The Vampire Queen Diaries

Ah...well.

noreply@blogger.com (Soneia) — Sun, 11 Aug 2019 12:36:00 +0000

Feeling a little in the zone lately, updating my tumblr, my bullet journal and another journal that I started writing on yesterday. Talk about making the most of my time! This is my form of art after all, since I can't sing or dance to save my life, I'll just stick to writing and drawing instead.

At least that's how I'm feeling at the moment, hence the blog update! It's been so long and the last time I posted on this blog I wasn't really myself. I was going through so much emotions back then and I had no idea what to do with them. But like everything else in life, it all fell into place eventually. So here we are, in the present, grateful and fulfilled. I feel like I can be dragged to hell and back and still feel better than I did last year. It's different when you know you're in the right place. It's different when you know you're with the right person or the right set of friends. It's different when you know you're exactly where you want to be in this life and you haven't even reached the finish line yet. Your perspective just changes and you're filled with a different kind of energy. One that motivates you and helps you grow and improve as a human being.

My thoughts are everywhere and I want to share so much but I'm going to sort everything first and slowly turn them into words that y'all will understand better. LOL. Ciao for now!

The Struggle

noreply@blogger.com (Soneia) — Wed, 19 Sep 2018 08:21:00 +0000

It's that time of the year again. I'm in a complete disarray. It's been a week, but if I'm being completely honest, it's been weeks.

I have felt it creeping back in after all, slowly but surely, digging into my being. What is this, what is happening and where has my mind been to recently?

It's not exactly a surprise, I mean, I should know what depression feels like. I've been fighting it for years. I just, I'm generally amazing at looking at the bright side of life, I'm not sure why I'm drowning in the not so good ones right now.

There's no trigger, it just... happens.

I'm not sure if it's a good thing that I've mastered the art of pretending to be okay all the time. My humor isn't helping either. I just naturally joke about everything that I can joke about, probably to shield myself from everyone else. So they won't see what I'm really going through. So they won't figure it out.

I feel numb. I can't sleep, I can't eat, I have ZERO motivation in everything. It's like I do things out of habit. Because I'm used to it, because I have to. But there's no solid meaning, no purpose. I overthink, I over analyze, and then the anxiety rolls in.

This time it doesn't feel like it's going to get better. It's like a constant struggle of having to wake up and having to live life. It's probably why I try to bury myself in a game that helps me escape but even that isn't helping as much as I'd want it to. I feel so fucking tired.

Out Wandering #2: Osaka, Japan (Universal Studios Japan)

noreply@blogger.com (Soneia) — Tue, 26 Jun 2018 06:52:00 +0000

I've never been to a place I loved as much as I loved Shibuya. I would say I know that town like the back of my hand but today we're focusing on Osaka. The beautiful city that made my dreams of walking in the streets of Harry Potter's world possible.

It's definitely a lot different from Tokyo's busy streets. It's much quieter and more laid back. Probably because all the traffic's at Universal. Lol. We stayed at a hotel around Universal City and it was definitely wonderful because we can just walk from Universal Studios back to our hotel. No long travel time or transferring trains, like Tokyo Disneyland.

Our first day was definitely amazing because it was all about Universal Studios! Here are all the pictures!

Day 1: Universal Studios

Now for the best part of Universal Studios, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

(Pro Tip: If you're having lunch at Universal, head to The Three Broomsticks)

(Also, don't EVER forget to order some Butterbeer!)

After lunch, you can go around Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. If you have a wand, you can wave that around the different shops and watch the objects move. It's amazing and definitely worth getting a wand for! Keep an eye on the other shops' windows as well, because most of the displays move, even if you don't have a wand to control it with.

There are other attractions like the Minion Park which is amazing and you'll find so many Minions and Despicable Me merchandise there. You're going to love it. But your wallet might not.

It's different every season, but for their Christmas theme, there's a show like this at night:

Going there in November was awesome, I'm assuming the weather's terribly cold during December especially with winter coming into full blast. And since Osaka is more of a province, the weather's so much colder there than in Tokyo.

A few things to consider when visiting Universal Studios Osaka during the Fall:

Layering your clothes will save your life. Gloves are definitely a must when you feel cold easily, like me! Thick jackets and thermal wear should be on your list.
Wear the comfiest shoes that you have because Universal is huge and there are many sections to explore. Not to mention you'll need to feel as comfy as you can while standing in line. (Note: Without an Express Pass you'll be waiting in line for more than an hour)
A day isn't enough to enjoy the park. 2 days will do, but if you're really in it to win it, maybe 3 days is the best choice.
Consider staying at a hotel near Universal. There are plenty of choices around Universal City that fits every budget you can think of. It cuts your commute time and you can rest and go back to the park when you're ready.
Stay until the evening. Or if you can, until the park closes. Because there will be parades and light shows for you to enjoy. Plus the park is amazing at night as well. Just be sure you're ready for the cold, cold evening.
Save your budget for the items that you really want to take home with you, like, I dunno, your favorite HP character's wand or your favorite house's cloak or scarf.

