precious, actually

Fourth Quarter Comeback!

noreply@blogger.com (Precious M.) — Wed, 23 Oct 2013 07:52:00 +0000

And the six-month hiatus is over.

So let's begin with how my summer was semi eventful. I was re-transferred from my "new" branch to my "old" branch. It was a bittersweet move for many reasons, but mainly because my boss was also leaving to take over a bigger sheet. The announcement was made over fancy sushi, which made it a little less sad.

I also went on a week-long vacation with Mike. Because we had to move our vacation date, we couldn't do the cruise anymore. Instead, we went to our first away SF Giants game in San Diego. Due to changes, we ended up going to the game after Lincecum's perfect game. It was also because of his perfect game that for the first time, I didn't fall asleep in the car during a road trip. It was a ton of fun to listen to and celebrate. We also went to Las Vegas for some NBA Summer League and good food. And of course, we couldn't leave out the Happiest Place on Earth.

I went to the best concert ever, aka Legends of the Summer Stadium Tour. Jayz and Justin Timberlake were amazing! I wish it never ended. I also wish I could've gone to another one. Eek! :) Our seats were fantastic, but I mean... we really only sat while waiting for the show to begin. Oh yea, I also saw the Backstreet Boys in concert for the first time in forever! Oh and the NSync reunion on the VMAs? More please! :)

My dog, Kaydee, is finally insured for her health's sake and my peace of mind. Her rabies shot is up to date as well as her dog license. I still need to get her registered for a microchip and spayed. Yea, dogs are expensive alright.

So. I got a promotion at work! I'm still in my training program, which I am projected to finish by the end of the year. I'm hoping for the best. To be honest, I'm scared and am feeling intimidated by it. But still, I can't let doubt and fears get in the way of my ability. I just have to believe, especially after hearing my now boss's boss tell me how he believed in me since our first encounter in my now-previous role. Prayers much appreciated, thanks. :)

Well, besides all of that, I celebrated another birthday. Two of my friends got married. Another two got engaged. One had a baby. Another one will have a baby. I get to see my nephews regularly again. And we upgraded our seats at Levi's Stadium... we got four this time. (Yes, I'm glad that football is back and that the Dodgers have been eliminated!)

I am just so thankful for all my blessings and the wonderful things that have been happening in my life. Surely, life isn't perfect and there are many struggles in between, but just to wake up everyday equipped with just what I need to face the day is more than others can hope for.

Here's to making the most out of the rest of the year! *CHEERS!*

#PrayForBoston

noreply@blogger.com (Precious M.) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 07:26:00 +0000

"We live in a world where we have to hide to make love, while violence is practiced in broad daylight." -- John Lennon

Put a Ring On It

noreply@blogger.com (Precious M.) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 02:21:00 +0000

Last Sunday, I got my San Francisco Giants 2012 World Series replica ring! It looks so much better than the ring key chain they gave away in 2011 (for the 2010 WS), and we only waited a fraction of the time since they were giving out 40,000 this time compared to the 20,000 two years ago. Thanks, AAA! It was too bad they lost the game, but it was all about the rings that day anyway. ;)

During the week, I had a district meeting, and gave my first presentation in front of colleagues. I was less nervous than I thought I was going to be, but it helped that I had a co-presenter. I feel the need to work harder and better now that everyone else is going for a promotion. I don't want it just yet, but working hard to be more sales-sy and "out there." fingers crossed

tough love.

"The boys are back..."

noreply@blogger.com (Precious M.) — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 06:20:00 +0000

I love baseball season. I really, really do. I even took off the entire home opener weekend as personal holiday. I watched today's game on TV (it really isn't right that I wasn't at the park), and the flag raising pageantry at the beginning had me in tears! I know, I know, "There's no crying in baseball!" Please don't judge me.

Also, I love chocolate, apparently. It was one of the things I gave up for Lent, and it was one of the most difficult things ever! I realized how much of my daily intake consists of chocolate, which MUST change really soon. Oops. But hey, Easter was fun. Mike and I spent most of the day at Disneyland. Actually, we spent a few days there. We also watched a taping of Sullivan and Son (third episode of the second season)! Super cool, except the whole "no cellphones and cameras" rule.

