It is now July 18, 8:46am.  8 hours and 46 minutes without an intensity 8.1 tremor felt.  For the alarmists, not to worry, though.  We still have several hours of the day left to panic.

The Philippine Institute for Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has done its best to assure people that the prediction by that Brazilian (?) guy is a hoax and that we have nothing to worry about.  However, since the Philippines is located on the "ring of fire" it doesn't hurt to be prepared for the eventuality of an earthquake anyway.

Here are the facts:

• every single day, we experience slight tremors.  We are just so used to them we don't even notice them anymore.  It seems to me that it takes an intensity 5 earthquake for us to even notice and even then, we still turn to the person beside us and go, "Was that an earthquake?"
• Over the passed few weeks leading up to today, we have been experiencing noticeable earthquakes fairly regularly ranging from intensity 3 to 5.1, as reported by PHIVOLCS to the newspapers.
• People close to the ground would be oblivious to the minor quakes, while those in high rise buildings would notice every little shiver.
• Not all high rise shivers are earthquakes.  Modern buildings here in Manila are built with rollers in the foundation and flexible skeletons to prevent the buildings from collapsing or breaking in half in the event of an earthquake and further injuring people.  This means that if we have a very bad storm (torrential rains and super strong winds) then definitely, the building will sway.  It's not an earthquake.

My dad sent us (family and friends) this excerpt from an article of Doug Copp called "The Triangle of Life" which basically speaks of earthquake safety regulations and precautions.  And since I am not an internet newbie, I did go around (online, of course) to check out who this Doug Copp really is, if he is a real person, and if such an organization as ARTI really exists.

There were quite a few sites that spoke against him and the article, of which these are on the first page in the search results:

• American Red Cross Response to Doug Copp's The Triangle of Life
• Doug Copp:  Disaster Expert or Massive Fraud?

My personal thoughts on the matter ... it never hurts to be prepared.  So read what you can about earthquake preparedness and just do what you can to survive (hopefully) unscathed when disaster strikes.

When I woke up this morning, I was in a pretty good mood.  I go to the bathroom to brush my teeth.  As I look in the mirror, I was shocked at what I saw ... I am starting to develop wrinkles under my eyes! 

Oh my God!  When did that happen?  Little creases on the sides of my eyes are acceptable.  Those are laugh lines.  But what explanation is there for creases under the eyes?  Is it because I lost weight when I got sick?  (I got sick May 22 and I am still coughing to this date.)  Is it stress?  Or is it just that time in a person's life when wrinkles start to show?

Nooooo!!!! I'm only 38!  That's too young for a Filipina to get wrinkles!  I guess it is time to start diligent use of moisturizers.  Now where did I put it?

I've been teaching here at CSB for 3 weeks now and I still feel like a squatter.  Can't help it.  I belong to the SDA campus and while we have a faculty lounge there, my classes are all on the taft campus and, as far as I know, there is no faculty lounge here.  Therefore, to surf comfortably, I end up spending a LOT of time at the library.

It's not so bad.  The faculty corner is right beside the graphic novels and I just borrowed book 1 of The Complete Calvin And Hobbes.  I have a month to return it, too.    I can borrow up to 10 books in 1 month.

I teach 2 classes.  One at 8:00am and the other at 4:20pm.  The gap between my classes is big and normally I would go to my Uncle Gerry's place in Malate to kill time.  Unfortunately, the internet connection there is currently down so I won't be productive there.  At least here at the library it is cool and quiet and well lit.  The only drawback is I can't eat or drink while working.

On the upside, I got a lot of work done today.  I've graded quizzes, learning journals, and seatworks of my 54 students.  I'm working on the homework now.  Grading the homework is subjective because I gave them movie maker assignments, so it really depends on their creativity.

My students seem to be ok with the way I teach.  At least, there have been no complaints so far.

I conduct a paperless class so all their notes are online.  I don't know where they save it but I taught them how to access and use googledocs.  It is my hope that they actually use it.  Does Yahoo have a similar feature I don't know about?

I gave a seminar yesterday on Project Management.  Section FID1 was there, all of them, of which I am gratified.  FFM1 were missing.  I don't think I saw a single one of them there.  As a matter of fact, there was no attendance from that class given to me, and every other section of BASICOM and some upperclassmen were there.  I guess I will find out later during their class if anyone was there but just forgot to give me their attendance.

The library is cool.  I get to plug my laptop here and everything.  Drawbacks, though are:

• I can't eat or drink here.
• If I need to pee I have to pack up all my stuff and then unpack everything when I come back.
• chairs are not padded so it is very possible my butt is getting flatter by the minute.
  

