Stacey Avenue

Pages from my Diary

2010-03-05T12:59:00.000+08:00

On March 05, 2010

I found my diary from 1998 and was laughing my lungs out reading it. I can't believe the things I wrote almost twelve years ago! Here I want to share with you two sample pages of it... behold thy thoughts of a sophomore high school studying in a Catholic school:

"CLVE" is a subject in that Catholic school which stands for "Christian Living and Values Education".

Before going under the knives...

2010-02-26T12:27:00.003+08:00

On February 26, 2010

At the mall, I was trying on some fabulous pumps when a familiar voice called my name excitedly. “Staceeeeeyyy!!!” – Looking at the stunning woman brightly grinning and looking my way, I thought on my feet and looked around to see if she was really referring to me and it turned out, she was. (Hey, it’s not like Stacey isn’t a common name.) She approached me and gave me this massive hug while I was still clueless and frozen why this beautiful stranger knows my name and even hugged me!

“It’s me, *Sheila!” My eyes widened and realized why I sort of knew her voice. I cracked up and said “Oh my… you look so different! Where are your curves?! Who took them?! You look gorgeous!” It went on for a couple more minutes until we realized we need to sit down and talk over a cup of tea. There’s much catching up to do.

She’s an old friend from high school although we really didn’t attend the same school back then. She was a Filipina beauty. Copper-toned skin, full-figured, dark wavy hair, average round nose and chin. But now, she’s absolutely skinny, pale white skin, her nose and chin are more obviously pointed than before, and her hair is now light brown, thin and sleek.

“Did you realize I didn’t recognize you?!” I said while stirring my soy chai latte.

“I know, I know… it’s not like I don’t remember how I looked like before going under the knives. I wouldn’t have a boyfriend now if I hadn’t done it.” She confessed without hesitation. Hearing her say that made me really sad for her. I still think that guys will go crazy for her even if she didn’t change her looks. She has soulful eyes and smile. And the most important is her amazingly bubbly personality that any guy would kill for.

She transformed quite well but it didn’t stop me from telling her that I miss the old Sheila, the cute simple girl in my high school photo album. She changed to a point where she looks like a totally different person. Think of those Korean girl band singers who look exactly like each other – that’s how Sheila looks like now: Beautiful but no longer original.

She can’t say that her decision made her really happy. It’s always awkward for her now to meet with old friends like me because no one could easily tell who she is. Just like what happened to us earlier. She honestly said that each time she meets up with someone who knew how she looked like before, it only brings back the pain of her past experiences which drove her to undergo several surgeries.

I felt compelled to write about this because what Sheila did was such a life-changing decision that young women often resort to because of unhappiness. It’s sad but I’m not prejudiced about women who have done this or wanted to do this. All I hope for is if that time comes when my urge to change something in me becomes so strong, I pray that I can divert that urge, that energy for me to change the way I see things and bring me back to where I love myself for what I’ve been given. So help me God.

*is not the real name.

Textually Active

2010-02-18T22:34:00.000+08:00

On February 18, 2010

I may not be blogging much recently but believe me, I’m still very textually active… at Twitter! (http://twitter.com/staceyavenue)

So please feel free to send me a message there or follow my tweets so I can follow yours too. I like the idea of being able to know what’s going on with my friends as it happens and being able to chitchat with them in 140 characters or less.

So who do I follow? As of this date, I’m only following less than 50 twitters which include close friends, blogger friends, officemates, inspirational public figures like Mashable’s Most Educational Blogger to follow (@BroEliSoriano), Shorty Awards’ finalist for best Journalist (@DanielRazon), and a few celebrities like those kids from Glee (@chriscolfer & @frankenteen).

If you have suggestions like really funny or interesting twitters, please do let me know.

I wish you all a great day ahead!

Ready For Rendezvous

2010-02-13T03:58:00.001+08:00

On February 13, 2010

Rendezvous’ first three tracks took its sound from the psychedelic jazz era of the sixties. However, their debut album to be launched this year borrows inspiration from a diverse collection of ideas from Rendezvous’ members, Itai Simon and Hagai Izenberg.

Because of the big welcome that Rendezvous received after they released their first EP five years ago, Simon and Izenberg pursued their vision of making a debut album that reflected their music ideals.

Although Rendezvous’ original influence came from the likes of Pink Floyd harking back to about half a century ago, their own music is both timeless and reflective of the present generation’s music, fusing electropop, jazz, Asian instrumental music, and even compositions that feature string orchestral music. This varied union of tastes gives Rendezvous’ fans a package that is very much worth the wait.

Rendezvous’ YouTube channel alone has received more than 150 thousand views, proving more than before their worth in the music industry. For a sneak preview of their debut album, watch their production video of End of the World by tuning in to Rendezvous on YouTube.