Ok, so Spring isn't exactly my favorite season (but it's one of my four favorites ;p), and I'll tell you why. Because ALLERGIES suck! I'm not allergic to a lot of things, but for some reason, I've been so very dependent to my antihistamine pills and eye drops. It's not fun. It's also kind of expensive. Ow! I'm so glad my lab results came out negative for dog hairs, because I don't know if I'd be able to stay away from my puppy. Oh, and I'm not impressed with my new doctor so far. I was right when I said one visit might have been too early.

Achoo*

Semi-back.

noreply@blogger.com (Precious M.) — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 09:00:00 +0000

Ok, I'm back from my mini hiatus. Hello all.

My heart is still broken as a result of an event called Super Bowl XLVII. It's a sensitive subject, but I figured I might as well let my feelings about it be known. So, there... it was a hard Monday at work. Thank goodness I took off that Tuesday and Wednesday.

I'm not gonna lie, I've been pretty worn out from work. I work A LOT of hours, and just when I think I work "too much" I get proven wrong. Like this week, when I took the afternoon off from work to go see my doctor, Friday hit me like a train wreck! I spent almost half of my shift talking business P&L with my manager while still trying to manage the people. I'm so thankful the people I work with are so smart and self-sufficient.

Doctor. I finally got the chance to establish a new doctor since my employer changed up our medical insurance. No more Kaiser, and that makes me sad. I hate driving everywhere! Haha. But my new doctor is pretty nice, and seemingly knowledgeable. Of course, one visit doesn't do much for judging. We'll see as time goes on. I hope she's really good though because I will probably need to see the doctor a little more than ever!

Is it April 1 yet? I can't wait for (true) baseball season to begin! Mike and I are going to the ring ceremony at AT&T Park, of course. :) And before that, I will be going to the first semi-final game of World Baseball Classic, also at AT&T Park. Yay! Japan vs Puerto Rico -- I'll basically be in the neutral zone. I wonder if they'll be serving garlic fries? ;P

Oh. Guess who's going the Legends of the Summer Stadium Tour?! Me, me, me! On July 26 at Candlestick Park! Field seats, what?! :) Ok, so my bank account wasn't so thrilled that I went crazy, but c'mon... Justin Timberlake?! I promised myself I'd see him on his next tour. And this is it! I'm so excited, can't you tell? Haha!

=] tired.

Sign. Print. Date.

noreply@blogger.com (Precious M.) — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 08:43:00 +0000

Guess who's going to the Super Bowl?! Not this girl, unfortunately. The San Francisco 49ers! :) Last Sunday's game was so crazy, and had me on my toes the entire game! Coming back from that 17-point deficit felt amazing, although the thought of it being over had not crossed our minds (we, Niners fans) at that point. I didn't know how to react "quite right" after we sealed the win. I screamed a lot, danced a little, and shed tears of joy. I also did a lot of high-fiving, hugging, and jumping. Quite a reaction, yes. My Kaepernick jersey... yup, I wore it again. It's 3/3 so far, and I am hoping it'll go 4/4 on February 3. ~~Super~~ Harbaugh Bowl in NOLA? SOOOO EXCITED!

On a similar note...

Today, Mike and I finally had a non-holiday weekday off together. I don't remember the last time that happened! So we planned. We originally planned for San Francisco, but we stayed in the East Bay instead. I set an appointment to meet with someone at the "New Santa Clara Stadium" aka the future home of the San Francisco 49ers Preview Center. Let me just say that it was the most expensive appointment ever! But I'm super excited!

*sigh...*
Can I get a good year-end bonus please? A raise? A promotion? ;)

And some quick thoughts:
my left eye is looking a little better
must cut the senseless spending
"vacation can wait"
quit yolo-ing, haha
prioritize

*yawn...*

Itchy and Thirsty

noreply@blogger.com (Precious M.) — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 09:46:00 +0000

I finally got some time breathe today. My first weekend off for the year! So what did I do? I slept in a little bit, stayed in bed a little bit longer, then hung out with my puppy. :) It was great. The weather was awesome -- warmest it's been in a while so no frost on my car! Just a regular sweater and sunglasses with a bare face day. I loved it.

