What timing could be more apt than today to "resurrect" my blog. Today is Easter Sunday, the resurrection of Jesus.
I have been in hiatus for a little over a year. When I look back and analyze why I haven't checked in, I realized that I wasn't that busy that I didn't have the time. Maybe writing crossed my mind for a few times, but there wasn't really any compelling reason for me to scribble on something. Or maybe just have the energy to think of something to write about. So you are probably wondering what could be my compelling reason today to finally deciding to write a new post here. Quite honestly? Boredom! hahaha
As I ran through my rants, I am enlightened by a very timely and nice insight. As I have mentioned before, today is the resurrection of Jesus and I am "resurrecting" my blog as well. But the more significant point to this coincidence is its meaning. In my quick check to an online dictionary says resurrection is Jesus Christ's rising from the dead. Right. I have mentioned this already. Going back, its [resurrection's] implication is far greater than any lay person can connote it to. For me, I'd like to attribute it to another beginning and clean slate.
Another Beginning
They say that life is like a book. When you open it, you will find different chapters. So I say resurrection is another beginning of a new chapter. As I am about to begin a new chapter of my life, I humbly thank the Lord for always filling my chapters with great stories of opportunities and taking chances.
The only thing that I planned in my life is to become a lawyer. After I got that, I surrendered my future to God's will. Maybe that's why I felt like cruising through this journey. I don't get stuck in a mud pit nor was I blown away by a tornado. I have been taking a stroll in the park, so to speak. It felt like everything is laid down for me and all I have to do is to follow.
Of course, it wasn't that easy. I have a few times resisted on "what's supposed to be" because I was afraid to jump off a cliff. But God has been patient with me. He allowed me to think things over and to conquer my fears.
Just like this new chapter I'm about to write in. It took me over a year to finally heed His call. Lucky me, He didn't get tired of hovering the opportunity over me. Instead He prepared me to be ready for His next challenge. And when I finally succumb to it, it felt right and I am at peace.
Clean Slate
The resurrection of Jesus is the greatest symbol of starting life in a clean slate. When He rose from the dead, He gave us hope that we can start over anytime. When things aren't in God's way anymore, we can always take a pause and hit the refresh button and start clean again.
About Me
- Ann
- I am a restless individual. I can't be in something for too long. At some point, I'll be bored. A feeling I'm not comfortable hanging around with. I've always wanted to be a writer. But I can't write as often as I want. And sometimes, words are not that good to me when I need them to be. So now, I tell my story through my photographs. I have a secret love affair with photography. There are things that are just best seen than told. I am independent. I don't appreciate people influencing or telling me what to do/say. I can decide and speak for myself, thank you. I am a traveler. I am constantly somewhere else, either in reality or in fantasy.
April 08, 2012
April 03, 2011
Weekend
My weekend starts a day ahead of everyone else. I only work four (4) days a week, but on a ten (10)-hour workday. It's fine. I prefer it actually. I get off from work when everybody else is probably at their homes already, watching the evening news. It's good news for me because it means, the rush hour is over. And most importantly, I have a three (3)-day weekend. The best!
Having too much days on my weekend stirs up curiosity from people I know. Well, this is how my weekends are usually spent:
If I'm not spending the weekend at my home in Bacolod or at some other city, Friday I'm having lunch at some resto I probably haven't dined in yet. Or maybe at one of my comfort restos. And at some occasion, we would catch a movie, rummage thru sale events or just plain chit-chat. Come home at around 5P.M. Sometimes, later that Friday night, I'm going out again with some other friends, this time for dinner at some other new resto and all-night chit-chat. Saturday is my day with my girlfriends. It means movie marathon, anticipated mass, good food and of course chismis! Sunday, I prefer to stay home. This is the time I don't take a bath til it's sundown. hahaha I just have to insert that in. =)
I just realized now, I have no right to complain why I have gained so much weight ever since I moved back here. I spend my weekend treating myself with good food. Maybe it's one of the signs of old age, eh? I don't crave for nightlife anymore.. Not as often, at least. Side note: I have been wanting for some nightlife action recently. I have no idea why. Ha! But yeah, I'm satisfied with weekends spent lounging around, not having to think about work, and relaxed dressing up. Simple things but they are enough to get me psyched up for the week to come.