Even with the huge success that Rendezvous has already achieved with their previous EP, they did not want to rest on their laurels. To give their album the authentic Rendezvous flair that their fans yearn for, the band collaborated with David Bascombe for the mixing of their album’s eight tracks. Bascombe, a known name in the world of music, has already worked with Natalie Imbruglia, Kylie Minogue, Depeche Mode, The Verve, Suede – and the list does not stop there. One thing’s for sure: Rendezvous’ team-up with Bascombe assures that you’re definitely in for a music treat.

Before Rendezvous finally launches their eight-track album, find out what got music buffs listening in the first place. Listen to their first three tracks, Incognito, So What, and No Man’s Land through Rendezvous’ official web page. Watch Rendezvous in action on YouTube if you need the whole audiovisual experience.

Gossip Boy

2010-02-11T01:32:00.003+08:00

On February 11, 2010

Ridiculous. And I just can’t believe something like this could actually happen to me. I don’t suggest you to go on reading this if you don’t want to ruin you day by knowing that somehow, somewhere, traitors exist; and sometimes, they come in as 9-yr. old stuck in a 30-something male body.

I thought such drama could only happen to really, really good people – like in paperback novels where the person is unbelievably kind to everyone and anything in this world. And they have some sort of personal backstabbing critic who happens to be undeniably jealous of them. Ideally speaking, I grade myself C- for taking a lead role in any story. First, I’m not the nicest person around and I’d like to think that I can even make onions cry. Second, I don’t see any reason why anyone should attack me. I may not have the cleanest slate but I can say that I’m a law-abiding citizen who deserves peace.

I was new to this place when I met this ass… I mean this guy. He was totally nice to me, like oh-my-gosh nice. He’s very accommodating, sometimes way too nosy about every little thing I do which I tried to tolerate since I thought he was just being friendly. Initially, I could sense that there’s something wrong about him. I wanted to trust my intuition but you know I could be wrong sometimes. So I gave friendship a shot.

Little by little, I started to notice his preferred trend of conversation… he likes to gossip – a lot! 60% of what he’s saying is mean stuff about almost everyone else around him. He even pointed out several people that (as per him) I should avoid because he had issues with them in the past. (Duh like I care, right?) While 40% of his statements are self-serving details which if you scrutinize, are just trying to silently scream that he’s the righteous one and everyone else is bound to damnation. He started to irritate my delicate ears until I came to a point where I couldn’t bear it anymore. I started to get allergic reactions and when I do, there’s no hiding code red.

Civilly, I tried to let him know that I don’t entertain such ridiculous gestures from anyone, and it doesn’t exclude him just because he’s been accommodating and kind to me at first. I started to open up conversations with everyone else – including his personal enemies. I wanted to know them in a different light because first and foremost, they’re not my enemies. Second, I could use some basking in the sun after that guy’s dark, blinding perspective held me for a while.

That’s when I started to find out that 9/10 of his statements aren’t true. When I giggle and laugh with other people, I can see from the side mirror how his eyebrows meet heavily and dissolve in gloom. Now, is this telling me that just because he’s been nice to me, he expects me to be his ally in his pathetic war against everyone else?

I didn’t want to make brash judgments until I proved my inner voice right when he started to obviously, exaggeratedly avoid me, make personal attacks, false statements, and all that crap against me. He even called me a “traitor”.

Hey punk, “traitors” are people who can’t face anyone he or she has anything against with and I, on the other hand was only saving my mind from getting polluted with all the by-products of your bitterness, insecurities, and low self-esteem. Geez, you really can’t take a hint? You really want me to be this brutally honest with you? Then eat this: You’re popular because a lot of people I spoke with don’t seem to like you one bit.

I would know from someone’s fruits if he or she is nice and noble. And you, you need to get help. This blog isn’t written to get even. That’s not my style, dude. This is to warn you that you can’t just go messing around if you can’t back it up. Now let me share with you something I wrote about a year ago. I hope you’ll find this helpful somehow even if I can sense that you’ll deny it.

That’s the least I can do for you. THANK YOU!

First REAL Step in Fighting Poverty

2010-02-04T23:37:00.012+08:00

On February 4, 2010

“50,000 runners in just a fun run? That’s too ambitious!!!”

“50,000 participants? Good luck…”

“Sorry to burst your bubble, but you can’t get that many people…”

Those are just some of the doubtful comments thrown at sports37.net’s blog about “Isang Araw Lang: Takbo Para sa Libreng Kolehiyo” (Just One Day: Run for Free College Education) – an event that aimed to involve no less than 50,000 participants to run for a cause which is to send Filipino youth to College, for free. So last Sunday, I went there with excitement up and down my spine to see what happens…

You know how it’s like in movies where the antagonist beats up and bullies the protagonist first? Then later on, the protagonist rise (with a Rocky Balboa kind of background music going on) after all the hard work and commitment exhibited to achieve his goal. It was perfectly like that when spectators dropped their jaws in awe while looking at MORE THAN 50,000 RUNNERS last January 31, 2010 at the SM Mall of Asia grounds! And I am grateful to God that I witnessed this monumental event.

