strength for all her children. I know how much she unconditionally loves her children, even sacrificing so much for their welfare. My aunt asked me to send her flowers as well. Somehow, I balk at the task because, call me superstitious, I don't like the trend that is showing with regards to my flower-sending.

Oh and last Friday, I visited an officemate who was suddenly confined at Makati Med due to face numbness. We hypothesized that it could be potassium deficiency or sinuses or whatever. When she came back to work this morning, the doctor's initial finding is that there's some sort of shadow on the right (or was that the left) side of her brain. She had a blood test where they took 3 vials from her, to rule out aneurism and the such.

Gosh, what a trying weekend. I hope this week will be better.

Summer Cleaning

I cleaned my room today.

I know it doesn't sound extraordinary, but cleaning my room is daunting task. Nevertheless, I managed to accomplish it.

It has been very productive. Not only did I sweep out 2 years worth of dust, but I managed to rebuild my book database as well. I now have 500+ books. I packed 269 of them in a big balikbayan box and stored it in my closet. It was very difficult because I did the whole thing (including the heaving and lifting of the box) myself. Now, my back, thighs and arms are hurting due to the exertion.

See my new room:

The bookshelves have less clutter now and I placed my study table beside it.

I also cleaned my laptop table and tried placing it right beside my bed. But there was not enough space for my reading lamp.

Time to get some sleep. My body is screaming for rest. Too much exertion. (sigh)

Updates

Well, Anwar got voted out of American Idol, much to my disappointment.

What else?

Templates....

Due to public opinion, I'm changing my template. But I"ll get to that sometime this weekend. I'll be spending the day tomorrow with my SO. Probably on Sunday. Although I intend to clean my room on Sunday. I would need to rearrange all my books and pack all those which I haven't read for quite some time. Probably start on my database again (suggestions on what program to use in making this database is very much appreciated). Friends have been telling me to sell some of my books, but I can't seem to do that. Though I think I've breached the 800 mark last year, I can't bring myself to part with these stuff. These are my treasures.

Dermatologist...

I've been visiting a dermatologist these past few weeks. My face has dark spots on it especially on the muzzle area--I blame my latest allergy on that. Even if the doctor's fee is covered by our health care provider, I still have to shoulder the medicines--which is a lot! Every week, I spend an average of 2kphp for the medicines. And to think I've been seeing her for only 2 weeks! I don't intend to return since our contract with our HMO will end on April 30 and our new HMO won't cover her fees. I'll ask for a recommendation from our new HMO. I do need some skin treatment done (warts for one).

Music...

The other day, an officemate was playing instrumental music of movie theme songs. It was entertaining because I would guess the movie from where each theme came from. The oldest that I heard was Top Gun (I think). Titanic was there too! I tried looking for this CD in Music One and Tower but the nearest thing that I found was "Richard Clayderman plays your favorite MOVIE THEMES." Not exactly what I wanted but it's the nearest.

Shopping...

We went shopping last Sunday for baby stuff. We bought a stroller/carrier and a crib/playpen. It was also a crash course on babycare paraphernalia. We're eagerly waiting for the arrival of our first nephew/niece. Yes, my sister-in-law is almost nine months and regardless of the 3 ultrasounds that she had, we still don't know the sex of the baby. Looks like he/she likes keeping us in suspense.

New Face

I knew I didn't publish this template when I last tinkered with my old template last Monday. But I guess it was published after all.

Anyway, let me make some more changes to get this new website to function like my old site (jumpsite for the other websites that I visit).

I'll update more once I get to program this properly.

Great Original Pilipino Music by Ryan Cayabyab

I don't really do music or CD reviews since my taste in music is too mainstream. I'm trying to be alternative by listening to SO's radio station everytime I'm in his car (He listens to NU 107 compared to my 96.3WROCK or 94.7). So what makes me write about a CD? And a local one at that?

If there's something "different" that I love, it's listening to chorales/choirs. The first CD of a chorale that I bought was that of The Philippine Madrigal Singers "Madz in Love". Afterwhich, I bought the Bukas Palad Album and another Madrigal CD.

An officemate who is familiar with my love for chorale music recommended to be Ryan's 2004 CD. I already saw it before but I thought it was just instrumental music. But she said that the San Miguel Chorale is part of the CD too. So upon my visit to Music One yesterday, I snapped a copy.

For those who loves OPM music, this CD is something for you to listen to. Their rendition of "Tuwing Umuulan at Kapiling Ka" is so majestic. My favorite is "Paraiso". It reminded me so much of the old Smokey Mountain group when they won in Japan singing this piece.

Even if this CD only has 13 songs, it will not leave my CD player for quite sometime. It used to be Nina's CD but my sister sequestered that.

I wish I can listen to this group sing live. Heck, if I can listen to any chorale perform live, I'll be happy. I guess I miss singing with a choir.

Anyway, go listen to Ryan's music. It will uplift your soul.

Funny

A friend remarked that my previous posts have been very sad. She's right. I think it's time I relax and see the brighter side of life.

On a lighter note, a got this link from Mindy's page.

It took awhile but the farthest I got was 36 meters.

Just move your mouse from left to right but do not click. It's really funny :)