I sleep. I eat. I read. Therefore, I blog.

Instagram

2011-08-24T16:16:00.000-07:00

Whew. I am addicted to this app.

Napa Valley, CA

2011-08-24T16:09:00.000-07:00

Nook Simple Touch Reader

2011-07-12T17:55:00.000-07:00

I'm a reader by heart. But it took me forever to buy an e-reader. My research about it has been on & off until I couldn't put it off anymore so I finally bought one. From B&N Nook family, I bought Nook Simple Touch Reader. I am currently reading The Sorceress by Michael Scott, the third part from the Nicholas Flamel series.

Huh...

2009-12-12T23:22:00.000-08:00

I did not blog for 5 months. Why? I blame Facebook. I have been a member since early this year but I was not active and for 4 hours I deactivated it. Because I don't post anything. So I deactivated it for 4 hours. Why did I activated it back? I have no idea.

Then last summer I was surfing the net, not really doing anything. I got an invite to Farmtown. I had invites before but I just ignored it, well because I didn't know what it was. So I checked it out and since then I got hooked.

Now I have two farms in Farmtown; one in Farmville, 4 aquariums in Fishville, a very raucous pet in Petville, I'm on level 54 in Cafe World and sometimes I play Bejeweled while waiting for all my crops to grow and all my recipes cooking.

So yes, I blame Facebook and Zynga games.

I love Facebook and Zynga!

Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland

2009-07-24T12:46:00.000-07:00

A teaser trailer from Disney.

My Moleskine Planner Hack

2009-07-24T07:49:00.000-07:00

Inspired by Flickr group DIY planner, I decided to use my moleskine squared notebook to customize my planner. I don't really need a lot of dividers/papers in my planner. Instead of buying a ready made one, I searched Flickr for diaries/planners that are DIY. It turns out there's a lot of pictures in the group, enough for me to "copy" and customize it in my own liking.

I have three moleskine: Large squared notebook which I adored, Moleskine City Notebook Los Angeles, even though I don't live in the city, there is so much to write about it, and the moleskine volant series. I initially wanted to use the volant for my planner but I changed my mind and used the squared one instead.

My pen is a Pilot multi pen that I got from Jetpens.com. I love that site, so many pens and I would love to have them all. But I still have a lot of pens.

A Quote

2009-07-24T05:19:00.000-07:00

If not now, When?

If not Me, Who?

I guess I have to seize the day.

Lagging behind

2009-07-09T22:34:00.000-07:00

wow.

a month without a post.

i know.

there are days that I just wanted to sleep.

there are days that I am so lazy.

I guess those were the days.

A lot of things happened.

A good friend got married.

A lot of beach activities.

A friend visited.

A lot of driving around.

A lot of tears were shed.

Mixed emotions.

Michael Jackson died.

what else?

hmmm.

A lot of fireworks.

A lot of movies.

It's hot now.

Fiery hot.

I can't stand hot coffee now.

It has to be iced.

I guess my love for books came back.

I re-read the twilight saga and almost half way done with Breaking Dawn.

I re-read Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

Next on my list are the historian and in defense of food.

Is it fall yet?

Zankou Chicken

2009-06-11T09:08:00.001-07:00

Zankou Chicken a specialty of the Armenian community in Glendale, CA. My friend brought me this chicken a few years back and loved it, but that time I just know that's the store is in Anaheim. Good thing my friend moved to Glendale area and I remembered about this sumptuous chicken. What I love is the garlic butter sauce. Not a good dating meal but so good in my stomach. Comes with pita bread which i love.

on my way to buying Zankou chicken I passed by a baklava bakery. So I tried the almond baklava. It's good but too sweet for me. Just one piece is enough.

LA Lakers vs Orlando Magic

2009-06-04T06:45:00.000-07:00

I don't know why I'm even writing about the LA Lakers. I'm not into sports. But I guess given where I live now, it's just hard ignore the camaraderie that's been going around. Sports bars, pizza joints and restaurants have been busy advertising their

specialties and beer menu for the best of seven game of NBA.

Freakishly Freaky

2009-06-04T06:04:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we had thunderstorms. Yes, thunderstorms in June. This is very weird since the month of June means summer and heat wave. I was driving east on the I-10 for an errand and I passed by 3-4 lightnings and thunders,gray clouds, intermittent rains and slippery roads. Of all the days that I need to head east it had to be yesterday. But so far so good I made it home four hours later.

True Blood Season 1

2009-06-03T11:00:00.001-07:00

True Blood Season 2

2009-06-03T10:46:00.001-07:00

The Twilight Saga: New Moon

2009-06-03T10:41:00.000-07:00

Fast and the Furious

2009-06-03T09:22:00.001-07:00

Night at the Museum 2

2009-06-03T09:20:00.000-07:00

Up

2009-06-03T09:16:00.001-07:00

Year One

2009-06-03T09:15:00.001-07:00

Adam

2009-06-03T09:12:00.001-07:00

Julie and Julia

2009-06-03T09:05:00.000-07:00

77

2009-06-03T09:01:00.001-07:00

Sherlock Holmes

2009-06-03T08:57:00.000-07:00

X-Men Origins

2009-06-03T08:53:00.001-07:00

Angels and Demons

2009-06-03T08:50:00.000-07:00

Transformers Revenge of the Fallen

2009-06-03T08:46:00.000-07:00

Star Trek

2009-06-03T08:44:00.001-07:00

Harry Potter and The Order of Phoenix

2009-06-03T08:40:00.000-07:00

Juno

2009-06-03T08:36:00.000-07:00

500 Days of Summer

2009-06-03T08:26:00.000-07:00

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

2009-06-03T08:20:00.000-07:00

New Moon

2009-06-03T07:43:00.000-07:00

Firstshowing.net is my website for upcoming movies and trailers. Although the staff doesn't care about the Twilight Saga, they still cannot deny the popularity of the series. Team Edward. Team Jacob.

Firstshowing.net is my website for upcoming movies and trailers. Although the staff doesn't care about the Twilight Saga, they still cannot deny the popularity of the series. Team Edward. Team Jacob.

Roses

2009-05-15T12:50:00.001-07:00

Roses from the Rose Bowl Football Stadium.

Tulips

2009-05-15T12:01:00.000-07:00

Aren't they a beauty?

Starbucks Mugs

2009-05-15T11:51:00.000-07:00

I love drinking coffee.

I bought my first starbucks coffee mug from ebay.

Second was in Seattle.

The rest I got from thrift stores.

I was even surprised that they were there.

Yesterday I passed by a Starbucks and asked the barista for an iced tea.

He told me that people usually order passionfruit tea.