That's Day 1 and it was fantastic!

Oh, Hi!

noreply@blogger.com (Soneia) — Mon, 25 Jun 2018 00:23:00 +0000

I miss it. I missed this. Typing my thoughts away is a huge factor that helps with keeping myself sane. Until I started bullet journaling. I think it's the most therapeutic thing EVER. But I also miss my blog. Thinking of adding a Journal category so I can share how I bullet journal!

If I do this week right, I can definitely add a few posts here and there. So much has happened in the past year!

We came back to my one of my most favorite places last November 2017, Shibuya. We also went to Osaka amd Kyoto. Will definitely share about that. And this summer, we went to London and Paris and myyyyyyyy what an experience that was. Ugh.

I'd like to work towards updating my blog. I mean, I spend money on it, so it would be a waste not to update. Also, I have made sure I have HTTPS people. To keep all of us from harmful content and what-not although I can't promise you that reading my blog won't be harmful. 😂

That Blogging Feeling

noreply@blogger.com (Soneia) — Mon, 06 Nov 2017 10:11:00 +0000

I SO hate publishing "IM BACK!" posts and then not be able to update for months. I was able to work on my blog a little last August by switching it to the rightful .com instead of the .info domain that I carried for two years. TWO years.

One thing I also don't like is how "un"-me my posts were. At least the last few ones. It feels like I'm just trying too much. I have probably lost my mojo in writing posts. Ugh. It's just that I only write like myself when I'm sad. Which is a bit sad right? HAHA. I have to fix that. Someone help me fix that, please.

I miss that drive to blog about EVERYTHING. Like this cat.

Soon. I shall fight through this writer's block or whatever the heck it is that my mind is doing to me for months.

WTF: WHAT'S THAT FOOD?! (#7-ST MARC CAFE)

noreply@blogger.com (Soneia) — Wed, 26 Jul 2017 13:30:00 +0000

Japan is known for their pastries and gorgeous food presentations which is why there's no surprise when St. Marc Cafe opened here in the PH and had an array of beautiful desserts.

I've always been curious about this cafe! We decided to go here for dessert after a family dinner and it. did. not. disappoint.

They're more famous for their choco cro desserts which is basically a croissant filled with delicious fillings like banana hazelnut and chelsea (caramel) choco cro.

The twins are currently addicted to mango and I can't blame them! You can't live in the Philippines and NOT. LOVE. MANGOES. It's just part of being Filipino. So naturally, they ordered two different mango themed desserts.

(Sunshine 150php | Mango Milk 230php)

My mom and I were so full that night and decided to just share and we ordered their best seller being the self proclaimed foodies that we are.

(Kyoto Delight 250php)

I tasted all the things we ordered and each one was awesome! I love the ice cream, definitely! It's creamy and not too sweet. Overall, it's one of the best places to get dessert!

St. Marc Cafe

Cuisines

Cafe, Dessert

Opening Hours: Everyday 10 AM to 10 PM

Ground Floor, UP Town Center, Katipunan Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City

(Other branches: SM Megamall, Greenbelt 3, SM North City EDSA, Robinsons Place Manila, Evia Lifestyle Center)

+632-6254065

https://www.facebook.com/saintmarccafephilippines/

Depression is F-ing Real

noreply@blogger.com (Soneia) — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 13:34:00 +0000

High School was trash. For real. There were very few good memories that went with it. Some of those memories were going to be shattered years later. But I'm tired of that story.

The only thing that got me through high school were writing, poetry, games, and music. During those years, my playlist went up to a thousand and more songs. That continued until College. I'd fill up my phone with songs and I felt so bad for only being able to put in 20 songs out of a thousand. Can you believe the struggle?

Then my aunt got me my first iPod and my world was forever changed. Hours spent downloading songs, fixing up the album artwork and setting up different playlists for different situations.

EVERY single playlist included Linkin Park though. I would deny it years later, but Linkin Park ~~was~~ is a favorite. That being said, my heart shattered early this morning when I read that Chester Bennington is dead. I could not believe it. WHY? Why, Chester?

And then I remembered my own struggles and I can't help but accept the fact that he has taken his own life and that was it. The least we can do is honor his life. Depression is different for everybody. We deal with it in our own way. We deal with it with what our hearts and minds can handle and it's never our choice to HAVE to deal with it. We just do. We need to... to stay alive.

I'm writing this in hopes of raising awareness because that's really all we can do to help people who are battling depression. We can't just tell them to go to the doctor, talk to a therapist or hug a loved one. That's not how it works. We simply have to be there and allow them to deal with it while showing them that we're there to hold their hand no matter what happens or what their mind tries to conjure up. You listen, even if it gets tiring. Sit there and listen and don't try and stop them. When they're quiet, try to make sure that you approach them. Strike up a conversation, make them smile even if it's just for a second. You'll never know when they need it the most. They might have been planning to take their life that day and that conversation with you made them change their mind. Open their world to new things so they can help themselves find something that will work to beat that feeling of... just ending everything. Give them something to live for, give them your love.

