Dreamwalker

More On The Numbers

noreply@blogger.com (dreamwalker) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:57:00 +0000

I am still not over the numbers I got from the weighing scale yesterday. No, I am not in any way thin (yet!), but I am SO pepped up by the situation. I have to say that my OB started it all when she got me on some pills to help jump start the weight loss. (It's not phentermine, although I have heard so many good things about this pill.) I stopped after a month or so because the combination of pills made me sick.

I think it's really the combination of the gym and my current food intake that is making this whole thing work. The great thing is that I do not feel as if I am punishing myself or that I am depriving myself. I actually look forward to going down to the gym every day, and if I miss it, I don't feel right! Music helps a lot - I think this is for another post; there is just too much to say about it!

Anyhow, I am feeling much much better these days. I hope I don't crash. :p

Loving The Numbers

noreply@blogger.com (dreamwalker) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:59:00 +0000

My routine has been a bit messed up since yesterday, but I am enjoying my last week off from work. This time next week, I am pretty sure I will be up to my neck in work; so today, after writing several articles, I went to gym and had fun (yes, I am actually having fun, am on my second straight week!). After that, I rested a bit, wrote, took a shower, and decided to brave it and go buy a weighing scale.

My friend Porsche told me about some cool stuff that you can find at Japan Home, so I decided to go there - and I was like a kid in a candy store! I didn't get much, but what I got, I am loving!!!

That's the weighing scale that has given me so much joy - I don't know just how accurate it is (I hope it is!) but if it's right, I have lost 16.5 pounds since I first visited my doctor for PCOS treatment!!! I guess I am going in the right direction - more gym time!!!

This here is the hand wash that Porsche was telling me about. It's so cheap - see the price? Let's see how good it is.

On another note, here are a couple of pictures of Finn, my relatively new Fighting Fish. He's a sweetie, always wanting to eat.

Check out how pretty his crown tail looks:

Thank God For Comfy Couches

noreply@blogger.com (dreamwalker) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:21:00 +0000

Remember that couch? I think it's become my comfort zone these past weeks. I have been spending practically all my time in it. I write on the couch. I study on the couch. I even eat on the couch! Often, I find myself falling asleep while sitting on it. It's just that comfy! I am so glad that we got it, despite my initial misgivings.

I am planning to go to the mall next weekend to look at furniture, though. I don't know, but I have been going through this retail therapy phase, and I feel like looking at stuff for the house. I am sure I will see a lot of modern sofas and couches, but I think I will not trade my trusty old just yet.

What's your "comfort zone" at home?

Monday Pick-me-upper: Don't Stop Believing

noreply@blogger.com (dreamwalker) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 05:19:00 +0000

Younger kids will recognize this song from American Idol or Glee. People my age - or older - will know the Journey version. Whichever version you know, there is no denying that this song is a powerful one, both in words and music.

I finally watched Glee last night, after hearing everyone rave about it. To be honest, I find the plot a little "half-baked," as Hannah says it. There are too many stereotypes. Still, the overall effect of the show is to make you feel GOOD!

Glee - Don't Stop Believe
Uploaded by Bugabookas. - Check out other Film & TV videos.

Don't stop believing, guys. There are so many good things in life - you just have to take the time to SEE them.

P.S. It's a Tuesday but it felt like a Monday to me, hence this pick me upper.

Payment Holiday

noreply@blogger.com (dreamwalker) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 04:47:00 +0000

I can take this statement in two ways - I am on payment holiday, not getting any salary from work till the 5th of December because of my month-long unpaid leave. That's the bad part.

There's the good part, though. I was granted a payment holiday from my insurance-investment policy from Sunlife Philippines! This is really a blessing for me because I have absolutely no way of paying off my quarterly bill. Thank God my fund value has increased to a point that it can cover this quarter's payment. My agent has been kind enough to explain these things to me (annuity explanations and all that). Bottom line: I don't have to make a payment till January 2010!

The more I look, the more I see positive things happening around me. As little as they may seem, the overall impact is towards a better future.

Happy (Halloween) weekend to all of you!