My face has been itchy the whole year, and I don't understand why. My left eye is puffier than the right, and under it is a patch of wrinkly skin. UGLY! Hoping it would help, I went to grab some cortizone and eye cream. So expensive but helpful so far. Oh yeah, my face is breaking out too. What the heck?!

So... last weekend, I went to the NFC Divisional Championship game in which my 49ers hosted and beat the Green Bay Packers! Oh what?! Kaepernick was ballin' that day as were Crabtree and Gore! It was such a fun experience in comparable to last year's playoff experience. I'm feeling anxious about later's game against the Falcons. AHH! So thirsty for that 6th Super Bowl! But really though, who's got it better than us?! :)

That same day that I went to the game, I realized how much employee satisfaction matters to my boss. He was on vacation, and we both thought I would be covered for that specific day. Friday evening came and it turned out that people changed their mind about readiness and things. I was forced to do what I always did at my old branch. Except this time, my manager decided to cut his vacation short so I could be covered and be able to go to the game. He gave me a talk over the phone about how he didn't want me to miss something that meant so much. I teared up. And when I saw his wife the following week, I had to hug her. My respect for the man went up even more! :) So sweet.

Ok, so I was told to get more rest. It would help with the bags and dark circles under my eyes. But how can I? So anxious. Ahh.. let's go Niners!

Yeah... my mind is asleep.

What's up 2013?

noreply@blogger.com (Precious M.) — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 07:29:00 +0000

Ah.
A new year.
A new wall calendar.
A new planner (I opted for a smaller one this year).
A refreshed outlook on life.
All of which I want to fill with as much life as possible.

This year, I am going to attempt the $5 challenge. A friend of mine did it last year, and it got me interested in seeing how much I can save doing it. It's simple -- you basically don't spend any five-dollar bill that comes your way. At the end of the year, see how much you've saved up doing this. I think it could be a neat idea.

Also earlier tonight (will be using it as motivation), Sarah and I weighed in for our quarter-long competition. Who will be the biggest loser?! $100 is at stake, but that's not as important as our commitment to health. Here. We. Go!

And that's all for now.

happy new year everyone!

noreply@blogger.com (Precious M.) — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 07:59:00 +0000

dear two thousand twelve,

It has been a fantastic three hundred sixty-six days with you, but it is now time to move on. Don't worry because I will hold you dear to my heart always.

sincerely, Precious

hi, two thousand thirteen

PLEASE BE MAGICAL :)

Take Me to Anywhere!

noreply@blogger.com (Precious M.) — Sat, 29 Dec 2012 07:44:00 +0000

I just took my last out-of-town trip of the year. It was an overnight trip to Monterey County with one of my favorite families in the world - the Sanchezes. We visited the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which was equally fun for the adults as it was for the kids. I hadn't been there in years, so I was pretty excited to go back. We also stopped by Carmel Beach for a little bit of photo ops, but it quickly made me miss my puppy. There were so many dogs there, and they were all so playful. On top of it all, it was a food trip -- Bubba Gump Shrimp Co, (the oh so fancy) Portabella, and Korea House just to name the mains.

This could be a good a time to recap my year's vacation trips.

January - Anaheim, CA
February - Anaheim, CA (I took a leap and didn't sleep)
April - Philippines
June - Los Angeles County. Orange County. Las Vegas, NV. Grand Canyon, AZ.
September - Anaheim, CA
October - Seattle, WA
November - Pacific Coast. LA County. Orange County. San Diego, CA
December - Long Beach, CA. Anaheim, CA. Mexico. Monterey, CA. Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA.

I took a lot of trips to SoCal, but that's predicted. :) I also took a handful of day trips to the Bay Area, but those don't really count since I'm from there. Haha. The end.

Now, I'm on a search for an insurance company for my pet. There are so many to choose from, but I don't want to settle on just any. It has to be the best if I'm paying the luxury for my baby girl. Sigh.

This Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Precious M.) — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 08:37:00 +0000

The thing with getting older and having a stable job is that you become the gifter. To the kids, to the oldies, to everyone! It's a pretty good feeling until you sit down and realize that you should have started shopping sooner, or better yet, saving more. It's true, and it's still a good feeling in the end. This season, I barely had time to do any shopping -- in person and online. I've been so busy with work that when I finally have a day off, it's spent resting, watching football (because it's usually the default Sunday), and giving my pup its much deserved attention. I'll be better next year.

This Holiday season feels like it just came and went, but was definitely filled with so much love. It was also filled with lots of joy and good cheers and food. ;) Being with my family and dearest friends was more than I could ask for. Christmas parties every weekend was awesome! As a matter of fact, let me recap.

12/1 Christmas party for work! (see Perfect Audit post)

12/7-10 Weekend cruise to Mexico! :) It was short, sweet, and so much fun! Where else can you find two margaritas and a shot for $5?! Or, 2 beers and 2 shots for $1.50?! Or, FREE SHOTS?! Only in Me-hee-co. Hey, hey, hey.

12/15 Annual Berks Christmas Party. Always fun, always entertaining, always a must-go.

12/22 B2K Christmas in Sacramento. Secret Santa exchange was funny, but I think it kinda went wrong midway. "Name three..." "Chicken Joy!" Doesn't Chicken Joy count as Filipino food? I mean... haha, nevermind. Good, good times.

Ahh. I can't even deny that even though I only had to work until 3p on Christmas Eve, it felt like it 3 o'clock took foreeever to come. I was too excited to be with family and eat good comfort food. Warm, homemade bibingka was a hit in my tummy. ;)

ps. If you can't describe well or get creative doing so, please don't be on my team while playing Taboo. I get pretty competitive! Lol. Jk, sorta.

12/12/12

noreply@blogger.com (Precious M.) — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 01:37:00 +0000

Just because it's the last in my lifetime, I guess.

How did I spend my day? Well, I had a Cal North ABM meeting for most of my day. Although it extended an extra hour, I was thankful for the free lunch. Yum! My branch was also among those recognized for a perfect audit. Holla! :) Then, I went to the nearby mall to hopefully get some help from the Apple store. THEY SUCK... or at least the guy I approached did. A big fat zero for customer service nonetheless; it was so unfortunate. Wandered around Nordstrom for a little bit before grabbing coffee and jetting off. I love Nordstrom's customer service. They're fantastic, for the most part. On my way home, I picked up some stuff for my pup. $38 for four items. Dogs are expensive.

Ok. I've been debating for quite a long time. I need a new phone. My phone has been malfunctioning on me -- turning off on its own, freezing on a screen for hours, and my power button is buried. I want another iPhone, but... there are so many other options. Plus, today's experience at the Apple store made me second guess my options. But then again, maybe they'll be nice to me once I'm "under the warranty" again. Ugh.

Ok, this is just a just to blog post, and I should get off. So boring. Heh.

Perfect Audit

noreply@blogger.com (Precious M.) — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 21:05:00 +0000

Thanksgiving week was one to remember. My manager was on vacation, and I faced my very first audit as an ABM. It makes me sad that I wasn't there nor did I get credit for my previous branch's audit. That was mine. I worked hard. Of course, God always has a better plan for His children. In my new branch, I am (on paper) credited with a perfect audit. It felt good to hear the news. It felt even better when the higher ups and colleagues alike are sending us congratulatory emails and phone calls. I sort of can't wait to hear my name on this week's ops call. :)

With that said, we had an early Christmas dinner for work. White Elephant, Mexican themed catering, and games for days. Seriously, Taboo is one of the funnest games ever. Apples to Apples too. "Know your audience!" Eat fresh. A type of wax. Crap! And the kids. Oh the kids. They were all so adorable and so cute. Buzz.

[Currently watching 49ers vs Rams. Another OT?! Fcuk a tie. I want a WIN. Let's go Niners!]