Do it before we lose another good soul.

My heart goes out to you, Chester. Thank you for your talent and your music. It has given me strength throughout the years that I have struggled with my own demons. May you finally rest in Peace. You deserve it. You've fought so much all these years.

WTF: WHAT'S THAT FOOD?! (#6-The Porch BY Casa Verde)

noreply@blogger.com (Soneia) — Sun, 14 May 2017 05:00:00 +0000

I've been doing EXTREMELY bad at work. Am I burned out? Have I lost my drive? I don't know. I want to continue working at home but I also need to do something to keep me inspired, motivated. Perhaps, a little food will keep work off my mind and may be yours too even just for a few minutes.

I've always wanted to try The Porch by Casa Verde! I've tried Casa Verde and it was awesome, dishes are priced reasonably well and with the size of their serving, you're really going to go out with a full belly. To start things off, here's how the place looks.

The place is just right there's enough room to move around. I would have loved to dine by the swing but it was too hot outside, because Summer. Pffft. The tables indoors were great, there's this long table and two more tables by the bookshelves.

The menu wasn't overwhelming, I just didn't know what to order because everything sounds absolutely delicious. And I was dead hungry because we were out all day.

They're known for their Mighty Ton burger and their Milky Way shake but, being the carnivore that I am, I ordered one of their best sellers Brian's Ribs. I don't exactly know who Brian is, but it was delightful eating his ribs... not Hannibal Lecter style though.

(Brian's Ribs | Single 295php)

We also ordered these:

(Best Sampler 378php)

(Seafood Carbonara 200php | Mixed Greens w/ Strawberry Vinaigrette 178php)

Dessert was to die for and you should never miss it! We had these two cakes and it blew our minds!

(Lauren's Lava 188php | Death by Chocolate 188php)

Honestly it was amazing and I'm definitely coming back for more.

Reviews from the web

Zomato4.1/5280 votes Facebook4.2/5277 votes Looloo4.1/5107 reviews

The Porch by Casa Verde
Cuisines
American

Opening Hours: Everyday 10 AM to 10 PM

113 Anonas Extension, Sikatuna Village, Quezon City
+632-9527178
https://www.facebook.com/ThePorchPH/

Out Wandering: Tokyo, Japan Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Soneia) — Tue, 09 May 2017 04:00:00 +0000

Ahhh... Japan. I have always loved you from afar! The last thing I remember about Japan was attending a wedding in which I was a flower girl, that was 20 something years ago. The pictures that I have when I was a kid were just that, pictures. I don't remember going to Disneyland at all!

Now after a long time, we finally got to visit Japan again. This was my first trip out of the country with the girls and it was SO exciting! We managed to book an Airbnb in Shibuya, it was awesome and it was just a few minutes walk to Shibuya station (where Hachiko is). The trains are your lifeline when going around Tokyo... or Japan for that matter since cabs can be pretty expensive (except when you're tired of walking so much that you forget about the ¥700 flat rate and just hop on the next cab you see).

I haven't walked as much in my life as I did when we went to Tokyo. It was crazy tiring especially when the girls would fall asleep in the afternoon while we're walking around and hopping on trains. I could not have wished for a stroller more than when we were in Japan. Of course, we didn't have a stroller so I carried them all the way. UGH.

What I loved about Shibuya is that it's easy to get around. Even with the people not speaking English that much, it was really easy to go back and forth the apartment and go back to shopping. It was so easy that I was confident enough to walk around with the girls, just us three!

I had a love hate relationship with the weather while we were there. I mean, if you take a look at the pictures, you'll barely notice it but we had to wear like three (sometimes four) different layers of clothes everyday. EVERYDAY. It was not fun because I'm the type of person who feels cold easily.

There are so many places to explore in Shibuya but one of my favorites would be that food market inside Shibuya station. There were stalls there too but this market takes the cake. (See what I did there?) The kids and I went crazy looking at all the beautiful desserts. Of course, it's a market so you can buy all kinds of food, it's just that these cakes are so beautiful!!! It looks like they were made by angels --dessert angels. Are they even real? GAH!

Aside from the food, there was this shop that we kept going back to because of all the adorable products that they sold. They also had Disney themed make-up and more. I would have bought the whole shop if I could.

I wish I had taken more pictures, but we were all so busy exploring and absorbing everything we saw. This is all I could share.

That's it for Part 1 of Tokyo! See you all again next time for Part 2!

Guess Who's Back

noreply@blogger.com (Soneia) — Sun, 07 May 2017 07:05:00 +0000

Wild! I just got done fixing everything on this blog. It's been a while and I really missed blogging. I have so much to share, it's just that I don't have a lot of time to do so.

How do you like the new layout? I can't stop staring at it! I cannot, for the life of me, change my header though. I'd love to edit it a little but that's about it.

I am trying to make the blog more organized. I want my posts to have good featured images which of course means more time needed to finish a post. Lol. But time management is key and I will do my best to fit blogging in the pile of the things that I need to do.