One of the things I like to do on my birthday is to do a self-assessment.  It still surprises me to discover things about myself after all these years.

I'm not vain about my face but I am vain about my body.

1. I get some measure of pride from still being able to fit into small and medium-size clothes after all these years.
2. The only time I ever look into the mirror is after taking a bath and I am about to get dressed.  I actually go through a mental checklist:
• Are my breasts still perky?
• Do I still have a waist?
• Where are my abs?
  
• Do my hips still flare?
  
• Does my belly protrude beyond my breasts yet, even when I suck in my gut?
• Is my butt still firm?
  
• Are there clumps on my thighs?
• Can I still see my feet without bending over?

But being vain about my body doesn't mean I like to show it off like a 20 year old.  We have to face facts, I'm 38 and I sorta have to act my age. That doesn't mean I cannot dress sexy anymore.  It just means I have to make sure I dress tastefully.

Gone are the days when I used to wear a short top and low slung jeans.
Gone are the days of micro-mini skirts and slinky tops.

At least I can still get away with slimfit jeans, a fitted top and sneakers.

I am not a fan of "the spotlight".  I don't campaign to be Ms. Popularity.  However, I do enjoy basking in the appreciation of friends, family, and peers when I do well at something, whether it is for work or for pleasure.

In one of my old posts I mentioned how I prefer being behind the camera, rather than in front of it.  This is still true.  I guess long-grained insecurities are hard to remove.  However, when it is pointed my way I am not the type to hide from the camera or cringe.  I think that watching ANTM with Erika has taught me a thing or two about "working it" in front of the camera.   At the very least, I know I don't look awkward, hehehe.

One thing I've learned ... we are either our worst critic or biggest fan.  I guess that isn't going to change any time soon.

A friend of mine has been telling me for months about preparing for a guesting to talk about my favorite warrior princess, Xena.  And while I love her and the show all of a sudden I don't feel confident of doing her justice in an interview.  I am SURE there is some out there more knowledgeable about Xena than me.  I'm a big fan, don't get me wrong, but I'm not so obsessed with the show that I would remember specific people, places, show titles, when who appeared, which particular episode number, etc.  I know the word "fan" was coined from the word "fanatic" but sadly I don't feel I have the requisite obsession to be aptly called a fanatic.

In desperation, I feel that this Holy Week I will have to watch all the episodes of Xena from the first episode to the last (hehehe) just to refresh myself on the knowledge.  What a task!   It's a tough job but someone has to do it.

Maybe I am not ready to be the first NWA group to be featured at this point but I will prepare nonetheless.  If nothing else, the process will definitely be fun.

In the meantime, though, I need to work out to get my body more Xena-esque than it is now.  Right now I have a "soft-chewy center" so I don't think I will do well in a fight against brigands, hehehe.

I have this funny habit.  When I own something that is really precious/important to me I would keep it some place really safe so that nothing happens to it.  In the end it turns out that I kept it so safe that I couldn't remember where I put it. 

For example, this bottle of Vanilla perfume oil from The Body Shop.  This is my favorite scent in the whole world.  The vanilla oil has been discontinued by Body Shop, although they still have the cologne and eau de toilette.  This bottle was given to me by someone close to my heart in 2002 and I use it sparingly.  The last time I saw this bottle was in 2003, and then I kept it to keep it safe.  The next day I looked where I thought I kept it and it wasn't there.  I've been searching for it on and off ever since.

Yesterday I got it into my head to clean my closet.  Guess what I found buried at the back and nestled comfortably among my swimsuits?  You guessed it.  My bottle of vanilla oil.

I'm so glad I found it.  And I'm glad that it didn't evaporate.  I'm pretty sure I didn't put it with my swimsuits, though.  That doesn't seem like such a safe place considering clothes are often just pulled out so there is a bigger chance of breakage.  I think my "friend" is up to his old tricks again.

So now I think I need to clean up the rest of my room (in stages) to find the other stuff I "kept safe".

These are a list of things that I am "paranoid" about because of the movies.  Some are funny, some are practical.  It is also a work in progress so I may add a line or two every now and then.

