2009

Another year is over and a new one is beginning...

sad events

I cannot say it was a bad year but I also cannot say that it was good either. My country as a whole had a rough year. I also had my share of unfortunate events. I lost a grandmother, a cousin, an aunt and an uncle. Even though life seems hard I still had to continue on living.

family

This year my family faced a new chapter. My father went to Australia to try his luck there. My mother and sister will probably follow next year. I on the hand still do not know if my fate will also bring me to Australia. Right now I am just in waiting phase. Immigrating to Australia is still not a certain thing.

work

After staying half of year last year in Cebu, this year I was assigned back here in Davao. I miss my officemates in Cebu but my home is here in Davao. I faced a lot of challenges. I got to do a photo shoot on my own. I got to do stuff that normally I used to be too shy to do it. I also had to train myself to work independently since my boss and art directors are miles away. I know I still got a lot to learn. It's just sad that one of art directors is leaving. I will definitely miss working with her. I am thankful for her patience with me. Next year I will strive harder.

love

I had to spend more time with bf since I was back in Davao. We celebrated our second anniversary. It's the second longest relationship after Joe. I admit after I broke up with my college bf I was a mess. I had a string of relationships after but didn't last long. I young and naive. I still had a lot of issues then. Finally when least expected I met someone that would matter a lot to me. My love story with Uly is not complicated one, it's not the love stories you see in movies or read in books. It just a simple story of 2 people understanding each other. The love story pacing might be slow but I know it will be a long one.

art

This year I was very lazy to do any personal projects on my own. I guess I was caught up with work and spending time with my bf. I was reading books more and watching series that thinking of projects to do. I know that I should not stop doing art. It's so unlike me.

Next year I got a lot of things to catch up like my art, my blog, my work and my generally my life...I was so complacent this year. It's time to shake things up.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Pusudi and Me

37... 13 to go

This year I made a challenge to myself to read 50 books. Right now I am reading #38. I still got a dozen books to go and a week left. I don't know if I will get to my 50 mark but still 38 books is feat especially with my busy schedule.

Here is the list of the books I read this year.

* The Last Watch- Sergei Lukianenko (1)
* Shanghai Baby- Wei Hui (2)
* The Stranger- Albert Camus (3)

* The Southern Vampire Series- Charlaine Harris -Dead Until Dark (4)
-Living Dead in Dallas (5)
-Club Dead (6)
-Dead to the World (7)
-Dead as a Doornail (8)
-Definitely Dead (9)
-All Together Dead (10)
-From Dead to Worse (11)
-Deand and Gone (12)

*They Whisper- Robert Olen Butler (13)
*The Cider House Rules-John Irving (14)
*The Devil Wears Prada- Lauren Weisberger (15)
*Ed Gein Psycho - Paul Anthony Woods (16)
*The Time Traveler's Wife- Audrey Niffenegger (17)
*Candy - Kevin Brooks (18)
*The Gilded Chamber- Rebecca Kohn (19)
*Coraline - Niel Gaiman (20)

*Ultimate Hitchiker's Guide Series - Douglas Adams -Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (21)
-Restaurant at the End's of the Universe (22)

*Girl Interrupted - Susanna Kaysen (23)
*Unbearable Lightness of Being- Milan Kundera (24)

*The Luxe Series- Anna Godbersen -The Luxe (25)
-Rumors (26)
-Envy (27)
-Splendor (28)

*The Rachel papers- Amis (29)
*Where the Wild Things are- Maurice Sendak (30)

*Harry Potter Series -J.K. Rowling -Harry Potter and the Oder of Phoenix (31)
-Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (32)
-Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (33)

*The Inheritance Series - Christopher Paolini -Eragon (34)
-Eldest (35)
-Brisingr (36)

*Birth of Venus -Sarah Dunant (37)

As you can see the I read a lot of series and books that are made into movies or tv series.

Right now I am reading The Brief and Wondorous life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz.

Hope next year I can manage to finish my 50 book challenge.

Camp Christmas Party

Last December 15 I went to Cebu to attend my company's Christmas party.

Funny the person who I got as a Manito was Derwin and was also the one who got to pick me! Thanks Der for the anti stress lotion.

After the Christmas party at TGIF we went to Mayan. Bryan bought us a shot of margarita or mojito. Thanks Bry!

A Day before Christmas Post

At last I finally got my Christmas break. While my Mom is busy preparing for Noche Buena I am tinkering with this Blog. I have not blog that much this year. Then there was a hiatus with accessing this blog. I'm glad that it's back to normal. I can not give up this blog even though I have a daily musings tumblr.

My Mom is very proud with her Christmas Tree this year.

Preview of the gifts

My gift for my BF. Apparently he couldn't wait for Christmas he already opened his gift.

Lastly my gift for myself a revamped blog.

I'm a Gleek

Lately me and my sister are addicted to the series Glee.

