Do I Have a Mexican Relative?

I was browsing my facebook just now and I had 7 Friends request today. There is this one request which really got me excited.

His name is Mauricio Andarza (Mexico). Is he a relative of mine?

Sobrang natuwa talaga ako. I accepted his request to see his profile. Yup! He's indeed Mexican coz' all his friends in his accounts are. He looks Mexican too! hehehe!

It made me remember my Mexican friends back in Guadalajara and how I miss them so much. I happened to meet a guy there named Mauricio which is a Youth leader in Monte Sion Church.But this one is a different Mauricio and this time...he could be my relative.hehehe!

Now I know why....hehehe!

Hospital Blues

I need to go undertime last tuesday. I received a lot of text messages and calls from mama that she's in a lot of pain and she wanted to go the hospital. She had a severe headache once again. I think this is the worst one. She's already vomitting and her system would no longer accept anything, even water. I hurried to New Sinai MDI Hospital in Sta. Rosa to meet her there. I came to the hospital first and when she and Junice arrived we hurried first to the OPD. No doctor available yet and she's already in great pain. We proceeded to the emergency room.

While she's being observed by the doctor, Junice and I went to Robinson's across the street to buy some food and groceries. While we were not around, the doctor adviced mama that she needs to be admitted. She replied, "Doc, antayin lang natin ang daughter ko. Wala kasi mag-aalaga sa kanila kung i-coconfine ako." aww! I'm touched. Mothers will always be mothers no matter what. When we came back, of course I agreed with the doctor.

She was confined for 3 days. I was so thankful that Mama has a healthcard courtesy of Hitachi. Actually, at the time she was admitted, I don't have cash. All I have is P500. As what I heard, initial deposit is P5000 if you don't have a healthcard. Thanks to the healthcard, we went out of the hospital without paying a single penny.

But we have to spend money also...fares from house and back and of course food. I needed to budget also for Junice. Since the hospital is between SM and Robinson's, Junice took the opportunity of going to SM on a daily basis while we were in the hospital.

We quite enjoyed our stay in the hospital. Aside from the nice service and facilities, the nurses (interns) were friendly or should I say, Junice is the one who is so friendly. All the nurses on the 4th floor are her friends. They would stay in our room just to hang out with Junice and see her sing and dance. I think we had special treatment from the nurses because of her.

High School Musical Rewind

Showing na ang high school musical 3 pero only just last week nung bumili ako ng original VCD ng High School Musical 1 and 2 for Junice. Kung hindi pa talaga buy 1 take 1 hindi pa bibili no? hehehe! I usually buy original VCD or DVD of my favorite movies. Though di ko naman favorite ang movies na to, I thought magiging favorite sya ng kapatid ko.

Actually, nag-away na nman kami when we bought the CDs. Ayaw kasi nya, mas gusto nya yung Strawberry Short Cake just because pink ang color ng CD cover. Waaah! Minsan nakakaloka talaga tong sister ko. So bale wala sya magawa, ako bibili eh.hehehe!

It was last sunday when we bought them and now my mom

is so irritated. D kasi nya napapanood ang Wowowee and Pieta. Sobrang na-inlove si Junice sa 2 movies na she watches them everyday ng paulit-ulit. Almost memorized nya na ang mga lines and siempre ang mga songs. Total performer talaga ang batang to...ginagaya ang mga moves sa movies. Sayang, naalala ko na nman yung sira kong cellphone at yung nawala kong digicam. Di ko kasi sya makukunan ng mga "performance" nya.

Mas like ni Junice and 2 than 1 and I really know kung bakit...mas madami itong kilig moments. Haay...minsan nakakatakot si Junice. Bka mauna pang magboyfriend sakin. tsk! tsk!
I promised her na we will watch the part 3..sana makaabot pa kami.
She said, "Ate, buti na lang hindi Strawberry Short Cake ang binili mo." hehehe!

26 and Counting...

I just turned 26 yesterday! It was one of the happiest days of my life.
Of course, I thanked the Lord for giving me 26 wonderful, beautiful years. There may be some times in my life that I experience pain, failures and disappointments but I'm glad because of these I became even stronger. God has made me a mature person now and He is currently at work in my life. He's been doing great and mighty things in my life though sometimes I feel that I am not worthy of such things. I just thank him for His goodness.
Yesterday, I celebrated my birthday in our church. I have a churchmate, Chad who's birthday is also Nov 9 so we planned for a double celebration. Since, I don't know how to cook and he's the expert one, he did all the cooking.hehehe! Thanks Chad for the pancit, palabok and lumpia shanghai. :-)
Last week, I had a hard laugh when Chad approached me and ask me if we can do a song number on our birthday. I'm not a singer by the way but I agreed (Artistahin d ba?Kulang na lang may mag-greet sa VTR.hehe!). Besides, it's for the Lord. I was happy that I was able to sing a song for God. Indeed He's so wonderful and worthy of all our praises. All of us had a great time and we went home happy.
I'm looking forward for more years to come and just so excited on what God has instore for me.