With high hopes and sincerity, Mr. Daniel Razon initiated the said fun run project which turned out to be a humongous success. Majority of the runners are members of the Church of God International and far from the expected chaos in gathering a huge number of people, the whole event was surprisingly very well organized.

Kuya Daniel's message is simple and clear: by just devoting a day to do something good, or by doing something good whenever there’s an opportunity, we can make a big difference… and a world of difference there will be as the inauguration of the new La Verdad Christian College building is nearing. To God be the glory!

A wave of applause, delight, and empowerment filled the air when he cried “No to drugs! Yes to God!” as a sign of new hope for the Filipino youth who will be spending their days studying AB Mass Communication or BS Nursing instead of wasting their lives away. Now that’s what I call a first real step in fighting poverty!

Read full story here.

Don't you "Uh-oh" me, Dr. Scatterbrain

2010-01-30T00:26:00.007+08:00

On January 30, 2010

Aside from Dr. House from the famous TV series, I know most doctors schooled themselves to have enough gumption to conceal any ugly truth before blurting out a sinister medical condition to their patients. However, I came across a serious, and I mean dead serious offender.

It was after work and I’m so tired but I have to wait a long wait for the doctor to give me the annual checkup. Finally, it’s my turn – she made me open my mouth wide and examined my soul, took my blood pressure, tapped me for knee jerks, asked me a couple of questions like “when was your last period”… the usual stuff.

But while she was listening to my heartbeat with her stethoscope, I heard her say “Uh-oh” softly with a scary hint of worry and as a natural snap response, I asked “What is it?!”

“Nothing…”

“I heard you say ‘Uh-oh’, that couldn’t be just nothing! What did you find?” I insisted.

“It’s nothing,” she said.

“Come on, Doc!” Worry and impatience rising. I began to connect all the uncomfortable feeling I felt lately with what the doctor just found out.

"Okay,” she sighed while I brace myself for her next words… which may be my life sentence.

“I just remembered I agreed to a dinner tonight and I forgot about it.” She bit her lip.

My heart skipped a beat and my eyes narrowed. “You are impossible.”

I swore to never ever go back to that doctor again. Practically, I don’t want any doctor with his or her mind floating somewhere else while conducting medical examination. Ultimately, I don’t want a doctor who says “Uh-oh” in the presence of a patient. Not only does it make a doctor seem ditsy, it creates a lot of unnecessary tension and fear.

“Uh-oh” (and the like) should not be uttered by medical practitioners in front of patients – it should be banned, there should be a law against it, it should be illegal.

A Dream of a Filipina Registered Voter

2010-01-26T13:18:00.002+08:00

On January 26, 2010

Last night, I had a weird dream about a Presidential candidate for the next Philippine election. I guess hearing his campaign jingle too many times and seeing his enormous billboards and tarpaulins virtually everywhere are so powerful that they penetrate and even manipulate people’s dreams. Maybe that’s how tough the competition is nowadays – you will have to see, hear, and breathe candidates.

As how I recall the dream, he was standing outside the gate of my house, wearing his campaign colour. To tell what colour it is would automatically give the idea (especially to Filipino readers) who that guy is and I don’t want to endorse him (good or bad) here in my politics-free site. He was standing outside holding a cordless microphone singing the song “Words” by BeeGees (revived by Boyzone in the 90’s - if you don’t know the song or the band or both, just Google it). Yes, that song. It was very suggestive indeed. And in the dream I was yelling at that man, asking him to stop, threatening him that I would call the police if he doesn’t leave immediately. But in the dream, I was voiceless. I couldn’t be heard.

When I woke up, I pondered that if he and I switch places, he would realize that whatever trick he does will only bring an ordinary citizen’s suspicion and disbelief to a boil. Just like how disgusted I feel when they blatantly brand themselves that they grew up in a poor family, lived in a poor community, poor, poor, poor, blah, blah, blah... and like a version of Cinderella, they eventually became multibillion business tycoons and poof!!! Politicians! (Or politicians first, multibillion business tycoons afterward).

History teaches us that Adolf Hitler also grew up in a poor family and we all know what he became. Let me make myself clear: I do not have anything against the poor; what I’m against is the fornication of these politicians with the idea of poverty. It is not enough that you brand yourself as one of the majority because if you’re lacking a good track record, or if your name has already been tainted with corruption, the masses do not forget easily.

Over the years I’ve witnessed traditional politicians’ different campaign styles like singing and dancing in front of a crowd (which my 3-yr old nephew does better), dining with the locals using bare hands at town fiestas, airing their cheesy campaign jingles with catchy lyrics… and oh, look where the stray dog just peed! – A public wall covered in posters like a paper mache exhibiting the candidates’ images taken decades ago. Now, who wouldn’t be suspicious of anyone willing to go through this silly circus act for a declared measly salary?