• I cannot get in the front seat of a vehicle (especially at night) without checking the back first for "unwanted passengers".
• When walking around the house at night in the dark, I don't look at the mirrors in case I see someone else in them (meaning not just me)
• I cannot face a mirror with a lit candle.
• I sleep at night with my blanket pulled up to my chin to cover my neck.
• I don't answer calls (on my cell) from people who's numbers are not in my phonebook.
• I try not to piss off the people serving my food.  If they do anything I find disagreeable I have a quiet talk with the manager.
• When I enter a bathroom (toilet and bath combo) I cannot use the seat without checking the bath area first (opening the shower curtain) to make sure I am alone in the bathroom.
• I cannot use the bathroom seat without checking that there isn't someone's head in it.
• I cannot use the bathroom seat without checking if cockroaches are not swimming or surfing in it when flush.
• Before getting into bed I check the closet properly so that if anything comes out of it I will have early warning.
• I don't hang my legs off the side of the bed because someone might grab my ankles from underneath.
• There is NO WAY you will get me to say Betelgeuse three times!
  

What things have the movies made you paranoid about?

I'm not normally one to do these things but ... I first saw this on Erika's site and I think it is a wonderful idea.  I am hoping that most of you will take the time to post something.

If you read this journal,
even if I don't speak to you often,
post a memory of me.

It can be anything you want.
It can be good or bad,
just so long as it happened.

Then post this on your journal too!
Be surprised (or not)
about what people remember about you.

My sister, Tina, found these tiny kittens (barely a few days old) on her way to the house.  Someone just threw them away.  Their eyes aren't even open yet.  Since she was on her way to work she asked me and mom to babysit them until she arrives.

I wish we could keep them but daddy is allergic to their fur.  I miss having pets.  Oh, well.  I can't be their mom so I'll just be the godmother.

I'm into meditation exercise.  I like the peace I feel after meditating.  One form of meditation that is popular is yoga.  Now, I haven't really studied yoga myself, but my mom did when I was a kid and we used to copy what she did when she would exercise at home.  I did a little research on the net and I came across this site on yoga and the exercises for the Sun Salutation looked like something I could do.  Here's a description and a tutorial on how to execute it.

         

	Posture: Surya-namaskar - Sun Salutation Pronounciation: soor-yee-ah-nahma-skar Translation: The Sanskrit word surya means sun. Namaskar is the Hindi word for Namaste, from the root nam, to bow. Namaskar means salutation, salute, greeting or praise.
	Step 1: Stand facing the direction of the sun with both feet touching. Bring the hands together, palm-to-palm, at the heart.		Step 2: Inhale and raise the arms upward. Slowly bend backward, stretching arms above the head.
	Step 3: Exhale slowly bending forward, touching the earth with respect until the hands are in line with the feet, head touching knees.		Step 4: Inhale  and move the right leg back away from the body in a wide backward step.  Keep the hands and feet firmly on the ground, with the left foot  between the hands. Raise the head.
	Step 5: While  exhaling,  bring the left foot together with the right. Keep arms straight, raise  the hips and align the head with the arms, forming an upward arch.		Step 6: Exhale and  lower the body to the floor until the the feet, knees, hands, chest, and forehead are touching the ground.
	Step 7: Inhale and  slowly raise the head and bend backward as much as possible, bending the spine to the maximum (as in the naga-asana).		Step 8: While  exhaling,  bring the left foot together with the right. Keep arms straight, raise  the hips and align the head with the arms, forming an upward arch.
	Step 9: Inhale  and move the right leg back away from the body in a wide backward step.  Keep the hands and feet firmly on the ground, with the left foot  between the hands. Raise the head.		Step 10: Exhale slowly bending forward, touching the earth with respect until the hands are in line with the feet, head touching knees.
	Step 11: Inhale and raise the arms upward. Slowly bend backward, stretching arms above the head.		Step 12: Stand facing the direction of the sun with both feet touching. Bring the hands together, palm-to-palm, at the heart.

Yahoo has been giving me some problems a few days ago, which is why I have been asking most of my friends to re-add me to their lists.  For some reason, I couldn't do any modifications through the messenger (to the contact details or the address book).  Any changes I wanted done had to be done on the site.  Every time I tried to modify via the messenger I would get a server error message.

I licked that problem yesterday.  Know what I did?  I uninstalled Yahoo Messenger and all plugins related to it, then I deleted the yahoo folder on program files and searched the temp folder for anything yahoo.  After the cleanup I reboot my PC then reinstalled YM.

Guess what?  It works fine now.  Sheesh!

I got to thinking about the 7 deadly sins and I decided to evaluate myself.  How many of them am I even slightly guilty of? How far am I from the gates of hell?

Lust - usually thought of as involving obsessive or excessive thoughts or desires of a sexual nature.

I think I am safe from this one.  While I do have carnal thoughts occasionally, comparing it with other people, I don't think it is either obsessive or excessive.  Just ... normal.