Vlogging has also been an option just because I got quite addicted to using GoPro. But for now, I'll just stick to what I can handle. That is if I can handle blogging. Lol.

I finally understand the beauty in editing your own images and not just randomly getting shiz from Google. Sorry it took me years. I mean, I edit my own own pictures I just don't like doing it all the time, because laziness.

Alright, I'm just blabbing. This month I'll start with backlogs and food posts. I don't like the idea of completely abandoning my blog for months. It's a little sad.

Work at Home

noreply@blogger.com (Soneia) — Mon, 24 Oct 2016 14:54:00 +0000

Okay, so it's been a busy month especially with work piling up during some of the weeks. I never really thought I'd survive last week, but fortunately I did, lol. I had no idea I could use my being obsessive compulsive to my advantage.

You should see my google drive. I got the bug last week and started organizing everything in each file. It's funny because I already had a lot to do and my stubborn self decided to add more tasks. Like I have all the time in the world.

I assume next week's going to be a killer since we're moving to a new house and, ugh. The struggle.

You think working at home gives you a lot of free time, nope. It never will. So to celebrate that, here are the things that people often think/say when they hear you're "working from home."

#1 "Wow, you're so lucky! I've always wanted to work at home!"

#2 "You must have all the free time in the world!"

#3 "It's awesome that you get to pick your own schedule!"

#4 "I'm sure you barely get any work done!"

#5 "Why can't you go out any time you want? You work at home, right?"

#6 My favorite: "I wish I can work at home so I can just play all day!"

Bish, NO, it does not work that way! Also, if you sit in front of the computer all day, you're bound to get distracted by sites that you actually want to see. I remember browsing through page after page of lipsticks for a good two hours before I realized I needed to get work done. I think I need to ~~limit my browser's~~ my access so that I won't get tempted. One more thing, online shopping is a curse, a beautiful curse. I am 98% sure it's made to test your ability to save money --nope save yourself.

But I have to say, working at home has its perks. Like this...

And... uhm. Actually, that was it.

So the next time you hear me say, I WORK AT HOME, Bish! Use your brain and think about the next things you're going to say.

END OF RANT. kbye.

Catching Up: The Twins' Birthday

noreply@blogger.com (Soneia) — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 12:44:00 +0000

Why is it that there's a wordpress app and none for blogger? This baffles me a little because, well, blogger is under google. And life would be so much easier if there was one, but hey, c'est la vie!

I've been thinking about blogging on-the-go for some time now, just a little lazy to do it. But here I am, giving in to the idea. Lol. It's so fun to blog on your phone! ~~Not.~~

As you may have noticed if you visit my blog ~~despite the lack of posts for the past months~~, I have ruined my nav bar yet again. So I just decided to stick with whatever excuse I have for a nav bar right now. Anyway, I've missed blogging about a lot of events and really, it's disappointing even for myself. So, how about I flood you with pictures instead? 😁

Soleil and Sophia's 5th was celebrated in Johnny Rockets last June! We all had a blast, it was worth it. If you're planning a party, Johnny Rockets is an awesome choice.

That's the setup and these are the actual pictures of the people, LOL. Which is mainly me, my friends, and the twins because I was so busy that day and it was tough to take pictures of the entire thing. The pictures of the tables above are from my grand dad's phone. Hard to admit that I stole them, but that's the sad truth. Anyway, on to the pictures!

It was a pretty fun day. Did I mention that already? I think that's a lot of pictures in one post and I'd probably post more pictures of everything else that I missed on my next post. Just... try not to wait for it. Lol.

WTF: What's That Food?! (#5-NIU by Vikings)

noreply@blogger.com (Soneia) — Mon, 27 Jun 2016 11:05:00 +0000

SRSLY, I was going to update this on time (by that, I mean Monday last week) but then we had no internet for 5 straight days and so this had to wait.

I was really excited for our Father's Day dinner because we're going to be trying NIU (SM Aura) for the first time and I really am a huge fan of Vikings, so I had high expectations for NIU. To start things off, here's the entrance and some of the dining areas plus the rates.

The place was pretty spacious, all the food were lined up in one loooooong bar, with the dessert at the end. WARNING: Food pictures are next. Chances of getting hAngry: 80% or more.

Really falling in love with my phone's camera because it takes awesome food pictures! Everything was amazing, from the salad down to the desserts. The staff were very accommodating too, which is one of the things I love in restaurants. Customer service always makes people come back, aside from good food, that is.

Here are some of our pictures! (We also got cakes for the twins, since their birthday falls on the same week, June 24!)

Overall, it's worth a try. Definitely coming back for more!

NIU by Vikings
Cuisines
Seafood, American, Mediterranean, Japanese

Opening hours
Today 11 AM to 2:30 PM, 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM

Sixth Floor, SM Aura Premier, C5 Road Corner 26th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
+632-4783888 | +632-8473888
https://www.facebook.com/niubyvikings/

Breakdown #1

noreply@blogger.com (Soneia) — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 04:59:00 +0000

I always thought that I was strong enough to go through whatever life would throw at me, because I've already gone through the worst. I mean, what could possibly happen that would tear all the shields I put up, right?