I doubt that public service is their sincere motive because genuine service to our impoverished countrymen does not even require a term of office. Take for example Mr. Daniel Razon’s initiatives in his daily program at UNTV 37 “Good Morning Kuya” – they offer free medical services, free bus rides, free MRT rides for the elderly, free College education, free legal consultation, and free transient home, above many other services which are provided daily for the Filipino indigents. All these running without a government role, just a non-profit organization behind that helps in the expenses of these endeavors.

This country has been deprived of clean elections and honest governance for the longest time. We thirst for the genuine article. For the past elections, I feel that my votes have been put to waste and this coming May, I’m not so sure if I’ll still bother to give it a shot because of hopelessness… (and the fact that I dread the indelible ink. I heard that Comelec is retaining the ink stain procedure even if we go automated). But whatever, I choose to keep my hopes high just because I believe in a God of mercy. May God bless the Philippines!

And so the lyrics from that BeeGees song go: “It’s only words, and words are all I have to take your heart away...” Seriously, why can’t it be deeds instead of just words?

Stop Hating Bloggers

2010-01-23T05:14:00.007+08:00

On January 23, 2010

I just read a blog full of anger and disgust against bloggers. Despite the author’s arrogance and stupidity, I don’t intend to rally up a bandwagon of haters against his ironic character. As a matter of fact, I’d like to thank him for giving me a subject to write about. However, my gratitude can only go this far and I won’t post his link here because I know better than driving traffic to his site. Obviously, that’s what he wants… and he’s not going to get it.

The author of the said blog kept ranting in his posts (and I will enumerate non-verbatim) that anyone who publishes his or her own opinion about anything, have no right and that they are self-absorbed, thirsting for attention, with the generalization that blogs are one of the many reasons why kids nowadays are slipping away - due to the questionable credibility of bloggers that kids get information from. I believe in the benefit of the doubt so I criticized his writing further and found that it was in fact, a generalization of what bloggers are – which I find absolutely offensive and inappropriate.

He’s using blogspot.com, yet he keeps reiterating that he’s not a blogger; but an online journalist. From the way he gathered his words to describe his opinion and mustered up guts to publish such a discriminating post against bloggers (without realizing that what he’s doing is blogging too), it looks like someone missed his homework by not checking first the definition of the word “blog” from the English dictionary. A blog is “a web site that contains an online personal journal with reflections, comments, and often hyperlinks provided by the writer”. (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blog)

Everyone can choose to leave a web site right away if the information it provides is just mere opinion or if it has no rock-solid reference to backup what it’s telling. For example, I declare in my blog that Oprah was here, would you believe it right away? Or would seek proof such as word from Oprah herself or documentation of a visiting IP address proven to belong to Oprah? My guess is that you’ll perform the latter which is obviously the smarter answer.

The best example of a brilliantly-written blog happens to be Mashable’s “Most Educational Blog to follow” http://esoriano.wordpress.com/ - the statements are always backed up with reference and historical proofs. Check it out for yourself and you’ll see how a blog could be such a great big vault of knowledge.

Not all blogs are just stupid journals. Personally, I maintain a blog because this is an avenue for what's inside my heart, my thoughts, and creativity. Writing is a process – feeling, thinking, putting them into words, correcting them, and doing it all over again. Not that you’ll learn great knowledge from what I write but I can share my opinion with you. And you, as a reader can choose to agree with it or reject it. And I believe I share the same reason with bloggers who invest time and effort to write original contents for their web sites.

The Woman in High Heels

2010-01-20T02:53:00.000+08:00

On January 19, 2010

The meeting adjourned with a bad air of disappointment after the beer-bellied Director reprimanded the woman in high heels for speaking up when she got denied for a project she worked hard for. Little does everyone know that matters of the past influenced his decision. Like the fact that the Director used to hit on her but the witty woman kept turning him down sensibly.

Feminists will disagree with me if I say that women are in fact fragile vessels by nature. I used to disagree with that idea too until the Holy Book corrected my beliefs. And we should not forget that it teaches too about respect…

Women nowadays know how to survive and earn a living on her own. We are no longer raised just to marry and most of us pursue a career. Gone are the days when women are helpless beings.

In a woman’s purse you might even find a pepper spray, swiss knife, or a stun gun aside from lip gloss and face powder. We can manage to take care of ourselves and manhandle someone who dares to touch us without our permission. The terms like “bitch”, “slut”, and “whore” that are used liberally to undermine and belittle women regardless if they aren’t really supposed to be called as such are now being used for men who are cheap and can’t get their act together.

A callous indifference brought about by corrupted beings made the fragile vessels that we are, tougher. And it serves us the right to feel strongly against it when we are violated because we are women of substance deserving of an equal amount of damn RESPECT.

...it was quarter past six in the evening of the same day. She gathered all her colleagues at the boardroom lit only by an overhead projector. In the white canvass plays an intriguing video starring none other than the Director; and you can tell by the beholders’ eyes what scandal unfolds upon them.

Looks like no one should dare mess with the woman in high heels.

Do You Think You're Hot Blog Tag (for everyone!)

2010-01-18T08:03:00.001+08:00

On January 18, 2010

I received this hot tag from my hot friend David Funk. Feel free to grab it, blogger friends!