So I tried it.

It's good, so refreshing because it's like a hundred degrees out.

What I'm doing outside with that weather?

I have no idea.

Then I saw this mug.

Very cute.

Simple.

I read somewhere that if they decided to stop

manufacturing mugs that we will not have any shortage for the next 50 years.

That's how many mugs circulating around us.

Interesting.

Rose Bowl Flea Market Part III

2009-05-15T11:47:00.000-07:00

Rose Bowl Flea Market Part II

2009-05-15T10:12:00.001-07:00

These are the pictures I captured from the Rose Bowl Flea Market last Mother's day.

Chuck Taylor's. A lot of them.
African masks, anyone?

Tiny Chucks

   Wooden chairs.
   A funny one.
   Vintage bottles.
   Old coffee cans.
   Vintage tin cans.
   Very cute vintage radio.
   Vintage salt and pepper shakers, they're so pretty.
   I have no idea what these are. Maybe vintage soap dispensers?
   A red car.
   The odds and ends of the flea market.
   A phonograph that still plays good music.
   A curio for pyrex.
   Royal typewriter.
   I want this one.
   To those who surfs.
   What time is it?
   Can't get enough chairs.
   No digital camera in this lot.
   A blazing red fire truck.
   One must have this if you like flea markets.
   Before the iPhone.
   Ball jars.

Now, I'm off to a new adventure.

Rose Bowl Flea Market

2009-05-15T09:47:00.000-07:00

Every second Sunday of the month there's a flea market around the parking area of the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. Known for its tournament of roses parade every January 1st and of course the college football.

The flea market starts at around 5 AM. Too early? Nope. A lot of early birds come since it's only a once in a month event. For early birds, tickets are bit steep, 5-7 AM tickets costs $20 per person, 7-9 AM $15 and after 9 AM it's $8. Parking is free but if you want a preferred spot (meaning closer to the gate) you have to shell out another $10. We arrived at around 7:30 AM and decided to go in early instead of waiting for after 9 AM but we used the free parking. I think I'd rather pay more to get in than paying for the preferred parking. It's just nice that we have choices for parking.

Going in early has its perks. There's not a lot of people walking. You'll be the first one to see what the vendors are selling. At 7:30 AM it's still cloudy, so it's not hot, weather wise. Of course it became warmer towards lunchtime. Most vendors won't give in with haggling because it's still early.

Don't be afraid to haggle.

Thank God for they have regular restrooms and not a port-a-potty.

Things to consider when going to a flea market:

Always bring a container of beverage(s) and a snack. the vendors always mark up their prices.

Bring a hat, a pair of sunglasses, wet washcloth or wipes and sunblock. The weather is very unpredictable. I even have an umbrella with me.

If you're planning to buy something heavy or you think you'll find a lot of bargains, you may want to bring a rolling cart, a plastic wagon or a luggage that has wheels. I've seen people bring it! The place is huge so carrying a heavy stuff will slow you down.

Wear comfortable shoes.

Bring some cash. Not all vendors accepts credit/debit cards. There's an available ATM machine at the entrance.

Most of all, enjoy! Even if you didn't buy anything. Just being there and see what's available for you is enough.

Weather

2009-04-21T07:36:00.000-07:00

I mentioned previously that I hate warm/very sunny weather.

well for 4 days now it's unbelievably hot.

yesterday was 96˚F.

WTF!

it was very hot that I need to turn the air on.

hopefully it will cool down in a few days.

all day long I am dreaming of very, very cold sweetened tea with lemon wedges.

life.

Roses

2009-04-21T07:26:00.000-07:00

Pretty roses from the Rose Bowl Football Stadium.

Spring cleaning

2009-04-16T20:38:00.000-07:00

My favorite blog/website Apartment Therapy is now doing a Spring cure. Even though I wanted to join for the longest time I still don't have time to snap a few pictures and join the cure. I enjoy looking at their progress in Flickr. Last week, I started to clean up my guest/office room, purge a lot of papers, junk, shred a lot of receipts and things that have piled. Since I already did my taxes last February, this is the only time I was able to clear things up.

I will post new photos of my desk and lay out of office in the future.

Henry W. Longfellow

2009-04-16T20:09:00.000-07:00

A friend of a friend's dad passed away a few weeks ago so I had the opportunity to be inside a cemetery.

I managed to snap a few shots of the place.

These were donated by the family of a famous poet Henry Longfellow. They were a few hundred years old.

Tokyo Wako in Arcadia, California

2009-04-16T19:47:00.000-07:00

One sunny afternoon we went to REI after doing some very serious window shopping we passed by this restaurant and since I'm craving japanese for some time now we decided to check it out. It's like Benihana food wise but their space is a little cramped. I love their miso soup not too salty and their shrimps are huge. Over all I would recommend this place to a friend. Next time we will try the sushi bar. I love tuna sashimi.

Starbucks Huntington Beach, California

2009-04-16T19:39:00.000-07:00

Huntington Beach

2009-04-16T19:27:00.000-07:00

Seal Beach

2009-04-16T19:12:00.001-07:00

i love the beach. not to swim in it but to relax.

Griffith Park

2009-04-09T16:11:00.000-07:00

I first came here seven years ago, it was summer and they are renovating the planetarium so we just hang around and enjoyed the view. It was a spur of a moment thing and that time i don't have a camera with me so it just tucked away in my memory bank.

Fast Forward 2009.

I am not sure when did they open for public after the renovations but I know I am missing a lot

for not coming back. Well I did came back a few years ago but we just sat down in one of the hiking trails and ate some baked goodies. Trails like these:

The Samuel Oschin Planetarium. I've never been inside a planetarium before. We didn't have any field trips when I was in elementary school (sigh!). So it's all new and exciting for me. Too bad, cameras and video cameras aren't allowed inside the show. All I can say was, Awesome!

Because we came a little after 10 am, we parked here.

winter solstice sunset. I guess if you stepped here at the right moment you will see it.

I missed earth in this shot.

The periodic table of elements.

lagging behind

2009-03-30T15:59:00.001-07:00

It's been a month and half since my last post. It's just been so hectic these past month. I have to go to las vegas twice, I don't mind going because I had a real break. In between that my sony laptop decided to quit on me and of course it's always a bad timing moolah wise. so I have to recalculate my budget and see if i can afford a new one. i thought of netbooks since it's gaining popularity and so handy. so I looked around and see what are the good ones. I checked out the msi wind, its review and what's not. so i ventured at the nearest Best Buy only to find out they don't carry it. Stupid of me for not calling ahead. Anyways, so I went to another one and bought it. I was so happy because it's so cute and small and compact. Right? No. The minute I was home, i forgot that i need an anti-virus software/program and it will cost me like additional what $30-50/year. It didn't help that it's an annual thing. So I called my techy friend and told her what i did, she blatantly told me " so your sony crashing on you, didn't give you any idea that it will happen again maybe in two years? when will you learn?". So I went out again to return the msi wind and bought a macbook.

yes. it ended my dilemma.