When I first read about Glee I thought not another musical but I was wrong. It's like high school musical for adults. I really love the different characters. Though they seem the usual stereotypes the jocks, the nerds ....the high school hierarchy. But the characters are more than they seem. I love that in the show there is no clear protagonist or antagonist (well except for Sue). Each character has his or her ups and downs. I like that Mr. Schu is not the usual teacher who has all the answers. His life is not perfect and he doesn't always make the right decisions. But of all the characters I really really love Sue Sylverster.

Sue: I'm going to ask you to smell your armpits. That's the smell of failure, and it's stinking up my office.

I really like her character. Sue is super confident that she thinks the world revolves around her. I like the way she imposts her opinions on other people. One of the freakiest characters I have met.

Sue: I'll often yell at homeless people: 'Hey, how is that homelessness working out for you? Try not being homeless for once.'

Sue: I empower my Cheerios to live in fear by creating an environment of irrational, random terror.

“I’ve always thought the desire to procreate showed deep, personal weakness. Me – never wanted kids. Don’t have the time, don’t have the uterus.”

I really love her lines. The way she really believes in herself even though the idea seems so preposterous.

Reflections

It's ironic that when I was happy and contented I rarely made blog posts. When I feel down the words easily flows out.

It is the same with my art. When I look back at my past personal art projects it dwell on my reflections on the events in my life.

BUT I also realize that even though I may feel down I do not want to dip into my own pool of sad emotions. Instead I should put all my pent up emotions into being productive.

I do not want to be defined by relationships instead I want being be define with my art. Since I have been happy with my current relationship that I let myself be lax with my art. The year is almost over and I have not made any personal art projects. I think I should have my own personal "Me" time.

Red Series

I miss wearing trendy and fashionable stuff. Nowadays its polo shirts, pants and flipflops. My money goes to books so I have no budget for clothes or new shoes. Still that does not stop me from want nice things.

Armed with an empty pocket but an insatiable imagination, looklet has helped me fashion daydreaming come true. I found looklet at chuvaness. It kinda reminds me of the virtual closet of Cher in clueless.

With lots of clothes to choose I still gravitate towards the reds and the black. So I made my "Red Series".

I love plaid so this jacket really caught my eye. Her belt is somehow inspired by Jane's belt of Sea of shoes. Then there's my obsession with boots. You never have enough of them! Imagine myself hanging out with my girl friends with this...

As usual you can still the trade mark pieces, the distinct red jacket and boots. I could go to the office in these...I know I would definitely get looks. When your an artist you the excuse to dress whatever you want.

Red plaid shirt, funky red boots and liquid leggings. I see myself doing some exploring and sketchbook doodling with this.

There is no plaid and boots here...this look would be for those serious client meetings.

...and this one is for date night.

The Long Weekend

DVD marathon, potato chips and dip, chocolate.

Then there's hanging out by the computer...Facebooking.

Welcome a New member of the family

My sister's birthday is near and I thought I should give her an early birthday present. I made her choose between a mango shirt or a tomagotchi. She chose the latter. She has been begging to buy her one...finally I bought her one. Besides the tomagotchi I got her the CD of duster (which I am currently listening to




She named her tomagotchi Brandon after the incubus' lead vocals.

weird day

I had the weirdest day ever. Earlier today I attended my cousin's wedding. I bought my sister early birthday gift. We visited my sick aunt. When we got back home, we learned my pet dog Squeegee died. Then around quarter to eleven my sister got a text message that my Aunt just died.

While my Officemates Where Away...

While my officemates went to Shanghai for a vacation I was also busy. Not really for the Kadayawan but I attended a wedding and a baptism. I had two days off plus Friday was also a holiday. Wednesday I was panic buying for a dress and a gift.

Earlier my Mom was invited to attend the wedding of her close friend Myrna Ong. We used to live near the Ong's in Damosa. My Moom said that I used to play with Ong children. I couldn't really remember because I was maybe 3-4 at that time. The Ong children were older than me. I got lost touch with them because we moved around a lot but my Mom never lost touch with Tita Myrna. Last time my Mom was also invited at Pearly's wedding. I was not around that time because I was in Manila. Mom was invited again to attend Lovely's wedding. Pearly is the second daughter and Lovely is the eldest. With lots of free time I decided to accompany my Mom to event. In the invitation it said the dress code was formal. I had to buy something because all my formal clothes are black. It is in tradition that you should wear black to the wedding. Wednesday I went shopping with my Mom.

I had a hard time finding something to wear. I am obviously not in my sexy state and so finding a dress is hard. Finding decent clothes here in Davao is also a challenge. After mall hopping I finally found a dress. Somehow luck was on my side, the dress was in a sale. I already had a pair of shoes at home so that was not a problem. I also manage to buy a gift for my future God daughter.

Saturday came. I wanted to have my hair done in a saloon because my hair is a mess but I woke up late so I had my sister blow dry my hair. I was not spectacular but at least it was its usual messy state.

Here is my gorgeous self....cough,cough well not really...