Gluttony - Derived from the Latin "gluttire", meaning to gulp down or swallow, gluttony is the over-indulgence and over-consumption of anything to the point of waste.

As a rule I try to eat healthy.  But I do slip every once in a while, particularly when we are talking about chocolates.  However, my body gives me signals when to stop.  My tongue starts to numb and hurt from all the sugar, my tummy starts to expand, my nape gets thicker.  In other words, if I persist in over-indulging then I get physically sick.

Greed - like  Lust and Gluttony, Greed is a sin of excess. However, Greed (as seen by  the Church) applied to the acquisition of wealth in particular.

I like money, sure. But so far, my actions are not controlled by the desire for it.  A lot of money would be nice but if I am never rich, that's ok, too.

Sloth - laziness, sadness, apathy; More than other sins, the definition of Sloth has changed considerably  since its original inclusion among the seven deadly sins. In fact it  was first called the sin of sadness. It had been in the early years of  Christianity characterized by what modern writers would now describe as  apathy, depression, and joylessness — the last being viewed as being a  refusal to enjoy the goodness of God and the world He created.

There was a time when I would say I was guilty of this ... it was when I was going through depression.  Since then, I am happy to say my life is sloth-free.

Wrath - inordinate and uncontrolled feelings of hatred and anger.

Anger, sure. Hatred, sure.  Uncontrollable anger and hatred ... I hope not!
As much as possible, I try to let go of anger and hatred.  It is unhealthy.  They are emotions that eat at you and change you into something unrecognizable.

Anger is so difficult to let go of.  Especially if the person you are angry at won't stop doing that which makes you angry.  The solution, stop seeing and talking to that person until you have your emotions under control.  At least, that's what I do.  Relationships are more important than hanging on to anger.

Envy - jealousy,  malice; those who commit the sin of Envy desire something that someone  else has which they perceive themselves as lacking.

I've never been rich so this means that I grew up not having most of the stuff my peers had.  Sure, this made me envious, but I've learned that most of these things are things I can live without.  They aren't essential to my survival.  So, if there is something I really, really like ... I save up for it.  If I am unable to purchase it or it isn't given to me as a gift, then, I am not meant to have it.

Pride - vanity, arrogance, narcissism; In almost every list Pride is considered the original and most serious  of the seven deadly sins, and indeed the ultimate source from which the  others arise. It is identified as a desire to be more important or  attractive than others, failing to give compliments to others though  they may be deserving of them, and excessive love of self (especially  holding self out of proper position toward God). Dante's definition was  "love of self perverted to hatred and contempt for one's neighbor."

I wish I could say that I didn't suffer from pride but that wouldn't be true.  I will admit that there have been times when I thought I was better at something than someone else, and felt good about it.  I would like to think I don't have pride in abundance, but just enough to have self-worth.

I'm not perfect ... but at least I know from looking at this list that I do have a chance at heaven.

I saw this video embedded in an article at the Defamer which talks about the "dancing inmates" of the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC).  While quite a number marvel at this innovation of the yard exercise inmates are required to do, there are those in the U.S. who see this move by the warden, Byron Garcia, as a violation of human rights.

One such article that explores the question of human rights violation is on the ABC News website.  I find myself amused by the reporters that say that the only reason these inmates are doing this is because they are afraid of Warden Garcia.  What they fail to take into account is that the Philippines is a very musically ingrained country.  Dancing and singing is something we like to do and is a great way to pass the time.  It sure beats fighting and killing people when you're bored, don't you think?

One reporter even goes so far to say that "unconfirmed" reports from inside the jail say the inmates are forced to dance whether they want to or not, to the point of making their feet bleed into their shoes.  SHOES.  Shoes, he says.  What shoes?  In most of the videos the inmates were shod in slippers (that's flipflops to the fashionistas).  But then, he did also say "unconfirmed reports" as a disclaimer in case his source is just lying through his teeth or is disgruntled and has a beef with the warden or the other inmates who enjoy the exercise.

I remember a few years ago, when I joined Fitness First the class that I enjoyed the most was bodyjam.  It definitely beat aerobics hands down as far as I'm concerned.  What was bodyjam exactly?  Basically, dancing in time with the music but with integrated aerobics movement, geared towards giving the members a full body cardiovascular workout.

In my opinion, Warden Garcia just made sure that the inmates would have fun while they exercised.  And with the dawning of digital equipment and the internet, he has also brought global attention to his "neck of the woods".

Here is the latest performance clip of the inmates of CPDRC taken last August 2007.

