Oh, hello December!

As I went home the other night, I was greeted by the opening of our barangay’s “Christmas Arc.” The streets were almost closed and fireworks were all set for a brief display. And as I set foot on our garden, I noticed that mum’s Christmas trinkets were already in place. The cool breeze made its presence known and the chimes did its thing. December, you’re here.

Speakers on. Music. Play. “It’s the most wonderful time of the year…”

Christmas season can be pretty melancholic but I’m still on the “merry” side of things. I believe that there’s a certain atmosphere during this season that allows people to be nicer or extra-giving and loving. Beyond the Christmas shopping and holiday rush is remembering what the Yule season is all about. It’s the time of counting our blessings and giving thanks. Recently, I wrote an editorial for our company’s newsletter about the concept of “thanksliving.” It is basically “gratitude in action” or paying forward. Though its concept transcends beyond seasons or events, I feel that it is a very nice thing to highlight during Christmas time. It just fits right in after all the events that recently happened in our country.

And so for this month, I will highlight the holiday spirit and all things Christmas-y… Filipino-style, definitely! So, there. Cheers for now and Happy December!

No words can express the horror and torment that the Filipinos feel towards the recent mass killing in Mindanao. I am deeply appalled by the reports and stories that I have been hearing. I am one with the Filipino people in condemning the Maguindanao Massacre. May justice be served to the victims and their families.

 

I condemn the massacre in Maguindanao.

 

 

 

 

I am one helluva busy bee!

This best describes my present state. I need to stop and smell the roses. But hey, I still have to schedule that.

I have been trying to squeeze in little activities here and there but free time, or lack thereof, is still an issue that needs tending (which reminds me, I have to fix that Belle de Jour thing).

Okaaaayyyyyyyyy. I just want to stop by here at WordPress land and key in some texts before I hit the sack. I have to wake up really early tomorrow. Thank God for coffee- savior of the zany.

 

 

 

 

No, I am not a workaholic.

It’s just that ever since the internal battle to get rid of “the boy” began, I try to avoid “packets of free time.” Yes, the agonizing minutes and hours of useless musings about the nameless nemesis. For someone like me who’s trying to avoid a certain individual, free time is the greatest enemy. I have a very active mind, and minutes without much action would result in deep pondering and inquiring.

It just so happened that my way of filling these “packets of free time” is income generating as well. My schedule sounds really crazy and the physical stress is truly intense. However, no amount of physical stress could surpass the emotional torture that constant pondering and questioning bring. For now, I’ll go for the latter (physical stress) and hope that weekend massages, exercise, vitamins and other R&R would do the trick.

With what’s happening recently, I’ll actually be forced to rearrange my schedule…probably my life as well (laughs).

I’m a little worried about spontaneity though. Yes, I now have this habit of keeping an eye on time. But I don’t want to think about it. For now, I’ll just roll with the punches and keep everything on the dot.

This always happens.

Let’s rearrange the word THIS, shall we? What do we have?

Shit always happens.

***

Today, he said, “What would I ever do without you?” And just like a kid, my heart jumped with glee. I shouldn’t feel that way. I know. But it’s like an involuntary feeling already.

I often say that I can’t be JUST happy with him. This happy-then-sad moment always happens. Irony never fails me. Just like that, the “kid filled with glee” was snapped back to reality.

He mentioned someone I dislike. This person reminds me of my position in his life. Forgive me for not liking someone just because she slaps the truth on my face. Harsh, I know.

And as if it wasn’t enough, he said this: If I were you, I wouldn’t ask for anything more. You have everything you need.

While it is true that I’m blessed with good family and friends, I feel that he is not in the position to tell me whether I could still ask for anything more. Don’t get me wrong, I am very grateful for these blessings and I do recognize these “gifts” given to me. It’s just that it didn’t came out right from him.

It really irritated me when he said that because I want him to understand me more. I want him to look beyond the obvious and try to see things from a different angle. I do not like being boxed into his perspectives.

I wish that he’ll try to see things my way. I wish that he’ll open his mind and REALLY understand what I mean.

How can you say no to products that are “Pro-Philippines, Pro-Poor and Pro-Environment?”

Recently, I came across these organic products from Green Wellness. Its proprietor, Ms. Jo Anne Padiernos, was kind enough to accommodate my inquiries regarding their products. Eversince Jaclyn Guerrero of Mary Pauline Salon Express tried the organic makeups on me, I have been craving for organic what-have-you’s.