Pasko Na Naman

Christmas is coming!
My family is not as excited as this for the Christmas season. hmmm... it's going to be our 2nd Christmas together. Papa, Mama and my little sister Junice. Siguro it's one of the reason why.

I remember when I was a little kid, Mama and I were not very fond of Christmas decors and stuff...pero siyempre we also celebrate Christmas. It's a time to remember God's love for us and this is what makes Christmas so important. I remember wala ata kami Christmas tree sa bahay.
All we have is the "Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year" gold banner.
Pero alam ko naging masaya naman ang mga Christmas namin.

Last Sunday, nasa SM kami ni Mama, Junice and Tintin. Excited kami kasi we already bought some Christmas decors. May christmas curtain, throw pillows at table cloth.
Pati potholder, christmas design na rin.hehehe!

Last night, Junice already put the Christmas tree and we already decorated our stairs.
Haay, Christmas is in the air...and i'm just so glad!

MSL Team Building '08

First time kong umatend ng team building sa MSL (MatLab). Quite sad kasi first time din sana namin magteam building kasama ang mga bagong MSL member. Pero everything turned fine. Sobrang nag-enjoy kami. Sa games, sa FOOD...hehehe! and siempre sa venue!

See!

Bato Springs, San Pablo, Laguna

Kain muna bago ang lahat...

Games, games, games...

Ang lamig!

Eto pa...

Ayun..umuwi na masaya ang lahat. :-)

Enchanted..Enchanted

One reason why I love Hitachi is that we are given some special benefits just like our family day. We had our company family day this year in Enchanted Kingdom. Actually, this is my first time to go there that's why I'm excited. Plus, I will be going there with my family.

Haay, ang saya ng experience. Siempre..may pang friendster pics na nman. tulad nito...

During this time, away pa kami ng away ng sister ko. Ayaw kasi magpapicture. hehe! Ang kulit.

Kami ang nagbukas ng enchanted. We were there 10am..and guess what? Kami na rin nag close ng park...10pm na kami umuwi. Oh d ba, sinulit talaga.

First picture at enchanted..10AM


Junice and cousin Eric @ the Dino Egg Me and Junice @ Jungle Outpost


Junice on top of Enchanted



After riding the Rio Grande..last picture @ 10PM

Sana next time, Disneyland na!

SiNgLeS' TaLk

I haven't mentioned about this in my previous blogs before so I'll just make a little introduction.
In our church, members are divided into subgroups according to age or maybe civil status. Some are in the Young Couples ministry, Womens, Mens and of course the Youth ministry. The Youth ministry is also divided into small groups such as the Teens, Youth and the Singles.
Obviously, I'm in the Singles group. Singles ministry is a group of singles working or non-working who wanted to make the most of their lives while still single. Yes, we wanted to live our lives to the max by serving the Lord in preparation to married life soon. ;-)
We have this quarterly event called Singles' Talk. We normally dine out, unwind and of course just talk about anything. Last Friday, we had our 3rd Singles' Talk in Handaang Pilipino. It was fun yet productive event. We talked about EXCELLENCE...becoming excellent in everything that we do.
We should always aim for excellence because this is God's plan for us.

It's nice spending Friday nights with some encouragement talks after a very tiring week.
More Singles' Talk to come! God Bless!

ThE GrAvEyArD cHaLLeNgE

This is it...this is really it.
Another challenge in my life...the graveyard shift!

Actually, this is my second time on the nightshift and I think it has a bitter-sweet taste for me...
Sweet kasi walang boss, walang pressure, walang meeting, walang requesters (by the way, in case you forgot, i'm working in the lab so we often receive requests for analysis).
Bitter kasi hirap talaga labanan ang antok.
If there's one word that would describe me, it's "TULOG". Sleepy head talaga ako...kahit saan ako abutin ng antok, matutulog talaga ako...hirap ako magpuyat.
I thought, di ko kaya ang nightshift.Hmmm...kaya naman pala basta umidlip lang from time to time. hehe! Pero huwag ka, Monday after my first nightshift week, absent ako.hehehe! Di ko kinaya...hopefully sa Monday makapasok ako..kakahiya na.
This week is worse, walang urgent analysis kaya wala akong ginagawa.
Walang ginagawa = Mas lalong aantukin
Di kaya ng coffee and coke ang antok ko...kakapanghina. Bahala sila, natutulog talaga ako.
Buti na lang may internet.hehe!