FaceBook

2009-03-15T14:22:00.000-07:00

Facebook. it's another addiction in social networking. it seems everyone I know has an account in it. I have a friendster account but lately it's been having a lot of bugs and being problematic in one way or another. it's actually fun to doing it.

I think I'm gonna stick with facebook for now. I actually deleted my friendster account.

Whew.

Gone.

Kaput.

See you in facebook my dear friends.

Ox

2009-02-19T22:11:00.001-08:00

in front of Caesar's Palace
inside a wedding chapel
where's the bride and groom?
because I can.
I am shy.
I am loved.

Caesar's statues.

land of ugly dolls

2009-02-19T21:59:00.000-08:00

a few days ago my friends and I were strolling Caesar's palace and look what we found?

an Ugly doll heaven!

There are so many of them I got dizzy just by looking at them. I was so happy!

CD ladder

2009-02-19T16:23:00.000-08:00

Since I've been reading Trent's The Simple Dollar, I've made a few changes with regards to finances. He encourages people to save money for an emergency fund and have a high yield interest savings account. A friend advised me to open one 4 years ago long before I have been reading Trent's blog . I opened one at ING. I never gave much thought of it till the last year that our economy is going in different directions. even though it's not as much interest as it used to be, it's still a lot compare to other commercial banks. As a way of saving some money, not a lot though is through CD ladder, ING's really simple and easy and what's really good is that there's no minimum to open one. my kind of thing! it may not be a lot but I'm happy I'm doing it.

what are you doing now, finance wise?

My Ugly Doll

2009-02-19T16:05:00.000-08:00

Look what I got for my birthday a few days ago?

An ugly doll!

I am so happy!

oh yeah and a good friend of mine gave me flowers as a centerpiece and goodies from Cost Plus World Market

The lemon cookies are divine and so are the green tea.

A perfect combo since it rained on my birthday.

Thanks to all who greeted me on my day.

20 Dishes I Need to Learn in this Lifetime (sort of)

2009-02-19T15:30:00.000-08:00

I posted my 20 dishes the other day but it left me wondering the culinary world is filled with more than filipino comfort foods. so I thought of 20 dishes that I need to learn or at least try making it.

pot roast - all time favorite but I have no idea how they make it so good and the meat practically melting inside my mouth.

roasted chicken - I always buy the Costco one, they're so yummy! and very good with home made chicken macaroni soup

ravioli or home made pasta - I have a Kitchen aid mixer that I bought 3-4 years ago as a gift for myself (need I remind you that I love myself?) and I know I'm close to just one attachment and I'll be in pasta heaven.

meatloaf - I did this once, it's a disaster, even though I used lean ground beef the meatloaf is swimming in its own oil. ewwww.

medium well steak - this is my all time favorite to order in a restaurant simply because I don't know how to cook it.

lasagna - not really a favorite but I just wanted to learn how to do it.

pasta carbonara - I know it's really simple with a few ingredients I don't know what's holding me back?

spinach and artichoke dip - a sure winner when it comes to pot luck.

pork barbecue in skewers - a favorite of mine but not having to know how to fire a grill, poses a problema.

pulled pork - I guess I need to earn some patience with this.

beef stroganoff - on rice not on egg noodles.

home made bread - the sweet kind.

chocolate cake - I want the most moistest cake ..... I did these in the past. a lot of times actually. can't really figure out why it's still dry.

fried chicken - i think my problem here is hardware, i don't have a deep fryer, but I've seen Alton Brown and Tyler Florence just do it in a cast iron pan. hmmmm?

baked salmon - the not one that's not fishy .

ganache - need I say more?

Pork chops - may it be grilled, baked or fried I wanna know how to cook it without drying it.

home made chicken stock - because I always grab a container of it at the store and most of time it doesn't do justice to my soup.

cupcakes - i just like looking at them in flickr. and maybe someday I will post my own cupcakes online.

brownies - I like brownies, the chewy and moist ones. they're my comfort food even if don't need comforting.

I need to start doing something about this....

20 dishes that I need to know in this lifetime...

2009-02-17T22:58:00.001-08:00

According to Serious Eats there are 20 basic dishes one needs to know so you can plan your meal for a month. Aside from being healthy in so many ways, it is frugal to cook your meals at home.

Since I am a Filipino my list is a little different than theirs.

- Sinigang, may it be meat, fish or shrimp, a good sour broth is a winner in our household.

- linguini with meat sauce. my mom always cook this and I have my own version.

- chicken macaroni soup.

- lumpiang shanghai.

- arroz caldo with tokwa't baboy.

- chicken and pork adobo.

- pancit guisado

- embotido

- daing na bangus

- filipino fried rice

- tortang talong

- beef nilaga

- chicken mami

- fish sarciado

- chicken tinola

- pork barbecue

- omelet

- shrimp with coconut milk

- stir fried green beans

- bistek ( beef steak )

Check out Serious Eats if you love food!

25 more random things....

2009-02-17T22:27:00.000-08:00

it kept me thinking one night and i think i can share more randomness...

here they are...

- i sleep on the left side of the bed. regardless of the situation (huh!). I can't sleep if I don't lay on my stomach first.

- because I work graveyard shift I need a very dark room so I can sleep.

- i am afraid of earthworms.

- i started kindergarten when I was 5 years old.

- i have very wide feet.

- i enjoy pedicures but not manicures.

- i try to do a 9 minute shower everyday (includes shaving!)

- i don't watch TFC (the filipino channel) and I don't plan in watching it in the future.

- i am the second sibling in a brood of four.

- i never learn how to drive until I'm 29 years old.

- my dream is to bake the softest slightly sweet bread and the moistest chocolate cake.

- i tend to procastinate especially with my to do list

- i enjoy singing karaoke especially when no one is listening.

- i don't know how to fire a charcoal grill let alone grill.

- i love going to disneyland and watch the fireworks at night.

- i arrange clothes according to color and the fresh laundry will have to go to the bottom of the shelves.

- i'm not into flowers but an occasional yellow roses and tulips will make my day.

- i always order a medium well steak in a restaurant.

- my favorite starbucks drink is an iced caramel macchiato upside down with whipped cream, while in the coffee bean and tea leaf is pure vanilla.