December is going to be one busy month for me. Every weekend is filled with Christmas parties. I have yet to finish my Christmas shopping. After all of this, I promise to be better with my finances. Oh the irony.

SIX YEARS!

noreply@blogger.com (Precious M.) — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 03:30:00 +0000

Ah, ten days of vacation came and went TOO fast. Boo.

What was supposed to be a trip to Florida turned to another fun trip to So Cal, thanks SF Giants. Those playoff tickets were not cheap, but it was a fantastic decision nonetheless. Boyf's the best. :)

No Orlando. Or Miami. Or Florida in general. Instead, we had...

LA. Burbank. San Diego. Coronado. La Jolla. Irvine. Anaheim. And all of California's west coast beauty! It was loooove.

I wish we got tickets to the Ellen Show, but it was too popular. I also wish we saw the Backstreet Boys, but I didn't even hear about until the next day... ugh! And we were too caught up roaming the parks that we forgot to say, "What's up?" with a head nod to Shawn Johnson.

However, we did see the Ellen and Conan show sets, antique $500K Tiffany & Co. chandeliers (want), and... Larry Fitzgerald! I was okay with those. We also ate some deeeelicious food from places like Phil's BBQ, Pink's, and Hodad's. I was okay with those, too. We watched World of Color (twice in one night!) and fireworks above Sleeping Beauty's castle. & so much more.

Another trip, another success. I suppose I'm okay with going back to work tomorrow. My manager was even nice enough to update me on office updates. Haha.

Hearts.

How SWEEP it is...

noreply@blogger.com (Precious M.) — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 06:41:00 +0000

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS: 2012 WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS

did you get that?

WORLD SERIES CHAMPS! THE SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS! WORLD CHAMPS!

After playing in six elimination games this postseason, and then continuing on to sweep the mighty Detroit Tigers in the Fall Classic -- it's all over, they've done it -- the San Francisco Giants are World Series Champions for the second time in three seasons! WOW!! There is just no way for me to explain the feeling and how this amazing feat happened. I am so happy and so proud. I mean, what else is there to say? I love "underdog" stories, especially when it's us that they've counted out.

Hi haters. We are the CHAMPIONS! It's cool though, there's plenty of room on that wagon. ;)

The Giants Win the Pennant!

noreply@blogger.com (Precious M.) — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 16:21:00 +0000

The Giants Win the Pennant!

This feeling is so surreal right now! Coming back from being down three games to one in the series to take it all. Wow! The cool thing? I was there during game six, when they took the series back to the Bay and pushed a game seven with a win! That was, by far, the best game atmosphere I have ever been to! Everyone was backing up the team from the beginning, standing for two strikes, and cheering on anything and everything positive. IT WAS AMAZING, to say the least. I'm still feeling elated, until the World Series anxiety sinks in. Black and orange, black and orange. Happy Orange October!

Congratulations, San Francisco Giants and fans!

Sleepless in Seattle

noreply@blogger.com (Precious M.) — Sat, 20 Oct 2012 03:45:00 +0000

Last weekend, I took a trip to Seattle, Washington, with two of my colleagues. It was so much fun (after handling business, of course). We did A LOT of walking... uphill and downhill walking; what a workout! As predicted, it rained throughout the course of our stay, although not too much. Our hotel location was perfect as it was within walking distance of many destinations like Pike Place Market and the Space Needle. We had a variety of chowders from Pike Place Chowder, and I have been craving more ever since. So delicious! We went to Chinatown, where we introduced our "Mejicana" to some "Chinito" goodies and lifestyle. We also "Gangnam Styled" during one of our walks in the park. We found a few bars to watch baseball and football games at, which was pretty cool. I do have to say though -- parking there sucks; that or we are just spoiled with wide parking spaces in California. And driving at night in the rain was not cup-of-tea. All in all, I liked it! :)

After a disappointing week in baseball, I am pretty excited for Sunday! The SF Giants are trailing the STL Cardinals 3-2 in the series. That means the last two games (yup, hopeful that there will be a game seven) will be in San Francisco, and I'm going to be there on Sunday for game six! Keep those particles coming, please!