----------Start Here!----------

Copy and answer the questions (but don't copy the answers of the one who tagged you!).

Do you think you're hot?
Seriously, no. Because I think I'm cool!

Please Upload your favourite picture:

Why do you love this picture?
Because that spotted canine is my baby, my joy. I learned a lot of things by just taking care of him. My family and I didn't give up on his grand mal seizures even if we went through a lot for his medications. He is coping really well, thank God. We counted on faith for his health. So far, he's still a sweet, playful, and clever guard dog anyone could ever wish for.

When was the last time you ate pizza?
Last night, with the family!

What was the latest song you've heard?
"Highschool Never Ends" by Bowling For Soup

What are you doing while working on this game?
Twitting!

What is your favourite nickname?
Stacey

What kind of person are you?
I’m unpredictable and difficult to figure out. I mind my own business yet I sincerely care about philanthropic stuff. I'm not a fan of drama, plastics, and hypocrisy.

What is your favourite song?
There are too many to pick a specific one.

What is your favourite food?
Like in music, I have a diverse liking gastronomically.

What is the most stressful thing to you?
The lack of time to accomplish many things I want done. It stresses me out.

Mention the 3 must-have items in your purse.
Coins, keys, and a mobile phone.

What is your favourite color/s?
Blue and green. People think my fave color is pink whenever I wear pink. That’s not the case. I like pink clothes because it flatters the blood underneath the skin that makes you look like you’re blushing. It’s a trick for pale people.

What is your not fulfilled-yet dream?
Bungee jumping and sky diving. Loved ones won’t allow me.

What is your favourite city to stay?
City of Truth

I'm going to pass this to everyone especially the ones in my blog roll. Go grab it people!

Humility is Key

2010-01-13T04:11:00.004+08:00

On January 12, 2010

Hypocrisy is when you deny that being acknowledged for an achievement or a job well done doesn’t feel great. In fact, this warm feeling is often characterized by one or combination of any (if not all) of the following: Semi-permanent stamp of smile in the face, hopping while walking, those butterflies in the stomach, or other inexplicable twitches in the human body. If you had it, you should know it. I’m just saying because I am somewhat feeling the butterflies right now.

But while all these things feel fantastic, it’s good to remind ourselves to give the praise back to the one above who made it all possible - our creator. He’s the one who bless us with our abilities, who gives us the right consequence and perfect timing to execute our tasks. By thinking that way, we avoid success getting into our head and into a huge ego which I like to call the ego of mass destruction. Not pretty!

Ego is a wolf that when fed, eats his master; therefore we can’t overindulge with pride and be surprised if it eats us alive. In the course of our life, we have witnessed how a man’s own foolishness and arrogance put himself in his shameful place. To be arrogant is to give away the perfect ammunition to your enemy and wonder why it backfires. Humility is key.

Little Sparrow

2010-01-11T21:11:00.007+08:00

On January 11, 2009

The day started with the usual psyching herself up that it’s going to be a less-bad day as she pours hot water to a tea cup while waiting for others to arrive. It made her realize that excitement escaped her as the humdrum nature of a quotidian task took over. Like a sparrow in a flock of sea gulls, one obviously does not belong.

After two months of getting the hang of it, little sparrow tried to bid the leader of the sea gulls goodbye. Two months could be a very short period indeed. But to some like this sparrow, it’s more than enough. It fascinated little sparrow when she was asked by the leader sea gull to stay. Not that they don’t have enough in the flock but due to trust and most importantly, love. Sparrow could not refuse the old man’s whim. How could she when he treats her as his own daughter?

If you can trust someone nowadays, you must be lucky. And if that trust comes with love, you must be very, very lucky.

Dude, get some rest.

2010-01-09T05:04:00.003+08:00

On January 08, 2010

As my fingertips touch the keys underneath while my audible mind directs them what words to type, I am constantly distracted by that brain-blowing, human-sniffing, soul-sneezing, cough-barking guy just a couple of blocks away from my station.

The crackling sound of his freshly-excreted phlegm makes me hurl and wish I could grant him an instant sick leave or something and “Shoo! Off to your bed and get some rest!”

Too bad I do not have the authority but hey, that guy’s a regular employee and he should have an SL saved somewhere. That’s what it’s for! When you’re sick, you leave. Capisce! Quarantine yourself for everyone else’s sake especially if you’re in a closed-door, air-conditioned room where the air you breathe practically just circulates within the four corners of the office walls. Sharing is a good thing, but sharing virus and bacteria is rather a yucky and unhealthy idea to even think about.

Short Conversations

2010-01-08T00:07:00.003+08:00

On January 07, 2010

Over the phone, asking for the maintenance manager:
Guy: (with a boring tone) “…no ma’am, I’m JUST the machine repairman.”
Me: “So you are THE machine repairman!”
Guy: (now with pride and glee) “Yeah you can call me that!”
Me: “Where’s your boss?!”
Guy: “I’ll get him for you!”