-i bring my own coffee mix to work, UCC coffee, coffee-mate creamer and sugar.

- i brown bag my lunch to work.

- i like reading blogs from apartment therapy, lifehacker, no credit needed, being frugal.net and zen habits.

- i would like to learn to play a musical instrument maybe a guitar or keyboards.

- i love to watch the rainfall.

- i don't like warm weather.

New Pens

2009-02-12T16:40:00.000-08:00

I ordered pens online and they arrived yesterday.

I am a sucker when it comes to pen and paper.

It's my birthday gift to myself.

I love myself.

Thanks Jetpens!

keep calm and carry on

2009-02-12T16:10:00.000-08:00

I love this saying and poster.

One of the things in my wish list.

A brief history of the poster.

new car fever

2009-02-12T15:20:00.000-08:00

the last two weeks i was helping a friend to find a new car, she had an accident earlier this year and her car was declared a total loss. anyways, i have researched and found strategies of buying a car. i bought my first and only car with my uncle so he negotiated and talked to the agents. i was on standby. so i consider this my first time buying a car. from my research i found out about sticker price or MSRP, invoice price, holdback and warranties and a lot of extra things that i know i would never need for a car. according to The Simple Dollar, do your research online, find out about the car you're buying, is it reliable? does it answer all your needs? how much it's resale value? among other things that should know aside from the car color. hehehehe.

so my friend and i did a some test drives at Honda and Toyota. she's eyeing for a Honda civic and a toyota matrix.

after this, she decided to go for the Honda civic. me on the other hand, is drooling over the toyota prius. after that test drive i am crazy looking for reviews and researching frantically over the web about it. so for two weeks, i am deciding whether i should get a new car. i've written pros and cons about it. there are certainly good upgrades regards with the new cars,

most of it have usb interface for ipods/mp3 player, speedometers are digital, things such as vehicle stability assist for safety reasons, good gas mileage are a plus.

but thing is, my car "puti" is very reliable, it's a 2002 honda CRV, it's paid off a long time ago, aside from regular maintenance i really don't have any problems with it. not very good in gas mileage but still fuel efficient compared to other midsize SUVs. i kept asking myself "do i need this? do i need a new car payment?" . and it made me realize that i don't.

i guess that sums it all up.

i am keeping "puti" until it falls apart.

My own 25 things.

2009-02-12T13:57:00.000-08:00

this adapted from chuvaness.com which i believed she got from somewhere else.

1. I love taking pictures of other people as well myself. i love myself.
2. While I don't mind spending for gadgets, shoes and purses, but i'm not into make up and clothes. i'm okay with jeans and some nice comfortable blouses and sweatshirts
3. I have accounts in friendster, facebook, multiply, blogger and flickr. but i mainly check my blogger and flickr.
4. I have a backlog of books and magazines to read, tv shows and movies to watch. i need to cancel my netflix and sign up for redbox.com
5. I can watch a movie by myself, but i can't eat alone in a restaurant, a fast food maybe but that's why there's drive-thru.
6. I can swim but i cannot dive.
7. I love the beach. not to swim but to stare at it, walk on it, sit on the beach, eat at the beach, read at the beach.
8. I love to write but i was never into formal training nor i am part of any school organs or publishing chuva.
9. these are the vegetables i can eat: bok choy, cabbage, cucumbers, ampalaya, spinach, malunggay, romaine lettuce and green beans. i'm allergic to everything else.
10. I sleep too much.
11. I love TV shows, i can watch it until i fall asleep. second best thing i'm very good at.
12. I'm frugal. or going into frugal lifestyle.
13. The goal is to go to Japan, Europe and Hawaii. i have no idea how to achieve it.
14. I don't own a gown. the last bridesmaid gown i own was donated to goodwill. i am not into weddings. i don't believe in marriage.
15. I love being myself.
16. I don't know if my friends know that i have a blog.
17. I love food and eating.
18. I drink soda, coffee, tea, vodka and beer.
19. I can drive a car. but i don't know how to ride a bike. someday.
20. I am pretty laid back but i'm a little on the OC side with regards to some things.
21. I have been on a cruise. someday. watch out disney cruise.
22. I have been drunk just because. no broken hearts, no angry feelings that time, BFF and i just drank the whole afternoon and did karaoke, next thing i knew i was on the toilet pouring my heart out. not a good sight.
23. I hate flying especially take-offs, but that's the fastest way to travel around here. i cannot sleep during a flight.
24. I get obsessed with a purse/backpack for a long time then i will move on to the next. (lucky sister and brothers)
25. I don't attend family reunions, party of such. i am allergic to people, they give me hives.

egg salad sandwich

2009-02-12T13:37:00.001-08:00

egg salad sandwich one of my favorite brown bag lunches i can do in a jiffy. so easy to do and so yummy!

boyce avenue

2009-02-12T13:30:00.000-08:00

i love boyce avenue.

i guess it shows.

i'm updating my ipod playlist and merging all boyce avenue songs.

i guess i'm ready for a long, long drive.

er, travel?

2009-02-12T13:20:00.000-08:00

Well you done done me and you bet I felt it

I tried to be chill but you're so hot that I melted

I fell right through the cracks, now I'm trying to get back

Before the cool done run out, I'll be giving it my bestest

And nothing's going to stop me but divine intervention

I reckon it's again my turn to win some or learn some

But I won't hesitate no more, no more

It cannot wait, I'm yours

Well open up your mind and see like me

Open up your plans and damn you're free

Look into your heart and you'll find love love love love

Listen to the music of the moment people, dance and sing

We're just one big family

And it's our God-forsaken right to be loved loved loved loved loved

So I won't hesitate no more, no more

It cannot wait, I'm sure

There's no need to complicate, our time is short

This is our fate, I'm yours

D-d-do do you, but do you, d-d-do

But do you want to come on

Scooch on over closer dear

And I will nibble your ear

I've been spending way too long checking my tongue in the mirror

And bending over backwards just to try to see it clearer

But my breath fogged up the glass

And so I drew a new face and I laughed

I guess what I be saying is there ain't no better reason

To rid yourself of vanities and just go with the seasons

It's what we aim to do, our name is our virtue

But I won't hesitate no more, no more

It cannot wait, I'm yours

Come on and open up your mind and see like me

(I won't hesitate)

Open up your plans and damn you're free

(No more, no more)

Look into your heart and you'll find that the sky is yours

(It cannot wait, I'm sure)

So please don't, there's no need

(There's no need to complicate)

There's no need to complicate

(Our time is short)

'Cause our time is short

(This is our fate)