I have the answer to that question. A heartbreak.

I would call it a second heartbreak, but honestly, it isn't. I didn't know it would be completely different. I didn't know that this is what it actually feels like. The first one was a fake and it's really just a shit ton of emotions and pressure and stress. It wasn't a heartbreak. It was just a problem that won't go away.

A heartbreak is what you go through when you lose the person you thought you were going to be with for the rest of your life. It's different because you won't be able to talk about it, not even to your friends or your pillow. It's different because it hurts to the core, like something is shattering inside you but you can't take it out. It's different because you will cry every chance you get, regardless of where you are or who you're with. You'll just suddenly find yourself crying for a lot of reasons. First, because you miss him. Second, because you miss the two of you. Third, because you lost him and there's no more going back.

You try to find every reason possible to talk to the person. If you can find one. But you can't because you don't know how to even find him.

And then you go back and forth to what the hell just happened and if you're going to fight or not. And of course you will always choose to fight but nothing hurts more than fighting alone. So you decide to stop, but that's not any good either.

Next you drown in a lot of emotions, from "but I love him" to "it's for the best". That's the time you also start questioning your sanity.

But you've been through this before, you tell yourself so often it starts to become convincing but not entirely. You try to be positive. You tell yourself to take it one step at a time. Cry like you did before and cry all you want until there's nothing to cry about anymore. But then again this is your first heartbreak and you're wondering if you're doing it right.

Is there even a right thing to do?

Well, at least one thing's for sure, it hurts. Like hell it does. I know it's no good putting it out here, but I honestly don't know what to do anymore to ease the pain.

12 AM Thoughts Be Like...

noreply@blogger.com (Soneia) — Wed, 25 May 2016 17:39:00 +0000

I heavily regret drinking that cup of coffee after promising myself I'd be fast asleep before midnight. And here I am blogging... 39 minutes past midnight. Good job, Vampire Queen. You're definitely living up to the name!

I barely had free time in the past months and now that I have so much time to myself, I seriously do not know what to do with it. A bit stupid if you ask me, but also really funny. And then I realized that I have Netflix and we all know that Netflix is a big black hole that will suck you in once you hit the first play button. Or tap on it. Whatever. I'm totally hitting it anyway.

Call me boring but I really enjoy watching documentaries about WWII, especially when it's about Hitler. It's a fascinating topic for me and it is one that has influenced my understanding of the world greatly. So when I saw Hitler and the Nazis on Netflix... I was like...

Yep, totally marathon-ed the shit out of that one.

Okay, so where am I going with this post, anyway? While watching the whole season, I really can't help but think about how much people complicate things. I mean, we all know Hitler was nuts to begin with but he wouldn't have been if the Allied Countries didn't force him to bring out his "wild" side. But that's over and done for. No turning back on that one. Just another case of "I told jew so." Haha. Bad Hitler joke aside...

What fascinated me more was how he used deception and lies to convince the Germans that they needed to start another World War. That they needed to take back what was theirs. It's really amazing what one person can do with propaganda... or black propaganda for that matter. And it reminded me so much of the previous election.

I know for a fact that we won't experience another Hitler (unless we allow it), but you can definitely see how much history repeats itself. This is not for a specific candidate or political party, this is a general observation. And it's also currently happening in the US. I wonder how long we'll continue to deny facts when it is against our beliefs, I wonder how long we'll refuse to learn. I wonder how long we'll close our minds from the truth. I wonder how long until we allow another Hitler to come our way.

Overthinking does this to me, obviously. And I hope I am wrong for thinking this way. I blame the coffee, really.

A (Mid)Year in Review (Sort Of)

noreply@blogger.com (Soneia) — Tue, 24 May 2016 10:39:00 +0000

Okay, so since I haven't been blogging recently which is sad because this is supposed to be like an online storage of memories or some shiz like that. Here are things that happened this year... so far. A collection of memories... in pictures, LOL. (Please don't expect some post processed sh*t. I'm too lazy for that right now.)

A bunch of awesome moments with these three special people.

My super awesome haircut. HAHAHAHA. And purple hair.

One of the baby boy's gigs! Awesome night!

That super fun and super exhausting trip to Subic! It was really worth it if you saw how happy the kids were!

Tito's "sort-of" short vacation in the PH after four years! He cried on the way to the airport. So cute and sweet. Hehe.

A well spent Cards Against Humanity and Beer session with Gideon's "Boys" Lel. On Jim's birthday salubong.

Chinese New Year spent as usual, in a buffet. Like every special occasion that our family celebrates...

Four of the MANY pizzas Gideon and I've had this year, it's too many we've grown tired of taking pictures of them. Lol.

One of the selfies Gideon and I always have on dates because we promised we'd have more pictures this year. Hah!

Disney On Ice with these two lovely ladies!

So that's basically how it's been and I expect more awesome memories in the coming months! And by awesome I mean more food and quality time with these people in the pictures. Especially the three loves of my life. Life is good, indeed.

