List of Loves

My 22nd birthday's coming up (weeeh!) and I'm so excited! The day I turned 21 didn't feel so special but I'm all hyped up for this one, I just hope and pray that it would be awesome! With that in mind, I decided to repost my random list of wants. It has been piling up but I have no problems with keeping up (wow rhyme). They will happen depending on how much I want them, who sees this blog, and God's will of course.

It's a weird combine 'em all list of wishes, dreams, things I want to get for myself, and experience in the years to come. Some of the things on this list are also items I used to have but now I don't. I really feel bad losing them so I'm keeping them here until I get to have them again. And of course, my all time favorite foods won't be missed in this list. Knowing myself, I'm sure this list's gonna be updated every now and then..haha...but I hope to scrap more, than add on to the list:)

A Camera and my own laptop :p

Comfy Footwear-Suelas! (finally got a pair!-August 10, 2011)

Artsy Fartsy Craft Materials- I already have some but there's no stopping with these things:)

Cookbooks of all kinds

A Night (or day) at Mercato!-why'd you have to be so far?:( - prayers answered with the now so near Mercato nights at UP Ayala Technohub:)

Max Lucado's It's Not About Me, and more of his books

Stand-out Albums-Hillsong, Nina Live, R2K, The Script

Luxury Train Travel (i dream big!)

Traveling!!!

Mitch Albom's Tuesdays with Morrie, Five People You Meet in Heaven

John & Stasi Eldrege's Captivating, Joshua Harris' Say Hello to Courtship

Awesome Kitchen Gadgets, Organizers, Containers, Baking wares and utensils! (not that I'm good at cooking, but I super wanna learn- more like aspiring to be dashizz in the kitchen:)

Yellow Cab Pizza, Chicken Alfredo Pasta, and Hot Wings! (without the hot...boo)- my tastebuds had a change of heart lately and I now love spicy!

Romance Novel Overload (Julie Garwood, Judith McNaught, Susan Elizabeth Phillips)- not a good idea to go back to reading these though

Sidney Sheldon's Tell Me Your Dreams

Wendy's Frosty :D

Shakey's Pizza Bianca & Mojos

Full body massage (love!)

Pringles Sour Cream & Onion

Harry Potter (all 7 books)

Victorinox Swiss Knife

Piano (gotta learn how to play one first though)

Forever 21 shopping spree!

Ritter Sport Hazelnut

Hershey's Cookies & Cream (Goya cookies & cream chocolate makes me just as happy!)

Toblerone White Chocolate

Cadburry Fruit & Nut

Kyocera porcelain knife :)

L.S. Series of Unfortunate Events

Chronicles of Narnia 7-in-1 book 

and there are a lot of things I want to try:)

-restaurants and desserts (mostly from homebakers I saw in dessertcomesfirst.com)

and like most girls around, I am in love with shoes:) and I like cute bags too!

there you go...till my next update!

...saw this in my co-cell group member Razelle's facebook page and I decided to post it here...because...almost a year later, it still feels good to watch, read, or listen to something worthy that reinforces my decision...have a great day!

HP- It all ended...at Gateway!!!

At early twenty's, the prime years of my life, I still haven't developed that spontaneity and tirelessness that usually characterize people of my age, some of my friends included. Don't get me wrong, my zest for life and the joy for living that I share each day is refreshing for others. I love being in places, seeing sights, tasting, smelling and experiencing culture and nature; and I am among those young pros who get less than 6-8 hours of continuous sleep a day. But my energy is usually only for work, for running the house and doing my homemaking joys, for serving God, and for things I find entertaining every now and then. My friends and many people I know however, have evolved into fun loving, outgoing party people...haha...not that I'm jealous, I still and will always prefer my kiddie party goods and foods over alcohol and cigarettes, but it still is weird to be different. And it's not about doing what I think is right for me, or partly maybe, but it's really just about refusing to subject myself to things that do not suit my taste, particularly uncomfortable circumstances, irritating and asthma-inducing smells, and bitter, queer tasting food and drinks that are repelling to my taste buds...Buti na lang even though I'm different, I have friends who are indifferent...haha...and it's certainly a blessing to have known a group of people who respect, accept and understand one another...which makes me wonder guys, if we're all understanding people, bakit ang cliquish pa rin ng dating natin?..haha