Sparrows and Bikes

noreply@blogger.com (dreamwalker) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 02:59:00 +0000

Having the luxury of going to the mall without a specific purpose is weird for me. I HATE going to the mall, but I tried just for the heck of it; and I have to say I still don't like it. It can be quite an amusing experience, though, especially if there aren't too many people and you just roam around with nothing specific in mind.

I did notice, however, so many things that I hadn't taken note of before. Did you know that you can find all sorts of shops in the malls these days? You can go to the doctor at the mall! Heck, you can even have your teeth "prettified" in there (like at Plano cosmetic dentist). You can buy a car, a condo, a townhouse, or whatever kind of house you want - right in the middle of the mall.

The best thing I saw at the mall, though, were hundreds of birds (sparrows, I think) flying around. I don't know if it is a normal occurrence, but it was amazing just standing there watching them flutter around without a care in the world.

I take really sucky pictures, don't I? :p

Trust me, though, there were hundreds of those little birds!

On another note, I just got back from...guess where? THE GYM!

I finally summoned up enough motivation to change into exercise clothes and take the elevator to the gym downstairs. Of course, I first called the guard to make sure there was no one there - I can't have people seeing me die!

I wanted to use the treadmill first, but for all my smarts, I just couldn't make it work! It was plugged in. I turned the switch ON. Still it wouldn't work. Maybe it's out of order? I'm just glad there was no one to witness my battle with the treadmill - I lost.

So anyway, I rode the bike for about 30 minutes - probably less, as I didn't have a watch - and actually enjoyed it. I guess the endorphins are kicking in!

Bundles of Joy

noreply@blogger.com (dreamwalker) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:19:00 +0000

Today is the last day of class, and I decided to go to Tiendisitas to pass some time. I found myself loitering at the Pet Village. The puppies were so cute and the vendors were more than happy to help me figure out what dog is best for my tiny condo. It's not that I am getting one now - I am just thinking about it. I wanted a pug, but I didn't see one. I did play with some really cute puppies though.

A baby shitzu (spelling?) - it was so cute but these little things need a lot of grooming when they grow up.

Baby Chow Chows. So cuddly! I am worried about the shedding, though.

I think these are Chow Chows too. The brown one wanted to come home with me!

This baby stole my heart. I think that if I get a dog, I will get a toy poodle. I played with a couple of them, and they were just so sweet! The vendors said that toy poodles are perfect for a condo and that they are low maintenance and don't shed. The only downside - the price!

Since I do not have any money right now, I ended up going home with the one pet that has always made me feel good:

A Siamese fighting fish! This one's a red crown tail, and is so beautiful when it flares. The pictures suck - will get better ones tomorrow - and I think the tank's leaking. :(

Anyhow, he's enjoying his new home, even though I have not named him yet. Any suggestions?

And yeah, I know, I seem to be all over the place these days. You might be thinking, what's next, hotel reservation new york??? I wish!!!

Seriously, these days are turbulent for me, but I am rediscovering so many passions and pleasures that have lain dormant for quite some time. And I am excited to unearth more in the coming weeks!

They Are New Every Morning

noreply@blogger.com (dreamwalker) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 22:25:00 +0000

I remember this song that we used to sing all the time in church..."the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning..."

It's a beautiful morning, and despite everything that's going on in my life, I am reassured that all the pieces of the puzzle will fall into place in time. The pieces may be different from the ones I want (or think I want). The pieces may be the same, but may fall into slots other than the ones I desire (or think I desire).

Knowing that there is a big picture and that even though I may not see it now makes it a bit better. In the meantime, I shall go about my daily business: go to school, enjoy my fat burner - walking around campus, do what I love - write, and enjoy the company of those I have been neglecting.

Have a beautiful Tuesday!

Monday Pick-me-upper: Chuck Norris Facts Revisited

noreply@blogger.com (dreamwalker) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 21:20:00 +0000

Photo credit: ROFL Indian

It's time for Chuck Norris again! You may not be aware of it, but he is the greatest - ever! There's even a web site just for facts about him! I posted some of my favorite facts a long way back, here are some more. They will definitely pick you up on a Monday morning!

Chuck Norris doesn't actually write books, the words assemble themselves out of fear. - I could use this skill!

Chuck Norris can divide by zero. - I knew all along that something was not right with all those math classes I took in college!