Uhm... Hi.

noreply@blogger.com (Soneia) — Mon, 23 May 2016 03:57:00 +0000

Seriously, I don't want my last post to be about politics. Well, to be honest... I think it's about time I deleted it. The elections has been crazy this year and people were definitely more into it than the past ones. I can't help but feel proud, that even if we all have different opinions, I'm glad that we haven't lost our love for our country. This is definitely something worth recognizing. Congratulations to all of us!

Obviously, I have not been active for some time now. HAHA.

Sometimes, I feel sad for myself for not updating.

But, yeah that's life. So... instead of promising myself that I'll update my blog as often... I'll just go with the flow of things. LOL.

See you guys around!!!

Update that SH*T

noreply@blogger.com (Soneia) — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 15:02:00 +0000

So it goes like this. I am currently high on caffeine. I drank a lot of coffee because I still have tons of work to do and the moment I sit down to start working, the internet decides it would rather load pages that are not work related, i.e. my blogspot.

Working is not an excuse to not update, I knooooooooow. But somehow I find myself having a hard time keeping up and at the end of the day I would rather get some good old sleep... only to hear my alarm sounding off a couple of hours later. Seriously, science, we need more hours in a day. 24 is BS and it will never be enough. I even worry about what time I'll take a bath, that's how bad it's been.

AnyWHALE, how has it been in my beautiful kingdom? Well, there's work pretty much 6 days a week, in those 6 days, there's also 3 days of school for the two little divas who never seem to have a good sleeping schedule. Funny how last semester everything was going smooth AF for all of us and now we're all over the place. I promise to get better at time management.

This week though, I have made progress. So as not to fall asleep (out of the allotted schedule for nap time), I set up a pretty tolerable working station. Now all I need is to find a good comfy chair so my back won't hurt as much. Aside from that, I have managed to reorganize my excel file of my TASKS for the day and I have been following it religiously for a good... two days now. Not so bad, right?

Am I boring you now? YES? Well, no one cares, you've read this far what's a few more paragraphs?

Here's an adorable GIF of a dog to entertain you for a bit:

Sorry that's the best I can do.

So going back, schedule has been going great except for a few minor bumps like getting distracted by weird articles about society, celebrities and food. And well, obviously when the internet decides it's going to rest too because the internet needs just as much "me-time" as we all do. I would too if people posted shameful pictures and videos and I have no choice but to show them to the world. Poor internet. #FreeTheInternet

GTG.

Random Rant

noreply@blogger.com (Soneia) — Mon, 25 Jan 2016 12:05:00 +0000

You know what I ticks me off? "Friends" that feel like they have the right to share your business with other people. Aren't they just the most annoying type of friends? Should we even consider them friends? I hate it when people ask about me and a friend would tell everything she knows, no holds barred, without me being there or without my consent. It's similar to talking behind my back. Really.

I hate it when people approach me to confirm if what "Friend X" said is true. Like. Okay. Thanks for telling them details about my life. Why the hell are you not talking to them about yours? Why the hell are you talking about me? Have some class, woman. Jeez.

I've grown to become a very private person. In my early years of blogging, I would blog about absolutely everything. I'm an open book, per se. Then I went through shitty life struggles and that made me pretty much private. I would only tell a few friends about what I'm going through and that's it. If you know more than what I post in my social media accounts, count yourself as a person I trust.

I know, I've blogged about positivity so why am I giving you shit like this?

I just happened to come across a "friend's" facebook post on my news feed and it just gave me tons of flashbacks. I'm so glad I don't talk to her anymore. Maybe if she knew what I went through last year, the whole world would know as well. LOL. I wish I was exaggerating. When we were in the same office, I would be surprised at the details that people knew about me. Of course it was easy to find out who they talked to find out about all those things... I only shared it with one friend after all. Damn.

Okay, ending rant. Total waste of time.

Realizing Realizations: #4 - Change

noreply@blogger.com (Soneia) — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 18:05:00 +0000

This is going to make sense, I promise.

I was drawing a pattern on my notebook the other night feeling all sorry for myself after an argument and I realized how careful I was when I was drawing the first part of the pattern. And as I went along, I became less mindful of making it look perfect. When I noticed that I was being careless, I tried making the next pattern look as good as the first few ones in the beginning but it never looked quite as good.

Just like a relationship, right? (A relationship with anyone, not just a romantic relationship.) At first you are very careful, afraid to get hurt and to hurt, afraid to fail, afraid to disappoint. And as the days (weeks, months, years) pass by, you become more at ease and you forget about being careful. You forget about hurting, failing, disappointing... you just simply forget. Until something happens (a mistake, a fight, an argument, a challenge, an issue) that reminds you that you need to be careful again.

That's when it hit me.

I can repair a broken pattern. I can make it look better. But it will never be the same as the first pattern. Not ever. I'll just keep trying to do it, in the same manner, the same path until I stop caring again.

So, why not... instead of trying to return to who and what you were before you became "careless", just try to make a change instead. A new pattern. A different one.