While I was eating chocolate mallows:
Fab Girl: “That thing’s gonna make you fat!”
Me: “I know.”
Fab Girl: “You wanna be fat?!”
Me: “I’m trying to gain weight, it’s different."
Fab Girl: “It’s the same thing.”
Me: “If you insist. Want some?”
Fab Girl: (with an unfab smirk) “Hell no.”

When the immature freak of nature (I.F.O.N.) was insulting the rather (nice) girl:
I.F.O.N.: “Doesn’t her eye bags remind you of raccoons???”
Me: “No, raccoons are furry and she isn’t.”
I.F.O.N.: “You so totally have no sense of humor!”
Me: “In fact I do have sense of humor. I’m just so totally over high school.”
I.F.O.N.: (rolls eyes)

Yeah I know. I’m annoying. Have a great day.

Three Things

2010-01-06T22:19:00.003+08:00

On January 06, 2010

I would be nuts if I don’t write a feel-good blog entry as my first for 2010. There are three very simple things I’m thankful for no matter how crazy last year was for many of us.

First, I am overjoyed and grateful for your warm greetings and comments in the previous anniversary post. In the right-hand panel of this page, you can browse through the list of links from cool people who supported the cause by writing their wits out. These guys rock big time and I hope you’ll all continue to spread the word about the biggest marathon event happening on January 31, 2010 aiming to support and send Filipino kids to College for free. I’ll continue adding your links until January 30, 2010. To find out about the blog campaign, please visit the previous blog post here in Stacey Avenue.

Second, I’ve managed to get rid of all my credit cards, have them all canceled and replace them with debit cards! If you don’t know what debit cards are, they’re also known as money cards good as cash because you only get to use it for payment if it the card is funded with your own savings. This means no more debts or unbudgeted risk spending for me and I am so proud for that. Shopping is fun and enjoyable especially for women and it’s smart to do it without risking yourself with sky-rocketing interest rates aftermath that catapults a shopaholic to the black hole of debt.

Lastly, my beloved dog Wade who I thought was only noise phobic got diagnosed with canine epilepsy during the last week of December. You’d probably think maybe I really am nuts for being thankful for an epileptic dog. Nothing looks good when your beloved pet is having seizures; it is in fact very much bothersome and heartbreaking. I’ve prayed for his healing with tears – a lot of it. I’m thankful because as you are reading this, he’s doing better and better. His vet is very observant and supportive about his case and checks on Wade from time to time. I’m also getting a lot of knowledge about epilepsy in general; from prescription drugs to alternative natural therapies.

Wishing you enlightenment this 2010,

Stacey

Stacey Avenue's 1st Anniversary Special: a Blog Campaign for Free College Education

2009-12-30T08:25:00.014+08:00

On December 30, 2009

Stacey Avenue turns 1 year old today and I’m ecstatic to celebrate it with all of you! Friends like Lainy and Queenie are even offering to sponsor prizes like EC credits and free ad spaces if I would decide to celebrate my blog anniversary by running a contest. I thought that was really sweet of them!

However, I thought of something else, something valuable not just for me but for kids who can’t afford to go to school. I would like to call on everyone to join a very noble cause and somehow get rewarded for doing so. Here it goes:

I’ll be creating a dedicated, super special, sturdy blog roll here at Stacey Avenue to recognize and link up your website URL if you’ll accomplish this:

Blog your thoughts about the importance of education and how super awesome it would be if we could all join the biggest fun run event called “Isang Araw Lang: Takbo Para sa Libreng Kolehiyo” (Just One Day: Run For Free College Education) - a fun run/marathon event that will grant Free College Education (which means free tuition fees, free books, free uniforms, and free meals) to Filipino students who want to study but cannot afford to do so. This event is going to take place on January 31, 2010 at the SM Mall of Asia in the Philippines. (For more details, visit http://sports37.net/)

Please let me know when you've already published your work by commenting here or by sending me an email (there is a shortcut at the top navigation bar) and please don’t forget to tell me your name and your website’s URL! What if you don’t have a blog site and you wish to participate? You can make use of Facebook notes or other social networks’ text publishers to promote the event. Just send me a screenshot of your published write-up and then if you have a business website or a profile page that you want to promote, I’ll be glad to link that up as well.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

Free premiere advertisement for your website!
If you’re having a “writer’s block” and not sure what to write about next, here’s something to get your creative juices flowing.
Lastly, what better way to kick things off for 2010 than to feel good by doing something good!

This is a blog campaign to support a charity marathon event and not some sort of a contest so hopefully, you can write about this before 01.31.10.

Our goal is to spread the word about how important it is to stay in school and support the aforementioned charity event. I would also totally appreciate it if you’ll hook up other people to join this cause. Also, please add me to your blog roll as well (if you haven’t already).

Together, we can build a nation of strong, educated youth. I strongly believe that someday, these kids who are going to benefit from this cause will look back and pay it forward! I pray that this will boost your morale and be inspired to do an act of kindness. To God be the glory!