I’m such an addict for the “just-kissed” look so when I saw this hint of red, I knew that I have to get the Lush Flush Lip and Cheek Stain. It’s 100% organic plus, it’s very affordable. I immediately tried it and VOILA! I instantly looked “blooming.”

The blush that's making me flush

If you know me well, you’d know that I’m a sucker for vanilla scents! This cologne mist surely satisfied my cravings! I totally smell yummy. The line “You smell yummy enough to eat” is inevitable.

The Lip and Cheek Stain and Vanilla Cologne are originally from Bath and Body Desserts. However, their products are only available through their resellers. Note to self: Contact Ms. Jo Anne for Bath and Body Dessert’s other yummy items.

Vanilla is La-la-love.

The Gugo Shampoo does wonder for the hair. Traditionally, women use this to care for their precious locks. The process is quite rigorous, I believe. One has to extract the Gugo bark and then produce some lather. They also put Kalamansi in this concoction to make it even better.

I don’t have any patience for that so thank Heavens for the makers of this shampoo. This shampoo produces less lather because of the organic stuff in it. It smells really mild so you’ll know that it’s not harsh for your hair. It really is au naturelle!

This organic shampoo is like heaven for my locks.

I already have an eye on Ms. Jo’s other products. The makeups are a little pricey but it’s worth trying. She’s currently in the U.S. but as soon as she comes back, I’m sure that I already have my list of orders.

Excited much.

Michi Arcangel is: looking forward to get her Belle de Jour 2010 Planner and the much coveted Starbucks 2010 planner which comes in three SUPER designs.

I already received an e-mail from the BDJ Circle. Fortunately, I was able to order before November 2 so they gave me a 5% discount. And since I’m also a member of the BDJ Circle, I got another 5% discount plus free shipping of my planner. How cool is that?

For their 2010 planner, Belle de Jour’s inspiration is Asian Chic, I guess.

 

Here's the Belle De Jour 2010 planner

The increasing numbers of coffeeholics during this time of the year only means  one thing- The Starbucks 2010 Planner. I need to collect 17 stickers before January 6, 2010 in order to claim my limited edition planner. *Love me? Get me one.* (Laughs)

 

Ready to get these babies?

This is a slight glimpse of what's inside...

According to what I’ve read, I have to get 9 stickers from the Starbucks Holiday Featured Package and 8 stickers from beverages of my choice.

The collecting starts in three.two.one.

 

 

Yesterday…

L: Have I told you that I’m under probation this semester?

Michi: Nope. You didn’t tell me that.

L: There’s an evaluation per year. You should have a 2.0 GWA or else they’ll kick you out.

Michi: What were your grades this semester?

L: 2.4. I have a 2.75 and 2.0. Next semester, I must get atleast 1.25 in my 3-unit subject.

Michi: You can do that. Your grades aren’t so bad.

L: Are those okay? They do not appear like a grade of someone who’s taking up a Master’s Degree. You’re living the life, you know? Business. Job. Good grades and others.

Michi: You can do better next time. Your grades will be higher next sem, for sure. High grades? Who? Me? Who told you? Well…there are trade off’s, you know? Some parts are okay…some parts aren’t.

L: Tell me, which part isn’t okay?

Michi: Do you really have to ask? (Deep inside, I was saying this: Because you should know. Supposedly.)

L: What? Tell me.

Michi: Nothing. Really. That’s how life is, right?

L: Come on! What?

Michi: Try to guess. (What I really wanted to say was: Stupid freak. You should know. You caused all these.)

L: I have no idea. You’re family isn’t complete?

Michi: There are things…no, it’s not the one. (Inside: Sheesh. What’s with you? Do you really want to know?)

L: What?!? You want to get married?

Michi: Not really. Don’t mind me. You’ll be confused. (But what I really wanted to say was: Do you know that I want to marry my bestfriend? Duh. Yes, you! Stupid.)

L: Wow. That is complicated.

Michi: Yes, it is. Just like Avril Lavigne’s song- “Complicated.” (Then shifts to another topic.) Have you eaten dinner?

To be continued…

It has been a family tradition to decorate the house with some Halloween designs for the said holiday. Halloween is really an American thing. I mean Filipinos have All Saints Day- that’s our local tradition. However, Halloween is kind of fun too so let’s just say that we joined this American bandwagon as well.

This idea just came to my mum several years ago so we’ve been doing it for quite some time now. I think we’re the only house  in the village who does this. We have had quite an audience every mid of October until the first of November.