The day started with a phone call from Johnny at 7:30am asking me if I had my copy of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows yet.  That woke me up quickly!

After my morning ablutions, I skipped breakfast and made the usual walk down our heavily rutted street (that the local government has yet to address properly) to get to the corner and grab a cab that will bring me to Fully Booked at Gateway Mall in Cubao.  I could have taken the jeep, I suppose, but I was impatient.

The cab ride was uneventful ... usual Saturday morning traffic ... which means there was hardly any.  The most aggressive occupant of the street being the buses.  I arrive at Gateway close to 9am.  As I enter Fully Booked the first person I saw was ... who else, but ... Nick!  Again!  I swear, this guy is all over the place! hehehe.

Sidenote:  Nick didn't know I've been a Ravenclaw since New Worlds 2.  I guess I've been too quiet in the lists and forums.  When the old castle was attacked by Dementors and the new castle was built, I don't even know if I was able to re-register.  I made sure Erika did, though.

I arrive --- reservation slip and balance in hand --- to claim my book.  Yey!  Excited!  I finally have ... the precious!  Oops!  Wrong fandom!   I also received a Hermione Granger button and a chance to win an authentic replica of Harry Potter's wand made by Noble Collection.  I want the wand!  I want to give it to my daughter.  I've got too many fandoms so, since Erika and I match at Harry Potter, I'll just help her build up her PHP paraphernalia. 

Here are some photos of the display at Gateway Mall in Cubao.  It begins in Fully Booked then moves down to the display area at the 2nd level near the atrium.  Books were available as early as 7:00am.


There was a Harry Potter Uno game there and the prize for winning official games was one of these awesome official Harry Potter book markers.

See the little girl?  Not the tall one, the little one on the chair?  That innocent-looking 6-year old poppet is actually an animagus ... a savage Uno-beast that creamed us (me, her sister, and her mom) at Harry Potter Uno and went home with the prize ... a Platform 9 3/4 book marker.  AAAARGH!!!! I really wanted to win that, too!  By the way, she had a choice between:

• a nimbus 2000 book marker
• Harry's glasses book marker
  
• Platform 9 3/4 book marker
  

This kid was sneaky.  She and her sister got sorted into Hufflepuff but I think she really should be a Slytherin.  After all, aren't the Slytherins the cunning ones?    She acted like she didn't know the game and then WHAM!  She hit me with +2 and +4 cards one after the other!  Congratulations, Ah-an!

And now, if you will all excuse me, I think I will go and read my book, hehehe.  So far, I'm on page 30.

With my decision to revive the Xena fandom, I have started re-watching and re-researching anything and everything about my favorite warrior princess, Xena.

Xena is definitely one of the best female role models I can think of.  She does not pretend to be all good or all knowing.  As a matter of fact she is open about her checkered and violent past and works very hard at redemption.  Her goal is not to have people forgive her for her crimes.  Her goal is inner peace and to assuage her guilt. 

In her lifetime, it almost seems like she has done it all

• she was the most dreaded warlord for the longest time, one whom other warlords feared.
• she became shaman to an amazon tribe.
• she was a pirate (in episode 212:  Destiny) and sailed the seas.  She even had the "honor" of having Caesar as her prisoner.  (See photo at the far right for her pirate lord costume.)
  
• she was a healer.
• she was a daughter.
  
• she was a mother.
• she was a friend.
• she was a lover.
• she was a hero, a savior of the weak and helpless.

It also seems like she has experienced so much:

• at one time or another she has broken her ribs, her fingers, her arms, both her legs, etc.
• she became a demon of hell.
• she impersonated Cleopatra and fell in love with Mark Anthony.
• she was nailed on the cross.
• she fought the gods.
• she was weak, a victim.
• she died.
• she lost her child.
  
• she was a prisoner.
• she challenged fate and changed her destiny.
• she fought her inner demons and rose victorious but scarred by the battle.
  

And through most of this one person stayed constantly by her side --- Gabrielle.

A friendship like theirs is hard to find.  In my opinion it is the formula for the perfect marriage.  Complete opposites and yet they stick to each other ... for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, until death parts them.  And not even death was able to do that.  For even in death they sought each other out.  No one can ask for a greater love than that.

And now it is time to work through 6 seasons of silliness and adventure as I reacquaint myself with the adventures of Xena, the Warrior Princess.  Won't you join me?