When taking the SAT, write "Chuck Norris" for every answer. You will score over 8000. - I'll do this when I take my exam in November. Maybe I'll be number one, lol.

Chuck Norris can set ants on fire with a magnifying glass. At night. - Moonlight???

If at first you don't succeed, you're not Chuck Norris. - ha ha ha, I am NOT Chuck Norris!

MacGyver can build an airplane out of gum and paper clips, but Chuck Norris can roundhouse-kick his head through a wall and take it. - I love MacGyver, but you just can't deny this!

For more of Chuck Norris, visit http://chucknorrisfacts.com/

Random Photos - UP Campus

noreply@blogger.com (dreamwalker) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 09:02:00 +0000

Here's what I do in school while on break...

This kitty's really enjoying the sun.

A closer look.

For some reason, this tree caught my attention.

It's so relaxing to walk around the Academic Oval.

Bamboo "forests" in front of the Main Library.

More Shopping and Life Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (dreamwalker) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 15:41:00 +0000

I just posted something on being at peace and shopping...not that the two have anything to do with each other...anyway, I have been spending a lot of time at the mall lately, not because I really want to but I pass by it going home. I never really realized just how much things have changed since I was in college and used to hang out at this mall all the time! There are still so many cardboard displays but there are more hi-tech tools that each store uses. You can't help but be overwhelmed by the visual input around you.

Speaking about input...I also am thinking about the input that we get from the people that surround us. It really is very important to surround yourself with GOOD people; friends who will help you see that truth and the good in life; friends who will not be afraid to tell you off if you are going down the wrong path; friends who will not hesitate to tell you if you are making a fool of yourself. Even better, these friends still support you whatever you decide to do. This is the kind of input that we should open our eyes and hearts to...

Peace

noreply@blogger.com (dreamwalker) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 15:36:00 +0000

...for now at least. This was one of the craziest days of my life, and I don't know what the effects of today's events will be. All I can do is hope and pray that things will turn out for the best. In the meantime, I am trying to do what I can to enjoy my life and appreciate all the good things in it.

I spent some time with friends from work and we ended up shopping for exercise apparel! I still don't like shopping all that much but I seem to be discovering a liking for it...just a tad bit. It was interesting to see all those clothes - even equestrian apparel. I just realized that I could develop a taste for this - it's gonna be bad for my wallet, which is pretty thin right now.

All I can say, before going to bed, is that I have a quiet heart; and that is good!

Living By The Day

noreply@blogger.com (dreamwalker) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 22:36:00 +0000

You can talk all you want about taking it one step at a time, day by day, but you will never really know what it means until you have to do it.

When you have to struggle each minute to control your thoughts;

when you struggle every minute to rein in your emotions;

when you have to grab yourself by the back of your neck every single second, just so you can function and stop thinking about things that you can't change...then you know what "one step at a time" really means.

Now I have a different perspective of why people pray. We pray because we leave our circumstances to a higher power, to God. We pray because we know that no matter what we do, we can't change anything. We pray because we want to stay (semi?) functional while time does its magic. We pray because it is the only thing standing between us and the unthinkable.

It's 6:38 a.m. I have approximately 15 hours of "day" ahead of me. That's 900 minutes; that's 54,000 seconds. It is an eternity right now, but I will strive to live by the day, by the SECOND if need be. I will not be cowed by circumstances or what MIGHT be.

This verse is my default for today:

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29:11

I may be in the NOW, but this hope for the future keeps me strong.

Ribs and Greens

noreply@blogger.com (dreamwalker) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 07:06:00 +0000

I've been off work for several days now, and so far, I haven't missed it. Woohoo!

Maybe it's because so much has been going on in other aspects of my life, but whatever the reason for what I am going through, I know that I will somehow emerge on the other side stronger for it.

So why the title Ribs and Greens?

I just had my first meal for the day - grilled ribs rubbed in salt, soy, rosemary, and thyme and iceberg lettuce with zesty Italian dressing mixed with green olives and cream cheese. YUM.

It'st just food, I know, but enjoying the meal leisurely while thinking things through helped a lot. If this is something that I can look forward to in the future, then maybe - just maybe - I will be alright.

Who knows, maybe tomorrow I will find myself in the gym downstairs to burn fat?