This is, this is, this is our fate

I'm yours

Oh, I'm yours

Oh, whoa, baby you believe I'm yours

You best believe, best believe I'm yours

bubbly

2009-02-12T13:02:00.000-08:00

I've been awake for a while now

You've got me feelin like a child now

Cause every time I see your bubbly face

I get the tinglies in a silly place

It starts in my toes

And I crinkle my nose

Where ever it goes I always know

That you make me smile

Please stay for a while now

Just take your time

Where ever you go

The rain is fallin on my window pane

But we are hidin in a safer place

Under the covers stayin safe and warm

You give me feelins that I adore

It starts in my toes

Makes me crinkle my nose

Where ever it goes

I always know

That you make me smile

Please stay for a while now

Just take your time

Where ever you go

What am I gonna say

When you make me feel this way

I just... mmmmmmmmmmm

It starts in my toes

Makes me crinkle my nose

Where ever it goes

I always know

That you make me smile

Please stay for a while now

Just take your time

Where ever you go

I've been asleep for a while now

You tucked me in just like a child now

Cause every time you hold me in your arms

I'm comfortable enough to feel your warmth

It starts in my soul

And I lose all control

When you kiss my nose

The feelin shows

Cause you make me smile

Baby just take your time

Holdin me tight

Where ever, where ever, where ever you go

ugly dolls

2009-02-12T12:25:00.000-08:00

i want an ugly doll

specifically ox.

i like him.

another weather report

2009-02-12T12:17:00.000-08:00

i don't know how many times i've blogged about the weather especially when it's raining and cold.

i love when it's raining.

i am definitely in the wrong state.

this weekend supposed to rain and it's the weekend before my birthday.

and if yahoo's correct it's supposed to rain on my birthday.

i'm in heaven.

and surprisingly enough according to chinese horoscope it's my year this year.

year of the ox.

coincidence?

nah.

i don't believe in coincidences.

i believe in fate and destiny.

whatever it is, it will happen no matter what you do.

even if you don't like it.

just accept things as it is.

very hard to do.

happy rainy weekend.

random thoughts

2009-02-06T09:03:00.000-08:00

it's raining again. yipee!

downside is i'm working so not that happy.

but i love hearing the pitter patter of the rain on the roof.

it's gonna be a cold night.

i can't wait to go to big bear mountain and see the slopes.

hmmm when can i go?

Iron Man

2008-12-23T22:24:00.001-08:00

One of the early summer movies is Iron Man. I totally missed it. Now that I renewed my Netflix, it's my number 1 movie in my queue. On the reviews they really liked it and it was so awesome the producers decided to make a sequel . Great! I haven't watch the first one and they are already making a sequel. So today after folding my laundry one of my to-do list is to watch it.

I always liked Robert Downey Jr, even if he did drugs before I still think of him as one of the versatile actors in Hollywood. I love him in Heart and Souls and of course in Ally Mcbeal. I can't forget when he sang with Sting, every breath you take. savvy!

Anyways, it turns out the movie was really good and I keep thinking the reason why I wasn't able to watch it in the first place. I couldn't think of one. I am looking forward to its sequel maybe 2010?

Merry Christmas

2008-12-23T21:59:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!
It's been awhile since I last posted here. I was really busy and didn't really have time to blog. I'm still reading Breaking Dawn! Usually I can finish a book in a week or two depending on my schedule and chores. But things were really hectic and I seemed to be spending time sleeping/resting than reading and blogging. I will make time to make posts because the past quarter of the year I have a lot of exciting things happening. I am so looking forward this coming year 2009.

I got another fresh christmas tree this year, it's a douglas fir and smells so good. I got it from Home depot for $20. It stood roughly 6 feet and I decorated with my red and gold themed ornaments. Too bad it gets dry soon after the holidays, I really like the smell inside the house.

The weather is really cold nowadays, sometimes the highest temperature is on high 50's. I know this maybe not too cold for some other parts of the country, but come on this is Southern California. Most of the time it's sunny here but men! it is soooo cold I have to turn on the heat. Normally I just bundled up but because of the rain and winds I cannot take the cold anymore. Don't get me wrong, I love the cold weather and I hope it won't end too soon. I love sitting beside the fireplace, drinking coffee or tea or my new found chocolate drink from broguiere's and watching dvds or reading my google reader or simply reading a book.

I love winter.

twilight

2008-09-29T22:52:00.001-07:00

i love twilight series

i can't wait for november 21, 2008

flickr moment

2008-09-29T22:51:00.000-07:00

i love flickr. i can spend hours and hours looking at the pictures posted by someone else. since i'm spending a lot of my precious time looking at their pictures i decided to join the bandwagon and share my photos.

here are a few of the photos i managed to squeeze in.

enjoy.

paperchase bag, ray ban polarized aviator sunglasses, mentos, eucerin hand lotion, mac lip gloss tub, clinique lipstick, advil liquigels, dental floss, hand sanitizer, calculator, pens and pencil, blackberry pearl 8120, ipod touch 8 gb, urara bento box, huggies wipes, j crew wallet, hot pink post it, planner from a japanese store, moleskine squared notebook, klean kanteen, north face edition water container, starbucks coffee, container.

: paperchase

what's in my bag?

2008-09-29T22:50:00.000-07:00

i have another purse that i use for everyday errands

tumi tech bag, klean kanteen north face edition water container, starbucks coffee container, urara red bento box for my lunch, blackberry pearl 8120, ipod touch 8 gb, moleskine LA city notebook, orange and blue pens with 0.38 point.

my tv shows

2008-09-29T22:49:00.000-07:00

it's officially fall. thank God! almost all my favorite shows are back. almost. i'm still waiting for csi: crime scene investigators, medium, pushing daisies, private practice, numbers, eli stone, samantha who?, women's murder club. they're coming back this october.

so far three new shows caught my attention, fringe, the mentalist and knight rider, yes K.I.T.T. is back. fringe is more of a sci-fi show from jj abrams, producer of lost and alias. so far so good they're exciting. the mentalist is more like psych but in a very dramatic way.

of course heroes came back with a vengeance with a three hour premiere. i was so lost in the beginning because i couldn't remember what happened last season. i remember they never came back after the writer's strike. so it's been a while. i got to have a mental note to watch it again on netflix.

bones is one of the first shows to come back, they started like in the first week of september. they did a two hour premiere and i realized how much i miss them. especially zach i never understand why he had to leave. he's so effective in being a squint.

dexter, the amazing race and cold case will be back tonight. my calendar's so full now.

do i need to say more?