******************************
Of all the days of the week, Sunday is my Holy Grail and Saturday comes second. Friday used to be third but for the past 6 months, it has been no different from my other weekdays. I know exactly how I regularly want my weekends to be, and while others look forward to night-outs and outdoor adventures, I revel in partying...in my bed- sleeping, watching a movie, surfing the net, playing PSP, and eating my faves, only getting up for bladder breaks. Rest is sacred for me, so I really cherish being a bum whenever I get the opportunity.

Last Saturday and Sunday though, were among my hectic-in-a-good-way tiresome weekends. I did not get the sleep and rest that I wanted, but I enjoyed it just the same because whatever energy I spent, I spent with my friends and loved ones. Harry Potter 7 Part 2 was in my list of must-see movies since the beginning of the year and I got it crossed out together with my siblings and high school friends at Gateway last Saturday evening. After catching a few hours of sleep, I accompanied Micah in a leadership forum later in the afternoon (also in Araneta Center) then I met up with my patronizing friends who thankfully bought Ate's other movie tickets. Just catching up and chatting with them is already fun. I didn't get to sit with them during the movie as I was seated with my sisters but based on their comments after, I think we all enjoyed it.

I described the movie to Ate as 'masakit sa dibdib'...haha...I've read the book, but being offered with visuals, 3D at that, expanded my view of the story. It made me think about Harry's life, how complicated and dangerous it was; it's fiction I know, but to the characters in the story, it was all real, and I can only imagine how stressful it was for them..haha...but he won! and good triumphed over evil! Praise God!

haggard snapshots after the movie...and before I left them:)

They still hanged out after the movie, but aside from not digging the concept of their hang-out as previously discussed above, I was also with my sisters so we went straight home.

With God's help, we were able to wake up early for worship service the next day, Sunday. Then we skipped SOD class to go to our cousins at Cainta. Tita Suzette, my mom's identical twin sister, and Tito Nelson arrived from abroad and they wanted to see us. Tita Suzette is probably the sweetest and most 'malambing' person I know. Her funny statements and antics sometimes make me wonder if Mama Susie was like her:)

The entire afternoon was about catching up and lots and lots of eating. When evening came, they took us home (thank God!) with lots of goodies in tow (chocolate supply and a lot more). I felt really tired and I longed for a massage that evening but I knew Micah was just as tired so I just slept my body pains away. I'm already so excited for this coming weekend! Hopefully I'd be able to bum to my heart's content...haha...but thank you Lord for renewing my strength each day and for keeping me healthy even with all the stress I encounter daily! In working and in resting, may I give glory to your name!

My most played songs of the moment...

Just would like to share, and preserve here two of my most favorite songs in the Hillsong United Aftermath album. I love all the songs, but it is these two that struck that musical i-wanna-learn/sing-this part of me again:)

...caught up in grace like an avalanche
nothing compares to this love, love, love...burning in my heart

Thoughts: A song of ultimate surrender and trust in God's grace...
     When I first heard this, I tried to imagine how it is to be caught up in avalanche- in this world, it would mean drowning in mud, suffocation and death; but to be swept away by an avalanche of grace, driven by the power of God's love and not by nature's wrath, now that's a truly amazing experience. I guess that's what God does to us each day- we live by grace, yes, but we do not realize the bounty of it all- that it isn't merely showers, it is an avalanche...only our attitude isn't always that of total surrender, for we sometimes build barriers around and over us- that of pride, fear, and lack of trust in God. Teach my heart Lord to just trust in you...completely, wholeheartedly, and with no reservations. You know I don't know how to swim:), but as your vast and endless ocean of love and grace awaits me, help me find the peace in my heart to gladly take the plunge...