What's going through my head right now? You never know what tomorrow brings. I am reminded of what I once claimed as my favorite Bible verse:

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. - Matthew 6:34

I guess I really haven't lived this verse until today.

One Flaw In Women

noreply@blogger.com (dreamwalker) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:26:00 +0000

You've probably read this story before - I got in my Inbox the other day, and it couldn't have come at a better time!

Women have strengths that amaze men...

They bear hardships and they carry burdens,

but they hold happiness, love and joy.

They smile when they want to scream.

They sing when they want to cry.

They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous.

They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution.

They go without so their family can have.

They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.

They love unconditionally.

They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards.

They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding.

Their hearts break when a friend dies.

They grieve at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.

Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.

They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you.

The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.

They bring joy, hope and love.

They have compassion and ideas.

They give moral support to their family and friends..

Women have vital things to say and everything to give.

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,

IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

May we NEVER forget our worth. :)

Nails In The Fence

noreply@blogger.com (dreamwalker) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 01:05:00 +0000

I came across this anecdote today, and I just had to sit there and think about it. It may or may not be a true story, but the lesson is very real.

There once was a little boy who had a bad temper. His Father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the back of the fence.
The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence. Over the next few weeks, as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails hammered daily gradually dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence. Finally the day came when the boy didn't lose his temper at all.

He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper. The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone.

The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence. He said, "You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out. But It won't matter how many times you say I'm sorry, the wound will still be there. A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one."

Maybe even worse. It's a reminder for us to hold our own tempers (and tongues?) when we least feel like doing so, huh?

PCOS Update: Getting Better?

noreply@blogger.com (dreamwalker) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 02:02:00 +0000

Things seem to be looking up - at least on the PCOS side. You know how this condition has been bothering me for the longest time, the past 2 years being the worst. Well, out of the blue, I got my period last Saturday! And mind you, it is a REAL one! :p

I think that my doc's treatment is finally working, and even if I haven't been going to the gym (which I am supposed to be doing), the weight loss pills, the hormone pills, and all that stuff seem to have taken effect. Now if only this will become a regular thing...

Last 3 Days

noreply@blogger.com (dreamwalker) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 01:58:00 +0000

Three more days and I will be off work for a WHOLE MONTH!!! I am so looking forward to this, even if I am not doing something cool like go on orlando vacations. I might have a couple of days to spare to go to the beach or something, but for the most part, I will be going to school!

Can you believe that? I am going back to school for something that I have been wanting to do since I graduated. It's not a degree, not even a certificate course. I just need to do this for myself, and while I am scared, I am also excited. Three more days...

Horrible Night

noreply@blogger.com (dreamwalker) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 01:58:00 +0000

I didn't sleep a wink last night! I don't know if it's because of a late dinner at Johnny Rockets or because of too much stuff going on at the same time - all I know is that I had a horrible night! At this point in time, I just wish we could go buy a cheap destin condo or a beach house and stay there forever.

It does not help that our electric power keeps going on and off, thanks to a power substation burning down. I am so behind on my writing gigs; there is so much stuff to finish at work - I will be off for a month starting next Friday. I wish I was going on a vacation, but it will be more like work for me! Anyhow, I'll stop whining. It's all good. Now I'm off to UP to get my TOR.

Old Need For Speed Games For PSP

noreply@blogger.com (dreamwalker) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 03:57:00 +0000

I used to love this franchise. I still remember the good old days when I played Need For Speed Hot Pursuit on my PC - I wasn't any good, really, but I had so much fun. When we got the games for the PS2 and the PS3, I thought I would have as much fun.

I was wrong.

I guess I am NOT that much of a gamer. The new games are just too hard for me. You have to repair and upgrade your car - buy wheels, kits, air intakes, and all sorts of other things. I guess it is more challenging and more realistic, but I'll take the old NFS games any day.

And I just might get my wish! I heard that they are releasing (or have released!?) a game pack with the "classic" NFS games for the PSP. Anyone else have info on this?

My Doughnut Man

noreply@blogger.com (dreamwalker) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 05:17:00 +0000

When we were kids, we looked forward to our parents (or uncles and aunts) coming home - they always had "pasalubong" of some sort. It was a great treat for us when they brought home Dunkin' Donuts. I had forgotten this - until last night.