Lee's sandwiches

2008-09-29T22:48:00.000-07:00

Lee's sandwiches. they're vietnamese sandwiches. almost like a your regular sub but with a twist, first they have a baguette, a french bread crispy outside so soft and buttery on the inside. next they have like daikon (labanos in tagalog), carrots, sliced jalapeno (hot), white onions for vegetables and some lettuce. for the meats, you can have meatballs, headcheese, ham, shredded pork, grilled chicken, grilled pork (pork bbq) which i had, cured pork and pork roll. there's also euro sandwiches which has pastrami and ham.

Coffee is really good not bitter just right to the taste. i also recommend their iced thai tea with boba. so good.

one of the good things with Lee's is that they open at 5 am, very convenient to those who have early commute.

there's a Lee's sandwiches opening near my area. i can't wait for them to open.

greening my way

2008-09-29T22:46:00.000-07:00

i have a google reader which by the way i think the most exciting thing that happen since google was invented. ( that's just me) i love apartment therapy. i have the book and i subscribe to their newsletter and to their articles.

i love apartment therapy green. they give us greener ways to help our precious mother earth.

here's a few things i have adapted in greening my world:

low flow shower heads - installing these plus limiting my shower time into 10 minutes/shower will save hundred of gallons of water per year.

coffee grounds - i love brewing my own coffee and i used to dump it into the trash, now i dumped it outside in my garden to become a fertilizer

home baked bread/rolls - i was fascinated with the no knead bread of mark bittman but the thing is i am not a fan of crispy on the outside chewy on the inside bread, i am more of a soft bread/roll kind of person. nevertheless, i try to bake my own bread/rolls during my days off.

cooking at home - being a filipino we always cook at home, our moms will do the grocery/market shopping and will cook us our all time favorite meals. living alone will tell me that i will save more if i buy combo meals but most of the time i miss my mom's unique way of cooking. so here i am trying to cook the best i can. more nutritious and frugal at the same time.

planting vegetables - last spring i planted a summer squash, it bore 6 squash. i cooked one and gave away the 5. i planted it on the wrong side of the garden it climbed on one of the roses so i have to take it out. i did reserved the seeds from the one that i cooked so i will plant it again near the retaining wall. i have a tomato that has 4 fruits now and a lot of blossoms, i can see marinara sauce in the future. my lemon tree is bearing three fruits and steadily growing.

my future plans of greening includes:

a rain barrel - california doesn't have a lot of rain so i really need water during summer to water my edible garden.

a compost - this is really hard for me because i can't stand it's smell but i will do it to decrease my carbon footprint.

install a whole house fan - having these will decrease my consumption of air condition unit by 50% during summer time.

do xeriscaping on my lawn - this needs a lot of research and there's money involved so i have to study it before pursuing it.

microwaves among other things...

2008-09-29T22:45:00.000-07:00

Microwaves are an efficient (and therefore green!) way of cooking, but they can be really unpleasant to clean. We’ve got a green method that works well, and all you need is water and a little bit of baking soda (which you can also use to soften sheets and scrub the tub.)

Put one or two cups of water in a large, heat-proof glass or ceramic bowl. and add one tablespoon of white vinegar.
Microwave until about half the water has evaporated.
Wait about 10 minutes and don’t open the door. This lets the water cool off a bit and the steam penetrate any baked-on crud in the oven.
Remove the bowl carefully; the water will still be hot enough to burn, so wear hot mitts.
Scrub the walls of the microwave with a sponge sprinkled with a bit of baking soda; baked on stains should come off with relative ease.
Wipe down the microwave with a reusable cloth dampened in clean water and the oven will be sparkling clean and free of odors.

adapted from apartment therapy green

Skin Care

2008-08-18T03:17:00.000-07:00

I rarely use make up on my face. I am not "kikay". My skin regimen inlcudes the following:

orange soap with kojic acid for daily cleansing

neutrogena mask/cleanser for someone with acne/pimple problems, i use this as a mask every other day.

sunblock with spf70, a must before going out of the house

olay regenerist serum, twice daily before moisturizer

murad acne spot for my pimples, it's actually really good in a day or two my pimples will shrink.

avon eye cream, i have dark circles and i'm still looking for the ONE

clinique gel moisturizer, my face has a combination skin, so i settled for a gel type.

4 years ago i had a bad breakout for a year, seems nothing works for my pimple laden face at that time. I think it's stress. at that time I just got a mortgage and move into my new home. since then i'm always on the look out for anything anti acne/pimple.

Home Cooking

2008-08-18T02:46:00.000-07:00

Since I started living on my own, I used to buy cooked food, fast food, pizzas, chinese take outs. I don't cook because I'm on my own. But growing up I don't remember eating out. My mom cooks not everyday but maybe four times a week. We siblings help out like chopping, dicing cooking down to cleaning of fish and pots and pans. So I know how to cook some basic Filipino meals. A year ago, my best friend moved in with me and from then on my cooking/eating habits changed. She doesn't know how to cook but she knows how to grill meat. I, on the other hand doesn't know how to operate my own portable Weber grill. Because we both love the same food, i started cooking again. I will cook while she cuts everything. Now, not only she grills, she cooks too! I still can't grill but I can bake now. We dramatically reduced our food budget in half. Our only vice is pizza, but we only buy two slices at Costco and those are very rare occasions maybe just once a month. My BFF and I go to grocery store every two weeks for our bi-weekly food staples and we try to cook as much as we can the same day and then freeze them until we need them.

Do you cook?

Decluttering my garage

2008-08-18T02:03:00.000-07:00

i've lived in my house for almost 4 years now. the most neglected area are the yard/lawn and the garage. last year i was able to clean out my garage and able to put my beloved car inside. i decluttered the garage and phew i can't believe i juggled all those stuff from 5 apartments to my beloved home. anyways, most of it were donated to goodwill and salvation army. when the contractor finished my kitchen, i told him to place some drywall to my garage so i can put some shelving and be organized inside. a few weeks after that, i bought my washer/dryer, they're front loaders and has pedestals. after that i didn't do anything for the garage except for the occasional sweeping and re-organizing of the bins. i don't have shelves and still no touch of paint. i wanted to paint it first before putting any shelves or cabinets. my lists for my garage:

1. Paint the whole inside. i want it to be cheery i'm thinking shades of yellow.

2. Storage solutions. Shelves and cabinets are the first things on my mind.

3. I recycle soda cans, glass and plastic containers, I need an area and a few receptacles to house them before I cash them out to my local recycling center.

4. I started paying attention to my lawn/garden so i need a space for my gardening tools, potting mix, pots, and fertilizers.

So far so good. I hope I can do this.