Oh Jesus, alive in me...
Breathe in me your life 'til your love overtakes me...

Thoughts: The fullness of life can only be found in Jesus...
     Jesus, you know me better than anyone else (myself included)- who am I, who I was, and who I hope to become. There's nothing I can hide from you, but thank you, for dying for me, taking my dry bones, hurts, and pains with you. I still am not perfectly happy, and I guess I won't be until I finally come home to you; but each moment of my life now is filled with joy knowing that whatever happens, your love for me remains firm, strong, and true...My healing does not come from trying to understand my circumstances, passing the blame on others, and especially to myself; but it comes from knowing You, and knowing that You love me so much. I am overwhelmed, I am overtaken...now, help me to love like You do...

All I need is you and I love you, I love you, I love you...

Love Lea

In continuation of my sedentary saturday, I would like to share this new song I'm trying to study, not for anything else but for pure love of the song, and the singer- Lea Salonga:)

Two Words
Composed by Louie Ocampo
Written by Freddie Santos

In a while, in a word,
Every moment now returns.
For a while, seen or heard,
How each memory softly burns.
Facing you who brings me new tomorrows,
I thank God for yesterdays,
How they led me to this very hour,
How they led me to this place...

Every touch, every smile,
You have given me in care.
Keep in heart, always I'll,
Now be treasuring everywhere.
And if life should come to just one question,
Do I hold this moment true?
No trace of sadness,
Always with gladness...
'I DO...'

(instrumental)

Now a song that speaks of now and ever,
Beckons me to someone new,
Unexpected, unexplored, unseen,
Filled with promise coming through.
In a while, in a word,
You and I forever change,
Love so clear, never blurred,
Has me feeling wondrous, strange,
And if life should come to just one question,
Do I face each moment true?
No trace of sadness, always with gladness,
'I DO...'

Never with sadness...
Always with gladness...


'I...DO....'

Craaaaazy Little Thing Called Love

I'm so hyped up I can't even wait 'til lunch to blog about this! I also haven't been posting anything personal on my   facebook status for months now but after watching Crazy Little Thing Called Love, I just couldn't help it! My endorphines are so up right now due to the high kilig levels I just got from the movie, but more than the mushy feeling, it actually made me cry- not just teary-eyed but crayola galore! haha

Thanks Micah for reminding me to watch it every now and then! I had to put it off for weeks because I didn't want it to get in the way of my responsibilities, only to feel guilty afterwards had I given in to temptation! But the wait is all worth it! The environment is perfect with the light rainfall outside and it's such a fun Saturday indeed because before agreeing to watch the movie, I finally finished all 20 levels of Crash of the Titans in the psp, which is such a great achievement because I started playing last year pa! I'll have to remind myself not to start any difficult game soon until I get my hands on plenty of free time because frustration from losing is not good for me, it makes me wanna keep on playing- mantra: try and try until you succeed! haha

Thank you Lord for this very fun free day! I haven't had one this good for weeks now- not that I don't enjoy Saturday worship practices, (errands and work on weekends, hindi talaga) but bumming out from time to time is a relief I truly enjoy and appreciate! Thank you for making me a part of a worship team that allows, and really schedules rest for the members, now I'm all fired up for next week!

The day is still long so I'm gonna enjoy my new lessons in love, and my newly restored fantasies- kasalanan mo 'to Nam and Shone! My hopeless romantic mojos are back! haha

Have a great weekend!