Orange Giants October!

noreply@blogger.com (Precious M.) — Sat, 06 Oct 2012 18:55:00 +0000

"Super excited!" is an understatement on how I'm feeling right now.

Later on today, we are returning to AT&T Park to watch some October baseball! That's right - OCTOBER BASEBALL! The San Francisco Giants are the 2012 National League West Champions! Boy, that sounds amazing! I went with Mike and my parents to the last home game of the regular season last week, and there was just no other way around it... so much fun! Tonight, I'll be at the yard, again, for the first game of the NLDS against the Reds with Mike and my pops. Are we pumped? Damn right we are! :) An outcome that mirrors that of 2010 would be amazing. #fingerscrossed

Also, I just have to mention that our brother from across the Bay Bridge are the AL West Champs. Congrats, Athletics! Even though most of their fans are haters, and even though they didn't come out of the woods til the last week... I am rooting for them. Until we see them at least. ;)

In other news...

I think I'm adjusting just fine at my new location. The staff is a lot different than my previous, but they are fun and fantastic as well. :) I kinda feel lucky, actually. Hoping for a continuous enjoyable and compliant (because I am Ops, ha) time!

And my pup? I love her. She's trouble alright, but I love her. More of her teeth have been growing these past few days, so she has been extra active and has been biting a lot more. Poor girl, must be in pain. I also took her to the groomers for the first time today. I can see her face--- which made me love her just a tiny bit more. ;D

Red and Gold and... Gray?!

noreply@blogger.com (Precious M.) — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 14:41:00 +0000

This past week has been consisted of new things. Really!

I participated in the JP Morgan Chase Corporate Challenge in San Francisco. My favorite fruit slash coworker, Teresa, did it with me. We planned on (at best) jogging the 5K course, although we signed up for the non-competitve-slowest-of-them-all corral. Naturally, we didn't prepare and ended up walking the course. Ha! We had so much fun though - walking, watching people, taking pictures, etc. It was our first time signing up for this, and we were just glad to have been there.

Then the weekend came. I bought a brand new car! :) Is it lame to say that I felt pretty grown up doing it all by myself? Minus the negotiating part... my brother did that. But I did the rest! Financed and registered it solely under my name. Got my very own insurance policy (no longer under Dad's). Signed away my life for the next few years. Mine, mine, mine! All under my precious name. I'm sure it'll hit me (in not so good way) once the bills start coming in. Boooo!

In the same weekend, I went to the 49ers home opener game against the Lions! We went to church early, so we could leave as early as possible. We loaded up on booze, snacks, and went on our merry way to do some tailgating before the kickoff. To say that the place was packed and full of energy is an understatement, but it was so amazing. The game was fantastic in a vanilla kind of way, but it was all worth the big bucks we shelled out. Our seats were amazingly close to the field too. 2-0 going in to week three. Can't be too sure, but we look great. ;)

And the day after the weekend, I met my new boss and my new team. The "tryout" day wasn't so much of that. Since hearing the news, I have felt that my back is against the wall on the decision. It's alright though - I feel like it's for the better. I can't wait to no longer have Bosszilla's name in my hierarchy. I'll adjust to my new team in no time, fingers crossed.

We'll see where the rest of this month takes me. Looking forward to being productive. Looking to getting over the fact that I can't be at the Giants game this Saturday. *shruggs* It's all good. Got a few errands lined up for me today; getting ready as soon as possible would be ideal.

Hey Bay Bay

noreply@blogger.com (Precious M.) — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 06:36:00 +0000

Another year older? No biggie.

Kaydee graduated Puppy Education, lol. :) I was so proud! She's still one bratty, doesn't-like-to-listen, will-sit-like-an-angel-when-there's-a-treat-involved little puppy, but she passed! I know her teacher was bracing herself, but everyone in the room was super happy not only for my baby, but for their own too. I was just so happy for everyone and every pup in that room. It's a lot of hard work training your pet, you know! Yay! On to the next class, maybe.

The hunt for October is on for my G-Men! They're looking good right now, but we can never be too secured. I'm feeling super anxious. I want to see them in the post season, and go for another run at that World Series hardware. Woo!