Having too much days on my weekend stirs up curiosity from people I know. Well, this is how my weekends are usually spent:
If I'm not spending the weekend at my home in Bacolod or at some other city, Friday I'm having lunch at some resto I probably haven't dined in yet. Or maybe at one of my comfort restos. And at some occasion, we would catch a movie, rummage thru sale events or just plain chit-chat. Come home at around 5P.M. Sometimes, later that Friday night, I'm going out again with some other friends, this time for dinner at some other new resto and all-night chit-chat. Saturday is my day with my girlfriends. It means movie marathon, anticipated mass, good food and of course chismis! Sunday, I prefer to stay home. This is the time I don't take a bath til it's sundown. hahaha I just have to insert that in. =)
I just realized now, I have no right to complain why I have gained so much weight ever since I moved back here. I spend my weekend treating myself with good food. Maybe it's one of the signs of old age, eh? I don't crave for nightlife anymore.. Not as often, at least. Side note: I have been wanting for some nightlife action recently. I have no idea why. Ha! But yeah, I'm satisfied with weekends spent lounging around, not having to think about work, and relaxed dressing up. Simple things but they are enough to get me psyched up for the week to come.
February 25, 2011
Reform?
25 February 2011. Today is the 25th anniversary of the EDSA People Power. It's been a week long commemoration of the 'momentous' event.
Let me start off by saying that I am a cynic and a skeptic. I didn't know what happened during the Marcos regime because apparently, I wasn't born yet. And I don't recall any horrific stories about that time told to me that I distinctly remember. Maybe because we were living in the province. Far from the direct effect of the regime that everyone so despise. I don't know...
Just basing on my limited knowledge of the past, the EDSA People Power would have been a great opportunity for our country to effect reforms. We have 'struggled' for twenty (20) years or so under a dictator. A man who was so intelligent and has brought such prestige and class to the Philippines but at an expensive cost, was finally toppled down his post. They all clamoured for reform, change, and a new beginning. But what was done instead? Swore in a president that has no background whatsoever to run the country! (No disrespect meant to the late President Cory Aquino.) Apparently, it was a decision done in haste and of convenience. She had the sympathy of the public because of the assassination of late husband a few years back. In fairness to Ninoy Aquino, I think he would have been a great president. He would have effected the reforms the country needed at that time. Side note: I watched a television program that featured his life sometime last year. And I have to say, the man gained my respect. He was eloquent and is so full of conviction.
Fast forward to roughly fourteen (14) years, there was another People power. Opposite of what happened before. Just two (2) years into the presidency, people wanted former President Erap Estrada out of Malacanang. They said they've had enough and that it's time to move on to a better leader for a better Philippines. They swore in another lady to replace him -- Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in 2001. But this time she had so much experience in politics. Once again, the country was hopeful. She was intelligent and has an impressive CV. But maybe the power swallowed her that she wasn't ready to step down. She allegedly used her influence and power to make sure she won the 2004 presidency. Lucky for her, she survived all attempts of bringing her down.
After nine (9) years or so under GMA's leadership, the public once again clamoured for reform, change and new beginning. They all were saying 'at last'. They just couldn't wait til GMA steps down. 2010 elections happened. President Nonynoy Aquino won and was sworn into office. Another president of convenience. He has the sympathy of the public because his mom died a few months before he announced he was running for presidency (which caused Mar Roxas to slide down to vice president). And not to mention the very popular sister of his. But barely a year into the presidency, there has been murmurs of his incompetence.
This has really saddened me. We have had several opportunities for reforms but we have failed to utilize it. Our scream for reforms is just that. A scream. We haven't thought farther than wanting for it. No concrete plans. We allowed ourselves to settle for what's there and what's convenient. And that's what we are now getting exactly. =(
Makes me wonder, what do we really mean if we speak of reform?