Challenge talaga to...sana Friday na! Goodnight!

Guess where I am on a Sunday...

Today is Sunday...

I'm not supposed to be here...especially not on this day. I imagine myself being with my church friends right now, bonding and sharing some thoughts and maybe had an Atoy's porkchop for lunch. But as much as I wanted to, I'm stuck here in the office today...alone.

Literally, I'm alone here in the Eng'g office. Some guys were here earlier today but they have to leave for the 3pm shuttle. And I just can't leave because I still have things need to be done. It's my first time reporting to work on a Sunday and worse is I have to stay until 7. Whew!

Our office today ...On the other side, I like these kind of days because I got to finish a lot of stuff compared to the usual working days...and of course, I was able to update my blog. ;-)

Next challenge... the graveyard shift!

Internet Top User

I apologize for not posting for some quite a time. Aside from the fact that I've been very very busy lately, my internet connection here in the office is not working properly.
I can't open my mails and visit some sites such as blogger.com. huhuhu!
And guess what the IT guys said, "Sorry ma'am, we cut off your connection kasi internet top user po kayo!" waaahhh! Pano ako magiging top user eh hindi nga ako masyado gumagamit ng internet. Kung top user ako, paano na yung iba? Very top user? hehehe!
Anyway, I asked for some data to show their claim but sad to say they can't provide any. Hindi lang tlga nila kayang ayusin kaya ganun ang alibi nila.
Good thing okay na ngayon...obviously.

TyRa BiTeS

When I got Tyra, the most happiest person in the family was my lil' sister, Junice.
She would play with her most of the time, walks her and even kisses her.
They became buddies after a short time until one day...

Late na kami nagising na tatlo!!! Ako, junice and mama so we decided na matulog na lang ulit.
Absent si junice sa school. Ako nman absent sa office.hehehe!
Very playful talga si Tyra in the morning. Kaya paggising namin laro agad sila ni Junice.
Waaaaah! Hindi naman sinasadya, nakagat ni Tyra si Junice...
Ano sa tingin niyo? Sinadya kaya ni Tyra yun?
Huhuhu! Natakot ako...siyempre ako may kasalanan nun..aso ko si Tyra eh. Tsktsktsk.
Pero mas natakot ako kasi alam kong mahal injection ng anti-rabies.
Gulat ako, need ni Junice ng 5 shots at 2500 each. Waaaah! 12500 yun!
Salamat na lang sa healthcard. Wala kaming bayad.
Ayun, grounded si Tyra. Bawal na maglaro kay Junice.

HoW 2 rAiSe a PuPpy

At last, I'll be having my very own puppy for the first time.

Today is her 2nd month and i'm gonna bring her home this sunday! yahoo!
Meet my Tyra... short for Tyra Barks! :-)

black and gorgeous Tyra with her ninang June...


I haven't got a chance to have my own doggie ever so having one will be a great challenge for me. Dami kong preparations na kailangan. I have to read articles about raising pet dogs and hindi pala madali. waaaah!

Here are some do's and don'ts:
Do's:
· reward sitting quietly (sit for attention)
· encourage play with dogs own toys
· reward the dog for being quiet ("good quiet")
· feed the dog when he sits politely
· reward the dog each time he comes to you
· exercise him to prevent boredom
· let him earn his treats as rewards
· reward him for waiting at doorways
· reward eye contact every time you get it reward loose-leash walking with forward motion

Don'ts:
· DON'T stroke the dog if he jumps up (turn away)
· DON'T chase the dog to get back your belongings
· DON'T yell at the dog for barking (attention = reward)
· DON'T put the bowl down while he's jumping around
· DON'T scold if he runs off, then comes back (never scold when he comes to you)
· DON'T punish for habits developed due to boredom
· DON'T give him anything he wants because he's cute
· DON'T let him barge through (slam the door shut)
· DON'T let him reward himself for bad behaviors DON'T move at all if he pulls the leash tight

And the secret formula:
Reward the Good + Ignore the Bad = Success (a simple formula to produce a good puppy)

Goodluck na lang sakin...sana makaya ko to!
I'll see on Sunday my Tyra! :-)

JuSt fOr DaUgHtErS

I read this article while I was browsing the net...while reading, I just can't help but cry. Today I was struggling about my argument with Papa last night and just today...God reminded me of something...