Jack on our window

The mask in the middle reminds me of the gorry Hollywood killer flicks.

Bewitched!

A loud sound triggers Ms. Witch here to do her crazy laugh. Yes, that infamous evil laugh! Bwahahahaha

Some scary, and BONEY, creature!

This dude has his thing too! Loud sounds and sudden actions trigger him to jump down and create a scary noise. Be wary! Many have been victimized. We’ve seen “big boys” taken down by Skelly-boy here. Lol.

Skull-face. Get it? Get it?

Mr. Skull-face is such a show off too. He scares people at night because of his battery-operated red eyes.

Yes, even the candles too. Skull-candle! Get it? Get it?

We just can't get enough!

Yes, we can’t get enough of skulls. Above are skull candles and skull candle holders. I forgot to take pictures of the monster candles. They’re Orange stick candles with embossed waxes of scary creatures. Swanky.

I was still sick-o so parties were out of the question. I wouldn’t want to come as The Virus Lady, right? The pictures below were taken last 2007. You see, last year, I strutted my stuff in San Vicente, Palawan during Halloween.

I look freaky here.

She-devil. Rawr.

I am THE DEVIL. Hear me roar! Lol Happy Halloween, guys!

M: Hey, you’re alive!

Michi: You’re alive too! How are you?

M: I’m okay. Still handsome.

Michi: Whoa. Lol. What’s up?

M: I’m just in the apartment. Just resting. Sometimes, I entertain my “fans” whenever I have time.

Michi: Wow! You’re living the life.

M: Yup. It’s difficult sometimes. Lol. How are you, school girl? How many boylets do you have now?

Michi: I just got from my class in Diliman. I’m in Manila right now. Please. I have no boylets. How’s your girl?

M: Ahh…She’s okay. How’s “L?”

Michi: Where do you take her during date nights? Lol. “L” seems to be fine.

M: Ahh…We’re not seeing each other anymore. Are you staying in Manila?

Michi: But why? In QC? No. I have a car now. I go back and forth.

M: You’re driving?

Michi: Nah. I have a driver now. I can’t possibly drive in Manila. Are you in Los Baños today?

M: Yup. I’m just in the apartment. Are you looking for “L?” Are you gonna hit him with your car?

Michi: Oh no. You know him. He might be busy right now. I’m already in Manila, not in Quezon City. I’m sick, you know.

M: Lovesick? Lol.

Michi: Ahh…the kind that involves fever. Something like that.

M: Lovesick. Again. Drink some medicine. That’s what you get from going out at night all the time.

Michi: Oh no. I’ve been staying at home recently. I leave whenever I have meetings or school. Lol. This is because of the bad weather…and stress.

M: You’re so good in denying. Lol. Get well.

Michi: Thanks. When is she going to visit you? Introduce her to us, okay?

M: Not a chance. We’re breaking up. Long distance relationships are hard.

Michi: Really?

M: Really. It’s sad but it’s the right thing to do.

Michi: Oh my. Can’t you do something about it? Remedy, perharps?

M: I don’t like to make things difficult for myself that’s why I have to let go of things that make my life complicated.

Michi: Well, you have a point. Don’t make it hard for yourself. Free yourself from complications. Choose your stress and battles. (I have to tell these things to myself.)

M: That’s right. Lol. I’m a little annoyed by other people’s advice. I’m already having a hard time and then they keep telling me to fix things and pursue the relationship. They might want to see me suffer.

Michi: Maybe it’s because they want you to salvage the relationship. For example, I can also tell you to fix things because it’s not everyday that you find someone who’s willing to love and accept you. On the other hand, it’s our choice if we want to suffer or make it difficult for ourselves along the way. Not all sacrifices are worth it. Moving on is a brave choice. Sometimes, suffering becomes our comfort zone. We get stucked. Anyway…Lol.

M: It’s better if we minimize the problems. It really is the source of my headaches recently.

Michi: And it doesn’t mean that you care less about the person…or you love him/ her less. It’s just that you chose to love yourself more. Choosing to be happy is pretty much choosing to love yourself more. Go M! Let’s drink soon.

M: Let’s drink now. I’m actually drinking this lambanog. I’m alone right now. This is my only companion.

Michi: Oh my. You’re starting at 2:30 in the afternoon? When I get there, you’ll be wasted already.

M: Let’s drink next time. Get well first, okay?