Since Friday, I've been online to update my multiply (post my Zsazsa Zaturnnah review and respond to responses) and nothing else.  With a subscription to 50 different mailing lists (besides my regular mail) it is overwhelming to think about how much email I am going to have to go through when I get around to downloading it.  And that still isn't happening today, even though I am online now.  Technically I could read my mail online but OC that I am, I hate reading mail when they aren't organized (filtered) into their own folders.  The soonest I see myself downloading my mail is tomorrow.  So, folks, if there is anything urgent, in the meantime I suggest you text me instead.

I am leaving for Bali in a week and will be gone for approximately 10 days.  The thought of how much mail I will have by the time I get back is mind-boggling!  (To say the least!)  Unfortunately, I will not have any internet access while I am there.  But maybe that is a good thing.  It means I will be able to focus on the Latnas and the Pelatih training and not think of what is going on at home.  This will be the second time I will be going to Bali and I'm really excited!

I'll just deal with the mound of mail when I get back.  I can already tell that it will take me a while to download it all.

---

Men are fascinating creatures.  Women are often accused of being illogical and contrary but to my experience, there does not seem to be any gender barrier when it comes to illogic and contrariness.

Men are said to be ruled by their intellect.
Women are said to be ruled by their emotions.

BIG falsehood, folks.  Men are just as emotional.  They adapt a mien of stoicism and give the impression of deliberating on a subject but often their responses are highly emotional but masked behind a spew of rational discourse.

Women are, perhaps, more impetuous in general.  An emotion hits us and we go with it.  We don't supress.  This doesn't mean we don't think anymore, on the contrary, a lot of thinking went on (that's why we got emotional in the first place!), and perhaps, for some, to their detriment.

Personally, I have been accused of being too cerebral, too ... vulcan.  "People like me" are said to think like a man and work things out and explain myself like a man and oftentimes, this throws people off.  At times I am told I am too outspoken it makes people uncomfortable.  It just isn't normal behaviour for a woman!  I could of course downplay my thoughts and pander to the ego of the people I am speaking with but, really, what's the point?  This is me, love it or leave it. 

They say like recognizes like and thus I tend to gravitate to people who tend to be more logical and are not afraid to express their opinions, but are tactful enough to know when to hold their tongue.  It isn't always a perfect match but then, perfect would be boring.  My interests are diverse and I have thoughts on varying topics and it pleases me when I encounter people who are able to match some of those interests and with whom I am able to hold lively and interesting conversations.

Conversations range from ...
... simple to sensual
... silly to serious
... hilarious to soul-searching
... stupid to brain-twisters

Conversation changes from person to person, from mood to mood.  And this is why I like smart (and witty!) people.

---

Dating, as defined by most people, is not really something I do.  I go out with friends (singular or plural) to have a cup of coffee, share a meal, watch a movie, etc.  We talk, we laugh, we kiss at the end of the evening (often a buzz on the cheek) and that's it.

It's not that I don't get it.  It's just that I don't think I've ever really experienced the whole dating cliche ... flowers, chocolates, fetched and brought back to my house, dinner, wine, music, candlelight, a fancy show, and to top it all off --- a breathless kiss before I leave the car.  I've had days when a guy has managed to make me feel special, and THOSE I definitely count as dates.  But it has happened so rarely I could still count them in one hand.

I'm going out for a movie date with a handsome man in the next few days.  And before you even ask, no, it isn't one of those dream dates.  Once again, it is just watching a movie with a friend.  It's a movie date that has been postponed several times due to schedule conflicts so hopefully we get to push through before I leave for Bali.

I like those dates.  They're comfortable.  I have nothing to fear, no expectations to meet.  At the end of the day I watched a good show, shared a good meal, and had great conversation.

---

Every other morning (for almost a month now) Kasuy and I have been taking kali lessons from Mr. Romy (Macapagal) and we are having a blast!  True we have multiple bruises on our hands (knuckles, fingers, etc.), sides, arms, knees, etc.  But they all occured in the midst of sparring. 

Mr. Romy is a member of TK, just as I am, and has occasionally taken instructions on TK from me.

Mr. Romy says we are making good progress.  As of yesterday we have learned the basics of fighting with 2 weapons.  FunfunfunFUN!  It amazes me how much we still have to learn and every session we are taught something different.

I remember Mr. Romy saying that he doesn't really take on students ... not generally, so I was really honored and ecstatic when he agreed immediately when I asked him if he could teach me and Kasuy a few things.  Actually, I just asked him for help in choreography to make sure that Kasuy and I can perform convincingly.  He decided that the best way for us to come up with a plausible choreography is if we actually learn how to do what we are supposed to know how to do as the characters we will be.