Let me start off by saying that I am a cynic and a skeptic. I didn't know what happened during the Marcos regime because apparently, I wasn't born yet. And I don't recall any horrific stories about that time told to me that I distinctly remember. Maybe because we were living in the province. Far from the direct effect of the regime that everyone so despise. I don't know...
Just basing on my limited knowledge of the past, the EDSA People Power would have been a great opportunity for our country to effect reforms. We have 'struggled' for twenty (20) years or so under a dictator. A man who was so intelligent and has brought such prestige and class to the Philippines but at an expensive cost, was finally toppled down his post. They all clamoured for reform, change, and a new beginning. But what was done instead? Swore in a president that has no background whatsoever to run the country! (No disrespect meant to the late President Cory Aquino.) Apparently, it was a decision done in haste and of convenience. She had the sympathy of the public because of the assassination of late husband a few years back. In fairness to Ninoy Aquino, I think he would have been a great president. He would have effected the reforms the country needed at that time. Side note: I watched a television program that featured his life sometime last year. And I have to say, the man gained my respect. He was eloquent and is so full of conviction.
Fast forward to roughly fourteen (14) years, there was another People power. Opposite of what happened before. Just two (2) years into the presidency, people wanted former President Erap Estrada out of Malacanang. They said they've had enough and that it's time to move on to a better leader for a better Philippines. They swore in another lady to replace him -- Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in 2001. But this time she had so much experience in politics. Once again, the country was hopeful. She was intelligent and has an impressive CV. But maybe the power swallowed her that she wasn't ready to step down. She allegedly used her influence and power to make sure she won the 2004 presidency. Lucky for her, she survived all attempts of bringing her down.
After nine (9) years or so under GMA's leadership, the public once again clamoured for reform, change and new beginning. They all were saying 'at last'. They just couldn't wait til GMA steps down. 2010 elections happened. President Nonynoy Aquino won and was sworn into office. Another president of convenience. He has the sympathy of the public because his mom died a few months before he announced he was running for presidency (which caused Mar Roxas to slide down to vice president). And not to mention the very popular sister of his. But barely a year into the presidency, there has been murmurs of his incompetence.
This has really saddened me. We have had several opportunities for reforms but we have failed to utilize it. Our scream for reforms is just that. A scream. We haven't thought farther than wanting for it. No concrete plans. We allowed ourselves to settle for what's there and what's convenient. And that's what we are now getting exactly. =(
Makes me wonder, what do we really mean if we speak of reform?
January 15, 2011
The Trade Off
A week ago, my officemate posted this on her status at Facebook:
eating alone is kinda sad... watching tv alone is kinda lonely, and a lot weird too especially if you're watching tv/movies crying and laughing alone... living alone is a feat... but oh well, the price of independence is really expensive, but definitely ALL worth everything... good night y'all!
I have to say, I totally agree. I feel this (sad and lonely) most coming home to an empty house after a long day. Bottles of beer and deep conversation would be perfect to cap off the day. If only you have someone to do it with. Like most of us who live alone, at the end of the day, all we have are either the phone, internet/computer, or the remote control! Maybe all of the above, used at the same time! Pathetic but that's our sad reality.
But I absolutely agree too with her second statement. The price of independence is expensive but all worth it. Yes. There's no feeling in the world (so far in my shallow life) better than having control with your time. Seems petty but to me it's everything. Having to lounge all day not doing anything productive. Literally. Not taking a bath til sundown. Watch TV all day, without anyone disturbing you. Come and go as you please without having someone to worry where you've gone to.
My love for time has caused a little bump on the first months or maybe years between my mom and I. I didn't think I needed to do anymore what I was used to doing when I was still living in my parents' house. I recall my mom, sounding so frustrated, trying to contact me at wee hours in the night. Because I am not attached too with my cellphone, so I rarely check on it when I'm out and about. When I finally remember to check on it, I would have several missed calls and text messages which read " Where are you?". I am a kid like that. It still happens once in awhile til now. But they're more tolerant, understanding even.