Changing doesn't necessarily mean you're ruining the whole picture, you're just adding elements to make it more diverse... more colorful... and more exciting.

I wish I had realized this sooner. I am a victim of my own pride. Whenever Gideon and I would fight and I'm at fault, he would always ask me what I'll do next to make things better not necessarily to change who I am but to change the way we deal with the issues within our relationship. And the stubborn Vampire Queen inside me would say, "I ain't changing for anybody, he loved me like this he should deal with it." But that's not what he's trying to do exactly. He's just asking me to create a brand new pattern to make the whole picture (our picture) more beautiful.

So... about last night...

Life Lately.

noreply@blogger.com (Soneia) — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 06:16:00 +0000

I can't believe I never visited my blog since early December. Talk about committing to your blog goals, right?

Well, December has been quite hectic, obviously. If it wasn't I would've updated you sooner. I would regularly tell myself how I'll update my blog when I have the time. But life would always get in the way. (Also known as: our maid left in the middle of December, chores have doubled on top of work, Holiday preparation, and the twins.)

So before all the "New Year, New Me" post and even the Christmas post that I missed, let me give you a run down of what's been happening lately.

I got an additional job on top of what I'm doing so that took up most of my time. Well, to be honest it's all really just BAD scheduling. You see I've only been on top of things because I make sure I work within a time frame. If I don't finish on time, I feel like I failed. YES. I am that controlling. LOL. It pays to have discipline, especially for someone as lazy as me.

On the third week of December which was basically Christmas, I still had issues with my work ethic. It was a complete turn around from waking up early in the morning to finish work to dragging myself to work at night. I got really frustrated because of that. And my temper would go off really fast. I would snap at people. I believe I could even literally bite you if you get on my nerves. Which I would hesitate to do not because I'm a mature human being but because you might be dirty.

It was after the New Year (which was basically two weeks ago) that I finally, FINALLY, devised a schedule. Good job, Vampire Queen. :P *cue awesome up-beat music*

But guess what... the kids are going back to school next week. So good luck that schedule I worked hard on. HAHAHAHA. Seriously.

The Perfect LBD In A Very Affordable Price With This Black Korean Chiffon Dress

noreply@blogger.com (Soneia) — Wed, 02 Dec 2015 06:35:00 +0000

We all love our basic and fashionable LBDs but sometimes we want to switch it up a bit. I personally want a little black dress that’s not only very versatile but very fashion forward and stylish as well. Good thing I found this DRESS online and immediately found what I’ve been looking for!

I love the mesh panelling on the upper part of the dress because it subtly shows skin without showing too much. It’s perfect with the sweetheart neckline of the dress which adds a touch of sexy vibe to the overall look of the dress. The bottom half also has this mesh skirt which I really really like because it is what makes this LBD very unique and dainty. The fabric of this dress is chiffon that is made to be lightweight and comfortable. Pair this dress with high heels and maybe a dainty necklace or a pair of sparkly stud earrings, and you’ll already be ready to face the world. This style, aside from Black, is also available in White too. Sizes available are S M L XL XXL.

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Realizing Realizations: #3 - Forgiveness

noreply@blogger.com (Soneia) — Thu, 26 Nov 2015 12:00:00 +0000

I've posted my Thanksgiving Post last September and I'm still thankful for the same things. We don't normally celebrate Thanksgiving in our house, well... because we're in the Philippines and that's not even part of our history or culture and it's not even a tradition. But it's always nice to think about all the things you're thankful for, it's an instant high, a morale booster of sorts. You get to realize how much blessed you are.

Aside from my list of things to be thankful for, I would like to add the gift of forgiveness. Gideon and I have been on a roller coaster ride with some of the people in our lives. Until recently, that is. It's an amazing feeling, being able to forgive and move on.

I received an email from someone special a week or two ago, addressed to me and Gideon. I avoided replying to that email after I read it. At least, until my mind was clear and I had time to write a reply without unleashing all the painful things Gideon and I felt in the past. To give you a bit of an insight, I'm the type of person who would give you all that I could, without any hesitations, but once you hurt me, I will go crawling back to my little corner and never speak to you again. That's just how I avoid getting hurt. So you can just imagine the amount of pressure and stress this email gave to me when I saw it sitting in my inbox. It was from a person who has caused me so much pain in the past year.

Although, it was also an email worthy of a reply. A reply that would not add fuel to the fire, but rather extinguish it. In my heart, I have forgiven this person but I also promised myself to never forget the pain. In my heart, it was all good, but it was all good because I never had to speak to her again. But here she is reaching out. I consistently asked Gideon to keep pep talking me into writing back, just for some motivation. And being the good man that he is, he did his job and did it well, without adding any pressure.

So one day, I sat myself down and decided that it was time. I opened the email, hit reply and as soon as I typed the first two words... everything was gone. The pain, the heavy feeling, the stress, the pressure, every single bad thing was gone. That's when I realized how easy it is to forgive when you allow yourself to do so.