Jerry went out to drink; this has been a bone of contention for the longest time, but last night, he promised to be home at 2 am. We've been through a lot, and I was really hoping he'd deliver on his promise this time. Well, he did text when he was out. He came home a little late, and he brought these home with him:

Don't get me wrong - I think it's really really sweet. I loved it. I just found it so funny that there I was, asleep in the middle of the night, trying to lessen my food intake (yeah I am trying to lose weight), and my husband comes home with no less than 15 donuts. He said it was cheaper to get 15 than 12 - a promo of some sort. AND he wouldn't stop till I ate one. At 2 in the morning.

Thank God he gave the guards downstairs some - otherwise he would have wanted me to stuff my face even more. That's my doughnut man for ya.

Monday Pick-me-upper: Best Turkey Stuffing Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (dreamwalker) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 01:29:00 +0000

All this talk about Thanksgiving...I found a recipe for stuffing a turkey.

Ingredients:

º 5 C. Bread Crumbs
º 1 C. Chopped Onion
º 112 C. Popcorn (Unpopped)
º 1/4 C. Parsley
º 3 C. Giblet broth
º 1-1/2 teaspoon Sage

Mixing Instructions:

1. Chop giblets fine. Mix all ingredients in broth.
2. Stuff turkey loosely. Bake slowly at 350º approximate

3. 5 hours or until popcorn blows the turkey's ass off.

Think it will work?

Thankful

noreply@blogger.com (dreamwalker) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 15:16:00 +0000

It's been rough, but yesterday and today have been much better. I guess we all have these moments, when we realize that we ought to be thankful for the things that we have; that we have a lot of things that we might take for granted.

We don't celebrate Thanksgiving in the Philippines, but I think I am making Thanksgiving this year; as in cook and prepare a whole affair. We normally go out for that dinner but this year, I am going to do something else - or at least try. At least we can get turkey here, and everything else needed for Thanksgiving dinner. One thing we DON'T have is Black Friday - I wish we did, it would be fun.

Anyway, I got more than a month to prepare. In the meantime, I can dwell on being thankful.

Random Typhoon Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (dreamwalker) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 17:12:00 +0000

Growing up in the Philippines means that you get used to typhoons passing through your location year in and year out. Some are worse than the others, but the really bad ones come only once every few years. I can still remember the bad ones as clear as day - there aren't that many wherein I was directly affected; I am fortunate in that respect.

This past week has got me thinking about nature, blessings, problems, and all sorts of things. Everyone knows what happened to the Philippines after typhoon Ondoy hit us. Hundreds of dead people, countless more left homeless, and even more lost most everything they've got.

It got me thinking (as it has every other Filipino, I am sure): so many of our concerns are so trivial compared to these kinds of things: wanting a new gadget, where to go on vacation next, how to get rid of acne, what to do on the weekend, etc. These things are nothing!

Just this afternoon, my parents dropped off several boxes and sacks of clothes, food, and household implements for Marlene, our helper. She lives in Marikina, the hardest hit place in the metro, and her family lost all they owned. Our neighbors and friends in Laguna were not really affected and they all gave what they could to help out. This is the best donation, for me:

How so? My little brother Silas bought these with his pocket money. Isn't that just sweet? I am so proud of him!

Saturday With Tropical Storm Ondoy

noreply@blogger.com (dreamwalker) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 18:52:00 +0000

Some pics of Marikina River as seen from our window. Tropical storm Ondoy has wreaked havoc in Manila. They say that in the span of 6 hours, we had a month's worth of rain!

I hope the people on the roofs - you can see them if you zoom in - are safe now. From what I hear, the shanties are all gone. :(

On another note, I sent a couple of these pictures to BBC earlier and a guy named Steven called me to ask about them! Probably nothing, but I was so stoked!!!

For those who want to donate to disaster relief operations, you can do so with your mobile phone. Here's the info:

The Red Cross Rescue and Relief Operations. Text RED amount to 2899 (Globe) and 4483 (SMART). The service only accepts the following amounts: 10, 25, 50 and 100 (pesos).

I donated and was charged 1 peso. Shout out to Globe - DONATE that fee instead!!!