Independence is indeed a feat. I'm just lucky tho that I didn't have to start from scratch. My parents provided me with all the comfort I'm used to. Then I took off from there. I'm having a great time. But as much as I enjoy this freedom, I find myself flying home every month! Irony. My attachment with my family is just strong. That's something I will never trade off with anything.
eating alone is kinda sad... watching tv alone is kinda lonely, and a lot weird too especially if you're watching tv/movies crying and laughing alone... living alone is a feat... but oh well, the price of independence is really expensive, but definitely ALL worth everything... good night y'all!
I have to say, I totally agree. I feel this (sad and lonely) most coming home to an empty house after a long day. Bottles of beer and deep conversation would be perfect to cap off the day. If only you have someone to do it with. Like most of us who live alone, at the end of the day, all we have are either the phone, internet/computer, or the remote control! Maybe all of the above, used at the same time! Pathetic but that's our sad reality.
But I absolutely agree too with her second statement. The price of independence is expensive but all worth it. Yes. There's no feeling in the world (so far in my shallow life) better than having control with your time. Seems petty but to me it's everything. Having to lounge all day not doing anything productive. Literally. Not taking a bath til sundown. Watch TV all day, without anyone disturbing you. Come and go as you please without having someone to worry where you've gone to.
My love for time has caused a little bump on the first months or maybe years between my mom and I. I didn't think I needed to do anymore what I was used to doing when I was still living in my parents' house. I recall my mom, sounding so frustrated, trying to contact me at wee hours in the night. Because I am not attached too with my cellphone, so I rarely check on it when I'm out and about. When I finally remember to check on it, I would have several missed calls and text messages which read " Where are you?". I am a kid like that. It still happens once in awhile til now. But they're more tolerant, understanding even.
Independence is indeed a feat. I'm just lucky tho that I didn't have to start from scratch. My parents provided me with all the comfort I'm used to. Then I took off from there. I'm having a great time. But as much as I enjoy this freedom, I find myself flying home every month! Irony. My attachment with my family is just strong. That's something I will never trade off with anything.
December 27, 2010
Traditions, no more?
On Christmas day, I tweeted "Christmas feels different as you get older". True. It doesn't only feel different, it transforms.
Growing up, Christmas parties are the signs that the countdown should start. It also means I am ready to accept my gifts and beso in gratitude. And most importantly, no more class for the next 3 weeks! I would also used to look forward to our yearly Nemenzo reunions because all uncles are compelled to give gifts. Lucky for me, I have 6! Lolo used to act as the Santa Clause. He picks out a gift then announce who is it for and who is it from. After his stroke tho, one of my uncles took over. It was everyday reunion for us. There would be talent portions too and cash is being handed out to the brave ones. So much fun and super festive!
That's how I remember Christmas growing up. It was definitely something to look forward to.
Christmas for the past years hasn't been the same at all. Since the olds died. My uncles from Manila don't go home anymore. We don't have reunions anymore. No more gift-giving. It's become just another day. It's really sad that we haven't continued the great tradition, for the new generation, at least.
Maybe it's time to create our own tradition. Christmas day, Tito Marvin called up my mom, saying they wanted to drop by the house. But we were having lunch with my mom's family, so she invited them to dinner instead. We were complete. As far as Tito's and ours are concerned. We had a festive dinner, drank wine, the kids played and laughed all night. It was almost like the old times. Incomplete but better than none.
Hope you all had a great Christmas!
Growing up, Christmas parties are the signs that the countdown should start. It also means I am ready to accept my gifts and beso in gratitude. And most importantly, no more class for the next 3 weeks! I would also used to look forward to our yearly Nemenzo reunions because all uncles are compelled to give gifts. Lucky for me, I have 6! Lolo used to act as the Santa Clause. He picks out a gift then announce who is it for and who is it from. After his stroke tho, one of my uncles took over. It was everyday reunion for us. There would be talent portions too and cash is being handed out to the brave ones. So much fun and super festive!
That's how I remember Christmas growing up. It was definitely something to look forward to.