Forgiveness is not easily given, just like trust and respect. But when you open your heart to someone who you'd like to welcome (back) into your life, whether it's the second time, third time... or even the last time, you would find that forgiveness is not that big of a deal.

And the best lesson I learned from forgiveness? Always, always...

WTF: What's That Food?! (#4-Buffalo's Wings N' Things/Chubby's Rib Shack)

noreply@blogger.com (Soneia) — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 13:36:00 +0000

I promised I'd have two posts prepared each week, but I didn't live up to it. Not a proud moment. But, I can still make up for it, right? Someone commend me because I fought the urge to play so I could blog. :P

Time for that Anniversary dinner I promised! Gideon and I are huge fans of bar food, if it's not that obvious yet. Lol. So we decided to try Buffalo's Wings N' Things that night.

It's their branch in Katipunan, right in front of Ateneo. We went after dinner so it being empty is understandable. We were there for the wings, but for some bizarre reason, we got tempted to try the other dishes in the menu. Before we get there, let me show you around!

To be honest that's just it, plus a few more seats up front. It was nice and cozy and I don't really mind the space. If I'm not mistaken, they're partnered with Chubby's Rib Shack and you can order from both of their menus. So we ordered our entrees from Chubby's and some wings from Buffalo's Wings N' Things.

(1/2 Pound Firehouse Classic Buffalo Wings (149php))

(Chubby's Pulled Pork N' Smoked Bacon (269php))

(Chubby's Special (299php))

There were a lot more things that you could order from their menu but these three kept us full the entire night. It's really all so good, especially the pulled pork on toast and the wings! Gideon and I are going to try more of their wings and sauces next time. The serving is really generous and filling.

It's pretty affordable too! It was an awesome dinner altogether. Plus we had Sebastian's for dessert!

(Dark Chocolate and Salted Caramel (110php))

They had Champorado and Tuyo and Mango and Bagoong but Gideon wasn't down for it. Lol. So we just went with the safest flavor and it just happens to be a combination of our favorites, Chocolate and Salted Caramel! It was amazing!

Buffalo's Wings N' Things:
Loyola Heights › Second Floor, Regis Center, Katipunan Avenue, Loyola Heights, Quezon City
2/F Glorietta 5, Ayala Malls Makati
+632-5448875 | +632-2121212
https://www.facebook.com/get.buffaloed

The Vampire Queen On: What It's Like to be Outside

noreply@blogger.com (Soneia) — Fri, 13 Nov 2015 16:04:00 +0000

Reposting this because I can. I remember being so pissed during that day, I wanted to just let it all out and I know that FB notes are rarely read (just like my blog), so that's where I posted it. Haha.

November 23, 2013 at 1:43pm

If there's one thing I learned, it would be that, whenever you put a group of people (whether large or small) in one place where they are forced to act within the social norm, you will see a re-enactment of your highschool years.

Which makes me wonder...

Did we really outgrow our adolescent selves? Or are we all just pretending that we did? I contemplate on this thought more often than I should now.

I understand that it is natural for us to form cliques or groups wherein we are all accepted, status-wise, personality-wise, interest-wise, or for whatever reason that you think is valid for a certain number of people to form a socially accepted "faction". I understand, because I, too, am part of a group.

And as always, whoever is not included in our group is deemed unworthy of our sympathy. Yes. Sympathy. That one word we (including me) all say we understand fully, yet fail to make use of... or practice. Aside from that, we also view people outside of our group indifferently. You can try to deny this all you want, but in general, it is easier for people to assume and judge, rather than understand, why a person acts a certain way.

Is this also why, when a person within a specific group sees an outsider worthy of his or her attention, we initially think that that outsider might have done something short of a miracle to gain our peer's or colleague's attention? I am very curious and eager for an answer to this question.

Why do we fail to sympathize with one's perception, even if they are in the same group as us? Maybe that person he or she found worthy really is worth it. Otherwise, why would our peer or colleague pay attention to him or her in the first place... right? I'm not saying that there are no exceptions, of course there are some who will support their peer or colleague, but there are more who would rather judge altogether than to try to understand.

And with that judgement comes a series of assumptions... mostly negative, which if gathered, leads to a certain idea. The idea to bring that said person down. Regardless of who he or she is. Regardless if he or she really is worth it. Regardless if he or she is a decent human being or not. Regardless of every possible reason. REGARDLESS. Period.

That idea, I find very annoying. Unfair, even. I am not writing this to wash my hands of anything. I am guilty of judging people as others have judged me. But more often than not, instead of judging, I become more curious of why this person grew up to be who he or she is today. What struggles did he or she go through? What kind of friends did he or she have?

Just like in your typical RPG, I'm curious as to why that person chose a certain build. Or why that person's level is lower than mine. Or why that person prefers a different weapon, skill, or ability than what a lot expects him or her to use.

These simple questions would help you understand. But then again, not everyone welcomes curiosity more than assumptions.

My point is, I have no point. There will always be two kinds of people. Those who judge and those who are being judged.

This is mainly what it's like to be outside.