Being a Godly Daughter

"Listen to your father, who gave you life...Get the truth and never sell it; also get wisdom, discipline and good judgment. The father of Godly children has cause for joy. What a pleasure to have children who are wise." ~Proverbs 23:22-24

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised." ~Proverbs 31:30

As daughters, we seek affirmation and praise. We want someone to love us, to protect us, and to cherish us. We long for security and sheltering. God designed us -- as women, as girls -- this way...and we should relish in it. This is the beauty of God and God's creation. He designed the perfect mentoring and nurturing system for little girls to grow from helpless babies to beautiful girls, from beautiful girls to stunning young ladies, from stunning young ladies to powerful and Godly women. Our wonderful Creator designed for this growing and maturing process to take place within Godly familes. One of the key relationships inthe family is between a father and his daughter. It is where our security, love and protection is found. The relationship between a girl and her father is where she is to see the love of her Heavenly Father modeled in her life.

Unfortunately, the relationship between a girl and her dad is strained, broken, or non-existent. Families are not able to fulfill their special, God-given mission because of the brokenness in their relationships. Godly familes are called to raise up girls who will stand as polished cornerstones -- beautiful and ornate pillars which will stand against the pressures and storms of life while holding up a beacon of truth and righteousness. These Godly young ladies will proclaim the truth simply because of how they were raised -- because of who they are. Their "polish" will point all who see them to their Master!

When we see the restoration of Godly father-daughter relationships, it will be the first step in restoring Godly homes, Godly churches, and a Godly culture.

Let me also take a few moments to encourage the girls who may not have a Godly father who they can listen to and follow. Do not be discouraged, for God CAN and WILL still restore this relationship if you seek Him. He will be the father you've never had. He will -- and does -- love, protect, and cherish you. Seek after His Father heart, and He will reveal it to you! He is your true Father who fave you life and He will be faithful to raise you up as a polished cornerstone in His Palace.

~Elysse Barrett, Author Fathers and Daughters: Raising Polished Cornerstones

my bRu!!!

She has really grown a lot. It seems like yesterday when I felt sick thinking of my mom who's inside the delivery room having labor pains. After 5 years, she's now my super kulit, super ma-arte, "Bru"...my grown up little sister.

Last week, naisipan ko na tawagin syang bru. Tingnan nyo nman kasi...

Junice with her curlers...

isa pa...

Bru as in bruhang-bruha tlga d ba? Sa kanya yang curlers..not mine!

Ewan ko ba...i'm just so in loved with her. She's just so lovable...kahit minsan spoiled brat tlga.

Anyway, bru is so smart...she's even smarter than me in so many ways! There are times she had these comments you won't even imagine coming from a 5-year old kid. Like when mom had her hair cut short..she commented, "Ma, bakit sobrang iksi ng hair mo? hindi bagay! Kung andun lang ako sasabhan ko ang naggupit na wag iksian." hmmmm? :-)

Bru is so makikay..lahat ng kakikayan meron sya. And may sense of fashion tlaga

Haay...she's just so adorable, I can't get enough of her.

And I thank God for giving her into our lives...

Love you, my bru!!! :-)

VJCF...On Living A VicToRiOus LiFe

Its been quite some time that I've been attending VJCF (Victory in Jesus Christ Fellowship). After I relocated from Parañaque to Laguna, I have to decide to find a new church. I love Harvester's in QC but I need a church closer to my new home especially now that I have my whole family with me. Then there's VJCF...

Kuya Rence invited me one Sunday. At first I was reluctant...I barely know anyone and since I'm in the process of finding a new church I became merely a church goer. That was for months. Me, who was a Christian for so long did not have a ministry at all. I was growing cold. I did not allow new people come into my life and so I was stuck. This time, Satan thought he could have won me over...

Of course, God did not allow that to happen...Sometime in August, a group of girls my age (oops...a little younger than me i mean) approached me and invited me to join their fellowship. That was the start of a life-changing experience. I was so blessed with their lives. The warm welcome and the care that I felt was overwhelming. I really thank God for them especially Eunice, Jane and Eva. I've seen their love for the Lord and slowly I'm experiencing it again. The love I have for God which in some point in my life, I've forgotten to nurture.

Now, I can say that God did not allow me to fail but He made me victorious. And as I face another year, I know I'm not facing it alone...I have God, my family, friends and VJCF.

To VJCF...you are not just a church. You are a family...my family.