My Playtime Resume

Here's me wanting to post something yet lacking of more interesting things to tell with the heavy rains outside:) I found this while browsing over random files and it kind of made me miss having a kid playmate:)

I love kids (infants and toddlers most especially, and including preschoolers) and I really try my best to show patience to them although there are just some who make me wanna give up at times. My nephew Zach is one of them (5 years old). He can be cute and funny and he used to be such a darling; nowadays however, he's usually the strain on our natural kindness, goodness and patience but that isn't true all the time. Our great, fun, and happy moments together happen whenever we play and do things together. Being a kid at heart, I still appreciate some children's shows so we used to watch TV together. He likes watching Artzooka best with me, because aside from enjoying the show per se, I have this feeling that he thinks I'm this good artist who can recreate the stuff Jeremy had invented and we can do it together and I can teach him how...haha. In fairness to me, my artsy-fartsyness and inclination to arts and crafts has enabled me to make some of Zach's high-scoring and aesthetically pleasing school projects. I'm not good at drawing but I can make decent, understandable images of objects (pre-school level..haha) and I enjoy coloring, which is also one of the activities Zach and I used to do together. I deal with him best as a pseudo-ninang-playmate and he's most behaved when we're playing together (with my signature threat: I won't play with you again..haha) so although I was usually busy, we had some of my free weekends scheduled exclusively for playtime that lasted for hours! Here are some of the activities we did together:
* Watched TV (Nickelodeon, Playhouse Disney) and at times, his collection of Backyardigans (way more gay than Barney in my opinion, haha) and other sing-a-long videos, plus Finding Nemo one afternoon
* Coloring- more than his buddy, I'm his coloring teacher!
* Cutting pictures and letters- he was reprimanded for wrecking his compilation of kindergarten test papers and some of his books..haha
* Q & A and word games- from where can you find?/I spy to places/fruits and vegetables starting with the letter __ to trivia about cars, dinosaurs, and anything under the sun from his encyclopedia
* Reading books-cookbooks, my choice:)
* Playing with his toys- building castles with lego, answering the drills in his laptop, Logico, matching pictures, drawing and writing in his erasable board and so much more (he has a LOT of toys, those that stimulate the mind mostly; and with a kid for a playmate, the play possiblities are endless!)
* Playing with boxes, pens, pillows, and anything we can play with Artzooka style (guess what figure I made)

Finally, my favorite activity with him (sounds like my favorite part by Dora and Boots..haha) for all time
is Play Doh! This is also what the pictures below are about. We began in our Play Doh journey as newbies making burgers, pasta, and barbecue with the play tools then serving them to the people in the house as if running a party; then, as we evolved and got tired of making the same things week after week, we chanced upon the Play Doh website through an ad on tv and it has been bookmarked on Ate's laptop since. Here's my attempt on Zach's request for a unicorn:)

with Zach, who was more than pleased with my work....bata talaga...haha

As you can see, we had pictures taken of the different angles of my PlayDoh "unicorn" although I don't think it adequately looks like a unicorn in any of these images...haha...I actually tried to bargain with Zach at first since I'm better at making a pizza slice or say, any other not too elaborate inanimate object. Not that I meant for my unicorn to look actively running (I wish!) but even with drawings, it's really more difficult for me to create images of animals and human beings with all the limbs and details on the face. Zach was happy with my work though (success!), because I'm still better than him (21 vs. 5 y/o, PARTIDA!:) I still wonder why he wanted a unicorn, but on second thought, parang mas mahirap ata ang dog or cat so buti na lang unicorn...thank you Lord for saving me from shame...haha

I'm all techie and domesticated these days, with pc, psp, and kitchen utensils keeping my hands busy. Still though, I miss playing with my hands, building and creating things, with my pleading, ever excited playmate! I don't have PlayDoh with me now and I don't intend to buy one (since buying one would just make me buy all the other colors:) but I still have my preschool level coloring book (bought it in college), and my crayons and color pencils. The only missing ingredient is free time! 


Nowadays, my siblings and I keep ourselves entertained with Scrabble on weekends. We're on a 5-match tournament, and I'll be sharing about it once we've finalized the stats and determine the loser (it isn't just about winning you know..haha). My artsy-fartsy hobbies give me a different kind of happiness (they feed joy to my soul:), but the important thing is that with all the work I'm doing, I still get to PLAY, with the people I enjoy playing with the most- my siblings! It does wonders to a child's development, but for busy bee young adults like me, it's a cure for the common burning-out life, and I consider every precious playtime (joketime included!) a BIG BIG Blessing!:)