And of course, football season is officially in business! All biases aside, the Niners looked SO good in their first game against the mighty Aaron Rodgers (love him, btw) and the mighty Packers. We had the opener party in Walnut Creek this year. That was a lot of fun, and one can definitely tell that apartment is a man cave! Haha. I am hoping for a strong year that will, hopefully, surpass last year's surprise performance! I love my team. I can't wait until the home opener this Sunday! I'll be at the Stick! :)

And... we'll see what the rest of the month has in store for me. Something good hopefully! *fingers crossed*

Kaydee

noreply@blogger.com (Precious M.) — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 06:13:00 +0000

Everyone, meet Kaydee, the new love of my life. She's a sixteen-week-old spoiled Maltese-Chihuahua fireball. Despite her stubbornness and biting habits, she brings so much joy to my and my family's life. She's a track and fielder - quick on her feet, hops higher than a rabbit, and can launch whatever she feels, including herself. Oh, and may I add that she is one expensive girl!

Summer '12

noreply@blogger.com (Precious M.) — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 07:59:00 +0000

Summer.

Amidst all the working hours, which I don't get compensated for in OT (salary sucks for those of us who work really hard), I managed to squeeze in a few adventures. Most of them were with the Boyf, of course.

- Lounged on the red couch inside Central Perk, the famous coffee shop from one of my favorite TV shows, F.R.I.E.N.D.S.
- Met Steve Byrne who gave us a quick personal studio tour of his new show on TBS, Sullivan and Son. Pretty cool guy.
- Went to war alongside the Autobots in the new Transformers The Ride-3D at Universal Studios. That was a lot of fun, minus the wait.
- Spent a couple afternoons at Radiator Springs via Cars Land inside California Adventure. C.A. seemed like a whole new park with all the renovations! I totally loved it.
- Strolled down and watched random street acts along the Las Vegas Strip. I also had my Frrrozen Hot Chocolate... yum!
- Lived on edge as I was mesmerized by the beauty of the Grand Canyon.

Locally...

- Had funnel cakes and deep fried goodness at the State Fair.
- Short trips to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, just to make use of our season pass.
- Went to SF Giants games, of course... including the annual Fireworks Night. Gorgeous sky.
- Dinner and drinks to celebrate one of my all time favorite coworkers, Mo.
- And all the tummy-filling goodness.
- KAYDEE. ♥

Also, I must say that some events of the Olympics have been keeping me entertained. The swimmers, you say? Oh... the swimmers. ;P

I'd say that for what I have to work around with, it has been a pretty good summer so far.

Lola's 40th Day

noreply@blogger.com (Precious M.) — Thu, 17 May 2012 01:47:00 +0000

Happy 40th Day, Lola! I still miss you and Lolo everyday.

Forty days ago, my grandmother joined my grandfather in Heaven. I still remember the moment I found out. It was around six in the evening on April 6th, and I was in my little corner at work... when I randomly decided to open the Facebook app on my iPhone. The moment it was up and running, I received a message from my cousin, Katrina. She asked, "Have you heard?" I had no idea. Then she said it. And all I could do was cry, helplessly of course. Ryan, Sergio, and Teresa were working that evening too. I felt bad that they thought they had to do something, when in reality, their hugs were more than enough at that moment.

There was no doubt in my mind that I was going home to the Philippines. I had to see her before her body left us for good.

The process of looking for flights was a hustle, and the fact that I had to negotiate with work was a different story. Nonetheless, we got the flights, and work approved for me to continue my bereavement leave using vacation hours. We used the next three days to prepare. The following Wednesday, I was off to the Philippines with my mom and brother, Reg.