My sound phobic Dalmatian

2009-12-28T22:40:00.008+08:00

On December 28, 2009

My 3 yr. old Dalmatian’s name is Wade. He’s a handsome, loving, sweet, playful, loyal dog who happens to be a living oxymoron weighing more than a hundred pounds. When all the vets’ textbooks would say Dalmatians’ major problem is deafness, Wade on the other hand is sound phobic. He’s terrified at the sound of thunder, fireworks, and he would jump at sudden crash, boom, bang from God knows where. As the New Year’s Eve approaches, I’m getting more worried because he seems to be thrice scared than he was in the past.

Last week, the shopping mall a few blocks away from our home set up a 30-minute fireworks display and Wade was shaking, trembling, and salivating like he never did before. Of course all the vets I know are on vacation this week so I had to make use of the web to check what home remedies could help my poor little giant beast.

I was originally planning on giving him a shot of valium to knock him down but on second thought, who wants a scared dog that’s just too drugged to run away? As you can tell, it doesn’t sound right.

One food supplement called Melatonin is said to be helpful for dogs with sound phobia. Melatonin is a natural substance produced by our body that induces the feeling of calmness and drowsiness which transitions us to sleep. It’s available OTC which I’m going to try for my dog this coming Thursday and I hope it works if not for sleeping, at least for calming him down. If you can share some remedies you know for your sound phobic pets, I’d totally appreciate it... I might even let Wade lick your face as a sign of love and gratitude :)

Let me wring it here

2009-12-24T04:42:00.005+08:00

On December 23, 2009

Yesterday was quite a mess but like a good trusty sponge, yours truly managed to absorb and hold it all up. But you know what’s next – we have to wring it somewhere! Let me share the suds while I squeeze away the ordeals that were.

To the woman who sat next to me wearing leather mini-skirt, fishnets, and Dr. Martens’ boots while waiting for the dentist: I appreciate that you asked if anyone was sitting next to me; but had I known that your perfume would give me the headache and nearly damage my health, I would have told a white lie and say ‘Yes’. How could a “perfume” be as nuclear waste-lasting as that you’re wearing? I know I don’t have the perfect olfactory system to judge but sweet potatoes, the odor made me really dizzy that I have to pop an Advil and see if it helps. Unfortunately, it didn’t.

To my friend who “accidentally” stepped on my all-time favorite black wayfarers: I wouldn’t mention your name because I am now doubting our friendship. Up to now, I’m still not sure if you did it in purpose either/or because of your love for me and your thing against wayfarers. In the past, whenever I wear them you tell me I look like one of the Blues Brothers and give me the giggles. The insulting giggles. You know by heart that I rarely wear those posh bug shades that you, Paris Hilton, and other skinny girls are fond of wearing. You know by heart how dear Rayban classic aviators and wayfarers are to me because I’m all about their androgynous flair. Alright, you said sorry and I accept it.

To my music player: Why of all the time in the world did you die on me when the office was as boring as a fat sleeping cat? All the good social network sites known to mankind are blocked and I didn’t have a laptop with me to support my regular time-wasting schedule. And dear me, why did you forget to recharge it at home when you know you aren’t allowed to do it in the office?!

There goes the top three things that made yesterday a major mess. On a lighter off-topic note, the domain “staceyavenue.com” is turning 1 year come December 30, 2009! Yey! Technically, this blogger blog turned 1 year last October 28, 2009 but because of my hectic schedule, I wasn’t able to celebrate it. But I did celebrate my 100th blog entry here: http://www.staceyavenue.com/2009/02/reaching-100-mark.html

I’m still thinking about what to write for my domain name’s first anniversary so feel free to drop by at your own risk. I wish you all a good day.

Voice of reason

2009-12-23T00:24:00.003+08:00

On December 22, 2009

I wish I didn’t know so I won’t have to bother dealing with it. Voice of reason speaks to me and I can’t win the argument. The fact that the universe conspired to make me aware of what it is and what it has become; there must be a reason and responsibility that accompanies it – to respond, to act.

Kabuki brush and four simple steps for a fresh-looking face

2009-12-22T11:01:00.004+08:00

On December 22, 2009

It must be a tool women have been using for ages but I never knew how amazing a kabuki brush is for applying face powder instead of a puff until recently, thanks to my friend Claudia. She is the best go-to person when it comes to beauty matters and I’ve been bribing her to make a beauty blog but she just doesn’t want to do it (because she's lazy).

Claudia knows how to make herself look naturally misty all day, and appear like she’s well-rested when in reality, she just had three hours of sleep. It’s great to have a friend who knows that kind of magic and shares it with you because it’s important to look kempt especially if you’re a working woman dealing with colleagues, business partners, clients, as well as stress everyday.