Favorite Things

2008-08-18T01:58:00.000-07:00

Just a few of my favorite things/food...

iced caramel macchiato from starbucks and iced green tea from Panera

harry potter series, books and movies.

twilight series

knudsen french vanilla coffee creamer

my imac

ipod

my trusted sony laptop

friends dvd season 1-10

squash

2008-07-30T10:57:00.000-07:00

Last spring we planted some seeds of summer squash. Here's a few photos of it.

We managed to harvest 5 summer squash. We decided to relocate the plant because it crawled and hovers the rose.

Here's the last of the squash.

Earthquake

2008-07-29T17:39:00.000-07:00

Living in California means you have to be prepared for earthquakes, fault lines are numerous on this side of the west. Today at approximately 11:42 am the earth shook. According to the Caltech it was a 5.4 which falls on a category of moderate earthquake. I worked the night before and I was asleep when it happened. My bed was swaying and shaking. This is the strongest earthquake I've experienced since I came here seven years ago. I said a prayer to God thanking Him for making me safe. The quake lasted maybe 30 seconds. I came out of the house and was surprised to see that no else was on the street except me. I guess everyone's at work or doing errands. Since there's no power outage, i turned on the TV and watch the news. I learned that the epicenter of the quake is in Chino Hills which is like 10 miles away from where I live. No wonder it's so strong. I made a few phone calls making sure that my friends and my cousin who just moved in Chino Hills were okay. I texted my parents back in Manila that I'm okay and that they don't need to worry. So far according to the news, there weren't any casualties and damages are still unknown.

I thank God for making us safe.

Boston Did it!

2008-06-18T00:31:00.000-07:00

Game 6 is an embarrassment in so many levels. the only good thing came out of it was the Shakey's fried chicken and mojo potatoes which is so good and moist. yeah I know, I should be a Lakers fan because I live in LA. yeah, right! like i care who wins. I guess I'm just there for the food.

Twilight Phase

2008-05-25T20:52:00.000-07:00

I'm on a twilight phase right now. I'm doing a second reading of the novel because i couldn't get edward and bella out of my mind these days. ah

It's Raining!

2008-05-23T15:51:00.000-07:00

I couldn't believe that it rained with thunder and lightning thursday afternoon. i gave up on rain since the end of february knowing that the rainy season ended here on southern california. the minute Black Apple and I stepped inside the AMC theatre the rain poured hard, movies were delayed because of the power failure.

To think that I just posted last sunday how hot it was during the weekend.

Today, I woke up with rain showers and a cooler temperatures. I greeted Black Apple with a very nice "good morning, isn't it a great day?" Of course she wanted sunshine, where as I wanted grey skies and cold.

Weather huh, well, what can we do about it?

Inspiration Board

2008-05-23T15:42:00.000-07:00

Here's a not so finished inspiration board.

I went to Walmart yesterday to pick up some stuff when my restless feet dragged me to school supplies aisle. and there it was! so i grab one before i change my mind and prolong my envy with the inspiration boards at Flickr.

Now where to hang it?

InSpIrAtIoN BoArD

2008-05-21T20:37:00.000-07:00

I've been toying around an idea of making an inspiration board for quite some time now. inspired of course by flickr group "Inspiration Boards". gosh those people are really creative in making those boards/walls. i have an inspiration notebook for home decorating, but it will be nice to put it up on wall and look at it whenever i want to and putting my endless notes and to-do lists to myself. my first board hold my family pictures so i don't want to use it for my inspiration board, but it doesn't mean that they (my family don't inspire me. i definitely want a cork board and not a magnetic one. i like the texture of cork, smooth but with rough edges. I'm debating whether i would put some fabric on top of it and exposing some cork or use my scrapbook paper that i never use. decisions, decisions. how it was never easy?

98 degrees

2008-05-19T11:43:00.000-07:00

okay it's not the boy band. that was yesterday's temperature. 98 degrees and it's only the middle of May. what more in summer? where can I seek refuge by then? I am literally melting. it's so sunny it's blinding me.

ways to keep cool:

stay away from the sun between 9 am to 4 pm. yeah right, I'm in L.A. where can you hide from the sun?

stay hydrated and drink 8-10 glasses of fluids. now, where's that cocktails for dummies of mine?

apply sunblock with at least 30 spf and reapply every 2 hours if you decide to stay longer outdoors.

wear a wide brim hat to protect your face.

or do what i do during summer, sleep the whole day and do stuff at nights.

happy summer!

welcome tsugumi!

2008-05-19T10:58:00.000-07:00

according to ipod death clock my 40 gb ipod classic has 59 minutes and it's gone. but i really liked it because of the storage capacity. i have all my songs in it. but i guess i have to move on and give it a rest. i decided to buy the ipod touch simply because it's so versatile and has a lot of applications i need. i really don't need an iphone right now because my motorola is good and i'm still loving it. after four years of my ipod classic i am giving it a break for a while until i can get a replacement battery so i can still streamline music in my house.

welcome tsugumi, my ipod touch

100

2008-05-19T10:57:00.000-07:00

get an energy audit
donate used computers
use cloth napkins
switch to energy-saving bulbs
hang dry your clothes
make your next outfit vintage
ride the bus
pay your bills online
say no to plastic bags
plant some bamboo
unplug appliances when off
taste test a local wine
say bye to your leaf blower
rediscover your library
switch off your computer
plant a garden
buy rechargeable batteries
satrt a compost heap
put back unused napkins
bring your coffee cup
learn to love weeds
read about green weddings
carpool
keep tires inflated
support local farmers
use both sides of paper
turn heating down 1 degree
return old cellphones
drive smart-plan your trips
wrap water heater in blanket
install low-flow showerheads
wash clothes in warm or cold water
lights off when you exit a room
use a lunch box, not a paper bag
give cloth diapers a chance
pick up litter and recycle it
take shorter showers
choose green E-products
buy the largest size practical
tune up your car's engine
donate used books
seal drafts around windows
leave your car at home for a day
don't idle your car more than 10 seconds
think before your print
look for energy star appliances
unload your car of excess weight
don't buy veggies in trays
choose an energy efficient vehicle
fix leaking faucets
wipe spills with reusable towels
install low-flow toilets
make your iwn "buy nothing" day
reuse jars and containers
clean windows with old newspapers
build with slavaged wood
share magazines
wrap presents in old calendar pages
make rags from old t-shirts
send e-birthday cards
buy spices in bulk
capture rain water for garden
return unused sugar packets
drive the speed limit
make note pads from used paper
don't accept plastic utensils
take a break from TV
give a donation instead of a present
buy a bike- use it
buy organic cotton
when buying clothes, say no to tissue wrap
start a green team at work
don't boil more than teacup's worth
read about carbon credits
appoint an office lights monitor
use your legs, not the elevator
stop chasing the latest
invigorate your green passion, spend time with nature
start a toy-swap with friends
ease up on meat products
buy items for durability
buy seasonal produce
take bubble wrap back to packaging stores
upgrade your furnace
snip six-pack rings
use a low phosphate detergent
avoid chemical flea collars
choose sustainable flooring
offer art schools your trash
use a bucket not a hose
learn how to mend your socks
eliminate impulse buying
take extra hangers to dry cleaners
teach kids thriftiness
don't sign for mailing lists
slow down - consume less
fertilize with grass clippings
consider using a solar cooker
eat simply, choose whole grains

Thing I should have known...