The first three days were a mixture of excitement and pain. Excitement because after several years, I finally saw my relatives again. Pain because I regretted not going back to see my Lola sooner. I planned on taking a trip with my parents next year, so that we can spend time with my Lola and our family. Apparently, it was too late to see my Lola. But it's ok, because I know she's watching over us; she always has. On the morning of the funeral, there was a brown butterfly waiting just outside the front door of my Lola's house. We all knew who it was -- my Lolo. Since he passed away almost twelve years ago, he has always made his presence known in the form of a brown butterfly. It never failed. And on that day my Lola was to be brought to her resting place, the brown butterfly did not leave until my Lola's casket was out the door. Oh Lolo, still the darling that he was. :)

After the funeral, we tried to enjoy the rest of our time in the Philippines. We spent most of our time around our area (Laguna, Alabang, Tagaytay) because honestly, it's pretty damn awesome there. On some days, we went to the Manila area; we even went to Subic for a weekend where we partied during the night, rode the banana boat, and went jet skiing! We also supported our cousin's new tea house business, and I was really excited to have been there to see Katrina's new baby boy! Two weeks were not exactly enough to spend time with everyone, but we tried to make the most out of it. During one of our last few days, my aunt had an early birthday party for my mom at her house... the whole family was there! Like most Filipino parties, there were an abundance of food, karaoke competition, a and a whole lot of laughing. The day before we left, my cousins and I went to Resorts World Manila to watch The Avengers and have dinner. Yes, I saw the movie before any of my friends, but I didn't have any idea at the time. And on our last day, we went around buying last minute food pasalubongs, so that they're at their freshest when we arrive in the U.S.

Then... our flight was cancelled and rescheduled for 13 hours later. Of course, the passengers weren't told until four hours after our flight was supposed to originally leave. The airline made arrangements at nearby hotels, shuttled us there for the night, then shuttled us back to the airport the following morning. No, it was not fun at all. Way to go, Philippine Airlines! -___-

But here I am. Back in the U.S. Back to my daily, not-as-relaxing life. Still missing my Lola. & Lolo.

"I took a leap and didn't sleep!"

noreply@blogger.com (Precious M.) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 09:00:00 +0000

One More Disney Day at Disneyland was a whole lot awesome! Of course, I didn't expect it to be anything less. While we did not do the 24 hours in its entirety, we were there MOST of the day. At around 8:45pm, we got in line for the Midnight Snacks meet-up. Only 200 guests were allowed in for the event. We were roughly around numbers 175 & 176. Why yes, we lucked out especially since the "official line" wasn't supposed to be formed until 10pm. We made a few friends while waiting, and were amused by passersby who were not in the know. Most of the conversations went something like:

Passerby: What are you guys in line for?
Us: For the midnight snack.
Passerby: Uhhh... ok? *puzzled look*
or! Passerby: Oh, must be some really good snacks!

It almost like felt "top secret" type of thing, though of course it wasn't. We had a ton of fun! Chip n Dale joined us for some hot chocolate (which were more warm than hot), chocolate fountains, rice crispy, cookies, fudge, etc. with singing and dancing on the side. Then, as another reward... we were escorted to reserved viewing section for Fantasmic! <3 <3 <3

I can't wait for 2016! Haha.

Reward: OK

noreply@blogger.com (Precious M.) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 23:40:00 +0000

I should have given up shopping for Lent. Lately, I have been on a roll on buying things I can probably live without. That was painful to type, but it's true. Still, most of them were good buys and are not just "clutter." Of all the things I bought, my favorites are the new Vinylmations (SF Giants, 49ers, and Chicago Bulls editions) to add to my collection and the Tiffany Infinity necklace (yes, I bought it for myself). I feel... rewarded! :)

So as you all know by now, it's a leap year! What are you doing for the extra day? I know what I'm doing -- I will be at Disneyland for their "One More Day" shindig! The park will be open for 24 hours, and I'm pretty darn excited! I can't wait to fly to Orange County tomorrow.

It feels good to be on vacay-wacay, even for just a few days. Being at home makes me realize how much I miss my family. There is no such thing as family and work life balance where I work because branch's boss takes it all; everyone definitely thinks so. It's okay right now though; I honestly do care for her and her well-being. But no, I cannot and should not expect the same from her. Hopefully, things change and I can score at least one of the major holidays (she has made sure she is on vacation on the weeks of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year). So unfair. Oh well.

Happy thoughts.

Disneyland in less than 24 hours! :)