Christmas for the past years hasn't been the same at all. Since the olds died. My uncles from Manila don't go home anymore. We don't have reunions anymore. No more gift-giving. It's become just another day. It's really sad that we haven't continued the great tradition, for the new generation, at least.
Maybe it's time to create our own tradition. Christmas day, Tito Marvin called up my mom, saying they wanted to drop by the house. But we were having lunch with my mom's family, so she invited them to dinner instead. We were complete. As far as Tito's and ours are concerned. We had a festive dinner, drank wine, the kids played and laughed all night. It was almost like the old times. Incomplete but better than none.
Hope you all had a great Christmas!
December 18, 2010
Great Year
This year has been such a great one for me! I got what I wished for and more!
After passing the bar exams, I didn't exactly know what I wanted. So I hung around my first job. After a few months tho, something in me is screaming that this is not where I should be or what I should be doing. So I went on ahead to applying for the typical lawyers job. Law firm. I honestly thought I have an edge because of my U.S. immigration background. So I went on to finding a firm that has U.S. immigration as one of its practice areas. There are quite a few, much to my delightful surprise. So anyway, I went to one interview. My mouth just dropped on the floor. Taken aback was an understatement. Of course, during the interview, I was selling myself to be employable. But as the pleasantries were shoved aside, I was realizing that I didn't want to be hired anymore. Work hazards of being a girl in a man's world, I guess. From then on, I didn't want to be in a firm unless I knew the Senior partners. That's my only condition. Then I decided I will only work in 2 organizations. (1) government and (2) hard core corporate, whichever comes first.
After a month more of hanging around my previous job, I woke up one day and decided to resign, pack my things and come back home. Supposedly for good. Bummed around. Did a couple of court appearances. But quite frankly, it was difficult because the cash was nowhere to be found. Not to mention I was overly becoming bored. Province life just doesn't appeal to me anymore. My 'for good' timeline was shortened to 1 year, then to 6 months. But only 4 months, I found myself hired by, what i wanted, a government agency in Manila!
2 weeks. That was all it took. Applying. Initial Interview. Panel Interview. Then I'm on to my new life, new job and another beginning. Of course I was super thrilled! I didn't know what to expect. But I was absolutely ready for anything!
This year was so grand for me! Got to travel to KL, Malaysia at my own expense with my friends. I also went to Davao and Cebu this year. Made several flights to Bacolod too! Hmmm, that's where most of my money went this year. Oh and of course, a few nice suits from Zara and Mango, my LongChamp and Kate Spade bags and last but not the least, my priced possession, Nikon D90.
I was busy spending time with the family too here in Manila. Which reminds me to be thankful of my work schedule. More flexible and 3-day weekend! Wohoo for that! And of course weekends with my girls. And a shout out to my old and new boss too!
Looking over my photos made me realize one important thing. This year, I 'threw away' my money by purchasing plane tickets and making memories... I think that's what life is supposedly be about. We should live each day like it were our last, right. I guess it's safe to say that this year, I lived it like it were my last!
I am very grateful for all the opportunities, experiences and memories that I have for this year. Thank you Lord! I am looking forward to what next year has instore for me.
Merry Christmas and Have a great New Year to all!!!
After passing the bar exams, I didn't exactly know what I wanted. So I hung around my first job. After a few months tho, something in me is screaming that this is not where I should be or what I should be doing. So I went on ahead to applying for the typical lawyers job. Law firm. I honestly thought I have an edge because of my U.S. immigration background. So I went on to finding a firm that has U.S. immigration as one of its practice areas. There are quite a few, much to my delightful surprise. So anyway, I went to one interview. My mouth just dropped on the floor. Taken aback was an understatement. Of course, during the interview, I was selling myself to be employable. But as the pleasantries were shoved aside, I was realizing that I didn't want to be hired anymore. Work hazards of being a girl in a man's world, I guess. From then on, I didn't want to be in a firm unless I knew the Senior partners. That's my only condition. Then I decided I will only work in 2 organizations. (1) government and (2) hard core corporate, whichever comes first.