I asked a couple of male friends who happen to be kali enthusiasts to join us in assisting Mr. Romy --- in other words they were our dummies --- and they were happy to be asked.   It meant that they were going to receive instruction from Mr. Romy as well! hehehe  

Last Friday Mr. Romy told us something that really made us feel special.  In all the years he has been teaching, Kasuy and I are his first ever female students.  Wow!  And he seems quite happy with our progress.

I hope we do him proud at the con.  Speaking of which, rather than hurt or injure people, Mr. Romy suggested that he, Aya, and Jon will be our opponents in the Xenaph presentation.  I'm glad it came from him.  I couldn't be more excited!  At least we are familiar with the people we are sparring with, phew! And these guys know how to take our thrusts and cuts.

After Kali, I end each MWF with TK class.  Boy, are my days LONG!  But you know, I haven't been this happy or energized in a long time.  So ... hectic or no, with Mr. Romy's permission, Kasuy and I will continue to learn kali for as long as we can.

I understand why a lot of people have a difficult time saying the three magic words, "I love you".  It's not because they do not love, but rather, they do not want to be misunderstood or worse, rejected.

What I don't understand, though, is why a lot of people cannot imagine that people of differing genders not related to each other could possibly love each other.  It happens a lot, you know.  It's the difference between loving a person and being "in love" with a person.

I genuinely like a lot of people, and love a handful.  As for being "in love" --- I've been in that boat and rather than be lost at sea without Jack Sparrow to save me (I'm neither a distressing damsel nor a damsel in distress, hehehe ) , I think I won't spend time worrying about that great love and thrive on the relationships I do have.

Some people say "I love you" so casually.  When they do that it is as if the words don't mean anything and devalues the expression.  I only say I love you to people I actually do love.  So the next time I tell you I love you ... I mean it.  Believe it.

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Doesn't mean I'm in love with you, hehehe.
Johnny Depp (Capt Jack Sparrow), Orlando Bloom (Will Turner) --- now these are men to love, wouldn't you agree?

This must be a bad time of the year for me.  For some reason the littlest thing gets me down.

I was supposed to watch a movie with a friend tonight but he cancelled at the last minute.  I didn't think it was such a big deal, really, so I was quite surprised when I started to cry.  It's just a movie, for goodness sake!  It's not even a date!  It's 2 friends going out to watch a movie together.

I'm off to bed now and hoping to tomorrow things will get better.
Hmmm ... maybe I should start taking my medication again.  I can't help but feel that I need it.

This may be a weird post, but it's been plaguing me for days and just needs to get "written down". These are my thoughts on bathrooms, per se.

Bathing, in itself, is not just a necessity but is also a sensual experience. I often spend several minutes under the shower spray just enjoying the feel of the water splashing against my skin. I often fantasize about the kind of bathroom I would have when I could afford my own place ... or to outfit my bathroom. The one I have now is only slightly bigger than my closet, and that is no exaggeration.

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My thoughts on shower heads
As with most people, I've taken a lot of showers and encountered many shower heads. Most are just ok, but the one that I really enjoyed is the one they call a rain shower (see photo at the right). It is aptly named because taking a bath under this baby (it is attached to the ceiling) is like taking a bath in the rain.

I guess there is some nostalgia involved. When I was a little girl we always looked forward to heavy rains as it gave us an excuse to play outside and get wet at the same time. There is nothing like playing in the rain. Of course, nowadays it isn't a good idea 'cause the rain we get is dusty and sticky, I'd like to have my rain bath indoors, if you please. In the privacy of my bathroom.

Thing is, though, this shower head is so expensive! The least expensive one I saw is P2,500. The question then is ... is it worth it to spend that much on a shower head? Maybe not at the moment. But when the time comes that I am living in my own house ... possibly.

They have similar showers at Fitness First in Wynsum. I also try to get one of those shower stalls when I work out there.


My thoughts on shower enclosures
I like SPACE! I prefer my shower to be separate from the bathtub. I like to be able to stretch my arms out in both directions. Clear, translucent, or opaque glass ... I don't really care. No one else enters my bathroom while I'm in it anyway. Besides, as far as I am concerned, the glass is there just to keep the water from wetting the rest of the bathroom.

For modesty's sake, I think a compromise would be to have translucent or opaque glass up to the shoulder and clear glass from that point and up. Kinda like what they had at the Halliwell Manor. Remember that scene when Prue walked in on Piper and Leo taking a shower together?

Here is an image of a bathroom I like. The shower is not really "enclosed". The best description would be ... partitioned. What do you think? Personally, I like all the space. My only concern is the clean up. You know, I think I can LIVE in this bathroom.