When I got to the Church I found the place was decorated nicely. Chandeliers where used to light the pathway toward the altar. Lots of white flowers. I really love the color of the dresses of the entourage. They wore teal! I thought the motif was dark blue because of the invitation but I like colors they used. From the principal sponsors to the cute little flowers girls everything was custom made. I was too shy to take pictures since I don't know them. I was also wearing 3 inch heels so taking pictures would take some effort.

I really wanted to take a picture of the beautiful Lovely but unfortunately my shots were blurry because of the low light. I didn't want to use flash...which was a mistake.


The wedding dinner was at 6 0'clocl but guests where served with cocktails. There were lots of chocolate, biscuits, nuts, candies and what not. There was also an open bar. I REALLY wanted to go there but I was with my Mom and my Mom does not know I drink. There was also a chocolate fountain. There was a large fresh fish for sushi. I didn't really much because I was preparing myself for dinner...even though the chocolate fountain was tempting.

When we finally got to Marco Polo's grand ball room, I was awestruck by the decorations. More beatiful large colored chandeliers, fresh white flowers and ambient lighting. The grand ball room didn't look the same..last time I was here when I took my IELTS exam. The room was really transformed. I wish I had a better camera with me. The dinner, the program...everything was superb. I really loved the dress Lovely wore for the reception. The designers went there and I could see that they were very proud of their creation. It was a very glamorous wedding. I have attended a number of weddings in my life and this was on top of my list.

The parade of food seems endless. There was a point where I wanted to eat more but I was already at a tipping point. I also fell in love with the dessert table. It was endless treats from Lachi's. It's my sister's and my favorite maker of cakes and sweets. I wanted to try everything but only manage to try four types.

I was happy that I did accompany my Mom to the said event. I got to see a very very beautiful wedding. Lovely and Roger is also a very happy couple. All through out the wedding they both keep of laughing and giggling. I didn't get to take a decent picture of the couple...bad digi cam.

here is the happy couple Lovely and Roger Gentugaya

When I got home I rummage through the give-away I got. I find the contents very sweet...literally sweet. A mug, a packet of cocoa, a packet of cappuccino, mints, kisses, and M&M's. Everything is personalized.

They even had the M&M's with their faces on it. My Mom doesn't want to eat her share.

*****
Sunday I was late for the Baptism. It was a double baptism of my nephew and niece. I am the God mother of Angel the younger one. After the baptism at church we went to my Cousin's house. It was actually a triple celebration. I was my cousin's birthday also.

Here I am with my God daughter Angel.

Next Saturday I am going attend again another wedding. It's going to be my cousin's wedding. I wouldn't be fancy but a simple affair.

25 books to go

In my 50 books challenge I have accomplished half of it already. Here are the books that I am planning to read next.

erotica
* Best American Erotica 1994
*Forbidden Fruit
*Delta of Venus- Anias Nin

Books by Gregory Maguire
*Confessions of an Ulgy Step sister
*Wicked
*Son of a Witch

Coming of Age stories
*All the Blue Moons at the Wallace Hotel - Phoebe Stone
*Too Cool- Duff Brenna
*Innocence - Jane Mendelsohn
*Reap -Eric Rickstand
* The Rachel Papers -Martin Amis

In inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini
*Eragon
*Eldest (not shown)

The Brief and Wonderous Life of Oscar Wao - Junot Diaz

Collections
*The Ulitmate Hitchiker's Guide
*Dexter

*Japan

Since my 50 book challenge I have been filling up my shelves with books again. Right now I am finishing the Harry Potter series. I have books 1-4 but didn't bought the last three books. I get read the last three books through my friends.

Downsizing

My family has a knack of collecting things. From clothes, shoes, toys, magazines, decorations and what not. After awhile these things tends to pile up. My closets are filled with clothes that I wore eons ago. Only a small percent that I really wear. Then there is a closet filled with bags and shoes. I am not bragging because even though I have a closet filled with whatever but most of the bulk are almost junk for me.

It's recession and every one is in a tight budget my sister needs to raise funds so she feels that we need to downsize our things. As they say one man's garbage is another man's treasure. Last week my sister and her friend rented a stall at Matina Town square. For 6 days I got to go to MTS after work.

These are some of the stuff that we sold

Totek, Neneng, Meg and Marco (my sister and her friends who helped at the bazar)

shots of bazat at MTS.

Usually in our breaks we have a bowl of cereal and cheesy nachos at Keepsakes.

It was a new experience for me and my sister because we are not really entrepreneurial people. My sister did get to meet new people and got to practice her rusting people skills. Overall the experience was fun. My sister did not sell everything but a lot of stuff were sold. The last day was the most tiring and also the most interesting. I got to see Sandwich perform live and free. But I am also glad that it is over because it was tiring me out going to MTS after work and staying there till 12. My sister will probably continue disposing old stuff but she will be doing it at home. Hope you could drop by sometime.