Last week, she gave me a pack of mineral face powder that comes with a thick kabuki brush applicator as a gift. I found out that kabuki brushes are made of animal fur, most commonly goat hair which sounds icky at first but dang; it’s absolutely soft and silky to touch! Jokingly, I asked Claudia if they only use Japanese goats because of the name “kabuki” which sounds really anime-ish to me. Regardless if they’re Japanese or not, I hope those kabuki brush makers don’t extort animals when collecting hair!

Here is Claudia’s trick for a sheer, natural, fresh-looking face all day:

Cleanse face and pat it dry with a soft, clean towel.
Apply moisturizer (preferably with SPF) to the face. Aside from the benefits you get from a moisturizer and sunscreen, this serves as the bonding agent so the powder stays put. Some use concealer as the base if they need a fuller coverage; like if they have dark spots or blotches.
Use the dry kabuki brush to collect an ample amount of powder, tap the excess pigments from the brush and gently apply to face in circular strokes to blend.
Apply lip balm or sheer lip gloss for a final touch; re-apply as needed.

The result is natural flawless finish and it won’t take any more than three minutes to do. I’m a big fan of natural, low maintenance type of look, and I like this idea for its simplicity and effectiveness. Bottom line is you don’t need tons of makeup to survive the corporate jungle!

I hope this helps you and I wish you all a great day.

To where everything's a bargain

2009-12-21T13:50:00.007+08:00

On December 21, 2009

This morning, I have nothing much to do so I went to a local thrift store to look around and see if anything tickles my fancy. Given that it's a Monday morning, there weren't that many people shopping which makes it even more convenient for me to loiter around.

The store isn't spic 'n span but it wasn't that bad either. It's a decent air conditioned mini mall with all kinds of really cheap finds. Without a specific aim in mind, I stop by from shelf to shelf, realizing they've got seriously good items. I couldn't believe that I got out of the shop with a bag full of stuff and here are just some of them:

Buy 1 take 1 leggings for P100.00, socks for only P9.00, tank tops for P39.00, powder brush for P15.00, and more! They even have bags, shoes, and tunic blouses at low, low price but I just picked out random useful things since I'm done shopping for outfits last week.

Initially, I wouldn't expect too much quality from these items until I asked the store keeper why everything's so cheap. She said the store owner gets everything directly from overseas manufacturers, unbranded. Once the products are branded and distributed to the malls, that's when these are priced 10-100x more its original price! Wicked!

Not bad at all! I wish you all a great day with delightful budget-friendly finds!

Just One day: Run for free College Education

2009-12-19T18:44:00.001+08:00

On December 19, 2009

Good news dear friends and marathon enthusiasts!
Online application for “Isang Araw Lang: Takbo para sa Libreng Kolehiyo” happening on January 17, 2010 is now available. First 50 online registrants will receive a special gift from Sports37 Productions!

Registration period will end on January 9, 2010. Full details can be found via this link: http://sports37.net/

Commiserating in a song

2009-12-18T09:50:00.004+08:00

On December 18, 2009

When I feel strongly about something, I write. My blog entries are just a small portion of what's running through my mind. In school, I used to write for the literary section of our gazette because back then, I was really into writing poetry which turns out to be songs. I still write poetic messages, you know, the cheesy stuff. However, I never publish them here in my blog since I don't think they really sound that good. So this one is the first to make it here. This is for a girl who lost her way.

"Veranda"

Lyrics by Stacey Tee

I saw your picture taken in an old room with three other boys in the scene
In the veranda you were puffing smoke and drinking beer

I couldn’t tell what else it could be
You were smiling but you look so, so sad
I bet you got tired, so tired
But you know you weren’t the only one bearing the same pain

Why did you back down and turn around?

We all have monsters to fight

Why did you back down and turn around?
You know what this is about
We all have monsters to fight

I saw your picture in a garage concert with your camera, wearing tights

In the streets you’re puffing smoke and drinking beer

I didn’t recognize you but I know those eyes

Trying to be happy but it looked too, too bad
I bet you got tired, so tired
Yet I know you can pull yourself together and see the light

Why did you back down and turn around?
We all have monsters to fight
Why did you back down and turn around?
You know what this is about
We all have monsters to fight

And the world sucks you in, and it will reel you out

Like a sentimental song I’ve heard from before

And the pressure sinks in; you can’t find a way out

Along that path it’ll be heartbreak and more

I saw your picture taken a year ago with the geek kids who used to be your friends

No time for puffing smoke or drinking beer

Your hair was tied up and clean

Your face was at its brightest and your heart at its happiest
Don’t you wish to feel it ever again?

Letter to the devil

2009-12-17T22:19:00.006+08:00

On November 17, 2009

To the devil:

I know you and how you’re using some people to try and send me bad vibes especially now that a special spiritual occasion is fast approaching.

You can pretend as much as you like; that you’re one of my sisters - but no matter how you fake it, I know better because my real sisters in faith are sensible, intelligent, and damn smart. And that’s so not like you. I just want to tell you that you’re a terrible actor and no matter how hard you try, you won’t win. :)

Thanks by the way, for giving me a chance to forgive and feel better about myself.

Your enemy,

Stacey