My thoughts on bathtubs
The only time I ever get to soak in a tub is when I check into a hotel ... which only happens when I travel. You know how in books they always say how soaking in the tub at the end of the day is something they look forward to? Personally, I don't get it. It's only great for the first few minutes, then I get bored.

I can't read a book in the tub 'cause I don't want the pages to get wet. I can't fall asleep in the tub 'cause I might just drown. The only way you can get me to soak in the tub for one hour is to have a TV in the bathroom and I'd be watching a show while soaking. Hmmm ... another way, I guess was if I had company in the tub ... but that would be anything but restful.

I never really got the bubble bath thingy either. I can't just get out of the tub, bubbles and all and just wipe down and that's it. I'd be too sticky! So what I do is I take a shower first, then fill the tub with warm water and I soak for 10 to 15 minutes ... tops!

I would love to have the bathroom in Eureka (the sheriff's smart house) where part of the wall is an LCD screen. That way I can read e-books while in the bath ... or watch TV or my video downloads ... or surf the net while in the bath. Talk about multi-tasking! hehehe.


My thoughts on shower/bathtub combos
Like I mentioned earlier, I'm not really keen on them, but this here may be an exception. It is the New Teuco Hydrosonic hydroshower - Sharade, a bathtub and shower combination unit. Very Star Trek, if you ask me, hehehe. I like it. But ... I would still wish for the tub and shower installation to be separate, if possible. The tub is just so ... limiting --- and the shape is just plain weird.


My thoughts on shampoos, conditioners, soaps, body shower gels, and whatnots
How many bottles of shampoo do you have in your bathroom? It surprised me to find out I have 7, I'm not kidding, SEVEN bottles of shampoo ... and all of them still have shampoo in them and have been used. St. Ives (for color treated hair), Sunsilk Color Shine System, Regroe, Rejoice Long, Palmolive Aromatherapy (the pink bottle), Palmolive Naturals (the orange bottle), and Head and Shoulders Intensive. Why so many bottles, you might ask. My hair has this weird habit ... it doesn't like me using the same shampoo too many days in a row. It starts to complain and won't cooperate with me. So I rotate. But even I have to admit 7 shampoos is excessive.

Conditioners ... not so bad just 2 bottles ... okay 3! St. Ives, Sunsilk Color Shine System, and Erth Origins (apple scent).
Soap ... 2 bars
Shower gel ...2 bottles
Facial wash ... 2 bottles
Feminine wash ... 2 bottles
Razors ... 2 pieces - 1 disposable, 1 that isn't
Depilatory lotions ... 3 brands but I have a favorite ... and I have 2 tubes of THAT.

I know it sounds like there is more than one person using my bathroom, hehehe.What can I say? I like diversity ... and having choices.

Yup. I'm giving you the dirty finger. You know what that means, right? It means I exercised my right to vote. I am registered in San Juan and aside from the senatorial candidates, I didn't know who anyone else was. Ok, I know who JV Ejercito is, but I wasn't re-electing him. I think it is time that the mayor of San Juan was not someone related to Erap. Same with the congressional position, I didn't vote for Zamora for the same reason. Don't get me wrong, they didn't do anything to me personally. I just want to give other people a chance to do what they can to improve our local government. Maybe under "new management" things will get better, right? We can only hope.

As you can see from the photo, the guy who put the indelible ink on my finger was overly generous with the ink. I plan to get a manicure tomorrow just to get that gook off.

The teachers at our precinct were ssssssllllllooooowwww. I thought at first the rooms were full and then a peek at the window proved otherwise.

The room was almost empty! And outside was a long line spanning the length of the classroom and then some. When it was finally my turn to stand in front of the teachers I had to hold back a giggle or two. The young female teacher was fast and efficient and careful not to make a mistake. The older female teacher moved like she was covered in molasses. Talk about slow! Maybe she was just being careful, but the act of turning a page would take her 2 seconds (per page!) then turning the folder for us to sign (another 3 seconds) telling us where to put our thumbmarks (another 2 seconds) and then, telling the younger teacher the ballot number ... it takes her 5 seconds to get around to it. And then before she attends to another person she sits back for at least 1 minute doing nothing. I kid you not! It's as if she was rebooting each time. She would not go to the next person without at least a 1 minute break. It took me less time to vote than for her to process my registration.

If this is what it is like in the other precincts, no wonder a lot of people were grumpy that day ... from cooling their heels outside, waiting for there turn. Thankfully, though, there were no angry outbursts from the crowd. People were patient and were there to do a job.  I just wish the old teacher could move faster and still be careful.