After a month more of hanging around my previous job, I woke up one day and decided to resign, pack my things and come back home. Supposedly for good. Bummed around. Did a couple of court appearances. But quite frankly, it was difficult because the cash was nowhere to be found. Not to mention I was overly becoming bored. Province life just doesn't appeal to me anymore. My 'for good' timeline was shortened to 1 year, then to 6 months. But only 4 months, I found myself hired by, what i wanted, a government agency in Manila!
2 weeks. That was all it took. Applying. Initial Interview. Panel Interview. Then I'm on to my new life, new job and another beginning. Of course I was super thrilled! I didn't know what to expect. But I was absolutely ready for anything!
This year was so grand for me! Got to travel to KL, Malaysia at my own expense with my friends. I also went to Davao and Cebu this year. Made several flights to Bacolod too! Hmmm, that's where most of my money went this year. Oh and of course, a few nice suits from Zara and Mango, my LongChamp and Kate Spade bags and last but not the least, my priced possession, Nikon D90.
I was busy spending time with the family too here in Manila. Which reminds me to be thankful of my work schedule. More flexible and 3-day weekend! Wohoo for that! And of course weekends with my girls. And a shout out to my old and new boss too!
Looking over my photos made me realize one important thing. This year, I 'threw away' my money by purchasing plane tickets and making memories... I think that's what life is supposedly be about. We should live each day like it were our last, right. I guess it's safe to say that this year, I lived it like it were my last!
I am very grateful for all the opportunities, experiences and memories that I have for this year. Thank you Lord! I am looking forward to what next year has instore for me.
Merry Christmas and Have a great New Year to all!!!
July 17, 2010
Super Mario and Me
I think Nintendo Family computer is heaven sent. I grew up spending a big chunk of my afternoons in front of the TV playing computer games. My favourite (and still is) is Super Mario, the classic one. No matter how many times I play that game, I still am psyched of saving the Princess. After awhile though, I mastered the game then I would time myself how long will it take me to finish til 8-4. I would play alongside my cousin and we’d have a contest, who finishes first. Then came the Gameboy. The first tape I bought, Super Mario of course. And I still have it at home! When Brandon was old enough to get his own Gameboy, I just had to brag that I had that toy first. I searched for mine and smiled when I found it with my tape still stuck in it. As expected, my Gameboy isn’t working anymore but the tape does work on those new colored ones. Although it displays as B&W still.
I feel like living the Super Mario game and Mario as me. Mario had a goal, to save the princess. There’s no exact strategy how to do that. It changes each time you play. Along the way he picks up coins, 1ups and flowers so that he’ll become better equipped for what’s ahead. He encounters different sorts of ‘enemies’. Some easy to deal with, others difficult to get rid of. But it doesn’t matter coz he can always come back to life and try again. He just needs to keep on trying. Of course, the journey is made easier because of the ‘helps’ he has acquired.
That’s how I see life, at least mine. I just have a goal. As to how I reach it, I leave it to daily experiences to help me. In my journey, I meet people, visit places and learn new things. I have even found myself in a crappy situation. But like Mario, I just try again and things work out fine. Never burn bridges, they say, coz you’ll never know you might need this ‘help’ someday.
So while this heart is beating, ‘game over’ is something you won’t hear me say.
I feel like living the Super Mario game and Mario as me. Mario had a goal, to save the princess. There’s no exact strategy how to do that. It changes each time you play. Along the way he picks up coins, 1ups and flowers so that he’ll become better equipped for what’s ahead. He encounters different sorts of ‘enemies’. Some easy to deal with, others difficult to get rid of. But it doesn’t matter coz he can always come back to life and try again. He just needs to keep on trying. Of course, the journey is made easier because of the ‘helps’ he has acquired.
That’s how I see life, at least mine. I just have a goal. As to how I reach it, I leave it to daily experiences to help me. In my journey, I meet people, visit places and learn new things. I have even found myself in a crappy situation. But like Mario, I just try again and things work out fine. Never burn bridges, they say, coz you’ll never know you might need this ‘help’ someday.
So while this heart is beating, ‘game over’ is something you won’t hear me say.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)