2008-05-19T10:54:00.000-07:00

start 401K. I did start it a year later but i was not "aggressive enough". Two years later I've changed into aggresive and increased my contributions.

start a savings account in ING. which I did three years later since I started working. Then I have sub accounts which i use for my car expenses and things I wanted to buy but I don't want to use a credit card and pay interest.

start an emergency fund. most financial advisors say that a person should need a 6 month worths of emergency fund. i don't have it. but i am slowly starting one.

do at least one overtime in every pay period and saved it.

pay my car in 2-3 years instead of 5 years and then save the car money for its maintenance and/or downpayment for a new/used car in the future.

borrowed books and videos in the library instead of buying and/or renting.

checking out the thrift stores, salvation army and goodwill stores before buying anything for my home.

making a store comparison prices notebook/spreadsheets and checking out store flyers before doing groceries.

clipping out coupons for things/food that i love to use and eat.

making a budget and sticking to it.

always carry a calculator and learning how to use it effectively.

I am Loving...

2008-05-19T10:53:00.001-07:00

my imac

orange shuffle

bose in-ear headphones

itunes

ipod nano

just a meme

2008-05-19T10:52:00.001-07:00

blue, gray, brown, red, orange and yellow are my favorite colors.

i don't care about purple, lilac, lavender or pink.

i still love listening to lovenotes

i cannot sleep with the lights on.

tulips and roses are my favorite flowers.

it's hard for me to fall asleep especially if i'm not tired

but it's harder for me to wake up once i fall asleep.

i can read harry potter series over and over and over again.

I am loving...

2008-05-19T10:49:00.000-07:00

my north face messenger bag

a swedish body massage

my wii

marimekko fabrics

my nikon D40x

of rainy days and some other stuff

2008-01-28T21:19:00.000-08:00

i like rainy days. i don't know why but i like bundling up and sipping hot cocoa or tea. i like watching the raindrops. so for the past 4 days that has been raining hard I feel like I'm in heaven. even though I am working and driving in those days, I really enjoyed it. I know some parts of southern California has been flooded and snow is falling like crazy. but the city where I live in was just okay. I was able to watch the first cd of Planet Earth, monk, Psych, finished deadly decisions by Kathy Reichs and started Twilight by Stephanie Meyer a little bit juvenile for me, but i think the story is good. I'm looking forward to more rainy days.

Brownies

2008-01-13T12:27:00.000-08:00

I am always in search of a good brownie. Tried baking it, buying it even asking for it. I have always love chocolates, my siblings & I grew up with chocolate, may it be a drink or a bar or M&M's. I would look high and low in every grocery store I've been to for a brownie mix. I love mixing it and tasting it even before it reaches the oven. That gooey stuff in that mix, simply irresistible. Once i tried making it from scratch, not so successful but i ate it anyways. Best ones I've tried is ghirardelli triple chocolate brownie mix. So good. Makes me want to bake again.

hunting for bento

2008-01-12T17:50:00.000-08:00

I am so excited today because I was able to find some bento boxes in a Marukai near me. It's like christmas morning again! When I got home from the store I saw a package waiting forme at my doorstep. Hurray for Sugar Charms, I got my Urara bento box from them. See the next post for my pictures.

bento loving

2008-01-12T17:43:00.000-08:00

comic psych

2008-01-12T15:29:00.000-08:00

psych is back! with writer's strike still on going here there's not a lot of choices in primetime tv now. i'm so glad that psych is back. i find shawn and gus really funny and they always have a thing for the 80's era and movies. they also show some places in santa barbara especially the beach. they have a little add on now, a comic strip of little shawn and gus. what i don't understand is why pineapple? oh well.

moleskine

2008-01-10T02:07:00.000-08:00

Moleskine.

I am always fascinated with paper, notesbooks and pens. even now that i no longer a student i still check the stationery aisle of a store such as Target and Walmart. I still get emails from Papemelroti a local store in Manila which specializes in recycled papers and country-like knick-knacks.

I came across of moleskine thru my Google reader and was hooked by it. Not realizing it was available in my local B & N, although they don't carry the red moleskine which I wanted so badly.

I bought my first ever moleskine, large squared notebook last December. I almost cried when I got home.

I'm waiting for the LA city notebook to come out.

of neatness among other stuff

2007-08-30T02:39:00.000-07:00

moving to my own place three years ago made me realize i have tons of stuff that i don't need. i literally own boxes of old magazines that i love, hard bound books that i purchased and read, kitchen gadgets that multiplied on its own, clothes that are either tacky or outdated.

i migrated in 2001 a month after the 9/11. for three years i lived in 4 different apartments before having a place of my own. i vividly remember that i only have a big green suitcase and a rolling duffel bag when i first came here.

6 years later i have know idea how i ended up with so much stuff.

back home since i lived my parents i really don't care about how to take care of home things. all i know is my mom and dad takes care of those things. i clean the house, do some minor chores, i cook if my mom is away but that's it.

i always dreamed of having a place of my own. just me in the house. i never did quite grasp the responsibilities it entails.

escrow, walk throughs, home inspectors. words that i never knew existed until the day i was signing the biggest contract of my life.

whew.

but the minute they handed me the KEYS i felt a surge of happiness, it's like getting your first star in kindergarten. one of the best feelings i've ever had.

i know i'm on my own since i step down from the airplane in LAX, 6 yrs ago. i realized that i have to take care of myself , make decisions on my own, without my parents and close friends to lean on.

my neatness started then on. i started reading books about organizing and cleaning not just my place but my life too. i frequented stores and check out products that i think would help me along the way.

i pay my bills as soon as it lands on my desk and file it in my trustworthy tote.

i group my stuff according to usage and color. my personal favorites, a labeler and boxes.

although it took me three years to empty all my boxes in the garage, i feel a sense of accomplishment with all the things i did through the years.